THE DOWNFALL OF BABYLON: OR The mystery of Iniqutiy opened. Wherein is declared the grounds and reasons of our departing from Rome, and that we had just cause to separate from her, and that in departing from her, we have not departed from the Church of Christ, but returned to it; also that to hear a false and unlawful Minister in the Execution of his Office, is unlawful, and a breach of every one of the ten Commandments. Rev. 18. 4. And I heard another voice from Heaven, saying, come out of her my people that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her Plagues. 2 Cor. 6. 17. 18. Come out from amongst them, and be ye separated saith the Lord, and touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you, etc. 2 Cor. 6. 16. What agreement hath the Temple of God with Idols. 1 john 5. 21. Babes keep yourselves from Idols. Hosea 4. 17. Ephraime is joined to Idols, let him alone. Jer. 15. 19 If thou wil● take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be be a● my mouth: let them return unto thee, but return not thou unto them. BY S. R. LONDON To the impartial Reader. Courteous Reader. THE sum and substance of this Treatise, tends to prove a necessity of disclaiming of the ministry of Rome, according to the Statutes of Eiz. 27. 1 &. 2. the words of the Statute are these; it shall not be lawful for any Seminary Priest, or ecclesiastical person whatsoever, made or ordained without or within any of her Majesty's Dominions by any authority delivered, challenged, or pretended from the Sea of Room, by or of what use, name, or degree soever the same shall be called, or known to be, or remain in any part of her highness' Dominions, and every person so offending, shall be judged a traitor, and shall suffer as in cause of high Treason, and every person that shall wittingly and willingly receive, relieve, comfort, aid, and maintain any such Priest, or ecclesiastical person shall be adjudged a felon without benefit of Clergy, and suffer death, lose and forfeit as in case of felony. So that it appears that such as own the Pope to be a true Minister, and retain any ordination, delivered from him are guilty of Treason, and such as receive and maintain them are guilty of felony and Treason, and that the Ministry of England, is derived escentially from the Pope; see Francis Mason of consecration published by Authority 1614 and Yates model of Divinity, pag. 157. printed 1622. so Dr. Crammer was ordained a Priest and Bishop by the said Pope's authority, and others received it from him, unto which aforesaid Statute our national Covenant doth well agree, and require this Nation to use all means according to the word of God, and their place and calling to extirpate the said Pope's Priesthood, and the words of the Covenant are; that we shall in like manner without respect of persons, endeavour the extirpation of Popery, Prelacy, and all other ecclesiastical Officers depending on that hierarchy, in which number are all the Bishops, Ministers by what names or titles soever they are called, or however reform; and therefore unless this Kingdom use means and extirpate them, they are all forsworn, and therefore marvel not if we writ and speak against them: who own the Pope to be a true Minister of Christ, and derive their Authority from him and so worship the Beast. Rev. 15. 9, 10, 11. Also that not only the said Statutes and our late Covenant doth enforce and warrant our separation from the aforesaid Ministry; but also the word of the Lord doth require and approve of this our departure from them, this is the old way; for in the beginning God separated the light from the darkness, Gen. 1. 4. for what Communion hath light with darkness, 2 Cor. 6. 14. true believers are the light, but now ye are light in the Lord. Ephes. 5. 8. by darkness is meant unbelievers; so the Israleites were to be separated from the wicked. Numb. 16, 21. to departed out of Babylon, Esa. 52. 11. and the wicked hate the godly scatter, persecute, and put them to death, the great flock tyrannize over the lesser on Luke 12. 32. but the sheep● neither will nor can persecute the wolves, but the wolves both can and will persecute the Lambs of Christ; many are desirous to know the grounds and reasons of our departing from the Ministry, no doubt some of them desire to see the Truth, and to receive it; however as we judge our separation to be just and necessary, and have done it upon mature and serious consideration, so we have no cause to be ashamed of what we have done: Therefore I have here declared the causes and grounds of our practice, they appear to us unanswerable by the word of God, and though I know more may be said for to warrant our practice; yet I judge what is here said, sufficient for such as seek the Truth in the love of it; for our parts we have in conscience to God's Command, done what we have done, herein many of the Saints of God have been stripped of all outward comforts with life itself, for witnessing to this his Truth, so that we may say to God, it is for thee and for thy sake that we bear the blame men cast upon us, for doing what we have done: what ease or pleasure think ye it can be to us to swim against the stream, to be deprived of our names, Estates, Liberties, and lives, what pleasure is it to the flesh to be stripped of all these things, what get we from men but reproaches, and persecutions; we have no encouragement from the world, and had we as little from God and his word, we were of all men most miserable: yet are we happy because we are one with Christ, and our lives is hid with Christ in God; we have that Spirit which assisted the Saints of old which will not leave us in our temptations, he who hath said he will never leave us nor forsake us, esteems us as the apple of his eye, we enjoy all the sweet promises of strength and comfort; so that we cannot be miserable, if the world do their worst, the worst they can do can but make us partakers of the afflictions of the Gospel, which is our glory, we are resolved what ever can come not to return to Babylon, Egypt, and Sodom more; we are a kin to those spoken of Heb. 11. and as we ought, so we expect the like assistance from God, they had when he shall please to give our enemies leave to try our patience: therefore we have departed from them that submit not to the doctrine of Christ, but profane the things of God, and commit Idolatry, we have left that Church which is the mother of the dead, and chose the mother of the living, we have left that Church which consists of stones, and walls, painted Colours and Beasts, Rev. 18. 2. that follow error and Antichrist & are come to them that follow Christ, a●d his truth, we have left them that would intrude upon us intolerable burdens with tyranny, that assume to themselves more than Paul ever did to have dominion over our faith, and would force us to believe that which Gods word requires not, and we are come to them who are free men, who enjoy the liberty of the Sons of God, where we are free from all the Taskemasters of Egypt, and have liberty to witness to the Truth, and oppose all error without danger or fear, we have left them that sought to keep us, and draw us from the simplicity of the Gospel, and are come to them who have embraced the Faith of Christ, and keep his Ordinances pure, we have left them that sought to destroy us in our names, Estates, Liberties, and lives for our endeavouring to inform and reclaim them from their Idolatry; so that they refuse to be healed, & do live in such things as themselves confess are evil, also that we have found that our staying with them did obscure and hinder the truth, and settle them in their lees: Surely none will marvel at our departure from them, if they consider that we have more cause than Paul had to departed from the Jews, Acts 13, 46. we judged it our duty to repair to that Church which was most apostolical, most agreeable to the word, where we might have liberty to live according to God's word, do most good, and enjoy the liberty and freedom of conscience, so that upon consideration it will appear thus, our departure from them is not to be disallowed but commended, the unity of Idolaters with the Pope, and what is his, we have broke and embraced the unity of the spirit, and the fellowship of the Saints, etc. and seeing a vile person is contemned in the eyes of the righteous how can he go to them to be taught, Psal. 15. 