They teach finally that by good works our sinnes are purged g Petrus a Soto asser cath de bonis oper 12. Article Of good workes Albeit that workes which are the fruits of Faith and follow after justification cannot put away our sinnes and endure the severity of Gods judgement 1 yet are they pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ 2 and do spring out necessarily of a true and louely Faith insomuch that by them a lively Faith 3 may be as evidently knowne as a tree discerned by the fruit The Propositions 1. Good works doe please God 2. No work is good except it spring from Faith 3. Good workes are the outward signes of the inward Beliefe 1. Proposition Good works doe please God The proofe from Gods Word THough God accepteth not man for his works but for his deare Sonnes sake yet that good works after man his justification to please God is a cleare truth every where to be read in the holy Scripture For God hath commanded them to be done a Matâ—h 5.16 Joh. 15.12 Phil. 2.14 c. 1 Thess 4.3 c 2 Tim. 2.19 and requireth righteousnesse not onely outward of the body b Jam. 2. but also inward of the minde c Mat. 5.22.28 Acts 24.16 and hath appointed for the vertuous and godly rewards both in this life d Matth. 5.5 Marke 10.29 30. 1 Tim. 4.8 and in the world to come e Math. 7.21 10. â—â— Luke 14.13 14. Rom. 2.10 and to the wicked punishments spirituall f Esâ— 59.1 2 John 9.32 1 Joh. 3.21 corporall g Deut. 28.15 c. Jer. 5.25 Rom. 13.2 and of body and soule eternall in the pit of hell h Matth. 10.33 Matth. 21.41 c. 1 Cor. 6.9 10. Heb. 12.14 c. 25. Rev. 21.8 And this is beleeved and acknowledged by the Churches i Confes Helv. 2 c. 1.6 Basil ar 8. Bohem. c. 7. Gal. ar 7. Belg. ar 24. August ar 6. 26. Saxon. ar 3.5 6. Wittemb c 7. Suevica c. 4. The errors and adversaries unto this truth This truth is oppugned by adversaries of divers kinds For Some hold that seeing man is justified by Faith hee may live as he listeth as the Libertines Some thinke that to attend upon vertue and to practise good workes is a yoke too heavie and intolerable as the Simonians k Iren. Theo. Some utterly cast off all grace vertue and godlinesse as did the Basilidians l Iren. l. 1. c. 23. the Aetians m Epiph. l. 3. the Circumcellians n Aug. cont Pet. l. 1. c. 14. and doe the Machivilians and Atheists Some permit though not all manner yet some sinnes so allowed was both whoredome and uncleane pollutions by the Carpocratians o Cl. Alex str l. â— Epiphan and Valentinians p Theodor. and is of the Iesuites q Spar. disc p. 13. and Papists r Constit Othonis de 〈◊〉 cub Clâ—r removendis and perjurie in the time of persecution by the Basilidians Å¿ Phila. Irâ—n Helchesaits Eus l. 6. c. 38. Priscillianists August Henricians x D. Bernard sup Can. ser 65. and Family of Love y Display H. 5. b. and violating of promise yea and oathes made unto Heretikes z Concil Const ses 19. Cochlaeus hist Hussi 112. p. 75. as they call them by the Papists Some as the Turkish Priests called Seiti and Cagi take it to be no sin but a work meritorious by lyes swearing yea forswearing to damnifie Christians what they can p Pol. of the Turk Emp. c. 24. Much like unto these are the aequivocating Iesuites in deluding and deceiving Protestant Princes and their Officers by their doubtfull speeches even when they are sworne to answer plainly and truely by their lawfull Magistrates Some suppose that God is pleased with lip-service onely and outward righteousnesse as the hypocriticall Pharises or Pharisaicall hypocrites q Matth. 7.23 6. Proposition No worke is good except it spring from faith The proofe from Gods Word ALL which man doth is not pleasing unto God but that only which proceedeth from a true faith in Iesus Christ so saith God in his Word a Rom. 3.8 They that are in the flesh cannot please God In Iesus Christ neither Circumcision availeth any thing neither uncircumcision but faith which worketh by love b Gal. 5.6 Vnto the pure all things are pure but unto them that are defiled and unbeleeving is nothing pure c Tit. 1.15 Without faith it is impossible to please God d Heb. 11.6 And although the works of the Beleeving do please God yet are they not so perfect that they can satisfie the Law of God Therefore even of the regenerate and justified saith our Saviour Christ Pray forgive us our debts e Matth. 6.22 say We are unprofitable servants f Luke 17.10 and S. Paul We know that the law is spirituall but I am carnall c g Rom 7.14 Wee which have the first fruits of the spirit even wee doe sigh in our selves c. and have infirmities h Rom. 8.23 Ye cannot doe the same thing that ye would i Gal. 5.17 Which is the faith and confession of the Churches k Confes Helv. 1. cap. 16. Basil â—â— 9. Bohem. c. 7. Gal. ar 22. Belg. ar 24. August ar 26. Saxon. ar l. 5.6 Wittem c. 7. Sucv c. 4. Errors and adversaries of this truth Therefore we mislike and condemne the opinions of the Valentinians and Papists The Valentinians say that Spirituall men doe please God which are themselves onely not by Faith but onely by their knowledge of divine mysteries and naturall men doe please him by their bodily labour and upright dealing a Iren. l. 1. c. 1. The said Valentinians fained three sorts or degrees of men the first Spirituall who through bare knowledge the next Naturall who by labour and true dealing shall be saved the third they call Materiall men utterly uncapable of divine knowledge and religious speculations who must perish both in soule and body b Epiph. The Papists teach that They onely are not good works which God commandeth but they also which be either voluntarily done of our selves or enjoyned us by Priests c Tapp p. 188. They are good workes and acceptable before God which are done without faith d Andrad de fide lib. 3. Workes of themselves without respect unto Christ please God e Tapp p. 189. Men perfectly may keepe the Lawes of God f Tapp ibid. in which error also be the Anabaptists g Bulling cont Anaba l. 4. c. 3. and Family of Love h Display l. 6. a. 3. Proposition Good works are the outward signes of the inward Beliefe The proofe from Gods Word MAny are the reasons why good workes are to be done in part cited afore pag. 49. yet not the least cause is that men may be knowne what they are For the Scripture saith and
