word 48 From whence it may be easily gathered what we are to determine concerning the question Whether the Church can erre or no. 49 For vve are to distinguish between the Catholick Church and Particular Churches 50 Again vve are to distinguish betvveen errours overthrowing the Foundation and stubble built upon the Foundation 51 And again vve are to distinguish between the Visible Church and the Invisible 52 The Romanists after long and tedious disputation about the infallible judgement of the Church bring us at length to the Pope alone The Infallibilitie saith Bellarmine 4. de Pontif. cap. 2. is not in the assembly of the Counsellers or in the Councel of the Bishops but in the Pope alone 53 The faithfull people erre not as long as they follow their Pastours The Paestours erre not as long as they follow their Bishops The Bishops erre nor as long as they follovv the Pope Therefore according to them the immunitie of the Church from errour descendeth from the Pope alone 54 What they attribute unto the Pope that do we attribute unto Christ vvho teacheth his Church by the Scriptures and in the Scriptures The Church doth not erre as farre forth and as long as it follovvs the voice of Christ and is ruled by the Holy Ghost 55 To conclude To this end doth God gather himself a Church that be may have an assembly or company to acknowledge to praise and to glorifie him aright both in this life and in the life to come 56 The Militant Church here on Earth is the Seminary of the Church Triumphant in Heaven Unto vvhich Christ bring us vvho is the Head thereof To vvhom be glory for ever and ever Amen CHAP. XX. ¶ Wherein are contained Theologicall Aphorismes concerning the Ecclesiasticall Ministerie 1_THere are in the Church three states or orders instituted all by God The Ecclesiasticall Politicall and Oeconomicall The First of the Church the Second of the Common-vvealth the Third of the Private familie 2 They are commonly called three Hierarchies 3 The Ecclesiasticall order is called in Scripture 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Ministerie and Service 4 Therefore it is not any Despoticall or Lordly dominion 5 In this Ecclesiasticall Ministerie vve are to consider the lavvfull Vocation thereunto and the faithfull Discharge thereof 6 Vocation is certainly necessarie for Ministers of the Church and that such as is lavvfull 7 For How shall they preach except they be sent Rom. 10.15 8 The power and right of calling Ministers is Gods ovvn It is he vvho as the Lord of the harvest sendeth forth labourers into his harvest Matth. 9.38 9 Now God calls the Ministers of his Church both Immediately and Mediately 10 Immediately he called the Prophets in the Old Testament and the Apostles in the Nevv 11 Which manner of calling the Apostle Gal. 1.1 describeth thus That it vvas neither of man nor by man but by Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised him from the dead 12 With vvhich description this is nothing repugnant That sometimes by some Prophet or Apostle or else by lot this immediate vocation or calling of God is outvvardly declared 13 The Immediate vocation or calling is alwayes accompanied vvith some extraordinarie Testimonies and Gifts of God 14 But yet by Testimonies and Gifts we would not have miracles to be understood 15 For John the Baptist did no miracle John 10.41 and yet it is certain that he vvas Immediately called 16 But by these Testimonies of Immediate Vocation vve understand the peculiar declaration and manifestation of the Spirit and the singular povver and efficacie of their ministerie 17 The doctrines of those which are Immediately called by God forasmuch as they speak as they are moved by the Holy Ghost are simply and absolutely to be beleeved 2. Pet. 1.21 18 Whereupon we are said to be built upon the foundation of the Prophets and Apostles Ephes 2.20 19 They vvhich are called after this manner have this priviledge That they are not tied and bound to any certain and particular Church but they are furnished vvith povver and authority to preach every vvhere 20 From whence it appears that this Immediate vocation hath especially place either in the constituting of a Church or in the purging of it from errours 21 The Mediate Vocation is also the calling of God but it is by fit men according to the Canon and rule expressed in the vvord of God 22 Where vve must very accurately observe that the Mediate Vocation also as well as the Immediate belongeth into God 23 For it is God that hath set in the Church not onely Prophets Apostles and Evangelists but also Pastours and Teachers 1. Cor. 12.28 Ephes 4.11 24 The Ministers of the Church of Ephesus are said to be made by the Holy Ghost although Paul by the imposition or laying on of hands commended the ministerie unto them Acts 20.28 25 The Holy Ghost even at this day reproveth the world of sinne by those which are called by a Mediate Vocation John 16.8 26 God vvhen he calleth by a Mediate Vocation useth the ministerie of the Church 27 For unto the Church hath he committed the pledge of his vvord Rom. 3.2 He hath delivered unto her the Sacraments and unto her as to his spouse he hath given the keyes of the kingdome of heaven Matth. 18.18 28 So then the Church hath povver and right to call Ministers but it is from God and it must be in such manner and order as it expressed in the Scriptures 29 What manner and order of calling vve here understand it is declared by the precepts and practice of the Apostles 30 Whomsoever you shall approve by your letters saith the Apostle 1. Cor. 16.3 them will I send A Bishop must have a good report 1. Tim. 3.7 Lay hands suddenly on no man 1. Tim. 5.22 suddenly that is before thou hast the testimony and consent of the Church 31 Adde hither also the Practice of the Apostles At the ordination and election of Deacons the Apostles speak after this manner Brethren look ye â—ut among you seven men of honest report full of the Holy Ghost and wisdome whom we may appoint over this businesâ— Acts 6.3 and again Elders were ordained in every Church by suffrages or voices Acts. 14.23 32 Whereupon vvere made those old Canons No reason it is that any should be suffered to be reckoned and accounted amongst Bishops unlesse they be elected by the Clergie desired by the People and consecrated by the Bishops of the same Province vvith the judgement of the Metropolitane c. null dist 62. ex Leon. Episc Rom. 33 Item Let them be desired by the People elected by the Clergie and ordained by the judgement of the Bishops 34 Item Whosoever are to be made Priests for such let a postulation be made unto the Bishops let them have the hands of Clergiemen of good credit and let them also have the testimonie and consent of the People 35 That place of Cyprian Liâ—i â— Epist 4. is especially to
34 The Law is the doctrine of works Therefore it manifesteth unto us the corruption of our nature it terrifieth us and prescribeth unto us the rule of well-doing 35 The Gospel is the doctrine of faith which pointeth at Christ our Mediatour who hath made satisfaction for our sinnes and raiseth up the conscience of man 36 The practice of the Law and the Gospel consisteth in true Repentance 37 Whereunto there is required Contrition to be wrought in us by the Law and Faith by the Gospel 38 Faith apprehendeth the Righteousnesse of Christ offered in the word of the Gospel by which man after Contrition wrought in him by the void of the Law is justified before God and beginneth to be renewed by the receiving of the Holy Ghost 39 For by faith our hearts are purified Acts 15.9 40 Therefore the fruits of true Repentance are good works 41 For Faith worketh by Love Gal. 5.6 And Christ giveth unto us not onely his righteousnesse but also his Holy Spirit which beginneth to renew our nature and bridle in us the concupiscences of the flesh 42 Of Good works there are three ranks some have respect unto God some unto Our selves and others unto our Neighbours 43 For the Summe of Pietie and Christian Religion is this That we live soberly righteously and godly in this present world Tit. 2.12 44 The Sacraments are the Seals of the word appointed for the confirming and strengthening of our Faith And they are the Visible word 45 Such in the Old Testament were Circumcision and the Paschal Lambe and such in the New Testament are Baptisme and the Lords Supper 46 By the Audible Visible word God gathereth together his Church here on