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PRINCETON, N. J.

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Presented by Mr. Samuel Agnew of Philadelphia, Pa.

Agnezv Coll. on Baptism, No.

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Chap'i.

&f f ff ft f f f^tf f f f f tf f t & Englands warning by Gcrmanies Woe,

An Hiftoricall Narration^of the Originall, Pro-

greffe, Tenets, Names, and feverall Scdts of the Anabaprifts in Germany,

and the low Countryes.

C H A P . I .

Of the OriginaU, or beginning of the An ibaptifts.

.Urpofing by the aiTiftance of God, for the confirma- The proem tionand vindication of the truth, to difpute againft the Anabaptifts : for the more full illuftration or the matter I have taken in hand ; I thought fit briefly to praemife thefe things, i Of the OriginaU of thtfc Se- ctaries. 2 Of tkeinProgrejfe. 3 Of the divers Sells into Which they are divided. 4 Of the Names by which they are commonly called. 5 Of their Beterddox opinions.

Concerning the firft : namely, the Originall, or beginning of this fort of men, which are moft commonly termed An*b*pvfis $ Their firft birth is challenged by theyeare of our Lord, 15 21. when they began to appeare on the ftage, and to enter into thefe parts of the Chriftian world. Tho(e that are read to be the firft, which helped the world to be delivered of this Seel ; were Nicholas Starch, Match* Stubner- and chiefly, one Thomas Munizjer, men borne in upper-Ger- many ; Vobfe pretence wat piety, of a civill life in appearance ; but their mindes gree&y after innovations, ambit tins of Honour, and made atti fit' ted for ungodly enterprifes. To their defignes a while joyned himfelfe Martiws CeFdriut, a Swede by Nation, difciple of Capnion, and one or Mclanchtoms familiars ; but who afterwards, both by his and Z,«- thers admonition, repented; and together- with his Sed caft of his Country name, taking unto him from thence-forth the name of Borrhai ; under which name he was firft placed in the profeflion of

A 2 Philofophy,

Of the Originate or beginning Chap.i «

Philofophy, and afterwards of Divinity, in the famous Univerfity of Bazsll\ where ( befides his writings in Logicke and Mathematicks ) by publishing Commentaries upon fome Books of the old Teftament, he commended himfelfe unto the Church of God; untill at laft being feized by the Peftilence, he there finifhed his life,in the Communion of the Orthodox Church, the yeare of our Lord. I 5 64.

Nicholas S torch, and Marcus Stubner, by divers pra&ifes indea- voured to draw the heedlefle people after them • this latter by the fame of his learning and a certaine dexterity he had in expounding the holy Scripture ; the former (as being altogether unlearned, )by his popular eloquence, and report of infpirations, revelations'and fecret conferences with God; both by a great deale of jugling and divers frauds. Thefe no twithftanding proceeded more warily and gently; but mere violently and furioufiy Thomas Mumper, under whole con- duct brake forth that lamentable (edition of the Ccuntry-men, by which in the former age, upper-Germany was fogrievoully ftiaken, and with the fame, the fruites of that new Gofpell, where- with S torch and Stubntr had poiTeffed the mindes of the common people. The refidue of both whofe lives, and their ends, arc uncertaine. Of Mu*t^n further enterprifes comes now particularly to be fpoken.

Some fannicke fpirits take occafion of making parties, and ren- ding the Church ©f God, upon the words of Luther, in his Booke of Chriftian liberty, which is extant amongft his workes in the third Tome: and was nrft publifhed in the yeare of our Lord, 1520. ha- ving read there, that a Chriflian wan is Lord of all things, andfubyU to none : which words written by Luther that eminent lervant of God in the beft part, and largely expounded ; and by a contrary aphorifme, ( namely that the fame was fervant of all, and fubject to all,) more fully declared; were wrefted to an ill fenfe by men impatient both of their owne and.othersquietnetfe: who upon that occafion, firft pri- vately, and afterward publiquely, began to fpeakc evill of the Go- vernment of Princes unto the people ; telling them of their exacti- ons, and boafting the liberty purchafed to ail un&r the Kingdome cf Chrift; and making large complaints, notonely of the Tyranny of the Pope of Rome, but alfo of many faults ftill tolerated in the Church by the firft reformers : and fo ihaking the two pillars of pub - lique order, the dignity of the Magifirate, and the reverence of the iacredMiniftery, and the authority of both, Thereupon confulted a-

bout

Chap.! ." of the Jnabaptifts.

bout framing a new and more perfect Church, and concerning its new policy ; and on this occafton thought of a new Baptifme to in- . itiatethe difaples thereof. Butleaft the reverence of the Baptifme formerly received, ftiould be any hinderance to their purpofe ; Chil- dren Baptifme was exclaimed ag unft as vaine, yea, unlawfull, being conferred upon Infants, which were uncapable thereof; whereas this Sacrarrent ought to be adminiftred to none but men growne, and who had tie ufe of their will and reafon. And that the zeale of this new Chutch, which thefe Doftois defired to raife out of the rub- bilh, migte the more deeply enter into the mindes of the common people ; rhey tooke fpeciall care to make great fhew of piety them- felves, and to prefle the fame upon others. Hence the ordinary fub- jed of publique Sermons, and private Conventicles was. That wee mud deteft fmne, fudduc the fleih, ftirre up the fpirit, exercife duties of charity, beare the Crofle of Chrift, give our felves to falling, bee plaine in apparell, moderate in dyet, compofe the drefling of our bo- dyes to negled:, rather then ornament, and be fparing of fpeech. Ic cannot be faid, how much the enemy of mankinde, by this flight transforming himfelfe into an Angell of light, and hiding the depths of Satanradvanced his caufe ^ and how much this meere out-fide of godlinefle and holinefTe made the mindes of men not evill addicted unto thefe new Evangelifts.

The mindes of men being thus prepared j Thomas Muntztft firft Paftor of Cygnea, afterwards of Alftet , aTowne feated in the limits of Thurkgi* and Saxony, thinking he might now go on with his de- fignes, hardned himfelfe in his audacious wickedneffe-; yea, refolved. in his minde to adventure on any mifchiefe whatfoever. For when he obferved the name of Luther to be famous every where> for rende- ring tiie Churches liberty, and all mens mindes to be inclined towards him : he thought he muft by fome notable enterprize get himfelfe a name a mongft all men like wife ; and to this end was fo bold, as to profefc that he would reftore the politicke or ( as fometimes he u,fed to call it J naturall liberty j and deliver lubjecls from their yoke, and Tyranny, fo did this contemner of Gods ordinance {Ihethe Govern- ment of Princes and Magiftrates: But when he could.not get Luther to joyne with him, nor prove his fad to be lawfullnnto him, with whom he had often meetings thereabout, at Wittenberg : but on the contrary was rebuked by him, and eameftly admoniihed not to di-

A i fturbc

Of the Progrejfe or increafe Gha.2;

fturbe thepablique peace, yea, to fubmit to the order which God had ordained ; he began to rife up, and thunder againft Luther himfelfe, crying out, that Luther was as much in fault as the Pope of Rome ; that it was true, the worke of reformation was Something furthered by him, but left ftiil infected with much leaven ; yea, that Luther was worfe then the Pope, for that he had published onely a carnall Gofpell. Neither left he to exclaime againft the Tyranny of the Civill Magiftrate to the utmoft, nor to prefife upon the common people, that all thiugs by nature were free and common ; and that tie yoke of Princes was as much to be caft ofTas the Popes of Rome: and fee- ing fairc warning was not like to prevaile with them, but they would have both the goods and lives of their fubje&s to be tribute to their lufts ; it was moft juft that every one feeke to recover that by force of Armes, which God would have to be common to all. The com- mons being ftirred up by this Trumpet, and inticed with the feeming fweetnefTe of a certaine new liberty, began every where to imbroyle themfelves in dangerous mutinies. Neere the River vfcronins up- roares are made;in Alfatia & .y*v^»,Troops of factious perfons gathe- red together, liberty is every where pretended, and all reverence and obedience due to Princes contemned, yea, altogether caft off.

Chap. II. Of the frogrejfe or inert fife of the Antbaftifts.

WHen Sathan had by this meanes indeavoured not onely to make Schifmes in the reviving Church, and to caft duft in her face; but likewife to render the reformation of the Temple of the Lord odious to the powers of the world ; as if thereby the juft au- thority of Princes over their fubjects was abrogated ; and the new preaching of the Gofpell, led onely to faction andfedition; it can- not be expreffed mto how much hatred the moft holy worke of Re- formation was brought, with thofe men which were ftill addicted to their former fuperftition ; For thefe tuip.ults were not onely imputed to their true Authours, a few leaders of factious perfons ; but like- wife began to be layd to the charge of the Gofpell it felfe, and all the Teachers thereof. And that fo much the more, becaufe thefe new Patriarka* of the Antfaptifts >[&<& afore- time beene familiar witfe

thofe,

Chap .2? of the Analtpttfisl

thofe, whofe fervice the Lord had ufed in the Reformation of his houfe; and for that they boafted, Luther was of the fame mir.de with them. Hereunto adde, that the multitude ftirredup by their, would feeme that they minded to fticke to the Gofpell, and cleave to the Scripture onely : and would maintaine the liberty of their con- fciencesby the fword. But thofe worthies, which had given furficient proofe to the Church, or their fidelity and integrity in repairing the Temple of God ; that they might wipe off the blot which was caft afwell upon themieives, as the Gofpell; they thought fit by wri- ting, to defend both their owne, and the caufe of the C hurch of God ; which amongft the reft, was ftoutly performed by Luther, MeUnch- ton,Zu\niliHis BuUinger, Memo*, Rfgiut and others, who fharpely, inveighed againft fedition, and feditious perfons ; admonilhing rebel- lious fubjecls out of the word of God, of their duties towards the^_ higher powers ; reproving thofe turbulent Preachers, and exhorting all to quietneffe, and due reverence towards Piinces : and left nothing undone, which they thought might ferve to abate the violence of thofe men, which with inraged mindes runne headlong unto all un- godlineffe and mifchiefe. Chiefly Luther > being more vehement a- gainft them, contented not himfclfe with exhortatory writings a- lone,butlikewifefetfoi!lthfharpe.Invedives againft the unruly : and by a fpeciall Booke publifhed againft thofe. Countrey Robbers and Murtherers, himfelfe denounced warre againft them ; exhorting Princes by force of Armes, toreftraine the courfe of thefe Robbe- ries, andcompell them to be quiet, which would not be perfwaded to it.

• Thefe new Doctors, Muttzer and his confederates, being rather made fiercer then milder by thefe admonitions, turmoyle ftill more and more, crying out, that Luther and thofe of his party, favoured nothing but the flefti; vaunting indeed, thatrhey have cut orffomeof the leaves of Antichrift ; but the tree and the rootes remained ftill untouched ; which muft aifo be cut downe, and which cut downe they would. And feeing they could finde nothing in the written word of God, to defend their errours, and the tumults which theyraifed, they flye to new devices, to maintaine themfelves and their madnefle, by boafting of revelations, infpirations j and alwayes inculcate to the ineonfiderate multitude inclined unto them, that man mufi live l>j e-

i/erj Vtordwhieh mcce&tk out «f the mmh of God% and therefore mull

.. ' - * ■ no£

<J Of the frogrejfe, or increafe Chap.l?

not feeke to be wife onely out of books and wrkings, but endeavour

x_according to the prefcript of the Apoftle, that they might aU Profhecy,

n^tiiJai I Hereupon every Fife-monger begins to boaft.of the Spirit, feign re- ^—^—^ vtlations after the example of Storch and Mumper, to counterfeit S infpirations : the Pulpit is open to every Cooler or Tinker j and

— what goodly dotage foever the method of deceit had dictated to any,

without and contrary to the written word, was thruft upon men for the word of God; fcorVed at the publique Sermons of the refor- med, inveighed againft the Lutherane faith, as being void of good workes : fome of their doctrines and myfteries they would not re- vealc, except to thofe, who gave themfelves to minifter about their holy things; others like the cuttell fifi, they caft their blacknefte a- bout, that they might not be thorowly difcerned j by ftrangi arts, lurked in Houfes and Families, gathering their conventicles in fecret corners : profeffc that they were fent chiefly to the needy, and thofe of mcane condition ; and by all kinde of craft and fubtilty, feek to poneife and bewitch the mindes of credulous men.

Waving once opened a wide gate to errour, by enthufiafmes ; all rr.on'trous opinions whatsoever, began to be obtruded upon fimple people, and thofe who were itching after novelties : and turbulent wits are ftirred Up, to introduce a new ftate of things both in Church and Common wealth, into the Chriftian world. And that no regard cither of confcience, or fidelity fwornc to Princes, might be an hin- derance to them ; they began to publifh, That Oaths in the time of the ^TT" " %et* Teftamettt, Were unlawful! ; ami therefore whether already taken, or t9 ~4-^-^—^ be taken, were altogether void and of noneejfett. Thefc foundations be- ijigoncelayd, the common people are over all, as it were fet at li- berty, by ta&ious Sermons, confpirations made, and fcditious per- fons armed againft their Princes; and flourifhing provinces wafted with miferable civill warre, and ftained with much bloud.

The chiefe Trumpet , and kindler of thcfe uproares, was this Munt&r, who having gotten himfelfe authority amongftthehted- leffe common people, began openly to prociaime, That he was rdfed uf by the command of God, for the puni foment of Kicked Princes, and ot- tering of Politieke Govtrnment. For this caufe, being by Frederick E- UUor of Saxony, driven out of that Country, and wandering here and therethrough Germany zni Helvetia, he fowed the feeds ef fedition every where $ and at length3 being returned to Alnlhayfen^ a famous

Towne

Chapel. Of the Anabaptiftsl f

Towne in Thuringia, ke came to that height of preemption, that by the hclpe of factious perfons, and fuch as were addi&ed unto him, he put oft the Magiftntes, and filled the Court with his Sectaries ; yea, challenged to himfelfe the cognizance of all, both Ecclefiafticall and Civill matters; fprcading this DocTiine, that judgements under the new Tefiamem ought to be framed andtdminiflred onelj out of the word of Cod. And that the hearts of the common people might be the more faftly knit unto him, who have commonly but fmall revenues ; he would not onely that all Monafterics (hould be prey and fpoyle unto them, but likewife commanded that all things fhould be in common, ac- cording to the example of the Vrimitive Church : and thofc of tha richer ibrt/he either by Arguments perfwaded to afcent, or by force, and feare of worfe compelled them thereunto. Whtn nothing in (hew more favourable then this, could come to the eares of the com- x mon people ; who had either beene burdened with taxes, or fome- time oppreffed by the more hard government of their Superiours ; or which were in want and penury; and Muntzjir by his feditious let- ters fent abroad every where by his Meflengcrs, published this do- &rine; and wiahall preached all manner of liberty : grievous com- motions followed in many provinces, efpccially in SVvedet>,Thuringia, tnd Francom'ca, where the clownifh multitude arifing m great num- bers betake themfelves to Armes ; contemne the commands and dig- nitie of the Magiftrate ; pull downe all Caftles, and fortrefles, as the fetters put upon their liberty. Mumper yet fetsthe mindes ofthojfe men more on fire, who were already more then enough enraged : cals the Minets out of the Mines of Mansfie/d unto prey and tumult, de- nounced to all, That he io the fervant of Cod, ordained by Heaven, to sut of the ungodly ; and that God had committed unto him the ffeord of Gideon ? ordinarily ufing this fubfeription in his letters. Thomas Muntzjtr the fervant of God againji the ungodly j as alfo, Thomas M*nt**r with thefvfordof Gideon. And yet is the minde of this mad- rfae Aiwbap man, more and more inflamed, by one Henri Pfitf^t who of a tifts enter tk Monke, become a brawler , counterfeiting a vifion from Heaven, fieldwfth ar gathers forces of mutinous perfons, and brings forth his Troopes in- Arm7' to the field. The Princes of Saxony, Brunfmclte and Hejfen, with the The Princes Count of Mansfield, being by the Rebels con ft rained to Armes, pre- o( G<rmi-iy pare likewife an Army : and after many admonitions fpent to no pur- ^ft^hem'

pofe, they fet upon chefe bands of husbandmen rather then Soul- ^ ^ '

B dieri, avv

tfufTnm

8 Of tbefrogeffeorincreafe Chap.2.

diers, which were fee downe on the hill nccr the Towne of Frankfn- loajCen ; whom ( quaking before the fight began, and in vaine exhor- ted by Mumpers trembling voice to courage and conftancy )'they o- verthrow and put to flight •, ftorme the Towne of Frankenbayfen : and Mmtxjer who had fled thither, and fained a ficknefle, ( as being pined away with long fuintnefle) being through the fingular provi- dence of God, difcovered by the fervant of a Noble-man, by certain letters hid in his cloakbagge, neer the bed where he lay, was plucked kinfitt and out of his hole, and together wich his confort Pfcifftr committed to tfeiffir nken fafe cuftody : where having by the Racke and Tortures, compeld him ndh.-mged t0 declare the names of his complices ; healmoft defperate ( toge- ieer Mulbqfen. t^r w^ pfe,ffer> who was taken neer Ifenacke ) paid for his wicked- neflfe, and the death of fo many thoufands ; being cut off with the fword of vengeance, by the hand of the hangman, neer Mulhayfex, in the yeare of our Lord 1525. Otherwhere alfo in Swede*, Tbnrin- gia, Alfatia, FrMComayBavma^Anjiriadnd Stiria, were the Princes Armes victorious ; the routed Troops of the Rufticks, are fcattercd in everyplace; the Cities poflfeffcdby the fe| factious men, are ei- ther taken by force, or conftrained to deliver up, and by the punifh- ment of a few, many are reftrayned, all terrified, this fpreading evill flayed ; and the former peace and tranquillity again reftored to thofe Provinces.

