20. ARTICLE. Of the auctoritie of the Church.

THe Church hath power ¹ to decree rites or ceremo­nies, and auctoritie ³ in controuersies of faith. And yet it is not laufull for the Church ² to ordaine a­nie thing that is contrarie to Gods worde, ⁴ neither maie it so expounde one place of Scripture ⁵ that it be repugnant to another. Wherefore although ⁶ the Churche be à witnesse, and à keeper of holie writ: yet, as it ought not to decree anie thing against the same, so besides the same ⁷ ought it not to enforce anie thing to be be­leeued for necessitie of saluation.

• 1 The Church hath power to decree rites or ceremonies.
• 2 The Church maie not appoint what rites or ceremonies it will.
• 3 The Church hath auctortie to iudge in controuersies of faith.
• 4 The Church hath power to interprete, and expound the worde of God.
• 5 The Analogie of faith must bee expected in the exposition of the Scripture.
• 6 The Church is the witnesse and keeper of Gods word.
• 7 The Church may not enforce any thing to be beleued, as is necessarie vnto salua­tion, that is either contrarie, or besides the word of God.

• [Page 2]Is warran­ted in the worde of God,
  • By th'example of the Apostles who did or­daine rites or ceremo­nies, as among other thinges, that in the Church
    • Men should not be couered. 1. Corinth. 11. 4. &c.
    • VVo­men
      • Should be co­uered. 1. Co­rinth. 11. 5.
      • Should keep si­lence. 1. Co­rinth 14. 34.
    • A known tongue should be vsed. 1. Cor. 14. 1. &c.
  • By the general, & per­petual commaunde­ment of God himselfe whoe at al times wil haue euery thing in the Church to be done
    As being the auctor not of confusion, but of peace. 1. Cor. 14. ver. 26. 33. 40.
    • Honestlie,
    • By order,
    • Vnto aedi­fication,
• Is graunted in the publique Confessions of the Churches protestant, as Confessi­on of
  • Heluet. 1. Artic. 13.
  • Heluet. 2. cap. 22. 23. 24.
  • Basil▪ art. 10.
  • Bohem. cap. 15. 17.
  • France artic. 32.
  • Fland. artic. 32
  • Ausburg. artic. 4. 5. 7. 15.
  • Sax. artic. 20.
  • Sucuia. cap. 8. 14.
  • VVittem. cap. 27. 35.
    This power being giuen by the supreme auctoritie vnto the Churche, theie doe greatly of­fend,
    • VVho by an extreme detestation conceaued against ceremonies, do condemne
      • Generallie, al rites or ceremonies, as do some fantastical spirites.
      • Particularlie some commendable cere­monies: so is the cele­bration of the Sab­bat disliked of cer­taine Familists.
    • VVhiche thinke the Church is tied pre­cisely to obserue the cere­monies,
      • Of the Iewes, so
        • Did the
          • False Apo­stles,
          • Cerdonits
          • Cerinthi­ans.
          • Nazarens.
        • Doe the
          • Iewes.
          • Turkes.
          • Armeni­ans.
      • Of the Romish synagogue, in which error be
        • The hot Pa­pists.
        • The halfe Pa­pistes, the Fam▪ of Loue.
    • VVhich holde that either a­ny one man, or any certaine callinge hath power to de­cree & appoint rites or ce­remonies, though of them­selues good vnto the whole Church of God.

• [Page 3]To the
  • Nourishing and increase of loue and friendship among men, Such
  • Reteining of the faithful in the holie feare of God Such
    • In the pri­matiue Church were the rites prin­cipalie a­bout
      • Baptisme.
      • Excommunication.
      • The L. Supper.
    • In these dais in the reformed Churches, are the ce­remonies touching
      For the Church to meete in.
      • The times.
      • The places.
      In the Church.
      • The praiers.
      • The seruice.
      • The persons.
• Not to the vp­holding of vice, or super­stitious vani­ties among the people, as theie do
  • If of themselues theie be meet­lie wiked and vngodlie, as are
    • Popish Mas­ses.
    • Images in the Church.
  • If being in their owne nature indifferent, yet being superstici­ouslie vsed are vngodlie, as are the difference of daies, and meates, and apparel, &c. when it is thought that such rites
    • Do deserue re­mission of sinnes.
    • Are th'accep­table seruice of God.
    • Be of necessitie, vnder the paine of Gods eternal cursse, to be obserued of al and eue­rie man.
      This is conso­nantor agree­able
      • To the worde of God
        • Eze 20▪ v. 18. 19
        • Matth. 15. 13.
        • Mat. 7. 7: &c.
        • Luke. 11. 46.
        • Gal. 51.
        • Col. 2. 8. &c.
        • Tit. 1. 14.
      • To the sound Cōfes­sions of Christ his church. Cōfes. of
        • Heluet. 2. c. 15.
        • France art. 33.
        • Flan. art. 32.
        • Ausb. art. 7. 15
        • Sax. art. 20.
        • VVittē. art. 35.
        • Sueuia. c. 14.
          But, as light is vnto darke­nes cō traeie to al such
          • As are of opinion that the Church hath absolute auc­toritie to ordaine what lawes, rites, or ceremonies it thinketh good.
          • As wil make (and that as theie saie by th [...]auctoritie giuen vnto the church) of à cere­monie, à matter of substance, and of à thing of sub­stance, à ceremo­nie, as theie do which turne the 2 commandemēts of the Decaloge into à ceremonial lawe.
          • As both obscure the glorie of God by their Masses, inuocatiō of crea­tures, &c. and fru­strate the merits of our Sauior by their meritorious pardons, fasting, pilgrimages, &c. & deface the holie Sacraments of Christ, by the vain ceremonies of Antichrist; & hin­der the preaching of Gods word by ouer m [...]nie & te­dious traditions; and keep the peo­ple of God in dā ­nable ignorance, by preferring the ordinances of mē before th'institu­tion of God, and leaue that vndone which God hath commanded to be done, to performe that which the Church hath cō ­manded; such are the Papists.

• [Page 4]To em­brace the truth.
• To auoid and im­proue Antichri­stianitie & errors.
  And this is not the pri­uate opi­nion of our Church but
  • The straight cō ­mandemēt of God himselfe
    • To tea­chers
      • [...] Tim. 4. 7.
      • 1 Tim. 6. 20
      • Tit. 1. 9.
      • Tit. 3. 10.
    • To heaters
      • Hier. 23, 16.
      • Matth 7. 15
      • Ioh. 10. 3 &c
      • Phil. 3, 2.
      • Heb. 13, 9.
      • 2. Pet. 3, 17.
      • 2 Iohn. ver. 10.
    • To the whole Church
      • Matt. 24. 23
      • 1. Cor. 14. v. 20. 23. 24.
      • 1. Thes. 5, 21
      • Iam. 5, 19.
      • Iudes epist.
      • Reuel. 18, 4.
      • 1. Cor. 10. 15
    • The iudgement of our godlie brethren in o­ther places of the re­formed Church; name lie in the Confes. of
      • VVittem. art. 32.
      • Sueuin. art. 15.
        Sound in iudgment therefore theie are not
        • VVhich being not of the Church of Christ, wil not­withstanding take vpon them to iudg, yea to con­demne the doctrine of the Church of God, as do
          • The Machia­uils.
          • The Iewes.
          • The Turkes.
          • The Papists.
          • The Fam. of Loue.
          • The Anab.
        • VVhich hold that the Pope alone hath power
          • To iudg al men, and matters, but maie be iudged of none.
          • To make & reuoke at his p [...] ­su [...]e what articles of Religion him listeth, and that without controlment.
        • VVhich sup­pose there is
          • No iudgment but in the Cler­gie, so called.
          • None auctoritie to de­termine of controuer­sies in Reli­gion, but by the bookes of the dead
            • Fathers.
            • Doctors.
            • Schole men, as
              • Th [...] Aqui­nas.
              • [...]co­ [...], &c.
  4 To inter­pret the word of God is à peculiar blessing giuē by God onelie to the church or compa­nie of the faithful, though not to al and euerie of them. For
  • [Page 5]Saith our Sauiour
    • Of men in general. No man knoweth the Sonne, but the Father; neither knoweth anie man the Father, but the Sonne, and he to whom the Sonne wil reueile him. Mat. 11. 27.
    • Of his faithful disciples. It is gi­uen to you to know the secrets of heauen, but to them it is not giuen. Matth. 13, 11.
  Saith S. Paul vnto the church at Corinth
  • The manifestation of the Spi­rit is giuen to euerie man to profit withal. For to one is giuen by the Spirit, the worde of wise­dome, &c. And to another pro­phecie. 1. Cor. 12. 7, &c.
  • If anie thing be reueiled to ano­ther that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 1. Cor. 14. 30.
• The Apostles, Iames and Iohn, do write vnto al the Church, or people of God.
  • If anie man lacke wis­dome, let him aske of God. Iam. 1, 5.
  • Ye haue an ointment from him that is holie, and yee haue knowne al things, &c, ye know the truth, &c, ye need not that anie man teach you. 1. Iohn. 2. ver. 20, 21, 27.
    Hereunto subscribe the Chur­ches in
    • Heluet. Confes. 2. c. 7.
    • Bohem. Confes. c. 1.
    • VVittē. Confes. c. 30.
      Al of vs iointlie oppo­sing our selues
      • Against those men which thinke that to ex­pound the word of God is so easie à matter, as anie student, indued with à good natural wit, by diligence maie do the same
      • Against them that teach how to interpret or expound the Scriptures is too hard à thing for anie mortal man to attaine vnto: such
        • VVas Iohan­nes de VVes­salia.
        • Are manie of the Anabap­tists.
      • Against the fam. of Loue, who though they grant some can expound or open, so far as is conuenient for man to know, the meaning of God in his word: yet that Some, there saie, are themselues, and none other.
      • Against the Pa­pists
        • VVhich thinke that to interpret the holie scripture is not so much à special gift of God vpō some chosen persons, as an ordinarie power annexed to the state of
          • Popes.
          • Bishops.
          • General Councels
        • That are so far from giuing the people of God, not being of the Clergie, power to ex­pound▪ that theie vvil not suffer them to read, no not so much as to haue the Scriptures in à vulgar tongue, except it be their ovvne most corrupt, and barbarous translation, vvhich but of late yeeres neither, and that in part too, is granted. But for the Scripture of God in place theie obtruded
          • Festiuals
          • Legends
          • Rosaries
          • Horaries
          • Psal [...]e­ries of our La­die.

• [Page 6]Heluet. 1. art. 2.
• Heluet. 2. c, 2.
• France. art. 7.
• Saxon. art. 1.
• VVittem. ca. 30. 31. 33.
• Sueauia. art 1.
  This wil not be granted of the Antichri­stian synago­gues whereof
  • Some thinke that the Scripture may be expounded in what sense, and to what purpose we wil, as the
    • Helchesaits.
    • Papists: among whome theie be which from this opiniō do tearme the most holie word of God in reproch
      • A shipmā [...] hoase.
      • A leaden rule.
      • A nose of waxe.
  • Some condemne al interpretation of the word, as vnnecessarie, theie being taught, as theie saie, of God himsēlfe: such are the Libertines.
  • Some depend vpon visions, and Reuela­tions, as the
    • Euthusiasts.
    • Anabaptists.
  • Some dislike of the literal, calling it à Grammatical sense, and so prefer the Allegorical exposition, that theie cal it the spiritual sense of Gods word, and ther­bie make vvhat them list of the Scriptures most mon­strouslie, as the
    • Originists.
    • Fam. of Loue
  • Some vvil haue of euerie place of Scripture an ex­position
    • Analogical.
    • Allegorical.
    • Historical.
    • Moral.
      As the curious
      • Thomists.
      • Monches.
  • Some are addicted to an interpretation vvhich theie cal mystical, and prophetical, as the B [...]ardists.
  • Some thinke th'interpretation vvhich the Church of Rome maketh of the Scripture, vvhatsoeuer it be, is the od, and the onelie true sense of Gods vvord, as Harding doth.
  • Some deeme that as the Church by time doth alter, so th'interpreta­tion of the Scripture also maie varie: vvhereby that vvhich in Th'apo­stles time vvas à truth, in theis daies shal be an error, and contrarivvise: in this error vvas Cardinal Cusanus.

• [Page 7]To the church
  • Novve I besceche you brethren, marke thē diligentlie which cause diuision and of­fences, contrarie to the doctrine which ye learned, and auoid them, Rom. 16. 7.
  • Heare him (euen Christ) Math 17. 5.
  • To him giue al the Prophets vvitnesce. Act. 10. 43.
  • Search the Scrip­tures. Iohn. 5. 39.
  • VVhosoeuer trans­gresceth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God 2. Iohn. vers. 9.
  • Yee are no more straungers and forre­ners &c. and are built vpon the foundation of Th'apostles, and Prophets, &c. Ephes. 2 19.
  • Heereby shal yee knowe the spirite of God &c. 1. Iohn. 4. 2.
• Of the holie Scrip­ture
  • The worde is the truth. Iohn. 17. 17.
  • The whol Scripture &c, is profitable to teach, to improue, to correct, to instruct in righteousnes, that the man of God maie be absolute, &c. 2. Tim. 6. ver. 16. 17.
  • They haue Moses, and the Prophets, let them hear them. Luk. 16. 29.
  • VVee haue also à most sure vvorde of the Prophets, to the which ye do wel that yee take heede. &c. 2. Pet. 1. 19.
  • If anie man teache otherwise, & consen­teth not to the wholsome wordes of our L. I. Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to god­lines, he is pust vp, & knoweth nothing, &c. 1. Tim. 6. v. 3. &c.
    Thus thinke vve of the Scrip­tures, and of the Churche. So vvith vs do other Chur­ches. Con­fes. of
    • Hel­uet. 2. cap. 1.
    • Bo­hem. cap. 1.
    • Fran. art. 5.
    • Flan. art 7.
    • VVit. tem. art. 30 31. 32.
    • Sax. art. 11.
      Yet al of vs doe grant that the Churche.
      • As à faithful witnes maie yea, of necescitie must te­stifie to the world, vvhat hath bine the doctrine of God his people from time to time. But be it far from vs that we should euer so­much as thinke, which the Papistes vvil not sticke to write, and say, that
        • The Church is to iudge the Scripture, and not the Scripture the Church.
        • The Scripture is not of the escence of the Church, for vvithout it à Church mai [...] be thought and veri [...] vvel. So said Cusanus à Cardinal.
        • It had gonne better vvith the Church, had there bine no scripture at al.
        • The scrip­ture be­cause (as they say)
          • It is vnperfect cannot Be the iudge.
          • It is obscure, maie not Be the iudge.
          • It is ambiguous, ought not Be the iudge.
        • He is an haereticke that cleaueth to the Scriptures, as did Horstatus.
        • Such as bare witnesce vnto the truth.
          • By the shedding of their bloud in the daies of Q Marie, are not martyrs, but murtherets of them selues.
          • In this time
            • By the sword, are tyrans.
            • By life and doctrine, be here­tikes.
      • As á trustie regi­ster is to keepe and make kno­wen, what the vvord of god which it hath recei­ued, is This care­fullie hath bine performed,
      • Before the worde vvas vvritten, by the Patri­arches.
      • After the vvord vvas com­mited to writing,
        • Before Christe his incarnation by the Iewes.
        • In christe his life time,
          • Luk. 4. 16. &c
          • Act. 13. 27.
          • Act. 15 21.
        • In the primi­tiue church
          • 2. Cor 3. 15.
          • 2. cor. 8. 18.
          • Colos. 3. 16.
        • From Th'apo­stles time by the godlie Christians in th'uni­uersal world.
          This carefulnes in keepinge the vvord of God, de clareth,
          • That the mother Churche of Rome is not the onely keeper of the holy write.
          • How cur­sedly theie offende vvhich so greatly e­steeme,
            • The E­thiks of A­ristotle as the S. scripture.
            • The Ods of Pindar, as the Psalmes of Dauid.
            • The wri­tings of men, as the word [...] of God.

• [Page 8]So saith the scripture.
  • Deut. 4. 2.
  • Prou. 30. 6
  • E [...]k. 20.
  • vers. 18. 19.
  • 1. Cor. 3. 11.
  • Gal. 1. 8.
  • Gal 3. 15.
  • Ephe. 4. 14
  • Col. 1. 23.
  • Heb. 13. 9.
  • 2. Iohn. v. 9. 10.
  • Reu. 22. 18
• So vvit­nes the Chur­ches re­formed. Confes.
  • Heluet. 2. art. 2.
  • Heluet. 1. artic. 4.
  • Basil. art. 10.
  • Bohem. c. 1
  • France. art 5.
  • Fland. ar. 7
  • Saxon. art. 1.
  • VVittem. cap. 30. 33
  • Sueuia. art. 1.
    VVhat so­euer is groun­ded there­on, though not by ex­pres tear­mes to be red therin, we doe re­uerendlie embrace. This ma­keth vs not to de­nie
    • In doc­trine.
      • The Consub­stantialitie of our S. Christ with the Fa­ther and the holie Ghost, as the Arians did.
      • A trinitie of persons in the God­head vvith the Sabelli­ans
      • The iustifica­tion of faith onelie with the Papists.
      • The baptisme of Infantes, with Ana­baptists.
    • In ceremonies anie thing that tendeth vnto
      • Comlines
      • Order.
      • Edificati­on.
        But from the hart vve abhor vvhatsoeuer a­greeth not with the cannon of the Scripture, nor is groun­ded thereon. Hence detest we
        • Al the old hae­reuks
          • The phatisies.
          • The Es­cees.
          • The Sadduces.
          • The Si­moniās.
          • The Menande­ans.
          • The E­beonits.
          • The Cerinthi­ans.
          • The Gnosti­kes.
          • The Valentini­ans.
          • The Marti­ans. &c. with
            • The newe prophets of Basilides The manifestatiōs of Marcian.
            • The misteries of the Manichies The Ido­laea of the Scithians. The Sym­bonia of Th'archō tikes.
            • The Cabala of the Iewes.
            • The Alca­ran of the Turkes.
            • The De­cretals of the Popes
        • Al were hae [...]etiks vvith their curssed opiniōs
          • The Ana­baptists, & of them namelie,
            • The Daui-geo [...] gain [...].
            • The Libertines
            • The Viteleis.
            • The Nicholai­tans of Harrie Nicholas.
          • Pa­pistes wherof
            • Some commaunded that all the lawes of the Pope shoulde bee taken, as confirmed by the mouth of God him­selfe, so did Pope A­gatho the first.
            • Some write, as Bus­grad▪, that if the pope beleue there is no life to com, as som Popes haue done, wee must beleue it as an article of our faith: and if the Pope carrie innume­rable soules to hel with him, yet he maie not be iudged: so thought Pope Boni­face the 8.
            • Some haue publi­shed à newe Gospel, called, Euangeli [...]m ae­ternum, & spiritus, S. which some saie, doth so far excel the gospel of Christ as the ca [...]nel surpasceth the shel; the Sun the Moone; and the light darknes.

21. ARTICLE. Of the auctoritie of generall Councels.

GEneral Councels ¹ maie not be gathered together with-out the commaundement and wil of Princes. And when theie be gathered together ² (for as much as theie be an assem­blie of men, whereof al be not gouerned with the Spirit & word of God) theie maie erre, and some-times haue erred, ³ euen in things pertaining vnto God. Wherefore ⁴ thinges ordained by them, as necessarie vnto saluation, haue neither strength, nor auctoritie, vn­lesse it maie be declared that theie be taken out of holie Scripture.

• 1 General Councels must be gathered together, by the commaundement and wil of Princes.
• 2 General Councels maie erre.
• 3 General Councels haue erred euen in great matters of Religion.
• 4 The things ordained by general Councels, are so far to be embraced and beleeued, as theie are consonant to Gods holie word.

• [Page 10]In the time of the Mosa­ical gouernment by the commaundement of the most godlie Kinges.
  • Asa. 2. Chro. 15 9. &c.
  • Ezekiah. 2. Chr. 29. 4 &c.
  • Iosiah. 1. Chro. 34. 29. &c.
• Since the Gospel hath bine recea­ued into Kingdomes and com­mon-weales, by Christian Princes, and Emperors, who gathe­red Coun­cels
  • General, so called was the Coun­cel of
    • Nice by Con­stantinus Mag­nus.
    • Constantino­ple, by Theodosius the elder.
    • Ephesus, by Theodosius the yonger.
    • Calcedon by Marcian.
  • National, and prouincial, such (for al) were held at
    By the wil of Char­les the Great
    • Fran­co [...]urt.
    • Rhems
    • Turon
    • Cabi­lon.
    • Arelot
    • Mo­guntia
  • Auernia by Theodorit. Matiscon, by Gnutranus.
    By [...]hil debert
    • Aurelia
    • Paris,
      And neuer yet hath there bine à councel either general or na­tional, either publique, or pri­uate (I onlie except the Coun­cels held by the holie Apostles in à troblesome state, & time of the church, when as yet ther were no christian Princes coū ­tenauncing the truth) either begunne or ended to the glo­rie of God. But it hath bine, I say, not onelie called, but confirmed also by some godlie Emp. King. or Queene. This in effect is granted by the con­fes.
      • Heluet. 2. cap. 30.
      • Heluet. 1. art. 26.
      • Bohem. cap, 16.
      • Fland. art. 36.
      • Sax. art. 23.
      • VVittem cap. 35.
      • Sueuia in the Perorat.
        As al other godly and true propositions be­sides; So hath this bine op­pugned, & that diuers lie. For some thinke
        • That Emperors and Princes be the Pope his Summo­ners, and not of themselues abso­lute commanders of Councels.
        • There ought no Councel to be kept without the determinate con­sent of the Bishop of Rome. Harding.
        • No Councel euer yet had firme au­ctoritie, which was not cōfirmed by the Bishop of Rome. Du [...]aeus.
        • The Popes of Rome, vvhome theie cal the suc­cessors of Peter (and not christian Princes) haue au­ctoritie and pow­er of making laws of calling Coun­cels &c. The Rhemists. vpon the 16 of Mathevv.
        • That vvere the Pope à good man as he is Antichrist, he might, or he being wiked, other good Bishops (though subiects vnto the ciuil Ma­gistrate) maie cal Councels toge­ther at their dis­cretion; vvhich derogateth not à little from th'au­ctoritie of à chri­stian King, or Prince.

