him that did knocke In briefe to giue a full answer to what either is or may bee saide against repetitions vsed in the letany if new prayers and requests may haue Amen stil renued vpon them els how doe wee giue our assent then surely this cannot bee misliked Psal 72.19 which in effect is asmuch as a continuall Amen and soundeth like that in thee Psalme So bee it so bee it which was the voice of Benaia and the Lord God of our king ratifie it Onelie this good Lord deliuer vs and wee beseech thee to heare vs good Lord is deliuered by way of varietie in other wordes because our eare is like a queasie stomacke that must haue diuerse meates presented vnto it or the same diuersly handled because one is manie times ouer fulsome and cloyeth Deut. 27. from the 15. to the 26. verse fresh imprecations Deu. 27.15.26 and still fresh acclamations but in one and the same tenour Amen euen 12. times here but eight times good Lorde deliuer vs And Psalme 136.26 times for his mercie indureth for euer here but 20. times we beseech thee to heare vs c. no offence to scripture in those and is it in these It is against the commaundement of our sauiour Math. 6.7 when yee pray vse no vaine repetitions as the heathen for they thinke to be heard for their much babling Doe such doubt makers rightly vnderstand the place in Saint Mathew 6.7 where auncient and late writers all concur in this with the wordes of the scripture that our sauiour condemneth the manner of the heathen who as without faith because they were heathen men so two other errors they were subiect vnto the first was they thought that if they prated much and tolde God a faire taile that they should bee heard for that much talke the second was they had a conceit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that they instructed God as if he knew not what they needed Yes saieth our sauiour your father knoweth whereof ye haue needs before ye aske of him Math. 7.8 Now in repeating these wordes good Lord deliuer and wee beseech thee to heare vs good Lord let it appeare that our Church prayeth without faith or that shee thinketh to bee heard for much babling or that shee holdeth that God is ignorant till shee informe him and then wee will confesse our error in vsing this clause before mentioned But herein wee may see how men to aduance their owne credit care not what account they make of their brethren Syrtace as if they iudged no better of vs then of heathen men infidels and the like For that which they should attribute to the feruencie of spirit vttered in the publicke assemblies with an audible voice in giuing asseÌ„t to what is praied for they cal by no better name the idle babling or battologie Whereas that fault of battology is an idle trifling with God holding off and on playing fast loose as if we would or could deceiue God Sub illis montbus in quit eraÌ„t er aÌ„t submontibus illis me mihs perfâ—de pro dis me mihi pro dis ait Ouid. Metam lib. 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vel 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod significat idem quod 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 exiuit et significat eos qui delectantur mul toisermones proferre et quo rum ore multa prodeunt verba gallice babillards Tremel in Math. 6.7 Absit ab cratione multa loquutio sed non desit multa pre catio si feruens perseuerat tuteÌ„tio Aug. epist 121. ad probà Multum precari est ad eum quem precamur diuturna pia cordis excitatione pulsare Ibid. multiloquium adhibers non cum diâ— precamur sed cum ci trafidem et spiritum verba multiplicamus persuasinâ—s propter numeruÌ„ verborum audiri posse P. martyr in 1. Saâ—t v. 12. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Luc. 6.12 Math. 26. â—4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Luck 18 32. For so did one Battus whence this name is Who being demaunded for one which way he went nothing could be got of him more then this he was vnder those nils so he was that he was whom Mercurie taking tardie reproueth in the like accent Thou perfidious false fellow doest thou betray to my selfe to myselfe doest thou betray mee In which speech of both sides there is iugling and inuerting of wordes as if the parties were in dalliance to and â—â—o playing wilie beguile one with another A thing not vntrue of the heathen men and of their parly with their Idols and of their Idols with them but vntruelie and vnaptlie conceiued of the faithfull and their praiers to God or bis gratious answer to their vnfained supplications The siriack translating this word calleth them such as delight to be gabling and babling No such heathnish delight is in Gods children whose holy affection inliueth their words which els like an abortiue would soone die in their birth For their practise answereth agreablie to that counsell which Saint Austin giueth Let prating saieth hee bee absent from mens orizons but let not much prayer be wanting so there be a feruent earnestnes with perseuerance of mind For to patter much is wheÌ„ we vse superfluous words but to pray much is when wee are set on with a long and godlie stirring vppe of the heart And much speaking or babling is not when wee pray long but when wee multiply wordes without faith and spirit persuaded as Peter Martyr writeth that for the verie number of wordes we may be heard Otherwise Christ prayed long euen a whole night he continued in prayer And where exception is taken of repetitions of one thing oft it is wellknown Math. 26. that he repeated one prayer in the same words three times Which a blinde man did also Luke 18. crying Lord Iesu thou sonne of Dauid haue mercie on mee which seemed a fault in the eares of the people but his necessitie and earliestnes would not to be answered For he cried the more O thou sonne of Dauid haue mercy on mee Wordes repeated so far from reproofe that they make accesse to our sauiour haue successe in their petition So that a short conclusion may serue for all Neither reciting the same wordes vpon vrgent occasion with earnest deuotion nor long prayers doe deserue this rough hewed censure but pattring with the lips and the heart a far off thinking belike to be heard for their talkatiue prating Admit wee not this interpretation which yet is the meaning of the scripture and Saint Augustin Battologia est nugacitatet loquacitas ea qua non vtilia poscimussed temporalia vt â—oa nores diuitias c. Theophilact in Math. 6.7 after it stand wee to the iudgement of Chrisostom and Theophilact no aduantage haue any for confirming theÌ„selues in their wrong opinion For these Gréek writers as may appeare by him selfe by Chrisost in that ordinarily hee is an abridgement of Chrisost call it babling or