quem pro te impedit Fac nos Christe scanders quo Thomas ascendit By the blood of Thomas which he for thee expended Make us Christ to climbe up where Thomas ascended By Agnus Deis whereof they say Peccatum frangit ut Christi fanguis angit It breaketh sinne and doth good As well as Christ his pretious blood m Cerem lib. 1. tit 7. By reading certaine parcels of Scripture according to their vulgars Per Evangelica dicta Deleantur nostra delicta n Breviar secundum Sarum Through the sayings and words evangelicall Our sinnes blot out and vices all 2. Proposition Onely by Faith are we accounted righteous before God The proofe from Gods Word ONely beleeve o Mar. 6.36 all that beleeve in Christ shall receive remission of sinnes p Acts 10 4â— from all things from which ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses by Christ every one that beleeveth is justified q Acts 13.19 The Gospell is the power of God unto salvation to every one that beleeveth r Rom. 1.16 To him that worketh not but beleeveth in him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted for righteousnesse Å¿ Bom. 4.5 Christ is the end of the law for righteousnesse to every one that beleeveth t Rom. 10.4 Know that a man is not justified by the workes of the law but by the faith of Iesus Christ c. g Gal. 2.16 God would justifie the Gentiles through faith c. They which be of faith are blessed with faithfull Abraham h Gal. 3.8 9. By grace are ye saved through faith and that not of your selves i Eph. 2.8 Yea doubtlesse I think all things but losse for the excellent knowledge sake of Christ Iesus my Lord for whom I have counted all things losse and doe judge them to be doung that I might winne Christ and might be found in him not having mine owne righteousnesse which is of the Law but that which is through the faith of Christ even the righteousnesse which is of God through faith k Phil 3.8.9 The Churches of Christ by their publike confessions give testimony unto this truth l Confess Helv. 2. ca 6. Basil ar 8. Bohe. c. 6 7. Ga. ar 10. Belg ar 22. Aug. ar 4 Saxon. ar 3.8 Witt. ar 4. Sâ—â—â— cap. 3. The errors and adversaries unto this truth Partakers of ths profit and sweetnesse of this doctrine are not they which be altogether ignorant of this mysterie Nor they who know the same but apply it not to their owne soules and consciences but altogether despise the same as did Pilate in condemning Christ m Nat. 27.24 Heroa in killing Iames n Acts 12.1 Agrippa in not defending Paul o Acts 26.26 the Iewes in persecuting the Apostles and doe the Divels p Jam. 2.19 and many ungodly persons Tyrants false Christians and Apostataes Nor they which teach not a sure confidence in Iesus Christ but an historicall knowledge of him as the Papists q Canis catec cap. 1. Vaux catâ— c. 1. Test Rhe. an Rom. 4.14 1 Tim. 3.15 Nor they which hold that all and every man is to remaine doubtfull whether he shall be saved or no as doe the same Papists r Concil Trid. ses 6. c. 9. Test Rhe. an Rom. 5.1 Nor they which teach that man is justified Either by works without faith as did the false apostles in Asia 2 Tim. 1. and doe the Turks and Anabaptists t Bale myst of iniquit p. 53. Or by faith and works as both the Pseudapostles at Ierusalem v Acts 1.5.1 the Ebionites x Eus l. 3. c. 24. and the Papists y Test Rhem. an Luk. 7. mar Luk. 10.20 28. Joh. 3.18 James 2.25 with the Russians z Russiâ— Common-wealâ— â— 23. Or neither by faith nor workes as they which continue both faith in Christ Iesus and good works too hoping yet to be saved as the carnally secure worldlings Neither shall they be partakers of the sweetnesse of this truth which say that for Christians to trust onely by Christ his passion or by Faith onely to be saved is a breath of the first commandement as Vaux n Catech c. 3. is the Doctrine of Divels as Friar Lawrence a Villavicentia o De forman S. concion l. 1. c. 11. and the doctrine of Simon Magus as doe the Rhemists p Test Rhem. an Acts 8.18 Nor they finally which maintaine how the truly righteous apprehend not Christ by Faith but have him his righteousnes essentially and inherent within them which is an error of the Catharists q Isidor etim l. 8. c de haeres Papists r Conc. Trid. sess 6. c. 16.7 Osiandrians Å¿ Calvin contra Osiand epist fol. 303. Theod. Beza epist 1. and Family of Love t Display in Allens confess 3. Proposition We are accounted righteous before God not for our owne works or deservings The proofe from Gods Word Besides what hath been said that works have no place nor portion in the matter of our justification it is evident in the holy Scripture where we finde that All men be sinners and destitute of the glory of God And therefore that no man can be justified by his owne works v Psal 14.2 3. Psalme 53.2 and 41.4 Rom. 3.12 Eternall life commeth unto us not by desert but partly of promise x Acts 2.30 Acts 3.25 Acts 13.32 2 Tim. 1.1 partly of gift y John 17.2 Rom. 