A suruay of the pretended holy discipline. Contayning the beginninges, successe, parts, proceedings, authority, and doctrine of it: with some of the manifold, and materiall repugnances, varieties and vncertaineties, in that behalfe

CHAP. III. By whose instigation, and how, the pretended Discipline of Gene∣ua hath enlarged her iurisdiction. (Book 3)

IT was not long, after that M. Caluin had obtained his desire, (as you haue heard in the former Chapter,) for the planting of the platforme of his pretended Disci∣pline in Geneua: when for the better backing of himselfe he procured maister Beza, his especiall friend, (a man whom he knew to be of a very great courage, wise, learned, and one wholly addic∣ted to applaude to all manner of his procedinges) to be likewise placed with him there. And then being both to∣gether: two such excellent men amongest a company of Artizans and Marchaunts: what might they not compasse and bring to effect? Frō the time that maister Caluin came first to Geneua, 1536. and had gotten the allowance of his first draught of Discipline, vz. 1537. hee grew daily more and more into liking with it: especially after the fuller inlargement thereof 1541. when hee was restored againe to his place at Geneua. But most of all, when about the yeare 1554. hee hadde triumphed as it were the third time, by the greater part of the voices of the ignorāt multitude, and had also gotten maister Beza his applau∣der into his company: then we may not maruaile, if that his platforme so trauailed for, seemed glorious vnto him.

In those daies when maister Caluin did first shew him∣selfe in his writinges against the Papists: he was the onely man of especiall account of all the French nation. Inso∣much as all the rest of his countrey men, that began more

freely to professe the Gospell: did principally in a manner depend vppon him: especially after he had possession of his great authority in the Presbytery at Geneua. For then by reason of the quiet estate of that Citty: the free accesse and entertainement of such French-men as fledde thither for religion: the want of sufficient men in other places of their owne countrey, to giue aduise and Councell, what was to be done in such distresses of the Church, as then were vsuall, and by reason of the fame, ability, learning and pollicy, both of himselfe and of his assistant Maister Beza: and likewise of their willingnesse or rather desire to inter∣taine all occasions of busying themselues: the Citty of Ge∣neua became in short time (for their sakes) to bee of great estimation in Fraunce. He that shall read maister Caluins and maister Bezaes two bookes of Epistles, and likewise the Commentaries of Fraunce, with diuerse other discourses, about those affaires, and should withall giue any credit ei∣ther to Heshusius, Baldwinus, Carpentarius or others, mē lear∣ned all of them, and some of them knowen Protestants: would certainly maruaile to vnderstand into what actions and dealinges they thrust themselues: of warre, of peace, of subiection how farre it extended: of reformation with∣out staying for the Magistrates: of leagues: of impositions, and what not. They writte their Letters, to this state and that state: to this Prince and that Duke: to this king and that Emperour: what their desire was, should be done in such, and such a matter? Not like the persons either of Newington or Hitchin, (that I may vse Cartwrights ex∣amples of such Episcopall Seas, as he alloweth of) but ra∣ther like two Patriarches at the lest. Generally for Church∣matters: they had ingrossed the whole managing of them into their handes. And then you may easely gesse, what

fauour the pretended presbyteriall discipline was like to finde with them: it being the onely pretence for all that their authoritie, or whatsoeuer else they tooke vpon them to deale in.

And marke howe the oportunitie serued them. The number of zealous professors in Fraunce daily increased: who exempted themselues from the tyrannous comman∣dementes of their Romish Bishops. They had then no or∣der or certain forme of Church gouernment: how to pro∣ceede and behaue themselues in their religious assemblies. And to haue framed it to any forraine platformes: woulde haue stirred vp coales amongest them. Nay it was not pos∣sible to haue been compassed, Maister Caluin and Maister Beza sitting at their sterne. So that it came no sooner in question, what maner of ecclesiasticall regiment was mee∣test for those Churches: but the forme of discipline vsed at Geneua, was presently agreed vpon. From which time you shall finde that the reformation of religion in Fraunce, did wholly proceede after the rules of that kinde of discipline. It was not sufficient to haue the exercise of religion: but the Churches must vindicari in plenam libertatem, be restored to her full libertie,* 1.1 Synodes were held, lawes were made, and decrees were put in execution. What orders then in re∣quest:* 1.2 what ceremonies: what manner of seruice: what kinde of subiection: what way to reforme religion: but af∣ter the fashion of Geneua? Which course of proceedinges together with the rules thereof, diuerse well affected in re∣ligion did greatly mislike. Maister Ramus had written a booke against it,* 1.3 (if Carpentarius say truely, and I take him to be an authenticall authour, because the late petitioner al∣ledgeth him for the gouernement of his Elders,) tearming the fountaine thereof, or the platforme of such a discipline

