The dovvnfall of the pretended divine authoritie of the hierarchy into the Sea of Rome. From some arguments, and motives, to the finall extirpation of that unlawfull government of the prelacy: as having no foundation in the Scriptures, but onely in that filthy dung-hill of the canon law of the Popes authoritie, and therefore antichristian. And so they are wrongfully blamed for abuse of their offices, the very nature and right use whereof is to overthrow churches and kingdoms, laws of God & man, to propagate the kingdom of Antichrist: the office is so bad as cannot be used otherwise. Also their dangerous practises discovered: and the great objection of martyr-prelates answered. by V.N.V.

A short appendix touching Discipline.

Since in this great and honourable High Court of Parliament, every subject is so concerned as bound to submit to what shall be therein established, therefore as a member and well-wisher of the well-fare of the whole body, I crave leave for a word or two concerning disci∣pline. Since tis now in every mans mouth, what forme of discipline we shall have, when the Prelaticall, as none of Christs, shall be justly abolished. Which seems to me to upbraid the ignorance and unthankfulnesse of this age, (the fruits of Episcopacy) as if men in the Sun-shine should complaine of darknesse: or as if the Spirit of Christ which descended upon the Apostles, teaching all things, and leading them into all truth, should have left them wandring at randome without direction in governing the house of God; or yet left it arbitrary to mens seve∣rall minds, humours, and frames. The Scriptures are full and plentifully furnished with instructions for the whole frame and fashions of the house of GOD, which all brought together and set up, would be a beautifull stru∣cture; it is the tabernacle of God with men, Apoc. 21. ••. walking in the midst of them, Apoc. 2. 1. Luk. 20. ••2. It were a piece of heavens happinesse to see it advanced in the same form Christ hath appointed and his Apostles practised and instituted in all the Churches, to be perpe∣tuall to the worlds end. All I have to say in one word, tis that I would consent to; keepe close to that patterne, and beware of the severall frames of mens braines, to go∣verne the Church by humane policy, after the manner of earthly Kingdomes and States, which was the first thing brought in the plague of Episcopacy, and will still leave a back-dore to papall tyranny in the Church of God: from which we can never be secured untill Christs own government be established, tis his own Scepter must rule and no inventions of men or Angels, if possibly they could be consulted with.

Notes

• 2 Cor. 6. 16.