earth 47 Whereof there are three Hierarchies ranks or orders The Ecclesiasticall Politicall and Oeconomicall 48 Of the Ecclesiasticall Hierarchie the Pope of Rome makes himself Monarch and Head 49 But inasmuch as he setteth himself against Christ he makes himself Antichrist 50 The Ministerie of the word or the Ecclesiasticall Hierarchie is ordained at this day by a mediate vocation 51 The Politicall Hierarchie comprehendeth Magistrates both inferiour and superiour 52 Unto the Oeconomicall Hierarchie belongeth Matrimonie which is as I may so call it a certain Seminarie or Nurserie of the Church 53 God in this life puts his Church under the Crosse and that for many weightie and urgent reasons 54 But at length he will glorifie it in the life to come being delivered and freed from all enemies from all evils perils and dangers 55 Death and the Last Judgement without going through any Purgatorie is to the godly and those that beleeve the entrance into everlasting life 56 But the ungodly and unbeleevers shall at length be cast into everlasting fire CHAP. II. Wherein are contained Theologicall Aphorismes concerning the Holy Scripture 1 THe onely Principle of Theologie is The WORD of God contained in Holy Scripture 2 By the name of Holy Scripture properly and strictly taken we understand the books of the Old and New Testament which undoubtedly are Propheticall and Apostolicall 3 Which also are called Canonicall because they are a full and perfect Canon or Rule of the knowledge of God and his worship 4 Such in the Old Testament are Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomie Joshua Judges Ruth two books of Samuel two of the Kings two of the Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job the Psalmes the Proverbs Ecclesiastes the Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezechiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zachariah Malachi 5 The rest of the books of the Old Testament are called by S. Jerome Apocrypha because they were neither wrote by the Prophets nor received by the Jews for Canonicall 6 Again they want the testimonie of Christ and his Apostles 7 Moreover by the most approved Councels and Fathers they are reckoned without the Canon 8 And besides there is to be found in many of them places either expresly repugnant to the Canonicall Scripture or else peccant against the truth of Historie and Chronologie or else Contradictorie one to the other 9 In the New Testament those are called Canonicall which at all times and by all the Churches have been received without doubting for Apostolicall truly and certainly so called 10 Such are The Gospel according to S. Matthew Mark Luke and John the Acts of the Apostles the Epistle of S. Paul to the Romanes two to the Corinthians one to the Galatians one to the Ephesians one to the Philippians one to the Colossians two to the Thessalonians two to Timothie one to Titus one to Philemon the First of Peter and the First of John 11 The rest have not been heretofore received by all with such a common consent as the former in which respect they are called by some Apocrypha 12 Such are the Epistle to the Hebrews the Epistle of James the Second of Peter the Second and Third of John the Epistle of Jude and the Revelation of John 13 But forasmuch as most of the ancients do not so much doubt of their Primarie authour which is the Holy Ghost as of their Secundarie authours therefore for their Authoritie I willingly suffer them to be equall with the Canonicall neither will I contend with any man about this matter 14 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God 2. Tim. 3.16 And holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost 2. Pet. 1.21 Neither spake they onely but they wrote also 15 The same word of God which with a lively voice was preached and preserved unwritten for along time in the Old Testament and likewise in the New Testament but not so long The same word I say was afterwards by the will of God written and became Scripture Iren. lib. 3. cap. 1. 16 Therefore between the word of God preached and the word written we make no reall difference 17 For it is but an Accident unto the word of God either to be preached or to be written 18 But although the Prophets and Apostles moved by the Holy Ghost have not written their whole sermons yet they have made such a choice of what they wrote that it is sufficient for the salvation of those that beleeve August tract 49. in Joan. 19 And therefore we say that the Holy Scripture is perfect and containeth in it all things necessarie for those that strive for the prize of eternall life which is set before them both for the instructing of them in the faith and the informing them in life 20 That it is perfect it is proved by evident testimonie 2. Tim. 3.16 and 17. where it is said that the Holy Scripture is profitable for doctrine for reproof for correction for instruction in righteousnesse That the man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all good works And therefore also the Holy Scriptures are able to make us wise unto salvation 2. Tim. 3.15 21 Seeing therefore that which is Profitable in relation to Indigencie and want is taken
two wayes either for that which of it self alone is All-sufficient excluding all want or else for that which is but In part profitable and not sufficient of it self without the help of something else It is manifest that the Apostle here speaketh of that which is profitable taken in the first sense 22 By those things which are written we may be taught to beleeve on Christ John 20.31 and be furnished unto all good works 2. Tim. 3.17 And the brethren of the rich glutton by hearing Moses and the Prophets in the Scriptures might have escaped the torments of Hell Luke 16.29 23 Whereupon it follows without forcing that the perfection of the Holy Scripture is such as we assigne unto it For whosoever beleeveth on Christ and is furnished unto all good works and made partaker of eternall life what can he desire more 24 This also is an Argument worthie our consideration That the Apostle S. Paul declared unto the Church of Ephesus all the counsel of God to wit concerning our salvation Acts 20.27 Again the same Apostle said none other things then those which the Prophets and Moses did say should come Acts 26.22 Therefore in Moses and the Prophets is contained all the counsel of God concerning our salvation 25 Now if the Scripture be perfect as indeed it is Away then with Traditions which some would thrust upon us to be received with like affection and to be beleeved with like authoritie as the Scripture 26 For they are full of doubts and sometimes also contradictions being very apt to be corrupted and many wayes subject unto errour 27 The Ecclesiasticall Historie witnesseth that in the time of the Primitive Church under the name of Apostolicall Traditions many falsities were broched and that men of great note have been deceived in former time by the opinion of Traditions 28 Furthermore seeing that the Holy Scripture was by God given unto men to this end to instruct them unto salvation from hence we conclude that The Scripture is perspicuous 29 What Could not God which made both mind and tongue speak plainly and perspicuously Yea certainly he used great care and providence that all men might understand vvhat he spake unto all men Lactant. lib. 6. Div. Institut cap. 21. 