what things are done or befalleth in this lyfe to men And againe the Prophet saith Thou art our Father for Abraham hath not knowne vs and Israel hath bene ignorant of vs. If so great Patriarchs then sayth hee knew not what befell this people begotten of themselues c. How are the dead mixed in now to know the effairs and actions of the living to helpe them there-in Aug. de cura pro mortuis 3 Confession of Partie NOthing of th s wâ—s delivered or taught sâ—y h Eâ—kius in the Scriptures of the Olde Testament and in the New Testament also the Apostlâ—s nor Evangâ—lists nâ—â—ther by word nor writ tradition â—or Scripture lâ—fe anie such thing behinde them thâ— the Sainctâ—s should bâ—e prayed vnto Eckius in encâ—irtâ—â—o de vâ—â—er 〈◊〉 sâ—nâ—s So that for An 〈◊〉 from the beginning it was not so Matth. 19.8 for Auâ—â—oritie it is not requyred by God at our handes Is i. 1.12 and for Sâ—â—uritie it is not of faâ—th as is preseryâ—ed Iames 1.6 §. 5. That no reliâ—ious servicâ— which the Papists câ—ll Duliâ— should â—e giâ—â—â— to 〈…〉 â—â—â—â—hâ—r Sainct or Aâ—gâ—ll but to God only 1. Authoritie of Scripture 1. SAMUEL 7.3 Prepare your heartes vnto the Lord and serue Him onlie Note then That all religious service is proper to God onelie as His prerogatiue Royall and due to no â—reature Rom. 7.6 But now wee are d livered from the Law that being dead wherein we were held that wee should serue Him in newnesse of spirit Note heere That our whole worship of God and duâ—tie to Hâ—m is called Service or a Religious Dulia due onelie to the holie Trinitie Coloss 2.18 Let no man beguile you of your rewarde in a voluntarie humilitie and worshipping of Angels intruding in those thinges which hee hath not seene vaynlie puft vp with his fleshlie mynde Note then That anie worshipping of Angels is expresselie forbidden as an idolatrous practize able to depryue vs of our rewarde of eternall lyfe and where-of there is neyther example to be seene in the godlie nor warrand in God's worde but which is a doctrine proceeding from a vayne and puft vp fleshlie mynde that thinketh everie thing good in God's worship that it selfe devyseth having a show of wisedome and humilitie Revel 22.8 And I Iohn saw these thinges and heard them and when I had heard and seene I fell downe to worship before the feete of the Angell which shewed mee these things Vers 9. Then sayeth hee vnto mee Doe it not for I am thy fellow-servant and of thy Brethren the Prophets and of them which keepe the sayinges of this Booke Worship God Note then That the Angell refuseth all religious service and worship because such is not due to bee given by one servant to another but by all the fellow-servantes to their common Master to whom therefore the Angell directeth it saying VVorship GOD. 2. Witnessing of Antiquitie WEE honour the Saincts with Loue but not with Service sayeth Aug. de vera relig c. 55. therfore he truely keepes the truth who worshippeth not the creature but the Creator sayeth Cyrillus and serveth Him onlie Cyrill Alex. lib. 1. 2. Thess c. 1. lib. 2. c. 1. 3. Confession of Partie MAnie Christians sayeth L. Vives worship no otherwise the hee and shee Saincts than they doe Goâ— himselfe neither see I sayth he in manie things what difference there is betweene their opinion of the Saincts that which the verie Heathen had of their gods Vives iâ—… August de civit Dei liâ— 8. c. vlt. §. 6. That no religious worsâ—ip is dâ—â— to the Virgine Marie which the Papistes call Hyperdulâ—a 1. Authoritie of Scâ—ipture IErem 44.17 But wee will doe certaynlie what-so-ever goeth foorth of our owne mouth to burne Incense to the Queene of Heaven and to poâ—re out drinke offeringes to her as wee haue done wee and our Fathers c. For then wee had plentie of Victuals and were well and saw no evill Remarke then If this oâ—de idolatrous fashion bee not the verie alyke as the practize of Poperie and their prâ—tence now who contâ—â—rie to God's worde will worship the Vâ—rgâ—ne Mâ—â—ie as Queene of Hâ—avâ—n and make offeringes to her beâ—ause heir fore-fathers â—nd so and that then it was a good worlde wâ—th them and therefore are guiltie of alyke Idolatrie Matth. 2.11 And when they were come into the house they saw the Chylde with Marie his Mother and fell downe and worshipped him Note then That no word is that those wise men worshipped her lykewyse being moved by the Spirit of God to doe what they did and by the same Spirit to omit what they omitted 2. Witnessing of Antiquitie IF God will haue the Angels not to bee worshipped how much lesse her that was borne of Anna c. And againe Al-bee-it the tree bee pleasant to the fight sayâ—h the same Epiphanius yet it is not for meat and al-be-it Marie be most faire and pleasant and holie and honoured yet not to bee worshipped therefore let her bee had in honour but let the Lord onlie be worshipped Epiph. lib. 3. heres 79. 3. Confession of Partie IT is come to that sayeth Cassander that Chrâ—st now reigâ—ing in heaven is made subject to the Virgine Marie as it is sung in some Churches O happie Mother who expiateth our sinnes by the authoritie of a Mother command thy Sonne Cassand consult art 21. CHAP. V. OF IMAGES §. 1. That it is not lawfull to represent GOD by anie Image as the Papists doe by the image of an olde man 1. Authoritie of Scripture EXod 20.4 Thou shalt not make to thy selfe anie graveÌ„ image nor the lykenesse of anie thing that is in Heaven aboue nor in the earth beneath nor in the waters vnder the earth Note then That whâ—n they make God lyke an olde man they liken Him to that which is in the earth beneath against God's Commandement Deut. 4.15.16 Take therefore good heede to your selues for yee saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake to you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire Lest yee should corrupt your selues and make you a graven Image the similitude of anie figure the lykenesse of a male or female Loe then how carefull the Lord was for preventing this error Isai 40.18 To whom will yee liken GOD or what likenesse will yee compare vnto Him The Papist would answere We will liken Him to an Olde Man Rom. 1.23 And they changed the glorie of the incorruptible GOD into the similitude of a corruptible man Râ—mâ— kâ— then how the Olde Idolaters â—nd the newe Romanists jumpe heere in one 2. Witnessing of Antiquitie IT is not to bee passed by saith Origen that the Apostles speach not onlie rebuketh them who worship Idoles but that they aâ—e to bee accounted amongst the Heretiâ—kes â—alled Anthropomorphiâ—a who â—etting vp in the Church the bodilie image of a man calleth that the image of God Origâ—n in Rom. 1.23 yea it is extreame follie and wiâ—kednâ—sse sayeth
