Cheapside Cross censured and condemned BY A LETTER SENT From the Vicechancellor and other Learned Men of the famous University of Oxford, in answer to a question propounded by the Citizens of London, concerning the said CROSS, in the year 1600, in which year it was beautified,  
As also some divine Arguments taken out of a Sermon against the CROSS, a little after it was last repaired,  
By a learned and godly Minister, M. john Archer, sometimes Preacher at Alhallows Lombardstreet. about sixteen years past.  2 CHRON. 31.1. 
All Israel that were present, went out to the Cities of judah, and broke the Images in pieces, etc. until they had utterly destroyed them all.  
LONDON, Printed by A. N. for I. R. and are to be sold at his Shop in Paul's Churchyard, 1641.   

Resolved on this question (being propounded by the Citizens of London, january 23. 1600) viz.  
Quest. Whether the Cross in Cheapside should stand or be demolished.  
Ans. By George Abbot, Vicechancellor of Oxford, for the year abovesaid, as follows.  
COncerning the question of setting up again the Cross or other Crucifix in Cheapside, I am of opinion,  
First, that the godly and discreet zeal of the worthy City is much to be commended, who, on just & apparent grounds making a conscience of that which may be scandalous to many good Christians, have not rashly nor tumultuously proceeded therein, but are desirous to be informed by Divines of the Universities (which are under the protection of Almighty God, and her most Sacred Majesty's Schools of the Prophets) what they may, and aught to do, both unto the honour of God's Name, and to the settling of such their brethren as be in doubt.  
Secondly, I am fully persuaded, that the everlasting God in his wisdom hath offered unto this reverend City this occasion, to make trial of their piety and devotion, whether they do love the entire service of himself withal their hearts, and souls, or no, for which matter, howsoever it seem prima fancy to contain nothing of much moment in it, yet now, since the expectation of the whole Realm, and Church of England is, what will become thereof; it cannot be supposed of less consequence, then that either our Religion which is established according unto the Canon of the Scripture, or else that Papistry should receive a wound, and blow thereby.  
Being then orderly and fairly demanded my judgement therein, I do purpose according to the several circumstances in their several places, to touch divers things,  
Praying that God would guide my Meditations and pen aright, to the glory of his Name, and good of their souls who desire in this matter to be resolved.  
First, in these Crucifixes are resembled God the Father by an old man, the Holy Ghost by a Dove, which are both of them unlawful in true Divinity, because God is a Spirit, and he himself forbids any similitude or shape of himself, when he gave the law, intending that he filleth Heaven and Earth.  
Confirmed by Origen, who saith, we do describe with no shape God who is without body invisible. Ambrose saith, God is infinite, unmeasurable, etc.  
The Heathens, and Numa in Plutarch's Lives, did forbid his people to shape out any of their Gods with the form of a man.  
And this testimony Clemens Alexandrinus authoriseth. Nay, Thomas Aquinas part. 3. q. 25. a. 3. But unto God who is without any body, no bodily Images could be set up, because as Damascen saith, it is a point of the highest folly or impiety to figure that which is divine, but because God in the new Testament is made man, he may be adored with the bodily Image of himself, this Aquinas saith.  
So Christ (the Friar thinketh) in his humanity may be pictured, and not God.  
Long since, some of the choicest learned Sorbonists directly say, they desire therefore that Images of the Trinity should be removed from all public and private places, because they are forbidden by the Scriptures, by Councils, by many men of excellent worth and holiness.  
This shortly I speak, but who listeth to see more, the refutation of Bellarmine's Cavils speaking for those Superstitions, as also the judgement of the Fathers, let him read Doctor Reynolds, de Idolatria.  
Being then that the Image of the Dove for the Holy Ghost was upon the Cross in Cheapside, and the retaining thereof is unlawful, yea, one of the highest points of Popery, whereof many learned men of their side are ashamed, I hold it a matter questionless in a reformed Church, that the Cross is in no sort to be set up again, as it is was before with the Dove, lest we should seem to persist in that palpable darkness of Egypt.  
