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book_n canon_n church_n time_n 2,032 5 3.6860 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A34262 The Confessions of the faith of all the Christian and Reformed churches which purely profess the holy doctrine of the gospel in all the kingdoms, nations, and provinces of Europe, with the order of time when they were written, and an exact table of the principal articles of faith, which in every confession is debated : wherein the obsure and difficult places are explained, and those things which may in shew seem to contradict each other, are plainly and modestly reconciled, and such points as yet hang in suspence, are sincerely pointed at : freely submitted to all Reformed Churches, as a means to knit and unite all the churches of Christ in one bond of love, for the avoiding of hereafter, discords and schismes in these dangerous time. 1656 (1656) Wing C5803; ESTC R16415 482,755 587

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only_o the_o people_n do_v not_o understand_v but_o many_o time_n also_o not_o they_o themselves_o which_o do_v live_v of_o those_o kind_n of_o sing_v and_o prayer_n the_o sixteenth_o section_n of_o holy_a day_n fast_n and_o the_o choice_n of_o meat_n and_o of_o the_o visitation_n of_o the_o sick_a and_o the_o care_n that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v for_o the_o dead_a the_o latter_a confession_n of_o helvetia_n of_o holiday_n fast_n and_o choice_n of_o meat_n chap._n 24._o although_o religion_n be_v not_o tie_v unto_o time_n yet_o can_v it_o not_o be_v plant_v and_o exercise_v without_o a_o due_a divide_v and_o allot_v out_o of_o time_n unto_o it_o every_o church_n therefore_o do_v choose_v unto_o itself_o a_o certain_a time_n for_o public_a prayer_n and_o for_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o every_o one_o to_o over_o throw_v this_o appointment_n of_o the_o church_n at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n for_o except_v some_o due_a time_n and_o leisure_n be_v allot_v to_o the_o outward_a exercise_n of_o religion_n out_o of_o doubt_n man_n will_v be_v quite_o draw_v from_o it_o by_o their_o own_o affair_n in_o regard_n hereof_o we_o see_v that_o in_o the_o ancient_a church_n there_o be_v not_o only_o certain_a set_a hour_n in_o the_o week_n appoint_v for_o meeting_n but_o that_o also_o even_o the_o lord_n day_n ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v consecrate_v to_o the_o religious_a exercise_n and_o unto_o a_o holy_a rest_n which_o also_o be_v now_o very_a well_o observe_v of_o our_o church_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o increase_v of_o charity_n yet_o herein_o we_o give_v no_o place_n unto_o the_o jewish_a observation_n of_o the_o day_n or_o to_o any_o superstition_n for_o we_o do_v not_o account_v one_o day_n to_o be_v holy_a than_o another_o nor_o think_v that_o rest_n of_o itself_o be_v like_v of_o god_n beside_o we_o doc_fw-fr celebrate_v and_o keep_v the_o lord_n day_n and_o not_o the_o sabbath_n and_o that_o with_o a_o free_a observation_n moreover_o if_o the_o church_n do_v religious_o celebrate_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o lord_n nativity_n circumcision_n passion_n and_o resurrection_n and_o of_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o his_o disciple_n according_a to_o christian_a liberty_n we_o do_v very_o well_o allow_v of_o it_o but_o as_o for_o festival_n day_n ordain_v to_o man_n or_o the_o saint_n depart_v we_o can_v allow_v of_o they_o for_o indeed_o such_o feast_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o first_o table_n of_o the_o law_n and_o belong_v peculiarly_a unto_o god_n to_o conclude_v these_o festival_n day_n which_o be_v appoint_v to_o saint_n and_o abrogate_a of_o we_o have_v in_o they_o many_o gross_a thing_n unprofitable_a and_o not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o confess_v that_o the_o remembrance_n of_o saint_n in_o due_a time_n and_o place_n may_v be_v to_o good_a use_n and_o profit_v commend_v unto_o the_o people_n in_o sermon_n and_o the_o holy_a example_n of_o holy_a man_n set_v before_o their_o eye_n to_o be_v imitate_v of_o all_o now_o the_o more_o sharp_o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n do_v accuse_v surfeit_v drunkenness_n all_o kind_n of_o lust_n and_o intemperancy_n so_o much_o the_o more_o earnest_o it_o do_v commend_v unto_o we_o christian_n fast_v for_o fast_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o abstain_v and_o temperancy_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o a_o watch_v and_o chastise_v of_o our_o flesh_n take_v up_o for_o the_o present_a necessity_n whereby_o we_o be_v humble_v before_o god_n and_o withdraw_v from_o the_o flesh_n those_o thing_n whereby_o it_o be_v cherish_v to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v