in other places of the reformed Church name lie in the Confes. of VVittem art 32. Sueuin art 15. Sound in iudgment therefore theie are not VVhich being not of the Church of Christ wil notwithstanding take vpon them to iudg yea to condemne the doctrine of the Church of God as do The Machiauils The Iewes The Turkes The Papists The Fam. of Loue. The Anab. VVhich hold that the Pope alone hath power To iudg al men and matters but maie be iudged of none To make reuoke at his pâ—â—suâ—e what articles of Religion him listeth and that without controlment VVhich suppose there is No iudgment but in the Clergie so called None auctoritie to determine of controuersies in Religion but by the bookes of the dead Fathers Doctors Schole men as Thâ—â— Aquinas â—coâ—â—â— c. 4 To interpret the word of God is à peculiar blessing giueÌ„ by God onelie to the church or companie of the faithful though not to al and euerie of them For Saith our Sauiour Of men in general No man knoweth the Sonne but the Father neither knoweth anie man the Father but the Sonne and he to whom the Sonne wil reueile him Mat. 11. 27. Of his faithful disciples It is giuen to you to know the secrets of heauen but to them it is not giuen Matth. 13 11. Saith S. Paul vnto the church at Corinth The manifestation of the Spirit is giuen to euerie man to profit withal For to one is giuen by the Spirit the worde of wisedome c. And to another prophecie 1. Cor. 12. 7 c. If anie thing be reueiled to another that sitteth by let the first hold his peace 1. Cor. 14. 30. The Apostles Iames and Iohn do write vnto al the Church or people of God If anie man lacke wisdome let him aske of God Iam. 1 5. Ye haue an ointment from him that is holie and yee haue knowne al things c ye know the truth c ye need not that anie man teach you 1. Iohn 2. ver 20 21 27. Hereunto subscribe the Churches in Heluet. Confes. 2. c. 7. Bohem. Confes. c. 1. VVitteÌ„ Confes. c. 30. Al of vs iointlie opposing our selues Against those men which thinke that to expound the word of God is so easie à matter as anie student indued with à good natural wit by diligence maie do the same Against them that teach how to interpret or expound the Scriptures is too hard à thing for anie mortal man to attaine vnto such VVas Iohannes de VVessalia Are manie of the Anabaptists Against the fam of Loue who though they grant some can expound or open so far as is conuenient for man to know the meaning of God in his word yet that Some there saie are themselues and none other Against the Papists VVhich thinke that to interpret the holie scripture is not so much à special gift of God vpoÌ„ some chosen persons as an ordinarie power annexed to the state of Popes Bishops General Councels That are so far from giuing the people of God not being of the Clergie power to expound that theie vvil not suffer them to read no not so much as to haue the Scriptures in à vulgar tongue except it be their ovvne most corrupt and barbarous translation vvhich but of late yeeres neither and that in part too is granted But for the Scripture of God in place theie obtruded Festiuals Legends Rosaries Horaries Psalâ—eries of our Ladie 5 Forsomuch as no prophecie is of anie priuate motion 2. Pet. 1. 20. and whatsoeuer interpretation man giueth not agreeing to Th'analogie of faith which S. Paul from God gaue in commandement to be obserued Rom. 12. 6. is à priuate interpretation special heed is to be had that one place of Scripture be so expounded as it agree with another and al to the proportion of faith This do the Churches protestant so like of as theie approue the same by publique Subscription as maie appeare in the Confession of Heluet. 1. art 2. Heluet. 2. c 2. France art 7. Saxon. art 1. VVittem ca. 30. 31. 33. Sueauia art 1. This wil not be granted of the Antichristian synagogues whereof Some thinke that the Scripture may be expounded in what sense and to what purpose we wil as the Helchesaits Papists among whome theie be which from this opinioÌ„ do tearme the most holie word of God in reproch A shipmaÌ„â— hoase A leaden rule A nose of waxe Some condemne al interpretation of the word as vnnecessarie theie being taught as theie saie of God himseÌ„lfe such are the Libertines Some depend vpon visions and Reuelations as the Euthusiasts Anabaptists Some dislike of the literal calling it à Grammatical sense and so prefer the Allegorical exposition that theie cal it the spiritual sense of Gods word and therbie make vvhat them list of the Scriptures most monstrouslie as the Originists Fam. of Loue Some vvil haue of euerie place of Scripture an exposition Analogical Allegorical Historical Moral As the curious Thomists Monches Some are addicted to an interpretation vvhich theie cal mystical and prophetical as the Bâ—â—â—ardists Some thinke th'interpretation vvhich the Church of Rome maketh of the Scripture vvhatsoeuer it be is the od and the onelie true sense of Gods vvord as Harding doth Some deeme that as the Church by time doth alter so th'interpretation of the Scripture also maie varie vvhereby that vvhich in Th'apostles time vvas à truth in theis daies shal be an error and contrarivvise in this error vvas Cardinal Cusanus 6 Though the church hath power to heare determine in controuersies of saith as alreadie hath bine prooued yet hath the Church auctoritie nei ther to iudge the worde of God not to iudge otherwise than the word of God doth iudg For it is said To the church Novve I besceche you brethren marke theÌ„ diligentlie which cause diuision and offences contrarie to the doctrine which ye learned and auoid them Rom. 16. 7. Heare him euen Christ Math 17. 5. To him giue al the Prophets vvitnesce Act. 10. 43. Search the Scriptures Iohn 5. 39. VVhosoeuer transgresceth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ hath not God 2. Iohn vers 9. Yee are no more straungers and forreners c. and are built vpon the foundation of Th'apostles and Prophets c. Ephes. 2 19. Heereby shal yee knowe the spirite of God c. 1. Iohn 4. 2. Of the holie Scripture The worde is the truth Iohn 17. 17. The whol Scripture c is profitable to teach to improue to correct to instruct in righteousnes that the man of God maie be absolute c. 2. Tim. 6. ver 16. 17. They haue Moses and the Prophets let them hear them Luk. 16. 29. VVee haue also à most sure vvorde of the Prophets to the which ye do wel that yee take heede c. 2. Pet. 1. 19. If anie man teache otherwise consenteth not to the wholsome wordes of our L. I. Christ and to the doctrine which is according to godlines he is pust vp
