A sermon upon part of the prophecy of Obadiah touching the destruction, as of…A sermon vpon part of the prophesie of Obadiah touching the destruction, as of…
A sermon upon part of the prophecy of Obadiah touching the destruction, as of Idumæans, so of Papists; and means whereby it must be wrought: preached at Saint Mary's in Oxford by John Rainoldes, on the 28. of October last. 1584.A sermon vpon part of the prophesie of Obadiah touching the destruction, as of Idumæans, so of Papists; and meanes whereby it must be wrought: preached at Saint Maries in Oxford by Iohn Rainoldes, on the 28. of October last. 1584.
John Rainolds 1549–1607London? : Thomas Dawson, Printed. 1584
[2], 5-34 p. · 6.3k words · STC 20623 · ESTC S106047
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
O consider this, ye that forget God least he tear you in pieces, and there be none that can deliver you. The warrior that spoileth the Idumaeans, shall honour him: and he, that watcheth over the Israelites to save them shall see the salvation of God. And thus much to them, who through want of will, search not the secrete things of Esau.
O consider this, yee that forget God least he teare you in peeces, and there be none that can deliuer you. The warriour that spoi leth the Idumaeans, shall honour him: and he, that watcheth ouer the Israelites to saue thē shall see the saluation of God. And thus much to them, who through want of wil, search not the secrete thinges of Esau.
As for the defect which this exploit suffereth through want of ability, because such as should do it, are either not trained or not maintained to it in sufficient sort: that is so much hurtfuller to us then the former, by ⟨p. 22⟩how much the contagion of it spreadeth further. For soldiers ought to learn and practise feats of war (as x 1expert men have noted) before they deal in martial affairs with their enemies: and as y 2they should employ themselves to no business, but to their service only, so should they be allowed victuals, & other necessaries, that they need not to do it. Whereupon the Lord appointing Priests and Levites to serve him in this a 3warfare (as Moses termeth it) & ministry, allotted them b offerings, first fruits, and tithes of all the land to live by, with c 4Cities to dwell in, and grounds annexed thereunto. And, beside the convenience of their abode together in Jerusalem and other Cities that they might the better be trained from their infancy to skill of the priestly and Levitical duties, to teach the law of
Colleges and companies of Prophets, wherein the younger learned under the elder (as children under fathers) to be men of God, to praise his name, and teach his will. These orders, received by the Church of Israel, should be followed by ours: though not in all particulars, yet in the general equity.
as they who served about the holy things, did eat of the temple; they, who waited at the Altar, were partakers with the Altar: so the Lord ordained too, that they who preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel. And Timothy, who was chosen to serve in this
doctrine & behaviour framed him unto it. In which consideration our Ancestors provided houses, Glebeland, Tithes, & other profits, for the commodious dwelling and maintenance of Pastors: and endowed Bishoprics, Cathedral and Collegiate Churches (as we call them) with lands and revenues,
that learned godly Teachers being placed there, might instruct others by their doctrine and behaviour, as S. Paul did Timothy. For the fuller perfecting & finishing of whom to all the Lords work, they founded Universities and Colleges therein also.
