A survey of the spiritual antichrist opening the secrets of familism and antinomianism in…A survey of the spirituall antichrist opening the secrets of familisme and antinomianisme in…
A survey of the spiritual antichrist opening the secrets of familism and antinomianism in the antichristian doctrine of John Saltmarsh and Will. Del, the present preachers of the army now in England, and of Robert Town, by Samuel Rutherfurd ...A survey of the spirituall antichrist opening the secrets of familisme and antinomianisme in the antichristian doctrine of John Saltmarsh and Will. Del, the present preachers of the army now in England, and of Robert Town, by Samuel Rutherfurd ...
Samuel Rutherford 1600?–1661London: printed by J.D. & R.I. for Andrew Crooke, 1648
[48], 354 [i.e. 344], 239 p. · 248k words · Wing R2394 · ESTC R22462
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.
2 The powers of the body or outward man by the soul-redoundance of actings, stand or lye dead to sin, Rom. 8.9. But yea are not in the flesh, but in the spirit, if so be that the spirit of God dwell in you. i:d: And if Christ be in you the body is dead, because of sin, or for sin, but the Spirit is life because of Righteousness: The body is a part of the flesh, and in so far as it is renewed with the soul, there is not that fire and fervour in bodily actings of sin as in a man void of the spirit, because though flesh and body both act too strongly in sin, yet are these powers blunted and the senses do not so welcome lusts as once they did, but the spirit is life or lively, as touching righteousness both to be acted and laid hold on by faith, so the renewed man is in a manner grieved that he must satisfy his natural life, yea so that he could rejoice, if he were deprived of his senses, ⟨p. 342⟩or at least, were freed from extreme quickness of fervour in his senses apprehending their delighting objects: hence cometh in the mortified, a sort of holy challenging of his liberty, as a servant made free can tell his old Master, he now owes him no service, so the spiritual man saith, Rom. 8.12. Therefore brethren, we are debtors not to the flesh, to live after the flesh, we hold now of a new Lord, and are vassals to the Spirit of Jesus.
2 The powers of the body or outward man by the soule-redoundance of actings, stand or lye dead to sin, Rom. 8.9. But yea are not in the flesh, but in the spirit, if so be that the sp•irit of God dwell in you. i:d: And if Christ be in you the body is dead, because of sin, or for sin, but the Spirit is life because of Righteousnesse: The body is a part of the flesh, and in so farre as it is renewed with the soule, there is not that fire and fervour in bodily actings of sinne as in a man void of the spirit, because though flesh and body both act too strongly in sin, yet are these powers blunted and the senses doe not so welcome lusts as once they did, but the spirit is life or lively, as touching righteousnesse both to be acted and laid hold on by faith, so the renewed man is in a manner greived that he must satisfie his naturall life, yea so that he could rejoyce, if he were deprived of his senses,
or at least, were freed from extreame quicknesse of fervor in his senses apprehending their delighting objects: hence cometh in the mortified, a sort of holy challenging of his liberty, as a servant made free can tell his old Master, he now owes him no service, so the spirituall man saith, Rom. 8.12. Therefore brethren, we are debters not to the flesh, to live after the flesh, we hold now of a new Lord, and are vassals to the Spirit of Jesus.
3 If the soul be much spiritualized, and have much of Christs life in it, the man is much satisfied with the active mortifying defrauding of his lusts and fleshly pleasures, and there is much will, and so much life of God, in subduing the body, in Covenanting with the eyes, in bearing down, and subduing the flesh 1 Cor. 9.27. But I keep under my body, but how? As those that run a race for a Crown, there is much will in such a running & sweating for the garland, and much consent and eagerness of mind, that the flesh, body, muscles, and loco-motive power pay for it, so do spiritual runners for the incorruptible Garland, this argues deadness to that flesh which loves to sleep & lye rather then to sweat for a •ools birds-nest that it sees not, and in so doing, he deadly suspects his own will of self-seeking, which is a singular note of deadness, for he trembles for fear that self came in with the spirit and cry half mine 1. Cor. 9.25. every one that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things Temperance of the mind is much afraid of vain-gloriation.
3 If the soul be much spiritualized, and have much of Christs life in it, the man is much satisfied with the active mortifying defrauding of his lusts and fleshly pleasures, and there is much will, and so much life of God, in subduing the body, in Covenanting with the eyes, in bearing downe, and subduing the flesh 1 Cor. 9.27. But I keepe under my body, but how? As those that runne a race for a Crowne, there is much will in such a running & sweating for the garland, and much consent and eagernesse of mind, that the flesh, body, musecls, and loco-motive power pay for it, so doe spirituall runners for the incorruptible Garland, this argues deadnesse to that flesh which loves to sleep & lye rather then to sweat for a •ools birds-nest that it sees not, and in so doing, he deadly suspects his owne will of selfe-seeking, which is a singular note of deadnesse, for he trembles for feare that selfe came in with the spirit and cry halfe mine 1. Cor. 9.25. every one that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things Temperance of the mind is much affraid of vaine-gloriation.
4 There is much will also in joining consent with suffering Gods will: so rejoicing in suffering, argues that Paul desired much that the power of Christ might rest on him, 2 Cor. 12.10. therefore I take pleasure (here is much deadness of will to satisfy flesh and self▪ and much life of will to join actively with God in suffering) in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christs sake: but he suspects himself in this deadness, ver. 11. I am become a fool in glorying, he checks himself, that he may suffer for Christs sake, not for his own sake, and the more dead the wil• is, the more mortification and the more mortification, the mo•• o• the spirit, and the less of the flesh is in the man, Rom. 8.7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.
4 There is much will also in joyning consent with suffering Gods wil: so rejoycing in suffering, argues that Paul desired much that the power of Christ might rest on him, 2 Cor. 12.10. therefore I take pleasure (here is much deadness• of will to satisfie flesh and selfe▪ and much life of will to joyne actively with God in suffering) in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christs sake: but he suspectes himselfe in this deadnesse, ver. 11. I am become a foole in glorying, he checkes himselfe, that he may suffer for Christs sake, not for his owne sake, and the more dead the wil• is, the more mortification and the more mortification, the mo•• o• the spirit, and the lesse of the flesh is in the man, Rom. 8.7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.
Reader, thou hast here, though I intended it should have been printed with the rise of Henry Nicholas (but it came later to my hand) a Petition or Protestation of the Familists which was printed and spread in England, an. 1604. and is said to have been presented to King James.
To the Kings most Excellent Majesty James the first, by the grace of God, King of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, defender of the faith, &c.
The Family of love. an. 1604.
Most Gracious Sovereign aLord, where there is published, in a book written by your Highness, as an instruction ato your most noble Son (whom Almighty God bless with much honour, happiness and long life) of a people that are of a vile sect bamong the Anabaptists called the Family of love, who do hold and maintain many proud, uncharitable, unchristian, and most babsurd opinions, unto whom your Highness doth also give the name of cPuritans, affirming in the said book that divers of them (as dBrowne, Penry, and others) do accord with them in their foul errors, heady and fantastical opinions, which are there set down at large by your Majesty, advising your royal Son (as is most meet) eto punish them, if they refuse ⟨p. 344⟩to obey the Law,e and will not cease to stir up rebellion.
Now most gracious Sovereign, because it is meet that your Highness should understand by their supplication and declaration of the truth herein by themselves (of whom your Majesty hath been thus informed) prostrate at your Princely feet, as true ffaithful, loyal and obedient Subjects to all your Laws and Ordinances, civill, politic, gspiritual and temporal, they with humble hearts do beseech your Princely Majesty to understand that the people of the family of love, or of gGod, do utterly disclaim and detest all the said absurd and hself-conceited opinions and disobedient and erroneous sorts of the iAnabaptists, Browne, Penry, kPuritans, and all other proud minded sects and heresies whatsoever, protesting upon pain of our lives, that we are not consenting nor agreeing with any such lbrainsick preachers, nor their rebellious and disobedient sects whatsoever, but have been and ever will be truly obedient to your Highness, and your Laws to the effusion of our blood mand expenses of our goods and lands in your Majesties service, highly lauding Almighty God, who hath so graciously and peaceably appointed unto us such a virtuous, wise, religious and noble King, and so careful and unpartial a Justitiar to govern over us, beseeching ⟨p. 345⟩him daily to bless your Highness with his godly wisdom and holy understanding to the furtherance of his truth and godliness, and with all honour, happiness, peace and
To the Kings most Excellent Majesty James the first, by the grace of God, King of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, defender of the faith, &c.
