all spirituall graces needfull for that seruice so spake of the great workes of God to the Iewes that from all parts of the world were come to Ierusalem that the same day there were added to the Church about 3000. persons Acts 2.41 Acts 8.1 After by reason of the persecution that was raised against those that receiued their doctrine and other occasions that God disposed their doctrine was published in diuerse Countries and at Antioch in Syria so preuailed Acts 11.26 that there first the Disciples were named Christians of Christ whose Religion they receiued of which beginning and proceeding of the Gospell to the time of the Apostle Pauls imprisonment at Rome the Euangelist Luke hath written the vndoubted certainty in his history of the Acts of the Apostles which story is inlarged by that was written also hereof by some of the Apostles themselues in their Epistles and also in the Reuelation By which sacred bookes of the new Testament it most certainly and manifestly appeareth what the religion and doctrine was which our Sauiour Christ and his Apostles taught and Christian Churches after professed that continued in their doctrine And this is summarily that most holy faith and true Christian religion which is now professed in England and established by publique Authority Thus summarily answer is made to that is here desired CHAP. II. The particulars of our Religion professed in England NOw for further satisfaction in the particular points of our Religion now professed in England it is to be vnderstood that there are two bookes established by publique and highest authority amongst vs wherein are declared the particular points of Christian Religion as they now are receiued and professed in England the one of these is intituled the booke of Articles of Christian Religion agreed in the Conuocation in the yeere of our Lord 1562. In which booke is declared shortly in seuerall Articles the whole doctrine of Faith and of the Sacraments which we professe The other is the booke of diuine Seruice and common Prayer wherein is set downe the whole order whereby we serue God publiquely in our Churches In these two or in either of them for substance is contained the declaration of our Religion wherefore if the Religion deliuered in either of these bee prooued to bee the same which Christ and his Apostles taught and that which for any part whereof true Martyrs of ancient time haue suffered then is that prooued which is here desired which proofe at this time it seemeth most conuenient to be made especially of the booke of diuine Seruice For the Law with vs requireth especially to serue God according to such forme as is established by Authority and set downe in the booke of diuine Seruice and common Prayer Therefore to yeeld satisfaction to such Romane Catholique Recusants as are offended at such parts thereof as differ from the Liturgy of the Church of Rome such principall parts of the said diuine Seruice are here to bee iustified to bee established amongst vs according to that Doctrine which our Sauiour Christ and his Apostles haue deliuered For performance whereof it is to be vnderstood that there are sundry points of Religion set downe in the said booke whereof no pretended Catholique is supposed to make any doubt Of this sort it is that the said Booke appointeth the reading of the holy Scriptures of both the Testaments and particularly out of the old Testament of the Law of the two Tables contayning the ten Commandements of Almighty God and out of the new Testament of the Lords Prayer Of like kinde also it is that in the same our faith in many of the highest and most sacred mysteries of Christian Religion is declared and professed in three of the most ancient and notable Confessions of Christian faith that haue beene gathered out of the Scriptures in any former ages Of which Confessions or Creedes as they are commonly called the first and most ancient is that which vsually is called the Apostles Creede because it containeth many principall points of the Doctrine of the Apostles and in a great part followeth from one degree to another the Story of the Gospell concerning the sundry degrees of the humiliation and glory of our Sauiour Christ The other two are somewhat larger declarations of the same points of doctrine that are in the former of which Confessions or Creedes the one is of Athanasius that resolute constant Professor of Christ worthy in honour to be immortall in the Church according to his name The other the Creede set forth by the first and most famous oecumenicall Councell of Nice Besides these though not expressed in this booke the Lawes of England so receiue the holy determinations of all the first foure generall Councels in that they agreeably to the Scriptures determined of the doctrine concerning Christs two natures of God and Man and of the Vnity of his Person and of the Godhead of the holy Ghost against the damnable Heresies of Arius Nestorius Eutyches and Macedonius as they ordaine punishment by death vpon any that shall obstinately maintaine the foresaid Heresies Moreouer the said booke appointeth the order for the administration of both the Sacraments instituted by our Sauiour Christ as signes and seales of the Gospell of Christ and of the righteousnes that is by Faith viz. Baptisme the Sacrament of our new birth and the Lords Supper the Sacrament of our continuall nourishment by him to life euerlasting Finally the same booke containeth besides the Lords prayer the true rule and direction whereby all other are framed many other godly prayers for all estates and degrees and applied to the confession of our sins to the administration of the Sacramenâ—s and other like occasions of the Church Thus farre of such particulars as it is to be thought no Christian doubteth but that thâ—y are from God Wherefore the proofe to bee made seemeth ne dâ—â—ull only in such points as our Church hath reformed in the Religion and Liturgie professed and vsed in the Church of Rome Now therefore the principall things of difference betweene our diuine Seruice and the Liturgie of the Church of Rome follow to be considered in the principall parts thereof after that two points haue beene debated which are to be regarded in them all whereof the former is the subiect or person that is to say who it is that with Seruice of Religion ought to be serued and worshiped by vs * In the Church of England God only is worshipped with diuine s ruice not any creature or dead things as Images reliques such like in England by publique Authority with Diuine seruice the law intendeth that onely the true eternall God the Almighty creatour of heauen and earth and the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ is to be religiously serued and honored by vs. For which cause it is ordained that the word of God be read and expounded that his Sacraments bee administred and that all our prayers be made to God and to
all that were in the Synagogue were fastnâ—d vpon him By which place it is manifest that our Sauiour Christ by this example and custome of his did reade and expound the word of God verse 20. the writings of the holy Scriptures giuen by diuine inspiration which are the bookes that ought to be read and expounded and preâ—ched vpon in all Christian Churches and not vaine discourses such as the Apostle calleth old wiues tales This also was the doctrine and vse of the Apostles For being followers of Christ all their Doctrine was out of the Scriptures as it appeareth by that is sayd Acts 2 4â— That the Church continued in the Doctrine of the Apostlâ—s And in the same Chap. the Apostle Peter is shewed to haue taught the Dâ—ctrine of the resurrection of Christ out of the Psalmes Likewise the same Apostle writing to the dispersed Iewes 2 Pet. 1.19 doth commend them for attending to the words of the Prophets Ephe. 2.20 Likewise by the Apostle Paul it is written that the Church is builded vpon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Iesus Christ being the low corner-stone which is spoken in respect of their Doctrine preached by them in their time and after for the substance of it set downe in writing by the will of God for the vse of the Church for euer This appeareth also in that the Scripture giuen by the inspiration of God Rom. 15.4 is sayd to bee that which is written 2 Tim. 3.10.17 to teach vs to comfort to reforme to rebuke and to instruct in all righteousnesse to make a man wise to Saluation by faith in Christ and to make the man of God perfect fully furnished for any good worke Therefore according to the auncient ordinance of God Moyses that is Act. 15.21 the Law and bookes written by Moyses were vsed to bee read as the Apostle Iames testifieth euery Sabbath day in the Synagogues The writings of the Prophets also were so read amongst them as it appeareth by that is written Acts 13. that after the reading of the Law and of the Prophets the Apostle Paul preached in the Synagogue at Antioche And of the same Apostle it is sayd that he confirmed Iesus to bee Christ that is the Messias promised of God by proofes taken out of the Scriptures Act. 26. â—2 and is hee testifieth of him selfe hee taught nothing besides that which had bin taught before in the Law and in the Prophets Thus by all these