Gallicantvs, seu Præcursor Gallicinii primus.: Containing two addresses, the one to the King, the other to the Parliament. Tegether [sic] with a postscript about the affaires of religion, of most high concernment. By R. Lanceter, author of Gallicinivm, now in the presse.

An humble Addresse unto the High Court of PARLIAMENT.

To the Honourable Sir Harbottle Grimstone, Speaker to the Ho∣nourable House of Commons in Parliament.

SIR,

THat it hath pleased God to bring home, and restore unto his Kingdomes and Rights our gracious King, and that in so peaceable a way of setling the Legisla∣tive power in the antient course of King, Lords, and Commons in Parliament; and that the care is undertaken therein for Religion, and the Church, as well as for Laws, and the Common-wealth, I do heartily rejoyce and blesse the Lord for it, and that I have lived to see the day: and accordingly my constant and earnest prayers are for his grace and blessing, to guid and crown all your righteous sanctions, that there may be a sweet concurrence and continuance of your joynt endeavours herein, to the settle∣ment of all things in a blessed way. And thenceforth his Majesty to reigne over us most happily, unto the utmost date of the life of man.

I do, withall, acknowledge and professe, that I am conscientiously perswaded, that the power of Parliaments, as thus in compleat concurrence of the three Estates, is ab∣solute, and illimitable, as to all things in order to the best provision for the good of the people, the government of the State, and whatsoever is within the circle of mans wisedome and power. But as to Religion, it not being of man but of God, the wise∣dome and will of the highest powers on earth, must of necessity be regulated, and de∣termined by the declared will and wisedome of God.

I do further acknowledge an abundant rejoycing in my heart, in that I am so war∣rantably apprehensive that your hearts are towards Religion, and the settlement thereof in the first place; it being not onely right and due, as being of the highest concernment, but also as in true Christian prudence to precede, in regard that thence indeed have you the true light into all other provision of Laws. But (withall) I pro∣fesse, that what at present I see and find, and what for future is the expectation of the generall part (which ever incline to the worst, even the will and liking of the flesh) about the Religion, worship, and discipline, in all likelihood to be established and imposed on all by the present authority, even the same which was before these late Wars, and which most mainely occasioned them, I must, I say, and may professe and declare, by warrant of his Majesties gracious Declaration for liberty to tender con∣sciences,

that all will be no other but plaine and grosse Antichristianisme, not to be en∣dured by any that setteth his heart unto the truth of Christ. In regard whereof I hold it better to declare my selfe aforehand, to divert (if it may be) such Antichri∣stian intrusions, then to oppose the way of authority when their sanctions come a∣broad, by being put upon that which the Apostles were forced to say, Acts 4.19. Whether it be right in the sight of God, to hearken unto you more then unto God, judge yee.

We find it most true which Christ foretold, that that Generation should not passe till all things were fulfilled, Mat. 24.34. For as in those times the Scribes, Pharisees, and other the Jewish Grandees, exalted their owne wisedome above the wisedom of God, to correct, moderate, and change, the Laws and Ordinances of God, as they thought best; yea, to reject the Commandements of God, to establish their owne tradit ons: Just such is the generation of men to this present day; what arrogant affronts & despite have they done to that wisedome of God, yea his highest wisedome in Christ? yea most proud∣ly and disdainfully to the height of all impudence they say, That the Church was but in its infancy, as it was stated by Christ and his Apostles; but that the better wits and wisedome of men have brought it now to a more perfect and compleat condition. And all meerly by scornefully casting by the way of Christ to establish their owne in∣ventions. So that I may considently say, that there is no one thing in all Religion, Ordinances, Worship, and Discipline, remaine intire, and o•• true Christian use and efficacy, as Christ hath commended and committed them unto us. A dreadfull case! And yet to see the horrible blindnesse of men, and hardnesse of heart, that when they see and confesse that all is wrong and out of course, yet they cannot have an heart and thought to look back to the rule of Christ, to redintegrate all things by that infalli∣ble rule, but wholly to look to the wayes of mans wisedome, what was in these latter dayes, what wise men have thought suiting best to the State, and to the humours, likings, and acceptance of people; what is gallant and specious in and unto the eyes anb eares of men, wholly indulging the will of the flesh being no other but the turn∣ing ••he grace of our Lord into wantonnesse, and utterly denying the Lord Jesus Christ. This is all the Religion among us, and all that can be hoped for, so long as men will act in their own wisedomes; quite without Christ, meerly Antichristian, and delusive to utter damnation.

