had afore beene baptized h So in Netherland were children rebaptized when the Duke of Alva there tyrannized Trag. hist of Antwerp The like Rebaptization was used by the Papists at Tholouse Towers and other Cities in France especially an 1561. See the Chr. of France The private Baptisme by private persons was also taught long since by the Marcionites and Pepuzians i D. Aug. ad Qâ—od vult c 27. Epiphan haeres 42. 4. Proposition There is a lawfull ministery in the Church The proofe from Gods Word GOd for the gathering or erecting to himselfe a Church out of mankinde and for the well governing of the same from time to time hath used yea and also doth and to the end of the world will use the ministery of men lawfully called thereunto by men A truth evident in the holy Scripture Iesus said unto his Apostles Goe and teach all Nations baptizing them c. and loe I am with you alway unto the end of the world a Matt. 28.20 Christ gave some to be Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and teachers for the gathering together of the Saints for the worke of the ministery and for the edification of the body of Christ till we all meete together in the unitie of faith and knowledge of the Sonne of God unto a perfect man b Eph. 4.11 12 13. A truth also approoved by the Church c Conf. Helv. 1. ar 15. 2 c. 18. Boh. c. 8.9.14 Gal. ar 25.29 30 31. Bel. ar 30.31 Aug. ar 7. Sax. ar 11. Wittem ar 20. Sue ar 13.15 Adversaries unto this truth Oppugners of this truth are First the Anabaptisticall Swarmers who both tearme all Ecclesiasticall men The Devils ministers and also as very wicked doe utterly condemne the outward ministery of the Word and Sacraments a Althemar conciliat Loc. pugnan lo. 191. And next the Brownists b S.H. on Psal 122. who divulge that in these dayes No Ministers have the calling sending or authoritie pertaining to a Minister and that It will hardly be found in all the world that any Minister is or shall be lawfully called c Bar. diseo p. 104. such also be the Barrowists which say there is no ministery of the Gospel in all Europe 5. Proposition They are lawfull Ministers which be ordained by men lawfully appointed for the calling and sending forth of Ministers The proofe from Gods Word SAint Paul in the beginning of his Epistle unto the Galatians giveth us to observe the divers sending forth of men into the holy ministery whereof Some are sent immediately from God himself So sent was by God the Father both Iesus Christ a Joh. 10.21 and Iohn Baptist b John 1.6 by God the Sonne in his state mortall the twelve Apostles c Matt. 10.15 in his state immortall and glorious Saint Paul d Acts 9.15 This calling is speciall and extraordinary and the men so called were adorned with the gift of miracles commonly as were Iesus Christ and the Apostles but not alwayes for Iohn Baptist wrought none And they were also enjoyned for the most part as the Apostles to preach throughout the world e Matt. 28.20 howbeit our Saviour was limited f Matt. 15.14 Some againe were sent of men as they be who are sent of men not authorized thereunto by the Word of God and that to the disturbance of the peace of the Church sent in the Apostles time were the false apostles in our dayes be the Anabaptists Family Elders and law despising Brownists And some lastly are by men sent so in the Primitive Church by the Apostles were Pastors and Elders ordained g Acts 14.23 1 Tim. 4.14 who by the same authoritie ordained other Pastors and Teachers h 1 Tim. 22.5 Whence it is that the Church as it hath bin so it shall till the end of the world be provided for They who are thus called have power either to worke miracles as the Apostles had or to preach and minister the Sacraments where they will as the Apostles might but they are tyed every man to his charge which they must faithfully attend upon except urgent occasion doe enforce the contrary The calling of these men is tearmed a generall calling and it is the ordinary and in these dayes the lawfull calling allowed by the Word of God So testifie with us the true Churches else-where in the world l Conf. Helv. 1 ar 17. 2. c. 18. Boh. c. 9. Gal. ar 21. Bol. ar 31. Aug. ar 14. Wit ar 21. Suc. ar 13. The adversaries unto this truth This truth hath many waies bin resisted For there be which thinke how in these daies there is no calling but the extraordinary or immediate calling from God and not by men as the Anabaptists Familists and Brownists of whom afore The Papists albeit they allow the assertion yet take they all Ministers to be Wolves Hirelings Lay-men and Intruders who are not sacrificing Priests anointed by some Antichristian Bishop of the Romish synagogue a Concil Trid. sess 7. can 7. Either all or the most part of the Ministers of England saith Howlet b Howl 7. reas be meere Lay-men and no Priests and consequently have no authoritie in these things It is evident c. because they are not ordained by such a Bishop and Priest as the Catholike Church hath put in authoritie 6. Proposition Before Ministers are to be ordained they are to be chosen and called The proofe from Gods Word THough it be in the power of them which have authoritie in the Church to appoint Ministers for Gods people yet may they admit neither whom they will nor as they will themselves But they are both deliberately to chuse and orderly to call such as they have chosen This made the Apostles and Elders in the Primitive Church straightly to charge that suddenly hands should be laid on no man a 1 Tim. 5.22 To make a speciall choice of twaine whereof one was to be elected into the place of Iudas b Acts 1.23 By election to ordain Elders in every Church and by prayer and fasting to commend them to the Lord c Acts 14.23 and by laying on of hands to consecrate them d 1 Tim 4.14 To describe who were to be chosen and called For they are to be Men not Boyes nor Women e 1 Tim. 2.12 Men of good behaviour nor incontinent nor given to wine nor strikers nor covetous f 1 Tim. 3.2 nor proud g 1 Pet. 5.3 nor froward nor irefull h Tit. 17. nor givers of offence i 2 Cor. 6.3 finally men of speciall gifts apt to teach k 1 Tim 3. â— able to exhort l Titus 1.9 wise to divide the Word of God aright m 2 Tim. 2.15 bold to reprove n 1 Tim. 5.20 Titus 1.9 willing to take paines o Matth. 9.38 2 Tim. 4.2 watchfull to oversee p Acts 20.28 patient
〈◊〉 9. none of which the Familists doe use or allow of 38. Article Of Christian mens goods which are not common The riches and goods of Christians 1 are not common as touching the right title and possession of the same as certaine Anabaptists do falsely boast Notwithstanding 2 every man ought of such things as he possesseth liberally to give almes to the poore according to his ability The Propositions 1. The riches and goods of Christians as touching the right title and possession of the same are not common 2. Every man is to give liberall almes to the poore of that which he possesseth according to his ability 1. Proposition The riches and goods of Christians as touching the title and possession of the same are not common The proofe from Gods Word AGainst community of goods and riches be all those places which are infinite of the holy Scripture that either condemne the unlawful getting keeping or desiring of riches which by Covetousnesse a If any one that is called a brother be a fornicator or covetous c. with such one eate not Covetousnesse let it not be once named among you as it becommeth Saints Eph. 5.3 Theevery b Let none of you suffer as a Theefe c. 1 Pet. 4.15 Extortion With a brother that is an extortioner eate not 1 Cor. 5.11 Neither theeves nor covetous persons nor Extortioners shall inherite the Kingdome of God 1 Cor. 6.10 and the like wicked meanes many doe attaine or doe commend liberality d It is a blessed thing to give rather then to receive Acts 10.35 yea and that thing ye do unto all the Brethren throughout all Macedonia 1 Thes 4.10 If a brother or a sister be naked and destitute of daily food c. notwithstanding ye give them not these things which are needfull to the body what helpeth it Iames 2.15 16. Frugality e If there be any that provideth not for his owne namely for them of his houshold he denieth the faith and is worse then an Infidell 1 Tim. 5.8 free and friendly lending f From him that would borrow of thee turne not away Matth. 