euidences it is manifest that our Religion in England concerning this part of the Seruice of God is the same which was taught by our Sauiour Christ and by his Apostles viz. in that the holy Scriptures are publiquely read vnto the people and also the people is taught Christian Religion by the expounding and preaching of the same vnto them and that no foolish fables nor old wiues tales are read vnto them as they are read vnto the people vnder the Popes gouernement which ought not to bee Of this sort are the Legends of Saints and namely Legenda aurea that is the golden Legend containing a report of the Liues and miracles of Saints But howsoeuer they haue named it a golden booke yet some of their owne writers of best iudgement as Ludouicus Viâ—es censure it for a booke written by a man of a leaden heart which is for the basenesse of the reports that are without wit or reason and of a brasen forehead which is for the shamelesse and impudent boldnesse reporting things so fabâ—lous and incredible It needeth not to proue this by sundry particulars This is playne by strange deuises and reports concerning persons that neuer were for any thing that appeareth by any story of credit as of St. George St. Christopher St. Catherine and such like fictions deuices for instructions of life as Esops Fables were for morals It is likewise manifest in many other of such as haue beene and are mentioned by Historiographers but the reports there made of them are so incredible so fabulous so homely and so ridiculous as they are not tollerable to bâ—e read in any most base company much lesse in the Eclesiasticall assemblies of a people professing to come together to learne to know the will of God and to offer vnto him their seruice and prayers Now that such things ought not to bee read in the Church is manifest because the Lord forbiddeth to adde to his word Deut. 4.2 and hee hath giuen no commandement of hearing any but his owne Sonne of whom it is said Math. 17.5 Heare yee him The Scriptures of Diuine inspiration are the onely light that God hath giuen vs to bee directed by in things concerning his Seruice For of them onely it is sayd That they are a Lanterne vnto our feet Psal 19. and a light vnto our steps That they are written for our learning Rom. 15.4 That by patience and consolation of the Scripture wee might haue hope 2 Tim. 3.15 Likewise wee are taught That the Scriptures are able to make a man wise to saluation by faith which is in Christ Iesus and finally that they are of vse for doctrine reproofe reformation and instruction in righteousnesse 2 Tim. 3.16 17. 1 Tim. 1.4 4.7 2 Tim. 4.3 4. Tit. 1.14 that the man of God may bee made perfect and fully accomplished for euery good worke and duty But on the contrary part there is expresse Charge giuen not to attend to fables which are also called prophane fables Iewish fables and old wiues tales whereof the Apostle giueth so much greater charge because hee did foresee and prophesie that such times would come in the Church that men would turne away their eares from hearing sound Doctrine and would turne them to the hearing of tales and fables And as this part of the mystery of iniquities was then foreshewed so after it mightily preuailed and yet doth in the Church of Rome but not of many ages after the Apostles time For Iustin Martyr reporting to the Emperour Antoninus the order of diuine Seruice vsed by the Churches of Christ in his time sayth that they read the writings of the Prophets and Apostles and after had exhortations made vnto them grounded vpon the same Likewise Tertullian declareth after his report of the Prayers of the Church Lib. apologet that they met together also to heare the reading of the Scriptures for saith hee With such holy voyces meaning the Scriptures wee feede our faith raise our hope fasten our confidence and strengthen good order by often mention of the precepts and further saith that they had also exhortation and reproofes and exercise of diuine Censures After when by processe of time sâ—ch corruptioÌ„ entered as that other writings besides the holy Scriptures began to bee read in the Church a Councell held at Carthage for the reforming of such disorder 2. Coun. of Carthage ca. 47. ordained That nothing besides the holy Scriptures should bee read in the Churches vnder the
the world Christ was manifested to abolish sinne by the sacrifice of himselfe Moreouer it is sayd that Christ offered his sacrifice by his eternall Spirit Heb. 9.26 whereby wee are taught that it was by the power of his Godhead that his sacrifice and â—loâ—d was of so pretious inestimable and infinite value as being the blood of God as the Apostle speaketh â—lsewhere which redeemed and purchased the Church Act. 20.28 Therefore it is open blasphemy to affirme that the Priest offereth Christ vnto his Father a Sacrifice for sinne which the Scriptures attributeth to Christs eternall Spirit and Godhead Furthermore many other are the abuses committed by the Church of Rome in abusing this holy Sacrament to sundry other ends for which Christ did neuer ordaine it For they abuse it to obtaine bodily health and prosperous successe of voyages at Sea of battels of marriage and such like They abuse it to recouer things that are lost to the quenching of Fire to the calming of Stormes and Tempests at Sea and at Land to ratifie leagues to triall of the innocent in Criminall causes and finally to deliuer soules as they faine out of Purgatory For these and such like ends they haue Masses said and sung and peruert the most holy ordinance of Christ to their secular and prophane desires Moreouer according to the Doctrine of our Sauiour Christ and his Apostles this Sacrament is with vs to bee administred so as not onely the Minister alone receiue it but others with him For so our Sauiour deliuered it to his Disciples and said Take ye eate and drinke yee all of this Likewise the Apostle Paul calleth the bread of the Lords table the Communion of the Lords body and the cuppe of blessing the Communion of his blood Whereby it is playne that this Sacrament ought to bee administred in a Congregation of the faithfull and Christian people which together with the minister should be partakers of the Lords table But contrary to this ordinance of Christ are all the priuate Masses of the Church of Rome in that the Priest alone hauing eaten vp his host as hee calleth it and drunke vp his wine sendeth the people empty away after that hee hath blest them with the empty cuppe to the high dishonour of God and the intollerable scorne and derision of his people Heereunto is to be added that horrible idolatrie that is the abominable fruit of the monstrous errour of Transubstantiation For from hence-came the eleuation and adoration of the wafer-cake which the Priest with his backe toward the people lifting vp ouer his head all the people present falling downe vpon their knees and knocking their breasts religiously worship and adore euen with the same adoration which themselues acknowledge to bee done to God And after the Masse finished and ended they resâ—rue the wafer-cake remaining whereas by the Scripture euery Sacrament is a Sacrament onely in the lawfull vse of it and while that sacred action bee administred and finished For as the water of Baptisme after the vse of it in baptizing such as are to be baptized is not reserued no more ought the Sacramentall bread to be kept and layd vp in store yet to the eleuation and adoration mentioned they add also this reseruâ—tion of the bread and inclosing it in a pixe and that also for idolatrous vses For both daily as occasion requireth in visitation of the sicke they carry this Idoll with pompe throughout the streets and compell all that meete it to worship and adore it and once in the yeare in the day which they haue made festiuall for that purpose with great pompe and solemmity they carry it in procession to be worshipped adored by the people Finally whereas our Sauiour Christ hath ordained this holy Sacrament to be administred in that sincerity and simplicity declared in his word the Sea of Rome hath deuised to administer it in such manner as is fitter for a play vpon a stage or some pompous solemnity then for the graue and reuerend administration of that holy Sacrament For all furniture belonging to it is costly sumptuous there is musique to please the eares sweete odors and perfumes to smâ—ll there are to behold whatsoeuer pretious Images decked with gold and pretious stones and costly garments The Priest cloathâ—d richly as Aaron standeth at the Altar shining with burning lights with his attendants in Sylke and fine Linnen all the people being behind him afarre off There he playeth many strange parts somtime hee standeth still sometime hee walketh a little one while hee is vpright another while hee boweth himselfe hee seemeth to bee asleepe and to awake againe hee turneth altogether and halfe round his armes are sometimes spread abroad sometimes drawne in againe sometimes lift vp and sometime cast downe his fingers are still occupied in making crosses hee softly murmureth something with himselfe and he whispereth ouer the bread and the cuppe at the last when hee hath done playing hee eateth vp his host and drinketh vp his wine with great care