30 Ought not that which is to instruct the rude and ignorant and make them wise and learned ought not that I say be perspicuous 31 It is perspicuity which in fit to teach and instruct not obscurity or perplexitie 32 Yet when we say that the Holy Scripture is perspicuous we would not have it so understood as if we meant that whatsoever is contained any where in Scripture were so easie and plain that any man at the first sight may understand it 33 But this is our meaning that The perspicuity of Scripture is such that from thence a man may learn sure and infallible grounds and principles of religion the knowledge whereof is necessary unto every man toward the attainment of everlasting salvation 34 The books of the Prophets and Apostles are the integrall parts of Holy Scripture And that both those are perspicuous it is proved by good testimonies If the parts of Scripture then be perspicuous how can the whole be said to be obscure 35 The Propheticall word in the Old Testament is compared unto a Lamp Light or Lantern Psalme 119.105 And as much is said of the Apostolicall word 2. Pet. 1.19 And again If our Gospel be hid it is hid to them that are lost 2. Cor. 4.3 Whereby it appeareth that if the Scripture be obscure and hid it is so onely by accident But of it self and by its own nature it is perspicuous 36 Seeing therefore it is demonstrated that the Scripture is perfect and perspicuous It follows that It is and ought to be the certain infallible and onely rule and judge of all controversies that are moved about points of Christian religion 37 What David saith concerning the Apostles Psal 19.4 Their line or their rule or direction is gone out through all the earth the same Paul applies to the doctrine of the Apostles Rom. 10.18 Their sound went into all the earth But the Apostles wrote and taught the same things 38 Christ also and his Apostles for determining controversies of faith appealed unto no other Judge went by no other Rule but the Holy Scriptures and they send us also to search the Scriptures And what sheep will not follow Christ his Shepherd and Leader and the Apostles his followers 39 The word of Christ contained in the Holy Scriptures Propheticall and Apostolicall shall judge all men in the last day John 12.48 Rom. 2.16 Rev. 20.12 What hinders then but that it may be unto us in this life a Perfect Rule 40 For if there be any part of celestiall doctrine not contained within the Canonicall books How shall the judgement which shall be passed hereafter according unto them be entire 41 Furthermore seeing that it is not onely permitted but also commanded to all Christians to trie the Spirits 1. John 4.1 to beware of false prophets Matth. 7.15 to prove all things 1. Thess 5.21 and thus it lies upon them to discern between divine truth and humane dreams certainly the rule of truth that is the Holy Scripture belongeth unto all men And therefore The common people ought not to be debarred the reading of the Scripture 42 What the Spirit of God approveth and commendeth let not any man say It is forbidden But the Bereans are commended for this that they examined Pauls sermon by the Rule of the Scriptures Acts 17 1â— The elect strangers scattered throughout Pontus Galatia Cappadocia Asia and Bithynia 1. Pet. 1.1 are commended for attending unto the word of prophesie as unto a light 2. Pet. 1.19 And Coloss 3.16 the diligent study in the Scripture is commended to all Christians 43 And seeing that the common people are altogether ignorant of the Hebrew and Greek tongue wherein the books of the Old and Nevv Testament were written and yet are bound to reade the Scriptures Therefore their pains is to be commended who have translated the Holy Scriptures into the vulgar tongues 44 But yet the Hebrew text onely in the Old Testament and the Greek in the New Testament is Authenticall because they were both written in those tongues 45 Whatsoever floweth not from those fountains hitherto hath not cannot neither must it be accounted Canonicall seeing that it is not inspired by God 46 Therefore that vulgar interpretation which may sooner be said then proved to be Saint Jeromes is without cause exalted to that high throne of authenticall authoritie 47 For there are in it many faults both Graphicall Ellipticall Chronographicall and Dogmaticall faults in writing in leaving out many things in Chronographie and in points of doctrine 48 They have a corrupt judgement that say that the Hebrew text is corrupted 49 Neither do they love pure truth who say that the fountains do not flow pure 50 The end and use of Holy Scripture is
attained by the true and lavvfull interpretation thereof 51 Seeing that the Scripture is perfect and perspicuous therefore It is to be interpreted of it self and by it self 52 For that which is perfect ought not to be patched with things of another kind and that which is perspicuous of it self doth not stand in need of anothers light 53 Yet notwithstanding the Scripture is of it self perspicuous the blind eyes of our understanding are dazzled at the light of it 54 Whosoever therefore will take in hand to interpret Scripture Let him with earnest prayers and grones desire to have his understanding enlightened by the Holy Ghost 55 Let the glory of God and the instruction of men unto salvation be the supreme law of interpretation 56 And seeing that every head of celestiall doctrine is in Scripture in one place or other therefore let the interpretation of other places be conformable unto it So shall the Analogie or proportion of faith be kept Rom. 12.6 57 Observe diligently the naturall significations of words 58 In matters of doubt have recourse unto the fountains the Hebrew in the Old Testament and the Greek in the New 59 Have respect and regard to the scope of every word to the circumstances to that which goes before and that which follows after 60 Let the obscurer and fevver places of Scripture be expounded by those that are more clear and more in number 61 Depart not from the letter in articles of faith especially unlesse the Scripture it self sheweth some improprietie of speech and also expound it 62 Use the writings of the Fathers for an help to lead thee by the hand as it were in the interpretation of the Scripture but see that thou usest them aright 63 Yet count them not for Canonicall but examine them by the Canonicall What in them is agreeable unto the authoritie of divine Scripture embrace with due commendation of them what is not agreeable by their leave reject and refuse August lib. 2. cont Cresc cap. 32. CHAP. III. Wherein are contained Theologicall Aphorismes concerning God 1 THe chief end of all the Scripture is To know God and worship him being known 2 From him alone are all things and To him alone are all things 3 That there is a God even the book of Nature sheweth For The world is the school of the knowledge oâ— God Basil in Hexaem 4 The leaves of this book are especially three Heaven Earth Sea and all things therein contained as Clemenâ— Alexandrinus speaketh 5 But there is a more certain evident and perspicuous knowledge to bâ— fetcht out of the book of holy Scripture 6 The eyes of our understanding are blinded by our fall and from thence it is that we cannot so readily make progresse and proficiency in the book of Nature 7 The end of that Naturall knowledge of God is according to the Apostle To seek the Lord Acts 17.27 8 Nature herself confesseth that her book is imperfect and therefore she must as it were lead us by the hand to find out a more perfect revelation in the Church 9 The Essence of God transcendeth all created things Therefore the perfect knowledge of God surpasseth all understanding God is incomprehensible so saith Damascene lib. 1. Orth. fid cap. 1. 10 And from hence it follows That as God is a Spirit above all and cannot properly be found out or comprehended by any understanding So likewise he cannot be defined or determined by any definition August De cogn ver vit cap. 7. 11 We cannot in any words so fully expresse what God is as by confessing our ignorance That we know not what God is Scal. Exerc. 365. Sect. 2. 12 What therefore God would have hidden from us that must we not search into But yet notwithstanding so much as he hath manifested unto us by revealing of himself we must in no wise neglect for fear lest we be found on one side more curious then is lawfull and on the other side damnably ingratefull Ambros 1. De vocat Gent. cap. 7. 13 God gave being unto all things Therefore he is the first chief and independent Being 14 He is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is He hath his Being from himself Scal. He is 〈◊〉 Being above all beings Dionys lib. 1 De Divinis nom cap. 1. 15 He is the Essence of all essences the Creatour of all creatures the Lifâ— of all lives the Cause of all causes 16 He it is that giveth all unto all but receiveth not ought from any 17 Above him is nothing withouâ— him is nothing beneath him is nothing Under him is all in him is all with him is all From him are all things by him are all things in him are aâ—â— things Aug. De Spec. cap. 33. 