found in Israel to serue the Lord their God 2. Chro. 34. 33. VVith the K. of Nihiuch for th'auoiding of th'imment vengeance of God Ionas 3. 7. c. Proclaime a general Fast. Command euerie man to turn from his euil waie and from the wikednes that is in his handes Herun to subscribe the Churches ptotestant Confe of Heluet. 1 arâ— 26. Heluet. 2. c. 30 Basil. art 7. Bohem. cap. 16. France art 39. Flan. art 36. Saxon. art 23. VVitte cap. 35. The Papists as in other pointes so herein disceÌ„t altogether from the true Church of God For thei teach that No Queen No King None Emperor Hath anie â—uctoâ—tie to deliberate or define in mâ—tters of Religion or to make anie lawes for th'aduancemeÌ„t of the same religion yea vvhat Prince soeuer doth so he shal bee damned saie theie vndoubtedly except theie do repent 4 Th' office of the ciuil Magistrate hath in part alrea die bin declared in this article in part also this proposition she vveth namely that hee is to restraine and if need be to punish the disturbers of the quiet peace of his Common-vvealth and that if occasion do require By force of armes if th' enemies of his State be Foraine Domestical And theie gathered together be Manie Mightie To this end principallie theie haue Men Munition Subsidies Tributs Thus against th' enemies of God good men vvent of Israel Iudah The valiant Iudges The noble and puissant Kinges Princes By executing of wholsome lawes vpon the Goods Cattel Lands Bodies Of their disobedient subiects For he is the minister of God to take vengance on him that doeth euil Rom. 13. 4. Therefore Princes are to be feared Not of them vvhich do wel Rom. 13. 3. Of such as doe vvickedlie Rom. 13. vâ—â— 3. 4. Theie vvhich haue profited in the schoole of Christianitie novvhit doue heereof Confe of Heluet 1 ar 24. 26 Heluet. 2. c. 30. Basil. art 7. Bohem. cap. 16. France art 39. Flan. art 36. Ausb ar 16. Saxon. art 23. But The Cresconians are of an opinion that the Magistrates ar to punish no malefactors Rabanus drea meth that magistracy is not th'ordinaunce of God for the good but an humane inuention for the hurt of man Th'anab aptists deliuer that before the resurrectioÌ„ther shalnot be anie magistrats for al the wiked shal be rooted out The like fancie haue the Fam. of Loue. The Papists think that the Cleargie are not to be punished or corrected of the ciuil magistrate 5 The Bishop of Rome did he Preach the Gospel 1. Cor 9 v. 16 17. 1. Tim. 4 2. Mat. 28. 19 Labor in the Lorde his haruest Mat. 9 38. Diuide the word of God aâ—ight â— Tim. â— 15. Minister the Sacraments instituted by Christ that syncerelie Matt. 28 19. 1. Cor. 10 16. Shew by his life the goodfruits of à godly Bishop 1. Tim. 3 2. c. Tit. 1 7. c Doubtles hee were worthie of double honor by the word of God 1. Tim 5. 17 yet wil not the same worde of God were he neuer so holie religious warrant him anie iurisdictioÌ„ within this realme much lesse when hee doth execute no part of à Christian but euerie part of an Antichristian Bishop In corrupting the doctrin of the truth with errors cursed opinions In defacing the sacrameÌ„ts of the church by supersticious ceremonies In persecuting the Church of Christ with fire and sword In making marchandise of the soules of men thorough couetousnes 2 Pet. 2 3. In plâ—ieng the Lorde ouer gods heretage 1. Pet. 5. 3. In sitting in the temple of God as God shewing himself that hee is God 2. Thes. 2 4. In exalting himself against al that is called god or that is worshipped 2. Thes. 2 4. In respect of which fruits of impietie the pope of Rome He is described in the holie scripture to be verie Antichrist eueÌ„ The wikedman That man of sinne The son of pâ—idition Th' aduersarie of God 2. Thes. 2 3. c. Hee was openlie proclaimed Antichrist by à councel in France in the raigne of Capet He is called by the godlie learned The prince among al the children of pride Verie Lucifer The Basiliske of the Church The plague of the world Neither the head nor the taile of the Church of God His iurisdiction hath bine and is banished out oâ— Englande by manie kings parliments namelie by K. Edwarde the 1. 3. 6. Richard the 2. Henrie the 4 8. His pride and intollerable supremacie is renounced by al the true seruants of God by mouth and writing Confel of Hel. 1. 2. 18 Helue 2 c. 17. 18. Boh. c. 8. 9 Fland art 28. 31. VVittem art 31. Ausburg touching abuses 1 art 7. And that vpon good cause he is thus detested it appeareth as by that alreadie setdowne so by that which the Papists themselues giue out of their holie father as namelie that The pope is In supremacle Abel In gouerning of the Aâ—ke Noah In patriarkship Abraham In Order Melchisedech In dignitie Aaron In auctoritie Moses In iudgement Samuel In zeale Helias In humilitie Dauid In power Peter In respect of his vnâ—tion Christ. The general pastor The common father of al Christians The high pastor of Gods vniuersal Church The prince of Gods people God In title God euen the Lorde God the Pope For power god By him kings raigne He maie iudge al but must be iudged of none He can do what him list as wel as God except sin He hath vniuersal iurisdiction ouer the whole world Vpon paine of damnation al christians are to yeeld obedience to the Pope 6 As the natures of men be diuers and sometimes in some countries more abund than in other so are the punishments to bee imposed vpon malefactors according to the quantitie and qualitie of th'offeÌ„ce and anie countrie and realm maie punish offendors and that with death is the laws thereof do so command and the case requireth For Al that take the sword shal perish with the sworde Matth. 26 52. Gouernors are seÌ„t of the king 1. Pet. 2 14. For The punishmeÌ„t of euil doers The praise of them that do wel A wise king scattereth the wiked and causeth the wheele to turne ouer them Rom. 20 26. The magistrate Rom 13 4. He beareth not the sworde for nought He is the minister of God to takeven geance on theÌ„ that do euil In regarde wherof in some places before the magistrats are borne Rods to correct them which be reformable To cut of such as are past recouerie and rotten meÌ„bers Axes Hatchets Halberds Swords but not bare and naked but in the scabberd to signifie That theie are to haue death which deserue the same yet coÌ„meth the magistrate to that execution vrged therunto by necessitie rather than willinglie VVhich punishments do testifie to the world that God is al iust which wil haue Some sinnes more seuerelie punished than others The magistrat to cut of dangerous and vngodly members God is merciful and hath à care
