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A13952 A briefe institution of the common places of sacred divinitie Wherein, the truth of every place is proved, and the sophismes of Bellarmine are reprooved. Written in Latine, by Lucas Trelcatius, and Englished by Iohn Gawen, minister of Gods word.; Scholastica, et methodica, locorum communium s. theologiæ institutio. English Trelcatius, Lucas.; Gawen, John, minister of Gods word. 1610 (1610) STC 24261; ESTC S103024 183,328 620

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expedient h Rom. 1 7.16.17 Rom. 10.8 Ioh. 3.8 The Matter of Faith ought onely three wayes distinctly to be considered acording as it hath respect vnto the Subject Object or parts The Subiect proper and neerest is the vnderstanding and will of man as both these faculties are regenerate by the supernatural grace and vertue of the Spirite and as the vnderstanding knoweth the supernaturall benefits of faith which are offered in Christ as true and the will applyeth the same to it self with a sure perswasion of the heart as good healthfull i Luc. 24.25 Eph. 4.23 Act. 16.14 Ro. 10.20 The Obiect in respect of the vnderstanding is Gods truth in respect of the will is Gods singular Grace laid open by his promises in Christ Iesus Now both are contained and limitted in the word of God which wholy and soly faith imbraceth as her levell object in the same Christ crucified together with all his benefites as her principall first neerest and proper Object k 1. Cor. 2.2 Heb 10.22 2. Cor. 3.4 Rom. 4.8 8.38 The Parts according to the maner of the Subject or Object are wont diversly to be considered In respect of the divine vnderstanding and will they are both a Knowledge an Assent the Knowledge is wherby we vnderstand the whole word of God as touching the principall heades thereof according to the measure of grace revealed l Esa 53.11 Ioh. 10.38 1 Ioh. 4.16 The assent is whereby wee most firmely resolue with our selues that all thinges which are knowne out of the law and the Gospell are most true and rest our selues perswaded in them m Rom. 7.16 Eph. 3.12 Eph. 1.22 In respect of the will the chiefe and principall part of faith is Trust which is a firm perswasion of the heart whereby every one of them that are truely faithfull do particularly appropriate to themselues the generall promise of Grace Which trust manifesteth it selfe by a double effect to wit by constant Indurance whereby faith opposeth it selfe to all dangers inward and outward and ful Persuasion whereby we surely trust in God concerning our salvation n Rom. 8 15.16 Eph. 1.13 Heb. 10 22. Heb. 11.1 The Forme of faith consisteth in Relation whereby every Elect after a particular manner applyeth to himselfe both the word of Truth and the particular promises of GODS Grace by appropriating vnto himself through a firme perswasion those things which are taught and promised particularly and o In Hypothesi by a Supposition though conceyved in a position and generally p In Thesi Ioh. 17.15 Mat. 9.2 Gal. 2.20 Ioh. 1.12 The Supreame and chiefe End is the glory of God the Author of our Faith and Redeemer q Rom. 11.35 Eph. 1.12 the neerest end is our Salvation which the holy Scripture calleth the end and reward of faith r 1. Pet. 1.9 Ioh. 3.15 16. Ioh. 20.31 By this opening of the Definition through the causes 2. things consequētly follow First that Faith is both one and divers One both in Special kind for faith ſ Species specialissima is a Speciall kind most speciall and in Object because the thing beleeved is one t Eph. 4.5 2. Pet. 1.1 Divers both in number and in degree In Number because every one hath his owne faith distinct from another In Degree because he hath it acording to the measure of Gods grace as it is more or lesse u Heb. 2.4 Mat. 9.22 Rom. 14.1 Secondly that faith is so far firme in all the elect that it can neyther totally nor finally ever at any time be lost to wit because of the certainety and vnchangeablenesse of the Election promise of God of the satisfaction and merite of Christ and of the sealing of the Spirite Wherefore faith after some degree is oftentimes diminished but as touching the forme it cannot perish x Ioh. 3.16 Phil. 1.6 Ioh 6.56 1. Ioh. 2.1 OF FAITH The Part Confuting DISTINCTIONS In Defence of the Obiect of faith against Bellar. cap. 8. Lib. 1. De IVSTIFICATIONE I. THe Testimonies which are alleadged out of the histories of the Gospell doe eyther treate of faith in Christ expresly Mat. 16. Luc. 7. Ioh. 1 Ioh. 6. Ioh. 11. Ioh. 14. Ioh. 20. and so of the speciall mercy of God which God layed open in Christ singularly effectually or of Gods speciall mercie which Christ exhibited by will worke in the example of the Leaper Mat. 1. or they treate onely of an hypocriticall boasting of that speciall mercy of God as in the example of the Pharisie Luc. 18. Or lastly of the outward meanes and extraordinary miracles that further faith which make not a justifying faith but do eyther generally testifie or particularly confirme the same Mar. vlt. II. THose which are alleadged out of the Acts and Epistles are eyther Sermons touching Christ and so Metonymically concerning Gods speciall mercy Act 2.4.10.13.17 18. or do treate of Abrahams faith not in respect of the temporall or earthly but of the spirituall and eternall promises for he saw the day of the Messias by faith and therefore rejoyced Rom. 4. Or lastly they treate of the meane of speciall mercy procured vnto vs and confirmed by the resurrection of Christ Rom 10. 