conclusion shal be to you with the wordes of Saint Paul to his scholler Timothie and in the same manner I rpotest before the Lord that yee striue not about words 2. Tim. 2.14 which are good for nothing but to peruert the hearers he might vnder Apostolical correctioÌ„ be it spokeÌ„ haue said which peruert the readers VVherefore intreating your care diligence to bethink your selues better then you haue done I coÌ„mend you to God to the grace of our Lord Iesus Christ whose holy spirit be with vs all Amen To the Christian Reader NOtwithstanding that my weekelie and dailie vrgent occasions scarcelie aford mee any laisure to write much specially in this kind yet because of a former promise made as also somewhat I confesse was left vnanswered I haue renewed these paines for thy sake good Reader whom I intreat if thou bee not partiall and vnlearned to become an indifferent iudge of the answere once heretofore and now againe farder tendred Would thou didst knowe how painefull and chargeable a worke it hath beene vnto mee surely then might I hope it will proue thank worthie Howsoeuer thus farre I presume of thy charitable Christian affection whereunto thou art dailie called vpon by the operation of Gods spirit in the ministrie of his worde that I shall haue thy praiers to him for mee Other recompence I looke not for and lesse thy loue cannot yeeld mee Throughout the whole argument handled in this and the former booke I haue dealt with men of some learning and grauitie to whome peraduenture in manie respects thou maiest thinke me far inferior and J think the same But to the glorie of God be it spoken the truth of the cause I vndertake herein I well know I am nothing inferior Yea did I spare my appeale to the truth for anie thing I see they are compassed with like infirmities as my selfe and others So little cause haue they or others for them to boast of their learning zeale integrity and painefulnesse which is made their crest in the worlds blason of their commendable well doing Such popular applause I alway suspected holding S. Austin his choise best if anie must needes haue such applause Toleramus illased tremimus inter â—lâ—aâ— Aug. de verb dom sâ—rm 5. yet to feare and tremble when they haue it A danger which were the lesse if the vnitie of the Church and the saints were not iniuried thereby in prizing of one to the disgrace of manie others But to leaue this to the effects better or worse which may follow vpon it I am to remember thee of one thing had like to haue escaped my memory and so peraduenture thy knowledge namely whereas in the former part of our answer I set downe the Reasons for refusal of subscription al together and afterwardes in the handling did refer thee with this watchworde See their reasons c. J haue chosen as I thinke a better course to set them and their answer ioyntly together that in seeing one thou maiest see both holding it lesse comber some to the Printer and euery way more conuenient for thy selfe Some other things there are which I would giue thee notice of but considering thou hast much to read if thou read all and I pray that thou so doe it shall not bee amisse to abridge this preface And therefore requesting thee to turne ouer a new leafe see the chapters and their contents in the Page following The Contents of the Chapters in this Booke and in the APPENDIX which APPENDIX beginneth Pag 156. and so forward continneth to the end of this Booke OF Buriall chap. 1. Pag. 1. 2. 3. 167. Praiers dare not presume chap. 2. Pag 20. 21. 182. vnworthinesse in asking chap. 3. Pag 37. â— 183. Rubricks how vnderstood chap. 4. Free from all Aduersity chap. 5. The name PRIEST chap. 6. Christ this day to be borne chap. 7 Fall into no sinne chap 8. Kneeling at the Lords supper chap. 9. Priuate Communion chap. 10. Pag 65. 172. Confirmation chap. 11. Pag 79. Confession made by anyâ—t the Communion chap. 12. Pag 97. 204. Euerie Parishioner to communicate and receiue the sacraments chap. 13. Pag 100. Faith and Repentance in persons to be baptized cap. 14. Pag 104. 166 Two sacraments generally necessarie chap. 15. Pag 107. 172. The bodie and blood of Christ chap. 16. Pag 110. Matrimonie an excellent misterie chap. 17. Pag 112. From fornication and all other deadly sinne chap. 18. Pag 114. From suddaine death chap. 19. Pag 115. Often repetition Good Lord dâ—liâ—â—r â—s chap. 20. Pag 119. Three orders of Ministers chap. 21. Pag 126. 227. Receiue the holie Ghost chap. 22. Pag 127. 235. 236. Matrimonie how a sacrament chap. 23. Pag 146. Pluralitie of wiues chap. 24. Pag 149. 239. The Printer to the friendly Reader Hereafter in this booke Pag 156. followeth the APPENDIX or Compendious briefe which we cal An Answer to the additionals Wherfore we intreat thee good Reader to take euery Page after the 156. so forward to be to that purpose though we haue not set down that same title in these expresse termes nor now cannot wel the Booke being as it was already finished before wee did remember our selues hereof The APPENDIX or Additionals begin at Pag 156. Ratio I. NO reasonable sense as in these following 1 Ephes 5.13 what is manifest the same is light Read for Epist. on the third Sunday in Lent Pag 157. 2 Collect for Trinitie sunday In the power of the diuine maiestie to worshippe the vnitie 158. 3 Euery parishioner to communicate and to receiue the Sacraments Ibid and Pag 100. 4 Ephesians 3.15 God the father of all that is called in heauen Read for epist on 17. sunday after Trinitie 159. 5 Luke 1.36 this is the sixt moneth which was called barrâ—â— read for epist on Annunciation to Mary Ibid. 6 Psalme 5 8. or euer your pots be made hot 160. 7 Psalme 68.30 when the companie of speare-men c. Ibid. Ratio 2. Contradiction 1 COnfirmation no visible signe and yet a visible signe Pag. 79. 160. 161. 2 But two sacraments and yet Confirmation is made 〈◊〉 79.162 Ratio 3. Vntruth 1 INnocents called Gods witnesses 162.163.226 2 Faith and repentance in infants how 104.165 3 Children baptised haue althings necessary to saluation 166. 4 Sure certaine hope of euery one to be buried Pag 1. 167. 5 Nothing ordained to be read but the pure word of God 167. 6 Read without breaking of one piece from another Ibid. Ratio 4. Doubtfull maters 1 ARchangels and Michael for one 168.227 2 Baptisme meerely prinate 172. 3 Conditional baptisme Ibid. 4 2. sacraments onely as necessary 107.172 5 Prinate communion 65.173 6 Ceremonies apt to edification 173.190.190 7 Ministers Priests 173. and before chap. 6. 8 Prinate absolution 173. Ratio 5. Scriptures disgraced 175. 1 APocrypha called scriptures Ibid. 176. 2 Read on a holyday rather then Canonical 177. 3 Canonical left vnread 178. 4 Apocryphal read
