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more rotundity of the number, and grace of the matter, it passeth for a full thousand; which, no doubt, the collectors of the names (if so pleased) might easily bave compleated. I dare not guess what made them desist before their number was finished; whether they thought that these were enough to do the deed, and more were rather for ostentation than use; or, because disheartened by the intervening of the Hampton-court Conference, they thought, that these were even too many to petition for a denial. It is left as yet uncertain, whether this Conference was by the king's favour graciously tendered, or by the mediation of the lords of his council powerfully procured; or by the bishops, as confident of their cause, voluntarily proffered; or by the ministers importunity elfectually obtained. Each opinion pretends to probability, but the last most likely. And, by what means soever this Conference was conpassed, Hampton-court was the Place, the 14th of January the time, and the following Names the persons which were employed therein.

FOR CONFORMITY.-Archbishop of Canterbury, Whitgift.-Bishops of London, Bancroft; Durham, Mathew; Winchester, Bilson; Worcester, Babington; St. David's, Rudd; Chichester, Watson; Carlisle, Robinson; Peterborough, Dove.-Deans of the Chapel;* ChristChurch; Worcester; Westminster, Andrewes; St. Paul's, Overall; Chester, Barlow; Salisbury, Bridges; Windsor.-Drs. Field; King.

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where I sit amongst grave, learned, and reve-
rend men, not as before, elsewhere, a king
without state, without honour, without order,
where beardless boys would brave us to the face.
-And I assure you, we have not called this
Assembly for any innovation, for we acknow-
lege the government ecclesiastical, as now it is,
to have been approved by manifold blessings
from God himself, both for the increase of the
Gospel, and with a most happy and glorious
peace. Yet because nothing can be so abso-
lutely ordered, but that something may be added
thereunto, and corruption in any state (as in the
body of man) will insensibly grow either through
time or persons; and because we have received
many complaints since our first entrance into
this kingdom of many disorders, and much dis-
obedience to the laws, with a great falling away
to popery; our purpose therefore is, like a good
physician, to examine and try the complaints,
and fully to remove the occasions thereof, if
scandalous; cure them, if dangerous; and take
knowledge of them, if but frivolous, thereby to
cast a sop into Cerberus's mouth, that he bark
no more. For this cause we have called, you
bishops and deans in, severally by yourselves,
not to be confronted by the contrary opponents,
that if any thing should be found meet to be re-
dressed, it might be done without any visible
alteration.-Particularly there be some special
points wherein I desire to be satisfied, and which
may be reduced to three heads: 1. Concerning
the Book of Common-prayer, and divine ser-
vice used in the Church. 2. Excommunication
in ecclesiastical courts. 3. The providing of
fit and able ministers for Ireland. In the Com-
mon-prayer Book I require satisfaction about
three things:-First about Confirmation: For
the very name thereof, if arguing a Confi ming
of Baptism, as if this sacrament without it were
of no validity, is plainly blasphemous.
though at the first use thereof in the Church, it
was thought necessary, that baptised infants,
who formerly had answered by their patrini,
should, when come to years of discretion, after
their profession made by themselves, be con-
firmed with the blessing of the bishop, I abhor
the abuse wherein it is made a sacrament, or cor-
roboration to Baptism.-As for Absolution, I
know not how it is used in our Church, but
have heard it likened to the pope's pardons,
There be indeed two kinds thereof from God:
One general, all prayers and preaching import-
ing an Absolution. The other particular to
special parties, having committed a scandal, and
repenting: otherwise, where Excommunication
precedes not, in my judginent there needs no
Absolution.-Private Baptisin is the third thing
wherein I would be satisfied in the Common-
prayer: If called private from the place, I think
it agreeable with the use of the primitive Church;
but if termed private that any, besides a law-
fol minister, may baptise, I utterly dislike it.
[And here his Majesty grew somewhat earnest
in his expressions, against the baptising by wo-
men and laicks.]

Moderator, king James.--Spectators, All the Lords of the Privy Council, whereas some at times, interposed a few words.-Place, A withdrawing room within the Privy chamber.

