BRADSHAW.. 267 Downham, two notable champions for episcopacy and the ceremonies. The puritans being treated with great severity, and stigmatized as fanatics, schismatics, and enemies both to God and the king; Mr. Bradshaw, to remove these slanders, and to give the world a correct statement of their principles, published his " English Puritanism, containing the main Opinions of the rigidest sort of those that are called Puritans in the realm of Eng- land." In this excellent performance, to which the learned Dr. Ames wrote a preface, and translated it into Latin, for the benefit of foreigners, it is observed, " That the puritans maintain the absolute perfection of the holy scriptures, both as to faith and worship ; and that whatever is required as a part'of divine service, which cannot be warranted by the word of God, is unlawful." This is the broad basis on which they founded their opinions and practice; and in correspondence with this generous sentiment, they farther maintained, " That the pastors of particular congregations are the highest spiritual officers in the church of Christ,over whom there is, by divine ordinance, no superior pastor, excepting Jesus Christ alone.-That they are led by the spirit of antichrist, who arrogate to themselves to be pastors of pastors.-That every particular church hath power to elect its own officers, and to censure its own members. - That, to force a congregation to support a person as their pastor, who is either unable or unwilling to instruct them, is as great an injury as to force a man to maintain as his wife, one who refuseth to perform the duties of a wife," &c.° All books published in defence of the puritans were, indeed, accounted dangerous both to church and state ; and when they came forth, the most diligent search was made for them, as well as for their authors. Therefore, Mr. Bradshaw being in London, two pursuivants were sent to his lodgings to apprehend him, and to search for suspected books. When the pursuivants came, he was not to be found ; and, not more than half an hour before their arrival, his wife, to prevent danger, had taken a quantity of those Patriarkes for the guiding of his church, and after continued in the tribe of Levi and the Prophetes: and lastlie confirmed in the New Testament to the Apostles and their Successors ; as also the points in question at this day, touching the Jewish Synedrion; the true Kingdome of Christ; the ApostlesCommission ; the Laie Presbyterie; the Distinction of Bishops and Presbyters, and their succession from the Apostles times and hands :" &c. 1593. This, it is said, is one of the best books written in favour of episcopacy.-Biog. Briton. vol. ii. p. 310. Edit. 1776. English Puritanism, p. 36-42. Edit. 1660.
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