all spirituall graces needfull for that seruice so spake of the great workes of God to the Iewes that from all parts of the world were come to Ierusalem that the same day there were added to the Church about 3000. persons Acts 2.41 Acts 8.1 After by reason of the persecution that was raised against those that receiued their doctrine and other occasions that God disposed their doctrine was published in diuerse Countries and at Antioch in Syria so preuailed Acts 11.26 that there first the Disciples were named Christians of Christ whose Religion they receiued of which beginning and proceeding of the Gospell to the time of the Apostle Pauls imprisonment at Rome the Euangelist Luke hath written the vndoubted certainty in his history of the Acts of the Apostles which story is inlarged by that was written also hereof by some of the Apostles themselues in their Epistles and also in the Reuelation By which sacred bookes of the new Testament it most certainly and manifestly appeareth what the religion and doctrine was which our Sauiour Christ and his Apostles taught and Christian Churches after professed that continued in their doctrine And this is summarily that most holy faith and true Christian religion which is now professed in England and established by publique Authority Thus summarily answer is made to that is here desired CHAP. II. The particulars of our Religion professed in England NOw for further satisfaction in the particular points of our Religion now professed in England it is to be vnderstood that there are two bookes established by publique and highest authority amongst vs wherein are declared the particular points of Christian Religion as they now are receiued and professed in England the one of these is intituled the booke of Articles of Christian Religion agreed in the Conuocation in the yeere of our Lord 1562. In which booke is declared shortly in seuerall Articles the whole doctrine of Faith and of the Sacraments which we professe The other is the booke of diuine Seruice and common Prayer wherein is set downe the whole order whereby we serue God publiquely in our Churches In these two or in either of them for substance is contained the declaration of our Religion wherefore if the Religion deliuered in either of these bee prooued to bee the same which Christ and his Apostles taught and that which for any part whereof true Martyrs of ancient time haue suffered then is that prooued which is here desired which proofe at this time it seemeth most conuenient to be made especially of the booke of diuine Seruice For the Law with vs requireth especially to serue God according to such forme as is established by Authority and set downe in the booke of diuine Seruice and common Prayer Therefore to yeeld satisfaction to such Romane Catholique Recusants as are offended at such parts thereof as differ from the Liturgy of the Church of Rome such principall parts of the said diuine Seruice are here to bee iustified to bee established amongst vs according to that Doctrine which our Sauiour Christ and his Apostles haue deliuered For performance whereof it is to be vnderstood that there are sundry points of Religion set downe in the said booke whereof no pretended Catholique is supposed to make any doubt Of this sort it is that the said Booke appointeth the reading of the holy Scriptures of both the Testaments and particularly out of the old Testament of the Law of the two Tables contayning the ten Commandements of Almighty God and out of the new Testament of the Lords Prayer Of like kinde also it is that in the same our faith in many of the highest and most sacred mysteries of Christian Religion is declared and professed in three of the most ancient and notable Confessions of Christian faith that haue beene gathered out of the Scriptures in any former ages Of which Confessions or Creedes as they are commonly called the first and most ancient is that which vsually is called the Apostles Creede because it containeth many principall points of the Doctrine of the Apostles and in a great part followeth from one degree to another the Story of the Gospell concerning the sundry degrees of the humiliation and glory of our Sauiour Christ The other two are somewhat larger declarations of the same points of doctrine that are in the former of which Confessions or Creedes the one is of Athanasius that resolute constant Professor of Christ worthy in honour to be immortall in the Church according to his name The other the Creede set forth by the first and most famous oecumenicall Councell of Nice Besides these though not expressed in this booke the Lawes of England so receiue the holy determinations of all the first foure generall Councels in that they agreeably to the Scriptures determined of the doctrine concerning Christs two natures of God and Man and of the Vnity of his Person and of the Godhead of the holy Ghost against the damnable Heresies of Arius Nestorius Eutyches and Macedonius as they ordaine punishment by death vpon any that shall obstinately maintaine the foresaid Heresies Moreouer the said booke appointeth the order for the administration of both the Sacraments instituted by our Sauiour Christ as signes and seales of the Gospell of Christ and of the righteousnes that is by Faith viz. Baptisme the Sacrament of our new birth and the Lords Supper the Sacrament of our continuall nourishment by him to life euerlasting Finally the same booke containeth besides the Lords prayer the true rule and direction whereby all other are framed many other godly prayers for all estates and degrees and applied to the confession of our sins to the administration of the Sacramenâ—s and other like occasions of the Church Thus farre of such particulars as it is to be thought no Christian doubteth but that thâ—y are from God Wherefore the proofe to bee made seemeth ne dâ—â—ull only in such points as our Church hath reformed in the Religion and Liturgie professed and vsed in the Church of Rome Now therefore the principall things of difference betweene our diuine Seruice and the Liturgie of the Church of Rome follow to be considered in the principall parts thereof after that two points haue beene debated which are to be regarded in them all whereof the former is the subiect or person that is to say who it is that with Seruice of Religion ought to be serued and worshiped by vs * In the Church of England God only is worshipped with diuine s ruice not any creature or dead things as Images reliques such like in England by publique Authority with Diuine seruice the law intendeth that onely the true eternall God the Almighty creatour of heauen and earth and the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ is to be religiously serued and honored by vs. For which cause it is ordained that the word of God be read and expounded that his Sacraments bee administred and that all our prayers be made to God and to