the_o more_o willing_o and_o easy_o obey_v the_o spirit_n wherefore_o they_o do_v not_o fast_o at_o all_o that_o have_v no_o regard_n of_o those_o thing_n but_o do_v imagine_v that_o they_o fast_o if_o they_o stuff_n their_o belly_n on_o a_o day_n and_o for_o a_o set_v or_o prescribe_v time_n do_v abstain_v from_o certain_a meat_n think_v that_o by_o this_o very_a work_n wrought_v they_o shall_v please_v god_n and_o do_v a_o good_a work_n fast_v be_v a_o help_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o all_o virtue_n but_o the_o fast_n wherein_o the_o jew_n fast_v from_o meat_n and_o not_o from_o wickedness_n please_v god_n nothing_o at_o all_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n now_o fast_v be_v either_o public_a or_o private_a in_o old_a time_n they_o celebrate_v public_a fast_n in_o troublesome_a time_n and_o in_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o abstain_v altogether_o from_o meat_n unto_o the_o evening_n and_o bestow_v all_o that_o time_n in_o holy_a prayer_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o repentance_n these_o differ_v little_a from_o mourning_n and_o lamentation_n and_o of_o these_o there_o be_v often_o mention_v make_v in_o the_o prophet_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o joel._n such_o a_o fast_o shall_v be_v keep_v at_o this_o day_n when_o the_o church_n be_v in_o distress_n private_a fast_n be_v use_v of_o every_o one_o of_o we_o according_a as_o every_o one_o feel_v the_o spirit_n weaken_v in_o he_o for_o so_o far_o forth_o he_o withdraw_v that_o which_o may_v cherish_v and_o strengthen_v the_o flesh_n all_o fast_n ought_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o free_a and_o willing_a spirit_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v true_o humble_v and_o not_o frame_v to_o win_v applause_n and_o like_n of_o man_n much_o less_o to_o the_o end_n that_o a_o man_n may_v merit_v righteousness_n by_o they_o but_o let_v every_o one_o fast_o to_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v deprive_v the_o flesh_n of_o that_o which_o will_v cherish_v it_o and_o that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o zealous_o serve_v god_n the_o fast_n of_o lent_n have_v testimony_n of_o antiquity_n but_o none_o out_o of_o the_o apostle_n writing_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v impose_v on_o the_o faithful_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o old_a time_n there_o be_v divers_a manner_n and_o use_n of_o this_o fast_a whereupon_o ireneus_fw-la a_o most_o ancient_a writer_n say_v some_o think_v that_o this_o fast_n shall_v be_v observe_v one_o day_n only_o other_o two_o day_n but_o other_o more_o and_o some_o forty_o day_n which_o variety_n of_o keep_v this_o fast_o begin_v not_o now_o in_o our_o time_n but_o long_o before_o we_o by_o those_o as_o i_o suppose_v which_o not_o simple_o hold_v that_o which_o be_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o beginning_n fall_v short_o anfter_o into_o another_o custom_n either_o through_o negligence_n or_o ignorance_n moreover_o socrates_n the_o writer_n of_o the_o history_n say_v because_o no_o ancient_a record_n be_v find_v concern_v this_o matter_n i_o think_v the_o apostle_n leave_v this_o to_o every_o man_n own_o judgement_n that_o every_o one_o may_v work_v that_o which_o be_v good_a without_o fear_n or_o constraint_n now_o as_o concern_v the_o choice_n of_o meat_n we_o suppose_v that_o in_o fast_v all_o that_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o flesh_n whereby_o it_o be_v make_v more_o lusty_a and_o untamed_a and_o wherein_o it_o do_v most_o immoderate_o delight_v whereby_o the_o flesh_n be_v most_o of_o all_o pamper_a whether_o they_o be_v fish_n spice_n drinty_n or_o excellent_a wine_n otherwise_o we_o know_v that_o all_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v for_o the_o use_n and_o service_n of_o man_n all_o thing_n which_o god_n make_v be_v good_a and_o be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o fear_n 2._o gen._n 2._o of_o god_n and_o due_a moderation_n without_o put_v any_o difference_n between_o they_o for_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v 1._o tit._n 1._o pure_a and_o also_o whatsoever_o be_v sell_v in_o the_o shambles_n eat_v you_o and_o ask_v 11._o 2_o cor._n 11._o no_o question_n for_o conscience_n sake_n the_o same_o apostle_n call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o which_o teach_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n the_o doctrine_n 4._o 1_o tim._n 4._o of_o devil_n his_o reason_n be_v these_o that_o god_n create_v meat_n to_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o faithful_a and_o such_o as_o know_v the_o truth_n with_o thanksgiving_n because_o that_o whatsoever_o god_n have_v create_v it_o be_v good_a and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v refuse_v if_o it_o be_v receive_v with_o give_v of_o thanks_o the_o same_o apostle_n to_o the_o colossian_n reprove_v those_o which_o by_o a_o over_o much_o abstinence_n will_v get_v unto_o themselves_o a_o opinion_n of_o holiness_n therefore_o we_o do_v altogether_o mislike_v the_o tatian_o and_o the_o encratites_n and_o all_o the_o disciple_n of_o eustathius_n against_o who_o the_o council_n of_o gangrya_n be_v assemble_v also_o out_o of_o the_o 25._o chapter_n
