THE Duty of Dissenters, With respect to the late ACT of INDULGENCE OF King WILLIAM and Queen MARY: WHEREIN The several Conditions Required of them in that Act, are at large Recited.  
CONTAINING 

I. A Summary of the said Act, with the Oaths and Declarations thereby enjoined to be Taken and Subscribed.  
II. The Thirty Nine Articles of the Church of England, at large.  
III. The Three Creeds Approved by the Eighth Article of the Church of England, viz. The Nicene Creed, The Creed of Athanasius, And that commonly called, The Apostles Creed.    
Collected together for the better Information, Benefit, and Ease of all Dissenters.  
To which is prefixed a short Epistle, giving an Account of the Design of the Book.  

licenced, June the 15th. 1689.   
LONDON: Printed and Sold by George Larkin, at the Two-Swans without Bishopsgate. MDCLXXXIX.   

THE EPISTLE TO THE READER, Giving a brief Account of the Design of this BOOK.  
Christian Reader,  
IT having pleased the Almighty, in whose Hand the Hearts of Kings are, to incline their Majesties with their great Council of Parliament, upon certain Terms, to Establish Liberty by a Law, for Dissenting Protestants to Worship God, according as in their own Consciences they are persuaded is most agreeable to his Will. It cannot but be an acceptable Work to all sober persons to have those Terms Collected and presented to their view all at once, without the trouble of turning to the several Books wherein they are, being such as many,( especially of the meaner sort in the Country) cannot easily come at, and having them thus at once before them, may have their Hearts enlarged to praise God for so great a Mercy at so cheap a rate; which they would have been content to purchase at a far greater Price not many Years ago; and may thereby also be engaged in their several Stations Cordially to Serve His Majesty; Pray for his Welfare, and Promote his Interest, who as he has been our Glorious Deliverer from the Wild Boars who would have trod down the Vine, did not disdain( absit verbo invidia) to become a solicitor for this Liberty, that the little Foxes might not spoil the Grapes. May therefore the blessing of those who were ready to perish, come upon him.  
Thou mayest further by what is here presented, see the Center of our Unity, and how all Protestants even in their misapprehensions agree in the whole Substantials of Religion, and therefore, what reason there is to live in Mutual Love: How minute those things are in themselves, which by the artifice of our Common Enemies have been made use of to divide and ruin us, and what sort of Friends to our Religion they are, who as they vigorously Opposed, do daily Murmur against this healing Act.  
There are these two or three things following, which deserve a Premonition, and then I shall leave you to peruse the Terms themselves.  
1. That those Articles of the Church of England, to which Dissenters are not enjoined to subscribe, are Printed in an italic or different Character.  
2. That whereas there is a Reflection in the 38th Article upon the Anabaptists; the Reader is not to conceive, that those who now in England go under that Name, are any ways concerned in it; seeing it was directed against those German Enthusiasts, the followers of John of Leyden, &c. from whose Principles( that of Baptism excepted) the English Anabaptists do as much differ as any other Protestants.  
3. That whereas some may scruple the Subscription of that Article in the Creed, of Christs descending into Hell, conceiving the same to be meant of a Local Descent; they are desired to take notice of the different sense which Protestants, and even those of the Church of England, understand it in, viz. Some that he really descended thither; others that his Body continued under the Power of Death, and in the State of the Dead, till the third Day; and a third sort that it is onely meant of his enduring the pains of Hell, viz. The Infinite Wrath of God, both in the Garden and upon the across: And seeing the Law-givers have not declared which is their sense, it is supposed to be left to every one to enjoy his own.  
farewell.   