6.23 1 John 5.11 Revel 2.10 The just shall live by faith and the Law is not of faith z Gal. 3.11 12. Moreover as the godly in old time were so Christians in these daies are and shall be justified But the godly were justified not for any good works or worthinesse of their owne so justified was Abraham a Rom. 5.1 2. Gal. 3.6 Heb. 11.17 the Iewes b Act. 2.44 c the Samaritans c Acts 8.15 Paul d 1 Tim. 1.14 16. Acts 22.16 Phil. 3.6 9. the Eunuch e Acts 8.36 the Iailor f Acts 16.31 c. and the Ephesians g Eph. 4 5. c. All Churches reformed with a sweet consent applaud and confesse this doctrine h Confess Helv. 1.4.16 Basil ar 8. Boh. c. 7. Gal. ar 22. Belg. ar 24 Aug. ar 6.26 The Errors and adversaries unto this truth Adversaries hereunto are The Pharises who thought men were justified by externall righteousnesse morall a Mat. 5.21 c. and ceremoniall b Matth. 15.2 The false apostles in Asia c 2 Tim. 1. and at Ierusalem d Gab. Biel. l. 2. dist 27. q. 1. The Pharisaicall Papists who against the Iustification by faith alone doe hold a justification by merits and that of Congruity dignity and condignity The said Papists teach besides that life eternall is due unto us of debt because we deserve it by our good works f Concil Trid. sess 6. Cant. 32
sheweth that thereby are knowne the good trees from the bad i Matth. 7.16 the wheat from the chaffe k Matth. 3.12 the true disciples from the false c John 13.35 the sonnes of God from the children of Satan d Luke 6.36 Eph. 1.1 1 Joh. 3.10 the regenerate from the unbeleevers Iam. 2.18 1 Pet. 1.17 Eph. 4.17 Hereunto the Saints and Churches doe subscribe f Confess Helv. 2. c. 16. Basil ar 8. Bohem. c. 7. Gal. ar 22. Belg. ar 2. Saxon ar 3. Wittemb c 7. Suâ—vica c. 4. Errors and adversaries unto this truth The faithfull shew their works yet neither to have them seene of men as did the hypocriticall Pharises Mat. 6. 7. nor thereby to merit heaven as doe the Pharisaical Papists whose doctrine is that Good works are meritorious Test Rhem an Rom 2.6 1 Cor. 3.8 2 Cor. 5 10. Heb. 6.20 Jam. 2.2 Good works as Contrition Confession and Satisfaction done in penance not onely doe merit but are besides a Sacrament for to attaine reconciliation with God and forgivenesse of sinnes i Concil Trid. sess 4. c. 3. Life eternall is due unto good workes by the justice of God k Concil Trid. sess 6. can 42. 13. Article Of Workes before Justification Workes done before the grace of Christ and the inspiration of his Spirit 1 are not pleasant to God for asmuch as they spring not of Faith in Iesus Christ 2 neither doe they make men meet to receive grace or as the Schoole Authors say deserve grace of congruity yea rather 3 for that they are not done as God hath willed and commanded them to be done we doubt not but they have the nature of sinne The Propositions 1. Works done before justification please not God 1. Workes done before justification deserve not grace of congruity 3. Workes done before justification have the nature of sinne 1. Proposition Workes done before justification please not God The proofe from Gods Word BEfore men doe please God a Matth. 7.16 nothing that they doe can please him But men please not God being not renued and justified by the Spirit For before men be regenerate they are not grapes but thornes not figs but thistles not good but evill trees b Matth. 12.33 Luk. 6.43 not lively but dead boughes c John 15.4 not engraffed but wild Olives d Rom. 11.17.23 not friends but enemies e Rom. 5.10 not the sonnes of God but f Eph. 2.3 the children of wrath which bring forth no good fruit As the Churches also acknowledge g Confes Helv. 2. cap. 15. Aug. ar 20. The Errors and adversaries unto this truth Hereby the vanity of them is perceived which thinke before mans justification his deeds doe please God such are the Papists and were the Basilidians The Papists teach that Works done without faith doe please God a Andrad de Fide lib. 3. Good workes not in respect of Christ onely but in themselves considered please God b Tapp p. 189 The Basilidians placed the dooers of civill and philosophicall righteousnesse performed without faith in Christ in the very heavens e Clem. Alex. strom lib. 2. 2. Proposition Workes done before Iustification deserve not grace of congruitie The unregenerate not yet justified have nothing in them to moove God to be gracious unto them and being as they are old Eph. 4.22 not new creatures enemies b Rom. 8.10 not favourers of godlinesse The children of wrath Eph. 2 2. not of God sinners Rom. 5.8 nor vertuously bent Infidels Tit. 1.15 â— and not beleevers of congruity deserve no grace at Gods hands which is the faith too and confession of other Churches Confes Helv 2. c. 16. Bohem. c. 7. Belg. ar 23. Aug. ar 4.20 Saxon. ar 3. 8. Witt. ar 5. Errors and adversaries unto this truth This overthroweth the Popish assertions concerning merits of congruity Test Râ—â—m an Act. 10.2 and that by good workes man is justified before God and made heire of eternall life Concil Trid. sess 6. c. 10. As evill works deserve hell fire so eternall happinesse is deserved by good works c And radâ—le Fide lib. 6. 3. Proposition Workes done before justification have the nature of sinne The proofe from Gods Word VVHatsoever men doe not yet justified before God it is sinne for of such persons the best workes which they doe even their Fasting a Wherefore have we fasted and thou seest it not we have puâ—ished our selves thou regardest it not Esay 58.3 Did you fast unto me Zach. 5.7 They have their reward Matth. 