bourde be striken and troubled wyth sore rebukes or vntymely thrustynge vnto the receyuynge of the Sacrament For there be not a fewe whiche though they can not thorowlie vnderstande this misterie and the perfecte vse of Sacramentes yet they haue suche fayth in Christe that they can praye wyth the congregation and be somewhat edified in fayth thorow holie doctrine and exhortations that be wonte to be vsed aboute the holie supper and the ministration thereof yea and they maye be taughte and moued by litle and litle to a perfecter knowledge of thys misterie and an oftner vse of the Sacramentes euen by thys that they be present at the holie supper which absteyne not from the Lordes supper of anie contempte of the Sacramentes which they acknowledge in them selues but of a certeine weakenes of men and preposterous reuerence of the Sacramente These men the pastoures muste fatherlie and gentlie teach and enstructe dayly of these misteries and brynge them fayre and softlie to a perfecter knowledge and vse of the same declarynge diligently and printynge in them the thynges that we haue taughte in this place concerning the true and perfect administratiō and vse of this Sacramēt and they must not fray them away and driue them frō the hole action of the supper whyle they haue anie hope of them that they wil go forward in the studie and communion of Christ ¶ At what tyme the supper of the Lorde muste be celebrated ⧠Therfore that thys moste holie Sacrament may be better knowen among al godlie men and that the true vse of it maye be more easely restored and muche estemed we wyll that it be ministred as sone as the people of euerie cōgregation for the moste part be well enstructe out of Goddes worde of the true vse of it onely vpon the sundayes and holie dayes or vpon suche dayes when great companies assemble together to commune prayer Thys thynge was obserued in the time of the fathers also in greater and muche more populous cōgregations then we haue For the Lorde instituted not thys Sacramēt vnto vs for a thinge to be beholded but he commaunded it to be ministred for the commune and holsome receyuyng of his bodie and bloude whiche thynges al the membres ought equally to receyue in euery great holie assemble from one table and one altare Hereof S. Ciprian amonge other alledgeth thys cause why we celebrate this holy supper in the mornyng whereas Christe dyd it after supper bycause sayeth he that when we suppe we can not cal the commune people to our feaste that we maye celebrate the trueth of the Sacrament al the brotherhode beinge present These be the wordes of Ciprian whiche he toke out of the doctrine of Paul i. Cor. x. which we alledged before For the truth of thys Sacrament is as the Apostle teacheth in the same place that all we whiche are the membres and bodie of Christe should receyue the bodie and bloud out of the same Sacramēt Wherfore the father 's iudged that thys supper is not truly rightly celebrated except the whole brotherhode be present I meane thys commune supper For the holie bishoppes dyd sometymes celebrate the holie supper priuately that is to saye the whole congregation not beinge present sometymes wyth straungers and sometymes wyth the better and feruenter sorte of bretherne and that in their peculiar prayinge places and sometymes also in priuate houses wyth sicke folke of whose communion we wyll speake hereafter And these the holie fathers called priuate masses not bicause that in them the Sacramentes were distributed to no bodie but bycause they were distributed to fewe and the whole cōgregation not beinge present and that euen as it were in a priuate place For the holie fathers celebrated no supper wythout distribution of the Sacramentes For they doubted not but that that dyd vtterly fyghte wyth the Lordes Institution ⧠Of the preparation to the supper of the Lorde Seinge that the Lordes supper as we sayed before ought not to be celebrated but wyth his disciples and for asmuche as the ministers must be faythfull disposers of the misteries of God and must take great hede that they caste not an holie thynge before dogges and pearles before swyne we wyll that the pastours admitte no mā to the Lordes supper which hath not first offered him selfe to thē and after that he hath first made a confession of his synnes being Catechised he receyue absolution accordyng to the Lordes worde And that there may be a certeine and appoynted tyme for the doinge hereof I meane that they whiche shall cōmunicate be prepared and sanctified to the cōmunion of Christ with an holy instructiō and prayer let the pastours procure that the people be called together in the temple at euentyde the day before the celebration of the Lordes supper and lette them make a preparation and sanctification vnto the Lordes bourde after thys sorte Wheree clerkes shall be or scholers let them in the meane ceason while the people come together syng a Psalme or two with a dominical antiphone or Hymne whiche yet we wyll haue to be pure that is to saye diffenting in no parte from the holie scripture To these let them adde the songe of the Lordes mother Magnificat and some conuenient Collecte Afterwarde when the people be come together they shall synge a Psalme in the Douche tonge And then the pastour or ministre to whom the office of thys preparation is committed shall reade some place of the Lordes supper out of the Euangelistes or out of Paule Chap. x. xi Of the firste to the Corhinthi or out of the Lordes sermon Iohn vi For though the Lorde speake not in that place of the Sacramēt of the supper whiche he had not yet made neuertheles he preacheth of the true eatynge of his bodie and drynkyng of his bloude for the exhibition wherof he afterwarde instituted the holie supper Out of such lessons the ministers shall diligently teache the people to what vse the Lorde ordeined his supper and howe we may receiue it holsomely after this sort ¶ Ashorte institution or sermon of the Lordes supper Forasmuche as we entende to keepe tomorowe the moste holie supper of our sauiour Christe by his healpe for the celebration of a blessed remembraūce of him and cōfirmation of our fayth first it is conuenient to declare with fewe wordes and call to our mindes the misterie of this right diuine Sacrament Before al thinges then the Lorde offereth vnto vs his fleshe and his bloude and biddeth vs to take the same and affirming that we shall not haue lyfe but shall remayne in euerlasting death excepte we eate his fleshe and drinke his bloud Let vs remembre and acknowledge that our fleshe and bloud that is to saye our whole nature is thorow wickednes so loste adiudged to eternal death by the iust wrath of God that of our selues we can neuer obteyne euerlastynge life and the inheritaunce of the heauenly kingdome Thys remembraunce acknowledging of our destruction
for the people for the behofe of seruauntes and workemen whiche can not alwayes be presente at the appoynted tyme of Goddes seruice and betwene thys assemble and the oppoynted tyme of commune seruice there shal be at the leste the space of an houre that they whiche wyll be present at the commune seruice maye haue leasure to prepare them selues thereunto Let this assēble be begonne wyth a douch Psalme and let it also depart wyth a douch Psalme Finally let there be made suche a sermon as shall declare the Catechisme wyth a shorte exposition of the Gospell And if there be in any congregation such a numbre of clerkes as both wyll and can synge the mornynge prayers let them endenoure them selues to syng songes out of the scripture onely and that wyth true fayth and pure myndes that they maye steare vp and confirme theyr fayth in Christe And if it chaunce that some of the people come thither let some lesson be reade vnto them and let them also be diligently moued to cōmune prayer Where scholers be let them come in to the church a litle before the commune seruice and synge in latine these three Psalmes Tedeum laudamus Benedictus dominus deus etc. wyth some pure antiphonie agreinge wyth the scriptures and a Responsorie and thus they maye be exercised in the scriptures for the knowledge wherof they go to schole cheifely At the euenynge prayers before the commyng together of the people the same vsage shal be obserued and in the steede of Tedeum Laudamus and Benedictus they maye synge some pure Hymne and Magnificat When the people be come together let them synge a Psalme or two in douch and then Magnificat and afterwarde let the Catechisme be handled and let some lesson be takē out of the scriptures and reade to the people whereunto there shal be added a cōmune prayer or collecte And so let the people departe wyth thankesgyuynge and blessynge If there be a custome receyued in any place to synge prayses a litle before nyghte the same maye be obserued so yet that in the steede of Salue regina and suche lyke some Hymne in douch with a commune prayer be songe to Christe the Lorde ¶ Of ecclesiastical rites vpon workyng dayes IN cities and other places where a meetely greate multitude of people and ministers be lette there be appoynted at the lest two assembles euerie daie in the mornynge and in the euenynge and that at houres moste commodious for the people In euerie assemble lette a lesson be reade and briefe exposition of the same wyth Douche Psalmes at the begynnyng and the ending and laste of al with commune prayer In verie populus cities if the people and ministers wyll permitte it there shall be two assembles before none one verie early in the mornyng for workmen and hyred seruaūtes the other after the rysynge of the sunne for straungers and citizins also of whō there is a great multitude euerie where whiche shal heaue leasure inough to appeare before God euerie daye that they maye heare his worde and make their prayers To whiche thynge the preachers shall earnestly and diligently moue the people for we haue verie greate neede of continuall doctrine exhortation and prayers vnto god It is conuenient for them then to whō God hath gyuen a sufficient lyuynge so that they maye omitte their handie worke so longe to occupie thē selues the more in spiritual workes to prayse God and to make supplications vnto hym for theyr neighbours chiefely seing that if anie tyme be bestowed vpon suche spirituall and godly exercises they do not onely leese nothynge of these temporall thynges but they rather gayne muche temporall and spirituall riches And that the people maye come wyth greater companie to suche assembles vpon the working daies the whole seruice which consisteth in syngyng readyng preachynge and prayers shall endure but an houre And the mornynge assemble of workmen shall be dimissed somewhat soner But as for the holie supper of the Lorde which the Lorde instituted not to be set forth for a vayne fyght but to be receyued for a cōmune remembraunce of his death and resurrection and a true communion of his bodie and bloude thorowe the Sacrament we see no cause why it shoulde be obserued vpō the working dayes when there is not a ful and iust assemble of the people For to handle thys right holie ceremonie or to allure men to handle it otherwyse then it was instituted and cōmaunded of God maketh vs giltie of the Lordes bodie and bloude the continuall dayly abuses of which Sacramēt howe great calamities they haue brought in to the world we feele alas dayly to much And if a lyuely and effectuous remēbraunce of Christe and gods benefites cā not be obteined and kepte with holy lessons Psalmes and prayers what other thynge shall we bringe to passe with the often celebration of the Lordes supper then to heape vp offences and gilt against the Lordes body and bloud For how cā they rightly vse the sacramētes whiche can not encrease and confirme their fayth out of the pure doctrine of Christ and cōtinual praier The old and feruent fathers in the true zeale of godlines thoughte that the matter was in right good case with thē if with semely attention and earnest repentaunce of misdeedes they myghte celebrate the Lordes supper with their people in whō the fayth of Christ as yet was more lyuely at the lest vpon the sundaies The pastours that dwel in villages shall ordeyne two assembles of the people euerie weke and three in the wynter in whiche some lesson shall be had wyth cōmune prayer ¶ Of peculiar dayes of supplicatious communely called professions DAyes of such supplications shal be appointed at certeine times namely when some notable necessitie or occasion shall chaunce whiche may prouoke vs to cal for the healpe of the God more vehemently as when we be aflicted of God wyth intemperatnes or corruption of the ayer wyth wante of vitaile seditions warres or wyth some other visitation or at the lest when we be pressed by reason of the greuous wicked actes of the whole people or of the ministers whiche haue rule of thē When these thinges happen lette vs vnderstande that we are chastised of God Wherfore let vs turne to him wyth all oure herte and wyth mooste earnest attention of mynde in fasting in weeping and lamētations as he him selfe warneth vs to do by his prophetes We reade moreouer that the prophete Samuel Kyng Iosaphat Esdras Ieremie and the Niniuites with other instituted and called together assembles for suche supplications We knowe also that suche prayers were made by the whole cōgregation of Ierusalem when Petre was taken whereby they obteined also deliueraunce of the same person There shall be then an ordinarie daye of supplication appoynted euerie moneth and that vpon wenesdaye or fridaye as it shall be moste commodious for the people And the whole people shal come together to thys conuocation none otherwise then they do
eternal life therin only say with Dauid I wil praise the lorde alwaies his prayse shal be euer in my mouth etc. Secōdly they must warne mē that god throw this cōmaundemēt setteth the wickednes of our hert and whol nature before our eyes to be acknoledged by reasō wherof we neglect the due praising magnifying of god wherunto we should haue a burning desire For by nature we are so corrupted with vngodlines that it is tedious to vs to heare god praysed so far of it is that we study worthely to cōfesse him to cal vpō him to magnifie the glory of his maiestie Thorowe whiche faute it cometh to passe that wyth the lest incommodities or commodities of the worlde we suffre our selues to be frayed and to be turned awaye from the true cōfession of Goddes name and frō testifying of the Gospel And if god did not sufteyne vs wyth his power we shoulde al sone fall to thys poynte that we should abuse his holie name to periurie lyes superstition and open blasphemie Thyrdly the instruction of this cōmaundement How this cōmaundement is fulfilled must be taught that mē may learne that God thorowe thys commaundement sheweth vs our natural disease of vngodlines that therby he may dryue vs to Christe his sonne the true and onely Mediatoure whiche before hym may entreate for vs and obtayne forgyuenes of thys euyll and dayly represse the same thorowe the holie goste and at length vtterly abolishe it which may moue and kendle oure hertes wyth his spirite that we maye begynne the sanctification of his name in confessynge testifyinge and praysing his name and his worde with out feare in all places wyth all reuerence and chiefely keepynge oure selues from all abusyng of the name and worde of God Thus in the fourth commaundemente remembre that thou keepe holy the Saboth daye the preachers shal teache fyrste that it is commaunded that in those appoynted tymes when the cōgregation is wont to come togither to heare the worde of God to pray and to receyue the sacramentes all christian men assemble thyther setting asyde al other busines chiefely on the sondayes and holie dayes and that they heare the holie lessons deuoutly gyue somewhat to the poore vse the sacramentes etc. For we muste all seeke an encrease and confirmation of fayeth and of al godlines for our selues and for them that be committed to theyr charge thorowe these instrumentes of religion whiche the Lorde hym selfe gaue and commended vnto vs for that purpose and we muste thorowe oure exemples approue mayntaine set forth and commende to other the common ministerie of the congregation and the administration of the worde and sacramentes and other ecclesiasticall offices And moreouer euerie Christian man ought priuately with hym selfe and wyth his familie to exercise hym selfe often and busely in readyng the holy scriptures and in prayers Therefore preachers shal fyrst teache that this is commended in the thyrde commaundement Secondly they shal teache that in this cōmaundemente oure vice and vngodlines is shewed vnto vs forasmuche as we neglecte holie cōpanies the hādeling of Gods word the participation of the sacramentes and other exercises of religion and bicause it is paynefull to vs to appeare in the syghte of God our father and there to learne the holy knowledge of him and his wyl towarde vs and to gyue him thankes wyth worthy magnifying of his name and holy gyftes Thirdly they shall teache that the Lorde discloseth vnto vs the vice of oure nature to th entent to cal vs to the repentaunce therof and to dryue vs to Christ which turneth away his wrath agaynst the same synne and represseth it dayly more and more wyth his holy spirite and gyueth vs strength to resist that euil and kendleth in vs a loue of Godly doctrine prayer sacramentes al holy assembles and exercises of religion chiefly of them that be vsed vpō holy dayes For such daies we must with principal studie religion sanctifie to the Lorde and ceasse from bodili workes and seculer busines and giue our selues wholly to the exercises of religion Howe be it we muste also at other tymes come diligentlye togyther to praye to heare and to learne the worde of God and priuately euery man ought to gyue attendaunce for his owne parte and with his housholde to reading of the scripture to exhortation and prayer as we haue sayd For all these thynges this piece of the lawe concerning the Sabbath shal be our scholemaister vnto Christe if it be applied to our life After the same maner concerning the fyrste cōmaundement honour thy father and thy mother the people muste be taughte that by the honour of our parentes it is cōmaunded that we honour al them which exhibite vnto vs fatherly and motherly kindnes either in teachyng and warnyng thynges that be Godly and wholesome or in ministrynge necessarie thynges for our lyfe or in defendyng vs frō wronge of whiche sort the ministers and pastours be chiefely and the ciuile officers whiche we oughte to acknowledge to heare and to worshippe as our fathers with al humilitie obedience and thākfulnes And bycause there is no man but at some tymes he maye do vs some good turne the preachers ought to teache the people that God requireth in thys commaundement al that that S. Paule commaunded to the Ro. xiij saying go one before an other in honour Item to the Phil. ij Let nothinge be done by contention or vayne glorie but thorowe humilitie of mynde let euerie man thynke an other better then hym selfe Secondly it must be taughte out of thys commaundemēt that we haue such natural pryde that we wyl submit our selues to nobody obey nobody nor requite the benifites that we haue receuied wherof spring many variaunces diuisions of myndes and dissolution of al necessary frendshyp Thirdly thei must teach that God thorow the disclosyng of this euyl would ster vs vp to true holsome repentaunce driue vs to Christ the sauiour whiche turneth awaye the wrathe of God that we deserue with this vice and mortifieth the remnaunt thérof in the fleshe throughe the holye gost and bringeth vs so ferfurth that we studye dayly to represse that naturall arrogantie and pryde and that we compte worthy honour and do worshyp our parentes our ecclesiastical curates and other ciuile gouernours and al those that do vs good in doctrine warnyng counsel correction or with any other benefitte and further al mē with whom we lyue euery one accordyng to his state and dignitie Moreouer that we take al mēnes admonitiōs and rebukes in good worth submitte our selues gladly vnto thē obeye theyr pleasure and recompence theyr benifittes that thorowe out al oure lyfe we maye do good to many vnto the glorye of God wyth our moderation obedience and thankfulnes Whereunto thys precepte conceruynge the honouryng of oure parentes ought to be our scholemaister into Christe But in thys commaundement it is not to be omitted that S. Paule monisheth vs of that it is the fyrst with
father thorowe oure onely mediatour Christe and cal vpon hym onely in the name of his sonne wyth a sure truste of childreÌ„ towardes his more then fatherly loue wyth earneste feare also and reuerence and carefull supplication of mynde towardes his maiestie And to steare vp kendle and feede suche inuocation and praiyng Let them vse those instrumentes religiously whiche God hym selfe hath appoynted and coÌ„meÌ„ded for thys purpose I meane holy assembles the diuine scriptures the sacramentes and a godly contemplation of al his gyftes workes and iudgementes ¶ Of christian faste THe holy scriptures sette fastynge Augustine to Consulaine Priest epist lxxxviij Of the fastes of the olde fathers I sayth he in the wrytynges of the Apostles and euangelistes and all the newe testament reuoluyng that thinge in my mynde I se that fastynge is commaunded But vpon what dayes we shoulde faste or not fast by the commauÌ„demente of the Lorde or the Apostles I finde it not determined before vs as a certeyne peculiar preparation and way to more earnest prayer for the remission of sinnes for the singuler mercie grace of God and other singuler benifittes and gyftes As the Niniuites humbly prayed to God wyth moste straite fastyng for remission of synnes and forgyuenes of the punishment which God had declared vnto them Ionas iij. Such a faste it was also whiche God coÌ„maunded to the people of Israel the .x. daye of the .viij. moneth whiche was the daye of purgation in whiche all the people humbly praye God for the remission of synnes Leuiti iij. God also coÌ„maunded such a fast Ioel. ij When the people was punished of corne and wyth greuous warre for theyr synnes Turne vnto me sayeth he wyth all your herte wyth fastyng weepyng and bewaylynge Item in the same place Blowe vp a trompe in Sion sanctifie a faste etc. Such a fast also is described i. Samuel vij and thei came togyther in Masphath and drue water shedde it forth in the syght of the Lorde and fasted on that daye and sayed there we haue synned vnto the Lorde Item Dauides faste in the syckenes of his sonne whom he had fyrste of Bathseba God strucke also the yonge chylde whom the wyfe of Vrias brought forth vnto Dauid and he was despeyred of and Dauid humbly praied to the Lorde for the yonge chylde and Dauid fasted a faste and wente asyde and laye vpon the grounde Item Achab when Elias had declared vnto hym the reuengeauÌ„ce of god for the death of Naboth i. Kynges xx Of thys sorte was that faste of Paule which coÌ„tinued three dayes when the Lorde had conuerted hym nigh Damasco and had taken away his sight actes ix The faste that Iosaphat ordeyned when the Moabites and Ammonites had brought forth an huge armie agaynst hym was ioyned wyth prayer for the singuler benifitte and healpe of god The faste of Esdras was lyke wheÌ„ he prepared to returne into Iurie And that which Hester inioyned to hyr people wheÌ„ she wold speake to the kinge for the health of the people Of the same sorte it was also which the congregation of the sayntes at Antioche inioyned to them selues when laying on their handes they shoulde sende forth Paule and Barnabas to preache the Gospel to the heathen Actes xiij And it was also such a faste whiche the same two Apostles kepte when they woulde appoynte elders in the congregations of Asia whiche they had wonne to Christe Act. xiiij And that fasting ought alway to be ioyned to euerie earnest and solemne prayer the thyng that Paule wryteth of maried folkes teacheth sufficiently Let the husbande rendre due beniuolence to his wyfe and lykewyse the wife to hyr husbande defraude not one an other excepte anie thynge be done of agremente for a reason that ye maye gyue your selues to fastynge and prayer The preachers shall diligently obserue these and suche other testimonies of the holy scripture concernynge fastynge and they shal faithfully teach the people by the same Fyrst that fastyng is a certeyne propre maner and a certeyne parte of careful and earnest prayer vnto God as the places alledged and such other testifie and that it is not a worke acceptable to God by it self or holsome vnto vs. Secondly they shal diligeÌ„tly warne this also that fasting as prayer excepte it be obserued out of true fayeth and earnest repentaunce for our synnes it is not onely a thing vnacceptable to God but also abominable as if we faste by reason of the institution and custome of men or also to boste our selues whiche thinge Christe the Lorde noted Math. vi They darken theyr faces that it maye appeare vnto men that they faste A true faste and acceptable to God muste be taken in hande wyllyngly of mannes owne accorde of one whiche feeleth the burthen of synnes in his conscience whiche feareth the angre reueÌ„geaunce of God for his sinnes whiche therefore is dryuen diligeÌ„tly to seeke and praye for remission of synnes or whiche desireth to make readie hym selfe and after a certeyne wyse to sanctifie him selfe to pray more religiously for the benifittes of God Wherfore thys thynge whiche is in Ioel ij Chap. muste be euer diligently beaten into the people when we speake of fastynge Turne vnto me sayeth the Lorde wyth all your herte wyth fastyng etc. that men may learne that no fastynge pleaseth God but that that springeth out of true repentaunce and lyuely griefe for synnes and true conuersion to the mercie of God of whom we seeke remission of sinnes wyth singuler and feruent desire Thyrdly the preachers shall teache out â—f the alledged places and suche lyke that fastyng is not onely abstinence from meate and drynke but that there is required moreouer forasmuche as fastyng oughte to be a parte of carefull prayer for remission of sinnes and the grace of God that on the fastynge dayes we wythdrawe our selues vtterly from al pleasures and busynes of this lyfe and gyue our selues wholy to prayer wyth great humilitie of all our lyfe coÌ„ming from the herte and chastisynge of the bodie Hereof it came that the Lorde in Ioell commaunded to sanctifie a faste to call an asseÌ„ble to gather the elders together the spouse and the spousesse al the inhabitauntes of the lande into the house of God and crie vnto the Lorde He coÌ„maundeth also the infantes and the suckelynges to be broughte that by the syght and pitie of them they myghte be moued to greater repentaunce of theyr synnes and feruenter prayer for forgiuenes This is the cause why God so sore rebuketh the Iewes Esaie lviij Bycause on the fasting dayes they regarded theyr busynes and required theyr dettes And he testifyeth that he abhorreth theyr fastynges and that they be not those that he commaunded In whiche place thys thinge is diligently to be considered that therefore he hearde not their prayers nor accepted theyr fastes bicause they folowed theyr owne desires vpon the fastyng dayes Lo sayeth he in your fastinges your wyll is founde Wherefore it is conuenient that vpon
those dayes when fastynges are prescribed the people absteyne froÌ„ all other workes and busynes and wholy gyue them selues to heare Gods worde and to praye For thys coÌ„mon prayer of the churche hath a verie large promise propouned Math. xviij If two of you consent together vpon earth etc. Therefore we muste assemble together vnto prayer and we must applie the same that we do none other thing and that our hert and mynde be bent wholy bent thereunto Howbeit in priuate fastes in which the whole congregation is not called togyther to the worde of God and praier honeste and moderate labours of the body nothynge hyndre fastynge as they hyndre not prayer For the laboure it selfe healpeth to chastise the bodie and to drawe the mynde from the vauinitie of the world and to moue it to prayer and also to succour the poore And though at al tymes we must vse labour of the bodie for thys purpose that we may ease the neede of our brethern wheÌ„ we desirously call for the mercie and bountuousnes of God Then let thys sayinge of Paule haue place He that hath stolen lette him steale no more but let him rather worke wyth his handes that he maye succoure the needie But that faste that we take vpon vs of carefull desire to appease and to praye God wherof we recited some exemples out of the scripture byndeth a man wholy â—o prayers and other exercises of religion and draweth hym from al other cares and busines As we maye se in the faste of Dauid whiche he toke vpon hym his sonne borne of Bathseba beinge sycke he laye onely in duste lamented and knocked vpon the mercie of God wyth prayers Paule dyd the same thynge in that faste of three dayes when the Lorde had conuerted hym Fourthly the preachers shall teache that large almes muste be added to a godly fast that al vniuste burthens of our neighbours must be loosed and discharged and that we must succour the needie liberally For so the Lorde fayeth Esaie lviij Shoulde thys be the fast that I haue chosen that a maÌ„ should daily vexe his soule wryth his heade lyke a circle and caste on sacke cloth and ashes Wylt thou call thys a faste and an acceptable daye to the Lorde Is not thys rather the faste that the Lorde hath chosen Loose vngodly bondes remitte vsuries vniustly oppressynge make them free that be broken wyth pouertie and breake all burthens of dettes breake thy breade to the huÌ„grie harbour the needie and harbourles when thou seest the naked cloth hym For thys cause the holie fathers condemned all fastes as not christian nor acceptable to God though neuer so straite abstinence be kept in them and sharpe chastisyng of the bodie vsed if they that faste conuerte not theÌ„ selues from synnes wyth all their hertes to the Lorde and settynge asyde all cares and busines of thys lyfe giue them selues wholy to prayer and other exercises of religion and vse moste liberalitie towardes the pore Wherfore they taught that they which wil faste godly shoulde bestowe all that vpon the pore that they had spared in fastynge whiche is a verie rightfull thynge and takeÌ„ out of the verie nature of godlines I saye that the faythfull whyle they studiously cal for the mercie of God and desire his liberalitie shew theÌ„ selues also at that tyme chiefly mercifull and bountuous to their needie neighbours For we please God wyth such sacrifices Hebr. xiij Out of thys doctrine of christian fastes the councell Cabilonense enacted that there is required to true fastyng that the fasters The olde fathers celebrated the communioÌ„ of the supper of the Lorde on fastynge dayes at euentyde as ye may se in Athanasius de virginitate be preseÌ„t at the euening praiers which done and the coÌ„munion celebrated and alines distributed they shoulde receyue meate For the olde fathers celebrated the coÌ„munion of the holy eucharistia or thankesgyuynge on fastinges dayes at eueÌ„tyde But thys much of coÌ„mon fastyng For christian men haue a double faste a priuate faste whiche euerie man ioyneth to hym selfe or to his familie onely And a coÌ„mon faste which the gouernours of the coÌ„mon weale or the prouostes of the church inioyne to the whole coÌ„gregation for some coÌ„mon and greate necessitie that lyeth vpon all men When Dauid bewayled his synne and prayed that health myght be restored to his sicke sonne he kepte a priuate faste The fast of Cornilius was priuate whereof Luke speaketh act x. Item the faste of the Prophetisse But the faste of the Niniuites Hester Iosaphat and of many other was a coÌ„mon faste which thynge is required Ioell ij And an yerely faste in the daye of purgation is inioyned Leuiti xxiij The holy bishoppes in olde tyme and the auncient church kept two maner of these coÌ„mon fastes Some were yerely at certeine and appoynted tymes Some were not certeyne but were vsed accordyng to the necessitie that happened that they myght be readier to prayer Of the fyrst sorte lent is and other fastes returning euery yere at certeine dayes whiche dayly haue bene heaped in numbre wyth mennes traditions but verie muche hath bene wythdrawen from godlie abstinence and religious studie of prayinge to god For the institutioÌ„ of the olde churche is longe sithens corrupted For the olde byshoppes diligently exhorted the people to faste but they lefte mennes conscience free neither condemned them whiche would not or coulde not faste As Paule also onely exhorteth to faste and the Lorde him selfe layed no commaundement vpon vs coÌ„cernyng thys thinge but taught only how it should be kepte to the acceptation of the father not of men In thys moderation of exhortation and christian libertie manie wyll faste godlie and truly Now whereas fastes be most straitly inioyned no parte of fastynge or litle is kepte yea the greatest parte of the people know not what a true faste is And if anie faste and chastise theyr bodies they do it wyth manifeste vngodlines and despite of Goddes grace for wyth that worke they wyll satisfie for theyr synnes and deserue somewhat Forthermore the fathers condeÌ„ned them openly whiche were more careful for choyse of meates then for true abstineÌ„ce and chastisyng of the bodie And they reproued them also which though they vexed theÌ„ selues wyth abstinence yet in fastynge they regarded nothynge elles but abstinence nor dyd no more For we must faste for thys entent that we maye be more readie attentyue and feruent to prayer Now a daies fasting is thoughte nothynge els then to absteyne from the fleshe of foure foted beastes of birdes etc. For they serue theyr gul more daintily and exquisitely wyth fishes and other meates vpon fastyng dayes then vpoÌ„ other and they take asmuche at dynner as myght suffice for a good supper to And further that they maye seme accordynge to the olde custome to take meat after the euening praiers they haue those prayers before none Euensonge whiche accordynge to the name shoulde be sayed in the euenyng What other thynge
spent in workes fained by thē selues and in suffraūce of euyls whiche they laye or pulle vpon them selues bicause they abstaine from the administration of the cōmon weale whereby neuertheles singuler benifittes are exhibited vnto men bycause they contemne other ciuile societie reiecte iudgementes refuse to go a warre fare eschewe bying and sellyng and other contractes necessarie in thys lyfe wyth all whiche thynges christen men shall studie to do good to theyr bretherne and neighbours Furthermore bycause also they wythdrawe them selues from ecclesiasticall communion and mocke holie assembles cōmon doctrine and the Sacramentes of the church and denie their healpe to their neghbours Finallie bycause that wyth obstinate madnes they suffre spoilynge of theyr goodes exile imprisonment scourgynges and maymyng of theyr lymmes and sūdrie kindes of death for these forsayed thynges and other seditious sayinges doinges These be the good workes of these felowes this is theyr rightuousnes whiche when the preachers shal trie in theyr sermons and priuate admonitiōs wyth the diuine scriptures and trie the nature of christen religion and shal cōpare them wyth verie good workes and wyth the ryghtuousnes of fayth the knowledge and desire of true ryghtuousnes shall be merueylously confirmed and kendled amonge the people of Christe and they shall eschewe and abhorre hypocrisie and thys counterfaited ryghtuousnes of frantike felowes Thus when the preachers shal with singuler diligence declare and commende often to the people howe the Lorde instituted the ministerie of the church and howe reuerently he would haue it executed and receyued what great thinges he vouchsafeth to worke thorow the same vnto our health exhibiting his grace and the redemption and communion of his sonne thorowe these thynges mē shall more esteme the holie ministerie and vse it more religiously omitting those vaine illuminations and visions whiche frantike men loke for and exhorte other to seeke the common ministerie of the churche beinge despised We thoughte it good to putte into thys place thys generall and shorte instruction concernynge the errours wycked doctrines and pernitious sisme of the Catabaptistes that the preachers being warned may learne howe they maye call them backe into the way of holsome doctrine and ecclesiasticall communion whom they haue founde seduced of those madde spirites and be not yet obstinate with hereticall furie And that they maye arme them whiche stande yet in the holesome doctrine and consent of the cōgregation agaynste the gyles and hypocrisie of them whom Satan holdeth cōfirmed in thys madnes and keepe them in the sinceritie of fayth and cōmunion of the cōgregation and drawe them from al felowship and cōmunion of those felowes For their talke as a canker eateth vp the hole flesh in the bodie of Christe And forasmuche as heretikes be verie subtile and haue a wonderfull madde zeale to defende theyr vngodlie imaginatiōs the feders of the Lordes flocke leste anie perishe thorowe theyr slouggishnes or ignorantie be caried away by these wolues muste furnishe them selues against theyr Sophistrie and diuelishe subtilties wyth readyng of the holie scriptures and those wrytynges whiche in oure tyme haue bene sette forth of godlie and learned men agaynst these thynges After thys sorte then lette the pastours watche in theyr sermons agaynste deceites and craftie awaytes wyth the care of euery man one by one if neede be of them whiche be committed to theyr charge But who so euer perceiueth that there is some one in the citie toune or village where he dwelleth whiche cōsenteth to the errours of the Anabaptistes and alloweth them we cōmaunde such a man by the authoritie of the electorall dignitie whiche we execute that he vtter the same personne to the cōstable or gouernoure of the place wyth all speede whiche thynge becometh a good and a christian citizin to do whiche ought to preferre the sinceritie of religion and health of the churche before all other commodities And we commaunde oure officers that they procure spedely the personne that shal be accused or suspected of anabaptisme to be called before them hauyng wyth them the pastoure and other meete ministrrs of the churche and other good and godly men Then the pastour or some of the ministers whiche shall be better furnished for that purpose shall propoune to hym that is accused of anabaptisticall errours those thinges wherof he is accused Whiche man if he shall cōfesse anie errour he shal be kept in some tollerable cōmō prison til at cōuenient leasure he may be more fully examined and taught But if he acknowledge no errour neither can be conuicted thereof by true witnesses they shall lette hym go free But concernynge them whiche shal confesse them selues to be of the Anabaptistes opinion in one or two doctrines we wyll haue thys thynge obserued The officer of that place where suche one shal be as sone as he maye shall call the superintendent of that cōgregation and other fitte for that purpose both of the ministers and also of other tryed men of the congregation Before these men and the officer the superintendent or byshoppe moue interrogatories to hym whiche is fallen into anie anabaptisticall doctrine not onely of that that he hym selfe acknowledgeth but of the principall imaginations of these men wherof we spake before if he shall perchaunce be founde or if there be feare that he is snared in some other madde doctrines For there be catabaptistes whiche beare aboute in theyr brest that detestable and damnable indaical errour whiche faine that the church shall be before the laste daye a certeyne worldlie kyngdome wherein the godlie shall reygne and destroy with weapons al the vngodly and holde all the kingdomes in the worlde Some confounde the natures in Christe partly acknowledgynge in hym the diuine nature onely and partly the manhode onely Therfore they must be dilligētly demaūded of these and suche other errours and they must be earnestly and wyth all softnes of the spirite of Christe warned of those errours whiche they acknowledge and they must be brought again frō al errours to the sinceritie of faith and consent of the congregation And thys thynge muste be often assayed For we go about theyr saluation for whom the sonne of God was crucified and suffered a moste bitter and shamefull death that they myghte be called backe from errours Wherefore we muste shonne no labour so that we maye brynge agayne Christes sheepe begynnyg to straye to the sheepfolde of Christ We must assay then so lōge to deliuer suche frō theyr errours as longe as of charitie we shall perceyue anie hope to remaine that we may winne our neighbour If the Lorde shall be present at thys correction of men in errours and shal gyue his encrease that some maye turne from theyr errours we wyl that those whiche haue suffered them selues to be brought agayne into the waye shal playnely and particulerly renie and abiure that errour into which they are fallen and al other vngodlie doctrines whiche chiefly in thys tyme vexe the church before all them that
the Catechisme as may be fouÌ„d most readie meete thereunto though they be not priestes or in other ordinarie ministeries But howe and after what fourme the Catechisme must be expouned we wyll declare hereafter In cities we wyll that euen vpon the workynge dayes there be two holy asseÌ„bles euerie day in the which holie lessons shal be reade with prayers and Psalmes if ministers wante not and if the people wyll be entreated to come togyther diligently Let suche houres be appoynted for these assembles as shal be moste comodiouse to the people In villages if it maye be for the people let holie assembles be called togyther thryse a wieke in whiche mornynge prayers and exhortations shall be vsed out the scriptures If by reason of the negligence of the people it can not be done so often they shall procure that they come togyther once or twyse ¶ Of the holy Sacramentes generally LEtte the pastours and teachers remembre that it is there duetie to enstruct the people diligentlie not onely in the administration it selfe of the SacrameÌ„tes but also ofteÌ„ in their sermons when the place shall require it what is done and exhibited in the handlynge and dispensation of euery Sacrament How meÌ„ ought to prepare them selues to receyue the SacrameÌ„tes and wyth what trust we must take them and wherein we muste putte confidence of receyuing the benifitte of God in the Sacramentes and howe much diligence religion is required to the handlyng of sacrameÌ„tes not only of them which theÌ„ selues vse the sacrameÌ„tes but also of theÌ„ which be present at the administration and dispensation of the same and chiefly of the ministers whiche exhibite and distribute theÌ„ to other But chiefely they shall warne the people that they thynke not that they maye obteine the grace of God and communion wyth Christe in the Sacramentes thorowe the streÌ„gth and worthines of outwarde worke either in him that ministreth the sacrameÌ„tes or of hym that receyueth theÌ„ but onely thorowe the strength of God and merite of Christe whiche wil worke in his worde and Sacramentes and perfourme al those thinges vndoubtedly whiche he offereth in the Sacramentes and testifieth wyth his wordes to all them whiche receyue the Sacramentes accordynge to his worde wyth true fayth ¶ Of Baptisme BAptisme is a Sacrament of regeneration whereby we be planted and incorporated into Christe the Lorde and be buried into his death and put on the same and be made thorowe hym the sonnes and heryes of God Wherefore we muste handle and receyue thys Sacrament wyth greate reuerence and religion And therfore we must vse that maner of administrynge thys Sacramente and suche tyme muste be appoynted for the administration of the same that all thynges maye serue to steare vp and encrease reuerence and religion that this holy Sacramnent may be godly and holesomly administred and receiued Amonge the auncient fathers Baptisme was openly ministred onely at two tymes in the yere at Ester Witsontyde Which constitution bicause it shoulde be harde perchaunce to renue we wyl that Baptisme be ministred onely vpon the sundayes and holie dayes when the whole congregation is wonte to come togyther if the weakenes of the infantes lette not the same so that it is to be feared that they wyll not lyue tyll the nexte holie daye for oure mynde is that the handlyng of the Sacrament of Christes bodie and bloude called Eucharistia maye be ioyned with Baptisme and that they which brynge the infantes to Baptisme maye vse the bodie and bloude of oure Lorde Iesus Christ after the maner and institution of the primitiue churche But that all thynges maye be ministred and receyued religiously and reuerently the parâ—â—es of the infaÌ„tes shall signifie the matter betymes to the pastours and wyth the godfathers shall humbly require Baptisme for their infantes That if the parentes or the godfathers or both be subiecte to manifest crimes they may be corrected of the pastoure if they wyll admitte correction or if they be incorrigible that they maye be kepte from the communion of Baptisme lest they be present at so diuine a ministration vnto damnation and wyth daunger of offending the churche For they aswell make them selues gyltie of the bodie and death of Christ whiche vnworthelie be present at thys Sacramente of Baptisme and require the same for theyr Infantes wythout true fayeth in Christe as they whiche take the bodie and bloude of the Lorde vnworthely that is to saye not after the institution of Christe namely wythout true repentauÌ„ce and faith in Christe Whrefore if suche come vnto the pastours to aske holie Baptisme whether they be the parentes of the chyldren or theyr godfathers as be defiled wyth manifeste crimes and abominatioÌ„s the preachers shall exhorte them vnto repentaunce and warne them that they be not present at the administration of the Sacramente for that tyme leste they pull damnation vpon them selues and offende the churche For suche by reason of theyr wycked actes haue no parte in the kyngdome of God neyther be they to be admitted to the participation of the sacramentes excepte they repent openly But if the parentes be founde in suche crimes they shall desire theyr kinsfolke or other frendes whiche be as yet the true and lyuely membres of the churche that in theyr steede they wyll aske Baptisme for theyr infantes If the godfathers shal be iudged vnworthie of the church other shal be desired which haue good testimonie In the request of Baptisme the pastours shal aske them whether the infantes haue not receiued Baptisme already whiche thinge is wont to chaunce when the chylde is in perill of death For if they be baptised then the pastours shall do those thynges that we wyll declare hereafter coÌ„cernyng suche infantes But if they be not baptised or not certeynly baptised or not as it behoued and if the parentes and godfathers be not subiecte to those crimes for whiche they shoulde be kepte of from Baptisme they muste be diligently warned by the pastours of the exceadynge benefitte of regeneration in Christe whiche they desire to theyr chyldren Item of the horrible fall and gilte from whiche the infantes are deliuered in Baptisme thorowe Christe Then he shall exhorte them that they be present religiously at the exorcisme and Catechisme and so afterward at the ministration of baptisme laste of all that they vse togyther the Sacrament of the bodie and bloude of the Lorde For it becometh thys thynge to be done not onely for thys cause that they be the membres of Christe and it behoueth not to be present at the Lordes borde wythout part takynge but also bycause it is an vnworthie thynge to aske the communion of Christ for infantes and to receyue it in baptisme and not to receiue the same in the Sacrament for them selues wherein it is offered to theÌ„ also For if they aske and receyue the communion of Christ in Baptisme with true fayth they can not but aske the same for them selues and receiue it desirously beinge offered in
