PRO-QVIRITATIO ΠΑΡΑΙΝΕΤΙΚΗ OR, A PETITION TO The People: For a Christian and unbloudy Decision of Cases of Conscience, in the point of Obedience unto the Deputed of the Lord; as disturb the Peace, and threaten the Ruine of this Church and State.
Humbly directed unto the whole One English and Welsh Nation.
If any man have an eare, let him heare. He that leadeth into Captivity, shall goe into Captivity, He that killeth with the Sword, must be killed with the Sword. Here is the Patience, and the Faith of the Saints.
Nec ullum satis validum Imperium erat, coercendis Seditionibus Populi, flagitia hominum, vt Ceremonias Deum protegentis,
Printed for Richard Royston. Anno Dom. 1642.
⟨Sep: 1642 this was [...]ratt [...]ed up and down London ye 14: & 15 & suppressed by an order 16th 9bre [...] a L [...] Diurnall⟩
TO ALL TRVLY CHRISTIAN ENGLISH AND VVELSH, Truth And Peace. From the Author of both, the Lord Iesus.
There is no want of misery, where sinne abounds. There is no reconciling comfort to us, where Division is the Sinne. There is no Degree wanting unto the wretchednesse and sinfulnesse of the sinne of Division; where the Division is betweene the th [...] Head and the Members. There is no want of venome, in the temper and hight of the Degree; Where Christ and Religion are made the Dividers betweene the Head and the Body. It being most desperately, both scandalous and wicked; That Rebellion should be in R [...]ligion as a disease: much more that Religion should bee in Rebellion as an incendiary.
So that both for the Species and the Gradus. The Kind, and the Degree of the kind, the calamity and the Sunne of the aimes are not unmatchable. Which the Attending discourse (I presume) will Demonstrate: And that there can be no Ʋnion with the Invisible H [...]ad, the Lord Christ; when we divide our selves from those Visible Heads, whom the Lord hath stiled his Christs.
D [...]nion (though but amongst equalls) being a thing that villifieth and nulleth, the most glorious gifts and graces of the Holy Ghost: as the Apostle sheweth, 1 Cor. 13. much more Disunion with those whom God hath set in his place over us.
It was prudently observed by a knowing Man of this Age, that the violations in this kind, [...]re worse suff [...]red than corruption of Manners. Inasmuch (saith he) as Soluti [...]n of Continuity (to wit the breaking of a bone,St. Albons [...]ayes. or the cutting off of a member) is more dangerous than a corrupt humour: And yet the Arme may be cut off, and the man may live. But the Solution of the Continuity between the Head and the Members is the destruction of the whole.
In the bowels of C [...]rist Iesus, you are besought by your most humble Petitioner (whose amazed bleeding soule presumeth not, that it can finde language sufficient to bewayle the misery and guilt wee are involved in.) That you would bee pleased, as one Man from Our Dan to Bersheba; from Saint Michaells Mount to Barwicke; [Page 3] from the Isle of Anglesey to Norwich; which Sober, Humble, Modest Expression (as becommeth those who are redeemed by the Blood of the Lambe Christ Iesus) to Petition both his most Sacred Majestie and his most Honourable Great Councell; That the Determinations of the Great Law-giver, may both by the one, and the other heedefully bee attended.Acts 25.16. And that to this end A nationall Synod (such as we may justifie before God and man) may with all convenient speed be Assembled, for an Holy Decision of such Cases of Conscience, as more concerne our poore Soules,D [...]fleo equidem filiū meū, semper{que} deflebo sed neque Reum prohibeo quo minus cuncta pro ferat quibus innocentia eiu [...] sublevari; aut siqua fuit iniquitas Germanici coárgui possie; Vos{que} Oro ne quia dolori meo c [...]usa connexa est, obiecta crimina pro approbatis accipiatis▪ Si quos propinquus sanguis [...]ut fides sua Pationos dedit, quantum quis{que} eloquentia & cura valet Iuvate pericilitantem &c▪ Tiberius apud▪ Taci. An. 3. than the preservation of our momentary lives and temporarie fortunes; from the threatning outrage of fire and sword.
