❧ THE HUMBLE and unfeigned confession of the belief of certain poor banished men, grounded upon the holy Scriptures of God, and upon the Articles of that undefiled and only undoubted true Christian faith, which the holy Catholic (that is to say universal) Church of Christ professeth. ¶ Specially concerning, not only the word of God, and the ministry of the same: but also the Church and Sacraments thereof. Which we send most humbly unto the Lords of England, and all the commons of the same. Rom. x. ¶ To believe with the heart, justifieth: and to confess with the mouth, saveth. Lord increase our faith. ❧ Grace and peace in our saviour jesus Christ be with you ever, strengthen and preserve you in the steadfastness of Christ's word, and bring to lucky and blessed end that gracious work that he hath begun in you. I Must needs with Saint Paul knowledge myself debtor to all that call upon the name of our Lord jesus Christ, Roma. i. but to non more them to you most dearly beloved both because of such loving friendship as I have found in you, and most of all for the Christian love, that some time being your Curate I found among you, & that I trust continueth among you still, not only toward me, but to all that love the Lord jesus Christ, wherefore now considering the time of trial to be come, Mat. xxiiii i. Pet. iiii. two. Tim. iii. i. john. two. iii.iiii. that both our Saviour Christ, and all his holy Apostles warned us of, I have thought it my part with this Epistle to consort you, not mistrusting, but you all are strengthened and comforted daily with the comfort that is of God: and do now earnestly account with yourselves the price of the building of your tower, Luke. xiiii. lest if the foundation and beginning be laid and the work not finished, your enemies begin to laugh you to scorn, and to say: these men began to build, but they were not able to finish. I trust you are not built upon the slippery sands or gravels, Mat. seven. where every wave that beateth shall shake the foundation, and cause it to fall, but you are built upon a sure ground, deep digged, i Cor. two. and your foundation laid upon the foundation of the Apostles, & Prophets, Ephe. two. upon the corner stone jesus Christ, in whom every building knit and coupled together, groweth unto an holy Temple for the Lord, For all though the builders refuse and cast away as a thing of nought, Psa. cxvii. this stone Christ, which at this day they do, Mark. xii putting out of the Temples Gods holy word in the mother tongue, i. Pete. two. to set up a Latin unknown tongue, and in it to maintain their old romish beggary, Yet shall that stone be the principal corner stone, to you that believe elect, and precious. And whosoever believeth in him, shall not be ashamed. And doubtless the unbelievers and unfaithful must needs fall & stumble upon this stone, Esa. xxviii. be bruised and utterly destroyed at the last, although for a time the Lord useth them as the rod of his fury, Esay. x. to chasten our wanton and too much worldly vain living, which in a manner had forgotten God, and mere to much cooled from that ardent love that Christ willed to be among his. Wherefore our heavenly father doth mercifully call us again to suffer afflictions with his son Christ, and so to tri and examine our faith, that it being found more precious than gold or silver, might be to the praise and honour of his name Let us therefore take this correction with all meekness of heart and submission under the hand of God, i Pet. v. that he may exalt us when it shallbe his godly pleasure. We call him our father, & our saviour Christ hath warranted us so to do, Math. vi. Luke. xi. wherefore let us know him to be in deed a father, not only in king Edward's days, when we had all wealth & quiet with his holy word: but also now in these perilous days, when the angels of the deep, hold & stop the winds of Christ's Gospel, Apoc. seven. that they should not blow upon the earth to make it fruitful, nor upon the seas, to make them abundant with fish for the Apostles to catch, nor upon the trees, to make them bring forth their fruits in due season. I sa● even now the Lord is our father, and that he correcteth us, it is of very love, and not of cruelty, of mercy and pity, i Cor. xi. and not of severe judgement. We are corrected saith Saint Paul of the Lord, that we should not be damned, with the world. Wherefore as obedient children, we must submit our selves, and sai with David. O Lord thou art righteous, Psa. cxviii and righteous are thy judgements. It is good to me that thou hast humbled me, that I may learn thy judgements. The law of thy mouth is more dearer to me, than thou sands of gold and silver. I trust dear brethren, that you all do now study how to stand steadfast in God's word unto the end, that you may obtain the promiss as the Lord saith. Thus saith the first and the last, Apo. two. which was dead and liveth, I know thy works and tribulation, & poverty, but thou art rich, and I know the blasphemy of those, that call themselves jews, and are none: but are the synagogue of Sathanas. The Lord calleth them rich, Math. v. i. Tim. vi. that abound in the rich spirit of God, & in all good works, that gods spirit moved them unto, as steadfast faith, sure hope, ardent love and charity, diligent, often, and fervent prayer, taming of the flesh with his lusts and appetites, which you may read Galath. v. liberal alms to the poor and needy, especial to the household of faith, and all other good deeds commanded of God. But the other although they boast never so much that they are jews, that is, confessors of the lords name, men of the church spirituality, yea Gospelers if they will to, yet the Lord calleth them blasphemers and of the synagogue of Satan. Be not a abashed therefore with names, titles, or dignities, as Lord, Duke. etc. or bishop, doctor. etc. for except he bring the word of God, and Christ's Communion with the maintenance of it, doubt not but by the fruits know him, and give him his name that the Lord giveth him. A blasphemer, of the synagogue of Sathanas. And though persecution come upon thee, yet remember what he saith that is first, & last, when no tyrant shall remain. Be not afraid of none of those things that thou shalt suffer. Behold the devil will cast some of you into prison that you may be proved. You see dearly beloved, job. i. two. that it is the devil that raiseth up these storms against us, but doubtless at God's permission and sufferance, Math. seven that we may be proved, whether we be Christians in deed as we confess in word. Many of us thinketh ourselves strong, but tempcation declareth, Mat. xxvi that we are but weak, Even as Peter said. Lord I will go with the into prison and death. But the knower & searcher of hearts said: Truly or the cock crow, thou shalt deny me. And so it came to pass. Nevertheless, after he wa●ed strong and over came that infirmity and knew, that to fall we have of ourselves, to stand we have only of God. So is tribulation profitable to the strong and mighty, for it bringeth them to the crown of glory, it profiteth the weak, for it, openeth their mind and maketh them to seek to the Physician and curer of our souls, Psalm. v● and to cry with David. O Lord heal my soul, for I have sinned against the. Let us therefore labour to overcome our weakness, & to accomplish that the Lord commandeth. i Cor. iiii Be faithful unto the death, and I will give the a crown of life. You see the Lord requireth faithfulness both in the stewards that preach his word and in the seru●intes that hear it. Death is the end of all flesh, as well of Kings, and Queens, Esay. xl. Dukes and bishops, as of poor men. For all flesh is grass, and all the glory of flesh as the flower of grass. When the wind of the Lord goeth over it, it falleth & fadeth: but the lords word abideth for ever, and those that doth the will of the Lord, abide also for ever. Happy are those to whom the Lord giveth that crown of life, and to lose it, is a greater loss, than either Emperor, King, or Queen, or an Angel from heaven can either restore or recompense. Stand therefore faithfully to god's word, believe his promise. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear what the holy Ghost saith to the churches. He that overcometh shall not be hurt by the second death. The first death is of the body as the Lord said to sinful Adam. Genes. iii. Earth thou art, and into earth thou shalt return again, But the second death, is it that Christ admonished us to fly, saying: I say to you my friends, Luke. xii. be not afraid of them, which with body, and after that they have nothing more that they can do. I will show you whom you ought to fear: Fear him, that after he hath slain the body, hath power to cast into hell fire. truly I say to you fear him. Let not the fear of man so overcome v●, but that the fear of god may always be ruler in our hearts, so shall we attain the crown of life prepared for those that love the Lord and his word unfeignedly. I have not written this, as to those that are ignorant of their duty, or unable to strengthen both themselves and others, but as to my most dear brethren in the Lord, trusting that God's spirit that is among you, doth daily move your hearts now, to the highest perfection of godliness, even to deny your lives for Christ's sake, & to take up your cross, and to follow him. Mat. xvi. If any have in times past been negligent in the wai of godliness: I prai, beseech and exhort the same in the Lord jesus, Esay. lix. to turn unto the Lord with his whole heart, josu. seven. and not by his evil and wicked living provoke the lords wrath any longer, nor to bring plagues upon the whole congregation for his wickedness. Brethren, two. Esdr. Three. i. fall to prayer daily every man for himself and for his Christian brethren. fall to weeping with Nehemias' & jeremy, to see the wall of jerusalem broken, the city destroyed with sword and fire, and the temple burned. Math. ix. fall to fasting, for now the days are come that our sweet & dear Bridegroom Christ is taken from us. I certeinli believe that our to to much negligence in prayer, and our sloutheful and seldom coming to the holy Supper of the Lord, joel. two. are two of the great causes, why the Lord hath thus plagued us. Let us therefore earnestly turn unto the Lord, that he may turn to us, Mat. seven. call, that he may hear, ask, that he may give, seek, that we may find, knock, Luke. xi. that the Lord may open unto us. If ever we showed ourselves true Christians, Ephes. iiii let us now show it, in godliness of conversation, and living, in quietness, Col. iii. iiii in patiented suffering, in meek bearing of wrongs, & doing of none to other, in forgeveing our enemies, and praying for them, in feeding the poor and needy Saints of God, in pitying all men, and in praying for all men. And dearly beloved pray for us, that God of his mercy strengthen and comfort us in these troubles, that he now layeth upon us, and that the Lord leave us not to our selves, but ●uer hold his handover us, and keep us unto the end. For truly I know without his grace and merciful help, no man is able to withstand Satan's violence, therefore for Christ's love pray for us, as we shall not fail daily to do for you. Here have I (gentle Reader) setforth the Confession and Faith of certain learned men, that as they have written it in their exile for thy comfort: so mayest thou give god the praise, and help to stop the mouths of such blasphemers, as have nothing in their mouths, but Heretics Heretics. But I doubt not, that when thou hast read it with judgement, and conferred it with their doctrine, that they now preach to thee: thou shalt see which sort are the Heretics. Thou mayest see that all their struggling is to bring thee to their styncking romish puddles again. Thus I commend you all dearly beloved in the tender mercies of jesus Christ, unto the tuition of the living god, which is the father of our Lord jesus Christ, beseeching him to send his holy Ghost among you, & to bestow his rich grace and blessing upon you, that you all may be constant and perfect in God's ways, and unmovable in Christ's faith, constantly persevering unto the end. Amen. Grace be with you & peace from God our Father, and from our Lord jesus Christ, who tread down Satan under our feet shortly. Amen. ❧ To all such as love to fear God, to serve and worship him in spirit and truth, and to live in charity and virtue among their neighbours within the Realm of England, Grace mercy and peace be multipled with you, from God the father through jesus Christ his only son, our Lord and only Saviour. BEcause we are assured, that the Devil, not only as an anucient murderer, proceedeth still in cruel tyranny and extremities, but also as the old liar from the beginning and father of falsholde in misreporting, slandering and beliing the most sacred verity of God's holy word, and us poor men, that have been minister's of the same (specially now that we are absent, and gone far from our native country of England) Therefore, partly to certify such of you as know us, that we shoot still at the old mark of God's word, neither recanting nor revoking that which we have learned in the school of Go● and taught amongst you: and partly, to signify to as many of you as know us not (and yet do hear how our adversaries rail upon us behind our backs calling us Heretyckes, S●●smatickes. etc.) that we are not as they report, but better framed both in thought, word, and deed: we trust to the glory of God, and your edifying. For these and such considerations, we have therefore set forth this humble & unfeigned confession of our belief, that is to say: how we in conscience are persuaded by the infallible testimony of the scriptures, concerning the word of God written, and the ministry of the same: his Church also, and sacraments thereof. For as these are the principal points of the faith and true Religion, which is builded only upon Christ: so if our minds by the witness of the holy Ghost in his word, be fully resolved herein, then by the grace of the same most holy spirit, neither our understanding, nor good wills, neither yet our bodies shall be stopped nor hindered from prayer ●r fasting, from patience or obedience, from peace or Christian quietness, from doing our duties to God and man, or from exercising of those good works, that are comprehended in his holy precepts, and commandments. And thus most heartily praying you to keep you still in the Ark with Noah & his household. We assure you in the word of the Lord, that so doing: the flood shall not drown you, neither shall the wrath to come, over take you. Amen FIrst, because we mind not to build upon a week foundation, we are steadfastly persuaded, and do reverently believe, all the Articles of the christian faith, comprehended in three Eredes, commonly called Simbolum Apos●olicum, Simbolum Nicenum, and simbolum Athanasii. Item. We do stedfastli believe, end reverence, even from the bottom of our hearts, all the holy Scriptures of God's b●oke, which is the sacred ●yble, con●teinyng the Old and Newe-testament: being fully persuaded 〈◊〉 our conscience, according to the testimony of the holy ghost, that the same holy Scripture, is able to make men learned unto salvation, through the faith which is in Christ jesus: And that like as the said holy Scripture was given by inspiration of God (whose gracious & blessed spirit was the worker thereof) and is profitable to teach, to improve, ●i. Tim. iii to reform, and to instruct in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect and prepared unto all good works, even so is it the ●ure word of prophecy, & very light that shineth in a dark place: two. Pet. i. so that who so taketh heed thereunto, doth well until the day dawn, and till the day star arise in his heart. Item. We believe, that whosoever transgresseth (or over passeth) and abideth not in the Doctrine of Christ, ●●. john. i hath not God: so that if any man come unto us▪ and bring not this learning of God's holy word, we ought not to receive him into our house, neither to welcome him: but rather to beware of such false prophets as being inwardly ravening wolves, Math. seven would spoil us through philosophy and de●eifull vanity, after the traditions of men, and after the ordinances of the world, and not a●ter Christ. Col●o. two. Item. Our steadfast belief is, that like as if an Angel from heaven, or the Apostles themselves, should preach unto us any other Gospel or doctrine concerning Religion contrary to that they have taught already, Gala. i. we ought to hold them accursed: Even so we are bound to beware, lest any man with vain traditions or coloured holiness, cause us to shoot at a wrong mark, Collo. two. or lead us out of the right way. Item. We believe verily, that whosoever doth wilfully follow (or teach) such doctrine as is contrary to the holy scriptures of God. i Tim. vi. The same (for that he agreeth not unto the wholesome words of our saviour jesus Christ) is a proud ignorant person, and a very wast brain: And that unto those which will not receive the love of the said divine truth and holy scriptures to their salvation▪ almighty God doth most iustli send strong delusion, two. Tess. two. suffering them to believe lies: to the damnation of all such as disdaining to give