Thalmud Sabaudicum, the Sauoyan Thalmud, and greatly re∣proouing the obtruding of it, vppon the Churches of Fraunce.

Much more might heere be added, and that out of their owne authentike writers of this disciplinarian canker: how and by what meanes it spred it self in Fraunce, and in some other Countries. But I will passe that ouer, and come to acquaint you, how the same infection hath been transpor∣ted from those coastes to this side of the seas, amongst vs. If Maister Caluin, but especially maister Beza, could haue been content to haue contained themselues, within the limites either of Geneua or Fraunce, & to haue intermedled & raig∣ned there only: and to haue vrged their platforme and de∣uise no further: they might the better (for vs in England) haue been borne withall. But nowe seeing they haue not so done: who can be offended that I should make menti∣on of it? to the end, that if they dealt amisse therein, theyr examples and proceedinges might haue the estimation, which indeed they deserue.

I omit how in K. Edwards time, certaine malecontents grew vp in the Church of England; because sundry matters might not bee ordered as they were at Geneua: maister Caluin hauing written sundry letters into England to some suche like effect. In Queene Maries time, assoone as cer∣taine of our Countreymen were come to Franckforde: they were assaulted with the orders of Geneua. Quar∣rels arising about the communion booke and forme of the seruice of England in Kinge Edwardes time: there were particulars collected out of it, by Knox, Whittingham, and such as had already tasted of that intoxication, and sent to Geneua to bee censured by M. Caluin. Who vpon the re∣ceit of them: returned his answere, concerning the sayde

Booke (compiled & confirmed before by such men, and such an authorititie as he ought to haue reuerenced): In Anglicana Liturgia,* 1.4 qualem describitis, multas video fuisse tole∣rabiles ineptias: I see that in the English forme of seruice, as you describe it, there were many tollerable foolleries. When Knox and Whittingham had gotten this letter, they publi∣shed it to the Congregation. Which being read, it so wrought in the heartes of many (sayth the discourser of the trou∣bles at Franckford) that they were not before so stoute to main∣taine all the partes of the Booke of England,* 1.5 as afterwardes they were bent against it. If you haue Caluins Booke of Epistles, I pray you reade it. Although Beza thought it meete to be published in print: yet shall you finde it, to containe no one point of substance in it able to perswade a childe. So as thereby you may iudge of their giddinesse: who were moued so greatly with it.

When some of the sayd parties:* 1.6 Whittingham & diuerse others, of a more violent humor, came first to Franck∣ford, they fel also presently into a very especiall liking of the Geneua discipline, as finding it to containe such rules and practices, as did greatly concurre with their owne disposi∣ons. In England poperie was restored, and much cruel∣tie vsed, whereby they were constrained for the sauing of their liues, to leaue their Countrye, their liuings, and theyr friendes. In which case a man may easily gesse, how ac∣ceptable these pointes were vnto some kinde of humors: vz. that if Bishops and Princes refused to admit of the Gospell: they might be vsed by their subiects, as the Bi∣shop of Geneua was vsed, that is (deposed,) and that euerie particular minister with his assistants according to the plat∣forme of that discipline, was himselfe a Bishop, and had as great authoritie within his owne parish, as any Bishop in

the world might lawfully challenge: euen to the excom∣municating of the best, aswell the Prince as the Pesaunt. And indeede accordingly, these positions (as afterward it will appere,) were so pleasing to Whittingham and his con∣sortes, as it had beene a very meane forme of discipline, (I suppose) that hauing such principles annexed vnto it, wold at that time haue beene refused by them. Howbeit ma∣ny there were, and that of the learnedest of those, that then departed the Realme, as Doct. Cox, Doct. Horne, M. Iewell, with sundrie others: who perceauing the trickes of that discipline,* 1.7 did vtterly dislike it. So as when they came afterwardes to Franckford, they wholy insisted vppon the platforme of England: and in short time obtayning of the Magistrates the vse thereof, they did chose either D. Cox or D. Horne, (as I gesse) or some such other as had beene of especiall account in K. Edwards time, to be (as it were) their Superintendent.