The Family of love. an. 1604.
MOst Gracious Sovereigne aLord, where there is published, in a booke written by your Highnesse, as an instruction ato your most noble Sonne (whom Almighty God blesse with much honour, happinesse and long life) of a people that are of a vile sect bamong the Anabaptists called the Family of love, who doe hold and maintaine many proud, uncharitable, unchristian, and most babsurd opinions, unto whom your Highnesse doth also give the name of cPuritanes, affirming in the said booke that divers of them (as dBrowne, Penry, and others) doe accord with them in their foule errours, heady and phantasticall opinions, which are there set downe at large by your Majesty, advising your royall Sonne (as is most meet) eto punish them, if they refuse ⟨p. 344⟩to obey the Law,e and will not cease to stir up rebellion.
Now most gracious Sovereigne, because it is meet that your Highnesse should understand by their supplication and declaration of the truth herein by themselves (of whom your Majesty hath been thus informed) prostrate at your Princely feet, as true ffaithfull, loyall and obedient Subjects to all your Laws and Ordinances, civill, politique, gspirituall and temporall, they with humble hearts doe beseech your Princely Majesty to understand that the people of the family of love, or of gGod, doe utterly disclaime and detest all the said absurd and
aThere is nothing in this Petition the smells of Christs ointments, nothing that looks with any face, like the anointing that teacheth all things, nothing to heighten Christ, much to flatter K James, all to lift that abominable impostor H. Nicholas up above Christ, the stile and words full of gall against Puritans, and the truly godly in England, th•e words base, earthly, low, devilish, heretical, temporizing▪ &.There is nothing in this Petition the smels of Christs ointments, nothing that looks with any face, like the anointing that teacheth all things, nothing to heighten Christ, much to flatter K Iames, all to lift that abominable impostor H. Nicho•as up above Christ, the stile and words full of gall against Puritans, and the truly godly in England, th•e words base, earthly, low, devilish, hereticall, temporizing▪ &.
aBasilicon Doron w•itten to Prince Henry.
bTheir fleshly and abominable doctrine, as especially that the Familists may wallow in adulteries, blood, rebellion, perjury, and if the Spirit help them not against these sins, they are as innocent, as the maid forced in the field, who did cry and there was none to help, and so by no Law can be guilty. See their tenets, as H. Nicholas taught.Their fleshly and abominable doctrine, as especially that the Familists may wallow in adulteries, blood, rebellion, perjury, and if the Spirit helpe them not against these sinnes, they are as innocent, as the maid forced in the field, who did cry and there was none to helpe, and so by no Law can be guilty. See their tenets, as H. Nicholas taught.
bTheir foul opinions may here be read in this Treatise, and in H. Nicholas writings.Their foule opinions may here be read in this Treatise, and in H. Nicholas writings.
cKing James was misinformed in that, for Familists and the godly unjustly called Puritans, are as contrary as light and darkness.King Iames was misinformed in that, for Familists and the godly unjustly called Puritans, are as contrary as light and darknesse.
long life, and to judge rightly between falsehood and truth.
And because your Majesty should have a perfect view or an assured persuasion of the truth, of the same our protestation, if therefore there be any indifferent man of the Kingdom that can justly ntouch us with any such disobedient and wicked handling of our selves, as seemeth by your Majesties book, it hath been informed unto your Highness, unless they be such our omortal enemies the disobedient Puritans, and those of their heady humours, before named, who are much more zealous, religious and precise in the tithing of mint, anise and cummin, pand in the preferring of such like pharisaical and self chosen qoutward traditions and grounds, or hypocritical righteousness, then in the performing of judgement, mercy and faith, and such like true and qinward righteousness which God doth most chiefly require and regard (Matth. 15.15. &c.) and whose malice hath for twenty five years past and upwards, r& ever since, with very many untrue suggestions, and most foul errors and odious crimes, the which we could show if need were, sought our utter overthrow and destruction, but that we have behaved our selves in all orderliness and peaceableness of life, where we dwell, and with whom we had to deal; sor if we do vary or swerve from the testablished Religion in this land either in service, ceremonies, Sermons, or Sacraments, or have publicly spoken tor inveighed either ⟨p. 346⟩by word or writing against our late Sovereign Princess government in cases spiritual or temporal, •hen let us be rejected for Sectaries, and never receive the benefits of Subjects.
Only right gracious Sovereign, twe have read certain books brought forth by a Germane Author under the characters wof H.N. who affirmeth therein that he is prepared, chosen and sent of God to minister and set forth the most holy service of the love of God and Christ or of the •oly Ghost unto the children of xmen upon the universal earth, out of which service or writings we be taught all dutiful obedience towards God and Magistrates, and to live a godly and honest life, and to love God above all things and our neighbours as our selves yagreeing therein with all the holy Scriptures, as zwe understand them. Against which Author and his books we never yet heard nor knew any Law established in this Realm by our late gracious Sovereign.
long life, and to judge rightly between falsehood and truth.
And because your Majesty should have a perfect view or an assured perswasion of the truth, of the same our protestation, if therefore there be any indifferent man of the Kingdome that can justly ntouch us with any such disobedient and wicked handling of our selves, as seemeth by your Majesties booke, it hath been informed unto your Highnesse, unlesse they be such our omortall enemies the disobedient Puritans, and those of their heady humours, before named, who are much more zealous, religious and precise in the tything of mint, annis and cummin, pand in the preferring of such like pharisaicall and selfe chosen qoutward traditions and grounds, or hypocriticall righteousnesse, then in the performing of judgement, mercy and faith, and such like true and qinward righteousnesse which God doth most chiefly require and regard (Matth. 15.15. &c.) and whose malice hath for twenty five years past and upwards, r& ever since, with very many untrue suggestions, and most foule errors and odious crimes, the which we could shew if need were, sought our utter overthrow and destruction, but that we have behaved our selves in all orderlinesse and peaceablenesse of life, where we dwell, and with whom we had to deale; sor if we do vary or swerve from the testablished Religion in this land either in service, ceremonies, Sermons, or Sacracraments, or have publickly spoken tor inveighed either ⟨p. 346⟩by word or writing against our late Sovereigne Princesse government in cases spirituall or temporall, •hen let us be rejected for Sectaries, and never receive the benefits of Subjects.
Only right gracious Sovereigne,
nWhat Pharisees be these? doth not Paul judge himself the chief of sinners? is not Elijah a man compassed with infirmities? No wonder it be h•rd to prove any wicked doctrine or practise, for H. Nicholas in his Epistle to the two daughters of Warwick would prove men may belly and dissemble, and deny their Religion and Christ before men, so the heart be good.What Pharisees bee these? doth not Paul judge himselfe the chiefe of sinners? is not Elias a man compassed with infirmities? No wonder it bee h•rd to prove any wick•d doct•ine or practise, for H. Nicho•as in his Epistle to the two daughters of Warwicke would prove men may bely and dissemble, and deny their Religion and Christ before men, so the heart be good.
oShall we then believe that Familists now in England will not be deadly persecutors of Puritans?Shall wee then beleeve that Familists now in England will not be deadly persecuters of Puritans?
pPuritans are against all religious ceremonies of mens devisings, so that tithing of mint, is unjustly ascribed to to them.Puritans are against all religious ceremonies of mens devisings, so that tything of mint, is unjustly ascribed to to them.
qTo Familists all outward worship and ordinances are traditions, they live only upon love within, and are swine, without, and yet sin not.To Familists all outward worship and ordinances are traditions, they live only upon love within, and are swine, without, and yet sinne not.
qThere is to Familists no judgement and mercy, but that which is inward; let men, as touching the outward man, be swine for filthiness, Lions for blood and rapine, they may have inward righteousness, and that is all and enough.There is to Familists no judgement and mercy, but that which is inward; let men, as touching the outward man, be swine for filthinesse, Lions for blood and rapine, they may have inward righteousnesse, and that is all and enough.
rThen Puritans only none or few of the prelatical way or other Sectaries refuted Familists.
