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 NIN∣TEENTH SECTION. (Book 19)

OF THE CIVIL MAGISTRATE. (Book 19)

THE LATTER CONFESSION OF HELVETIA.

Of Magistracie. CHAP. 30.

THE Magistracie, of what sort soeuer it be, is ordained of God him selfe, for the peace and quietnes of mankinde: and so, that he ought to haue the chiefest place in the world: If he be an aduersarie to the Church, he may hinder and di∣sturbe it very much: but if he be a friend and a member of the Church, he is a moste profitable and excellent member thereof, which may profit it verie much, and finallie may helpe and further it verie excellentlie. His chiefest dutie is, to procure and maintaine peace and pub∣lique tranquillitie. Which doubtles he shall neuer do more happilie, then when he shall be truelie seasoned with the feare of God and true religion, namelie when he shall after the example of moste holie Kinges and Princes of the peo∣ple of the Lorde, aduaunce the preaching of the truth, and the pure and sincere faith, and shall roote out lies, and all superstition, with all impietie and Idolatrie, and shall de∣fend

the Church of God. For in deede we teach that the care of religion doth chieflie appertaine to the holie Ma∣gistrate: let him therefore holde the worde of God in his handes, and looke that nothing be taught contrary thereun∣to. In like manner let him gouerne the people committed to him of God * 1.1with good lawes, made according to the worde of God. Let him hold them in discipline, and in their dutie, and in obedience, let him exercise iudgement by iudgeing vprightlie, let him not accept anie mans person, or receiue bribes: let him deliuer widowes, fatherles chil∣dren, and those that be afflicted from wrong: let him re∣presse, yea and cut of such as are vniust either by deceit, or by violence. For he hath not receiued the sworde of God in vaine. Therefore let him draw forth this sworde of God a∣gainst * 1.2all malefactours, seditious persons, theeues, or mur∣derers, oppressours, blasphemers, periured persons, and all those whome God hath commaunded him to punish or ex∣ecute. Let him suppresse stubborne heretiques (which are heretiques in deede, who cease not to blaspheme the maie∣stie of God, and to trouble the Church, yea and finallie to destroy it: but if so be it be necessarie to preserue the saftie of the people by warre, let him doe it in the name of God, so that he first seeke peace by all meanes possible, and vse it not saue onelie then, when he can saue his subiects no waie but by warre. And while as the Magistrate doth these things in faith, he serueth God by those workes, as with such as be good workes, and shall receiue a blessing from the Lorde.

We condemne the Anabaptists, who as they denie that a christian man should beare the office of a magistrate, so also they deny that anie man can iustlie be put to death by the Magistrate, or that the Magistrate maie make warre, or that othes shoulde be performed to the Magi∣strates, and such like thinges. For as God will worke the saftie of his people by the Magistrate, whome he hath giuen to be as it were a father of the world, so all the subiects are commaunded to acknowledge this benefit of God in the Magistrate: therefore let them honour and reuerence the Magistrate, as the minister of God, let them loue him, fa∣uour him, and pray for him, as their father, and let them o∣bey all his iust and equall commaundements: Finallie, let

* 1.3 them pay all customes and tributes and all other dueties of the like sorte, faithfullie and willinglie. And if the common saftie of the countrie and iustice require it, and the Magi∣strate do of necessitie make warre, let them laie downe their life, & spend their blood for the common saftie and defence of the Magistrate, and that in the name of God willinglie, valiantlie, and cherefullie. For he that opposeth himselfe a∣gainst the Magistrate, doth procure the wrath of god against him. We condemne therfore all contemners of Magistrates, as rebells, enemies of the common wealth, seditious vil∣laines, & in a word, all such as do either openlie or closelie refuse to performe those duties which they ought to do, &c.

THE CONCLVSION.

WE beseech God our most mercifull Father in heauen, that he will blesse the Princes of the people, and vs, and his wholl people through Iesus Christ our onelie Lord and Sauiour, to whome be praise, and thankesgiuing, both now and for euer.

OVT OF THE FORMER CONFESSION OF HELVETIA.

Of Magistracie.

SEing that euery Magistrate is of God, his chiefe dutie (except it please him to exercise a tyranie) consisteth in this▪ to defend religion from all blasphemie, & to procure it, and, as the Prophet teacheth out of the word of the Lord, to put it in practise, so much as in him lieth. In which parte trulie the first place is giuen to the pure & free preaching of the worde of God, the instruction of the youth of Citizens, and a right and diligent teaching in Schooles, lawfull disci∣pline, a liberall prouision for the Ministers of the Church, and a diligent care for the poore. Secondlie to iudge the peo∣ple according * 1.4to iust & diuine lawes, to keepe iudgement and iustice, to maintaine this publique peace, to cherish the common wealth, and to punish the offenders, according to the quantitie of the fault, in their riches, bodie, or life: which things when he doth, he performeth a due worship or ser∣uice to God. We know, that though we be free, we ought whollie in a true faith holilie to submit our selues to the Ma∣gistrate,

both with our bodie, and with all our goods, and in∣deauour of minde, also to performe faithfulnes, and * 1.5the othe which we made to him, so farre forth as his gouern∣ment is not euidentlie repugnant to him, for whose sake we doe reuerence the Magistrate.

OVT OF THE CONFESSION OF BASILL.

Of Magistracie.

MOreouer, God hath assigned to the Magistrate, who is his minister, the sword and chiefe externall pow∣er, * 1.6for the defence of the good, and to take reuenge and pu∣nishment of the euill. Therefore euerie Christian Magi∣strate (* 1.7in the number whereof we also desire to be) doth di∣rect all his strength to this, that among those which are cō∣mitted to his credit, the name of God may be sanctified, his kingdome may be enlarged, and men may liue according to his will, with an earnest rooting out of all r••ughtines. And in the margent, This duetie also was inioyned to the heathenish Magistrate, how much more to the Christian Magistrate ought it to be commended, as to the true substitute of God?

Also, Art. 11. Sect. 1. 3. and 4.

We doe clearelie protest, that together with all other do∣ctrines, which are directlie contrarie to the sound and pure doctrine of Iesus Christ, we doe not onelie not receiue, but, as abominations and blasphemies, reiect & condemne those strange and erroneous doctrines, which the spirits of hurle∣burlie, among other damnable opinions do bring forth, say∣ing, &c. that Magistrates can not be Christians. And in the margent, The Magistrate doth then shew himselfe to be a good Magistrate, when he is a true Christian.

THE CONCLVSION.

LAst of all, we submit this our Confession to the iudge¦ment of the holie Scripture of the Bible, and there∣fore we promise, that if out of the foresaide Scriptures we may be better instructed, we will at all times obey God and his holie word, most thankefully.

OVT OF THE CONFESSION OF BOHEMIA.

Of the ciuill power, or ciuill Magistrate. CHAP. 16.