THE English Creede CONSENTING WITH the true auncient Catholique and Apostolique Church in al points and articles of Religion which euerie Christian is to know and beleeue that would be saued THE SECOND PART in most loyal manner to the glorie of God credit of our Church and displaieng of al haeresies and errors both olde and newe contrarie to the faith subscribed vnto by Thomas Rogers Allowed by auctoritie 3. ESDR 4. Magna est veritas praeualet AT LONDON Printed by Robert Walde-graue for Andrew Maunsel at the Brasen Serpent in Pauls Church-yard 1587. TAM GENERE QVAM VIRTVTE PRAECELLENTI D. CHRISTOPHERO HATTONO EQVITI AVRATO REGNI ANGLIAE SVMMO CANCELLARIO ALIIS QVE MVLTIS NOMINIBVS HONORATISSIMO VIRO SVO OPTIMO MAECENATI AC PATRONO THOM AS ROGERIVS POSTERIOREM HANC SYMBOLO ANGLICANO SVBSCRIPTIONIS SVAE PARTEM HONORIS GRATIQVE ANIMI TESTIFICATIONIS ERGO DEVOTE CONSECRAVIT 20. ARTICLE Of the auctoritie of the Church THe Church hath power 1 to decree rites or ceremonies and auctoritie 3 in controuersies of faith And yet it is not laufull for the Church 2 to ordaine anie thing that is contrarie to Gods worde 4 neither maie it so expounde one place of Scripture 5 that it be repugnant to another Wherefore although 6 the Churche be à witnesse and à keeper of holie writ yet as it ought not to decree anie thing against the same so besides the same 7 ought it not to enforce anie thing to be beleeued for necessitie of saluation The Propositions 1 The Church hath power to decree rites or ceremonies 2 The Church maie not appoint what rites or ceremonies it will 3 The Church hath auctortie to iudge in controuersies of faith 4 The Church hath power to interprete and expound the worde of God 5 The Analogie of faith must bee expected in the exposition of the Scripture 6 The Church is the witnesse and keeper of Gods word 7 The Church may not enforce any thing to be beleued as is necessarie vnto saluation that is either contrarie or besides the word of God 1 The Churches auctoritie to decree rites or ceremonies Is warranted in the worde of God By th' example of the Apostles who did ordaine rites or ceremonies as among other thinges that in the Church Men should not be couered 1. Corinth 11. 4. c. VVomen Should be couered 1. Corinth 11. 5. Should keep silence 1. Corinth 14. 34. A known tongue should be vsed 1. Cor. 14. 1. c. By the general perpetual commaundement of God himselfe whoe at al times wil haue euery thing in the Church to be done As being the auctor not of confusion but of peace 1. Cor. 14. ver 26. 33. 40. Honestlie By order Vnto aedification Is graunted in the publique Confessions of the Churches protestant as Confession of Heluet. 1. Artic. 13. Heluet. 2. cap. 22. 23. 24. Basil art 10. Bohem. cap. 15. 17. France artic 32. Fland. artic 32 Ausburg artic 4. 5. 7. 15. Sax. artic 20. Sucuia cap. 8. 14. VVittem cap. 27. 35. This power being giuen by the supreme auctoritie vnto the Churche theie doe greatly offend VVho by an extreme detestation conceaued against ceremonies do condemne Generallie al rites or ceremonies as do some fantastical spirites Particularlie some commendable ceremonies so is the celebration of the Sabbat disliked of certaine Familists VVhiche thinke the Church is tied precisely to obserue the ceremonies Of the Iewes so Did the False Apostles Cerdonits Cerinthians Nazarens Doe the Iewes Turkes Armenians Of the Romish synagogue in which error be The hot Papists The halfe Papistes the Fam of Loue. VVhich holde that either any one man or any certaine callinge hath power to decree appoint rites or ceremonies though of themselues good vnto the whole Church of God 2. As it is à cleere truth that the church maie ordaine ceremonies So true it is also that the Church hath no power to appoint what rites or ceremonies it will but they must make To the Nourishing and increase of loue and friendship among men Such Reteining of the faithful in the holie feare of God Such In the primatiue Church were the rites principalie about Baptisme Excommunication The L. Supper In these dais in the reformed Churches are the ceremonies touching For the Church to meete in The times The places In the Church The praiers The seruice The persons Not to the vpholding of vice or superstitious vanities among the people as theie do If of themselues theie be meetlie wiked and vngodlie as are Popish Masses Images in the Church If being in their owne nature indifferent yet being supersticiouslie vsed are vngodlie as are the difference of daies and meates and apparel c. when it is thought that such rites Do deserue remission of sinnes Are th'acceptable seruice of God Be of necessitie vnder the paine of Gods eternal cursse to be obserued of al and euerie man This is consonantor agreeable To the worde of God Eze 20 v. 18. 19 Matth. 15. 13. Mat. 7. 7 c. Luke 11. 46. Gal. 51. Col. 2. 8. c. Tit. 1. 14. To the sound CoÌ„fessions of Christ his church CoÌ„fes of Heluet. 2. c. 15. France art 33. Flan. art 32. Ausb art 7. 