Theodulia, or, A just defence of hearing the sermons and other teaching of the present ministers of England against a book unjustly entituled (in Greek) A Christian testimony against them that serve the image of the beast, (in English) A Christian and sober testimony against sinful complyance, wherein the unlawfulness of hearing the present ministers of England is pretended to be clearly demonstrated by an author termed by himself Christophilus Antichristomachus / by John Tombes.

CHAP. 6. ARG. 5. (Book 6)

Sect. 1. False doctrine only makes a false Prophet not to be heard.

HE thus writes, Argument 5. Those who have the characters and properties of false Prophets and Priests upon them, are not to be heard but separated from: But the present Ministers of England have the characters of false Prophets and Priests upon them: There∣fore. The major (or first Proposition) stands upon too firm a basis to be quickly removed: nor will any attempt so to do, Christ having char∣ged his to beware of such, Mat. 7.15. to take heed that none deceive them, Mat. 24 4, 5, 23, 24, 25. not to believe every spirit, but to try the spirits, because many false Prophets are gone out in the world, 1 Joh. 4.1. not to receive such into their houses, 2 Joh. 10.11 to watch against them, Acts 20.29, 30, 31. with much more that might be said (if needful) for its confirmation, is a sufficient evidence of the truth thereof. But herein the parties litigant are at a perfect agreement.

Answ. It is true the major is yielded, if the hearing be meant of hearing them of choice or▪ with reception, and separation from them in respect of that, wherein they are false Prophets and Priests. But if it should fall out, that one that should as Balaam at one time prophesie as he did, Numb. 23. and 24. at another

time through his counsel cause the committing of a trespass against the Lord, as in the matter of Peor, Numb. 31.16. hold the doctrine of Ba∣laam, who taught Balack to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto Idols, and to commit fornication, Rev. 2.14. or as Caiaphas being high Priest that year, at one time pro∣phesie that Jesus should die for that Nation, and not for that Nation on∣ly▪ but that also he should gather together in one the children of God, that were scattered abroad. Joh. 11.51, 52. At another time say, that Christ had spoken blasphemy, Mat. 26 65. Such a one may be heard & joyn∣ed with in the former, though not in the latter. Whence it follows, that it is not the Character or property of the man, who is a false Prophet, or a false Priest, that is the reason, why he is not to be heard, or is to be separated from; but his false doctrine, and his evil counsel, whereby he seeks to thrust us away from the Lord our God, Deut. 13.2, 6, 10. or the damnable heresies denying the Lord that bought them, as it is 2 Pet. 2.1. turning the grace of God into lasci∣viousness, and denying the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ, Jude 4. that do denominate them false Prophets or false Priests, and bind us to a refusal of hearing them, or joyning with them in that Communion, in which we cannot partake without fellowship in their errour, false Worship, or other sin. And this is it, which is to be collected from the Texts alledged; not that we are to re∣fuse to hear persons, or separate from them because of their perso∣nal vices, or irregular obtruding themselves into their places; but in respect of their pernicious Doctrine, and impious Worship, by which we are in danger to be ensnared and defiled. We are bidden, Beware of false Prophets, Mat. 7.15. but no where is any called a false Prophet, but from his false Doctrine. And therefore though his counterfeit shews of Piety be mentioned as the bait to catch men, yet the false doctrine is the hook they are to beware of; as in like manner St. Paul warns, Rom. 16.17, 18. and St. Peter, 2 Pet. 2.1, 2, 3. And thus in the places cited, where Christ bids take heed that no man deceive them; he alledgeth the reason: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ, and shall deceive many, Mat. 24.4, 5. and v. 23. If any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there: believe it not, for there shall arise false Christs, and false Prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders, insomuch that (if it were pos∣sible) they shall deceive the very Elect, v. 24. the false Prophets that were gone out into the world, 1 Joh. 4.1. were they that confessed not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, v. 3. the person not to be re∣ceived into house, 2 Joh. 10.11. is he that brought not the doctrine of Christ, v. 9. that confessed not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh,

who is the Deceiver and Antichrist, v. 7. those that the Ephesian El∣ders were to watch against, Acts 20 31. were grievous wolves that should enter in among them, not sparing the flock; and men arising of their own selves, speaking perverse things to draw away Disciples after them, v. 29, 30. And thus farr I agree to the major; let us see how he proves the Ministers to be such.

Sect. 2. The Ministers not false Prophets, because not sent, as Jer. 23.21. Rom. 10.15. is meant.

'Tis the minor Proposition, saith he, that is judged by some to come short of a sufficient substraction, viz. That the present Ministers of England have the properties and characters of false Prophets and Priests upon them. This we doubt not, by a serious observation of the characters are given of such in the Scriptures by the Holy Ghost, will to any ordinary understanding be made exceeding perspicuous and evi∣dent, The signal characters of whom are, 1. That they run before they are sent, Jer. 23.21. That a mission from the Lord is of the essence of a lawful Ministry; that whoever wants such a mission is no officer of Christ, but a false Prophet, and Minister of Antichrist, may hence ra∣tionally, at least by way of Analogy, be deduced, is evident: which al∣so exactly accords with what is asserted by the Apostle, Rom. 10.15. That the present Ministers of England want such a mission, hath al∣ready been demonstrated, and we shall not actum agere. In a word, when it shall be proved that they have received their authority from Christ, either immediately or mediately, from any rightly constituted Church of Christ, or by succession from the Church in the Wilderness, we shall acknowledge them to be Ministers of Christ, and look upon our selves as obliged to pay them all honour and duty, that as such, we are charged in Scripture to do: But if they have nothing else to plead for themselves but what is usually instanced in by them, a succession from the Church of Rome: That Apostate Church having lost her Churchship, and therewith all lawful power for the sending forth Officers into the Churches of Christ, we shall not fear to say, That they are such as are characterized here by the Prophet, persons that run before they are sent.

