Articles exhibited against Benjamin Spencer, minister of S. Thomas Parish in Southwarke, in the right honourable and high Court of Parliament for which his living was sequestred together with a charge grounded thereupon, and his answer thereunto, with his reasons of printing the same.

Articles exhibited against Benjamin Spencer, Minister of S. Thomas Parish in Southwarke, in the right Honourable and high Court of Parliament, for which his living was sequestred. Together with a charge groun∣ded thereupon, and his answer thereunto. With his reasons of printing the same.

Gentle Reader,

WHoever thou art, for Gods love let me intreat thee to reserve a good opinion of this my action. For I protest in the sight of God I present not this sheet to thee out of any vain glory, to vindicate my selfe from any aspersions, nor out of malice to my ac∣cusers, to render them odious to the world, much lesse out of any heart-burning against the sentence of my judges, who proceed, Secundum allegata & probata, according to alle∣gation and proofe: but to shew how much one man may be mis∣construed by another in the deliverance of his minde, and how free I am from Popish doctrine, or such ill manners whereby to sleight orders of Parliament, or to let fall any loose speeches in the Pulpit (of which three things the Articles consist) however I may be mistaken by men who come to heare me with prejudicate mindes.

And I hope you will not blame me for this, considering, the malignity of such a scandall, doth not only like a dead flye cor∣rupt the ointment of a good name (which I thank God till this time he hath honoured me withall, among all men who doe truly know me) but also is the greatest blot that can be to my professi∣on, and a just hindrance of my preferment; and therefore I can doe no lesse then print a few sheets to satisfie my friends (but not to sell) in this businesse, because I find my Articles read to many, but not my answers to them, by which my friends affections may be diverted from me as well as their mindes corrupted.

You are therefore to understand, that after I had answered one Iacksons a Scotch-mans Articles against me (before my Lord Ma∣jor) of which I could never get a copie. I was in good hope to have been at rest, when suddenly my name appeared in a black bill among 66 scandalous (it may be some will prove scandalized) ministers. This bill made by whomsoever, I am sure I was ne∣ver called to a reckoning about it before any of those Citizens who drew it up and presented it to the Lord Major. The blow I

received by this browne bill almost stunned me, having no warn∣ing to provide an Helmet.

The ground of this bill was the complaints of parishoners to some Citizens who were authorized by an order of Common Councell dated the second day of December to inquire of all ma∣lignant, scandalous, & seditious Ministers, whom I pray God bring to light, so that the Wolfe may be known for all his sheepes-skin.

The next trouble I heard of was by one Quartermaine, who warned me before the Committee of examination, of which the right worshipfull Sir Gilbert Garrat was the Chaire-man, to an∣swer to 10 Articles alleadged against me.

The Articles were as followeth.

Inprim. THat Master Spencer wilfully refuseth to give the Communion to those that will not kneele at the Sacrament.

2 The said Mr. Spencer did publikely averre in his Sermon, that water in Baptisme did absolutely cleanse away originall sin.

3 He did averre that the Church of Rome is the true Church and lacks nothing out qualification, and did not erre in any fun∣damentall point, but in matter of circumstance.

4 Certaine honest then informing the said Mr. Spencer, that his superstitious gestures were, burthensome to some good Christian consciences in his Congrogation, he thus replyed. Am I vile (a∣busing the words of the Prophet David) I will be more vile yet? And whether the railes be taken away or not, I will bow to the Table, yea I will dance about the Table; he also abuseth all those that stand neer, or lean upon the Communion Table, or lay their hats upon the Table in the time of prayer or sermon.

5 He hath uttered these words in the Pulpit, the times are evill and dangerous, for we may fear great judgements upon the land, because we do not know whither to go for justice. And these words were spoken in the time of Parliament.

6 In S. Mary Overies Church, he most basely abused honest Ministers in his Sermon: saying these Iack-dawes that former∣ly durst not shew their faces, now did appear every where. And where did they now shelter themselves but under the eaves of the Parliament-house Consider whether these two Articles do include a Scandalum Parlamenti, Or not.

7 He not only presumptuously neglects to pray for good Magi∣states such as my Lord Major of London, as also not praying for the army that is gone forth for Religion, King and Parliament, which is too great an evidence of malignity, but also a presump∣tuous abuser and scoffer of the Orders of Parliament.

8 Instance; namely, one Sabbath day there came an order from the Parliament to be read in his Church for the restraining the su∣perstitious bowing at the name of Iesus, in the reading where∣of, the said M. Spencer used these disdainefull words. For any thing I know, this that I do read might have come from a Ballad-mon∣ger, I know not which Iesus is signified here, whether Ioshuah, or Iesus the son of Sirach, or lesus Christ.

