THE Priest's Patent CANCELED, OR THE Layman's Answer, to the PRIESTS OBJECTIONS. Wherein the pretended grounds of the Ministry for the upholding of their Arbitrary practices, over the Consciences and Estates of the People are answered, and refuted, by undeniable Arguments from scripture and Reason. By William Hartley. Zach. 13.4. And it shall come to pass in that day the Prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, which he hath prophesied, neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive. Vers. 5. But shall say I am no Prophet, I am a husband man, for man taught me to keep Cattles from my youth. Laicis licet curam de reformanda religione, & ecclesia suscipere, cestantibus, vel non facientibus officium, vel facultate destitutis Episcopis & Ecclesiasticis. Polan. LONDON, Printed by G. Dawson for Henry Cripps and are to be sold in Popes-head Alley. 1649. The Layman's Answer to the Priests Objections, etc. IT is no small piece of Sophistry, that the enemies of the Gospel's Freedom have made use of; In putting terms of Odium and scandal upon the persons and endeavours of those, who desire to promote the People's Liberty: viz. Puritan, Round-head, Anababtist, Independent, etc. to which may be added, that learned, deep, and most Authentic expression (mentioned in the Scots Declaration) to wit Tub-preachers: and now as (if these names were worn thread bare) those who stand for equal and impartial Justice, are stigmatised, and branded under the notion of Levellers; giving many groundless, and improbable constructions upon their candied endeavours tending unto public safety: charging them with dismounting Magistracy, overthrowing Ministry, denying Property: whereas their desire is, that Magistrates rule by Law, and not by Will; Ministers walk after Gospel order, and not carry themselves as * Many Ministers write themselves Rectors of such a place. lords over God's Inheritance, and every man to enjoy his birthright due unto him, by the laws of God and Nature: and no man to be (by Patent) vassalized, either in Person or Estate: And for a want of a right understanding, or serious consideration, of the intentions of the persons scandalised: Hence it is, that the People fight against their own Freedom, cry up a King, cry down a Parliament; speak against the Army, Malign the well-affected, etc. All which mischiefs may be properly interpreted to flow from the generality of the Clergy, who through the powerful influence, and subtle insinuation, they have gained upon their hearers affections, do bend the People's hearts to the crooked bow of their self-concernments: What a great and cross wheel the Clergy have been to this Kingdom, is evident by several ancient writers; omitting former precedents, I refer you to the Reign of Henry the eighth. In whose time, Cardinal Woolsey and the Clergy (the King not pleasing their humours) did disavow the Majestracy of the Nation, pretending their Oath of Allegiance to the Pope; but Woolsey with Abbots, Priors, etc. being rooted, the Clergy (seeing themselves brought into such a premenirie) easily dispensed with the Oath to the Pope, and swore supremacy to King Henry: but at that time (saith my Author) the Clergy was in great danger to have been overthrown; And when the Bishop of Rochester made a plausable argument (grounded upon custom) for continuance of their Spiritual Live, a Gentleman of Gray's Inn made answer, * See the large Chronicle of England pag. 923. It was a custom for Thiefs to Rob upon Shooter's Hill, ergo, they may Rob. The insolency of the Bishops against the supreme authority, viz. (the Parliament) crowned with their own ruin is fresh in memory. (I forbear to instance any thing from the Synod) But, how mutable in principles of Religion this generation of men have been, is notoriously manifested; I speak not to prejudice any pious man (being fully persuaded there hath been, and is, (even at this time) a competent number of godly Ministers, who have, and will seal the Testimony of Truth with their Bloods) but in reference to the generality of the Clergy, whose Religion * Be of any Religion rather than suffer, or lose their benefices. turneth (like Cocks of weather) with the strongest Wind: In the time of Henry the eighth, the Clergy were Papists; In Edward the sixth, Protestants; in Queen Mary Reign, Papists; in Queen Elizabeth's time Protestants, and now Episcopal, Presbyterian, for Church Government, Regis ad exemplum, etc. etc. which being considered, doth it not