• [Page 11]Of men, who maie erre, nothing more easilie.
• Of manie men and they differing in
  VVhereby distracti­ons of opinions oftē do arise.
  • Yeates.
  • Riches.
  • Learning.
  • Iudgemēt.
  • Calling.
  • Auctoritie
• Of manie men, whereof the wiked are for number commonly the ma­ior part, and the better in outwarde countenance of the world.
• Of men, not al, nor alwaies
  • Gouer­ned with the
    Of god.
    • Spirit
    • word
  • Gathered toge­ther in the name of Christ.
    None of soūd iudgement in Religion, do dout but they may erre.
    • If Paphnutius had bin absent, at Nice the Councel had erred.
    • If Hierome had bine avvay, at Calcedon the Councel had erred
    • At a [...]ie time, if some be beleeued, be the Pope not present ei­ther perse, or per Le­gatum, no Councel but must erre.
      Therefore Coun­cels may erre. That vvhich one Coun­cel doth establish a­nother vvil disanul. Theie vvil not (vve must thinke,) re­uoke, that vvhich is vvel decreed. There­fore Councels may erre. Therefore erre do the Papistes vvhich say
      • The holie Spirit alvvaies is the director of Councels.
      • That Coun­cels cannot erre.

• [Page 12]In the scripture we finde that
  • It was ordained if any man did confesse that Iesus was the Christe, hee shoulde bee ex­communicat, Iohn 9. 22 Iohn. 12. 42. which could not be but by à Councel.
  • A Councel was gathered to suppres Christ, and his doctrine. Iohn. 12. 47.
  • A Councel consulted how they might take Iesus by subtlety & kill him. Mat. 26. v. 3. 4.
  • A Councel sought for witnesse against Iesus to put him to death. Mar. 14. v. 53. 55.
  • A Councel bound Iesus, and led him awaie, and deliuered him to Pilate, Mar. 15. 1.
  • A Councel iudged our S. Christ
    • A deceauer, Mat. 27. 63.
    • A blasphemer, Luk. 22. 71.
  • A Councel corrupted the soldiers, and willed them to tell à lie. Matth. 28. ver. 12. 13.
  • A Councel with-stood Peter and Iohn, and commuanded them that in no wise they should speake or teach in the Name of Ie­sus. Act. 4. vers. 5. 6. & 18.
  • A Councel
    • Caused Th'apostles to be beaten. Act. 5. 40.
    • Commaunded that Th'apostles should not prech in the Name of Iesus. Act. 5. 40.
  • In aunciēt writings of credit we maie read how, contrary to Gods word
    • By Councels A [...]ianisme hath bine confir­med.
    • By Councels the books of foolish men haue bin made of equal auctoritie with the word of God.
    • By Coun­cels
      Hath bin established.
      • Adoration of images
      • Inuocation of crea­tures, &c.
    • By Councels th'auctoritie of Princes hath bine depresced, and the Pope and Clergie aduaunced aboue all Princes.
      The truth heereof moued
      • Hilary to call the Synode of Mediolane, the Synagogue of the malignant.
      • Saint Augustine vnto Maximi­nus to write, Neither ought I to obiecte against thee the Synode of Nice, nor thou a­gainst mee the Synod of Ari­minum.
      • Nazianzen openlie to pro­nounce that he neuer sawe a­nie good end of à Councell.
      • The Frenche King his Embas­sador to sa [...]e in the chapter of Trent, that scarsely anie good at all, or verie little came by Councels to the state of chri­stendome.
      • Cornelius, Bishop of Bitonto, to break out into theis words in the face of the Church at Trid [...]t: I would that with one consent they had not altoge­ther declined from religion vnto superstition, from faith vnto infidelitie, from Christ vnto Antichrist, from God vnto Epicu [...]us. This not­withstan­ding the Papists do continue in an erro­neous o­pinion that Councels can­not erre.

¶ The Antithesis in this and the other part of the sub­scription, wil easilie make apparant what by this proposition is set-downe.

• [Page 13]VVhat-soeuer is agreeable to the written vvord of god, we do reuerendlie embrace.
• VVhat-soeuer is contrarie vnto, or besides the vvil of God reueiled in his vvorde, vve do carefullie auoide. And
  • So are vvee commaun­ded to do e­uen by God himselfe.
    • Deut. 12. 32▪
    • Iohn. 1. 7.
    • Ezek. 20. v. 18. 19.
    • Gal. 1. 8.
  • Thus think the godlie churches re­formed. Confes. of
    • Heluet. 2. c. 18.
    • Bohem. cap. 1.
    • Fraunce art. 5.
    • Flan. art. 7.
    • VVittem. c. 33.
      Contrarie heere vnto th'opinion of the Papists con­cerning coū cels is, that
      • Theie do binde al nations. So did Pope Hormisda decree.
      • Some coū cels, and namelie the Councel of
        • Nice.
        • Con­stantinople.
        • Ephe­sus.
        • Chalce­don. So thought Pope Grego­rie the great
      • Al Councels, so did Campion suppose. were of ae­qual auctoritie with the worde of God.

22. ARTICLE. ❧ Of Purgatorie.

THe Romish doctrine concerning ¹. ² Purgatorie, ³ Pardons, worshipping, and adoration ⁴ aswell of images, ⁵ as of reliques, ⁶ and also inuocation of Saincts, is a fonde thing, vainelie inuented, and grounded vpon no warrantie of Scripture, but ra­ther repugnant to the word of God.

• The Ro­mishe do­ctrine tou­ching
  • 1 Purgatorie,
  • 2 Purgatorie,
  • 3 Pardons,
  • 4 Worship­ping and a­doration of Images,
  • 5 Worship­ping and a­doration of Reliques,
  • 6 Inuocation of Saincts,
• Is a thing
  • Not warranted by the Scripture.
  • Contrarie to the worde of God.

• [Page 15]By Baptism. Ephes. 5. v. 25. 26.
• By the word preached. Iohn. 15. 3.
• By the bloud of Christ▪ [...]. Ioh 1. 7. Tit. 2. 14. Heb. 1. 3.
• By the spi­rite of God. 1. Cor. 6. 11.
  And that in this life, and not in the o­ther world. For in the Scrip­ture there is mention but onelie
  • Of tvvo vvaies. Mat 7. 13. 14.
    • One leading vnto destru­ction
    • One bringing vnto life.
  • Of tvvo sortes of men. (Mar 16. 16. Io [...]. 3 [...] 8.) vvhereof
    • Some beleeue and theie are saued.
    • Some beleeue not, and theie are damned.
  • Of tvvo states in the life to come. Lu. 16.
    • One blessed where Laza­rus is
    • One cursced vvhere Diues doth abide.
      A Third waie, or sort or state cannot bee founde in the vvord of God. And there­fore the Purgatorie in an other world de­nied,
      • Hath alvvaies bine by the Greeke Churches.
      • Is at this daie by the mou­thes of al, and by the publique Confes. of some churches in theis parts of the vvorld
        • Heluet. 2. cap. 26.
        • France▪ art 24.
        • Saxon. ar 11.
        • VVittem. cap. 25.
        • Ausb. art. 11 Therefore the Ro­mish doc­trine tou­ching pur­gatorie e­stablished by the late conuenti­cle at Trent. ( Decret. de Purgat. ses. 25. & ses. 6. c [...]n. 30.) cannot be warranted by the ho­lie Scrip­ture.

• [Page 16]About the place where Purgatorie should be, some placing the same
  • In the bottom of the sea.
  • Neere vnto the mounte Hecla in Ireland.
  • Vpon the mount A [...]tna in Sicil.
  • In Hel.
• About the tormentors in Purgatorie, who by some are thought to be
  • Holie An­gels.
  • Verie di­uels.
• About the torments. For some dreame how theie are tormented
  • VVith fire onelie.
  • VVith water, and with fire.
• About the cau­ses of Purgatorie torments. Because manie do thinke
  For which in this life men haue done no penance, are there punished.
  • Onelie venial sinnes.
  • Venial, and dead­lie sinnes.
• About the time which theie that are tormented, shal a­bide in Purgatorie. For some haue giuen-out that the poore soules there
  • Be continualie in torments.
  • Haue rest sometime, as vpon
    • Sondaies.
    • Holy daies.
  • In time shal be set at libertie, because their punishment is but temporarie.
  • Maie be deli­uered at anie time if
    • Their friends with monie wil buie-out their paines.
    • The Priests wil praie for them.
    • The Pope wil but saie the word.
• About the state of the soules in Purgato­tie. For
  • Our English Papists at Rhe­mes do thinke those in Pur­gatorie to be in à more hap­pie and blessed state than anie that do liue in this world.
  • Some, as Thomas Aquinas, saie the paine of hel fire, and the paine of the fire of Purgatorie are al one, and that theie differ nothing but that th'one is but tempo­ral, and th'other not so. And others, put in choise ei­ther to tar [...]ie in Purgatorie à daie, or to suffer the mise­ries of this world an 100▪ yeeres, haue chosen th'afflic­tion of this life, for an hundred yeeres together, than the paines of Purgatorie for one winters daie.
    Therefore in this contrarie­tie of opiniōs, some of them th'aduersaries themselues cannot denie, must be, wee saie al of them are, contrarie to the worde of God. Be­sids they nou­rish most cur­sed, and dam­nable errors, as that
    • Al the soules of the faithful, separated from their bodies, are not at rest.
      Theis are pur­ged in purga­torie▪
      • Al sinnes in their owne nature, are not mortal, or deadlie.
      • Some sinnes deserue not euerlasting pu­nishment.
    • One sinful man may saue another, and that easilie by
      Some thing for them
      • Praieng,
      • Saieng,
      • Doing,
    • If friends in this world wil do nothing for poore soules in paine, yet maie they come vnto life at length by abiding their deserued torments vntil th'end in purgatorie.
    • The Pope is God in that he can at his pleasure deliuer
      • From the guil [...] of sinne.
      • From the pu­nishments due to sinne.

• [Page 17]There is saluation in none other. For among men there is giuen none other name vnder hea­uen vvhereby wee must be saued. Act. 4. 12.
• Through his Name al that beleue shal receiue remiscion of sinnes. Act 10. 43.
• Hee hath purchased the Church by his owne bloud. Act. 20. 28.
• VVith his stripes vvee are healed. Isa. 53. 5.
• Hee that beleeueth in him shal not
  • Be con­demned, Iohn. 3. 18
  • Be asha­med. Rom. 10. 11.
    There­fore
    • Come vnto me, al yee that are wearie, and laden, and I wil case you, &c. And yee shall finde reste for your soules, saith our Saui­our Christ. Mar 11. v. 28. 29.
    • If thou shalt confesce vvith thie mouth the Lord Iesus, and shalt beleeue in thine heart that God rai­sed him vp frō the dead, thou shalt bee saued, saith S. Paule. Rom. 10. 9.
      This beeing the doctrine of god him­selfe, and of his Church, (See art. 2. proposit. 4. art. 11. pro­posit. 1. art. 22. proposit 1.) we maie euidentlie perceaue hovve not onelie vain; but besides, not onelie besides, but against the word of god the Romish doctrine concerning Pardons is. For that doeth teach vs
      • To seeke sal­uation not at God alone, but at the handes of sin­ful man. For would vvee haue pardon
      • That we maie be our ovvne Sauiors: So did that of purgatorie.
        • For the sinnes of 40. daies? A Bishop maie giue it.
        • For the sinnes of an 100▪ daies? A Cardinal maie graunt it.
        • For al our synnes committed or to be com­mitted? From the Pope wee maie haue it. Here are his pardons if you re­specte
          • Time for yeares.
            • 40
            • 50
            • 100
            • 1000
            • 1000
            • 10000
          • Offences. For
            • Parricide.
            • Homicide
            • Treason.
            • The sinne of Sodome
            • Periurie, &c.
        • Howe the precious blood of Christe was shed in vaine. For corruptible golde and siluer maie and wil saue vs.
        • That repentance is not of ne­cessitie to the saluatiō of man. For without the same à po­pishe pardon maie saue; but without either à pardon from the Pope, or absolution of á Priest, there is no saluation.
  4 Ima­ges are such an a­bomi natiō [...] to the Lord, that he
  • [Page 18]To make them a­mong al men odi­o [...], de­scribeth the vani­tie of thē by his prophets, as that
    • Theie are
      Ierem. 10. vers. 8. 15.
      • The do­ctrine of vanitie.
      • The work of errors.
      • The teachers of lies. Hab. 2. 18.
        Psal 135. 15.
        • Siluer and golde.
        • The work of mans hands.
      • Vanitie. Isa. 44. 10▪ &c
    • Theie haue
    Psal. 135. 16.
    • A mouth and speake not.
    • Eies and see not.
    • Eares and heare not.
    Psal. 115. 7.
    • Handes, & touch not
    • Feete, and walke not, Theie that make them are like vnto them: so are al thei which trust in thē. Psalm. 115. 8. 135. 18.
• Giueth á straight comman­dement.
  • Not to bowe down to them, not wor­ship them Erod. 20. 5. 1. Cor. 10. v. 7. 14
  • Not to make them. Exod. 20. 5. Deut. 4. ve. 14. 15. &c.
  • To flie from them. 1. Iohn, 5. 21. 1. Cor 10. 14.
  • To de­stroie
    • The images. Deut. 7. 5. 12 ve. 2. 3. Iosh. 24. 24.
    • The idolaters. Deut. 17. vers. 2. &c.
    • The enticers vnto idola­trie. Deut. 13. 5. &c.
  • Commen­ded greatlie and praiseth such as haue
    • Destroied images. [...]. King. 18. v. 3. 4. 2. Chron. 14. 3. 34. 2. &c.
    • Not bowed vnto idols. 1. Kin. 19. 18▪ 2. Chro. 34. 2. Dan. 3. Rom. 11. 4. &c.
  • Curseth
    • The images. Deu. 7. 25. 27. 15. Iere. 51. vers. 47. 51. 10. 11.
    • The image makers, Deu. 27. 15. Isa. 44 9. &c.
    • The image seruers, or vvorshippers. Deut. 27. 26. Psal. 97. 7. Isa. 42. 17. 44. 11.
      Hereunto with vs the Protestant Churches euerie vvhere do subscribe, & name­lie, Con­fes. of
      • Helue 2. c 3. 4
      • Basil. art. 10 6. 3.
      • Bohe. c. 3. 17
      • Franc. art. 1.
      • Aus­burgh art. 1.
      • Sax. art. 22
      • VVit. c. 1. 23
      • Su [...]a. art. 22
        The Romishe doctrine con­trarie to the word of God, doth allowe; and not one­lie allow, but publiquelie e­rect, and not onelie erect, but adore; and not onelie a­dore images, but accursce, & more than so, condemne to the fire as haeretiks, such as wil not wor shipp images, and th'images too (which is most abhominable)
        • Of God him­selfe euen of god
          The whole & blessed, and incom prehensi­ble Trini­tie with three faces in one head.
          • The Father, and that in the likenes of an old man with à long white beard
          • The sonne, in the similitude of à man hanging on the Crosce.
          • The holie Ghost in the shape of à Doue.
        • Of God his crea­tures
          • Of An­gels.
            • Alwaies with wings.
            • Sometimes with à pare of ballance, as S. Mi­chael.
          • Of men. as of
            as it were
            • Moses with hornes
            • Th'apostles with tren­chers
          • The B. vir­gine with
            • Haire f [...]isled.
            • Costlie garments
        • Of base thin­ges
          • Agnus Deis of ware.
          • VVafer cakes of flower
          • Crosses of
            • Gold.
            • Siluer.
            • Stone.
            • VVood.
            • Paper, &c.

• [Page 19]In the Scrip­ture,
  • No where to be found
  • Forbidden Deut. 6, 13▪ Matth. 4, 10.
• In the purer time of the Church no where to be heard.
• In al reformed Chur­ches at this time vtter­lie condemned, as in part by some testimo­nies extant, euidentlie maie appeare. Con­fes. of
  • Hel. 2, c. 5.
  • Hel. 1. art. 11.
  • Basil. ar. 10.
  • Bo­hem. c. 17.
  • Franc. ar. 24.
    Yet such is the Satanical boldnes of that Antichri­stian Syna­gogue, that as theie wil de­lude men with the reliques of Saincts, which are not so: So likewise theie teach the peo­ple, which is most abomi­nable, to giue diuine adora­tion & honor vnto them. Hence
    • Saith one, and that in [...] general Councel. In like [...]ort do I wor­ship, and honor, and salute the R [...]ques also of Saincts, as of the champions and fighters for Christ; & as of them who haue obteined fauor from God both to minister remedie, to heale dis­eases, to cast-out di­uels, &c.
    • Some do praie vnto S. Benedict, whose re­liques theie had sto­len. O Benedict after God our onlie hope, leaue vs not orphans, who art come hether not through our me­rits, but for the salua­tion of manie soules.
    • Haue some published, That the bodies of Saincts, and specialie the Reliques of the blessed Martyrs, are with al synceritie to be honoured as the members of Christ, &c. If anie denie this sentence, he is to be thought not à Chri­stian, but an Euno­mian, and Vigilau­tian.
    • The Councel of Trent hath decreed, that theie are to bee taken for damned, which affirme howe worship and honor is not to be giuen vnto the Reliques of Saincts, &c.
      Of this prepo­sterous deuo­tion
      • Theie haue appointed à certaine Ser­uice for the holie Crosce, where-on Christ was hanged.
      • Theie haue made à feast for the Speare and Nailes wherewith Christ was launced.
      • Theie haue canonized for à Sainct, the Chains which bound the Apustle Sainct Peter.
        To saie nothing of the ad­oration theie giue
        • To the Hair, Milk, Smock of the B. vir­gine.
        • To the Head, Haire, Thombe, Coate of Iohn Bap­tist.
        • To the Breaches of Ioseph.
        • To the Sworde, Hand-kir­chiefe of S. Paul.
        • To the Keies of S. Peter.
        • To manie things which of modestie I wil not mention, but ouerpasse.

• [Page 20]Commanded euen of God him­selfe. Psal. 50, 15. Matth 6, 9. Luke: 11, 2.
• Allu­red by mani­fold
  • Promises of large blessings. Psal. 50, 15. Matth 7, 11. Luke. 11, 13. 18. 7. Iohn 16, v. 23, 24.
  • Exam­ples of godlie men, of
    • Patri­archs.
      • Abraham. Gen. 13, 4.
      • Isaak. Ge. 26. 25.
      • Iaacob. Gen. 32, 9, &c.
    • Pro­phets.
      • Daniel. Dan. 9, 16, &c.
      • Elias. 1. K. 17, [...].
      • Ieremie. Ier. 14, 7. &c.
    • Centurions, Acts 10, 2.
    • Publicans. Luke 18, 13.
    • Apo­stles.
      • Paul. Act. 16, 25. and al his E­pist.
      • Peter. &c. Acts 1, 24.
    • Al the elect in this world. Luke 18, 7.
      On th'o­ther side to praie vnto anie crea­ture that dead is, beside Iesus Christ.
      • In the Scripture there is no
        • Law to command
          To prouoke.
          • Promise of bles­sing
          • Example of godlie men, or women
      • As the church of God in the pure [...] times haue: so in theis daies the Protestant Churches vt­terlie mislike. See Confes. of
        • Heluet. 1. art. [...]1.
        • Heluet. 2 c. 5, 23.
        • Basil. art. 10.
        • Bohem. c. 2. 17.
        • France. art. 14. 24.
        • Fland. art. 20.
        • Ausburg. art. 21.
        • VVittem▪ ca. 23.
        • Sueauia. art. 11. 21.
          There­fore the Romish doctrine that Saints at to be praied vnto, & their dailic praieng as occa­siō ser­ueth, vnto
          • S. Agatha, for fore breasts.
          • S. Benedict for poiso­ning.
          • S. Clare for fore eies.
          • S. Damian for phisick.
          • S. Erasmus, for health in th'intrals
          • S. Feriol, for Geese.
          • S. Giles for ba [...]ennes of women.
          • S. Hubbert for dogs.
          • S. Iob, for the poxe.
          • S. Katherin for know­ledge.
          • S. Loy, for horses.
          • S. Margaret for women in [...]uel.
          • S. Nicho­las, for children.
          • S. Otilia for the head.
          • S. Petronil, for th'ague
          • S. Quin­tin, for the cough.
          • S. Ruffine, for madnes
          • S. Sebasti­an for the plague.
          • S. Thomas of Cantur­burie for sinners.
          • S. Valen­tine for the falling sicknes.
          • S. VVine­field for virginitie.
          • S. ✚, or Crosce for al things.
            It is
            • Vaine.
            • Not warrā ­table by the worde of god.
            • Repugnant to the holie Scrip­ture.

23. ARTICLE. Of Ministring in the Con­gregation.

IT is not lawful ¹ for anie man to take vpon him th'office of publike preaching, ³ or ministring the Sacraments in the Congregation, ² before hee be lawfullie called, and sent t'execute the same. ⁴ And those wee ought to iudge lawfullie called, and sent: which be ⁶ chosen and called to this worke ⁵ by men who haue publike auctoritie giuen vnto them in the congregation, to cal and sende Ministers into the Lordes vine-yard.

• 1 None publiquelie maie preach, but such as are auctorized thereunto.
• 2 Theie must not be silent, who by office are bound to preach.
• 3 The Sacraments maie not bee administred in the Congregation but by a lawful Minister.
• 4 There is a lawful Ministerie in the Church.
• 5 Theie are lawful Ministers which be ordained by Men lawfullie appointed to the calling▪ and sending-forth of Ministers.
• 6 Before Ministers are to be ordained, theie are to be chosen, and called.

