True peace, or, A moderate discourse to compose the unsettled consciences and greatest differences in ecclesiastical affaires written long since by the no less famous then learned Sir Francis Bacon ... Bacon, Francis, 1561-1626. 1662 Approx. 53 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 25 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A28513 Wing B339 ESTC R37050 16197425 ocm 16197425 105042 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. A28513) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 105042) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1085:10) True peace, or, A moderate discourse to compose the unsettled consciences and greatest differences in ecclesiastical affaires written long since by the no less famous then learned Sir Francis Bacon ... Bacon, Francis, 1561-1626. [2], 47 p. Printed for A.C., London : 1662. Reproduction of 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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Written long since by the no less famous then Learned Sir FRANCIS BACON Lord Vernlam , Viscount St. Alban London , Printed for 〈…〉 To the Reader . Christian Reader , EIther in esteem to the learned Author , or in love to thy self read this small Discourse following , which shews the Authors Tranquil care to compose the minds of those that made it their business to make Rents in our Apostolical Episcopacy , not fearing the breach of the Third , Fifth , and Sixth Commandments ; but causing the sacred Name of God to be vainly used in their idle Controversies , disobeying our Superiors , and causing an ultimation in Murder ; But the following Discourse I doubt not but will give you good Satisfaction , VALE . IT is but ignorance , if any man finde it strange that the state of Religon ( especially in the dayes of peace ) should be exercised and troubled with controversies : for as it is the condition of the Church militant to be ever under trialls , so it commeth to passe that when the fiery triall of persecution ceaseth , there succeedeth another triall , which as it were by contrary blastes of doctrine , doth sift and winow mens faith , and proveth them whether they know God aright , even as the other of afflictions discovereth whether they love him better then the world . Accordingly was it foretold by Christ , saying : That in the latter times it should bee said , Loe here , loe there is Christ ; which is to be understood , not as if the very person of Christ should bee assumed and counterfeited , but his authority and preheminence ( which ought to bee truth it selfe ) that should bee chalenged and pretended . Thus have we read and seene to bee fulfilled that which followeth : Ecce in deserto , ecce in penetratio : while some have sought the truth in the conventicles and conciliables of Heretickes and Sectaries : others in the externe face and representation of the Church , and both sorts been seduced . Were it th●n that the controversies of the Church of England were such as did divide the unity of the Spirit , and not such as doe unswaddle her of her bands the bands of peace ) yet could it be no occasion for any pretended Catholicke to judge us , or for any irreligious person to despise us : or if it be , it shall but happen to us all as it hath used to doe ; to them to bee hardened , and to us to endure the good pleasure of God. But now that our contentions are such , as we need not so much that generall Canon and sentence of Christ : Erratis nescientes Scripturas , &c. as wee need the admonition of Saint Iames : Let every man bee swift to heare , slow to speake , slow to wrath : And that the wound is no way dangerous , except wee poyson it with our owne remedies . As the former sort of men have lesse reason to make themselves musicke in our cord : so I have good hope that nothing shall displease our selves which shall bee sincerely and modestly propounded for the appeasing of these dissentions . For if any shall bee offended at this voyce : Vos estis fratres , yee are brethren , why strive yee ? hee shall give great presumption against himselfe , that hee is the party that doth his brother wrong . The controversies themselves I will not enter into , as judging that disease requireth rather rest then any other cure . Thus much we all know and confesse , that they bee not of the highest nature : for they are not touching the high mysteries of faith : such as detained the Churches after their first peace for many yeares , what time the heretickes moved curious questions , and made strange anatomies of the nature and person of Christ ; and the Catholicke Fathers were compelled to follow them with all subtillity of disputations and determinations , to exclude them from their evasions , and to take them in their owne Labyrinths ; so as it is rightly said : Illis temporibus ingeniosa res fuit esse Christianum : In those dayes it was an ingenious and subtile matter to bee a Christian : Neither are they concerning the great parts of the worship of God ; of which it is true , that Non servatur unitas in credendo , nisieadem adsit in colendo : There will bee kept no unity in beleeving , except it bee intire in worshipping : such as were the controversies in the East and West Churches touching Images , and such as are many of those which are betweene the Church of Rome and us , as about the adoration of the Sacrament , and the like . But wee contend about Ceremonies , and things indifferent , about the externe policie and government of the Church : In which kinde , if wee would but remember , that the ancient and true bonds of unity , are one Faith , one Baptisme , and not one Ceremonie , one Policie . If wee would observe the league among Christians , that is penned by our Saviour Christ ( Hee that is not against us , is with us ) if wee could but comprehend that saying , Differentia rituum commendat unitatem doctrinae : and that , Habet religio quae sunt aeternitatis , habet quae sunt temporis : Religion hath parts which belong to eternity , and parts which belong to time . And if wee did but know the vertue of silence , and slownesse to speake , commended by Saint Iames , our controversies would ( of themselves ) close up and grow together . But most especially , if we would leave the overweening and turbulent humours of these times , and renue the blessed proceedings of the Apostles and Fathers of the Primitive Church ; which was in the like and greater cases , not to enter into assertions