Answ. A man that meant honestly, and had any spark of charity, justice, or ingenuity, would not charge so deeply the whole order of men throughout a Nation containing many thousands of men of years, breeding, parts, and by reason of their Calling to be reve∣renced; and some of them, by his own Confession, good men; as being false Prophets, who by the Law of Moses, Deut. 13.5. were

to die, and as false Priests without some irrefragable proof, unless he had learned that accursed art of him in Terence, Calumniare au∣dacter, aliquid haerebit; or having once past the bounds of modesty were resolved to be gnaviter impudens. But I must confess, that however he thinks, that by a serious observation of the characters, which are given in the Scriptures by the Holy Ghost, it will be made exceeding perspicuous and evident; yet to my understanding he hath made neither of his charges perspicuous or evident in any degree. For,

1. His charge is against all the present Ministers of England, and therefore his proof should have been of that, which all, even the best of them are guilty of, taken from that which they all unanimously agree in and practice; and not from things which may perhaps be personally objected against some, but not against the whole order.

2. The Characters which he gives should have been such as are convertible, so as that it may be truly said, all that have these Characters are false Prophets and false Priests, and all false Pro∣phets and false Priests have them.

3. He should have told us, whether each of these is convertible, or all of them, if not which they might have and not be false Prophets.

4. His proof being of matter of fact, should have better testi∣mony then his own assertion or interrogations, that may be denied.

5. His Characters are such as perhaps the Ministers may tell him, Physitian heal thy self, Novimus & qui te— We can prove, if not the same, yet as bad Characters or properties of false Pro∣phets, or false Priests in those you allow to be heard even in your Instituted Churches, though we rake not up out of the ashes what was charged on the Brownists of old, or of late by Edwards, Bailey, and others on the Independents.

6. That which is the chief Character of a false Prophet, 2 Pet▪ 2.1. and other passages before recited, the bringing in damnable Heresies, denying the Lord that bought them, is wholly omitted, without which, what else he chargeth them with, will be insuffi∣cient to prove them false Prophets, or to warrant the refusal of hearing them: But will occasion the Ministers to charge him with the Schism of Donatists of confining the Church and Mi∣nistry to their party, and if these things be done with a factious unquiet spirit (as they take them to be) tending to hinder the good of souls in not embracing their Ministry, and the peace of

both Church and State: with a fury like that of the Circumcelli∣ons, or at least an humour of reviling or uncharitable censuring. But whatever were the Authors motives, I shall examine them as they are presented, because this argument (if it were made good) is instar omnium, and the only genuine reason, why the present Ministers should not be heard.

For the first, I grant that Jerem. 23 21. is a signal character of a false Prophet, and that a mission from the Lord is of the essence of a lawful Ministry, that whoever wants such a mission, is no Officer of Christ, but a false Prophet and Minister of Antichrist; and that this exactly accords with what is asserted by the Apostle, Rom. 10.15. But I deny,

1. That by the sending here is meant the mediate regular out∣ward calling.

2. That the regular outward mediate calling is only from a rightly constituted Church of Christ in his sense; that is, after the Congregational way, or by succession from the Church in the wil∣derness; that is, such as have been separated from the Church of Rome after its Apostasie.

3. That either an immediate, or such a mediate mission, are of the essence of a lawful Minister.

4. That any of these can any way be deduced from Jer. 23.21. or Rom. 10.15.

5. I say, it is contrary to his own grant ch. 2. to make an out∣ward mission of the essence of a lawful Minister, sith he expresly allows gifted Brethren, who have not such mission, to Preach, and to be heard. As for inward immediate calling, he is no judge of it; and it may be as well acknowledged in the Ministers, as in his Gifted Brethren. As for the Texts, it is clear from the text it self, that their running before they were sent, was in that they Preached in Gods name, what he did not command or deliver to them; so that their false Prophecying was not for defect of outward cal∣ling, but for their taking upon them to deliver that message as from God, which they received not from him: Which the words plainly shew, Jer. 23.21.22. I have not sent these Prophets, yet they ran; which is explained by the next words, I have not spoken to them, yet they Prophesied; and in the next verse, But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they, &c. where their not being sent of God, is expressed by Gods not speaking to them; their not standing in his Counsel; ma∣king his people to hear words which were not his; termed after, v. 25. Prophecying lies in his name; v. 26. Prophets of the deceit

of their own heart, ver. 30. stealing his words every one from his neighbour, ver. 32. prophecying false dreams, ver. 36. perverting the words of the living God. All which passages, and the whole Chapter shew, that their running when God sent them not, was not in that they had not an outward calling, but in that they prophe∣sied that, as from God which they had not from him, but was of their own invention, lies, perverting Gods word: and that this is meant by not sending, is manifest in that, ver. 32. these are put as equipollent, I sent them not, nor commanded them, and v. 38. I have sent unto you, saying, ye shall not say the burden of the Lord; where sending is expressed to be saying what they should not speak. Which might be further proved out of Jerem. 14.14. and the plain words, Jerem. 28.9. The Prophet which prophesieth of peace when the word of the Prophet shall come to pass, then shall the Prophet be known, that the Lord hath truly sent him. Whence it is plain, that the mission of God is known by the word delivered: which if it be according to Gods minde, a person cannot be judged a false Prophet, nor without mission from him. Nor can the sending, Rom. 10.15. be otherwise meant. For the words im∣ply, a person cannot preach except he be sent. But this is not true of mediate outward calling, for those that were scattered went every where preaching the word, Acts 8.4. and so do gifted brethren without such a calling. But he is not sent who doth preach an∣other Gospel, and he is sent who doth preach the Gospel, as the words following intimate, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things? Which I would not have understood, as if an outward regular calling were not necessary for him that takes on him the publick function of preaching, or that every one were to be permitted to do so that did intrude into it: But that the speaking of Gods word whether in private or publick, is with such a mission as ac∣quits him that preacheth it from being a false Prophet, and the hearer from transgressing the precept, Matth. 7.15. Beware of false Prophets. What he said before against the Ministers mission, chap. 3. is answered before. What is pleaded about a succession from the Church of Rome is represented by many that understand not the occasion and plea, as odious, and a proof of the Anti∣christianism of their calling. But they who peruse what Mr. Francis Mason against Champney and others, who have answered the Papists question, Whence had the Protestant Ministers their cal∣ling? have written, will be otherwise minded. It follows.

Sect. 3. The Ministers not proved to commit Adultery, and walk in lyes, as Jer. 23.14. is meant.