THE English Creede CONSENTING WITH the true auncient Catholique and Apostolique Church in al points and articles of Religion which euerie Christian is to know and beleeue that would be saued THE SECOND PART in most loyal manner to the glorie of God credit of our Church and displaieng of al haeresies and errors both olde and newe contrarie to the faith subscribed vnto by Thomas Rogers Allowed by auctoritie 3. ESDR 4. Magna est veritas praeualet AT LONDON Printed by Robert Walde-graue for Andrew Maunsel at the Brasen Serpent in Pauls Church-yard 1587. TAM GENERE QVAM VIRTVTE PRAECELLENTI D. CHRISTOPHERO HATTONO EQVITI AVRATO REGNI ANGLIAE SVMMO CANCELLARIO ALIIS QVE MVLTIS NOMINIBVS HONORATISSIMO VIRO SVO OPTIMO MAECENATI AC PATRONO THOM AS ROGERIVS POSTERIOREM HANC SYMBOLO ANGLICANO SVBSCRIPTIONIS SVAE PARTEM HONORIS GRATIQVE ANIMI TESTIFICATIONIS ERGO DEVOTE CONSECRAVIT 20. ARTICLE Of the auctoritie of the Church THe Church hath power 1 to decree rites or ceremonies and auctoritie 3 in controuersies of faith And yet it is not laufull for the Church 2 to ordaine anie thing that is contrarie to Gods worde 4 neither maie it so expounde one place of Scripture 5 that it be repugnant to another Wherefore although 6 the Churche be à witnesse and à keeper of holie writ yet as it ought not to decree anie thing against the same so besides the same 7 ought it not to enforce anie thing to be beleeued for necessitie of saluation The Propositions 1 The Church hath power to decree rites or ceremonies 2 The Church maie not appoint what rites or ceremonies it will 3 The Church hath auctortie to iudge in controuersies of faith 4 The Church hath power to interprete and expound the worde of God 5 The Analogie of faith must bee expected in the exposition of the Scripture 6 The Church is the witnesse and keeper of Gods word 7 The Church may not enforce any thing to be beleued as is necessarie vnto saluation that is either contrarie or besides the word of God 1 The Churches auctoritie to decree rites or ceremonies Is warranted in the worde of God By th' example of the Apostles who did ordaine rites or ceremonies as among other thinges that in the Church Men should not be couered 1. Corinth 11. 4. c. VVomen Should be couered 1. Corinth 11. 5. Should keep silence 1. Corinth 14. 34. A known tongue should be vsed 1. Cor. 14. 1. c. By the general perpetual commaundement of God himselfe whoe at al times wil haue euery thing in the Church to be done As being the auctor not of confusion but of peace 1. Cor. 14. ver 26. 33. 40. Honestlie By order Vnto aedification Is graunted in the publique Confessions of the Churches protestant as Confession of Heluet. 1. Artic. 13. Heluet. 2. cap. 22. 23. 24. Basil art 10. Bohem. cap. 15. 17. France artic 32. Fland. artic 32 Ausburg artic 4. 5. 7. 15. Sax. artic 20. Sucuia cap. 8. 14. VVittem cap. 27. 35. This power being giuen by the supreme auctoritie vnto the Churche theie doe greatly offend VVho by an extreme detestation conceaued against ceremonies do condemne Generallie al rites or ceremonies as do some fantastical spirites Particularlie some commendable ceremonies so is the celebration of the Sabbat disliked of certaine Familists VVhiche thinke the Church is tied precisely to obserue the ceremonies Of the Iewes so Did the False Apostles Cerdonits Cerinthians Nazarens Doe the Iewes Turkes Armenians Of the Romish synagogue in which error be The hot Papists The halfe Papistes the Fam of Loue. VVhich holde that either any one man or any certaine callinge hath power to decree appoint rites or ceremonies though of themselues good vnto the whole Church of God 2. As it is à cleere truth that the church maie ordaine ceremonies So true it is also that the Church hath no power to appoint what rites or ceremonies it will but they must make To the Nourishing and increase of loue and friendship among men Such Reteining of the faithful in the holie feare of God Such In the primatiue Church were the rites principalie about Baptisme Excommunication The L. Supper In these dais in the reformed Churches are the ceremonies touching For the Church to meete in The times The places In the Church The praiers The seruice The persons Not to the vpholding of vice or superstitious vanities among the people as theie do If of themselues theie be meetlie wiked and vngodlie as are Popish Masses Images in the Church If being in their owne nature indifferent yet being supersticiouslie vsed are vngodlie as are the difference of daies and meates and apparel c. when it is thought that such rites Do deserue remission of sinnes Are th'acceptable seruice of God Be of necessitie vnder the paine of Gods eternal cursse to be obserued of al and euerie man This is consonantor agreeable To the worde of God Eze 20 v. 18. 19 Matth. 15. 13. Mat. 7. 7 c. Luke 11. 46. Gal. 51. Col. 2. 8. c. Tit. 1. 14. To the sound CoÌ„fessions of Christ his church CoÌ„fes of Heluet. 2. c. 15. France art 33. Flan. art 32. Ausb art 7. 15 Sax. art 20. VVitteÌ„ art 35. Sueuia c. 14. But as light is vnto darkenes coÌ„traeie to al such As are of opinion that the Church hath absolute auctoritie to ordaine what lawes rites or ceremonies it thinketh good As wil make and that as theie saie by thâ—auctoritie giuen vnto the church of à ceremonie à matter of substance and of à thing of substance à ceremonie as theie do which turne the 2 commandemeÌ„ts of the Decaloge into à ceremonial lawe As both obscure the glorie of God by their Masses inuocatioÌ„ of creatures c. and frustrate the merits of our Sauior by their meritorious pardons fasting pilgrimages c. deface the holie Sacraments of Christ by the vain ceremonies of Antichrist hinder the preaching of Gods word by ouer mâ—nie tedious traditions and keep the people of God in daÌ„nable ignorance by preferring the ordinances of meÌ„ before th'institution of God and leaue that vndone which God hath commanded to be done to performe that which the Church hath coÌ„manded such are the Papists 3 Auctoritie is giuen to the Church and to euerie member of iudgement in the same to iudge in controuersies of faith and so in their places To embrace the truth To auoid and improue Antichristianitie errors And this is not the priuate opinion of our Church but The straight coÌ„mandemeÌ„t of God himselfe To teachers â— Tim. 4. 7. 1 Tim. 6. 20 Tit. 1. 9. Tit. 3. 10. To heaters Hier. 23 16. Matth 7. 15 Ioh. 10. 3 c Phil. 3 2. Heb. 13 9. 2. Pet. 3 17. 2 Iohn ver 10. To the whole Church Matt. 24. 23 1. Cor. 14. v. 20. 23. 24. 1. Thes. 5 21 Iam. 5 19. Iudes epist. Reuel 18 4. 1. Cor. 10. 15 The iudgement of our godlie brethren
grant but not of God such are the Rhemists 25. ARTICLE ⧠Of the Sacramentes SAcramentes ordeined of Christe 1 bee not onely badges or tokens of christian mens profession but rather theie bee 2 certaine sure witnesses and effectual signes of grace and Gods good-wil towards vs by which he doth worke inuisiblie in vs 3 and not onely quicken but also strengthen and confirme our faith in him 4There bee two Sacramentes ordeined of Christe our Lorde in the Gospel that is to saie Baptisme and the Supper of the Lord. Those fiue commonlie called Sacraments that is to saie 5 Confirmation 6 Penance 7 Orders 8 Matrimonie 9 and extreme-Unction are not to be coupled for Sacramentes of the Gospel being such as haue growen partlie of the corrupt following of Th'apostles partlie are states of life allowed in the Scriptures but yet haue not like nature of Sacramentes with Baptisme and the Lordes Supper for that theie haue not anie visible signe or ceremonie ordained of God 10 The Sacramentes were not ordained of Christe to be gazed vpon or to be carried-about but that we shoulde