Primitive Christian discipline not to be slighted, or, Man, look home and know thyself

THE PREFACE.

CAsting a more serious re∣flection upon the current of our present times, in point of Christian Dis∣cipline, that Proverb, He that holdeth his peace, seems to give consent, rose up with a very sowre countenance, as most ready to ap∣peach all whom it concerned, par∣ticularly the Pastors of the Church, and they in a hard condition, when the contagion of this Iron, or ra∣ther dirty age of sensuality is so pestilent, that to mutter in a cloud passeth in a vapour; to speak in the high way to the lesse concerned, fame is most injurious, and to

make a real, plain, and necessary contest, sets all a fire; yet to be silent, may not excuse by what you will find; a memorial then of our condition fairly drawn out is thought best, as the onely pack∣horse for all loads and impetuous vapouring whatsoever, when expe∣rience teacheth, that let the first fumes passe, and they easily come to nothing, whereas kindled by ver∣bal opposition, they set all in a flame.

Did Salomon then say, Vanity of vanities,* 1.1 and all is but vanity; in that nonage of time, in respect of us? what may he be thought to say, did he now survive? Certain∣ly with the Prophet Amos,* 1.2 Gather ye together, upon the mountains of Samaria, and see the many madnesses in the midst thereof. To descant upon this may seem ve∣ry impertinent, when daily before our eyes, as if the world were mold∣ed, not only Antique in manners,

but Atheistical in Religion: for manners in point of Discipline, both back and belly, are so meta∣morphos'd, that they know nei∣ther cloathing nor feeding, what to wear or what to eat, so deeply hath the podigal flaunt seised some, and the God Bacchus others, all Christians, of whom the Apostle hath only a touch, or rather Prophe∣tically saith,* 1.3 Many walk of whom I often told you, (and now weep∣ing, I tell you) enemies of the Crosse of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and their glory in their confusion that relish worldly things. Thus the Apostle, [Eccle∣siastes, cap. 1.2. Amos 3.9. Philip. 3.18.]

That Atheisme hath a deep in∣terest here, the same Apostle in∣forms us, saying, Though they professe God with their mouth, yet by their deeds they deny him; most apparent that a God at plea∣sure,

is no God, yea, an Idol, and too true by a subtle wile of exces∣sive pride possessing man and wo∣man at their own gust to form their Religion: and so farwell Church for a portion with Heathens and Publicans, [Tit. 1.16. Matth. 18.17.]

God carried Moses* 1.4 to the top of Phasga upon Mount Nebo, to shew him the Holy Land that he promi∣sed Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but told him he should not enter in∣to it for his doubting at the waters of contradiction: So may we be∣lieve, and be well instructed in all mysteries of Faith unto Salvation, yea, elevated in a high measure of knowledge, yet if we look not upon the Discipline of it authentically proposed, no Land of Promise, no Salvation is to be expected, say my Authours, [Deut. cap. 34.1, 4. Num. 20, 12, 13.]

That some may fret and fume at this, and particularly at my pre∣sumption,

listing the nature and quality of transgressions here pointed at; first, in defence of my self, note well that of my self I say nothing to this purpose, being no other then a meer Amanuensis or Scribe to deliver what is dictated to me, and undeniably follows, and this out of Sacred Scripture, holy Fathers, and grave Authours. Will you that I modifie these with some qualification? God forbid, it were a high presumption indeed when I take not any of these to be drawn at pleasure, as Hereticks handle holy Scripture to sound ac∣cording to their clapper what they list, that Luther shall term it a Nose of wax formed to any thing, worth nothing thus handled; wherefore faithfully delivered, let them also be faithfully understood, by some pious learned Prelate or grave Pastour, the sole Pillars of support and level of all modest con∣versation assigned through this whole design.

As for Murmurers then at such Catechistical documents, I wish them better advised, even for their own credits not to bewray so foul a tincture, as St. Hierome* 1.5 noteth such, and pointed at by holy Scrip∣ture, where it expresseth such spi∣rits, saying, Let us oppresse the poor just man,* 1.6 and not spare the Widow, nor reverence the old mans gray head of so long time. But let our strength be the Law of Justice; for that which is weak, is found unprofitable to us; Let us therefore circumvent the just, because he is unprofitable to us, and contrary to our works, and reproachfully objecteth unto us the sins of the Law, and defa∣meth in us the sins of our Disci∣pline. Thus Solomon, and more at large through the whole Chapter of such animals spetting and fretting at wholsome counsel; yea, and with high contempt, when the Prophet Isai* 1.7 shall relate them further, say∣ing:

Let us eat and drink, for to morrow we shall die: and what were these but Idolatrous Jews by the testimony of Moses,* 1.8 saying, The people sate down to eat and drink, and rose to play; such then as imitate this Libertine humour in so excessive a manner, may justly be ranked with them, and to close this exorbitant sen∣suality,* 1.9 let Saint John Baptist's guerd on for his reprehending He∣rods vice, suffice this smart spirit; But what saith the Apostle,* 1.10 Am I become your enemy, telling you the truth? God forbid, rather say with King David,* 1.11 unto the Prophet Nathan, reprehending him, I have sinned against our Lord, that so you may have his testimony, that your sinne is remitted. And say with him: The just will cor∣rect and reprehend me in mercy (with sweetness out of charity) but the oil (or flattery) of sinners shall not anoint my head. Thus this

great King and many others in Holy Writ all for our example to acknowledge & correct vice, which if not better reflected upon, a sad doom will follow, [Sapient. cap. 2.10, 11, &c. Isai. 22.13. Exod. 32.6 Marc. 6.18. Gal. 4.16. and 2 Reg. 12.13. Psal, 140.6.]

