Ichabod: or, Five groans of the church: Prudently foreseeing, and passionately bewailing her second fall: Threatened by these five dangerous, though undiscerned, miscarriages that caused her first: Viz. [bracket] 1. Undue ordination, 2. Loose prophaness, 3. Unconscionable symony, 4. Careless non-residence, 5. Encroaching pluralities. Humbly presented to her supreme head and governour, the kings most excellent majesty, and his great council, the Parliament of England.

ICHABOD: OR, The Five Groans of the Church. (Book 1)

CHAP. 1. (Book 1)

O All you that pass by me, stand and see, if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow; if it hath been done to any Reformed or Prote∣stant Church under Heaven, as it is done unto me! O now my wounds were ready to be closed, my Ruines to be repaired, my Desolations and Wastes to be finished; when the Barbarous was checked, the Licentious was restrained, the usurpers were removed, the professed Enemies of different Interests and Religion which persecuted me, were subdued, and I ready to settle upon the Eternal Foundations of sound Do∣ctrine, of Primitive Government, of an holy and pure Wor∣ship. of a decent and comely order, to the amazement of the World, to the honour of Religion, to the glory of God, to the peace of the whole Earth, and for good will among men! behold! my children are discontent, my Government is complained of, my Ordinances are neglected, my Mini∣sters are despised, my peace is disturbed, and my safety en∣dangered.* 1.1 Hear, O Heavens, and give ear, O Earth! What could I have done that I have not done? Have I not taught the truth of God sincerely giving Milk to babes, and stron∣ger meat to them that were able to bear it and the Oracles of God to all in a Language they best understood? Have I concealed any part of Gods sacred Counsell from you? Have

I not set forth with all plainness and freedome the blessed fulness and excellencies of my Lord Jesus Christ, in such a manner and measure as I received from the Word and Spi∣rit? Have I not administ••ed all the Ordinances of God faith∣fully? Have I not enjoyned and taught all vertue and all grace, carefull? reconmending to my Children whatsoever things are good, whatsoever things are true, ••hatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are l••vely, whatsoever things are of good report; every holy Du••y every necessary Rule; and every immitable Example; with all the Advantages of sound Knowledge, powerfull ••reaching which at once was able to inform the weak, to reclaim the most erroneous to reform the most debauched, to satissie the most curious, and to si∣lence the most refractory? Have I not prepared with much study and industry, with many prayers and tears, with long education, and di••igent care, Reverend Bishops, Orderly Presbyters, able Ministers, workmen that need not be asha∣med, duly ordained, and called after an uninterrupted and Catholick succession through all Ages, agreeable to that ori∣ginal institution which was from Jesus Christ, the great High Priest, the true Prophet, the soveraign King of the Church, the chief preacher of righteousnesse, and Bishop of our souls? Have I not,* 1.2 I say, taken an holy care of a succession of Mini∣sters about holy things, who might divide the Word aright by solid preaching, mi••ht wait upon God solemnly by a de∣vout and discreet Praying, might convince Gain-sayers by acute Disputing might instruct the world by exact Writing, might maintain peace and order by wise Governing, might reform the world by holy living? Hath it not been my care and endeavour to keep up the soundness, power and life of Christian Religion? Have not I laboured that my good peo∣ple might every where have what is necessary and whole∣some for their souls good in devout Prayers, in holy. Sacra∣ments, in powerful Sermons; whereby I desired (God knoweth) to preserve wholesome and saving truth, to pro∣mote true holiness, to set up an holy decency, to maintaine the wholesome form and power of godliness, in truth, peace, order and unity? Have not I held forth an holy Light, Rule, and Life, in the plain parts of Scripture every where read;