1. Cor. 15. Against Bellarmine cap. 10. I. THe Word of God is two wayes vsually considered eyther as the Word of truth generally or as the Word of promise and grace specially The one Faith respecteth as it is a Knowledge or assent but the other as it is a trusting or beleeving for albeit the promises are generally proposed in the Scriptures yet there is a speciall application of them by faith as the examples of the sicke of the palsie Mat. 9. Of the sinnefull Woman Luc 7. Of the Adulteresse Ioh 8. of Zacheus Luc. 19 and of the Thiefe Lu 23. doe teach II. FAith is the Instrument of Iustification and not the Cause which neither by time nor place can be discerned or separated from the things which it apprehendeth Neyther doth the faith of a speciall mercy follow Iustification because without it there is no Iustification III. IVstifying Faith taketh not away but proposeth the subordinate means of confidence such as are Prayer Sacraments good workes Baptisme and vseth them for the augmenting and confirming of the same IIII. THe confidence or assurance of faith dependeth not vpon the quality of the person beleeving or the quantity of his Faith but vpon the truth of God promising the will of Christ redeeming and the faithfulnes of the spirite sealing Of the Forme of Faith against Bellarmine Lib. 1. De Iustificat Cap. 5. THe Testimonies which are cited out of the 11. to the Hebrewes do not overthrow the forme of Faith but establish the same First the Apostles definition of Faith and the sence and interpretation of the two properties of faith whereof mention is made in that Definition For faith is sayde to be a Ground or substance not
that it is a naked representation made in the vnderstanding but for that it is a certaine and vndoubted assurance of the will as it may easily bee collected by the places compared the one with the other Psal 39.8 Heb. 3.14 Againe Faith is called an Evidence because it affordeth that certainety of demonstration whereby not onely the mind but also the will is convinced that it might particularly apply vnto it selfe Gods promises vnderstood by the mind Secondly that which is alleadged concerning the vnderstanding of the Creation by faith for besides that there is an other respect of Faith iustifying which properly hath an eye vnto to the benefite of Redemption and not vnto the worke of Creation we must also note that some thinges are pronounced of faith in Scriptures rather in respect of knowledge or assent and some things rather in regard of confidence or assurance neyther doth the vnderstanding exclude assurance but goeth before it Thirdly the example of Noah for the Act of his faith doth not onely respect the deluge and the truth of Gods judgement but also the saving of himselfe from the deluge which hee could not beleeue and embrace but by the Assurance of the wil. Fourthly that which is alleadged concerning the things belonging to God because that same faith whereof the Apostle treateth doth withall suppose both knowledge in respect of the Essence and Nature of God confidence of his gratious rewarding Against Bellarmine Cap. 6. I. ROm. 4. Answ The nature and force of faith is not principally and chiefly placed in knowledge which is of the vnderstanding but in assurance which is of the will For hence first mention of the promise is made which the will properly respecteth that it might bee embraced Secondly Abraham is sayd to haue beene strengthened by Faith not to haue doubted through vnbeliefe or distrust and to haue beene very fully perswaded that God was both mercifull which would and mighty which could do him good all which doe testifie his confidence and not his knowledge onely II COr 1.13 Hope and Faith are sometimes of the same signification and import the same thing sometimes they are distinguished as in the place cited Now they are thus distinguished that Faith is a knowledge assent and assurance but hope an expectation which followeth Faith and is begotten by Faith III. COr 2.10 The Apostle doth not treat of Iustifying faith properly but of the Effects ther of or of that spirituall vertue whereby we renouncing our selues doe bring into captivity all our thoughtes to the obedience of Christ IIII. EPhes 3. Assurance is diversly wont to be considered eyther as the Forme or as the Effect of faith as the forme as it embraceth Christ with a sure perswasion of the heart as