The faith, doctrine, and religion, professed, & protected in the realme of England, and dominions of the same expressed in 39 articles, concordablie agreed vpon by the reuerend bishops, and clergie of this kingdome, at two seuerall meetings, or conuocations of theirs, in the yeares of our Lord, 1562, and 1604: the said articles analised into propositions, and the propositions prooued to be agreeable both to the written word of God, and to the extant confessions of all the neighbour churches, Christianlie reformed: the aduersaries also of note, and name, which from the apostles daies, and primitiue Church hetherto, haue crossed, or contradicted the said articles in generall, or any particle, or proposition arising from anie of them in particular, heereby are discouered, laid open, and so confuted. Perused, and by the lawfull authoritie of the Church of England, allowed to be publique.

The Errors and adversaries vnto this truth.

Much therefore out of the way are, and offend greatly, doe first the Papists, who publish that,

The care of religion pertaineth not vnto kings. Religionis curam semper pertinuisse ad Reges, dele, say the Expugators, Blot it

out a 1.1.

Queenes may not haue, or giue voice either deliberatiue, or definitiue in Councells, and publike assemblies, concerning matters of religion, nor make ecclesiasticall lawes concerning religion; nor giue any man right to rule, preach, or execute any spirituall function, as vnder them: and by their authoritie b 1.2.

In matters of religion and of their spirituall charge, neither Heathen, nor Christian kings ought to direct Clergie men, but rather to take direction from them c 1.3.

The Emperour of the whole world, if he take vpon him to prescribe lawes of religion to the Bishops, and preists, &c. hee shall be damned assuredly except he repentd 1.4.

Next, the Anabaptists, who beeing priuate men, and no princes will take vpon them the ordering, and reformation of the Church; as did Monearius e 1.5, and Muncer f 1.6, in Germa∣nie.

And thirdly the disciplinarian Puritanes, whose doctrine is, that

1. The making of Ecclesiasticall constitutions, and ceremo∣nies belongeth vnto the ministers of the Church, and ecclesiasti∣call gouernours g 1.7 vnto the Elders, who are to consult, admo∣nish, correct, and order all things pertaining to the congre∣gationh 1.8.

2. Ciuil magistrates haue no power to ordaine ceremonies pertaining vnto the Church i 1.9, but are to ordaine ciuill disci∣pline onely k 1.10, as being no Church officers at all.

3. The ecclesiasticall Officers be Doctors, Pastors, Elders, and Deacons the onely officers instituted of God l 1.11, or at the most, Pastors, Doctors, Elders, Deacons, and widdowes. These are all, no mo, eno fewer; and are onely sufficient; and wee are to content our selues with these, and rest in them, saith the Preacher m 1.12. In which number vnlesse the King be included, hee cannot possibly haue any thing to doe in Church affaires, in these mens opinions.

4. Without the prince, the people may reforme the Church and must not tarrie for the magistrate: so thought Barrow, Greenewood n 1.13, and Wigginton o 1.14. Hence Hackets, Coppin∣gers,

and Arthingtons insurrection at London, an. 1591.

Without the Prince also, the Lords and Burgesses of the Parliament haue power of themselues to reforme the abuses, and take away the corruptions of the Church Hence their manifold petitions, Supplications, politike Asser∣tions exhibited vnto the Parliament from time to time. In one of which their supplications, saith one (speaking vnto the par∣liament.)

You must enioine euery one, according to his place, to haue a hand in this worke.

You must encourage, and countenance the Gentlemen, and people, that shallbe found forward, &c.

And, you (of the Parliament) must not suffer an vncircumci∣sed mouth, to bring a slander vpon that land, &c. sciz. vpon their discipline. This hath Penrie p 1.15.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Iudex. expur. p. 145.
• b 1.2

  Test. Rhe. an. •• Cor. 1.14.34.
• c 1.3

  Ans. to. the execut. of Iust.
• d 1.4

  .3. p. 56. 1 Test. Rhe. an. Heb. 13.17.
• e 1.5

  Carranz. sum. Concil. p. 365.
• f 1.6

  Bullin. contra Anabap.
• g 1.7

  T.C. 1. rep. p. 163.
• h 1.8

  1. Admon. to the Parl.
• i 1.9

  T.C. 1. rep. p. 153.
• k 1.10

  Idem. 2. rep. 2. par. p. 4.
• l 1.11

  Leaa. disc. p. 10.
• m 1.12

  Fruct. ser. on Rom. 12. p. 35.7••.
• n 1.13

  Bar. refut. p. 196.
• o 1.14

  Conspir. for pretend. p. 34.
• p 1.15

  Penrie supp. p. 60.