THE INFANCY OF ELDERS.  
A Short Treatise composed for Vindication of the Christian liberty of Freeborn denizens of England.  
OR A Refutation of the Tyrannical unlawful misgovernment of our Church by Lay-Elders.  
Written by J.S. Minister of the Word in Lancashire.  Gal. 5.1. 
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.  
Printed in the Year, 1647.   

The Infancy of Elders.  
I Have long time exercised my patience in forbeareance to write something of this Subject, trifling away many days, in a tedious expectation, that some one better able, would have prevented me, who more fully and accurately (than I know myself able to perform) might have perfected this work: but seeing the daily encroaching tyranny of our new moduled Church Officers, spreading like Gangrenes over the whole body of the Kingdom, and none offering neither for safety to himself, and his hereditary freedom, nor for prevention of evil to his brethren, to calterize, or take up a vein in them, to obstruct this new dangerous hot disease in our Ecclesiastical body; some though convinced in judgement that they are pernicious mischiefs in a Kingdom, yet basely fearing man more than God, forbear to write against them; others partly Classical, partly Episcopal, but really nothing, hover aloof, with the reare-Mouse to see the battle betwixt birds and beasts, with resolution to join with the stronger party, and now perceiving the Classes headily run on, forbearing to stop their proud career, like bruit beasts, creep into some crib, and there stop their mouths with meat, and think with dumbness to fatten themselves without giving testimony to the world of their humane reason; and indeed generally lulling themselves in a sottish silence, have made themselves guilty thus fare of betraying their own freedoms, to the irreverend censures of our new stamped Elders. I thought it my duty to shoot this poor paper bullet at them, which if it take no impression upon them, yet I hope at the rebound, it may be taken up by some, who perceiving the softness of my Ammunition, will prepare harder ware against these impetuous furies, however it will be some evidence to future ages to procure a non-guilty upon my name, for traitorously consenting to the subversion of the furdamentall Laws of this Kingdom, and betraying that liberty and freedom which as a Freeborn child of God I ought to enjoy, into the hands of ignorant Tyrants; and like wise serve to free me from a brand of instability or wand'ring in my principles, suffering myself to be tossed too and fro with every puff of wind: Know Reader, I am not of such a Weathercock temper as to be moved from my well-grounded station, though the North wind bluster high, let others, who lately were of my opinion, till the magnetic force of earthly preferment withdrew them, turn Hyperborean dotterels, and imitate the fashions prescribed them by holy Highlanders, whom the unseasonableness of some late winters, forced Southward, more to secure themselves in a warmer clime, than out of any good intended to us natives; let such I say play the Apes after them, setting up their holy form of worship and Church-government, & use the learned persuasions which a proud Presbyter (lately reputed a good man, whilst ten pound per annum at a private Chapel could satisfy him, but now having betrothed a Parliament man's sister, is by the strong cordage of attractive Apron-strings drawn up a hill to a benefice of five hundred pound) labouring to draw his Auditory to the subscription hereof, told them (whose bare assertions with his rustic Auditory pass for Oracles,) it was a government used in the Jewish Church, and therefore to be followed by us Christians; Oh rare Pulpit Rhetoric!  
It pities my heart to think how the poor Country people are misled by these blind guides, who poor Simpletons, perceiving the current of the times, are many of them troubled (having plumbeous head-pieces) to shape their Pulpit stuff according to the humour thereof, in which they take more pains for saving their benefices, than their people's souls: you can scarcely go to hear a Sermon but the subject thereof is obedience to this godly government; and the Presbyterian fatlings will blatter out, and quote almost every verse in the Bible that hath but the word Elder in it, to prove its lawfulness thereby; these silly quondam Sur-Johns, but now Presbyter or Prester John's Parochial Princes, do more Lord it over God's heritage, than ever Becket, Wolsey or Laud did: instead of feeding, leading their flocks into captivity, forcing submissions to their imperious rules, contrary to the doctrine and late professions of most of them, and avouch Authority from the Parliament for to justify their proceed herein, and proclaim commission for each one to be summus sacerdos sui Classis; and the Eldership to be Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ by Authority of both Houses of Parliament; and who dare say against it?  
I am loath to set perine to paper to clash against any thing debated and concluded in that High and Honourable Court, having hitherto laboured to my power, to propagate their cause, which Cause was protested to be and expressly set down in the Covenant, that it was the defence of his Majestics person, the Protestant Religion, the fundamental Laws and liberty of the Subject, and to endeavour Reformation of Religion in the Church of England, according to the holy word; but now they having set up a Government, not agreeable to God's word, nor consistant with the fundamental Laws of this Kingdom (as I shall show you anon) I resolving with myself that it was better to obey God then man, did for prevention of further misleading captive poor souls, for satisfaction of some men wavering in opinion, for discharging of my own conscience, and for instructing, not correcting the Honourable Parliament, in hopes to add some good souls to the number of those honest Patriots, who were but by few out-voted in the settling of this Antichristian government, and in hopes to work hereby a peaceable and legal quashing of the same, adventure to publish this paper, wherein I shall endeavour to anatomize this giddy government, and show its illegality, which undertaking if I err through ignorance, I will upon convincement from better judgement, grounded upon sound divinity and reason, willingly recant my mistakes, and subscribe to, and allow of a warrantable Eldership: In the mean time I crave pardon for a little freedom of language.  
It may perchance be wondered at by some, that I being not of very grave years myself, should dare to write any thing against the Grandees & Seniors of our times; but we have a Proverb amongst us, That old men are twice children; and truly such are many, of our Elders: they may perchance as babes desire the sincere milk of the word; but I am sure many of them are not as yet grown thereby, (sed nucibus relictis) I intent to have about with them armed to their best advantage, admitting them their sage and politic capacities as Elders, and yet will take them off their feet, and throw them upon their backs ere I leave them. In prosecution whereof, though it be not my custom to play with words; yet for method sake, I will first insist upon the definition of the word Elders, Omnis enim qui de re aliqua instituitur form debes à definitione proficisci, ut intelligatur quid fit de quo disputatur, and prove that our Lay-Elders are no ways to be understood the things signified by the word.  
Secondly, of Civil Elders in general, and that here in England, our Lay-Elders are not within that notion.  
Thirdly, of Spiritual Elders in general, and that they cannot be rightly taken for such.  
Fourthly, that Civil Elders are not to join with Spiritual in Ecclesiastical affairs.  