that hee leaueth not a droppe Then hauing washed after his banquet hee turneth himselfe to the people and blessing thâ—m with the empty cuppe biddâ—th them depart What can bee more vnlike the sacred administration of the Lords Supper then this histrionicall seruice of an Idoll of Bread which they worship and eate vp Wherewith if our administration of this holy Sacrament bee compared and either of them with the Lords institution it will manifestly appeare that their Mâ—sse hath no resemblance with the Lords Supper and that for most iust and necessary causes the manifold abuses of it are reformed in our Church It will also appeare that the communion celebrated in our Churches First with declaration of the Doctrine signed by it in the vulgar tongue Secondly in both kinds of bread and wine Thirdly in commemoration of the death of Christ with due prayses and prayers annexed thereunto Fourthly in that it is truely a Communion being communicated with the Assembly of Gods people Fiftly It is freed from Popish transubstantiation eleuation adoration reseruation and Pompous carrying abroad in the streets Sacrifices Sacrificer and Altar and from many such other like errours superstitions Idolatries Blasphemies and ridiculous follies as haue corrupted peruerted and transfigured into an abhominable Idoll the most holy sacred and comfortable ordinance and Sacrament of our Sauiour Iesus Christ And thus farre of the word and Sacramâ—nts CHAP. IX Of Prayers NOw it followeth to speake of the Prayers of our Church in England In all which these two most necessary and excellent poynts are most worthy to bee considered First that all our prayers are made to God onely and Secondly that they are all made by the onely mediation of Iesus Christ Of which two poynts the former is such as our Sauiour Christ and all the Prophets and Apostles beare witnesse vnto it For First there is not in them all any precept promise or example for Prayer to bee made to any
vs and our Prayers Finally that Iesus Christ and no other person can bee our intercessor with God is proued by this that it behooueth him that should present our Prayers to know all the prayers of the Church But this none other but God knoweth for this is a part of the high stile proper to God That he knoweth the heart Therefore no other person but Iesus Christ can bee intercessor Psal 44.21 2 Chro. 6.30 Act. 1.24 Act. 15.8 Rom. 8.15 Gal. 4.6 Rom. 8.26 and to whom else can it agree but to him whose Spirit teacheth vs to call Abba Father and who onely vnderstandeth the meaning of the spirit that teacheth vs to pray with vnspeakable gronings as being his owne Spirit that stireth vp those sighes in the faithfull By all which reasons it is proued that no person amongst all creatures can bee our intercessor to offer our prayers to God and by whom wee are to offer them but on the contrary that it is onely by the person of Iesus Christ Thus both these poynts in the prayers of our Church in England are shewed to bee grounded in the Doctrine of Christ and of his Apostles Now it followeth to shew that contrary to this Doctrine of Christ and of his Apostles the Church of Rome maketh prayers to other then to God onely and by other Mediators and intercessors then by the onely Mediator and intercessor Iesus Christ the righteous who is the propitiation for our sinnes which is first to bee shewed Now if the liturgie vsed in the Church of Rome bee compared with the diuine Seruice in England in these two principall poynts concerning Prayer it will bee cleare to all that haue eyes to see that as our practise in them is directly that which was taught by our Sauiour Christ and his Apostles so that which is vsed in the Church of Rome is directly contrary to Christs most holy doctrine and that was deliuered by the Prophets and Apostles For touching the former poynt which is that all prayers petitions requests supplications and thanksgiuings are to bee made and yelded to God onely In the Liturgie of the Church of Rome there are many prayers petitions and thanksgiuings that are made and yeelded vnto Creatures and euen vnto the Images and representations of them They are made protectors and patrons to bee prayed vnto for helpe by seuerall Countryes Cittyes Kindreds States orders professions artificers houses persons Their helpe is prayed for seuerally according to diuers states of men Knights men of study Physitians Lawyers artificers as Painters Shoomakers Smithes Potters Likewise according to sundry occasions of the liuing Creatures they possesse diuersly as for Geese Sheepe Horses Oxen. They pray also to sundry Patrons to bee deliuered from stormes and tempests from Earthquakes Fyres and blastings And in case of diuers sickenesses they pray to sundry helpers against the Pestilence Feuer Toothach Gout Falling sicknesse and such like In their Letany and Masses they pray to Angels to the Mother of our Lord Iesus Christ to the Apostles to Martyrs to diuers confessors Bishops Doctors of the Church and to Saints of the Popes Cannonizing and saynting In their prayers to them they pray them to saue their sinfull soules to destroy their enemies to heale them of their diseases to deliuer them from all aduersities and all impediments of Soule and body at the howre of death to receiue their soules and to bring them to euerlasting life An infinite number almost of examples of such prayers might be rehearsed which they make vnto Creatures And to them likewise they offer their thanksgiuing vowes incense guifts and oblations yea they say the Lords Prayer beginning Our Father c. Before euery picture and Image of them in their Churches or houses so fulfilling that which was sayd to the old Idolaters that they say to the block and to the stone thou hast begotten me Esay 44.17 Hab. 2.19 But to the blessed Mother of our Lord Iesus Christ they doe more wrong in this kinde then to any of the soules of the faithfull that are departed out of this life for they magnifie her with the names of our Lady the Queene of Heauen the Lady of the Angels the mother of mercy the hope of the Church our life our sweetnesse our hope some of them say that God hath giuen her the one halfe of his Kingdome that is of mercy and hath reserued to himselfe the other which is of iudgment they say also vnto her By right of a mother commaund thy sonne they abuse the Salutation of the Angell beginning in latine with Aue Maria as a prayer vnto her or to doe her honor with the rehearsing of it and ordaine that it bee sayd at a knell of the bell They vse Rosaryes in her honor that is saying Aues vpon their beades for euery ten of them one Pater noster that is in all 55 to a Rosary Of three such Rosaryes they made a Psalter for her wherein shold be 150 Aues according to the number of the psalmes There hath also beene made a speciall Letany to her and a Psalter wherein throwout all the Psalmes the name Lord is turned into Lady and whatsoeuer is spoken to God in all the Psalmes is attributed vnto her But it were endlesse to rehearse all the meanes whereby God is robbed of this high pâ—rt of his glory of Prayers and prayses by such as are of the Church of Rome and namely by their psalters canonicall howres Letanies Collects antiphonyes missals and such like parts of their Liturgie and diuine Seruice This may suffice to shew how that which was intended that whereas in our diuine Seruice in England wee offer prayers and thankes vnto God onely according to the Doctrine of Christ and his Apostles they offer them to Creatures passing by the Creator blessed for euer Amen Wherein contrary to the Doctrine of Christ they haue not onely according to the number of their Citties multiplyed their Gods as it is sayd According to the number of thy Cittyes are thy Gods O Iudah but of townes streets Churches Chappels houses persons diseases and other occasions euen to praying to dumbe stockes and stones to the astonishment of heauen and earth as it is in the Prophet Ieremy O yee Heauens Iere. 2.12.13 bee astonished at this bee affrayd and vtterly confounded saith the Lord for my people haue committed two euils they haue forsaken mee the fountaine of liuing waters to dig them pits that can hold no water The other poynt is like vnto this For whereas in our English Church as Christ and his Apostles haue taught vs we haue but one God to whom wee pray and but one Mediator and intercessor by whom and in whose name and merits wee presenâ— our Prayers to God So on the contrary part the Church of Rome directly contrary to the doctrine of Christ and of all the Scriptures prayeth to men and Angels as hath beene declared so doth it likewise offer vp Prayers to God
