A brief and plain declaration of certain sentences in this little book following, to satisfy the consciences of them that have judged me thereby to be a favourer of the anabaptists ☞ Ecclesia xxiiii. ¶ All these things containeth the book of life, the testament of the highest, and the confession of the truth ☞ Suffer the infants to come unto me and forbid them not: for unto such, the kingdom of God is due. Mark. x. To the reader. AFter I had set furth this little book to the intent that the faithful reader might thereby be stirred up and proud ked to pray wout ceasing, that the detractors and defamours of the faithful professors of that faith of Christ, might either be made favourers & sette●… forth of the same: other else so confounded and dashed out of countenance through the Godly conversation of the true and unfeigned professors of the pure Euangeli●…e doctrine, that they might not for very worldly shame once open their lips to speak any evil word of them: incontinent the devil who ha●…h always endeavoured to stop and hinder the glory of God and the profit of his membres (the faithful congregation) put into the minds of certain learned men, (who also are earnest defenders & setters forth of the truth) to report and affirm this my fact, to be a maintenance and upholding of the anabaptists opinion, which denied it to be lawful to baptize the Infants & young children which are not of years of descresion to know and confess the faith of jesus Christ Not much unlike is this subtile practice of our ghostly adversary, unto that which he wrought in the time of Christ's passion. He did then beat into the head of pilate's wife such kind of dreams: that she was thereby moved to send word to her husband that in no case he should give sentence against that just man jesus Chryst, whom the jews had than brought before him, requiring him to give sentence of death upon him, because he said that he was the son of God. This proceeded not of any desire that he had, that Pilate should not commit so heinous a fault as to give sentence against that most innocent and immaculate lamb jesus Chryst: but of the great ranker & malice that he bore towards man, who could not otherwise be restored them by the bloodshed of that most pure and innocent lamb jesus Chryst. Even so (most dearly beloved) in this present practice, our ghostly enemy intented not to root out the error of the anabaptists out of the minds of men: but because he perseiveth that the very name of them is so odious to that faithful that they think their books unworthy to be had among christian men: he thought that he might by no means so soon bring me out of credit with the congregation as if he might procure some man (whose authority is great in the congregation) to give me the name of a favourer of that most wicked and devilish opinion: and so to cause men to refrain this book, lest they should by the reading thereof, take any utility or profit. But, as the spirit of God shallbe my guide, so will I declare, not only that I am none of the favourers and maintainers of that detestable error, but also that I do (as much as in me lieth) impugn and resist the same, so that, that wicked serpent, shallbe by the same means defeated of his purpose: by which he in tended to have spoiled the of thy commodity. first thou shalt note that I am no favourer of them or their opinions, for that I shall plainly declare that the scriptures which they allege, make nothing for their purpose And then, that I do in all that I may impugn them, by that I shall endeavour to establish 〈◊〉 fyrmeby the scriptures: the contrary of their opinion. For the first thou shalt note, that the ground of their opinion is upon the order that the Euangelis●… Mark keepeth in the rehearsing of the words of Christ to his Apostles when he sent them to preach. Mark. xvi. Faith say they, doth in the words of Chryst go before Bapt●…me. Necessary is it therefore, that he that shallbe baptized do first believe. But the Infants (which have not the use of reason) cannot understand the faith of Chryst (and much less embrace and profess it) wherefore, it cannot stand with the word of God that Infants should be baptized. No doubt (christian reader it is not possible that any should be acceptable before God, without faith. For so writeth Paul to the hebrews. xi. And truth it is also, that saith must go before baptism, none other wise th●…n the cause proceedeth or goeth before the effect or thing that cometh thereof, as the tree must needs be before the fruit that it beareth. And it is also infallibly true, that the Baptism which is acceptable before God must needs springe out of faith But to inferré upon this, that the Infants and young children ought not to be baptized: is farwyde from the true m●…anynge of these places of scripture. And that shall easily appear to them that ●…st to weigh the circumstances of the places so that they may conceive the whole intent and purpose of the writer. First for t●…e words of our saviour Christ in Mark, they were the word●…s of commission ●…euen to the Apostles, that they should go into the whole world and preach the Gospel unto all creatures. These words sown, that the Apostles might not choose them any peculiar nation to preach unto, neither jew nor gentle, neither Greek nor Roman. But their commission was into all the world, yea. & to preach to all creatures the Gospel of God. No nation, no estate, condition or degree, excepted. As well were they bound to preach to the ploughman as to the prince, as well to the labourer, as to the lord. God hath no respect to the person, All the sons of Adam are of one degree in the sight of the Lord. Here was no mention made Infants neither of any other age. But I am sure there is no man so far wide as once to think that the Apostles were here in commanded to preach unto Infants. For they as beasts lacking the use of reason cannot receive the faith that hath his beginning of hearing (as saint Paul writeth) in this text therefore is no precept of Infants either for the baptizing of them other else the leaving of them unbaptised. The precept that is hear given is none other but to go in to all the world and to preach the Gospel to all nations, estates and degrees. Then is there annexed the promise of the free mercy of God towards all the world, that is, that whosoever should believe and be baptized should be saved, but he that will not believe shallbe condemned. Here is it manifest, that without believe, Baptism availeth not. For he that will not believe shallbe condemned. But hear we must beware that we do not by these words condemn all Infants and young children, be cause they have not the power to understand and believe. For this part of the text pertaineth no more unto them, than the other (concerning the precept of the preaching) doth. This place of scripture therefore, is to be understanded of them only that have the use of reason to perceive and understand the preaching of the gospel: and yet will not embrace it, and receive baptism, the sign of the washing of their sins by the precious blood of our saviour Christ shed for the redemption of the world. As for the other text, that is of Paul to the hebrews the. xi. chapit. wherein is declared that