2. That they commit Adultery, and walk in lyes, Jer. 23.14. which none as I ever yet met with; interpret literally of cor∣poral whoredome and adultery, but mystically of spiritual adultery, a departure from the wayes and institutions of the Lord in worship, to the devices and inventions of men: in the Margin. In an old Transla∣tion of the New Testament, dedicated to Edward the Sixth, the Au∣thor thereof in his Notes on Matth. 21. sayes, They which in their Ministry and preaching do otherwise then God had commanded them are no true Disciples of Christ (a sin usually in the Scripture expres∣sed, for the nature and greatness of it, under that notion, Jer. 3.8. Ezek. 23.37. Rev. 2.22. which is also in Scripture called a lye, Isa. 28, 15. Amos 2.4. John 8.44. the whole worship of Anti∣christ being patched up with such dirty inventions, is so called, 2 Thess. 2.11.) That this character also doth rightly appertain unto the present Ministers of England, the best of whom do in the sence of the spirit in the forecited Scripture, commit adultery, and walk in lyes, hath already been proved (and more hereunto shall afterwards be spoken ['twere well if upon some of them it had not a literal ac∣complishment] which of the Institutions of Christ have they not mixed with their inventions? from how many have they gone a whoring? is not a great part of their worship drops of the Whores Cup of For∣nication, and shreds of the great lye of Antichrist? who that hath soberly and unbiassedly considered of these things, but must acknow∣ledge it?

Answ. To acquaint this Author with somewhat obvious enough, yet it seems this Author met not with it, I will set down the An∣notation of Mr. Gataker on Jer. 23.14. inferiour to none of the Annotators of the Bible. They commit Adultery] Do as Eli's sons did, 1 Sam. 2.17, 22. whence Adultery became so rise in the land, ver. 10. And walk in lyes] or walk up and down with lyes. Hebr. with falshood, or a lye; as Isa. 28.15. they utter their lyes not in Baals name, but in mine, and so father their lyes upon me, chap. 14.14. see ver, 26. Hebr. committing Adultery, and walk∣ing with a lye; that is, at full, committing they commit Adultery; and walking, they walk about with lyes: they make a common trade and practice of either: a form, though defective, yet very signifi∣cant, see on Isa. 59 11.13. See these two vile practices joyned to∣gether in the false Prophets again, chap. 29.23. For those that here

restrain the term of Adultery to Idolatry, spiritual Adultery, seem therein to wrong the Text. Now if this be the meaning of the committing Adultery, it may be a signal character of a wicked man, but not of a false Prophet as such. But if it be understood of spiritual Adultery, every departure from the wayes and instituti∣ons of the Lord in worship to be devices and inventions of men, is not in this Prophet, nor in any other, termed committing Adultery; but when that Divine Worship which is appropriated to God is given to that which is not God, as may be shewed out of the 2. and 3. Chapters of Jeremiah, where ch. 3. 8▪ 9. it is said, they committed adultery with stocks and stones, Ezek. 23.37. with Idols. Now if he can prove that the present Ministers do thus commit Adultery, are Idolaters in their Worship, I will yield, they and their Worship are to be separated from; and if they teach it, not to be heard. What he saith he hath proved before, is answered before; what he saith in the next Chapter, will be then discussed. The words in the Margin may be right, yet impertinent. As for walking in lyes; I grant it to be a signal character of a false Pro∣phet, understanding it of lyes in doctrine opposite to the principles of Theology: and if he can prove the present Ministers do walk in such lyes, I shall yield them to be false Prophets, and not to be heard: But yet he hath not done that, nor goes about it. That which he produceth out of Isa. 28.15. Amos 2.4. John 8.44. 2 Thess. 2.11. proves not every device and invention of men in worship to be meant by lyes, Jer. 23.14. Isa. 28.15. By lyes some understand their Idols, some their treachery in dissembling and compliance with the adverse party, some their crafty shifts and wily devices. Mr Gataker conceives, most likely their strength raised, and wealth gotten by fraudulent and deceitful courses, Amos 2.4. Diodati Annot. Their lyes] namely, their Idols, false worships and superstitions, John 8.44. is meant of any lyes, but chiefly that which is opposed to the truth of Gods word in the Gospel, not meant as this Authour applies it. 2 Thess. 2.11. is manifestly understood of a lye opposite to the truth by which they might be saved, that is, the Gospel, v. 10.12. and so notes anti-evangelical doctrine, though I deny not the whole worship of Antichrist being patch'd up with such dirty inventions may be so called. But to his Queries I answer. To the first, which of the Institutions of Christ have not the present Ministers mixed with their inventions? 1. It concerns him that accuseth to shew which they have so mixed. 2. That I think the Institution of preaching the Gospel, which is that about which is the present question, they

have not so mixed. Sure, if they preach such doctrine of Faith as they subscribe to, they do not mix their doctrine with their own inventions; yet, if any do, while he holds the foundation, though he build some hay and stubble he is not to be charged to walk in lyes. I conceive the Preachers of the Congregational Churches have been as guilty of Antinomian, Arminian, and other errors as the Prelatical. To the 2. From how many have they gone a whoring? 1. It concerns him that accuseth to shew. 2. They have not gone a whoring from the Lords Supper to the Mass, by Transubstan∣tiation, and the unbloody propitiatory Sacrifice for Quick and Dead, and adoration of the breaden-god. To the third, Is not a great part of their Worship drops of the Whores Cup of Fornication and shreds of the great lye of Antichrist? The whores Cup of For∣nication and great lye of Antichrist, are according to Brightman, Mede, and others their idolatries in Invocation of Saints, Wor∣shipping Images, Reliques, the Crucifix, the Host, in their He∣risies about Justification, Merit, the Popes Supremacy, and other points of the Trent Council. A great part of the worship of the Ministers of the Church of England is in their prayers to God, their praises of God in Psalms, and Hymns, in their teach∣ing and instructing of the people. Let this Author shew any part of this worship of the Ministers of England to be a drop of the Whores Cup of Fornication, or a shred of that great lye of Anti∣christ, even according to the exposition of the Authors named, or any other sober Author; yea, though he be biassed towards the Congregational way, such as Mr. Cotton, Mr. Thomas Parker, or any other of that party, or else let him be branded lege Remnia, as an egregious Calumniator. As for that inserted passage ['twere well if upon some of them it had not a litteral accomplishment] it had been honest dealing, if he knew any, that he had either re∣proved them or complained to their Superiors, but thus obliquely to insinuate it to the Readers, too apt to entertain any suggestions against the present Ministers, whether true or false, was neither the part of a charitable Christian, nor of a candid Moralist.

