Certain grievances, well worthy THE serious CONSIDERATION OF THE RIGHT honourable AND HIGH court OF PARLIAMENT.  
Set forth by way of Dialogue, or Conference between a country Gentleman, and a Minister of God's word; for the satisfying of those that do clamour, and maliciously revile them that labour to have the errors of the book of Common Prayer reformed.  
By Lewes Hewes, Minister of God's Word.  
Printed in the year 1640.   

A dialogue OR CONFERENCE, between A country Gentleman, and a Minister of God's word, about the book of Common Prayer.  Gentleman. 
I Am very glad that I have met with you, and did long to speak with you, that you might satisfy me in some things, concerning the book of Common Prayer; therefore I pray you, tell me truly (as I hope you will) is there any thing in it, contrary to God's word?  Minister. 
Yes verily, it is full of Popish errors, and doth appoint horrible blasphemies, and lying fables to be read to the people, in stead of God's holy word, and hath caused the Church of England to groan under the abominations of the Church of Rome, even from the infancy of it, in Queen Elizabeth's time, until this hour; and now there is great hope, that a time of refreshing and deliverance is at hand, through the blessing of God, on this Parliament.  Gent. 
I never heard any blasphemy, or lying fable read in the Church.  Min. 
I think so, because (it may be) that you were never in the Church on those days, wherein they are appointed to be read.  Gent. 
Upon what days are they appointed to be read.  Min. 
On the fourth of October, in the forenoon, it appointeth an horrible blasphemy to be read for the first lesson, out of the 12 of Toby and the ninth verse; where it is written, that alms do save from death, and purge away all sin: which is a main ground of Popery, and an horrible blasphemy against Christ and his blood, that cleanseth us from all sin, 1 John 1.7.  
Also in the 15. verse of that chapter, it is written, that there are seven Angels, that do present our prayers, which is an other horrible blasphemy against Christ, who only doth present our prayers, Rev. 8.3, 4.  Gent. 
These are horrible blasphemies indeed, I pray you let me hear some of the fables that are in it.  Min. 
On the fourth of October in the afternoon it appointeth a lying fable to be read out of the 11. of Toby, where it is written, that Toby going to the door to meet his Son Tobias coming from Rages did stumble, and that his son ran unto him, and laid the gall of a fish to his eyes, and that the whiteness did scale off, and he restored to his sight.  
On the 30. of September, another lying fable is appointed to be read of an angel that was sent to scale the whiteness from his eyes, and to give Sara the daughter of Raguel to his son Tobias in marriage, and to bind Asmodeus an evil spirit, that was in love with her, and had killed seven men that had been married unto her.  
On the first of October an other lying fable is appointed to be read, how Toby being about to send his son Tobias to Rages in Media for a wife, did bid him go and look for a man to go with him, & that he went & found an angel, & brought him to his Father, who promised to give the angel wages, and agreed with him what he should have by the day, and sent him with his son and his dog.  
On the third of October another lying fable is appointed to be read, how Tobias being come from Rages did call the angel unto him, & bade him take a servant and two camels, and go to Rages for money, and that the angel went and carried writings, which he delivered to Gabael, who brought bags of money sealed up, which he delivered to the angel.  Gent. 
O horrible, how have the Bishops deluded King Edward the sixt, Queen Elizabeth, King James, and our gracious King Charles, and the whole estate, and made them believe, that there was nothing in the Service Book contrary to God's word.  
God Almighty deliver us from them: now that you have showed me the blasphemies and lying fables; show also what are the Popish errors that are in it, and first tell me, whether the Service book doth command, that all both Ministers and people shall bow their bodies, when the name Jesus is read?  Min. 
The Bishops only, without any warrant from God, but from the Pope.  Gent. 
I have heard that the Name Jesus was a common name among the Jews, was it so?  Min. 
Yes, sirach of Jerusalem had a son whose name was Jesus, Eccles. 50.23. also Joshua the son of Nun was called Jesus, Acts 7.57. and one of Saint Paul's fellow labourers was called Jesus, Col. 4.11.  Gent. 
Why do the Bishops make an idol of the name Jesus, by causing men to bow their bodies, and to put off their hat when it is read?  Min. 
Because they mistake the word of God, where it is written, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, both of things in heaven, of things on earth, and of things under the earth, Phil. 2.10.  Gent. 
What is the name of Jesus?  Min. 
As by the name of our gracious King Charles is meant, not the name Charles, (which is a common name) but the authority and power that God hath given him over all people within his own dominions, as when men are pressed to the King's service, they are pressed in the King's name, that is, by virtue of authority and power from the King, even so, as by the name of King Charles is meant his authority and power, &c. so, by the name of Jesus is meant the authority and power, that God hath given him over all things in heaven and in earth, and under the earth.  Gent. 
What is meant by things in heaven?  Min. 
By things in Heaven are meant the holy Angels and souls of the faithful, that have no knees.  Gent. 
What is meant by things on earth?  Min. 
By things on earth, are meant all mankind living on earth, whether they be Elect or Reprobate.  Gent. 
What is meant by things under the earth?  Min. 
By things under the earth, are meant the devils and damned souls in hell.  Gent. 
What is meant by bowing of the knee?  Min. 
By bowing of the knee is meant subjection, Isa. 45.23. and not bowing of the body, when the name Jesus is read; as Pope Anastatius did command, An. 404.  Gent. 
What is meant by bowing of every knee, of things in heaven, of things on earth, and of things under the earth?  Min. 
Thereby is meant, that all the holy Angels and Saints in heaven, and all mankind on earth, and all the Devils and damned souls in hell shall submit themselves to Christ, and acknowledge him to be Lord of all, and to have power over all, to save and to condemn whom he will.  Gent. 
What do you think of them that kneel when they receive the Communion bread?  Min. 
The Papists say, that they are Idolaters, because they kneel, and do not believe the real presence as they do.  Gent. 
Who was the first that brought in kneeling?  Min. 
Pope Honorius, about the year of our Lord, 1220. after that the error of Transubstantiation was hatched at the council of Lateran.  Gent. 