without faith none can he acceptable to God: appertaineth also unto such as are of years of discretion. For in all the chapter, is there none rehearsed but such as were of age & discretion. Wherefore we may justly infer hereof, that it is not possible that any person should be acceptable unto god in his works, without the work that he doth, do proceed of a pure and sincere faith. For as the prophet Isaiah, saith in his. lxiiii. chap. Out works are all as the cloth that is defiled with menstruous blood. And further, 〈◊〉. Paul to the Romans. xiiii The works that proceed not of faith are sin Faith it is therefore that maketh our doings acceptable unto God, and without faith nothing that we do is acceptable. Whereupon I infer that except the congregation which baptize they●… children do it of faith: this their baptizing is sin in the sight of God, and therefore not acceptable unto God. But if the●… do it of faith ●…rusting that God shall plant in the hearts of the infants that living faith that may cause them to confess his name when they shall receive the use of reason: then is this their fact no less acceptable before God the●… the deed of Abraham was when he upon the faith that he had in the promise of God: Circusised all the males of his household. For, as Circumcision was a sign or token to declare that all they that received it, trusted to be redeemed by the Mesias that was promised to the said Abraham, and as the fathers to declare their faithful hope, did not only cyrcumsise themselves, but their children and families also: so is Baptism a sign to declare that the receivers thereof, do unfeignedly believe that that blood of Chryst hath washed their sins, And upon like trust as the fathers had, that God will extend his mercy unto their children and family: they do baptize them also, as appeareth in the acts of the Apostles, where is mention made of certain men whose families and households were baptized when they, had received the faith. But here it might be said that in these places it is mentioned that the whole families believed and then received Baptism. So that the infants (which had no believe) remained still unbaptised. Whereunto I answer, that if the Parents were faithful, they could not choose but their faith would constrain them to do as those faith full did that brought their children unto Christ, Mark. x. And then the Apostles I am sure were not so forgetful but that they bore in mind the words of their master who rebuked them for forbidding the children to approach him, which were brought by their faithful parents that he might put his hand on them Yea, 〈◊〉 doubt not but that after the example of their master, they embraced the infant's declaring them to be the inheritors of the king doom of God, and that none should enter that kingdom: unless he would become a●… one of them. Thus have I declared mine opinion concerning the Baptism of infants (as I trust) sufficietly to satisfy them that have in●…staken me, & to declare that all such sentences (in this little book) as do so greatly impugn Baptism without faith: are to be understand so, that neither they that be of age ought to be baptized without they do first believe and Chryst: nor the infants unless the faith full congregation do with one assent offer them at the font of regeneration with full mind and he●…tie desire to have them membres of the church of Christ, having most sure and certain hope that God 〈◊〉 ●…oorke in them such manner of faith as shall cause them at the years of discretion to profess and follow the doctrine of Christ, to whom with the father and th●… holy ghost be all honour for ever and ever▪ ●…o be it A BRIFE AND Faithful declaration of the true faith of Christ, made by certain men suspected of heresy in these articles following. ¶ i Thessalonians. v. ☞ Quench not the spirit, despise not the propheciynges, but prove all things, and keep that, that is good. ¶ Isaiah. v. ☞ woe be unto them that call good evil, and evil good, which make darkness light, and light darkness. ¶ Anno. M. D. xlvii. Per me I.D. The Prologue. saying that saint Paul sayeth to the Ephesians iiii. that there is but one faith or belief, so may every christian man heartily morn, when he seeth that so many and divers faiths are found, among them that boast themselves to be christian men. Also that the one dreadfully slandereth and with great tyranny persecuteth the other, and that without indifferency. But also the lord jesus Christ hath said: that in the last days shall be many offended, and the one shall betray the other, and the one hate the other. And that many false prophets and false christian shall arise and seduce many. For this cause is it very necessary that every christian man faithfully cry unto God with continual prayer, that he wy●… give him a steadfast belief, and will keep him in the right way, that he do not go into crooked ways, through the guile or deceit of false hypocrisy of the false christian or prophe●…es. And God will doubtless keep his elect from Satan & his ministers, although the time be never so perilous, or never so many damnable sects be brought forth, yea although the darkness shouldè cover whole Egypte, yet shall God nevertheless let his face lighten over all true Israelites, so that they shall know his ways upon the earth, and his salvation among the heathen. And although Himeneus and Phile●…us do turn from the right way, nevertheless the sure ground of God standeth ever fast, and hath this seal, that God knoweth them that are his. For we know well that God (how be it ') that he out of his unmeasurable n●…ye & grace, yea out of the unexpressible love of his fatherly heart, defendeth his children from all evil, yet nevertheless will he be prayed unto of them as we have many ensamples thereof in scripture, how that the holy men in their tribulation or angwyshe have called unto god, and have been herd and helped of him. And seeing then that the right christian ever for their befifes' sake grievously are troubled, yea as gold and silver in the fire both with bodily trouble and false doctrine vnd●…tsought and proved: it is therefore very necessary that we pray the lord with all diligence for a right understanding of his godly word, and for a sure unmovable faith for evermor. Also it is not unnecessary that they bear their belief, contained in writing always about them, and daily read it partly to the e●…horting and comforting of them in all persecution and tribulations, which may come unto them by god's word Partly again for a defence against all antech●…ystes spirits, which always i●…dae the faith of the righteous, how chrystenly so en●…r it be, and how many feast so ever it agreeth with all godly scripture, fo●… an heresy, yea for a devilish doctrine and gule shall it be counted. Say two. ●…or. vi. And of this so doing, no man shall marvel, saying, that all saints have b●…n taken for transgressors or seducers, of this evil blind world. Yea jesus Christ himself though ●…e ●…e the ever ●…astynge truth (john. ●…iiii) was taken of unmyse Scrihes and Pharisees, for a b●…gyler of the people. I●…an. seven. yea for a mad man, and a man ●…ossessyd with the devil. ò lord what a blas●…heinye, And his doct●…ine was not taken of them