• [Page 22]By the Scripture is apparent where
  • The godlie are com­manded to preach, before theie would speake: so was
  • The wiked are bla­med for preaching before theie were sent. Iere. 14, 14. 23, 21. 27, 15. 29 9.
    • Samuel. 1. Sam. 3, 4, &c.
    • Ieremie. Iere. 1. 4. &c.
    • Ezekiel. Ezek. 2. 3, &c.
    • Iohn Baptist. Iohn. 1. 6.
    • Iesus Christ, who as he was sent, (Ioh. 20, 21) so did he to preach, send
      • The 12. A­postles. Mat. 10. 5, &c. Mat. 28, 19. &c. Iohn. 20, 21.
      • The 70. dis­ciples. Luke. 10. 1.
  • A commaundement is giuen vs to praie the Lord of the haruest that he would send-forth laborers into his haruest. Matth. 9. 38.
  • VVe do read that
    • God hath ordained some in the Church to be
      1. Cor. 12, 28.
      • Apostles
      • Prophets.
      • Teachers.
      • VVorkers of miracles, &c.
    • Christ as­cended gaue some
      Ephes. 4, 11.
      • Prophets.
      • Euange­lists.
      • Pastors.
      • Teachers
• By the publique Confession of manie Chur­ches reformed, is granted; as Confes. of
  • Heluet. 2. c. 18.
  • Bohem. c. 9.
  • France art. 31.
  • Fland. art. 31.
  • Ausb. art. 14.
  • VVittem. art. 20.
  • Sueaui. art. 13.
    VVherebie we signifie our selues to be ad­uersaries
    • To all such as to their power do seeke th'abolishing of publique preaching, as do subtile Papists, and worldlie men.
    • To al such as publishe how the worde is not taught by the holie Scriptures, and Sermons, but onelie by the reuelation of the Spirit, so did Muncer.
    • To al such as runne before theie be sent, as do manie
      • Anabaptists.
      • Schismatikes, to carie disci­ples after them
    • To al such as hold how theie which are able to teach, and instruct the people, maie, and must so do, and that not pri­uatlie, but publiquelie, though theie be not ordinarilie called, and sent thereun­to. The doctrine of R. H.

• [Page 23]In the Scrip­ture
  • Iesus Christ whose wordes are theis, Surelie I must also preach the kingdome of God to other cities: for therefore am I sent. Luke. 4. 43.
  • Peter and Iohn, who being charged to speake no more in the name of Iesus, said, VVe cannot but speake that which we haue heard, and sene. Act. 4. 17. &c.
  • S. Paul. For he writeth, Necessitie is laid vpon me, and wo is vnto me, if I preach not the Gospel. For if I do it willing­lie, I haue à reward: but if I do it against my will, yet the dis­pensation is committed vnto me. 1. Cor. 9. v. 16, 17.
  • Th'apostles. For though theie were beaten for so doing: yet ceassed theie not to teach and preach Iesus Christ. Act. 5. 42.
• The godlie Churches at this present in the vvorld. Confes.
  • Heluet. 2. c. 18.
  • Heluet. 1. art. 15.
  • Bohem. c. 9.
  • France. art. 25.
  • Ausburge. art. 7.
  • VVittemb. art. 20.
  • Sueau [...] ▪ art. 13.
    This condemneth al such as take vp­on them the office of publique prea­ching without performance of the same, either through
    • Ignorance, that theie can not
    • VVorldly bu­sines that they maie not
    • Negligence that theie wil not
    • Feare of trou­bles, that theie dare not Preach the word of God.

• [Page 24]In the Scrip­ture that the preachers of the word, are to be the mi­nisters of the Sacraments. For both
  • Christ by his auctoritie did command his disciples, as to preach▪ so to
    • Baptize. Matth. 28, 19.
    • Celebrate the Lord his supper
      • Luke. 22, 19.
      • 1. Cor. 11, [...]. 24, 25.
  • Th'apostles & other mini­sters in the purest times, whome the godlie mini­sters in theis d [...]ies do suc­ceed, did not [...]nclie preach but also
    • Bap­tize,
      • Act. 2. 38 &c
      • Act. 8. v. 12, 13.
      • Act. 9, 47.
      • Act▪ 16, v. 31. &c.
      • Iohn. 1, 25.
      • 1. Cor. 1, 14. &c.
    • Minister the Sup­per of the Lord
      • Act. 20, 7.
      • 1. Cor. 10, 16.
• In the Christian Confessions of the Chur­ches reformed. Confes.
  • Heluet. 2. c. 18.
  • Bohem. c. 9.
  • France ar. 25. 31
  • Ausb. art. 7.
  • VVittē. art. 20.
  • S [...]ia. art▪ 13.
    In saieng that none maie minister the Sacraments in the Congregation be­fore he be lawfullie called, and sent to execute the same, the meaning is not, as I take it, that priuatelie in houses either lawful ministers, vpon iust occa­sio [...] [...]aie not, or others, not of the mi­nistrie, vpon anie occasion, in the peace of the Church, maie administer the Sa­craments. For though it be lawful for almen in their places to teach, to ex­hort, to reprehend, to praie, and that continuallie, and in al places: yet maie none minister the Sacraments but such as are publiquelie auctorized so to do. The contrarie where of neither by anie commandement from God, no [...] exam­ple in Th'apostles time can be shewen. Hereby we declare our selues not to fauor th'opinion that
    • Publique­lie some maie mi­nister the Sacramēts which are not meer­lie, and ful ministers of the
      • word.
      • Sacra­ments.
    • Priuatelie the Sacra­ment of baptisme maie be ministred by anie man, yea by women, if necessitie [...]o vrge.

• [Page]In the holy Scripture
  • Mark. 16. 15
  • Ephes 4. 11.
  • 1. Cor. 12. 21
  • Matt. 28. 20
  • Iohn. 14. 16.
• In the sound Confes­sions of the pure [...] Churches of this time Confes.
  • Heluet. 1. art 15.
  • Heluet. 2. ca 18.
  • Bohem. c. 8. 9. 14.
  • France. art. 25. 29. 30. 31
  • Fland. art. 30. 31.
  • Ausburgh. art. 7.
  • Sax. art. 11.
  • VVittem. art. [...]0.
  • Sueaue. art. 13. 15.
    This proposi­tion I had o­uerpassed in si­lence, had I not read in á cer­taine booke, that in theis daies
    • No Ministers haue the
      Pertaining to á Mini­ster.
      • [...]ng
      • Sending,
      • Auctoritie,
    • It wil hardlie be sound in al the world, that anie Minister,
      Lawfull [...]e called.
      • Is
      • Shalbe

• [Page]1 By god For by
  • God the Father,
    • Iesus Christ, Iohn. 20. 21.
    • Iohn Baptiste, Iohn. 1. 6.
  • God the Sonne in his state,
    • Mortal, the [...]. Apostles, Math 10. 5. 28. 19.
    • Glorious & immortal, S. Paule Act. 9. v. 3. 15.
      VVere cal­led and sent This calling is special, & extraordi­narie. And thei so called were
      • Adorned with the gift of miracles, as wer I. Christ, & his Apo­stles, but not Iohn Baptist.
      • Inioined to preache not in one or a fevve places, but ouer the whole vvorlde: so were th'a­postles, but not Iesus Christ.
• 2 Of men, as they be who are sent, of men not au­ctorized thereunto▪ by the vvord of God, & that to the disquieting of the good estate of Christ his Church, such
  • In Th'apostles time vvere the false Apostles,
  • In our daies are the
    S. Augu­stine saith Al which are thus sent are Liars. And their cal­ling is vn­lawful.
    • Annabap­tistes
    • Iesuites.
    • Seminarie priests.
• 3 By men: so in the primi [...]lue Church by Th'a­postles, vvere Pastors and Elders ordained, vvho by the same auctoritie ordained other Pastors and teachers. VVhence it is that the Church as it hath bine: so it shal [...]l th'end of the vvorlde [...]e prouided for. They who are thus called, haue povver neither to vvorke miracles, as Th'apo­stles had; no [...] to preach and minister the Sacra­ments vvhere theie vvil, as Th'apostles might: but the [...]e are tied euerie man to his charge, vvhich the [...]e must faithfullie attende vpon, ex­cept vrgent occasion do enforce the contrarie. The calling of theis men is tearmed à general calling, and it is th'ordinarie, and in theis daies the lawful calling allowed by the word of God. So [...]e [...]fie with vs the true Churches else-where in the vvorld. Confession of
  • Heluet. 1. art. 17.
  • Heluet. 2. cap. 18.
  • Bohem. cap. 9▪
  • France. art. 31.
  • Fland. art. 31▪
  • Ausburg. art. 1 [...].
  • VVittemb. art. 20.
  • Sueaue. art. 13
    This truth manie vvaies hath bine resisted. For there be which thinke
    • There is no calling, but th'extraordinarie, and special calling in theis daies.
    • Al are to be taken for
      which are not sacri­ficing Priestes, an­nointed by the An­tichristian Bishops of the Romish lyna­gogue
      • VVolues.
      • Hie [...]lings.
      • Lai-men.
      • Intruders.
    • That so manie as are sent by the Church are sent of the holie Ghost: vvhen vve knovve hovve often times the CHVRCHE sendeth for
      • Laborers▪ idle workmen Frendes, ene­mies.
      • Phisitions, murtherers.
      • True Pastors▪ vvolues and Apostataes.
    • Theie maie take the charge of Congregations, and yet per­forme no duetie.
    • That no Bishop, or Minister should remaine still in one place, but vvander. An error of the Familie.

• [Page 27]This made Th'apo­stles & El­ders in the primitiue Church
  • Straightlie to charge that suddenlie hands should be laid vpon no man. 1. Tim 5. 22.
  • To make special choise oftwaine, where of one was to be elected into the place of Iudas. Acts. 1. 23.
  • By election to ordaine Elders in e­uery church; and by
    To commend them to the Lord. Acts. 14, 23.
    • Praier
    • Fasting
  • Laieng on of hands (1. Tim. 4, 14.) to con­secrate them.
• To describe who were to be chosen, & called. For theie are to be
  • Men, not
    • [...]oies.
    • VVomen. 1. Tim 2. 12.
  • Men of good be­hauior
    1. Tim. 3. 2, &c
    • Not incontinent
    • Not giuen to vvine
    • Not strikers
    • Not couerous
  • Not proud. 1. Pe [...]. 5. 3.
    Titus. 1, 7.
    • Not froward.
    • Not i [...]e [...]ul.
  • No giuers of offence. 2. Cor. 6, 3.
• Men of special gifts
  • Apt to teach. 1. Tim. 3. 2.
  • Able to exhort. Tit, 1. 9.
  • VVise to diuide the vvord of God a [...]ight. 2. Tim. 2. 15.
  • Bold to reproue▪ 1. Tim. 5. 21. Tit. 1, 9.
  • VVilling to take paines. Matt. 9, 38. 2. Tim 4, 2.
  • VVatchful to ouersee. Acts. 20, 28.
  • Patient to suffer. Acts. 5, 41. 2. Tim. 4, 8.
  • Constant to endure al maner of afflictions▪ 2. Cor. 11, 23. &c.
    They who are [...]o cho­sen, & cal­led, maie fightlie be numbred among the lavvful ministers. On th'other side, in an error they remaine vvhich thinke
    • That the due election and calling of Ministers according to the vvorde of God, is of no such necessitie to the making of Ministers.
    • That wo­men maie bee
      In vvhich er­ror the Pepu­zians vvere.
      • Elders
      • Bishops
    • That à special care is not to bee had both of the life, and of the learning of men; or that vviked men of euil life; or ignorant men vvithout learning, or Asses of no gifts; or loitere [...]s vvhich do no good; or fauourers of supersti­tion, vvhich do great hurt, are to bee admitted into, or maintained in the holie ministerie.
    • That they are causes vvhich in deede a [...] none, to keepe men fró the Ec­clesiasti­cal func­tion, as if men
      They may not bee priests, say the Papists
      • Be maried.
      • Haue had certaine wiues
      • Haue not al outvvarde gifts of the bodie, thogh endued with heauenlie talents.
      • Haue bine baptized of haeretiks, &c
      Theis ought not to busie themselues about the word, saie the Fami­lists.
      • Haue not bine trained vp in the Fa­milie.
      • Are not El­ders in the Familie of Loue.
• This do the Chur­ches pro­testant by their pub­like Con­fessions approue
  • Hel. 2. c. 18.
  • Hel. 1. ar. 25.
  • Bohem. c. 9.
  • Franc. ar. 3. 1.
  • Fland. art. 31.
  • Ausb. art. 14.
  • VVitt. ar. 20.
  • Sueau. ar. 13.

24. ARTICLE. Of speaking in the Congregation in such a tongue as the people vnderstand not.

IT is à thing plainlie repugnant to the worde of God, and the custome of the primitiue church, to haue publike prai­er in the church, or to minister the Sacraments in à tongue not vnderstanded of the people.

• Publique praier, and the Sacraments must be ministred in á knowen tongue.

• [Page 29]Profiteth not the Congre­gation. 1. Cor. 14 ver. 6. 9. 14.
• Aedifieth not the weake. 1. Cor. 14. ver. 4 17 26.
• Instructeth not th'igno­rant. 1. Cor. 14. 19.
• Inflameth not the zeale. 1. Co 14. 9.
• Offendeth the hearers. 1. Cor. 14. ver. 7. [...]1.
• Abuseth the people. 1. Cor. 14. ver. 1. 16.
• Displeaseth God. Matth. 15. 8.
• Bringeth reli­gion into contempt. 1. Cor. 14. 23.
  Easilie wil thinke that where the praiers be said, or the Sacraments administred in à tongue not vnder­stood of the people, there
  • The word of God is not regar­ded.
  • The cu­stome of the primi­tiue chur­che is not obserued.
    This article, as al true Chri­stians doe be­leeue: so some by pub. Con­fessions doe graunt. Con. of
    • Helnet. 2. c. 22.
    • VVittem. cap. 27.
    • Ausburg. de Misca. art. 3.
    • Sueaue. c. 21.
      But there is nothing so appa­rent which hath not by some aduersa­ries bine denied. So contrarie to this ar­ticle,
      • Some, as the Marcosians, at the ministration of Baptisme, haue vsed certaine Hebrue wordes not to aedifie, but to terifie, and astonishe the mindes of the weake and ignorant people.
      • Some, & theie be the papists, wil haue al seruice, praiers and Sacra­ments, & that throughout the world, mi­nistred in an vnknowen tongue. And among theis papists,
        • There bee which holde that the lesse theie vnder­stande, the more de­uout the peo­ple wil be. For ignorance is the mother of deuotion.
        • There bee which write, that praiers not vnder­stood of the people, are acceptable (of Satan I grant, but not of God) such are the Rhe­mists.

25. ARTICLE. ❧ Of the Sacra­mentes.

SAcramentes ordeined of Christe ¹ bee not onely badges, or tokens of christian mens pro­fession, but rather theie bee ² certaine sure witnesses, and effectual signes of grace, and Gods good-wil towards vs, by which he doth worke inuisiblie in vs, ³ and not onely quic­ken, but also strengthen, and confirme our faith in him.

⁴There bee two Sacramentes ordeined of Christe our Lorde in the Gospel, that is to saie, Baptisme, and the Supper of the Lord. Those fiue commonlie called Sacraments, that is to saie, ⁵ Con­firmation, ⁶ Penance, ⁷ Orders, ⁸ Matrimonie, ⁹ and extreme-Uncti­on, are not to be coupled for Sacramentes of the Gospel, being such as haue growen partlie of the corrupt following of Th'apostles, partlie are states of life allowed in the Scriptures, but yet haue not like nature of Sacramentes with Baptisme, and the Lordes Supper, for that theie haue not anie visible signe or ceremonie ordained of God.

¹⁰ The Sacramentes were not ordained of Christe to be gazed vpon, or [Page 31] to be carried-about, but that we shoulde duelie vse them. ¹¹ And in such onelie, as worthelie receiue the same, theie haue à wholesome effect, or opera­tion: but theie that receiue them vnworthilie, purchase to themselues dam­nation, as Sainct Paule saith.

• 1 The Sacraments ordained of Christe, be badges, or tokens of our profession which be Chri­stians.
• 2 The Sacramentes be certaine sure witnesces, and effectual signes of grace, and God his good­wil towarde vs.
• 3 By the Sacramentes God doth not onely quicken, but also strengthen, and confirme our faith in him.
• 4 Christ hath ordained but two Sacramentes in his holie Gospel.
• 5 Confirmation, Is no Sacrament.
• 6 Penance, Is no Sacrament.
• 7 Orders, Is no Sacrament.
• 8 Matrimonie. Is no Sacrament.
• 9 Extreme-Vn­ction, Is no Sacrament.
• 10 The Sacramentes are not to be abused, but rightlie to bevsed of vs al.
• 11 Al which receiue the Sacramentes, receiue not there-withal the thinges signified by the Sa­crament.

