the voice of Christ their sheepheard but as soon as they cease to attend to him and listen to the voice of strangers from thence forth they can do nothing else but erre Iohn 10.5 27. But forasmuch as even in the greatest dissipation of all Churches the divine goodnesse reserves some to himself whom he retains in the truth and by whose ministry he will again propagate it to the end of the world therefore we confesse That the whole Catholick Church is not permitted erre c. DOCT. XXII That there is no salvation out of the Catholick Church FRom hence also by consequence we understand and believe this Catholick Church so to be the onely holy one and to be saved that out of it there is no holinesse no salvation and since the truth so shines in her alone without which salvation belongs to no man that there is none out of her and lastly since none besides the body of Christ can be saved For no man hath ascended up to heaven Iohn 3.13 but he that came down from heaven even the son of man which is in heaven viz. the whole son of man with his whole body which is the Church so that St. Peter hath not unfitly compared the Church to the Ark of Noah 2 Pet. 2.5 in which alone mankind was saved and as many as were found out of it perished in the waters Gen. 7.23 But what we confesse to be most true of the whole Church we cannot grant the same of every particular Church namely to affirme that onely in this or that Church in the Roman or Constantinopolitan truth and salvation are to be had so as there is none without it and consequently that it cannot be departed from but truth and salvation and Christ must be forsaken too For some Church may be so qualifi'd that unlesse you renounce communion with it you cannot have part or communion with the Catholick and the head thereof DOCT. XXIII That the Catholick Church is not ty'd to certain persons or places FUrthermore we confesse that this Catholick Church in regard it is Catholick is therefore ty'd to no certain places or persons and nations so as if any person would be of this Church it should be necessary for him to betake himself either to Rome or Wittenberg or to depend on the authority of those Churches their Bishop and Ministers seeing Christ is in all places and every where the word may be heard the Sacrament of Baptisme administred the precepts of Christ observed and communion had with all the Saints But wheresoever these are exercised there is the Church in which consideration the Donatists were worthily condemned who circumscrib'd the Church of Christ in Africa alone and that not in all but a part of it namely where themselves dwelt and would not admit it to be any where else Nor with less reason are they to be condemn'd who will not allow any Churches of forreigners to be true Churches but onely those which consist of men of their own nation DOCT. XXIV That the Catholick Church is partly visible and partly invisible LAstly we believe that this Church is indeed partly visible and partly also invisible but in divers respects to wit visible in as much as it consists of men who visibly handle and hear the word of God administer and partake the Sacraments call upon God both privately and publickly exercise the offices of charity towards their neighbour and glorify God in their whole conversation which indeed cannot be performed without falling under the perception of the senses And if it were wholly invisible how could it be discerned from the Synagogues of the wicked Again we say it is invisible first because being it containes a great number of hypocrites acting all the same outward things with the elect we cannot know how are the elect of which alone the Church consists but it is known onely to God according to that The Lord alone knoweth them that are his To which also belongs that of the Apostle Rom. 2.28 29. He is not a Iew which is one outwardly but he is a Iew which is one inwardly Moreover because that to the externall appearance the Church is alwayes oppressed with calamities in the world the number of those that professe the faith of Christ is sometimes so diminish'd and all the Christian Churches driven into those streights that there may seem to be no longer any remaining namely when there appear no more publick assemblies in which the name of God is called upon as both the holy and Ecclesiasticall histories do manifestly and at large testifie to have often hapned notwithstanding it is certain God alwayes preserves a Church to himself upon the earth as the Lord saith Matth. 16.18 Matth. 28.20 And the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it also Behold I am with you even to the end of the world which is the same with what we confesse with the whole Church in the Creed saying I believe the holy Catholick Church to wit to have been from the beginning to exist now and to endure to the end of the world upon the earth For properly we alwayes believe those things which we do not alwayes see Heb. 11.1 This is our confession concerning the Church Militant 1. What it is 2. How it differs from the Triumphant 3. How it is often divers from it self 4. How one Catholick consists of many particular 5. By what marks the true may be distinguished from the false 6. What succession of Bishops and what kind of consent is sufficient to demonstrate a true Church 7. That the unity of the Church is not to be violated upon every difference although it be in doctrine it self 8. What is to be understood by the unitie of the Church and wherein it consists also how great account is to be made of it 9. How farre it may erre and how farre it may not and how out of the Church there is no salvation 10. And lastly how farre it is visible and how farre invisible It remaines that we speake of the government of it CHAP. XXV Of the Government of the Church Militant and of the Ecclesiasticall Ministry DOCTRINE I. That the Church is governed by Christ WE believe that as all things were made by Christ are preserved govern'd by him Colos 1.17 so likewise the Church which is his kingdome body is governed by him as the authour Eph. 1.13 king and head of the same after a more peculiar manner then all other things are which is confirmed by that saying of the Angel concerning Christ Luk. 1.31 And he shall raign over the house of Iacob for ever and that of the Apostle â—eb 3.6 He as a son is over his own house which house are we that is the Church and in another place Eph. 5.13 He is the head of the Church and giveth life unto the body DOCT. II. That Christ doth govern the Church partly by himself
other those whom the Lord raiseth up extraordinarily calling and sending them into the Church that when the ordinary neglect their duty and destroy the Church they may both reduce them to good order and reforme the Church to it 's pristine estate and preserve it such were the Prophets in the Old Testament raised out of other tribes besides that of Levi and in the new the Apostles Prophets and Evangelists which the Lord peculiarly chose to himself that when all was destroy'd in every place aswell amongst the Israelites as Gentiles he might gather teach and preserve Churches to himself in all places by their ministry In the number of these extraordinarily called we cannot but place many and heroicall and couragious men and true servants of God in our times who when all was destroy'd were excited by the Spirit of Christ to oppose themselves against the Catholike Apostacie and to restore anew the ancient doctrine worship discipline in the Church and that notwithstanding the vain resistance and rage of the ordinary Bishops Kings and most powerfull Princes and all the world DOCT. XI That onely five orders of ministers of the word were constituted by Christ BUt we do not acknowledge that more orders of ministers of the word were instituted by Christ in the Church then those which the Apostle hath express'd in the Epistle to the Ephesians Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastours and Teachers Eph. 4.11 of which the first three he would not have confirm'd to any certain places to but to be now here now there either to gather Churches to themselves as the Apostles did or to water cherish and confirme those which were already planted by the Apostles as the Prophets and Evangelists did who for that reason ought not to have been perpetuall a Act. 20.28 Phil. 1.1 1 Tim. 3.2 Tit. 1.7 1 Pet. 2.25 1 Pet. 5.1 Act. 14.23 Tit. 1.15 Iam. 5 14. Heb 6.1 1 Pet. 5.1 But the two latter he would should be consecrated for the governing and preserving of some certain Churches namely Pastors and Teachers and that to the end of the world whom therefore we use to call the ordinary and perpetuall ministers For whereas as the Apostles often make mention of Bishops Elders and Catechists that does not evince them to have been distinct orders of ministers of the word because they that were Pastors were alwayes the same with those which were signifi'd by the name of Bishops and very often with that of elders besides the Apostle Peter styles himself an Elder The office of the Catechists was performed not onely by the Pastors and Teachers but likewise by the Apostles themselves and the Evangelists DOCT. X. That wee doe not blame the Fathers for adding other orders of ministers BUt to omit such whose ministery was to endure but for a time and who we said were called extraordinarily let us speake onely of those which are ordinary and perpetuall Although we read in the Apostle but of two of these orders given to the Church by Christ a Eph. 4. â—â— namely Pastors and Teachers of which these did onely teach and those administer the Sacraments also and were encharged with the discipline and government of the Church Yet we do not blame the Fathers for that according to the various occasions both of dispensing the word and governing the Church they did also multiply divers orders of ministers since it was free for them so to do as likewise for us and since it is manifest that it was done by them for Religious intents touching order and decency and at that time to the edification of the Church DOCT. XI The same opinion confirmed with an explication of some of the Ecclesiasticall orders in the primitive Church FOr we know that our God is the God of order not of confusion and that the Church is preserved by order but ruin'd without it for which reason he appointed many distinct orders of ministers not onely heretofore in Israel but also afterwards in the Church gathered of Iews and Gentiles and upon the same reason likewise left it free to the Churches to adde or not adde others so it were unto edification Therefore whereas at first all ministers of the word were called both Pastors Bishops and Presbyters and were of equall authority till afterwards one began to preside over his collegues although not as a Lord but onely as a Ruler in a University over the other collegues and the care of the whole Church became especially comitted to him and so by way of eminency he alone was called by the name of Bishop and Pastor the rest of the ministery being contented with the title of Presbyters or elders so that in every City there was one Bishop and many Presbyters this we disapprove not in our judgement Concerning which the relation and opinion of St. Hierome aswell in other places as in his Epistle to Euagmis and in his commentaries on the Epistle to Titus Tit. c. 10. is received by us where he saith all this hath proceeded rather from custome then from the direct appointment of our Lord that the occasions and nurseries of dissensions and schismes might be taken away And in this respect we conceive Dist 93. c. 23 that what hath been constituted also as to Archbishops yea and the four Patriarchs created before the Council of Nice may be excused and defended although afterwards in processe of time all ha's been changed into the greatest tyrannie and ambition Which is the cause that by how much the more the simplicitie of the Apostolick times in those orders of ministers is follow'd and approched unto by so much the more it hath our approbation and we do judge it convenient that care be taken in all places to conforme the government thereunto DOCT. XII That one person as head can by no meanes be set over the whole Church BUt that one person should be set over all the Churches in the whole world as head of them and have authoritie and full power over them all is a thing we can in no wise admit of but contrarily do no lesse then abominate it and much rather if that person arrogate so much to himself by divine right Lib. 4. Regist Ep. 21. and lib. 6. Ep. 30. And we embrace the saying of Gregorie the first to Mauritius the Emperour Whosoever calleth himself Universal Priest or desireth to be called so he usurps that name to himself contrary to the precepts of the Gospel and the decrees of the Canons and is the fore-runner of Antichrist DOCT. XIII That not every one but he onely that is sent by Christ is to be admitted into the ministry WE believe also that it is necessary to the true and safe governing of the Church that not every one either obtruding himself or sent by others ought to be admitted into the ministry but that he who undertakes the ministry must be first known whether or no he be called and sent by God or Christ the head