guift of tongues whereby the same day they spake to the Iewes that were then from all nations assembled at Ierusalem the greatacts and mighty works of God For it is expressly written and that the people maruelled that they heard them speake euery one in the language of the Countrey wherein they had been borne By which miraculous guifr bestowed first vpon the Apostles then after vpon many other and by such vse of it in teaching the people of euery nation in their owne language it is manifest that our Sauiour Christs ordinance is that diuine Seruice should bee administred in a speach vnderstood by all the people This is also confirmed in that the Apostle Paul in his former Epistle to the Corinthians Chap. 14. saith that the ordinances set downe by him in that place amongst which this was one that no man should speake in the Church and Assembly of the people a strange language not vnderstood by them except it were interpreted are the commandements of the Lord that is of Iesus Christ Thus then it appeareth to be the practise and ordinance of Christ that diuine Seruice should be administred in a speech which the people vnderstand Now that the Apostles taught the same is likewise manifest for first that their practise was such appeareth Acts 2. Where hauing receiued the guift of tongues they imployed it rightly to that end for which it was giuen and spake to men of diuers tongues in the language of the Country wherein they were borne And this was the generall practise of the Apostles as appeareth in the booke of their Acts. 1 Cor. 14. Now the Apostle Paul debating this matter at large not onely teacheth manifestly that all diuine Seruice should bee performed in the Church in a speech which the people vnderstand but confirmeth this doctrine by many reasons In which discourse it appeareth that diuine Seruice ought to bee administred to Gods glory verse 47. For it being the Lords coÌ„mandemeÌ„t that it should be so performed as the Apostle there calleth it it is for the glory of God that with all due obedience it be so performed Besides this the reason of this commandement doth likewise proue it which is that by such meanes the knowledge of God is enlarged Acts 2. the great and marueilous workes of God as his Creation Prouidence redemption of the world by his onely begotten Sonne his lawes and his commandements the promises of the Gospell preached in the Word set out in the Sacraments which are of forgiuenâ—sse of sinnes of life and immortality to euery one that beleeueth and such like are made knowne to men to Gods vnspeakeable glory as it was by the Apostles By that meanes also the people vnderstand the prayers and thanksgiuing which are made by the minister yeeld therin consent to such services of God and together with him doe God that honor that thereby they acknowledge all good guifts to come from him and therefore that they ought to be desired of him by prayer and that he is to be glorified for them with all thanksgiuing Therefore that God may be honoured with all this honor it behooueth and is necessary that he be serued in the Church in a speech that the people vnderstand Furthermore the edification of the people doth require the same concerning which it is the Lords expresse commandement 1 Cor. 14.26 That in the Church all things should bee done to their Edification By edification is meant their furtherance in the knowledge of God in the vnderstanding of the Scripture in faith in obedience in comfort and all Christian duties But none of these can be furthered in the people if the Minister vse a language which the people doth not vnderstand Therefore it is necessary for the instruction and comfort of the people that the Scriptures be read and expounded the Sacraments administred the Prayers and thanksgiuing bee made in the Church in a speech that all the people doth vnderstand On the contrary part by administring of diuine Seruice in a speech not vnderstood by the people both God is dishonoured and the people are suffered to perish For touching the first point Gods commandements of the right vse of his guift of tongues of doing all things in the Church to edification are broken God is also highly dishonoured in that the knowledge of him is kept from the people that his name is taken in vaine and Seruice prophaned and his people suffered to perish in ignorance and disobedience Concerning the peoples perishing by this meanes it is plaine in that the blind led by the blind must needes pâ—rish By this meanes they doe remaine in their sinnes and namely in the ignorance of God which howsoeuer the adherents of the Church of Rome teach to bee the mother of deuotion the word of God teacheth to be the iust cause of error disobedience and destruction Math 22.29 For it is said that the seruant that knoweth not the will of his Master shall be beaten it is said indeed with few stripes in comparison of the many stripes wherewith they shall be beaten which know their Masters will and do it not Luke 12.47 48. but by those few stripes are meant euerlasting torments as the Apostle Paul teacheth saying And to you which are troubled 1 Thes 1.7 8 9. rest with vs when the Lord Iesus shall shew himselfe from heauen with his mighty Angels in flaming fire rendering vengeance vnto them that doe not know God and which obey not the Gospell of our Lord Iesus Christ which shall bee punished with euerlasting perdition from the presence of the Lord-and from the glory of his power Now as the Church is edified by him that prophecieth 1 Cor. 14 3 4. receiueth instruction exhortation comfort and direction whereby they may ioyne together in Prayâ—s and thanksgiuing So on the contrary they want all these meanes when diuine Seruice is administred in a strange tongue which they doe not vnderstand For the minister speaketh not to them that is to their vnderstanding and therefore whatsoeuer have heauenly doctrine bee read or deliuered in a strange tongue the people is nothing instucted by it but departeth from the Church as ignorant of God of all godlynes as they came to it And as hee that is ignorant is not instructed in any thing so he that is dull and sloathfull in his duty to God or man according to Gods commandement is not furthered by exhortation nor he that is heauy in heart is not comforted verse 1â— likewise when the minister prayeth or giueth thanks he can neither pray nor giue thanks with him nor answer firly to any thing he pronounceth because he vnderstandeth not what it is that he sayeth For this cause the Apostle saith that their vnderstanding remaineth fruitelesse and that fiue wordes spoken to their vnderstanding were more worth then many thousands in that sort And in respect of the Prophet or minister hee saith that in so doing