I have read in God's word, that the Apostles did not kneel when Christ himself delivered the bread unto them. I have read also in the book of Martyrs, that the ancient counsels in the Primitive Church did make Canons against kneeling, lest it should prove an occasion of Idolatry, ought not we to conform ourselves to our Saviour Christ and his Apostles, and to the Christians of the Primitive Church, rather than to the devil's Vicar general the Pope?  Min. 
Yes verily; for it is gross hypocrisy in us to make a show, as though we were more godly and zealous than the Apostles and Christians of the Primitive Church.  Gent. 
What other error do you find to be in the Service book?  Min. 
The interrupting of the Minister by the clerk, and the whole Congregation, is a foul error, and such an error and confusion, as doth much offend God; and that therefore many are unwilling to come into the Church, till the Service be all read.  Gent. 
How do they interrupt the Minister?  Min. 
By rehearsing his words with a loud voice, and by taking words out of his mouth, and by mingling their prayers with his. The Minister when he prayeth, is the mouth of the people, speaking to God for them: therefore they ought to be silent, till he hath done speaking, and then to say Amen. 1 Cor. 14.16. and not to interrupt him by rehearsing every word after him, as in the Confession of sin, when the Minister saith, almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed out of thy ways, like lost sheep: and in the litany, when he saith, O God the Father of heaven, have mercy upon us miserable sinners; the Minister must stop, and be silent, till the clerk and people, have with a loud voice rehearsed every word after him; in which time, it is impossible for the Minister to keep idle and by-thoughts, from coming into his mind.  
Also, when he prayeth for the King, saying, Lord save the King, they interrupt him, by mingling their prayer with his, saying, And mercifully hear us when we call upon thee. The Minister being interrupted and put out, in praying for the King, doth pray for Ministers, saying, endue thy Ministers with righteousness; they do then also interrupt him, by mingling their prayer with his, saying, And make thy chosen people joyful.  
Throughout the whole litany they do interrupt him by mingling their prayers with his. They do also, without any warrant from God, but from Pope Hormisda, interrupt the Minister, when he readeth the psalms, by taking every other verse out of his mouth, to read it for him with a loud, hackering and confused noise, especially in country Churches, where the people cannot read well.  
The Minister when he readeth or preacheth God's word, is the mouth of God, speaking to the people, therefore they ought to be silent, and to harken with reverence.  
When they read the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth verses of the fifty psalm, they are likened by some to women scolding and accusing one another. The clerk and people do begin to scold with, and to accuse the Minister, saying, When thou sawest a thief, thou consentedst unto him, and hast been partaker with adulterers; then the Priest accuseth the clerk, saying, Thou hast let thy tongue speak wickedness, and with thy tongue thou hast set forth deceit; then the clerk and people do set upon the Minister again, and do accuse him, saying, Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother, yea, thou hast slandered thine own mother's son.  Gent. 
I remember that in the Churching of women, the Minister is called Priest, tell me, I pray you, is that name a fit name for a Minister and Preacher of the gospel.  Min. 
No verily; For we read in God's Word, of no more orders of Priests, but of two, the order of Aaron, and the order of Melchisedech.  
Of the order of Aaron, were the levitical Priests, whose office was to offer Sacrifices, which together with the Sacrifices was abolished in Christ his death.  
Of the order of Melchisedech was Christ only, and shall remain Priest for ever.  
A third order of Priests is to be found nowhere, but in the mass-book, and in our service-book.  
The name Priest, belongeth to every Christian man and woman, as well as to the Minister, according as it is written, Revel. 1.6. that Christ hath made us Kings and Priests unto God: the meaning is that Christ hath made all the Elect, (men and women) Priests, to offer the Sacrifices of praise, and of thanks unto God.  Gent. 
What do you think of the Priest and clerk, when they do Church a woman?  Min. 
I will not tell what I think, but I will tell you what some do say.  Gent. 
What do they say?  Min. 
They say that the Priest is like a witch.  Gent. 
Why do they say that the Priest is like to a witch?  Min. 
Because he doth as a witch doth, when she saith the Lord's Prayer.  Gent. 
What doth a witch when she saith the Lord's Prayer?  Min. 
She leaves out these words, but deliver us from evil, and so doth the Priest, when he doth church a woman.  Gent. 
Why will not a Witch say these words?  Min. 
Because the devil will not let her, till she hath bewitched so many as he would have her: For by the evil that is prayed against in that petition, is meant the devil, and the sin whereunto he tempteth: therefore the devil will not have her to say these words, because when she saith them, she prayeth, that God will deliver her from him, and the witchery whereto he tempteth her.  
The Priest doth also skip over the conclusion of the Lord's Prayer, for thine is the kingdom, power and glory: and therein also they say that he is like to a witch, when she doth say her creed; for when she saith the second Article, And in Jesus Christ his only son, she skips over these words, our Lord, and so doth the Priest slip over the conclusion of the Lord's Prayer.  Gent. 
Saint Luke leaves it out, therefore the Priest may leave them out, Luke 11.4.  Min. 
It followeth not, that therefore the Minister may leave them out; for Saint Luke did not write any thing of himself, but what the holy Ghost would have him to write.  Gent. 
Why would not the Holy Ghost have him to write them?  Min. 
Because it was sufficient, that Saint Matthew had writ them, Mat. 6.13.  Gent. 
Some do think, because Saint Mark and Saint John do make no mention of the Lord's Prayer, that therefore the Minister may omit the reading of it, and that because the Evangelists and the Apostles did not use to say it as a prayer, therefore none, neither Minister nor People ought to use it as a prayer.  Min. 
The truth is, that our Saviour Christ did make it for all Christians to use as a prayer, and also for a pattern to pray by.  Gent. 
Where do you find that our Saviour Christ would have it used as a prayer?  Min. 
In the 11. chapter of the Gospel written by Saint Luke, and the second verse, where it is written, that our Saviour said; When you pray say, Our Father which, &c.  Gent. 
Where do you find that our Saviour would have it used for a pattern?  Min. 
In the sixt chapter of the Gospel written by Saint Matthew, and the ninth verse, where it is written, that our Saviour said, After this manner pray you, Our Father which, &c.  Gent. 