4. and 141. 4. can the godly set themselves against the wicked and yet go to them to be taught, and join with them as brethren in the Sacrament, Prev. 28. 4. and as I may not offer mine offering when I remember 〈◊〉 brother hath aught against me, Mat. 5. 23. and 9 13. much less may partake in another man's offering when I have aught against him, Mat. 18. 15. in this ensuing Treatise, I have as in the presence of God declared what I believe is the truth, namely that the Pope's Priesthood is to be removed, and the high places demolished, but it belongeth only to the civil Magistrate to do it, it is our duty to speak against these things, and to departed from them, (I meddle not what men are in their persons, but what they are in Reference to the Execution of their unlawful Offices of Priesthood) and if the Magistrate will not do it, it is not our faults: search the Scriptures whether the things be so or no, and the Lord give thee understanding in all things, and power to do his will, to his glory, and thy comfort Amen. Farewell. THE REASONS OF THE SAINTS Departing out of BABYLON. AND the Angel cried mightily with a strong voice, come out of her my people, etc. Rev. 18. 4. this Babylon is to be understood spiritually for Sodom and Egypt, Rev. 11. 8. and 17 5. and as they went clean out from the shadow, as appears Gen. 13. 1. Esa. 52. 11. jer. 51. 6 45. So should all that are the Lords come out of Babylon, Sodom, Egypt, spiritually, it being the substance, God's Command is to every one, every man fly, Esa. 52. 8. Obj. This is meant of Rome locally from which Country they were to come out, because of the Judgements and Plagues that were to come upon them? Answ. You grant more than I affirm; for, 1. If they were to come out of the Country, then much more from their worship rules, it be lawful to do that out of Rome, which is forbidden in Rome, Rome in her latitude reacheth as fare as her power and jurisdiction, which is as fare as the power of the Beast reacheth, and how fare that is, see Rev. 17. 24. 7. 15, 16, 17. with 18. 3. which is as fare as the power of the ten Kings reacheth. And all those have not forsaken Rome, that retain any thing of hers, what the matter of the false state is you may see Rev. 18. 2. with 21. 8. she constitutes her Church by houses in the bounds of the parish, by which all sorts of profane are made members, so that if the Devil dwell in the parish, they will make him a member of their Church, so do her daughter, Psal. 137. 8. and do not some make all England a Church, and so fare as England agrees with Rome in her constitution, matter, Laws, Ordinances, Ceremonies, Offices, Officers, Ordination, Doctrine, Government, so accordingly do more or less partake of her, and is in substance one and the same, and if I must come out of the false state, then must I come fro● their worship and Officers, and if I may stay with them, why not also with the assembly, and if with both, how shall I obey God's Command; Rev. 18. 4. 2 Cor. 6. 17. etc. and seeing God hath called me forth, I dare not appear there again with my person all presence, 2. It cannot be meant of the Country, because the Command is generally to all God's people, and therefore is not to be confi●●… to those who dwell in the Country of Room locally, 2 Cor. 6. 17. 3. These words were spoken to the Corinthians that believed, 2 Cor. 6. 17. and Corinth stands not in Room locally but is 〈◊〉 from it. 4. If it were to be understood of Room locally, than such as believe might not dwell there though they should worship God purely, nor may any believer go into tha● Country upon any lawful occasion, which were unreasonable to affirm, Rev. 2. 13. 5. Because such a distinction of Nations is now dissolved; so that in every Nation he that feareth God, and worketh righteousness shall be accepted of him, Rome is a part of a Nation, and therefore this were not so if none may dwell there. 6. Christ commends his Servants for keeping the Faith where Satan's seat is, Rev. 2. 13. and that is in Room as well as other Countries, and therefore they sinned not in dwelling there. 7. If they were to leave the Country because of those plagues, they need not to be marked in their foreheads to escape the Judgements they being out of the Country, & c- Reu. 7. 3. Ezek. 9 4. God saves his in the midst of Judgements, as Z●ph. 3. 12. 8. If they were to leave the Land, because of their sins, th●● by the same reason if the same sins be found in other places, we m●● leave them also, and seeing all Nations have drunk deeply of th● Cupp of her fornication as appears Rev. 18. 3. and so we must go out of the world, therefore Babylon is not confined within her walls, but it comprehends all her Merchants that trade for her and vend her Commodities, and all that symbolise with her. So we are commanded to come with me from Lebanon my Spouse: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shiner, and Hermon, from the Lion's Denns, from the mountains of the Leopards, Song 4. 8. compared with Judge 3. 3. Esa. 2. 29. 17. Song 3. 9 2 Kings 14. 9 & 4. 12. Deut. 3. 9 11, 12, 13. it was a type of the Cage, Rev. 18. 2. 3. 2. The Saints are commanded to separate from strangers Judge 19 12. Nehe. 9 2. by a stranger is meant one of another Nation, Mat. 17. 25. So by a strange woman is meant, one that is not a man's own wife, Prov. 5. 3. 20. and 7. 5. so other Officers and Ministry that is not Christ's, and so not our own, 2 Cor. 11. 14. 15. are strangers to us and such as are under a strange Government, Office, and entrance, and means of worship, and unheard of in God's word, and contrary unto it; and therefore we may not hear them when they execute their strange Offices, and Christ commends his, that they will not hear nor follow a stranger, john 10. 5. and how hearing is to be understood, see john 10. 5. with Mat. 17. 25. and 5. 10. hair and understand, and how following is to be understood, compare john 10. 5. with Mat. 4. 22. 25. john 1. 37. 38. 40. drink water out of thine own Sesterne, and not a strangers, with the Prov. 5. 15. 17. the contrary God doth sharply reprove, Jer. 2. 18. 19 36. Leu. 22. 25. Ezek. 44. 7. 9 Therefore to hear an unlawful Minister in the execution of their Office, is to embrace the bosom of a stranger, and to commit Idolatry with it, is spiritual adultery and contrary to 2 Cor. 11. 2. Ephes. 4. 11. to 15. 3. We are commanded to separate and save ourselves from a freward Generation, as Acts 2. 40. we esteem those to be froward that cannot be spoken unto without peril, and when men are used to heal them that are so fare from being healed, that they are more hardened in their sin, Jer. 51. 9 yea, and that are so froward that they cannot be satisfied until they have persecuted those that would heal her, and also persecute them that walk in the truth, although they meddle not with her, we do not read in the word of God, that the Sheep of Christ did ever persecute the wolves, nor that the persecuting Church, was the Church of Christ, but they were the Church of Christ who were persecuted, Mat. 5. 10. 11. 12. 2 Tim. 2. 12. and 3. 12. God's Command compels us to leave them, so that we have not separated ourselves as they accuse us, but God hath separated us. 4. We are commanded to avoid such as cause divisions and offences contrary to the Doctrine we have heard and learned, Rom. 16. 17. and seeing we are to withdraw from a brother that walks disorderly and not according to the rule of Christ, then much more must we withdraw from those who are no brethren; for if we may 〈◊〉 with any, then with our Brethren. 5. We are commanded that those that refuse to hear the Church should be unto us as Heathens, and Publicans, Mat. 18. 