15 Sax. art 20. VVitteÌ„ art 35. Sueuia c. 14. But as light is vnto darkenes coÌ„traeie to al such As are of opinion that the Church hath absolute auctoritie to ordaine what lawes rites or ceremonies it thinketh good As wil make and that as theie saie by thâ—auctoritie giuen vnto the church of à ceremonie à matter of substance and of à thing of substance à ceremonie as theie do which turne the 2 commandemeÌ„ts of the Decaloge into à ceremonial lawe As both obscure the glorie of God by their Masses inuocatioÌ„ of creatures c. and frustrate the merits of our Sauior by their meritorious pardons fasting pilgrimages c. deface the holie Sacraments of Christ by the vain ceremonies of Antichrist hinder the preaching of Gods word by ouer mâ—nie tedious traditions and keep the people of God in daÌ„nable ignorance by preferring the ordinances of meÌ„ before th'institution of God and leaue that vndone which God hath commanded to be done to performe that which the Church hath coÌ„manded such are the Papists 3 Auctoritie is giuen to the Church and to euerie member of iudgement in the same to iudge in controuersies of faith and so in their places To embrace the truth To auoid and improue Antichristianitie errors And this is not the priuate opinion of our Church but The straight coÌ„mandemeÌ„t of God himselfe To teachers â— Tim. 4. 7. 1 Tim. 6. 20 Tit. 1. 9. Tit. 3. 10. To heaters Hier. 23 16. Matth 7. 15 Ioh. 10. 3 c Phil. 3 2. Heb. 13 9. 2. Pet. 3 17. 2 Iohn ver 10. To the whole Church Matt. 24. 23 1. Cor. 14. v. 20. 23. 24. 1. Thes. 5 21 Iam. 5 19. Iudes epist. Reuel 18 4. 1. Cor. 10. 15 The iudgement of our godlie brethren
in other places of the reformed Church name lie in the Confes. of VVittem art 32. Sueuin art 15. Sound in iudgment therefore theie are not VVhich being not of the Church of Christ wil notwithstanding take vpon them to iudg yea to condemne the doctrine of the Church of God as do The Machiauils The Iewes The Turkes The Papists The Fam. of Loue. The Anab. VVhich hold that the Pope alone hath power To iudg al men and matters but maie be iudged of none To make reuoke at his pâ—â—suâ—e what articles of Religion him listeth and that without controlment VVhich suppose there is No iudgment but in the Clergie so called None auctoritie to determine of controuersies in Religion but by the bookes of the dead Fathers Doctors Schole men as Thâ—â— Aquinas â—coâ—â—â— c. 4 To interpret the word of God is à peculiar blessing giueÌ„ by God onelie to the church or companie of the faithful though not to al and euerie of them For Saith our Sauiour Of men in general No man knoweth the Sonne but the Father neither knoweth anie man the Father but the Sonne and he to whom the Sonne wil reueile him Mat. 11. 27. Of his faithful disciples It is giuen to you to know the secrets of heauen but to them it is not giuen Matth. 13 11. Saith S. Paul vnto the church at Corinth The manifestation of the Spirit is giuen to euerie man to profit withal For to one is giuen by the Spirit the worde of wisedome c. And to another prophecie 1. Cor. 12. 7 c. If anie thing be reueiled to another that sitteth by let the first hold his peace 1. Cor. 14. 30. The Apostles Iames and Iohn do write vnto al the Church or people of God If anie man lacke wisdome let him aske of God Iam. 1 5. Ye haue an ointment from him that is holie and yee haue knowne al things c ye know the truth c ye need not that anie man teach you 1. Iohn 2. ver 20 21 27. Hereunto subscribe the Churches in Heluet. Confes. 2. c. 7. Bohem. Confes. c. 1. VVitteÌ„ Confes. c. 30. Al of vs iointlie opposing our selues Against those men which thinke that to expound the word of God is so easie à matter as anie student indued with à good natural wit by diligence maie do the same Against them that teach how to interpret or expound the Scriptures is too hard à thing for anie mortal man to attaine vnto such VVas Iohannes de VVessalia Are manie of the Anabaptists Against the fam of Loue who though they grant some can expound or open so far as is conuenient for man to know the meaning of God in his word yet that Some there saie are themselues and none other Against the Papists VVhich thinke that to interpret the holie scripture is not so much à special gift of God vpoÌ„ some chosen persons as an ordinarie power annexed to the state of Popes Bishops General Councels That are so far from giuing the people of God not being of the Clergie power to expound that theie vvil not suffer them to read no not so much as to haue the Scriptures in à vulgar tongue except it be their ovvne most corrupt and barbarous translation vvhich but of late yeeres neither and that in part too is granted But for the Scripture of God in place theie obtruded Festiuals Legends Rosaries Horaries Psalâ—eries of our Ladie 5 Forsomuch as no prophecie is of anie priuate motion 2. Pet. 1. 20. and whatsoeuer interpretation man giueth not agreeing to Th'analogie of faith which S. Paul from God gaue in commandement to be obserued Rom. 12. 6. is à priuate interpretation special heed is to be had that one place of Scripture be so expounded as it agree with another and al to the proportion of faith This do the Churches protestant so like of as theie approue the same by publique Subscription as maie appeare in the Confession of Heluet. 1. art 2. Heluet. 2. c 2. France art 7. Saxon. art 1. VVittem ca. 30. 31. 