As for the defect which this exploite suffereth through want of habilitie, because such as should doo it, are eyther not trayned or not maintained to it in sufficient sort: that is so much hurtfuller to vs then the former, by ⟨p. 22⟩how much the contagion of it spreadeth farder. For souldiours ought to learne and practise feates of warre (as x 1expert men haue noted) before they deale in martiall affayeres with their enemies: and as y 2they should employ themselues to no businesse, but to their seruice onely, so shoulde they be allowed victuals, & other necessaries, that they need not to doe it. Wherupon the Lord appointing Priestes and Leuites to serue him in this a 3warfare (as Moses termeth it) & ministery, alotted thē b offerings, first frutes, and tithes of all the land to liue by, with c 4Cities to dwell in, and groundes annexed therunto. And, beside the cōuentence of their abode together in Ierusalem and other Cities that they might the better betrained from their infancie to skill of the priestly and Leuitical duties, to teach ye law of 5God, and offer incense, and Sacrifice: there were also e 6Colleges and companies of Prophetes, wherein the younger learned vnder the elder (as children vnder fathers) to be mē of God, to prayse his name, and teach his wil. These orders, receiued by the Church of Israel, should bee followed by ours: though not in all particulars, yet in the general equitie. ⟨p. 23⟩For fas they who serued about the holy thinges, did eate of the temple; they, who wayted at the Altar, were partakers wyth the Altar: so the Lord ordeined too, that they who preach the Gospel should liue of the Gospel. And Timothee, who was chosen to serue in this gwarfare, as a hsouldiour of Christ, did not onely iknowe the Scriptures frō his infancie: but also was kbrought vp to the ministerie by S. Paul, whose ldoctrine & behauiour framed him vnto it. In which consideration our Auncetours prouided houses, Glebeland, Tithes, & other profites, for the commodious dwelling and maintenance of Pastours: and endowed Byshoprickes, Cathedral and Collegiat Churches (as we call them) with landes and reuenewes, *that learned godly Teachers being placed there, myght instruct others by their doctrine and behauiour, as S. Paul did Timothe. For the fuller perfecting & finishing of whom to all the Lordes worke, they founded Uniuersities and Colleges therein also.
*As appea• reth by the grounds thereof in […] Cyprian, Eusebius, Grogor• the Councel• of Toledo, with othe• Councels▪ Fathers, and Stories Ecclesiastical: an M. Burr showeth in his book, entituled, De reformatione Collegii C• […].As appea• reth by the groundes thereof in 〈…〉 Cyprian, Eusebius, Grogor• the Councel• of Toledo, with othe• Councels▪ Fathers, and Stories Ecclesiasticall: an M. Bu•r sheweth in his booke, entituled, De reformatione Collegii C•〈…〉.
But I would to God these nurseries of Pastors & Teachers of the Church, were husbanded in such sort to the Lords advantage, ⟨p. 24⟩that we need not fear his sentence of that vineyard, 1m that he will let it out to other husbandmen. Then should not so many raw untrained soldiers receive the Lords pay, who do him small service in the day of battle. And yet there were less cause to complain hereof, if they, who be trained, were procured to serve him. But the imprest money & wages due to them, the livings (I mean) appointed for their maintenance, are so impaired & minished: that, being not able therewith to find themselves in soldierlike state, they refuse the calling; or if they undertake it, they are distracted from it, with cares how to supply their need. Whereby it cometh to pass that, 2n yt Levites flying each into his land for lack of their portions, the house of God is forsaken. And to fill their rooms, others are taken, who will be hired for least: not according to the Proverb, Best is best cheap; but to the common practise, Best cheap is best. Who though not to serve the calves of Dan and Bethel, yet are made Priests, as those by Jeroboam o 3of pieces of the people, not of the sons of Levi. Who, if they had the grace, p 4should say, I am no Prophet, I am a husbandman: and return to that trade which their friends have taught them. ⟨p. 25⟩Who are not endued with necessary gifts for the prophets duty: and therefore, howsoever men have called them to it, God hath not called them. For, whom God calleth unto any function, them endueth he with gifts to perform it: as qBezaleel, to make his tabernacle: rJeremiah, to do his message; sthe Apostles, to preach the Gospel. So the flock of Christ, is desolate of shepherds; and his camp, of soldiers: while such have the places, as cannot tstrengthen the weak, heal the sick, bind up the broken; nor destroy his enemies with the utwo edged sword, & defend his subjects. A great cause here-of are Patrons of benefices. For whereas the interest of choosing the Pastor belonging of old time to the Congregation, is now conveyed to them, because their predecessors did benefit the Church some way, and therefore were put in trust as Patrons of it: they, a number of them, do deal with the matter as Polymestor did with Polydore, that is, as evil guardians do with their wards, and turn their patronage into pillage.