For the definition of the word Elder, Verstegan and divers others affirm, that it is an abreviation of a word which we borrow from the Saxons, called Salden ealder, which word is used for grave, wise, and expert men; men which for their deserving parts, excellent above others, were made choice of to be Officers in the Commonwealth, or else for such their noble deservings, were promoted to dignity and honour: And hence hath that custom grown in England, That out of the Nobility were selected the most discreet, and grave Barons, and were made above the rank of Barons, Ealdermen. In the Danish tongue Eorles in English Earls, a name we continue to this day: And indeed Earls and Elders are both one in the literal sense.  
So likewise we have in every ancient Burrow, a Court of Ealdermen, that is to say Elders, men of most sufficiency and discretion, and these men were to be honoured of others for their worthy and Noble virtues; according to which Mr. Purchase in his book called His Pilgrimage, fol. 125. faith, The jews have an affirmative precept (to wit) rise before thine Elder, the word Elder being expounded in that place by Rabbi Jose, saith, it signifieth a wise man, though young in years, and to him the people were to rise at four cubit's distance, and being past to sit down again: according to this interpretation, my Lord Cook that grave and reverend Judge of the Law, in the first part of his Institutes, fol. 168. saith, Aldermani non ita dicuntur propter aetatem, sed propter sapientiam, & dignitatem, adolescentes exim essent juris periti & experti. But stay, I must not digress too far from my business; for what doth this concern our reverend Cobblers, Websters, Tailors, Skinners, & c? the Ruling-Elders of this age, to whom I am sure the sense of this word is not applicable, unless in reference to their Trades and Handicrafts; and yet these  upstart fellows now made Lay-Elders, begin to puff and swell already with pride, and conceit themselves by a wonderful providence to be exalted above their former equals expecting submission from the people as unto Rulers: for my part I shall acquit them of this crime, and give my voice that the poor simple bumpkins are not to be blamed for it; it being according to their education and tutor; for sigh their Minister or High Priest tells them, that their government was used amongst the Jews, well may they expect the circumstance or concomitance of their office, to follow along with the office itself (to wit) that according to the Jewish custom the people should rise up before them.  
But this is not all that causeth this timpany of pride in them, they are further instructed, that they shall reap profit by their places, the same or more (their territories considered,) as Bishops formerly exacted from the people.  
Now this considered, me thinks, the people have very much betrayed their liberty, who gave any consent to this government; for that whereas formerly the greedy gripe of Bishops and their officers, were censured for high encroachments, upon the people's privileges and freedoms, and propriety in their goods, they must needs now expect a huge multiplication of extortion, from a numerous rabble of Lay-Elders, poor and mean fellows put into Office, who being called from their Trades and Handicrafts, which was their livelihood, must now of necessity live upon the people. But I will proceed to a further explanation of the word.  
The word Elder is sometimes taken for aged and hoary headed men, as Levit. the 19 cap. the 32. ver. our English translation renders it thou shalt rise before up the hoary headed; And the 1 of Tim. 5.1. It is used for a word of Age, not Office, and all translations of such places render it Senior not Presbyter, rebuke not an Elder, translated by Beza, by Junius & Tremelius, seniore non increpato, by Erasmus, seniorem ne savius objurges, but all seniorem, not Presbiterem. Entreat him as a Father, the young men as Brethren. It is likewise a word of age, the 1 of Pet. the 5.1. The Elders which are among you I exhort, etc. and ver. 5. likewise ye younger submit yourselves unto the elder, but in this latter place, it is a word both of Office and Age. Peter bidding them feed the flock, and therefore is the word there rendered Presbyteri, as it is always where it signifies Church Officers (but not comprehensible of lay Elders, of which anon) in all other places it is rendered seniores.  
Reader what is in other Countries I cannot tell, but in this County of ours, in which these Masterships Country Lay-Elders are leapt into Authority (upon a private petition of some lordly Pastors, men never heard of by many thousands, till the Ordinance came down) I know not any one particular man of them that is comprised within the sense of the word, that is to be a hoary headed man, but they are generally as nonsensically called Elders in this interpretation, as they come short for challenging the name in the first, (to wit) grave, wise, and expert.  
Since God hath set these fellows over us as a punishment for our sins, and a mere reproach unto the Nation, that men should rule over us that are not endowed with any thing to be honoured in them, no not so much as with this, which their Muse Dame nature, amongst the rest of their Arts, she hath qualified them with, might easily have bestowed upon them; but I will proceed a little further in expression of the Word, and see if it will any wise concern them.  
The word Elder sometimes is a word of Ecclesiastical Office, and not of age, and is as much as to say Priest or Bishop, and is scarce mentioned in the new Testament in any other sense, unless Matthew the 26.3. Math. 16.21. Jo. 11.47. where it is rendered Elders of the people, which all Translators render seniores: in other places it is translated Presbyter 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which in the Greek signifies seniores aetate, Magis prisci qui Ecclesia presunt, the word being derived of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Legatus mittor to be sent an Ambassador, and this exposition I take to be most agreeable to the word of God, Paul telling us in the second to the Corinthians 5.20. that the Ministers of the Gospel are Christ's Ambassadors, praying us by the Gospel to be reconciled to God: and 6. Ephes. 20. Paul though in Prison was Christ's Ambassador to speak the word boldly; so that according to the sense of the word Presbyter, Lay-Elders are not to be understood thereby, only the Ministers of the Gospel, the Ambassadors of Christ; sometime the word Elder is rendered 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is inspectores, overseers of their flock, Acts the 20.28. and in that Chapter it is both rendered Presbyter in the 17. ver. and Episcopus or Overseer in the 28. Sunt enim Episcopi sacri gregis in spectores qui verbo & gubernationi preerunt quique quasi speculatores in doctrinam & mores commissi gregis inquirebant. Nor are out Lay-Elders within the comprise or reach of this word, for they have no flocks to feed, their high Priest takes that Office to himself. And I think they will thank me for telling them so, for they would hate to be called Bishops.  
And here by the way I think it were not amiss should I a little explain the meaning of that much wrested and abused Text of Scripture which our Novalists so much insist upon, to ensnare the people to a subjection to their new Eldership, 1 Tim. 5.17. The Elders which rule well account worthy of double honour, especially those which labour in word and doctrine, by which Text they would persuade the people, that there ought to be ruling Lay-Elders as well as teaching Elders in the Church.  