onely On the contrary in all places yet subiect to the Sea of Rome the Temples are full of Images yea priuate houses publique streets and high-wayes and nothing either so priuate or so publique where these Idols are not By which comparison it manifestly appeareth that our Religion in England for this point of the subiect of diuine Seruice is that which was taught by Christ and his Apostles and the seruice of the Sea of Rome is directly contrary to it and full of Idolatry But some thinke to avoid all that the Scriptures speak against Idols and Idolatry by a distinction or two for which end distinguishing betweene 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they say that this latter only that is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is forbidden to bee giuen to creatures but the former that is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 may be giuen to some creatures yea to some also a higher worship which they call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 But this distinction cannot serue to excuse the worship seruice done to Images by such as are subiect to the Sea of Rome For the people ignorant of this distinction if there were any such in the Scriptures could not possibly be kept from Idolatry by it but would be in continuall danger to passe the bounds of worship prescribed and to giue to their Images the honor of Almighty God But the Scriptures make no such distinction at all but indifferently vse both these alike to note the seruice and servants of God Our Sauiour sayth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ye cannot serue God and mammon Likewise the Apostle Paul calleth himselfe The Seruant of Christ Rom 1.1 Gal 1.10 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Likewise in the Acts of the Apostles all the Apostles call themselues by the same word the Seruants of God Of the Thessalonians it is sayd that they had beene turned to God from Idols Acts 1.29 1 Thes 1.9 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to serue the true and liuing God and in like manner in diuers other places whereby it is plaine that this distinction hath no ground in the word of God Moreouer by the same word it appeareth that such seruices as the Sea of Rome ordaineth to be done to their Images are such as are due to God only and for yeelding whereof to Images theyr worshippers are charged with Idolatry This is proued by that the law speaking of all similitudes of things sayeth Thou shalt not bow downe to them nor serue them And in the first booke of the Kings 19. ver 18. it is sayd 1 King 19.18 I haue left 7000. in Israel which haue not bowed the knee to Baal and whose mouth hath not kissed him Ro. 11.4 Further in the second booke of Kings chap. 18. ver 14. it is written of the vertuous and zealous King Ezekias that he tooke away the high places brake downe the Images cut downe the grouâ—s and that he beat into powder the brasen Serpent which Moysus had made because the Israelits to that day had offered incense to it and called it Nehustan that is a peece of brasse By which places it appeareth that for the seruices of bowing the knee to the Image of Baal and of kissing his Image and of censing the brasen Serpent such worshippers are reproued as Idolaters And these with many other like are the seruices that by the ordinances and practise of the Sea of Rome are dayly done to Images by those which cleaue still to that Sea whereof it followeth that for the same causes they are iustly charged with Idolatry On the contrary part it appeareth that our Religion yeelding all religious Seruice onely to the true eternall God and giuing no such seruice to any Image or creature whatsoeuer is the same that was taught by our Sauiour Christ and by his Apostles Yet for excuse of such Idolatry as hath beene mentioned there is yet further alleaged that the Images of the heathen men onely are Idols and not the Images of Christians and holy men set vp in the Churches subiect to the Sea of Rome But this is plainely confuted by that the Prohibition of the law forbiddeth bowing down of the body or any manner of religious seruice to bee done to the likenes of any thing is heauen in the earth Exod. 20. or in the waters vnder the earth Now the Images set vp in all the Popish Churches are similitudes of some such things therefore they are by that law forbidden Besides the law commanding God onely to be adored serued and worshiped religiously excludeth alike from that honor all creatures whatsoeuer according as it is said I will not giue my honor to any other Esay 42.8 In regard hereof the Lord making mâ—ntion of his Iealousey Exod 20.5 compareth with adultery that offence done to him in communicating such adoration and seruice with any other Therefore as the wife is no lesse an adulteresse that communicateth the honor and beneuolence due to her husband alone with the chiefe seruant he hath as the wife of Potiphar would haue done with Ioseph then if she yeeld the same to a stranger So the Idolatry is no lesse that is done in communicating these honors with the chiâ—fe seruants of God then was the Idolatry of the heathen in yeelding of the same to the Lords of the Gentiles Sometime the Lord in this respect compareth himselfe also to a King Now in like manner they are no lesse guilty of high treason against a lawfull King â—hat yeeld his proper regalities and honors to any of his owne subiects then if they did it to strangers For the alleagiance being communicated with any other high treason is commited whatsoeuer the party be to whom it is yeelded whether it be an enemie or a friend a stranger or a subiect one that is farre off or of the nearest about him and of cheefest dignity in his Court. For these are duties that will not admit of any participation and fellowship with any other but are to be yeelded wholly and onely to the soueraigne King and lawfull Husband And as whatsoeuer is otherwise is adultery and high treason so in the case of religious adoring and worshipping whatsoeuer is yeelded to any creature or to the Image and likenesse of any creature is the sinne of Idolatry Therefore the difference betwixt the parties represented by the Images cannot excuse the matter Moreouer that such adoration and seruice is not to be excused may appeare in that often times the people of Israel and others are reprooued for worshipping the Sunne the Moone the Starres and all the hoste of heauen Likewise in that the censing of the brasen Serpent is accounted Idolatry notwithstanding that at the beginning it had beene set vp by Gods expresse commandement for another purpose and that it in a sort represented Christ Crucified and lifted vp on high by the preaching of the Gospell that all which should looke vpon him and behold him with the eye of
Faith might be saued from the power and sting of Sathan the old Serpent The same may be also prooued by that the Apostle Paul when they would haue sacrificed to him which was no more then offering incense to this effect rent his clothes and with great zeale detested it Act. 14.14 that any such thing should be done vnto him The Apostle Peter also being respected and reuerenced by Cornelius Acts 10.25.26 with so much reuerence as seemed to him might be dangerous to prooue offensiue to God withdrew him earnestly from it and acknowledged himselfe to be his fellow seruant The worship of Angels is likewise reprooued in the Epistle to the Colossians and the Apostle Iohn Col. 2.18 rauished vpon the suddaine with admiration of the Angel that had reuealed so great Mysteries vnto him and worshipping him was forbidden by the Angell Reuel 19.10 acknowledging himselfe to bee fellow seruant with Iohn Reuel 22.8 9. and exhorted to yeeld that honour to God onely And if such honour be not to be giuen to the Apostles of Christ nor yet to the Angels in heauen surely it is not to bee giuen to any other creature much lesse to their Images Hereunto may be added that the Images of Christians are as well the workemanship of men as those of the Heathen were Further also that the Images euen of the Apostles and of Christ himselfe were for their matter like to the Images of the Heathen being made of wood stone mettall or such like matters The outward shape also is no other Likewise it s to be said as well of them as of the other That they haue eyes to see Psal 115.4 5 6 7 8. yet they see not eares to heare but they heare not feete to goe but walke not but stand in neede to be lifted vp to the place where they stand and to be nailed to it least they fall downe Therefore no such Images are to bee honoured nor to bee suffered in Christian Churches For these and such like are the reasons for which the worshippers of Images are reprooued by the Scâ—iptures as Idolaters viz. because they worship the workes of mens hands they worship things that are dead as stocks and stones false representations and lying shapes that haue likenesse of senses and life and yet are indued with no sence nor power of life and finally such things as can neither do good nor hurt to men but need mens helpe to stand and may be burnt or otherwise consumed by them This is the doctrine of our Sauiour Christ and of his Apostles concerning this point that God onely is to be religiously worshipped and that no creatures or their Images are to be adored After that also a long time the same doctrine was acknowledged and the worship of Images reprooued For declaring whereof it may suffice here to set downe that which is reported by Epiphanius himselfe and is translated by Ierusalem Epiphanius in his letter to Iohn the Bishop of Ierusalem writeth heâ—eof in this manner I found in a Church at Anablatha a veile hanging in the doore of the Church stained and painted and hauing the Image as of Christ or of some holy man for I do not well remember whose Image it was Therefore when