knoweth nothing c. 1. Tim. 6. v. 3. c. Thus thinke vve of the Scriptures and of the Churche So vvith vs do other Churches Confes of Heluet 2. cap. 1. Bohem cap. 1. Fran. art 5. Flan. art 7. VVit tem art 30 31. 32. Sax. art 11. Yet al of vs doe grant that the Churche As à faithful witnes maie yea of necescitie must testifie to the world vvhat hath bine the doctrine of God his people from time to time But be it far from vs that we should euer somuch as thinke which the Papistes vvil not sticke to write and say that The Church is to iudge the Scripture and not the Scripture the Church The Scripture is not of the escence of the Church for vvithout it à Church maiâ— be thought and veriâ— vvel So said Cusanus à Cardinal It had gonne better vvith the Church had there bine no scripture at al. The scripture because as they say It is vnperfect cannot Be the iudge It is obscure maie not Be the iudge It is ambiguous ought not Be the iudge He is an haereticke that cleaueth to the Scriptures as did Horstatus Such as bare witnesce vnto the truth By the shedding of their bloud in the daies of Q Marie are not martyrs but murtherets of them selues In this time By the sword are tyrans By life and doctrine be heretikes As á trustie register is to keepe and make knowen what the vvord of god which it hath receiued is This carefullie hath bine performed Before the worde vvas vvritten by the Patriarches After the vvord vvas commited to writing Before Christe his incarnation by the Iewes In christe his life time Luk. 4. 16. c Act. 13. 27. Act. 15 21. In the primitiue church 2. Cor 3. 15. 2. cor 8. 18. Colos. 3. 16. From Th'apostles time by the godlie Christians in th'uniuersal world This carefulnes in keepinge the vvord of God de clareth That the mother Churche of Rome is not the onely keeper of the holy write How cursedly theie offende vvhich so greatly esteeme The Ethiks of Aristotle as the S. scripture The Ods of Pindar as the Psalmes of Dauid The writings of men as the wordâ— of God 7 Of the people of God nothing must be obtruded vpon the Church to be beleeued as necessarie vnto saluatioÌ„ which is either contrarie or besides the worde of God So saith the scripture Deut. 4. 2. Prou. 30. 6 Eâ—â—k 20. vers 18. 19. 1. Cor. 3. 11. Gal. 1. 8. Gal 3. 15. Ephe. 4. 14 Col. 1. 23. Heb. 13. 9. 2. Iohn v. 9. 10. Reu. 22. 18 So vvitnes the Churches reformed Confes. Heluet. 2. art 2. Heluet. 1. artic 4. Basil. art 10. Bohem. c. 1 France art 5. Fland. ar 7 Saxon. art 1. VVittem cap. 30. 33 Sueuia art 1. VVhat soeuer is grounded thereon though not by expres tearmes to be red therin we doe reuerendlie embrace This maketh vs not to denie In doctrine The Consubstantialitie of our S. Christ with the Father and the holie Ghost as the Arians did A trinitie of persons in the Godhead vvith the Sabellians The iustification of faith onelie with the Papists The baptisme of Infantes with Anabaptists In ceremonies anie thing that tendeth vnto Comlines Order Edification But from the hart vve abhor vvhatsoeuer agreeth not with the cannon of the Scripture nor is grounded thereon Hence detest we Al the old haereuks The phatisies The Escees The Sadduces The SimoniaÌ„s The Menandeans The Ebeonits The Cerinthians The Gnostikes The Valentinians The Martians c. with The newe prophets of Basilides The manifestatioÌ„s of Marcian The misteries of the Manichies The Idolaea of the Scithians The Symbonia of Th'archoÌ„tikes The Cabala of the Iewes The Alcaran of the Turkes The Decretals of the Popes Al were haeâ—etiks vvith their curssed opinioÌ„s The Anabaptists of them namelie The Daui-geoâ— gainâ— The Libertines The Viteleis The Nicholaitans of Harrie Nicholas Papistes wherof Some commaunded that all the lawes of the Pope shoulde bee taken as confirmed by the mouth of God himselfe so did Pope Agatho the first Some write as Busgrad that if the pope beleue there is no life to com as som Popes haue done wee must beleue it as an article of our faith and if the Pope carrie innumerable soules to hel with him yet he maie not be iudged so thought Pope Boniface the 8. Some haue published à newe Gospel called Euangeliâ—m aeternum spiritus S. which some saie doth so far excel the gospel of Christ as the caâ—nel surpasceth the shel the Sun the Moone and the light darknes 21. ARTICLE Of the auctoritie of generall Councels GEneral Councels 1 maie not be gathered together with-out the commaundement and wil of Princes And when theie be gathered together 2 for as much as theie be an assemblie of men whereof al be not gouerned with the Spirit word of God theie maie erre and some-times haue erred 3 euen in things pertaining vnto God Wherefore 4 thinges ordained by them as necessarie vnto saluation haue neither strength nor auctoritie vnlesse it maie be declared that theie be taken out of holie Scripture The Propositions 1 General Councels must be gathered together by the commaundement and wil of Princes 2 General Councels maie erre 3 General Councels haue erred euen in great matters of Religion 4 The things ordained by general Councels are so far to be embraced and beleeued as theie are consonant to Gods holie word 1 Great is the povver and auctoitiâ— of Kinges and Princes by the word of God For as the defence of Religion is committed vnto theÌ„ so must they see that al men do their duties That theis thinges maie the better be performed they are as iust occasion is offered not as men vnder the power of others to summon but as supreme gouernors within their territories and dominions to commaund al sortes of men to meete together and that either to th'inplanting of the truth where it is not or to the supprescing of sin errors idolatrie and superstition where or in whom soeuer it doth arise or is rooted Such Councels were holden In the time of the Mosaical gouernment by the commaundement of the most godlie Kinges Asa. 2. Chro. 15 9. c. Ezekiah 2. Chr. 29. 4 c. Iosiah 1. Chro. 34. 29. c. Since the Gospel hath bine receaued into Kingdomes and common-weales by Christian Princes and Emperors who gathered Councels General so called was the Councel of Nice by Constantinus Magnus Constantinople by Theodosius the elder Ephesus by Theodosius the yonger Calcedon by Marcian National and prouincial such for al were held at By the wil of Charles the Great Francoâ—urt Rhems Turon Cabilon Arelot Moguntia Auernia by Theodorit Matiscon by Gnutranus By â—hil debert Aurelia Paris And neuer yet hath there bine à councel either general or national either publique or priuate I onlie except the Councels held by the holie Apostles in à troblesome state time of the church when as yet ther were no
in other places of the reformed Church name lie in the Confes. of VVittem art 32. Sueuin art 15. Sound in iudgment therefore theie are not VVhich being not of the Church of Christ wil notwithstanding take vpon them to iudg yea to condemne the doctrine of the Church of God as do The Machiauils The Iewes The Turkes The Papists The Fam. of Loue. The Anab. VVhich hold that the Pope alone hath power To iudg al men and matters but maie be iudged of none To make reuoke at his pâ—â—suâ—e what articles of Religion him listeth and that without controlment VVhich suppose there is No iudgment but in the Clergie so called None auctoritie to determine of controuersies in Religion but by the bookes of the dead Fathers Doctors Schole men as Thâ—â— Aquinas â—coâ—â—â— c. 4 To interpret the word of God is à peculiar blessing giueÌ„ by God onelie to the church or companie of the faithful though not to al and euerie of them For Saith our Sauiour Of men in general No man knoweth the Sonne but the Father neither knoweth anie man the Father but the Sonne and he to whom the Sonne wil reueile him Mat. 11. 27. Of his faithful disciples It is giuen to you to know the secrets of heauen but to them it is not giuen Matth. 13 11. Saith S. Paul vnto the church at Corinth The manifestation of the Spirit is giuen to euerie man to profit withal For to one is giuen by the Spirit the worde of wisedome c. And to another prophecie 1. Cor. 12. 7 c. If anie thing be reueiled to another that sitteth by let the first hold his peace 1. Cor. 14. 30. The Apostles Iames and Iohn do write vnto al the Church or people of God If anie man lacke wisdome let him aske of God Iam. 1 5. Ye haue an ointment from him that is holie and yee haue knowne al things c ye know the truth c ye need not that anie man teach you 1. Iohn 2. ver 20 21 27. Hereunto subscribe the Churches in Heluet. Confes. 2. c. 7. Bohem. Confes. c. 1. VVitteÌ„ Confes. c. 30. Al of vs iointlie opposing our selues Against those men which thinke that to expound the word of God is so easie à matter as anie student indued with à good natural wit by diligence maie do the same Against them that teach how to interpret or expound the Scriptures is too hard à thing for anie mortal man to attaine vnto such VVas Iohannes de VVessalia Are manie of the Anabaptists Against the fam of Loue who though they grant some can expound or open so far as is conuenient for man to know the meaning of God in his word yet that Some there saie are themselues and none other Against the Papists VVhich thinke that to interpret the holie scripture is not so much à special gift of God vpoÌ„ some chosen persons as an ordinarie power annexed to the state of Popes Bishops General Councels That are so far from giuing the people of God not being of the Clergie power to expound that theie vvil not suffer them to read no not so much as to haue the Scriptures in à vulgar tongue except it be their ovvne most corrupt and barbarous translation vvhich but of late yeeres neither and that in part too is granted But for the Scripture of God in place theie obtruded Festiuals Legends Rosaries Horaries Psalâ—eries of our Ladie 5 Forsomuch as no prophecie is of anie priuate motion 2. Pet. 1. 20. and whatsoeuer interpretation man giueth not agreeing to Th'analogie of faith which S. Paul from God gaue in commandement to be obserued Rom. 12. 