A VERY LIVELY portraiture OF THE MOST REVEREND Archbishops, THE RIGHT REVEREND Bs. OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND:  
Set forth in XX. irrefragable positions, concerning their Authority, power, and practise, as they only are our Diocesan Lord Bishops, so grounded upon Scripture, Reason, and Experience, by evident demonstrative practices, as their troublesome opposites, may clearly see, how greatly they are deceived in all these.  
A Labour undertaken for the peace of all God's people, and for a just condemnation of all those, that cause division, and offences, contrary to the Doctrine and Discipline of Christ's CHURCH.  
Printed in the year, 1640.   

THE NAME of Bishop is found in the New Testament, so as the controversy is not about the name, whether one may be called a Bishop, nor whether Bishops in the true sense, have been in the Church from the Apostles days, for this is fully agreed upon.  
But the positions following, and here handled, are such as have been much controverted, but now so clearly manifest, that every indifferent and impartial judicious Reader, may discernt plainly on which side the truth is.  

POSITION 1. That Bishops jure Divino, are superiors to other Ministers.  
1. BEcause our Saviour made several degrees in the ministry, which the Apostle mentioneth, Ephes. 4. 11. Yet in the same degree, he set none over another; not one Apostle over another, not one Evangelist over another; 〈◊〉 not one Elder or Bishop over another.  
2. Because the Apostle in reckoning up the dignities. in the ministry from Christ mentioneth no Bishops, as degrees in the ministry differing from the rest, but Apostles, 〈◊〉, Evangeliste which were extraordinary, than Pasters, and Teachers ordinary, Eph. 4 11.  
3. Because the name of Bishops, is given only to 
They have the same name.  those who are called Eld●…, Act, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 28. Tit, 1. 5. 7. Now Elders were all of equal Authority. Such the Ap●…stles 〈◊〉, and more th●… on●… in every city. Act. 14. 23. and had charge given ●…ot one over ●…ther, but over the fl●…ck, over the which th●… holy 〈◊〉 had made them Overseers O●…Bishops, Act. 20. 〈◊〉.  
4. The Apostle placeth Bishops only before 〈◊〉, Ph●…l. I. 1. I Tim. 3. 1. 8. but nowhere b●…fore Elders, as superiors to them.  
5. The office and quality of a Bishop described 〈◊〉, 
Th●… 〈◊〉 on th●… s●…me.  that which equally and alike agreeth to all teaching Elders. 1 Tim. 3. 1. 2. 7. Tit. 1. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and not to a special function in superiority before an Elder. For Titus was appointed to ordain Elders, and the Apostle telleth him, what a 〈◊〉 a Bishop, meaning an Elder, should b●…, as making an Elder, and Bishop one, and the same. It cannot be proved by S●…riptura, that in the A●…stles days, Elders and Bishops, were degrees one ov●…r another, nor by history 200. years after that they were distinguished by degrees.  
6. Because such as 〈◊〉 Elders, were next to the Apostles, in the council at 〈◊〉, and sat with them, as next to them, Acts 15. 23. Bishop's here were none, except included within the name of Elders, and so all one.  
7. The double honour which Saint Paul speaks of, 
T●…●…nour and ●…ard the same.  he alloweth it to teaching Elders, 1 Tim. 5. 17. which duty of teaching Bishops affect not, and yet claim double honour.  
8. Because these Elders, Acts 20. 17. came to be 
They ●…ad on●… and the same charge over the flock.  called Bishops, not in respect of any superiority they had one over another, but to mind them of their watchfulness and care over their flock, in respect of which 
Acts 20. 28.  flock, and not in respect of their fellow Ministers, they 
1. Pet. 5. 2.  were called by Saint P●…l, (who first g●…ue them th●…t title) overseers, or Bishops, Acts 20. 28.  
9 Because Tim●…ie and Titus, from whom they would derive the superiority of Bishop●…●…ver Elders, were Euangel●…s, 2 Tim. 4. 5. a dignity above other Churches, Offic●…s, Eld●…s, O●…Bis●…s, or pastors, (all one) and 〈◊〉. Eph. 4. 11. now why 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 higher degree, ●…hould be made Bis●…ps, and so put in a lower for me, wa●…th 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 persuade the reunto.  
10. Because the Postscripts to the second Epistl●… to Tim. and that to Ti●…, are worthy of no credit in this case, to prove Tim. and Tit. Bis●…ps.  
For these be no Scriptura, nor of divine authority, but 
Many 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ter the epi●…les were written.  added by some private uncertain S●…ribe, and so bring of human authority they c●…nnot stablish Tim. and Tit. Bishops jure divi●…, who by divine authority were 〈◊〉. 
See the unbi●… of Tim. and Tit.  The vanity of alleging these, 〈◊〉, are solidly by other confuted, and not answered.  
11. Becaus●… the consent of the Learned is fully against this superiority of a Bishop, to wit, to be above an Elder, or Presbyter in degree, 〈◊〉 divi●…, but were all one, and the difference came by an human consti●…tion.  

1. Of this judgement are ancient Fathers, 〈◊〉, 
See the answer to Bishop D. serm. pag. 113. 114.  A●…stin, Chrys●…stome, Ambrose, Seduli●…s, Pri●…sius, The●…ret, 〈◊〉, Theophylact.  
2. John 〈◊〉, and the Wald●…ses.  

3. The learned Divines beyond the Seas, Luther, 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉.  
H●…minglus, Gnalter, M●…sculus, 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉, 
pag. 115.  , ●…, and others.   

4. Learned Divinesin our Land, D. 〈◊〉, D. Reynolds, Doctor Holland, D. Fulk, D. Whitacres, D. Willes: and many more.  
Our Bishops here, Bish. 〈◊〉, Bis●…p Peacock, T●…stal, 
See T. and T. unbish●…, page 4.  shop Bil●…n once so held when he wrote against the Seminaries: Bishop 〈◊〉 now living, yea and Arch. Bishop Whit●…gift 〈◊〉 as much.  
Yea, the archbishops, all the Bishops and the clergy 
Ibidem.  of E●…gland acknowledged Bishops and presbyters, to be , .  
Besides the 〈◊〉 of our La●… in 37. H●…: 8. C●… 17. 
〈◊〉.  in 〈◊〉 of Edward 6. 〈◊〉. 2. 1. and 1. of Eli●…. 1. have resolved the same against Bishop's authority, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.   
5. Orthodox 〈◊〉 reformed, wi●…eth th●… much by their doctrine and practice.   
Monarchies, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which have cast them out; So 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and of late ●…ates of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
, and many other Churches;  
Shall we think●… that all these have 〈◊〉 in this point, so ma●…y, so 〈◊〉 m●…n, and whole Churches?  
11. 〈◊〉 non●… but Papists among us maintain the p●…sition, and such as be popishly affected, or are of 〈◊〉 mind, ●…oving to have the pre-eminence, 3. I●…hn 9 or ●…ch as flatter for favour, and pre●…rment.  
And yet here may be produced against them.  

1. The Canon Law, which telleth ●…s, that superior●…ty 
Pag. 117.  of Bish●…s over other Ministers, is of 〈◊〉 Law: which 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 out of 〈◊〉; fourth council at Car●…hage.  
2. The coun●…ell of 〈◊〉 and B●…il 〈◊〉 it ●…o.  
3. Two famous Doctors of the civil Law, 〈◊〉: 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 are of this judgement with us.  
4. Some great Papists, 〈◊〉, Hug●… Cardi●…: ●… Bish●… of Civil, G●…rg. 〈◊〉, hold their authority to be by positive Law, and came in after the Apo●…les days.   
The Ancients alleged for this superiority, speak but of their own times, long after the Ap●…les days: or ●…lse they judged of the times before by a mi●…ke, that ●… in their days, which was nothing 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 200. years after Chri●….  
12. Becaus●…Bis●… 〈◊〉 of S●…int 〈◊〉 in 
T. and Tit. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 168.  〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his dignity, and ●…owledged 〈◊〉 that the Superiority of Bishops over Ministers, was 〈◊〉 of all 〈◊〉 of the word of Go●…: and founded upon the only politic 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉.  
Lastly, 〈◊〉 Doctor 〈◊〉 is hold to 〈◊〉, that our 〈◊〉- 〈◊〉 and Bish●… do●… d●…ive their 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉, as 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉, and from the Pope of 〈◊〉; and therefore must Bis●…s be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 over other Ministers? 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 may know, if he will that Peter was 〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉, proved to his h●…d, and 〈◊〉 inferior to his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. And as for the Pope, he is proved to be 〈◊〉 by many learned Divines, and is judged to b●… the man of 〈◊〉, in 2. Th●…ss. 2. and the 〈◊〉 with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, speaking like the Dragon, Rev. 13. and 〈◊〉 Bish●… p●…ceeding from him, 〈◊〉 needs 〈◊〉 such, jure divi●…, because his 〈◊〉 is from the 〈◊〉.   

POSITION 2. They are Di●…cesan Bishop●…by divi●… right.  
1 BEcause they know 〈◊〉 hold that a Di●…san Bishop is one over many 〈◊〉; 〈◊〉 they 〈◊〉 it written that the holy Ghost set many Bishops, and Elders ov●… 〈◊〉 flock and Church: at 〈◊〉 one Church, Act 12. 47. and 15. 2●…. and therein m●…y Eld●…s, Acts 15. 6. 2●…, 23. at 〈◊〉 one Church, Eph 1. 1. R●…v. 2. 5. but many Elders, Act●… 20. 17. or 〈◊〉 verse 28. At Philippi many Bishops, yet but on●… Church, Phil. 1. 1. and Saint 〈◊〉 when he had planted Churches, appointed T●… to ordain Eld●…, Bishops in every City, more than one, Tit. 1. 5. ●…. as the Apostle himself did in every Church Elders, Acts 14. 23. who kept one way and co●…rse al●…ke, in all ●…nd ev●…ry Church, 1 Cor. 4. 17. and 7. 17. Now so many in one Church could not be Di●…san Bishops.  
2. Because neither Christ nor his Apostles, ever ordained any ordinary Ecclesia●… function, to be ever continued in any Church, which he that was appointed thereunto, could not in his own person perform without substitut●…; But a Discos●… Bishop takes more upon him, than he can by himself discharge, but must have his substitutes by reason of the largeness of his ju●…isdiction, over hundred●… of congregations.  
3. Bec●…e 〈◊〉 Postscripts to Saint Paul's Epistles, the one to Timoth●…, and the other to Titus, are the words of men, ●…humane testimo●…ies, (and false too, as is proved fully by the learned) and therefore cannot confirm a Dis●… Bishop to b●…of divine authority, and of divine right.  
4. Because they ●…nne upon mere suppositions, taking for granted what yet they have not proved, nor can prove to uphold their Di●… dignity: such be these.  