credence unto the truth, have pleasure in unrighteousness Item. Our belief is, that for all our liplabour and outward appearance or show of Religion▪ Yet so long as we ●epe us not to the rule of the holy scripture, but wilfully follow the corrupt traditions, doctrines, precepts and laws of men, we worship Go● in vain, Esay. xxix Math. xv Mar. seven. and serve him not in such upright sort, as we ought to do. Item. Our conscience is fully persuaded, that because men are so stubborn and disobedient, so hard hearted & froward, that they think scorn to hearken unto the voice of God, and wilfully refuse to be ordered by the teaching of his holy word and scriptures. God therefore giving them up to their own hearts lust, Psa. lxxxi and suffering them to follow their own imaginations: doth most justly take part against them, pouring upon them such great and horrible places, as the prophet Moses speaketh of. Item. Our steadfast belief is, that whatsoever the almighty and everliving God commandeth us by his word (which he hath appointed to be the Lantern unto our feet, Psal. cxix. & light unto our paths) like as we ought to have the same in such reverence * josu. xxiii Deut. xi. that we bow not aside therefrom, neither to the right hand nor to the left, and that we do not such things as seem good in our own eyes, but Deut. iiii. xii. only that which is right in the sight of the Lord Pro. thirty. adding nothing unto his words, lest he reprove and plague us, & lest we be found liars: Even so, Apo. xxii. we should not take away or minish aught from his words The Bishops of England in their book to king henry▪ the viii circa An. M.D.XXXviii. least he take away from us our portion, out of the book of life Item. Like as our belief is, that the said holy word and scripture of God alone, showeth men the right path to come to god, to see him, to know him to love him, to serve him, & so to serve him as he most desireth: so are we fulli persuaded, according to s. Austin's counsel that it is our bound duty, aswell to yield and consent to the authority of holy scripture, which neither can deceive, nor be desceived. As also in the understanding thereof, De doct. Christia. lib. iii. ca diligently to observe the circumstances of the places times and persons▪ and to take good heed, not only what, but also of whom any thing therein contained, In lib. ad Orosin. contra Priscilliam et Origenis. is spoken. And here with this humble confession of our faith in Christ, we do even from the bottom o● our hearts, right sore, lament and bewail, the present miserable decay of Christ's true Religion, the manifold inconveniences the great harm and horrible abuses, that are entered in among the generations of men of all sorts and degrees through adding unto the said holy Scripture, through minishing of it, and for not duly considering the circumstances thereof: That is to say, for not regarding, for not obeying, and for not following the infallible truth of the same most reverend word of God: The cursed and unhappy contempt whereof undoubtedli hath brought into this world, all wickedness, aswell of false doctrine, as of ungodly and sinful living: To the subverting of all good order, not only in matters of Religion, but also in things concerning our duties one towards another. Wherefore, being fully persuaded, that the eternal God hath appointed the ministry of his word, to be continued in his church or congregation, Rom. xii. and hath given gifts unto men to edify it withal: i Cor. xii. aswell by teaching of true doctrine and improving of false: aswell by planting of godliness and all virtues, two. Tim. iii. as by instructing of the ignorant, rebuking of the ●uyll and reforming of things that be a miss. We mind therefore now to confess, what our belief is concerning the Church of Christ. Of the Church, THough this word (church) betaken in divers significations: as for a particular congregation, sometime of the good, sometime of the wicked, sometime for an assemble of both good and evil together, And other wise usurped, partly for an house of comen resort, and partly, for the only state of the Cicargie: ye● are we fully persuaded, and do steadfastly believe, that there is but * Ez. xxxvii Cant. vi. john. x. oneonly * Act. two. iiii. Eph. iiii. Apostolic and holy Catholic or universal Church and congregation of God * Ez. xxxvii joh. xiiii. xvi. i. john. two Eph. iiii. which being moved, ●aught and gathered together from among all nations of the whole world, by the operation of the holy ghost, into the unity and truth of the faith and undefiled Religion of the Apostles. Is not only sanctified * i. Ihon. i Heb. ix. Ephes. v. cleansed, and purified in the blood of our saviour Christ, but specially also endued with unfeigned * i Pet. i. holiness of life. This Church hath the Lord jesus builded upon the sure steadfast and hard stony * Mat. xvi. i Cor. xiii rock: that is to say, upon himself, against whom the gates of hell cannot prevail,. Nether hath this Church any other foundation, than that which * Es. xxviii. (as the prophet saith) Almyghti God the father hath ●ayde already: which * i Pet. two the Apostle declareth to be even jesus Christ. This Church is the house, the dwelling place, and congregation of the living God, i Tim. iii. the pillar and ground (that is to say, the maintainer and defender, the ●ure stay and upholder) of the truth. This Church is the mystical body and beloved Spouse of Christ, Ephe. i. Collos. i Psal. xlv. Eph. v. Titus. iii. who is the head and Saviour thereof, who also for the entire love that he beareth thereunto, not only gave himself for it, to sanctify it, & cleansed it in the fountain of water, thorough the word (to make it unto himself a glorious congregation or church without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, Ephe. iiii that it should be holy and without blame) But also after his ascension, when he led captivity captive, provided ritchlye for it, aswell with a most beautiful diversity of offices and ministrations: Roma. xii i. Cor. xii. as with his own worthy gifts, meet & convenient for the same, in a most eccellent order, unity, & agreement▪ to the intent that his said church lovingly following his truth, and in all things growing in him, as an whole body coupled and knit together in every joint (wherewith one member ministereth unto another, according to the measure of his gift) may help & edify itself, Ephe. iiii constantly to increase in all godliness, and not to waver therefrom, neither to be carried with every wind of doctrine by the wiliness & subtlety of men. Hebr. xiii. Of this Church are they whom the Apostle calleth Citizens with the Saints, Ephe. two. and of the household of God: Which being built together upon the same foundation, that the Prophets and Apostles were builded upon, are made an habitation of God in the spirit. This Church and Congregation, is the Communion of saints, Heb. xii. the heavenly fellowship, and blessed company of all Gods elect and chosen children, that ever were from the beginning of the world, be now, or shallbe hereafter: even a●l true worshippers that serve him in the spirit, john. iiii. and in the verity, in such holiness & righteousness as is allowed in his ●ight: Luke. i. they that unfeignedly fear that Lord, that walk not on still in the counsel of the ungodly, that stand not in the way of wicked sinners, Psa. i. iii. and that remain not among the spiteful scorners, but ever delight in the law of the Lord, & always study to observe and keep his commandments, his rules, his ordinances, his acts and statutes. Of this Church are the poor in spirit, the true penitent, the meek hearted, the merciful, the pure and clean minded, the peacemakers. Math. v. Here are they, that being hungry and thyrsti for righteousness, do suffer persecution for the same, and be reviled, troubled, and falsely belied of men for the lords sake. Of this Church are they, whom the Lord calleth the salt, and seasoners of the earth, the light of the world: which so shine before men, that they seeing their good works & godly living, do glorify & praise their father, which is in heaven. Of this Church are they, that both observe the commandments of Christ themselves, and teach others also to do the like, who understanding the law spiritually (according to the lords interpretation) declare themselves to be the perfect children of God, in loving their enemies, blessing those that curse them▪ doing good to such as hate them, praying for those that do them wrong and persecute them. Of this Church are they, that when they do alms, let not the left hand know what the right hand doth, seek no vain