as god's word, but as a dissevable s●…ducynge, not as bread of life, nor as a medicine for the soul, but counted as a poison or venom of the wicked serpent. saying then that the Lord did suffer, reason it is for the servant to suffer also. And all that, that is come upon the lord, that must (as truly as God's word is) overcome the servant also. Here upon may every servant or disciple of jesus Christ prepare him for he must be ready, to suffer all confusion, slander, and tribulation for his Lord and masters sake. We therefore perceiving this, will not be moved with the scaunder of the wicked people, the which slander our faith for heresy, and yet many of them know not what we believe, but as they here of our adversaries, and thereafter do they judge us. notwithstanding though we do not regard their slander, yet nevertheless will we (so far as it is possible) meet them, & write (through the grace of God) our faith: because that every man may read it, and then may they with understanding and with christian charity judge. The which we, both of all good diligent readers, and also of our adversaries friendly desire, and meekly pray. ¶ Here endeth the Prologue. The articles of the chri●…ten faith. I Believe in God the father almighty, maker of heaven & earth. And in jesus Christ his only son our Lord, which was conceived by the holy ghost, and borne of mary the virgin. He suffered under Poncius pilate, he was crucified, dead and buried. He descended to hell, and rose the third day from death. He ascended to the heavens, and syttteth on the right hand of God the father almighty. And from thence shall he come to judge the quick and dead. I believe in the holy ghost the holy church catholic, to be a congregation of saints, to have remission of sins, the resurrection of the flesh, and the everlasting life. ☞ At the first we believe in one God. Deut. vi. & father of our lord jesus Christ. two. Cor. i. the which is the Lord of heaven and earth. Luke. xi. and creator of all creatures. Hebre. i. Yea he is father of us all. Ephe. iiii. the which hath elected us to be his crildrens through jesus Christ. Ephe. i. And therefore shall we him all only worship, & beside him none other gods. Deut. v●…. Also we shall fear him as an almigh ty god. Psal. xxxiiii. and as a merciful father we shall love him with all our hearts, with all our soul, and with all our power and mind. Mat. xxii. and upon him must stand all our hope. Heir. seven. For he is the father of light. jacob. i. of the which all mankind liveth, Actu. xvii. both ●…odelye goods Proverbeo. x. everlasting salvation. Psalm. xxxvii. together with all perfit gifts come, and descended. jacob. i. ☞ furthermore we believe in jesus Christ, the son of the living god our lord. i Cor. seven The which is the very brightness of his father's glory, and the very image of his substance. Hebre. i. Yea he is the only begotten son of the father. john. i. come forth out of the mouth of the most highest God. Eccles. i xxiii. first borne before all creatures. Collos. i. Thorough the which all things are created. Heb. i. In whom we have redemption, namely remission of sins thorough his blood. Col. i. with the which he hath washed us. Apoc. i. and hath also reconciled us again to his most holy and glorious father. Ephes' i two. that were afore enemies to God. Roma. viii. ¶ For after the time that god had made man after his image and similitude, he set him into Paradise, that he should eat of all the fruits of the garden of pleasure, excepting him the tree of knowledge of good & evyil. Gene. two. But man hath disobeyed the Lord his God, and transgressed his commandment. Gen. iii. Thorough the which disobedience and transgression of the godly commandment, death and curse is come over all mankind. Rom. v. And when there was no help nor comfort for man, whereby he might have been redeemed or delivered out of Satan's power. Then had God the merciful father pity upon mankind and promised them a seed namely jesus Christ, his only begotten son, the which should tread upon t●…e head of the serpent, and overcome the devil, and restore them to life again. Gene. iii. And like wise as god is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. Psal. criv. and ●…ew in all his words. Psal. li. so hath he kept all his promises truly. And as the time was fulfilled. Gala. iiii. God let his word descend into the womb of the virgin mary, and by the working of the holy ghost be came flesh: as john witnesseth saying: The word became flesh & dwelled among us, & we saw his glory, as the glory of the only begotten son of the father full of grace and verity john. i. Also this only begotten son of god by the power of the holy ghost became man and is become like unto us in all things except sin Hebre. two. He hathsuffered death for our sake. Esay. liii. and hath taken away Satan's power, and restored life in agyne. i. Timot. vi. yea he is made unto us wisdom and rightwiseness, sanctyfyenge and redemption. i Cor. i. And likewise as he died for our sins. Hebre. two. so is he risen again through the power of his father Roma. vi. for our righteousness Roma. iiii. And as he oftentimes showed him self after his resurrection, unto his disciples. Acti. i. so is he ascended into in thyr presence. Luke. xxiiii. And sitteth at the right hand of the almighty rather. Ro. viii. Above all rule, and might, and dominion and above all that may be named, not only in this world, but also in the world to come ●…phesi. i. And hath subdued all things under his feet. Hebre. two. in summa, he is alorde above all lords, and a king above all kings. Apo. nineteen. yea he is an almighty god with his fa ther. Apo. xxii. john. x. And nevertheless he is also our only advocate and mediator. i. john. two. Tymo. two. our only high priest. Hebre. v. the sacrifice that he hath done for our sins, abideth of valour for evermore. 〈◊〉 ebre x. ☞ furthermore likewise as Christ our lord is ascended up into heaven, so shall he come again from heaven Act. i. with the dominion of his father, & with the angels. Mat. xxv. for to give every man reward after his works, yea for to iuge that quick & dead. Act. x. Tim. iiii ☞ We believe also in the holy ghost god with the father & the son, which holy ghost is a teacher of all christian. joh. xiiii. and he doth clothe them with his gifts, and giveth every one the measure of faith after his own will. i. Corin xii. and keepeth them unmovable in one faith, for he is a ruler of the christian congregation Acti. xx. He is also the anoyntement. i. john. two. wherewith all christian are anointed, and of that behalf are called the anointed of the lord. Psal. ciiii. ☞ So is this holy ghost given unto the christian as an earnest of their inheritance to their redemption, and they again be his own to the praise of his glory Ephesi. i. In summa it is impossible without this holy ghost to know god rightly. i Cor. two. or with all the hole heart to believe upon him. i Corin. xii. or to call upon him as a father. Roma. viii. And therefore doth god pour this his holy ghost upon his children, whereby they may rightly know him, and rightly believe in him, and as a right father call upon him. Sata. iiii. ☞ This is our belief to the father son and holy ghost, which three we knowledge to be one god. Deut. vi. whose seat is the heaven, and the earth is a bench of his feet. Esay. xivi. yea the which is an everlasting. two. Mach. i. an almighty. Psal. ●…v. a ryhgtuouse. Psa. two. and a merciful god. Psal. cxiv. The which alone willbe worshipped and served. Deu. vi. For he can alone help us. Isaiah. xliii. which he doth for his names sáke & not for our sake Esay. rliii. ☞ furthermore as we have said that all they that do believe are joined together, & through the holy ghost knit in unity, so is there a Christian church, the with is builded of living stones. i Pet. two. which church is the house of god. Heb. iii. & the house of god is the congregation of God. i. Timoi. iii. and the congregation of God is the body of Christ. Ephesians. i. And saying that all right christians are one body. 