1. That Timothy and Ti●… were not E●…angelists, substituted only for a time at Ephesus, and in Crect (to do what the Apostle would have done, had he been there) contrary to 2. Tim. 4. 5. in that Epistle, in the Postscript whereof he is called a Bishop.  
2. That these two were Bishops, differing from Elders: when nowhere their consecration is mentioned; and were they Bishops Di●…san, because the Postscripts say they were Bishops●… but when so consecrated, or how, there is no mention; And is it any way likely, that S●… 〈◊〉 making else where, A●… 20. 17. 18. 28. Elders and Bishops all one, yea, and that in his Epistl●… to Titus, chapter 〈◊〉. 5. 7. that by the false Postscript naming them Bishops, we should take the name of Bishops to be of another sor●…, 〈◊〉 Saint Paul meant, and had made?  

3. That Saint Paul 〈◊〉 to them ●…is Epistles, as to di●…san Bishops, and how to behave themselves in their episcopal authority, as a p●…terne in them to be followed of such like succeeding Bishops.  
If Paul wrote to Timothy his first Epistle, from whence they fetch all their authority for ●…piscopacy, why is not the Postscript put at the end of this Epistle, to make him a Bishop, while he was at Eph●…, but at the end of the other Epistle, out of which they do make little ●…se for this their standing? If he was then Bishop at Eph●…, when the first Epistle was written, than its clear that Saint Paul wrote not the Epistle to him, as a Bishop, but as his substitute for the time in his absence, 1. Tim. 3. 14. 15.  
To him Saint Paul wrote, as also to Titus, not to make them Bishops, of which not one word in the Epistles written to them, but what they should do, according to the present condition of the Churches, and by those rules and precepts which he wrote, how the Churches of Christ should be ordered for the time to come, and not by these pre●…pts and rules, to erect new Officers in Christ's Church, which he never ordained, there is not a word in the Epistles to prove this to be the s●…ope.  
But they having ●…ped this di●…san, dignity, and presumptuously practising what they do, they take to themselves, what they ●…n find in the Epistles to bear them up, contrary to the intention of the Apostles writing.   
4. That the, power of ordination and jurisdiction was then 〈◊〉 Bishops, and not in the Elders, when in the Eldership was the power of ordination, and imposition of hands. 1. Tim. 4. 14. Act. 13. 3. and jurisdiction and rule in them, to ●…t the Elders, they which preached and laboured in word and Doctrine, which fed the 〈◊〉 these were they t●…t ruled, Heb. 13. 7. 1 Th. 5. 12. 1 P●…. 5. ●…, ●…. 1. Tim. 5. 17. you, such rule the Elders had, as Saint Peter warneth them not to lord it over Go●… h●…tage, which had been n●…dlesse, if the authority ha●… be●… in the hands of others. 1 Pet. 5. 3. These be their false suppo●…tions and 〈◊〉 imaginations, on which th●…y ●…ave built their rottering dig●…es.  
5. Bec●… thi●… setting up of one in dignity over many, is an human invention long after the Apostles days, which was devised to prevent Schi●…, say they. But this invention was no●… of the spirit of Gen.  


First for that in the Apostles days there were schi●…es, 1 Cor 3. 3. and 1●…. 1●…. and 〈◊〉, R●…. 1●…. 17. yet the holy Ghost did not direct the Apostle, to ordain any di●… Bishop to prevent Schis●…, neither there, where he mentions those schi●…es and divi●… as 〈◊〉, nor any such rem●…y in his Epistles●…to Ti●…hy, and T●….  
2. Be●…se as Doctor Whit●… hath written, the 〈◊〉 devised hath proved worse than the disease: which doth never happen to that remedy, whereof the h●…ly Ghos●… is the Author.  
3. Because the holy Spirit which could foresee, what evil would en●…r upon this device, would not ordain that for a remedy to prevent 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 and diss●…, which was never ●…erto found an effectual remedy for it, but 〈◊〉 her begat pride, 〈◊〉, and other evils in the Church even to this day.  
4. For that this device was from the spirit of Antichrist, Satan taking advantage upon this gro●…d, to raise up 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 all, and so a 〈◊〉 government, for the reason is alike for archbishops over Bishops, Pat●…ks ov●…r archbishops, P●… over patriarchs, as Bishops over 〈◊〉: except men would va●…ly imagine that schis●… would only arise among pastors, and not among Bishops, Arch. Bishops, 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 too, contrary to experience and truth of Histories.    

6 〈◊〉 in the 〈◊〉 days all the Church●… in Ci the believers met in one place, as Par●…oners d●…●…ow  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉, (〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cities were 〈◊〉 than Christians, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bishops in those days 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 if 〈◊〉 be denied that then there were no Parish●…, 〈◊〉 must deny di●…cesan Bishops, because there's no diocese, where there be no Parishes.   
7. Because all the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 beyond the 〈◊〉 no such Bishops; and shall we think that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈…〉 all such famous Churches, in so foul an error, as to cast 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉? we have no sound 〈◊〉 so to 〈◊〉.  
8. his 〈◊〉; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Church 〈◊〉.   
For Christ's primitive Church in all the first hundred of 〈◊〉, and after 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 kind of Bishop.  
It's wanting in all reformed 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
Such 〈◊〉 are cast out of the Church in 〈◊〉, not only as 〈◊〉, but 〈◊〉.  
Here in England in every 〈◊〉, at s●…verall tim●…s there have been a vacancy of Bis●…, and that so●… for 2. years, some for 3. 〈◊〉, some 〈◊〉 10. 〈◊〉 some for 〈◊〉. years, as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by some observed, and 〈◊〉 down throughout all the 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉.  
Lastly, what good do they, which may not be done without them, as it was wh●… they were not, and where in ●…her pl●…ces they be not●… There is theref●…re 〈◊〉 need of them.  
To conclude, all that which hath been said in the former position against a Bishop's superiority over●… 〈◊〉, in their own congregations, ●…re against 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: whose 〈◊〉 we●… see to be divine, by the so many good 〈◊〉 made against it, and therefore be they not to●… blame, who are so much offended with th●…r so overtopping 〈◊〉, and goodne●…? It were ●…ch to 〈◊〉, that all could see it, for the Churches, peace, which is heartily de●…red, and prayed for.   

POSITION 3. They are 〈◊〉 called Lord 〈◊〉.  
1. BEcause 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Christ, said to his Disciples, 〈◊〉 know that the Princes of the Gentiles 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 ●…ship, but it shall 〈◊〉 be so, with you 〈◊〉 rebuking them fo●… seeking after greatness, and chiefedome; Mat. 20. 2. 5, 26. Mar. 10. 42, 43. Luke 22. 2●….  
2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (from whom they say they can fetch their greatness) forbids them to be Lords over Gon●… h●…ritage, 1. Pet. 5, 3.  
3. Because St. John the Apot wrote to L●…dly 〈◊〉, (who loved to have the pre-eminence in receiving, forbidding and casting men out of the Church) that he would (when he came) remember his deeds done, and his pr●…ing against the 〈◊〉, and others with malicious words, 3. I●…hn 9 10. for those that love the prehemine●… cannot but ●…tter their malice against them, that find fault with their proud deeds and words.  
4. Because Father 〈◊〉 gave cou●…ell to King Edward, to us lord all the Lordly Bishops, to remov●…●…hem .  
5. 〈…〉.  

What was given them was of 〈◊〉, and not of due as an invested title.  〈◊〉.   

POSITION 4. .  
1. .  
2. .  
3. 〈…〉  
4. .  
5. 〈◊〉 in the con●…cration of Bishops, there is not one word of liberty this way, but exhortations and prayers made only for executing the office of a Bishop, which he promiseth to do, by the grace of God, by the help of God, God being his helper, which they very faithfully perform in being civi●… Magistrates, and sittin●… in the seat of ju●…ice to hear temporal causes;  
6.  
7. .   

POSITION 5. .  
1. .  
2. .  
3. .  
4. Divines, witnessed by Chri●…, the great Bish●…p of o●… souls, who spent hi●… time ●…n preaching day by day, and made it the great●…st test●…mony of Peter's love to him, t●… fee●… h●…s La●… Ioh●…●…1 15, 16, 17. ●…lso man●…fest by Saint P●…l 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 frequent p●…aching, and in his so charging 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 before, and in allotting double honour, especially to the 〈◊〉, that labou●…s in word, and 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 5. 17. 〈◊〉 likewise by St. Pet●…, who 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉, (Than even ●…he that was the Bishop of Rome, the great 〈◊〉 of Chri●…, if the 〈◊〉 writers li●… not) to feed the flock of Chri●…, taki●…g the oversight thereof a●…Bishops, not by constraint, but 〈◊〉 nor 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but of ●…die mi●…●… 〈◊〉. ●…●… 3.  
5. 〈◊〉 when 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is consecrated, he is charged to take heed to teaching, and to be diligent therein, that he might s●…ve himself and them, that hear him, and that the encr●…se 〈◊〉 thereby might appear to all men, and to become unto the flock of Christ, a 〈◊〉, ●…nd no●… 〈◊〉 wolf, 〈◊〉 to feed them and not to d●…●…voure them, to hold up the weak, to hea●…e the sick, to build up the brokenhearted, to se●…ke the lost, and to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 All this the A●…-Bishop 
Abusing God's name by s●…eming to pray, for that which never is intended.  be●… of G●… fo●… 〈◊〉 ●…nd desires the L●…ord to endue the Bishop with his ●…oly spirit, that he may preach the word, and bids him take the holy spir●…t, and to remember to  
6. Because Father Lati●…er said, the very Dive●…l himself, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God setup the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…ching pr●…lacie; and if they preach not ●…aith Thomas Bec●…, it's an evid●…t tok●…●…hat Chri●… sent them not, but Antichrist and the D●…ll  
7. Because th●… very council of Trent, set this down for 〈◊〉 truth, that the preaching of G●…ds word was the 
Sess. 24.  principal part of a Bishop's Office adding many words, to show the necessity of their preaching. And therefore the positio●… is as true, as lead is steel: That Bishops 〈◊〉 not preach but seldom or ●…ever, as it pleaseth them.   