But I would to God these nurseries of Pastours & Teachers of the Church, were husbanded in such sort to the Lordes aduauntage, ⟨p. 24⟩that we need not feare his sentence of yt vineyard, 1m that he wil let it out to other husbandmen. Then should not so many raw vntrained souldiours receiue the Lords pay, who doo him small seruice in the day of battaile. And yet there were lesse cause to complaine hereof, if they, who bee trayned, were procured to serue him. But the imprest money & wages due to thē, the liuings (I mean) appointed for their maintenāce, are so impaired & minished: that, being not able therwith to finde themselues in souldiourlike state, they refuse the calling; or if they vndertake it, they are distracted from it, with cares how to supply their need. Wherby it cōmeth to passe that, 2n yt Leuites flying ech into his land for lack of their portions, the house of God is forsaken. And to fill their roomes, others are takē, who wil be hired for least: not according to the Prouerbe, Best is best cheape; but to the cōmon practise, Best cheape is best. Who though not to serue the calues of Dan and Bethel, yet are made Priestes, as those by Ieroboam o 3of peeces of the people, not of the sonnes of Leui. Who, if they had the grace, p 4should say, I am no Prophet, I am a husbandman: and returne to that trade which their friendes haue taught them. ⟨p. 25⟩Who are not endued with necessary gifts for the prophets duty: and therefore, howsoeuer men haue called them to it, God hath not called them. For, whom God calleth vnto anie function, them endueth he with giftes to performe it: as qBezaleel, to make his taberbernacle: rIeremie, to doo his message; sthe Apostles, to preach the Gospel. So the flock of Christ, is desolate of shepheards; and his campe, of souldiours: while such haue the places, as cannot t
The lust of their hearts hath defiled their hands with the sacrilege of Acan: to xtake gold & silver, and Babylonish garments, of the spoils of Jericho yconsecrated to God. Or, if not with ⟨p. 26⟩so foul sacrilege as his was, because their Predecessors gave some of it perhaps: yet with zthe sacrilege of Ananias & Sapphira; yea, though themselves had given it. If they think to cover their profane dealing with aAcans conveyance by hiding the pray, or to bwash their hands with Pilates pretence, that they are guiltless of it, they gave y• advowsons freely to friends or servants: they deceive themselves. For cGod is not mocked. And he will find them out in a day, when they look not for him, and in an hour that they are not ware of, d& bring them to shame with more dreadful punishment, then either he did Acan, or eAnanias, & Sapphira. Wherefore I heartily beseech the young Gentlemen that be here present, & all that are or shall be Patrons hereafter, in a religious reverence and fear of the Lord, to keep themselves pure from this abomination. At least, to remember the miserable end of Richard the usurper: who being made Protector of the King and Realm, got the realm himself, & robbed the King of it. That, if they deem their patronage to be merely civil, & the goods of benefices to be as common mens, not sacred to the Lord: yet being made Protectors thereof, & of y• Pastors, they follow not his fault whose end they detest. ⟨p. 27⟩Though, the very truth is, (which I wish they weigh too,) that the Churches goods, allotted to the maintenance of Pastors & teachers, are not profane but sacred: and therefore the sin of them who purloin them is sacrilege, not theft: wherein God is spoiled, as himself pronounceth, fWill a man spoil God▪ that ye do spoil me? And ye say, wherein do we spoil thee? in tithes & offerings. Howbeit, if church-livings were impoverished by none but by Patrons: the case were not so evil, because it is against the law. But they are distressed also (beside other pensions & encumbrances) by Appropriations, as the lawyers term them; or, as they are named commonly, impropriations. Whereof the condition is the more grievous, for that in many parishes there is not a Vicar well & sufficiently endowed to do divine service, & instruct the people, and keep hospitality: which yet gthe law commā death, if it were obeyed.