AGAINST CONFORMITY, Doctors Reynolds; Sparks.-Messrs. Knewstubs; Chaderton, These remaining in a room without, were not called in the first day.

To omit all gratulatory preambles, as necessary, when spoken, as needless, if now repeated, we will present only the substance of this day's Conference, his majesty thus beginning it:

His Majesty. It is no novel device, but according to the example of all Christian princes, for kings to take the first course for the establishing of the Church, both in doctrine and policy. To this the very Heathen related in their proverb, a Jove principium, particularly in this land, king Henry the 8th, towards the end of his reign, altered much, king Edward the 6th more, queen Mary reversed all, and lastly, queen Elizabeth, (of famous memory) settled religion as now it standeth. Here in I am happier than they, because they were fain to alter all things they found established, whereas I see yet no such cause to change, as confirm what I find well settled already. For blessed be God's gracious goodness, who hath brought me into the promised Land, where religion is purely professed,

*Though all these Deans were summoned by letters, and present in the Presence-chamber; yet only five, (viz. of the Chapel, Westminster, Paul's, Chester and Salisbury) on the rst day were called in.

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For

"In the second Head of Excommunication,

I offer two things to be considered of: first the Matter, secondly the Persons. For the first, I would be satisfied, whether it be executed (as it is complained of to me) in light causes, and that too commonly, which causeth the undervaluing thereof. For the Persons, I would be resolved, why Chancellors and Commissaries, being laymen, should do it, and not rather the bishops themselves, or some minister of gravity and account, deputed by them for the more dignity to so high and weighty a censure. As for providing ministers for Ireland, I shall refer | it in the last days Conference to a consultation. Abp. of Canterbury. Confirmation hath been used in the Catholic Church ever since the Apostles; and it is a very untrue suggestion (if any have informed your highness) that the Church of England holds Baptism imperfect without it, as adding to the virtue and strength thereof.

Bishop of London. The authority of Confirmation depends not only on antiquity, and the practice of the Primitive Church, but is an Apostolical Institution, named in express words, Heb. vi. 2. and so did Mr. Calvin expound the very place, earnestly wishing the restitution thereof in the reformed Churches. [The bishop of Carlisle is said gravely and learnedly to have urged the same, and the bishop of Durham noted something out of S. Matthew for the imposition of hands on children.]

The conclusion was this, For the fuller explanation that we make Confirmation, neither a Sacrament nor a Corroboration thereof, their lordships should consider whether it might not without alteration (whereof his majesty was still very wary) be intituled an Examination with a Confirmation.

the administration thereof by women and laypersons is not allowed in the practise of the Church, but enquired of, and censured by bishops in their visitations.

His Maj. The words of the Book cannot but intend a permission of women and private persons to baptise.

Bp. of Worc. The doubtful words may be pressed to that meaning; yet the Compilers of the Book did not so intend them, as appeareth by their contrary practice. But they propounded them ambiguously, because otherwise (perhaps) the Book would not (then) have passed the parliament.

Bp. of Lond. Those reverend men intended not by ambiguous terms to deceive any, but thereby intended a permission of private persons to baptise, in case of necessity. This is agreeable to the practice of the ancient Church, Act. ii. when three thousand being baptised in a day, (which for the Apostles alone to do, was [at the least] improbable) some being neither priests nor bishops, must be presumed employed therein, and some Fathers are of the same opinion. Here he spake much, and earnestly about the necessity of Baptism.

His Maj. That in the Acts was an act extraordinary, and done before a Church was settled and grounded, wherefore no sound reasoning thence to a Church established and flourishing. I maintain the necessity of Baptism, and always thought the place John iii. 5.

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Except one be born again of water," &c. was meant thercof. It may seem strange to you, my lords, that I think you in England give too much to Baptism, seeing fourteen months ago in Scotland, I argued with my divines there, for attributing too little unto it; InsoAbp. of C. As for the point of Absolution much that a pert minister asked me, if I thought (wherein your majesty desires satisfaction) it is Baptism so necessary, that, if omitted, the child clear from all abuse or superstition, as it is used should be damned. I answered, no: But if in our Church of England, as will appear on you, called to baptise a child, though privately, the reading both of the Confession and Abso- refuse to come, I think you shall be damned.lution following it, in the beginning of the Com-But, this necessity of Baptism I so understand, munion book. [Here the king perused both, and returned]

His Maj. Fike, and approve them, finding it to be very true what you say.