POSITION 6. They are Priests and may so be rightly called. Though they be Bishops, yet they forget not their Priesthood, but will be called Priests.  
1. B B●…cause the Scriptures of the N●… Testament have given them their names, befitting their Office: which men may not vary from to miscall them by another name, not befitting their function: we may not presume to spe●…ke otherwise of G●…ds ministers than he hath taught us to call them; except we think we can better know how to impose names on them, than he himself, we m●…y not in such cases presume above that which is written, 1 C●…r. 4. 6.  
2. B●…ause when Christ ascended up into Heaven, and gave gifts for the ministry, Eph. 4. 11. the Apostl●… mentioneth what he g●…ve, but among these neither a Pri●…sthood nor Priest, he n●…meth Apostles, Pr●…phets, evangelists, pastors teachers, and elsewhere Bishops, Phil. 1. 1. T●…. 1●…7. Ti●…. 〈◊〉. 1. 2. and Elders. 1. Tim. 5. 17. but no wher●… put he the name of Priest upon any of them.  
3. Because ●…he name Priest often mentioned in S●…ripture cannot in any acc●…ption of the name, be rightly applied to any one in 〈◊〉 minister●…all function under the gospel. for the name Pr●…sts are one of these sorts.  
Either Patriar●…hal, as was 〈◊〉 before the Law, Ge●…. 14.  
Or A●…ical under the Law, which God appointed by the ●…and of Moses, Exod. 28. 1.  
Or Diab●…licall, as were the Priests of Ba●…l, and of, Jupit●…r, 2 K, 11. 18. ●…cts 14. 13.  
Or huatheni●… like, as the Pr●… of 〈◊〉, 1 King. 11. 15.  
Or the Evangelical and spiritual Pri●…st, which is but one, Jesus Christ after the order of 〈◊〉; such a Priest none may presume to be, without hellish presumption and high arrogancy.  
Or the Christian Priest, in which sense every Christian man and woman is a Pri●… unto God, R●…v. 1. 6.  
4. B●…cause the title of Priest was a name of divine O●…fice from Godunder the Law, but under the gospel, it is a lying title without the office. For there is now no priest's O●…fice: for a priest's Office is to off●…r sacrifice, a bloody sacrifice, but now vuder the Gospel after Christ, no such sacrifice to be offered: And we all do acknowledge and have taught hitherto.  
5. Because now it is the P●…pish name of the Romish mass Priests, pu●… upon them by the Babylo●…ish Seat of Rome, that great 〈◊〉, the Mother of Harlots, and abominations of the Earth, R●…v, 17. 1. 5. out of which we are commanded to come forth, R●…v. 18. 4. both from their idolatrous words, and idolatrous works.  
6. Bec●…use its much dishonour to God's holy spirit in his holy Apostles, to leave the names set down in holy writ, and to take up a name from the ●…re of R●…, and put it upon the Ministers of the L●…rd I●…us.  
Lastly, because we all prof●…sse to have re●…ounced her, and therefore it is a derogation to our Church, a Church of Christ, to retain a name of her idolatry, as if still we ●…ither were her slaves, or had a mind to become so. For now of late the name Priest is so extolled, as the Elders, of Ephesus, Act. 20. 17. mus●…in in the pulpit be again and again called Priests, as if the name of elders, Presbyt●…rs given by the holy Ghost, and they made overseers of the flock, were too base, except it should be turned into the name of Romish Priest●…, for other Priests by office there are now none. Thus with impudent boldness is the holy Gh●…st controlled, and m●…de to speak aft●…r the R●…ish fashion, to bring us back to that Wh●…re again.   

POSITION 7. They stand for, and d●…e mai●…taine all Cerem●…nies upon very good grounds.  
1. B Ecause they ●…annot be known whence they be, withou●… these R●…mish trincket●…, for without thei●… Lordly 〈◊〉, and these their Ceremoni●…s the Mother roar would soon be ●…orgotten.  
2. Because they were first brought in by that blou monk 〈◊〉, the Arch-Bish●…p o●…Canterbury who died them in the 〈◊〉 of the Monks of Bang●…r; which red Scarlet colo●… they have kept eversince; ●…or many Ministers have been●… cruelly dealt with in witnessing against th●…se, suspended, excommunicated, deprived, ●…d imprisoned. And therefore Ceremonies laid in this scarle●… die in g●…ine, a colour very costly, 〈◊〉 no marvel, that they are held at so high a price by them, and not valued at ●…o low a rate, as they be by others.  
3. Because they say no Ceremonies, no Bishops, therefore ●…ust c●…use they have to sta●…d for them, to keep their standing, and Ceremonious observances, though with much off●…nce, of which they take no care: for they find it writt●…n, W●… bat●… th●… by wh●… offences 〈◊〉; Mat. 18. 7.  
4. Because there was a time in the Apostles 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 when there was Bishops, elders, and y●…t no s●…ch Popish ceremonies, nor pope-like Bishops.  
5. Because ●…ue religion and 〈◊〉 pure worship and service can stand well without them, as in other ●…formed Chu●…ches.  
6. Because go●…y Bishop Ho●…per withstood them for a time, and desired to be discharged of his bishopric rather than to use them, wherein he was opposed by Ar●…. Bishop Cra●…er, and Bis●…p Ridl●…y, (but when they were out of their Rochets) they did judge●…t to be wisdom in him, and simplicity in themselves, for urging him to the use of them.  
7. Because they have been nothing else but snares, and traps unto many Godly ministers, laborious men in the Lords Vin●…rd, scourges in their sides, and thorns in their eyes, and heavy burth●…s to them, for they find it written, that the Scribes, and Pharises did bind burdens gr●…v to be borne upon the Pe●…le, and laid them on men's shoulders. Mat. 23. 4.  
8. Because if they hold them as necessary in themselves, they have no authority from GOD to impose them so upon men's consciences, and it is against their faithful promise made at their còns●…cration, which was to maintain (as required of necessity to salvation) nothing but that which may be concluded, and proved out of Scrip●…ue.  
If they hold them in themselves as things indifferent, y●… in the practice and imposing of them, they answer not to the rules prescribed for the use and practise of indifferent things.  
For indifferent things must be,  
1. Not only lawful, but ●… expedient, convenient, and profitable; 1 Cor. 6, 12. 3 making for peace; Rom. 14. 19 4 for Charity, Rom. 14, 15. 5 done to the ed●…ying of one another, R●…. 14. 19 1 Cor. 10. 23. Which is, that we may more and more grow up, in CHRIST, and be o●…r in our faith, and become better. 〈◊〉 Done 〈◊〉, and in order, 1 Cor. 14 40.. 
This rule they only make use of, when all the rest are of like authority, divi●…, and Apo●…ol call, and delivered by the same Apostle, which they take no notice of, not caring to sinn●… against their brethren and against Christ. 1 Cor. 8. 12.  That is, as it becometh the House of GOD. Dec●…tly, that is, agr●…ble to the pure worship of GOD, without vanity, sup●…stition, and spiritual filthiness. In Order, that is, without confusion, in a settled course, fit for a holy As●…mbly. (7) Done to the glory of GOD, Cor. 10. 31. tending to set forth the LORD, eith●…r in his titles, attributes, word, worship, and works; by all which, God is known praised, and obtaineth glory. (8) That the use be without offence, whereby a Brother may stumble, or be offended, or made weak, Rom. 14, ●…1. by being made to do those things with a doubting, and so with a wounded conscience, and thus he sinneth, Rom. 14. 23. and is made to perish. 1 Cor. 811. For they find it written, what is that to us, see th●…n to that. Mat. 27, 〈◊〉.  
9 Because our Saviour CHRIST stood not upon idle Ceremonies, nor imposed any upon his Disciples, but rebuked the Scribes and Pharises, as Hypocrites, for their strict observation of such things as they had devised and taken upon them to observe. Mar. 7, 2, 9 So it's Pharis●…icall to devise and undertake to observe of themselves what. GOD never commanded.  
10. Because Saint Paul would abstain from the use of indifferent things all his days, lest he make his Brother to offend, 1 Cor. 8. 13.  
Lastly, because Sain●…Paul tell●…th them, that by using things indifferent we are not the better, and by not using them are we the worse, 1 Cor. 8, 8. but they by making others to use them, (who are not perswad●…d of the lawful use thereof) they sin against their Brethren, and so against Christ. 1 Cor. 8. 12.  
By all those 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they not very good cause to maintain, to defend, and urge, with great violence the use of these so pious and needful Ceremonies, so much tending to peace, edification, and God's glory? He must be very blind that cannot see what truth, charity, edifying, conveniency, profit, and glory, cometh to GOD, where these Ceremonies be urged.   

POSITION. 8. They judge it necessary that whatsoever is amiss in the Church, should be caref●…ly and speedily reformed, and this is evident to all.  
1. BEcause they refuse to hear and receive any complaints against their Courts, and devil which way to vex those that clearly inform against their unlawful proc●…dings, and illegal courses.  
2. Because they stop the way and passages of all reformation, by withholding the means which should do it; by making the supremest in authority believe, that there needs no reformation towards the better part, except it be by innovations, to draw back to the Mother Church of R●…me: By reproaching such with hateful names, who labour for a reformation of abuses.  
3. Because they or their chaplains do with all strength, by their best learning, either ●…cuse, or defend every thing, which is justly found in faul●… within their government, in their manner of governing, in their Ministry, in their Ceremonies, and 〈◊〉 service, or what else so ever needeth any reformation.  

And why they set themselves to be 〈◊〉 ready 〈◊〉, is, for these ●…roved reasons.  
1. BEcause they hold it policy to ●…mend nothing lest they should grant something to be 〈◊〉 and so 〈◊〉 such as have a long 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 desir●…d, and endeavoured, by word, by writing, and by 〈◊〉 much, to bring them to it, and would heartily praise G●…D to s●…e all things in better order, for the good of God's Church, and the praise of his Name, and peace of his People.  
2. Because they know the Northern wind hath blown that way, suddenly arising as a storm, whilst they set sail toward the southeast in a calm weather, fearing no such tempest.  
3 Because they read that albeit Christ found fault with the corruptions, and superstitions in the Jewish Church, yet the corrupted high Priests, chief Priests, learned Doctors, hypocritical Scribes, and Pharises, would run their own way, and amend nothing; but plotted his death, as the Evangelists show. And therefore why should these out Reverend Fathers amend any corruptions at the motions of Christ's Servants.  
4. Because the unholy Pope, and his heathen-like prelates at Rome, did never hold it fit to make any alteration in their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, further than they were enforced, and when they seemed to go●…e about it, they like cunning craftsman in their Trade, did it with such caveats, and cautions, (Witness their Trent council) as all that which they did, was as good, or little better than nothing.  
5. Because (it may be) they hold that an Ecclesiastical State cannot decline nor be corrupted by the evils of times, for that they read how our Saviour Christ had somewhat against the Bishops in the 〈◊〉 Chure●…s, against the 〈◊〉 Bishop, for loss of his first love, against the Bishop of 〈◊〉, for suffering the Doctrine of 〈◊〉, against the Bishop of Thyatira, for permitting wicked I●…sabel, a false prophetess her fornication, and idolatry, against the Bishop of Sardi●…, for resting more upon a name or fame; then upon the truth of Religion, and the power thereof, against the Laodicean Bishop (that had such a high co●…it of hims●…e, as might make him matchable with the most of our Reverend Prelates, even the highest in the instep) for his loathsome lukewarmeness.  
Lastly, they are very indifferent which Religion tak●… place, when their Protestancy or 〈◊〉, so they may enjoy thei●… Lordly dignities, and dash out the brains of Calvi●…, and that G●…vian Doctrine, that Presbyterian rascal, as our highest Reverend Father, in his wisdomc and railing zeal called him.    