THE Duty of Dissenters, &c,  
IT having pleased Their Majesties and the High Court of Parliament in their great Wisdom and Goodness to give some Ease to their Dissenting Protestant Subjects,( who have a long time groaned under the heavy Burden of several Penal Laws made in former Reigns against them, and in the late times Executed upon them with so much Rigour and Cruelty,) They have been Graciously pleased to make a late Act, entitled, An Act for Exempting Their Majesties Protestant Subjects, Dissenting from the Church of England, from the Penalties of Certain Laws; by which Act the Dissenters( to their great satisfaction) may now Enjoy the Liberty of Worshipping God according to their Consciences. In Order whereunto, it is by the said Act provided nevertheless, That all those who intend to Enjoy the benefit thereof, do comply with the Terms and Conditions hereafter mentioned, viz.  
I. That they take the Oaths mentioned in an Act, entitled, An Act for removing, and preventing all Questions and Disputes, concerning the Assembling and Sitting of this present Parliament: Which Oaths are therein expressed, in these words following:  
I A. B. do sincerely Promise and Swear, That I will be faithful, and bear true Allegiance to their Majesties, King WILLIAM and Queen MARY: So help me God.  
I A. B. do Swear, That I do from my heart abhor, detest and abjure, as Impious and Heretical, that Damnable Doctrine and Position, That Princes Excommunicated, or Deprived by the Pope, or any Authority of the See of Rome, may be Deposed or murdered by their Subjects, or any other whatsoever; And I do declare; That no foreign Prince, Person, Prelate, State or Potentate hath, or ought to have any Power, Jurisdiction, Superiority, pre-eminence or Authority, Ecclesiastical or Spiritual, within this Realm: So help me God.  
II. That they make and Subscribe the Declaration mentioned in a Statute made in the Thirtieth Year of the Reign of King CHARLES the Second, entitled, An Act to prevent Papists from Sitting in either House of Parliament; which Declaration is expressed therein in these words following:  
I A. B. do solemnly and sincerely, in the presence of God, Profess, Testify, and Declare, That I do believe, That in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper there is not any Transubstantiation of the Elements of Bread and Wine into the Body and Blood of Christ, at, or after the Consecration thereof by any person whatsoever; And that the Invocation or Adoration of the Virgin Mary, or any other Saint, and the Sacrifice of the Mas●, as they are now used in the Church of Rome, are Superstitious and Idolatrous. And I solemnly, in the presence of God, profess, testify and declare, That I do make this declaration, and every part thereof, in the plain and ordinary sense of the words red unto me, as they are commonly understood by English Protestants, without any Evasion, Equivocation, or Mental-reservation whatsoever; and without any Dispensation already granted me for this purpose by the Pope, or any Authority or Person whatsoever; or without any hope of any such Dispensation from any person or Authority whatsoever; or without thinking that I am, or can be acquitted before God or Man, or absolved of this Declaration, or any part thereof, although the Pope or any other person or persons, or Power whatsoever, should dispense with or Annul the same; or declare that it was null and voided from the beginning.  
Which Oaths and Declaration, the Justices of the Peace, at the General Sessions of the Peace, to be held for the County or place where such persons shall live, are hereby required to tender and administer to such persons as shall offer themselves, to take, make and subscribe the same; and thereof to keep a Register. For entering of which, they are to pay but sixpence; and for taking out a Certificate thereof, to pay sixpence; and no more.  
And that every Justice of the Peace may at any time hereafter, require any person that goes to any Meeting, for Exercise of Religion, to make and subscribe the Declaration aforesaid; and also to take the said Oaths, or Declaration of Fidelity herein after mentioned, in case such person scruples the taking of an Oath, and upon refusal thereof, to commit such person to Prison, with Bail or Mainprize: Which Declaration of Fidelity is expressed in these words, viz.  
I A. B. do sincerely promise, and solemnly declare, before God and the World, That I will be true and faithful to King WILLIAM and Queen MARY; and do solemnly profess and declare, That I do from my heart abhor, detest, and renounce, as impious and heretical, That damnable Doctrine and Position, That Princes Excommunicated, or deprived by the Pope, or any Authority of the See of Rome, may be Deposed or murdered by their Subjects, or any other whatsoever. And I do declare, That no foreign Prince, Person, Prelate, State, or Potentate hath, or ought to have any Power, Jurisdiction, Superiority, pre-eminence, or Authority, Ecclesiastical or Spiritual, within this Realm.  
And shall Subscribe a Profession of their Christian belief in these words:  
I A. B. Profess Faith in God the the Father, and in Jesus Christ his Eternal Son, the true God, and in the holy Spirit, one God, blessed for evermore; And to aclowledge the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, to be given by Divine Inspiration.  
Which Declarations and Subscription shall be made and Entered of Record, at the General or Quarter Sessions of the Peace, for the County, City, or place, where every such Person shall then reside.  
Provided, That such who refuse to take the Oaths, when tendered to them, shall not be admitted to make and subscribe the two Declarations aforesaid, tho required thereto, unless such Persons can within Thirty one Days, after such tender of the Declarations to him, produce two sufficient Protestant Witnesses to testify upon Oath, that they believe him to be a Protestant Dissenter, or a Certificate under the Hands of four Protestants, who are conformable to the Church of England, and have taken the Oaths, and subscribed the Declaration abovementioned, and shall also produce a Certificate, under the Hands and Seal of six or more sufficient Men of the Congregation to which he belongs, owning him for one of them.  
Provided also, that until such Certificates be produced, the Justice of the Peace is required to take a recognisance with two Sureties in the penal Sum of Fifty pounds for his producing the same; or if he cannot give such Security, to commit him to Prison, there to remain until he can.  
Provided always, That if any Assembly of Persons dissenting from the Church of England, shall be had in any place for Religious Worship with the Doors locked, barred, or bolted, during any time of such Meeting together, all and every Person that shall come to, and be at such Meeting, shall not receive any Benefit from this Law, notwithstanding his taking the Oaths, and Subscribing the Declaration aforesaid.  
Provided, That nothing in this Act be construed to exempt any Persons from paying of tithes, or any other Duties to the Church or Minister.  
Provided, That the Laws made for frequenting Divine Service, be in force against all Persons that offend against them, except such Persons come to some Congregation of Worship, Allowed of by this Act.  
Provided always, That no Congregation or Assembly for Religious Worship shall be permitted, or allowed by this Act, until the place of such Meeting be certified to the Bishop of the diocese, or to the archdeacon of that Arch-Deaconry, or to the Justices of the Peace at the General or Quarter Sessions of the Peace, for the County, City or Place, in which such Meeting shall be held, which is there to be registered, and a Certificate to be delivered for sixpence, when demanded.  
Lastly, There is required of every Preacher over and above the aforesaid Injunctions, That he do declare his Approbation of, and Subscribe the Articles of Religion, mentioned in the Statute made in the Thirteenth Year of the Reign of the late Queen Elizabeth, except the Thirty fourth, about the Traditions of the Church; the Thirty fifth, concerning Homilies; and the Thirty sixth, of Consecration of Bishops and Ministers; and these words of the Twentieth Article, viz. The Church hath Power to Decree Rights or Ceremonies, and Authority in Controversies of Faith. And yet— And those who scruple the Baptizing of Infants, may except part of the Twenty seventh Article, Touching Infant Baptism.   