〈◊〉. Cor. r. in the which they all through one spirit are baptized. i Cor. rii. So must there be a communion of saints, namely that all saints or true believers are also joined together in unity, as the membres of one body. Rom. xii. And in this communion of saints is remission of sins, & that wout it is no sin forgiven, nor any hope of salvation. Ephe. two. yea like as it is unpossible that a member can live that is not in the body, so is it possible that any man may live in his soul, & can be released out of death by remission of sin, the which is not a member of the body of Christ. For Christ hath reconciled us all unto god his father in one body. Ephe. two. And there fore must all they stand in variance that are no 〈◊〉 bres of this body, of that which Christ is that head. Eph. i. to the which he giveth salvation. Eph. 〈◊〉 ☞ Now must we also know that how be it that God always forgiveth sins. Esay. xliii. yet hath Christ given unto his congregation power to bind and to louse which shall not be underscande after the antichrist doctrine the bishop of Rome hath power to remit sins, but the christian congregation whose head is Christ, and not the romish Antichrist, and is ruled of the holy ghost and not of the fornicatyshe spirit of the Prophetysse jesabel. This congregation I say hath power to bind & louse (that is to say) all what she bindeth other looseth is done by the power of our Lord jesus Christ. i Cor. v. and thorough the holy ghost, as a ruler of the christian congregation. Actu. xx. so is there in the christian congregation remission of sins. ☞ There shall be also a general resurrection of the flesh, namely that all they that are dead shall rise again, some to everlasting life, and some to everlasting damnation. john. v And they that shall live and remain until the coming of our Lord jesus Christ, they shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye, at the time of the last ●…ompet. i. Corhin. xv. For the trumpet (saith Paul) shall blow, and the dead shall rise uncorruptible, and we shallbe changed. For this corruptible body must put on uncorruptibility, and this mortal body must put on immortality. i. Corhin. xv. ☞ At the last is there also an everlasting life. john. xvii. which all they shall receive that believe on jesus Ihrist. john. vl. and steadfastly abide in good works seeking praise honour, and immortality. Roma. two. ☞ This is the sum of our belief, yea and a right christian belief, thorough the which faith all righteous live. A●…ac. two. And with out the with belief no man may please god. Heb. xv. Therefore must the everlasting God be blessed, that out of his immeasurable mercy and grace, hath given us this faith thorough jesus Christ. Ephe. two. And this is the some of our faith with the shortest. ¶ The sacrament of baptism. baptism is a sacramenttall token, the which is given us of Christ. Math. xxviiii. And is at the first an entering into the christian congregation (as Paul saith) we are baptized in one spirit to be one body. i. Corhi. xii. ☞ Secondarily, it is a fountain of regeneration, as Paul witnesseth, saying that Christ hath saved us by the fountain of the new birth, and renewing of the holy ghost. Tit. 〈◊〉. Not that the water doth save us, for nothing can save us, but only god, Esay. xliii. But after that our Lord jesus christ hath spo ken: that he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. Mar. xvi. and God's word is verity. johan. xvii and his promises may not fail. Psal. cxlvii. Therefore must baptism nead●…s bring salvation unto them that in belief are baptized, not for the works sake, but for god's word and promises D●…u. viii. ☞ thirdly baptism is a covenant of a good conscience to god. i Pet. iii. namely that he that in belief is baptized, bindeth himself or maketh a covenant with god: that from thence forth he will live after his will. And of this covenants behalf, which must be done out of a clean faithful heart, hath the baptism power, and not for the waters sake, wherewith the filthiness of the flesh might be washed away. But without it be that the hearts of them that are baptized, be cleansed. Act. xv. thorough God's word. john. rv. the water can not 〈◊〉 them. Wherewith it is also proved, that baptism without faith may in no wise be broked. ☞ fourth baptism signifieth an offering of the flesh, and a resurrection into a new life, as we have unto the Romans, know ye not (sayeth Paul) that all we which are baptized, in the name of jesus Christ, are baptized, to die with him. Therefore are we buried with him by baptism for to die, that like wise as Christ was raised up from death, by the glory of the father, even so we should walk in a new life. 〈◊〉. Rom. vi. This is now shortly expressed what baptism is, and what it signifieth. Now must we also know, that saying no good work without faith may be done. Rom. xiiii. So must he that shall be baptized believe, or else he can not rightly be baptized, as we may clearly understand in the words of Christ jesus, wherewith he hath institute this baptism, and commanded his apostles, saying: Go and preach the gospel to 〈◊〉 creatures, he that believeth and is baptized, shallbe saved. Mar. xvi. Here will no sophisti●… reasonings and dreams be allowed, for the Lord will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will take away the understanding of the prudent, and will make the wisdom of this world foolishness. i. Cor i and. iii. But the word of God shall abide for ever. i Pet. i. And Christ sayeth: that heaven and earth shall perish, but my words shall abide. Mat. xxiiii. Therefore must also the words of Christ (he that believeth and is baptized &c.) not be altered or changed. And saying that Christ hath instituted or ordained faith afore baptism, so must he that shall be baptized believe, or else the words of Christ suffereth force, and are wholly and fals●…lye altered and changed, as we now a days alas may ●…e, and it is a miserable thing, that this baptism is so evil understand, and so shamefully broken. And saying that the scripture doth so clearly thereof witness. Though that all the witnesses of scripture pertaining to this matter, be not here alleged for the shortness sake, yet do we take out one of them, namely the example of the Apostle Philip, which when he showed God's word unto the gelded man, which was the chamberlain to Candas, Queen of the morians, and