Scriptures obiected answered.
Math. 18. 18. Whatsoeuer ye shall binde on earth, &c.
Answ. 1. Here is not a word of confession in this place of Scripture, but rather of accusation by another. For in the words foregoing, the notice giuen to the Church, is from the partie not offending, but offended. If thy brother trespasse against thee, &c. tell it to the Church. But all Auricular confession is supposed voluntary, whereby a man accuseth himselfe, and in priuate, not publike, as here.
Ioh. 20. 23. Whose sinnes ye remit, &c.
Answ. 1. Here is no mention of confession of sinnes to them. Secondly, the authoritie giuen here to the Apostles, was exerci∣sed in the publike Ministerie, & preaching of the Word, though they heard no priuate confession, as the Papists dreame of. Therefore the Apostle Saint Paul calleth the preaching of the Word, the ministerie of Reconciliation, 2. Cor. 5. 18. Thirdly, Christ saith there, As my Father sent mee, so I send you. Now he was not sent to heare priuate confessions, and thereupon to giue them absolutions: but by preaching, to binde vp the broken hearted, to proclaime libertie to the captiues, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound, Esai. 61. 1. Luk. 4. 18. Nei∣ther did he binde any to priuate confession, nor sate to heare the same. Therefore such as he sendeth, are not tyed to doe other∣wise; neither hath heere Popish shrift any ground. Fourthly, Caietan on this place, saith, that the Sacrament of penance hath here no commandement.
Act. 19. 18. And many that beleeued, came and confessed, &c.
Answ. Here is mention indeed of confession, but this pro∣ueth not imposed priuate confession, secretly in the Priests eare. For first, this is of a confession voluntary, not enforced. Second∣ly, of many that did it: but not of all. Thirdly, publike, and not in S. Pauls eare. For as they shewed their workes, and brought their bookes, and burnt them before all men, verse 19; So was