deeply concern all Christian, (Berean like) to search the Scripture for Truth and Knowledge; and no longer take their Religion upon trust from their Ministers: but, by a principle of light in themselves from the Gospel, may be able to render a reason of their own Faith. It is to be well approved of, for great men to entertain Chaplains in their Families; but it would add to their Honours if (after religious Brooks example) they would become their own Mediators to God, to pray, give thanks for, and to instruct those who are committed to their charge. And as we highly commend the Parliament in desiring godly and able Ministers to pray and preach before them: so likewise we should hearty rejoice if the Kingdom's Representatives would a Then the contention betwixt M. Love and M. del, would be at an end. themselves (rather then by proxii) being best privy to their own concernments, represent to God their own condition; and although this may appear b Mr. Bates interrupted Mr. Hartly in his exercise, refusing either to hear or confer, being assisted with a company of rude, ignorant, and unworthy persons, broke up the Meeting with disorder. grievous in the eyes of Ministers, and persons ignorant of the knowledge and privilege in the Gospel, yet it is a glorious and acceptable work in the eyes of God and all persons, whose ends are for the advancement of Truth. Let's hear what can be said against it. Jehovah (Lord Almighty) is the God of Order, 1 Object. and in all Ages, as there were Kings elected to execute the magistratical Office in matters of civil-government: so there were persons separated and appointed, to exercise jurisdiction in things spiritual. Therefore the Ministry of the Church of England is grounded upon fundamental authority. We answer, God is not the Author of confusion: Reply▪ And in order to Government there was a Law given (Gods only Vicegerent) unto which, all persons were bound to yield subjection alike: Masters of Families, eldest, or * Gen. 34.19. Noblest of Tribes, (which were styled Heads or Chief of the people) stand authorised in point of execution. As for Monarches, Kings, or more properly Popes, when by your Clergy rendered over all persons, and all causes, whether Ecclesiastical, or Civil supreme Judges, and Moderators. Such creatures were never of * 1 Sam. 8 7. Hosea 13 10. Divine institution, their foundation, and continuance, being (ex superabundanti) grounded upon conquest and tyranny. And as for persons qualified with an outward power over their brethren in things Spiritual, we find no such thing; God being the God of all Spirits, and unto him shall all flesh come. Is not the Sea a proper Continent for every Rivelet? 2 Object, There is a fallacy in a Dolus versatur generalibus generals; but I shall give you particular instances warranted by Scripture even before the Flood. Whom do you conclude Enos to be? The Scripture witnessing, that in his day's b Gen. 4.26. men began to call on the name of the Lord. And do we not read that Noah was a preacher of righteousness. If Noah was a Preacher, it will necessarily imply he had an Auditory: which being granted, this must follow, that all were not Preachers. Reply. It is true, c Commune non distinguit. Universals yield no safe conclusions: Therefore we shall answer to your precedents. First to your Querie touching Enos, doubtless he was a godly man, as also were the generality of people in his time: so intimate the words by you quoted, viz. at that time d There were six generations between Enos and Noah, till whose time we read not of the world's Apostasy. men began to call on the name of the Lord; and Enos was one of those men. Whether Noah preached righteousness to the world, either by perfecting of the Ark, or by way of Exhortation, or both, is not much questionable: This being most clear, that those which called upon the Lord (with Enos) were preserved; and those who refused to be preachers (like Noah) of God's righteousness, were destroyed. And doubtless, if Noah, and Lot, had had more fellows (in their generations) those most useful servants Fire and Water, had never proved Sodoms, and the World's implacable masters. 