5.42 And lend looking for nothing again Luke 6.35 honest labour g Let him that stole steale no more but rather let him labour c. that hee may have to give unto him that needeth Eph. 4.28 Wee warned you that if there were any which would not work that he should not eate 2 Thes 3.8 and lawfull vocations to live and thrive by h Ye know that these hands have ministred unto my necessities and to them that were with me Acts 20.34 We laboured day and night because we should not be chargeable unto any of you 1 Thes 2.9 wee tooke not bread of any man for nought 1 Thes 3.8 All which doe shew that Christians are to have goods of their owne and that riches ought not to be common Of this iudgement be the reformed Churches i Confess Helv. 3. c. 29. Gal. ar 40. Belg. ar 36. Aug. ar 16. Wittemb c. 21. The adversaries unto this truth Of another mind were the Esseis a Heyden des urbis Hierosolym l. 3. c. 3. the Manichies b D. Aug. de mor. eccles Cat. lib. 1. the Pelagians c Magdeb. eccles hist Gen. ◠fol. 586. the Apostolikes d D. Humfr. de Romanae curiae praxi p 39. exl Epiphan and Fratricellians e W. Tho. desc of Italy p. 59. and are the Anabaptists f Sleidan com lib. 6. and Family of Love g Display H. 3 b. Among the Familists saith H.N. none claimeth any thing proper to himselfe for to possesse the same to any owednesse or privatenesse For no man c. can desire to appropriate or challenge any thing to himselfe either yet to make any private use to himselfe from the restward but what is there is free and is also left free in his upright forme h H. N. Spir. laud. c. 35. sect 34. 1. Proposition Every man is to give liberall Almes to the poore of that which he possesseth according to his ability The proofe from Gods Word VNto liberality towards the poore according to our ability we are in the holy Scriptures provoked 1. By the commandements from God by his servants the Prophets a Deut. 15.11 Prov. 5.15 16. Eccles 11.1 2. by his Sonne our Saviour b Matth. 5.42 c. 6.2 3 c. Luk. 9.30 c. and by his Apostles c Rom. 12.13 1 Cor. 1.62 2. By sweet promises of ample blessings d Eccles 11.1 The liberall person shall have plenty and he that watereth shall also have raine Prov. 11.24 Hee that stoppeth his eare at the crying of the poore he shall cry and not be heard Prov. 1.13 3. By threatnings of punishments to the covetous and stony-hearted He that giveth unto the poore shall not lack but he that hideth his eyes shall have many curses Prov. 28.27 4. By the examples of the best men viz. the Apostles and Primitive Church f Acts 11.19 20. Rom. 15.15 1 Cor. 8.1 2 3 c. 2. Cor. 6.2 c. So the Churches g Conf. Helv. 2 c. 2. 3. 28 29. Sax. ar 21. Wittemb c. 18. The adversaries unto this truth Of strange minds therefore and impious are First the Anabaptists which would have no man either to give or receive For all things in their opinion should be common as afore also hath bin said and none among them be either poore to receive or wealthy to minister any almes a Bale myst of Iniq. p 53. Secondly the hypocriticall sectaries who are bountifull only to those which side with them Such were first the Publicans in our Saviour his dayes b Mar. ◠46.47 and after them the Manichies who would minister neither bread nor water unto any hungry and pyning begger unlesse he weare a Manichean c Homini mendico esurienti nisi Manichaeus sit panem aut aquam nō porrigunt Manic D Aug. de Mor. Manc l. 2. And such are the Family of Love who say they are not bound to give almes but to their owne sect and if they doe they give the same to the devill d Dispi H. 7. b. 39. Article Of a Christian mans oath As we confesse that 1 vaine and rash swearing is forbidden Christian men by our Lord Iesus Christ and Iames his Apostle So we judge that 2 Christian Religion doth not prohibit but that a man may sweare when the Magistrate requireth in a cause of faith and charity so it be done according to the Prophets teaching in justice judgement and truth The Propositions 1. We may not sweare vainely and rashly 2. A lawfull oath may be given and taken according to the Word of God in justice judgement and truth 1. Proposition Wee may not sweare vainely and rashly The proofe from Gods Word THE better to avoid vaine and rash oathes and swearing it is good to have in remembrance
which affirme that Christ in body soule went some think as it were into Hell when upon the Crosse and elsewhere hee suffered the terrors and torments prophesied of Esay 53. v. 6.10 Psal 116. v. 2. and mentioned Matth. 26. v. 38. or 27. v. 46 Luk. 22. v. 42. some say even into hell the very place destined for the Reprobate which he entred into the very moment of his Resurrection at which time hee shewed and declared himselfe a most glorious Conquerour both of death and Hell the most powerfull enemies Errors and adversaries unto this truth But till wee know the native and undoubted sense of this article and mysterie of religion persist wee adversaries unto them which say That Christ descended not into hell at all calling this article an error and a fable as Carlile doth a Carlile against D Smith p. 18.77 That Christ being dead descended into the place of everlasting torments where in soule he endured for a time the very paines which the damned spirits without intermission doe abide Bannisters error b Treat of Bannisters error That Christ alive upon the crosse humbled himselfe usque ad inferni tremenda tormenta even unto the dreadfull torments of hell c Pagets Catech Latin endured for a time those torments quales reprobi in aeternum sensuri sunt which the reprobates shall everlastingly suffer in hell d Pisc in Luc. 12.10 even despaired of Gods mercy finding God at this time Non patrem sed Tyrannum not a Father but a Tyrant and overcame despaire by despaire death by death hell by hell and Satan by Satan e Ferus in Math. 27. suffered actually all the torments of hell for our redemption and descended into the heauiest torments that Hell could yeeld f Humes Rejoind p. 38. 138. 152. suffered the torments of hell The second death Abiection from God g Houshold Catech. and was made a curse that is had the bitter anguish of Gods wrath in his soule and body which is the fire that shall never bee quenched h Giffords Catech That Christ personally in soule went downe into Lake Lymbo to fetch from thence as Canisius i Canis Catech to lose from thence as Vaux he saith k Vaux Catech. the soules of our forefathers which afore his death as the Papists dreame were shut up in the close prison of Hell l Test Rhem. an Luc. 16.26 That Christ by his descension hath quite turned Hell into Paradise Costerus the Iesuites error m Coster instit l. 5. 