I saw the Image of a man to hang in the Church of Christ contrary to the authority of the Scriptures I cut it in peeces and gaue counsell to the Keepers of the place rather to winde it vp and carry out to buriall in it some poore man deceased And a little after I pray you command that such veiles bee not hanged in the Church of Christ which are against our Religion Here might bee shewed the story from what beginning and by what degrees this corruption entered and prevailed in the Church till at length the second councell of Nice directly against the word of God and all ancient practise of the Church decreed the setting vp of Images in the Churches and worshipping of them For that the Doctrine of our Sauiour Christ and of his Apostles was contrary hereunto the same which our Church in England doth teach and maintaine whereof here is question hath bene already declared Therefore touching the first point of our religion in diuine seruice which concerneth the subiect which is that God onely is to be religiously worshipped not Images or yet any creature whatsoeuer Thus it hath bene proued which was disired that our Religion herein is that which the Lord Iesus himselfe his most faithfull ministers the Apostles taught and deliuered Now followeth the second poynt of those which are common to all diuine Seruices that is in what language or tongue it is to be performed wherein the doctrine and practise of our Church in England is that it be administred in a speech knowne and vnderstood by all the people In which practise it is now to bee shewed that wee haue our Religion in this respect in like manner from Christ and his Apostles teaching and ordaining such administration of it CHAP. III. Diuine Seruice is to be administred in a language which the people vnderstand OVr Sauiour Christ performed his owne Ministery in a speech vnderstood by all the people for hee read and expounded the Scriptures to them in a tongue which they vnderstood as it appeareth Luke 4. He prayed also in like manner Iohn 17. Further also in saying Heare yee Moyses and the Prophets he commandeth the reading and exposition of their writings to bee performed in a language that might be vnderstood for otherwise they could not heare them with any vnderstanding but should be as dease men whereas his meaning there is that they should so heare as they might be taught thereby and forewarned to gouern the course of their life as they might avoyd the torments of hell Likewise hee taught his Disciples to pray in a tongue which they vnderstood and in them so instructed all other that should be his Disciples after to call vpon God in a speech knowne by them both in the Forme he taught them saying When ye pray say thus Our Father c. and by the direction of that prayer to make all our petitions priuate and publike Instituting also the Sacrament of Baptisme hee ommanded his Disciples Math. 28. To preach the Gospell vnto all nations and to baptize such as should beleeue which teaching and beleeuing necessarily implyeth the vse of a speech known in the administration of Baptisme In like manner he instituted and administred the Sacrament of his Supper amongst his Disciples in a speech which they vnderstood and charged them as oft as they should doe the like to preach his death vntill his comming againe wherefore it is plaine that he intended the Sacraments should not bee dumbe showes and spectacles but that they should bee so administred as the people might know and vnderstand the meaning of them Finally after his ascension amongst other spiritual graces Acts 2. he indued the Apostles with the
people Of the example of our Sauiour Christ it is expresly written as hath beene touched before Luke 4.16 17 21 22. that hee entred into the Synagogue of Nazareth vpon the sabbath day as his manner was and there standing vp to reade when the booke of the Proâ—â—â—â— Esay had beene deliuered to him hee opened it and read that which is written in the begining of the 61 Chap. of hat Prophecy And further that hauing deliuered againe the booke hee sate downe and thâ— eyes of all that were in the Synogogue were bent vpon him To whom hâ—uing sayd that that Scripture was fulfiled that day in th ir hearing they all baâ—e him witnesse that it was so and maruelled at the speeches full of grace that proceeded out of his mouth The like practise of the Apostles in their Liturgie and puâ—lique ministry in the Church at Ierusalem appeareth in the booke of the Acts and namely in these places Acts 2 4 7 8 14 22 37 38 40 41 42 46 47. Throughout the same booke and likewise in all Epistles of the Apostles it is playne that this was their practise amongst the dispersed Iewes and the Churches of the Gentiles as of the Romanes Corinthians and the rest yea that they did so ordaine in all Churches in their time 1 Cor. 14.33 36 37. For the time succeeding it appeareth by the Apologeticall writings of Iustin Martyr Tertullian and others that the Liturgies in their time were such as the people vnderstood The like appeareth in Ierome who was so dâ—sirous to further the knowledge of Religion in the common sort as hee translated the Scriptures into the Dalmaticall Sclauonian tongue for the vse of his Country men Origens Hexapla and Octopla bookes setting out the Scripture in so many diuers translations witnesse the like care and desire in him And of others Augustine writeth that the Latine translâ—tions were not to be numâ—red The Liturgies that go vnder the name of Basil 〈◊〉 Chrysostome declare also that in the time wherein they were written when soeuer it was for they cannot be of their time but latter the Church vnderstood the Scripture Prayer Thankesgiuing and other parts of diuine Seruice that was administred amongst thâ—m And in the East Church is continued so a long time as appeareth by many exhortations of Chrysostome and other of the Greeke Teachers to the reading of the Scriptures and by some parts of the Liturgie wherâ— of mention is made in their writings So did it likewise long continue in the West Church euen till almost all things were corrupted and that darkenâ—sse had ouercast thâ— face of thâ— heauens and taken the light thereof from these parts of the earth namely in the Church of Rome which howsoeuer it hath preuailed and continued a long time in diuers parts and especially in these of the West yet in this blessed age of reformation it hath pleased God to driue away that darkenesse and to cause the light of his countenance so comfortably to shine vnto vs againe as that now in our owne tongue Gods holy word is read and expounded vnto vs the Sacraments administred Prayers and thanksgiuinges are offered vp vnto God and the whole Seruice of God in England is performed in a speech which all our English people vnderstand In which respect it hath beâ—ne proued that our Religion in England is that which was taught by our Sauiour Christ and his holy Apostles And thus much may suffise also for this poynt being the second generall here considered in all Diuine Seruice CHAP. IIII. Of the reading and expounding to the people the word of God and not the Legends and fables of men Now it followeth to proceed to declare the like in the sundry parts of Gods Seruice The chiefe parts of diuine Seruice as the Apostles teach speaking of their ministry to whom first the dispensation of Christian Religion and of the mysteries of God and the whole administration of Gods Seruice then was committed consisteth in the Word of God whereunto belong the Sacraments as visible words setting out the same doctrine of the Gospel and in Prayer whereunto also thanksgiuing is to be referred For thus are performed whatsoeuer the Ministers are to declare vnto the Church in Gods behalfe and what duty and seruice the Church offereth vnto God on their part Wherefore all Diuine Seruice consisting in these two principall partes and the former hereof bâ—ing the administration of the word and that first in the reading and expounding of the Scriptures the next thing to bee shewed is that our Religion and seruice of God in England in that concerneth the reading and expounding the word of God and no Legends or fables is such as was taught by Iesus Christ and his Apostles For clearing whereof it is fiâ—st to be vnderstood that in England it is appointed that the holy Scriptures the writings of Moyses the Prophets and Apostles be read vnto the people and not any Legends of Saints as they are called or other like vncertaine or fabulous writings as haue beene vsed and commanded to bee read in the churches subiect to the Sea of Rome Now thâ—s to serue God that our Sauiour Christ and his Apostles haue taught may appeare by their doctrine and practise Luke 16.29 31. Our Sauiour Christ saith by Abraham They haue Moyses and the Prophets heare they them And againe If they heare not Moyses and the Prophets thâ—y would not bee perswaded no although one should rise from the dead Againe hee sayth Search ye the Scriptures Iohn 5.39 Math. 22.29 Math. 12.3.7 21 1â— 4â— Ye are deceiued because ye know not the Scriptures And how often doth he say Haue ye not heard how reade you and with many like speeches referring them to the Doctrine of the Scrâ—ptures declareth the ordinance of God the duty of the people and the practise of the Church at that time to haue beene such as that in the publique assemblies that which was read and taught the people was the word of God and not any fables of the Iewes Luke 4.16 31 Further also the practise of our Sauiour was agreeable thereunto for it is noted to haue beene his manner and custome vpon the Sabbath dayes wherein Moyses was read and expounded vnto the Church to enter into the Synagogues and to teach the people Now this custome of his in one place is so particularly râ—ported as that it is said that hee came to Nazareth where hee had beene brought vp and entered according as he had beene wont into the Synagogue vpon the Sabbath day and stood vp to reade then there was deliuered vnto him the booke of Esay the Prophet which he hauing vnfolded opened found the place where it was written The Spirit of God c. verse 17. Which text after hee had read hee expounded vnto them and out of it preached the Gospell of the kingdome of God vnto them And it is further added that the people heard him and the eyes of