17. they are so fare from hearing the Church of Christ, that they despise her, ye● deny her to be the Church of Christ, and their practice declares they will not have Christ in his government to rule over them, and such Christ calls his enemies, Luke 19 14. Psal. 2. and for any to affirm that the people of God, the Saints and Church of Christ should go to Heathens, Publicans, and the enemies of Christ to be taught, it strange Doctrine, and to as good purpose as for the Sheep of Christ to go to wolves for instruction, which were like to be their destruction, also they reject the Council of God themselves, as Act● 7. 30. 6. We are commanded not to hear such Teachers; Cease my ●onne to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge, Prov. 9 27. they teach Doctrines contrary to the practice of the Saints, recorded and commended to us in God's word, they teach that believers are not to be separated from the world, but aught to continue together in fellowship with them, contrary to 2 Cor. 6. and they teach Infants are to be baptised: concerning which the Scripture is silent, and many such Doctrines they teach, with which our minds and conscience might be defiled if we did hear them, and although they teach many truths, yet seeing they teach heresies, also we must avoid them, Titus. 3. 10. Zach. 13. 3. 2 Epist. 〈◊〉. 9 10. Consider 1 Tim. 6. 3, 4, 5. Gal. 1. 7, 8, 9 2 Epis. john 10. 11. 7. We are commanded to hear what the spirit saith unto the Churches, Rev. 2. 13. and this we cannot do, unless we be there to hear it. 8. God hath commanded his people to go to Zion, compare Deut. 12. 5. 6. 11. and with Jer. 50. 5. and 51. 9 and 2. God hath said gather my Saints together to me, Psal. 50. 1. 5. then it is not his will that they be scattered in false Churches. The Lord hath chosen Zion, so must I, he hath desired it for his habitation, so do I, this is my rest for ever here will I dwell, so say I, Psal. 132. 13. 14. The Lord is there, Ezek. 48. 35. 2 Cor. 6. 16. Christ is there, and it is his will that his be with him, Father I will that they which thou hast given me be with me where I am, etc. john 17. 24. here, and hereafter Christ tells his, that he is gone down into his Garden, 〈◊〉. 5. 1. with 6. 1. 2. 11. and 4. 16. and that there he will stay and dwell, Song. 8. 13. consider 2 Sam. 15. 21. there was a day when the Sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, job. 2. 1. Also the Saints love to Zion causeth them to go thither, I was glad when they said unto me, come let us go to the House of the Lord, Psal. 122. 1, 2. 3. Mica. 4. 1. 2. Esa. 22. 3. than not glad to go to Babylon. 9 We are commanded to let them return to us, but we may not return to them. Jer. 15. 19 we must own them, and walk with them that are the Lords, and own the truth, else how do we proof the Gospel, Mat. 10. 11. etc. 10. We are commanded to stand fast in the Liberty with which Christ hath made us free, Gal. 5. 1. Christ purchased our deliverance out of Egypt spiritual, Rev. 11. 8. therefore we may not return thither again, no not so much as look back, Gen. 19 17. 26. with Rev. 11. 8. what Christ hath purchased for his people it is their privilege to enjoy, and knew we the worth of it, we would prise the part of it, and be thankful for it, and die before we would with part any part of it. 11. We are commanded to let them alone who have joined themselves to Idols, and mixed themselves among the people H●s. 7. 8. and 4. 17. they have joined themselves to an osis of ministry to a Church, and Ordinances that are not Christ's, but only Images and similitudes of his, but not his, and therefore their ministry, Church, and ordinances are all Idols, and we are commanded to keep ourselves from Idols, 1 john 5. 21. God calls such Idol Sheapards that go for true and supply their place, but are not such jodlls, Zack. 11. 17. 12. We are commanded not to be like Idolaters, Leu. 18. 3. 4. Deut. 12. 30. 31. the Lord complains saying, you have made your Priests after the manner of the Nations of other Lands, 2 Chron. 13. 9 10. The Lord hates all the monuments of Idolatry, but Antichrists Priesthood and Temples are principle parts of the Idolaters worship, and are some of the Devils Antichrist worships; that they should not worship Devils and Idols. Rev 9 20. We dare not hear these Priests, because their Priesthood is from the Pope and his Bishops (made by him and this themselves confess) we deny not that we are Ministers by Rome, and that they may as truly be instruments of our ministry as of our baptism, see Yates Moddel of Divinity pag. 25. and so they are the Image of the Beast. Now an Image is nothing else but a certain figure, having relation to the example; so this Priesthood is a figure, and hath relation to the Popish Priesthood, if it were not the very same, and as the nature of an Image is to represent and to put us in mind, so this Priesthood represents to us the Popish Priesthood, and so puts us in mind of the beast, Antichrist which is not a particular person, but is mystically the whole body, viz. from the Pope to the pariter, and all that belongs to her, and as a beast consists in all the parts of her body, so here the Dragon is the head, the rest of this beast consists of the Priests and laity, and this Priesthood is a great part of the Beast, as 1. this is the mouth of the Beast, and this is the mouth that is given to the Beast, by which she prophisieth and is called the false Prophet, under which is included all the false Prophets of Antichrists Kingdom, Arch-Bishops, Bishops, full Priests, half Priests, and this Priesthood is scattered almost in all places, and so is ever at hand to speak for the Beast, viz. the false Church; by this mouth God is blaspheemed and his temple, and them that worship in it, Rev. 11. 1. this mouth calls customers to Antichrists warehouse, and shows her Commodities, extols her Marchantdise, and vends her wares at two dear a rate. Also this Priesthood is the legs of the Beast, which bears 〈◊〉 and carries the Beast, neither can the Beast go without them, and where this Priesthood leaves her, she can go no further, but falls to the ground, and all that pass by may trample upon her, also this Priesthood is the tail of the Beast, the tail you know is, that which covereth the filthy part, so doth this Priesthood cover the filthy part of Antichrist, who is called a Beast, because of her filthiness and uncleanness, she being a most abominable whore, and is defiled with Idolatry, which is the greatest whoredom and uncleanness that is, so that every thing that belongs to this beast is unclean, unsanctified, unholy, and profane order of Priesthood, and this tail covereth all the filthiness and abominations of the whore, with clean and pure ends, holy and pure names, and forsooth, she calls the Devils and Pope's profane Priesthood, God's Ministers consecrated, a holy order of ministry, Divines, etc. and thus she covers all over with specious titles, all her Idolatry and whordomes must be no less than God's Ordinances, and the pure worship of God; by no means she will not endure they should be called Idols, Idolatry, their right name, and thus all is covered by the tail of the Beast, and they are the head of the Beast; for they must rule and master all, and what is left more of the Beast, but the body which is the multitude: the place where you may see this Beast is the Cage, Rev. 18. 2. and the mouth of the Beast is her Commands, licence, and authority; shut the mouth of this Beast and she will decay, and take away the legs of this Beast, and she falls, and can rise no more; let them cease to do the Offices of a tail to her, and her filthiness will soon be discovered, and she shall be abhorred by all that see the Mystery of her iniquity, yea she shall deceive the Nations no more. These Offices of Priesthood keeps out Christ and a special blessing with him, and in part, shuts out the Kingdom of God, these Priests have power and authority originally from the Dragon, funtioned and associated with him and his, and is from hell Rev. 9 2. 3. yet they are neither afraid nor ashamed to say they are Christ's Ministers, and yet are sworn Servants to Antichrist, and him they have and do obey, whose Servants they are, they serve not Christ, for no man can serve 2. Masters, they say they are Christ's Servants, and yet obey Antichrists Commands; wear his livery, count his mark a privilege and seeing it is not fit to allow, no not in the least degree, him that assumes a lawful Office without a lawful calling as Heb. 4. 