people Of the example of our Sauiour Christ it is expresly written as hath beene touched before Luke 4.16 17 21 22. that hee entred into the Synagogue of Nazareth vpon the sabbath day as his manner was and there standing vp to reade when the booke of the Proâ—â—â—â— Esay had beene deliuered to him hee opened it and read that which is written in the begining of the 61 Chap. of hat Prophecy And further that hauing deliuered againe the booke hee sate downe and thâ— eyes of all that were in the Synogogue were bent vpon him To whom hâ—uing sayd that that Scripture was fulfiled that day in th ir hearing they all baâ—e him witnesse that it was so and maruelled at the speeches full of grace that proceeded out of his mouth The like practise of the Apostles in their Liturgie and puâ—lique ministry in the Church at Ierusalem appeareth in the booke of the Acts and namely in these places Acts 2 4 7 8 14 22 37 38 40 41 42 46 47. Throughout the same booke and likewise in all Epistles of the Apostles it is playne that this was their practise amongst the dispersed Iewes and the Churches of the Gentiles as of the Romanes Corinthians and the rest yea that they did so ordaine in all Churches in their time 1 Cor. 14.33 36 37. For the time succeeding it appeareth by the Apologeticall writings of Iustin Martyr Tertullian and others that the Liturgies in their time were such as the people vnderstood The like appeareth in Ierome who was so dâ—sirous to further the knowledge of Religion in the common sort as hee translated the Scriptures into the Dalmaticall Sclauonian tongue for the vse of his Country men Origens Hexapla and Octopla bookes setting out the Scripture in so many diuers translations witnesse the like care and desire in him And of others Augustine writeth that the Latine translâ—tions were not to be numâ—red The Liturgies that go vnder the name of Basil 〈◊〉 Chrysostome declare also that in the time wherein they were written when soeuer it was for they cannot be of their time but latter the Church vnderstood the Scripture Prayer Thankesgiuing and other parts of diuine Seruice that was administred amongst thâ—m And in the East Church is continued so a long time as appeareth by many exhortations of Chrysostome and other of the Greeke Teachers to the reading of the Scriptures and by some parts of the Liturgie wherâ— of mention is made in their writings So did it likewise long continue in the West Church euen till almost all things were corrupted and that darkenâ—sse had ouercast thâ— face of thâ— heauens and taken the light thereof from these parts of the earth namely in the Church of Rome which howsoeuer it hath preuailed and continued a long time in diuers parts and especially in these of the West yet in this blessed age of reformation it hath pleased God to driue away that darkenesse and to cause the light of his countenance so comfortably to shine vnto vs againe as that now in our owne tongue Gods holy word is read and expounded vnto vs the Sacraments administred Prayers and thanksgiuinges are offered vp vnto God and the whole Seruice of God in England is performed in a speech which all our English people vnderstand In which respect it hath beâ—ne proued that our Religion in England is that which was taught by our Sauiour Christ and his holy Apostles And thus much may suffise also for this poynt being the second generall here considered in all Diuine Seruice CHAP. IIII. Of the reading and expounding to the people the word of God and not the Legends and fables of men Now it followeth to proceed to declare the like in the sundry parts of Gods Seruice The chiefe parts of diuine Seruice as the Apostles teach speaking of their ministry to whom first the dispensation of Christian Religion and of the mysteries of God and the whole administration of Gods Seruice then was committed consisteth in the Word of God whereunto belong the Sacraments as visible words setting out the same doctrine of the Gospel and in Prayer whereunto also thanksgiuing is to be referred For thus are performed whatsoeuer the Ministers are to declare vnto the Church in Gods behalfe and what duty and seruice the Church offereth vnto God on their part Wherefore all Diuine Seruice consisting in these two principall partes and the former hereof bâ—ing the administration of the word and that first in the reading and expounding of the Scriptures the next thing to bee shewed is that our Religion and seruice of God in England in that concerneth the reading and expounding the word of God and no Legends or fables is such as was taught by Iesus Christ and his Apostles For clearing whereof it is fiâ—st to be vnderstood that in England it is appointed that the holy Scriptures the writings of Moyses the Prophets and Apostles be read vnto the people