POSITION 9 They may very well rule by their sole power alone.  
1. BEcause they find it written, that two is better than one, the one to lift up the other, if one happen to fall: but woe to him that is alone. Eccl. 4. 9 10.  
2. Because they forget not how King David in bringing up the ark would have all the chosen men of Israel with him, 1 Sam. 6. 2. 1 Chro. 15. 3. and how King Hezekiah would for keeping the Passover consult with his Princes; and the congregation in Jerusalem, 2. Chro. 30. 2.  
3. Because our Saviour said, tell the Church, Mat. 18. 17. which Church consisteth of more than one, at the least of two or three, vers●… 20.  
4. Because we read that at the ordination, not any one of the Apostles would ordain Deac●…s alone, but, said jointly, whom we may appoint over this business Acts 6. 3. Nor did the Ap●…stle Saint Paul ordain Elders, but with 〈◊〉, for it's said they ordained Elders, Acts 14. 23. And the imposition of hands was by the 〈◊〉, 1 Tim. 4. 14.  
2. In the act of excommunication, casting out, and receiving in, Sa●…Paul would do neither of himself, but, with others gathered together, 1 Cor. 5. 4. 2. Cor. 2, 6 8. 10.  
3. In making decrees and Canons for the Church, the Apostles would not do it alone, but with the Elders also Acts 15. 22. 23.  
5. Because it's without all example in tempora●…l government, in the handling of temporal matters, which are not of so high a nature, as spiritual, as every one doth willingly acknowledge: for Kings have their Counsels: and we shall find, that no temporal court is there in this kingdom of the higher sort, where the authority doth re●…in one only person; but the principal person hath either Colleagues or Allessours.  
The chancellor of England hath an assistants. of. twelve Masters of the Ghancery The Master of the Wards hath a council of the Court. The King's ●…nch, Common Pleas, and the Exchequer are benches of a certain number of judges. So hath the Chancel●… of Duchie a council of Court. The Exchequer Chamber hath the Lord Treasurer with him, and with him joined the chancellor, and Bar●…ns. The Star Chamber is an Ass●…blie of the King's privy council aspersed with with the Lords Spiri●…uall, and temporal. The Lord Pr●…sidents in the Marches of Wales, and in the North have their counsels.  
Now if no one be fit to be alone in civil Courts (●…xcept Bishops, be neither faulty, nor subject to be faulty) the Bishops are not to be alone in their jurisdiction, and ecclesiastical Courts.   

POSITION. 10. Their high authority so lawful, they all obtain by very lawful means.  
1. BEcause they preach to please, for they find it written, If I please men I should not be the servant of Christ, Gal. 1. 10.  
2. Because they follow the time, as the readiest way to preferment, observing what is acceptable to great ones, and avoiding what may offend them, because they find it written of some chief Rulers in the I●…ish Church (who knew and believed more than they would manifest) that they loved the praise of men, more than the praise of God, John 12. 42.  
3. Because when some have not been able otherwise to prevail, they have offered moneys; because they find it written, that Offers have been made by one, a devil, to Jesus Christ, All this will I give thee, Mat. 4. 9 and by another, a servant of the devil, Simon Magus, offering to the Apostles money to have the gift of the holy Ghost, Act. 8 18, 19  
4. Because they greatly extol the dignity of Lord Bishops, by writing for it, by preaching aloud for it in high places; and cannot or will not otherwise believe, but that they be such 〈◊〉 Lords jur●… divin●…; for they find it written, how can 〈◊〉 believe which receive honour one from another, and seek not the honour which cometh from God alone? John 5. 44.  
Now all these so lawful means, they use, because they would be known to come with no greedy desire to such honour. And therefore before their consecration, they hypocritically refuse it three times; because they have either read, or heard of, as it hath bintold them, that really, and in earnest, some ancient Bishops have had Bi●…p-ricks forced upon them against their wills, as had Saint Augusti●…, Ambrose, Athanasius, Gregory 〈◊〉 Father and many more; some utterly have refused, and by no perswa●…ons would take diverse great and wealthy bishoprics, as, on●…Ephraim Syrus, Ny●…, and Saint Bernard, who did refuse the bishopric of 〈◊〉 and Mill●…, as also did Adrian the Archbishop of Canterbury, with others more; but more fools they, for their 〈◊〉 shame none now, or very few, to seek 〈◊〉 after bishoprics, and to use such blessed means as are afore mentioned, to obtain them. For they find it written, that in the last days men shall be lovers of their 〈◊〉 s●…lves, 〈◊〉, and so forth, 2 Tim. 3. 1. 2.   

POSITION 11. They may not forsake their so warra●…table Lordly prelatical standing.  
1. BEcause they read the complaint, they ceased ●…ot from their 〈◊〉 doings, nor from their stubborn way, 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  
2. Because Christ hath said, 〈◊〉 plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be 〈◊〉 up, M●…. 15. 13.  
3. Because they know the lo●…e to be great, both of wealth, honour, and ple●…sure, and they read that Chri●… Discipl●…●…sooke all to follow him, Mat 19 27. And 〈◊〉 voluntarily left his honour, and the pleasures of sin, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the reproach of Christ with the people of God, Heb. 11. 25. 26.  
4. Because they find it written, thou 〈◊〉 not the things which be of God, but these things which be of men, Mat 16. 23.  
5. Because they are taught a good lesson by Saint 〈◊〉 saying love not the World, nor the things that are in the World, (that is, the lust of the eyes, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life) if any man love the world, the love of God the Father is not in him, 1 John 2 15.  
6. Because they 〈◊〉, or may read, of very many Bishops, in former times, who voluntarily renounced 
See Tim and Tit. 〈◊〉.  their places, not only Bishops in other Countries, but ours here in our own Nation; as of four archbishops of Canterbury. four of York, two of London, two of Lincoln, two of Coventry and Litchfield, two of Worcoster, three of Rochester, and others to the number of 37. or 38. Bishops, Putta a Bishop of Rochester left his place and turned a school. Master. all his daves. Father Latimer gave over his bishopric of Worcester', and blessed God that gave him that grace to resign it, and to make himself a quondam Bishop.  
But when our Reverend Lordly Fathers think on thes●…, they oppose Lordly 〈◊〉, a better example for them to follow, for he (as they do) loved to have the pre-eminence, 3 John 9 and they look upon hundreds of others, more worthy imitation, wiser men, who learned the words of our Saviour Christ without book, The Children of this world are wiser in their generation, than the Children of the light, Luke 16. 8.  
7. Because they know that this lordlness, and their secular employments, hinder greatly the spiritual function, and almost quite taketh them off from it, as the Kings of Denmark and Sweden found to be true, and as we find it, if we will judge aright, and as the now most reverend Archbishop of Canterbury, acknowledgeth in his dedicatory Epistle before his late published book, that by such occasions he was made too much a stranger to his books.  
8. Because they know, what great good they may do to settle peace between his Majesty and his Subjects, and prevent much evil, which may fall out upon both Nations; if they would freely and truly confess these three things.  

1. That their Lordly standing is not jure divine, but an hum 〈◊〉 invention, as hath been heretofore acknowledged by Bishops, by holy Martyrs, learned. Doctors, in this our Church.  
2. That true religion, with the saving knowledge of Christ, might be more propagated, God's holy worship more purely preserved without them, then with them, as the Church of Scotland hath found true by experience, and doth testify as much.  
3. That the civil estate, may be most peaceably governed, and monarchical government made to flourish in piety, and plenty without their great Lordships; If the cathedral great revenues might be employed to the training up of young Divines, and thence pastors chosen when places are void in Parishes; If Bishops. Palaces might be for schools of Learning, and the Temporalities, bestowed to the maintenance thereof, and other pious uses, as by the wisdom of the state in Parliament should be thought most fit, among other godly acts, to help to enlarge the maintenance of many poor Ministers, who have livings of very small value, of only ten pound or twelve pound per annum, and some no more numeratis 〈◊〉, out of which they pay Tenths and Subsidies; yea and somewhere, at a new Bishop's entrance they pay him a benevolence, the tenth of their poor maintenance, which their gracious good Lordships will not remit one penny off.    

POSITION 12. No Bishops, no King; this is undeniable.  
FOR they support the Throne of Kings; this is an undoubted truth: the reasons are very manifest.  
1. Because its 〈◊〉 in Revel. 17. 12. that the ten horns are ten Kings, which receive power as Kings at 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with the Beast.  
2. Because they reign as Kings, without the King; for.  

1. They keep their Courts, and Visitations without special patent under the broad seal.  
2. They print Articles upon their own authority, and minister oaths upon them.  
3. They send out processes in their own name, and many other things they do, contrary to the Statutes of the 〈◊〉, as hath by some learned in the Law been fully proved; by which they do rule over his majesty's good Subjects contrary to his crown and Dignity.   
3. Because Kings may very well and safely reign without them; for  

1. The Roman Emperors did reign, a long time before there were any Lord Bishops.  
2. King 〈◊〉 here the first Christian King reigned without them, and it was he that made some Bishops, some archbishops, and not they him a King.  
3. 〈◊〉, and others States in reformed Churches do subsist without them, and cannot Kings be Kings without such Lord— like Bishops? they may if they have but eyes to see it.  
4. As spiritual Lords, they have nothing to do in civil causes, and as they be Barons by their ●…lities, they be made so great 〈◊〉, to live in super fluity; and why should they supply the place of temporal Lords? Is it not to the temporal Lords very disgraceful? yea is it not very ominous to a kingdom? And this 〈◊〉, because against the holy order of pastors, and against Christ's own words (it shall not be 〈◊〉 with you) they are lifted up to be' Princess; busying themselves as busybodies in great affairs, which concerns them not, becoming ill counsellors where they be, to the detriment of both Church and State; for they are left of God to themselves, because they leave their sacred calling, as if it were too base for their high minds, and deep reaches in State businesses.   
4. Because Christian the third King of Denmark, our King's great grandfather by the Mother side, rooted out all the Bishops of his kingdom in one day: as annoyance to the State, and have been kept out now hitherto fully an hundred years; So as here, is a King, and no Bishop, and in Sweden, as I take it, no Lord Bishops, and yet there is 〈◊〉 authority.  
5. Because our King, as King, hath no dependency of Bishops, but is over them, and they his Subjects, they depend upon him, and if they usurp not their power, they have their episcopal authority and jurisdiction from him, at whose pleasure they fall, if his Majesty please to 〈◊〉 their authority, and to cast them out.   

POSITION 13. They stand wholly, for a learned, grave, painful and godly ministry.  

First, For a Learned ministry.  
For they have greatly pestered the Church.  
I. In making many bare reading Ministers, to be Curates, and too many to be in the room of pastors, for they know well, that a pastor must be apt to teach, 1 Tim. 3. 2. as they say in his ordination, and do give him authority to teach; they hear out of God's word, that they are blind and dumb dogs, Esay 5. 6.  
II. In tolerating them to be so continually, for they know where these be, the people are as Sheep without a Shepherd, Mat. 9 neither be they ignorant of that which Solomon saith, where there is no vision there the people perish, Pro. 29. 18. nor of Christ's speech, if the blind lead the blind, both fall into the ditch, Mat. 15. 14. in no reformed Church in Christendom are such, but here, and in the Antichristian 〈◊〉 of Satan.  
3. In not consulting about means, and using the same to remove this so great a plague to the people, and to prevent it for the time to come.  
4. In never rebuking their slothfulness, no not in the younger men, nor stirring them up to get knowledge, for to instruct the people,  
5. In putting down such divine exercises, as have been used heretofore, when Ministers met and handled 〈◊〉, and the same piece of Scripture, the youngest beginning, and so successively to the Eldest; some grave Ministers being chosen as chief for the time; all this done publicly, and then in private, if any thing were needful to be advised upon, or any mistake, to deliver their judgements upon it, and so appoint another day for the like meeting once in a fortnight, or once a month; which exercise did much good to many, and continued in some market towns heretofore very many years.  
6. In comforting these blind Guides, by preferring prayer before preaching and common service to be such, as people should rest therewith satisfied, especially if they have their quarterly Sermons.   