But it is not much to be wondred at that man fails, when God him∣self shall say, The sense and cogi∣tation of mans heart are prone to ill from their youth,* 1.12 wherefore some are highly to be blamed, that he is not visited, some for better understanding; others for true re∣morse of conscience, when S. Cy∣prian* 1.13 shall observe the worst condi∣tion of a sinner to be obstinacy not to amend. But saith St Hierom,* 1.14 If bashfulnesse follow the fault, there is great hopes of Salvation. Reflect then upon the Psalmist,* 1.15 saying, You sons of men, how long are you of heavy (hardened) hearts? why love you vanity, &

seek lying? &c. thou hatest them that observe vanities. But what∣ever it be, I say with old Tertulli∣an,* 1.16 I presume to write unto you, not out of affection (as flattery) but (out of charity) to provide for your affection in the way of your Salvation. Thus he, [Gen. 8.21. S. Cypr. here following worth noting, S. Hierom hereafter, p. 139 Psal. 4.3. & 30.7. Tert. in like manner, p. 86.]

If any itching litigious Spirit exact the name of this Author, and particularly, because noted as de∣fective in the Appendix here fol∣lowing, understand a real dispari∣ty; in the Appendix all runs a full carrier, without any one au∣thentick Abettor or solid Second in defence of what is highly pre∣tended. Contrary: Here, divine Scripture doth not only speak plain∣ly, but is solidly so declared, and holy Fathers in full and plain lan∣guage acknowledged, that vulgar

Reason may not oppose: Let these then supply the name of the Au∣thour, when the ponderous force and irresistable stroke descends so divinely and authentically, with∣out which no Authour is of any value.

Another hot humour breaks out against the Dialect, Language, or Phrase inforcing that Adage or vulgar saying, Hic labor hoc opus, an Herculean task to please all; for what more fantastical then to be inthralled to fancy? an air, here to day, to morrow not to be found, a volatilous flying fume in the superiour Region; such we find Language, Phrase, and Or∣thography, not satisfied with a right or sufficient expressive un∣derstanding, but the Pallat, deceit∣ful gust must be observed, and now in that deep measure, that a Dicti∣onary is required at our girdle to unfold our meaning, when the elo∣quence of famous Chancer, who

died anno 1400,* 1.17 and witty ex∣pressions of the glorious Sir Tho∣mas Moore, martyred anno 1535. are too fulsom, too rustick, not to be digested; and why? times are not for it, the fashion runnes ano∣ther stream, there is a new inlet; it's true, and an ill stream to sink and drown substance, if not floated in a Torrent fantastick, which a more serious reflection may not de∣ny; the best sauce then here, and in∣deed ever for all true Christians, is simply to desire good and wholsome food, solid and real instructions for every mans capacity and qua∣lity, which if Phrase or Orthogra∣phy cannot brook it, it is to be feared the appetite is not right, yea false, preferring a sensual Swiltub or garnish'd Acorn before precious Pearls or rich Diamonds; neither may a shuffle of Polishing, bear it out, when a sufficient clear under∣standing is not denied, but for an excogitated Phrase and circumci∣sed

Orthography commend them (as neer allied) to the Moon, no day found the same: Let it suf∣fice then, that not onely the intent here is easily conceived, but the expression of it sufficiently savoury and obvious upon solid grounds, that nothing can occure defective to a good issue where a real prompt will intervenes, which though in some stupid, yet I doubt not in ma∣ny more rational, as mindful of their morgaged inheritance so ea∣sily redeemed by a sweet yoke.

But not farther to molest or de∣tein you, when my hopes promise sufficient, I surcease with the Apo∣stle,* 1.18 saying: I planted, Apollo wa∣tered, but he that giveth the in∣crease is God: therefore neither he that planteth is any thing, nor he that watereth, but he that gi∣veth the increase, God. Again, saith he, Be followers of me, Bre∣thren, and observe them that walk as you have our form, mo∣destly

and decently, as becomes ci∣vil Christians, according to your qualities approved by your Prelates and grave Pastours; Yea, let your modesty (saith he) be known to all men. And, The peace of God, which passeth all understan∣ding, keep your hearts and intel∣ligences in Christ Jesus, Amen. [1 Cor. 3.7. Philip. 4.5, 7.]

Notes

• * 1.1

  on.
• * 1.2

  Amos
• * 1.3

  S. Paul
• * 1.4

  Moses
• * 1.5

  S. Hierome
• * 1.6

  Salomon
• * 1.7

  Isai.
• * 1.8

  Moses
• * 1.9

  S. John Baptist.
• * 1.10

  St. Paul
• * 1.11

  K. David.
• * 1.12

  Genesis
• * 1.13

  S. Cyprian.
• * 1.14

  S. Hierome.
• * 1.15

  Psalmist
• * 1.16

  Tertullian
• * 1.17

  Chancer, an. 1400 Sr. Thomas Moor, anno 1535.
• * 1.18

  S. Paul.