9 This was M. Spencers divinity in the Pulpit, that women now adayes were not so holy as the Virgin Mary was. For she conceived the holy Ghost before she conceived Christ, but women now took in men before they took in the holy Ghost and were coupled together by the tayles, as Sampsons Foxes were.

10 That the said M. Spencer, after he had published the Ordi∣nance of Parliament for the reliefe of poor maimed souldiers, said, that it may be the said souldiers went out with a zealous intent, but it was a blinde zeale; or it may be out of malice and envie to be revenged of some of their enemies; or it may be to rob and steale, and so to inrich themselves; but I hope the misery they feele, and your charity, will make them desire peace.

His Answers to these 10 Articles before the Committee.

1 TO the first he answered thus. If he had refused any the Communion, as he remembred none; he did it not because he thinks kneeling more necessary, but because of the Sta∣tute of uniformity, which bindeth him to observe it, which statute for direction is bound with the Book of Common prayer.

2 Vpon the second Article the witnesses disagreed. His answer was, that being the plaintiffes did instance no next upon which he so preached, nor time when; he could not say what he preached: but his opinion was, that the outward signe without the thing signified was of no validity, and as it is expressed further in the 27 Article of our protestant doctrine published, and of late protested by himselfe and others.

To the third he answered thus: I know not that ever I prea∣ched any such thing, nor doe they prove it by either place, time, or Text, but I hold the Papacy to bee Antichristian, and all that wittingly or willingly adhere thereunto. Neither doth the Do∣ctrine of their Church order a man to heaven, and therefore I detest it as damnable, and hold with our Protestant Doctrine pub∣lished in that poynt in the second part of our Church Homily for Whitsontide. But I suppose the plaintiffes might be mista∣ken, when in clearing that poynt so much controverted about the Church of Romes being a true Church, it is like enough I said it was thus to be understood, (namely) that she had the outward

being and existence of a true Church; but not the essence or essen∣tiall properties of one. As a thiefe hath the true being of a man in a naturall sense, but not the being of a true man in a morall sence: So W••spes have true Combs, as well as Bees, but there is no ho∣ney in them. So it is likely, that I might say the Church of Rome agreeth with the true Church in many fundamentalls, as in the Articles of the Creed, but overthroweth them by corrupt conse∣quences and superstructions, as when they allow Christ to bee the sole Mediator of Redemption, but not of intercession, and in sixty odde other severall opinions they differ from the Refor∣med Churches, and us English Protestants; in which I hope I shal never agree with them.

[unspec 4] To the fourth he answered thus: I remember no such in forma∣tion by honest men. But I acknowledge I have bowed my knees when I have come into the Church, but to no visible thing, but unto that God by whose leave I tread in his Courts: And if I were accounted vile for that, it is like enough I might say, I would be more vile. But since I perceived by an Order from the House of Peeres, bearing date sixteenth of Ianuary, 1640. that such ar∣bitrary gestures did give offence, and that no Ceremony what∣soever should be used, but those nominated and allowed by Law, I have refrained it and be••aken my selfe to a more private way of devotion. And for abusing any who stand about the Communion Table, I know not, except a faire reproofe for an unreverent carri∣age be an abuse of those who set their Tailes where we set the Sa∣crament when there is roome enough to sit else-where.

[unspec 5] To the fist hee answered thus: Here is neither instance of time or Text,therefore I cannot call to mind what I said. But I beleeve I might complaine of danger us times now in these lat∣ter dayes of which the Apostle prophesied 2 Tim. 3.1. and might deplore the decay of justice among men both distributive & com∣mutative as the Prophets did, Psal. 12.1. ler. 5.1. and yet not reflect on the Parliament, who have found much injustice among men themselves, and punished it.

[unspec 6] To the six he answered thus;here they instance in asermon re∣membred by many who can tel that the words which they miscon∣strue were these (spoken unto the Ministers then present at the vi∣sitation Sermon) Rebuke, exhort with all authority, as Tit. 2.15. You are commanded, and be not affrighted at those Iack-Dawes, w^th with their noise first disturb the Churches service, & then shel∣ter themselves under the Leads as many sorts of men do, who hope in vaine to shroud themselves under the eaves of the Parliaments favour, whose worthies though too much troubled with their tri∣viall

complaints; yet I am confident they will maintaine what they have protested against all schismaticall persons and malignant parties, that these were my words many can justifie that heard them, without prejudicate affection.

