THE SIN, AGAINST THE HOLY GHOST: Made manifest from those grounds of Faith, which have been taught & received by the Faithful in England, & that for those 40. y. together under the prosperous reign of my Sovereign Lady & Queen ELISHABET. Which may serve for a raining in of the heady, & yet for a spur to slothful Spirits: By HENOCH CLAPHAM. ¶ Eccles. 7. 18. Be not just overmuch, nor make thyself much wise: wherefore shouldst thou seek to be desolate? 19 Be not wicked overmuch, nor be thou foolish: why shouldst thou die in thy untyme? ¶ At AMSTERDAM: 1598. To his faithful Brethren (a poor Remnant of the ever visible Catholic and Apostolic Church) Abraham Crottendine, john joope, Hugh Armorer, Christopher Symkin's, Thomas Farrat, Abraham Wakefeild etc. Grace mercy and peace be multiplied from God the father/ through the Mediation of je. Chr. his Son, by the instillation of his adopting spirit into their spirits, Amen. REformists in England carried of erst with true zeal for repairing the walls of jerushalem, the praise of the whole earth: they in the heat of their labour overcaried in some speech (as, Such & such ecclesiastical functions, ordinatio●…s, administrations etc. they are merely Antichristian, badges of the beast) others their zealous hearers hereupon (and in the forefront of such, Mr. Rob. Brow●…e) taking such assertions for sound Theological arioms, do conclude thus: Then not only that, but all flov●…ing from that, it must also be merely Antichristian: for a bitter fountain can send fo●…th no swe●…t wate●…s, as is the root such is the branches. Whereupon fearing the judgement denounced against the Beast his people Revel. 14. 9 10. 11. they separate not only from visible evil, but also from visible good▪ as all Anti-christian. Having thus confusedly separated from Confusion▪ it remains they begin all anew, whereunto Minister●… must be no ministers until they have a new Ordination from such separists, alleging all former election, and ordination to be merely Antichristian from the abuse of such scriptures, Math. 7. 16. 2 Cor. 14. 15. 16. with 2 Thess. 2. 3. etc. whereupon (which Donatus d●…iest not attempt, nor yet Rob. Br.) Ia●…men (abusing Nomb. 8. 10. thereto) must jay on hands, and so contrary to the Gospel his Canon Heb. 7. 7. they would without all contradiction have the Greater to be blessed of the lesser: for their public gathering together unto this action it causeth them not cease being lay men, no move then their hands publicly baptizing or administering the Io. his Supper doth cause them therein to be any more than lay-people. Others go on further saying, Is it possible to receive lawful baptism, a lawful foundation of faith from the Ministers and apostaci●… of Antichrist, alleging thereunto the former scriptures: and so se●…ke out new baptism, new foundation of faith, rejecting freely and voluntarily the former: so 〈◊〉 I fear that horrible sin, which I make the argument of the sequel. You have learned I hope, that the Adversary 2 Thes. 2. 4. is not only adverse unto many good things, but also to the very foundation of the Gospel. The word there is Anti-●…eimenos which is adverse▪ foundationed. Nor can that Head or Body be such, that is not an holder or cliver to another foundation then that jesus Christ laid. When john hath taught Every man to have sin in him, then, that he which sinneth is of the Devil, we do not thereon infer. Therefore every man of the devil: because we expound sinneth or committeth sin by Sin reigning essentially in the committer, as in the Devel who sinneth from the beginning: so, neither though every soul is in somethings against Christ, do we therefore say, Every soul is Anti-christian: but only that soul in whose membtrs sin domineers: nor only that, but also is one in the foundation of faith opposite to Christ: for Antichrist is Civil or spiritual, and it is the spiritual whereof all the controversy is: who is Keimenos (foundationed) Anti, as much as ok 〈◊〉, full-but to Christ his foundation: and therefore not for separable Accidents called the Man of sin: which in english valueth. A lump of sin, or essence of sin. The not being Cathechized in this one poor beginning of Christ, it hath caused Many ●…eachers to lay false grounds, where●…n others building, there is no end of wandering. Some ●…onninge not only into Mr Br. first course, but also further▪ and worse than that further: yea so far, as diverse I fear have committed the horrible sin against the holy Ghost, Heb. 6. and 10. That I labour to prove in the sequel, which I incommend unto your Brotherhood for a ●…igne to the Catholic Church of my soul's sincerity: as also for a means to keep you waking and watchful to the holy way god hath placed you in. So much for that: now to the Argument. Proposition. All such as voluntarily forsake the grounds & true beginnings of Christ & therewithal the fellowship spiritual they have with the people of god therein, all such do sin that fearful & horrible sin against the holy Ghost, which is spoken of in the Epistle to the Hebrues, Chap. 6. & 10. FOr the manifestation hereof let us hear the scriptures speak. In Heb. 6. 'tis thus: Leaving the doctrine of the beginning of Christ, let us be lead on to perfection, not laying again the Foundation of Repentance from dead works & of faith towards God, of the doctrine of Washings & Imposition of hands, & of the Resurrection from the dead & of Eternal judgement— For it is impossible that they which were once lightened & have tasted of the heavenly gift, & were made partakers of the ho. gh. and have tasted of the good word of God, and of the powers of the world to come, If they fall away should be renewed again by ‡ Because with Esa●… they may with tears seek repentance but not find it: Heb 12. 17. Repentance: seeing they crucify agai●…o themselves the Son of God & make a Mock of him: Falling away from the former light, they for that are said to crucify again Christ and to deride him after a sort with those which bid him save himself if he will save others. And indeed what do such Apostate schismatical spirits less, when they put Christ to begin their newbirth again as of yore, and that from the very foundation. In the 10. chap. the substance of this doctrine is called Faith (verse 22.) because the whole lump is seasoned by the first fruits Faith: and (in ver. 23.) called Hope, because it ministered Hope of salvation. And herein (ver. 24. 25.) they had Fellowship with the faithful. In which term Fellowship is plainly implied Charity sanctified in the body mystical of jesus: for as that Body is the * 2 Cor. 6. 16. 1 Pet 2. 4. 5. Temple of the ho. gh. so in the same fellowship is Love and all actions of Love only sanctified to salvation. This causeth Luke to say, Act. 2. 47. The Lord added unto the Church (▪ he speaks only of the visible church) from day to day such as should be saved. And hereto accordeth the types † Cyprian 〈◊〉 large proveth this in h●…s B. of Prelate's 〈◊〉 plicity. Noah's 〈◊〉, the House wherein the Paschal lamb was slain, Rahabs house, out of which places whosoever were found when the LOrd came to judgement, lo, without all mercy they perished as strangers to the common wealth of Israel. And this is it the Spirit teacheth in those words: Not forsaking the fellowship that we have among ourselves (as the manner of some is) but let us exhort●… one another & that somuch the more, because we see the day draweth near: for if we sin voluntarily (understanding the former double sin spoken of) after we have received the knowledge of the truth there remaineth | No Intercession, as anon. no more Sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgement & violent fire which shall devour the adversary. The collection of the whole is this: Those that once have been illuminate and tasted of God his good word so far, as they have been interessed with the ground and principles of the Gospel, therewithal enjoying fellowship with Noah and his few souls in the Ark (notwithstanding some unclean creatures within) if now they voluntarily reject the word of Noah they once believed, and so willingly leap out of the church's bosom, it is impossible to us ward but they drown, unable to be recovered by our prayers or their unseasonable repentance. Yea only we can expect the conveyance of such souls to be ❧ 1 Pet. 3. 