6. is à priuate interpretation special heed is to be had that one place of Scripture be so expounded as it agree with another and al to the proportion of faith This do the Churches protestant so like of as theie approue the same by publique Subscription as maie appeare in the Confession of Heluet. 1. art 2. Heluet. 2. c 2. France art 7. Saxon. art 1. VVittem ca. 30. 31. 33. Sueauia art 1. This wil not be granted of the Antichristian synagogues whereof Some thinke that the Scripture may be expounded in what sense and to what purpose we wil as the Helchesaits Papists among whome theie be which from this opinioÌ„ do tearme the most holie word of God in reproch A shipmaÌ„â— hoase A leaden rule A nose of waxe Some condemne al interpretation of the word as vnnecessarie theie being taught as theie saie of God himseÌ„lfe such are the Libertines Some depend vpon visions and Reuelations as the Euthusiasts Anabaptists Some dislike of the literal calling it à Grammatical sense and so prefer the Allegorical exposition that theie cal it the spiritual sense of Gods word and therbie make vvhat them list of the Scriptures most monstrouslie as the Originists Fam. of Loue Some vvil haue of euerie place of Scripture an exposition Analogical Allegorical Historical Moral As the curious Thomists Monches Some are addicted to an interpretation vvhich theie cal mystical and prophetical as the Bâ—â—â—ardists Some thinke th'interpretation vvhich the Church of Rome maketh of the Scripture vvhatsoeuer it be is the od and the onelie true sense of Gods vvord as Harding doth Some deeme that as the Church by time doth alter so th'interpretation of the Scripture also maie varie vvhereby that vvhich in Th'apostles time vvas à truth in theis daies shal be an error and contrarivvise in this error vvas Cardinal Cusanus 6 Though the church hath power to heare determine in controuersies of saith as alreadie hath bine prooued yet hath the Church auctoritie nei ther to iudge the worde of God not to iudge otherwise than the word of God doth iudg For it is said To the church Novve I besceche you brethren marke theÌ„ diligentlie which cause diuision and offences contrarie to the doctrine which ye learned and auoid them Rom. 16. 7. Heare him euen Christ Math 17. 5. To him giue al the Prophets vvitnesce Act. 10. 43. Search the Scriptures Iohn 5. 39. VVhosoeuer transgresceth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ hath not God 2. Iohn vers 9. Yee are no more straungers and forreners c. and are built vpon the foundation of Th'apostles and Prophets c. Ephes. 2 19. Heereby shal yee knowe the spirite of God c. 1. Iohn 4. 2. Of the holie Scripture The worde is the truth Iohn 17. 17. The whol Scripture c is profitable to teach to improue to correct to instruct in righteousnes that the man of God maie be absolute c. 2. Tim. 6. ver 16. 17. They haue Moses and the Prophets let them hear them Luk. 16. 29. VVee haue also à most sure vvorde of the Prophets to the which ye do wel that yee take heede c. 2. Pet. 1. 19. If anie man teache otherwise consenteth not to the wholsome wordes of our L. I. Christ and to the doctrine which is according to godlines he is pust vp
christian Princes couÌ„tenauncing the truth either begunne or ended to the glorie of God But it hath bine I say not onelie called but confirmed also by some godlie Emp. King or Queene This in effect is granted by the confes Heluet. 2. cap. 30. Heluet. 1. art 26. Bohem. cap 16. Fland. art 36. Sax. art 23. VVittem cap. 35. Sueuia in the Perorat As al other godly and true propositions besides So hath this bine oppugned that diuers lie For some thinke That Emperors and Princes be the Pope his Summoners and not of themselues absolute commanders of Councels There ought no Councel to be kept without the determinate consent of the Bishop of Rome Harding No Councel euer yet had firme auctoritie which was not coÌ„firmed by the Bishop of Rome Duâ—aeus The Popes of Rome vvhome theie cal the successors of Peter and not christian Princes haue auctoritie and power of making laws of calling Councels c. The Rhemists vpon the 16 of Mathevv That vvere the Pope à good man as he is Antichrist he might or he being wiked other good Bishops though subiects vnto the ciuil Magistrate maie cal Councels together at their discretion vvhich derogateth not à little from th'auctoritie of à christian King or Prince 2 General Councels consisting Of men who maie erre nothing more easilie Of manie men and they differing in VVhereby distractions of opinions ofteÌ„ do arise Yeates Riches Learning IudgemeÌ„t Calling Auctoritie Of manie men whereof the wiked are for number commonly the maior part and the better in outwarde countenance of the world Of men not al nor alwaies Gouerned with the Of god Spirit word Gathered together in the name of Christ. None of souÌ„d iudgement in Religion do dout but they may erre If Paphnutius had bin absent at Nice the Councel had erred If Hierome had bine avvay at Calcedon the Councel had erred At aâ—ie time if some be beleeued be the Pope not present either perse or per Legatum no Councel but must erre Therefore Councels may erre That vvhich one Councel doth establish another vvil disanul Theie vvil not vve must thinke reuoke that vvhich is vvel decreed Therefore Councels may erre Therefore erre do the Papistes vvhich say The holie Spirit alvvaies is the director of Councels That Councels cannot erre 3 Councels both general and particular haue erred and that in matters of faith Confes. VVittemb cap. 33. For In the scripture we finde that It was ordained if any man did confesse that Iesus was the Christe hee shoulde bee excommunicat Iohn 9. 22 Iohn 12. 42. which could not be but by à Councel A Councel was gathered to suppres Christ and his doctrine Iohn 12. 47. A Councel consulted how they might take Iesus by subtlety kill him Mat. 26. v. 3. 4. A Councel sought for witnesse against Iesus to put him to death Mar. 14. v. 53. 55. A Councel bound Iesus and led him awaie and deliuered him to Pilate Mar. 15. 1. A Councel iudged our S. Christ A deceauer Mat. 27. 63. A blasphemer Luk. 22. 71. A Councel corrupted the soldiers and willed them to tell à lie Matth. 28. ver 12. 13. A Councel with-stood Peter and Iohn and commuanded them that in no wise they should speake or teach in the Name of Iesus Act. 4. vers 5. 6. 18. A Councel Caused Th'apostles to be beaten Act. 5. 40. Commaunded that Th'apostles should not prech in the Name of Iesus Act. 5. 40. In auncieÌ„t writings of credit we maie read how contrary to Gods word By Councels Aâ—â—ianisme hath bine confirmed By Councels the books of foolish men haue bin made of equal auctoritie with the word of God By Councels Hath bin established Adoration of images Inuocation of creatures c. By Councels th'auctoritie of Princes hath bine depresced and the Pope and Clergie aduaunced aboue all Princes The truth heereof moued Hilary to call the Synode of Mediolane the Synagogue of the malignant Saint Augustine vnto Maximinus to write Neither ought I to obiecte against thee the Synode of Nice nor thou against mee the Synod of Ariminum Nazianzen openlie to pronounce that he neuer sawe anie good end of à Councell The Frenche King his Embassador to saâ—e in the chapter of Trent that scarsely anie good at all or verie little came by Councels to the state of christendome Cornelius Bishop of Bitonto to break out into theis words in the face of the Church at Tridâ—t I would that with one consent they had not altogether declined from religion vnto superstition from faith vnto infidelitie from Christ vnto Antichrist from God vnto Epicuâ—us This notwithstanding the Papists do continue in an erroneous opinion that Councels cannot erre ¶ The Antithesis in this and the other part of the subscription wil easilie make apparant what by this proposition is set-downe 4 General Councels we simplie condemne not yet do wee not ground our faith vppon anie Councel but onelie vppon the word of god Therfore in general Councels VVhat-soeuer is agreeable to the written vvord of god we do reuerendlie embrace VVhat-soeuer is contrarie vnto or besides the vvil of God reueiled in his vvorde vve do carefullie auoide And So are vvee commaunded to do euen by God himselfe Deut. 12. 32 Iohn 1. 7. Ezek. 20. v. 18. 19. Gal. 1. 8. Thus think the godlie churches reformed Confes. of Heluet. 2. c. 18. Bohem. cap. 1. Fraunce art 5. Flan. art 7. VVittem c. 33. Contrarie heere vnto th' opinion of the Papists concerning couÌ„cels is that Theie do binde al nations So did Pope Hormisda decree Some couÌ„cels and namelie the Councel of Nice Constantinople Ephesus Chalcedon So thought Pope Gregorie the great Al Councels so did Campion suppose were of aequal auctoritie with the worde of God 22. ARTICLE ⧠Of Purgatorie THe Romish doctrine concerning 1. 2 Purgatorie 3 Pardons worshipping and adoration 4 aswell of images 5 as of reliques 6 and also inuocation of Saincts is a fonde thing vainelie inuented and grounded vpon no warrantie of Scripture but rather repugnant to the word of God The Propositions The Romishe doctrine touching 1 Purgatorie 2 Purgatorie 3 Pardons 4 Worshipping and adoration of Images 5 Worshipping and adoration of Reliques 6 Inuocation of Saincts Is a thing Not warranted by the Scripture Contrarie to the worde of God 1 It is graunted aswel of the Romish or false as of the true Church that none vncleane thing can enter into the kingdome of God And because al meÌ„ either haue bine or stil remaine vnclean therefore theie are or must bee purged from sinn But in the manner of purging them who are vnpure thei do greatlie differ For the true church looking into the vvorde of God doeth finde that vvee are sanctified or made cleane in diuers respects diuerslie By Baptism Ephes. 5. v. 25. 26. By the word preached Iohn 15. 3. By the bloud of Christ â— Ioh 1. 7. Tit. 2. 14. Heb. 1. 3. By the spirite of God 1. Cor. 6. 11. And that in this life and