3 Object. But what say you to Melchizedeck? was not he a man in order of the Priesthood? approved by God, justified by man, for unto him faithful Abraham paid his Tenths. Now if all be Priests alike, and no distinction in persons, why did not Abraham receive Tithes of Melchizedeck, according as Melchisedeck did of Abraham? Reply. We give our judgement, this Melchizedeck was not man, but God, as is manifested, Heb. 7. by his Title, or Motto, that is to say, King of Righteousness, King of Peace. And in all Ages (since the world began) we have not read of such a King as Righteousness, or such a Kingdom as Peace. And that this Melchisedeck was God, or the very Christ, is clear from Heb. 7 3. Without Father, without mother, without descent (or pedigree) having neither beginning of days, nor end of life, but made like unto the Son of God, abideth a Priest for ever. This is a manifest contradiction of the old and new Testament: For if this Melehisedeck had been God, 4 Object. than Abraham had presently died: For no man can see God and live, and you know Abraham continued long after time. Neither could he be Christ, being not born till thousands of years afterwards. When the fullness of time was come, God sent his Son, etc. No contradiction at all, Reply. (only your misprision) be it granted, God as he is in his Essence, and incomprehensible glory, cannot be seen or comprehended by any mortal eye, yet God in his dispensations and manifestations, is both seen and comprehended of the creature. What say you to the burning Bush in the Wilderness that spoke unto Moses, and the still Voice that talked with Elijah, Do not the Scriptures say, God was in the Bush, and God was in the Voice? which the Author to the Hebrews lively sets forth, Hebr. 1.1. God (saith he) who at sundry times, and after divers manners spoke unto the Fathers by the Prophets, hath in these days spoken unto us by his Son, who is the brightness of his Father's glory, and the express image of his person; which image we interpreting according to the mystery of the Gospel, Jesus Chrtst is rendered to be God manifested in the flesh. This considered, we have ground to believe that Melchisedeck which appeared unto Abraham in the shape or form of a man, was Christ: And his own words (at a conference with the Jews) seem to imply as much, viz. Abraham saw my days and rejoiced. It's granted Melchisedeck was a Type of Christ, 5 Object. and so the Scripture quoted by you saith, Hebr. 7.3. like unto the Son of God, but you know every e Omne simile non est idem. Reply. like is not the same. We understand a Type to be a Form, or Image, representing somewhat that is not properly in its self, or a shadow which vanisheth upon the apparition of the substance: Now if this Melchizedeck was a Type, or representative, Christ (the represented) being come, this type is of no validity, but (as minded before) this Melchisedeck abideth for ever: and it was the apex or height of Christ's dignity to be styled a Priest of the same Order. And for your Schoole-Maxime, Every like is not the same; in the Scripture sense the words similis and sicut (vel aut quasi, like or as) are of propinquity, john 1.14. We beheld his glory as the glory of the only begotten Son of God, 6. Object. But if Melchizedeck were God or Christ, why did he take Tithes? God or Christ hath need of Abraham's substance, but this Melchizedeck (as you must confess) did really receive Tenths of Abraham; if so, to what end or use did he take them, except for conformation of a Priesthood. Reply. We Answer, That the Tithe which Melchizedeck received of Abraham, was not the tenth of increase of Cattles, Corn, Wine, Oil, etc. but a Tenth part of the prize that he had obtained in overthrow of the four Kings that took his Nephew * Gen. 8.18. Lot prisoner: Moreover Melchizedeck was not a Priest to Abraham, for Abraham was his own Priest to offer up his own sacrifices, as may be instanced in the stretching forth his hand to slay Isaac: and to your quaere, to what end, or what use Melchizdeck made of the Tenths received, I shall resolve you when I know after what manner the three Angels did eat of Sarahs' Milk, Butter, and dressed Calf. How inconsistent then to Scripture or Reason is your argument for Tithes or Priesthood from any precedent of Melchizedeck. 