4. Article Of the Resurrection of Christ Christ did truly arise againe from death and tooke againe his body with flesh bones and all things appertaining to the perfection of mans nature 2 wherewith he ascended into heaven 3 and there sitteth untill he returne to iudge all men at the last day The Propositions 1. Christ is risen from the dead 2. Christ is ascended into heaven 3. Christ shall come againe at the last day to iudge all men even the quicke and the dead 1. Proposition Christ is risen from the dead The proofe from Gods Word THE Resurrection of Christ may easily be prooved from the holy Scriptures in which it is euident first that Christ should a Thou wilt not suffer thine holy One to see corruption Psal 16.10 After he is killed he shall rise againe the third day Marc 9.31 and 10.34 Luke 9.32 and next that he did rise from death vnto life both by his appearing to Mary Magdalene b Iohn 20.14 to diuers women c Math. 28.9 to two d Luke 24.13.15 30 31. to tenne e Iohn 20.19 to all the Disciples to moe then fiue hundred brethren at once g 1 Cor. 15.6 to sundry persons by the space of forty dayes together h Acts 1.3 and by the testimony also of the Apostles Peter i Acts 1.22 and 2.32 1 Pet. 1.3 and Paul k Acts 17.2 3. Rom. 10.9 1 Cor. 15.4 5 c A truth both beleeved and acknowledged by Gods people from age to age l Symbol Apost Athan. Nicen. Confess Helvet 1. ar 11 and 2. c 11. Basil ar 4. Bohem. c. 6. Gal. 15.16 Belg. ar 20. August ar 3. Suâ—viâ— ar 2. Haâ—mon confess praef Errors and adversaries unto this truth Vtterly false then and vnchristian is the opinion of those men Which vtterly deny the resurrection of any flesh as did the Sadduces a The Sadduces say there is no resurrection Matth. 22.23 they deny there is any resurrection Luk. 20.27 they say there is no resurrection neither angel nor spirit Act. 23.8 the false apostles b How say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead 1 Cor. 15 12â— Simon Magus c Epiphan and the Manichies d August contra Faust l. 4. c. 16. Which would acknowledge no resurrection of Christ as would not nor will the Iewes e Mat. 28.13 15. Iud. Cater l divinor visor nor heretike Hamant f Holinsh chron fol. 1299. nor Dauid George one of which errors was that the flesh of Christ was dissolued into ashes and so rose no more g Hist Dauidis Georg. Which affirme as did Corinthus that Christ shall rise againe but yet is not risen h Philaster Which say how our Sauiour after his resurrection was so deified as he retained no more the parts and properties of his body and soule nor the vnion of both natures but is meerely God So thought the Schwenkfeldians Which take the Resurrection of Christ to be but an allegory and no true certaine history as doe the Family of Love i Display in allens confesse 2. Proposition Christ is ascended into heaven The proofe from Gods Word IN saying how Christ with his body is ascended into heaven and there sitteth and abideth we doe agree with the Prophets a Psal 47 5 68 18.110 1. Euangelists b Maty 23.44.25 65. Act. 1.9 Luk 24.51 and Apostles c Rom. 8 34. Eph. c. 8. with the ancient Fathers d Symb. Apo. Athan. Nicen. and Gods people our brethren throughout all Christendome e Confess Helv 1 ar 1 2. c 1. Basi ar 4. Bohe c 6. Gal. ar 15 Bel. ar 20. Aug ar 3. Saxon ar 3 Suevie ar 2. The Errors and adversaries unto this truth But we alltogether dissent From Hamant the English hereticke which denyed the ascension of Christ a Holinsh chro fol. 1299. Also from Ket the heretike and Apostata which likewise denyed our Sauiours ascension affirming that his humane nature is not in heauen but in Iudea gathering a Church and people Also from the Germane Vbiquitaries and Papists they saying that Christ as man is not onely in heaven but in earth too at this instant wheresoeuer the deity is b Ia. Smidelinus Vbiquitatis Apostolus Beza epist 61. these affirming the humane nature of Christ is wheresoever the Sacrament of the Altar is administred c Ergo
Epiphan Carpocrates c Epiphan and the Manichies d Aug. de bono pers l. 2. c. 11. and the Catabaptists e Zuing. l. contra Catabap of the latter were sundry whereof Some received no more but onely the five bookes of Moses as the Sadduces f D. Whit. de S. Scrip. contra Bellar. q. 1. c. 3 Some of all the bookes in the Old Testament reject the works of Moses and namely his foure last bookes as the Moscovites g Russe Com. c. 23. Some embraced the Law onely and the Prophets as the Samarites h Cyril Catech 18. Some esteemed neither the Law nor the Prophets as the Appelleans Tertul. de praef haert Some had in contempt the booke of the Canticles as Sebastian Castellio k Beza in vita Calv. And some the booke of Iob as the Anabaptists l VVhitalt de S. Scrip. contra Bellar. q. 1. c. 3. 3. Proposition The third and fourth bookes of Esdras the booke of Tobias c. be Apocrypha That divers and namely those bookes mentioned are Apocrypha we are neither the first that said nor they alone which affirme the same For so judge of them did the alone Councell at Laodicea a Can. 59. and doe the Churches reformed and namely in France b Confes Gal. ar 3. Confess and Belgia c Belg. ar 4. Errors and adversaries unto these truths So that they are to be held and taken heed of as Seducers which upon the Church would thrust either other mens workes and devices not comprised in the Bible as would Some the new prophets Barobas and Barolf or Basiliâ—es the Heretike a Euseb eccles hist l. 4. c. 8. Some the manifestation of Marcion the Heretike b Tertul. de haeret Some the mysteries of Manichie the Heretike c Magdenburg eccles hist c. 3. c. 11. Others Esaias Ascensorium of Hierax the Heretike d Epiphan Others the Gospel after the Egyptians after S. Andrew S. Iames the lesser S. Peter S. Bartholomew the 12. Apostles Barnabas Nicodemus Thaddeus Others the Canons of the Apostles Others the Acts of S. Abdie S. Andreas S. Paul Peter Philip Thomas Others the Revelation of S. Paul Steven Thomas Others the Bookes of the Anabaptists of H. N. with Popish Legends and the like Or the bookes Apocrypha within the volume of the Bible as the Papists who therefore anathematize and curse so many as take them not for Canonicall e Concil Tri. sess 4. decr de Can scrip 4. Proposition Of the New Testament all the bookes are Canonicall Although some of the ancient Fathers and Doctors accepted not all the bookes contained within the volume of the New Testament for Canonicall yet in the end they were wholly taken and received by the common consent of the Church of Christ in this world for the very Word of God as they are at this day almost in all places where the Gospel is preached and professed Howbeit we judge them Canonicall not so much because learned and godly men in the Church so have doe receive and allow of them as for that the holy Spirit in our hearts doth testifie that they are from God They carry a sacred and divine authoritie with them and they doe also agree in all points with the other bookes of God in the Old Testament Errors and adversaries unto this truth Therefore in admitting all and every of these bookes and acknowledging them to be Canonicall we demonstrate our selves to be against Such as rejected all the new Testament as did the Iewes and our Matthew Hamant a Holinsh chro fol. 1299 Such as allowed part but not the whole new Testament and these were of divers sorts whereof Some allowed of the Evangelists onely Matthew as the Cerdonites b Eus l. 3. c 27. and Ebionites c Iren. l. 1. c. 26 others onely Luke as the Marcionites d Iren. ibid. others onely Iohn as the Valentinians e Idem l. 2. c. 11. Some accepted onely the Acts of the Apostles as the Tatians others of all other bookes rejected the said Acts as the Manichies g August l. de vtil cred and the Severites h Euseb Some of S. Pauls Epistles took the Epistles unto Timothy and Titus onely to be Canonicall as Marcion the heretike i Iren. l. 3 c. 12 Some as Apocryphal refuse the Epistles unto Philemon k Theod. arg in epist Paul ad Tit. others the Epistles unto the Hebrews the Epistle of S. Iames as Althemerus l Althemer in c. 2. epist Ia. others the first and second Epistles of Iohn with the Epistle of Iude as Wigandus m Wigand others the Epistle unto the Hebrews of Iames the two last of Iohn and of Iude as Cardinall Cajetane n See Whitak against W. Rainolds c. 7. Some rejected the book of Saint Iohns Revelations or the Apocalypse as Heshusius o Lib de 600. error pontif we are also against them which allowed neither the whole new Testament nor those bookes wholly which they embraced as the Marcionites who defaced all those places in the Gospel after Luke and in the Epistles which concerned either the divinitie or humanity of our Saviour Christ p Iren l. 2. c. 29 And lastly are