2. For a Grave ministry.  
Because they admit many too young men into the ministry, if of any degree in schools, if they can answer some few questions in Latin, and can speak upon some text, it may be an hour before them, having penned it after their best hability, though they bevery ignorant in the Scriptures, and little acquainted with the study of Divinity; for in admitting of these they know what Saint Paul's Canon is, he must not be a Novice, lest he be puffed up in pride, and so fall into the condemnation of the devil, 1 Tim. 3. 6. and they also know that youth is subject to be despised, 1 Tim. 4. 12. that many of these are vain 〈◊〉, getting in to be some idle curates, and giving themselves to liberty, till they enter into the bond of marriage, and the next bond following 〈◊〉 which 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 then of children, a great disgrace to the ministry.   

3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
For that they are content that many teach negligently, but now and then, 〈◊〉 not once a year, some once a year, some quarterly; some monthly, and some once in a fortnight, because they read that amongst the 〈◊〉, in the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sabbath day was preaching, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was Christ's custom to preach every Sabbath, Luke 4. 16, and the Apostles in the Jewish 〈◊〉; ancient Fathers used 〈◊〉 to do every Sabbath. Christ 〈…〉, 〈◊〉. ●…. 〈◊〉 yet 〈◊〉 this 〈◊〉 them not, because they find it written, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are destroyed for want of knowledge; because 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt 〈…〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 forget thy 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 4. 6.  
2. They themselves (the most of them) are evil examples, for they lay aside preaching for the most part, as if it were either no part, or the least part of their duty.  
3. Though in 〈◊〉 Ministers they charge upon them this duty, and have made a 〈◊〉 for a licenced Preacher to preach every Lord's day; yet is there no inquiry after Ministers negligence herein, no calling them to their Courts, no 〈◊〉, no suspension, 〈◊〉 any other censure upon them 〈◊〉 the same. Because they read that 〈◊〉 did not neglect to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to stir up the gift in him, and to study hard and to preach diligently; 1 〈◊〉 4. 13. 16. 2 Tim. 4. 1. 2. and the same 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Elders of 〈◊〉 to look to their flock, over which the holy Ghost had made them Over●…, Act 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 willed the 〈◊〉 to charge 〈◊〉 to take 〈◊〉 the ministry which he had received of the Lord, to fulfil it. Col. 4. 14.  
4. But unto 〈◊〉 Ministers, they have a special eye, especially if they find the least 〈◊〉 in conformity, or not wholly conforming 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉 innovations: though in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they preach nothing, 〈◊〉 may any way 〈◊〉 the peace of the Church, either for 〈◊〉 or discipline, but rebuke the 〈◊〉 of the times, condemned by God's Law, and the 〈◊〉 of the Land, and the very Canons of 〈◊〉.  

For 1. They find it written, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Prophet, because he rebuked their flattering of the King, and the rest of his companions, telling the King the truth, as the King found it, 〈◊〉 King 〈◊〉.  
2. They also find it written, how the high Priest of .  
3. They are not ignorant of the troubles of the faithful Prophet 〈◊〉, how the wicked 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 26. 11. he was informed against to the 〈◊〉 Priest, and was called by a false 〈◊〉 a mad man. 〈◊〉. 29. 26. whereupon he was 〈◊〉, imprisoned, and 〈◊〉 in the Stocks, and all was, because he preached against wicked Priests, wicked false Prophets, the wicked high Priest, and against the superstition, and 〈◊〉 of the times, for which great wrath came upon them, the sword, 〈◊〉, and captivity.   
.  
〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 them, in their 〈◊〉, be●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 did so with 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
Thus we see, how they encourage diligent Ministers, and what 〈◊〉 they be to the idle Ministers; Non-residents, and 〈◊〉, being all faithful men to them, but not of God, to their 〈◊〉.   

4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
.  
1. 〈…〉.  
life, and such we have frequenting taverns, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Alehouses, drinking till some be drunk, falling to 〈◊〉, and sometimes to fighting; for they know it's written, that a Minister is to be 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉, of good 〈◊〉, not given to 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 striker, 1 
 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3.  
3. Some other of these so conformable, yet of an other temper, they bear with all being (as one of themselves complain) 〈◊〉 and ambitious, in heaping together Benefices and promotions, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to discharge their duty, either by their own persons, or by entertaining or providing able and sufficient 〈◊〉, for they find it written, these 〈◊〉 are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, never having enough, which look 〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and every one of them 〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Esay 56. 11. And they find it complained of by Saint Paul, that all seek their own, and not the things that are Jesus. Christ, Phil 2. 20. and the same Apostle tells them, that they should not be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈…〉, but as men of God to 〈◊〉 these things, 1. Tim. 6. 12. Tit 1. 7.  
Yet these three sorts of godly Ministers (and that in great number) are nourished up in the bosom of our Church almost, if not altogether without control.  
For they know all these three forts to be for their Lordships, their standing is secured by being over blind, profane, worldly and 〈◊〉 affected Ministers. These they trouble not, for they read that the zeal of the Bishop of Ephesus would not permit him to suffer those that were evil, Rev. 2. 1. These keep people in ignorance a grounded stadle for superstition, will-worship, 〈◊〉 if you will, and whatoever devised forms and gestures, their Lordships please to put upon them, yea the silly people devoutly make them acts of religion, which 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their good Lordships; for they know that these miserable sort of people do worship as did the 〈◊〉, they know not what, John 4. 22. and that they may ride upon them, as Balaam upon his ass.    

POSITION 14. They hate to 〈◊〉 the King.  
1. BEcause when they 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as they ever 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they 〈◊〉 before the King, but not to the King, but ever for the King. 
B. M.   
2. Because they study the (as one of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 what may 〈◊〉 please, they 〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 Prophet 〈◊〉 with his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in his 〈◊〉 to his 〈◊〉 1. King. 22. 11. 12.  
3. If any other be admitted to preach before the the King.  

1. They either must be 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉, knowing 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 High way 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 how to 〈◊〉 before King? for they have 〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉, and can say it perfectly without book, and without the 〈◊〉 of God, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for each things, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 30. 10.  
2. 〈◊〉 they be such of whom there is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 than these men's 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 most be 〈◊〉, or a premonition given them to be very 〈◊〉 for offending for they 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 King 〈◊〉 advised 〈◊〉 to do as the false 〈◊〉 did, to say, as they said, and to speak good, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  
3. Or they be such (for all the forewarning) as will speak some what 〈◊〉 as an 〈◊〉, (which is hardly ever known in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉) than 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of Bethel will take him to 〈◊〉, he must be complained of to the King, be held unsufferable, 〈◊〉 sent away with an inhibition, for they find it written in 〈◊〉 letters, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 any more in Bethel, for it is the King's 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 it is the King's 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  
4. Because where they find in 〈◊〉 any titles of Honour, and praise given to Kings, 〈◊〉 what they should be, they apply 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 King believe, that every way he is such a one; Judge you that hear them preach, or read their printed 〈◊〉 made before the King, for they find it written, there is no 〈…〉 Ps. 5. 9 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, they have 〈◊〉 out of 〈…〉? Joh. 32. 21. 22. 〈…〉  
5. Because they teach the power of Kings to be 〈◊〉 for they 〈…〉 the Throne is established by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 16. 〈◊〉. 〈…〉 And they may 〈◊〉 it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God did use 〈…〉   
4. 〈◊〉 they 〈…〉  
As 〈◊〉 did David Samuel 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Esay 39 13. 19 〈◊〉. 24. 20. The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sharply by a 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 for his 〈◊〉 1 Chro. 〈◊〉. 19 K. 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 7.  
Therefore can they 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the 〈◊〉 ones, without their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 find 〈◊〉, as a 〈◊〉. 〈…〉. So 〈◊〉 that is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 still, Rev. 22. 11. for they are not full of power, by the 〈◊〉 of God, to declare unto Jacob his 〈◊〉, and to 〈◊〉 his sins, as 〈◊〉. did, 〈◊〉. 3. 8. 11. and as God by Esay commanded, Esay 58. 1.   

POSITION 15. They greatly further the people's knowledge in divine things 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their ignorance. 〈◊〉  
1. BEcause they make such ignorant Ministers and tolerate these sorts afore mentioned, to be their Ministers.  
2. Because they, as you have heard, 〈◊〉 so much godly and painful 〈◊〉, whom they often displace, and put wicked ones into their rooms, their now daily practise.  
3. Because 〈◊〉 are put down by some of them, and wholly throughout 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, with a thanks be to God that they have 〈◊〉 within their 〈◊〉 for they read how their 〈◊〉 shut up the kingdom of God against men, Mat. 23. 13. and 〈◊〉 away the key of knowledge. Luke. 11. 50. 〈◊〉 themselves, but did hinder others that would have entered.  
4. Because they make reading preaching, for they find in the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that when the 〈◊〉 were read, they had 〈◊〉 that preached unto 〈◊〉 Act. 15. 21. and 13. 15.  
5. Because they (at 〈◊〉 some of them) prefer set payers read, before preaching, holding prayers to be God's service, and preaching no part of his service.  
For that they may read, 〈◊〉 preaching was ever before set 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 300 years after 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 spent himself in preaching he sent his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉, and charged it upon others with great 〈◊〉, 1 Tim. 4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Moreover they 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (Rom. 10. 14.) knowledge and 〈…〉.  
6. Because they forbid preaching in the afternoon, for they find it written that 〈◊〉 Paul preached in the afternoon, Act. 20. 7. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 Peter and 〈◊〉, who went up to the Temple at the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and there preached, Act 3. 1. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. The 〈◊〉 Fathers, 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 and others, preached in the afternoon, and so do the Ministers in all reformed Churches.  
7. Because they appoint catechising in the afternoon, to put down preaching, and such a 〈◊〉 as doth no good to the 〈◊〉 and simple; for Ministers are 〈◊〉 to ask no other questions than are in the common catechism; and yet this kind many Ministers observe 〈◊〉; and are never questioned for it.  
8. They permit not any to leave a reading Minister, nor an idle preaching Minister, when he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pains to preach, to go to 〈◊〉 an other 〈◊〉 Teacher, and 〈◊〉. The Preacher for his 〈◊〉 shall 〈◊〉 without check, but 〈◊〉 that goeth to hear shall 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 open 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  

1. Because Sir Henry 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, in a 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it.  
2. .  
3. 〈◊〉 they know the people of the 〈◊〉 went to hear Christ. 〈◊〉. 5. 1. and 21. 38. and also 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 though 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, saying to the people 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, why 〈◊〉 you him, 〈◊〉 10. 20. they did not 〈◊〉 the people to their 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 made 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for it, 〈◊〉 made they 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 going to hear 〈◊〉, than themselves, 〈◊〉 of, 〈◊〉 in their 〈◊〉.   
Lastly they hinder this going abroad to 〈◊〉, for 〈◊〉 they have 〈◊〉 how people 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (to understand) without a Preacher, Rom. 10. 14. and they remember what the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that he could not understand what he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a guide, Act. 8. 31.  
Who 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of understanding, 〈◊〉 cannot 〈◊〉 hence very 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 care 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 have of 〈◊〉 men's souls, because they find it written, that the mind 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not good 〈◊〉. 19 〈◊〉.   