he himself desired to be baptized, but the ●…ewe minister of god Philip, would not baptize him, except he did not only believe, but also openly confessed it. Act. viii. This example is well worthy to be marked, for ●…t the first we may see here the great diligence and how desirous the chamberlain was of baptism, which is a learning unto all them that love their salvation, that they shall desire this work heartily, and not defer it, b●… as soon as they by hearing of the word of 〈◊〉. Roma. x. with the operation of the holy go●…st i. Cor. xi●…. hath received faith. And if there be any man that will not be satisfied with this ensample of Philip, let him perceive also how Ananias did compel Paul, saying unto him: why tarriest thou? arise and be baptized, and wash a way thy sins. A●…tu. xxii. Here we see that baptism, after the faith is received, may not be deferred. Therefore hath the cham berlayne with great diligence desired baptism after that he did believe, saying unto Philip: Behold here is water, what should left me to be baptized? Actuum. viii. furthermore saying ●…he true minister of God Philippe, would not baptize him, except he confessed his faith: doubtless he hath therewith teached us, that all they that will be baptized, must confess their belief, as ye see the chamberlain did. But for as much as all the former scriptures are spoken of them only that be of years of discretion before they receive the faith of Christ: It is no altering of the institution and word of Christ, to baptize the innocentes and unbelieving infants, which have not as yet received the use of reason, whereby they might decern faith to believe and profess the name of Christ. For as in the circumsition of the old law the faith of the parents sufficed to make the child one of the chosen people of God, notwithstanding that the circumcision of the flesh is not circumcision (as Paul writeth to the Romans) but the circumcision of the heart, even so in the baptism of our infants, notwithstanding that the washing of the body in water is not baptism, but the washing of the soul in the blood of Christ by faith: yet shall the faith of the parents be accepted of God and their children made members of the church of Christ thereby. If any require witnesses of the scripture for this assersion: let him read and consider well the story of Samson, and Samuel, with other like stories of the old testament, wherein may easily be perceived how god did then accept the children for the parent's faith. Let him con cider also the stories of the gospel, wherein appeareth how Christ would not have the children kept from him when their parents brought them to him that he might lay his hands upon them, and how certain children were cured of diseases even for the faith that was found in their parents. And last of all it is evident both in the Acts, and Epistles of the Apostles, that when certain men received the gospel, both they and their whole households were baptized. Where it is not to be thought that the infants were rejected, because they could not understand the Apostles preaching. For saint Paul wrytiing to the Corhinthians as concerning the children begotten between an heathen man and a faithful woman, or between an heathen woman & a faithful man: sayeth that the children are clean by the reason that one of his parents is faithful. And what other thing should ●…e mean ther●…y but that God accepteth those children for members of his church, whom the faithful parents do willingly bring to the foun ta'en of regeneration, there to receive the sign of the everlasting covenant between God and us? And if any man will willingly withstand Christ and his Apostles, and do other wise than Christ hath commanded, and his Apostles taught and did, he is blinded, but his blindness shall wax manifest well enough. Likewise as the Egypcians sorcerars, the which withstood Moses and Aaron, but at the last were manifestly seen and known. two. Timo. iii. This is with the shortest the faith of our baptism. ¶ Of the supper of the lord. THe supper of the lord, is a memorial token of the suffering and death of jesus Christ and is instituted of christ for this cause, that the faithful congregation of jesus Chryst, should come together, for to show the death of jesus Chryst, and his benefits, lauding and thanking him, magnifying his holy name, and then also eat of this bread and drink of this wine, to a remembrance that christ hath given his body and shed his blood for us. Math xxvi. And because that it is a common use that a token of remembrance hath the name of the thing that is remembered by it. Therefore hath Chryst called the bread his body, and the wine his blood: not that his substance is in the bread and wine, but that we should remember him thereby. Likewise as the ●…aster lamb was called the passing by, and yet was it not in itself the very pas sing by, but a token or remembrance of the passing by. dying now that the easter lamb hath the name of the thing that the Israelites remembered by it, and whereby they might ever lastingly keep in remembrance the benefits of god, right convenient is it that Christ hath called the bread his body, and the wine his blood because that we should remember thereby his death and passion, yea the only sacrifice of his body, which he hath suffered to be broken and his blood to be shed for us. Nevertheless how be it that the material body of christ is not in the bread, nor his blood in the wine, yet nevertheless is the supper of the Lord 〈◊〉 parttaking (but spiritually) of the body and blood of christ, as Paul saith: Is not the ●…uppe of thanks giving wherewith we give thanks, a part taking of the blood of Christ? And the bread that we break, is it not the 〈◊〉 taking of the body of christ? These words of Paul do witness clearly that the faithful eat the body of Christ spiritually, under the bread and wine yea likewise as a bride receiveth her husband with a ring, even so receive the faithful Christ to be their own and everlasting salvation. But that some men will have that the bodily presence should be in the bread, is a great miss understanding of the godly word: yea it is an antechrystes doctrine, which is contrary both to our faith and to all holy scripture. For we be leave and holy scripture beareth witness, that christ after his resurrection is ascended up into heaven, and sitteth upon the right hand of his almighty father. Rom. viii. And bideth there as concerning his bodily presence, but spiritually he hath promised to abide with us to the end of the world in his word Mat. xxviii. And saying that now christ as concerning his bodily presence abideth at the right hand of his father Hebre. x. so may not the body of christ be in the bread. And again it is against all truth that christ at one time hath been in many or divers places, as touching his body. furthermore we do daily see what dreadful idolatry is s●…rong out of the carnal understanding of these words of christ: This is my body, and yet daily springeth, to the great and abominable slander of the honour of god so that men worship a piece of bread for their god, yea and hold that to be their maker. And the papists lock him in ●…olde and silver, not remembering what Paul and Stephen