FVrthermore, it is taught out of the holie Scripture, that the ciuill Magistrate is the ordinance of God, and appointed by God: whoe both taketh his originall from God, and by the effectuall power of his presence, and con∣tinuall aide is mainteined to gouerne the people in those things which appertaine to the life of this bodie here vpon earth: whereby also he is distinguished from that spirituall * 1.8state: whereof is that worthie sentence of Paull, There is no power but of god, & the power that is, is ordeined of god. Then ac∣cording to these points, all they that beeing indued with this authoritie doe beare publique offices, of what kinde soeuer they be, beeing in the degree of Magistrates, necessarilie must know, acknowledge, and remember this, that they are Gods deputies, and in his steade, and that God is the Soue∣raigne Lord and King, euen of them all, as well as of other men, to whome at length in the last daie they must giue an account, of the degree wherein they were placed, of their dominions, and of the wholl administration of their go∣uernment, whereof it is expresselie written in the booke of Wisdome, and else where.

* 1.9 And seeing they doe gouerne in stede of God vpon earth, and are his Lieuetenants, it is meete that they frame them∣selues to the example of the superior Lord, by following, and resembling him, and by learning of him mercie and iu∣stice. As touching these therefore such an instruction hath beene deliuered, that they who are in authoritie ought to doe good vnto others, according to that which Christ saith, * 1.10They that are mightie are called gratious, or bounteous Lords, and that in regard of their duetie they are especiallie bound thereunto, and that this is their speciall charge, that they cherish among the people without respect of persons, iustice, peace, and all good things that are appertaining vnto the time: that they protect and defend their peaceable sub∣iects, their rightes, their goodes, their life and their bo∣dies,

against those that wrong, and oppresse them, or doe any waies indammage, or hurt them: also against the vn∣iust violence of the Turkes, together with others that doe the like, to succour and defend them: and so to serue the Lorde God herein, that they beare not the sword in vaine, but valiantlie, couragiouslie, and faithfully vse the same to execute the will and workes of God therewith. Hereof in the holie Scripture such are called Gods, and of Saint Paull, * 1.11the Ministers of God. The Magistrate, saith he, is the Minister of God for thy good; who is sent, as Peter saith, to take vengeance on those that doe euill, and to giue honour vnto those that doe good.

But for as mueh as the Magistrate is not onelie the power of God, in that sort, as the scripture doth ascribe that title euen to an heathen Magistrate, as Christ said vnto Pilate, Thou couldest haue no power ouer mee, vnles it were giuen thee from * 1.12aboue: but the Christian Magistrate ought also to be a parta∣ker, * 1.13and as it were, a minister of the power of the Lambe Iesus Christ, whome God hath in our nature made Lord and King of Kings, that Kings of the earth, who in times past had beene heathen, might come vnder the power of the Lambe, and giue their glorie vnto the Church, and become nources thereof: which then began to be fulfilled, when they recei∣ued Christian religion, and made them nestes vnder the tree of mustard seed, which is faith. Then for this cause the Chri∣stian Magistrate is pecularlie taught to be such a one, that he should well vs•• this glory and portion of his authority, which he hath common with the Lamb, and that he betray it not to Satan and to Antichrist, vnles he will be transformed into that beast, and hideous Monster, which carieth the beast, and that he be not ashamed of the name of Iesus Christ our Lord, and that by this authoritie of his he set forth the truth of the holie gospell, make waie for the trueth whersoeuer, be a defender of the ministers and people of Christ, suffer not so farre as in him lieth Idolatrie, or the tyrannie of Antichrist, much lesse follow the same, although he be driuen to sustein some harme therefore, and so lay downe his crowne before the Lambe, and serue him together with the spirituall Kings and priests of the holie Church, that is, with all the faithfull, and Christians that are called to eternall life. Whereunto also the second psalme doth exhort Magistrates▪

* 1.14 which it is profitable often to remember, where it is thus read, And now ye Kings vnderstand, and be ye learned that iudge the earth serue the Lord with feare, & reioyce vnto him with trembling, Hereupon it followeth and is concluded by force of argu∣ment: namelie, that whosoeuer doth vse in such sort as hath beene said, this ordinarie power of God and of the Lambe, with patience in their aduersities, as well on the right, as on the left hand, they shall receiue for this thing, and for their labour a large and infinite reward and blessing of God vpon earth, and also in the life to come, through faith in Christ: and contrariwise vpon the wicked, cruell, and bloodthirstie, that repent not, shall come the paines of * 1.15fearfull vengeance in this life, and after this life euerlasting torment.

Moreouer the people also are taught of their duety, and by the word of god are effectuallie therto inforced, that al and e∣uerie of them, in all things, so that they be not contrary vn∣to God, performe their obedence to the superior power, first to the Kings Maiestie, then to all Magistrates, and such as are in authoritie, in what charge soeuer they be placed, whether they be of themselues good men, or euill; so also to al their ministers, and such as are sent with commission from them, to reuerence & honour them, and yeald vnto them all things, whatsoeuer by right are due vnto them; and to per∣forme and paie vnto them, honour, tribute custome, and such like whereunto they are bound. But in thinges pertei∣ning to mens soules, to faith and eternall saluation, of those the people is taught, * 1.16that they ought to obey no man more then God, but God onelie and his holy word aboue al things * 1.17and especially, according to that which the Lord commaun∣deth, Giue vnto Cesar the things which are Cesars, and vnto God the things which are Gods. But if some should attempt to re∣mooue any from this Christian and true opinion, they ought to follow the example of the Apostles, who with a bolde cou∣rage nothing at all daunted answered the Magistrate and counsell of Ierusalem in this manner, We ought rather to obey * 1.18God, then men. Whereof also is to be seene the iudgement of the olde fathers, and of the Canon law: where they thus write, and these are the wordes of S. Ierome: If the Lord (or magistrate) commaund those things that are not contrary to the holy

scriptures, let the seruant be subiect to the Lord: but if 〈◊〉〈◊〉 anie thing contrarie, let him rather obey the Lord of his p••••rit then of his bodie. And a litle after. If it be good which the Emperor com∣maundeth, do the will of him that commaundeth: if it be euill, an∣swer, we ought rather to obey God then men.

THE CONCLVSION.

ANd hetherto haue beene informed and shewed vnto your Maiestie in this writing the reasons & causes of our faith and doctrine and Christian religion: fuch doctrine as the ministers of our Churches, all and singular, euery one according to the gift of god graunted vnto him, do with one consent of iudgement holde, talke of, and preach, and do constantlie manteine and fight for the same, not with the power of this world, but by holy scriptures, against those that impugne it, or by teaching do spread abroade contrarie er∣rors thereunto. Neither yet without that modestie that be∣commeth the profession of Christians, do they stubbournly rather then rigiouslie persist in this doctrine, or haue at any time heretofore persisted: but if anie thing be found herein not well taken by them, and that by certeine grounds out of the word of god (which ought to be the rule of iudgement vn¦to all men) peaceablie, and with a meeke spirit (as it ought to be done) be shewed vnto them, they are readie and forward, and thereunto, as alwaies heretofore, so now they offer themselues, that after due consideration & true knowledge of the trueth had, they will most gladlie, and thankfullie re∣ceiue that doctrine which shall haue better foundations, and willinglie reforme whatsoeuer shall haue need to be amen∣ded. Wherefore most excellent King, and gratious Lord, maie it please your Maiestie to examine this our confession, and after diligent and due consideration had, to waie and consider whether anie man worthelie and for iust cause, may reiect, and condemne this doctrine, as not agreeable to the holie scripture, nor Christian. Verilie we are of opinion, that if anie man presume to despise, or condemne this do∣ctrine, he must of necessitie also condemne the holie scrip∣ture, from whence it was taken, and the auncient, and true Christian Doctors, with whome it agreeth, and also the ho∣lie