The differences between the Church Triumphant and the Church Militant ALthough the Church Triumphant and Militant are but one and the same Church yet it is easy to be understood what a great deal of difference there is between them For besides that this Militant Church doth consist onely of men whereas the Triumphant hath the blessed Angels also annexed and present here we have need of the preaching of the word the administration of the Sacraments and discipline concerning life and manners which things have no place in heaven Again from that are excluded all the ungodly and hypocrites but in this there are good bad mixt together And again those our brethren which are in heaven being now at liberty do triumph over their enemies and rejoyce with exceeding great joy being present with the Lord and beholding him face to face But we must still wrestle with flesh and bloud with the world with sin and with Satan the Prince of this world and we see here but darkly as in a glasse being absent from the Lord. And last of all it is so alwayes one the same that it is neither divided into parts nor subject to any change neither of which can be said truely of the Church Militant DOCT. III. That the Church Militant is in such sort one and the same and that Catholike that yet notwithstanding it is not with it alwayes after one and the same manner and besides it is distinguished into divers particular Churches WE therefore acknowldge that although the Militant Church alwayes was and is one and the same and that Catholike because it alwayes had from the foundation of the world and in all places one and the same Head which is Christ who knitteth and uniteth unto himself into one body all the elect gathered out of every nation Yet it neither was nor is with it alwayes after one and the same manner and besides it is distinguished into many particular Churches being as many and divers members thereof according to the varietie of times places and people For in the earthly Paradise before sin it was with it after one manner after sin and before the floud and in the time of the Patriarchs after another under the Law after another under Grace after another and in the time of Christ amongst the Iews onely after another and after Christ's glorification after another being by the Apostles gathered out of Iews and Gentiles and that not in one place but in many nor out of one people but many nor retaining at all times and in all places the same ceremonies In which respects we are wont to say that it was one before Christ and another after and that the Church of the Old Testament but this of the New and that again we reade was wont to be called the old people and this the New And as concerning particular Churches we read of one at Rome another at Corinth another at Ephesus and others in other places DOCT. IV. That the Catholike Church being but one consists of many particular Churches AGain although for many and divers respects already signified there alwayes have been and yet are many and divers and particular Churches Yet we acknowledge that as concerning the substance there alwayes hath been but one and the same consisting of them all and that Catholike and Apostolike and Holy One Because it alwayes was and is gathered into a Eph. 1.23 one body under b 4.4 Eph. 1.22 one Head Iesus Christ by c Eph. 4. â— one and the same Spirit And because there is d 5. one faith of all and one confession of the faith Catholike Because it is extended to all times and places and consists of all kinds of persons and people Apostolike Because it was e Eph. 2.20 founded upon the foundation which the Apostles laid that is Iesus Christ and built upon the doctrine of the Apostles which was also the doctrine of the Prophets from the foundation of the world and Holy Not as if it had no sin but because inasmuch as it is ingrafted into Christ and endued with the gifts of repentance and faith therefore no sins are imputed unto it but it hath obtained free pardon of them all and again because it is made partaker of Christ's Spirit sanctifying and regenerating and further because the righteousnesse and holinesse of Christ is imputed unto it in which regard it is said to be a Eph. 5.27 without spot or wrinkle that is in Christ her b 23. Head and husband DOCT. V. How it may be known concerning particular Churches whether they be true Churches or no. AS concerning particular Churches we believe that it may be known whether they be true Churches gathered together in the Lord by this if they have their building according to the will of the Lord Iesus that is on the c Mattâ— 28.19 preaching of the Gospel the administration of the Sacraments instituted and ordained by Christ and the d 20. keeping and observing of his commandments We therefore acknowledge those for the true Churches of Christ in which first of all the pure doctrine of the Gospel is preached heard and received and so received and that onely that there is neither place nor care given unto any other which is contrarie thereto For both these are the properties of the flock or sheep of Christ both to a Ioh. 10.4 hear the voyce of their own sheepherd and b 5. not to follow a stranger And again in which the Sacraments instituted by Christ are as farre as it is possible to be done rightly and duely administred and received that is according to Christs institution and where also such Sacraments as are but the inventions of men are not received And last of all in which the Discipline of Christ hath place that is where both publikely and privately by c Matt. 1 8 15 c. Tit. 1.9 admonitions corrections and where need shall require by excommunications also but yet out of charitie care is taken for the keeping and observing of Christs commandments that so all men may live a sober righteous and godly life to the glorie of God and the mutuall edification of one another For where wickednesse and all manner of uncleannesse in life goes openly unpunished and notorious offences contrarie to the doctrine of Christ scape without censure there we believe that some good and godly men may be found but that a godly and Christian congregation is there we believe not For this the Lord himself saith a Iohn 13.35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye love one another But what love can be there where no care is had that according to the doctrine of Christ when brethren sin they may be corrected and repent be gained unto the Lord and saved DOCT. VI. From what succession of Bishops it may be demonstrated that some Church is Apostolike SO also we acknowledge that from the perpetuall succession
of Asia because they dissented from him in some rites was deservedly reprooved by Irenaeus Bishop of Lyons For the Apostle would not have schismes caused in the Church or the Churches condemned because of building stubble or hay upon the foundation seeing the Church does not cease to be a Church and that holy and the beautifull spouse of Christ although she be black or have a few wrinkles and moles In brief Caâ—t 1.5 and 2.10 Eph. 5.27 although errours and defects are not to be conniv'd at yet wheresoever the foundation and principles of the Apostolicall Doctrine are firmely held and so no manifest idolatry admitted we conceive that peace and communion is to be imbraced with those assemblies as with the true Churches of Christ so great is the regard we ought to have of the unitie of the Churches DOCT. XI That we ought to endeavour the unity of the Catholick Church THerefore forasmuch as that one whole and Catholick Church now Militant on earth is composed of severall particular Churches as of it's parts if we ought to seek unitie in the Lord with every particular then we cannot but acknowledge it much more our duty to endeavour the unity of the whole Catholick Church DOCT. XII What is to be understood by the unitie of the Catholick Church BY the unitie of the Catholick Church we understand the conjunction of all the elect and regenerate in what parts of the world soever with Christ their head and amongst themselves in one body wrought by the holy Ghost which in the Creed we call the communion of Saints DOCT. XIII What is meant by the unity of the Catholick Church BY the unitie of the Catholick Church we understand that conjunction made by the Holy Ghost of all the elect and regenerate in what parts of the world soever with Christ the Head and amongst themselves into one body which in the Creed we call the communion of Saints For the Apostle also describing this unity teacheth that the Church is a body Eph. 1.12 1 Cor. 12 12. Col. â— 18 Eph. 4.12 Eph. 2.15 Rom. 8.11 consisting of divers members whose head is Christ building up all believers into one man by his Spirit quickning acting and preserving them Therefore the unity of the body and all the members with the head and amongst themselves is the unitie of the Church as St. Augustin hath also defin'd it against the Donatists T. 7. de unitat Ecclesiae c. 2. DOCT. XIII That the unitie of the Church doth summarily consist in the same faith in Christ and in love toward the brethren BUt insomuch as God useth both our faith in Christ which is implanted in our souls by the word of the Gospel and by the Sacraments and also our charity with the duties thereof towards our neighbour as the means to preserve and cherish this conjunction yea further since these are the manifest testimonies of the communion of the Saints and their conjunction with Christ therefore we confesse in summe that the unity of the Catholick Church consists in the unity of faith and in the bond of brotherly love that is that we do all embrace with true faith the same doctrine which the Prophets and Apostles have deliver'd us in their writings and professe it in the purity thereof that we retain the same Sacraments which Christ hath instituted intirely and no other that we do not neglect the discipline appointed and commanded by Christ in which mutuall affection is exercised and the salvation of an offending brother is aimed at and lastly that we love one another and practise all the duties of charity DOCT. XIV A confirmation of the former doctrine FOr we conceive that by what meanes divers people are gathered into one body by the same also they are preserved in union and become more and more establish'd therein Wherefore since the gathering of the Church is neither effected nor preserved properly by ceremonies but by the holy Ghost by the word by faith charity and the observance of Gods commandments it can not be doubted but that the unity thereof is retained and cherished by the same Which is also attested by the Apostle to the Ephesians Eph. 4.2 c. where treating of the Churches unitie he teacheth it to consist in these things without making mention at all of ceremonies DOCT. XV. That although unitie in ceremonies be not requisite in all places and times yet whereever it is embraced it ought not to be disturbed NEverthelesse we deny not but that unity also in the ceremonies and rites of every Church ought to be retain'd and endeavourd as farre as possibly may be with safety of conscience For there are two kinds of things wherein the unity of the Church may be namely in some which are deliver'd in the word of God and in others which are not so of which last sort are many Ecclesiasticall ribes and ceremonies In which respect as we believe unitie in the former to be every where and alwayes necessary we conceive that although it be not absolutely necessary as to these latter but profitable to have severall distinct rites according to the diversity of places and various conjuncture of times yet where any of these particular matters is certainely ordain'd and admitted there unity ought to be retain'd in these kind of rites and Ecclesiasticall orders not to be disturbed according to the rule of the Apostle 1 Cor. 14.40 That all things be done in the Church decently in order and to edification Concerning which matters we likewise very much approve and commend two Epistles of St. Austin to Ianuarius Epist 118 and 119. DOCT. XVI The conclusion concerning the unitie of the Church THerefore seeing Ecclesiasticall unity is of two sorts one essentiall and so of it self alwayes and every where necessary and consequently proper to the Catholick Church the other accidentall and mutable according to the divers occasions of times and places and thence proper to particular Churches we believe it is not lawfull for any person to separate from the former at any time or for any cause it being no lesse then to depart from Christ and God to renounce the holy Ghost and divide himself from the whole body of Christ which is altogether a perfect and execrable Apostasie But we are of opinion that to desert that which is accidentall in consideration of returning to and maintaining that which is essentiall is not onely lawfull but necessary for every man and the rather if those rites and ceremonies wherein the unity was be corrupted with severall superstitions but especially if even the Sacraments instituted by Christ be perverted or wholly abolisht so that a good conscience cannot partake of them And how much more if the heavenly truth be banisht from them and the doctrines of devils preached and desended in stead of them and further when you shall not be allowed so much as to be silent but compell'd either to renounce God's truth and subscribe to diabolicall lies or
of the Church to the Ecclesiasticall function and next that he be in a lawfull manner chosen and ordained by the Church it self according to the saying of the Apostle a Heb. 5 4. No man taketh this honour unto himself but he that is called of God as was Aaron c. DOCT. XIV Who are called to the ministry by Christ BUt we believe them to be called by Christ to the ministry whom he hath enabled and made fit to undertake it and those fit to whom besides the desire of propagating the Kingdome of God and glorifying God by a holy life he hath given the knowledge of sound doctrine and abilitie to propound it to the people for their salvation as the Apostle teacheth both otherwhere and b 1 Tim. 3.2 Tit. 2.6 in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus For whom God chooseth and calleth to any function he endues them with gifts necessary to the performance of the same since he calleth us rather in deed then by words And therefore they who hold not the sound doctrine of the Gospel nor teach the same to the people but rather that which is contrary unto it whether they runne of their own accord or are sent by men entrusted with the ordinary authority of sending yet we acknowledge them not for ministers called by Christ and consequently do not account them fitting to be heard as St. Iohn saith a 2 Iohn 10. If there come any unto you and bring not this doctrine receive him not into your house neither bid him God speed and God also by the Prophet Ieremie describeth those Prophets which were sent by him and those which were not in these words b Ier. 23.21 I have not sent these Prophets yet they ran I have not spoken to them yet they prophesied where explaining the former clauses by the latter he teacheth that those are not sent by him who speake not out of the mouth of God and on the contrarie that they who bring the word of God are sent by him And we are not to seek for the reason hereof For seeing c Eph. 4.12 ministers are sent of God for the edification of the Church which is rather destroyed by the doctrines of men but built up by the word of God certainly they are not sent by God who bring not his word with them DOCT. XV. That Christ calleth men to the ministry two wayes FUrthermore seeing all truly ministers are called by Christ we believe that he calleth men to the ministry after a double manner namely either a Gal. 1.1 immediately by himself alone or mediately by men that is by the Church and therefore they are both equally to be heard and accounted the true ministers of God DOCT. XVI How Christ declares to the Church those that are sent by him to be sent by himself alone WHereas those whom Christ himself calleth he declareth to be sent by himself by rendring them all fit for that charge he doth it more especially in them whom he calls and sends immediately by himself and by his Spirit extraordinarilie For he is wont to endue them largely with peculiar and excellent gifts and chiefly with the holy Ghost in abundant measure with ardent zeal of the glory of God singular knowledge of the word of God which they bring a profitable and perspicuous manner of teaching and consequently with happy successe of their labours whereby they are inabled with more speed and efficacie to reduce the Churches to the ancient that is the Apostolike frame and their lawfull and divine calling is more easily and certainly made known to the Churches a Eph. 4.12 Because all that Christ gives to the Churches as ministers he gives them to the edification thereof from whence the conclusion is easily consequent that by whose meanes we observe the Churches to be edified they are such as are called by Christ and their ministry is divine and lawfull DOCT. XVII That the calling of those ministers whom Christ sends extraordinarily and by himself is not alwayes confirmed by miracles nor is it needfull it should be so FOr we do not believe that miracles are alwayes necessary to the confirmation of the ministry of this kind of ministers since we do not read that the mission of all the Prophets was confirm'd by miracles but onely by the Spirit of God and the zeal of his glory wherewith they were enflamed and especially by the truth of the divine word which they preached not without advantage to the Saints that is the elect in the Church whereas on the other side some even false Prophets did performe signes and wonders a 2 Thes 2.9 which also the Apostle hath foretold should be done by Antichrist b Matt. 24.24 Christ before him Which notwithstanding because they brought not the word of God but lies and exhorted the people to go after strange Gods the Lord forbad them to be heard yea a Deut 3.2 10. he commanded they should be stoned to death DOCT. XVIII That the Churches which Christ restoreth by ministers extraordinarily sent are true Churches and consequently there is a lawfull ministry in them and they have lawfull authority of calling and ordaining ministers COnsidering the truth of what we have already deliver'd concerning ministers extraordinarily called by Christ we believe likewise that the Churches which Christ by their meanes and ministry restores and happily reformes in setting up the preaching of true doctrine with the lawfull administration of the Sacraments and purging the worship of God from idolatries and superstitions and recalling the true forms of discipline as much as is possible to be done and consequently communion with the Apostles that they are true Churches And from thence it followes that they have authority of calling and ordaining ministers in a lawfull manner and by that meanes to continue the succession of ministers amongst themselves So that there remaines no doubt but that ministers do there lawfully succeed and are the true ordinary ministers of the Church namely so long as together with the personall succession as it is called they likewise succeed and persist in the preaching of sound doctrine DOCT. XIX That as where true doctrine is there is a true Church so where it is not there is neither a true Church nor a lawfull ministry FOr we are well assured that as where the true doctrine onely even without a continued succession of Bishops from the beginning can be shown there is a true Church and likewise a true and lawfull ministry so on the contrary where onely a personall succession is boasted of but the purity of doctrine truely Christian is defaced there is no lawfull ministry since as the Church so the Ecclesiasticall ministry is not ty'd to persons but tot he word of God DOCT. XX. That the authority of ministers extends onely to those things whereunto themselves are called by Christ WE believe also that great authority is given by Christ to lawfull ministers namely as to the