6.16 praying b Hee that turneth away his care from hearing the Law even his prayer shall be abominable Prov. 28.9 Almes-deeds When thou prayest be not as the hypocrites c. they have their reward Matth 6.5 Take heed that ye give not your almes before men c. they have their reward Matth. 6.1 2. sacrificing unto God d Will I eate the flesh of Bulls or drinke the bloud of Goats Psal 50.13 Bring me no more oblations in vaine incense is an abomination unto me c. Esa 1.13 Hee that killeth a bullock is as if he slew a man hee that sacrificeth a sheepe as if he cut off a dogges neck hee that offereth an oblation as if he offered swines bloud hee that remembreth incense as if he blessed an idoll Esay 66.3 prophesying and working of miracles even in the name of Christ e Lord Lord have we not by thy name prophesied and by thy name cast out devils and by thy name done many great works Then will I professe to them I never knew you depart from me ye that work iniquity Matth. 7.22 23. yea all their actions whatsoever f Whatsoever is not of faith is sinne Rom. 14.23 Vnto them that are defiled and unbeleeving is nothing pure but even their minds and consciences are defiled Tit. 1.15 Without faith it is impossible to please God Heb. 11.6 are abominable before God g Confess Helv. 2. c. 15 16. Bohe c. 7. Belg. ar 23. August ar 4.20 Saxon. ar 3. 8. Wittemb ar 5. The adversaries unto this truth Erred therefore hath the Councel of Trent in pronouncing them accursed which hold that all workes of man whatsoever done before his justification are sinne a Concil Trid. sess 6. c. â—â— 8. 14. Article Of workes of Supererogation Voluntary workes besides over and above Gods Commandements which they call workes of Supererogation cannot be taught without arrogancie and impietie For by them men doe declare that they doe not onely render unto God as much as they are bound to doe but that they doe more for his sake then of bounden duty is required whereas Christ saith plainely When yee have done all that are commanded to you say Wee be unprofitable servants The Propositions 1. Workes of Supererogation cannot be taught without arrogancie and impiety 2. Workes of Supererogation are the
saluation but to be euer doubtfull thereof e Con. Trid. sess 6. cap. 1 2. con 15. Test Rhem. an Rom. 8.38 an 1 Cor. 2.12 an Phil. 2.12 The said Papists deliuer that so many persons as are not marked with the signe of the crosse vpon their forehead are damned and reprobate f Test Rhem. an Apoc. 6.4 also that they which will be saued must be Franciscans g Conform F l. 4. fol. 10â— at leastwise become members of the Church of Rome h Ans to the exec of Iust c. 8. p. 192. Secondly the Anti-nomi which thinke the outward calling by the word though they haue not the inward calling by the Spirit and be destitute of good workes a sufficient argument of their election vnto life i Simon Pauli meth par 2. de ege Dei Thirdly the Puritanes who among other affiances giuen them from the Lord of their saluacions made their aduancinâ—â—te Presbyteriall Kingome by the putting downe of Bishops Chancellours c. a testimony that they shall haue part in that glory which shall be reuealed hereafter f Demon. of Dâ—s epist ded Fourthly the Schwenfeldians and all such as depending vpon immediate diuine reuelations condemne and contemne the ordinary calling of God by the ministery of his Word Lastly the Russians g Sartan de Relig Ruthen c. 2 Catabaptists h Zuingl contra Catabap fol. 107. and Family of Loue i Display H. 9. b D. 5. who beleeue that themselues onely and none besides shall be saued 7. Proposition The Predestinate are both iustified by faith sanctified by the Spirit and shall be glorified in the life to come The proofe from Gods Word Diuers be the effects of mans predestination but chiefly it bringeth to the elect a Know that a man is not iustified by the workes of the Law but by the faith of Iesus Christ Gal 2.16 They which be of faith are blessed with faithfull Abraham Eph. 2.8 iustification by faith in this life and in the life to come glorification b Moreone whom he predestinate them also he called and whom he called them also he iustified and whom he iustified them also he glorified Rom. 8.30 Come ye blessed of my Fathers inherit ye the Kingdome prepared for you Matth 25 34. alwaies a conformity to the image of the onely begotten Son of God both in suffering troubles here and in enioying immortall glory hereafter c If we be children we are also heireâ— euen the heires of God heires annexed with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may also be glorified with him Rom. 8.17 as we haue borne the image of the earthly so shall we bearâ— the image of the heauenly â—c or 15.49 as testifie all the Churches in their confessions The errors and adversaries unto this truth This is flatly against Papias a Tritcuhem de eccle scrip Iustinus b Wolf Musculus in epist â—d Phil. praef and all Millenaries Eus eccles hist l. 7. c 13. who deny the eternity of mans happinesse and dreame of I know not what blisse in this life to endure a thousand yeeres but no longer Also against the Manichies who said the soule onely shall be saued d Philastrius Also against those heretikes which deny the resurrection of the flesh as did the Carpocratians e Clem. strom lib. 4. Manichies f Aug. contra Faust l. 4 c. 16. and others g See afore ar 4. prop. 1. Likewise against the Hieracites who haue a phantasie that no children departing this life before they come vnto yeeres of discretion and knowledge shall be saued h Epiphan So the Papists doe teach i Positiones Ingolstad de Purgat that no infants dying vnbaptized doe goe to heauen but