Tha [...] in the meane time (untill the necessities of State may give way to such an Assembly) it may bee lawfull (as a preparative thereunto) to publish such Christian and grave Tractates or Arguments (without the imputation of Enmity to the State) a [...] may tend to the Discovery of Truth (the onely Foundation of Godly long-lived Peace) and the snatching of such (if any such there be) out of the fire; whom zeale not according to knowledg hath diverted into dangerous By-paths. And that, Inasmuch as none may reape more benefit by them, than they who (as yet) are most direct against them, Especially if the Divisions of these daies against Our Moses and Aron shall prove of that High nature, as to be the very sinne of Corah, Dathen and Abiram Especially, if the intrusion into sacred place and office, of those whom the Church hath not sent; be the very wickednesse of the Priests of Ieroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.
They are Principles which no man can be ignorant of. That He that judgeth Corah and Ieroboam is the same unchangeable Lord for ever and ever. That his punishments if deferred, are encreased. That Christianity shall smart sorer than Judaisme for offences of this condition.
Vouchsafe then Christian English and Welsh; In this great Cause of the Lord, In this desperate praecipice of the People of the Lord: In this double danger of the Priests of the Lord (since herein, even for them to bee silent, is to be traiterous) unanimously to bese ch those who are ( [...]s yet) on the other hand engaged; to permit (since Pagan justice hath (a) constantly afforded it) nay, to encourage (since Pagan bloud thirsty (b) Tyrants; and that in their owne cause, have done so much) th [...] affirming Party to spare noe paines; To leave nothing unsaid, in this point of so great conc [...]rnment: That inke, rather then Bloud may be spilt; That Paper rather than Soules may perish. That the undertakers may have publike thankes for their good wills, should (we be so happy that) they faile of their endeavou [...]s; At least wise that they may have the Liberty of the Subject, to plead the Cause of the Lord, and the Lords Annointed. And likewise, that if any man in this Controversie shall publish any thing by way of Reply; He be enjoyned to Printe with his Answer the whole tract he intended to ref [...]te. That upright dealing may be had, and the world may readi [...]y compare the moments of both. And that Christian abearance for Truth not Ʋectory be commended, and the violators thereof, may be severely punished.
That whereas the supreme Law of God ought to command and regula [...]e all the Lawes of man: And what Priviledges in the New Testament are acknowledged due to Heathen P [...]inces: and what Prerogatives the Spirit of God hath in the Old Testament, warranted unto the Iewish Kings: And what the universall Law of Nature (as old as mankinde) hath established upon them all; appertaine all of them [Page] by unquestionable right unto his most Sacred Majesty. And whereas his Majesty (out of his most incomparable goodnesse) insisteth not upon these; but vouchsafeth to accept of that moyty, which the undoubted Lawes of this Land (which how they were obtained, the English Historian knoweth) afford unto him. That universall thankes (and those not verball but reall) may be forthwith (throughout this whole Kingdome and Principality solemnly tendered to him and God Almighty for him. Who might justly, we may truly say it, if wee look [...] home) in stead of this Cedar, have given us a bramble; n [...] on [...] to scratch and te [...]e our flesh but to set us all on fire. Since we have read that He h [...]th Authority to give us a King in his displeasure; but never [...]ead our authority to di [...]obey him at our pleasure. Oh then let the hideousnesse of our ingratitude unto God and Him be considered; let due compensation be made; and let us not in stead thereof so Array our selves against the Prerogative of God, as if we could cast his yoak off. So against the Prerogative of his Anointed, as if wee have already done it; which we manifest in our desires of lessening the Princes power, as not daring to trust God (upon his asseveration) with regulating the heart of the King; as if we could doe it better than he hath, either in his deeds performed, or in his Word directed: Casting all the fault from our selves, and in v [...]ry deed fastning it upon Him; who is able to account for the Acts of his Lievetenants, but unwilling to be thus reproacht by sinners.
