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the_o duty_n of_o charity_n to_o the_o brethren_n and_o for_o a_o while_n through_o patience_n to_o endure_v in_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v altogether_o destitute_a of_o the_o inward_a illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n of_o faith_n and_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n and_o of_o perseverance_n or_o continuance_n to_o the_o end_n and_o these_o man_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n at_o the_o length_n lay_v open_v what_o they_o be_v for_o the_o apostle_n john_n say_v they_o go_v out_o from_o among_o we_o but_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o 2._o 1_o john_n 2._o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v have_v tarry_v with_o we_o yet_o these_o man_n while_o they_o do_v pretend_v religion_n they_o be_v account_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n howsoever_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n even_o as_o traitor_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n before_o they_o be_v detect_v be_v count_v in_o the_o number_n of_o good_a citizen_n and_o as_o the_o 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and_o sectary_n and_o they_o ofttimes_o in_o mockage_n call_v we_o confessionist_n and_o moreover_o they_o lay_v in_o our_o dish_n that_o we_o neither_o agree_v with_o ourselves_o nor_o with_o other_o who_o detest_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n but_o there_o be_v as_o many_o religion_n among_o we_o as_o there_o be_v confession_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o procure_v credit_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o the_o german_a church_n especial_o they_o bring_v forth_o both_o certain_a other_o writing_n and_o especial_o that_o form_n of_o agreement_n of_o late_o publish_v in_o germany_n in_o which_o there_o be_v certain_a thing_n to_o be_v see_v far_o differ_v from_o those_o ancient_a confession_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v even_o since_o the_o beginning_n give_v out_o but_o let_v they_o so_o think_v that_o the_o fault_n of_o heresy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v upon_o those_o who_o faith_n altogether_o rely_v on_o 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of_o faith_n and_o no_o more_o as_o though_o forsooth_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v value_v rather_o by_o the_o word_n then_o by_o the_o thing_n itself_o what_o therefore_o will_v they_o say_v to_o our_o ancestor_n who_o when_o they_o have_v the_o apostle_n creed_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o set_v out_o the_o nicene_n chalcedonian_a and_o many_o more_o such_o like_a creed_n those_o creed_n say_v you_o be_v general_a yea_o sure_o but_o so_o general_a that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o those_o elder_a time_n follow_v the_o frantic_a heresy_n of_o the_o arrian_n who_o the_o godly_a forefather_n by_o set_v forth_o those_o creed_n desire_v to_o bring_v home_o into_o the_o church_n again_o the_o truth_n say_v hilary_n be_v by_o the_o advice_n and_o opinion_n of_o bishop_n many_o way_n seek_v and_o a_o reason_n of_o that_o which_o be_v mean_v be_v render_v by_o several_a confession_n of_o faith_n set_v down_o in_o write_v and_o a_o little_a after_o it_o ought_v to_o seem_v no_o marvel_n right_o well-beloved_a brethren_n that_o man_n faith_n begin_v to_o be_v declare_v so_o thick_a the_o outrage_n of_o heretic_n lay_v this_o necessity_n upon_o we_o thus_o much_o say_v hilary_n what_o that_o athanasius_n augustine_n and_o many_o other_o ancient_n set_v forth_o their_o creed_n also_o that_o the_o purity_n of_o christian_a faith_n may_v more_o and_o more_o shine_v forth_o therefore_o if_o kingdom_n city_n and_o and_o whole_a province_n have_v private_o make_v confession_n of_o their_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o for_o that_o hitherto_o the_o state_n of_o time_n have_v not_o suffer_v that_o a_o general_a council_n of_o all_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o reform_a religion_n may_v be_v
with_o all_o kind_n of_o virtue_n for_o who_o can_v purpose_v and_o do_v all_o thing_n as_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a do_v require_v 1_o cor._n 10._o to_o the_o true_a edify_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o sound_a profit_n of_o all_o man_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n except_o that_o he_o both_o think_v speak_v and_o do_v every_o thing_n in_o order_n and_o well_o and_o therefore_o be_v very_o familliar_o acquaint_v with_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o virtue_n to_o who_o good_a work_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v and_o how_o necessary_a they_o be_v chap._n 5._o but_o see_v that_o they_o which_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v rather_o 8._o rom._n 8._o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n then_o do_v work_v any_o thing_n themselves_o and_o that_o of_o he_o and_o through_o he_o and_o for_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n therefore_o 11._o rom._n 11._o whatsoever_o thing_n we_o do_v well_o and_o holy_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o none_o other_o then_o to_o this_o one_o only_a spirit_n the_o giver_n of_o all_o virtue_n howsoever_o it_o be_v he_o do_v not_o compel_v we_o but_o do_v lead_v we_o be_v willing_a work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v philip._n 2._o whereupon_o saint_n augustine_n write_v very_o well_o that_o god_n do_v reward_v his_o work_n in_o we_o and_o yet_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o reject_v good_a work_n that_o we_o do_v utter_o deny_v that_o any_o man_n can_v full_o be_v save_v except_o he_o be_v thus_o far_o bring_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o find_v no_o want_n at_o all_o in_o he_o touch_v those_o good_a work_n whereunto_o god_n have_v create_v he_o for_o there_o be_v divers_a member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n therefore_o every_o one_o of_o we_o have_v not_o the_o same_o office_n 1_o cor._n 12._o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v that_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v soon_o pass_v away_o than_o any_o one_o jot_n or_o the_o least_o point_n thereof_o shall_v be_v remit_v yet_o because_o god_n alone_o be_v good_a have_v create_v all_o thing_n of_o nothing_o and_o do_v by_o his_o spirit_n make_v we_o altogether_o new_a and_o do_v whole_o lead_v we_o for_o in_o christ_n nothing_o avail_v but_o a_o new_a creature_n none_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v ascribe_v to_o man_n strength_n and_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o mere_a gift_n of_o god_n who_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n and_o not_o for_o any_o merit_n of_o we_o do_v favour_n and_o love_v we_o by_o these_o thing_n it_o may_v sufficient_o be_v know_v what_o we_o believe_v justification_n to_o be_v by_o who_o it_o be_v wrought_v for_o we_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v receive_v of_o we_o also_o by_o what_o place_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v induce_v so_o to_o believe_v for_o alalthough_o of_o many_o we_o have_v allege_v a_o few_o yet_o by_o these_o few_o any_o one_o that_o be_v but_o mean_o conversant_a in_o the_o scripture_n may_v full_o perceive_v that_o they_o which_o read_v the_o scripture_n shall_v find_v every_o where_o such_o kind_n of_o sentence_n as_o do_v attribute_n unto_o we_o nothing_o but_o sin_n and_o destruction_n as_o hosea_n say_v and_o all_o our_o righteousness_n and_o salvation_n to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_n man_n chap._n 6._o now_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v of_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n and_o to_o what_o action_n he_o ought_v chief_o to_o give_v himself_o namely_o to_o all_o those_o whereby_o every_o one_o for_o his_o part_n may_v profit_v his_o neighbour_n and_o that_o first_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o life_n eternal_a that_o they_o also_o may_v begin_v to_o know_v worship_n and_o fear_v god_n and_o then_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o this_o life_n that_o they_o may_v want_v nothing_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o sustenance_n of_o the_o body_n for_o as_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o most_o absolute_a commandment_n of_o all_o righteousness_n be_v brief_o contain_v in_o this_o one_o word_n thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o so_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o love_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o all_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v comprise_v and_o perfect_v whereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o nothing_o at_o all_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n which_o be_v not_o of_o force_n and_o effect_n to_o profit_v our_o neighbour_n and_o every_o work_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o belong_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a man_n by_o how_o much_o his_o neighbour_n may_v the_o more_o be_v profit_v thereby_o therefore_o next_o after_o ecclesiastical_a function_n among_o the_o chief_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n we_o place_v the_o government_n of_o the_o common_a weal_n obedience_n to_o magistrate_n for_o these_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o common_a profit_n that_o care_n which_o be_v take_v for_o our_o wife_n child_n family_n and_o the_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a to_o parent_n because_o that_o without_o these_o the_o life_n of_o man_n can_v consist_v and_o last_o the_o profession_n of_o good_a art_n and_o of_o all_o honest_a discipline_n because_o that_o except_o these_o be_v have_v in_o estimation_n we_o shall_v be_v destitute_a of_o the_o great_a good_a thing_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o mankind_n yet_o in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o duty_n pertain_v to_o man_n like_a no_o man_n must_v rash_o take_v any_o thing_n to_o himself_o but_o with_o a_o right_a conscience_n consider_v whereunto_o god_n do_v call_v he_o to_o conclude_v let_v every_o man_n account_n that_o his_o duty_n and_o that_o so_o much_o the_o more_o excellent_a a_o duty_n the_o more_o that_o he_o shall_v profit_v other_o man_n thereby_o the_o ten_o section_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n the_o latter_a confession_n of_o helvetia_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n chap._n 17._o forasmuch_o as_o god_n from_o the_o beginning_n will_v have_v man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o always_o from_o the_o beginning_n at_o this_o day_n and_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o