Bp. of Lond. It becometh us to deal plainly with your Majesty. There is also in the book a more particular and personal Absolution in the Visitation of the Sick. [Here the dean of the chapel turned unto it and read it.]

Bp. of Lond. Not only the confessions of Augusta, Boheme, and Saxon, retain and allow it, but Mr. Calvin also doth approve, both such a general, and such a private (for so he terms it) Confession and Absolution.

His Maj. I exceedingly well approve it, being an Apostolical and Godly Ordinance, given in the name of Christ, to one that desireth it, upon the clearing of his conscience.

The conclusion was this, That the bishops should consult, whether unto the rubric of the general Absolution, these words, Remission of Sins, might not be added for explanation sake.

Abp. of C. To the point of Private Baptism,

that it is necessary to be had, if lawfully to be had, that is, ministered by lawful ministers, by whom alone, and no private person in any case, it may be administered: though I utterly dislike all Re-baptization on those whom women or laics have baptised.

Bp. of Winch. To deny private persons to baptise in case of necessity, were to cross all antiquity, and the common practice of the Church, it being a rule agreed on amongst divines, that the minister is not of the essence of the sacrament.

His maj. Though he be not of the essence of the sacrament. yet is he of the essence of the right, and lawful ministry thereof, according to Christ's commission to his disciples, "Go preach and baptise," &c.

The result was this, To consult, whether in the rubric of Private Baptism, which leaves it indifferently to all, these words, Curate, or lawful Minister, may not be inserted.-For the point of Excommunication, his majesty propounded, whether in causes of lesser moment

the name might not be altered, and the same | Turkey-gowns, not in your scholastic habits, accensure retained. Secondly, whether in place cording to the order of the universities. thereof another coercion, equivalent thereunto, might not be invented? Which all sides easily yielded unto, as long and often desired; and SO was the end of the first day's Conference. On Monday Jan. 16, they all met in the same place, with all the deans and doctors above mentioned; (Patrick Galloway, minister of Perth in Scotland, admitted also to be there) And hopeful prince Henry sat on a stool by his father. The king made a pithy Speech to the same purpose which he made the first day, differing only in the conclusion thereof, being an address to the four opposers of conformity, there present, whom he understood the most grave, learned, and modest of the aggrieved sort, professing himself ready to hear at large what they could object, and willed them to begin. Dr. Reyn. All things disliked or questioned, may be reduced to these four heads;

His Majesty. My Lord Bishop, something in your passion I may excuse, and something I must mislike. I may excuse you thus far, That I think you have just cause to be moved, in respect that they traduce the well-settled government, and also proceed in so indirect a course, contrary to their own pretence, and the intent of this meeting. I mislike your sudden interruption of doctor Reynolds, who you should have suffered to have taken his liberty; For, there is no order, nor can be any effectual issue of disputation, if each party be not suffered, without chopping, to speak at large. Wherefore, either let the doctor proceed, or frame your answer to his motions already made, although some of them are very needless.

1. That the Doctrine of the Church might be preserved in purity, according to God's Word.-2. That good pastors might be planted in all Churches to preach the same.-3. That the Church-government might be sincerely ministered according to God's Word.-4. That the Book of Common-Prayer might be fitted to more increase of piety.-For the first, may your majesty be pleased, that the Book of Articles of Religion concluded on 1562, may be explained where obscure, enlarged where defective, viz. Whereas it is said, Art. 16." After we have received the Holy Ghost, we may depart from grace." Those words may be explained with this or the like addition, Yet neither totally, nor finally. To which end it would do very well, if the nine orthodoxal Assertions, concluded on at Lambeth, might be inserted into the Book of Articles.-Secondly, whereas it is said in the 23rd article, "that it is not lawful for any in the congregation to preach, before he be lawfully called:" these words ought to be altered, because implying one out of the congregation may preach, though not lawfully called.-Thirdly, in the 25th article there seemeth a contradiction, one passage therein confessing Confirmation, to be a depraved imitation of the Apostles, and another grounding it on their example.