Why will not the Witch acknowledge Christ to be the Lord?  Min. 
Because the devil would have her to take him, and not Christ for her Lord.  Gent. 
Why do some say, that the Priest and clerk when they do Church a woman, are like to a couple of Players acting their parts.  Min. 
Because the Priest doth skip over these words, but deliver us from evil, and doth leave them to the clerk to say for his part; and as soon as the clerk hath said them, the Priest saith, Lord save this woman thy servant, than the clerk comes in again, with his part saying, which putteth her trust in thee; then the Priest, as though he would not have the woman to put her trust in him, turns her over to the clerk, and bids him be unto her a strong Tower: then the clerk answereth and showeth wherein saying, from the face of their enemy.  Gent. 
This is a very strange kind of giving God thanks for womens' safe deliverance, from the pain and peril of child birth.  Min. 
It is indeed, and no small grief to honest women, not only because there is no thanks given to God for their safe deliverance from the pain and peril of childbirth, but also because thanksgiving is turned to a Jewish kind of purification: for they must come with a veil to cover their faces after the Jewish manner, signifying thereby, that by childbearing they were made unclean, and that they were ashamed of their uncleanness, or that they had played the harlots, and were ashamed to show their faces, and Juda thought that Thamar was an harlot, because her face was covered with a veil, Gen. 33.14, 15.  
It is a great offence, not only to honest women, but also to every true Christian man, to see his wife go to the Church like a Jew, or like an Harlot.  Gent. 
Many do say, that the manner of administering the holy Sacrament of baptism prescribed in the Service book is very absurd, and full of popish errors, and so ridiculous as they cannot but laugh at it; I pray you tell me, what do you find in it to be so absurd and ridiculous, as they can not but laugh at it?  Min. 
The interrogatories ministered to infants that have no understanding; and the answer of the Godfathers and Godmothers are so absurd and ridiculous, as they cannot but laugh at them: as first, the Minister must examine the infant, and ask him, if he doth forsake the devil and all his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, the covetous desires of the same, the carnal desires of the flesh, so as he will not follow nor be led by them: he must also ask him, if he doth believe all the Articles of the Christian faith, and if he will be baptised in that faith?  Gent. 
Were not these interrogations administered to infants in the Primitive Church?  Min. 
No, these or the like were then administered to such as were of years, when they were converted and came to be baptised, and afterwards commanded by the Pope to be administered to infants.  Gent. 
What answer doth the Godfathers and Godmothers give?  Min. 
They give no answer, but do counterfeit the infant's voice (as if he were a conjured Ghost) speaking within them, and answering to the first interrogation, concerning the devil and all his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, the covetous desires of the same, and the carnal desires of the flesh, that he doth forsake them all; and to the second and third, concerning the Articles of the Christian faith, that he doth believe them all; and that he doth desire to be baptised in that faith.  Gent. 
What doth the Minister after he hath received these feigned answers?  Min. 
He doth baptise the Infant, and doth mark him on the forehead with a cross, which doth offend many, because they take it to be the mark of the Beast, mentioned Rev. 14.9.  Gent. 
Why do they take it to be the mark of the Beast?  Min. 
Because there is no one thing in all Popery, set on the forehead, and on the hand, but a cross; made on the forehead by the Priest in baptism, and by the Bishop on the right hand in Confirmation, saying, Signaculum, Christi, in manu tua dextra trado tibi: therefore they say, that it is a mark wherewith the Beast doth cause all that are of his Church to be marked; according as it is written, that he hath made all, both small and great, rich and poor, bond and free, to receive a mark on the forehead, and on the right hand, Rev. 13.16.  
It is written, Rev. 14.9. that if any receive his mark on the forehead, and on the hand, he shall drink of the Wine of the wrath of God, therefore some do keep their children unbaptised, rather than have them marked with the mark of the beast.  Gent. 
What fault do they find with the prayers that are made at the administration of baptism?  Min. 
They find fault with the Popish errors that are in them, as in the first prayer before baptism, it is written, that God hath sanctified the flood Iorden, and all other waters, to the mystical washing away of sin. The truth is, that there is no mystical washing away of sin in water, but a real and true washing away of sin in the blood of Christ, 1 Ioh. 1.7. The water in baptism doth but signify, that as foul things are washed and made clean in water, so the souls of the Elect, defiled with sin, are made clean in the blood of Christ, 1 Ioh. 1.7.  
In another prayer, the Minister prayeth that the Infant may receive remission of sins, by spiritual regeneration. The truth is, that the children of God have their sins forgiven, and are sanctified by faith, Rom. 5.1. and not by spiritual regeneration, which is but an effect of faith, purifying the heart, Act. 15.9. or to speak more plainly, it is God that justifieth, Rom. 8.33. by accepting of the sufferings and obedience of Christ, as a sufficient recompense and satisfaction, and doth by faith assure the hearts of his children, that for the merits of the sufferings and obedience of Christ, his wrath is pacified, and his Justice satisfied.  
In another prayer, thanks is given to God for regenerating the Infant with his holy Spirit. The truth is, that the children of God do receive the Spirit of God to regenerate them, not by sprinkling of water in baptism, but by hearing the gospel preached, 2 Cor. 3.8. Act. 10.44. To make mention of all the Popish errors that are in other prayers and Collects, would be too tedious.  Gent. 
What do they say of the catechism in the Service book?  Min. 
They say, that it is full of Popish errors, as first in the rubric before the catechism, it is written, that Children baptised, have all things necessary to salvation, and are undoubtedly saved. The truth is, that they have no knowledge of sin, nor of the wrath and curse of God due to sin, nor of Christ, nor of the Articles of the Christian faith, and therefore have neither faith nor repentance, without which none can be saved. It is true, that Infants, borne of the Elect, are undoubtedly saved, by virtue of God's everlasting covenant of grace, so many as are of the number of the Elect, I say, so many as are of the number of the Elect, because many of the Elect, that are now Saints in heaven, have brought forth children that are Reprobates and damned souls in hell: For, Adam had Cain as well as Abel, and Abraham had Ishmaell as well as Isaac, and Isaac had Esau, whom God hated, as well as Jacob, whom God loved.  Gent. 
