THE English Creede CONSENTING WITH the true auncient Catholique and Apostolique Church in al points and articles of Religion which euerie Christian is to know and beleeue that would be saued THE SECOND PART in most loyal manner to the glorie of God credit of our Church and displaieng of al haeresies and errors both olde and newe contrarie to the faith subscribed vnto by Thomas Rogers Allowed by auctoritie 3. ESDR 4. Magna est veritas praeualet AT LONDON Printed by Robert Walde-graue for Andrew Maunsel at the Brasen Serpent in Pauls Church-yard 1587. TAM GENERE QVAM VIRTVTE PRAECELLENTI D. CHRISTOPHERO HATTONO EQVITI AVRATO REGNI ANGLIAE SVMMO CANCELLARIO ALIIS QVE MVLTIS NOMINIBVS HONORATISSIMO VIRO SVO OPTIMO MAECENATI AC PATRONO THOM AS ROGERIVS POSTERIOREM HANC SYMBOLO ANGLICANO SVBSCRIPTIONIS SVAE PARTEM HONORIS GRATIQVE ANIMI TESTIFICATIONIS ERGO DEVOTE CONSECRAVIT 20. ARTICLE Of the auctoritie of the Church THe Church hath power 1 to decree rites or ceremonies and auctoritie 3 in controuersies of faith And yet it is not laufull for the Church 2 to ordaine anie thing that is contrarie to Gods worde 4 neither maie it so expounde one place of Scripture 5 that it be repugnant to another Wherefore although 6 the Churche be à witnesse and à keeper of holie writ yet as it ought not to decree anie thing against the same so besides the same 7 ought it not to enforce anie thing to be beleeued for necessitie of saluation The Propositions 1 The Church hath power to decree rites or ceremonies 2 The Church maie not appoint what rites or ceremonies it will 3 The Church hath auctortie to iudge in controuersies of faith 4 The Church hath power to interprete and expound the worde of God 5 The Analogie of faith must bee expected in the exposition of the Scripture 6 The Church is the witnesse and keeper of Gods word 7 The Church may not enforce any thing to be beleued as is necessarie vnto saluation that is either contrarie or besides the word of God 1 The Churches auctoritie to decree rites or ceremonies Is warranted in the worde of God By th' example of the Apostles who did ordaine rites or ceremonies as among other thinges that in the Church Men should not be couered 1. Corinth 11. 4. c. VVomen Should be couered 1. Corinth 11. 5. Should keep silence 1. Corinth 14. 34. A known tongue should be vsed 1. Cor. 14. 1. c. By the general perpetual commaundement of God himselfe whoe at al times wil haue euery thing in the Church to be done As being the auctor not of confusion but of peace 1. Cor. 14. ver 26. 33. 40. Honestlie By order Vnto aedification Is graunted in the publique Confessions of the Churches protestant as Confession of Heluet. 1. Artic. 13. Heluet. 2. cap. 22. 23. 24. Basil art 10. Bohem. cap. 15. 17. France artic 32. Fland. artic 32 Ausburg artic 4. 5. 7. 15. Sax. artic 20. Sucuia cap. 8. 14. VVittem cap. 27. 35. This power being giuen by the supreme auctoritie vnto the Churche theie doe greatly offend VVho by an extreme detestation conceaued against ceremonies do condemne Generallie al rites or ceremonies as do some fantastical spirites Particularlie some commendable ceremonies so is the celebration of the Sabbat disliked of certaine Familists VVhiche thinke the Church is tied precisely to obserue the ceremonies Of the Iewes so Did the False Apostles Cerdonits Cerinthians Nazarens Doe the Iewes Turkes Armenians Of the Romish synagogue in which error be The hot Papists The halfe Papistes the Fam of Loue. VVhich holde that either any one man or any certaine callinge hath power to decree appoint rites or ceremonies though of themselues good vnto the whole Church of God 2. As it is à cleere truth that the church maie ordaine ceremonies So true it is also that the Church hath no power to appoint what rites or ceremonies it will but they must make To the Nourishing and increase of loue and friendship among men Such Reteining of the faithful in the holie feare of God Such In the primatiue Church were the rites principalie about Baptisme Excommunication The L. Supper In these dais in the reformed Churches are the ceremonies touching For the Church to meete in The times The places In the Church The praiers The seruice The persons Not to the vpholding of vice or superstitious vanities among the people as theie do If of themselues theie be meetlie wiked and vngodlie as are Popish Masses Images in the Church If being in their owne nature indifferent yet being supersticiouslie vsed are vngodlie as are the difference of daies and meates and apparel c. when it is thought that such rites Do deserue remission of sinnes Are th'acceptable seruice of God Be of necessitie vnder the paine of Gods eternal cursse to be obserued of al and euerie man This is consonantor agreeable To the worde of God Eze 20 v. 18. 19 Matth. 15. 13. Mat. 7. 7 c. Luke 11. 46. Gal. 51. Col. 2. 8. c. Tit. 1. 14. To the sound CoÌ„fessions of Christ his church CoÌ„fes of Heluet. 2. c. 15. France art 33. Flan. art 32. Ausb art 7. 15 Sax. art 20. VVitteÌ„ art 35. Sueuia c. 14. But as light is vnto darkenes coÌ„traeie to al such As are of opinion that the Church hath absolute auctoritie to ordaine what lawes rites or ceremonies it thinketh good As wil make and that as theie saie by thâ—auctoritie giuen vnto the church of à ceremonie à matter of substance and of à thing of substance à ceremonie as theie do which turne the 2 commandemeÌ„ts of the Decaloge into à ceremonial lawe As both obscure the glorie of God by their Masses inuocatioÌ„ of creatures c. and frustrate the merits of our Sauior by their meritorious pardons fasting pilgrimages c. deface the holie Sacraments of Christ by the vain ceremonies of Antichrist hinder the preaching of Gods word by ouer mâ—nie tedious traditions and keep the people of God in daÌ„nable ignorance by preferring the ordinances of meÌ„ before th'institution of God and leaue that vndone which God hath commanded to be done to performe that which the Church hath coÌ„manded such are the Papists 3 Auctoritie is giuen to the Church and to euerie member of iudgement in the same to iudge in controuersies of faith and so in their places To embrace the truth To auoid and improue Antichristianitie errors And this is not the priuate opinion of our Church but The straight coÌ„mandemeÌ„t of God himselfe To teachers â— Tim. 4. 7. 1 Tim. 6. 20 Tit. 1. 9. Tit. 3. 10. To heaters Hier. 23 16. Matth 7. 15 Ioh. 10. 3 c Phil. 3 2. Heb. 13 9. 2. Pet. 3 17. 2 Iohn ver 10. To the whole Church Matt. 24. 23 1. Cor. 14. v. 20. 23. 24. 1. Thes. 5 21 Iam. 5 19. Iudes epist. Reuel 18 4. 1. Cor. 10. 15 The iudgement of our godlie brethren