18 Between the Essence of God anâ— the essence of the creatures there is aâ— infinite difference Gods Essence is aâ—ter a singular peculiar and supereminent manner 19 God is a Spirit John 4.24 A Spirit hath not flesh and bones Luke 24.39 Therefore God is incorporeall 20 Whatsoever corporeall things are â—ttributed unto God they are to be unâ—erstood as it beseemeth the majestie of God not properly spoken but by an Anthropopathie a figure by which that â—s improperly said to be in God which â—roperly belongeth unto man 21 God condescendeth unto us that we may ascend up unto him and seeâ—ng that we are men he vouchsafeth to â—peak unto us after the manner of men 22 The Scripture by things corporeâ—ll teacheth us spirituall likewise by â—â—ings visible things that are invisible 23 So God is said to have Eyes â—hich are over the just an Hand by â—hich he giveth food unto all flesh â—eet whose footstool the earth is All â—â—ese are in God in Effect not in Afâ—â—ct Bern. Serm. 4. sup Cant. 24 He is therefore All-eye because â—â—e seeth all All-hand because he worâ—eth all All-foot because he is every â—here August sup Psalm 136. 25 God is Eternall without beginâ—ing or end From him are all things â—ut he is from nothing He is subject to no change or succession He alonâ— it is that can say I AM THAT I AM Exod. 3.14 26 If God had a beginning then hâ— should be subject unto change But hâ— is uncreated without time without bâ—ginning without end not subject to aâ—teration Therefore he is truly Eternall 27 But if God be without changâ— or alteration he is also void of all coâ—position whatsoever 28 He alone is truly and properâ—â— Simple Besides him all things else aâ— compounded at least Ex Actu 〈◊〉 Potentia Ex esse Essentia as thâ— School speaks 29 The Essence of God is not oneâ—â— most Simple but also most Infinite anâ— Immense God is present with all thingâ— not onely by his Power by which 〈◊〉 conserveth all things but also by hâ— Essence by which he is present with aâ— things created after a more neare anâ— intimate manner then they are witâ— themselves 30 In those words in which it 〈◊〉 said That God is
in deposito in the hands of the Pontifex 15 Furthermore the word Sacrament is properly and most frequently taken for the whole Sacramentall action but sometimes improperly by a Synecdoche it denoteth one essentiall part of the Sacrament to wit the outward and visible signe or as Ireneus speaketh lib. 4. cap. 24. the terrene matter 16 So also the Matter of the Sacrament or the Sacrament as concerning the thing denoteth the saving fruit of the Sacrament and sometimes the other essentiall part of the Sacrament to wit the heavenly matter 17 But the Sacraments are to be defined by actions For wheresoever the Sacraments are instituted there are certain actions prescribed and required neither have the Sacraments their essentiall integritie unlesse those actions prescribed by God be also added 18 Now these actions are sacred and solemn because instituted by God because in them God worketh with us and in them we have to do with God 19 God it is who not onely at the first did institute the Sacraments and commend them unto his Church but also doth even to this day dispense heavenly benefits by them by the mediation of mans ministerie 20 The Sacramentall dispensation doth consist in Giving and Receiving 21 The Giving doth denote the action of him that doth administer prescribed by God The Receiving doth denote the taking of the Sacrament 22 In both we must distinguish between the Thing and the Manner of the thing Giving and Receiving are simply necessarie but the Manner of giving and receiving admits of some libertie 23 To God alone is the power of instituting Sacraments to be ascribed 24 For it is one and the same who doth conferre grace and institute the means of grace 25 Well therefore saith Thomas p. 3. q. 64. art 2. The vertue of the Sacraments is from God alone Therefore God alone is the Institutour of the Sacraments 26 Where also he addeth these things worthy our remembrance The Apostles and their successours are Gods Vicars as concerning the regiment of the Church instituted of God by Faith and the Sacraments of Faith Wherefore as it is not lawfull for them to constitute another Church so neither is it lawfull for them to deliver any other Faith or institute any other Sacraments But the Church of God is said to be built and constituted by the Sacraments which flowed from the side of Christ hanging on the Crosse 27 God also doth dispense the Sacraments not Immediately but Ordinarily by the Ministers of the Church 28 For they are the dispensers or Stewards of the mysteries of God 1. Cor. 4.1 and Labourers together with God 1. Cor. 3.9 29 Seeing then the Minister is here an Agent not in his own name but in Gods name Therefore his worthines or unworthinesse can nothing adde to or take from the efficacie of the Sacraments 30 The Sacraments for vertue are the same Although the Minister be too too blame 31 The Ministers work here but as Instruments Now we know that instruments work not according to their own proper form but according to the vertue of him that moves them Thom. p. 3. q. 64. art 5. 32 From whence are these similitudes of the Ancients How that the life of the Minister doth no more take away the benefit of the Sacraments no more I say then a dunghill or dirty place by which the sunne passeth doth pollute and defile the light thereof And again How that it matters not whether the water be conveyed through a pipe of stone or a pipe of silver And again How that the figure and impression of the seal is all one whether it be made with a gold ring or one of iron August Tract 5. in Joan. lib. 3. de Bapt. cap. 10. and Nazianz. orat de Bapt. 33 And this also we adde concerning the Intention of the Minister That it is not absolutely and necessarily required to the perfection and fruit of the Sacrament 34 For that Non-intention if I may so speak is a species of blemish or malice in the Minister What then is true of the Genus is also true of the Species 35 Furthermore the Sacraments were instituted onely for men and such men as are living Therefore they are onely to be administred unto such 36 Two things are required unto a Sacrament The Word and the Element or outward visible thing 37 Let the Word be added unto the Element and it becomes a Sacrament Aug. de cat c. 3. tract 80. in Joan. 38 By the Word is understood 1. Gods institution by which the Element having received the calling of God as Ireneus speaketh l. 4. cap. 34. is separated from common use and destinated to a Sacramentall use 2. The proper promise of the Gospel which is to be applyed and sealed by the Sacrament 39 And therefore we must judge of every Sacrament by Gods institution or which is all one by the proper place in which Gods institution is described and set down 40 And because every Sacrament hath its own peculiar institution therefore also it hath its own peculiar administration as its proper form 41 And therefore the substantiall words of the institution of the Sacrament are in no wise to be altered or changed 42 The Sacraments in the Old Testament are two as likewise also in the New 1. Circumcision in the Old unto which answers Baptisme in the New and the Paschall Lambe in the Old unto which answers the Supper of the Lord in the New 43 If any other be added unto these they want either Gods institution or the outward Element or the proper promise of the Gospel 44 The Ends of the Sacraments are many but two onely are Principall the rest are Subordinate and lesse-principall 45 The First principall end is That the Sacraments may be the instruments means and conveyances or conduits by which God exhibiteth offereth and applieth unto those that beleeve the proper promise of the Gospel concerning remission of sinnes justification and life everlasting 46 Whatsoever is competible and agreeable unto the Word that also is not to be denied unto the Sacraments which are the visible word But the word of the Gospel is such an instrument And therefore also the Sacraments 47 By the Sacraments we are received into the Covenant of God and are preserved in it But that Covenant is the Covenant of grace And therefore the Sacraments are instruments of grace and salvation 48 Therefore we dissent and depart from those who derogate and detract from the Sacraments making them onely bare signes signifying grace 49 The Ancients indeed sometimes call the Sacraments Signes But they understand Signes sealing or as it is expounded in August Confess art 13. Signes testifying concerning the grace of God towards us 50 In which sense the word Signe or token used in Gen. 17.11 the Apostle expoundeth by the word Seal Rom. 14.11 51 So also sometimes the outward Element of the Sacrament is called a Signe yet not barely signifying an heavenly thing absent but offering and delivering