Sect. 4. The Ministers are not proved to strengthen the hands of evil doers, as Jer. 23.14. is meant.

3. Saith he, That they strengthen the hands of evil doers, that none doth return from his wickedness, Jer. 23.13. That the present Ministers of England really do so, is capable of an ocular demon∣stration: perhaps they do in their Sermons reprove sin, thunder out

the Judgments of God against the transgressors of his Law, as much as any; but alas, what is this, to condemn them in the state where∣in they stand, without repentance to the pit of Hell, in the Pulpit; and by and by to saint them in the Chancel, and tell them there, with∣out exception, that the Body of Christ was broken for them, his Blood shed for them? O how many millions of souls are and have been thereby hardened to their own undoing, and their hands strengthned in wickedness? What should I mention their admission of the Children of all to Baptism, without exception, their owning them as Church-Members; yea, die they never so wickedly, as Brethren, of whose joyful resurrection they profess they have a sure and certain hope; thereby proclaiming their undoubted perswasion, that they are a people in covenant with God? not to take notice of the terrible reflections, and uncharitable censures are publickly past by them upon men truly fearing God, because they cannot conform to them: How desparately are the hands of the wicked hereby strengthned? so that none indeed doth return from his wickedness: How rare a thing is it to hear of one soul that is brought over to God by all their preaching? so that visibly that judgment of God seems to be upon them, ver. 32. there∣fore they shall not at all profit this people.

Answ. They confirm them in their wickedness, and so keep them from repentance, by bearing them in hand, that they shall do well enough, whatsoever Gods messengers tell them, that though they do continue in their sins: see Ezek. 13.22. is Mr. Gatakers para∣phrase of this passage of the Prophet. And this Author is not ashamed to say, that the present Ministers of England really do so, is capable of an ocular demonstration, when his next words acquit them, Perhaps they do in their Sermons reprove sin, thunder out Gods Judgments against transgressors of his Law as much as any; if so, they do not strengthen the hands of evil doers by bearing them in hand, that they shall do well enough, though they do continue in their sins: And that, which he acknowledgeth they do, is enough to acquit them from that character of the false Prophets here charged upon them, which perhaps might more truly be im∣puted to those, who have taught Arminian and Antinomian errors, which have been too rife in the Congregational Churches. In the point of Baptism I can acquit the one no more than the other, nor will I justifie the censures of men truly fearing God; I have some grounds to think that it is oft a matter of mourning, not on∣ly to the present Ministers, but also to some of the Bishops, and that they wish, that there were a remedy in that, and in the ad∣mission of many ignorant and evil doers to the Lords Supper,

and they conceive by the warning before the Communion, the enlargement of power to the Minister in the Liturgy, as now it is, in the joynt confession of Sin, and preaching before the Communion, besides conference, and examination, which may be used to redress it, some provision is made against it, however Laws restrain them from doing more; which being made against Recusant Papists, are thought fit to be continued, though used concerning others who are not such. That expression of the break∣ing of Christs Body for them, and shedding his Blood is known to be but a charitable speech, upon the supposal of the persons re∣pentance and faith (the truth of which is above the Ministers cog∣nizance) professed by them, they use; and if Judas were at the Lords Supper, it was used by Christ; and being understood as those speeches, 1 Cor. 8.11. Through thy knowledge shall thy weak brother perish, for whom Christ died. Heb. 10.29. Hath counted the Blood of the Covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing, are not liable ro exception. If any do undoe themselves by mis-understanding it, the same thing happened to Christs hear∣ers, John 6.61▪ 66. and is to be remedied by expounding the meaning, and warning persons, that they do not abuse it to their destruction. That the Ministers own men as brethren, die they ne∣ver so wickedly, is not true, if by legal censure or judgment they are declared criminal; if not, the Ministers are not allowed to exclude persons from brotherhood upon their own opinion with∣out proof and judicial sentence; if they do call them brethren, so all men are; and those that profess Faith, may be charitably accounted Christian Brethren. In the words used at Burial, the Minister doth not profess, he hath a sure and certain hope of the joyful resurrection of all them that are interred; but the words are, in sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life without application of it to the person then to be interred; and therefore these allegations are too short of proving Ministers strengthening the hands of evil doers as false Prophets. If their success in preach∣ing be not as were to be wished, it is the same that the Prophets complained of, Isa. 49.4. Isa 53.1. and was verified of Christ, John 12.37, 38. And if it fall out, that people are hardened notwithstanding their Ministers do preach, as here its not denied they do, it is from themselves; and I wish their hardening and destruction be not to be charged on this Author, and such others as are of the separation, who, by declaiming against them as Antichristian, alienate the spirits of people from them, so as to re∣fuse to hear the word; which I count a most pernicious wicked∣ness

in whomsoever, though reputed Saints. And though there is too much cause to bewail, that there is so little effect upon the preaching of the present Ministers, yet sure to argue thence that they are not sent of God, but are false Prophets, is altogether inconsequent. Mr. Robinson in his justification of separation, p. 306, 307. speaks better than so, when he saith, It is most evi∣dent, that whosoever converteth a man unto God, that person doth in truth and in deed, Minister the word of God, and the spirit by the word, and so may be said to be sent of God. In that general and large sense, wherein Mr. Bernard, p. 313. expounds the word, Sent or Apostle, I do acknowledge many Ministers in England sent of God; that is, that it comes not to pass without the special providence and ordination of God, that such and such men should rise up, and preach such and such truths for the furtherance of the salvation of Gods elect in the places, where they come, But this Accuser adds.

Sect. 5. The Ministers are not proved such daubers as those, Ezek. 22.28.

4. That they prophesie placentia, smooth things, according to the desires, tempers, and lusts of men, to the pleasing of whom they ad∣dict themselvs, Jer. 6.14. and 27.9. Ezek. 13.10, 11. and 22 28. What visible lineaments of such a frame of spirit, are drawn upon the faces of that generation of men, concerning whom we are now dis∣coursing? Have they not been of all others (I am now speaking of such as are looked upon by Professors, as men of the greatest parts and holiness) the most ready to strike in with, preach up, and plead for what was suitable unto the spirits of such upon whom they have had a dependance. 'Twere indeed well for them, could they in their pre∣sent standing and practise acquit themselves from that sore crime of seeking to please men, which if they do, they cannot be the ser∣vants of Christ, Gal. 1.10.