The Thirty Nine Articles of Religion, which Dissenters are obliged to Approve of, and Subscribe unto, except part of the Twentieth, the Thirty fourth, Thirty fifth, and Thirty sixth Articles, which are here put in a different Character.  

1. Of Faith in the Holy Trinity.  
THere is but one living and true God, everlasting, without Body, Parts, or Passions; of Infinite Power, Wisdom, and Goodness; the Maker and Preserver of all things both visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead there be three Persons, of one Substance, Power, and Eternity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.   

2. Of the Word or Son of God, which was made Very Man.  
THe Son, which is the Word of the Father, begotten from everlasting of the Father, the very and Eternal God, of one substance with the Father, took mans nature in the Womb of the blessed Virgin, of her Substance: so that two whole and perfect natures, that is to say, the Godhead and Manhood, were joined together in one person, never to be divided, whereof is one Christ, very God and very Man, who truly suffered, was crucified, dead and butted, to reconcile his Father to us, and to be a sacrifice, not only for original guilt, but also for actual sins of men.   

3. Of the going down of Christ into Hell.  
AS Christ died for us, and was butted: so also is it to be believed, that he went down into hell.   

4. Of the Resurrection of Christ.  
CHrist did truly rise again from death, and took again his body, with flesh, bones, and all things appertaining to the perfection of mans nature, wherewith he ascended into heaven, and there sitteth, until he return to judge all men at the last day.   

5. Of the Holy Ghost.  
THe Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son, is of one Substance, Majesty and Glory, with the Father and the Son, very and eternal God.   