vnto another place adioyning vnto Hell called Limbus puerorum i Positiones Ingolstad de Purgat 8. Proposition The consideration of Predestination is to the godly wise most comfortable but to curious and carnall persons very dangerous The proofe from Gods Word This doctrine of Predestination is to the godly full sweet pleasant and comfortable because it greatly confirmeth their faith in Christ and encreaseth their loue toward God I account the afflictions of this present time are not worthy of the glory which shall be shewed vnto vs k Rom. 8.18 If God be on our side who can be against vs who spared not his owne Sonne but gaue him for vs all to death how shall he not with him giue vs all things also who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods chosen It is God that iustifieth who shall condemne c l Ibid. 31.34 Yee were sealed with the holy Spirit of promise which is the earnest of our inheritance vntill the redemption of the possession purchased vnto the praise of his glory m Eph. 1.13 14 Grieue not the holy Spirit of God by whom ye are sealed vnto the day of redemption n Eph. 4.30 But to the wicked and reprobate the consideration hereof is very sowre vnsauory and most vncomfortable as that which they thinke though very vntruly and sinfully causeth them either to despaire of his mercy being without faith of not to feare his iustice beeing extremely wicked where as neither from the Word of God nor any confession of the Church can any man gather that he is a vessell of wrath prepared to damnation but contrariwise by many and great arguments may perswade himselfe that God would not his destruction as in the next proposition immediately ensuing plainely may appeare Errors and aduersaries vnto this truth Therefore they are to be taken as much out of the way which say that this doctrine leadeth either vnto desperation which is without all comfort or vnto loosenesse of life so vnto Atheisme and therefore to bee published neither by mouth nor booke and so thought both the Pelagians k Prosper in Epist ad Aug. der elâ—quiâ—s Pela haeresis and the Predestinates a sort of heretikes so called in old time l Magd. eccle hist Cent. 5 c. 5. p. 620. and the Family of Loue in our daies who terme the doctrine of Predestination a licencious doctrine and say it filleth all the prisons almost in England m Display in an epist of the Families l. 7. b. 9. Proposition The generall promises of God set forth in the holy Scripture are to be embraced of vs. The proofe from Gods Word That men the better may auoide both desperation and carnall securitie they are to haue alwayes in minde that 1. The promise of grace and fauour to mankindâ— are vniuersall as Come vnto mee all yee that are weary and laden and I will ease you n Mark 11.38 God sent not his Sonne into the world that he should condemne the world but that the world through him might bee saued o Ion. 3.17 God will that all men shall be saued and come vnto the knowledge of
gaine-said which afore I deliuered The Propositions are and yet not many moe the method altered quotations added both for the satisfaction of some learned and iudicious friends of mine requesting it at mine hands and for the benefit both of the common and vnlearned and of the studious and learned Reader The whole worke expresseth aswell my detestation and renunciation of all aduersaries errors opposite crossing or contradicting the doctrine professed by vs and protected by our King or any Article or particle of truth of our Religion as my approbation of that truth which in our Church by wholesome Statutes and Ordinances is confirmed There is not an heretike or Schismatike to speake of of any speciall marke that from the Apostles time hitherto hath discouered himselfe his opinions vulgarly in writing or in print against our doctrine but this heresie fancy or phrensie may be here seene against one proposition or other The Sects and Sect-masters aduersaries vnto vs either in the matter or maine points of our doctrine or Discipline to one of our Articles or other wholly or in part which here be discouered to be taken heed of and auoided are many hundreds 38. This and whatsoeuer else here done either to the confirmation of the truth or detestation of heresies and errors I doe very meekely present unto your Grace as after God and our King best meriting the patronage thereof My selfe am much the whole Church of England much more bound vnto your Lordship yea not wee onely now liuing but our successors also and posteritie shall have cause in all ages while the world shal continue to magnifie Almightie God for the inestimable benefits which we have shall receiue from your selfe your late Predecessors D. Whitegift Grindall Parker Cranmer of famous honourable remembrance Bishops of our Church Archbishops of the See of Canterbury for this uniforme doctrine by some of your Lordships drawne and penned by all of you allowed defended and as agreeable to the Faith of the very Apostles of Christ and of the ancient Fathers correspondent to the Confessions of all reformed Churches in Christendome and contrariant in no point unto Gods holy and written Word commended unto us both by your Authoritie and Subscriptions Now the all-mercifull God and heavenly Father which so inspired them and your Lordship with wisedome from above and inabled you all to discerne truth from falshood and found religion from Atheisme idolatry and errors vouchsafe of his infinite goodnesse to encrease his grace more and more upon your Grace to his owne glory the Churches benefit and your owne everlasting comfort And the