university_n wherein_o we_o teach_v the_o gospel_n and_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sincere_a and_o incorrupt_a doctrine_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n agree_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o with_o the_o creed_n and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o church_n and_o we_o pray_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v crucify_v for_o we_o and_o rise_v again_o that_o he_o will_v merciful_o govern_v and_o defend_v these_o church_n also_o we_o offer_v ourselves_o to_o further_a declaration_n in_o every_o article_n this_o be_v write_v anno_fw-la 1551._o july●0_n ●0_z in_o the_o town_n of_o wirtemberg_n where_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n near_o adjoin_v be_v meet_v together_o etc._n etc._n out_o of_o the_o confession_n of_o wirtemberge_n the_o conclusion_n which_o be_v place_v in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o 35._o chapter_n we_o have_v rehearse_v those_o thing_n which_o seem_v good_a both_o to_o be_v approve_v and_o also_o to_o be_v refute_v or_o amend_v in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a doctrine_n and_o in_o the_o whole_a administration_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v speak_v either_o more_o brief_o or_o more_o obscure_o then_o so_o great_a a_o matter_n will_v require_v our_o preacher_n do_v promise_v that_o they_o will_v expound_v they_o more_o large_o and_o more_o clear_o that_o which_o remain_v we_o beseech_v all_o the_o godly_a through_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n our_o only_a saviour_n that_o which_o thing_n we_o hope_v they_o will_v do_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o office_n and_o calling_n will_v take_v unto_o himself_o a_o true_a and_o earnest_a endeavour_n to_o reform_v the_o church_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o hitherto_o for_o these_o many_o year_n not_o only_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n have_v decay_v and_o the_o manner_n thereof_o have_v be_v corrupt_v with_o great_a and_o horrible_a vice_n and_o they_o have_v very_o much_o degenerate_v from_o the_o honesty_n of_o our_o elder_n but_o that_o also_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v deprave_v in_o suffering_n and_o bear_v with_o corruption_n which_o if_o hereafter_o they_o be_v either_o dissemble_v or_o confirm_v every_o man_n that_o be_v but_o mean_o wise_a may_v consider_v how_o great_a evil_n be_v like_a to_o follow_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n those_o execration_n and_o curse_n be_v well_o know_v whereunto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v addict_v the_o transgressor_n of_o his_o word_n and_o josias_n the_o king_n of_o juda_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o heroical_a mind_n when_o he_o repair_v the_o church_n and_o although_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v by_o his_o godly_a repentance_n and_o obedience_n mitigate_v after_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v find_v out_o and_o well_o know_v that_o those_o punishment_n which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n at_o that_o time_n have_v deserve_v through_o the_o neglect_n of_o his_o word_n and_o their_o impietr_n may_v be_v defer_v till_o another_o time_n yet_o notwithstanding_o such_o be_v the_o severity_n of_o god_n against_o the_o contemnet_n of_o his_o word_n and_o the_o impenitent_a that_o the_o king_n although_o he_o be_v very_o godly_a can_v not_o altogether_o take_v it_o away_o from_o they_o and_o appease_v it_o now_o we_o think_v that_o in_o these_o time_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v no_o less_o yea_o much_o more_o grievous_o kindle_v and_o set_v on_o fire_n against_o the_o assembly_n of_o his_o church_n by_o reason_n of_o so_o many_o heinous_a wicked_a deed_n and_o offence_n which_o even_o in_o that_o people_n which_o glori_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v more_o evident_a then_o that_o they_o can_v be_v deny_v and_o more_o clear_a then_o that_o they_o may_v be_v excuse_v then_o in_o time_n past_a when_o as_o yet_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v not_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o