the Effect as out of this perswasion it begetteth in vs tranquility of conscience and boldnesse or assurance of Liberty V. THere is one Obiect of faith level another chiefe or speciall that which is levell is the whole word of God in respect of knowledge and assent that which is speciall is the word of Grace in respect of assurance VI. TO beleeue is wont sometimes to be taken largely sometimes strictly being largely taken it signifyeth generally every voluntary assent with a certainety to that thing which is not seene being strictly taken it signifieth a Iustifying faith which doth indeed presuppose a knowledge but formally it is an affection towardes the promise of Grace OF GOOD WORKES The Part Confirming CAP. VII ANd this is the first and principall part of Christian Calling being Inward and Invisible which the other which is outward and visible doth succeed that is good Workes which proue and testifie the truth and life of faith by the outward exercises of Pietie and charity Now it is needefull that the doctrine of good workes bee expounded two wayes first according to their owne common nature and respect secondly according to the chiefe kind of a Christian life and the principall exercises of a Christian man in this life Good Workes according to their own common nature and respect which of vs in this place are indeede considered Theologically and not eyther Philosophically or Politically are defined to be Actions which are done the holy Ghost working the same of the Regenerate by faith according to Gods law to the glory of God the confirmation of faith and our election and the aedification of our neighbour The Efficient Cause of good works is vsually considered eyther as principall or Secondary The Principall is God the Father in his Sonne by the holy Ghost from whome in whom and by whom is the beginning and finishing as in nature so aboue nature a Phi. 2.13 1. Cor. 4.7 Ioh. 3.27 15.5 Eph. 2.4 Now God effecteth good workes partly in respect of the agēt or Instrument which is man regenerate whom hee prepareth informeth and instructeth after a saving and singular manner of the Grace of sanctification that hee might both be willing and able to worke well partly in respect of the action which hee sanct fieth that it might bee good both in the generall and in the speciall and in all circumstances The second Efficient Cause is eyther Externall or Internall both Instrumentall in respect of that former or superiour Cause The Externall is man regenerate Immediately producing good actions according to the measure and degree of his Regeneration For because the Spirite and the flesh are mixed one with an other in a man regenerate it commeth to passe that in one and the same worke the action springeth mixed of both by a mutuall conflict which by the more intentiue quality is vsually named the worke of the Spirite or of the b 1. Ioh. 1.8 Rom. 7 23 Eph. 2.3 flesh Whence is the infection and imperfection even of the best workes The internall is Faith not by the vertue efficacy or efficiency of it selfe but as it apprehendeth that her object instrumētally vnto which it is carried to witt Christ in respect of whome onely the holy Ghost worketh in vs both to will and to doe good and our actions though most vnperfect doe neverthelesse please God and are approved of him The Matter of good works is whatsoever is prescribed by the Law of God for both God alone hath the authority of commaunding and the Law of God alone hath the rule and manner of every commandement which hath respect vnto that which is right and good c 1. Sam. 15.22 Ezek. 20.19 Mat. 15.9 Esa 29.23 Of this Matter according to the distinction of Gods Law into two Tables there are two chiefe and principall parts the former whereof prescribeth and commaundeth the duty of man towards God or godlines the latter the duety of man towards man or humanity The good works which belong to godlinesse are absolutely and necessarily good and cannot be otherwise the consideration whereof is most perfectly set downe in the fowre precepts of the first Table For the works of godlines do properly belong eyther to the
actuall both of these were in Christ yet properly he imputeth this onely V. ACtuall righteousnesse is eyther perfect or imperfect this is in vs that in Christ VI. PErfect actual righteousnesse of Christ consisteth in a double obedience whereof the one is called the obedience of the Law the other obedience vnto death VII THe obedience of the law which is truely and properly the effect of the person being the mediator neyther ought nor can bee called eyther a part making the person or a quality pertayning to the making of that person VIII THe places of Scripture which treat of Christes death are not to bee taken exclusiuely or oppositely but figuratiuely or Synecdochically for the last accomplishment of the whole obedience DISTINCTIONS in defence of the Formall Cause The Arguments which Bellarmine bringeth against