A COMPEND Of the Controversies of RELIGION Wherin TRUETH is confirmed and Errour convinced By Authoritie of Scripture Witnessing of Antiquitie and Confession of Partie Most necessarie for all in this Backe-slyding Age. By W. G. Minister of God's Word Hieron lib. 1. adv Pelag. Non enim de Adversario victoriam sed contra mendacium quarimus veritatem ABERDENE Printed by Edward Raban 1627. TO THE RIGHT NOBLE MOST worthie of all Honour and truelie Religious The Countesse of EINZIE Ladie GORDON c. MADAME THE sedulitie of the emissaries of that Apostaticke Church of Rome who like the Pharisees of olde did compasse Sea and Land to make a proselyte to them-selues should teach vs who are Teachers of the Trueth to bee ashamed to bee lesse â—…iligent in a better Cause and for a better Master These are busilie dispersing their Manuels and sowing their Pople and Tares lyke that wicked Adversarie secretlie in the LORD'S Field to draw men from the Trueth and why then should no wee bee busie by Voyce and Writ also in sowing the good Seed of thâ—… Word to keepe Men with the Trueth This hath moved mee to pen thiâ—… COMPEND OF CONTROVERSIES which the simplest may vnderstand clearly the busiest-employeâ—… may peruse frequentlie and the weakest memorie may retaine easilie for it is not vnknowne to anie how our greater Bookes of Controversies penned by their graue and godlie Authors are neglected for the most part and thought a tedious Taske once to reade over but as for this each onâ—… who hath but the least care to know or byde by the Trueth may count iâ—… but an easie exercise there-by to recreate them-selues at anie occasionaâ—… vacancie And therefore I haue here in put GOD'S Sword chiefelie iâ—… Man's hand to maintaine GOD'S Cause and contented with the most selected places onlie in each head of Doctrine which for the solide securing of the Conscience in the knowledge of the Trueth and powerfull convincing of seducing Errour as the Gleanings of Ephraim were better than the Vintage of Abiezer so are these few smooth Stones taken out of the Brooke of the Booke of GOD more fit for the little Davids of the LORD'S People to sling against the fore-head of bragging and blaspemous Errour than Saul's vnwealdie Armour or the wearisome weight of cunning forged reasons and hudge heape of humane testimonies And yet lest that Antiquitie where-of Babel's brood causeleslie braggeth should seeme al-together eyther neglected by vs or not to make for vs I haue joyned some testimonies of Fathers that are clearest for vnderstanding shortest for memorie most punctuall for convincing and a few of manie to avoyde tediousnesse Where-vnto is at last added for the full triumph of Trueth the cleare Confession of our Adversare Partie that so out of his owne mouth the wicked servant may bee condemned and it may be seene what is the force of prevailing Trueth even our Enemies being Iudges And so in summe that there is no point of Papall doctrine but that First it is against Scripture Secondlie contrarie to the fayth of the primitiue Church and Last taught and acknowledged with vs by the Doctors in the Romane Church it selfe farre other-wyse than the Iesuits now anie-where professe such is their bragging of Vnitie or rather the confusion of the speach of those builders of Babell Which paines of mine heere-in for the profit of others I haue huÌ„bly dedicated to your religious honour whome all the godlie who knoweth you as a Patterne of zeale and constancie affecteth dearlie praysetb truelie admireth justlie honoureth deservedlie prayeth for earnestlie and thanketh the LORD for his rare Graces bestowed vpon you vnfeignedlie to the great good of his Church and your eternall glorie Where-with also mine heartliest apprecations shal joyntlie concurre that the bountifull hand of that good GOD whome in the zeale of His Trueth ye haue constantlie followed may beape vpon your honour your most noble and heroicke Husband and that happie off-spring of those hopefull Oliue Plants which the Lord hath giveÌ„ vnto you all the blessings what-so-ever that either Heaven can afford or mortalitie may bee capable of Your Honours most humblie devoted WILLIAM GVILD TO THE READER COurteous Reader for shortnesse sake and thine ease I haue of manie places of Scripture adduced these onlie that are most plaine pithie and pertinent and succinctlie so touched the same that I haue left to thy judicious attention the further pondering of the same and that out of them thou may see that Fayth as Sainct Iude sayth which was once delivered to the Saincts and which we should earnestlie contend for as also as Tertullian sayth prescrip adv haeret c. 32. That the doctrine of the Adversaries beeing compared with the Apostolicke by the diversitie and contrarietie of it there-vnto doeth pronounce that it hath for its Author neither an Apostle nor anie apostolicall man VVhich for a short instance their doctrine concerning the Word prohibiting people the vse or knowledge of Scripture contrarie to Col. 3.16 and concerning the Sacrament their depriving them of the Cup contrarie to 1. Cor. 11.28 and concerning publicke Service and Prayers â—…heir having the same in an vnknowne tongue contrarie to 1. Cor. 14. against all subterfuges doth most clearlie evince As for the Testimonies of Fathers keeping the nature of a Compend I haue â—…yke-wyse alleadged of a number a few of the fittest where-as as Augustine sayde to the Pelagians lib. 2. de nupt concupisc c. 29. If I would haue collected all it would haue beene too long a worke and I would seeme perhaps to â—…aue had lesse confidence in the Canoâ—…icke Authorities oâ— to haue equallie matâ—…hed that which is ad pugnam or victorie â—…nd that which is fittest ad pompam or â—…iumph together And last of all I haue brought our Adverâ—…ries owne Confessions and so as is said â—…ai 19.2 I haue set the Egyptian aâ—…inst the Egyptian that by their owne grand â—…hampion Bellarmine the true verdict â—…ay passe on their Religion who sayth That 〈…〉 is a most sure note of false doctrine â—…at hereticall Authors agree not amoÌ„gst â—…em-selues Bell. lib. 4. de Eccles c. â—…0 § adde In all which I haue had that care of agreeâ—…ent of each Text Testimonie with their Originall that I dare appeale the knowledge and conscience of the most malicious Gaine-sayer of the Trueth there-of and for facilitating thy paines I haue by a diverse Letter from the rest pointed at those words where-in as Sampson's strength lay in his hayre the force of each testimonie consisteth Ayming singlie the Lord knoweth that as Ierome sayd to the Pelagians the Trueth may onlie triumph and Veritie may haue victorie And beseeching God so to blesse thy perusall heereof to His glorie thy good that His grace may bee found effectuall to thy conversion if thou bee contrarie mynded or to thy further establishing and confirmation if thou be alreadie a Chylde of the Trueth Thine in CHRIST IESUS W. Guild A COMPEND OF THE
Controversies of Religion CHAP. I. OF SCRIPTVRE 〈…〉 I. That the Apocrypha are not Canonicke Scripture or of Divine authoritie to confirme points of fayth 1. Authoritie of Scripture LVKE 24.27 And beginning at Moses all the Prophets hee expounded vnto them in al the Scriptures the â—…inges concerning himselfe Notâ— then That our Saviour compreâ—…ndeth all the Scripture of the olde Teâ—…ment in Moses and the Prophets of â—…hom Malachi was the last as 2. Esdras 40. is cleare and therefore Esdras â—…o maketh mention of him as last and the rest of the Apocrypha books that â—…re written after him are no part of â—…ine Scripture Act. 26.22 Having then obtained helpe of GOD I continue tâ—… this day witnessing both to smaâ—… and great saying none otheâ—… things than those which Moses anâ—… the Prophets did say should comâ—… Marke then that Paul also comprâ—…hendeth all divine Scripture in the wrâ—… of Moses and the Prophets allanerlie 〈…〉 alleadged none other thing for confirmâ—…tion of his Doctrine but the foresayâ—… Scripture and therefore did not aâ—…knowledge any other apocryphal booâ—… to bee of divine authoritie or fit fâ—… that purpose Rom. 3.2 Vnto them to wâ—… the Iewes were committâ—… the Oracles of GOD. Note theâ—… That seeing the Apocrypha books wâ—… not committed to them nor everâ—…knowledged by them as divine inspyâ—… Scripture as the Papistes themseluâ—… confesse Bellar. lib. 1. de Purg. cap. 〈…〉 § ad primum Therefore it followeâ—… that they are not the Oracles of Goâ—… nor of divine authoritie 2. Tim. 3.16 All Scriptuâ—… is given by divine inspiration Note then That the abridgement 〈…〉 lie of another mans worke and an huâ—…ane Historie done by great paynes â—…uch as the Apocrypha bookes of the â—…achabees are coÌ„fessed to be 2. Machab. 