19 20. penned till last judgement, in the prison infernal where now the souls are who mocked Christ his spirit preaching of old in Noah for 120. y. together. Blessed † 1 joh. ●●. john having taught that Christ jesus is our sole reconciliation: that the same death effecteth in us love towards God and our brother, anon he teacheth that we have assurance of sins remission in our souls and in our brethren, by being stirred up by his spirit to pray in faith (called ‡ Ch. 5. 14. parrhesia) a trust leaning on a promise: but therewithal he intimates a certain kind of sin, for the which a brother hath no promise to pray: Ver. 16. There is a sin to death, I say not that he should ask (forgiveness) for that. And what is this but what is taught to the Hebrues, There remaineth no sacrifice for such. ‡ 1 Tim. 2. 1. etc. Prayers, supplications, intercessions we are commanded to offer up for all sorts of people (for that * Ps. 51. 17. David foresaw to be gospels sacrifice: and thus saith A glorious ancient of the Gospel: ‡ justin Martyr with Tryphon the juc. supplications & thanksgivings are the sole perfect sacrifices pleasing God & that Christian hearts have learned only to offer them) but for those that sin this sin to death, I say not (saith john) thou art to pray for that. * greek is, teleiaj mo●aj. Some have taught this sin to be final desperation: them john's speech might imply prayer for a penitent person dead, but no prayer for him we see to die impenitent: and this Rome liketh well. Others grant the sin seable in this life (and so both the former scriptures imply) and hereof two judgements: the better sort add unto all is said unto the Hebrues, a willing malicious persecuting the known truth, because it is the truth. This I can hardly believe to be in any but the devil himself. But if it can be I say it doth not simply cause this sin to be but more to be: for such a sin we shall not be able to prove in many ages, whereas the holy writ affirmeth that in the latter days (begun in th'apostles time) † Math. 24. 24. 1 Tim. 4 1. etc. 2 Ep. 3. 1. etc. Jude 4. etc. Revel. 8. 10. 11. & 9 1. etc. many should departed from the faith, having seared consciences, teaching doctrines of devils with jannes' and jambres, ordained of old to destruction etc. and therefore this sin no such Rar'auis black swan as many have made it thorough too much pity, which hath brought with it much detriment unto the lords city. The worse sort (the Brownists: though I know not that he was ever so stupid) hath babbled, that every sin which brought the body under Death by Moses his law, that is this sin john speaketh of. A collection of bloody cruelty, rather beseeming Bull the hangman, than any that would be deemed disciples to jesus. But such was the old condemned heresy of Novarianus. Our saviours practise with the * joh. 8. woman taken in the act of adultery, it argued another spirit: and so did the censure of excommunication practised by Corinth against the incestuous fornicator: which being for humbling the flesh (therefore before not humbled) and recovering the spirit yet steeping under the ashes of senselessness must needs (together with the pronunciation) admit prayer for him, as for a brother not utterly but almost gone in a spiritual trance. But because they would scorn to be thought to learn any thing of Clapham (though secretly sometimes the greatest of them are forced to lean towards me) let them learn of S. Paul two excommunications: the first (whereof 1 Cor. 5) existing for a season viz, Till the flesh be humbled: the second enduring to death, chap. 16. 22. called in Syriac phrase ‡ Mareethan is interposed for sound sake. Maranatha: in English The Lord cometh, And this is of like value with the Hebrues Cherem or creature accursed, josh. 7. 11. 13. And this is the sin the Author to the hebrews teacheth, as also john, terming it a sin to death (because excommunicate to the narall death) for whom he will not say, pray: for whom (to the hebrews) the church cannot sacrifice: for whom S. Paul appointeeths the denunciation, The Lord cometh: whereto S. Jude (borrowing | jude. 1●. Henorhs prophecy) addeth, Behold the Lord cometh to judgement: because such sinners are ever to hear of judgement, no more of the Gospel which they willingly have torn up by the roots, and despitefully rejected. And so (and no otherwise I think.) those scriptures can of us be reconciled. When th'apostle speaketh of an Heretic gone from the truth (For of an Heretic never possessed therewith he cannot speak) he commandeth us to * Tit. 3. 10. 11. Reject him after once or twice admonition, adding a reason. Knowing that he that is such is * ●…xestraptaj: 〈◊〉 it i●… his mind 〈◊〉. turned over, & sinneth (on autokatakritoes) being damned of himself. Will an Heretic tell us he damns himself? No: how then do we know he is damned of himself? no otherwise but because he is obstinate in some principle contrary to that of the Gospel he once believed. So in this general willing apostasy from the rudiments of Christ, such will not (upon our dealing with them) acknowledge they sin against Conscience (nor do I think their Conscience in the present state doth ever condemn them) but comparing it with the former waking estate, this present state is accounted, condemned: yea for ever to be despaired of: nor marvel we that such as from heart and mouth voluntarily vomited up faith and fellowship, they should be unto us a people despaired of, more than an arm or leg of the body droping down rotten ripe of itself, is deprived of all physic as ministering no hope of recovery. And therefore this sin not committed of Peter, ‡ The story written by Gribal du●… y. 1548. published by Hen. Pantaleon. nor yet of Frances Spiera Lawyer of Citadella. For howsoever with the mouth (through fear of man) they denied Christ and true faith, yet the heart never gave consent fully to the mouth: much less did they voluntarily shake of both faith and fellowship * Rom. 10. 10. With the heart man believeth unto Righteousness & with the mouth man confesseth unto salvation. After the heart hath once retained the saving foundation of faith, and the mouth hath once by confession thereof brought the body under † Isa. 49. 22. the standard of the Church, marching there in equipage with yond ge and old of the saved of the Gentiles, what one reason have we to expect Repentance of such, Re-regeneration of such after once they voluntarily have cast and cashiered themselves from the faith and fellowship of jesus? A man may live lacking an arm, or leg, or hand: but let him lose his head or heart, life is gone, and no more so good as a mayined man. Jude therefore denominates such Trees twice dead (once before their spiritual birth: then now by a willing break-neck downfall twofold, from faith and fellowship wherein they had been planted) yea, he calls them trees pulled up by the M●…th. 15. 13 roots (according to that of our saviour, Every plant my heavenly father hath not planted it shallbe pulled up by the roots as if thereby we should think (at least fear) that they are not destinate to a lyfe-plot in the vine jesus: but so shred of from head and body * joh. 15. 6. Heb 6. 8. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 4. 2. they are to expect in the next place to be burned ●…n fire, having the earnest thereof before hand, seated 〈◊〉. And such was Alexander the Coppersmith his sin (it seemeth it was he) who by Paul rejected in the first ep. to Timothi, against him in the second ep. he thus imprecates: The Lord reward him according to his works. After which sort jeremy imprecateth ch. 18. 21. and so doth David diverse times. Under the Maranatha the heretic Cerinthus it seemeth lay, ‡ 〈◊〉 in his Eccles. ●…ist. book. 4. ch. 14. an therefore S. john coming into the Bath where he found him, he retired saying: Let us away lest the Bath tumble down. So it is said he retired also unbathed, Epiphanius in ker. 30. finding Hebion in the Bath. In like state it seemeth Martion stood, who meeting Polycarpus the Angel of 〈◊〉, and saying, Acknowledge thou us: unto him the holy Pastor replies, I acknowledge I know the for the first begotten of Satan. But what need more testimony that such are to be imprecated against, rather than precated for, when we see Peter Act. 〈◊〉. upon evidence of Simon Magus his evil imprecate thus: Thy money perish with the: which in english valueth, Thou & thy money go together into destruction. Objection. He saw him eternally reprobate. Answer. 'tis false: for he willeth Simon to pray (for himself would not) if so it were possible that the thought of his heart might be forgiven. But Simon desiring the Apostles to pray for him, the ho. Gh. shutteth up the history without one tittle sounding they did so. Yea the ecclesiastical histories do mention that upon Simons persistence in evil, attempting afterwards in 〈◊〉 to fly from the Capitol, Peter should fall down and imprecate against the seducer, until he fell down and broke his neck. What should I say, doth not our saviour say of such, that not the old v●…rleane spirit alone, but ‡ Math. 12. 45. accompanied with 7. worse. he reenters such, and therefore utterly unlike to be again dispossessed? I conclude therefore, that Such as give their frewill to Satan for being torn up from the foundation of Christian faith & fellowship therein, they commit that fearful & horrible sin against the ho Gh. Heb. 6. and 10. Hearken to the rest. Assumption. But all such of our English people as once were interessed with the substance of faith received in England, & since that have forsook that ground of belief together with all spiritual fellowship therein, Even all such have forsaken the true beginnings of Christ & fellowship they had with the people of God therein: Conclusion. Therefore all such have sinned that fearful & horrible sin against the Ho. Gh. heb. 6. & 10. IF the Assumption be true, no question is to be made of the Conclusion, it growing naturally from the Antecedent: but the Assumption is true in the judgement of all learned Protestants (English, Scottish, Dutch, French etc.) therefore unto all such the Conclusion must be true: for they all do teach and profess the learned in England to deliver a true foundation of faith: and therefore by the voice of such, all such our English Apostates and Sthismatikes have sinned that fearful and horrible sin. That the foreign churches have departed from England (some in the manner of gathering the Church and all of them in the form of disciplines exercise uttered in Math. 18. 15. 16. 17. etc.) yet they all profess one and the same foundation and substance of the Gospel: charitably hoping (as they ought, say malicious Donatist what he can) that notwithstanding men in ignorance and infirmity (but woe to him that sins against light revealed) do build stubble, straw, ●… Cor. 3. 11. 12. etc. This scripture held fast, it ouerturne●… all o●… 〈◊〉 ●…ons And this foundation I can prove ever ●…o have prevailed against Hel-gates, & so consequently the Church ●…uervisible. timber: yet keeping the foundation in a moritified estate, such shallbe saved in their own persons (with the loss of their tras●… labour) saved as private poor Christians, obtaining no glory for such ministery: yet as by the fire, hardly saved though saved. And touching this sense, I have Ambrose many in Theodoret's time: as also Caluin, Seb. Munster, Hemingius, Beza and others: nor can the scripture (comparing it with that goes before) be understood of any thing but diversities of doctrine, good and bad. The beginnings of faith wherein the Hebrues had been catechized, are six: Repentance, Faith, Baptisms, Imposition of hands, Resurrection, Eternal judgement. Under Repentance is contained mortification and token, according to that: fly evil do good: called Repentance from dead works. Under Faith is comprehended not only a general consent unto the history of god his word and works, but also ‡ Coloss. 2. 2 ●… Tim. 1. 15. Rom. 5. 1. a particular plerophory or full assurance of our reconciliation with God, who through Christ jesus God and Man (and therefore fit to intercede between God and Man) is pacified towards us for sin: as also through the vail of his flesh ( * Gen. 3. 15. Galat. 4. 4. Heb. 2. 16. & ●…0. ●…0. the seed of woman: our first fruits without which our lump could not be sanctified) he hath made a new and living way into the Holy of holies, the highest heavens, sitting there at the right hand of Majesty, till all his enemies be made his foot stool. Under Baptisms is intimate purifications under the law, and water-washing sacramentally under the Gospel: sealing unto old and young so baptized, the purification of their souls from sin, ‡ Heb. 9 10. 1 Pet. 1. 18. 19 Reu. 7. 14. only by the price of jesus his blood, wherein the garments of the saints are made white: † Nomb. 8. 10. compared with Nehem. 10. 29 & so in all general actions, the Elders of the Tribes are alone used, much more in this See our Conclusion 6. through which blood we alone conquer and triumph over all hellish powers. Under Imposition of hands is insinuate ‡ Reu. 12. 11. the laying prophetical and sacramental hands on the heads of men before the Law (so did jaakob with Ephraim and Manasseh) on Animals and men under the law (so did Moses with joshua: and the▪ Elders of the tribes on the levites: and the levites on Animals sacrificed) on the heads of diverse under the Gospel: as our saviour blessing infants (like enough before baptized) brought by beleivers unto him: his imposing hands (as did also the Apostles) in giving the visible gifts of the spirit: used of Presbyters in creating ad installing persons into ministerial functions: sometimes to the Gathering ministery, but ever on Ministry tied to some certain congregation: signifying and sealing hereby unto such souls believing, * Szegedi●…▪ Fenner etc. no less than the presence of God with them in such their Christian calling. This Mr Caluin considering, he therefore truly calls it ‡ Institut b. 4. c. 19 sect. 28. such a sacrament as hath a faithful siigne of spiritual grace. And for a sacrament in no larger sense, † Against Parmenian the Donatist q. 2. ch. 12. Augustine (having spoke of Baptism) saith thus: Either of them is a sacrament & by sure consecration both of them is given to man: that, when he is baptized: this when he is ordained: therefore in the Catholical church it is held unlawful to reiterate them. Yet neither of them number it elsewhere with the few and easy sacraments of the new testament, because (as before) it hath been common unto all the ages of the Church: yet this must be no reason why not to teach and repute it for a glorious sacrament: wherewithal a blessing from the ‡ Heb. 7. 7. Greater is convaid unto the Lesser. Under Resurrection is contained, Eph. 2. 1. 5. &. 5. 14. Rev. 20. 