is counted one of the six foūdations principles of faith there rehearsed Which then requireth that also the whole outward spiritual administration and government of Christes Church now must be such yea and the forme it selfe of the visible politicall Church must then be a foundation of Religion a principle of christian faith ordinarily necessary forever unchangeable by men Wee doe not here think that all who of simplicitie doe erre in this foundation and principle of faith are of necessitie damned We are not of so rigid and severe an opinion But we therefore hold it as a foundation and principle of faith because it is ordinarily necessarie to salvation and forever unchangeable by men Thus standeth our faith in these pointes so that they which hold contrarily to wit that these things are but circumstances in Religion accidents ordayneable and changeable by men even from one forme to another doe as we believe erre greatly from the trueth Of Christs true visible politicall Church in more speciall manner 4. Wee believe that the nature essence of Christs true visible that is politicall Church under the Gospell is a free congregation of Christians for the service of God or a true spirituall bodie politike cōteyning no more ordinary Cōgregations but one and that independent Wherein chiefly 2. pointes are to be noted First that a true visible politicall Church under the Gospell is but one ordinary Congregation And this is to be seene plainely in these scriptures Math. 18.17 1 Cor. 5.4.12.13 1 Cor. 11.18.20 1 Cor. 14.23 Againe Act. 1.15 Act. 2.1.44 Act. 6.2.3.5.6 Act. 15.22.25 Also Act. 14.27 Act. 15.30 Moreover Act. 20.28 Act. 14.23 Gal. 1.2.21 2 Cor. 8.1 Rom. 16.1 c. The second point here to be noted is That by Gods ordinance this one ordinary congregation of Christians is a spirituall bodie politike and so it is a free congregation independent That is It hath from God the right and power of spirituall Administration and Government in it selfe and over it selfe by the common and free consent of the people independently and immediately under Christ alwayes in the best order they can Which these places doe prove Mat. 18.17.19 1 Cor. 5.12.13 10.15 7.23 2 Cor. 2.8 2 Thes 3.6.14 Act. 6.3.5.6 Act. 14.23 Act. 1.23.26 Act. 15.22.25 1 Thes 5.21 1 Ioh. 4.1 Rom. 16.17 Coll. 4.17.2 3 Io. 10. Gal. 1.9 Gal. 5.1 Gal. 4.26 Of Synods and Councells 5. Howbeit we acknowledge with all that there may be and that on occasion there ought to be on earth a consociatiō of Congregations or Churches namely by way of Synods but not a subordination or surely not a subjection of the congregations under any higher spirituall authoritie absolute save onely Christs and the holy Scriptures They who deny this mainteyning a Diocesan and Provinciall and neither wee nor they themselves know what universall visible politicall Church both proper and representative doe herein vary farr from the rule of the Gospell Of a Catholike or Vniversall Church politike that is indued with power of outward spirituall Government 6. It is demanded doe wee deny an Universall visible Church under the Gospell Wee answer yea Under the Gospell Christ never instituted nor had any one Universall visible Church that is Politicall either proper or representative which ordinarily was to exercise spirituall outward government over all persons through the world professing Christianity No such Church say wee is found in all the new Testament Therefore we now cannot acknowledge any such Of a Provinciall Church independent 7. It is marveyled why we likewise deny that under the Gospell there is any true visible politicall Church Provinciall or Diocesan seing so we shall deny a true visible politicall Church to be now in England because the English Church as commonly it is holden is properly a Diocesan and Provinciall or a Nationall visible politicall Church We answere For our parts we acknowledge there are many true visible yea politicall Churches in England in some degree in some respect yet indeed we deny also a Nationall a Provinciall Diocesan Church under the Gospell to be a true visible politicall Church whether wee meane the whole body or the representative part of such Churches though the publike practise among us doth hould them for true politicall Churches The reason why wee deny these also is Because neither any such is found any where set downe in Gods word of the new Testament even like as there is no Universall Church visible politicall there set downe But onely a free Congregation or ordinary Assembly is found in the new Testament as a litle before is shewed How true visible politike Churches are in England 8. And touching the true visible politicall Churches which we acknowledge are in England wee professe and declare in this manner Namely that each company of true visible Christians associated togither in one place viz. a Parish and professing to serve God according to his will in faith and order so farr as they knowe such as there are many in England the same is a true visible politicall Church in some respect that is Though not in respect of the order of the state unless indirectly and by accident to it after which they walke and under