same God which both mercifully hath brought and miraculously against all hellish and divellish practices of his and our enemies continued the light of his truth among us give us all grace with one heart and consent not onely to embrace the same but also to walke and carry our selves as it beseemeth the Children of light in all peaceablenesse and holinesse of life for his Sonne our Lord and Saviour Christ his sake At Horninger neere S. Edm. Bury in Suff. the 11. of March Ann. 1607. Your Graces poore Chaplaine alwayes at Command THOMAS ROGERS Constitutions and Canons Ecclesiasticall Anno 1604. VVHosoever shall hereafter affirme that the Church of England by Law established under the Kings Majesty is not a true and an Apostolicall Church teaching and maintaining the Doctrine of the Apostles let him be excommunicated ipso facto and not restored but onely by the Archbishop after his repentance and publike revocation of this his wicked error Can. 3. VVhosoever shall hereafter affirme that any of the 39 Articles agreed upon by the Archbishops and Bishops of both Provinces and the whole Clergy in the Convocation holden at London in the yeare of our Lord God 1562. for the avoiding of diversities of opinions and for the establishing of consent touching true Religion are in any part superstitious or erroneous or such as he may not with a good conscience subscribe unto let him be excommunicated ipso facto and not restored but onely by the Archbishop after his repentance and publike revocation of such his wicked errors Can. 5. Whosoever shall hereafter separate themselves from the Communion of Saints as it is approved by the Apostles rules in the Church of England and combine themselves in a new Brother-hood accounting the Christians who are conformable to the Doctrine Government Rites and Ceremonies of the Church of England to be prophane and unmeete for them to joyne with in Christian profession let them be excommunicated ipso facto and not restored but by the Archbishop after their repentance and publike revocation of such their wicked errors Can. 9 The Titles of the thirty nine Articles with the Pages where to finde every of them in this Booke Articles 1 OF faith in the holy Trinity Page 1 Articles 2 Of the Word of God which was made very man Page 7 Articles 3 Of the going downe of Christ into Hell Page 15 Articles 4 Of the Resurrection of Christ Page 17 Articles 5 Of the Holy Ghost Page 21 Articles 6 Of the sufficiency of the Scriptures for salvation Page 26 Articles 7 Of the Old Testament Page 33 Articles 8 Of the three Creeds Page 39 Articles 9 Of Originall or birth sinne Page 41 Articles 10 Of Free-will Page 47 Articles 11 Of the Iustification of man Page 50 Articles 12 Of good workes Page 56 Articles 13 Of workes before Iustification Page 56 Articles 14 Of workes of Supererogation Page 59 Articles 15 Of Christ alone without sinne Page 62 Articles 16 Of sinne without Baptisme Page 65 Articles 17 Of Predestination and Election Page 69 Articles 18 Of obtaining salvation onely by the Name of Christ Page 82 Articles 19 Of the Church Page 86 Articles 20 of the Authoritie of the Church Page 98 Articles 21 Of the Authoritie of generall Councels Page 112 Articles 22 Of Purgatorie Page 118 Articles 23 Of Ministring in the Congregation 131 Articles 24 Of speaking in the Congregation in such a tongue as the people understand not Page 141 Articles 25 Of the Sacraments Page 142 Articles 26 Of the unworthinesse of the Ministers which hinder not the effects of the Sacraments Page 160 Articles 27 Of Baptisme Page 165 Articles 28 Of the Lords Supper Page 170 Articles 29 Of the wicked which doe not eate the Body and bloud of Christ in the use of the Lords Supper Page 178 Articles 30 Of both kindes Page 179 Articles 31 Of the oblation of Christ finished upon the Crosse Page 181 Articles 32 Of mrariage of Priests Page 185 Articles 33 Of Excommunicate persons how they are to be avoided Page 189 Articles 34 Of the traditions of the Church Page 193 Articles 35 Of Homilies Page 194 Articles 36 Of Consecration of Bishops and Ministers Page 196 Articles 37 Of the civill Magistrate Page 201 Articles 38 Of Christian mens goods which are not common Page 215 Articles 39 Of a Christian mans Oath Page 217 FINIS
to obey or disobey the Gospell of truth preached g Ibid. annot marg p. 408. The Catholike popish religion teacheth free-will 3. Proposition h Hills quart 13. reas Man may performe and doe good workes when he is prevented by the grace of Christ and renued by the holy Ghost The proofe from Gods Word IN a man prevented by the grace of Christ and regenerate by the holy Spirit both the understanding is enlightned so that he knoweth the secrets and will of God and the mind is altogether changed the body enabled to doe good works To this purpose the Scriptures are plentifull I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts a Jer. 31.33 No man knoweth the Father but the Son and he to whom the Sonne will reveale him b Matth. 11.27 Luke 10.22 Blessed art thou Simon the Sonne of Ionas for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee but my Father which is in heaven c Matth. 