thy brest that the power of Christe crucified may be euer thy succour and sure protection in all thynge ⧠Then let hym saye to the people The Lorde be wyth you ⧠Let the the people answere And wyth thy spirite ⧠The pastour Let vs praye Almightie and euerlastyng God the father of oure Lorde Iesus Christe I call the vpon thys N. thy seruaunte for whom the churche requireth the Sacramente of baptisme and therein thy grace and spirituall regeneration and thou saydeste aske and ye shal receyue etc. so gyue thy grace and mercie to thys chylde as thy church prayeth the that he maye obteine the redemption of thy sonne and inheritaunce of euerlastynge and blessed lyfe whiche thy cōgregation seeketh for hym thorowe baptisme Open to hym the dore of thy kyngdome at whiche thy churche knocketh for hym thorowe Christe our Lorde Amen ⧠Let vs praye Further almightie God whiche in olde tyme dyddeste destroye the wycked worlde wyth the floude accordynge to thy terrible iudgement and dyddeste preserue onely the familie of godly Noe eighte soules of thy vnspeakable mercie and which also dyddest droune in the redde sea obstinate Pharao the Kynge of the Egiptians wyth all his armie and warlike power and causedist thy people of Israel to passe ouer with dry feete and wouldest shadowe in them holy baptistisme the lauer of regeneration furthermore whiche dyddeste consecrate Iordane wyth the Baptisme of thy sonne Christe Iesu and other waters to holie deepynge and washynge of synnes we praye the for thy exceadynge mercie loke fauourably vpon thys Infante gyue hym true fayeth and thy holie spirite that what so euer fylth he hath taken of Adam it maye be drouned and be put awaye by thys holie floude that being seperated from the numbre of the vngodlie he maye be kepte safe in the holie arke of the churche and maye confesse and sanctifie thy name wyth a lustie and feruent spirite and serue thy kyngdome wyth constant truste and sure hope that at length he maye atteyne to the promises of eternal lyfe wyth all the godlie Amen ⧠The pastour The Lorde be with you ⧠The people And wyth thy spirite Heare the Gospell of oure Lorde Iesus Christe Marke x. In that tyme they broughte chyldren to Iesus that he might toutch them But the disciples rebuked them that broughte them When Iesus sawe that he toke indigna ion and sayed vnto them sulfure the litleoues to come vnto me etc. Beleue these wordes and thys deede of our Lorde Iesu Christe vpō them and doubt not but that he wyll so receyue your chyldren also and embrace them wyth the armes of his mercie and gyue them the blessynge of eternall lyfe and the euerlasting communion of the kyngdome of God The same Lorde and our Sauiour Iesus Christe confirme and encrease thys your fayth Amen ⧠After thys the pastoure shall laye his handes vpon the chyldes heade and the godfathers touching the child shall praye wyth hym Oure father whiche arte etc. Then they shall also rehearse the crede I beleue in God the father etc. ¶ Let vs praye After thys the churche shall synge the Psal Cxiiij Item Cxv. and. Cxxxvi. When Israell went forth etc. Not to vs Lorde etc. Item prayse the name of the Lorde etc. Ye seruauntes prayse the Lorde ⧠The pastour The Lorde be with you ¶ The people And wyth thy spirite ⧠Let vs praye Almightie and euerlastynge God heauenlie father we gyue the eternall thankes that thou haste vouchsafed to cal vs to thys knowledge of thy grace fayth towardes the. Encrease and confirme this fayth in vs euermore Gyue thy holie spirite to thys infant that he maye be borne agayne and be made heyre of euerlastyng saluation which of thy groce and mercie thou hast promised to thy holie churche to olde men and to children thorow our Lorde Iesus Christ which liueth and reigneth wyth the nowe and for euer Amen ⧠Thus gyuynge his blessynge let hym dimisse the congregation ⧠Of administration of Baptisme The daye folowinge let the infantes beinge exorcised the daye before be broughte agayne to the cōgregation a litle before the supper of the Lorde whō there the pastour after that the Gospel is reade and declared and the crede songe shal bid to be broughte to the foūtstone and shal exhort the parētes the godfathers and kinsfolke after the maner folowinge Beloued in Christ yesterday by the grace of God we hearde how exceading and vnspeakable mercie is exhibited in Baptisme Ye haue renounced Satā and the worlde ye haue cōfessed the fayth of Christe ye haue promised obedience to Christ and the cōgregation and ye haue required of God the father that for his sōnes sake our Lorde Iesus Christ he will deliuer these infātes from the kingdome of darkenes and settle thē in the kingdome of his beloued sōne You must remēbre these thinges and doubt nothing but that we shal receyue all these thynges that we require if we beleue Therefore liftynge vp your mindes vnto the Lorde appeare ye here with all religion as in the sighte of almightie God the father the sōne and the holie gost and receiue ye sure fayth and thankesgiuing the benifitte of regeneration and adoptiō into euerlastyng life of the one god him selfe the father the sonne and the holie goste And bicause the Lorde hym selfe commaunded vs to baptise in the name of the father the sōne and the holie gost vndoubtedly god him selfe baptiseth our infātes cleanseth thē frō sinnes deliuereth thē frō euerlasting death putteth vpō thē his owne rightuousnes and gyueth them life eternal We must acknowledge with true faith and euer magnifie these exceading benifittes of God Wherfore that we may steare vp our fayth and mindes Let vs heare the wordes of S. Paule folowing concernynge thys matter ⧠To Tite Chapter iij. But after that the goodnes and loue of oure sauiour God towardes mē appeared not of the workes of ryghtuousnes whiche we dyd but after his mercie he saued vs by the lauer of regeneration and renuing of the holie goste etc. ⧠The pastour The Lorde be wyth you ⧠The people And wyth thy spirite ¶ Out of the Gospell of Mathewe the laste Chapter The Lorde Iesus said vnto his disciples All power in heauen and in earth is gyuen vnto me Go ye therfore into al the worlde and preache the Gospell to al creatures and teach al the heathē baptising thē in the name of the father the sonne the holie gost etc ⧠The pastour The Lorde be with you ⧠The people And wyth thy spiritie ⧠Let vs praye Almightie and mercifull God and father thou diddest promise to Abraham oure father and the father of all that beleue and in him thou dyddeste promise to vs also his chyldren that thou wouldeste be a God to vs and to oure seede Wherefore as thou diddest receyue the infantes of the olde people into grace and into thyne owne people by circumcisiō And thy sonne Christe Iesus our Lorde and
sauiour admitted chyldreÌ„ offered vnto hym right gently and blessed theÌ„ testifiynge that the kyngdome of God perteyneth to such So let it be thy pleasure to begette our infantes agayne and to adopte theÌ„ into sonnes vnto the felowship of euerlastynge lyfe by the sacrament of baptisme GrauÌ„t then heaueÌ„ly father that we may earnestly requir so gret riches of grace setfurth in baptisme for these infaÌ„tes that we may acknowledge and receyue them wyth true fayth beinge offered both in the worde and in the sacrament finallie that we maye euer thanke the and magnifie the for them And impute not to these infantes the synne of Adam issued into theÌ„ and engendred by their parentes regarde not the merites of theyr parentes and of all thys people but let the death and merite of thy sonne our Lorde Iesus Christ preuayle in them and impute vnto them his rightuousnes and obedience Plant them into his death and resurrection make them membres of his bodie put hym vpon theÌ„ that they maye be thy sonnes and heyres and continue for euer Graunte vs also that after Baptisme we maye acknowledge them for thy chyldren and membres of the bodie of thy sonne that we may godly brynge them vp in the feare of the vnto thy glorie that we maye healpe them in all corporall and spirituall thynges that also by them thy holie name maye be more magnified the kyngdome of thy sonne enlarged thy wyl be done in thys earth as in heauen Furthermore keepe them safe gyue them bountuously the necessaries of lyfe and preserue them from all euyll Amen ⧠Thys prayer ended lette the pastoure require the Infantes to be gyuen hym let hym aske the names that they shall haue and lette hym Baptise them saiynge I baptise the N. in the name of the father the sonne and the holie goste Let the godfathers forthwith receyue the Infant from Baptisme the priest saying as it foloweth The almyghtie euerlastynge God and father of oure Lorde Iesus Christe whiche hath begotten the agayne wyth water and the holie goste and hath forgiuen the al thy synnes confirme the wyth his grace vnto euerlastynge lyfe Amen ⧠The Pastour The peace of the Lorde be wyth you ⧠Answere Amen Here lette the whole congregation synge in Douche Nowe all thankes etc. or the Psalme God be mercifull vnto vs. Then let the pastour go forth in the ministratioÌ„ of the Lordes supper ¶ How baptisme must be menistead at other tymes But if the infantes be weake so that it is to be feared that they wyll not lyue to the nexte sondaie or holye daie or if for weyghtie matters Baptisme cannot bee ministred vppon those dayes the Pastoures shall warne the people that yet they bringe their chyldren to bee Baptised at those houres whan after the custoume the people resorteteth together to heare the lordes woâ—de But if that thynge cannot bee doone neyther baptisme in the meane whyle must not be denyed to the infantes offered therevnto whan so euer they be brought for as much as lieth in vs we must not suffer that any departe out of this lyfe without the sacrament of baptisme For the Lorde instituted baptisme that it maye be to vs a sacrament of regenecion and wasshinge of sinnes from whiche in this lyfe no man is free no not an infante one daye olde for it is oure parte to do in all thynges after the Lordes word and to receyue his giftes and benefites that way that he him selfe hath appoynted vnto vs. Whan baptisme than shal be mynistred vpon workynge dayes lette the pastours ioyne to gether in order the Catechisme exorcisme and baptisme and they shal moderate their exhortacions prayers according to the companie and strength of the child For if thei se that the childe is in daunger of lyfe and that the coÌ„panye is small they shal be shorte in all thynges And they shall vse only the first part of the admonicion which we willed to be saide before the Catachisme vnto these wordes wherefore we exhorte and praye you beloued etc. So they shal vse the firste parte only of the demaundes of euery article and in the exorcisme thei shal vse only one praier wyth the Lordes prayer the Crede and the Gospell Which thinges premised lette them Baptise the infante furthwith and let them exhort the parentes God fathers and other that stand by that thei determine certainly that the infant whether he lyue or dye is the sonne of God and heyre of euerlastinge life and if he lyue that they procure him to be broughte vp vnto religioÌ„ and goddes glorye according to the exhortacion sette before whiche beginneth After that beloued etc. ¶ Of baptisme ministred to childreÌ„ assone as they be borne for danger of lyfe The peple shal be taught and warned in sermoÌ„s that they presume not lightly to ministre priuatli this most diuine sacrameÌ„t for it is worthie to be ministred in the coÌ„gregacion bi peculiar ministers with al grauitie and reuereÌ„ce and that maketh much for this purpose that it maye be holesomely mynistred and receyued But if exterme necessitie pres vs that thei that be preseÌ„t with the child beinge in danger mayei ioyne them selues together in the Lorde and lyftinge vp their mindes religiously vnto God lette them calle for his mercye promised and exhibited in Christ Iesus our Lord vpon the infante and whan they haue sayde the Lordes prayer lette them baptis him in the name of the father the soÌ„ne and the hollye gost Which done lette them not doubte but that their infante is trulye baptised washed from sinnes borne agayne in Christ and made the sonne and heire of god lette theÌ„ than giue thankes to god for this his so greate benifite and let them not thynke that baptisme muste be renued in children so baptised for in all pointes asmuch as we maye we muste so do althynges as the Lord hath appoynted If any godlie man be present whan the infant is in extremitie lette hys ministerie be vsed to baptysme Further if it chaunce that the infante so baptised at home do liue it is conuenient that he be brought afterwarde to the temple of hys parentes kynsfolke and godfathers which must com with a good company and religiously as men that ought to giue thankes for this excedinge benifite of regeneracion ministred to their infante and to offer him to god and his sauiour in the congregatioÌ„ The pastours than shall aske theis men after what sort and with what wordes they baptised the infante whether they dyd baptise him as the Lord commaunded in water and in the name of the father the sonne and the holye gost Whiche if they shall answer that they called god vpon the childe and prayed for him and baptised in the name of the father the sonne and the holye goste and that thei beleue that he is truly clensed from sinnes borne againe to God the pastours must confirme them in this belefe and in no wise Baptise suche an infante againe And that men
when they praye him so giue these chyldreÌ„ the thinge that we pray the for thorowe thy sonne Christ that when we shal now say our haÌ„des vpoÌ„ them in thy name and shall certifie them by thys signe that thy fatherly hande shall be euer stretched forth vpon theÌ„ and that they shall neuer wante thy holy spirite to keepe leade and gouerne theÌ„ in the way of health and in a very christian life graunt thou I say vnto them that they maye acknowledge these thinges wyth true fayth and that they may certeynly beleue that thou wilte defende theÌ„ with thy almightie ryghte hande and keepe them froÌ„ al euil and deliuer them and leade them to al good workes Finally that thou wylt neuer take thy holy spirite from them thorowe our Lorde Iesus Christ ⧠Here the pastour laying his haÌ„des vpon them shal say O Lorde Iesu Christ the sonne of God which saidest in the Gospel If you then beinge euyl caÌ„ gyue good gyftes to your children howe muche more shal my father giue the holie goste to them that aske hym Item If two consent together vpon the earth etc. Confirme thys thy seruante wyth thy holie spirite that he may coÌ„tinue in the obedience of thy Gospell and strongly resist the diuel and his owne weakenes and not greue the holie goste or trouble or offende thy churche wyth sclaunders but that his whole lyfe maye serue to the prayse of thy glorie his owne health and commune profitte of thy congregation as thou hast prescribed to vs and as thou haste promised that thou wylte gyue to them that aske the. Amen ⧠After thys lette the Hymne be songe Nowe al thankes etc. Nowe a good whyle sithens the signe of oyle was wonte to be vsed in confirmation but bycause they abused thys signe moost superstitiously and forasmuche as also amonge christian men signes and shadowes of spiritual thinges ought not to be so much regarded as the thynge and trueth it selfe the signe of layinge on of handes shall be sufficient in thys ministration whiche the Apostles and olde fathers thoughte sufficient And that thys Ceremonie maye be haÌ„dled wyth greater granitie and reuerence and wyth more fruite both of the chyldren and of the whole congregation the deanes wyth the visiters or parishe priestes of euerie congregation shal chose out suche a place in the temples froÌ„ whence the coÌ„fession and profession of the chyldren and other thinges that muste be done there wyth all maye be clearely hearde and perceyued of the whole congregation ⧠Of the Lordes supper MEn muste be muche and often taught and warned of this most holie Sacrament that it is as Paule witnesseth a coÌ„munion of the bodye and bloude of oure Lorde Iesus Christ wherin we muste so celebrate the remeÌ„brauÌ„ce of him wyth greate religion and graue preachynge of his death and resurrection and of al thinges which he was made for vs whiche he dyd and suffered for oure saluation that our fayth in hym may be coÌ„firmed that we maye cleaue faster and lyne more fully in hym and he in vs. And forasmuch as the Lorde when he iustituted thys holie supper dyd saye Do thys in remembraunce of me the preachers shall diligently warne thys also that the Lorde coÌ„maunded that we shoulde do those thynges in this Sacrament whiche he hym selfe shewed to be done by his exemple Therefore we muste set the same acte of the Lorde before vs neither muste we in any wyse decline from the same or chaunge any thynge of it though an Angel from heauen or an Apostle did counsel and bidde vs so to do Which thinge the right holy bishop and martyr Ciprian gathereth well and truely out of these and many other wordes of the Lorde For if Christ be our onely Lorde and maister we as the ministers and disciples of hym muste needes folowe and do not the worde or dede of anie man or Angel but we muste folowe and do wyth al reuerence the thynges that he dyd and layed before vs to do neither maye we regarde what other dyd before vs but what Christe oure Lorde fyrste dyd whiche is before al thynges And al they that do not thys but chaunge somewhat of the institution of the Lorde in thys moste holie misterie ought not to be iudged his vicares or his priestes seing that for the traditions of men they caste away the commaundement of Christe The holie martyr wryteth these and muche moore seuere and earneste thynges in the same Epistle agaynste them that in the administration of this most holy SacrameÌ„t chaung any point of that the Lorde hym selfe did in his supper For he coÌ„maunded vs to do that onely Nowe if we consider howe Christe instituted this holye supper it appeareth clearelie out of the declarations of the euangelistes and saynt Paull that first he made his holie supper with his disciples and that he made the same one and commune to al that were preseÌ„t and with suche disciples as had wholye gyue theym selues to hys doctrine For thoughe Iudas were a fayned disciple and as Christ calleth him a diuyll neuertheles the other disciples dyd not yet knowe that for he dyd cleane to the Lorde in outwarde profession and lyfe as the rest did But the Lorde whan he gaue his disciples an exemple in hys supper where as he admitted Iudas he would not followe hys owne secret iudgement but that open manifest iudgemeÌ„t which his disciples might shoulde folowe afterwarde For thys cause â—n the old church which obserued that thing â—hat it had receiued of the Aposteles no maÌ„â—as admitted vnto the holye communion whiche hadde not witnessed hymselfe to be he disciple of the Lorde Further more such 〈◊〉 any companie and congregacion of the â—aythful had one supper only and that comâ—une to al so that thei al receiued the lordes â—ody in one bread and his blod in one cup. Whereof Paule writeth thus The cuppe of blessing whiche we blesse that is to saye wherwyth we giue thankes is it not the coÌ„munion of the bloude of Christe And the breade whiche we breake is it not the communion of the bodye of Christe For we beinge many are one breade and one bodie for we receiue al of one bread and of one cuppe Loo the Apostle speaketh of one cup in whoÌ„ one man gyueth not thankes for hym selfe and he speaketh of one bread whiche all we that come together breake beinge commune and he witnesseth that this is the coÌ„munion of the bodie and bloude of Christe whyche communion all we receyue together oute oâ— one Sacrament and we confirme the same because we are the members and bodye oâ— Christ Wherefore the Apostle willinge tâ— streÌ„gth the thinge that he had say I meame that the breade whiche we breake in the holie supper is the communion of the bodie oâ— Christ vsed these wordes we beinge many saieth he are one breade and one bodie as â—â— he woulde saye one breade is broken anâ— one sacrament is distributed amonge vs beinge manie for this
purpose that we being many which receiue this sacrameÌ„t with trâ—â— faith shoulde be more and more vnited in â— one bodie euen the bodie of Christ and thâ— we should altogether abide and liue in hiâ— and he in vs after that we hade gotten the true communion of his bodie Thys is singulerly to be noted that the Apostle willinge to proue that we which in the holye supper of the Lorde are partakers of the Lordes bodye and bloude be one bodye added furthwith For al we be parttakers of one bread whereby he signifyed also the communion of one cuppe Lette vs than consider this reason of the Apostle diligentli For if we testifie and declare therebi that we are one bodye and one breade of Christ and that we truly receyue and obteyne the communion of Christes bodye and bloude from the Lordes table whaÌ„ al we that come â—ogether to the Lordes table be parttakers â—f one breade and one cup two thinges suer â—â— folow hereof one that they which in one â—ongregacion of the faythfull doe minister â—ore than one supper of the Lord testifie of â—â—em selues therby that they be not one boâ—ye and one breade of Christ nether rightly â—â—ceiue nor haue the coÌ„munion of the Lordes â—odye and bloude The other is that they â—hiche be present at the Lordes supper and â—â—eyue not the sacramentes testifie by thys â—â—eir abstinences from the lordes table that â—â— wil not be a meÌ„ber with other Christiâ—â—s whyche receyue the sacramentes that they wyll not be one bodye with them and one breade of Christe if they be sufficiently enstructed of thys institution of the Lorde and haue not a lawful cause to abstaine froÌ„ the sacramentes Therefore for thys verye cause that the Lord conmanded vs to do that in his holie supper that he himselfe dyd and he celebrated it wyth those hys disciples only whych had wholy giuen theÌ„selues to hys doctrine and euer folowed hym and celebrated one supper only the prechers shal obserue two thynges First they shall teach and exhorte the people wyth all diligence that in thys most holy sacrament they shewe them selues the true disciples of the Lord that is to saye such as putte al their trust in the Lord hymself and haue bound them selues wholy to his worde and folowe the fame studiously in al thinges For thus the lord sayeth Iohn iij. If ye abyde in my worde ye are my disciples in deade But they that wyll declare themselues to be faythful ministres of the Lorde in the administracion of these misteries shall not admitte anie other to the lordes supper but such as be tried and haue confessed before the congregacion that they haue giuen theÌ„ selues to the Lorde and haue proued the same with theyr life as the Lord also celebrated the supper wyth chosen disciples Secondly that in one coÌ„gregacioÌ„ of the faythfull one supper be ministred and that the pastour himself celebrate it if he may by anie meanes at such tyme whan the whole congregacion is wont to come together as vpon sondayes and holye dayes if so be there shal be present that wyl communicate as men that be one bodye and one breade of Christ and are so outwardly also ioyned together of the Lord that thei pertain to one congregacion and pastoral cure and receiue the communioÌ„ of the Lord out of one bread and one cuppe The seconde thynge that the Lorde dyd in his supper is this he gaue thanges to the father and that in such language as the disciples might vnderstand al thinges and be sterred vp wyth hym to prayse God For whyche cause the pastours shall warne the people firste that in the administracion of thys sacrament we must gyue thankes to God throughe oure Lorde Iesus Christe for al the benifites that he hath gyuen and giueth to vs dayly and cheifely for that benifite out of whyche al other come and be made true benifites vnto vs I meane that he so loued vs that he gaue vs hys sonne a redemer that all that beleue in him shoulde not perishe but haue euerlasting lyfe Iohn iij. wherefore he hath giuen vs all thynges wyth hym Ro. viij remyssion of synnes the spirite of adoption and al thinges that may dooe vs good ether in body or soule in this lyfe or in the life to come Secondly that the prieste and ministre of this sacrament in gyuinge thankes to God giueth thankes in his owne name and in the name of the whole coÌ„gregacion wherfor the people must lyft vp theyr mindes and herkeÌ„ to the thinges that are spoken of the priest that thei maye praise and thanke God together with the preist For in thys giuinge of thankes as Chrisostome well warneth all thinges must be commune betwene the people and the prieste where vnto all men that be present are called whan the preiste saieth lifte vp your hertes Item lette vs giue thankes to oure Lord God And they promise the same whan they Answer we haue vnto the Lord. It is worthi and right For in old time as S. Cipriane testifieth whan the prieste or ministre sayde lyfte vp your hertes the people aunswered we haue vnto the Lorde But all these thinges must be done before the Lord in spirite and truth Wherefore the people must wyth all dyligence ioyne theyâ— myndes wyth the wordes of the priest thaâ— with one hert one mouth thei may magnifi and thank God with him The. iii. and principal poynt in the Lordes supper is this that he distributed the bread and the cuppe to al and bad al take both that al should eate the bread and drink of the cup and added This is mi bodi which is giueÌ„ for you This is mi bloud of the new TestameÌ„te which for you and for many is shed furth vnto the remyssion of sins Out of these wordes of the Lord the pastour shal teach the people with great reuereÌ„ce and diligence that this is the principal point and work in the supper of the Lord that sacrameÌ„tes be distributed according to the insttitucioÌ„ of our Lorde Iesus Christ and receyued with true faith in Christ with this faith I saie that we certanly beleue that our Lord Iesus Christ himselfe is here present in the midest of vs and that he himself though iâ— be bi the ministerie of the church doth truly giue vs his body blod and together althinges whatsoeuer he obteined deserued by the offryng of his bodye on the crosse I meane remissioÌ„ of sins the euerlastyng couenant of Gods grace the blessed adoption of God that we be the sons heires of God â—is coheires Out of these thinges yâ— pastors â—hal teach warne the peple with al possible â—iligence First that they come to these most deuyne misteries not as the common sorte were wont to do heretofore wyth cold myndes far from a faythful and religious consideration of the thynges that bee here executed but that they sterre vp theim selues and come with a godly burning desyre of Christ flamynge furthe
with true repentaunce and griefe of synnes and fayth fixed vpon oure Lord. Further that thei heare embrace the wordes here of the lord and al giftes as the words giftes of saluatiō euerlasting life as thei be in dede For this actiō is a proper and principal work of our saluatiō wherin Christ himself offceth geueth to vs all his thinges that he was made for vs that he suffred and deserued accordinge to hys name Iesus he sheweth himself a sauiour vnto vs in wordes and dedes Neyther is there anye word or dede of his set before vs to be folowed or done that doth not properly and effectuously make to our euerlastyng helth so that we take holde of it and vse it with true fayth As in this present action of the holye supper he hath heaped together with singuler and most feruente desyre to do vs good and hath comprehended in a summe and set befor vs to be knowne embraced and enioyed al those thynges that for oure saluation he spake commaunded suffred dyd and willed vs to do Wherfore whan we here those holsome wordes of Chryst in the holy Supper Take eate drynke Surely we must receyue the Sacramentes with great religion and moste bounden thankfulnes of mynde And it is a great abhominatiō to dispise the Lorde callyng vs so gently and so louingly bidding vs to this feast of health and meat of euerlastyng lyfe not to make hast most gredely to this heauenly and blessed banket Thirdly the pastours shal warne the peple that they dout nothing but the Lord him selfe is present in the myddest of theym and geueth them this very body and bloude that thei euer may more fully liue in hym and he in thē and that they may dayly grow more and more into hym whych is the heade and be moued of him as hys lyuely and vncorrupt members and require of him confidently al good thynges and al euils to be taken away and finally that they may receiue the thynges most aboundantly which thei aske For as we receiue hym in this sacrament so we receiue with him al thinges that pertain to the children of God And forasmuch as this exhibition and receiuyng of the body and bloude of Chryste this thinge and action is so heauenlye and diuine a matter of fayth and of the newe testament the pastours shall warne this also that men excludyng the iudgement of theyr owne reason geue fayth simply to the Lordes wordes and that they study to receyue this heauenly meat and this blessed communion of our onelye sauioure and Lorde with singuler desire and thankfulnes of mynde Fourthly the preachers shall diligentlye warne the people that they ernestly considre those most blessed wordes of the Lord which is geuē for you which is shed furth for you and for many vnto the forgeuenes of sinnes Item this is the newe testamēt in my bloud or this is the bloud of the newe testamente For by this only thyng that Chryst on the crosse offred his holi body and bloud to the father for our sinnes we be recōsiled to God and deliuered from the power of satan and hel beyng made the sonnes heyres of God and the newe leyge of grace the testamente of eternal saluation is ordained and confirmed betwene God and vs that God wil be our father also and acknowledge vs to bee his people yea his sonnes and heyres that he wyll driue al euils from vs and heape al good thynges vpon vs both present and to come finally that in the last day he wil raise vs from the dead and settle vs in an heauenly and ful blessed lyfe The fourth thinge that the Lorde deliuered and dyd in his holye supper is this that he saide Do this in the remembraūce of me And he gaue manie other holsome cōmaundementes to his disciples and exhortacions For he taught thē and warned them afore hande wyth manye wordes of hys passion and the fruit that we receyue by the same of his resurrection and heauenly kingdome of the office and ministerie of christen men and chiefely of theyr apostolike offyce to preach hys kingdome in al the world and together in to it the scatered children of God and to confirme and further them in the same For this cause than the preachers shal warne diligently as often as this sacrament is ministred that thei must studiously stirre vp and celebrated the remembraunce of Christe by godlye and diligente handelynge and preaching of the Gospel whereby thei shal faithfully declare to the people how necessarie it was for vs that the sonne of God shoulde take oure flesh and with hys death deliuer vs from eternall death and the terannye of Satan and howe greate benifites he obtayned and gaue vs and dayly gyueth vs thoought hys death and resurrection that is to wit remission of sinnes the spirite of adoption a newe and blessed powre of liuinge the felloshippe of resurrection vnto a verie heauenlye diuine and euerlastinge lyfe All whiche thinges muste be muste religiously preached and considered in the holie supper Wherefore in this must hollie action the doctrine of the Gospell and the lawe muste be diligently beaten in that the Lordes death and resurrectiō and al thinges that he was made for vs that he dyd and suffred that he obteyned for vs and perfourmed and dayly perfourmeth be muste studyously preached and that the remembraunce of him be fully and perfectly celebrated to this end that our fayth in him and new and blessed lyfe in the lame maye be euer confirmed and augmented Therefore we vse yet of the custome of the olde church that open and principal sermons be made a boute this ministracion of the holye masse The pastours and teachers of cōgregacions shall often and faythfully warne and enstructe the people of all these thinges So the chosen of God shal easly suffer them selues to be led awaye from al abuses of thys most reuerende and holie sacramente and be brought agayne to the true and holsome vse of the same For the shepe of Christe knowe the voyce of theyr shepeherde and folowe him hertely This maner surly canne not be obscure or vncertayn to they in that sauour anye thynge of Christ All christiane Doctrine consisteth herein and is grounded hervpon that men be taught to kepe all those thinges that oure Lorde Iesus Christe commaunded as the father hym selfe witnessed of hym from heauen sayinge Thys is my welbeloued sonne here him And he sayeth of himselfe to the Apostles al power in heauen and erth is giuen to me teach and make all the heathen my disciples baptise them in the name of the father and the sōne and the holye goste and teache them to kepe al these thsnges that I haue commaunded you But it is euident that this our only master and Lorde instituted the sacramente of thanckes gyuinge wyth these wordes and commended it vnto vs. Do this in the remēbraunce of me meaninge that that he hymselfe dyd and that that the Euangelistes
holie scripture the priestes haue nothyng more then the lay men but all thynges are commune to both and one breade of the Lorde and one cuppe is sette before al men togyther and equally Thus the Lorde instituted thus the olde churche obserued alwayes Therefore none other thynge coulde be instituted of meÌ„ neither dyd the fathers euer institute anie other thynge But in these later tymes when the gouernours of congregations dyd vtterlie neglecte theyr office thys abuse crepte in secretely that in the holy supper the Lordes breade onely should be distributed whether priestes or laye men dyd communicate But that all the abuses that haue crepte into thys Sacrament maye be vtterly takeÌ„ away and rooted vp by the true vse of thys Sacrament whiche the Lorde hym selfe coÌ„maunded the pastours and preachers shall diligently warne and exhort the people that as often as they come togyther to the holie supper of the Lorde with the bretherne they gyue them selues wholy to the Lorde to be his disciples that they thynke that all his wordes be spoken vnto them and that they beleue them certeynely that they feruently desire the communion of the Lorde to be encreased in them and that they receyue the same offered in the SacrameÌ„t wyth a faithfull and thankeful minde briefely that they euer go forwarde in the faith of Christ and in the whole newe lyfe wyth Christ neither stande there as dispisers of so great gyftes whiche in the holie supper be offered to all that are present nor make to them selues an hurtfull spectacle of a blessed teaste Surely he that is not meete to receyue the Sacrament is not meete neither to praye wyth the coÌ„gregation as S. Chrisostome doth rightly gather Thys Sacrament is not only the meate of the stronger but also the medicine of the weake onely lette no man receyue it whiche sticketh in synnes agaynste his conscience For he that coÌ„tinueth in such sinnes wyll not lyue in Christe the Lorde he refuseth his communion in dede and vtterly renounceth Christ and his kyngdome Wherfore he must absteyne froÌ„ those SacrameÌ„tes in whiche the coÌ„munion of Christe is exhibited And such sticke also in the condemnation of hell and haue no parte in the kyngdome of Christe Wherfore they can neither be present nor ought to be present at the holie supper nor pray wyth the congregation For no man that determineth to continue in open synnes and in the despite of God can call vpon God his father wyth true fayth and praye for the sanctification of his name the commyng of his kyngdome and obedience of his wyll But they that repent them selues of theyr synnes that desire the grace of God and reteyne the coÌ„munion and lyfe in Christe our Lorde and wishe the same to be encreased in them neither be commaunded by the congregation to absteyne these men I saye maye muche lyfte vp and conforte them selues wyth fayth and kendle them selues wyth the desire of a newe lyfe thorowe the participation of Sacramentes at euerie supper whereat they be present Therfore they ought not in anie wyse to despice so great bountuousnes of Christ the Lorde beinge freely offered to them but 〈◊〉 ther receyue it wyth mooste feruent 〈◊〉 and great thankefulnes remembryng 〈◊〉 blessed worde of the Lorde alluryng◠〈…〉 to him Come vnto me al ye that 〈…〉 Item take eate thys is my bodie 〈…〉 of thys al thys is my bloude etc. 〈…〉 thys meate and drynke he truly refresheth and receyueth vs vnto euerlastyng lyfe The fathers in the primitiue church which obserued the Apostles tradition estemed so muche these wordes of Christ that they excoÌ„municated them that were present at the Lordes supper and woulde not be parte takers of the sacramentes wyth the rest For thys cause was that ordeined that we reade distinct ij of the coÌ„stitutions wheÌ„ the consecration is ended let al coÌ„municate they that wil not let them not come into the temple For so the Apostles ordeyned and the holie Romaine churche holdeth Lo this decree speaketh of one consecration and it requireth that al that be present do coÌ„municate and that vndre the payne of excoÌ„munication It witnesseth also that the Apostles so constituted whiche had receiued it of the Lorde Item that the Romaine church doth so holde which thinge also al other coÌ„gregations obserued as many as had â—eteined thordinauÌ„ce of the lorde of thapostles This is the cause why S. Chrisostome so sore rebuked theÌ„ whiche in his coÌ„gregation taried in the temple at the celebration of the Lordes supper yet did not coÌ„municate and he saied that they stode at the Lordes supper vnshaÌ„fastly and stubburnly and not wythout the dispite of Christ and coÌ„tempt of his so great bountuousnes which he offereth vs in the holie supper For thei that be not the meÌ„bres of Christ neither of true repeÌ„tauÌ„ce and griefe of their synnes seeke renuinge of lyfe in Christe but wil coÌ„tinue in their sinnes willingly or haue offended the coÌ„gregation of Christe with so greuous sinnes that except they first repent and approue them selues wyth a better lyfe thei caÌ„ not come to the Lordes borde al these whiles the Lordes moste holy supper is ministred oughte to be awaye and not once to beholde the Sacrament of the Lorde as S. Chrisostome with greate grauitie warneth and that out of the deede and wordes of the Lorde whiche as he hym selfe did so he coÌ„maunded that this supper shoulde not be celebrated but wyth his disciples wyth suche I saye which haue gyuen them selues to his worde which desire remission of synnes and saluation out of true repeÌ„taunce and griefe of synnes which be made part takers of the newe TestameÌ„t and be the sonnes of God Al which thinges as we shewed before are coÌ„preheÌ„ded in the very wordes of the Lorde As the pastours then muste deligently teache and dissuade them whiche wyth the rest of the congregation can not communicate bycause they sticke in open synnes that they be not present at the holie supper and testifie vnto them that if they stande at the supper wyth suche a mynde they do spite vnto Christe and that it shall be damnation vnto them So they muste also diligently warne and exhort them which wyth a good conscience may be present at the supper that is to saye whiche truly beleue in Christ the Lorde that they receyue the Sacramentes wyth other membres of Christe But forasmuch as thys institution of the Lorde that all they whiche be present at the same supper of the Lorde should communicate of one breade and cuppe his bodie and bloude is to muche out of vse and couered a greate whyle sithens thorowe commune ignoraunce it shall be needefull to call men backe agayne treateably and gently to the obseruation of thys tradition of the Lorde and they muste beware that the myndes of the simple whiche neuertheles be the true disciples of the Lorde and are entangled in no mischiuous and wycked actes for the whiche they shoulde be restrayned from the Lordes
the lord we wyll celebrate to morowe by goddes grace the most holye supper of oure Lorde Iesu Christ where in he hath giuen vs hys flesh for meate and his bloud for drincke to confirme oure fayth and verie christane life it is conuenient that euerye man trye hym selfe with greate diligence as S. Paule exhorteth vs. For thys sacrament was giuen of the Lord for singuler cōsolacion and comforte to wretched and afflicted consciences which do ernestly fele and confesse their sinnes whyche be striken with the feare of the wrath of god and of death and hongre and thurste the rightuousnes of God But if euerie one of vs will examen oure selues as S. Paule teacheth we shall fynde none other thynge but all maner of horrible sinnes and euerlastinge death which we haue deserued thorought oure synnes For the rewarde of sinne is death frome whyche we can by no meanes deliuer oure selues Wherefore our Lord Iesus Christ taking pitie vpon vs was made man for oure synnes that he myght fulfyll the lawe and the whole wil of God for vs and procure our saluacion and that he hymselfe might suffer death and al that we had deserued thorough our sinnes only for vs and our redēption Which thing that we might firmely beleue and that thorough faith we might ioyfully lyue after his will whā supper was ended he toke breade gaue thankes and brake it sayinge take eate this is my bodye that is gyuen for you that is to saye that I am made man and further whatsoeuer I do and suffer all that is yours and it is giuen to you and is done for your saluacion For the testificacion and confirmacion whereof and that you maye daily a hide liue more more in me and I in you I giue my bodye vnto you to be meate and meate of euerlastynge lyfe After the same maner he toke the cuppe also saiyng Take drincke of thys all thys is the cuppe of the new testament in my bloude whiche is shed furth for you and for many vnto remission of synnes As often as ye shall do thys do it in the remembraunce of me that is to saye seinge that I haue now taken the charge of you and haue translated your synnes vpon me I will deliuer miselfe vnto death for thē I wil shedde mi bloude I wil deserue grace and remission of sinnes for you and I wyll sette vp a newe testament wherein synnes shal be perdoned and all remembraunce of thē shal be abolished For a pledge and witnesse of al these thynges and to cōfirme and further my life in you I giue you my bloud to drincke He than that eateth of this breade after thys sorte and dryncketh of the cuppe and firmely beleueth these wordes whiche he heareth of the Lorde and signes whiche he receiueth eateth truly holesomely the flesh of Christ and drinketh his bloude and more fully receiueth in to him selfe hole God and man with al his merites and fauour where wyth the father embraceth hym wyth the ryght and participation of euerlainge lyfe he abydeth in Christ the Lorde and the Lord in him he shal liue for euer Let vs thā god li recompēse these thinges with our selues let vs confirme and ster vp our faith in him lette vs celebrate the remembraunce of hym worthely let vs most studoyusly in al oure wordes and dedes exalte his death resurreccion heauenlye glorie and kingdome let vs reioyse in our owne behalfe that this sonne of God died for our sinnes rosse againe forour instificacion ascended into heauen and reigneth at the right hand of the father furthermore lette vs couragiousli euerie one of vs take vp our crosse and valiantly folowe this our capitaine and loue one another according to his cōmaundemēt as he loued vs. For al we are one bread one bodi because we be parttakers of one breade and one cup. After this praier there shall a praier be made for al the necessites of the congregaciō and cheifely for those men which shall communicate the nexte daye And whan the people haue ended their secrete praier the minister shal cōclude the preparacion with this collecte Almightie euerlastinge God heauealye father because we can please the only in thy deare sonne sanctifie our bodies and soules and graunte vs that to morowe we maye receiue the holesome communion of him in his holie supper with a godlie and faithfull desier and all thanckefulnes that beinge confirmed agayne conceruynge thy perpetual mercie and loue towardes vs and euer goinge forwarde in a new life we maye liue vnto the and serue the thorough our Lorde Iesus Christ with more feare and studie to the prayse of thy name and profyte of thy people A men ¶ How the Lordes supper must be celebrated Whan the people be come to gether vnto this ministration for asmuch as it is agreable to godlines that as often as we appere before the lorde before althinges we should acknowledge and confesse our sinnes and praye for remission of the same the minister whiche shall administer the Lordes supper whan he shal come to the altare shall make a confession in the name of the whole cōgregacion and that in the douche tonge whiche al maye vnderstande after this sorte Almightye euerlastinge God the father of our Lorde Iesus Christe the maker of all thynges the iudge of all men we acknowlege and we lament that we were conceiued and borne in sinnes and that therefore we be prone to al euils and abhorre from all good thynges that we haue also transgressed thy holie commaundmentes with out ende and measure in despisinge the and thy worde in distrustinge thy aide in trusting our selues and the worlde in wycked studies and workes where with we haue most greuousli offended thy maiestie and hurted oure neighboures Therefore we haue more and more buried oure selues in to eternall death And we are sorie for it with al our hertes and we desire pardone of the for al the thinges that we haue commited agaynst the we calle for thy helpe against sinne dwellinge in vs and Satan the kendler thereof kepe vs that we do nothyng hereafter against the and couer the wickednes that remaneth in vs with the rightuousnes of they sonne and represse it in vs with thy spirite and at length purdge it cleane out Haue mercye vpon vs most gentle father thorough thy sonne oure Lord Iesus Christe Giue and encrease thy holye spirite in vs which maie teach vs to acknowlege our synnes truly and thoroughly and to be pricked wyth a liuelye repentaunce of the same and with true fayth to apprehend and retayne remission of them in Christ our Lord that dyinge to sinnes dailye more and more we maie serue and please the in anewe lyfe to the glorie of thy name and edifiynge of thy congregacion For we acknowledge that thou iustly requirest these thynges of vs wherefore wee desire to perfourme the same Vouchsafe thou o father of heauen which hast giuen vs a wil to graunte vs also that we