and not any Legends of Saints as they are called or other like vncertaine or fabulous writings as haue beene vsed and commanded to bee read in the churches subiect to the Sea of Rome Now thâ—s to serue God that our Sauiour Christ and his Apostles haue taught may appeare by their doctrine and practise Luke 16.29 31. Our Sauiour Christ saith by Abraham They haue Moyses and the Prophets heare they them And againe If they heare not Moyses and the Prophets thâ—y would not bee perswaded no although one should rise from the dead Againe hee sayth Search ye the Scriptures Iohn 5.39 Math. 22.29 Math. 12.3.7 21 1â— 4â— Ye are deceiued because ye know not the Scriptures And how often doth he say Haue ye not heard how reade you and with many like speeches referring them to the Doctrine of the Scrâ—ptures declareth the ordinance of God the duty of the people and the practise of the Church at that time to haue beene such as that in the publique assemblies that which was read and taught the people was the word of God and not any fables of the Iewes Luke 4.16 31 Further also the practise of our Sauiour was agreeable thereunto for it is noted to haue beene his manner and custome vpon the Sabbath dayes wherein Moyses was read and expounded vnto the Church to enter into the Synagogues and to teach the people Now this custome of his in one place is so particularly râ—ported as that it is said that hee came to Nazareth where hee had beene brought vp and entered according as he had beene wont into the Synagogue vpon the Sabbath day and stood vp to reade then there was deliuered vnto him the booke of Esay the Prophet which he hauing vnfolded opened found the place where it was written The Spirit of God c. verse 17. Which text after hee had read hee expounded vnto them and out of it preached the Gospell of the kingdome of God vnto them And it is further added that the people heard him and the eyes of
all that were in the Synagogue were fastnâ—d vpon him By which place it is manifest that our Sauiour Christ by this example and custome of his did reade and expound the word of God verse 20. the writings of the holy Scriptures giuen by diuine inspiration which are the bookes that ought to be read and expounded and preâ—ched vpon in all Christian Churches and not vaine discourses such as the Apostle calleth old wiues tales This also was the doctrine and vse of the Apostles For being followers of Christ all their Doctrine was out of the Scriptures as it appeareth by that is sayd Acts 2 4â— That the Church continued in the Doctrine of the Apostlâ—s And in the same Chap. the Apostle Peter is shewed to haue taught the Dâ—ctrine of the resurrection of Christ out of the Psalmes Likewise the same Apostle writing to the dispersed Iewes 2 Pet. 1.19 doth commend them for attending to the words of the Prophets Ephe. 2.20 Likewise by the Apostle Paul it is written that the Church is builded vpon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Iesus Christ being the low corner-stone which is spoken in respect of their Doctrine preached by them in their time and after for the substance of it set downe in writing by the will of God for the vse of the Church for euer This appeareth also in that the Scripture giuen by the inspiration of God Rom. 15.4 is sayd to bee that which is written 2 Tim. 3.10.17 to teach vs to comfort to reforme to rebuke and to instruct in all righteousnesse to make a man wise to Saluation by faith in Christ and to make the man of God perfect fully furnished for any good worke Therefore according to the auncient ordinance of God Moyses that is Act. 15.21 the Law and bookes written by Moyses were vsed to bee read as the Apostle Iames testifieth euery Sabbath day in the Synagogues The writings of the Prophets also were so read amongst them as it appeareth by that is written Acts 13. that after the reading of the Law and of the Prophets the Apostle Paul preached in the Synagogue at Antioche And of the same Apostle it is sayd that he confirmed Iesus to bee Christ that is the Messias promised of God by proofes taken out of the Scriptures Act. 26. â—2 and is hee testifieth of him selfe hee taught nothing besides that which had bin taught before in the Law and in the Prophets Thus by all these euidences it is manifest that our Religion in England concerning this part of the Seruice of God is the same which was taught by our Sauiour Christ and by his Apostles viz. in that the holy Scriptures are publiquely read vnto the people and also the people is taught Christian Religion by the expounding and preaching of the same vnto them and that no foolish fables nor old wiues tales are read vnto them as they are read vnto the people vnder the Popes gouernement which ought not to bee Of this sort are the Legends of