noted—­and this I know myself to be true—­how some of them, although they could not for shame approve so lewd an action, yet were content to lay hold on it to the advancement of their cause, by acknowledging therein the secret judgments of God against the Bishops, and hoping that some good might be wrought thereby for his Church; as indeed there was, though not according to their construction.  For 4thly, contrary to their expectation, that railing spirit did not only not further, but extremely disgrace and prejudice their cause, when it was once perceived from how low degrees of contradiction, at first, to what outrage of contumely and slander, they were at length proceeded; and were also likely to proceed further.

[Sidenote:  Hacket and Coppinger]

A further degree of outrage was also in fact:  certain [Hacket and Coppinger] prophets did arise, who deeming it not possible that God should suffer that to be undone, which they did so fiercely desire to have done, namely, that his holy saints, the favourers and fathers of the discipline, should be enlarged and delivered from persecution; and seeing no means of deliverance ordinary, were fain to persuade themselves that God must needs raise some extraordinary means; and being persuaded of none so well as of themselves, they forthwith must needs be the instruments of this great work.  Hereupon they framed unto themselves an assured hope, that, upon their preaching out of a peascart in Cheapside, all the multitude would have presently joined unto them, and in amazement of mind have asked them, Viri fratres, quid agimus? whereunto it is likely they would have returned an answer far unlike to that of St. Peter:  “Such and such are men unworthy to govern; pluck them down:  such and such are the dear children of God; let them be advanced.”

Of two of these men it is meet to speak with all commiseration; yet so, that others by their example may receive instruction, and withal some light may appear, what stirring affections the discipline is like to inspire, if it light upon apt and prepared minds.

[Sidenote:  Bancroft’s book]

Now if any man doubt of what society they were; or if the Reformers disclaim them, pretending that by them they were condemned; let these points be considered. 1.  Whose associates were they before they entered into this frantic passion?  Whose sermons did they frequent?  Whom did they admire? 2.  Even when they were entering into it, Whose advice did they require? and when they were in, Whose approbation?  Whom advertised they of their purpose?  Whose assistance by prayer did they request?  But we deal injuriously with them to lay this to their charge; for they reproved and condemned it.  How! did they disclose it to the Magistrate, that it might be suppressed? or were they not rather content to stand aloof off, and see the end of it, as being loath to quench that spirit?  No doubt these mad practitioners were of their society, with whom before, and in the practice of their madness, they had most affinity.  Hereof read Dr. Bancroft’s book.[4]