That for the honour due unto the Law of God, and in respect of the interest which every man created after the Image of God, hath in the Lawes of God and Nature: That no deliberation be thought too long (in case either of bloud, or estate.) Concerning those who either in Church or Cōmon-wealth (as is pretended against the particular Lawes of this Land) have asserted unto His Majesty those Honours and emoluments, which the institutes of God and Nature have invested him with, untill such time as the Cause of God be fully pleaded.
That we do not suffer our selves to be out-stript by our Brethren of the Scottish-Nation in the Christian civility of giving credit unto His Sacred Majesties Protestations (too many too high, too often repeated to be forgotten or neglected by him that but conceiteth an He [...]ven or Hell. Concerning the uprightnesse of his most Blessed soule; for his resolution▪ for perseverance in, and maintenance of the Religion Established.
That for the future, the most Honourable Court of Parliament be humbly Petitioned not to conceive that his Majestie so little respecteth either his conscience or his credit; as to forfeit with God his Royall word; and with man that faire Repute which his Integrity, no lesse than his Patience and Paines have spread as farre as his Name is read or heard of; By making offensive warre upon his Parliament; further than the vindication of that part of Soveraignty which is so Gods, that without prophannesse he cannot quit, and the prosecution of those sinnes which he must represse or suffer for, shall necessitate him. That chargeable Jealousies being put away: And the power of the sword being acknowledged to be where God hath left it; not onely this exhausted kingdome may find some refreshment from its importable taxes; But also distressed Ireland may be relieved with part of that which our costly difference, bestoweth on the purchase of the wrath of God, and the dishonour of our holy Profession.
That for the avoyding of the shame of our Religion, Age, and Nation, in forraigne [Page] parts and future times, it be publicky avowed, what Petitions have been by the Generality or major part of men throughout the severall Counties, directed unto the most High and Honorable Court of Parliament, and what have been by unworthy practise (as being forged or extorted) preferred and published in the Common name whereby the Parliament may seem to have been misinformed; as having bin possessed with the venerable name of the generality, there represented from a few over-busie malignants; in stead of the desires of the many Conscientious, Sober, Learned, Generus Spirits; with whom God hath liberally blessed and honored the Religion, left us by his Son: and derived unto us by the Holy Apostles and Fathers of the ancient Primitive times: And that the offenders shame if not punishment may be called for by the publick voice.
That not onely in obedience unto the God of peace, but also for the preventing of the like or worse hereafter; Those Routers and Pamphleteers may be sought out and duly punished, who with their licentious carriages have not onely, wearied the Righteous Soul of him whom God hath made and set so like and neer unto himselfe; B [...]t with their outrages have driven him from his Parliament, and his glorious City of London, to the great impeachment, if not undoing thereof.
That you will be pleased from out of all parts to supply this scantling with what either the riches of your charitable wisdom, or the straights of your Christian sufferings shall suggest unto you; befitting the consideration of his Majesty and his great Councell, either concerning the great and generall want of Ecclesiasticall Discipline, whereby offences multiply, and offenders grow shamelesse; since the impeachment of the power of Excommunication: which being established from on high; no men,Mat. 18.17, 18. or times might or have deprived the Church of, nor can they make frustrate the sentence thereof. Or concerning the Restitution of the Churches Governours as of old? whereby the growth of Schismes and Sects might be restrained. Or concerning the now despised House and Service of God; wherein and whereby we chiefly Hallow his Name as it is done in Heaven. That part of his worship (now in great danger) being the most Angelicall Office, which is or can by man be performed unto the God of Heaven; untill we come unto him in his Heavenly Temple; & into the same Quire with those blessed Spirits. At least-wise it were to be wished, since it is dedicated unto God and ever since that, by our Godly Predecessors, it hath been hewed out of the Rock of Primitive Devotions, have stood faire and impregnable; as never yet having bin so much as soyled by one Argument which a Catechist could not reach and wipe off: That the Mound which man hath set about it might be upheld and mayntained in the execution of the Statute Printed before it. And it is more than need that the annexed prudent Proclamation of our late (and for ever to be renowmed) Solomon, King James of glorious memory, were throughly pondered and intended. That in our Zijon God being religiously served by us; Hee out of His, might fatherly blesse us: and raise us up, able men, restorers of this breach.