The Elders in that place is by all Translators rendered Presbyteri, not seniores, Lay-Elders or Rulers of the people, but I say Presbyteri, that is Ministers of the gospel, Ambassadors of Christ; so that it cannot be understood of ruling Laity; but ruling or governing Clergy; nor is this interpretation, either contrary to God's word, as may be proved by other Texts of Scripture, nor doth it any wise gainsay the practice of the Primitive Churches, for you may find it recorded in Posen. in vita Augusti, cap. 5. that there may be as well ruling Ministers; as preaching Ministers, for some for administration of the Sacraments, for their wisdom and judgement were not unmeete to be Bishops and Pastors, and yet being not well versed in the language of the people over which they had the charge they wanted elocution to preach, and yet governed their Church well, as Valerius was a Bishop amongst the Romans, at that time Paul writ to Tymothy, and being a Grecian borne, and not skilled to pronounce the Latin, did not preach, and yet was honoured as a reverend Father of the Church, and Minister of Jesus Christ; so I believe we have some great Presbyters rule in Welsh Benefices, and know not how to teach in that language, and yet will think to have double honour from their Parishioners, and it is due unto them, but if they could teach too, then were they more to be esteemed.  
We may read in the first of the Cor. 12. chap. All men had not the same gifts, to one was given the spirit of wisdom, to another the spirit of faith, to another the spirit of healing, to another the spirit of miracles, to another divers kinds of tongues, and ver. 28 It is said in the Church God hath set some, first Apostles, secondly. Prophets, and thirdly Teachers; so that if we must go the old way of expounding Scripture, to examine one place by another, we may hence clearly perceive, that that Text of Tymothy is to be understood, ruling Presbyters, and not ruling Lay-Elders; ruling Presbyters ordained by God and his Church, and all Translators that ever I did see render it Preebyter, understanding that the Elders which rule well, and are to be accounted worthy of double honour, mentioned in that Text, are spiritual men, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ministers of the Gospel, Christ's Ambassadors.  
But admit the new Classical wresting of that Text, that it is to be understood of ruling Laiety; yet there can be nothing gathered from that pace to prove that such men are to meddle in Ecclesiastical affairs, (but of that in his proper place) only that the Civil Elders, which governed the State well, were to be accounted worthy of double honour; but especially the spiritual Elders which governed the Church, and increased the flock of Christ by their word and doctrine.  
I have briefly done with the first part of this work, to wit, the definition of the word Elder, and now I will proceed to the second branch touching Civil, or Lay-Elders in general, in the number of whom our Lay-Elders are not to be reckoned.  
We read that Jewish State was governed by Elders, almost in every Author, which writes any thing either of them, their State or Government; and more particularly and fully Mr. Purchase in his Pilgrimage, folio 110. testifieth of them thus, That their government was under 70. Elders according to the number of the persons which descended with Jacob into Egypt, and that the 70 assigned after to Moses in the 11. chapter of Numbers, were but continued in their former Office, with confirmation from on high, but not newly instituted, and ruled in Egypt, notwithstanding Pharaohs cruelty, and were by Moses and Aron assembled together, Exod 4.29.  
And thus it continued in Josuahs' time, till they had conquered and inhabited several Cities, than each City had its Sanhedrim or Council of Elders, proportionable to the greatness thereof; as in Bethlem Boaz assembled 10 Elders about the matter of Ruth, Ruth 4.2. 1 Chron. 23.4. 2 Chron. 19.8. and usually every Senate of Elders had a Levite or two to sit with them in judgement, because the Elders were ignorant of the Talmud or Law which was much altered, and enlarged by several Governors of the University of Jerusalem, and was lastly completed by Rabbi Jochanan, Anno Christi, 500 and called the Talmud, a rule in all causes Ecclesiastical and Civil to this very day, amongst the Jews.  
God commanded Moses in the 11 of Numbers, saying, Gather unto me 70. men of the Elders of Israel, which thou knowest to be Elders of the people, and they shall be are the burden of the people, with thee etc.  
This is a place much insisted upon to warrant our newtaking of Elders into the Church, to bear part of the Government; but I will make it manifest that this part of Scripture is no warrant for us to do so here in England.  
The Government thus settled, saith Josephus in his book of Antiquities, libro quarto, cap. 8. was mixed the Monarchy being in Moses, but qualified with an aristocracy in the 70, and democracy (as it were) appeared in the often Assemblies of the people: & this but continued, saith he, till they desired a King, and then it ceased; and whilst it continued, it was only for temporal affairs, the Elders not being to meddle in any Ecclesiastical matter, for Levites only sat with them, because they were learned in the Talmud; not that of right it belonged unto them to sit there. Goodwin in his Jewish Antiquities fol. 199. and 198. he saith, how Jehosophat appointed in every walled City secular Judges, which were their Elders to determine criminal offences.  
I wonder that our Presbyterians should be so far brazed with ignorance, as not to blush to urge this portion of Scripture for a warrant for their Court of Elders to be set up here in England, when as it fails in every particular, to be any wise applicable to us: for,  
First, the Jews were governed by 70 Elders before; so was never England.  
Seconly, Moses was both King and Priest among them; he was their Priest, and took great pains in his holy function with them, whereby he became less fitted to manage their civil affairs; and we may likewise read, Deut. 33.5. Moses was among the righteous as King.  
I never knew that our Bishops or Presbyters ever exercised any Kingly Office in England, nor hath it ever been, unless in these four years last passed, whenas, Charles Stewart being gone from his Parliament, and being denudated of his Kingly power, which power in conceit fell into the laps of our Assembly, who thereupon Enthusiastically, by imaginary Revelation, publish, they must take to themselves Elders of the people to bear part of the burden with them.  
Thirdly, that was Gods own immediate Act, and he put his spirit upon them, and they prophesied verse the 25; but this is a mere humane institution not warranted by any means, unless by such imaginary Revelation, and strange Oracles, which things since Christ himself came in the flesh have ceased, and why should we now credit them?  
I believe our Elders are not by their Office made wiser, or endowed with any supernatural gifts at all, but continue still, though Mr. Elders; yet as arrant blockheads as they were before; so that a man may say of them as one said of an ignorant Judge, sitting in his robes upon the Bench, yonder Judge is made fine by his place, his place not beautified him, nor for my part will I believe any thing they can prophesy, unless they tell me they will be kicked out of their Office.  
Fourthly, that Government ceased, when Israel obtained a King, and now that England hath, and ever had a King, what shall we do with this inconsistent Government? Unless to fit ourselves to entertain the Eldership, we cast off Monarchical Government, and introduce a Government by States; for my part I wish that hand to whither that shall attempt to lop off the royal branches of our Land, whose right to the Crown, and Kingly prerogative, are equally just to any Subject his possessing what he hath, nor is there any understanding Christian, reproachfully called Independent of any other opinion; so he may enjoy the liberty of his own conscience without Civil coercion in point of Religion, he being to give an account to God of his own soul; and every one being to bear his own burden, the Father not being to answer for the Son, nor the Son for the Father. Gal. 6.5. Ezek. 18.20. but in civil and temporal matters is ready to subject himself with the most submissive to Kingly Authority, according to the Law of the Nation where he lives; And may those cursed souls who contrive the obliterating of the glorious beings of our Kings here, be suddenly snached hence by a hand unlooked for; and yet I wish King Charles his returning to his Parliament, and harkening to their wholesome Counsels, for therein I conceive his flourishing and happiness will most consist.  