other is proper to Ministers and persons design'd to Ecclesiastical offices which is therefore wont to be call'd the discipline of the Clergie DOCT. XXXVII The particulars of general Discipline THe common and popular discipline consists chiefly in these particulars First as to the ground-work that when any one is received into the Church that he learn to know God Christ call upon him understand what his commands are This is performed by Catechising whereby the summe of Christ an Religionis taught being thus instructed he is to professe his faith before the whole Church and to promise obedience to Christ and his Church according to the doctrine of the Gospel Rom. 10.10 Mat. 28.20 Secondly because not to proceed in the way of God is to relapse therefore to the end the godly may make good progresse in piety they ought to meet together in holy Assemblies at appointed times and places and apply themselves to the hearing of the word of God to joyn in Prayer with others and exercise charity towards the poor by contributing their offerings liberally Thirdly in regard that in this progresse we oftentimes fall some more grievously and with greater scandall to the Church others lesse hainously therefore there is another particular consisting in the Censure of manners Matt. 18 15. c. 1 Tim. 5.20 to wit that every one do submit himself to their Censure even to the end of his life and admit of brotherly correction And if any one happen to fall into some notorious offence manifest to the Church and being reproved do not repent thereof for which reason he deserves to be suspended from the Sacrament for the time untill he give publick testimony to the Church of his true repentance such a brother is to be excommunicated from holy things and bound neverthelesse upon his repentance he is to be loosed received again into favour be admitted to communion This is the first kind of discipline the end whererof is that every one might live unto God and at last die in the Lord Jesus DOCT. XXXVIII The particulars of Clerical Discipline ALlthough all persons as well Ministers as Lay-men as they call them be subject to this kind of Christian discipline yet amongst the Fathers there was added to it a certain peculiar discipline of the Clergy who are concern'd not onely to guide for others with the word but with the example of their lives and diligent dischargeing of their duty The particulars thereof are chiefly these First that they abstain from many things which otherwise may in some manner be tolerated in the laity Such are divers delights of the flesh splendid equipage costly banquets rich houshold stuffe wicked servants and the like Secondly that they withdraw themselves from all those businesses of this life which hinder them from performing their charge which principally consists in the due officiating in holy duties preaching the Word and exercising the discipline of manners such businesses are Warfare Merchandise Law-imployments bartering keeping of publick Victualling-houses and all sordid professions courses Thirdly that they give themselves more diligently then the laity to the reading and study the holy Word and endeavour to attain such arts and languages as are advantageous to the understanding of Scripture and moreover bestow their time in prayer and holy contemplations Fourthly that they promise obedience in all honest matters to the Bishop and his Metropolitan Fifthly that they use more vigilancy and care not only to the discharge of every their particular places but in all those things that appear to import the edification of the Church DOCT. XXXIX That from the necessity of discipline is confirmed the necessity of Synods THese are the principal parts of discipline without which there is no appearance how any Church can be duly governed and upheld But how is it possible this discipline can be in such places where the Ministers never convene together to know what is wanting or what irregularities are committed in the Church to denounce against evill-manners to judge of doctrines if any new happen to spring up lastly to deliberate of all things which concerne the welfare of the Church Wherefore we affirm that Assemblies of Ministers and Ecclesiastical Synods are very necessary to the right and safe government of the Church seeing no Politie no Commonwealth nor Kingdome can consist without their Senates Councils Parlaments and other conventions And it would be very acceptable to us if the ancient custome of the Churches which was ratified by a new constitution of the Emperour Justinian were recalled into practice namely that Synods should be assembled in every Province at least twice a yeare and at fit times a Council gathered of the most learned modest and prudent Ministers and Embassadours of Princes in all the Provinces that professe the Gospel which if ever is certainly extreamly necessary in these calamitous times wherein so many and such abominable heresies are brought back again from hell Wherefore with all our Soule we pray unto God the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ that he would raise up pious and valiant Princes such as Constantine Valentinian and Theodosius who by their authority may assemble such a Synod wherein themselves being present and ordering the same there may be brotherly and friendly consultation touching the happy agreement peace and safety of all the Churches out of the sacred Word and by the Spirit of God to the glory of God and the name of Christ and the safety and welfare of all the Elect. DOCT. XL. Errours THerefore we disapprove all such things as are repugnant to the aforesaid doctrine confirmed by holy Scripture and chiefly these following particulars 1. That the Church consists of men onely that Angels do not at all belong unto it 2. That the true Church which is the body of Christ consists not onely of the elect but also of reprobates and hypocrites and that these are true members of the Church 3. That the Church does so consist of the elect and truly holy that no hypocrites are conteined therein and that they are never in the holy writ included in the appellation of the Church 4. That the Church which was before the comming of our Saviour was not the true Church of Christ but onely the type of that which was to be gathered by Christ and his Apostles 5. That the Church of Christ hath two heads one invisible and residing in heaven namely Christ and another visible and ruling upon earth the Bishop of Rome with whom whosoever agreeth not in all things pertaining to Religion nor obeys him in all things he has no place nor name in the Church and cannot be saved 6. To affirm of any particular Church that it cannot erre in matter of faith 7. To confine the Church so to certaine places and persons as to say There onely is the Church 8. Not acknowledge them for Churches of Christ which although they had the fundamentals of faith yet doe not wholy
accord in ceremonies or some point of doctrine with us 9. To make a separation from the Churches for every kinde of errour or by reason of the bad life of some persons 10. To maintain that where the true doctrine right manner of worship and pure administration of the Sacraments is excluded there is notwithstanding a true and Apostolical and pure Church because a continued succession of Bishops from the times of the Apostles can be demonstrated therein and contrarily to deny those to be true Churches which although they retain the pure doctrine the Sacraments intire and the right discipline yet cannot shew a personal and uninterrupted succession and continuation of Bishops 11. That the authority of any Bishop as such does extend beyond those things whereunto he is called by Christ 12. That the Church ha's authority to alter something in the holy Scripture or to dispense with the commands of God or frame new lawes binding the conscience 13. That it is not lawfull for Ministers of the Word to contract matrimony or at least to marry twice 14. That it is not lawfull for Ministers to receive a certain stipend 15. That it is lawfull to use an unknown tongue in the Church though no interpretation be added 16. That besides God and Jesus Christ the Mediatour it is lawfull for men to call upon Saints departed and to direct prayers and the sacrifice of thanksgiving to them 17. That it is not lawfull for Christians during the Fast of Lent and certain other daies to eate some kinds of food 18. That the Church does well in praying for the Soules of persons deceased that they may be delivered from fire of Purgatory CHAP. XXVI Having spoken of the first sort of men whose Ministry God useth in the government of the Church namely of Ecclesiastical Ministers their functions and other matters appendant there unto it remaineth that we deliver in brief what our belief is concerning the other viz the civil Magistrate For the Lord is wont to make use of his Ministry also especially if he be a Christian for the protection and preservation of his Church DOCTRINE I. That every Magistrate whither godly or wicked is from God and that therefore no Magistrate is simply to be resisted WE believe that every Magistrate as well wicked as godly is from the Lord God and that he is the Minister of God a 1 Pet. 2.14 sent for the punishment of evil doers and the praise of them that doe well and that in that respect he is to be b Rom. 13. â— 5 7. feared and honoured and obedience given to his commands as farre as may be with a good conscience and without transgressing the divine law and that not onely out of fear but also for conscience sake because God commands it so that as he is the Minister of God he is not to be resisted because c Rom. 13.2 5. Whosoever resisteth the power resisteth the Ordinance of God and God himself DOCT. II. That the Magistrate is not to be obeyed when he commands any thing contrary to the will of God NEverthelesse if the Magistrate injoyns us any thing contrary to his will by whom he is sent and whose Minister he professeth himself to be we do not doubt with the Apostles but that we ought to deny obedience unto him and say d Acts. 5.29 We ought to obey God rather then men since such a Magistrate is not the Minister of God in that particular Wherefore a Rom. 13.5 if it behooveth us to be subject to obey the Magistrate for conscience sake and not onely out of fear then we conclude that in whole we cannot obey for conscience sake therein we ought not to obey for fear In other matters we know that b Rom. 13.2 he that resisteth the power resisteth God and receiveth damnation to himself DOCT. III. That we ought to pray for all Magistrates that they may faithfully discharge their duties and what the duty of every Magistrate is MOreover because it is the duty of every free Magistrate both in making of laws pronouncing of judgements and likewise in punishing offences to use all care and diligence that their subjects live according to virtue and nature and the laws of God the summe whereof is that c Tit. 2.12 we live soberly and so chastly and decently righteous and so quietly with our neighbour and godly in this present world and that they cannot perform this duty of themselves unlesse they be indued by God with the knowledge thereof and a Phil. 2.13 stirred up both to will and to doe therefore what we our selves do by the precept of the Apostle the same we teach others to do also namely that they pray for the Magistrates whatever they be that they may become both willing and able to acquit themselves of their charge that thereby wee may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all honesty and godlinesse that is that we may live commodiously and in peace together that the honour of the publick be regarded and true piety and religion maintained and promoted DOCT. IV. That it is the chief duty of a Christian Prince to undertake the care of Christian Religion BUt if the Magistrate be a Christian and godly person we believe that it does especially belong to him to take a peculiar care of the Christian Religion besides their indeavours for the publick and civil benefit and maintaining the peace honour of the society over which he is placed seeing the Lord hath made him keeper of both Tables and commandeth him that as a Prince a Ios 18. he alwaies have the Law in his hands that he may as well b Deut. 13.5 punish idolaters blasphemers false prophets seducers c. As murderers and adulterers and this according to the examples of the godly Kings in Israel and the Christian Princes Constantine Valentinian Theodosius Iustinian and others abundantly confirming the same who according to the command of God did serve the Lord not only as private persons but as Kings as St. Austin hath most prudently observed concerning their duty out of the second Psalm and expounded the fame Epist 50. Ad Bonifacium Comiâ—em Tom. 2. DOCT. V. That the duty of a godly Prince is twofold and wherein the first part thereof consists MOreover seeing the duty of a pious Prince that is of such a Magistrate as hath a free power over any people and authority to institute or reform religion in his jurisdiction which he owes to Christ and the Church is twofold whereof one consists in things pertaining to religion and the other ha's regard to to the persons under his jurisdiction and subject unto him We believe as to the first that it is his duty in the first place to take diligent care that religion be established or being established be preserved pure in his principalities or kingdome or if corrupted that it be restored and reformed and this according to the pure Word of