7. Object. While our father's Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were in a strange land, there could be no settled Priesthood; but when the Israelites were an entire People, then Aaron and his seed were appointed to teach the People, no other tribe permitted to that office; and do you not read of God's Judgement inflicted upon Corah, Dathan and Abiron, for meddling with the Priest's Office, a fair warning for Laymen to take heed how they thrust themselves into the office of the Ministry. Reply. We answer, That the Ceremonial and Typical part of God's worship was appointed to the levitical Priesthood, as the offering up of sacrifices of Sheep, Goats, or the like; for sin offerings, heave offerings, etc. But the real and substantial part of God's worship, as Prayer for pardon of sin, Praises for mercies received, Preaching or declaring the goodness of God one to another, etc. was referred to all persons indifferently: as may appear by the desire of Moses, when he was acquainted that others besides the Priests taught in the Camp, would God (saith he) that all the Lords people were Prophets: and for your precedent in the punishment of Corah, Dathan and Abiron, (we conceive) it had relation to their contempt and mutiny against Moses and Aaron, (as public Officers) and not merely or simply for offering Sacrifice: As may be instanced, that it is lawful at a bar of justice for all standers by to go along with the Magistrate in condemning a Malefactor, but it is a high offront to justice for any there present to pull the Judge from the seat of Judicature to give sentence themselves: you may consider the altar erected (for a good end) by the Rubenites, Gaddites and half the tribe of Manasseth is not condemned; and Manoah (not Levite but an Ephramite) his Sacrificing a Kid upon a rock was by God approved: and for your prerogative distinction of Laity and Clergy, the Scripture doth hold forth no such thing, God having made of one blood all mankind, Jew and Gentile, Male and Female, Bond and Free, are all one in Christ; Acts 10. and we much wonder at that selfconceited expression in your formal prayer, viz. the Tribe of Levi the lot of thine own inheritance: seeing God is no respecter of persons; but in every Nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness is accepted. And to your caveat of Laymen entering into the ministry (if you mean preaching and declaring the word of God) be it answered, we have as good right to that employment or (function) as to the lands we hold, or we wear. But you may understand Christ speaking to the Tribe of Levi, Ye tithe Mint and Commin, 6. Object. and neglect greater matters, these things ye ought to have done and etc. here Christ approved of a Priesthood to receive Tithes: now if some had power to receive, others were appointed to pay; so it will necessarily follow, there is to be a distinction in persons, some ministers to bear rule in the Church and teach, Reply. others to hear and yield subjection to their government. We answer, That Christ commanded obedience to the levitical Priesthood, and approved the paying and receiving of Tithes: but the time when, and end for all duties commanded by God of the Creature is to be * Taking scripture out of place, maketh this conclusion and division amongst us. considered, as it may be instanced, at the institution of Circumcision, in the time of the law, it is written, every male which is not circumsized, that soul shall be cut off from his people: but in the time of the Gospel, it is said, If ye be circumsized, Christ shall profit you nothing: so then, you are to consider the time when the levitical Priesthood was commanded, and you shall find it to be before Christ took Aaron's Office: for when he offered up himself (once for all) than the levitical Priesthood had an a Christ when he was upon the cross said all was finished, and then gave up the ghost. end: and for your better satisfaction, take the Apostles argument, Heb. 7.11. if perfection were by the levitical Priesthood; what further need was there that another Priest should rise after the order of Melchizedeck, and not be called after the order of Aaron: the next verse thus, If the Priesthood be changed, there is made a b Mark our linsy woolsie Clergy, ministers of the Gospel, yet exact tithe according to the Levitical priesthood. necessity of a change of the Law: that is, if Christ (the only Highpriest) hath made a perfect reconciliation, and atonement unto God by his own blood, there needeth no more sacrifice for sin, and that law which did enjoin the people to bring offerings or pay tithes, for upholding of those typical sacrifices; is now abrogated: for you are to take notice, that the end of the institution of Tithes was more properly for the maintenance of a daily sacrifice, and not solely or simply for the Priest's profit, as you may read Numb. 18.26. When ye take tithes of the children of Israel (which I have given you from them for your inheritance) than ye shall offer a c When the Parson takes a tithe Calf, Lamb, Pig, Goose, etc. it fills his belly or his purse. heave offering for the Lord: It was a complaint upon d 1 Sam. 2.29. Elies' sons, that they had made themselves fat with the offerings of the people. So then, it is evident Christ is our Highpriest, and all the Saints of God are partakers of his Priesthood, 1 Pet. 2.9. and have all interest alike (by him) to offer up e Rom. 12.1. spiritual sacrifices unto God. 9 Object. But what saith St Paul, 1 Cor. 12.28. God sent some to be Apostles, some to be Prophets, some to be Teachers: Are all Apostles? 