duelie vse them 11 And in such onelie as worthelie receiue the same theie haue à wholesome effect or operation but theie that receiue them vnworthilie purchase to themselues damnation as Sainct Paule saith The Propositions 1 The Sacraments ordained of Christe be badges or tokens of our profession which be Christians 2 The Sacramentes be certaine sure witnesces and effectual signes of grace and God his goodwil towarde vs. 3 By the Sacramentes God doth not onely quicken but also strengthen and confirme our faith in him 4 Christ hath ordained but two Sacramentes in his holie Gospel 5 Confirmation Is no Sacrament 6 Penance Is no Sacrament 7 Orders Is no Sacrament 8 Matrimonie Is no Sacrament 9 Extreme-Vnction Is no Sacrament 10 The Sacramentes are not to be abused but rightlie to bevsed of vs al. 11 Al which receiue the Sacramentes receiue not there-withal the thinges signified by the Sacrament 1 The Sacraments be not meere and onelie tokens of à Christian profession as shal appeare yet are the Sacraments badges or tokens Of Christians For by them are visiblie discerned The faithful from infidels Christians from Pagans Iewes Prophane Atheists The true seruants of God from enemies to the truth See aâ— 19. proposit 5. where it is declared howe the true Church is knowne by the due administration Of the worde preached Of the Sacraments Of Christianitie For As Circumcision in th' old lawe was à token howe al the corrupt and carnal affections of the mind should be subdued and that the Lord required not so much an outwarde of the bodie as an inwarde circumcision of the harte Deut. 10 16. 30 6. Iere. 4 4. Acts. 7 51. Rom. 12 28. Phil. 3 3. Col. 2 11 so Baptisme â—elleth vs that being once dead vnto sinne we are to liue vnto righteousnesse that al wee which haue bine baptized into Iesus Christ haue bine baptized into his death c. and must walke in newnesse of life c. Rom. 6 3. c. for wee haue put on Christ Gal. 3 26. by baptisme As the Paschal Lambe was to the Iewes à token that the flight of sinne should alwaies be fresh in memorie and that it should be celebrated not with old leauen neither in the leauen of maliciousnesse but with the vnleauened bread of synceritie and truth 1. Cor. 5 8 So the participating of one loafe and of one cup in the Lord his Supper doth commend vnto our consideration à sweet concord à brotherlie vnanimitie and à constant continuance in the true worship and seruice of God without â—aâ—ouring idolatrie in anie â—espect 1. Cor. 10 17 c. This do the godly learned euerie where teach c Some reformed Churches by pub Conses do testifie Heluet 1. ar 10. Heluet 2. c. 19. Ausburg ar 13. Saxon ar 12. Vngodly therefore in à cursed state are theiâ— That contemne the SacrameÌ„ts as of none accompt regard not what men do thinke theÌ„ to be whether Haeretlkes Schismatikes Epicures VVhich think the Sacraments are but only bad ges of an outward Church therfore either securelie neglect them or at the most care but onlie to seeme though in truth theie be not christians Such are Generalie al hypocrites Particularly the Messalians SvvermeniaÌ„s Familists vvho thinke that for obedieÌ„ce sake to magistrates the SacrameÌ„ts are to be receiued but are of none effect to the perfect ones in the Familie 2 Infinitlie doth God declare his vnspeakeable and incomprehensible good-wil to man ward yet in theis daies by none outward thing more notably and effectuallie than by the Sacraments For Of Baptisme Saith Christ he that beleeueth and is baptized shal be saued Mar. 16 16. Peter saith Amend your liues and be baptized euerie one of you c. for the remission of sinnes Acts. 2 38. Paul writeth Husbands loue your wiues euen as Christ loued the Church and gaue him selfe for it that he might sanctifie it and clense it by the washing of water through the worde c. Ephes. 5 25 c. Of the Lord his Supper saith Christ touching The bread This is my bodie VVhich is giuen for you Luke 22 19. VVhich is broken for you 1. Cor. 11. 24 The cup This is my bloud of the newe Testament that is shed for manie for the remission of sinnes Matth. 26 28. Luke 22 20. This truth do the purer Churches of this time euerie where acknoledge Confession of Heluet. 2. c. 19. 20. 21. Heluet. 1. ar 20. 22. Bohem. c. 11. 12. 13. France art 34. 35 36. 37. 38. Fland. art 33. 34 35. Ausburg art 9. 13. Saxon. art 12. 13 14. VVittem art 10. 19. Sueaue art 16. 17. 18. CoÌ„trarie herevnto the Papists erroneouslie do hold that the Sacraments are not seales but causes of Grace Iustification Out of which as one error en gendereth another ariseth That theie which are partakets of the Sacraments are vndoubtedlie saued That so manie as are not incorporated into the visible Church by the Sacraments at the least of Baptisme are assuredlie condemned 3 The Sacraments be not meerlie tokens either of our dutie towards God and man or of God his good wil to vsward but besids by them he doth Quicken StreÌ„gthen Confirme Our faith in him So we maie read In the Scripture Acts. 2 38. c. 1. Cor. 6 11. Ephes. 5 26. 1. Cor. 10 â—6 1. Cor. 11 28. In the godlie Confes. of this time Heluet. 2. c. 19. 20 21. Heluet. 1 art 20. Basil. art 6. Bohem. c. 11. 12. France 34. Flan. art 33. 34. Ausb art 13. Saxon. art 13. Sueau cap. 17. Howbeit this faith in God is not necessarilie tied vnto the visible signes and SacrameÌ„ts For VVithout the Sacraments manie haue liued and died who yet pleased God are no doubt saued either in respect Of their faith so are we to thinke of aâ— the godlie Men VVhich were borne died before th'institution of CircumcisioÌ„ VVhich were
giuen For in his word God Hath giuen expresse coÌ„maundement so to do as Deut. 6. 13. Thou shalt seare the Lord thy God and serue him and shalt sweare by his name Deut. 10. 20. Thou shalt sweare the Lord liueth and thou shalt cleaue vnto him shalt sweare by his name He hath praescribed à manner how his people shoulde sweare as Not by Baal Ier. 12 16. Not by strange gods Iosh. 27 7. Not by the Lorde and by Molchom Zephan 1 5. Not by creatures Matt. 5 34. Heauen Earth Hierusalem The head By the name of the Lord. Deut. 6 13. Deut. 10. 20. The Lord liueth Ier. 12 16. The Lord liueth and that in Iere. 4 2 Truth Iudgement Righteousnes VVhich also must be taken when the magistrate requireth Exod. 2â— 11. 1. King 8. 31. This letteth not but if it fal-out as it did with them we may though not commanded by the Magistrate VVith Christ affirm our doctrine with religious asseuerations Verelie Verelie VVith Paule take to witnes Christ Rom. 9 1. God 2. Cor. 1. 23. VVee haue that ioine with vs in this assertioÌ„ manie churches Confes. of Heluet. 1 art 26 Heluet. 2. ca. 30. France art 40. Basil. art 11. sect 1. Ausbur art 16. Aduersaries hath this truth many For Th'esseis deeme al maner of swearing so bad as forswearing In no case is it lavvful to sweare saie Th'anabaptists although th'aduauncement of Gods glorie charitie toward our neighbor do require the same The Papists teach that an oth for t' accuse th' aduersaries of true Religion and this state whoÌ„ theie cal Catholiques is not to be taken if it be it may and must be broken vnder paine of aeternal damnation 1. Tim. 1. 