33. Sueauia art 1. This wil not be granted of the Antichristian synagogues whereof Some thinke that the Scripture may be expounded in what sense and to what purpose we wil as the Helchesaits Papists among whome theie be which from this opinioÌ„ do tearme the most holie word of God in reproch A shipmaÌ„â— hoase A leaden rule A nose of waxe Some condemne al interpretation of the word as vnnecessarie theie being taught as theie saie of God himseÌ„lfe such are the Libertines Some depend vpon visions and Reuelations as the Euthusiasts Anabaptists Some dislike of the literal calling it à Grammatical sense and so prefer the Allegorical exposition that theie cal it the spiritual sense of Gods word and therbie make vvhat them list of the Scriptures most monstrouslie as the Originists Fam. of Loue Some vvil haue of euerie place of Scripture an exposition Analogical Allegorical Historical Moral As the curious Thomists Monches Some are addicted to an interpretation vvhich theie cal mystical and prophetical as the Bâ—â—â—ardists Some thinke th'interpretation vvhich the Church of Rome maketh of the Scripture vvhatsoeuer it be is the od and the onelie true sense of Gods vvord as Harding doth Some deeme that as the Church by time doth alter so th'interpretation of the Scripture also maie varie vvhereby that vvhich in Th'apostles time vvas à truth in theis daies shal be an error and contrarivvise in this error vvas Cardinal Cusanus 6 Though the church hath power to heare determine in controuersies of saith as alreadie hath bine prooued yet hath the Church auctoritie nei ther to iudge the worde of God not to iudge otherwise than the word of God doth iudg For it is said To the church Novve I besceche you brethren marke theÌ„ diligentlie which cause diuision and offences contrarie to the doctrine which ye learned and auoid them Rom. 16. 7. Heare him euen Christ Math 17. 5. To him giue al the Prophets vvitnesce Act. 10. 43. Search the Scriptures Iohn 5. 39. VVhosoeuer transgresceth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ hath not God 2. Iohn vers 9. Yee are no more straungers and forreners c. and are built vpon the foundation of Th'apostles and Prophets c. Ephes. 2 19. Heereby shal yee knowe the spirite of God c. 1. Iohn 4. 2. Of the holie Scripture The worde is the truth Iohn 17. 17. The whol Scripture c is profitable to teach to improue to correct to instruct in righteousnes that the man of God maie be absolute c. 2. Tim. 6. ver 16. 17. They haue Moses and the Prophets let them hear them Luk. 16. 29. VVee haue also à most sure vvorde of the Prophets to the which ye do wel that yee take heede c. 2. Pet. 1. 19. If anie man teache otherwise consenteth not to the wholsome wordes of our L. I. Christ and to the doctrine which is according to godlines he is pust vp
Baptist. Inioined to preache not in one or a fevve places but ouer the whole vvorlde so were th'apostles but not Iesus Christ. 2 Of men as they be who are sent of men not auctorized thereunto by the vvord of God that to the disquieting of the good estate of Christ his Church such In Th'apostles time vvere the false Apostles In our daies are the S. Augustine saith Al which are thus sent are Liars And their calling is vnlawful Annabaptistes Iesuites Seminarie priests 3 By men so in the primiâ—lue Church by Th'apostles vvere Pastors and Elders ordained vvho by the same auctoritie ordained other Pastors and teachers VVhence it is that the Church as it hath bine so it shal â—â—l th' end of the vvorlde â—e prouided for They who are thus called haue povver neither to vvorke miracles as Th'apostles had noâ— to preach and minister the Sacraments vvhere theie vvil as Th'apostles might but theâ—e are tied euerie man to his charge vvhich theâ—e must faithfullie attende vpon except vrgent occasion do enforce the contrarie The calling of theis men is tearmed à general calling and it is th' ordinarie and in theis daies the lawful calling allowed by the word of God So â—eâ—â—fie with vs the true Churches else-where in the vvorld Confession of Heluet. 1. art 17. Heluet. 2. cap. 18. Bohem. cap. 9 France art 31. Fland. art 31 Ausburg art 1â— VVittemb art 20. Sueaue art 13 This truth manie vvaies hath bine resisted For there be which thinke There is no calling but th'extraordinarie and special calling in theis daies Al are to be taken for which are not sacrificing Priestes annointed by the Antichristian Bishops of the Romish lynagogue VVolues Hieâ—lings Lai-men Intruders That so manie as are sent by the Church are sent of the holie Ghost vvhen vve knovve hovve often times the CHVRCHE sendeth for Laborers idle workmen Frendes enemies Phisitions murtherers True Pastors vvolues and Apostataes Theie maie take the charge of Congregations and yet performe no duetie That no Bishop or Minister should remaine still in one place but vvander An error of the Familie 6 Though it bee in the power of them which haue publique auctoritie in the Church t' appoint Ministers in the Congregation yet maie theie admit neither whom they wil nor as they wil themselues but they are both deliberatelie to chuse and orderlie to cal such as theie haue chosen This made Th'apostles Elders in the primitiue Church Straightlie to charge that suddenlie hands should be laid vpon no man 1. Tim 5. 22. To make special choise oftwaine where of one was to be elected into the place of Iudas Acts. 1. 23. By election to ordaine Elders in euery church and by To commend them to the Lord. Acts. 14 23. Praier Fasting Laieng on of hands 1. Tim. 4 14. to consecrate them To describe who were to be chosen called For theie are to be Men not â—oies VVomen 1. Tim 2. 12. Men of good behauior 1. Tim. 3. 2 c Not incontinent Not giuen to vvine Not strikers Not couerous Not proud 1. Peâ— 5. 3. Titus 1 7. Not froward Not iâ—eâ—ul No giuers of offence 2. Cor. 6 3. Men of special gifts Apt to teach 1. Tim. 3. 2. Able to exhort Tit 1. 9. VVise to diuide the vvord of God aâ—ight 2. Tim. 2. 15. Bold to reproue 1. Tim. 5. 21. Tit. 1 9. VVilling to take paines Matt. 9 38. 2. Tim 4 2. VVatchful to ouersee Acts. 20 28. Patient to suffer Acts. 5 41. 