[unspec 7] To the seventh Article he answered: I pray for the King Queen, and Royall Progeny, and for all that are in authority. Indeed, I doe not name my Lord Major; nor is it usuall so to doe, except at Panis-Crosse or the like. Neither doe I name the Army, but I pray for all those that fight for the truth, and the faith of the Go∣spell and true Religion, which is no evidence of malignancy. Nor doe I, nor ever did scoffe at any Orders of Parliament, as shall ap∣peare by my answer to the instance following.

[unspec 8] To this only instance of scoffing at Orders, which they produce, though the Article chargeth him in generall, he thus answered. One Lords day, such an Order was brought to me as aforesayd, of which he that brought it, could render no account but that it was bought of one that fold pamphlets about the streets. I suspended therfore the reading of it til I had enquired further; & finding it to be the Parliaments order, I read it in the Church. And to excuse my selfe, that I did not read it at first to some that were offended, I said I durst not read that at first, which hee that brought could not a∣vouch to have received from any other authority than a Pamphlet seller, or a Ballad-monger. As for the name Iesus I confesse I sayd thus, that considering there were more named by that name in the Bible, as Iesus the sonne of Nun, Acts 7.45. and Iesus son of Iose∣dech, Zach. 3.1. and Iesus the Ionne of Sarach, Eccles. 1. And for that many ignorant people have used the same gesture to each name alike, when they have beene read; and for that the name is not di∣stinguished in this order, (viz.) which Iesus is meant as it is in the 18. Canon, which enjoyneth reverence at the reading of it, I will not be so bold to interpret the Parliaments mind therein, till it bee further expressed by themselves: And I hope no charitable mind will take this for an abuse or scoffe, but rather want of right apprehension of their mind.

[unspec 9] He thus answered the ninth Article: Here is neither Text nor time instanced in, nor can I remember all I sayd: But I believe it is no bad Divinity to say the Virgin Mary conceived the Holy Ghost in her heart, before she had Christ in her womb; because shee was before both gracious and faithfull: And I conceive those that marry meerely for lust, without those other holy ends of marriage, couple like beasts, and may bee likened to Sampsons Foxes: The Prophet Ezekiel speakes much broader,* 1.1 and yet is not to bee blamed; Lewd manners may have loud reproofes, so far as I know.

[unspec 10] The tenth he answered thus, I finding some people scrupulous to contribute to that occasion, said thus: It is the end that maketh ac∣tions good. Now whereas some object, that it may be some souldi∣ers goe to war with divers ends, some with a good intent, some with a blind zeale, some to be revenged on their enemies, some in hope to enrich themselves by spoyle; let not us judge their hearts, nor look upon their infirmities; but be their end what it will, let our end be to relieve their miseries, and no doubt if you think they have erred in warre, the misery they feel, and your charity they find will make them more addicted to peace.

You may perceive by these Answers, that I am much mistaken in my preaching by these my accusers, whom I blame not so much for thus accusing me (though a little discourse with me might have rectified all) if so be they be fully perswaded that I spake as they have alleaged, but I fear there is some leaven of ill wil in it, which never speaks wel; God be judge between us, to whō I refer my self

After I had thus answered, I was dismissed. Diverse weekes after one Nicollson got a warrant for me from the Committee for the safety of the Kingdome. A man who knew nothing of me except my face, as I did bis. By vertue of the warrant, I was kept under Custody certaine dayes, but found no charge ap∣peare there against me. But being in prison a warrant was brought to me to appeare before the Lords to answer to a charge drawne up against me with al sequestration of my living, which charge though it consisted of fewer Articles by three than before was al∣leadged, namely the 5.2. and 7. yet it is no whit lighter, but doth in some words so much differ from the Articles, that mee thinkes my adversaries themselves should consider where they spoke truest, before the Committee, or before the Lords; they being witnesses, both to the Articles and charge; and especially one wo∣man whose zeale against me was so smart, that she blushed not to maintaine the ninth Article, farther than was alleadged therein; namely that I should say worse than (that women took•• in men) for she added these words (Your Lordships know where) O frons, o facies. Marke the charge and compare it with the Articles, and you will finde that whatsoever Clerke drew it, he hath made his building too heavie for the foundation, viz. For the Articles upon which it is built.

The sequestration and charge, Martij 16. 1642.