witness saying: The most highest will not dwell in temples made with man's hands. Acts. seven. and. xvii. O blind men that are so bewitched of the whore, that ye can not nor will not believe the manifest truth, O blindness and great presumptuousness of the papists, that will take upon them to fetch jesus Christ out of heaven, into a piece of bread, which is consumable, as we clearly see by experience, and that it should be worshipped for God, which is everlasting and unchangeable. Now what remedy for we can not help it, therefore must we do as the Lord jesus Christ spoke unto his apostles of the pharisees, saying: Let them go for they are blind, and leaders of the blind, when one blind leadeth an oth●…r, so fall they both into the ditch. Mat. xv. But the Lord must be thanked that out of his unmeasurable grace hath ●…ned our eyes, that we can see & know, wherefore we shall take the bread and the wine in the supper, namely for a memorial and token of the suffering and death of jesus Christ yea for the body and blood of Christ: but that for the by names sake, and not of the material things behalf, as is above rehearsed of the Easter Lamb. ☞ furthermore the supper of the Lord is also a joining together of the christian congregation in love. And also the congregation that will hold this supper, must be well appointed and joined together in brotherly love, yea they must stand in one spirit and soul. Philip. i. having a burning love. For Paul saith: we many are one bread and one body, in as much as we are partakers of one bread. Like wise as that mebres of one body are not in stri●… one against an other: but in a charitable unity serving one an other. i. Corhi. xii. so may there no strife nor debate be found in the congregation of God. i. Corhin. i. so that any man should only care and take thought for himself, and not care nor look upon his brother's lack, but the one must help and care for the other in all things necessary, where he can or may Gal. vi. and no man must seek that, that is his, but every one the others wealth. Philip. two. And likewise as of the grains of corn can not be baken bread, but through fire: even so can not the congregation be a right spiritual loaf (whereof Paul speaketh) but through burning love & charity. And so ought that christian congregation to be one loaf. i Cor. x. For likewise as many grains are sown to the intent that bread should be baked of it. So soweth the great father of household his precious wheat into the acre or ground of this world, to the intent that they all should become one loaf, and break the supper of the Lord rightly after the words of Paul: we many are all one bread and one body, in as much as we are part takers of one bread. i Cor. x. And where so ever the congregation is not so appointed and the bread broken in this manner, there is the bread eaten, and the wine drunken to a judgement, from the which God the merciful father will defend and keep all diligent lovers of the everlasting truth tho●…owe his unexpressible goodness and mercy. Amen. ¶ Of the very chrstian kingdom. WE believe also that god the heavenvly father, hath given to his only begotten son jesus Christ, all power in heaven and earth Math. xxviii. yea as Paul saith: He hath set him on his right hand in heavenly things above all power, rule, might and dominion, and a 'bove all that may be named not only in this world, but also in the world to come. Ephe. i. Above all this hath the heavenvly father especially instituted and ordained jesus Christ his only begotten son, to be a king over the mount of Zion that is to say, over the faithful congregation. Psalm. two. which faithful congregation is the kingdom of Chryst. Col. i. And the dominion of this kingdom standeth not in a carnal dominion or power: But likewise as the lord is a spirit. two. Corhinthians. iii. even so is his kingdom spiritual inwardly within us. Luke. xvii. and not of this world. john. xviii. wherefore the prophet zachary promised us a king through the holy ghost, the which should not come with vi●…iable dominion, nor great worldly triumph, but with an humble and a meek spirit, And should not ●…ule as a worldly king over the carnal Zion or Israel, but should rayngne a spiritual king, and rule the spiritual israelites with the sceptre of his godly word. And these are the words of the prophet. Rejoice thou great lie O daughter Zion, be glad O daughter jerusalem, behold thy king cometh unto the ●…owly and simple is he, he rideth upon an Ass and upon the foele of an Ass, even thy rightwise and saviour, and he himself is poor 〈◊〉. ix. These words of the prophet witness clearly that Christ's kingdom is spiritual, and standeth not in any outward dominion. john. xviii. And likewise all these prophets do witness in these chapters following. Esa. iiii. ix. jerem. xxiii. xxxii. Esechi. xxxiiii. xxxvii. Myth. iiii. Therefore do we hold the doctrine of the carnal kingdom of Christ to be a dreadful errowr, and a great heresy, yea we hold it to be an heresy, of the Chilcastes, the which now again is raised amongst them of minster, & hath braided her out in other places, to the great slander and hindrance of the true gospel of god. furthermore if any man take upon him and presume to be the promised Da vyd or a king of Zion as john Layden at minster hath done, him do we hold for an antechriste above all antichrists, yea 'bove the Romish antichrist. How dreadful so ever he hath slandered god, and exalted himself against the almighty god, and yet it is not come to such an abomination, as to put himself a king of Zion, or to take upon him to be a promised david: But in these days rise so many abominable and presumptuous spirit fulfilled with all manner of wickedness, and satans pride, that take upon them to rebbe Iesu Christ of his kingli sc●…pter, and to take it unto themselves: woe be unto all such dread full slanderers of the godly majesty or power. woe be also unto the seduceres which go about with witchcraft wherewith they have beguiled many men. Woo be also unto all them which do not separate themselves from those antechrystes and seducers, but yet do seek help or comfort of them, yea that leave the very Moy●…en jesus Christ and desire other gods to go afore them, upon them shall fall that which is spoken of by the prophet jeremy: Lord they that do forsake the shallbe destroyed, and they that turn from the shall be ashamed, and their names shall be written in the earth, for they have left thee, the living fountain of water. Behold therefore will we by the grace of God, abide by our spiritual King jesus Christ, and pray him that his kingdom may increase in us, yea that he will defend us from all evil and reserve us to his everlasting heavenly kingdom, to his glory and honour for ever. Amen. ¶ The weapons wherewith a very christian ought to fight. saying that the whole Gospel of our●… Saviour witnesseth that the christian must suffer, & in no wise may revenge the evil. So that we think by the help of god, not to turn from the wholesome doctrine of our Lord jesus Christ. For it is right convenient that a servant with his lords commandment, and a disciple with his masters doctrine to be contented. Mat x. And here now may no sophistical cavillations