church_n that_o be_v a_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a call_v and_o gather_v out_o of_o the_o world_n a_o communion_n i_o say_v of_o all_o saint_n that_o be_v of_o they_o who_o do_v true_o know_v and_o right_o worship_n and_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o saviour_n by_o the_o word_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o which_o by_o faith_n be_v partaker_n of_o all_o those_o good_a grace_n which_o be_v free_o offer_v through_o christ_n these_o all_o be_v citizen_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o city_n live_v under_o one_o lord_n under_o the_o same_o law_n and_o in_o the_o same_o fellowship_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o fellow_n 6._o ephes_n 2._o 1_o cor._n 6._o citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n term_v the_o faithful_a upon_o the_o earth_n saint_n who_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n of_o these_o be_v that_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n whole_o to_o be_v understand_v i_o believe_v the_o catholic_a church_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o see_v that_o there_o be_v always_o but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n jesus_n christ_n also_o one_o shepherd_n of_o the_o whole_a flock_n one_o head_n of_o this_o body_n and_o to_o conclude_v one_o spirit_n one_o salvation_n one_o faith_n one_o testament_n or_o covenant_n it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n which_o we_o therefore_o call_v catholic_a because_o it_o be_v universal_a spread_v abroad_o through_o all_o the_o part_n and_o quarter_n of_o the_o world_n and_o reach_v unto_o all_o time_n and_o be_v not_o limit_v within_o the_o compass_n either_o of_o time_n or_o place_n here_o therefore_o we_o must_v condemn_v the_o donatist_n who_o pin_v up_o the_o church_n within_o the_o corner_n of_o africa_n neither_o do_v we_o allow_v of_o the_o roman_a clergy_n who_o vaunt_n that_o the_o church_n of_o româ—_n 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o manner_n be_v catholic_a the_o church_n be_v divide_v by_o some_o into_o divers_a part_n or_o divers_a sort_n not_o that_o it_o be_v rend_v and_o divide_v from_o itself_o but_o rather_o distinguish_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o member_n that_o be_v in_o it_o one_o part_n thereof_o they_o make_v to_o be_v the_o church_n militant_a the_o other_o the_o church_n triumphant_a the_o militant_a war_v still_o on_o
the_o earth_n and_o fight_v against_o the_o flesh_n the_o world_n and_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n the_o devil_n and_o against_o sin_n and_o death_n the_o other_o be_v already_o set_v at_o liberty_n be_v now_o in_o heaven_n and_o triumph_v over_o all_o those_o be_v overcome_v and_o continual_o rejoice_v before_o the_o lord_n yet_o these_o two_o church_n have_v notwithstanding_o a_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n between_o themselves_o the_o church_n militant_a upon_o the_o earth_n have_v evermore_o have_v in_o it_o many_o particular_a church_n which_o must_v all_o notwithstanding_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n this_o militant_a church_n be_v otherwise_o order_v and_o govern_v before_o the_o law_n among_o the_o patriarch_n otherwise_o under_o moses_n by_o the_o law_n and_o otherwise_o of_o christ_n by_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v but_o two_o sort_n of_o people_n for_o the_o most_o part_n mention_v to_o wit_n the_o israelite_n and_o the_o gentile_n or_o they_o which_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v gather_v to_o make_v a_o church_n there_o be_v also_o two_o testament_n the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a yet_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o people_n have_v have_v and_o still_o have_v one_o fellowship_n one_o salvation_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o messiah_n in_o who_o as_o member_n of_o one_o body_n they_o be_v all_o join_v together_o under_o one_o head_n and_o by_o one_o faith_n be_v all_o partaker_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spiritual_a meat_n and_o drink_v yet_o here_o we_o do_v acknowledge_v a_o diversity_n of_o time_n and_o a_o diversity_n in_o the_o pledge_n and_o sign_n of_o christ_n promise_v and_o exhibit_v and_o that_o now_o the_o ceremony_n be_v abolish_v the_o light_n shine_v unto_o we_o more_o clear_o our_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v more_o abundant_a and_o our_o liberty_n be_v more_o full_a and_o ample_a this_o holy_a church_n of_o god_n be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n build_v of_o live_v and_o spiritual_a stone_n found_v upon_o a_o rock_n that_o can_v be_v remove_v upon_o a_o foundation_n beside_o which_o none_o can_v be_v lay_v whereupon_o it_o be_v call_v the_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o 3._o 2_o tim._n 3._o do_v not_o err_v so_o long_o as_o it_o rely_v upon_o the_o rock_n christ_n and_o upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o no_o marvel_n confession_n marvel_n look_v the_o first_o observat_fw-la upon_o this_o confession_n if_o it_o do_v err_v so_o often_o as_o it_o forsake_v he_o who_o be_v the_o alone_a truth_n this_o church_n be_v also_o call_v a_o virgin_n and_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o only_a belove_a for_o the_o apostle_n say_v i_o have_v join_v you_o unto_o one_o husband_n that_o i_o may_v present_v you_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n unto_o christ_n the_o church_n be_v call_v a_o flock_n of_o sheep_n under_o one_o shepherd_n even_o christ_n ezek._n 34._o and_o john_n 10._o also_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n because_o the_o faithful_a be_v the_o lively_a member_n of_o christ_n have_v he_o for_o their_o head_n it_o be_v the_o head_n which_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n in_o the_o body_n and_o from_o whence_o the_o whole_a body_n receive_v life_n by_o who_o spirit_n it_o be_v govern_v in_o all_o thing_n of_o who_o also_o it_o receive_v increase_v that_o it_o may_v grow_v up_o also_o there_o be_v but_o one_o head_n of_o the_o body_n which_o have_v agreement_n with_o the_o body_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n can_v have_v any_o other_o head_n beside_o christ_n for_o as_o the_o church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a body_n so_o must_v it_o needs_o have_v a_o spiritua_n i_o head_n like_o unto_o itself_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v govern_v by_o any_o other_o spirit_n then_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n wherefore_o paul_n say_v and_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o body_n the_o 1._o coloss_n 1._o church_n who_o be_v the_o beginning_n the_o first_o bear_v of_o the_o dead_a that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o may_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n and_o in_o another_o place_n christ_n say_v he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o same_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o 5._o ephes_n 5._o his_o body_n and_o again_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o 1._o ephes_n 1._o body_n even_o the_o fullness_n of_o he_o which_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o thing_n again_o let_v we_o in_o all_o thing_n grow_v up_o into_o he_o which_o be_v the_o head_n that_o be_v 4._o ephes_n 4._o christ_n by_o who_o all_o the_o body_n be_v knit_v together_o receive_v increase_v and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o romish_a prelate_n who_o will_v make_v the_o pope_n the_o general_a pastor_n and_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n militant_a here_o on_o earth_n and_o the_o very_a vicar_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v as_o they_o say_v all_o fullness_n of_o power_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n for_o we_o hold_v and_o teach_v that_o christ_n our_o lord_n be_v and_o remain_v still_o the_o only_a universal_a pastor_n and_o high_a bishop_n before_o god_n his_o father_n and_o that_o in_o the_o church_n he_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n even_o to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o therefore_o stand_v not_o in_o need_n of_o any_o other_o to_o supply_v his_o room_n for_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o substitute_n which_o be_v absent_a but_o christ_n be_v present_a with_o his_o church_n and_o be_v the_o head_n that_o give_v life_n thereunto_o he_o do_v straight_o forbid_v his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n all_o superiority_n or_o dominion_n in_o the_o church_n they_o therefore_o that_o by_o gainsay_v set_v themselves_o against_o so_o manifest_a a_o truth_n and_o bring_v another_o kind_n of_o government_n into_o the_o church_n who_o see_v not_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v count_v in_o the_o number_n of_o they_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n prophesy_v as_o peter_z 2_o epist_n 2._o and_o paul_n act._n 20._o 2_o cor._n 11._o 2_o thess_n 2._o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n now_o by_o take_v away_o the_o romish_a head_n we_o do_v not_o bring_v any_o confusion_n or_o disorder_n into_o the_o church_n for_o we_o teach_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o be_v sufficient_a to_o keep_v the_o church_n in_o due_a order_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n while_o as_o yet_o it_o want_v such_o a_o romish_a head_n as_o be_v now_o pretend_a to_o keep_v it_o in_o order_n be_v not_o disorder_v or_o full_a of_o confusion_n that_o romish_a head_n do_v maintain_v indeed_o that_o tyranny_n and_o corruption_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o hinder_v resist_v and_o with_o all_o the_o may_v he_o can_v make_v cut_v off_o the_o right_n and_o lawful_a reformation_n of_o the_o church_n they_o object_n against_o we_o that_o there_o have_v be_v great_a strife_n and_o dissension_n in_o our_o church_n since_o they_o do_v sever_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o can_v be_v true_a church_n as_o though_o there_o be_v never_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n any_o sect_n any_o contention_n and_o quarrel_n and_o that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n maintain_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o school_n as_o in_o the_o holy_a chair_n even_o in_o the_o audience_n of_o the_o people_n we_o know_v that_o the_o apostle_n say_v god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o dissension_n but_o of_o peace_n 11._o 1_o cor._n 11._o and_o see_v there_o be_v among_o you_o emulation_n and_o contention_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a yet_o may_v we_o not_o deny_v but_o that_o god_n be_v in_o that_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o that_o apostolic_a church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n howsoever_o there_o be_v strife_n and_o dissension_n in_o it_o the_o apostle_n paul_n reprehend_v peter_n a_o apostle_n and_o barnabas_n 15._o gal._n 2._o act_n 15._o fall_v at_o variance_n with_o paul_n great_a contention_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n between_o they_o that_o preach_v one_o and_o the_o same_o christ_n as_o luke_n record_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o there_o have_v at_o all_o time_n be_v great_a contention_n in_o the_o church_n and_o and_o the_o most_o excellent_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v about_o no_o small_a matter_n differ_v in_o opinion_n yet_o so_o as_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o church_n cease_v not_o to_o be_v the_o church_n for_o all_o these_o contention_n for_o thus_o it_o please_v god_n to_o use_v the_o dissension_n that_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n the_o