not in the other world For in the Scripture there is mention but onelie Of tvvo vvaies Mat 7. 13. 14. One leading vnto destruction One bringing vnto life Of tvvo sortes of men Mar 16. 16. Ioâ— 3â— 8. vvhereof Some beleeue and theie are saued Some beleeue not and theie are damned Of tvvo states in the life to come Lu. 16. One blessed where Lazarus is One cursced vvhere Diues doth abide A Third waie or sort or state cannot bee founde in the vvord of God And therefore the Purgatorie in an other world denied Hath alvvaies bine by the Greeke Churches Is at this daie by the mouthes of al and by the publique Confes. of some churches in theis parts of the vvorld Heluet. 2. cap. 26. France art 24. Saxon. ar 11. VVittem cap. 25. Ausb art 11 Therefore the Romish doctrine touching purgatorie established by the late conuenticle at Trent Decret de Purgat ses 25. ses 6. câ—n 30. cannot be warranted by the holie Scripture 2 The Papists sliding backe from the truth of God haue fallen in to manie noisome and diuers opinions in the matter of Purgatorie agreeing among themselues neither About the place where Purgatorie should be some placing the same In the bottom of the sea Neere vnto the mounte Hecla in Ireland Vpon the mount Aâ—tna in Sicil. In Hel. About the tormentors in Purgatorie who by some are thought to be Holie Angels Verie diuels About the torments For some dreame how theie are tormented VVith fire onelie VVith water and with fire About the causes of Purgatorie torments Because manie do thinke For which in this life men haue done no penance are there punished Onelie venial sinnes Venial and deadlie sinnes About the time which theie that are tormented shal abide in Purgatorie For some haue giuen-out that the poore soules there Be continualie in torments Haue rest sometime as vpon Sondaies Holy daies In time shal be set at libertie because their punishment is but temporarie Maie be deliuered at anie time if Their friends with monie wil buie-out their paines The Priests wil praie for them The Pope wil but saie the word About the state of the soules in Purgatotie For Our English Papists at Rhemes do thinke those in Purgatorie to be in à more happie and blessed state than anie that do liue in this world Some as Thomas Aquinas saie the paine of hel fire and the paine of the fire of Purgatorie are al one and that theie differ nothing but that th' one is but temporal and th' other not so And others put in choise either to tarâ—ie in Purgatorie à daie or to suffer the miseries of this world an 100 yeeres haue chosen th'affliction of this life for an hundred yeeres together than the paines of Purgatorie for one winters daie Therefore in this contrarietie of opinioÌ„s some of them th' aduersaries themselues cannot denie must be wee saie al of them are contrarie to the worde of God Besids they nourish most cursed and damnable errors as that Al the soules of the faithful separated from their bodies are not at rest Theis are purged in purgatorie Al sinnes in their owne nature are not mortal or deadlie Some sinnes deserue not euerlasting punishment One sinful man may saue another and that easilie by Some thing for them Praieng Saieng Doing If friends in this world wil do nothing for poore soules in paine yet maie they come vnto life at length by abiding their deserued torments vntil th' end in purgatorie The Pope is God in that he can at his pleasure deliuer From the guilâ— of sinne From the punishments due to sinne 3 Such hath bine th'exceeding mercie and loue of God tovvards man that as hee hath purged vs from all guiltines of sinn by the bloud So hath he pardoned vs from th'euer lasting punishment due to sinn by the pains of Christ. For There is saluation in none other For among men there is giuen none other name vnder heauen vvhereby wee must be saued Act. 4. 12. Through his Name al that beleue shal receiue remiscion of sinnes Act 10. 43. Hee hath purchased the Church by his owne bloud Act. 20. 28. VVith his stripes vvee are healed Isa. 53. 5. Hee that beleeueth in him shal not Be condemned Iohn 3. 18 Be ashamed Rom. 10. 11. Therefore Come vnto me al yee that are wearie and laden and I wil case you c. And yee shall finde reste for your soules saith our Sauiour Christ. Mar 11. v. 28. 29. If thou shalt confesce vvith thie mouth the Lord Iesus and shalt beleeue in thine heart that God raised him vp froÌ„ the dead thou shalt bee saued saith S. Paule Rom. 10. 9. This beeing the doctrine of god himselfe and of his Church See art 2. proposit 4. art 11. proposit 1. art 22. proposit 1. we maie euidentlie perceaue hovve not onelie vain but besides not onelie besides but against the word of god the Romish doctrine concerning Pardons is For that doeth teach vs To seeke saluation not at God alone but at the handes of sinful man For would vvee haue pardon That we maie be our ovvne Sauiors So did that of purgatorie For the sinnes of 40. daies A Bishop maie giue it For the sinnes of an 100 daies A Cardinal maie graunt it For al our synnes committed or to be committed From the Pope wee maie haue it Here are his pardons if you respecte Time for yeares 40 50 100 1000 1000 10000 Offences For Parricide Homicide Treason The sinne of Sodome Periurie c. Howe the precious blood of Christe was shed in vaine For corruptible golde and siluer maie and wil saue vs. That repentance is not of necessitie to the saluatioÌ„ of man For without the same à popishe pardon maie saue but without either à pardon from the Pope or absolution of á Priest there is no saluation 4 Images are such an abomi natioÌ„â— to the Lord that he To make them among al men odioâ—â— describeth the vanitie of theÌ„ by his prophets as that Theie are Ierem. 10. vers 8. 15. The doctrine of vanitie The work of errors The teachers of lies Hab. 2. 18. Psal 135. 15. Siluer and golde The work of mans hands Vanitie Isa. 44. 10 c Theie haue Psal. 135. 16. A mouth and speake not Eies and see not Eares and heare not Psal. 115. 7. Handes touch not Feete and walke not Theie that make them are like vnto them so are al thei which trust in theÌ„ Psalm 115. 8. 135. 18. Giueth á straight commandement Not to bowe down to them not worship them Erod 20. 5. 1. Cor. 10. v. 7. 14 Not to make them Exod. 20. 5. Deut. 4. ve 14. 15. c. To flie from them 1. Iohn 5. 21. 1. Cor 10. 14. To destroie The images Deut. 7. 5. 12 ve 2. 3. Iosh. 24. 24. The idolaters Deut. 17. vers 2. c. The enticers vnto idolatrie Deut. 13. 5. c. Commended greatlie and praiseth such as haue Destroied images â— King 18. v.
3. 4. 2. Chron. 14. 3. 34. 2. c. Not bowed vnto idols 1. Kin. 19. 18 2. Chro. 34. 2. Dan. 3. Rom. 11. 4. c. Curseth The images Deu. 7. 25. 27. 15. Iere. 51. vers 47. 51. 10. 11. The image makers Deu. 27. 15. Isa. 44 9. c. The image seruers or vvorshippers Deut. 27. 26. Psal. 97. 7. Isa. 42. 17. 44. 11. Hereunto with vs the Protestant Churches euerie vvhere do subscribe namelie Confes of Helue 2. c 3. 4 Basil. art 10 6. 3. Bohe. c. 3. 17 Franc. art 1. Ausburgh art 1. Sax. art 22 VVit c. 1. 23 Suâ—a art 22 The Romishe doctrine contrarie to the word of God doth allowe and not onelie allow but publiquelie erect and not onelie erect but adore and not onelie adore images but accursce more than so condemne to the fire as haeretiks such as wil not wor shipp images and th'images too which is most abhominable Of God himselfe euen of god The whole blessed and incom prehensible Trinitie with three faces in one head The Father and that in the likenes of an old man with à long white beard The sonne in the similitude of à man hanging on the Crosce The holie Ghost in the shape of à Doue Of God his creatures Of Angels Alwaies with wings Sometimes with à pare of ballance as S. Michael Of men as of as it were Moses with hornes Th'apostles with trenchers The B. virgine with Haire fâ—isled Costlie garments Of base thinges Agnus Deis of ware VVafer cakes of flower Crosses of Gold Siluer Stone VVood. Paper c. 5 Of al the erroneous opinions among the papists vvhich are infinite none is more to the illusioÌ„ of wel meaning christians than their doctrine concerning worshiping and adoration of the Reliques of Saints A doctrine In the Scripture No where to be found Forbidden Deut. 6 13 Matth. 4 10. In the purer time of the Church no where to be heard In al reformed Churches at this time vtterlie condemned as in part by some testimonies extant euidentlie maie appeare Confes of Hel. 2 c. 5. Hel. 1. art 11. Basil. ar 10. Bohem c. 17. Franc. ar 24. Yet such is the Satanical boldnes of that Antichristian Synagogue that as theie wil delude men with the reliques of Saincts which are not so So likewise theie teach the people which is most abominable to giue diuine adoration honor vnto them Hence Saith one and that in â— general Councel In like â—ort do I worship and honor and salute the Râ—â—ques also of Saincts as of the champions and fighters for Christ as of them who haue obteined fauor from God both to minister remedie to heale diseases to cast-out diuels c. Some do praie vnto S. Benedict whose reliques theie had stolen O Benedict after God our onlie hope leaue vs not orphans who art come hether not through our merits but for the saluation of manie soules Haue some published That the bodies of Saincts and specialie the Reliques of the blessed Martyrs are with al synceritie to be honoured as the members of Christ c. If anie denie this sentence he is to be thought not à Christian but an Eunomian and Vigilautian The Councel of Trent hath decreed that theie are to bee taken for damned which affirme howe worship and honor is not to be giuen vnto the Reliques of Saincts c. Of this preposterous deuotion Theie haue appointed à certaine Seruice for the holie Crosce where-on Christ was hanged Theie haue made à feast for the Speare and Nailes wherewith Christ was launced Theie haue canonized for à Sainct the Chains which bound the Apustle Sainct Peter To saie nothing of the adoration theie giue To the Hair Milk Smock of the B. virgine To the Head Haire Thombe Coate of Iohn Baptist To the Breaches of Ioseph To the Sworde Hand-kirchiefe of S. Paul To the Keies of S. Peter To manie things which of modestie I wil not mention but ouerpasse 6 The Christian exercise of praier is à dutie which may not be securelie omitted or vainlie abused And though manie things in praier be necessarilie to be obserued yet à special point is that in our supplications and praiers we cal onelie vpon God For so to do we are Commanded euen of God himselfe Psal. 50 15. Matth 6 9. Luke 11 2. Allured by manifold Promises of large blessings Psal. 50 15. Matth 7 11. Luke 11 13. 