• [Page 32]Of Christians. For by them are visiblie discerned
  • The faithful from infidels.
  • Christians. from
    • Pagans.
    • Iewes.
    • Prophane Atheists.
  • The true seruants of God, from enemies to the truth.
    See a [...]. 19. pro­posit. 5. where it is declared howe the true Church is knowne by the due admini­stration
    • Of the worde prea­ched.
    • Of the Sacra­ments.
  • Of Christia­nitie. For
    • As Circumcision in th'old lawe, was à token howe al the corrupt, and carnal affections of the mind should be sub­dued; and that the Lord required not so much an out­warde of the bodie, as an inwarde circumcision of the harte (Deut. 10, 16. 30, 6. Iere. 4, 4. Acts. 7, 51. Rom. 12, 28. Phil. 3, 3. Col. 2, 11) so Baptisme [...]elleth vs, that be­ing once dead vnto sinne, we are to liue vnto righteous­nesse; that al wee which haue bine, baptized into Iesus Christ, haue bine baptized into his death, &c. and must walke in newnesse of life &c. (Rom. 6, 3. &c.) for wee haue put on Christ, (Gal. 3, 26.) by baptisme.
    • As the Paschal Lambe was to the Iewes à token that the flight of sinne should alwaies be fresh in memorie, and that it should be celebrated not with old leauen, neither in the leauen of maliciousnesse, but with the vnleauened bread of synceritie and truth, (1. Cor. 5, 8:) So the parti­cipating of one loafe, and of one cup in the Lord his Supper▪ doth commend vnto our consideration à sweet concord, à brotherlie vnanimitie, and à constant conti­nuance in the true worship, and seruice of God, without [...]a [...]ouring idolatrie in anie [...]espect (1. Cor. 10, 17, &c.)
      This do the godly learned euerie where teach, &c Some re­formed Churches by pub. Conses. do testifie
      • Hel­uet. 1. ar. 10.
      • Hel­uet. 2. c. 19.
      • Aus­burg. ar. 13.
      • Sax­on. ar. 12.
        Vn­godly there­fore, & in à cursed state are thei [...]
        • That con­temne the Sacramēts as of none accompt, & regard not what men do thinke thē to be, whether
          • Haeretlkes.
          • Schisma­tikes.
          • Epicures.
        • VVhich think the Sacra­ments are but only bad ges of an outward Church, & ther­fore ei­ther se­curelie neglect them, or at the most care but onlie to seeme, though in truth theie be not christians. Such are
          • Generalie, al hypo­crites.
          • Par­ticularly the
            • Messali­ans.
            • Svver­meniās.
            • Familists vvho thinke that for obediēce sake to magi­strates the Sa­cramēts are to be receiued but are of none effect to the per­fect ones in the Familie.
  2 Infinitlie doth God declare his vnspeake­able and in­comprehensi­ble good-wil to man ward: yet in theis daies by none outward thing more notably, and effectual­lie, than by the Sacra­ments. For
  • [Page 33]Of Baptisme.
    • Saith Christ, he that beleeueth and is baptized, shal be saued. Mar. 16, 16.
    • Peter saith, Amend your liues, and be baptized euerie one of you, &c. for the remission of sinnes. Acts. 2, 38.
    • Paul writeth, Husbands loue your wiues, euen as Christ lo­ued the Church, and gaue him selfe for it, that he might sanc­tifie it, and clense it by the wa­shing of water through the worde, &c. Ephes. 5, 25 &c.
  • Of the Lord his Supper, saith Christ touching
    • The bread This is my bodie
      • VVhich is giuen for you. Luke. 22, 19.
      • VVhich is bro­ken for you. 1. Cor. 11. 24▪
    • The cup, This is my bloud of the newe Testament, that is shed for manie for the remis­sion of sinnes. Matth. 26, 28. Luke. 22, 20.
      This truth do the purer Churches of this time e­uerie where acknoledge. Confession of
      • Heluet. 2. c. 19. 20. 21.
      • Heluet. 1. ar. 20. 22.
      • Bohem. c. 11. 12. 13.
      • France. art. 34. 35 36. 37. 38.
      • Fland. art. 33. 34, 35.
      • Ausburg. art. 9. 13.
      • Saxon. art. 12. 13 14.
      • VVittem. art. 10. 19.
      • Sueaue. art. 16. 17. 18.
        Cōtrarie here­vnto the Pa­pists errone­ouslie do hold, that the Sacra­ments are not seales, but cau­ses of
        • Grace
        • Iusti­fica­tion.
          Out of which, as one error en gende­reth an­other a­riseth,
          • That theie which are partakets of the Sacra­ments, are vndoubted­lie saued.
          • That so ma­nie as are not incor­porated in­to the visi­ble Church by the Sa­craments, at the least of Baptisme, are assured­lie condem­ned.
  3 The Sacraments be not meer­lie tokens either of our dutie towards God and man; or of God his good wil to vsward: but besids by them he doth
  • [Page 34]Quic­ken.
  • Strēg­then.
  • Con­firme.
    Our faith in him So we maie read
    • In the Scrip­ture.
      • Acts. 2, 38. &c.
      • 1. Cor. 6, 11.
      • Ephes. 5, 26.
      • 1. Cor. 10, [...]6.
      • 1. Cor. 11, 28.
    • In the godlie Confes. of this time
      • Heluet. 2. c. 19. 20 21.
      • Heluet. 1 art. 20.
      • Basil. art. 6.
      • Bohem. c. 11. 12.
      • France. 34.
      • Flan. art. 33. 34.
      • Ausb. art. 13.
      • Saxon. art. 13.
      • Sueau. cap. 17.
        Howbeit this faith in God is not neces­sarilie tied vnto the visible signes and Sacramēts. For
        • VVithout the Sacra­ments ma­nie haue liued, and died, who yet pleased God, & are no doubt saued, ei­ther in re­spect
          • Of their faith; so are we to thinke of a [...] the godlie
            • Men
              • VVhich were borne, & died before th'in­stitution of Circumcisiō.
              • VVhich were borne, & died in the wilder­nesse.
              • VVhich were borne, & died in the time of Grace, & yet by some ex­tremitie could not receiue the seale of the couenant.
            • VVomē, who before and vnder the law for manie yeeres were partakers of no Sa­crament, and neuer of one Sacrament.
          • That they be heirs of the promes
        • Some haue faith before theie re­ceiue anie of the Sa­craments▪ So
          • Had
            • Abraham. Rom. 4. v. 9, 10.
            • The Iewes vnto whom Peter preached. Act. 2, 4 [...].
            • The Samaritans. Act 8, 12
            • Th'eunuch. Acts. 8, 37.
            • Cornelius the Centurion with his companie. Acts. 10, 47.
          • Haue the godie of discretion not yet baptized.
        • Some neither before, not at th'instant, nor yet afterward, though dailie theie should receiue the Sacraments, wil haue a true faith, such are like vnto
          • Iudas Iohn. 13, 26.
          • Ananias, and Sap­phira. Acts. 5.
          • Simon Magus. Act. 8. 13.
          • Th'old Israelites. 1. Cor. 10. 5.
          • The wiked Corin­thians. 1. Cor. 11▪ 27. &c.
        • In some the Sacraments do effectualie worke in processe of time, by the helpe of the word preached, which engendereth faith (Rom. 10, 14.) Such is the state principalie of infants e­lected vnto life, and saluation.
          Greatliie therefore do theie erre, who teach or hold, that
          • Thei are dam­ned, which dies with-out the seales of the couenaunt, albe it theie haue the promise of aeternal li [...]e, whereupon theie build. An error of the Papists.
          • The Sacra­ments ex ope­re operato, bring faith. So teach the Pa­pists.
          • Infants haue faith; or that faith can bee where no kno­ledge of Iesus Christ is; or that anie can haue such kno­ledge with-out the preaching of the word.
          • The Sacra­ments are not ordinarie means to raise vp good moti­onsin the harts of the faithful, but only meer and outward signes of spiri­tual things.
  4 A Sacra­ment.
  • [Page 35]According to th'etymologie of the worde, as the Schoole-men do write, is á signe of an holie thing, which being true, then haue here bine, and stil are, by so manie aboue either two, or seuen Sacraments, as there be, and haue bine aboue two or seuen things, which are signes of sacred and holie things.
  • According to the na­ture of à Sa­crament in­deed, is à co­uenant of God his fa­uor to man­ward, confir­med by som outwarde signe, which also hath bin sometime
    • Special to some
      • Men, and that ex­traordinarilie by things
        • Natural, as the
          • Tree of life to A­dam. Gen. 3. 3.
          • Rain-bow, to No­ah. Gen. 9. 9, &c.
        • Superna­tural, as the
          • Smoking fornace, to Abram. Gene. 15. 17.
          • Fleece of wool, to Gedeon. Iud. 6, 37.
          • Dial to Ezekiah. 2. King. 20, 11. Isa. 38. 8.
      • Nations, as were
        To the Iewes.
        • The Sacrifices.
        • Circumcision.
        • The Paschal lamb.
    • General to the whole church militant, per­petual, and ordinarie, as in the time of the Gospel. And then is à Sacrament defined to be à Ceremonie ordained immediat­lie by Christ himself, who by some earth­lie, and outward ele­ment doth promise euerlasting fauor & felicitie to al such, as with true faith and repētance do receiue the same. Such in the newe Test. we find onelie to be
      • Baptisme, mencio­ned
        • Matt. 2 [...], 19.
        • Mat. 16, 16.
        • Iohn. 3, 5.
        • Act. 2, 38.
      • The Lords supper, as
        • Luke. 22, 19.
        • Iohn. 6, 53.
        • 1. Cor. 11, 24.
          This is the iudgment al so of the Chur­ches Prote­stant. Confes.
          • Heluet. 2. c. 19.
          • Heluet. 1. art. 20.
          • Basil. ar. 5. sect▪ 2.
          • France. art. 35.
          • Fland▪ art. 33.
          • Saxon. art. 12.
          • Sueau. art. 16.
            In à con­tratie opi­nion are diuers, and namelie
            • For theie denie al the Sacra­ments of the Church, as we hold them.
            • The Turks.
            • The Iewes.
          • The Euchytes, who say the Sa­craments are not profitable, & to be vsed, but onelie praier.
          • The Schuenk-feldians, which cōtemne not onelie the word preached, but the Sacraments besides as superfluous, depen­ding vpon Reuelations.
          • The Bannisterians, who think there vvil be à time, and that in this vvorlde too, vvhen vve shall need no Sacraments.
          • The Pa­pists, vvho publish
            • As Hovvlet doth, that vve leaue ou [...] no lesse than sixe of the seuen Sa­craments.
            • Hovv there be seuen Sacramēts of the nevve Te­stament.
            • That he is accur­sed that shal saie there be either mo, or lesse than seuen Sacramēts; or that anie of them is not vere­lie, and properlie à Sacrament; or that theie be not all seuen institu­ted of Christ himselfe.

• [Page 36]Of the Church of God is
  • That rightlie vsed, as it was in the primitiue Church, it is no sacrament, but à part of Christian discipline profitable for the whole Church of God. For th'ancient Confirmation was no­thing els, than an examination of such, as in their infancie had receiued the Sacrament of Baptisme, and were then, being of good discretion, able to yeeld an account of their beleefe, and to testifie with their owne mouthes that which their suerties in their names had promised at their Baptisme. VVhich confessiō being made, and à promise of perseuerance in the Faith by them giuen, the Bishop by sound doctrine, graue aduice, and godlie exhortation, confirmed them in that good profession; and laieng his hands vpon them, praied for th'increase of God his gifts, and graces in their minds.
  • That Popish Confirmation is no Sacrament of the Church of Christ: and this is apparent, as in the former proposition of this 25 art: so besides Confession of
    • Heluet. 2. c. 19.
    • Saxon. art. 19.
    • VVittem. c. 11.
• Of th'antichri­stiā synagog is▪ that Cōfirma­tion is à Sacra­ment, whereby the grace that was giuen in Baptisme is cō firmed, & made strong by the 7. giftes of the holy Ghost. Of which their Confirmation theie giue vs to obserue foure things
  • The substance, or mat­ter; which is holie
  • Chrisme cōfect, as theie saie, and made of
    Consecrated by a Bishop.
    • Oile oliue
    • Baulme.
  • The form & manner of mini­string the same; con­sisting of
    • The words of the Bi­shop, vvhich are, I signe thee vvith the signe of the Crosse, and confirme thee vvith the Chrisme of saluation, in the name of the Father, of the Sonne, & of the holie Ghost
    • Actions
      • Of à God-father, or Godmo­ther that is confirmed, holding vp the child to the Bishop.
      • Of the Bishop
        • Crossing him, that is to be confirmed on the fore-head vvith oile.
        • Striking the partie cōfirmed on th'eare.
  • The minister, vvho must be à Bishop, & none inferior.
  • Th'effect, or affects rather. Theie saie by Confirmation
    • Sinnes are pardoned, and re­mitted.
    • The grace of baptism is made perfect. Such become men in Christ, vvho be­fore vvere but children.
    • Grace is giuen boldlie to confesse the name of Christ, and al things belon­ging to a Christian man.
    • The holie Ghost is giuen to the ful. Perfect strength of the mind is attai­ned.
      This laieth open to the vievv of the vvorld the most dange­rous, and damnable errors of the Church of Rome con­cerning Cō ­firmation. For
      • It is an error to saie that Confirmation is à Sacrament, because it hath none insti­tution from God, vvhich is necessarie to al, & euerie Sacrament, inasmuch as à Sa­crament can be ordained of none but of God himselfe, euen as th'aduersaries them selues do confesse. Catech. Trid. tit. de Confir.
      • To saie that Popish Cō ­firmation is grounded vpon the word of god, is to speake soule errors, & vntruths. For in al the holie Scrip­ture there is no mention
      • It is an error to saie there is anie other ointmēt gi­uen to the strengthning of the church militant be­sides the ho­lie Ghost. 1. Iohn. 2, 27
        • Of the matter that it must be Chrisme, & that made of Oliue oile, and Baulme, and consecrated of à Bi­shop.
        • Of the forme, that either the Bishop must signe him that is to bee confirme [...] vvith the signe of the Crosse; or that anie God­father, &c, should be th [...] at. &c.
        • Of the minister, that [...] must be à Bishop, tha [...] to confirme.
        • Of th'ef­fects, that therebie
          • Sinnes are pardoned, [...] [...]emised.
          • The grace Baptisme i [...] made perfe [...] &c.
      • It is an error to thinke that anie [...] can giue heauenly graces to any [...]
      • It is an error t'ascribe saluatiō to [...] and not onelie to Christ.
      • It sauoreth of Donatisme to measures dignitie of the Sacraments, by the [...] thinesse of the Ministers.
      • It is an error, that men cannot be [...] fect Christians vvithout Popish C [...] mation.
      • It is an error that by Confirmation holie Ghost is giuen to the ful.

• [Page 37]First the mat­ter, which of the Papists some do saie is
  • Th'actiōs of the poe­nitent person, that is to saie
  • Th'abso­lution by the Priest
    • Sufficient contrition of hart.
    • Per­fect Cōfession.
      • Of al sinnes, and that in particular.
      • Of al circum­stances, as of place, time, &c
    • Satisfactions in works; vvhich maketh à ful amends for al offen­ces.
• Second­lie the forme, which
  • In the Priest is the words of absolutiō, which the priest vt­tereth ouer the sin­ner.
  • In the persō poeni­tent is
    • His knee­ling down at the priests feet
    • His ma­king the sign of the crosse vpō his breast.
    • His saieng benedicite to his ghost lie father.
      The priest beareth the person of God, & is the lavv­ful iudge ouer the poenitent and may
      • Absolue from the gilt of sinne.
      • Inflict à punish­ment, according to th'of­fence.
• Thirdly, the Mi­nister, who
  • Ordinarilie is the Curat of euerie parish.
  • Extraordinarilie, and in the time of extreeme necessitie, or by licence, anie Priest
    Yet some sinnes are so grec­uous that non may absolue them, but
    • The Pope, o [...] his Legat as
    • Burning of Churches, Violent striking of à Priest. Coūter fe [...]ting the pops Buls.
    • The bishop or his poeni­tentia­rie, as
    • Incest. Brea­king of vowes. Rob­bers of churchs Haere­tikes. Adulte­rers, &c.
• Fourth­lie, th'affect. Hereby they say à poeni­tent sin­ner is
  Frō al sin, as when he was newly baptized.
  • Purged
  • Absol­ued.
  • Made cleane
• Enriched vvith spiritual gifts and graces.
  The consi­deratiō here of hath mo­ued the churches refor­med to con­demne this Antichristan Sacrament of paenance, as hauing no vvarrant frō the word of God. Con­fes. of
  • Heluet. 2. c. 14. 19.
  • Behem. cap. 4.
  • Ausburg. art. 3. 11. 12.
  • Saxon. ar. 16. 17.
  • VVittem. art. 13. 14. 15.
  • Sueaue. cap. 20.
    The blas­phemies are outra­gious, and th'error manie, & monstrous comprised in this doc trine of popish poenance. For
    • VVhereas they saie, the Sacra­ment of poenance was institu­ted by christ himself, it is most false. For, as they teach it, nei­ther the matter, no [...] the form, no [...] the Priest, no [...] th'effect thereof can bee drawne from the vvord of God.
    • They say Poenance is a Sacra­ment, yet can they shevv no element it hath to make it à Scacrament.
    • Popish Contrition is against the truth. For none is suffici­entlie contrite for his sinnes.
    • To confes al sinnes, and that one after another, with al cir­cūstances, vnto à priest, as it is vnpossible, so is it erroneous, and neuer enioined by God, nor practised by anie of God his Saints, that vve can find in the holie Scripture.
    • That anie man can satisfie for his sinnes it is blasphemous, & against the merits of Christ, yet do the Papists teach it; and besides, that one man maie sa­tisfie for another.
    • An vntruth is it, that any priest Bishop, or Pope, hath povver to forgiue sinnes, or can en­ioine anic punishment that can make an amends to God for the least offence.
    • If Poenance purge men, and make them cleane from al sin, then is there à time when mē in this life be perfect, which tendeth greatlie to th'error of the Catharans, Donatists, and Pelagians.
    • That Baptisme is à token that original sinne onelie, and not actual sins besides, vvhich th'e­lect seruants of God shal commit, are pardoned, it is against the vvord of God.
    • The doctrine that they vvhich vvillinglie depart out of this vvorlde vvith-out shrife, are damned, vvhich thing the Pa­pists do hold, is à damnable doctrine, and to be eschevveda.

• [Page]Some do make 7. orders, whereof some be
  • Inferior, as th'or­der of
    • Porters, whose of­fice is
      • To keepe the doore.
      • T'expel the wiked.
      • To let-in the faithful.
    • 2 Exorcists, or Coniurers, which haue power t'expel diuels.
    • 3 Lectors or Readers, who are to read lessons and scripture in the Church.
    • 4 Acolytes, or Candle-bea­rers, hauing auctoritie
      • To beare cruets to th'altar with wine and water.
      • To beare candles and tapers.
  • Superior, as th'or­der of
    • 5 Subdeacons; who are
      • To read Th'e­pistle.
      • To prepare ne­cessaries for mini­stration.
      • T'assist the Priest in ministration.
    • 6 Deacons; their dutie is
      • To read the Gos­pel.
      • T'assist the Priest in ministration.
    • 7 Priests to whom auctoritie is giuen to minister Sacra­ments, that is to saie
      • Baptisme.
      • Poenance.
      • The Sacra­mēt of Th'al­ter, and to sa­crifice for the quicke and the dead.
      • Annealing of the sicke.
      • Matrimonie.
        Theis 7 Orders say some of the Papists
        • Are 7. Sa­craments, as Lom­bardus; & so there be 13. Sacra­ments.
        • Make but one Sacra­ment.
        • VVere not onelie in­stituted, but ente­red-into by Christ himselfe.
• Some numbring the seuen Sacraments, do quite ouerpasse in silence the Sacra­ment of Order, and in place thereof mention the Sacrament of Priest-hood.
  Alwhich things are both besides, and also cōtrarie to the word of god. For in the Scrip­ture
  • VVhere can it bee showen that either Orders, as some, cā make either one or 7. Sacraments; or Priest-hood, as others thinke, is à Sacrament? what element hath it? what forme? what pro­mise? what institution from Christ▪
  • VVhere can anie of those hide­ous titles of Porter, Exorcists, &c. be found ascribed to any minister of the new Testament? or the maner of creating, or their offices established? Some papists do write that al th'inferior Or­ders are not grounded vpō scripture, but come by traditiō (Cly­peus Milit. Ec. l. 1. c. 9; & Lomb. saith plainlie, that fiue of the 7. Orders neither can bee read in the worde of God, nor yet were heard of in the primitiue Church. lib. 4. dist. 24.
  • VVhere maie it bee found that th'office of a Deacon is to read the Gospel?
  • VVhere is the minister of the word & Sacraments of the nevv Testament called priest, in the popish sense?
  • VVhere is it appointed to the ministers of the nevv Testamēt onlie to minister the Sacramēts? or to minister mo than two, baptisme, and the L. Supper? Or if there bee mo than two, as there be not, by what Scripture maie they not minister al of them, but must onlie minister Sacraments, that is, certaine Sacraments?
  • By what one place haue priests auctoritie to offer sacrifice, and that for the quicke, & dead also?
  • VVhere with-out extreme sa­criledge, can theie shew that our S. Christ was a Porter, an Exor­cist &c. and not alwaies à King▪ à Prophet, and a Priest?

• [Page]VVas neuer comman­ded to bee taken for à Sacrament.
  As á Sa­crament should, & Baptism, & the L Sup­per haue.
  • Hath none outwarde element,
  • Hath no prescribed forme,
  • Hath no promise of saluation, or damna­tion,
• Maie bee entered into or not, at our discretiō: but it is not at our chois to be pertakers, or not to participate of the Sacraments, i [...] wee maie come by them.
• Marriage was ordained by God himselfe in pa­radise: but the Sacra­ments of the nevv Tes. were instituted by christ in the time of the Gos­pel.
• It vvas no Sacrament to the Fathers before, and in the time of the Lavve, and therefore no Sacrament v [...]to vs.
  Here­vnto in effecte sub­scribe the Chur­ches of god else­where Conf.
  • Heluet. 2. c. 19. 29.
  • Heluet. 1 art. 20 37
  • Basil. art. 5.
  • Bohem c. 9
  • France. art. 24. 35.
  • Flan. art. 33.
  • Ausburg. art 2. 5. 6.
  • Saxon. art. 12. 18.
  • VVittemb. c. 21. 26.
  • Sueau. cap. 12. 15.
    As of vs opposing our selues against the manifolde aduersa [...]ies of this trueth, whereof
    • Some haue too high­lie conceiued of the wedded state, as
      • The Papistes sometime, when theie wil haue it to be a Sacra­ment.
      • Certaine Vigilantian Bishopps▪ that woulde take none into the Cleargie, except they would be Married first.
    • Some haue too baselie and wikedly thought of Marri­age. And therefore some doe holde that it is not meete▪
      • That anie man or woman should marrie, such were
        • The Gno­stikes.
        • The Mar­ [...]ionites.
        • The Tati­ans.
        • The Montanists.
        • The Manichies.
        • The Hie­racites.
        • Th'aposto likes.
      • That anie shoulde twice marrie the hus­bande or wise being dead, as,
        • The Catharans.
        • Origen.
        • Tertulian.
      • That some should marrie at al. & name­lie,
        Such are the papists
        • Such as haue taken Orders.
        • Spiritual kins­folks.
        • Kinsfolks with in manie de­grees.
        • That man who is law­fullie diuorced from an adul­teresse.

• [Page 40]The matter is onelie hallowed by a Bishop, vvherevvith the sicke is annoiled vpon th'eies, eares, mouth, nose, hands and feete.
• The forme is the vvordes which the priest speaketh when he doth anoin [...] the sicke in the foresaid places: as
  • By this holie oile, God forgiue thee thy sinnes, which thou hast committed by thine eies, nose, eares, and mouth, by thine hands, and by thy feete.
  • All the
    teach thee.
    • Angels.
    • Archangels
    • Patriarch [...]
    • Prophets
    • Apostles
    • Euangelists
    • Martyrs
    • Confessors
    • Virgins
    • VVidovves and Infants
• The Mi­nister
  • Is the Priest, as some Pa­pists do think, vvho is
    • To heare Confession.
    • To giue Absolution.
    • To minister the Sacrament of Th'altar.
    • To annoile.
  • If anie Christian, as Papists in chiefest place do permit.
• Th'effect is to purge and put-awaie
  • Venial sinnes committed by mispending of our senses.
  • Sinnes forgotte [...].
    In this Antichri­stian doctrine manie errors do concur. For (to omit in silence how nothing which the Pa­pists deliuer con­cerning extreme vnction can bee found in the ho­he Scriptures, as neither the mat­ter nor the ma­ner, nor the Mi­nister, nor anie institution at al from Christ; nor anie commaun­dement that ei­ther al which are sicke, or in al a­ges to the worlds end, some sicke persons should be annoiled)
    • In respect of the matter, the Papists make of à grosse element, à spiritual ointment, whereas there is none ointment spiritual, but the holie Ghost.
    • In respect of the forme
      • The onelie propitiator, and Me­diator betweene God and man Christ Iesus is blasph [...]med, and the merit and power of his death ascribed to greasie oile.
      • Christ is not acknoledged for the onelie Sauiour of mankind, and physition of our soules, but other physitions be receiued besides him.
    • In respect of the Minister
      • It appeareth that man hath po­wer to forgiue sinnes, which be­longeth vnto God alone.
      • Other men, yea women, besides the ordinarie Ministers of the vvord▪ maie be ministers of the Sacraments.
    • In respect of th'effect we maie gather, that
      • Al sinnes be not mortal.
      • Christ hath not cleansed such as be his from al their sinnes, by his precious blood.