POSITION 16. They have a special care; that God being a 〈◊〉, should have a spiritual 〈◊〉, and this 〈◊〉 according to his written word.  
1. BEcause they have 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, to worship God by; for they find 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so will I 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God; but whatsoever I 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 12. 39 31. 32.  
2. Because they are 〈◊〉, that the 〈◊〉 people, say their service and prayers with, 〈◊〉 after 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, though they understand little or nothing; for they read, that we must pray with the 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1. Cor. 14. 15. and also of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, This people 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 me with their .  
3. Because they bind all 〈◊〉 such various 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, to 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 prayer, and 〈◊〉 up 〈◊〉 another; to stand 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 part of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 others to bow to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the second 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of God, and not to another; to bow to the Table, 〈…〉 the 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to be observed, 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of God, making people 〈◊〉 (which 〈◊〉 no better) that these be 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. For they 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 written, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 2 〈◊〉. 3. 5. and that there is a show of wisdom in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉. 2. 〈◊〉.  
24.  
4. Because they 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to serve God, as 〈◊〉,  

1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God, 〈…〉 
Three grounds of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  to 〈◊〉 in their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈…〉, for they 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 and they 〈◊〉 that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 us not to God, for if 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 we are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and if we 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, we 〈…〉 Cor. 〈◊〉. 8. and to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉, 22.  
2. , as to bow to the name of 〈◊〉, to bow to the Communion Table, as an Altar, to kneel in receiving the Bread and 〈◊〉; to keep days as holy dedicated to 〈◊〉, to fast upon their Eves, and the like; for they find it written, who hath required this at your hands? Esay 1. 12. and in vain 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 me after the Doctrines and 〈◊〉 of men, Mat. 15. 9 Mar. 7. 7.  
3. To be persuaded, that God may be 〈◊〉 served, and his ordinances better set forth by human additions, than he himself left them unto us; as to add in baptising the Infant, 〈◊〉 making of the sign of the cross, playing upon Organs in singing of psalms the wearing of a surplice, and 〈◊〉, in saying of service, with 〈◊〉 and other vestments to grace their worship; to have over the Communion Table a painted 〈◊〉; or on a Table a velvet cushion with a 〈◊〉 curiously wrought to 〈◊〉 up 〈◊〉 also the setting up of great Candlesticks, with candles in them, and sometimes lighted, for they find it written, that the Scribes and Pharisees of their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 up and received many things to held, Mat. 7. 4. And that the Lord hath forbidden, to add to that which 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 commanded, or to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from it, 〈◊〉 4. 2 and 12. 32. They not forgetting the words of 〈◊〉, They 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the care, but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the counsels, and in the imaginations of their own 〈◊〉, and 〈…〉, 〈◊〉. 7. 〈◊〉. 26.   
5. And lastly, because they 〈◊〉 not so much respect what God commands, as the observation of their own 〈◊〉 and Articles after which they examine how people frame themselves in serving of God. For they 〈◊〉 it written, 〈◊〉 the hypocritical 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉, the 〈◊〉 Leaders of the blind did lay aside, 〈◊〉- 〈◊〉 the commandments of God, to hold and keep their own traditions, Mar. 7. 8, 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 they. also know what Esay 〈◊〉, They have chosen their own ways, and their soul 〈◊〉 in their 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 and devices, Esay 66. 3. 4,   

POSITION. 17. They prefer the church's union, and what God requireth to be done, before their own Lordly dignity, and what they themselves command.  
1. BEcause they can be content, that the King and his subjects should be at odds, even to the shedding of much blood, if God prevent it not, rather than they will leave their Rochets. For it is written, the devil is come 〈◊〉 unto you, having great wrath, because he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but a short time, Rev. 12. 12.  
2. Because whosoever 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that do reprove them, and do discover their pride, tyranny, and Lording over 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 their corrupting of God's worship, their gross 〈◊〉 of Princes, their opposing the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 godliness, their cunningly suppressing preaching in part, and painful preachers, their nourishing 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 undermining the gospel, hatching innovations to bring in popery, after 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, to procure them to be attached, imprisoned, and whipped, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, set on 〈◊〉, their 〈◊〉 cut off by a common bloody hangman, and to lie in several prisons, that they might not have comfort one of another, for they find it written, that the high 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 imprisoned 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉. 20 that the flattering Sycophant 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 1 K. 22. that the high 〈◊〉 & chief Priests beat the Apostles Acts 5. 40. that they 〈◊〉 & killed such as were sent unto them, 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. 34. 37. yea also they procured Christ himself to be 〈◊〉 to death.  
3. They trouble men more for neglect of their Ceremonies, then for not preaching diligently; more for 〈◊〉 at the name of Jesus, then for swearing by the name of 〈◊〉, the heart of God, and the blood of Christ; more for breach of an All Saints day, then profaning the Lord's day: for that they find it written, as is before noted in the former position, that the Scribes and Pharises stood more for the observation of their own traditions, and what they 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of themselves to 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 the holy commandments of God, like hypocrites as they were, Mar. 7. 〈◊〉. 8.   

POSITION. 18. They be the greatest Enemies, that the Church of Rome 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 amongst us.  
1. BEcause they hold her to be the Mother Church, for they find her called the Mother of 〈◊〉, and abominations of the earth, Rev. 17. 5.  
2. Because they hold her a 〈◊〉 Church of Christ, for they find it written, that 〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉 with the 〈◊〉 of the Martyrs of Jesus, and that Christ said, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of her 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉. 17. 6. and 18. 4.  
3. They deny the Pope to be 〈◊〉; for they find it written, that 〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 himself in the Temple of God, above all, 2 〈◊〉. 2, 3, 4. That he is that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the King of the 〈◊〉, Rev. 9 11. That 〈◊〉 is the 〈◊〉 with the 〈◊〉 like a Lamb, but 〈◊〉 as a 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. 13. 11.  
4. They lead the way 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, for they 〈◊〉 the name 〈◊〉 more than before, they call the Table an 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 bow to it very lowly, painting Crucifixes, setting up Candlesticks, and somewhere do burn Candles, enfignes of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of confes●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. For they find it written, They are bent to 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. 7. They went backward, & not forward, .  
4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Church and 〈◊〉 in all the dignities, 〈◊〉 Courts and proceedings therein somewhat like, in not a few things, to 〈◊〉; their habits, their ceremonies, superstitious gestures; the name of Priest, 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉; in the Church of 〈◊〉, for they find it written, that all , . 〈◊〉. 3. 4.  
5. Because they suffer Priests and 〈◊〉, not 〈◊〉 to be, but also to 〈◊〉 in the Land, against the Law of God, and the laws of this Land, they seek them not out, they call them not before them, they having them in their hands, use them very kindly, otherwise than they do many of God's Ministers; for they find it written, that the high Priests 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 regarded 〈◊〉, and other false Prophets more than 〈◊〉.  
6. Because such as fall away to that 〈◊〉 Rome, are very gently dealt with, for 〈◊〉 of offending them, and as for known Church Papists, they can friendly entertain them; for they find it written, they strengthen the hands of evil 〈◊〉, that none 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 wick●…, 〈◊〉. 22. 14.  
7. Because they suffer popish books to pass, and popish 〈◊〉 to be preached without control, for they find it written, that Letters have been sent by false Prophets, 〈◊〉. 29. 25. and Teachers. 2. 〈◊〉. 2. 2. and have been permitted to preach, and prophesy.  
8. Because they cannot endure, so much as an almanac, having in stead of popish Saints, put into it the 
They will 〈◊〉 call them Martyrs; but 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 may in print call them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  in the high Commission Court, for they find it written, . 9 27.  
9 Because the papist dare lodge 〈◊〉 them, where the Mother Churches, the Cathedrells be, and never appeate in their Courts; for who ever law a Papist cited openly to their Count, and for neglecting, yes refusing to come to the 〈◊〉, to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, made to do 〈◊〉 or if not 〈◊〉 be 〈◊〉, excommunicated, aggrivated and pursued to an 〈◊〉?  
10. Because no kingdom or State (〈◊〉 Lawee are enacted against them) is so troubled with Papists, and those seeds-men of Antichrist, priest and Jesuits, as ours is, where their good Lordships be.   

POSITION 19 They ahborre all show of 〈◊〉.  
BEcause our Church disallowing consubstantiat on, and 〈◊〉, and acknowledging the Elements 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉, to be creatutes, yet they call to, as they call it the 〈◊〉, not only when the Sacriment is administered, but when the Elements are not there; which the Papists do not, but condemn it in such as amongst us do to. Because it's written, they have hardened their necks, and des 〈◊〉 them their Fathers, Ier. 7. 26. 〈◊〉 every one after the imagination of his own heart, Ier. 16. 12.   

POSITION. 20. They may very lawfully minister the 〈◊〉 ex officio, to any whom they dare call before them.  
THis course they take, it's well known, putting men to their oaths, making them to swear to make true answer to them of all that which shall be demanded of them, for,  
1. They know it's practised of the horrible holy Fathers, of that blondie Spanish inquisition, hated of God, and all good men.  
2. They know it to be against the Law of Nature, registered in the civil Law, for one to swear to become thereby an accuser of himselse; for Nemo tenetur prodere seipsum.  
3. It's a wicked putting of men needlessly, and illegally into a great danger of the fearful sin of perjury; if any for fear of man should forswear themselves (as a Peter may sometimes do,) and therefore much more others, may so through fear miscarry: In a necessary and legal way to minister an oath, if men damnably forswear themselves, the Imposers of such an oath are guiltless, but not so in this case.  
4. Because they find it written, to be contrary to Abraham dealing with his servant, when he entreated him to take an oath, before the servant swore, Abraham told him what he should swear, and the servant made objections for himself, to prevent the danger of taking his oath in vain.  
5. Because they are not ignorant of this, that this course is directly against God's will and word, who nowhere alloweth this in an ordinary way, to evict any, but by a certain number of faithful witnesses, and accusers, 
Numb. 35. 30  thus in the time of the Law, and this was established in the time of the gospel, Mat. 18 16. 2. Cor. 13. 1. especially 
Deut. 19 15 and 17. 6:  concerning an Elder, 1 Tim. 5. 19  
6. They read of the equity of the Romans, how Felix 
Heb. 10. 28.  would stay for the Accusers, Acts 23. 35. of Saint Paul, who heard them, and gave him leave to speak for himself. The like did Festus, Acts 25. 5. who said, it was the manner of the Romans so to do, verse 16. and King Agrippa approved thereof, Acts 26. 1. none of them willing to have him put to his oath, that so advantage might be taken, against him. Trajane the Emperor said, that without an Accuser, there is no place 
Plin. 〈◊〉. 10.  for an accusation, for that is an evil example, and not 
Epist. 98.  heard of in our age.  
7. Because they cannot but know, that thus to deal with men (to put them to their oath, thereby to evict, and condemn them, when they cannot by witness prove any thing against them.)  