5. 4. what detestation is sufficient than think ye for him, who dare enter and take an Office of Antichrist which is on purpose set in opposition against Jesus Christ, and swear allegiance to Christ's greatest enemy: oh that they would do as Moses did, refuse to be called that which the Bishops made them, and fling of his Livery, burn the black box, and cease to do any thing by that power, and come in now at last, (though the day be fare spent and work in God's vinyeard) and kiss the Son and swear allegiance to him, this would be for God's glory, their honour and comfort; 〈◊〉 this were a sweet thing indeed, and much to be desired. If it belong to the Lord-Bishops, etc. to make Ministers as some affirm, than there is no lawful Minister, unl●sse he be so made by them, and so they are driven to make that essential to a true Minister which yet was never appointed by Christ, and seeing the Pop●… Priesthood is not any of those Offices Christ hath appointed, as appears Ephes. 4 11. 12. we ought to reject it, and therefore we ought not to be edified by them in those Offices; for nothing can be profitable in Religion but what God justifieth, and to receive or use any other means of teaching, besides Christ would imply some imperfection in Christ's means, and so in Christ; also it were to receive another Teacher besides Christ which were in effect to reject Christ; for he will be our only Teacher (by himself and his means) or not at all, and because Christ's means is sufficient, we need no other, so we d●re not use any other; for that were to change Christ with want either of power that he could not, or want of will that he would not, or want of wisdom that he knew not what means were best, or want of love that he would not afford us means enough, or not good enough; this is no less than to change God to be worse than an Infidel, in not providing for his Family, what they need, and if God affords means sufficient for his, to what end should we use more, also I desire to know. 1. whether any thing can be profitable in Religion that is not appointed by God, seeing we have but one Lawgiver as Jam. 4. Jesus Christ; whether to receive a new Ministry be not to receive a new Teacher. 3. how the execution of the Pope's Priesthood can be truly accounted ministerial teaching under Christ. 4. how we can use or acknowledge any religious teaching with Faith, except it appear to be appointed by Christ. 5. The administrations and ministerial teaching of Antichrists Priesthood be such good means of teaching whether we are not bound in Conscience to submit to those Offices and Officers, and to those that made them such, because he is greater that sends, than he that is sent Heb. 7. 7. for the original of any good is much more good, and seeing this Priesthood is from Satan, whether we are not engaged to him for all the good we receive by it, this may serve him that invented it, but as for God he will not be served by it, see Ez●k. 44. 13. and seeing the borrower is servant to the lender, we by borrowing any thing of the Devil or Antichrist, or the whore of Rome, in so doing become their Servants, Prov. 22. 7. 7. seeing these Ministers are reputed by themselves and others to be the Ministers of Christ, and none but such are permitted by Law to preach, and they preach as such, whether my hearing then is not (a seeming at least) an aprobation that they are such as they are reputed, and seeing they preach as Officers as they are together in hearing them, I serve not at least to acknowledge that office to be appointed by Christ to teach his people, also my action of hearing them cast some show of honour (at least) upon such Officers which is to worship; for Reverence, honour, and worship is the same, and so I secretly confess the original of i●, is to be worshipped much more; for the cause is greater than the effect, also in saying they are Ministers of Christ in so doing I call the Devil Christ, whose Ministers they are. 2. set Christ in the place of Satan, and Satan in Christ's. 3. that Christ's spiritual or mystical body is imperfect without them; for if they be Christ's Ministers they are a part of his Body, & is not this gross Idolatry to a door Satan instead of Christ; for they are called Ministers of Christ, when they are the Devils, Rev. 9 20. so their Idol, Temples, are called the houses of God, the Pope's Priesthood, the Ministers of God, the Devils they are, and if it be intolerable to take a Member of Christ, and join it to a harlot, is it not as bad or worse to take a Member of a harlot in a false Office to join it to Christ's Body. 7. I desire to know by what Rule, and principle of Religion, we may admit of the Pope's Priesthood, (or Ministry that is not Christ) if we must hate all that belong to a false Religion, yea even the garment spotted with the flesh jude 23. Harding answers in the apology in Preface Belarmin up Supra. Our retaining any thing of Rome's trash hinders our confession against it, and they judge our retaining of any thing of theirs an aprobation of what they do; and confirms them in their Religion which is a hard thing to confirm them in their Idolatry by the use of any thing of theirs, and is it also a disparagement to our Religion as it is a gracing of Popery, the Papists cry out and beast that we are not able to serve God without their Priesthood, Temples, and Ceremonies, Bellarmin saith, God takes such delight in their Temples, that he takes the charge bestowed on them in better sort, then if it were bestowed in money upon the poor, and if we may receive their Priesthood and Temples, and sprinkling of Infants, will it not follow the rest of the same kind may be received also? Zeal cannot endure the coupling of any thing of Christ's with the things of Antichrist, because God will have them divided, God will not have any thing come near him, but what he hath sanctified, witness Nadabs' and Abihus strange fire, Leu. 10. 1. what agreement hath light with darkness, Christ with belial, etc. 2 Cor. 6. Tell me, can Zeal endure that any thing that is the Devils should come near them, much less the Lord, we should fly from all 〈◊〉 is the Devils, as we would fly from the Devil himself, what zeal, express they against what is his when they use it, in use religious 〈◊〉 most honourablest use, and the use he appointed for them, how do such avoid them who go to them; did we hate Idolatry, we could not by no means be brought to digest one dram of it; for all 〈◊〉 belongs to it is alike unclean, and so alike to be hated, it doth vex their Souls who have Zeal to see the marks and signs of Idolatry and Idols of Antichrist, therefore we protest all that hath 〈…〉 show of Popery, we abhor, and to the Pope's Priesthood, we 〈◊〉 departed from us, get ye hence we know you not, Esa. 30. 22. Oh consider this Priesthood is invented in opposition to Christ, and that by his greatest enemy, such as can bear this, are they not lukewarm, and as a cake half baked, Rev. 3. 16. Hos. 7. 