6. Of the sufficiency of the holy Scriptures for Salvation.  
HOly Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation, so that whatsoever is not red therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it should be believed as an Article of the Faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation. In the name of the holy Scripture, we do understand those caconical Books of the Old and New Testament, of whose authority was never any doubt in the Church.  

¶ Of the Names and Number of the caconical Books.  
GEnesis.  
Exodus.  
Leviticus.  
Numbers.  
Deuteronomy.  
Joshua.  
Judges.  
Ruth.  
The 1. Book of Samuel.  
The 2. Book of Samuel.  
The 1. Book of Kings.  
The 2. Book of Kings.  
The 1. Book of Chronicles.  
The 2. Book of Chronicles.  
The 1. Book of Esdras.  
The 2. Book of Esdras.  
The Book of Hester.  
The Book of Job.  
The Psalms.  
The Proverbs.  
Ecclesiastes, or Preacher.  
Cantica, or Songs of Solomon.  
4 Prophets the greater.  
12 Prophets the less.   
And the other Books( as jerome saith) the Church doth red for example of life and instruction of manners: but yet doth it not apply them to establish any Doctrine. Such are these following.  

The 3. Book of Esdras.  
The 4. Book of Esdras.  
The Book of Tobias.  
The Book of Judeth.  
The rest of the Book of Hester.  
The Book of Wisdom.  
Jesus the son of mirach.  
Baruch the Prophet.  
The Song of the three Children.  
The Story of Susanna.  
Of Bell and the Dragon.  
The Prayer of Manasses.  
The 1. Book of Maccabees.  
The 2. Book of Maccabees.   
All the Books of the New Testament, as they are commonly received, we do receive, and account them caconical.   

7. Of the Old Testament.  
THe Old Testament is not contrary to the New: for both in the Old and New Testament, everlasting life is offered to mankind by Christ, who is the onely mediator between God and man, being both God and Man. Wherefore they are not to be heard, which feign that the old Fathers did look onely on transitory promises. Although the Law given from God by Moses, as touching Ceremonies and Rites, do not bind Christian men, nor the civil Precepts thereof ought of necessity to be received in any Common-wealth: yet notwithstanding, no christian man whatsoever, is free from the obedience of the Commandments which are called Moral.   

8. Of the Three Creeds.  
THe three Creeds, 
* See these Creeds at large after the Articles.  Nice Creed, Athanasius Creed, and that which is commonly called the Apostles Creed, ought thoroughly to be received and believed: for they may be proved by most certain warrants of holy Scripture.   

9. Of Original Birth or Sin.  
ORiginal Sin standeth not in the following of Adam( as the Pelagians do vainly talk) but it is the fault and corruption of the nature of every Man, that naturally is engendered of the offspring of Adam, whereby man is very far gone from original Righteousness, and is of his own nature inclined to evil, so that the flesh lusteth always contrary to the Spirit; and therefore in every person born into this world, it deserveth Gods wrath and damnation. And this infection of nature doth remain; yea, in them that are regenerated, whereby the lust of the flesh, called in Greek, 〈◇〉 which some do expound the wisdom, some sensuality, some the affection, some the desire of the flesh, is not subject to the law of God. And although there is no condemnation for them that believe and are baptized, yet the Apostle doth confess, that concupiscence and lust hath of itself the nature of sin.   

10. Of Free-will.  
THe condition of man after the fall of Adam, is such, That he cannot turn and prepare himself by his own natural strength and good works to faith and calling upon God: wherefore we have no power to do good works pleasant and acceptable to God without the grace of God by Christ preventing us, that we may have a good will, and working with us when we have that good will.   

11. Of the Justification of man.  
WE are accounted righteous before God, onely for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ by Faith, and not for our own works, or deservings. Wherefore, that we are justified by faith onely, is a most wholesome Doctrine, & very full of comfort, as more largely is expressed in the Homily of Justification.   

12. Of Good Works.  
ALbeit that good works, which are the fruits of faith, and follow after Justification, cannot put away our sins, and endure the severity of Gods judgement, yet are they pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ, and do spring out necessary of a true and lively faith, insomuch that by them a lively faith may be as evidently known, as a three discerned by the fruit.   