of them blessed for ever Amen CHAP. XVII Wherein are contained Theologicall Aphorismes concerning the Sacrament of Baptisme 1 BAptisme is the Porch or first Gate of Grace the Entrie into the Church the Key of the Kingdome of heaven and â—he Investiture of Christianisme or â—â—e putting on the robe or liverie of â—hristianitie 2 And therefore being the first Saâ—rament of the New Testament it is â—or that cause called the Sacrament of â—â—itiation 3 Baptisme generally taken signifiâ—th any washing dipping or dying whether it be done by immersion affusion or aspersion 4 It is taken Metaphorically in Scriâ—ture for the Crosse and calamities Matth. 20.23 for the visible and large effusion of the gifts of the Holy Ghost Acts 1.5 for the miraculous passing of the Israelites through the sea 1. Cor. 10.2 5 It is taken Synecdochically for the doctrine and indeed the whole ministerie of John the Proto-Baptist that is which first baptized Matth. 3.11 6 Specially and by way of Excellencie yea and by the common use of the Church it is taken for that solemn mysterie of Initiation to wit the first Sacrament of the New Testament 7 Which in respect of one of the Essentiall parts thereof is called Water John 3.5 In respect of its Essence Tâ—â— washing of water by the Word Ephâ—â— 5.26 In respect of the Effect thereof The washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost Tit. 3.5 In respect of the Type thereof which went before Circumcision made without hands Coloss 2.11 8 The Prime Authour of Baptisme and therefore the Proper and Principall Cause is God 9 For God by his prophets in the Old Testament did preach by Types and Prophesies concerning this saving Lâ—ver â—r washing of Baptisme 10 The Types are Noahs ark in the â—loud 1. Pet. 3.20 Circumcision Coloss 2.11 The passing of the Israelites through the red sea 1. Cor. 10.2 Waters mixed with the bloud of the bird that was killed which cleansed the leprosie Levit. 14.6 7. The water of Expiation or Separation whereinto vvere drewed the ashes of the red heifer Numb 19.17 c. Divers washings ablutions and aspersions used by the Jews Heb. 9.10 The water of Jordan by which Naaman was cured of his leprosie 2. Kings 5.14 11 The Prophesies consist partly in proper words and partly in words Alâ—egoricall The Lord sitteth upon the floud Psal 29.10 There is a river the streams whereof shall make glad the citie of God Psal 46.5 The Gentiles shall bring thy sonnes in their arms Isai 49.22 I will sprinkle clean water upon you and you shall be clean from all your filthinesse Ezech. 36.25 It shall come to passe that every thing that liveth which moveth whithersoever the rivers shall come shall live Ezech. 47.9 In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sinne and for uncleannesse Zechar. 13.1 A fountain shall come forth of the house of the Lord and shall water the valley of Shittim Joel 3.18 12 The same God it is which senâ— John to baptize or to baptize with water John 1.33 From whence it is said That his Baptisme is from heaven Matth. 21.25 and the Pharisees refusing to be baptized of him are said to have rejected the counsel of God Luke 7.30 13 This Divine Institution of Baptisme Christ after his death and resurrection did as it were renew by a solemn promulgation and command to continue the same throughout the whole world 14 Therefore the Baptisme of John was the same Sacrament with the Baptisme of Christ that is which Christ administred by his Apostles and doth at this day administer by the Ministers of the Church It had also the same efficacie neither was it necessarie that after the Baptisme of John the Baptisme of Christ should be received 15 The same Causes and the same â—â—fects do argue that the Sacrament of â—aptisme both Johns and Christs was â—he same 16 Yet notwithstanding vve do not â—eny but that with the Baptisme of the â—postles there was joyned also the visiâ—â—e effusion of the miraculous gifts of â—â—e Holy Ghost which was wanting â—o Johns Baptisme 17 Now God administers this Saâ—rament not Immediately but by the Ministers of the Church unto whom his doth Ordinarily belong as unto â—he Stewards of the mysteries of God â— Cor. 4.1 18 Again Forasmuch as they are â—â—e Ministers of anothers good their â—ites do not take away the essence and â—enefit of Baptisme 19 And therefore even Hereticks â—â—emselves if they do observe the Subâ—â—antialls of Baptisme they do admiâ—ister true Baptisme 20 Which also we determine in that â—â—use when the Minister of the Church â—rivately and secretly doth favour and â—â—erish an heresie contrarie to the truth â—f Baptisme and the doctrine of the â—hurch 21 But those which are baptize by Hereticks without the invocation oâ— the Holy Trinitie and afterwards comâ— unto us we pronounce that such arâ— to be Baptized but we do not say Rebaptized For it is not to be beleeveâ— that they were ever baptized whosoever were not baptized In the name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the Holy Ghost 22 The externall Element of Baptisme is water water naturall and elementarie 23 Whosoever therefore do eitheâ— substitute and use in stead of water anâ— other liquour or any other externall Element or else are of opinion that they may be substituted used in the steaâ— thereof They depart from Gods institution 24 But yet Baptisme is not simpliâ—â— water but the washing of water by thâ— Word Ephes 5.16 25 Therefore neither Water without the Word nor the Word without the Water hath the nature force and vertue of Baptisme 26 That Word is the word both of Command and of Promise 27 For the Apostles are commanded to go and teach all nations Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the Holy Ghost Matth. 28.19 And there is a promise added That he that beleeveth and is Baptized shall be saved Mark 16.16 28 Therefore according to this word all the Holy Trinitie The Father the Sonne and the Holy Ghost are present at Baptisme as at the Baptisme of Christ who is the Head of the Church Ephes 1.22 29 The Father for his Sonne our Mediatours sake doth receive him that is Baptized into grace The Sonne by his own bloud doth cleanse him from all his sinnes The Holy Ghost doth regenerate and renew him unto eternall life 30 And if all the most sacred and Holy Trinitie be present then also Christ God and Man is certainly present and by his bloud washeth him that is Baptized from all the filthinesse of his sinnes 31 From whence it is that the Antients say and Luther repeats it That Baptisme is red with the bloud of Christ August tract 11. in Joan. Beda in Psalm 80. 32 We must not therefore look upon the water of Baptisme according to the naturall properties and use that it hath in common life But we are to
have an eye unto it as it is a Sacrament and means sanctified by the vvord of God vvith vvhich and by vvhich all the most sacred and Holy Trinitie doth work in those that are Baptized unto their salvation 33 The Form of Baptisme is to Baptize a man with water That is to sprinkle the water upon him or to dip him in the water In the name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the Holy Ghost 34 And forasmuch as it is the Form which gives being unto a thing Therefore if this Form of Baptisme be changed it shall be no longer a Sacrament 35 Whether the party Baptized be sprinkled or dipped Thrice or but Once it matters not to the integritie and perfection of Baptisme The usuall rites and custome of the Church in these indifferent things is to be observed 36 By the Three sprinklings or clippings the Trinitie of Persons is signified and by One onely the Unitie of the Divinitie or Godhead 37 Those words In the name or On the name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the Holy Ghost have a great Emphasis which is accurately and frequently to be expounded to the godly and devout auditorie or congregation 38 For the Minister professeth that what he doth in this part he doth not in his own name but in the name of God and at his command 39 For he declareth that the true God which is One in Essence and Three in Persons is called upon over him that is Baptized 40 Moreover those words do evidently witnesse that every Person of the most sacred and Holy Trinitie is present at Baptisme by the presence and efficacie of grace to wit The Father for the merit of his Sonne doth receive him that is Baptized into grace and doth seal him by his Holy Spirit unto salvation 41 Whereupon those that are Baptized are called the Sonnes of God Christians and Spirituall men in respect of the Father of the Sonne and of the Holy Ghost 42 Whereunto belongeth the Collation or comparing of Creation and Re-creation Formation and Reformation For As the Father by the Sonne through the Holy Ghost created the first man So is it at the Sacrament of Regeneration where all the most Holy and blessed Trinitie doth work in like manner 43 Last of all By those words he that is Baptized in the name of God is bound to acknowledge him and to call upon him as the true God and serve him all the dayes of his life 44 For you must be baptized as vve have received and beleeve as we are Baptized and glorifie the Father the Sonne and the Holy Ghost as vve have beleeved Basil Epist 78. 