people Of the example of our Sauiour Christ it is expresly written as hath beene touched before Luke 4.16 17 21 22. that hee entred into the Synagogue of Nazareth vpon the sabbath day as his manner was and there standing vp to reade when the booke of the Proâ—â—â—â— Esay had beene deliuered to him hee opened it and read that which is written in the begining of the 61 Chap. of hat Prophecy And further that hauing deliuered againe the booke hee sate downe and thâ— eyes of all that were in the Synogogue were bent vpon him To whom hâ—uing sayd that that Scripture was fulfiled that day in th ir hearing they all baâ—e him witnesse that it was so and maruelled at the speeches full of grace that proceeded out of his mouth The like practise of the Apostles in their Liturgie and puâ—lique ministry in the Church at Ierusalem appeareth in the booke of the Acts and namely in these places Acts 2 4 7 8 14 22 37 38 40 41 42 46 47. Throughout the same booke and likewise in all Epistles of the Apostles it is playne that this was their practise amongst the dispersed Iewes and the Churches of the Gentiles as of the Romanes Corinthians and the rest yea that they did so ordaine in all Churches in their time 1 Cor. 14.33 36 37. For the time succeeding it appeareth by the Apologeticall writings of Iustin Martyr Tertullian and others that the Liturgies in their time were such as the people vnderstood The like appeareth in Ierome who was so dâ—sirous to further the knowledge of Religion in the common sort as hee translated the Scriptures into the Dalmaticall Sclauonian tongue for the vse of his Country men Origens Hexapla and Octopla bookes setting out the Scripture in so many diuers translations witnesse the like care and desire in him And of others Augustine writeth that the Latine translâ—tions were not to be numâ—red The Liturgies that go vnder the name of Basil 〈◊〉 Chrysostome declare also that in the time wherein they were written when soeuer it was for they cannot be of their time but latter the Church vnderstood the Scripture Prayer Thankesgiuing and other parts of diuine Seruice that was administred amongst thâ—m And in the East Church is continued so a long time as appeareth by many exhortations of Chrysostome and other of the Greeke Teachers to the reading of the Scriptures and by some parts of the Liturgie wherâ— of mention is made in their writings So did it likewise long continue in the West Church euen till almost all things were corrupted and that darkenâ—sse had ouercast thâ— face of thâ— heauens and taken the light thereof from these parts of the earth namely in the Church of Rome which howsoeuer it hath preuailed and continued a long time in diuers parts and especially in these of the West yet in this blessed age of reformation it hath pleased God to driue away that darkenesse and to cause the light of his countenance so comfortably to shine vnto vs againe as that now in our owne tongue Gods holy word is read and expounded vnto vs the Sacraments administred Prayers and thanksgiuinges are offered vp vnto God and the whole Seruice of God in England is performed in a speech which all our English people vnderstand In which respect it hath beâ—ne proued that our Religion in England is that which was taught by our Sauiour Christ and his holy Apostles And thus much may suffise also for this poynt being the second generall here considered in all Diuine Seruice CHAP. IIII. Of the reading and expounding to the people the word of God and not the Legends and fables of men Now it followeth to proceed to declare the like in the sundry parts of Gods Seruice The chiefe parts of diuine Seruice as the Apostles teach speaking of their ministry to whom first the dispensation of Christian Religion and of the mysteries of God and the whole administration of Gods Seruice then was committed consisteth in the Word of God whereunto belong the Sacraments as visible words setting out the same doctrine of the Gospel and in Prayer whereunto also thanksgiuing is to be referred For thus are performed whatsoeuer the Ministers are to declare vnto the Church in Gods behalfe and what duty and seruice the Church offereth vnto God on their part Wherefore all Diuine Seruice consisting in these two principall partes and the former hereof bâ—ing the administration of the word and that first in the reading and expounding of the Scriptures the next thing to bee shewed is that our Religion and seruice of God in England in that concerneth the reading and expounding the word of God and no Legends or fables is such as was taught by Iesus Christ and his Apostles For clearing whereof it is fiâ—st to be vnderstood that in England it is appointed that the holy Scriptures the writings of Moyses the Prophets and Apostles be read vnto the people and not any Legends of Saints as they are called or other like vncertaine or fabulous writings as haue beene vsed and commanded to bee read in the churches subiect to the Sea of Rome Now thâ—s to serue God that our Sauiour Christ and his Apostles haue taught may appeare by their doctrine and practise Luke 16.29 31. Our Sauiour Christ saith by Abraham They haue Moyses and the Prophets heare they them And againe If they heare not Moyses and the Prophets thâ—y would not bee perswaded no although one should rise from the dead Againe hee sayth Search ye the Scriptures Iohn 5.39 Math. 22.29 Math. 12.3.7 21 1â— 4â— Ye are deceiued because ye know not the Scriptures And how often doth he say Haue ye not heard how reade you and with many like speeches referring