And in this point I being undoubtedly and irrefragably resolved, in that same burdensome office of a Christian Magistrate, which now under my Lord I do bear, did upon sound and mature advice this last Summer burn and consume with fire in the Market place of Oxford, amongst others, a Picture wherein was the Image of God the Father over a Crucifix ready to receive the soul of Christ.  
The next considerable matter is for the Crucifix itself, what is to be judged of the Image, and whether it may be retained at all.  
I do not certainly find when the first use in that kind was taken up amongst men, although Constantine did cause somewhat to be made, which represented the two first Letters of Christ's Name, as they are written in Greek, and that which he had made was to be used only in Standards, but in this sort, and to that use, as now commonly is framed, if it had never been began, I think I may boldly say, that the Church had been freed of a great deal of Superstition, which afterwards grew to little less than blasphemy.  
It is very likely that they that first used it had this to say for it, that there might be an Historical use to put us in mind of him that died for us, and in as much as sensible and visible things do much affect us, this memorial might stir our devotion to remember him, by whose stripes we are healed.  
Now as this may be the only use thereof, much may be disputed, and held not to be simpliciter malus, absolutely evil: So in my opinion, there are far more repugnant, and direct reasons which may make against it altogether, as  
First, the wisdom of God, which directed us to all things fit for our salvation, hath given not the least touch nor semblance, directly or by consequence, of any such matter, which might serve to direct us unto Piety: but hath only appointed the Word to be the measure thereof, and the Sacraments which are visibly (but not so grossly as the Crucifix) presented unto us as resemblances of Christ's passion.  
Secondly, it implieth great weakness of faith when we cannot think of our Saviour, either by Meditation, or Prayer, or reading, or hearing the word, or by receiving of the Sacraments, but we must fly unto such means, as for the use whereof we have no warrant, but on the other side there is much danger, lest inconveniences should grow thereby.  
It was a true observation of Philo Judaeus, that the minds of women are the weaker, and they can preserve nothing but that which is sensible, speaking of Images which they desire, but note he ascribeth it unto weakness in them.  
Thirdly, it was a very ready way unto Superstition, which from a small beginning creepeth on, neither hath it any way more increase then in Images, as the Church by lamentable experience hath too too much proved. Images (saith Cyprian) at first were made in honour of them that were dead, but afterwards they became sacred to their posterity, & were at first taken only for comforts, this was true among the Heathen, and so it was among the Christians, who at first made them, but offered not to bring them into Churches, yet within a while that also was attempted, but to the great grief and indignation of the godly.  
Epiphanius coming into a Church, and seeing a veil or hanging that had one of the Pictures of Christ or some Saint, tore it, as being in the Church contrary unto the Scriptures, and after in steed thereof he sent a new veil thither, but that which was then so resisted by Epiphanius, did in process of time (as the purity of the Professors of the Gospel decayed) grow stronger, so that by the time of Gregory the Great, Images grew to be ordinary in Churches, yet notwithstanding he that was so earnest for the having them, could not like that they should be worshipped, but even then there were that repugned the opinion of receiving of them into Churches, and so defaced the Images themselves.  
Gregory disliked the worshipping of them, but those that came after him they maintained the Adoration and worship given unto them, appeareth by the second Council of Nice, among many, no doubt, this of Christ hanging upon the Cross was one of the principal, whereby Superstition went so far, as that it was and is maintained that the reverence and adoration due unto God himself (called Latria) is to be given to the resemblance of Christ on the Cross, which is directly laid down by Thomas Aquinas, yea, and practised in their Missal.  
The perpetual use of their adoration, may be gathered by their Roods in Churches, Crucifixes in windows, the same also in their Service Books, and on the backsides of them, where Mary and John stand by Christ, by the like in Rings now grown a fashion, besides in stones and metals, before which many of them do say a large part of their devotions, yea, the most superstitious Papists are ready to give veneration thereunto, wheresoever they see it solemnly set up.  
I remember in that College where I first lived, a young man was taken praying and beating his breast before a Crucifix in a window, which caused the Masters and Fellows to pull it down, and set up other glass. Which example makes me nothing doubt but that the Cross in Cheapside hath many in the twilight and morning early which do reverence before it.  