in the Articles every where acknowledged, in the Creeds and Catichism every year explained, in the Liturgy con∣stantly used, whereby poor souls had a plain, easie and sure way to Heaven, through an un••eigned Faith, sincere Repen∣tance, a Catholick Charity, a devout humility, a good con∣science, and an holy obedience to God and man, according to the will of God, unto all well pleasing? Doe not I take care to instruct the ignorant diligentl••, to comfort the weak hearted tenderly, to raise up them that fall compassionately, to visit those that are sick charitably, to relieve those that want mercifully to bury my dead that sleep in Jesus solemn∣ly, to punish those that doe amisse severely, to restore them that have gone astray pitifully, to instruct them that oppose themselves meekly, to frame a way of Peace, Order, and Communion, (in which Brethren might happily dwell to∣gether in unity) prudently, rationally, and discreetly? O what failings of mine then have occasioned these impatient murmers which I hear! What faults of mine have raised those bitter reproaches which I bear? What enormities of mine have provoked those imminent dangers which I fear? O why is it that ye who own my Saviour, who have submit∣ted to my Doctrine as your Rule, who have par••aked of my Sacrament as your refreshment and comfort; O why is it that ye hate and dispise me, that ye strip and wound me, that ye tear and mangle me, that ye impoverish and debase me that ye make me a scorn, an abomination, an hissing and astonishment to all that see me, a derision and a mocking to my enemies round about me?

Alas all men of weight and worth,* 1.3 for parts and piety, for judgement and ingenuity, for conscience and integrity, for grace, learning and renown, know my innocency thus far, that as to the foundation of Faith and Rule of holiness, I have only adheared to Gods blessed Word: as for the Cir∣cumstances and Ce••emonies of Religion, I use in them pru∣dently and charitably that liberty and power which I sup∣pose is allowed here for peace, order, and decency, by that blessed God who is not the Author of Confusion, but of peace, as in all the Churches of the Saints. If we may believe the integrity of those Reformers that setled this Church, whose learning, worth, and piety hath been confirmed by

the testimony of so many wise and religious Princes, by the approbation of so many learned and reverend Convoca∣tions, by the applauses of so many other reformed Churches: if we may believe the preaching living and dying of so many hundred excellent Bishops and Ministers or the Prayers and proficiencies of so many thousand of godly Christians; or if we may believe the wonderfull blessings and special graces of a mercifull God, attesting the verity, integrity and san∣ctity of my Christian Constitution for many happy years: or if you will believe all men in England, who have by oaths and Subscriptions, by Vows and Protestations resolved to maintain the Protestant Religion as it was established in the Church of England; who despair any where to find the way of truth and peace, of holiness and happiness, but in the use of those holy means, and in the exercise of those divine graces which accompany salvation, within me pro••essed and enjoyed. I know nothing excellent in any Church for out∣ward policy, inward tranquillity, and eternal felicity; nothing that was pious or peaceable, moral or vertuous, ritual or spiritual, orderly or comely, or any way condu∣cing to truth and holiness, to grace or vertue, to the souls edification and comfort, which was not by me entertained with competent Maintenance, noble Encouragements, in∣genious Honours, peac••able Serenity, and munificent plen∣ty; In which I flourished so many years by Gods gooduesse, and mans indulgence.

Alas, whatever I have done in the settlements of the Rites, Circumstances and Decencies of Religion, I have observed that modesty, wisdom and humility that became a Church of Christ, in discreetly and ingeniously comp••ying with sober, primitive and venerable An••iq••ity in the Church, as far as it observed the Rules of Gods Word, and went not beyond the liberty allowed it in point of Order and Decency. O you are too knowing to be ignorant, and too ingenious to be insensible of your duty to God, and your respect to me; who was hereto••ore so much loved by my Children, applauded by my Friends, reverenced by my Neighbours, feared and envyed by mine Enemies for those spiritual Gifts, Ministerial, Devotional and Practical, which were evidently seen in me, those heavely influences which