1 Tim. 4.14. Are all Prophets? Are all Teachers? And it was charged Timothy, not to neglect the gift that was given him by laying on of hands of the Presbytery, that is to say, ordination of Ministers. Reply. We answer, that the Apostle in the chapter quoted, did inform the Corinthians of the diversity of gifts, or several operations of God's Spirit, as not hereditary to any particular persons, or society of men, and that in the Church, or among the Saints, all are not alike gifted. For, saith he, All cannot prophesy, all are not qualified with abilities to teach, all have not the gift of healing, etc. It's your duty, as vers. 31. to covet earnestly the best gifts, that is, labour to become Apostles, covet to prophesy, desire to be able to teach; intimating that it was a great fault to be always learning, and yet never come to perfection. For the gift that Timothy was commanded not to neglect, is prophesying, and imposition or laying on of hands (as we give our judgement) was used either in point of confirmation, or healing, as may be instanced, James 5.16. If any be sick let him send for the Elders of the Church, etc. and if the Translator had put in Eldership for Presbytery (which is the proper signification of the word from the original) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. We might have understood something of the religion in the Kirk of Scotland, and we wonder at the acquaint speech of your Church Reformers, viz. Orthodoxal, Canonical, Classical, Provincial, (though significant) yet not Gospel, or vernaculer words: It is desired that the Clergy would use plain Scripture language, and not amuse the people's understanding by obscure and AEnigmative expressions To deny ordination is to give way to confusion, 10 Object. and to open a door for the spreading of all errors, heresies, and schism, every Mechanic f●llow will be stepping up into a pulpit to vent his own fancy. Doth not the Apostle Peter tell you, that unlearned men pervert the Scriptures to their own destruction. We answer, that graces and abilities from God do ordain, Reply, constitute, and create a Minister, not an University, hand patent, or licence of the creature: For, saith the Apostle, 1 Tim. 1.12 I thank jesus Christ our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, in putting me into the Ministry: to which you may add that expression, Gal. 1.11. I testify unto you brethren, that the Gospel which was preached of me, is not after man, for I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by revelation of jesus Christ. To your caution touching the spreading of errors, heresies, etc. we answer, The light of truth is able to overthrow the darkness of error; one burning lamp is able to convince the vanity of a thousand dark Lanterns. No ignis fatuus can abide the Sun. And for Mechanic men preaching, if you mean Tradesmen, or Artificers, viz. Carpenters, Fishermen, Tentmakers, such were the Apostles of Christ, and no disparagement to their Cloth (as you call it) or Ministry: Nay, the Apostle lays an injunction upon the Ministers to labour, from a precedent of himself, Acts 23.24. These hands have ministered to my necessities, I have showed you all things, that so labouring you ought to support the weak, and remember the words of the Lord jesus, how he said, It was a more blessed thing to give then to receive. And for those unlearned men that pervert the Scriptures, are such who are untaught and unlearned in Christ, the Scriptures quoted having no relation to humane learning in the tongues: For in all ages the greatest Scholars were most ignorant of Ch●sst, and the poor and simple receive the Gospel. Be it granted, that some through ignorance (or misprision) have perverted the Scripture; because some tender eyes have been prejudiced by the Sun, Ergo, it is not good to behold the light of the Sun at all. FINIS. Nihil & natum & perfectum, Gloria in excelsis Deo, sit salvus populus.