Saints and namely Legenda aurea that is the golden Legend containing a report of the Liues and miracles of Saints But howsoeuer they haue named it a golden booke yet some of their owne writers of best iudgement as Ludouicus Viâ—es censure it for a booke written by a man of a leaden heart which is for the basenesse of the reports that are without wit or reason and of a brasen forehead which is for the shamelesse and impudent boldnesse reporting things so fabâ—lous and incredible It needeth not to proue this by sundry particulars This is playne by strange deuises and reports concerning persons that neuer were for any thing that appeareth by any story of credit as of St. George St. Christopher St. Catherine and such like fictions deuices for instructions of life as Esops Fables were for morals It is likewise manifest in many other of such as haue beene and are mentioned by Historiographers but the reports there made of them are so incredible so fabulous so homely and so ridiculous as they are not tollerable to bâ—e read in any most base company much lesse in the Eclesiasticall assemblies of a people professing to come together to learne to know the will of God and to offer vnto him their seruice and prayers Now that such things ought not to bee read in the Church is manifest because the Lord forbiddeth to adde to his word Deut. 4.2 and hee hath giuen no commandement of hearing any but his owne Sonne of whom it is said Math. 17.5 Heare yee him The Scriptures of Diuine inspiration are the onely light that God hath giuen vs to bee directed by in things concerning his Seruice For of them onely it is sayd That they are a Lanterne vnto our feet Psal 19. and a light vnto our steps That they are written for our learning Rom. 15.4 That by patience and consolation of the Scripture wee might haue hope 2 Tim. 3.15 Likewise wee are taught That the Scriptures are able to make a man wise to saluation by faith which is in Christ Iesus and finally that they are of vse for doctrine reproofe reformation and instruction in righteousnesse 2 Tim. 3.16 17. 1 Tim. 1.4 4.7 2 Tim. 4.3 4. Tit. 1.14 that the man of God may bee made perfect and fully accomplished for euery good worke and duty But on the contrary part there is expresse Charge giuen not to attend to fables which are also called prophane fables Iewish fables and old wiues tales whereof the Apostle giueth so much greater charge because hee did foresee and prophesie that such times would come in the Church that men would turne away their eares from hearing sound Doctrine and would turne them to the hearing of tales and fables And as this part of the mystery of iniquities was then foreshewed so after it mightily preuailed and yet doth in the Church of Rome but not of many ages after the Apostles time For Iustin Martyr reporting to the Emperour Antoninus the order of diuine Seruice vsed by the Churches of Christ in his time sayth that they read the writings of the Prophets and Apostles and after had exhortations made vnto them grounded vpon the same Likewise Tertullian declareth after his report of the Prayers of the Church Lib. apologet that they met together also to heare the reading of the Scriptures for saith hee With such holy voyces meaning the Scriptures wee feede our faith raise our hope fasten our confidence and strengthen good order by often mention of the precepts and further saith that they had also exhortation and reproofes and exercise of diuine Censures After when by processe of time sâ—ch corruptioÌ„ entered as that other writings besides the holy Scriptures began to bee read in the Church a Councell held at Carthage for the reforming of such disorder 2. Coun. of Carthage ca. 47. ordained That nothing besides the holy Scriptures should bee read in the Churches vnder the
of the Sea of Rome which are very many were withall to bee confuted But if particular questions be moued of any one of them no necessary duty shall bee wanting to proue the truth and soundnesse of that may bee doubted of and to disproue any error that may bee maintained against it For this time the poynt that is in hand it may suffice heere to haue mentioned the care of our Church in England that the word of God bee not onely read but also expounded vnto the people and that by warrant of the same they may bee taught the truth of Christian Religion and that with all faithfullnesse and diligence and that herein our Religion is the same which Christ and his Apopostles taught and deliuered vnto vs. On the contrary part exceeding great is the corruption of the Church of Rome in this behalfe First in that there haue beene of many ages so many errours as haue beene discouered in their Doctrine yet they haue confirmed the same by their last Councell holden at Trent and doe still