we against them which receive the whole new Testament but deface and put out such texts as mislike them as the Turkes who scrape out whatsoever they finde touching the passion of Christ alleadging how it was added purposely by the Iewes in derision of Christians q Aul. l. 2. p 5 7. Article Of the Old Testament 1. The Old Testament is not contrary to the New For both in the Old New Testament everlasting life is offered to mankind by Christ who is the onely Mediatour betweene God and man being both God and man 2. Wherfore they are not to be heard which faine that the old Fathers did looke onely for transitorie promises Although the Law given from God by Moses as touching 3 Ceremonies and Rites do not bind Christian men 4 nor the civill precepts thereof ought of necessitie to be received in any Common-wealth yet notwithstanding no Christian man whatsoever is free from the obedience of the commandements which are called morall The Propositions 1. The Old Testament is not contrary to the New 2. The old Fathers looked for eternall happinesse through Christ as well as for temporall blessings 3. Christians are not bound at all to the observation of the Iudaicall ceremonies 4. The Iudiciall lawes of the Iewes are not necessarily to be received or established in any Common-wealth 5. No Christian man whatsoever is freed from the obedience of the Law Morall 1. Proposition The Old Testament is not contrary to the New The proofe from Gods Word THat the Old Testament is not contrary to the New it may be prooved by many invincible arguments yet it is most apparent in that our Saviour Christ very God and very
man as above art 2. hath bin declared is offered unto mankinde for his eternall salvation by them both For We learne that there is one and no Christs moe in the New a Act. 3.25 Gal. 3.8 10. and we learne the same in the Old Gen. 22.18 A Math. 16.16 That Christ is the Sonne of God in the New â—t 13.33 we learne the same in the Old Psal 27. That Christ is very man in the New 1 Heb. 2.14 5 16 we learne that he should be so from the Old Esâ— 11.1 â—nd 53.3 That Christ was borne at Bethelem in the New Matth. â— 1 we learn that he should be so from the Old Mâ—â—h 5.2 That Christ was borne of a Virgin in the New Matth. 2.23 we learne that he should be so from the Old Esa 7.14 That Christ was honoured of Wise-men in the New Matth. 2.11 Esa 60.6 we learne that he should be so from the Old Matth. 21.1 That he rode upon an Asse unto Ierusalem from the New Zach. 9.9 we learne that he should so doe from the Old Luke 22.7 That he was betrayed in the New Zach. 11.12 we learne that he should be so from the Old Acts 8.33 1 Cor. 5.4 1 Pet. 2.24 That he suffered not for his owne but for our transgressions in the New Esa 53.5 we learne that he should so doe from the Old Act. 2.29 31. 1 Cor. 5.4 In the New that he rose againe from the grave Matth 12.40 from the Old that he should so doe Psal 16.10 And in the New that he ascended into heaven Ionas 1.17 and 2.10 and in the Old that he should so doe Eph 4.8 Psal 51.18 The Errors and adversaries unto this truth We are then adversaries to them all which reject as of no reckoning the Old Testament as did both old heretikes as Basilides Carpocrates and the Manichies a See 〈◊〉 6. Prop. 2. and the new Libertines who say the Old Testament is abrogated b Builin câ—â— Anab. l. 2. c. â— 2. Proposition The old Fathers looked for eternall happinesse through Christ as well as for temporall blessings The proofe from Gods Word THe Old Fathers to have looked not onely for transitory promises but also for eternall happinesse through Christ the holy Scripture doth manifest Saint Paul saith 1 Cor. 〈◊〉 â— Brethren I would not have you ignorant that all our Fathers were under the cloud 2. and all passed thorow the red Sea and did all eate the same spirituall meat and did all drink the same spirituall drinke 3. for they dranke of the spirituall Rocke that followed them and the Rocke was Christ By faith Noe was made heire of the righteousnesse which is by faith Heb. 11.7 By faith Moses when he was come to age refused to be called the sonne of Pharaohs daughter and chose rather to suffer adversitie with the people of God then to enjoy the pleasures of sinne for a season esteeming the rebukes of Christ greater riches then the treasures of Egypt for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward Ibid. 24.25 26. c. All these through faith obtained good report and received not the promise God providing a better thing for us that they without us should not be made perfect d Ibid. 39 40. Abraham rejoyced to see my day e Rom 8.5 6. Abraham above hope beleeved under hope that he should be the father of many nations f Rom. 4.18 Of which salvation the Prophets have inquired and searched g 1 Pet. 1.10 This truth was never doubted of in the Church of God and is publikely acknowledged by some confessions h Helv. 2. c. 13. Saxon ar 13. The adversaries unto this truth They are not then to be heard which thinke the Fathers and faithfull people before Christ his time hoped onely for temporall and not for spirituall and if for spirituall yet not for eternall happinesse as did many of the Iewish Atheists a Psal 53.1 and Sadduces b Acts 23 2â— and doe the Family of Love which make the promises of happinesse by temporall blessings to be accomplished in transitorie life Hence H.N. very strangely allegorizeth of the land of promise when he calleth it The good land of the upright and concordable life and saith that The lovely being or nature of the Love is the life peace and joy mentioned Rom. 14.6 and the land of promise wherein honey and milke floweth spoken Exo 43. a 13. a. Deut. 8. b. This and more a great deale to this effect hath H. N c In his booke entit The spâ—land of peace c. 18.9 10. c. 2.4 5. 3. Proposition Christians are not bound at all to the observation of the Iudaicall ceremonies The proofe from Gods-Word THat neither the whole Law ceremoniall of the Iews nor any part thereof is necessarily to be observed of us Christians the holy Scripture teacheth us by Peters vision a Acts 10.13 the Apostles decree b Act. 15.24 29. and by the doctrine of S. Paul c Gal 1.3 4. and 4.10 11. Eph. 2.14 15. Col. 2.16 17. As all beleeve so some Churches publikely acknowledge the same d Confess Gal. ar 13. Belg ar 25. Errors and adversaries unto this truth In a wrong opinion therefore be they who are of minde either that the law Ceremoniall wholly is to continue and be in use or that part thereof is yet in force and must be The former of these was the opinion of the false prophets a Acts 15.1 2 the Cerinthians b Euseb the Ebionites c Iron l. 1. c. 26. and is of the Iews Armenians and Family of love d H. N. evang c. 12. sect 4. 9. the latter is an error of our home Sabbatarians For say they The Sabbath was none of the Ceremonies which were justly abrogated at the coming of Christ e D. B. Sab. doctrine 1. booke p. 11. When all Iewish things have bin abrogated only by their very words the Sabbath hath continued still in the Church in his proper force that it might appeare that it was of a nature farre differing from them f Ibid. p. 10. Whereas all other things were so changed that they were cleane taken away as the Priesthood the Sacrifices and Sacraments this day meaning the Sabbath day was so changed that it yet remaineth which sheweth that though all the other were ceremoniall and therefore had an end This Sabbath was morall and therefore abideth still g Ibid p. 4 1. The Commandement of Sanctifying every Seventh Day as in the Mosaicall decalogue is naturall morall and perpetuall is their doctrine h Ibid. p. 7. 4. Proposition The Iudiciall lawes of the Iewes are not necessarily to be received or established in any Common-wealth The proofe from Gods Word THe truth hereof apeareth by the Apostles decree a Acts 15.20 28