This error, you say, is in the rubric, what error is in the catechism?  Min. 
In the catechism, it is affirmed, that Christ hath redeemed all mankind. The truth is, that Christ came into the world, not to redeem all mankind, but the Elect only; therefore the Evangelist S. Luke setting forth the genealogy of Christ, beginneth from Joseph, and ascendeth to Adam, and from Adam doth descend to Sheth, who was the first of the Elect that was borne after the death of Abel, and maketh no mention of Cain, nor of any of his posterity. And S. Matthew, beginning from Abraham, and from Abraham descendeth to Isaac, and from Isaac to Jacob, and maketh no mention of Ishmaell, nor of Esau, nor of any that came of them.  
Also our Saviour Christ saith, that he gave his life a ransom for many, Mat. 20.28. and that his blood was shed for many, Mat. 26.28. He doth not say, that his blood was shed for all mankind, but for many, that is, for the Elect only, who are many, though but few in comparison of the multitude that are Reprobates.  
It is also affirmed in the catechism, that we are made the children of God in baptism.  
The truth is, that whosoever is not a child of God, before he be baptised, shall never be a child of God, because all that are the children of God, were (before the world was) made the children of God, by virtue of God's eternal decree of election. It also affirmeth, that there are two Sacraments generally as necessary to salvation; intimating that the Sacraments are necessary to salvation, so as if a child die before he be baptised, he shall be damned, which is the cause that midwives do take upon them to baptize. Intimating also, that there are more Sacraments than two; therefore it is written in the rubric before the Communion, that every Parishioner shall communicate thrice in the year, and also receive the Sacraments; meaning the five Popish Sacraments: For there are none other.  
It affirmeth also, that Godfathers and Godmothers, do promise and vow three things, first, that the Infant shall forsake the devil and all his works, the pomps and vanities of the wicked world, and all the sinful lusts of the flesh; secondly, that he shall believe all the Articles of the Christian faith; thirdly, that he shall keep God's holy will and commandments, and walk in the same all the days of his life, which no man is able to do of himself.  
The truth is, that the Godfathers and Godmothers, do neither promise nor vow, that the Infant shall do these things.  Gent. 
What then do they?  Min. 
They do nothing, but counterfeit the infant's voice, as if he were a conjured Ghost within every one of them, speaking and saying, that he doth all these things.  Gent. 
Are there any other things that do offend and discourage the people from coming into the Church till service be all read?  Min. 
Yes.  Gent. 
What are they?  Min. 
They are the perverting of the meaning of the holy Ghost, in many places of the psalms, Epistles, and Gospels, by putting in, and leaving out of words, and also of the meaning of our Saviour Christ in many places of the Revelation.  Gent. 
Wherein is the meaning of the holy Ghost perverted, by putting in and leaving out of words?  Min. 
In the psalm 106.30. Phineas prayed, are put in for Phineas executed judgement. Psal. 105. Not obedient, are put in for, not disobedient. Psal. 125. these words, The rod of the ungodly cometh not on the lot of the righteous, are put in, for resteth not on the lot of the righteous. In the Epistle on Monday in Easter week, these words, Israel remembered, are put in, for, He, that is, God remembered. To make mention of all the places in the psalms, Epistles, and Gospels, would be too tedious.  Gent. 
You said, that the service book doth pervert the meaning of Christ in diverse places of the Revelation, I pray you show me some of those places.  Min. 
The fourteenth Chapter is appointed to be read on Childermas day, after the Popish manner, for an Epistle, of purpose to pervert the meaning of Christ.  Gent. 
What was the meaning of Christ in that Chapter?  Min. 
The meaning of Christ in that chapter, was, and now is, to show, that in time of greatest persecutions, when the heathen persecuting Emperors, and after them the Popes did rage most against the Christian Religion, and professors thereof, Christ had his Church (though invisible) 144000 preserved by him, and kept chaste and undefiled with spiritual fornication of Idolatry.  Gent. 
How is the meaning of Christ perverted?  Min. 
By misapplying that to children slain by Herod, which was written of Christians persecuted and slain by the Heathen persecuting Emperors and Popes.  Gent. 
Why doth the Pope pervert the meaning of Christ, by misse-applying that to the children slain by Herod, which was written of Christ and his Church, persecuted by the Heathen Emperors and the Popes.  Min. 
The Pope, and so many of our Lord Bishops, as are Popish, do pervert the meaning of Christ, by causing that Chapter to be read on Childermas day, of purpose to keep weak Christians in blindness, so as they shall not be able to give an answer to the Papists, when they shall ask them, where their Religion and Church was an hundred years ago, before Martin Luther's time.  Gent. 
What other meaning had Christ in that Chapter?  Min. 
His meaning was to show that in his good time, he would give a free passage, and good success to the preaching of the gospel, as (Thanks be to his holy majesty) it hath had in many kingdoms since Martin Luther's time, and shall have every day more and more.  Gent. 
I am glad to hear this, I pray you go on, to show where the meaning of Christ is perverted.  Win. 
On Michaelmas day, the twelfth Chapter, from the seventh verse to the thirteenth, is appointed to be read for an Epistle, it being no Epistle, but a prophecy of a battle fought in heaven, between Michael and his angels, and the Dragon and his Angels, and of the victory that Michael and his Angels, had over the Dragon and his Angels; and of the casting of the Dragon and his Angels out of Heaven.  Gent. 
What is meant by Heaven?  Min. 
By heaven is meant, not the highest heaven, but the Church of Christ militant here on earth.  Gent. 
What is meant by Michael and his Angels?  Min. 
By Michael and his angels are meant, Christ and his true followers, especially, the faithful Preachers of the gospel.  Gent. 
What is meant by the Dragon, and his Angels?  Min. 
By the Dragon and his Angels, are meant, the devil, and the Heathen persecuting Emperors, and the Popes.  Gent. 
What is meant by the battle?  Min. 