That there are, and hath been Civil Elders here and elsewhere, no man needs to doubt, it is obvious enough, and manifest to each capacity; our Judges at Westminster are nothing else, but in this sense Elders and Judges to sit in Counsel to determine and judge of criminal and other civil affairs, which we continue still to this day: Therefore are our new Lay-Elders in this sense useless: and if we must for other ends erect Jewish Sanhedrins in England, I have showed you it is not warrantable for us so to do, because Moses by God's special appointment assembled 70. Elders to bear part of the Government with him, although it were urged with all the wit, zeal and fervency, it's possible for a Country Presbyter to palliate his people from his Pulpit with, yet his labour is all in vain, and he but endeavours to justify unwarrantable things, when as the unskilful Sophister, cannot set a specious gloss on a good matter.  
But perhaps he hath learned his lesson so far by rote, as to tell the people it was in Europe, first set up at Geneva by reverend Mr. Calvin, and since embraced by the States of Holland, and several places of Germany, and therefore why should not we have it in England?  
I answer in the same way of reason that in Rome is and hath been a long time continued the Popish Religion, and professed, and maintained by the Emperor, by the Kingdom of Spain, by the King of France, and some Princes of Germany, and therefore why should not we profess that Religion too? But more particularly to take off this cavil, I will make it appear that that argument doth no ways concern England.  
The beginning of this Government at Geneva is well known, was by Mr. Calvin framed; yet if we will believe Histories, not intended: for he perceiving the abuses, and too predominating tyranny of Bishops contrary to God's word, Lording it over God's Heritage, devised a way for freeing the people from that slavery, and the enlarging of God's people, to cast off the hierarchical yoke, and so invented a new way, which he knew the giddy multitude (greedy of novelties) would be easily facinated with, and that the rather because they groaned under the heavy pressure of their former slavery; wherefore he buzzed into the ears of the people that they should have none of these Lording Bishops, but they should be ruled by every Pastor in his respective Parish, and to submit to his censure, and because all should not hang on so slender a thread as the liking of an ignorant multitude, he bond the people by oath to give obedience to such orders as he with two other Ministers (for more grace to the business) had set down, and appointed every Church being to be governed by itself, and the people sworn to obedience, and so every Church almost differing from other began to accuse one another of disobedience to the will of Christ in those things in which they differed, which occasioned much strife and contentions among them: for these Presbyters being men of flesh as well as the Bishop was, and subject to the like infirmities, began to flutter as much or more over the people, as ever the Bishop did, and to exercise as much coercive power over men's consciences; wherefore the people seeing themselves nothing bettered by this new frame of government, but unadvisedly they had consented to a multiplication of tyranny; and that whereas formerly they had but one Bishop, which did something extort upon them, they now had a company of ignorant Presbyters, which did much outvie the Bishop in domineering power over them, they then began to champ upon the bit they had taken into their mouths, and began to mutiny against Mr. Calvin, who together with his two associates, the persuaders of the people to embrace, and the contrivers of this kind of government, were in the heat of these discontents banished the Town.  
Mr. Calvin was now put to his shifts to appease this tumult, and when he had cast upon all assays, he concluded none so probable, to take effect, as to admit some of the Citizens to join in government with the Presbyters, and so they might perhaps admit him with his new device of Presbyterian Ministry into the City again, which fell out accordingly; for a few years after the Citizens of Geneva had banished Calvin (saith judicious Hooker) in his preface to his book entitled, Ecclesiastical policy, such was the levity and inconstancy of those people, some places being in the interim fallen void, and in want of a Minister, that they were not so willing to be rid of Calvin before, as they were now importunate to have him bacl again, and with several letters and engagements did court him to return unto them; Calvin considered with himself, that now was the time to make known unto them, he would be no more tenant at will under them; but if they would have him to be their Teacher again, they must be content to admit a complete form of Discipline, which both they and their Pastors should be sworn to observe for ever after, of which Discipline the main and principal parts were these; a standing Ecclesiastical Court to be established, perpetual Judges in that Court to be their Ministers, others of the people anually chosen (twice so many as they) to be Judges together with them in the same Court: And these two sorts to have power over men's manners, to determine all kind of Ecclesiastical causes, and to punish as far as with excommunication, all sorts of people.  
This proposition of his did some what trouble them, for they considered that this government was little better than Popish Tyranny, presented to them under a new form; for though for every Minister there were two Laymen to fit and give voice in the Ecclesiastical consistory; yet they feared that the filling up of those seats was but to please the mind of the people, to think their own sway something, when as things were to come to trial, their Pastor's learning would over persuade simple people, who knowing the time of their Presidentship to be but short, would always stand in fear of their Ministers perpetual authority; but notwithstanding these considerations, such were the straits the Citizens had brought themselves into through their own giddiness, that now they must of necessity embrace Calvin upon these or any other conditions, unless to their endless disgrace, they would with ridiculous lightness dismiss him whom they had with all earnestness, and after an importunate, and most urgent manner desired to return unto them; wherefore having driven themselves upon these exigents, they admit of Mr. Calvin, and his compound consistory, Anno Domini 1541. And here was the beginning amongst Christians of Lay-Elders in their Church Government, which you may perceive [Reader] through necessity by a inconstant people in a troubled State was accepted of.  