2. Tim. 4 8. Constant to endure al maner of afflictions 2. Cor. 11 23. c. They who are â—o chosen called maie fightlie be numbred among the lavvful ministers On th' other side in an error they remaine vvhich thinke That the due election and calling of Ministers according to the vvorde of God is of no such necessitie to the making of Ministers That women maie bee In vvhich error the Pepuzians vvere Elders Bishops That à special care is not to bee had both of the life and of the learning of men or that vviked men of euil life or ignorant men vvithout learning or Asses of no gifts or loitereâ—s vvhich do no good or fauourers of superstition vvhich do great hurt are to bee admitted into or maintained in the holie ministerie That they are causes vvhich in deede aâ— none to keepe men fró the Ecclesiastical function as if men They may not bee priests say the Papists Be maried Haue had certaine wiues Haue not al outvvarde gifts of the bodie thogh endued with heauenlie talents Haue bine baptized of haeretiks c Theis ought not to busie themselues about the word saie the Familists Haue not bine trained vp in the Familie Are not Elders in the Familie of Loue. This do the Churches protestant by their publike Confessions approue Hel. 2. c. 18. Hel. 1. ar 25. Bohem. c. 9. Franc. ar 3. 1. Fland. art 31. Ausb art 14. VVitt. ar 20. Sueau ar 13. 24. ARTICLE Of speaking in the Congregation in such a tongue as the people vnderstand not IT is à thing plainlie repugnant to the worde of God and the custome of the primitiue church to haue publike praier in the church or to minister the Sacraments in à tongue not vnderstanded of the people The Propositions Publique praier and the Sacraments must be ministred in á knowen tongue This article needeth smal proofe For who so is perswaded as al true christians of vnderstanding are that what is done publiklie by á strange language in the Church not vnderstood of the people Profiteth not the Congregation 1. Cor. 14 ver 6. 9. 14. Aedifieth not the weake 1. Cor. 14. ver 4 17 26. Instructeth not th' ignorant 1. Cor. 14. 19. Inflameth not the zeale 1. Co 14. 9. Offendeth the hearers 1. Cor. 14. ver 7. â—1 Abuseth the people 1. Cor. 14. ver 1. 16. Displeaseth God Matth. 15. 8. Bringeth religion into contempt 1. Cor. 14. 23. Easilie wil thinke that where the praiers be said or the Sacraments administred in à tongue not vnderstood of the people there The word of God is not regarded The custome of the primitiue churche is not obserued This article as al true Christians doe beleeue so some by pub Confessions doe graunt Con. of Helnet 2. c. 22. VVittem cap. 27. Ausburg de Misca art 3. Sueaue c. 21. But there is nothing so apparent which hath not by some aduersaries bine denied So contrarie to this article Some as the Marcosians at the ministration of Baptisme haue vsed certaine Hebrue wordes not to aedifie but to terifie and astonishe the mindes of the weake and ignorant people Some theie be the papists wil haue al seruice praiers and Sacraments that throughout the world ministred in an vnknowen tongue And among theis papists There bee which holde that the lesse theie vnderstande the more deuout the people wil be For ignorance is the mother of deuotion There bee which write that praiers not vnderstood of the people are acceptable of Satan I
vpon the word of god is to speake soule errors vntruths For in al the holie Scripture there is no mention It is an error to saie there is anie other ointmeÌ„t giuen to the strengthning of the church militant besides the holie Ghost 1. Iohn 2 27 Of the matter that it must be Chrisme that made of Oliue oile and Baulme and consecrated of à Bishop Of the forme that either the Bishop must signe him that is to bee confirmeâ— vvith the signe of the Crosse or that anie Godfather c should be thâ— at c. Of the minister that 〈◊〉 must be à Bishop thaâ—â— to confirme Of th' effects that therebie Sinnes are pardoned 〈◊〉 â—emised The grace Baptisme iâ— made perfeâ—â— c. It is an error to thinke that anie 〈…〉 can giue heauenly graces to any 〈…〉 It is an error t'ascribe saluatioÌ„ to 〈…〉 and not onelie to Christ. It sauoreth of Donatisme to measures dignitie of the Sacraments by the 〈…〉 thinesse of the Ministers It is an error that men cannot be 〈…〉 fect Christians vvithout Popish Câ—â—mation It is an error that by Confirmation holie Ghost is giuen to the ful â— The Sacrament of Repentance which is baptisme Luk. 3 3. we allow but that Popish poenance is à Sacrament we altogither denie As of CoÌ„firmation so of PoenaÌ„â—e th' aduersaries do publish foure things to be noted and none of theÌ„ trulie grounded vpon the word of God First the matter which of the Papists some do saie is Th'actioÌ„s of the poenitent person that is to saie Th'absolution by the Priest Sufficient contrition of hart Perfect CoÌ„fession Of al sinnes and that in particular Of al circumstances as of place time c Satisfactions in works vvhich maketh à ful amends for al offences Secondlie the forme which In the Priest is the words of absolutioÌ„ which the priest vttereth ouer the sinner In the persoÌ„ poenitent is His kneeling down at the priests feet His making the sign of the crosse vpoÌ„ his breast His saieng benedicite to his ghost lie father The priest beareth the person of God is the lavvful iudge ouer the poenitent and may Absolue from the gilt of sinne Inflict à punishment according to th' offence Thirdly the Minister who Ordinarilie is the Curat of euerie parish Extraordinarilie and in the time of extreeme necessitie or by licence anie Priest Yet some sinnes are so grecuous that non may absolue them but The Pope oâ— his Legat as Burning of Churches Violent striking of à Priest CouÌ„ter feâ—ting the pops Buls The bishop or his poenitentiarie as Incest Breaking of vowes Robbers of churchs Haeretikes Adulterers c. Fourthlie th'affect Hereby they say à poenitent sinner is FroÌ„ al sin as when he was newly baptized Purged Absolued Made cleane Enriched vvith spiritual gifts and graces The consideratioÌ„ here of hath moued the churches reformed to condemne this Antichristan Sacrament of paenance as hauing no vvarrant froÌ„ the word of God Confes of Heluet. 