The lust of their hartes hath defiled their handes with the sacriledge of Acan: to xtake gold & siluer, and Babylonish garments, of the spoiles of Iericho yconsecrated to God. Or, if not with ⟨p. 26⟩so foule sacrilege as his was, because their Predecessours gaue some of it perhaps: yet wt zthe sacrilege of Ananias & Sapphira; yea, though themselues had giuē it. If they thinke to couer their profane dealing with aAcans conueyance by hyding the pray, or to bwash their handes with Pilates pretense, that they are giltlesse of it, they gaue y• aduowsōs freely to friends or seruants: they deceiue thēselues. For cGod is not mocked. And he wil finde thē out in a day, when they looke not for him, and in an houre that they are not ware of, d& bring them to shame with more dreadfull punishmēt, then either he did Acan, or eAnanias, & Sapphira. Wherfore I hartely beseech the young Gentlemen that be here present, & all that are or shalbe Patrones hereafter, in a religious reuerence and feare of the Lord, to keepe themselues pure frō this abomination. At least, to remember the miserable ende of Richard the vsurper: who beeing made Protector of the King and Realme, got the realme himself, & robbed the King of it. That, if they deeme their patronage to be meerely ciuil, & the goods of benefices to be as common mens, not sacred to the Lord: yet being made Protectors therof, & of y• Pastors, they follow not his fault whose ende they detest. ⟨p. 27⟩Though, the very truth is, (which I wish they weigh too,) that the Churches goods, allotted to the maintenance of Pastors & teachers, are not profane but sacred: and therefore the sinne of them who purloyne them is sacrilege, not theft: wherein God is spoyled, as himself pronounceth,
Josiah, hin them eighth year of his reign, began to seek the God of his father David; & in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the graven images, and the molten; and in ithe eighteenth year he sent Saphan and others, to repair the ⟨p. 28⟩house of the Lord his God. Reformations of disorders cannot be made all at once: chiefly, when the Church hath of long time been overgrown with them, as then it had under idolatry, and hath with us under Popery. King Henry the eight, a Prince of noble memory, began to set forth the holy word of God. And his son, (another Josiah, had he lived) began to purge England from Images, and Masses, and Massing-altars, and superstitions. I doubt not but our gracious Queen and sovereign Lady desireth in the steppes of her father and brother, to add this unto them, that workmen be maintained for repairing of the Church. But it lieth not in her Highness alone to bring it to effect▪ the Lords and the Commons have a stroke in it. Wherefore, seeing now a Parliament is summoned to be held shortly: let us desire God in humbleness of spirit to incline their hearts, that, although it be with loss of some part of their own commodities, yet they will follow3 k the zeal of the Israelites for the tabernacle of assembly. And as the religious professors of the truth have showed that Church livings appropriated to others, should in con science find the Pastors of the Church: so God grant that they who have the authority ⟨p. 29⟩may see it with a single eye, and bring it to pass with an upright hand. Martin Bucer (in lhis godly requests and advises presented to King Edward) treating of skilful Pastors to be ordained throughout the realm, saith; that their maintenance ought to be required of them who receive the profits of the parishes by appropriation, or any other way. Bishop mPilkinton (upon Haggai) complaining that the Pope robbed parishes to feed his monks, wisheth, that the Gospel may restore that justly: which he took wrongfully away, and gave them yet a right name of impropriations, because they be taken away improperly, & properly belong to the parishes.