gospel_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o severe_a by_o how_o much_o his_o benefit_n be_v the_o great_a which_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v bestow_v both_o in_o the_o former_a and_o also_o at_o these_o present_a time_n upon_o unthankful_a man_n but_o many_o other_o thing_n have_v need_n of_o amendment_n in_o the_o church_n and_o ministry_n thereof_o and_o especial_o the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n justification_n and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o single_a life_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v a_o godly_a amendment_n if_o these_o thing_n by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o diligence_n and_o care_n of_o all_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v restore_v according_a to_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o according_a to_o the_o true_a catholic_a consent_n of_o the_o ancient_a and_o pure_a church_n we_o shall_v not_o only_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n a_o most_o acceptable_a worship_n but_o also_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n shall_v be_v stir_v up_o to_o declare_v their_o thankfulness_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o dutiful_a manner_n that_o they_o may_v we_o true_o do_v not_o know_v of_o any_o error_n in_o our_o preacher_n either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o in_o the_o other_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o so_o great_a modesty_n and_o godliness_n that_o if_o they_o be_v admonish_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o heavenly_a doctrine_n and_o by_o the_o true_a consent_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n they_o will_v in_o no_o case_n be_v want_v to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o we_o and_o in_o our_o government_n we_o will_v do_v our_o endeavour_n that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n help_v we_o none_o of_o those_o duty_n may_v be_v pretermit_v of_o we_o whereby_o we_o hope_v that_o the_o true_a quietness_n of_o the_o church_n and_o salvation_n in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n may_v be_v preserve_v out_o of_o the_o confession_n of_o sueveland_n of_o secular_a magistrate_n chap._n 23._o in_o the_o former_a point_n we_o have_v declare_v that_o our_o preacher_n do_v place_n that_o obedience_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o magistrate_n among_o good_a work_n of_o the_o first_o degree_n and_o that_o they_o teach_v that_o every_o man_n ought_v so_o much_o the_o more_o diligent_o to_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o public_a law_n by_o how_o much_o he_o be_v a_o more_o sincere_a christian_a and_o rich_a in_o faith_n in_o the_o next_o place_n they_o teach_v that_o to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o magistrate_n it_o be_v the_o most_o sacred_a function_n which_o can_v happen_v unto_o man_n from_o god_n whereupon_o also_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o which_o be_v endue_v with_o public_a authority_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n call_v go_n for_o when_o as_o they_o do_v just_o and_o orderly_o behave_v themselves_o in_o their_o function_n it_o go_v well_o with_o the_o people_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o in_o life_n because_o that_o god_n do_v use_v so_o to_o moderate_v our_o affair_n that_o for_o the_o great_a part_n the_o safety_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o subject_n do_v depend_v upon_o they_o which_o be_v the_o governor_n wherefore_o none_o do_v more_o worthy_o execute_v magistracy_n than_o they_o which_o of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o most_o christian_n and_o bishop_n and_o other_o ecclesiastical_a man_n be_v promote_v by_o most_o godly_a emperor_n and_o king_n to_o a_o external_a government_n in_o civil_a affair_n wherein_o though_o they_o be_v religious_a and_o wise_a yet_o in_o this_o one_o point_n they_o offend_v because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discharge_v both_o those_o function_n sufficient_o and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o either_o they_o shall_v be_v want_v to_o the_o church_n in_o rule_v they_o by_o the_o word_n or_o to_o the_o commonwealth_n in_o govern_v it_o by_o authority_n the_o conclusion_n these_o be_v the_o chief_a point_n most_o mighty_a and_o religious_a emperor_n wherein_o our_o preacher_n have_v somewhat_o swerve_v from_o the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o preacher_n be_v force_v thereunto_o by_o the_o only_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v worthy_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o tradition_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o declare_v as_o the_o shortness_n of_o time_n will_v give_v we_o leave_v we_o think_v it_o good_a to_o offer_v they_o to_o your_o sacred_a majesty_n and_o that_o to_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v both_o give_v account_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o thou_o who_o next_o unto_o god_n we_o do_v chief_o honour_v and_o reverence_n and_o may_v also_o show_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v speedy_o and_o earnest_o to_o consult_v of_o a_o way_n and_o mean_v whereby_o a_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a