which Christ was to come being gathered together and wonderfully increased and being after a miraculous manner delivered out of the bondage of Egypt that God might have a certain and visible Church separated from all gentiles and gathered together in one place in which the promise made unto the Fathers concerning Christ might be kept and God might be worshipped after such a manner as was best pleasing unto him even unto the coming of the true Redeemer promised Between these two I say the promise and the fulfilling thereof the Law which was delivered by Moses came between and contained in it three kinds of precepts Morall for the right ordering of a private life in the course of pietie Cermoniall according to the prescript rule whereof the Church was to be governed and Iudiciall concerning the government of the whole commonwealth in civil matters and concerning the ordering of private families in household government That by this meanes the people of God of whom Christ was to come might be kept from idolatrie and from following the profane customes and manners of the wicked gentiles That they might be kept within the compasse of their duty and service to God and obedience to Gods will and to conclude That they might be supported and upheld through saith and hope in the promise concerning true Redemption to be wrought by Christ which was to be fulfilled and that so they might be prepared every day more and more for the receiving and entertaining of Christ and all to this end That God might be glorified in his people DOCT. II. That whatsoever is necessarie unto salvation is contained in the Law of God BUt as for the two latter parts of the whole Law which belong nothing unto us to say nothing of them but onely of the former We believe that in this Law as it is delivered unto us in the books of Moses he Prophets and Apostels a 2 Tim. 3.16 all things necessarie unto our salvation are so perfectly and completely set down unto us and the will of God which he would have us to do here in this world is so farre forth revealed that b Deut. 4.2 b 12.32 nothing can be added thereto or diminished from it DOCT. III. That the Law of the Decalogue or ten Commandments is the exposition of the Law of Nature and the Map of Gods image FOr we believe That this Law is is the exposition of the Law of Nature which was perfectly wrote in the hearts of our first patents but in others imperfectly and but in part and therefore by this is condemned whatsoever is repugnant to that image of God after which man was at the first created and contrarily That is commanded whatsoever is agreeable unto it For it was Gods will by this Law to declare both what man was in his first estate and what he was made in his second and what he ought to be and further What he should be in the third in part and in the fourth perfectly by Christ That the Law of God is nothing else but the true lively expresse draught or Map of Gods image by which we are put in mind what we were what we are what we should be and what we shall be if we believe on Christ DOCT. IV. That the summe of the Law is reduced to these two heads the love of God and our neighbour WE believe and confesse according to the Doctrine of Christ That the summe or substance of the whole Law is contained in these two Commandments a Matt. 22.37 Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind and b 39. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self The first of which is the summe of the former table and the other is the summe of the latter DOCT. V. That if God alone is to be loved with all the heart He alone also is to be worshipped NOw if the summe of the first table which containeth in it the whole worship which is due unto God consisteth in the perfect love of God alone from hence beside the expresse Commandments of God in other places expounding this Commandment we gather thus much and believe That God alone is to be adored invocated and worshipped with religious worship and that we are to swear onely by his name because these things are contained in the Commandment concerning the loving of God with all the heart To omit this that the image of God whereof the Law it self is a draught or map taught Adam the very same DOCT. VI. That concupiscence it self and the corruption of nature is a sinne ANd if by the Law of God that is condemned for a sinne whatsoever is not agreeable unto the first image of God that is in righteousnesse holinesse and uprightnesse wherein man was created we gather from hence that not onely the actions done with consent of will contrary to the will of God but also the very inward motions of concupiscence and therefore concupiscence it self and every corruption of nature is a sinne and so condemned by the Law of God because it is repugnant to the rectitude or uprightnesse and righteousnesse in which man was created and in which he might have continned and stood if he would DOCT. VII That the Law although it cannot be perfectly kept and fulfilled was not yet given in vain or to no end BUt although the Law of God is so perfect that a Rom. 7.15 no mortall man hath been able or is able to keep it wholly alwayes and in such a manner as it ought to be kept Yet we believe that it was not given in vain or to no end or purpose for as much God doth nothing in vain but all in infinite wisedome for his own glorie and for our profit and salvation DOCT. VIII That there is a threefold use and profit arising from the Law of God FOr First of all by the perfect Revelation of Gods will by this Law men might in former times and may now come the better unto the knowledge of God and what is pleasing unto him what is good and what bad what to be done and what to be avoided better I say then by the mere reliques of the Law of Nature which was left in mans mind and so all pretense of ignorance being quite taken away the Iews were made more unexcusable then other nations for not keeping the Law of God because from thence men are given to understand that the judgements of God against us are most just Secondly by the curses which are added against the transgressours of the Law men are better bridled as it were and kept in that they run not into sin and again by the blessings promised unto the observers of the Law men are incited and spurred on as it were to run in the way of Gods Commandments and keep his Law though not wholly and perfectly yet at least in part as concerning outward works and so they were the better kept
mouth of the body cannot be demonstrated unto us out of the holy Scripture and again Though we should grant that there may be some probabilitie for it yet it is neither necessarie nor behoofull for the soul but contrarily doth bring with it many mischiefs into the Church as monstrous heresies idolatrie worshipping of idolls stirrs contentions schismes dissipation of Churches so exposes our Christian Religion to be derided by infidells We believe that true pietie requires that we rest contented with that manner of eating which is by the Spirit and faith not troubling our selves about the other but taking our leave of that embrace after a godly manner and entertain brotherly charitie peace one with another for which end also the holy Supper was instituted For last of all that manner of speech cannot be granted in any other sense but as we are wont to say that we have received with our ears what we understand by hearing the word with our ears But we are altogether against bringing in into Christian Religion such phrases or manner of speaking as is strange and not used in holy Scripture especially if it be not onely unprofitable but also pernicious DOCT XIII That in the Lord's Supper the flesh of Christ is truly present but yet after a Spirituall manner FRom what hath been said both concerning the true union and also the true eating is easy to be gathered what our belief is concerning the true presence We believe then that if we be truly and really united with Christ and so with his flesh and bloud and if we eat his flesh and drink his bloud indeed the same Christ is present with us not onely by his Deitie but also by his flesh and bloud to as many as are united with him and eat his flesh and drink his bloud For what can be more present to thee then that which thou doest truly eat and drink and whereunto thou art conjoyned by thy substance and which again is coupled unto thee by it's substance and from whence as from the head life sense and motion is derived unto thee as unto a member DOCT. XIV That as the union and eating is such is the presence to wit Spirituall ANd as the union as well as the eating is wrought by the Spirit and faith so also we are taught and believe that the presence is onely Spirituall and in such men as are endued with the Spirit of God and faith And therefore that it cannot be hindred by any distance of place though never so great DOCT. XV. That a thing is so farre said to be present or absent as it is either received or not received FOr it is not the nearnesse or distance of place that makes a thing to be present or absent but the partaking thereof or the not partaking The Sunne we know although it be farre remote and distant from us is notwithstanding said and truly said to be present to our eyes forasmuch as we are made partakers of the light thereof and again it is said to be absent when as it is either by the interposition of clouds concealed from us or else is gone down to the other Hemisphere that it cannot be seen of us August ad vol. Epist 3. Col. 10. With the blind man the Sun is never present although it shine upon his eyes never so much As the case is likwise with the deaf man as concerning Musicall Harmonie and with the unskilfull and unlearned man as concerning the understanding of an unknown tongue or scholarlike oration God also is said to be farre from the ungodly because he is not received of them by faith although by his essence he is not farre from any one of us For in him we live move have our being As farre forth therefore as a thing is received or not received by us whether it be by way of nutrition or by the senses or the understanding or any other way so farre forth it is said either to be present or absent DOCT. XVI What manner of presence it is that we deny and what it is that we admit WHerefore although we deny that either the substance of the bread is changed or annihilated and reduced into nothing and that the true flesh of Christ succeedeth in the place thereof and so is made present that the true substance of the body of Christ lies hid under the accidents of bread and again Although we deny that the flesh of Christ is really and substantially present in the bread which hath no union with it but onely Sacramentall which is sounded in the mysticall relation and again Although we deny that it is present to the wicked and ungodly which have not that Spirituall communion with Christ neither can be said truely to eat his flesh And further Although we do not admit of such a presence of the body of Christ by which as at the first Supper it was present to the Apostles after a visible manner Yet now it is present to the faithfull upon earth at the time of the Supper though after an invisible manner and not comming within the compasse of sense because this is not onely contrary to the nature of Christs body but also manifestly repugnant to the holy Scripture And to conclude Although we detest and abhorre that manner of presence after which some feigne that the flesh of Christ is really and substantially every where present Yet we believe and confesse such a presence as by reason of the things which are truely present to us because we are truely made partakers thereof is no lesse essentiall then it is Spirituall and that both for the things which are truely present to us because we are truely made partakers thereof and also for the manner after which they are present and and truely communicated unto us Moreover we do in no wise deny that the flesh of Christ is present in the bread and his bloud in the wine but yet we would have it to be understood in such manner as we are wont to say that whatsoever is preached and offered unto us in the word of the Gospel the same is also present and contained in it For the Sacraments are the visible word and every thing signified is after some manner in it's signe and is wont to be exhibited together with it DOCT. XVII That the presence of Christs body in the Supper depends not on ubiquitie but on the words of Christ FRom whence it is manifest that the presence of Christs body in the Supper depends not on ubiquitie as some have dreamed but on the words of Christ working in us to whom it is made present by the holy Spirit For had the Apostles eaten the bread which they received from the hands of Christ before they had heard and received by faith these words of his THIS IS MY BODY they had certainly received and eaten nothing else but bread So that for the establishing of the reall presence in the bread that monstrous and prodigious opinion