When popular Absalom had drawn the whole Kingdom against David (his godly indulgent Father) one Amasa was able to do thus much: For he bowed the hearts of all the men of Iudah (where bowing indeed ought to be) as the heart of one man, 2 Sam. 19.14▪ and they sent this word unto the King, Return thou▪ and all thy servants; So the King returned and came to Jordan: And Judah (even Shimei himselfe whom David pardoned) came to meet the King, and to conduct him over Jordan.
For such a day, let all hearts atd hands be lifeed up to god on high, unfeinedly and un [...]essantly: which to do the petitioner will not faile▪
Nor
To aduenture to the world such Demonstrative Arguments (for the assertion of the premisses) as he trusteth he hath received from the Oracles of God. And is not in this cause a fraid either to fall, or fall alone. But he had rather
for Gods and other mens sakes fide publicâ dicer [...]t, be for his zeale unto the publik good, publiquely protected, lest others seeing his
sufferings (though the countrary fell out in the primit [...]ue t [...]m [...]s (should be diverted from avowing Gods Truth unto the world But otherwise should he be universally deserted, he is resolved both
with Godly modesty and Christian fortitude, to come o [...]t of his too safe obscurity, as having read▪ a [...]d relished that of Hester, If I perish I perish. And (meane though be in the eyes of the world, and of himselfe) as aspi [...]ing (through Christian fervour) to come as neere as his poore frailties, [...]. 16 can by Gods Spirit and is endeavous be drawne unto that high pitch of Sainst Paules most ho [...]y prodiga [...]ity.
Ro [...]. [...]. [...]. [...]. I could wish that J were separated from Christ, for my Brethren, &c.
Concerning the Synod, he humbly presenteth and submitteth his ensuing desires
Whereas there must he a resurrection of words as well as for men, and the most eminent things shall have the most eminent Judgement. And whereas an accompt is due both unto the present and succeeding World, of actions of this consequence.
THat therefore, in the first place, God may with all solemnity and sincerity of Publique and private, Internall and externall humiliations be attoned unto us And man may be abjured to lay downe all acts and thoughts, which he shall feare to meet at the last day.
That the Election may be free. The Convention and prosecution may be secured from Canvasses, fraud, and violence. But that it may be convened and transacted (as neere as may bee) according to the godly Rules and Christian examples of the seven Primitive Generall Councels; at least wise of the foure first, ever sacred by the universall consent of whole Christendome; and particular [...]y to us by particular Statutes. And that it be not like unto that Popish Councell of Trent, which had Interlopers sent in, when suff [...]ages were wanting, for any thing that was aymed at, and which was g [...]nerally either over awed with terrors, or over ba [...]lanced with Magisteriall Mandat [...]s, sent from Rome, to the shame of their Religion, and the Disport of the unengaged World.
Tha [...] at length to sa [...]isfie the impetuous clamours and many chalengers of our Romish Abversaries amassed together in their Protestants Plea Printed 1621. Safe conduct Fide publiâ not like unto that of the Popish Counceell of Constance, but such as bes [...]emeth the honor of our Christian Religion) may be openly proclaimed, and unviolably observed; for, and towards all sorts of Disputants▪ and that all their Names and Arguments. to a word may be entred into the publique Acts; that the World (so long as it shall endure) may see not only what was done, but why it was done.
That not so much to satisfie our Romish Churches; as for its owne sake, The Synod may bee held in one of our Ʋniversities: that it may not onely make use of the Reverend dead (which are the best and most impartiall Iudges) Councellours, and witnesses; but also that it may have the benefit of the Ability, Activity, Strength, and labours of young men, which in any other place it would want.