hold_v but_o if_o it_o once_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o the_o lord_n grant_v that_o the_o church_n may_v at_o length_n enjoy_v so_o great_a a_o benefit_n then_o there_o may_v be_v one_o only_a confession_n of_o faith_n extant_a conceive_v in_o the_o same_o word_n if_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v seem_v to_o require_v it_o let_v they_o therefore_o leave_v of_o in_o mockage_n to_o term_v we_o confessionist_n unless_o perhaps_o they_o look_v for_o this_o answer_n at_o our_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v a_o far_o more_o excellent_a thing_n to_o bear_v a_o name_n of_o confess_v the_o faith_n then_o of_o deny_v the_o truth_n for_o even_o as_o more_o small_a stream_n may_v flow_v from_o one_o spring_n so_o more_o confession_n of_o faith_n may_v issue_v out_o from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o truth_n of_o faith_n now_o to_o speak_v somewhat_o also_o of_o those_o who_o while_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o embrace_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o renounce_v popish_a error_n show_v themselves_o more_o unjust_a towards_o we_o than_o be_v meet_v they_o shall_v we_o be_v compel_v to_o find_v want_n of_o christian_a charity_n in_o they_o this_o one_o thing_n in_o deed_n be_v remain_v that_o after_o so_o many_o danger_n loss_n banishment_n downfalls_a woe_n without_o number_n grief_n and_o torment_n we_o shall_v also_o be_v evil_a entreat_v by_o those_o of_o who_o some_o comfort_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v look_v for_o but_o that_o ancient_a enemy_n of_o the_o church_n be_v far_o deceive_v by_o who_o subtlety_n this_o evil_n be_v also_o wrought_v for_o we_o while_o he_o hope_v that_o we_o may_v by_o his_o craft_n be_v overwhelm_v but_o bear_v ourselves_o bold_a on_o that_o love_n which_o the_o merciful_a god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n bear_v unto_o we_o and_o who_o have_v plant_v a_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o he_o in_o our_o mind_n we_o leap_v for_o joy_n in_o these_o very_a thing_n and_o boast_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o it_o will_v never_o be_v the_o same_o grace_n of_o god_n always_o prevent_v we_o that_o tribulation_n anguish_n hunger_n nakedness_n the_o sword_n false_a accusation_n or_o curse_a speak_n shall_v withdraw_v we_o from_o the_o truth_n once_o know_v and_o undertake_v for_o we_o know_v that_o say_n of_o chrysostome_n to_o be_v true_a it_o be_v not_o evil_a to_o suffer_v but_o to_o do_v evil_a neither_o be_v we_o any_o whit_n disgrace_v hereby_o but_o they_o who_o i_o know_v not_o what_o distemperature_n whet_v against_o we_o have_v deserve_v nothing_o and_o to_o repay_v they_o like_v for_o like_a quit_v rail_a with_o rail_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o who_o god_n vouchsafe_v this_o honour_n that_o be_v fashion_v like_o to_o the_o image_n his_o son_n we_o may_v through_o good_a report_n and_o evil_a report_n walk_v on_o uphold_v with_o the_o stay_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n yea_o we_o have_v resolve_v with_o ourselves_o not_o only_o to_o abide_v the_o open_a wrong_n of_o our_o enemy_n but_o even_o the_o disdain_n of_o our_o brethren_n although_o never_o so_o unjust_a and_o what_o we_o furthermore_o think_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n set_v forth_o many_o year_n ago_o have_v make_v it_o know_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o we_o have_v god_n and_o angel_n together_o with_o man_n witness_n of_o that_o sincere_a endeavour_n by_o which_o we_o labour_v and_o do_v as_o yet_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o power_n labour_v to_o set_v up_o again_o and_o maintain_v the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n among_o we_o on_o it_o of_o god_n word_n and_o even_o as_o we_o show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v ready_a at_o all_o time_n to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o so_o we_o think_v it_o a_o matter_n worth_a the_o pain_n to_o make_v all_o man_n privy_a to_o that_o bond_n which_o one_o our_o part_n be_v very_o straight_o with_o the_o holy_a and_o true_o catholic_a church_n of_o god_n with_o every_o saint_n