concerning ubiquitie a thing odious to God and his Church fetcht out of the distinction of the School-men but contrarie even to the opinion of the School-men had then nothing at all helped them And this is our belief and confession concerning the communion the true eating and the true presence of Christ's body DOCT. XVIII What rites and ceremonies are to be used at the celebration of the Lord's Supper COncerning the rites and ceremonies to be used at the celebration of the Lords Supper this onely we say That those are most to be approved which come nearest to the practice of the Apostles CHAP. XVII Concerning faith hope and charitie DOCTRINE I. That faith is very necessarie unto our communion with Christ and so that we may be made partakers of salvation FOr the ingrafting us into Christ and the furthering our communion with him the holy Spirit indeed useth externall meanes and instruments to wit the word of the Gospel and the Sacraments But yet unlesse by the same Spirit there be stirred up in us faith whereby we may embrace Christ offered unto us with all his treasures we must confesse that those outward meanes and instruments are not at all profitable unto us to salvation And therefore we doubt not to say that faith is necessarie to unite us unto Christ and to make us partakers of his benefits DOCT. II. What is understood by the name of faith BY the name of faith we understand not any humane opinion or perswasion concerning God and concerning Christ Eph. 1. â— but the gift of divine wisdome and prudence stirred up in our hearts by the holy Spirit upon the hearing of the word whereby giving assent unto all the word of God revealed in the holy Scripture and the Gospel most especially which brings us joyfull tidings of our redemption wrought by Christ we do therein truely understand God and his will Christ our Mediatour and his benefits we do certainly know and most lovingly embrace them we do upon a firme confidence which we conceive of the mercy of God and his infinite love towards us call upon him whereby we are as it were set on fire and inflamed to love him again and are forced as it were to performe faithfull service unto him and constantly throughout the whole course of our life glorifie him by our good works and deeds of charitie towards our neighbour DOCT. III. The confirmation of what hath been said concerning faith FOr true faith is not from the wit of man or naturall ingenie but it is the a Phil. 1.29 gift of God neither is it given unto all but to b Tit. 1.1 Act. 13.28 the elect onely neither is it onely an opinion uncertain and doubtfull but c Heb. 11.1 the substance of things hoped for firme and sure and a most certain evidence of things not seen neither cometh it by the hearing of humane reason but d Rom. 10.17 by hearing the word of God and relyes onely on the authoritie of Gods word and promise neither is it an hypocriticall and feigned assent but sincere and e â— Tim. 1.15 out of a pure heart neither is it a temporarie perswasion f Matt. 13.21 during for a while but constant and perpetuall although it be often weakened by our sins neither is it blind and rash but the onely g Eph. 1.8 wisdome whereby we know God and Christ and heavenly things and Christian prudence whereby we are taught not to abuse that knowlege of God but to use it to a right end neither is it a Iam. 2.20 dead but living and b Gal. 5.6 working by love DOCT. IV. That faith cometh not all at once but hath it's increase from time to time BUt although the faith of the elect never faileth totally and altogether but ever liveth yet we never knew it so perfect and complete in any but that every day it stands in need of increase for which the c Luk. 17.5 Apostles themselves prayed and we also at all times ought to pray DOCT. V. That confession of the truth cannot be separated from true faith WE believe also that true faith cannot consist without a willingnesse and readinesse to confesse the truth ingenuously as occasion is offered d Rom. â—0 10 For as the Apostle saith With the heart man believeth unto righteousnesse and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation Wherefore we condemne libertines and others of the same mold and stamp who think that it is free for them in every place and in all companie to dissemble the truth and to fit themselves for all religions DOCT. VI. That hope ariseth from faith WE believe also that hope ariseth from faith and that faith is the foundation thereof according to the Apostle a Heb. 11.1 Faith is the substance of things hoped for For therefore do we hope for things to come and through patience assuredly expect them because we have the promise of God which we believe and whereon we rely DOCT. VII What hope is NOw hope is the gift of God whereby what good things God hath promised though yet neither had b Rom. 8.24 nor seen we do through patience waiting on the mercy of God for the onely merits of Iesus Christ so assuredly expect as we do certainly believe DOCT. VIII From whence ariseth the certainty of hope FOr the hope of us Christian men ariseth not from humane promises neither is it nourished by humane merits nor relyeth it thereupon but being supported and upheld by the onely truth of divine promises confirmed unto us many wayes and sealed in our hearts as likewise by the almightie power of God which promiseth declared in generall towards all believers but most especially manifested in Christ at what time he raised him up from the dead and exalted him above all heavens to sit at his right hand and again by the obedience of Christ alone on whom we believe and in whom we trust it doth certainly and constantly expect the complement or accomplishment of our salvation to wit the resurrection from the dead the glorious coming of the great God and our Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ and a full and plenarie possession of an heavenly inheritance DOCT. IX That from faith ariseth also love and charitie WE believe also that true charitie ariseth from true faith for faith worketh by love and thereby is declared the efficacie of faith St. Paul teacheth that the a Gal. 5.6 faith in Christ which is most available is that which worketh by love and to this purpose saith St. Iohn b 1 Iohn 4.2 He that loveth not knoweth not God Therefore we do not acknowledge them for brethren whosoever boast of their c Iam 2.15 16 faith and yet have not charitie For d 26. faith without works is dead DOCT. X. That charitie is the gift of God WE believe also that even charitie it self is the gift of God whereby we are so affected that with all our
heart we both love again and also glorifie God the Father and Christ our Redeemer that we are inclined and moved to good will and bounty towards all men in generall yea even towards our enemies but especially towards the Saints and those which are of the houshold of faith Therefore we condemne all those which say that a man by his own naturall powers may love God above all things 1 Iohn 4.7 For Love is of God as saith St. Iohn DOCT. XI The signes and tokens of charitie BUt we do not believe that to be true Christian charitie which agreeth not with that description set down by St. Paul in his first Epistle to the Corinthians which is after this manner 1 Cor. 13.4 Charitie suffereth long and is kind Charitie envyeth not Charitie vaunteth not it self is not puffed up 5.6 Doth not behave it self unseemly seeketh not her own is not easily provoked 7. thinketh no evill Rejoyceth not in iniquitie but rejoyceth in the truth Bearethall things believeth all things hopeth all things endureth all things c. DOCT. XII That our communion with Christ and his Church is cherished and maintained by love and Charitie WE believe that by true love and charitie our communion with Christ and his Church is very much cherished increased and maintained Forasmuch as love joyneth together in one the persons loving and the persons loved For St. Iohn saith a 1 Ioâ— 4 16. He that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God and God in him CHAP. XVIII Concerning Repentance ALthough all these faith hope and charitie repentance justification the study of good works and a holy life cannot really be separated one from another Yet forasmuch as they depend one upon another we know that in this regard they are to be distinguished and we are to take them into consideration each apart and enquire what they are and what their efficacie is We think good therefore briefly to set down our opinion and deliver our judgement concerning each of them beginning with Repentance which is the perpetuall individuall and inseparable companion of faith For although after Iustification it is perfected every day more and more yet because no man is justified without Repentance and the beginning thereof goeth before Iustification it self Therefore in the first place we are resolved to declare what our faith and belief is concerning this DOCTRINE I. That Repentance is necessarie to our Iustification and so also to our Communion with Christ WE believe that to our true partaking of Christs righteousnesse and our communion with him Repentance is necessarie whereby turning from sin and from the world by change of mind and will we may turn unto Christ cleave unto him and obtain in him and from him remission of sins and be endued with his righteousnesse and holinesse For the first thing that a Matt. 1.4 15. Iohn the Baptist and our Saviour preached was the Doctrine of Repentance for the remission of sins And Except ye Repent saith our Saviour ye shall all likewise perish DOCT. II. What we understand by the name of Repentance BY the name of Repentance we understand two things more especially The first is true and serious grief and sorrow for sins committed against God and that not so much for fear of punishment due unto sin as that we have offended God himself the chiefest good who is our Father and Maker The second is a true change of heart and mind will and purpose and of our whole life This part of Repentance which properly is by Christ called Resipiscence and by the Prophets Conversion unto God and Circumcision of heart according to the Doctrine of the Apostle proceedeth from the former for he joyneth both together saying a 2 Cor. 7.10 Godly sorrow worketh Repentance to salvation not to be repented of DOCT. III. That Repentance is the gift of God WE believe that Repentance is the gift of God proceeding from his mere grace not due to any meries or preparations of ours according to what the Apostle saith b 2 Tim. 2.25 If God peradventure will give them Repentance to the acknowledgement of the truth c 26. And that they may recover themselves out of this snare of the devil and according to the Prophet d Ier. 31.18 Turn thou me and I shall be turned For thou art the Lord my God DOCT. IV. That for the stirring up of Repentance in us God ordinarily useth the word of the Law and Gospel and That the hearing of them both in the Church is therefore necessarie GOd to stirre up Repentance in us doth ordinarily use the expounding of the Law which discovereth our sins unto us and Gods wrath against sin as likewise the preaching of the Gospel which declareth unto us remission of sins and the grace of God in Christ As it is manifest to every godly man which looketh into the holy Scripture And therefore we judge that in the Church both are necessarie both the expounding of the Law and the preaching of the Gospel DOCT. V. The summe of the Doctrine concerning Repentance and in all every where and alwayes necessarie unto salvation to as many as are of years THe summe then of our belief concerning Repentance every where and alwayes necessarie unto salvation to as many as are of yeares is this That Repentance is the change of heart and mind wrought in us by the holy Spirit by the word of the Law and of the Gospel whereby Forasmuch as our sins and corruption of nature are as the Law teacheth things repugnant to the will of God and so stand in need to be purged away as the Gospel preacheth by the death of the Son of God We from our souls lament and bewail them detest and abhorre them humbly confessing them before God and begging pardon for the same resolving upon amendment of life and a constant studie of innocency and all Christian vertues and therein exercising our selves diligently all the dayes of our life to the glorie of God and the edifying of the Church DOCT. VI. That simply and absolutely we condemne not those parts of Repentance commonly so called viz. Contrition confession of sins and satisfaction COncerning the parts of Repentance before spoken of we list not much further to dispure being thoroughly perswaded out of the holy Scriptures that in brief it consists in a serious and earnest mortyfying of the old man and quickning of the new the former whereof hath force and efficacie from the death of Christ and the latter from his resurrection the holy Spirit communicating both unto us Yet simply and absolutely we condemne not that long agoe received and yet retained distinction in the Schooles of the parts of Repentance into contrition confession of sins and satisfaction with this proviso that they be examined at the rule of the holy Scriptures and not found to decline from the godly customes of the ancient Church As concerning contrition and confession of sins likewise both before God and our brother
whom we have offended and before all the Church also when it is expedient they are not without testimonie in the holy writ Moreover if any man oppressed with the waight of his sins and perplexed with tentations is desirous to receive counsell instruction and consolation privately either from a Minister of the Church or any other Christian brother that is exercised in the Law of God we dislike it not Neither condemne we those Ecclesiasticall satisfactions of which Tertullian Cyprian and other Fathers speak which consisted onely in this that the persons delinquent and offending should give unto the Church publikely some certain outward testimonie of their true Repentance which they called doing of penance But we condemne those superstitions which having since been superadded butchering of consciences and wicked and ungodly opinions whereby the benefit of the death and satisfaction of Iesus Christ who alone hath purged away our sinnes and perfectly redeemed us from guilt and punishment is much impaired CHAP. XIX Concerning Justification DOCTRINE I. That whosoever are indued with the gift of Repentance are indued also with the gift of faith are ingrafted into Christ and in him justified WHosoever a Isai 56.2 is poor and of a contrite Spirit and detesteth his sins from the bottom of his heart and repenteth him truely of the evil course of his life past and a Psal 32.6 prayeth unto God with sighes and grones for remission of his sins b Matt. 5.6 hungreth and thirsteth after the true righteousnesse of Christ we believe that as he is indued by the holy Spirit with the gift of true Repentance towards God so also that he indued with the gift of a lively faith and knit unto Christ his head as a member thereunto ordained from eternitie and that therefore in him he obtaineth remission of sin and is indued with the perfect righteousnesse of Christ and so reputed just and absolved from all guilt for the merits of Christ into whom he is ingrafted For thus saith the Apostle c Rom. 8.1 There is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Iesus and again d 1 Cor. 1.30 Who of God is made unto us wisdome and righteousnesse and sanctification and redemption DOCT. II. That whosoever for Christ into whom he is ingrafted is reputed just is also indued with the gift of inherent righteousnesse FUrthermore we believe that whosoever is for Christ into whom he is by the holy Spirit ingrafted reputed righteous and is also righteous indeed having already obtained in Christ remission of sins and the imputation of his righteousnesse he is presently indued with the gift of inherent righteousnesse in such manner that he is not onely most perfectly and fully righteous in Christ his head but hath also in himself true righteousnesse whereby he is made truly conformable unto Christ Although whilst we are in the flesh our righteousnesse can never be so perfect but still by reason of our corruption it will be blemished with many stains of sin Concerning which kind of righteousnesse thus saith St. Iohn a 1 Ioh. 3.7 He that doth righteousnesse that is righteous works is righteous And both these kinds of righteousnesse the Apostle St. Paul alwayes joyneth together both in the Epistle to the Romans and also in other Epistles and further teacheth that by Christ they are both bestowed on the faithfull which also he confirms in his Epistle to the Philippians Phil. 1 1â— Concerning he latter kind of righteousnesse whose fruits are made manifest unto men we say that it is so evident a testimonie of the former that where it is wanting we professe with the holy Apostles there can be no place for the former So farre are we from loosing the raines to all impietie by teaching the Doctrine of justification by faith alone apprehending remission of sins and the righteousnesse of Christ DOCT. III. That forasmuch as our inherent righteousnesse is alwayes very imperfect through our fault therefore before God we are justified by the righteousnesse of Christ onely BUt notwithstanding what hath been said we confesse that this inherent righteousnesse is through our pravitie so imperfect that by the righteousnesse of Christ alone whereby our sins are not imputed to us not onely at the beginning of our conversion when as of ungodly men we are made godly but afterwards also even to the end of our life we are justified before God and accounted for righteous The Prophet