45 From this Fountain flow forth all the praises which are extant in the vvritings of the Apostles concerning the saving fruit of this mysterie 46 As for example That it is The washing of Regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost Tit. 3.4 By vvhich the Church may be cleansed Ephes 5.26 Sinnes may be washed avvay Act. 22.16 Christ may be put on Gal. 3.27 And in a vvord salvation may be obtained 1. Pet. 3.21 47 By way of Comparison it will not be amisse to consider the Baptisme of Christ by which Our Baptisme is consecrated For vvhat was done there in visible signes vve must not doubt but that the same is done at our Baptisme after an invisible manner 48 The Father for Christ his sake receiveth us to be his Sonnes The Sonne by his bloud washeth us The Holy Ghost regenerateth and renevveth us and prepareth himself a dvvelling-place in us and openeth the gate of Paradise unto us 49 We sticking close to the literall sense of the words as we must alvvaies do in articles of faith do firmly beleeve that Baptisme is an effectuall means by which man is regenerated and renewed unto eternall life 50 VVhich end comprehends in it Adoption Remission of sinne Ingraffing into Christ Sanctification and the Inheritance of eternall life 51 But we deny that Baptisme doth either imprint an indelible character or conferre grace ex opere operato upon the vvork done or outward act of administration or that it doth take away and altogether blot out both sin and the punishment thereof For concerning this matter the Scripture is silent 52 Furthermore seeing that in Baptisme God doth make a Covenant of grace with man certainly the efficacie thereof endureth throughout a mans whole life 53 For the Covenant of God is not made of no effect by reason of our unbelief Rom. 3.3 54 Therefore though we should for our parts go never so farre astray from this covenant yet by true and serious conversion vve may return and be received again into it 55 Unto vvhom this Sacrament appertaineth and belongeth vve learn even from Gods ovvn institution by vvhich it is commanded that all nations should be baptized 56 Yet the order and manner vvhich Christ there hath prescribed is to be observed that is That they which are of age to heare the Gospel should first be taught and then baptized 57 Seeing then all are either infants or of yeares vve must ansvver distinctly concerning both 58 Those Infants are to be baptized vvho are either born of Christian Parents it matters not vvhether one or both the parents be Christians or else are to be brought up under them 59 Therefore Bastards and children that are found vvhose parents are not knovvn are not excluded from the benefit of Baptisme although it be doubted of by some nor yet those vvho at their birth have some externall defect c. 60 But those which are not yet born are excluded For a man cannot be born again unlesse he be first born And so are also the children of Infidels and unbeleevers to be excluded as long as they are under their tuition 61 Those of yeares are to be baptized who being instructed concerning Christ do professe the Christian religion 62 Neither here are vvomen excluded as it is confirmed by the practice of the Apostles beside other arguments Acts 8.12 and 16.15 63 For the confirming of this our opinion concerning the baptizing of infants out of Scripture serve many things and it vvill be usefull for us to consider these following Hypotheses or suppositions 64 First Infants are conceived and born in sinne And therefore they are by nature the children of wrath 65 Secondly God would have little children to be brought unto him For it is not the will of him that one of the little ones should perish 66 Thirdly There is no dealing with them by the preaching of the Word Therefore there remains onely to them that means to vvit Baptisme vvhich succeeded in the place of Circumcision 67 Beware of saying That Baptisme is not profitable unto infants forasmuch as yet they neither do not can beleeve 68 Because in Baptisme and by Baptisme the Holy Spirit doth so work in Infants that it is no lesse then Circumcision A seal unto them of the righteousnesse of Faith Rom. 4.11 69 For although we cannot
understand after what manner the Holy Ghost worketh yet we must not therefore deny the working of the Holy Ghost 70 If a question be moved concerning Infants departing without Baptisme we must proceed distinctly 71 Those which are without the Church are left to the judgement of God 72 But those which being born of Christian parents by reason of some case of urgent necessitie could not be baptized or those which die in their mothers wombe those I say by the prayers of their parents and the Church may be commended unto God but are not excluded from the fellowship of the kingdome of heaven 73 It remains now that vve speak something concerning certain Circumstances vvhich are wont to be observed at the administration of Baptisme 74 Impious and superstitious ceremonies are to be rejected 75 But what rites and ceremonies are of their own nature indifferent and of a middle rank and not repugnant to the Analogie of faith but rather commended by the authoritie of the Apostles and the Primitive Church and further do make the action use and efficacie yea the necessitie and dignitie of Baptisme more conspicuous to the eyes of the ruder sort such as those are not Simply and to the scandal of the Church to be rejected 76 Exorcisme is to be expounded after this manner That it is a testimony that infants are by nature under spirituall captivitie in the kingdome of the Devil That by the vertue and efficacie of Baptisme they are translated from the kingdome of Satan unto the kingdome of Christ That the end of the Ecclesiasticall ministerie consisteth not onely in the application of Christs benefits but also in a continuall vvarring and fighting against Satan 77 But the Church hath liberty to propose and expound the doctrine concerning originall sinne the povver and kingdome of Satan and the efficacie of Baptisme in other vvords more agreeable unto Scripture Chemâ—it part 3. loc Theolog. pag. 178. 78 It is a most ancient custome aâ— the Baptisme of infants to have Sureties vvhich we call Godfathers and Godmothers Whose office it is First to pray for them that God would receive them into grace by Baptisme Secondly by their ansvvering to repeat that vvhich Christ as the mouth of the infants hath witnessed for them Thirdly to instruct them in the principles of religion if their parents be dead 79 Imposition of names is rightly used in Baptisme not onely because it was formerly used in Circumcision but especially because it puts us in mind that in Baptisme our names are written in the book of life Luke 10.20 Revel 20.15 and that our names are enrolled in the Catalogue of Christian souldiers from thenceforth alwayes to fight under the banner of Christ 80 Concerning other ceremonies and circumstances more shall be said in another place One thing onely we adde That it vvere to be wished that at a full congregation in the Church at Morning prayer children vvere baptized that so the administration of this most sacred mysterie might be performed vvith more attention and devotion 81 Neither yet do we say that rashly and unadvisedly any man out of his own private fansie may depart from the custome of the Church wherein he liveth nor do we prescribe Laws for cases of necessitie 82 From all that hitherto hath been said we gather That Baptisme is the first Sacrament of the New Testament in which a living man it dipped into water or