Gospel wyth true fayth that dying dayly more and more to our selues we may wholy giue ouer our selues to thy deare sonne our onely sauiour which onely thorowe his stripes and moste bitter death hath redemed vs frō sinnes and eternal damnation hath restored vs into thy fauour thorow his resurrection and heauenly kyngdome hath called vs vnto him selfe into his congregation and hath planted vs into hym selfe vnto euerlystyng lyfe and made vs his owne membres that we shoulde lyue more and more in hym and he in vs that thy holie name maye be more largely sanctified by vs in all oure lyfe and all our doinges that thy kyngdome may be amplified by vs and in other that at lēgth all thynges maye be done amonge vs vpon earth wyth suche prompnes and cherefulnes as they be done in heauen And for thys purpose that we maye wholy liue and serue vnto the gyue vs also our dayly bread etc. as in the prayer before After thys solemne prayer lette the whole congregation synge the Crede For thys confession of our fayth when the Gospell is hearde and declared oughte to be done of ryght by all men communely as al equally heard the Gospel and the declaration therof And bicause no man can heare the Gospell wyth fayth and knowe and cōsidre out of the same howe greate loue and gentlenes God hath shewed towardes vs in that that he gaue vs his sonne and all thynges wyth hym which shal not out of this fayth wholy gyue ouer and bynde hym selfe to oure Lorde Iesus Christe thys thynge foloweth also out of the nature of true fayth that the faythfull studie to declare thys byndyng of them selues to the obedience of Christe and thankefulnes of theyr myndes for so greate godnes of God towardes thē selues which at that tyme they more earnestly remembre wyth holie oblations for Christe being needie in his litleons Therefore whyle the Crede is in syngynge lette the faythfull offre theyr free oblations euerie mā according to the blessyng whiche he hath receyued of the liberall and bountuous hande of God To whiche office of fayth and godlines the pastours and teachers shall diligētly exhort the people teachyng them that these oblations ought to folowe the confession of fayth and prayer euen by the verie nature of true religion neither cā be absent from the same when we wante not wherewyth to declare thys liberalitie And that thys worke of religion maye be cōueniently done and rightly commended to the faythfull we wyl that there be some notable place appoynted in euerie temple not farre frō the altare which euerie man maye comely go to and where the faythful may offre theyr oblations opēly before the whole congregation Whiche after that the sacramēt is ended the officers of the holie treasure shall gather together and shal lay the same vp in the treasurie the congregation lokyng vpon them It was the maner of the olde church and that taken out of Goddes worde that after the preachyng of the Gospell before the ministration of the Sacramēt should beginne not onely those shoulde be commaunded to go out of the tēple whiche were not admitted into the cōgregation nor perteined there vnto but they also whiche were yet in repētaunce and not reconciled to the congregation wyth open absolution of sinnes Therfore bycause thys discipline was taughte of the Lorde hym selfe and oughte of ryghte to be called agayne into the congregation the pastours shall diligently and often exhorte those whiche lyue in suche synnes as be against theyr conscience that they leaue them and turne them selues wyth all theyr hertes vnto the Lorde And after that they be restored into the fauour of God and begynne agayne to be the true disciples of the Lorde then lette them be present at the Lordes supper and communicate But if anie will not suffre them selues to be brought thereunto and wyll continue in theyr synnes wyth so great cōtempt of God and his Christe let the preachers declare to suche that they maye not be present at the Lordes holie supper and if they take vpon them to be present that they do despite vnto Christe and prouoke vpon them selues the muste greuous iudgement of God As for other whiche lyue not wyth an euyll conscience and yet receyue not the sacramet wyth other or seldome receiue it the pastour must often warne them that it perteyneth to the dutie of a christen man to be often partaker of the Lordes bourde and so to feede and strēgthen his fayth and to witnes the same vnto the congregation to the edification of many seinge that God hath instituted thys moste holie exercise of religion for his that they myght therby be established and enflamed in fayth and study of godlines Wherfore we see that they whiche neglect so great a benifite of God become dayly colder in al godlines and religion For they greuously offende God thorowe cōtempt of his bountuousnes and they hurt the cōgregation verie sore wyth that euyll exemple and moreouer they make thē selues giltie of the Lordes bodie and bloude abhorryng this meate and drynke of euerlastynge lyfe so irreligiously and so vnthankefully But forasmuch as both the knowledge of thys misterie and moreouer al the discipline of the congregation is so much gone out of vse and therof cometh so great weakenes of the verie faythful the pastours must restore to the people the knowledge existimation of so greate misteries wyth conuenient and tymelie admonition and not trouble anie man wyth vntimely rigorousnes as we admonished before For firste the sheepe of Christe so miserably scatered and diseased muste be fully broughte to Christe and be healed before that any rigorous discipline be restored and exercised amonge them But howe so euer the rest be handled in the congregation at thys tyme they neuertheles that shall be admitted to the communion as sone as they haue made theyr oblation must go together to that place that shall be appoynted vnto them nigh to the altare For in euerie temple there muste some place be appoynted nigh the altare for them whiche shal communicate accordyng to the oportunitie and fitnes of euerie temple They then whiche shal be admitted to the cōmunion of the Lordes bourde shal stande in that place the men in theyr propre place and the womē in theyr place and there they shall gyue thākes and pray religiously wyth the pastour The gyuynge of thankes shall be handled after the accustomed maner but in douche that the people vniuersally may gyue thankes as both the exemple and the commaundement of the Lorde requireth and also the olde churche obserued ⧠The priest The Lorde be with you ¶ The people And wyth thy spirite ⧠The priest Lyfte vp your hertes The people We haue vnto the Lorde The priest Lette vs gyue thankes vnto the Lorde oure God ⧠The people It is meete and right ¶ The priest It is verely a thing worthy right meete and holsome that we gyue thankes vnto the alwayes and euerie where that we
preaching of the crosse and of the death of Christe ⧠Of the communion of wayfaring men and sicke folke When it shall chaunce that wayefaryng men or such as cōmitte them selues to daungerous iourneis or be sicke shal require the Lordes supper vpon workynge dayes fearyng that they can not come to the communion the nexte holy daye the pastours shall ministre the Lordes supper vnto them vpon any daye after that they haue receyued of them a conuenient confession of theyr sinnes and fayth in Christ Howe be it as much as maye be it shal be done in the mornyng and at suche time as some assemble of the people is wont to be gathered or at the leste they shal call some together to thys ministration of the supper When then they haue admonished and exhorted in the assemble suche as wyll take iourneis in hande or be sickely of these misteries and the whole fayth in Christe they shall administre the holy supper and distribute the sacramentes in that fourme and facion that we described before saueing that they maye omitte singyng and reade all thynges whiche neuertheles muste be done playnely and clearely and wyth greate grauitie But if the sicke folke be in suche case that they can not come to the temple the pastours muste go to them and giue them the holy supper at home so that they do all thynges according to the fourme prescribed or thys that foloweth whiche is peculiarly appoynted for sicke folke asmuche as the state of them to whom the sacramēt shal be ministred wyll suffre and asmuch as shal make for the edification of saith in them that be present The pastours muste also exhort the people that not onely theyr householde but also the neighbours and kinsfolke of the sicke endeuoure to come together to the celebration of that holie supper and to receyue the sacramentes together ⧠Howe sicke folke muste be visited and howe the communion muste be celebrated wyth them ⧠An other exhortation to the sycke person My brother in the Lorde forasmuche as the Lorde visiteth the wyth sicknes of the bodie that thou mayest reste the better in his wil thou must faythfully cōsidre recompt first that diseases are sent to vs frō the Lord God for none other cause then for synnes and that originall synne whiche was deriued from Adā vnto vs draweth death wyth it selfe and what so euer perteyneth to the kingdome of death that is to saye al maner of diseases sicknesses miseries and calamities For if we had continued in originall ryghtuousnes wythout synne death should not haue had any right vpon vs muche lesse diseases and other calamities Further thou muste remembre that leste we should despeare by reason of our sinnes diseases and other tētations and anguishes of death the Gospel was giuen vs that out of the same we shoulde learne and beleue that Christe the sonne of God deliuereth vs frō synnes and saueth vs if we beleue in hym and that two maner wayes Firste in purifiynge our hertes frō the wyll and gylt of synnes here in earth by the Gospell and sacramentes Act. xv purifiynge their hertes wyth fayth Secondly when that oure consciences be thus cleansed from synnes and reconciled to God the father by fayth in takyng away and purgyng synne by litle and litle out of our nature that at length beinge made pure and perfecte from all vices and holie in all poyntes we maye lyue wyth the holie God in heauē in diuine rightuousnes and innocencie Thyrdly that for the workyng and fulfyllynge hereof God oure father sendeth vnto vs sūdrie diseases death it selfe not bicause he is angrie wyth vs or wyll destroye vs but bicause thorowe verie fatherlie beniuolence and care he wyl steare vs vp vnto true repentaunce of synnes and fayth of his sonne and so deliuer vs bothe frō synnes wherin we yet sticke and moreouer from all euyls both corporall and spirituall vnto whiche we be subiect by reason of synnes whiche thing the holie scriptures testifie abūdātly For thus saith S. Paule i. Cor. xi When we are iudged of the Lorde we are corrected that we be not dāned wyth thys worlde Roma viij To them that loue God all thynges worke health neither can anie thynge disseuer them from the loue of God whiche is in Christe Iesu not afflictition nor anguyshe nor persecution etc. Fourthly forasmuch as these thynges be euen so as I haue said and bicause thou arte taught certified out of the Gospell which the sonne of God him selfe preached and cōfirmed with his death and resurrection that al thy synnes are caste vpon Christe yea vtterly taken awaye and abolished for euer of Christe him selfe so that God hath now no cause of wrath and condemnation agaynste the beleuynge in Christ but the grace of the father mercie lyfe and health be certeynely restored to the thorowe Christe considre all these so exceading benifites of god towards the wyth sure and certeyne fayth and confirme thys truste in thy selfe that God the father compteth the not nowe for suche one as thou waste borne of Adā and made tho rowe thyne owne synnes that is to saye hatefull vnto hym and appoynted vnto destruction but compteth the for Christes sake deare and destined to eternall lyfe and be thou persuaded that thou shalt lyue for euer by the ryghtuousnes and lyfe of Christe in perfecte blisfulnes as certeynly as it is certeyne that he suffered the wrath of God and death not for his owne synnes but for thine Seinge then that it is so see that thou comforte thy selfe wyth so great benifites and knowledge certeynely that synne death and hell hath nowe no ryght vpon the but that Christe the lambe of God hath taken away al those Iohn i. For he hath translated those thynges vpon hym selfe he hath ouercomed them by hym selfe and blotted them out foreuer Wherefore be of God comforte thy synnes be forgiuen the and there is no cause if from thy herte thou beleue in Christe the Lorde but thou maist certeynely and constantly thorowe Christe oure Lorde loke for al grace consolation tymely healpe and saluation from God Therefore wyth suche truste cōmitte and gyue vp thy selfe wholy to his mercifull and fatherly wyll sayinge wyth Dauid God is my lyght of whō shal I be a frayed Heauenly father thy wyll be done Into thy handes I commende my spirite Amen After thys exhortation if the state of the sicke person wyll suffre the pastoure shall reade before hym and the present congregatiō the Lordes wordes out of the .vi. of Iohn Frō thys place verely verely I saye vnto you excepte ye eate the fleshe of the sonne of man vnto the wordes of the Euāgeliste These wordes he spake in the synagoge And he shall declare the same texte for the cōforte and edification aswel of the sicke as of the congregation that is present But the exposition shal be moderated accordyng to the commoditie of the sicke person When thexposition is ended lette the pastour rehearse a commune confession
another than that is which is among suche maryed folke as be ioined together in the lord and sofurth amonge their children and all those whome mariage hath allied together on both parttes Wherfor al they whō god hath brought to thys kynde of lyfe ought to geue greate thankes vnto God for this so greate a benifite that he hath called thē to so holie a kind of life and so acceptable to him selfe Nether must the husbaunde other wyle receiue hys spouse nor the spouse hir husbande than deliuered and ioined together with the Lordes hāde and whatsoeuer aduersite shal chaunce in matrimonie as this copulacion is as you woulde saye a singler shoppe of godlie and faythfull inuocation they must fle to God with sure confidence and require helpe and consolation of him For the most beninge father canne not for sake hys chyldren in that kinde of life to whiche he himselfe appoynted them he cannot but aswage the difficulties and exercises of obediēce which he hym selfe will haue to be in this state to trie and to stirreup the fayth of hys and not to afflycte them The pastoures thā shal diligently warne and exhorte that men conclude these thinges out of the forsayde places of the scripture concerninge the hollines of matrimonie and the helpe of God prepared for thys state and that they learne thereby to gyue God thanked for this so great a benifite and call for his helpe with confidence in all distresses that shal happen in thys state Further more they shal teach and warne this also out of the same places with al possible diligence with how greate beniuolence and loue they that be coupled in matrimonie ought to embrace one another by what meanes and with what redines of mynde the one oughte to do the other good wyth what diligence the man must shew himselfe an heade and sauioure to his wife and the womā a bodie and faythful helpe in al thinges to hir husband breifely with what care they must mainteine betwene themselues agrement of mindes and auoyde all disseuering of the same seinge that they must nedes be one fleshe one mā and liue together with one minde and one herte and haue al thiges commune both those that pertayne to God and those that partaine to menne Greate is the coniunction and nere is the frendshyppe of allies and kinsfolke and other frendes amonge them selues and the same be greater betwene parentes and children but the greatest of al must be betwene maried persons For they must be so glued one to another with the affectiō of loue that they make one mā al other being left and set apart Imean not as touchig charite other duties but as touchinge the vse companie of the hole life Such an exhortation must be made wyth more or fewer wordes as it shal appere conuenient or necessarie for the present congregacion and the despoused persones whiche done the pastour shal exhorte the newly maried folke and the whole congregation that they make their praiers religiosly to God that wyll graunte to the personnes entrynge in to holye wedlocke so to beginne it and kepe it thorough all their lyfe as they be taught out of the worde of God Whan the congregacion hath ended hir praiers in silence lette the minister bidde the bridegrome and the bride to come nere and first lette hym demaunde the bridegrome after thys sorte Iohan N. haste thou than determined before the Lorde to take Anne N. to thy wyfe in the Lorde and so to lyue wyth hir all thy life as thou heardest euen now that it is required of a Christiane husbande Answere I haue so determined by the Lordes helpe Hast thou also determyned Anne N. before the Lorde to take Iohan N. to thy husband in the Lord and so to liue wyth him thorough out al thi life as thou wast taught euen nowe that it is required of a Christian wyfe Answere I haue determined by the Lordes helpe Than if perchaunce they haue ringes lette them put them one vpon anothers finger and so lette the minister ioine their right handes together and saye that that God hath ioyned lette no man disseuer And lette the pastoure saye more ouer wyth a lowde voyce that maye be hearde of all men Forasmuche as than this Iohan N. desireth thys Anne to be hys wife in the Lorde and this Anne desireth thys Iohan to be hir husbande in the Lorde and one hath made the other a promisse of holie and Christian matrimonie and haue now both professed the same openly and haue confirmed it with giuinge of ringes ech to other and ioininge of handes I the minister of Christ and the congregacion pronounce that they be ioyned together with lawfull christian matrimony I confirme this their mariage in the name of the father the sonne and the holie Gost Amen After this lette the psal Cxxvij be redde or sounge excepte the Lorde builde the house c. And the Psalme Cxxviij Blessed are all they whiche feare the Lorde c. ¶ Than lette the minister conclude the whole matter with this prayer Almyghtie God and heauenlye father whiche with thyn owne worde hast witnessed that it is not good for man to be alone and therefore at the begynninge madest a wife to man of himselfe and diddest ioyne hir to him for an helpe that thei might passe theyr whole lyfe luckely in all holynes and rightuousnes and diddest ordaine the man to be the heade the sauiour of the woman which also shoulde gouerne and ayde the wyfe his bodye to al godlines and honestie and hast adourned and blessed this copulation as holie and acceptable to the in it selfe a syngular exercise and aide of fayth thorought thy goodnes we beseche the for thy sonnes sake our Lorde whō thou wouldest haue to be borne of a virgine despoused and ioined to Ioseph in holie matrimonie which also honoured matrimonie wyth hys presence and wyth the begininge of his miracles and woulde haue it to be a token and misterie of his exceadinge loue to wardes the congregacion we beseche the I saye that thou wilt mercifully perdonne these thy children if anie thinge hath crepte in and mingled it selfe in their copulation at the beginning or at this present beside thi constitutiō thorough mannes weaknes and the craftye snares of Satan and that thou wilte keepe them in the feare and obedience of the and encrease these thi giftes in the daily Strenthen thou and encrease their fayth that they doubte not but that they are ioyned together with thy hande thoughe it bee by oure ministerie that they maye be one man in th◠sonne our Lorde Iesus Christe and so lyue and serue the with one herte and one minde that no creature may euer disseuer them or anye thinge dimynishe this greate loue and consent betwene them but that the husbāde maye be an heade to the wyfe and the wife an helpe to the husbāde in al thinges which thou alowest in them Giue them also plentiful fruite of their
vpon holy dayes Then some lesson conuenient for the place and time shal be recited whereby the people may be steared vp to acknowledgyng of synne and amendement of the same wherewyth we prouoke the anger of God agaynst vs and deserue al maner of calamities Furthermore they shall also be moued to prayer for remission of sinnes for Goddes mercie and healpe and also they shall be steared to liberall almes Whereunto there shall succede a litanie in douch after the fourme that foloweth And whē the people haue also sayd their priuate prayers at length the pastoure shall ende commune prayers wyth some one of those collectes that folowe the litanie here Besides these cōmune prayers in Cities and where a greate companie of people is a litanie shall be songe wyth them that come together in the spirite and commune prayers shall be made vpon an appoynted daye euerie weeke But in those supplications which are appoynted for some notable necessitie and afflictiō sent of God an holy daye and fasting shall be proclaymed to the whole people at lest vnto the ende of cōmune prayers And in suche solemne dayes of supplication some vehemente and earneste lessons shall be reade out of the Prophetes concernyng repentaunce and renuinge and correction of lyfe and out of the same the intollerable wrath of God shall be propouned to the people most diligently and vehemently ⧠Litanie ⧠Lorde haue mercie Christe haue mercie Lorde haue mercie Christe heare vs O God the heauēli father haue mercy on vs O God the sonne redemer of the worlde haue mercie on vs. O God the holy goste haue mercie on vs. ¶ Be fauourable Spare vs O Lorde Be fauourable Deliuer vs O Lorde From al synne Deliuer vs O Lorde From al errour Deliuer vs O Lorde From all euyll Deliuer vs O Lorde From the awaytes of the diuyll Deli. etc. From sodeyne and euyll death Deliuer etc. From pestilence and hungre Deliuer etc. From warre and slaughter Deliuer vs. From sedition and priuie hatred Deliuer From lightenyng and tempestes Deliuer From euerlastynge death Deliuer vs etc. By the misterie of thy holy incarnation Deliuer vs O Lorde By thy holy natiuitie Deliuer vs. etc. By thy Baptisme fastynge and tentations Deliner vs O Lorde By thyne agonie and sweatynge of bloude Deliuer vs O Lorde By thy crosse and passion Deliuer vs. etc. By thy death and buriynge Deliuer vs. By thy resurrection and ascension Deliuer By the commyng of the holy goste the comforter Deliuer vs O Lorde In all tymes of our tribulation Deliuer In all tymes of our prosperitie Deliuer vs. In the houre of death Deliuer vs O Lorde In the daye of Iudgement Deliuer vs. etc. We synners beseche the to heare vs. That thou wylte vouchsafe to rule and gouerne thy holy and catholike churche We. That thou wylte vouchsafe to keepe the bishoppes pastours ministers of the church in holsome doctrine and holy lyfe We be That thou wylte vouchsafe to take awaye sectes and al offenses We beseche the to etc. That thou wylt vouchsafe to brynge them agayne into the waye of truth whiche stray and be seduced We beseche the to heare vs. That thou wylt vouchsafe to treade Satan vndre our feete We beseche the to heare vs. That thou wylt sende forth faythful workmen into thy haruest We be That thou wylt vouchsafe to gyue to al the hearers encrease of thi worde and the fruite of thy spirite We beseche the to here vs. That thou wylt vouchsafe to lifte them vp that be fallen and to strengthen them that stande We beseche the to heare vs. That thou wylte vouchsafe to conforte and healpe the weaklinges and suche as be tempted We beseche the to heare vs. That thou wylte vouchsafe to gyue peace and concorde to al kynges and princes We. That thou wylte vouchsafe to gyue oure Emperour perpetuall victorie agaynste the enemies of God We beseche That thou wylte vouchsafe to guyde defende our prince wyth his officers We be That thou wylte vouchsafe to blesse and preserue our officer and cominaltie We be That thou wylte vouchsafe to regarde and saue the aflicted and suche as be in daunger We beseche the to heare vs. That thou wilt vouchsafe to giue luckie deliueraunce and encrease to women wyth chylde and nurses We beseche the. That thou wylte vouchsafe to cherishe and keepe Infantes and sicke folke We besech That thou wylt vouchsafe to deliuer prisoners We beseche the to heare vs. That thou wylte vouchsafe to defende Orphanes and wydowes and to prouide for them We beseche the to heare vs. That thou wylte vouchsafe to haue mercie on all men We beseche the to heare vs. That thou wilt vouchsafe to perdon and cōuert our enemies persecutours and sclaunderers We beseche the to heare vs. That thou wylt vouchsafe to gyue and preserue the fruites of the earth We be That thou wilt vouchsafe to heare vs. We. The lambe of God which takest away the sinnes of the worlde Haue mercie on vs. The lambe of God whiche takest away the synnes of the worlde Haue mercie on vs. The lambe of God whiche takest away the synnnes of the worlde Gyue vs peace Christe heare vs. Lorde haue mercie on vs. Christe haue mercie on vs. Lorde haue mercie on vs. Amen A prayer or collecte after litanie The minister Lorde deale not with vs after our sinnes The Quier Neither rendre vnto vs according to our iniquities The minister O God the mercifull father whiche despifest not the groning of the cōtrite nor contempnest the affection of them that morne be presēt at our prayers which we poure forth before the in the affictions which cōtinually laie vpon vs and heare the same mercifully that the thynge that the gyles of Satā and mē entende maye be brought to naught and dispersed by the deuise of thy goodnes that beinge hurte wyth no persecutions we may euer giue the thankes in thy holy congregation thorowe Iesus Christ our Lorde Amē An other Collecte The minister Call vpon me in the daye of tribulation The Quier And I wyll deliuer the and thou shalte glorifie me The ministre Spare Lorde spare oure synnes And thoughe continuall payne be due vnto vs whiche synne wythout ceasyng yet graunte we beseche the that the thynge that we deserue vnto perpetuall destruction may passe frō vs vnto the furtheraunce of vertue thorowe our Lorde etc. An other Collecte The ministre Healpe vs O God our health The Quier And for the glorie of thy name deliuer vs and be mercifull to oure synnes for thy names sake The minister Almightie euerlastynge God by whose spirite the whole bodie of the congregation is sanctified and gouerned heare vs praying for al ordres and degres that bi the gift of thy grace al the same may serue the faithfully thorowe our Lorde etc. An other Collecte The minister Shewe vs Lorde thy mercie The Quier And gyue vs thy saluation The minister God from whom all holie desires good purposes and ryghtuous workes procede gyue
thy seruauntes that peace whiche the worlde can not gyue that our hertes beinge wholy cōsecrated to thy cōmaundementes and the feare of our enemies being remoued oure tyme thorowe thy protection maye be wythout stormes and quiet thorowe oure Lorde etc. An other Collecte The minister Entre not Lorde into iudgemente wyth thy seruaunt The Quier For no liuing creature shal be iustified in thy syght The minister Almightie God which knowest that we beinge in the middest of so great perels can not stande by reason of mannes weakenes graunt vs saluation of bodie and soule that by thy healpe we may ouercome those thinges whiche aflicte vs for oure synnes thorowe our Lorde etc. ⧠Of cōmune almes IT is the propre and necessarie office of euerie cōgregation rightly ordred and instituted to prouide that none amonge thē want necessarie thynges to lyue well and godly but that euerie mā whom God hath broughte and enioyned to eche cōgregation be ministred vnto asmuche as shall suffice hym to lyue godly and moreouer that they procure that no mā liue idly and be burtheuous to other to which ministerie the primitiue churche appointed Stephane wyth his cōpanions Act. vi Wherefore we wyll also procure that in euerie cōgregation some mē of notable godlines wysedome and faythfulnes beinge approued by the testimonies of euerie cōgregatiō shal be appointed by the visiters as many as shal seme to suffice for that purpose in euerie place These men shal note the names of all needie folke and shall diligētly obserue in what neede euerie man is and howe he liueth and they shal also exhort euerie man to worke accordynge to his strēgth and shal withdrawe almes frō them that cā worke and wyl not according to the saiynge of Paule he that worketh not lette hym not eate It shall perteyne to these prouostes of the holy almes to laye vp in the ecclesiasticall treasurie all maner almes and oblatiōs that godly men shal offre to the Lorde in the congregatiō or giue priuately and therout they shal distribute to pore folke according to euerie mānes necessitie and shal giue an accōpte of al that they receyue and lay forth to thē whom we wyll appoynt thereunto And that mē may offre their giftes to the Lorde more liberally we wyl that there be a peculiar place and chest ordeyned in euerie tēple for this purpose not farre frō the alter that it maye be in the sighte of al the people And the preachers shall diligently exhorte the people that they appeare not emptie before the Lorde chiefely vpon sūdaies and as oftē as a great cōpanie is gathered together when baptisme is ministred the Lordes supper cōfirmation the blessing of mariage and when men resorte together to a buriall Itē as oftē as mē priuately either desire the healpe of God in some greate necessitie or gyue thākes to God for singuler benifitee as whē the Lorde hath sent or remoued diseases or other daungers or hath otherwyse dealte bountuously wyth vs. Furthermore we wyll that the foure offeryng daies in a yere be kept that thei which communicate at the Lordes table may offre some gifte foure tymes in the yere whiche thing they ought to do no we the more gladly for that that they knowe that they truly offre to Christ him selfe in his mēbres according to his worde wherfore they shal heare in time to come that blessed voice Come the blessed of my father possesse a kyngdome prepared for you frō the begynnynge of the worlde for I hungred and you gaue me to eate etc. We wyl also prouide by the healpe of God that in no parte of these ablations of the faythfull be gyuen to anie bodie but suche as neede in deede and chiefely to Citizins and Iudwellers of euerie place and amonge those to them principally that be in greatest neede as to widowes Orphanes sicke folke such as be otherwise oppressed with nede miserie Finalli asmuch as may be spared shall also be giuen to straungers And forasmuche as this maner of gatherynge and distributing the offerynges and almes of the faythfull was taught of God him selfe both in the newe testament and in the olde the faythfull wyl gladly applie thē selues therunto and wil much rather cōferre these their almes into the cōmune treasurie of the cōgregatiō thē distribute the same to poure folke after their owne myndes For when most approued mē shal be made ouerseers of this matter by the hole cōgregatiōs after the institution of the holie goste what man is there that wyl stande so much in his owne conceyte that he wyll not beleue that suche men shall both se better than he hymselfe canne in whome Christ the Lorde is to be cherished and wyth a more sincere iudgement distribute to the membres of Christe For God is not absente with his blessinges from his owne institucions As for commen almes remayninge and other reuenues giuen to the Lord for the vse of the poore Item the goodes that fraternites haue for the same liberalite we wyl procure that they shal be broughte together by the visitours into the commune treasurie of euerye cōgregacion that al poore folke maie be more lyberally succoured It is a verye harde thinge and full of busines to minister thinges necessarie for lyfe to all persones that nede neuertheles bi the helpe of Christ the Lorde wee wyll so order this promision for the pore and cause it so to be administred that we doubte not it shall shortely come to passe that al maner of necessarie thinges shal be liberally ministred to all such as nede vn fainedly and that wilful beggerie shal be taken awaye and euerye man putte to such labour as shal be profitable and comodious for him so that he shal burthen no man with out cause If theyr remainie in anye plase hospitalles for poore people for orphanes for olde men and women for sicke and leprosse persones we shal procure that the same shal be diligently loked vpon and reformed that nedie and miserable folke for whome those prouisions were made maye haue consolacion and comforte from thens as largely and cōmodiously as maye be And the cheife deacons of congregacions and wardens of the holie treasure shal haue charge of them so that by them whiche heretofore haue had the procuration of such hospitalles all thynges shal be so administred as they were first instituted that all the necessites of the faythful maie be most commodiously holpen and succourred accordynge to the Lordes commaundment and that alfautes and incommodites whyche are wounte to crepe into these holi institutions shal be resisted in tyme and that effectuosly ⧠Of erectinge of Scholes for Children GOd hath comprehended in the writinges of the prophetes and the Apostles hys doctrine of saluacion whereby he bringeth men to euerlastinge life and sheweth vs awaye to calle vpon him and to praye to hym fore thinges that be verie necessarie to passe furth this present life handsomely and honestly He hath cōmaūded that men be taught this
profitable to the coÌ„gregation and whiche moste shamefully waste so greate riches consecrated to Christe the Lorde and to his coÌ„gregation Wherfore al princes and such as administre the supreme power ought to see that these thinges be corrected after a christian sort and that these coÌ„secrated gyftes of godly meÌ„ may be turned to that vse for which they were dedicated to the Lorde Whiche thinge we truste by the healpe of God we wyll procure not vnprofitably with the aduise of our men ⧠By what meanes a christiaÌ„ reformation of holy ministerie and cure of soules may be begonne and practised in parishes THat parishes and the holye ministeries in the people of Christe maye be ryghtly seene vnto it is chiefely necessarie that euerie parishe haue his meete ministers whiche wyll do theyr office in the congregations wyth al faythfulnes and diligence Wherfore first we wyl procure that al parishes be exactly visited by wyse and graue men whiche woulde gladly Christes worde to be promoted These men shal exameÌ„ what maner of pastours and ministers be in euerie congregation For if the people shal be ryghtly brought to Christ the Lorde and be instituted edified in faith towardes hym they muste needes haue suche guydes and pastours as be learned vnto the kyngdome of God as saynte Paule prescribeth vnto his disciples Timothe and Tite and such as burne wyth a zeale to brynge many therunto finally suche as be meete to teache other to keepe those thynges that Christe hath commaunded vs all to keepe so that the pastours and ministers be furnished to teache other faste keepers of the faythfull worde that they may be able to exhorte thorowe holesome doctrine and confute them that gaynesaye the same For if the salte be made vnsauerie no thynge caÌ„ be salted therwyth and if the light be darkened darkenes obscureth all thynges But it behoueth pastors techers of coÌ„gregatioÌ„s to be to other in the steede of salte and a candle in the waye of the Lorde You be sayeth Christe to his disciples the salte of the earth and the light of the world Wherefore by the healpe of God we wyll procure wyth as great diligence as we can that in oure dominion suche be made pastours and ministers ouer congregations as wyth vnfeyned diligence laboure to lyue accordynge to the Canon taught of the holie goste by the ministerie of saynt Paule and moste straitely required by all the Canons of the holie fathers though being letted thorowe mannes weaknes they can not perfectly atteyne to the same neuertheles at the leste in the principall matters whiche perteyne to the holie ministerie they shall ordre all theyr doinges accordynge to thys Canon Firste then whiche thynge is also necessary to the reformatioÌ„ of the church we haue determined to admitte none to the administration of congregations â—e to suffre anie in the same whiche is in a manifeste crime of intemperantie or vnchastnes or couetousnes by vniust gaine by vsurie or any other fraude in bargaining or in any wroÌ„ge done to his neighbour yea whiche declareth not a true zeale to lyue temperately iustly gently friendly and godly and to enstructe their household in the same way For where thys zeale wanteth there lyuely fayth can not be nor the true knowledge of Christe Howe can suche then teache fruitefully and be meete witnesses of the fayth in Christe For asmuche as they buyld wyth doctrine so muche they pull doune agayne with their vncleane lyfe For it can not be that suche should coÌ„stantly teache true doctrine seinge they loue not God truely Wherefore it is muche more tollerable to haue fewe and the same verie godly pastours and feruent in the zeale of Christ tyl God him selfe vouch safe to thruste forth more meete workmen in to his harnest then to coÌ„mitte the congregations though they be neuer so small to their faythfulnes whiche them selues knowe not Christ For no man knoweth Christ which studieth not to obey his commaundementes and to keepe him selfe cleane froÌ„ wicked and mischeuous actes i. Iohn iij. Euerie one that sinneth hath not sene God nor knoweÌ„ him And that al vnchastnes and vncleane life may bemore easely turned awaye from the ministers of the congregations we beseche exhort and require of them al whiche be now set ouer the coÌ„gregations or shal be hereafter that wyth all diligence they ordre theyr lyfe so godly temperately chastly and holily that they maye be guydes to the people of Christe not onely in doctrine but also in exemple of life and that they may bring the same to Christe castinge before no man anie blocke to stumble at thorowe dissolute and vnchast lyfe But to whoÌ„ it is not giueÌ„ to liue blameles and holily without mariage we thynke it not our parte to forbidde them holie mariage But thys we beseche them and require of them that if they wyl entre into holy mariage they entre into it holily and in the Lorde that is to saye lette them seeke them selues suche wyues as they maye well hope shal be an healpe to them not onely to leade forth theyr priuate lyfe godly and wythout reprofe but also to execute the holie ministerie of the coÌ„gregation more readely and religiously Let them then desire of the Lorde and wyth godly diligeÌ„ce let them seeke women excellinge in religion and all honestie godly and holily brought vp hauyng good testimonie amonge the congregation For the holie goste requireth suche wyues of the ministers of the congregation and the verie great necessitie of the congregations requireth the same They that desire to marie them whom they had for concubines before shall not be permitted so to do wythout the consent of the visitors whiche shall determine herein that that shall seme to be profitable for the congregation and conuenient for the holie ministerie For euen the familie of the pastours must garnishe the Gospel of Christ and theyr wyues muste be an exemple to other wiues in al godlinesse and chastitie As the holy goste commaunded by S. Paule Secondly we haue determined to admit no man to thys ministerie nor to suffre anie therein whiche applieth not the readynge of the holie Bible and hath not profited so far in christian doctrine and lyfe and also in the knowledge of administringe the congregation of God that at the lest he be able to declare the customable and communely vsed lessons whiche are wonte to be propouned to the whole congregation out of the scriptures and conueniently handle by the same the principal articles of oure doctrine and moreouer enstructe tollerably chyldren and more aged folke yea the vniuersal people of Christ in the religion of Christ Thirdly whereas that a maÌ„ may rightly ordre the holy ministerie profitably serue the coÌ„gregations therin it is necessarie that he entangle not hym selfe in the busines of thys lyfe but gyue hym selfe wholy with al diligence to readyng doctrine prayer we exhort and require by the coÌ„maundement of Christ and by the authoritie of our archebishoply
⧠A simple and religious consultation of vs Herman by the grace of God Archebishop of Colone and prince Electour c. by what meanes a Christian reformation and founded in Gods worde Of doctrine administration of the deuine Sacramentes of Ceremonies and the hole cure of soules and other ecclesiastical ministeries may be begon among men committed to our pastorall charge vntil the lorde graunt a better to be appoynted either by a free and Christian couÌ„sayle general or national or elles by the states of the Empire of the natioÌ„ of Germanie gathered together in the holye Gost ¶ Imprinted in the yere of our Lorde 1547. The. xxx of October I. D. ¶ We Herman by Gods grace archbishop of Colone Archchaunceler in Italye of the holye Romayne Empire And prynce Electour Duke of Westphalia and Angaria administratour of Padebourne wysheth to al them that shal reade heare and vnderstand this our boke grace peace and blisfulnes from God our father through our Lorde and onely sauiour Iesus Chryst IT is knowne to al men manifestly that our most redouted Emperour Charles our moost gratious Lorde hath ryght diligently sought sondry waies in many counsels wyth the prynces Electours and other princes and states of the holye Romayne Empire in Germany wherby these dauÌ„gerous and pernicious disseÌ„cion altercatioÌ„ in holi religion myght be taken away and a general and christian consent and reformation of congregations myght be appoynted and in troduced through the whole nation of Germanye But because the Emperours maiestie could not hitherto deuyse and constitute this general and godly concorde and reformatioÌ„ of churches he for a godly cause and very christian purpose enioyned and commaunded in the counsayle last assembled at Ratespone with the bishpop of Romes Legate to al prelates that among them selues and their diocesanes they shoulde begyne a christian correction of ecclesiastical matters which myght helpe to a comely and holsom administration of the congregations and that they shoulde propoune the same to the congregation to be obserued and mayntain it with ernest diligence and suche faythfulnes as becometh ecclesiastical persos in thys matter neither should haue any regarde of theim whiche woulde hyndre or staye thys godlye purpose because he trusted that by this meane a more coÌ„modious way myghte be made to the ordring refurming of churches and that mens mindes might be prepared the soner to coÌ„sent to a coÌ„sultatioÌ„ of religion Besides this the states of our dominion haue earnestlye required of vs in manye conuocations that we would make a godly and christian reformation And moreouer in the last Conuocation at Bone the Erls Knightes Gentilmen and cities of our dominion committed vnto vs that after the sayd maner we should procure a reformation of congregations to bee gathered to gether and to bee pubblished and propouned to the congregations committed vnto oâ—â—â— charge whiche they shoulde obserue 〈◊〉 hereunto that we our selues by most certain arguments of God do perceiue daily howe grate nede of ameÌ„dement our coÌ„gregacions haue because they be vtterlye destitute of godlie and lerned ministers and therefore no sincere and certayne doctrine is handled amoÌ„g our men where as yet the same ought alwaies to be preched and taught before old men and younge For we perceiue that of thys neglectinge of perfecte and pure doctrine horrible ignorance of God pernitious supersticion vnbelefe most greuous fautes and confusion of all good thinges folowe necessarely Therefore whan we perceyued that the saide thynges preuailed horribly it semed that we ought to make no longer delaie but rather we thought vpon the emendation of these thinges and consulted aboute the same ernestly cheifely in this our extreme olde age which surely warneth vs that we must shortely come before the iudgement seate of Christ where we knowe that we must giue an accompe of this office enioyned vnto vs. Wherefore that we myght first shewe oure selues obedient to our saniour and the Lord Christe the prynce of pastours and to hys flocke and secoÌ„dly acknowlege our supreme officer the emperour and finally seke the preseruacion and correction of religion among the people of Christe committed vnto oure charge accordinge to the office of a bishoppe enioyned vnto vs we haue applied our hole diligence hereunto accordinge to our simplicitie and the gifte which the almightie hath grauÌ„ted to vs that we might finde out some meane to reforme ecclesiasticall doctrine beinge so necessarie in thys greate perturbacion of thinges which afterwarde we mighte propoune to our men wherein if we should not do our dutie surely we shoulde stirre vp greater anger of God to warde vs and all godlie men perceiue that vndoubted and vn couerable destruction of soules wold folow thereof Wherefore we nether woulde nor coulde delaie our purpose of a reformacion Therefore we called to our coÌ„sultation manie men and those exercised men and endued wyth the feare of God and wyth spirituall wisdoÌ„e and lerninge with whom after that we had had longe communication we considered al thinges faithfulli and at the last we ordanied the forme and preparation folowinge of restoringe ecclesiastical doctrine and discipline amonge our men And thought I be their vnworthye bishop yet I was lawefully made both archbishoppe and curate of soules And sette not furth this same forme and maner of a reformation as thought nothinge coulde be ameÌ„ded or chaunged in it or as though other ought in anie wise to folowe it Thorough the grace of God we acknowledge the weaknes of our faith and the slendernes of our iudgemeÌ„t in these matters of so greate difficultie coÌ„cerning the heauen lie kingdome of our Lorde Iesu Christe and our saluation But because our dere Lord Iesus Christe praised his father and gaue hym thaÌ„ckes also for that that he had hidden the misteries of the heauenlie kyngdome from the prudent and wise meÌ„ of this world and had opened them to the simple and despised and commaunded his holesome gospel to be preached without differeÌ„ce to the lerned and vnlerned that they might attain euerlasting saluacion and moreouer promised hys spirite by whom we vndrestande and receiue those thinges whiche he hymselfe giueth vs in the gospel for our euerlastinge saluation asmanie as would seke the same in the name of his dere sonne our Lord Iesus Christ as Christe hymselfe witnesseth it shoulde not haue becomed vs whiche professe the name of Christe execute the office of a bishoppe though we grauÌ„te we do not satisfy in both I meane in Chriistan life and in the office of a bishoppe to doubte of grace and gifte of God and to distruste God our most mercifull heauenlie father as though he myght not be moued with our praiers and the godlie praiers of oure men to gene vs mercifulli his hollye spirite whereby we myght lerne of his gospel to adourne our office enioyned by him and to dispose and ordain that the peple coÌ„mitted to our charge be faithfully and diligently taught by godlie and mete ministers howe thorough