Crosces To vvhich theie giue diuine adoration Theis are flatlie forbidden of the Lord. Exod. 20. 4. Some are of things neither commanded nor forbidden as Of eating or not eating fleshe Of wearing or not wea ring some apparel Of keeping or not keeping of some daies holie c. VVhich are not to bee obserued vvhen it is deliuered as sound doctrine that such workes Do merit remission of sinnes Are th'acceptable seruice of God Do more please than th'obseruation of the lawes of God Are necessarilie to be done insomuch that theie are damned which do them not For th'auoiding of al theis vve muste remember that vvee are bought with a price and therfore maie not be the seruaunts of men 1. Cor. 7. 23. and that none humain constitution in the church doth binde anie man to break the least commaundement of God Act. 5. 29. The consideration heere of hath caused other Churches also with à svveete consent to coÌ„demne suche wiked ceremonies of man Confel of Heluet. 2. c 2. 24. 27. Heluet â— ar 4. Basil art 5 sect 3. art 10 Bohem. c. 15 Franc. art 24. 33. Flan. art 7. 29 32 Ausb art â—5 VVittem art 28. 29. 32. 3â— Suca c. 8 c. 14 15 Such vngodlie traditions and ceremonies in à manner be al the ceremonies and traditions of Th'antichristian Synagogue of Rome and therefore to be abandoned of vs al. 4 It hath pleased our most merciful Lord Sauior Christe for the maintenance of his Church militant that tvvo sortes of rites or ceremonies should be vsed wherof Some God his most excellent maiestie himselfe hath ordained such is the ceremonie of Baptisme The L. Supper VVhich are til th' end of the vvorlde vvithout al addition diminution alteration with al zeale religion to bee obserued Some bee ordained by the auctoritie of each prouincial or nationall Church that for The Comlines of the Church that is to saie that By those helps the people of God maie the better be inflamed with à god lie zeale Sobrenes and grauitie maie appeare in the wel handling of Ecclesiastical matters Order sake euen That gouernors maie haue rules directions how to gouerne by That auditors may know how to prepare and behaue themselues in diuine seruice That à ioiful peace maie bee among al men by the wel ordering of Church affaires VVe haue proued alreadie that such traditions maie bee made and changed augmented and diminished as fit time and oportunitie shal bee ministred and that not by the Catholique for that is and hath alwaies bin impossible but by particular Churches Th' effect here of vvee maie reade in the Confes of Heluet. 2. c. 27 Bohem. c. 15. Fran. art 32. Flan. art 32. Ausbur touching abuses ar 7. VVitte art 35. Sueaue ca. 14. This sheweth th'intolerable arrogancy of the Church of Rome which dare take vpon her To alter the Sacramentes ordained eueÌ„ by Christe himselfe To praescribe rites and ceremonies not to some particular churches but to the whole church militant 35 ARTICLE Of Homilies THE seconde booke of Homilies the seueral title whereof we haue ioyned vnder this article doth containe à godlie and wholsome doctrine and necessarie for these times as doth the former booke of Homilies which were set forth in the time of Edwarde the sixte and therefore we iudge them to be read in Churches by the Ministers diligentlie and distinctlie that there maie be vnderstanded of the people Of the names of the Homilies 1 Of the right vse of the Church 2 Against peril of Idolatrie 3 Of the repairing and keeping clean of the Churches 4 Of good workes first of Fasting 5 Against gluttonie and drunkennes 6 Against excesse of apparel 7 Of Praier 8 Of the place and time of praier 9 That common prayers and Sacraments ought to be ministred in à knowen tongue 10 Of the reuerent aestimation of gods word 11 Of Almes doing 12 Of the Natiuitie of Christe 13 Of the Pascion of Christe 14 Of the Resurrection of Christe 15 Of the worthie receiuing of the Sacrament of the bodie and blood of Christe 16 Of the giftes of the holie Ghoste 17 For the Rogation daies 18 Of the state of Matrimonie 19 Of Repentaunce 20 Against Idlenesse 21 Against Rebellion The seconde booke of Homilies as also the former I doubt not containe godlie and wholsome doctrine necessarie for this time But for somuch as this is none Article of the Catholique Religion but à priuate Article for our Church neither yet for the whol church of England but for some places where and for some time when able and fit Ministers are not praesent to preach the worde of God and serueth onelie as both from the booke of CoÌ„mon praier maie wel be gathered experience proueth for an Interim as it were til fit Pastors be prouided for and again because most of those Homilies according to their seueral titles haue bine alreadie handled in this and th' other part of my subscription I cease from further wrighting of the same in this place 36 ARTICLE Of Consecration of Bishops and Ministers THE booke of Consecration of Archbishopps and Bishops and ordering of Priests and deacons latelie set forth in the time of Edward the sixt and confirmed at the same time by auctoritie of parliament doth containe al