By the battle is meant persecutions, raised by the Heathen persecuting Emperors, and the Popes, and popish Princes, against the Christian Religion, and the professors thereof.  Gent. 
What is meant by the victory, that Michael and his angels, had over the Dragon and his Angels.  Min. 
By the victory, is meant the victories that Christ gave to Constantine the Christian Emperor, and that he hath, doth, and daily will give to Christian Princes, fighting his battle against Antichrist, and his partakers, and to the faithful Preachers, against false Teachers.  Gent. 
What is meant by the casting of the Dragon and his angels out of heaven?  Min. 
Thereby is meant the utter confusion and overthrow of Antichrist, by the spirit of Christ's mouth, that is, by the preaching of the gospel, so as he shall be deprived of all dignity, and shall have no place in heaven, that is, in the Church of God, to domineer any more, as thanks be to God, the Archbishop of Canterbury is deprived of all dignity, and shall never have place again in heaven, I mean in the Church of God, to domineer as he hath done.  Gent. 
Why is this Prophecy appointed to be read on Michaelmas day?  Min. 
It is appointed to be read on Michaelmas day, of purpose to pervert the meaning of our Saviour Christ, by misse-applying to Michael and all Angels in the highest Heaven, the victory that Christ hath and daily doth, and will (every day more and more) give to true Christians, that do follow him, fighting his battle against Antichrist.  Gent. 
I do hear many find fault with new orders that the Bishops have made, I pray you tell me what those orders are?  Min. 
They have made an order that the Communion Table shall be turned to an Altar, as Pope Sixtus did, to usher in Popery, about the year of our Lord 264. and that Churchwardens shall present their Minister, if he do not admonish the people to resort to him, and open their grief of conscience, that they may receive the benefit of absolution; as appeareth by Bishop Wren his book of Articles, Chap. 4. Art. 22. and that no prayer shall be made in the Church for sick persons, but according to the order prescribed in the Service book; Bishop Wren did bind the Churchwardens of his diocese, by an Oath, to present their Minister, if he did use any other form of prayer.  Gent. 
What form of prayer doth the service book prescribe for sick persons?  Min. 
It prescribeth no form to be used in the Church?  Gent. 
What then?  Min. 
The Minister must go home to their houses, and salute them, as the mass-house doth, saying, Peace be in this house, and to all that dwell in it; and when he is come where the sick person is, he must kneel, and read three or four lines of the litany, and Lord have mercy upon us, and the Lord's Prayer, till he comes to the last Petition, and hath read half of it; (Lead us not into temptation) the other half, (but deliver us from evil) he must leave (as the mass Priest doth) for the clerk to read; and then as soon as the clerk hath read it, the Minister must (as the mass-house doth) skip over the conclusion, For thine is the kingdom, power, and glory for ever; and in stead thereof, he and the clerk must read five versicles of a line or half a line long, and a short prayer, and an exhortation, and the Creed, and then absolve the sick person from all his sins, in the Name of the Father, son, and holy Ghost, and begins the absolution with an untruth, saying, that Christ hath left power to his Church, to absolve all sinners, that do truly repent and believe in him.  
The truth is, that Christ hath not given power to his Church, to forgive sins, and that there is no Church that doth take upon it to forgive sins, but the Synagogue of Satan, the Church of Rome, and so many of the Lord Bishops, and of the clergy of England, as are Popish, whose error is grounded upon their mistaking of the words of our Saviour Christ to Peter; I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven; whatsoever thou shalt lose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven.  Gent. 
What is meant by the kingdom of heaven?  Min. 
By the kingdom of heaven, is meant the Church of Christ on earth, where Christ doth rule and reign, by his word and holy Spirit, in the hearts and consciences of the Elect, and is commonly called the kingdom of grace.  Gent. 
What is meant by the keys of the kingdom?  Min. 
By the keys of the kingdom, are meant the grace and power that Christ gave to Peter and the rest of the Apostles, and their successors, to preach the gospel.  Gent. 
It is written, Luke 11.52. that Christ did reprove the Interpreters of the Law, because they did take away the key of knowledge from the people, what is meant by the key of knowledge?  Min. 
By the key of knowledge, is meant the opening and showing the true sense and meaning of the Scriptures, whereby the people are brought to the knowledge of God, and of him whom he hath sent Jesus Christ.  Gent. 
It is written, Mat. 23.13. that the Scribes and Pharisees did shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: how did they lock and shut it up?  Min. 
They did lock and shut the people out of heaven, by their unfaithfulness and idleness in opening and showing the true sense and meaning of the Scriptures, and by their false expounding and interpreting of the Scriptures.  Gent. 
Christ said to Peter, Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven; What is meant by losing and binding on earth and in heaven?  Min. 
By losing and binding on earth and in heaven, is meant the authority and power that Christ gave to Peter, and to the rest of the Apostles, and to every faithful Preacher, (not to forgive sins) but to declare and pronounce forgiveness of sins to all that by their preaching shall be brought to true faith and repentance; and that as verily as forgiveness of sins, is declared and pronounced, by preaching, to them that do truly repent and believe in Christ, so verily doth God, of his free mercy, forgive them their sins, for Christ his sake, and that as verily, as the wrath and judgements of God, are threatened to come on them that will not repent and believe in Christ; so verily, the wrath and judgements of God shall come upon them.  Gent. 
Go on, I pray you, as you have begun, to show the new orders.  Min. 
Another new order is, that none at their Table shall talk of the holy Sccriptures, nor of divine matters, and that Churchwardens shall present such as at their Table shall talk of the holy Scriptures, or of divine matters, Wren, Chap. 4. Art. 31.  Gent. 
Out upon't, this is a most devilish order; God Almighty, deliver us from Lord Bishops: this order doth make my heart to rise against them.  Min. 
It is indeed, a most devilish order, and showeth plainly, that if some of them might have their wills, they would forbid men to read the holy Scriptures at home in their houses, as in Churches they forbid the genealogy of Christ, the book of Canticles, both the books of Kings (save the eight first Chapters of the first book of Kings) and of Chronicles, and the book of Revelation, save some few pieces, that are appointed to be read for Epistles after the Popish manner.  Gent. 
