care that way; but a doublet is necessary in cold weather. Ld. Cecil. Such books were tolerated, be- | cause by them the title of Spain was confuted. Ld. Treasurer. And because therein it appears, by the testimony of the priests themselves, that no Papists are put to death for conscience only, but for treason. Dr. Reyn. Indeed I meant not such books as were printed in England, but only such as came from beyond the seas. And now to proceed to the second general point, concerning the planting of learned ministers, I desire they be in every parish. His Maj. I have consulted with my bishops about it, whom I have found willing and ready herein: but, as subita evacuatio is periculosa; so subita mutatio: It cannot presently be performed, the Universities not affording them. And, yet they afford more learned men, than the \realm doth maintenance, which must be first provided. In the mean time, ignorant ministers, if young, are to be removed, if there be no hope of amendment; if old, their death must be expected, because Jerusalem cannot be built up in a day. Bp. of Winch. Lay patrons much cause the insufficiency of the clergy, presenting mean clerks to their cures (the law admitting of such sufficiency) and, if the bishop refuseth them, presently a quare impedit is sent out against him. Bp. of Lond. Because this I see is a time of moving Petitions, may I humbly present two or three to your majesty: First, That there may be amongst us a praying ministry, it being now come to pass, that men think it is the only duty of ministers to spend their time in the pulpit. I confess, in a Church newly to be planted, preaching is most necessary, not so in one long established, that prayer should be neglected. His Maj. I like your motion exceeding well, and dislike the hypocrisy of our time, who place all their religion in the ear, whilst prayer (so requisite and acceptable, if duly performed) is accounted and used as the least part of religion. Bp. of Lond. My second motion is, that until learned men may be planted in every congregation, goly homilies may be read therein. His Maj. I approve your motion, especially where the living is not sufficient for the maintenance of a learned preacher. Also, where there be multitudes of sermons, there I would have homilies read divers times. [Here the king sked the assent of the plaintiffs, and they confessed it.] A preaching ministry is best, but where it may not be had, godly prayers and exhortations do much good. Ld. Chan. Livings rather want learned men, than learned men livings; many in the Universities pining for want of places. I wish therefore some may have single coats (one living) before others have doublets (pluralities). And this method I have observed in bestowing the Ling's benefices. Bp. of Lond. I commend your honourable VOL. II. Ld. Chan. I dislike not the liberty of our church, in granting to one man to benefices, but speak out of mine own purpose and practice, grounded on the aforesaid reason. Bp. of Lond. My last motion is, that Pulpits may not be made Pasquils, wherein every discontented fellow may traduce his superiors. His Maj. I accept what you offer, for the Pulpit is no place of personal reproof, let them complain to me, if injured. Bp. of Lond. If your majesty shall leave yourself open to admit of all complaints, your highness shall never be quiet, nor your underofficers regarded, whom every delinquent, when censured, will threaten to complain of. His Maj. I mean they shall complain to me by degrees, first to the Ordinary, from him to the Archbishop, from him to the lords of the council; and, if in all these no remedy be found, then to myself. Dr. Reyn. I come now to Subscription, as a great impeachment to a learned ministry, and therefore intreat it may not be exacted as heretofore: for which many good men are kept out, though otherwise willing to subscribe to the Statutes of the Realm, Articles of Religion, and the King's Supremacy. The reason of their backwardness to subscribe, is, because the Common-prayer enjoineth the Apocrypha books to be read in the church, although some chapters therein contain manifest errours repugnant to Scripture. For instance, Ecclus. xlviii. 