But that we might read them without offence, whose writings we suppose under your Highness correction your Majesty hath yet never seen aor perused, heard of by any indifferent nor true information: for the said H. N. in all his doctrine and writings (being as we are credibly informed as much matter in volume, if they were all compiled together as the whole bBible containeth) doth neither take part with, nor write against any particular party or company cwhatsoever as naming them by their names, nor yet praise nor dispraise any of them by name; but doth only show in particular in his said writings (as saith he) ⟨p. 347⟩the unpartial service of love, requireth what is good or evil for every one, wherein the man hath right or wrong in any point, dwhether it be in the state of his soul towards God or in the state of his body toward the dMagistrates of the world, and towards one another; to the end that all people (when they hear or read his writings, and do thereby perceive their sins, and estranging from God and Christ) might endeavour them to bring f•r•h) ethe due fruits of repentance, which is reformation and newness of life, according as all the holy Scriptures doth likewise require the same of every one. And that fthey might in that sort become saved through Jesus Christ, the only Saviour of all the world.
Notwithstanding, dear Sovereign, yet hath the said Author and his doctrine a long time, and still is, most shamefully and falsely slandered by our foresaid adversaries both in this land and in divers others, as to be replenished with all manner fof damnable errors and filthy liberty of the flesh.
And we his well-willers and favourers in the upright drift of his doctrine (as aforesaid) have also been of them complained on, and accused unto our late gracious Sovereign. gAnd the Magistrates of this land, both long time past, and now lately again as to be a people so infected and stained with all manner of detestable wickedness and errors, that are not worthy to live upon the earth, but yet would never present any of his books unto his Majesty hto peruse, nor yet set them forth hin any indifferent or true manner to the view of the world lest their malicious and slanderous reports and accusations ⟨p. 348⟩against the same and us, should thereby be revealed and disproved to their great ishame.
But that wee might read them without offence, whose writings wee suppose under your Highnesse correction your Majesty hath yet never seen aor perused, heard of by any indifferent nor true information: for the said H. N. in all his doctrine and writings (being as we are credibly informed as much matter in volumne, if they were all compiled together as the whole bBible containeth) doth neither take part with, nor write against any particular party or company cwhatsoever as naming them by their names, nor yet praise nor dispraise any of them by name; but doth only shew in particular in his said writings (as saith he) ⟨p. 347⟩the unpartiall service of love, requireth what is good or evill for every one, wherein the man hath right or wrong in any point, dwhether it be in the state of his soule towards God or in the state of his body toward the dMagistrates of the world, and towards one another; to the end that all people (when they heare or read his writings, and doe thereby perceive their sinnes, and estranging from God and Christ) might endeavour them to bring f•r•h) ethe due fruits of repentance, which is reformation and newnesse of life, according as all the holy Scriptures doth likewise require the same of every one. And that fthey might in that sort become saved through Jesus Christ, the only Saviour of all the world.
Notwithstanding, deare Sovereigne, yet hath the said Author and his doctrine a long time, and still is, most shamefully and falsely slandered by our foresaid adversaries both in this land and in divers others, as to bee replenished with all manner fof damnable errors and filthy liberty of the flesh.
And we his wel-willers and favourers in the upright drift of his doctrine (as aforesaid) have also beene of them complained on, and accused unto our late gracious Sovereigne.
aThey afterward tempt the King to forsake the Protestant Religion, and to turn Familist.They afterward tempt the King to forsake the Protestant Religion, and to turne Familist.
bIts a pure commendation that H Nicholas wrote much, the more the worse, since he writeth against the Prophets and Apostles.Its a pure commendation that H Nicholas wrote much, the more the worse, since he writeth against the Prophets and Ap•stles.
cChrist and his Apostles name false teachers Sadducees, Hymeneus, Philetus, Simon Magus, Elimas, &c. but though he name neither Calvin nor Luther, yet their doctrine he calleth often, carnal, fleshly, false, ceremonial wisdom, the letter, the flesh, the devil, hypocrisy.Christ and his Apostles name false teachers Saduces, Hymeneus, Philetus, Simon Magus, Elimas, &c. but though hee name neither Calvin nor Luther, yet their doctrine he calleth often, carnall, fleshly, false, ceremoniall wisdome, the letter, the flesh, the devill, hypocrisie.
dTh•se men that cry out against Scripture-wisdom as carnal, ceremonial, devilish, selfie, as H. Nicholas and his, cannot speak honourably of the perfection of Scripture.Th•se men that cry out a•gainst Scripture-wisdome as carna•l, ceremoniall, •evilish, selfie, as H. Nicholas and his, cannot speake h•nourably of the perfection of Scriptu•e.
dThe family of love have no heads or Kings that are borne o• the flesh and blood, of sin, spirit, lau• c 4. sect. 8. they themselves reign as only Kings on earth everlastingly, fide•it•s decl. c. 4. sect 18.The family of love have no heads or Kings that are borne o• the flesh and blod, of sin, spirit, lau c 4. sect. 8. they themselves reigne as only Kings on earth everlastingly, fideits decl. c. 4. sect 18.
Through which their most odious and false complaints against us, the Magistrates did then, and also have now lately cast kdivers of us into prison to our great hindrance and discredit, but yet have never proved against us, by sufficient and true testimony, any one of their many foul accusations, as the records in such cases and the lMagistrates that have dealt therein can testify, but are so utterly void of due and lawful proof thereof, that they have framed divers subtle articles lfor us, being plain and unlearned men, to answer upon our oath, whereby to urge and gather somethings from our selves, so to approve their false and unchristian accusations to be true, or else will force us to renounce, recant, and condemn that which we do not mwilfully maintain nor justify, (much like as it was practised in the Primitive Church against the 5Christians) yea they are not ashamed to lay their own and all other mens odisobedient and wicked acts (of what profession soever they be) upon our backs, to the end cunningly to purchase favour and credit to themselves, and to make us seem monstrous and detestable before the Magistrates and the common people every where, for that we and the doctrine of H.N. might without any indifferent trial and lawful or orderly proceeding, as heretofore hath been used in the pChristian Church in such cases, for confuting and condemning of heresy, be utterly rooted out of the land:
Through which their most odious and false complaints against us, the Magistrates did then, and also have now lately cast kdivers of us into prison to our great hindrance and discredit, but yet have never proved against us, by sufficient and true testimony, any one of their many foule accusations, as the records in such cases and the lMagistrates that have dealt therein can testifie, but are so utterly void of due and lawfull proofe thereof, that they have framed divers subtle articles lfor us, being plaine and unlearned men, to answer upon our oath, whereby to urge and gather somethings from our selves, so to approve their false and unchristian accusations to be true, or else will force us to renounce, recant, and condemne that which we doe not mwilfully maintaine nor justifie, (much like as it was practised in the Primitive Church against the 5Christians) yea they are not ashamed to lay their owne and all other mens odisobedient and wicked acts (of what profession soever they be) upon our backs, to the end cunningly to purchase favour and credit to themselves, and to make us seeme mon•trous and detestable before the Magistrates and the common people every where, for that we and the doctrine of H.N. might without any indifferent triall and lawfull or orderly proceeding, as heretofore hath beene used in the pChristian Church in such cases, for confuting and condemning of heresie, be utterly rooted out of the land:
kThe Prelates, the Popish Magistrates never troubled these licentious men, because they took part with them against the Puritans, only some godly Magistrates nick-named Puritans, cast some of them in prison.The Prelates, the Popish Magistrates never troubled these licentious men, because they tooke part with them ag•i•st the Puritans, only some godly Magistrates nick-named Pu•itans, cast some of them in prison.
lNeither by oath or any other way could they be brought to make confession of the secrets of unpure Familism.Neither by oath or any other way could they be brought to make confession of the secrets of unpure Familisme.