Iosias, hin thē eighth yere of his raigne, began to seek the God of his father Dauid; & in the twelfth yeere he began to purge Iuda and Ierusalem from the hye places, and the groues, and the grauen images, and the molten; and in ithe eyghteenth yeere hee sent Saphan and others, to repayre the ⟨p. 28⟩house of the Lord his God. Reformations of disorders cannot be made al at once: chiefly, when the Church hath of long time beene ouergrowen with them, as then it had vnder idolatry, and hath with vs vnder Popery. King Henry the eight, a Prince of noble memorie, began to sett foorth the holy worde of God. And his sonne, (another Iosias, had he liued) began to purge England from Images, and Masses, and Massing-altars, and superstitions. I doubt not but our gratious Queene and soueraine Lady desireth in the steppes of her father and brother, to adde this vnto them, that workemen be maintained for repairing of the Church. But it lieth not in her Highnes alone to bring it to effect▪ the Lordes and the Commons haue a stroke in it. Wherefore, seeing now a Parliament is sūmoned to be helde shortly: let vs desire God in humblenes of spirit to encline their hearts, that, although it be with losse of some part of their owne commodities, yet they will folow3 k the zeale of the Israelites for the tabernacle of assembly. And as the religious professours of the truth haue shewed that Churchliuinges appropriated to others, should in cō science finde the Pastors of the Church: so God graunt that they who haue the authority ⟨p. 29⟩may see it with a single eye, and bring it to passe with an vpright hand. Martin Bucer (in lhis godly requestes and aduises presented to King Edward) treating of skilful Pastors to be ordained throughout the realme, saith; that their maintenance ought to be required of them who receiue the profits of the parishes by appropriation, or any other way. Bishop mPilkinton (vpon Aggaeus) complayning that the Pope robbed parishes to feed his moonkes, wisheth, that the Gospell may restore that iustly: which he tooke wrongfully away, and gaue them yet a right name of impropriations, because they be taken away improperly, & properly belong to the parishes.
But what should I mention Bishops and Divines (of whom there have nmany declared the same mind,) when as Master oLambard, a gentleman and Lawyer, speaking of a Kentish Benefice converted to an appropriation, doth censure it with these words: One (amongst many) of those monstrous births of covetousness, begotten by the man of Rome in the dark night of superstition, and yet suffered to live in this day light of ⟨p. 30⟩the gospel, to the great hinderance of learning, the impoverishment of the ministry, and the infamy of our profession. Hard may this seem to such as have the livings: & some peradventure will say of these speeches, pThe land cannot bear them. But it is harder to suffer the land to stand in those terms, in which God saith to Judah: qYe are cursed with a curse for that ye spoil me, even the whole nation. And if heathen men Philaeni, Codrus, Curtius, have given their lives to benefit their country with a temporal blessing, and that uncertain too: what should Christians do to draw that blessing on it, which he, who cannot lye, doth promise, rBring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven unto you, & pour you out a blessing without measure: & I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, that he shall not destroy the fruit of your ground, neither shall your vine be barren in the field, saith the Lord of hosts: & all nations shall call you blessed, for ye shall be a pleasant land, saith the Lord of hosts. Wherefore let us (beloved) of the University, get ⟨p. 31⟩our country this blessing, as much as lieth in us, by providing that Pastors, where we have appropriations, may be maintained with their tithes, that there may be meat in the house of God. I mean not hereby that we should give away that by which our schools and scholars be maintained. For God hath ordained Ecclesiastical goods to find, not only Priests and Levites, but their offspring; even them, who are brought up to be Priests and Levites, and them who bring them up; the children of the Prophets, & the Prophets themselves. That, if there be enough in our appropriations for the Pastors maintenance, beside that which we have for the nursery of Pastors, as commonly there is: we may with good conscience receive our own revenue.