Now good morrow to your Infant worship, good Mr. Lay-Elder, or rather your spurious brat of a Geneva brabble; I must tell you, you may be a handsome fellow, but you look ill favouredly in an English habit; but may you say unto me, your Tailor or High Priest was too blame (for no strange thing now a days for Taylor and Priest to meet in one person) to put you into the English mode: Let me tell you in your own Country Phrase, you beseem your Office, as a Sow beseems a saddle, you look as strangely amongst us as an Owl at noon day; you must not think to make us daire under you, we'll rather like a flock of little birds fright and chase you bacl again to your Arabian Desert; when we come to Geneva, we'll be governed by you, in the mean time we do not desire you should govern us: nor indeed because you are so rightly entertained in Geneva, and Holland, are you fit guests for us. For Geneva was a free City governed by Elders, and Town Burghers before ever Mr. Calvin came there, who admitted some of those Aldermen yearly into his Classis, & there were some little more colour for that government amongst us, if our Judges, Justices, & Aldermen might be admitted into your respective Classes; but there is no such matter in our new Eldership, but the most silly fellows generally are pitched upon to make Lay-Elders of; and truly this is the greatest piece of policy I have observed from our Presbyter, or High Priests in our Country, for by this means they themselves will rule the roast, the Lay-Elders being mere Jacks to be wound up and down at pleasure; and the better to compass this their ends and design, some of them have wronged and abused the Parliament, in nominating unto them, tryars for the sufficiency of the Elders, to be chosen in their respective Classes, so insufficient and ignorant that cannot write their own names, the best knowledge they have being to misreade a little English, and this I am informed was done by the present Incombent at Standishe and some others; nay more than so, when the Ordinance came down, and that such men were by the Parliament appointed tryars to be Lay-Elders themselves, which the people not mindful to thwart any thing the Parliament by the mouth of their Minister desired, voted it so, and so they were Judges themselves, and the parties to be judged of themselves: Like as if a Justice were made a Jailor, or a Marshal, should commit a Soldier: To commit a man to himself which is against the rules of Law and reason; but no more of this, I conceive that this government being set up at Geneva, is no precedent imitable for England, only I think it were not amiss to follow their fashion a little before entangling of ourselves) in this; That seeing our fundamental Laws in Church subverted, and our liberties betrayed into the hands of Lay-Elders (for whose government there is no warrant in Scripture, I mean their governing Ecclesiastical affairs) We should rouse up a godly spirit in ourselves, and do as the then free Citizens did by the domineering Presbyters in Geneva, banishing them thence: I say we should kick these Caterpillars out of our Kingdom, and sweeping this rubbish from the doors of our Temples, and whipping these money changers thence, beat the fellows into their old trades and handicrafts again.  
It might I am confident procure some more warrantable and moderate government then this, which I refer to the serious consideration of our wise Parliament, in hopes their wisdoms will take due care to prevent the impending miseries of our Nation, for very many thousands will rather have moderate Episcopacy up, than this senseless government of Lay-Elders, which are indeed no Rulers, but mere stalking Horses or Asses, or a disguise wherein the Presbyters may plunder the people of liberty of conscience, pretending it is not the Art of Clergy only; pretty judgling; but no more of this, stultum est obsurdas opiniones accuratius refellere, I will proceed to treat of that part or division of this work lies next in order, to wit of spiritual Elders in general, and that our Lay-Elders may not rightly be taken for such.  
Every Bishop, Presbyter, Pastor, or other grave and reverend Divine, is rightly and truly called a spiritual Elder, and to prove this my assertion, I need not wander far to fetch authority from rare Authors; the Apostles themselves have saved me a labour, as Peter the 1.5.1. The Elders which are among you I exhort who am also an Elder, etc. John in his 2. and 3. Epistles styles himself and Elder; in the second thus, The Elder unto the elect Lady: in the third The Elder unto the well-beloved Gains: and we may read Acts 6.6. because the word of God should not be left, and the people, to serve tables, wherefore the Apostles desired the people to look out among themselves 7 men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost, and of wisdom whom they admitted into holy Orders by praying and laying on of hands, who were called Elders; so Paul Acts 14.23. when he passed through several Countries upon his being stoned at Lystra in Licaonia, ordained them Elders in every Church, Elders in that place by all Translators being rendered Presbyters or Bishops, men of holy Orders to succeed the Apostles, who being thereunto thus lawfully called, have Gods promise to let his holy spirit rest upon them even unto the end of the world, Math. 28.20. It being promised to such as teach his people to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you, even to such who had Commission to teach all Nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghost. We may read likewise james 5.14. If any be sick among you, let him send for the Elders of the Church, and let him pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; the word Elder being there translated Presbyter, which is of the same signification with us, as Sacerdos was under the Law. There are many more places of Scripture to prove spiritual Elders in the Church; But I will briefly shut up this point with the 20 of the Acts, where it appears, how Paul at Melitum called the Elders from Ephesus, verse the 27. and telling them that they must see his face no more, he charges them verse the 28. that they should take heed unto themselves, and to all the flock over which the holy Ghost had made them Bishops to feed the Church of God; by all which, and other Texts of Scripture, it is evident that the word Elder generally in the new Testament, signifies feeding and praying Ministers, not loitering, lazy, Lay-Elders, Officers no more requisite in a Church, than a company of drones are useful in a hive of Bees; unnecessary evils, mere horseleeches to suck the people's blood, who have no need of Phlebotomy; but I leave the Jewish Laiety, which I hope will no ways arrogate this Office unto themselves, though their holy Fathers, their high Priests endued with great store of impudence, and ignorance, tells them they are instated into holy Orders by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, when with hands lifted up at their elections they took the Covenant, by which Covenant I would have them to understand, they are to degrade themselves from their Office, for it being on foot in Scotland, is no warrant for them to continue it here in England, the words of the Covenant being, That we shall endeavour the reformation of Religion in the Church of England, according to God's holy word: and I cannot find one Text in Scripture to warrant their calling in the Church, they being Laymen; nor will that argument which some frame from the Levites, having several places of trust about the Temple, serve to prove their Office and Government.  
It is true that in Moses time, Gershon Cohath, and Merari, Levy his three Sons, had the Office to pitch, to take down, and to bear up and down the Tabernacle, and the vessels thereof: the Gershovites charge was to carry the cover and hang of the Tabernacle: the Cohathites the chief things within the Sanctuary: and the Merarites had charge of the wood-workes, and the rest of the instruments of the Tabernacle; This was their Office during their abode in the Wilderness, whilst they were on their Journey, but afterwards when they were settled in the promised Land, David changed their Office, some being appointed to have charge of the Treasure of the Temple, 1 Chron. 26.20. others to be Overseers and Judges, others to be Porters and Singers, 1 Chron. 23.4. The Singers were to be clad in linen robes, 2 Chron. 5.12. hence do some argue that the government by Elders, is no more than what was in David's time, when the Levites were.  
The Levites were Judges and Overseers, to which objection I give this answer.  
God by his divine and eternal decree had appointed the Tribe of Levi to serve at his Altar, and minister unto the people; as we find it recorded in the 10 of Deut. verse 8. God separated the Tribe of Levi to bear the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord, and to stand before the Lord to minister unto him, and to bless in his name even to this day. And Deut. 11. and the 5. The Lord thy God hath chosen him out of all thy Tribes to stand and minister in the name of the Lord, him and his sons for ever. And Moses in the 33 of Deut. verse 8. preys, That the Vrim and Thummim of the Lord be with thine holy One, meaning in that place one of the Tribe of Levi, who verse the 10, shall teach Jacob thy Judgements, and Israel thy Law: they shall put insense before thy face, and burnt offerings upon thine Altar.  