For the bringing of which matter to passe, one maister Clanbourge a chiefe magistrate in that Citie, hauing shewed them some especiall fauour: complaint was made thereof (as it seemeth) to M. Caluin. Whereupon the sayde M. Clanbourg did write to him, (as it should appeare,) that he was induced to yeald to such a choyse, the rather because the sayd Superintendent had some such like superior place in England, before he came thither. Vnto the which point, maister Caluin, (that he might thrust his oare into euerye mans boat,) to disgrace the sayd platforme of England, as much as lay in him, and to incourage the factious com∣pany at Franckforde, (that were besotted with his preten∣ded discipline,) did returne this answere: (If Beza hath set out his letter truely):* 1.8 I would one point had beene omitted, which was suggested vnto you, I doubt not by that one partie. (I

thinke he meaneth the sayd superintendent.) For other∣wise it would neuer haue come into your cogitation, (as though he had still kept his whole estate in England,) to haue esta∣blished his former ministerie there with you, in a perpetuall possession of the authoritie therof. Peraduenture there is nothinge that from the beginninge, (his meaninge is, since the Englishemen came thither,) hath stired vp more con∣tention, or at the leaste displeasure, & so hath kindled strife, then this emulation: in that the greater part did thinke themselues to be thrust from their equall degree, and to bee contumeliously excluded from the common societie: if the Church which had re∣ceaued intertainment with you, (meaning the companie, that had receiued his forme of discipline, before the saide lear∣ned men came to Franckford,) should receaue their lawes from the other parte or side.

Within some short time after this, that, the sayd order of the English Church was established, (as you haue hard) at Franckford: diuerse of those men, who had beene earnest for the Geneuian discipline, deuided themselues from that Church, (as Whittingham, Gilby, Goodman, and others,) and went to Geneua. Where, to the great discredit of the estate of the Church of England in Kinge Edwardes time: to the greate griefe of such godly men, and afterwardes worthy Martirs, as remayned here in Queene Maries time in England: and to the greate discouragement of sun∣dry weake professors then also in England: they reiected the whole forme of our English reformation: the booke of common praier: our seruice: the order of our sacramentes, and of all thinges els in effect there prescribed: and confor∣med themselues altogether to the fashions of the Church at Geneua. Where they had not beene longe, when they had sucked and disgested the whole doctrine before men∣tioned,

to be as the appendants necessarily annexed to that forme of newe discipline: and which was afterwardes en∣larged by Beza, (as I take it,) Hotoman, & others of the dis∣ciplinarian humor, in their bookes intituled: De iure magi∣stratuum &c. Vindicia contra tirannos: Franco-gallia. &c. The generall summe of which their allobrogicall food, so much as concerneth this poynt of the disciplinarian reformation: (that I may omitt their desperate poyntes of deposinge of Princes, and of putting them to death in diuerse cases of re∣sistance against reformation) was this: that if the soueraine magistrates refused to admitt it: the ministers, the inferior magistrates, the people &c. might set it on foote them∣selues. Of these and such like arguments, diuerse bookes were allowed of, by the ministers of Geneua: to bee then printed there in English, and to be published for Englande and Scotland, as conteyning such doctrine in them, wher∣of the worlde might take notice, that as they had practised some parte of it themselues, so they would be ready vpon all occasions to iustifie it.

I haue heard many, greately commende the intertaine∣ment, that was giuen in Queene Maries time to English∣men, at Geneua. And surely the citizens there, are (in mine opinion) to be greatly commended and assisted for it, as oc∣casions shall require. But yet (to speake what I thinke) it had beene better for this Iland, that neither Englishman nor Scottishman had euer beene harbored or acquainted there,* 1.9 in respect of such disciplinarian new lessons, & con∣sistoriall practises, as they haue brought with them from thence. If euer you meete with the historie of the Church of Scotland, penned by maister Knox, & printed by Vautro∣uillier: reade the pages quoted here in the margent: like∣wise peruse the English Chronicles of Scotland (as they

stand corrected by some men of good experience and cre∣dite, appointed for that purpose,) in the places also noted: but especially procure for your perfect instruction,* 1.10 the Acts of the Parliament helde in Scotland 1584. as they are printed and are abroad in many mens hands: and then tell me whether you be not of my minde, for the fruict of maister Knox his being at Geneua.