That to the intent the Synod may proceed with the great Authority and Clearnesse: It may bee desired to call to its assistance the professors of the Holy tongue of both Ʋniversities, and others of knowne abilities from other Collegiate places and elsewhere. As also the professors of the Greeke tongue: In which languages the Spirit of God indited both the Old and New Testament, (the most unpartiall Judge of controversies) and in which are wrapped up, diverse mysteries which unlearned men are uncapable of. And that it may end with greater Expedition and approbation: there may out of each Shi e of England and Wales, be chosen unto Assessors, of the best, versed in the languages, Fathers and Ecclesiasticall story; who may not onely by entercourse of Letters employ, and make use of the Abilities, of such worthy men; who for the discharge of their places, must be left in their Counties; but also, bee at hand to give an account unto the Synod, both of the Desires and Distempers of the same. And further (as occasion shall requi [...]e) may be ready to prepare for, and assist in the solemne disputations before the Synod.
That first, Authority may be established, to reckon with offenders; And then offences debated: And this according to the prescript of the great Law-giver, who in the Epitome of the Law of Nature; In the first Table, first enacted his own Dominion, And then Thou shalt not commit Idolatry, Thou shalt not commit Sacriledge; In the Second; first, Honour thy Father and Mother; and then, Thou shalt not kill, &c. To teach us that Obedience is to be preferred before life and all its Emoluments; And that they are the worst of men, who are the most refractory to Governours.
And that therefore.
Cases of publike Conscience, in the particular, (which the Councell of Trent did either dread and bogle at; else with fraud and might corrupt) may be first cleared.
Secondly, That points of particular abearance may be decreed.
Thirdly, That intestine Controversies may be decided.
Fourthly, That externall quarrells with the Adversaries on both hands may be discussed, and that the Synod be not dismissed, before this also be performed. That so the God of peace being served by us in Truth and Ʋnity; He may have Glory, we refreshment, and Posterity benefit, even from these our Distractions.
Be pleased then to take due notice, of His most pious Majesties just complaint; That (in this great Cause, and in these distressed times (men want Conscience, Courage, or at least encouragement, for the discovery of the Truth; (without which, Peace is but a Civill combination;) and unanimously to make way (what shall seeme best unto your unnaturall thoughts) for the display thereof. As sensible of the dishono [...]r of our Christia [...] Religion; which since it came downe from Heaven, never yet taught Rebellion against the worst of Heathenish Tyrants.
As considering.
The Kingdome and Prerogative of God over you, who made you of nothing; hath power to take you in pieces, and resolve you into your former nothing; but will judge you according to that, which you have made your selves.
The generall favour of God Almighty towards mankinde; in that Hee doth not rule you by his immediate dreadfull might, nor teach you by His All-confounding voice: But (not only for the benefit, but also for the honour of the whole humane nature) hath advanced in his own most sacred place, of your own flesh and bloud; such as might more calmly execute his Dominion over you.
The particular favour which he hath vouchsafed unto this froward Nation, in giving us a King of such exemplary and Saint-like Vertues: who, if Hee had bin bad had in all probability bin better used.
The sinfulnesse of Rebellion, and Schisme.
The wofulnesse of Civill War, Pillage and Rapine.
The unhappy sedulity of a few Pragmaticals (wiser in their generation than the children of light) misled by an up-start Sect of Teachers, prevailing upon the credulity of divers; and getting gr [...]und through the mannerly silence of the best and most, abusing the Parliament with the specious pretext of generality▪ there represented, and therefore esteemed most considerable.
The weight of the Dictates of God Almighty; which ought to have influence into all the consultations of humane Judicatories.
The necessities of the right informing of your understandings, and the disburthening of your Consciences in the point of obedience; the freeing you from the impossible service of many, and the regulating of you for the homage of one Master; [...]he securing your Estates, which might be better employed, then for the mayntenance of most accursedly sinfull Civill War.
The extraordinary blessings wherewith God hath a long time most eminently honoured the Doctrine, Diseipline, and worship of the Lord, established in this Kingdome: The improvement whereof, you might well expect, under that man after his own Heart, whom He hath placed over us.
The unspeakable Glory of the Kingdome to be revealed; wherein (being freed from infirmity, sin, and all possibility thereof) you shall then be governed by his immediate presence in blisse; but to be enjoyed onely by the obedient Probationers thereof, in this World, ordered by his Providence, but administred by his Deputies.
The accomplishment whereof, the Petitioner will sincerely pray for, with the utmost his poore abilities will promote; And with all lowlinesse supplicate for your AMEN.