Answ. They do by their glossings and flatteries, lull people asleep in security, bearing them in hand, that there is no such dangerous matter towards them, as Gods Prophets tell them; but that all shall be well, whatsoever they say: see the same, chap. 8.11. see also, Lam. 2.14. Ezek. 13.22. is Mr. Gatakers Paraphrase in his Annotations on Jer. 6.14. That which was prophesied, Jer. 27.9. is expressed to be, that they should not serve the King of Babylon. The daubing. Ezek. 13.10, 11. was by seeing vanity, and divining lies, ver. 9. Ezek. 22.28 saying, Thus saith the Lord, when the Lord hath not spoken. If the present Ministers of England do so,

they are to be accounted false Prophets. But do not this Authors own words in the next crimination before, when he saith, [per∣haps they do in their Sermons reprove sin, thunder out the Judgments of God against transgressors of his Law as much as any] clear the Ministers, and prove himself guilty of false accusation? what those visible lineaments of such a frame of spirit are, should have been named, if he would have dealt plainly. If men of greatest parts and holiness on one side, have been the most ready to strike in with, preach up, and plead for, what was suitable unto the spirits of such upon whom they have had dependance: may it not be said so of men of the greatest parts and holiness of the Congregation∣al party, that they have been liable to the like? It were well if both parties would search themselves, and not be so forward to ac∣cuse each other. As I conceived long ago in my printed Trea∣tise of glorying in men, on 1 Cor. 3.21. so I am still by much expe∣rience confirmed, that the so termed Professors of England out of their injudiciousness, and partial affection have done much hurt to themselves and the Church of God, by looking upon, glory∣ing in, adhering to some as of greatest parts and holiness with dis∣paragement of others; whence evil surmizes, censurings, divisi∣ons from them that are disaffected, swallowing down without chewing, what those utter whom they follow; which hath been a temptation to Teachers to vent such things as were not right, for the retaining of their followers, and a trap whereby their hearers have been ensnared to their own and others no small dis∣quietness. And I agree with this Author, that it were well indeed with the Ministers, and with their dissenters or opposites, if they could all acquit themselves from this sore crime of seeking to please men, and that we could all 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 seek and speak the truth in love, Ephes. 4.15. Yet further saith he.

Sect. 6. Ministers changing of places, sadning some mens hearts, not characters of a false Prophet.

5. That they are greedy Dogs, that can never have enough, and look every man for his gain from his quarter, Isa. 56.11. seeking and serving themselves in their ministration, Ezek. 13.19, Micah 3. 5.11. in the Margin. In a translation of the New Testament, dedi∣cated to Edward the Sixth, the Author of the Notes on Chap. 10. sayes, We must preach the truth without any respect of reward or gains. They therefore that preach for their bellies sake, or preach after the prescript of man—are not the Disciples of Christ. That herein is

a perfect harmony betwixt these false Prophets and the present Mi∣nisters of England cannot be denied; what means else their frequent calls, from places of less, to places of greater value; their gaping and greedy desires after preferment; the vexations they put poor men to, that cannot in conscience put into their mouths preparing War against them.

Answ. Isa. 56.11. may be understood as well of the civil Magistrate as the Minister; and of neither is it a Character of a Minister not to be heard, as being a false Prophet, nor of an usurper or unlawful Magistrate, that is not to be obeyed. Ezek. 13.19. notes a Character of a false Prophet, but the proper character of him as such, is not that he prophecied for handfuls of Barley, or pieces of Bread, but that they polluted God among his people by lying to them. Micah 3.5. is a character of a false Prophet, in that they made Gods people to erre, their preparing war against him that put not into their mouth is a common accident to corrupt men, not a property of a false Prophet; and in like manner the Prophets di∣vining for money, ver. 11. or the Priests teaching for money no more proves a false Prophet or false Priest, then the heads judging for reward proves them false heads: these are their personal vices, which may be in a true Prophet, as in Judas, and in a true Priest, as Hophni, or in a true head, as in Jehoiakim, Jer. 22.17. and so are impertinent to prove a Minister a false Prophet. Nor is it any more to the purpose what is in the Margin, sith he that preacheth truth with respect of reward or gains, may be a true Prophet, though not a good man; and so they that preach for their bellies sake, though if they preach not according to the word of God, but after the prescript of man, for the matter of their doctrine they may be false Prophets: but this is not so much as offered to be proved concerning the present Ministers of England; and therefore it is untruly said, that it cannot be denied that there is a perfect harmony between them, and those false Prophets. As for their removals from places of less to places of greater value, it is a thing which may be objected to Preachers and Pastors of the Congregational Churches, and may be upon just cause, and therefore of it self proves not so much as a covetous minde: whether it be out of gaping and greedy desire after preferments God may be the only judge. If preparing War be meant of su∣ing for their dues by Law, it may be just; nor is a Minister bound to live upon alms, or voluntary contribution; the Elders of the separated Churches have found by experience how great a misery it is for a Student though godly and painful to live of the benevo∣lence

of their Churches; nor is it any sin for a Minister more than for another man to make use of the Magistrate and Law to gain his due, according to the Law of the Land. And how∣ever some have instilled into peoples heads the unlawfulness of requiring or paying Tithes, or other dues to the present Ministers, as they did before to Non-Conformists; yet there is no colourable plea for not paying them, it being not unlawful for me to pay what is unjustly demanded, there being therein no doing of wrong, though there should be a suffering of wrong. And therefore it is but vainly pretended, that they cannot in conscience put into Ministers mouths, when there is no appearance of sin in doing it; and if their Consciences be misled by erroneous Ca∣suists, poor men may thank them for their vexations, and beware of hearkening to them, and not clamour against the Ministers as the only cause of their trouble; if out of meer obstinacy they deny to pay, they are to blame themselves. It is added.

6. That they sadden the hearts of the righteous, Ezek. 13.22. what need I turn aside to make application of this to the Prophets of this day? who that is serious, doth not experiment the truth thereof in his own soul? to see the Name and Ordinances of God prophaned, the ceremonies and inventions of man subjected unto, by such as pre∣tend to be Ministers of Christ, would make an heart of stone to bleed; much more those whose hearts are made tender by the Lord. Those of our Brethren that as yet attend upon their Ministry, will tell us, they are troubled at their compliance and conformity—All that look in the least after reformation, say, they could wish it were other∣wise; so that this character also is visibly upon them.