I could referre you to some other Bookes: but those shall suffice. For therea 1.11 you shall finde, that the whole course, which hath been held in that country, concerning the points I speake of; was complotted at Geneua, amongst the ministers there, and Caluin is named. Thereb 1.12 you shall finde the forme of the Consistoriall pretended Discipline, being sette vp without publicke consent, ouerthrowen by Act of Parliament, and afterward restored againe, you may seec 1.13 how.

As soone as this saide pretended discipline began to get a head in that Countrey: then againe (as amongest cer∣taine of the Frenche Ministers,) no forme of Seruice, or of the administration of the Sacramentes, no orders, nor any thing else, but all must be done, as it was at Geneua. As any doubts did arise amongest them, concerning any Church∣causes, though they were but very simple, & such as a stu∣dent of meane capacity and iudgement, might very easely haue satisfied: yet no man but maister Caluin for his time,* 1.14 and afterwards maister Beza, (as though they had beene such Peters for the Protestants, as the Bishop of Rome preten∣deth himselfe to be for all Papists) was accounted of suf∣ficiency, or able to dissolue them: when they had ouer∣throwen the auncient state of theyr Bishops, and set vp the Geneua minion by such means, as you haue heard: and had so farre preuailed therein, as that now they began to please

themselues exceedingly. See how Beza, being informed thereof, doth allow of their dealings, & incourageth them to goe forewarde, in such their obedient & right Consistori∣an courses. He tearmeth their reformation after the Gene∣ua mould,* 1.15 (if I vnderstand him,) Caelum in terris situm: a Heauen placed in the earth: or at the least he compareth the force, which had beene vsed about that matter, to the po∣wer of God. He saith: that no nation in so few yeares, had a∣bidden more assaultes of Sathan, to haue hindered the saide pre∣tended Discipline: and thanketh God, that Knox is theyr Pi∣lotte to guide that ship. He exhorteth the said Pilot, and his fellow marriners, that seeing they had both pure Religion, and pure Discipline now amongest them, they should keepe them both together, and neuer suffer, (as though they had beene all of them Princes,) the authority of Bishops, in any wise to be resto∣red againe.

Afterwarde, there being some new attempt made, (as it seemeth) in the behalfe of the Bishops: and (as I perceiue) defeated by the pretended reformers, vppon information thereof giuen by one Lawson a minister to Beza:* 1.16 he retur∣neth him an aunswere beginning in this sorte, (though he were then sicke,) Beastime: you haue made me an happy man. The same yeare also he writte the discourse of his three kinde of Bishops: vz. of God, of men, and of the Diuell: and sent it vnto a man of great state in that countrey. It hath since beene translated into English by Field (as I take it) for our instruction in England.* 1.17 Wherein Beza dealeth, (I wil not say) like what kinde of Bishop: but rather like some new start-vp Oracle: and dissolueth questions, Pellmell: vz. that all Bishops, (other then such as haue an equality amōgst them, and such as he alloweth and requireth, that euery minister should be) must of necessity be packing: that the chiefe

Elders should be admitted to be present in their Parliaments, (as the Bishops were,) to deale in Church-causes, and to aunswere in place of God, if any other matters fell out, wherein the Lordes would be resolued: that Papistes may not to be excommunicated, what sinne soeuer they committe: and that it is Sacriledge, for any lay person, and such a sinne as God will reuenge, to staine his handes with the goodes of the Church. He further prescribeth, the whole course of the church gouernment, for that king∣dome to be fashioned after the platforme of Geneua: ta∣king much more vppon him therein, then Eleutherius, the Bishop of Rome would doe, hauing a farre better occasion offered him by the king of Britaine, Lucius. Who after hee had newly receaued the Gospell, mouing the saide Bishop (in respect of his great fame) by his Embassadors, to pre∣scribe vnto him some orders for the Churches within his Realme: he returned vnto him, this aunswere in effect: that the King being Christes Vicar, and hauing the Scriptures, he the saide Bishop would not presume to prescribe any thing vn∣to him, but leaue him, to be directed by them. Such an answer as this, had beene more fitte for a man of Bezaes place, then in such a pope-like manner, to forbid and prescribe lawes to such a kingdome. But I will leaue these and such like Geneuian dealinges, in that part of this Iland: because per∣aduenture they are desired to be continued there still: and come vnto the Geneuating, for the selfe same platforme of discipline, here at home amongest our selues.