2. c. 14. 19. Behem cap. 4. Ausburg art 3. 11. 12. Saxon. ar 16. 17. VVittem art 13. 14. 15. Sueaue cap. 20. The blasphemies are outragious and th' error manie monstrous comprised in this doc trine of popish poenance For VVhereas they saie the Sacrament of poenance was instituted by christ himself it is most false For as they teach it neither the matter noâ— the form noâ— the Priest noâ— th' effect thereof can bee drawne from the vvord of God They say Poenance is a Sacrament yet can they shevv no element it hath to make it à Scacrament Popish Contrition is against the truth For none is sufficientlie contrite for his sinnes To confes al sinnes and that one after another with al circuÌ„stances vnto à priest as it is vnpossible so is it erroneous and neuer enioined by God nor practised by anie of God his Saints that vve can find in the holie Scripture That anie man can satisfie for his sinnes it is blasphemous against the merits of Christ yet do the Papists teach it and besides that one man maie satisfie for another An vntruth is it that any priest Bishop or Pope hath povver to forgiue sinnes or can enioine anic punishment that can make an amends to God for the least offence If Poenance purge men and make them cleane from al sin then is there à time when meÌ„ in this life be perfect which tendeth greatlie to th' error of the Catharans Donatists and Pelagians That Baptisme is à token that original sinne onelie and not actual sins besides vvhich th'elect seruants of God shal commit are pardoned it is against the vvord of God The doctrine that they vvhich vvillinglie depart out of this vvorlde vvith-out shrife are damned vvhich thing the Papists do hold is à damnable doctrine and to be eschevveda â— The church of England and of other places reformed do acknoledge an order of making miâ—â—â—ers in the Church of God where al things are to be done by order But that order is à Sacrament none but disordered Papists wil grant and yet they obserue none order in speaking of the â—ame For among them Some do make 7. orders whereof some be Inferior as th' order of Porters whose office is To keepe the doore T' expel the wiked To let-in the faithful 2 Exorcists or Coniurers which haue power t' expel diuels 3 Lectors or Readers who are to read lessons and scripture in the Church 4 Acolytes or Candle-bearers hauing auctoritie To beare cruets to th' altar with wine and water To beare candles and tapers Superior as th' order of 5 Subdeacons who are To read Th'epistle To prepare necessaries for ministration T' assist the Priest in ministration 6 Deacons their dutie is To read the Gospel T' assist the Priest in ministration 7 Priests to whom auctoritie is giuen to minister Sacraments that is to saie Baptisme Poenance The SacrameÌ„t of Th' alter and to sacrifice for the quicke and the dead Annealing of the sicke Matrimonie Theis 7 Orders say some of the Papists Are 7. Sacraments as Lombardus so there be 13. Sacraments Make but one Sacrament VVere not onelie instituted but entered-into by Christ himselfe Some numbring the seuen Sacraments do quite ouerpasse in silence the Sacrament of Order and in place thereof mention the Sacrament of Priest-hood Alwhich things are both besides and also coÌ„trarie to the word of god For in the Scripture VVhere can it bee showen that either Orders as some caÌ„ make either one or 7. Sacraments or Priest-hood as others thinke is à Sacrament what element hath it what forme what promise what institution from Christ VVhere can anie of those hideous titles of Porter Exorcists c. be found ascribed to any minister of the new Testament or the maner of creating or their offices established Some papists do write that al th' inferior Orders are not grounded vpoÌ„ scripture but come by traditioÌ„ Clypeus Milit. Ec. l. 1. c. 9 Lomb. saith plainlie that fiue of the 7. Orders neither
Th'angel of Pergamus for suffering the Balaamites Nioclaitans Reuel â— 14. Th'angel of Laodicea for beeing neither hot nor cold Reue. â— 14. Had in great reuerence and estimation of the faithful seruants of Iesus Christ as maie appeare in the Confessions of the Godlie Confes of Heluet. 1. art 19. Heluet. 2. cap. 17. 18. Bohem. c. 8. 14. France ar 29. 33. Fland. art 30. 32. Saâ—on ar 11. 17. Ausburg touching ab uses art 7. VVittem art 31. 2 Sundrie bee the reasons and â—â—â—es vvhic excommunication is vsed as That à vviked liuer to the reproch of the Gospel bee not suffered among the professors of true religion and manie good bee not euil spoken of for a â—evve bad That the good be not corrupted or infected through the continual or often familiaritie of the vviked 1. Cor. â— 6. That he vvhich hath fallen through shame of the world maie at the length Learne to to blaspheam no more 1. Tim. 1. 20. Through repentaÌ„ce be saued 1 Cor. 5. 5. Among al other causes therefore of excommunicatioÌ„ one is that the person excommunicate maie not bee condemned vtterlie but returne vnto the Lord by repentance and so bee receaued againe into the visible Church as S. Paul willed th' incestuous maÌ„ shuld be 1. Cor. 2. 