the truth of this cause are of two sorts for first hee endeavoureth to proue by certaine reasons that our inherent righteousnesse is the formall cause of our righteousnesse Secondly he impugneth the imputation of Christs righteousnesse The first he endeauoureth to perform by 8. Testimonies Cap. 3. Lib. 2. De Iustificatione The first is in Rom. 5. Of which wee haue treated in the explication of those places which were alleadged against the true nature of the name or word The second is in Rom. 3. Answ First the Grace of God is taken in Scripture aequivocally First for the free and eternall favour of God wherby hee made vs acceptable to him selfe in his beloved Sonne and this is the Grace that maketh acceptable Secondly for the giftes by Grace whether outward or inward whether generall or particula and that in the place cited it is taken in that signification and not in this three thinges doe proue First because the Apostle excludeth the righteousnesse of the law which is of works to the end hee might establish the righteousnesse of faith the causes whereof hee reckoneth vp Secondly because what hee called freely hee expounded by grace that not onely the workes that goe before but also those that follow after faith might bee excluded Thirdly because the Apostle opposeth the very same Grace cap. 4.2.4 against Abrahams works howsoever proceeding from the renuing of the Spirite Secondly neyther in deed doth the conjoyning of those two words Freely and by Grace sith the one expoundeth the other according to the Scripturall Phrase of speaking nor doth the force of the Preposition by which is not found in the originall Text and very often in the Scripture noteth the efficient nor doth the Efficacy of Gods grace the effect whereof ought necessarily to be distinguished from the Cause nor lastly doth it because loue in Scripture is called any Grace whereas both the loue of God towards vs is a grace making acceptable and ours towardes God is a grace freely given any way infringe that interpretation The third 1. Cor. 6. To this wee haue aboue answered The fourth Titus 3. Answ First the Effect is badly confounded with the cause to witte Iustification with Regeneration and Renovation for the matter of that is the righteousnesse of Christ but of this our Inherent righteousnesse Secondly neyther doth the Apostle call Renovation Iustification sith hee expresly distinguisheth the one from the other Thirdly the Apostle sheweth not the cause but the vse of Renovation or good workes when he sayeth that being justified by the grace of God wee might bee heyres according to the hope of everlasting life The fift Heb. 11 Ans First there is a two-folde righteousnesse Imputed and Inherent by both they are called Iust or righteous but after a divers manner by that by way of Relation and perfectly before God by this Inchoatiuely Subjectiuely and vnperfectly Secondly the perfection which is ascribed vnto the faithfull in the Scripture hath a three-fold respect the first of Gods councell from everlasting Secondly of the foundation in Christ lastly eyther of comparison and opposition vnto other mēs vnrighteousnes or of the end or tearme of perfection vnto which it tendeth besides these respects there is no perfection of the faithfull in this world Thirdly the nearest cause in deede of a righteous worke is inherent righteousnesse but the chiefe and principall cause is the Spirit of Christ imputing his righteousnes to vs and by the power of that imputed righteousnesse working this inherent righteousnesse in vs. The Sixt Rom. 8. 1. Cor. 15. Ans first our Conformity with the Image of Christ whereof mention is made in the Scripture is threefold the one vnto the image of glory being opposite to that which is vnto the image of Christs afflictions And of this the Apostle treateth in the cited places The second vnto the image of Christs obedience which in deede in this world we performe vnperfectly but Christ applyeth the same to vs as perfectly performed for vs. The third is of the death buriall and resurrection of Christ Secondly of Christs righteousnesse there is a double vse the one principall of satisfaction and merite the other exemplary and of document as touching satisfaction Christs righteousnesse is imputed to vs as touching example it is the rule of our inherent righteousnesse Thirdly the opposition which is made betweene the image of the first Adam and the second according to the sense of the Apostle in both places hath respect vnto the mortality and immortality the earthly and heavenly qualities of the body not properly vnto sinne and Christs imputed righteousnesse The seaventh Rom. 6. Ans The word Iustification is taken two wayes properly and improperly Properly when wee are sayde to bee justified by the cause Improperly when wee are sayde to bee justified by the effects Secondly the Apostle treateth of our Sanctification and the two parts therof the mortifying of the old man and