begetteth wauering doubting perplexed thoughts and all from a law in the members rebelling against the law of the minde where the â—â—â—fe is like the â—ight twixt the house of Saul and the house of Dauid no day no houre but giuing or taking a soile His expectation goeth away in a dreame Quamuis vide autur hac duâ— pugnare nemb tamen est qui non idem in se experiatur Marso in Marc 9 24. Quum â—â—squoÌ„ extet fides perfect a sequitur ex parte nos esse incredulos Ibid. Etiamsi in nâ—bis aliquam diffidentia peciom sentiamus non tameÌ„ proptâ— rea daspoÌ„dendâ—Ì„â— esse animum quasi nullae fiduciâ—â— donatâ— sumus a domino Zanch. de relig lib. 1 de diffiden Orationes breauissimas rap tim quodaÌ„modo ciâ—culatas Au gust ad ProbaÌ„ epist 121. Act. 20 10. Isay 6 13. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 Cor 4.8 Pro charitate Christi nolis habere ChristiÌ„s Hieron ad Algas 9.9 and perisheth like an abortiue that thinks he can haue abundance of the one and no touch of the other For our Faith being vnperfit as it is the very best beleâ—uâ— not so fully as they ought But though we feele some spice of distrust in our selues yet must we not be quite out of hart as if we had no confidence at all To begin this point somewhat higher and speake more throughly to it and of it First they that contrarie our CoÌ„munion Booke must know that the Collects are certaine dartings quicke elaculations such as the earnestest deuotion is well acquainted with fittest to expresse the spéedie thoughts of our Soule when she is winged as a Doue in hir flight toward heauen The motions are diuersly raised they diuersly fall sometimes as in a full sea our thoughts beare aloft sometimes they are at a low ebbe all a-mort dead and aliue in the twinckling of an eye sometimes as the Crow out of the Arke houering twixt heauen and earth and as in a sicknesse a good day and a bad day interchangeably haue their entercourse euer and anone so these haue some swawin or other Such are the spirituall apoplexies and traunces whereinto the faithfull are cast and yet like Eutychus they draw life though inwardly for a holy substance is in them as in an Elme or an Oke when they haue shed their leaues and vnlikely clusters as they seeme Wine is found in them Destroy them not for their is a blessing Subiect they may be and are vnto doubtings mammerings and the like but ouercome they are not They stagger but sticke not They may be and are humbled in the sight of their owne sinne but not destitute of all confidence in Gods mercies Wherefore the currant of their prayer in such a perpiexed stile speaketh better things then it pleaseth some to thinke And as Ierom of Moses for loue vnto Christ would not haue Christ so our Church in a childlike boldnesse while it presumeth not to aske maketh bold to aske Secondly they that knit these knots and cast a mist before the Sunne should consider what is the course of these sâ—uerall Collects how commonly they are a summary abridgement of some speciall matter handled in Epistle or Gospell or both as they know that busie themselues in a diligent obseruation of the particular contents in the Epistle appointed to be reade that day Saint Paul speaking of their dignitie that labour in the word sheweth the insufficiencie of man yea of the chiefest euen the Apostles that they though they haue trust to godward through Christ and so both themselues their prayers dare much yet are not sufficient of themselues to pray because no prayer is without imployment of our thoughts wherein such weakenes they acknowledge that whereas a man would take it for the easiest matter of a thousand to lend a spare thought vpon occasion they renounce all possibilitie How then should their prayer dare presume to aske For if they be able to any thing the same commeth of God all this the Epistle compriseth no sufficiencie how then may they dare not daring how can they presume neither daring nor presuming a truth it is their prayers dare not presume In the Gospell read the same day the like may be marked out vnto vs. For the historie taken out of the Euangelist sheweth how cercame of Decapolis brought vnto Christ a man that was deafe and stammered in his speech and they all prayed our Sauiour that he would lay his hands on him not mentioning what they would haue cured nor how nor in what manner As for the partie himselfe he was so farre from speaking for the string of his tounge was not vntied and so farre from hearing for he was deafe that if Christ had not beene more ready to heare then he to speake and to graunt more then his or their prayers did presume to aske he might haue liued and died in his infirmitie Whereupon our Church gathering briefe notes out of the Gospell and the collection is warranted by the text obserueth of Gods part it is meete to acknowledge he is more ready to heare then we to pray and is wont to giue more then either wee desire or deserue yea so gratious our God is that he forgiueth vs what our consciences may well be afraid of namelie sinne and giueth vs what our prayers dare not to presume to aske namely in temporall blessings such and such in this or that manner at this or that time which our praiers dare not presume to aske in such speciall sort 3. they should thinke as the candlelight is noe fit helpe to finde out the day but it owne selfe must shew it selfe elâ—â— we see it not so a spirit and that a holy one and that in like measure may best giue iudgement of prayers thus inâ—ited Wherefore this considered we returne them what our Sauiour said of his Disciples Luk. 9.15 They know not of what spirit they are Had they such brused humblest wounded consciences as that seruant of God whosoeuer in his meditation penned these Collects they would soone skill how the pulse of such a prayer beateth and keepeth tune very pleasingly in the eares of the Lord. For as a discord in Musicke giueth a grace and commendation to the song so these discords and iars in our petitions desirous to pray and yet not daring to pray comming returning and making a broken note much pleaseth our Father which is in heauen though they seeme to displease vs Palm 42 5. Why art thou cast downe O my Soule why art thou disquieted within me Hope in the Lord for I will yet giue him thankes for the helpe of his presence â—gredere anima mea quid times egredere quid trepidas 70. prope annis seruiâ—sts Christâ— mortem times Hieron dâ— Hilari Act. 27.41 The like dispute of and on Saint Ierom writeth Hilarion had Goe foorth my Soule what fearest thou goe foorth why tremblest thou Almost 70. yeares hast thou serued Christ and