lie Church it selfe, which from the beginning, and that con∣stantlie, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and doth teach. And hereby your Maiesty may graci••••slie perceiue and determine, whether the com∣plaints and accusations of our aduersaries, and such as fa∣uour not vs and our teachers, be iust, or noe. Wherefore most humbly we pray, that your sacred Maiestie will giue no place or credit to our aduersaries, in those matters which diuers waies without anie ground they charge vs withall, when as without all humanitie they accuse vs, our ministers and preachers, as if we had an other religion, and taught an other doctrine, then that which at this present we offer vnto your Maiestie; or that we presume stubbournlie to take in hand, or do attempt anie other thing against God, and your Maiestie, and contrarie to the institutions of this common wealth, and to the publique law of the kingdome of Bohe∣mia. And your Maiestie may well call to your remembrance that we haue euerie waie, and at all times, behaued our selues obedientlie and peaceablie, and in all things which may turne or belong to the preseruation of your Maiesties person, and to the publique good, and commoditie of the whol realme: in al such things, I say, we haue indeauoured not to be behinde others: and hereafter also we offer our selues most readie to perfourme the same, according to our alle∣geance and duetie. Neither do we think it onelie a point of vertue, and to apperteine vnto honesty alone and the good estate of the common wealth, to yeeld our selues subiect and faithfull to your maiesty, for peace, concord and the rewards of this life, but much rather we acknowledge that it pleaseth God, and that so is his will, that euery one for conscience sake should be obedient to the Magistrate, and should reue∣rence, loue, honour, and highly esteem him: euen as our teachers also do deale both with vs, and with the people to perfourme this, and oftentimes by teaching out of the word doe in force it vpon vs both.

Here we commend our selues vnto your Maiesty, as to the fatherly and liberall tuition, care and protection of our most gracious Lord, and do most humbly beseech of your Maie∣sty, that vnto these things, which on the befalfe of Christian religion we haue tendred vnto your Maiestie, we may re∣ceiue a courteous answer▪ and such as God maie be pleased

withall. The almightie and euerlasting God graciouslie pre∣serue your Maiestie in continuall health, to the profit, benefit, and increase of his holie Christian Church. Amen,

Prouerb. 20. Mercie and trueth preserue the King, for his throne is established with mercie.

OVT OF THE FRENCH CONFESSION.

* 1.19 WE beleeue that God would haue the world to be gouerned by lawes, and by ciuill gouernmenr, that there mai•• be certaine bridles, whereby the immoderate de∣sires of the world maie be restrained, and that therefore he appointed kingdomes, common wealths, and other kindes of principalitie, whether they come by inheritance, or other∣wise. And not that alone, but also whatsoeuer perteineth to the state of righteousnes, as they call it, whereof he desi∣reth to be acknowledged the author. Therefore he hath al∣so deliuered the sword into the hands of the Magistrates, to wit, that offences maie be repressed, not onely those which are committed against the second table, but also against the first. Therefore, because of the author of this order, we must not onelie fuffer them to rule, whome he hath set ouer vs, but also giue vnto them all honour and reuerence, as vnto his embassadours, and ministers assigned of him to execute a lawfull and holie function.

Also, Art. 40.

THerefore we affirme that we must obey the lawes and statutes, that tribute must be paied, and that we must patientlie endure the other burdens, to conclude, that we must willnglie suffer the yoke of subiection, although the Magistrate, be infidells, so that the soueraigne gouernment of God do remaine wholl or entire, and nothing diminished. Therefore we detest all those, which do reiect all kinde of dominion, and bring in a communitie and confusion of goods, and who, to conclude, do go about to ouerthrow al or∣der of law.

OVT OF THE CONFESSION OF BELGIA.

* 1.20 WE beleeue that the most gratious and mighty God did appoint Kings, Princes, and Magistrates, be∣cause

of the corruption and deprauation of mankinde, and that it is his wil that this world should be gouerned by laws, & by a certein ciuill gouernment, to punish the faults of m••n, and that all things may be done in good order among men. Therefore he h••th armed the Magistrates wi••h the sword, that they may punish the wicked, and defend the good. Moreouer it is their duetie, not onelie to be carefull to pre∣serue the ciuil gouernment but also to endeuour that the mi∣nisterie maie be preserued, that all Idolatrie and counterfeit worship of God maie be cleane abolished, that the kingdom of Antichrist maie be ouerthrowne, and that the kingdome of Christ maie be enlarged. To conclude, it is their dutie to bring to passe, that the holie word of the gospell maie be preached euerie where, that all men maie serue and worship God purelie and freelie, according to the prescript rule of his word.

Moreouer all men of what dignitie, condition, or state so∣euer they be, ought to be subiect to their lawful Magistrates, and paie vnto them subsidies and tributes, and obey them in all thinges, which are not repugnant to the word of God. Also they must poure out their praiers for them, that God would vouchfafe to direct them in all their actions, and that we maie lead a peaceable and quiet life vnder them with all godlines and honestie. Wherefore we condemne the Ana∣baptists, and all those troublesome spirites, who doe reiect higher powers, and magistrates, ouerthrow all lawes and iudgements, make all goods common, and to conclude, doe abolish and confound all those orders and degrees, which God hath appointed among men for honesties sake.

OVT OF THE CONFESSION OF AVSPVRGE.

COncerning ciuill affaires they teach, that such ciuill * 1.21ordinances, as be lawfull, are the good workes and ordinances of God, As Paull witnesseth, The powers which are, be ordained of God. They teach therefore that it is lawfull for Christians to beare offices, to sit in iudge∣ment, and to determine of matters by the Princes lawes, or by the lawes of the common wealth, to appoint pu∣nishmentes according to lawe, to make lawfull warres,

to goe to warre, to deale in bargaines and contractes, by lawes to holde his owne, to take an othe at the request of the Magistrates, to contract lawfull marriage, and to follow such craftes and sciences as are approoued by law.

They condemne the Anabaptistes, which forbid Christi∣ans these ci••ill offices. They likewise condemne them which haue placed perfection vnder the Gospell, in the renoun∣cing of ciuill offices, whereas it is spirituall, that is, it consi∣steth in the motions of the heart, in the feare, faith, loue, and obedience of God. For the Gospell speaketh of a cer∣teine eternall righteousnes of the heart, yet doth it not take awaie Ciuill, or domesticall gouernement, but requi∣reth most of all to haue them preserued in this bodelie life, as the ordinances of God, and that we should ex∣ercise loue and charitie in such ordinances. Wherefore Christians most of necessitie obeie the magistrates lawes that now a••e, saue onelie where they commaund and set forth anie sinne. For in such case they must obeie god, rather then men. Act. 4.

These thinges are thus found in another edition.

* 1.22 COncerning ciuill thinges, they teach that such ciuill ordinances as are lawfull ar•• the good works of god, that christians may lawfully beare office, sit in iudgements, determine matters by the Princes or countrie lawes, lawful∣lie appoint punishmentes, lawfullie make warre, be souldi∣ours, make bargaines and contractes, by law holde their owne, take an oth when the magistrates require it, marrie a wife, or be giuen in marriage. They condemne the Ana∣baptistes, which forbid Christians to meddle with ciuil of∣fices: as also those that place the perfection of the Gospell, not in the feare of God and saith, but in forsaking ciuill offi∣ces. For the gospel teacheth an euerlasting righteosnes of the heart. In the meane time it doth not dissalow order and gouernement of common wealths, or families, but requireth especiallie the preseruation and maintenance thereof, as of Gods owne ordinance, and that in such ordinances we should exercise loue and charitie. Christians therefore must in anie wise obeie their Magistrates, and lawes, saue onelie

then, when they commaund anie sinne. For then they must rather obeie God then men.