13. Of works before Justification.  
WOrks done before the grace of Christ, and the inspiration of his Spirit, are not pleasant to God, forasmuch as they spring not of Faith in Jesus Christ, neither do they make men meet to receive grace, or( as the School-Authors say) deserve grace of congruity: yea, rather for that they are not done as God hath willed and commanded them to be done, we doubt not but they have the nature of sin.   

14. Of works of Supererogation.  
VOluntary Works besides, over and above Gods Commandments, which they call Works of Supererogation, cannot be taught without arrogancy and impiety. For by them men do declare, That they do not onely render unto God as much as they are bound to do, but that they do more for his sake, then of bound duty is required: whereas Christ saith plainly, When ye have done all that are commanded to you, say, We are unprofitable servants.   

15. Of Christ alone without sin.  
CHrist in the truth of our nature, was like unto us in all things( sin onely except) from which he was clearly voided, both in his flesh, and in Spirit. He came to be a Lamb without spot, who by sacrifice of himself once made, should take away the sins of the world: and sin( as St. John saith) was not in him. But all we the rest( although baptized, and born again in Christ) yet offend in many things, and if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.   

16. Of Sin after Baptism.  
NOt every deadly sin willingly committed after Baptism, is sin against the holy Ghost, and unpardonable. Wherefore the grant of repentance is not to be denied to such as fall into sin after Baptism. After we have received the holy Ghost, we may depart from grace given, and fall into sin, and by the grace of God( we may) arise again, and amend our lives. And therefore they are to be condemned, which say they can no more sin as long as they live here, to deny the place of forgiveness to such as truly repent.   

17. Of Predestination and Election.  
PRedestination to life, is the everlasting purpose of God, whereby( before the foundations of the world were laid) he hath constantly Decreed by his Counsel, secret to us, to deliver from curse and damnation, those whom he hath chosen in Christ out of mankind, and to bring them by Christ to everlasting salvation as vessels made to honour. Wherefore they which be endowed with so excellent a benefit of God, be called according to Gods purpose by his Spirit working in due season: they through grace obey the calling: they be justified freely: they be made sons of God by adoption: they be made like the image of his onely begotten Son Jesus Christ: they walk religiously in good works, and at length by Gods mercy they attain to everlasting felicity.  
As the godly consideration of Predestination and our Election in Christ, is full of sweet, pleasant and unspeakable comfort to godly persons, and such as feel in themselves the working of the Spirit of Christ, mortifying the works of the flesh, and their earthly members, and drawing up their mind to high and heavenly things, as well because it doth greatly establish and confirm their faith of eternal salvation, to be enjoyed through Christ, as because it doth fervently kindle their love towards God: So, for curious and carnal persons lacking the Spirit of Christ, to have continually before their eyes the sentence of Gods Predestination, is a most dangerous downfall, whereby the devil doth thrust them either into desperation, or into wretchlesness of most unclean living, no less perilous then desperation.  
Furthermore, we must receive Gods promises in such wise as they be generally set forth to us in holy Scripture: and in our doings, that will of God is to be followed, which we have expressly declared unto us in the Word of God.   

18. Of obtaining Eternal Salvation only by the Name of Christ.  
THey also are to be had Accursed, that presume to say, that every man shall be Saved by the Law or Sect which he professeth, so that he be diligent to frame his Life according to that Law and the light of Nature. For holy Scripture doth set out unto us only the Name of Jesus Christ, whereby Men must be Saved.   

19. Of the Church.  
THe visible Church of Christ is a Congregation of faithful men, in the which the pure Word of God is preached, and the Sacraments be duly ministered, according to Christs Ordinance, in all those things that of necessity are requisite to the same.  
As the Church of Jerusalem, Alexandria and Antioch have erred: So also the Church of Rome hath erred, not onely in their living and manner of Ceremonies, but also in matters of Faith.   

20. Of the Authority of the Church.  
THe Church hath power to decree Rites or Ceremonies, and Authority in Controversies of Faith: And yet[ 
* To this first Paragraph, Dissenters are not Obliged to Subscribe. ] it is not lawful for the Church to ordain any thing that is contrary to Gods Word written, neither may it so expound one place of Scripture, that it be repugnant to another. Wherefore although the Church be a Witness and a Keeper of Holy Writ, yet as it ought not to Decree any thing against the same, so besides the same ought it not to enforce any thing to be believed for necessity of Salvation.   