lThey say they will take or leave their Religion of love as the Laws think fit, but they lie, f•r here being cast in prison by the inferior Magistrate, they persist; then the infe•iou• Magistra•e to them is no Magistrate, the Law is no Law.They say they will take or leave their Religion of love as the Laws thinke fit, but they lie, f•r here being cast in prison by the inferiour Magistrate, they persist; then the infe•iou• Magistra•e to them is no Mag•strate, the Law is no Law.
mAll heretics and impure sectaries say they d•e wilfully maintain no heresy, and therefore plead for liberty of conscience, and a toleration of all religionsAll heretickes and impure sectar•es say they d•e wilfully maintaine no heresie, and therefore plead for liberty of conscience, and a toleration of all religions
5The Familists defame the doctrine of the Apostles and Scriptures, and have nothing to do with the martyrs of the primitive Church, for H. N. as I observe, taught that Christ never had any man lay down his life for him, or his truth, his meaning was only allegorically to renounce his lusts for Christ, otherwise Christ rejoiceth not (said he) in our death or blood.
with divers other most cruel practises proceeding out of their bitter and envious hearts towards us, tending to the same unchristian and merciless purpose, the which we will here omit to speak of, because we have already been over tedious to your highness, and most humbly craves your most ⟨p. 349⟩gracious pardon and patience therein, in respect that we speak to clear our selves of such matters as may touch our lives and liberties (which are two of the chiefest jewels qthat God hath given to mankind in this world) and also for that rwe have few friends or any other means then this to acquaint your highness with the truth and state of our cause, whereof we think your Majesty is altogether ignorant, but have very many tenemies whom we do greatly suspect will not be slack to prosecute their false and malicious purpose against us unto your highness, even like as they have accustomed to do in times past unto our late sovereign Queen, through which prevailing in their slanderous defacing of us and our cause, divers of us for want of friends to make it rightly known unto her Majesty have sundry times been constrained to endure their injurious dealing toward us, to our great vexation and hindrance.
Wherefore, most gracious Sovereign, this is now our humble suit unto your highness wthat when your Kingly affairs of importance, which your Majesty hath now in hand shall be well overpast (for the prosperous performance whereof we will (as duty bindeth us) daily pray unto Almighty God) that then your highness will be pleased (because we have always taken the same Authors work aforesaid to proceed out of the great grace and love of God and Christs xextended toward all Kings, Princes, Rulers and people, upon the universal earth (as he in many of his works doth witness no less) to their salvation, unity, peace and concord, in the same godly love) to grant us that favour, at your Majesties fit and convenient time to peruse the books your self with an unpartial eye, conferring them with the holy Scriptures, wherein it seemeth by the books xthat are set forth under your Highnesses name, that you have had great travel, yand are therefore the better able to judge between truth and falsehood.
with divers other most cruell practises proceeding out of their bitter and envious hearts towards us, tending to the same unchristian and mercilesse purpose, the which we will here omit to speake of, because we have already been over tedious to your highnesse, and most humbly craves your most ⟨p. 349⟩gracious pardon and patience therein, in respect that we speake to cleare our selves of such matters as may touch our lives and liberties (which are two of the chiefest jewells qthat God hath given to mankinde in this world) and also for that rwe have few friends or any other meanes then this to acquaint your highnesse with the truth and state of our cause, whereof we thinke your Majesty is altogether ignorant, but have very many tenemies whom we do greatly suspect will not be slacke to prosecute their false and malitious purpose against us unto your highnesse, even like as they have accustomed to doe in times past unto our late sovereigne Queene, through which prevailing in their slanderous defacing of us and our cause, divers of us for want of friends to make it rightly known unto her Majesty have sundry times been constrained to endure their injurious dealing toward us, to our great vexation and hindrance.
Wherefore, most gracious Sovereigne, this is now our humble suit unto your highnesse wthat when your Kingly affaires of importance, which your Majesty hath now in hand shall be well overpast (for the prosperous performance whereof we wil (as duty bindeth us) daily pray unto Almighty God) that then your highnesse will be pleased (because we have alwayes taken the same Authors worke aforesaid to proceed out of the great grace and love of God and Christs xextended toward all Kings, Princes, Rulers and people, upon the universall earth (as he in many of his workes doth witnesse no lesse) to their salvation, unity, peace and concord, in the same godly love) to grant us that favour, at your Majesties fit and convenient time to peruse the bookes your selfe with an unpartiall eye, conferring them with the holy Scriptures, wherein it seemeth by the books xthat are set forth under your hignesses name, that you have had great travell,
qFaith and a good conscience then are not the two chiefest jewels that God hath given to men.Faith and a good conscience then are not the two chiefest jewells that God hath g•ven to men.
rThe Prelates and profane courtiers, and the multitude were their friends, as they are to all licentious religions.The Prelates and prophane courtie•s, and the multitude were their friends, as they are to all licentious religions.
tDivers of the court of Queen Elizabeth and of K. James, and some nobles were Familists, I would these who now rule all, by violence and force, were not of that abominable way, for enemies they had few or none, except Puritans they lived under the shadow of Prelacy and court, when many thousands of precious Christians for n•n-conformity were silenced, banished, prisoned, wasted.Divers of the court of Queen Elizabeth and of K. James, and some nobles were Familists, I would these who now rule all, by violence and force, were not of that abominable way, for enemies they had few or none, except Puritans they lived under the shadow of Prelacie and court, when many thousands of pretious Christians for n•n-conformity were silenced, banished, prisoned, wasted.
wIf the way of H. Nicholas be• th• only true way of salvation, as here they say fidelitas decl. c. 4 sect. 11. the King should be petitioned without delay to take it to his consideration as a matter to be preferred to all his most important Kingly affairs, but they petition for a delaying trial, because every one that doth evil, hateth the light.If the way of H. Nicholas be• th• only true way of salvation, as here they say fidelitas decl. c. 4 sect. 11. the King should bee petitioned without delay to take it to his consideration as a matter to be preferred to all his most important Kingly affaires, but they petition for a delaying triall, because every one that doth evill, hateth the light.
xThen they allow a share of the grace of Christ on all rulers, (for they except none) though heathens and persecutors, and on all mankind on the universal earth.
And we will whensoever it shall please your ⟨p. 350⟩Highness to appoint the time, and to command and licence us thereunto, do our best endeavours ato procure so many of the books as we can out of Germany (where they be printed) to bbe delivered unto your Majesty, or such godly, learned and indifferent men, as it shall please your Majesty to appoint.
And we will also (under your Highness lawful licence and commandment in that behalf) do our like endeavour to procure some of the learned men in that Country (if there be any yet cremaining alive that were well acquainted with the Author and his works in his life time, and which likewise have exercised his works ever since) to come over and attend upon your Majesty at your appointed time convenient, who can much more sufficiently instruct and resolve your Highness in any cunusual words, phrase or matter that may happily seem dark and doubtful to your Majesty that any of us in this your land are able to do.
And so upon such your Highness advised consultation and censure thereupon (finding the same works heretical or seditious and not agreeable to Gods holy word and testimonies of all the Scriptures) to leave them, to take them as your Majesties ⟨p. 351⟩dLaws, shall therein appoint us, having no intent nor meaning to contend or resist there-against, however it be, but dutifully to obey thereunto according to the counsel of Scriptures eand also of the said Authors works.
And our further humble suit unto your Highness is that of your gracious favour and clemency you will grant and give order unto your Majesties officers in that behalf that all of us your faithful loving subjects which are now in prison in any part of this your Realm, for the same cause, may be released upon such bail or bond fas we are able to give, and that neither we nor any of that company (behaving our selves orderly and obediently under your Highness Laws) may be any further persecuted or troubled therein until such time as your Majesty and such godly learned and indifferent men of your gClergy, as your Highness shall appoint thereto, shall have advisedly consulted and determined of the matter ⟨p. 352⟩whereby that we may not be utterly wasted, by the great charge of imprisonment hand persecution, and by the hard dealing of our adversaries; for we are a people but few in inumber, and yet most of us very poor in worldly wealth.