6. first our rising here from spiritual death unto the life of Christ in his body the Church: secondly our resurrection after the bodies natural death, and that unto eternal life: for the resurrection of the wicked is but a rising to the second Death. The last is, eternal judgement: first, to the eternal glory of the faithful (contrary to cursed * They hold the glory but for 1000 years. Chiliasts) secondly to the eternal confusion and never dying worm of the unfaithful: contrary to the blind pitiful collection of † who hold all (Devil & all) shallbe finally saved. Origenists. And those are the doctrines he calleth the (Themelion) foundation, as also beginning of Christ. Which must be the rather observed, because some put no difference between the foundation of faith (which here made the hebrews a true visible people of God, and other accidental doctrines which tend but to the perfection of the same foundation: the contrary unto which foundation can only in propriety of scripture he termed ‡ 2 Thess. 2 4. 1 joh. 2. 18. 19 Reu. 1●…. 11. Anti-keimenon, Anti-christian, opposite to foundation, opposite to Christ. The not retaining of which distinction hath caused too many libels be dispersed, and railings against such as Gather truly (though weakly) with Christ: ●… and himself teacheth, that he who gathers with him, that works not against him. But are every of those several heads the knowledge and belief of them, of absolute necessity unto salvation? (For infants of the faithful their * Gen. 17. 10 11. levit. 2. 12. Rom. 11. 1●…. Act. 2. 39 & 16. 31. according to Gen. 17. 27. lump is to be considered in their first fruits) I answer: it is impossible for any soul to come any way to true life, but by passing through him who is the Way Truth and Life. Nor can one go into the sheepfold but by the Door and the Porter. Nor can this be done but by Repentance and Faith. Besides, faith is exercised in believing the promise of Resurrection and eternal judgement: and quiet it cannot be till the promises be sealed in Baptism, the door sacrament into the Church. Which caused the Eunuch upon a little information to cry, what lets I may not be baptised? As also when Peter's hearers cried out, what shall we do to be saved? him to make this answer, amend your lives & be baptised: and no sooner they confessed faith in jesus, but strait way they were baptized. Yet this I suffix: Faith apprehending the word of promise, it truly justifieth with God and his Church before the Seal come: seeing the seal is not the Begetter but * Rom. 4. 10. 11. Col. 2. 11. 12. Mark. 16. 16 Confirmer of that faith whereby we apprehend righteousness in Christ jesus: and so holy writ teacheth both of Circumcision and Baptism. I conclude then, the two first and last of the 6. principles to be absolutely neccessary unto salvation. As for Baptism it is required unto salvation conditionally, that is, if it may before death be had: nor ought it be deferred within the Church beyond the 8. day (called the Lord his day, the day of Convention) and in converting without the Church, beleivers for them and theirs ought presently to be baptized with the Eunuch, Paul, laylour, and Lydia. As for imposition it is also simply necessary t●… such as to whom it suiteth, for the end where to it serveth: that is, not to seal salvation, but to assure the soul of GOD his helping hand in the work whereto the party▪ is allotted. Not simply necessary in the * This Ministry not held the Ro manist is but badly answered. Gathering and prophetical ministry: and therefore we see before, and under and after the law (within and without the True visible church) diverse stirred up to call people unto God and his Christ, who never had any hand of man so put upon them. But it is simply necessary to a ministery designed to a particular Church: and therefore the Tabernacle ministery (Priests and levites) and the new testaments ministry (Presbyters and Deacons) they never were installed without it. The principles then that are of absolute necessity unto salvation, may therefore be deduced into two heads: the first knowledge of the true Christ: for otherwise our ‡ Math. 24▪ 23. 24. 28. job. 39 30. 3. 32. 33. Galat. 3. 1. Saviour telleth us we shall have many kinds of CHrists preached by pseudo-prophets, to whose factions we are not to go forth: but only to repair for our feeding where his spiritual eyed Eagles do gather to his carcase or body slain in word and sacraments: as Paul afterwards described him crucified unto the Galatians. The second point is, the true apprehension of Christ whom knowledge propoundeth: and this is only by * Rom. 10. 14. 15. Gal. 3. 2. Faith, a gift of the spirit within, but wrought by external ministery of preaching, even the preaching of faith (And so Rom. 8. 32. having given unto us his Son, how shall he not with him give unto us all things also?) Which apprehending faith is unto others (live the beleiver no longer after, than the good thief on the cross) manifested by the fruit of the lips: and in living longer it utters itself conformable in some good measure to do the commandments of him who hath freely saved him: otherwise, james terms it a Devils faith, a dead faith a mere delusion. For the exellentie of true faith, it Synecdo●…hicallie is put for the whole doctrine of the Gospel (jude. 3. Gal. 3. 2. 1 Tim. 4. 1. & alibj) nor marvel, because all obedience without it, is but a Crab-fish crallinge backward, and a pharisaical painted sepulchre: for without this faith it is impossible to please God. It is to all our actions ‡ levit. 2. 〈◊〉 as salt under the law was to all sacrifices, the ●…erie savourer and purifiez: and this Peter maketh the cause of no difference between Jew and Gentile, the purification of the heart by faith, Act. 15. 9: which faith not mingled with the word when the Israelites heard it, was cause of their downfall in the desert, Heb. 4. 1. 2. When therefore an Ancient considered that the Just li●…es by faith etc. He speaketh thus pathetically: Chrysostom in ●… homely offai●… hope, 〈◊〉 All●…dged by Centueie Faith is the original of righteousness, the head of holiness, the beginning of devotion, the foundation of religion,— this excludeth doubts, holdeth sure things, sealeth up the promises. He that holds this is happy: forsaking it he is miserable. Yea saith another before him: * Cyprian 〈◊〉. 3. to Qui●…, ch. 4●…. To the beleiver all things are possible. And how shall it be otherwise, when first it uniteth us with Christ, and then from him by the conduit of faith, all holiness and divine givings are (as out of a treasury) derived unto us. Where therefore the Law proclamd, Do and live: the Gospel before, in and since the Law freely crieth: Believe and live. Objection. But we are urged to works also in the new church. Answer. But not to merit thereby ( jam. ●…. 