21. Of the Authority of General Councils.  
GEneral Councils may not be gathered together without the Commandment and Will of Princes. And when they be gathered together( forasmuch as they be an Assembly of men, whereof all be not governed with the Spirit and Word of God) they may err, and sometime have erred, even in things pertaining unto God. Wherefore things ordained by them as necessary to salvation, have neither strength nor authority, unless it may be declared that they be taken out of Holy Scripture.   

22. Of Purgatory.  
THe Romish Doctrine concerning Purgatory, Pardons, worshipping and Adoration, as well of Images, as of relics, and also Invocation of Saints; is a fond thing, vainly invented, and grounded upon no warranty of Scripture, but rather repugnant to the Word of God.   

23. Of ministering in the Congregation.  
IT is not lawful for any man to take upon him the Office of public Preaching, or ministering the Saeraments in the Congregation, before he be lawfully called, and sent to execute the same. And those we ought to judge lawfully called and sent, which be chosen and called to this Work by men who have public Authority given unto them in the Congregation, to call and sand Ministers into the Lords Vineyard.   

24. Of speaking in the Congregation, in such a Tongue as the people understandeth.  
IT is a thing plainly repugnant to the Word of God, and the custom of the primitive Church, to have public prayer in the Church, or to Minister the Scraments in a Tongue not understood of the People.   

25. Of the Sacraments.  
SAcraments ordained of Christ, be not only badges or tokens of Christian Mens Profession: but rather they be certain sure Witnesses, and effectual signs of Grace, and Gods good Will towards us, by the which he doth work invisibly in us, and doth not only quicken but also strengthen and confirm our faith in him.  
There are two Sacraments ordained of Christ our Lord in the Gospel, that is to say, Baptism and the Supper of the Lord.  
Those five commonly called Sacraments, that is to say, Confirmation, Penance, Orders, Matrimony, and Extreme Unction, are not to be counted for Sacraments of the Gospel, being such as have grown, partly of the corrupt following of the Apostles, partly are states of life allowed in the Scriptures: but yet have not like nature of Sacraments with Baptism and the Lords Supper, for that they have not any visible Sign or Ceremony ordained of God.  
The Sacraments were not ordained of Christ to be gazed upon, or to be carried about, but that we should duly use them. And in such only as worthily receive the same, they have a wholesome effect or operation: but they that receive them unworthily, purchase to themselves damnation, as St. Paul saith.   

26. Of the unworthiness of the Ministers, which hinder not the effects of the Sacraments.  
ALthough in the visible Church the evil be ever mingled with the good, and sometime the evil have chief Authority in the Ministration of the Word and Sacraments: yet forasmuch as they do not the same in their own name, but in Christs, and do Minister by his Commission and Authority, we may use their Ministry, both in hearing the Word of God, and in the receiving of the Sacraments. Neither is the effect of Christs ordinance taken away by their wickedness, nor the grace of Gods gifts diminished from such, as by faith, and rightly do receive the Sacraments ministered unto them, which be effectual, because of Christs Institution and Promise, although they be ministered by evil Men.  
Nevertheless, it appertaineth to the Discipline of the Church, that enquiry be made of evil Ministers, and that they be accused by those that have knowledge of their offences: and finally being found guilty, by just judgement be deposed.   

27. Of Baptism.  
BAptism is not onely a Sign of Profession, and Mark of Difference, whereby Christian Men are discerned from others that be not Christened: but it is also a Sign of Regeneration or New Birth, whereby, as by an instrument, they that receive Baptism rightly, are grafted into the Church: the promises of the forgiveness of Sin, and of our adoption to be the Sons of God, by the holy Ghost, are visibly Signed and Sealed: Faith is confirmed, and Grace increased by virtue of Prayer unto God. 
* Baptists are not obliged to Subscribe this last Paragraph.  The Baptism of young Children is in any wise to be retained in the Church, as most agreeable with the Institution of Christ.   