people received from me, those gr••cious examples and fre∣quent good works set ••orth by me, the blessed experiences men enjoyed within me, the charitable simplicities exerci∣sed by my members, the numerous Assemblies, the frequent Devotions, the reverent Attentions, the unanimous Com∣munions, the well-grounded hopes, and unspeakable com∣forts which thousands enjoyed, both living and dying, in obedience to, and communion with me; which to impar∣tial men were most impregnant evidences, and valid de∣monstrations of true Religion, and a true Church, setled by the joynt consent, and publick piety of a Christian Na∣tion. He was a wise, holy, and reverend Son of my bo∣some, who said, That in the greatest maturity of his Iudg∣ment, and integrity of his Conscience, when most redeemed from juvenile Fervours, popular Fallacies, vulgar Partiali∣ties, and secular Flatteries, be declared to the present Age and Posterity, that since be was capable to move in so serious a search, and weighty a disquisition as that of Religion is; as his greatest design was through Gods grace to find out and per∣severe in such a profession of Christian Religion as hath most of truth and order, of power and peace, of holiness and so∣lemnity, of divine verity and Catholi••k antiquity, of true charity and holy constancy: So he could not (apart from all prejudices and prepossessions) find in any other Church or Church-way, ancient or modern, either more of the good he de∣sired, or less of the evil he would avoid, then he had a long time disc••rned, and upon a stricter scrutiny more and more in the frame and ••or••, in the Constitution and Dispensation of the Church of England. No where, saith he, diviner Mysteries, no where sounder Doctrinals, bolier Morals, warmer Devotionals, apter Rituals or comlier Ceremonials. All which together, by a meet and happy concurrence of piety and prudence, brought forth such Spirituals and Graces, both in their Habits, Exer∣cises and Comforts, as are the Quintessence and Life, the Soul and Seal of true Religion; those more immediate and special Influences of Gods holy Spirit upon the Soul, those joynt Opera∣tions of the blessed Trinity, for the Iustification, Sanctification, and Salvation of a Sinner.

1. Can you blame my Government,* 1.4 that ancient and Catholick Government of godly Bishops; which is so agree∣able

to Right Reason, so suitable to the Principles of due Order and Policy among men, so consonant to Scripture∣wisdome both in Rules and Patterns, so conforme to the Catholick and Primitive way of all Christian Churches throughout all Ages, and in all places of the world? Would you have me, against all charity, modesty humility or equi∣ty, to fall away from the Apostolical way of all Famous Churches and religious Christians? to cast off the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, nec concili••s in titutum sed sem∣per retentum, & non nist authoritate Apo••tolica institutum; the Apostolici seminis traduces Episcopos, that universam suces∣sionem Episcoporum; those successiones ab initis decurrentium Episcoporum; that ordinem Episcoporum qui in Iohannem stat Authorem; that toto orbe de••retum.) Shall I not enquire of the former Age, and prepare my self to the search of my Fathers? for I am but of yesterday, and nothing. Shall not they teach me, and tell me, and utter words out of their hearts? Shall not I stand in the way, and ask for the old way, which is the good way, and walk therein?

Would you have me give offence to the whole Christian world, which either is or wo••ld be governmed by Bishops, as the most Apostolick, Primitive, and Universal Way? Would you have me disown the right succession of the po∣wer Ministerial, conferred by Episcopal hands unto this day? Shall the Jewish Church have the Heads of their Tribes as Bishops and Rulers over their Brethren the Priests and Le∣vites, and the Christian Church (in imitation of them, as in other particulars, so in this, have their Ap stles, Evange∣lists, their Pastors and Teachers, without reproach, and may no••••? O it is certai•• e••that what is once well done, in a re∣gular publick way, is ever after done as to the permanency of that vertue that is alwayes in a great and good example. ple, shall I lay aside Primitive & right Episcopacy, which hath s••ch grounds from Scripture, both as to the divine wisdom so ordering his ••hurch among the Jews, as also by the exam∣Precept and Direction evident from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lord Jesus Christ, and the holy Ap••stles in the New Testament, who preferred worthy pe••sons for their Piety Zeal and holy Gravity, to exercise a christian authority over Ministers and people for their souls good, which might consist with charity and hu∣mility,