the quickning of the new of both which partes hee giues vs an example in the death and resurrection of Christ Thirdl● to bee justified signifieth to bee freede according to the proper phrase of the Hebrewes who comprehend the Consequent with the Antecedent The eight Rom 8. Answere First the degrees of our Salvation Adoption and Iustification are badly confounded together Secondly of Adoption there are two considerations the one according to the truth and foundation thereof in the eternall counsell of our Election the other according to the fruition and accomplishment thereof in the other life In that signification Adoption goeth before Iustification but in thi Adoption is the bound and end of Iustification Thirdly it is one thing to call Iustification Putatiue and another Imputatiue that as being false is falsely also faigned vnto vs this is no lesse true then if we our selues had it subiectiuely because of the truths sake both of Gods promise and our coniunction with Christ That the FORMAL CAVSE of our Iustification is not the Imputation of Christs righteousnesse Bellarmine proveth by ten Arguments Cap. 7. Lib. 2. de Iustificatione To the FIRST IT is false for whereas there are two sorts of testimonies some expressed and some by
cited out of Acts 19. proue the same power of both Baptismes because they are the words of Paul speaking of them who were baptized by Iohn in the name of the Lord. The Second Place is of Marke the last ver 16. Answ It is there declared not why but who should bee saved and withall it is taught what is the Consequent of Baptisme and Faith The Third is of Iohn 3.5 Ans The name of Water is Equivocall For in the Scripture it is vsually taken in a three-fold signification for eyther specially it signifieth Baptisme or the the outward Legall washing or lastly the very Effect of the holy Ghost in vs. If it bee taken in the first signification the sense is that Baptisme is the ordinary Signe of Regeneration in the Church If in the second the sense is that the outward clensings of the Law doe not profite vnlesse the inwarde purging of the Spirite bee added thereto If in the third the Name of the Spirite is added d Exegetice by way of exposition for that the Efficacy of the outward Sacramentall Baptisme dependeth vpon the Spirite The Fourth is Act. 2. Answere To be baptized for the Remission of sinnes properly noteth not the Effect of Baptisme but the end and scope thereof neyther was the Action ordained to signifie the signe but the signe to signifie the action signified The Fift Act. 8. Answere The Particle By signifieth sometimes Efficiency sometimes the Instrument and sometime the Signe And in this place it is taken Symbolically because the gift of the holy Ghost by the laying on of hands is both signified and sealed The Sixt is the 1. Cor. 10. Answ To partake of one Bread is not a cause but a publicke Testimony that wee are of one Body wherevpon it is called one Bread not in number but by the common notion of a Sacrament to wit representing vnto vs that one mysticall body of Christ The Seventh is Eph. 1. Answ by a Metonymy that which is proper to the thing signified is attributed to the signe because Baptisme is the signe of our Consecration indeed effectuall not by it owne power but of him who being one became all things to vs the faithfull The Eight is the 1. of Pet. Answ Salvation is attributed to Baptisme because it is the visible Instrument of Salvation both by the signifying and sealing Adde further that Baptisme as a Counter-paterne is opposed against the deliverance from the deluge not in respect of Efficacy but of the Consequent or the thing signified Neyther is there a difference properly put betweene the Baptisme of the Iewes and ours but betweene the outward and inward Baptisme for asmuch as the Effect of this is Salvation and Peace of conscience Distinctions in Defence of the END Bellarmine proveth by fiue Arguments that the sealing of Grace and Gods promises is not the End of a Sacrament 2. Cap. 14. Lib. 1. De Sacramento I. THe end of the Sealing of the Sacrament is not eyther that wee may bee taught what are Gods promises which the word teacheth or that wee should more belieue the Sacraments then the promises for the Sacraments are for the promises and not the Promises for the Sacraments but that the truth of Gods promises might bee confirmed and sealed II. THe Essence and nature of Sacraments ought to be gathered partly from the words of the Institutor partly from the properties of a Sacrament that the wordes of the Institutor do include a promise it hath beene aboue sayde that the property of a Sacrament is to signifie and seale the thing promised the Nature of every Relation and the vse of all signes doe evidently proue III. THe vse of divine Testimonies dependeth vpon the will of the Institutor whether they bee Signes or workes which being Subordinate neyther ought nor may bee opposed both are effectuall and haue