Answer. By lyes sadning the hearts of the righteous, as Ezek. 13.22. is granted to be a character of a false Prophet, but this Author omits that, and makes that a character of a false Pro∣phet which is not, and applies that to the Ministers which he goes not about to prove they are guilty of. Perhaps those righteous persons he means are sadned out of mistakes, as conceiving the Name and Ordinances of God prophaned when they are not; as the Israelites were when they mistook the Reubenites fact in build∣ing an Altar, Josh. 22.11, 12. Perhaps it may be without their fault, perhaps the Ministers are sadned as well as they, perhaps the sadness is from such erroneous suggestions, as are instilled into the people by such as hold the same principles of separation with this Author; perhaps men as righteous, as they who are sadned, do without any sadness attend upon their Ministry; perhaps they are sadned that they stumble at that they need not; perhaps they

are more sad at such principles of division as pervert them that are counted otherwise righteous than at any thing they perceive practised by the Ministers of England. If sadning the hearts of righteous by the inventions of men be a character of false Prophets, and that for it the Ministers of England are to be judged such, the renting of errors and fancies which have been in the Congrega∣tional Churches, and even by their Teachers, the many unneces∣sary scruples, janglings, oppositions, arrogant, wilful carriages, deceitful and unrighteous dealings in Members, which have sad∣ned the hearts of many sober, and better composed spirits, and made them weary of their societies; the heart bleedings for pro∣fessors abominations are indeed as signal characters of false Pro∣phets in their Churches, as of the Ministers in the Church of England being such. Though there were an utter oblivion of what of old was done by Separatists in England, the Low Countries, in new England; yet what hath been done in England in our times, and is yet in the memory of many yet alive, should have stopped this Authors mouth, and made him forbear to object that against the Ministers of England, which may perhaps more fully be re∣torted on those whose Ministry he would have attended on. The Elders and Messengers of the Congregational Churches meeting at the Savoy, Octob. 12. 1658. in the Preface to the decclara∣tion of their Faith and Order do of their own accord say, It is true, that many sad miscarriages, divisions, breaches, fallings off from the holy Ordinances of God, have along in this time of tem∣ptation, (especially in the beginning of it) been found in some of our Churches. Yea, such insinuations as this Author urgeth against the Ministers of England, would have proved not only the Ministers of the reformed Churches of late, but even the Angels of the seven Churches of Asia, the teachers of the Churches of Corinth, and other the best Churches in the Primitive times to have been false Prophets. But I forbear.

He addes, 7. That they mix the word of God with their dreams, Jer. 23.25.29. in the Margin. The notes on Matth. 28. in the foresaid Translation are; Here do all Preachers learn what they should teach; nothing else but Gods word; nothing else but that the Lord hath commanded them: not their own dreams and inventions. So do the present Ministers of England, as hath been proved.

Sect. 7. Pressing rigid Conformity no proof of the Ministers being false Prophets.

Answ. This needs no further answer than what is before given.

8. Saith he, That they come in Sheeps cloathing, having the horns of a Lamb, but are inwardly ravening Wolves, and speak like Dra∣gons (i. e. pretend to the Holiness and Meekness of Christ and Saints, but are inwardly full of raven and cruelty, yea terrible in their Edicts and Laws, stirring up and making use of the powers of the world, to persecute, kill and destroy the Saints Mat. 7.15. Revel. 13.11. (which second Beast is no other than the false Pro∣phet mentioned, Revel. 19.20. as might easily be demonstrated) As face answers face in a glass, so do the present Ministers of England the false Prophets there spoken of. Are not all the Persecutions, Im∣prisonments, Slaughters and Butcheries of the Children of God, that the first Beast hath exercised upon the Saints for this 1260. years to be charged upon this Generation of men? yea, who do more eagerly press a rigid Conformity (not only contrary to the Kings Declaration from Breda) and others since published by him, but also (as is thought) to his natural temper, and the inclination and bent of his spirit) though to the infringing of the liberty, the banishment, the taking away the lives of the Saints, who love Truth and Peace, and humbly beg, that they may be suffered for the tribute they pay (as in the Dominion of the Grand Seignior they are) in quietness to serve God according to their perswasins.

Answ. It is true, false Prophets are noted by Christ, Matth. 7.15. to be in outward shew as sheep, meek and holy, inwardly cru∣el; But this is not the form, denominating them false Prophets; nor a signal character of them, by which they are known, but a reason of the caution, of being deceived by their fair shews. That by which they are false Prophets, and are known to be such is their fruits, v. 16. which though variously expounded by the An∣cients, and Maldonat understands it of their works, Grotius of the works of iniquity, yet of the Ancients some understand it of their faith; Protestants, some by fruits understand their false do∣ctrine and evil life, as Beza, their doctrine, manner of teaching, spiritual efficacy in their hearts, their life, customes and intentions, so Diodati Annot. their doctrin, self-seeking and wickedness, so the large Annot. Pareus, The fruit of a false Prophet is his false and damnable doctrine. Dr. Hammond, Ye shall certainly know and dis∣cern them, if you take notice of, and weigh the doctrines, which,