And we will whensoever it shall please your ⟨p. 350⟩Highnesse to appoint the time, and to command and licence us thereunto, doe our best endeavours ato procure so many of the bookes as we can out of Germany (where they be printed) to bbe delivered unto your Majesty, or such godly, learned and indifferent men, as it shall please your Majesty to appoint.
And we will also (under your Highnesse lawfull licence and commandement in that behalfe) doe our like endeavour to procure some of the learned men in that Country (if there be any yet cremaining alive that were well acquainted with the Author and his workes in his life time, and which likewise have exercised his workes ever since) to come over and attend upon your Majesty at your appointed time convenient, who can much more sufficiently instruct and resolve your Highnesse in any cunusuall words, phrase or matter that may happily seem darke and dou•tfull to your Majesty that any of us in this your land are able to doe.
And so upon such your Highnesse advised consultation and censure thereupon (finding the same workes hereticall or seditious and not agreeable to Gods holy word and testimonies of all the Scriptures) to leave them, to take them as your Majesties ⟨p. 351⟩dLawes, shall therein appoint us, having no intent nor meaning to contend or resist there-against, however it be, but dutifully to obey thereunto according to the counsell of Scriptures eand also of the said Authors workes.
And our further humble suit unto your Highnesse is that of your gracious favour and clemency you will grant and give order unto your Majesties officers in that behalfe that all of us your faithfull loving subjects which are now in prison in any part of this your Realme, for the same cause, may be released upon such baile or bond fas we are able to give, and that neither we nor any of that company (behaving our selves orderly and obediently under your Highnesse Lawes) may be any further persecuted or troubled therein untill such time as your Majesty and such godly learned and indifferent men of your
aIn this they profess their zeal to have K. James an illuminated Elder of the family of love, as it would be their joy this day to have K. Charles of their way, that so he might compel all others to that way, for they talk much of liberty of conscience to themselves, but we find, when they have the sword, they strain and squeeze to the blood, the consciences of all contrary to their way.In this they professe their z•ale to have K. Iames an illuminated Elder of the family of love, as it would be their joy this day to have K. Charles of their way, that so hee might compell all others to that way, for they talke much of liberty of conscience to themselves, but we finde, when they have the sword, they straine and squeeze to the blood, the consciences of all contrary to their way.
bThey conceive King James and all not of their way, that are but Scripture-learned with the fleshly wisdom (as they speak) of the letter to be the very Antichrist, and all lies that the ungodded or unilluminated men out of the imagination or riches of their own knowledge, and of the learnednesse of the Scriptures bring forth, Institute, preach or teach, See Evan. ch 32. ch. 33.34. and H.N. Exhor. c. 14. Sect. 9.They conceive King Iames and all not of their way, that are but Scripture-learned with the fleshly wisdome (as they speak) of the letter to be the very Antichrist, and all lyes that the ungodded or unilluminated men out of the imagination or riches of their owne knowledge, and of the learnednesse of the Scriptures bring forth, Institute, preach or teach, See Evan. ch 32. ch. 33.34. and H.N. Exhor. c. 14. Sect. 9.
cThey doubt if there be any of their way and family in Germany which evidenceth that it is a noto•ions lie that H.N. saith, Evan ch. 34. that he is godded to publish the joyful message in all the world. And H.N. Exhor. 12. sect. 40. and Exhor. 14. sect. 9. that all the Kingdoms of the world should assemble them to this one Kingdom of peace and love: and this same love service shall break in among all Nations and let it self be heard over all lands; but here they doubt if in one corner of Germany one man of this way can be had.They doubt if there be any of their way and family in Germany which evidenceth that it is a noto•ions lie that H.N. saith, Evan ch. 34. that he is godded to publish the joyful mess•ge in all the world. And H.N. Exhor. 12. sect. 40. and Exhor. 14. sect. 9. that all the Kingdomes of the world should assemble them to this one Kingdome of peace and love: and this same love service shall breake in among all Nations and let it selfe be heard over all lands; but here they doubt if in one corner of Germany one man of this way can be had.
O Sacred Prince, we humbly pray, that the Almighty will move your Princely heart with true judgement, to discern between the right and wrong of our cause, according to that most certain and Christian rule set down by our Saviour Christ unto his Disciples, Matth. 7.12. Ye kshall know the tree by his fruits, and in our obedience peaceable and honest lives and conversation to protect us, and in our disobedience and misdemeanour to punish us as resisters of Gods ordinance, of the Kingly authority and most high office of justice committed to your Majesty to that purpose toward your subjects, Rom. 13.
And gracious Sovereign, we humbly beseech your Highness with Princely regard in equity and favour to ponder and grant the humble suit contained in this most lowly supplication of your loyal true-hearted faithful subjects, and to remember that your Majesty in your book of Princely, grave and fatherly advice, to the happy Prince, your royal son doth conclude lPrincipis est parcere subjectis & debellare superbos, and then ⟨p. 353⟩no doubt, God will bless your Highness with all your noble off-spring with mpeace, long life, and all honours and happiness, long to continue over us; for which we will ever pray with incessant prayers to the Almighty.
Most gracious Prince, here followeth the brief rehearsal and confession of the Christian belief and Religion of the company nthat are named the Family of love, which (for the causes therein specified) was by them set out in Print about the time when they were first persecuted and imprisoned in this Realm for the same profession by their aforesaid adversaries, and by means of their false accusations and complaints unto the Magistrates against them; the which we have thought necessary to present here unto your Majesty: for that you may thereby the better understand of our innocent intent and profession whatsoever you shall hear reported to the contrary by our enemies or by any that be ignorant thereof. Humbly beseeching your Highness to vouchsafe to read the same, and with your unpartial and godly wisdom to consider and judge of us and our cause in equity and favour accordingly, till your Majesty, shall have further true intelligence thereof.
O Sacred Prince, we humbly pray, that the Almighty will move your Princely heart with true judgement, to di•cerne between the right and wrong of our cause, according to that most certaine and Christian rule set down by our Saviour Christ unto his Disciples, Matth. 7.12. Yee kshall know the tree by his fruits, and in our obedience peaceable and honest lives and conversation to protect us, and in our disobedience and misdemeanour to punish us as resisters of Gods ordinance, of the Kingly authority and most high office of justice committed to your Majesty to that purpose toward your subjects, Rom. 13.
And gracious Sovereigne, we humbly beseech your Highnesse with Princely regard in equity and favour to ponder and grant the humble suit contained in this most lowly supplication of your loyall true-hearted faithfull subjects, and to remember that your Majesty in your booke of Princely, grave and fatherly advice, to the happy Prince, your royall son doth conclude lPrincipis est parcere subjectis & debellare superbos, and then ⟨p. 353⟩no doubt, God will blesse your Highnesse with all your noble off-spring with mpeace, long life, and all honours and happinesse, long to continue over us; for which we will ever pray with incessant prayers to the Almighty.
Most gracious Prince, here followeth the briefe rehearsall and confession of the Christian beleefe and Religion of the company nthat are named the Family of love, which (for the causes therein specified) was by them set out in Print about the time when they were first persecuted and imprisoned in this Realme for the same profession by their aforesaid adversaries, and by meanes of their false accusations and complaints unto the Magistrates against them; the which we have thought necessary to present here unto your Majesty: for that you may thereby the better understand of our innocent intent and profession whatsoever you shall heare reported to the contrary by our enemies or by any that be ignorant thereof. Humbly beseeching your Highnesse to vouchsafe to read the same, and with your unpartiall and godly wisdome to consider and judge of us and our cause in equity and favour accordingly, till your Majesty, shall have further true intelligence thereof.