David saith as much and the Apostle subscribes unto it a Psal 32.1 Rom. 4.7 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven and again b Psal 32.2 Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquitie and again c Psal 143.2 In thy sight shall no man living be justified Therefore we conclude that our true justification before God consists onely in the remission of our sins and the imputation of Christs righteousnesse unto us DOCT. IV. That by faith it is felt and found whether a man be justified in Christ and that therefore he is said to be justified by faith BUt because justification is not without the knowledge sense and assent of him that is justified which is spoken and to be understood of those which are come to ripenesse of years and that sense is the sense of faith Therefore we say that then at length a man is justified by faith when he is ingrafted into Christ and upon a sense and feeling thereof is perswaded that of the mere mercie of God for the onely obedience satisfaction and sacrifice of Christ into whom he is ingrafted his sins are so remitted that he is absolutely freed from all guilt and punishment due unto the same and so perswaded that the perfect righteousnesse of Christ is in such manner imputed unto him that thereupon he finds and feels that eternall life is as due unto him as it was to Christ and so comes to understand that justification is merely and truely of grace and not due unto his good works DOCT. V. The confirmation of what was last said and what it is to be justified FOr first in holy Scripture as well in the Old Testament as in the New but especially according to St. Paul where he speaks professedly concerning this matter to justifie signifies to remit sins and so to absolve from all guilt and punishment to receive into grace and favour to pronounce one righteous and to account him for righteous not such a one that is simply and absolutely unrighteous but one that is no longer unrighteous by reason of remission of sins obtained And further although whomsoever God in Christ hath from eternitie elected to be his Sons he doth acknowledge the same to be his in Christ and of his mere grace makes them acceptable unto himself in the beloved Yet because we are never truely in Christ untill such time as we are by the holy Ghost ingrafted and incorporated into him and that cannot be wrought in us as many as are of years untill we
marry which oath he cannot keep without manifest transgressing of the divine Law we determine that he is in no wise to keep that oath DOCT. VII Errours condemned WE therefore condemne all those whosoever invocate or adore call upon or worship either idols or dead men or any thing whatsoever without life As likewise all Anabaptists who simply and absolutely condemne all manner of oaths contending for this that it is not lawfull for a Christian man to swear in any kind And again those who call upon any other besides God to be witnesse to their souls and consciences And to conclude all those whosoever contend for this that vowes and oaths though of themselves impious and such as cannot be kept without wickednesse are yet notwithstanding to be kept CHAP. XXIII Concerning the Church of Christ in generall BEcause the Church of Christ which is his body is known to consist of such as by the bond of the holy Spirit are knit unto him as members unto their head And again the word and the Sacraments are the means by which men are knit unto Christ and these means no where to be had but in the Church And further whosoever are endued with the gifts and graces of Hope Charitie Repentance Studie and care to exercise good works do belong unto the Church Therefore we judge it worth the pains to declare what is our belief concerning the Church especially seeing that there be very great controversies about this article above all the rest And first we will speak of the Church of Christ in generall and so we make confession of our faith with all the Church Afterwards we will speak in speciall of the Church Militant and what pertaineth thereunto DOCTRINE I. An Article of faith concerning the Church out of the Apostles Creed WE believe the holy Catholike Church the communion of Saints DOCT. II. What we understand by the name of the Church and the description thereof BY the name of Christs Church we understand a certain number and companie known unto God both of Angells and Men which are not onely predestinated and elected to have perpetuall communion with Christ and mutually one with another as also to worship the true God perpetually according to his will and commandment and to love one another with sincere and perpetuall love and charitie but are also in time effectually called by the holy Spirit out of the number of others and neerely united unto Christ and so true Saints indeed begun from the foundation of the world and by a continuall succession even unto these times gathered together and continued by the bond of the holy Spirit and to be continued even unto the end of the world yea to all eternitie in part already triumphing with Christ in the heavens and in part as yet militant on earth for Christ with sundry enemies preaching and hearing the word of the Gospell administring and receiving the holy Sacraments and in publike and private looking to the observing keeping of Christs commandments DOCT. III. That the Church is a companie consisting of many THat the Church is a companie consisting of many and as it were a body compounded of divers members we are taught in holy Scripture where it is called a Eph. 1.23 the body of Christ which is distinguished by diuers members as also b Iohn 10.3 c. a flock of sheep and the Kingdome of God and c Heb. 11.10 a Citie which consisteth of divers Citizens and by other such like names DOCT IV. That the Church consists onely of the elect which are already incorporated into Christ ANd that these many whereof the Church consisteth are none other but the elect which are already ingrafted into Christ and endued with sanctitie from him we are likewise taught abundantly out of the said holy Scripture both in other places and especially in the Epistle to the Ephesians where the Apostle speaking of the Church and the members thereof saith that we are a Ephes 1.4 chosen in Christ b 7. to have redemption in him c 13. being sealed with that holy Spirit of promise d 22. that Christ was given to be the head over all things to the Church and e that the Church is his body Such a body therefore it is whose members are every one by one and the same Spirit both knit unto Christ their head and likewise one together with another from their head they receive life and from him they are endued with sanctitie so that the whole body of the Church is truely holy and therefore is called the holy Church DOCT. V. That the holy Angells are not excluded from the body of the Church ANd yet from this body of Christ which is the holy Church we do 23. not exclude the Angells and that for these reasons following a Heb. 12.22 1. Because the Apostle speaking expressely and plainly of the Church includeth therein even the Angells also 2. b Eph. 1.10 Coloss 2.10 Because they together with us under one and the same head which is Christ are gathered together into one body and Christ is manifestly by the Apostle called the head of the Angells 3. c Rev. 22.9 Because they call themselves our fellow servants and have with us the same Father and worship the same God and we are all to be together for ever in the same Citie d Heb. 12.22 the heavenly Ierusalem 4. And lastly Because they are holy And the Church is the communion of all Saints DOCT. VI. That reprobates and hypocrites although they be in the Church yet they are not of the Church WE therefore upon good grounds do believe and professe that reprobates and hypocrites although they have their dwelling in the Church and converse with the Saints yet they are not of the Church nor any members thereof forasmuch as they are not truely united unto Christ the Head nor endued with his Spirit and therefore not truely holy For the Apostle St. Iohn speaking of certain hypocrites saith thus a 1 Ioh. 2.19 They went out from us but they were not of us for if they had been of us they would no doubt have continued with us They are not therefore of the Church whosoever do at length revolt from Christ and not retain perpetuall communion with Christ and with all the Saints howsoever they may for a time seeme great worthy men in the Church either bearing rule and authoritie in a Christian Commonwealth or being set over the whole Church For they are the members of Satan and not of Christ whosoever have not the Spirit of Christ but of Antichrist DOCT. VII That the Church of Christ alwayes was and is but one onely ANd we confesse that the Church of Christ alwayes was and is one onely because the body whereunto Christ was given by his Father to be the Head thereof alwayes was and is but a â—ph 4.4 one one onely Spirit whereby all the members of the body have their
connexion together with the Head b 6. One onely God to worship whom and to glorifie him for ever we are all elected and called c 5. one faith of all believers one salvation and one celestiall inheritance in regard whereof Christ alwayes called his Church one and his flock one We do not therefore make the Church which was from the beginning of the world and before the coming of Christ to be another from that which now is and ever shall be even to the end of the world but we hold it to be one at all times and in all places and of all persons truely joyned unto Christ And therefore we say that the communion of all Saints is one and we are perswaded out of holy Scripture that whosoever do make a finall revolt or departure therefrom they do not belong unto this one body DOCT. VIII That there is but one Head of the Church to wit Iesus Christ FRom hence are we confirmed in the faith that seeing the Church of Christ which is his body is but one therefore the Head thereof is and alwayes was but one Now by the name of Head we understand him who from the beginning of the world was by God given unto the Church to this end that he should be at length made partaker of the same nature with it and redeem it and closely unite it unto himself and quicken it and illuminate it with the splendour of his wisdome and inflame it with the ardent heat of divine love and effectually move it unto all good desires and good works and perpetually guide governe and preserve it For besides dayly experience in nature we are caught it out of the holy Scripture that these are the proper operations of the Head in respect of the body But we acknowledge none that doth or can perform these for the Church besides Iesus Christ not denying in the mean time but there may be one head of all the hypocrites which are in the Church and consequently of a hypocriticall Church it self forasmuch as the Prophets did foretell thus much and the Apostles also have confirmed it But we believe and confesse with the holy Apostles that the a Eph. 1.22.4.15.5.23 Col 1.18 Head of the true Church is but one onely to wit Iesus Christ DOCT. IX That this Church is truely holy FRom whence also it followes that this Church is truely holy and that for these reasons 1. Because it hath a most holy and sanctifying Head 2. Because no sins are imputed to it 3. Because from the Head it drawes the Spirit of Sanctification 4. Because whatsoever sanctitie is in the Head all the same is imputed to every particular member DOCT. X. That the Church is also truely Catholike WE confesse also that it is truely Catholike that is Universall Because the Head thereof is Catholike and eternall at all times from the foundations of the world even unto the end thereof out of all sorts of men and nations and places gathering and knitting unto himself the members of the body and governing ' guiding and preserving them unto himself unto eternall happinesse DOCT. XI That this one onely Church is partly Triumphant in the heavens and partly Militant on the earth BUt yet we acknowledge that this Church although it be and for ever hath been but one onely yet it is so distinguished that one part thereof is Triumphant in heaven together with Christ who was raised from the dead and now sitteth at the right hand of the Father and the other part on earth fighting still with flesh and bloud with the world and with the devil From whence is received amongst all the godly that distinction of the Church into Triumphant and Militant CHAP. XXIIII Concerning the Church Militant ALthough from what we have confessed concerning the Church in generall there is none but may easily gather and perceive what our belief is concerning the Church Militant in particular Yet that it may the easier and better be understood we purpose to declare and explane our opinion apart concerning it partly by a brief repetition referring hither what hath been said concerning the whole and partly adding what is proper hereunto DOCTRINE I. A Description of the Church Militant WE believe then that the Militant Church is a companie of men a Eph. 1.4 chosen unto eternall life in Christ before the foundation of the world out of every nation and kindred who in time by the b Matt. 28.19 Mark 16.15 Rom. 10.14 preaching of the Gospel and the holy Spirit being called out of the world unto Christ and out of the kingdome of the Devil unto the kingdome of God gathered into one body under one c Eph. 1 22. Head which is Christ and so truely justified and sanctified wheresoever they be and how many or how few soever they be do heartily and with one consent professe the same faith in God and in Christ the same hope of a celestiall inheritance and that for the onely merits of Christ the observing and keeping the same commandments given by Christ and therefore brotherly love one towards another and charitie towards all who preach and hear the word of the Gospel administer and receive the holy Sacraments according to Christ's institution and use all care and diligence that all men may live soberly justly and godly in this present world as long as they are in the flesh ever a Eph. 6 12 c. fighting for the kingdome of Christ against sin dwelling in the flesh against the world whether alluring them unto sin or persecuting them for Christ's sake and against the devil waiting through patience for the coming of Christ and for eternall happinesse Amongst whom there are also many reprobates and ungodly b Matt. 13.5 c. and 21. 1 Ioh 2.19 hypocrites professing the same Christ But as they are themselves nothing lesse then of the Church so neither doth their hypocrisie and ungodlinesse take away the Church or extinguish blot out the name of the Church For we deny not but under the name of the Church hypocrites also which are in it are comprehended because the Lord himself saith that it is like unto a flour in which there is wheat and chaffe unto c Matt. 13.24 a field wherein is wheat tares into a net in which are fishes good and bad unto ten a Matt. 25.1 2. virgins whereof five of them were wise and five foolish But yet we deny them to be of the Church For the Lord again taught as much in that place where he said that he would b Matt. 16.18 build his Church in such a manner that the gates of hell should not prevail against it and St. Iohn confirmed it in his Epistle where he said thus c 1 Ioh. 2.19 They went out from us but they were not of us This we believe to be a true description of the Church Militant for it hath manifest testimonies out of the holy Scripture DOCT. II.