things necessarie to such consecration and ordering neither hath it anie thing that of it selfe is superstitious or vngodlie And therefore whosoeuer are consecrated or ordered according to the rites of that booke since the second yeere of the afore-named K. Edward vnto this time or hereafter shal be consecrated or ordered according to the same rites we decree al such to be rightlie orderlie and lawfullie consecrated and ordered This Article simplie is none Article of the Catholique Church and so much thereof as vniuersalie is receiued hath alreadie both by the holie Scripture bin confirmed alowed by our neighbour Churches in the 23. Article 37 ARTICLE Of the ciuil Magistrate THe Queenes M. 1hath the chiefe power in this realme of Eng. and other her dominions 2vnto whom the chiefe gouerment of al estates of this realm whether theie be Ecclesiastical or ciuil in al causes doth appertaine and is not nor ought to be subiect to anie foraine iurisdiction Where we attribute to the Queenes M. the chiefe gouerment by which titles we vnderstand the mindes of some slaunderous folks to be offended 3we giue not to our Princes the ministring either of Gods worde or of Sacraments the which Th' iniunctions also latelie set forth by Elizabeth our Q. doth most plainlie testifie but that onelie prerogatiue which we see to haue bine giuen alwaies to al godlie princes in holie Scriptures by God himselfe that is that theie should rule al estates and degrees committed to their charge by God whether theie be Ecclesiastical or temporal 4and restraine with the ciuil sword the stubborne and euil doers 5The ' Bishop of Rome hath no iurisdiction in this realme of Eng. 6The lawes of the realme
Baptist. Inioined to preache not in one or a fevve places but ouer the whole vvorlde so were th'apostles but not Iesus Christ. 2 Of men as they be who are sent of men not auctorized thereunto by the vvord of God that to the disquieting of the good estate of Christ his Church such In Th'apostles time vvere the false Apostles In our daies are the S. Augustine saith Al which are thus sent are Liars And their calling is vnlawful Annabaptistes Iesuites Seminarie priests 3 By men so in the primiâ—lue Church by Th'apostles vvere Pastors and Elders ordained vvho by the same auctoritie ordained other Pastors and teachers VVhence it is that the Church as it hath bine so it shal â—â—l th' end of the vvorlde â—e prouided for They who are thus called haue povver neither to vvorke miracles as Th'apostles had noâ— to preach and minister the Sacraments vvhere theie vvil as Th'apostles might but theâ—e are tied euerie man to his charge vvhich theâ—e must faithfullie attende vpon except vrgent occasion do enforce the contrarie The calling of theis men is tearmed à general calling and it is th' ordinarie and in theis daies the lawful calling allowed by the word of God So â—eâ—â—fie with vs the true Churches else-where in the vvorld Confession of Heluet. 1. art 17. Heluet. 2. cap. 18. Bohem. cap. 9 France art 31. Fland. art 31 Ausburg art 1â— VVittemb art 20. Sueaue art 13 This truth manie vvaies hath bine resisted For there be which thinke There is no calling but th'extraordinarie and special calling in theis daies Al are to be taken for which are not sacrificing Priestes annointed by the Antichristian Bishops of the Romish lynagogue VVolues Hieâ—lings Lai-men Intruders That so manie as are sent by the Church are sent of the holie Ghost vvhen vve knovve hovve often times the CHVRCHE sendeth for Laborers idle workmen Frendes enemies Phisitions murtherers True Pastors vvolues and Apostataes Theie maie take the charge of Congregations and yet performe no duetie That no Bishop or Minister should remaine still in one place but vvander An error of the Familie 6 Though it bee in the power of them which haue publique auctoritie in the Church t' appoint Ministers in the Congregation yet maie theie admit neither whom they wil nor as they wil themselues but they are both deliberatelie to chuse and orderlie to cal such as theie haue chosen This made Th'apostles Elders in the primitiue Church Straightlie to charge that suddenlie hands should be laid vpon no man 1. Tim 5. 22. To make special choise oftwaine where of one was to be elected into the place of Iudas Acts. 1. 23. By election to ordaine Elders in euery church and by To commend them to the Lord. Acts. 14 23. Praier Fasting Laieng on of hands 1. Tim. 4 14. to consecrate them To describe who were to be chosen called For theie are to be Men not â—oies VVomen 1. Tim 2. 12. Men of good behauior 1. Tim. 3. 2 c Not incontinent Not giuen to vvine Not strikers Not couerous Not proud 1. Peâ— 5. 3. Titus 1 7. Not froward Not iâ—eâ—ul No giuers of offence 2. Cor. 6 3. Men of special gifts Apt to teach 1. Tim. 3. 2. Able to exhort Tit 1. 9. VVise to diuide the vvord of God aâ—ight 2. Tim. 2. 15. Bold to reproue 1. Tim. 5. 21. Tit. 1 9. VVilling to take paines Matt. 9 38. 2. Tim 4 2. VVatchful to ouersee Acts. 20 28. Patient to suffer Acts. 5 41. 2. Tim. 4 8. Constant to endure al maner of afflictions 2. Cor. 11 23. c. They who are â—o chosen called maie fightlie be numbred among the lavvful ministers On th' other side in an error they remaine vvhich thinke That the due election and calling of Ministers according to the vvorde of God is of no such necessitie to the making of Ministers That women maie bee In vvhich error the Pepuzians vvere Elders Bishops That à special care is not to bee had both of the life and of the learning of men or that vviked men of euil life or ignorant men vvithout learning or Asses of no gifts or loitereâ—s vvhich do no good or fauourers of superstition vvhich do great hurt are to bee admitted into or maintained in the holie ministerie That they are causes vvhich in deede aâ— none to keepe men fró the Ecclesiastical function as if men They may not bee priests say the Papists Be maried Haue had certaine wiues Haue not al outvvarde gifts of the bodie thogh endued with heauenlie talents Haue bine baptized of haeretiks c Theis ought not to busie themselues about the word saie the Familists Haue not bine trained vp in the Familie Are not Elders in the Familie of Loue. This do the Churches protestant by their publike Confessions approue Hel. 2. c. 18. Hel. 1. ar 25. Bohem. c. 9. Franc. ar 3. 