and positions , but to deliver counsels and advices , we should need no other remedy at all . Si eadem con●ulis frater , qua affirmas , debetur consulenti reverentia , cum non debetur ●ides affirmanti : Brother , if that which you set downe by way of assertion , you would deliver by way of advice , there were reverence due to your counsell , where credit is not due to your affirmation . Saint Paul was content to speake thus : Ego , non Dominus ; I , and not the Lord : & secundum consilium meum , according to my counsell . But now men do so lightly say , Not I , but the Lord ; yea , and binde it with heavie denunciations of his judgements , to terrifie the simple , which have not sufficiently understood out of Salomon , that the causlesse curse shall not come : Therefore seeing the accidents are they which breed the perill , and not the things themselves in their owne nature , it is meet the remedies bee applied unto them by opening what it is on either part that keepeth the wound greene , and formaliseth both sides to a further opposition , and worketh an indisposition in mens mindes to be reunited ; wherein no accusation is pretended . But I finde in reason , that it is best built by repetition of wrongs , and in example that the speeches which have been by the wisest men , De concordia ordinum , have not abstained from reducing to memory the extremities used on both parts . So as it is true which was said , Qui paccem tractat non repetitis conditionis : dissidit , is magis animos dulcedine pacis fallit quam aequitate componit . And first of all , it is more then time that an end were made of this unmodest and deformed kinde of writing lately entertained , whereby matters of religion are handled in the stile of the stage . Indeed bitter and earnest writing is not hastily to be condemned : for men cannot contend coldly and without affection about things they hold deare and pretious . A politicke man may write from his braine without touch or sense of his heart , as in a speculation that pertaineth not unto him ; but a feeling Christian will expresse in his words a character either of zeale or love : the latter of which as I would wish rather to be embraced , as being more fit for the times , yet is the former warranted also by great examples . But to leave all reverend and religious compassions toward evils , or indignation toward faults , to turne religion into a Comedy or Satyr , to search and rip up wounds with a laughing countenance , to in●ermix Scripture and Scurrilility sometime in one sentence , is a thing farre from the devout reverence of a Christian , and scant beseeming the honest regard of a sober man. Non est major confusio quam serii & joci : there is no greater confusion then the confounding of jest and earnest . The majestie of religion , and the contempt and deformity of things ridiculous , are things as distant as things may be . Two principall causes have I ever knowne of Atheisme , curious controversies and prophane scoffing . Now that these two are joyned in one , no doubt that Sect will make no small progression . And here I do much esteem the wisedome and religion of that Bishop , which replied to the first pamphlet of this kinde , who remembred that a foole was to be answered , but not by becomming like unto him , and considered the matter hee handled , and not the person with whom he dealt . Iob speaking of the majesty and gravity of a Iudge in himselfe , saith : If I did smile , they beleeved me not ; as if he should have said : If I diverted or glanced unto conceit of mirth , yet mens mindes were so possessed with a reverence of the action in hand , as they could not receive it . Much more ought this to be amongst Bishops and Divines disputing about holy things : and therefore as much doe I mislike of him , who as it seemed , pleased himself with it , as no mean policie . That these men are to be dealt withall at their own weapons , and pledged in their owne cup. This ( no doubt ) seemed to him as profound , as when the Cardinall counselled Iulius the second to encounter the Councell of Nice with the Councell of Lateran ; or as lawfull a chalenge as M. Iewell made to confute the pretended Catholicks by the Fathers . But these things will not excuse the imitation of evill in another : It should contrariwise be with us as Caesar said : Nil malo quam eos similes cum sui , & me mei . But now , dum de bonis contendimus , in malis consentimus ; while we differ in good things , we resemble in evill . Surely if I were asked of these men , who were the more to bee blamed , I should perhaps remember the proverbe , That the second blow maketh the fray ; and the saying of an obscure fellow , Qui replicat multiplicat , he that replieth multiplieth . But I would determine the question with this stutterer : Alter principium malo dedit , alter modum abstulit : by the one means we have a beginning , by the other we shall have none end . And truely , as I doe marvell that some of those preachers which do call for reformatiō ( whom I am farre from wronging , so farre as to joyne them with these scoffers ) doe not publish some declaration , whereby they may satisfie the world , that they dislike , their cause should be so sollicited : so I hope assuredly , that my Lords of the Cleargy have no intelligence with these other libellers ; but do altogether disallow that their dealing should be thus defended : For though I observe in him many glozes , whereby the man would insinuate himselfe into their favour ; yet I finde too ordinary , that many pressing & fawning persons , do misconjecture of the humours of men in authority , and many times veneri immolant suem , they seeke to gratifie them with that they most dislike . For I have great reason to satisfie my selfe touching the judgement of my Lords the Bishops in this matter , by that which was written by one of them , whom I mentioned before with honour . Neverthelesse , I note , there is not an indifferent hand carried toward these pamphlets as they deserve . For the one sort flieth in darknesse , and the other is uttered openly . Wherein I might advise that side out of a wise writer , who hath set it downe , that punitis ingeniis gliscit authoritas ; and indeed we ever see it falleth our , that the forbidden writing is thought to be a certaine sparke of truth that flieth up in the faces of them that seeke to choke and tread it out ; whereas a booke authorized , is thought to bee but temporis voces , the language of the time . But in plaine truth I doe finde to my understanding , these pamphlets as meet to be suppressed as the others . First , as the former doe seeke to deface the government of the Church in the persons of the Bishops and Prelates : so the other doth lead into contempt the exercise of religion in the persons of sundry Preachers ; so as it disgraceth the higher matter , though in the meaner person . Next , I finde certaine indiscreet and dangerous amplifications , as if the civill government it selfe of this estate , had neere lost the force of its sinewes , and were ready to enter into some convulsion , all things being full of faction and disorder ; which is as unwisely acknowledged as untruly affirmed . I know his meaning is to inforce this unreverent and violent impugning of the government of the Bishops , to bee a suspected fore-runner of a more generall-contempt . And I grant there is a sympathy between both the estates : but no such matter in the civill policie as deserveth a taxation so dishonourable . To conclude this point : As it were to bee wished that these writings had been abortive , and never seene the Sunne ; so the next is , that seeing they be common abroad , that they bee censured of all that have understanding and conscience , as the untemperate extravagants of some light person : yea further , they may beware ( except they meane to deprive themselves of all sense of religion , and to pave their owne hearts , and to make them as the high way ) how they bee conversant in them , and much more how they delight themselves in that veine , but rather to turn their laughing into blushing , and to bee amazed as at a short madnesse , that they have in matters of religion , taken their disport and solace . But this perchance is one of those faults which will bee soonest acknowledged , though I perceive neverthelesse , there wants not some which seeke to blanch and excuse it . But to descend to a more narrow view and consideration of the accidents and circumstances of these controversies , wherein either part deserveth blame and imputation ; I finde generally in causes of Church-controversies , that men do offend in some or all of these five points : 1. The first , the giving of occasion unto controversies , and also the inconsiderate and ungrounded taking of the occasion . 2. The next is the extending and multiplying of controversies to a more generall opposition and contradiction then appeareth at the first propounding of them , when mens judgements are least partiall . 3. The third is the passionate and unbrotherly practises and proceedings on both parts towards the persons each of others for their discredit and suppression . 4. The fourth , is the courses holden and and entertained on either side , for the drawing of the practizants to a more streight union within themselves , which ever importeth a further destruction of the intire body . 5. The last , is the undue and inconvenient propounding , publishing , and debating of the controversies . In which point the most palpable error hath been already spoken of , as that which through the strangenesse and freshnesse of the abuse first offereth it selfe to the conceits of all men . Now concerning the occasion of controversies , it cannot be denied but that the imperfection in the conversation and government of those which have chiefe place in the Church , have ever been principall causes and motives of schismes and divisions : For whilest the Bishops and governours of the Church continue full of knowledge and good workes , whilest they feed their flock indeed , while they deale with the secular estates in all liberty and resolution , according to the majesty of their calling , and the pretious care of soules imposed upon them ; so long the Church is situate , as it were , upon an hill , no man maketh question of it , or seekes to depart from it : But when these vertues in the Fathers and Elders of the Church have lost their light , and that they wax wordly , lovers of themselves , and pleasers of men : then men begin to grope for the Church as in the darke , they bee in doubt whether they bee the successors of the Apostles , or of the Pharisees ; yea , howsoever they sit in Moses Chaire , yet they can never speake , tanquam authoritatem habentes , as having authority , because they lost their reputation in the consciences of men , by declining their steppes from the way which they trace out to others ; so as men have need continually sounding in their eares , this saying , Nolite exire , goe not out , so ready are they to depart from the Church upon every voyce : And therefore it is truely noted by one who writeth as a naturall man , that the hypocrisie of Friers did for a great time , maintaine and beare out the irreligion of Bishops and Prelates . For this is that double policie of the spiritual enemy , either by counterfeit holinesse of life to authorize and establish errors , or by the corruption of manners to discredit and call into question truth and lawfull things . This concerneth my Lords the Bishops , unto whom I am witnesse to my selfe , that I stand affected as I ought : no contradiction hath supplanted in mee the reverence I owe to their calling : neither hath any detraction or calumnie embased my opinion of their persons ; I know some of them , whose names are most pierced with these accusations , to be men of great vertues , although indisposition of the time , and the want of correspondence many wayes , is enough to frustrate the best indevours in the Church . And for the rest generally , I can condemne none , I am no judge of them that belong to so high a master , neither have I two witnesses : and I know it is truely said of Fame , Pariter facta atque infecta canebat . Their taxations arise not all from one coast : They have indifferent enemies , and ready to invent slander , more ready to amplifie , and most ready to believe it , & magnes mendacii credulitas , credulity is the allurement of lies . But if any be who have against the supreame Bishops not a few things , but many : if any have lost his first love , if any bee neither hot nor cold , if any have stumbled to folly at the threshold , in such sort that he cannot sit well that entred ill ; it is time they returne whence they are fallen , and confirme the things which remaine . Great is the weight of this fault , Et eorum causa abhorrebant homines à sacrificiis Domini : and for their cause did men