The testimonies of the newe writers.
25 The newe writers, as Musculus, in his common pla∣ces, in the title of Magistrates: Bullinger vpon 1. Tim. 4. Cal∣uin Institut. booke 4. chap. 3. sect. 15. Harmon. confes. Hel∣uet. chap. 18. and many others are on our side in this behalf.
26 If there be none that write against it, but the papistes, and no argumentes vsed against it, but those whiche be bor∣rowed out of the popishe writers: then doeth it belong to the Church, to choose their owne Church-officers: But the for∣mer is true, as all that doe read them, that write of this argu∣ment doe knowe, and as is manifest, by comparing Pighius, Hosius, &c. with Whitgift: Therefore the latter is true also.
Therefore seeing the interest of the Church in choosing of their Church-officers, is grounded vpon the worde of God, both in commaundement, and continuall practize, both in the olde and newe Testament, seeing it is warranted by the light of common reason, seeinge it is commended vnto vs by the manifolde practize of all auncient times, so long as a∣nie sinceritie remayned, not only in the time of persecution, but also of peace: seeing it hath bin confirmed by so manie generall Councells, and ratified by the decrees of so manie Emperours: seeing it hath such a cloude of witnesses, both of ancient and latter times, of the best approued writers: see∣ing none doe set them selues against it, but the papistes, or they that invade it onely with the same weapons that are fet∣ched out of the popes armorie: it must needes followe, that it belongeth vnto the Church to choose their Church-offi∣cers: and that the taking away of this freedom, abridgeth the libertie that Christe hath endowed his Church withall, and bringeth her into great bōdage, as Musculus truly affirmeth.