glory, or to be seen of men: Math. vi And when they pray, they enter into the privy chamber of their conscience, shutting the door to them, and praying to their heavenly father which is in secret. And though they babble not much in their prayers (as the heathen do) and are assured that their heavenly Father doth know what things they have need of, afore they ask of him: Yet being taught of the Lord, how, unto whom, and what to pray, they most obediently follow his order: forgiving others their offences, as they themselves have forgiveness, and desire still to be forgiven of God. These when they fast, do it not to be seen of men, but of their father, which seeth in secret. Of this Church are they, that gather themselves treasure together, not upon earth, but in heaven, where neither rust nor moths corrupt, & where thieves neither break up nor steal. These depending upon the only providence of God, though they▪ abhorring idleness, do faithfully labour and travail every one in their vocation? the hands working, the eyes looking, the mouth speaking, the foot going. etc. yet take they no unlawful care or thought for this life: but first seek the kingdom of God, & the righteousness thereof, and so enjoy at his hand, the rich provision of all necessary things with a good conscience. Of this Church are they, Mat. seven. that give not that which is holy, unto dogs, neither cast their pearls before swine These ask and have: Seek, and find knock, and the door is opened unto them. These doing unto others, as they would be done unto themselves, enter in at the straight gate, and by the narrow way, which leadeth unto life. Of this Church are the good trees▪ that out of the good treasure of the heart, bring forth good fruitful things. As they that being ware of false prophets, and hearkening only unto Christ's words, do also practise the same in their life and conversation: plaiing the parts of wisemen, which against storms for to come, build their house upon the rock and sure foundation. Of this blessed fellowship are they, that enduring steadfast unto the end, and fearing God more than men, take up their cross and follow Christ being well content to jeopard all that they have, Math. x. & their life also for his sake. These in all their adversity, resort unto the Lord, taking his yoke upon them, and learning of him to be meek and lowly in heart, Math. xi. find ease and rest unto their souls. Of this holy congregation and Church are they, unto whom it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven: Mat. xiii. whose eyes are blessed, for they see: and likewise their cares, for they being children of God's kingdom, & the good seed sown in the fortunate ground do not only hear the word of God, but also understand it, Luke. xi. and bring forth plentiful fruit, some more some less, according to the measure of such gifts, as he hath given them. These are the Lords own sheep, which knowing Home their shepherd, & his voice, follow not a stranger, but fly from him, for they know not the voice of strangers. john. ●. It is the Lords only voice that they hearken unto, and him they follow, who knoweth them, and giveth them eternal life: so that they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of his hand. The father of heaven, who hath given this holy flock and Congregation unto Christ his son, is greater than all, and no man is able to pluck them out of his heavenly father's hand. Now is God the father and Christ his son all one, to the endless comfort of this his universal Church. Psa. xxxii. This flock of Christ, this holy congregation, is that blessed Church, Rom. iiii. whose unrighteousness is forgiven, and whose sins are covered, and not imputed: Yea in this Church hath the Lord himself ordained & appointed the heavenvly ministration of continual remission and forgiveness of sins, to all such as unfeignedly repent of their former wicked life, and truly convert unto him▪ For unto this Church hath he given the keys of heaven, Mat. xviii. that whatsoever they bind upon earth, shallbe bound in heaven: and whatsoever they lose in earth, shallbe loosed in heaven: Unto this Church hath he given his holy ghost▪ so that whose sins soever they forgive, john. xx. the same are forgiven: And whose sins so ever they retain, the same are retained. Act. i ii.iiii i Cori. xi. x.iii. Titus. two. In this church is the pure word of God, and all the worthy exercises of his true Religion, the holy Sacraments, prayers, thanksgiving ecclesiastical discipline, etc. duly and faithfully ministered. And though the particular members of this church may err, as many (both particular persons & also particular churches) have erred, and some do at this day, while they are compaced with flesh and blood: john. x. Math. xvi. Yet shall not one sheep perish, that is of this holy universal flock, neither the faith or foundation of this Catholic Church fail. This holy universal church, as the son in brightness, hath beams of light, whereof it cometh to pass, that there be also particular Churches or congregations. Mat. xvii●. Where though there be but two or three gathered together in the name of Christ, He is in the mids among them. For though we confess and knowledge, that the holy Catholic or universal church of Christ, is invisible, & such as our Crede teacheth us to believe (that such a church there is) Though no mortal man can see the regeneration of the spirit, and the faith of Christ in itself. Yet a good tree may be known by his fruits. Mat. seven. Like as the beams then that proceed of the sun, are testimonies and partakers of the light thereof: Even so, what church or congregation soever professeth the name & Religion of Christ, having and exercising the pure and sincere doctrine of his Gospel, of his Sacraments, and of all his discipline, according to his holy institution, the same do we take undoubtedly for Christ's church. Mat. xii. seven. For by man's words and deeds we may discern to allow or disallow them. True Prophets also from false, may we know by their fruits. three Re. viii. The heart, God only seeth, and judgeth. notwithstanding, to build upon, we are throwli persuaded, that as the said blessed universal Church, and congregation of Christ, is the pillar and ground of the truth (for great is the mystery of godliness that it teacheth) Even so, i Tim. iii. in such wonderful diversity of doctrines, sects and sundry religions of the world, we should neither have come to the true knowledge and belief of the Gospel, neither should we be satisfied in ourselves or surely fixed to continue and abide still in in the saith thereof (as we be God have the praise) against all heresies and false opinions. If the authority of the said holy universal and catholic church of Christ, had not wholly & fully moved, stirred & provoked, admonished and taught us so to do. Contra epistolam fundamenti. cap. v. But when we considered (with S. Augustine) the estimation and dignity, the worthiness and authority of the said, universal church, and how uniformally the members of that mystical body accordeth, and consenteth together, in the unity of the holy ghost, and in the ministration of heavenly things, our conscience with all thanful obedience, & with obedient thankfulness, doth most cheerfully and gladli agree: aswell to learn what the said church teacheth us, and to believe gods word that it preacheth unto us. As to be warned by the counsels that it giveth us, and to follow the instructions, lessons and ensamples that it showeth us. For sure we be (as we have confessed already) that the foundation of this Church is firm & fast. Herein hath the Lord set up his own light, that hath no darkness in it. john. xii. Here is the truth that desceiveth no man, the life that killeth no man, and the kings high way that bringeth every man right to his journeys end. As for a particular man, Psa. xxvi. Roma. three jaco. iii. a particular church or Congregation (as we said before) they may err, they may be deceived in one thing or other, at one time or other. The consideration whereof (as it appeareth) did move S. Augustine, to have most principal regard to the church universal, although the particular churches of Aphrica in his time, were not defiled and poisoned, as they be now. O that men were so circumspect this day, as to build upon so sure a ground. For though we may safely give credence to any particular church when it followeth the wholesome doctrine, wherein the holy ghost by his Apostle, did establish the Church of the Ephesians, of the Philippians, of the Colossians, of the Tessalonians. etc. Yet if any such Church do shoot at another mark, we shall but lose our game in