haue gone and prest forward and thrungd before him not neare him or to him much lesse behinde him A signe of a seruile and crauenlike seare All this yet their argument maketh good that oppose Heb. 4. to discountenance this truth our consciences are afraid Faith we acknowledge reuerence in hir certaintie and full assurance She may and is and must be in the faithfull Luct a fidei Vrs sin Catech. Quemlibet timorem non esse fidet contrarinâ— inde patet quod si nihil metusmus obrepit supina carnis secu ritas It a laâ—â— guescitfides Math. 8.26 Stupids magis sunt quam constantes Ita timor fidem sollicitat ibid. yet that no ground of dislike to our selues or cause at all why we should not in a godly iealousie suspect our owne waies Nay by wrestling and combates in this kind we learne what vigor and life is in our faith The Collect speaketh neither of slauish nor seruile feare neither of the spirit of bondage onely this is all whereof our consciences are afraid Now all feare is not contrary to faith Por if we feare not a carelesse securitie of flesh creepeth vpon vs so faith languisheth the affection to prayer becommeth dull and in the ende a due remembrance of God and his mercie is extinguished Ouer and beside they which are not touched with a sence of euils to be afraid of them are rather dullards then constant Thus feare stirreth vp and quickneth faith Little to the commendation of the Disciples that our Sauiour said Why are ye afraid O ye of â—â—â—le faith A small faith but faith notwithstanding And a small faith in God his children is no small portion which when it is the least though ourneast with terthre of 〈◊〉 conâ—â—â—â—â—th hope euen in her readest and deadliest time knowing the spirit of adoption kéepeth fire in the hart and that in most apparant weaknesse hir power in Christ is perfected gaining by her losse raised by her fall and after the combat finished returneth home a conqueror In which opposition of faith and feare that which féedeth one nourisheth the other the mercies of God are the support of our faith so are they the roote of our feare and forgiuenesse of sinne a iust occasion ministering sufficient matter for true humiliation forgiuing vs those things whereof our consciences are afraid like those couples in the Lords prayer Forgiue vs our sinnes presently in the next petition Lead vs not into tentation Thâ— one immediatly following the other as if we said more then euery one is aware of in saying forgiuing vs those thinges c. either because of sinne the remembrance whereof is gréeuous Ama dei homit atem tima seueritatem vtrumque te superbum esse won sinit Amado enim times ne amatum amaurem perodas August de sanct virg c. 37. Si non amastime ue perdas si amas time no displiceas Ibid. Rom. 8.1 Cor. 2. Philip. 2.12 Non te à praefidents elatione reuerberat va mundo à scandalis Non contremiscis c. Ibid. the burden intollerable or else because of forgiuenes it selfe as it when they are forgiuen euen then in that very instant we are afraid For that when we haue most securitie we haue most cause to feare as if the sentence of S. Paul went for a watch-wood Be not high-minded but feare or that of our Sauiour Thou art made whole sinne no more lest a worse thing happen vnto thee as it will soone doe where securitie bréedeth pride S. Austin intreating how feare is in vse with Gods seruants and how farre foorth out of vse aduiseth in these words Be not high-minded but feare Loue the goodnesse of God feare his seueritie Both these will keepe thée from being proud For in louing thou dost feare least thou grieuously offend thy louing and beloued It thou loue not feare least thou perish if thou loue feare least thou displease He that said you haue not receiued the spirit of hondage to feare any more said that himselfe was among the Corinthians with feare and trembling He that said be not high minded but feare gaue a generall aduertisement to all the members of Christ worke out your saluation with feare and trembling Anone after that blessed father addeth Doth not that sentence beat thee of from presumptuous pride woe vnto the world because of offences Dost thou not stand in a we lest thou be reckoned among those many whose loue should ware cold and iniquitie abound dost thou â—hâ— strike thy blest when thou hearest this sentence Let him that stands take héede lest be fall As for the other clause Giuing vs those things which our praiers dare not presume to aske is and may be referd to spirituall temporall blessings which in the generall we may assure our selues shall be graunted and we must dare to aske but in particular as in this or that very manner at this or that very time by such such meanes we haue no warrant to limit the holy one of Israel nor coÌ„mandement to craue or promise our selue Paul prayed that Satan might be remooued and be prayed often and earnestly yet was he not then remooued 2. Cor. 12.6 Some things we may pray for absolutely and affirmatiuely as that the kingdome of God doe come his will he done the forgiuenesse of sinne our owne saluation but the meanes sometimes we may faile in while this may or that way after this fashion or that fashion we pray they may come to passe S. Paul could not be ignorant of so easie a point and therefore it was not the forme he stood vpon as the end he proposed The very like is to be thought in temporall blessings Dauid prayed to God for his child which he had by Bothsabe throughly fully perswaded of Gods mercies towards him though touching the babe 2. Sam. 12 121 his thoughts and spéech were not so resolute but arguing rather his expectation then assurance For this be said Who can tell whether God will haue mercy on me that the childe may liue Thus it appeareth that euery particular neither may we nor dare we presume to determine Leaue we that to the wisedome and gratious good pleasure of the Lord. Beggers must not be choosers nor caruers their own caruers Thus they will haue it and thus or else it fitteth not him that commeth in prayer vnto God He may assure himselfe in generall but in euery particular he may not he néede not he must not It may be victory it may be an ouerthrowe it may be peace it may be persecution He may haue a child he may goe childlesse He may pray now but the issue of his prayer is like Abraham a great way of Such is the course of the faithfull They apprehend Christ Jesus in whom all the promises are yea and Amen Sure of this once That if they haue what they dare not indent for at Gods hand they will be thankfull if they haue it not