their vse neyther doth the abuse of the Signes in Hypocrites take away the vse of them but such is the nature of things opposite doth more establish the same in the godly IIII. THe sealing of Gods promises hath respect eyther vnto the Faith of the covenant or vnto the Faith of them that are in the Covenant In Infants the sealing of Gods promise is made properly in respect of the Faith of the Covenant but in them that are of ripe yeares in respect of their faith in the Covenant V. THe end of Sacraments hath respect eyther vnto the Institutor or vnto him that vseth the same the end of the Institutor is that Sacramentes should seale but of the vsers eyther that they vse that sealing according to the will of the Institutor to their owne Salvation or that they abuse them to their owne condemnation Which last end being accidentall taketh not away the proper end whether Principall or Secondary OF BAPTISME The Part Confirming CHAP. XII THe Doctrine in speciall concerning the two Sacraments of the New Testament to wit Baptisme and the Lords Supper is next after added vnto the Doctrine touching the Sacraments already expounded in Generall The word Baptisme according to the manner of the true interpretation thereof doth Generally signifie any washing whatsoever especially the Legall and Iewish clensings and purgings or purifying which is done by water but Particularly it is taken eyther Metaphorically for the Crosse and Martyrdome a Mat. 10.38 which they call The Baptisme of bloud or Synecdochically for the pouring out of Gods visible Gifts wherewith the Apostles were furnished b Act. 15. which they call The Baptisme of c Flaminis Inspiration or most properly for the first Sacrament of the New Testament which they tearme the Baptisme of d Fluminis Water in which last signification it is of vs here taken and defined To wit that it is the first Sacrament of the New Covenant instituted by Christ consisting of things Analogicall to wit the Signe and the thing signified as also of the Analogicall relation of themselues betweene themselues together with their action or working by which they which are in the Covenant are washed with water by the Minister of the Church that being ingraffed into Christ they might bee made partakers of the inward washing of the soule by his bloude and spirite The Efficient Cause of Baptisme may bee considered two wayes eyther as the Cause Instituting or as the cause vsing Baptism instituted or the baptizing After the first manner Christ onely by his holy spirit ought to be called accounted the Author of Baptisme in asmuch as who first instituted Baptisme in the person of Iohn the Baptist whose Baptisme Christ himselfe witnessed not to bee of men but of God and from heaven e Ioh. 1.23 31. and afterwardes confirmed the Baptisme of Iohn instituted with the word of commaundement promise f Mat. 28.19 For albeit as touching the Circumstance and manner of Christs manifestation there was some difference betweene the Baptisme of Iohn and of the Apostles yet in kinde it was one and
thing possible to be to reason that there is absolutely a being and partly because hee which taketh from bodies the spaces of places destroyeth the verity of a body The Second because the conclusion is of no strength from an Allegoricall forme of speaking to the proper The Third 4ª 5ª 6ª 7ª because there is no consequence from a miraculous pearcing through of dimensions from a singular prerogatiue of Christs Nativity which pertayneth not to the Essence of the body from the rowling backe of the stone done immediately by an Angell at the time of Christs resurrection from the Ascension of Christ into heaven which w●● done as the Scripture speaketh by the opening and dividing of the Heaven from the punishment of the dāned all which destroy not the verity of a body from like miracles which are aboue nature but not against nature and detract not any thing from the substance of the thing from these I say to the ●llocality of the body there is no consequence IX CAp. 8. Lib. 3 The profes which are ●aken from the truth of God doe faile many wayes The First a Petit Principium iterateth the same matter in question for proofe or proveth one doubt with another The Second layeth down a false position for the truth and ancientnes of the consent of the church ought not to bee taken from the testimony of some certaine persons and from the times of Lanfrancus but from the testimonies of Scripture and the times of the Apostles The Third in their owne cause is suspitious For the Authority of Popish councels neyther can nor ought to prejudice the truth The Fourth reasoneth in consequently from humane authority in divine matters The Fift insisteth vpon the actions and narrations of persons which were eyther fabulous or farre set digressions The Sixt concludeth from Miracles the truth wherof is in controversie or the superstition noted or the falshood manifest X. CAp. 21. From the authority of