doing thereafter. As (for ensample) what sound doctrine, what wholesome religion, what good and upright discipline, is there at this present day, in any of the said particular Churches? Be they not utterly corrupted and poisoned with divers kinds of horrible idolatry, with shameful superstitious, with damnable sects and false religions, and with the doting doctrines of men? Ephe. v. Is the Church of the Ephesians yet still light in the Lord, and not rather barckenes in Mahomet? Hath the Church of the Philippians this present day, fellowship still in the Gospel, Philip. ●. and not rather in the filthy doctrine of the Turk? Both the church of the Collossians continue yet still grounded and established in the faith of the word of God, Collo. two. and not rather blinded in infidelity, and in such horrible idolatry as is taught by the false doctrines of men? i. Tessa. i. Is the church of the Tessalonians now converted still from images to serve the living God, or content to suffer trouble and loss of their goods for the truths sake, and not rather turned back again to their idols (as the dog to his vomit) and become cruel persecutors of Christ's gospel? What sound doctrine then can be had in a church or congregation that is so corrupted? Yea, is the church of Rome itself now obedient unto the faith of Christ (as it was in S Paul's time) and not rather to the Pope's ordinances and decrees? Rom. xvi. Wherefore, inconsideration of the premises, and for avoiding of such storms as must needs overthrow the house that is builded upon the sand we are fully resolved in manner above written, concerning the said holy Apostolic and Catholic or universal church of Christ. Of the ministry of the word of God. VUe are fully persuaded, and do stead fastly believe, that the same almighti, eternal, & most gracicious God, Hebru. i. who in times past, diversly and many ways spoke unto the fathers by the Prophets, hath in these last days, not only spoken unto us by his own dear son, our only Saviour jesus Christ, but hath also by him, ordained & appointed in his Church, the ministery of his holy word: Mar. xvi. willing his Gospel to be preached unto all creatures, to the intent that all Nations Madateu say. Mat. xxviii might become his disciples, & be taught to observe all things whatsoever he hath commanded. For in consideration of this most gracious purpose, he did not only give unto his Apostles and Disciples, the holy Ghost, john. xx. and opened their wits that they might understand the scriptures, but also committed unto them, & to their succession in his Church, the office and charge of preaching repentance and remission of sins in his name among all nations. Luk. xxiiii. For this intent also hath it pleased him, to constitute, and ordain divers and sundry Ministers: Roma. xii. some having one charge, some another: i Cor. xii. that the Saints & holy members of his mystical body and Church, might have all things necessary to work and minister withal, for the edifying thereof: for the increase also and conservation of his true doctrine and Religion. This holy office, i Cor. iiii. which the Apostle calleth the stewardship of the mysteries of God, the ministration of the spirit, two. Cor. iii. the ministration of righteousness, the preaching of the atonement, two. Cor. viii and the embassage of Christ (though the blind see it not, and the unthankful world regard it not) is a noble and precious two. Cor. iiii. treasure: which the ministers have in earthen vessels, two. Cor. iiii that the excellent power thereof may appear to be of god, and not of them: yea of such worthiness is it, that the true ministers thereof are Messengers in the room of Christ, two. Cor. v. as if God himself did▪ beseech ●s thorough them, to be at one with him. So that who so heareth them, heareth him: Luke. x. who so despiseth them, despiseth him, and he that receiveth whom soever the Lord sendeth, receiveth the Lord himself. john. xiii. When we consider this (as we are bound to do) it moveth us to have the holy ministration of gods blessed word the more in reverence. And even so are we occasioned to do when we call to remembrance, how worthy Apostles. Evangelists, and Disciples it pleased him. Mat. x. Luke. x. Acts. i. not only to appoint at the first in his primative Church, chief for the excecutinge of this holy office, but also to describe by himself and them, how upright Ministers his will was to succeed them: Mat. ix.x. Act. xx. Titus. i. what good qualities and gifts they ought to be endued withal: ho●● well learned and exercised in the scriptures, i Pet. v▪ i. Cor. three i. Cor. iiii. i Tim. iii. how apt to teach other, how true shepherds, how painful work men in God's vyn● yard, how diligent labourers in his housbandry & harvest, how faithful stewards of his mysteries, how honest keepers of hospitality, how void of filthiness and corruption, how discrite virtuous & fa●teles they ought to be, how sober, honest and faithful wives, how well ordered households, how obedient & godly brought up children they should have: how well esteemed also and regarded, and how worthily provided of nessary livings, they ought to be. Of these and such like things testified in the scriptures, we are out of doubt, concerning the ministry of God's holy word. Of the Sacraments. IF it be meet and convenient (as it is in deed) that the circumstances of the scriptures, De●o●. Christian. lib. iii. cap. xii. as S. Augustine saith, be diligently observed. Then is it likewise expedient & necessary, that in meddling with God's holy sacraments, it be also reverently and discreetly considered by whom, when, where, after what manner▪ for whom, and for what intent & purpose, they were ordained. For the ignorance and not regarding thereof, hath marred all the matter, and is the very occasion, that (as concerning the true understanding & use of God's holy Sacraments) men shoot either to wide, to short, or to far of: so that thereby they lose the game, and come not near the mark. Now because we must needs confess, as we do reverently with all our hearts, that the mystery of God's holy Sacraments is most comfortable, & most worthy to be tasted, felt and understand in every Christian conscience: And forasmuch as the Devil, with the cloud of blind and wilful ignorance, hath darkened the eyes of many a mother's child, so that they do not see nor perceive the sweetness of this treasure what it is, where it lieth, nor the right use of it. Therefore, albeit the holy Ghost himself hath broken the hard shell of the Nut already, yet seeing there are sundry good pieces of the sweet kernel ca●t out, and lie, some trodden under feet, some shuffled among the shells. We mind as sincerely & faithfully as we can, to do our best in taking up, and laying forth such parcels of the said most sweet kernel, concerning the mystery of God's holy Sacraments as the Lord himself by his grace, in this our humble confession, shall help and teach us to utter. Now as it is most requisite, worthily to consider the said mystery, The mystery. which is the Communion and fellowship that we have in eternal life thorough the me●i●es of Christ: Even so we confess, and find it so by ecsperience, that the verity and truth thereof, doth much the more comfortably appear, when Gods wonderful and most gragracious working for mankind from the beginning, is faithfully called to remembrance. Gene. i. two. For man in his first creation, was made to the similitude and likeness of almighty God, endued with perfectness, wisdom, righteousness and life everlasting. Of the which incomparable kindness & mercy, to the intent he might still be mindful, and keep the same ever in thankful remembrance, God prescribed unto him a rule, law, or commandment: which to obey, was even to continue in the fellowship of the same immortal life that was given him: But to disobey it, in following his own will, contrary to the commandment, Genes. two. was to be in service to everlasting death, and to lose his portion in everlasting life. So when man was fallen from the obedience of the commandment, his own nakedness appeared unto himself so horrible (by reason it was not covered with the image of life) that he began to despair, Genes. iii. and durst not show himself in the sight of god. Howbeit in this terrible distress, and most woeful stare of man. Almighty God (who ever was and is merciful) did promise him again everlasting life, which was laid up in his own son▪ but so that (according as he, even God himself by an everlasting decree, had appointed) he would be satisfied, recompensed, and pacified again, in the obedience of all his commandments, by the same nature of