10. Elias in person is said to come before Christ, contrary to what is in the New Testament, Mat. xi. 14. Luke i. 17. of Elias in resemblance, that is, John the Baptist. Bp. of Lond. Most of the objections against those books, are the old cavils of the Jews, renewed by S. Jerome (who first called them Apocripha) which opinion, upon Ruffinus his challenge, he, after a sort, disclaimed. Bp. of Winch. Indeed S. Jerome saith, Canonici sunt ad informandos mores non ad confirmandam fidem. His Maj. To take an even order betwixt both, I would not have all canonical books read in the church, nor any chapter out of the Apocrypha, wherein any error is contained; wherefore let Dr. Reynolds note those chapters in the Apocrypha books, wherein those offences are, and bring them to the abp. of Canterbury against Wednesday next; and now Doctor, proceed. Dr. Reyn. The next scruple against Subscription, is, because it is twice set down in the Common-prayer-book, Jesus said to his disciples, when by the text in the original, it is plain, that he spake to the Pharisees. His Maj. Let the word Disciples be omitted, and the words, Jesus said, be printed in a different letter. Mr. Knewstub. I take exceptions at the Cross in Baptism, whereat the weak brethren are offended, contrary to the counsel of the apostle, Romans xiv, 2 Corinth. viii. one Religion, in substance, and in ceremony. Never speak more to that point, how far you are bound to obey. try. His Maj. Distingue tempora, & concordabunt Scripturæ, great the difference betwixt those times and ours. Then, a Church not fully settled; now, ours long established. How Dr. Reyn. Would that the Cross, being long will such brethren be weak? Are not superstitiously abused in Popery, were abanforty-five years sufficient for them to grow doned, as the Brazen Scrpent was stamped to strong in? Besides, who pretends this weak-powder by Hezekias, because abused to idolaness? We require not Subscriptions of laicks and ideots, but of preachers and ministers, who are not still (I trow) to be fed with milk, being enabled to feed others. Some of them are strong enough, if not head-strong; conceiving themselves able enough to teach him who last spake for them, and all the bishops in the land. Mr. Knewst. It is questionable whether the Church hath power to institute an outward significant sign. Bp. of Lond. The Cross in Baptism is not used otherwise than a ceremony. Bp. of Winch. Kneeling, lifting up of the hands, knocking of the breast, are significant ceremonies, and these may lawfully be used. D. of the Chap. The Rabbins write, That the Jews added both signs and words at the institution of the Passover, viz. when they eat sour herbs, they said, 'Take and eat these in remembrance,' &c. When they drank wine, they said, Drink this in remembrance,' &c. Upon which addition, and tradition, our Saviour instituted the Sacrament of his last Supper, thereby approving, a Church may institute and retain a sign significant. His Maj. I am exceedingly well satisfied in this point, but would be acquainted about the antiquity of the use of the Cross. Dr. Reyn. It hath been used ever since the Apostles time; but the question is, how ancient the use thereof hath been in Baptism. D. of Westm. It appears out of Tertullian, Cyprian, and Origen, that it was used in immortali lacucro. Bp. of Winch. In Constantine's time it was used in Baptista. His Maj. If so, I see no reason but that we may continue it. His Maj. In as much as the Cross was abused to superstition in time of Popery, it doth plainly imply that it was well used before. I detest their courses, who peremptorily disallow of all things, which have been abused in Popery, and know not how to answer the objections of the Papists, when they charge us with novelties, but by telling them, we retain the primitive use of things, and only forsake their novel corruptions. Secondly, no resemblance betwixt the Brazen Serpent, a material visible thing, and the sign of the Cross, made in the air. Thirdly, Papists (as I am informed) did never ascribe any spiritual Grace to the Cross in Baptism. Lastly, material Crosses, to which people fell down in time of Popery (as the idolatrous Jews to the Brazen Serpent) are already demolished, as you desire. Mr. Knewst. I take exception at the wear ing of the Surplice, a kind of garment used by the priests of Isis. His Maj. I did not think, till of late, it had been borrowed from the Heathen, because commonly called a rag of Popery. Seeing now we border not upon heathens, neither are any of them conversant with, or commorant amongst us, thereby to be confirmed in Paganism; I see no reason but for comeliness-sake, it may be continued. Dr. Reyn. I take exception at these words in the Marriage, with my body I thee worship.' His Maj. I was made believe, the phrase imported no less than divine adoration, but find it an usual English term, as when we say, 'a gentleman of worship,' and it agreeth with the Scriptures, giving honour to the wife.' As for Mr. Knewst. Put the case the Church hath