flock_v and_o also_o obseru_fw-la provide_v thing_n necessary_a for_o it_o the_o doctor_n do_v instruct_v and_o teach_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o godliness_n therefore_o the_o church_n minister_n that_o now_o be_v may_v be_v call_v bishop_n elder_n pastor_n and_o doctor_n but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n there_o where_o many_o more_o name_n of_o minister_n bring_v into_o the_o church_n for_o some_o be_v create_v patriarch_n other_o archishop_n other_o suffragans_fw-la other_o metrapolitanes_n archpriest_n deacon_n subdeacons_n acolâ—thes_n exorcist_n querister_n porter_n &_o i_o know_v not_o what_o a_o rabble_n beside_o cardinal_n provost_n and_o prior_n abbot_n great_a and_o lesser_a governor_n high_a and_o low_o but_o touch_v all_o these_o we_o paâ—â—â—_n not_o a_o rush_n what_o they_o have_v be_v in_o time_n paste_n or_o what_o they_o be_v now_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o that_o forasmuch_o as_o concern_v minister_n we_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o therefore_o know_v certeinelie_o that_o monk_n and_o the_o order_n or_o sort_n of_o they_o be_v neither_o institute_v of_o christ_n noâ—_n ofhi_v apostle_n we_o teach_v that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v profitable_a that_o they_o be_v pernicious_a and_o hurtful_a unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o although_o in_o former_a time_n they_o be_v somewhat_o tolerable_a when_o they_o live_v solytarilie_o get_v their_o live_n with_o their_o own_o hand_n be_v burdensome_a to_o none_o but_o do_v in_o all_o place_n obey_v their_o pastor_n even_o as_o lay_v man_n yet_o what_o kind_n of_o man_n they_o be_v now_o all_o the_o world_n see_v &_o perceive_v they_o pretend_v i_o know_v not_o what_o vow_n but_o they_o lead_v a_o life_n altogether_o disagree_v from_o their_o vow_n so_o that_o the_o very_o best_a of_o they_o may_v justly_o be_v number_v among_o those_o â—_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v we_o hear_v say_v that_o there_o be_v some_o among_o you_o which_o walk_v inordinatelie_o and_o work_v not_o at_o all_o but_o be_v busy_a body_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o we_o have_v no_o such_o in_o our_o church_n and_o beside_o we_o teach_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o rout_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n furthermore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o usurp_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n that_o be_v to_o say_v greedy_o to_o pluck_v it_o to_o he_o by_o bribe_n or_o any_o evil_a shift_n or_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n but_o let_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v and_o choose_v by_o a_o lawful_a and_o ecclesiastical_a election_n and_o vocation_n that_o be_v to_o say_v let_v they_o be_v choose_v religious_o of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o those_o which_o be_v appoint_v thereunto_o by_o the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o due_a order_n without_o any_o tumult_n sedition_n or_o contention_n but_o we_o must_v have_v a_o eye_n to_o this_o that_o not_o every_o one_o that_o will_v be_v elect_v but_o such_o man_n as_o be_v fit_n &_o have_v sufficient_a learning_n especial_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o godly_a eloquence_n and_o wise_a simplicity_n to_o conclude_v such_o man_n as_o be_v of_o good_a report_n for_o a_o moderation_n and_o honesty_n of_o life_n according_a to_o that_o apostlike_a rule_n which_o saint_n paul_n give_v in_o the_o 1._o to_o timothy_n 3._o cap._n and_o 1._o to_o titus_n and_o those_o which_o be_v choose_v let_v they_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o elder_n with_o public_a prayer_n and_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n we_o do_v here_o therefore_o condemn_v all_o those_o which_o run_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n be_v neither_o choose_v send_v nor_o ordain_v we_o do_v also_o utter_o disallow_v unfit_a minister_n &_o such_o as_o be_v not_o furnish_v with_o gift_n requisite_a for_o a_o pastor_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o the_o innocent_a simplicity_n of_o certain_a pastor_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v sometime_o more_o profit_v the_o church_n than_o the_o manifold_a exquisite_a and_o nice_a learning_n of_o other_o some_o that_o be_v over_o lofty_a and_o high_a mind_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n we_o also_o at_o this_o day_n do_v not_o reject_v the_o honest_a simplicity_n of_o certain_a man_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o all_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n do_v term_v all_o those_o which_o believe_v in_o christ_n priest_n but_o not_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o ministry_n but_o â—_o because_o that_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v make_v king_n and_o priest_n by_o christ_n may_v offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n unto_o god_n the_o ministry_n then_o and_o priesthood_n be_v thing_n far_o different_a one_o from_o the_o other_o for_o priesthood_n as_o we_o say_v even_o now_o be_v common_a to_o all_o christian_n so_o be_v not_o the_o ministry_n and_o we_o have_v not_o take_v away_o the_o ministry_n from_o the_o church_n because_o we_o have_v thrust_v the_o popish_a priesthood_n out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o sure_o in_o the_o new_a covenant_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o such_o priesthood_n as_o be_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o have_v a_o external_a anoint_v â—_o holy_a garment_n and_o very_o many_o ceremony_n which_o be_v figure_n and_o tip_n of_o christ_n who_o by_o his_o come_n fulfil_v and_o abolish_v they_o and_o he_o himself_o remain_v the_o only_a priest_n for_o ever_o and_o we_o do_v not_o communicate_v the_o name_n of_o priest_n to_o any_o of_o the_o minister_n lest_o we_o shall_v detract_v any_o thing_n from_o christ_n for_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v not_o appoint_v in_o the_o church_n any_o priest_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o have_v receive_v authority_n from_o the_o suffragan_n may_v offer_v up_o the_o host_n every_o day_n that_o be_v the_o very_a flesh_n and_o the_o very_a blood_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a but_o minister_n which_o may_v teach_v &_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n paul_n declare_v plain_o and_o short_o what_o we_o be_v to_o think_v of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o we_o must_v attribute_v unto_o they_o let_v a_o man_n say_v he_o thus_o account_v of_o we_o as_o of_o the_o minister_n 4._o of_o christ_n and_o dispenser_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n his_o mind_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v esteem_v of_o minister_n as_o of_o minister_n now_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o as_o it_o be_v underrower_n which_o shall_v only_o have_v a_o eye_n unto_o their_o master_n and_o chief_a governor_n and_o be_v as_o man_n that_o live_v not_o to_o themselves_o nor_o according_a to_o their_o own_o will_n but_o unto_o other_o to_o wit_n their_o master_n at_o who_o commandment_n and_o beck_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v command_v whole_o and_o in_o all_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n not_o to_o please_v himself_o but_o to_o execute_v that_o only_a which_o he_o have_v receive_v in_o commandment_n from_o his_o lord_n and_o in_o this_o same_o place_n it_o be_v expresselie_o declare_v who_o be_v our_o master_n even_o christ_n to_o who_o the_o minister_n be_v in_o subjection_n in_o all_o the_o function_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o full_o declare_v their_o ministry_n he_o add_v further_a that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v steward_n and_o dispenser_n 4._o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n now_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n paul_n in_o many_o place_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o 3._o to_o the_o ephes_n do_v call_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o