name of the holy bookes Notwithstanding the mystery of iniquity so preuailed with time that in the Churches subiect to the Sea of Rome vnder pretence of the liues and miracles of Saints most sottish and foolish fables and tales were publiquely read in the Church vnto the people wherein it cannot bee vttered what wrong was done to God and to his Church What hath chaffe to doe with wheate saith the Prophet Ieremy Ier. 23.28 Chap. 23. verse 28. For the Lord hath ordayned that his people should bee fedd with his holy word as with the finest wheate yea as with Manna the bread of heauen and they withholding it from the people of God and keeping it shut vp vnder a strange language feede the people with such fables and follies as with chaffe yea as with draffe more fit for swine The word of God is also a fountaine of liuing water at which the people of God may be refreshed with comfort but they filled vp those Springes of life Ior. 2.13 and sent them to drinke at pits of their owne diggings which could hold no water and as it were to the filthy channels of the streets to fetch their drinke there Should not a people aske counsel of their God should they goe for counsell from the liuing to the dead Consult they with the Law and the testimony sayth the Prophet Esay they which aduise otherwise Esay 8.19 20 is there any sparke of light in any of them Now to consult with the Scripture which is giuen by Gods inspiration is to consult with God neither is there now any other ordinary meanes to consult with God but by his holy word Therefore all other meanes to consult are forbidden and reputed as if a man that vsed them did aske counsell as Saul pretended of the dead I came vnto you sayth our Sauiour in my Fathers name and you did not receiue mee but if one come to you in his owne name Ioh. 5.43 you will receiue him And thus it is with those that receiue not the holy Scriptures that are the word of Christ except it bee in an vnknowne tongue but reade fables and tales to the people in a speech which they all vnderstand It is a maruaile that the Sea of Rome is not ashamed of this enormity vnto this day but that in stead of Gods holy word that conuerteth and comforteth the soule they reade to the people such ridiculous follies as peruert and destroy the soule But howsoeuer they doe thus highly dishonour God herein it is manifest by that which hath bin said that our Râ—ligion in England in this poynt also of reading Gods word and not ridiculous tales to the Church of God is the same which was taught by our Sauiour Christ and his Apostles CHAP. V. Of Preaching IN England as wee haue the word of God publiquely read in the Church and not any tales and follies so hath it beene alwayes the endeauour of our Church that the same word of God might bee also expounded vnto the people that so they might bee taught to know the Articles of true Christian Religion with the grounds thereof deliuered in the holy Scriptures and haue it applied to their instruction in godlinesse to the reproofe of the disobedient to the comfort of the comfortlesse and to euery good vse for which God hath ordained it To this end at the ordination of Ministers they are earnestly exhorted to the performance of this duty and there are many bountifull allowances in diuers parts of the Realme assigned for Preachers to attend vpon that Seruice In performance whereof there are also required two things The one is that the Doctrine be sound Tit. 2.8 2 Tim. 3 4. 2 Tim. 4.12 that is holy and grounded vpon the Scriptures The other that this duty bee performed with all faithfulnesse and diligence Now in all these points also our Religion is the same which was taught by our Sauiour Châ—ist and by his Apostles For our Sauiour leauing his commission with his Apostles for publishing of his Gospell said Math. 28.19.20 Teach yee all nations and Teach them to obserue whatsoeuer I haue giuen you in charge Likewise before that time he had said vnto them who is a faithfull and prudent steward whom the Lord shall set ouer his houshold that hee may giue them their portion in due season Luke 12.42.43 44. Blessed shall that seruant bee whom the Lord at his comming shall finde so doing I tell you truely hee will let him ouer all his goods This appeareth also in the earnest charge thrice giuen and repeated at one time to Peter that as hee loued the Lord Iosh 21.15 16.17 Tit. 2.8 Tit. 2.7 hee should feede his sheepe Likewise the Apostle Paul chargeth Titus to preach the wholesome word that cannot bee condemned and to see that there bee integrity and incorruption in his Doctrine And writing to Timothy he exhorteth him with a most earnest contestation before God 2 Tim. 4.1 2. and the Lord Iesus Christ that is to iudge both the quicke and the dead at his illustrous comming and in his kingdome that hee preach the word bee instant seasonably and vnseasonably and so forth So the Apostle Peter with a like contestation exhorteth the Elders of the dispersed Iewes to feede the flocke of God that was with them 1 Pet. 5.1 2.4 willingly and with a ready and cheerefull minde and promising them so doing to receiue at the appearing of the Arch-Pastor a Garland that shall not wither or of Flower-gentle whose beauty and colour doth not fade nor wither away Thus it is proued that our Sauiour Christ and his Apostles haue taught that the word of God should bee preached to the people and that the Doctrine deliuered out of it should bee sound holy and warranted by the Scripture and that the same ought to bee p eached with al faithfull care and diligence Therefore what godly care and endeauor is amongst vs in these respects is according to the Doctrine taught by Christ himselfe and his Apostles And of such care many Iniunctions Constitutions Canons Statutes and Acts of Parlament made both for the aduancement of preaching of Gods word and also for the faithfull diligence of the Ministers therein doe plentifully testifie But especially those are most worthy honor which prouide for the sincerity and soundnesse of the Doctrine of faith and of the Sacraments set downe in the booke of Articles agreed vpon in the Conuocation in the yeere of our Lord 1562. and in the 13 yeere of the reigne of our late gracious Queene ordained to bee acknowledged sound and holy as it is by such as shall take ordinary care and charge of soules within the Church of England All which Articles haue beene often Iustified by many learned Treatises ioyntly and seuerally concerning them For which cause it seemeth not needfull vpon occasion to enter into the debating and prouing of them which would aske a long time especially of the errors
of the Sea of Rome which are very many were withall to bee confuted But if particular questions be moued of any one of them no necessary duty shall bee wanting to proue the truth and soundnesse of that may bee doubted of and to disproue any error that may bee maintained against it For this time the poynt that is in hand it may suffice heere to haue mentioned the care of our Church in England that the word of God bee not onely read but also expounded vnto the people and that by warrant of the same they may bee taught the truth of Christian Religion and that with all faithfullnesse and diligence and that herein our Religion is the same which Christ and his Apopostles taught and deliuered vnto vs. On the contrary part exceeding great is the corruption of the Church of Rome in this behalfe First in that there haue beene of many ages so many errours as haue beene discouered in their Doctrine yet they haue confirmed the same by their last Councell holden at Trent and doe still maintaine the same both by their continuall writings and also at such times as they pretend to preach the Gospell of Christ vnto the people Further also how violently soeuer they contend that all their Doctrine is true yet haue they little care to instruct the people in it This appeareth in that it is a Doctrine which they teach and hold that ignorance is the mother of deuotion Likewise in that they neither reade the word of God publiquely to the people in a knowne Language nor suffer them priuately so to reade it This appeareth also by that their parish Priests are generally so ignorant as hardly one Preacher can bee found amongst them in a great Country Finally their dispensations for nonresidency and for multiplying of benefices and for attendance vpon other persons and matters are so ordinary that it manifestly declareth as experience also hath taught yet doth in most places that it is one of the least cares that they haue by Preaching to instruct the people Whereby it is plaine that heerein they are departed from the doctrine practise institution ordinance of Christ his Apostles Luk 21.37 38. and â— 15 For of their continuall attendance vpon this duty their earnest charges to all Ministers of the Gospell Act. 10.18.19 â—0 21.26 27 28 29.30 31.32 1 Pet. 5.2.3 4. 