Thefe frantick and feditious men, being fubdued by force in upper- Cermany^nd the fpring of rebellion.wkh the lone of much bloud, at laft drawn dry:this evill grew frefh again in Helvetia; and thofe feeds of ArtAbaptifme, which had been fowne by Mnntz.tr traviling through thefe parts j and received with open eares and mindes by fomc Mini- sters of the Word ; began both in publique and private aflemblies to be preached unto the common people, Of which Preachers the prin, cipal men were Foelix Mantz,-)bcConraditu Grebelitu of j?»/-/V£,wher- of the firft had ftrived in vaine to come to thcprofelTion of thef/r- treW, and the other of the Creeke tongue, and Balthaz,er Hubrr.cier* Paftor of the Towne of Watifhut \ who when he had not onely by word, but alfo by publishing a booke of A»a(wptff?ne, troubled the confeiences of a great many; HnldricHs Zttniglitu ,that valiant Cham- pion of the truth, fet forth a writing, and confuted the turbulent fel- low. And at Z.Hricb}'m a folemne difputation with the two former, for, three dayes together, in the monxhof'Nwemkr, publiquely in

the

Chap.z OftheAnabaptifts. 9

the Court ( after two others had with them, in the month of Jam- try and March) in the yeare of our Lord 1525.) folidly confuted their Arguments, or rather cavillations againft Childrens Buptifme, ( which they contended was firft inftituted by Pope Nicbslat ) in full demonftration of the fpirit, and of power, Anabaptifme being tri- umphed over in this difputation, by the helpe of Zu> igliw, Lea Juda, and Cafper Mcgander, and the truth laid open to the light; the Se- nate ofZurith by a publique edict eftablifhech Childrens Baptifm,and command the Anabaptifts teachers u be filent and quiet. Notwithftan- ding, as yet thefe troubles of the State would not ceafe, but that in private meetings, they had not onely perfwadtd Anab*\ti[me againe to many of the Citizens, but alio divers of them, who had addicted themfelves to thefe new Patriarks, wTere rebapcized.

To this thing lend their afliftance, Gnlielmni Raubli, Pamcelltu Brotlein, George Blaurock, John Dcncit^ and Andrew Stultzy \ but a- bove all others Hubmcir ; who having at flrft taught the Gofpellat Waldjhttt, a Towne in the confines of Helvetia ; and afterwards tur- ned to the Anabaptifis, and fo ( having fet the Citizens together by the eares, for this diverfay of opinions J made the City again liable to the Amies of the houfe of Attjhi*, and the Idolatry of the Church of Rome; nud fled to Zurich, and there lurked privily amongft his difciples, untill being apprehended by the Senate, and commanded to anfwerto what (hould be laid to his charge ; he was by Zuniglitu out of the word of God, proved guilty of divers errors. But he of his owne accord, pronifing to make a pullique recantation, when he afcended the Pulpit, againe preached his errors unto the people. Being reprehended for this thing, and confefling that it was infpired into him by Satan, at laft after many promifes,and forfwearing the Tenets mibmeicrb™ of the Anabapt'tfts, he was banillied the City. But as men arc apt to ftied from Zu 'ftrive for what is forbidden them, and defire the more that which is t-eff- „ denyedthem; fo could not all this reftraine the rude multitude, but that they fecretly favoured the opinions of thefe fanaticke men, which were with much art and eloquence commended unto them by the Teachers of the dnabaptifts, moving them,befides the novelty of the doctrine, a certaine vaine affection of pitty towards thefe new E- vangehfts ; who-feemed rather miferable then evill, and more prodi- gallof their quietneflTe then faith; reputing their ftubbornneife for true conftancy. Infomuchas the Senate of Zurich was at laft cor>

B 2 ftrained,

io Of theProgreJfeerinereafc Chap.2.

drained to indeavour to prevent the fame, by a fevcre edict in the

Zapitallptmifli. yearc of our Lord 1530. decreeing capitall puniiliment upon the

ncm decreed Teachers of the Anabaptijls, and heavy fines upon any that fhould re-

igamft the ceivethem. The opinion of Bubmeier antorgft others, was, that the

^nabapdrts1 * ft™* 4f Adam MA not confent toftnne, and therefore remained per fell af»

»nd fines layed terfinne committed ; neither did it loofe its liberty, but thepjh onetj*

apon thofc dut The field of BasMl likewife being fowne with thefc unhappy tares*

receive them. there alfo did the Anabaptifis make ftirres and uproares : with whom

OEcolanpadiHszgrzvc Divine encountring in the City of Baz.il/, in

the yeares 1 5 2 $ j 1 5^7» 1 5 29. about the articles of Childrens Bay*

ti(ta^Rebaptiftng,the CiviM Magiftrate, and Oaths-, gave abundant

fatisfaction to the caufe, though not to the obftinate age :.< thereof ;

fo that by the authority of the moft prudent Magiftrate, the zealous

aflertor of Gods glory,ufed in fupprefling thofe Sectaries ; both the

peace and purity of the Church of 2?**itf was prcferved.

The peace of the Common- Wealth of Berne alio, was not a little troubled by thofe men ; efpecially by Ludovicns Hetfer, Joannes Tra- yr ,and Joannes Seckler ; where the Anabaptifis being admitted to a publique difputation«/4ftw«>r 5 28. their errors were manifefted, and their ring-leaders confuted by Bertholdtu HaUertt*, and Francis Kol- b'liu, Minifters of the word of God. But when notwithstanding the Anabaptifis muttered in corners, that there was as yet no fatisfaction given them, that the truth might openly triumph over error, a folernn difputation was againe appointed, by the honourable Magiftrate of ^fdifpuution Berne, at Zofing in Argovia within the Territory of Berne, in the at Zojtng [with month of July, Ann»Dom. 155a. which being accordingly per for- ine^dai med' DCtween the Minifters of the Church of Berne^nd the Teachers getter. ' °^ r^e Anaboptis~is ; and continued for nine dayes together ; and ta- king by publique notaries, and puDlifhed to the world ; was of great moment for the confirmation of many mens mindes in the truth, and recalling others from their errors. And when about the yeare 157?. the Anabaptifis began againe to raife new ftirs in the country oEBer*; by the vigilancy of the Magiftrares and fevere edicts, the Sectaries were curbed and the growing evilir^prelTed.

In SengoU likewife a Town of Helvetia, confederated with the neighbouring villages, no fmall adoe was made by Conrad** Grebelim and his difciples ; and by allftratagems, fecret fuggeftions, publique fcrmons, writings, and all manner of allurements indcavored, that

this

Chap.l. 0/ the Jriabaptifts* \t

this famous City might be made a Pe/U, and receptacle to thefe kinde of men; But through Gods fpeciall mercy, by the writings oiZunig. They arc Ci lists, the zeale of Ioaskimm VaSantn, and the prudence of the Magi- JJl!^1 ftrate, that was prevented, and thefe troublefome fellows caft out of the City. Not a little conduced, to render the Anabapifts hatefull un- to all good men in this City ; the horrible facl of Thomas Schmker, difciple of Melchior Rirtckius that Champion of the Anabcftifts ; For hee or. a time, when a great throng of this kind of people were gather- ed together, counterfeiting s rapture and revelation from heaven;, commanded his brother Leonard Shsscker to kneel down on his knees, - and aske for a Sword. Being demanded by his father, mother,, and fjK,sehiwhct others that ftood by, what he meant by this pofture ; anfwered, that an ^mbaptift they fhould be of good cheare , for he would doe nothing but what cuts oft' his was revealed him from heaven. The minds of all being attent to this ^others had new fpectacle, the mad prophet with his drawne fword, cuts off his m a raBtute* brothers head from his body, at one blow,and tumbles it to the earth; ftriking exceeding terrour into all the beholders, and drawing from his parents great grief of heart, and many groanes. Being apprehen- He is executed ded by the Magiftrate for this cruell murder ; he received the puniih- for it. mentduetohiswickednefle; nevertheleffe ihewing no figne at all of any remorfe for his crime , but profefling on the Scaffold that this was the will of God, revealed unto him from heaven. This tragical! chance hapned in Sengall, An, Dam. 1527. which not a little mo- ved the mind of the Chriftian Magiftrate > and ftirred him up againft thefe furious prophets and their fonnes, and caufed him to publifh Seven Edids againft the abode of the Anabaptists in their City or do- minions. The departure of thofc men gave indeed reft and quiet to Seveiv Edid« the City of Sengalfy but bred new turmoyles in the neighbour Coun- *°J!a tife ati- zrey of Abbas-C climbs, thofe reftlefle perfons ever wandring here din* mthofe " and there, to make innovations,and tioubU the worke of reformation pins. there began.

Satan being throwne out of this Theatre likewife,. would needs ere& himfelfe another, in many of themoft flourifhing Cities of Ger- many : and at Straesbonrg by Ho/man, at Wormts by Cantitu, at Attf- iourg by one Urnes a Tanner ; at Vims by Kkiber, and at other places by others, began to fpread and fow abroad the doctrine of hr.abay tifme : whofe attempts were withftood, both by the Magiftrates arfti o:kcrof Cods faithfull fervams, the turbulent men fupprefled 9 their

£ 3 ptfti-

U Of we Trogrejfe or increafe Chap.2.

peftilent docTrine in publique meetings confuted , and by folemn E- di&s reftraintd : although alwayes under deceitfull afhes lurked the fire kindled by thefe raging Doctors, which ever and anon brake out in divers places.

The Anabaptists being driven out of Helvetia and Vpper Germany , many of them departed into Moravia ; and there joyned themfelves to factious men of this fort , who were itching after novelties. Ha- ving by divers Heights gathered them many Congregations there, and fent forth many of their meuengers into the neighbour Provinces and Kingdomes ; the fame plague brake out in Bohemia, Poland, Hungary, Anabaptifts Aufiria, and SileJSa ; which when feditions and disturbances every beheaded. where followedjfome of them being caught,paid for their unrulinefle with the lolTe of their headsjamongft whom w&sBahhazar Hnbmeier^ Hubmeier an who for having made tumults in Mora via, was brought to Vtema.uA Anibapnft for there burnt. This being by the Anabaptifis efteemed martyrdome,ra- <yifiburlU " c^c,: kindled, then quenched or aflwaged the heat of their fury: nor ■Vienni. ° * did they ceafe any whit the more for that, to ufe all maner of devices, which either zeal without knowledge could fuggeft unto fimple men, or which the cunning jugling of their Ring-leaders could invent , for the eftablifhing and increafing of their Sed: : of which the publicati- on of theforerraentioneddoftrineof communion of goods, was not the leaft ; and which was with ready minds and Esrs received of the rude rabble,who had fmall means of their own, and all their hopes on other mens. But this a little flackned the progrefle of the Sectaries, that (as the wits of men are never at reft) the Anabaptifis of 'Moravia In Mouvh the began to divide into divers parts,of one Seel: becomming two.the one intofc^craU °^l^Ga^e^fls* l^c other of the Hntterians,{o named from two Se<fts. of their Ring- leaders, Jacobus Huttering, and Gabriel Scheverin£,y;h.c

were the ftrft that lighted ahe Candle to thefe Sectaries in Moravia. As Vpper Germany was thus fubject to the uproares of the Ana- kaptijls, fo neither was Lo\\> Germany free'from this fpirit of giddines; but the fiourifhing Provinces of Weftpbalia% Friesdand, and Holland, were grievoufly vexed with thefe new apoftles j by whom, vanting nothing but the word of God, and revelations from heaven, and in- iinuating themfelves by a certarne outward civility of life,a very great multitude of people were corrupted, and infecW with this leaven of ' Anabaptifnte : but chiefly Munficr a famous City of fVeflphaii* was befet with thefe new prophets; which they did as it were by degrees.

For

Chap.2. of the Amlaptifls. i j

For when atfirit. by the labour of Bernard Rotmanntu the doctrine of theGofpell began to bee taught in this City, a great multitude of ' people adjoyned themfeives thereunto, the Papifts in vaine ftorming thereat. Rotmannm fends to Marpurg , defiring to have fome Mini- fters fent from thence unto his afiiltance ; by whole helpe and coun- fell, the worke of reformation fo happily began might bee more ad- vanced. There being fent unto him PeirtufVirthemiui and Godfrey Strale*, Rotntamm with his fellows provoke the Papifts to a folemn difputation, fets downe their errours in writing, and promifeth a con- futation of the fame, out of the Word of God. But when the Popifh Doctors confelTed that they were unable to undergoe the encounter, and that they could not defend their doctrine by the Scripture , they were removed from the office of publique Teaching, and fixe Tem- ples occupied by the reformed. The Canonicks, and their followers,, ' complaiue to the Biihop, of the injuftice of thofe of Mnnjler ; he by letters commands that the new Preachers fhouid bee put out of To wne, and his o wne reftored againe. But the Bijbof having fpent many threatnings to no purpofe , and the number of Protectants growne greater then could bee contained in a little roome; by the mediation of the llluftrious Landgrave of Hejfen, the bufinelTe was compounded j the Proteftant Preachers having certaine Temples al- lowed them ; the Cathedrall being left to the Canonkks, the Bifhop enjoying his right , and they their ordinary revenues. When from A g^ , . that time forward every one had followed his own Religion quietly, Tailor two for the fpaeeof divers moneths; at length there come fecretly to Ambap.get in Murftr certaine of the Anabaftifis; in the yeare of our Lord 1535. ^-^unjicr and of whom the principall were loin Matth'jz, a fcaker of Harlem, and mfcfl c j* Citf" Iohn 2?*™/*/ a Taylor of Ley den; who being privily received by fome ^"s ^0'^ri^ of the Citizens, gather night meetings in Corners, teach a new Cate- chifme, condemne childrens Baptifine; andnotondy leaine their difciples a new doctrine of Baptifme ; but make them to receive it againe ; and urge community of Goods. When thefe new Doctors, cfpecially fohn of Lejden , had by a certaine alluring force of fpeech, and fained (lie w of piety (having otherwifc a per fon fit for a Prince,) . crept into the minds of the credulous people, in a fhortfpace the new ^doHo' feet grew very numerous ; feeing all thofe joyned themfeives unto it, ftate, andlncl -^ whom either their debts preffed , or had but little means at home; nedtomifchief yea all fnch whole inftds were inclined to mifchiefe and mif-rule. ioyn unto them

To

J4 Ofthefregrejfe?orincreafe Chap.t?