8. bear this and 〈◊〉 any thing, and bid Zeal farewell for ever. Consider what names God gives to Antichrists Priesthood, as locusts Rev. 8 3. like horses, their faces like men, teeth like Lions, tails like Scorpions; and like Serpents, Frogs, Rev. 16, 13. S●…serers, Rev. 19 23. if they have the names of men, than the 〈◊〉 of men, and as we would fly from such kind of Creatures, both in body and mind, so should we from Antichrists Priesthood, they have been the professed and sworn slaves of Antichrist, wore his Livery and counted his mark a privilege. So it hath been their practice to slight some, contemn vilify disgrace and reproach us, calling us simple, ignorant, and illiterate and seduced people; because we refused to assent to those things they said without proof, and when we have gone to them to be informed, and to inform, they would oft say they, are not at leisure, and that it was our pride to offer to contradict them, to dispute with them, and that they were willing, yet because we were ignorant, and so could not understand, nor distinguish, and so conceited and wilful, that it is to no purpose, and when this would not avail than they would make the thing in question, the ground of an accusation taking it for granted before it were proved, that it is a grievous error when it was the truth, and when they did admit of a discourse, they would so continue their speech, so that we could not have time to answer, or else they would fill their discourse with Greek or Latin, Logic, Sofistry, and vain distinctions, and save fetched consequences, by which means they darkened the truth, and hindered their consciences, and others from receiving the truth, one while they would put 〈◊〉 to prove the negative, and being put to it, they would ask our meaning, and wonder at our ignorance, and in the mean time they would study a shift, and that which made most against them, they would say it made most for them, or tell us it was not worth the answering; also they would draw us from the word of God, to their wisdom and discretion, and carnal reason which they knew would prevail with the others. Also we have found it their practice to frequent their Companies who were rich and honourable in the world, and serve themselves into their affections for their own ends. So it is common among them not much to care for the Sheep, but suffered the wolf to take them; so when they have professed their being clearly called by God to a people, yet they would leave them for a greater living and profess, they were called thither, and after leave them for a greater, when the first was enough, yea we have heard of, that one of them who was not of the worst amongst them, said unless he might be sure of 3. or 4. hundred a year, he would not be their Minister, whereby they plainly declare they serve not the Lord Jesus, but their own bellies, and sell their Sermons, and make a trade of Religion, esteeming gain godliness. Also how do they seek to hinder the publishing of any thing but what come from themselves, as if the word of God came only to them. Also they are so proud that they think themselves wronged, and complain because we will not hear them preach. 14. We have separated from them, because we found those places the houses of Bondage, because whatsoever corrupt Doctrine or blasphemies were taught, we were enjoined under a great penalty to be silent: so that we must either sin or suffer, and to suffer for witnessing against what they teach, when we are forbidden to be there to hear them is not safe. To be present and silent when they taught lies, and spoke against the truth, were to partake of their sins, break God's Command, defile our souls, hazard our peace, encourage and harden them in their sins. For 1. Because it is Gods Command that those who sin rebuke before all, 1 Tim. 5. 20. 2. Because it was the practice of the Saints to do so, and that with great zeal as you may see Acts 13. 16. 10. Ezra 9 2, 3, 4. Psal. 119. 136. 139. Numb. 25. 11, 12, 13. and have not they more cause to be reproved, who alleige the word of God to justify errors and lies, and to condemn the way of God, and people of God for walking in it: as we have heard them do. 3. God commends it for a virtue in the Church of Ephesus, that they could bear with them that are evil, Rev. 2. 2. to see or hear sin committed with silence is to bear it, and if Ely was guilty although he did reprove sin, because he did not do it zealously, as appears 1 Sam. 2. 22, 23, 24, 25. 27 29. and 3. 13. how shall they escape or be excused, who reprove not sin at all, their saying it is not my place, it belongs to the Magistrate or the Minister or the Officers of the Church, or he is not my brother, I am no Member, these shifts are too short, so that neither love to God, his truth and people, the good of the souls of men, nor their own peace, nothing moves them; surely such love not the Lord as they should, nor so much as the Saints have done; doth a friend love as he aught who hears him wronged and is silent, and shows no dislike; oh offer not this to God. 4. We ought to reprove sin (if we be present where sin is committed in case none else reprove it) because God hath appointed it to be a means of preventing sin, sin being very contagious, 1 Cor. 5. 6. therefore he saith, them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear, 1 Tim. 5. 20. and that ye do so to all men, great or small friends or enemies, spare none, so much is employed in these words, I charge thee before God and the Lord ●esus Christ, and the elect Angels that thou observe these things without preferring one before another doing nothing by partiality, verse 21. must we take care for the Ox or Ass of an enemy as appears Exod 23. 4. 5. then much more for the good of the soul of an enemy. 5. This was jobes' comfort, that nothing could cause him to keep silence Jobe 31. 34. now if he might have been silent when sin had been committed, ●and yet not have sinned, his not being silent could not be any comfort to him at all. 6. Because presence and silence, God esteem a doing of the action as 1 Cor. 11. 4. 5. with 14. 24 every man prophesiing: yet all spoke not, every woman that prophisieth etc. that is by consent, for women are not allowed to speak in the Church. So God chargeth Ahab with murder when Jezebel did it, and he only by consent 1 Kings 18 19 compared with 7, 8 9, 10. Silence is conformation, as appears Numb. 30. 14. he confirmeth them because he held his peace when he heard them: so it was not enough that they shed not blood, but that they did not see it Deut. 21. 7. therefore God deals with those who were present and silent, where sin was committed as if they had done it themselves, see Leu. 5. 1. and 20. 4. 5. 7. If we reprove not sin we have fellowship with it, Ephes. 5. 11. Hag. 2. 13. Rev. 2. 20. see josua 22. 18, 9, 20. therefore the Saints are to come out from them, that they might not be partakers of their sins Rev. 18. 4. 2 Cor. 6. I was almost in all evil in the midst of the Congregation and Assembly, Prov. 5. 14. 8. God in describing a good man saith of him, he stoppeth his cares from hearing of blood, and his eyes from seeing of evil, Esa. 33. 15. 16, that is, he cannot by no means endure it. Consider impartially these things, and resolve whether you may hear God's truth, and people preached against, and be silent, and not sin; for my part my conscience was so overpowred with the evil thereof, that if there were no other reason against hearing the Bishop's Priests, than this, I was not able no longer to hear them having often found the most eminent amongst them often condemning the truth and people of God. 15. We have separated from them, because God hath made them no promise of his presence and blessing, and we are not to expect any blessing where God hath not promised it, and seeing all the promises of God's presence blessings, and exceptation are made only and peculiarly unto the Church of Christ's, as in the Law the promises were made to the Tabernacle, Temple, Ark, Exod. 29 42. 43. Leu. 25. 2●. Exod. 25. 21. 22. which are to be applied to the Church of Christ under the Gospel, Mount Zion figured the Church of Christ, Heb. 12. 21. 22. there will I meet with thee, Numb. 17. 4. there I will command my blessing upon thee, the Lord will bless thee 〈◊〉 of Zion, and abundantly bless her provision, Psal. 134. in all place● where I record my name there, will I come unto thee, and bless thee Exod. 20. 24. thou shalt put the blessing upon Mount Gazerim, 〈◊〉 Mount Sinai, Deut. 11. 29 and 33. 16. the glory of the Lord abode there, Exod. 24. 16. my beloved came into his garden to eat his pleasant fruits, I have gathered my myrrh with my spices which is Christ's acceptation of his Church's services by his graces, and it is called his, because he commanded it, Song. 4. 16. and 5. 1. But Mount ebal was a type of the false Church, and the curse was there, Deut. 11. 9 & 27. 15. 18. 25. Josua 8. 33. 34. what portion have we in false Churches or inheritance in the Sons of it, to thy tents 〈◊〉 Israel, viz. the Church of Christ. The Church of Christ is a resemblance of heaven; therefore it is called heaven, Rev. 6. 14. and by the rule of Contraries the false Church must be hell, and as hell is the habitation of Devils, so is the Cage the false Church, Rev. 18. 