238 i LIVES OF TIIE PURITANS. world that Jesus Christ, after his death upon the cross,actin- ally descended into the regions of the damned ; many learned divines undertook a refutation of his opinion, and to estab- lish the contrary sentiment. Among these was Mr. Parker, who published a learned piece, entitled, " De descensu Christi ad Infernos." In the year 1607 he published a Treatise on the Cross in Baptism, entitled, " A Scho- lasticall Discourse against Symbolizing with Antichrist in Ceremonies, especially the Signe of the Crosse." Dr. Grey is pleased to treat Mr. Peirce and Mr. Neal with consider- able ridicule for calling it a very learned work, and the author himself with much contempt, because he was obliged to leave the country for publishing that which in his opinion contains things very scandalous and offensive.. That the work contains things very scandalous, except to those who tyrannize over the consciences of their brethren, was never yet proved; but that it contains things 'very offensive to all who persecute their brethren for refusing to observe their antichristian impositions, was never doubted. The cele- brated Dr. Ames says, " It is a work, in truth, of such strength and beauty, that it dazzles the eyes even of envy itself."+ The learned prelates would, indeed, have done their cause no harm, if, when it was published, or at any future period, they had shewn themselves able to answer it. But they went a shorter way to work ; and, instead of at- tempting any answer, they persuaded the king to issue his royal proclamation, with the offer of a reward, for appre- hending the author, which obliged him to hide himselffor a season, and then retire into a foreign land. 'These troubles came upon him chiefly by the instigation. of Archbishop Bancroft; who receiving information that he was concealed in a certain citizen's house in London, im- mediately sent a person to watch the house, while others were prepared with a warrant to search for him. The per- son having fixed himself at the door, boasted that he had him now secure. Mr. Parker, at this juncture, resolved to dress himself in the habit of a citizen, and venture out, whereby hemight possibly escape; but if he remained in the househe would be sure to be taken. Accordingly, in his strange garb he went forth ; and God so ordered it, that just at the moment of his going out, the watchman atthe door spied his intended bride passing on the other side the street; and while he just stepped over to speak to her, t. Grey's Examination, vol. i. p. 50. .1. Ames's Fresh Suit, Pref,
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