〈◊〉. for he that shall keep the whole law and but fail in one point is guilty of all) than what merit-monger can hold up hand and cry, vuguilty my Lord? If he be judged by God and the country he willbe found guilty) but such works are Certificates from the spirit of Christ unto his Church, that so such a one may be acknowledged a member of the Catholical body and communicate with the Church her spiritual treasure: and therefore to the faithful no cause but a Sign or Index of justification: which causeth one to say: ‡ Fulgentius to Monimus b. 1 GOD crowneth the righteousness in his Sayints which he gave unto them Gratis, kept Gratis perfected Gratis. Whereunto a successor addeth: Anshelm, of the measute of the cross. If a Man should serve God a thousand years & that most fervently, he should not merit (ex condigno) of condignity to be half a day in the kingdom of heaven. And in another place thus: Galat. c. 2. Works are of grace, but not grace by works: because that (Grace) is first, whereby other things are valued. Therefore no one by any means can be justified by works, but by faith which by grace goeth before. All which substance of faith, with many golden and coloured silk appendices of the Lo. his Tabernacles religion, thousands in England do teach as truly and learnedly as ever was taught since the first age after Christ. From and by whose ministery, diverse of our people coming over hither, did seem verily and with much comfort to have received the same grounds at least, coveting with earnest affection to walk with such (and only with such) as were willing to build upon the same foundation in the sincerity of Jesus (although with infirmity in faith and manners) for they had learned of none to find here Angelical perfection. But since all this, diverse (if their own lips have spoken truly of their own hearts) they have (Ekousios') frankly and voluntarily unconstrained outwardly, giving up themselves to the spirit of fundamental Apostasy and Schism, breaking the former bonds of obedience and casting the chords far away for Anti▪ christian: joining themselves freely, some with A●…rius and Samosatenus, making their Christ a mere creature and bare man. Some joining to a Christ that took not the seed of woman (overturning the Gospel preached first in Paradise) and this because they cannot and will not without a natural reason believe that supernatural work: and so they are one with the heretical body of Valentinus, Manes and Eutiches. Others with Apollinaris do make a mixed confounded Christ. All of them condemned generally of the Catholical Church above a 1000 Y. ago in sundry counsels. Herewith they believe free-will to holiness in the unregenerate, adding justification before god by works: both points ordinarily more All those ●…aresies not only resisted by several faithful writers, but also Anathe matized in sundry provincial & general counsel●…. gross than some Papists dare be seen in: in a word flat Pelagians. Unto the former they add rebaptisation with Donatus and cut Children of from Baptism with bloody Herod. Making the Magistrate (with Seruettus) a mere Scarecrow without the church: with such a rabble of inventions raked out of the dunghill of all heresies, as if not 7. devils, but 7. score devils were entered into them: Therefore appearingly to us ward they have sinned that fearful & horrible sin against the ho: ghost. But the Brounist * This root of bitterne●… must be pulled up or it ●…vill defi●… many. teaching that neither Clapham nor England teach the Gospel of jesus, it fodeth on ignorant souls with more boldness to reject all such faith and fellowship for Antichristian. First I say to such Teachers, that it were better for them to have a millstone hung▪ on their neck, and they with Sherajahs scroll and stone violently thrown into the midst of Euphrates, than such speech scandalous should be uttered, whereby silly-ones are turned out of the way. Secondly, ‡ Doctors of the gospel yet they know the gospel. what will they say is the substance of the gospel (for in the adjuncts the wisest shall ever be to seek in something)? I know they insinuate to the simple (and this their whole practice will witness to their faces) that to teach the former principles without subjection to the outward Church-government of Christ, it is no Gospel. And wherein exists this? In the ministry of Pastors, Doctors, Elders, Deacons, Widows with their form of instalments etc. I answer: the very term Outward (if they were not forgetful of Logic, that is, of Reason's rule▪) it w●…ld teach them: That which is outward, yea so outward, as sometimes separable from his subject, that is not essential or of the gospels substance: but such is that outward government. This may appear from S. Paul who saith the Gospel was preached unto Abraham, Galat. 3. 8. as also the gospel (ver. 17.) was preached to that Patriarch 430. Y. before the law, and yet no speech of outward church government. john Baptist preached the Gospel, yet ignorant (as also the Disciples in their first sermons) of this outward church government. Nay, our saviour before time of Ascension (Act. 1. 2. 3.) cannot be thought to have spoke a word of the Ecclesiastical functions: so did Peter and others in their sermons after his ascension, when I ●…roe they preached Gospel, and yet no word of those matters. If all the former preachings was the Gospel (and Form●… 〈◊〉 esse. the form gives being to a thing) them those fanatical spirits of ignorance or malice blaspheme the gospel. Being driven from that sconce, they will say: but th'external church-order revealed, every such soul as will not be adjudged Antichristian (that is, against Christ) must be only subject to the outward Church-order prescribed by Christ. I answer: First, their concluding of every soul Antichristian which in any thing is contrary or against Christ, it is a gross abuse of the word used in scripture: For so every soul should be Antichristian. Apostle is in english, Messenger: Evangelist, a Good tydings-man: shall we therefore say, Every messenger is an Apostle, and every one that tells us good news is an Evangelist? The very word Antichristian) falsely applied, it hath kindled the fire which Satan will never suffer to be quenched. So●…ers of that seed had need repent in sack & 〈◊〉 In the large sense of the words, we may so say: but coming to examine these terms by the art of Theology, we say the words are restrained to such and such: so also, bringing the word Antichristian to be examined by the Apostles, we shall find that such a soul must be Antikeimenos opposite in the foundation: and so, nothing so large as blind Zeloist●… do urge it. Secondly, I answer: every soul is bound to give obedience unto every piece of god his will revealed. Then they add: But th'external government hath been by some of their own teachers as also by us been preached, therefore now none of their Parish people visible Christians: nor can the preachers be said to preach the gospel. Answer to the first conclusion. First, if they can prove every soul there to have sufficiently heard that doctrine, and yet to be Contumax (which no reasonable soul can believe) than they say something. Secondly, the same word is exercised even now in England (when the Sun of Brownism shines in Netherlande) shall we think it begets not faith in some now, aswell as of yore, and must those also be no visible Christians? Thirdly, the Author to the ●…ebrues finding the people he writ unto in a manner Dunces▪ who for the time might have been Doctors, though he fo●…res them with the irremissable sin which might steal upon them through negligence, yet He would not pronounce them cut of from God. The Apostle teacheth another Rule, Philip. the second Conclusion. As for that they preach, if it contained not the substance of the Gospel, how haps any soul hath been saved or been brought into the state of salvation thereby▪ Death begets not life: † Mat. ●…. 〈◊〉 jam. ●…. 〈◊〉 falsehood begets not truth: and so no Brownist could ever by that preaching have been interessed with, justifying faith. Faith is got by hearing: or have they heard some Angel from heaven: or did the first of them get their justifying faith by reading? objection. But there is no promise made of good to such preaching, although God sometimes extraordinarily do bless it to good. Answer. 