man: Roma. ●. which because of the corruption of sin, that had entered in to it by disobedience, could not fully satisfy the law, and therefore God made an everlasting covenant of mercy with mankind, & promised the blessed seed: namely, that his own son should put upon him our nature, and therewith in innocency, satisfis the law, and bring us again into the fellowship of that everlasting life, which was lost thorough Adam's disobedience. God now, to keep his people in remembrance of this his great merci, required continual sacrifices to provoke them unto thankfulness, and to give them occasion from time to time▪ to settle and rest their consciences still, 〈◊〉 hope upon the said promise. And for this cause he renewed the said covenant of mercy so oft and sundry ●imes by outward Sacraments and ceremonies: in the which, the death of Christ was so present to the faith of the fathers, that they believing the promise made in the blessed seed, apprehended the said life that was lost in Adam. Gen. xvii. Roma. iiii. In Circumcision, which was not only an outward visible sign, but also a very seal of the righteousness of faith, & a testimony of his grace & favour rewards them thorough Christ, the holy Ghost certified their consciences of their portion in the said everlasting life. Exod. xii. In the Sacrament of the passover, when the blood of the Lamb was striked upon the posts of their doors, and the flesh thereof eaten roasted, and with such other ceremonies as thereto were appointed. Heb. xi. They giving faith & credit to the said promise made in the blessed seed, saw the worthiness and merits of Christ's blood: by the comfortable sweetness whereof, in the operation of the holy Ghost, they were assured of the said life everlasting. Exod. xvi john. vi. In the wilderness, Manna was given them from heaven, to declare that the very true nourishment and food to life everlasting, must come from heaven: which mankind by steadfast belief thorough the merits of Christ, should taste, and be partaker of, and in all the sacrifices & slain offerings of the law was the same misteri represented and set forth to the eyes of faith among the people of God. Thus the benefit of God's mercy hath been always from time to time, most lovingli opened in his Sacraments and holy ordinances: certifying us (by faith thorough the death of Christ) that we have our portion again in everlasting life, which was lost thorough Adam's disobedience. Now to come somewhat nearer unto the sacraments of the new law, we do heartily agree and consent to the judgement of S. Augustine: Ad Ianu●rium. not only when he affirmeth that our Lord jesus Christ hath knit together the fellowship of his new people by Sacraments, which are very few in number, very easy to be observed, and very excellent in signification (as is baptism, & thesupper of the Lord) but also when he saith, that a Sacrament is the sign (token or representation) of an holy thing, the visible form of an invisible grace, and a visible word of God. Moreover the Sacraments that are of the Lords holy institution, we do reverently esteem to be no vain or bare signs, neither only evidences of the profession of Christian men, but also certain assured and effectuous testimonies (or rather seals) of the righteousness, Rom. iiii. grace, and good will of God towards us: whereby he working in us supernaturally, & after an invisible manner, doth not only stir up our faith towards him, but also establisheth and con●yrmeth it the more in the assurance of everlasting life. Wherefore like as steadfast faith in the operation of the holy Ghost doth certify us: Roma. v. even so the Sacraments by proper similitudes being used according to the lords institution testify the same. For the holy Ghost (who glorifieth his own ordinances with his blessed presence) and also the word itself assureth us, that nothing, though it be outward & external (appointed and appertaining to the right, whole and perfect use of God's holy sacraments) is in vain, or but a bare sign, for asmuch as when the minister doth execute the Lords will according to his holy ordinance, in the ministration of the visible Sacrament by an outward action. The holy ghost not only certifieth the faithful ●eaceiuers, that they are partakers of the thing promised, that is to say: everlasting life (which life everlasting is even God the son, john. vi. whose divine nature is joined with the humanity now sitting in glory) not only we say, certifieth, but also invisibly worketh in them, Gala. v. those virtues, whereby they be undoubtedly joined unto Christ, and one towards another, his mystical members & partakers of eternal life. So that to be partaker of that everlasting life, is to be as verily joined unto him, & to be a member of his glorious bo●y of his flesh & of his bones, as his own divine nature is joined unto his humanity. O world how mad, o man how blind art thou? that seest not this precious treasure, and taistest not the incomparable sweetness and most heavenly comfort of this great mystery between Christ and his congregation▪ Ephes, v. Thou gnawest upon the hard shelle, but upon the sweet kernel wherein is spirit and life, thou feedest not. Would God, his truth could persuade us, that to be worthy partakers hereof, is thorough faith by the operation of the holy ghost, to be assured and fully certified, that following also the Lords will in the outward actions of his holy ordinances, and framing our lives, according to his wholesome doctrine taught us therein, we have undoubtedly the thing that there is promised which is everlasting life in his body and blood. For first, as concerning flesh and blood, we were in fellowship with Christ, in the loins of our forefather Adam, Gene. iii. to whom he was promised immediately after his offence, but opened unto the world, when he became incarnate: Heb. two. So that this fellowship was entered with us, in that part which was properli ours. In respect whereof the father of heaven (through faith & operation of his holy spirit) vouchsafe to make us partakers, of that which was properly his: namely the bread that came down from heaven, which is life itself, obtained by Christ's death, whereby his merits are become ours. So that then was this fellowship fully joined, when the heavenly marriage between our nature and his was made, in the unity of person in him, & not by confusius of substance no more than either his divine or human nature is confounded, though he be both very God and very man. Thus thorough faith (whereunto this heavenly matter is offered) and by the working of the holy ghost, we have our fellowship with everlasting life, in his body and blood, which he took of us and which now sitteth in glory, where also our soul is present through faith so that we be one with him. The fruitful knowledge and understanding of this heavenly mystery, is evidently set furth to the eyes of faith▪ not only by the first institution and practice of the Lords holy Supper, but also by his most comfortable words afore in the Gospel, john. vi. where he saith: it is God the father, that doth grant us, his true bread, namely his own son which came down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. For he only deserved, that the father should give us again, this life that was lost. And like as the son saith, that the father should give us the bread that came from heaven, that is to say, his own son (whom he also calleth life, because he is the life itself:) Even so the son saith, that the bread which he would give, john. vi. should be his flesh which he would give and offer to the father for the life of the world: Namely, that the world by his death, might have that life, which he said, the father would give: and that is even the very true bread that came down from heaven. So that in the Gospel, the son touching his divinity which came from heaven, is called bread: And like wise his umanitie which he offered up upon the cross, he calleth bread. Thus through faith, we have the performance of that which was promised, namely, of the divine nature which is life after a more abundant sort, than it was lost in Adam: i. john. i i. Corin. ●. Ephes. v. So that this is, and may well be called a very fellowship: and so in deed both Saint john and S. Paul termeth it. The worthy Sacrament of the body and blood of the Lord, was instituted only by himself, in the Parlour where they did eat the Easter lamb, the same night wherein he was betrayed. And as concerning the manner how the Lord and they that received it with him, did use it: How he also himself willed others his deputies and ministers of his congregation and church to do the same (for