18. 7. Iohn 16 v. 23 24. Examples of godlie men of Patriarchs Abraham Gen. 13 4. Isaak Ge. 26. 25. Iaacob Gen. 32 9 c. Prophets Daniel Dan. 9 16 c. Elias 1. K. 17 â— Ieremie Ier. 14 7. c. Centurions Acts 10 2. Publicans Luke 18 13. Apostles Paul Act. 16 25. and al his Epist Peter c. Acts 1 24. Al the elect in this world Luke 18 7. On th' other side to praie vnto anie creature that dead is beside Iesus Christ. In the Scripture there is no Law to command To prouoke Promise of blessing Example of godlie men or women As the church of God in the pureâ— times haue so in theis daies the Protestant Churches vtterlie mislike See Confes. of Heluet. 1. art â—1 Heluet. 2 c. 5 23. Basil. art 10. Bohem. c. 2. 17. France art 14. 24. Fland. art 20. Ausburg art 21. VVittem ca. 23. Sueauia art 11. 21. Therefore the Romish doctrine that Saints at to be praied vnto their dailic praieng as occasioÌ„ serueth vnto S. Agatha for fore breasts S. Benedict for poisoning S. Clare for fore eies S. Damian for phisick S. Erasmus for health in th'intrals S. Feriol for Geese S. Giles for baâ—â—ennes of women S. Hubbert for dogs S. Iob for the poxe S. Katherin for knowledge S. Loy for horses S. Margaret for women in â—â—â—uel S. Nicholas for children S. Otilia for the head S. Petronil for th'ague S. Quintin for the cough S. Ruffine for madnes S. Sebastian for the plague S. Thomas of Canturburie for sinners S. Valentine for the falling sicknes S. VVinefield for virginitie S. ✚ or Crosce for al things It is Vaine Not warraÌ„table by the worde of god Repugnant to the holie Scripture 23. ARTICLE Of Ministring in the Congregation IT is not lawful 1 for anie man to take vpon him th' office of publike preaching 3 or ministring the Sacraments in the Congregation 2 before hee be lawfullie called and sent t' execute the same 4 And those wee ought to iudge lawfullie called and sent which be 6 chosen and called to this worke 5 by men who haue publike auctoritie giuen vnto them in the congregation to cal and sende Ministers into the Lordes vine-yard The Propositions 1 None publiquelie maie preach but such as are auctorized thereunto 2 Theie must not be silent who by office are bound to preach 3 The Sacraments maie not bee administred in the Congregation but by a lawful Minister 4 There is a lawful Ministerie in the Church 5 Theie are lawful Ministers which be ordained by Men lawfullie appointed to
the calling and sending-forth of Ministers 6 Before Ministers are to be ordained theie are to be chosen and called 1 Manie are the duties enioined to euerie christian yet so is it ordained by the wisedome of God that none should as gouerne in the CoÌ„mon-weale so teach publiquelie in the Church but such as lawfully be called and sent to execute the same This By the Scripture is apparent where The godlie are commanded to preach before theie would speake so was The wiked are blamed for preaching before theie were sent Iere. 14 14. 23 21. 27 15. 29 9. Samuel 1. Sam. 3 4 c. Ieremie Iere. 1. 4. c. Ezekiel Ezek. 2. 3 c. Iohn Baptist. Iohn 1. 6. Iesus Christ who as he was sent Ioh. 20 21 so did he to preach send The 12. Apostles Mat. 10. 5 c. Mat. 28 19. c. Iohn 20 21. The 70. disciples Luke 10. 1. A commaundement is giuen vs to praie the Lord of the haruest that he would send-forth laborers into his haruest Matth. 9. 38. VVe do read that God hath ordained some in the Church to be 1. Cor. 12 28. Apostles Prophets Teachers VVorkers of miracles c. Christ ascended gaue some Ephes. 4 11. Prophets Euangelists Pastors Teachers By the publique Confession of manie Churches reformed is granted as Confes. of Heluet. 2. c. 18. Bohem. c. 9. France art 31. Fland. art 31. Ausb art 14. VVittem art 20. Sueaui art 13. VVherebie we signifie our selues to be aduersaries To all such as to their power do seeke th'abolishing of publique preaching as do subtile Papists and worldlie men To al such as publishe how the worde is not taught by the holie Scriptures and Sermons but onelie by the reuelation of the Spirit so did Muncer To al such as runne before theie be sent as do manie Anabaptists Schismatikes to carie disciples after them To al such as hold how theie which are able to teach and instruct the people maie and must so do and that not priuatlie but publiquelie though theie be not ordinarilie called and sent thereunto The doctrine of R. H. 2 As publiquelie to preach before men are sent is à greâ—uous fault so not to preach being sent is as great a sinne Hereunto â—eare witnes In the Scripture Iesus Christ whose wordes are theis Surelie I must also preach the kingdome of God to other cities for therefore am I sent Luke 4. 43. Peter and Iohn who being charged to speake no more in the name of Iesus said VVe cannot but speake that which we haue heard and sene Act. 4. 17. c. S. Paul For he writeth Necessitie is laid vpon me and wo is vnto me if I preach not the Gospel For if I do it willinglie I haue à reward but if I do it against my will yet the dispensation is committed vnto me 1. Cor. 9. v. 16 17. Th'apostles For though theie were beaten for so doing yet ceassed theie not to teach and preach Iesus Christ. Act. 5. 42. The godlie Churches at this present in the vvorld Confes. Heluet. 2. c. 18. Heluet. 1. art 15. Bohem. c. 9. France art 25. Ausburge art 7. VVittemb art 20. Sueauâ— art 13. This condemneth al such as take vpon them the office of publique preaching without performance of the same either through Ignorance that theie can not VVorldly busines that they maie not Negligence that theie wil not Feare of troubles that theie dare not Preach the word of God 3. To minister the SacrameÌ„ts in the CoÌ„gregation euerie man maie not presume but theie are so to do as be lawfullie called sent for that purpose Heb. 5 4. as they be whose office publiquelie is to teach instruct the people of God For so we maie read In the Scripture that the preachers of the word are to be the ministers of the Sacraments For both Christ by his auctoritie did command his disciples as to preach so to Baptize Matth. 28 19. Celebrate the Lord his supper Luke 22 19. 1. Cor. 11 â— 24 25. Th'apostles other ministers in the purest times whome the godlie ministers in theis dâ—ies do succeed did not â—nclie preach but also Baptize Act. 2. 38 c Act. 8. v. 12 13. Act. 9 47. Act 16 v. 31. c. Iohn 1 25. 1. Cor. 1 14. c. Minister the Supper of the Lord Act. 20 7. 1. Cor. 10 16. In the Christian Confessions of the Churches reformed Confes. Heluet. 2. c. 18. Bohem. c. 9. France ar 25. 31 Ausb art 7. VVitteÌ„ art 20. Sâ—â—â—ia art 13. In saieng that none maie minister the Sacraments in the Congregation before he be lawfullie called and sent to execute the same the meaning is not as I take it that priuatelie in houses either lawful ministers vpon iust occasio 〈…〉 〈…〉 aie not or others not of the ministrie vpon anie occasion in the peace of the Church maie administer the Sacraments For though it be lawful for almen in their places to teach to exhort to reprehend to praie and that continuallie and in al places yet maie none minister the Sacraments but such as are publiquelie auctorized so to do The contrarie where of neither by anie commandement from God noâ— example in Th'apostles time can be shewen Hereby we declare our selues not to fauor th' opinion that Publiquelie some maie minister the SacrameÌ„ts which are not meerlie and ful ministers of the word Sacraments Priuatelie the Sacrament of baptisme maie be ministred by anie man yea by women if necessitie â—o vrge 4 God for the gathering or erecting to himselfe á Church out of mankinde and for the wel-gouerning of the same hath from time to time vsed yea doth also and to th' ende of the worlde wil vse the ministerie of men lawfullie called there-vnto by men A trueth most euident In the holy Scripture Mark 16. 15 Ephes 4. 11. 1. Cor. 12. 21 Matt. 28. 20 Iohn 14. 16. In the sound Confessions of the pureâ— Churches of this time Confes. Heluet. 1. art 15. Heluet. 2. ca 18. Bohem. c. 8. 9. 14. France art 25. 29. 30. 31 Fland. art 30. 31. Ausburgh art 7. Sax. art 11. VVittem art â—0 Sueaue art 13. 15. This proposition I had ouerpassed in silence had I not read in á certaine booke that in theis daies No Ministers haue the Pertaining to á Minister 〈…〉 ng Sending Auctoritie It wil hardlie be sound in al the world that anie Minister Lawfullâ—e called Is Shalbe 5 S. Paule in the beginning of his Epistle vnto the Galathians giueth vs to obserue the diuers sending-forth of men into the holie Ministerie whereof some are sent 1 By god For by God the Father Iesus Christ Iohn 20. 21. Iohn Baptiste Iohn 1. 6. God the Sonne in his state Mortal the 〈◊〉 Apostles Math 10. 5. 28. 19. Glorious immortal S. Paule Act. 9. v. 3. 15. VVere called and sent This calling is special extraordinarie And thei so called were Adorned with the gift of miracles as wer I. Christ his Apostles but not Iohn