• [Page]Baptisme, Christ he saith
  • Teach al nations, bapti­zing them, &c. Mat. 28, 29.
  • He that shal beleeue, and be baptized, shal be saued. Ma [...]. 16, 16.
• The Lord his Supper saith
  • Our Sa­uiour. Ma [...]. 26, v. 26, 27.
    • Of the bread, Take, eate, &c.
    • Of the cup, Drinke yee al of it.
  • S. Paul. 1. Cor. 10, 16.
    • The cup of blessing, which we blesse, is it not the cōmu­nion of the blood of Christ?
    • The bread vvhich vvee breake, is it not the cōmunion of the bodie of Christ?
      This truth doe the Churches reformed by publike Cōfession subscribe vnto. Confes.
      • Hel. 2. c. 20. 21.
      • Helue 1. art. 22.
      • Bohem. c [...]. 12. 13.
      • France. ar. 35. 38
      • Flan. art. 34. 35.
      • Ausb. art. 2. 9.
      • Sax. art. 13. 14. 15
      • VVitt. c. 10. 19.
      • Sueau. cap. 13. 18.
        Ther­fore great­lie do theie sinne
        • VVho wil not vse the Sacra­ments at al, but contemne them, as
          • The Libertines.
          • Th'euchites.
          • The Schuenkfil­dians.
        • VVho abuse the Sacra­ment
          • Of Baptisme, as they do
            • VVhich thinke that
              • No children. as Th'anabap­tists.
              • No married folks, as the Marcionits.
              • None that are sicke, as Chrys.
            • VVhich hold that
              • things with­out life, euen
                • Dead bels, as the Pa­pists.
                • Dead bodies of mē, as the Cala­phry­gians.
                • Are to be bap­tized
              • The liuing are to be baptized for the dead as the Marcionites.
          • Of the Lords Supper par tlie
            • By thrusting it into the mouthes of dead men, as did some con­demned long ago by à Councel at Carthage.
              Such are the Pa­pists.
              • By strawing the Sacra­ment vpon graues and tombes.
              • By vsing it magicallie, as a salue against bodi­lie sicknesse, adue [...]sitie, &c.
              • By carieng it about pompouslie, & super­sticiouslie to be adored of the beholders, like an Idol.
  11 True it is that euerie one which recea­ueth the Sa­craments, re­ceiueth not therewithal the things sig­nified by the Sacraments, that is, Forgi­uing of sinnes, or other spiri­tual graces freelie for Christ his sake. For we do find that
  • [Page]Some do receiue the Sacra­ments, and the things sig­nified by the Sacraments. So did
    • Cornelius receiue the Sacrament of Baptisme. Acts. 10, 47.
      The Lords Sup­per.
      • The good disciples.
      • The god­lie Corin­thians.
  • Some receiue the Sacraments, but not the things signified by the Sacraments
    • So re­ceiued
      • Simon Magus bap­tisme. Acts. 8, 13.
      • Iudas the L. Sup­per. Iohn▪ 13. 26.
    • So re­ceiue the
      1. Cor. 11, 27. &c.
      • Atheists.
      • Liber­tines.
      • Impeni­tent per­sons.
  • Some receiue not the Sacraments, and yet are par­takers of the thing signified by the Sacraments
    • Such à communicant vvas the theefe vpon the Crosse Luke. 23▪ v. 43. 44,
    • This ma­keth vs to conceiue vvell
      • Of those men and vvomen vvhich vvold and cannot communi­cate with the godlie.
      • Of the chil­dren of Chri­stian parents vvhich die a­fore theie be baptized.
        Further­more it is appatent, hovv
        • Saluation is promi­sed to thē vvhich are baptized, yet not simply, but if theie do beleeue. Mar. [...]6, 16.
        • VVhoso­euer shal eat the bread, or drinke the cup of the Lord vn­vvorthilie, shalbe gil­tie of the bodie and bloud of Christ. 1. Cor. 11, 27
          The same do the god lie Chur­ches in their Cō ­fes testifie vnto the vvorld. Confes.
          • Hel­uet. [...]. c 19. 21,
          • Hel­uet. 1▪ ar. [...]0.
          • Basil▪ ar. 5. 6
          • Boem c. 11. 13.
          • Fran. ar. 34. 36. 37
          • Flan. art. 33 35.
          • Ausb. art. 3. 13.
          • Sax. art 13 14.
          • VVit. c. 10.
          • Suea. c. 17.
            The Papists there­fore be in à vvrong opinion vvhich deliuer that
            • The Sacraments are not onelie seales, but causes of grace.
            • The Sacraments giue grace, euen because theie be deliuered, and re­ceiued, ex opere operato.
            • That is, à cause of vnvvorthie re­ceiuing the Sa­craments, vvhich in deed is none, as if a man, or vvoman do com­municate before he haue made à ful confession of al his sinnes vvith their cir­cumstances vnto à Priest.
            • The lacke of à true and liuelie faith is not à cause, vvhich in deed is the grea­test cause in th'elder sort of vnvvorthie re­ceiuing the Sa­craments.

26. ARTICLE. Of th'un vvorthines of the Ministers, which hinder not th'effect of the Sacraments.

ALthough, in the visible Church the euil be e­uer mingled with the good, and sometime the euil haue chiefe auctoritie in the ministrati­on of the worde, and Sacramentes: yet for as­much as theie doe not the same in their owne name, but in Christes, and doe minister by his commission and auctoritie, ¹we maie vse their ministerie, both in bering the word of God, & in the receiuing the Sacraments. Neither is th'effect of Christes ordinance taken awaie by their wikednes, nor the grace of Gods gifts diminished from such as by faith, and rightlie doe receiue the Sacraments ministred vnto them, which are effectual, because of Christes institution and promise, although theie be ministred by euilmen.

²Neuerthelesse it appertaineth to the Discipline of the Church, that inquirie be made of euil Ministers, and that theie be accused by those that haue knowledge of their offences, and finallie, being founde guiltie by iuste iudgement, be deposed.

• 1 Th'effect of the worde, and Sacramentes is not hindered by the badnesse of the Ministers.
• 2 Euil Ministers are to be searched out, conuicted, and deposed, but orderlie, and by the Disci­pline of the Church.

• [Page]Not too sini­sterlie, as though their vnworthines could make the word and Sacraments the lesce effectual to such as vvorthelie do heare and re­ceaue them.
• Not too high lie, as if the dignitie of their calling vvere cause good enough that what thei do or saie▪ ex officio take happie effects
  This by
  • The scrip­ture is autori­zed which teacheth vs, that▪ euen
    • The wi­ked
      Are to be heard
      • The scribes and Pha­rises sitting in Moses chaire. Math. 23. 1.
      • Preaching Christe, though through en­uie, strife, and contention. Phil [...]. 15.
    • Maie minister the Sacraments, as did th'ordinari Iewish Priests and of them verie manie moste wikced, both afore, and vvhen Christe came into the world.
  • The beste are but
    • The ministers of God. 1. Cor. 4. 1.
    • Gods laborers. 1. Cor. 39.
• The purer churches of our time is abundantlie testified. Confes.
  • Heluet. 1. art. 15. 20. 22.
  • Heluet. 2. c. 18. 19. 20. 21.
  • Bohem. c. 11. 12.
  • Franc. ar. 26. 28. 34. 36 38.
  • Fland. art. 33. 34. 35.
  • Ausburg. art. 8.
  • Saxon. art. 11. 13.
  • VVittem. art. 32
  • Sueau. art. 13.
    Neither is hee (whosoeuer that planteth, anie thing, nei­ther he that watereth, but god that giueth the increase, saieth S. Paul (1. Cor 3. 7.) And à signe of à good spirit it is to re­garde not so much who speketh, or mini­streth, as what is vttered, and offered from God. The due consideration heereof vvill both settle vs the more deep­lie in the truth, & make vs the more earnest­lie to abhorre th'unsound o­pinions
    • Of the
      VVho taught that the Sa­craments are holie, vvhen theie be ad­ministred by holy men, & not els.
      • Dona­tists
      • Pe [...]li­ans.
    • Of Th'a­nabaptists which
      • wil not haue the people to vse the ministrie of euill ministers.
      • Thinke the ser­uice of wiked ministers vnprofitable, and not ef­fectual.
    • Of R. H. publishing that it is the calling or dutie of euery Christian not to communi­cate where there is a blinde & dumme ministerie.
    • Of the Papists. For who seeth not that theie tie the graces of God to the worthines of per­sons, when theie deli­uer that
      • Some sacraments Bishops, and non els (as Confirma­tion and orders) must minister.
      • From som sinnes the Priest, from some the Bishop, and from some, the Pope onelie must absolue.
      • Hee which ente­reth into holie wedlock, being a­fore in orders, turneth▪ backe after Satan and becommeth an Aposta­ta▪

• [Page 45]Th'euil and vnprofitable seruaunts. Math. 25. 26.
• Theis vvhich offend. Math. 18. 8.
• Th'unfauorie salt. Math. 5. 13.
  VVhich are carefullie to bee seene vnto, and if admoniti­ons vvill not serue, deposed: yet orderlie, and by the disci­pline of the Church. For that God vvhich appointed à go­uernment for the ciuil state, hath giuen auctoritie also to his Church, to punishe offen­ders according to the qualitie of their offence. And so vvee maie read
  • In the worde of God
    • Math. 18. v. 17. [...]8.
    • 1. Cor. 5. 4. &c.
  • In the confessions of our neigh­bour churches. Con­fes.
    • Hel. 2. c. 18.
    • Bohem. c. 9.
    • Sax. art. 11.
    • Sueau. art. 13
      Then haue not (as R▪ H. writeth▪ the peo­ple of God in euerie congregation aucto­ritie.
      • To de­pose vn [...]cet Mini­sters.
      • To pu­nish of­fenders, against the word of God.

27 ARTICLE. Of Baptisme.

BAptisme is ¹ not onelie à signe of profession and marke of difference, wherebie Christian men are discerned from o­ther that be not Christened: ² but it is also à signe of re­generation or newe birth, wherebie as by an instrument, theie that receiue Baptisme rightlie, are graffed into the Church, the promises of forgiuenes of sinne, and of our adoption to bee the sonnes of God, by the holie Ghoste, are visiblie signed and sealed, faith is confirmed, and grace encreased by vertue of praier vnto God.

³ The Baptisme of yong children is in anie wise to bee retained in the Church, as most agreeable with th▪institution of Christ.

• 1 Baptisme is á signe of profession, and marke of difference, whereby Christian men are dis­cerned from other men that be not Christians.
• 2 Baptisme is à signe or seale of the regeneration, or newe birth of Christians,
• 3 Infants are to be Baptized by the word of God.

• [Page]Out of the vvord of God, in the fifth proposition of the 19. Article.
• In the publique vvri­tinges of the Prote­stant Churches. Con­fes.
  • Heluet▪ art. 20.
  • Heluet. 2. cap 19. 20.
  • Basil. art. 5. sect. 2.
  • France. art. 35.
  • Flan. art. 34.
  • Ausburg. art. 13.
  • Saxon. art. 1 [...].
    This declareth that vvee are Christians, and
    • Not Na­zarens, who were
      And so, as Hierome noted of them, wet neither Iewes, no [...] Christians
      • with the Iewes circumcised.
      • VVith the christians baptized
    • Not Eu­chyts who condemn Baptisme.
    • Not Mani [...]ans, vvhich baptize not anie.
    • Not Cataphrygians, vvhich baptize the dead.
    • Not Papists, that baptize B [...]l [...], and ba­bels, where-as none but reasonable crea­tures, to be incorporated into the visible Church, are to be baptized.
    • Not of Tho. Aquinas opinion, that ma­keth the vovv, or profescion of Monche­rie as good à token of Christians, as bap­tisme.
    • Not of Origē his mind, vvhich
      • De [...]endeth à Baptisme of fire.
      • Thinketh hovv after the re­surrection vvee shall haue neede of Baptisme.

• [Page 48]are ingrafted into the church 1. Cor. 12. 13.
• Are, as by a seal from God assu­red
  • That their sins be pardoned, & forgiuen. Act. 2 38.
  • Hovv theie are addopted to be children of god Tit. 3. 5.
• Are confirmed in faith. Mat 16. 16.
• Doe encrease in grace by vertue of praier vnto Cod. Act. 22. 1. 9
  This do the Churches reformed by subscription approoue. Confes. of
  • Heluet. 1. art. 21.
  • Heluet. 2. c. 20.
  • Bohem. cap. 12.
  • France. art. 35. 38.
  • Flan. art. 34.
  • Ausburgh. art. 9.
  • Saxon. art. 13
  • VVittem. c. 10
  • Sueau cap. 17.
    But no parte of the true Church doth thinke
    • That Baptisme is onely à badge of our professi­on, and nothing auaileable vnto euerlasting life, as some Libertines do hold.
      which the Bannisht do saie.
      • That the vvater at Baptisme is not holie in respect that it is applied to an holie vse.
      • That th'ordinarie, and common vvorthines among the Turkes and Ievves is the same to them that bap­tisme is to vs.
    • That of so great efficacie is the Coole or hood of S. Francis, as the Baptisme of Christe, as the Franciscanes do reach.
    • That Original sin is not pardoned in infants at Baptisme, because theie haue none original sinne at al, vvhich the Pelagians deliuer.
      As the Pa­pistis do publish.
      • That none can enter into the state of grace vnlesee he bee baptized.
      • That Baptisme serueth to the put­ting▪ avvaie of Original sinne one­lie, and not of actual sinnes besides, vvhich the children of God do, and shal commit.
      • That Baptisme bringeth grace exo­pere operato, euen because it is mi­nistred and receaued.
    • That being once baptized vvee can no more be tempted, vvhich error the Iouinians did main­taine.

• [Page 49]The grac [...] of God i [...] vniuer­sal, and partaineth vnto al, therfore the si [...]ne, or seale of gra [...]e is vniuersal, & belongeth vn­to al, so vvel yong, as old.
• Baptisme is vnto vs, as Cir­cumcision was vnto the Iewes but th'infantes of the Iewes, vvere circumcised, therefore the children of Christians are to be baptized.
• Children belong to the kingdom of heauen. Mat. (19. 14.) & are in the couenant; There­fore the signe of the couenant is not to bee denied them.
• Christ gaue in commaunde­ment that vvithout exception al should be baptized (Math. 28. 19.) Therefore yong chil­dren are not to be exempted.
• Christe hath shed his blood aswel [...]r washing-awaie the sinnes of Children as of th'el­der sort: Therefore it is verie necessarie that the [...]e should be partakers of the Sacrament thereof.
  This good Christians which [...]aue renoun­ced poperie, as theie like of, so theie allovv the Baptisme of yong Children, as maie ap­pear in the Confessi­on of
  • Heluet. [...] a [...] 21.
  • Heluet. 2. c. 20,
  • Bohem. c. 12.
  • France. art 35.
  • Fland. art. 34.
  • Ausb. art. 9
  • Saxon. art. 13.
  • VVittem. cap. 10.
  • Sueau. cap 17.
    Oppug­ned i [...] this truth by
    • The pelagians
    • The Her [...]de­on [...] ▪
    • Th'anabaptists
    • The F. of Loue VVho denie the baptism of infants, or yong children

28 ARTICLE. Of the Lordes Supper.

THE Supper of the L. is not ¹ onelie à signe of the loue that Christians ought to haue among them­selues one t'another, but rather ² it is à Sacrament of our redemption by Christs death. Insomuch that such as rightlie, worthilie, and with faith receiue the same, the bread which we break, is à partaking of the bodie of Christ, and likewise the cup of bles­sing, is à partaking of the blood of Christ. ³ Tran­substantiation (or the chaunge of the substaunce of bread and wine) in the Supper of the Lord, cannot be proued by holie writ: but it is repugnaunt to the plaine wordes of Scripture, ouerthroweth the nature of à Sacrament, and hath giuen occasion to manie superstitions. ⁴ The bodie of Christ is gi­uen, taken, and eaten in the Supper, onelie after an heauenlie and spiritual manner, and the meane whereby the bodie of Christ is receiued, and eaten in the Supper is Faith. ⁵ The Sacrament of the Lords Supper was not by Christes ordinance reserued, carried-about, lifted-up, or worshipped.

• 1 The Supper of the L. is à signe of the loue that Christians ought to haue among themselues
• 2 The L. Supper is à Sacrament of our redemption by Christes death, and to them which re­ceiue the same worthelie by faith, à partaking of the bodie and blood of Christe.
• 3 The bread and wine in the L. Supper, be not changed into another substance.
• 4 The bodie of Christe is giuen, taken, and eaten, after an heauenlie and spiritual, and not after à carnal sorte.
• 5 To reserue, carie-about, lift-up, or worship the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, is contrarie to th'ordinaunce of Christe.

• [Page 51]The Lordes table. 1. Cor 10. 21
• The Lordes Supper. 1. Cor. 11. 20.
• A communi­on of the Saints of God 1. cor. 10. v. 16.
  This is the doctrine also of other Churches besides, as mai appear by the [...]on­fession of
  • Heluet. 2. c. 21.
  • Basil. art. 6.
  • Bohe. c. 13
  • Fland. art. 35.
  • Saxon. art. 14.
  • Sueau. c. 18
    So think not those men
    • VVhich contemne this Sacrament of Loue, with Th'anabaptistes.
    • vvhich rail vpon it, being vsed after the in­stitution of Christe, and call it
      VVith the Pa­pistes.
      • A
        Table
        • Prophane.
        • Detestable
      • The cup of diuels,
      • A kinde of idolatrous meates.
    • VVhich denie it manie Christians, and all owe it onelie to à few Antichristian shauelings.
    • VVhich a­buse it, with Halters, and hollow har­ted Christi­ans, & Co­rinthians, that wil
      • Drinke the cup of the Lord, and the cup of the diuels.
      • Participate at the Lords table, and at the table of diuels.

• [Page 52]Is to al christians à Sacrament of our re­demption by Iesus Christe
  • Math. 26. 28.
  • Luke. 22. ver 19. 20.
  • Marke 14. 24
  • 1. Cor. 11. 24
• To such as re­ceue the same
  It is the par­taking of the bodie, & blood of Christ. 1. cor. 10. 16.
  • worthelie. 1. Cor. 11. 28. &c.
  • By faith. 2. Cor. 13. 5. Iohn. 6. 35
    A trueth, this is, not onelie in harte be­leeued, but by publik writings al so testified to the vvorld by our neighbour Churches. Confes. of
    • Heluet. 2. cap. 11.
    • Heluet. 1 art. 22.
    • Basil. art. 6.
    • Bohem. ca 13.
    • France. art 37.
    • Flan. art. 35.
    • Ausb. touching the Masce, art. 1. 3.
    • Sax. art. 14.
    • VVittem cap. 19.
    • Suca. c. 19.
      This proposition diuer­slie hath bin assailed. For
      • Some ei­ther deni­ing, or not acknow­ledgeing the bene­fits of this so heauēly à Sacra­ment doe saie.
        • It is not à seale of spiritual graces, but onelie à signe of Christian pro­fession.
        • It is to bee receaued onelie for o­bedience take to the Princes proce­dings, but is of non effect to the per­fect ones: an opinion of the Family.
        • It doth neither good, nor hurt to the receauers; the Mescalians error.
        • It is not à signe assuring the harts of the faithful hovv their sinnes bee forgiuen. For vvee must alvvaies doubt of the remission of our sinns, saie the Papists.
        • It is to bee receaued to the com­fort of the bodie onelie, but is no re­freshing of the soule.
      • Som haue concea­ued, & doe hold most erroneous opinions touching the man­ner of re­ceuing the same, deli­uering to the world, that
        • It can profite such as haue no faith, e­uen
          • Babes, or infants; in this error wer the Nectorians Graecians, Moranians, that I saie not Cyprian, Origen. Austine.
          • VViked men, destitute of al knoledge, & true sense of godlines, and for no cause, but onlie because theie receaue the same.
          • The dead bodies of men, th'error of certaine, con­demned long agoe.
        • It can benefit such as recaue it not at al, if it be ministred on their behalf, be­ing
          Theis er­rors the Papistes stifelie doe defend.
          • Absent vp­pon the seas in wars, yea, by death.
          • Praesent, and yet do not participate but the Priest for them.

• [Page 53]It is repugnant to the plaine wordes of the Scrip­ture. For
  • I wil not drinke hence-forth of this fruit of the vine, saith our Sauiour Christ (Matt. 26, 29. Mar. 14, 25.) which fruit had it realie bine either the blood, o [...], by waie of con­comitance, the verie bodie and blood of Iesus Christ, then our Lorde and Sauiour had▪ eaten himselfe, vvhich is not onelie blasphemous to be spoken, but also impos­sible to be done, and directlie against the word of God, vvhere commandement is often giuen, that the blood with flesh (not of beast, much lesse of man) must not bee eaten. Gen. 9, 4. Leuit. 17, 14.
  • The heauen muste conteine Iesus Christ vntil the time that al things be restored, saith Saint Peter, Acts. 3. 21. If Christ cor­poralie, according to his humanitie, be in heauen, then is he not in the Sacrament.
  • As often as yee shal eate this bread' (not Christ his real bodie) and drinke this cup, (not the real blood of Christ) ye shew the Lords death til he come, saith Saint Paul, [...]. Cor. 11, 20. Therefore he is not come, which he must be, being vnder the formes of bread and wine.
• It ouerthrovveth the nature of à Sacrament. For where there is none element, there can be no Sacrament. Be­cause the word comming vnto Th'element, maketh a Sacrament.
• It hath bine the occasion of ma­nie superstiti­ons. For from hence procee­ded
  • The reseruing of the transsubstan­tiated bread, for sundrie superstitious ends.
  • Th'adoring of the bread, euen as God himselfe, and that of priest and people.
  • The carieng-about in pompous procession of their wa [...]er God.
  • The popish feast, called Corpus Chri­sti daie.
    The due cō ­sideration hereof hath moued the reformed Churches to detest trans­substantia­tion as in hart & word: so by wri­ting Confes. of
    • Hel. 2. cap. 21.
    • Hel. 1. art. 22.
    • Basil. art. 6.
    • Bo­hem. c. 13.
    • VVit­tem. c. 19.
      Abomi­nable therfore be the popish errors, that
      • In Th'eucharist there is not the substance of bread and wine, but onelie the meere acci­dents and qualities.
      • Substancialie, & realie the bodie & blood to­gether with the soule, and diuinitie of our L. Iesus Christ, and ther­fore whole Christ is conteined in the sacra­ment of Eucharist.
      • Vnder each kind, and vnder euerie part of each kinde seueralie, whole Christ is com­prised.
      • After the consecration in the wonderful Sa­crament of Th'ucha­rist, the bodie & blood of our Lorde Iesus Christ is, and that not onelie in the vse, while it is taken, but afore al­so, & after in the hostes or consecrated peeces, reserued or remaining after the communion.
      • In the holie Sacrament Christ, th'onelie be­gotten sonne of God, is to be adored with the verie worship of Latria. Marcus also, that detesta­ble haere­tike, held that the wine of the lords Supper was con­uerted in­to blood.