when they have gotten some authority with you, they will presently endeavour to infuse into you. Piscator in his Scholies, From the effects of their doctrin: For as for what pertains to life, it may be that he may teach well, who lives ill. Molin. Vates, l. 3. c. 5. The fruits which their doctrine produceth in the minds of Auditors. That the doctrin is meant by the fruits, Matth. 7.16. was long since in my Antidote, Sect. 9. asserted, and in my Praecursor vindicated, Sect. 14. to which I still adhere, and therefore count this, which is here made a signal character of a false Prophet unfit to that end as be∣ing congruous to them who are no Prophets in pretence, and to them who may be true Prophets or Teachers. The second Beast, Revel. 13.11. is saith Molin. Vates, l. 5. c. 17. The Roman Clergy with the Pope himself; the Bishop of Rome with his Clergy, saith Mr. Mede, Comment on Revel. 13.11. most of the Protestant Di∣vines make it either the Pope when he usurped the power over the Emperour, or the Pope and his Clergy, who were indeed terrible in their Edicts and Laws, stirring up and making use of the powers of the world, to persecute, kill, and destroy the Saints. But this did not shew them false Prophets, but their false doctrine. But that as face answers face in a glass, so do the present Ministers of England the false Prophets there spoken of, is said with much heat, and without proof. That all the Persecutions, Imprisonments, slaughters and butche∣ries of the Children of God, that the first Beast, (whether he mean it of the Roman Emperours, or ten Horns, that is, ten Kings into which it was parted, or the Bishop of Rome) hath exercised upon the Saints for this 1260. years, are to be charged upon this generation of men, that is, the present Hierarchy and Ministry of England, (which he means if he speak pertinently) is I confess a very dread∣ful and heavy sentence, but pronounced à non judice, who I hope will be found a false Prophet, in the event, as it shews him in∣wardly cruel to them, and by his own rule is a signal character of himself being a false Prophet, I hope, by their appeal to heaven they will get this Indictment quasht. I presume the rigid con∣formity pressed hath not yet tended to the banishment, the taking away of the lives of the Saints, who love Truth and Peace; and I wish such writings and practices, as this Author, and some others are deemed to use, do not exasperate the King and Parliament to ef∣fect it. I assent to what he saith of his Majesty, as having by experience found it true, (which in all humble thankfulness I ac∣knowledge) nor do I doubt but he is, as the Poet describes a good Prince, Est piger ad paenas Princeps ad praemia velox, Quique do∣let quoties cogitur esse ferox. Concerning the Declaration from

Breda, and other Declarations since published by his Majesty, how far the pressing of rigid Conformity opposeth, and who are the causes thereof is above our cognizance, who are at so great a di∣stance, That the present Ministers, who are the ordinary Teach∣ers to be heard, are the men that do it hath no likelihood, sith they are the men upon whom the rigid conformity is pressed, and therefore this allegation is very inaptly made a signal character of their being false Prophets.

Sect. 8 The charge Ezek. 22.26. reacheth not the Ministers of England.

It follows 9. That they put no difference betwixt the Holy and Prophane, Ezek. 22.26. Do not even the Ministers of England the same? Are not all their dear Brethren and Sisters, living and dead, though Drunkards, Swearers, Adulterers, and Adulteresses? &c. Are not, as was said, the children of them all admitted to the Font, and they themselves to the Lords Table? Is not the childrens meat frequently given unto Dogs, and the holy Ordinances prostituted to be polluted by the worst of men?

Answ. The charge, Ezek. 22.26. is against the Priests of the Law accusing them of neglecting to discern between clean and unclean Offerings, as Piscator in his Analysis. Grotius, They made not them to understand, to wit, the difference, from that which was common. They are the very words from Lev. 10.10. where they are commanded to do what here they are said to have neglected. That is holy which is dedicated unto God: Profane which is in common use. Polluted which is forbidden to be eaten; clean which it is law∣ful to eat. Aynsworth on Lev. 10.10. That ye may separate] or, to make difference; and this is meant not only for themselves, but o∣thers, as in Ezek. 44.23. They shall teach my people (the diffe∣rence) between holy and profane, and cause them to discern between unclean and clean. And for not doing this, the Priests are blamed, Ezek. 22.16. see also Lev. 20.25. holy] Heb. holiness: mean∣ing of persons, and things. In Greek, Between the holy ones and the profane: which Texts and others, as Levit. 22.1, 2, 3. shew that this thing was an evil indeed of a Levitical Priest, when either they admitted unclean and profane Offerings of Beasts or Fowls, or legally unclean persons; or taught not the people to put dif∣ference between them; yet was no Character distinguishing a false Priest from a true, though it shewed him to be negligent. But is nothing to our Ministers who are not now to count any man

or creature common or unclean, Act. 10.15.28. Whether they have power to keep any professing the Faith from the Lords Supper, it may be doubted. Granting it that they have, yet this Author will not allow it, I presume, to each single Minister, and if not, it is unjust to account them false Preists for not doing it. But of this before in this Chapter, Section. 4.

Sect. 9. The Ministers are not the false Shepherds meant, Ezek. 34.4.

It is added 10. That they exercise not pity to the weak broken scattered Sheep of Christ, nor shew bowels in their recovery, but with force and cruelty rule over them, Ezek. 34.4 One would think, the former part of the Chapter were rather an History of what is practised by the false Shepherds of this day, than otherwise: so perfect an a∣greement is there betwixt their practice, and this prophecy of the Lord. They tell us 'tis our weakness and distemper that we conform not to their worship; that we are persons gone astray: we profess to them, that we would not give way to spiritual distempers, nor stray one step from the wayes of God might we but know it; we would thank any to convince us of our mistakes, and reduce us to the true sheepfold, if we are gone astray: Do they seek after us, in a spirit of tenderness labour to convince us, and carry us in their bosomes, like tender Shep∣herds to the true fold? What less? With force and cruelty they rule over us, threaten us with Excommunications, Imprisonments, Banish∣ments, dispoiling us of what God hath graciously given us, yea, con∣demning us to death: in all which (through the grace of God) we can rejoice, though they thereby abundantly demonstrate, that they are the successors of the false Shepherds here spoken of.

Answ. Though Diodati, the Annotator in the large Annotations, Junius, The Marginal Notes of the Geneva Translation, say, he meaneth by Shepherds, the King, the Magistrates, Priests, and Pro∣phets; yet after Piscator, Grotius, and others, I think this passage is only appliable to the Kings and other Civil Rulers of Israel, the Prophets not ruling over the people with force and cruelty, but be∣guiling them with lies and deceit. Which with sundry more pas∣sages of the Chapter upon my reading of it do convince me, that this Author doth misalleadge it, sith the Ministers of England are not Successors of the Civil Magistrates, nor are the Prince and Governors here termed false Shepherds, but negligent, and un∣merciful; which are not the signal Characters of a false Prophet, or false Priest, and therefore this Text is impertinent to prove the Ministers to be such. As for the practice he chargeth the Ministers,