of Bishops in a Church yet not any succession be it what it will but such as hath also the continuation of the Apostles doctrine We acknowledge I say that it may be truely demonstrated from such a succession that such a Church is Apostolike As of old the Church of Rome and the succession of the Bishops thereof even unto the times of Irenaeus Tertullian Cyprian and some other insomuch that those Fathers did not without cause appeal thereunto and to other such like in their accustomed citations of the Heretikes of their time But as on the one side as concerning those Churches in which the Apostles doctrine together with Christian discipline and the right administration of the Sacraments is retained pure although they were not planted by the Apostles neither can show the perpetuall succession of their Bishops without interruption even from the Apostles time yet we do acknewledge them for Churches truely Apostolike and say with Tertullian and others of the Fathers that they are so to be acknowledged So on the other side what Churches were planted and watered by the Apostles themselves although they can demonstrate unto us the continuall succession of their Bishops without any the least interruption yet if they cannot demonstrate unto us as well the continuation of the Christian and Apostolike doctrine as the succession of their Bishops we may acknowledge and confesse that they have been indeed Christian and Apostolike Churches but that they are such now we cannot acknowledge For as it is not the cap or the hood that makes a Monke as it is in the proverb but pietie and sanctitie of life So neither is it the succession of Bishops but the doctrine of Christ and Christian Religion that makes a Church truely Christian DOCT. VII That not any consent whatsoever but onely that which is in the doctrine of Christ sufficeth to evidence that some are true and Christian Churches SO also we conceive that it cannot be evinced from any kind of agreement of Churches amongst themselves that they are the true Churches of God seeing there ha's been the greatest unity and concord even in the Synagogues of the Iews and the assemblies of the Turks as also heretofore in the conventicles of the Arrians and Donatists but we judge them onely to be demonstrated as such from their consent in the purity of Christian Doctrine and true piety For when the Apostle saith I beseech you 1 Cor. 1.10 brethren by the Name of our Lord Iesus Christ that ye all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgements he meanes in that Lord Iesus Christ by whose Name he did request them to that unanimitie DOCT VIII That the being of Churches is not destroyed by every kind of dissension that may arise in them NEverthelesse we are not so unjustly rigid against those wherein there is not a perfect harmonie and the same judgement concerning all particulars as therefore to deny them to be Christian Churches Because as any kind of concord do's not constitute a Church so neither does every dissension whatsoever destroy it provided this fundamentall principle that there is such a person as Christ true God and true Man the true and perfect Saviour be firmely acknowledg'd and so the whole summe of Apostolicall Doctrine which is delivered in the Creed be received with universall assent DOCT. IX The same further asserted FOr as reprobates and hypocrites do not hinder Churches from being truely such by their being members of them so likewise those dissentions in the Churches which are raised either by wicked men or amonst the godly themselves through the weaknesse of the flesh or ignorance are not sufficient to abolish them which is attested by the Apostle when speaking concerning the ministers of true Churches he saith that upon the same foundation some do build gold silver pretious stones but others wood stubble hay And in the Epistle to the Philippians Chap. 3. vers 15.16 having first explained the summe of Christian Doctrine and exhorted them all to prosist in the same he subjoines But if any thing ye be otherwise minded God shall reveal even this unto you Neverthelesse whereto we have already attained let us walke by the same rule let us mind the same thing For otherwise if where ever discords happen to arise touching Religion there are not to be acknowledged any true Churches then were not the Corinthians in the time of St. Paul the Church of Christ since not onely many schismes distracted them while one professed I am of Paul another I am of Cephas and a third I am of Apollo but also strange contests and controversies about Religion had fill'd them with feuds and animosities So also will it follow in Galatia for in those Churches soon after they had been excellently planted and constituted by St. Paul there crept in many seducers by whom divers heresies were sowed among them In a word it must be concluded from thence that there never were any either in the East or West that could be truely said to have been Churches because they were never free from contentions not onely raised between the Catholicks Hereticks which had degenerated from Catholicks but even among the holy Fathers themselves as Histories abundantly witnesse insomuch that the Christians by reason of those dissensions and sects us'd to be derided and mocked by the unbelieving gentiles upon their Theaters as we have experience of the like usage at this day from the Turks and Iews upon the same cause But as in the primitive Church it did not follow from those disagreements of the Christians that they were not therefore the people of God so neither can it with equity be otherwise reputed of us but that we have reason to affirme the contrary to be thence deducible it being the property of the good wheat viz. of the Gospel by which the Churches are gathered to Christ that where that is sowne the enemie Satan should soon after scatter his tares in the same field Neither indeed were the champions of darknesse as Simon Menander Ebio Cerinthus Valentinian and other the like plagues heard of any where more or sooner then in the Church that upon the first preaching of the Gospel of Christ Besides that the Church at present in the world could not truely be termed the Church Militant had it not enemies both within and without wherewith perpetually to encounter DOCT. X. That the peace of the Church is not to be disturbed or schismes raised upon every difference in doctrine or ceremonies MOreover we do not approve that any man should make a separation from his own Church or disturb the peace of the Churches and infringe brotherly love much lesse that one Church should condemne another for every difference in doctrine or ceremonies where the foundation is retained as heretofore Victor Bishop of Rome when he went about to excommunicate the Churches
pay your life for your refusall DOCT. XVII That whoso hath departed from the Romane Church hath not thereby broken the unity of the Church and forsaken the body of Christ FOrasmuch therefore as we are accused of Apostacy from the Catholick Apostolick Church of Christ and censur'd to have broken the unity thereof in regard we refuse to communicate any longer with the assemblies of the Romane Church in their wicked superstitions and Idolatrous worship but choose rather to follow the old doctrine worship and discipline revived through divine mercy by the servants of Christ we protest before God and his Angels and the whole Church to the end of the world that they do a high injury not to us alone but even to the holy Ghost and all the primitive Church since we have neither done not do any thing in this particular whereunto we have not been commanded by the holy Ghost and taught by the Fathers and likewise inform'd of by the Popish Doctors themselves DOCT XVIII The same confirmed FOr our Lord giveth particular advertisement a 1 Cor. 5.11 2 Cor. 6.14 c. Tit. 3.10 Rom. 16.17 that weeschew communion with idolaters and obstinate apostates and hereticks in their idolatries and heresies b C. 24. q. 1. c. 24 and 26. and q. 3. c. 9. Nor have the Fathers taught otherwise as they are produced for witnesses hereof even in the Decree it self then that if not onely any man but any Church do reject the faith and retain not the principles of Apostolicall Religion preached by the Apostles nor persist in the doctrine of Christ it is to be deserted And it is certain C. 24. q. 1. c. 9. the Roman Church which flourished in the dayes of the ancient Fathers was then extolled so much by them and stiled the holy Church and the Mother of the Churches for no other cause then for that it held stedfastly the doctrine received from the Apostles when most part of the rest had departed from it But in these dayes what doctrine and worship they professe and how much they have in many particulars degenerated is sufficiently known Wherefore we again protest that we have separated from the present Roman Church onely upon inducement from the word of God and in obedience to the command of God therein and in that respect deemed it necessary to depart from the idolatries of this most corrupted Roman Church that we might no longer continue in apostacy from the Catholick and Apostolick Church but at length return into her bosome DOCT. XIX That we have not absolutely departed from the Roman Church but onely in some particulars FOr we have not forsaken the Roman Church generally and in all regards but onely in those things wherein she is fallen from the Apostolick Church and from her self the ancient and pure Church Nor have we departed from her with any other mind then of returning to her and renewing communion in her assemblies in case she would reforme and resume her former purity Which that it may at length come to passe we pray unto the Lord Iesus with our whole souls For what can be more desireable by every pious man then that where we were born again by Baptisme there also to live unto the last so it be in the Lord I Hierome Zanchie with my whole family do declare this to the whole Church of Christ to all eternitie DOCT. XX. That the whole Catholick Church is not suffer'd to fall into errour but that all particular Churches may erre BUt we believe and acknowledge that this Catholick Church which we have described above is so governed by the Spirit of Christ that he will never suffer all of it to erre at the same time because he alwayes preserves the light of truth in some pious persons and by their ministry keepes it pure to the end of the world and propagates it to succeeding ages Whereunto we do not doubt to apply that of St. Paul 1 Tim. 3.15 that the Church is the pillar and ground of the truth because there is no truth out of the Church but it is constantly preserved in it seeing there is alwayes some assembly found great or small in which the word of truth is preached But we conceive the matter is farre otherwise in the case of particular Churches which are alwayes mixt of good and bad For first in these assemblies either the pure word of God is preached or errours are taught with it But where there is no ministery of the word at all there we acknowledge no Church If therefore false tenets be preached together with the truth how can it be affirmed that such assemblie cannot erre when it erres manifestly But if the pure word of God be taught yet the hypocriticall reprobates who believe not doe alwaies erre seeing they reject the light of truth and walk in darknesse and of such there is almost ever the greatest number in all places Neverthelesse the godly although they are never suffered by Christ so to erre as to persevere in errour and perish Mat 24.14 since Christ saith the Elect cannot be seduced even by the miracles and wonders of Antichrist namely to the end unto destruction yet they may erre both severally and many together and that not only in point of manners but also in the doctrine of faith as is apparently evidenced by the holy and Ecclesiasticall histories and what hath hapned even to the godly and religious Bishops and to their Churches in the East and West DOCT. XXI The confirmation of the precedent assertion St. Peter indeed erred at Antioch and sundry persons in the Church of Corinth and very many in those of Galatia being seduced by false Apostles fell into hainous errours although they were not long after reclaimed from their errours by the Apostle Gal. 2.11 c. 1 Cor. 11 c. Gal. 1.6 c. Psal 119.176 David also teacheth that even the sheep of Christ may erre when he saith I have gone astray like a lost sheep And why is the ministry of the word in the Church necessary for all the faithfull if they are not lyable to errour Therefore since all even godly men have often erred severally and do frequently erre in some particular Church and that true and pure too and that hypocrites never have the gift of true faith by which to understand that which is right with what reason can it be said of any particular Church that it is impossible for it to erre And with much lesse can it be affirmed of those which are estranged from the truth and in which lies and the Spirit of iniquitie and grosse darknesse do prevaile Certainly they that are so qualifi'd cannot be the true Churches of Christ if the Church be the pillar and ground of truth Wherefore we conclude 1. Tim. 3.15 that every particular flock and all the severall sheep thereof are so farre incapable of erring as being lead by the holy Spirit they give eare onely to
be done rashly and imprudently therein or every man make his own pleasure his law but that all things be done in a due manner a 1 Cor. 14.26 to edification without injury to any whilest b Rom. 2.24 the name of God be blasphemed through us among the unbelievers DOCT. XXVII That they who are set over the Churches ought to take care that the children of believers be brought up in Christian Religion and instructed either in good literature or an honest profession TO what we have already said is conjoyned the care of children Therefore we believe it necessary for the perpetuall preservation of the Church that not only every private person do indeavour the education of their children in true piety and Christian manners either to good learning or some honest profession but also that the Church do undertake the cure of this a Faire to the end they may be in time rendred profitable both to Church Commonwealth to which effect do conduce as well publick Schools of literature and the exercising honest professions as Ecclesiasticall Catechising and institutions DOCT. XXVIII That Ministers with their families are to be supported with competent and befitting stipends WE also believe that the Church cannot be rightly govern'd unlesse the Ministers be liberally suppli'd with all things necessary to a seemly sort of living both for themselves and their families seeing no man is able to discharge his duty unless he be provided wherewith to live and our Lord saith a Math. 10.10 The labourour is worthy of his reward as the b 1 Cor. 9.7 c. 2 Tim. 2.17 c. Apostle writeth largely of this matter in sundry places demonstrating to the full that Ministers who serve the Church ought to receive from the Church it self whatsoever they have need of for this present life and that they have right to demand the same so far it is from a sin in them to receive them as some do unreasonably pronounce it Neverthelesse a 1 Tim. 3.8 with the Apostle we highly condemne coveteousnesse in all persons and especially in Ministers as likewise on the contrary we disapprove prodigality teaching that neither of these vices is to be cherished or endured DOCT. XXIX That the goods of the Churches are not to be imbezell'd but distributed to the support of Ministers and other godly uses MOreover whereas many gifts have by the liberality of Princes and other good men been heretofore and are still in some places conferred on the Churches we judge it meet that where Churches are possest of such gifts diligent care be taken that they be not wasted nor converted to profane much lesse to sacrilegious uses nor when so converted be permitted and conniv'd at but that they be distributed only to the ends they were intended to namely to pious uses Yet we approve that a Deut. 14. ancient partition of Ecclesiasticall goods so as one part thereof goe to the godly Bishops that is the Teachers and Ministers of the word and their families another part to students deputed to the Ministry of the Church and to all that serve therein a third part to poor people and strangers and a fourth to the reparation of Churches and Schools to which part belong not only the houses of Ministers Teachers and Students with their Libraries and all instruments and necessary to Churches and Schools but also Hospitalls and houses of