and_o sound_a member_n thereof_o that_o so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v we_o may_v deliver_v partly_o ourselves_o partly_o the_o church_n join_v with_o we_o from_o those_o most_o grievous_a crime_n by_o which_o some_o man_n speech_n and_o book_n be_v lay_v to_o our_o charge_n and_o when_o we_o bethink_v ourselves_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o may_v best_o be_v do_v this_o especial_o for_o the_o present_a time_n seem_v a_o meet_a way_n unto_o we_o which_o will_v give_v offence_n to_o no_o man_n and_o may_v satisfy_v all_o that_o will_v yield_v unto_o reason_n namely_o to_o publish_v this_o harmony_n of_o confession_n whereby_o it_o may_v sufficient_o be_v understand_v how_o false_o we_o be_v charge_v as_o though_o we_o that_o have_v reject_v popish_a error_n agree_v not_o at_o all_o among_o ourselves_o for_o to_o begin_v with_o those_o stout_a maintainer_n of_o the_o romish_a tyranny_n who_o will_v yet_o seem_v to_o be_v defender_n of_o the_o truth_n this_o conference_n of_o confession_n will_v pluck_v every_o vizard_n from_o their_o face_n when_o as_o it_o shall_v plain_o appear_v that_o all_o the_o opinion_n in_o these_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o other_o sundry_a word_n so_o lay_v down_o that_o yet_o the_o same_o truth_n always_o abide_v and_o there_o be_v none_o at_o all_o or_o very_o little_a difference_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o how_o narrow_a must_v they_o needs_o perceive_v the_o bound_n of_o that_o their_o catholic_a church_n to_o be_v when_o it_o shall_v be_v open_o know_v that_o so_o many_o kingdom_n province_n city_n people_n and_o nation_n profess_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v with_o common_a consent_n renounce_v the_o abuse_n and_o order_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n as_o for_o those_o who_o without_o any_o desert_n it_o please_v to_o count_v we_o among_o the_o arrian_n and_o turk_n they_o shall_v see_v also_o how_o far_o through_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n we_o be_v from_o such_o heinous_a and_o wicked_a error_n and_o they_o also_o who_o accuse_v we_o of_o sedition_n shall_v perceive_v how_o reverent_o we_o think_v of_o the_o dignity_n of_o king_n and_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n and_o they_o to_o conclude_v that_o not_o be_v content_a with_o those_o public_a confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o germany_n may_v by_o lay_v against_o we_o that_o form_n of_o new_a agreement_n seem_v worthy_o more_o and_o more_o to_o sever_v themselves_o from_o we_o and_o who_o have_v already_o very_o pithy_o be_v refute_v by_o most_o learned_a writing_n they_o also_o shall_v if_o true_a agreement_n be_v earnest_o seek_v be_v satisfy_v with_o this_o harmony_n for_o that_o we_o may_v free_o say_v as_o it_o be_v indeed_o that_o long_o rank_a of_o name_n seal_v and_o write_v at_o that_o book_n be_v such_o that_o it_o seem_v rather_o to_o stand_v idle_o in_o the_o field_n then_o to_o fight_v manful_o and_o if_o it_o have_v please_v we_o to_o follow_v this_o policy_n we_o may_v have_v set_v down_o the_o name_n not_o of_o seven_o or_o eight_o thousand_o mean_a man_n most_o famous_a prince_n and_o some_o other_o except_v of_o who_o it_o may_v worthy_o be_v doubt_v whether_o there_o ever_o be_v any_o such_o or_o what_o they_o be_v but_o also_o the_o name_n of_o far_o more_o church_n and_o this_o our_o diligence_n have_v be_v far_o more_o commendable_a namely_o be_v bestow_v not_o in_o wring_v out_o and_o beg_v from_o village_n to_o village_n some_o hundred_o of_o name_n but_o in_o lay_v out_o the_o opinion_n of_o most_o gracious_a king_n most_o renown_a prince_n of_o noble_a nation_n and_o people_n of_o most_o mighty_a commonwealth_n and_o city_n of_o which_o a_o great_a part_n have_v not_o be_v use_v to_o dispute_v in_o corner_n or_o to_o trifle_n but_o have_v know_v these_o many_o year_n how_o even_o unto_o blood_n to_o suffer_v many_o and_o grievous_a thing_n for_o god_n truth_n sake_n but_o we_o know_v that_o the_o truth_n have_v not_o it_o warrant_v from_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n it_o be_v simple_a it_o will_v be_v simple_o publish_v and_o teach_v therefore_o we_o be_v purpose_v for_o this_o time_n not_o to_o deal_v by_o any_o long_a disputation_n with_o any_o man_n but_o bare_o to_o open_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o knit_v all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n together_o with_o one_o bond_n of_o brotherly_a love_n to_o keep_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v to_o judge_v well_o of_o all_o man_n yea_o and_o to_o entreat_v those_o who_o think_v somewhat_o too_o hardly_o of_o we_o that_o if_o we_o disagree_v from_o the_o confession_n of_o no_o church_n that_o do_v true_o believe_v they_o will_v themselves_o also_o begin_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o we_o and_o