for the pres••rvation of the Churches peace and pu∣rity in the best and primitive times •• such grave persons as for their Age, were Fathers; for their innocency, Saints; for industry, Labourers; for constancy, Confessors; for zeal, Martyrs; for charity, Brethren; for their light, Angels; and venerable for all Excellencies? And I own no other Bishops but such in whom are remarkable the ver∣tues of the most ancient and imitable Bishops; the industry of St Austin the Courage of St. Ambrose, t••e Devotion of St. Greg••ry, the Learning of Nazianzen, the Eloq••ence of St. Chryso••tome, the Mildness of St. Cyprian, the Love of St. Ignatius the Constancy of St. Polycarp, the Noblenesse of St. Basil; and those who come neer••st the Apostolical pat∣tern and resemble the most of any Christians or Ministers, the Grace and Glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. I••en••ea∣vour that my Bish••ps may be among Christians the most faithful; among Men, the most civil; among Preachers, the most painful; among Orato••, the most perswasive; among Governours, the most moderate; among pious Men, the most ••ervent; among Professors the most forward; among Se∣vere Men the most exact; among Sufferers, the most p••ti∣ent; among Perseverants the most constant: the most com∣pleat every way and perfect unto every good w••rk. These I take care should be duely chosen, should be esteemed with honour and reverenced with love. My Rule to them is, That they should over-rule with vigilance, should rule with joynt counsel neither levelled with younger Preachers and Novices, nor exalted too much above the Grave and Elder. I allow these men an honourable competencie, with eminen∣cie, wherewith they may exercise a large heart and liberal hand, which may conciliare a general respect, and deserve the common love. My dir••ction to them, is, that their ver∣tue and piety may preserve the Authority of their places; and this in the order, peace and digni••y of the Church, that they may be the Tou••hst••ne of Truth, the Loadstone of Love, the Standard of Faith the Pattern of Holinesse, the Pillars of Stability and the Centres of Vnity; such as the Erroneous may hate, the Factious envy, good men may love, and bad men may fear.

2. Can ye blame my Doctrine,* 1.5 approved by the Ref••r∣med,

and agreeable with the Primitive Church? a doctrine according to godliness, teaching••a••l men that denying all un∣godli••••ss and worldly ••ust, they should live righteously, soberly, and godly in this present world.

3. Doe you find fault with my Devotion in the Publick worship of God,* 1.6 by Confession, prayers, praises, Psalms, and other holy Oblations of a Rational and Evangelical service, offered up to our God by the joint piety of all my children, (the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the Communi Oratio) where nothing is expressed as my mind, which I thought not a∣greeable with the mind of Gods spirit in the Scripture? nor do I know any part of it to which a judicious Christian might not in Faith s••y Amen, taking the expressions of it in that pi∣ous and benign sense which the Church intended, and the words may well bear. Indeed the whole composure of my Li••urgy is (in my judgement) so wholesome, so holy, so com∣pleat, so discreet, so devout, so useful, so savoury, so well∣advised, that I find nothing in the eighteen Li••urgies com∣posed in the Eastern and Western Church, that is excellent, but is in this of mine; and many things which are less clear or necessary in them are better expressed or wisely omitted here the whole being so ordered, as might best inform all peoples understandings, stir up their affections and quicken their devotions, in a wholesome form of sound words; such as Moses, David, the Prophets, and the Lord Jesus left be∣hind them, solemnly recorded in the Scriptures. So that according to the primitive care, I first laid down Scripture grounds in the Creeds and Confessions, and then I enlarged and fixed my Lyturgies and devotions as near as I could to the majesty, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and exactness, unanimity and ful∣ness of publick prayers upon all holy publick occasions, so plainly, that the devout soul knows well what it should de∣sire of God; and so affectionately, that it earnestly desires in it, what it knoweth God alloweth; and so uniformly, that it peaceably goeth along with the Congregation, with one mind and one heart in the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.