you, Dr. Reynolds, many men speak of Robin power to add significant signs, it may not add Hood, who never shot in his bow. (This the them where Christ hath already ordained them, king sake smiling.) If you had a good wife which is as derogatory to Christ's institution, yourself, you would think all worship and hoas if one should add to the great seal of Eng-hour you could do her, were well bestowed on land. His Mj. The case is not alike, seeing the Sacrament is fully finished, before any mention of the Cross is made therein. Mr. Kreast. If the Church hath such a power, the greatest scruple is, how far the orCinance of the Church bindeth, without impeaching Christian liberty. His Maj. I will not argue that point with you, but answer as kings in parliament, Le Roy s'atisera; This is like Mr. John Black, a beardless boy, who told me, the last Conference in, Scotland, (Dec. 1602,) that he would hold conformity with his majesty in matters of Doctrine; bat every man for Cercpoules was to be left to his own lioerty. But I will have none of that, I will have on Doctrine, une Discipline, ¦ Ler. D. of Serum. Some take exception at the Ring in Marriage. Dr. Reyn. I approve it well enough. His Maj. I was married with a Ring, and think others scarce well married without it. Dr. Reyn. Some take exceptions at the Churching of Women, by the name of Purification. His Maj. I allow it very well, women being loath of themselves to come to church, I like this, or any other occasion to draw them thither. Dr. Ron. My last exception is against commiting Ecclesiastical Censures to lay-chanceilors, the rather, because it was ordered, anno 1571, that lay-chancellors, in matters of Dr. Reyn. I desire, that according to certain provincial constitutions, the clergy may haye meetings every three weeks.-1. First in Rural Deanerics, therein to have prophesying, as arch-bishop Grindall, and other bishops, desired of her late majesty.-2. That such things as could not be resolved on there, might be referred to the arch-deacons visitations.-3. And so to the Episcopal Synod, to determine such points before not decided. His Maj. If you aim at a Scottish Presbytery, it agree th as well with monarchy, as God and the devil. Then Jack, and Tom, and Will, and Dick, shall meet and censure me and any council. Therefore I reiterate my former speech, Le Roy s'avisera; Stay, I pray, for one seven years, before you demand, and then if you find me grow pursy and fat, I may, perchance, hearken unto you, for that government will keep me in breath, and give me work enough. I shall speak of one matter more, somewhat out of order, but it skilleth not; Dr. | Reynolds, you have often spoken for my Supremacy, and it is well: but know you any here, or elsewhere, who like of the present government ecclesiastical, and dislike my Supremacy? Dr. Reyn. I know none. over, with silence, my being Supreme Governor in causes ecclesiastical. Well, doctor, have you any thing else to say? Dr. Reyn. No more if it please your ma jesty. His Maj. If this be all your party hath to say, I will inake them conform themselves, or else I will harrie them out of the land, or else do worse. Thus ended the second day's Conference, and the third began on the Wednesday following, Jan. 18, many knights, civilians, and doctors of the law, being admitted thereunto, because the High Commission was the principal matter in debate. His Maj. I understand, that the parties named in the High Commission are too many, and too mean, and the matters they deal with, base, such as ordinaries at home in their courts might censure. Abp. of Cant. It is requisite their number should be many, otherwise I should be forced often-times to sit alone, if in the absence of the lords of the council, bishops, and judges at law, some deans and doctors were not put into that Commission, whose attendance I might command with the more Authority: I have often complained of the meanness of matters handled therein, but cannot remedy it. For though the offence be small, that the Ordinary may, the offender oft-times is so great, and contumacious, that the Ordinary dare not punish him, and so is forced to crave help at the High Commission. A nameless Lord. The proceedings in that court, are like the Spanish Inquisition, wherein men are urged to subscribe more than law requireth, and by the oath er officio, forced to accuse themselves, being examined upon twenty, or twenty four Articles on a sudden, without deliberation, and for the most part against themselves.