which they stand in spirituall bondage yet in Christ directly they are free And so directly and essentially they are a true politicall Church as they are a company of true visible Christians united by their owne consent to serve God as a litle before is noted And thus they have free power of spirituall outward governmēt among themselves though they professedly practise it not But esteeming them by Gods word in their direct practise state according to the publike proceedings they are not a true politicall Church nor free directly as they stand under and joyned to the L. Bishops spirituall dominion over them Which bondage and want of spirituall freedome in themselves our godly people generally see not nor this That in right from Christ they have this freedome to be exempted from the unlawfull domination of the L. Bishops aforesayd Neither think they so upon this matter as they ought and as the perill of their soules requireth Howbeit yet all this as ‡ Prov. 25 18. 17.15 we judge doth not simply disanull that peoples being true visible Christians with us so long as herein they erre but of ignorance nor the assemblies from being true visible politicall Churches in some respect and degree as before is shewed And therefore we cōmunicate also with them on occasion as before likewise is signified viz. while in such communicating wee countenance out no evill thing in them which in many places and many times we need not doe Whereof we shall presently see further in Art 11. following Of L. Archbishops and L. Bishops Diocesan and Provinciall 9. Wee believe that the spirituall office calling and power and administration of L. Archbishops and L. Bishops
Anno Domini 1616. A CONFESSION AND PROTESTATION OF THE FAITH OF CERTAINE CHRISTIANS in England holding it necessary to observe keepe all Christes true substantiall Ordinances for his Church visible and Politicall that is indued with power of outward spirituall Government under the Gospel though the same doe differ from the common order of the Land Published for the clearing of the said Christians from the slaunder of Schisme and Noveltie and also of Separation undutifullnes to the Magistrate which their rash Adversaries doe falsely cast upon them Also an humble Petition to the K. Majestie for Toleration therein Coloss 2.6 As yee have received Christ Jesus the Lord so walke in him Psalm 116.9.10 I will walke before the Lord in the land of the living I believed therefore have I spoken for I was sore troubled Vide Fide Fide sed Vide. A CONFESSION AND PROtestation of the faith of certain Christiās in England holding it necessary to observe keepe all Christes true substantial Ordinances for his Church visible and politicall that is indued with power of outward spirituall Government under the Gospell though the same doe differ from the common orders of the Land Published for the clearing of the sayd Christians from the slaunder of Schisme and Noveltie and also of Separation and vndutifulnes to the Magistrate which their rash Adversaries doe falsly cast upon them WEe who do beleeve profess it to be necessary both for the glory of Christ for the assurance of our owne soules to observe and keep Christs substantial Ordinances for his visible politicall Church which are wanting publiquely among us yet are both his clear commandements and also special meanes of salvation and of Gods worship for us under the Gospell doe judge it most fit and reasonable to publish and testifie to all men in all plainenes wherein particularly we doe consent and doe fully agree with the publique Churches in Englād And wherein we disagree and differ frō the doctrine publiquely received And also finally to shew the inforcing reasons that haue driven compelled us to take this way which wee doe 1. Touching the first of these we protest before God and men that we unfaynedly and hartily agree to all the civil authoritie Magistracie and Government as it is received and standeth by law established in the Land holding it a most high offence against Almighty God if any of us should not with all readines cōscience at all times submit in all things eyther actively or passively thereunto Moreover wee doe likewise protest that we refuse not on occasion to communicate with the publique ordinary Congregations assembled for the exercise of religion in England viz. where neyther our assent nor silent presence is given to any meere humane tradition And we agree willingly to all the articles of faith and religion publiquely received and mainteyned among us onely excepting those points which hereafter folow mentioned and are distinctly set down in the particular Articles of this our present Confession and Protestation 2. Then touching the second thing above mentioned that is our difference and disagrement from the doctrine received publiquely in this land thus we declare and testify in the presence of God and men that meerely being constrayned by the cleare and unresistable evidence of Christs gospell which sayth * Act. 5.29 wee ought rather to obey God then men and not moved by any other conceite or vaine fancie we differ and disagree from the sayd publique doctrine in Eight and Twentie severall