hold_v but_o if_o it_o once_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o the_o lord_n grant_v that_o the_o church_n may_v at_o length_n enjoy_v so_o great_a a_o benefit_n then_o there_o may_v be_v one_o only_a confession_n of_o faith_n extant_a conceive_v in_o the_o same_o word_n if_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v seem_v to_o require_v it_o let_v they_o therefore_o leave_v of_o in_o mockage_n to_o term_v we_o confessionist_n unless_o perhaps_o they_o look_v for_o this_o answer_n at_o our_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v a_o far_o more_o excellent_a thing_n to_o bear_v a_o name_n of_o confess_v the_o faith_n then_o of_o deny_v the_o truth_n for_o even_o as_o more_o small_a stream_n may_v flow_v from_o one_o spring_n so_o more_o confession_n of_o faith_n may_v issue_v out_o from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o truth_n of_o faith_n now_o to_o speak_v somewhat_o also_o of_o those_o who_o while_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o embrace_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o renounce_v popish_a error_n show_v themselves_o more_o unjust_a towards_o we_o than_o be_v meet_v they_o shall_v we_o be_v compel_v to_o find_v want_n of_o christian_a charity_n in_o they_o this_o one_o thing_n in_o deed_n be_v remain_v that_o after_o so_o many_o danger_n loss_n banishment_n downfalls_a woe_n without_o number_n grief_n and_o torment_n we_o shall_v also_o be_v evil_a entreat_v by_o those_o of_o who_o some_o comfort_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v look_v for_o but_o that_o ancient_a enemy_n of_o the_o church_n be_v far_o deceive_v by_o who_o subtlety_n this_o evil_n be_v also_o wrought_v for_o we_o while_o he_o hope_v that_o we_o may_v by_o his_o craft_n be_v overwhelm_v but_o bear_v ourselves_o bold_a on_o that_o love_n which_o the_o merciful_a god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n bear_v unto_o we_o and_o who_o have_v plant_v a_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o he_o in_o our_o mind_n we_o leap_v for_o joy_n in_o these_o very_a thing_n and_o boast_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o it_o will_v never_o be_v the_o same_o grace_n of_o god_n always_o prevent_v we_o that_o tribulation_n anguish_n hunger_n nakedness_n the_o sword_n false_a accusation_n or_o curse_a speak_n shall_v withdraw_v we_o from_o the_o truth_n once_o know_v and_o undertake_v for_o we_o know_v that_o say_n of_o chrysostome_n to_o be_v true_a it_o be_v not_o evil_a to_o suffer_v but_o to_o do_v evil_a neither_o be_v we_o any_o whit_n disgrace_v hereby_o but_o they_o who_o i_o know_v not_o what_o distemperature_n whet_v against_o we_o have_v deserve_v nothing_o and_o to_o repay_v they_o like_v for_o like_a quit_v rail_a with_o rail_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o who_o god_n vouchsafe_v this_o honour_n that_o be_v fashion_v like_o to_o the_o image_n his_o son_n we_o may_v through_o good_a report_n and_o evil_a report_n walk_v on_o uphold_v with_o the_o stay_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n yea_o we_o have_v resolve_v with_o ourselves_o not_o only_o to_o abide_v the_o open_a wrong_n of_o our_o enemy_n but_o even_o the_o disdain_n of_o our_o brethren_n although_o never_o so_o unjust_a and_o what_o we_o furthermore_o think_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n set_v forth_o many_o year_n ago_o have_v make_v it_o know_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o we_o have_v god_n and_o angel_n together_o with_o man_n witness_n of_o that_o sincere_a endeavour_n by_o which_o we_o labour_v and_o do_v as_o yet_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o power_n labour_v to_o set_v up_o again_o and_o maintain_v the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n among_o we_o on_o it_o of_o god_n word_n and_o even_o as_o we_o show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v ready_a at_o all_o time_n to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o so_o we_o think_v it_o a_o matter_n worth_a the_o pain_n to_o make_v all_o man_n privy_a to_o that_o bond_n which_o one_o our_o part_n be_v very_o straight_o with_o the_o holy_a and_o true_o catholic_a church_n of_o god_n with_o every_o saint_n and_o sound_a member_n thereof_o that_o so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v we_o may_v deliver_v partly_o ourselves_o partly_o the_o church_n join_v with_o we_o from_o those_o most_o grievous_a crime_n by_o which_o some_o man_n speech_n and_o book_n be_v lay_v to_o our_o charge_n and_o when_o we_o bethink_v ourselves_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o may_v best_o be_v do_v this_o especial_o for_o the_o present_a time_n seem_v a_o meet_a way_n unto_o we_o which_o will_v give_v offence_n to_o no_o man_n and_o may_v satisfy_v all_o that_o will_v yield_v unto_o reason_n namely_o to_o publish_v this_o harmony_n of_o confession_n whereby_o it_o may_v sufficient_o be_v understand_v how_o false_o we_o be_v charge_v as_o though_o we_o that_o have_v reject_v popish_a error_n agree_v not_o at_o all_o among_o ourselves_o for_o to_o begin_v with_o those_o stout_a maintainer_n of_o the_o romish_a tyranny_n who_o will_v yet_o seem_v to_o be_v defender_n of_o the_o truth_n this_o conference_n of_o confession_n will_v pluck_v every_o vizard_n from_o their_o face_n when_o as_o it_o shall_v plain_o appear_v that_o all_o the_o opinion_n in_o these_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o other_o sundry_a word_n so_o lay_v down_o that_o yet_o the_o same_o truth_n always_o abide_v and_o there_o be_v none_o at_o all_o or_o very_o little_a difference_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o how_o narrow_a must_v they_o needs_o perceive_v the_o bound_n of_o that_o their_o catholic_a church_n to_o be_v when_o it_o shall_v be_v open_o know_v that_o so_o many_o kingdom_n province_n city_n people_n and_o nation_n profess_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v with_o common_a consent_n renounce_v the_o abuse_n and_o order_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n as_o for_o those_o who_o without_o any_o desert_n it_o please_v to_o count_v we_o among_o the_o arrian_n and_o turk_n they_o shall_v see_v also_o how_o far_o through_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n we_o be_v from_o such_o heinous_a and_o wicked_a error_n and_o they_o also_o who_o accuse_v we_o of_o sedition_n shall_v perceive_v how_o reverent_o we_o think_v of_o the_o dignity_n of_o king_n and_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n and_o they_o to_o conclude_v that_o not_o be_v content_a with_o those_o public_a confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o germany_n may_v by_o lay_v against_o we_o that_o form_n of_o new_a agreement_n seem_v worthy_o more_o and_o more_o to_o sever_v themselves_o from_o we_o and_o who_o have_v already_o very_o pithy_o be_v refute_v by_o most_o learned_a writing_n they_o also_o shall_v if_o true_a agreement_n be_v earnest_o seek_v be_v satisfy_v with_o this_o harmony_n for_o that_o we_o may_v free_o say_v as_o it_o be_v indeed_o that_o long_o rank_a of_o name_n seal_v and_o write_v at_o that_o book_n be_v such_o that_o it_o seem_v rather_o to_o stand_v idle_o in_o the_o field_n then_o to_o fight_v manful_o and_o if_o it_o have_v please_v we_o to_o follow_v this_o policy_n we_o may_v have_v set_v down_o the_o name_n not_o of_o seven_o or_o eight_o thousand_o mean_a man_n most_o famous_a prince_n and_o some_o other_o except_v of_o who_o it_o may_v worthy_o be_v doubt_v whether_o there_o ever_o be_v any_o such_o or_o what_o they_o be_v but_o also_o the_o name_n of_o far_o more_o church_n and_o this_o our_o diligence_n have_v be_v far_o more_o commendable_a namely_o be_v bestow_v not_o in_o wring_v out_o and_o beg_v from_o village_n to_o village_n some_o hundred_o of_o name_n but_o in_o lay_v out_o the_o opinion_n of_o most_o gracious_a king_n most_o renown_a prince_n of_o noble_a nation_n and_o people_n of_o most_o mighty_a commonwealth_n and_o city_n of_o which_o a_o great_a part_n have_v not_o be_v use_v to_o dispute_v in_o corner_n or_o to_o trifle_n but_o have_v know_v these_o many_o year_n how_o even_o unto_o blood_n to_o suffer_v many_o and_o grievous_a thing_n for_o god_n truth_n sake_n but_o we_o know_v that_o the_o truth_n have_v not_o it_o warrant_v from_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n it_o be_v simple_a it_o will_v be_v simple_o publish_v and_o teach_v therefore_o we_o be_v purpose_v for_o this_o time_n not_o to_o deal_v by_o any_o long_a disputation_n with_o any_o man_n but_o bare_o to_o open_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o knit_v all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n together_o with_o one_o bond_n of_o brotherly_a love_n to_o keep_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v to_o judge_v well_o of_o all_o man_n yea_o and_o to_o entreat_v those_o who_o think_v somewhat_o too_o hardly_o of_o we_o that_o if_o we_o disagree_v from_o the_o confession_n of_o no_o church_n that_o do_v true_o believe_v they_o will_v themselves_o also_o begin_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o we_o and_o