abhor the worship of God. But howsoever it be , that those have sought to defame them , & cast contempt upon them , are not to beexcused . It is the precept of Salomon , That the Rulers be not reproched , no not in thought , but that wee draw our conceit into a modest interpretation of their doings . The holy Angell would give no sentence of blasphemy against the common slanderer , but sayd , Increpet te Dominus , the Lord rebuke thee . The Apostle Saint Paul , thought against him that did polute sacred justice with tyrannous violence , hee did justly denounce the judgement of God in saying , Percuciet te Dominus , the Lord shall strike thee , yet in saying , Paries dealbate , he thought he had gone too farre , and retracted it : whereupon a learned Father sayd : Ipsum , quam vis inane , nomen & umbram sacerdotis cogitans expavit . The ancient Councels and Synods , as it is noted by the Ecclesiasticall story , when they deprived any Bishop , never recorded the offence , but buried it in perpetuall silence . Onely Cham purchased his fathers curse with revealing his fathers disgrace : and yet a much greater fault is it , to ascend from the person to the calling , and to draw that in question . Many good Fathers rigorously complained of the unworthinesse of Bishops , as if it did presently forfeit & cease their office . One sayth : Sacerdotes nominamur & non sumus , we are called Priests , and are not . Another sayth : nisi bonum opus amplectaris Episcopus esse non potes , except thou undertake the good worke , thou canst not be a Bishop ; yet they meant nothing lesse then to move doubt of their calling or ordination . The second occasion of cōtroversies , is , the nature & humor of some men . The Church never wanteth a kinde of persons that love the salutation of Rabbi , not in ceremony or complement , but in an inward authority which they seeke over mens mindes , in drawing them to depend upon their opinion , and so seeke knowledge at their lippes : these men are the true successours of Diotrephes , the lovers of preheminence , and not Lord Bishops ; such spirits doe light upon another sort of natures which doe adhere to these men , Quorum gloria in obsequio , stiffe fellowes , and such as zeale marvellously for those whom they have chosen to bee their masters . This latter sort of men for the most part , are men of young yeares , and superficiall understanding , carried away with partiall respect of persons , or with the enticing appearance of godly names and pretences . Pauci res ipsas sequuntur , plures nomina rerum ; plurima nomina magistrorum : few follow the things themselves , more the names of the things , most the names of their masters . About these general affections are wretched accidentall and private emulations and discontentments . All which breake forth together into contentions , such as either violate truth , sobriety , or peace . These generalities apply themselves . The Vniversities are the seates and continent of this disease , whence it hath been , and is derived into other parts of the realme . There some will be no longer è numero , of the number : there some others side themselves before they know the right hand from the left . So as it is truely said Transeunt ab ignorantia ad prejudicium : They leap from ignorance to a prejudicate opinion , and never take a good judgement in their way . But as it is wel noted : Inter juvenile judicium , & senile prejudicium omnis veritas corrumpitur : When men are indifferent and not partiall , then their judgement is weake and unripe , through want of yeares ; and when it groweth to strength , and ripenesse , by that time it is forestalled with such a number of prejudicate opinions , as it is made unprofitable , so as between these two all truth is corrupted ; while the honourable names of sincerity , and reformation , and discipline , are put in the forward , so as contentious and evill zeales cannot be touched , except these holy thinges are first thought to be violated . But howsoever they shall inferre the solicitation for the peace of the Church : not to proceed from carnall sinnes : yet will I ever conclude with the Apostle Paul : Cum sit inter vos zelus & contentio , nonne carnales estis ? While there is amongst you zeale and contention , are ye not carnall ? And howsoever they esteem the compounding of controversies , to favour of mens wisedome and humane policie , I thinke themselves led with the wisedome which is from above ; yet I say with Saint Iames , Non est ista sapientia de sursum descendens , sed terrena , animalis , diabolica . Ibi zelus & contentio , ibi inconstantia & omne opus provum . Of this inconstancy it is said by a learned Father : Procedere non ad perfectionem , sed ad permutationem . They seeke to goe forward still , not to perfection , but to change . The third occasion of controversies , I observe to be an extreame and unlimited detestation of some former heresie or corruption of the Church acknowledged & convicted . This was the cause that produced the heresie of Arrius , grounded chiefly upon detestation of Gentilisme ; lest the Christians should seeme by assertion of the coequall divinity of our Saviour Christ to approach to the acknowledgement of more Gods then one . The detestation of Arrius heresie produced that of Sabellius , who holding for execrable the dissimilitude which Arrius pretended in the trinity , fled so farre from him , that he fell into the other extreame , to deny the distinction of persons , and to say they were but onely names of severall offices and dispensations ; yea , most of the heresies of the Church have sprung up of this root , while men have made it their scale to measure the bounds of their religion , taking it by the farthest distance from the errour last condemned . These be Posthumi haeresium filii , heresies that arise of the ashes of other heresies that are extinct and amortised . This manner of apprehension doth in some degree possesse many of our time : they thinke it the true touch-stone to try what is good and holy , by measuring what is more and lesse opposite to the institutions of the Church of Rome , be it ceremony , be it policie or government ; yea be it other institution of greater weight , that is ever most perfect which is removed most degrees from that Church ; and that is ever polluted and blemished which participateth in any appearance with it : this is a subtile and dangerous conceit for men to entertaine , apt