Articles 28. Articles all of them being of very great importance yea most of them both substantial matters in Religion and also speciall meanes of salvation under the Gospell The Articles wherein onely wee dissent from the publique Ecclesiasticall order and doctrine in England 1. Of Christs offices namely his Propheticall and Kingly offices 2. Of the alsufficiencie of the Scripture 3. Of Christs true visible Church generally 4. Of Christes true visible politicall church in more speciall manner 5. Of Synods and Councells 6. Of a Catholike or Universall Church politike that is indued with power of outward spirituall government 7. Of a Provinciall Church independent 8. How true visible politike churches are in England 9. Of L. Archbishops and L. Bishops Diocesan and Provinciall 10. Of the making of Ministers 11. Of our Communicating with the Parish Ministers Parishes in England 12. Touching Pluralitie Pastors and Non residents 13. Touching Discipline and Censures 14. Touching the number of Pastors in each Church and of the Pastors ordinary power and authority in managing the Churches spirituall affaires and government 15. Touching the prophane and scandalous Mixtures of people in the Congregation 16. Of humane Traditions 17. Of traditions Apostolike 18. Of Prophecy 19. Of reading of Homilies in the Church 20. Of Christs descending into Hell 21. Of Prayer 22. Of Holy dayes so called 23. Of Mariage and Burying churching as it is called 24. Of Ministers made also Magistrates by the State 25. Of the gifts and Offerings of the faithfull 26. Of Tithes and the Pastors fittest and due and necessarie maintenance 27. Of the civill Magistrates duety charge supreamly to oversee and order his Churches spirituall matters yet but civilly 28 Touching the necessity that lyeth upon us notwithstāding to obey Christ rather then man when they differ in our using the true and refusing the contrary ecclesiasticall ordinances above specified Of Christs Offices namely his Propheticall and Kingly Offices 1. Wee beleeve Christs Prophetical and Kingly Offices even in outward spirituall or religious matters to be absolute and perfect Where note that wee understand outward spirituall matters or religious to be outward matters used in the exercise of Religion not for any naturall reason nor for any civill use but meere voluntarily that is such things therein as are of the authors meere voluntary appointing And though some persons opposing against us do account these any thing rather thē Spirituall matters yet surely we hold them to be spirituall and religious seeing they are voluntarie institutions vsed onely in and for the exercise of religion and are appropriated thereunto Also these outward matters we believe are spirituall and religious unlawfully and falsely which are of mens institution they are lawfully justly and truely such which are of the institution and appointing of Iesus Christ Againe where these men doe say They neither intend nor teach these things to be spirituall or religious We answer that maketh not the matter They are such in the very nature of the thinges notwithstanding For mens wordes or intents make not the nature of these things neither can they alter the same Men indeed make these things in the exercise of religion false and unlawfull in as much as they come meerely frō men But spirituall and religious they are of themselves viz. being simply voluntarie ordinances appropriated to the affaires of Religion as they are In the appointing therefore of these outward spirituall matters and
untill death or else when wee swerve we acknowledge our selves justly worthy of the fearfull Censure of Excommunication from that holy society of Christians wherein to by Gods mercy we are now entered where withall wee acknowledge our selves also worthily excluded from the spirituall Communion of Gods people wholly and every where till wee returne by Repentance Wee say the feare of God constrayneth us hereunto seing we cannot otherwise finde in our hearts cleerely the safety of our soules a matter above all things in this world which wee and all people ought to have greatest regard of All glory be to God on high and in earth peace goodwill towards man The grace of our Lord Iesus Christ be with us all Amen Ier. 32.39 One way and one heart Cypr. de Vnit. Eccles Credere se in Christum quomodo dicet qui non facit quod Christus facere praecepit How can one say he believeth in Christ who doth not that which Christ commandeth Caluin Instit. 