the_o eight_o section_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o conversion_n of_o man._n the_o latter_a confession_n of_o helvetia_n chap._n 14._o the_o gospel_n have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n join_v with_o it_o for_o so_o say_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o gospel_n in_o my_o name_n must_v repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v preach_v 24_o luke_n 24_o among_o all_o nation_n by_o repentance_n we_o understand_v the_o change_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o a_o sinful_a man_n stir_v up_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n receive_v by_o a_o true_a faith_n by_o which_o a_o sinful_a man_n dothe_v soon_o acknowledge_v his_o natural_a corruption_n and_o all_o his_o sin_n see_v they_o convince_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v hearty_o grieve_v for_o they_o and_o do_v not_o only_o be_v wail_v and_o free_o confess_v they_o before_o god_n with_o shame_n but_o also_o do_v loath_a and_o abhor_v they_o with_o indignation_n think_v serious_o of_o present_a amendment_n and_o of_o a_o continual_a care_n of_o innocence_n and_o virtue_n wherein_o to_o exercise_v himself_o holy_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o life_n and_o sure_o this_o be_v true_a repentance_n namely_o a_o unfeigned_a turn_n unto_o god_n and_o to_o all_o goodness_n and_o a_o serious_a return_n from_o the_o devil_n and_o from_o all_o evil_a now_o we_o do_v express_o say_v that_o this_o repentance_n be_v the_o mere_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o not_o the_o work_n of_o our_o own_o strength_n for_o the_o apostle_n do_v will_n the_o faithful_a minister_n diligent_o to_o instruct_v those_o which_o withstand_v the_o truth_n if_o that_o at_o any_o time_n the_o lord_n will_v give_v they_o repentance_n that_o 2._o 2_o tim._n 2._o they_o may_v acknowledge_v the_o truth_n also_o the_o sinful_a woman_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o wash_v christ_n foot_n with_o her_o tear_n and_o peter_n which_o bitter_o weep_v and_o be_v wail_v his_o denial_n of_o his_o master_n do_v manifest_o show_v what_o mind_n the_o penitent_a man_n shall_v have_v to_o wit_n very_o earnest_o lament_v his_o sin_n commit_v moreover_o the_o prodigal_a son_n and_o the_o publican_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o pharisee_n do_v set_v forth_o unto_o we_o a_o most_o fit_a patteme_n of_o confess_v our_o sin_n to_o god_n the_o prodigal_a son_n say_v father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o against_o thou_o i_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hiped_a servant_n the_o publican_n also_o not_o dare_v to_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n to_o heaven_n but_o knock_v his_o breast_n he_o cry_v god_n be_v merciful_a unto_o i_o a_o sinner_n and_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o lord_n receive_v they_o to_o mercy_n for_o john_n the_o apostle_n 2._o 1_o john_n 2._o say_v if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o purge_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v not_o sin_v we_o make_v he_o a_o liar_n and_o his_o word_n be_v not_o in_o we_o we_o believe_v that_o this_o sincere_a confession_n which_o be_v make_v to_o god_n alone_o either_o private_o between_o god_n and_o the_o sinner_n or_o open_o in_o the_o church_n where_o that_o general_a confession_n of_o sin_n be_v rehearse_v be_v sufficient_a and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o the_o obtain_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v confess_v his_o sin_n unto_o the_o priest_n whisper_v they_o into_o his_o care_n that_o the_o priest_n lay_v his_o hand_n on_o his_o head_n he_o may_v receive_v absolution_n because_o that_o we_o find_v no_o commandment_n nor_o example_n thereof_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n david_n protest_v and_o say_v i_o make_v my_o fault_n know_v to_o thou_o 32._o psal_n 32._o and_o my_o unrighteousness_n do_v i_o not_o hide_v from_o thou_o i_o say_v i_o will_v confess_v my_o wickedness_n to_o the_o lord_n against_o myself_o and_o thou_o have_v forgive_v the_o heinousness_n of_o my_o sin_n yea_o and_o the_o lord_n teach_v we_o to_o pray_v and_o also_o to_o confess_v our_o sin_n say_v so_o shall_v you_o pray_v our_o father_n 6._o matth._n 6._o which_o be_v in_o heaven_n forgive_v we_o our_o debt_n even_o as_o we_o forgive_v our_o debtor_n it_o be_v requisite_a therefore_o that_o we_o shall_v confess_v our_o sin_n unto_o god_n and_o be_v reconcile_v with_o our_o neighbour_n if_o we_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o the_o apostle_n james_n speak_v general_o of_o confession_n say_v confess_v each_o of_o you_o your_o sin_n one_o to_o another_o if_o so_o 5._o james_n 5._o be_v that_o any_o man_n be_v overwhelm_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o trouble_v some_o temptation_n will_v private_o ask_v counsel_n instruction_n or_o comfort_n either_o of_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o any_o other_o brother_n that_o be_v learn_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o do_v not_o mislike_v it_o like_a as_o also_o we_o do_v full_o allow_v that_o general_a and_o public_a confession_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v reheatse_v in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o holy_a meeting_n whereof_o we_o speak_v before_o be_v as_o it_o be_v agreeable_a with_o the_o scripture_n as_o concern_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o the_o sect._n all_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o key_n do_v proper_o pertain_v to_o the_o 10._o sect._n lord_n commit_v to_o his_o apostle_n they_o prate_v many_o strange_a thing_n and_o of_o these_o key_n they_o make_v sword_n spear_n sceptre_n and_o crown_n and_o full_a power_n over_o mighty_a kingdom_n yea_o and_o over_o man_n soul_n and_o body_n but_o we_o judge_v upright_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v say_v that_o all_o minister_n true_o call_v have_v and_o exercise_v the_o key_n or_o the_o use_n of_o they_o when_o as_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n that_o be_v to_o say_v when_o they_o do_v teach_v exhort_v reprove_v and_o keep_v in_o order_n the_o people_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n for_o so_o do_v they_o open_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o the_o obedient_a and_o shut_v it_o against_o the_o disobedient_a these_o key_n do_v the_o lord_n promise_v to_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 16._o chapter_n of_o matthew_n and_o deliver_v they_o in_o john_n 20._o chapter_n mark_v 16._o luke_n the_o 24._o when_o as_o he_o send_v forth_o his_o disciple_n and_o command_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o all_o the_o world_n and_o to_o forgive_v sin_n the_o apostle_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n say_v that_o the_o lord_n give_v to_o his_o minister_n the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliaiton_n 5._o 2_o cor._n 5._o and_o what_o this_o be_v he_o straight_o way_n make_v plain_a and_o say_v the_o word_n or_o doctrine_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o yet_o more_o plain_o expound_v his_o word_n he_o add_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n do_v as_o it_o be_v go_v a_o embassage_n in_o christ_n name_n as_o if_o god_n himself_o shall_v by_o his_o minister_n exhort_v the_o people_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n to_o wit_n by_o faithful_a obedience_n they_o use_v the_o key_n therefore_o when_o as_o they_o persuade_v to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n thus_o do_v they_o reconcile_v man_n to_o god_n thus_o they_o forgive_v sin_n thus_o do_v they_o open_v the_o kingdomne_n of_o heaven_n and_o bring_v in_o the_o believer_n much_o differ_v herein_o from_o those_o of_o who_o the_o lord_n speak_v in_o the_o gospel_n woe_n be_v unto_o you_o lawyer_n for_o you_o have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n you_o have_v not_o enter_v in_o yourselves_o and_o those_o that_o will_v have_v enter_v you_o forbid_v right_o therefore_o and_o effectual_o do_v minister_n absolve_v when_o as_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o thereby_o remission_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v even_o as_o every_o one_o be_v baptize_v and_o do_v testify_v of_o it_o that_o it_o do_v particular_o appertain_v to_o all_o neither_o do_v we_o imagine_v that_o this_o absolution_n be_v make_v any_o whit_n more_o effectual_a for_o that_o which_o be_v mumble_v into_o some_o priest_n care_n or_o upon_o some_o man_n head_n particular_o yet_o we_o judge_v that_o man_n must_v be_v teach_v diligent_o to_o seek_v remission_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o every_o one_o be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n that_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n do_v belong_v unto_o he_o but_o how_o diligent_a and_o careful_a every_o penitent_a man_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o endeavour_n of_o a_o new_a life_n and_o in_o slay_v the_o old_a man_n and_o raise_v up_o the_o new_a man_n the_o example_n in_o the_o gospel_n do_v teach_v
and_o the_o devil_n a_o most_o cruel_a enemy_n who_o for_o the_o hatred_n he_o bear_v to_o god_n rage_v against_o mankind_n and_o do_v endeavour_v all_o that_o he_o can_v especial_o to_o destroy_v the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v write_v of_o peter_n 1_o pet._n 5._o watch_n because_o your_o adversary_n the_o devil_n go_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v confession_n devour_v look_v the_o 2._o observation_n upon_o this_o confession_n therefore_o although_o man_n by_o their_o natural_a strength_n may_v after_o a_o sort_n perform_v the_o external_a discipline_n yet_o be_v they_o often_o overcome_v by_o this_o common_a infirmity_n and_o the_o devil_n also_o do_v oftentimes_o force_v man_n not_o altogether_o savage_a to_o commit_v horrible_a fact_n as_o he_o deceive_v eve_n and_o compel_v the_o brethren_n of_o joseph_n david_n and_o other_o innumerable_a therefore_o what_o diligence_n or_o what_o advisement_n can_v be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o most_o subtle_a enemy_n here_o let_v we_o lay_v hold_n upon_o that_o most_o sweet_a comfort_n the_o son_n of_o god_n appear_v to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n 1_o john_n 3_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o keeper_n of_o his_o church_n as_o he_o say_v joh._n 10._o no_o man_n shall_v take_v my_o sheep_n out_o of_o my_o hand_n he_o do_v protect_v we_o and_o also_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n do_v confirm_v our_o mind_n in_o true_a opinion_n as_o he_o do_v begin_v eternal_a life_n so_o do_v he_o kindle_v in_o our_o heart_n good_a motion_n faith_n the_o love_n of_o god_n true_a invocation_n hope_v chastity_n and_o other_o virtue_n we_o be_v not_o pelagian_n but_o we_o do_v humble_o give_v thanks_o to_o the_o eternal_a god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n both_o for_o the_o whole_a benefit_n of_o salvation_n restore_v again_o to_o mankind_n and_o also_o for_o this_o benefit_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v dwell_v in_o the_o church_n and_o do_v defend_v it_o with_o his_o right_a hand_n against_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o man_n and_o do_v drive_v away_o the_o devil_n from_o we_o and_o do_v uphold_v we_o in_o this_o so_o great_a infirmity_n of_o we_o and_o by_o his_o word_n do_v