Besides Campian, whose act is famous, or rather infamous for it, and I am informed, that so much hath been signified by the neighbours, or inquest making presentments, concerning the circumstances of this cause. By all which I do conclude, that it is a Monument of their Superstition, a great inducement, and may be a ready way unto Idolatry, and that there can be no tolerable use of this matter, which may be able for to countervail the dangers and obloquy arising upon the retaining of it, and so much the rather, because it is perceived, that many evil affected men do make their advantage from hence to insinuate into the minds of their credulous hearers, that it is a token of the return of their faith again into into this Land, since their Monuments are not extinguished in the chiefest street of our greatest City.  
Upon which considerations I make no doubt but the religious Magistrates are sufficiently warranted by the Word of God to remove it away, for the Scriptures have laid before our eyes what ought to be done to remaynders of Idolatry, Yea shall overthrow their Altars, Pillars, graven Images, etc.  
But the deeds of Hezekiah being well looked into doth put it out of all controversy, for when he saw the foul abuse of the brazen Serpent, he caused it to be defaced, and yet it hath other manner of warrant for it then this, it being commanded by God, erected by Moses, a figure of Christ, in divers of which most material circumstances this Crucifix is most defective. 
Divers learned Ministers then living do report. Though the judgement of both Universities was consulted with about the Cross, and both desired it might be taken down, yet they could not prevail with B. Bancroft, but he would have it re-edified, only with much ado they overswayed the Bishop to leave off the picture of Christ on the Cross, that was set on the top of it. Take notice of the blind zeal of the Prelate in this business.   
And here I pray the Reader to observe, that I say the Magistrates are to redress such enormities, for I do not permit inferior men to run headlong about such means, and to rend, break, and tear as well within as without the Churches, which was that that Luther reprehended, but the advice and consent of Superior powers is to be had herein, that all things may be done decently and in order. In which respect I hold it necessary that the Bishop of Canterbury, and the Bishop of London be sought unto, who doubtless upon the sober intention of the Governors of that City will be pleased religiously and gravely, according unto their manifold wisdom which God hath given unto them, to look into the matter, & give instructions what is fittest to be done.  
HEre Master Vicechancellor at large proveth that it was but omission in our first Reformers, and that our further reformation would not condemn or check them, but commend, the present due occasion being offered, that it would be as the fact of Theodosius and Josias, that the further they went the more they did still raze remnauts of Idolatry, and established Gods true service, than he saith, Man hath not sought for this opportunity, but God hath rather put it upon the City, in as much as the Crucifix being worn out with time was ready to fall, there was a necessity imposed for taking it down.  
Now it is a greater matter to re-edify a scandalous thing then to continue it, in as much as the one implieth a winking connivance or permission only, but the other intendeth an allowance and ratification, which giveth greater advantage unto the adversary.  
This he confirmed by Marcus Bishop of Arethuse in Constantine's time the Great, and Julianus persecuted him after that he refused contribution to the rebuilding of overthrown Idols Temples, Saying, that it was ungodly to afford one halfpenny to a wicked maker thereof.  
And out of that Author he citeth one more example of Nudas a Persian Bishop, pulling down a Pyren or Temple dedicated to the fire the Persians god, and refusing to build it again at Isdigerdes the King's command.  
Theodoret's saying of him, I do admire him, and think him worthy of a garland, for in my opinion it is equal impiety to adore the fire, and to build a Temple to it.  
My advice therefore and judgement in the name of God is, that the Crucifix should not be erected there, but that upon this opportunity advantage should be taken to give superstition a further blow, which will be very joyous to all that are already sincerely affected, and if there be any who truly love the Gospel, and are not yet so fully persuaded in this point, they also will in mildness yield to reason, if the Superior power shall be pleased to give countenance to this deed of the City.  
But if it should be misliked of hollow-hearted Papists, or maligned by professed Recusants, it must be expected and not wondered at.  