very_a word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v and_o receive_v of_o the_o faithful_a and_o that_o neither_o any_o other_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v feign_v or_o to_o be_v expect_v from_o heaven_n and_o that_o now_o the_o word_n itself_o which_o be_v preach_v be_v to_o be_v regard_v not_o the_o minister_n that_o preach_v who_o although_o he_o be_v evil_a and_o a_o sinner_n nevertheless_o the_o word_n of_o god_n abide_v true_a and_o good_a neither_o do_v we_o think_v that_o therefore_o the_o outward_a preach_n be_v to_o be_v think_v as_o fruitless_a because_o the_o instruction_n in_o true_a religion_n depend_v on_o the_o inward_a illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n because_o it_o be_v write_v no_o man_n shall_v teach_v his_o neighbour_n for_o all_o 6._o jer._n 12._o 1_o cor._n 3._o john_n 6._o man_n shall_v know_v i_o and_o he_o that_o water_v or_o he_o that_o plant_v be_v nothing_o but_o god_n who_o give_v the_o increase_n for_o albeit_o no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o christ_n unless_o he_o be_v draw_v by_o the_o heavenly_a father_n and_o be_v inward_o lighten_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o we_o know_v undoubted_o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o his_o word_n shall_v be_v preach_v even_o outward_o god_n can_v indeed_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n or_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o angel_n without_o the_o ministry_n of_o saint_n peter_n have_v teach_v cornelius_n in_o the_o act_n but_o nevertheless_o he_o refer_v he_o to_o peter_n of_o who_o the_o angel_n speak_v say_v he_o shall_v tell_v thou_o what_o thou_o must_v do_v for_o he_o that_o illuminate_v inward_o by_o give_v man_n the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o self_n same_o by_o way_n of_o commandment_n say_v unto_o his_o disciple_n go_v you_o into_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o so_o 16._o mark_n 16._o act_n 16._o paul_n preach_v the_o word_n outward_o to_o lydia_n a_o purple_a seller_n among_o the_o philippian_n but_o the_o lord_n inward_o open_v the_o woman_n heart_n and_o the_o same_o paul_n upon_o a_o elegant_a gradation_n fi●ly_o place_v in_o the_o 10._o to_o the_o roman_n at_o last_o infer_v therefore_o faith_n be_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o know_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o god_n can_v illuminate_v who_o and_o when_o he_o will_v even_o without_o the_o external_a ministry_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n appertain_v to_o his_o power_n but_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o usual_a way_n of_o instruct_v man_n deliver_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n both_o by_o commandment_n and_o example_n we_o therefore_o detest_v all_o the_o heresy_n of_o artemon_n the_o manichee_n valentinian_o of_o cerdon_n and_o the_o marcionite_n who_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o else_o receive_v not_o or_o polish_a and_o corrupt_v some_o of_o they_o and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o certain_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v of_o the_o ancient_a author_n call_v apocryphal_a and_o of_o other_o ecclesiastical_a to_o wit_n such_o as_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n but_o not_o allege_v to_o avouch_v or_o confirm_v the_o authority_n of_o faith_n by_o they_o as_o also_o austin_n in_o his_o 18_o book_n de_fw-fr civet_n dei_fw-la c._n 38._o make_v mention_n that_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n the_o name_n and_o book_n of_o certain_a prophet_n be_v reckon_v but_o he_o add_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o canon_n and_o that_o those_o book_n which_o we_o have_v suffice_v unto_o godliness_n chap._n ii_o of_o interpret_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o of_o father_n counsel_n and_o tradition_n the_o apostle_n peter_n have_v say_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v 2._o 2_o pet._n 2._o not_o of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n therefore_o we_o do_v not_o allow_v all_o exposition_n whereupon_o we_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o true_a and_o natural_a interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o forsooth_o the_o defender_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n do_v strive_v to_o force_v all_o man_n simple_o to_o receive_v but_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n for_o authentical_a and_o proper_a which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o that_o be_v from_o the_o phrase_n of_o that_o