true and liuelie fayth they shoulde acknowledge oure Lorde Iesus Christ and confesse him to be the only sauiour and calle for his helpe in al trobles with a verie trust and exercise them selues in such worckes as in dede be good and fruteful in the holye sacramētes and other ceremonies of the church accordinge to Christes institution that godlines maie daily encrease more and more and that al thinges which be contrarie to Godes worde all sinnes and offences that be crept in to the church of God maye be abolisched wherefore attributinge nothinge ether to our wisdome or to the wisdome and doctrine of other but only encouraged and trusting in the true grace and sure promise of God the father and in the merite and strenghth of our Lord Iesus Christ the only hed and vigilant pastour of hys comgregation we haue determined to set furth accordynge to oure simplicite these thynges thus gathered after diligent deliberacion and correction asmuch as coulde be done in shorte tyme and asmuch as God helped vs wyth hys grace for some reformacion of Christian discipline For we graunte that it is our office to fede christes shepe and faithfully to loke to the congregacions cōmitted vnto vs. And we cal God our creator to witnesse whiche is euerlastinge truth and knoweth the hertes and seeth al thoughtes that we in al this matter of reformation seke nether our owne glorie nor oure priuate commodite but only haue respecte hereunto that the glorie of the almightie maye bee mooste largely set furth to the euerlastinge saluacion of oure men Therfore we besech al christen men of what condicion soeuer thei be which shal reade o◠heare this our preparation of a reformation by our Lord Iesus Christ whose cause matter and busines is hādled in this boke if thei shal finde anie thinge in it that shal not seme to be agreable to goddes worde and make to the true edificacion of fayth in Christe whiche resteth in the augmentacion of goddes encrease that they wil certifie vs thereof and gently teach vs out of the holie scriptur We wyll take the same by goddes grace in good parte and gladli embrace those thinges that we shal perceiue to helpe to the reparation of the church and we be readie to do them more diligently than it is set furth in this boke that nothinge wante to the nessarie reformacion of the church And contrarie wise we require of them that if they shal perceiue that the Lord hath mercifully giuē vs to attain his meaninge and wil they wil helpe vs wyth their beniuolence and diligence asmuch as they maye that these thinges as the holsome commaundementes of oure maker redemer iugde Iesus Christ maye be sette furth chiefely seing that they vnder stand that it becōmeth vs in nowyse in those thinges whiche we surely knowe to be enioyned and commaunded vnto vs by oure God and sauiour out of hys worde to differ any lōger either for the authorite and power of anie men or for the expectacion of a councell generall or nationall the thinges which perteine to the glorie of God and of his most dere sonne and the saluation of the people but rather as commodiously as we maye to propone the same to be obserued of our men and other asmuch as the almightie will helpe vs with hys diuine grace whiche we wishe to al them that seke the same truly thorough our Lord Iesus Christ As we cōmende vnto them this our obedience such as it is in this our purpose whiche we owe to the diuine maieste with al our subiectes and our office desiringe the same children of god which with a sincere herte wishe the amplification of Christes kingdom to whome vndoubtedly our necessarie diligence though it be slender shal be acceptable that they with their godlie praiers will diligentlye ayde in this our purpose and ministerie vs and our subiectes Which thinge how acceptable it was vnto vs we desire to declare to euerie one whan we shal be able ⧠Giuen at Buschonie ⧠A Table of the principall Articles in this boke of a Reformacion OF Doctrine That some Lesson muste be resited out of the holye Scripture before a Sermon and declared vnto the people That al Sermōs must be made to the magnifiyng of the Lord Christ Of the Trinitie Of the creacion and gouernaunce of all thynges Of the cause of synne and death Of original sinne and mannes wekenes before regeneration Of the olde Testament Of the difference of the olde and newe Testament Of preachyng peculiar to the newe Testament Of the preachyng of Repentaunce Of the true and proper vse of Goddes lawe A short exposition of the .x. commaundementes Of remission of synnes and iustification Of good workes Of the true and natural significatiō of this worde fayth Of the crosse and tribulations Of the church of God Of the vnitie or concorde of the church Of christian prayer A short exposition of the Lordes praier Of the abuse in prayer Of the true and false vse of Images Of Christian fast Of holy offerynges A premoniciō and commaundement against the errours of the Anabaptistes Of the administration of religion Of Sacramentes generally Of Baptisme The fourme of a Catechisme before Baptisme The exorcisme Of the administration of Baptisme Howe Baptisme must be administred at times not prescribed Of Confirmation Of the Lordes Supper At what tyme the Lordes Supper ought to be celebrated Of the cōmuniō of straungers and sickfolke Howe sicke persōs must be visited and how we must celebrate the cōmunion with thē Of communion in priuate houses for menne in health Of turning from sins and true repentaunce Of excommunication Of the makyng of Pastours Of the blessyng of Mariages Of Buriyng Of holy and feastful dayes Of fastyng dayes and Lent Of the difference of meates Of certayne other ryghtes or ceremonies of the church Of ecclesiastical rites vpon working daies Of peculiar dayes of procession Of Letany Of commune almes Of scholes for chyldren Of scholes of Diuinitie Of disputation By what meanes a christian reformation of holy ministerie and cure of soules maye be begunne and practised in parishes Of refourmyng of canonical colleges Of the reformation of monasteries both of men and women Of free and not Monasticall Colleges of virgins Of the ordre of selbrethren and laye brethrē The ende of the table Of Doctrine OUR sauiour Gods sonne Iesus Christ which cam into this world to the intent to open that wonder ful and hyd wil of God concernyng the saluation of mankynd after this sort spake to his disciples and to all them that are called to the ministery of his Gospel As the father hath sente me so I sende Iohn x. Marke the last Chap. you And in another place Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to euery creature teachyng theim to kepe all thynges that I haue cōmaunded you Further God eternal the father of our Lord Iesu Chryst Mat. iii. xvii spake thus from heauen of hys sonne Him heare
anie tyme brought by the wyl of man but the holy meÌ„ of God spake being stirred of the holie goste ii Petre. i. Wherfore all doctrines of men in the coÌ„gregation that are not grounded vpon the worde of God taughte in the holy scriptures Math. xv Esay xxix be vnprofitable pernicious as Christ witnesseth and Esay But the holye scripture is a certayne and a holesome doctrine vnto vs as Paul teacheth wher as he saith Euerye scrypture enspired from God is profitable for doctrine for reprouing for in struction which is in ryghteousnes that the man of God may be perfect prepared vnto euery good worke ij Timo. iij. Forasmuch as than this scripture propheticall and inspired from God is profifable and abundauntly sufficient for the perfecte knoweledge of true and holesome doctrine that the men of God maye be instructed and prepared to euery good worke and further that all erroures whiche be against religioÌ„ godlines may be disclosed and confuted all pastours and preachers muste alwaye needes take theyr sermons and doctrine out of the holy scripture Thei muste also take diligent hede leste at any tyme they mingle herewyth mannes doctrines and interpretations that haue not flowen out of thys pure fouÌ„tayne of Gods worde Wherefore that feaders and preachers That preachers ought to praie for eâ—crease of the holigost not to bewrapped in busynesses of thys lyfe maye ryghtly instructe the people of Christe out of these bokes of the holie gost in all thynges that be profitable and necessarie to knowe for saluation it is needefull that they geue theÌ„ selues to the studie of the holie scriptures wyth moste earnest and coÌ„tinuall care And that they maye do thys thynge with more fruite and attayne to the true vnderstandynge of the holy scripture let them pray continually wyth Godly petitions that the holie gooste maye be increased to them whiche is the onely interpreter of the holy scripture For the naturall man vnderstandeth it not as he also vnderstandeth not other spirituall thynges whiche thinge the Apostles teache vs sufficientlye wyth theyr owne example whiche as we reade in the last of Luke did not vnderstaÌ„de the scriptures before that Christe opened theyr minde The spirite theÌ„ before al thinges muste be sought for and obtained with faythfull prayer the spirit I saye of vnderstandyng the holy scripture a ryght both to the health and profit of our selues and also of other Wherfore it is nedeful that preachers wythdrawe them selues from carnal and worldly busines asmuch as the necessitie of this present life wil suffre that they geue them selues throughly to all spirituall exercises if they wyl both theÌ„ selues ryghtly vnderstand godlines and the holie scriptures and also profitably administre and faythfully dispence to the congregation of God the doctrine of saluation that euerye one of them teach meÌ„ committed vnto their charge aswel the rude as the quycke wytted and learned the most holy Gospel and doctrine of godlines vnto theyr saluation Item that they bryng to passe through that their ministery that euery man surely perceiue the prophetical euaÌ„gelical spech and geue hede therunto with al diligeÌ„ce as to a caÌ„del shining in a darke place that they wauer ii of Petre. i. not like children be caried about with euery wynde of doctryne but that folowing the truth in loue thei grow in him in al thinges which is the head namely Christ Ephe. iiij Further it is the office of pastours and ministers of the word that they exhorte theÌ„ Howe needeful exhortations be that be ryghtlye instructed in the doctryne of godlines and that they cal vpon them instantly that they abyde in that knowne doctrine beyng prepared and redy to suffre al thynges rather than that they wyll depart from it and that they testify them selues to be the chyldren of God with good workes and a christian lyfe For our aduersarye the Deuyl neuer kepeth holy day but walketh i. of Petre. v. Chap. about lyke a roaryng Lion sekyng whom he maye deuoure as Peter witnesseth And this he doth not only within with fiery dartes of temptations and fleshly intisementes agaynst the lawe of God but also without with the persecutions and assaultes of the myghtie and further with hypocrisie and a vayne shewe of false doctryne as our dayly experience testifieth Wherfore Bishops and preachers must procure wyth al studye that they ryghte diligentlye warne conforte and exhorte the weake in the fayth of Christ that they labour to resyst manfully the olde enemy euer endeuouryng himselfe to assaulte on euerye syde the flocke of the Lord and to continue in the fayth as s Peter teacheth vs. i. Peter v. And also Paul to the Ephesians vi Chapter But at what tyme and in what place such consolations and exhortations ought to be Exhortation to godlines is euer nedeful vsed it can not be certainly prescribed For it is not onely requisite opeÌ„ly in pulpettes but often at other tymes in other places as occasioÌ„ suffreth necessitie requireth As s Paule with greate grauitie admonisheth Timothe I besech the sayeth he before God and the Lord Iesus Christ which shal ij Timot. iiij iudge the quicke and the dead in his appearing and in his kingdom preach the word calle vpon them in tyme out of tyme reproue rebuke exhorte with al softnes and doctrine The Apostle approueth the same thinge also with his owne exemple in that last sermoÌ„ which he made at Miletes to the elders of the congregations Youe knowe saieth he from the first daye that I entred in to Asia after what sorte I was with you at al tymes seruinge the Lorde God with al humblenes of minde wyth many teares and temptations whiche chauÌ„ced vnto me throw the conspiracie of the Iewes howe I with drew no parte of those thinges that mighte be for your profith but I shewed vnto you and taughte you openly and in euerie house testifiynge both to the Iewes and to the Gretians that repeÌ„taunce that is towards God and that faith that is toward our lorde Iesus Take hede therfore to your selues and to the hole flocke Item watch ye remeÌ„bringe that by the space of .iii. yeres I ceased not nyght nor daye with teares to warne euerie man And in the first epistle to the Thess the .ii. cha You be wytnesses and you know how we were affectioned towardes euerie one of you as a father is towardes his Children desiring you confortinge and beseching that ye woulde walke worthely of God whiche hath called you in to his kingdom and glorie And it is necessary that such exhortatioÌ„s be done grauely with a certaine Godly vehemencie of minde and Let exhortatioÌ„ be vehemeÌ„t and ernest feruentnes that they may moue the people and stere vp good affecions in mennes mindes whereby they maye labour to continew and go forth in the way of the Lorde â–ª which thinge Paule signified by this sayynge that he maye be able to exhorte c. It shal
much further thys grauitie and vehemencie if the preachers with the commandementes of God shal diligently sette forth and declare the threates also terrible exemples of Goddes wrath that the people mai be fraied from sinninge Item if they shall sette forth the mercie and promises of God with noâ—able exemples of Goddes helpe deliueraunce that in like maner men maye he allured to trust more constantly in God and to loue hym and so beinge inflamed with the zealle and loue of God they may goe forth in al good worekes and valiauntly suffre ouercome afflictions for the glorie of the Lorde The feeders thaÌ„ and preachers that wil faythfully serue theyr vocation must necessarely not only be furnished to exhort the sorowful and to comforte the weake but also they muste be readie and haue a burnning zeale therunto For the obtaininge of both whyche thinges as they haue neede of continual readinge and studiyng of the scripture so they haue neede of continual prayer and all other spirituall exercises and therfore also of great werines lest by anie meane they be entangled in the Howe errours and deprauations of Gods worde must be refused busynesses of thys lyfe and carnall cares Thirdly it is required of feeders curates of Christes people that they be able also to confute the agaynsayers and aduersaries wyth euident and effectuall testimonies of the scripture For Satan is busiest in thys poynte that he maye corrupte the perfecte and sincere doctrine raysyng vp sundry heresies that the fayeth of Christe being shaken and at the laste abolished he maye stablishe and mayntayne his owne tirannie Hereof it commeth that as we haue redde that in the tyme of the Apostles and Martyres longe sithens it happened and aâ— al other tymes when the pure doctrine of God hath bene sincerely preached so in oure time also newe heretikes sprynge dayly whiche labour and establishe their wicked doctrine with depraued testimonies of the scriptures as S. Petre wryteth that such men euen in i. of Petre the laâ—t Chap. his tome beganne to wrest the writinges of S. Paule that be hearde to vnderstande as the other scriptures vnto theyr owne destruction Neither is it meruayle that Saâ—aÌ„ worketh thys thynge in his ministers I meane that he laboureth to corrupt and ouerthrow the doctrine of godlines whiche is taughte in the scripture onely by the testimonies of the scripture it selfe but the same being depraued and corrupted For wyth thys arte he durste assayle the Lorde Christe when in the holie Citie Hierusalem he sette him vpon the pinacle of the temple and sayed vnto him if thou be the sonne of God cast thy selfe downe For it is wrytten he hath geueÌ„ coÌ„maundement to his angelles concerninge the they shal beare the in theyr handes leste perchaunce thou shouldest hurte thy fote at a stone Psal xci Math. iiii Wherfore let the faythfull ministers of Christe knowe that the more sincerely they preach the true word of God with so much the greater diligence and laboure shal Satan lay in awayte for them and theyr flocke and shall endeuoure him selfe by reason of the simplicitie of the comen people weakenes of theyr iudgement to begyle theÌ„ wyth depraued scriptures For when he seeth that men wyll admitte no authoritie but the authoritie of the scripture he also layeth nothynge more to theyr charge then scripture that he maye more coÌ„modiously creepe into them that be accustomed to heare the scripture onely and thrust in his lyes more easely that the pastours and ministers of the coÌ„gregation may disclose this gyle of Satan and stoppe the mouthes of Sophisters his ministers and eyther preserue or cal againe the flocke coÌ„mitted vnto them from wycked errours they must watche and labour with singuler diligence and care in this behalfe For as the Apostle sayeth there be many vntreatable and vayne ianglers begylers of myndes which ouerthrow whole houses teachynge thynges that oughte not to be taughte for fylthy gayne whose mouthes muste be stopped Tite i. But that such may be more coÌ„modiously Rules to reproue and coÌ„fute heretikes and groundly conuinced and coÌ„futed these rules chiefely are to be obserued Fyrste that the articles of oure fayth be confirmed wyth sure and euident testimonies of the scripture The seconde rule is that the wordes in sentences and testimonies which are alledged in disputation be compared together after the propre sense of the scripture wythout sophistrie and that thorow suche conferryng the true seÌ„tence of the holie gost may be drawen forth concerning anie question of religion The thyrde rule is that darke sentences An exaÌ„ple of the disputation against Arrius be declared with other places that are plain open and pertaining to the controuersie As when Arrius denied that the sonne of God sprange out of the substaunce of the father and that he was god by nature he corrupted the true sentence of thys saiyng And God was the worde For he sayed that thys vocable God in this place did not signifie god Iohn i. which by nature almightines is God but some excellent creature passinge all other in maiestie dignitee This false interpretation holy goste by the apostle Paule hath layed vpon all bishoppes and ministers of coÌ„gregations i. Petri. i. i. Petri. ij when he sayeth thus A bishoppe muste holde faste the faythfull worde that he maye be able to exhorte and confute the agaynsayers Of which prouince and burthen we wyll al pastours and preachers to be admonished that they maye busely exercise them selues day and night in the studie of the holy scriptures and so that they may vse their ministerie wyth ample fruite and therfore that they wythdrawe them selues not onely from worldely intisementes and carnall concupiscences but also from al occupations and businesses of the worlde as muche as the vse of thys present lyfe wyll suffre that they maye all togyther applye so harde and diuine a ministerie and execute theyr office wyth al diligence And yet this labour ought not to greue them which the religion of theyr office requireth seinge that otherwise it is the parte of euerie Christian maÌ„ to coÌ„sume the whole course of hys lyfe in the study of Goddes worde For we can not entre in to the kingdom of God excepte we be borne agayne As for this regeneration it coÌ„sisteth not of mortal seede but of immortal seede and euerlastinge that is to say of the worde of God that liueth and abideth for euer as Petre witnesseth Moreouer whan we are so borne agayne and reÌ„nued we haue neede of spirituall meat also which like wise is the word of God where vnto S. Petre allureth vs saiynge Couette that reasonable milke not of the bodye but of the mind which knoweth no gile newly borne childreÌ„ that ye may growe thorough it Finally whan we growe forth being fed vp and nouryshed by the worde of God SataÌ„ seaseth not to assaut vs and to resist hym we haue neede of spiritual weapons and armour
out of the worde of God as Paule witnesseth saiynge The swerde of the spirite is the worde of god Ephe. vi Seinge than the beginninge the middle and the ende of oure newe lyfe that is to say regeneration in to the saide lyfe the encrease of it and victorie agaynst Satan consisseth of the worde of God the feeders of congregations maye easely see in to what daunger of Goddes wrath they runne if anie be not parttakers of this regeneration thorough theyr negligence or if they that be borne agayne of the spirite wante the feedinge of goddes worde and the cherishinge of holesome doctrine of exhortation or if they falle from the lyfe and communion of Christe beinge sedused thoroughe false doctrines of men wherefore they that haue this office must euer with al diligence continue in readinge doctrine praier and other exercises spiritual that they maie saie with that faythful seruaunte Lorde thou deliueredest to me ten talētes and lo I haue gained other ten And that they maie heare agayne wel done faythful seruaunte thou wast faithful ouer fewe thinges I wil sette the ouer manie Entre in to the ioye of thy Lorde Wherfore that feeders and al ministers of congregations may the better vnderstande and handle the holye scripture we wil opē vnto thē a certaine way and we wyll declare in ordre the more notable places of the Chrystiane doctrine not that we would haue them to tary in these places but because we desire to haue them brought by these more easelie to the holy scripture it selfe out of which afterward they may be instructed more fully and perfectly ¶ That some leason out of the holie scripture muste be set forth to the people before the sermō and that the same muste be declared to them FYrste we wyll that the pastours take all theyr sermons that they make to the people out of some leason of the holie scripture whiche at the begynnynge of the sermon they shall recite wyth singuler reuerence grauitie As we know that the olde holy fathers vsed it euen from the tyme of the Apostles Which thing also was obserued in the synnagoges of the Iewes as it appeareth by that that we reade of the Lord. Luk. iiii of the synnagog Act. xiii into the whiche Paule and Baruabas entred vppon the Sabbath at Antioche of Pisidia Wherfore in olde tyme euerie congregation had peculiar readers whiche red the bokes of the holie scripture to the people out of the pulpette But this custome being abolished amonge other fautes of ecclesiasticall administration and in thys scarsnes of ministers of the worde by reason wherof Peculiar readers cānot be appointed in euerie congregation we wil that the pastours and preachers execute theyr office and religiouslie to reade to the people afore hande those thinges wherof they wyl speake that so thei may the more accustome them selues to heare the worde of God and that they maye be more fullly enstructed of their saluation It shall healpe also the pastours thē selues to make and finishe their sermons with better ordre if they shal folow the prescripte of the leason preposed and keepe thē selues wythin the bandes therof And they shall measure these leasons after the measure of those lessons that are accustomablye recited in Masses So the people maye more easily remēbre the thynges that shall be redde and the preachers also maye more comodiouslie declare them For they must diligently auoyd this faute that some haue that they tarie not vpon one or two wordes of the premised leason lettyng the reste passe vntoutched or fall quite to other matters then were redde Oure fayth must leaue vpon the pure and onelie worde of God wherefore that worde must be hearde and vnderstanded of euerie person Wherfore it shal be conuenient to reade out of the holie scripture and declare so muche as by likelihode the people may perceyue and retayne to the edification of fayth ¶ That al sermons must be made to set forth and magnifie Christ the Lorde FOrasmuch as Christ our Lorde is the ende of the lawe and Moses the psalmes Rom. x Luke the last Actes x. and the prophetes doe testifi and preach of hym that he is the onely sauiour of the chosen people in whom whosoeuer shal beleue shal receyue forgyuenes of sinnes thorowe his name all pastours must directe ordre theyr sermons to this marcke that they beare and declare witnesse of thys Christe For so he himselfe commaundid the Al christian doctrine is a testimonie of Christ the sauiour Actes i. i. Cor. ij apostles a litle before his ascention into heauen whan he instituted the holie ministerye of preaching you shal be witnesses vnto me at Hierusalē and in all Iurie and Samary vnto the vttermost endes of the earth Here of it cometh that S. Paule wryteth of hym selfe I iudged not myselfe to knowe anye thinge amonge you sauinge Iesus Christe and him crucified And he had a good cause to saye so For as he wrate to the Coloss al thinges were created by him that be in heauen and in erth visible and inuisible whether they be thrones dominations principates or powers All thynges were made by him and in him and he is before al thinges ▪ al thinges cōsist thorough is him He is the head of the body of the church which is the begining the frist begottē of the deade that he may be the chief in al thinges for it hath pleased the father that all fulnes shoulde dwelle in him and thorough hym to reconcile al thinges towardes hymselfe the thinges that be ether in heauen or in erth being pacified by the bloud of his crosse thorough the same persō Iohanne witnesseth the same thinges in the begininge of his gospel and epistle And the Lorde of hym selfe Iohan. v. iii. xii xvii and in manye other places Therefor Christe hym selfe comprehended the summe of the whole scripture in this sentence Luke the last repentaunce and remission of synnes must be preched in the name of Christ wherfore let the faythful ministers of congregations alwayes magnifie the name of oure Lorde Iesus Christe testifiynge that thys only sonne of God the true God and man is he by whome al thinges were made be Ephe. i. gouerned repared and renued which also ruleth al thinges with the worde of his power whyche gathereth together the scattered chyldren of God and straiyng sheepe Hebru i. Iohn x. and gyueth repentaunce and remission of sinnes For there is none other name vnder heauen gyuen to men wherein they shal be Act. v. Act. iiii Iohn xvii Iohn x. saued the power of all fleshe is gyuen to him that he maie gyue euerlastinge lyfe to al thē that the father hath gyuen hym He is that good shepeherde that giueth his life for his sheepe that he maye gyue them eternal lyfe which so defendeth and keepeth his sheepe that noman can take them out of his hande These and suche lyke testimonies of Christe must be often and diligintlye beatē
into the people in sermons ¶ The article of the trinitie AL though mannes reason vnderstandeth not the nature of God yet God hath opened hym selfe in the worde and in his sonne that we maye knowe him asmuch as he hath reuelated him selfe and calle vpon him After whiche sorte whan we calle vpon God the father there is a greate difference betwene our inuocation and the inuocation of all other people and nations and this difference coÌ„sisteth cheifely in ij pointes One is that inuocation thus ordered is derected to the true and natural God Thother is that our inuocation so vsed must needes please God and not be voyde and frustrate Wherfore the preachers must teach out of the holy scripture of the true and almightie Thre persoÌ„s but one substaunce God the father the onely begotten sonne and the holie goste that they be one God of the same deuine nature and power but yet three distincted personnes And that thys one God made and maynteneth all thynges Further that the sonne of God by the vnspeakeable purpose and vnmeasurable mercie of God dyd put on mannes nature that he might be a sacrifice and a raunsome for vs and that these two natures that is to saye mannes nature and Goddes is one and vndiuided personne Iesus Christe Two natures vnited in Christ Howe be it these two natures be so knytte in Christe that they be not confounded or mixte but eche hath by it selfe his owne substaunce and proprietie As al these thynges are well knowen out of the worde of God administred by the Apostles and Prophetes and be declared in sundry confessions of the holie fathers agaynste sundrie heresies in the crede made in the counsel of Nice and in the crede of Athanasius Item in the agreable decrees and confestions of the olde and very holy counselles as Nicene CoÌ„staÌ„tinopolitane Ephesine CalchedoneÌ„se coÌ„staÌ„tinopolitane againe Further by the wrytinges of the fathers coÌ„seÌ„ting herunto whiche faught earnestly for the worde of God as by the bokes of Athanasius Basilius Nazianzenus and Augustine it appeareth Wherfore the sentence and doctrine of thys article muste be diligently propouned to the people and commended and defended that the true knowledged of God may be mayntayned and that we maye retayne a difference betwene the inuocation of christian men and other nations whiche is verye necessarye namely that thou mayste call vpon thys true God the father of Iesus Christe together wyth his sonne Iesus Christe and the holie gooste whiche hath reueyled hym selfe in the sonne for whose sake he wyll be mercifull and wyll geue the holie gooste to them that thus call vpon hym in fayeth whiche also stireeth vp in the hertes of men the true knowledge of God feare fayeth and other motions The differeÌ„ce betwene the iâ—uocation of Christians and other nations of newe lyfe For thoughe the excellente Philolophers among the heatheÌ„ the Iewes and the Mahometistes do glorye that they worshyppe not ymages and Idolles but the eternal God maker of heaueÌ„ and earth of meÌ„ and of all other thinges neuertheles semge that they wil not acknowledge thys God whiche hath opened him selfe in his word by his sonne our Lorde Iesus Christ they do not worship and call vpon the true God but they worshippe the vayne imaginations of their owne hertes and handes Neither can they persuade them selues that God is mercifull vnto them and heareth them because they refuse the Gospell and the onelye mediatoure And therfore their inuocation can in no wyse be directed to the true God the father of our Lorde and sauiour Iesus Christ but these men imagin to theÌ„ selues A peculiar God whiche is not the father of oure mediatour Iesus Christe and therfore is not the true God for whiche cause they can not persuade them sellues that theyr prayers be harde Their inuocation then haÌ„geth and abideth in the vayne deuices of theyr owne reason in images and Idoles staÌ„ding before theÌ„ and they remaine verie strauÌ„gers and abominable to the true God bicause they lyue without Christ and the worde of God as Christ sayeth he that honoureth not the sonne honoureth not the father And Paule to the Roma v. thorowe Christe we haue entraunce vnto the father Thus God also reueiled hym selfe to Iohn How the holy Trinitie was reueiled to Iohn Baptiste at the baptisme of Christ the sonne of Zacharie that he afterwarde mighte instructe the churche of true knowledge and right inuocation for in thys sorte God eternall the father witnesseth his soÌ„ne Thys is my beloued sonne in whom I am wel pleased the sonne him selfe standeth at baptisme the holie goste coÌ„meth downe opeÌ„ly vpon him to testifie that the holie gooste should be geuen both to Christ and to his coÌ„gregation Wherfore thre personnes appeared in thys place This appering theÌ„ ought to be wel considered of euerie christen man whiche chaunced not for Ihon his sake onely but for the whole congregation his sake that the same might offre praiers to the only eternall and almightie God the father of our Lorde Iesus Christ which made al thinges with the eternal soÌ„ne and the holy gost And whiche also wyl heare the churche gouerne and sanctifie it wyth his holy spirite for Christe the mediatoure his sake The wordes of Baptisme signifie the same thinge wheras it is saied I baptise the A declaration of the wordes of baptisme in the name of the father and of the sonne and of the holie goste For here be three personnes numbred of one equall power and diuitie to whoÌ„ alone the whole cause of our saluatioÌ„ is ascribed for thys is the meaning of the wordes I baptise the that is to saye I testifie by thys token of dipping or sprinklynge that thy synnes be forgeuen the and that thou art receyued into the grace of the eternall and the true God the father of Iesus Christ and that for this his soÌ„nes sake Item that the holie gooste shal worke in the effectuouslie Surely thys is an highe doctrine and aboue mannes wysedome of the nature wyl and efficacie of God towardes vs whiche maketh a difference betwene vs and al heythen comprehending most ample promises as we wyll declare herafter of whiche promises it is very requisite that the people be admonished as often as the texte of the scripture requireth it that the congregation maye be well instructed of the one and singuler diuine substaunce and of the there personnes For thys article muste be obserued of al meÌ„ and exercised in our dayly inuocation And our inuocation muste be discerned froÌ„ the inuocation of the heathen the Iewes and the mahometistes that we do beleue that God certaynly heareth vs if in oure prayer we apprehende the mediatour wherof no heathen Iewe no mahometist can certifie hym selfe For thus we must pray Almightie and eternal god the father of oure Lorde Iesus Christ which with thy A fourme of christen prayer onely begotten sonne and the holy gost madest al thinges and preseruest the
same haue mercie on me for thy sonnes Iesus Christe whiche for our sakes was made a sacrifice Kindle my minde with thy lighte and gouerne me with thy holy spirite whiche thou haste promised vs for thy sōnes sake Thus in our praier we must euer cōprehēd Christ the mediatour as the church hath vsen in collets A fourme of calling vpon Christ frō the beginning adding these wordes in th ende thorow Christ our Lorde Moreouer this is a true inuocation acceptable to God O Lorde Iesu Christe the sonne of God heare me loke vpō me pitie me and geue me thy holy spirite and eternal lyfe Thus we reade that S. Stephan Act. viij called vpō Christ Lorde Iesu receiue my spirite Such prayer attibuteth vnto Christ the glorie of diuinitie for that that God hath reueiled him selfe in hym and worketh together with hym as we reade Io. v. what so euer the father worketh the same doeth the sonne also And in the xiiij He that seeth me seeth the father I am in the father and the father is in me This is the sentence of such an inuocation Lorde Iesu Christe sōne of God healpe me geue me thy holy spirite which together cōfesseth the father the sōne whiche is mediatoure and the holy gooste Wherefore this article of the diuine substaūce and of the thre persons must be learned and exercised in dayly prayers But forasmuch as this sincere doctrine of true and godly inuocatiō is horribly darkened Agaynst the inuocation of dead sayntes and ymages thorow that abomimable wickednesse and madnes vpon Idols whiche is cōmitted in calling vpō dead men their images bones wherunto they haue boūd not only diuine power but also a certen peculiar strēgth and efficacie of saintes wheras yet it is euidēt that we must assigne the power working of god to nothing in which god him selfe hath not expressedly witnessed in his worde that he wyl gyue the same but it is playne that deade mē helpe nobody Nor worke in ydoles for these causes I saye the people muste be called backe from suche ydolotrye vnto the true and religiouse inuocation of God as to a moste godlye worke and principall worshypping of God wherin we chiefely learne and feele which is the true fayth yea this is the only worke wherby the true people of God may be most discerned from the vngodly Of the creation and gouernaunce of al thinges OVre hole saluatiō and euerlasting lyfe consisteth herin that we truly knowe God in oure Lorde Iesus Christe that is to saye with a sure and lyuely fayth In thys knowledge the chiefest poynt is to knowe that it is God which made all thinges and preserueth and gouerneth the same alone wherfore the preachers shall studye to declare to the people wyth singuler dylygence and to beate into their heads those places of the scripture that teach and testifie of the eternal substaūce of God of his power knowledge goodnesse and seueritie for wythout this knowledge and fayth we can neuer truely and effectuously fele our sinnes much lesse repent and amende our selues neyther shal the law alone driue vs therunto for what shal eyther his preceptes or threates moue or feare vs of whose power bowntuousnes or seueritie as yet we knowe or fele nothinge substantially and effectuosely wherfore he that wil comme to God muste necessarily knowe afore hande and beleue that it is God which made preserueth and iudgeth all men and largelye rewardeth them that loue him Very many boste them selues to knowe God but in that that thei studi not to frame their life according to the wil of god dispising the worde of God they beare sufficiente witnes of thē selfe to the cōtrary namely that they say in theyr hertes there is no God though they confesse the same before men It is therfore ryght necessarye that preachers often tymes and with great diligence do propounde and beate in to theyr eares the common place of creation preseruacion and gouernaūce of all thynges And in the article of the creation of thynges the pastours shal diligently teach that that Lorde whiche delyuered the ten commaundementes the whole holy scripture and the gospell it selfe is the only true God and maker of thinges whiche of no thinge created heauen earth the sea and whatsoeuer is conteined in thē our selues also and alone preserueth the same throughe his power and hath partly made the other creatures subiecte vnto vs beinge created to his ymage appoyntynge them to a profitable vse and partly ordeyned them to the ministerye of the health both of the bodye and soule Wherfore the preachers shal often allege faythfully declare and printe in the mindes of theyr herers those places of the scripture that teache that God made vs and al other thinges of no thinge and that we were fashoned after the ymage of god finally that inferiour creatures be subiecte vnto oure rule by Goddes ordinance and that the superiour creatures be appoynted to procure oure healthe that the same herers maye dayly lerne more and more the almightines and goodnes of Goddes maiestie and that in them selues and in all other thinges that they handle in whyche they be occupyed whyche they beholde here or by any meanes do exercise they knowe hym haue him in reuerēce prayse him cal vpon him And that therby they may trust more fully in the almightines goodnes of God and more cherefully obey his cōmaūdementes and also feare his wrathe the more and that they maye vse all thinges whiche they do vse in this lyfe as the moste holy creatures and gistes of God and our sauiour wyth more holynes dayly and thankfulnes and larger liberalytie towardes theyr neighbours ▪ For this cause the prophets in the prayses of God do so magnifie and sette before our eyes with moste elegant descripcions the principal and notablest workes of God in the vniuersall nature of thynges as the heauens the son the moone the sterres the Why the holy scripture often propoūneth vnto vs the merueylous workes of God clowdes the wyndes mystes rayne dewe snowe froste thunder lyghtnynge mountaynes valleys fildes contreys medowes springes riuers standinge waters sondry trees and herbes the pryncypall kyndes of beastes both tame and wylde men and other innumerable workes of God For whiche many psalmes doe greatly magnifie the glory of God as psal xix xcv Ciiii. Cxxxvi. Cxlv. Cxlvii Cxlviii Iob doeth the same thinge from the xxxviii Chapiter to th ende of his booke And Esay in the .xl. chapter vnto th ende of hys boke Lyke places ye shal finde in other canonicall bookes euery where This contemplaciō of the notable workes of God and admiracion of the diuine maieste was the cause why Christe the Lorde hym selfe and other sayntes lyfted vp theyr eyes and handes to heauē whē they praye And in the fourme of prayinge the Lorde taught vs to saye Oure father whiche arte in heauen for when we behold wyth oure eyes and myndes those mooste excellent and wonderfull workes
of God the heauens the sonne the moone the sterres and other celestial workes a religiouse consideration admiration and worshippyng of Goddes maiestie muste needes be stirred vp in vs and growe meruaylouslye and be confirmed excepte we be Godles altogyther And a religiouse and attentyue contemplation of the rest of Goddes workes in the myndes of the Godlye worketh the selfe same thynge Wherfore the preachers shal often recite and declare in their sermons wyth great diligencie suche places of the scripture toutching the creation and workes of God and therwith exhorte men that they accustome them selues with asmuch diligencie as they may that as often as they beholde them selues or other men the heauens the earth the waters and thynges conteyned therein as oftē as they vse and take fruition of the same they cal to remembraunce and considre religiously with them selues that those be the workes and gyftes of God our maker and father and that they were made of him and set before vs for this purpose that in them we shoulde acknowledge God him selfe and oure father and his almightines his euerlasting wisedome and goodnes in Christ the sauiour that we shoulde cal vpō him and magnifie him And herein let them labour to cal to theyr myndes and consideration that there is none other God the maker and preseruer of al thinges then the father of our Lorde Iesus Christ which gaue thys his sonne vnto vs and wyth hym all thinges perteynynge to the vse and saluation both of bodie and soule Whiche hath opened his word and doctrine of lyfe in the holie writinges that so they maye learne to comprehend and ioyne together the worde and workes of God and to knowe and beholde hym and his workes in his worde and to reuolue the same in theyr myndes whē they se and vse the creatures of God Lo this is thy God and maker which gaue the his sōne Christ our Lorde that he might brynge the from eternall death to eternall lyfe and hath reueiled his fatherly wyll toutchynge thy saluation in his scriptures whiche also caused his lawe and Gospell to be preached to the he of nothing made these heauens thys earth these waters these beastes these men thys meate drynke garmentes and what soeuer is before our eyes and handes and he hath layed them before the and geuen the them for thys entente that they myght serue the for thy vse and health that in these his workes and gyftes thou mayest more fully knowe hym prayse and magnifie him and serue hym frō thy whole herte wyth the very same thynges to sette forth his glorie further the health of men Whiche thynge if thou laboure to do these creatures and all the workes of God shall serue to procure thy health And if thou do not so they shall be agaynst the wyth God theyr maker and shall serue to reuenge thy vngodlines Suche a faythfull meditation and contemplation of the creatures of God bryngeth to passe that euerie worke of god preacheth God vnto vs and admonisheth vs of his diuinitie power and goodnes For whiche purpose they were also sette before vs that as the Apostle wryteth we may vnderstande by his workes thorowe the creation his eternall power and Godheade For we oughte so to beholde and considre euerie worke of God that sterynge vp a religiouse admiration of his deuine power wysedome and goodnes we maye crye out wyth Dauid Howe greate be thy workes O Lorde thou haste made al thynges wisely the earth is full of thy goodnes Psalm Ciiii. Thys wyse all the worlde is and oughte to he vnto vs the tēple of God that we may acknowledge call vpon magnifie and worshyppe God not in certayne places onely as vngodlines naturally grafted in vs alloweth but euery where in euery place of his dominion as God oure creatour and maynteyner Whereof thys foloweth that whyle in our busines and doinges we folowe the cōmaūdemētes of God and cal for his healpe we feare nothynge that anie man can do to vs we be nothynge agaste or tremble For as sone as we behold and cōsidre those men wyth whō we haue to do and which seame terrible vnto vs or the thynges them selues in whiche there appeareth some daunger or disticultie as the creatures of god and with that contemplation call to our remēbraunce and thynke religiously vpon God the maker of those men those thynges and of vs then our fayth in Goddes promyse and testimonie namely that all thinges were both made for oure health and felicitie do also necessarely worke the same styll and that they can be none other thinges then the instrumētes of God to perfourme our health and felicitie oure fayth I saye is so stered vp and strengthned to do al thynges that we take in hande to do by the commaundement of God that all feare of daunger and vnabilitie muste needes departe wyth all doubte of well bryngyng to passe the thing that we Godly take in hande to do that is to saye by the commaundement of God Thys cōsideration of thynges whiche pondreth that all thynges be the creatures of God and that God as he made them so he preserueth them for our profite and daylye bringeth them forth and giueth them vs to vse bringeth this thing to passe also that we abuse nothinge but that we haue esteame al thinges that come to our vse as the workes of the father hym selfe as they be in dede And it causeth vs to vse them wyth all moderation and holines wyth all thankesgeuyng and reuerent praysing before other and magnifiynge of Gooddes bountuousnes finally wyth liberall dealyng and bestowyng vpon them that neede It is righte necessarie that the people be taught moost diligently these thynges concernyng the beliefe of the creation and conseruation of all thynges and the faythfull contemplation and vse of the creatures of God For the comen people be muche farther drawen then men beleue from the true and lyuely knowledge and consideration of God the creatour and of his workes thorow that monstrous magnifiyng of saintes and of theyr power to healpe vs which they haue vntruely attributed vnto thē and thorowe those madde processions that settinge forth and worshippynge of images and of Sayntes bones All men in dede behold the heauens the earth and other godlye and wōderful creatures workes of God they toutch them they haue them in theyr hādes and also enioye the commoditie of them but they seldome or neuer remembre God the maker they thanke not God for these his so greate gyftes and benifittes whiche made preserueth and giueth vs al thynges for our cōmoditie health and felicitie And they defer al thynkyng on God all worshippynge of God tyl they come to theyr temples and chapelles there they wyll execute all theyr veneration worshippyng and Goddes seruice that with more securitie in all other places they maye lyue after theyr owne pleasure and nothyng at all remembre God as they shoulde and that manie wayes they maye abuse the holie creatures and