1. Fland. art 31. Ausb art 14. VVitt. ar 20. Sueau ar 13. 24. ARTICLE Of speaking in the Congregation in such a tongue as the people vnderstand not IT is à thing plainlie repugnant to the worde of God and the custome of the primitiue church to haue publike praier in the church or to minister the Sacraments in à tongue not vnderstanded of the people The Propositions Publique praier and the Sacraments must be ministred in á knowen tongue This article needeth smal proofe For who so is perswaded as al true christians of vnderstanding are that what is done publiklie by á strange language in the Church not vnderstood of the people Profiteth not the Congregation 1. Cor. 14 ver 6. 9. 14. Aedifieth not the weake 1. Cor. 14. ver 4 17 26. Instructeth not th' ignorant 1. Cor. 14. 19. Inflameth not the zeale 1. Co 14. 9. Offendeth the hearers 1. Cor. 14. ver 7. â—1 Abuseth the people 1. Cor. 14. ver 1. 16. Displeaseth God Matth. 15. 8. Bringeth religion into contempt 1. Cor. 14. 23. Easilie wil thinke that where the praiers be said or the Sacraments administred in à tongue not vnderstood of the people there The word of God is not regarded The custome of the primitiue churche is not obserued This article as al true Christians doe beleeue so some by pub Confessions doe graunt Con. of Helnet 2. c. 22. VVittem cap. 27. Ausburg de Misca art 3. Sueaue c. 21. But there is nothing so apparent which hath not by some aduersaries bine denied So contrarie to this article Some as the Marcosians at the ministration of Baptisme haue vsed certaine Hebrue wordes not to aedifie but to terifie and astonishe the mindes of the weake and ignorant people Some theie be the papists wil haue al seruice praiers and Sacraments that throughout the world ministred in an vnknowen tongue And among theis papists There bee which holde that the lesse theie vnderstande the more deuout the people wil be For ignorance is the mother of deuotion There bee which write that praiers not vnderstood of the people are acceptable of Satan I
11 True it is that euerie one which receaueth the Sacraments receiueth not therewithal the things signified by the Sacraments that is Forgiuing of sinnes or other spiritual graces freelie for Christ his sake For we do find that Some do receiue the Sacraments and the things signified by the Sacraments So did Cornelius receiue the Sacrament of Baptisme Acts. 10 47. The Lords Supper The good disciples The godlie Corinthians Some receiue the Sacraments but not the things signified by the Sacraments So receiued Simon Magus baptisme Acts. 8 13. Iudas the L. Supper Iohn 13. 26. So receiue the 1. Cor. 11 27. c. Atheists Libertines Impenitent persons Some receiue not the Sacraments and yet are partakers of the thing signified by the Sacraments Such à communicant vvas the theefe vpon the Crosse Luke 23 v. 43. 44 This maketh vs to conceiue vvell Of those men and vvomen vvhich vvold and cannot communicate with the godlie Of the children of Christian parents vvhich die afore theie be baptized Furthermore it is appatent hovv Saluation is promised to theÌ„ vvhich are baptized yet not simply but if theie do beleeue Mar. â—6 16. VVhosoeuer shal eat the bread or drinke the cup of the Lord vnvvorthilie shal be giltie of the bodie and bloud of Christ. 1. Cor. 11 27 The same do the god lie Churches in their CoÌ„fes testifie vnto the vvorld Confes. Heluet â— c 19. 21 Heluet 1 ar â—0 Basil ar 5. 6 Boem c. 11. 13. Fran. ar 34. 36. 37 Flan. art 33 35. Ausb art 3. 13. Sax. art 13 14. VVit c. 10. Suea c. 17. The Papists therefore be in à vvrong opinion vvhich deliuer that The Sacraments are not onelie seales but causes of grace The Sacraments giue grace euen because theie be deliuered and receiued ex opere operato That is à cause of vnvvorthie receiuing the Sacraments vvhich in deed is none as if a man or vvoman do communicate before he haue made à ful confession of al his sinnes vvith their circumstances vnto à Priest The lacke of à true and liuelie faith is not à cause vvhich in deed is the greatest cause in th' elder sort of vnvvorthie receiuing the Sacraments 26. ARTICLE Of th'un vvorthines of the Ministers which hinder not th' effect of the Sacraments ALthough in the visible Church the euil be euer mingled with the good and sometime the euil haue chiefe auctoritie in the ministration of the worde and Sacramentes yet for asmuch as theie doe not the same in their owne name but in Christes and doe minister by his commission and auctoritie 1we maie vse their ministerie both in bering the word of God in the receiuing the Sacraments Neither is th' effect of Christes ordinance taken awaie by their wikednes nor the grace of Gods gifts diminished from such as by faith and rightlie doe receiue the Sacraments ministred vnto them which are effectual because of Christes institution and promise although theie be ministred by euilmen 2Neuerthelesse it appertaineth to the Discipline of the Church that inquirie be made of euil Ministers and that theie be accused by those that haue knowledge of their offences and finallie being founde guiltie by iuste iudgement be deposed The Propositions 1 Th' effect of the worde and Sacramentes is not hindered by the badnesse of the Ministers 2 Euil Ministers are to be searched out conuicted and deposed but orderlie and by the Discipline of the Church 1 Of the ministers ecclesiastical the church is to conceaue Not too sinisterlie as though their vnworthines could make the word and Sacraments the lesce effectual to such as vvorthelie do heare and receaue them Not too high lie as if the dignitie of their calling vvere cause good enough that what thei do or saie ex officio take happie effects This by The scripture is autorized which teacheth vs that euen The wiked Are to be heard The scribes and Pharises sitting in Moses chaire Math. 23. 