4. Is it the Rites and Ceremonies I impose that displease you? Alas I find the God of Heaven which we worship in England enjoyning more Ceremonies on his own people,

and forbidding no holy custome to any Christians, in order to advance the decency and order of his service or Christ••∣stians mutual edification and joint devotion under the Gos∣pel. Our blessed Saviour hath by his spirt guiding the pens and practises of the Apostles, sufficiently manifested the power and liberty given the Church, and the Governours of it, for the choice and use of such decent customes, Rites, and Ceremonies, (not as divine institutions upon the con∣sciences, but as humane injunctions upon the practises) as agree with godly manners, and the truth of the Gospel, and may best serve for order, de••ency, peace, solemnity, and mutual edification of Christians, agreed upon by publick consents▪ in which every ones vote is personally or vertu∣ally included. It's true, as the Lyturgy, so the Ceremonies have something of Rome in them: for to deal plainly, I did freely and justly assert to my own use and Gods glory what∣ever upon due tryal I found to have the stamp of Gods truth and grace, or the Churches wisdome and charity upon it. I would not refuse any good I found amongst them, because i•• was mixed with some evil; but trying all things, I held fast that which was good, beingintent upon the great ends of p••ety, devotion and charity. It's true, I enjoyn my peo∣ple an inward worship of soul, in sp••ri•• and in truth, before God; but withal I enjoyn outward worship of the body, (which is but a reasonable service to God 〈…〉〈…〉 the body) exemplary and significan•• before men, in such habits an•• gestures as ma•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 co••••uce (by the advice of the whole Church; for the private spirit of the prophets, in th•••••• things ought to be subject to the p••blick spirit of the Pr••••hets) to reverence, devotion and e••i••i••ation, in know∣ing ••umble, meek and q••iet spirits, righ••••y discerning the innocent nature of such things not prohibited and so in∣different; and the Christian liberty allowed to them, to use those things indifferent when commanded, and to la•• them a side when not commanded. However, let the many Ob∣ligations to unity by the true Faith you jointl•• professe give you more satisfaction, then the occasions of dividing the Ceremonies in which you differ, give you offence: so that you may not upon so small occasions, in such small m••tters, sacrifice to your private passion and perswasion the publick

peace and prosperity of the Church; esp••cially since I ne∣ver heard of any sober Christian, or truely godly Minister, who (being in other things prudent, unblameable, and sincere) did ever suffer any check of conscience meerly up∣on the account of having been conformable to, and keep∣ing communion with me: nor did they ever complaine of Ce••emoni••, Lyturgy and Episcopacy, as any damps to their real graces, or to their holy communion with Gods blessed Spirit; but admired them as the united influence, the joynt consent, the combined devotion of all good Christi∣ans in this Nation, who publickly agreed with one mind, and in one manner to serve the Lord, in a way allowed by the most pious of Princes, practised by the best Nobility, owned by the wisest Gentry, maintained by the most lear∣ned Clergy, and embraced by the best sort of Commons. ••allow only such Ceremonies as make religious Duties not more pious, but more conspicuous; not more sacred but more solemn; not more spiritual and holy, but more visi∣ble, imitable and exemplary; to quicken my children, to allure others, to instruct and edefie all.

5. Are ye offended with my Canons and Injuctions? Is it fit that a few men whom Order and Policy hath made inferiour to others, as the Rulers and Representatives of the whole society, should prefer their own private Opinions and Judgements before the well-advised Results, the lear∣ned Counsels, the pious Endeavours, and solemn Sanctions of so many, eminent for piety, prudence, integrity, pub∣lick influence, and just Authority?

6. Are my solemne Fasts and Feasts your grievances? those solemn remembrances of Gods mercy to men in Christ celebrated with prayer, praises preaching, and communi∣cating to Gods glory, and all sober Christians improve∣ment, according to the known president of the Jews, and the general practise of the Christian Church? What harme is there is some good men observing a day, observe it to the tho Lord; and others not observing a day, observe it not to the Lord?

7. Do you-resent my Endeavours for Unity and Unifor∣mity? Alas, I desire onely that men sincerely worship one true God, and pro••ess the Faith of our Lord Jesus

Christ, that they may be partakers of the gifts and graces of the blessed Spirit, and may have an holy communion with that adorable T••inity, and with one another in love and charity, as Christians, enjoying the noblest life, the sweetest society, and most heavenly ••raternity; imitating God, e∣mulating Angels; Children and expectants of happinesse, Partakers of grace, and daily preparing for eternal Glory: that all men who have been called, baptized and instructed by lawful Ministers here, in the mysteries and duties of the Gospel, may make a joynt and publick profession of the Christian Faith, and Reformed Religion, in the name, and as the sense of the whole Nation, grounded upon the holy Scripture, guided also and administred by that uniforme order, due authority, and holy Ministry for Worship and Government which according to the mind of Christ, the pattern of the Apostles, and the practise of all primitive Churches, hath been lawfully established by the wisdome and consent of all Estates in this Kingdome, for Gods ho∣nour, the Churches safety, the publick peace, and the com∣mon good of souls.

