Actes and monuments of matters most speciall and memorable, happenyng in the Church. [vol. 1] with an vniuersall history of the same, wherein is set forth at large the whole race and course of the Church, from the primitiue age to these latter tymes of ours, with the bloudy times, horrible troubles, and great persecutions agaynst the true martyrs of Christ, sought and wrought as well by heathen emperours, as nowe lately practised by Romish prelates, especially in this realme of England and Scotland. Newly reuised and recognised, partly also augmented, and now the fourth time agayne published and recommended to the studious reader, by the author (through the helpe of Christ our Lord) Iohn Foxe, which desireth thee good reader to helpe him with thy prayer.

* Of Penaunce, or Repentaunce.

OF Penaunce, this latter Latterane Church of Rome, of late hath made a Sacrament (contrary to the fourth principle before pag. 24.) which penaunce say they, stan∣deth of three partes. Contrition, Confession, and Satis∣faction canonicall. Contrition (as they teach) may be had by strength of free will, without the lawe, and the holy Ghost per actus elicitos, through mans owne action and endeuour. Which contrition first must be sufficient, and so it meriteth remission of sinne. In confession, they require a full rehearsall of all sinnes, whereby the Priest knowing the crymes, may minister satisfaction accordingly. And this rehearsing of sinnes, ex opero operato deserueth remis∣sion, contrary y^• to 14. principle before, pag. 24. Satisfacti∣ons they call opera indebita, enioyned by the ghostly father. And this satisfaction (say they) taketh away, and chaun∣geth eternall punishment, into temporall paynes, which paines also it doth mittigate. And againe, these satisfacti∣ons may be taken away by the Popes indulgence. &c.

This vnsauery and hethenish doctrine of penaunce farre differeth from the true teaching of holye Scripture. By the which teaching repentaunce properly conteineth these three partes, contrition, fayth, and new life. Contri∣tion is called in Scripture the sorrow of hart, rysing vpō the consideration of sinne committed and of the anger of God prouoked, which sorrowe dryueth a man to Christ for succour: wherevpon ryseth fayth. Fayth bringeth, af∣terward amendement or newenes of life, whiche wee call newe obedience, working fruites worthye of re∣pentaunce.

Notes

• False do∣ctrine of the latter Church of Rome, tou∣ching pe∣naunce.
• Contrition.
• Confession▪
• Satisfaction.
• True do∣ctrine of re∣pentaunce by the scrip∣ture.

  Partes of repentance.

  • 1. Contri∣tion.
  • 2. Fayth.
  • 3. New obe∣dience.