quem pro te impedit Fac nos Christe scanders quo Thomas ascendit By the blood of Thomas which he for thee expended Make us Christ to climbe up where Thomas ascended By Agnus Deis whereof they say Peccatum frangit ut Christi fanguis angit It breaketh sinne and doth good As well as Christ his pretious blood m Cerem lib. 1. tit 7. By reading certaine parcels of Scripture according to their vulgars Per Evangelica dicta Deleantur nostra delicta n Breviar secundum Sarum Through the sayings and words evangelicall Our sinnes blot out and vices all 2. Proposition Onely by Faith are we accounted righteous before God The proofe from Gods Word ONely beleeve o Mar. 6.36 all that beleeve in Christ shall receive remission of sinnes p Acts 10 4â— from all things from which ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses by Christ every one that beleeveth is justified q Acts 13.19 The Gospell is the power of God unto salvation to every one that beleeveth r Rom. 1.16 To him that worketh not but beleeveth in him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted for righteousnesse Å¿ Bom. 4.5 Christ is the end of the law for righteousnesse to every one that beleeveth t Rom. 10.4 Know that a man is not justified by the workes of the law but by the faith of Iesus Christ c. g Gal. 2.16 God would justifie the Gentiles through faith c. They which be of faith are blessed with faithfull Abraham h Gal. 3.8 9. By grace are ye saved through faith and that not of your selves i Eph. 2.8 Yea doubtlesse I think all things but losse for the excellent knowledge sake of Christ Iesus my Lord for whom I have counted all things losse and doe judge them to be doung that I might winne Christ and might be found in him not having mine owne righteousnesse which is of the Law but that which is through the faith of Christ even the righteousnesse which is of God through faith k Phil 3.8.9 The Churches of Christ by their publike confessions give testimony unto this truth l Confess Helv. 2. ca 6. Basil ar 8. Bohe. c. 6 7. Ga. ar 10. Belg ar 22. Aug. ar 4 Saxon. ar 3.8 Witt. ar 4. Sâ—â—â— cap. 3. The errors and adversaries unto this truth Partakers of ths profit and sweetnesse of this doctrine are not they which be altogether ignorant of this mysterie Nor they who know the same but apply it not to their owne soules and consciences but altogether despise the same as did Pilate in condemning Christ m Nat. 27.24 Heroa in killing Iames n Acts 12.1 Agrippa in not defending Paul o Acts 26.26 the Iewes in persecuting the Apostles and doe the Divels p Jam. 2.19 and many ungodly persons Tyrants false Christians and Apostataes Nor they which teach not a sure confidence in Iesus Christ but an historicall knowledge of him as the Papists q Canis catec cap. 1. Vaux catâ— c. 1. Test Rhe. an Rom. 4.14 1 Tim. 3.15 Nor they which hold that all and every man is to remaine doubtfull whether he shall be saved or no as doe the same Papists r Concil Trid. ses 6. c. 9. Test Rhe. an Rom. 5.1 Nor they which teach that man is justified Either by works without faith as did the false apostles in Asia 2 Tim. 1. and doe the Turks and Anabaptists t Bale myst of iniquit p. 53. Or by faith and works as both the Pseudapostles at Ierusalem v Acts 1.5.1 the Ebionites x Eus l. 3. c. 24. and the Papists y Test Rhem. an Luk. 7. mar Luk. 10.20 28. Joh. 3.18 James 2.25 with the Russians z Russiâ— Common-wealâ— â— 23. Or neither by faith nor workes as they which continue both faith in Christ Iesus and good works too hoping yet to be saved as the carnally secure worldlings Neither shall they be partakers of the sweetnesse of this truth which say that for Christians to trust onely by Christ his passion or by Faith onely to be saved is a breath of the first commandement as Vaux n Catech c. 3. is the Doctrine of Divels as Friar Lawrence a Villavicentia o De forman S. concion l. 1. c. 11. and the doctrine of Simon Magus as doe the Rhemists p Test Rhem. an Acts 8.18 Nor they finally which maintaine how the truly righteous apprehend not Christ by Faith but have him his righteousnes essentially and inherent within them which is an error of the Catharists q Isidor etim l. 8. c de haeres Papists r Conc. Trid. sess 6. c. 16.7 Osiandrians Å¿ Calvin contra Osiand epist fol. 303. Theod. Beza epist 1. and Family of Love t Display in Allens confess 3. Proposition We are accounted righteous before God not for our owne works or deservings The proofe from Gods Word Besides what hath been said that works have no place nor portion in the matter of our justification it is evident in the holy Scripture where we finde that All men be sinners and destitute of the glory of God And therefore that no man can be justified by his owne works v Psal 14.2 3. Psalme 53.2 and 41.4 Rom. 3.12 Eternall life commeth unto us not by desert but partly of promise x Acts 2.30 Acts 3.25 Acts 13.32 2 Tim. 1.1 partly of gift y John 17.2 Rom. 6.23 1 John 5.11 Revel 2.10 The just shall live by faith and the Law is not of faith z Gal. 3.11 12. Moreover as the godly in old time were so Christians in these daies are and shall be justified But the godly were justified not for any good works or worthinesse of their owne so justified was Abraham a Rom. 5.1 2. Gal. 3.6 Heb. 11.17 the Iewes b Act. 2.44 c the Samaritans c Acts 8.15 Paul d 1 Tim. 1.14 16. Acts 22.16 Phil. 3.6 9. the Eunuch e Acts 8.36 the Iailor f Acts 16.31 c. and the Ephesians g Eph. 4 5. c. All Churches reformed with a sweet consent applaud and confesse this doctrine h Confess Helv. 1.4.16 Basil ar 8. Boh. c. 7. Gal. ar 22. Belg. ar 24 Aug. ar 6.26 The Errors and adversaries unto this truth Adversaries hereunto are The Pharises who thought men were justified by externall righteousnesse morall a Mat. 5.21 c. and ceremoniall b Matth. 15.2 The false apostles in Asia c 2 Tim. 1. and at Ierusalem d Gab. Biel. l. 2. dist 27. q. 1. The Pharisaicall Papists who against the Iustification by faith alone doe hold a justification by merits and that of Congruity dignity and condignity The said Papists teach besides that life eternall is due unto us of debt because we deserve it by our good works f Concil Trid. sess 6. Cant. 32
l Turon l. 8. c. 10 at Paris and Orleance by the direction and appointment of Childebâ—rt m Magdeburg eccl hist Con. 6. cap. 9. were kept and holden And never yet had there bin a Councell either Generall or nationall or whatsoever I onely except the councels held by the Apostles and Apostolicall men in a troublesome state and time of the Church there being then no Christian Princes and Emperors to countenance the truth neither begun or ended to the glory of God but it hath bin I say not called onely but confirmed also by some godly Emperour King or Queene This in effect is granted by all reformed Churches n Conf. Helv. l. ar 26. 2. c. 30 Bohe c. 16. Belg. ar 36. Saxon. ar 23. Wittemb c. 35. Suevica in perorat The errors and adversaries unto this truth This assertion hath beene oppugned and that diversly both by the Papists and Puritanes For the Papists they say Emperours and Kings be the Pope his Summoners but of themselves are no absolute and powerfull commanders and callers of Councels a Hard. confut par 5. cap. 6. sect 3. There ought no Councell to be kept without the determinate consent of the Bishop of Rome b Harding No Councell ever yet had firme and lawfull authority which was not confirmed by the Bishop of Rome c Duraeus con Whitak lib. 2. Cardil in def Concil Triden disp 1. The Popes of Rome and not Christian Princes have the authority and power of making lawes ecclesiasticall and of calling Councels d Test Rhem. an Matth. 