The cause then of this dreadfull estate of the Church (so called) and of Religin amongst us being meerly from hence, because that charge of Christ (and the like) hath been cast by, namely. To call none Father or Master upon earth but God and Christ, but men have done quite the contrary: Therefore it ever there be an heart to settle Religion aright, of necessity it is to set by all our other Masters, and turne wholly to the teaching and rule of Christ, the alone heavenly wisedome of God. And as himself usually said on such occasions, Quid fuit ab initio? so must it now be. If we looke to what was done by our Fathers, or in their dayes it may be well applyed unto us what is, Job 8.9. We are but of yesterday, and know nothing: Sure we are, that in order to the Jewish traditions, and innovations about the Law, Christ fell directly upon this alone remedy, Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up; He sayes not, they must be well considered of, and see what is sit, and good, and cast by the rest, but he is for plucking up all, root and branch. So say I, As the Father plant∣ed the Law, so Christ the Gospell; therefore every plant that he hath not planted, never consider what wise men thought of it, how it sits the state, how it stands with prudence &c. but without the least question or dispute, Pluck it up, it is of Hell, Antichrist, &c. Is there nothing worth regarding, thinke we, in these and such like passages of Christ, and of his blessed spirit, That God hath hid the things of Heaven from the wise

and prudent: That whatsoever is highly esteemed of men is abomination in the sight of God: That the wisedome of the World is foolishnesse with God: That God knoweth the thoughts of men that they are but vaine: And that all the imaginations of mans heart are wholly evils, and that continually; and abundance the like. And yet shall we, professing Christ, ac∣count all these as nothing? not considering how he saith, Heaven and Earth should passe away, but not one word of his should faile And yet (I say) shall we turn from all the wisdom of Christ, into the accursed wisedome of men, and into all of mans liking and esteem? how abominable and dreadfull is this? Is it not that ••eigne and delusion of Antichrist unto damnation whereunto the latter ages were to be adjudged and accur∣sed? and which we all confesse, that for many hundred of years the Christian World lay inthralled? And most sure it is, that even as damnably as ever, therein it abideth still. Were I to speak to Heathens and Insidels, these passage, were in vaine; but see∣ing it is to Christians that I speak, for Gods sake let our Lord Christ be the common Master to us all.

The drift of all this my humble addresse is. That seeing the Lord hath so happily called you together, and begun a good worke by you of highest hopes and expectati∣on; and accordingly have set your hearts to a blessed settlement of all things, both in Church and Common-wealth; that you would be pleased to turne your hearts in∣to the right way for the attainment unto your right intended ends: for else they can never be accomplished. Looke not (therefore) what was of yesterday, what was in our Fathers times, what stand with Policies of State, with the liking and acceptation of men, &c. set by all, and looke wholy to the Lord Jesus Christ, the author, and finisher of our Faith. Remember (I pray You) that Christ layd the foundation of all Christianity in selfe denyall; even of all our wills, wisdomes, likeings, endearements, and all that man doth, or can give his heart unto. Without which, as nothing of truth can possi∣ble appear, so, be assured, that in so doing all truth is before you, even that holy uncti∣on whereby we know all things. Which the Lord is about to tender unto you, if so de∣nying selfe, you make way for that Grace of God.

In a word, be it considered that if in the very Apostles times, men had so carnali∣zed the truth of Christ, and apostatized from it, as the Apostle was sayne to plucke them off wholly from all their religion then in esteeme, and to contend earnestly for the Faith which was once delivered unto the Saints; Jude. 3.4 Much rather may I now presse the same, when far••e more into Wantonnesse, and Carnalisme the whole frame of Religion is carryed. Even to spare it in nothing to please men with, but to Pluck up every plant whatsoever, that God and the Lord Jesus Christ hath not planted; and so to contend earnestly for that Faith alone which was once delivered to the Saints, from the mouth of Christ and his holy Apostles: Damning all the rest to the pitt whence it came; and the rather, by how much the more the carnall mind is besotted, and made drunke with that Whoorish cup.

