A word in season

Whosoever executeth any function in the Church, or hath the cure of Souls committed unto him, may not deal as he list himself, or to over-rule matters according to his own sensual Will. Neither shall he say, Tush, I am a Prelate, the people must all listen to that which I say, and observe my Laws, Ordinances, and Injunctions without gainsaying. For God requireth this, that no man minister, or do any thing, contrary or repugnant to that which he commandeth and appointeth. A Prelate or Bishop (I say) ought to do nothing in the Church, unless he be certain and sure of the warrantise thereof by Gods Word. For God cannot abide to have his service jumbled and mingled at pleasure, with every foolish Gewgaw, and light trumpery. And therefore he ought to have an assurance and certainty in his mind and Conscience, that even God both speaketh and worketh in him; and to stand upon so sure a ground for ⟨p. 48⟩the verity thereof, that his Faith dare boldly witness with him and say, Whatsoever I have spoken, and whatsoever I have done, or dealt herein, I am so out of doubt, that the same in each respect is consonant to the Word and Will of God, that I am ready, and dare to seal the same with my blood, and to confirm it with my Death. For otherwise, if I waver and totter this way and that way, not knowing whose cause and business I have in hand, my Faith is builded upon the Sand, so that the Devil mine Adversary, is able to shake and tumble it which way he list. And therefore we are here straightly forbidden, not to rely unto, nor to allow whatsoever Decree or Constitution these Bishops list to obtrude and enjoin, unless they stand upon a sure ground, that the things which they do, are allowed of God, yea done of God himself; and unless they be able to say, Do this, for it is the Will and Commandment of God, and we have his express Word and Commandment for our Warrant; If they be not able to say thus, they ought to be accounted as Liars and Deceivers; much less ought any Christian to yield unto them therein any Obedience or Subscription. For, the Lord hath so appointed, that our Consciences should not elsewhere be stayed, but upon the most sure and infallible Rock. And thus much for public functions, wherein it is not lawful for us at any hand, to follow our own wilful Devices, and sensual Conceits;