sacrament_n of_o christ_n be_v also_o call_v mystery_n of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n therefore_o for_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o minister_n call_v namely_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o faithful_a and_o to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n we_o read_v also_o in_o another_o place_n in_o the_o gospel_n 1â—_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n that_o his_o lord_n set_v he_o over_o his_o family_n to_o give_v food_n unto_o it_o in_o due_a season_n again_o in_o a_o other_o place_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o man_n go_v into_o a_o strange_a country_n and_o leave_v his_o house_n give_v unto_o his_o servant_n authority_n therein_o commit_v to_o they_o his_o substance_n and_o appoint_v every_o man_n his_o work_n this_o be_v now_o a_o fit_n place_n to_o speak_v somewhat_o also_o of_o the_o power_n and_o office_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o concern_v their_o power_n some_o have_v entreat_v and_o dispute_v over_o 18._o busy_o and_o will_v bring_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o very_o great_a under_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o that_o against_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n who_o
again_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_v i_o see_v they_o do_v only_o teach_v the_o commandment_n of_o man_n 64._o but_o such_o work_n as_o be_v teach_v of_o man_n what_o show_v soever_o they_o have_v even_o of_o goodness_n be_v in_o no_o case_n to_o be_v so_o high_o esteem_v as_o those_o which_o be_v command_v of_o god_n yea_o to_o say_v somewhat_o more_o if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n but_o contrary_a to_o faith_n they_o be_v of_o no_o value_n at_o all_o but_o be_v a_o abomination_n and_o filthiness_n before_o the_o face_n of_o god_n now_o all_o good_a work_n be_v divide_v first_o general_o into_o those_o which_o pertain_v to_o all_o true_a christian_n according_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o catholic_a salvation_n second_o they_o be_v divide_v particular_o into_o those_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o order_n age_n and_o place_n of_o every_o man_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v severallie_o teach_v elder_n master_n the_o common_a sort_n parent_n child_n the_o marry_a the_o unmarried_a and_o every_o one_o what_o be_v their_o proper_a bond_n and_o work_n moreover_o in_o this_o point_n man_n be_v diligent_o teach_v to_o know_v how_o and_o wherein_o good_a work_n do_v please_v god_n true_o they_o please_v god_n no_o otherwise_o then_o in_o the_o only_a name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o name_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o paul_n the_o apostle_n who_o speak_v thus_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v in_o word_n and_o in_o deed_n do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o 15._o the_o lord_n himself_o say_v without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v thing_n that_o be_v nothing_o that_o may_v please_v god_n and_o be_v for_o your_o salvation_n now_o to_o do_v good_a work_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o do_v they_o in_o a_o livelie_a faith_n in_o he_o whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o in_o love_n which_o be_v pour_v forth_o into_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o god_n love_v we_o and_o we_o again_o love_v he_o and_o our_o neighbour_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v sanctify_v move_v and_o kindle_v the_o heart_n of_o they_o which_o be_v justify_v to_o do_v these_o holy_a action_n as_o the_o lord_n say_v he_o 2._o shall_v be_v in_o you_o and_o the_o apostle_n the_o anoint_v of_o god_n teach_v you_o these_o two_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v the_o fountain_n and_o square_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o good_a work_n according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v love_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a 13._o heart_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n not_o feign_v and_o again_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o please_v god_n also_o without_o love_n nothing_o do_v profit_v a_o man_n in_o the_o next_o place_n they_o teach_v why_o and_o to_o what_o purpose_n or_o end_n such_o good_a work_n as_o pertain_v to_o christian_a godliness_n aught_o to_o be_v do_v to_o wit_n not_o in_o this_o respect_n that_o man_n by_o these_o work_n shall_v obtain_v justification_n or_o salvation_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n for_o christ_n say_v when_o you_o have_v do_v all_o those_o 17._o thing_n which_o be_v command_v you_o say_v we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n also_o paul_n say_v not_o for_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o 3._o we_o have_v do_v but_o through_o his_o mercy_n have_v he_o save_v we_o wherewith_o 143._o all_o those_o word_n of_o david_n agree_v when_o he_o pray_v lord_n enter_v not_o into_o judgement_n with_o thy_o servant_n because_o that_o in_o thy_o sight_n shall_v no_o flesh_n live_v be_v justify_v but_o christian_n be_v to_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o good_a work_n for_o these_o cause_n follow_v first_o that_o by_o this_o mean_a they_o may_v prove_v and_o declare_v their_o faith_n &_o by_o these_o work_n be_v know_v to_o be_v true_a christian_n that_o be_v the_o livelie_a member_n and_o follower_n of_o christ_n whereof_o our_o lord_n say_v every_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o his_o own_o fruit_n in_o deed_n good_a â—_o work_n be_v assure_v argument_n and_o sign_n and_o testimony_n and_o exercise_n of_o a_o livelie_a faith_n even_o of_o that_o faith_n which_o lie_v hide_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o be_v short_a of_o the_o true_a fruit_n thereof_o and_o such_o as_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n paul_n say_v christ_n live_v in_o i_o for_o in_o that_o i_o now_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o true_o it_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o but_o 2._o that_o as_o sin_n do_v bring_v forth_o death_n so_o faith_n and_o justification_n which_o arise_v therout_a do_v bring_v forth_o life_n inwardlie_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o outward_o in_o the_o work_n of_o charity_n secondlie_o we_o must_v therefore_o do_v good_a work_n that_o christian_n may_v confirm_v and_o build_v up_o their_o election_n and_o vocation_n in_o themselves_o and_o preserve_v it_o 1._o by_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o fall_v not_o in_o mortal_a sin_n even_o as_o saint_n peter_n teach_v among_o other_o thing_n write_v thus_o wherefore_o brethren_n endeavour_v rather_o to_o make_v your_o election_n and_o vocation_n sure_a or_o to_o confirm_v it_o and_o how_o this_o may_v be_v do_v he_o do_v brief_o declare_v a_o little_a before_o therefore_o give_v all_o diligence_n thereunto_o join_v virtue_n with_o your_o faith_n and_o with_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o with_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o with_o temperance_n patience_n &_o with_o patience_n godliness_n &_o with_o godliness_n brotherlie_a kindness_n and_o with_o brotherlie_a kindness_n love_n for_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v among_o you_o and_o abound_v in_o you_o they_o will_v make_v you_o that_o you_o neither_o shall_v be_v idle_a nor_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o which_o place_n saint_n peter_n do_v evident_o show_v that_o we_o must_v endeavour_n to_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o good_a workse_v obseruat_fw-la first_o for_o this_o cause_n lest_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n &_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o we_o have_v be_v either_o lose_v or_o defile_v but_o that_o it_o may_v rather_o be_v preserve_v for_o the_o holy_a 11._o ghost_n do_v fly_v from_o idolater_n and_o depart_v from_o profane_a man_n and_o the_o evil_a and_o unpure_a spirit_n do_v return_v into_o a_o empty_a and_o idle_a house_n also_o whosoever_o