Why will they not suffer the genealogy of Christ to be read to the people?  Min. 
They have no warrant for it from God, but from the Pope, who saith, that ignorance is the mother of devotion: therefore the Genealogy of Christ is forbidden to be read, of purpose to keep the people in blindness, not able to see the truth of God, in fulfilling his promise to Abraham, and to David, that Christ should come of them, and of their seed, nor to see that Christ came not only of Abraham, and of David, who were Jews, but also of Rahab, and of Ruth, who were Gentiles, and that therefore Christ, is not a Saviour of the Jews only, but also of us Gentiles.  Gent. 
Why is the book of Canticles forbid to be read?  Min. 
It is also forbid, of purpose to keep the people in blindness, not able to see the ardent love and affection of Christ towards them, lest thereby they should be stirred up to love Christ, and to be zealous of his glory, and to abhor the Pope, and his Antichristian Religion.  Gent. 
Why are the Books of Kings and of Chronicles forbid?  Min. 
Because they do show, that godly Kings did ever love God's true Prophets, and did harken unto them, and were zealous in maintaining the true Religion, and in suppressing Idolatry.  Gein. 
Why is the book of Revelation forbid?  Min. 
Because it showeth that Antichrist shall be destroyed, and that Rome shall be set on fire, and ruinated for ever; and that all that do live and die in the Romish Religion, trusting to the Pope's pardons, and their own merits, shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, and be cast into the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone.  Gent. 
I do wonder, that the godly Bishops, who in King Edward the sixt his time, did make the Service book, that they being godly, and so zealous of God's glory, as they did lay down their lives for the truth in Queen Mary's days, that they did so pester the Book with such horrible blasphemies, lying fables, and popish errors.  Min. 
We are much bound to praise God for them, and to judge charitably of them, because they were but newly crept out of the pit of darkness, the Church of Rome, and for want of a better, were glad to take the mass-book for their pattern. They were truly zealous of God's glory, according to the measue of knowledge that God did give unto them, and did suffer martyrdom in Queen Mary's time.  Gent. 
Wherefore did they suffer?  Min. 
They suffered for denying the Pope's supremacy, and for denying the bread and wine in the Lord's Supper, to be the body and blood of Christ.  Gent. 
I do also wonder much more at our Bishops, many of them being great learned men, that they should suspend, imprison, and deprive, so many godly Ministers, for refusing to subscribe to the Service book.  Min. 
It is a sign that the true fear of God is not in them; for, if it were, they would not dare to do as they have done.  Gent. 
Bishops have been ever since the Apostles time; have they not?  Min. 
The name B●shop, was a common name, given by the Apostles to every Preacher of the gospel, 1 Tim. 1.3. Tit. 1.7.  
From the Apostles time to the year of our Lord 334. there were in Rome (which is now the seat of Antichrist) thirty-three godly Preachers, commonly called Bishops, who suffered martyrdom for the truth, under the Heathen Emperors; only one of them did flee, and hide himself in the Hill Soracte, till the time of Constantine the first Christian Emperor, and then returned to Rome, and was the first Roman Bishop that escaped martyrdom, and had a great living bestowed upon him by Constantine. So also had diverse other Bishops, whereupon many of them, (living in wealth) did in short time, after the death of Constantine, grow idle and proud; especially, one of them, on whom Constantine had bestowed great revenues, which made him so proud and stout, as he did overtop all the other Bishops, not only in Rome, but also throughout the whole Empire, and did alter, chop, and change, and add his own devices to the public worship and service of God, and did make Canons for the establishing, and putting of his devices in practice, and through the power of Satan, by false doctrines, signs, and lying wonders, did seduce the Christian Emperors that succeeded Constantine, and drew them to acknowledge him the head of the Church, and vicar of Christ, which made him so proud and potent, as he did subdue and bring under the Emperors, and took upon him to excommunicate diverse of them, and to curse them, with bell, book, and candle.  
Henricus the Emperor, being excommunicated, came in submissive manner to be absolved, and (in the cold winter, in frost and snow) did wait at the Bishop's gate, with his wife and child, barefoot and bareleg, three days and three nights, before he could have audience.  
Frederick the Emperor, was made to hold his stirrup, and to lie down on the ground for him to tread on his neck; and at length, the Bishop of Rome came to be the great red Dragon, Rev. 12.3. and with his long tail of false doctrine, flattery, promises, and preferments, did draw the third part of the stars of heaven, that is, so many of the other Bishops, as were not sound in heart, and did cast them to the earth, that is, drew them to be earthly minded, like himself, and to give over studying sound divinity, and to join with him in studying how to supplant the Christian Religion.  Gent. 
From this that you have said, I do gather, that they whom Christ, by his Apostles, did ordain and appoint to Preach the gospel, and not only they, but also all that were in the primitive Church, lawfully called to preach the gospel, were Bishops de jure divino, of divine institution. How long, I pray you, did they continue to be de jure divino?  Min. 
They continued to be de jure divino, till they came to be Antichrists, that is, adversaries to Christ, than they fell from being Bishops, de jure divino, of divine institution, and came to be Bishops de jure Pontificio, of the Pope's institution, who is therefore called Pater Patrum, the Father of the Fathers, meaning the Bishops, therefore to distinguish the Bishops, that are de jure Pontificio, of the Pope's institution, from the godly Bishops, that were de jure divino, of divine institution, they commonly called Prelates, or Lord Bishops.  Gent. 
Why are they called Prelates?  Min. 
The word, Praelati, Prelates, cometh of praeferor, to prefer: therefore they are called Praelati, Prelates, because they are preferred, and do prefer themselves, before and above their brethren and fellow Ministers.  Gent. 
Why are they called Lord Bishops?  Min. 
They are called Lord Bishops, because they do Lord it over their brethren, and over God's heritage, 1 Pet. 5.3. and have been the chief supplanters and persecutors of the Christian Religion, ever since the title of Prelates and Lord Bishops was given unto them.  