accomplish those things which the Lord would haue done All which petitions concurring in this clause minister diuerse good notes First the weight of griefe the in anguish of soule casteth a cloud twixtioy our vnderstaÌ„ding 2. King 4.27 at which time it may be said as Elisha of the Iuoâ—noÌ„ Lethir alone hir spirit is vexed within hir Atro bled praier ouâ—â— easily be pardâ—ed if not so aduisedly other whiles indited as others peraduenture may thinke that are not fli like distresse In tribulations bus qua possunt prodesse nocere c August epist 121 ad Probam vid. c. 14. Vninersals voluÌ„ tate vt nobis bac auferantur oramus c. Ibid. Pia patientia malorum bona speremus ample ora c. Ibid Secondly it would be thought vpon what naturally our desire presseth after not what should be but what it would haue In tribulations wee may both hurt and profit we know not what to pray as we ought and yet because things are tough and hard because they are troublesome because they are against the sence of our infirmity by a generall or vnsuersal will we pray that these things may be taken froÌ„ vs. But this point of deuotion we are indebted to god for that if he take not such thinges away from vs wee should not therefore thinke we are neglected but rather by our godly enduring these euils hope for larger good things For so vertue is perfited in infirmity Thirdly Gods decrée may crosse that effect but it is not against the natural affection nay the Lord would be offended if that affection were not make it a childes case whose kinde father is sore sicke euen to that death his life draweth to the graue The Lord purposeth by this visitation to call him hence therefore it is that his childe mourneth Here haue yourthe will of the childe one way he would haue his father liue the wil of God another way inteÌ„deth death Is the child faulty herein or rather is he not faul tie if all childlike affectioÌ„ die with his fathers death Doth he not offeÌ„d if nature dutie vtterly forgotteÌ„ he should wish otherwise So that the matter of our obedience is not séene alwaies in our willing what God decreeth or not willing what be forbiddeth but sometimes in deliuering contrary to that which thee Lord purposeth shal come to passe S. Paul the Apostle wel knew that sicknesse coÌ„meth of the Lord that wheÌ„â— Epaphroditus fell sick it was the Lord his doing Philip 2 25 Yet that was no reasoÌ„ but Paul both might cid sorrow for him Fourthly we are coÌ„maunded to aske what we stand in néed of we néed deliuerance from all aduersities Propria infirmi tatis nobis con scit dei prasidso defendi nos cupâ— mus vt inexpug Dabiles stemus adâ—ersus quaeslibet Satana machinas Cal in Math 6.13 Fiftly such praiers are testimonies of our professed weaknes prouing vnto our selues others what conceit we haue of that Dangers of this life Not the least aduersit but we haue cause to stand in feare of therefore pray wée that wer may stand in expugnable against all the Engins of Sathan Sixtlie at these times that wee intreate God in this manner there is a liuelie euidence of our faith in his power and of a full resolution in making our refuge to him as constantlie beâ—eueing hée can and will helpe vs else would we not séeke thus vnto him as then we doe Seuenthly it may be conceiued that the extent of our petition is bound with a necessary supposall of the Lords will though not alway so expresty mentioned Quod necessariò intelligitur non deest Act. 18.21.1 Cor. 4.10 For that which is necessarily vnderstood is neuer thought wanting Act. 18. I will returne againe vnto you and 1. Corinth 4. I will come vnto you if God will In the one place implied in the other exprest So here to be interpreted A freedome from all aduersities but no farder nor otherwise then as the Lord will though this clause be not word for word set downe in the Collect. Lastly the eye of our thought looketh two waies one to Gods prouidence the other to our selues and our extremitie either present or possible An example hereof our Sauiour gaue vs Huiusmodi exeÌ„plum prabuit no â—â—sille mediator qui cum dixisset Paeter si fiers po test transeat a me calix huma nam in se voluÌ„a tatem ex hominis sosceptione transformans continuò subita cit August ad Probam episte 121. cap. 14. when he had said these words Father if it be possible let this Cuppe passe from me transforming the will of man vpon himselfe by taking our nature he presently addeth this withall Yet not as I will but as thou wilt O Father So the Prophets weepe for Ierusalem to thinke how she should lye in the dust yet againe to Godward as they raise vp their eye they stand contented Iniury therefore is it to the Saints in that whereof they haue our Sauiour Christ for an example iniury to those affections which God bath fashioned in vs for his seruice iniurie to all the reasons before alleaged if prayer to be free from all aduersities must be arraigned as a slaunderer of the truth of God yet so it pleaseth some to giue foorth This is against the manifest word and decree of God Act. 14.22 A man may will a diuerse thing from that which God willeth and yet without sinne Act. 16 7. Paul desired to preach the word in Asia and Bethinia but he was hindred by the spirit yet no contrarietie twixt Paul and the spirit of God but for all that shew of discord great consent For that which Paul willeth well the spirit of God willeth not but yet by a better will though the reason hereof be secret Gloria celesti superindui absque mortis interuentu Pisâ— in 2. Cor. 5. and the reason of Pauls will be manifest The same Apostle desireth for himselfe and other the Saints that they might be clothed vpon with heauenly glory without death comming betweene For we saith he that are in this tabernacle figh and are burdened because we would not be vnclothed but clothed vpon 2. Cor. 5.4 that mortalitie might be swallowed of life which yet we know God had otherwise determined And Saint Peter was tould aforehand that be must die some violent death for so our Sauiour prophecied yet that Apostle in some sort did will otherwise then God his manifest will was Ioh. 21.18 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Psal 55.6 For Iohn 21.18 another shall gird thee and lead thee whither thou wouldest not The Prophet Dauid in Psalme 55. wisheth that he had the wings of a Doue then would be file c. No manifest word or decrec of God knowne to auouch this wish and earnest prayer Electio tantum fertur in possibalia voluntas interdum proponit ea qua noÌ„