It is manifest by those places of Scripture, that it was Gods holy will that the Tribe of Levi should serve at his Altar, all of them being instated in holy orders, by imposition of hand; and although amongst them there were certain degrees according to which Paul writ in the 1 to Tim. 3.13. that they that have ministered well, get themselves a good degree, as Godwyn in his Jewish Antiquities fol. 22 observes, as when they had been a month initiated, they were to be presented unto God, Numb. 3.15. and they were consecrated by imposition of hands, at 25 years old, Num. 8.24. And they were to carry the Tabernacle up & down from 30 to 50, and afterwards they were to oversee and instruct the younger Levites in the manner of Bishops; but they were from the first to be instated in holy Orders, and then capable to be Overseers or Bishops as they laboured to get a good degree.  
Now I presume none will be so silly as to follow our new Presbyterian Doctrine, which persuade that our government in Church by Lay-Elders, is no more but this, which our highly beneficed Brethren cry aloud in their Pulpits: For know, Reader, there is no Analogy betwixt the Levites and Lay-Elders. For first God appointed the one to serve at his Altar, but the other hath no calling thereunto: and whereas God appointed Moses to assemble 70 Elaers to bear part of the Government with him, that was only in temporal affairs, not in Church matters. Moses was overburthened with being both King and Priest, of which I have showed you before.  
Secondly, these which had any calling or Office to serve in the Temple, were instated in holy Orders, being consecrated by the imposition of hands of the first borne, or sons of Israel, the representative Church. But these Lay-Elders are not admitted into holy Orders, nor are their hands filled with any thing save underhand bribes, which the people to prevent their utter ruin, are forced to give them to purchase their favour and friendship, in this age of persecuting tyrannical Presbyterian Government; so that it is evident to any indifferent judgement, that the new created Elders of our days, have nothing to do in our Church as spiritual Elders. I allow that there may be in several States both civil and spiritual Elders; but the civil Elders are not to meddle and join with spiritual in Church affairs, which is the next thing in order I am to treat of.  
There were in Israel saith Mr. Godwine in his Jewish Antiquities fol., 197. two Consistories or Courts of justice; the one chiefly for Church business, the other for the affairs of the Commonwealth: The spiritual Consistory termed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, a Synagogue, the secular consistory termed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, a Counsel, and this civil Court consisted of 71, the odd one being to supply the room of Moses over the first 70. Mr. Purchas in his Pilgrimage 112, and Galatinus conjectures, that in the Counsel that condemned Christ, there were the whole number of 71. And as these two Courts were several in their places, remote each from other; so were the matters discussable before them, of several and distinct natures and qualities; as we may read in the 2 of Chron. chapter 19 to the spiritual Court belonged matters spiritual or ceremonial; to the secular Consistory matters civil or criminal; & so Jehoshaphat reforming many abuses in Church and Commonwealth, first appointed throughout all the fenced Cities of Judah secular Judges to determine criminal causes, and at Jerusalem he appointed a spiritual Court consisting of Levites, Priests, and the chief Fathers of Israel: Amazia the high Priest being chief in causes spiritual for the Lord, and Zobediah in causes criminal for the King; and this spiritual Court was, saith Mr. Godwin, the representative Church, and had the power of excommunication: hence is that saying in Matthew 18.16. dic Ecclesiae. This form of distinct government in matters temporal and spiritual, is in most States of Christendom, and was (till of late the Presbyterian party contrived to bring all into a Chaos) imitated by us in England, we having spiritual and temporal Courts. The one not being to meddle in any matter which properly laid in the conusance of the other; for if they did, from the temporal Court was a writ of prohibition issueable to stay the proceed of the spiritual: And if it appeared, the matter belonged to the spiritual Court, a writ of consultation was directed forth to the spiritual Court to proceed in the business; so that it is manifest they were not to join together in judicature; for although before in this treatise, I have showed you that the high Priest did amongst the Jews sit in the Sanhedrin of Elders, it was because he was a man excellently learned in the Talmud; for if we'll believe Mr. Godwine he tells us that the high Priest sat there necessarily, is an error, for he was not elected into that company, unless he was a man of extraordinary wisdom, for he was Judge in the Synagogue, and was not ex officio, to meddle in the Sanhedrin; and for my part I cannot find that ever these consistories sat together in one Assembly, unless Math. 26.3. when they assembled to conspire the death of Christ, verse 5. they consulted that they might take Jesus by subtlety and kill him; and this was decreed by Gods own will before, he having prophesied of his sufferings before them, Math. 16.21. That he should go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders, and Chief Priests, and Scribes.  
In Imitation whereof sure this new set up motley, medley, consistory, of ours counter-company of Clergy, and Laiety are joined in one, to contrive a way to crucify Christ's Spouse: For never were the Saints of God (Christ's representative Church when assembled together) so scattered, broken, and persecuted, as they are now (and like to be worse, should this senseless tyranny continue) under the hands of cruel ignorant Elders. Things purposely called out of the meanest of the people, not capable of any shame, or sensible of any unworthy act, and so the fit to put in execution the unjust directions of their imperious Pastor, and for the undoing of whom he please, must vote to excommunication any one the Parson privately grudges, Oh rare Rogues!  
Reader pardon my expression, I believe I do not err in calling them so, for they are wand'ring Jew's and Vagabonds, they pretend they had a pass from Geneva to Scotland, and so for England, with private directions to come by Scotland first, not because they should not curse the old Proverb, Omne malum ab Aquilone: But because coming from Scotland they would find the better entertainment in England: It being at this day peopled with a Scottish generation, which like so many larks dare under the Scotch Hobbies, & in a cowardly fear shroud their carcases in rush-hilles, and there lie, suffering the Hobby to ruff them of all their feathers, such as those would for fear give them the better entertainment.  
Others for a foolish doting upon their Brethren, for they know not what, unless for betraying their Liege Lord, and Sovereign, having promised him Aid, which they declined for the tempting pieces of 400000. l. (for in such a case though he was given up into the hands of his friends; yet it was treachery in them) will give them the more hearty welcome, because they came from so good a people.  
Now would our grave, wise, and honourable Parliament take seriously into their sage consideration the danger of these people remaining amongst us, who are mere enemies to, and inconsistent Rulers in our State, pure Scotch incendiaries, to kindlenew flames amongsts us, that the frozen Scot may have another opportunity to warmehis fingers at an English fire, which is likely to come to pass, if these malapart Officers be not quickly suppressed.  