As soone as her maiesty, (whom Almighty God longe preserue to raigne ouer vs,) was come to the Crown: word was sent into this Realme from Geneua,* 1.18 in a Booke printed there 1559. that those Princes, that would liue without the yoke of Discipline, (meaning that Geneuian forme,) were to be reputed for Gods ennemies: and therefore vnworthy to raigne a∣boue

his people. About the same time, Goodman, Whittin∣gham, Gilby, and some others, returned from Geneua into England. What violēt and seditious doctrine they brought home with them, (at the least they three that are men∣tioned,) I leaue to some other oportunity. But for the Ge∣neuian discipline, all their desires were in that point insatia∣ble. They had seene how Caluin and Beza did raign at Ge∣neua, and thought scorne thereuppon to be subiect vnto a∣ny. It seemed vnto them a notable matter: If euery one of them might by and by, haue obtained an absolute auto∣rity, where they should haue beene placed. Comming from Geneua: they thought they should haue beene ad∣mired. But finding themselues therein deceaued, and that their Geneuian motions, were little regarded: it wrought in them a very great discontentment, and made them so wilfull, that nothing would please them, which was not practised in Geneua. So as thereby great contentions were presently stirred vp by thē. Their first assault was made a∣gainst the Communion Book: with the orders & ceremo∣nies that are therein prescribed. In the which quarrels, per∣ceiuing themselues in many respectes (as I take it) to be o∣uermatched: what was their refuge, but (forsooth) they must complaine to maister Beza? Which complaint re∣ceaued,* 1.19 he writte his Letter in their behalfe vnto Doctor Grindall 1566. then Bishop of London. I wish a man would read the Epistles of Leo, sometimes Bishop of Rome, and con∣ferre them with this of Bezaes: to consider, whether tooke more vppon him; Leo where he might commaund, or Be∣za, where there was no reason he should at all haue inter∣medled. But let him goe on. He findeth faults with the manner of apparell, appointed for our Ministers, with the Crosse in Baptisme, with kneeling at the holy Communion, with all cere∣monies

that carrie with them any signification, and withall the ancient Fathers, applying himselfe altogether to strengthen and incourage his factious old acquaintance, in their fro∣ward and peruerse obstinacie. And because his course taken therein, should not bee vnknowen; with the same minde that he writte this letter, now you see hee hath prin∣ted it.

The yeare after 1567. when the sayd malecontents per∣ceiued that notwithstanding Bezaes letter, there was no place giuen vnto their giddie fancies, but that euery daye they were withstood more and more, and that with such sufficient reasons, as (for mine owne part,) I thinke, that all the Bezaes in Christendome will neuer be able sufficiently to confute: they beganne to stagger, and knew not what they should do. They could finde no directions in the scriptures, how they might behaue themselues: and ther∣fore they were constrayned to fly againe to Beza. Obserue well I pray you,* 1.20 what he himselfe writeth hereof. Saepe multumque &c. Being oft and greatly desired of my deerest beloued Brethren of the Churches of England, that in their mise∣rable state, Consilium illis aliquod suggereremus, in quo acquies∣cere ipsorum conscientiae possent, (I would giue them some coun∣cell, whereupon their consciences might rest,) diuerse men houl∣ding diuers opinions &c. A long time I differred for diuers waighty reasons so to do: and I professe, that most willingly I would yet haue beene silent, but that I thinke I should greatlye offende, if I should still reiect their so many petitions, and most pi∣tifull mournings. Wee in England may thinke, wee haue had great iewels of these disturbers, and that for all their pretences of great learning, and grauitie, they were indeed of a very shallow iudgement, that could finde nothing to stay their consciences vppon, but what should bee sent to

them from M. Beza. It was a fond part for them to write so vnto him, and a very insolent parte for him to take so much vpon him: but in that hee hath published so much to the world in print: (their childishnes, & his owne pride, I may terme it,) but I want a word to expresse my conceit.