imposition of handes are for longer time namelie to the worldes ende As for this speach where the wordes in the Rubricke by imposition of handes and prayer the baptised receiue strength c. as if like the children of the prophets crying Death in the pot when somewhat was shred in scarcely pleasing their tast so these meane there is death in this sentence not fitting their knoweledge that haue tasted of the heauenlie grace reuealed in the worde wee answere this phraise by imposition of handes c. is agreeable to scripture Act 8.18 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. Tim. 1.6 and the auncient truth recorded since that time in the monuments and writinges of the fathers To scripture where this expresse forme is mentioned when Simon Magus saw that by laying on of handes the holie spirite was giuen c. So to stirre vppe the gist of God which is in thee by the putting on of my handes which latter place though it speake of this ceremonie in ordination yet the former of these quotations intreats of confirmation after baptisme as doth also Asts 19.6 But whither first or last of those scriptures cited in the margent the grace of speach is the same namely by imposition of handes c. The like wee finde in the writinges of the fathers Tertulâ—ian thus the flesh is shadowed with imposition of handes that the soule may bee illightned by the spirite Againe in another place After baptisme administred then handes are laide on by benediction and blessing Caro manus impositione adumbratur vt anima spiritu illuminetur Tertull. de imponitur per benedictionem aduocans inuitaus spiriturn sanctum Id de baptis aduocating and inuiting the holie Ghost This auncient manner Saint Ciprian iustifying out of Asts 8. by the example of Iohn and Peter maketh this obseruation The faithfull in Samaria saieth he had alreadie obtained baptisme onely that which was wanting Peter and Iohn Nunquid quoque apud nos ge ritur vt qui in ecclesia baptizantur per pra latos ecclesia offerantur per nostram orationem manus impositi onem spiritum sanctum consequantur Cyp. epist 73. ad Iubatan Post fontem sequitur vt perfectio fiat quan do ad inuocationem sacerdotis spiritus sanctus infunditur Ambros lib 3. de sacrament c. 2. Exigis vbiscrip tum sit In acti bus Apost sed etiamsi scrip turae authoritas non subesset totius orbis in hanc partem coÌ„sensus instar praecepts obtineret Hieron aduer Luciseri Si superuenerit ad episcopum cumperducat vt per manus impositionem perfics possit Concil Eliber can 38. Eos episcopus per benedictionem perficere debebit can 77. thid Manus ab episcopo imponi vt accipiant spiritum sanctum Arelat can 17. Vt mundi donuÌ„ spâ—â—tus sanctvaleant accipire Aurelian Deus largitur gratiam per impositionem manuum Chemuit de sacra ment ordints pag 245. Donum comfirmatum in eo fuit auctum per impositionem manuum Zanch pracep in c. 4.19 pag. 715. supplied by prayer and imposition of hands to the end the holie ghost might be powred vpon them which also is now done among our selues that they which are baptised in the church are offered vp to God by the prelates of the church and by our prayers and imposition of handes obtaine the holie ghost This phraise continued to the daies of Saint Ambrose who speaking of confirmation writeth After the fountaine it followeth that more be done or word for wordes that there be perfection when at the prayer of the priest the holie Ghost is infused and powred downe Saint Ierom against the Luciferians writing that the Bishop did giue the holy Gost vnto the baptised by imposition of hands addeth you are earnest to knowe where it is written I answere saieth hee in the Acts of the Apostles But although there were no authoritie of scripture the consent of the whole world in this behalfe should be as a commaundement Out of diuerse auncient councels of Eliberis Arls Orleance the like may be proued Eliberis If the baptised shall happen to liue bring him to the Eishoppe that by imposition of handes he may bee perfited and after ward can 77. Those which the Deacon hath baptised the bishoppe must perfit by prayer or benediction The councell of Arls. handes are laid on by the bishoppe that they may receiue the holy Ghost That of Orleance After comming to confirmation they be warned to make their confession that being clensed they may receiue the holy Ghost But contenting our selues with these testimonys of antiquity among our late writers not to name many Chemnitius Zanchius witnes that vse of this phrase Chemnit God giueth grace by impositioÌ„ of handes And Zanch. the gist was confirmed augmented in him by imposition of handes True it is that our writers speake of the cerimonie vsed in ordination but yet of the ceremonie it is that they so write which argueth the phrase not onelie tolerable but lawfull How much rather are we to iudge thus both scripture and antiquitie auouching asmuch And therefore what reason haue we for some few vnaduised mens pleasure to renounce a truth so throughlie approued namely that by impositioÌ„ of hands prayer children may receiue strength and defence Confirmation hath that ascribed vnto it which is proper to the sacraments in these wordes That by imposition of hands and prayer they may receiue strength and defence against all temptations to sinne and the assaults of the worlde and the deuill Proofe for some mens iust dislike in this hence appeareth because it is proper to the sacraments as if thus in forme of argument it were concluded what is proper to the sacrameÌ„ts must not bee attributed to any thing els to giue strength and defence against all tentations of sinne is proper to the sacraments therefore not to be attributed to any thing els and if not to anie thing els then not to imposition of haÌ„ds and prayer In making answer whereunto wee must know that it is not proper to the sacraments to giue strength and defence against all tentations For proper that is called which is onely alway and vnto all proper But to giue strength against all temptations is not proper to the sacraments It is a thing common to other as to the sacraments but not proper onely vnto them For the spirit properlie is the spirit of strength and corroboration and none els As meanes indeede or helpes so the sacramentes are but so are they not alone For the worde of grace is able to build farder and exhortations and faith and prayer and daylie experience of Gods mercies heretofore and conference with learned men and diuerse other good blessings from Goddoe strengthen a man against all tentations c. Wherefore in a worde wee returne them for answer it is manifestlie vntrue that confirmation hath that ascribed vnto it which is proper to the sacraments Confirmation hath that ascribed vnto it which