16.17 No man can say that Iesus is the Lord but by the holy Ghost To one is given by the Spirit the word of wisedome and to another the word of knowledge by the same spirit and to another faith by the same spirit and to another the gifts of healing by the same spirit and to another the operations of great works and to another prophecie and to another the discerning of spirits and to another diversities of tongues and to another the interpretation of tongues c e 1 Cor. 12.8 God purifieth mans heart f Acts 15.9 worketh in us both the will and the deed g Phil. 2.13 the spirit helpeth our infirmities for we know not what to pray as we ought c h Rom. 8.26 Such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Iesus and by the Spirit of our God i 1 Cor. 6.11 Vnto you it is given for Christ that not onely yee should beleeve in him but also suffer for his sake k Phil. 1.2 And this doe the Churches of God beleeve and confesse l Confes Hol. 2. c. 9. Aug. ar 18 Bohem. c. 4. Saxon. ar 4. 11. Article Of the Justification of Man We are accounted righteous before God onely for 1 the merit of our Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ 2 by faith and 3 not for our owne works or deservings Wherefore that wee are justified by faith onely is most wholesome doctrine and very full of comfort c. The Propositions 1. Onely for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Christ are we accounted righteous before God 2. Onely by Faith are we accounted righteous before God 3. Not for our owne workes or deservings are we accounted righteous before God 14. Proposition Onely for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Christ we are accounted righteous before God The proofe from Gods Word BY Christ his bloud onely we are cleansed He is the Lambe of God which taketh away the sinne of the world a Joh. 1.29 We are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Iesus b Rom. 3.24 Wee are bought with a price c 1 Cor. 6.19 even with the precious bloud of Christ the Lambe undefiled and without spot d 1 Pet. 1.19 which cleanseth us from all sinne e 1 Joh. 1.7 By his onely righteousnesse we are justified By the obedience of One many be made righteous f Rom. 5.19 Christ is the end of the Law for righteousnesse unto every one that beleeveth g Ibid. 10.4 He of God is made unto us wisedome and righteousnesse and sanctification and redemption h 1 Cor. 1 30. and we are made the righteousnesse of God in him i 2 Cor. 5.21 And therefore from heaven we looke for the Saviour even the Lord Iesus Christ k Phil. 3.21 And this is the faith and confession of all Churches reformed l Confes 2. c. 15 Bohe. c. 6 Gal. ar 12. Belg. ar 22. August ar 4. Wittemb ar 5. Suevica c. 3. Errors and adversaries unto this truth This truth is neither beleeved nor acknowledged Of the Atheists who are neither perswaded of the life to come nor understand the mysteries of mans salvation through the merits of Christ Nor of the Pharises and their followers who think that by civill externall righteousnes we are justified before God m Matth. 5.20 Nor of Matthew Hamant who held that man is justified by Gods meree mercie without respect unto the merits of Christ n Holinsh Chro. f. 1299. Nor of Galeotus Martius which was of opinion that all nations and persons whosoever living according to the rules of nature should be saved and inherit everlasting happinesse p Jovius cleg doci vir p 57. Nor of the Turkes who thinke that so many as either goe on pilgrimage unto Mecha or doe kisse the sepulchre of Mahomet are justified before God and thereby doe obtaine remission of their sinnes d Lonic Tur. â—ist Com. 1. l. 2 par 2 c 14.15.18 Nor of the Family of Love who teach by the shedding of Christ his blood is meant the spreading of the Spirit in our hearts e Display in Allens confes Nor of the Papists whose doctrine is that 1. Though Christ hath suffered for all men in generall yet not onely each man must suffer for his owne part in particular f Tâ—â—t Rhem. â—n Rom. 8.17 but also that the works of one man may satisfie for another g Ibid. an Col. 1.24 2. They teach next that sinnes veniall are done away and purged by prayer Almes-deeds by the worthy receiving of the blessed Sacrament of the Altar by taking of holy water knocking upon the brest with holy meditation the Bishops blessing and such like h Vaux catech c. 4. by holy water and such ceremonies i Test Rhem. an Joh. 13.10 sacred ceremonies k Test Rhem. an marg p 258 as Confiteor tundo conspergor conteror oro Signor edo dono per haec venalia pono that is I am confest unto the Priest I knock mine heart and brest with fist With holy water I am besprent And with contrition all yrent I pray to God and heavenly host I crosse my forehead at every post I eate my Saviour in the bread I deale my dole when I am dead And doing so I know I may My veniall sinnes soone put away And sinnes mortall not by the merits of Christ onely but many wayes besides are clensed think the said Papists as by the merits of dead Saints namely of St. Mary the Virgin Threnosa compassio dulcissimae Dei Matris Per ducat nos adgandium summi Dei Patris The pittifull compassion of Gods best pleasing mother Bring us to the joyes of God the soveraigne Father l Horae B. Virg. S. Mar. secundum usum Sarum And of Thomas Becket Tu per Thomae sanguinem