gyftes of God Wherfore it is merueylous necessarie that the preachers do euer wyth singuler reuerence propoune declare and beate into the people thys article of the creation and preseruation of thynges that is to wit that God made all thynges of nothynge and preserueth the same thorowe his owne onely power bringeth forth and gyueth vs al thynge thorowe his bountiousnes to the entent that they may serue to our vse health and felicite and that he maye require to be knowen and worshypped in these his workes and creatures For whiche cause those places of scripture which testifie set forth thys article shall be often alledged in their sermons faythfully declared and printed in the myndes of the people Of the gouernaunce and administration of all thynges IT is lyke necessary diligently to teache and admonishe the people of the gouernaunce and administration of thynges that they may know that they must aske and loke for healpe from God and learne therwyth that sinne and other horrible mischeifes in the world were not made by god but sprange from an other begynnynge as we wil shewe herafter Wherfore that that the scripture teacheth of the creation of thinges must be so taken as that that is taught Genes i. and. ii Psal xxxij Esai xliij and in manie other places by the prophetes and apostles and as that churche euer beleued that is to saye that God hath not lefte his worke once made as the carpenter leaueth the shippe that he hath made and cōmitteth it vnto the shyppeman beinge litle or nothynge carefull for it afterwarde But we must thinke thus that he is present with his worke and perpetually susteineth and gouerneth the same that he knoweth and beholdeth the doinges of all creatures that he seeth also the thoughtes of angelles men and diuelles and that there is nothing done wythout hym that it is he whiche wyth perpetual mouing gouerneth the heauenlie bodies maketh the grounde fruiteful gyueth life both to man and beast adding fode and other necessarie thynges as we reade actes xvij In hym we lyue are moued and haue oure beinge Hebr. i. he susteyneth al thinges wyth the worde of his power Coloss i. All thynges consist thorowe hym i. Tiuint iiii We trust in the liuinge god which is the sauiour of al mē chiefly of the faythful Here Paule testifieth that God gyueth lyfe not only to the faythful but also to the reste howe beit that is done in vnlike maner not with standinge he teacheth vs that God susteineth preserueth gouerneth the lyfe of al. As he defended Dauid against Goliath Saull Absalō and other his enemies and gaue hym manye other temporal gyftes and lykewyse encreased hym with spiritual benifittes and other gyftes with grace and the holye goste But amonge the heaten he healpeth manye with corporal giftes only as with victorye peace and ritches that politye maye be mainteined and that mankinde maye endure in erth so longe tyl he haue gathered together his whole congregation as Paul witnesseth i. Tim. vi God which quyckneth Item gyue precepte vnto the riche that they truste in God which gyueth vs al thinges abundantly to our commoditie Math. x. Two sparowes are sold for a farthinge and one of them falleth not vpon the groūde wyth out the wil of your father And the heares of your heades be al nombred Psal Ciii All thynges looke vpon the that thou wylte gyue them theyr foode in due ceason whan thou gyueste them they shal gather Whan thou openest thy hand all shal be filled wyth bountuousnes But when thou turneste awaye thy face they shal be trobled Thoue shalte take awaye theyr breath and they shall fayle and returne to theyr dust Thou shalt sende forth thy spirite and they shal be created thou shal renue the face of the erth Psal xxxiii God looke from heauen he seeth all the children of men he frameth theyr hertes euerye one and vndrestandeth al theyr workes Psal xxxvi Men and beastes shalte thou saue Lorde Psal Cxlvii Whiche couereth the heauē with cloudes and prepareth raine to the erth whiche bringeth forth grasse in the mountaynes whyche gyueth foode to theyr catail and to the yong crowes that cal vpon hym Psal Cxlv. The eyes of al loke vpon the Lorde and thou gyueste them foode in due ceason Thou openest thy hande and filleste euery creature wyth thy goodnes Io. v. my father vnto thys tyme worketh I worke By these places of the scripture we are taughte that God is present euerie where knoweth althinges conserueth and susteineth all thynges and gyueth lyfe and mouinge Wherefore this article muste be dyligently thaughte the peoqle and lerned of the same For though the heathē graūt that the world was made by god yet thei doute whether therebe anye prouidence whether God hath anye care of mennes matters and iudgeth them whether he heareth men that calle vpon hym whether he ministre fode peace helth and other benifittes to men but they thinke that these thinges begotten and mainteined by mans industrie As euer such heatheuish persuasions hange in the myndes of men whiche thinge many wordes and sentences of the vngodlye doe wel proue against which Ieremie in his lamētatiōs Cha. iii. crieth myghtely Who is this that sayeth out of the mouth of the highest nether good thynges nor badde come forth what murmureth man againste God and thincketh not howe greuously he offendeth God That the myndes of men than maye be deliuered from those heathnishe opinions the alleged testimonies of the scripture and suche lyke cōcerning the preuidence of God and goueruance of thinges must be deligētly cōsidered we must hold fast in memory that God looketh vpon the hertes of men and wyl iudge the doinges of euerye one that he with out doubte heareth them that cal ryghtly vpon him as it shal be shewed here after Item that he gyueth benifittes to men and frutefulnes of the erth defendeth them and theyr ofspringe from enemies preserueth commen weales et cet As we are cōmanded to aske these thinges and to looke for them from God whan we praye gyue vs this daye oure dayly breade and psal iv Cast thy care vpon the Lorde and he shal nonrishe the vp But howe can a man desire helpe from God if he dreame that God neglecteth creatures that he worketh not in al but that the creatures are caried at al auentures and that men doe al thinges as they list and of theyr owne strength This darcknes of mannes mynde must be ernestly reproued and we must laye euidēt testimonies of the scripture agaynst it For mannes mynde is far gone from God and is ful of doubtinge and horrible darckenes concerning God whiche that God mighte dreue out of oure myndes from the beginninge he hath opened him selfe wyth great miracles He sente also his sonne into the worlde openly which rose from death and raised many other from the dead Al which thinges oughte to strengthen oure faythe that we maye certifie our selfe that God is not ydle
raysed him vp vnto supreme highnes and gaue hym a name aboue al names that in the name of Iesus all knees shoulde bowe etc. After that Christ hath thus handled our matter before the father and pleased his anger afterwarde he executeth the office of a faithful intercessour and patrone he turneth him self to vs he entreateth vs that he may heale oure synnes and weaknes For thys cause he sayed to his disciples All power in heauen and in earth is gyuen vnto me go therfore and teache al nations and receyue them into my discipline preache the Gospel to euerie creature baptising thē in the name of the father and of the sonne and of the holie goste he that beleueth and is baptised shal be saued and he that beleueth not shal be damned And teache them to keepe all those thinges that I haue cōmaunded you Thus thorowe thys shorte and simple preachinge of the Gospell he executeth the busines of oure iustification after a merueylous sorte Therfore as the strēgth and vse of the law muste be declared to the people so the vse and vertue of the Gospell muste be propouned and beaten in wyth singuler diligence For it is the power of God vnto saluation to euerie one that beleueth Ro. i. First then the preachers shall teache that the Gospell bringeth to vs remission of synnes if we beleue it truely and vnfaynedly and determine thorow this fayth that God for his sonnes sake wyll be mercifull vnto vs and accepte vs and compt vs for sonnes not for the dignitie of our workes and they shall teache that therfore it bryngeth peace to our consciences which by reason of synne were fearefull and brused of whiche peace the angelles sange in the tyme of the natiuitie of Christe Glorie in the highest to God and in the earth peace to men And Esaie the discipline of peace is vpon hym Itē Paule Roma v. Iustified of fayth we haue peace towardes God thorowe oure Lorde Christe Iesus Ephe. ij he is our peace etc. Esaie lij Ro. x. howe beautiful are the feete of them that preach peace etc. For where the voice of the Gospel soundeth not oure consciences can haue no peace as Dauid wytnesseth Psal xxxvij There is no whole part in my bodie by reason of thy wrath neither is there peace in my bones bycause of my synne etc. Secondly the Gospell bryngeth to vs the ryghtuousnes of Christe in whiche we maye trust as done for vs and gyuen vnto vs aswell as if we had perfourmed it oure selues For so Paule sayeth i. Cor. i. Christe Iesus is made vnto vs of God wysedome ryghtuousnes sanctification and redemption and Philip. iij. That I may be founde in hym not hauynge my ryghtuousnes of the lawe but that that is thorowe the fayth of Iesus Christ etc. For thys is a perfect true and euerlastyng rightuousnes For our vertues be farre from that ryghtuousnes and perfection of lyfe whiche the lawe of God requireth And besydes that verie manie synnes abyde euer in vs and wonderfull weaknes as Esaie sayeth lxiij all we are as one defiled and all oure ryghtuousnes as a garmēt of beggerlie patches And the Psal O Lorde entre not into iudgemente wyth me etc. which sentence teacheth merueilous playnelye that we can not sette oure worthines agaynste the iudgement of God Wherfore if our saluation shall be certayne vnto vs it must leaue vpō some other rightuousnes and that a perfecte rightuousnes namely vpon the ryghtuousnes of Christe as Paule wytnesseth Ro. viij God hath not spared his owne sonne etc. Therefore oure Iustification and oure rightuousnes before God which S. Paule and all the other Apostles teache consisteth in two thinges in forgiuenes of synnes and gyuynge of the rightuousnes of Christ thorowe fayeth And thys onely is a sure certayne and perpetuall ryghtuousnes which Christ hath caryed vp into heauē with him selfe to the ryght hande of God where no man can oppresse it or ouerthrowe it as innumerable daungers fal vpon our ryghtuousnes dayly Therefore our lyfe is sayed to be hidden wyth Christe in God Col. iij. And seing that we glorie of thys our Lorde and sauiour and his rightuousnes our lyfe is in the heauens Philip. iij. For where our treasure is there is our herte Wherfore the ryghtuousnes of God gyuen to vs in Christe must be diligently and continually beaten into the people by the preachers and they muste take verie good hede that the knowledge and truste thereof be not corrupted and that men slyde not backe agayne to the confidence of mannes ryghtuousnes For though that true fayth in Christ be neuer wythout good workes and loue yet workes deserue not remission of synnes neither is a man acceptable to God for workes but for Christes sake whyle he embraceth and holdeth by fayth his rightuousnes and redemption gyuen vnto hym Thirdly when a mynde affrayed wyth the feelyng of Goddes wrath susteyneth it selfe wyth the voice of the Gospel and thorowe the knowledge of the sauiour Christ and promises of God whiche Christe fulfilleth vnto vs the holie spirite is present and worketh in our hertes a sure truste of Goddes beniuolence and adoption of euerlastyng lyfe For in hearinge of the Gospel the holie spirite is gyuen as Paule wytnesseth Gala. iij. Thys one thinge I desire to learne of you receiued ye the spirite thorow the dedes of the lawe or thorowe the preaching of fayth Item iiij Bicause ye be children God hath sent forth the spirite of his sonne etc. And Iohn vij he that beleueth in me as the scripture sayeth fluddes of lyuely water shall flowe out of his bealy thys thynge sayeth Iohn he spake of the spirite whom they shoulde receyue that beleued in hym And thorowe thys receyuynge of the holie gooste a newe generation is caused whereof Iohn speaketh i. Chap. As many as receyued him he gaue them power to be the sonnes of God them I say that had beleued in his name whiche were not borne of bloud nor of the wyll of man but of God Item Ro. vij who so euer be ledde wyth the spirite of God they be the children of God And. ii Cor. iii. we representing the glorie of the Lorde in a glasse wyth a ryght face are transfigured to the same Image from glory to glorie as of the spirite of the Lorde that is to saye when we receyue thorow fayeth the exedinge mercie of God promised and exhibited in Christe the holy goste worketh in vs a newe lyfe and a newe knowledge of God vnknowen to mannes reason Moreouer thys fayth thys knowledge of God in Christ and assenting to his promises thorowe the worke of the same holie spirite the spirite of adoption kendleth susteyneth cōserueth and encreaseth such loue of God suche desire to gratifie and to serue God and to approue our selues to hym in all thynges to glorifie hym that wyth verie great diligence and carefulnes we keepe our selues from al synne and moste earnestly applie oure selues to all good workes The holy scriptures describe
question What good workes must be taught and done ¶ The answer Those that God hath cōmaunded in the ten cōmaūdemātes those that be cōteyned in the same after the interpretatiō of Christ and his Apostles For we must take ryght good hede that we deuyse not worshyppinges of God and good workes wythout the worde Therfore Christe also sayeth They worshippe me in vayne wyth the cōmaūdemētes of men For God wil that not onely fayth but also al our good workes be limited with his worde as with a sure rule leste after the maner of the heathen we deuyse to our selues vayne imaginations and workes of our owne as it hath chaunsed in callynge vpon sayntes in voued pilgrimages to the bones of sayntes in forbiddynge of mariage and suche lyke ¶ The seconde question Howe maye good workes be done ¶ Answer Mānes diligēce perfourmeth outwarde discipline metely so so But the commaundementes of God require also the inwarde workes of the herte as the feare of God fayth loue towardes the cōmaundementes of God true inuocatiō patience in troubles chastitie cet And it is well knowen that mannes weakenes can in nowise perfourme such workes without Godds healpe Ther fore God poureth his spirite into the hertes of the Godlye which helpeth them whiche gyueth them newe lyght and strength and this is a true exercise wherin God wil haue vs to call vpon Christe and to flee to hym that he maye gyue vs the holie goste and guyde vs therwyth that we fall not For it was an harde thynge for Dauid not to fal into desperation when he was dryuen out of his realme and appeared to be cast away of God Therfore he fled to praier as to an onely holde that was lefte and he required to be stayed and strengthned wyth the holy goste that he myghte call vpon God and loke for the ende of the matter in patience Wherfore Christe sayeth I wyll not leaue you fatherles Item the Lorde sayth in Zacharie Cha. xij I wyl poure vpon the house of Dauid the spirite of grace and prayer that is to saye he gyueth vs the holie goste that we maye beleue vnfaynedly that we are in the fauour of God by whiche fayth our mynde is steared vp to inuocation For whē we knowledge that the mercie of God is present wyth vs we loke for healpe and comfort from him and we submitte our selues to his wyll etc. Therfore God dyd not onely commaunde vs what we shoulde do but also he promiseth and offereth vs healp to do the same The cause why few men vnderstande thys thing and considre it a right is the dissolute and vnreligious lyfe and great securitie that reigneth in the common people For they fyght not agaynst synnes but vtterly folow all maner of lust and fall into greate blyndnes of mynde so that they know neither God nor his workes in men But they that lyue in the feare of God and call earnestly for thys healpe and ayde of the holie goste haue true experience howe present and effectuous his healpe is in affictions Wherfore it is ryghte expedient fo◠fearfull and weake myndes whiche haue some begynnyng and desire of godlines to considre diligently the sayinge of S. Paule Philip. ij It is God that worketh in you both to wyll and to brynge to passe accordynge to the good purpose of his mynde that is to saye though thou feele thy selfe to be weake neuertheles when thou goest aboute any good thynge in thy lyfe accordyng vnto thy vocation vnto the glorie of God be of good comforte and knowledge that God wyll healpe the in thys endeuour and gyue the his holie spirite and good successe to thy worke ¶ The thirde question Howe do good workes please God seinge that there remaineth euer in thys fleshe so great weaknes in thys lyfe For we all haue experience dayly that there sticketh in vs as yet muche doubtyng cōceruyng God and his worde distrust of his presence and healpe inordinate motions and carefulnesse of thys lyfe Whiche woundes of mannes weaknes the sayntes feele to be so much the greuouser as they more studie to remedie them Whiche thinge Paule bewayleth of him selfe Roma vij It is profitable that the people be often and playnely admonished of thys question For a great parte of men be encombred in two errours Some be in perpetual doubte being vncertaine whether their lyfe or workes please God and lyuynge in an heathnishe vngodlines For they can not call vpō God but they flee his syghte There is a verie great multitude of thys sorte amonge men Wherfore thys heathnishe blyndnesse of men muste be diligently reproued An other arrogancie and trust of our owne rightuousnes and workes as was the errour of that pharisie whiche in the temple gloried of the keepyng of the lawe not perceyuyng his owne vncleanes and synnes Therefore that thys double errour and thys blyndnes maye be ouoyded we muste knowe that three thinges are required herevnto that good workes please God Fyrste that the mā him selfe be acceptable to God and be iustified freely for Christes sake Secondly that it is requisite that a newe lyfe folowe and obedience towardes God though it be vnperfecte and though muche weakenes and manie vices remayne in vs. Wherfore we muste remēbre that it is euer needfull to aske forgyuenes of synnes As Christe taught vs all to praye to the father Forgyue vs our dettes For no man vnderstandeth sufficiently howe greate the anger of God is agaynste synne oure reconciler Christ dyd onely fully perceyue it when he sayed If they do thys in the grene wood what wyl they do in the drye we muste not then extenuate and diminishe synne Thirdly though thys obediēce be weake yet we must determine that it pleaseth God in the reconciled for his sonne sake as saynt Petre exhorteth to offre spirituall sacrifices acceptable vnto God thorow Iesus Christ as if he woulde say not for their owne worthines but for the Mediatours sake Christ our only high bishoppe euer makyng intercession for vs. Thys is it that is wonte to be sayed at other tymes that good workes oughte to be done out of fayth that is that a man should not wauer doubtynge whether his lyfe or workes please God but certayne determine that he is acceptable to God for Christes sake as we haue often sayed and therefore that his workes being commaunded by the worde of God be acceptable vnto God for the same Christes sake thoughe they be weake and vnperfecte Therfore faith must be exercised in good workes two wayes Firste that we beleue they please God Secondly that we praye to God that for Christes sake he wil healp vs both to lyue godlie and also to do those workes that shall profitte the common lyfe of mē that he wyll giue thē good successe Nowe let euerie man considre wyth him selfe howe greate thys mercie of God is and howe sweete thys doctrine is It semeth a small worke when the mother bryngeth vp hyr childrē gyueth sucke
hope and loke for corporall goodes from him neither exercise fayeth in askynge and lokynge for those thinges from him suche a mynde shal feele muche lesse of desire and hope of spiritual and euerlastynge goodes Such causes then of good workes must be driuen into men diligently that they may be steared vp to worke well and to auoyed euyll workes Neither haue we neede of a small fyght in thys case that we beware of euyll workes and trauayle constantly in good workes For the weaknes of nature doeth not onely prouoke vs to euyl workes but the deuyll layeth in awayte for vs to dryue vs thereunto wyth merueylous enginnes as S. Petre sayeth that the deuyll goeth about roarynge lyke a Lion and seekyng whom ue maye deuoure And though these thynges seame folishe to thē that lacke the feare of God which folowe theyr lustes without care yet we haue experiēce by dayly exemples that verie manie men are miserably driuen of the deuyl into horrible mischeuous actes and so into temporall and euerlastyng punishmentes For howe many doeth he sende headlyng into Idolatrie and moste pernitious errours concernynge religion How manie driueth he to vniust murthers Howe manie leadeth he to abhominable and incestuous lecherie Whiche euyll thys thinge also is wonte to folowe whiche is moste horrible of all that synnes are punished wyth synnes whereby greater mischiues and abhominations sprynge forth For howe greate and howe horrible synnes folowed of the adulterie of Dauid No sinne is alone there cleaue alwayes to one verie manie other Wherfore the healpe of God muste be called for continually and wyth moste feruent wishes and we our selues muste lyue in feare and continuall care whiche thynge the Apostle cammaundeth Philippi ij worke your owne health wyth feare and tremblyng ¶ The fyfte question what difference is there of synnes Thys question muste be handled bycause as we haue sayd that sinne remaymeth euer in sayntes whyle they lyue here There is a question thē what maner of syn that should be that is euer founde in sayntes For thys thynge muste be wel declared and we must make a difference betwene the sinnes which the sayntes auoyd not in this lyfe and those that stāde not with faith Therfore we must knowe that there is a synne agaynst conscience that is to saye whiche a man committeth wyllyngly and knowyngly Thys in saintes hath no place And if they committe anie suche synne they caste awaye the grace of God and fayth and dryue the holy goste from them and be no longer saintes and acceptable to god Those sayinges of the holy goste testifie thys thynge clearely i. Cor. vi and Gala. v. They that do suche thynges shal not possesse the kingdome of God And i. Iohn iij. My litle chyldren let no man deceyue you he that doeth ryghtuousnes is ryghtuous but he that doeth synne is of the deuyll Wherefore Paule sayeth also i. Timo i. The summe of the commaundement is loue out of a pure herte a good consciēce and fayth not fayned Itē afterwarde keepe fayth and a good conscience Wherefore he that synneth agaynste his conscience he falleth from grace and ryghtuousnes To this kynde of synne wylfull ignoraunce pertayneth also as the ignoraunce of the heathen and pharisies was whiche reiected the Gospel preached of Christe and of the Apostle and woulde be ignoraunt And in all tymes there be many suche men whiche wyll neither heare of Christe the sauiour nor knowe hym and do playnely contemne the voice of God soundyng from heauen Thys is my deare sonne heare hym Suche in oure tyme are the Iewes and the Mahometistes and manie other amonge the aduersaries of the Gospel which fayne that they vnderstande not the Gospell whereas notwithstanding they wyl neither heare it nor admitte it into theyr hertes Hitherto we haue spoken of their synnes that continue not in the grace of God but in committing suche synnes make them selnes subiecte agayne to the wrath of God Neuerthelesse greate corruption of nature weakenes and euyll concupiscence whereof manie naughtie affections sprynge continually remaine in thē that are in fauoure and be reconciled But whyle the sayntes resiste those corrupte motions and beseche the heauenlie father to forgyue them the same for Christes sake beleuyng that thys weaknes and naughtie affections be pardoned to thē for the same Christes sake they keepe styll fayth grace and the holie goste they continue ryghtuous acceptable to God sayntes and heyres of euerlastyng lyfe as S. Paule teacheth excellently Ro. vij viij Testifiyng that no damnation remayneth vnto them that be in Christe Iesu whiche walke not after the fleshe but after the spirite The godlie muste be exercised wyth thys fyght and so they shall wel vnderstande the grace and victorie of Christe agaynste synne and Satan and they shall go forwarde in godlines and in the gyftes of God For the holie goste is not gyuen to the reconciled to maynteyne Idle slouthfulnes but that they shoulde fyghte wyth a perpetuall battayle agaynst synne and Satan and that in such a confflicte they myghte feele the healpe of the spirite Wherefore Paule sayeth i. Cor. vi We exhort you that ye take not the grace of God in vayne Of the true and Germane significatiof thys worde fayth BYcause we haue heretofore spoken muche of fayth in Christe out of S. Paule whereby as the Lorde hym selfe and the whole scripture witnesseth we obtayne remission of sinnes enheritaunce amonge the sayntes and euerlasting life the ministers must remembre and teach the people diligently that thys iustifiynge fayeth is the worke of the holie goste in the chosen of God whereby theyr myndes are so illumined and taught that they certaynly assent to the Gospell of Christ and therfore to the whole scripture and euerie word of God that a man out of the Gospel maye knowe and determine certaynly that God gyueth hym remission of synnes and euerlastyng lyfe for the onely Mediatours sake Christe that he is and wyl be his God and father and accompte hym for his sonne and that he shal be enheriter of eternal lyfe Out of thys fayeth there spryngeth necessarely a true confidence in Christe a loue of God and a desire to lyue after his commaundementes All whiche thynges the holie goste worketh in them that beleue thorowe whō we are borne agayne and be become a new creature of God made in Christe Iesu vnto good workes whiche God prepared that we shulde walke in them Therfore the ministers as we haue sayd must diligently teache the people whē they entreate of iustifiynge and sauynge fayth that thys lyuely and workyng fayth is vnderstanded whiche we defined a litle before and not suche a fayth as maye be wythout the loue of God and wythout good workes For suche one is not true fayth but as it were a dreamyng or rather a dead fayth neither that we vnderstande a maimed faith as is in Satā as was in Iudas and is in al them that despeyre of the mercie of God For this fayth beleueth not the
holie Gospell but onely parte of the Gospel I meane that part wherin God pronoūceth the euerlasting punishment of the euyl and not that part wherein he offereth his grace to them that beleue For they that haue thys fayth beleue that there is a God that made and ruleth all thynges that punisheth the euyll but they beleue not that God wyll be merciful vnto them forgiue them theyr sinnes freely for his sonnes sake Finally that we muste not vnderstande a temperarie fayeth wherewyth men beleue the whole Gospell in dede but it is but for a tyme. For they receyue the worde of God with ioye but whē afliction and persecution chaunceth for the Gospell they fall agayne and theyr fayeth vanishinge out of theyr myndes the sede of Goddes worde though it be spronge vp is kylled and dryeth awaye wyth the heate of persecution Wherefore the preachers muste teache men diligently that when they heare that we whiche beleue in Christe haue euerlastynge life that we be borne agayne thorowe fayth that the chyldren of God be instified and saued thorowe fayth they muste vnderstande and considre that these thinges be spoken of true and lyuely fayeth whiche steareth vp in them that beleue a sure truste of Goddes beniuolence and of adoption vnto euerlastyng life And hereby breadeth in them and enflameth an earnest and feruent loue of God and worketh also a perpetuall and effectuous studie of all holines and sincere seruiceable loue towardes our neighbours Finally bryngeth to passe that they that beleue giue them selues altogyther to the fulfilling of the lawe ¶ Of the crosse and aflictions VVHē this faith is sincerely taught and learned and preuaileth in the lyfe of the sayntes it can not be God so orderinge and finishinge the renuinge of his but the crosse and aflictih◠wyl folow sincere doctrine and a godlie life For God willing thorow his secrete purpose to trie the faith of his and to dryue them to call for his healpe permitteth Satan to exercise them with sundrie tētations whiche is an enemie of pure doctrine and christian Wherfore while this is permitted vnto him he resisteth and wrastleth against good doctrine and godlie life with all the crafte and might that he can and moueth against the same what so euer he hath in his power And he hath the whole world in his power Wherefore Christe calleth him the prince of the worlde Iohn xij If he be then the prince of the worlde what other thynge shall we loke for then that he wil be against vs with al the worlde and wil fight against pure doctrine and pure life Of doctrine Christes worde testifieth Iohn xv If they haue harde me they will heare you also If they haue persecuted me they wil persecute you also etc. And that they wyll persecute a godly life S. Paul teacheth ij Tim. iij. As manie as wyll lyue godlie in Christe shall suffre persecution It is then ryghte necessarie that the ministers of the worde teache comforte and strengthen the people wyth all faythfulnes and diligence to beare the crosse to learne to ouercome aduersities wyth patience For we maye heare euerie where the vngodlie and blasphemous wordes of men that be in aflictions For whē they are warned to arme theyr mynde with patience bycause that aflictiōs are sent of God agaynst that they crie streyght waye that they are not sent of God but of Satan and if thou wylte saye styll that God chastiseth them whom he loueth they saye they wishe that he woulde not loue them so muche When anie incommoditie or aduersitie chaunceth to them vnloked for the cause whereof they can not attayne wyth theyr folishe reason forthwyth they ascribe it to arte magike Whiche errour and superstition is chiefely in vplandishe men and other rude felowes Thorowe whiche errour it cometh to passe that when they fall into anie calamitie they runne streyght waies to wisardes and witches they aske counsell of them and beleue their lyes and for the moste parte burthen them wyth iniuste suspicions and falsely sclaunder them that be innocent Further also they embrace their enchauntmētes and magike remedies vsing the ayde of deuyls which is an horrible defectiō from the true God and a deniyng of him whiche surely be great and heynous synnes for reuengeaunce wherof the wrath of God and manifest punishmentes are wonte to come vpon the vnfaythfull as the Apostle witnesseth Therfore that we maye resist so great wickednes and abhomination and that men maye be broughte to haue true patience in the crosse the preachers muste teache some what after thys sorte of the crosse First though the deuyll wyth his garde burne wyth an incredible hatred agaynste the godlie and desireth excedingly to hurte them by all meanes and in what thynge so euer he can in bodie soule goodes fame as Petre testifieth sayinge the deuill walketh about etc. Neuertheles this is certaine that he can not once moue an heare of our heade excepte God suffre hym so to do as Christe sayth Math. x. Are not two sparowes solde for a farthynge and one of them falleth not vpō the earth wythout your father And the verie heares of your heade are al numbred The storie of Iob witnesseth the same whō Satan coulde not hurte but by the permission of God neither in goodes nor bodie For we are enuironned wyth manie thousandes of Angels which haue charge of vs as the prophete Eliseus sayeth to his ladde iiij of kynges vi When the kynge of Siria commaunded the prophete to be taken Dauid in the Psalm xxxiij wytnesseth that the same is gyuen not onely to Eliseus but also to all the godlie sayinge They that feare the Lorde he compasseth them aboute as it were with pauilions and the watching Angell keepeth them safe But where tentes be pitched there the holiest muste needes be present So Christe hym selfe sayeth also of the yonge children Their angels se alwaies the face of my father whiche is in heauen We maye dayly se and feele thys defence garde and custodie of the Angels if we wilturne oure myndes to the workes of God and considre them wyth the eyes of fayth For how many new enginnes deuiseth Satan daily What mischiues inuēteth he thorowe wicked men wherewyth he yet profiteth nothyng so that we must needes graūt that God disapoynteth those deuises of Satan and not anie wisedome of man Wherfore men muste be taughte diligently that what so euer good or euyll chaunce to them synne onely excepted they beleue it chaunceth to them from God and his prouidence though it be done by the ministerie of Satan and of the vngodly Secondly forasmuche as it is well knowen that aduersitie cometh not by chaunce but by the permission and determined purpose of God we oughte not to doubte but that it chaunceth to vs for good and that suche thynges be as signes of Goddes beniuolence and not of his wrath as the Epistle to the Hebrues teacheth xij My sonne neglecte not the correction of God nor faint thou
waye the fayth of Christ is confirmed in vs that God wyll also be good vnto vs accordynge to our portion and there is a desire steared vp in vs to folowe their exemples Thus the olde church worshypped the sayntes which thing appeareth by certayne soleme prayers called collectes For thus the churche prayeth ¶ In the memorie of the Apostles Petre and Paule Gd whiche haste consecrated thys daye wyth the martyrdome of thine apostles Petre and Paule graunt to thy churche to folowe theyr precepte in all thynges by whō it receyued the begynnyng of religion thorowe Christe our Lorde ¶ On the feast of S. Iohn Baptist God whiche hast giuen vs thys present day honourable in the natiuitie of blessed Iohn graunte thy people the grace of spirituall ioyes and guyde the mindes of al the faithfull into the waye of euerlastynge lyfe thorowe Christe our Lorde ¶ On the natiuitie of S. Stephane Graunt vs we beseche the Lorde to folowe the thynge that we haue in reuerence that we maye learne to loue euen oure enemies for we celebrate his natiuitie whiche coulde praye euen for his persecutours thorowe Christe our Lorde ¶ In the cōmemoration of saynt Laurence Graunt we besech the almightie God that we maye quenche the flames of oure vices whiche gauest the blessed Laurence thy martyre to ouercome the fyer of his tormentes thorowe our Lorde Iesus Christe ¶ In the memorie of S. Agatha God whiche amonge other miracles of thy power gaueste the victorie of martyrdome euen in a fraile kynde graunte mercifully that we maye walke vnto the by hyr exemples whose natiuitie we celebrate thorowe Christe our Lorde ¶ In the cōmemoration of S. Cecilie God which makest vs merie with the yerely solemnitie of thy martyr blessed Cecilie graunt that we may folowe hyr in exemple of godlie conuersation whom we reuerence wyth humanitie Of thys sort be all suche prayers that be anie thinge olde In other made longe afterwarde though there be somewhat mengled of the merites and intercessions of sayntes yet they be not called vpon as Lordes they be not spokē to they be not desired that they wyll offre theyr owne merites for vs to the father or that they wil healpe vs with their intercessions but God onely the father of our Lorde Iesus Christe is called vpon and desired that he wyl vouchsafe to recompēce the good dedes euē of his sayntes in vs and that he wyll both steare vp and make effectuous theyr intercession for vs thorow our Lorde Iesus Christ not by the vertue of the sayntes The thirde abuse is when the wordes of a prayer otherwyse godlie and christian are drawen to an vngodly and vnlawfull ende as when thorowe the Lordes prayer we wil staunche bloude or dryue awaye wolues that they deuoure not our sheepe As some go about to wrest the Psalme xxxv To auoyed woundes Of whiche kinde innumerable superstitiōs and impieties are vsed of vngodlie enchaunters Therefore the preachers shal warne the people diligently how greuous a synne it is howe great wydkednes to abuse the word of god to such witchcraftes and enchauntmentes Which abuse is pernitious and abhommable no lesse thē the abuse of other false and idolatrious doctrine The fourth abuse is when the ende of prayer is peruerted when men reherse the wordes of the prayers wyth thys opinion that they thynke they do acceptable seruice to God and to the sayntes euen wyth thys worke of rehersyng whereas we must pray to God not to do hym some seruice wyth that worke but that we may call for the free healpe of God being in daunger of perils and euyls whiche we haue deserued or that being vnworthie we may receyue benifittes whiche we haue not deserued And that we maye praye wyth a fuller feelynge both of our owne miserie and of the diuine goodnes of Christe and wyth feruenter desire of Goddes healpe we muste vse holy wordes in our prayes But the comon people hath ben brought into thys errour longe sithens by vnfaythfull pastours that they offre the wordes of the Lordes prayer of the Angels salutation of the Psalmes and other prayers to God the blessed virgin other sayntes as some acceptable seruice or gift wherby they thinke they deserue muche of God and sayntes that they purge their synnes and obtayne the benifittes of God Which abuse of praying doth not onely fyght with the worde of God but also is folishe and mad euen by the iudgemente of reason and it may easely be taken away if the people be so enstructed of prayer as we haue shewed before The fyrst abuse in prayinge and no lesse to be reproued and corrected is thys that men communely beleue that theyr prayer is more commended to God and soner hearde by reason of places of whiche they thynke some to be more holy then some as if the prayers be made at certaine grauen stockes or relikes of sayntes or other places wherevnto men go on pilgrimage whiche is a greate dispitefull wronge to the grace and merite of our Lorde Iesu Christe by whom onely our prayers be acceptable vnto God in what place so euer they be made as he hym selfe promised Iohn xv What soeuer ye aske the father in my name he shall gyue it you And moreouer he sayed to the womā of Samarie Woman beleue me the houre cometh when ye shall worshippe the father neither in thys hille nor at Hierusalē God is a spirite and they that worship him must worshippe hym in spirite and truth Iohn iiij And Mathew xviij He sayeth If two of you consente togyther vpon the earth of anie thynge what so euer they aske it shal be done vnto them of my father whiche is in heauen For where two or three are gathered togyther in my name there am I in the middest of them Lo here the Lorde promiseth that we shall be hearde if we consent in prayer and that he wyl be a meane betwene vs and obtayne al thynges for vs of the father whē so euer and where so euer we shall come and agree in his name These promises al they diminishe that thynke they shall be hearde more certaynly and soner in anie place for the respect of grauen stockes or relikes of sayntes or some other outward prerogatiue of the place Howebeit it becometh vs to come to the temples and cōmon places and it healpeth to praye more deuoutly for this cause that the congregation cometh togyther in those places to prayer and bycause we are there more steared vp to praier thorowe the ministerie of the worde and other holie exercises and thorowe the very cōpanie of men prayinge togyther wyth vs. So priuate places haue thys comoditie to prayer that in them we maye praye wyth a more attentiue minde and more lifted vp to God For in these places there chaūce fewer thynges to call our myndes frō the thinges that we go about in our prayers For thys cause we reade that the Lorde Iesus prayed often in mountaynes and gardines as he comaunded vs
the preachers must teach and exhorte the people diligently that they brynge all their gyftes and oblations into a cōmon treasurie of the churche and that liberallie And they shall declare moreouer that this is the deutie not onely of the riche but also of all men after the measure of the goodes whiche the Lorde hath graunted to euerie one of them For Christe offered him selfe for al men no lesse for the pore then for the riche It becometh then al mē to be thākfull and to remembre that pore wydowe whiche by the iudgement of Christe in offerynge of a farthynge gaue more into the cōmon hutche then all the other Marke xij We also God wyllyng shall take suche ordre for the makynge of a cōmon treasurie of the churche wherwyth not onely the pore and beggers shal be succurred but also stipendes shall be appoynted for certayne towarde yonge men whiche shall be brought vp and instituted vnto the ministeries of the churche Wherefore the preachers shal diligently exhort the people that they offre their oblations to the Lorde liberally as often as they come togyther to heare the Lordes worde to the holie baptisme to the receyuynge of the cōmunion of the supper of the Lorde to the cōmon prayers or on the sūdayes and other accustomed festes when mariages are blessed when thankes are gyuen to the Lorde for them which haue recouered them selues from some syckenes whē women lately deliuered go to churche and when so euer god hath gyuen peculiar gyftes to men whiche thynge he doeth euen dayly For we dayly enioye the moste ample benifites of God wherefore we must dayly declare our thākfulnes wyth godlie oblations that the ministerie of the churche maye be euer repared and susteyned and that all mennes necessities maye be bountuously succurred For it is a great and an vngodlie vnthākefulnes that whereas men bestowed so manie thinges most liberally vpon stones wodde and dead mennes bones vpon stationaries and such other vnprofitable fellowes and were cōstrained to bye sacramentes and other ecclesiasticall thynges wyth money nowe in the lyght of the Gospell they wyll not contribute a litle to maynteyne the necessarie and holesome ministerie of the churche to feede the pore the membres of Christe oure bretherne chiefly seinge that they be deliuered of manie superfluous charges whiche we haue rehearsed Therefore the people must be called by the preachers with greate diligence frō those superstitious oblations whiche they were wonte to offre vnto dead sayntes theyr stockes and relikes and they muste be enstructed and exhorted to true and acceptable sacrifices vnto God wherof we haue spoken ¶ A forefence and commaundemente agaynste the errours of the anabaptistes VVe are many wayes premonished both out of the worde of God and also out of histories of ecclesiastical matters that Satan laboureth by al meanes to steare vp and to brynge into the church sundrie sclaunders and offences aswell of doctrine as of lyfe Wherefore the pastours shall watch diligently to turne awaye and disapoynt these pernitious endeuours of Satā and to keepe and deliuer the people of God from all false doctrine In whiche thynge they muste watche chiefely at this tyme. For it is manifest that the anabaptistes runne vp and doune in moste places and with merueylous craftes and giles creepe in amonge the simple whiche also haue dryuen not a fewe out of theyr wittes whō they hold entāgled caught in a snare Agaynst this incōuenience it shal be right expedient if the pastours often enstructe the people of those articles of oure religion for whiche the anabaptistes chiefely moue controuersies and cōfute their dotyng dreames substātially out of the worde of God Hereby the people certaynly knowyng how vngodly theyr opinions be being so armed aforehande shal easely determine that the authours of suche doctrine must be necessarily eschued and condemned And the more that they shal abhorre frō the vngodly faininges and blasphemies of these men the more easely they shall be reteyned in the studie of sincere doctrine and ecclesiastical consent And the diligent handlynge and large exposition of suche places causeth al men in the cōgretion to be more plentifully and certeynely enstructed and confirmed in the doctrine of Christe And that the people maye be armed aforehande agaynste the vngodlie imaginations of these men the preachers muste entreate playnely and clearely of all theyr articles and shewe howe noysome and pestilent they be and full of all pernitious perturbation of the cōmon weale sedition horrible blasphemies against god and his holy Gospell For some make for the ouerthrowyng of outwarde politie some for the confirmation and ignoraūce of synnes to blow vp a truste of oure owne ryghtuousnes and establishe a contempte and violation of the sacramētes holy ministerie of the church The chiefest then of these muste be declared to the people by name and often repeted As these be where as they say that to administre the cōmon weale to exercise cōmon iudgementes to punishe yll doers be offices and workes contrarie to the preceptes of Christ whiche a christian man ought not to do Itē that to offre an othe or to sweare at the commaundement of them that administre the cōmon power or be lawfull Iudges is agaynst the Gospell Item that it is sinne for a man to haue anie thynge propre but that all christen men oughte to make theyr goodes common Item that a Catabaptiste maye forsake his wyfe whiche alloweth not his errours and contrarie wyse It is euident that these errours be seditious and that they muste be aswell restrayned as other seditious deuises and dedes are wonte to be Wherefore the cōmon officers muste punishe these felowes with cōueniēt rigorousnes And the preachers must shewe the people by the scriptures that these Imaginations be agaynst the Gospell and that they haue theyr begynnyng frō the naturall arrogantie of mē rebellion and cōfusion whiche fyghte agaynste the kyngdome of Christe The Anabaptistes whiche keepe not the difference of spirituall and politike lyfe vnderstande not that the Gospell teacheth the knowledge of God and the inuocation of hym in Christe Iesu oure Lorde and eternall ryghtuousnes and that neuertheles it improueth not these outward thynges to eate and to drynke wyth thankesgyuyng Item these ciuile thynges to gouerne the common weale exercise Iudgementes to make warre to go a warfare to obeye the officers to marie to keepe oure owne goodes to gette and mainteyne riches with labour and lawfull bargaynes to set forth sciences profitable for our lyfe to teache wel the youth and suche lyke whiche in godlie men are the verie worshippinges of God These thinges further godlines and cōmon tranquillitie and it is profitable to amplifie thys dignitie of polityke thynges whiche when they beginne to vnderstande then mē shall applie them selues more gladly to this diuine ordinaunce and they shall learne to exercise fayeth and loue in these actions of life And they shall obeye the officers wyth all theyr hertes and as muche as in
men wyth all theyr hertes for the Lorde Christes sake that they serue al maner of men and do them good in all thynges that perteyne to the neede of the bodie or to ciuile societie Therefore in thys ciuile lyfe societie they exercise theyr fayth and shewe exemples of loue towardes their neighbours wyth whom they lyue in all theyr necessities all maner of wayes What soeuer geÌ„tle behauiour there is in the world what so euer perteyneth or healpeth to faythfull and honest ciuilitie and participation of present thynges and to the maynteinyng and adurnyng of the common weale that christeÌ„ meÌ„ only do rightly vnderstand labour to perfourme most proÌ„ptly In like maner the pastours must often substantially declare and excusse those doctrines also that perteyne to a spirituall lyfe for whiche the Anabaptistes make muche busines as of originall synne of the baptisme of infaÌ„tes of the rightuousnes of fayth and these thinges they shall teache out of the holie scriptures as of original synne what an horrible euyll it is bycause mannes reason doeth noâ— se those thynges to be damned whiche remayne in the nature of man I meane the ignoraunce of God want of the feare of God and distrusting of God Item that God alloweth the baptisme of our infantes receyueth our infantes into his chyldren thorowe baptisme and maketh them heyres of his grace and euerlastyng lyfe That remission of synnes the communion of Christe the felowshoppe of a newe and blessed lyfe is only in the congregation of Christ and not amonge the Iewes or Turbes or other men amonge whom the Gospell is not preached the sacramentes of Christe are not administered but rather the name and doctrine of Christ is blasphemed The matter standing thus and seinge that it is euident that God wyl be the God of our seede also that is to saye a sauiour and authour of a newe and blessed lyfe to vs which thorowe Christ be made the sonnes of Abraham and heyres of the promyse and couenaunte whiche God Gene. xvij Gala iii. made wyth hym the father of all them that beleue the matter beinge thus I saye surely we maye conclude and it is playne that our infantes borne of vs synners and loste through synnes muste be offered to Christ be incorporated to him thorowe baptisme that by hym they maye be washed in the churche from synnes and haue his ryghtuousenes gyueÌ„ theÌ„ put vpon them For seing that the kingdome of Christ is reueiled amounge vs and the mistery of redemptioÌ„ and saluation wrought by Christe is more clearely and abundauÌ„tly exhibited and preached then before for manye Kynges and prophetes desired to heare and see the thinges that we heare and se and it was not giuen to them it muste needes be that they playnlie knowe not the Gospell of Christe and coÌ„munion of sayntes amonge them selues that were sayntes in dede and acceptable to God or els that they inuade Christe and his churche with a wicked furie whosoeuer they be that wyl not haue our infantes to be purged from synnes wyth the Sacramente of regeneration and to be planted in the churche of God seinge that it behoued infantes of the olde people to be sanctified and planted into the bodie of Christ whiche is the churche wyth that Sacramente that God then gaue them for thys purpose For why shoulde oure infantes perteyne lesse to the kyngdome of God then theirs seinge that thorow Christ we be grafted in the holy roote of that people and made partakers of the blessed fatnes of thys Olyue Ro. xâ— Furthermore we haue giueÌ„ vnto vs a migâ—tier spirite Romo viij But we be gotten iâ— synnes aswel as the Iewes and haue neede to be deliuered from synnes thorowe Christ and to be brought vnto the life of God and that in Christes church For there is not saluation wythout the churche where neither the worde nor Sacrament is Infantes then muste be planted into the church we must gyue them the signe that wytnesseth that the promise perteyneth vnto theÌ„ And forasmuche as in this time the Gospel the grace of God and redemption of Christe be more clearely and effectuously exhibited and preached in the churche both wyth wordes and sacramentes then amonge the olde people euerie man surely beinge rightly warned hereof excepte he be a verie vngodlie person shall acknowledge that oure infantes also muste be washed from synnes by baptisme whiche is the Sacrament of regeneration and that they muste be planted into Christe our Lorde and his churche in whiche church Christe worketh thorowe his worde and sacramentes as Ephesâ— v. Paule sayeth that Christ loued the coÌ„gregation and gaue him selfe for it to sanctifie it and cleanse it wyth the lauer of water etc. He describeth not the congregation wythout signes and without the worde Wherefore he sayeth also in an other place one bodie one spirite one Lorde one fayth one baptisme Whiche thynges surely do testifie that they whiche perteyne to the coÌ„gregation be planted into the same wyth some outwarde signe also If meÌ„ shall be warned hereof often and substantially they shal reuerentlie vse holie baptisme they shal come to it and stande by it more religiously and they shal more feruently pray for the grace of God to them selues and to the infaÌ„tes and wyth purer myndes and greater sanctification of them selues they shal labour to offre to Christe the Lorde both their owne chyldren and also the chyldren of the whole church according to the Lordes wordes suffre the litelones to come vnto me for the kingdome of heauen perteyneth to such Whiche moste sweete sayinge of the Lorde oure sauioure they shall also embrace wyth more certeyne fayth and wyth greater deuotion gyue God thankes for his so greate benifitte Men shall moreouer be moued and enflamed to procure theyr chyldren beinge grafted in Christe to be brought vp to hym and to his churche wyth greater diligence and they shall cause them to be nosseled in the knowledge of him that they may profite the church and wheÌ„ they be growen vp they shall dedicate them betymes as the membres of Christe vnto his churche being the sonnes and heyres of God and ioynte heyres wyth Christ In lyke maner the rightuousnes of fayth must be declared and sette forth by comparyng of the Anabaptisticall imaginations For that comparison shall brynge greater lyght to thys ministerie I saye when it shal be playnely shewed howe greate difference there is betwene the true ryghtuousnes of Christ and the hypocrisie of these heretikes For that rightuousnes that the Gospel teacheth is to take handfast of Christ the lorde with sure faith so that the mynde trust therin constantly and call vpon God the father thorowe Christe wyth the coÌ„fidence of chyldren and studie to glorifie the same wyth good workes wherewyth our neighbours may be holpen by al possible meanes accordynge to all the power of the holie goste that it hath receyued But the rightuousnes whiche the Anabaptistes teache and wherin they boste themselues is al