1. Preaching Christe though through enuie strife and contention Phil â— 15. Maie minister the Sacraments as did th'ordinari Iewish Priests and of them verie manie moste wikced both afore and vvhen Christe came into the world The beste are but The ministers of God 1. Cor. 4. 1. Gods laborers 1. Cor. 39. The purer churches of our time is abundantlie testified Confes. Heluet. 1. art 15. 20. 22. Heluet. 2. c. 18. 19. 20. 21. Bohem. c. 11. 12. Franc. ar 26. 28. 34. 36 38. Fland. art 33. 34. 35. Ausburg art 8. Saxon. art 11. 13. VVittem art 32 Sueau art 13. Neither is hee whosoeuer that planteth anie thing neither he that watereth but god that giueth the increase saieth S. Paul 1. Cor 3. 7. And à signe of à good spirit it is to regarde not so much who speketh or ministreth as what is vttered and offered from God The due consideration heereof vvill both settle vs the more deeplie in the truth make vs the more earnestlie to abhorre th' unsound opinions Of the VVho taught that the Sacraments are holie vvhen theie be administred by holy men not els Donatists Peâ—lians Of Th'anabaptists which wil not haue the people to vse the ministrie of euill ministers Thinke the seruice of wiked ministers vnprofitable and not effectual Of R. H. publishing that it is the calling or dutie of euery Christian not to communicate where there is a blinde dumme ministerie Of the Papists For who seeth not that theie tie the graces of God to the worthines of persons when theie deliuer that Some sacraments Bishops and non els as Confirmation and orders must minister From som sinnes the Priest from some the Bishop and from some the Pope onelie must absolue Hee which entereth into holie wedlock being afore in orders turneth backe after Satan and becommeth an Apostata 2 Though vvee hold that the ministerie of vviked ministers is not vtterlie to bee condemned yet thinke vve not that in the Church of God theie must alvvaies bee suffered For theie are Th'euil and vnprofitable seruaunts Math. 25. 26. Theis vvhich offend Math. 18. 8. Th'unfauorie salt Math. 5. 13. VVhich are carefullie to bee seene vnto and if admonitions vvill not serue deposed yet orderlie and by the discipline of the Church For that God vvhich appointed à gouernment for the ciuil state hath giuen auctoritie also to his Church to punishe offenders according to the qualitie of their offence And so vvee maie read In the worde of God Math. 18. v. 17. â—8 1. Cor. 5. 4. c. In the confessions of our neighbour churches Confes Hel. 2. c. 18. Bohem. c. 9. Sax. art 11. Sueau art 13 Then haue not as R H. writeth the people of God in euerie congregation auctoritie To depose vnâ—cet Ministers To punish offenders against the word of God 27 ARTICLE Of Baptisme BAptisme is 1 not onelie à signe of profession and marke of difference wherebie Christian men are discerned from other that be not Christened 2 but it is also à signe of regeneration or newe birth wherebie as by
an instrument theie that receiue Baptisme rightlie are graffed into the Church the promises of forgiuenes of sinne and of our adoption to bee the sonnes of God by the holie Ghoste are visiblie signed and sealed faith is confirmed and grace encreased by vertue of praier vnto God 3 The Baptisme of yong children is in anie wise to bee retained in the Church as most agreeable with th institution of Christ. The Propositions 1 Baptisme is á signe of profession and marke of difference whereby Christian men are discerned from other men that be not Christians 2 Baptisme is à signe or seale of the regeneration or newe birth of Christians 3 Infants are to be Baptized by the word of God 1 Howe the Sacramentes are tokens and therefore Baptisme is á signe of the true Church which be christians it maie be read Out of the vvord of God in the fifth proposition of the 19. Article In the publique vvritinges of the Protestant Churches Confes Heluet art 20. Heluet. 2. cap 19. 20. Basil. art 5. sect 2. France art 35. Flan. art 34. Ausburg art 13. Saxon. art 1â— This declareth that vvee are Christians and Not Nazarens who were And so as Hierome noted of them wet neither Iewes noâ— Christians with the Iewes circumcised VVith the christians baptized Not Euchyts who condemn Baptisme Not Maniâ—â—â—ans vvhich baptize not anie Not Cataphrygians vvhich baptize the dead Not Papists that baptize Bâ—lâ— and babels where-as none but reasonable creatures to be incorporated into the visible Church are to be baptized Not of Tho. Aquinas opinion that maketh the vovv or profescion of Moncherie as good à token of Christians as baptisme Not of OrigeÌ„ his mind vvhich Deâ—endeth à Baptisme of fire Thinketh hovv after the resurrection vvee shall haue neede of Baptisme 2 Baptisme of S. Paul is called the washing of the nevve birth Tit. 3. 5. of others the Sacrament of the nevve birth to signifie hovve theie which rightlie as al do not See art 25. pro. 3 â—â— receaue the same are ingrafted into the church 1. Cor. 12. 13. Are as by a seal from God assured That their sins be pardoned forgiuen Act. 2 38. Hovv theie are addopted to be children of god Tit. 3. 5. Are confirmed in faith Mat 16. 16. Doe encrease in grace by vertue of praier vnto Cod. Act. 22. 1. 9 This do the Churches reformed by subscription approoue Confes. of Heluet. 1. art 21. Heluet. 2. c. 20. Bohem. cap. 12. France art 35. 