sprinkled with water In the name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the Holy Ghost that being regenerated and renewed he may be made an heir of everlasting life 83 God who by Baptisme hath received us into the covenant of grace keep and preserve us in the same even unto the end Amen CHAP. XVIII ¶ Wherein are contained Theologicall Aphorismes concerning the Lords Supper 1_THe latter Sacrament of the New Testament is The Lords Supper so called from the Authour and time of the institution thereof 1. Cor. 11.20 21 c. 2 It is also called The Lords Table to distinguish it from profane eating and drinking 1. Cor. 10.20 21 c. And again The communion of the body and bloud of Christ 1. Cor. 10.16 because therein consisteth the essence of this Sacrament And again The Testament of Christ Luke 22.20 1. Cor. 11.25 because therein do appear all the requisites of a Testament And again The breaking of bread Acts 2.42 and 20.7 because by it the bread in the Eucharist was prepared of old to be distributed 3 It was called by the ancients the Eucharist or Giving of thanks 1. Cor. 11.24 Because solemn thanks were to be given to Christ at the celebration of this Sacrament Again It was called a Synaxis or coming together 1. Cor. 11.20 Because this Holy Supper was vvont to be celebrated in a full congregation in the Church and vvas a signe and pledge of their mutuall conjunction in Christ Again It was called an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or a feast in Love and Charitie by reason of Holy feasting instituted and made of gifts conferred in common Again It was called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Liturgie Because it is no small part of publick and common service 4 The name of Missa which is taken for the Masse had its beginning from the form of dismissing the people used by the ancients when they said unto the Catechumeni to the possessed of evil Spirits and to the Excommunicate Ite Missa est Beat. Rhenan super 4. libr. Tertull. adv Marc. 5 The Types of this Sacrament in the Old Testament are sundrie and divers but the best are these The Paschall Lambe Exod. 12.27 c. 1. Cor. 5.7 and Manna Exod. 16.15 John 6.49 The corn of heaven Psalm 78.24 Angels food vers 25. 6 The Authour of this Sacrament who did both institute and commend it unto his Church is Christ Matth. 26.26 Luke 22.19 1. Cor. 11.23 7 Who seeing that he is true God and One with the Father and the Holy Ghost Omnipotent True All-wise our Mediatour and Saviour Therefore if we desire truly to be his Disciples we must without any tergiversation backsliding or unwillingnesse beleeve his words and rest on them John 8.31 8 And the Sonne it is who still to this day doth exhibite unto us his Body and Bloud at the distribution of the bread and wine in the Eucharist to be eaten and drunk by us 9 Beleeve ye all therefore that even now the Supper at vvhich Christ sat down is here celebrated For there is no difference betwixt this and that They have both one Authour Do not think it is the Priest or Minister but Christ himself that stretcheth forth his hand unto thee Chrysost Hom. 51. in Cap. 24. Matth. 10 Yet he doth not administer this Supper now immediately by himself as he did at the first Institution But it hath pleased him to use the Ministers of the Church to this purpose because they are The Stewards of the Mysteries of God 1. Cor. 4.1 11 The Eucharist consists of
the true Doctrine at all times and in all places vvhether they lived in former ages or whether they be at this day yet living 25 But it is necessarie that this consent be grounded on the Catholick vvritings of the Prophets and Apostles which are the onely foundation of the Church 26 It is called Apostolick in respect of the Doctrine of the Apostles because it began in the New Testament to be propagated by the Apostles which taught none other things then those which the Prophets and Moses did say should come Act 26.22 and because it is yet at this day gathered together by the Doctrine of the Apostles sounding in the Scriptures 27 From vvhence it may be easily gathered what are the true Characters and signes of the True Church to vvit The pure preaching of the Word and the Lawfull administration of the Sacraments 28 For seeing that the Church is nothing else but a Company of such as professe the true Doctrine of Christ publickly and use the Sacraments lawfully and there is no surer note of a thing then its Form Therefore vve conclude that these and no other are the true proper and genuine Characters tokens and cognizances of the Church 29 If there be assigned any other as the Catholick name Antiquitie Duration Amplitude Succession of Bishops Temporall felicitie c. I say These are common to other Societies and Companies as well as to the Church neither are they of any force to prove a true Church unlesse they exactly agree and are joyned with the other notes before mentioned by us 30 Wherefore vve thought good to note the vvords of Stapleton in relect princ fid Controv. 1. Quaest. 4. Art 5. pag. 113. Even as saith he little children do distinguish a man from a beast by the external lineaments of body and outward figure of a man because they are led onely by their sense And those vvhich are of riper yeares and have the use of reason but yet are rude and unlearned do it by operation of life and functions which are onely proper to a man as to speak like a man to vvalk like a man c. But they which are vvise and prudent vvhose judgement pierceth deeper do it by prudence and understanding and other endovvments which are proper unto man after a farre more excellent manner 31 So the Church of Christ is by those that are vvise and Spirituall such as are the Teachers and Pastours of the Church known by the sound Doctrine and the right use of the Sacraments But as for those vvhich are unlearned vveak and little in Faith vvho are not able to judge of the Doctrine it self considered in its causes principles and means as also those which are without Faith vvho know little or nothing of the Church they judge onely by the outvvard face and appearance and by the multitude of the people which beleeve and their Pastours 32 This Similitude or Comparison of Stapletons vve thought vvorthy to be noted For from hence it may be concluded that our notes of the true Church are proper genuine and well beseeming spirituall men but theirs are doubtfull and uncertain 33 The outvvard shevv and face of the Church shadovved out by lineaments we vvillingly grant unto them But as for the Soul thereof that must they leave unto us 34 Hither belongeth that which Bellarmine himself openly confesseth That by those notes and marks by him assigned it is not proved evidently to be true That the Church of Rome is the true Church of God but yet it is made evidently credible Libr. 4. de Eccl. cap. 3. Col. 210. 35 Furthermore seeing that the Gospel is not preached nor the Sacraments administred with like sinceritie in all particular Churches but the leaven of humane traditions and inventions is mixed with the pure masse of Gods Word Therefore in this respect and in this sense the Church is said to be more pure or more impure comparing one vvith another 36 So Christ vvould have the Scribes and Pharisees to be heard Sitting in Moses Chair Matth. 23.2 that is delivering the Doctrine which Moses delivered according to the interpretation of Biel. 4. Sent. Dist 1. Quaest 4. Art 3. But vvithall he gives an Item to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees that is their false Doctrine Matth. 16.6 37 God can even by a corrupt Ministerie beget spirituall children unto himself Ezech. 16.20 38 The eares of the hearers are many times more pure then the lips of the teachers 39 So the Popish Church is not a true and pure Church But yet in former ages under Popery did God gather and even at this day still doth gather unto himself a Church 40 Our Churches are gone out of the Romish Babylon according to Gods command Jerem. 