kYet may Familists live in all sort of fleshliness and Idolatry, murders, lying, whoring, &c and if the Spirit help them not, they are no more guilty then the maid forced in the field that did cry, and there was none to help, and so by Law she was innocent, Document. sent. 6. c. 10. they cannot bring forth any thing but all good and love, Document. sent. c. 2. sect. 1. in many places H.N. extols his disciples as Gods habitation, the seal of Gods Majesty, the holy City of peace, the new Jerusalem, one with God, God one with them, &c. And whereas John maketh the love of the brethren a mark of these that are translated from death to life, 1 Joh 3.14. Ye may know Familists by their works, they are malicious haters (as is evident in this petition) of the truly godly in England whom they call their enemies these twenty five years.Yet may Familists live in all sort of fleshlinesse and Idolatry, murthers, lying, whoring, &c and if the Spirit help them not, they are no more guilty then the maid forced in the field that did cry, and there was none to helpe, and so by Law she was innocent, Document. sent. 6. c. 10. they cannot bring forth any thing but all good and love, Document. sent. c. 2. sect. 1. in many places H.N. extolls his disciples as Gods habitation, the seale of Gods Majesty, the holy City of peace, the new Ierusalem, one with God, God one with them, &c. And whereas John maketh the love of the brethren a marke of these that are translated from death to life, 1 Ioh 3.14. Yee may know Familists by their workes, they are malitious haters (as is evident in this petition) of the truly godly in England whom they call their enemies these twenty five yeares.
lThe Puritans are the proud ones that King James is to subdue, all others the Antichristian sect, and the Familists only the house of God, of love, of the godly being, &c.The Puritanes are the proud ones that King James is to subdue, all others the Antichristian sect, and the Familists only the house of God, of love, of the godly being, &c.
mTwice they pray God for the King and his son, that they may have long life, honour, happiness, a long reign, but not one word of life eternal and the blessings of the life to come; we know the doctrine of H. N. is that the resurrection, the last judgement, all the happiness of Saints is closed with in this life, the day of judgement, of resurrection, is even now in this present day, H.N. Evang. c. 1. sent. 9 ch. 33. c 34. s•nt. 1, 2, 3. the immortality of the soul, the resurrection of the body, heaven, hell, or judgement beyond this life there is none.
Here followeth also the true copy of an Abjuration tendered to the Familists an. 1580. octob. 10. of Elizabeth by ten Lords of the Privy Council. Because there were divers Courtiers and Nobles familists, the Prelates that respected ever the persons of men, would not publicly accuse them by name, because they were eminent men, as they are now, and because also they were friends to Bishops, and enemies to non-conformists then called Puritans.
Here followeth also the true copy of an Abjuration tendered to the Familists an. 1580. octob. 10. of Elizabeth by ten Lords of the Privy Councell. Because there were divers Courteours and Nobles familists, the Prelates that respected ever the persons of men, would not publickly accuse them by name, because they were eminent men, as they are now, and because also they were friends to Bishops, and enemies to non-conformists then called Puritans.
Whosoever teacheth that the dead which are fallen asleep in the Lord, rise up in this day of his judgement, and appear unto us in godly glory, which shall henceforth live in us everlastingly with Christ, and reign upon the earth is a detestable heretic. aBut H.N. teacheth so, Evangel. c 37. sect. 9.
WHosoever teacheth that the dead which are fallen asleep in the Lord, rise up in this day of his judgement, and appeare unto us in godly glory, which shall henceforth live in us everlastingly with Christ, and reign upon the earth is a detestabl hereticke. aBut H.N. teacheth so, Evangel. c 37. sect. 9.
aThe Antinomians and Familists now in England, especially, Randell, Saltmarsh, Del, Eaton, […], disseminate in printed books and Sermons, the same very doctrine.The Antinomians and Familists now in England, especially, Randel, Saltmarsh, Del, Eaton, 〈…〉, disseminate in printed books and Sermons, the same very doctrine.
Whosoever teacheth that to be borne of the Virgin Mary out of the seed of David after the flesh is to be exponed of the pure doctrine out of the seed of love is a detestable heretic. But H.N. teacheth so, Document. sent. c. 3. sect. 5.
Whosoever teacheth that to bee borne of the Virgin Mary out of the seed of David after the flesh is to bee exponed of the pure doctrine out of the seed of love is a detestable hereticke. But H.N. teacheth so, Document. sent. c. 3. sect. 5.
Whosoever teacheth that Jesus Christ is come again unto us according to his promise to the end that they all which love God, and his righteousness and Christ and perfect being, might presently enter into the true rest, which God hath prepared from the beginning for his elect, and inherit the everlasting life is a detestable heretic. But H.N. Evan. c. 1. sect. 1. teacheth so, &c. Having examined these reasons with the books of H.N. we do find that in truth he holdeth these heresies, and we think in our hearts, and of our own knowledge affirm that H.N. is in these heresies a detestable heretic, promising faithfully before God and your honours never hereafter to have any dealing with his books and doctrine, nor to go about to bring any to the love, liking, or reading of them, and that we now speak is the true meaning of our heart, as we look for mercy at his hands which searcheth the heart.
Whosoever teacheth that Jesus Christ is come againe unto us according to his promise to the end that they all which love God, and his righteousnesse and Christ and perfect being, might presently enter into the true rest, which God hath prepared from the beginning for his elect, and inherit the everlasting life is a detestable hereticke. But H.N. Evan. c. 1. sect. 1. teacheth so, &c. Having examined these reasons with the books of H.N. we doe finde that in truth he holdeth these heresies, and we think in our hearts, and of our own knowledge affirm that H.N. is in these heresies a detestable heretick, promising faithfully befor God and your honours never hereafter to have any dealing with his bookes and doctrin, nor to go about to bring any to the love, liking, or reading of them, and that we now speak is the true meaning of our heart, as we look for mercy at his hands which searcheth the heart.
PuritansScotland
Scottish theologian and commissioner to the Westminster Assembly.
Puritans, and all other proud minded sects and heresies whatsoever, protesting upon paine of our lives, that wee are not consenting nor agreeing with any such
brainesicke preachers, nor their rebellious and disobedient sects whatsoever, but have been and ever will be truly obedient to your Highnesse, and your Laws to the effusion of our blood
and expences of our goods and lands in your Majesties service, highly lauding Almighty God, who hath so graciously and peaceably appointed unto us such a vertuous, wise, religious and noble King, and so carefull and unpartiall a Justitiar to governe over us, beseeching
⟨p. 345⟩
him daily to blesse your Highnesse with his godly wisdome and holy understanding to the furtherance of his truth and godlinesse, and with all honour, happinesse, peace and
The unjustly so called Puritans, did never own Browne, nor Penry, who set on foot the old doctrine of the Anabaptists in England, and Enthusiastical revelations beside the word of GodThe unjustly so called Puritans, did never owne Browne, nor Penry, who set on foot the old doctrine of the Anabapt•sts in England, and Enthusiasticall revelations beside the word of God
eIt is not unlike that such fleshly teachers who crave Liberty of conscience to themselves, will petition the Prince that the tyrannous laws of Prelates, be executed against the truly godly, and that liberty be denied to all save to themselves only, a proper character of Heretics and Schismatics.It is not unlike that such fleshly teachers who crave Libert• of con•cience to themselves, will petition the Prince that the tyrannous laws of Prelates, be executed against the truely godly, and that liberty be denied to all save to themselves only, a proper character of Hereticks and Schismaticks.
eThe Familists and Antinomians, because Purirans are esteemed the godly party, now call themselves, but most unjustly, the true successors of the Puritans, and all the godly opposite […] their way, who strive to walk with God, they call Legalists, Pharisees, literal Doctors; but because they change all colours, with the court and wind oft times, they are enemies to old non-conformists cal•ed sometime Puritans, in that 1. against Puritans they make all externals indifferent. 2. They reject Scripture and embrace revelations. 3. They contemn close walking with God as pharaisme and law-living.The Familists and Antinomians, because Purirans are esteemed the godly party, now call themselves, but most unjustly, the true successors of the Puritans, and all the godly opposite 〈…〉 their way, who strive to walke with God, they call Legalists, Pharis•es, literall Doctors; but because they change all colours, with the court and wind oft times, they are enemies to old non-conformists cal•ed sometime Puritans, in that 1. against Puritans they make all externalls indifferent. 2. They reject Scripture and imbrace revelations. 3. They contemne close walking with God as pharaisme and law-living.
fBut I noted before that Familists will have no Magistrates over them, and we may see it to be their practise this day.