16. And the Puritanes doe think that private persons without the leave or privity of Princes may summon assemblies about Church causes at their pleasures and consult about the publike affaires of the Church Of this mind was Beza e Per placet autem mihi quod de conventu absque ulla principum aut civitatum authoritate privatim instituendo scribis Beza epi. 68. p. 292. and be the disciplinaries both of South f Witnesse their Classicall assemblies at Commencements Faires c. See Discipline grounds and North Britaine g The approbation or disallowance of a generall assembly hath beene and should be a matter and cause spirituall and alwayes cognosced and judged by the Church as Iudges competent within this Realme say certaine Scottish Ministers in their letter unto the Lords of the Kings privie Councel in Scotland which letter is printed in the said Lords declaration c. published an 1606. and printed by Robert Barker Others adversaries to both Puritanes and Papists are of mind that were the Pope a good man as hee is nothing lesse hee might and hee being wicked other good Bishops though subject unto Kings and Emperours may summon Councels at their discretion An error of Scelneccerus h Analyct pag. 35. The Muscovites have a fancie that since the seventh generall Councell that was neither Prince nor Pope nor any other men else have power to call a generall Councell i Surius comment an 150 1. pag. 30. 2. Proposition Generall Councels may erre The proofe from Gods Word GEnerall Councels consisting first of men who may erre nothing more easily for all the imaginations of mans heart are onely evill continually a Gen. 6.5 even from his youth b Gen. 9.21 but God onely is true and all men are c Psal 116.11 yea and every man is a lyer d Rom. 3.4 Next of men differing in yeares riches learning judgement calling and authority whereby distractions of opinions often doe arise Thirdly of many men whereof the wicked be for number commonly the major part and the better in outward countenance of the world Lastly of men not all nor alwaies either grounded with Gods holy Spirit and Word or gathered together in the Name of Christ none of found judgement in Religion doe doubt but they may erre If Paphnutius had beene absent at Nice that Councell had erred e Sozom. lib. 1. c. 33. If Hierome had been away at Calcedon that Councell had erred f B. Iewel dec fol. 58. At any time if some be beleeved be the Pope of Rome not present at such meetings either per se or per Legatum by himselfe or his Legate no Councell but must erre g Rosien contra Luther Therefore Councels may erre That which one Councell doth establish another will disanull They will not wee must think revoke that which is well decreed Therefore Councels may erre h Test Rhem. an Ioh. 16.13 The adversaries unto this truth Therefore erre doe the Papists which say that the holy Spirit is director to all Councels and That Councels cannot erre 3. Proposition Generall Councels have erred even in things pertaining unto GOD. The proofe from Gods Word COuncels both generall and particular have erred and that in matters of Faith a Conf. Wittemb cap. 33. For in the holy Scriptures we finde that it was ordained if any man did confesse that Iesus was the Christ hee should be excommunicate b Iohn 9.22 12.42 which could not be but by a Councell A councell was gathered to suppresse Christ and his doctrine c John 12.47 A councell consulted how they might take Iesus by subtilty and kill him d Math. 26 3 4 e Marke 14.53 55. A councell sought for false witnesse to put him to death By a councell Iesus was bound led away and delivered unto Pilate f Mark 15 1. A councell judged our Saviour Christ to be both a deceiver g Math. 27.63 and a blasphemer h Luke 21 71. A councell corrupted the Souldiers and willed them to tell a lye i Mat. 28.12 13 A councell withstood Peter and Iohn and commanded them that in no wise they should speake or teach in the name of Iesus k Acts 4 5 6.18 A councell both caused thr Apostles to be beaten and commanded them also that they should not preach in the name of Iesus l Acts 5.40 In ancient writers of credit we may reade how contrary to Gods Word by councels Arrianisme hath beene confirmed as by the councell of Ariminum m D. Hieron in vita Damasi Papae By councels the traditions and bookes of foolish men have beene made of equall authority with the Word of God as by the Councell of Trent n Ses 4. decr 1. By councels hath beene established both the adoration of images as by the second councell of Nice and the Invocation of creatures as by the Tridentine councell o Brev. Rom. ex decr S. â— Concil Trid. â—â—â—icuâ— edit 5. By councels the authority of Princes hath bin impaired and the Pope and Clergie advanced above all earthly Princes as by the Councell of Lateran p Concil Later c. 5. apud Innocent The consideration of the premises and the like mooved S. Hilarie to call the Synode of Mediolane The Synagogue of the malignant q Hilar. epist ad Const
silver stone wood paper copper c c Non inficiamâ—â— haec nos latriae admatione Câ—r sti praeclaressimam crucem â—â—re veneâ—aâ—i Aâ—drad orthodox expl lib. 9 p. 284. 4. Proposition The Romish doctrine concerning Reliques is fond and not warranted by the holy Scriptures nor consonant but contrary unto the same The proofe from Gods Word OF all the erroneour opinions among the Papists which are infinite none is more to the illusion of well meaning Christians then their doctrine concerning worshipping b Confes Helv. 1. ar 11. c. 5. Basâ— ar 10. Bohem c. 17. Gal. ar 24. and adoration of the reliques of Saints A doctrine which is so farre from being found as it is forbidden in the holy Scripture a Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him onely shalt thou serve Matth 4.20 and a doctrine in the purer times and writers of the Church no where to be found and in all the best Churches at this day utterly condemned Adversaries unto this truth Such notwithstanding is the Satanicall boldnesse of the Antichristian Synagogue of Rome that as they will delude men with the reliques of Saints which are not such so likewise they teach the people which is most offensive and execrable to give divine adoration and honour unto them a Praedâ—catio autem ecclâ—siastica hoc scâ—â—pâ—â—enâ—â—it Sanctorum reâ—iquias ess ex fide venerandas Stap â— antidot evang in Mat 8.21 p. 30 The Catholike affirmeth worshipping of Saints prayer unto them feasts of them adoration of their reliques and images the Protestant denieth all Hils quartron 14. reas p 71. Hence it is that some doe pray unto St. Benet whose Reliques they had stolne O Benedict after God our onely hope leave us not orphanes who art come hither not through our merits but for the salvation of many soules b Viâ—â— Lir. l. 23 cap. 155. Others have published that the bodies of Saints and specially the Reliques of the blessed Martyrs are with all sinc rity to be honoured as the members of Christ c. If any denie this conclusion he is to be thought not a Christian but an Eunomian and Vigilantian c Raâ—â—l 6. c. 10. de Sâ—â—â—ropâ—â— The Councell of Trent also hath decreed that they are to be taken for damned which affirme how worship and honour is not to be given unto the Reliques of Saints d Conc. Trid. sess 25. decr de Invoc c. Of this preposterous devotion they have appointed a certaine and common service for the holy Crosse whereon Christ was hanged e Massa de S. Cruce Offi ium de S. Cruce they have made a feast for the speare and Nailes wherewith Christ was fastned to the Crosse f Beâ—-hâ—ve lib. â— cap. 3. they have canonized for a Saint the chaines which bound S. Peter g â—â—racian dist 3â— Nul â—olat To say nothing of the adoration they gave unto the Haire Milke Smocke of the blessed Virgin unto the Head Haire Thombe Coate of Iohn Baptist unto the breeches of Ioseph the sword and Handkerchiefe of Saint Paul the Keyes of Saint Peter and unto many other things which of modesty I will not mention but doe over-passe 5. Proposition Invocation of Saints is a fond thing not warranted by the holy Scriptures nor consonant but contrary unto the same The proofe from Gods Word THe Christian exercise of Prayer is a duty which may not be either sâ—curely omitted or vainely abused And though many things in prayer be necessarily to be observed yet a speciall point it is that in our Supplications and Prayers we doe call onely upon God For so to doe we are both commanded even by God himselfe a Call upon me in the time of trouble Psal 50.15 After this manner â—â—ay Our Father which are in heaven c. Matth. 