To thefe were added a fwarme of ftrangers,called thitherjby the Ana- -

bapt'fts out of the neighbouring Provinces ; upon vvhofc comming the

new prophets being more emboldned , they began to contend with

Rtmimm and . the reformed Miniftcrs about childrens Baptifme. Rotmanntu turn-

whei miniftcrs ing his faile to follow the winde of popular applaufe , firft faintly op-

5? °d" ?fttli€ P°^,; himfelfe to the Anafaptiftj ; afterwards contrary to his pligh-

»P" $. tecj j^^ yg^jj t{iem tfe vi(ftory f anii 0peniy goes 0Ver unto them;

as likewife doe Herman Strapecbt,, Henricus Rtiliittt, Godfrey Str*leny and more others. The City being divided into parties and factions ; ^ the Senate orjaines a publique difputation concerning the do&rine. tionthe !/r»-" ^nere encounter in the moneth of Aftguft, 1533. Rotmannns and bapufts % or- other o f the Sectaries ; wi th HerntamwlSftfcbim, Iomws Glandorpi. der of the Se-«- w, Vetrm Worthemiui^ Umnes Holtma», and their fellows. When mt^ 7 C°T" ^ere *'kewife the Truth triumphed over Errour ; by order of the Sc- "art the Cii nate> the ^^tyiftt were commanded to depart the City. They fain- 1 y* ing a departure, hide themfelves fecretly in their holes ; and -being bold upon the favour of many of the Citizens, ceafe not in their pri- vate meetings to defend their caufe, confirme and fpread their new dodrine. Divers tumults arife in the City , grave perfons and thofe that favoured the Orthodox Religion, either forefceing the enfuing mifchiefe, or overcome with feare, departed out of the City. From difputations it came to righting ; and thofe which before were forced They rife up in t0 hjde themfelves,now come forth in battell array againft the refor- ftnTr^fofmed m^% ^ ^ P**^ anc* ^Derty °f confeience being eftabii&ed on They not con- both fides, all controversies are laid afide; but for a time onely. For tent with liber- neither did it fecm enough to thefe giddy headed men, who delighted tyofconfci- in nothing but ftirs and novelties, to have obtained liberty to them cncc,afpire to ancj theirs, except they afpire alfo, to all manner of licentioufaefle, to memlccord- gov^rne an(* difpofe of all things according to their owne pleafure. s»g to their " The new prophets Iohn Matthijz., and John of Leyden, counterfeit rap- flcafare. tures and infpirations, and by fending forth horrible cries about the

ftreers and croffe wayes, exhort all men to repentance; many wonders are noyfed amongft the common people; from Ofnal>rug, WeftU, and fVarerulorp, and the neighbouring To wnes, were called hither all fuch as were inftruded in the myftenes of Aiutbdptifmt, under the glorious promife of receiving an hundred fold, for the goods that they left. They cteite Mod of the Senators goe out of Towne , the reft are put off, the face viwwtfagitas of the City qyjee altered.; new Magnates cheated by the prophets-,

and

Chap.2? of the Anabapttftsl ?j

and amongft: the reft Bernard Knifperdollmg, an old Innovator, ready of his hands, and as it were made of purpofe for tumults. To whom Brethren were adjoyned, all men of the fame order and difpofition. Over the Church auemblies were fet, one Julius of Frieflund, Rot- ma»nns and others. The Monasteries and Temples are fpoiled ; a huge deale of prey is gotten together, and ufed in common ; yea, by a new ordinance of the Prophets, community of all goods is commanded xiieyCom- uponpaineof deith; all bookes except the Bible are caft into the mami com- fitc ; Schooles aboliihed ; yea, and publique Church aflfemblies : the mutiny of alj Prophets often redoubling, happy would that time be, when all goods upon fhould be taught of God. And when the City was befieged by the IhTzboUih* Bifhop, the Prophets prepare forces, raife fortifications, caft the SchooUs'anJ Bels into Engines of warre, and parting the worke amongft the peo- church af- ple; not onely delude them with vaine words, but tire them out with femblies. hard labour; and by cruelty confirme their authority towards the gaine- fryers. "John MuttbiU , rafhly falling out amongft the trucked of the enemies, with a fmall company, being cut off, and the Citi- zens mindes much troubled thereat ; 'fobn of Ley den thinking it con- cerned him to repaire this mifchance, tels them that his death with the manner thereof, was long fince foretold him ; and fo he and Rot' mannus, raife them all up, in new hopes, and expectation of a mira- culous deliverance from the (lege ; and repulfing the enemy, who di- vers times aftiulted the wals without fuccefle, gained credit to their predictions. Then as being taken with an extafy and drunke for three dayes, at length proclaimes, that by the command of their heavenly Father, twelve (factious) men, muftbe fet over this new Ifrael, referving to himfelfe as the Prophet of God, authority to de- clare unro all what w*S Gods pleafure. To cover his owne adulteries J.|?ype j " and monftrous lulls, hee eftablifheth Polygamy, rageth againft thofe myand°rafe that diiTented,and by the (laughters of a great many ftrengthens his againft thofc Tyranny ; fo that upon the pleafure of this ungodly mant depended that oppofe not oncly the fortunes but even the lives of every one of the Citizens. ic' t,iey Pra£M Whofoever durft but (peak a jeft word of theProphets,was accufed ©f ^""y* Treafon, and made a Sacrahce to the luft of thefe mifcreants ; and all divine and humane right troden under foote. V'ea, fo farre proceeded the maduefle of this vill inous fellow, that by the craft of a Gold- finith of Warendorp fuborned by him. who rained a revelation and J° " ° u ^ kifpiracion ; and the blockiuSncfc of the bewitched people j this a Ki»piythTon

C fcum

1 6 Of the frogeffe or increafe Chap.2.

fcum of the earth, was fet upon a Kingly Throne, and exercifed a ftage-player like Kingdome, in an oppreflcd City, prepared himlclfe princely furniture and attendance, ufctfe all manner of cruelty, witk Itfe diftributcth whordoms,murders and unheard of Tyranny; diftnbutcd amonglt his Wincipallities followers, Principalities and Dukedomes at his pleafure, and by his and dukedoms mtflfengers publillied abroad the Kmgdome of Sion, and evay at his pie1 Cure where ftirred up the country people to mutiny and rebellion ; yea,ac- Ito his followers tempted fuchmifchkres, as will fcarcerlnde credit with poftenry; afenbing to hi rfelfethisfranticke title: him King of new 1(yp{a> lem% King of righteouinefle over the whole world. Of which may be feene at large Joannes Slejdun in the tenth booke of his Comen- Caries : Lamlt tut Uortenfim M^ortiw , lib. de tumttfabns Anabapt. tmdloannes Wigmdut Bifhop of Tomcz.*niay in his volumne publi- shed of Anakaptifme. TJhis Stage-play, or rather Tragedy endured fo long, untill the City was brought to the utmoft mifery ; and ( the Citizens too late acknowledging their owne vaine credulity and th? madneffe of their Prophets ) was by a ftratagem taken of the ene- my, and hhndt Leyder, K nipper dotting and other of the principal! being caught, after tome fruitlefTe conferences, Anno 1536. had be- Thc Ring-lea- tweenethem, and Antony Corvinns and lonnnes Kymata, divines of dcrs of the A- Hejfen both of them ; with other contorts of their villany, recciv ed nabaptiftsare the mod juft reward of their wickednefle, b-ing plucked in peeces FullJ *n Pce^c$ with burning pincers, and diverfly tormented, as thefewhi. h had ^ocrrarld5' deferved more then one kmde of death: and John of Ltyden at this \ohuoiu.den day hanging up in a Cage, teachcth poftcnty to learne rightcouf- hangd up in a nefle, and not to defpife the Deity. •

Ca&e3 Notwithstanding, neither with thefe horrible fruits of Anabap*

tlfme, nor yet with the calamity of Mun$er> were the mindes of the Anabaptifts dismayed, in divers Provinces of the Netherlands- and though many of them protected that they difliked the madneffe of , the A^abappfts otMunfter, yet tis certain that their chiefcQ: Teachers in divers Provinces, were fuch as were fent out from them ; and Memo Simon*, although hee diiapproved of many things in thofe of MttnTkr, neverthelefre acknowledged them for brethren though weake ones ; and profefled that their calamity notwithftanding,they might finde God mercifull unto them. And indeed, this Memo Si« moMz came out of the Schoole of Vbbo Philips : and he out of the Schoole of Bartholomew ' CompaUor, whofe Apoftkmipis leferred

unte

Chap.i. OftheJnahaptijtsl 17

unto lohn Mtttbikt that famous Prophet of thofc of Mmfter ; by whom hee, Theodoricke Cnyper, Claefvm Alcmaer, and others, were firft fent forth. But how much this faftious fpirit ftormed in Trie* j? Wand Ho&a*d., what uproars hee raifed, efpecially at Amfterdant and here at Lejdn, yea throughout all Holland and Friefland, and what dangerous plots he contrived for the deftruction of thofe Ci- ties, is at large declared by Lambertw Hortenfim in the booke before cited. And although thefe tumults alwayes fell on the heads of their Authours, and their madnefte and erroneous doctrines, were both by the Magiftrates and Minifters of the word, every where refifted: not- withftanding fo deep roots have this kinde or men taken in thefe Provinces ; and their counterfeit fliew of much fimplicity, fincerity, humility and charity, and fpcciall reverence towards the word of God, fo bewitched the mindes, especially of the common people, and doth drill bewitch them ; that many which #re no evill men, but zealous of godlineffe, joyne unto their party -t and turnc the loofe life of many of thofe which are of the reformed Churches, into a prejudice of their Doctrine. Yea, at this day their doctors, by con* feflions, and writings, partly doctrinall, partly defensive, and partly conmutory, ftand in the maintainancc of their errors : So that it concerns us to indeavour by all meanes to hinder the fame,and to pro- vide by all diligent care for the regaining of thofe foulesunto God, who are cither led away with this error, or bred up in the fame ; and for preferving thofe from contagion, whom this peftilentiall ftarrc hach not yet infected.

Now as the builders of ancient BakS, by the confufion of their tongues, puMiihed their owne wickedncfle, and deferved punish- ment ; fo in like manner, Ood would not onely that the Anabaptist fhould be (Irickcn with a Angular biindneffe, but likewife that their tongues Ihould be divided : and by his moft juft judgement permit- ted, that thefe Sectaries flaould not onely diflent trom one another, and rend into divers parts, but alfo that they hnould with fpitefull TheAnabap- hearts and pens, like fo many new Midianites fight one againft ano- tilts divide in- ther, and with mntuall execrations teare out their owne bowels, wfevmll »- For not onely the \nabaptifls of Moravia depart one from another, t\l°?l^mm butlikewefe thofe of the LowComtryet.dmdtd amongft themfelves, municatc«ne thunder one family againit the others, and for frivolous matters ex- the othfr. communicate one another,

Ci Chap

\ 8 Of the divers SeBs. Chap. 3*

Chap.III. Of the divers Setts of the Anabaptiftt, and of the names by wh'k b the j are called,

O fearch out the names, governments and tenets, of all the Seels into which this Kingdome is divided, and wherein they diftent one from another, would be of an over- tedious enquiry, yea fcarcc pofiible to any, except tainted, yea nourifhedup in their Religion : this indeed is confefled,that many forts of the Anabaptifis were num.- bred of old, and are at this day, which drew their names either from the Doctors whofe opinions they chiefly followed ; or from the kind of life which they profefled, or elfe from the places where they had their refort.

Concerning the fjrft ranke , fome were called Munt&rians ; who

4s firft, Mum- mroiijng their names under this feditious Doctor, or rather Captaine, intangled themfeives with his ungodly doctrine and mifchievous pra-

i. Smites, ctifes. Ochers are called Huii'ttes from John Hmt, who according to their matters example , called themfeives the corporall Jfratl of God ; vaunted viftons and infpirations ( but ruefull and tragicall ) crjedota that all the Canaanites mufl be cut off with the [Word ; that the day of judgment vcas at hand, and the Angels Trumpet began to femd. Here- upon many of them began to wafte away their meanes , as being an unprofitable burden for the world to come ; but who afterwards bidden to begin long hopes,perceived themfeives brought to extream poverty; and found all too late, that their owne vain credulity, and thei rmafteis mad promifes, had coft them very deare. Others were

^^agttftinuns nameJ A#gufthians, from one huguftine a Bohemian ; who befides many other opinions common to the reit, affirmed that the fettles »fs4 f faithfull enjoyed not the fight of God ^ nor had heaven open unto them unttll the day of Judgment.