them to the Doctrine of the Scrâ—ptures declareth the ordinance of God the duty of the people and the practise of the Church at that time to haue beene such as that in the publique assemblies that which was read and taught the people was the word of God and not any fables of the Iewes Luke 4.16 31 Further also the practise of our Sauiour was agreeable thereunto for it is noted to haue beene his manner and custome vpon the Sabbath dayes wherein Moyses was read and expounded vnto the Church to enter into the Synagogues and to teach the people Now this custome of his in one place is so particularly râ—ported as that it is said that hee came to Nazareth where hee had beene brought vp and entered according as he had beene wont into the Synagogue vpon the Sabbath day and stood vp to reade then there was deliuered vnto him the booke of Esay the Prophet which he hauing vnfolded opened found the place where it was written The Spirit of God c. verse 17. Which text after hee had read hee expounded vnto them and out of it preached the Gospell of the kingdome of God vnto them And it is further added that the people heard him and the eyes of
in any degree like the former for the causes aboue menâ—ioned or by the heathen Wiâ—hin the Church there arose indeede great troubles generally by the authority of the Emperours that fauoured the heresy of Arius and by the Arian Bishops and other of that heresy soliciting authority with all importunacy against Athanasius and other that maintained the sound Orthodoxe and holy faith of the Godhead of Christ of one and the same substance with the Father In which worthy cause whatsoeuer was suffered by any and namely by Athanasius worthy to bee immortall and to haue his name preserued for euer in the Church with high regard and honour they and Athanasius suffered for that saith that is also professed by all reformed Churches and namely by our Church in England as may appeare by Athanasius Creede or confession of faith set downe in our booke of common prayer appoynted by publique authority to be openly read in all our Churches Other vniuersall persecutions for any matter of Christian faith wee reade of none And as for such particular troubles as were raised in the Church about any heresy condemned by any of the foure first generall Councels whatsoeuer those Councels decreed against such heresies is receiued and professed by our Church in England Thus it is proued that all the Martyrs of the Primitiue Church suffered for our Religion that is now professed in England And in all ages whatsoeuer true and right Martyrs there haue beene that is which suffered death for bearing witnesse to the word of God and to any part of Christian Religion deliuered by Iesus Christ and by his holy Apostles for it is the cause and not the punishment onely that maketh a Martyr they dyed all for some Article or other of the Religion which is professed in England And of this sort for some laterages especially in this wherein wee liue the barbarous Cruelty of the Romane Catholiques hath beene such as in this age both England in some former times and especially in the reigne of Queene Mary and many other kingdomes and countries of Christendome haue flowed with the Christian blood that hath bene shed by them They boast indeed of Martyrs that haue dyed for the defence of their Religion for which if our Christian Kings and States that haue restored the sincerity of Christian Religion had made lawes for that purpose and put them in execution vpon some turbulent Persons obstinately seeking to depriue vs of the true worship of God and to bring vs back againe to the blindnesse and ignorance superstitions and will worships errours and heresies Idolatries and blasphemies of the Sea of Rome who could iustly reproue such proceedings But it will bee hard to shew that our Christian Princes and States haue yet hitherto so proceeded Possibly in the warres and In the rage of battell and in the fury of victory some outrages may haue bene committed which we do not iustifie But that in time of peace when lawes might be obeyed the Iudges sit quietly vpon their benches it will not be easy to shew that there hath bin any such course Their shamelesse Legendaries report indeed that we haue put men into Beares sâ—innes and set dogges to worry them But they tâ—at wrote â—â—ch things had neither truth nor modesty in so writ ng They complaine much also of some Iesuits Seminaries and other Romane Catholiques adiudged vnto death in this Land And it is true that some such haue beene executed but not any simply for any matter of Religion and diuine Seruice but either for Fellonies and Treasons and that some such as the like were neuer heard of in any age or for such erronious and hereticall poynts of Doctrine as directly impugneth the Soueraignty of the State and inforced a necessity of such Lawes and execution of them vpon some notorious Offendors and seditious practisers to seduce the subiects from their allegeance But this is cleared in many other places and heere it may suffice to shew that which hath beene proued That the Martyrs of the Primitiue Church dyed for that truth which is now professed in England Which hauing beene thus proued by this Treatise there hath beene performed whatsoeuer is desired Which God grant may be of as good vse to such as haue desired it as the writer from his soule doth pray God may vouchsafe them FINIS
VINDICIAE ECCLESIAE ANGLICANAE OR A IVSTIFICATION OF THE RELIGION NOW PROFESSED IN ENGLAND Wherein it is prooued to be the same which was taught by our Sauiour Iesus Christ and by his holy Apostles written for their vse that haue desired such proofe BY W. T. Acts 24.14 This I professe vnto thee that according to the way which they call Heresie so doe I serue the God of my Fathers beleeuing all things which hath beene written in the Law and in the Prophets Vigilius against Eutyches lib. 1. This is the Catholique Faith and Profession which the Apostles haue deliuered which the Martyrs haue confirmed and which the Faithfull preserue euen to this present age Printed at London by T. C. R. C. for Michael Sparke dwelling at the blue Bible in Greene Arbor 1630. Ad Lectorem COurteous Reader this booke comming forth into the world offereth it selfe to thy view the very title whereof may inuite thee to reade it and may iustly promise if not challenge future hopes of matter worth the obseruation