charity for stranger and other like places where those persons dwell of whom the Church ought to take a peculiar care DOCT. XXX Of the manner of Christian Temples what tongue habit and ornaments are to be used in them what Festivals ought to be observed to whom Prayers are to be made and that rites ceremonies ought to be arbitrary free saving those which have been appointed by Christ or his Apostles BUt for that this reason is not the least why believers doe and ought to live together in the same Cities Towns and Villages as far as possible they may namely to the end they might not only cherish their commou faith by holy communication daily amongst themselves in private and exercise mutuall charity in Christian offices but also that they might in certain places and times assemble together to praise and call upon God publickly to hear his word partake the Sacraments and perform the publick works of charity toward the poor which things cannot be done without speech and rites and ceremonies therefore we declare our opinion of them also in brief after this manner Seeing it is out of all doubt that all things ought to be done in the Church to edification all appearance of superstition removed from it we conceive that true piety and the edification of the Churches do require First as concerning Places that if old and profained Temples be allow'd of they should be purg'd from all Idols and from the reliques and footsteps of all idolatrie and superstition For a 2 Cor. 6.16 what agreement hath the Temple of God with Idols Secondly that no Language be used but such as is understood by the whole Church For what edification can arrive to the Church from an unknown tongue The Apostle also expressely commands b 1 Cor. 14.21 them to keep silence in the Church who speake in an unknowne tongue unlesse the interpretation be added thereto Thirdly that all loosnesse in apparell all vanity and every such ornament which is more beseeming the profane Theaters of the Gentiles then the sacred Temples of Christians and condure more to the delighting of the flesh then edifying of the Spirit be abolish'd But that all things be performed in the Churches with the highest reverence and modestie as in the sight of God and Angels And although we conceive not that the form of apparell which Ministers ought to wear either in or out of the Ministry is to be so much Contended about as thereby to disturb the peace of the Churches yet where the simplicity of the Apostolike times is nearest approached unto and immitated those Churches are judg'd most worthy to be commended Fourthly that every Lords-day the Church be assembled into one holy Congregation since we see that even from the times of the Apostles to these present that day hath bene consecrated and sanctified to a sacred rest Next to the Sabbath-day we cannot but approve the sanctifying of those daies wherein the remembrance of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ of his Circumcision Passion Resurrection Ascension into Heaven and sending of the holy Ghost upon the Apostles was celebrated by the old Church Upon other daies as every Church shall judge it expedient they may congregate the people to an assemblie to hear the word and receive the Sacraments c. a Col 2.16 But this with care that all superstitious observation of dâ—â—es be avoided Fiftly that prayers be poured forth to God alone and to Jesus Christ without invocation either of Angels or Saints departed as the Prophets and Apostles
and all the old Church did as is evident in their ancient Collects to say nothing of the command of God who will have b Heb. 13.15 the Sacrifice of praise the fruit of the lips offered to himself alone Sixtly concerning rites and ceremonies to be observed in the Church the same true piety and edification of the Churches requires that debates and disputes concerning them be not too sharp and passionate as if life and salvation depended thereon but that they be left free to the sense of every particular Church as we read in Socrates and other Ecclesiastical writers it was wont to be in the ancient Church In reference to which matters in generall we approve the c Tow. 2. Ep. 118 and 119. two Epistles of St. Austin to Ianuarius For these things conduce to the edification of the Church DOCT. XXXI That publick Fasts are sometimes to be appointed being most profitable and commendable but no man ought to be compelled thereunto TO the same effect namely to the well governing of the Church it is requisite that as private Fasts are free so also that all be invited to join in publick but no man constrained The benefit of Fasts is beyond all commendation and it doe's not seldome happen that there is a necessity for them so that the pious Magistrates and Ministers of the Church are induc'd to injoin publick Fasts to the whole Church for diverting the heavy anger of God as we find it to have been usual both in the Old Testament and in the Primitive Church Not as if we merited remission of sinnes thereby and a mitigation of the divine wrath but for that the flesh being subdued the spirit is excited to call upon God more ardently and to appease him by our faith full supplications Neverthelesse it is of importance to the edification of the Church that no mans conscience be forc'd and compell'd to these kind of Fasts being they ought to proceed from a free voluntary and truly humbled Spirit according to what the Apostle writes of distributing almes to the poor that it is not to be done with relenting or out of necessity but as every one is disposed in his own breast DOCT. XXXII That at no time not even that of publick Fasts any sort of food is to be prohibited the Faithfull HEnce likewise it follows at no time either of Fasts or not any fort of food is to be forbidden to any person soever since a Matt. 15.11 nothing of that kind defiles a man but all things are pure to the pure and the Apostle b Tit. 1.15 1 Tim. 4.1 calls their doctrine of Devils which commands to abstain from meats upon the account of Religion how then can it conduce to the edification of the Church DOCT. XXXIII That the Sick ought to be visited comforted and confirmed in the Faith and that dying persons be accompanied with our prayers and commended to the Lord and that the bodies of the departed are to be buried with decencie NOr ought the Church to have lesse care of the Sick then of those that are in heath or of the deceased then the living seeing they are all members of Christ and their bodies temples of the Holy Ghost Wherefore we look upon it as pertaining to the right governing of the Church that there be godly and prudent men appointed for the visitation of the Sick to comfort them out of the word of God and confirm them in the Faith and if it be so that the Sick be called out of the world by the Lord to encourage them in their departure shewing them that the souls of the faithfull as soon as they forsake the body do instantly goe to Christ in heaven being carryed thither by the Spirit of Christ and accompanied with his Angels and that they are blessed which die in the Lord. Moreover they may joyn in Prayer and so goe along with the expiring persons even to the haven commend them to Christ And for their bodies we judge it meet that they be carryed to the Sepulchre with decencie as our Churches teach both in words and practise plainly testifying that they were the temples of the Holy Ghost now indeed cast down but to be raised again in due time and restored to eternal life In the mean while their Sepulchres and Dormitories are to be decently and reverently preserv'd as is used amongst us Furthermore the children or parents kindred and relations are to be comforted and we do both teach and indeavour to perform all Offices of humanity toward them after the utmost of our power And if a portion of the Psalmes concerning the resurrection of the dead be any where sung in the solemnity of the Funeral or some kind of Sermon or exhortation made to the people after the body is committed to the earth wherein an honourable mention may be made of other also who have piously slept in the Lord this we in no wise disallow seeing it is not intended for the benefit of the dead but for the comfort and good of the living and the edification of the whole Church For we believe that the souls of the faithfull being separated from their bodies do immediately depart unto Christ in Heaven and so have no need of our suffrages but that the edification of the Church is to be alwaies promoted upon every occasion DOCT. XXXIV That the Church cannot be rightly governed without lawfull free Christian Assemblies and Synods of Ministers MOreover we are of a full perswasion being taught both by Scripture and daily experience that the Church cannot be rightly governed unlesse at certain times there be Assembles of Ministers as well private in every particular Church which are termed Consistories and Convocations as publick in every Province and kingdome which for this reason use to be called Provincial Synods and Universal as far as may be of all Nations in the whole Christian world which were call'd Oecumenicall Councils in which it may be deliberated concerning all things that belong to the safety preservation and edification of the Churches every ones judgement freely heard and determinations made by general consent out of the word of God and other the most approved Councils as we read to have been done by the Apostles and the whole ancient Church DOCT. XXXV The same further comfirmed and also of Ecclesiasticall discipline FOr the Church is governed by discipline and cannot be rightly governed without it Discipline is the Method and institution whereby we as disciples of Christ learn in his School to live unto God and to do all things according to the doctrine of the Gospel both privately and publickly to the edification of the Church and our own salvation So that it comprehends the whole summe of Religion the beginning progresse and end thereof DOCT. XXXVI That Discipline is twofold MOreover this discipline in the Church is of two kinds one general and common to all Christians called by many the discipline of the people the
the satisfaction and performance due from them and that most certainly we are not commanded to ask any thing of God but what God is willing to grant and Christ hath cancell'd the obligation of our whole debt having made perfect payment and satisfaction thereof in our behalfe DOCT. III. That the afflictions wherewith the Saints are exercised after the pardon of their sins are not punishments or satisfactions for sins past but fatherly chastisements to restrain from future BUt for that God useth to afflict and scourge his children in sundry manners after forgivenesse of their sins we believe that he does it not to that end satisfaction either in whole or in part might be made thereby to his justice for sins committed since one full satisfaction of Christ imputed unto us is more then enough thereunto but that by them as by the strokes of a father which conduce much to the morification of sin dwelling in us we may be rendred more cautious hereafter and suffer not our selves so easily to fall into sin any more T. 7. de pecc mer. rem l z. c. 33. 34. wherefore with St. Austin we style them the combats of faith and exercises of the Saints but not the punishments of sin and accordingly teach them to be really so DOCT. IV. That properly sins are forgiven by God alone freely and through Christ the Mediatour Isai 43.25 WE believe also that sins are properly for given by God alone by by grace through Christ the Mediatour since it is he alone against whom properly sins are committed either mediately or immediately when we transgresse his Law and it lies in the power of the Creditors only to shew kindnesse to his debtors and remit their debts Whence also Christ as man a Luke 23.34 prayed the Father in behalf of those that crucified him that he would forgive them and pardon their sins and moreover for that the Iews said b Luke 5.21 Who can forgive sins but God alone he confirmed the same partly by being silent and partly by doing a miracle Wherefore inasmuch as Christ did forgive sins by his own authority we believe with the Fathers that it is evidently inferr'd that he is the true God seeing this cannot be done by any mere creature unlesse ministerially as they say and in the name and by the authority of God which we know to be given not to one only Mat. 18. Iohn 20.23 but to all the Apostles equally and consequently to all lawfull ministers of the Gospel DOCT. V. That Christ being both God and man doth indeed forgive sins but after a different manner as he is God and as he is man FRom whence flows this consequence which we confesse that Christ both God and man together with the Father and the holy Ghost doth forgive sins but this he doth after a different manner as God and as man For as God he doth it properly by his own authority truly and effectually but as man he doth and did it in the flesh as a cooperatour with the Deity by his humane will consenting with the divine and pronouncing the words Thy sins are forgiven thee And the same is attested by the exposition of Leo the first in an a Eph. 10. cap. 4. Epistle to Flavianus in these words Either form viz. of God and man acts in communion with the other what is proper to it namely the word working that which is proper to the word and the flesh doing that which belongs to the flesh To remit sins was an action proper to the divine nature but to say Thy sins are forgiven thee was humane DOCT. VI. That remission of sins is offered in Christ alone and obtained by the elect alone indued with faith BUt as in Christ only the Mediatour and Redeemer as head of the whole Church a Eph. 1.7 we have redemption through his bloud the forgivenesse of sins so that there is none without him so also we believe that the elect only being indued with true repentance and true faith and ingrafted into Christ by the holy Spirit as members into their head are made partakers of the same wherefore although forgivenesse of sins be pronounced to all men by the Gospel yet they are never forgiven to reprobates such as are impenitent and unbelievers but do alwayes remain upon them through their own fault and defect DOCT. VII That to the believing elect all their sinnes together are forgiven WE believe also that as Christ by once offering himself satisfy'd not for some but all our sins so also when we truly repent forgivenesse not of some only but of all out sins together is offered unto us by Christ and through Christ in the Gospel communicated by the holy Spirit and received by faith seeing God hath declared by a parable that he doth forgive the whole debt and not a part thereof DOCT. VIII That remission of sins is dispersed only in the Church received by faith alone and that onely in this life LAstly to conclude we believe that as in Christ onely remission of sins is to be found so also is the same dispersed in his Church alone and that as it was purchas'd for us a Mat. 18.23 c. by the merits and bloud of Christ alone so also it is received without our merits by a true faith only in Christ and that as in this life only the Gospel is preached and pardon of sins declared to those that repent and believe so also that we can only be made partakers of the same in this life seeing after it there is no place for faith and repentance and consequently the Church cannot longer by any ministry advantage those that are deceased towards the obtaining pardon for them according to that of St. Cyprian to Demetrius After departure from hence there remains no place for repentance no effect of satisfaction Here life is either lost or gained here provision is made for eternall salvation by the worshipping of God and believing in his mercy DOCT. IX The confirmation of the same doctrine from the order observed in the Creed WE expound the article of forgivenesse of sins in the Creed according to these three heads namely first that this article is placed next those of the Church the Communion of Saints to the end we might understand that remission of sins is not dispensed and hath no place out of the Church Secondly that it is placed after the confession of our faith in God the Father in the Son and in the holy Ghost and after that faith whereby we believe the Church of Christ to be holy and to consist of the society and Communion of Saints to the end we might declare that we do obtain remission of our sins continually not by reason of our own merits but through faith in God the Father the Son and the holy Ghost and because we are in the Church and have Communion with all Saints And lastly from this order of the articles of