• [Page 54]One is carnal, and temporarie, vvhich theie haue brought with them from their first comming in­to the world. This life is common to al men, good & bad; and is prae­serued by earthlie and material bread, common also to al and eue­rie man.
• One is spiritual and heauenlie, gi­uen vnto them in their second birth, which is through the worde. 1 Pet. 1. 23. This life is peculiar on­lie to the elect of God, and main­tained by the bread of life vvhich came-downe from heauen, which is Iesus Christ (Iohn. 6, 51) He nurisheth and susteineth the spiritual life of all Christians, if he be eaten, that is receiued of them spiritualie through faith. (Iohn. 6, 35. Rom. 3, 25▪) vvhich spiritual bread that he might the better repraesent, hee hath instituted earthlie and visible bread, and vvine, for à Sacrament of his bodie and blood; vvhereby he doth testifie, that as verelie as we receiue the Sacrament vvith hands, & eat the same with mouth and teeth, to the nurishing of this transitorie life: euen so trulie by faith (vvhich is in place of handes, and mouth to the soule) we receiue the true bodie, and the true blood of Christ our onelie Sauiour, to the cherishing of the spiritual life in oursoules▪
  The chur­ches of God else­where re­formed a­gree with vs in this point. Confes. of
  • Heluet 2. cap. 21.
  • Heluet. 1. art. 22.
  • Basil. art. 6▪
  • Bohem. c. 13.
  • France. art. 36.
  • Fland. art. 35.
  • Saxon. art. 14.
    And iointlie vvee withstand th'errors
    • Of the Capernaits, vvhich thought the flesh of the Lorde might bee eaten with mans mouth.
    • Of the
      • Synusiasts
      • Vbiquita­ries.
        • VVho thinke the bodie of Christ so is praesent in the supper, that his ve­rie bodie vvith bread and wine, by one and the same mouth▪ at one and the same time, is eaten corporalie, and deuoured.
      • Of the
        • Metusiasts.
        • Papists.
          • VVhich beleeue the substance of bread and vvine is so chāged into the substance of christ his bodie, that no­thing remaineth but the real bodie of Christ, besides th'accidents of bread and wine.
      • Of the Symbolists, Figurists, or Significa­tists, so called, because theie are of opini­on that the faithful receaue nothing but the naked and bare signes.
  5 The true and lawfull vse of the Sacramēts hath bine set dovvne afore. Therefore it shall suffice in this place on­lie to saie, that the Lordes Supper vvas ordained to th'end that
  • [Page 55]The bread should be
    • Broken.
    • Eaten.
      As it is
      • Math. 26. 26.
      • Mark 14. 22.
      • Luke. 22. 19.
      • 1. Cor, 10. 16.
      • 1. Cor. 11. 24.
  • The cup should be
    • Giuen
    • Drun­ken.
      As vve maie read
      • Math. 26 27.
      • Marke. 14. 23.
      • Luke. 22. 17.
      • 1. Cor. 10. 16.
      • 1. Cor. 11. 25.
        And al this in remem­braunce of Christ (Luke 22. 19. 1. Cor. 11. v. 24. 25. Confes. of
        • Heluet. 2. c. 21.
        • Basil. art. 6.
        • Bohe. c. 13
        • Ausb▪ tou­chhing the Masse. art. 1.
        • Saxon. art. 14.
        • VVittem. ca. 19.
          Against th'ordinance ther­fore of our S. Christ do the Papistes.
          • In reseruing.
          • In carrieng a­bout.
          • In lifting vp.
          • In worship­ping.
          • The L. Supper. Reade more in this Art. and in the 25. art. pro­posit. 10.

29 ARTICLE. Of the vviked vvhich doe not eate the bodie and blood of Christe in th'use of the Lords Supper.

THE wiked, and such as be voide of à liuelie faith, although theie do carnallie, and visiblie presse with their teeth (as S. Augustine saith) the Sacra­ment of the bodie and blood of Christe: yet in no wise are theie pertakers of Christe, but rather to their condemnation, doe eate and drinke the signe, or Sacrament of so great à thing.

• The wiked and such as be void of à liuelie faith, do not eate the bodie, nor drinke the blood of Iesus Christe, in th'use of the Lords Supper.

• [Page 57]VVor­thelie of some which do
  Hovve theis do participate of the bodie, and blood of our Sauiour Christ, it hath bine alreadie shewen in the former art. proposit. 4.
  • Themselues. 1. Cor. 11, ver. 28, 31.
  • Examine
  • Iudge
• Discerne the Lords bodie. 1. Cor. 11, 29.
• Abstaine from the table of diuels. 1. Cor. 10, 21.
• Of some vnvvor­thelie, (1. Cor 11, 29.) as of them
  • VVhich them­selues do not
    1. Cor. 11 v. 38, 31.
    • Examine
    • Iudge
  • VVhich discerne not the Lords bodie. 1. Cor. 11, 29.
  • VVhich wil com­municate at the ta­ble. (1. Cor. 10, 21.)
    • Of the Lord
    • Of diuels.
      Theis mai receiue the sacra­ment, but not the true bodie of Christ. The rea­sons be for that
      • Theie lack the vved­ding gar­mēt, which is faith, & the righte­ousnes of Christ.
      • Theie are no mem­bers of the true Church, the head whereof is Iesus Christ. Ephes. 4, 15, &c.
      • Theie haue no promise of heauenlie sustenance because theie are with-out à liuelie faith. Iohn. 6, 35.
        Ther­fore theie pro­cure vnto them­selues most heauy punishments (1. Co. 1 [...], 27.
        • Sick­nesse.
        • death
        • Guil­tines of the bodie and blood of christ.
        • Dam­natiō.
          This is the iudge­ment of other christi­an churches be sides. Confes. of
          • Heluet. 2. ca. 21.
          • Heluet. 1. in the decla­ration of the Lords Supper.
          • Basil. art. 6.
          • Bohem. cap. 13.
          • France. art. 37.
          • Fland. art. 35.
          • Saxon. art. 14.
            Th'ad­uersa­ries of this doctrine be
            • Th'ubiqui­taries, which thinke that al commu­nicants as vvel bad as good, do eat the verie & natural bo­die of Iesus Christ.
            • The Papists which deli­uer that not onelie in th'use of the L Supper, the wiked do eat the real bodie of Christ, but also nut of vse the verie vermine, as mice & rats, may deuour the same.

30 ARTICLE. Of both kindes.

THE cup of the Lorde is not to be denied to the laie people. For both the partes of the Lords Sacrament, by Christes ordinaunce, and commaundement, ought to be ministred to al Christian men alike.

• The people must be pertakers not onelie of the bread, but also of the wine, when theie approch vnto the Lorde his Table.

• [Page 59]So finde vve in the vvord of God, that
  • The bread must bee giuen to all, and ea­ten of al
    • Math. 26. 26.
    • Mark. 14. 22.
    • Luke. 22. 19.
    • 1. Cor. 10. 16.
    • 1. Cor. 11. 24.
  • The Cup it is to bee giuen to al▪ and to be drunken of al.
    • Math. 26. 27.
    • Marke. 14. 23
    • Luk. 22. 17.
    • 1. Cor. 10. 16.
    • 1. Cor. 11. 25.
• Theis vvitnes [...]e the publique con­fessions of other Christian Chur­ches. Confes. of
  • Helue. 2. c. 21
  • Hel. 1. art. 22.
  • Bohem. c. 13
  • Fran. art. 36. 37. 38.
  • Flan. art. 35
  • Ausb. con­cerning the Masse. ar. 1. 2.
  • Saxon. art. 15
  • VVitt. c. 19.
  • Sueau. c. 18.
    Though it bee but à mans couenant when it is confirmed, yet no man doth abrogate it or addeth anie thing thereto, (saith S. Paul Gal. 3. 15.) what im­pudencie then, yea, what impiety do they show, which alter this institution of God? Some
    • By adding there-to
      • So do the Artotarites add chees [...]
      • So do the Ca [...]aphry­gians add blood, and the seede of man.
        • Vnto the bread
    • By taking there from so
      • The S [...]uerians wil vse no wi [...]
      • The Manichies minister but bread onelie, and not the cup also.
      • The Papistes, though theie vse both kindes; yet theie denie the Cup vnto the people, yea, and to Clergie men too, when theie saie not masse.
    • By chaunging th'elements. So Th'aqu [...]ian [...] tooke for vvine, water, to the end theie might seeme the more sober, as theie saide.

31 ARTICLE. Of th'oblation of Christ finished vpon the Crosse.

TH'offring of Christe once made ¹ is that perfect re­demption propitiatiō, & satisfaction for al the sinns of the whole world, both original and actual, and ther is none other satisfaction for sinne, but that alone. ² UUherefore the sacrifices of Masses, in the which it was commonlie saide that the Priestes did offer Christe for the quicke and the dead, to haue remission of paine and guilt, were blasphemous fa­bles, and daungerous deceites.

• 1 The blood of Iesus Christ once shed for mankinde vpon the Crosse, is à perfect redemption propiciation and satisfaction for al the sinnes of the whole world.
• 2 The Sacrifices of Masses are most blasphemous fables, and dangerous deceites.

• [Page 61]Redemp­tion
  • Act. 20, 28.
  • Rom. 5, 6. &c.
  • Gal. 3, [...]3.
  • 1. Cor. 6, 28.
  • 1. Pet. [...] v. 18, 19.
• Propitia­tion.
  • Acts. 10, 43.
  • Rom. 3, 25.
  • Heb 9, 12 &c. 28
  • 1. Iohn. 2, 2.
  • 1. Iohn. 4, 10.
• Satisfac­tion.
  • Iohn. 1, 29.
  • 1. Pet. 3, 18.
  • 1. Iohn. 1, 7.
    For al the sinnes of the whole world both origi­nal and ac­tual. Here▪ vnto beare witnesse the Churches of God. Cō ­ [...]l. of
    • Heluet. 1. art. 11.
    • Heluet. 2. c. 11. 15
    • Basil. art. 4.
    • Bohem. cap. 6.
    • France. art. 1 [...]. 16. 17.
    • Flan ar. 20. 21. 22.
    • Ausb. art. 3. 4.
    • Saxon. art. 3.
    • VVitt. cap. 2. 5.
    • Sueaue. ca. 2. 3.
      Herebie it is open to the eies of al men, that most cursed be th'errors of thē which if you re­spect
      • Time, do saie that from the beginning of the world vntil the 15▪ yeere of Tibe [...]us Th'emperor, none were saued. Th'er­ror of Manes the haeretique.
      • Persons that
        • Shal bee saued; do giue out, how al men and women that sinne after baptisme, are vn­doubtedlie condemned. In this error
          • VVere the
            • Monta­nists.
            • Noua­tians.
          • Are manie of the Anabaptists.
        • Do saue; do [...]each that
          • Our saluation is of our selues; so saith Melchies Hoffman, an arch-haeretique.
          • The Saui­our
            • Of men from the time of Saint Francis, is Saint Francis.
            • Of women, from her time vntil th'end of the world, Saint Clare.
            • Of men and wo­men.
              • Saint Marie by her virginitie.
              • S. Christina through her passion.
          • Though Christ haue suffered for al men in general: yet euerie man must suffer for himselfe in particular. Yea, one man maie satisfie for another by the Papists doc­trine.
      • Sinne, do hold that
        • Christ hath satis­fied & was of fered onelie for o­rigi­nal sin & not for actual. An error of Tho. Aquinas.
        • Sins actual and
          • Venial are to bee ta­ken awaie
            • By sacred Ceremonies.
            • By à Bishops blessing.
            • By à Priests absolution.
          • Mortal bee forgiuen some­time by à pardon from
            • A Bishop▪
            • The Pope

• [Page 62]A Sacrifice.
• A Sacrifice propitiatorie.
• A Sacrifice propitiatorie for the
  • quicke
  • Dead.
• The same propitiatorie Sacrifice that was offered by Christ himselfe, vpon the crosse.
• A Sacrifice, in which▪ by the vertue of à few, euen fiue wordes mumbled-vp of a Priest, Christ, euen that Christ, which hung vpon the Crosse, is contained.
• A Sa­crifice seruing
  • For al persons.
    • Quicke
    • Dead
      • To purge thē from their sins
      • T'ease them of their pains▪
      • To satisfie for their punish­ment.
  • For all necessities
    • Corporal.
    • Spiritual.
• A Sacrifice propitiatorie of Iesus Christ re­alie offered to God the Father, and that of­ten and onelie in the honour of dead Saints.
• A Sacrifice where▪ in Christ is so glorious­lie, that it is to bee adored euen with diuine worship both of Priest and people.
• A Sacrifice meritorious to al them for whom it is offered, though there be not a­mong the liuing, but dead; and though li­uing, yet absent; and though present, yet with-out zeale, knowledge, or faith, and that ex opere operato.
  VVher bie we maie note
  • Blasphe­mous fa­bles. For it is
    • A fable that the Masse is a Sacrifice, and that propitia­torie.
    • A fable that a few vvordes of à Priest, can chaunge bread into a liuing bodie, yea, manie bodies, vvith their soules, and that of Iesus Christ, God & man
    • A fable that one, & the same sacrifice is offered in the Masse vvhich vvas offered on the Crosse.
    • A fable that it is a­nie vvhit profitable for the quick, much lesse for the dead▪
  • Dange­rous de­ceits. For herebie a­mong o­ther things men are to beleeue that
    • Creatures maie be adored: the contra­rie is, Exod. 20. 4,
    • Christ is often offe­red▪ contra. Heb. 19 12. &c.
    • The Priest offereth vp▪ Christ; contra. Heb. 9. 14.
    • Sinnes be forgiuen vvithout blood; contra. Heb. 9. 22
    • Christe died not once, but daily; contra Heb. 9. 27.
    • Faith is not necessarie in cōmunicants; for vvhether there beleeue or no, their sinnes maie bee re­mitted by à Masse; cōtra. Heb. 11. v▪ 4. 6
    • VVe are not to re­member Christ ab­sent, but to adore him praesent; con­tra. Luk. 22. 19. 1. cor 11. 25.
    • The fauour of God maie bee purchased with monie from à Priest: contra. 1. Pet. 1. v. 18. 19.
      VVhich their fa­bles, and deceites [...]ēd to th'abolishing of true re­ligion. Therefore iustly haue vve & our godlie brethren a­bandoned the Masse Confessi. of
      • Heluet. 2. c. 19. 21
      • Helue. 1. art. 22.
      • Basil. art 6.
      • Bohem. cap. 13.
      • Flan. ar. 35.
      • Ausb. touch­ing the Masse. art. 1. 3.
      • Saxon. art. 14.
      • Vvitt. cap. 19.
      • Sueaue. ca. 19.
        Ac­cursed thē [...]e those Pa­pists which either de [...]ēd or fa­uour the Masse as
        • The sa­crifice of christ his bo­die, and blood.
        • The on lie soue raigne worship due to God & his Church

32 ARTICLE. Of the marriage of Priestes.

BIshops, Priestes, and Deacons ¹ are not commaunded by Gods law, nether to vow th'estate of single life, or to abstein from marriage. Therefore it is lawful also for them ² as for al other Christian men to marrie at their owne discre­tion, as theie shal iudge the same to serue better to godli­nesse.

• 1 By the word of God it is lawful for Bishops, and other Ecclesiastical Ministers, to marrie at their owne discretion.
• 2 It is lawful by the word of God for al Christian men, and women, to marrie at their discre­tion in the feare of God.

• [Page 64]In the olde Testament by the
  • Commandements giuen vnto the priests from the mouth of the Lord concerning the choise of their wiues. Leuit. [...], 7. &c.
  • Exam­ples of the moste
    • Religions Priests that were maried. &c.
      • Aaron. Leuit. 22, 1. &c.
      • Elias. 1. Sam. 3, [...]3.
      • Samuel. 1. Sam. 8, v. 1, 2.
      • Zach [...]i [...]. Eu [...]. 1, 5
    • Diuine Prophets, al which were maried, as it is thought, except Ieremie.
  • In the nevve Testament
  • By the words of S. Paul, vvho doth write that
    • A Bishop. (1. Tim. 3) is to be
      • The husbande of one wife.
      • One that hath chil­dren vnder obedi­ence▪
    • An Eldedr (Tit. 1. v. 5▪ 6.) must be
      • Vnreproueble.
      • The husband of one wife.
      • Hauing faithful children.
    • Deacons. (1. Tim. 3. v. 11, 12.) must
      • For their owne part be the husbands of one wife.
      • Haue wiues that be
        • Honest.
        • Not euil speakers, &c.
  • By th'examples of Peter (Matth. 8, 14.) Paul. (Phil▪ 4, 3.) and the rest of Th'apo­stles (1. Cor. 9, 5.) which vvere al maried men, Iohn Th'auangelist onelie except, as some do suppose.
    The syn­cere chur­ches of God, both by practise do honor, & by wri­tings commend the wedded state, of ecclesiastical Minister [...] ▪ Confes. of
    • Heluet. 2. ca. [...]9.
    • Heluet. 1. ar. 37.
    • Basil. art. 10. sect. 1. 2.
    • Bohem. c. 9. 19.
    • France. art. 14.
    • Ausb. art. 4. 5. tou­ching abuses.
    • Saxon. ar. 18. 21
    • VVitt. c. 21. 26.
    • Sueaue. cap. 12.
      And no Prote­stant church is of the mind of the
      • Vigilantians, that al, and euerie one of the Cleargie is necessarilie to be maried, or not to be admitted for à Minister.
      • Of the Papists wherof some do say, that
        • From Th'apostles time it was not lawful for anie Priest to marie. Ma­ [...]oranus report.
        • The 3 Or­ders.
          • Of Deacons
          • Of Sub deacōs
          • Of Priests
            • Are bo [...]d to chastitie (that is, not to marie)
        • After Or­ders taken to marie
          • It is not lawful
          • It is to turne backe vnto Sa­tan.
          • It is Apostacie
        • None maie be made à Priest, though he wil vovv à single life, if hee haue bin (not à whoremonger) but à maried man.
        • Mari­age is not à Sacrament, & yet
          • Sacred persons maie not marie.
          • For à Priest to plaie the whoremonger, it is à lesse offence than to take an ho­nest woman to wife. The blasphemie of Pighius.
          • The darnel of the Rhe­mish Semina­ries.

• [Page 65]So faith the spirit of god in the holy scripture, vnto al men & womē in all ages,
  • Bring▪ forth fruit, and multiplie, & fil th'earth Gen. 1, 28.
  • Mariage is honourable among al men, and the bed vndefiled. Heb. 13, 4.
  • 1. Co [...] 7▪ 2. T'a­uoid forni­catiō.
    • Let euerie man haue his wife.
    • Let euerie woman haue her husband.
  • If theie can not ab­steine, let them marie 1. Cor 7, 9.
  Particu­larlie, be­cause most que­stions are about them, marie maie
  • Bishops. 1. Tim. 3. 2. &c.
  • Elders. Tit. 1, 9.
  • Deacons 1. Tim. 3, v. 11, 12.
  • Virgins, 1. Cor. 7, v. 28, 36.
  • VVidows 1. Cor. 7, ver 8, 9. 1. Tim. 5, 14.
    In sai­eng that Christi­ans may marie at their discretion, the meaning is not, that a­nie ma­rie, if theie thinke good,
    • within the de­grees of kinred, and af­finitie prohibited by whole­some lawes.
    • VVith­out the consent of pa­rents, or other in the room of parents if theie bevnder tuition.
    • To o­ther ends thā God hath prefixed
    • So testifie the reformed Churches by their publique writings. Confes. of
      • Heluet. 1. ar. 37
      • Heluet. 2. c. 29.
      • Bohem. cap. 19.
      • France. art. 24.
      • Ausb. tuching abuses. ar. 4. 5.
      • Saxon. art. 18.
      • VVitt. cap. 21. 26.
      • Sueaue. cap. 22.
        • No­thing li­ked, and institu­ted of God hath e­uerie way bin more inuaded than holie Ma­trimo­nie. For
          • Some vtterlie condem [...] mariage as
            • The Gnostikes.
            • The Hieracites.
            • The Priscillianites.
            • The Montanists.
            • The Saturnians.
            • Th'apostolikes, who excōmunicated out of their assemblies al maried folkes.
          • Some alow­ed the wed­ded life, yet
            • Not
              • To euerie state, or calling
              • Be­tweene spiritu­al kins­folks, as
                • The godfather, & the god­daughter
                • The godmother, and the godson.
                • The godbrother and the godfa­ther, &c. As the Pa­pists
            • Alow theie no man to marie-again, his first wife beeing dead; such haeretiks were the
              • Catharans
              • Originists.
              • Tertulia­nists.
            • Theie thinke that al wiues should be cō ­mon; th'error of the
              • Nicalai­tans
              • Dauigeor gians.
            • Theie are of opinion that nei­ther the husband should knovve his wife, nor the wife her hus­bande, as man and wife are to know one th'other: A fancie of Th'abeloites.
            • Theie wil not marie according to Gods word, but think that one man, at one and the same time maie haue manie wiues: in which error are
              • The Her mogeni­ans.
              • The Turkes.
              • The O­chinites

33 ARTICLE. Of Excommunicate persons, how theie are to be auoided.

THe person ¹ which by open denownciation of the Churche, is rightlie cut-of from th'unitie of the Church, and Excommunicated, ought to be taken of the whole multitude of the faythful, as are hea­then and Publicane, ² vntil he be openlie reconci­led by Poenaunce, and receiued into the Church by à iudge that hath auctoritie thereunto.