15.19 They have taken forth the precious from the vile They have accepted and do still professe and maintain the writings of the Prophets and Apostles the Doctrine vvhich is conformable and agreeable unto them separating them from the leaven of humane traditions 41 Can any one then deny that out Church is Apostolick Such as the Doctrine is such is the Church The Doctrine is Apostolick And therefore our Church is also Apostolick 42 Let them therefore either convince us out of the vvritings of the Prophets and Apostles to have departed from the Doctrine of the Prophets and Apostles or let them not deny unto us the name of Catholick and Apostolick Church 43 And here vve vvould have it accurately to be observed vvhat the Acts of the Diet at Auspurg Anno 1530. do witnesse Hovv that the chiefest of our adversaries there confessed that the confession of our Faith could not be refuted out of Scripture 44 Hither vvill vve adde out of S. Augustine Epist 166. that In the Scriptures we have learned Christ in the Scriptures vve have learned the Church And vvhy then do vve not in them retain both Christ the Church 45 And again vve have another saying out of S. Augustine De unitate Eccl. Cap. 2. which makes against them Between us saith he and the Donatists the Romanists the question is Where the Church is What then shall vve do Shall vve seek it in our ovvn vvords or in the vvords of our Lord vvhich is the Head of the Church In my judgement vve ought rather to seek it in his words vvho is Truth it self and best knovvs his ovvn body 46 And further we urge upon them that Exclusive particle of S. Chrysostome Hom. 49. oper imperf in Matt. They which would knovv vvhich is the true Church of Christ can knovv by no other means but Onely by the Scriptures 47 The vvord of God vvhich this day is not extant but in the writings of the Prophets and Apostles is the seed the foundation and as it vvere the soul of the Church If the Church departeth from the tract thereof it departeth into errour and that so much the more grievous by hovv much the more remote and distant from the sinceritie of the
be noted where it is said The people especially have povver of electing such as are worthy and refusing such as are unvvortâ—â— to be Priests and vve see apparently that it descends by authority from above That the Priest be elected in the sight and presence of the people and be approved and thought vvorthy by publick judgement and testimonie 36 Wherefore seeing that the povver and right of calling Ministers belongs unto the whole Church neither let the Presbyterie alone nor the Magistracie alone nor the rest of the multitude alone usurp challenge to themselves this povver 37 For vvhat concerns all that must all have a care of 38 But let all things be done decently and in order 1. Cor. 14 40. 39 The publick and solemn testification of this Mediate Vocation is the rite of Ordination by which in the sight ofâ—God and in the presence of the vvhole Church the person lawfully called is separated from the rest of the multitude to this charge and office and is commended unto God by prayers and hath a publick testimony of his foregoing Vocation 40 We deny that Ordination is a Sacrament if the word be properly and strictly taken 41 For it wants the outward Element expressely instituted by Christ himself in the Nevv Testament It wants also the promise of application and obsignation of grace proper to the Gospell 42 Before Ordination there goes diligent Examination of the party to be ordained by vvhich enquiry is made concerning his confession learning aptnesse to teach and order of life 43 The Rule of this Examination is set down unto us 1. Tim. 3.2 c. Tit. 1.6 7 8 c. 44 In which places such vertues are required of him that hath committed unto him the office of teaching in the Church as are either Common to him with other true godly or else are Proper and peculiar unto him 45 The Common are these That he must be blamelesse the husband of oâ—â— wife vigilant sober of good behaviour given to hospitalitie not given to wine no striker nor greedy of filthy lucre but patient not a brawler not covetous c. 1. Tim. 3.2 3 4 c. Tit. 1.6 7 8 c. 46 Now the reason why the Apostle maketh mention of these common vertues is Because integrity of life is required of Ministers not onely for the same causes for which they are required of other private Christians but also in a peculiar name That their Ministerie be not calumniated reproched and ill spoken of and so the fructification of the vvord be hindred 37 The Apostle requires that a Bishop be the husband of one wife to stop the mouthes of Hereticks which speak against their marrying shewing thereby that marriage is no impure thing but so honourable that it is no hindrance to a man from ascending up unto the Bishops chair Chrysost in cap. 1. Tit. 48 Therefore the Ecclesiasticall Order or the Clergie are not by Gods law forbidden marriage 49 For the temperance or continencie which the Apostle requires in a Bishop Tit. 1.7 cannot be proved to be understood of the vow of Continencie or living unmarried untill it be first shewed that there is no temperance or continencie in the married life of the Godly Ecclesiastious 26. 22. Galat. 5.23 50 Neither doth the Apostle hereby hinder those from the ministery who after they have buried one wife have lawfully married another 51 But he forbids those to be chosen unto the ministery who in any sort sinne so against the seventh commandment that they are not the husbands of one wife 52 As for example If they live in adulterie If at the same time they have more wives then one If putting away and divorcing from them a lawfull wife except it be in case of adultery they marry another or choose unto themselves one that is divorced from another 53 Neither yet doth he prescribe marriage unto all Ministers of the Church as a thing absolutely necessary but he leaves it as a thing arbitrary either to marry or not to marry and makes married Ministers subject unto the laws of Matrimony established by God 54 The Proper and peculiar vertues which the Apostle requires of the Ministers of the Church are these That they must be apt to teach 1. Tim. 3.2 That they may be furnished and instructed vvith the gift to teach and be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gain-sayers Tit. 1.9 55 So much concerning the lavvfull vocation or calling unto the Ministery Now follows the faithfull discharge of the same 56 By the faithfull discharge of the Ministery we understand all duties of Ecclesiasticall ministration according to the Apostle 1. Cor. 4.1 Let a man so account of us as of the Ministers of Christ and the Stewards of the Mysteries of God and in the 2. verse Moreover it is required in Stewards that a man be found faithfull 57 Which faithfulnesse consists in this That the things of the Church wherewith the Minister is entrusted by God be ordered and administred according to the prescript will of God 58 The things of the Church either concern Doctrine or the Sacraments or Discipline 59 The Office then of a Minister is contained in these three things the lavvfull administration of Doctrine the Sacraments and Discipline 60 The administration or discharge of the Ministers office as concerning Doctrine consisteth in the Confirmation of the Truth and the Refutation of Errours 61 The Rule both of Doctrine and Reproof is the onely Word of God 2. Tim. 3.16 62 Unto Doctrine pertaineth the interpretation of the Holy Scripture and the applying of the same unto the use and benefit of the Church 63 In the Administration of the Sacraments vve are to consider both the Object and the Manner 64 By the name of Object vve understand that provident care of the Minister by vvhich he is held to have regard and foresight unto whom the Sacraments are to be administred and who are to be kept back from them 65 And this is the chiefest cause vvhy private Confession and Absolution are still held in some Churches â—lthough there are not vvanting many other reasons 66 By the name of the Manner it understood that all things are to be administred according to the prescript rule of Christ and as the Apostle saith decently and in order 1. Cor. 14.10 67 The Ecclesiasticall Discipline is exercised in correcting faults and passing Ecclesiasticall Judgement and Sentence 68 Faults are to be corrected according to the order and degrees prescribed by Christ Mat. 18.15 69 Let Private and Publick admonition and vvarning go before and if those vvill not serve the turn let the severe Administration of Ecclesiasticall Judgement and Sentence succeed in the place thereof which consisteth in Excommunication 70 Excommunication the latter part of the Keyes is either that vvhich is called the Lesser or else that vvhich is called the Greater 71 The Lesser is that by which the Sinner is interdicted the participation of the Lords Supper