Nor can their wisdoms blame the Christians, who for defence of their just freedoms, and liberty of conscience, without any sinister ends, shall cause new stirs, and in defence of their liberties and Religion, endeavour to chase this new tyranny forth of the Kingdom. And I am assured would their wisdoms but duly examine their business, here they would plainly find, it is for no other end. And withal would their grave judgements but seriously poise the validity of their pass to come and settle here, they would find it altogether insufficient, and no warrant either by God's Law, or the Law of Nations for such people, by people of other Nations directed hither to settle and make a constant abode here: And I am confident their Honours upon due consideration hereof, would either send them from Constable to Constable bacl into Scotland, or else whip them quite home to Geneva; which that they may do.  
The Lord who is Ruler of all men's hearts, dictate this to his servants in the Parliament, that they may put their helping hands to this work, and then the Lord prosper the work of their hands; Oh prosper thou, o Lord, their handy work!  
I will but add one reason more, why the Lay-Elders are not to meddle in the spiritual consistory; and that is, because they were never included within the power of the keys given to the Apostles, and their Successors, which power hath from them devolved into our Church.  
Some affirm the Gospel to have been preached here by Paul the Apostle; but I cannot learn any certainty of that: But the Apostles being under the persecution of Nero, I find that Philip and divers of the godly fled into France, who severed themselves asunder, the better to propagate the Gospel: about the 64 year after Christ he sent over into Britain one Josephus, together with one Simon Zelotes, to preach unto the Britain's, and administer the Sacraments according to the Rites of the Church of Greece, which Josephus, saith William Malmesbury in his book de Antiquitate Glasconici Monasterii, was buried at Glassenbury; and John Bale following the Authority of Gyldas, and other English Writers, saith that it was Joseph of Arimathea, and about this time did divers of this Nation receive the Christian faith, and were baptised.  
Not long after all Authors agree that Lucius King of this Isle, sent to Eleutherius Bishop of Rome Anno Christi 177, not promising any subjection to his See, (that not being desired, only obtruded upon King Henry the second in Beckets business) but to say with such as were pricked in mind, Acts 2.37. Men and Brethren what shall we do to be saved?  
Eleutherius understanding the desires of King Lucius to be baptised, and to profess and maintain the Christian Religion, and withal perceiving the able parts and sufficiency of those two Britain's, Lucius had for this purpose sent over to him, did consecrate them Bishops, and sent them bacl into Britain: And withal he taking into consideration that the converting of some, and establishing of all of this Isle in the Christian Faith, was a task too great for two to undergo: Though he had knowledge of their fair progress herein; yet for their ease, help, and encouragement in so great a work, he sent over more labourers after them into this Harvest; who for the better propogating of the faith, and winning of souls unto Christ, and that all might be instructed, they divided the Kingdom into Circuits amongst them. There being by Lucius and his Nobles appointed three superintendents, or Archbishops (instead of three Arch-Flamins which ruled before in time of Paganism) placed over the rest; one at London, another at York, another at Carleon in Monmouth-shire. This Bishopric of Carleon was after removed thence to St. David's in Wales, thence into Normandy. York continues Metropolitan still, London was translated to Canterbury by Austin the Monk. Lambert in his perambulation of Kent fol. 63.  
And although the English Saxons had not received the Gospel till Ethelberts time, in whose Reign Gregory the Pope upon occasion of seeing sweet faced boys to be sold in the Market, and enquiring of them of what Nation and Country they were, he was told they were Angli and of the Province of Deira, their King's name being Alla, to which Gregory replied, well may they be called Angli à Dei ira liberandi, to sing Hallelujah unto the Lord; whereupon Austin the Monk was sent over and preached in Ethelbert his Kingdom to the English Saxons at Canterbury, Anno Christi 596.  
Yet reverend Bede, and divers others testify that the Britons, who by the impetuous fury of the Saxons were beaten hence into Wales, embraced the Christian faith many hundred years before Augustine's time, Lambert Perambulation of Kent 19 Holinshead History of England 51, and had their Church government by convocations & assemblies of the most learned and best Divines, (which in some course and order, continued amongst us, till this new fashioned Presbyters started up, but never had any Laymen to join with them, in that action, it being conceived not to be warranted by God's word.  
Some perhaps will wonder at me that I should digress so far from my purpose for vindication of Bishops, affirming them to be by Lucius our first Christian King established in this Land, I might say they were ordained by the Apostles themselves Act. 20.28. but this is no part of my purpose; only laid in the way to prove our Church by the Apostles planted here, some say by Paul, but certain by Philip, and by the Church of Rome in after times (which then was a true Church) much p●●●●●●ted.  
I say it is not my purpose to vindicate Episcopacy, I am too weak a prop to uphold such a tottering and reeling Fabric: Yet armed inwardly with truth, outwardly with argument: I will boldly tell you, Reader, (I care not who wonder at me, let them be wondering still, and in their wonder snarl at me) I would rather be subject to moderate Episcopacy, than our Classical Presbytery, such Episcopacy as should not Lord it over God's Heritage; for we know our Saviour rebuked James and John, Mar. 10.42. Luke 22.25. When the one desired to sit to his right hand, the other on his left, in his Kingdom, saying, The Kings of the Gentiles bear rule over them, and their great ones exercise Authority upon them, but it shall not be so amongst you.  
Such Episcopacy as should have no temporal honour or office to withdraw them from their spiritual function, there being appointed in every County one Superintendent or Bishop, who with his Assembly of Divines of that County should govern the Church, and decree Ecclesiastical Causes; I say such Episcopacy I would rather embrace, and submit unto it, than a company of ignorant Elders; for better it were to be governed with prudence and knowledge, then with pride and ignorance, two things incident to our Lay-Elders, and this were agreeable to the word of God, the power of the keys or of Ecclesiastical Authority being given to the Apostles, and their Successors, Apostles, and Ministers, not Lay-Elders; I say the power of the keys being given to all the Apostles in general, not to Peter only as is affirmed by Cajetan in his book de primatu Romanae Ecclesiae cap. 5. and by Jerome in his first book against Jovinianus, quod sine dubio emnes Apostoli a Christo, & non a Petro susceperunt claves. And the Holy Ghost is plain in it, whatsoever ye shall bind on earth, shall be bound in Heaven, Math. 18.18. and the 1 of the Corinth. 5.4. In the name of our Lord Jseus Christ when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, to deliver such an one unto Satan, etc. And Joh. 20.23. Christ came and stood in the midst of his Disciples after his resurrection, and said peace be unto you, receive ye the Holy Ghost, whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them etc. All which places of Scripture plainly show that the keys were given to all the Apostles in general, though in the 16 of Matthew, they were given to Peter alone, that is to be understood, saith one, that Peter was to have power over the rest of the Disciples, but as to others their power was all alike. And Christ in the 28 of Math. 19 dielegating this power unto the Apostles in general, bid them go and teach all Nations, and verse the 20. Lo I am with you even unto the end of the world, he promising his spirit to be with them, that is in their succession to the world's end; their Successors though ordained by men, having the same power of jurisdiction the Apostles had, as Augustine in his first book de Doctrina Christiana, cap 18. plainly affirms, Potestas data Apostolis & successoribus, non data suit propter meos, sed propter Ecclesiaem, qua propter perseverante Ecclesia potestas data Apostolis aebet perseverare.  