• 1 The person that is rightlie by the Church Excommunicate, is of al the faithful to be taken for an Heathen and Publicane.
• 2 An Excommunicate person, truelie repenting, is to be receiued into the Church againe.

• [Page 67]Cōmended to the Church euen by God himself; who in his word hath prescribed
  • VVho are to excomunicate, [...]elie, such as haue auctoritie in the Church. Matth. 18 vet. 17▪ 1. Cor. 5, ver. 4, 5. 2. Cor. 3. ver. 13, 14. 2. Thes. 3. 6.
  • VVho are to be ex­com­muni­cate, euen tvvo sorts of mē wher­of
    • Some p [...]ru [...]rt the sounde doctrine of the truth. ( [...]. [...]im. [...] ▪ 20) as
      • Hymeneus.
      • Alexander.
    • Some are de [...]iled with notorious wickednes, as that incestuous per­son. 1. Cor 5, 1.
  • The maner of procee­ding in ex­com­munication name lie
    • First, if the fault bee not notoriouslie knowen, by gentle admonition, & that
      • Once or twice giuen Tit [...], 10 Matt. 18, 15.
      • VVith the spirit of me [...]knesse. Gal. 6, 1.
      • Euen as to à brother. 2. Thes. 3, 15.
    • Next, if nothing wil serue, and the crime, and person be verie of­fensiue
      • By open reprehensi­on. 1. Tim. 5, 20.
      • By publike sentence of the church
        • To put him awaie from the cōpanie of the faith­ful. 1. Co. 5, [...]3
        • To deliuer him vnto Satan. 1▪ Cor. 5, 5.
        • To denunce him
          • An hea­then.
          • A pub­lican
          • A cursed.
            A man so cut off frō the church and ex­com­muni­cated, is of e­uerie man to bee a­uoided (Rom. 16, 17) and
            • Not to be eaten with al 1. Cor. 5, 11.
            • Not to bee com­panied withal 1. Cor 5, 8.
            • Not to bee recea­ued into house 2. Ioh. v, 10.
              Adue [...] sa [...]ies vnto this ex­communicatiō of christ bee al theie
              • VVhich simplie condemne al excommunication, saieng, the vviked are not to be excommunicate, such vvere the Paulicians.
              • VVhich excom­municat either vvhome theie should not, or to à wrong ende
                • So
                  • Th'apostolikes did excommu­nicate al that were married, and for no cause, but for that theie vvere married.
                  • Christ prophecied that his disciples, and faithful people, should be excommunicated. Iohn. 16. [...]
                  • Dio [...]ephes did thrust out the brethren out of the Church. 3. Iohn. ver. 10.
                • So
                  • The Papistes did, vvhen theie excom­municated, and that being dead the dead bodies of
                    • VVicklie [...].
                    • Bucer.
                    • P. Fagius
                  • The Papistes do in thundering theire Buls of excommu­nication against the most godlie
                    • Kinges.
                    • Queenes.
                    • Princes.
                    • States.
                    • Men.
                    • VVomen.
                  • Theie do which ex­ercise excommuni­cation not of anie conscience, but for gaine; where it commeth that excommunication is
                    • Not regarded of in­feriors.
                    • Derided of Superi­ors.
              • VVhich sauour the right excommunica­tion, but exercise it not, beeing bound thereunto. Theis are to be rebuked as was
                • The Corinthians of S. paul 1. Cor. 5. v. 1. 2.
                • Th'angel of Pergamus for suffering the Balaamites, & Nioclaitans. Reuel [...] 14.
                • Th'angel of Laodicea, for beeing neither hot, nor cold▪ Reue. [...]. 14.
• Had in great re­uerence, and esti­mation of the faithful seruants of Iesus Christ, as maie appeare in the Confessi­ons of the God­lie. Confes of.
  • Heluet. 1. art. 19.
  • Heluet. 2. cap. 17. 18.
  • Bohem. c. 8. 14.
  • France ar. 29. 33.
  • Fland. art. 30. 32.
  • Sa [...]on ar. 11. 17.
  • Ausburg. touching ab uses. art 7.
  • VVittem. art 31.

• [Page 68]That à vviked liuer, to the reproch of the Gospel, bee not suffered among the professors of true religion; and manie good bee not euil spoken of, for a [...]evve bad.
• That the good be not corrupted, or in­fected through the continual, or often fa­miliaritie of the vviked. 1. Cor. [...], 6.
• That he vvhich hath fallen, through shame of the world maie at the length
  • Learne to to blas­pheam no more. 1. Tim. 1. 20.
  • Through repentāce be saued. 1 Cor. 5. 5.
    Among al other causes there­fore of excommunicatiō, one is, that the person excommu­nicate maie not bee condem­ned vtterlie, but returne vnto the Lord by repentance, and so bee receaued▪ againe into the visible Church, as S. Paul willed th'incestuous mā shuld be (1. Cor. 2. 7. &c) This truth I knovve none that denieth, vnlesse it be certaine
    • Monta­nistes.
    • Nouati­ans.
    • Fantasti­cal Ana­baptistes.
      • vvhich are of opinion that al theie vvhich sinne after bap­tisme, vvith­out al hope of reconcili­ation, bee damned.

34 ARTICLE. Of the traditions of the Church.

IT is not necessarie that traditions and ceremonies ¹ be in al places one, or vtterlie like, for at al times theie haue bin diuers, and maie be changed according to the diuersities of Countries, times and mens maners, so that nothing be or­dained against Gods word. ² Whosoeuer through his pri­uate iudgement, willinglie and purposelie doth openlie breake the traditi­ons and ceremonies of the Church, ³ which be not repugnant to the worde of God, and be ordained and appointed by common auctoritie, ought to bee [...]ebuked openlie (that other maie feare to do the like) as he that offendeth against the common order of the Church, and hurteth th'auctoritie of the Magistrate, and woundeth the consciences of the weake brethren. ⁴ Eue­ [...]e particular or national Church hath auctoritie to ordaine, chaunge, and [...]bolish ceremonies, or rites ordained onelie by mans auctoritie, so that al [...]hings be done to aedifieng.

• The same traditions or ceremonics are not to be like in al places.
• No priuate man of à selfe-wil, and purposelie maie in publike, violate the traditions and cere­monies of the Church, which by common auctoritie be allowed, and are not repugnaunte to the word of God.
• Ceremonies and traditions, ordained by th'auctoritie of man, if theie be repugnant to Gods worde, are not to be kept and obserued of anie man.
• Euerie particular, or national Church male ordaine, change, and abolish ceremonies, or rites ordained onelie by mans auctoritie, so that al things be done to aedifieng.

• [Page 70]The ceremonies of th'old Law had not bine▪ as theie are novv abolished: Acts. 6, 14. 10, 13. &c. 15, 1. &c. Gal. 2, 3. &c. Ephes. 2. 14. Col, 2. 16.
• Th'apo­stles wold neuer haue giuē such prae­sidents of altering them vp­on special reasons, as theie haue don. For wee find that they chā ­ged
  • The times and places of their as­sembling togither. For the people of God [...]et, and Th'a­postles preached
    • Some­time
      • In the weeke daies. Acts. 2, 46. 5, 42.
      • On the Sabboth daies Acts. 13, 14, &c. 43, &c 17, 2. 18, 4.
    • Some­time
      • Pub­like­lie
        • In the temple Acts. 2, 46. 3. 1. &c. 5, 26.
        • In the Syna­gogues. Act. 9, 20. 14, 1. 17, 10 18, 4▪ 19▪ 8.
        • In the scholes. Acts. 19, 9.
      • Pri­uatlie
        • In house after house. Acts. 5, 42.
        • In chambers. Act. 1, 13. 20, 8. 28. v. 30, 31.
    • Some­time
      • In the daie time, Acts. 2, 46. 3, 1. &c.
      • In the night▪ Acts. 20, 7, &c.
  • The ceremonies in th'ad­ministra­tion
    • Of baptisme if good occasi­on was offred. bapti­sing.
      • In publike assemblies. Acts. 2. 41.
      • In priuate houses. Act. 16, 33. 10. v. 27, 48.
      • Before manie. Act. 8. 12. 10. ver. 27. 48.
      • VVhen none of the faithful were praesent. Acts. 8. 36.
    • Of the L. Sup­per; mini­string the same
      • Not alwaies at one time, but some­time.
        • At midnight Acts. 20, 11.
        • In the daie time. Acts. 2, 46.
      • Not alwaies in one place, but some­time
        • In the chur­ches. 1. Cor. [...]. 17. &c.
        • In houses. Acts. 20, 7. 2, 46.
          So nothing ther­fore is done a­gainst gods word, no doubt traditi­ons and ceremo­nies, according to the diuersitie of countries, times, and mens maners maie be changed Of this iudgment with vs bee the Churches of God about vs. Con­fes. of
          • Heluet. 2. cap. 17, 27.
          • Bohem. c. 15.
          • France. art. 32.
          • Fland. art. 32.
          • Ausburg. art. 15, and art. 7. tou­ching abu­ses.
          • Saxon. art. 20.
          • VVittem. art. 35.
          • Sueaue▪ ca. 14.
            Herebie it is eui­dent that they are greatlie deceiued vvhich thinke that
            • The Iew­ish cere­monies prescribed of God himselfe for à time vnto the Iewes are vnuiola­blie to be obserued of vs chri­stians▪ such are the
              • Ievves.
              • Turkes.
              • Cerdo­nites.
              • Cerin [...]i­ans.
              • Nazari [...].
              • Armeni­ans.
              • Familists.
            • The popish ceremo­nies of the Romish Antichrist, are vniuersa [...] to be kept in al place [...]
            • Traditions and cere­monies must euerie where be the same.

• [Page 71]From the cursce of the Law. Gala. 3. 13.
• From the law
  Rom. 8. 2.
  • Of sinn
  • Of death.
• From the Iewish
  Act. 15. 24. &c.
  • Rites.
  • Ceremonies.
• From al humaine ordinaun­ces, & traditions, so far forth as there binde the conscien­ces of men. Hereof speaketh S. Paul. Colos. 2. 8. &c.
  yet is the Churche bounde to th'obser­uation of al traditi­ons, and ceremonies which are allowed by lavvful auctoritie, and are not repugnant to the vvorde of God For he that violateth them, contemneth not man, but God, who hath giuen pow­er to his Church to establish whatsoeuer thinges make vnto (1 Cor. 14. ver. 40. 26)
  • Com­lines.
  • Order
  • Aedi­ficati­on.
    This of our godlie brethren, some doe not let by publique vvritinges to testifie. Confes, of
    • Heluet. 1. art 25.
    • Bohem. c. 15 18.
    • Ausb. art. 4. 15.
    • Fran. art. 32.
    • Heluet. 2. c. 24.
    • Saxon. ar. 20
    • Sueau. cap. 4
      Others gon-out from vs, do hold that
      • Christian Magistra­tes haue none au­ctoritie▪
        • T▪appoint anie cere­monies & Rites for the due seruice of God.
        • To exact outvvarde obedience vnto cere­monies righthe or dained.
      • The peo­ple of God are [...]ee
        • From all Ecclesiastical iuris­diction.
        • From the obseruati­on of al ceremonies, and Rites.

• [Page 72]Some are of things meer lie vviked such
  • VVas
    • Th'israelites calfe. Exod 32. 4 &c.
    • Nebuchadnezar [...] Idol. Dan. 3. 1. &c.
  • Are the Papistical
    • Images.
    • Reliques.
    • Agnus deis.
    • Crosces.
      To vvhich theie giue diuine ado­ration.
      • Theis are flatlie for­bidden of the Lord. Exod. 20. 4.
• Some are of things nei­ther com­manded, nor forbidden, as
  • Of eating, or not eating fleshe.
  • Of wearing, or not wea ring some apparel.
  • Of keeping or not kee­ping of some daies ho­lie &c.
    VVhich are not to bee obserued, vvhen it is deliuered as sound doc­trine, that such workes
    • Do merit remission of sinnes,
    • Are th'acceptable seruice of God.
    • Do more please than th'obseruation of the lawes of God.
    • Are necessarilie to be done insomuch that theie are damned which do them not.
      For th'auoiding of al theis, vve muste remember that vvee are bought with a price, and ther­fore maie not be the seruaunts of men (1. Cor. 7. 23.) and that none humain constitution in the church, doth binde a­nie man to break the least commaunde­ment of God. Act. 5. 29. The consideration heere of, hath caused other Churches also with à svveete consent to cō demne suche wiked ceremonies of man. Confel. of
      • Heluet. 2. c, 2. 24. 27.
      • Heluet, [...], ar. 4.
      • Basil art. 5 sect 3. art. 10,
      • Bohem. c. 15
      • Franc. art. 24. 33.
      • Flan. art. 7. 29 32,
      • Ausb. art. [...]5.
      • VVittem. art. 28. 29. 32. 3 [...].
      • Suca. c. 8 &c. 14 15
        • Such vngodlie traditions, and ceremonies in à manner, be al the ceremo­nies, and traditions of Th'­antichristian Synagogue of Rome; and therefore to be abando­ned of vs al.

• [Page 73]Some, God his most excel­lent maiestie himselfe hath ordained, such is the cere­monie of.
  • Baptisme.
  • The L. Supper.
    • VVhich are til th'end of the vvorlde vvith­out al additi­on, diminuti­on & alteration with al zeale, & religion to bee obserued.
• Some bee ordained by the au­ctoritie of each pro­uincial, or nationall Church, & that for
  • The Comli­nes of the Church that is to saie▪ that
    • By those helps the people of God maie the better be infla­med with à god lie zeale.
    • Sobrenes and grauitie maie appeare in the wel handling of Ecclesiastical matters.
  • Order sake, e­uen
    • That gouer­nors maie haue rules & directi­ons how to go­uerne by.
    • That auditors may know how to prepare, and behaue them­selues in diuine seruice.
    • That à ioiful peace maie bee among al men by the wel ordering of Church affaires. VVe haue pro­ued alreadie that such tradi­tions maie bee made, and changed, augmented and diminished as fit time, and oportunitie shalbee mini­stred; and that not by the Ca­tholique (for that is, and hath alwaies bin im­possible) but by particular Churches
      Th'ef­fect here of vvee maie reade in the Confes. of
      • Heluet. 2. c. 27
      • Bohem. c. 15.
      • Fran. art 32.
      • Flan. art 32.
      • Ausbur. touch­ing abu­ses ar 7.
      • VVitte. art. 35.
      • Sueaue. ca. 14.
        This sheweth th'in­tolerable arrogancy of the Church of Rome, which dare take vpon her
        • To alter the Sacramentes ordained euē by Christe himselfe.
        • To praescribe rites and cere­monies, not to some parti­cular churches but to the whole church militant.

35 ARTICLE. Of Homilies.

THE seconde booke of Homilies, the seueral title whereof, we haue ioyned vnder this article, doth containe à godlie, and wholsome doctrine, and necessarie for these times, as doth the former booke of Homilies, which were set forth in the time of Edwarde the sixte: and therefore we iudge them to be read in Churches by the Ministers diligentlie and distinctlie, that there maie be vnderstanded of the people.

• 1 Of the right vse of the Church.
• 2 Against peril of Idolatrie.
• 3 Of the repairing, and keeping clean of the Churches.
• 4 Of good workes, first of Fasting.
• 5 Against gluttonie, and drunkennes.
• 6 Against excesse of apparel.
• 7 Of Praier.
• 8 Of the place and time of praier.
• 9 That common prayers, and Sacraments ought to be ministred in à knowen tongue
• 10 Of the reuerent aestimation of gods word
• 11 Of Almes doing.
• 12 Of the Natiuitie of Christe.
• 13 Of the Pascion of Christe.
• 14 Of the Resurrection of Christe.
• 15 Of the worthie receiuing of the Sacra­ment of the bodie and blood of Christe.
• 16 Of the giftes of the holie Ghoste.
• 17 For the Rogation daies.
• 18 Of the state of Matrimonie.
• 19 Of Repentaunce.
• 20 Against Idlenesse.
• 21 Against Rebellion.

The seconde booke of Homilies, as also the former, I doubt not, containe godlie and wholsome doctrine, necessarie for this time. But for somuch as this is none Article of the Catholique Religion, but à priuate Article for our Church, neither yet for the whol church of England, but for some pla­ces, where, and for some time, when able and fit Ministers are not praesent to preach the worde of God, and serueth onelie (as both from the booke of Cōmon praier, maie wel be gathered ( Obseruat. nexte after Nicen Cr [...]ed) & experience proueth) for an Interim as it were, til fit Pastors be prouided for: and a­gain, because most of those Homilies, according to their seueral titles, haue bine alreadie handled in this, and th'other part of my subscription, I cease from further wrighting of the same in this place.

36 ARTICLE. Of Consecration of Bishops and Ministers.

THE booke of Consecration of Archbishopps, and Bishops, and ordering of Priests and deacons, late­lie set forth in the time of Edward the sixt, and con­firmed at the same time by auctoritie of parliament, doth containe al things necessarie to such consecra­tion and ordering: neither hath it anie thing, that of it selfe is superstitious or vngodlie. And therefore, whosoeuer are consecrated, or ordered according to the rites of that booke, since the second yeere of the afore-named K. Ed­ward, vnto this time, or hereafter shalbe consecrated, or ordered according to the same rites, we decree al such to be rightlie, orderlie, and lawfullie consecrated and ordered.

37 ARTICLE. Of the ciuil Magistrate.

THe Queenes M. ¹hath the chiefe power in this realme of Eng. and other her dominions, ²vnto whom the chiefe go­uerment of al estates of this realm, whether theie be Eccle­siastical, or ciuil, in al causes doth appertaine, and is not, nor ought to be subiect to anie foraine iurisdiction. Where we attribute to the Queenes M. the chiefe gouerment, by which titles, we vn­derstand the mindes of some slaunderous folks to be offended: ³we giue not to our Princes, the ministring either of Gods worde, or of Sacraments, the which Th'iniunctions also latelie set forth by Elizabeth our Q. doth most plainlie testifie: but that onelie prerogatiue, which we see to haue bine giuen alwaies to al godlie princes in holie Scriptures by God himselfe, that is, that theie should rule al estates, and degrees committed to their charge by God, whether theie be Ecclesiastical, or temporal, ⁴and restraine with the ciuil sword, the stubborne and euil doers. ⁵The 'Bishop of Rome hath no iuris­diction in this realme of Eng. ⁶The lawes of the realme maie punish Chri­stian men with death for heinous and grieuous offences ⁷It is lawful for Christian men, at the commandement of the Magistrate, to weare wea­pons, and serue in the warres.

• 1 The Queenes Maiest. hath the chiefe power in this realme of Eng. and other her dominions.
• 2 The Queenes Maiestie hath the chiefe gouernement of al states, Ecclesiastical and ciuil, in al causes within her dominions.
• 3 The ciuil Magistrate maie not execute th'ecclesiastical duties of preaching, and of ministring the Sacraments.
• 4 The ciuil Magistrate is to restraine with the material sword, and to punish malefactors, who­soeuer theie bee.
• 5 The Bishop of Rome hath no iurisdiction in this Realme of England.
• 6 By the lawes of this Realme Christian men, for hainous and greuous offences, maie be put to death.
• 7 It is lawful for Christian men, at the commaundement of the Magistrate, to weare wepons, and serue in the wars.

• [Page 79]Manie, & the [...]e of th [...]n seriot people, bear the swaie, as in à De­mocra­tie.
• A sevve and that of chois, and the best mē, do go­uerne; as in an Aristo­cratie.
• One man or woman hath the prae [...]minence, as in à Monar­chie. Such is the go­uerne­ment of this realme at this present.
  VVhat soeuer the state be, the worde of God [...]ea cheth vs, that
  • There is no power but of God,
  • The powers that be are or­dained of god.
  • Vvhosoeuer resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God.
    Rom. 13. v. 12.
    • VVe must
      • Be subiect and obedient to the principalities, and powers, sit. 3, [...].
      • Submitt our selues vnto al manner ordi­nance of man for the Lordes [...]ake. 1. Pet. 2. 13.
      • Praie for kings and for al that be in auctoritie, 1. Tim. 2. v. 1. 2.
      • Giue to all men their dutie Rom 13. 7.
        • Tribute, to whom tribute.
        • Custom, to whom custome.
        • Feare, to whom feare.
        • Honor, to whom honor is due.
          But of the regiment of Kings and Queenes, special mention is made,
          • By the prophet [...]saie, say­ing, chap. 49. [...]3.
            • Kings shal­be thi nowri shing Fa­thers
            • Quee nes shal­bee thie nur­ces.
          • By Saincte Paule, who exhorteth, that supplications and praiers bee made for Kinges, 1. Tim▪ 2. 1 &c.
          • By Peter, For hee calleth the King, the Superior, or him that hath the chiefe power (as our Queene Eli­zabeth hath in he [...] dominions) 1. Pet. 2. 13.
            Of this iudge­ment al [...]o be other Chri­stian Chur­ches, Confes of
            • Helue. [...]. art. 26.
            • Heluet. 2 cap. 30.
            • Basil. art. 7.
            • Bohem. ca. 16. and in the con­clus.
            • Fland. art 36.
            • Ausburg. art. 16. 17.
            • Saxon. art. 23
            • Sueau. in the pero­rat.
              where­by thei with vs▪ and we with them do condemne th'opi­nions
              • Of the
              • Mani­chies
              • Fra [...]ricel lians.
              • Flagelli­ [...]eries.
                whiche altogi­ther, & simplie con­demne Magi­stracie.
                • Of the dreamers which
                  • Despise gouerne­ment.
                  • Speake e­uil of them which are in auctori­tie.
                • Of Th'anabaptists, that holde howe Christians are not to be magistrats
                • Of al thē which dreame or disalowe the Regi­ment of women.