It is entitled a Iustification of the Religion professed in England and the worke doth make good the title for in it thou shalt finde these propositions learnedly prosecuted against the Pseudo-Catholiques 1. That the adoration of Images representing the persons either of the Trinity or of Saints or Angels is dissonant to the word of God 2. That Diuine Seruice ought to bee administred to the people in the vulgar tongue not in an vnknowne language according to the practise of Christ and his Apostles 3. That the word of God not Pharisaicall traditions or the Legends and Fables of men ought to be read and expounded to the people according to the custome of the Scribes and Pharises who while they sate in Moyses chaire read and interpreted the Law and the Prophets 4. That the Sacraments of the New Testament are not seauen as Anti-Christ that seauen-headed beast affirmeth for Christ instituted but two Baptisme and the Lords Supper which succeeded those two Legall ones Circumcision and the Pascha 5. That Baptisme ought to be celebrated according to the commandement of Christ without Exorcisme or any superfluous and superstitious Ceremony 6. That the Lords Supper ought to be administred to the people in both kindes without Eleuation Adoration Reseruation and pompous carrying it abroad in the streets and that in it there is neither Transubstantiation Consubstantiation or Reall presence 7. That Prayer ought to be made onely to God by the onely mediation of Iesus Christ And that it is an horrible impiety to make gods of creatures in giuing them Gods worship or to mocke with Christs mediation in seeking for new Intercessors whether Saints or Angels 8. That the Martyrs of the Primitiue Church suffered vnder the prophane Emperors for the same Religion which we now professe To which our Martyrs as Cranmer c. not Garnet and his adherents haue borne witnesse vnder that Whore of Babilon euen to the death laying downe their liues for the Testimony of Iesus A defence of these Truths thou hast here in a short view comprised by a learned Author whom I neuer knew but in his workes whose writings doe seeme to beare witnesse to his labours and indefatigable paines in Study The fruites or effects whereof doe in part appeare in this which hath beene locked vp in priuate Cabinets like sire raked vp in ashes almost buried in obliuion but now comes forth to see the light for the publike good First reade then censure Thine in all Christian duties A.B. The Contents of the seuerall Chapters of this Booke CHap 1. The summe of our Religion professed in England pag. 1. Chap. 2. The particulars of our Religion professed in England pag. 3. Chap. 3. Diuine Seruice is to bee administred in a language which the people vnderstand pag. 18. Chap. 4. Of the reading and expounding to the people the word of God and not the Legends and Fables of men pag. 29. Chap. 5. Of Preaching pag. 35. Chap. 6. Of Sacraments pag. 41. Chap. 7. Of Baptisme pag. 43. Chap. 8. Of the Lords Supper pag. 44. Chap. 9. Of Prayer pag. 56. Chap. 10. Of Martyrs pag. 68. FINIS The vvriting occasioning this Treatise I Desire to haue it proued that the Religion now professed in England is the same which our Sauiour Christ taught his Apostles and they preached ouer all they world and conuerted thousands at one Sermon vnto Jf it be the same then there may bee some named that suffered for it For it is not likely that so many thousands which were conuerted to the true Faith should all be destroyed and no mention made of them in ancient Histories A IVSTIFICATION OF THE RELIGION NOW PROFESSED IN ENGLAND CHAP. I. The summe of our Religion professed in England TO proue that is here desired had beene sooner done if the matter had concerned onely some particular poynts of our Religion professed in England but now the proofe required being general without any limitation and restraint and extending it selfe to our whole Religion it must first bee shewed what Religion we professe and then such proofe is to bee made of the same as is here demanded both summarily and in some principall parts thereof First that our Sauiour and his Apostles taught the same then that the Martyrs mentioned in ancient Histories gaue testimony to the same by their death For clearing of the former point it is here to bee vnderstood Acts 24.14 First that Religion is the way and immediate duety whereby men serue God And further that true Religion and the right way to serue God is that onely which God hath revealed to men Now God spake to the Fathers in old time by the Prophets declaring his will herein by peece-meale or by sundry parts and in sundry manners but in these last dayes saith the Apostle he hath spoken to vs by his Sonne Heb. 1.1 that is by Iesus Christ In which words the nature of the opposition of these two reuelations of the will of God declareth that by Iesus Christ his onely Sonne God hath reuealed his will concerning true Religion and the right way to worshippe and serue him not any more by parts but wholly and fully nor in any manner that may be after changed as was the worship of the Fathers but in a manner certaine vnchangeable and to remaine for euer This Religion our Sauiour Iesus Christ first taught in his owne sacred person as it is declared in the history of the Gospâ—ll written by foure witnesses two Apostles and two Euangelists after by his commandement his holy Apostles preachâ—d and published the same Religion to all Nations For the preaching whereof vnto them while they yet remained at Ierusalem Acts. 5.8 according to his promise they were baptized with the holy Ghost and with fire By which holy Spirits inspiration Acts 2.3 4. they being clothed with power from aboue and hauing receiued the miraculous gift to speake with strange languages and a mighty increase of