17. Now vnto the King euerlasting immortal inuisible vnto God onlie wise be honor and glorie for euer and euer Amen The faultes which marre the sense committed in the printing in the absence of the Auctor are thus to be corrected Fol. Fault Correction 1 Must be expected Must be respected 1 As is necescarie As necessarie 6 Whome theie be Whome there be 7 Maie be thought and verie well Maie be thought not verie wel 7 As did Horstatus As did Hocstatus 8 Al were haereticks Al the new haereticks 8 The Idolaea of the Scithians The Iobolaea of the Sethians 10 Auctoitie of Kings Auctoritie of Kings 10 To the glorie of God But it To the glorie of God but it 10 Matiscon by Gnutranus Matiscon by guntranus 17 Here are his pardons Hence are his pardons 30 Coupled for Sacramentes Compted for Sacraments 36 Th' effects or affects rather Th' effect or effects rather 37 Fourthlie th'affect Fourthlie th' effect 39 As of vs opposing Al of vs opposing 40 The matter is onelie hallowed The matter is oile hallowed 40 Teach thee Heale thee 40 If anie Christian Is anie Christian 41 Calaphrigians Cataphrigians 42 Or other spiritual graces And other spiritual graces 48 Worthines among the Turkes Washings among the Turkes 49 This good Christians The good Christians 52 The Mescalians error The Messalians error 52 Nectorians Nestorians 61 Melchies Hoffman Melchior Hoffman 62 Due to God and his Church Due to God of his Church 63 Neither to vow th' estate Either to vowe th' estate 64 Not a whoremonger but Not à whoremonger but 64 Marriage is not à Sacrament yet Mariage is à sacrament and yet 65 That anie marie if theie thinke good That anie maie marrie if theie thinke good 64 No-thing liked instituted of God No one thing liked and instituted of God 66 As are heathen and Publicane As an heathen and Publicane 67 Where it commeth that excommunication is Whence it commeth that excommunication is 67 And Nioclaitans And Nicolaitans 79 Of al them which dreame or disalow Of all them which denie or disalowe 80 Haue rule of soules Haue cure of soules 84 And sometimes in some countries And some sinnes in some countries 84 As Cresconians As the Cresconians You shal finde also for VVitnesse VVitnesce for Necessitie necescitie for essence escence for Crosse crosce c. in the ortâ—ographie which fel out by mistaking the original and we praie you beare therewith til theie maie be corrected * Obseruat nexte after Nicen Crâ—ed
the calling and sending-forth of Ministers 6 Before Ministers are to be ordained theie are to be chosen and called 1 Manie are the duties enioined to euerie christian yet so is it ordained by the wisedome of God that none should as gouerne in the CoÌ„mon-weale so teach publiquelie in the Church but such as lawfully be called and sent to execute the same This By the Scripture is apparent where The godlie are commanded to preach before theie would speake so was The wiked are blamed for preaching before theie were sent Iere. 14 14. 23 21. 27 15. 29 9. Samuel 1. Sam. 3 4 c. Ieremie Iere. 1. 4. c. Ezekiel Ezek. 2. 3 c. Iohn Baptist. Iohn 1. 6. Iesus Christ who as he was sent Ioh. 20 21 so did he to preach send The 12. Apostles Mat. 10. 5 c. Mat. 28 19. c. Iohn 20 21. The 70. disciples Luke 10. 1. A commaundement is giuen vs to praie the Lord of the haruest that he would send-forth laborers into his haruest Matth. 9. 38. VVe do read that God hath ordained some in the Church to be 1. Cor. 12 28. Apostles Prophets Teachers VVorkers of miracles c. Christ ascended gaue some Ephes. 4 11. Prophets Euangelists Pastors Teachers By the publique Confession of manie Churches reformed is granted as Confes. of Heluet. 2. c. 18. Bohem. c. 9. France art 31. Fland. art 31. Ausb art 14. VVittem art 20. Sueaui art 13. VVherebie we signifie our selues to be aduersaries To all such as to their power do seeke th'abolishing of publique preaching as do subtile Papists and worldlie men To al such as publishe how the worde is not taught by the holie Scriptures and Sermons but onelie by the reuelation of the Spirit so did Muncer To al such as runne before theie be sent as do manie Anabaptists Schismatikes to carie disciples after them To al such as hold how theie which are able to teach and instruct the people maie and must so do and that not priuatlie but publiquelie though theie be not ordinarilie called and sent thereunto The doctrine of R. H. 2 As publiquelie to preach before men are sent is à greâ—uous fault so not to preach being sent is as great a sinne Hereunto â—eare witnes In the Scripture Iesus Christ whose wordes are theis Surelie I must also preach the kingdome of God to other cities for therefore am I sent Luke 4. 43. Peter and Iohn who being charged to speake no more in the name of Iesus said VVe cannot but speake that which we haue heard and sene Act. 4. 17. c. S. Paul For he writeth Necessitie is laid vpon me and wo is vnto me if I preach not the Gospel For if I do it willinglie I haue à reward but if I do it against my will yet the dispensation is committed vnto me 1. Cor. 9. v. 16 17. Th'apostles For though theie were beaten for so doing yet ceassed theie not to teach and preach Iesus Christ. Act. 5. 42. The godlie Churches at this present in the vvorld Confes. Heluet. 2. c. 18. Heluet. 1. art 15. Bohem. c. 9. France art 25. Ausburge art 7. VVittemb art 20. Sueauâ— art 13. This condemneth al such as take vpon them the office of publique preaching without performance of the same either through Ignorance that theie can not VVorldly busines that they maie not Negligence that theie wil not Feare of troubles that theie dare not Preach the word of God 3. To minister the SacrameÌ„ts in the CoÌ„gregation euerie man maie not presume but theie are so to do as be lawfullie called sent for that purpose Heb. 5 4. as they be whose office publiquelie is to teach instruct the people of God For so we maie read In the Scripture that the preachers of the word are to be the ministers of the Sacraments For both Christ by his auctoritie did command his disciples as to preach so to Baptize Matth. 28 19. Celebrate the Lord his supper Luke 22 19. 1. Cor. 11 â— 24 25. Th'apostles other ministers in the purest times whome the godlie ministers in theis dâ—ies do succeed did not â—nclie preach but also Baptize Act. 2. 38 c Act. 8. v. 12 13. Act. 9 47. Act 16 v. 31. c. Iohn 1 25. 1. Cor. 1 14. c. Minister the Supper of the Lord Act. 20 7. 1. Cor. 10 16. In the Christian Confessions of the Churches reformed Confes. Heluet. 2. c. 18. Bohem. c. 9. France ar 25. 