Ochers were called. Hofmannians, from Melchior Hofman, a wily

4, Hoi'manni- fellow, and furnifhed with popular eloquence ; who began to be fa- mous at Straesbttrghy and drew away a great company. of difcipks af- ter him. To this Patriark is ufually afenbed the rirft planting of thofe hnzbaptiftsi who fo multiplyed in Lofter Germany, tor comming to Emdeny An. 1 5 18. when he had there with much polimwg, and a fmoeth tongue which he was excellent ar, thruft off his counterfeited

wares,

Chap. J. OftheAnahaptijls. 19

warcs,he got great confluence of fuch people as itched after novelties, and mightily iacrealed tms new Sect ; and this our new Evangelift purchafed fo much authority that by his diiciplcs . he was judged to be Eliot* Which (hall be lent into the World before the day of J tidf-m*nt. Returning to Stra-sbwgh upon the prophecy of an old man of Friex,- land, and there publickly profefling A ahaptifmr, he not a little trou* bled the Chur*. h in that City. Whereupon a Synod being called in the Month of June, An. 1532 hee was admitted to a publique dis- putation with che Minifters of the Word, by whom the opinions and dreams of the frantick fellow were confuted. When as yet he would not be at quiet and ii\zAnabaptifts bragged that Straesburgh was new Jerufalem, in which a new Kingdome of C hrift was to be erec1:ed,and joyned Cowl hs Peltcrma", as an Enoch to that Eliah, and began to make uproaresj Hofman is taken by the Magiftrate and clapt into pri- Hofman ^ n fon. Out of which the Anabaptifts boafted hee mould come with bythemagi- 1 4 4000. feaied'ones, which mould fmite the earth with a curie , and fh-ate, and inv break thorow all the bars which were fct upon him. That their Elias pnfoned. and Enoch iliould be the two olive trees, and the two candleftickes which no man could hurt; and if any man mould attempt it, fire {hould come out of their mouthes, and confume their enemies. But when thefe Tonnes of the prophets, had in vaine expected the deliver- ance of their El'iM at the time foretold by other of their prophets : Hofman fearing leaft he mould lofe his credit , or his difciples their confidence, began to write out of the prifon ; that they muft be (till for the fpace of two years after the example of Ezr a and Hagg*i '- Vfhsfe end^vours for restoring the Temple of God, Were in like manner jtay» td hwII God raffed ftp the (pirit of Cyras. Continuing thus obftinate- ly in his errours., at laft dying in the prifon , he deceived ail the hopes J

of his followers The principall tenets of Hofman were, tlat the Hofman*' °p*-'- 'Worddid not ta^e pfh of th- Virgin Mary;- vhofefrfb was infetled With mon$* finne, and acemfed : That C hrift had only one nature;. That the means of attaining falvation Wo* in our oWnpoWer : and by our tree vfillnas either imbraced or resetted : That children baptifme was not oj God, but rather «fth: enemy ofGodandm*n> To this ranke pertaine likewife the Go- biicUces &^ brietitcj, and Hmterians, Knabapifts of Moravia , who tooke thefe Huttcri Ins. names from their Teachers before mentioned. So were other of the 7 I he jven- Knabaptifts long fince , and are at this day termed Mennmtes from nonitcs. Mentis Sim*??*., a famous apoftle of she Kaahaptifts : who borne h>a

C j Village

20

Of the divers Setts

Chap.j*

Village of Friefland neere fiovrlingen, caine indeed out of Popery, bur into theerrours of the hnabaprtfts over head and cares '. not only imbracing divers hercfies concerning the humane nature of Chrift:, Childrens baptifmc, the orrice of the Magiitrate, and other points of that nature, but likewifeby word,confereaces, and writing , fowed the fame abroad every where : and although in a folemne deputation With Martin Microniits> An. 1554 he could not with ail his fo- phiftry either elude the force of the truth , nor avoid the fame ; not- withstanding he pcrfifted in iprcading, and defending his errours, till, Chat in the yeare or our Lord 1559 between Lubecke, and Hamburg, for as others w»U have it at Oldjlo An. ifrfi. ) he ended his daies, aged more then 60, yeares. The unconftancy and contradictions of this brain-fick Doctor ; both the writings of Menno declare , and the Orthodox Divines have enough and more then enough manifeft- ed From this Menno, many hmbaptifis of the Lo^}- Countries r are now commonly called Memonites, although allofthemdonot fol- low his opinions. The Mennomtes properly fo called , are likewife gone into divers parts, and fomeof them arc called old Menngnits, other wTV, or latter Mennorites.

Amongft thofe Anabaptifts which received names from their teach- ers , are ufed to be reckoned by fome ; Servetians, Georgians, and Srvhencf^feldians ,becmk they oppofe childrens bapHfrn^nd hold baptizing again tlnfpiratio»st and many other erroneous opinions common With the Anabaptifts. The Servetians are fo called from Michael Servetus a Spaniard, who for his execrable and unheard of blafphemies mod ob- ftinacely bclcht out againft the facted Trinity, and the Sonne of God, and other hainous crimes ; was not only by the procurement of CW- vin that moft learned and pious Divine, (which of meer malice is re- ported by fome) but upon mature confutation , and communicating the matter with the Common, wealths and Churches of Helvetia, >ervetu$ barnt^urnt at Geneva; pouring out his ungodly foule a midftmoft horrible k Geneva. blafphemies in the very fire : and was afwell by the judgment of Pa- pifts as Proteftants held mod worthy to perifh, in the revenging flames.

The Georgians were fo named from David George of De/ph in thefc Netherlands, a moft notorious Impoftor , and patron afwell of moft horrible blafphemies, as abominable and unnaturall lufts : who cariKto that height of preemption and impiety, that befides divers

other

Chap.3. of the Anahaptiftsl 21

other opinions wherein he confpired with the Anabaptifts } Tic gave himfelfe out for the Ch ifl of God, prefer 'd kimfelf before the eternall Sc» of The opinion of the Eternall God, apply ed unto himfcifthe prophecies fpoken by the holy men £*vtd George. of God concerning thrifty and was fo audacious , at to exalt his Wicked andfranticke opinions, above Gods holy fVord.a molt odious fellow, yea, a monfter and lliame of mankinde. Which blafphemies , together with other dotages of his ; he hath gathered into his Booke of won- derfull things ; where he likewile teacheth, that the doUrine delivered in the Scripture is unperjetl, yea, childifb, and camall, and delivered as it ^re in the inf<*n:j efth' World. And although one would thinke that thefe blafphemies could not be perfwaded to any in the World • yet tis not to I e faid, how great a multitude of men this moft vile wretch drew to his party chiefly by two meanes. x . An outward fhew of how fie an holy life and ieeming continuall, and ardent powring out prayers brought h» unto God. 2. By a wary and crafty way of fcattering,and mftilling followers to hisjopinions into others; making himfelf way by little and little from in\brace h* one degree to another, and by ftrange meanes creeping into the minds ^n1011*' of credulous men, and procuring credit and authority to himfelf. Nor would he reveale thole his horrible myfteries, except to thofe onely3 whom he hud made wholly his own,and that fecretly alfo. By which wiles and with a certain comly and majeftical frame of countenance, he inveigled the minds of innumerable, and by the powerfull work- ing of deceit, feduced abundance of people for many years,and with*- all cozened his difcipies of their mony: until at laft rearing the defer- vedpunifhment of his bLafphemies,feeing he was fharply reproved by **c c*>e«^ Me**o Simonz, and Mlehior Hofman, and other of the Anabaptifts \ tncmofth^ forfakmg his ancient name, and taking upon him the new nameof mjncjrSo John a Bracks he thought it fafeftfor him to depart to fome other place, where he was neither known by name nor face. He choofeth the noble t ity of Bafill, whither to transfer the feate of his affaires *„ . ., and feeing perfection was very horagainft the reformed Churches Hisnimegand in thefe Provinces ot the Netherlands, profeffeth himfelfe of the ficdtoBafilk number of thofe exiles, which were forced to leave their Country for the caufe of Chnft ; and fo with his Family, and fome of his Sectaries, was received of the pious Magiftrate ; who tooke pitty upon fuch as were for Chnfts fake, faine to go into banifhmenr* There the crafty fellow a long while hid his venome, and plighting his faith to the Magtftrace, frequenting the* Church aflembiks, and

H

ii Of the di<vers Setts Chap.^

by divsrs good orfices winning the mindes of a great many ; and by hi3 omeiy habit, liberall table, honeft attendance, and prudent and civillconverfttion, gaining the favour both of high and low: he lived both fafely and gallantly j having gotten himfelfe, befides a fpucious dwelling in the City, an houfe of pleafure likewise in the Country : till in the ycare of our Lord 1556. about the month of September, rather by thr gnawing wormeof Confcience, and feare w, , . ef imminent pumii-nnent, then with amy great ficknefTc he pined a- ncd'a^y^nd wav > when he perceived that by certame (hangers of the Zottr, dyed. CoHttrycs, continually flowing to Bazi&, his vizard began to be

plucktofF, and the mindes ok his Sectaries began likewifeto wa- ver. But which is wonderfull notwithftanding it was three years after the death of the Impoftor ( who was honourably buried in Lawrence Church ) ere the vaile was withdrawne, and the ftory dis- covered. Then were the blafphemies of the ungodly man brought before the Senate, his Se&aries called into the Court, qucftion had with them concerning the name* Country, life and doclrine of the deceafed. The houfes and cabinets of David and all his followers fearched ; their letters and books gathered together, and every thing delivered into the hands of Divines and Lawyers, to difcufle the fame. T he blafphemies and cozenages of this deceiver being dete- cted, by a folemne ordinance of the Magiftrate, all his bookes and papers are burnt by the hand of the common hangman ; the piclure His books and Gf the naughty man, after it had been carryed about the Streets in papers burnt by tne malefaftors Cart, was caft into the hre; his infamous corps, Ln§nun?and brought in his Coifing into the publique place of execution,and there Ms Corps' con- coniutned to afties. Thofe of the Sectaries, which had aforetime fumed to afhes. been familiar with the Impoftor,* that protefted they had, and did abhorrc the blafphemies of their Mafter, had their lives granted them of the Senate by whofe piety and wifedome, the contagion of this hercfy was hindered from fpreading any further j a 1 w iy<.s of fow- Hkdifciples ing it abroad being ftopt up, and they forfwearing publiquely in the forfweare his Qiurch the communion and do&rinc of thisfaifc Teacher are admit- opmions. te(j tQ parta|^e 0f the holy things. The reft which pertaines to ihis hiftory, is performed by loannes Wy%ananr Bilhop of PonKZjni*, and the authour of the Hiftory of David George, lately here pubhfhed by the reverend man Iacobus Revttts. The S^enckfeldians were fo named of Caff or a SmnckfeU of

0jpg*>

Chap.4* of the Andaptijisl 23

CJfiga, a Knight of Silefia , defcended ot a noble family in the Duke dome of Lunenbttrgh, who profefll'd, that he Was ordained by God for the &achivg,and propagation of the time Orthodox £ Jigion; and for^his lingular gravity, care to live civilly, and fervency in prayer, made the mindes of many inclined unto him ; ^fp.cially Valentine Craut- IV.ildius and Sigifmund Werntrm, Profeflbrs hnd Pallors of Lunen- burgh, whofe afliftance he ufed in fpreadmg abroad his opinions. Schwcnckfddnni his followers. are reckoned with the Anab^iifts, for many pofitions which they held, partly the fame with the Anabaptiftf> and partly allyed unto them. He taught amongft other things, that the humane ft at are of Chnfl) Was m creature, hut d-ijied flejb, or frval- SwcncWeM ©• lowed up of the Divinity , Uid that tbofe Which defended the contrary opi- Pmi0A$' nion, Were creaturi(is\ that the Scripture was a dead letter, and tbofe Who ^ taught otherWife were voculifts and litter alifts ; that illuminations and revelations ought to be highly efteemed. To thefe opinions may be added thofe concerning Children* Baptifm^ the CiviH Magifirate, Oaths,and calling of M'mifttrs. of which SchWenckfeld wrote 80 bookes in his ownc Language. But being banifhedby Frederick, Duke of Lunen- burgh, in tneyeareofonr Lord 1527. he travailed thorow moft of Hc 1S banifced. the principall Provinces of Ge many, and fpread his do&rine at No- riberg, Aufbstrgh, Vims, Strafburqh and other places, and by his fine tongue, and (hew of lingular holinefle of life, gained the mindes chiefly of the Nobility, and fo poffeffed them, that at this fc>refentinma;iy places of Germany, and especially in the noble fa- milies, there Kicks a kinde of fecret veneration to the memory of thefe opinions received from their forefathers. Hec dyes at length in £Ato£*,A4ff..i5<5T.aged more then 70 years,bemg honoured with this

-Commen iatioii.TW he Wanted a wel governed he ad, but not a good heart.

From the divers kindes of life and profeffions, likewife feverall it. TkApo- Sefls amongft the Anabaptifls received their names. For others were ftok-ks, why fe called Apoftolickj others fepirate from the world, or meerly fpirituall; ^lkd. others Catharifts. others Silenciaries, others Euchites, others Adia- pborijls, others Enthn/iafts, others Libertines, others Hamaxari- t •<r1/(l anSsBorborhes, or dwogWagons. The Apoftolicke caufe they proftlTed to be imitators of the Children, Vocations , and Handy-crafts,

iliooes, (enp, or mony in their purfes, walhei one anothers feet, ( whence they were alfo termed feet-Wafbers) and commanded that all things ftiould be in common, D The

24 Of the Trogejfe or increafe Chap.}.'

T, s The feparate from the world or fpirituall were fo named, for that

we fioto tSc" C^ey Would in nothing fafhion themfeives like to the prefent world, rorldwhyfo but in their clothing, feeding, fleeping, walking, affected, fptciall ajkd. holineffe and Angularity ; detelled publique meetings, folemnities of

weddings, feaftings, muficke, and fuch other worldly delights ; yea, by rhe order of their Seel:, avoided all laughter themfeives, and re- proved it in others. fUtdenikP^ cpmjiAnt'- ?. The Catha- Thofe were named Catharifts, which not onely affirmed that In- ifts, their opi- fants were without finne, but likewife that men gtowne of their liom. Secl,might and ought to be fuch,and contended that the Church con-

fided onely of fuch. 14. The Silen- Thofe were called SilencUries, which not onely thought that much Sions talking muft be avoided but a'-fo private difputations about Religi-

on, nor was there any more ufe of publique preaching ; for that the deer e was font* and the times evill, and the world uriWorthj to have the Go/pell preachedmto it. if. TheEu- TheEuchitej were fo named, becaufe they afcribed all force of Sices, why fo keeping away evill, and attaining good things unto prayer onely, and ;allcd. contended that we ought to give ourfelves to them alone, and not

feeke meanes neceffary unto this temporall life, but expect all things immediately from the hand of God. ,g.Thc Adia- Thofe amongft the Anabaptists are named Adiaphorifis, which >hciifts. reckoned Children* Baptifme, Oaths, adminiftration of CiviU Offices,

. outward preaching of the Word, giving and receiving of the Sacrament f, (Use mule/- confesfien of Fath, and things of the like nature, to be things indiffe- rfCeseitv&h rent, teaching that the Spirit fupplyedthe defett of outward things, and SwChSS* l^At no man n€€^ t0 hazard his life for the prof Jp on of his faith, s?, Emhuliafts Entkmfiafts are thofe, which boafted above the reft, of divine infpi- rations, extaftcs, and fecret communicationVeithGod, obtruding their Proprieties for the word ©f God, and preferring them before the written Word ; yea, contended, that that was to be judged by their dreams. i3. Libertines, Libertines thofe are called, who gloried that they were freed by ' J J*«U ^rift from all la wes, both Divine and Givill ; and feared not to pro » ynM^ttl***" daime, and by their practice to confirme commttnion of wives, and

fuch other uncle ane do Urines. 19. Hamaxari- Others are called Hamaxarians> Berbemes, or duxgftagon, becaufe t»jor Dung- they making a fchifme from the old Mennonites, by reafon of the tagon. f fe verity

Chap.}.1 OftheAnabajftijlsl *5

Severity of excommunications, received all other which were ex- Communicated by the reft of the Se&s into their communion, und - fo (craped all manner of durt together. The Authours of this Seel: were Henry Naeldtman,md George Hejns, in the yeare of our Lord The Aithoms J 5 5 5 .The former number was yet increafed by three newSecTs which ct this Sc<^* arofc up amongft the Anabaptiftso£ Flanders a few yeares fince, which with feverall excommunications rage one againft another. Theocca- fion of this iiiw divorce was ihe fubtil ty o£oneTb<>ma*B< enfyns, Bijbop m2catcone of the Ana^pttfis ofFraneker; who publiquely offering a certainc another, the houfe to fell, de'eivLd the hopes of a friend of his, which had inten- caofes thereof ded it for hiaiielfe ; he being by the craft of a cunning chapman put off from the fame. This fale was app oved by many of the Anabap- tifts as Uwfull and without fraud, arid efpeciaily by Jacob Petervan- dcr Mealen Btjhop of the Anabaptifts of Harlem ; others difapproved it, and not onely condemned the bargaine as deceitfull, but alfo thought that it deferved excommunication. Upon this occafion they depart one from another, and both fides finde their followers. Thefe being thus together by the eares, comes in a third (on of middle-men or neuters, who indeed condemned the bargaine as fraudulent, but thought that the fin was not fo great as deferved excommunication. In the meanctime, thefe three SecTs albeit they agree in the princi- pal! articles of faidh, grievoufly excommunicated one another, and obdinately denyed to joyne in mutuall communion.