We condemne the Anabaptistes which doe spread Iewish opinions a fresh. They imagin that the godlie before the re∣surrection, shall possesse the kingdomes of the world, and the wicked and vngodlie in all places be destroied and brought vnder. For we are sure that seeing the godlie must obeie the Magistrates that be ouer them, they must not wring their rule and authoritie out of their handes, nor ouerthrow gouernmentes by sedition, forasmuch as Paul willeth euerie soule to be subiect to the Magistrates. We know also that the Church in this life is subiect to the crosse, and that it shall not be glorified till after this life, as Saint Paull saieth, We must be made like to the image of the Sonne of God, And therefore we doe condemne and detest the follie and deuilish mad∣nes of the Anabaptistes.

THE CONCLVSION.

THese are the principall articles that seeme to haue anie doubt or controuersie in them. For though we might haue spoken of manie more abuses, yet to auoid tedi∣ousnes, we haue onelie set downe the chiefest, by which it is easie to iudge of the rest. There haue bin great complaints of Indulgences and Pilgrimages, and of the abuse of excom∣munication, Parishes haue beene diuerse waies molested by Catchpoles therehaue beene manie braules and bickerings berweene parish Priestes and Monkes about this, whoe had greater right to the parish, and about commissions, burials & extraordinarie sermons & other innumerable things▪ such like matters we haue pretermitted, that fuch as are the prin∣cipall in this cause, being shortlie set downe, might the bet∣ter be vnderstood. Neither haue we here spoken or writ∣ten anie thing to anie mans reproch. Onelie we haue re∣hearsed such thinges, as seemed necessarie to be spoken, to the ende that it might be seene, that nothing is receiued among vs in doctrine or ceremonies, contrarie to the scri∣pture, or the Catholique Church. For it is euident, that we haue moste diligentlie taken heede that no new or wic∣ked opinions should creepe into the Church. These articles

aboue written we thought good to exhibit according to the Emperours his highnes edict wherein our confession might be extant, and the summe of that doctrine, which our tea∣cher doe deliuer among vs, might be seene and knowen. If a∣ny thing be wanting in this confession, we are readie, if God permit, to yeald a more full information thereof according to the scriptures.

Another edition hath it thus.

VVE haue set downe the summe of the doctrine of the Gospell that is needfull for the Churches. And wee are out of doubt that this our iudgement in these pointes is in deede the doctrine set forth in the writinges of of the Prophetes and Apostles, and whereunto the vniuer∣sall Church of Christ doth agree and consent, and whereto the best learned writers of the Church do giue testimonie in manie places. And we offer our selues to make a more large and ample explication of these thinges when neede shall require. Now we beseech God, the father of our Lorde Iesus Christ, that he will vouchsafe to rule, preserue, purge, and increase his Church, which he hath purchased and redee∣med by the bloode of his sonne.

Amen.

The faithfull, & subiects to the Emperours Maiestie.

• Iohn Duke of Saxonie Elector.
• George Marques of Brandembrough.
• Ernest Duke of Luneborough.
• Philip the Lantgraue of the Hesses.
• Iohn Frederick Duke of Saxonie.
• Frances Duke of Luneborough.
• VVolfgang Prince of Anhalt.
• The Senate and Magistrats of Nurnborough.
• The Senate of Reutling.

OVT OF THE CONFESSION OF SAXONIE.

Artic. 23. Of the ciuill Magistrate.

BY the benefit of God this part also of doctrine of the authoritie of the Magistrate, that beareth the sword, and of the authoritie of Lawes and Iudgements, and of the wholl ciuill state is god••ily set forth: and by great trauell, and many writings the manifold and great furies of the Anaba∣ptists and other fantasticall men are refuted. We teach therefore that in the wholl doctrine of God deliuered by the Apostles and Prophets, the degrees of the ciuill state are auouched, and that Magistrates, Lawes, order in iudge∣ments & the lawfull societie of mankinde▪ are not by chance sprong vp among men. And although there be many hor∣rible confusions, which grow from the Deuill, and the mad∣nes of men, yet the lawfull gouernment and societie of men is ordained of God, and whatsoeuer order is yet left by the exceeding goodnes of God, it is preserued for the Church sake, as it is said Rom. 13. and Psal. 126. Except the Lords ke••pe the Citie, in vaine he watcheth, that keepeth it, &c. There∣fore in themselues they are thinges good, to beare the au∣thoritie of a Magistrate, to be a Iudge, to be a minister, to execute iudgements, to make lawfull warres, and to be a sol∣diour in lawfull warres, &c. And a Christian man may vse these thinges, as he vseth meate, drinke, medecines, buying and selling. Neither doth he sinne that is a Magistrate, and dischargeth his vocation, that exerciseth iudgement, that goeth to warre, that punisheth lawfullie those that are con∣demned, &c. And subiects owe vnto the ciuill Magistrate obedi∣ence, as Paull saith Rom. 13. Not onelie because of wrath, that is, for feare of corporall punishment, wherewith the rebel∣lious are rewarded by the Magistrate, but also for conscience sake, that is, rebellion is a sinne that offendeth God, and withdraweth the conscience from God.

This heauenly doctrine we propound vnto the Churches, which establisheth lawfull authoritie, and the wholl ciuill state, and we shew the difference of the Gospell, and the ciu••l•• gouernment. God would haue all men to be ruled and

kept in order by ciuill gouernment, euen those that ate not regenerate, and in this gouernment, the wisdome, iustice, and goodnes of God toward mankinde, is moste clearelie to be seene. His wisdome is declared by order, which is in the discerning of vertues and vices and in the societie of mankinde vnder lawfull gouernment, and in contracts gui∣ded and disposed by maruelous wisdome. Then the iustice of God appeareth in ciuill gouernment, in that he will haue open sinnes to be punished by the Magistrates, and when they that are in authoritie doe not take punishment on of∣fenders, God himselfe miraculouslie draweth them vnto punishment, and proportionablie doth lay vpon grieuous sinnes, grieuous punishment in this life: as it is said, Mat. 26. Whosoeuer taketh the sword, shall perish with the sword. & Heb. 3. Whoremongers and adulterers, God will iudge. In these punish∣ments God will haue to be seene the differences of vertues and vices, and will haue vs learne that God is wise, iust, true, and chaste. The goodnes of God also toward mankinde is seene▪ in that he preserueth the societie of men after this order. And for that cause doth he maintaine it, that from thence his Church may be gathered, & he wil haue common wealthes to be places for the enterteinment of his Church. And the ciuill gouernment is one thing, which keepeth in order all men, euen those that are not regenerate: and for∣giuenes of sinnes, and righteousnes in the heart, which is the beginning of life and of eternall saluation, which by the voice of the gospell is effected in the hearts of them that be∣leeue, is another thing. Both these benefits god hath bestow∣ed vpon mankinde, and will haue vs to vnderstand the diffe∣rence of ciuill iustice, and light in our hearts. Neither doth the gospel condemne or ouerthrow common welthes or fa∣milies. And although it belong not to those that teach in the Church, to giue particular lawes of politique gouernment, yet the worde of God doeth generallie teach this of the power of the Magistrate▪

First, God would that the Magistrate without all doubt should sound forth the voice of the morall law among men, touching discipline, according to the 10. commaundements or the law naturall; that is, he woulde haue by the voice of the Magistrate, first soueraigne and immutable lawes to be

propounded, forbidding the worship of Idols, blasphemies, periuries, vniust murders, wandring lustes, breach of wed∣lock, theft, and fraude in bargaines, contracts, and iudge∣ments.