verse 2 9. hee speaketh in regatd of any benefit of the people as if hee spake into the ayre and his speech vanished away with the winde without profit to any Furthermore he sayeth verse 7 8 9. that the minister so speaking is like one that should sound a trumpet or strike a harpe or any other Instrument without distinction of sounds whereby he intendeth that as the people not vnderstanding could receiue by it no direction in battell to march or retyre or in other actions what to doe or whereunto to prepare and dispose themselues So in the seruice of God they know not what they are directed vnto whether to pray to God or to giue him thankes or to what other part of the Seruice of God they are to apply themsâ—lues Moreouer verse 11.20 23. the Apostle affirmeth that where this disorder hath place they are as Barbarians one to another they are as little children in vnderstanding yea they will seeme to bee out of thir wits and destitute of common sence and reason Finally the Apostle addeth that to speake to the people in a language they doe not vnderstand is a token and signe of Gods wrath and anger to them Which may be easily vnderstood by some like thing in our life with men For if a seruant or a sonne that hath offended his Lord and Father or a subiect that hath transgressed the lawes of his Prince should present himselfe to him to craue pardon of his offence and to pray to vnderstand his pleasure that hee may performe it in time to come if that Lord that Father or that King shall not graciously comfort his supplyant but speake to him in a tongue that hee vnderstandeth not and so dismisse him is not that a manifest signe of his anger and indignation Euen so when any assembly of Christian people shall gather themselues together to present theÌ„selues to God to craue of him grace pardon for their sins to offer their petitions and seruice to him it must needes bee an heauy and vncomfortable token vnto them of Gods high displeasure toward them when hee vouchsafeth not to speake any gracious words vnto them that they can vnderstand but speaketh to them in a strange language Heereby therefore it appeareth that to haue diuine Seruice administred in a tongue not vnderstood by the people is contrary to the doctrine of our Sauiour Christ and his Apostles yea and that it is childish barbarous and contrary to coÌ„mon sence and reason vnprofitable for the people yea a hinderance to them and a meanes to keepe them in ignorance and all vngodlynesse and a signe of Gods indignation against them and a high dishonor to almighty God by the transgession of his commandements and taking his name in vaine Contrariwise heereby it appeareth that to administer diuine Seruice in a tongue vnderstood by the people is profitable for them and fit to further them in the knowledge faith and obedience of God and as honorable to God by making knowne his goodnesse mercy Iustice greatnesse and perfection in all respects vnto his Church and people This is confirmed also at large by the Apostle Paul in his former Epistle to the Corinthians Chap. 14 as it hath beene dâ—clared Hereunto may bee added that it appeareth by the 33 and 36. verses that the Apostle ordayned thus in all other Churches that were taught by him and that the Church of Corinth in that disorder differed both from the Church of Ierusalem and from all other Churches that at that time had receiued the Gospell Further also it appeareth that in all ages before the true Church serued God with knowledge and vnderstanding of that was taught them and yeelded to God their Seruice in such sort as they knew what duty it was which they performed vnto him For first almighty God himselfe deliuered the two tables of the tenne commandements in that speach which the people vnderstood After also by his commandement often times repeated both Moyses and the Priests Exo. 19 9. Exo. 20.18.19 Deut. 5 10 11 28 29.30 c. are charged to teach the people to heare and know learne and obserue the law of God Particularly the law commanded that the King should write the coppy of the law in a booke coppied out of that booke which was kept by the leuitical Priests Deut. 6.1 2 3. c. wherein he is charged to reade all the dayes of his life chap. 17.18 19. Deut 12.1.27.1 c. 29.1 c. that he may learne to feare the Lord his God and to obserue and doe all his commandements In many places of the bookes of Moyses and especially in the boâ—ke of Deut. it is sayd that Moâ—sâ—s taught all the people the commandements and statutes which the Lord had deliuered vnto him Ios 1.10 11. c. Iosuah in like manner dealt with all the people instructing and exhorting them to the obseruation of the statutes which God had deliuered vnto them 1 Chron. 16.2 1â— â—5 â—â— 37. In thâ— like manner did Dauid and all the Prophets deliuering Psalmes and other bookes of Scriptures in the Hebrew tongue for the publique vse of the Church of Israell which they had indited in the Hebrew tongue the common speech of all the people 1 Chton 25.2 â— â— 8. c. 1 Ki gs â— 5â— 7 58 â—1 2. Likewisâ— Solomon Dauids son at the dedication of the Temple which hee had builded mâ—de his solemne prayers and publique supplications vnto God in the hearing of all the people in their owne Hebrew tongue which they best vnderstood 2 Kings 2 1â— 23 2 3. c. And o Iosias it is also particularly recorded that hee read in the hearing of all the people from the greatest to the least of them all the words of Gods Couenant which had beene found in the house of the Lâ—rd â—zra â—1 9â— â— 10.1 Afâ—er the captiuity also wee reade that Ezra at a pâ—blâ—que â—east once or twice made his earnâ—st supplication vnto God for all the people they hâ—aring and so vnd â—standing him that men women and children wept and lamentâ—d exceedingly And in the booke of Nehemiah it is written Ezra did reade the booke of the law of God from morning to mid-day before all the people men women and all that for vnderstanding were fit to heare and that all the people was attentiue to the booke of the law and when Ezra blessed all the people said Amen Nehe. 8.2 3 4 â— 9 10 c. Amen with lifting vp their hands and bowing downe their heads they worshipped God with their faces towards the ground In the time of our Sauiour Christ the Apostle Iames sayth Moyses was read and preached euery Sabbath in the Synagogues of which custome wee reade an example in the 13 of the Asts where it is said Acts 15.21 13.15 that after the reading of the law and the Prophets Paul and Barnabas were willed to exhort the