to delude themselves , more apt to delude the people , and most apt of all to calumniate their adversaries . This surely , but that a notorious condemnation of that position was laid before our eyes , had long since brought us to the rebaptizing of children baptized according to the pretended Catholicke religion . For I see that which is a matter of much like reason , which is the reordaining of Priests , is a matter very resolutely maintained . It is very meet that men beware how they be abused by this opinion , and that they know it is a consideration of much greater wisedome to be well advised : whether in the generall demolition of the institutions of the Church of Rome , there were not ( as mens actions are unperfect ) some good purged with the bad , rather then to purge the Church as they pretend , every day anew , which is the way to make a wound in her bowels , as it is already begun . The fourth and last occasion of these controversies ( a thing which did also trouble the Church in former time ) is the partiall affectation and imitation of forraigne Churches : for many of our men , during the time of persecution , and since , having been conversant in Churches abroad , and received a great impression of the government there ordained , have violently sought to intrude the same upon our Church . But I answer , Conveniamus in eo quod convenit non in eo quod receptum est : let us agree in this with every Church , to doe that which is convenient for the estate of it selfe , and not in particular customes . Although their Churches had received the better forme , yet many times it is to be sought . Non quid optimum , sed è bonis quid proximum : Not what is best , but of good things what is next and readiest to be had . Our Church is not now to place , it is setled and established . It may be in civill States a republique is better then a kingdome : yet God forbid that lawfull kingdomes should be tied to inovate and make alterations : Qui mala introducit , voluntatem Dei oppugnat revelatam in verbo : Qui nova introducit , voluntatem Dei oppugnat revelatam in rebus : He that bringeth in ill customes , resisteth the will of God revealed in his word : He that bringeth in new things , resisteth the will of God revealed in the things themselves . Consule providentiam Dei cum verbo Dei : Take counsaile of the providence of God , as well as of his word . Neither yet doe I admit that their forme ( although it were possible and convenient ) is better then ours , if some abuses were taken away . The party and equality , is a thing of wonderfull great confusion , and so is an ordinary government by Synods , which do necessarily ensue upon the other . It is hard in all causes , especially in matters of religion , when voyces shall bee numbred and not weighed . Equidem ( saith a wise Father ) ut verè quod res est scribam , prorsus decrevifugere omnem conventum Episcoporū : nullius enim consilii bonum exitum unquā vidi : consilia enim non minuunt mala , sed augent potius . To say the truth , I am utterly determined never to come to any Councell of Bishops : for I never yet saw good end of any Councell : for Councels abate not ill things , but rather increase them : which is not so much to bee understood of generall Councels , as for Synods gathered for the ordinary government of the Church , as for deprivation of Bishops , or such like cases , which mischiefe hath taught us the use of Archbishops and Patriarkes , and Primates , as the abuse of them since hath caused men to mislike them . But it will bee said , Looke to the fruits of the Churches abroad and ours . To which I say , I beseech the Lord to multiply his blessings & graces upon these an hundred fold . But yet it is not good we fall a numbring them . It may bee our peace hath made us wanton . It may be also ( though I would be loath to derogate from the honor of those Churches , were it not to remove scandals ) that their fruits are as torches in the darke , which appeare greatest a farre off . I know they may have some more strict order for the repressing of sundry excesses . But when I consider of the censures of some persons , as well upon particular men as upon Churches , I think of the saying of a Platonist , who saith : Certe vitia irascibilis partis animae sunt gradu praviora quam concupiscibilis tametsi occultiora . A matter that appeared well by the ancient contentions of Bishops : God grant we may contend with other Churches as the Vine with the Olive , which of us beareth best fruits : and not as the Brier with the Thistle , which of us is most unprofitable . And thus much touching the occasion of controversies . Now briefly to set down the growth and progression of these controversies , whereby will be verified the wise counsell of Salomon , that the course of contention is to bee stopped at the first , being else as the waters , which if they get a breach , will hardly ever be recovered . It may be remembred , how that on their part who call for reformation , was first propounded some dislike of certaine ceremonies , supposed to bee supersticious : some complained of dumb Ministers , who possessed rich Benefices : some made invectives against the idle and monasticall continuance within the Vniversities , by those who had livings to be resident upon , and such like causes . Thence they went on to condemne the government of Bishops , as an Hierarchy remaining to us of the corruptions of the Romane Church , and to except to sundry institutions , as not sufficiently delivered from the pollutions of former times . And lastly , they are advanced to define of an onely and perpetuall forme of policie in the Church , which ( without consideration of the possibility , or foresight of perill , or perturbation of the Church & State ) must be erected and planted by the Magistrate . Here they stay . Others not able to keep footing on so steep a ground , descend further , that the same must bee entred into , and accepted by the people at their perill , without attending the establishment of authoritie ; and so in the mean time they refuse to communicate with us , reputing us to have no Church . This hath been the progression of that side , I meane of the generality ; For I know that some persons ( being of the nature not onely to love extremities , but to fall to them without degrees ) were at the highest streame at the first : the other part that maintaineth the present government of the Church , hath not kept