For the third ranke of Anabaptifts, fuch as were named from the places and countries of which they were, or in which they neftled and found entertainment ; they have been- of old diftributed, into Ger manes, Helvetians, Moravian! , Netherlander*. The Germane: again ftibdivided into Swedes, Franks, Saxons and thofe of Mwfter ; The Netherlander: into Fries, F lemmings, Hollanders and Water landers; The Tries are divided into Elder and Latter : Yea, fometimes they take their names from Cities -, as thofe of Antwerp, Fmbden, Franeqtur, LecH^aerden,Zifck^ee, &c. To let forth particularly and curioufly, wherein all thefe doe agree or difagrec were to no purpofe, nor is it eafy to be done, feeing nothing can be more fickle then thefe kinde of men are, and points of Divinity are turned up and downe by them like dice; theyufing likewife doubtfull and uncertain phrafes; and wrapping up their meaning with manifold obfcuritics, as alfo for the ilighteft matters ( efpecially for the opinion and exercifc of ex-

D 2 communication)

2g Of the erroneous opinions Chap.3.

communication) dividing one from another, and making more parties.

'\ZThefe things being before- hand confidered, it is now manifc-ftby what names thefe Sectaries are called, and for what caufe they are given them: and they are either generall or fpeciait; The general! are, Anabaptifts, Catabapttfts, Enthttfiafts, Fanaticks and Libertines*. Tis evident albjthat they are called Catabapttfts^cvik they inveigh againft Children* Babaptifmey and will have it baniftied out of the Churchpf God, as being not onely unprofitable, but altogether tin- hwfalh/Anabaptifts, becaufe they will have thofe Bapti^d againc,. whichwere either Baptized in their tender yeares, or in their riper, it ' out of their afifemblies ; and doe actually performe it, in thole that come over to their Seels. It appeares likewife that they are called Enthupafis, for the Entbttfiafms, raptures and other fuch like things, which they give out for fecret and divine inspirations ; and for which, they will not onely have place given to their owne dreames, either in expoficion of the Scripture, or determining points of faith, or in direction of the efpeciall actions of a mans life, but ( atleaft- wife divers of them ) afcribe thereunto uncontrollable authority ; for which caufe alfo the name of Fanatkks was given them. It ap- peares alfo that many have the name of Libertines either from their Tenets onely, or elfe from their Tenets and practife both. Where- fore of Libertines amongft the Anabaptitts, fome might be called Dottrinattonelj \olhex Vnrttljy Factious, and Epicures ; of whom fome have rifen up againft the State, fome practiftd theufe of Wives in common, and other fuch like impure and carnall deeds. To thefe generall names may be added alfo the fpeciall, taken either from their Teachers, manner of life and profefiSon, or places of habi- tation : all which may be gathered out of what hath beene before fpoken.

Cha p. IIII. Of the Erroneous opinions of the Antbaptifts.

NOw for the Erroneous opinions of the Anabaptist , they are (6 many by reafon of the many Sects into which they are divided, that their number can fcarce be caft up. And although they might be

divided

Chap4- Of the Jnahaptifts. 2>7

divided into thofe which are common to the Anabaptifli^lth other Heretich either Ancient or Moierne, and thofe which are peculiar to them only : notwithstanding for better order fake I thinke fit to re- duce all and every of them, to ct-rtainc co.jiiBon places of Divinity. And I (hall comprehend in this divifion , not thofe opinions alone>. which all the Anabaptifis or Catabaptifts have anciently maintained, or which all of them doe maintaine at this day • bat thofe alfo which many of them, or at leaft fome of them, have 'anciently, or do at pre- fent defend ; that fo the partition may be the more perfect , and that I may prcfent the Reader with the whole body of the Errours, which they have hitherto erred , and as yet doe erre. , Notwithstanding I fhall not touch the Errours of David George, dr Michael S.rvetHs, ( from which the Anabaptifts for the moft part proteft , they ever have been, and ftili are free ) as neither the idle dreams of Schwenck^ fell

I make two generall Gaffes , unto which all the Heterodox opini- ons of the AnabAptifls may be referred : for they either concerne the facred rule of Holy Scripture , or elfe the doctrines of Faith and ordinances which are taught in the fame.

What concerne facred Canon, the Anabaptifts erre. I. About E the matter of the Holy Scripture, a. About the Forme. About the gainft tjlc ^ matter they offend. §. i. By detraction there-from ; while they credononof reject the writings of the Old Teftament as delivered to the Jews on- the Scriptures,, ly, and not to the Chriftians , and as being unprofitable for them ;and ty dwraaing imagine that only the Books of the New Teftament muftbe the rule J1™* bcn?" of our Faith, and walking ; neither will they have proofs of the Arti^ cles of Faith brought out of the Old Teftament, to be received ; ex^ cept when they are not contrary to the doctrine of Chrtft, fuppo- fmg that thofe two writings are in many fhinjjs contrary one to another, or that the Old Teftament is of lerte authourity then the New. Colley. Frtncothall. and Lcovard* and Confefs. of the Menngnites.

§.2. By addition thereunto, i. While fome of them equall the r. By addition Apocrypha Books, with the Canonicall Scripture, and thinke that to the Scrip- pomes of Faith may be proved out of them likewife. So Memo Si- tlue* tnonz. fometimes oppofeth the Apocryphall books of the Holy Scrip- ture to the Canonicall ; and the Memomtes his Sectaries in their corv feflion, ground their Tenets upon the books of EccUfiafikwy and the

P 3 wife-

l8 Of the erroneous opinions Ghap.4?

Wifedome of Solomon. fo Retneir (Vyb-anck, in his Catechifme pub- lished at Amsterdam, Anno. 1640. divides the Books of the Holy Scripture into thofe of the Old and New Teibment • and the Books of the Old, into Canonical! and Apocryphall ; although in this point he is not very conftant to himfelf, and others of the hnabaptifis feem here to be of the fame mind with the Orthodox. 2. while they teach that not only the written Word of God is to be hearkfled unto ; but alfo revelations, enthufiafms,dreames and the immediate voyce of God, and according to thefc, the government of the Church, and all our actions, yea even very rath and perillous Ties ought to be regula- ted ; as appears by the doctrine and practife of thofe of Munfter, and the conference of Antony CorfintUy and frames Kywam, Divines of HetfetijWith Iohn of Ley den at Bevt . ga> An. 1556. §. 3. By alte- ration thereof; while they contend that the doctrine oi- Faith deliver- ed in the Old and New Teftament is divers in fubftance, oppofe Me- fet and Chrifi one to another, and teach that Chrift in the New Tefta- ment hath propofed a new doctrine of faith more perfect righteouf- nefle , and not only earthly and temporal! promifes as were under the Old Teftament, but moreover eternall. Colloq. Embd. and Leovard. About the forme" of the Holy Scripture the Anabaptifis offend two About the manner °f wayes. i . About the internall form, while they will ad- iorme of the Bpit only that fenfe of the Holy Scripture for lawfull,which is expref- ioly Scripture, fe«l in fo many letters and (illables , and (at leaft-wife fome of them) will allow noplacetoconfequences,and inferring one thing out of another; which appears partly out of the conferences had with them, concerning the expofition of the words, hh. 1. 14. The Word ftw mad'fiefh • where they will have the words and letters urged precife- ly ; partly out of their complaints , yea, triumphing that Childrens bapnfaie cannot be proved out of the Holy Scripture in expreffc words, For the fame reafon Peter Joannes Moyo.rus will have the word S^a^nov, or the fame eflence hifled out; in his conference with Daniel Rabeus. 2. About the externall forme, while becaufe of their ignorance and unskilfulnes, trwy will have us adhere to the com- mon Translations of the Scripture in our mother tongues ; and not to compare them with the Originall ; and contend that the Orthodox Teachers ought not to have recourfe thereunto. So in the conference of Embdcn , the Anxbaptifts urged that, three perfoils fhould be proved them in exprefle words , out of Lntkcrs Tra-nflation, and be- caufe

Chap.4^ of the Amhaptiftsl 29

caufe the Name Jehovah was not found there, they would nat be pref- fed therewith. 3 . While they thruft upon us, for found,the interpre- tation of their owne Teachers, efpeciallyof Nicholas Bifcer which is many waies corrupt j as by divers conferences had with them ap- peares.

The Second kind of Errours fpreadeth it felf very far abroad;to wit which they erre about thofe doctrines of Faith and Ordinances.which z Error$ aredrawne out of the Holy Scriptures ; which for better diftinclion a^aiQft the do- fake, we lhall diftnbute into things to be beleeved , and things to be ftrine of Faich, done ; and thefe latter , either in a publique eftate , or private life. and Oi-dinan- Things to be beleeved we (hall part. 1. into thofe things which they c" "u?flt lTi will have beleeved concerning God. 2. Thofe which they will have c cn^ •" beleeved concerning the Mediator between God and man. 3 . Thofe which they will rave beleeved concerning man himfelfe ; and that either in the ftate of integrity, mifery, reftauration, or his eftate after this life. Things to be done we divide alfo, into thofe which they thinke ought to be doncand obferved of the whole Church in com- mon, or of every member in particular ; and thofe either publique,- as in the policy , the civill Magiftrate , and in the Church , thofe which difpence the Ordinances : or private, as are the reft of the faithfull.

This generall Anatomy , containes under it almoft innumerable heads ; for as one errour begets another , and one abfurdity being granted many more follow , fo hath the fame hapned to the Seels of the Anahafnfts. A whole Sea of Errours have flowne into the Chri- ftian Church j and by one, a ftep made unto another, fince the Aka- baytifts would have place given to their Entfoufiafmes and dreames ; like as the fame hapned in the Church of Rome , when they once had let out their ftreames of unwritten Traditions. Although we would . have obferved, that there is great difference between the Seels of the Anabftf rifts, which eixher have been of old , or are found at this day, and fome of them erre more grievoufty and dangeroufly, others lefle. Neither were of old, all the fame opinions maintained by them all 5 nor are at this prefent ; but fome of their Tenets are defended by them all, fome by many, fome by certaine of them onely : wherefore we will not have all laid to the charge of every one of them j but in- tend only to iliew, how firre the iicentioumefle of thofe franticka men5 which have given their name? to this Sect hath proceeded, fince

thty

jo Of the erroneous opinions Chap/4? .

they have departed from the Church of God , and made Schifmes and Divifions

About the firft generail head , namely, the things which they will t. Errours a- have believed concerning God ; the Anabapttfis offend. I. concern- bout things to ing tl.t names of God. a. concerning his nature 3. concerning the be beleeved pr'ons of the facred Trinity. 4. concerning the E(fentiatl properties of fe"JCminv o God. 5. concerning Gods decrees. About the names of God they erre. thenamcof" l' ^ contemning the name Jehovah, which denotes the Divine God. " EiTence, and which God will have proper to hi: . 1 felfe alone; fuppofing

that it is not in the Scripture , becaufe tis not to be found in many of their Translations. CoHoq. Embd. 0- Confefs. of the Anabaptifts. ■ 2. While they teach, that the perfons of the SareaTrinity are called by the name of Godt rather fcr the dominion which they have , then for that they have the divine nature. Iacob Ottterm, in Articles. 3 . While they contend that the name l^ smv. t. e. of the fame .E|f>w<?,ought to be ex- ploded, as being both ambiguous and without the Scripture. Idem, in the fame place ; andConfefs.of the Anabaptist

Concerning the nature of God, the Anabaptijfs ofed. I. Negative-

*' ^§ain.ft the [y while they deny that the Father S^ttc, and Holy Ghofl have one and

nature of God. ti9ej-ame £^w<r. anci affirmatively, not only indefinitely teaching that

then are divers, but definitely making three Effences. facoi Outtrm.

in Artic/& Apology; and Cernel. Cuyp"rin Apol. 2. While they di-

ftinguiili the ElTences of the perfons by diftance of place,teaching that

at Chrifts Baptifme the Effence of the Father was in Heaven, and the

Effence of the Sonne on Earth exclufively. Jbtdrm. 3. While they

reftraine the unity attributed to God to unity of Will, Confent, Do-

clrine, Operation, and Dominion, like as two Kings are faid tot)ee

one, which command the fame things j and as the Difciples of Chrift

and all the faithfull are faid to be one, Job. 17. 21. Gal, 3.28. Jacob

Out. in Artie.

o"^ . ft , Concerning the Perfons, the Anabaptifis offend. 1. While they

Perfons of rfce ^^e out c^e name P-rf°n- as fained and ambiguous. Confefs. 2. While

Godhead. they maintaine that the Name of God is principally afenbed to the

; Father alone, and that he is therefore called the only true God, Ioht

J 17. 3. Confefs. 1. While fome of them leave it doubtfull, whether the Sonne of God were begotten of the Father from Everlafting, or that he is fo called becaufe he was fort knowne from Eternall, and de- ftinaced unto us. Yea Jacob Qnterman plainly arfirmeth that Chrift was

Chap4* of the Jrtabaptiftsl ji

was called God by the Prophets, and is theEternall Sonne of God no otherwife then becaufe he was foreknowne for a Mediatour for us before the beginning of the World. So CUes Clacfs* infimpl. prob. teacheth that it is not clearely declared in Gods Word ; whether the Sonne of God before his Incarnation was another perfon then the Father. 4. While the fame man , in the fame place teacheth ; that we are not commanded to inquire whether from Eternal unto the ln- cariacionofChrift, there were al waves Three Perfons, mdiltinft as touching their E&nce or not. Nor ought we to enquire,wheihu che Hoiy Ghoft bediftinct from the Father or no. Likewife they fay, that they divide not the Paribus, but confeife that the Father Sonne, and Holy Gnoit arc indiftinfl ; nor is it caughc in the Holy Scrip- ture that there are Three diftinel Pcrfoni. Colly. Fra»coth«t. a*. J Embl

Concerning the eflenuull properties of God, they erre 1. Wnile 4- ^gainft the they deny cue efTe ntiall mfiniteneiTe, and omnipresence of God ; attir effenm11 P™" ming, chat nor the incomprehensible EC nee of God doth fill heaven pcrues °* God# and earth; but his divine power and gifts: ar.d that the former is falfly avouched. Cujptr and Onterm. in their kpo^gies. Yea they fay that the Sonne ofr*#n Was not then e>Je .tiaUy in htavtn, When befpakf to Nicodemns upon earth. Out. So likewife at the Baptifme of Chrift, the Father was in Heaven, not on Earth the Sonne on Earth, not in Heaven ; neither is the holy Ghoft in 41 places. Outerm. in x. Artich 2. While they deny the immuubili ty of God ; for that the Sonne of God (fay they) was changed; chz \Vord being changed into flefh ; that Chrift in his Incarnation forfooke his divine life and glory, and left to be like unto the Father aflweU in ti^nce as properties. Idem, and Twifck. in Anfw. 3. While they deny the invilibility of God : for Outermmn teacheth thu God the Father fhall be evidently feen with the Sonne at the day of Judgement; So was the fecond perfon feen when Chrift was made man, and (o men fa w the glory of the on- ly begotten Sonne of God. In 1j ke manner Cnjp>r teacheth that the Holy Ghoft was feen ; for that M* faw not a Dove , but the Holy Ghoit in the likenefle ot a Dove. Touching the decrees of God , the jintbapttds offenck § . 1 . About the generall decree of Gods provi- '• ^f^ *e dence. 1 . While they overthrow the largneffc therof ; denying ihat S qF J cc God hath determined concerning all chings by an eternall decree ; or that he doth direft all things; yea artirming that \is abfurd to fay,

E that

-j Of the erroneous opinions Chap. jp

that God from Eternity ordained all Events which are to come to pafle; or the manner and meanes by which they are to come to pafle. KnujtinPref. to his prayer Book, znd Otterm. in demonftr. i. De- nying that Gods providence extends unto Evils , and the direction of them ; for that fo God fhould be made the author of finne. Outer m. in dcmonflr. KnnytinP Wf. pray er Book. § 2. While they takea- way the firmneffe and unchangablenefle of Gods providence ; teach- ing that the lame decree is not fo immutable but that men can refill ic, . and hinder the execution thereof, yea that the contrary is abfurd, and againft the nature of Laws, Rewards, and punishments ; and that thefe lad fhould otherwife beunjail. OHterm.Kmjt ibid, and CUes CUefi. in Epifi.