the Sacramente of Christes bodie and bloude The olde fathers administred thys Sacramente of the supper of the Lorde euen to infantes wyth Baptisme But seynge that that custome is worne awaye not wythout a cause it is conuenient and it perteyneth to godlines that the parētes wyth the godfathers and the kinsfolke whiche obteyne the moste holie Sacrament of regeneration for theyr infantes shoulde vse the supper of the Lorde wyth singuler desire of the spirite that they maye receyue the communion of Christe to them selues whiche they obteyne in Baptisme for theyr infātes Which thing healpeth to the edification of other also yea of the whole congregation and it commendeth the holie cōmunion of Christe to other Therfore that all thynges maye be done more diligently and wyth greater religion in the administration of holie Baptisme we wyll that when so euer it maye be conueniently done the Catechisme or instruction of the parentes and godfathers and the exorcisme of the infātes be exhibited the day before the holie daye or sunday that baptisme shal be ministred For seinge that Baptisme muste be ministred in an high administration whē al the church is gathered togither it is cōuenient that in these holie actions suche moderation of both the sacramētes be vsed that maye healpe to steare vp the deuotion of the people and that thorowe longe taryinge it gyue not some occasion of negligēce or of diminishynge the godlie feruentnes of the mynde Wherefore when it maye so be it shall be profitable to seperate in tyme the handlinge of the Catechisme and exorcisme from the ministration of baptisme after the custome of the olde fathers But when the people can not be commodiously present bicause that manie of them dwell farre from the temple or for some other iuste cause then the exorcisme and Catechisme may be handled wyth Baptisme Howe be it the pastours shall laboure as muche as is possible that thys moste holie Sacrament of Baptisme whiche is the first adoption receyuyng and entrynge into the kyngdome of Christe be not administred and receyued but before the whole congregation wyth greate grauitie and reuerence Whē the Catechisme then and exorcisme shal be handled the daye before Baptime let the infantes be brought forth at the euening assēble at the whiche people bycause of the holie day folowyng or sundaye is wont to be present The parentes and the kinsfolke after the exemple of the olde saintes muste also be presente and brynge theyr Infantes to the temple Which and other being come togyther the pastours and ministers muste fyrste playnely declare the misterie of holie Baptisme and the exceadynge benifittes of God exhibited therein to them whiche brought the chyldren and to the reste of the people with singuler grauitie and religion Secondly they shal exhorte thē to a godlie and faythfull receyuyng of so greate a Sacramente and so inestimable benefittes of Christe Then they shall require of the parētes godfathers to renounce Satā the worlde and to confesse the principal articles of our fayth and religion whiche confession and renunciation they muste make playnly and grauely before the whole congregation ¶ A fourme of Catechisme that is to saye of institution exhortation and demaundes made to the godfathers and all them that brynge infantes to holie Baptisme FYrste the pastoure other ministers standynge by hym shall thus exhorte them whiche brynge the infantes to Baptisme Beloued in Christe Iesu we heare dayly out of the worde of God and learne by our owne experience that all we from the fal of Adam are conceyued and borne in synnes that we are giltie of the wrath of God and damned thorowe the synne of Adam except we be deliuered by the death and merites of the sonne of God Christe Iesu our onely sauiour Seinge then that these present infantes be borne in the same state and condition that we were it is playne that they also be spotted wyth originall synne and disease and that they be subiecte to eternall death and damnation But God the father accordynge to his vnspeakeable gentlenes and mercie towardes mankynde sent his sonne to saue the worlde Wherfore he wyll also that these infantes be saued He bare the synnes of all the worlde and deliuered and saued aswell the infantes as vs whiche be of greater age from synnes death the diuel and euerlastynge damnation which would haue the infantes to be offered vnto hym that he myghte gyue them his blessynge Wherfore according to your christiā godlines take thys childe bryng him vnto Christ and offre hym wyth your godly prayers that he may obteyne of him remission of his synnes and be remoued into the kyngdome of grace beinge deliuered from the tirrannie of Satan and that he maye be made heyre of eternal saluation And be ye most certeine hereof that oure Lorde Iesus Christe wyll mercifully regarde thys worke of your charitie towardes thys infant and that he wyll heare your prayers for he him selfe thus cōmaunded wyth hys worde Suffre the litleones to come vnto me for vnto such perteyneth the kingdome of God Wherefore beloued I exhorte you and beseche you as manie as be present that you wyll religiously considre wyth your selues the greatnes of thys ministration and worke that we go aboute For ye se howe the churche humbly but constantly bryngeth hither these miserable weake infantes destitute of al strēgth Wyth whiche dede they confesse playnely that they be the childrē of the wrath of God of synne and euerlastyng death They pray for them wyth godlie and feruent wishes desiring to obteyne for them the grace and healpe of God that thorowe baptisme beinge borne agayne of God they may be the chyldren of God Thynke not then that anie triflynge or chyldishe thynge is handled in thys holie administration wherein warre is taken in hande agaynste Satan wherein he is not onely dryuen out of the infant but the infant is bound with an othe that he euer warre agayng hym as the enemie of his kynge Christ vnto his last breath wyth all his power Wherefore God must be called vpon wyth greate confidence and moste feruent prayers that he wyll not onely deliuer thys chylde from the power of Satan but also strēgthen and defende hym that thorowe out all his lyfe and chiefely in the poynt of death he maye stande fyght agaynst Satan valiauntly Wherefore lyfte ye vp your myndes also and thynke that you muste in thys place heare the worde of God wyth singuler deuotion that you muste call vpon God with lyuely fayth and that here you are prouoked to prayer for a moste weightie cause Therefore behaue your selues so that God maye se your religion and allowe it neither suffre ye that thys moste holie Sacramente of Baptisme be vnworthelie handled thorowe you and be made a mocke vnto Satan and so shame be done to God whiche here powreth forth so greate ryches of his grace For he hym selfe calleth thys Sacramente the lauer of regeneration whereby he maketh vs his owne sonnes heyres of
exercised wyth aduersitie and sundrie miseries we must remeÌ„bre that we are baptised and that in baptisme al our sinnes euils be ouercomed and deade and that they be dayly wasted and obolished more and more thorowe the crosse and suÌ„dry afflictions which God sendeth vnto vs and that the newe man is continually renued and repared thorow the vertue of the resurrection of Christe Therfore of ryght we oughte to thanke God for his so vnspeakeable mercie and we muste also praye therwyth that he wyll vouchsafe euer to further and at the last to finishe his worke whiche he hath begonne in vs and in all them whom he hath called to baptisme The preachers shal vse such exhortatioÌ„s loÌ„ger or shorter accordyng to the tyme out of the forsaid places of the scripture and other lyke and then they shall adde the interrogations folowyng ¶ InterrogatioÌ„s or demauÌ„des which shall be propouned to the godfathers and to the parentes of infantes Do ye beleue that those thynges be true whiche I shewed you out of the worde of God concernyng the corruption of nature thorowe originall synnne and concernynge regeneration in Christ our Lorde and euerlastyng communion wyth God whiche is exhibited thorowe holie baptisme ¶ Answere ¶ We beleue Do you require then wyth al your hertes and wyth true fayth that thys your infant whom ye haue brought and offered to Christe be deliuered from thys corruption of nature thorowe the merite and vertue of Christe in baptisme and be reconciled to God and borne againe into a new and perpetuall lyfe ¶ Answer ¶ We require it Do ye then renounce in your name and in the name of the chylde the deuyll and all his workes ¶ Answere ¶ We renounce And the worlde also and all his concupiscence ¶ Answere ¶ We renounce Do ye beleue in God the father almightie maker of heauen and earth ¶ Answere We beleue And do ye beleue that God wyll be a father to you and to thys Infante when it is baptised and that he wyll keepe you froÌ„ all euyll thorowe his almightie power wysedome and mercie and heape benifittes vpon you and that therefore you oughte to feare hym and loue hym aboue al thynges ¶ Answere We beleue Do ye beleue in our Lorde Iesus Christe his onely sonne which to redeme vs became maÌ„ suffered died was raysed froÌ„ death ascended into heaueÌ„ and sitteth on the ryght haÌ„de of the father froÌ„ theÌ„ce gouerneth his churche thorowe his almightie power and shal come in th ende of the worlde appeare to al meÌ„ a iudge of the dead and the quicke ¶ Answere We beleue Do ye confesse out of this fayth that our Lorde Iesus Christe is also your Sauiour and Sauiour of thys chylde whiche by his death hathe purged your synnes also and hath recoÌ„ciled you to God and instified you thorowe his resurrection and wyl at length fully finishe vp the Image and lyfe of God in you beinge cleansed from all synne ⧠Answere We confesse Do ye beleue also in the holie goste the holie and vniuersall churche the communion of saintes the remission of synnes the resurrection of the fleshe and lyfe euerlasting â–ª ⧠Answere We beleue Out of thys confession do you beleue that the holie goste wyl be your teacher and comforter and the teacher and comforter of thys chylde and that you be the true membres of the bodie of Chrisâ—e oure Lorde and of his churche and that thys childe by baptisme shall be a membre of Christe and his churche wherein he shall haue remission of sinnes a sure hope of resurrection and life euerlastynge ⧠Answere We beleue Wyll ye then take the infante from baptisme and compte hym for a verie sonne of God a brother and membre of Christe and as soone as he cometh to the vse of reason if peraduenture he shall leese his parentes or if they shall be negligente in thys behalfe wyll ye take the charge of him that he may learne the ten commaundementes the articles of oure fayth the Lordes prayer the sacramentes both at home and in the congregation that from his chyldehode he maye beginne to vnderstande the misterie of baptisme and the benefittes of Christe gyuen to hym therin and afterwarde when he is wel instructed in the religion of Christe that he confesse his fayth in the congregation wyth his owne mouth and thorow the participation of Christe that he gyue hym selfe to obedience towardes God and the congregation ¶ Answere We wyll ⧠Here the past oure shall exhorte agayne the parentes and the multitude standyng by RemeÌ„bre then beloued that ye must with all faythfulnes and diligence perfourme the thynge that ye haue promised here in the sight of god Christ our sauiour which is amonge vs and before his holie coÌ„gregation And all you parentes godfathers and other that staÌ„de by acknowledge this childe after that he hath receyued baptisme as the sonne of God and membre of Iesus Christ to whom the Angelles be presente as ministers and serue hym neither doubte ye but that what so euer good or euyll ye do to thys seelie Infant you do the same to God and to Christe the Lorde Lette it not be anie payne to you then that euery one of you accordynge to his state kynred and vncation procure thys chylde to be godlie and religiously broughte vp and instructed that at length he maye keepe all those thinges that Christe oure Sauiour commaunded to vs. It perteyneth then vnto you whiche are giuen of God to thys chylde to be parentes kynsfolke or godfathers to procure as sone as he is growen vp to brynge hym to scholes to the coÌ„gregatioÌ„ that he may be instructed moore fully in the misteries of Christe and in other thynges that he may perceyue the grace and exceadyng benifittes of God gyuen in baptisme that he gyue accompt of his fayth before the coÌ„gregation that he renounce in dede the diuyl the worlde wyth al concupiscences that he wholie gyue hym selfe to Christe our Lorde and to his coÌ„gregation to be obedient in all poyntes accordyng to his gospel and so coÌ„tinue in Christ our Lorde vnto th ende and euer go forward in newnes of lyfe as a lyuely membre of Christe and that beinge a fruiteful braunch in thys vinyarde he brynge forth the plentifull fruite of all good workes to the prayse of God and edification of the churche ⧠Here foloweth the Exorcisme or adiuration HEre the past oure shall coÌ„maunde the chylde to be brought nere him and shal demauÌ„d his name which knowen he shal say I coÌ„maunde all euyll spirites in the name of oure Lorde Iesu Christ to departe froÌ„ thys infant and to do hym no hurt anie maner of wayes ⧠After thys makyng the figure of the crosse wyth his thombe vpon his foreheade and vpon his brest let hym saye Take the figure of the holie crosse in thy foreheade that thou neuer be ashamed of God and Christ thy sauiour or of his Gospell take it also on
maye be more cōforted and the celebration of so great a sacrament more augmented and the benifite of Christ bestowed vppon the childe throughe Baptisme more commended the preachers shall alowe the same in the congregacion vsinge a lesson of the holye Gospel and praier after this sorte ▪ The pastor whā thei become which bring such an infante vnto the Lorde shal first demande of them Beloued in Christe forasmuche as we be al borne in synne and the wrath of God giltie of eternall death and damnacion and can by none other meanes get remissyon of sinnes righteousnes and euerlastinge lyfe than through faith in Christ and forasmuch as also this infant is borne subiect to these euils I meane of death and the wrath of god I aske of you whether he were offered to Christ and plāted in hym through baptisme If they answere that they so beleue he shal aske thē further by whom it was done and who wer presēt And whā they haue named them he shall aske him whiche bi there relacion Baptised the childe if he bee present or other whiche then were presente whether the name of the Lorde were called vpon him and prayer made for him If they answere that they did so he shall aske how the childe was baptised If thei than answere in water and wyth these wordes I baptise the in the name of the father the sonne and the holye gost he shal aske them laste of all whether they certainly knowe that thei haue rightly vsed the worde of god and if they answere that thei know and remembre that they dyd so lette the pastoure saye this moreouer Forasmuch as beloued in Christe I here that althynges concerninge the baptisme of this infante haue been done in the name of God and according to his institution I pronounce in the name of Christe that ye haue doone well For infantes wante the grace of God whych our sauiour Christ denieth not vnto theym whensoeuer it is asked for children according to his worde for he hath not bound the benifite of his redemption to anye places times or persōnes For in what place soeuer they that beleue in hym come to gether in hys name he is present in the middest of them and whan he is caled vpon thoroughe fayth he worketh in hys worde and sacramentes and he performeth in ded whatsoeuer he offreth in hys sacramentes promiseth in hys wordes And to confirme this fayeth and that we maye sterre vp our selues to thanke the Lorde for thys hys so greate benifyte ministred to this infante by baptisme lette vs heare out of the gospell howe the Lorde wyll haue children brought vnto hym and howe he wyll bountouslye blesse them whyche be offered vnto hym Marcke x. ¶ And thei brought children vnto him that he myght touche them etc. By these wordes of Christe we bee certified that as manye infantes as bee offered vnto Christ according to his word pertayne to the kingdome of God bee the chyldren of God the mēbres of Christ that the Angels be present with them as mynistres and that al the creatures of god be subiecte vnto thē to do them good Wherfore we must ministre to such with singuler diligēce that they maye bee well broughte vp in Christe and growe in him and this charge pertaineth to you parētes kinsfolkes godfathers and all other frendes which be of the body of thys our congregacion I commende than thys infante the sonne and heire of God the brother and coheire of christ the mēbre of christ and youre membre in Christe to your faithfulnes charge that ye procure hym wyth al diligence to be noryshied brought vp and enstructed to the Lord to whom he is borne again and to the kingdom of god to which he is borne againe eueri man accordinge to his vocation and power that assone as he can for hys age he maye learne to keepe all those thinges that Christe commaunded to bee kepte Wherefore it pertayneth to you chiefely parentes godfathers and kinsfoke thought all other in this congregation and all chrystian men to whome soeuer he shall come ought not to denye theire labour and healpe to procure that this infante assone as he may for his age be brought to the schole and to the congregaciō and be enstructed in the misteries wyth all faythfulnes that he may lerne to acknoledge and magnifie the moste ample benifites of God receyued in baptisme that afterwarde he maye professe his faith him selfe in the congregacion that with his owne voyce he maye renounce satan and the worlde with all his entysementes and workes before the holy congregacion that he may bynd himselfe to Christ and to his congregacion vnto all obedience and continue in the same vnto the ende as a liuelye membre of Christ and a branch continuyng in Christ and brynging furth plentiful frute vnto the praise and glorie of god and edificacion of his church After thys let him saie lainge his hande on the childe The lord bee with you Answere And with thy spirite Lette vs praye Lorde God the father of oure Lorde Iesus Christ whiche haste be gotten agayne this infant of water and the holye goste and haste giuen him in holye Baptisme remission of all sinnes confirme the same with thy grace and guide and further this new life whyche thou haste giuen and fynyshe it vp where vnto thou haste bounde the infante with this hollye Sacramente Graunte also to hys parentes and to vs all that we maye faythfully and diligently serue the in takinge charge of hym that thoroughe hym and vs all they name dayly be more and more sanctified and thei kingdom promoted vnto the full fruision of blesfulnes thorough Christ our Lord. Amē But if they whiche offre the infante can not answere sufficiently to the sayd demandes so that thei graūt that they doe not wel knowe what they thought or dyd in baptising being sore trobled with the present dāger as it often chauceth than omittinge curious disputacions lette the pastoure iudge such an infante not to be yet baptised and let him do all those thinges that pertaninge to this ministracion as we described before that is to say let him vse an admonicion and catechisme to theim that brynge the chylde and an exorsisme of the childe the commen confession of the faith and al other thinges which done lette him baptise the infant with out condicion in the name of the father the soonne and the hollye goste ¶ Of the confirmacion of thildren baptised And sōlemne profession of theyr fayth in Christ and of therir obedience to be shewed to Christe and to his congregation THys custome hath beene obserued in the olde and newe testament of the institution of God that those whych in theyr first infancie were receiued into the grace of the Lord a mong the olde people by circumsicion and in the newe people by baptisme assone as they had vnderstanded this benifite of God whiche they had receyued and assone as they hadde a fore conceyued fayth in God
a Christian Answere To be borne agayn in Christ and to haue remission of sinnes and partipation of euerlastinge lyfe through him Demaunde Wher by trusteste thou that these thynges be geuen the Answere Bicause I am Baptised in the name of the father the sonne and the holie gost Demaunde What beleuest thou of God the father the sonne and the holie gooste Answere The same that the articles of oure crede do comprehende DemaÌ„ Rehearse them Answer I do beleue in God the father almightie etc. ¶ Let the chylde in this place recite al the articles of the crede playnely and distinctlie Demaun What vnderstaÌ„dest thou whaÌ„ thou sayest I beleue in God the father in the sonne and in the holie goste Answere That they be three personnes of one substance and power and yet but one God Demaun Why sayest thou God almightiâ— maker of heauen and earth Answere Bycause I beleue that god as he made al otheâ— thynges so he made me of nothynge by hiâ— onely sonne oure Lorde Iesus Christe and preserueth and gouerneth thorowe the same Iesus Christe alone and is present in euerie place and worketh all good thynges in all men thorowe his onely euer wyse purpose and ryghtuous wyl Demaund How doest thou vnderstand the second article of Christ our Lorde Answere I knowledge thereby that our nature thorowe the fal of Adam is so corrupted that no angell nor man coulde purge oure synnes and satisfie for them so that it was necessarie that the eternal worde the sonne of God shoulde be made man coÌ„ceyued of the holie goste and borne of the substance of the virgin Marie a verie man vndoubtedly but wythout sinne which thorowe his death satisfied for our synnes and thorowe his resurrection and ascention into heauen he sat vs wyth hym selfe in heauenly thynges to whom the father hath gyuen alpower in heaueÌ„ and in earth that he may gouerne vs and restore in vs his owne Image and at length when he shall come to iudge the quicke and the deade that he may â—ayse vs from the deade and that he maye gyue to vs whiche were perfectly framed againe to his owne Image the enheritaunce of eternall bliffulnes in heauen and deliuer other to be punished in euerlastynge fyre whiche haue obstinately despised him Demaund What is the meanyng of the thirde article Answere Thus that Christe the Lorde hath gyueÌ„ the holy goste to vs which thorowe the ministerie of the Gospel gathereth togyther the faythfull into his congregation wherin they must be euer steared vp vnto repentaunce and vnto fayth and to receyue remission of synnes by the worde of God and sacrameÌ„tes of the communion of Christ and so in leadyng a lyfe holie godly and profitable to theyr neyghbours wyth a good coÌ„science that they loke for Christ the sauiour which shal take theÌ„ vp to him selfe in heauen out of thys worlde and shall also rayse vp agayne theyr bodies in the daye of iudgement vnto an heauenlie life Demaun Doest thou then surelie beleue al these thinges Answere I beleue them al and I praye God that he wyl vouchsafe to encrease this fayth in me Demaunde What ought thys fayth to worke in the. Answ That I doubte nothynge but that God and the father of oure Lorde Iesus Christe whiche wyth this his sonne sent vs his word and gaue vs all thynges is the only true God that he made all thynges of nothynge that he onely worketh and gyueth all good thynges and that he wyl shewe hym selfe a father vnto me also for the same his soÌ„nes sake our Lorde Iesus Christe that he washed me from synnes wyth holie Baptisme that he gaue me his holie spirite that he incorporated me to his deare sonne so receiued me into his church and adopted me to be his sonne and heyre that also he wyll keepe me in his congregation gyue me in the same repentaunce and remission of synnes and the communion of his sonne that thorowe hym I may euer cal vpoÌ„ his name with childrens trust and that in the renuing of my self I may profit dayly vnto his Image furthemore I beleue that thorowe his worde and sacramentes he wyll confirme and encrease the same in me so that I maye studie continually to sanctifie his name and to serue his congregation wyth all maner of good workes tyl he take me out of thys worlde vnto heauenlie ioyes and the blessed resurrection Al which thynges I acknowledge that thei be perfourmed vnto me and shal be thorowe the onely free mercie of the heauenlie father and thorowe the inestable merite of his sonne oure Lorde Iesus Christ Demaund God and our heauenlie father encrease and confirme this thy fayth thorowe his sonne oure Lorde Iesus Christe Amen Doest thou thynke then and doest thou acknowledge in thys fayth that thou art verily the sonne of god his heyâ—e the brother and ioynt heyre of our lorde Iesu Christ and therfore a meÌ„bre of his bodie which the coÌ„gregation is Ans I thinke so acknowledge trustyng in the most certeyne promise of Gods beniuoleÌ„ce and in the merite of our lorde Iesus Christ Dem. Doeth that please the theÌ„ and doest thou allowe it and wilte thou continue in the same that thy godfathers promised and professed in thy name at holy baptisme when in thy steede thei renouÌ„ced SataÌ„ the world and bound the to Christe and to his congregation that thou shouldest be thorowlie obedient to the Gospel Ans I allowe these thinges and by the healpe of our Lorde Iesus Christ I wyl coÌ„tinue in the same vnto th ende Dem. And doest thou thy selfe renounce Satan and all his workes wyth thy herte and mouth here in the syght of God and before his holie coÌ„gregation Ans I renounce Dema. And the worlde and all his coÌ„cupiscences Ans I renounce Dema. And doest thou wholy giue selfe vnto al obedience of Christ and his coÌ„gregation Ans I wholy giue ouer my selfe thereunto Dema. How wast thou first adopted of God to be his sonne to be receyued into his coÌ„gregation Ans By holie baptisme Dema. What is baptisme The laâ—â—eâ— of regeneration wherby I am washed from sinnes and grafted in Christe the Lorde and haue put him vpon me Dem. Wilt thou coÌ„tinue in this coÌ„munioÌ„ of Christ vnto th ende Ans I will by the healpe of our Lorde Iesu Christ Dem. What requireth this coÌ„munioÌ„ of Christe Ans That I coÌ„tinue in this doctrine that I haue coÌ„fessed in al the articles of our fayeth and that I beleue that I haue remission of sinnes in Christ the Lord that I am iustified acceptable to God and heyre of euerlastynge lyfe for this deare beloued soÌ„nes sake not thorow myne owne merite of rigtuousnes further that I studie to liue according to al the coÌ„mauÌ„dementes of God And that I may go forwarde in this knowledge of God and obedieÌ„ce it requireth that I diligently heare the worde of God by the ministers chiefely vpoÌ„ the suÌ„daies and holy dayes and if the Elders of
Mathew Marcke Luke and Paule clearely describe vnto vs as we shewed before Who is he than whiche beinge well admonished hereof wil not coÌ„clude furthwith that al they that wil christianely and holesomely handle this sacrament must consider and folowe as S. Ciprian very godly warneth not that that some other hath done before vs no not what the hole world doth or thyncketh to be done but what Christe the Lord dyd and coÌ„maunded to be done which is before al thinges whych is the maker and redemer of the world nether only the highest amonge vs but also our only master and teacher and finaly they must further consyder that all they whyche dare other wise administer this sacrament do administer it vnworthyly that is to say other wise than it be cometh and thei do make them selues gyltie of the body and bloud of the Lord. The fautes that we haue coÌ„mitted heretofore in this most holy mistery vsing it otherwyse than the Lord coÌ„maunded the Lord hath mercifully forgeueÌ„ vnto his which haue put al their trust in him his merite not in the worke of the sacrameÌ„t other mynistred or receiued But we to whom the lorde hath giuen sure knoledge of his institucioÌ„ and commaundemeÌ„t shal not be pardonned if we neglect the thing that Christ did in this sacrament and commaunded vs to do preferring that befor the Lords institution that hath ben brought in by men swaruynge from hys worde and coÌ„mauÌ„dmeÌ„t Before al thinges the pastours must labour to take out of mennes myndes that false and wicked opinion wherebi men thincke communly that the prieste in masses offreth vp Christe oure Lorde to God the father after that 〈◊〉 â—â—at wyth hys intention and prayer he 〈◊〉 Christe to become a newe and acceptable sacryfice to the father for the saluacioâ—â—â—â—en applyeth and communicateth the 〈◊〉 of the passion of christ and of the sauing â—â—â—rifice wherebi the lord hym selfe offred hâ—â—â—â—lfe to the father a sacrifice the crosse to â—hem that receiue not the same with theyr owne fayth For to make men partakers in the supper of the Lorde of the sacrifice and merite of oure Lorde Iesu Christe the minister canne helpe no more than that firste he exsibite and ministre the holye supper as the Lord instituted and than faythfully declare and celebrate religiously the ministerie of it the redemption and communion of oure Lord Iesus Christe and further more dispense the sacramentes whereby he maye stirre vp and confirme in them that be present tru faith in Christ by which faith euerye man maie him selfe apprehend and receyue the merite and sacrifice of Christe as gyuen vnto hym Fynaly that he praye for suche fayth to all men in the name of the hole congregacion and of his owne charite For he that without hys owne fayth ether ministreth thys supper of the Lorde or is presente at it or receyueth it pulleth damnacion vpon hym selfe and is made gyltie of the Lorâ—s body and blond But it is plaine that 〈…〉 euerie where in this errour that they beleue if they be present whan the prieste sayeth masse and take parte of the masse only wyth theyr presence that this verie worcke and sacrifice of the preiste whereby he offerâ—â—â— thâ— sonne to the father for their sinnes that 〈…〉 setteth him before the father with his 〈…〉 prayer is of suche efficacie that it turneth al euil from them and bringeth them al felicite of bodie and soule though they continue in all maner of sinnes and mischeues againste God and their coÌ„scieÌ„ce and nether perceiue or receyue the sacramentes oute of the masse but onely beholde the outwarde action as a spectacle and honour it wyth bowynge of knes and other gestures and signes of veneracion But what more spightfull shame can be doone to goddes maieste and to the kynge of glorye Iesu Christe than that thys moste diuine sacrament whiche he himselfe instituted and commended vnto vs that throught it we shoulde be confirmed in fayth towardes hym and shoulde dye more and more to sinnes and liue more fully in hym is so peruerted that of goddes institucioÌ„ it is made a playn inuention of manne and suche one that men trust moste in it against God and our Lorde Christe For thorowe thys worke of the masse thei are made more careles and stronger in theyr synnes and contempte of Christe thynkynge that by that ceremonie the wrath of God is turned from them and all other euilles That the grace of God is gotten to them and all blisfulnes though thorowe theyr whole lyfe they be agaynste God and abuse all thynges agaynst God and that wythout anie earnest thoughte of repentaunce Wherefore the preachers shall enstruct the people wyth al diligence of this vngodlie truste of the worke and sacrifice of a priest and they shall call them froÌ„ the same by all maner of wayes And where as the holie fathers call the ministration of thys Sacrament a sacrifice and oblation and wryte sometyme that the priest in administrynge the supper offereth Christe let the preachers knowe and teache other when neede shall be that the holie fathers by the name of a sacrifice vnderstode not application whiche was deuised a great whyle after the fathers and preuaised wyth other abuses but a solemne remembraunce of the sacrifice of Christe as Augustine expouneth it For whyle the supper of the Lorde is ministred as the Lorde instituted it the sacrifice of Christe is celebrated and exhibited therein thorowe the preachynge of his death and distribution of the sacramentes that al they whiche rightly vse the holie supper receiue the fruit of this sacrifice The pastours shall warne moreouer that it is no smal abuse of thys Sacrament that it is wonte to be set forth and caried about to be gased vpoÌ„ and to be worshypped wyth golde and syluer and other suche carnall ornamentes and that wyth thys opinion as though thys cariynge aboute and shewing forth and outwarde worshppyng of the SacrameÌ„t were able to turne away all incoÌ„modities though they do not once thynke of true repentaunce of sinnes fayth in our Lorde Iesus Christ Wherfore we wyl in anie wyse that the pastours hereafter set not forth nor cary about the SacrameÌ„t wyth lyke diligence they shal teache the people that the Lorde instituted and commended to all that beleue in hym both partes of the Sacrament the cuppe no lesse then the bread that in them they might receyue his bodie and bloude For thus it is in Paule I receyued of the Lorde that that I deliuered also vnto you But the Apostle deliuered to the whole congregation of the Corhinthians the communion aswell of the cup as of the breade Wherefore some make a rashe and a lyght argumeÌ„t that the Lorde in his supper gaue the whole Sacrament to his Apostles whiche were all priestes and that we can not gather therof that the cuppe must be also gyueÌ„ to the lay meÌ„ For in thys Sacrament saith S. Chrisostome and that out of the testimonies of the
ought vnterly to humble and caste vs doune before the Lorde and to cutte our hertes wyth suche repentaunce of synnes that we shoulde be pricked forth and enflamed to seeke receyue with sure fayth and greatly desire the grace of God offered to vs in the worde and sacramentes and the restitution and renuinge of our selues thorowe the coÌ„munion of Christe and holsome participation of his fleshe and bloude Furthermore let vs diligently considre that the eternal worde of God the sonne of God al. mightie to deliuer vs out of thys meserie was made flesh was made our brother that there myght be some holie fleshe and holie bloude that is to saye a verie heauenlie and diuine man by whom the fleshe and bloude of all vs mighte be restored and sanctified whiche thinge is then brought to passe wheÌ„ we truly eate his flesh and drinke his bloud Iohn vi Here it is meete that we be moued the more to wondre at and to embrace with certeyner fayth and gredier wil in this onely begotten sonne of God our sauiour the exceadynge and vnspeakable loue of God towardes vs whiche gaue his sonne vnto vs that beleuyng in him we should not perishe as we were borne and as we deserued but haue euerlastynge lyfe whiche he deserued and gyueth vnto vs. Thirdly let vs acknowledge and firmely beleue that the Lorde Iesus truely offereth vnto vs this his sanctifiyng fleshe and bloude in his holie supper wyth visible signes of breade and wyne by the ministerie of the congregation and exibiteth the same vnto the remission of synnes to be meate of euerlastyng lyfe to confirme the couenaunt of Gods adoption and of euerlastyng lyfe for so be his wordes Wherefore they caÌ„ not deceyue and they shall remayne when heauen and earth passe awaye and they truely exhibite and gyue vnto vs the thinges that they preache so that we applie true fayeth vnto them Take sayeth he eate thys is my bodie that is gyuen for you Item drinke of thys all thys is my bloud of the newe testament whiche is shedde forth for you and for many vnto the remission of synnes we must receyue these wordes wyth true fayth and doubte nothynge but that the Lorde when we celebrate the holie supper after his institution is in the middeste of vs and offereth hym selfe vnto vs by the ministerie of the congregation whiche he instituted for the same purpose and deliuereth his bodie and bloude and all his merites and satisfaction for oure synnes whiche he perfourmed his bodie and his bloude beynge offered on the crosse remission of synnes and the grace of the father and the ryghte of the Testament of the euerlastynge couenaunte of adoption and communion vnto the lyfe of God so that the breade that we breake in the holie supper is truely euen to vs the communion of his bodie and the cuppe at whiche we blesse the communion of his bloude Therefore lette vs euer religiously considre why the Lorde doeth often exhibite vnto vs thys holie and holesome communion of himselfe in the sacrament namely for this purpose that he maye brynge vs daily in to the knowlege of our sinnes and more ernest repentaunce that we maye desire more feruently remission of the same by him and receyue it with perfecter fayth gredier mindes and so be more confirmed and sette for warde in a new lyfe thorough the true communion of him that so we maye daily more and more abide and lyue in hym and he in vs and be more fully his dodie and meÌ„bers and he our heade whiche thinge we professe whan we all receiue the communion of him in his sacrament so beinge parttakers of his bodye and bloude as we in coÌ„men be parttakes of one brade and cuppe Finally we must praye and labour also to receyue these heauenlye giftes wyth true fayth and greate reuerence and that we celebrate the holesome remeÌ„brauÌ„ce of the Lord wyth godly ioye and pleasaunt thankfullnes and that we gyue vp our selues and all ours to him and testifie the same with collacions and almes for the vse of the poore lyberally and accordinge to euerie mans power finally that we euer prayse and magnifie Christe in al oure wordes and worckes for these so greate benifites for his incarnacion whereby he was made oure heade and brother for hys most bitter death whereby he satisfied for our sinnes for his resurrection and ascencioÌ„ in to heauen heaueÌ„ly kingdoÌ„ which he administreth at the ryght hand of the father maketh vs perfect and absolute in his lyfe beinge quickened with his spirite and sette in heauenlye thinges whiche lyfe he hath gyuen in the lyfe of God and it is an euerlastinge lyfe for this holesome communion of hys bodie and bloude whereby we are confirmed in this same lyfe of God and are sette forwarde and euer finyshed vp For al which thynges we must chiefely geue thanckes in the coÌ„munion of this supper And forasmuch as our God is such one as alloweth not wickednes nether canne all thei stande before him which worcke iniquitie it is necessarie that we knowe that those men muste not be admitted to the supper of the Lorde that is to saye to his communion whiche lyue without true faith and loue by whome the glorie of God is manifestly blemisched and hys congregacion is offended I meane all vnbeleuers and manyfest Idolaters whiche calle vppon and worshippe saints departed Angels or other creatures whiche honour paynted or grauen stockes Item all enchaunters and sothsaiers which wil preserue catel and other thinges against perils with their consecrations yea and I meane those to which beleue shuch enchaumentes and the manifest despicers and blasphemers of God the mockers of goddes worde and sacrameÌ„tes Item al those which at appointed tymes wildely continue in neglectinge sermons and other open exercises of the congregacion which obeye not accordinge to goddes commaundement theyr parentes ordinarye officers and maisters but speake euil of theÌ„ and rayle vpon theÌ„ do theÌ„ spight and resiste them seditiously and stubburnly whiche bringe not vp their children familie shuch as they haue charge of nor enstructe them to godlynes honestie and iustice Furthermore I meane murtherers and all those whych willingely continue in hatred of their bretherne in braulinges and shedinge of their neygboures bloude Item al whoremongers aduoâ—â—erers and Dronkerdes al theues vserers raueners disers vnlaufull gainers exercisers of faulse marchandises al those lykewise which lyue idely without a lawful excuse and burthen other al ilspeakers liers periuers backbyters and whych confesse not the truth and rightuousnes and confirme not the same wyth theyr testimonies where they are bounde to do it by reasone of their vocacion All these felowes as longe as thei liue and continue in such sinnes nether haue a true purpose to amende their liues maye in no wise be admitted to the holye supper of the Lorde seinge that they be restrayned and excluded from thens by God by his owne worde Another exhortacion Forasmuch as deareli beloued in
maye studye to do those thynges with al oure hertes whiche pertaine to oure helth thorough oure Lorde Iesus Christe ¶ Heare ye the Gospel Iohn iij. God so loued the worlde that he gaue his only begotten sonne that al whych beleue in him shoulde haue lyfe euerlainge ¶ Or. i. Timo. i. ¶ This is a sure sainge and worthey of all embrachynge that Iesus Christe came in to this worlde to saue sinners ¶ Or Iohan. iij. ⧠The father loueth the sonne and hath giuen althinges in to his handes he that beleueth in the sonne hath lyfe euerlastynge ⧠Or Acte x. ⧠All the prophetes beare wytnesse vnto Christ that all that beleue in him receiue remission of theyr sinnes thorought hym ⧠Or. i. Iohan. ij ⧠My litel children if anye haue synned we haue o iuste aduocate with the father Iesus Christ and he is an attomement for our synnes ⧠Whan the pastour hath shewed to The people one of the sayde Gospels He shal saye further Because our blessed Lorde hath lefte thys power to his congregacion that it maye absolue them from sinnes and restore them in to the sauour of the heauenlie father which being repētance for theyr sinnes do truly beleue in christ the lord I the minister of christ the congregacion declare and pronoūce remission of synnes the fauoure of God and life euerlastinge thorought our Lord Iesus Christ to all thē which be sorie for their sinnes which haue true faith in Christ the Lord and desire to opproue them selues vnto him After this where clerckes or scholars shal be they shal syng some what in latine taken out of the holye scriptures for an entraunce or begininge After that thei shal singe kyrie eleson and gloria in excelses but because that kyrie eleson is a cōmune praier of the congregacion and gloria in excelses is also a cōmune thankes giuing let the people sing both in douch After this songe he that shall execute the holie ministerie shal recite a collect in douch but yet so that all the people maye well vnderstand it For therefore the ministre speaketh thys sentence to the people The Lorde be with you And let vs praie and the people answereth And with thy spirite signifiinge thereby that they also praye together with the minister For so Chrisostome interpreteth this saiynge And because thys must be a cōmune praier of the whole congregacion it is called a collet for that that a praier gathered of the wyshes of al that be presēte is offred to god by the minister or because it is a prayer of the cōgregacion gathered together and prainge together vnto the Lord But the purer collectes and more cōsonāt to the holie scriptures must be chosen out of which sorte we wil cause some to be set furth After the collectes there shall folowe accordynge to the custoume a lesson of an epistle which shal be red in suche a place the reader turninge hys face to the people that it maie be hearde and vnderstāded of the whole cōgregaciō Wher fore it shal be also red in douch because that lesson pertayneth to the instruction and admonition of all the people After the epistle where clerckes be lette alleluia be songe in latine or a graile or sequence if they haue anye pure and some douch songe Than let the Gospel be red in douche to the people whych reading an interpretacion and ordinarie sermon shall folowe furth with and after the sermon a praier for al states of men and necessites of the congregation after this sorte Almightie euerlastinge God and mercyfull father which by thy dere sonne our Lord Iesus Christ and his Apostles cōmaundest that we shoulde come before the in his name and diddest promise that thou wouldest mercifully giue vs whatsoeuer agreinge together we should aske in his name we beseche the by thy sonne our only sauiour first that thou wilte mercifully forgiue vs al our sinnes iniquites which we acknowledge and cōfesse here in thy sighte and that thou wilte fauourally turne awaye from vs thorough the bloude and satisfaction of thy sonne our mediator thy most iuste wrath whyche we haue deserued thorough so manifolde transgression of thy commaundementes But confirme thou in vs thy holye spirite that we maye holy giue ouer our selues to the obedience of the now and euer that calinge vpon the alwaies for our selues and for other we maye obteine thy grace and helpe We praie therefore cheifely for thy congregacions deliuer them from a … olues hired seruauntes which ether spoile and deuour thy shepe miserabli or tratrouously for sake them and destroy them and proudly reioise and delite thēselues in theyr destruction Geue thē good and faithful ministers and pastours preserue the same Encrease thy holie spirite in al persones whiche be at this holie ministerie that therein they maye faythfully serue the and with the profite of thy flocke that thy scatered sheepe maye thorough thy gospell be gathered to thy dearesōne the high and only true shepeherde and bishoppe of oure soules Iesus Christe from all straynge ether of errours or of synnes breifely that they maie be brought againe to the true communion of him that there maye be one flocke and one shepeherde So we praie the also holie father for thy seruauntes the ministers of ciuile gouernaūces for our most gracious emperour king for all other kynges princes and magistrates And specially we praie the for our most reuerende archebisoppe and ryght excellent prince for his consel and officers for the consel and magystrates of thys citie Gyue all these thy holie spirite that they maye truly knowe and embrace Christe thy sonne to whom thou hast giuen al power and al iudgement in heauen and in erth and that accordinge to their strength they maye so serue his kingdome that thei maie so gouerne vs whiche are in dede subiectes to them but be the creatures of thy hande and the shepe of thy pastures that in thys place and euerye where we maye lyue a peacible and quiete life with al godlines and honesti and being deliuered fro al fear of our enimies we maie serue the in al righteousnes and holines we pray also heauenlie father for al those moreouer whiche yet pertayne not to thy kyngedome cause the lyght of thy gospel to shyne vnto them also drawe thē to they sonne oure sauioure that beleuinge in him they bee saued with vs. And as touchinge them whom thou haste some what drawen vnto hym so that thei graunt him to be their sauiour and the sauioure of al men but neuer theles thei haue not yet bound them selues to al obedience of the gospel encrease in these the faith and knowledge of they sōne which thou hast giuen thē that they maye thoroughlye geue ouer their selues vnto the obedience of him and of his congregacion and that they may magnifie the in the same thorugh out al their lyfe wyth godlie saiynges and doinges Furthermore we praye the father mercyful God the great conforter of the