38. Flan. art 34. Ausburgh art 9. Saxon. art 13 VVittem c. 10 Sueau cap. 17. But no parte of the true Church doth thinke That Baptisme is onely à badge of our profession and nothing auaileable vnto euerlasting life as some Libertines do hold which the Bannisht do saie That the vvater at Baptisme is not holie in respect that it is applied to an holie vse That th' ordinarie and common vvorthines among the Turkes and Ievves is the same to them that baptisme is to vs. That of so great efficacie is the Coole or hood of S. Francis as the Baptisme of Christe as the Franciscanes do reach That Original sin is not pardoned in infants at Baptisme because theie haue none original sinne at al vvhich the Pelagians deliuer As the Papistis do publish That none can enter into the state of grace vnlesee he bee baptized That Baptisme serueth to the putting avvaie of Original sinne onelie and not of actual sinnes besides vvhich the children of God do and shal commit That Baptisme bringeth grace exopere operato euen because it is ministred and receaued That being once baptized vvee can no more be tempted vvhich error the Iouinians did maintaine 3 Although by expresâ—â— tearmes vvee bee not commaunded to baptize yong Children yet vvee beleeue theie are to bee baptized For in asmuch as in the word of God vvee finde that The gracâ— of God iâ— vniuersal and partaineth vnto al therfore the siâ—ne or seale of graâ—e is vniuersal belongeth vnto al so vvel yong as old Baptisme is vnto vs as Circumcision was vnto the Iewes but th'infantes of the Iewes vvere circumcised therefore the children of Christians are to be baptized Children belong to the kingdom of heauen Mat. 19. 14. are in the couenant Therefore the signe of the couenant is not to bee denied them Christ gaue in commaundement that vvithout exception al should be baptized Math. 28. 19. Therefore yong children are not to be exempted Christe hath shed his blood aswel â—â—r washing-awaie the sinnes of Children as of th' elder sort Therefore it is verie necessarie that theâ—e should be partakers of the Sacrament thereof This good Christians which â—â—aue renounced poperie as theie like of so theie allovv the Baptisme of yong Children as maie appear in the Confession of Heluet. â— aâ— 21. Heluet. 2. c. 20 Bohem. c. 12. France art 35. Fland. art 34. Ausb art 9 Saxon. art 13. VVittem cap. 10. Sueau cap 17. Oppugned iâ— this truth by The pelagians The Herâ—deonâ— Th'anabaptists The F. of Loue VVho denie the baptism of infants or yong children 28 ARTICLE Of the Lordes Supper THE Supper of the L. is not 1 onelie à signe of the loue that Christians ought to haue among themselues one t'another but rather 2 it is à Sacrament of our redemption by Christs death Insomuch that such as rightlie worthilie and with faith receiue the same the bread which we break is à partaking of the bodie of Christ and likewise the cup of blessing is à partaking of the blood of Christ. 3 Transubstantiation or the chaunge of the substaunce of bread and wine in the Supper of the Lord cannot be proued by holie writ but it is repugnaunt to the plaine wordes of Scripture ouerthroweth the nature of à Sacrament and hath giuen occasion to manie superstitions 4 The bodie of Christ is giuen taken and eaten in the Supper onelie after an heauenlie and spiritual manner and the meane whereby the bodie of Christ is receiued and eaten in the Supper is Faith 5 The Sacrament of the Lords Supper was not by Christes ordinance reserued carried-about lifted-up or worshipped The Propositions 1 The Supper of the L. is à signe of the loue that Christians ought to haue among themselues 2 The L. Supper is à Sacrament of our redemption by Christes death and to them which receiue the same worthelie by faith à partaking of the bodie and blood of Christe 3 The bread and wine in the L. Supper be not changed into another substance 4 The bodie of Christe is giuen taken and eaten after an heauenlie and spiritual and not after à carnal sorte 5 To reserue carie-about lift-up or worship the Sacrament of the Lords Supper is contrarie to th'ordinaunce of Christe 1 The Supper of the Lord is à token of the loue that Christians ought to haue among them selues For vvhich cause it is called The Lordes table 1. Cor 10. 21 The Lordes Supper 1. Cor. 11. 20. A communion of the Saints of God 1. cor
Matth. 8 14. Paul Phil 4 3. and the rest of Th'apostles 1. Cor. 9 5. which vvere al maried men Iohn Th'auangelist onelie except as some do suppose The syncere churches of God both by practise do honor by writings commend the wedded state of ecclesiastical Ministerâ— Confes. of Heluet. 2. ca. â—9 Heluet. 1. ar 37. Basil. art 10. sect 1. 2. Bohem. c. 9. 19. France art 14. Ausb art 4. 5. touching abuses Saxon. ar 18. 21 VVitt. c. 21. 26. Sueaue cap. 12. And no Protestant church is of the mind of the Vigilantians that al and euerie one of the Cleargie is necessarilie to be maried or not to be admitted for à Minister Of the Papists wherof some do say that From Th'apostles time it was not lawful for anie Priest to marie Maâ—oranus report The 3 Orders Of Deacons Of Sub deacoÌ„s Of Priests Are boâ—d to chastitie that is not to marie After Orders taken to marie It is not lawful It is to turne backe vnto Satan It is Apostacie None maie be made à Priest though he wil vovv à single life if hee haue bin not à whoremonger but à maried man Mariage is not à Sacrament yet Sacred persons maie not marie For à Priest to plaie the whoremonger it is à lesse offence than to take an honest woman to wife The blasphemie of Pighius The darnel of the Rhemish Seminaries 2 As maie the ministers Ecclesiastical so are al other men women to marrie together at theire owne discretion in the fear of god So faith the spirit of god in the holy scripture vnto al men womeÌ„ in all ages Bring forth fruit and multiplie fil th' earth Gen. 1 28. Mariage is honourable among al men and the bed vndefiled Heb. 13 4. 