'tis false: for it hath been the only ordinary way of begetting souls to god for those 40. y, together under the reign of our sovereign Queen: nor did ever other Doctrine in any age before beget true faith: and therefore a promise of blessing i●… linked with that ground of faith, be the preacher thereof otherwise and for other causes highly reprovable. Besides that evident effect, Gold is as verily gold in the snout of a swine as upon the finger of Zorobabel. Augustine teacheth this largely, Against 〈◊〉 b. 7. ch 8. the like plentifully unto Cres co the Grāmaria●…. telling the Donatists, that the 4. Rivers of Paradise (though appointed for watering it, yet) they verily run down into Egypt: so equally minded was he towards the schismatics his soul loathed. But all must be no Gospel with those, which their adversary preacheth. But to make the Ground of Brounisme less colourable to the allegiants: their Sun's light hath given afalse shine, and thus it is: First they tell us, that in raising up this Church-ministerie laymen may ordain by Laying on hands and consecrating the party to such business. That this is but a dream, I have all ‡ 1 Tim. ●…. 22 Tit. 15. Act. 6. 6. ●… 14. 23. cheirote●…è santes, signifying ordination by hans: seeing scripture never speaketh of Election by lifting up hands. rules in scripture and consent of all Ancients, and all Churches in this age against them. Are they not like to have a sound platform of external church-order that begin in such disorder? Sec they tell us of a Doctor exercised in the Church her peculiar exercises, and that in delivering doctrine, upon whom (in the second place) the Pastor must jump in with his exhortation (distinguishing Doctor and Pastor only by Doctrine and Exhortation which rather ought to be reconciled by 1 Cor. 14. 26.) having for this only a poor sermon written on Rom. 12. 3. etc. misapplying verse. 7. thertof as also the end of verse 8. for ‡ 〈◊〉 cleon is the Male gender (he that is merciful) & so they censure others for lack of Chr. ministry yet they know ●…is ministry Menwidowes: here against I have the concordance of scripture and the voice of all Churches: who acknowledge no Doctor, peculiarly, distinct) but him of the Schools: much less did ever any dream of menwidowes in one age or other. Thirdly (taking for granted, (which is false to me who can prove a visible Church in all ages) that all our synagogues were builded by Antichrist to Idolatry and therefore simply unlawful for a christian therein to prey or teach. Besides the first may not be granted, I judge their doctrine juish: and after a sort to be a denial of Christ come in the flesh, and opposite to those scriptures, john 4. 21. 23. 1 Tim. 2. 8. & 4. 4. Coloss. 2. 20. etc. Isa. 23. 17. 18 Micah 4. 13. with others: and hear against hath been the practice of the Church ever since such was builded. Fourthly, they teach a man after the first excommunication, he is to be held an enemy. And to this end, where Mr Barrowe had in his description of the Church placed that of the Apostle (2. Thess. 3. 15.) after excommunication, they in reprinting it last year (but subtly giving it th'old date, as if he had been of their mind: although both he, Mr Penry, Mr Greenwood would have shamed to stand in this and others their condemnations) * Against the 9 comma●…ndement. they do place that Apostolical Canon before 〈◊〉), because they would quickly rid their hand▪ of brotherly admonishments: as for all scripture and 〈◊〉 the Catholic church it is ever against them. As they begin their discipline so they finish it in Censures un-ruly: neither beginning nor ending with any harmony of scripture or consent of any church. To omit other inventions of theirs if now Corah, Dathan and Abiram do seek for offices by a law of their own making: trobling the Chatholicall Church with their startup inventions, though they schismed not from the universal body (which they have) the universal church of Israel is bound in pain of death upon the insight of their insurrection to departed from their tents, against whom already a devouring fire is gone out from jehovahs' presence. So far are they from being fit to sit as judges on all others: or fit to prescribe rules of direction to all Churches. But let them (if they can) afford us thinterpretation of any one Riddle in the Gospel, which they did not synd out by psowing with Samson his heifer in England. Hearing thus that the grounds of Brownism will nothing sheilter the Revolts that use them, let us hear what Daut●… saith of such as are adverse to the Church: They that hate Zion Psal. 129. 5●… etc. (the place where god hath put his name There: called by Ezek. ch. vlt. jehovah-there, because the eternal should in habit there for ever) they shallbe ashamed & turned backward (ashamed to return, they shall apostate) They shallbe as the grass on the house tops (despising fellowship with the lord his poor people in a low estate, it may be because of some weeds, they therefore cry: * Isa. 65. 50. stand apart, come not near to me, for I am holier them thou: and so they ●…ount up aloft, swelling in the bladder of their pride, as grass on the house tops) which withereth before it come forth (these are saith Isaiah a smoke in the lords wrath: they shallbe suddenly destroyed, even when the mockers, eat and drink, saying peace unto his own soul: as every of those hateful spirits braggeth they never had such rest in their souls: but woe to those that are at rest in Zion, much more at rest out of Zion) whereof the Mower filleth not his band (the Man of god may hope to reap such for the Lord his barn, but god his judgement seizing on the proud Pharisees, the ministers hope shallbe frustrate) neither shall the glainer fill his lap (nor shall any of the Church that hope good of them, be otherwise then disappointed) they that pass by (Christian pilgrims who here have no biding city) neither shall say, The blessing of the LOrd v●…on you, we bless you in the name of the Lord: like unto ●…hat commandment of john, ‡ 2 joh. 10. Bid him not God speed 〈◊〉, if he bring another Gospel (that is, another found●…tion of faith) were he saith the Apostle Paul an Angel from heaven, let him be * Gal. 1. 8. 9 A nathema, accursed: but those voluntary Revolts from the former faith and fellowship, do also teach another Gospel, therefore to us ward accursed. Nay some as large conscienced as others straight, do justify people of all religions (as did the heretic † Eusebiu●…. b. 5. c. 12. o●… eccl. hist. Apelles) abusing (as the Devil did with jesus) the scripture thereto, saying: Every spirit that confesseth jes. Chr. to be come in the flesh, is of God: and so the Devil which confessed him to be the Son of David in a truer sense than the Anabaptist doth) he is also of god, and they may (as already they have) enter into communion with him. Such doctrine plainli arguing people, willingly selling themselves to all profanity and Atheism: as having the eyes of Conscience bored out, and the senses made void of feeling, by the searing of an hot iron, the just smoking vengeance of the invisible jehovah. Question. Those that unto us have sinned that voluntary twofold sin, are they not to be received again into fellowship upon external humiliation? answer. If they but went bachward in the time of persecution, Novatianus for ever refused them: yet seeing the word Willingly hath lead us to another collection, I answer: if such a one who once seemed voluntarily so to have sinned, shall return with apparent contrition, such cannot be denied but received: not now as having our verily committed the former twofold sin, but deeming by such contrition that the soul so fell and schismed, either before there was such solid assurance of the gospels foundation as seemed, or because there was some outward coaction (hid unto us) which lacking to the perfecting the sin, now the rather such a one is again recovered. But all the years passed, not one person hath for such sin been humbled, therefore unto us ward their recovertes the more to be despaired of. * levit. 14. 42. If by outward humiliation such scrape of the former leprosy, let them with new mortar and stone be repaired: but if after reparation the plague arise again, * 44. 