all that were in the Synagogue were fastnâ—d vpon him By which place it is manifest that our Sauiour Christ by this example and custome of his did reade and expound the word of God verse 20. the writings of the holy Scriptures giuen by diuine inspiration which are the bookes that ought to be read and expounded and preâ—ched vpon in all Christian Churches and not vaine discourses such as the Apostle calleth old wiues tales This also was the doctrine and vse of the Apostles For being followers of Christ all their Doctrine was out of the Scriptures as it appeareth by that is sayd Acts 2 4â— That the Church continued in the Doctrine of the Apostlâ—s And in the same Chap. the Apostle Peter is shewed to haue taught the Dâ—ctrine of the resurrection of Christ out of the Psalmes Likewise the same Apostle writing to the dispersed Iewes 2 Pet. 1.19 doth commend them for attending to the words of the Prophets Ephe. 2.20 Likewise by the Apostle Paul it is written that the Church is builded vpon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Iesus Christ being the low corner-stone which is spoken in respect of their Doctrine preached by them in their time and after for the substance of it set downe in writing by the will of God for the vse of the Church for euer This appeareth also in that the Scripture giuen by the inspiration of God Rom. 15.4 is sayd to bee that which is written 2 Tim. 3.10.17 to teach vs to comfort to reforme to rebuke and to instruct in all righteousnesse to make a man wise to Saluation by faith in Christ and to make the man of God perfect fully furnished for any good worke Therefore according to the auncient ordinance of God Moyses that is Act. 15.21 the Law and bookes written by Moyses were vsed to bee read as the Apostle Iames testifieth euery Sabbath day in the Synagogues The writings of the Prophets also were so read amongst them as it appeareth by that is written Acts 13. that after the reading of the Law and of the Prophets the Apostle Paul preached in the Synagogue at Antioche And of the same Apostle it is sayd that he confirmed Iesus to bee Christ that is the Messias promised of God by proofes taken out of the Scriptures Act. 26. â—2 and is hee testifieth of him selfe hee taught nothing besides that which had bin taught before in the Law and in the Prophets Thus by all these euidences it is manifest that our Religion in England concerning this part of the Seruice of God is the same which was taught by our Sauiour Christ and by his Apostles viz. in that the holy Scriptures are publiquely read vnto the people and also the people is taught Christian Religion by the expounding and preaching of the same vnto them and that no foolish fables nor old wiues tales are read vnto them as they are read vnto the people vnder the Popes gouernement which ought not to bee Of this sort are the Legends of Saints and namely Legenda aurea that is the golden Legend containing a report of the Liues and miracles of Saints But howsoeuer they haue named it a golden booke yet some of their owne writers of best iudgement as Ludouicus Viâ—es censure it for a booke written by a man of a leaden heart which is for the basenesse of the reports that are without wit or reason and of a brasen forehead which is for the shamelesse and impudent boldnesse reporting things so fabâ—lous and incredible It needeth not to proue this by sundry particulars This is playne by strange deuises and reports concerning persons that neuer were for any thing that appeareth by any story of credit as of St. George St. Christopher St. Catherine and such like fictions deuices for instructions of life as Esops Fables were for morals It is likewise manifest in many other of such as haue beene and are mentioned by Historiographers but the reports there made of them are so incredible so fabulous so homely and so ridiculous as they are not tollerable to bâ—e read in any most base company much lesse in the Eclesiasticall assemblies of a people professing to come together to learne to know the will of God and to offer vnto him their seruice and prayers Now that such things ought not to bee read in the Church is manifest because the Lord forbiddeth to adde to his word Deut. 4.2 and hee hath giuen no commandement of hearing any but his owne Sonne of whom it is said Math. 17.5 Heare yee him The Scriptures of Diuine inspiration are the onely light that God hath giuen vs to bee directed by in things concerning his Seruice For of them onely it is sayd That they are a Lanterne vnto our feet Psal 19. and a light vnto our steps That they are written for our learning Rom. 15.4 That by patience and consolation of the Scripture wee might haue hope 2 Tim. 3.15 Likewise wee are taught That the Scriptures are able to make a man wise to saluation by faith which is in Christ Iesus and finally that they are of vse for doctrine reproofe reformation and instruction in righteousnesse 2 Tim. 3.16 17. 1 Tim. 1.4 4.7 2 Tim. 4.3 4. Tit. 1.14 that the man of God may bee made perfect and fully accomplished for euery good worke and duty But on the contrary part there is expresse Charge giuen not to attend to fables which are also called prophane fables Iewish fables and old wiues tales whereof the Apostle giueth so much greater charge because hee did foresee and prophesie that such times would come in the Church that men would turne away their eares from hearing sound Doctrine and would turne them to the hearing of tales and fables And as this part of the mystery of iniquities was then foreshewed so after it mightily preuailed and yet doth in the Church of Rome but not of many ages after the Apostles time For Iustin Martyr reporting to the Emperour Antoninus the order of diuine Seruice vsed by the Churches of Christ in his time sayth that they read the writings of the Prophets and Apostles and after had exhortations made vnto them grounded vpon the same Likewise Tertullian declareth after his report of the Prayers of the Church Lib. apologet that they met together also to heare the reading of the Scriptures for saith hee With such holy voyces meaning the Scriptures wee feede our faith raise our hope fasten our confidence and strengthen good order by often mention of the precepts and further saith that they had also exhortation and reproofes and exercise of diuine Censures After when by processe of time sâ—ch corruptioÌ„ entered as that other writings besides the holy Scriptures began to bee read in the Church a Councell held at Carthage for the reforming of such disorder 2. Coun. of Carthage ca. 47. ordained That nothing besides the holy Scriptures should bee read in the Churches vnder the