They offend alfo about the fpeciall decree of Predeftination : And 6. Againft the that concerning Election. §. 1. Touching the moving caule there- ^? r al{ <leC?C °k 1 ' ^Vhile'chey deny the free Election offome particular perfons ftinatiorTas 1. t0 n^e ctemall. Confefs. of the Memomes ; affirming that Election inelcftion. ' to life depends upon fore-fight of faith and obedience, and finall per* feverancein them both, to wit, that thofe are Elected to life, whom Godforcfrw from Eternity, would believe in Chrift, and obey him, and continue in their faith and obedience unto the end. Confefs. Menno. & Outerm. in hem, §.2. Touching the firmneffe of the fame; teaching that it is not fuch, but may be changed according as man carries himfcife ; for when it is grounded upon a changeable condi- tion, it cannot chufe but be changeable. Idem* & IohnRies in Confefs, .of faith, a: In rcproba- *n like manner do the Knabtpti/ls erre about the doctrine of repro- tion. bation. §. 1. Touching the moving caufe thereof. 1. Denying

that Godoutofthemoft free pleafure of his own will, purpofedto leave fome of falne mankind in their corruption. Ibid. at. Teaching that reprobation is grounded upon fore-fight of infidelity, impeniten- cy, and obftinacy in the fame ; and confequcntly thofe are reprobated of God, whom he fore-fees will be unbelievers and impenitent, and pcrfift in their infidelity and impeiiitenry . Ibid. § . 2. Touching the firmnes therof j while they feine the decree of reprobation to be changeable, afwell as the decree of Election, as being conditionall, and by reafon of the mutability of the condicion,the decree to be fuch like wife ; fo that the number of the Elect and reprobates may be in- creafed or diminifhed. Ibidem*

Touch-

Chap4- OftheAnahajftiftsl 3}

Touching the Mediatour between God and man, Incarnated , the Anabaptist erre many wayes ; whether we refped his Perfon, office, 7. -^gaiaft the or twofold Efta te. In the dodrine of the perfon of Chrift they erre. medi«or-ihiP §. i. About the OriginalLof Chrifts flefb. i. While they deny ot Chrllt* that the Sonne of God was made flefti by aflumption of the humane nature; but that he was fo made by conversion rather ; fo that the Word it felf was turned into flefh lacob Out. in Articl. Yea that the Wcrd was made flefh even as the water was made Wine in Ca- na or GaUlee. Ana^aptiftt of Antwerp. Memo Simon*,) in his confe- rence With Mieroz, & confer, of Embden. 2. While they deny that the body or Chrift took its beginning out of the fubftance of the Vir- gin Mary, but either of the feed of God theFather,or of his fubftance, or of the Word of God, or out of fome other unknowne matter. Menno Simons a^ainfi Miery & in Confefs. 3 . While they teach that 'tis no matter of faith to know from whence Chrift drew the origi- nallofhisrlefti; neither is the diftind knowledge thereof neceflury, In exhortation of the Church, frhn de Ries in confefs. to the Senate of Rotterd. §. 2. Touching Chrifts humane nature it felf. r. By de- nying that Chrift was made like unto man in all things ,finne only ex- cepted; andamrmethatitisrafhnetfetofay Chrift is a creature ac- cording to his humane nature, and inferior to God ; yea that the flefh. of Chrift is divine flefh. Jacob Peters vander. Mettle** [nflitttt. and Math, levriaenz. Epifl.Chnfl. 2. Denying that Chrift had a true humane Soule like unto ours. Confer, of Embden. 3. Denying that I'lMt^'"*'1 there are two natures in C hrift with their Eflentiall properties. ty0i%*Jyfuat l^ logy of Memo againd Mier.& confer, Embden. ~ ■ ~

Likewife do they many wayes offend in the dodrine of Chrift* 8. Againft office. §. 1. Concerning his propheticall office. 1. While they Chrifts pro- contend that the New Teftament was not revealed by Chrift himfelf, pheticall office, till after John the Baptifl> then when he adually and publikcly admi- niftred his office. In def. & Apohg. necefs. 2. While (in the fame place J they maintain ; That the dodrine of Chrift, before his Pafli- on, ought not fo much to be obferved, as touching all parts of it as after his death ; for that Peter then refifted evill : neither was he caft out of the Church for denyall of Chrift j but now it ought to bee other wife. 3. While they will have the dodrine and Law of Mo- fes fo taken away by Chrift, as it doth not any more obliege .us; for as thofe under the Old Teftament were governed by the Law, ^ are

E a Chri-

5^ Of the erroneous opinions Chap4*

Chriftians to be by the preaching of the Gofpell. CA Boecka ts fir. Confer. sfyfranckendale \ and Icha Pet. gander. Mettlencompar. Script. 4. While "they contend that Chrift hath reformed the Law of the Ten Commandements , and ordained anew and more perfed one. CoUoq. Embd. c*r Franco). 8c Conjefs. Memtn. So ( for example) do they teach concerning the Firft Commandement , that in the Old Teftament , God the Tather was only called upon: and that Chrift in the New Tcftament , firft taught his difciples to call on the Father in the name of the Son. Confefs of faith. So will they that the Third Commandment is more perfect in the New Teftament, then it was in the Old. for that in the Old Tcftament oathes were permitted, a ~ and perjury only forbidden, but in the new Tcftament. all maner of

I £b*£&* oathes are altogether forbidden. Apoll. So touching the Fourth Com* I mjLti^>Jtt^ mandement, they maintaine that in the New Teftament, the obferva- $[bl) tion of the Sabbath, is by Chrift imde meerly ceremoniall,and the in*

ward Sabbath only neceffary to Chriftians Cenfeft. of faith. & Apol. Likewife the Sixth Commandenaent permitted revenge in the Old Teftament; and the Seventh, divorces and Polygamy ; byreufonof the imperredion of the precepts of the Old Teftament; but under the a. A?ainft ^cw Teftament thefe things are not permitted. Apolog. chrifts i'deft- About the Pneftly office of Chrift,the hnabaptifh offend. 1 . While ly officf, they t hink it not enough to afcribe to Chrift as God , fuffcrings and

death, as the perl on whkh futfered and died: but make the divine nature, that in which he fuffered and died : as if Chrift did not fufFer and dye according to a nature truly and meerly humane, but accord- ing to a divine nature as it were turned into an humane : fo that they either deny Chrift to have been true God, or elfe turne his paflion in- to a feeming one only, as did the Marcionitn. Jacob Outctm. Anpto. and Apohg. For otherwife ( fay they ) we cannot be fuid to be re- deemed by the death of the Son of God; and God fhould be deprived of the due honour we owe unto hi m for our falva tion. Confefs. Men- tion. 2. While they deny that Chrift felt in his Soule. the wrath of God, and the paines of Hell. Confer. Emb&n. 3. While they contend that Chrift hath reconciled all men whatioever, with- out difference unto GOD the Father; making one object, of %o. AziinUt ^e ^quifai011 Qf f-ilva tion, and another of1 the application, that Chrifts Kingly more larSe' ^is more **"&. Conference Franckend. confefs. Memen. ©fficc. lafb Optterm, Clots Chefs.

Concerning Chrifts Kingly office they offend likewife. 1 . While

thty_

Chap4» 0/ the Anahapttfts] 3 j

they erreame of a carmll Kingdome to be fee up by Chrift in the Earth before the day of judgement. Monaft. Lib. de Myft. Scrip, and Lib. Reftit. 2. While they deny the Almighty power of Chrift , whereby he conftantly preserves all that are his, in the falvation once purchafed for them, and the means leading to the fame, confef. Menn.

About the twofold eftate of Chrift, they offend moreover. i.Tou- , ,. ^fagainft ching the ftate of humiliation ; by teaching that Chrift in his exina» Charts two- nition, or emptying out of himfelfe, did not hide his divine glory ; l^ eftate. but verily quit and forfake it. confef. Menn. Jacob. Out. Apl. 2.Tou* *• tturmlation. ching the ftate of exaltation, i. By denying that Chrift raifed up x" Exaltauon- himfelfe from the dead, but was raifed onely by God the Father. Quyp. in Apol. 2. By teaching, that Chrift in his afcenfion, did not againe manifeft the glory of his divine nature, which he had before concealed j but thereby really and fully recover againe the divine glo- ry and likeneffe with his Father, which he before had loft. Confef. Afenn. Jac. Out.

Concerning man, and Gods fourfold difpenfation about him jcon- fidered according to divers eftates, the Anabaptitts doe many wayes ^ ^ n? , . offend. § i. Touching the State of integrity, i. While they deny ^1° r° thehopneflcof the firftman, to wit that he was created of God, i.Ianoccnfie. furniftied with originall righteoufneflfe and holineffe ; but onely in fuch a difpofmon,in which he mighc attaine unto both by a holy life. Briefs Inform, a. While they deny the immortality of the firft man); and fome of them hold, that he was neither created mortall nor im- mortall ; others, that he was created mortall of himfelfe, and in his owne nature, yea, and fhould certainly have dyed although hee had beene without finne, and that death muft havebeene neceflfary unto him, that he might be tranilated into glory. Ant. and Corn* Jacob*, againft Ptipp,

Touching mans deftitute eftate they are faulty. I . By taking away 2. The fate ©f i originall finne, denying that ail men are by the difobedience of one,man, made finners, the children of wrath, and iubjecl: to death ; Although fome of them feem not abfolutely to deny k.Conf.Franck^conf.Mitin^ Joh. de Ries Confefr, 2. Wnile others cf them plainly deny that there is in Infants, any inclination and ^pronenelfc t o evilly yea, fome of them teach, that they are created in the fame eftate which Adantvws* Others confefle, that there is in children fome inciina-

E 3 lien

jt; Oft he erroneous opinions Chap.4"

tion to'evill, but deny that it proceeds from any originall corrup- tion ; but that men are inticed to aduall (inne, onely by the work- ing of Satan, and bad examples ; as for the inclination it felfe to fin, however it be ingrafted into naturejnotwithftantiing is not to be ac- compted finne, nor is of it felfc guilty df damnation, but onely aduall and voluntary tmnzs.Conf.MrK.Brieflnform.CUes Claef.Con- fijf- 3' While they attribute to our free willintheftate of corrup- tion, leberty to good and eviil, and furncient ftrength to underftand, will and performe that which is good, and confequently power to convert our felves. Confer, Leonard, and E>»bd. Conjefs. Mtnnon. foe. Out. Afol. q. Reftaaration Concerning mans reftored efUtc they offend, I. While they by Chdft. teach, that all men whatfoever without exception, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether faithfull and thofe that (ball be faved ; or unbe- leevers and thofe which inall be damned, are altogether reconciled to God by the death of Chrift, and reftored into the ftate of grace. Confer, of Franck. an&Embd. and Confefs. of Menmn. 2. While they deny that there was any difference between Jews and Gentiles in the Old Teftament, except in the ceremonies of the Law, and out- Ward and bodily cleanneffe and uncleannefle. N.cef. Vfolog, 3^ While they corrupt the benefit of /unification, partly before going, partly in the ad it felfand partly concerning the object therof.Beforc going, forafmuch as they afcribe to man, as proceeding from him- felfe, preparations to juftification* to wit, hearing the voice of the Sonne of God, defire of, and befeeching for grace, fpirituall hun- ger and thirft ; and forafmuch as they teach that this working toge- ther with God is neceflary that a man may be made partaker of juftification. Claes. Chefs. Conf. In the aft it felf e, while they teach that God juftifies us by faith, as it is a good workc , and obedience performed to the commandements of Chrift. Job. Pet. Vander MeuL Inftit. C^fi- Claes, Claefs, Confefs. Concerning the ob- ject, they likewife corrupt the doctrine of justification, while they teach that all men whatfoever are juftified by the righteoufnefle and obedience of Chrift. Jacob. Outerm. Cofioq. EmbA.Necef.sA?*!. 4. While they corrupt the benefit of Sandihcation, pmly btf ore- going j teaching that God doth not worke regeneration in us with- out our co-operation. Apol. Fund. fae. Outer. DemOnft. partly in the ad ic felfc, while they afcribe perfection of holinetfe to us Pil- grims

Ctap.^ $f the Amhapttftsl 3$

grims here in this life, infomuch as we can be free from all finne whatfoeYer. Brief Jnformat. partly confequently, while they teach that the grace of San&ification may be call off, andwholy loft by the children of God ; and therefore thofc who are truly and pro- perly fuch, doe fometimes totally and finally fall away, and incurre everlafting damnation ; and that this is manifcft by the exhortations to perfeverance, by the carefulnefte which is required of the rege- nerate, and by divers examples. Confefs. Mennon. Conf. Cl. Claefs. 5. While they erre about faith ; partly touching its originall, deny- ing that God alone workes the fame in us, without our working to- gether with him, but that faith is the worke afwell of man as God. Jacob. Outer, demonfi. Cl. Claefs. Conf ft. partly touching the aclitfelfe, while they deny that faith is a firmetruftof the remif- fion of our finnes by the grace of God, for the merit of Chrift ; buc confound it with obedience to the commandements, teaching that faith confifts partly in efchewing evill,partly in deing good, Jeh.Pet, Vand. M-ul. Pre(. to bti Cbrift. Inftit. Treat* of the J Artie, con- firmed by Menu.

Touching mans eftate after this life, the Anabaptifls erre. 1. Con- 4. The ftate of cerningthe place of Souls, teaching that the fouls of the children glory J of God, loofed from their Bodies, are not received into Heaven, be- inr fore the day of judgement; but are uririll then held inunknowne receptacles, not.exprefTed in the Scriptures. Confefs. Mem. and Claes. Claefs. 2. Concerning the ftate of foules, teaching that the . foules of Gods children, enjoy not the fight of God, yea, deep with jt&eir bodyes untill the laft day ; or at leaft-wife like thofe that are afleep, are deprived of all knowledge, both intellecT:uaU and fen- ' Gtive. 3. While they deny that the foules of the wicked prefently , after death, are caft into Hell, and there puniftied, for their wicked- neffe before the laft day of judgement ; yee fay, that they cannot be ' puniflaed before. Colby. Embd, Confefs. M<mn. and Claes. Claefs. , 4. While they doe not onely deny the refurre&ion of the fame bo- dyes which were buried, but contented likewife that theyfhall be turned into Spirits, and deijy that the dead fhall arife having fett, hands, flefh and bones, becaufe flefhand blond cannot inherit the., Kingdome of God. Conference of Frackendale-

And as the Aidaytifls maintaine grievous errors about things to £rrorsabout be beleeved,.fo doe they not a little offend about fuch things as are things ;o be

to dene.

}8 Of the erroneous opinions Ghap.4.

to be done ; whether we confider the whole body of the Church in common, or its members in particular, and thofe either piibltque as in the policy ts the Magiftrate, and in the Church are the Paftors j or elfe private as 3re every one: of the faithful), which profeffe the gs^*" Chnftian verity in the Church df God.