1. Coâ— 7 2. T' auoid fornicatioÌ„ Let euerie man haue his wife Let euerie woman haue her husband If theie can not absteine let them marie 1. Cor 7 9. Particularlie because most questions are about them marie maie Bishops 1. Tim. 3. 2. c. Elders Tit. 1 9. Deacons 1. Tim. 3 v. 11 12. Virgins 1. Cor. 7 v. 28 36. VVidows 1. Cor. 7 ver 8 9. 1. Tim. 5 14. In saieng that Christians may marie at their discretion the meaning is not that anie marie if theie thinke good within the degrees of kinred and affinitie prohibited by wholesome lawes VVithout the consent of parents or other in the room of parents if theie bevnder tuition To other ends thaÌ„ God hath prefixed So testifie the reformed Churches by their publique writings Confes. of Heluet. 1. ar 37 Heluet. 2. c. 29. Bohem. cap. 19. France art 24. Ausb tuching abuses ar 4. 5. Saxon. art 18. VVitt. cap. 21. 26. Sueaue cap. 22. Nothing liked and instituted of God hath euerie way bin more inuaded than holie Matrimonie For Some vtterlie condemâ— mariage as The Gnostikes The Hieracites The Priscillianites The Montanists The Saturnians Th'apostolikes who excoÌ„municated out of their assemblies al maried folkes Some alowed the wedded life yet Not To euerie state or calling Betweene spiritual kinsfolks as The godfather the goddaughter The godmother and the godson The god-brother and the godfather c. As the Papists Alow theie no man to marie-again his first wife beeing dead such haeretiks were the Catharans Originists Tertulianists Theie thinke that al wiues should be coÌ„mon th' error of the Nicalaitans Dauigeor gians Theie are of opinion that neither the husband should knovve his wife nor the wife her husbande as man and wife are to know one th' other A fancie of Th'abeloites Theie wil not marie according to Gods word but think that one man at one and the same time maie haue manie wiues in which error are The Her mogenians The Turkes The Ochinites 33 ARTICLE Of Excommunicate persons how theie are to be auoided THe person 1 which by open denownciation of the Churche is rightlie cut-of from th'unitie of the Church and Excommunicated ought to be taken of the whole multitude of the faythful as are heathen and Publicane 2 vntil he be openlie reconciled by Poenaunce and receiued into the Church by à iudge that hath auctoritie thereunto The Propositions 1 The person that is rightlie by the Church Excommunicate is of al the faithful to be taken for an Heathen and Publicane 2 An Excommunicate person truelie repenting is to be receiued into the Church againe 1 The most seuere vttermost punishmeÌ„t that the visible Church can inflict vppon the vviked and vngodlie oâ— this world is excommunication à part of discipline to be exercised that vpoÌ„ most vrgent occasions and it is CoÌ„mended to the Church euen by God himself who in his word hath prescribed VVho are to excomunicate â—â—â—elie such as haue auctoritie in the Church Matth. 18 vet 17 1. Cor. 5 ver 4 5. 2. Cor. 3. ver 13 14. 2. Thes. 3. 6. VVho are to be excommunicate euen tvvo sorts of meÌ„ wherof Some pâ—ruâ—rt the sounde doctrine of the truth â— â—im â— 20 as Hymeneus Alexander Some are deâ—iled with notorious wickednes as that incestuous person 1. Cor 5 1. The maner of proceeding in excommunication name lie First if the fault bee not notoriouslie knowen by gentle admonition that Once or twice giuen Tit â— 10 Matt. 18 15. VVith the spirit of meâ—knesse Gal. 6 1. Euen as to à brother 2. Thes. 3 15. Next if nothing wil serue and the crime and person be verie offensiue By open reprehension 1. Tim. 5 20. By publike sentence of the church To put him awaie from the coÌ„panie of the faithful 1. Co. 5 â—3 To deliuer him vnto Satan 1 Cor. 5 5. To denunce him An heathen A publican A cursed A man so cut off froÌ„ the church and excommunicated is of euerie man to bee auoided Rom. 16 17 and Not to be eaten with al 1. Cor. 5 11. Not to bee companied withal 1. Cor 5 8. Not to bee receaued into house 2. Ioh. v 10. Adueâ— saâ—ies vnto this excommunicatioÌ„ of christ bee al theie VVhich simplie condemne al excommunication saieng the vviked are not to be excommunicate such vvere the Paulicians VVhich excommunicat either vvhome theie should not or to à wrong ende So Th'apostolikes did excommunicate al that were married and for no cause but for that theie vvere married Christ prophecied that his disciples and faithful people should be excommunicated Iohn 16. â— Dioâ—â—ephes did thrust out the brethren out of the Church 3. Iohn ver 10. So The Papistes did vvhen theie excommunicated and that being dead the dead bodies of VVicklieâ— Bucer P. Fagius The Papistes do in thundering theire Buls of excommunication against the most godlie Kinges Queenes Princes States Men. VVomen Theie do which exercise excommunication not of anie conscience but for gaine where it commeth that excommunication is Not regarded of inferiors Derided of Superiors VVhich sauour the right excommunication but exercise it not beeing bound thereunto Theis are to be rebuked as was The Corinthians of S. paul 1. Cor. 5. v. 1. 2.