But what should I mention Bishops and Diuines (of whom there haue nmany declared the same minde,) whē as Maister oLambard, a gentleman and Lawier, speaking of a Kentish Benefice conuerted to an appropriation, doth censure it with these wordes: One (amongst many) of those monstrous birthes of couetousnes, begotten by the man of Rome in the darke night of superstition, and yet suffered to liue in this day light of ⟨p. 30⟩the gospell, to the great hinderaunce of learning, the impouerishment of the ministery, and the infamy of our profession. Hard may this seeme to such as haue the lyuings: & some peraduenture wil say of these speeches, pThe land cannot beare them. But it is harder to suffer the land to stand in those termes, in which God saith to Iuda: qYe are cursed with a curse for that ye spoyle me, euē the whole natiō. And if heathen men Philaeni, Codrus, Curtius, haue giuē their liues to benefit their countrey with a temporall blessing, and that vncertaine too: what should Christians doe to draw that blessing on it, which he, who cannot lye, doth promise, rBring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meate in mine house, and p•oue me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I wil not opē the windows of heauē vnto you, & powre you out a blessing without measure: & I wil re buke the deuourer for your sakes, that he shall not destroy the fruit of your ground, neither shall your vine be barren in the field, saith the Lord of hostes: & al nations shal call you blessed, for ye shalbe a pleasant land, saith the Lord of hostes. Wherefore let vs (beloued) of the Uniuersitie, get ⟨p. 31⟩our countrey this blessing, as much as lyeth in vs, by prouiding that Pastors, where we haue appropriations, may be maintained with their tithes, that there may be meate in the house of God. I meane not hereby that wee should giue away that by which our schooles and schollers be mainteined. For God hath ordeined Ecclesiasticall goods to finde, not onely Priestes and Leuites, but their ofspring; euen them, who are brought vp to be Priests and Leuites, and them who bring thē vp; the children of the Prophets, & the Prophets themselues. That, if there bee enough in our appropriatiōs for ye Pastors maintenance, beside yt which we haue for the nurserie of Pastors, as commonly there is: we may with good conscience receiue our owne reuenue.
nM. Latimer, in his 1. & 6. Serm. preached before King Edward. M. Fox• in the Acts & mon. lib. 4. All the Bishops of England (300. years since) misliking in the monks that they had gotten benefices to be appropriated to them: as appeareth by Mat. Westm. in Florib. histor, an. Dom. 126•.M. Latimer, in his 1. & 6. Serm. preached before King Edward. M. Fox• in the Actes & mon. lib. 4. All the Bishops of England (300. yeres since) misliking in the moonks that they had gotten benefices to be appropriated to them: as appeareth by Mat. VVestm. in Florib. histor, ann. Dom. 126•.
My meaning is therefore, that, the rents reserved, we should allow the rest of the livings to Pastors: which I speak not so much for those that publicly our University hath, to be let by Convocation, whereof the greater part hath showed well already them selves to be of this mind: as for those that privately belong to our Colleges, to be let by the heads thereof and the fellows.
My meaning is therefore, that, the rents reserued, we should allowe the rest of the liuinges to Pastors: which I speake not so much for those that publikely our Uniuersitie hath, to be let by Conuocation, whereof the greater part hath shewed well already them selues to bee of this minde: as for those that priuately belong to our Colleges, to be lett by the heades thereof and the fellowes.
It is of an humane and honest affection, ⟨p. 32⟩that we sometimes would pleasure other men therewith, our friends, suing for them. But if Job said to Sophar & his partners sShould you speak wickedly for Gods defence? how much less ought we to do unrighteously for the favour of men? And may we not look for the plague that fell on Eli, if, as he did thonour his children above God, so we do our friends▪ Levi is commended by the holy Ghost for usaying of his father and of his mother, I look not on him; neither doth he acknowledge his brethren, nor know his children: but they observe the word of God, and keep his covenant All Christians are bound herein to be Levites, xregarding neither father, nor mother, son, nor daughter, in respect of God, when his word and covenant cometh into question. Wherefore, sith this is a special point thereof, that all the tithes be brought into the storehouse, that in his house there may be meat: we should observe and keep it, though with the disfavour of friends whatsoever. And as it behoveth us to do it our selves: so, to wish that others enjoy the blessing with us. In which case, the duty that we owe to yKings and all in authority, doth bind us to pray for the high court of ⟨p. 33⟩Parliament, that by their ordinance the Church may be repaired, and we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness & honesty. When zEliasibthe Priest (the high priest of the Jews) had made for his kinsman Tobias a great chamber, where they afore time did lay the meat offering, the incense and the vessels and the tithes & offerings, appointed for the Levites and Priests: as soon as Nehemiah (the Prince of the people) understood thereof, it grieved him sore. Therefore he cast out the household-vessels of Tobias out of the chamber: and brought thither again the vessels of the house of God, the meat offering, and the incense. And perceiving further, that the portions of the Levites were not given them, who therefore were fled each into his land: he reproved the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? and assembling them, he set them in their place again: and all the Jews brought the tithes into the store-house▪ to be divided to them. The Pope in the iniquity of his high usurped Priest-hood over Christians, endowed his kinsmen the monks with tithes and livings, by which aforetime the Pastors were maintained.