28. Of the Lords Supper.  
THe Supper of the Lord is not onely a sign of the love that Christians ought to have among themselves one to another: but rather it is a Sacrament of our Redemption by Christs death: Insomuch that to such as rightly, worthily, and with faith receive the same, the Bread which we break, is a partaking of the Body of Christ: and likewise the Cup of blessing, is a partaking of the Blood of Christ.  
Transubstantiation( or the change of the substance of Bread and Wine) in the Supper of the Lord, cannot be proved by holy Writ: but it is repugnant to the plain words of Scripture, overthroweth the nature of a Sacrament, and hath given occasion to many superstitions.  
The Body of Christ is given, taken, and eaten in the Supper onely after an heavenly and spiritual manner. And the mean whereby the Body of Christ is received and eaten in the Supper, is Faith.  
The Sacrament of the Lords Supper was not by Christs ordinance reserved, carried about, lifted up, or worshipped.   

29. Of the wicked which eat not the Body of Christ in the use of the Lords Supper.  
THe wicked and such as be voided of a lively faith, although they do carnally and visibly press with their Teeth( as St. Augustine saith) the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ: yet in no wise are they partakers of Christ, but rather to their condemnation do eat and drink the Sign or Sacrament of so great a thing.   

30. Of both kinds.  
THe Cup of the Lord is not to be denied to the Lay people: For both the parts of the Lords Sacrament, by Christs ordinance and commandment, ought to be ministered to all Christian Men alike.   

31. Of the one Oblation of Christ finished upon the across.  
THe Offering of Christ once made, is that perfect Redemption, Propitiation, and Satisfaction for all the sins of the whole World, both Original and Actual, and there is none other satisfaction for sin, but that alone. Wherefore the Sacrifices of Masses, in the which it was commonly said, that the Priest did offer Christ for the quick and the dead, to have Remission of pain or guilt, were Blasphemous Fables, and dangerous deceits.   

32. Of the Marriage of Priests.  
BIshops, Priests, and Deacons, are not commanded by Gods Law, either to vow the estate of single life, or to abstain from Marriage: Therefore it is lawful for them, as for all other Christian Men, to mary at their own discretion, as they shall judge the same to serve better to godliness.   

33. Of Excommunicate persons, how they are to be avoided.  
THat person which by open denunciation of the Church, is rightly cut off from the unity of the Church, and Excommunicated, ought to be taken of the whole multitude of the faithful, as an Heathen and Publican, until he be openly reconciled by Penance, and received into the Church by a Judge that hath Authority thereunto.   

34. Of the Traditions of the Church.  
IT is not necessary that Traditions and Ceremonies be in all places one, or utterly like; for at all times they have been divers, and may be changed according to the diversity of Countries, Times, and Mens Manners, so that nothing be Ordained against Gods Word. Whosoever through his private judgement, willingly and purposely doth openly break the Traditions and Ceremonies of the Church, which be not repugnant to the Word of God, and be Ordained and approved by common Authority, ought to be rebuked openly,( that other may fear to do the like) as he that offendeth against the Common Order of the Church, and hurteth the Authority of the Magistrate, and woundeth the Consciences of the weak Brethren.  
Every particular or National Church, hath Authority to Ordain, change, and abolish Ceremonies or Rites of the Church, ordained onely by Mans Authority, so that all things be done to Edifying.   

35. Of Homilies.  
THe second Book of Homilies, the several Titles whereof we have joined under this Article, doth contain a Godly and wholesome Doctrine, and necessary for these times, as doth the former Book of Homilies, which were set forth in the time of Edward the 6th; and therefore we judge them to be red in Churches by the Ministers, diligently and distinctly, that they may be understood of the People.  


¶ Of the Names of the Homilies.  
1 OF the right use of the Church.  
2 Against Peril of Idolatry.  
3 Of repairing and keeping clean of Churches.  
4 Of good Works, first of Fasting.  
5 Against Gluttony and Drunkenness.  
6 Against excess of Apparel.  
7 Of Prayer.  
8 Of the place and time of Prayer.  
9 That Common-Prayers and Sacraments ought to be ministered in a known Tongue.  
10 Of the reverend Estimation of Gods Word.  
11 Of Alms-doing.  
12 Of the Nativity of Christ.  
13 Of the Passion of Christ.  
14 Of the Resurrection of Christ.  
15 Of the Worthy receiving of the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ.  
16 Of the Gifts of the Holy Ghost.  
17 For the Rogation Days.  
18 Of the state of Matrmony.  
19 Of Repentance.  
20 Against Idleness.  
21 Against Rebellion.     