' r What concerns the whole body of the Church in common the

the wholfbodf d^api ft erre while they imagine that thofe which are not per-

•f^thc Church. W are to be kept out of the Church, fuppofing that the Church

confifts of none but thofe that are perfecT:,& according to thefe ought

, to be judged ©f. CL Cfae/s. Conf. M »v, Summ 2. While they will indeed have the Sacraments adminiftred by the Paftors, and re- ceived by Chnftians : but withalt, will have them taught, that they are but ontly naked fignes of the patTion of Chritt and badges of

; Chriftians; but not feales of our communion with Chrift. Qonf. LccHtoarA. Ms/inoSimonz,boo,viojthefHnda*r..Theod.Phlt 3. While they deny that the Infants of the faithfuli, ought to be admitted, or

, accounted for members of the Church. Confer, of Frank <wdEmi)d. 4. While they will not have Miniiters adminifter Baptifme *to In-.

! fonts; nor Infants brought unto them for that end; yea teach, that

■ it isanabufe of Buptitme, and an abomination before God. Cofrq. Francothat. Embd. and L"ov. MtmQ Simony dt funham. Theod. Phil in Enchirid, 5. While they teach that Bapiifme con- ferd upon Infants, is by the Paftors, to be repeated againe : and by

' fuch Baptized to be admitted, yea, earneftly dtfired : and thole like-

; wife ought to be Baptized againe, which were Baptized in other Chriftian Churches ; fo that they will have even thofe of their own party rebaptized, if they go over from one Seftto another. C.0JV77. Embd. McnnoSim. in his Summary .Thcod. Phil, in Enchi.6, While

' they teach, that the Lords Supper was inftituted for none but pure

, and perfect ones ; nor to be adminiftred to any oti.ers then luch, nor to be fought for, but by fuch. John Pet. Vand. Mwl. Chnft. infiu 7. While they condemnc pubiique prayers pronounced with a loud

' voice, and thinke that all the Pfalmes are not fit to be fung in publike affemblies. Franc. Knttyt. P*ef. C/. Cla<e/j. E». denmnfir, 8. While they will have Ecclefiufticall dilcipline exercifed againft offenders, by all the members of the l hurch promifcuoufly, and that without either convenient admonition afore going, or c onfideration of their repentance following. Coll. Embd, Lew . andQonj. Mem. 9. While

they

Chap.4-1 of the Jnahaptifisl 39

they teach, that when the fentence of excommunication is pronoun- ced againft any, all rights and dutyes both naturall and civill, are to be broken off towards them, and thatfuch as are caft out, ought by » no meanes either actively or paflively to be communicated withall ; fo that for this caufe a divorce ought tb be made, between Parents , & Children, Husband 8c wifc,Brothers & fifters,Mafters & fervants, CoLEmb.Conf.Men.fac.Out.Apol. 10. While they teach, that thofe , which are unequally yoked with unbelievers ought, ( notwithstan- ding their repentance-) by perpetuall excommunication to. be fhut out of the Church, untill the -unbelieving party be either converted ' or dead. Coll. Embd. n. While they imagine that Oaths, ought neither to be taken nor required of any under the New Teftament. ' QqH. Franck. Leeu, a*d Embd. confef Afenn*

As concerning the members of the Church in particular, the A- * Err0" con- nabaptifis erre, both concerning thofe which are publique, whether ccrr]inothcPai'~ Civill or Ecclcfiafticall, and thofe wfcich are private. 1. Touching [J™ of?™1 the publique Civill perfons. I. While they teach, that no man un- church* ^ der the New Teftament, can with a fafe confcience exercife the of- fice of a Magiftrate : and that thofe things cannot (land together to > beare the orhce of a Magiftrate,and be a member of the true Church. r CoL Framkend. Embd. confef. Menu. C/. Claefs. i. While they de- ny that the office of the Magiftrate extends to both tables of the , Law. CcfH.Embd.conf, Menn. 3. While they deny that it is lawfull for a Magiftrate under the new Teftament to proclaime or make , warre. C/. Qlaefs. conf. Dordr. confef. 4. While they deny it to be lawfull for the Magiftrate to punifti any man with death. For fay they, as under the Old Teftament civill punifliments were inflicted, | without the difcipline of the Church, fo in the New Teftament, Eo clefiafticall difcipline ought to have place, not civill punifliments ; for that one kindeof government onely, ought to bepraetifed in \ each. fob. Pet. Vand. Meul. in decUr. Much.leffe is it lawfull to inflict capitall puniuhments, either upon a guilty perfon repenting, when he ought to be received into favour, or upon one unrepentant, leaft it tend to the loffe of his fouie.Msw* Sim.and&llWif.cum Mier. ]

Concerning publique Eccleiiafticall perfons, the Knab^tifit erre, ? -Errors con- 1. While they teach, that Minifters of the word, are not to be cermn§ lheof- brought out of Schooles a«d Universities , or brought up in the Quire!'. * ' ftu 7 of the Arcs and Sciences. C$H. Embd, confef Ivfow, 2. While

f* they

a0 Of the erroneous opinions Chap.4?

they will have the election and calling of Minifters of the word, to be in the power of all and lingular the Members of the Church without exception. CoU. Embd. 3. While they take away the equa- lity as well of the office as authority of Paftors r and will have Bi- {bops fo diftinguifhed from Paftors and Teachers, that thofe have the care of divers Churches,yea of an whole Province stfligned unto them ; thefe only of one Congregation ; thefe have only power of teaching ; thofe both to teach and adminifter the Sacraments. Coll, Embl Mtrtn. Sim. contra. Mier. 4. While they deny that the Mi- i niftersof the word ought to receive a yearly and fet ftipend j but ^ oncly a contribution for neceflary ufesas occafioB (hall require. Claes.Caef. confef. Coll. Embd. 5. While they make the vertue of ' Gods word, and the Sacraments, to depend upon the worthinefle of ; the Minifters. Colioq. Bmb.

' Concerning the private members of the Church infpecall, the ; £cr°r$h con" hnabaptijls erre. I. While they teach, that it is urilawMl under the i-ivatemem- ' New Teftament to go to law with others, and to contend before ers of the . the Magiftrate. Cell. Embd. CI. Chtef. 2. That it is unlawfull to :htu;cli. beare Armes tinder the fame, either defenfive as in watching, or of-

1 fenfive in warre, and either to hire out, or lend our aiTiltance unto / him. Colloq. Leou. and Embd.

All thefe opinions which we have reckoned up, are maintained by the Anabaptists, fome by all of them, fome by many, fome by certaine of them : and all which we do not onely thinke to difcent from the holy Scripture, but to offend mod grievoufly againft the Majefty of God, and his revealed will concerning our faith and con- verfation ; yea, amongft which many are pernitious, and doe alto- gether exclude from any hope of falvation, all thofe that imbrace them, and continue in the fame unto the end. Wherefore although the Artabaptifts may feem ferioufiy to obferve thofe things which pertaine to the fecond table of the law, or the offices of civill and outward charity and juftice, which we owe unto our neighbour • yea, and that beyond many, which profefl'e the purer Religion : yet feeing they tranfgreflfe fo hainoufly, efpecially againft the rirft table of the law ; wee hold that they do not onely erre befide, or about the foundation $ but errors which overthrow even the very founda- 1 tion of falvation it felfe ; and are heartily ferry that many which ^ , fceme to be good men, and carefuU to lead an honeft aud civill fife,

ftould

Chap4- Of the Amhaptiftsl 41

ffiould be fo deceived by a certaine outward vizard of holines, chart- w and modefty, that they will walke in the way which leadt th unto \ Qeftru&ion , and renew many Herefies condemned in the Ancient Church: which that we may not feem wrongfully to accufe them of; we ihall briefly demonftrate both.

That fuch as profeffe the doftrines abovementioned, do overthrow Tfl? foregoing the foundation of Salvation, is maniftft by this. I. Becaufethey c"ors do °vtr~ with-draw men, that would be faved from the knowledge of them- fa^litiuZ felves. 2. Becaufe they with-draw them from the knowledge of cion. the Mediator through whom they ffoould be faved. 3-. Becaufethey with draw them from the knowledge of God,who fhould fave them, and to whom they mould be brought.

The firft head is evident by this j becaufe they deprive a man of the r.Becaufe*th.ey true knowledge of his firft Eftate in which he was created j of his fe- deprive a man cond Eftate, into which he caft himfelf headlong through fin; and of of the true his third, unto which he was reftored. Of the knowledge of h s firft knowledge of eftate they deprive a man ; while they will not let him acknowledge IlimrcI*e* the benefit which he received from his Creator, either of vertue, that is holines ; nor happineffe following the fame, that is immortality. The knowledge of his fecond Eftate they with- hold from him, while -they either deny or extenuate the corruption inherent in him from the beginning , and take away the guilt adherent unto him ; and confe- quently oppofe our partaking or the firft fin. Like wife they with** hold from him, the knowledge of his third eftate ; dividing the bene- fit of his reparation between God and him j yea afcribing the princi- pal! part thereof unto man ; and building his falvation upon Gods foreknowledge of his good co-operation began, and continued unto the end : yea putting mans obedience in place of the acceptation of the obedience of his Saviour. Wherefore a man poffeflfed with this •Divinity, can neither know how great is the benefit of nature, which he at firft received from God : nor how great is the evill both morall, and naturall, which he drew upon himfelf; neither how Jgreat, or of what nature is the benefit of grace which was beftowed upon him from heaven : infomuch as he can neither humble himfelfe as he ought, nor exalt the goodnes of God. • 2 Th v ff &

The fecond head appears out of this ; becaufe they offend afwell againftthe pcl- againft the perfon and orfice of the Media tor, as the benefits obtained fon and office j by hfm. Againft his perfon ; while they verily overthrow his divine tof the Mcdja- nature j converting the feme into a nature fubjeft to paflion and tour-

F i ' death,

4t Of the erroneous opinions Chap.4.

death; and his humane nature like unto ours , while they deny that it had the fame beginning and fubftance with ours. His omce moreo- ver they corrupt, while they deny thofe attributes to his Propheticall office which are due unto the fame, and afcribe thofe unto it , which do not agree thereunto, as appears by their Errors above related. So do they corrupt Chnfts prieftly office , touching the act of fatisfacti- on, both intensively and extenfivcly confidered. Intentivdy, by that very thing denying the trurh of his fufferings, that they contend hec under-went the fame in his divine nature, Extentnely, by extending the fame unto innumerable unprofitably,and to no purpofe. Likewife do they corrupt Chrifts benefits both of Juftification and Sanctificati* on , as doth appear by what hath been above-fpoken.

The third head is evident by this ; becaufe they turne the true God into an Idoll. i . Overthrowing his nature, and in ftead of one, make three divine Eflences,diftant in place one trom aaother. 2. Robbing him of his attributes, by denying partly his inrinitene{Te,partly his un- changeablenefle. His infiniteneffe, while they allow him only omni- prefence of po vver,but not of ElTence : his unchangeableneffe, as may appear out of their doctrine of the Incarnation and paffionof Chrift. 3. Of his operations, reftraining and cutting fhort the providence of God • while they, teach, that neither are all things actually governed by him : nor that C5od§ providence doth any thing about cvill ; nor that men are fo ftraitned therby, but that they may go contrary there- to, and depart from the fame. By thefe things it is manifeft that the Awfaptifts preach another God and another Chrift, and cenfequent- ly another Gofpell j and lay another foundation beiides that which is laid.

Moreover that they doe reduce many Herenes which were + They bring long ago condemned in the ancient Church, and again induce in many here- them into the chriftian church,\ve lhal now go about to demonftrate, fieslongfmcc I# With the Manichtans they inveigh againft the Old Teftament, condemned. / W0Uic[ havc jt abrogated, and ilnve that there are things delivered in the Old and New Teftament contrary to one another. Epipkin tdnxr* /wr.Lxvj. Where he obferveth that the AiantchtAns compared, the law and the Prophets to old and withered Trees. . How great this Errour is, the fame Eptphamm learns us very well. Htrtf. Lxx. Thofe (laith he) which caft out the Old Teftament are not any moreofitheCa- tholikc Church. 2. With the Audims% and Antbropomerphitei) they

will

Chap.4. Of the Jnabaptijls. 4j

will have us ftick to the letter of the Scripture only. Efipk Pltrefibxx* 3 , With the Tritheites, they multiply the divine Effence. Niceph. Lib, ' 1 8. tiifl. Ecclef. cap. 49. 4. With the Samofifteniatts, Photinians , and ' Jtrriansy they oppofe the Deity of the Son of God ; while they refer ' the places which fpeakofthe Unity of Effence, of thePerfonsof the • facred Trinity ; to unity of wili,not of Eflence , like as the aforefayd Hereticks contended, fuch places were to be underftood of the likenes ofEffence, not of the Equality. With the Arriawalfo they will have the words Stutxi* and Z[MvaflniJ.e. of the fame Effence, ruffed out,. • as not being in the Scripture Epiph. Haref. Lxix. which words were like wife had in fufpition by the Semi- arriatis. Haref y$. With the fame likewife they contend that the Name of the true God isafcribed • to the Father alone : and when as Chrift cals God the Father,his God,; they conclude that he is not equill with God ; which to be done like- wife by the Arriam,Epi. teacheth Haref. Lxix. See alfo httgufi. cent. . Maxim. & Felicia*, the Krriani, Tom. 6, With the fame alfo they call in queftion the eternall generation of the Son of God ; and con- . fider not (as Epipk notes in the fame place) that God the Father begat the Son after an unfpeakable, incomprehenfible, and moft holy man- ner. 5. With the NoetUns & Sabellians, they either deny the diftin- ction of the perfons, or at leaft- wife make it doubtfull. Ep'pk H*ref. Lvij. & Lxij. To whom Epiphan oppofeth the faith of the Ancient 1 Church. VVe do not faith he bring in a plurality of the Godheadjbut preach its unity ; and while we preach one God , we erre not on the . other fide, but confefle the Trinity ; Unity in Trinity , and Trinity in Unity ; one Godnead of the Father, Sonne, and Holy Ghoft. 6 With the Pagans^ and Mamcheant, they limit God to a certaine place, and deny the infinitenes of the divine Effence, including it in the Heaven, or defining it below the fame. Damaf. Mai. de h<tref. Munich. 7. With' the Sabellians, and Patrip^jpans, and other Here ticks , they make the unchangeable, and unalterable God, mutable and fubject to pailion.' philafter. lib. de karef. & Rufin. in expofit. Synth, hpofi. qua inter opera, Qypr. So with the Tropites they fain that the Word was turned into ' flem. Pkilaflr. 8. With the Audiam, and Anthropomorphites they op- • pofe the invifibility of God, Epiph Aud.Her. Lxx, 9. With the Carpocratianti.4ppetieja>ttt Valenfmans. ApoJlinarifts, and Prodiamtes^ they deny that the flcfh of Chrift was made of the fubftance of Mtry. - FhUftr.&.Epipk.htref.'XllV. 10. With the Apollinarip, and D;-

F 3 moeriteS),

Oft he erroneous opinions Chap.4.

metrites. t they defend, that Chrift verily forfook his divine glory. Epi. k*re[. Lxvij. Lxix. Item, that the Word was changed into flefli and bones, and haires, and a whole body, and altered from his own na- ture. Epifh. haref. 77. 1 1 . With the fame they teach , that Chrift in his divine nature it felffuftlred his paffion. Zoaonhlib.6. cap. 26. Niceph. lib. 1 2. cap. 4. And that, that which was nailed to the Crofie, was the very fubftance, which was the author of Nature. That thofc which profeffe fuch things ought to be accounted chnftians, Athana- fins denies, Epift> ad Epitl. Corinth. Efifc. apud Epiph. Haref, Lxvij. 12. With the knaftafiim, and Nforians they oppofe the perfonall union of two natures in Chrift. Socra. lib. 7. nifi. Ecclef. cap. 3 2. and Evag. lib. 6. cap. 1 1. 15. With the Eutichians, they deny either the di* ftin&ion of the two natures in Chrift >or of their Eflentiall properties, and that Chrifts ftefh is of the fame fubftance with ours. Evagr. lib. I . cap. p. Niceph. lib. 4. cap. 1 2. 14. With the ApoRir,ariJls,nnd cer- taine other Hereticks, they deny that Chrift really took an humane Soul. Philafir. lib.de haref. Nic(p. lib. 1 2. cap. 4.15. With the Mar- cionitet, they deny that Chrift felt in his Soul the wrath of God, Ter~ tHf.cont.Marcionlgrt.Epift.adTral. 16. With the Marcionites, and Mamcbeattt they contend that the New Teftament was firft publifhed by Chrift, when he was on Earth,and that the commandments of the Two Teftaments are divers, yea contrary. Epiph. hare/66, contrari- wife Epiphanitts teachethin the fame place,that they make one and the fame harmony. 17. With the Iews^Cerintkiansy and Chialifts, an- cient Hereticks , they feine an Earthly Kingdome of Chrift , and a Church without calamities. Inftin. indial. cunt Triph.lttd. Enfeb. lib. 3 . cap. 3 3 . #" Bier, in cap. 7 .Dan. 1 8. With the Sarnofatenians&vA Photinians, they attribute the railing up of Chrift to the power of the Father only. Epiph. Haref. 6$.&ji. 1 p. With the Apt^ans, and Origtnians, they fpeak doubtfully of the Refurreclion. Efiph. haref. 44. & 6*4, 20. With the Cathariftfy Novatiaw, & Donaiws , they conftitute the Church only of perfect ones , and corrupt the^xercife of the difcipline of the Church , by too much feverity towards thofe that are falne. Epiph. haref. Lxix. 21. With the Matticheans, they convert the Sacraments into bare figns , and leflen the neceffity of them. Epiph haref. Lxvj. 22. With the Vonatifts, they make the worthinefle of the Sacraments to depend upon the holines of the Mi- nifters that adminifter them. hug. Tom.fsont. Crefi. 0- G undent. item

com.