45. than it is a fretting leprosy, they but scorners of repentance and no more to be received. ‡ Socrates' eccles. hist. book. 3. ch. 11. Ekebolius a Christian Sophist falling from the church under the bloody reign of Apostate julian, he after th'emperors death returned into the synagogues porch at time of Convention, and there lying prostrate he cries: Tread me under foot, for I am the unsavoury salt. If he saw himself no better for unwilling backsliding, what will those spirits see and acknowledge themselves to be if once they have granted the heart t●… repent? mean time (as our saviour saith) we know, If salt have lost his savionr (it appeareth not by any reason) where Math. 15. 13. with itself can (again) be salted: but indeed, it is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out & to be conculcate of men. Question. What course is to be taken for avoiding this sin, and by what means should one be overtaken therewith? Answer. This sin stealeth upon a soul two ways: either by too much remissness and sluggishness, which causeth the Lord to say, † Luke. 21. 36. heb. 3. 12 13. 1 Pet. 4. 7 Watch, be sober, exhort one another: or else comes by abundance of Gall, untempered heat, overflowing zeal, an overweenige of wit and holiness: and this causeth the spirit not only to tell us before that such willbe so badly qualified (2 Tim. 3: 2. 3. 4) though with face of men and woman's hair they will cover all till they sting, but also to will us ‡ Prov. 26. 16 finding honey to eat but sufficient, lest being overfull we vomit it up: as also to enjoin us * Rom. 1●…. ●…. not to presume to understand above that is meet to understand, but to understand according to sobriety. Which not observed ●…eawseth a man * eccl. 7. 18. to be wise & righteous overmuch, that is, in his own conceit: and so unwares causeth him be desolated of the spirit ‡ Pro. 13. 9 and his candle put out. The He brews were in the way towards it through neglect of being led forward unto perfection: and in that pad are swarms of souls in England, who after a while waking do sit down as willing there to stand till moss grow on their heels, and they as rotten at the Core, as the vulgar Queen mary's protestant. Once zeal abounded: now Zechariah may again say, † Zech 1. 11 All the world sitteth still and is at rest: and if it willbe no better, Let them Rest till they Rust: | Revel 〈◊〉 11. Let the filthy be more filthy, & the unrighteous be unrighterous stil. In the second tract were once all those spirits who urged me to pen this tractate, although some of them since, by running themselves out of breath, are now deadly cold as those who have quenched their spirits. There is an error on the right hand (as when a Bow bends till it breaks) and an error on the left hand: as when with Solomon his sluggard one cries. * Prou. 24. 33. 34. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding the hands to sleep, so (spiritual) beggary as a truailer & armed man comes upon him. * Pro. 28. 14 Blessed therefore the man that always feareth: seeing with fear and trembling he is to work out his salvation. And yet not so, but he is to ‡ Psa. 2. 11. rejoice in his trembling. If I have well said, wisdom willbe justified of her children: if not let the righteous sinite me, it shallbe a benefit. The love of Christian faith and fellowship, oh my God thou knows it urged me to write this. Water it therefore O Lord to the souls of the Readers. Let them consider what I have said, and do thou give them understanding in all things. The Epilogue to his foresaid brethren and the rest of that congregation. A Certain Ancient saith: † Vincentius in his 〈◊〉. of ●…aer. ch. ●…7. Newly speaking, speak not new things: because indeed unto such as once are established in the ground of faith, things uttered according to Analogy of faith, they are but sienes of the same stock, as was Sheth begotten in the image of his father. But the Ronnagates of Ephraijm (nay, Epraijms worse) they ever cry, We must grow in faith: and this they do, not by growing in, but by flitting from the faith. Let their fall cause you with holy fear to regard your standing: lest also ye fall after the same sort of unbelief. Those two years last passed, God hath for your sustentations only used my weak unworthy ministry. Of what nature the fodder is, let the sheopherds of the LOrd his Meads judge: ‡ 1 ●…or. 14. 32. for the spirits of the prophets must be subject unto the prophets: and why should I with the conventicle Companions turn aside, as if there were no prophet but myself? I can find prophets in all Ages to witness the substance and foundation of all I teach unto you: and even for that, both I and you do owe much praise to the highest. * jor. 6. 16. Stand in the ways & behold & ask for thold way, which is the good way. If the old way be the good way of god contained in the Bible's Canon, then what are the ways wherein souls must stand while they inquire for that good way? Is it any thing, but the voices of the faithful in all ages who have trod forth the way of life before us? And this is it causeth Christ to direct his Love no otherwise but by bidding her | Cant. 1. 7. If she were ignorant to get her forth by the steps of the flocks who had trod the tract before her. And for this cause also is it that the Church is called, * 1 Tim. 3. 15. The pillar & ground of truth. Many cold be contented I drew such a Card of antiquity for clearing the life of faithful in Succession, who yet with job have been overrun with an outward scab (soul untouched of Satan) but they should know it unreasonable to bid the Israelite make brick, and then deny him straw. And yet you and I have gone a warfare ‡ Except what once was administered by six out of England. at our own charges: though ever we cannot all things but the lord knoweth, what is necessary. Mean time, as we are debtors to all so let us (as we may) † Eccl. 11. 1. cast our bread on all waters (or sorts of people) for after many days we shall find it. * So jeroin understands it: comparing it with 〈◊〉. 1●…. 15 And so besuchinge you to hold fast lest another take the crown, I desire the Lord his saving spirit to dwell for ever in our spirits: So be it. ¶ To his beloved Tho. whicks and Ri. Carter, 〈◊〉 saving gifts of the Spirit, Amen. NOt knowing if so we shall live to behold one another's face again in this life, let me supply the waste paper with those few lines. returning * Towards th'end of our Lo. 〈◊〉. 1597. from the funerals of my excellent gracious friend Mistress Anne Ogle, I was motioned to conflict with your neighbour Romanist prisoners. But considering I had no orderly calling so to do, you know how unwilling I was. Yet afterwards perceiving a near friend of mine his foot snarled in their grin (which amazed me more than all Romish learning could) I not only was willing, but also made challendg: yet under hand-writing, that so any beholder thereof, they might more orderly judge. The Doctor agreed. Under his hand (for shaking my ministry) he put down this I ●…esis: All true Ministers of the Gospel are only raised up within the present established church of Rome. Hereto I opposed, drawing his argument into form: urging him to prove the ❧ First proposition: & Minor, the second proposition: th●… third is, Conclusion: fo●… an argume●… in form (called also 〈◊〉 Syllogismo) it existeth o●… 3. propositions. Mayor: All such Ministers are only raised up in the established church of Christ (for that I denied) secondly, That Rome's Church ever was or is that only church: which also I denied. To the Minor (but skipping over the word Only) he said something. And thereto I excepted: first by calling into question (and not unworthily) if ever Rome's Church, was truly established. Secondly (though that should appear) I denied the present church of Rome to retain the Ancient apostolic faith. And here I propounded their ❧ Pighiu●… chap. 6. of 〈◊〉. 