nor fond imaginations be allowed, as though the words of jesus Christ should now be at an end. And saying that Christ saith unto his apostles: what I say unto you, that do I say unto all, watch ye, heaven and earth shall perish, but my words shall never perish. Therefore do we hold them for dreadful seducers and abominable heretics, that w●…ll pre●…ume to say, that the doctrine of jesus Christ (as concerning suffering) should be ●…t an end, & that the christian should no more need to suffer, but that they should cast away the weapons where with the apostles have fought as their epistles rchearse, & put upon them the harness of David, yea that they should destroy the whole world with the material sword and also take the world unto themselves. O what a blind dream is this, which is sprung out of Satan, & is contrary to the whole gospel of our lord jesus Christ. O what an iniquity is this of them, that will with the children of Israel leave the lord the fountain of living waters, & dig themselves pits the which do seem fay●…e, but they can give no water. O what a blindness, yea what a foolishness is it of them, that for the sayings of the prophets, which they understand not, will refuse & leave the most highest prophet, the only begotten son of god, & the everlasting verity jesus Christ and do not dread to exalt the old testament above the new, & to set Moses above Christ? O god shall now the new testament avoided for the old, & shall the precious blood of the innocent lamb jesus Christ be counted less than the blood of calves? O lord how are these men so blinded that they with the stiffnecked Israelites do abhor the living bread of heaven, and do desire ●…he flesh of Egypt, that is to say they do refuse jesus Christ the very bread of heaven, & do huger after men's doctrine and invented dr●…es, & after ●…isceyuable prophets? But we will by the grace of god abide by our lord & master jesus Christ, & hold it vnd●…niable, that no unclean doctrine which might be against the gospel of our lord jesus Christ may be brought in or suffered, but he alone must be allowed, for he is lord master & Saviour, & besides him is none other. In summa we know of none other verity, nor of none other way, of none other life, but only of jesus Christ. john. xiiii. For this cause if there come any prophecies or visions that will draw us from this wholesome doctrine of jesus Christ they must be accursed. Furthermore how and with what weapons that the christian shall fight, doth Paul clearly teach us to the Ephesians in the sixth Chapter with these words: Stand therefore and your loins girded about with the truth, having on, the breast plate of righteousness, and shod upon your feet with the gospel of peace, that you may be prepared, above all things take hold of the shield of faith, where with ye may quench the fiery darts of the wicked, & take the helm of salvation, and the sword of he spirit, which is the word of God. And john saith All that is borne of god overcometh the world. And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that jesus is the son of God. Out of these words of john may all right christians well understand that the victory standeth in an upright faith, and not in any carnal and outward●… weapon. And we do hold it with the Apostle john, and are also content with Paul, so that we will hold with them, all strange doctrine which might be contrary to the Gospel of jesus Christ, for utterly accursed. Gala. i. ¶ Of matrimony. OF matrimony we do hold now in the new testament not after the will of Moses nor after the ensampel of the patriarchs, but as god instituted it in paradise, and as it was restituted again of christ, and brought again to the first institution, namely that Matrimony is a joining together of 〈◊〉 persons, that is to say a man and a woman, after the words of the lord: They two shall be one flesh. Genes. two. And for this cause hath Paul commanded the bishops & deacons, every one of them to be a husband of one wife Out of the which text must needs follow, that no christian man may have more than one wife, or else had Paul rob the bishops and deacons of their common Christian liberty, yea he had tangled them in a snare, which is unpossible. i Cor. vi. so is it not to be found in any apostles writing, that any christian man in or after the apostles times hath been Polygamus (that is to say) hath had many wives. What that the apostles have not taught nor used, in their congregation, that shall not we teach nor use as an necessary thing ●…o man's salvation. For else must it follow that the apostles had not known nor taught all the truth, which is against the words and promise of jesus Christ, which promised to his apostles saying: when the comforter the holy ghost shall come he shall teach you all the truth. Ihon. xiiii. And Paul took god to witness that present day that he was pure from the blood of all men for he had kept nothing back but had showed them all the counsel of god, Acti. xx. Now is it well known that Paul taught not that a christian man should have many wives, and therefore it is not the counsel or will of God: but much more is the counsel and will of god, that a christian shall have but one wife. saying that all the new Testament always speaketh of one man and one wife, as appeareth by these chapirers. Mathewe. nineteen. Mark. x. 〈◊〉. Timothe. three Titu. i i. Corhinth. seven. Ephe. v. And therefore can not we approve the jews Poligamians the which some have begun. But we hold us after the ensample of Adam and Eve, and also in this matter it is restitusted again by Christ. Matthew. nineteen. Mark. x. we are also well contented with Paul, which doth say that for avoiding fornication every man shall have his own wife, and every woman her own husband Also that Matrimony is a soy●…ynge together of man and woman, after the word of the Lord: These two shall be one flesh. Genesis. two. Mathewe. nineteen. Mark. x. Ephesians. v. ☞ This is the confession of our faith, in the which we hope that nothing shall be found but the pure truth of the Gospel, if so be that it be not judged after man's good thinking, but only after the rule of thy Godly word. And notwithstanding because that we will give no please unto the slanderers, that of a presumptuous high minded spirit might slander or raise upon us, we are always ready, and offer ourselves, that if any christian man being learned in the scripture, can reprove us with God's word in any thing that should fail us of the truth, to him we shall and will always gladly as disciples unto ther●… maiste●… give place, and gladly with all toy fullness of the spirit, recey●…e all christian doctrine of him. saying that Peter a prince of the Apostles must suffer that he was rebulted of Paul, reason it is that we should suffer to be rebuked, if we through man's ignorance were fallen in error, we that are poor servants of the Lord, & scantly have received one pound, where as Peter had received five, the which our understanding is no more to be likened to the high apostles wisdom, than a gnat by a camel. And we know also that Solomon saith: Be not wise in thine own conceit. And again: He that refuseth to be reformed, despiseth his own soul, but he that submitteth himself