Bp. of Lond. May your majesty be pleased, that the ancient Canon may be remembered, Schismatici contra Episcopos non sunt audiendi. And, there is another Decree of a very ancient council, That no man should be admitted to speak against that whereunto he hath formerly subscribed. And as for you doctor Reynolds, and your sociates, how much are ye bound to his majesty's clemency, permitting you contrary to the statute 1 Eliz. so freely to speak against the Liturgy, and Discipline established. Fain would I know the end you aim at, and whether you be not of Mr. Cartwright's mind, who affirmed, that we ought in ceremonies rather to conform to the Turks than to the Papists. I doubt you approve his position, because here appearing before his majesty in

Bp. of Lond. Upon the first motion concerning Falling from Grace, may your majesty be pleased to consider how many in these days neglect holiness of life, presuming on persisting in Grace upon Predestination, "If I shall be saved, I shall be saved." A desperate doctrine, contrary to good divinity, wherein we should reason rather ascendendo than descendendo, from our obedience to God, and love to our neighbour, to our election and predestination. As for the Doctrine of the Church of England, touching Predestination, it is in the very next paragraph, viz. "We must receive God's promises in such wise as they be generally set forth to us in Holy Scripture, and in our doings the will of God is to be followed, which we have expressly declared unto us in the Word of God."

His Majesty. I approve it very well, as consonant with the place of Paul, "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling." Yet let it be considered of, whether any thing were meet to be added for clearing of the doctor's doubt, by putting in the word often, or the like. Mean time, I wish that the doctrine of Predestination may be tenderly handled, lest on the one side God's omnipotency be questioned by impeaching the doctrine of his eternal Predestination, or on the other side a desperate presumption arreared, by inferring the necessary certainty of persisting in Grace.

Bp. of Lond. The second Objection of the doctor's is vain, it being the doctrine and practice of the Church of England, that none but a licensed minister may preach, nor administer the Lord's Supper.

His Majesty. As for Private Baptism, I have already with the bishops taken order for the same.

Then came they to the 2nd point of Confirmation, and upon the perusal of the words of the Article, his majesty concluded the pretended contradiction a cavil.

Bp. of Lond. Confirmation is not so much founded on the place in the Acts of the apostles, but upon Heb. vi. 2. which was the opinion, besides the judgment of the Fathers, of Mr. Calvin, and doctor Fulk; neither needeth there any farther proof, seeing (as I suppose) he that

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authority in this land." These are not sufficient, unless it were added, nor ought to have any.

objected this holds not confirmation unlawful; but he and his party are vexed that the use thereof is not in their own hands, for every pastor to confirm his own parish; for then it would be accounted an Apostolical institution, if Dr. Reynolds were pleased but to speak his thoughts therein.

Dr. Reyn. Indeed seeing some diocese of a bishop hath therein six hundred Parishes, it is a thing very inconvenient to permit Confirmation to the bishop alone; and I suppose it impossible that he can take due examination of them all which come to be confirmed.

Bp. of Lond. To the matter of f ct, I answer, that bishops in their Visitations appoint either their chaplains, or some other ministers, to examine them which are to be confirmed, and lightly confirm none but by the testimony of the parsons and curates, where the children are bred and brought up.-To the Opinion I answer, that none of all the Fathers ever admitted any to confirm but bishops alone. Yea, even St. Jerome himself (otherwise no friend to bishops) confesseth the execution thereof was restrained to bishops only.

Bp. of Winch. Dr. Reynolds, I would fain have you, with all your learning, shew wherever Confirmation was used in ancient times by any other bishops; These used it partly to examine children, and after examination by imposition of hands (the Jewish ceremony of blessing) to bless and pray over them; and partly to try whether they had been baptised in the right form or no. For in former ages some baptised (as they ought) in the name of the Father, Son, aud Holy Ghost. Some (as the Arians) in the name of the Father as the greater, and the Son as the less. Some in the name of the Father by the Son, in the Holy Ghost. Some not in the name of the Trinity, but only in the Death of Christ. Whereupon Catholic bishops were constrained to examine them who were baptised in remotis, concerning their Baptism, if right to confirm them, if amiss to instruct them.