31 Ausb art 7. VVitteÌ„ art 20. Sâ—â—â—ia art 13. In saieng that none maie minister the Sacraments in the Congregation before he be lawfullie called and sent to execute the same the meaning is not as I take it that priuatelie in houses either lawful ministers vpon iust occasio 〈…〉 〈…〉 aie not or others not of the ministrie vpon anie occasion in the peace of the Church maie administer the Sacraments For though it be lawful for almen in their places to teach to exhort to reprehend to praie and that continuallie and in al places yet maie none minister the Sacraments but such as are publiquelie auctorized so to do The contrarie where of neither by anie commandement from God noâ— example in Th'apostles time can be shewen Hereby we declare our selues not to fauor th' opinion that Publiquelie some maie minister the SacrameÌ„ts which are not meerlie and ful ministers of the word Sacraments Priuatelie the Sacrament of baptisme maie be ministred by anie man yea by women if necessitie â—o vrge 4 God for the gathering or erecting to himselfe á Church out of mankinde and for the wel-gouerning of the same hath from time to time vsed yea doth also and to th' ende of the worlde wil vse the ministerie of men lawfullie called there-vnto by men A trueth most euident In the holy Scripture Mark 16. 15 Ephes 4. 11. 1. Cor. 12. 21 Matt. 28. 20 Iohn 14. 16. In the sound Confessions of the pureâ— Churches of this time Confes. Heluet. 1. art 15. Heluet. 2. ca 18. Bohem. c. 8. 9. 14. France art 25. 29. 30. 31 Fland. art 30. 31. Ausburgh art 7. Sax. art 11. VVittem art â—0 Sueaue art 13. 15. This proposition I had ouerpassed in silence had I not read in á certaine booke that in theis daies No Ministers haue the Pertaining to á Minister 〈…〉 ng Sending Auctoritie It wil hardlie be sound in al the world that anie Minister Lawfullâ—e called Is Shalbe 5 S. Paule in the beginning of his Epistle vnto the Galathians giueth vs to obserue the diuers sending-forth of men into the holie Ministerie whereof some are sent 1 By god For by God the Father Iesus Christ Iohn 20. 21. Iohn Baptiste Iohn 1. 6. God the Sonne in his state Mortal the 〈◊〉 Apostles Math 10. 5. 28. 19. Glorious immortal S. Paule Act. 9. v. 3. 15. VVere called and sent This calling is special extraordinarie And thei so called were Adorned with the gift of miracles as wer I. Christ his Apostles but not Iohn
Baptist. Inioined to preache not in one or a fevve places but ouer the whole vvorlde so were th'apostles but not Iesus Christ. 2 Of men as they be who are sent of men not auctorized thereunto by the vvord of God that to the disquieting of the good estate of Christ his Church such In Th'apostles time vvere the false Apostles In our daies are the S. Augustine saith Al which are thus sent are Liars And their calling is vnlawful Annabaptistes Iesuites Seminarie priests 3 By men so in the primiâ—lue Church by Th'apostles vvere Pastors and Elders ordained vvho by the same auctoritie ordained other Pastors and teachers VVhence it is that the Church as it hath bine so it shal â—â—l th' end of the vvorlde â—e prouided for They who are thus called haue povver neither to vvorke miracles as Th'apostles had noâ— to preach and minister the Sacraments vvhere theie vvil as Th'apostles might but theâ—e are tied euerie man to his charge vvhich theâ—e must faithfullie attende vpon except vrgent occasion do enforce the contrarie The calling of theis men is tearmed à general calling and it is th' ordinarie and in theis daies the lawful calling allowed by the word of God So â—eâ—â—fie with vs the true Churches else-where in the vvorld Confession of Heluet. 1. art 17. Heluet. 2. cap. 18. Bohem. cap. 9 France art 31. Fland. art 31 Ausburg art 1â— VVittemb art 20. Sueaue art 13 This truth manie vvaies hath bine resisted For there be which thinke There is no calling but th'extraordinarie and special calling in theis daies Al are to be taken for which are not sacrificing Priestes annointed by the Antichristian Bishops of the Romish lynagogue VVolues Hieâ—lings Lai-men Intruders That so manie as are sent by the Church are sent of the holie Ghost vvhen vve knovve hovve often times the CHVRCHE sendeth for Laborers idle workmen Frendes enemies Phisitions murtherers True Pastors vvolues and Apostataes Theie maie take the charge of Congregations and yet performe no duetie That no Bishop or Minister should remaine still in one place but vvander An error of the Familie 6 Though it bee in the power of them which haue publique auctoritie in the Church t' appoint Ministers in the Congregation yet maie theie admit neither whom they wil nor as they wil themselues but they are both deliberatelie to chuse and orderlie to cal such as theie haue chosen This made Th'apostles Elders in the primitiue Church Straightlie to charge that suddenlie hands should be laid vpon no man 1. Tim 5. 22. To make special choise oftwaine where of one was to be elected into the place of Iudas Acts. 1. 23. By election to ordaine Elders in euery church and by To commend them to the Lord. Acts. 14 23. Praier Fasting Laieng on of hands 1. Tim. 4 14. to consecrate them To describe who were to be chosen called For theie are to be Men not â—oies VVomen 1. Tim 2. 12. Men of good behauior 1. Tim. 3. 2 c Not incontinent Not giuen to vvine Not strikers Not couerous Not proud 1. Peâ— 5. 3. Titus 1 7. Not froward Not iâ—eâ—ul No giuers of offence 2. Cor. 6 3. Men of special gifts Apt to teach 1. Tim. 3. 2. Able to exhort Tit 1. 9. VVise to diuide the vvord of God aâ—ight 2. Tim. 2. 15. Bold to reproue 1. Tim. 5. 21. Tit. 1 9. VVilling to take paines Matt. 9 38. 2. Tim 4 2. VVatchful to ouersee Acts. 20 28. Patient to suffer Acts. 5 41. 2. Tim. 4 8. Constant to endure al maner of afflictions 2. Cor. 11 23. c. They who are â—o chosen called maie fightlie be numbred among the lavvful ministers On th' other side in an error they remaine vvhich thinke That the due election and calling of Ministers according to the vvorde of God is of no such necessitie to the making of Ministers That women maie bee In vvhich error the Pepuzians vvere Elders Bishops That à special care is not to bee had both of the life and of the learning of men or that vviked men of euil life or ignorant men vvithout learning or Asses of no gifts or loitereâ—s vvhich do no good or fauourers of superstition vvhich do great hurt are to bee admitted into or maintained in the holie ministerie That they are causes vvhich in deede aâ— none to keepe men fró the Ecclesiastical function as if men They may not bee priests say the Papists Be maried Haue had certaine wiues Haue not al outvvarde gifts of the bodie thogh endued with heauenlie talents Haue bine baptized of haeretiks c Theis ought not to busie themselues about the word saie the Familists Haue not bine trained vp in the Familie Are not Elders in the Familie of Loue. This do the Churches protestant by their publike Confessions approue Hel. 2. c. 18. Hel. 1. ar 25. Bohem. c. 9. Franc. ar 3. 1. Fland. art 31. Ausb art 14. VVitt. ar 20. Sueau ar 13. 24. ARTICLE Of speaking in the Congregation in such a tongue as the people vnderstand not IT is à thing plainlie repugnant to the worde of God and the custome of the primitiue church to haue publike praier in the church or to minister the Sacraments in à tongue not vnderstanded of the people The Propositions Publique praier and the Sacraments must be ministred in á knowen tongue This article needeth smal proofe For who so is perswaded as al true christians of vnderstanding are that what is done publiklie by á strange language in the Church not vnderstood of the people Profiteth not the Congregation 1. Cor. 14 ver 6. 