do_v either_o loose_a or_o defile_v a_o good_a conscience_n what_o commendable_a thing_n or_o what_o work_n can_v he_o do_v that_o be_v precious_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n how_o shall_v he_o give_v himself_o to_o prayer_n secondlie_o for_o this_o cause_n that_o we_o may_v profit_n and_o increase_v more_o and_o more_o in_o this_o grace_n and_o that_o we_o may_v gain_v unto_o the_o lord_n by_o occupy_v those_o talent_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o our_o trust_n whereof_o saint_n paul_n say_v now_o we_o all_o behold_v 3._o as_o in_o a_o mirror_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o open_a face_n be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n that_o be_v we_o behold_v christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n &_o herein_o we_o endeavour_v that_o we_o may_v be_v conform_v to_o the_o likeness_n of_o this_o image_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o do_v kindle_v we_o thereunto_o till_o this_o image_n do_v get_v her_o perfection_n by_o the_o bless_a resurrection_n three_o we_o must_v do_v &_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o good_a work_n as_o well_o for_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n as_o also_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n whereof_o mention_n be_v make_v very_o often_o and_o at_o large_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n &_o that_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n we_o may_v have_v a_o more_o easy_a entrance_n to_o the_o attain_n of_o those_o reward_n and_o to_o the_o eternal_a kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o s._n peter_n testify_v say_v if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o shall_v never_o fall_v 1._o for_o by_o this_o mean_v a_o enter_v shall_v be_v minister_v unto_o you_o abundantlie_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n but_o chief_o we_o must_v do_v the_o work_n of_o mercy_n whereby_o we_o may_v benefit_v our_o neighbour_n whereby_o we_o provide_v and_o do_v for_o he_o and_o whereof_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n such_o as_o these_o be_v to_o give_v alm_n to_o visit_v the_o sick_a to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o they_o or_o to_o be_v at_o hand_n to_o do_v they_o service_n to_o teach_v the_o simple_a by_o counsel_n and_o labour_n to_o help_v other_o to_o pardon_v offence_n and_o such_o like_a which_o all_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o bountifullnes_n of_o
a_o harmony_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a and_o reform_a church_n which_o pure_o profess_v the_o holy_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o the_o chief_a kingdom_n nation_n and_o province_n of_o europe_n the_o catalogue_n and_o order_n whereof_o the_o page_n follow_v will_v declare_v there_o be_v add_v in_o the_o end_n very_o short_a note_n in_o which_o both_o the_o obscure_a thing_n be_v make_v plain_a &_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v in_o show_n seem_v to_o be_v contrary_a each_o to_o other_o be_v plain_o and_o very_o modest_o reconcile_v and_o if_o any_o point_n do_v as_o yet_o hang_v in_o doubt_n they_o be_v sincere_o point_v at_o all_o which_o thing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o france_n and_o belgia_n be_v submit_v to_o the_o free_a and_o discrete_a judgement_n of_o all_o other_o church_n new_o translate_v out_o of_o latin_a into_o english_a also_o in_o the_o end_n be_v add_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n allow_v by_o public_a authority_n imprint_v by_o thomas_n thomas_n printer_n to_o the_o university_n of_o cambridge_n 1586._o a_o preface_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o france_n and_o belgia_n which_o profess_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o gospel_n â‚_o ambrose_n in_o a_o certain_a place_n say_v notable_o there_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o strife_n but_o conference_n among_o the_o servant_n of_o christ._n for_o see_v the_o dulness_n of_o man_n understanding_n especial_o in_o heavenly_a matter_n be_v such_o that_o we_o can_v not_o oft_o time_n perceive_v matter_n otherwise_o very_o plain_a it_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v deny_v but_o that_o by_o mutual_a conference_n and_o friendly_a and_o brotherly_o debate_v of_o the_o matter_n we_o come_v to_o very_o great_a light_n and_o that_o especial_o seem_v profitable_a and_o needful_a that_o some_o shall_v be_v set_v on_o edge_n by_o other_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v particular_o bestow_v upon_o several_a member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v redound_v to_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o that_o all_o sinister_a affection_n set_v a_o part_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o father_n wisdom_n and_o the_o only_a master_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v hear_v and_o as_o he_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n may_v so_o by_o his_o spirit_n join_v together_o our_o mind_n that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a we_o may_v all_o think_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o lord_n but_o to_o strive_v brawl_n and_o fiercelie_n and_o frowardlie_a to_o contend_v as_o fencer_n do_v be_v so_o far_o from_o become_v man_n that_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o seemly_a for_o modest_a or_o civil_a person_n and_o if_o so_o be_v that_o in_o all_o yea_o even_o in_o the_o very_a lest_o affair_n of_o man_n life_n that_o rule_n of_o modesty_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v what_o i_o pray_v you_o be_v to_o be_v do_v when_o we_o be_v in_o hand_n with_o god_n and_o god_n matter_n sure_o holy_a thing_n be_v holy_o and_o devout_o to_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n &_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n who_o if_o he_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o meakenes_n to_o be_v call_v back_o again_o but_o if_o he_o take_v the_o right_a way_n he_o be_v more_o and_o more_o to_o be_v instruct_v therein_o to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v appear_v that_o we_o be_v not_o drive_v by_o any_o motion_n of_o man_n but_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n our_o mind_n be_v rule_v and_o govern_v by_o god_n yet_o alas_o such_o be_v the_o spot_n and_o stain_v of_o our_o time_n that_o the_o evil_a custom_n of_o write_v whatsoever_o and_o even_o of_o rail_v have_v seize_v upon_o the_o wit_n &_o mind_n not_o of_o mean_a man_n only_o but_o even_o of_o those_o who_o iâ—_n most_o of_o all_o behoove_v to_o do_v the_o clean_a contrary_n the_o roble_n of_o jesuite_n and_o such_o other_o like_o fellow_n who_o very_a reward_n be_v the_o earnest_n of_o bondage_n and_o curse_a speak_v how_o shameless_o and_o outragiouslie_o they_o be_v carry_v against_o we_o and_o the_o truth_n &_o woh_o what_o bitterness_n they_o cast_v out_o against_o we_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v in_o the_o school_n of_o shamelessness_n it_o maâ—e_n be_v sufficient_o perceive_v of_o any_o man_n for_o thâ—y_v when_o they_o feel_v themselves_o press_v with_o most_o strong_a reason_n and_o overcome_v with_o express_a place_n of_o scripture_n they_o run_v to_o cavil_n and_o slander_n as_o to_o the_o only_a refuge_n of_o their_o error_n they_o say_v we_o have_v revolt_v from_o the_o catholic_a church_n that_o we_o may_v follow_v the_o diverse_a imagination_n of_o man_n they_o crâ—e_v aloud_o that_o we_o be_v heretic_n schismatics_n and_o sectary_n and_o they_o oft_o time_n in_o mockage_n call_v we_o confessionist_n and_o moreover_o they_o laâ—e_v in_o our_o dish_n that_o we_o neither_o agree_v with_o ourselves_o nor_o with_o other_o who_o detest_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n but_o there_o be_v as_o many_o religion_n among_o we_o as_o there_o be_v confession_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o procure_v credit_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o the_o german_a church_n especial_o they_o bring_v forth_o both_o certain_a other_o writing_n and_o especial_o that_o form_n of_o agreement_n of_o late_o publish_v