vpon the word of god is to speake soule errors vntruths For in al the holie Scripture there is no mention It is an error to saie there is anie other ointmeÌ„t giuen to the strengthning of the church militant besides the holie Ghost 1. Iohn 2 27 Of the matter that it must be Chrisme that made of Oliue oile and Baulme and consecrated of à Bishop Of the forme that either the Bishop must signe him that is to bee confirmeâ— vvith the signe of the Crosse or that anie Godfather c should be thâ— at c. Of the minister that 〈◊〉 must be à Bishop thaâ—â— to confirme Of th' effects that therebie Sinnes are pardoned 〈◊〉 â—emised The grace Baptisme iâ— made perfeâ—â— c. It is an error to thinke that anie 〈…〉 can giue heauenly graces to any 〈…〉 It is an error t'ascribe saluatioÌ„ to 〈…〉 and not onelie to Christ. It sauoreth of Donatisme to measures dignitie of the Sacraments by the 〈…〉 thinesse of the Ministers It is an error that men cannot be 〈…〉 fect Christians vvithout Popish Câ—â—mation It is an error that by Confirmation holie Ghost is giuen to the ful â— The Sacrament of Repentance which is baptisme Luk. 3 3. we allow but that Popish poenance is à Sacrament we altogither denie As of CoÌ„firmation so of PoenaÌ„â—e th' aduersaries do publish foure things to be noted and none of theÌ„ trulie grounded vpon the word of God First the matter which of the Papists some do saie is Th'actioÌ„s of the poenitent person that is to saie Th'absolution by the Priest Sufficient contrition of hart Perfect CoÌ„fession Of al sinnes and that in particular Of al circumstances as of place time c Satisfactions in works vvhich maketh à ful amends for al offences Secondlie the forme which In the Priest is the words of absolutioÌ„ which the priest vttereth ouer the sinner In the persoÌ„ poenitent is His kneeling down at the priests feet His making the sign of the crosse vpoÌ„ his breast His saieng benedicite to his ghost lie father The priest beareth the person of God is the lavvful iudge ouer the poenitent and may Absolue from the gilt of sinne Inflict à punishment according to th' offence Thirdly the Minister who Ordinarilie is the Curat of euerie parish Extraordinarilie and in the time of extreeme necessitie or by licence anie Priest Yet some sinnes are so grecuous that non may absolue them but The Pope oâ— his Legat as Burning of Churches Violent striking of à Priest CouÌ„ter feâ—ting the pops Buls The bishop or his poenitentiarie as Incest Breaking of vowes Robbers of churchs Haeretikes Adulterers c. Fourthlie th'affect Hereby they say à poenitent sinner is FroÌ„ al sin as when he was newly baptized Purged Absolued Made cleane Enriched vvith spiritual gifts and graces The consideratioÌ„ here of hath moued the churches reformed to condemne this Antichristan Sacrament of paenance as hauing no vvarrant froÌ„ the word of God Confes of Heluet. 2. c. 14. 19. Behem cap. 4. Ausburg art 3. 11. 12. Saxon. ar 16. 17. VVittem art 13. 14. 15. Sueaue cap. 20. The blasphemies are outragious and th' error manie monstrous comprised in this doc trine of popish poenance For VVhereas they saie the Sacrament of poenance was instituted by christ himself it is most false For as they teach it neither the matter noâ— the form noâ— the Priest noâ— th' effect thereof can bee drawne from the vvord of God They say Poenance is a Sacrament yet can they shevv no element it hath to make it à Scacrament Popish Contrition is against the truth For none is sufficientlie contrite for his sinnes To confes al sinnes and that one after another with al circuÌ„stances vnto à priest as it is vnpossible so is it erroneous and neuer enioined by God nor practised by anie of God his Saints that vve can find in the holie Scripture That anie man can satisfie for his sinnes it is blasphemous against the merits of Christ yet do the Papists teach it and besides that one man maie satisfie for another An vntruth is it that any priest Bishop or Pope hath povver to forgiue sinnes or can enioine anic punishment that can make an amends to God for the least offence If Poenance purge men and make them cleane from al sin then is there à time when meÌ„ in this life be perfect which tendeth greatlie to th' error of the Catharans Donatists and Pelagians That Baptisme is à token that original sinne onelie and not actual sins besides vvhich th'elect seruants of God shal commit are pardoned it is against the vvord of God The doctrine that they vvhich vvillinglie depart out of this vvorlde vvith-out shrife are damned vvhich thing the Papists do hold is à damnable doctrine and to be eschevveda â— The church of England and of other places reformed do acknoledge an order of making miâ—â—â—ers in the Church of God where al things are to be done by order But that order is à Sacrament none but disordered Papists wil grant and yet they obserue none order in speaking of the â—ame For among them Some do make 7. orders whereof some be Inferior as th' order of Porters whose office is To keepe the doore T' expel the wiked To let-in the faithful 2 Exorcists or Coniurers which haue power t' expel diuels 3 Lectors or Readers who are to read lessons and scripture in the Church 4 Acolytes or Candle-bearers hauing auctoritie To beare cruets to th' altar with wine and water To beare candles and tapers Superior as th' order of 5 Subdeacons who are To read Th'epistle To prepare necessaries for ministration T' assist the Priest in ministration 6 Deacons their dutie is To read the Gospel T' assist the Priest in ministration 7 Priests to whom auctoritie is giuen to minister Sacraments that is to saie Baptisme Poenance The SacrameÌ„t of Th' alter and to sacrifice for the quicke and the dead Annealing of the sicke Matrimonie Theis 7 Orders say some of the Papists Are 7. Sacraments as Lombardus so there be 13. Sacraments Make but one Sacrament VVere not onelie instituted but entered-into by Christ himselfe Some numbring the seuen Sacraments do quite ouerpasse in silence the Sacrament of Order and in place thereof mention the Sacrament of Priest-hood Alwhich things are both besides and also coÌ„trarie to the word of god For in the Scripture VVhere can it bee showen that either Orders as some caÌ„ make either one or 7. Sacraments or Priest-hood as others thinke is à Sacrament what element hath it what forme what promise what institution from Christ VVhere can anie of those hideous titles of Porter Exorcists c. be found ascribed to any minister of the new Testament or the maner of creating or their offices established Some papists do write that al th' inferior Orders are not grounded vpoÌ„ scripture but come by traditioÌ„ Clypeus Milit. Ec. l. 1. c. 9 Lomb. saith plainlie that fiue of the 7. Orders neither
an instrument theie that receiue Baptisme rightlie are graffed into the Church the promises of forgiuenes of sinne and of our adoption to bee the sonnes of God by the holie Ghoste are visiblie signed and sealed faith is confirmed and grace encreased by vertue of praier vnto God 3 The Baptisme of yong children is in anie wise to bee retained in the Church as most agreeable with th institution of Christ. The Propositions 1 Baptisme is á signe of profession and marke of difference whereby Christian men are discerned from other men that be not Christians 2 Baptisme is à signe or seale of the regeneration or newe birth of Christians 3 Infants are to be Baptized by the word of God 1 Howe the Sacramentes are tokens and therefore Baptisme is á signe of the true Church which be christians it maie be read Out of the vvord of God in the fifth proposition of the 19. Article In the publique vvritinges of the Protestant Churches Confes Heluet art 20. Heluet. 2. cap 19. 20. Basil. art 5. sect 2. France art 35. Flan. art 34. Ausburg art 13. Saxon. art 1â— This declareth that vvee are Christians and Not Nazarens who were And so as Hierome noted of them wet neither Iewes noâ— Christians with the Iewes circumcised VVith the christians baptized Not Euchyts who condemn Baptisme Not Maniâ—â—â—ans vvhich baptize not anie Not Cataphrygians vvhich baptize the dead Not Papists that baptize Bâ—lâ— and babels where-as none but reasonable creatures to be incorporated into the visible Church are to be baptized Not of Tho. Aquinas opinion that maketh the vovv or profescion of Moncherie as good à token of Christians as baptisme Not of OrigeÌ„ his mind vvhich Deâ—endeth à Baptisme of fire Thinketh hovv after the resurrection vvee shall haue neede of Baptisme 2 Baptisme of S. Paul is called the washing of the nevve birth Tit. 3. 5. of others the Sacrament of the nevve birth to signifie hovve theie which rightlie as al do not See art 25. pro. 3 â—â— receaue the same are ingrafted into the church 1. Cor. 12. 13. Are as by a seal from God assured That their sins be pardoned forgiuen Act. 2 38. Hovv theie are addopted to be children of god Tit. 3. 5. Are confirmed in faith Mat 16. 16. Doe encrease in grace by vertue of praier vnto Cod. Act. 22. 1. 9 This do the Churches reformed by subscription approoue Confes. of Heluet. 1. art 21. Heluet. 2. c. 20. Bohem. cap. 12. France art 35. 38. Flan. art 34. Ausburgh art 9. Saxon. art 13 VVittem c. 10 Sueau cap. 17. But no parte of the true Church doth thinke That Baptisme is onely à badge of our profession and nothing auaileable vnto euerlasting life as some Libertines do hold which the Bannisht do saie That the vvater at Baptisme is not holie in respect that it is applied to an holie vse That th' ordinarie and common vvorthines among the Turkes and Ievves is the same to them that baptisme is to vs. That of so great efficacie is the Coole or hood of S. Francis as the Baptisme of Christe as the Franciscanes do reach That Original sin is not pardoned in infants at Baptisme because theie haue none original sinne at al vvhich the Pelagians deliuer As the Papistis do publish That none can enter into the state of grace vnlesee he bee baptized That Baptisme serueth to the putting avvaie of Original sinne onelie and not of actual sinnes besides vvhich the children of God do and shal commit That Baptisme bringeth grace exopere operato euen because it is ministred and receaued That being once baptized vvee can no more be tempted vvhich error the Iouinians did maintaine 3 Although by expresâ—â— tearmes vvee bee not commaunded to baptize yong Children yet vvee beleeue theie are to bee baptized For in asmuch as in the word of God vvee finde that The gracâ— of God iâ— vniuersal and partaineth vnto al therfore the siâ—ne or seale of graâ—e is vniuersal belongeth vnto al so vvel yong as old Baptisme is vnto vs as Circumcision was vnto the Iewes but th'infantes of the Iewes vvere circumcised therefore the children of Christians are to be baptized Children belong to the kingdom of heauen Mat. 19. 