9. 14. Aedifieth not the weake 1. Cor. 14. ver 4 17 26. Instructeth not th' ignorant 1. Cor. 14. 19. Inflameth not the zeale 1. Co 14. 9. Offendeth the hearers 1. Cor. 14. ver 7. â—1 Abuseth the people 1. Cor. 14. ver 1. 16. Displeaseth God Matth. 15. 8. Bringeth religion into contempt 1. Cor. 14. 23. Easilie wil thinke that where the praiers be said or the Sacraments administred in à tongue not vnderstood of the people there The word of God is not regarded The custome of the primitiue churche is not obserued This article as al true Christians doe beleeue so some by pub Confessions doe graunt Con. of Helnet 2. c. 22. VVittem cap. 27. Ausburg de Misca art 3. Sueaue c. 21. But there is nothing so apparent which hath not by some aduersaries bine denied So contrarie to this article Some as the Marcosians at the ministration of Baptisme haue vsed certaine Hebrue wordes not to aedifie but to terifie and astonishe the mindes of the weake and ignorant people Some theie be the papists wil haue al seruice praiers and Sacraments that throughout the world ministred in an vnknowen tongue And among theis papists There bee which holde that the lesse theie vnderstande the more deuout the people wil be For ignorance is the mother of deuotion There bee which write that praiers not vnderstood of the people are acceptable of Satan I
Th'angel of Pergamus for suffering the Balaamites Nioclaitans Reuel â— 14. Th'angel of Laodicea for beeing neither hot nor cold Reue. â— 14. Had in great reuerence and estimation of the faithful seruants of Iesus Christ as maie appeare in the Confessions of the Godlie Confes of Heluet. 1. art 19. Heluet. 2. cap. 17. 18. Bohem. c. 8. 14. France ar 29. 33. Fland. art 30. 32. Saâ—on ar 11. 17. Ausburg touching ab uses art 7. VVittem art 31. 2 Sundrie bee the reasons and â—â—â—es vvhic excommunication is vsed as That à vviked liuer to the reproch of the Gospel bee not suffered among the professors of true religion and manie good bee not euil spoken of for a â—evve bad That the good be not corrupted or infected through the continual or often familiaritie of the vviked 1. Cor. â— 6. That he vvhich hath fallen through shame of the world maie at the length Learne to to blaspheam no more 1. Tim. 1. 20. Through repentaÌ„ce be saued 1 Cor. 5. 5. Among al other causes therefore of excommunicatioÌ„ one is that the person excommunicate maie not bee condemned vtterlie but returne vnto the Lord by repentance and so bee receaued againe into the visible Church as S. Paul willed th' incestuous maÌ„ shuld be 1. Cor. 2. 7. c This truth I knovve none that denieth vnlesse it be certaine Montanistes Nouatians Fantastical Anabaptistes vvhich are of opinion that al theie vvhich sinne after baptisme vvithout al hope of reconciliation bee damned 34 ARTICLE Of the traditions of the Church IT is not necessarie that traditions and ceremonies 1 be in al places one or vtterlie like for at al times theie haue bin diuers and maie be changed according to the diuersities of Countries times and mens maners so that nothing be ordained against Gods word 2 Whosoeuer through his priuate iudgement willinglie and purposelie doth openlie breake the traditions and ceremonies of the Church 3 which be not repugnant to the worde of God and be ordained and appointed by common auctoritie ought to bee â—ebuked openlie that other maie feare to do the like as he that offendeth against the common order of the Church and hurteth th'auctoritie of the Magistrate and woundeth the consciences of the weake brethren 4 Eueâ—e particular or national Church hath auctoritie to ordaine chaunge and â—bolish ceremonies or rites ordained onelie by mans auctoritie so that al â—hings be done to aedifieng The Propositions The same traditions or ceremonics are not to be like in al places No priuate man of à selfe-wil and purposelie maie in publike violate the traditions and ceremonies of the Church which by common auctoritie be allowed and are not repugnaunte to the word of God Ceremonies and traditions ordained by th'auctoritie of man if theie be repugnant to Gods worde are not to be kept and obserued of anie man Euerie particular or national Church male ordaine change and abolish ceremonies or rites ordained onelie by mans auctoritie so that al things be done to aedifieng 1 If à necessitie were laid vpon the church of God to obserue one the same traditions ceremonies at al times and in al places assuredlie The ceremonies of th' old Law had not bine as theie are novv abolished Acts. 6 14. 10 13. c. 15 1. c. Gal. 2 3. c. Ephes. 2. 14. Col 2. 16. Th'apostles wold neuer haue giueÌ„ such praesidents of altering them vpon special reasons as theie haue don For wee find that they chaÌ„ged The times and places of their assembling togither For the people of God â—et and Th'apostles preached Sometime In the weeke daies Acts. 2 46. 5 42. On the Sabboth daies Acts. 13 14 c. 43 c 17 2. 18 4. Sometime Publikelie In the temple Acts. 2 46. 3. 1. c. 5 26. In the Synagogues Act. 9 20. 14 1. 17 10 18 4 19 8. In the scholes Acts. 19 9. Priuatlie In house after house Acts. 5 42. In chambers Act. 1 13. 20 8. 28. v. 30 31. Sometime In the daie time Acts. 2 46. 3 1. c. In the night Acts. 20 7 c. The ceremonies in th'administration Of baptisme if good occasion was offred baptising In publike assemblies Acts. 2. 41. In priuate houses Act. 16 33. 10. v. 27 48. Before manie Act. 8. 12. 10. ver 27. 48. VVhen none of the faithful were praesent Acts. 8. 36. Of the L. Supper ministring the same Not alwaies at one time but sometime At midnight Acts. 20 11. In the daie time Acts. 2 46. Not alwaies in one place but sometime In the churches 1. Cor. â— 17. c. In houses Acts. 20 7. 2 46. So nothing therfore is done against gods word no doubt traditions and ceremonies according to the diuersitie of countries times and mens maners maie be changed Of this iudgment with vs bee the Churches of God about vs. Confes of Heluet. 2. cap. 17 27. Bohem. c. 15. France art 32. Fland. art 32. Ausburg art 15 and art 7. touching abuses Saxon. art 20. VVittem art 35. Sueaue ca. 14. Herebie it is euident that they are greatlie deceiued vvhich thinke that The Iewish ceremonies prescribed of God himselfe for à time vnto the Iewes are vnuiolablie to be obserued of vs christians such are the Ievves Turkes Cerdonites Cerinâ—â—ians Nazariâ—â— Armenians Familists The popish ceremonies of the Romish Antichrist are vniuersaâ—â— to be kept in al placeâ— Traditions and ceremonies must euerie where be the same 2 Great is the priuilege greate also the libertie and freedom of Gods Church For it is deliuered From the cursce of the Law Gala. 3. 13. From the law Rom. 8. 2. Of sinn Of death From the Iewish Act. 15. 24. c. Rites Ceremonies From al humaine ordinaunces traditions so far forth as there binde the consciences of men Hereof speaketh S. Paul Colos. 2. 8. c. yet is the Churche bounde to th'obseruation of al traditions and ceremonies which are allowed by lavvful auctoritie and are not repugnant to the vvorde of God For he that violateth them contemneth not man but God who hath giuen power to his Church to establish whatsoeuer thinges make vnto 1 Cor. 14. ver 40. 26 Comlines Order Aedification This of our godlie brethren some doe not let by publique vvritinges to testifie Confes of Heluet. 1. art 25. Bohem. c. 15 18. Ausb art 4. 15. Fran. art 32. Heluet. 2. c. 24. Saxon. ar 20 Sueau cap. 4 Others gon-out from vs do hold that Christian Magistrates haue none auctoritie T appoint anie ceremonies Rites for the due seruice of God To exact outvvarde obedience vnto ceremonies righthe or dained The people of God are â—â—ee From all Ecclesiastical iurisdiction From the obseruation of al ceremonies and Rites 3 Of ceremonies and traditions repugnant to the word of God there be tvvo sortes vvhere of Some are of things meer lie vviked such VVas Th'israelites calfe Exod 32. 4 c. Nebuchadnezarâ— Idol Dan. 3. 1. c. Are the Papistical Images Reliques Agnus deis