8. Doe I not allow you a just liberty to dot such things constantly and chearfully which are most proper and ad∣vantagious to the nature and excellency of men? to think what is true to do what is fit, and enjoy what is just in re∣ference to God, others and your selves? I have taken from you no liberty but that of doing evil: you are at liberty to enjoy all the comforts priviledges, and Ordinances which Christ hath instituted, in an holy order, and regular way, for private or publick good; and to hope for that reward and crown which God the righteous Judge hath promised those that persevere in well doing. My highest aim is, that you may have liberty to exercise a good conscience▪ void of offence towards God and towards man, that they may wil∣lingly in all things live honestly.

9. Are ye displeased with my Members? Alas, innocent men, they pursue after the knowledge of, and communion with God, in order to a rational, religious, spiritual, graci∣ous perfect and unchangeable life; enjoying themselves in the blessed enjoyment of God, the enjoyment of whom sa∣tisfieth all their desires, rewards all their duties, requites all

their sufferings, compleats all their happiness; crowns and perfects true Religion. They endeavour that on earth, which they hope for in heaven; viz. a right knowledge and a willing performance, which as reasonable they owe for ever to God their Maker, Preserver, and Redeemer in Christ. With this religious frame and temper, of which themselves only are consciencious they prepare for a glori∣ous and blessed immortality, with a sincerity of heart, and uprightness of conversation, which hath no other Rule but Gods Word, no other End but Gods Glory, no other Com∣fort but the Constancy of this Disposition to their Lives end. Innocent men, they look for one common Salvation they use one common Sacrament, they professe one Faith and Rule of Holinesse, they have one Gracious Temper, the same inward sense of Duty and Devotion; they walk in the same order with the Catholick Church over the face of the earth.

10. Doe you envy me my Patrimony and Maintenance, what the Law of God allows me, what the Gospel hath pro∣vided me, what the piety of elder times hath bestowed up∣on me, what good Kings, Peers and people of their own en∣dowed me with, freely honouring the Lord with their sub∣stance, that they that served the Altar, might live by the Altar? O why may not my children who attend the Gos∣pel, live by the Gospel, since they attend a Ministry as vene∣rable in its Mysteries, as clear in its Doctrine, as glorious in its chief Minister Iesus, as painful to it's Ministers, and as comfortable to pious and devout souls, as the Ministry of the Law? Why are you offended that they of my children that are taught, should communicate to them of my children that teach in every good thing?

11. Do you envy my just Power and Authority, whereby with the wisdome gravity and integrity of such men as are invested with that power, I may chekc all abuses and dis∣orders in the Church, and by a well ordered discipline, I may recover my self to my former glory and renown, for which I was spoken of throughout the world?

12. Doe you except against the private infirmities, the personal failings of my Bishops and Ministers, as lesse strict and unblameable in their lives, less painful in thir calling,