kindle_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o do_v confirm_v and_o govern_v our_o mind_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n we_o do_v certain_o know_v that_o these_o benefit_n be_v indeed_o give_v unto_o we_o as_o it_o be_v say_v most_o comfortable_o in_o zacharie_n chap._n 12._o i_o will_v pour_v out_o upon_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o upon_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o prayer_n he_o name_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n because_o that_o in_o this_o comfort_n the_o son_n of_o god_n seal_v we_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n do_v testify_v that_o we_o be_v in_o favour_n and_o that_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n second_o he_o name_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n because_o that_o when_o we_o have_v acknowledge_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n we_o do_v not_o now_o fly_v from_o god_n we_o do_v not_o murmur_v against_o god_n but_o we_o approach_v unto_o he_o with_o true_a faith_n and_o hope_n we_o do_v ask_v and_o look_v for_o help_v at_o his_o hand_n we_o love_v he_o and_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o he_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o obedience_n wrought_v after_o that_o manner_n say_v the_o lord_n joh._n 14._o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n and_o he_o will_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v kindle_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o new_a motion_n in_o our_o heart_n agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n let_v we_o acknowledge_v this_o so_o great_a a_o gift_n and_o let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v it_o thankful_o and_o desire_v daily_a to_o be_v help_v in_o so_o great_a danger_n of_o this_o life_n the_o will_n be_v not_o idle_a when_o it_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n how_o our_o new_a obedience_n do_v please_v god_n the_o pharisee_n in_o luke_n chap._n 18._o do_v admire_v and_o please_v himself_o be_v bewitch_v with_o this_o persuasion_n that_o he_o do_v satisfy_v the_o law_n and_o for_o this_o discipline_n such_o as_o it_o be_v do_v please_v god_n many_o such_o there_o be_v among_o man_n who_o think_v themselves_o secure_a if_o they_o perform_v never_o so_o little_a though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o shadow_n of_o discipline_n but_o the_o heavenly_a voice_n do_v often_o time_n accuse_v the_o arrogancy_n of_o these_o man_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n say_v luk._n 13._o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o in_o like_a sort_n perish_v and_o 1_o joh._n 1._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o be_v liar_n therefore_o their_o imagination_n be_v vain_a which_o think_v that_o obedience_n do_v please_v god_n for_o it_o own_o worthiness_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o merit_n of_o condignity_n as_o they_o speak_v and_o such_o a_o righteousness_n before_o god_n as_o be_v a_o merit_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o yet_o afterward_o they_o do_v add_v that_o we_o must_v always_o doubt_v whether_o our_o obedience_n do_v please_v god_n because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o every_o one_o there_o be_v much_o pollution_n many_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o omission_n and_o many_o not_o small_a blemish_n here_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o man_n conscience_n shall_v be_v instruct_v aright_o in_o either_o of_o these_o point_n both_o concern_v our_o infirmity_n and_o also_o concern_v the_o comfort_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o regenerate_v shall_v have_v the_o righteousness_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o obedience_n begin_v in_o this_o life_n as_o have_v be_v say_v yet_o nevertheless_o in_o this_o life_n there_o be_v still_o remain_v in_o our_o nature_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o in_o our_o heart_n very_o much_o pollution_n which_o they_o do_v the_o more_o see_v and_o be_v wail_v which_o have_v receive_v more_o light_a than_o other_o as_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n according_a to_o that_o complaint_n of_o paul_n rom._n 7._o i_o see_v another_o law_n in_o my_o member_n which_o strive_v against_o the_o law_n of_o my_o mind_n and_o make_v i_o captive_a to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n there_o be_v as_o yet_o in_o every_o one_o a_o great_a mist_n manifold_a ignorance_n and_o many_o sorrowful_a doubt_n error_n in_o counsel_n raise_v by_o distrust_n by_o false_a opinion_n and_o a_o vain_a hope_n many_o vicious_a flame_n of_o lust_n much_o neglect_n of_o duty_n murmur_n and_o indignation_n against_o god_n in_o his_o punishment_n to_o conclude_v it_o be_v unsensiblenesse_n and_o madness_n not_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o confess_v that_o the_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o god_n be_v much_o more_o cold_a in_o we_o than_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v these_o confession_n be_v repeat_v in_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n psal_n 143._o enter_v not_o into_o judgement_n with_o thy_o servant_n for_o in_o thy_o sight_n shall_v no_o man_n live_v be_v justify_v and_o 1_o joh._n 1._o if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o this_o confession_n be_v necessary_a and_o man_n arrogancy_n to_o be_v reprooved_a also_o the_o error_n of_o our_o adversary_n who_o feign_v that_o man_n in_o this_o mortal_a life_n may_v satinfie_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o those_o who_o say_v that_o the_o evil_a of_o concupiscence_n which_o be_v breed_v with_o we_o be_v not_o sin_n not_o a_o evil_a repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n or_o will_v of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v reprehend_v these_o error_n do_v paul_n manifest_o confute_v rom._n 7._o and_o 8._o then_o must_v comfort_v also_o be_v join_v thereunto_o first_o let_v the_o regenerate_a person_n assure_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o faith_n alone_o that_o be_v by_o confidence_n in_o the_o mediator_n and_o that_o the_o person_n be_v certain_o account_v righteous_a for_o the_o some_o of_o god_n the_o mediator_n and_o that_o free_o for_o his_o merit_n second_o let_v we_o confess_v with_o true_a grief_n that_o there_o remain_v as_o yet_o in_o the_o regenerate_a man_n many_o sin_n and_o much_o pollution_n worthy_a of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n three_o let_v he_o nevertheless_o know_v that_o obedience_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n must_v be_v begin_v in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o this_o obedience_n although_o it_o be_v very_o far_o from_o that_o perfection_n which_o the_o law_n require_v be_v nevertheless_o in_o the_o regenerate_a acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o the_o mediator_n sake_n who_o make_v request_n for_o we_o and_o by_o his_o merit_n do_v
only_o the_o people_n do_v not_o understand_v but_o many_o time_n also_o not_o they_o themselves_o which_o do_v live_v of_o those_o kind_n of_o sing_v and_o prayer_n the_o sixteenth_o section_n of_o holy_a day_n fast_n and_o the_o choice_n of_o meat_n and_o of_o the_o visitation_n of_o the_o sick_a and_o the_o care_n that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v for_o the_o dead_a the_o latter_a confession_n of_o helvetia_n of_o holiday_n fast_n and_o choice_n of_o meat_n chap._n 24._o although_o religion_n be_v not_o tie_v unto_o time_n yet_o can_v it_o not_o be_v plant_v and_o exercise_v without_o a_o due_a divide_v and_o allot_v out_o of_o time_n unto_o it_o every_o church_n therefore_o do_v choose_v unto_o itself_o a_o certain_a time_n for_o public_a prayer_n and_o for_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o every_o one_o to_o over_o throw_v this_o appointment_n of_o the_o church_n at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n for_o except_v some_o due_a time_n and_o leisure_n be_v allot_v to_o the_o outward_a exercise_n of_o religion_n out_o of_o doubt_n man_n will_v be_v quite_o draw_v from_o it_o by_o their_o own_o affair_n in_o regard_n hereof_o we_o see_v that_o in_o the_o ancient_a church_n there_o be_v not_o only_o certain_a set_a hour_n in_o the_o week_n appoint_v for_o meeting_n but_o that_o also_o even_o the_o lord_n day_n ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v consecrate_v to_o the_o religious_a exercise_n and_o unto_o a_o holy_a rest_n which_o also_o be_v now_o very_a well_o observe_v of_o our_o church_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o increase_v of_o charity_n yet_o herein_o we_o give_v no_o place_n unto_o the_o jewish_a observation_n of_o the_o day_n or_o to_o any_o superstition_n for_o we_o do_v not_o account_v one_o day_n to_o be_v holy_a than_o another_o nor_o think_v that_o rest_n of_o itself_o be_v like_v of_o god_n beside_o we_o doc_fw-fr celebrate_v and_o keep_v the_o lord_n day_n and_o not_o the_o sabbath_n and_o that_o with_o a_o free_a observation_n moreover_o if_o the_o church_n do_v religious_o celebrate_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o lord_n nativity_n circumcision_n passion_n and_o resurrection_n and_o of_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o his_o disciple_n according_a to_o christian_a liberty_n we_o do_v very_o well_o allow_v of_o it_o but_o as_o for_o festival_n day_n ordain_v to_o man_n or_o the_o saint_n depart_v we_o can_v allow_v of_o they_o for_o indeed_o such_o feast_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o first_o table_n of_o the_o law_n and_o belong_v peculiarly_a unto_o god_n to_o conclude_v these_o festival_n day_n which_o be_v appoint_v to_o saint_n and_o abrogate_a of_o we_o have_v in_o they_o many_o gross_a thing_n unprofitable_a and_o not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o confess_v that_o the_o remembrance_n of_o saint_n in_o due_a time_n and_o place_n may_v be_v to_o good_a use_n and_o profit_v commend_v unto_o the_o people_n in_o sermon_n and_o the_o holy_a example_n of_o holy_a man_n set_v before_o their_o eye_n to_o be_v imitate_v of_o all_o now_o the_o more_o sharp_o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n do_v accuse_v surfeit_v drunkenness_n all_o kind_n of_o lust_n and_o intemperancy_n so_o much_o the_o more_o earnest_o it_o do_v commend_v unto_o we_o christian_n fast_v for_o fast_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o abstain_v and_o temperancy_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o a_o watch_v and_o chastise_v of_o our_o flesh_n take_v up_o for_o the_o present_a necessity_n whereby_o we_o be_v humble_v before_o god_n and_o withdraw_v from_o the_o flesh_n those_o thing_n whereby_o it_o be_v cherish_v