-In proof hereof, he produced a Letter of an antient honourable counsellor, An. 1584, verifying this usage to two ministers in Cambridgeshire. the particulars of the Letter, because twenty years since, yet doubted not, but at leisure, to give your lordship satisfaction. His Maj. Why then I will tell you a tale : after that the religion restored by king Edward the sixth, was soon overthrown by queen Mary here in England, we in Scotland felt the effect of it. For thereupon Mr. Knox writes to the queen regent (a virtuous and moderate lady) telling her that she was the supreme head of the Church; and charged her, as she would answer it at God's tribunal, to take care of Christ his Evangil, in suppressing the Popish Abp. of Cant. Your lordship is deceived in prelates, who withstood the same; but how the manner of proceeding; for, if the Article long trow you did this continue? Even till by touch the party for life, liberty, or scandal, he her authority, the Popish bishops were repress-may refuse to answer; I can say nothing to ed, and Knox, with his adherents, being brought in, made strong enough. Then began they to make small account of her supremacy, when, according to that more light, wherewith they were illuminated, they made a farther reformation of themselves. How they used the poor lady my mother, is not unknown, and how they dealt with me in my minority. I thus apply it. My lords, the bishops, I may [This he said putting his hand to his hat] thank you that these men plead thus for my Supremacy. They think they cannot make their party good against you, but by appealing unto it; but if once you were out, and they in, I know what would become of my Supremacy, for No Bishop, No King. I have learned of what cut they have been, who, preaching before me, since my coming into England, passed Lord Chan. There is necessity, and use of the oath er officio, in divers courts, and causes. His Moj Indeed civil proceedings only punish facts; but it is requisite that Fame and Scandals be looked unto in courts ecclesiastical, and yet great moderation is to be used therein. 1. In gravioribus criminibus. 2. In such whereof there is a public fame, caused by the inordinate demeanour of the offender.And here he soundly described the oath ex officio, for the ground thereof, the wisdom of the law therein, the manner of proceeding thereby, and profitable effect from the same. Abp. of Cant. Undoubtedly your majesty speaks by the special assistance of God's spirit. Bp. of Loud. I protest my heart melteth with joy, that Almighty God, of his singular mercy, hath given us such a king, as, since Christ's time, the like hath not been. Then passed there much discourse between the king, the bishops, and the lords, about the quality of the persoas, and causes in the High Commission, rectifying Excommunications in matters of less moment, punishing Recusants, ! providing Divine for Ireland, Wales, and the Northern Borders. Afterwards the four preachers were called in, and such alterations in the Liturgy were read unto them, which the bishops, by the king's advice, had made, and to which, by their silence, they seemed to consent. His Maj. I see the exceptions against the Communion-book, are matters of weakness, therefore if the persons reluctant be discreet, they will be won betimes, and by good persua sius: if indiscreet, better they were removed, for by their factions many are driven to be Papists. From you Dr. Reynolds and your associates, I expect obedience and humility (the marks of honest and good men) and that you would persuade others abroad by your example. Dr. Reyn. We here do promise to perform all duties to bishops, as reverend fathers, and to join with them against the common adversary for the quiet of the Church.. Mr. Chadderton, 1 request the wearing of the Surpice, and the Cross in Baptism may not be urged on some godly ministers in Lancashire, fearing, if forced unto them, many won by their preaching of the Gospel will revolt to Popery, and I particularly instance in the vicar of Rats Lle. Abp. of Cant. You could not have fight upon a worse, for not many years ago (as my lord chanceil or knows) it was proved before me, that by his unreverent usage of the Eucharist (dele, the tread out of a basket, every man pulungin mis mand, and taking out a picce) he mcmuy loath the Communion, and refuse to come to Church. His Maj. It is not my purpose, and I dare says not the bishops intent, presently, and out of and, to enforce these things, without father, monitions, conferences, and persuasions, nice pised; but I wish it were examined, whether s Lancashire ministers, by there Pains and hing, have conve ted any from Popery, and willal be men of honest life, and quet conversation. If