In Queen Mary's time, bloody Bonner, Lord Bishop of London, and Gardner, Lord Bishop of Winchester, were fierce and cruel, like Dragons, in shedding Christian blood, and in supplanting the Christian Religion, planted by King Edward the sixt, till God in mercy, did bring Queen Elizabeth to the crown; then, when in her first Parliament, the House was about to establish the true Religion, the Lord Bishops that were of the House, being nine in number, did stand up to cry it down, and to have the Romish Religion continued; but thanks be to God they prevailed not.  
When Queen Elizabeth came to the crown, few or none did study Divinity in the Universities, therefore Tradesmen (such as were of honest life and conversation) were made Ministers to read Service, and in stead of Preaching, to read Homilies, till the Lord Jesus (in his good time) did thrust forth Labourers into his harvest, out of the Universities, who did discover the Popish errors, wherewith the Service book was pestered, and the unlawfulness of the Romish Ceremonies. Then the Lord Bishops (who till then were quiet) did bestir themselves to disturb the peace of the Church, and to bring in a cursed division; according to the words of our Saviour Christ, Luke 12.51. think you that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, nay, but rather division; which cursed division hath continued ever since; and in every Parliament since that time till now, when humble Petitions were made for Reformation, the Lord Bishops only, and such as were seduced by them, and made to believe that the Ceremonies were lawful, and that there was nothing in the Service book contrary to God's Word, did bend all their forces against Reformation.  
In the latter end of Queen Elizabeth's reign, when she began to be sickly, and not like to live long, than Doctor Bancroft Lord Bishop of London, knowing that King James was to succeed her, and fearing that his Majesty would reform things amiss in the public worship and service of God, and in the government of the Church, did licence a book written by a Jesuit that he kept in his house, wherein it was written, that it was in the Pope's power, as a gift appropriate to Saint Peter's chair, to depose the Kings of England, and to give authority to the people to elect, choose, and set up another.  
As then, so now, it is thought, that the Archbishop of Canterbury fearing this Parliament, hath devised an oath, to stir up so many as he can, to resist the Reformation, that many do pray for, and hope to see, to the glory of God.  Gent. 
There was a little book written of late, and dedicated to the House of Parliament, that had most of those things in it, that you have spoken of, concerning the Service book and the Bishops.  Min. 
There was so, but the Author whereof is much grieved every time that he doth think upon it, because it was dispersed without his consent, and printed false, by putting in & leaving out of words, so as it was not fit to be presented to the House of Parliament.  Gent. 
It made mention of Judgements that God hath showed upon the Church; I pray you show me what those Judgements were.  Min 
The most remarkable, and fearful Judgement, was showed on the Parish Church of Withcombe, in Devonshire, being a very fair Church, newly trimmed, having a very fair Tower, with great and small Pinnacles, one of the famousest Towers in the West part of England.  
On the 21. of October 1638. in service time, was heard a fearful Thunder, much like the noise or report of great Cannons, and a most strange and fearful darkness, and a strong loathsome smell of brimstone; and a fearful blast, that struck in at the North side of the Tower; and tearing through a strong stone wall, came into the Church, through the highest Window, and took with it a great part thereof; and with a mighty power struck against the North-side wall of the Church, and did batter and shake it very much; and went towards the Pulpit, and in the way took with it the Lime and Sand from the wall, and grated the wall, and defaced it, being newly whited; and tore away the side desk of the Pulpit; and coloured the Pulpit black, and left it moist, as if it had been newly wiped over with ink.  
There was also a most fearful Lightning, which did affright the people, and scalded them so, as the most part of them fell down, some on their knees, some on their faces, and some one upon another crying.  
The Ministers wife had her ruff and linen next her body burnt off, and her body grievously scorched.  
One Mistress Ditford sitting in the Seat with her, had her Gown, two waistcoats, and her linen next her body grievously scorched.  
Another woman running out of the Church, had her clothes set on fire, her body scorched, and her flesh torn on her back in grievous manner.  
One Master Hill, a Gentleman, had his head smit against the wall, and died the next day.  
Sir Richard Reinolds Warriner, had his head cloven, his skull rent in three pieces, whereof two fell into the next Seat, the other fell in the Seat where he sat; his brains fell entire and whole into the next Seat behind him; his Blood dashed against the wall; some of the skin of his head, flesh, and hair, to the quantity of an handful, was carried into the chancel, and stuck fast upon one of the Posts, between the Church and the chancel; his Body was left in the Seat, as though he had been alive, sitting asleep, and leaning upon his elbow, resting on the desk before him, with the forepart of his head and face whole.  
A man that sat next unto him, in the same seat was scalded, and burned all over, on that side next unto the warrener.  
In the second Seat behind the warrener, a man was in a most grievous manner burnt, and scalded all over his body, so as he was all over like raw flesh, and lived in great misery about a week.  
A dog near the chancel door, was whirled up three times, and fell down dead.  
Some seats in the body of the Church were torn up, and turned up-side down, and they that sat in them had no harm, notwithstanding that they were thrown out of them into other seats, four or five seats higher.  
About the number of eight boys, sitting about the rails of the Communion Table, were taken up and thrown on heaps within the rails, and had no hurt.  
A man sitting on the Church beer, at the lower end of the Church, had the beer torn in pieces under him, and himself thrown into a seat by the wall and had no hurt.  
A beam broke in the middle, and fell between the Minister and the clerk, and hurt neither.  
The Church was very much defaced, and torn, and a great stone near the foundation, was torn out and removed.  
Stones were thrown out of the Tower, as thick as if there had been an hundred men throwing them, some of such weight and bigness, as no man was able to lift.  
One of the Pinnacles of the Tower was thrown down into the Church.  
A very great stone was thrown from the Tower, over the East end of the Church, and over the Churchyard, and over an hedge into a Close.  
Another great stone was thrown an hundred yards from the Church, which sunk into the Earth so far as it could not be seen.  
A Bowling-Alley near the churchyard, was turned up into pits and holes.  
A wine-tavern near the Church, had the side next the Church torn up, and the covering carried off; and one of the Rafters broke into the house.  
A little before night, some were sent into the Church to fetch out the dead bodies, who found a couple of little children, walking cheerfully, hand in hand, and seemed by their countenances, that they had been nothing affrighted with the fearful sights that they saw, nor with the lamentable crying of the people, nor to have cried because their mothers were gone.  
