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TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE THE KNIGHTS, CITIZENS AND BVRGSESES OF THE COMMONS HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT.
The humble Petition of some of the Parishioners in the Parish of Chigwell in the County of Essex and divers others.
THat Dr. Emanuall Ʋtey now Vicar of the Parish Church of Chigwell aforesaid hath ere∣cted an Altar in the said Church, and doth use frequent and offensive bowing and cring∣ing thereunto, compelling others to doe the like, and hath kissed the Altar three times in one day, and doth constantly read the Prayers in the Divine Service with his face toward the Altar and backe towards the people, so that many of them cannot heare what is said.
That the said Vicar, openly in the Pulpit of the said Church, hath spoken these ensuing words, or words to the same effect, viz.
1. That his Fathers Soule was in heaven, making intercession for his, and that it was lawfull to pray unto Saints if the time would permit.
2. That the Commands of the Arch-bishop of Canterburie (whom he compared unto the high Priest) were equally to be obeyed with Gods command in his word.
3. That the said Vicar hath said, that the King is not Supreame head of the Church next under Christ, and being demanded who then was? he ansvvered, the Bishops; and said further, that no Minister, vvho under∣stood himselfe, vvould pray for the King as Supreame head of the Church under Christ, and that there hath been no true Religion in England these 40. yeares, and being then told he was a friend to the Pope, an∣swered, that he loved the Pope vvith all his heart, and affirmeth that the Pope is not Antichrist, vvhosoe∣ver he is.
4. That the said Vicar hath declared, that vvhatsoever any person (vvho had entred into holy orders) did speake, he spake by Divine Inspiration, and being urged, that then they differed not from those that wrote the holy Scriptures, he made no answer to that, but impudently and blasphemously persisting in his former opinions said further, that, if the Divell could have orders put upon him, vvhatsoever he should say, should be by Divine inspiration.
5. That the said Vicar hath said, that if a man usually meet vvith occasions of Drunkenesse or Forni∣cation and be actually overcome by them, yet such a man doth not sin, because he sought not the occasion.
6. That the said Vicar hath beene oftentimes seene drunke, and his wife hath reported that he vvas a Papist in heart, and did weare a Crucifix in his bosome and kept one in his study, and that hee so bitterly threatned her for not bovving to it, as she vvas constrained to cry out for helpe and hide herselfe.
7. And lastly, the said Vicar hath said, the house of Parliament hath nothing to doe in matters of Reli∣gion, but if any things were amisse, complaint ought to be made to the Bishops, and they were to reforme it, and hath also uttered many other words tending to the dishonour of the High and Honourable Court of Parliament.
All vvhich premises containing Popish and superstitious Ceremonies, corrupt and dangerous opinions and Tenents contrariant to the established Doctrine and Discipline of the Church of England, scandalous and blasphemous vvords tending to the dishonour of Almighty God, and (as they con∣ceive) the subversion of his Majesties Royall Supremacy, and the abridgment of the power and au∣thority of the High and Honourable Court of Parliament.