And thus I humbly take leave in the words of David on the like occasion, 1 Chron. 22.16. Arise, and be doing, and the Lord be with you.

The Postscript.

THat which our Blessed Saviour expresseth, Mat. 5.15. Noman having lighted a candle putteth it under a vessel, but on a candlestick, that all may see it, &c. intimating, that when God inlighteneth any it must not be concealed, but set forth to open view, for a light unto others: This the Apostles found, and expressed the power of Act. 4.20. We cannot but speak the things which we have heard, and seene. This charge I sind impo∣sed, and pressed strongly on my heart, and Conscience, as to the power of that light

which the Lord hath been pleased to vouchsafe me. Therefore having in the first place made my addresse unto the Kings most Excellent Majestie, then unto his high Court of Parliament in some generall things, which will inferre abundance more of speciall discoveries, I cannot forbeare the holding forth of the same light unto all others, as previous to the discovery of farre more. The things therein already declared are of the highest nature, and greatest concernment that may be; which all persons, especially that professe and hope in Christ, must nearly lay to heart. The two former of which are in the addresse unto his Majestie, namely. 1. How we are no Church of Christ, &c. But meerely of Antichrist. 2. How it is not possible that we can be set right in and by the way wherein it is sought, and endeavoured. Then. 3. In the ad∣dresse unto the Parliament is shewed the reason of both, namely, for that men have tur∣ned, and still do turne out from the wisdome of God into their own: Then follows a 4th. of speciall moment, expressed in both addresses. Which is, That there is a true, cleare, and perfect way layd forth by Christ, and his Apostles, and practized then of all, which wholly turning unto is the onely blessed way; but otherwise, all is under the curse and wrath of God.

To bear witness unto these truths, and many more to follow, am I now come up unto the head Citie of my Nation, in a fit and due season, the Lord grant it may be found a good and acceptable time. In which enterprise (and that not without the Lord) I may justly use the Apostles words, Act. 20.22, 23, 24. And now behold I go bound in the Spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there; Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every Citie, saying, that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, netheir count I my life dear unto my selfe, so that I might finish my Course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testifie the Gospell of the grace of God. The same measure I expect, and blessed be my Lord and Saviour who hath vouchsafed me for a long time to drinke of his own cup. It is not posible but that his word shall abide in force, till this World be no more it self. And hath he not sayd, Yee shall be hated of all men for my names sake: In this World yee shall have tribulation. New wine cannot be endured in old bottles; and ma∣ny the like. Much there is in that, Luke: 5.39. No man having drunk old Wine straight-way desireth new: for he saith, The old is better. Surely if then it was so, much more it will now be found so, when men have so long, and so deepely drunke of the cup of Babilons fornication, as they are even dead-drunke with it.

As I sayd, so I say againe, To beare witness unto the truths of Christ am I here come up, and offer my selfe to all for the desence of. The least call shall bring me forth to give appearance unto all, or any. Onely this one thing must be premonished. All that I can possibly deale with must be Self-denyers. Namely. 1. As to the World, if they chose their portion on this side Jordan, and be of the mind of that Chancellor of Paris, who boasted that he would not change his place in Paris for his place in Pa∣radise; such are dease addars, stoping their ears, and hardning their hearts against all heavenly working. 2. As to the Flesh, if their God be their Belly, and their lusts possesse their hearts, the belly hath no ears, tis no dealing with them. 3. As to the Devill, if they swell in pride; and abide in the gall of bitternesse, they must needs be so fast bound in the bands of iniquity, as they can never attaine to judge and dis∣cerne the truth. But if they will learne of Christ to be meek and lowly in heart, and give themselves out of the will and wisedome of the flesh, into the will and wisdome of Goal, they shall easily learn of the word and doctrine which I professe, that it is not mine, but of God, even of our Lord Jesus Christ.

FINIS.