knoweth nothing c. 1. Tim. 6. v. 3. c. Thus thinke vve of the Scriptures and of the Churche So vvith vs do other Churches Confes of Heluet 2. cap. 1. Bohem cap. 1. Fran. art 5. Flan. art 7. VVit tem art 30 31. 32. Sax. art 11. Yet al of vs doe grant that the Churche As à faithful witnes maie yea of necescitie must testifie to the world vvhat hath bine the doctrine of God his people from time to time But be it far from vs that we should euer somuch as thinke which the Papistes vvil not sticke to write and say that The Church is to iudge the Scripture and not the Scripture the Church The Scripture is not of the escence of the Church for vvithout it à Church maiâ— be thought and veriâ— vvel So said Cusanus à Cardinal It had gonne better vvith the Church had there bine no scripture at al. The scripture because as they say It is vnperfect cannot Be the iudge It is obscure maie not Be the iudge It is ambiguous ought not Be the iudge He is an haereticke that cleaueth to the Scriptures as did Horstatus Such as bare witnesce vnto the truth By the shedding of their bloud in the daies of Q Marie are not martyrs but murtherets of them selues In this time By the sword are tyrans By life and doctrine be heretikes As á trustie register is to keepe and make knowen what the vvord of god which it hath receiued is This carefullie hath bine performed Before the worde vvas vvritten by the Patriarches After the vvord vvas commited to writing Before Christe his incarnation by the Iewes In christe his life time Luk. 4. 16. c Act. 13. 27. Act. 15 21. In the primitiue church 2. Cor 3. 15. 2. cor 8. 18. Colos. 3. 16. From Th'apostles time by the godlie Christians in th'uniuersal world This carefulnes in keepinge the vvord of God de clareth That the mother Churche of Rome is not the onely keeper of the holy write How cursedly theie offende vvhich so greatly esteeme The Ethiks of Aristotle as the S. scripture The Ods of Pindar as the Psalmes of Dauid The writings of men as the wordâ— of God 7 Of the people of God nothing must be obtruded vpon the Church to be beleeued as necessarie vnto saluatioÌ„ which is either contrarie or besides the worde of God So saith the scripture Deut. 4. 2. Prou. 30. 6 Eâ—â—k 20. vers 18. 19. 1. Cor. 3. 11. Gal. 1. 8. Gal 3. 15. Ephe. 4. 14 Col. 1. 23. Heb. 13. 9. 2. Iohn v. 9. 10. Reu. 22. 18 So vvitnes the Churches reformed Confes. Heluet. 2. art 2. Heluet. 1. artic 4. Basil. art 10. Bohem. c. 1 France art 5. Fland. ar 7 Saxon. art 1. VVittem cap. 30. 33 Sueuia art 1. VVhat soeuer is grounded thereon though not by expres tearmes to be red therin we doe reuerendlie embrace This maketh vs not to denie In doctrine The Consubstantialitie of our S. Christ with the Father and the holie Ghost as the Arians did A trinitie of persons in the Godhead vvith the Sabellians The iustification of faith onelie with the Papists The baptisme of Infantes with Anabaptists In ceremonies anie thing that tendeth vnto Comlines Order Edification But from the hart vve abhor vvhatsoeuer agreeth not with the cannon of the Scripture nor is grounded thereon Hence detest we Al the old haereuks The phatisies The Escees The Sadduces The SimoniaÌ„s The Menandeans The Ebeonits The Cerinthians The Gnostikes The Valentinians The Martians c. with The newe prophets of Basilides The manifestatioÌ„s of Marcian The misteries of the Manichies The Idolaea of the Scithians The Symbonia of Th'archoÌ„tikes The Cabala of the Iewes The Alcaran of the Turkes The Decretals of the Popes Al were haeâ—etiks vvith their curssed opinioÌ„s The Anabaptists of them namelie The Daui-geoâ— gainâ— The Libertines The Viteleis The Nicholaitans of Harrie Nicholas Papistes wherof Some commaunded that all the lawes of the Pope shoulde bee taken as confirmed by the mouth of God himselfe so did Pope Agatho the first Some write as Busgrad that if the pope beleue there is no life to com as som Popes haue done wee must beleue it as an article of our faith and if the Pope carrie innumerable soules to hel with him yet he maie not be iudged so thought Pope Boniface the 8. Some haue published à newe Gospel called Euangeliâ—m aeternum spiritus S. which some saie doth so far excel the gospel of Christ as the caâ—nel surpasceth the shel the Sun the Moone and the light darknes 21. ARTICLE Of the auctoritie of generall Councels GEneral Councels 1 maie not be gathered together with-out the commaundement and wil of Princes And when theie be gathered together 2 for as much as theie be an assemblie of men whereof al be not gouerned with the Spirit word of God theie maie erre and some-times haue erred 3 euen in things pertaining vnto God Wherefore 4 thinges ordained by them as necessarie vnto saluation haue neither strength nor auctoritie vnlesse it maie be declared that theie be taken out of holie Scripture The Propositions 1 General Councels must be gathered together by the commaundement and wil of Princes 2 General Councels maie erre 3 General Councels haue erred euen in great matters of Religion 4 The things ordained by general Councels are so far to be embraced and beleeued as theie are consonant to Gods holie word 1 Great is the povver and auctoitiâ— of Kinges and Princes by the word of God For as the defence of Religion is committed vnto theÌ„ so must they see that al men do their duties That theis thinges maie the better be performed they are as iust occasion is offered not as men vnder the power of others to summon but as supreme gouernors within their territories and dominions to commaund al sortes of men to meete together and that either to th'inplanting of the truth where it is not or to the supprescing of sin errors idolatrie and superstition where or in whom soeuer it doth arise or is rooted Such Councels were holden In the time of the Mosaical gouernment by the commaundement of the most godlie Kinges Asa. 2. Chro. 15 9. c. Ezekiah 2. Chr. 29. 4 c. Iosiah 1. Chro. 34. 29. c. Since the Gospel hath bine receaued into Kingdomes and common-weales by Christian Princes and Emperors who gathered Councels General so called was the Councel of Nice by Constantinus Magnus Constantinople by Theodosius the elder Ephesus by Theodosius the yonger Calcedon by Marcian National and prouincial such for al were held at By the wil of Charles the Great Francoâ—urt Rhems Turon Cabilon Arelot Moguntia Auernia by Theodorit Matiscon by Gnutranus By â—hil debert Aurelia Paris And neuer yet hath there bine à councel either general or national either publique or priuate I onlie except the Councels held by the holie Apostles in à troblesome state time of the church when as yet ther were no