The second dutie. Let the Magistrate be an obseruer of these diuine and immutable lawes, which are witnesses of God, and chief rules of manners, by punishing all those that transgresse the same. For the voice of the law without pu∣nishment and execution is litle auaileable to bridle and re∣straine men. Therefore it is said by S. Paull, Rom. 13. The Magistrate is a terrour to him that doth euill, and giueth honour to them that doe well, And well hath it beene said of olde, The Magistrate is a keeper of the Law, that is, of the first and second Table, as concerning discipline and good order.

The third dutie of the ciuill Magistrate is to adde vnto the law naturall, some other lawes, defining the citcumstan∣ces of the natural law, and to keepe and maintaine the same by punishing the transgressours: but at no hand to suffer or defend lawes contrarie to the law of God or nature, as it is written, Esai. 10. Woe be to them that make wicked lawes. For kingdoms are the ordinance of God, wherein the wisdome and iustice of God, that is, iust lawes ought to rule, euen as the wise King, and one that feared God, Iosaphat said, 2. Chron. 19. Ye exercise not the iudgement of men, but of God, who is with you in iudgement. Let the feare of God be with you, and doe all things diligentlie. For although manie in kingdoms doe despise the glorie of God, yet notwithstanding this ought to be their especiall care, to heare and imbrace the true do∣ctrine of the Sonne of God, and to cherish the Churches. as the 2. Psalme speaketh, And now yee Kings vnderstand, and be learned ye that iudge the earth. And Psal. 23. Y••e Princes open your gates, that is, open your kindomes to the gospell, and giue entertainment to the Sonne of God. and Esa. 49. And Kings and Queenes shallhe thy nurces, that is, let common∣welthes be nurces of the Church, let them giue entertain∣ment to the Church, and to godlie studies. Let Kinges and Princes themselues be members of the Church, and right∣lie vnderstand the doctrine thereof, and giue no help vnto those that establish false doctrine, and exercise vniust cru∣eltie, and remember this saying, I will honour them that honuor

me. And Daniell in the 4. Chap. exhorteth the King of Ba∣bylon, to acknowledge the wrath of God, and to shew mer∣cie to the bannished Church, when he saieth, Redeeme thy sinnes with righteousnes and with mercie toward the poore, and there shallbe a healing of thy transgression. And since they are among the principall members of the Church, let them prouide that iudgement be rightlie exercised in the Curch, as Con∣stantine, Theodosius, Arcadius, Martian, Charles the great, & manie godlie Kinges haue prouided, that iudgement in the Church should be sincerely executed. But of the difference of both states, namely of the ministerie of the gospell, and the ciuill magistracie, there are many writinges in our Church, which declare, that we teach no fantasticall nor se∣ditious opinions, but doe shew the necessarie doctrine deli∣uered in the gospell touching both degrees, profitable to godlines, and common peace.

Thankes be to God.

THis is the summe of that doctrine, which by the bles∣sing of God with one consent we teach in our Chur∣ches, which to be the sincere meaning of the doctrine deli∣uered from God in the writings of the Prophets and Apo∣stles, and in the Creedes, we nothing doubt, and it may be vnderstood out of the auncient & purer writers, to be agree∣able to the ancient and pu••er Churches. Now the matter it selfe declareth, that we haue not sought to dispute about newfangled, curious and subtle questions, neither doe striue about authoritie or riches, but onelie to vnfolde and bring to light from the great darkenes of traditions and opinions, that doctrine which is necessarie to the true inuocation of God, to true worship, to the right knowledge of the Sonne of God, and to the saluation of soules, and doe in moste simple and plaine manner propound the same vnto the Churches. For all wise men must needes confesse that there was much obscuritie and many errours in the doctrine of the Monkes, and many snares of conscience in the Popes traditions: and whether doctrine is true, plaine, euident, profitable for con∣sciences, and for manners, comparison doth declare. For we auoide not the iudgements of the Godly, yea rather we

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desire thatthe wholl true Church of God, that is, al the faith∣full & learned, wheresoeuer they are, may vnderstand what we say, who we doubt not will be witnesses that this doctrine is the consent of the true Catholique Church of God. Also we offer our selues at any time, to a more full declaration in in euerie point; and we thinke that this rehearsall of our do∣ctrine now made is agreeable to the confession exhibited at Auspurge, Anno. 1530.

For as much therefore as the doctrine, which we here re∣cite, is true, and necessarie for the Church, we intreat that our Churches may not be condemned, as if they either im∣braced errours, or foolishlie or seditiouslie stirred vp strife without any weightie cause. The truth, and weight of the matters may deliuer vs from this vniust accusation. Next after a godly manner, we admonish the Councell itselfe. They see that olde abuses and many great errours are as yet sticking in the Church, because in al ages euen from the be∣ginning of mankinde the deuil cōtinueth scattering his seed of errour, and since that time through the ignorance of men, by superstition they are either confirmed, or do shoote forth againe. And now for that the vanitie of many superstitions is known, the times require a reformation, & vnles the go∣uernours prouide that the trueth may be brought to light, great diuision in opinions is like to follow: especially because in this last age of the worlde great confusion is to be feared. Therfore let the councel see to it, that they condemne not a manifest truth. And if in a godly sort they wil deliberate how they may prouide for the churches, & if a more ample decla∣ration shal be demaunded of vs, men learned, of vnderstan∣ding▪ louing the truth & fearing god must be chosen, to con∣sult together of these so weighty matters▪ Neither let them only striue with vs in number of vices, seeing it is manifest by many preiudices, of what opinion the Bishop of Rome, and others are, that are adicted vnto him, who now by the space of many yeares haue not onelie set forth against vs edicts written with bloode, but also haue slaine many of our side: and there be many that neither vnderstand, nor looke after any truth of doctrine, but being alreadie corrupted with prophane perswasions, doe thinke this to be an especi∣all parte of politique men, to defend the present state and

to mainteine their owne authoritie. And for this purpose they seeke fit Ministers▪ by sophisticall iugling to ••est out the truth. Wherefore now we testifie that we will not reiect the truth, although it be condemned by the iudgements of such men. And we openlie professe, that we consent not to the Councell of Trent, which heretofore hath sent abroade decrees partlie false, partly captious and sophisticall: but doe earnestly request that both we may be heard in the same matter, and that the errours before confirmed by the de∣crees of the Tridentine Councell may be reformed. And we reuerently bese••ch the most worthy Emperour Carolus Augu∣••••us that he giue not leaue to the Aduersaries to oppresse the truth by their presumption, and to strengthen their crueltie which they exercise against innocents, and to stare vp grea∣ter dissention by their vniust decrees. And now we com∣mend the Church and our selues to the Sonne of God our Lord Iesus Christ, who we know, by the voice of the Gospell gathereth together to himselfe an euerlasting Church: and we praie him that he would gouerne vs, and not suffer the light of his Gospell to be extinguished, nor the assemblies of them that rightlie call vpon him to be dispersed.