2. and as those who are in hell have plagues and torments continually, so they have no rest day nor night who worship the Beast, Rev. 14, 9, 10, 11. thou didst debase thyself even unto Hell, Esa. 57 9 thou knewest not that the dead are there, & that her guess are in the depth of Hell, Prov. 9 18 by the gates of H●ll, in Mat. 16. 18, is 〈◊〉 the power of the false Church, and we desire you would not be angry in that we have no mind to go to Hell. 16. We have departed from them because God's word do not command us to go to false Churches to hear unlawful Ministers, and God forbids what his word commands not; therefore God much complaineth, that they did that which he commandeth not, see Jer. ●●. 5. & 7. 31. & 32. 32. 35. Leu. 10. 5. Deut. 17. 1. & 18. 20. Mat. 28. ●0. Mark 7. 8 9 If we suffer ourselves to be beaten from this hold, we shall be taken captive by our enemies the papist, tell me, did God ever commend or accept of the doing of that he never commanded, 〈◊〉 whether any thing can be well done that is not commanded to be 〈◊〉 say the former, and bring in traditions, grant the latter and bring 〈◊〉 works of supererogation, monks, merits, etc. ●hould we then to 〈◊〉 principle, Mr. Rob: saith, in a treatise for hearing in false Churches, it is confessed that hearing in false Churches is not commanded by Christ. 17. Because to hear them in the execution of their unlawful Offices & Church is to uphold them, because if none did hear them, they would not administer, and so their Church, State, would be dissolved: So than the people establish them, because persons to administer unto, is essential to administration, and it is much to be desired that their Church were dissolved, because then the Saints would come to Zion, and then Christ should have more glory; for the glory of a King consists in the multitude of Subjects; therefore I thus reason, if the whole ought not to go, than no part of the whole; for the whole consists of the parts, for every General includes all the particulars and although it be granted, that if one part go, the rest in not going do not dissolve the Church; yet that part that goeth not doth well, because it hath done its part; also it is a means to cause the other part to do so also, seeing actions speak also there not going dishonoureth & weaken the rest that go, & so much as we uphold the false Church, we dissolve the true, & so far are enemies to Christ, as we are enemies to his Church; oh consider this you who are for hearing in false Churches: I being convinced of the falseness of the ministry and Church of England, left hearing them yet conceiving as some do, that they might be heard as gifted men, and that hearing was no Communion, etc. I returned to hear them, believing, and professing their ministry to be false and Antichristian: yet at my hearing them, the weak were stumbled, the strong offended, and some of the parish gatherings were confirmed in their practice, and professed they liked their Church and Ministry the better, because I heard them, and hoped I began to see my error, (as they called it) in denying their Church and Ministry, &c, so my practice encouraged them, and so upheld their Church by participation, but when I saw my error and the fruit of it, I was filled with much bitterness, grief & sorrow, I knew not how to be revenged on myself, and had not God preserved me, I had made myself a terrible example to revolters, I wish this may be a warning to others to take 〈◊〉, let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he f●ll from his steadfastness, as 2. Pet. 3. 17. oh consider, is it a small matter to sin against God to lose peace of conscience, to encourage and harden others in their sin, to say no more. It seems the Church of England & the Pope's Priesthood are so married together, that they cannot be divoursed, this strange marriage, was figured out, Neh. 9 and as Paul calls marriage a secret Mystery, & that Marriage was a sign or figure of joining together Christ and his Church, Ephes. 5. 32. so Song 6. 8. Rev. 21. 9 so strange marriage figure, the joining the Pope and his Church, we are to weight for wisdom at wisdom's gate, and not in an Idols temple, nor in 〈◊〉 Idolatrous assembly, nor for Christ's voice at the mouth of a harlot, 〈◊〉 is objected Christ hath been found there. Answ. true, to call his away, jer. 51. 6. 45. Rev. 18. 4. 2 Cor. 6. 17. 18. after which call 〈◊〉 warning, let such take heed how they stay and meddle there, and consider, Rev. 14 6. to 11. and be sure ye attend where Christ had promised his presence, as Mat. 18. 20. Esa. 33. 21. Psal. 87. 7. and if it seem small, so as ye find not that plenty ye desire, see that ye d●spise no● the day of small things, Zack. 4 11. consider Psal. 132. 15. 18. Because it is a dishonour to Jesus Christ for his people to go to Antichrist, Priesthood to be fed; it is a dishonour for the King's Son to go to the house of his greatest enemy for bread: if Christ provides not for his Family, he is worse than an infidel, in my Father's house is bread enough, Christ hath provided choice dainties, and enough; Christ is in the midst of his Church, his eye is upon his to know their wants, and supply them, Mat. 18. 20. Christ will work a miracle before they shall want; Abraham would not receive so much as a shoe latchet from the Heathen, lest they should say they made him rich, see 1 King. 17. 12. to 18. and 19 4. 6. 8. and shall 〈◊〉 from Christ's enemy? Abraham's case is ours: wherefore we abho●… to be provided for by them; Gods love, care, and bounty, call us from you to stand by and wait to see a full end of Antichrist, and his Priesthood, etc. and so to sing halalugia, and for you who are fed by them, so as you cannot live without them, tell me how shall you rejoice in her ruin; what shall you get by her fall, whose ruin is your loss, you cannot spare her now, what will ye do here after? her destruction hasteneth, stand still a little, and ye shall see the Lords Salvation of Zion, and the utter downfall of Babylon, Rev. 18. 19 20. 21. and 19 1. 2. 3. 19 Because the Scriptures declare to follow them, it is an unreasonable practice to hear such as are not the Ministers of Christ, 〈◊〉 so much is employed in Song. 1. 7. 8. tell me o thou whom my soul 〈◊〉, where thou seest, where thou makest thy flocks to rest at noon; 〈◊〉 why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy Compa 〈…〉: there can no reason be given for such a practice. Therefore Christ answers it; if thou know not o thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock and feed 〈◊〉 kids besides the Sheaperds' tents: Song. 1. 8. follow the footsteps of the Saints gone before you recorded in Scripture: what hast 〈◊〉 to do in the way of Egypt, nothing at all, except only to drink 〈◊〉 water of Sihor, 2. ●er. 18. which God condemns. 20. Because those which I may hear I may maintain as 1 Tim. 5. 18. but Satan's Priesthood nor any other false ministry I may not maintain for that were to uphold them in their evell way: therefore I may not hearethem. 21. That ministry that is not from God, we may not pray to God to enable them in the execution of it; for he that biddeth them Godspeede, is partakers of all their evil, 2. Epis. john 10. 11. and if we may pray to God to bless the Priesthood, why not the Prelacy the Pope and Dragon, Rev. 9 11. for it is unreasonable to bless the branches and not the root, and if I may pray to God for a good success of actions done by a false power, and Office, than I may thank God for the means of that good and then I may pray for the continuance of it, and of that Church, and for any so to pray, were to pray against the fulfilling of the promise of the downfall of Babylon's power and Priesthood, we pray for the fall of Babylon, and for the rising of Zion, and to pray otherwise, were to build 〈◊〉 that God distroyes and to take his name in vain, yea to make ourselves transgressors and to mock God. 22. Because we cannot approve of such a preaching as tends to the dishonour of Christ in slighting the rest of the Ordinances of Christ, for so doth their preaching not only. 1. honour the cage, 〈◊〉 2. hinder the Saints going to Zion, by which they hinder their ●●joying the rest of the Ordinances of Christ. 