I have been a little too tedious in this particular, but Reader your pardon, it was only to show who have Ecclesiastical power, and are to meddle in the Church, and it is plain they are the Apostles, and their Successors, men lawfully ordained, and having a lawful calling thereunto, 1 Tim. 3.7.4.14. by the laying on of hands of the presbytery of the first borne of Israel the representative Church, Acts 6.6. Hebrews 12.23. not rashly, 1 Tim. 5.22. but consultly instating such in holy Orders as are blameless, apt to teach, not covetous, not a Novice, lest being lifted up with pride, he fall into the condemnation of the Devil, 1 Tim. 3. he must upon examination likewise be found to be one, which may be able by sound Doctrine both to exhort and convince the gainsayers Titus 1.9. and such as these being admitted into holy Orders, to teach and instruct others, have Apostolical power in their Assemblies to bind and lose upon earth, and so dic Ecclesiae, expressed in the 18 of Matthew the 16. is to be understood of men in holy Orders assembled together to bind and lose upon earth, 1 Cor. 5.4. as I have already shown you.  
It doth not follow that every Presbyter in his Parish with his Class of Elders hath this power, it were absurd to allege it, I have shown you that this power was given to the Apostles in general, and their Successors, and the spiritual Consistory must consist of such 1 Cor. 5.4.  
Now Lay-Elders can no ways be said Successors to the Apostles, they neither being instated in holy Orders, nor within the rules prescribed by St. Paul, to be admitted thereunto; unless we must in this topsiturvy time of ours, send our grave, wise Doctors to the School again to be taught by silly Lay-Elders, which scarce know their A. B. C. not fit to exhort, much less to convince such, and so tread Antipodes to the practice of the Primitive Churches, obtruding as Laiety no ways claming from Levi to be Rulers and Governors in our Church, such a Laiety as I may justly say are mere Idols in our Church; so that we have wrought a pri●y work, and brought about a fine Reformation; instead of Pictures, and Crucifixes in stones and windows, which with much zeal were demolished, we have placed in our Churches walking Images, things that represent Elders, and which the people worship as Elders, but really and truly are none, in the literal sense they are not Elders, grave, wise, and expert as I have showed you; and admit they were, yet they are Laymen, not truly Church Officers, as spiritual Elders, and are not to join with spiritual Elders in any Church affairs; so that for the people to worship them as Elders, or to rise up before them, is to commit Idolatry; to prevent the occasion of which, good King Hezekiah caused the brazen Serpent (which was set up for a good end to heal the people that were bitten of Serpents, Numbers 21.) to be broken in pieces, 2 of Kings 18.4.  
In imitation of which good Act, as also in commiseration of the free borne people of England, groaning, under the Tyranny and slavery of this worse than high Commission Court, I hope our happy Parliament who hitherto have shown themselves ready and willing to redress grievances, will not in this time of necessity crying loud unto them for help, forget their wont practice of goodness, to relieve distressed people, and take off the heavy pressures of the Kingdom, but will rid the people of this one and only grievance in the Kingdom; neither warranted by God's Law, nor the Laws of this Kingdom (any further than it is their pleasures to continue it.) And they will engage a multitude of prayers for their prosperous proceed in all their undertake; the which that they may speedily do the Almighty God of Heaven who art a present remedy in all distresses, and a ready help at hand for them that are in misery, the only wise God, the great Counsellor, and ruler of all men's hearts, dictate this to his servants in the Parliament, that we may be freed from this intolerable slavery to God's glory, the Parliaments honour, and our own joy and comfort in the Lord Jesus, Amen.  
Thus have I briefly couched together some collections, and short meditations of mine own, which to the indifferent, and not forestalled judgement will give some satisfaction in the business I have treated of, that these fine feathered Buzzards, Lay-Elders, decked with Ecclesiastical Plumes, are mere counterfeits, Semiramis, Elephants which were but stuffed ox hides, which had a gallant undaunted Army in suspense, counterfeit Diamonds, not such as Christ's Spouse looked comely with, Cant. 1 9 Bolton half crowns, not lawfully stamped with Caesar's Image, Scotch twenty-pences, the base coin of a copper Nation, not currant English, but such as every one may lawfully deny, and I am confident the wise and judicious Reader seriously considering this will not with the young Dotterel Birds be enticed with chaff to be caught in this net, though never so privily laid, but will bear off and keep himself free, till he see them fall in their own mischiefs, and themselves caught in the share which they have privily laid for others, and if unadvisedly through ignorance he hath suffered himself to be drawn in to consent unto this government; yet he will in time unintangle himself from the bondage thereof.  
As for the perverse and obstinate Presbyter which hath wedded the government, together with some fat Benefice, and cannot divorce himself from the one without leaving the other, having vowed perpetual incumbency to himself; I know his heart is hardened through the deceitfulness of sin, and I cannot dissuade him from his Classical beneficial cure: Let him that is unclean be unclean still, spoken to obstinate and wilful sinners; for my part, I do not seek to wash Blackmoores, I'll give him leave at his Sunday dinners, and spiritual pig-feasts, when none is by but his Lay-Elders to rail against me, and would extremely thank the pontifical Parson would he but write any thing, subscribed with his own hand in contradiction to what I have here writ, that I might have further occasion to anatomize the tyranny of him, and his Elders.  
In the mean time what I have here writ shall suffice, hoping shortly to hear that this Government will be abolished, so that we shall neither need to wrestle any longer against it in words, nor with Peter to draw the sword to cut off the High Priest servants care Malcus, who had he lived till now would have been, Crop the leader in this team of Lay-Elders, but I say I hope to see these Hobby-Horses unyoked again before they run to wood with the Church (for they must needs go whom the Devil drives;) And having loosed them out of their Ecclesiastical Tresses, we will turn the Jades to their old Rustich drudgeries again, which will be the better for them, the sooner it is; because they will the more easily come to themselves again, and it cannot be worse for us to see them reclaimed from their wincing conditions, and ourselves freed from the evil thereof: So that I conclude this work with an earnest desire, that this may speedily come to pass, and Quo citius to Melius.  
FINIS.