name of the holy bookes Notwithstanding the mystery of iniquity so preuailed with time that in the Churches subiect to the Sea of Rome vnder pretence of the liues and miracles of Saints most sottish and foolish fables and tales were publiquely read in the Church vnto the people wherein it cannot bee vttered what wrong was done to God and to his Church What hath chaffe to doe with wheate saith the Prophet Ieremy Ier. 23.28 Chap. 23. verse 28. For the Lord hath ordayned that his people should bee fedd with his holy word as with the finest wheate yea as with Manna the bread of heauen and they withholding it from the people of God and keeping it shut vp vnder a strange language feede the people with such fables and follies as with chaffe yea as with draffe more fit for swine The word of God is also a fountaine of liuing water at which the people of God may be refreshed with comfort but they filled vp those Springes of life Ior. 2.13 and sent them to drinke at pits of their owne diggings which could hold no water and as it were to the filthy channels of the streets to fetch their drinke there Should not a people aske counsel of their God should they goe for counsell from the liuing to the dead Consult they with the Law and the testimony sayth the Prophet Esay they which aduise otherwise Esay 8.19 20 is there any sparke of light in any of them Now to consult with the Scripture which is giuen by Gods inspiration is to consult with God neither is there now any other ordinary meanes to consult with God but by his holy word Therefore all other meanes to consult are forbidden and reputed as if a man that vsed them did aske counsell as Saul pretended of the dead I came vnto you sayth our Sauiour in my Fathers name and you did not receiue mee but if one come to you in his owne name Ioh. 5.43 you will receiue him And thus it is with those that receiue not the holy Scriptures that are the word of Christ except it bee in an vnknowne tongue but reade fables and tales to the people in a speech which they all vnderstand It is a maruaile that the Sea of Rome is not ashamed of this enormity vnto this day but that in stead of Gods holy word that conuerteth and comforteth the soule they reade to the people such ridiculous follies as peruert and destroy the soule But howsoeuer they doe thus highly dishonour God herein it is manifest by that which hath bin said that our Râ—ligion in England in this poynt also of reading Gods word and not ridiculous tales to the Church of God is the same which was taught by our Sauiour Christ and his Apostles CHAP. V. Of Preaching IN England as wee haue the word of God publiquely read in the Church and not any tales and follies so hath it beene alwayes the endeauour of our Church that the same word of God might bee also expounded vnto the people that so they might bee taught to know the Articles of true Christian Religion with the grounds thereof deliuered in the holy Scriptures and haue it applied to their instruction in godlinesse to the reproofe of the disobedient to the comfort of the comfortlesse and to euery good vse for which God hath ordained it To this end at the ordination of Ministers they are earnestly exhorted to the performance of this duty and there are many bountifull allowances in diuers parts of the Realme assigned for Preachers to attend vpon that Seruice In performance whereof there are also required two things The one is that the Doctrine be sound Tit. 2.8 2 Tim. 3 4. 2 Tim. 4.12 that is holy and grounded vpon the Scriptures The other that this duty bee performed with all faithfulnesse and diligence Now in all these points also our Religion is the same which was taught by our Sauiour Châ—ist and by his Apostles For our Sauiour leauing his commission with his Apostles for publishing of his Gospell said Math. 28.19.20 Teach yee all nations and Teach them to obserue whatsoeuer I haue giuen you in charge Likewise before that time he had said vnto them who is a faithfull and prudent steward whom the Lord shall set ouer his houshold that hee may giue them their portion in due season Luke 12.42.43 44. Blessed shall that seruant bee whom the Lord at his comming shall finde so doing I tell you truely hee will let him ouer all his goods This appeareth also in the earnest charge thrice giuen and repeated at one time to Peter that as hee loued the Lord Iosh 21.15 16.17 Tit. 2.8 Tit. 2.7 hee should feede his sheepe Likewise the Apostle Paul chargeth Titus to preach the wholesome word that cannot bee condemned and to see that there bee integrity and incorruption in his Doctrine And writing to Timothy he exhorteth him with a most earnest contestation before God 2 Tim. 4.1 2. and the Lord Iesus Christ that is to iudge both the quicke and the dead at his illustrous comming and in his kingdome that hee preach the word bee instant seasonably and vnseasonably and so forth So the Apostle Peter with a like contestation exhorteth the Elders of the dispersed Iewes to feede the flocke of God that was with them 1 Pet. 5.1 2.4 willingly and with a ready and cheerefull minde and promising them so doing to receiue at the appearing of the Arch-Pastor a Garland that shall not wither or of Flower-gentle whose beauty and colour doth not fade nor wither away Thus it is proued that our Sauiour Christ and his Apostles haue taught that the word of God should bee preached to the people and that the Doctrine deliuered out of it should bee sound holy and warranted by the Scripture and that the same ought to bee p eached with al faithfull care and diligence Therefore what godly care and endeauor is amongst vs in these respects is according to the Doctrine taught by Christ himselfe and his Apostles And of such care many Iniunctions Constitutions Canons Statutes and Acts of Parlament made both for the aduancement of preaching of Gods word and also for the faithfull diligence of the Ministers therein doe plentifully testifie But especially those are most worthy honor which prouide for the sincerity and soundnesse of the Doctrine of faith and of the Sacraments set downe in the booke of Articles agreed vpon in the Conuocation in the yeere of our Lord 1562. and in the 13 yeere of the reigne of our late gracious Queene ordained to bee acknowledged sound and holy as it is by such as shall take ordinary care and charge of soules within the Church of England All which Articles haue beene often Iustified by many learned Treatises ioyntly and seuerally concerning them For which cause it seemeth not needfull vpon occasion to enter into the debating and prouing of them which would aske a long time especially of the errors