1. That it is a preventing the order of God's divine providence, whose will is to have such proceeded against, whose sins he bringeth forth to the light, which if he do not, he reserveth such persons to his own, and not to man's judgement.  
2 It is a running before the laws of men, which alloweth no judge to proceed without production of witnesses for an open crime; for hidden crimes men's laws take no notice of.   
8. Because they well understand, that by thus dealing, their ground must be their own ill conceit, ill ●…on, or some report of ill minded Adversaries, or some such wicked uncharitableness, no allowable grounds to proceed in a judicatory way against any, either before God. or just m n.  
9 Because they know, that thus proceeding against all justice and equity; they themselves must first become their Accusers, and then their Judges.  
10. Because holy 〈◊〉, in his burning heat, thirsting after Christ's blood, 〈◊〉 Christ to it by a dreadful adjuration, to make him speak somewhat where he might accuse him, and condemn him, with the consent of the like Enemies of Christ, as he himself was; and this means he used, because he had no just witnesses to accuse him, and to condemn him by: an example of an high Priest worthy praise and their worthy imitation.  
11. Because it is not only against God's will, under the Law, and under the gospel, as before it's proved, but it's also.  
Against reason, by the judgement of Ministers in Aphrick, 
Victor de persocut, Vandal.  to whom when such an oath was tendered, they answered, 〈◊〉 irrationalia nos putetis, ut juremus nescientes quid charta contineat? think you us unreasonable beasts to swear we not knowing what the writing may contain?  
12. against the due reverence to the divine Majesty, 
Jer. 4. 2.  in taking an oath, who requiteth when we swear, to swear in truth, in judgement, in righteousness, which we cannot do, before we know what to swear unto.  
13. Against the civil Law, by which there is no 
Digest: lib.  proceeding, till some accuser be bound to prosecute the accusation.  
14. Against the ancient Canon Law, which saith, 
Decret. pag, 2 Cous 23. quast. 4.  peccata quae publicis indiciis discernuntur, punienda non sune.  
And here some allege Sixtus 3. in Epist. ad episc. Orientales, who saith, before the Accuser comes and binds himself to prove the Accusations, Criminationes adversus doctorem vemo recipiat.  
15. Against Saint Ambrose who saith, a Judge may 
In Epist. 1 Cor. c1. 5.  not condemn without an Accuser for our Lord, though he knew judat for a thief, yet he cast him not out, because none accused him.  
16. Against the equity and justice of this Land to 
Statute 15. 〈◊〉. 8. ca 15 cemmen Law. See 〈◊〉. touching Bishops effictalls. pag 62.  bring any into danger of life, name goods, or Lands, by any entrapping interrogatories, or by any other means then witness, verdict &c. a felon at the bar is not forced to any oath, nor proceeded against, though known to be guilty, but is judged according to allegations, and proof.  
17. Against the liberty of the Subject, to be dealt 
This master Fuller hath fud manisesled in the defence of 〈◊〉 Client.  with otherwise then is by Law sufficiently warrantable.  
18. Against the safety and peaceable security of any subject, whom they hate, and date meddle with, at their 〈◊〉 and pleasure to call them into question, and by this 〈◊〉 ex 〈◊〉, force them to lay themselves open to their malice, and unjust proceedings;  
19 It's not practised in Reformed Churches, but only under that Roman Prelate; yet the State of 〈◊〉, and some other places do not subject themselves unto it.  
20. The Lord Verulam, late chancellor of England, held the continuance of this oath, to be contrary to the laws of this Land, and custom of this kingdom:  
For Prelates are not to put any to their oath, except in matrimonial and Testamentary causes; So say learned Lawyers.  
21. It's thought to have it original from the Statute, 
Crompton 182 〈◊〉: de ●… 〈◊〉 brev. pag. 141 〈◊〉. pag. 36. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. ●….  2. 〈◊〉. 4. ca 15. procured by the Prelates, against true Gospollers, by them called heretics, Lollards, and so was framed against them for defence of popery, and to overthrow the gospel.  
But here note,  

1. It passed without the consent of the Commons who greatly repined against it.  
2. Authority given to press this oath, and for Prelates and Ordinaries to fine and imprison the K. Subj. was held abloudie Law.  
3. Abundance of Christian blood was shed by the enacting of this cursed Law.  
4. God's judgements followed hereupon, and were laid to heart by the State.  
5. Hereupon the Statute of imprisoning, and the oath ex officio was made void; And though in K. Phil. and Mar. 〈◊〉, a Statute was made according to that of Hen. 4. yet in the 1. of Eliza: it was repealed.   
Obj. In the star Chamber and Court of Chancery, there is an oath required.  
Answer. This is by laying in of a Bill of complaint, in which a legal accusation is framed against the party; beyond which, the plaintiff cannot go, nor the defendant shall be urged.  
But this oath ex 〈◊〉, is first given to the party to answer he knows not to what, than is he examined upon either flying reports, or secret witnesses, or upon some illimagination against the party, which dealing carrieth no show of civil Law, and is flatly repugnant (saith the Lord Verulam) to the Common Law.  
Obj. Some allege that by this oath none are tied to answer further than they are bound by Law.  
A. 1. They have no Law to put men to such an oath, no Law of God, no Law of this Land, and therefore none are tied to take it, nor bound by Law to make any answer to it at all.  
2. In answering, if they plead the benefit of the Law, that they are not bound to accuse themselves, if the interrogatories and Articles do seem, to touch the betraying of themselves, than they use captious questions, and do take it as for granted, that the party is a delinquent, in such Articles as he will not make answer unto; so though it be said, you shall swear as 〈◊〉 as the Law only bindeth, yet these bee but sugared words, to draw men into a snare, and to make the simple believe that they may take the oath, and the other may impose it.  
Obj. They would fain have warrant from the Scripture, and so to have God to approve of them, for this purpose, they do allege, Ex. 22. 11. Num. 5. 19  
For the place in Exod. 22. 11. Then shallan oath of the Lord be between them both, that he hath not put his hands unto his neighbour's goods, &c. This warrants not the wicked administering of the Oath ex Officio.  

1. Here is one standing forth and bringing the party before authority; In the Oath ex officio, no accuser sometimes cometh in sight, nor will such a one be made known.  

2. Here the matter is well known, before the party be put to swear.  
In the other, he is enforced to swear, before he know what he is to swear unto, and if he refuse, he is of their loving kindness and compassion sent into prison.   

3. Here the matter is of common equity, and a 〈◊〉 civil business, concerning right between party and party.  
There it is about causes ecclesiastical and criminal matters, and not ever between party and party in a matter of 〈◊〉 justice.   

4. Here the oath is administered in a case, not otherwise to be tried and decided, for if it could, say the Hebrew Doctors, the Oath was not to be administered.  
There it's administered, whether it can, or cannot be otherwise proved.   

5. Here the Judges proceed, in the behalf of the party complainant, to end the 〈◊〉 between them.  
In the other, the Judges proceed with relation to themselves, secretly becoming parties, not to end a 〈◊〉 between others, but to begin it between the party and themselves too often.   

6. Here the Oath is administered, not ex Officio, upon the judge's pleasure, and their own authority, but upon the just complaint of another.  
In the other ex Officio, is a proceeding upon their own authority, and the framing of a bill upon their own imagination against the party called before them, letting the wicked accuser lurk in a corner, or else to be gone, till they can ripen the 〈◊〉.   

7. Here is an Oath given to make an end of the controversy; to clear the party, and the 〈◊〉 to rest satisfied.  
In the other the Oath ex Officio, is to begin a controversy, not to clear the party, but 〈◊〉 breed him more and greater trouble, for they will not be satisfied, though they have no just matter against him, but if they let him depart, it's by making him enter into a bond of appearance again, whensoever they 〈◊〉 call him.  
Lastly 〈◊〉 the Oath is administered only touching the particular cause in hand. That is administered upon many captious interrogatories, that by all or some of them, the party may be catched, and brought into danger.    
We see from all this, that hence is no 〈◊〉 for their wickedness, but is rather against them.  
Touching the other Scripture, though in a criminal cause of adultery, Numb. 5. 19 yet it helps them nothing, thus to tyrannize over Ministers and others.  

1. It was a Law (all the circumstances and means used) peculiar to the Jews, because of the man's jealousy against his wife, to satisfy him to prevent further mischief; but with us no such means is allowed to satisfy the jealousy of the Husband against his wife.  
2. This was to take an Oath against herself; which our Law alloweth not.  
3. Here the Oath, was not a bare Oath, but 〈◊〉 Oath of cursing, to which he was to say Amen, Amen, such a kind of Oath we use not to 〈◊〉.  
4. Besides the Oath with a curse, other means were used, by which the truth should be made undoubtedly to appear, as the Text doth show, so as the taking of an Oath in a matter of such 〈◊〉, served not the turn, to take away the husband's jealousy.  
5. In this case, the woman found guilty 〈◊〉 plagued of God; but if she were 〈◊〉 she received a blessing from God, verse 28.   
Lastly yet this was not allowed to be done by the Lord, but when there was no witness against her, or she 〈◊〉 taken in the fact, verse 13.  
These holy 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are therefore 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, to make God speak for them, who, as I have proved, is 〈◊〉 them.   

The Conclusion.  
IT cannot be sufficiently admired, in these 〈◊〉 distracted days, that Bishops the Reverend Fathers in our Church, should be from time to time so opposed, as they have been. First they have been prayed against. Second preached against. Thirdly written against. Fourthly witnessed against, by suffering persecution, suspension, excommunication, deprivation, degradation, also whipping, pillory, the cropping off of the ears, the slitting of Noses, fining deeply, and imprisonment unto death. Fiftly, & I hope lastly resisted with the sword, as if men desired and intended wholly the rooting out of those so eminent persons, from the Churches of Christ, as if Enemies to peace, to preaching, to the power of godliness & all goodness, and as if they were limbs of that Romish Antichrist, Lovers of that 〈◊〉 of Rome, secret nourishers of Superstition, lawless Innovators in matters of religion, Such as makd way for 〈◊〉 to the Sea of Rome, the very chief troublers of Church and State, minding only how to uphold their hierarchy, and prelatical Church, though with the ruin of the King and his kingdoms.  
But for better discovery of the truth, here is laid before every judicious Reader, their way and walking, that all may see that will see, and not mistake, but be enforced to acknowledge them to be such, as they are before the face of God, and all good men, who can truly judge aright between them, and all those which so condemn them.  
It cannot be denied that they prove themselves to be Bishops, superiors to Elders in dignity, from Ti●…hy and Titus whom the 〈◊〉 Postscripts to the Epistles of Saint Paul make to 〈◊〉 Bishops; This is their divine ground on which they build their worthy standing, and well may they. For they follow all the rules and exhortations given to these two Bishops by Saint Paul very exactly, and punctually to every thing, being strongly fenced with Saint Paul's authority in all their doings.  
1. They conceive Bishops to be superiors in office, and dignity, to Elders.  
For they read that Saint Paul maketh Bishops and Elders all one, Tit. 1. 5. 7. 1 Tim. 3. 1. as the fo●…mer treatise doth declare, and if Elders pastors and Ministers be not one and the same, the Apostle hath not, in directing 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉, told what a one a Minister of Christ should be.  
2. They claim Jurisdiction over Ministers and others.  
For Ti●…hy and Titus were extraordinary men, who were substituted for a time, in Sain●…Pauls absence, to do 
1 Tim. 1. 3. and 3. 14. 15. Tit. 1: 5.  what he was to do, had he been in person there.  
But they 〈◊〉 not, nor 〈◊〉 any 〈◊〉 made of any power of jurisdiction invested in those which the Apostle doth call 〈◊〉: in his describing of a Bishop, in 1 Tim 3. 1. and in Tit. 1. 7, 8. 9 no one word is there of jurisdiction.  
3. They challenge ordination to themselves, imposition of hands and making of Ministers.  
For they find it written, that imposition of hands was in the 〈◊〉, 1 Tim. 4. 14. and that more than one laid on hands, Acts 13. 3. and ordained Ministers, 
Laid their hands.  Acts 14. 23. and 〈◊〉, Acts 6 6. and they also read, that Saint Paul said to 〈◊〉, lay hands suddenly 
They ordained.  on no man; he saith not, lay thy hands, as if he alone 
They laid their hands on them.  were to do it, but lay hand, to wit, with other on no man; when they would ordain any, which expositio●… the words following do confirm, neither b●… partak●…rs of other 〈◊〉 sins, that is, if they would sin in misor 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 on such with them, and be guilty of sin with them: So is the place in Titus of his ordaining Elders to be understood, Tit. 1. 5. for its not probable, that Saint Paul would give authority to either Timothy or Titus, which he never 〈◊〉 to himself alone, but when he ordained Elders, others therein were with him, Acts 14. 23.  
4. These have made many 〈◊〉.  