Th'angel of Pergamus for suffering the Balaamites Nioclaitans Reuel â— 14. Th'angel of Laodicea for beeing neither hot nor cold Reue. â— 14. Had in great reuerence and estimation of the faithful seruants of Iesus Christ as maie appeare in the Confessions of the Godlie Confes of Heluet. 1. art 19. Heluet. 2. cap. 17. 18. Bohem. c. 8. 14. France ar 29. 33. Fland. art 30. 32. Saâ—on ar 11. 17. Ausburg touching ab uses art 7. VVittem art 31. 2 Sundrie bee the reasons and â—â—â—es vvhic excommunication is vsed as That à vviked liuer to the reproch of the Gospel bee not suffered among the professors of true religion and manie good bee not euil spoken of for a â—evve bad That the good be not corrupted or infected through the continual or often familiaritie of the vviked 1. Cor. â— 6. That he vvhich hath fallen through shame of the world maie at the length Learne to to blaspheam no more 1. Tim. 1. 20. Through repentaÌ„ce be saued 1 Cor. 5. 5. Among al other causes therefore of excommunicatioÌ„ one is that the person excommunicate maie not bee condemned vtterlie but returne vnto the Lord by repentance and so bee receaued againe into the visible Church as S. Paul willed th' incestuous maÌ„ shuld be 1. Cor. 2. 7. c This truth I knovve none that denieth vnlesse it be certaine Montanistes Nouatians Fantastical Anabaptistes vvhich are of opinion that al theie vvhich sinne after baptisme vvithout al hope of reconciliation bee damned 34 ARTICLE Of the traditions of the Church IT is not necessarie that traditions and ceremonies 1 be in al places one or vtterlie like for at al times theie haue bin diuers and maie be changed according to the diuersities of Countries times and mens maners so that nothing be ordained against Gods word 2 Whosoeuer through his priuate iudgement willinglie and purposelie doth openlie breake the traditions and ceremonies of the Church 3 which be not repugnant to the worde of God and be ordained and appointed by common auctoritie ought to bee â—ebuked openlie that other maie feare to do the like as he that offendeth against the common order of the Church and hurteth th'auctoritie of the Magistrate and woundeth the consciences of the weake brethren 4 Eueâ—e particular or national Church hath auctoritie to ordaine chaunge and â—bolish ceremonies or rites ordained onelie by mans auctoritie so that al â—hings be done to aedifieng The Propositions The same traditions or ceremonics are not to be like in al places No priuate man of à selfe-wil and purposelie maie in publike violate the traditions and ceremonies of the Church which by common auctoritie be allowed and are not repugnaunte to the word of God Ceremonies and traditions ordained by th'auctoritie of man if theie be repugnant to Gods worde are not to be kept and obserued of anie man Euerie particular or national Church male ordaine change and abolish ceremonies or rites ordained onelie by mans auctoritie so that al things be done to aedifieng 1 If à necessitie were laid vpon the church of God to obserue one the same traditions ceremonies at al times and in al places assuredlie The ceremonies of th' old Law had not bine as theie are novv abolished Acts. 6 14. 10 13. c. 15 1. c. Gal. 2 3. c. Ephes. 2. 14. Col 2. 16. Th'apostles wold neuer haue giueÌ„ such praesidents of altering them vpon special reasons as theie haue don For wee find that they chaÌ„ged The times and places of their assembling togither For the people of God â—et and Th'apostles preached Sometime In the weeke daies Acts. 2 46. 5 42. On the Sabboth daies Acts. 13 14 c. 43 c 17 2. 18 4. Sometime Publikelie In the temple Acts. 2 46. 3. 1. c. 5 26. In the Synagogues Act. 9 20. 14 1. 17 10 18 4 19 8. In the scholes Acts. 19 9. Priuatlie In house after house Acts. 5 42. In chambers Act. 1 13. 20 8. 28. v. 30 31. Sometime In the daie time Acts. 2 46. 3 1. c. In the night Acts. 20 7 c. The ceremonies in th'administration Of baptisme if good occasion was offred baptising In publike assemblies Acts. 2. 41. In priuate houses Act. 16 33. 10. v. 27 48. Before manie Act. 8. 12. 10. ver 27. 48. VVhen none of the faithful were praesent Acts. 8. 36. Of the L. Supper ministring the same Not alwaies at one time but sometime At midnight Acts. 20 11. In the daie time Acts. 2 46. Not alwaies in one place but sometime In the churches 1. Cor. â— 17. c. In houses Acts. 20 7. 2 46. So nothing therfore is done against gods word no doubt traditions and ceremonies according to the diuersitie of countries times and mens maners maie be changed Of this iudgment with vs bee the Churches of God about vs. Confes of Heluet. 2. cap. 17 27. Bohem. c. 15. France art 32. Fland. art 32. Ausburg art 15 and art 7. touching abuses Saxon. art 20. VVittem art 35. Sueaue ca. 14. Herebie it is euident that they are greatlie deceiued vvhich thinke that The Iewish ceremonies prescribed of God himselfe for à time vnto the Iewes are vnuiolablie to be obserued of vs christians such are the Ievves Turkes Cerdonites Cerinâ—â—ians Nazariâ—â— Armenians Familists The popish ceremonies of the Romish Antichrist are vniuersaâ—â— to be kept in al placeâ— Traditions and ceremonies must euerie where be the same 2 Great is the priuilege greate also the libertie and freedom of Gods Church For it is deliuered From the cursce of the Law Gala. 3. 13. From the law Rom. 8. 2. Of sinn Of death From the Iewish Act. 15. 24. c. Rites Ceremonies From al humaine ordinaunces traditions so far forth as there binde the consciences of men Hereof speaketh S. Paul Colos. 2. 8. c. yet is the Churche bounde to th'obseruation of al traditions and ceremonies which are allowed by lavvful auctoritie and are not repugnant to the vvorde of God For he that violateth them contemneth not man but God who hath giuen power to his Church to establish whatsoeuer thinges make vnto 1 Cor. 14. ver 40. 26 Comlines Order Aedification This of our godlie brethren some doe not let by publique vvritinges to testifie Confes of Heluet. 1. art 25. Bohem. c. 15 18. Ausb art 4. 15. Fran. art 32. Heluet. 2. c. 24. Saxon. ar 20 Sueau cap. 4 Others gon-out from vs do hold that Christian Magistrates haue none auctoritie T appoint anie ceremonies Rites for the due seruice of God To exact outvvarde obedience vnto ceremonies righthe or dained The people of God are â—â—ee From all Ecclesiastical iurisdiction From the obseruation of al ceremonies and Rites 3 Of ceremonies and traditions repugnant to the word of God there be tvvo sortes vvhere of Some are of things meer lie vviked such VVas Th'israelites calfe Exod 32. 4 c. Nebuchadnezarâ— Idol Dan. 3. 1. c. Are the Papistical Images Reliques Agnus deis