to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v the_o more_o willing_o and_o easy_o obey_v the_o spirit_n wherefore_o they_o do_v not_o fast_o at_o all_o that_o have_v no_o regard_n of_o those_o thing_n but_o do_v imagine_v that_o they_o fast_o if_o they_o stuff_n their_o belly_n on_o a_o day_n and_o for_o a_o set_v or_o prescribe_v time_n do_v abstain_v from_o certain_a meat_n think_v that_o by_o this_o very_a work_n wrought_v they_o shall_v please_v god_n and_o do_v a_o good_a work_n fast_v be_v a_o help_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o all_o virtue_n but_o the_o fast_n wherein_o the_o jew_n fast_v from_o meat_n and_o not_o from_o wickedness_n please_v god_n nothing_o at_o all_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n now_o fast_v be_v either_o public_a or_o private_a in_o old_a time_n they_o celebrate_v public_a fast_n in_o troublesome_a time_n and_o in_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o abstain_v altogether_o from_o meat_n unto_o the_o evening_n and_o bestow_v all_o that_o time_n in_o holy_a prayer_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o repentance_n these_o differ_v little_a from_o mourning_n and_o lamentation_n and_o of_o these_o there_o be_v often_o mention_v make_v in_o the_o prophet_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o joel._n such_o a_o fast_o shall_v be_v keep_v at_o this_o day_n when_o the_o church_n be_v in_o distress_n private_a fast_n be_v use_v of_o every_o one_o of_o we_o according_a as_o every_o one_o feel_v the_o spirit_n weaken_v in_o he_o for_o so_o far_o forth_o he_o withdraw_v that_o which_o may_v cherish_v and_o strengthen_v the_o flesh_n all_o fast_n ought_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o free_a and_o willing_a spirit_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v true_o humble_v and_o not_o frame_v to_o win_v applause_n and_o like_n of_o man_n much_o less_o to_o the_o end_n that_o a_o man_n may_v merit_v righteousness_n by_o they_o but_o let_v every_o one_o fast_o to_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v deprive_v the_o flesh_n of_o that_o which_o will_v cherish_v it_o and_o that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o zealous_o serve_v god_n the_o fast_n of_o lent_n have_v testimony_n of_o antiquity_n but_o none_o out_o of_o the_o apostle_n writing_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v impose_v on_o the_o faithful_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o old_a time_n there_o be_v divers_a manner_n and_o use_n of_o this_o fast_a whereupon_o ireneus_fw-la a_o most_o ancient_a writer_n say_v some_o think_v that_o this_o fast_n shall_v be_v observe_v one_o day_n only_o other_o two_o day_n but_o other_o more_o and_o some_o forty_o day_n which_o variety_n of_o keep_v this_o fast_o begin_v not_o now_o in_o our_o time_n but_o long_o before_o we_o by_o those_o as_o i_o suppose_v which_o not_o simple_o hold_v that_o which_o be_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o beginning_n fall_v short_o anfter_o into_o another_o custom_n either_o through_o negligence_n or_o ignorance_n moreover_o socrates_n the_o writer_n of_o the_o history_n say_v because_o no_o ancient_a record_n be_v find_v concern_v this_o matter_n i_o think_v the_o apostle_n leave_v this_o to_o every_o man_n own_o judgement_n that_o every_o one_o may_v work_v that_o which_o be_v good_a without_o fear_n or_o constraint_n now_o as_o concern_v the_o choice_n of_o meat_n we_o suppose_v that_o in_o fast_v all_o that_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o flesh_n whereby_o it_o be_v make_v more_o lusty_a and_o untamed_a and_o wherein_o it_o do_v most_o immoderate_o delight_v whereby_o the_o flesh_n be_v most_o of_o all_o pamper_a whether_o they_o be_v fish_n spice_n drinty_n or_o excellent_a wine_n otherwise_o we_o know_v that_o all_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v for_o the_o use_n and_o service_n of_o man_n all_o thing_n which_o god_n make_v be_v good_a and_o be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o fear_n 2._o gen._n 2._o of_o god_n and_o due_a moderation_n without_o put_v any_o difference_n between_o they_o for_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v 1._o tit._n 1._o pure_a and_o also_o whatsoever_o be_v sell_v in_o the_o shambles_n eat_v you_o and_o ask_v 11._o 2_o cor._n 11._o no_o question_n for_o conscience_n sake_n the_o same_o apostle_n call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o which_o teach_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n the_o doctrine_n 4._o 1_o tim._n 4._o of_o devil_n his_o reason_n be_v these_o that_o god_n create_v meat_n to_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o faithful_a and_o such_o as_o know_v the_o truth_n with_o thanksgiving_n because_o that_o whatsoever_o god_n have_v create_v it_o be_v good_a and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v refuse_v if_o it_o be_v receive_v with_o give_v of_o thanks_o the_o same_o apostle_n to_o the_o colossian_n reprove_v those_o which_o by_o a_o over_o much_o abstinence_n will_v get_v unto_o themselves_o a_o opinion_n of_o holiness_n therefore_o we_o do_v altogether_o mislike_v the_o tatian_o and_o the_o encratites_n and_o all_o the_o disciple_n of_o eustathius_n against_o who_o the_o council_n of_o gangrya_n be_v assemble_v also_o out_o of_o the_o 25._o chapter_n
to_o be_v any_o long_o defile_v with_o such_o foily_n out_o of_o the_o confession_n of_o belgia_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v in_o deed_n profitable_a that_o 32._o artic._n 32._o the_o elder_n which_o do_v govern_v in_o church_n shall_v appoint_v some_o order_n among_o themselves_o so_o that_o they_o do_v diligent_o take_v heed_n that_o in_o no_o case_n they_o do_v swarve_v or_o decline_v from_o those_o thing_n which_o christ_n himself_o our_o only_a master_n have_v once_o appoint_v therefore_o we_o do_v reject_v all_o humane_a invention_n and_o all_o those_o law_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o to_o be_v a_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o man_n conscience_n shall_v any_o way_n thereby_o be_v snare_v or_o bind_v and_o we_o receive_v those_o only_a which_o be_v fit_a either_o to_o cherish_v or_o maintain_v concord_n or_o to_o keep_v we_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n and_o hereunto_o confession_n hereunto_o look_v the_o 1._o observation_n upon_o this_o confession_n excommunication_n be_v chief_o necessary_a be_v use_v according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o other_o addition_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n annex_v thereunto_o out_o of_o the_o confession_n of_o auspurge_n artic._n 15._o concern_v ecclesiastical_a rite_n which_o be_v ordain_v by_o man_n authority_n they_o teach_v that_o such_o rite_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v as_o may_v be_v keep_v without_o sin_n and_o do_v tend_v to_o quietness_n and_o good_a order_n in_o the_o church_n as_o namely_o set_v holiday_n &_o certain_a godly_a psalm_n and_o other_o such_o like_a rite_n but_o yet_o touch_v this_o sort_n of_o rite_n they_o teach_v that_o man_n conscience_n be_v not_o to_o be_v burden_v with_o superstitious_a opinion_n of_o they_o that_o be_v it_o must_v not_o be_v think_v that_o these_o humane_a ordinance_n be_v righteousness_n before_o god_n or_o do_v deserve_v remission_n of_o sin_n or_o be_v duty_n necessary_a unto_o the_o righteousness_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v think_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v indifferent_a thing_n which_o without_o the_o case_n of_o offence_n may_v be_v omit_v but_o such_o as_o break_v they_o with_o offence_n be_v faulty_a as_o those_o which_o do_v rash_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n such_o tradition_n therefore_o as_o can_v be_v observe_v without_o sin_n be_v reject_v of_o we_o as_o the_o tradition_n of_o single_a life_n we_o reject_v also_o that_o impious_a opinion_n of_o tradition_n and_o vow_n wherein_o they_o feign_v that_o worship_v invent_v by_o man_n authority_n do_v merit_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v satisfaction_n for_o sin_n etc._n etc._n of_o which_o like_o false_a opinion_n touch_v vow_n and_o fasting_n not_o a_o few_o have_v be_v spread_v abroad_o in_o the_o church_n by_o unlearned_a man_n this_o article_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v find_v in_o another_o edition_n concern_v ecclesiastical_a rite_n they_o teach_v that_o those_o rite_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v which_o may_v be_v keep_v without_o any_o sin_n and_o be_v available_a for_o quietness_n and_o good_a order_n in_o the_o church_n such_o as_o as_o be_v set_v holiday_n feast_n and_o such_o like_a again_o out_o of_o the_o 7._o article_n touch_v abuse_n of_o the_o same_o confession_n these_o word_n that_o follow_v pertain_v to_o this_o place_n and_o the_o rest_n unto_o the_o eleven_o section_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o minister_n beside_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v a_o controversy_n whether_o bishop_n pretermit_v here_o also_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o may_v very_o fit_o have_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o former_a sect._n by_o reason_n of_o special_a example_n of_o meat_n and_o holy_a day_n here_o rehearse_v but_o see_v that_o the_o title_n or_o this_o page_n be_v general_a it_o can_v not_o here_o be_v pretermit_v or_o pastor_n have_v power_n to_o ordain_v ceremony_n in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o make_v law_n of_o meat_n and_o holiday_n and_o degree_n or_o order_n of_o minister_n they_o that_o ascribe_v this_o power_n to_o the_o bishop_n allege_v this_o testimony_n for_o it_o i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o away_o now_o but_o when_o that_o spirit_n of_o truth_n shall_v come_v he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o truth_n they_o allege_v also_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o command_v the_o christian_n to_o abstain_v from_o blood_n and_o that_o which_o be_v strangle_v they_o allege_v the_o change_n of_o the_o sabbath_n into_o the_o lord_n day_n contrary_a as_o it_o seem_v to_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o they_o have_v no_o example_n so_o oft_o in_o their_o mouth_n as_o the_o change_n of_o the_o sabbath_n they_o will_v needs_o have_v the_o church_n power_n and_o authority_n to_o be_v very_o great_a because_o it_o have_v dispense_v with_o a_o precept_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n but_o of_o this_o question_n our_o man_n do_v thus_o teach_v that_o the_o bishop_n have_v no_o power_n to_o ordain_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v show_v before_o the_o same_o also_o do_v the_o canon_n teach_v distinct_a 9_o moreover_o it_o be_v against_o the_o