lesse prudent in their undertakings, or lesse compassionate in their Government? though all the world knoweth that within me Learning flourisheth, Knowledge multiplyeth, Grace aboundeth, ••xcellent Preaching thriveth, Sacraments are duelie administred, the fruits of Gods spirit are mighti∣he diffused, hospitable Kindness is exercised Christian cha∣rity is main••ained, plain heartednesse and goods works are emi••••ent; though I know the Christian world cannot shew men more eminent then some of my Clergy are for well∣weighed knowledge for Christian Courage and Patience, for sincere piety, for indefatigable industry, for Care and Vigilancie, for exemplary Vertue, for sound Doctrine, use∣ful Writing prudent Governing; for a firm Co••stancy for fatherly I••••••ructions, charitable Corrections, and imitable Conversations; who guide the people without any allowed ••centiousnesse in conversation, any undecency in Devotion, any irregularitie in Administration; in all which, accor∣ding to the ••acred direction of Gods Word, according to the heave••lie assistance of Gods spirit through Faith in Jesus Christ, they ••each them to worship the only true God, who is blessed for ever; as the admirable instruments of Gods glory, and the good of mens souls: teaching them a fruit∣ful and effectual Faith, a sound and judicious Knowledge, an hearty and sincere Love, a discreet and prudent Zeal, a severe and through Repentance, servent and devout Pray∣ers, godly and un••eigned Sorrow, spiritual and unspeaka∣ble Comfo••••••, well grounded and firm Hope heavenlie and holie Conversation, a meek obedience and submission in the general frame of Christian mens carriage. Though I have men famous for greatness of Learning soundness of Judge∣ment gravity of M••n••ers, and Sanctity of Lives; ye•• a∣mong my ten thousand Ministers, it's likely some may doe amiss. If when there were but three men in the world, one was a Murtherer; if among Noah's sons one of the three was disobedient; if among Iacob's children, of two one was prophane; if of twelve Apostles one was a Divel, ano∣ther dissembled, and a third denyed his Master; if among the Asian Angels, there is none but was to be reproved; if among the few Primitive Preachers, there was a Demas that loved the present world, a Diotrephes that loved the pre-eminence:

among my so many thousand Clergy; it's not like∣ly but that some may fall short of the severe exactnesse re∣quired in all Ministers, who ought to be patterns in good works.

Oh my Clergy are not Angels, but men subject to the like in••rmicies with other men. If they should say they have no sin, they would decer••e themselves, and the truth would not be in them: but if they confess their sins, he is faithful and just to forgive them their sins, and to cleanse them from all unrighteousness. Be Perfection the glory of other Church∣members, the glory of mine is Sincerity.

Without all peradventure, the most holy and all-seeing God, who walketh in the midst of the Golden Candlesticks, whose pure eyes are most intent upon the Ministers of the Church, hath found iniquity in his servants the Bishops, and other Ministers, both as to their persons and professions; all things being open and naked to him with whom we have to do.

1. He observes how many consecrated and set apart to the service of God and his Church in the name, place, po∣wer and authority of Jesus Christ, and approaching his gra∣cious presence with Aaron in ••he holy of holies, in the glo∣rious ••anifestations of God in Christ to his Church, by publick Ordinances and spiritual Influences, have not so sanctified the Name of the Lord God, their God, in their Hearts and Lives in their Doctrines and Duties.

2. The great Searcher of hearts knoweth how rashly ma∣ny of his Ministers undertake, how carelesly they manage that great and terrible work, under which Angels may swoon, and great Apostles cry, Who is sufficient for these things! how vulgarl•• they converse, how lazily they live, how loosely they behave themselves, how ambitiously they designe, how cove••ously they reach, how enviously they re∣pine, how unexemplarily they walk unworthy of the favour and indulgence shewed them, to the amazement of their High-calling, the dishonor of their Profession, to the forfei∣ture of their Dignity and Plenty, the endangering of their Peace and Safety.

3. He that is about our paths, and about our dwellings, hath observed how unprep••••edly, negligently and irreve∣rently,

rently, how partially, popularly and passionately, how for∣mally and vainly, without any power of godliness, Life of Religion, some performe the work of God, the great work of Eternal concernment to our own and other mens souls.

4. He whose eyes see, whose eye-lids try the children of men, hath looked down from heaven, and observed the ini∣quity of some mens holy things; their dead and unreasona∣ble, instead of a living and acceptable serviee: he hath ta∣ken notice of that supine negligence which hath sunk some mens Ministrations below the just majesty, solidity and gra∣vity of Gospel-dispensations; others by an affected height and depth for want of plain instruction and charitable con∣descending, amuse the poor people, who know not what they say, nor whereof they do affirm.