so, let letters be written to the ship of Chester [Rich., Vaughan, afterwards a shop of Lond in (who is a grave and good man, to that purpose, that some favour may be afforded unto them, and let the lord archbishop write the letters. Bp. of Lond. If this be granted, the copy of these Letters will thy all over Engla d, and then all non-conformists will make t e like request, and so no fruit follow of us Conterence, but things will be worse than they were before. I desire therefore a time may be limited, with the compass whereor they shail; His Maj. I assent thereunto, and let the bishop of the diocese set down the time. Mr. Knews!. I request the like favour of forbearance to some honest ministers in Suffolk. For it will make much against their credits in the country, to he now forced to the Surplice, and Cross in Baptism. Abp. of Cant. Nay, sir His Maj. Let me alone to answer him. Sir, you shew yourself an uncharitable man. We have here taken pains, and, in the end, have concluded on unity and uniformity, and you, forsooth, must prefer the credits of a few private men before the peace of the Church. This is just the Scotch argument, when any thing was concluded, which dis ked some humours. Let them either conform themselves shortly, or they shall hear of it. Ld. Cecil. The indecency of Ambulating Communions, is very offensive, and hath driven many from the Church. Bp. of Lond. And Mr. Chaderton, I could tell you of Sitting Communions in Emanuel college. Mr. Chad. It is so, because of the seats so placed as they be, and yet we have some kneeling also in our chapel. His Maj. No more hereof for the present, seeing they have jointly promised herearer to be quiet and obedient.—Whereat he rose up to depart into an inner chamber. Bp. of Lond. God's goodness be liessed for your majesty, and give health and prosperity to your highness, your gracious queca, the young prince, and all the royal issue. Thus ended the three days Conference, wherein how discreetly the king carried himself, posterity (out of the reach of flattery) is the most competent judge, such matters being most truly discerned at distance. It is generally said, that herein he went above himself; that the bishop of London appeared even with himself, and Dr. Reynolds felt much beneath himself. Others observed that abp. Whitgift spake most gravely; Bancroft (when out of passion) most politicly; Bison, most learnedly. And of the divines, Mr. Reynolds most largely; Knew stubs most affectionately; Chaderton most sparingly. In this scene, only Dr. Sparas was pgan ngizwen, making use of his hearing, not speech, converted (it scems) to the t. utt. of what was spoken, and soon after setting forth a Treatise of Unity and Uniformity.-But the nonconformists complained, that the sig sent for their divines, not to have their Scruples sautsded, but Fis Pleasure propounded;" nos that he might know what they could say, but they what he would do, in the marter. Besides, no wonder if Dr. Reynolds a little lost himself, whose eves were partly dazzed with the sight of the kre's majesty, party daunted with the best of his spieisure. Others complain, that this Conference is partially set forth only by Dr. Barlow, dean of Chester, their professed adversary, to the great disadvantage of their divines. And when the Israel tes go down to the Philistines, to whet all The following is the MILLENARY PETITION. "The humble Petition of the Ministers of the Church of England, desiring Reformation of certain Ceremonies, and Abuses of the Church. "To the most christian, and excellent prince, our gracious and dread sovereign, James by the grace of God, &c. We the Ministers of the Church of England, that desire Reformation, wish a long, prosperous, and happy reign over us in this life, and in the next everlasting salvation. their iron tools, no wonder if they set a sharp | may be removed, some amended, some qualiedge on their own, and a blunt one on their ene-fied.-1. In the Church Service. That the mies weapons.