3. Christ is deprived of his Kingly glory in the want of the presence of his Saints. 4. their preaching hinders them, and blinds them that they cannot see the mystery of iniquity, it's their preaching that is the strong cord that binds God's people to Babylon, the Cup of gold which she holds forth to entice the people to admire her and to follow her, is the word of God which she hath stolen, and I may not be partaker with her in her theft, Psal. 50. 17. 18. It were better for them and others that they taught no 〈◊〉 at all the● should they not by it keep so many in error as they do, the harlots smooth mouth and honey drops, hath be witched many, and drawn them aside from the way of God, as Prov. 5. 3. 〈◊〉. 7. 21. Neh. 3. 4. with Gal. 3. 1. God of old tried his people's love to him, by suffering false Prophets to arise, and give them a sign, and although it came to 〈◊〉 yet when he went about to draw the people from the worship●… God, they were not to hear that prophet but reject him, Deut. 〈…〉. 1. to 7. with Deut. 18. 20, 21, 22. God is still the same, and layeth 〈◊〉 like charge upon his people as he did then, as Gal. 1. 8. 9 The Lord may say to them, ye are they that forsake the Lord, that forget my holy mountain that prepare a Table for the 〈◊〉, and that furnish the drinke-offering for that number, Esa. 65. 11. 〈◊〉 they are guilty of usurpation in taking upon them to 〈◊〉 the people, and whereas the less is blessed of the greater, Heb. 7. 7. viz. greater in power and Authority, whereas they have neither the Office of Christ nor the power of Christ. 23. Because the way they walk, is not the way that God 〈◊〉 appointed his people to walk in, they may not go to them for 〈…〉 fit, for great gifts and parts are not to be countenanced out of God's way, some think they are safe, so long as they say they 〈◊〉 them as guifted men, but seeing they stand there as Ministers, 〈◊〉 intention altars not their standing, nor lessens their sin, if 〈◊〉 have gifts, let them bring them to the Church of Christ for 〈◊〉 glory, and his people's comfort, see Deut. 1. 12. Ephes. 4. 16. as 〈◊〉 Mica 4. 1. 2. so now the Law is to go forth of Zion, see Ephes. 3. 〈…〉 the greater their gifts are the greater is their sin, and your 〈◊〉 in that they lay them not out for Christ's advantage, see Luke ●2. Are their gifts from God that are laid out so contrary to 〈◊〉 and the good of his people? see Ephes. 4. 11. 1 Cor. 12. 12. 13, 1 〈◊〉 14. Mat. 28. 18, 19, 20. the arts of men are oft taken for the 〈◊〉 of God. 24. The Church State make all the public actions 〈…〉 done by virtue of it to be formally good or evil according to the Law and false power, and so accordingly become lawful or unlawful to partake of them, Mat. 23. 17. 19 the true Church hath the true power, true worship, true Officers, true administration, the power being true, all actions done which naturally flow from it, are good and lawful, and so unlawful, if done i● and by a false Church and power, for power puts into Offices, office into administration, which is the execution of it, so that if the Office be unlawful, the administration of it is unlawful also, because its a part, yea the chiefest part of the Office; for the end is ever greater than the means, because the means is for the end, the Office is for the administration, which is the power of it, so to partake of the administration, is to partake of the power of it, Rev. 9 11. it follows that an evell power and Office cannot have a lawful administration, and thus it is in divine and civil States, when the State is not allowed, the power of that state is not allowed, nor any administration done by it, and though the action for the matter of it be good, and he good that doth it, yet it is not allowed, apply it: so then. So fare as I allow of any administration done by a false Office and power, so fare I vilify the true in that (I seem at lest to) equal them, and so it is to be interpreted, when the outward action is the same with his, that approves of the Office and power of the State; for presents and silence is to be interpreted aprobation, what men are inwardly, it belongs not to us to determine. Also that place and calling that hath tied unto it the breach of any Command of God, so as the calling cannot be separated from the sin, that place and calling is unlawful; but the Ministry of England hath tied to it the sprinkling of Infants, and giving holy things to dogs, etc. ergo. And seeing teaching and hearing are relations that go together: therefore where he may not lawfully preach, I may not hear. Wherein it appears that hearing the Pope's Priesthood, is a breach of the ten Commandments. The first Command Requires. 1. That we hate, that which he hates, and to testify it 〈◊〉 we love him, 2 Kings 10. 15. jude 23. God hates all the monuments of Idolatry, and all belongs to it, the Pope's Priesthood is a principal part of their worship, so that I am to fly from him, and all that is Antichrist, as from the Devil, and therefore not to go to hear them, see Esa. 30. 22. And as nothing but what God hath sanctified may not come near God, witness Nodab and Abihu, strange 〈◊〉. Leu. 10. nor I here it in use Religions, and if we may ad●●… of the Pope's Priesthood, and consecreated Temples, (without which the Papists think not the worship holy) why may we not as well admit of all the Popish trumpery upon the same ground, yea the Devil himself: Let not men say they hate Popery, so long as they retain in use religious, the principle bags of it, but he that truly hates Antichrists, cannot by no means digest, or dream of any thing that is his, 1 Kings 18. 40. 2. The first Command is broken when we tempt God; and this is done when I doubt of God's blessing in his own means and way. 2. when I expect not at all from God in his means and way, 3. use, means that he hath not appointed and expect his blessing where he hath not promised, if therefore this Command is broken when I hear an unlawful Minister, or send an Idol to God. 3. This Command is broken when I deny that which God affirmeth to be true, viz. that his word is perfect, and this I do, when I do an action, his word ivinues not, for if there be any action that is good, not commanded in the word: the word commands not all good, and so is not perfect which is to put the lie upon God, so when the word saith, such a practice is not lawful, and my practice say it is, this is to put the lie upon God, and this is Idolatry to do so, if it be not blasphemy. 4. This Command forbids the doing of any thing which seems to lessen his love, care and bounty to his; for this is not for his glory, and this is done when we go to Christ's enemies to be fed, as if God did not take care for the souls and bodies of his; therefore davids prayer (shall be mine) let me not eat of their dainties, Psal. 141. 4. surely then he would not eat of their Sacrifice. 5. The first Command, Commands me to be on God's side, against the enemies, and not in the least to encourage them against him, this Command is broken when I hear a false Minister side with him, and encourage him and others in their sin against Christ. This 1. Command requires us not to receive one, or set up, etc. any thing that doth oppose him as we are loyal to Christ, no nor seem to do it, and as God likes nothing but what himself appoints, no more should we, but if we receive Antichrists Priesthood, we do homage to a traitor, if we receive Satan's Ministers, we receive him, Mat. 10. 14. 40. 41. 42. see john 105. with Mat. 17. 25. a stranger for to honour a false Minister, is to worship the institutes, what difference between the Pope's Priesthood and the Devils, and is it not horrible Idolatry to worship the Devil. 7. This Command requires me to follow God fully, and zealously, and avoid all means that may hinder me herein; for he is a zealous God, Exod. 20. 5. but to go to the Pope's Priesthood, is to halt down right, 1 Revel. 18. 