with, sith it is in generals, a distinct answer cannot be made to it, nor can any but the accused well answer it. Possibly that which this Author counts force and cruelty may be necessary, though se∣vere discipline. I do not justifie the neglects or menaces men∣tioned in any; nor is it unlikely, but that there are men of violent spirits in the Hierarchy and Ministry of England, to whom this evil is imputed: nor do I think this Author can acquit all those that are Elders or other members of the Congregational Churches. Ili∣acos intrà muros peccatur & extrà. It is to be lamented that such sad things should happen as he recites. For my part I have, even when the Congegational men had most liberty, had conferences with persons, in which I shewed my dissent from them in respect of the Separation with my Reasons, and have often in writing an∣swered their Arguments for it, which I can yet produce, yet found them still inflexible. This writing was begun by me out of com∣passion of those, to whom I was once a Preacher, whom I found seduced by it, and have endeavoured without any bitterness to con∣vince this Author of his mistakes, yet I doubt whether he will thank me for it. I rather expect to be told for writing this Book, as I was for writing of some other pieces, that I am an Apostate, tem∣porizer, flatterer, adversary to the Saints, and such like imputati∣ons. They that know what hath been done in New-England, and old England even at Oxford to Quakers for inveighing against their Teachers and Governors should be somewhat more moderate in censures of the present Ministers and Governors; who when they read this very Chapter will be apt to think, that the soul of the Quakers is by transmigration gotten into this Author. My Prayer to God is, that on all sides there may be such a calm and considerate spirit, that we may forbear one another, and in love endeavour the rectifying of each other, not bite and devour one ano∣ther, lest we be consumed one of another, and so we be Homo homini lupus, not Shepherds.

Sect. 10. The Ministers of England are not the second Beast foretold. Revel. 13.11.

But there's more behind. What should I mention, saith he, 11. That they come up out of the Earth, Rev. 13.11. are raised up by men of earthly spirits and principles. 12. That they exercise the power of the first Beast, or make use of the civil power for their supportment, ver. 13.13. That they make an Image to the Beast, ver. 14.15. (i. e. Erect an Ecclesiastical state of Government, in a proportio••ableness to, and resemblance of the Civil State.) 14. That they compel all under the penalty of death, to worship or bow down to this Image of the

Beast (or Ecclesiastical Government, in its Courts, Canons, Laws, and Ceremonies devised by it) v. 15. 15. That they compel all to receive a mark, either in their right hands or foreheads; secretly or openly, one way or other to acknowledge subjection unto this Beast, without which they may neither buy nor sell, being cut off from the Church, by their Ex∣communications for their stubborness, v. 16, 17. All which Characters of the second Beast (or false Prophet) he that runs may read upon the present Hierarchy and Ministry of England. It remaineth then that the present Ministers of England have the characters of the false Pro∣phets and Preists upon them, and therefore are not to be heard but to be separated from.

Answ. Though the Book of the Revelation be a holy Divine wri∣ting, and hath been of great use to support the spirits of Christians under the great Persecutions, which have befallen them, and is still of very great importance for the animating of believers either to patience in sufferings, or watchfulness in time of temptation; yet such abuse there hath been made of it to uphold many wild con∣ceits, many irregular practises; notwithstanding the confessed obscu∣rity, and the frequent refutation of such conceits, as men have with much confidence delivered, by the manifestation of their vanity in the event; that sober men have wished it were either less read by some, or more, considerately weighed, and more warily applyed. The passages here alledged have been so abused by men of opposite parties against dissenters, especially by those of the separation a∣gainst not only the Prelates and Prelatical Preachers, but also the Presbyterian, that they have served for no other purpose but to in∣flame the minds of one against the other. The first and second Beast, Rev. 19. are differently conceived. Dr. Hamond conceives the first Beast to be the Heathen Roman Emperors upholding the Idol worship, the second Beast the Augurs, Priests, and Magicians, such as Apollonius Tyranaeus was, & so conceives the accomplishment already past. The Author of an Essay on that part of the Revelation, which begins at chapter the 13. conceives it meant of one to come. Molinaeus in his Vates, l 5. c. 17. with Mede, and others, understand it of the Pope and Roman Clergy. There is no probability, that this second Beast should be meant of the Hierarchy and Ministry of England, or that they should be the false Prophet mentioned, Rev. 19.20. which is said to work miracles before the Beast, and with the Beast was cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone: which to say of men, of whom some he acknowledgeth to be good men, is so horrid an imagination, as had not this Author been transported with extreme passion, me thinks he should have trembled to have let it enter in∣to his thoughts, much less to have written and printed it. Nor can

the conceits be free from these and such horrid consequences, that then the first Beast must be Civil Powers, and they to be cast into the lake burning with fire; that the Hierarchy and Ministry of England, cause the Earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first Beast, whether the Roman Emperors, or Pope, or Civil Powers, or I∣dols, that al that be subject to the Image of the Beast▪ which is made the Ecclesiastical Government, shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his Indignation, and shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy Angels, and in the presence of the Lamb, and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever, with more of the like; which are so monstrously uncharitable to be conceived of such men, and so utterly destitute of all colour of proof, that I can scarse censure it so mildly as to term it dotage, but rather take it to be the speech of a furious Bedlam. His applications also are so frivolous and wild, as that they should be abhorred rather than answered. How doth it appear that to come out of the Earth is to be raised by men of earthly spirits and principles? How doth it appear that men raising them, whether Princes or Patrons are men of such spirits and principles? When were they raised by such? To exercise the power of the Beast is not to make use of the Civil Power for its support, (which were indeed no evil, but may be good, and the wisdom of men) but to act with the same power the first Beast used in making war with the Saints. If the Ecclesiastical State as it resembles the Civil, be the Image of the Beast, and to erect it, be the character of the false Prophet; and this be so evil, then it is much more evil to erect the Civil State, which is the Prototype, which me thinks he should fear to say. How doth it appear, that the proportionableness to & resemblance of the Ecclesiastical state of Government to the Civil is not therefore the better and more desirable? When did the Ministers compel all under the penalty of death, or outlawry to acknowledg subjection to the Hierarchy? Are there not many persons and places of peculiar and exempt Jurisdiction? many persons that either by indulgence or connivence, though not acknowledging such subjection, live as free as those that do? Do all great as well as small, rich and poor, free and bond receive such a mark? I am weary with refuting such palpable gross untruths, and do wonder with what face without the least proof, a man that would be accounted a Saint should attempt to obtrude them upon the world, much more that he should do it to the Church of God, and upon such absurd premisses conclude thus, It remaineth then that the present Ministers of England have the characters and properties of the false Prophets and Priests upon them, and therefore are not to be heard, but separated from.