4.3.2 Ecclesiae dissipationem velruinam potiùs exitium molitur quisquis ordinem hunc de quo disputamus HOC GENVS regiminis vel abotêre studet vel quasi minus necessarium éleuat Hee laboureth the ruine and destruction of the Church whosoever he be that endeavoreth to abolish this order and THIS KIND of Government whereof wee treate or maketh light of it as lesse necessary AN HVMBLE PETITION TO THE KINGS MOST EXCELLENT MAIESTIE BY THE Christians notified in the fore-rehearsed Confession and Protestation his Majesties ever faithfull Subjects that of his good mercifull disposition it would please him to give them Toleration and peace under him in their serving of God acording to their sayd Confession and Protestation GIve thy judgments to the King ô God thy righteousnes to the Kings Sonne Psalm 72.1 MOst gracious Soveraigne your loyall and dutifull Subjects notified in the forerehearsed Confession and Protestation of their faith being well assured and firmely beleiving that this intent of theirs is honest righteous godly charitable and of necessarie importance to their soules health yet being also in most greivous dangers heavy perplexities ready every howre to be drawne into most miserable distresses and calamities for this their conscience and obedience to Gods word have their recourse to your Sacred Majestie their onely hope in earth and to you as they ought to doe they make their sute in most humble manner on their bended knees Beseeching you as in effect they | Anno. 1609. An Humble Supplication formerly did so now againe to give unto them this favour that peaceably and quietly they may worship God and serve him in your Highnes dominions where they dwell after the tenour of their Confession and Protestatiō here before expressed Their enemies are rigorous and sharpe in laying affliction on them onely for this their conscience toward God both in their goods and libertie if your Majestie will give way to them wherein they pretend your Majesties service and that they doe but your will So that it is your good Grace onely that under God can help us and give us securitie from such we trust undeserved evills Many things induce us to presume thus into your Majesties presence and to be in all humble submissiō suters to your Majestie for this singular grace from you Yea many reasons and strong inforcements as it were doe move us hereunto which we beseech your Majestie graciously to heare First seeing this is the essentiall order in the Gospell of the visible churches of Christ which we follow if he have set any order of spirituall government at all in the Gospell which we verily believe he hath And then wee beseech your Majestie graciously to consider how can it be possible but that for Christs glory and honour and out of necessary obedience and duetie to him we ought to walke in it and humbly sue to your Highnes for peace thereīn as here at this present in all submission and lowlinesse we doe Secondly Because this we perceive that the perill of our soules lyeth hereon How can we there fore choose but with all diligence and dutifull affection seeke at your Majesties gracious hands this bountie towards us which surpasses all other benefites which in this world you can yeeld us Thirdly Forasmuch as the contrary way unto us the way of the L. Bishops and their followers is such as giveth great and most apparant advantage to the papacie Church of Rome and which leadeth many in this land directly thither backe againe partly for that there is in the New Testament much more shew and colour for a universall Church visible indued with governmēt then for a Nationall or Provinciall Church independent as this in England now is partly also because they openly professe that all the ministeries in England are by succession †Fr. Mason of the Consecration of Bb. Anno 1614. derived and received essentially from the Pope which indeed in their estate they cannot will nor choose but so acknowledge Therefore considering this what hearte can sustaine the due griefe sorrowe shame of this slander of this dishonour to God of triumph and laughing to Antichrist of reproch to our land wherein wee for our partes can bringe no other remedie but our prayers to God for the generall good and most humble requests to your Highnes for mercie herein toward our selves Fourthly for as much as if we should deny this our faith and violate our conscience and turne backe with them to the way of deriving the ministerie succeedingly from Rome we are terrified with the very cogitation hereof not onely in that this would argue in us breach of faith toward God and damnable levitie in our conscience but also we behold a fearfull sentence in the | Eliz. 27.2 law of our land against all which so say and affirme Avoyding therefore this perplexitie and danger we have no way to serve God truely in but this which here we professe And therefore cannot but seeke your gracious favour in permitting us with quietnes to enjoye the same Fiftly the integrity of our heartes and loyaltie of our mindes towardes your Highnes Soveraigne power under Christ doth animate us to looke toward your Clemencie in this our need whom God hath ordayned to be a noursing father and defender to all the religious professors of the Gospell among your subjects And therefore we crave of your Highnes herein to be good unto us In what particular That you would afford us and assigne to us some Civill Magistrate or Magistrates qualifyed with wisdome learning and vertue to be under your Highnes our everseers for our more peaceable orderly and dutifull cariage of our selves both in our worshipping God ad in all other our affaires at your pleasure To whom with all readinesse and subjection we are willing to be accomptable and answerable alwayes We have none under Iesus Christ in our wants and distresses to have recourse unto but to your protection and