5. He that will reprove, and set mens sins in order before them, hath taken notice of some mens remiss compliance, and others exact rigours, (according to their private tem∣pers, judgements and passions) whereby they swerved too much from that just charity, discretion, legality and con∣stancy which my Canons intented, and my constitution, health and peace required; especially in the peevish touchi∣nesse of these times, when so many subtle and envious ones lie in wait to destroy me.

Yet my Church-mens exorbitancies are not my constitu∣tions, their failings are not my frame, their infirmities are not my nature; their fall is no more mine who disallows it, then the Angels fall may be the Heavens that forbid it: their weaknesses are humane my authority is divine: that charity which thinketh no evil, will not lay upon me those enormities which I forbid by a Law, which I restraine by Discipline, which I mourn for in mine Humiliation, and discountenance in those great patterns that shew a most ex∣cellent way. These sinnes (O the Christian world!) are transgressions of my Law, affronts to my Authority the baf∣fles of my Canons and Injunctions. O that my Apologie were written, yea, printed in a book, for the satisfaction of the world, that the good that I would do, that I cannot do? and the evil that I would not doe that I do! I find a law of my members against the law of my mind: So that it's no more I, but the sins and the finners that dwell in me.

4. It's you, it's you whom I have nourished and brought up as children, whom I have encouraged as Ministers, whom I have promoted as Governours; it's you that have brought this reproach and danger upon me. When I had with he∣roick patience endured the oppression of adversa••ies; by a Christian prudence defeated the attemps of Schismaticks, by an exemplary humility and piety turned the hearts of enemies, and by a miracle of Restauration silenced the mouths of all men; you my Sons, opened the mouth of scan∣dal, strengthned the cry of reproach, raised the clamours of the envious. Oh, if an enemy had done this, I could with the same Christian courage I have suffered these twenty years, have born it; but it's you of my own bosome, family and profession: O you, my Clergy, whom I expected more glori••us, more steemed, more reverenced before all the world, after your constant sufferings, who coming out of this fiery furnace, might shine brighter then ever you did with the love of Christ and of me his Church, both as to the care of those private charges and publik inspections, com∣mitted to you in excellent order, and by due authority: and I expected that neither pride nor envy, pomp nor populari∣ty, neither covetousnesse nor ambition, should distract the thoughts, divide the hearts, exasperate the humours, or pro∣voke the reproach of an incensed people against my Order and Government, and the good of all sorts of Christians. Whosoever of you, notwithstanding the miracles both of your sufferings and reliefe, at such a time as this, when the mouth of Hell is open against me, shall open any other mouth to joyne in the cry against the Church, give life or tongue to any scandalous sin, and set that to its clamans de terra, crying from the ground; that by luxury or sloth, by covetousnes▪ or griping, by insolence or pride, by carelesness or loosenesse, by disorder and irregularitie, shall ju••tifie mens malice against me, and by that means perswade cre∣dulous and easie people, that is true that hath been said of me, all is just that hath been inflicted upon me; I know not what Wo is heavy enough for him: O alas, my Brother! O it had been better for him he had never been born.

5. My Doctrince I can maintaine, my discipline I can assert, my constitution I can vindicate: ••ou you, O my Sons,

I cannot justifie: 〈…〉〈…〉 I must hear your reproach, and cannot gain saie it. Five things there are that tend equallie to mine and your own ruine, which I must charge you before the world: Five things that will insensiblie un∣dermine my famous Fabrick, which hath been the care and labour of so many years when erected, and the miracle of this last year when restored. These five sad Particulars, are,

• 1. Vndue Ordination.
• 2. An unconscionable Simony.
• 3. Carelesse Non-residence.
• 4. Loose Prophaneness.
• 5. Encroaching Pluralities.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The Churches sense of her re∣proach and suffe∣ring.
• * 1.2

  Her care.
• * 1.3

  Her Apc∣logie for Constitu∣t••on.
• * 1.4

  She justi∣fieth her Govern∣ment.
• * 1.5

  She in••••i fieth her Doctr••ne.
• * 1.6

  She justi∣fieth her Devotion.