21. Antichrist 〈◊〉 not cleansed; we cannot follow Christ, and belial, how is it that thou being a Christian, keeps company with Antichrist, and frequents his house, I am persuaded that the hearing of a false Minister is the greatest bar and stumbling block that lieth in the way of God's people, and hindereth them most from following God fully. Oh who is like our God, and what Ministry is like his: therefore his Ministry I receive and embrace, but if otherwise, vehemently I abhor, refuse, and scorn it. The 2. Command requires that God be worshipped purely according to his word; therefore that worship that is not according to his word, either for matter or manner is unlawful, but to worship God with, or before an Idol in state Religions breaks this Commandment, but a false Minister is an Idol and a means not appointed by God: therefore to hear a false Minister in the execution of his Ministry, is gross superstition and Idolatry, yea a countenansing of false worship, and a breach of this 2. Commandment; yea this is to sacrifice to Devils, and to have fellowship with Devils, see Exod. 20. 5. Psal. 106. 37. 1 Cor. 10. 20. The 2. Command condemns the use of any Idol: an Idol is any thing or similitude that is set a part for a religious use, and not appointed by God, 1 john 5. 21. 2 Cor. 6. 16. therefore we commit Idolatry in affording our presence where an Idol is in state Religions we worship an Idol when we honour it, we honour it when we use it, in use Religions we grace the temple and Priest, when by our presence we cause them to be the better thought of: therefore to cast the least glance of honour, credit, or countenance, to an Idol we worship him; yea to look towards an Idol is to cast a glance of honour to it, see Rev. 13. Daniel forboore the King's meat, it being offered to an Idol which was otherwise clean, lest he should serve to honour the Idol, for if he might have eat it, and yet not have honoured the Idol, he did ill to refuse it as he did, Deut. 1. 8. The 3. Command condemns the taking God's name in vain; God's worship is his name now to profess to worship God when I do not, I cause his name to be evil spoken of, and this is to take his name in vain, but to hear a false Minister, is to mock God, and to take his name in vain; so he that biddeth him Go●●●eede, is partaker of all his evil deeds, 2 Epis. john 11. 11. 4. Command requires us to sanctify the Lords day, Heb. 4. 4. 1 Cor. 16. 1. Rev. 1. But hearing a false Minister in a false state, hinders persons from sanctifying the Lords day, and therefore is a breach of this Commandment. 2. This 4. Command requires us to cease from our own works, viz. sin, but he that hears such preach of whom we speak sins, and so hath not ceased from his own works and so is guilty of the breach of this Command, Heb. 4. 4. 10. 5. Command requires that we honour our Superiors, as 1. himself, 2. those he hath set up. But hearing them in those places is to disobey God's Command, Rev. 18. 4. etc. which is to dishonour him. 2. by hearing them I honour them, and so fare I honour them, my practice vilifieth, and despise and disgrace such as God would have honoured in levying them to follow and hear them; also in hearing Antichrist, I dishonour Christ, and those whom he sends to preach, and in hearing the Pope's Priesthood, I honour those that sent them; for greater is he that sends, than he that is sent. 6. Command condemns murder natural and spiritual. But to hear Antichrists Ministers is to teach and cause others to sin and to encourage and harden them in their sin, which is to destroy their souls, 1 Cor. 8. 10. 11. Also this practice doth murder the Saints, Communion and love each to other, etc. The 7. Command condemns all uncleanness both natural and spiritual with all means and occasions that tends to defile us, and that we use all means of chastity, spiritual chastity, Solomon teacheth in 〈…〉 parable, Prov. 5 15. 18. with Song. 4 12. 15. Rev. 22. Ezek. 47 6. 10. drink water out of thine own Sesterne, viz, go not to hear in false Churches, to hear Antichrists Ministers is to sin, & so a breach of spiritual chastity, and that which defiles and polluteth my Soul and others in tempting them by my practice to def●●e themselves also, as 1 Cor. 8. 10. false worship is whoredom because faith towards God is broken, Leu. 17. 7. the false Church is a harlot, and to have Communion with her in any thing that is hers, is spiritual uncleanness: therefore we are commanded not to come near the door of her house, Prov. 5. 8. Also this Command forbids touching of any unclean thing, consider well these Scriptures, Esa. 30. 22. 2 Cor. 6. 17. 1 Kings 22. 43. Deut. 12. 1, 2, 3. etc. and 7. 5. 2 Kings 10. 26, 27, 28. and if the brazen Serpent was destroyed because abused, 2 Kings 18 4. 3. what can we say for an Idols temple, dedicated to a Saint and a monument of Idolatry, a principle Instrument of Idolatry abused to Idolatry, and Idol, in use religious and commonly judged more holy, than any other places; yet not appointed by the Lord, but an enticement to Idolatry, it's called a temple, and to have temples now of stone, is to deny Christ to be come, the Temples of old being a Type of Christ, which being come, was to be done away; I desire to be satisfied of them that think otherwise in these questions. 1. Whether those under the Gospel have any more liberty to use an Idol in use Religions then the Jews had. 2. whether God doth not hate all Idolatry, and all the Instruments of it, now as much as he did in the Jews time before Christ. 3. whether we are not to hate and show as much dislike against all the monuments of Idolatry as the Jews were to do. 4. whether our natures now be not as prove to Idolatry, as the Jews were. 5. whether we are not to imitate those, good Jews in zeal who hated and abhorred them most. The Temples (and Priests) are Jewels of the harlot, and so long as we retain them in such a use, we have not truly repent of former Idolatry. It is a Troop of Antichrists Conquest, and while it standeth Christ is dishonoured, and put to shame, it is a sign of their complying with God's enemies, and while we use them in such a use at least we for bear to do as we are commanded, Deut. 5. 6. It's a stumbling block to Popish minds, and while it continueth, there is some regard seems to be had of their service, is it a small thing think ye to retain their consecreated Priests and temples, etc. and I in going to them, to hear the Priests tempt myself, and tempt the Lord to give me up to Satan, and Antichrist, to be blinded and hardened. Rom. 1. The 8. Command condemns all thief to hear Antichrists Priests is theft in a high degree, because by it I rob God of his glory, and give it to Antichrist in worshipping him. 2. To partake with all these is theft, and they are thiefs if they have gifts and graces in not carrying them to the Church, for all is theirs, and if it be sacrilege to steal a M●●-booke or a Sirples which are detestable; what sacraledge call you this, to rob the Church of Christ of her ●oode, and to adorn Antichrist with it, also my hearing them robs the truth of its due, and robs me of peace and comfort, and part of my Crown of sufferings, and bring a woe upon me, Esa. 39 1. yea Plagues, Rev. 14 9 10. 11. and curses Josun 6. 26. its theft in that it steals from our brethren the comfort they might enjoy in us, and fills them with grief, because of our sin. The 9 Command forbids all kind of bearing false witness, but to hear them is to go to them for food, I by my practice say there is not meat enough in my Father's house this is to bear false witness against God, and to lie against the truth for my practice in hearing them say they may be heard, which is to lie and bear false witness against God. The 10. Command forbids covetousness which is for a man not to be contented with God's allowance, Heb. 13. 5. Now if we be contented with what God hath given us in his house, etc. why go we to the house of a stranger 〈◊〉 Antichrist, surely our going to hear them plainly declare our not being contented without them which is covetousness. FINIS. Faults escaped in the Printing. Page line word Read 5. 21. proof proofs 5. 34. osis Office 6. 2. Jodlls' idols 21. 24. institutes instituter 21. 29. zealous Jealous 25. 23. all a 10. 4. money mercy 10. 36. some scorn 9 13. serve some 8. 16. justifieth instituteth 8. 23. change charge 8. 26. change charge Epist. delivered derived. The other faults, correct or pass by in love.