On Whitsunday last, 1640. in the Parish of Anthony in Cornwell, when the people were kneeling at the Communion, great claps of Thunder was heard, as though divers Cannons had been shot off at once; and extraordinary and most fearful flashes of Lightnings, and a terrible and unspeakable strange sound, to the great amazement of the people; and when the Minister was turning towards the Communion Table to give the Cup, after he had given the Bread, he saw (to his thinking) a flaming fire about his body, and withal, heard a terrible and unspeakable sound, and had no hurt, save that the outside of one of his legs was scalded.  
Presently after that, diverse balls of fire came into the Church, and struck one Ferdinando Reepe on the sole of his left foot, with such violence, as he thought his foot had been split in pieces, and was for a while deprived of his senses.  
One John Hodge was stricken in the knees, and thighs, and lower part of his body, so as he thought every part of his body to be unjoined.  
One Dorothy tub was stricken so, as she thought her legs and knees were struck off from her body.  
One Anthony Peeke was fearfully struck in all the lower parts of his body, so as it seemed as dead; and felt the water in his bladder, as it were boiling hot, and thought that he had been shot thorough, and was lift up from kneeling, and set upon the form by which he kneeled.  
One Susan Collins was struck in the lower part of her body, so as it seemed to her, to be struck off from the upper part, and was scalded on the wrest on the right hand.  
A great fire, far redder than any Lightning came into the Church, and struck one Nicholas Shelton on both sides of his head, as though he had been struck with two flat stones, & did shake his body as though it would shake it in pieces, whereby he lost his sight and his senses.  
One Roger Nile, was struck on the backbone, on the right side, and on the ankle on the inside of his left leg; so as for a while he was not able to stand.  
After the fire there was heard in the Church, as it were the hissing of a great shot; and after that a noise, as though diverse Cannons had been shot off at once, to make one single and terrible report.  
The noise did not descend from above, but was heard and seemed to begin close at the Northside of the Communion Table.  
After this fire and noise, then followed a loathsome smell of Gunpowder, and Brimstone, and a great smoke.  
The Church had no harm, save that seven or eight holes and rents were made in the wall of the Steeple, some on the inside, and some on the outside, and impressions on the stones in diverse places, as if they were made by force of shot, discharged out of a great Ordnance, so as in diverse places, light might be seen through the walls.  
In this storm was nobody killed, save one dog in the belfry, and another at the feet of one kneeling to receive the Cup.  
As soon as this fearful storm was over, they that were weak, not able to stand, were (through the mercy of God) restored to their strength; and they that were frantic, to their senses; and he that was blind, was restored to his sight; and came all to the Lord's Table, and received the Wine, and went all safe home, praising God; and returned all in the afternoon, to give God thanks.  
Besides, the fearful signs of God's wrath showed on Churches, diverse strange and fearful sights have been seen in the air, and on the Land.  
The like we read were seen in Germany, and in other Countries beyond the Sea, a little before their wars and ruin began: Therefore pray heartily for the King and his council, and for the whole House of Parliament, that all may join together in the fear of God, to reform what is amiss, especially, in God's Worship and Service, and that in time, before the wrath of God be kindled.  Gent. 
These fearful judgements do show, that God is not pleased, but much offended with the public worship and service, which is prescribed unto his holy Majesty, in our service book, therefore I have no heart to come into the Church, till the service be all read.  Min. 
Do not refrain, but come into the Church, and there do as the godly in Jerusalem did, and as the three godly children, and Joseph of Arimathea did.  Gent. 
What did the godly in Jerusalem?  Min. 
When they saw that the chief of the Priests, and of the people, did bring the abominations of the heathen into the public worship and service of God, and so polluted the house of the Lord, 2 Chron. 36.14. they did not refrain, but came and brought their Sacrifices, and did mourn and cry unto God against those abominations; so do you come and offer unto God your sacrifices, of prayer, of praise, and of thanksgiving, and mourn, when you see the Minister and people, do after the abominations of the Church of Rome, and cry unto God against those abominations.  Gent. 
What did the three godly children?  Min. 
They did not go about to pull down the golden Image, that Nebuchadnezzer had set up, but did refuse to worship it; so you ought not to go about to put down that which public authority hath set up; as some, to keep the Minister from being heard in reading the Service, did sing aloud, so as he could not be heard, and was fain to give over, In stead of singing, they ought rather to have mourned and cry in secret unto the Lord, and to join with the Minister and the Congregation, save only in those things wherein they do after the abominations of the Church of Rome.  Gent. 
If we do so, we are sure to be complained of to the Bishop.  Min. 
When you are complained of, and brought before the Bishop, do as the three godly children did, when complaint was made of them to Nabuchadnezzar, they answered boldly, saying, O Nabuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter; For, behold, our God, whom we serve, is able to deliver us from the hot fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thy hand O King. But, if not, be it known to thee, O King, that we will not serve thy Gods, nor worship thy golden Image: So do you, when you are presented, and brought before the Bishop, be not afraid to speak, but tell him boldly, with reverence, that you will not do after the abominations of the Church of Rome, as he would have you. If he cast you into prison, take it patiently and cheerfully, as the three godly children did, when they were cast into the hot fiery Furnace.  Gent. 
What did Joseph of Arimathea?  Min. 
He did not go about to take down the body of Christ, till he had begged and obtained leave of Pilate; whose example serveth to teach all Christians, that in things concerning the authority of the Magistrate, they ought to acquaint him, and ask his leave before they attempt any thing.  Gent. 
I thank you for your good counsel, The God of all grace, direct all the Nobles, Knights, and Burgesses, of the house of Parliament, to go to our gracious King Charles, as Nehemiah did to Artaxerxes, and Hester to Ashuerosh, that thereby they may find such grace with his Majesty, as Nehemiah found with Artaxerxes for Jerusalem, and Hester with Ashuerosh for herself and the Jews.  Min. 
Amen, Amen, for Christ Jesus his sake.  Lewes Hewes. 
FINIS.