Hereby it should seeme, that if Beza had taken such a course as might well haue beseemed him: it lay greatly in his power, to haue very much quieted all those present troubles. But that minde was farre from him: and yet it would haue tended a great deale more to his owne credit. For he giueth his sayd deerest beloued Brethren, very vn∣wise, vnlearned, and vngodly councell: although euer since that time, (according to their promise) they haue ve∣ry grauely builded their consciences vpon it.* 1.21 And it was this in effect, that if they could not enioy their ministerie, without giuing their consents, to the manner of making of our Ministers by the Bishops, without the voyces of such a Presbiterie, as he and his Schollers do dreame of, without giuing their consents to the vse of the Cap and Surplise, and to the manner of excommunicati∣on in the Church of England &c. They should then giue place manifestae violentiae, to manifest violence, and liue as priuate men. Let any man that list read ouer that Epistle also, and then iudge indifferently, by what light aduise, this peeuish opposition hath beene continued amongst vs.

After some time spent in these brables: then they be∣thought them, to fall more directly in hand, with the Gene∣uian Discipline. To this purpose certaine persons assem∣bled themselues priuately together in London: (as I haue beene enformed): namely Gilbye, Sampson, Leuer, Field, Wil∣cox, and I wot not who besides. And then it was agreed∣vpon (as it seemeth) that an admonition (which the now L. Archbishop of Canterburie did afterwards confute) should

be compiled, and offred vnto the Parliament approching, Anno. 1572. Against which time, it was also prouided, that Beza should write his letterr, to a great man in this Land, for, and in the behalfe of the chiefe contents therof: vz. for the admitting in England, of the sayd Allobrogicall Discipline. Which office (you may be sure) he performed very willingly. Vnderstanding (sayth he) of an assembly of the Estate of England,* 1.22 wherein there would bee dealing with matters of Religion, I could not chose, but write vnto you of that matter. And so he proceedeth; shewing, that all men doe allow of our doctrine, but not of our Discipline. That except, where there is pure doctrine, there be also pure discipline (mean∣ing his own Geneuian Darling): the Churches are litle the bet∣ter, and that therefore her Maiestie, and her faythfull Coun∣cellors should procure the setting vp of this pure Discipline, not∣withstanding any difficulties whatsoeuer that might hinder it. The same yeare also 1572. hee writ to the Queenes Maiestie, an Epistle dedicatory, before his annotations vp∣on the new Testament. In the which, although he doth confesse, that her Highnes hath restored to this Lande the true worship of God: yet he insinuateth that wee want a full instauration of Ecclesiasticall Discipline: that our Temples are not fully repurged: that some high places remayne as yet not abolished: and wisheth that those wantes and blemishes might be supplyed and reformed: meaning (as I thinke hee would confesse if he were deposed) that her Maiestie should con∣forme the present Apostolicall and most auncient estate of the Church of England, vnto that newly deuised, & vnbri∣deled new-platforme of that demy-Parish of Geneua: as I may well call it by way of comparison. Now you must vnderstand, that as our old English Geneuians did weare out or grew out of date: So there did start vp a new broode in

their places. Cartwright and Trauers finding (as it seem∣eth) that itching and stirring humor in themselues, which delighteth altogether in nouelties, they would needes to Geneua. Where in short time they were notably confir∣med in that doctrine of contradiction: & returned home, like the rest of our Geneuian Proselites, ten times more way∣ward then they were before. Which disposition of theirs being knowen to the Crue: who then but these two, after their seuerall returnes thence, to bee the Champions suc∣cessiuely, for the Allobrogicall Discipline? Since which times you shall finde little omitted, of those Disciplinarian pra∣ctises: whereby this Lady their Mistris most indirectly, and by all vnlawfull meanes, hath beene elsewhere aduan∣ced. Their writings (I speake nowe generally of all our English Factioners, that haue written for this forgerie) are full of bouldnes, of Sophistications, of falsifications, of peruerse wrestings, of seditious assertions, and of manye such corruptions. They haue sought by all indirect and vnlawfull meanes, to allure the people vnto them: and haue entred into a kind of an associatiō amongst thēselues. Neither the Bishop of Geneua, nor the Bishops in Scotland (for ought I finde) were euer more Turkifhly handled by Heathenish Libels and most vnchristian calumniations, then our Bishops haue bene, by diuers of these our Gene∣uating Passauantians. By the like course also, and in the same manner, haue they dealt (as far as possibly they durst) with her most excellent Maiestie, with the high Court of Par∣liament, with the Lordes of her Highnes most honorable Priuy Councell, and with the Iudges & Lawes of the land. The reformation of religion, which almighty God hath wrought amongst vs by her Maiesties meanes, some of them haue tearmed a deformation: and all of them do dis∣grace