scripture_n to_o ordain_v or_o require_v the_o observation_n of_o any_o tradition_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v merit_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o satisfy_v for_o sin_n by_o they_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n merit_n receive_v a_o blow_n when_o as_o we_o seek_v by_o such_o observation_n to_o merit_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o justification_n and_o it_o be_v very_o apparent_a that_o through_o this_o persuasion_n tradition_n grow_v into_o a_o infinite_a number_n in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n be_v quite_o smother_v for_o ever_o and_o anon_o there_o be_v new_a holiday_n make_v new_a fast_n appoint_v new_a ceremony_n new_a worship_n for_o saint_n ordain_v because_o that_o the_o author_n of_o such_o gear_n suppose_v by_o these_o work_n to_o merit_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o justification_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n heretofore_o do_v the_o penitential_a canon_n increase_v whereof_o we_o still_o see_v some_o footing_n in_o satisfaction_n again_o many_o writer_n imagine_v that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o worship_n like_o to_o the_o leviticall_a worship_n the_o appoint_v whereof_o god_n commit_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o bishop_n wherein_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o if_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o outward_a observe_v of_o certain_a rite_n as_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o law_n be_v like_a as_o therefore_o in_o the_o law_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o eat_v swine_n flesh_n etc._n etc._n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o place_v sin_n in_o meat_n in_o day_n in_o apparel_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n and_o they_o hold_v opinion_n that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v not_o stand_v without_o these_o from_o hence_o be_v those_o burden_n that_o certain_a meat_n defile_v the_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v a_o mortal_a sin_n to_o omit_v the_o canonical_a hour_n that_o fasting_n merit_v remission_n of_o sin_n because_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o a_o sin_n in_o a_o case_n reserve_v can_v be_v pardon_v but_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o he_o that_o reserve_v it_o whereas_o the_o canon_n speak_v only_o of_o reserve_v of_o canonical_a punishment_n and_o not_o of_o the_o reserve_n of_o the_o fault_n whence_o then_o have_v the_o bishop_n power_n and_o authority_n of_o impose_v these_o tradition_n upon_o the_o church_n for_o the_o burden_v of_o man_n conscience_n for_o there_o be_v divers_a clear_a testimony_n which_o inhibit_v the_o make_n of_o such_o tradition_n either_o for_o to_o deserve_v remission_n of_o sin_n or_o as_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o to_o salvation_n paul_n to_o the_o coloss_n 2._o let_v no_o man_n judge_v you_o in_o meat_n drink_n or_o a_o piece_n of_o a_o holy_a day_n in_o the_o new_a moon_n or_o in_o the_o sabbath_n again_o if_o you_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n from_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n why_o as_o though_o you_o live_v in_o the_o world_n be_v you_o burden_v with_o tradition_n as_o touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o which_o all_o do_v perish_v with_o the_o use_n and_o be_v the_o precept_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n which_o have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n and_o to_o titus_n he_o do_v plain_o forbid_v tradition_n for_o he_o say_v not_o listen_v to_o jewish_a fable_n and_o to_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n that_o abhor_v the_o truth_n and_o christ_n matth._n 15._o say_v of_o they_o which_o urge_v tradition_n let_v
your_o father_n but_o walk_v in_o my_o commandment_n and_o often_o be_v such_o warning_n repeat_v and_o psal_n 1_o 18._o thy_o word_n be_v a_o lantern_n to_o my_o foot_n and_o numb_a 15._o let_v they_o not_o follow_v their_o own_o imagination_n the_o three_o error_n be_v this_o hypocrite_n do_v imagine_v that_o such_o work_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o perfection_n as_o monk_n do_v prefer_v their_o vow_n full_a of_o vanity_n before_o the_o civil_a and_o householder_n life_n whereas_o god_n by_o his_o wonderful_a providence_n have_v so_o join_v mankind_n together_o in_o fellowship_n and_o in_o these_o travel_n and_o danger_n will_v have_v our_o faith_n prayer_n and_o confession_n or_o liberality_n one_o towards_o another_o or_o patience_n and_o other_o virtue_n to_o be_v try_v the_o four_o error_n be_v the_o opinion_n of_o necessity_n as_o some_o do_v write_v that_o the_o fast_n of_o lent_n be_v necessary_a and_o other_o thing_n be_v arbitrary_a neither_o be_v it_o only_o a_o torment_n of_o conscience_n to_o judge_v that_o he_o be_v no_o christian_a nor_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o eat_v flesh_n on_o the_o saturday_n or_o observe_v not_o the_o fast_o of_o lent_n but_o it_o be_v also_o a_o error_n that_o darken_v great_a matter_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o church_n what_o manner_n of_o church_n it_o be_v and_o how_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v discern_v not_o by_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o by_o faith_n prayer_n and_o other_o virtue_n and_o against_o the_o opinion_n of_o necessity_n it_o be_v express_o say_v col._n 2._o let_v no_o man_n judge_v you_o in_o meat_n or_o drink_n and_o gal._n 5._o stand_v in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v you_o free_a and_o be_v not_o again_o entangle_v with_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n and_o that_o opinion_n of_o necessity_n have_v always_o bread_n great_a discord_n as_o in_o time_n pass_v there_o be_v great_a contention_n about_o easter_n day_n and_o about_o leven_a and_o now_o also_o many_o such_o like_a contention_n have_v rise_v the_o five_o error_n to_o the_o former_a opinion_n this_o error_n also_o be_v add_v that_o the_o bishop_n take_v to_o themselves_o authority_n to_o ordain_v new_a kind_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o bind_v conscience_n as_o gregory_n have_v ordain_v that_o marry_a man_n translate_v to_o the_o order_n of_o priesthood_n shall_v forsake_v the_o company_n of_o their_o wife_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o confession_n command_v to_o reckon_v up_o sin_n and_o decree_n have_v be_v make_v of_o difference_n of_o meat_n and_o fast_v and_o such_o like_a of_o such_o tradition_n there_o be_v also_o late_a book_n set_v forth_o full_a of_o labyrinth_n wherein_o it_o be_v write_v that_o the_o transgression_n of_o such_o ceremony_n be_v mortal_a sin_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v commit_v without_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o gerson_n seek_v for_o some_o mitigation_n but_o the_o true_a comfort_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o will_v have_v the_o understanding_n of_o this_o liberty_n to_o be_v make_v know_v and_o maintain_v in_o the_o church_n namely_o by_o remove_v those_o error_n whereof_o have_v be_v speak_v but_o ceremony_n invent_v by_o man_n such_o as_o be_v seemly_a devise_v for_o order_n may_v be_v observe_v without_o any_o opinion_n of_o merit_n worship_n or_o necessity_n as_o have_v be_v aforesaid_a out_o of_o the_o col._n 2._o let_v no_o man_n judge_v you_o in_o meat_n or_o drink_n and_o peter_n say_v act._n 15._o why_o do_v you_o tempt_v god_n lay_v upon_o the_o neck_n of_o the_o disciple_n a_o yoke_n which_o neither_o your_o father_n nor_o we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o three_o rule_n those_o error_n be_v remove_v whereof_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v admonish_v afterward_o we_o both_o observe_v certain_a ceremony_n which_o be_v comely_a and_o make_v for_o good_a order_n and_o also_o teach_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v even_o as_o man_n can_v live_v without_o order_n and_o paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 14._o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o there_o be_v a_o say_n of_o athanasius_n ceremony_n be_v profitable_a but_o with_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o measure_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o last_o word_n be_v oppose_v to_o superstition_n which_o then_o also_o daily_o increase_v ceremony_n and_o darken_v the_o truth_n and_o burden_a conscience_n and_o the_o church_n but_o we_o thank_v god_n the_o everlasting_a father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o for_o his_o son_n and_o by_o he_o gather_v a_o eternal_a church_n for_o that_o even_o from_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o mankind_n he_o have_v preserve_v the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o honest_a assembly_n who_o himself_o also_o have_v set_v apart_o certain_a time_n for_o the_o same_o and_o we_o pray_v he_o that_o henceforth_o he_o will_v save_v and_o govern_v his_o church_n and_o we_o diligent_o teach_v that_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o help_v to_o maintain_v the_o public_a ministry_n and_o avoid_v offence_n and_o dislention_n that_o scatter_v the_o church_n as_o in_o it_o proper_a place_n more_o at_o large_a be_v declare_v out_o of_o the_o confession_n of_o wirtemberge_n of_o ecclesiastical_a ceremony_n we_o acknowledge_v that_o by_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n two_o 35._o artic._n 35._o ceremony_n be_v ordain_v in_o the_o church_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v also_o to_o be_v observe_v according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n we_o confess_v also_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v appoint_v certain_a ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n as_o paul_n speak_v such_o as_o they_o be_v that_o be_v set_v down_o 1_o cor._n 14._o and_o 1._o tim._n 2._o the_o apostle_n also_o in_o ordain_v minister_n of_o the_o church_n use_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n which_o be_v retain_v out_o of_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o old_a law_n and_o not_o be_v command_v to_o the_o church_n may_v be_v free_o observe_v they_o ordain_v also_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o gentile_n shall_v beware_v of_o eat_v of_o that_o which_o be_v strangle_v and_o of_o blood_n not_o that_o this_o observation_n shall_v be_v for_o ever_o among_o the_o gentile_n but_o for_o a_o time_n and_o so_o long_o to_o continue_v till_o this_o eat_n be_v no_o more_o offensive_a we_o confess_v this_o also_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o bishop_n with_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o church_n to_o appoint_v holy_a day_n lesson_n &_o sermon_n for_o edify_v &_o for_o instruction_n in_o the_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n but_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o thrust_v upon_o the_o church_n the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o old_a law_n for_o the_o holy_a service_n wherewithal_o god_n alone_o be_v worship_v neither_o be_v it_o lawful_a either_o to_o restore_v the_o old_a 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you_o in_o meat_n or_o drink_v or_o part_n of_o a_o holy_a day_n or_o of_o the_o new_a moon_n etc._n etc._n hitherto_o may_v be_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o augustine_n &_o other_o touch_v the_o observation_n of_o such_o ceremony_n but_o touch_v the_o latter_a kind_n of_o ceremony_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v wicked_a rite_n &_o reproachful_a to_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n by_o who_o only_a merit_n we_o have_v deliverance_n from_o sin_n and_o inheritance_n of_o eternal_a life_n by_o faith_n out_o of_o the_o confession_n of_o sueveland_n of_o humane_a tradition_n chap._n 14._o fvrthermore_o touch_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o father_n or_o such_o as_o the_o bishop_n and_o church_n do_v at_o this_o day_n ordain_v this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o our_o man_n they_o reckon_v no_o tradition_n