14. are in the couenant Therefore the signe of the couenant is not to bee denied them Christ gaue in commaundement that vvithout exception al should be baptized Math. 28. 19. Therefore yong children are not to be exempted Christe hath shed his blood aswel â—â—r washing-awaie the sinnes of Children as of th' elder sort Therefore it is verie necessarie that theâ—e should be partakers of the Sacrament thereof This good Christians which â—â—aue renounced poperie as theie like of so theie allovv the Baptisme of yong Children as maie appear in the Confession of Heluet. â— aâ— 21. Heluet. 2. c. 20 Bohem. c. 12. France art 35. Fland. art 34. Ausb art 9 Saxon. art 13. VVittem cap. 10. Sueau cap 17. Oppugned iâ— this truth by The pelagians The Herâ—deonâ— Th'anabaptists The F. of Loue VVho denie the baptism of infants or yong children 28 ARTICLE Of the Lordes Supper THE Supper of the L. is not 1 onelie à signe of the loue that Christians ought to haue among themselues one t'another but rather 2 it is à Sacrament of our redemption by Christs death Insomuch that such as rightlie worthilie and with faith receiue the same the bread which we break is à partaking of the bodie of Christ and likewise the cup of blessing is à partaking of the blood of Christ. 3 Transubstantiation or the chaunge of the substaunce of bread and wine in the Supper of the Lord cannot be proued by holie writ but it is repugnaunt to the plaine wordes of Scripture ouerthroweth the nature of à Sacrament and hath giuen occasion to manie superstitions 4 The bodie of Christ is giuen taken and eaten in the Supper onelie after an heauenlie and spiritual manner and the meane whereby the bodie of Christ is receiued and eaten in the Supper is Faith 5 The Sacrament of the Lords Supper was not by Christes ordinance reserued carried-about lifted-up or worshipped The Propositions 1 The Supper of the L. is à signe of the loue that Christians ought to haue among themselues 2 The L. Supper is à Sacrament of our redemption by Christes death and to them which receiue the same worthelie by faith à partaking of the bodie and blood of Christe 3 The bread and wine in the L. Supper be not changed into another substance 4 The bodie of Christe is giuen taken and eaten after an heauenlie and spiritual and not after à carnal sorte 5 To reserue carie-about lift-up or worship the Sacrament of the Lords Supper is contrarie to th'ordinaunce of Christe 1 The Supper of the Lord is à token of the loue that Christians ought to haue among them selues For vvhich cause it is called The Lordes table 1. Cor 10. 21 The Lordes Supper 1. Cor. 11. 20. A communion of the Saints of God 1. cor
Matth. 8 14. Paul Phil 4 3. and the rest of Th'apostles 1. Cor. 9 5. which vvere al maried men Iohn Th'auangelist onelie except as some do suppose The syncere churches of God both by practise do honor by writings commend the wedded state of ecclesiastical Ministerâ— Confes. of Heluet. 2. ca. â—9 Heluet. 1. ar 37. Basil. art 10. sect 1. 2. Bohem. c. 9. 19. France art 14. Ausb art 4. 5. touching abuses Saxon. ar 18. 21 VVitt. c. 21. 26. Sueaue cap. 12. And no Protestant church is of the mind of the Vigilantians that al and euerie one of the Cleargie is necessarilie to be maried or not to be admitted for à Minister Of the Papists wherof some do say that From Th'apostles time it was not lawful for anie Priest to marie Maâ—oranus report The 3 Orders Of Deacons Of Sub deacoÌ„s Of Priests Are boâ—d to chastitie that is not to marie After Orders taken to marie It is not lawful It is to turne backe vnto Satan It is Apostacie None maie be made à Priest though he wil vovv à single life if hee haue bin not à whoremonger but à maried man Mariage is not à Sacrament yet Sacred persons maie not marie For à Priest to plaie the whoremonger it is à lesse offence than to take an honest woman to wife The blasphemie of Pighius The darnel of the Rhemish Seminaries 2 As maie the ministers Ecclesiastical so are al other men women to marrie together at theire owne discretion in the fear of god So faith the spirit of god in the holy scripture vnto al men womeÌ„ in all ages Bring forth fruit and multiplie fil th' earth Gen. 1 28. Mariage is honourable among al men and the bed vndefiled Heb. 13 4. 1. Coâ— 7 2. T' auoid fornicatioÌ„ Let euerie man haue his wife Let euerie woman haue her husband If theie can not absteine let them marie 1. Cor 7 9. Particularlie because most questions are about them marie maie Bishops 1. Tim. 3. 2. c. Elders Tit. 1 9. Deacons 1. Tim. 3 v. 11 12. Virgins 1. Cor. 7 v. 28 36. VVidows 1. Cor. 7 ver 8 9. 1. Tim. 5 14. In saieng that Christians may marie at their discretion the meaning is not that anie marie if theie thinke good within the degrees of kinred and affinitie prohibited by wholesome lawes VVithout the consent of parents or other in the room of parents if theie bevnder tuition To other ends thaÌ„ God hath prefixed So testifie the reformed Churches by their publique writings Confes. of Heluet. 1. ar 37 Heluet. 2. c. 29. Bohem. cap. 19. France art 24. Ausb tuching abuses ar 4. 5. Saxon. art 18. VVitt. cap. 21. 26. Sueaue cap. 22. Nothing liked and instituted of God hath euerie way bin more inuaded than holie Matrimonie For Some vtterlie condemâ— mariage as The Gnostikes The Hieracites The Priscillianites The Montanists The Saturnians Th'apostolikes who excoÌ„municated out of their assemblies al maried folkes Some alowed the wedded life yet Not To euerie state or calling Betweene spiritual kinsfolks as The godfather the goddaughter The godmother and the godson The god-brother and the godfather c. As the Papists Alow theie no man to marie-again his first wife beeing dead such haeretiks were the Catharans Originists Tertulianists Theie thinke that al wiues should be coÌ„mon th' error of the Nicalaitans Dauigeor gians Theie are of opinion that neither the husband should knovve his wife nor the wife her husbande as man and wife are to know one th' other A fancie of Th'abeloites Theie wil not marie according to Gods word but think that one man at one and the same time maie haue manie wiues in which error are The Her mogenians The Turkes The Ochinites 33 ARTICLE Of Excommunicate persons how theie are to be auoided THe person 1 which by open denownciation of the Churche is rightlie cut-of from th'unitie of the Church and Excommunicated ought to be taken of the whole multitude of the faythful as are heathen and Publicane 2 vntil he be openlie reconciled by Poenaunce and receiued into the Church by à iudge that hath auctoritie thereunto The Propositions 1 The person that is rightlie by the Church Excommunicate is of al the faithful to be taken for an Heathen and Publicane 2 An Excommunicate person truelie repenting is to be receiued into the Church againe 1 The most seuere vttermost punishmeÌ„t that the visible Church can inflict vppon the vviked and vngodlie oâ— this world is excommunication à part of discipline to be exercised that vpoÌ„ most vrgent occasions and it is CoÌ„mended to the Church euen by God himself who in his word hath prescribed VVho are to excomunicate â—â—â—elie such as haue auctoritie in the Church Matth. 18 vet 17 1. Cor. 5 ver 4 5. 2. Cor. 3. ver 13 14. 2. Thes. 3. 6. VVho are to be excommunicate euen tvvo sorts of meÌ„ wherof Some pâ—ruâ—rt the sounde doctrine of the truth â— â—im â— 20 as Hymeneus Alexander Some are deâ—iled with notorious wickednes as that incestuous person 1. Cor 5 1. The maner of proceeding in excommunication name lie First if the fault bee not notoriouslie knowen by gentle admonition that Once or twice giuen Tit â— 10 Matt. 18 15. VVith the spirit of meâ—knesse Gal. 6 1. Euen as to à brother 2. Thes. 3 15. Next if nothing wil serue and the crime and person be verie offensiue By open reprehension 1. Tim. 5 20. By publike sentence of the church To put him awaie from the coÌ„panie of the faithful 1. Co. 5 â—3 To deliuer him vnto Satan 1 Cor. 5 5. To denunce him An heathen A publican A cursed A man so cut off froÌ„ the church and excommunicated is of euerie man to bee auoided Rom. 16 17 and Not to be eaten with al 1. Cor. 5 11. Not to bee companied withal 1. Cor 5 8. Not to bee receaued into house 2. Ioh. v 10. Adueâ— saâ—ies vnto this excommunicatioÌ„ of christ bee al theie VVhich simplie condemne al excommunication saieng the vviked are not to be excommunicate such vvere the Paulicians VVhich excommunicat either vvhome theie should not or to à wrong ende So Th'apostolikes did excommunicate al that were married and for no cause but for that theie vvere married Christ prophecied that his disciples and faithful people should be excommunicated Iohn 16. â— Dioâ—â—ephes did thrust out the brethren out of the Church 3. Iohn ver 10. So The Papistes did vvhen theie excommunicated and that being dead the dead bodies of VVicklieâ— Bucer P. Fagius The Papistes do in thundering theire Buls of excommunication against the most godlie Kinges Queenes Princes States Men. VVomen Theie do which exercise excommunication not of anie conscience but for gaine where it commeth that excommunication is Not regarded of inferiors Derided of Superiors VVhich sauour the right excommunication but exercise it not beeing bound thereunto Theis are to be rebuked as was The Corinthians of S. paul 1. Cor. 5. v. 1. 2.