AN ADDITION.

AND we request all that teach in the Churches ne••re adioyning or els where, that receiue the Confession exhibited at Auspurge, 1530. that when they reade these things, if in any point they finde any want, they would lo∣uinglie admonish vs thereof: for that it was not our purpose to bring vp any other kinde of doctrine, but plainlie to recite the summe of the Confession of Auspurge, and the common consent of these Churches▪ and we desire that we may be fauourablie, and not quarrelouslie iudged of. We purpose not to stirre vp new contentions: but especially we pray to the Sonne of God our Lord Iesus Christ, that was crucified for vs, and rose againe, that praied in his agonie, that we might be one in God, that he would make vs also in the most Churches one in himselfe. We whose names are sub∣cribed hereunto, who doe now teach in the Churches & V∣niuersities vnder mentioned, do protest that in this writing,

which we desire to haue rightlie and not quarrelouslie vn∣derstood, we haue recited the common doctrine published in the Churches and Vniuersities, wherein we teach the Gospell, and we are perswaded that this is the true, sincere, and incorrupt doctrine of our Lord Iesus Christ, agreeing with the Apostles and Prophets and with the Creedes, and that it is necessarie for the Churches, and we praie our Lord Iesus Christ, who was crucified for vs, and rose againe, that he would mercifully gouerne and defend these Churches.

Also we offer our selues to further declaration in euerie Article. This was written Anno 1551. Iulie. 10. in the towne of Wirtemberge, where the Pastours of the Churches neere adioyning were met together, &c.

OVT OF THE CONFESSION OF WIRTEMBERGE.

The Conclusion, which is placed in the latter end of the 35. Chap.

WE haue rehearsed those things, which seeme good both to be approued, and also to be refuted, or a∣mended in the Ecclesiasticall doctrine, and in the wholl ad∣ministration of the Church. And if anie thing be spoken ei∣ther more brieflie, or more obscurelie, then so great a mat∣ter would require, our Preachers do promise that they will expouud them more largelie, and more cleerlie. That which remaineth, we beseech all the godly through Iesus Christ the sonne of God, our onelie Sauiour, that (which thing we hope they wil do of their owne accord) euerie one according to his office and calling, would take vnto himselfe a true and earnest endeauour to reforme the Church. It can not be de∣nied, but that hitherto for these manie yeares not onelie the discipline of the Church hath decaied, and the manners thereof haue beene corrupted with great and horrible vices, and they haue verie much degenerated from the honestie of our Elders, but that also the doctrine of the Church hath beene depraued in suffering and bearing with corruptions: which if hereafter they be either dissembled, or confirmed, euerie man that is but meanlie wise maie consider, how great euills are like to follow in the Church of God. Those execrations and cursings are well knowne, whereunto the

law of god doth addict the transgressours of his word. And Iosias the King of Iuda, was endued with an heroicall minde, when he repaired the Church, and although the wrath of god was by his godlie repentance and obedience mitigated (after that the Booke of the law was found out, and well knowne) that those punishments, which the Church of god at that time had deserued, through the neglect of his word and their impietie, might be differred till another time yet notwithstanding such was the seueritie of god against the contemners of his word, and the impenitent, that the King although he were verie godlie, could not altogether take it a∣waie from them, and appease it. Now we thinke that in these times the wrath of god is no lesse, yea much more grieuously kindled, and set on fire against the assemblie of his Church, (by reason of so manie hainous wicked deeds and offences, which euen in that people which glorieth in the name of god, are more euident, then that they can be denied, and more cleere, then that they maie be excused) then in times past, when as yet the Sonne of god was not made knowne to the world by his gospell: And the iudgement of god shall be so much the more seuere, by how much his benefits are the greater, which he seemeth to haue bestowed, both in the former, and also at these present times vpon vnthankful men.

But both many other things haue need of amendment in the Church and ministerie thereof, and especiallie the do∣ctrine of repentance, Iustification, and the vse of the Sacra∣ments, and single life of the Ministers of the Church, do re∣quire a godlie amendment. If these things by the mercie of God, and by the diligence and care of all good men shall be restored, according to the writings of the Prophets and the Apostles, and according to the true Catholique consent of the auncient and purer Church, we shall not onelie giue vn∣to god the father of our Lord Iesus Christ a most acceptable worship, but also the wholl Christian world shal be stirred vp, to declare their thankfulnes and obedience in all duetifull manner that they maie. We truelie do not know of anie er∣rour in our Preachers, either in doctrine, or in the other ad∣ministration of the Church: yet we do not doubt, but that they are indued with so great modestie and godlines, that if

they be admonished by the testimony of the heauenly do∣ctrine & by the true consent of the Catholique Church, they wil in no case be wanting to the edifying of the church And as much as lieth in vs, and in our gouernment, we will do our indeuour, that the mercy of godhelping vs, none of those dueties may be pretermitted of vs, whereby we hope that the true quietnes of the Church, and saluation in Iesus Christ the sonne of god, may be preserued.

OVT OF THE CONFESSION OF SVEVELAND.

Of Seculare Magistrates. CHAP. 23.

IN the former points we haue declared, that our Prea∣chers doe place that obedience which is giuen vnto Magistrates, among good workes of the first degree, and that they teach, that euerie man ought so much the more diligently to applie himselfe to the publique lawes, by how much he is a more sincere Christian, & richer in faith. In the next place they teach, that to execute the office of a Magi∣strate, it is the most sacred function, which can happen vn∣to man from God, whereupon also it is come to passe, that they which are endued with publique authoritie, are in the Scriptures called Gods. For when as they doe iustlie and or∣derlie behaue themselues in their function, it goeth well with the people both in doctrine, and in life: because that God doth vse ••o to moderate our affaires, that for the grea∣ter parte, the safetie and destruction of the subiects doth de∣pende vpon them which are the gouernours. Wherefore none doe more worthelie execute Magistracie, then they which of all others are the most Christian, and Bishops and other Ecclesiastical men were promoted by most godly Em∣perours & kings to an external gouernment in ciuil affaires. Wherein though they were religious and wise, yet in this one point they offended, because they were not able to dis∣charge both those functions sufficiently, and it was necessa∣rie, that either they should be wanting to the Churches in ruling them by the word, or to the common wealth, in go∣uerning it by authoritie.

THE CONCLVSION.

THese be the chiefe pointes, moste mightie and religi∣uos Emperour, wherein our Preachers haue some∣what swarued from the common doctrine of preachers, be∣ing forced thereunto by the onelie authoritie of the Scrip∣tures, which is worthelie to be preferred before all other traditions. These things, being so declared, as the shortnes of time would giue vs leaue, we thought it good to offer thē to your sacred Maiestie, and that to this ende, that we might both giue account of our faith to thee, whome next vnto God we doe chiefelie honour and reuerence, and might also shew how necessarie it is, speedely and earnestlie to consult of a way and meane, whereby a thing of so great importance, maie be knowen, diligentlie weighed, and discussed, as the honour which we doe chiefelie owe to God (in whose chiefe matter it behooueth vs to be conuersant with feare & and trembling) doth require. Secondlie, it is a thing wor∣thie of your sacred Maiestie, (which is so much commen∣ded for the name of religion and clemencie). To conclude, the very meane to attaine to that certaine and sound peace, which your sacred Maiestie goeth about, doth require it: which peace, seeing that we doe varie about faith and reli∣gion, can no other waies be obteined, then when as before all other thinges the mindes be plainelie instructed concer∣ning the trueth.