1. of ecclesiastical hierarchi c. Also the Moguntine council hallowing water, wax, Bells for driving away devils etc. * Episcop Roffensis against Luther. Biel in exposition of Mass, Lection. 56. D. Purgatory fire for cleansing away sin: their constituting Sts. departed ‡ Roman. breviary, of Peter & Paul Pope Sixtus his prayer to many saiuts. Prayer to S. Blaze. etc. Mediators: whereunto I now add, saviour's: * Viguerive in his theological institut. (ch. 16.) approved of 〈◊〉. their posting over one man's works for supplying another's lack: which they term works of Super-erogation, and the church her treasure, set of sale in leaden Bulls in their year of jubilee: with a fift doctrine I now remember not: for I left the writings behind in Marshland. Hereat the Doctor starved, calling me falsifier etc. denying their church to teach those doctrines. As for the Major proposition (though in 3. sundry writs I provoked him) which first in order should have been handled (in Nature or Art) you know in never one of his papers, he would somuch as look that way, he perceiving it (I doubt not) to be an Iron too hot for his fingering. And so Clapham remains untouched and interessed with a ministry of the gospel: although my god knoweth I know myself most unworthy: and could be glad thereof to be disburdened. It now remaineth to be examined if so I charged their church falsely. And therein I refer my words to be compared with all Romish writers, many before, but specially since their cursing cursed ‡ Held in our Lords y. 1545. Trident (in English) a triple toothed instrument, such as Poets attribute to the Sea-god Council of Trident: Neptune's thre-tynd fork for hurling one sea of error upon another. But I know he knows the charge most true: only till he had trapped some souls and fettered them fast, he would not have such trumpery discovered. This was it which caused him speak so plausibly, Viz, The common service book could never beget faith (and yet themselves make most of it their own) that faith is begotten only by preaching (and yet themselves first introduced dumb priests) that they have the office of Elders (but yet none that in the same Congregation assisteth a Pastor) as also that of Deacons (although none to wait on the Love-tables, nor occupied about the poor) such covert speech he used, till one was foully snarled. Yea, such was his fetch in bellowing out against my Biblio-thecaes * where I speak of Chr. his presence in the supper) chapter 14. 14. chap. say first there were no such words in Hierom: then being let see them, crying forth I had not truly translated them: afterwards saying I had misalleadged them: as if I had collected two real bodies of Christ, whereas therewith Hierom and Augustine I only collect two manner of presences, not substances. And yet being in place together, his ‡ impudently (you know) affirming I had never seen jerom. unblushing forehead made me abashed, and that to his itching eared auditory stood against me for victus, victa, victum. But such seeing, I know they will not see when they know an Ancient to make against them: as for example: A Romish mate (at table of our right Woo. friend) he in a bravery (knowing none there able in that to convict him) would prove that the Beasts number * Reu. 13. 18 666. it could not arise (as protestāns would) from the word Latinus. He accounting, 666. would not arise, and did not some hearer say he had sufficiently confuted? I do not think but he well knew that ancient * Episcop of Lions in our Lo. y. 180. in his 2. b. 25. ch. Ireneus said yes, and yet himself of the Latin empire. But you must know that the father (as also john) did write in Greek, and so the word not Latinus but Lateinos: from whence results the number thus: L 30. A 1. T. 300. ‡ Greek Epsilon. La●…cinos is in English a Latin. E 5. I 10. N 50. O 70. S 200 And so the Cock crew before the victory. The same number artseth from Ecclesia Italica thus. E 5. C 20. C 20. L 30. * greek Eta. Ecclesia Italica, is, Italique Chur. E 8 S 200. I 10. A 1.— I 10. T 300. A 1. L 30. I 10. C 20. A 1. Their Paris Genebrard he labours to disgrace such calculation, by propounding the name Luter. But not finding the number in Greek, he turns it into Hebrew Character, but yet it will not reach: he bombasts it therefore with another L, so making it ❧ Martin Luther will not yield the 666. except they double rib him. Lulter for tentoring out 666. But if the Malice of France would have the number out of an Hebrew word, let him count * In english, Romish. Romijth: R 200. O 6. M 40. I 10. I 10. TH. 400: and so the Beast (at least for one of the Lamblike horns) of the Latin, Italian, Romish Church. All this but by the way for curbing of pevis spirits in their willing wilful ignorance. But a judgement just enough, specially upon such, as once initiated with the foundamentall truth have since that uncoustrained, yea freely forsaken the faith and fellowship they had therein. Our English Harding (who once wished his voice as Osney bells for ringing out Rome's trumpery) he afterwards (neglecting his standing) fell and became † Read our jevels conflicts with that Apostate a patroene to all their drudgery: even to their very Stews. Those that of curiosity will (as did Hevah) confer with the Serpent, it is just with God to leave such to the power of the Tempter. The wiseman wills us, ❧ prou. 19 27. not to hear the instruction which causeth to err from the words of knowledge. And our Saviour * john. 10, 5. denies that his sheep will follow or acknowledge a strangers voice. If God shall take me away before I publicly handle the un-masking of Antichrist ex professo, let the former tractate remain a goad in your sides for keeping you watchful to your ways. Which if (and I hope all good) then, though a 1000 fall on the right hand by over-lashing zeal, and a 1000 on the left hand by laodicea's lukewarmness, ye shall stand to the praise of the Eternal, and your own never dying happiness. And so with my hearty salute to every our christian friends, I leave you and them to the merciful guardure of the highest. To the Apostatical, schismatical, Factious. THe faithful believe that jesus his kingdom excelleth that of Moses in this, that once established * Heb. 12. 27 28. Psal 45. 6. Mark. 13 22. Luk. 17. 23. it is never removed: though false prophets cry, Lo here, Lo there, as if for many hundreds of years it had been vanished, and now begun to peep up head in the desert: and therefore have learned not to go out of the Catholic Ark. Thou who in an overweening of thine own wit and holiness thinks all fools and filthy saving thy pharisaical self, know O painted tomb, whose out side is fairest ❧ ●…uk. 1●…. 20. 21. psal. but the kingdom of god rather within) that wheresoever thou goes in that estate, the dreadful vengeance of God pursues the: for the † prou. 30. 17 Ay which mocketh the father and despiseth the Mother's instruction, the vally-ravens shall pick it out and the young Eagles eat it. Till O ye Factious, ye have ripened further matter against you, I for the present conclude thus with the prophet: ‡ Isa. 30. 11. Behold all ye have kindled a fire & are hemmed in with the sparks: Walk in the light of your fire & in the sparks ye have kindled: this shall ye have of mine hand: Ye shall lie down in sorrow. Who would save some 〈…〉 as by pulling them out of the fire. HE. CLAPHAM. Escapes in printing. Leaf ❧ ij, backside, line 22. for souls read Selves. In ❧ iij, in the margin for Mare ethan is etc. read Mare-atha: n is etc. In Bij, in the margins top on the leaves backside, read century 5. in ch. of faith. GOD PRESERVE OUR QVENE.