2 Tim. 4.1.2 Ioh. 21.15 16.17 there are manifest testimonies in the Scriptures from whose examples and commandements they swaruing so farre declare that they little remember or regard the earnest obtestation of the Apostle made before God and the Lord Iesus Christ and with mention of his glorious Kingdome with comming to iudge the quick and the dead They little regard the great charge giuen by our Sauiour Christ to the Apostle Peter that as he loued him he should feed his sheepe Finally they smally regard either the promise of the Garland that neuer withereth or the threatning of the punishment of the vnfaithful seruant that is to bee cut in two and to receiue his portion with Hypocrits and Infidels Thus as these enormities are iustly reprooued so our contrary proceedings in England are iustified in the care that is held that the doctrine preached should bee holy and true and that the preachers should faithfully and diligently instruct the people in the same And thus much of the word of God both read and preached in our Churches in England CHAP. VI. Of Sacraments IT followeth to consider of the Sacraments and of prayer Concerning the Sacraments our Church in England doth professe that they are in nature holy signes and seales of the doctrine of the Gospell and of the righteousnesse that is by faith thereof In number also wee professe that there are two viZ. Baptisme and the Lords Supper And that our Religion herein is that which Christ and his Apostles taught is thus proued That Iesus Christ ordayned these two Sacraments is most manifest in the Gospell wherein is declared both that Christ ordained these two and in what manner hee appoynted them to bee administred We reade also in the Gospell Math 28.19 20. 26.26 and in other bookes of the new Testament that the Apostles accordingly did administer them both But of any other Sacrament wee reade not that either our Sauiour Christ ministred and ordained any nor that the Apostles did administer any other As for those fiue which the Sea of Rome addeth to the number of the Sacraments some of them wee acknowledge to bee holy ordinances and states of life allowed in the Scripture but haue not like nature with Baptisme and the Lords Supper and some haue beene brought into the Church vpon a corrupt following of examples not intended for Sacraments But because this question is at large debated in answer to another question concerning this matter it may suffice to haue said thus much in generall touching the Sacraments Concerning the Sacraments as farre as we differ from the Sea of Rome and haue reformed the abuses thereof in the administration of them wee administer them in the English speech with declaration of the chiefe doctrines signed by them wherein our Religion and practise is according to the word of God For it hath beene Gods good pleasure alwayes that the Sacraments should not be as dumbe shewes and spectacles but so administred as the people might bee taught to vnderstand what were the Doctrines that were signed and confirmed by them This was also the Doctrine of our Sauiour Christ as appeareth by this that giuing charge to his Apostles heereof he saith Teach all Nations Math. 28.19 baptising them declaring thereby that the meaning and Doctrine for confirmation whereof hee ordained Baptisme should bee declared And of the Sacrament of his Supper saith As oft as yee doe this 1 Cor. 11.26 shew forth the Lords death till he come And againe Doe yee this in remembrance of me Now Christ taught the Doctrine of that ordinance which hee there instituted and deliuered Such was also the Doctrine of the Apostles in all places of the New Testament that make mention of their Doctrine and administration of the Sacraments of Baptisme Act. 2.38.41 10.47 48. Act 20.7 and of the Lords Supper CHAP. VII Of Baptisme PArticularly concerning Baptisme wee administer it without adding thereunto exorcisme or adiuring the diuell to goe out of the child Because it is not written that our Sauiour Christ and his Apostles vsed any such ceremony or appointed any such to be vsed in the administration of it Further also because it is a superstitious ceremony in sundry respects and grounded vpon a false supposition that the infants that are to bee baptized are possessed with the diuell For our Sauiour saith that Theirs is the kingdome of heauen Math. 19.14 1 Cor. â— 14 And the Apostle Paul saith that The children of Christian Parents are holy yea though but one of their Parents be a Christian and faithfull And
wee administer Baptizme without exorcisme or adiuratiâ—n so doe wee likewise without salt spittle creame honny oyle Chrisme Candlelight c. Which Ceremonies wee doe not vse in the administration of Baptizme 1. Because there is neither commandement nor example of the vse of any of them giuen in the Scriptures by our Sauiour Christ and his Apostles 2. Because wee haue sufficient commandement in the Scriptures for the administration of it that is without any of these 3. Because wee haue many examples in the Scripture of such as were lawfully and duly baptized without the vse of any of these Act. 2.41 and 10 43. â—6 33. 4. These are the deuices of men added to the ordinances of Christ and to the worship of God according to which inuentions it is not lawfull to serue God Thus it appeâ—reth that our Religion in this part also is according to the Doctrine and practice of our Sauiour Christ and his Apostles CHAP. VIII Of the Lords Supper IT followeth now to speake of the Lords Supper which is the other Sacrament of the new Testament In the administration of which Sacrament the order vsed by the Church of England is after due preparation by euery ones tryall of themselues in faith and repentance to administer it with declaration of the institution of Christ and of the doctrine signed and confirmed by it in the English tongue that all the people may vnderstand We doe also administer it in both kinds of bread and wine Further the minister doth take the bread and giue thanks breake it and deliuer it to the communicants Likewise hee taketh the cup and after thanks-giuing powreth out the wine in the cup to bee deliuered to all that are to bee partakers of the communion The people that doe communicate receiue the bread and eate it and the wine likewise and drinke it Now the end and vse of all this is added hereunto which is in generall the solemne commemoration of the death of Christ In particular and that first in regard of God and of his Sonne Iesus Christ to magnifie the goodnesse of God in not sparing to giue his onely begotten Sonne for the redemption of the world and to giue him most due thankes for such his vnspeakable grace and mercy It is likewise to glorifie our Sauiour Christ and to giue thankes for his exceeding loue to mankind in that for our redemption he hath vouchâ—â—fed to humble himselfe to take vpon him our nature and the forme of a Seruant and in that nature to humble himselfe for vs euen to the death and that the accurssed death of the Crosse In respect of men viz both of all other to professe oâ—r Châ—istian faith and also in regard of our selues that our faith and by it our Communion with Christ may be increased whereby wee may bee made more and more partakers of him and of all his benefits both of grace in this life namely of the forgiuenesse of sinnes of sanctification of gifts needfull for our particular calling and in the world to come of euerlasting life and glory Finally that these things being thus performed with thanksgiueings and petitions for our selues and the whole militant Church of Christ agreeably to Gods word and that sacred action the whole administration is finished to the glory of God and the edification of such as haue beene partakers of that holy table In all which administration there is nothing but that was taught and done by our Sauiour Christ and his Apostles Math. 26.26 c. Mark 14.22 c. Luk. 22.4 19 c. 1 Cor. 11 22.23 c. For our Sauiour at the first institution of his holy Supper deliuered the Doctrine which hee intended should be confirmed by it and that in a speech vnderstood by his Disciples and gaue commandement vnto them to doe the like and to shew forth by it the comemmoration of his death vntill his coming againe In like manner did the Apostles Act. 2.42 For the Euangelist Luke reporting that the Disciples continued in the doctrine of the Apostles in communication in breaking of bread and in prayers declareth that the Apostles ioyned Doctrine with the administration of this Sacrament and with prayer all the actions of that spirituall