gThe Familists subjection of their consciences to the spiritual Popish laws of Prelates prove them to be men of more wide consciences then Puritans, they need not fear to be called Puritans.The Familists subjection of their consciences to the spirituall Popish lawes of Prelates prove them to bee men of more wide consciences then Puritans, they need not feare to bee called Puritans.
gDeceivers as Simon Magus and others take godly titles to themselves, for H. N. saith, fidelitas docl. c. 4. sect. 11. beside Gods service of love there is not another in heaven or in earth: here they call themselves the family of God.
hThey knew well that Prelates embittered the mind of K. James against Puritans his faithfullest subjects.They knew well that Prelates imbittered the mind of K. James against Puritans his faithfullest subjects.
iThey say it to the praise of their Mr. Henry Nicholas that he names no mans name, but here they name both sects and names.
kProtestants know Puritans to be godly, and sound in the faith. Familists turn their back then on the Protestants and the soundest of them.Protestants know Puritans to be godly, and sound in the faith. Familists turne their backe then on the Protestants and the soundest of them.
lReader judge how the Familists and Antinomians now in England shall deal with Puritans and the truly godly, what a bloody heart they bear toward them, since their fathers the old Familists do persecute them with so bloody a tongue before their Prince.Reader iudge how the Familists and Antinomians now in England shall deale with Puritans and the truly godly, what a bloody heart they beare toward them, since their fathers the old Familists do persecute them with so bloody a tongue before their Prince.
mObedience to the Kings laws to the effusion of their blood, can have no orher sense, but they will raise bloody wars against Puritans if the K (which I hope shall not be) command them, I pray God it be not fulfilled in their children this day in England: they promise they have been, and ever will be obedient to the Kings laws which respecteth the time to com•, so as if the King and Parliament should again establish Popery they say for all time to come they shall be ever truly obedient, and add no limitation, condition of obedience in the Lord. You may see the consciences of Familists that (as after the shall hear) they prostitute themselves to avouch or deny, take or leave all Religions, as the times and mens laws shall […] prove them or not.Obedience to the Kings laws to the effusion of their blood, can have no orher sense, but they will raise bloody wars against Puritans if the K (which I hope shall not be) command them, I pray God it be not fulfilled in their children this day in England: they promise they have been, and ever will be obedient to the Kings laws which respecteth the time to com•, so as if the King and Parliament should againe establish Popery they say for all time to come they shall be ever truly obedient, and adde no limitation, condition of obedience in the Lord. You may see the consciences of Familists that (as after ye shall heare) they prostitute themselves to avouch or deny, take or leave all Religions, as the times and mens lawes shall 〈…〉 prove them or not.
of H.N. who affirmeth therein that hee is prepared, chosen and sent of God to minister and set forth the most holy service of the love of God and Christ or of the •oly Ghost unto the children of
men upon the unive••all earth, out of which s•rvice or writings we bee taught all dutifull obedience towards God and Magistrates, and to live a godly and honest life, and to love God above all things and our neighbours as our selves
wee understand them. Against which Author and his books we never yet heard nor knew any Law established in this Realme by our late gracious Sovereigne.
Then Puritans only none or few of the prelaticall way or other Sectaries refuted Familists.
sFamilists count all Religions, popery or any thing, as they come out to the view of men neither up nor down.Familists count all Religions, popery or any thing, as they come out to the view of men neither up nor downe.
tBut the Saints of love (say Familists) are above and beyond all laws and Rulers, Magistracy is but for fleshly men.But the Saints of love (say Familists) are above and beyond all laws and Rulers, Magistracie is but for fleshly men.
tFamilists by their principles may profess or deny any Religion, as the Market goes.Familists by their principles may professe or deny any Religion, as the Market goes.
tThis is no little exception in which they swerve from the Religion of England, in that they are Famili•ts, and of a sect destructive to all Christian religion, to Christ, his person, office, righteousness imputed, faith, repentance, Scriptures, heaven, hell, judgement, resurrection, &c.This is no little exception in which they swerve from the Religion of England, in that they are Famili•ts, and of a sect destructive to all Christian religion, to Ch•ist, his person, office, righteousnesse imputed, faith, repentance, Scriptures, heaven, hell, judgement, resurrection, &c.
wHe that doth evil hates the light, H.N. was once thought to be homo novus. But H. Nicholas was a fleshly abominable seducer and false prophet, a Mercer in Amsterdam.He that doth evill hates the light, H.N. was once thought to be homo novus. But H. Nicholas was a fleshly abominable seducer and false prophet, a Mercer in Amsterdam.
xNeither Calvin nor Luther knew any thing of God, but only H Nicholas is the Catholic Apostle of the world, and cannot err.Neith•r Calvin nor Luther knew any thing of God, but only H Nicholas is the Catholick Apostle of the world, and cannot erre.
yNothing here of Christ by whose name only we are saved Act. 4.11.12. dutiful obedience to God and Magistrates, and to love •ur neighbour, are such Law-righteousness, as pagans do diefie, as highest devotion; in all this petition, nothing smelleth of Christ his Spirit, eternity, nothing of Scriptural or spiritual communion with God in Christ Jesus.Nothing here of Christ by whose name only we are saved Act. 4.11.12. dutifull obedience to God and Magistrates, and to love •ur neighbour, are such Law-•ighteousnesse, as pagans doe diefie, as highest devotion; in all this petition, nothing smelleth of Christ his Spirit, eternity, noth•ng of Scripturall or spirituall communion with God in Christ Jesus.
zAll heretics make the Scripture their rule and only judge, but not simply, but as they understand them, which is to make their own understanding only umpire and judge in the matters of God.All hereticks make the Scripture their rule and only judge, but not simply, but as they understand them, which is to make their owne understanding only umpire and judge in the matters of God.
And the Magistrates of this land, both long time past, and now lately againe as to be a people so infected and stained with all manner of detestable wickednesse and errors, that are not worthy to live upon the earth, but yet would never present any of his books unto his Majesty
eOf all the means by which men are saved through Christ, they speak only of the works of the Law, of inherent righteousness and repentance, not one word of free grace, faith in Christ, and the imputed righteousness of Christ. Familists then are the legal Pelagians, not we: no reformation is known to Familists but inward, & that of the heart.Of all the meanes by which men are saved through Christ, they speake only of the works of the Law, of inherent righteousnesse and repentance, not one word of free grace, faith in Christ, and the impu•ed righteousnesse of Christ. Familists then are the legall Pelagians, not we: no reformation is knowne to Familists but inward, & that of the heart.
fNot more said then truth can bear, for H Nicholas his doctrine is a se•tina, a pump dunghill, and a sea of many fleshly errors and heresies.Not more said then truth can beare, for H Nicholas his doctrine is a se•tina, a pumpe dunghill, and a sea of many fleshly errors and heresies.
fThe due fruits of repentance, and newness of life, are here made antecedent means and ways going before our saving in Christ, or our free redemption that is in Christ Jesus, so as we must be justified by works, otherwise let any man make sense of these words.The due fruits of repentance, and newnesse of life, are here made antecedent meanes and wayes going before our saving in Christ, or our free redemption that is in Christ Jesus, so as we must be justified by workes, otherwise let any man make sense of these words.
gOur Saviour saith ye shall know them by their works.Our Saviour saith yee shall know th•m by their workes.
hThe foulest of the books of H. Nicholas containing the mystery of Familism and fleshly looseness, are only to be seen by the wise and experienced Elders who can digest them. •. It is hard to prove any thing against them who prof•sse it lawful to deny their Religion before men▪ H.N. Epist▪ to the daughters of Warwick.The foulest of the bookes of H. Nicholas containing the mystery of Familisme and fleshly loosenesse, are only to be seene by the wise and experienced Elde•s who can digest them. •. It is hard to prove any thing against them who prof•sse it lawfull to deny their Religion before men▪ H.N. Epist▪ to the daughters of Warwicke.
hIt is not like but Q. Elizabeth heard of these books and saw them, since many of her and K James his Court favoured them.It is not lik• but Q. Elizabeth heard of these bookes and saw them, since many of her and K James his Court favoured them.
iJoh. Knewstu•. M Microni•s, H. Amsw•rth wrote against th•se filthy errors, and set down their own words to the world.Ioh. Knewstu•. M Microni•s, H. Amsw•rth wrote against th•se filthy errors, and set downe their own words to the world.