His Majesty. I dissent from the judgment of St. Jerome in his assertion, that bishops are not of divine ordination.

Bp. of Lond. Unless I could prove my Ordination lawful out of the Scriptures, I would not be a bishop four hours longer.

His Majesty. I approve the calling and use of bishops in the Church, and it is my aphorism, No Bishop, No King; nor intend I to take Confirmation from the bishops, which they have so long enjoyed. Seeing as great reason that none should confirm, as that none should preach without the bishop's license. But let it be referred, whether the word Examination ought not to be added to the rubrick in the title of Confirmation in the Communion-book. And now Dr. Reynolds you may proceed.

Dr. Reyn. I protest I meant not to gall any man, though I perceive some took personal exceptions at my words, and desire the imputation of schism may not be charged upon me. To proceed on the 37th Article, wherein are these words, "The Bishop of Rome hath no

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His Majesty. Habemus jure, quod habemus, and therefore in as much as it is said he hath not, it is plain enough that he ought not to have.

Here passed some pleasant discourse betwixt the king and lords about puritans, till returning to seriousness: There began the

Bp. of Lond. May it please your majesty to remember the Speech of the French ambassador, monsieur Regnee, upon the view of our solemn service and ceremony, viz. That if the Reformed Churches in France had kept the same order, there would have been thousands of Protestants more than there are.

Dr. Keyn. It were well if this proposition might be added to the Book of Articles. The intention of the minister is not of the essence of the sacrament,' the rather, because some in England have preached it to be essential; and here again I could desire that the nine orthodoxal Assertions concluded at Lambeth, may be generally received.

His Maj. I utterly dislike the first part of your motion, thinking it unfit to thrust into the Book of Articles every position negative, which would swell the book into a volume as big as the Bible, and confound the reader. Thus one M. Craig in Scotland with, his, I renounce and abhor his multiplied detestations and abrenuntiations, so amazed simple people, that not able to conceive all their things, they fell back to popery, or remained in their former ignorance. If bound to this form, the coufession of my faith must be in my table-book, not in my head.-Because you speak of Intention, I will apply it thus. If you come hither with a good intention to be informed, the whole work will sort to the better effect: But if your intention be to go as you came, whatsoever shall be said, it will prove the intention is very material and essential to the end of this present action.-As for the nine Assertions you speak of, I cannot suddenly answer, not knowing what those Propositions of Lambeth be.

Bp. of Lond. May it please your majesty, this was the occasion of them, by reason of some controversies arising in Cambridge about certain points of divinity, my lord's grace assembled some divines of special note to set down their Opinions, which they drew into nine Assertions, and so sent them to the Uni versity for the appeasing of those quarrels.

His Mai. When such questions arise amongst scholars, the quietest proceedings were to determine them in the University, and not to stuff the Book of Articles, with all Conclusions theological.-Secondly, the better course would be to punish the broachers of false doctrine, than to multiply Articles, which, if never so many, cannot prevent the contrary opinions of men till they be heard.

Dean of Pauls. May it please your majesty, I am nearly concerned in this matter, by reason of a Controversy betwixt me and some other in Cambridge, upon a Proposition, which

I there delivered, namely, that whosoever
(though before justified) did commit any griev-
ous sin, as adultery, murder, &c. do become
ipso facto, subject to God's wrath, and guilty
of damnation, quoad præsentam statum, until
they repent.
Yet, so that those who are justi-
fied according to the purpose of God's Election
(though they might fall into grievous sin, and
thereby into the present estate of damnation)
yet never totally nor finally from Justification;
but were in time renewed by God's spirit unto
a lively faith and repentance. Against this
doctrine some did oppose, teaching that per-
sons once truly justified, though falling into
grievous sins, remained still in the state of Jus-
tification, before they actually repented of these
sins; yea, and though they never repented of
them through forgetfulness or sudden death,
they nevertheless were justified and saved.

followed, there would be no end of translating. His Maj. I profess I could never yet see a Bible well translated in English; but I think, that of all, that of Geneva is the worst. I wish some special pains were taken for an uniform translation; which should be done by the best learned in both Universities, then reviewed by the bishops, presented to the privy council, lastly ratified by royal authority, to be read in the whole church, and no other.