But peraduenture it might seeme needeles, that we in these matters should vse so many words, seing that the most famous Prince Electour of Saxony and others haue very largely and soundly declared vnto your sacred Maiesty those things, which at this daie are in controuersy in our holy Re∣ligion. But because that your sacred Maiestie hath desired that all they, who haue any interest in this busines, should declare vnto you their iudgement concerning Religion, we also thought it our duety, to confesse those things vnto your sacred Maiestie, which are taught among vs. Howbeit this matter is so large, & comprehendeth so many thinges, that euen those thinges which we haue declared on both sides, are as yet fewer, and more briefelie declared, then that

we maie hope, presentlie to haue some certeintie deter∣mined in the controuersies, and that such, as may be approo∣ued, not of all, but at the least of a good parte of Christian people: So few is the number of those that doe subscribe to the trueth. Therefore seeing that this matter is so weighty, so diuers and, manifold, and can not fruitfully be decided, ex∣cept it be well knowne and sifted of many, we beseech your sacred Maiesty, and most humblie request you by god and our Sauiour, whose glory without doubt you do chiefely seek, that you would procure, as speedily as may be, that a general, free, and a Christian Councell in deed may be summoned, which hitherto hath semed so necessary a thing▪ both to your sacred Maiestie, and also to other Princes of the sacred Em∣pire, for the setting of Ecclesiastical affaires at a stay, that al∣most in all assemblies throughout the Empire, which haue been gathered together since the beginning of this variance about religion, both your sacred Maiesties commissioners and other Princes of the Empire, haue openly witnessed, that there was no other waie in these matters, to bring that to pas which might be wholsome. Whereupon in the last assembly held at Spire, your sacred Maiestie gaue occasion to hope, that the Bishop of Rome would notwithstand it, but that such a Councell might with speed be summoned.

But if so be that in time we may not haue opportunitie for a generall Councell, yet at the lest your sacred maiestie may appoint a Prouinciall assemblie, as they call it, of the learned men of euery degree and state, whereunto all, for whome it is expedient to be present, may freelie and safely resorte, euery man may be heard, and all thinges may be weighed, and iudged, by such men, whome it is certaine, as being in∣dued with the feare of God, to make the chiefest account of the glorie of God. For it is not vnknowne, how grauelie, & diligentlie in times past both Emperours and Bishops be∣haued themselues in deciding the controuersies of faith, which notwithstanding were oftentimes of much lesse mo∣ment, then those which doe presentlie trouble Germanie, so that they thought it not an vnworthie thing for themto examine the selfe same things the second, and the third time. Now he that shall consider, how things stand at this present, he can not doubt, but that at this day there is grea∣ter

need, then euer was heretofore, of greater faithfulnes grauitie, meeknes, and dexteritie, to this ende, that the Re∣ligion of Christ maie be restored into her place. For if so be that we haue the truth, as we doe vndoubtedlie beleeue, how much time and labour, I pray you, is requisite that they may know the truth, without whose consent or patience at the least, sounde peace can not be obtained? But if we doe erre (from rhe which we doe not doubt but we be far) a∣gaine the matter will not require slouthfull diligence nor a short time, that so many thousand men may be called into the way againe. This diligenee and time it shall not be so vnseemelie for your Maiestie to bestow, as it is meete that you should expresse his minde toward vs, in whose stead you doe gouerne ouer vs, to wit, the minde of Iesus Christ the Sauiour of vs all who, seeing that he came with this minde, to seeke, and to saue that which was perished, so that he vouchsafed also to die, that he might redeeme them which were lost, there is no cause, why your sacred Maiestie should thinke much, although you should vndoubtedlie beleeue, that we are fallen from the truth, to leaue the ninty nine sheepe in the wildernes, and to seeke for the hundreth, and to bring it backe into the sheepefolde of Christ, that is, to preferre this busines before all other things, that the meaning of Christ in euery of these things, which at this present are in controuersie, may out of the Scriptures be plainlie and certeinlie laide open vnto vs, though we be but a few in number and of the meaner sort, and we for our parts will shew our selues willing to be taught, (onely let all obstinacie be remooued) so that it may be lawfull to heare the voice of our shepheard Iesus Christ: and let all things stay and rest vpon the Scriptures (which teach what∣soeuer is good) whereunto we shall be called. For if it should so fall out, that the care of teaching vs being reiected, there should compendious formes of Edicts be sought (which we doe nothing feare whilest the matter is in the hand of your sacred Maiestie) it can not be said, into what straightes innumerable thousands of men should be brought, to wit, of those, whome, as beeing perswaded that God is chieflie to be heard, and then that those things which follow as opini∣ons must stay vpon the vndoubted oracles of God, these

sayings of our Sauiour doe alwaies appale: Feare not them which kill the bodie. He that shall loose his soule, shall finde it. He that shall not hate Father and Mother, &c. yea euen his owne soule, he can not be my Disciple. He that shal be ashamed of me, before this froward and adulterous nation, of him will I be ashamed before my Father and his Angells, And such like.

Many men being mooued with these thundering spea∣ches, haue resolued with themselues to suffer all extremitie: and many for feare of death doe rather seeke delaies, but yet waiting for a fit opportunitie, if they should be dealt withalin this matter by authority, before they be dealt with∣all by doctrine, and by force, before their errour should be made knowne vnto them. For of what force a sound per∣swasion of Religion is, and how it maketh men to make no account not onelie of their goods, but also of their liues, it hath bin seene more then sufficientlie in very many, euen within these 10. yeares (that we may say nothing of the for∣mer ages) who haue willinglie suffered not onely banish∣ments and proscriptions, but also torments, and death it selfe, rather then they would suffer themselues to be with∣drawne from that iudgement which they had conceiued, and which they beleeued to be true. If now a daies when as there is contention of those lighter matters, there be but a few to be found, whom a man may bring to vnfeigned con∣corde, except they may be perswaded of the law, or the e∣quitie of conditions, how, when as the controuersie is of Re∣ligion, shall we looke for true peace, and an vndoubted tran∣quillitie in these matters, to wit, such a one as your sacred Maiesty goeth about to establish, except that on both sides it be agreed vpon, what things they be that God d••th ap∣prooue, and what things be agreeable to the Scriptures? For as Religion, by right, and by the custom of al nations, is pre∣ferred before all other things, so there neuer was any more vehement or sharpe fight among men, then that which is vndertaken for Religion. But we, seeing that your sacred Maiestie hath vsed such an vnspeakeable clemency toward your enemies, and those such, as haue pretermitted no kinde of hostilitie, that we may let passe other things, haue not without cause receiued great hope, that you will so mo∣derate all things euen in this matter also, that you wil much

more seeke for the praise of goodnes and courtesie in vs, who are most desirous of your safetie and honour, as we haue in deed testified, and do from the bottome of ourhearts desire yet farther to testifie. For we haue dealt so moderately in all points, that we haue made it euident enough to all good men, that it was neuer in our minde to hurt any man, or de∣ceitful to increase our commodities by the discommodities of other men. In deede we haue susteined dangers for this cause, and spent exceeding much, but we haue not gained no not so much as a little thereby, this one thing excepted, that we being better instructed, touching the goodnes of God shewed vnto vs through Christ, we haue begun (by the grace of God) to hope better of those things which are to come: and of that we doe by right make so great account, that we do not think that we either haue done, or suffered a∣ny thing as yet worthie therof, seing that it is an inestimable thing, and to be preferred aboue all things, which are in hea∣uen or in earth. We haue bin so farre from emparing the ri∣ches of Ecclesiasticall men, that when the husbandmen were in an vprour, we, to our great costes and dangers, de∣fended them to their vses. The Gospell of our Lord Iesus Christ, as surelie as we would that he should loue vs, is the onelie thing that enforceth vs, and hath caused vs to doe all these things, which we seeme to haue altered.