Perk. armil aurea c. 3â— These signes actions additions all significant vsed in the administration of baptisme yet neuer to this houre except wee onely this obiection ministred iust cause of dislike as being thought impious or derogatorie from baptisme and the sufficiencie thereof The like wee are to exemplifie in the sacrament of the Lord his supper which is that wee may returne men their owne english a signe that Christ instituted in the Gospell to represent and seale vppe vnto men Gods fauour as also the friend shippe and loue which should bee amongst vs whereof it is a symbol and pledge For 1. Cor. 10. we that are many are one bread one body because we are al persakers of one bread yet the which this signe instituted by christ doth represent and scale vnto vs 1. Cor. 10.17 Iustin. martyr apolog 2. the verie same representation was offered to the mindes of the faithfull by a kisse when they saluted one another at the same time For it was a symbol and significant signe of linking their affections and giuing like honor one to another Non solum ami citiae sed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bez. 1. Cor. 16 20. 2. Cor. 13. and so by consequent a note of Gods loue vnto them Not of Christs institution yet not therefore detracting from the sufficiencie of the Sacrament nor an impious addition Many other instances we might adde but this shall serue only for this time Mutuall consent twixt couples maketh mariage specially solemnized in publicke and witnessed by the congregation sanctified by the Minister his holy benediction yet the ceremonie of the Ring is added hereunto by the Church which is so farre from being impious as that Master Bucer and Master Viret a man ignorant of our controuersies now on foote doth allow the vse thereof This ceremonie is added but not in the administration of Baptisme or the Lords Supper which are the Sacraments we speake of So likewise imposition of hands is not in the administration of either Sacrament and therefore the instance which we bring is pertinent inough to the purpose wherfore alleadged and sutable to the obiection before vrged where these words are The like may be said namely that they are impious additions what are not commended by Christ his institution But to conclude our answere to this straine and to returne a necessarie obseruation vpon this point The termes in the former obiection pretending to open the nature of both Sacraments in full sufficiencie are themselues vnsufficient and defectiue For to call the Elements instituted by Christ of water in Baptisme and of bread and wine in the Eucharist representations which offer to our minds c. Or such as represent speciall graces as if their seale were to represent and make some faire shew we hold no definition nor sound explanation of a Sacrament For séeing they doe exhibit and offer grace seeing they are very true substances not qualities and therefore not representations seeing they are effectuall instruments of sauing grace vnto Gods children yea more then all this surely more would haue beene added and not thus rawly ralling them representations doubling that one word as if therein lay the strength dignitie and excellencie of a Sacrament Againe this clause is doubtfull where it is said to bring in or to approue by subscription the bringing in of other signes c. other signes if they meane such as thrust foorth those which Christ hath instituted and will needs supply their place or other signes if they meane of like necessitie vse or validitie equaling them to the Sacraments which Christ hath instituted we confesse to bring in such signes were to detract from Christ his institution but otherwise as tokens from man to man yea some of them through prayer in the spirit as certificates of Gods grace and fauour we how no way derogatorie at or after administration of the Sacraments In the prayer the Bishop saith After the example of the Apostles we haue laid on our hands This is no true imitation It is and therefore a true spéech For they and the apostolicall Churches did it alway ioyning prayer with it A ceremonie it was vsed after Baptisme vpon diuerse considerations but alway for sarder strengthning the partie whether Baptized or to be ordained And if comparisons were needefull There is reason to iudge of the two yoong children anone after they haue beene entred in the principles of our holy faith haue more neede of this after-helpe to put them in minde of the power of Baptisme and to worke a remembrance thereof more effectuall in their harts and memories They had warrant the Bishops haue none In this point Apostolicall practise is Episcopall warrant What expresse word in Scripture for all Churches both Primitiue and since the same is for our Churches at this day with whom the ceremonie is vsed then to translate it from the sacrifices of the Law now to deriue it ouer from those times to vs. This fashion of imposition of hands the Church saith Austin speaking of the custome continued vnto his daies retaineth in her Prelats Hunc morem impositionis manu um in suis praepositiâ— eâ—iam nunc seruat August And the reason is manyfold why they rather then other Ministers that Baptised the children 1. Because Philip that baptized did not impose hands but Iohn and Peter did 2. Because all ages since Christ held a Bishop superior to an ordinarie Minister in his Diocesse Heb. 7.7 for without all contradiction the lesse is blessed of the greater 3. They rather then others in honour to their prelacie and place as Ierom witnesseth 4. Because the parochiall Minister should not be thought a partiall Minister ouer those whom he baptized 5. For greater grace and reuerence to the procéedings countenanced by one whose grauitie yeares and authoritie much preuaâ—leth in such occasions 6. For anoyding of heresie schisme and the like Lastly for that the Bishop might be an arbiter twixt the Parishioners and their Minister in praising or dispraising accordingly as vpon examination he found the youth and their friends had taken care for watring those buds with vertuons education nurtured them vp in the knowledge of the articles of faith and all such necessarie points as well beséeme a good Christian to his soules health These and the like in histories seeme to be the cause why Bishops laid on their hands and prayed ouer children baptized that could giue account of the hope that was in them A point duely to be remembred because some take exception against the Papist herein yet against our Church iustly they cannot For we preferre it not before Baptisme but Baptisme before it We make not alike necessitie of the one as of the other For that may be deferd without any detriment to the childe till he come to more yeares Baptisme we hould not arbitrarie nor hauing conuenient meanes and time doe we thinke meete it should be long deferd Euery lawfull