7. c This truth I knovve none that denieth vnlesse it be certaine Montanistes Nouatians Fantastical Anabaptistes vvhich are of opinion that al theie vvhich sinne after baptisme vvithout al hope of reconciliation bee damned 34 ARTICLE Of the traditions of the Church IT is not necessarie that traditions and ceremonies 1 be in al places one or vtterlie like for at al times theie haue bin diuers and maie be changed according to the diuersities of Countries times and mens maners so that nothing be ordained against Gods word 2 Whosoeuer through his priuate iudgement willinglie and purposelie doth openlie breake the traditions and ceremonies of the Church 3 which be not repugnant to the worde of God and be ordained and appointed by common auctoritie ought to bee â—ebuked openlie that other maie feare to do the like as he that offendeth against the common order of the Church and hurteth th'auctoritie of the Magistrate and woundeth the consciences of the weake brethren 4 Eueâ—e particular or national Church hath auctoritie to ordaine chaunge and â—bolish ceremonies or rites ordained onelie by mans auctoritie so that al â—hings be done to aedifieng The Propositions The same traditions or ceremonics are not to be like in al places No priuate man of à selfe-wil and purposelie maie in publike violate the traditions and ceremonies of the Church which by common auctoritie be allowed and are not repugnaunte to the word of God Ceremonies and traditions ordained by th'auctoritie of man if theie be repugnant to Gods worde are not to be kept and obserued of anie man Euerie particular or national Church male ordaine change and abolish ceremonies or rites ordained onelie by mans auctoritie so that al things be done to aedifieng 1 If à necessitie were laid vpon the church of God to obserue one the same traditions ceremonies at al times and in al places assuredlie The ceremonies of th' old Law had not bine as theie are novv abolished Acts. 6 14. 10 13. c. 15 1. c. Gal. 2 3. c. Ephes. 2. 14. Col 2. 16. Th'apostles wold neuer haue giueÌ„ such praesidents of altering them vpon special reasons as theie haue don For wee find that they chaÌ„ged The times and places of their assembling togither For the people of God â—et and Th'apostles preached Sometime In the weeke daies Acts. 2 46. 5 42. On the Sabboth daies Acts. 13 14 c. 43 c 17 2. 18 4. Sometime Publikelie In the temple Acts. 2 46. 3. 1. c. 5 26. In the Synagogues Act. 9 20. 14 1. 17 10 18 4 19 8. In the scholes Acts. 19 9. Priuatlie In house after house Acts. 5 42. In chambers Act. 1 13. 20 8. 28. v. 30 31. Sometime In the daie time Acts. 2 46. 3 1. c. In the night Acts. 20 7 c. The ceremonies in th'administration Of baptisme if good occasion was offred baptising In publike assemblies Acts. 2. 41. In priuate houses Act. 16 33. 10. v. 27 48. Before manie Act. 8. 12. 10. ver 27. 48. VVhen none of the faithful were praesent Acts. 8. 36. Of the L. Supper ministring the same Not alwaies at one time but sometime At midnight Acts. 20 11. In the daie time Acts. 2 46. Not alwaies in one place but sometime In the churches 1. Cor. â— 17. c. In houses Acts. 20 7. 2 46. So nothing therfore is done against gods word no doubt traditions and ceremonies according to the diuersitie of countries times and mens maners maie be changed Of this iudgment with vs bee the Churches of God about vs. Confes of Heluet. 2. cap. 17 27. Bohem. c. 15. France art 32. Fland. art 32. Ausburg art 15 and art 7. touching abuses Saxon. art 20. VVittem art 35. Sueaue ca. 14. Herebie it is euident that they are greatlie deceiued vvhich thinke that The Iewish ceremonies prescribed of God himselfe for à time vnto the Iewes are vnuiolablie to be obserued of vs christians such are the Ievves Turkes Cerdonites Cerinâ—â—ians Nazariâ—â— Armenians Familists The popish ceremonies of the Romish Antichrist are vniuersaâ—â— to be kept in al placeâ— Traditions and ceremonies must euerie where be the same 2 Great is the priuilege greate also the libertie and freedom of Gods Church For it is deliuered From the cursce of the Law Gala. 3. 13. From the law Rom. 8. 2. Of sinn Of death From the Iewish Act. 15. 24. c. Rites Ceremonies From al humaine ordinaunces traditions so far forth as there binde the consciences of men Hereof speaketh S. Paul Colos. 2. 8. c. yet is the Churche bounde to th'obseruation of al traditions and ceremonies which are allowed by lavvful auctoritie and are not repugnant to the vvorde of God For he that violateth them contemneth not man but God who hath giuen power to his Church to establish whatsoeuer thinges make vnto 1 Cor. 14. ver 40. 26 Comlines Order Aedification This of our godlie brethren some doe not let by publique vvritinges to testifie Confes of Heluet. 1. art 25. Bohem. c. 15 18. Ausb art 4. 15. Fran. art 32. Heluet. 2. c. 24. Saxon. ar 20 Sueau cap. 4 Others gon-out from vs do hold that Christian Magistrates haue none auctoritie T appoint anie ceremonies Rites for the due seruice of God To exact outvvarde obedience vnto ceremonies righthe or dained The people of God are â—â—ee From all Ecclesiastical iurisdiction From the obseruation of al ceremonies and Rites 3 Of ceremonies and traditions repugnant to the word of God there be tvvo sortes vvhere of Some are of things meer lie vviked such VVas Th'israelites calfe Exod 32. 4 c. Nebuchadnezarâ— Idol Dan. 3. 1. c. Are the Papistical Images Reliques Agnus deis