communion and societie which the Church of Christ at Ierusalem had together The like appeareth in the Apostle Paul 1 Cor. 11.23 both in that hee professeth to haue deliuered to the Corinthians concerning this Sacrament that which hee had receiued of the Lord and more particularly by that long speech which hee had at Troas before the administration of this Sacrament Act. 20 7. Act. 2.42 there also noted and comprehended vnder breaking of bread Moreouer concerning the administration in both kinds it is most manifest by the story of the Gospel and by the writing of the Apostle Paul that Iesus Christ tooke bread and brake it and gaue it to his Disciples and likewise that he tooke wine and hauing giuen thanks not only gaue it to the Disciples to drinke but with these expresse words Drinke yee all of this Whereby it is most plaine that our administration of the Lords Supper in both kinds is according to that the Lord himselfe did at the first institution of it Yea it is also according to that hee commanded after to bee done in that he said Doe yee this in remembrance of mee Mat. 26.27 And more particularly concerning the cup Drinke yee all of this Which being the Doctrine practice and commandement of the Lord himselfe it cannot be doubted but the Apostles did both so administer it and teach concerning the administration of it especially seeing the Apostle Paul professeth which faithfulnesse is to be esteemed to haue bene also in all the other Apostles that hee deliuered to the Church that which hee receiued from the Lord. viz. as before hath bene declared that the Lord deliuered to his Disciples both bread and wine Whereby it is to bee vnderstood that whereas sometimes this Sacrament is noted or comprehended vnder the speech of breaking bread that it is not meant that it was administred in bread only but it is a speech that by one part doth note the whole Supper of the Lord administred in both kindes of bread and wine which is confirmed also to haue bene so deliuered by the Apostles by the practice of the primitiue church which did so administer it as it appeareth by the Apologie of Iustine Martyr so reporting of the administration of it Now as this order of administration of the Lords Supper vsed in our English church thus appeareth to haue beene receiued from the Doctrine practise and commandement of Christ him selfe and of his Apostles and so to haue beene vsed in the Primitiue Church so on the Contrary part the Sea of Rome hath in effect abolished the Supper of the Lord in their Masse hauing neither bread nor wine in the administration of it For the bread they say after Consecration is turned into the
other Secondly All the commandements promises and examples concerning prayer doe expresly direct vs to make our prayers vnto God Psal 50.14.15 In the day of trouble saith the Lord Thou shalt call vpon mee and I will heare thee and thou shalt glorifie mee Math. 6.9 Luk. 11.2.9.12 3. Math 7.11 When you pray Saith our Sauiour Pray yee thus Our Father which art in heauen c. Likewise Your heauenly Father will giue good things to these that aske him The reason hereof is because as the Apostle teacheth Iam. 1.17 Euery good grace and perfect guift proceedeth from aboue euen from the Father of lights Now this being the honor of God hee endureth not that it should be giuen to any other according as it is sayd I will not giue my glory to Idols Esay 42.8 nor my honor to any other And in the second Commandement hee calleth himselfe a Iealous God Exo. 20 5. and such as communicate his honor with any other hee calleth his enimies and such as hate him and threatneth to punish their sinne in themselues and in their third and fourth generations that shall come after them So highly doth it displease God that Prayer should bee made to any other not onely for the space of few dayes according to the edict of Darius but for any part of the whole time of our life For such is the prohibition of God Dan. 6.7.8 9.10 published in all the Scriptures and the threatning of his displeasure and Indignation which is more to bee feared without all comparison then all the dennes of Lyons Therefore it is playne that whereas in England all our Prayers in diuine Seruice are directed and made to God onely that our Religion herein is that which the Scriptures teach vs and namâ—ly which the Apostles of Christ and the Lord himselfe hath taught and deliuered In like manner whereas all our Prayers are made in the onely mediation of Iesus Christ wee are thus taught to pray by the Scripture euen by Christ himselfe and his Apostles For Christ saith Whatsoeuer yee shall aske of the Father in my name Iohn 14.13 Chap. 15.16 Chap. 16.23.24 1 Iohn 2.1.2 will be giuen you Likewise the Apostle Iohn teacheth vs that the aduocate wee haue with the Father is Iesus Christ the righteous who is also the propitiation for our sins Likewise the Apostle Paul teacheth that this is a principall part of the honour of his Priesthood and that hee liueth now for euer as hee was ordained a Priest for euer after the order of Melchisedech that hee might make intercession for vs. Heb. 7.24 25 Moreouer hee is said to haue entred into the holyest place of the Sanctuary Heb. 10.12 that is into heauen by his owne blood Heb. 9 24.25 hauing obtained euerlasting redemption for vs Whereby it is declared that after that by the offering of himselfe once hee had redeemed his people hee entred into heauen it selfe that hee may now appeare for vs before the face of God Which doctrine doth manifestly teach vs that to make intercession for vs to procure vs and our Prayers grace and fauour with God for euer is the proper and peculiar honor of our Sauiour Christ and without high treason against his dignity cannot bee communicated with any other For there is one onely high Priest of the New Testament which is Iesus Christ and therefore there can bee no other neither can that office bee made common to him with any other without high derogation to his Priesthood Beside that onely high Priest of the New Testament is made Priest of the order of Melchisedech of whose order none can bee but hee that is without Father and Mother and genealogie and therefore no other man whatsoeuer but hee that is also God Againe he that is a Priest of the order of Melchisedeck must haue beene made Priest by the oath of God but this agreeth onely to Christ as it is said Heb. 7.21 I haue sworne and will not repent that thou art a Priest for euer after the order of Melchisedeck Further whosoeuer is a Priest of that order must bee also King of the Church Heb. 7.21 as Melchesedeck was a Priest and also King of Salem and as his name imported a King of righteousnesse But this honor cannot without high treason against the royall dignity of Christ bee communicated with any creature whatsoeuer Moreouer seeing there are two parts and duties belonging to this Priesthood and that the one which is to bee the aduocate that maketh suite and intercession for the Church and the other to offer himselfe to make propitiation for our sinnes and that none can bee our aduocate but hee that maketh propitiation for vs it is playne that wee can haue no other aduocate but the same that dyed for vs. And that this is so may bee proued many wayes The Apostle Iohn saith 1 Iohn 2.1.2 Wee haue an aduocate with the Father which is Iesus Christ the righteous who is the propitiation for our sinnes By which words it appeareth to appertaine to one and the same person to bee the aduocate and to make propitiation and satisfaction for our sinnes But there is no creature that can make satisfaction for our sinnes this being of all parts confessed to belong onely to Christ Iesus Therefore also to bee aduocate and intercessor for the Church cannot belong to any creature either man or Angell but is proper to Iesus Christ And if any should deny it to bee proper to the person of Christ to make propitiation for our sinnes it may bee proued by this that the Apostle Paul saith Act. 20.28 That God redeemed the Church by his blood so calling it the blood of God wherewith the Church is redeemed because in the same person of Iesus Christ are both the nature of man whose blood was shed and the nature of God which made it of inestimable prize and value to bee effectuall to redeeme the Church But the blood of no other Person can bee called the blood of God therefore no other person can make satisfaction for sinne and reconcile vs vnto God Now touching the intercession of Christ it is to be considered that it is by the same his owne blood that he entred into heauen as the High-Priest entred into the holyest place of the Sanctuary with strange blood there to appeare alwayes in the presence of God as our aduocate and to make intercession for vs. Which being the blood of God as hath bene declared whereby he entered into heauen and that because hee is as it were sprinkled with that most precious blood of inestimable value hee is worthy to obtaine fauour for all his redeemed and hearing for all their Prayers It is plaine heereby that no other Person whatsoeuer can bee our intercessor because they are not entered by that blood into heauen nor cannot present themselues sprinkled with it before the presence of God thereby to obtaine fauour with him for