one ten or neither . First , those ceremonies which they pretended to be corrupt , they maintained to bee things indifferent , and opposed the examples of the good times of the Church , to that chalenge that was made unto them , because they were used in the latter superstitious times : then were they also content mildly to acknowledge many imperfections in the Church , as Tares came up amongst the Corne , which were not as yet according to the wisedome of our Saviour Christ , to be without strife pulled up , lest it might spoile and supplant the good corn , but to grow on together till the harvest . After this they grew to a more absolute defence & maintenance of orders of the Church : and stifly to hold that nothing was to be innovated , partly because it needed not , and partly because it would make a breach upon the rest . Thence ( exasperate through contention ) they are fallen to a direct condemnation of the contrary part , as of a sect : yea and some indiscreet persons have been bold in open preaching to use dishonourable and derogative speech , and censure of the Churches abroad : and that so farre , as that some of our men ( as I have heard ) ordained in forreigne parts have beene pronounced to be no lawfull Ministers . Thus we see the beginnings were modest , but the extreames violent : so as there is now almost as great a distance of either part from it selfe , as was at the first of one from the other . And surely ( though my meaning and scope be not ( as I said before ) to enter into the controversies themselves ) yet I doe admonish the maintainers of the above named discipline , to weigh and consider seriously , and attentively , how neer they are unto those with whom I know they will not join . It is hard to say that the discipline which they say we want , is one of the Essentiall parts of the worship of God : and not to affirme , that the people upon perill of their salvation without staying for the Magistrate are to gather themselves unto it . I demand if a civill State should receive the preaching and baptisme , and exclude the sacrament of the supper : were not men bound upon danger of their soules , to draw themselves to congregations , where they might celebrate that Ministery , and not content themselves with that part of worship which the Magistrate hath authorised ? This I speake not to draw them into mislike of others , but into a more deep consideration of themselves . Fortasse non redeunt , quia progressuum suum non intelligunt , Againe I say , to my Lords the Bishops that it is heard for them to avo●d blame in the opinion of an indifferent person , in standing so precisely , in altering nothing . Leges novis legibus non recreate descunt , Lawes being not refreshed with new lawes , wax sowre . Qui mala non permutat , in bonis non perseverat , without change of ill , a man can not continue the good : to take away abuses , supplanteth not good orders , but establishes them . Morosa moris retentio res turbulenta aque ac novitas est , A contentious retaining of custome is a turbulent thing as well as innovation . A good husbandman is ever pruning and stirring in his vineyard , or field ; not unreasonable indeed , nor unskilfully , for he lightly ever findeth somewhat to do . We have heard of no offers of the Bishops of bils in Parliament , which no doubt proceeding from them to whom it properly appertaineth , would have every where received acceptation , their own constitutions , and orders have reformed little . Is nothing amisse ? can any man defend the use of excommunication , as a bare processe to lackey up and downe , for duties and for fees , it being the greatest judgement next unto that generall judgement at the last day ? Is there no means to nurse and traine up Ministers ? ( for the yeld of the Vniversities will not serve , though they were never so well governed ) to traine them I say not to preach ( for that every man adventureth confidently to doe ) but to preach soundly and handle the Scriptures with wisedome and judgement . I know Prophecying was subject to great abuses ; and would be more abused now , because the lease of persecution is encreased . But I say , the onely reason of the abuse was , because there were admitted to it a popular auditory , and it was conteined with a private conference of Ministers . Other thinges might be spoken of . I pray God inspire the Bishops , with a fervent love , and care of the people , and that they may not so much urge thinges in controversie , which all men confesse to bee gracious , and good . And thus much for the second part . Now as to the third part of unbrotherly proceeding on either part , it is directly contrary to my purpose to amplifie wrongs , it is enough to note and number them : which I doe also to move compassion and remorse on the offending side , and not to animate chalenges and complaints on the other . And this point ( as reason is ) doth chiefly touch that side which doe most : Injuriae potentiorum sunt , injuries come from them that have the upper hand . The wrongs of them that are oppressed , of the government of the Church towards the other , may hardly bee dissembled or excused : they have charged them as though they denied to pay tribute to Caesar , and withdraw from the civill magistrate their obedience , which they ever performed and taught : They have sorted and coupled them with the family of Love , whose heresies they have laboured to descry and confute : they have been swift of credit to receive accusations against them from those that have quarrelled with them . But for speaking against sin and vice , their examinations and inquisitions have been streight , swearing them to blanks & generalities ( not included within the compasse of matter certaine , which the party that taketh the oath is able to comprehend ) which is a thing captious and strainable . Their urging of subscription to their owne Articles , is but lacescere & irritare morbos Ecelesiae , which otherwise would spend and crush themselves , Non consensum quaerit , sed dissidium auget , qui quod factis praestatur , verbis exigit : hee seeketh not union but division , which exacteth inwardly that , which men are content to yeeld in outward action . And it is true , there are some , which ( as I am perswaded ) will not easily offend by inconformity , who notwithstanding make some conscience to subscribe . For they know this note of inconstancie & defection from that which they have long held , shall disable that good which otherwise they would do . For such is the weaknesse of many , that they thinke their Ministeries should thereby be discredited . As for their easie silencing of them , in such great scarcity of Preachers , is to punish the people and not them . Ought they not ( I meane the Bishops ) to keep one eye open to looke upon the good that those men do ; not to fix them both upon the hurt that they suppose commeth by them . Indeed such as are intemperate and incorrigible God forbid they should be permitted to teach . But shall every inconsiderate word , sometimes captiously wa●ched , and for the most part hardly inforced , be as it were a forfeiture of their voice & gift in teaching ? As for particular molestatiōs , I take no pleasure to recite thē . If a minister shal be troubled for saying in Baptisme , Do you believe ? or , dost thou believe ? If another shal be troubled for praying for her Majesty without addition of her stiles , whereas the very form of prayer in the book of Common prayer hath ( thy servant Elizabeth ) and no more . If a third shall be accused upon these words uttered touching the controversies , Tollatur lex & fiat certamen , whereby was meant , that the prejudice of the law removed , other reasons should be equally cōpared of calling for mutinie and sedition : as if he had said , Away with the Law , and try it out by force . If these and other like particulars be true , which I have but by rumour , and cannot affirme , it is to bee lamented that they should labour amongst us with so little comfort . I know restrained government is better then remisse . And I am of his opinion that said : Better it is to live where nothing is lawfull , then where all things are lawfull : I dislike that lawes bee contemned , or disturbers unpunished . But lawes are compared to the grape , which being too much pressed , yeeldeth an hard and unwholesome wine . Of these things I may say , Iram viri non operatur justitiam Dei : the wrath of man worketh not the righteousnesse of God. As for the injuries on the other part , they are , Ictus vermium , as it were headlesse arrowes , they are fity and eager invectives : and in some fond men , uncivill and unreverent behaviour towards their persons . This last invention also which exposeth them to derision and obloquie by libels , chargeth ( as I am perswaded ) the whole side ; neither doth that other , which is yet more odious , practised by the most ●or● of thē , which is calling in as it were to their aid , certain mercenary bands , which impugned Bishops & other Ecclesiasticall dignities , to have the spoile of their endowments and livings . Of this I cannot speake too hardly : It is an intelligence between incendiaries and robbers , the one to rob or fire the house , the other to rifle it . And thus much touching the third part . The fourth part wholly pertaineth to them which repugne the present Ecclesiasticall government , who although they have not cut themselves from the body and communion of the Church : yet they effect certaine cognisants & differences , wherein they seek to correspond amongst themselves , and to differ from other : and it is truly said , Tam sunt mores Schismatici , quam dogmata Schismatica : There be as well Schismaticall factions as opinions . First , they have impropered to themselves the names of zealous , syncere , & reformed , as if all other were cold , minglers of holy things , and prophane , and friends of abuses . Yea to be a man endued with great vertues , and fruitfull in good workes , yet if he concurre not fully with them , they terme ( inderogation ) a civill and morall man , and compare him to Socrates or some heathen Phylosopher : whereas the wisedome of the Scripture teacheth us contrariwise to denominate him religious according to the workes of the second table : because they of the first are often counterfeited and practised in hypocrisie . So saith Saint Iohn , that a man doth mainly boast of loving God whom he hath not seen , if he loveth not his neighbour whom he hath seen . And Saint Iames saith , This is true religion to visit the fatherlesse and widow ; and so that which is but Phylosophicall with them , is in the phrase of the Apostle , true religion and Christianity . As in affection they chalenge to themselves the said vertues of zeale , and the rest , so in knowledge they attribute to themselves light , and perfection . They say the Church of England in King Edwards time , and the beginning of her Majesties , was but in the cradle : and that the Bishops of those daies did somewhat for day-breake , but the maturity and fulnesse of light proceeded from themselves . So Sabinus Bishop of Heraclea of Macedonia , said , that the Fathers in the councell of Nice were but infants , and ignorant men : that the Church was not so to persist in their decrees , as to refuse that farther ripnesse of knowledge which the time had revealed . And as they censure vertuous men by the names of civill and moral , so doe they censure men truely , and godly-wise who see the vanity of their assertion ) by the names of Politique , saying that their wisedome is but carnall , and favouring of mans braine . So likewise if a Preacher preach with care and meditation ( I speake not of the vaine Scholasticall forme and manner of preaching ) but soundly indeed , ordering the matter he handleth distinctly , and draweth it downe from authorising of it by strong proofes and warrents : they censure it as a forme of preaching , not becoming the simplicity of the Gospel , and referre it to the reprehension of Saint Paul speaking of the intising speech of mans wisedome . Now for their owne manner of preaching , what is it ? Surely they exhort well , and worke compuction of minde , and bring men vell to the question , Viri fratres quid age● us ? but that is not enough , except they resolve this question . They handle matters of controversies weakly and obiter , and as before a people that will accept of any thing in doctrine or manners : there is little but generality and repetition . They move the bread of life , and tosse it up and downe , they breake it not : They draw not their directions downe ad casus conscientiae , that a man may be warranted in his particular actions whether they be lawfull or not ; neither indeed are they able to doe it , what through want of grounded knowledge , what through want of study and time . It is an easie thing to call for observation