in_o germany_n in_o which_o there_o be_v certain_a thing_n to_o be_v see_v far_o differ_v from_o those_o ancient_a confession_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v even_o since_o the_o beginning_n give_v out_o but_o let_v they_o so_o think_v that_o the_o fault_n of_o heresy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v upon_o those_o who_o faith_n altogether_o rely_v on_o most_o sure_a ground_n of_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v no_o schismatics_n who_o entire_o cleave_v to_o god_n church_n such_o a_o one_o as_o the_o prophet_n &_o apostle_n do_v describe_v unto_o we_o nor_o to_o be_v account_v sectary_n who_o embrace_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o be_v one_o and_o always_o like_o itself_o what_o do_v they_o mean_v i_o pray_v you_o by_o the_o name_n of_o confessionist_n so_o often_o repeat_v for_o if_o every_o man_n be_v command_v to_o make_v confession_n of_o his_o faith_n so_o often_o as_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v require_v what_o a_o wonderful_a or_o strange_a thing_n ought_v it_o to_o seem_v if_o city_n if_o province_n if_o whole_a kingdom_n have_v make_v profession_n of_o their_o faith_n when_o they_o be_v false_o charge_v by_o the_o popish_a sort_n that_o they_o have_v go_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o true_a believe_a church_n but_o they_o will_v say_v there_o ought_v to_o be_v one_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o no_o more_o as_o though_o forsooth_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v value_v rather_o by_o the_o word_n then_o by_o the_o thing_n itself_o what_o therefore_o will_v they_o say_v to_o our_o ancetour_n who_o when_o they_o have_v the_o apostle_n creed_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o set_v out_o the_o nicene_n chalcedonian_a and_o many_o more_o such_o like_a creed_n those_o creed_n say_v you_o be_v general_a yea_o sure_o but_o so_o general_a that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o those_o elder_a time_n follow_v the_o frantic_a heresy_n of_o the_o arrian_n who_o the_o godly_a forefather_n by_o set_v forth_o those_o creed_n desire_v to_o bring_v home_o into_o the_o church_n again_o the_o truth_n say_v hilary_n be_v by_o the_o advice_n and_o opinion_n of_o bishop_n many_o way_n seek_v &_o a_o reason_n of_o that_o which_o be_v mean_v be_v render_v by_o several_a confession_n of_o faith_n set_v down_o in_o writing_n and_o a_o little_a after_o it_o ought_v to_o seem_v no_o marvel_n right_o well-beloved_a brother_n that_o man_n faith_n begin_v to_o be_v declare_v so_o thick_a the_o outrage_n of_o heretic_n lay_v this_o necessity_n upon_o us._n thus_o much_o say_v hilary_n what_o that_o athanasius_n augustine_n and_o many_o other_o ancient_n set_v forth_o their_o creed_n also_o that_o the_o purity_n of_o christian_a faith_n may_v more_o and_o more_o shine_v forth_o therefore_o if_o kingdom_n city_n &_o and_z whole_a province_n have_v private_o make_v confession_n of_o their_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o for_o that_o hitherto_o the_o state_n of_o time_n have_v not_o suffer_v that_o a_o general_a council_n of_o all_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o reform_a religion_n may_v be_v hold_v but_o if_o it_o once_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o the_o lord_n grant_v that_o the_o church_n may_v at_o length_n enjoy_v so_o great_a a_o benefit_n then_o there_o may_v be_v one_o only_a confession_n of_o faith_n extant_a
beseech_v the_o brethren_n to_o bear_v with_o we_o therein_o as_o the_o most_o distress_a and_o desirous_a of_o the_o peace_n and_o agreement_n of_o the_o curche_n among_o those_o who_o in_o these_o last_o time_n have_v embrace_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o god_n forbid_v that_o we_o shall_v desire_v to_o be_v count_v censurer_n of_o other_o who_o be_v ready_a rather_o to_o be_v teach_v of_o our_o brethren_n and_o to_o be_v strengthen_v in_o this_o face_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v begin_v we_o will_v therefore_o have_v they_o so_o to_o think_v that_o these_o observation_n be_v lay_v before_o they_o that_o they_o may_v judge_v of_o they_o and_o may_v if_o they_o shall_v think_v it_o any_o where_o needful_a better_a and_o more_o fit_o declare_v their_o own_o opinion_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n accept_v of_o our_o pain_n you_o therefore_o most_o gracious_a king_n duke_n earl_n marquess_n most_o famous_a baron_n &_o noble_a lord_n you_o city_n and_o common_a wealth_n you_o most_o wise_a pastor_n doctor_n and_o to_o be_v short_a all_o christian_a people_n profess_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v present_a in_o soul_n and_o body_n suffer_v not_o the_o poison_n of_o discord_n to_o spread_v any_o far_o but_o kill_v this_o hurtful_a serpent_n and_o receive_v with_o a_o christian_a mind_n as_o be_v meet_v and_o as_o be_v offer_v unto_o you_o this_o most_o sure_a token_n &_o earnest_n of_o the_o everlasting_a friendship_n of_o the_o french_a and_o belgian_n church_n with_o you_o offer_v to_o you_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o we_o be_v by_o a_o friendly_a league_n couple_v together_o in_o christ_n may_v vanquish_v all_o antichristes_n and_o may_v sing_v that_o hymn_n to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n behold_v how_o good_a and_o joyful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v brethren_z to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n a_o catalogve_n of_o the_o confession_n whereof_o this_o harmony_n be_v frame_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o every_o of_o they_o be_v write_v and_o publish_v i_o the_o confession_n of_o auspurge_n be_v first_o present_v in_o the_o german_a tongue_n at_o the_o city_n auspurge_n in_o the_o year_n 1530._o to_o charles_n the_o five_o be_v emperor_n by_o certain_a most_o renown_a prince_n of_o germany_n and_o other_o state_n of_o the_o sacred_a empire_n who_o they_o call_v protestant_n secondlie_o the_o self_n same_o year_n it_o be_v set_v out_o and_o publish_v at_o wirtemberge_n in_o latin_a somewhat_o correct_v in_o certain_a article_n with_o a_o preface_n and_o the_o subscription_n of_o the_o author_n name_n ii_o that_o confession_n of_o the_o four_o city_n be_v present_v both_o in_o the_o german_n and_o also_o in_o the_o latin_a tongue_n to_o the_o same_o most_o sacred_a emperor_n charles_n the_o five_o in_o the_o same_o assembly_n hold_v at_o auspurge_n in_o the_o same_o year_n by_o the_o ambassador_n of_o the_o city_n of_o strausbrough_n constance_n mâ—miâ—ga_n lindaw_n both_o which_o we_o have_v in_o certain_a article_n compare_v together_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v have_v the_o one_o make_v more_o ample_a by_o the_o other_o and_o we_o have_v therefore_o in_o the_o title_n call_v it_o the_o confession_n of_o sueveland_n for_o that_o those_o four_o city_n by_o who_o it_o be_v present_v be_v common_o count_v neighbour_n to_o sueveland_n iii_o that_o of_o basill_n about_o the_o year_n 1532._o be_v first_o write_v in_o the_o german_a tongue_n by_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o basill_n &_o also_o by_o a_o common_a subscription_n allow_v of_o the_o pastor_n of_o strausbrough_n then_o again_o in_o the_o year_n 1561._o both_o recognise_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o self_n same_o minister_n of_o basill_n afterward_o also_o it_o be_v publish_v by_o the_o magistrate_n of_o milan_n in_o his_o own_o name_n in_o the_o german_a tongue_n with_o a_o preface_n as_o though_o it_o have_v be_v that_o church_n own_o confession_n and_o at_o the_o last_o it_o be_v turn_v into_o latin_a whichwe_v as_o more_o ancient_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o helvetia_n have_v think_v good_a to_o be_v set_v down_o here_o also_o and_o do_v else_o where_o in_o like_a sort_n call_v it_o the_o confession_n of_o milan_n four_o the_o former_a confession_n of_o helvetia_n be_v write_v at_o basill_n about_o the_o year_n 1536._o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o helvetia_n and_o send_v and_o present_v to_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o wirtemberge_n by_o master_n bucer_n and_o