〈…〉 23. is no part therefore of canonicke â—…cripture Againe 2. Pet. 1. 21. For â—…he prophecie came not in olde tyme â—…y the will of man but the holie â—…en of God spake as they were moâ—…ed by the holy Ghost Remarke then againe That Scripture was no private taske vndertaken by the â—…ill of man as the Apocryphall booke of â—…he Machabees is formerlie acknowledâ—…ed And againe seeing that the holie â—…pirit spake by them therefore it followeth that that Booke cannot be of the â—…pirits inspiration wherein the Author â—…howeth if hee hath done slenderlie and â—…eanlie it is all he could attaine vnto as 〈…〉 Machab. 15.38 hee freelie confesâ—…th for this were blasphemouslie deroâ—…atorie to the holie Ghost and to the auâ—…oritie of holie Scripture And no lesse derogatorie is that place â—…f Ecclesiasticus 31.21 against both the â—…odestie of the holie Ghost and gravitie â—…f Scripture which sayeth to him that â—…ath eaten immoderatelie If thou hast â—…ene forced to eate goe foorth and spew it out and thou shalt haue rest there-after I omit sundrie contradictions Trueth where-of the Spirit of Trâ—… could not bee Author as Tobit 5. 〈…〉 where the good Angell is made to 〈…〉 which is onlie proper to Satan and 〈…〉 evill angels and against Heb. 1.14 tâ—… hee sayeth that hee was of a carnall pâ—… creation whose nature are onelie to 〈…〉 created spirits 2. Witnessing of Antiquitie THE Church indeede readeth thâ—… Bookes sayeth sainct Ierome 〈…〉 receiveth them not amongst Canonâ—… Scripture Ierom. praef in Proverb Whâ—… remarke that Ierome setteth not doâ—… there his owne private opinion but generall tenet of the whole Church in time And therfore his testimonie acâ—…ding to Cardinall Peron's wordes inâ—… Epistle Observatione quinta is a sâ—…cient evidence of the fayth of the Caâ—…licke Church at that time where 〈…〉 sayeth that when the Fathers speakeâ—… as private Doctors but as witnesseâ—… those thinges which the Church did 〈…〉 believed in their time affirming that sâ—… a thing was the Fayth or practise of 〈…〉 who le Church then their testimonâ—… sufficient to declare the vnanim comâ—… of the whole Church In like manâ—… also with Ierome doeth sainct Gregâ—… acknowledge them not Canonicall Greg. 〈…〉 9. Moral in Iob cap. 17. Nor doeth 〈…〉 ancient Councell of Laodicea Can. 〈…〉 account them anie wayes as such 3. Confession of Partie â—…Nd because they are doubtsome they 〈…〉 are not numbered in the Canon of â—…pture sayeth Cardinall Hugo de S. â—…ro in his Prologue on Iosua The â—…e likewise sayeth Cajetan and Hugo S. Victore 〈…〉 That the Scripture contayneth all things which are necessarie to salvation to know without Popish Traditions 1. Authoritie of Scripture â—…SALME 19.7 The Law of 〈…〉 the LORD is perfect converâ—… the Soule The Testimonie of 〈…〉 LORD is sure making wise the â—…ple â—…ote then That Gods worde is called â—…ect and Sure as sainct Peter also calâ—… it 2. Pet. 1.19 in opposition to â—…ecessitie and nature of Traditions â—…ch are both needlesse and vnsure â—…h 15.9 2. Thess 2.2 Proverb 30.6 Adde thou not to his word lest hee reprouâ—… thee and thou bee found a liar Note then That they are pronounceâ—… liars who accuse Gods worde of impeâ—…fection and therefore would adde theâ—… vnto vnwritten Traditions in matters 〈…〉 salvation 2. Tim. 3.15.16.17 Anâ—… that from a child thou hast knownâ—… the Scriptures which are able tâ—… make thee wise vnto salvatioâ—… through fayth which is in Chriâ—… Iesus Note then If the Scriptures alone bâ—… able to make vs wise vnto salvatioâ—… which is all we neede wherefore serâ—… Traditions Againe vers 16.17 Aâ—… Scripture is given by inspiration 〈…〉 God and is profitable for doctrinâ—… reproofe correction and instructiâ—… in righteousnesse that the man 〈…〉 God may bee perfect througâ—… lie furnished vnto all gooâ—… works Note then This is all that we can seekâ—… what needeth therefore Traditions Iam. 1.21 Receiue with meeknesse the ingrafted word which is able to saue your Soules Note then That it alone is able to doe all that which wee can require So Act. 20.32 it is sayde to bee able to build vs vp by grace heere and to bring vs to the inheâ—…itance of glorie heereafter and further we cannot wish for Gal. 3.15 Brethren I speake to you after the manner of men tho â—…t be but a mans testament yet if it â—…ee confirmed no man disannulleth nor addeth thereto Note then That it is farre greater impietie to adde to Christs owne Testament confirmed by His Blood The examples also of the Apostles â—…roue this for as for doctrine of Sainct Paul it is written thus Act. 28.23 That when they had appointed him a day â—…here came many to his lodging to whom hee â—…xpounded and testified the Kingdome of GOD perswading them concerning IESVS â—…oth out of the Law of Moses and out of the Prophets And Act. 26.22 Saying â—…one other things than those things which â—…he Prophets and Moses did say should come As hee then teached nothing but that which was contained in Scripture before him so neither should Pastors now teach but what is contained in Scripture before them Therefore Gal. 1.8 Hâ—e is accursed altho an Angell that teacheth beside that And in disputing it is
sayde Act. 17.2 And Paul as his manner was went in vnto them and three Sabbath dâ—yes reasoned with them out oâ—… the Scriptures No word of Tradition See Apollo's lyke practise Act. 18.28 just conforme heereto In lyke manner for believing Act. 24.14 This I confesse sayeth Paul that after the way which they call Heresie so worship I the GOD of my Fathers believing all thinges which are written in the Law and Prophets No word then of vnwritten Traditions which he made a ground of his Fayth So Act. 17.11 The Bereans searched the Scriptures daylie whether these things were so to wit as Paul taught therefore manie believed Note then That it was not for anie warrand of traditions that they believed but vpon warrand of Scripture onlie that they grounded their fayth 2. Witnessing of Antiquiâ—ie THe holie and divine inspired Scriptures are all sufficient sayeth Athanasius for the full instruction of trueth Athan. lib. contra Gentes Whence also sayeth Tertullian Take from Heretickes wherein they agree with Heathens that by Scripture onelie they may debate their questions and they cannot stand Tertull lib. de resurr carn cap. 3. 3. Confession of Partie ALL Doctrines of Fayth and Manners sayeth Bellarmine which is simplie necessarie for all men are plainlie set downe in Scripture Bell. lib. 4. de verbo cap. 11. § vltimo §. 3. That the Scripture is plaine in all thinges necessarie for salvation to know altho in all places generallie it be not alyke perspicuous 1. Authoritie of Scripture PSalme 19.8 The Commandement of the Lord is pure enlightening the eyes Psal 119.105 Thy word is a lampe vnto my feet and a light vnto my path Vers 130. The entrance of thy word giveth light and it giveth vnderstanding even vnto the simple Note then If that the verie entrance giveth light and vnderstanding to the simple then what doeth a daylie progresse And if the simple get vnderstanding thereby how can it bee so obscure that the learned onelie should reade the same allanerlie 2. Tim. 3.15 From a child thou hast knowne the Scripture Note If children then may attaine to the knowledge of Scripture then it is not so obscure that those of perfect age cannot know the same 2. Pet. 1.19 We haue also a more sure word of Prophecie whereto ye doe well in taking heed as to a light that shineth in a darke place c. Note then That as a shyning light can not bee called darke it selfe which illuminateth darke places so neyther can Gods worde which illuminateth our darke vnderstandinges 2. Cor. 4.3 But if our Gospell be hid it is to them that are lost in whom the god of this worlde hath blynded their myndes that belieue not c. Note then That it is not the fault of Scripture that it is hid to anie more than it is the fault of the cleare Sunne that a blinde man seeth it not 2. Witnessing of Antiquitie IN those places which are clearlie set downe in Scripture sayeth Augustine all those thinges are to bee found which contayne both Fayth and Manners Aug. lib. 2. de doct Christiana cap. 9. Which Chrysostome lykewyse avoweth saying no lesse Homil. 