Chap4« rf the Amhaptijlsl ij

cm. Lit. Petit. & in Epifi. faffjm. a 3 . With the fame and the Par' meniAnst Marcionites,Ettn»mianS) Montanifts , and divers other Here- ticks ; they repeat Baptifme , adminiftred out of their congregations. Ibih.& Epiph.haref x\i). & Epofit. CathJid.Tom. i.Zoz.om.h1ft.Ecc/. U^6.caf.26.&PhlLf.liyjeharef. 24. With the Dsnatifts, Euno- m'ums, and other Hereticks they condemn childrens baptifme. Aug. lib.6.cont. T>onatxap, 2^.2^.2^ & Concil. Milev. cam. 11 . 25. With the Catharifts, & Donatifts, they will not have the Lords Supper ad- miniftred, unleffe to pure and perfed ones. Epiph.haref.^^. 26. with the Nicolaites, Baftlidians, & Cdrpocratians 9 fome of the knabaptifls teach both communion of wives, and goods, others this latter onely. Epiph.haref. xxiv. & xxvij. 27, With thofe of whom lude fpeaks, verf. 8. and other unruly, they fpeakevill of Governments. 28. with the Cataphrygiam, & Gnofikks, they boaft of prophets, dreames, and vifions. 7hlM.de haref. 20. With the Pelagians, Semipelagians,So~ cinians, Papifts, & hrminUnsy they erre moft of their other errors, a- bout the threefold eftate of man, of integrity ,corruption,& reftaurati- on, and either extenuate or pervert the benefit of originall righteouf- nefte, blemiih of corruption, grace of reftitution,and the benefits fol- lowing the fame , as by comparing the Articles above mentioned, with the doctrine of the other Hereticks, may appeare.

It it evident moreover, that the enemy of mankind hath laboured by Anabaptifm ; that the order both of Church and ftate,being over- thrown.or at leaft wife difcurbed and brought into-contempt,the good government of chriftian Churches and common- wealths might fall to the ground. From hence came it, that the authority of Ecclefiafti- call order was weakned by the licentioufnefle of Etthxjiafts, venting their own dreams and inventions:and the choice of thofe, who fhould attend the holy things, committed to the rude multitude ; thefacred keyes alfo,which ought to be born by the reprefcntative church,expo- kd to the pleafure of every one.and fo a kind of Anarchy & intolera- ble diforder brought into the Houfe of God. With how many, and how lamentable tumults common- wealths have been fhaken , fince this kind of doftrin began to be fpread and prad:ifed,the records both H of high & Lotoer Germany do teftifie; which could not be extinguifti- ed or quieted without a great deal of blood How much alfo they de- rogate from the authority of the Magiftrate, and how much they lef- ien his dignity, appears both out of their Tenets, and the practice of

the

a 6 Of the erroneous opinions Chap.4?

the yitnttzjfridHSy thofe of MM»fter,znd others of that kind. And indeed how is it poflible,that the Magiftrate, can pref rve his honour and re- nown with the common people , when they (hall weigh thefe Apho- rifmes in their mind. That he which exerafeth the ofnee of a Magi- ftrate cannot be a member of the Apoftolike Church. CoUoq. Vrmtl^, That Chrift hath forbidden all his, to have any civill goverment. Thac in the New Tetlament there is no place for the ofrice of a civnl Magi- strate. Ct.Claefs.confe's.Mcmon. That tis doubtfull, whether a Ma- gistrate can be faved. Cofoq.Embi. That christians are not obi ieged to give their oath to the Magiftrate. Coll. Embcl. As neither tobearc Arms, or keep watch,when we are invaded by the Enemy .i£*i.which how perillous and deftru&ive it is to common-wealths, needs not to be fhewed. For neither can any thing be more powerfull to expofe both publikc and private eftate, to the Tyrany or an Enemy , and to turn all things upfide down, then when this bewitching, coloured o- ver with a fair ihew of Religion and piety , hath poffefled the minds of men; and tis held not only indifferent , but even unlawfull to refift an Enemy that invades our countrey. V Vhich opinion, leaft it ftiould -7? feem now to be abolifhed, and grown out of date, was confirmed by a late and notable example, of the Anabaptifis, which heretofore had their habitation in the country of Zurich. For when a few yeers fince, the Germin, & RhetUn war waxmg hot, no fmall danger feemed to threaten reformed Helvetia, and efpecially the Territory of the com- mon* wealth of Zurich-, it feemed good to the honourable Magiftrate, to ordain the ufuall mufters, and viewing of Arms. The Anabafttfts being called to thefe exercifes, they began, not only to refufe obedi- ence to the command j but alfo to inculcate into others, that war was lent from God being offended as a punifhment. That a Kingdome was not defended by Arms, but amendment of our manners; That it was not lawfull for a chriftian to bear Arms , nor to be armed to de- fend his country. With which divinity ,& other the like precepts,fomc being infected ; they thought that they muft rather forfake, country, wives, children, fortunes, and all things whatfoever; then by moft juft Arms, to drive the Enemy out of their country. The religi- ous Magiftrate of Zurich ufed all means to informe and inftrud thefe men, and to recall them to their duty ; fearching out, and confuting at large all things wherewith they proftffed they were troubled ; io as he left them no caufe of any more fcruplc. Men chofen out of both

orders,

Chap. 4. Of the Jnahaptijls.

orders , civill an*l Ecclefiafticall , eminent for prudence and expert ence conferre with them; and take very good heed , that nothing fall from them which might carry any ihew of cavillation, or more vio- lent proceeding. But fo far were they from departing from their fore- faid allertions, that being demanded whether he that beareth the of- fice of a Magiftrate , and in the fame believeth and liveth as a chriftian ought, could be faved ? they would not affent. There are propofed to them mod eafie conditions. That they lhouid be freed from the ulaall form of an oath,& the Magiftrate would be content with their fimple promife in giving their faith;that they lhouid be releafed from the ufe of Arms; if they would but affile their country, with prayers, good willies, and fuch other godly waies and means. They fhouid indeed be oblieged to come to the Sermons , yet with this condition , that they fhould freely teftifie their diflent from any thing delivered,either to the Paftors, or other officers of the Church: and for any thing eife , they might promife themfelves ail favour, courtcfie, and protection, from the Magiftrate. When neither this gentlenefle of the Senate of Zurich, was able to overcome or aflwage the minds of thefe obftinate men; they are defired, of their owne accord , to depart fome other where, that neither by their doctrine nor example, the fafety of their Country might be tndangered ; and leave was given them to take all fuch things with them , as fhould be neceflary tor their fuftentation. But if they would not have fome of their wives and children (free from their errours) to go out of the country, they fhould leave for them an equall portion of their Eftate to the adminiftration of fome Citizens, which either they themfelves fhould chufe , or whom the Magiftrate fhould judge faithfull ; leaft the departure of fome, might be to the damage of others of theirs , or to the burthen of the Com- mon-wealth ; That all things fhould be faithfully adminiftred ; yeas reftored unto them again , iF fo be , they returned to a better mind. When this was likewife in vaine propounded unto thefe ftubborne men ; they are condemned to beare part of the publike expences, which they had been the caufe of, and fome fines are laid upon them, although fmall and very tollerable. But it is not to be faid, how much they began to abufe this mildnes of the Magiftrate,to withdraw their obedience.accufe the Magiftrate of Tyranny,and heape calumnies and reproach.s upon him.At length the patience of the Senate being quite overcome, leaft this ftubbomnes fhould be turned into an example of

G licen-

Of the erroneous opinions Chap.4?

HcentioufnetTe , and rebellion ; it was decreed that the goods of thcfe obftmate men ftiould be forfeited to the Common wealth. This drew not only murmuring and complaints from them; but even made fome of them in the mind to trouble the publike peace, and by night meetings to ftirre up tumults j yea to that height of impiety, did their obftinateneffc proceed , that they cxpreiiy prayed unto G<„d thut he would by plague, famine, and other fuch like generall calamities, re- . ftraine the rage of the Magiftrate, whom they fo molt unjuftiy accu- fed. Which hardning in their evill, conftrained rtie Magifh-ue ro chts, though unwilling, that he clapt fome of the rebels , who were moft unruly into prifon; yet allowing them futficient liberty. Vpbn which occafion,they were divers times dealt with,both by principal! men of rhe Magiftracy and likewifeby divers other faithful* icrvants of God, learned and reverend men; that they ftiouid caft downe thofe proud ftomackes , and confider ferioufly of their owne and their Countreys fafety ; but there could nothing be gotien from them, but prefumptuousar d crooked anfwers,and cunning equivocations : y ta> by fecret praiftiles they came to this, that by the ufe of falfe keyes, they brake out of the- Pnfon, and got themielves out of the power of the Magiftrate. Being taken agame, and now kept iome- whac ftraighter, ( yet ftill having much liberty ) as being rut into a fpacious and pleafant Monaftery, they are let to handy-workes the richer are bidden to provide for themfelves, the reft are taken care for,by the liberality of the Sjnate ;yet being weary of this rtftraint alfo, they bring their keepers aflecp by unliwfull meanes, brake thorow the wall, an 1 about midnight of the next day after Enter, in the yeare 1636. violating even the fafety of the walls j they efcape all out, fuving fome tfew. And though it was hoped .. that they would at leaft wife get them out of the Countrcy of Zurich : notwithstanding they returner gaine, and fall to making ftirrcsand tumults, with as much perverfenefle as beforc.Neither yet was there any greater pu ufhment laid upon ihem ; the Senate thinking rather by their mJdncrflt to overcome the wicktdnefle of tht ft men;fo ihac befides clofer impriionment nothing more was done unt ; thelr-.Nor were^the Minifttrs of the word wanting to do as i-y thing \hey could, but by inftruclions, admonitions, inrreatit s3 carefully indeavorcd, either to make them leave thtir errors and ftubhornntrk, orelfe to depart out of the Country fome other where. They urged nothing

but

Chap4- of the Anahaptiftsl 4^

but liberty, andproteft that the faithfull ought nGt to plead their caufe m Bands, and in them to rer.dcr a rcafon of their faith. And although they Teemed to require a conference, nevenheleffe all things being offered them, Chat feemed requjfite to a lawfuli deputation, they at length deceived the hopes and wilhes of all ; and againe breaking out of the Prifon,in which they were dctained;efcaped away all, excepting three or fourt; which c.uld not follow the reft. Of whom,t wo bound themfelves with a molt unheard of Vow,chat they would never doe any more worke, nor tafte a bit of meat , nor drop of drink. And which is mod wonderful!, one of than wasloob- ftinace that he ftarved himfeif to death : by whofe example the other being terrified , he followed better counfell. Which obftinacyof mind is lb much the more execrable , for that thefe men might every hour have obtained their liberty, it they would but only have promifecf the Magiftrate to have departed out of the Country of Zurich. Thofe of them that got out of that Territory (laying a good while upon the borders of their Country , and heaping up reproaches upon the moll patient Magiftrate, doubted not to accufe him unto f orremers of moft unheard of crueltie; when he notwithftandiug,although he had found the Ring-leaders of them guilty of moft hainous offences, which any other of the Citizens had publiquely fuffcred for ; would at no hand, ftiew any example of fevericy towards thofe kmde of men; leaft it (bould be imputed rather to the hatred of the Seel:; then to the crimes of the Sectaries. Yet fom-e of thefe men would rather go over to the Papifts, and joyne themfelves unto Idoiatrousaflem- blies, then be accounted amonguVthe Orthodox. All which being written out of the publique Records,and by me faithfully related, I thought fit here to infert, that 1 mi^htgive a character of the A- Htfaptitfs, and that the patience of the Orthodox Magiftrate of Zu- rich towards the feducers and feduced might hence appeare. The whole Hiftory of this bufineffc is contained in an Epiftle of a learned and grave divine, to a wortny and reverend Paftor of the Trench Church at Amsterdam.

Out of all that hath been faid, it is evident, how needfull it is a plication of both for the Church and <• ommon- Wealth tojoyne the labour of all. the UniverfitieS; with that of the Church for the confutation of the A»abaptijls ; and with united hearts and hands, indeavour to h.n- der this doctrine, which brings fo cercaine deftrudion to C lurch,

G z Common-

ffe Of the erroneous opinions Chap.4?

Common-Wealth, and our own fouls : both that the confcienccs. as yet addi&ed to the truth, maynocbedrawne unto deceit and er- ror, by their faire (hews, and counterfeit vizard of innocence, holi- nefle and iimplicity ; and that thofe who have hitherto beene decei- ved, either by the flattery of the Sectaries, or the waited face of the Sett, may be ftirred up in the feare of the Lord, to take this matter into ferious meditation ; and confider with themfelves, how many horrible and pernicious Tenets, and how hurtfull both to publique and private quietnefle, lye hidden as it were behinde a curtaine, under this firnple name of A*abaptifit. To whom we wifh from the Lord with all our hearts, the knowledge, love* and pra&icr of that truth which by the (peciail grace of Cod is preferved in the Orthodox. Ghurches; and therewithal! both prefentandperpetuallhappinefle* Neither doe we go-about toftir up the M3giftrate againft thofe men ; . qpr would we have any force offered to their conf/xences ; but thinks thofe meanes onely ought to be ufed, which may conduce to. the hi- bernation of thofe that crre, the reproving of their errors, and con- 1 of the truth, fo farre as it may (land with Chritttan fru^ tace^nd charity*

J finis*

J^p Jlt?} ^ )