The Familists defame the doctrine of the Apostl•s and Scriptures, and have nothing to doe with the martyrs of the primitive Church, for H. N. as I observe, taught that Christ never had any man lay down his life for him, or his truth, his meaning was only allegorically to renounce his lusts for Christ, otherwise Christ rejoyceth not (said he) in our death or blood.
oThe Puritans refusing the Popish ceremonies, and the Romish denomination of Prelates are branded by those men as disobedient to Magistrates.The Pu•itans refusing the Popish ceremonies, and the Romish denomination of Prelates are branded by those men as disobedient to Magistrates.
pThey desire the Popish Laws against heretics to be used against them by which any man, that denies his heresy and •ai•h, he believeth as the Church believeth, is absolved which Familists do.They desire the Popish Laws against hereticks to be used against them by which any man, that denies his heresie and •ai•h, he beleeveth as the Church beleeveth, is absolved which Familists do.
and are therefore the better able to judge between truth and falsehood.
Then they allow a share of the grace of Christ on all rulers, (for they except none) though heathens and persecuters, and on all mankinde on the universall earth.
xGross flattery.Grosse flattery.
yThen they can settle upon no Religion till K. James find leisure to try and read the heretical and fleshly writings of H. Nicholas.Then they can settle upon no Religion till K. Iames find leasure to try and read the hereticall and fleshly writings of H. Nicholas.
number, and yet most of us very poore in worldly wealth.
cAll heretics, as Calvin noted of libertines, delight to speak in uncouth language, beside the Scripture, that they may be the only spiritual men, whom none can understand but spiritualists of their own way.All heretickes, as Calvin noted of libertines, delight to speake in uncouth language, beside the Scripture, that they may be the only spirituall men, whom none can understand but spiritualists of their owne way.
dThey clearly profess they will not suffer for familism, nor that which to them is the only true Religion, and make K James the absolute and peremptory judge, that if he find them heretical, they shall submit, faith, conscience and salvation to the King, to leave or take the writings of Henry Nicholas as his Majesties Laws shall appoint them, this is a Religion for the times and the flesh. This well agreeth with the Familists of our time Del, Saltmarsh, Bacon, Randell, and others, to whom profession of truth and of Christ before men is an external and a form in Religion, and who cry out against forms and uniformity, and teach that we should please one another in love in all these externals, we may do or leave undone, Sabbath, preaching, hearing, Sacraments, let them be enrolled in the Calendar of the late indifferent ceremonies, since they are Jewish, c••nall, literal, fleshly, and perish with the using, and let the Service-book, bowing to altars, the name of Jesus, Episcopacy, Socinianism, professed Acianisme be recalled, these belong nothing (say •hey) to Reformation or Religion. Reformation is only in the heart, Religion is […] of the mind. The Kingdom of Christ is neither promoved nor hindered by these, Familisticall love in the heart is all, then surely, the Nicodemites in Calvin• time, these that buy a religion with every new-moon, err notThey clearly professe they will not suffer for familisme, nor that which to them is the only true Religion, and make K Iames the absolute and peremptory judge, that if he find them hereticall, they shall submit, faith, conscience and salvation to the King, to leave or take the writings of Henry Nicholas as his Majesties Laws shall appoint them, this is a Religion for the times and the flesh. This well agreeth with the Familists of our time Del, Saltmarsh, B•con, R•ndel, and others, to whom profession of truth and of Christ before men is an externall and a forme in Religion, and who cry out against formes and uniformity, and teach that we should please one another in love in all these externalls, we may doe or leave undone, Sabba•h, preaching, hearing, Sacraments, let them be inrolled in the Kallender of the late indifferent ceremonies, since they are Jewish, c••nall, literall, fleshly, and perish with the using, and let the Service-booke, bowing to altars, the name of Jesus, Episcopacy, Socinianisme, professed Acianisme be recalled, these belong nothing (say •hey) to Refo•mation or Religion. Reformation is only in the heart, Religion is 〈…〉 of the minde. The Kingdome of Christ is neither promoved nor hindered by these, Familisticall love in the heart is all, then surely, the Nicodemites in Calvin• time, these that buy a religion with every new-moon, erre not
eThen the Scriptures and H. Nicho. bids us follow the Kings religion, what ever it be; and denying of obedience to the King and his Laws, if they forbid a Religion that is the holy service of the love of God (as they say) is resisting and undutiful disobedience to the Law; so must we obey men rather then God.Then the Scriptures and H. Nicho. bids us follow the Kings religion, what ever it be; and denying of obedience to the King and his Lawes, if they forbid a Religion that is the holy service of the love of God (as they say) is resisting and undutifull disobedience to the Law; so must we obey men rather then God.
fThey seek not the truth and cause of Christ to be cleared for the present, but only present ease to the flesh and enlargement under ba•le.They seek not the truth and cause of Christ to be cleared for the present, but only present ease to the flesh and inlargement under ba•le.
gThey are willing to submit their c•u•e to the Clergy, that is to the godly Prel••es who would be […] to […] them, because they take the Puritans off from thinking upon their lordly domination and will-worship, and the more enemies and persecutors the Puritans have▪ the more ease and less contradicting of the Prelatical cause, as this day the Prelatical party declare themselves willing to compound wi•h Arians, Socinians, Fam•lists, Antinomians, Anabaptists, Seekers, Separatists and all, so the Presbyterians that stand for the Covenant of God and reformation may fall.They are willing to submit their c•u•e to the C•ergy, that is to the godly Prel••es who would be 〈…〉 to 〈…〉 them, because they take the Puritans off from thinking upon their lordly domination and will-worship, and the more enemies and persecuters the Puritans have▪ the more ease and lesse contradicting of the Prelaticall cause, as this day the Prelaticall party declare themselves willing to comp•und wi•h Arrians, Socinians, Fam•lists, Antinomians, Anabaptists, Seekers, Separatists and all, so the Presbyterians that stand for the Covenant of God and reformation may fall.
hIn all ages […] and Sectaries have called punishing of seducers, or not receiving them in our house as being evil doers, 2 Joh. 10▪ and so justly punishable, Rom. 13▪4, 5. with the name of persecution.In all •ges 〈…〉 and Sectaries have called punishing of seducers, or not receiving them in our house as being evil doers, 2 Ioh. 10▪ and so •ustly punishable, Rom. 13▪4, 5. with the name of persecution.
iYet they pestered twelve Counties in England, and would God they were few in number this day.Yet they p•stered twelve Coun•ies in England, and would God they were few in number this day.
Twice they pray God for the King and his son, that they may have long life, honour, happinesse, a long reigne, but not one word of life eternall and the blessings of the life to come; we know the doctrine of H. N. is that the resurrection, the last judgement, all the happinesse of Saints is closed with in this life, the day of judgement, of resurrection, is even now in this present day, H.N. Evang. c. 1. sent. 9 ch. 33. c 34. s•nt. 1, 2, 3. the immortality of the soul, the resurrection of the body, heaven, hell, or judgement beyond this life there is none.
nThis confession was seen by few, it is said to be Printed an▪ 1575. It cannot be known that ever either this petition or that confession was offered to the eye and view of King James, how ever that confession was not theirs, for the word of God to them is the only internal word in the mind, the word as they expone it, but not the Scriptures of the old or new Testament. But it were good that the Familists and Antinomians now in England would publish to the world a confession of their faith. But I expect it not this year, they that do evil, hate the light.This confession was seene by few, it is said to be Printed an▪ 1575. It cannot be known that ever either this petition or that confession was offered to the eye and view of King Iames, how ever that confession was not theirs, for the word of God to them is the only internall word in the minde, the word as they expone it, but not the Scriptures of the old or new Testament. But it were good that the Familists and Antinomians now in England would publish to the world a confession of their faith. But I expect it not this yeare, they that doe evill, hate the light.