3. in 2. ad Thess 3. Confession of Partie BEllarmine affirmeth that all doctrines of Fayth and Manners which are simplie necessarie for all men are plainlie set downe in Scripture Bell. lib. 4. de verbo c. 11. § vltimo §. 4. That the Scripture is to bee read by the People and therefore that the same for that ende should be translated in their vulgar language 1. Authoritie of Scripture DEuter 6.6.7 And these thinges which I command thee this day shall bee in thine heart and thou shalt teach them diligentlie to thy Children and shalt talke of them when thou sittest in thine house and when thou walkest by the way and when thou lyest downe and when thou rysest vp c. Deuter. 29.29 The secret thinges belong to the Lord our God but these thinges which are revealed belong to vs and to our children for over that we may doe all the words of this Law Note then That the People are bound to know Gods worde because they are bound to obey Gods word See in lyke manner Deut. 17.18.19 c. the booke of the Law commanded to bee read by the King for the same ende that hee may learne to obey the same As also Ioshua 1.8 by the Iudge of the people And last of all by all sort of people as is cleare Deut. 6.6.7.9 And by this subsequent testimonie to wit Iohn 5.39 Search the Scriptures for in them yee thinke to haue eternall lyfe and they are these that testifie of mee Those of Baerea therefore Act. 17.11 They searched the Scriptures daylie whether those things were so teaching all people to follow their example Ephes 6.17 Take the sword of the spirit which is the word of GOD. Note then That all Christians whatsoever because all are spirituall warriours are bidden arme themselues with the Scripture so that who forbids them the knowledge thereof they make them naked before their spirituall enemie Col. 3.16 Let the word dwell in you plenteouslie that thereby yee may teach one another and be ye filled with Knowledge Col. 1.9 Note then That this is farre from popish ignorance and their forbidding the people to reade the Word of GOD for â—…o how can it dwell in them plenteouslie and they bee filled with the knowledge thereof 2. Witnessing of Antiquitie CHrysostome speaking thus of the forbidding thereof It is sayeth hee the working of the inspiration of the Divell not suffering to looke in the treasure lest wee should attaine to the ritches thereof What a Pest then is it to thinke that the reading of the Scriptures belongeth only to Clergie men Chrys hom 2. in Matth. Whence hee sayeth then I beseech you all that are seculare men to get Bibles to your selues the medicine of the soule and if ye will not get more get the New Testament Chrys hom 9. ad Coloss Heere-vnto witnesseth also Theodoret. lib. 5. de curand graec affect 3. Confession of Partie IT is manifest sayth Bishop Espenseus by the Apostles doctrine Col. 3.16 and by the practise of the Church that of olde the publicke vse of scripture was permitted to people And so sayth Alphonsus de castro verbo scriptura §. 5. That the Scripture is the perfect rule of Fayth and Manners and the infallible supreame Iudge in controversies of Religion 1. Authoritie of Scripture ISai. 8.20 To the Law and to the Testimonie if they speake not according to this word it is because there is no light in them Note then That in Gods worde is the last supreame and onlie infallible decision to bee had concerning eyther Fayth or Manners and therefore the sentence of all men whatsoever is to bee tryed â—…hereby and reduced therevnto The Bareans therefore Act. 17.11 searched the Scriptures whether those things were so that Paul taught vnto them altho an Apostle and famous for manie miracles also Deut.
12.8.32 And yee shall not doe everie man what is right in his owne eyes but whatsoever I command you obserue to doe it Thou shalt not adde thereto nor diminish from it Ezek. 20.18.19 But I sayd vnto their Children in the Wildernesse Walke yee not in the statutes of your Fathers neither obserue their judgementes nor defile your selues with their Idols I am the Lord your God walke in my statutes and keepe my judgements to doe them Note then That mens traditions nor ancient custome is not the rule of faith nor manners but onlie the Lords Word Mark 7.7.8 In vaine doe they worship mee teaching for doctrines the traditions of men For laying aside the Commandement of God yee holde the traditions of men Matth. 22.29 Therefore doe yee erre not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God Note then that Scripture is the entire rule of trueth the ignorance whereof is the cause of errour amongst the seduced people 2. Witnessing of Antiquitie THis cause sayth Augustine requireth a judge and who shal be judge let the Apostle bee iudge because by the Apostle Christ speaketh Aug. de gratia lib. arb cap. 18. Let vs stand therefore to the iudgement of the holie inspyred scriptures sayth Basill which God hath set over vs. Epist 80. ad Eustathium 3. Confession of Partie BAsill sayeth Bellarmine willeth that both parties stand to the judgement of Scripture which none can reiect §. 6. That the Scripture is not a dumbe Iudge but that GOD by it speaketh to His Church 1. Authoritie of Scripture IOhn 5.39 Search the Scriptures for in them yee thinke to haue eternall life and these are they that testifie of mee Note then That in the same sense that Christ calleth the Scripture a witnesse it may bee called a judg and in the same manner to pronounce judgement in controversies as it beareth witnesse Seeing then a witnesse must haue speach else hee can bee no witnesse in that the Scripture then is saide to beare witnesse it followeth also that the Scripture after a sort speaketh Iohn 7.42 Hath not the Scripture sayde that Christ commeth of the seed of David c. Loe speach expresly attributed to Scripâ—…ure Againe Heb. 12.5 And yee haue forgotten the exhortation that speaketh to you as vnto Children c. In lyke manner Luke 16.29 Abraham saith vnto him They haue Moses the Prophets let them heare them Ergo It implyeth that their writs doe â—…n a manner speake seeing that wee are â—…idden hâ—are them Heb. 11.4 By faith Abell offered vnto God a more excellent sacrifice than Kain by which he obtained witnes that he was righteous God testifying of his gifts and by it hee being dead yet speaketh If Abell then being dead is saide yeâ—… to speake by that record of his fayth which is set downe in Scripture eveâ—… so may the Prophets and Apostleâ—… beeing dead bee saide lykewise yet to speake by these records of their doctrine of fayth which is set downe in Scripture and which is the Christian foundation whereon the Church is built Ephes 2.20 2. Witnessing of Antiquitie GOD himselfe speaketh to vs by the Scripture sayeth Cyrillus Alex. lib. 11. in Iohn c. 21. And even Christ himselfe this verie day is crying vnto vs in his Gospels sayth Chrysostom homil in Psal 95. 