1. To an other kind of Office, to read service, for they read their Office was to care for the poor, Act. 6.  

2. Very young, and v●…o 〈◊〉:  
For they find it written, that the first 〈◊〉 were honest men, full of the holy Ghost and wisdom, Acts 6. 3. and that Paul would have them grave (not light headed lads) holding the ministry of Faith with a pure conscience, &c. 1 Tim. 3. 8. 9    
5. These have made dumb Ministers, and many other very unfit for the ministry. For they find it written, that Saint Paul will have his Minister, pastor, and Elder to be 〈◊〉 to teach, holding fast the faithful word, and to be able by sound Doctrine to exhort and convince 〈◊〉; as also to be 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉, of good behaviour &c. 1 Tim. 3. 1. ●…. Tit. 1. 9 Not a Novice, least being lifted up with pride, he fall into the condemnation of the devil, 1 Tim. 3. 6.  
6. These do●… not constantly employ themselves, in the preaching of the word,  
For they find it written, that Saint Paul would with a vehement exhortation have Bishop Timothy to preach the word, to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in season, and out of season, &c. 2 Tim. 4. 1. 2. and to 〈◊〉 to reading, exhortation, and doctrine, and wholly to give himself 〈◊〉, 1 Ti●…. 4. 13. 15.  
7. These, at least not a few of them, have their families not very orderly, not very religiously demeaning themselves.  
For they read, that Saint P●…l would have ●…Bishop not given to Wine, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉 house, ●…Tim. 3. 3. 4.  
8. These (some of them, all know) are covetous, not hospital, nor lovers of goodmen, but bitter against them.  
For they find it written by Saint Paul, that his Bishop must be given to hospitality, not c●…s, nor greedy of filthylucre, a Lover of good men, just, 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉, 1 Tim. 3. ●…. 3. Tit. ●…. 8. and a pattern of good works. Tit. ●…. 7.  
9 These speak roughly to Elders called before them, and easily receive accusations and informations against them, and without proof of witnesses will proceed against them. For they find it written, rebuke not an Elder, but entreat him, as a Father, and against an Elder receive 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, but before 2. or 3. witnesses, 1 Tim. 4. 1. 9  
10. These be deadly Enemies unto all heretical Spirits.  

1. For some of them under pretence writing against Jesuites, do strike through the sides of the truly zealous defenders of the truth, and the very truth itself, cunningly upholding popish tenants.  
2. For that in their late (so called Sacred sy●…d) they silently p●…c over 〈◊〉, the S●…n heresy, not touching upon it; but the favourers of this way get up to preferment.  
3. For that 〈◊〉, that damned and cursed heresy is not laid open, to be certainly known of all, that it might be discovered, and the heretics themselves be so sound out and duly punished.  
4. For that the A●…s and S●…s known, as also convicted Papists, are never called before them, not proceeded against.   
For they find it written, by Saint Paul to Archbishop Titus, that a man that is an 〈◊〉, after the first and second 〈◊〉 to be rejected, Tit. 3. 10.  
How really and exactly observant these reverend Fathers be of all S. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and constitutions, may hereby appear to all their Adversaries, who hitherto have so much and so often, for a long time, complained so bitterly against them, and their sacred proceedings.  
And who seeth not, that these reverend 〈◊〉 Lord-Bishops deserve their honour, that they walk worthy their places, and are to be maintained for church's welfare, and the common wealth's happiness, till Antichrist's downfall, and the utter ruin of Rome, which all Christians have good cause to pray for, especially if we take into our wise consideration these few things in brief.  
1 That all their proceedings are by book, even altogether contrary to that which is written, as hath been declared.  
2. That they make Canons such as they please, and without confirmation by act of Parliament, and yet violently urge them, as Law, upon his majesty's Subjects, and do frame Articles out of them by oath to be observed.  
3. That whatsoever in the Statute laws, or in their own Canons they find useful for themselves, in their way they diligently bend themselves, to have them carefully observed, but as for all the rest, which perhaps may be such as tend to true piety, sound doctrine, faithful discharge of good duties to God, and to man, and for an holy life and conversation, they far less regard, and for the most part pass them over.  
4. That in afflicting punishments there is more respect to the persons hability, what he is able to pay, than the amendment of his life, the Lord knows it.  
5. That they generally suffer foul abuses in the Church, not conscionably seeking a redress thereof, which yet are in their power to reform, if they would seriously as in God's presence, take it into hand, and let petty matters alone, and fall upon the removing of greater enormities, even reigning sins which provoke God to wrath, in all sorts of persons; both of the higher degrce (commonly let alone) and of the lower rank meddled with only for the purse sake.  
6. That they notoriously abuse generally all the people of the Land with the name of the Church of England, undor which name they countenance themselves, their prelatical power, and their own sole doings, which few take notice of, but all may easily observe it in their proceedings, both before the convocation gathered, in the time of the convocation, and after its broken up.  

Before the Convocation.  
1. One, the greatest, which aweth all the rest, with the assistance of two or three Lording Spirits (such as care not to turn all upside down, so they may be sure to hold their standing) consult of matters which they hold most fit, and having concluded what to do within themselves, they propound them to the rest of the Bishops their fearful brethren, who dare not but say as they say, when they meet together, thus the Church beginneth.  
2. To further their designs, clerks in the country, for the Convocation house must be chosen, but not freely by the Ministers as they ought, but picked out by the Bishops in their own diocese, such as they know will be sure cards for them, and propound them to be chosen of the overawed Parsons and Vicars who dare not for their cares gainsay them: and thus the Bishops make up a park for their lordship's purposes: having made ready their clerks, they call together their sum pporters, all the D●…s, all the Arch-Deacons, and who else must be personally there in that Assembly, men known for the most part to be very faithful to their lordship's honourable standing, to make up the representative body of the Church of England. Thus they (the Church forsooth) go to lay a sure foundation for themselves, before the Convocation be brought together.  
3. But here note, that the Church consists of the Laity, as well as of the 〈◊〉, Acts 15. ●…, so as if the house of parliament, lower, and upper, be not of them, but secluded, they are not the representative body of the Ch●… of England, but of the clergy only, and the Prel●… Church.   

In the time of their sitting.  
1. All these Priests and clerks sit there to gaz●… 〈◊〉 upon another, and to whisper of matters nothing o●… 〈◊〉 to the purpose of their meeting, but wait for their 〈◊〉 from their Lordships, like school boys.  
2. When they have received their directions, a bo●… see are so seizeth upon almost all of them, as thereby thy are moved to agree to contradict nothing; but if it so happen that some take courage (a rare virtue among them) for the truth, and do oppose in some material things, which cross their Lordly designments, Then,  
3. Either they labour by a strong side, and more in number (for the greatest and most are not ever the best) to make them yield, or to say nothing: or else (to get their Canons pass) They devise a time, when the better sort, all or most, are away, to finish the work, & thus the Church of England makes here decrees to all her beloved children, but yet are of no force without an act of parliament:   

After the Convocation is dissolved.  
1. If any matter be not only in show questionable, but is justly to be questioned, their Lordships by their sole wisdom in their several di●…sse, must interpret the meaning, and men must also rest satisfied, though the meaning given be absurd, for its a folly to go from a Bishop to an Archbishop, time hath taught men their lost la●…our therein.  
2. If in time the One great one, and some two three, or four bethink themselves of any course better befitting their secret plots and intentions, in altering, in adding, or taking from, in any innovation whatsoever, than they have ways to bear out all these their doings, with gaining help of royal declarations, and proclamations to bear them out, which being settled in peace, than they become the orders allowed by the Church.  
And thus may all wise men see, who are this Church of England; one with two, three, or four of the diocesan Lord-Bishops, for they find it written, (with clipping the text) that if two of them, much more three or four, with a body of ciphers, be gathered together and agree in the Convocation house touching any thing, it shall be done. Mat. 18. 19  
O Lord open the eyes of our 〈◊〉, both to see, and consider, and also to 〈◊〉 against these 〈◊〉 Lord Bishops, to make them Bishops indeed, or else to remove them, 〈◊〉 very ill 〈◊〉 the Church and State.  
Let them fall by their own counsels, and let all the people of God say Amen.    
FINIS.   

Twenty irrefragable POSITIONS.  
1. 
THat Bishops Jure divino, are superiors to other Ministers.  2. 
They are Diocesan Bishops by divine right.  3. 
They are worthily called Lord Bishops.  4. 
They may very well busy themselves in civil affairs, and sit in Courts of justice  5. 
They need not preach often; but seldom or never, if they please.  6. 
They are Priests and may be so rightly called. Though they be Bishops, yet they forget not their Priesthood, but will be called Priests.  7. 
They stand for, and d●…c maintain all Ceremonies upon very good grounds.  8. 
They judge it necessary that what soever is amiss in the Church, should be carefully and speedily reformed, and this is evident to all.  9 
They may very well rule by their sole power alone.  10. 
Their high authority so lawful, they all obtain by very lawful means.  11. 
They may not forsake their sowarrantable Lordly prelatical standing.  12. 
No Bishops, no King, this is undeniable.  13. 
They stand wholly for a learned, grave painful and godly ministry.  14. 
They hate to flatter the King.  15. 
They greatly further the people's knowledge in divine things, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their ignorance.  16. 
They have a special care; that God being a spirit should have a spiritual worship, and this only according to his written word.  17. 
They prefer the church's union, and what God requireth to be done before their own Lordly dignity, and what they themselves command.  18. 
They be the greatest Enemies, that the Church of Rome hath here amongstus.  19 
They abhor all show of idolatry.  20. 
They may very lawfully minister the Oath ex Officio, to any whom they dare call before them.