and depraue it to their vttermost abilitie, most lewd∣ly and falsly.

Since the time, they haue seen litle hope, that her Maie∣stie & the other states of this land, would euer giue place to their vnstaied vanities and Phaetonicall presumptions: they haue applied themselues to the practise of the inseparable Disciplinarian adiunct mentioned: vz: that when such states do refuse, and will in no wise be perswaded to embrace and establish within theyr dominions, the pretended Church∣Discipline, so liked of at Geneua: the Ministers may draw the people vnto them by all maner of allurementes, and so betwixt them set it vp themselues. And in this course, they haue already farre proceeded: altogether (as you may per∣ceiue by the saide act of Parliament in Scotland, Anno. 1584.) after the same maner that the Ministers of Scot∣land did proceede. They haue had theyr subscripti∣ons, their Synodes of diuerse sortes, Classicall, Prouinci∣all, and Generall. In those Synodes they haue practised Censures, made lawes of their owne, and disallowed some of those, which the state of this realme hath made. Vnto these and such like their priuate Conuenticles, they haue appropriated the name of the Church: and hauing separa∣ted themselues in a sorte, from all those Christians, that fa∣uour not their mistresse, they are become ioined into a new brotherhood of the Allobrogicall Discipline. As there grew some occasion of feare amongst thē, that these their Consi∣storial proceedings, were likely to breake forth, before they were ready and able, by the strength of their assistance to stand to their tackling: consultation was had, and the mat∣ter ouerruled, that none of that brotherhood, (if hee were apprehended) should in any wise appeach another: but vt∣terly refuse to detect such dealinges of the godly brethren,

as they themselues so greatly liked, and were of opinion to be most honest and iust. He that woulde take the paines to peruse the examinations of Cartwright, and of some others in the Starre-chamber: (as any may easily do, now that they are published) should finde all these particulars and many more, then heere I wil speake of, to be most true.

And thus you see the Geneuian Discipline deuised by one man, procured at the first by his comming, great intreaty, and friendship, being then a simple and a poore Gentlewo∣man, God knoweth, fit peraduenture, in the alteration of a Monarchy into a popular state, to receaue some intertain∣ment: but (as I say) now you may plainly see what a Ladie she is growen to be: through the instigations and practises of maister Caluin and Beza, and howe and by what meanes she hath enlarged her Dominions, and set her foot into this Iland, of Britaine.

I could further adde hereunto: how they haue not bin content to keepe themselues within the limites of Geneua, Fraunce, England, and Scotland, dealing as you haue heard: but haue sought to take the verie same course in some other Countries likewise. Maister Beza doubted not (as hee saith) omnes principes hortari, to exhort all Princes, to admit of the Sauoyan platforme.* 1.23 And this you shall finde a thing ordi∣narie, both in maister Caluins and maister Bezaes writings: that as soone, as they haue heard from time to time of any countrey, that hath begunne to abolish Popery: by and by, they haue come vpon them, with most earnest solicita∣tions, and gloses for the contracting of this their gallant Consistorian minion with them. What letters haue been written into Germany, Transiluania, and Polonia, wherein that point alwaies playeth a chiefe part? One letter written by Beza into Polonia, I cannot chuse but make mention of.