Now if it shall be demanded what should be set up instead of the other Monument. I think best to be some Pyramid or matter of mere beauty, and not any Angel or such like whatsoever, for although in truth that deserveth no reprehension, yet by avoiding of that the moudies of the Adversaries may be stopped, who would otherwise storm and say, that the Creator is taken down, and such a Creature is set up in the place where he stood; and whereas it is said, that evermore it will be called the Cross in Cheap side, yet it may be possible that time may wear out the appellation, or if it do not, the name shall hurt no more than the name of Christmas or Candlemas doth, from which a godly man may make that use as to praise the Lord, that the matter of these Superstitions are removed, and the name only remains as a memorial of God's goodness, who hath done so great good things for us. And by reason of the sickness and weakness of him who more learnedly and judiciously might have resolved this point, have I not after that hot and hasty humour of some men who are moved rather by fancy then reason, but after Christian and settled looking into the cause, and satisfying of my own conscience, fully therein set down my judgement upon the demand proposed unto me, supposing that this shall also give access unto the honour of God, her Majesty, the Church of England, and that noble City, if it be so set up again as a matter of mere beauty or Pyramid.  
But referring the direction, execution, and completing of all to those honourable personages unto whom under our sacred Sovereign the Lord hath committed the ordering of such affairs. God Almighty bless us, that we may still go forward in true Religion, and his holy Spirit direct our thoughts, words and actions, to the honour of his holy Name. AMEN.  
George Abbot, Vicechancellor, An. 1600.  
The approbation of Master Vicechancellor's Letter, by five other learned men, than heads of the University.  
WE do approve as sound and true, the rather because he followeth that which was done with the brazen Serpent after that it was superstitiously worshipped by the people, and wish that the material Cross, now it hath been superstiously adored, and is maintained by Mart. in a Book dedicated unto her Majesty, and by all the Jesuits and Seminary Priests and all their Scholars this day in England, to be worshipped and adored, be not tumultuously taken away, but in the same manner the brazen Serpent was by consent and authority of our gracious Hezekiahs, & them whom causes Ecclesiastical have authorized under her Highness.  
This only we add, that as the example of Hezekiah be notably and sufficient to encourage her Majesty and such as be in authority under her zealously to remove such occasions of Idolatry, and to remove them out of the people's way, for the example of Gideon is terrible if they be let alone, and continued still.  
He erected an Ephod in Ophra after his victory over the Madianites, both to testify his thankfulness unto the true God of Israel, for his victory obtained, and also to show the Midianites, that the God whose service in an Ephod without Idol or Image they did refuse had given unto them the overthrow, and thus fare Gideon is not reproved, but when he grew old and knew that the people did worship before the Ephod, because he would not pull it down, nor take it away, his posterity was grievously punished after him, and the people became enthralled unto their enemies.  
In 〈…〉 fact of 〈…〉 his victory over Moxentius, in erecting the sign of the Cross in Rome, was commendable, because he testified his thankfulness to Christ crucified for the victory achieved, and also it openly showed unto the Heathen and Gentiles, who fought against him, that he whom they so much despised because he was crucified gave him victory. But now this outward and material sign of the Cross hath been, and is abused to Idolatry and Superstition, therefore if the chief Magistrates erect such things now, when they be well taken away, and if they pull them not down, when with peace and quietness they may be removed, they leave unto the godly a fearful expectation, as of that which came to pass In Israel, after the days of faithful Gideon, for so we call him notwithstanding his grievous fault, for so he is nanamed. But the danger of such negligence is most carefully to be avoided.  
From the University of Oxenford, January the 23. 1600.  
This Letter is in the hand of a Merchant of good credit in this City thus subscribed. 

Thomas Thornton.  
john Reinolds.  
Leonard Tailor.  
Henry Ayray.  
R. Kettley.    
You have heard learnedly proved from Antiquity the unlawfulness of this Cross.  
Here follow some arguments from Scripture against Cheapside Cross, as they were preached in Lombard Street.  
THis 〈…〉 Minister preaching on Esay 10. Vers. ●. 6. Shows divers signs of God's wrath against a Nation, among others he shows this to be one Plague token.  
When God gives over a Land to heinous sins, when he suffers a Land that hath been delivered from Idolatry, again to be given up unto Idols. This is a certain sign of God's wrath against a Land.  