of the Sabbath day , and to speake against unlawfull gaine : but what actions and workes may be done upon the Sabbath day , and in what cases ; and what courses of gaine are lawfull , and what not : to set this downe , and to cleare so the whole matter with good distinctions and decisions , is a matter of great knowledge and labour , and asketh much meditation and conversation in the Scriptures and other helpes which God hath provided & preserved for instruction . They carry not equall hand in teaching the people their lawfull liberties as well as their restraines and prohibitions . But they thinke a man cannot goe too farre in keeping a commandement ; they forget that there are sinnes on the right hand as well as on the left , and that the sword is double edged , and cutteth on both sides , as well the superstitious observances , as the profane transgressions . Who doubteth but it is as unlawfull to shut where God hath opened , as to open where God hath shut ? to binde where God hath loosed , and to loose where God hath bound ? Amongst men it is as ill taken to turne backe favours , as to disobey commandements . In this kinde of zeale ( for example ) they have pronounced generally and without difference all untruth is unlawfull , notwithstanding that the Midwives have been reported to have been blessed in their excuse , and Rahab is said by faith to have concealed the spies . Farther , I heard some Sermons of mortification , which ( I think ) with very good meaning they have preached out of their owne experience and exercise : and things in private counsell not unmeet , but surely no sound conceits : much like to Parsons his Resolutions , or not so good , rather apt to breed in men weak opinions , and perplexed despaires , then filiall and true repentance which is sought . Another point of great inconvenience and perill , is to intice the people to heare controversies , and all manner of doctrine : they say no part of the counsell of God is to bee suppressed , nor the people defrauded . So as the difference which the Apostle maketh between milke and strong meats , is confounded ; and his precept that the weake bee not admitted to questions & controversies , taketh no place . But most of all it is to be suspected as a seed of further inconvenience for manner of handling the Scriptures : for while they seek expresse Scripture for every thing ; and that they have in a manner deprived themselves and the Church of a speciall helpe , and support by embracing the authority of Fathers , they resort to naked examples , conceited inferences and forced allusions , such as doe bring ruine to all certainty of Religion . Another extremity is that excessive magnifying of that , which though it be a principall and holy institution , yet hath limites as all things else have . We see ( in a manner ) wheresoever they find in the Scriptures the word spoken of , they expound it of preaching . They have made it almost of the Essence of the sacrament of the Lords supper to have a sermon precedent . They have ( in manner ) annihilated liturgies and formes of divine service . As for the life of the good Monkes and eremites of the Primitive Church , I know they will condemne a man as halfe a Papist , if he should maintaine them as other , then prophane , because they heard no preaching . In the meane time , what preaching is , and who may be said to preach , they make no question . But as farre as I see every man that speaketh in chaire is counted a preacher . But I am assured , that not a few that call wholly for a preaching ministerie , deserve to be of the first themselves , that should be expelled . These and some other errors and misproceedings , they doe fortifie and increase by being so greatly addicted to their opinions , and impatient to heare contradiction or argument . Yea I know some of them , that would thinke it a tempting of God to heare or read what may be said against them . As if there could be a Quod bonum è tenete , without an Omne probate going before . This may suffice to offer unto themselves a view and consideration whether they do well or no , & to correct & asswage the partiallity of their followers and dependents . For as for any man that shall hereby enter into a contempt of their Ministery , it is but his owne hardnesse of heart . I know the word of exhortation doth chiefly rest upon these men , and they have zeale and hate of sinne . But againe let them take heed that it be not true which one of their adversaries saith against them , that they have but two small wants , knowledge , and love . And so I conclude the fourth part . The last point teaching the due publishing , and debating of these controversies , needeth no long speech : this strange abuse of Antiques and Pasquils hath been touched before . So likewise I repent not that which I said before , that a character of love is more proper for debates of this nature , then that of zeale . As for all direct and direct glaunces or levels of mens persons , they were ever in these cases disallowed . Lastly , whatsoever is pretended , the people is no meet judge or arbitrator ; but rather the moderate , quiet , and private assemblies of the learned . Qui apud in capace loquitur non disceptat , sed calumniatur . The Presse & Pulpit would be morefreed and discharged : neither promotion on the one side , nor glory and heat on the other , ought to continue these chalenges at the Crosse , and such places . But rather all Preachers especially such as are of a good temper , and have wisedome , with conscience ought to inculcate and beat upon a place , peace , silence , and sufferance . Neither let them feare Solons law which compelled in factions , every particular person to range himselfe on the one side , or the other : nor the fond calumnie of neutrality . But let them know that it was true which was said by a wise man , that neuters in contention were better or worse , then either side . These things have I in all syncerity and simplicity , set downe touching the controversies which now trouble the Church of England , and that without all art or insinuation : and therefore not likely to be gratefull to either part . Notwithstanding I trust what hath been said , shall finde a correspondence in their minde , who are not embarked with partiality , and which love the whole better then the part . Whereby I am not out of hope that it may doe good . At least I shall not repent my selfe of the meditation . FINIS .