subversion of godlinesse and true Religion 1. Proposition Workes of Supererogation cannot be taught without arrogancie and impietie The proofe from Gods Word VVOrkes of Supererogation which are voluntary works besides over and above the commandements of God are often condemned in the holy Scriptures where we are commanded to walke not after the lawes of men but according to the Statutes of God a Josh 7.1 Ezek. 20.19 and to heare not what man speaketh but what Christ doth say b Mark 9.7 and hee teaching the duty of Christians setteth before them as their rule and direction the Law and Word of God c Matth 5.19 and more then that he doth neither urge nor require And against mans Injunctions They worship mee in vaine saith hee who for doctrine teach the commandements of men d Matth. 28.20 Teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you e Mark 7.7 My sheepe heare my voyce and know not the voyce of strangers f John 20.25 Which doctrine ordinances and workes whatsoever besides over and above that which God hath revealed and imposed is called of the Apostle sometimes ordinances of the world g Col. 2.20 voluntary religion h Ibid. 3. sometime the doctrine of Divels i 1 Tim. 4.1 and cursed k Gal. 1.8 And the same is condemned in all Churches reformed after the Word of God l Confess Helv. 2. c. 16. Aug. ar 20. Basil ar 10. Gal. ar 24. Belg. ar 12. Sax ar 3.17 The errors and adversaries unto this truth Therefore both arrogant and ungodly bee the Papists which teach and speake in the commendation of such works and namely Petrus à Soto a In his Asser catholic fidei the Rhemists b Annot. marg Lukâ— 1â— 35 1 Cor. 9.23 2 Cor. 8.14 yea and the Councell of Trent c Concil Trid. sess 6. c. 10. 2. Proposition Workes of Supererogation are the subversion of godlinesse and true Religion The proofe from Gods Word VVHere the works of Supererogation are caught and in regard the Law of God there is broken against the will of Christ a Matth. 5.19 that mens traditions may be obserued b Marke 7. The holy Scripture must be contemned as not sufficient enough to bring men vnto the knowledge of saluation which Saint Paul saith is able to instruct in righteousnesse that the man of God may bee absolute being made perfect vnto all good workes c 2 Tim. 3.16.17 God who is onely wise d 1 Tim. 1.17 is made vnwise in not prescribing so necessary workes Faith and other spirituall and most speciall vertues are brought into obliuion Perfection is imputed not vnto Faith in Iesus Christ but vnto workes and which is most detestable vnto the workes too not commanded but forbidden of God ordained by men The Law of God is thought to be throughly satisfied and moe duties performed then man needed to haue done The same thinke our brethren of these workes e Confess Helv 2 c. as in the former prop. The aduersaries vnto this truth Contrariwise the Papists of Supererogatory workes they doe merit say they remission of sinnes and that not for the doers of them onely but for others besides f Test Rhem. an 2. Cor. 8.14 They are tokens of the forgiuenesse of sinnes so well as Baptisme yea deliuer from the wrath of God so well as Christ g Confess Aug ar 20. Are greater and more holy then are the workes commanded in the Decalogue or Law Morall h Pet á Sâ—â—o assert Câ—th de Lege And so preferring their own workes and inuentions before God his Law Sacraments and the blood of Christ both ought this doctrine of workes Supererogatory to be counted the doctrine of Diuels and the maintainers thereof taken for the subuerters of godlinesse and true Religion 10. Article Of Christ alone without sinne Christ in the truth of our nature made like vnto vs in all things sin onely except 1 from which he was clearely voide both in his life and spirit Hee came to be the Lambe without spot who by sacrifice of himselfe once made should take away the sinnes of the world and sinne as S. Iohn saith was not in him But all we the rest although baptized and borne againe in Christ yet offend in many things and if we say we haue no sinne we deceiue our selues and the thuth is not in vs. The Propositions 1. Christ is truely and perfectly righteous 2. All men besides Christ though regenerate be sinners 1. Proposition Christ is tru ly and perfectly righteous The proofe from Gods Word THat Christ was pure from sinne it is abundantly to bee seene in the holy Scriptures For He was both conceiued a Matth. 1.20 and borne without sinne b Luke 1.36 He appeared to loose c Luke 1.36 but not to fulfill the workes of Satan He liued and was tempted yet without sinne d 1 Iohn 3.8 and did no sinne e Heb. 4.15 knew no sinne f 1 Pet. 2.22 2 Cor. 5.21 nor bad any sinne in him g 1 Iohn 3.5 He dyed a guiltlesse and iust man euen by the testimony of Paul h Rom. 5.6 c Peter i Acts. 3.4 Stephen k Matth. 17 24 Iohn 14 6. yea of his aduersaries and Iudge Pilate l Confess Helv ar 11. 3. c. 11 Bohe c. 4.1 Gal ar 14. As ours such are the confessions of the purer Churches m Belg. ar 17. The Errors and aduersaries vnto this truth Cursed therfore before God are the Iewes which said that Christ was a violator of the Sabbath a Matth. 12.10 Luke 13 14. Iohn 5.16 That hee taught being not lawfully authorized thereunto b Matth. 21.23 That he forbade tribute to be giuen vnto Caesar c Luke 3.2 That he was the destroyer of the Law d Matth 5 2â— That he ouerthrew all religion and mooued the Commons vnto rebellion e Luke 23 5. In this state with the Iewes are The Marcionites which said that he dissolued the Law the Prophets and all the workes of God f Iren. l. 1. c. 29 The Saturnians which blazed that his comming into the world was to ouerthrow the God of the Angels g Theodoret. Our new Heretikes viz Matthew Hamant in England which divulged that Christ was a sinnefull man and abominable Idol h Holinsh chro fol. 1299. and Leonardus Vairus among the Papists which hath written that Christ was Veneficus a common poisoner of men and women i Leon. Vairus de Fasc l. 1. c. 11. circa finem 2. Proposition All men besides Christ though regenerate be sinners The proofe from Gods Word ALL men either be regenerate or vnregeneate k Prooued p. 5. the vnregenerate be all sinners vnrighteous and in sinne whatsoeuer they doe l Prooued p. 54 The regenerate also be not without their sinnes both originall m Prooue p. 39.40 and