Iudaicum illius antiquae faelicitatis c. Pintâ—s in Esai 6â— 7 Pintus vpon Esay be heard whose wordes are Hee remembred the old time of Moses and his people This hee is to bee vnderstood for the people of Israel They are saieth hee the wordes of Esay saying that in his time the people of the Iewes remembred that auncient felicitie when God by wonderfull signes deliuered Moses with his people from the bondage of the Egyptians c. So that by the iudgement of these men our translation deserueth not to be challenged in this place 10. Whom they bought of the Children of Israel c. for Whom the children of Israel valewed Mathew 27.9 Read on the sunday before Easter for part of the Gospel And omitting diuerse points in this clause worthy our sarder inquirie as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which the Syriack followed be the fitter worde for this place 2. in this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or some such expletiue be vnderstoode to come betweene 3. whither 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be to be referred to this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or so 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 4. whither 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be the third person plural as it is commonly thought or the first person singular according to the Hebrue and Syriack all which doubts might bee cleared with good aduantage to the reader omitting wee say all these and taking the place as it is here proposed without more adoe wee may resolue that neither of the interpretations peruerteth the meaning of the holie Ghost Both come to one passe For if Christ were bought then was he valewed at a price Sith to buy and to valew are such as imply one the other and in the hebrue phrase of matches or pares Posito vno verbo intelligitur consequens He braâ—s by one wee vnderstand both Like that in Psalme 68.19 thou receiuedst gifts for men which in the Ephesians 4.8 is of the same person he gaue gifts to men One tert saâ—eth he receiued another citing the place rendreth it he gaue Both true because he receiued to giue c. So little cause was here to produce this quotation 11. Haile full of grace c. for freelie beleued Luke 1.28 The lesser bibles are not to bee vnipire in this point but the originall greeke which if translated thus freely beloued M. Marlorat censureth with this marginal note that it is ouerfreely Quidam liberius Marlorat or somewhat too bouldly attempted to interpret it so And had not some wrong conclusions been drawn from abusing the word full of grace many hereupon taking the blessed virgin for the fountaine of grace praying to hir calling vpon hir c. as if what shee had shee had not receiued the worde had neuer been altered in Latin nor English For gratious or full of grace here implye no more which very selfe same worde full of grace the Syriack retaineth And that place Ephesians 1.6 he hath accepted vs 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 gratiosos effecit nos Ephes 1.6 Pisca Piscator translates he hath made vs gratious and therefore in this Luke 1. hee rendereth it graced or gratious which hee doth and in deede the rather is to bee done because the Angel stands vpon the word with a grace in two reasons for the Lord is with thee 2. thou hast found grace verse 30. shewing whence and how shee is to bee thus graced or in grace or gratious or full of grace Which last wiselie vnderstood as in preaching now God bee thanked it is indangereth no more then that of other the Saints Act. 6.3.5.7.55 cap. 11.24 Stephen and the rest Act. 6.3 full of the holie Ghost and wisedome full of faith and the spirit verse 5. full of the holy Ghost Act. 7.55 chapter 11.24 c. no whit confirming ere the more any such opinions formerly maintained of the blessed Virgins owâ— merits and freedome from orginall sinne or directing prayer vnto hir more then vnto Saint Stephen or other of the Saintes of whome wordes in the places quoted afore are deliuerd at the full as fulnesse of the holy Ghost of faith wisdome c. To say therefore and translate as the Syriack c. as the auncient Latin fathers do in that sense which our Church receiueth and the worde it selfe well vnderstood beareth is no peruerting the meaning of the holy Ghost The lowlines of his handmaide c. For the poore degree Luc. 1.48 This worde humilitie or basenesse as it signifieth an humble estate whereinto one is cast so yet doeth it signifie a contentment in that estate with patience bearing it willinglie not murmuring nor repining For so was it our Sauiours case Act. 8. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Act. 8.33 who was debased and in his humilitie his indgement was exalted where humilitie signifieth not onelie his poore abiect degree but withall a lowlie submisse and modest cariadge which if vnderstood of the virgin Maries modesty as peraduenture the english word lowlinesse implieth it is no aduantage for auouching workes of merit and desert psalm 34.15 more then any other like speeches wherein wee learne That the eyes of the Lord are vppon the righteous Psalm 34. Genes 4.4 or that God hath respect vnto the prayers of the Saints or where it is said Genes 4. that the Lord had respect vnto Abel and his offring In all which places we coÌ„fesse that the prayers of Gods children their actions works and sacrifices come vp before the Lord yea and the Lord looketh downe from Heauen vpon them not that they doe demerit Gods fauour but that he is well pleased with them as no doubt he was with the holy Virgin whose lowe estate as he pitied so her lowly acceptaÌ„ce of that estate and patient abiding he did highlie respect 2 Thes 1.6.7 For it is a righteous thing with God to recompence rest vnto them that are troubled Heb. 6.10 and God is not vniust to forget the works of his children not that hée or shée the Virgin or anie other begins vnto God but he begins and perfects the worke in them vntill the day of Christ And this maner of spéech Hee regarded the lowlines of his handmaid yéelds no other matter for suspicioÌ„ of any Pelagianisme or popish semipelagianisme then that which is in sound of words and substance for sense Psalme 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 psalm 138.6 138. The Lord iron high yet beholdeth the lowlie but the proud hee knoweth a farre off Where in al our english bidles little or great Geneua or any other haue no worde els but lowly and therefore may wel be here the lowlinesse of his handmaid So as vnder correction of better aduertisement they are fowly deceiued that call this translation a peruerting of the meaning of the holy Ghost But might none of all these proofes bee alledged as wee see they are vpon better ground in our defence then of the contrary part