3. Consent of Partie THE Scripture therefore sayeth Bellarmine both by wordes and similitudes everie where cryeth that a sinner in no sort can dispose himselfe to receiue grace Bell. lib. 6. de lib. arb c. 5. § huc denique CHAP. II. OF THE CHVRCH §. 1. That the estate of the true Church is not ever visible to all men and chieflie to the enemies thereof 1. Authoritie of Scripture I. KIngs 19.10 And Eliah sayde I haue bene very zealous for the LORD of Hoasts for the children of Israel haue forsaken thy covenant throwne downe thine Altars and slaine thy Prophets and I onlie am left and they seeke my life I aske Where was then a visible companie of true and publicke worshippers at this time in Israel And that the like estate of true professours was at one time both in Israel and Iudah is evident out of 2. Chron. 15. 8. and 1. King 15.9 the whole Kingdome of Iudah beeing idolatrous in Abiiam's latter reigne and at the same tyme whole Israel being idolatrous vnder Ieroboam Againe 2. Chron. 28.24 it is recorded how at once both Iudah was altogether idolatrous vnder King Ahaz and the Lords publicke worship vtterlie was abrogated and at the same tyme Israel was even so vnder their Kinges Pekah and Hoshea Of this tyme it is sayde in Historie 2 King 17.16 And Israel left all the Commandementes of the Lord their God and made them molten Images even two calues and made a groue and worshipped all the hoste of Heaven and served Baal Vers 18. So there was none left but the tribe of Iudah onlie and Iudah kept not the Commandementes of the Lord their God but walked also in the statutes of Israel which they made And so the Lord reiected all the seede of Israel and afflicted them c. And of this tyme also it is sayde in prophecie by Ieremie Ier. 5.11 For the house of Israel and the house of Iudah haue dealt verie treacherouslie against mee sayeth the Lord. And by Ezechiel 23.13 it is sayde that these two sisters in their spirituall whoredomes tooke both one way Note then When both this people which onelie were then counted Gods Church made defection with their Kings â—…n common to the publicke practise of â—…dolatrie onlie and abrogated the publicke worship of the true God alluterlie where was then the face of a visible companie of true professours having a pubâ—…icke worship Therefore Zeph. 3.12 the Lord sayeth of his true Church Then I will leaue in the midst of thee an afflicted and poore people that shall trust in the Name of the Lord. Which is farre from an outward pompous and a glorious visibilitie to all Marke 14.27 And Iesus saide vnto them All yee shal be offended because of mee this Night for it is written I will smyte the Shepheard and the Sheepe shall bee scattered I aske then when this was done Where was a visible companie to all of true professours to be pointed at Revel 12.14 And to the Woman were given two Winges of a great Eagle that shee might flie into the Wildernesse vnto her place vvhere shee is nowrished for a time and times and halfe a time from the face of the Serpent This womâ—… the Romanists themselues as Lyra andâ—…thers interprete to be the true Churcâ—… lurking vnder persecution as Elias dâ—… three yeares and an halfe in the Wâ—…dernesse where hee was miraculousâ—… fed I aske then at this same time shee could lurke vnder persecution aâ—… yet bee gloriouslie and conspicuousâ—… visible to all Or Rev. 13.3 When the time of Antichrists prevailiâ—g the Earth shall follow the Beast whâ—… shall such visibilitie be Even no wheâ—… as the Rhemists on the 2.
that Nestorius Macedonius arch-hereticks succeeded to S. Andrew the Apostle in the Church of Constantinople called before Byzantium Niceph. lib. 8. chronol cap. 6. 3. Confession of Partie THat almost all Arch-hereticks were eyther Bishops or Priestes sayeth Belarmine Lib. 1. de Pont. Cap. 8. § 4. §. 5. That the Iewish Church pretended nâ—… lesse infallibilitie than the Romane doeth and had farre greater and more particular promises and yeâ—… erred 1. Authoritie of Scripture AS for the pretence wee see it seâ—… downe Ierem. 18.18 in these wordes Come let vs devise devices against Ieremie for the Law shall not perish from the Priest nor Counsell from the Wise nor the â—…ord from the Prophet And thereâ—…re from the lyke words in Malachie 2. 〈…〉 which the Papists would haue thus The Priests lips shall preserue knowledge and they shall seeke the Law â—…t his mouth they gather the High â—…riests infallibilitie vnder the Law ex â—…acto and conclude the Popes infallibiâ—…tie vnder the Gospell ex aequo alleadâ—…ing to the same purpose that of Deuterâ—…omie 7.10 In lyke manner As for Promises it is saide Psal â—…32 14 The Lord hath chosen Sion for an habitation and hath said This is my rest for ever And againe Isai 33.20 Looke vpon Sion the citie of our solemnities â—…hine eyes shall beholde Ierusalem 〈…〉 quyet habitation a Tabernacle that shall not bee taken downe not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed neither shall anie of the cords â—…hereof bee broken Note then And aske where ever anie such promises are made vnto Rome but in the contrarie a fearfull destruction foâ—… her grosse idolatrie is clearlie fore-told Revelation 18. And last of all for praises it is said of Ierusalem and Gods Church there Psal 87.3 Glorious things are spoken of thee O Citie of God But of Rome the most glorious thing that is spokeâ—… of her is That shee should bee a gloriouâ—… Harlot Revel 17.4.18 And Thessalonieâ—… equalleth her in that which the Apostle spake of the faythfull onelie of his tymâ—… in her and where-of the Papists so much glorie which by collation inspection of the places is moste cleare and evident Rom. 1.8 2. Thes 1.4 §. 6. That the VVord of GOD purelie preached vnder which the due administration of the Sacraments is comprehended is the onely cleare and truest note of a true Church 1. Authoritie of Scripture DEut. 4.8 And vvhat Nation is there so great that hath statutes and judgements so righteous as all this Law vvhich I set before you this day Psal 147.19 He sheweth His Word to Iacob His statutes and His judgements to Israel Hee hath not dealt so with anie Nation c. Wee see then that Gods people was ever differenced from all other nations and knowne by his word and ordinances to bee his peculiar Church Iohn 10.27 My Sheepe heare my voyce and I know them and they follow Mee Note then Where Christs voyce soundeth and is believed and obeyed there is his Church Iohn 8.31 If yee continue in My Word then are yee My Disciples indeede Act. 2.42 And they continued stedfastlie in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers Note then That continuance in Christs trueth and apostolicke doctrine with the holie exercise of prayer and participation of Sacraments is a cleare note to know a true Church 1. Tim. 3.15 Which is the Church of the living God the Pillar and ground of trueth The meaning whereof the Apostle giveth Heb. 3.6 saying Whose house are vvee if vvee keepe fast the confidence and the rejoycing of the hope firme to the ende Note therefore That the Church is so called and knowne to be such by keeping fast and firme the trueth of Gods Word in profession and that confidence and hope that it breedeth in our hearts sure to the ende 2. Witnessing of Antiquitie THe Church consisteth not in Walles but in the trueth of doctrine sayth Ierome so that there is the Church where â—…rue fayth is Hierom in Psal 133. and â—…hey are good Catholicks onelie who â—…ollow the right fayth sayth Augustine lib. de vera religione cap. 5. 