importance_n may_v be_v know_v diligent_o weigh_v and_o discuss_v as_o the_o honour_n which_o we_o do_v chief_o owe_v to_o god_n in_o who_o chief_a matter_n it_o behoovethus_n to_z be_v conversant_a with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a do_v require_v second_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n worthy_a of_o your_o sacred_a majesty_n which_o be_v so_o much_o commend_v for_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n and_o clemency_n to_o conclude_v the_o very_a mean_a to_o attain_v to_o that_o certain_a and_o sound_a peace_n which_o your_o sacred_a majesty_n go_v about_o do_v require_v it_o which_o peace_n see_v that_o we_o do_v vary_v about_o faith_n and_o religion_n can_v no_o other_o way_n be_v obtain_v then_o when_o as_o before_o all_o other_o thing_n the_o mind_n be_v plain_o instruct_v concern_v the_o truth_n but_o peradventure_o it_o may_v seem_v needless_a that_o we_o in_o these_o matter_n shall_v use_v so_o many_o word_n see_v that_o the_o most_o famous_a prince_n elector_n of_o saxony_n and_o other_o have_v very_o large_o and_o sound_o declare_v unto_o your_o sacred_a majesty_n those_o thing_n which_o at_o this_o day_n be_v in_o controversy_n in_o our_o holy_a religion_n but_o because_o that_o your_o sacred_a majesty_n have_v desire_v that_o all_o they_o who_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o this_o business_n shall_v declare_v unto_o you_o their_o judgement_n concern_v religion_n we_o also_o think_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o confess_v those_o thing_n unto_o your_o sacred_a majesty_n which_o be_v teach_v among_o we_o howbeit_o this_o matter_n be_v so_o large_a and_o comprehend_v so_o many_o thing_n that_o even_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v declare_v on_o both_o side_n be_v as_o yet_o few_o and_o more_o brief_o declare_v then_o that_o we_o may_v hope_v present_o to_o have_v some_o certainty_n determine_v in_o the_o controversy_n and_o that_o such_o as_o may_v be_v approve_v not_o of_o all_o but_o at_o the_o least_o of_o a_o good_a part_n of_o christian_a people_n so_o few_o be_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o do_v subscribe_v to_o the_o truth_n therefore_o see_v that_o this_o matter_n be_v so_o weighty_a so_o divers_a and_o manifold_a and_o can_v fruitful_o be_v decide_v except_o it_o be_v well_o know_v and_o sift_v of_o many_o we_o beseech_v your_o sacred_a majesty_n and_o most_o humble_o request_v you_o by_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n who_o glory_n without_o doubt_n you_o do_v chief_o seek_v that_o you_o will_v procure_v as_o speedy_o as_o may_v be_v that_o a_o general_a free_a and_o a_o christian_a council_n in_o deed_n may_v be_v summon_v which_o hitherto_o have_v seem_v so_o necessary_a a_o thing_n both_o to_o your_o sacred_a majesty_n and_o also_o to_o other_o prince_n of_o the_o sacred_a empire_n for_o the_o set_n of_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n at_o a_o stay_n that_o almost_o in_o all_o assembly_n throughout_o the_o empire_n which_o have_v be_v gather_v together_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o variance_n about_o religion_n both_o your_o sacred_a majesty_n commissioner_n and_o other_o prince_n of_o the_o empire_n have_v open_o witness_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n in_o these_o matter_n to_o bring_v that_o to_o pass_v which_o may_v be_v wholesome_a whereupon_o in_o the_o last_o assembly_n hold_v at_o spire_n your_o sacred_a majesty_n give_v occasion_n to_o hope_n that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n will_v not_o withstand_v it_o but_o that_o such_o a_o council_n may_v with_o speed_n be_v summon_v but_o if_o so_o be_v that_o in_o time_n we_o may_v not_o have_v opportunity_n for_o a_o a_o general_a council_n yet_o at_o the_o least_o your_o sacred_a majesty_n may_v appoint_v a_o provincial_n assembly_n as_o they_o call_v it_o of_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o every_o degree_n and_o state_n whereunto_o all_o for_o who_o it_o be_v expedient_a to_o be_v present_a may_v free_o &_o safe_o resort_v every_o man_n may_v be_v hear_v and_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v weigh_v and_o judge_v by_o such_o man_n who_o it_o be_v certain_a as_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o make_v the_o chief_a account_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o unknown_a how_o grave_o and_o diligent_o in_o time_n past_o both_o emperor_n and_o bishop_n behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o decide_n the_o controversy_n of_o faith_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v oftentimes_o of_o much_o less_o moment_n than_o those_o which_o do_v present_o trouble_v germany_n so_o that_o they_o think_v it_o not_o a_o unworthy_a thing_n for_o they_o to_o examine_v the_o self_n same_o thing_n the_o second_o &_o the_o three_o time_n now_o he_o that_o shall_v consider_v how_o thing_n stand_v at_o this_o present_a he_o can_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v great_a need_n then_o ever_o be_v heretofore_o of_o great_a faithfulness_n gravity_n meekness_n and_o dexterity_n to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v restore_v into_o her_o place_n for_o if_o so_o be_v that_o we_o have_v the_o truth_n as_o we_o do_v undoubted_o believe_v how_o much_o time_n and_o labour_n i_o pray_v you_o be_v requsite_a that_o they_o may_v know_v the_o truth_n without_o who_o consent_n or_o patience_n at_o the_o least_o sound_a peace_n can_v be_v obtain_v but_o if_o we_o do_v err_v from_o the_o which_o we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o we_o be_v far_o again_o the_o matter_n will_v not_o require_v slothful_a diligence_n nor_o a_o short_a time_n that_o so_o many_o thousand_o man_n may_v be_v call_v into_o the_o way_n again_o this_o diligence_n and_o time_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o unseemly_a for_o your_o majesty_n to_o bestow_v as_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o you_o shall_v express_v his_o mind_n towards_o we_o in_o who_o stead_n you_o do_v govern_v over_o we_o to_o wit_n the_o mind_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o we_o all_o who_o see_v that_o he_o come_v with_o this_o mind_n to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_v that_o which_o be_v perish_v so_o that_o he_o vouchsafe_v also_o to_o die_v that_o he_o may_v redeem_v they_o which_o be_v lose_v there_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o your_o sacred_a majesty_n shall_v think_v much_o although_o you_o shall_v undoubted_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v fall_v from_o the_o truth_n to_o leave_v the_o nintie_n nine_o sheep_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o to_o seek_v for_o the_o hundred_o and_o to_o bring_v it_o back_o into_o the_o sheepfold_a of_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o prefer_v this_o business_n before_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o the_o meaning_n of_o christ_n in_o every_o of_o these_o thing_n which_o at_o this_o present_a be_v in_o controversy_n may_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_o and_o certain_o lay_v open_a unto_o we_o though_o we_o be_v but_o a_o few_o in_o number_n and_o of_o the_o mean_a sort_n and_o we_o for_o our_o part_n will_v show_v ourselves_o willing_a to_o be_v teach_v only_o let_v all_o obstinacy_n be_v remove_v so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o our_o shepherd_n jesus_n christ_n and_o let_v all_o thing_n stay_v and_o rest_n upon_o the_o scripture_n which_o teach_v whatsoever_o be_v good_a whereunto_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v for_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o care_n of_o teach_v we_o be_v reject_v there_o shall_v compendious_a form_n of_o edict_n be_v seek_v which_o we_o do_v nothing_o fear_v while_o the_o matter_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o your_o sacred_a majesty_n it_o can_v be_v say_v into_o what_o strait_n innumerable_a thousand_o of_o man_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o wit_n of_o those_o who_o as_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v hear_v and_o then_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o follow_v as_o opinion_n must_v stay_v upon_o the_o undoubted_a oracle_n of_o god_n these_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v always_o appall_v fear_v not_o they_o which_o kill_v the_o body_n he_o that_o shall_v loose_v his_o soul_n shall_v find_v it_o he_o that_o shall_v not_o hate_v father_n and_o mother_n etc._n etc._n yea_o even_o his_o own_o soul_n he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n he_o that_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o before_o this_o froward_a and_o adulterous_a nation_n of_o he_o will_v i_o be_v ashamed_a before_o my_o father_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o such_o like_a many_o man_n be_v move_v with_o these_o thunder_a speech_n have_v resolve_v with_o themselves_o to_o suffer_v all_o extremity_n and_o many_o for_o fear_v of_o death_n do_v rather_o seek_v delay_n but_o yet_o wait_v for_o a_o fit_a opportunity_n if_o they_o shall_v be_v deal_v withal_o in_o this_o matter_n by_o authority_n before_o they_o be_v deal_v withal_o by_o doctrine_n and_o by_o force_n before_o their_o error_n shall_v be_v make_v know_v unto_o they_o for_o of_o what_o force_n a_o sound_a persuasion_n of_o religion_n be_v and_o how_o