maie punish Christian men with death for heinous and grieuous offences 7It is lawful for Christian men at the commandement of the Magistrate to weare weapons and serue in the warres The Propositions 1 The Queenes Maiest hath the chiefe power in this realme of Eng. and other her dominions 2 The Queenes Maiestie hath the chiefe gouernement of al states Ecclesiastical and ciuil in al causes within her dominions 3 The ciuil Magistrate maie not execute th'ecclesiastical duties of preaching and of ministring the Sacraments 4 The ciuil Magistrate is to restraine with the material sword and to punish malefactors whosoeuer theie bee 5 The Bishop of Rome hath no iurisdiction in this Realme of England 6 By the lawes of this Realme Christian men for hainous and greuous offences maie be put to death 7 It is lawful for Christian men at the commaundement of the Magistrate to weare wepons and serue in the wars â— Diuers sundrie bee the forms of coÌ„mon weales and magistracie For some where Manie theâ—e of thâ—n seriot people bear the swaie as in à Democratie A sevve and that of chois and the best meÌ„ do gouerne as in an Aristocratie One man or woman hath the praeâ—minence as in à Monarchie Such is the gouernement of this realme at this present VVhat soeuer the state be the worde of God â—ea cheth vs that There is no power but of God The powers that be are ordained of god Vvhosoeuer resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God Rom. 13. v. 12. VVe must Be subiect and obedient to the principalities and powers sit 3 â— Submitt our selues vnto al manner ordinance of man for the Lordes â—ake 1. Pet. 2. 13. Praie for kings and for al that be in auctoritie 1. Tim. 2. v. 1. 2. Giue to all men their dutie Rom 13. 7. Tribute to whom tribute Custom to whom custome Feare to whom feare Honor to whom honor is due But of the regiment of Kings and Queenes special mention is made By the prophet â—saie saying chap. 49. â—3 Kings shal be thi nowri shing Fathers Quee nes shal bee thie nurces By Saincte Paule who exhorteth that supplications and praiers bee made for Kinges 1. Tim 2. 1 c. By Peter For hee calleth the King the Superior or him that hath the chiefe power as our Queene Elizabeth hath in heâ— dominions 1. Pet. 2. 13. Of this iudgement alâ—o be other Christian Churches Confes of Helue â— art 26. Heluet. 2 cap. 30. Basil. art 7. Bohem. ca. 16. and in the conclus Fland. art 36. Ausburg art 16. 17. Saxon. art 23 Sueau in the perorat whereby thei with vs and we with them do condemne th'opinions Of the Manichies Fraâ—ricel lians Flagelliâ—eries whiche altogither simplie condemne Magistracie Of the dreamers which Despise gouernement Speake euil of them which are in auctoritie Of Th'anabaptists that holde howe Christians are not to be magistrats Of al theÌ„ which dreame or disalowe the Regiment of women 2 VVe ascribe that vnto our Queene by this proposition which is giuen to euerie king and Queene in their dominions by the vvorde of God as appeareth In that theie are Fortitles Gratious Lords Luke 22 25. Rom. 13. ver 3 4. Princes The Ministers of God The nurses of the Church Isa. 49 23. Gods Psal. 82 1. For auctoritie the chiefe 1. Pet. 2. 13. which moueth Saint Paule t'exhort that supplieations c be made for al men but first for Kings as for the chiefe 1. Tim. 2 1. By the comaundement of God vnto al states and callings without exception Let euerie soule be subiect to the higher power c. Rom. 13 1. c. Submit your selues c. vvhether it be to the King as vnto the superior or vnto gouernors that are sent of him c. 1. Pet. 2. v. 13 14. By the famous examples Of the high Priest Aaron who calleth Moses his Lord. Exod. 32 22. Abimelech which termed Saul his Lord. 1. Sam. 22 12. Of Iosaphat who appointed Iudges Leuits and Priests 2. Chro. 19 5. c. Of Ezechias He sent to al Israel and Iudah that theie should come to the house of the Lord at Ierusalem to keepe the Passeouer c. a. Chro. 31. 2. He appointed the courses of Priests Leuits by their turnes 2. Chro. 31 2. He commanded The Priests the sons of Aaron to offer sacrifice c. they obeid him 2. ch 23 21 Al the coÌ„gregation to bring offrings they brought them 2. Chro. â—9 31. The same do the churchesreformed attribute to Christian magistrats Confes. of Helue 1. art 26. Heluet. 2 cap. 30. Basil. art 7. Bohem. ca. 16. Fland. art 36. Ausburg art 16. 17. Saxon. art 23. Sueaue in the Perorat This being so hovve dare the papists as they do saie that The kings excellencie of power is in respect of the Nobilitie and laie Magistrates vnder him and not in respect of Popes Bishops or Priests as they haue rule of soules Kings princes bee 〈…〉 neuer so great must bee subiect to some Bishop Priest Praelate The whole Clergie ought to bee free from paieng tribute No man is to bee subiect to his temporal Prince superior in matters of religion or regiment of his soule but in such things onelie as concerne the publike peace policie The Papists now in Englang bee dulie discharged from subiection and the Prince from dominion by the soueraignt auctoritie of the common pastor of Religion whiche is the Pope 3 K. Ezechias saide vnto the Priestes and Leuites of his time My sonnes be not deceaued for the Lorde hath chosen you to stand before him to serue him and to be his Ministers and to burne incense 2 Chron. 29. 1â— So do we saie The Lord hath appointed à companie to teach the people to celebrat the Sacramentes to handle the keis of the coelestial kingdom in somuch that he that shall praesume to doe theis things not called there unto and that lavvfullie though he be à King hee maie feare that punishment vvhich â—el vpon Vzzah 2. Chro. 26. 19 Notvvithstanding Kinges Queenes Princes in their places maie yea and must as occasiion serueth VVith K. Salomon Build an house for the Lord â— Chron. 1. 1 Set the courses of the Priests to their offices c. â— Chron. 8 14. VVith K. Ezekiah 2. kin 8. 4. Breake th images Cut down the groues Take avvaie the hie places â— Câ—h 31 v. 2 4. Appoint the courses of the Priests and Leuites Inioine al the people to minister sustenaÌ„ce for the Priests and Leuites Thus did Ezechiah throughout al Iudah and did wel and vprightlie and trulie before the L. his God 2. Chro. 31. 20 VVith K. Iosiah Put-downe and burne the horses of the Sunne 2. Kin. 23. 11 Breake-dovrne the houses of the Sodomites 2 King 23. 7. Purge Iudah and Ierusalem 2. Chron. 34 3 from the Hie places Groues Karued images MolteÌ„ images c. Appoint the Priestes to their charges c. 2 Chro. 35. 2. Compel al that are