afflicted for al those whome thou chastisest with the crosse and some affliction and exercisest vnto patience with pouertie exile fetters infamie disceases and other calamites and mischaunces Graunt to them that thei maye acknowlege thy fatherlie and medicinable hand vndre which thei maye humble theÌ„ selues with al their hertes Conforte their minnes wyth fayth and confidence of thy mercye whiche moderateth all thinges yea euen aduersites for the helth of thine and deliuer them from al euils Graunte to vs also that thorough their correction and punishment we maye acknowâ—ege that we haue deserued thinges much more greuous that we maye amende oure liues in time before worse plages happen vnto vs. Last of al we praie the eternal God heaueÌ„lye father for vs which here come together in thy sight to thi word praier and sacramentes lighten the eyes of our minde graunte vs to considre with perfecte fayth that we haue a nature corrupted from the beginning that our flesh bloud cannot enioy thy kingdome but only commit sin delerue eternal death and encrease the same destruction with daily sinnes and that thou most mercifull father of thy vnmeasurable mercy didest loke vpon vs and sendest into this world thy eternal worde thy sonne our flesh and brother that he myght deliuer vs by his death from this our destruction and restore vs to thy Image and prayse of thy name that thou deliuerest him to the crosse and death and that he gladly offred himself vnto the in the crosse for our sinnes and satisfied for the same through loue and pitie of vs that he reconsiled vs vnto the and more ouer that he offered vnto vs his bodye and bloud to be meate and drinke that we may lyue in him and he in vs. Graunt heauenly father that we may consider and apprehend al these thynges with true and liuely fayth now and throughout al our lyues that deniyng our selues we may vtterly refuse the folysh and blynd iudgement of our reason and represse naughtie and noysome lustes and wholy geue ouer our selues to him thy dere sonne our Lord and onely sauiour and restorer that we seke and receiue comfort in al thynges al helpe ayde and sauegarde in hym onely in his death crosse and resurrection Now also let vs receiue his holy body and bloud with sincere fayth and al thanke fulnes and let vs euer magnifie him and the in hym for all thy exceadyng benifites whych thou hast geuen in makynge gouernyng and restoryng vs for the incarnation passion and death of thy sonne whereby he purged oure synnes and reconsiled vs vnto the for his resurrection asceÌ„sion into heauen and heauenly gouernaunce wherby he restored vs vnto the and moueth and renueth vs vnto al thy pleasure Finally for this most ample benifite that he here deliuered hym selfe vnto vs to be meate and drynke vnto eternall lyfe that so thy diuine name may be dayly more more sanctified by vs in vs thy kingdome may be established and spredde abrode by vs vnto other that all thynges maye be done amonge vs in the earth accordyng to thy wil with suche ferueÌ„tie and cherefulnes as they be done in heauen And that these thynges maye be done in vs gyue vs also our dayly breade all necessarie thynges for our bodies prosperous health and peace that we maye enioye these thynges vnto the glorie of thy name And forgiue vs our dettes and sinnes whiche we dayly committe and mercifully pardone vs of the punishmentes whiche we haue deserued as we also in the sight of thy maiestie do gladly and hertely forgyue all them whiche haue offended vs. And suffre not our tentator the olde enemie which studieth euer to leade vs froÌ„ the and thy worde to ouerthrowe vs at anie tyme wyth his teÌ„tations But deliuer vs from hym and all euyl for thou onely art our God and father thyne is the kyngdome the power and glorie for euer Amen ¶ An other and a shorte fourme of prayinge Mercifull God heauenly father whiche commaundedest vs to come together in thy name and in the name of thy sonne oure Lorde and sauiour Christe and thorowe the same our onely Mediatour to praye the for al thynges the whiche we desire for our selues and for other addynge a moste ample promise that we shoulde obteyne what soeuer we woulde aske of them trustyng in this thy coÌ„maundement and promise we stande in the syght of thy diuine maiestie we praye and beseche the in the name of thy deare sonne our onely sauiour that thou wilt forgyue vs all our iniquities and synnes that thou wylte renue our hertes wyth thy holie spirite and steare vp and kendle the same to thy sonne Christe that for all the necessities of thy coÌ„gregation of al meÌ„ we may call vpon the and obteyne what so euer is good for vs vnto the glorie of thy name We praye the then chiefely for thy congregations deliuer and preserue them from al those ministers whom thou hast not sent sende them suche ministers whiche wyth all faythfulnes and diligence wyl seeke thy scatered sheepe and brynge them to Christ our Lorde which is onely their good shepeherde and wyll studie to feede them faythfully vndre hym that all vngodlines heresies sectes all naughtie doctrines and peruerse seruice of God may be taken away and that in the vnitie of true fayth and knowledge of thy sonne we maye growe and go forwarde to al thynges that please the. So we pray the also for the Emperoure for our kynge for all kynges princes and comune powers and officers and specially for oure moste reuerende archbishoppe for his counsellers and officers for the counsell and communaltie of thys Citie graunt that all these maye execute theyr office according to thy wyll that they maye turne awaye all noysome thynges from theyr subiectes and procure and maynteyne all good thynges that beinge deliuered out of the handes of our enemies we maye serue the wyth a quiet mynde in all holines and ryghtuousnes We praye furthermore mercifull father for all men as thou wylte be the sauiour of all men drawe them to thy sonne which yet perteyne not to hym and graunt that they whom thou haste drawen to hym alreadie maye growe and be confirmed dayly more and more in the knowledge loue of him We praye also for them whom thou chastifest wyth sundrie miseries and afflictions for an exemple vnto vs that thou wylt conforte them and deliuer them from al euilles grauÌ„t vs that we may diligently regarde thy fatherlie nurture whiche thou settest before vs in them considerynge that we haue deserued greuouser thinges that in time we maye iudge and amende our selues that it be not needful that we be corrected and condemned of the. Graunt also to vs all whiche here in thy sight come together to thy worde prayer almes and diuine sacramentes that we maye truly come together onely in thy name and in the name of thy deare sonne that we may take holde of thy diuine law and holie
prayse and magnifie the Lorde holie father almightie euerlastyng God thorowe Iesus Christ our Lorde by whom thou madest vs of nothinge vnto thy image and haste appoynted al other creatures to our vses and where as we thorowe the synne of Adam slidynge frō the were made thyne enemies and therefore subiecte to death and eternall damnation thou of thy infinite mercie and vnspeakable loue dyddest sende the same thy sonne the eternall worde into thys worlde who thorowe the crosse and death deliuered vs from synnes and the power of the Deuyll and brought vs agayne into thy fauoure by his holie spirite whom he sent to vs from the and gaue his bodie and bloude to be the fode of a newe and eternall lyfe that being more confirmed thorowe the truste of thy mercie and loue we should euer go forward to all that that is thy pleasure by renuinge and sanctifiynge of our selues and that we should glorifie and exalte the here and euermore in all our wordes and dedes and singe vnto the without ende with al thy holie Angels and beloued chyldren After these thinges Sanctus shall be songe where clerkes be in latine but of the people in douche one syde answerynge the other thryse of bothe partes As for that that is wont to be added The Lorde God of hostes and Benedictus it shal be songe cōmunely of the whole congregation and therefore in douche Streyght waye after thys let the priest synge the wordes of the Lordes supper in douche Our Lorde the nighte in whiche he was deliuered etc. But these wordes muste be songe of the priest wyth great reuerence and playnely that they maye be wel vnderstanded of all men And the people shal saye to these wordes Amen Whiche all the olde church obserued and the Grekes do yet obserue the same For the whole substance of this Sacrament is conteyned in these wordes And it consisteth altogether in the true vnderstandyng and fayth of these wordes that the Sacrament be holesomely administred and receyued ⧠Whē the people then haue answered Amen The priest shall adde lette vs praye Oure father whiche arte in heauen etc. To whiche prayer of the Lorde the people shal say agayne Amen ¶ The priest The Lordes peace be euer wyth you ¶ The people And with thy spirite After thys they which be admitted to the cōmunion and do loke for the same in their place shal come to the Lordes bourde religiously Firste men and then women and the whole Sacrament shal be gyuen to them al that they may be partakers of the body and bloud of the Lorde receiuing not only bread but also the Cuppe euen as he instituted it ¶ At the exhibition of the bodi let the the pastour saye Take and eate to thy health the body of the Lorde whiche was deliuered for thy synnes ¶ At the exhibition of the cuppe Take and drinke to thy health the bloud of the Lorde whiche was shedde for thy synnes ¶ After the communion lette Agnus dei be songe both in douche and in latine one syde answeryng the other where clerkes be And then lette thys douch songe be songe Gotte sey gelobette Item Iesus Christus Vnser Heylant If the communion shall gyue so muche tyme and leasure ¶ When the communion is ended let the priest synge turnyng to the people The Lorde be wyth ynn ⧠The people And with thy spirite ¶ The priest Let vs praye Almightie euerlastynge God we gyue thankes to thy exceadynge godnes bicause thou haste fedde vs wyth the bodie of thy only begottē sonne and gyuen vs his bloud to drynke We humbly beseche the worke in vs wyth thy spirite that as we haue receyued thys diuine Sacrament wyth oure mouthes so we maye also receyue and euer holde fast with true fayth thy grace remission of synnes and communion with Christ thy sonne Al whiche thinges thou haste exhibited vnto vs in these sacramentes thorow our Lorde Iesus Christe thy sonne whiche lyueth and reygneth wyth the in vnitie of the holie gost verie God and verie man foreuer Amen ⧠An other thankesgyuyng We gyue the thankes father almightie God whiche haste refreshed vs wyth the singuler gyfte of thy bodie and bloude we beseche thy goodnesse that the same maye healpe to confirme our fayth in the and to kendle mutual loue amonge vs by the same our Lorde Iesus Christ etc. ¶ Laste of all lette the pastoure blesse the people wyth these wordes The Lorde blesse the and keepe the the Lorde lighten his coūtenaunce vpon the and haue mercie on the. The Lorde lyfte vp his face vpon the and settle the in peace ⧠Or thus God haue mercie on vs and blesse vs lyghten his countenaunce vpō vs and gyue vs his peace Amen ⧠Or thus God the father the sonne and the holie goste blesse and keepe vs. Amen ⧠Or thus The blessyng of god the father the sonne and the holie gooste be wyth vs remaine wyth vs for euer Amen But where clerkes be not as in villages there lette all be reade and songe in douche But lette the songes be so moderated as in euerie congregation shall make to the edification of godlines But forasmuche as our Lorde instituted thys his sacrament onely for thys purpose that we shoulde eate it and drynke it for the remēbraunce of him and not that we should set it forth or carie it about to be loked vpon forasmuch as sundrie abuses be brought in the true vse of this sacramēt being ouer passed so this sacrament hath bene drawen to horrible superstition and vngodlines for the takyng awaye both of this superstition and vngodlines and also sundrie scruples of the worke and irreligious questions aboute these misteries the pastours and they that administre the Sacramente shall endeuoure them selues that as often as the supper shal be ministred whether it be in the cōgregatiō or in priuate houses for sicke folke they compte the numbre of them certeynely whiche shall communicate that accordynge to the same thei may receiue pieces of bread and measure of wyne As for the remnauntes after that the communion is ended lette the pastours them selues receyue them forthwith and lette them not keepe the same nor lay them vp in any place nor eary them away or set them forth to be beholded For the worde of God whiche saueth vs if we beleue and obey it and damneth perpetually if we do not beleue nor obey it hath thus prescribed cōcerning his sacramētes Take and eate this is my bodie Take and drinke this is my bloude Therfore we must stand in thys institution of Christe and not institute a newe vsage wythout Goddes worde about thys moste holy Sacrament And bicause also that here the Lordes death muste be preached and the communion of hym cōfirmed in vs that thorowe hym we maye be daily more crucified to the world al worldly pompe muste lykewyse be taken frō thys ministration and all tynges muste be so ordeined and moderated that thei may healpe forth and adurne the
theyr be anye lawefull impediment of theyr copulation For if there be any impediment that they can not lawefully and wythout sclaunder be ioyned together in matrimonie let not the pastoure alowe theyr mariage in any wyse or blesse it in the cōgregation tyll that lette be remoned and theyr copulation be alowed by thē whiche shall be appoynted to suche matters and causes by our cōmaundement Further the ministre shall exhorte them that they solemnise suche a mariage as becommeth christians and that they folowe not the pompe and excesse of the heathen Then lette hym wryte both theyr names and aske the banes vpon three holie dayes or sundayes after thys sorte Iohn N. and Anne N. haue made promise eche to other of holie matrimonie and thei desire that the same be alowed and blessed of the congregation Therefore they require that the congregation wyll praye for them that they maye beginne thys kynde of lyfe in the Lordes name and that they maye lyue in the same vnto the prayse and glorie of God If anie man know anie lawful impediment of theyr copulation let him shewe the same in tyme to the glorie of Christ and for the remouinge of an offence to the cōgregation Such a publication as I sayed muste be made vpon three holy dayes nexte ensuinge one an other except some special and weightie cause require an other thynge and suffre not so longe delayinge But no man muste haue anie thinge dispensed of thys thryse askynge excepte they permitte it to whom we shal cōmitte the office of causes of matrimony and when it is manifeste that there is no lawfull lette of theyr matrimonie Howbeit the banes of suche personnes also muste be asked in the cōgregation at the lest vpon one holy daye Furthermore we wyll haue thys thynge obserued that the weddyng of al personnes whether the brides be virgines or widowes be confirmed and sanctified in the cōgregation by the worde of God and prayer and that they come to the congregation wyth al sobrietie and honestie as it becommeth thē whiche come together in the Lorde and truly desire the blessyng of the Lorde vnto their mariage Wherefore they shall endeuoure them selues to brynge verie many wyth thē vnto the holie assemble thoughe christian moderatiō requireth not so many to be bidden to the mariage feast For the prayers of many are godly desired But bicause they come together to praye for the grace and good spirite of God to be gyuen to the despoused personnes thorowe our Lorde Iesus Christe and hym crucified they muste so appeare in his syghte that the glorie of the crosse of Christ be not blemished by worldly pompe and excesse Finally they must come into the tēple at that houre when Christes congregation cometh together at other times and they must be at the begynnynge of the holie assemble that wyth the reste of the people of Christe they may heare the lordes worde and make theyr prayers to God When they then be present in the temple wyth the congregation in a place appoynted thereunto whiche shal be open to al men the pastour shall saye to the brydgrome and the bryde Be ye then presente here in the syghte of God oure father and of oure Lorde Iesus Christe before his congregation to professe your mariage which ye haue promised eche to other in the Lorde and that ye maye receyue blessing and sanctification of the same from the Lorde by the ministre of the cōgregacion ⧠The answer of the brydgrome and the bryde We are present for that purpose ¶ Then the Pastoure shal saye further Seinge then that after the open askynge of banes no bodie hath come forth whiche woulde gaynesaye the coniunction of these personnes or coulde declare anie lawful impedement by reason of kinred or of affinitie or for some other cause the heauenly father vouchsafe to confirme that that he hath wrought in you And that ye maie the better vnderstande and acknowlege how great a grace and benifite the heauenlie father hath gyuen youe herin which hath ioyned you together with holie matrimonie and that ye maye lerne to giue him condigne thanckes for this his beniuolence and bountiousnes towardes you and embrace one a nother wyth more firme fayth as ioyned to gether by the hande of God cal for his helpe with more cōfidēce and euer serue him in this state finally that ye maye more fully knowe the promisse and office of matrimonie and perfurme the same more promptly ye shal heare with reuerente mindes some testimonies of the scripture and a religious exhortacion out of the same And first ye shal here out of the secōde Cha of Genes the firste institution of holye matrimonie God saide it is not good that mā be a loue lette vs make hym an helpe to be with him God sent a sleepe vpon Adā c. ¶ Nowe heare ye the voice of Christ out of the gospel Math. xix ¶ The phariseis came vnto Iesus tēptinge hym and sayinge to hym maye a man make a diuorce with his wife for euerie cause etc. ⧠Thirdly heare ye also the cōmaundement of the holie Gost concerning the office of mariage For thus he prescribed to maried folke Ephe. v. ⧠Men loue your wiues as Christ loued the congregation c. reade furth to the ende of the Chapter ⧠Out of these places the despoused persones and rest of the congregacion must be warned that they lerne and considre firste howe holie a kinde of lyfe and howe acceptable to God matrimonie is For by these places we knowe that God him selfe instituted holye wedlocke and that in paradise man beinge yet perfecte and holye and that he hath greatly blessed thys copulasion and ioyneth hymselfe all those together whyche contracte matrimonie in hys name and gyueth the husband to be an heade and sauiour to the wyfe as Christe is the heade and the sauioure of the congregacion and further more giueth the wife a bodie and a helpe to the husbande that here in thys worlde they maye leade a godlye honest and ioyous lyfe together Hereof a godlie minde shal certainly conclude that this copulacion of man and woman is without doubte acceptable to God and therefore holye and luckie which thinge appeareth by this that God planteth in thē whyche be ioyned in matrimonye so greate and so meruailous faythfulnes loue and most serniceable mindes both towardes thē selues mutually also towardes their children kinsfoke and allied by any meane to ether parte For God is loue and he that abydeth in loue abideth in god and the whole lawe is fulfiled with the loue of oure neighboure Where fore in what soeuer state of life more faithfulnes and loue and a redier mynde to procure the commodites of oure neighboures accordinge to the Lordes word is wounte to spring furth the same vndoub tedli is more acceptable to God more holie and blessed But there is no surer faythfulnes no feruenter loue no nerer frendshippe no prompter will to warne on
bodies holye seede and children of thy kyngdome graunte that thei maye brynge theym vp to thy glorye that thy holye name maye be euer more sanctified and glorified by them and by theyr chyldren and by vs with them in al our wordes and dedes and that so thy kingdome maye be euer proÌ„moted and amplified and that al oure conuersation vpon erth maye be so framed to thy pleasure wyth lyke readynes of mynde and zeale as they whiche be in heaueÌ„ obeie they wil. And that these thinges maie preuaile in vs and be dayly encreased gyue vs also our dayly breade necessarie thinges for the bodye prosperous health peace and tranquillite that we maye gette and enioye those thinges that be nedeful for oure life to thi glorie Forgiue vs also our dettes which we dayly renne in to thoroughe neglectinge oure duties forgeue vs oure synnes wherewith we offeÌ„de the perpetually and remoue mercyfully thei scourges which we wel deserue through our misdedes and synnes as we also before thine eyes doe gladli forgiue al them whiche maye seme to owe vs anye thynge either in omittinge theyr dutie or in dowinge wronge nether leade vs in to anye tentation whom thou instly examinest and tryest wyth sonder tentations on the ryght hande and the lyste with prosperite and aduersite But deliuer vs froÌ„ the deuil the olde craftie enenie Satan and from al hys subtillities and violente inuasions wherewith he tempteth vs sondrie waies and euer laboreth to pulle vs from the and thi coÌ„maundementes deliuer vs I saye that we maye neuer decline from the and thy worde nor suffer oure selues at anye tyme to bee drawen awaye therwyth entisementes or terrible threates but that we maye continue to the ende in the fayth of thy worde and in the obedience of thy commaundementes as they true and germain children for thou arte our only God and father thine is the kingdome and the power and the glorie with our lord Iesu Christe thy sonne and the holye goste now and euerlastingly ⧠Or more breifely Lorde God whyche wouldest ioyn man and woman in matrimonie and hast blessed them with the fruite of the woÌ„be and wouldest that in theyr copulacion a sacrament of thy loue towardes the congregacion should be sette furth we beseche thy mercifulnes that thou wilte not suffer this thy institucion and holie worcke to be in anye wife violated in thy seruauntes or thy blessinge to be turned from theÌ„ but preserue theÌ„ thorough thy bountuousnes and encrease in them the thinge that thou hast begonne to the welth of them and of thy congregacion and giue them the ample blessinge of thy mercye thorough our Lorde Iesus Christ The pastoures shal cause also the names of them whome he hath maried or baptised to be writteÌ„ in a boke with a note of the daie and the yere And forasmuche as the ingnorauncie of degres of consanguinite and affinite causeth often tymes muche busines and manye errous we wil procure that they shal be clearely and distinctly sette furth whiche the pastoures shal often declare to the people Furthermore greuous offences and many periuries growe of this that yonge persones promise matrimonie one to a nother rashly and priuily with out witnesses For it sone chauÌ„ceth that they forsweare theyr promisses we wil therefore that no promisse of matrimoni bee ratified that is made the parentes not knowinge of it or not consentynge ther vnto or agaynst the myndes of their kynsfoke or tutors if theyr parentes be abseÌ„t or not able to rule themselues But if the parentes kinsfolke or tutors wil haue yonge men or maidens beinge of ripe age to differre mariage or dryue theym to vnpleasaunte mariages which thing as it fighteth with humanite and with the worde of God so it is also forbiden by the lawes than they that be so burthened shal bringe the matter before the pastours and officers whiche shal labour to aswage the rigorousnes of the parentes kinsfolke or tutors wyth a frendlie exhortacion and if they can preuaile nothinge with that exhortacion they shall referre the mater to an ordinarie officer which by iudicial authoritie shall resiste the vniust rigorousnes of the parentes kinsfolke or tutors and he shal chose and appoynte some honest and wyse men by whose aduise some thinge shal be determined to the glori of God welth of the yong persons and edificacion of the churche concerninge the mariage of theym to whoÌ„ their parentes kynsfolke or tutors be some what vngentle in thys behalfe And if anye haue nether pareÌ„tes nor tutors neuertheles the despousation and promisse of mariage which they make is not to be compted of effecte if both the parties acknowlege it not or if there were not at the lest three or foure witnesses at the handfastinge which muste be honest men and worthey to be beleued For mariage is an holie thing and therefore we must go aboute the same with good aduisement and with the feare of God not thorough anie passion or desire of the flesh raschnes gylte deceyte and nawghtie craftes Whereof the pastours must often warne the people and declare howe vnsemelye a thinge it is for Christian menne to contracte matrimonie the ryght holie copulacion of men secretely and raschly that hereby yong men and maydens maye be ware that they knytte not theÌ„selues together folishlye and craftely whereof periuries debates diuorces and miseries and that that is most greuous of all the wrathe of God is wonte to folowe But that those coÌ„trouersies which 〈◊〉 often about matrimonie may be more commodiouslye declared and decided and â—hat ignorante persones maye be the better prouided for we wil appoynte iudgementes in certayne places of our dominion to whiche suche matrimoniall causes shal be referred It shal also pertayne to the pastoures to enstruct to the people certaye tymes in the yere of Matrimonye wyth what religion and reuerence it ought to be taken in hande and to be kepte And they must teach wyth singular diligence what an holie copulacion of men marige is and what an excellent benifite it is of goddes prouidence to obtyne a good and tractable husbande or wyfe that they maye learne to praie God humbly and relygiously that he wyll prouide them and theyr children of conuenient mariages Let the pastoures also warne how grate a sinne it is and howe it is forbidden of God with a peculier curse not to regarde religion aboue al thinges in contractynge of mariage that euerye body seke principally a companion of fayth whiche dothe knowledge call vpon and worshippe Christ the Lord which maye be with him one man in the Lord and an helpe to goforwarde in the fayth and seruice of Christ Item after a consideracion of a consente in religion that they muste also se that there be a singuler coÌ„sente of myndes and a likenes of maners and honest desiers whiche are wounte to be signes of goddes copulation fruther more that they must prefere the affinite of godlye and honest men by whom a man maye be encreased in
the possession of the inheritaunce of the heauenly kyngdome Wherefore remembrynge so great bountuousnes lette vs onely gyue thankes to the Lorde God and praye that he wyll teache vs earnestly to considre the thynges that be in the Psalme writer namely that our daies be shorte that we slide awaye violently lyke a shoure of rayne that we are as it were a dreame that we maye be chaunged incontiuently lyke an herbe whiche florisheth and is freshe in the morninge and in the euening wythereth and is cutte vp And these thynges we muste do for thys entente that we may come to our selues in tyme and be conuerted to a better lyfe that we may leade an honeste lyfe and acceptable to God in the feare of the Lord and finally that in death it selfe we may be preserued vnto euerlastyng lyfe thorowe Christe our Lorde ¶ Praye ye to God Our father etc. When the prayer is done let the mininister saye ⧠The Lorde be wyth you ⧠Let vs praye Almightie God and moste louynge father encrease in vs the belefe of the resurrection where vnto thou haste called vs thorowe oure Lorde Iesus Christe that beinge grounded vpon thys beliefe we maye comforte oure selues in the death of thys oure brother or sister whose bodie we haue now committed to the earth accordyng to thy ordinaunce and that we maye also comforte oure selues in other calamities whyche in thys valleye of teares we worthyly suffre for oure synnes Further that we maye lifte vp oure myndes and thoughtes vnto the heauenlye lyfe to come and seke the thinges that are aboue where Christe thy sonne is sittinge at they right hande finally that diinge to sinne daily we maye serue the al the dayes of oure lyfe in all sanctification and ryghtuousnes throughe the same Christe oure Lorde ⧠Another collecte We gyue thanckes vnto the almyghtye God hauenlie father for that that thou hast vouchsafed to cal this our brother or sister to the knowledge of thi deare sonne and his communion and to preserue him in the same and nowe to sende for hym and remoue him to thy kingdome Graunte vs we besech the thorough the same thy sonne that in thys place and in al other we maie truly acknowlege our synnes earnestly lament them and knowe and prayse the dayly more and more in the newnes of lyfe and that so beynge strenghthned with good hope we maie loke for that blessed hope and appearinge of the glorie of the greate God and oure sauiour Iesus Christe whiche liueth God and raigneth with the in the vnite of the holye goste thorough out al generations Amen And for the consolacion of the faythfull in the Lord and mouinge the zeale of godlynes it shall be conuenient whan the corpse is brought to the burynge place to propoune and declare before the people gathered ther together the lesson folowinge out of the .xv. Chap. of the first to the Corinth But nowe Christe is risen from the dead c vnto this place what dooe we c. ⧠Or From thys place ⧠Thys I saye brethern that fleshe and bloude vnto the ende of the Chap. ⧠Or To the Philip. iij. ⧠For our conuersacion is in heauen vnto the ende of the Chap. ⧠Or To the Rom. vi ⧠And if we be dead with Christe we beleue that we shall lyue wyth hym c. vnto thys place lette not synne than reigne c. ¶ Of holy and festiual dayes FIrst we wyl that oure men vpon sondaies apply them selues wholy to the Lord and cease from all corporal worckes and busines and also from all iorneyes not necessarye and practising of merchaundises As God comauÌ„ded in his lawe In six dayes lette them finish and make an ende of all their worcke and lette them sanctifie the sondaye altogether vnto the Lorde that vpon that daie they maye be enstructed and renued in faith and religion out of goddes word And seuerli it is a great profe that that man careth litle for God and his owne saluacion which of the whole weke wyl not bestowe somuch as one daye vpon heauenlye matters to make hym selfe readye vpon that daye and to come together with a godlye zeale to heare goddes worde and to receyue the diuine sacramentes and to praye together with the sayntes For the spirite of the newe testament ought to kendle in vs a much more feruent studie of these thynges than was stirred vp in the olde people thorough the lawe Wherefore the preachers shal ofteÌ„ warne the people how greate a sinne it is to spende those dayes in idlenes surfettinge dronckennes riotte in nawghtye and filthye lustes as we se done communely which be appointed to God and to relygious and spirituall exercises For thorough this vngodlines the calamites that we suffer and that hange yet sorer ouer oure heades are specially prouoked The pastours than must pulle the people from thys vngodlines wyth all possible diligence by goddes worde ¶ Beside sondaies we wyl haue holy daies to be kepte and celebrated ⧠Christmas The daie of Stephane and Iohan. ⧠Of Circumcision ⧠Of the Epiphanie ¶ Of the conuersion of Paule ¶ Of the purificacion of Marie ¶ Of the Annunciation ¶ The thursdaie and fridaie before Easter for thys entente that vpon those dayes the historie of the passion of Christe maye be propouned and declared to the people ¶ Easter daye with the two dayes folowinge ¶ Ascension daye ¶ Whittesondaye with the mondaie folowinge The day of the natiuite of Iohn Baptist ⧠Of Peter and Paule ⧠The daie of the visitacion of Marie ⧠Of Michael vpon which daie a sermon shal be made of the Angels out of thys place Math. xviij Their Angels euer se the face c. Item hebru i. Angels be ministringe spirites c. ¶ Out of these places the pastours shall warne the people of this singuler benifite of God to wardes vs in that that he hath gyuen hys Angels to be the ministers of oure welth and they shall exhorte them to gyue God thankes continually for thys benifite and to take hede that they grieue not the Angels with theyr synnes but rather studie to make them gladde wyth all holynes and godlynes Vpon the festeas of the Apostles we wyl that the people cease from labour til the end of the holye sermon than it shal be lawfull for euerie man to returue to his worcke For it is euident that to cease from labour after dinner is hurteful to agreat parte of the people For in that time commenly they offende God with carnal wantoÌ„nes more greuously than vpon other dayes Therefore they that will kepe these hâ—lye dayes holye must se hereunto that they also sanctifie theÌ„ wholy to God and passe them ouer with godlie exercises of religion and not bestowe them vpon those thynges whereby the wrath of God is cheifely prouoked VpoÌ„ those holye dayes on which we celebrate and extol such benifites of God as be peculierly mentioned in the histories of the holie scripture the same histories
myght applye them selues to relygious fastes and praiers Therefore that oure men maye be so deliuered from that supersticion and hypocrisie where wyth they prouoked the wrath of God more greuously vpon theÌ„ that neuertheles they maye wante nothinge whereby they maye be allured sette forwarde both to liuelye and effections repentaunce of sinnes and to a coÌ„stante carefulnes to go fore ward in the Lordes waye by which thinges the wrath of God is pacified and his benifites be more plentuously obtained we wyl that euerie daye in the lente if it maye be obtayned that the people wil come together holye assembles bee made and that lessons be reliouslired and declared out of the scriptures which do more vehementli prouoke to repentaunce of synnes and to a diligeÌ„te studye to goe forewarde in the waye of Christ Whereout the pastoures shall make ernest and feruent exhortations and adde therevn to somewhat longe prayers and they shall kepe this asseÌ„bles somewhat later farther furth in the daye chiefely three dayes in the weeke namely vpon the seconde the fourth and the sixte daye that they in whom a wyl to fast godly is stirred vp maye haue more occasion and oportunite therunto For we can not wel hope that the olde maner of fastinge maye be called againe chiefely among vs Germaines which was to differ meate vnto the euening and to bestowe the whole daie in holie doctrin and praiers Wherefore we shal be contente if we maye obtayne that after lessoÌ„s sermons and prayers which shal be ended at noone tyme than as the custome nowe is euerye man take meate accordynge to the necessite of nature and as euery man is stirred vp to faste so that we calle it not ennynge whan it is not yet none as we doe now a dayes to folishly I had almost sayde peruersly But whereas we chiefely require lenten exercises three dayes only in the weeke noman shal thincke that we do remissi and neglygently herein which wyll godly consider to how fewe the true religion of fastinge is knowen now a dayes where as in ChristiaÌ„ congregacions all thynges must be instituted and done in spirite and truth and by all meanes we muste fle al hypocrisie which is abominable to God Thus we reade that in the tyme of the holye fathers Ambrose and Augustine euen at Rome and in mani other places vpon the fifte and seuenth daye of the weke fastyng was remitted in the lent Vpon the dayes of the foure tymes communli called quatuor temporum embring daies let holy lessoÌ„s sermones and praiers ernest and somwhat longe be vsed and later in the daie as in lente and lette the people be stirred vp diligently to true repeÌ„taunce and the worckes of the same fasting praier and almes Of difference of meates NO true Christian doubteth hereof al the fathers haue witnessed and taught it with manie wordes that the onlie difference of meates with out the abstinence of thynges dilitinge this fleshe whiche maye more prepare and sancsifie our bodies to the spirite of Christ in vs for the performance of alworkes of godlynes is a verye vayne thynge and vnpleasaunt to God as he himselfe hath wytnessed Esaye lviii yea that it is an abomynable thinge if anye trust of merite be putte in it before hym which thinge he hym selfe hath also witnessed Esaie i. cha howbeit among Christen men there haue been now a greate whyle not a fewe whych haue thought that it is a true faste if vpon certaine dayes they abstayne only from the fleshe of fowle and foure footed beastes thoughe in the meane ceason they dilitiously fede them selues with the fleshe of fisthes and other meates much costlier and delicater than the commune vse of fleshe is The olde fathers in manye cogregations were wounte to faste vpon the fourth and syxte daye of the weke to which dayes some after warde added the saturdaie also herof cam the custome to abstain from flesh and egges vpon those dayes For the old fathers vpon fastinge dayes abstayned from those meates howbeit they abstained not onely from those but also from fishes and all delycate meates and from wyne to But for asmuche as it hath been begonne a good wyle sithens that grauntes be made to all sortes of men and not to princes only to eate al maner of meates both in lent and vpon other fastinge dayes and our bischoplye office requireth that we ordaine all thinges amonge our men acordinge to the word of God and to the edification of fayth consideringe these thinges we see not what we maye enioyne to oure men concerninge the only differrence of meates we commaunde our pastours and preachers this one thyng that they teach the people what is the true and Christian abstinence and moderatioÌ„ of meate and drincke and other thinges which God hath geueÌ„ for the nede of the body and that they exhort them to the same most diligently I saye to that obstimence whereby the fleshe is more subdued and made more obedieÌ„t to the spirite and that the pore maye feale some comforte while we giue theÌ„ that that we withdrawe from our selues They shall also warne this diligently that all abstinence of thinges which the Lord hath created and giuen to vs for oure vse if we take it not vpon vs for this intent that thorough the same religion towardes God and liberalitie towardes our neyghbour maye be encreced is very heathinish and Monkishe superstition whiche God abhorreth though it be rigorous and cause a sharpe chastisemeÌ„t of the bodye Howe wyll God take such an vnshamefast faininge of abstinence yea rather not a fayning but a verie wicked mocking of the diuie maiestie while vpon those dayes in which abstimence of flesh is bosted men fede to the full and delite them seluâ—â— wyth suche and other meates much more costlye and delicate than the coÌ„mune meates of flesh be But for our parte we ernestly desire and exhorte al our men and euerye one of the pastours that they laboure to warne and exhorte them of whom they haue charge to turne them selues from the excesse in tem perante and wastfulnes whyche they nowe vse to true sparing and moderacion of meates and drinkes and other thynges whyche this bodye nedeth remembringe this saying of the Lorde Take hede to your selues leste at anye tyme your hertes be laden with surfettinge and dronckennes and cares of this worlde Item Petr. i. v. Be sobre and watch for your aduersarie the diuel walketh about lyke a roringe lion seekinge whom he made deuoure ⧠Of certayne other rites and ceremo ⧠nies of the churche THat holie daies maye be consecrated and sanctified truli and wholy to God we wyl that nothing be omitted that pertaineth to the stirring vp and prickinge furth of the people to this santificacion of Christ Wherefore in touÌ„nes and great villages where schloles or more ministers of the â—ongregacion shal be we will that an asseÌ„ble of the people be appoynted there in the mornyng early as it shal be moste commodious
a lesson these two exercises must be diligently retained namely that the childrē do euer declare the constructiō of the text and also adde the rules so that they recite the coniugations and declinations and shewe the rules of the same In this exercise of repetinge and examininge a lerned and faithful master shal teach how manie waies the same sentence maye be spoken in latine with such declaracions of the propriete and elegancie of the latine toung they shal cause more plentious fruit than may be here fully expressed But this matter consisteth altogether in the faythfulnes and dexterite of the master Wherfore men thoroughly learned faythfull and prompte in teachinge must be sought furth to haue the gouernance of scholes cheifely in greate townes In thys fourme there shal be a certayne howre appoynted euerye weeke at whyche howre the childrē shal reherse wythout boke the rules of grammar that they forget them not The masters maye also change thir lectures and in the howre deputed to virgil expoune Tullies epistles In thys furme also euerie childe shall write and delyuer euery weeke a latine Epistle that together thei may learne both to speake to write latyne The fourth fourme shal be of thē whiche haue lerned theyr grammare rules and construction and haue attained a metly good latyne toung To thē afterwarde some logike shal be red as the logik of Cesarius Philip or Sturmius and some easie accentinge as of Murmelius or some other lyke In thys fourme more ouer some bookes of Ouides Metamorphosis de Pōto and Tullies offices shal be red The childrē of this fourme shal also be sterred vp to write verses which they shall deliuer to the master euerie month But forasmuch as manie be of that nature that thei lern to mak verses with much difficultie the shole master shal vse such moderacion in requiringe thys studie that he maye exercise euerie one in that that he shall perceyue the nature of euerie one to preuaile in Howe be it he shall exhorte the dulle also to this arte that thei do not vtterly caste a waie thys art for the greate profite which it hath vndoubtedly But they shall stirre them to trauaile furth as much as they canne and to write some verses though they be but fewe For this exercise maketh perfite grammarians and putteth the youth in remembraūce of manie necessarie thinges of figures of sōdrie wayes to speake latine and fedeth maruailously copie of latine speach Two howres a weeke shal suffice for the readinge of logike But whan it is ended it must be begonne a gayne At other howres the master shal interprete to theim to whom logike is red the greke grammare if they be fitte for that purpose whan he hath ended the grammare he shal expoune Hesiodus or Phocilides or some like thinge as a wise master shal percieue to be profitable for the children But the exercises of grammar rules and construction shal not be omitted in thys fourme but shal be vsed in the repeticion of Ouide These be the lectures whiche maye conuenently be reade the seconde thirde fifte and sixte daye of the weke For seinge that christiā scholes ought chifely to serue for the mainteinaunce and furtheraūce of the knowlege of God among men and to retaine and promote the doctrine of Christe and the hole true Christian religion we wyll and commaund that vpon the furth daie of the weke the schole cease frō other lectures and exercises and that thys daye be bestowed vpon teaching the catechisme and demaūde what the chilhren canne saye therein And we wyll do oure endeuoure that some commē and vniforme Catechisme shal be vsed thorought the hole diocese For we must not graunte to the scholemasters that euerie one shall make a newe catechisme but we wyll that they all vse the receyued whiche they shal so decylre and beate in to children that the youth maye be kepte and euer furthered in the syncere knowlege of Christ in fayth and communion of the congregacion And the selfe same doctrine must be taught in the scholes and in the cōgrgaciōs Which thinges the ouerseers of the congregacions shal cheifly loke to Furthermore the scholemayster shal exhorte his elder sholars to the communion of the Lords supper but let him first enstructe them diligently of this sacrament and examen them Finally in this fourth daye of the weke whan the catechisme shabe handled let eueri childe of the lowest fourme be hearde whether he can faye in latine and in hys mother toung the partes of the catechisme that is to saye the Lordes praier the crede the ten commaundmentes the wordes of baptisme and of the Lordes supper and of discipline and christian correction as they are wrytten Math. xviij Vpon the same day the schole master shal grammatically interprete to hys elder sholers and to suche as canne attaine to it the Gospel of the sondaye nexte folowyng and shal declare the sume of that lesson to them and shewe them what thinges are touched therein concerninge faith and other vertues that the scholemaster and the youth may accustome them selues to knowe more certainly and to serch out more religiousli the thiuges that be taught in the Gosples lette the Saturday be bestowed vpon Musike that vpon that daye the rules of Musike may be taught and the yong men enstructed and exercised to singe cheifely those songes which vpon the nexte sondaye shal be sounge in the temple For scholemaysters and scholars must not only be present at the songes in the congregacions befor other but they must al so beare the cheifeste stroke not only vpon holie dayes but also vpon other dayes whā there shal be holye assembles as it shal be appointed after the cōdicion and commodites of euerie place In this mater suche moderacion must be kept that the childrens heath be not hurted in the winter thorought colde if they be deteined to long in the temple and that they be not so occupied in singinge that theyr study of lerninge be hindred It pertaineth also to the maintenaunce and encrese of grauite and religion in temples that to sondrie and longe songes be not vsed But these thinges and suche other that pertaine to the dignitie of holie assembles edificaciō of the people of Christ the visiters shal appoint accordinge to the oportunitie of euerie place ¶ Of the schole of deuinitie But for maiteinaunce of Christean doctrine and holesome administration of churches those firste beginninges are not onely required whyche be gotten in the scholes of children but furthermore it is necessarie that men giuen theym selues altogether to lerne perfetly the vniuersal scripture of the prophetes and the Apostles and to excusse al the hearde questions whyche haue exercised the churche from the begninge Item to knowe the waye and meane whereby the holy fathers in theyr time defēded the Lordes truth in the cōgregacion and kepete the same pure vnto vs and finallye howe we maye in our time defende and retaiue the same That there maye bee