Bp. of Lond. But it is fit that no marginal notes should be added thereunto.

His Maj. That caveat is well put in, for in the Geneva translation, some notes are partial, untrue, seditious, and savouring of traitorous conceits: As, when from Exodus i. 19. Disobedience to kings is allowed in a marginal note. And 2 Chron. xv. 16, king Asa taxed in the note for only deposing his mother for idolatry, and not killing her. To conclude this point, let errors, in matters of faith, be amended, and

His Maj. I dislike this doctrine, there being a necessity of conjoining repentance and holiness of life with true faith, and that is hy-indifferent things be interpreted, and a gloss pocrisy, and not justifying faith, which is severed from them. For although Predestination and Election depend not on any qualities, actions, or works of man which are mutable, but on God's eternal Decree: yet such is the necessity of Repentance after known sins committed, that without it no Reconciliation with God, or Remission of Sins.

added unto them. For as Bartolus de Regno saith, that a king with some weakness, is better than still a change; so rather a Church with some faults, than an innovation. And surely, if these were the greatest matters that grieved you, I need not have been troubled with such importunate complaints.

Dr. Reyn. May it please your majesty, that unlawful and seditious books be suppress

Dr. Reyn. The Catechism in the Common Prayer-Book is too brief, and that by Mr.ed, such as Ficlerus, a Papist, De Jure MagisNowel (late dean of Pauls) too long for novices tratus in Subditos, applied against the late to learn by heart. I request therefore that one queen for the Pope. uniform Catechism may be made, and none other generally received.

Bp. of Lond. There is no such licentious divulging of those books, and none have liberHis Maj. I think the doctor's request very ty, by authority, to buy them, except such as reasonable, yet so, that the Catechism may be Dr. Reynolds, who was supposed would conmade in the fewest and plainest affirmative fute them. And, if such books come into the terms that may be, not like the many ignorant realm by secret conveyances, perfect notice Catechisms in Scotland, set out by every one cannot be had of their importation. Besides, who was the Son of a good man; insomuch Ficlerus was a great disciplinarian, whereby it that what was Catechism-doctrine in one con- appears what advantage that sort gave unto gregation, was scarcely received as orthodox in the Papists, who, mutatis personis, apply their another; and herein I would have two rules own arguments against princes of their reliobserved: First, That curious and deep ques-gion, though for my part I detest both the autions be avoided in the fundamental instruction of a people, secondly, That there should not be so general a departure from the papists, that every thing should be accounted an error wherein we agree with them.

Dr. Reyn. Great is the profanation of the Sabbath day, and contempt of your majesty's Proclamation, which I earnestly desire may be reformed.

This motion found an unanimous consent. Dr. Reyn. May your majesty be pleased that the Bible be new translated, such as are extant not answering the original, and he instanced in three particulars.

Gal. iv. 25.-In the original, euro; ill-translated, Bordereth.-Ps. cv. 28. Orig, They were not disobedient; ill-trans., They were not obedient.-Ps. cvi. 30. Orig. Phinehas executed judgment; ill-trans., Phinehas prayed.

Bp. of Lond. If every man's humour might be

thor and applier alike.

The Ld. Cecil. Indeed the unlimited liberty of dispersing Popish and seditious pamphlets in Pauls Church-yard, and both the Universi ties, hath done much mischief; but especially one called Speculum Tragicum.

His Maj. That is a dangerous book indeed. L. H. Howard. Both for matter and intention.

L. Chan. Of such Books, some are Latin, some are English, but the last dispersed do most harm.

Secret. Cecil. But my lord of London (and no man else) hath done what he could to suppress them.

His Maj. Dr. Reynolds, you are a better college-man than a states-man, if meaning to tax the bishop of London for suffering those books, between the Secular Priests and Jesuits, to be published, which he did by warrant from the council, to nourish a schism betwixt them.

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