An harmony of the confessions of the faith of the Christian and Reformed Churches which purelie professe the holy doctrine of the Gospell in all the chiefe kingdomes, nations, and prouinces of Europe: the catologue and order whereof the pages following will declare. There are added in the ende verie shorte notes: in which both the obscure thinges are made plaine, & those thinges which maie in shew seeme to be contrarie each to other, are plainelie and verie modestlie reconciled, and if anie points doe as yet hang in doubt, they are sincerelie pointed at. All which things, in the name of the Churches of Fraunce and Belgia, are submitted to the free and discrete iudgement of all other Churches. Newlie translated out of Latine into English. Also in the end is added the confession of the Church of Scotland. Alowed by publique authoritie.

THE TENTH SECTION OF THE HO∣HOLIE CATHOLIKE CHVRCH. (Book 10)

THE LATTER CONFESSION OF HELVETIA.

Of the Catholike Church of God, and of the heade of the Church. CHAP. 17.

FOrasmuch as God from the beginning would haue men to be saued, and to come to the knowledge of the truth, therefore it is necessarie that alwaies from the begin∣ning, at this daie, and to the ende of the worlde, there should be a Church, that is, a companie of the faithfull, called and ga∣thered out of the world, a communion (I saie) of all Saints, that is of them, who doe truelie know, and rightlie worship and serue the true God in Iesus Christ the Sauiour, by the worde and the holie spirit, and which by faith are partakers of all those good graces, which are freelie offered thorough Christ. These all are Cytizens of one and the same Citie, li∣uing vnder one Lord, vnder the same lawes, and in the same * 1.1fellowship of al good things, for so the Apostle calleth them fellow Cytizens with the Saints, and of the householde of God, tear∣ming the faithfull vpon the earth Saints, who are sanctified by the blood of the Sonne of God. Of these is that article of our Creede wholly to be vnderstoode, I beleeue the Catholike Church, the common ion of Saintes. And seeing that there is al∣waies

but one God, and one Mediatour between God & man, Iesus Christ: also, one shepheard of the wholl flocke, one head of this bodie, and, to conclude, one spirit, one saluation, one faith, one Testament, or couenant, it followeth necessarily that there is but one Church, which we therefore call Ca∣tholike, because it is vniuersall, spread abroade thorough al the partes and quarters of the worlde, & reacheth vnto all times, and is not limited within the compasse either of time or place. Here therefore we must condemne the Donatists, who pinned vp the Church within the corners of Aphricke, neither doe wee allowe of the Romane cleargy, who vaunte that the Church of Rome alone in a manner is Catholike.

The Church is diuided by some into diuers partes or di∣uerse sortes: not that it is rent and diuided from it selfe, but rather distinguished, in respect of the diuersitie of the members that be in it. One parte therefore they make to be the Church militant, the other the Church triumphant. The militant warreth still on the earth and fighteth against the flesh, the world, and the prince of the world, the deuill, and against sinne and death. The other beeing allready set at libertie, is now in heauen, and triumpheth ouer al those beeing ouercome, and continuallie reioiceth before the Lord. Yet these two churches haue notwithstanding a com∣munion and fellowship betweene them-selues. The Church militant vpon the earth hath euer more had in it many par∣ticuler Churches, which must all notwithstanding be refer∣red to the vnitie of the Catholike Church. This militant Church was otherwise ordered & gouerned before the law, among the Patriarkes, otherwise vnder Moses, by the law, and otherwise of Christ, by the gospell. There are but two sortes of people for the most parte mentioned, to witte the Israelites, and the gentiles, o•• they which of the Iewes and gentiles were gathered to make a Church, There be also two testaments, the olde and the new. Yet both these sortes of people haue had, and still haue one fellowship, one salua∣tion in one and the same Messiah, in whome, as members of one bode, they are all ioyned together vnder one heade, and by one faith are all partakers of one and the same spi∣rituall meat and drink. Yet here we do acknowledge a diuer∣sitie of times and a diuersitie in the pledges and signes of

Christ promised, and exhibited, and that now the ceremo∣nies beeing abolished, the light shineth vnto vs more cleer∣lie, our giftes and graces are more aboundant, and out li∣bertie is more full and ample.

This holy Church of god is called the house of the liuing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 builded of liuing and spirituall stones, founded vpon a rocke, that can not be remooued, vpon a foundation, besides which none can b•• * 1.2laied: Whereupon it is called the pillar and foundation of the truth, that doth not erre, so long as it relieth vpon the rock Christ, and vpon the foundation of the Prophets and Apo∣stles. And no maruell, * 1.3if it do erre, so often as it forsaketh him, who is the alone trueth. This Church is also called a virgine, and the spouse of Christ, and his onelie beloued. For the Apostle saith, I haue ioyned you vnto one husband, that I might present you a chast virgine vnto Christ. The Church is called a flocke of sheepe vnder one shepheard, euen Christ, Ezec. 34. & Ioh. 10. also the bodie of Christ, because the faithfull are the liuelie members of Christ, hauing him for their head.

It is the head which hath the preheminence in the body, and from whence the wholl bodie receiueth life, by whose spirit it is gouerned in al thinges, of whome also it receiueth increase, that it may grow vp. Also there is but one heade of the bodie, which hath agreement with the bodie. And ther∣fore the church cannot haue any other heade beside Christ. For as the Church is a spirituall bodie, so must it needs haue a spiritual heade like vnto it selfe. Neither can it be gouerned by any other spirit, then by the spirit of Christ. Wherefore * 1.4Paul saith, And he is the head of his bodie the Church, who is the beginning, the first borne of the dead, that in al things he might haue * 1.5the preheminence. And in another place, Christ (saith he) is the heade of the Church, and the same is the Sauiour of his bodie. And * 1.6againe, Who is the heade of the Church, which is his bodie, euen the fulnes of him, which filleth all in all things. Againe, Let vs in all * 1.7things grow vp into him which is the heade, that is Christ, by whome all the bodie being knit together receiueth increase. And therefore we do not allow of the doctrine of the Romish Prelates, who would make the Pope the generall Pastour, and Supreame heade of the Cuhrch of Christ militant here on earth, and the verie Vicar of Christ, who hath (as they saie) al fullnes of power and soueraigne authoritie in the Church. For we

holde and teach, that Christ our Lorde is, and remaineth fill, the onelie vniuersal Pastour, and highest Bishop, before God his father, and that in the Church he performeth all the duties of a Pastour or Bishop, euen to the worldes ende: and therefore standeth not in neede of any other to supplie his roome, for he is said to haue a substitute, which is absent. But Christ is present with his Church, & is the head that gi∣ueth life thereunto. He did straightlie forbid his Apostles & their successours al superioritie or dominion in the Church. They therefore that by gainesaying set themselues against so manifest a trueth, and bring another kinde of gouerne∣ment into the Church, who seeth not that they are to be counted in the number of them, of whome the Apostles of Christ prophesied? as Peter 2. Epist. 2. and Paull Act. 20. ••. Cor. 11. 2. Thess. 2. and in manie other places.

Now by taking awaie the Romish head, we doe not bring any confusion or disorder into the Church: for we teach that the gouernement of the Church, which the Apostles set downe, is sufficient to keepe the Church in due order, which from the beginning, while as yet it wanted such a Romish heade, as is now pretended to keepe it in order, was not disordered or full of confusion. That Romish head doth mainteine in deede that tyrannie and corruption in the Church, which was brought into the Church. But in the meane time he hindreth, resisteth, and with all the might he can make, cutteth of the right and lawfull reformation of the Church.

They obiect against vs, that there haue beene great strifes and dissentions in our Churches, since they did seuer themselues from the Church of Rome, and that therefore they can not be true Churches. As though there were ne∣uer in the Church of Rome neuer anie sectes, anie conten∣tions and quarrells, and that in matters of religion, main∣tained, not so much in the schooles, as in the holie chaires, euen in the audience of the people. We knowe that the Apostle said, God is not the author of dissention, but of peace. And * 1.8Seeing there is amongst you emulation and contention, are you not carnall? Yet maie we not denie, but that God was in that Church, planted by the Apostle, and that that Apostolike Church was a true Church, howsoeuer there were strifes

and dissentions in it. The Apostle Paull reprehended Peter * 1.9an Apostle, and Barnabas fell at variance with Paull great contention arose in the Church of Antioch, betweene then that preached one & the same Christ, as Luke recordeth in the Actes of the Apostles. And there haue at all times bin great contentions in the Church, and the moste excellent Doctors of the Church haue about no small matters diffe∣red in opinions, yet so, as in the meane time the Church ceased not to be the Church for all these contentions. For thus it pleaseth God to vse the dissentions that arise in the Church, to the glorie of his name, the setting forth of the truth, & to the end that such as are approoued▪ might be manifest. Now as we acknowledge no other head of the Church then Christ, so we do not acknowledge euerie Church to be the true Church which vaunteth her selfe so to be: but we teach that to be the true Church indeed, in which the markes and tokens of the true Church are to be found. First and chiefely the lawfull or sincere preaching of the word of god, as it i•• left vnto vs in the writings of the Prophets and Apostles which do all seeme to lead vs vnto Christ, who in the gospel hath said, My sheep heare my voice, & I know them▪ & they follow * 1.10me, and I giue vnto them eternall life. A straunger they doe not heare, but flie from him, because they know not his voice. And they that are such in the Church of God, haue all but one faith, and one spirit, and therefore they worship but one God, and him alone they serue in spirit and in truth, louing him with all their heartes, & with all their strength, praying vnto him alone through Iesus Christ the onelie Mediatour and intercessor, and they seeke not life or Iustice but onlie in Christ, and by faith in him: because they do acknowledge Christ the onelie head and foundation ofhis Church, and being surelie founded on him, doe dailie repaire themselues by repentance, and doe with patience beare the crosse laid vppon them, and besides, by vnfeined loue ioyning them∣selues to all the members of Christ, doe thereby declare them-selues to be the disciples of Christ, by continuing in the bond of peace and holie vnitie: they do withall commu∣nicate in the sacraments ordeined by Christ, & deliuered vnto vs by his Apostles, vsing them in no other manner, thē as they receiued them from the Lord him-selfe▪ That say∣ing

of the Apostle Paul is well knowne to all, I receiued from * 1.11the Lord that which I deliuered vnto you. For which cause we condemne all such Churches, as straungers from the true Church of Christ, who are not such, as we haue heard they ought to be, howsoeuer, in the meane time they brag of the succession of bishops, of vnitie, and of antiquitie. Moreouer we haue in charge from the Apostles of Christ, To shunne I∣dolatrie, and to come out of Babylon, and to haue no fellowship with * 1.12her, vnles we meane to be partakers with her of al gods plagues laid vpon her. But as for communicating with the true Church of Christ, we so highlie esteeme of it, that we saie plainelie, that none can liue before God, which do not communicate with the true Church of God, but separate them selues from the same. For, as without the Arke of Noah there was no escaping, when the world perished in the flood, euen so doe we beleeue, that without Christ, who in the Church offereth him selfe to be enioyed of the elect, there can be no certaine saluation: and therefore we teach that such as would be saued, must in no wise separate themselues from the true Church of Christ.

But yet we do not so strictlie shut vp the Church within those markes before mentioned, as thereby to exclude al those out of it, which either doe not communicate in the sacraments (by reason that they want them, or else not willinglie, nor vpon contempt, but being constrained by ne∣cessitie, do against their willes ••bstaine from them) or in whome faith doth sometimes faile, though not quite de∣caie, nor altogether die: or in whome some slippes and er∣rors of infirmitie maie be found▪ for we know that God had some friendes in the worlde, that were not of the common wealth of Israell. We know what befull the people of God in the captiuitie of Babylon, where they wanted their sa∣crifices seuentie ye••es. We know verie well what hapned to S. Peter, who denied his Master, and what is wont daylie to fall out among the faithfull and chosen of God, which go astraie and are full of infirmities. We know moreouer what manner of Churces the Churches at Galatia and Corinth were in the Apostles time: in which the Apostle Paull con∣demneth diuers great and hevnous crimes▪ yet he calleth them the holie Churches of Christ. Yea and it fulleth out some∣times,

that God in his iust iudgement suffereth the tru∣eth of his worde, and the Catholique Faith, and his owne true worship to be so obscured and defaced, that the Church seemeth almost quite rased out, and not so much as a face * 1.13of a Church to remaine, as wee see fell out in the daies o•• Eliah, and at other times. And yet in the meane time the Lorde hath in this world, euen in this darkenes, his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 worshippers, and those not a few, but euen seuen thousand * 1.14and more. For the Apostle crieth, The foundation of the Lord standeth sure and hath this seale, the Lorde knoweth who are his, &c, Whereupon the Church of God maie be termed inuisible, not that the men, whereof it consisteth, are inuisible, but because it being hidden from our sight, and knowne one∣lie vnto God, it cannot be discerned by the iudgement of man.

Againe, not all, that are reckoned in the number of the Church, are saintes, and the liuelie and true members of the Church: for there be manie Hypocrits, which outward lie doe heare the worde of God, and publiquelie receiue the Sacramentes, and beare a shew to praie vnto God alone through Christ, to confesse Christ to be their onelie righte∣ousnes: and doe seeme outwardlie to worshippe God, and to exercise the dueties of charitie to the bretheren, and for a while through patience to indure in troubles & calami∣ties: And yet they are altogether destitute of the inward il∣lumination of the spirit of God, of faith, and sinceritie of heart, and of perseuerance or continuance to the ende. And these men are for the most part at the length laid open what * 1.15they be. For the Apostle Iohn saieth, They went out from a∣mong vs, but they were not of vs: for if they had beene of vs, they would haue taried with vs. Yet these men, whilest they doe pertend religion, they are accounted to be in the Church, howsoeuer indeed they be not of the Church. Euen as trai∣tours in a commonwealth before they be detected are coun∣ted in the number of good Citizens: and as the cockell and darnell and chaffe are founde amongst the wheate: and as wennes and swellinges are in a perfect bodie, when they * 1.16are rather diseases and deformities, then true members of the bodie. And therefore the Church is verie well compa∣reed to a drawnet▪ which draweth vp fishes of all sortes:

and to a fielde, wherein is founde both darnell and good corne. We are to haue a speciall regarde, that we iudge not rashlie before the time, nor go about to exclude, cast of, and cut awaie them, whom the Lord would not haue excluded, nor cut of, or whome without some damage to the Church, we cannot separate from it. Againe we must be verie vigi∣lant, lest that the godlie falling fast a sleepe, the wicked grow stronger, and doe some mischiefe to the Church.

Furthermore we teach, that it is carefully to be marked, wherein especiallie the trueth and vnity of the Church con∣sisteth, lest that we either rashlie breede or nourish schismes in the Church. It consisteth not in outward rites and cere∣monies, but rather in the trueth and vnity of the Catholike faith. This Catholike faith is not taught vs by the or∣dinancesor lawes of men, but by the holie scriptures, a compendi∣ous & short summe wherof is the Apostles creed. And ther∣fore we reade in the auncient writers, that there was manifolde diuersities of ceremonies, but that was alwaies free, neither did any man think that the vnity of the church was therby broken or dissolued. We saie then that the true vnitie of the Church doth consist in seuerall points of do∣ctrine, in the true and vniforme preaching of the gospell, & in such rites, as the Lord himselfe hath expresly set downe: and here we vrge that saying of the Apostle verie earnestly, As many of vt therefore as are perfect, let vs be thus in minded. If * 1.17any man thinke otherwise, the Lord shall reueale the same vnto him. And yet in that whereunto we haue attained, let vs all follow one di∣rection, and all of vs be like affected one towardes another.

OVT OF THE FORMER CONFESSION OF HELVETIA.

Of the Church.

THis we holde, that of such liuelie stones, beeing by this meane built vpon this liuelie rocke, the Church, and the holy gathering together of al the Saints, the Spouse of Christ (which beeing clensed by his blood, he shal once in time to come present without blot before his Father) is founded. The which Church, though it be manifest to the ties of God alone, yet is it not onelie seene and knowen, by certaine outwarde rites, instituted of Christ himselfe, and

by the worde of God, as by a publique and lawfull discipline▪ but it is so appointed, that without these marks no man can be iudged to be in this Church, but by the special priuiledge of God.

OVT OF THE CONFESSION OF BASILL.

Of the Church.

* 1.18 WE beleeue a holie Christian Church, that is, a com∣munion of Saints, a gathering together of the faithfull in spirit, which is holie, and the Spouse of Christ: wherein all they be Citizens, which doe truelie confesse, that Iesus is the Christ, the Lambe that taketh away the sins of the worlde, and doe shew forth that faith by the workes of loue. And a little after. This Church of Christ doth labour all that it can, to keepe the bondes of peace and loue in vnitie. Therefore it doth by no meanes communicate with Sectes, and the rules of orders, deuised for the difference of daies, meates, apparell, and ceremonies.

OVT OF THE CONFESSION OF BOHEMIA.

Of the holie Church, and of the godlie institution and go∣uernement thereof, and of Discipline. Also of Antichrist. CHAP. 8.

IN the eight place it is taught, touching the acknow∣ledging of the holie Catholike Christian Church. And first of all, that the foundation and head of the holy Church is Iesus Christ himselfe alone, together with the wholl me∣rit of grace and trueth to life eternall, vpon whome, and by whome, this Church is at all times built, by the holie Ghost, the word of God, and the sacramentes, according * 1.19to the meaning of that which Christ saide vnto Peter, vpon this rocke, (to wit, wherof thou hast made a true confession,) * 1.20I will builde my Church. And Saint Paull saith, Other foundati∣on * 1.21can no man laie then that which is laid, which is Iesus Christ. And in another place, And hath appointed him ouer all thinges to be the head of the Church, which is his bodie, and the fullnes of him,

which filleth all in all thinges.

Out of these thinges it is taught, that this is beleeued, held, and publikelie confessed, that the holie Catholike Church, beeing present at euerie time, & militant vpon earth, is the fellowshippe of all Christians, and is here and there dispersed ouer the wholl worlde, and is gathered to∣gether, by the holie Gospell, out of all nations, families, tounges, degrees, and ages, in one faith in Christ the Lord, or in the holie Trinitie, according to that saying of Saint Iohn, who speaketh thus. And I sawe a great companie which no * 1.22man can number, of all nations, peoples, and tongues, standing be∣fore the throne, and before the lambe. This true Church, al∣though while it lieth here in the Lords floore, to wit, in the wide worlde, and as it were in one heape confusedlie ga∣thered together, containeth in it as yet, as well the pure wheat, as the chaffe, the Godlie children of God, and the wicked children of the world, the liuing and dead members, of the ministers, & of the people, yet where it is least defiled, or most pure, it maie be knowē, euen by these signes that fol∣low: namelie, wheresoeuer Christ is taught in holie assem∣blies, the doctrine of the holie Gospell is purelie and fullie preached, the Sacraments are administred, according to Christs institution, commaundement, meaning, and will, & the faithfull people of Christ doth receiue & vse them, & by these gathereth it selfe together in the vnitie of faith and loue, and in the bonde of peace, and ioyneth it selfe in one, and buildeth it selfe hard together vpon Christ. There ther∣fore is the holie Church, the house of God, the temples of the holie Ghost, liuelie members, the partes of the heauen∣lie Ierusalem, the spirituall bodie of Christ, and ioynts knit together, the which are ioyned and coupled ech with other, by one head Christ, one spirit of regeneration, one worde of god, the same and sincere sacramentes, one faith, one loue and holie communion, one bonde of peace, order, discipline, and obedience, whether the number of this peo∣ple * 1.23be great or small, as the Lorde witnesseth, Where two or three are gathered together in my name (in what countrie and nation, and in what place soeuer this be) there am I in the middest of them: and contrarily, where Christ, and the spirit of Christ, dwelleth not, and the holie Gospell cannot haue

anie place graunted vnto i••, &c. but on the contrarie side, manifest errors * 1.24and 〈…〉〈…〉 life haue their full course, and by getting the vpper hand do spread themselues faite, there most also needes be a Church so defiled, that Christ will not acknowledge i•• for his welbeloued spouse, seeing that none belongeth to Christ, who hath not the spirit of Christ. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Christian is also bound with diligent care to seeke after this and such a true part of the holie Church, and after he hath founde it, to ioylie and mainteine holie communion and fellowship therewith▪ as the other parte of that point of the Church in our christian C••••••de doth declare, where we doe profelie, that we 〈…〉〈…〉 communion of Saints: and ought altogether, with this fellowship, or spi∣rituall companie of Gods people, to 〈…〉〈…〉 the true v∣nitie and concord of Christs spirit, to Liue and beare good will to all the members, to y••lde obedience thereunto, and endeauour, by all meanes possible, to procure the profitte and furtherance thereof, and in truth to holde agreement therewith, and by no meanes thorough s••••bbo••nnes to mooue schismes, seditions, and sects, against the truth. To which thing the Apostle exhorteth all men, where he saith, * 1.25So walke or behaue your selues, as worthie of the place or vocation whereunto ye are called, with all humblenes and ••••ekenes, with a quiet minde, and long suffering, forbearing one another, and indea∣uour ye to keepe the vnitie of the spirit, in the bond of peace. There is one bodie, and one spirit, euen as ye are called in one hope of your vocation: there is one Lord, one faith, one baptisme, ore God, and Fa∣ther * 1.26of all, And againe, Let euerie man please his neighbour in in that that is good to edification. Also, doe nothing through s••r••••e, or for vaine glorie. Againe, Let there not be dissentions among you. He therefore, that in this life walketh according to these commaundements, he is a true and liuelie mem∣ber of the holie Church, which bringeth forth the fruite of Faith and loue. * 1.27But he that looseth the spirit of Faith and looue in the holie fellowship, must needes be a deede member.

Together with these thinges the ministers of our Chur∣ches teach, that this is to be thought of their fellowship, which is in like manner to be thought of any other Christi∣an fellowship, whether it be great, or small: to wit, that it selfe

alone is not that holie Catholike Christian Church, but onely one part therof, as the Apostle writeth of the Church at Corinth, Ye are the bodie of Christ, and members of him, euerie * 1.28one for his parte. They teach also that there must be a plat∣forme and certaine order of gouernment in the holie Church. For without a platforme of order and outward gouernement, it can not be in good case or go well with it, no more then it can with anie other euen the least societie. But this platforme of order consisteth chiefelie in this, that they be both ordinarilie called, and lawfullie ordained, who execute due functions in the same, beginning at the least, & proceeding to those that are of a meane sort, & so sorth euen to the chiefest. The next point is, that euerie one do wel dis∣charge that place, & as it were his warde, to which he is cal∣led, & vse watchfulnes, & suffer nothing to be sound wanting in himselfe, nor at his owne pleasure do closelie conuey him selfe out of the same, or go beyond the bondes there∣of, and meddle with other mens charges, and moreouer, that all among them-selues submit them-selues one to an other, and al performe obedience from theleast to the grea∣test, euerie man in his owne place, whereunto he is called: and do it with the affection of loue, and of his owne accord, not of constraint, euen for Christes sake, and for the care they haue of eternall saluation, according as the Apostles and other holie men haue taught, concerning this matter, * 1.29and after their examples, by which they founded their Churches, and according to that also that they brought old laws or decreees in to subiection▪ the which thing ourmini∣sters among them-selues do in deed declare and practize. This laudable order of gouerning the Church together with lawfull discipline, that is, with the seueritie of punishments appointed by God, 〈…〉〈…〉 vnto it, ought diligentlie to be 〈…〉〈…〉 so that the wicked, and such as abide in 〈…〉〈…〉 without repentance, ha∣uing their heartes 〈…〉〈…〉 as giue not obedience to God, and to his word, and in the Church are authors of great offences, and do not repent, or become better, after due, faithful, and 〈…〉〈…〉 that such, I saie, may be publiquelie punished, and ••e remooued from the holie fellowship, by Ecclesiasticall punishment whic••••

* 1.30 commonly is called abandoning, excommunicatiō, or our sing, yet not by the helpe of the ciuil power, but by vertue of the word & the commaundement of Christ. And that this punishment maie indifferentlie be vsed towards all, no re∣gard or respect is to be had of persons, of what degree so∣euer they be, whether they be ciuill or Ecclesiasticall per∣sons, according to that sentence of the doctrine of Christ, who saith, If thy brother trespasse against thee, * 1.31goe, & reprooue him betweene him and thee alone: if he heare thee, thou hast wonne thy brother: if he heare thee not, take yet with thee one or two: If he heare not these, tell it vnto the Church: and if he heare not the Church, let him be vnto thee as an heathen man, and a Publicane. And Saint Paull, together with his fellow ministers, did in expresse wordes giue a commaundement hereof, writing thus: We commaund you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Iesus * 1.32Christ, that ye withdraw your selues from euerie brother, that wal∣keth vnordinatelie, and not after the instruction which he receiued of vs. And in an other place he saieth. Put from among your selues that wicked man. And yet this is not to be concealed, that at all times there haue beene manie in the Church, which seemed to be Christians, and yet were wicked hypo∣crites, close sinners, farre from repentance, & that there be, and shal be such hereafter, euen vnto the end of the world: such as are neither chastned by this discipline of Christ, neither can easilie be excommunicated, or altogether sepa∣rated from the Church, but are to be reserued & commit∣ted to Christ alone, the chiefe Shepheard, & to his cōming: as the Lord himselfe saith of these men, that the Angells in the last daie shal first separate such from the righteous, and cast them into the sierie f••rnace, where shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Here with all it is also taught, that that mischieuous and * 1.33wicked Antichrist, shall sit in the temple of God, to wit, in the Church, of whome the Prophets, Christ our Lord, and his Apostles haue foretolde vs, and warned vs to take heede of him, that the simple sort among the faithfull might auoid him, and not suffer themselues to be seduced by him. Now in Antichrist we are to acknowledge a double ouerthwart∣nes▪ to witte, dishonestie, and deceiuing: the first is an o∣uerthwartnes of the minde or meaning, or a bringing in of false doctrine, cleane contrarie to the meaning of Christ

our Lord, and of the holie Scripture: whereof the Apostle * 1.34speaketh after this sorte: The time will come, when they will not suffer anie longer the holie doctrine, but hauing their cares ••••••••ing shall after their owne lustes get them an heape of teachers, and shall turne their eares from the trueth and shall be giuen vnto fables. The other euill or offence, that we are to consider in Anti∣christ, is a corrupt and naughtie life, giuing vnto others a verie ill example, and is full of horrible sinnes, hurtfull fil∣thines, and all kinde of vices, which in the Antichristian Church are openlie practized, and that freelie, without any kinde of punishment: whereof the Apostle saith, This know * 1.35also, that in the last daies shall come perilous times. For men shall be louers of their owne selues, couetous, boasters, proud, cursed speakers, disobedient to parents, vnthankefull, prophane, without naturall af∣fection, such as cannot be pleased, false accusers, intemperate, fierce, not louers or desirous of that which is good, traiterous, headie, high minded, louers of pleasure more then of God, hauing a sl••ew of god∣lines, but haue denied the power thereof: turne awaie therefore from such. Of which time also Christ forespake in these words: * 1.36And then many shall be offended at these examples, and shal betraie one another, and ha••e one another. And many false Prophets shall arise, and deceiue many. And because iniquitie shal increase many waies, the loue of many shal be colde. But he that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the end, he shalbe saued. These wordes are to be vnderstood of them, which do continue in the doctrine of Christ, enduring all aduersities, wherewith they are assaied. And in an other * 1.37place Christ crieth out: Woe to the world, because of offences. And, Blessed is he that shall not be offended in me.

OVT OF THE FRENCH CONFESSION.

* 1.38 THerefore we beleeue, that it is not lawfull for anie man, to withdraw himselfe from the congregations, & to rest in himselfe, but rather that al men are to defende, and to preserue the vnitie of the Church, submitting them∣selues to the common instruction, and to the yoke of Christ, wheresoeuer God doth appoint that true Ecclesiastical dis∣cipline, although the decrees of Magistrates doe gainesaie it: from wich order whosoeuer doe separate themselues, they doe resist the ordinance of God.

* 1.39 We beleeue, that verie carefullie and wiselie the true

Church (the name wherof too manie do abuse) is to be dis∣cerned. Therefore we affirme out of the worde of God, that the Church is a companie of the faithfull, which agree to∣gether in following the word of God, and in imbracing pure religion, wherein also they do dailie profit, growing and confirming themselues mutuallie in the feare of God, as they which haue neede dailie to goe forward and to profit, and who, although they profit neuer so much, must not∣withstanding of necessitie daielie flie to the remission of sinnes. Yet we doe not denie, but that manie Hypocrites and reprobates are mingled with the faithfull, but their guilefull dealing is not able to take awaie the name of the Church.

* 1.40 Therfore, seing we beleeue this to be so, we withal boldlie affirme, that where the word of God is not receiued, and where there is no profession of that obedience which is due thereunto, nor anie vse of Sacramentes, there (if we will speake properlie) we cannot iudge anie Church to be. Therefore we condemne the Papisticall assemblies, because that the pure trueth of God is banished from them, and a∣mong them the sacraments of Faith are corrupted, coun∣terfeited, and falsified, or altogether abolished, and to conclude, among whome all superstitions and Idolatries are in full force. And therefore we thinke, that all they who ioyne them selues to such actions, and communicate ther∣with, doe separate themselues from the bodie of Christ. Yet notwithstanding, because that in Papacie there be some small tokens of a Church, and the substance especiallie of Baptisme hath remained the efficacie whereof doth not de∣pende vpon him, by whome it is ministred, we confesse, that they which are there baptized, neede not to be bap∣tized the second time, howbeit, by reason of the corrupti∣ons, which are mingled therewith, no man can offer in∣fants there to be baptized, but that he must defile him * 1.41selfe.

OVT OF THE ENGLISH CONFESSION.

WE beleeue, that there is one Church of God, and that the same is not shute vp (as in times past emong the Iewes) into some one corner or kingdome, but that it is

Catholike, and vniuersall, and dispersed throughout the wholl world. So that there is now no nation, which maie truelie complaine, that they be shut forth, and maie not be one of the Church and people of God: and that this Church is the kingdome, the bodie, and the spouse of Christ: that Christ alone is the Prince of this kingdome: that Christ a∣lone is the head of this bodie: and that Christ alone is the Bridegrome of this Spouse.

OVT OF THE CONFESSION OF BELGIA.

* 1.42 W•• beleeue and confesse, that there is one Catho∣like or Vniuersall Church, which is the true con∣gregation or companie of all faithfull Christians, which doe looke for their whol saluation from Christ alone, in as much as they be washed in his bloode, and sanctified and sealed by his spirit. Furthermore, as this Church hath beene from the beginning of the worlde, so it shall continue vnto the ende thereof. The which appeareth by this, that Christ is our eter∣nall King, who can neuer be without subiects. This Church God doth defend against all the fury and force of the world, although for a small time it may seeme to be verie little, and as it were vtterlie extinguished to the sight of man: euen as in the perilous time of A••hab, God is saide to haue reser∣ued to himselfe seauen thousand men, which bowed not their k••••e to Baall. To conclude, this holie Church is not situated o•• limi∣ted in any set or certaine place, nor yet bound and tied to a∣ny certaine and peculiar persons, but spread ouer the face of the wholl earth, though in minde and will, by one and the same spirit, through the power of faith, it be wholly ioyned and vnited together.

* 1.43 We beleeue, that seeing this holie company and congre∣gation consisteth of those that are to be saued, and out of it there is no saluation, therefore no man, of how great digni∣tie and preheminence so euer, ought to separate and sunder himselfe from it, that beeing contented with his owne solita∣rie estate, he should liue apart by himselfe. But on the con∣trarie side, that all and euerie one are bound to associate themselues to this companie, carefullie to preserue the vni∣tie of the Church, to submit himselfe both to the doctrine & discipline of the same, finallie to put his necke willinglie vn∣der

the yoke of Christ, as common members of the same bo∣die, to seeke the edification of their brethren, according to the measure of gifts, which God hath bestowed vppon euery one. Moreouer, to the end that these things may the better be obserued, it is the part and duety of euery faithful man to separat himselfe according to gods word, frō all those which are without the church, & to couple himselfe vnto this cōpa¦ny of the faithful, whersoeuer god hath placed it, yea though contrarie edicts of Princes and Magistrates do forbid them, vpon paine of corporall death, presently to ensue vpon all those, which doe the same. Whosoeuer therefore doe either depart from the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Church, o•• refuse to ioyne themselues vnto it, doe openlie resist the commaundement of God.

* 1.44 We beleeue, that with great diligence and wisedome it ought to be searched and examined by the worde of God, what the true Church is, seeing that all the Sectes, that at this daie haue sprung vp in the worlde, doe vsurpe and false∣lie pretend the name and title of the Church. Yet here we doe not speak•• of the companie of hypocrites, which toge∣ther with the good are mingled in the Church, though properly they ••••e not pertaine to the Church, wherin they are oneli••e present with their bodies; but onely of the man∣ner, how to distinguish the bodie & congregation of the true Church from all other Sects, which doe falslie boast that they be the members of the Church. Wherefore the true Church may be dis••erned from the false by these notes, First, if the pure preaching of the Gospell doe florish in it. if 〈◊〉〈◊〉 haue 〈…〉〈…〉 administration of the sacraments, ac∣cording t•• Christ his institution: if it doe vse the right Ec∣clesiasticall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for the restraining of vice: Finallie, to knit vp 〈…〉〈…〉 word, if it do square all thinges to the rule of Gods word▪ refusing whatsoeuer is contrarie to it, acknowledgeing Christ to be the onely head of the same. By these notes, I saie, it is certaine that the true Church maie be discerned. From the which it is not lawfull for any man to be seuered. Now who be the true members of this true Church, it maie be gathered by these markes and to∣kens which be common to al Christians: such is faith, by the vertue whereof, hauing once apprehended Christ the one∣lie Sauiour, they doe flie sinne, and follow righteousnes lo∣uing

the true God, and their neighbours, without turning either to the right hand, or to the left: and doe crucifie their flesh with the effectes thereof, not as if no infirmity at all re∣mained still within them, but because they doe sight al their life long against the flesh by the power of the spirit, hauing of ten recourse vnto the bloode, death, passion, & obedience of our Lord Christ, as vnto a most safe refuge, in whome alone they are assured to finde redemption for their sins, through faith in him. But on the other side, the false Church doth al∣waies attribute more vnto her selfe, to her owne decrees and traditions, then to the worde of God, and will not suffer her selfe to be subiect to the yoke of Christ, neither doth admini∣ster the Sacraments, so as Christ hath prescribed, but at her owne wil and pleasure, doth one while adde vnto them, ano∣ther while detract from them. Furthermore, she doth alwaies leane more to men, then to Christ: and whosoeuer do goe a∣bout to leade a holie life, according to the prescript rule of gods word, whosoeuer doth rebuke and reprooue her faults, as her couetousnes, and Idolatry, those shee doth persecute with a deadlie hatred. By these markes therefore it is easie to discerne and distinguish both these Churches the one from the other.

OVT OF THE CONFESSION OF AVSPVRGE.

ALso they teach, that there is one holy Church, that shal continue alwaies. Now, to speake properlie, the Church of Christ is a congregation of the members of Christ, that is, of the Saintes, which doe truelie beleeue, and rightlie obeie Christ: though in this life there be manie wic∣ked ones and hypocrites mingled with this companie and shalbe to the daie of iudgement. Now the Church properlie so called, hath her notes and markes, to weete, the pure and sounde Doctrine of the Gospell and the right vse of the Sacraments. And for the true vnitie of the Church, it is sufficient, to agree opon the Doctrine of the Gospell, and the administration of the sacraments. Neither is it necessary that humane traditions, or rites instituted by men, should be alike euerie where, according as Saint Paul teacheth, There is one Lorde, one faith, one Baptisme, one God, and Father of all.

These things are thus set downe in another edition.

ALso they ••each, that there is one holy Church, which is to continue alwaies. Now the Church is a congre∣gation of Saints, in which the Gospell is purelie taught, and the Sacraments rightlie administred. And vnto the true v∣nitie of the Church, it is sufficient, to agree vpon the Do∣ctrine of the Gospell, and the administration of the Sacra∣ments. Neither is it necessarie that humane traditions, and rites or ceremonies ordained by man, should be alike in all places, as Saint Paull saith, There is one saith, one baptisme, one God and Father of all.

OVT OF THE CONFESSION OF SAXONY.

Of the Church.

* 1.45 GOd will haue vs to vnderstand, that mankinde is not ••orne by chaunce, but that it is created of God, and created, not to eternall destruction, but that out of man∣kinde he might gather vnto himselfe a Church, to the which in all eternitie he might communicate his wisdome, goodnes, and ioy: and he will haue his Sonne to be seene, for whome and through whome, by his vnspeakeable wis∣dome, and infinite mercie, he hath repayred this miserable nature of men. Therefore amongst men he woulde at all times haue a companie, whereunto he deliuered the do∣ctrine, concerning his Sonne, and wherein the Sonne him∣selfe did institute and preserue a ministerie, to keepe and spread abroad that doctrine, by the which he hath bin, is, and wil be effectuall, ••nd hath conuerted manie to himselfe, as Paull doeth manifestlie teach: The Gospell is the power of God to saluation to eu••••ie one that beleeueth.

But it is to be 〈…〉〈…〉 at and to be lamented, that the greatest part of mankinde, being carried awaie with a hor∣rible rage, should contemne this voice, and testimonie of God, and the Sonne of God: and that in this companie, which hath the name of the Church, there haue bin al∣waies many diuisons, and that the true Church hath bin o∣uercome by forrein & domesticall enemies. When men do looke vpon these dissentions, and doe see that they which imbrace other doctrines repugnant to the gospell, doe get the vpper hand in kingdomes, multitude, and glorie, they

doubt whether there be anie Church of God, which it is, what manner of Church it is, and where it should be. And for prophane men it is a hard matter to iudge hereof: but the true Church doth certeinlie know out of the diuine Te∣stament, whence these so great furies of men doe arise, and yet that amongst them the Church of God is preserued; and doth discerne it from other nations, and knoweth which is it, what manner of one it is, & where to be found. There∣fore that all godlie men might be the better confirmed a∣gainst these doubtes, this Article is set before them in the Creede: I beleeue the holie Catholike Church. By this profession we affirme, that all mankinde is not reiected of God, but that there is, and shall remaine, a certeine true Church, that the promises of God are sure, and that the Sonne of God doth as yet reigne, receiue, and saue those that call vp∣on him. And being raised vp by this comforte, we doe giue God thankes, and inuocate him, we doe desire, receiue, and looke for eternall good thinges at his hand.

By reason of this admonition and comfort, the Article in the Creede is rehearsed, seing that the selfe same doctrine, touching the preseruing of the Church, is verie often repea∣ted in sundrie Sermons in the booke of God: as Isa. 59. This is my couenant with them, saith the Lord▪ my Spirit, which is vpon thee, and my wordes, which I haue put in thy mouth, shall not depart ••••t of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, saith the Lorde, from henceforth euen for euer. And Christ saith, I am with you for euer, euen to the ende of the worlde. Also this is a sweete com∣forte, that the heires of eternall life are not to be found els∣where, then in the companie of those that are called, accor∣ding to that saying, Whome he hath chosen, them he hath also cal∣led. Let not therefore mens mindes goe astraie, beholding this ragged bodie of the Church, and peraduenture drea∣ming, that in other places some, which doe not know the gospell, are notwithstanding holie, and the dwelling house of God, as Fabius, Scipio, Aristides, and such like. But turne thou thy eies hether: Knowe for a certaintie, that in this companie of those which are called, some be chosen, and ioyne thy selfe to this companie by confession and Inuoca∣tion: as Dauid saith, Psal. 26. One thing haue I desired of the Lord, and that I doe still require, that I maie dwell in the house of

the Lorde all the daies of my life, to beholde the will of the Lorde, an•• to visitte his temple.

We do not therefore speake of the Church, as if we should speake of Plato his Idea, but we speake of such a Church, as maie be seene and heard, according to that saying, The•• sound is gonne forth into all the earth. The eternall father wil haue his sonne to be heard among al mankinde, as he saith▪ Heare him. And, Psal. 2. I haue set my king vpon the holie hill▪ Sion: I will declare the decree. The Lord said to me, thou art 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sonne, this daie haue I begotten thee. Be wise now therfore ye King: We say therfore, that the visible Church in this life is: companie of those, which doe embrace the Gospell o•• Christ, and vse the sacramentes aright, wherein God by the ministerie of the Gospell is effectuall, and doth ren•••• manie to life eternall. And yet in this companie there be manie, which are not holie, but do agree together, concer∣ning the true doctrine, as in the time of Marie, these were the Church, to wit, Zacharie, Simeon, Ioseph, Elizabeth, Marie, Anne, the teachers, and manie other, who agreed with them in the pure doctrine, and did not heare the Sad∣duces and the Pharisees, but Zacharie, Simeon, Anne, Ma∣rie, and such like, &c. For when the companie is very small▪ yet God doth reserue some remnants, whose voice and con∣fession is heard, and he doth oftentimes renue the ministe¦rie, according to that saying: Except the Iord had left a seed ••n to vs, we had beene like to Sodome, &c.

Therefore this description, taken out of the manifest te∣stimonies of the scriptures, doeth declare, which is the Church, what it is, and where it is. We maie not doubt▪ that the Church is tied to the Gospell, as Paull saith, If a∣nie man teach another Gospell, let him be accursed. And, Ioh. 10. My sheepe heare my voice. And Ioh. 14, If anie man loueth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he heareth my word, and my Father shall loue him, and we will 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to him, and will dwell with him. And Ioh. 17. Sanctifie them wi•••• thy word, thy worde is trueth. Therfore the Sadduces, the Pha∣risies, and such like Bishops, and others, who set forth an other doctrine, differing from the Gospell, and do obsti∣nately establish idolatrie, are no members of the Church of God, althouugh they holde a title and dominions. But it is manifest, that our aduersaries teach and defend another

••inde of doctrine differing from the Gospell, seeing they teach that the law of God maie be fulfilled by our obedience in this life, and that this obedience doth deserue remission of sinnes: Also, that by this obedience men are made righ∣teous before god. Also that euill concupiscence is not sinne, not an euil resisting the law of God. Also, that they which are conuerted, must doubt, whether they be in state of grace, and that this doubting is not sinne. Also, that dead men are to be praied vnto. Also, that difference of meates, monasti∣cal vowes, and other ceremonies chosen without anie com∣maundement of God, are the seruice of God. Also, that the sacrifice in the masse doth deserue remission of sinnes, and other thinges, both for him that maketh it, and also for others that are a liue or dead. Also, other manifold and horrible prophanations of the sacrament. Also, that Bish∣ops maie appoint seruices of God, and that the violating of those seruices, which are appointed by them, is mortall sinne. Also, that they maie enioyne the law of single life, to anie degree of men. Also, that the rehearsall of all and eue∣rie offence is necessarie to the obteining of remission of sinnes. Also, that canonicall satisfactions do recompence the punishments of Purgatorie. Also, that those Synodes, wherein the Bishops alone do giue their iudgement, can not erre. Also, they which do consecrate oyles, and other things, without the commaundement of God, and do attribute thereunto a diuine power against sinnes, and Deuills, and diseases: Also, they which allow of praiers made to cer∣t••ine Images, as though there were more helpe to be had: Also, they which do kill honest men, onelie for that they dis∣like these errours, and do proses the trueth: These things seing they be altogether heathenish and idolatrous, it is ma∣nifest, that the mainteiners thereof, are not members of the Church, but do rule and haue soueraigntie, as the Pharisies and Saducies did. Neuertheles there haue bene, are, and shall be in the Church of God, such men as doe keepe the foundation, although some had, haue, and shall haue more light, and others lesse. And sometime also euen the verie saints do build stubble vpon the foundation, espe∣ciallie seeing that the miserie of these times doth not suffer those, which haue the beginnings of faith, to be instructed,

and to conferre with the better learned. yet these are in the number of those, whome the Lord commaundeth to be spared, Ezech, 9. who sigh and are sorie, because that ••r∣rors are established.

Therefore chiefelie by the voice of the Doctrine we maie and ought to iud••e, which, and where the true Church is, which by the voice of the true doctrine, and then by the law∣full vse of the Sacraments, is distinguished from other nati∣ous. And what is the voice of the true doctrine, the writings of the Prophets and Apostles, and the Creedes, doe de∣clare. In these the doctrine is not doubtfull, touching the foundation to wit, touching the Articles of faith, the e••∣sence and will of God, the Sonne the Redeemer, the lawe▪ the promises, the vse of the Sacraments, and the ministery. And it is manifest, that it is not permitted to any creature, not to Angels, nor to men, to change that doctrine, which is deliuered of God.

Now what the Church is, the Sonne of God sheweth, saying, My kingdome is not of this world. Also, As my Father sen•• me▪ so doe I send you. By the voice of the ministers of the Gos∣pell an eternal Church is gathered to god, and by this voice God is effectuall, and turneth manie to himselfe. This ex∣ceeding great benefit of God we ought to acknowledge, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thankefullie to extoll. And although the Church be a com¦panie, that maie be seene and heard, yet it is to be distin¦gui hed from politicall Empires, or those that beare the sworde. Bishoppes haue not authoritie by the law of God 〈◊〉〈◊〉 punish the disobedient, neither doe they possesse the king¦domes of the worlde, and yet in the Church there is an o••¦der, according to that saying▪ He ascended, he giueth giftes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 men, Apostles, Prophets, Euangelist, Pastors, and Teachers. The Sonne of God is the high Priest, annointed of the eternal Father, who, that the Church might not vtterlie perish, ha•••• giuen vnto it ministers of the Gospell, partlie called imme∣diatlie by himselfe, as the Prophets & Apostles, partlie cho∣sen by the calling of men. For he doth both allow of the choise of the Church, and of his infinite goodnes he is effe∣ctuall, euen when the Gospell doth sound, by such as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 chose•• by voices, or in the name of the Church.

Therefore we doe reteine in our Churches also the pub∣lique

rite of Ordination where by the mi••isierie of the Gos∣pell is commended to those that are tru••lie ch••••••n▪ ••hose manners and doctrine we doe ••i••st 〈…〉〈…〉 And touching the worthines of the 〈…〉〈…〉 teach ou•• Churches. No 〈…〉〈…〉 then that which the Sonne of God s••••th: As my ••ath•••• s••••t me, odo I send you. He also declare••h what ••••••maundements he giueth, preach ye the Gospell, and he a••••irmeth, that he wil be effectual by their voice, as the Father sheweth himselfe to be effectuall by the Sonne. Also, we set before men the commaundementes of God. He that ••ea••eth you, heareth me: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that despiseth you, despiseth me. Also, Obey them that have the ouer ••••ght of you. And yet these sayings doe not erect a king∣dom without the Gospel: but they comm••••nd an obed••ence which is due to the voice of the Gospell. And these things pertaine to the ministe••ie: To teach the Gospell, to admi∣nister the Sacramentes, to giue absolution to them that aske it, and doe not perseuere in ••a••if••st offences: to or∣daine ministers of the Gospell, beeing ••i••h••lie called and examined▪ to exercise the iudgements of the Church af∣ter a lawfull manner, vpon those * 1.46which are guiltie of ma∣nifest cr••mes in manners of in d••c••••••ne, and to pronounce the sentence of excommunication against them that are stubborne, & againe to al solue & pardon them that doe re∣peat. That these thinges maie be done 〈◊〉〈◊〉 there be al∣so Consistories appointed in our 〈…〉〈…〉.

We said in the 〈…〉〈…〉 the Church, that there be manie in this visible 〈…〉〈…〉 who not∣withstanding in outward 〈…〉〈…〉 doe in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the true Doctrine. We conde•••••• 〈…〉〈…〉 who s••igned that their ministerie ••s not 〈…〉〈…〉 Also we condemne that 〈…〉〈…〉 which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that to be the visible Church, w••••rein ••ll ar•• holie. And we confesse that we are so 〈…〉〈…〉 visible Church in this life, as our Lord saith▪ Mat. ••2. The kingdome of God, is like vnto a drawe net, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into 〈…〉〈…〉 w••••rein 〈◊〉〈◊〉 are gathe∣red both good and bad▪ but yet they which become enemies to the true doctrine, cease to be members of this visible con∣gregation, according to that saying: Is anie man teach another Gospell, let him be acc••••sed.

OVT OF THE CONFESSION OF WIRTEMBERGE.

Of the cheefe Bishop.

THere be those that attribute this to the Bishop of Rome, that he is the heade of the Vniuersall Church, & that he hath power in earth, not onelie to ordeine ciuill kingdomes, and to gouerne all Ecclesiasticall persons and matters, but also to commaund the Angels in heauen, to de∣liuer soules out of Purgatorie, and to blesse, or deliuer whom it pleaseth him. But we acknowledge, that if the Bishop of Rome were a godly man, and did teach the gospel of Christ, according to the writings of the Prophets & Apostles, then he had a ministerie of high authoritie in this earth, to wit, a ministerie of remitting and reteining sinnes, then which ministerie there is nothing greater or more excellent in this earth. But he alone hath not this ministerie, but he hath it in common with all those, who by a lawful calling do preach the Gospell of Christ. For the ministerie of remitting or re∣teining sinnes, which otherwise is called the key of the king∣dome of heauen, is not giuen to the free power of the person of men, but it is so neerelie annexed to the worde of the gos∣pell, that so many as do preach the Gospel, may truly be said to remit, and to reteine sins, to wit, to remit their sins, who by faith doe receiue the Gospell; to reteine theirs, that doe contemne the Gospell. Mar. 16. Preach the Gospell to euerie creature. He that shall beleeue, and be baptized, shall be saued: but he that will not beleeue, shall be damned. Hilarie, De Trinit, lib. 6. saith. The father reuealed it to Peter, that he should saie, thou art the Sonne of God, Therfore vpon this rock of Confession is the Church builded: this faith is the foundation of the Church: whatsoeuer this faith shall loose or binde in earth, shall be loosed or bound in heauen. Chrysostome saith: They which beare the keies be the priests, to whome the worde of teaching, and interpreting the Scriptures, is com∣mitted. Now the keie is the worde of the knowledge of the Scriptures, by which keie the trueth is opened to men. Augustine, De Doct••. Christ. Lib. 1. Cap. 18. saith: These keies did he giue to the Church, that whatsoeuer it looseth in earth, should be loosed in heauen: to ••it, that whosoeuer would not beleeue, that his sinnes are forgiuen hi•• in the Church, they should not be forgiuen to him: but whosoeuer

should beleeue, and being corrected doth turne from his sinnes, being placed in the lappe of the Church, should, by the same faith and corre∣ction be healed. Ambrose saith, Sinnes are remitted by the worde, whereof the Leuite is the interpreter or expounder. Bernard, in e∣pist. ad Eug. saith. The true success••••er of Paull will sate with Paull, Not that we haue dominion ouer your saith, but we are helpers ••f your ioy. The heires of Peter will heare Peter, saying: Not as though ye were Lordes ouer Gods heritage, but that ye maie be ensamples to the flocke. Thomas, in Summa sua, parte, 3. in addit. q. 6. art. 6. saith: Because the Church is founded vpon Faith, and the Sacra∣ments, therefore it doth not pertaine to the ministers of the Church to make new Articles of Faith, or to set a parte those which are made, neither to appoint new Sacramentes, or to take awaie those, which are appointed: but this is proper to that excellencie of power, which i•• due to Christ alone, who is the foundation of the Church. And ther∣fore, as the Pope cannot dispense, that anie one maie be saued with∣out Baptisme, so can he not dispense with anie to be saued without confession, because that he bindeth by force of a Sacrament. And although Thomas haue his opinions, touching confessi∣on, yet this which he saith, It doth not pertaine to the Mini∣sters of the Church (among whome he reckoneth the Pope) to make new Articles of Faith, and to appoint new Sacraments, is in deede an Apostolike and Catholike iudgement. For no other ministerie doeth perteine to the ministers of the Church, which haue their calling from Christ, then that which we ment••oned before, and which the Apostles of Christ, themselues did execute, touching the remittting and reteining of sinnes. Therefore if anie thing more then this ministerie be attributed to the Bishop of Rome, this is either giuen vnto him by mans ordinances, or els it is feig∣ned by the Monkes and other flatterers, against the autho∣ritie of the worde of God.

Of the Church.

* 1.47 WE beleeue and co••f••sse, that there is one holie Catholique, and Apostolique Church, according to the Creede of the Apostles, and the Nicene Creede. 2. That this Church is so gouerned of the holie Ghost, that although he suffer it to be weake in this earth, yet he doth

••lwaies preserue it, that it doe not perish either by errours▪ or by sinnes. 3. That in this world manie naughtie men and hypocrites, are mingled with this Church. 4. That these naughtie men and hypocrites, if by a lawfull calling they shall take vponthem the ministerie of the Church, shall not of themselues anie whit hinder the trueth of the Sacraments, except they peruert the ordinance of Christ, and teach wicked thinges. 5. That in this Church there is true remission of sinnes. 6. That this Church * 1.48hath authoritie to beare witnes of the holie Scripture. 7. That this Church hath authoritie * 1.49to iudge of all doctrines, ac∣cording to that, Trie the spirits, whether they be of God. And▪ Let the other iudge. 8. That this Church hath authoritie * to interpret the scripture.

But where this Church is to be sought, and whether her authoritie be limited within certaine boundes, diuers men doe iudge diuerslie. But we thinke, that men are to iudge, by the authoritie, both of the holie Scripture, and also of the auncient Fathers, that the true Catholike, and Apo∣stolike Church, is not tied to one certaine place or nation, nor to one certaine kinde of men, but that it is in that place or nation, where the Gospel of Christ is sincerelie preached▪ and his Sacraments rightlie administred, according to Christ his institution. Ioan. 10. I haue saide, ye are Gods: He called them Gods, vnto whome the worde of God was giuen, &c. Therefore there is the people or Church of God, where the worde of God is preached. Iohn. 15. Now you are cleane, through the worde, which I haue spoken to you. Therefore the worde of Christ, which is the Gospell, doeth declare where that Church is, which is cleane in the sight of God: Rom. 1. The Gospell is the power of God to saluation, to euerie one that belee∣ueth. Therefore where the Gospell is, which is acknowled∣ged by faith, there God hath his Church, wherein he i•• effectuall vnto eternall life. Chrysostome in his commen∣taries vpon Matthew, Cap. 24. hom. 49. saith. Therefore 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this time all Christians must goe to the Scriptures: because that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this time, since heresie possessed those Churches, there can be no ••ria•• of true Christianitie, neither can there be anie other refuge for Chri∣stians, that would willinglie know the truth of faith, but onelie the ••i••ine Scriptures. And a little after, Therefore he that will kn••••

which is the true Church of Christ, whence maie he know it, but one∣lie by the Scriptures? Augustine, Tom. 2. Epist. 166. saith. I•• the Scriptures we haue learned Christ, in the Scriptures we hau•• learned to know the Church: these Scriptures we haue in common: why doe we not in them ret••ine in common both Christ and the Church? And againe, Tom. 7. in Epist. contra Epist. Pe∣ti••iani Donatistae, cap. 2. 3. & 4. It is a question betweene vp and the Donatistes, where the Church is. What then shall we does shall we seeke the Church in our owne wordes, or in the wordes of his head▪ in our Lord Iesus Christ? I thinke that we ought to seeke it ra∣ther in his words, who is the truth, and doth best of all know his bodi••.

Now that which is affirmed, that the Church hath au∣thor••ti•• to beare witnes of the holie Scripture, to interprete the Scripture, and to iudge of all doctrines, it is not so to be vnderstoode, that the Church hath absolute authoritie to determine what she listeth, and also, if it please hir, to change the Scripture, and to feigne a new doctrine, and to appoint new worships of God; but that the Church, as the Spouse of Christ, ought to know the voice of hir husband, and that she hath receiued of hir husband a certaine rule, to wit, the Pro∣pheticall and Apostolical preaching, confirmed by miracles from heauen, according to the which she is bounde to inter∣prete those places of the Scripture, which seeme to be ob∣scure, and to iudge of doctrines. Psal. 119. Thy worde is a light vnto my feete. Rom. 3. Hauing giftes, that be diuers, according to the grace that is giuen vnto vs, whether we haue prophecy, according to the proportion of Faith, &c. 2. Pet. 1. We haue a more sur•• ••orde of the Prophets, to the which ye doe well that yee take heede, as vnto a light, that shineth in a darke place, &c. Origen vpon Ierem. Hom. 1. It is necessarie for vs to call the holie Scriptures to witnes: for our meanings and interpretations haue no creditte, without these witnesses. Ierome vpon Math. 23. That which is spoken without authoritie of the Scriptures, is as easilie con∣temned, as it is spoken. And August. De Nupt. & Concup. Lib. 2. Cap. 23. saith, This contouersie seeketh a Iudge. There∣fore let Christ iudge, and let him shew, what thing it is that his death doth profit. This, saith he is my bloode, And a little after: Together with him let the Apostle iudge, because that Christ himselfe also spea∣keth in the Apostle, he crieth out and saith touching God the Father. He which spared not his ••wn•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 &c. Wherefore the Church

hath so farre authoritie to iudge of doctrine, that notwith∣standing shee must keepe her selfe within the bondes of the holie Scripture, which is the voice of hir husband, from which voice it is not lawfull for any man, no not for an An∣gell, to departe.

OVT OF THE CONFSSION OF SVEVELAND.

Of the Church.

* 1.50 FVrthermore we will shew, what is taught among vs, ••oth touching the Christian Church, and also touch∣ing the holie Sacraments: and touching the Church, this is it that we teach. The Church or congregation of Christ, (which as yet is in this worlde as a stranger from god) is the fellowshippe and companie of those, which addict them selues to Christ, and doe altogether trust and rest in his pro∣tection: among whome notwithstanding many shall be mingled, euen to the end of the worlde, who although they professe the Christian faith, yet they haue it not in deede. This hath our Lorde taught sufficientlie, Math. 13. by the parable both of the cockle, and also of the Net cast into the sea, i•• the which the bad fishes are caught with the good. Also, Math. 22. by the parable of the King, inuiting all men to the mariage of his Sonne, and afterward, casting him out, beeing bound hand and foote, into vtter darkenes, which had not a wedding garment. Now these places of Scripture, wherin the congregation of Christ is commended, to be the Spouse of Christ, for the which he hath giuen himselfe. Eph. 5. The house of God, the pillar and ground of trueth. 1. Tim. 3. Also, The holie hill of Sion, the Citie of the liuing God, the heauenlie Ierusalem, and the congregation of the first borne, which are written in heauen: I saie, all these places of Scripture doe properlie pertaine to them, who for their sin∣cere faith▪ are truelie, and in the sight of God, reckoned a∣mong the children of God. For seeing that in these alone the Lorde doth fullie reigne, these onelie, if we will speake properly, are called the Church of Christ, and the communi∣on of Saints, in which sense also the name of the Church is expounded, in the common Articles of faith, those false Christians beeing excluded, which are mingled amongest them. Furthermore, the holie Ghost himselfe doth gouerne

this Church or congregation, & remaineth with it, as Christ doth euen to the ende of the world, and doth sanctifie it, that at the length he may present it vnto himself without spo••or wrinckle, as it is saide, Eph. 5. Also, this is that Church which all men are commaunded to heare, and he that will not heare her, is to to be counted as an heathen and Publicane.

And although that, to wit, faith it selfe, can not be seene, whereby this Congregation hath obteined, to be called the Church and companie of Christ, yet the fruites of that faith maie be seene and knowne, and of them a certaine Christi∣an coniecture be taken. These fruites be cheeflie, a bolde profession of Faith, a true loue offering it selfe to doe hum∣ble seruice to all men, a contempt of all things. Seeing ther∣fore that these be the proper fruites, wheresoeuer the holie Gospell and the Sacraments be exercised, thereupon it maie easilie be knowne, where, and who be the Christian Church; so much as is necessary for vs to preserue among vs the chri∣stian communion, & that in the same we may be instructed, admonished, and helpe one an other, according to the com∣maundement of Christ.

Furthermore, seeing this congregation is the verie king∣dome of God, wherein all things ought to be appointed in best order, she hath all kinde of offices and ministers: for ••he is the body of Christ himselfe, compacted of many members, whereof euerie one haue their proper worke. Therefore whosoeuer doe faithfullie discharge such functions▪ and doe earnestlie labour in the worde and doctrine, they doe repre∣sent the Church, and may doe all things in the name there∣of, so that whosoeuer shall either despise them, or refuse to heare them, he may worthely be saide to despise the Church it selfe.

Now with what spirit or with what spirituall authority we doe beleeue that they are▪ furnished, we haue declared be∣fore, out of most firme foundations of the Scripture, where we shewed, what we thought of the spirituall or Ecclesi∣asticall offices, & dignitie. For they cannot by anie meanes represent the Church of Christ, or doe anie thing in the name thereof, which are not Christes, and therefore pro∣pound no Christian thinges, but whatsoeuer is contrarie to the doctrine of Christ. For although it maie be, that euen

the wicked maie teach some good thing, and maie also pro∣phesie in the name of Christ (after their example, to whom the Lord himselfe doth witnes that he will once in time to come say, That he neuer knew them) Yet it cannot be, that they can discharge the duetie of the Church of Christ, and are to be heard, in his stead, which doe not propound the voice of their husband Christ, although otherwise they should thinke ••right of faith, and be counted amongst the members of the Church, as it doth often times falout, when as the verie Children of God are wrapped in errours, and doe also pub∣lish the same. For the Church of Christ is whollie addi∣cted to Christ himselfe. Therefore that cannot be counted a doctrine, precept, or commaundement of the true Church, except it be the same with the doctrine, precept, and com∣maundement of Christ himselfe. And whosoeuer propoun∣deth anie other thing in her name (although he were an Angell from heauen) he is not to be heard: as also the Church in those thinges doth represent nothing lesse the•• the Church of Christ.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Eph. 2. 1. Cor. 6.
• * 1.2

  2. Tim. 3.
• * 1.3

  Looke the 1. obseruat. vpon this confess.
• * 1.4

  Coloss. 1.
• * 1.5

  Ephes. 5.
• * 1.6

  Ephes. 1.
• * 1.7

  Ephes. 4.
• * 1.8

  1. Cor. 14.
• * 1.9

  Gal. 2. Act. 15.
• * 1.10

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 10.
• * 1.11

  1. Cor. 11.
• * 1.12

  1. Cor. 10. 1. Ioan. 5. Apoc. 18. 2. Cor. 6.
• * 1.13

  1. Reg. 19. Apoc. 7.
• * 1.14

  2. Tim. 2.
• * 1.15

  1. Ioan. ••.
• * 1.16

  Math. 13.
• * 1.17

  Phil. 5.
• * 1.18

  Math. 1. Ephes. 1. Ioh. 3. 2. Cor. 11. Eph. 5. Heb. 12. Ioan. 1. Galat. 5. Rom. 1. Ioan. 1. 1. Ioh. 3.
• * 1.19

  Math. 16.
• * 1.20

  1. Cor. 3.
• * 1.21

  Eph. ••.
• * 1.22

  Apoc. 7▪
• * 1.23

  Math. 15.
• * 1.24

  Looke the 1. obseruat. vpon this confess. Rom. 5.
• * 1.25

  Eph. 4.
• * 1.26

  Rom. 15. Phil. 2. Rom. 12. 1. Cor. 12.
• * 1.27

  looke the 2▪ obseruat. vpon this confess. and the 1. obseruat. vpon the confesson of Saxonie▪ in the 4 Section.
• * 1.28

  1. Cor. 1••.
• * 1.29

  1. ••er. 3. Phil. ••.
• * 1.30

  Looke the 3 obseruat vpon this confess.
• * 1.31

  looke the 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.32

  1. Cor. 5.
• * 1.33

  Dan. 9. Mat. 24. Mar. 13. 2. Thess. 2. 2. Pet. 2.
• * 1.34

  2. Tim. 4. 2. Pet. 3.
• * 1.35

  2. Tim. 3.
• * 1.36

  Math. 24.
• * 1.37

  Mat▪ 1••. Math. 11.
• * 1.38

  Art. 26.
• * 1.39

  Art. 27.
• * 1.40

  Art. 28.
• * 1.41

  Art. ••.
• * 1.42

  Art. 2••.
• * 1.43

  Art. 28.
• * 1.44

  Art. 29.
• * 1.45

  Art. 11.
• * 1.46

  looke the 1. 〈…〉〈…〉 vpon this confess.
• * 1.47

  Art. 31.
• * 1.48

  Looke the ••. obseruat. upon this confess.
• * 1.49

  looke the ••. ••bser••at.
• * 1.50

  Art. 15.