For this is a standing rule, that when any Idol is suffered to be in a Land, though it be not worshipped, yet it is a remarkable sign, that they are a people of his wrath. See what the Lord saith, Psal. 81.8, 9 Hear, o my people, and I will testify unto thee, o Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me, there shall no strange god be in thee, neither, shalt thou worship any strange god. (Mark) he doth not only say thou shalt worship no strange god, but there shall be no strange god in thee, as the Lord commands them, Exod. 34.12. saying, Take heed to thyself, that thou make no covenant with the inhabitants of the Land, whether thou goest, lest they be cause of ruin among you: but ye shall overthrow their Altars, and break their Images in pieces, and cut down their groves, for thou shalt bow down to no other god, because the Lord whose name is Jehovah is a jealous God. For when ever Idols go before, then certainly war will follow after, and therefore to suffer an Idol to be in a Land, although unworshipped is no small sin, as the Lord saith, Hos. 6.10. I have seen villainy in the house of Israel, there is whoredom in Ephraim, Israel is joined to Idols, let her alone, etc.  
Thus we see how greatly we provoke God to anger, when we suffer an Idol to be among us.  
And though the Lord had formerly freed this Land from Idolatry, Are not the Images of Baal again re-edified among us? this never went before, but a Plague came after it. For by this, if by any thing, a Land breaks covenant, nay, goes about to break their Marriage bond with God. Therefore may I say to this Land, nay, to you of this City, (to go no further into other places,) where the Word of God is most powerfullly preached among you, that you are in an especially manner guilty of this loud crying sin. Witness the Cross in Cheapside, that is lately beautified by you. I am troubled to think how God expressly hath been provoked, and wrath I fear will be poured out upon you for this same golden Cross. For whereas the Lord saith, Isaiah 30.22, 23. Ye shall defile the cover of your graven 〈◊〉 of silver, and the ornaments 〈◊〉 your 〈◊〉 Images of gold, 〈◊〉 cast them away as a menstruous cloth: and then shall he give you a great blessing. You on the other side, have adorned the covering of your Images: now, all men know that 〈◊〉 Cross is that which the Papists make an Idol of: and yet you have not stained the covering thereof but have beautified and adorned it. So that as a blessing came on them that stained the covering of their Images, so a curse will most certainly follow the beautifying of the covering of those Images of that Cross. For it is that which doth become a snare unto the ignorant people: As Gideon made an Ephod of gold, and put it in his City, Judge's ● 27. and all Israel went thither, a whoring after it, which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house: And seeing Papists will worship a Cross at Rome, surely they will then worship it also in England, and yourselves know also what respect hath been she wed to this Cross, by Popishly affected amongst us. Besides the beautifying of this Cross, was a lavishing of your gold. And though you lavished it not on it, as on an Idol, but as an ornament, yet it being an Idol, your gold was lavished on it, as on 〈◊〉 Idol. O, this Cross, is one of the Jewels of the Whore of Rome, & its left and kept here as a Love-token, And gives them hope, one day, that they shall enjoy it; and us again. Therefore this is one of the special plague tokens of God's anger, and it shows this Land in general, nay, this City in particular, to be a people God is angry with.  
What this Reverend mian feared then, and was much troubled at in his own spirit, (as his often expressions yet in the memory of his familiar friends testified) namely, that the wrath and judgements of God shortly would fall down upon this Kingdom and City, we have found, and with sad hearts have cause to acknowledge, having felt the smart of it not only in this the great decay of trade which hath occasioned the sinking of many chief Citizens amongst us, but that which is more than either our trades or lives, the great decay of the Gospel, the faithful Preachers thereof being hunted out from amongst us, And this religious pious man, a blessed light, was enforced in the midst of his days to breathe his last in a strange Land.  
If more Arguments in this kind are desired, you may read at large a new Treatise of Master Gurney against Images, extracted out of the Homilies.  
There is not such a superstitious Monument in Spain, France, no not in Rome, nor in any part of the Christian World as this Cross is, as Traveller's report: & that we should gild it, & Papists adore it on their knees, (as many witnesses testify) is abominable, we doubtnot but our Worthies in the Honourable Houses of Parliament will take away the memory of it.  
FINIS.