tongue_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v they_o be_v also_o weigh_v according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n and_o expound_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o place_n either_o like_a or_o unlike_a or_o of_o more_o and_o plain_o accord_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o charity_n and_o make_v notable_o for_o god_n glory_n and_o man_n salvation_n wherefore_o we_o do_v not_o contemn_v the_o holy_a treatise_n of_o the_o father_n agree_v with_o the_o scripture_n from_o who_o notwithstanding_o we_o do_v modest_o dissent_v as_o they_o be_v deprehend_v to_o set_v down_o thing_n mere_o strange_a or_o altogether_o contrary_a to_o the_o same_o neither_o do_v we_o think_v that_o we_o do_v they_o any_o wrong_n in_o this_o matter_n see_v that_o they_o all_o with_o one_o consent_n will_v not_o have_v their_o writing_n match_v with_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n but_o bid_v we_o allow_v of_o they_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o either_o agree_v with_o they_o or_o disagree_v and_o bid_v we_o take_v those_o thing_n that_o agree_v and_o leave_v those_o that_o disagree_v and_o according_a to_o this_o order_n we_o do_v account_n of_o the_o decree_n or_o canon_n of_o counsel_n wherefore_o we_o suffer_v not_o ourselves_o in_o controversy_n about_o religion_n or_o matter_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v press_v with_o the_o bare_a testimony_n of_o father_n or_o decree_n of_o counsel_n much_o less_o with_o receive_v custom_n or_o else_o with_o multitude_n of_o man_n be_v of_o one_o judgement_n or_o with_o prescription_n of_o long_a time_n therefore_o in_o controversy_n of_o religion_n or_o matter_n of_o faith_n we_o can_v admit_v any_o other_o judge_n than_o god_n himself_o pronounce_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o be_v true_a what_o be_v false_a what_o be_v to_o be_v follow_v or_o what_o to_o be_v avoid_v so_o we_o do_v not_o rest_v but_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o spiritual_a man_n draw_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n certain_o jeremie_n and_o other_o prophet_n do_v vehement_o condemn_v the_o assembly_n of_o priest_n gather_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o diligent_o forewarn_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o hear_v the_o father_n or_o tread_v in_o their_o path_n who_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o invention_n swarve_v from_o the_o law_n 18._o ezek._n 20._o 18._o of_o god_n we_o do_v likewise_o reject_v humane_a tradition_n which_o although_o they_o be_v set_v out_o with_o goodly_a title_n as_o though_o they_o be_v divine_a and_o apostolical_a by_o the_o lively_a voice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o deliver_v to_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o apostolical_a man_n by_o mean_a of_o bishop_n succeed_v in_o their_o room_n yet_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o scripture_n disagree_v from_o they_o and_o by_o that_o their_o disagreement_n bewray_v themselves_o in_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v apostolical_a for_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o disagree_v among_o themselves_o in_o doctrine_n so_o the_o apostle_n scholar_n do_v not_o set_v forth_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n nay_o it_o be_v blasphemous_a to_o avouch_v that_o the_o apostle_n by_o lively_a voice_n deliver_v thing_n contrary_a to_o their_o writing_n paul_n affirm_v express_o that_o he_o teach_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o all_o church_n and_o again_o we_o 1._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 2_o cor._n 1._o say_v he_o write_v no_o other_o thing_n unto_o you_o than_o which_o you_o read_v or_o also_o acknowledge_v also_o in_o another_o place_n he_o witness_v that_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n to_o wit_n apostolical_a man_n walk_v in_o the_o same_o 12._o 2_o cor._n 12._o way_n and_o joint_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n do_v all_o thing_n the_o jew_n also_o in_o time_n past_o have_v their_o tradition_n of_o elder_n but_o these_o tradition_n be_v severe_o confute_v by_o the_o lord_n show_v that_o the_o keep_n of_o they_o hinder_v god_n law_n and_o that_o god_n be_v in_o vain_a worship_v 7._o mat._n 15._o mar._n 7._o with_o such_o out_o of_o the_o former_a confession_n of_o helvetia_n the_o canonical_a scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o deliver_v scriptura_fw-la artic._n 1._o scriptura_fw-la by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o ancient_a philosophy_n do_v alone_o perfect_o contain_v all_o piety_n and_o good_a order_n of_o life_n the_o interpretation_n hereof_o be_v to_o be_v interpretatio_fw-la artic_a 2._o