-ThisConference produced some Cross in Baptism, Interrogatories ministered to alterations in the Liturgy, womens baptizing of infants, Coufirmation, as superfluous, may be infants, formerly frequent, hereafter forbidden; taken away. Baptism not to be ministered by in the rubric of Absolution, Remission of Sins women, and so explained. The Cap and Surinserted, Confirmation termed also an Exami- plice not urged. That Examination may go nation of Children, and some words altered in before the Communion. That it be ministered the Dominical Gospels, with a resolution for a with a sermon. That divers terms of Priests, new Translation of the Bible. But whereas it and Absolution, and some other used, with the was hitherto disputable, whether the north, King in Marriage, and other such like in the where he long lived, or the south, whither he Book, may be corrected. The long-someness lately came, should prevail most, on the king's of Service abridged. Church songs, and Mujudgment, in Church-government; this doubt sic moderated to better edification. That the was now clearly decided. Hence forward Lord's day be not profaned. The rest upon many cripples in conformity, were cured of Holy days not so strictly urged. That there their former halting therein, and such, who may be an uniformity of doctrine prescribed. knew not their own, till they knew the king's No Popish opinion to be any more taught, or mind in this matter, for the future, quietly defended. No ministers charged to teach digested the Ceremonies of the Church. their people to bow at the name of Jesus. That the canonical Scriptures only be read in the Church.-2. Concerning Church Ministers. That none hereafter be admitted into the ministry, but able and sufficient men, and those to preach diligently, and especially upon the Lord's day. That such as be already entered, and cannot preach, may either be removed, and some charitable course taken with them for their relief; or else to be forced, according to the value of their livings, to maintain preachers. That Non-Residence be not permitted. That king Edward's statute, for the lawfulness of Ministers Marriage, be revived. That ministers be not urged to subscribe, but, according to the law, to the Articles of Religion, and the king's supremacy only.-3. For Church Livings, and Maintenance. That bishops leave their Commendams; some holding prebends, some parsonages, some vicarages with their bishoprics. That double beneficed men be not suffered to hold, some two or three Benefices with Cure and some, two, three, or four Dignities besides. That Impropriations annexed to bishoprics and colleges, be demised only to the preachers incumbents, for the old rent. That the Impropriations of Laymen's fees may be charged with a sixth or seventh part of the worth, to the maintenance of the preaching minister.-4. For Church Discipline. That the Discipline, and Excommunication may be administered according to Christ's own institution: or at the least, that enormities may be redressed. As namely, That excommunication come not forth under the name of lay-persons, chancellors, officials, &c. That men be not excommunicated for trifles, and twelve-penny matters. That none be excommunicated without consent of his pastor. That the officers be not suffered to extort unreasonable fees. That none, having jurisdiction, or registers places, put out the same to farm. That divers Popish Canons (as for restraint of marriage at certain times) be reversed. That the longsomeness of suits in ecclesiastical courts (which hang some times two, three, four, five, six, or seven years) may be restrained. That the oath er officio, whereby men are forced to accuse themselves, "Most gracious and dread Sovereign; Seeing it hath pleased the Divine Majesty, to the great comfort of all good Christians, to advance your highness, according to your just title, to the peaceable government of this Church and Common-wealth of England: We the Ministers of the Gospel in this land, neither as factious men, affecting a popular parity in the Church, nor as schismatics aiming at the dissolution of the state ecclesiastical; but as the faithful servants of Christ, and loyal subjects to your majesty, desiring and longing for the redress of divers abuses of the Church; could do no less, in our obedience to God, service to your majesty, love to his Church, than acquaint your princely majesty, with our particular griefs: for, as your princely pen writeth, The King, as a good physician, must first know what peccant humours his patient naturally is most subject unto, before he can begin his cure. And, although divers of us that sue for Reformation, have formerly, in respect of the times, subscribed to the Book, some upon protestation, some upon exposition given them, some with condition, rather than the Church should have been deprived of their labour, and ministry; yet now, we, to the number of more than a thousand, of your majesty's subjects and ministers, all groaning, as under a common burden, of human rights and ceremonies, do, with one joint consent, humble ourselves at your majesty's feet, to be eased and relieved in this behalf. Our humble suit then unto your majesty is, that these offences following, some |