6.6 When ye pray 〈◊〉 Our Father 〈◊〉 are in heaâ—â—n Luk. 11 2. and thereunto also allured by manifold as well promises of large blessings b Psal 50.15 Math. 7.11 Luk 11.12 18 7 8. Ioâ—â— 16.23 24. as by the examples of godly men in all ages Patriarks Abraham c Gen. 13.4 Isaac d Gen. 26.25 c. Iacob e Gen. 32.9 Prophets as Daniel f Dan 9.16 c Elias g 1 King 18.36.37 c. Ieremy h Ier. 14.7 c. Centurions i Act. 10.2 Publicans k Luke 18.13 Apostles as Paul l Act. 16 25. and through his Epi tles Peter m Acts 1 24. c. yea of all the Elect of God in this world n Luke 1.87 On the other side to pray unto any creature that is out of this world besides Iesus Christ there is in the Scripture neither Law to command nor promise of blessing nor any example of godly men or women to provoke Finally as all Gods people in the purer and former times have so in these dayes the Protestant Churches utterly condemne the invocating of or praying unto creatures whatsoever o Confe Helv. 1. ar 1. 2. c. 5. 23. Basil ar 10 Bohe c. 2. 17. Gal. ar 14. 24. Belg. ar 20. Au. ar 21. Wit c. 23. Suc. ar 11. 21. The adversaries unto this truth Therfore the Romish doctrine that Saints are to be prayed unto a Test Rhem. pag. 187. Orationem Dominicam fundimus Sanctis Censur a Colon. f. 208. and their daily praying as occasion serveth unto S. Agatha that have sore brests unto S. Benedict that either be or feare to be poisoned unto S. Clare for them that have sore eies S. Damian that be sick for health S. Erasmus for help in the intrals S. Feriol for Geese S. Giles for women that would have children S. Hubberts for dogges S. Iob for them which have the pox S. Katherine for knowledge S. Loys for horses S. Margaret for women in travaile S. Nicholas for little children S. Otilia for the head-ach S. Petronil for the Ague S. Quintin for the cough S. Ruffin for lunacy or madnes S. Sebastian for the plague S. Thomas Becket for sinners S. Valentine for the falling sicknesse S. Winefrid for virginity S.X. or Crosse for all things it is vaine not warrantable by Gods Word but altogether repugnant to the holy Scriptures The vanity and Idolatry of the Popish Invocation further demonstrated from that booke of theirs entituled Horae beatissima virginis c. Oremus Majestatem tuam Domine suppliciter exoramus ut sicut Ecclesiae tuae beatus Andreas Apostolus tuus extitit praedicator rector ita apud te sit pro nobis perpetuus intercessor per Dominum nostrum Iesum Christum Oremus Deus pro cujus Ecclesia gloriosus martyr Pontifex Thomas gladijs impiorum occubuit praesta quaesumus ut omnes qui ejus implorant auxilium piae petitionis ejus salutarem consequantur effectum per Dominum nostrum Versus Ora pro nobis beata Katherina Resp Vt digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi Versus Ora a
c. and to call the people to repentance so teacheth Barrow l Ba. disco p. 36. 5. Proposition They must not be silent who by office are bound to preach The proofe from Gods Word As publikely to preach before men are sent is a grievous fault so not to preach being sent is a great sinne Hereunto beare witnesse 1. Our Saviour Christ whose words are these Surely I must also preach the Kingdome of God for therefore am I sent a Luke 4.43 2. Peter and Iohn who being charged to speake no more in the name of Iesus said Wee cannot but speake that which we have heard and seene b Acts 4.17 c. 3. Saint Paul For he saith Necessity is laid upon me and woe is me if I preach not the Gospell c 1 Cor. 9.16 17. 4. The Apostles of Christ For though they were beaten for so doing yet ceased they not to teach and preach Iesus Christ d Acts 5.42 5. All the Churches of God which be purged from superstition and errors e Conf. Helv. 1. ar 25. 2. c. 8 9. Bohem. c. 9. Gal. ar 15. Aug. ar 7. Wit ar 20. Suev ar 13. Errors and adversaries unto this truth Then as in a glasse they may see their faults Who maintaine how there ought to be no publike preaching at all as doe the Anabaptists a Bullin cont Anabap. c. 12. Which deprave the office of preaching as doe the Libertines saying that preaching is none ordinary meanes to come unto the knowledge of the Word b Wilkins against the Fam. of Love ar 14. p. 66. and especially the Family of Love who tearme the publike preachers in derision Scripture-learned c Theoph. against Wilk Licentious scripture-learned d Pat. of the prof Temp. good thinkingwise e H. N prâ—ph of the Sp. cap. 2. sect 7. Ceremoniall and letter-Doctors f â—am let to the B. of Roc. Teaching-masters g H. N. Spiâ— l. c 25 and further say It is a great presumption that any man out of the learnednesse of the letter taketh upon him to be a Teacher or Preacher Againe It becommeth not any man to busie himselfe about preaching of the Word so and more too the Family Which take upon them the office of publike preaching without performance of their duty either through ignorance that they cannot worldly employments that they may not negligence h Idem 1. â—â—b c. 10. sect 15. 16. that they will not or feare of troubles that they dare not preach the Word of God Yet thinke wee not which our Sabbatarians let not to publish that Every Minister necessarily and under paine of damnation is to preach at least once every Sunday i D B doct of the Sabbath 2 book p. 174. and Vnlesse a Minister preach every Sunday he doth not hallow the Sabbath day in the least measure of that which the Lord requireth of us k Ibid. p. 277. 3 Proposition The Sacraments may not be administred in the Congregation but by a lawfull Minister The proofe from Gods Word IN the holy Scriptures we reade that the publike Ministers of the Word are to be Administers of the Sacraments For both our Saviour Christ commanded his Disciples as to preach so to baptize a Matth 28.19 and celebrate the Supper of the Lord b Luke 22 1â— 1 Cor. 11.24 25. and the Apostles and other Ministers in the purest times whom the godly Ministers and Preachers in these dayes doe succeed not onely did preach but also baptize c Acts 2 3â— 41 8 12 13 40.41.16.32 33. John 1.25 1 Cor. 1 1â— 16. and minister the Lords Supper d Acts 20.7 1 Cor 10. â—6 And hereunto doe the Churches of God subscribe e Conf. Heb. 2. c. 18 Bohem. c. 9. Gal. ar 2.5 31. Aug. ar 5. Wittem ar 20. Suev ar 13. In saying that none may administer the Sacraments in the Congregation afore he be lawfully called and sent thereunto we thinke not as some doe that the very being of the Sacraments dependeth upon this point viz. whether the Baptizer or giver of the Bread and Wine be a Minister or no. Neither is it the meaning of this article that privately in houses either lawfull Ministers upon just occasion may not or others not of the Ministery upon any occasion in the peace of the Church may administer the Sacraments The aduersaries vnto this truth T. C. 1 rep p. 113. Hereby we declare our selves not to favour the opinion that publikely Some may minister the Sacraments which are not meerely and full Ministers of the Word and Sacraments and so thinke both the Anabaptists among whom their King when it was after Supper tooke bread and reaching it among the Communicants did say Take eate and shew forth the Lords death their Queene also reaching the Cup said Drinke ye and shew forth the Lords death a Sucius com p 237. and the Presbyterians at Geneva where the Elder a Lay-man ministreth the Cup ordinarily at the Communion b Survay of dis c. 15 out of the Geneva lawes Some Ministers and namely the Puritane Doctors may not minister the Sacraments For say the disciplinarians the office of Doctors is onely to teach true