WHereas Benjamin Spencer, Stipendary Curate of the Church of Saint Thomas Hospitall in Southwarke in the County of Surrey hath endeavoured in his preaching to corrupt his people and Auditors, partly with the leaven of Popish doctrin

pressing upon them, [Articl. 3] 1. That the Church of Rome is a true Church, saving only in Circumstances and not in fundamentalls. [Articl. 4] 2. And bowing to the Altar, saying, that if he were vile in that, he would be more vile yet, and whether the railes were taken a∣way or not, hee would bow to the Table, and dance about it. [Articl. 9] 3. And partly by prophane doctrine that the Virgin Mary recei∣ved the Holy Ghost before she conceived Christ, but now wo∣men tooke in men first and were coupled together like Samsons Foxes. [Articl. 5] 4. And hath expressed great Malignancie against the power and proceedings of Parliament, saying in Parliament times, that now men knew not whither to goe for justice. [Articl. 6] 5. And that Reverend Orthodox Ministers, whom he tearmed Iack-Dawes, that formerly durst not shew their faces, did now appeare and shroud themselves under the Eves of the Parliament. 6. [Articl. 8] And reading in his Church the order of Parliament against bowing at the name of Iesus, in contempt thereof said openly, that for ought he knew, it might come from some Ballad-monger and that hee knew not what they meant whether Iesus the Son of Sirach or Jesus Christ, and that they that made it, were best able to expresse their owne meaning. [Articl. 10] 10. And that in his publish∣ing of the Ordinance of Parliament, for the reliefe of maimed Souldiers, informed his Auditory that it may bee these Souldiers went out with a zealous intent, but ••t was a blind zeale, or they went out of malice or envie to be revenged, or it may bee to rob and steale. Which the Lords and Commons in Parliament As∣sembled taking into consideration for the better supply of an able and godly Minister in the said Church, and for the provision of fit maintenance for those that shall officiate therein, doe Constitute and ordaine that Iohn Hardwicke, Ioseph Collier, Iohn Humphry, Daniell Sowton, Thomas Bennet, Iohn Simes, Iohn Winengton, William Jackson, or any three of them shall have power and au∣thority, and are hereby required to sequester all and singular sti∣pends and Allowances, Tythes, Rents, Fees or profits whatsoe∣ver belonging to the Cure of the said Church, or heretofore payed to the said SPENCER, and to appoint Collectors for the gathering and receiving of them as they in their discretion shall thinke fit, and shall have power to pay the same unto Iohn Biscoe a godly learned and Orthodoxe Divine who is hereby appointed and required to preach every Lords Day and to officiate as Curate and to take care for the discharge of the cure of the said place in all the duties thereof untill further order shall be taken by both Houses of Parliament. And if any shall refuse to pay unto the said sequestrators, or any three of them, or to the collectors ap∣pointed

by them any of the Rents, duties, or lawfull sees acou∣stomed to be payed upon information thereof by the sequestrators or any three of them unto either House of Parliament. The said Lords and Commons do hereby declare they will proceed against such refusers according to their severall offences and contempts.

I answered to the charge that first it differed much from the Ar∣ticls that were laid against me; first in the number, for in the charg there were 3. wanting of the ten alleaged, namely the first which charged me for doing what the statute of uniformity injoyned me. The second which the witnesses being then examined seve∣rally did not agree upon. And the seventh which seemed ridi∣culously to accuse me for not praying for my L. Major. Secondly I said the charge differed in many words from the Articles, as in that it chargeth me to endeavour to corrupt people with popish Doctrine, and yet there is in all but one Article of popish doctrine in the whole charge, which might be as well mistaken, as not, by my hearers. Secondly, It chargeth me that I bowed to the Altar whereas there was never any in the Church, nor did the Table stand Altar-wise. Indeed it was railed in by Mr. Lynne one of my accusers, without command from any authority, save himselfe that I know of. Thirdly, It makes these words (that now in time of Parliament men knew not whither to goe for Iustice) a part of the Article which in the Article it selfe is made only an in∣sinuation of the accuser and therefore the witnesses could not as I suppose under favour maintaine rightly both the Articles and the charge. However they swearing, the Court enclined the rather to their testimony, for an oath must bee the end of controversie: Let the accusers look to it, the Court is free. I was committed to the fleete for a while, for contempt, where I petitioning for main∣taining of my charge, a Wife and many Children, was by the Lords granted thirtie pounds per annum to bee resumed in the hands of the Governours of Saint Thomas Hospitall from the se∣questrators, & to be payd to me or my assignes, as formerly it had, I was afterward upon petition released also from imprisonment.

But all this suffering could not quiet the spleene of mine ad∣versaries. For they would faine restraine the Governours so, that they might not pay me my allowance of thirtie pounds aforesaid, by reason whereof I and my family should be forced to live upon almes while one eates our bread, who can neither well desire it, and worse deserve it. God forgive mine enemies, open their blind eyes and soften their hard hearts, that repenting, they may escape the wrath to come, through Iesus Christ. Amen.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Ezek. ••6.2••.