• [Page 80]In that theie are
  • Fortitles
    • Gratious Lords. Luke. 22, 25.
      Rom. 13. ver. 3, 4.
      • Princes.
      • The Ministers of God.
    • The nurses of the Church. Isa. 49, 23.
    • Gods. Psal. 82, 1.
  • For auctoritie the chiefe, 1. Pet. 2. 13. which moueth Saint Paule t'exhort that suppliea­tions &c▪ be made for al men, but first for Kings, as for the chiefe. 1. Tim. 2, 1.
• By the comaunde­ment of God vnto al states and cal­lings without ex­ception
  • Let euerie soule be subiect to the higher power, &c. Rom. 13, 1. &c.
  • Submit your selues, &c. vvhether it be to the King, as vnto the supe­rior, or vnto gouernors that are sent of him, &c. 1. Pet. 2. v. 13, 14.
• By the famous examples
  • Of the high Priest
    • Aaron, who calleth Moses his Lord. Exod. 32, 22.
    • Abimelech, which termed Saul his Lord. 1. Sam. 22, 12.
  • Of Iosaphat, who appointed Iudges, Leuits and Priests. 2. Chro. 19, 5. &c.
  • Of Eze­chias
    • He sent to al Israel and Iu­dah, that theie should come to the house of the Lord at Ierusalem, to keepe the Passeouer, &c. a. Chro. 31. 2.
    • He appointed the courses of Priests, & Leuits by their turnes. 2. Chro. 31, 2.
    • He commanded
      • The Priests, the sons of Aaron, to offer sa­crifice, &c. & they o­beid him. 2. ch. 23, 21
      • Al the cōgregation to bring offrings, & they brought them. 2. Chro. [...]9, 31.
        The same do the churchesrefor­med attri­bute to Christian magistrats Confes. of
        • Helue. 1. art▪ 26.
        • Heluet. 2 cap. 30.
        • Basil. art. 7.
        • Bohem. ca. 16.
        • Fland. art. 36.
        • Ausburg. art. 16. 17.
        • Saxon. art. 23.
        • Sueaue. in the Pero­rat.
          This being so, hovve dare the pa­pists, as they do, saie that
          • The kings excellencie of power is in respect of the Nobilitie, and laie Magi­strates vnder him, and not in respect of Popes, Bishops or Priests, as they haue rule of soules?
          • Kings▪ & prin­ces, bee [...] neuer so great must bee sub­iect to some
            • Bishop?
            • Priest?
            • Praelate?
          • The whole Clergie ought to bee free from paieng tribute.
          • No man is to bee subiect to his temporal Prince, & superior in matters of re­ligion or regiment of his soule, but in such things onelie as concerne the publike peace & policie?
          • The Papists now in Eng­lang bee dulie discharged from subiection, and the Prince from dominion by the soueraignt auctoritie of the common pastor of Religion, whiche is the Pope.

• [Page 81]VVith K. Salomon
  • Build an house for the Lord, [...]. Chron. 1. 1
  • Set the courses of the Priests to their offi­ces, &c. [...]. Chron. 8▪ 14.
• VVith K. Ezekiah.
  2. kin. 8. 4.
  • Breake th▪images.
  • Cut down the groues
  • Take avvaie the hie places
  [...]. C [...]h 31 v. 2 4.
  • Appoint the courses of the Priests and Le­uites.
  • Inioine al the people to minister sustenāce for the Priests, and Leuites.
  Thus did E­zechiah throughout al Iudah▪ and did wel, and vprightlie, and trulie before the L. his God. 2. Chro. 31. 20▪
  • VVith K. Iosiah,
    • Put-downe, and burne the horses of the Sunne. 2. Kin. 23. 11,
    • Breake-dovrne the houses of the Sodo­mites. 2 King. 23. 7.
    • Purge Iudah, and Ie­rusalem (2. Chron. 34▪ 3) from the
      • Hie places.
      • Groues.
      • Karued images.
      • Moltē images, &c.
    • Appoint the Priestes to their charges, &c. 2 Chro. 35. 2.
    • Compel al that are found in Israel to serue the Lord their God. 2. Chro. 34. 33.
  • VVith the K. of Nihiuch, for th'auoiding of th'imment vengeance of God, Ionas. 3. 7. &c.
    • Proclaime a general Fast.
    • Command euerie man to turn from his euil waie, and from the wikednes that is in his handes.
      Herun to sub­scribe the Chur­ches ptote­stant. Confe of
      • Heluet. 1▪ ar [...]. 26.
      • Heluet. 2. c. 30
      • Basil. art 7.
      • Bohem. cap. 16.
      • France. art. 39.
      • Flan. art 36.
      • Saxon. art. 23.
      • VVitte. cap. 35.
        The Papists, as in other pointes so here­in discēt altoge­ther from the true Church of God. For thei teach that
        • No Queen
        • No King.
        • None Empe­ror.
        • Hath anie [...]ucto [...]tie to delibe­rate, or de­fine in m [...]tters of Religion; or to make a­nie lawes for th'ad­uancemēt of the same reli­gion; yea, vvhat Prince so­euer doth so, he shal­bee dam­ned, saie theie vn­doubtedly except theie do repent.
  4 Th'office of the ciuil Magistrate hath in part alrea die bin declared in this article; in part also this proposition she vveth, namely, that hee is to re­straine, and if need be, to punish the disturbers of the quiet, & peace of his Common­vvealth; and that if occa­sion do re­quire
  • [Page 82]By force of armes, if th'ene­mies of his State be
    • Foraine
    • Dome­stical.
      And theie gathered together be
      • Manie.
      • Migh­tie.
        To this end principallie theie haue
        • Men
        • Muni­tion.
        • Subsi­dies.
        • Tri­buts.
          Thus a­gainst th'ene­mies of God, & good men vvent of Israel & Iudah
          • The valiant Iudges
          • The noble and puissant Kinges & Princes.
  • By execu­ting of wholsome lawes vp­on the
    • Goods
    • Cattel
    • Lands
    • Bodies
      Of their disobedient sub­iects For he is the minister of God to take vengance on him that doeth euil. (Rom. 13. 4.). Therefore Princes are to be feared
      • Not of them vvhich do wel. Rom. 13. 3.
      • Of such as doe vvickedlie. Rom. 13. v [...]. 3. 4.
        Theie vvhich haue pro­fited in the schoole of Christia­nitie no­vvhit doue heereof. Confe. of
        • Heluet 1 ar. 24. 26▪
        • Heluet. 2. c. 30.
        • Basil. art 7.
        • Bohem. cap. 16.
        • France. art. 39.
        • Flan. art 36.
        • Ausb. ar 16.
        • Saxon. art. 23.
          But
          • The Cresco­nians are of an opinion that the Magistrates ar to punish no malefactors.
          • Rabanus drea meth that magistracy is not th'ordinaunce of God, for the good, but an humane inuention for the hurt of man.
          • Th'anab ap­tists deliuer that before the resurrectiōther shalnot be a­nie magistrats; for al the wi­ked shal be rooted out. The like fan­cie haue the Fam. of Loue.
          • The Papists think that the Cleargie are not to be pu­nished, or cor­rected of the ciuil magi­strate.
  5 The Bi­shop of Rome did he
  • [Page 83]Preach the Gospel (1. Cor 9 v. 16, 17. 1. Tim. 4, 2. Mat. 28. 19
  • Labor in the Lorde his haruest Mat. 9, 38.
  • Diuide the word of God a­ [...]ight. ( [...]. Tim. [...], 15.)
  • Minister the Sacra­ments, in­stituted by Christ, & that syn­cerelie. (Matt. 28, 19. 1. Cor. 10, 16.)
  • Shew by his life the goodfruits of à godly Bishop (1. Tim. 3, 2. &c. Tit. 1, 7. &c)
    Doubtles hee were worthie of double honor by the word of God (1. Tim▪ 5. 17) yet wil not the same worde of God, were he neuer so holie & religious, warrant him anie iurisdictiō within this realme, much lesse when hee doth exe­cute no part of à Christian, but euerie part of an Antichri­stian Bi­shop
    • In corrup­ting the doctrin of the truth with er­rors & cur­sed opini­ons.
    • In defa­cing the sacramēts of the church by super­sticious ce­remonies.
    • In perse­cuting the Church of Christ with fire and sword.
    • In making marchan­dise of the soules of men, tho­rough co­uetousnes. 2▪ Pet. 2, 3.
    • In pl [...]ieng the Lorde ouer gods heretage. 1. Pet. 5. 3.
    • In sitting in the temple of God, as God, shewing himself that hee is God. 2. Thes. 2 4.
    • In exal­ting him­self against al that is called god, or that is worship­ped. 2. Thes. 2, 4.
      In re­spect of which fruits of impie­tie, the pope of Rome
      • He is de­scribed in the holie scripture to be ve­rie Antichrist, euē
        • The wikedman.
        • That man of sinne.
        • The son of p [...]idi­tion.
        • Th'aduer­sarie of God.
        • 2. Thes. 2, 3. &c.
    • Hee was openlie proclaimed Anti­christ by à councel in France in the raigne of Capet.
    • He is cal­led by the godlie learned
      • The prince among al the children of pride.
      • Verie Lucifer.
      • The Basiliske of the Church.
      • The plague of the world.
      • Neither the head, nor the taile of the Church of God.
    • His iurisdiction hath bine, and is banished out o [...] Englande by manie kings & parli­ments, namelie by K.
      • Edwarde the 1. 3. 6.
      • Richard the 2.
      • Henrie the 4▪ 8.
    • His pride and intolle­rable supremacie is re­nounced by al the true seruants of God by mouth and writing. Confel. of
      • Hel. 1. 2. 18
      • Helue. 2 c. 17. 18.
      • Boh. c. 8. 9
      • Fland▪ art. 28. 31.
      • VVittem. art. 31.
      • Ausburg. touching abuses. 1 art. 7.
        And that vp­on good cause he is thus de­tested, it ap­peareth as by that alreadie set­downe: so by that which the Papists them­selues giue out of their holie father, as namelie that
        • The pope is
          • In supremacle, Abel.
          • In gouerning of the
          • A [...]ke, Noah.
          • In patriarkship, Abra­ham.
          • In Order, Melchise­dech.
          • In dignitie, Aaron.
          • In auctoritie, Moses.
          • In iudgement, Samuel.
          • In zeale, Helias
          • In humilitie, Dauid.
          • In power, Peter.
          • In respect of his vn [...] ­tion, Christ.
          • The general pastor.
          • The common father of al Christians.
          • The high pastor of
          • Gods vniuersal Church.
          • The prince of Gods people.
          • God
            • In title God, e­uen the Lorde God the Pope.
            • For power god
              • By him kings raigne.
              • He maie iudge al, but must be iud­ged of none.
              • He can do what him list▪ as wel as God, ex­cept sin.
        • He hath vniuersal iurisdic­tion ouer the whole world.
        • Vpon paine of damnation al christians are to yeeld obedience to the Pope.

• [Page 84]Al that take the sword shal perish with the sworde. Matth. 26, 52.
• Gouernors are sēt of the king. 1. Pet. 2, 14. For
  • The punishmēt of euil doers.
  • The praise of them that do wel.
• A wise king scat­tereth the wiked, and causeth the wheele to turne ouer them. Rom. 20, 26.
• The magi­strate. Rom 13, 4.
  • He bea­reth not the sworde for nought
  • He is the mi­nister of God to takeven geance on thē that do euil.
    In re­garde wher­of in some places before the magistrats are borne.
    • Rods, to correct them which be reformable.
      To cut of such as are past re­couerie, and rot­ten mē ­bers.
      • Axes
      • Hat­chets
      • Hal­berds
    • Swords, but not bare and naked, but in the scab­berd, to signifie, That theie are to haue death which deserue the same: yet cōmeth the ma­gistrate to that execution vrged therunto by ne­cessitie, rather than willinglie.
      VVhich punish­ments do testi­fie to the world, that
      • God is al iust, which wil haue
        • Some sinnes more seuere­lie punished than others.
        • The magistrat to cut of dan­gerous, and vngodly members.
      • God is merciful and hath à care
        • Of his ser­uants.
        • Of humane societie.
      • God is
        • VVise
        • Holie
          • In that he wil haue it knowne who are iust, who wiked, who holie, who prophane: by preser­uing of the one, and punishing of th'other
            Here­vnto our neigh­bour chur­ches do set their hands. Cōfes­of
            • Hel. 1. art. 24. 26.
            • Hel. 2. ca. 30.
            • Basil. art. 7.
            • Bohē. cap. 16
            • France art. 39.
            • Fland. art. 36.
            • Ausb. art. 16.
            • Saxon. art. 23.
              Th'ad­uersa­ries hereof are
              • They which thinke the magistrate maie correct none at al, much lesse by death dispatch any offenders, as Crescon [...]ons
              • They which denie that anie Chri­stian maie iustly be put to death by the Magi­strate for blasphe­mous haere­sies, yea for any offence: the latter whereof Th'anabap­tists do hold, the former the Fam. of Loue.

• [Page 85]Of warre
• Of Peace
  And Magi­strates are
  • By lawes to condemne, yea, and by death to punish male factors for hainous, and greeuous offences, and sinnes, as hath bine alreadie proued in the proposition immediatlie afore going.
  • By vvar and weapons to represse the power of e­nimies
    • Foraine
    • Intestin
      For theie are in auctoritie placed
      • To de­fend the good & quiet subiects against al op­pression
      • To re­mooue the vio­lence of the wi­ked who soeuer theie be
        For this cause haue theie
        • Horses praepa­red for the bat­tel. Pro. 21. 31
        • Muniti­ons, to defend them­selues, and to annoie th'ene­mies.
        • Subsi­dies to beare out charges
        • Sub­iects to fight for theire Prince and contrie.
          And bet­ter it is to haue vvar, than to come into bondage and thral­dome worset than warit selfe. This is granted in the Con­fes. of.
          • Heluet. 2. c. 30
          • Bohem. cap. 16.
          • Saxon. art. 23.
            Among other th'aduer saries of this proposition are
            • The Manichies vvhich saide it vvas vnlavvful for anie man to make war; and therefore theie saie, Moses did not wel in sub­duing th'ene­mies of Th'isra elites by force of armes.
            • Th'anabapti­stes, who thinke it vnlawful for à Christian, ei­ther Magistrate or subiect to go à vvar-far.
            • The Spiritua­luts, vvhich so detest war that there thinke it vnlawful for à Christian to vveare à vve [...] ­pon: in vvhich error was the Fam. of Loue for à season.

38 ARTICLE. Of Christian mens goodes vvhich are not common.

THE riches and goodes of Christians, ¹ are not common as touching the right, title, and possession of the same, as certaine Annabaptistes doe falselie boaste. Notwith­standing ² euerie man ought of such thinges as he posses­seth, liberallie to giue almes to the poore, according to his habilitie.

• 1 The riches and goodes of Christians, as touching the right, title, and possession of the same, are not common.
• 2 Euerie man is to giue liberal almes of that which he possesseth, according to his habilitie.

• [Page 87]Couetousnesse.
  • 1. Cor. 5, 11.
  • Ephes. 5, 3
• Theeuerie
  • 1 Cor. 6, 2
  • 1. Pet. 4, 15.
• Extortion
  • 1. Cor. 5, 11
  • 1. Cor. 6, 10
• Idlenesse. 2. Thes. 3, 10.
  Com­mended is
  • Liberalitie
    • Acts. 20, 35.
    • 2. Cor. 9. 6. &c.
    • Iam. 2, 16.
  • Free len­ding
    • Mat. 5, 48.
    • Luk. 6, 34.
  • A lawful vocation. 1. Cor. 7, 20.
  • Labor
    • Ephe 4, 28
    • 2. Thes. 3, 10.
  • Frugalitie. 1. Tim. 5, 8.
    VVhich declareth that the riches and goods of Christians neither were, nor ought to be commō. So thinke therefor­med Con­fes. of
    • Heluet. 2. ca. 19.
    • Fran. art▪ 40.
    • Flan. art 36.
    • Ausbur. art. 16.
    • VVittē. cap. 21.
      This not­withstā ding the cō ­trarie defen­ded
      • Hath bine in times past by the
        • Esseis.
        • Manichies
        • Pelagians.
        • Aposto­likes.
        • Fratricel­lians.
      • Is in theis daies by the
        • Familists.
        • Anabap­tists.

• [Page 88]By commandements from God, euen
  • The Fa­ther.
    • Prou. 5. 15
    • Deu. 10, 19
    • Deu. 15. 11
    • Eccl. 11, 2.
  • The Son.
    • Mat. 5, [...] 2.
    • Matth. 6. v. 2. 3.
    • Luke. 6, 30.
  • The holie Ghost.
    • Rom. 12, 13.
    • 1. Cor. 16, 2.
• By sweete promises of am­ple blessings
  • Eccle. 11, 1.
  • Prou. 11. v. 24, 25.
  • [...]. Cor. 9, 8, &c.
• By threatnings of punish­ments
  • Pro. 21, 13
  • Pro. 28, 27
• By th'exam­ples of the
  • Apostles.
    • Gal. 2, 10.
    • Rom. 15, 25.
  • Primitiue Church
    • Act. 11, 29
    • 2. Cor. 8, [...]. &c.
    • 2. Cor. 9, 2. &c.
      This liberali­tie or cheerful giuing of almes is commen­ded in the Confes.
      • Heluet. 2. c. 23. 28. 29
      • Saxon. art. 21.
      • VVittem. cap. 18.
        None there bee which dis­like, or else repine at this libe­ralitie to­ward the poore, but
        • Anabaptists, that would haue no man either to giue, or re­ceaue: for al things, in their opinion, should bee common, and none bee either poore [...] wealthie men.
        • The stonie hearted, and miserable
          • Oppressors.
          • Vsurers.
          • Extortioners.
          • Couetous men.

39 ARTICLE. Of a Christian mans othe.

AS we confesse ¹ that vaine and rash swearing is forbidden Christian men by our Lord Jesus Christ, and James his A­postle: ² So we iudge that Christian religion doth not pro­hibite, but that à man maie sweare, when the Magistrate requireth, in à cause of faith and charitie, so it be done ac­cording to the Prophets teaching, in iustice, iudgement and truth.

• 1 We maie not sweare vainelie, and rashlie.
• 2 A lawful othe maie be giuen, and taken according to the word of God.

• [Page 90]By our Sauior Christ in the 5. of Math. ver. 34. Svveare not at al, neither
  • By heauen, for it is the throne of God.
  • By th'earth; for it is his foot-stoole.
  • By Hierusalem; for it is the Citie of the great King.
  • By thin head, because thou canst not make one heare vvhite, or black.
    • But let your cō munication be yea▪ yea; nay, nay
• By Th'apostle Iames Before al thinges, my brethren, Sweare not
  • Neither by the hea­uen.
  • Not by th'earth.
  • Not by anie other othe
  • But let your yea, bee yea, and your nay, nay least yee fal into condemnation.
    The chur­ches of Heluetia, and Basil, by their pub­lique Confessions do speake a­gainst all vaine and rash othes and swea­ring
    • Heluet 1 cap. 5
    • Basil. art 11.
      This condē neth
      • The
        • VVantons which for pleasure.
        • Couetous that for profite.
          • Blush not to take the name of god in vaine by idle, and rash othes.
      • The
        • Basilidi­ans.
        • Helchi­saits.
        • Priscillia­nists.
        • Familie of Loue.
          • VVho for ease, and li­bertie dread not to for­sweare themselues.
      • The Papistes vvhich cōmonlie vvil sweare either by
        • Saincts.
        • Idols.
        • God and creatures.
      • The Banist▪ vvho deeme it hypo­crisie for one Christian to reproue an other for common, & rash swearing and othes, which are but tri­fles, as theie saie.

• [Page 91]Hath gi­uen ex­presse cō ­maunde­ment so to do, as
  • Deut. 6. 13. Thou shalt seare the Lord thy God, and serue him, and shalt sweare by his name.
  • Deut. 10. 20. Thou shalt sweare the Lord liueth, and thou shalt cleaue vnto him, & shalt sweare by his name.
• He hath praescribed à manner how his people shoulde sweare, as
  • Not by Baal. Ier. 12, 16.
  • Not by strange gods, Iosh. 27, 7.
  • Not by the Lorde, and by Mol­chom. Zephan. 1, 5.
• Not by crea­tures.
  Matt. 5, 34.
  • Heauen
  • Earth
  • Hierusa­lem.
  • The head.
• By the name of the Lord. Deut. 6, 13. Deut. 10. 20.
• The Lord liueth. Ier. 12, 16.
• The Lord liueth, and that in
  Iere. 4, 2
  • Truth.
  • Iudge­ment.
  • Righte­ousnes.
    VVhich also must be taken when the ma­gistrate requi­reth Exod. 2 [...], 11. 1. King. 8. 31. This let­teth not, but if it fal-out, as it did with them, we may though not commanded by the Magi­strate
    • VVith Christ affirm our doc­trine with religious asseue­rations
      • Vere­lie
      • Vere­lie.
    • VVith Paule take to witnes
      • Christ, Rom. 9, 1.
      • God, 2. Cor. 1. 23.
        VVee haue that ioine with vs in this assertiō manie chur­ches. Confes. of
        • Heluet. 1 art. 26
        • Heluet. 2. ca. 30.
        • France. art. 40.
        • Basil. art. 11. sect. 1.
        • Ausbur. art. 16.
          Ad­uersaries hath this truth many For
          • Th'esseis deeme al ma­ner of swea­ring so bad as forswearing.
          • In no case is it lavvful to sweare, saie Th'anabap­tists, although th'aduaunce­ment of Gods glorie, & cha­ritie toward our neighbor do require the same.
          • The Papists teach, that an oth for t'ac­cuse th'aduer­saries of true Religion, and this state, whō theie cal Ca­tholiques, is not to be ta­ken, if it be, it may and must be broken vnder paine of aeternal damnation.