doctrine c Lear. disc p. 17. but in our Church of England the Doctor encroacheth upon the office of the Pastor For both indifferently doe teach exhort and minister the Sacraments d Fruâ— Ser. on Rom. 12. p. 40 None though a lawfull Minister may administer the Sacraments which either is no Preacher e The administration of the Sacraments ought to be committed to none but such as are preachers of the Word Lear. disc p. 60. It is sacriledge to separate the Word viz. Preaching from the Sacraments Ibid. The preaching of the Word is the life of the Sacraments T. C. 1. rep p. 125. or when he ministreth them doth not preach f The unchangeable lawes of God he saith T.C. that none minister the Sacraments which doe not preach T.C. 1. repl p. 104 sect 3. Where there is no Preacher oâ— the Word there ought to be no minister of the Sacraments Lear disc p. 62. which be the errors of the Disciplinarians or Puritanes Publikely and privately too the Sacraments of Baptisme may be administred by any man yea by women if necessitie doe urge So hold the Papists For saith Iavell g Iavel Psal Ch. par fol. 559. in the time of necessity the minister of Baptisme is every man both male and female A woman be she young or old sacred or wicked Every male that hath his wits and is neither dumbe nor so drunken but that he can utter the words as well Pagan Infidel and heretike the bad as the good the Schismatike as the Catholike may baptize And yet usually in the civill warres both in France and in Netherland the Papists did rebaptize such children as of the Protestant not lay-men but ministers
against the common order of the Church and woundeth the consciences of the weake brathren 4. Euery particular or nationall Church hath authority to ordaine change and abolish ceremonies or rites of the Church ordained onely by mans authority so that all things be done to edifying The Propositions 1. Traditions or Ceremonies are not neccessary to be like and the same in all places 2. No priuate man of a self-will and purposely may in publike violate the traditions and ceremonies of the Church which by common authority be allowed and are not repugnant to the Word of God 3. Ceremonies and traditions ordained by authority of man if they be repugnant to Gods Word are not be to kept and obserued of any man 4. Every particular or nationall Church may ordaine change and abolish ceremonies or rites ordained onely by mans authority so that all things be done to edifying 1. Proposition Traditions or ceremonies are not necessarily to be like or the same in all places The proofe from Gods Word IF a necessity were laid vpon the Church of God to obserue the same traditions and ceremonies at all times and in all places assuredly neither had the ceremonies of the old law bin as they are now a Act 6.14 10 13. 15 1 c. Gal. 2.3 c. Eph. 2. â—4 Col. 2.16 abolished neither would the Apostles euer have given such presidents of altering them upon speciall reasons as they have done For the said Apostles changed the times and places of their assembling together the people of God meeting and the Apostles preaching sometimes on the weeke b Acts 1.46 5.24 sometime on the Sabbath dayes c Acts 13.14.17 2 18 4. sometimes publikely in the Temple d Acts 24 6 3 15 26. in the Synagogues e Acts 9.20 14 1 17 1â— 18 and in the Schooles f Acts 19.9.4 sometime priuately in house after house g Acts 5.42 and in chambers h Acts 1.13 20 8 28 30 3â— sometimes in the day time i Act. 2.46 3 1. sometimes in the night k Acts 20.7 Neither kept they the same course in the ministration of the Sacraments For as occasion was offered they both baptized in publike assemblies l Acts 2.46 and in priuate houses m Acts 16 33 10 17 48. before many n Acts 18.12 10 27. 48. and when none of the faithfull but the minister onely and the party to be baptized were present o Acts 8.36 and ministred likewise the Supper of the Lord in the day time p Act 22.46 and at mid-night q Acts 20.11 in the open Churches r 1 Cor. 11.17 and in priuate houses Å¿ Acts 20.7.2.46 So nothing therefore be done against the Word of God traditions and ceremonies according to the diversitie of countries and mens manners may be changed and divers Of this iudgement with us be all reformed Churches t Conf. Helv. 2. c 7 27 Bohem c 15. Gal. ar 27. Belg. artic 32. Aug. art 15. ar 7. touâ—h abuses Sax. ar 20 Wittem ar 35 Suc. c. 14. The errors and adversaries unto this truth They are greatly deceiued therefore which thinke that The Iewish ceremonies prescribed by God himselfe for a time unto the Iewes are to be observed of us Christians Such were the old Heretikes the false apostles a Acts 15. the Cerdonites b Tertul. contra Mar. l 4. the Cerinthians c Philacter and the Nazarites d D. Hieron in epist ad Aug. and are the Familists e H. N euang c. 13. sect 5. The traditions and namely the tradition and ceremony of the seventh day for the Sabbath and the manner of sanctifying thereof must necessarily be one and the same alwayes and in all places Hence the demi-Iewes English Sabbatarians affirme first touching the sanctification of the seventh day how It is not lawfull for us to vse the seventh day to any other end but to the holy and sanctified end for which God in the beginning created it f D.B. Sab. de 1. B. p. 4. So soone as the seventh day was so soone was it sanctified that we might know that as it came in with the first man so must it not goe out with the last g Ibid. p. 6. The Sabbath or seventh day of Rest which hath that commendation of antiquity ought to stand still in force h Ibid. p. 9. All the Iudaicall dayes Feasts being taken away onely the Sabbath remaineth i Ibid. 128. And next concerning the forme and manner of keeping the day they deliver that We are bound unto the same Rest with the Iewes on the Sabbath Day k Ibid. p. 127. As the first seventh day was sanctified so much the last be l Ibid. p. 6. We be restrained upon the Sabbath from worke both hand and foot as the Iewes were m Ibid. p. 127. Euery Ecclesiasticall in Minister in his charge necessarily must Preach and make a Sermon euery Sabbath Day n Ibid. 174. euery man or woman vnder paine of vtter condemnation must heare a Sermon every Sabbath Day o Ibid p. 173. Every Pastor in his charge must execute the discipline and Presbyteriall gouernment in his Parish every Sabbath Day p Ibid 165. Last of all deceiued bee the Romane Catholikes which are of opinion how the Ceremonies of their Church are vniuersally and vnder the paine of the great curse neccessarily to be vsed in all places and countries q Concil Trid ses 7. can 13. 2. Proposition No priuate man of a selfe-will and purposely may in publike violate the traditions and ceremonies of the Church which by common authoritie be allowed and are not repugnant to the Word of God The proofe from Gods Word GReat is the priviledge great also the liberty and freedom of Gods Church and people For they are delivered From the curse of the Law a Gal 3.23 From the Law of sinne and of death b Rom. 8.2 From all Iewish rites and ceremonies c Acts 15.24 And from all humane ordinances and traditions whatsoever when they are imposed upon the consciences of men to be observed under paine of eternall condemnation d Col. 2.8 Notwithstanding the Church and every member therof in his place is bound to the observation of all traditions and ceremonies which are allowed by lawfull authority and are not repugnant to the Word of God For he that violateth them contemneth not man but God e 1 Cor. 4.46.47 who hath given power to his Church to establish whatsoever things shall make vnto comelinesse Order and Edification f Conf. Helv. 1. ar 25. 2. c 24 Bohem. c. 15. 18. Aug. 21. 4. 15. Sax. art 20. Suc. c. 14. This of our godly brethren in their published writings is approved The aduersaries vnto this truth Notwithstanding say the Anabaptists h Bullin contra Anabap. lib. 2. c. 2. The people of God are free