whom like wise, & for what intent and purpose he did institute & ordain it) it is sufficiently mentioned by the three Evangelists and by the Apostle Paul. Mat. xxvi Mar. xiiii Luke. xxii. i Cor. xi. Touching the which we must consider, that forasmuch as Christ did institute this to be a Sacrament, and taught by his most worthy word and practife, a centaine order in the ministration thereof. Therefore as the things therein contained, ought Sacramentally to be understand, without any absurdity, or interrupting either of the action or mystery. So if the order and form by him prescribed, and commanded to be used (by such as are appointed for the ministration thereof) be omitted Then is that no Sacrament of his. For Sacraments are as substantial covenants & agreements, whose nature is to declare unto us, some right, title, privilege or gift, that we have or shall receive thereby: whether they be grounded upon a comen custom, or commanded to be observed, by such as have authority to make a law or ordinance for the same. For why should the order prescribed in this holy Sacrament, be worse kept, or less observed, then was the rule that God appointed in the Sacraments of the old law? Their sacraments had orders, which were kept: and why should not the rules of our Sacraments be observed likewise? Circumcision had a prescribed day what persons should be Circumcised, Gen. xvii and what part of the flesh should be cut away. etc. The Lord calling it both his covenant, and the token of his covenant. The celebration of Easter, had like wise of the Lord a time appointed, Exod. xii. in the which every household, having a lamb or a kid of one year old, being a Male without blemish, should slay him: And not only take & strike the blood of him upon the two side posts, and on the upper doorepost of the house,, but also eat the lamb (or kid) the same night, with unleavened bread, and with sour herbs, neither raw nor sodden in water: but roasted at the fire, the head, the feet, and appurtenance together, with their loins girded, shoes on their feet, sta●es in their hands, and to eat it in haste, nothing remaining over until the morning: The scripture calling it the Passover, and the sacrifice of the Lords Passoever. And diligently is this to be noted: Namely, that like as the fathers in old time did faithfully observe and keep the said rules, neither omitting any of them, nor minishing them, neither adding ought unto them that the Lord himself, had not appointed,: Even so albeit that the cutting away of the fores●ynne of the flesh in Circumcision, had the name of the lords covenant, and though the other sacrament was called the passover of the Lord, Yet were they never the less (without any strife, brawling or contention about the names) obediently and thankfulli in godly quietness used & observed The Sacrament of Baptism also, hath his ceremonies and rule appointed of the Lord: ma. xxviii Ma●. xvi as to put water upon the child, or to dy●p● him in water, to pronounce him baptized in the name of ●he father, the son and the holy ghost. john. three Acts. two. Titus. iii etc. The scripture naming it the new birth, the baptism of remission of sins, the fountain of the new birth. etc. Where as is likewise to be noted, that they do horribly abuse the Sacrament of baptism, that either mynishe from it any of the rules prescribed by the Lord himself, or add there unto, their own rites and superstitions, whether it be salt, spittle, cream, oil, or any such things as may deface the worthiness of Christ. Yet hath there no such mischance happened unto this holy sacrament, as either to teach or believe, that there is any transsubstanciation of the water in baptism, or that it looseth the nature of water, though it be appointed and turned to a very holy use. Now to return again to our purpose: The worthy Sacrament of the ●ordes body and blood, hath his prescribed order & rule. And, so that this holy sacrament be, according to the practice of his blessed institution, both ministered and received together. The election and appointment of the time thereof, is referred and left to the godly discretion of Christ's Church. For the Apostle saith: Quotiescumque. etc. As oft as ye eat this bread and drink of this culpe, i Cor. xi. ye shall show the lords death, until he come. Nevertheless, omitted it may not be, nor left undone, but used in due time accordingly, and in such sort, as is appointed by the word of God, mat. xxvi. Luke. xx. i Cori. xi. who saith: ☞ Take ye, eat ye, drink ye all of it: Do this, in the remembrance of me. And by his Apostle, he hath given this order, that we which mind to be partakers of this holy Communion, shall have no contention nor strife among ourselves but reform our abuses: coming here unto, not only together, but also after a better sort, What things are required afore the holy communion. rather than after such evil wise, as we happily heretofore have done: One to tarry for another without disdain, and (afore we eat of this bread and drink of this cup) to prove, try, and examine ourselves, our minds and consciences, our words and deeds: calling our whole life and conversation earnestly to remembrance, lamenting and confessing our sins unto God calling upon him for mercy, converting us wholly unto him, knitting ourselves together in the unity of faith, and godly love: and so to come to the holy Sacrament: Where first the minister, taking the bread, giving thanks & breaking it, aught by the Lord's ensample, to deliver it unto other, The order to be kept at the holy communion. willing them also to take and eat it in remembrance of the Lord, whose words also he ought to repeat accordingly. And likewise taking the cup, to give thanks, and to deliver it to the communicantes, willing them all to drink thereof, in remembrance of the Lord. This is now the order, appointed to be observed at the ministration of this holy sacrament, The name of this holy Sacrament. i Cor. x. xi which the scripture calleth ☞ the Supper of the ●ord the Communion (or fellowship) of the body and blood of Christ. Concerning the which, if the Lord had authority to make a law, or to set an order, for the due ministration and use thereof. Then we also that be his subjects, are bound to observe the same: and neither to add aught thereto, contrary unto it, neither to minish or take away from it, any thing that he hath willed us to use: Or else, we plainly disappoint our selves, of the right title and possession of such comfortable commodities, as we, by virtue of this heavenly covenant and bargain, should elece be sure of. For as this is a special gift, appointed by the last will and testament of our Saviour Christ, who in the true ministration of this his holy sacrament (by the operation of this blessed spirit) hath promised to make just deliverance of the thing promised, So is it by him conditioned afore hand, that we shall duly receive and use the same: and not to eat of the bread, or drink of the cup of the Lord unworthily, i Cor. xi. to our own damnation. In Civil causes the like order taketh place. Where a leace is made, it must not only be signed, sealed, & delivered, but also received, and the party put in possession: Not delivered (I say) by every man, but only by him or his deputy, that hath authority to make or give the leace: neither may every man receive and ennjoye it, save only he, to whom it is made or given, or that hath right thereto. Again, a leace commonly is not made without conditions: which if they be broken, doth not the farmer than forfeit his leace? And what mean we else by this, but even to show that it is an horrible thing, & far out of order, that while the Lord in this his holy Sacrament offereth us so large a covenant of mercy, we shall think scorn, to keep the conditions thereof, and the rules that he hath prescribed unto us? No man doubtless (not not in Civil matters) would be so served: where like as it is no bargain, till both parties be agreed, so cometh it to no perfect effect, neither can it stand unless the duties, conditions & promises be kept. Nevertheless this thing shall appear much more evident, if we compare the practice of these present miserable days▪ to the order of the ●ord and his Apostles in the primitive church, & lay the one against the other. As for the performance of the conditions on his party, there is no doubt: For where as he covenanteth with us in this holy Sacrament, so to feed, nourish, & comfort our consciences, that he will even seal us unto himself, set his mark upon us, and take us for his own. He certif●eth us assuredly, that upon such conditions, as we also upon our allegiance, are bound to keep (which we must either do, or else become unworthy Receivers to our damnation) we have fellowship with him, and are partakers of the same eternal life, that he himself hath purchased for us in his body and blood. But how now? How keep we our touch with him? By his order there should be no schism nor dissension among us, about this matter: And yet Lord what a business is there about the defence of a new found transubstantiation, to prove that bread is not bread, Ye shall see shortly a book when every part of the mass began. and that after the reciting of a few words of the Lord, there remaineth the substance, neither of bread nor wine? And what a do is there, about the manner of Christ's presence in the Sacrament? Lord what tossing & turning, what detorting and wresting of the Scriptures is there, to prove the carnal & natural presence of Christ's flesh and blood (yea that in the form of bread, there is contained the only natural substance of Christ, God and man, flesh blood & bone) to the utter confounding of the two natures in Christ, though both the circumstance of Christ's action, the properties of his humaniti, the nature of a Sacrament, the Articles of the Christian faith, the evident testimonies, aswell of the scripture, as of those that are esteemed the best and most worthy ancient writers, declare the contrary? Men should reform all abuses about this matter, and come to it in a better sort than they have done: And do they not wilfully keep & maintain their abuses still? Yea, are they not every day in their doings worse & worse▪ Men should come to the Sacrament together, and the will godly assemble to communicate as brothers & sisters in the Lord. But Alas, they make a massing matter of it: where on man alone taketh upon him to receive the thing that the whole congregation ought to be partakers of: & where one should rather tarry for another, then that any disorder should be committed about so worthy a Sacrament. Men ought first to prove and eramen well their consciences, to call themselves, their thoughts words and deede● justly to account, earnestly to repent them of their sins, to lament & bewail their manifold offences, to acknowledge and confess them unto God, heartily to call on him for mercy, wholly to convert unto him, and lovingly to reconcile themselves wit● their neighbours, afore they presume to approach unto the table of the Lord. And do they not yet fall into it like Hogs, wallowing still in the filthenes of their abominable living with out any just remorse of conscience, with out any true repentance or amendment of life & without such chartable reconciliation, as was wont to be among the worthy Communicantes of Christ's holy Sacrament? The Priest ought so to minister, & in such a language, that the people might understand what he saith: But he huddling it up in a corner by himself, mumbleth we can not tell what. His duty is sensibly to declare unto us the lords death: that we thereby might be stirred up, aswell to remember & taste the sweetness of this mystery of our redemption, as to be thankful unto the Lord for the same: But the priest speaking to the wall, & not unto us, keepeth us still in blind ignorance. So that as we cannot consider what the Lord hath done, doth, or offereth to do for us, so is it no marvel, that we remain still unthankful, We should at the ministration and receipt of the Sacrament, have good natural bread: but in stead thereof, we have printed waifers, and such starched stuff, as is not pure & perfect bread, nor like unto that which was used in the eating of the Lords holy Supper at the first. The Lord biddeth his disciples take the bread: but our lay people (whom we trust yet to be the Lords disciples) are forbidden to touch it. The Lord saith: Take ye, & eat ye, he saith not, take thou it alone, and let no man else eat with the. He saith, take and eat: he saith not, lift it up above your heads: But now the Priests take and life it up an high. He sayeth: Take and eat, and saith not hang it up: But now it is taken & hanged up by a line or cord. He saith: Take and eat, and saith not, take and worship it as God: But now men crouch and kneel unto it, honour and worship it as their maker. The Lord saith. Take & eat: He saith not, put it up in store. or keep it in a box till another time: But now it is reserved & carried about in procession, and in the streets, that the people may fall down (yea, when they see it not) knock their breasts & worship it. The Lord saith: Do this in remembrance of me: He sayeth not, do it in remembrance of others: but now the Priests do their Mass in remembrance of the quick & dead, in remembrance of Angels & saints: they make an oblation & sacrifice of it for the souls departed, for beasts and Catfel, for sicknesses and diseases. etc. The Lord willeth all the Disciples that were with him, to drink of the Cup, and the Evangelist saith▪ that they all drank of it: But now the part of the Sacrament is taken from the lay people, as though Christ had not shed his blood for them, as well as for others. What can we then justly look for at the lords hand to be partakers of in this worthy Sacrament, when we so unworthily disdain & think scorn to minister, receive and use it according to the Lords most holy institution: but chop and change, add and minish, after the pleasures, imaginations and fond fantasies of men, & not after the word of the Lord, nor after the rightful practice of his primitive and most pure Church? Because the Corinthians did so unworthily behave themselves about this holy Sacrament, by reason of these and such like abuses as we have now spoken of, and for that they made no difference of the lords body, that is to say, because they so little regarded not only his mystical body the church and congregation, but also the death and merits of his natural blessed body that suffered and was crucified for them: therefore (saith the Apostle) many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. And what thing else under the Sun, hath more provoked the wrath and indignation of god over us, or is a greater occasion why he withdraweth his grace & holy spirit from us, and otherwise also sendeth his sundry plagues amongst us: Yea, what hath been or is at this day, a greater cause of his displeasure, than is the most filthy and abominable idolatry and superstition of their mass, the blind and wilful abusing of the Sacrament, when neither the doctrine of the Lord is truly taught nor believed, neither those worthy fruits of repentance follow, that so godly flourished in the primitive church, & that so virtuously should appear in every one that receiveth the holy communion? But now to conclude, for our own part: This worthy Sacrament of our Lord and only saviour jesus Christ, we so honour and reverence, that we are fully resolved and perswade● (by the testimony of his holy word) that it is a singular and precious jewel▪ which the Lord himself, by his last will and testament, hath most graciously committed and left to his own holy congregation and church, to the intent that the same worthy Sacrament, which he ordained to be a special renewing of his gracious covenant with us, and an undoubted testimony and seal of his loving mercy towards us, should be also a continual and fruitful exercise of our faith love & hope to himward, & a mighty provocation unto charity and all good works among ourselves. So as we first duly examining our own consciences, and then assembling our selves orderly to that solemn memorial of our redemption, hearing there the death of the Lord, declared unto us: calling the same in special (and all other his benefits in general) most thankfully to remembrance: lamenting, bewailing, and repenting us earnestly of our sins: knowledging & confessing them unto God, ●euoutlye calling upon him for mercy, professing a new virtuous life: converting us wholly unto him, & forgeveing one another in brotherly reconciliation from the bottom of our hearts, should in the unity of the holy Ghost, approach reverently unto the table of the Lord, and worthily receive such notable increase of heavenly comfort, & spiritual repast in our consciences, as He there for that purpose (by the communion and fellowship that we have with him in his precious body & blood) most lovingly doth offer unto us, even clothing us, as it were with a new power and strength from above: that we being armed a fresh with his own weapons, may from henceforth fight the more valiantly under his banner, against the flesh, the world, & the Devil: which to do, he grant us his grace and holy spirit. Amen. ¶ From Wittonburge by Nichola● Dorcastor. Ann. M.D.Liiii. the xiiii of May.