Therefore let it please your sacred Maiestie rather to fol∣low the examples of these most mightie and in deed happy Emperours, Constantine, Iouinian, Theodosius, and such like, who both by doctrine dailie taught in all meekenes by most holie and vigilant Bishops, and also by Councels lawfully as∣sembled, and by a wise discussing of al things, did deale with them that erred, and assaied all meanes to bring them again into the way, before that they would determine any thing more sharply against them; then to follow those, who it is certaine had such counsellers, as were most vnlike to those auntient and holy Fathers in deed, and receiued an euent nothing answerable to the godlines of those Fathers. In con∣sideration hereof let not your sacred Maiesty be withdrawne with this, that the chiefest matters, which are now in con∣trouersie, were decided long since, and chieflie in the Coun∣cell held at Constance, especially seeing you may see, that

of those innumerable, no lesse holie then necessary decrees of the former Councells, there is not so much as the least point obserued of our Ecclesiasticall men, and that they haue so degenerated in all things, that no man which is but endued with common sense, doth not cry out, that there is need of a Councell, to restore Religion, and the holines of the Ecclesiasticall order. But if that doth like them so well which was decreed at Constance, how commeth it to passe, that by no meanes at all that decree euer since toke place, that Christian Councells should be assembled euery tenth yeare? the which thing was at that time decreed. For by this meane much godlines and faith might either be reco∣uered, or preserued.

But what is he that will not confesse, that so often as the disease waxeth fresh, so often the remedy is to be vsed, and they which haue the truth in deed do neuer thinke it much, both that good men should teach it, & also defend it against the euill sort, where anie fruit thereof may be hoped for? Now when as so many thousand are so miserablie intangled in the opinions of our religion, who can deny that there is hope of most plentiful fruit, and such as hath iustlie enforced al those that are gouerned by the spirit of Christ, that omitting all other things whatsoeuer, contemning all kinde of labour and cost, they may giue themselue wholly to this one thing, that the doctrine of Christ, which is the mother of all righ∣teousnes and saluation, may be worthelie weighed or consi∣dered, purged from al errors, and offerd in it naturall colour to all those that loue godlines and the true worship of God, to the end that a peace, and and such as may be firme for e∣uen, & a true setting of al holy things at a stay, may be resto∣red and confirmed to the sheepe of Chrtst, for whome he hath shed his blood, which are now too much troubled and wa••ering. The which peace can by no other mean, as we said, be restored and confirmed vnto them, as being certein that in other things they are in some sort to yeald or to giue place, but in the matter of godlines, they are so to stick, and bend themselues to the word of God, that if they had a thou∣sand liues, they should offer them to be tormented, rather then to yeald one iot, or in the least point, which they are persuaded to be the word of God. Now if one onely soule be

of more value then the wholl world, what ought we to do for the saluation of many thousands? Certeinlie seeing we are allured by so great a hope, both by this, that they which are accused to your sacred Maiestie of errour, do desire no∣thing else but that they may be taught, and haue wholly ad∣dicted themselues to the holie scriptures, which are fullie sufficient to confute euerie errour: & also thereby, that Christ our Sauiour hath made so large a promise, that where euen two or three be gathered together in his name, there he will be in the mid∣dest of them, & graunt vnto them any thing wherupon they shal agree.

These thinges, most godlie Emperour, we do here re∣hearse for no other cause, then to shew our selues obedient to your sacred Maiestie, which would haue vs also to declare what is our iudgement, concerning the reforming of religi∣on. For otherwise we haue good hope that your sacred Ma∣iesty hath of late verie well considered, and doth sufficiently perceiue, what necessitie doth enforce vs thereunto, what fruit doth allure vs, and to conclude, how worthie a thing this is for your sacred Maiestie, which is so much praised for religion and clemencie, that all the best learned and moste godlie men beeing called together, they maie finde out of the diuine scriptures, what is to be thought of euerie point of doctrine, which are at this time in controuersie, and then that it be expounded by the fit Ministers of Christ, with all meekenes and faithfulnes, to them which are thought to be deteined in errors. Notwithstanding herewithall it is to be feared, that there will not be men wanting, who will do their endeauour to withdraw your sacred Maiestie from this: vnto these men it seemed good to vs in this sort to make auswere as it were before your Maiesty. Let it please your sacred Ma∣iesty, according to your most excellent clemencie, for which you are renowmed, to take & interpret in good part both this same, and all other things, (which we haue here expounded and confessed, for no other respect, then to defend the glory of Christ Iesus our God, as our dutie requireth, and, as it is meet we should, to obey your sacred Maiestie) and to count vs among those, whoe truelie doe from our hearts desire to shew our selues no lesse obedient and addicted to your Maiestie in all humble subiection, then were our Elders, be∣ing readie in this point, so farre as is lawfull, to spend both

our goods and our liues. The King of glorie Iesus Christ graunt vnto your sacred Maiestie, both in this and in all o∣ther matters, to do all things to his glorie, and preserue it long, and aduance it happilie both in health, and in florish∣ing estate, to the safetie of all Christendome.

Amen.

Notes

• * 1.1

  looke the 1. obseruat. vpon this confess.
• * 1.2

  Rom. 13.
• * 1.3

  *Looke the 2. obseruat.▪
• * 1.4

  Looke the 1. obseruat. vpon this confess.
• * 1.5

  Looke the 2. obseruat.
• * 1.6

  Rom. 13.
• * 1.7

  Looke the 1. obserua. vpon this confess.
• * 1.8

  Rom. 13.
• * 1.9

  Sap. 6.
• * 1.10

  Luc. 22.▪
• * 1.11

  Psal. 82. Iohn. 10. Rom. 13. 1. Pet. 2.
• * 1.12

  Ioh. 19.
• * 1.13

  Apoc. 1. & 1••. 1. Tim. 6. Isa 49. Math. 15. Lu. 13.
• * 1.14

  Psal. 2.
• * 1.15

  Psal. 82. Sap. 6.
• * 1.16

  Looke the 2. obseruat.
• * 1.17

  Math. 22.
• * 1.18

  Causa. 11 Quaest. 3. Cap. Si Do∣minus.
• * 1.19

  Art. 39.
• * 1.20

  Art. 3••.
• * 1.21

  Art. 16.
• * 1.22

  Art. 1••.