It is of an humane and honest affection, ⟨p. 32⟩that we sometimes would pleasure other mē therewith, our friendes, suing for them. But if Iob said to Sophar & his partners sShould you speake wickedly for Gods defence? how much lesse ought we to do vnrighteously for the fauour of men? And may we not looke for the plague that fel on Eli, if, as he did thonour his children aboue God, so we doo our friendes▪ Leui is commended by the holy Ghost for usaying of his father and of his mother, I looke not on him; neither doth he acknowledge his brethren, nor know his children: but they obserue the word of God, and keepe his couenant All Christians are bound herein to be Leuites, xregarding neither father, nor mother, sonne, nor daughter, in respect of God, when his word and couenant commeth into question. Wherefore, sith this is a speciall point thereof, that all the tithes be brought into the storehouse, that in his house there may be meate: we should obserue and keepe it, though with the disfauour of friendes whatsoeuer. And as it behoueth vs to doo it our selues: so, to wish that others enioy the blessing with vs. In which case, the duty that we owe to yKings and all in authoritie, doth binde vs to pray for the high court of ⟨p. 33⟩Parliament, yt by their ordinance the Church may be repaired, and we may leade a quiet and peaceable life in al godlines & honesty. Whē zEliasibthe Priest (the high priest of the Iewes) had made for his kinseman Tobias a great chamber, where they afore time did lay the meate offering, the incense and the vessels and the tithes & offeringes, appointed for the Leuites and Priestes: as soone as Nehemias (the Priuce of the people) vnderstoode thereof, it grieued him sore. Therefore he cast out the householde-vessels of Tobias out of the chamber: and brought thither agayne the vessels of the house of God, the meatoffering, and the incense. And perceiuing further, that the portions of the Leuites were not giuen them, who therefore were fledde eche into his land: he reproued the rulers, and saide, Why is the house of God forsaken? and assembling them, he set thē in their place agayne: and all the Iewes brought the tithes into the store-house to be diuided to them. The Pope in the iniquity of his high vsurped Priest-hood ouer Christiās, endowed his kinsmen the moonks with tithes and liuings, by which aforetime the Pastors were mainteined.
Whereof it ⟨p. 34⟩hath ensued, that many a Tobias doth hold them until this day. O that it might grieve, that it might grieve sore, our Nehemiah; the Parliament, that they might dispossess Tobias thereof, & again apply them to maintain Pastors. The Antichristian council assembled at Trent, took order for 1a restoring of the goods of benefices, and bsetting learned Priests in them, with cdisannulling of advowsons, and derecting lectures, and maintaining teachers, and eseminaries of scholars in all Cathedral Churches▪ to set Popery forward, and build up the houses of Idumaean Idols. fThe children of this world are wiser in their generation then the children of light▪ and gBaalites more zealous for their superstition, then Israelites for the truth. But thou canst▪ O Lord, & wilt (unless our sins provoke thy wrath against us) cause the light of thy countenance so to shine upon us, that the Christian Court of our English Parliament shall be as careful to build up thy house, & advance religion: that hthe vessels of thy temple, which Nebuchadnezzar took away, & iBelshazzar did drink in, be krestored by Cyrus, to whom they are befallen, that Elizabeth thy handmaid lcommand ⟨p. 35⟩the people too give the portion of the Priests and Levites, that they may be strong in the law of the Lord, as did thy servant Hezekiah, that pastors may be set again in their places, and all the Tithes be brought into the storehouse to be divided to them, that none of them want, as Nehemiah provided▪ and thou commandest by thy prophet. So shall they by whom this noble work is wrought, be mremembered in it, & the kindness, that they▪ show on the house of god & the offices thereof, shall not be wiped out. So shall nthe windows of heaven