to correction is wise. And for this cause will we always be diligent to hear, and with all m●…kenes submit ourselves unto him, that could teach us any doctrine, more agreeable to the holy scripture: But if any man will condemn our faith without the judgement of scripture & judge it after the proverb: as the blind iuggeth the colour, that must & will we suffer for god's sake. Also if any man will be our Pharaoh and tread us down because that we be Ilsraelites or fain would be, in this will we aso us with the holy scripture, hoping that our heauēly father shall have mercy over us, through jesus Christ, & strength us so with his holy ghost, that we shall not care for the dreadful slander over our faith. And we perceiving that blindness of the common people, & the great tyranny of certain princes, so that the common people are so blinded in their memory, that they can not judge the light from darkness nor the right from unrighteousness or lies from the truth, yea they cry over jesus that be shallbe crucified, and Bara●…as shallbe let go. And also divers princes are so full of tyranny that they do persecute the christian, and without any mercy put them to the most grievous and cruel death, not remembering that the innocent blood of the righteous Abel crieth for vengeance, against the murderer Cain, unto God in heaven. Nevertheless the scripture must be ful●…illed, namely that all they that will live godly in christ jesus, must suffer persecution. And christ saith to his apostles: Have they persecuted me, they shall also persecute you. And therefore saith john in his epistle: Be●…old what love the father hath showed on us, that we should be called his children: Therefore the world doth not know you, because it knoweth not him. With those and more other scriptures, may we comfort ourselves, and especially with the words of christ, saying: Blessed are they that suffer persecution for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when men r●…uyle you and persecute you, and falsely say all manner evil sayings against you, for my name's sake. Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven And we pray god our heavenly father, thorough our lord jesus christ▪ the which out of his unmeasurable mercy and grace, hath given us a clear upright f●…yth, that he keep and reserve us forth in this perilous time, from all false doctrines of the ministers of the hellish Satan And that we thorough the angels' colour, which they often times have upon them, may not be per●…erted to ●…aue the truth of god And forther●…e do we pray unto the lord. that he will so strength and fortify us with his holy ghost, that we do not ware weary of●…s suffering persecution for the ryghtuousnesset sake: but that we may be able to stand in all dreadful slander, and tyrannous persecutions of the wicked Antichrist's spirits, yea and that we rather, if it be need suffer this bodily death, biding in our faith, than we should forsake it, and die eternally. Fron the which eternal death the Lord God preserve 〈◊〉 them that love and seek him with all their heart through jesus Christ our Saviour. To whom be laud, praise, honour, ma●…estie, and dominion, for ever. Amen. To the reader. NOthing can be so plain, so manifest or op●…: but the cavillour (who seeketh nothing else but doubts) will find abosidaunce of matter therein, to make the same, at the first sight to appear hard, obscure and dark. In like manner, he the living of the faithful beleavers in C●…histe never so Godly and agreeable to the truth, be it never so quiet, peaceable and civil: yet will the adversaries find matter enough to deface it so, that the simple people shall judge none other but that they be heretics, & they●… lives, a●…ominable, their sayings & doings seditious, disquiet and slanderous. What man can devise to write more Godly than Paul did to the Romans? And yet were there some that said he would have men to sin, ●…o the intent that the mercy of God might be the more abundant in the forgiveing of the same Roma. iii. Who could lead so godly a life, in such austerity, and hardness as john the baptist did? And did not the Jews say that he had a devil in him? To be b●…fe, who conlde frequent the company of sinners and misleveing people, with so perfit crample of living, having so great force to draw them from their wickedness to follow his example, as Christ did? And did not the pharisees report him to be a friend and maintainer of evil livers and open s●…ners? Math. ri. The same school master that instructed these false detractors: hath also, and doth daily, instruct our papists, in the ●…ame his documents, and plain lections. The devil I say, leaveth not his old pr●…actyse, but keepeth his dearly beloved ●…n ●…re withal. If any man preach or write of the justification by faith, and do therein declare the unworthiness of us and our works which can deserve nothing toward our justification: incontinent they c●…e out upon him heretic, he sayeth men shall be saved thought they live never so ungodly. Vf he speak any thing concerning the abuse of the ceremonies and sacraments: what ●…rclamacions do they make? how do they report him to be a sacramentary? If he speak any thing of Baptism: declaring that neither the holiness of the water, neither of the oil, can give the grace therein promised, and that the was shing in the fount availeth not them that observe not the profession they make there: how detestable an anabaptiste shall he be counted? Of the supper of the Lord, who can write or speak any thing concerning the abuse thereof, but he is charged with the utter denial of the same? That thou therefore (christian reader) mayst so withdraw thy credit from these false reporters, that thou wilt but once think it possible that they may belie these men, whom they call men of the new learning: I have set forth this little book wherein thou mayst see what faith they have, that bear this evil report. And that thou mayst thereby be provoked first to try the spirits whether they be of God or not, and after to credit them even as thou shalt find them worthy. The proverb teacheth thee, that it is not all gold that glyttereth, and we have learned by experience, that it is not all Gospel that the priest preacheth. Try the gold therefore by the touch stone▪ & the priests preaching by the word of God. Prou●… the spirits, and know for certainty that, that spirit is not of God? which denieth that Christ is come in the flesh. And what other thing is that, then to deny that his coming in the flesh is the sufficient and only satisfaction for our sins? Who so ever he be therefore, that denieth us to be freely redeemed by Christ without any part of our deserts: the same denieth Christ to be come in the flesh. If thou prove them therefore, once to have denied on this wise that Christ came in the flesh: I beseech y●, even for Christ's sake: to try their reports by the scripture or thou credit them. And then as thou findest them so take them. The Lord open the eyes of thine heart that thou mayst see the hid and secrets abominations. Amen. ☞ Pray Christian reader that the word of the Lord may have free passage, and that we may live a God lie life there after, that it may be acceptable in his sight. FINIS.