master_n capito_n and_o in_o the_o year_n follow_v 1537._o it_o be_v again_o propound_v together_o with_o the_o declaration_n thereof_o to_o the_o assembly_n at_o smalcaldia_n by_o bucer_n himself_o and_o allow_v of_o that_o whole_a assembly_n namely_o of_o alithe_n divine_v 〈◊〉_d degree_n of_o protestant_n as_o luther_n his_o owâ—e_n latter_v to_o 〈…〉_o heluetian_o do_v testify_v and_o the_o declaration_n in_o 〈…〉_o as_o confer_v in_o very_a many_o place_n 〈◊〉_d the_o more_o amâ—â—â—_n copy_n write_v in_o the_o german_a 〈…〉_o v._o thâ—t_v of_o saxony_n be_v write_v in_o latin_a in_o thâ—_n year_n 1551._o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o saxon_a church_n by_o master_n philip_n melancthon_n that_o it_o may_v be_v present_v to_o the_o council_n of_o â—rent_a to_o which_o not_o only_o the_o saxon_a and_o meisen_n church_n but_o also_o very_a many_o other_o do_v suscribe_v as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v to_o the_o confession_n of_o auspurge_n repeat_v vi_o that_o of_o wirtemberge_n be_v of_o the_o most_o renown_a prince_n and_o lord_n lord_n christopher_z duke_n of_o wirtemberge_n &_o tecca_n earl_n of_o mountbelgard_n by_o his_o ambassador_n present_v to_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o tridentine_a council_n the_o 24._o day_n of_o the_o month_n of_o januarie_n in_o the_o year_n 1552._o vii_o the_o french_a confession_n be_v in_o the_o year_n 1559._o present_v to_o francis_n the_o second_o king_n of_o france_n first_o at_o amboise_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o all_o the_o godly_a of_o that_o kingdom_n secondlie_o in_o the_o year_n 1561._o at_o poisie_n it_o be_v present_v again_o in_o french_a to_z charles_n the_o nine_o and_o at_o length_n also_o publish_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o french_a church_n with_o a_o preface_n to_o all_o other_o evangelicall_a pastor_n in_o the_o year_n 1566._o viii_o the_o english_a confession_n be_v insert_v in_o the_o general_a apology_n write_v in_o the_o year_n 1562._o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o english_a church_n ix_o the_o latter_a confession_n of_o helvetia_n be_v write_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o zurich_n in_o the_o year_n 1566._o and_o approve_v and_o subscribe_v unto_o not_o only_o of_o the_o tigurine_n themselves_o and_o their_o confederate_n of_o bern_n scaphusia_n sangallia_n rhetia_n milan_n and_o bienna_n but_o also_o of_o all_o they_o of_o geneva_n and_o of_o savoi_fw-fr of_o polony_n and_o likewise_o by_o the_o church_n of_o hungary_n and_o scotland_n x._o the_o confession_n of_o belgia_n be_v publish_v in_o french_a in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o belgia_n in_o the_o year_n 1566._o and_o in_o the_o year_n 1579._o in_o a_o pubâ—â—que_a synod_n hold_v at_o belgium_n it_o be_v repeat_v confirm_v and_o turn_v into_o the_o belgian_n tongue_n xi_o that_o of_o bohemia_n be_v the_o last_o of_o the_o four_o former_a which_o be_v far_o more_o ancient_a which_o for_o the_o largeness_n we_o think_v good_a not_o to_o be_v insert_v into_o this_o harmony_n be_v recite_v in_o the_o same_o order_n of_o chapter_n &_o argument_n &_o somewhat_o more_o plain_o express_v &_o in_o the_o year_n 1573._o publish_v in_o diverse_a place_n be_v also_o approve_v by_o common_a testimony_n of_o the_o university_n of_o wirtemberge_n even_o as_o master_n luther_n &_o melancton_n have_v approve_v the_o former_a publish_v in_o the_o year_n 1532._o be_v altogether_o the_o same_o in_o doctrine_n with_o this_o as_o luther_n his_o preface_n witness_v and_o we_o have_v call_v it_o else_o where_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o waldenses_n follow_v the_o common_a title_n assign_v thereunto_o by_o those_o church_n which_o we_o will_v have_v to_o be_v speak_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o those_o brethren_n a_o admonition_n to_o the_o godly_a and_o gentle_a reader_n touch_v the_o order_n and_o course_n of_o this_o whole_a harmony_n â‚_o this_o whole_a harmony_n of_o confession_n genie_n reader_n be_v part_v into_o 19_o section_n which_o we_o have_v take_v sometime_o out_o of_o no_o sometime_o out_o of_o few_o confession_n in_o â—umber_n as_o each_o seem_v every_o one_o in_o his_o twne_a plâ—ce_n to_o handle_v one_o &_o thâ—_n sâ—me_v matter_n or_o chief_a point_n of_o doctrine_n but_o in_o 〈◊〉_d â—ing_v the_o context_n of_o every_o confession_n because_o we_o wâ—râ—â—o_o have_v regard_n of_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n and_o doctrine_n rather_o than_o either_o of_o the_o
forbid_v unto_o his_o all_o dominion_n and_o high_o commend_v humility_n in_o deed_n there_o be_v one_o kind_n of_o power_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a and_o absolute_a power_n call_v the_o power_n of_o right_n according_a to_o this_o power_n all_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v subject_a unto_o christ_n who_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o even_o as_o he_o himself_o 22._o witness_v say_v all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n and_o again_o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o behold_v i_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o i_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o death_n again_o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n which_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v shut_v and_o 〈◊〉_d man_n open_v this_o power_n the_o lord_n reserve_v to_o himself_o and_o do_v not_o transfer_v it_o to_o any_o other_o that_o he_o may_v sit_v idle_o by_o and_o look_v on_o his_o minister_n while_o they_o wrought_v for_o isaiah_n say_v i_o will_v put_v the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o again_o who_o government_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n for_o he_o do_v not_o lay_v the_o government_n on_o other_o man_n shoulder_n but_o do_v still_o keep_v and_o use_v his_o own_o power_n thereby_o govern_v all_o thing_n furthermore_o there_o be_v a_o other_o power_n of_o duty_n or_o ministerial_a power_n limit_v â—ut_v by_o he_o who_o have_v full_a and_o absolute_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o this_o be_v more_o like_o a_o ministry_n than_o dominion_n for_o we_o see_v that_o some_o master_n do_v give_v unto_o the_o steward_n of_o his_o house_n authority_n and_o power_n over_o his_o house_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n deliver_v he_o his_o key_n that_o he_o may_v admit_v or_o exclude_v such_o as_o his_o master_n will_v have_v admit_v or_o exclude_v according_a to_o this_o power_n do_v the_o minister_n by_o his_o office_n that_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v he_o to_o do_v and_o the_o lord_n do_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v that_o which_o he_o do_v and_o will_v have_v the_o deed_n of_o his_o minister_n to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o esteem_v as_o his_o own_o deed_n unto_o which_o end_n be_v those_o speech_n in_o the_o gospel_n i_o will_v give_v unto_o 16._o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o bind_v or_o loose_a in_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v and_o loose_v in_o heaven_n again_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o remit_v they_o shall_v beremit_v and_o 20._o who_o sin_n soever_o yea_o retain_v they_o shall_v be_v retain_v but_o if_o the_o the_o minister_n deal_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o his_o lord_n have_v command_v he_o but_o pass_v the_o limit_n and_o bond_n of_o faith_n than_o the_o lord_n do_v make_v void_a that_o which_o he_o do_v wherefore_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o function_n whereby_o they_o do_v indeed_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o so_o as_o they_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n as_o he_o have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n which_o thing_n be_v so_o do_v the_o faithful_a do_v esteem_v they_o as_o do_v of_o the_o lord_n himself_o but_o touch_v the_o key_n we_o have_v speak_v somewhat_o before_o now_o the_o confess_n power_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o same_o &_o alike_o in_o all_o &_o in_o the_o begin_n