maintaine the same both by their continuall writings and also at such times as they pretend to preach the Gospell of Christ vnto the people Further also how violently soeuer they contend that all their Doctrine is true yet haue they little care to instruct the people in it This appeareth in that it is a Doctrine which they teach and hold that ignorance is the mother of deuotion Likewise in that they neither reade the word of God publiquely to the people in a knowne Language nor suffer them priuately so to reade it This appeareth also by that their parish Priests are generally so ignorant as hardly one Preacher can bee found amongst them in a great Country Finally their dispensations for nonresidency and for multiplying of benefices and for attendance vpon other persons and matters are so ordinary that it manifestly declareth as experience also hath taught yet doth in most places that it is one of the least cares that they haue by Preaching to instruct the people Whereby it is plaine that heerein they are departed from the doctrine practise institution ordinance of Christ his Apostles Luk 21.37 38. and â— 15 For of their continuall attendance vpon this duty their earnest charges to all Ministers of the Gospell Act. 10.18.19 â—0 21.26 27 28 29.30 31.32 1 Pet. 5.2.3 4. 2 Tim. 4.1.2 Ioh. 21.15 16.17 there are manifest testimonies in the Scriptures from whose examples and commandements they swaruing so farre declare that they little remember or regard the earnest obtestation of the Apostle made before God and the Lord Iesus Christ and with mention of his glorious Kingdome with comming to iudge the quick and the dead They little regard the great charge giuen by our Sauiour Christ to the Apostle Peter that as he loued him he should feed his sheepe Finally they smally regard either the promise of the Garland that neuer withereth or the threatning of the punishment of the vnfaithful seruant that is to bee cut in two and to receiue his portion with Hypocrits and Infidels Thus as these enormities are iustly reprooued so our contrary proceedings in England are iustified in the care that is held that the doctrine preached should bee holy and true and that the preachers should faithfully and diligently instruct the people in the same And thus much of the word of God both read and preached in our Churches in England CHAP. VI. Of Sacraments IT followeth to consider of the Sacraments and of prayer Concerning the Sacraments our Church in England doth professe that they are in nature holy signes and seales of the doctrine of the Gospell and of the righteousnesse that is by faith thereof In number also wee professe that there are two viZ. Baptisme and the Lords Supper And that our Religion herein is that which Christ and his Apostles taught is thus proued That Iesus Christ ordayned these two Sacraments is most manifest in the Gospell wherein is declared both that Christ ordained these two and in what manner hee appoynted them to bee administred We reade also in the Gospell Math 28.19 20. 26.26 and in other bookes of the new Testament that the Apostles accordingly did administer them both But of any other Sacrament wee reade not that either our Sauiour Christ ministred and ordained any nor that the Apostles did administer any other As for those fiue which the Sea of Rome addeth to the number of the Sacraments some of them wee acknowledge to bee holy ordinances and states of life allowed in the Scripture but haue not like nature with Baptisme and the Lords Supper and some haue beene brought into the Church vpon a corrupt following of examples not intended for Sacraments But because this question is at large debated in answer to another question concerning this matter it may suffice to haue said thus much in generall touching the Sacraments Concerning the Sacraments as farre as we differ from the Sea of Rome and haue reformed the abuses thereof in the administration of them wee administer them in the English speech with declaration of the chiefe doctrines signed by them wherein our Religion and practise is according to the word of God For it hath beene Gods good pleasure alwayes that the Sacraments should not be as dumbe shewes and spectacles but so administred as the people might bee taught to vnderstand what were the Doctrines that were signed and confirmed by them This was also the Doctrine of our Sauiour Christ as appeareth by this that giuing charge to his Apostles heereof he saith Teach all Nations Math. 28.19 baptising them declaring thereby that the meaning and Doctrine for confirmation whereof hee ordained Baptisme should bee declared And of the Sacrament of his Supper saith As oft as yee doe this 1 Cor. 11.26 shew forth the Lords death till he come And againe Doe yee this in remembrance of me Now Christ taught the Doctrine of that ordinance which hee there instituted and deliuered Such was also the Doctrine of the Apostles in all places of the New Testament that make mention of their Doctrine and administration of the Sacraments of Baptisme Act. 2.38.41 10.47 48. Act 20.7 and of the Lords Supper CHAP. VII Of Baptisme PArticularly concerning Baptisme wee administer it without adding thereunto exorcisme or adiuring the diuell to goe out of the child Because it is not written that our Sauiour Christ and his Apostles vsed any such ceremony or appointed any such to be vsed in the administration of it Further also because it is a superstitious ceremony in sundry respects and grounded vpon a false supposition that the infants that are to bee baptized are possessed with the diuell For our Sauiour saith that Theirs is the kingdome of heauen Math. 19.14 1 Cor. â— 14 And the Apostle Paul saith that The children of Christian Parents are holy yea though but one of their Parents be a Christian and faithfull And
VINDICIAE ECCLESIAE ANGLICANAE OR A IVSTIFICATION OF THE RELIGION NOW PROFESSED IN ENGLAND Wherein it is prooued to be the same which was taught by our Sauiour Iesus Christ and by his holy Apostles written for their vse that haue desired such proofe BY W. T. Acts 24.14 This I professe vnto thee that according to the way which they call Heresie so doe I serue the God of my Fathers beleeuing all things which hath beene written in the Law and in the Prophets Vigilius against Eutyches lib. 1. This is the Catholique Faith and Profession which the Apostles haue deliuered which the Martyrs haue confirmed and which the Faithfull preserue euen to this present age Printed at London by T. C. R. C. for Michael Sparke dwelling at the blue Bible in Greene Arbor 1630. Ad Lectorem COurteous Reader this booke comming forth into the world offereth it selfe to thy view the very title whereof may inuite thee to reade it and may iustly promise if not challenge future hopes of matter worth the obseruation It is entitled a Iustification of the Religion professed in England and the worke doth make good the title for in it thou shalt finde these propositions learnedly prosecuted against the Pseudo-Catholiques 1. That the adoration of Images representing the persons either of the Trinity or of Saints or Angels is dissonant to the word of God 2. That Diuine Seruice ought to bee administred to the people in the vulgar tongue not in an vnknowne language according to the practise of Christ and his Apostles 3. That the word of God not Pharisaicall traditions or the Legends and Fables of men ought to be read and expounded to the people according to the custome of the Scribes and Pharises who while they sate in Moyses chaire read and interpreted the Law and the Prophets 4. That the Sacraments of the New Testament are not seauen as Anti-Christ that seauen-headed beast affirmeth for Christ instituted but two Baptisme and the Lords Supper which succeeded those two Legall ones Circumcision and the Pascha 5. That Baptisme ought to be celebrated according to the commandement of Christ without Exorcisme or any superfluous and superstitious Ceremony 6. That the Lords Supper ought to be administred to the people in both kindes without Eleuation Adoration Reseruation and pompous carrying it abroad in the streets and that in it there is neither Transubstantiation Consubstantiation or Reall presence 7. That Prayer ought to be made onely to God by the onely mediation of Iesus Christ And that it is an horrible impiety to make gods of creatures in giuing them Gods worship or to mocke with Christs mediation in seeking for new Intercessors whether Saints or Angels 8. That the Martyrs of the Primitiue Church suffered vnder the prophane Emperors for the same Religion which we now professe To which our Martyrs as Cranmer c. not Garnet and his adherents haue borne witnesse vnder that Whore of Babilon euen to the death laying downe their liues for the Testimony of Iesus A defence of these Truths thou hast here in a short view comprised by a learned Author whom I neuer knew but in his workes whose writings doe seeme to beare witnesse to his labours and indefatigable paines in Study The fruites or effects whereof doe in part appeare in this which hath beene locked vp in priuate Cabinets like sire raked vp in ashes almost buried in obliuion but now comes forth to see the light for the publike good First reade then censure Thine in all Christian duties A.B. The Contents of the seuerall Chapters of this Booke CHap 1. The summe of our Religion professed in England pag. 1. Chap. 2. The particulars of our Religion professed in England pag. 3. Chap. 3. Diuine Seruice is to bee administred in a language which the people vnderstand pag. 18. Chap. 4. Of the reading and expounding to the people the word of God and not the Legends and Fables of men pag. 29. Chap. 5. Of Preaching pag. 35. Chap. 6. Of Sacraments pag. 41. Chap. 7. Of Baptisme pag. 43. Chap. 8. Of the Lords Supper pag. 44. Chap. 9. Of Prayer pag. 56. Chap. 10. Of Martyrs pag. 68. FINIS The vvriting occasioning this Treatise I Desire to haue it proued that the Religion now professed in England is the same which our Sauiour Christ taught his Apostles and they preached ouer all they world and conuerted thousands at one Sermon vnto Jf it be the same then there may bee some named that suffered for it For it is not likely that so many thousands which were conuerted to the true Faith should all be destroyed and no mention made of them in ancient Histories A IVSTIFICATION OF THE RELIGION NOW PROFESSED IN ENGLAND CHAP. I. The summe of our Religion professed in England TO proue that is here desired had beene sooner done if the matter had concerned onely some particular poynts of our Religion professed in England but now the proofe required being general without any limitation and restraint and extending it selfe to our whole Religion it must first bee shewed what Religion we professe and then such proofe is to bee made of the same as is here demanded both summarily and in some principall parts thereof First that our Sauiour and his Apostles taught the same then that the Martyrs mentioned in ancient Histories gaue testimony to the same by their death For clearing of the former point it is here to bee vnderstood Acts 24.14 First that Religion is the way and immediate duety whereby men serue God And further that true Religion and the right way to serue God is that onely which God hath revealed to men Now God spake to the Fathers in old time by the Prophets declaring his will herein by peece-meale or by sundry parts and in sundry manners but in these last dayes saith the Apostle he hath spoken to vs by his Sonne Heb. 1.1 that is by Iesus Christ In which words the nature of the opposition of these two reuelations of the will of God declareth that by Iesus Christ his onely Sonne God hath reuealed his will concerning true Religion and the right way to worshippe and serue him not any more by parts but wholly and fully nor in any manner that may be after changed as was the worship of the Fathers but in a manner certaine vnchangeable and to remaine for euer This Religion our Sauiour Iesus Christ first taught in his owne sacred person as it is declared in the history of the Gospâ—ll written by foure witnesses two Apostles and two Euangelists after by his commandement his holy Apostles preachâ—d and published the same Religion to all Nations For the preaching whereof vnto them while they yet remained at Ierusalem Acts. 5.8 according to his promise they were baptized with the holy Ghost and with fire By which holy Spirits inspiration Acts 2.3 4. they being clothed with power from aboue and hauing receiued the miraculous gift to speake with strange languages and a mighty increase of
verse 2 9. hee speaketh in regatd of any benefit of the people as if hee spake into the ayre and his speech vanished away with the winde without profit to any Furthermore he sayeth verse 7 8 9. that the minister so speaking is like one that should sound a trumpet or strike a harpe or any other Instrument without distinction of sounds whereby he intendeth that as the people not vnderstanding could receiue by it no direction in battell to march or retyre or in other actions what to doe or whereunto to prepare and dispose themselues So in the seruice of God they know not what they are directed vnto whether to pray to God or to giue him thankes or to what other part of the Seruice of God they are to apply themsâ—lues Moreouer verse 11.20 23. the Apostle affirmeth that where this disorder hath place they are as Barbarians one to another they are as little children in vnderstanding yea they will seeme to bee out of thir wits and destitute of common sence and reason Finally the Apostle addeth that to speake to the people in a language they doe not vnderstand is a token and signe of Gods wrath and anger to them Which may be easily vnderstood by some like thing in our life with men For if a seruant or a sonne that hath offended his Lord and Father or a subiect that hath transgressed the lawes of his Prince should present himselfe to him to craue pardon of his offence and to pray to vnderstand his pleasure that hee may performe it in time to come if that Lord that Father or that King shall not graciously comfort his supplyant but speake to him in a tongue that hee vnderstandeth not and so dismisse him is not that a manifest signe of his anger and indignation Euen so when any assembly of Christian people shall gather themselues together to present theÌ„selues to God to craue of him grace pardon for their sins to offer their petitions and seruice to him it must needes bee an heauy and vncomfortable token vnto them of Gods high displeasure toward them when hee vouchsafeth not to speake any gracious words vnto them that they can vnderstand but speaketh to them in a strange language Heereby therefore it appeareth that to haue diuine Seruice administred in a tongue not vnderstood by the people is contrary to the doctrine of our Sauiour Christ and his Apostles yea and that it is childish barbarous and contrary to coÌ„mon sence and reason vnprofitable for the people yea a hinderance to them and a meanes to keepe them in ignorance and all vngodlynesse and a signe of Gods indignation against them and a high dishonor to almighty God by the transgession of his commandements and taking his name in vaine Contrariwise heereby it appeareth that to administer diuine Seruice in a tongue vnderstood by the people is profitable for them and fit to further them in the knowledge faith and obedience of God and as honorable to God by making knowne his goodnesse mercy Iustice greatnesse and perfection in all respects vnto his Church and people This is confirmed also at large by the Apostle Paul in his former Epistle to the Corinthians Chap. 14 as it hath beene dâ—clared Hereunto may bee added that it appeareth by the 33 and 36. verses that the Apostle ordayned thus in all other Churches that were taught by him and that the Church of Corinth in that disorder differed both from the Church of Ierusalem and from all other Churches that at that time had receiued the Gospell Further also it appeareth that in all ages before the true Church serued God with knowledge and vnderstanding of that was taught them and yeelded to God their Seruice in such sort as they knew what duty it was which they performed vnto him For first almighty God himselfe deliuered the two tables of the tenne commandements in that speach which the people vnderstood After also by his commandement often times repeated both Moyses and the Priests Exo. 19 9. Exo. 20.18.19 Deut. 5 10 11 28 29.30 c. are charged to teach the people to heare and know learne and obserue the law of God Particularly the law commanded that the King should write the coppy of the law in a booke coppied out of that booke which was kept by the leuitical Priests Deut. 6.1 2 3. c. wherein he is charged to reade all the dayes of his life chap. 17.18 19. Deut 12.1.27.1 c. 29.1 c. that he may learne to feare the Lord his God and to obserue and doe all his commandements In many places of the bookes of Moyses and especially in the boâ—ke of Deut. it is sayd that Moâ—sâ—s taught all the people the commandements and statutes which the Lord had deliuered vnto him Ios 1.10 11. c. Iosuah in like manner dealt with all the people instructing and exhorting them to the obseruation of the statutes which God had deliuered vnto them 1 Chron. 16.2 1â— â—5 â—â— 37. In thâ— like manner did Dauid and all the Prophets deliuering Psalmes and other bookes of Scriptures in the Hebrew tongue for the publique vse of the Church of Israell which they had indited in the Hebrew tongue the common speech of all the people 1 Chton 25.2 â— â— 8. c. 1 Ki gs â— 5â— 7 58 â—1 2. Likewisâ— Solomon Dauids son at the dedication of the Temple which hee had builded mâ—de his solemne prayers and publique supplications vnto God in the hearing of all the people in their owne Hebrew tongue which they best vnderstood 2 Kings 2 1â— 23 2 3. c. And o Iosias it is also particularly recorded that hee read in the hearing of all the people from the greatest to the least of them all the words of Gods Couenant which had beene found in the house of the Lâ—rd â—zra â—1 9â— â— 10.1 Afâ—er the captiuity also wee reade that Ezra at a pâ—blâ—que â—east once or twice made his earnâ—st supplication vnto God for all the people they hâ—aring and so vnd â—standing him that men women and children wept and lamentâ—d exceedingly And in the booke of Nehemiah it is written Ezra did reade the booke of the law of God from morning to mid-day before all the people men women and all that for vnderstanding were fit to heare and that all the people was attentiue to the booke of the law and when Ezra blessed all the people said Amen Nehe. 8.2 3 4 â— 9 10 c. Amen with lifting vp their hands and bowing downe their heads they worshipped God with their faces towards the ground In the time of our Sauiour Christ the Apostle Iames sayth Moyses was read and preached euery Sabbath in the Synagogues of which custome wee reade an example in the 13 of the Asts where it is said Acts 15.21 13.15 that after the reading of the law and the Prophets Paul and Barnabas were willed to exhort the