Crosces To vvhich theie giue diuine adoration Theis are flatlie forbidden of the Lord. Exod. 20. 4. Some are of things neither commanded nor forbidden as Of eating or not eating fleshe Of wearing or not wea ring some apparel Of keeping or not keeping of some daies holie c. VVhich are not to bee obserued vvhen it is deliuered as sound doctrine that such workes Do merit remission of sinnes Are th'acceptable seruice of God Do more please than th'obseruation of the lawes of God Are necessarilie to be done insomuch that theie are damned which do them not For th'auoiding of al theis vve muste remember that vvee are bought with a price and therfore maie not be the seruaunts of men 1. Cor. 7. 23. and that none humain constitution in the church doth binde anie man to break the least commaundement of God Act. 5. 29. The consideration heere of hath caused other Churches also with à svveete consent to coÌ„demne suche wiked ceremonies of man Confel of Heluet. 2. c 2. 24. 27. Heluet â— ar 4. Basil art 5 sect 3. art 10 Bohem. c. 15 Franc. art 24. 33. Flan. art 7. 29 32 Ausb art â—5 VVittem art 28. 29. 32. 3â— Suca c. 8 c. 14 15 Such vngodlie traditions and ceremonies in à manner be al the ceremonies and traditions of Th'antichristian Synagogue of Rome and therefore to be abandoned of vs al. 4 It hath pleased our most merciful Lord Sauior Christe for the maintenance of his Church militant that tvvo sortes of rites or ceremonies should be vsed wherof Some God his most excellent maiestie himselfe hath ordained such is the ceremonie of Baptisme The L. Supper VVhich are til th' end of the vvorlde vvithout al addition diminution alteration with al zeale religion to bee obserued Some bee ordained by the auctoritie of each prouincial or nationall Church that for The Comlines of the Church that is to saie that By those helps the people of God maie the better be inflamed with à god lie zeale Sobrenes and grauitie maie appeare in the wel handling of Ecclesiastical matters Order sake euen That gouernors maie haue rules directions how to gouerne by That auditors may know how to prepare and behaue themselues in diuine seruice That à ioiful peace maie bee among al men by the wel ordering of Church affaires VVe haue proued alreadie that such traditions maie bee made and changed augmented and diminished as fit time and oportunitie shal bee ministred and that not by the Catholique for that is and hath alwaies bin impossible but by particular Churches Th' effect here of vvee maie reade in the Confes of Heluet. 2. c. 27 Bohem. c. 15. Fran. art 32. Flan. art 32. Ausbur touching abuses ar 7. VVitte art 35. Sueaue ca. 14. This sheweth th'intolerable arrogancy of the Church of Rome which dare take vpon her To alter the Sacramentes ordained eueÌ„ by Christe himselfe To praescribe rites and ceremonies not to some particular churches but to the whole church militant 35 ARTICLE Of Homilies THE seconde booke of Homilies the seueral title whereof we haue ioyned vnder this article doth containe à godlie and wholsome doctrine and necessarie for these times as doth the former booke of Homilies which were set forth in the time of Edwarde the sixte and therefore we iudge them to be read in Churches by the Ministers diligentlie and distinctlie that there maie be vnderstanded of the people Of the names of the Homilies 1 Of the right vse of the Church 2 Against peril of Idolatrie 3 Of the repairing and keeping clean of the Churches 4 Of good workes first of Fasting 5 Against gluttonie and drunkennes 6 Against excesse of apparel 7 Of Praier 8 Of the place and time of praier 9 That common prayers and Sacraments ought to be ministred in à knowen tongue 10 Of the reuerent aestimation of gods word 11 Of Almes doing 12 Of the Natiuitie of Christe 13 Of the Pascion of Christe 14 Of the Resurrection of Christe 15 Of the worthie receiuing of the Sacrament of the bodie and blood of Christe 16 Of the giftes of the holie Ghoste 17 For the Rogation daies 18 Of the state of Matrimonie 19 Of Repentaunce 20 Against Idlenesse 21 Against Rebellion The seconde booke of Homilies as also the former I doubt not containe godlie and wholsome doctrine necessarie for this time But for somuch as this is none Article of the Catholique Religion but à priuate Article for our Church neither yet for the whol church of England but for some places where and for some time when able and fit Ministers are not praesent to preach the worde of God and serueth onelie as both from the booke of CoÌ„mon praier maie wel be gathered experience proueth for an Interim as it were til fit Pastors be prouided for and again because most of those Homilies according to their seueral titles haue bine alreadie handled in this and th' other part of my subscription I cease from further wrighting of the same in this place 36 ARTICLE Of Consecration of Bishops and Ministers THE booke of Consecration of Archbishopps and Bishops and ordering of Priests and deacons latelie set forth in the time of Edward the sixt and confirmed at the same time by auctoritie of parliament doth containe al things necessarie to such consecration and ordering neither hath it anie thing that of it selfe is superstitious or vngodlie And therefore whosoeuer are consecrated or ordered according to the rites of that booke since the second yeere of the afore-named K. Edward vnto this time or hereafter shal be consecrated or ordered according to the same rites we decree al such to be rightlie orderlie and lawfullie consecrated and ordered This Article simplie is none Article of the Catholique Church and so much thereof as vniuersalie is receiued hath alreadie both by the holie Scripture bin confirmed alowed by our neighbour Churches in the 23. Article 37 ARTICLE Of the ciuil Magistrate THe Queenes M. 1hath the chiefe power in this realme of Eng. and other her dominions 2vnto whom the chiefe gouerment of al estates of this realm whether theie be Ecclesiastical or ciuil in al causes doth appertaine and is not nor ought to be subiect to anie foraine iurisdiction Where we attribute to the Queenes M. the chiefe gouerment by which titles we vnderstand the mindes of some slaunderous folks to be offended 3we giue not to our Princes the ministring either of Gods worde or of Sacraments the which Th' iniunctions also latelie set forth by Elizabeth our Q. doth most plainlie testifie but that onelie prerogatiue which we see to haue bine giuen alwaies to al godlie princes in holie Scriptures by God himselfe that is that theie should rule al estates and degrees committed to their charge by God whether theie be Ecclesiastical or temporal 4and restraine with the ciuil sword the stubborne and euil doers 5The ' Bishop of Rome hath no iurisdiction in this realme of Eng. 6The lawes of the realme
found in Israel to serue the Lord their God 2. Chro. 34. 33. VVith the K. of Nihiuch for th'auoiding of th'imment vengeance of God Ionas 3. 7. c. Proclaime a general Fast. Command euerie man to turn from his euil waie and from the wikednes that is in his handes Herun to subscribe the Churches ptotestant Confe of Heluet. 1 arâ— 26. Heluet. 2. c. 30 Basil. art 7. Bohem. cap. 16. France art 39. Flan. art 36. Saxon. art 23. VVitte cap. 35. The Papists as in other pointes so herein disceÌ„t altogether from the true Church of God For thei teach that No Queen No King None Emperor Hath anie â—uctoâ—tie to deliberate or define in mâ—tters of Religion or to make anie lawes for th'aduancemeÌ„t of the same religion yea vvhat Prince soeuer doth so he shal bee damned saie theie vndoubtedly except theie do repent 4 Th' office of the ciuil Magistrate hath in part alrea die bin declared in this article in part also this proposition she vveth namely that hee is to restraine and if need be to punish the disturbers of the quiet peace of his Common-vvealth and that if occasion do require By force of armes if th' enemies of his State be Foraine Domestical And theie gathered together be Manie Mightie To this end principallie theie haue Men Munition Subsidies Tributs Thus against th' enemies of God good men vvent of Israel Iudah The valiant Iudges The noble and puissant Kinges Princes By executing of wholsome lawes vpon the Goods Cattel Lands Bodies Of their disobedient subiects For he is the minister of God to take vengance on him that doeth euil Rom. 13. 4. Therefore Princes are to be feared Not of them vvhich do wel Rom. 13. 3. Of such as doe vvickedlie Rom. 13. vâ—â— 3. 4. Theie vvhich haue profited in the schoole of Christianitie novvhit doue heereof Confe of Heluet 1 ar 24. 26 Heluet. 2. c. 30. Basil. art 7. Bohem. cap. 16. France art 39. Flan. art 36. Ausb ar 16. Saxon. art 23. But The Cresconians are of an opinion that the Magistrates ar to punish no malefactors Rabanus drea meth that magistracy is not th'ordinaunce of God for the good but an humane inuention for the hurt of man Th'anab aptists deliuer that before the resurrectioÌ„ther shalnot be anie magistrats for al the wiked shal be rooted out The like fancie haue the Fam. of Loue. The Papists think that the Cleargie are not to be punished or corrected of the ciuil magistrate 5 The Bishop of Rome did he Preach the Gospel 1. Cor 9 v. 16 17. 1. Tim. 4 2. Mat. 28. 19 Labor in the Lorde his haruest Mat. 9 38. Diuide the word of God aâ—ight â— Tim. â— 15. Minister the Sacraments instituted by Christ that syncerelie Matt. 28 19. 1. Cor. 10 16. Shew by his life the goodfruits of à godly Bishop 1. Tim. 3 2. c. Tit. 1 7. c Doubtles hee were worthie of double honor by the word of God 1. Tim 5. 17 yet wil not the same worde of God were he neuer so holie religious warrant him anie iurisdictioÌ„ within this realme much lesse when hee doth execute no part of à Christian but euerie part of an Antichristian Bishop In corrupting the doctrin of the truth with errors cursed opinions In defacing the sacrameÌ„ts of the church by supersticious ceremonies In persecuting the Church of Christ with fire and sword In making marchandise of the soules of men thorough couetousnes 2 Pet. 2 3. In plâ—ieng the Lorde ouer gods heretage 1. Pet. 5. 