be opened to us, and a blessing poured on us without measure, a temporal and eternal blessing: for ogodliness hath promise of them both. So shall the devourer be rebuked for our sakes: & pthe Locusts (the Jesuits & Seminary-Priests) shall not destroy our fruit, neither shall our vine (our christian qvine) be barren. So shall we be called blessed by all nations: for we shall be a pleasant land: a land that shall flow with the word of God, rmore to be desired then gold, more sweet then honey. Finally, so shall Israel triumph over his enemies, and the things of Esau shall be sought out, his secrete things shall be searched:
Whereof it ⟨p. 34⟩hath ensued, that many a Tobias doth holde them vntil this day. O that it might grieue, that it might grieue sore, our Nehemias; the Parliament, that they might dispossesse Tobias therof, & againe apply them to maintaine Pastors. The Antichristian councell assembled at Trent, tooke order for 1a restoring of the goodes of benefices, and bsetting learned Priestes in them, with cdisanulling of aduowsons, and derecting lectures, and mainteining teachers, and eseminaries of scholers in all Cathedrall Churches▪ to set Popery forward, and builde vp the houses of Idumaean Idols. fThe childrē of this world are wiser in their generation then the children of light▪ and gBaalites more zealous for their superstition, then Israelites for the truth. But thou cāst▪ O Lord, & wilt (vnlesse our sinnes prouoke thy wrath against vs) cause the light of thy countenance so to shine vpon vs, that the Christian Court of our English Parliament shall be as carefull to builde vp thy house, & aduaunce religion: that hthe vessels of thy temple, which Nabuchodonosor tooke away, & iBaltasar did drinke in, be krestored by Cyrus, to whom they are befa••en, that Elizabeth thy handmaide lcommand ⟨p. 35⟩
1•. Conc. Trident. •ess. 22▪ de re•rm. cap. 11.•. Conc. Tridēt. •ess. 22▪ de re•rm. cap. 11.
that is, Christ shall reign, and Antichrist shall be confounded. Which GOD grant for his mercy sake in Jesus Christ▪ through the operation of his holy spirit▪ to whom, three persons, and one God, be all praise, and honour, and glory, and power, for ever and ever.
that is, Christ shall raigne, and Antichrist shall bee confounded. Which GOD graunt for his mercie sake in Iesu Christ▪ through the operation of his holy spirite▪ to whom, three persons, and one God, bee all prayse, and honour, and glory, and power, for euer and euer.
two edged sworde, & defend his subiectes. A great cause here-of are Patrones of benefices. For wheras the interest of choosing the Pastor belonging of old time to the Congregation, is now conueyed to them, because their predecessours did benefit the Church some way, and therefore were put in trust as Patrones of it: they, a number of them, do deale with the matter as Polymestor did with Polydore, that is, as euill gardians doo with their wardes, and turne their patronage into pillage.
Will a man spoile God▪ that ye doo spoile me? And ye say, wherin doo we spoile thee? in tithes & offerings. Howbeit, if church-liuings were impouerished by none but by Patrones: the case were not so euill, because it is against the law. But they are distressed also (beside other pensiōs & incōbrances) by Appropriatiōs, as ye lawyers term thē; or, as they are named commonly, impropriations. Whereof the condition is the more grieuous, for that in many parishes there is not a Vicar well & sufficiently indowed to doe diuine seruice, & instruct the people, and keep hospitality: which yet
the people too giue the portion of the Priestes and Leuites, that they may bee strong in the law of the Lorde, as did thy •eruant Ezekias, that pastours may be set againe in their places, and all the Tithes be brought into the storehouse to be deuided to them, that none of them want, as Nehemias prouided▪ and thou commaundest by thy prophet. So shall they by whom this noble worke is wrought, be
more to be desired then gold, more sweet then hony. Finally, so shall Israel triumph ouer his enemies, and the thinges of Esau shalbe sought out, his secrete things shall be searched:
