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THE FIFTEENTH SECTION. OF ECCLE∣SIASTICAL MEETINGES. (Book 15)
THE LATTER CONFESSION OF HELVETIA.
Of holie and Ecclesiasticall meetings. CHAP. 22.
ALthough it be lawfull for all men, priuate∣lie at home to reade the holie Scriptures, and by instruction to edifie one another in the true religion; yet that the word of God maie be lawfullie preached to the people, and prayers and supplications publique∣lie made, & that the sacraments maie be lawfully ministred, that collectiō may be made for the pore, and to defray al necessary charges of the Church, or to sup∣ply the wantes, it is very needful there should be holy mee∣tings & Ecclesiastical assemblies. For it is manifest that in the Apostolike & primitiue Church there were such assemblies frequented of godly men. So many then as do despise them, and separate themselues from them, they are contemners of true religion, & are to be compelled by the Pastours & godly▪ Magistrates, to surcease stubbornelie to seperate and absent themselues from sacred assemblies. Now Ecclesiasticall as∣semblies must not be hidden and secret, but publique, and common, except persecution by the enimies of Christ & the Church will not suffer them to be publique. For we know what manner assemblies the primitiue Church had hereto∣fore