3. In sitting in the temple of God as God shewing himself that hee is God 2. Thes. 2 4. In exalting himself against al that is called god or that is worshipped 2. Thes. 2 4. In respect of which fruits of impietie the pope of Rome He is described in the holie scripture to be verie Antichrist eueÌ„ The wikedman That man of sinne The son of pâ—idition Th' aduersarie of God 2. Thes. 2 3. c. Hee was openlie proclaimed Antichrist by à councel in France in the raigne of Capet He is called by the godlie learned The prince among al the children of pride Verie Lucifer The Basiliske of the Church The plague of the world Neither the head nor the taile of the Church of God His iurisdiction hath bine and is banished out oâ— Englande by manie kings parliments namelie by K. Edwarde the 1. 3. 6. Richard the 2. Henrie the 4 8. His pride and intollerable supremacie is renounced by al the true seruants of God by mouth and writing Confel of Hel. 1. 2. 18 Helue 2 c. 17. 18. Boh. c. 8. 9 Fland art 28. 31. VVittem art 31. Ausburg touching abuses 1 art 7. And that vpon good cause he is thus detested it appeareth as by that alreadie setdowne so by that which the Papists themselues giue out of their holie father as namelie that The pope is In supremacle Abel In gouerning of the Aâ—ke Noah In patriarkship Abraham In Order Melchisedech In dignitie Aaron In auctoritie Moses In iudgement Samuel In zeale Helias In humilitie Dauid In power Peter In respect of his vnâ—tion Christ. The general pastor The common father of al Christians The high pastor of Gods vniuersal Church The prince of Gods people God In title God euen the Lorde God the Pope For power god By him kings raigne He maie iudge al but must be iudged of none He can do what him list as wel as God except sin He hath vniuersal iurisdiction ouer the whole world Vpon paine of damnation al christians are to yeeld obedience to the Pope 6 As the natures of men be diuers and sometimes in some countries more abund than in other so are the punishments to bee imposed vpon malefactors according to the quantitie and qualitie of th'offeÌ„ce and anie countrie and realm maie punish offendors and that with death is the laws thereof do so command and the case requireth For Al that take the sword shal perish with the sworde Matth. 26 52. Gouernors are seÌ„t of the king 1. Pet. 2 14. For The punishmeÌ„t of euil doers The praise of them that do wel A wise king scattereth the wiked and causeth the wheele to turne ouer them Rom. 20 26. The magistrate Rom 13 4. He beareth not the sworde for nought He is the minister of God to takeven geance on theÌ„ that do euil In regarde wherof in some places before the magistrats are borne Rods to correct them which be reformable To cut of such as are past recouerie and rotten meÌ„bers Axes Hatchets Halberds Swords but not bare and naked but in the scabberd to signifie That theie are to haue death which deserue the same yet coÌ„meth the magistrate to that execution vrged therunto by necessitie rather than willinglie VVhich punishments do testifie to the world that God is al iust which wil haue Some sinnes more seuerelie punished than others The magistrat to cut of dangerous and vngodly members God is merciful and hath à care
Of his seruants Of humane societie God is VVise Holie In that he wil haue it knowne who are iust who wiked who holie who prophane by preseruing of the one and punishing of th' other Herevnto our neighbour churches do set their hands CoÌ„fesof Hel. 1. art 24. 26. Hel. 2. ca. 30. Basil. art 7. BoheÌ„ cap. 16 France art 39. Fland. art 36. Ausb art 16. Saxon. art 23. Th' aduersaries hereof are They which thinke the magistrate maie correct none at al much lesse by death dispatch any offenders as Cresconâ—ons They which denie that anie Christian maie iustly be put to death by the Magistrate for blasphemous haeresies yea for any offence the latter whereof Th'anabaptists do hold the former the Fam. of Loue. 7 There is faith Soloman Eccl â— 8 à time Of warre Of Peace And Magistrates are By lawes to condemne yea and by death to punish male factors for hainous and greeuous offences and sinnes as hath bine alreadie proued in the proposition immediatlie afore going By vvar and weapons to represse the power of enimies Foraine Intestin For theie are in auctoritie placed To defend the good quiet subiects against al oppression To remooue the violence of the wiked who soeuer theie be For this cause haue theie Horses praepared for the battel Pro. 21. 31 Munitions to defend themselues and to annoie th' enemies Subsidies to beare out charges Subiects to fight for theire Prince and contrie And better it is to haue vvar than to come into bondage and thraldome worset than warit selfe This is granted in the Confes of Heluet. 2. c. 30 Bohem. cap. 16. Saxon. art 23. Among other th'aduer saries of this proposition are The Manichies vvhich saide it vvas vnlavvful for anie man to make war and therefore theie saie Moses did not wel in subduing th' enemies of Th'isra elites by force of armes Th'anabaptistes who thinke it vnlawful for à Christian either Magistrate or subiect to go à vvar-far The Spiritualuts vvhich so detest war that there thinke it vnlawful for à Christian to vveare à vveâ—pon in vvhich error was the Fam. of Loue for à season 38 ARTICLE Of Christian mens goodes vvhich are not common THE riches and goodes of Christians 1 are not common as touching the right title and possession of the same as certaine Annabaptistes doe falselie boaste Notwithstanding 2 euerie man ought of such thinges as he possesseth liberallie to giue almes to the poore according to his habilitie The Propositions 1 The riches and goodes of Christians as touching the right title and possession of the same are not common 2 Euerie man is to giue liberal almes of that which he possesseth according to his habilitie 1 That which is alleaged in the next proposition folowing doth altogither confirm that which here is affirmed yet for further proofe that the riches and goods of Christians as touching the right title and possession of the same are not to be common it is apparent to saie nothing out of th' old Testament nor to set-downe examples of godlie Christians vvhich kept priuate houses and had goods priuatlie to themselues in the nevve Testament where condemned is Couetousnesse 1. Cor. 5 11. Ephes. 5 3 Theeuerie 1 Cor. 6 2 1. Pet. 4 15. Extortion 1. Cor. 5 11 1. Cor. 6 10 Idlenesse 2. Thes. 3 10. Commended is Liberalitie Acts. 20 35. 2. Cor. 9. 6. c. Iam. 2 16. Free lending Mat. 5 48. Luk. 6 34. A lawful vocation 1. Cor. 7 20. Labor Ephe 4 28 2. Thes. 3 10. Frugalitie 1. Tim. 5 8. VVhich declareth that the riches and goods of Christians neither were nor ought to be commoÌ„ So thinke thereformed Confes of Heluet. 2. ca. 19. Fran. art 40. Flan. art 36. Ausbur art 16. VVitteÌ„ cap. 21. This notwithstaÌ„ding the coÌ„trarie defended Hath bine in times past by the Esseis Manichies Pelagians Apostolikes Fratricellians Is in theis daies by the Familists Anabaptists 2 Vnto liberalitie toward the poore according to our habilitie wee are prouoked in the holie Scripture By commandements from God euen The Father Prou. 5. 15 Deu. 10 19 Deu. 15. 11 Eccl. 11 2. The Son Mat. 5 â— 2. Matth. 6. v. 2. 3. Luke 6 30. The holie Ghost Rom. 12 13. 1. Cor. 16 2. By sweete promises of ample blessings Eccle. 11 1. Prou. 11. v. 24 25. â— Cor. 9 8 c. By threatnings of punishments Pro. 21 13 Pro. 28 27 By th'examples of the Apostles Gal. 2 10. Rom. 15 25. Primitiue Church Act. 11 29 2. Cor. 8 â— c. 2. Cor. 9 2. c. This liberalitie or cheerful giuing of almes is commended in the Confes. Heluet. 2. c. 23. 28. 29 Saxon. art 21. VVittem cap. 18. None there bee which dislike or else repine at this liberalitie toward the poore but Anabaptists that would haue no man either to giue or receaue for al things in their opinion should bee common and none bee either poore 〈◊〉 wealthie men The stonie hearted and miserable Oppressors Vsurers Extortioners Couetous men 39 ARTICLE Of a Christian mans othe AS we confesse 1 that vaine and rash swearing is forbidden Christian men by our Lord Jesus Christ and James his Apostle 2 So we iudge that Christian religion doth not prohibite but that à man maie sweare when the Magistrate requireth in à cause of faith and charitie so it be done according to the Prophets teaching in iustice iudgement and truth The Propositions 1 We maie not sweare vainelie and rashlie 2 A lawful othe maie be giuen and taken according to the word of God 1 The better t' auoide vaine and rash swearing it is good to haue in remembraunce that vvhich is said By our Sauior Christ in the 5. of Math. ver 34. Svveare not at al neither By heauen for it is the throne of God By th' earth for it is his foot-stoole By Hierusalem for it is the Citie of the great King By thin head because thou canst not make one heare vvhite or black But let your coÌ„munication be yea yea nay nay By Th'apostle Iames Before al thinges my brethren Sweare not Neither by the heauen Not by th' earth Not by anie other othe But let your yea bee yea and your nay nay least yee fal into condemnation The churches of Heluetia and Basil by their publique Confessions do speake against all vaine and rash othes and swearing Heluet 1 cap. 5 Basil. art 11. This condeÌ„neth The VVantons which for pleasure Couetous that for profite Blush not to take the name of god in vaine by idle and rash othes The Basilidians Helchisaits Priscillianists Familie of Loue. VVho for ease and libertie dread not to forsweare themselues The Papistes vvhich coÌ„monlie vvil sweare either by Saincts Idols God and creatures The Banist vvho deeme it hypocrisie for one Christian to reproue an other for common rash swearing and othes which are but trifles as theie saie 2 Thought it be vnlawful to sweare vainlie and rashlie yet arâ— meere persons to take à lawful oth wheÌ„ iust occasion is