euer in the congregation meete men and well furnished to set furthe and defende the doctrine of Christe and that so the true doctrine of Christ reueled vnto vs from God and comended and beclared by the Appostles which the true catholike church of Christe hath euer holden maye be kepte and sprede furth vnto oure posterite by the grace and goodnes of christ thys of righte ought to be chiefeste care of great princes and al gouerners of commenweales as in dede it is the principall seruice of God For these causes the Apostles and their disciples instituted in theyr congregacions such peculiar lectures and scholes as we read of Iohan the EuaÌ„geliste Pof olicarpus of the scholes erected Antioch Alexandre and constaÌ„tinople And such wer scholes at the beginning whych nowe be ecclesiastical colleges And this maner of institutinge such scholes was verie profitable to the coÌ„gregacions for foure causes First that the writinges of the Apostles and prophet in such colleges and scholes might be preserued from perishinge SecoÌ„dly that there myght euer be witnesses of the Apostolike writinges whyche shoulde be true and which counterfeit For euen streyght waye at the beginninge some wrytinges were carred aboute vnder the name of the Apostles vntruly whyche were furth with reiected and noted by these scholes As we reade that Ihon the Euangeliste reproued one for addyng a false appendice to the Actes of the Apostles Thirdlye that such scoles might bear witnes what doctrin and vnderstandinge of the scriptures was taught by the Apostles least straunge doctrines and enterpretations of the scriptures and suche as fyght with the doctrine of the Apostles might crepe in the authours wher of should be vnknowne or elles aduersaries to this testimoni of the coÌ„gregacion Fourthly that out of suche colleges and scholes meete teachers and gouerners might be taken for other churches also These I thinck wer the causes whither wer alwaies in the congregations such companies and colledges from the beginninge whyche after that they wer enriched by the liberalitie of princes and godlye men thei were broughte to such colledges of Cannons as we se nowe a dayes But forasmuch as the studie of the holie scriptures is euer queÌ„ched a greate while sithens in these colledges many other slanders pernitious to the coÌ„gregations ar com in with a lamentable ignorance of holy matters surely the great nede necessitie of the congregations requireth that scholes be restored and preserued asmuche as the Lorde wyl helpe thereunto Wherfore we also haue purposed to erect and coÌ„stitute such a schole of Diuinitie at Bonne wherein after the custome some mete readers shal teach the holye scriptures and other good learnyng in which we wyll also procure that the studentes shal haue a place and a table as the maner is in other vniuersities And moreouer we wyl depute somwhat for pore younge men There shall then be appoynted for a beginning seueÌ„ professours in this our schole The firste shall professe diuinitie and shall teache openly two dayes of the wieke in the olde testament and two other in the newe to whose iudgement we wyll permitte that he shall chuse out of the holie bokes those that he thynketh wyll be moste profitable for the hearers as in the olde Testament Genesis Deutoronomie the Psalmes Esaie In the newe Paule Iohn Luke And this professoure shall so moderate his doctrine that it agre with this suÌ„me of holie doctrine which we haue described in thys boke and whiche is in deede the doctrine and meanyng of the true and catholike churche of Christe This principall reader of diuinitie shall also exercise the office of the superintendant in the coÌ„gregrations nigh aboute and as the rector of thys schole he shall haue charge of the other reders and shal warne theÌ„ of their duti if neede be and if they do not their duties he shal bryng the matter before them whoÌ„ we wyl appoint to be vphoders and maynteyners of thys our ordinaunce He shal labour also to maynteyne mutuall coÌ„corde betwene the professours that one hurte not an other wyth wordes writinges or other wayes And he shall decree and put in execution by the aduise and assent of the other readers thynges perteynynge to the discipline and correction of the youth The seconde reader shal also examine the holie scripture but there wythall he shall teache the hebrue tonge Two daye in the wicke he shall enterprite some boke wyth a theological exposition Foure dayes he shall reade hebrue in order First he shal teach the grammer and then he shall expoune some boke of the Bible and therin he shal declare the rules and vse of the grammer that thys tonge maye be more certeynely knowen of yonge men and be made more familiar vnto them The thyrde professour shal reade logike and the greke tonge both twaine euerie day in the wieke in the which he muste teache as vpon the seconde the thyrde the fifte the sixt day of the wieke Which thynge shal not be harde vnto hym whiche hath atteyned but euen a meane knowledge of both the artes For he that hath once wel perceyued the ruâ—es of Logike shall not haue muche a do to teache them But he shal chuse some coÌ„mune and good Logike as is the Logike of Cesarius philip or Sturmius And he shal not chaunge that that he hath begonne to teache and moreouer as often as he hath ended the same he shall adde some boke of Aritoteles his Logike whom he shall interprete in greke But he shall chose the easiar bokes as is the boke of Porphyrius or of the Predicamentes or some parte of the Analitikes that the youth maye be prepared to the readyng of Aristotle And he shall moderate all these thynges accordynge to the capacitie of the hearers When the boke of Aristotle is finished he shall returne to the accostomed Logike of Cesarie Philippe or Sturmius In the other houre when he muste reade greke this reader shal first teache the grammar and afterward Hesiodus or some part of Homere or some Tragidies of Euripides or Sophocles or some oratioÌ„ of Isocrates or somewhat of Luciane or Herodotus Those ended he shall returne to the grammare The fourth reader shall professe Rhetorike and shall reade euerie daye twyse one houre he shal bestowe vpon the preceptes of Rhetorike and he shal chuse some good Rhethorike coÌ„munely vsed in the scholes which ended he shall expoune Erasmus his boke de copia rerum and after that some bokes of Quintilian namely the second the thirde the eight and the tenth On the other houre he shal expoune some â—ration of Cicero wherein asmuche as he shall thynke needfull he shall declare howe the oration agreeth wyth the rules and preceptes of Rhethorike Howbeit some tymes in the steede of oratioÌ„s he shall mengle some what out of the poetes This reader of Rhethorike shal also professe moral philosophie Therefore in the houre deputed to thys lecture he shall expoune sometymes Tullies offices and sometymes he shal interprete
office of al pastours and curates of soules that they vtterly bid al worldly and fleshly cares and busines farewel and caste the same froÌ„ theÌ„ as beside the lawe of god the canons require with great seueritie For coÌ„cerning the necessaries of life we wil faith fully procure that euery maÌ„ shal be liberally prouided for that beinge discharged of the care of this lyfe they maye wholy gyue theÌ„ selues both to lerne the holy scripture and to study the same day and night whiche onely enstructeth vnto saluation thorowe fayth in Christ and also to prayers wyth which only we may obteyne the true vnderstandyng of the scripture and the gift and grace to de liuer the same wholsomely vnto other and luckely to serue Christ the Lorde in thys office vnto the edification of the coÌ„gregation Fourthly we coÌ„maund that the pastours haue often coÌ„uocations and godly exercises in the same whiche we wyl appoynte in certeyne and conuenient places and tymes as the coÌ„moditie of the coÌ„gregatioÌ„s and ministers shall suffre and herein they shall vse none excuse excepte it be verie necessarie In these conuocations one shall faythfully enstructe warne and exhorte an other of the sincere vnderstandyng of the scriptures and of the holesome administracion of their office For seing that the knowledge and vse of a pastorall office is so miserably lost we wyll appoynte by oure visitors as much as we maye some pastours and teachers in certaine places which be some what more furnished in the knowledge and religion of the holie ministerie to whoÌ„e the other pastours and ministers dweling nigh aboute shal resorte euery weke or as often as it shal be conuenient and shal heare of them the exposition of the scriptures and other thinges pertaning to pastoral cure so better furnish theÌ„ selues vnto their office And if cases and difficultes hapeÌ„ in theyr ministerie out of which thei can not vnfolde theÌ„ selues let theÌ„ vse the counsel of these men And if they be warned that thei haue erred or don amis in ani thing let them take that warninge in good parte and regarde it wel and diligentli amend theÌ„ selues in that wherein they erred and lette them if they haue not fully execuited theyr office in anye pointe recompense the same studiously Further more we wil also institute greatter conuocations to be kepe twise a yere and beside those we wyll haue two to be kepte euerie yere in our cite of Colone as the olde custome is wherunto the Deanes onli shal resort and thei which haue some peculier busines there or be called thither To these conuocatioÌ„s than the pastours and Deanes euery man according to his ordre shal come together studiouslye neyther shal they absent them selues from thens except it be for a necessary cause we wil prouyde also that euery congregation shal be visited euery yeare by mete visiters whiche if they haue perceiued any faute to haue crept into the parishes which thei them selues caÌ„not amende they shall propoune the same in the greater conuocations that it maye be ameÌ„ded by the authoritie of a synode Wher for we wyl chuse men excellyng in wysdom faythfulnes and authoritie asmuche as the Lord shal geue to rule this conuocatioÌ„s and to execute visitations to whom we wil geue such authoritie that they maye resist fautes and inconueniences whan they aryse and vse fit remedies Nowe all the actes of conuocations and visitations must be referred hereunto that al parishes may haue faythful and mete ministers whych may execute their ministerye faythfully accordyng to Gods worde and want not iust defence against vniust violeÌ„ce and cauillations of wicked menne And that thei which haue not faithfully executed the holy ministery or be found to haue committed any faut in their liuyng be corrected or if that cannot be brought to passe that they be remoued from the holy ministery Finally forasmuch as sondry chaunses diseases and other lets of the holy ministery happen dayly vnto pastours as vnto meÌ„ this thing shal also be decreed in coÌ„uocations visitations whaÌ„ it happeneth to some minister by reason of siknes or some other cause that he cannot execute his ministery himselfe that some of his felowes if ther be sondry ministers in the same congregation as it happeneth in tounes or some of his neighbours if any haue no felow as it is wont to be in vilages shal supply the rome of the minister so empesched that the peple be not ani wher defrauded of the holye ministery of Christ ⧠Of the reformation of canonical colledges CAnonical colledges ar now a daies for the most parte of two sortes Some ther be into which the sons of Dukes Erles knightes and noble men are only receiued Ther be other in to which the children of other men ar admitted Nowe where as all these wil be counted clearkes and partly also priestes deacons subdeacons and some caÌ„nons that is to say reguler clarkes if a lawful and canonical reformation of these persons shoulde be taken in hand it behoued surely that al thei shuld buckle theÌ„ selfes to that maner of ministring to the coÌ„gregatioÌ„ also of liuyng which the rules prescribe to such persons that is to sai they should apply them selues to the cure of soules and to the edifiyng of the reste of the coÌ„gregatioÌ„ in the doctrine of Christ I mean that the preistes should endeuour theÌ„ selues to preach and minister the sacramentes and gouerne ecclesiastical discipline the deacons and subdeacons should apply the ministery of the same doctrine and sacrameÌ„ts and the distributing of almes wheruÌ„to the other orders of the clerks shuld set their hands also eueri maÌ„ according to his place degre For this is the proper office of al the cleargie as the authorities of the caÌ„noÌ„s and olde fathers testifie to fede the flocke of Christ Clerkes fede the shepe I am fed sayth Ierome to He liodo where he numbreth him selfe amonge Monckes and sheweth a difference betwne Monckes and clearkes And where as in a christian reformation of churches we ought to haue a regard here vnto to seke this thing with al diligeÌ„c naÌ„ely that al thinges may be restored in the coÌ„gregations right coÌ„modiously with as lytle offence of meÌ„ as may be that the reformatioÌ„ consist not only in glorious writinges nothing in dede for the christian meÌ„ must do al thinges sincerly therfor in the reformaâ—ioÌ„ of ecclesiasticall matters we must brynge to passe that the holy ministery and hole doctrine of Christ may be restored to a sure instauratioÌ„ of religion and to the welth of the vniuersal congregatioÌ„ This ende thaÌ„ being set before vs sincerely regarded we think this way of reformation should be taken in hand in canonical colleges First we wil that our reuereÌ„d chapter of the hiest and principal colledge shal retaine and kepe styl their free and canonical election of al their felowes and prelates al their dignitie old laws libertes and preuileges as they hane had of old time and vse
Tow to studie the lawe that they maye answere and giue coūsel to the college and the chapter in doubts that shalarise and that they maye exequite foraine busines And we woulde this distribucion of offices so to be ordred amōg preistes that yet all shoulde be fellowes of the Chap. and should haue their place there and saye theyr mindes In like maner let the diacons applie their office not onely in reading the Gospel at the holie Eucharistia but also in taking charge of the poore and distributinge to the poore after the pleasure of the Chap. the thynges that they which communicate at the Lordes table shall offre vnto the Lorde Nether must the vicares be idle lette them be present in the Quiar whan the tyme shall require let thē giue eare to the holie lectures and sermons and endeuour that the same be done religiously and cōely further let them serue the people of Christ vnto edificacion euery mā according to the gift that God hath geuē him in other ministeries of the cleargy As for those which heretofore were boūd to saye priuate masses we wil haue thē to be presēt at cōmune masses religiousli and that they al be parttakers of the sacrament together wyth the rest that they liue godli and honestely beside furth as it becometh men dediacted to holie thinges And bicause there be manie vicares which after this reformaciō shal haue no ministerie in the cōgregacion beside holie lectures and sermōs it semeth not an euil aduise vnto vs if some prebendes of vicares after their dissease whiche now haue them be turned to other and better vses by the counsel and consente of our diocesanes And forasmuche as we se not as we saide before that it lieth in our power to forbidde holie mariage to be vsed of anie man in the Lord we wil that the congregations be provided for therein that the children or wyues of the ministers deteine not the ecclesiasticall reuenues after the death of the ministers but that al thinges returne to the congregacion furth wyth after the death of anie minister And that euerie minister faithfulli mainteine those goodes which he hath of the cōgregacion and diminish them in no parte ether in pelferinge or in neglectinge as the Canons and euerie mannes othe requireth After this sorte we wish that our principal colege be renuid Which waye and reformaciō we desire that it maye also preuaile in S. Gereous college Nether do we go abonte to bring in anie chaūge in other colleges thā that the Canons and vicares of all colleges first confirme thē selues to the fourme prescribed in this boke in doctrine celebration of masses and other ceremonies and that there fore they moderate and vse theyr holie lessōs and sounges in temples after the maner declared before whiche we wil declare more largely hereafter Secōdli that they prouide the parisches and scholes which thei haue in corporated of mete ministers and gyue to the same liberally the necessaries of life that they maie applie their ministeries to the true profite of the congregacion Finally that in life and maners they be an exemple vnto other of godlynes and honestie auoiding all spottes and offences in theyr conuersacion asmuche as they maye by the Lordes helpe But because it is wel knowē that the greatest parte of possessiōs came to colleges thorowe the liberalite of princes erles knig htes concerninge secondarie colleges we wyl seke these waies by the aduise and assente of our men that partli thei shal be adiudged to the nobilite so that none shal be receiued in to them but gentlemen partly they shal be giuen to other honest men vnder thys condicion that they proue their nobilite from theyr grandefathers and greate grādfathers and thei which be of the honest kinred of citezins proue thēselues to be borne of lawful parentes which were mē of honest cōdicion life As touchinge presbiteral prebendes in other colleges we wil that they be bestowed vpon sectures of diuinite holie sermons and ministracion of the secramentes and further more vpon lawiers and such as gyue counsel to the colleges in temporal matters And as touching the procuration of holie sermōs and institucion and maintenaunce of scholes we wil haue al these thynges so ordred and kepte as we haue prescrided to our principal college asmuch as the commoditie and faculties of euerie college wil susteine And it is cōuenient that to those principal ministeries where presbiteral prebēdes wāte or suffice not other prebendes be adiudged and incorporated Thus we wil also haue the same waye obserued in vicares diacōs of other colleges which we haue set furth in our high college Vessels of siluer and golde and other costlie vessels and ornamentes of churches and colleges thorough our diocese we wil haue be put in an innentorie and to be kepte diligētly and that none of thē be alienated from their congregations and colleges or chaunged to another vse with out the lawful consent of vs and oure prouincials Wee haue obserued also that the time of vacance in many colleges is required longer than it is conuenient whereby the cōgregacions are long destitute of their ministeries and the newe ministers are burthened to much Therefore that we may moderate this thing according to equitie we wil that the tyme of wantinge new felowes be not prolonged more thā one yere But as sone as euerie man hath lawefully obteyned a prebende lete him enioye it after the first yere without anie diminucion excepte therebe some lawful and cananical impediment We haue obserued thys thynge also that residence of the first yere in manie colleges is required to preciseli and scrupulusly with out anie necessarie or profitable cause By whych supersticion manye fellowes are drawen from those ministeries of which agreat deale more profite myght come both to the colleges and also to the congregacions than if they shoulde be present euerie howre Yea and other incōmodites and herte burninges are wounte to aryse we will therefore that a remedie be laied to thys incommodite and that the lawes of residence be so tempred as Christian charite and true edificacion of the congregacions shall require and as the condiciō facultes of euerie college shal permit Finally we haue marcked that those fellowes that studie in vniuersites be worse entreated thā right woulde It pleaseth vs ther fore that hereafter hole prebendes be graunted to thē whiche by the permission of theyr Chap liue in vniuersites and apyroued scholes howe beit suche moderacion shal be vsed herein as shal be agreable to euerie mannes age witte and studie For seinge that al ecclesiastical prebendes were appointed for thys only purpose that they whiche are susteined thereby shoulde profitably serue the congregacions and set forth their commodites surely it is muche mor right and more worshipful and profitable both for the colleges and also for the congregation to geue hole prebēdes to these young felowes which abide in scholes and furnysh them selues with godly
and honest artes wherwith they may afterward bryng greater profite to the colledges and to the congregations than that thei shuld spende in their colledges those good yeres idly in foule ignorancie and so rather burthen the colledges than do theym anye good ¶ Of the reformation of monastaries both of men and women VVE canne not hope that the olde and true Mouckrie maye be restored agayne in thys tyme as we haue no hope neither of restorynge of the olde discipline of Canons of that sorte as it was once and as it is described of Sayncte Augustine in the booke of the maners of the congregacion Wherefore we wyll be contente wyth that reformacion of the monasteries whyche yet remaine that we maye hope shal be obtained and kepte Firste therefore we wyll that all monasteries conforme theim selues to that waye whiche we haue described in this booke and shall hereafter appointe more largelye in doctrine in administracion of sacramentes and ceremonies in repurgacion and moderacion of holie lessons and songes Secondly that thei se the parishes which they haue incorporated the reuenues and tythes wherof they enioye to be prouided of ecclesiasticall and scholasticall ministeries and of stipendes for theym whiche muste exequite ministeries to the congregacions in al pointes accordinge to that fourme which we prescribed before to colleges Thirdlye we will that they whiche in monasteries shall be founde meete to take the charge of soule shal be apointed therūto as also among the olde fathers clerckes and pastours bee chosen frō the cōpanie of monkes And now the greate necessite of the congregacion requireth the same Fourthly concerning those which be vnfit to ministre and haue not the gyfte nor yet the wyll to lyue godly and honestli in monasteries we se not that it is lawful for vs to deteine thē in monasteries to be certainely offensiue to them selues and to other Wherefore asmuche as pertaineth vnto vs we wyll not grudge to graunte to suche cloisterers if they vndre whome they liue wil permitte the same that leauinge theyr monasteries and monasticall bondage they shall conueye them selues to the commune honest and christiā life and to liue in mariage or wiueles so that their purpose be godlie and vnfained To which kind of liuinge it shall not displease vs that they whiche haue nede be holpen of the monasteries whiche they leaue Fiftly we will that they whiche wil tarie in monasteries shal liue godly and without offence and kepe the commen discipline of christen men and be contente to receiue thinges necessarie for the bodie by the administracion of the monasterie and not to waste the goodes of the monasteries in shamefull riot For monastaries oughte to serue to the cherishyng of honest and godly studies and to bryng vp young men which afterwarde may bryng certaine vtilitie to the cōgregations Further we wyll haue the noumber of these mē so moderated that euery yere some what may remain to the monasteries wher by some children may be holpē which haue not wherwith thei mai be honestly brought vp and be taught some craft to mayntayne thē selues thereby And moreouer that yong folcke of more age maye bee holpen whiche though thei haue a craft wherbi thei be able to get their owne liuyng yet they haue not wherwyth to set vp their craft or to fynd a commodious mariage So it semeth good to vs also that monasteries of beggynge friers be wholy dedicated to godly learnyng For it is euidēt that thei were not made at the beginnynge that men should begge or only read and sing in temples or sai masses but for this purpose chiefly that in them men should be brought vp and framed vnto the congregations whych myghte supply the negligence of pastours and susteyne the holy ministerye of the cure of soules which than began to were out of vse Wherefore we wyll prouyde that they whiche in these monasteries shal be founde meete to ministre shal be deputed to the same in conuenient places And where as it is against christian simplicite and the verie rules of the olde holi fathers prescribed vnto monckes that cloisterers shoulde shewe furth themselues to be gased vpon with such disgised and so manifolde variyng garment where as monckes apparel shoulde be base and of smale price not differinge muche in shape and colour of the gramentes of other meane and base men it shal please vs that they whiche wil abyde in monasteries shall vse comen garmentes not much varnyinge from other apparel of good men which yet shal be homelie and honest and so ordred as it shal be conueniēt for euerie mans ministerie and condicion of life And because it is right expedient for the cōgregaciōs that there be scholes where in the youth maye be godly and commodiously taught and framed we wyl do oure diligēce that wher oportunitie hereof shal be certaine monasteries with the aduise and assente of our pronincialles shal be tourned in to scholes in which wee wyll studie to set learned and good scholemasters asmuch as we maie and we will appointe some monasteries for the nobilite and some for other honest men that in thē their children maye be godly and honestly brought vp and be furnished with good lerninge and honest maners And because that folowinge the Lordes worde we make it free to them to whom it is not giuen to liue well holy and godly in monsteries to returne to the cōmune life of christen men manie men feare sondrie daungers that maye come hereof For some of the order of gentlemen and other worshipfull men because they haue manie children and can not sette furth al their daughters to mariag feare lest it maye chaunce thorough this libertie of forsakinge monasteries that their daughters shal returne to them and be burthenous vnto them or at the lest shal be allured to vnauised and vnsemelye mariages or sedused to some other spotte of lyfe For oure weaknes is verie much in continuyng in good and honest studies and our old enemie Sathan layeth meruailous waites a gainste al christian reformacion of thinges Some feare also that greate and pernicious contensions aboute inheritaunces wil come hereof and an intolerable diminucion of patrimonies for thei are aferde lest the women which shal forsake their nonries wil require their protion of inheritaunce and not onely of that inheritaunce that shal be deuided but also of that that is deuided already But as for vs seing that in the whole reformation that we take in hand we haue an hertie regard hereunto and most studiously referre al thynges to the same poynte that we may augment al commodities vnto our men to the glory of God fyrst spiritual and secondly temporal and not to intercepte or diminishe any commoditie in any thyng we wysh asmuch as we may possibly to turne a way and remoue both these thynges and al other which men fear wyl happen or which in dede wyl be paynful to some And therfore we exhort in the Lord most ernestlye all virgins cloysterers and
other whych are nowe in Abbaies that they take good hede that this so necessarye and holesome worke of christian reformation be not made open in any part to the il speakyng of men nor hindred nor defaced wyth anye abuse or offence seyng that very many stomblyng blockes and lettes otherwyse happē to this worke before it come to any purpose and be established throughe so great wekenes of men and so sharpe and continuall awaytes of Satan As for vs we must nedes folow the Lordes worde and not to go before it whyche word not onli enioyneth not to mā wiueles lyfe nether by necessitie of commaundemēt nor by commendation or exaction of a vow or by the occasition of anye kynde of lyfe or mynistery but also it byndeth and moderateth the prayse of wyueles lyfe and not of euery wyueles lyfe but of that which may cause a man to cleaue to God and godly actions more fastly and with greate continuaunce It moderateth the praise therof I say so studiousli and with so singuler a promise that as often as it bryngeth furth any thing in the commendation of thys wyueles lyfe and of the maner of seruyng God wythout Mariage it addeth furthwyth somewhat wherby it admonisheth that it is not geuen to euery body to serue God out of wedlock and that eueri man ought to consider what gift he hath receiued of the Lord lest labourynge to higher thynges he bee not able to stand in the lower and lest whyle he foloweth the higher vertue he lese the lower and laye a snare for himselfe Thus the Lordes mouth the holy gost hath taught of wiueles lyfe Math. xix i. Cor. vij i. Timo. v. Seyng than that the Lord himselfe and master of religion commēdeth wineles lyfe after this sort and with this warines bothe by hymselfe and by his Apostle it cannot surely be lawful to vs his disciples to laye a snare to men commeuded to oure charge that we should kepe thē in the grace of God ether by any renuyng of commaundementes or exaction of vowes whereby they perishe and to thrust thē from that that might be to them a better and a surer way as it is to be ioyned in Matrimony to them which burne and to dryue them to that that is not good to theym but daungerons For as the Lorde wyll haue nothynge commaunded to manne in his name but that that certaynly pertayneth to his welth so he wyll haue no vowe either to bee commended or required whiche helpeth not to the same For he came to saue that that of mē had perished and not to bryng them into anye daunger of saluation He came not to presse doune his wyth the burthen of vnprofitable comaundementes but to deliuer them Wherfore we must stand herein nether can it be lawful vnto vs to depart from the religion of our office eyther that we may turne away anye temporal displeasures or get cōmodities For we must not do euyll that good maye happen In the meane while as all christen men so al cloisterers to must no lesse religiously cōsidre the thinges that the lorde so ernestly cōmaundeth requireth cōcerning the reuerēce obediēce of parētes kinsfolk such as in this lif ar made of the lord our gonerners Item howe we shoulde not entre into mariage but in hym that is to saye accordyng to his worde and pleasure Furthermore concernynge the eschuinge of offences and the luste that we shoulde haue to approue oureselues to all men vnto theyr wealth and edification in al our lyfe and doinges Item to folowe and to studie for all those thynges that be acceptable and of good reporte and laudable and wynne greater worshyppe to the Gospel Out of these commaundementes of the Lorde we admonishe and exhort in the Lorde and in his name al virgines cloisterers and al other men what so euer they be that they wyl godly considre and lay vp in theyr hertes al these commaundementes of the Lorde that they trouble not them at any tyme with vntymely mariages to whom they owe all honour reuerence and loue and so disworshyppe the Gospel of Christe and be offensiue to the cōgregation of God and to other mē which offense by the healpe of God thei might auoied For if any aske of God with true fayth and cal for his spirite in the name of his sonne oure Lorde Iesus Christ he wyl not denie his healpe to the perfourmance of those thynges whiche he so muche cōmaundeth and requireth Whiche thynge we see dayly in so many holy maydens and wydowes whom he preserueth in ryght puritie of lyfe wythout all foule superstition and offēce while there chaunce to them no meete husbandes to whom they myghte be maried And there is no gyfte surely perteynyng to the edifiyng and adournynge of his congregation but God wyl bountuously gyue it vs euen in this tyme so that we do not dispice nor caste away his liberalitie but seeke and praye for the same godly Wherefore God wyll gyue no lesse in thys tyme virgines and wydowes and other holie men whiche shall gelde them selues for the kingdome of heauen then he dyd in the tyme of the holie fathers if we shal godly require of hym these ornamentes of the congregation And there be some surelye in thys tyme to whome the gyfte of godlye wyueles lyfe hath chaunced from God if onely they wyl vse the same in the true feare of God and zeale of promotynge the Gospell Therfore let al cloisterers wyth al diligence and carefulnes beware that they abuse not the libertie of Christe in any thynge and make the good thynge whiche they haue receyued of the Lorde and the profession of the Gospell to be subiect to the yl speakyng of men But that they loke aboute them religiously trie and discerne whither the Lorde hath called them and doth cal thē not whither carnal curiositie and desire dryueth them which yet the Lorde wyl giue them grace to ouercome if onely they wyl diligently pray for it and labour studiosly to thys poynte and facion thys whole lyfe wyth godly care that they maye approue them selues to all men but chiefely to them amonge whom they liue by Goddes ordinaunce that they maye please them I saye unto theyr wealth and edification and seeke theyr owne in nothynge but the thynges that profite other as the Lorde requireth of all christen men by Paule To al these thynges we warne and exhort cloisterers after that sort and religion that Paule dyd namely for the true profite of cloisterers for that that is comely to them and healpeth them hereunto that they maye cleaue the better to the Lorde and more nighly and wyth lesse daunger of seperation And not in any wyse after that sort superstition that we shoulde laye a snare to anie man that is to saye that we shoulde gyue any occasion to enterprise more thynges and higher then euerie mā hath receyued power of the Lorde as we protested before Wherfore as at other tymes so we
euer adde also to thys oure admonition and exhortion the sentence of Paule if they conteyne not lette them be maried For it is better to be maried then to burne what so euer men agaynste the same haue willed or commaunded or require thorowe theyr authoritie or fauour For against that that the Lord pronounceth to be better no maÌ„ mai vowe or coÌ„maund or require or perfourme by any meanes Wherefore we beseche and exhorte in the Lorde the pareÌ„tes and kinsfolke of these personnes that in them whom God hath committed to theyr charge which were borne of them and be ioined to theÌ„ by bloude or some other diuine copulation they wyll not preferre temporall coÌ„modites and ornamentes before euerlastyng and that they wyl rather considre thys thynge well and religiously that our whole wealth lyeth in the free and bolde inuocatioÌ„ of Goddes mercie thorowe our Lorde Iesus Christe Which inuocation can not stande wyth an euyl conscience But they whiche burne bicause they haue not the gyfte of geldyng them selues for the kyngdome of God if they refuse the remedie of burnynge that is to witte holie wedlocke they can verie scantly maintaine a good conscience For who so whyle he maye studieth not to embrace that that God hath iudged better he vndoudtedly dispireth god whose holsome counsel he regardeth not The Lordes worde standeth cleare and euident It is better to be maried then to burne And it oughte to comforte godly parentes whom God hath honoured rather then burthened wyth a greate meanie of chyldren that he hath promised that all other thynges shal be added vnto them which seeke the kingdome of God and the ryghtuousnes thereof thorowe his prouidence whiche surely can neuer leaue his destitute of anie maner of true commodities Lette them comforte them selues wyth thys and suche other lyke promises of God They whiche haue more chyldren then that they caÌ„ thynke that they may prouide meete mariages for them all accordynge to the dignitie of theyr familie lette them not doubte if principally they seeke the kyngdome of God and the ryghtuousues thereof for theyr daughters and sonnes permittynge vnto them holie mariage where as they haue not receyued the gyfte to serue God wythout the same let them not doubte I saye but that God wyll surely blesse both their chldren other so plentifully that they shall haue plaine experience that there is nothynge more profitable that nothinge obteineth greater blessing of god for al necessities of life theÌ„ faithfully simply to folowe his word and wil. Furthermore how horrible a thing should it be to be heard that christian noble meÌ„ or other wyse exccelleÌ„t thorowe the singuler benifites of the Lorde shoulde wyllyngly for temporal ritches and worldfly glorie putte theyr chyldren in daunger oeternall damnation and laye before them a snare of synne whom they had begotte to God to enioye eternall lyfe and not to the diuyll to suffre euerlastyng damnation and whom also they had consecrated to Christe to keepe al the thinges that he coÌ„maunded Wo be vnto them sayeth the Lorde by whoÌ„ an occasion of stumblyng commeth And if we hereafter by the councell and aduise of our prouinciall states can healpe godly and honeste men aswell noble as other whiche haue more chyldren then they can wel ioyne in matrimonie accordynge to theyr estate that they maye couple all theyr chyldren whom the Lorde hath called to holy wedlocke in mariages meete for them we wyl omitte no faythfulnes and diligence In the meane whyle lette the parentes and kinsfolke which haue the gouernaÌ„ce of their yongers laboure to shewe suche loue and faythfulnes to theyr chyldren and kinsfolke in thys behalfe whereby they maye declare that they desire nothinge more then the glorie of God to be sette forth in the wealth of they friendes So agayne lette yonge prisoners behaue them selues in suche sorte towardes theyr parentes and Elders as men whiche next after the obedience of God desire nothynge more then to ordre al theyr life to the acceptation and worshyppe of theyr parentes and kinsfolke and to do and suffre al thynges that God wyl haue them to do and suffre accordyng to theyr pleasure More then thys neither we nor other caÌ„ brynge any remedie agaynste the former inconuenience whiche men feare wyll ensue of the remission of monastical bondes I meane that virgines cloisterers returne not out of theyr abbayes to theyr frendes and be burthenous vnto them and also a disworshippe thorow vnaduised mariages or some worse chaunge of lyfe that is But that we maye ease theyr carefulnes whiche are troubled wyth the other incommoditie and feare leste their inheritaunces and patrimonies shal be diminished we beseche theÌ„ and exhorte theÌ„ in the Lorde that first they wyl wel considre that we christen men ought so to regarde teÌ„poral goodes that we do not onely preferre them in no wyse before eternall goodes but also that they be not an hidrauÌ„ce to the same in any poynte Secondly lette them remembre that Goddes lawe after whiche Abraham and other holie fathees lyued graunteth vnto parentes that they maye so distribute theyr temporal goodes amonge theyr chyldren as they shall thynke moste profitable and worshypfull both for theyr familie and also for the congregation of Christ For Abraham made Isaac his iust heyre and gaue to his other chyldreÌ„ though they were lawfulli begotteÌ„ only certain portioÌ„s of his goodes ordered and distributed accordynge to his pleasure So Dauid made not his eldâ—â—t sonne to be successour of his kyngdome but hym whom he iudged to be most meete to administre the same For the same reason Moyses his lawe whiche God him selfe gaue commaundeth that two partes of the inheritage be gyuen to the eldest sonne Thys reason then being wel considered if the same thynge shall seeme good to our diocesanes we wyll thus determine concernynge the enheritaunces of them which shal forsake Monasteries namely that none of them shall haue title to claime those enheritances whiche were distributed amonge the other heyres before that they came out of theyr Abbayes As for the enheritaunces which shal chaunce after that they haue lefte their Abbaies we wil take this ordre in theÌ„ If it be great hinderaunce to anie man to admitte theÌ„ to lyke portions which after cession of inheritaunce lefte their abbaies becaus that the persone trusting in that cession and lokinge for agreater protion of inheritaunce enterprised to marie or beganne som other trade of life so that he should be greatli endammaged if such cession of inheritauÌ„ce should be voide and if they shoulde clame againe their protion whiche had giuen vp the same at their entringe in to monasteries in such a case we wil procure that they whiche shal be putte to such hinderaunce shal be pâ—â—uided for and that they also which haue left their monasteries shal be brought to christiaÌ„ equite so that no body shall haue cause to coÌ„plaine of wronge Further it is conuenient that they which shal be deliuered out of
cloister bondage shewe themselues so thanckeful to God for his inconparable benifite of the pure doctrine of the gospel restored vnto thē and of christian libertie that they shall sone cōpte that sufficient that shal be allotted vnto them how litel soeuer it be only if they maie therewith serue God with a free and safe cōscience But howe soeuer these thinges shall happen and howe soeuer these controuersies maie be prouided for yet Christiā men must remembre that we praie for dailie breade after the sanctificaciō of goddes name and the cōminge of his kingdome wherefore al carefulnes for temporal thinges must serue and gyue place to the sanctificacion of goddes name and to his kingdome ⧠Of fre and not monasticall Colleges of virgines FIrst we will that euerie college shal be lefte in that cōdition cōcerning dignite of birth wherein it is nowe I meane that suche colleges as were appointed to the daughters of Erles be lefte to them and suche as were appointed to knightes daughters be distributed to the same Secondly that abbasses and other virgines in colleges conforme themselues to this our reformacion in doctrine administration of the sacramentes other ceremonies item in the maner of readinge and singinge in the temples so that they reade and sing al thinges in a tounge which they vnderstande It shal be the abbasses parte to bringe vp and reteine the other virgines in the feare of the Lorde in holie moderacion of lyfe and in al honeste and therfore to stirre thē vp with diligēt warning and with the exēple of their owne life Lette the other virgines shew thē selues obedient to the abbasse and other rulers in all godlines sobrietie honest moderaciō of meates drinckes clothing and other thinges and doinges ⧠Of the ordre of sel bretherne And laie brethern SElle brethern in their profession are nexte to true monckrie they liue together they haunte scholes and labour with their hādes Wherefore we will maintein and aide them for these purposes requiring of them only that they purge and moderate their ceremonies lessons and songes accordinge to this our reformacion and that they liue a blameles life in the communion of the congregation where they dwell and in the obediēce of the cōmune pastours So likewise laie bretherne sustine them selues with their labours minister to the sicke and burie the dead Wherefore we wyll also helpe them fatherly and aide them in thys their holie kinde of life asmanie as wil faith fulli exequite these ministeries leade furth all their lyfe godly in the communion of the rest of the cōgregacion and in the obedience of the commune pastours Al these persones must be diligently examined bi the visiters of their ministeries and of their other conuersation and they muste lerne of the same a certaine form and rule of theyr lyfe and treade of lyuinge and they must obserue the same faythfully ⧠The conclusion of the worcke IT hath semed good vnto vs to publishe and set abrode amonge our men al the premisses beynge thus deuised deliberated and gathered together accordyng to oure simplicite but yet faithfully and with a true zeale of our Lorde Iesus Christe as a plaine introductiō to a christiā reformaciō of ecclesiastical matters and therwyth asmuch as the Lord shal permit to satisfie the office and cōmaūdemēt which we acknowlege to be enioyned vnto vs bi God our creator and also by the decree of the cōuocaciō of Ratespone which thinge moreouer our diocesanes haue required of vs haue cōmitted the same vnto vs to set an order therein Which thinges neuertheles we set furth to be receyued and obserued of men committed to oure charge none otherwise than as a beginninge of so holie and necessarie a thinge vntil a generall reformacion of congregacions be made by the holie empire by a fre and christian counsel vniuersall or nacionall or by the most redoubted emperour our most gracious Lord with the princes electors other princes cōmune estates of the holie empire gathered together in the holie Goste Which that the Lord wil graunte to be appointed and receiued with concorde of mindes for the settinge furth of hys glorie and the promotinge of our helth we ought cōtinually to desire and praie of the same Lorde and our God And where as in the meane ceason we offer thys our deuise to our men we do it for none other cause than we haue declared We labour to a voide the faute of inobedience chefely towardes God whyche hath sondrie wayes prescribed vnto vs in hys lawe this charge and thys worcke Secondly also towardes our superiours who inioyned the same thing vnto vs by the decre of the cōsel of Ratespōe Furthermore we studie to eschue the crime of vnfaithfulnes towardes our subiectes to whome requiring nowe the seconde tyme a godli reformacion of ecclesiastical ministerie and giueing vs authorite to order the same we promised this our diligēce which we also owe vnto thē bi reason of our office of an Archbyshop Therefore that we maye perfourme though not fully yet somewhat the thing that was enioined to vs by God and our sauiour and by our superiors and was required of oure men and by vs promised vnto them we bring furth these our deuises and deliberate sentences and deliuer them vnto our men sekinge therewith to promote and maintayne asmuche as the Lorde will vouchsafe to graunte a godlie concorde and holesome edificacion of al men in doctrine holie ceremonies and discipline of Christe and to preserue oure men chefely in thys so daungerous a time in whiche so many heresies and wicked opinions are daili more perniciousli stirred vp aboute vs from al false doctrine and perdicion which certainli foloweth wicked doctrine But if the Lorde hereafter shall reuele his wil vnto vs more largely shal giue vs more of hys grace and spirite we now kepe this liberte vnto vs to enlarge to shorten to chaunge to correcte to declare farther these our deuises institutiōs howbeit none other wise thā after the worde of God and as the Lorde shall graunt vs to perceyue that the same is for hys glorie and the edifcacion of his people whome he hath cōmitted vnto vs. We thought good to declare and testifie these thinges to al christian men which shal reade this boke vnto the glorie of God and profite of his congregacion Whome almightie God and our heauenlie father vouchsafe to illumine dayely more plentifully wyth his spirite and to brynge them farther in to the knowledge of his wyl to giue and encrease in theym mightie strength to folowe the same in all poyntes and at lēgth to make theym throughly blessed through oure sauioure the Lord Iesus Christ to whō be praise honoure glory for euer and euer Amen Finis ⧠Imprinted at London by Iohn Daye dwellyng in Sepulchres paryshe at the sygne of the Resurrection a lytle aboue Houlbourne Conduyt ⧠☞ ✚ ☜