christian Princes couÌ„tenauncing the truth either begunne or ended to the glorie of God But it hath bine I say not onelie called but confirmed also by some godlie Emp. King or Queene This in effect is granted by the confes Heluet. 2. cap. 30. Heluet. 1. art 26. Bohem. cap 16. Fland. art 36. Sax. art 23. VVittem cap. 35. Sueuia in the Perorat As al other godly and true propositions besides So hath this bine oppugned that diuers lie For some thinke That Emperors and Princes be the Pope his Summoners and not of themselues absolute commanders of Councels There ought no Councel to be kept without the determinate consent of the Bishop of Rome Harding No Councel euer yet had firme auctoritie which was not coÌ„firmed by the Bishop of Rome Duâ—aeus The Popes of Rome vvhome theie cal the successors of Peter and not christian Princes haue auctoritie and power of making laws of calling Councels c. The Rhemists vpon the 16 of Mathevv That vvere the Pope à good man as he is Antichrist he might or he being wiked other good Bishops though subiects vnto the ciuil Magistrate maie cal Councels together at their discretion vvhich derogateth not à little from th'auctoritie of à christian King or Prince 2 General Councels consisting Of men who maie erre nothing more easilie Of manie men and they differing in VVhereby distractions of opinions ofteÌ„ do arise Yeates Riches Learning IudgemeÌ„t Calling Auctoritie Of manie men whereof the wiked are for number commonly the maior part and the better in outwarde countenance of the world Of men not al nor alwaies Gouerned with the Of god Spirit word Gathered together in the name of Christ. None of souÌ„d iudgement in Religion do dout but they may erre If Paphnutius had bin absent at Nice the Councel had erred If Hierome had bine avvay at Calcedon the Councel had erred At aâ—ie time if some be beleeued be the Pope not present either perse or per Legatum no Councel but must erre Therefore Councels may erre That vvhich one Councel doth establish another vvil disanul Theie vvil not vve must thinke reuoke that vvhich is vvel decreed Therefore Councels may erre Therefore erre do the Papistes vvhich say The holie Spirit alvvaies is the director of Councels That Councels cannot erre 3 Councels both general and particular haue erred and that in matters of faith Confes. VVittemb cap. 33. For In the scripture we finde that It was ordained if any man did confesse that Iesus was the Christe hee shoulde bee excommunicat Iohn 9. 22 Iohn 12. 42. which could not be but by à Councel A Councel was gathered to suppres Christ and his doctrine Iohn 12. 47. A Councel consulted how they might take Iesus by subtlety kill him Mat. 26. v. 3. 4. A Councel sought for witnesse against Iesus to put him to death Mar. 14. v. 53. 55. A Councel bound Iesus and led him awaie and deliuered him to Pilate Mar. 15. 1. A Councel iudged our S. Christ A deceauer Mat. 27. 63. A blasphemer Luk. 22. 71. A Councel corrupted the soldiers and willed them to tell à lie Matth. 28. ver 12. 13. A Councel with-stood Peter and Iohn and commuanded them that in no wise they should speake or teach in the Name of Iesus Act. 4. vers 5. 6. 18. A Councel Caused Th'apostles to be beaten Act. 5. 40. Commaunded that Th'apostles should not prech in the Name of Iesus Act. 5. 40. In auncieÌ„t writings of credit we maie read how contrary to Gods word By Councels Aâ—â—ianisme hath bine confirmed By Councels the books of foolish men haue bin made of equal auctoritie with the word of God By Councels Hath bin established Adoration of images Inuocation of creatures c. By Councels th'auctoritie of Princes hath bine depresced and the Pope and Clergie aduaunced aboue all Princes The truth heereof moued Hilary to call the Synode of Mediolane the Synagogue of the malignant Saint Augustine vnto Maximinus to write Neither ought I to obiecte against thee the Synode of Nice nor thou against mee the Synod of Ariminum Nazianzen openlie to pronounce that he neuer sawe anie good end of à Councell The Frenche King his Embassador to saâ—e in the chapter of Trent that scarsely anie good at all or verie little came by Councels to the state of christendome Cornelius Bishop of Bitonto to break out into theis words in the face of the Church at Tridâ—t I would that with one consent they had not altogether declined from religion vnto superstition from faith vnto infidelitie from Christ vnto Antichrist from God vnto Epicuâ—us This notwithstanding the Papists do continue in an erroneous opinion that Councels cannot erre ¶ The Antithesis in this and the other part of the subscription wil easilie make apparant what by this proposition is set-downe 4 General Councels we simplie condemne not yet do wee not ground our faith vppon anie Councel but onelie vppon the word of god Therfore in general Councels VVhat-soeuer is agreeable to the written vvord of god we do reuerendlie embrace VVhat-soeuer is contrarie vnto or besides the vvil of God reueiled in his vvorde vve do carefullie auoide And So are vvee commaunded to do euen by God himselfe Deut. 12. 32 Iohn 1. 7. Ezek. 20. v. 18. 19. Gal. 1. 8. Thus think the godlie churches reformed Confes. of Heluet. 2. c. 18. Bohem. cap. 1. Fraunce art 5. Flan. art 7. VVittem c. 33. Contrarie heere vnto th' opinion of the Papists concerning couÌ„cels is that Theie do binde al nations So did Pope Hormisda decree Some couÌ„cels and namelie the Councel of Nice Constantinople Ephesus Chalcedon So thought Pope Gregorie the great Al Councels so did Campion suppose were of aequal auctoritie with the worde of God 22. ARTICLE ⧠Of Purgatorie THe Romish doctrine concerning 1. 2 Purgatorie 3 Pardons worshipping and adoration 4 aswell of images 5 as of reliques 6 and also inuocation of Saincts is a fonde thing vainelie inuented and grounded vpon no warrantie of Scripture but rather repugnant to the word of God The Propositions The Romishe doctrine touching 1 Purgatorie 2 Purgatorie 3 Pardons 4 Worshipping and adoration of Images 5 Worshipping and adoration of Reliques 6 Inuocation of Saincts Is a thing Not warranted by the Scripture Contrarie to the worde of God 1 It is graunted aswel of the Romish or false as of the true Church that none vncleane thing can enter into the kingdome of God And because al meÌ„ either haue bine or stil remaine vnclean therefore theie are or must bee purged from sinn But in the manner of purging them who are vnpure thei do greatlie differ For the true church looking into the vvorde of God doeth finde that vvee are sanctified or made cleane in diuers respects diuerslie By Baptism Ephes. 5. v. 25. 26. By the word preached Iohn 15. 3. By the bloud of Christ â— Ioh 1. 7. Tit. 2. 14. Heb. 1. 3. By the spirite of God 1. Cor. 6. 11. And that in this life and