the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n do_v with_o a_o common_a consent_n &_o labour_n govern_v the_o church_n no_o man_n lift_v up_o himself_o above_o a_o other_o none_o usurp_v great_a power_n or_o authority_n over_o his_o fellow_n bishop_n for_o they_o remember_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o which_o â—â—_o will_v be_v the_o chief_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o servant_n they_o keep_v in_o themselves_o by_o humility_n and_o do_v mutual_o aid_v one_o another_o in_o the_o government_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o for_o order_n sake_n some_o one_o of_o the_o minister_n call_v the_o assembly_n together_o propound_v unto_o the_o assembly_n the_o matter_n to_o be_v consult_v of_o gather_v together_o the_o voice_n or_o sentence_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o be_v brief_a as_o much_o as_o lay_v in_o he_o provide_v that_o there_o may_v arise_v no_o confusion_n so_o do_v s._n peter_n as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o act_n who_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v neither_o above_o the_o rest_n nor_o have_v great_a authority_n than_o the_o rest_n very_o true_a therefore_o be_v that_o say_n of_o cyprian_a the_o martyr_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr simple_a cler._n the_o same_o doubtless_o be_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o peter_n be_v have_v a_o equal_a fellowship_n with_o he_o both_o in_o honoâ—â—_n and_o power_n but_o the_o beginning_n hereof_o proceed_v from_o unity_n to_o signify_v unto_o we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n saint_n jerom_n upon_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o titus_n have_v a_o sayingnot_n much_o unlike_o this_o before_o that_o by_o the_o instinct_n of_o the_o devil_n there_o be_v partake_v in_o religion_n the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a advice_n of_o the_o priest_n but_o after_o that_o every_o one_o thought_n that_o those_o who_o he_o have_v baptize_v be_v his_o own_o &_o not_o christ_n it_o be_v decree_v that_o one_o of_o the_o priest_n shall_v bâ—_n choose_v &_o set_v over_o the_o rest_n who_o shall_v have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n lay_v upon_o he_o and_o by_o who_o mean_n all_o schism_n shall_v be_v remove_v yet_o jerom_n do_v not_o avouch_v this_o as_o a_o order_n set_v down_o of_o god_n for_o straight_o way_n after_o he_o add_v even_o as_o say_v he_o the_o priest_n know_v by_o the_o continual_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o that_o be_v set_v over_o they_o so_o the_o bishop_n must_v know_v that_o they_o be_v above_o the_o priest_n rather_o by_o custom_n then_o by_o the_o prescript_n rule_v of_o god_n truth_n &_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o common_a with_o they_o thus_o far_o jerome_n now_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v forbid_v by_o any_o right_n that_o we_o may_v return_v to_o the_o old_a appointement_n of_o god_n and_o rather_o receive_v that_o than_o the_o custom_n devise_v by_o man_n the_o office_n of_o the_o minister_n be_v diverse_a yet_o notwithstanding_o most_o man_n do_v restrain_v they_o to_o two_o in_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v comprehend_v to_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o lawful_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o minister_n to_o gather_v together_o a_o holy_a assembly_n therein_o to_o expound_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o also_o to_o apply_v the_o general_a doctrine_n to_o the_o state_n and_o use_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v may_v profit_v the_o hearer_n and_o may_v build_v up_o the_o faithful_a the_o minister_n duty_n i_o say_v be_v to_o teach_v the_o unlearned_a and_o to_o exhort_v yea_o and_o to_o urge_v they_o to_o go_v forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o do_v stand_v still_o or_o linger_v and_o go_v flowlie_o forward_o moreover_o to_o comfort_v and_o to_o strengthen_v those_o which_o be_v fainthearted_a and_o to_o arm_v they_o against_o the_o manifold_a temptation_n of_o satan_n to_o rebuke_v offender_n to_o bring_v home_n they_o that_o go_v astray_o to_o raise_v up_o they_o that_o be_v fall_v to_o convince_v the_o gainsayer_n to_o chase_v away_o the_o wolf_n from_o the_o lord_n flock_n to_o rebuke_v wickedness_n and_o wicked_a man_n wise_o and_o severelie_o not_o to_o wink_v at_o nor_o to_o pass_v over_o great_a wickedness_n and_o beside_o to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n &_o to_o commend_v the_o right_a use_n of_o they_o &_o to_o prepare_v all_o man_n by_o wholesome_a doctrine_n to_o receive_v they_o to_o keep_v together_o all_o the_o faithful_a in_o a_o holy_a unity_n &_o to_o meet_v with_o schism_n to_o conclude_v to_o catechise_v the_o ignorant_a to_o commend_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a to_o the_o church_n to_o visit_v &_o instruct_v those_o that_o be_v sick_a or_o entangle_v with_o diverse_a temptation_n &_o so_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n lasty_a to_o look_v diligent_o that_o there_o be_v public_a prayer_n &_o supplication_n make_v in_o time_n of_o necessity_n together_o with_o fast_v that_o be_v a_o holy_a abstinency_n &_o most_o careful_o to_o look_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o tranquillity_n safe_a tie_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o minister_n may_v perform_v all_o these_o thing_n the_o
at_o any_o time_n perform_v yet_o for_o all_o this_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n therefore_o what_o meritte_v can_v we_o dream_v of_o the_o seventeen_o section_n of_o ceremony_n and_o rite_n which_o be_v indifferent_a in_o general_a the_o latter_a confession_n of_o helvetia_n of_o rite_n ceremony_n and_o indifferent_a thing_n chap._n 27._o unto_o the_o ancient_a people_n in_o old_a time_n be_v give_v certain_a ceremony_n as_o a_o kind_n of_o school_n or_o pedagogie_n to_o those_o which_o be_v keep_v under_o the_o law_n as_o under_o a_o school_n master_n or_o tutor_n but_o christ_n the_o deliverer_n be_v once_o come_v and_o the_o law_n take_v away_o we_o which_o believe_v be_v no_o more_o under_o the_o 6._o law_n &_o the_o ceremony_n be_v vanish_v &_o wear_v out_o of_o use_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o far_o from_o retain_v they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o repair_v they_o that_o they_o witness_v plain_o that_o they_o will_v not_o lay_v any_o burden_n upon_o the_o church_n wherefore_o we_o shall_v seem_v to_o bring_v in_o and_o set_v up_o judaisme_n again_o if_o so_o be_v we_o shall_v multiply_v ceremony_n or_o rite_n in_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o old_a church_n therefore_o we_o be_v not_o of_o their_o judgement_n who_o will_v have_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n keep_v in_o with_o many_o and_o diverse_a rite_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o certain_a school_n or_o pedagogie_n for_o if_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o thrust_v upon_o the_o christian_a people_n the_o ceremony_n and_o rite_n which_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n who_o be_v there_o i_o pray_v you_o that_o be_v well_o in_o his_o wiâ—tes_n that_o will_v thrust_v upon_o it_o the_o invention_n devise_v by_o man_n the_o great_a that_o the_o heap_n of_o ceremony_n be_v in_o the_o church_n so_o much_o the_o more_o be_v take_v not_o only_o from_o christian_a liberty_n but_o also_o from_o christ_n and_o from_o faith_n in_o he_o while_o the_o people_n seek_v those_o thing_n in_o ceremony_n which_o they_o shall_v seek_v in_o the_o only_a son_n of_o god_n jesus_n christ_n through_o faith_n wherefore_o a_o few_o moderate_a &_o simple_a rite_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v suffice_v the_o godly_a and_o that_o there_o be_v find_v diversity_n of_o rite_n in_o the_o church_n lâ—t_v no_o man_n say_v therefore_o that_o the_o church_n do_v not_o agree_v socrates_n say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o set_v down_o in_o write_v all_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v throughout_o city_n and_o country_n no_o religion_n do_v