After diuerse attempts and sutes made, in the behalfe of their Discipline, to haue had her placed in Polonia: one Sar∣nicius writ to Beza, (as it seemeth) in this sorte: timetur al∣tera tyrannis: now the Pope is bannished, it is feared heere, that this your platforme of Discipline, woulde proue to be as tirannous a kinde of gouernement, as euer the Popes was.* 1.24 Whereunto he aunswereth. Recte quidem: It is well said: sit ergo disciplinae regula verbum Dei. Let the word of God be the rule of Discipline. In effect as though he should haue said: Let our platforme at Geneua be admitted of amongst you: and then your Elders, they will easily see, what they may do, and how farre they may proceed in causes, by the word of God. Or if they cannot: send to Geneua, as other Churches haue done: and whilest I liue, you shal haue such authenticall resolutions, as (you may be sure) shall preuent all that danger. And a litle before in the said letter. Scis &c. you know there is one,* 1.25 and the selfe same authour of doctrine and Discipline (meaning that of Geneua.) Quorsum igitur vnam verbi partem, alter a repudiata reciperemus? to what purpose ther∣fore should we receaue one part of the word without the other?

To what purpose shall wee receiue the doctrine of our saluation, by Iesus Christ: except we receaue also the ma∣ner of the Discipline vsed at Geneua? It was no lewder a say∣ing of Pope Boniface (to my vnderstanding,)* 1.26 when he affir∣med it a point of the necessitie of saluation: for all men to be sub∣iect to the Bishop of Rome.

If they of Zuricke, Berne, Schafhusin and Basill, the Ma∣gistrates and Ministers there, had but suspected, or once but dreamed, that their assisting of maister Caluin to the hauing of his will ouer the Citizens of Geneua, would haue growen to such insolencie: would haue brought forth such pride, such sedition and so great presumption, as that like

Pharaoes euill fauored and leane Kyne, the sayd his deuise would haue sought to deuoure all other Churches, their orders, their seruice, and formes of Discipline, much fayrer creatures, and in better liking, then his scragge: I am per∣swaded, that all the friendship, all the intreaties, deuises and stratagemes: nay all the gold and goods in the world, could neuer haue drawen them vnto it.

But I will end this Chapter. They were no Iosephes, to foresee these mischiefes: or what a dearth of true reforma∣tion indeed, both in Fraunce, Germanie, and diuerse other places, the vrging with such boldnesse, and violence, of such a meere fancy, and most apparant forgery, would pro∣cure, or did portend. Time hath disclosed it. And Gama∣liels Councell hath proued true. The factioners in this fol∣ly haue been so long suffered to take their owne swinge: that now they are growne giddie,* 1.27 and finde not what to stand vppon. It was from men that they sought for: and therefore it beginneth alreadie to come to nought: as by diuerse points following, I trust it shall appeare.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Pet. Carpent. ad Franc. portam.
• * 1.2

  Comment. of France.
• * 1.3

  P. Carpent. ibid.
• * 1.4

  Epist. to Knox & Whitting ham 200.
• * 1.5

  Discourset pag. 36.
• * 1.6

  Discours. pa••
• * 1.7

  Discourse pag. 47.
• * 1.8

  Calu. Epist. 229.
• * 1.9

  Historie of the Church of Scotland pag: 145. 213. 214. 216. 218. 303. 307. 308. 330. 343. 372. 373. 500. 502. 503. 504. 507.
• * 1.10

  Engl histo. of Scot pa. 433. 446. 448.
• a 1.11

  Histo. of the Chu. of Scotl. pag. 211. 213. 214. 216.
• b 1.12

  Act of Par∣liament 1584
• c 1.13

  Eng. chron. of Scotl. pag. 446. 448.
• * 1.14

  Calu. Epist. 283. 285.
• * 1.15

  Beza to Knox 1572. Epi. 79
• * 1.16

  Beza to Law∣son 1580.
• * 1.17

  The iudge∣mēt of a most reuerende man.
• * 1.18

  Knox exhort. to Eng. pa. 92.
• * 1.19

  Beza Epist. 8.
• * 1.20

  Beza. epist. 1••
• * 1.21

  Beza Epist. 12
• * 1.22

  Beza. 1572. Epist. 69.
• * 1.23

  Beza de pres∣byt. pag. 123.
• * 1.24

  Sar. in. Beza. Epist. 14.
• * 1.25

  Ibid.
• * 1.26

  Ex••••au, de maior, & obe∣dient.
• * 1.27

  Acts. 5.