3. Confession of Partie THe confession lykewyse of our Adversaries is thus The Church consisteth not in men sayth Lyra in respect of their power or dignitie Ecclesiasticke ☜ or Civill because manie Princes and Popes too haue beene found to haue made defection from the faith Therefore the Church consisteth in those in whome is true knowledge and the confession of faith and the trueth of God Lyra in Matth. cap. 16. §. 7. That multitude is no note of a true Church 1. Authoritie of Scripture 1. KIngs 19.10 And Elias saide I haue beene verie zealous for the LORD of Hoasts for the children of Israel haue forsaken thy covenant cast downe thine Altars and slaine thy Prophets and I even I onlie am left and they seeke my life I aske then If a visible multitude was a note here of the true Church in Israel or the two tribes of Iudah being compared with these ten which of them was the greater multitude or the whole twelue compared with the whole worlde beside which of these were maniest and consequentlie by the note of multitude who was the true Church Isai 1.9 Except the Lord of Hoastes had left to vs a verie small remnant wee should haue beene like Sodome and like vnto Gomorrah Note then That the true professours are called a verie small remnant which is farre from being the greatest multitude of men Ier. 3.14 I vvill take one of a Citie and two of a Familie and bring you to Sion Note then That one of a Citie being the fewest that can bee that the greater multitude is left vncalled to the trueth effectualie Mat. 7.13 Enter in at the strait gate for vvide is the gate and broad is the vvay that leadeth to destruction and manie there bee vvho enter in thereat Note then If few enter in at the strait gate that leadeth to salvation and manie at the wide gate that leadeth to damnation then paucitie should bee rather a note of the true Church than anie wise multitude seeing Rev. 13. the whole World is saide to follow the beast Luke 12.32 Feare not little Flocke for it is your Fathers pleasure to giue to you a Kingdome Note then If Christs Flocke bee little then multitude is no good note to know the same thereby Examples of the paucitie of Gods true Church in the house of Abraham compared with the rest of the world and of the true professours at Christs Passion verefie this point 2. Witnessing of Antiquitie THe multitude of Associates shall no wise show thee to bee a Catholicke but an Hareticke sayeth Ierome dialog contra Pelag. lib. 3. Therefore where are they that define the Church by multitudes sayeth Gregorie Nazienzen and contemneth so the little Flocke of Christ Oratione de seipso contra Arrianos 3. Confession of Partie THat time when the Church seemed to lurke sayeth
that the Bishop of Rome presumpâ—…uouslie vsurpeth Acts 8.14 Now vvhen the Apostles that vvere at Ierusalem â—…eard that Samaria had received â—…he Word of GOD they sent vnto â—…hem Peter and Iohn Note then Peter's submission to his â—…ellow-brethren pleading no exemption â—…r priviledge of supremacie nor impuâ—…ng to them anie saucinesse as the Pope â—…ould doe to other Bishops if they preâ—…med to send him in lyke sort to preach â—…n anie forraigne Countrey Gal. 1.1 Paul an Apostle â—…either of men nor by man Note then That hee disclaimeth the â—…aving of his Apostolicke power anie â—…ayes of Peter as Superiour nor anie â—…ther power as the following words â—…stifie Gal. 2.6.11 They that seemed to bee somewhat in conferencâ—… added nothing to mee buâ—… vvhen Peter vvas come to Antioch I vvithstood him to the faceâ—… Remarke then How farre this fact oâ—… Pauls crosseth the supremacie and if 〈…〉 Bishop would bee well intreated thaâ—… now so publicklie would with-stand thâ—… Pope to his face in lyke manner Verse 9. And vvhen Iameâ—… Cephas and Iohn who seemeâ—… to bee pillars perceived the graâ—… vvhich vvas given to mee they gaâ—… to mee and Barnabas the rigâ—… hand of fellowship Note then That Peter is heere rankeâ—… after Iames and all three are equallâ—… called pillars and receiveth Paul anâ—… Barnabas as companions alway Paâ—… witnessing elsewhere that hee was râ—… inferiour to none of the Apostles 〈…〉 which maketh plainlie against Peter's sâ—…premacie aboue all the rest as their heâ—… in authoritie Remarke then by all the former plâ—…ces First That Christ never gaue anâ—… supremacie of jurisdiction to Peter â—…boue the rest of the Apostles but a-lykâ—… forbad it to all Secondlie That Peter never claymed anie such as both his Scripturall Titles and his actions make cleare And thirdlie That the rest of the Apostles never acknowledged anie such which as well their speaches as their deedes make manifest And so consequentlie That his pretended Successours wrongfullie vsurpe the same And if anie might challenge the largest charge or jurisdiction to bee called Vniversall Bishop it was Paul vnto whom was committed the Gentiles and who sayeth 2. Cor. 11.28 that hee had comming vpon him daylie the care of all the Churches 2. Witnessing of Antiquitie TO this our doctrine against Peter's supremacie over the rest of the Apostles Antiquitie thus witnesseth The rest of the Apostles sayeth Cyprian were the selfe-same that Peter was endewed with a-lyke fellowship both of honour and power lib. de vnit Eccles 3. Confession of Partie CHRIST would not haue the rest of the Apostles subject to Peter sayth Caietan but all a-lyke as Brethren comment p. 278. cited in judice errarum Cajetani a Catharin◠§. 2. That the Pope is not the Head or husband and foundation of the Church as the Papists holde Bellarm. lib. 2. de pontif cap. 31. and therefore that all men are not bound to bee subject to him 1. Authoritie of Scripture EPhes 5.23 For the Husband is the Head of the Wife even as Christ is the Head of the Church and is the Saviour of the Bodie Note then That as an Husband will bee onlie Head and haue no substitute in his place with his wife vnder him no more will Christ who is a jealous God haue anie other Head or Husband over His Church vnder Himselfe Note also That hee that is the head of his Church is the saviour of the bodie which seeing the Pope dare not take vpon him neither should he the stile of head that doth import the same Eph. 4.4 There is but one bodie Therefore but one head Where note That the Church is not a perfect bodie having an head of its own beside Christ but Christ and His Church maketh vp a perfect bodie Hee beeing the onelie Head and the Church His Members 2. Cor. 11.2 For I haue espoused you to one Husband that I may present you as a chaste Virgine to Christ. Note That hee sayeth to one and not to two for so the Church should not bee thought a chaste spouse to Christ onelie Iohn 3. 