keep_v every_o where_o the_o same_o ceremony_n although_o they_o admit_v and_o receive_v one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o doctrine_n touch_v they_o for_o even_o they_o which_o have_v one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o faith_n do_v disagree_v among_o themselves_o about_o ceremony_n thus_o much_o faith_n socrates_n &_o we_o at_o this_o day_n have_v diverse_a rite_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o in_o certain_a other_o thing_n in_o our_o church_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o disagree_v in_o doctrine_n and_o faith_n neither_o be_v the_o unity_n and_o society_n of_o our_o church_n rend_v a_o sunder_o for_o the_o church_n have_v always_o use_v their_o liberty_n in_o such_o rite_n as_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a which_o we_o also_o do_v at_o this_o day_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o we_o admonish_v man_n to_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o count_v not_o among_o thing_n indifferent_a such_o as_o indeed_o be_v not_o indifferent_a as_o some_o use_n to_o count_v the_o mass_n &_o the_o use_n of_o image_n in_o the_o church_n for_o thing_n indifferent_a that_o be_v indifferent_a say_v jerome_n to_o augustine_n which_o be_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a so_o that_o whether_o you_o do_v it_o or_o do_v it_o not_o you_o be_v never_o the_o more_o just_a or_o unjust_a thereby_o therefore_o when_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v wrest_v to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n they_o cease_v to_o be_v free_a as_o paul_n do_v show_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o eat_v flesh_n if_o no_o man_n do_v admonish_v he_o that_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o idol_n for_o than_o it_o be_v unlawful_a because_o he_o that_o eat_v it_o do_v seem_v to_o approve_v idolatry_n by_o eat_v of_o it_o out_o of_o the_o former_a confession_n of_o helvetia_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a 25._o those_o thing_n which_o be_v call_v &_o be_v proper_o thing_n indifferent_a although_o a_o godly_a man_n may_v in_o all_o place_n &_o at_o all_o time_n use_v they_o free_o yet_o he_o must_v only_o use_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o in_o charity_n to_o wit_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n and_o his_o neighbour_n out_o of_o the_o confession_n of_o basil_n in_o this_o section_n also_o may_v the_o ten_o article_n of_o this_o confession_n be_v place_v which_o we_o have_v partly_o refer_v to_o the_o first_o section_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o humane_a tradition_n partly_o to_o other_o section_n as_o occasion_v serve_v out_o of_o the_o confession_n of_o bohemia_n of_o accessory_n or_o thing_n indifferent_a to_o wit_n of_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n constitution_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o of_o christian_a liberty_n chap._n 15._o touch_v this_o accessory_a kind_n humane_a tradition_n constitution_n and_o ceremony_n bring_v in_o by_o a_o good_a custom_n man_n be_v teach_v that_o these_o be_v thing_n inferior_a in_o degree_n and_o less_o necessary_a then_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n yea_o that_o they_o be_v institute_v and_o appoint_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n and_o to_o serve_v thereunto_o and_o yet_o that_o they_o be_v with_o a_o uniform_a consent_n to_o be_v retain_v in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n of_o christian_a people_n at_o the_o common_a service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o your_o meeting_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o church_n decent_o &_o in_o order_n also_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n but_o they_o must_v always_o be_v keep_v with_o this_o caveat_n &_o within_o these_o bound_n that_o they_o be_v not_o take_v for_o foundation_n whereupon_o salvation_n must_v stay_v itself_o or_o for_o a_o worship_n which_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n without_o any_o difference_n &_o that_o they_o do_v not_o rather_o or_o more_o straigthly_a bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n than_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n do_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o lift_v up_o or_o prefer_v before_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v take_v for_o a_o ornament_n decency_n honest_a show_n and_o laudable_a discipline_n and_o so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o violate_v the_o christian_a liberty_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o faith_n nor_o disturb_v charity_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o no_o man_n by_o pretend_v a_o show_n of_o christian_a liberty_n do_v withdraw_v himself_o from_o such_o constitution_n as_o be_v godly_a &_o serve_v to_o a_o good_a use_n 1._o now_o by_o the_o name_n of_o christian_a liberty_n be_v chief_o understand_v that_o liberty_n whereby_o through_o christ_n we_o be_v free_v from_o sin_n and_o the_o curse_n and_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o law_n secondlie_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o ready_a will_n or_o of_o the_o voluntary_a spirit_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o do_v earnest_o and_o with_o pleasure_n and_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n exercise_v the_o work_n of_o faith_n towards_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o their_o neighbour_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n the_o mind_n be_v stir_v up_o to_o perform_v these_o thing_n rather_o of_o love_n then_o of_o debt_n or_o any_o compulsion_n also_o whereby_o we_o be_v make_v free_a from_o all_o bond_n of_o conscience_n to_o any_o humane_a tradition_n that_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v tie_v in_o such_o sort_n or_o rather_o more_o strict_o unto_o these_o then_o to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o last_o that_o no_o man_n may_v fuffer_v his_o conscience_n to_o be_v sear_v thereby_o as_o with_o a_o hot_a iron_n therefore_o according_a to_o these_o thing_n all_o those_o humane_a tradition_n and_o ceremony_n which_o do_v obscure_a or_o take_v away_o the_o glory_n honour_n worship_n and_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o do_v withdraw_v the_o people_n from_o true_a and_o sincere_a faith_n and_o in_o a_o word_n in_o respect_n whereof_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v break_v neglect_a and_o light_o regard_v &_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o exercise_v or_o handle_v according_a to_o it_o own_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n they_o be_v not_o only_o not_o
to_o be_v observe_v but_o to_o be_v avoid_v for_o christ_n our_o lord_n do_v sharp_o reproove_v those_o pharisy_n and_o master_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o name_n of_o such_o rite_n and_o tradition_n and_o for_o 29._o that_o they_o do_v observe_v such_o when_o he_o say_v very_o well_o have_v esay_n prophesy_v of_o you_o hypocrite_n as_o it_o be_v write_v this_o people_n honour_v i_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o away_o from_o i_o but_o they_o worship_v i_o in_o vain_a see_v that_o they_o teach_v such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v deliver_v and_o bring_v in_o by_o man_n for_o you_o lie_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n apart_o and_o observe_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o holy_a paul_n do_v admonish_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o such_o toy_n devise_v by_o man_n when_o he_o say_v beware_v lâ—st_v there_o be_v any_o that_o spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n through_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o rudimente_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ_n consuetud_fw-la whereof_o also_o there_o be_v canon_n extant_a in_o the_o canon_n law_n and_o the_o word_n be_v these_o we_o praise_v custom_n yet_o that_o only_o which_o be_v know_v to_o use_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o catholic_a faith_n wherefore_o those_o rite_n only_o and_o