the Romish church and of the counsels by the same celebrated nothing is concluded because the truth is to bee preferred before all humane judgementes XI THose things which are spoken concerning congruency according to reason or the manner are worthily rejected as incongruent and contrary to reason The First indeed concerning the absence of the Substance of Bread because neyther the Lords body is substantially vnder the accidents of Bread nor is the flesh of Christ simply adored as if it were vnder the bread but because it is hypostatically vnited to Christs Divinity neyther are the foode of the mind and the foode of the belly receyved with the same Instrument but the one is of the body and the mouth the other of the soule and faith nor doth abstinence from the vse of the mysticall bread cause fasting as neyther doth the receyving and vse breake off fasting But the Second concerning the accidents remaining because the accidents of Bread make not the Sacramentall Signe but the Substance of bread because no reall and substantiall change is made in the Supper but onely that which is Sacramentall both boundes of Relation nevertheles remayning because this is alone the merite of faith to trust to the merite of Christ because he which eateth not flesh in the proper forme thereof eateth not flesh really OF THE CHVRCH The Part Confirming CHAP. XIIII AFter that wee haue discerned the application of our redemption by Christ by the Degrees thereof the outward Meanes which God is wont to vse for the accomplishment of the same Now let vs see according to order concerning the Subiect of that application that is concerning the Church which Christ redeemed with his owne bloud and vnto which alone by the gratious election of God the vse and profession of the great and singular benefite of Redemption pertaineth For the Knowledge of this Subiect or Church a two fold explication is very necessary the one Nominall the other Essentiall the former whereof Generally expoundeth the Equivocatiō or divers signification of the word the latter the very manner or nature of the church in particular The Nature of the very word ought to be considered and expounded two wayes Etymologically and Logically Etymologically the Church is a company called forth by publicke authority Logically the Church is of the number of those thinges which the Logicians call Collectiue and gathered together that is such which are not some one thing absolutely but containe in themselues two things whereof the one is like to a multitude and a matter dispersed but the other to an vnity order and gathering together Being both wayes considered the Church hath a threefold signification the first most Generall vnder which not onely the Angels are comprehended but also Politically every civill assembly and Catachtestically the false church which is called Ecclesia malignantium the Congregation of the wicked a Psal 26.5 Apoc. 3.9 is vnderstoode The second is more Speciall and signifieth th t whole multitude of all persons which generally is esteemed by the outward ●allingling and profession The Third is most Speciall most properly signifying that part of men which is knit together vnto everlasting life which signification is vsually distinguished from the ● former as it were by foure properties and attributes that it is One Holy Catholicke and Apostolicke One in the Author of Salvation in ●he consent of Doctrine in the Subministration of the Spirite and in the holy communion of the members b Can 6.8 Eph. 4.4 1. Cor. 3.11 Holy in vse office affection and proceeding lastly in effect and perfection in Christ for it is sanctified for Gods vse it desireth after holinesse is perfectly cleansed by the bloud of Christ e Mat. 26 28. 1. Cor. 1.2 Eph. 2.20 Apostolicall in the Ministery and truth of doctrine Lastly Catholicke in resepct of the Places Persons Time and Partes d 1. Cor. 12 13 4.27 In this place we are to treate of the Church in the second third signification whereof according to that double significatiō there issueth a double notiō the one visible in which acording to the outward forme of the church others also are mingled with the good who properly are the Church that pertain not to the same but only because of the outward profession of the christian faith and calling e Mat. 18.17 Mat. 13.24 Luc. 3.14 The other Invisible which according to the Essentiall forme thereof comprehendeth the predestinated and Elect onely whose Faith cannot be discerned with the outward eyes f 2. Tim. 2 19. Rom. 11.3.4 The Former is esteemed by the outward calling generally the latter by the inward calling properly and particularly g Eph. 3 15. According to both Notions the Church is of vs to be defined both Generally and Distinctly Generally the Church is defined to bee the company of them whome God by his free calling doth call forth to the communion of his grace and glory h Mat. 11 29. Distinctly the Church visible is defined to be