29. Hee that hath the Bryde is the Brydegrome but the friend of the Brydegrome who standeth and hâ—areth him rejoyceth with â—…oy for the voyce of the Brydegrome Note That Iohn maketh one onelie Brydegrome as there is one onelie Bryde and that none can bee called Brydegrome but that one who oweth the Bâ—yde hee him-selfe altho the greaâ—…est amongst the sonnes of women and â—…ll others beeing but friendes onelie of â—…he Brydegromes but not having right â—…o the Bryde her-selfe 1. Cor. 3.11 For other Foundation can no man lay beside that which is layde which is CHRIST IESVS Ephes 2.20 Built vpon the foundations of the Apostles Prophets Iesus Christ Himselfe being the chiefe corner stone Note then That anie one can never be called the foundation of the Church but Christ alone and as for others the whole Prophets and Apostles are called so in common in respect of their doctrine and not of their persons and they onlie themselues are so but neither one of them aboue the rest nor yet anie successour 2. Witnessing of Antiquitie TO this our doctrine that the Pope is not the head husband and foundation of the Church testifieth Antiquitie It is Satanicall pryde sayeth Gregorie by an arrogant title of Head to subject so all Christs members to one man which doe coheyre to one onelie head Christ Iesus allanerlie lib. 4. ep 36. where hee showeth also the stile of Vniversall Bishop to bee alyke Satanicallie prowde and altogether Antichristianâ—… which he nor none of his predecessours would ever accept nor vse Adde heerevnto likewise the decree of that famouâ—… Councell of Chalcedon against vniversall supremacie Concil Chalc. Act. 16. Next for the title of Husband if thou bee the friend of the Brydegroome sayeth Bernard Epist 237. call not his beloved spouse thy chiefe one but his challenging nothing as proper to thee over her except it bee that if necessitie so require thou oughtest to giue thy lyfe for her and if Christ haue sent thee thinke that thou art not come to bee served but to serue 3. Confession of Partie ANd last for the stile of Foundation When in holie Scripture sayth Pope Gregorie in the singular number a foundation is spoken of there is none other designed to be such but Christ Himselfe allanerlie in 38. Iob. cap. 9. CHAP. IIII. OF THE CHVRCHES Right Worship §. I. That Prayers and all publicke woâ—ship should bee in a language knowne to the people 1. Authoritie of Scripture 1. COrint 14.7 And even things vvithout life giving sound whether pipe or Harpe except they giue a distinction in the soundes how shall it bee knowne vvhat is piped or harped Verse 9. So likewise you except yee vtter by the tongue vvords easie to bee vnderstood how shall it bee knowne vvhat is spoken for yee shall speake into the Aire Verse 11. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voyce I shall be vnâ—o him that speaketh
Bernard purgeth them whom the only sinne of the first defyled and not that anie man 's owne satisfactions can availe for him-selfe for what is our pennance but that if wee suffer not together wee can-not reigne together Bern. de verbis lib. Iob. in sex 3. Confession of Partie THe sufferings of Christ is of an infinite value and therefore to joyne the satisfactions of the sufferings of the godlie there-vnto is al-together superfluous sayth Durandus Mairones cited by Bellarmine l. 1. de indulg c. 4. § tertia As al-so the verie glosse of the canon Law Dist 1. de penitentia verbis Dic quod c. sayeth that it is neither by contrition of heart nor confession of mouth that sinnes are for-given but onelie by the free grace of God but the contrition of the heart is a signe in-deed that our sinnes are for-given as externall pennance is a signe of the contrition of the heart say they which contrition even free grace preceedeth §. 4. That the Soules of the Godlie after Death goe immediatelie to Glorie and to no mid place of torment 1. Authoritie of Scripture ISai. 57.1 The Righteous is taken away from the evill to come hee shall enter into peace Note then That there is no middle estate nor place spoken of but that immediatelie is subjoyned vnto the righteous man's departure out of this life his present entrie in-to peace and therefore in-to no torment Luke 16.25 And Abraham sayde to him Sonne remember that thou didst receiue good things in thy lyfe-tyme and Lazarus lyke-wyse evill but now hee is comforted and thou art tormented Remarke therefore That wee haue onlie two places mentionate in Scripture whither soules goe immediatelie after death to wit a place of Comfort which is Heaven to the godlie and a place of Torment which is Hell to the Wicked Luke 23.43 And Iesus saide vnto him Verelie I say vnto thee this day thou shalt bee vvith mee in Paradise Loe then immediatlie after death the Heavenlie Paradise is promised to the penitent thiefe and so is it al-so given to all other penitent sinners 2. Cor. 5.1 For vve know that if our earthlie house of this tabernacle vvere dissolved vvee haue a building of God an house not made vvith hands eternall in the Heavens Note then That the Apostle showeth that after this mortall lyfe endeth wee get instantlie a better in the Heavens and this Bellarmine him-selfe in those same words collecteth out of this foresaide place Bell. l. 1. de sanct c. 3. § denique and therefore thus concludeth Wherefore sayeth hee it is good for vs to die soone in this World that wee may quicklie begin to liue in Heaven Verse 8. Wee are confident I say and vvilling rather to bee absent from the bodie and to be present vvith the Lord. Note then That there is no mid estate of the godlie soule departing but as soone as it departeth out of the bodie and is absent there-fra instantlie it entereth in Heaven and is present with the Lord. Phil. 1.23 Having a desire to bee dissolved and to bee with Christ vvhich is farre better VVee see then Vpon the dissolution of the soule from the bodie followeth instantlie the conjunction there-of with Christ Revel 14.13 Blessed are the dead vvhich die in the Lord from hence-foorth now sayeth the Spirit that they may rest from their labours and their vvorkes follow them Remarke then That the godlie instantlie after death become blessed and immediatelie rest and are rewarded in glorie 2. Witnessing of Antiquitie AFter the departure of the soule from the bodie instantlie sayth Iustinus the soules of the godlie are carried to Paradise and the wicked to Hell Heerevnto agreeth also Augustine medit 22. showing that the soule being loosed from the bodie instantlie goeth to Heaven And againe hee sayeth For the soules of the godlie after their separation from the bodie are in rest but the soules of the wicked sayeth hee suffer punishment vntill the bodies of the one ryse to eternall lyfe and of the other vnto eternall death which is called the second And that hee knew no third place hee testifyeth in his fyft Booke of the Hypognostickes about the midst See Augustine l. 13. de civit Dei c. 8. 3. Confession of Partie THe Apostle's reason sayth Bellarmine 2. Cor. 5.1 is excellent to wit this If this mortall lyfe perish wee haue instantlie an-other farre better in the Heavens Bell. lib. 1. de sanctis c. 3. § denique CHAP. XV. OF CERTAINTIE OF Salvation §. I. That the Godlie may bee assured of their Salvation heere 1. Authoritie of Scripture IOb 19.25 For I know that my Redeemer liveth and that hee shall stand at the latter Day vp-on the Earth Note then That Iob assureth him-selfe that Christ is his Redeemer and therefore that hee shall bee saved by Him eternallie Psal 17.15 As for mee I will beholde thy face in righteousnesse I shall bee satisfied with thy likenesse when I awake Note then That wee see the lyke assurance in David of full salvation to soule and bodie after his resurrection 2. Tim. 4.7.8 I haue fought a good fight I haue finished my course I haue kept the faith from hence-foorth is laide vp for mee the Crowne of Righteousnesse and lest such a great Apostle onlie might seeme justlie to haue such confidence hee subjoyneth and not onlie for me but for all them that loue his second appearing And therefore againe al-so he sayeth of all the faythfull Rom. 8.37 For I am assured that neither Death nor Life nor Angels nor Principalities or any other creature shall separate vs from the loue of God Iohn 3.16 For God so loved the World that hee gaue his onelie begotten Sonne that everie one that believeth in him perish not but may haue eternall life Note then That everie one that is a true believer may bee assured according to Christ's owne Word of eternall lyfe as if his Name were specified particularlie for as wee apply the precepts of the Law as spoken to everie one of vs particularlie to doe them why shall wee not in lyke manner the promises of the Gospell to belieue them 1. Iohn 5.13 These thinges haue I written vnto you that belieue in the Name of the Sonne of God that yee may know that yee haue eternall life Remarke then That hee sayeth that all true believers may know and be assured of their salvation and that the Word of God is written and left with vs for this our certification Ephes 1.13 In whom al-so after that yee believed yee were sealed with the holie Spirit of promise which is the earnest of our inheritance Consider therefore That to assure the Godlie of their salvation the Spirit of God is given with the word of promise as a seale to stampe in that perswasion in their soules and as an earnest or arles-pennie to make fast the Bargaine And if anie man haue not the Spirit of GOD the same is not his Rom. 8.9 Rom. 8.16 The Spirit it selfe