those_o good_a ceremony_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v which_o among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n do_v build_v up_o one_o only_a and_o that_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o a_o sincere_a worship_n of_o god_n concord_n charity_n and_o true_a and_o christian_n or_o religious_a peace_n therefore_o whether_o they_o have_v their_o beginning_n and_o be_v bring_v in_o of_o bishop_n or_o of_o ecclesiastical_a counsel_n or_o of_o any_o other_o author_n whatsoever_o the_o simple_a sort_n be_v not_o to_o care_v for_o it_o neither_o to_o be_v move_v or_o disquiet_v but_o to_o use_v they_o to_o good_a because_o they_o be_v good_a and_o to_o observe_v this_o only_a rule_n therein_o as_o always_o to_o put_v their_o great_a confidence_n in_o those_o thing_n only_o which_o be_v of_o god_n settle_v their_o only_a and_o chief_a refuge_n in_o those_o thing_n and_o with_o all_o diligence_n take_v heed_n that_o they_o be_v not_o withdraw_v by_o such_o ceremony_n from_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o and_o whereon_o religion_n be_v found_v and_o so_o by_o consequent_a from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o for_o those_o divine_a and_o wholesome_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v in_o every_o respect_n before_o all_o other_o thing_n of_o all_o man_n and_o the_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v bind_v to_o they_o alone_o for_o the_o lord_n himself_o do_v pronounce_v a_o woe_n against_o those_o elder_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o prefer_v their_o own_o tradition_n before_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o those_o which_o be_v the_o lesser_a before_o thing_n of_o great_a weight_n you_o 11._o leave_v say_v he_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n as_o judgement_n and_o mercy_n and_o fidelity_n these_o ought_v you_o to_o have_v do_v and_o not_o to_o have_v leave_v the_o other_o and_o although_o our_o preacher_n do_v not_o keep_v all_o rite_n alike_o with_o other_o church_n the_o which_o thing_n neither_o can_v be_v neither_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v that_o in_o all_o place_n where_o there_o be_v christian_a assembly_n one_o and_o the_o same_o ceremony_n shall_v be_v use_v yet_o they_o do_v not_o withstand_v or_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o any_o good_a and_o godly_a constitution_n neither_o be_v they_o so_o mind_v as_o that_o for_o the_o ceremony_n sake_n they_o will_v raise_v up_o any_o dissension_n although_o they_o shall_v think_v that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v not_o very_o necessary_a so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o find_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o worship_n and_o glory_n and_o be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o diminish_v true_a faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n which_o alone_o do_v purchase_v righteousness_n howbeit_o in_o this_o place_n and_o in_o this_o point_n it_o must_v not_o be_v pass_v over_o with_o silence_n to_o wit_n that_o we_o ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o burden_v the_o people_n with_o many_o superfluous_a and_o grievous_a tradition_n such_o as_o the_o moysaicall_a tradition_n be_v under_o the_o law_n for_o the_o apostle_n forbid_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v as_o also_o holy_a peter_n say_v unto_o certain_a concern_v this_o matter_n why_o do_v you_o tempt_v god_n 5._o in_o lay_v a_o yoke_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o the_o disciple_n also_o be_v you_o not_o say_v paul_n entangle_v with_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n for_o which_o cause_n also_o christ_n do_v vehementlie_o inveigh_v against_o the_o scribe_n 11._o say_v woe_n also_o be_v to_o you_o scribe_n for_o you_o lie_v burden_n upon_o man_n shoulder_n which_o can_v scarce_o be_v bear_v also_o man_n be_v teach_v to_o acknowledge_v this_o that_o humane_a tradition_n do_v not_o contain_v a_o perpetual_a and_o immutable_a law_n but_o as_o they_o be_v for_o just_a cause_n institute_v of_o man_n so_o also_o they_o may_v upon_o just_a and_o weighty_a cause_n and_o if_o the_o matter_n so_o require_v be_v break_v abrogate_a and_o change_v without_o any_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o 7._o do_v transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n when_o as_o they_o do_v eat_v bread_n with_o unwashed_a hand_n and_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o same_o fast_n with_o other_o add_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o by_o this_o mean_n guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n also_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o first_o and_o holy_a church_n upon_o which_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a council_n lay_v this_o commandment_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o they_o shall_v abstain_v from_o the_o eat_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v sacrifice_v 15._o to_o idol_n and_o of_o blood_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v strangle_v notwithstanding_o after_o that_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n for_o the_o which_o this_o decree_n be_v make_v in_o process_n of_o time_n do_v vanish_v away_o even_o this_o apostolical_a constitution_n do_v grow_v out_o of_o use_n neither_o in_o these_o thing_n ought_v we_o to_o care_n for_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o wicked_a who_o be_v offend_v with_o this_o thing_n as_o the_o lord_n say_v let_v they_o alone_o they_o be_v blind_a and_o guide_v of_o the_o blind_a and_o 15._o on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o must_v take_v diligent_a heed_n hereunto_o that_o 15._o no_o offence_n be_v give_v to_o little_a one_o by_o a_o rash_a froward_a and_o wicked_a use_v of_o christian_a liberty_n for_o this_o also_o the_o lord_n say_v woe_n be_v to_o that_o man_n by_o who_o offence_n come_v now_o if_o so_o be_v that_o there_o be_v any_o unlikenes_n in_o tradition_n and_o external_a ceremony_n and_o if_o any_o diversity_n which_o be_v not_o hurtful_a be_v find_v in_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n certeinlie_o not_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o ignorant_a in_o these_o thing_n as_o for_o this_o cause_n to_o be_v offend_v therewith_o or_o to_o take_v offence_n at_o other_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n to_o reproach_n or_o hurt_v other_o or_o to_o be_v a_o author_n of_o sect_n and_o also_o of_o faction_n see_v that_o there_o be_v never_o in_o all_o place_n one_o and_o the_o same_o form_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n in_o this_o point_n neither_o be_v at_o this_o day_n the_o same_o the_o which_o thing_n also_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n in_o these_o word_n the_o holy_a church_n of_o rome_n do_v know_v scit_fw-la that_o constitution_n and_o custom_n be_v diverse_a according_a to_o time_n &_o place_n do_v nothing_o at_o all_o hinderthe_a salvation_n of_o the_o faithful_a if_o the_o canonical_a authority_n be_v not_o against_o they_o rather_o it_o become_v every_o sound_a christian_a to_o be_v content_a in_o his_o conscience_n to_o rest_v in_o that_o if_o he_o see_v christian_n to_o have_v the_o one_o spirit_n of_o 4._o christ_n and_o with_o agree_v mind_n to_o hold_v and_o follow_v his_o true_a meaning_n and_o one_o and_o the_o same_o doctrine_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o chief_a point_n of_o faith_n for_o he_o that_o have_v not_o this_o 8._o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v not_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v witness_n although_o he_o use_v all_o and_o every_o kind_n of_o ceremony_n or_o constitution_n therefore_o whosoever_o be_v christ_n this_o be_v their_o duty_n as_o in_o all_o other_o such_o like_a thing_n that_o as_o member_n of_o one_o body_n they_o do_v suffer_v and_o bear_v one_o with_o a_o other_o in_o charity_n without_o the_o which_o no_o thing_n can_v profit_v any_o whit_n according_a 13._o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n out_o of_o the_o french_a confession_n 32._o we_o