in all things it behoved him to bee like vnto his brethren Note then If it behoved him to bee lyke to vs in all things then his bodie must be visible and palpable and contained in one place even as other glorified bodies are Matth. 28.6 Hee is not heere for hee is risen as hee saide Remarke then That according to the Romish doctrine if Christ's bodie may be in manie places invisiblie at once the Angel's reason heere should bee of no force for it might haue beene replyed That altho hee bee risen yet hee might at the same instant haue beene invisibile in the Sepulchre Luke 24.39 Beholde mine hands and feet that it is I my selfe handle mee and see for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as yee see mee haue Note then That after his Resurrection our Saviour's Bodie was visible and palpable his Resurrection adding glorie to his Nature but no-wayes quite abolâ—shing his Nature as the Papists doe who change not onelie Bread in-to his Flesh but his Flesh in-to a Spirit which hath neither flesh nor bones as the Disciples saw Christ's bodie haue Acts 1.11 This same Iesus vvhich is taken vp from you in-to Heaven shall so come in like manner as yee haue seene him goe in-to Heaven Note then That the Angels testifie that as his going vp from men to Heaven was sensible and visible so should his bodilie comming from Heaven backe againe bee sensible and visible which seeing no such comming hath beene hither-to or can bee seene it is evident that his comming downe invisiblie to bee amongst the Priests fingers when he consecrateth the host is a ridiculous phantasie 2. Witnessing of Antiquitie THe Bodie of Christ sayth Theodoret hath its former shape and figure circumscription and as I may briefly say the same essence of a bodie altho after the resurrection it was made immortall mortall and free from corruption Theod. Dialog 2. And in the same Dialogue from the circumsâ—ription there-of hee proveth the visibilitie there-of and by the visibilitie there-of where it is that it is circumscrybed saying that that onlie is invisible which can-not bee circumscrybed In lyke manner Augustine sayeth that it is prophane not to belieue and professe sayth he the sonne of God according to his humanitie to bee corporeall and locall after his resurrection Aug. 4. tom de essentia divinitatis 3. Confession of Partie HAndle mee and see by this sayeth Lyra on Luke 24. hee shew that he had a true bodie and not an imaginarie And on Acts 1.11 hee shall come sayth hee in the same forme and substance of flesh to judge as hee came to be judged for altho he hath received immortalitie hee hath not lost the true nature of humanitie §. 3. That after consecration the Bread and VVine remaineth in substance in the Sacrament of the Eucharist 1. Authoritie of Scripture MAtth. 26.29 But I say vnto you I vvill not drinke hencefoorth of this fruit of the Vine Note then That Christ calleth it expresselie the fruit of the Vine which hee had drunken with his Disciples at his last Supper Verse 26. And as they vvere eating Iesus tooke Bread and blessed it and brake it and gaue it to the Disciples Note then That it was still Bread after distribution for the word it is still relatiue to the bread which Christ tooke and hee sayde This is not this shall bee by transsubstantiation my bodie which is given for you sayeth Luke 22.19 Now all men know that it is not the host of bread that was crucifyed for vs doe this in remembrance of mee Note then That a remembrance is not of a thing present so neither is Christ's Bodie after the Popish manner 1. Cor. 10.16 The cup of Blessing vvhich vvee blesse is it not the communioÌ„ of the blood of Christ The bread vvhich vvee breake is it not the communion of the bodie of Christ Remarke then How the Apostle expoundâ—th Christ's words calling that the communion of Christ's bodie which him-selfe called his bodie Now the communion of a thing is not the thing it selfe for these two are divers 1. Cor. 11. For as oft as yee eate this bread and drinke this cup yee doe shew the Lord's death till hee come Note then That the Apostle calleth that bread which wee eate in the Sacrament and not humane flesh Next that wee show or represent Christ's death in the Sacrament therefore Christ beeing onelie represented there is not there bodilie And thirdlie it is sayde till hee come therefore it clearlie againe followeth that hee is not alreadie there 2. Witnessing of Antiquitie NEither doth the mysticall signes after sanctification depart from their owne nature sayth Theodoret for they remaine still in their owne substance and figure and shape and may be handled and touched as they were before Theod. 2. Dialog Where-vnto consenteth Ambrose in 1. Cor. 11. saying That it is bread where-of all participate to wit according to its naturall substance As also Gelasius in his booke of two natures saying After consecration that yet the substance and nature of bread and wine doe still remaine 3. Confession of Partie POpe Innocent 3. in his fourth booke of the mysteries of the Masse cap. 27. testifyeth that Christ after consecration calleth that which was in the Cup the fruit of the Vine And Bellarmine granteth that it is probable that there is no expresse place of Scripture that evidentlie can inforce transsubstantiation to bee admitted for that it is by these words which they commonlie adduce he sayth the most learned and sharpest witted amongst them as Scotus was hath thought the cleane contrarie Bell. lib. 3. de Euchar. c. 23. § secundo §. 4. That Christ Iesus is not received by the bodilie mouth 1. Authoritie of Scripture IOhn 6.35 I am that bread of life hee that commeth to mee shall never hunger and hee that believeth in mee shall never thirst Note therefore That the way how to eate and drinke of Iesus Christ is to belieue in him Verse 53. Verelie verilie I say vnto you except yee eate the flesh of the Sonne of Man and drink his blood yee haue no life in you But remarke that manie haue gotten lyfe eternall who never did eate Christ with the bodilie mouth by the Papists owne confession as the Thiefe on the Crosse and manie moe others which die after Baptisme Ephes 3.17 Christ dwelleth in your hearts by faith Note then That as his dwelling in vs is such is our receiving of him and that the one and the other both are spirituall by fayth 2. Witnessing of Antiquitie WHerefore preparest thou thy teeth and thy wombe sayth Augustine belieue and thou hast eaten Tract 25. in Iohn And even hither-to hee may be touched but by affection not by the hand by desire not by the eye and by fayth and not by the senses sayeth Bernard serm 28. in Cant. So sayeth Ambrose lyke-wise lib. 6. in Luc. c. 8. And therefore concludeth there-after saying Not vpon the earth then nor in