36. Of Consecration of Bishops and Ministers.  
THe Book of Consecration of Arch-bishops and Bishops, and Ordering of Priests and Deacons, lately set forth in the time of Edward the Sixth, and confirmed at the same time by Authority of Parliament, doth contain all things necessary to such Consecration and Ordering: neither hath it any thing that of itself is superstitious and ungodly. And therefore whosoever are Consecrated, or Ordered according to the Rites of that Book, since the Second Year of the aforenamed King Edward, unto this time, or hereafter shall be Consecrated or Ordered according to the same Rites, we decree all such to be rightly, orderly, and lawfully Consecrated and Ordered.   

37. Of the Civil Magistrates.  
THe Queens Majesty hath the chief Power in this Realm of England, and other her Dominions, unto whom the chief Government of all Estates of this Realm, whether they be Ecclesiastical or Civil, in all Causes doth appertain, and is not, nor ought to be subject to any Foreign Jurisdiction.  
Whereas we Attribute to the Queens Majesty the chief Government, by which Titles we understand the Minds of some slanderous folks to be offended: We give not to our Princes the ministering either of Gods Word, or of the Sacraments, the which thing the Injunctions also lately set forth by Elizabeth our Queen do most plainly testify: But that onely Prerogative which we see to have been given always to all Godly Princes in holy Scriptures by God himself, that is, that they should Rule all Estates and Degrees committed to their charge by God, whether they be Ecclesiastical or Temporal, and restrain with the Civil Sword the stubborn and evil doers.  
The Bishop of Rome hath no Jurisdiction in this Realm of England.  
The Laws of this Realm may punish Christian Men with death for heinous and grievous Offences.  
It is lawful for Christian Men, at the Commandment of the Magistrate, to wear Weapons, and serve in the Wars.   

38. Of Christian Mens Goods, which are not common.  
THe Riches and Goods of Christians are not common, as touching the Right, Title, and Possession of the same, as certain Anabaptists do falsely boast. Notwithstanding, every Man ought of such things as he possesseth, liberally to give Alms to the Poor, according to his ability.   

39. Of a Christian Mans Oath.  
AS we confess that vain and rash Swearing is forbidden Christian Men by our Lord Jesus Christ, and James his Apostle: So we judge that Christian Religion doth not prohibit, but that a Man may Swear when the Magistrate requireth, in a cause of Faith and Charity, so it be done according to the Prophets Teaching, in Justice, judgement, and Truth.   

The Ratification.  
THis Book of Articles before rehearsed, is again approved, and allowed to be holden and executed within the Realm, by the assent and consent of our Sovereign Lady ELIZABETH, by the Grace of God, of England, France, and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, &c. Which Articles were deliberately red, and Confirmed again by the Subscription of the hand of the Arch-bishop and Bishops of the Upper House, and by the Subscription of the whole Clergy of the Neither House in their Convocation, in the Year of our Lord, 1571.   



THE TABLE.  
1 OF Faith in the Trinity.  
2 Of Christ the Son of God.  
3 Of his going down into Hell.  
4 Of his Resurrection.  
5 Of the Holy Ghost.  
6 Of the sufficiency of the Scripture.  
7 Of the Old Testament.  
8 Of the three Creeds.  
9 Of Original Sin.  
10 Of Free will.  
11 Of Justification.  
12 Of Good Works.  
13 Of Works before Justification.  
14 Of Works of Supererogation.  
15 Of Christ alone without Sin.  
16 Of Sin after Baptism.  
17 Of Predestination and Election.  
18 Of obtaining Salvation by Christ.  
19 Of the Church.  
20 Of the Authority of the Church.  
21 Of the Authority of the General Councils.  
22 Of Purgatory.  
23 Of ministering in the Congregation.  
24 Of speaking in the Congregation.  
25 Of the Sacraments.  
26 Of the worthiness of Ministers.  
27 Of Baptism.  
28 Of the Lords Supper.  
29 Of the wicked, which Eat not the Body of Christ.  
30 Of both kinds.  
31 Of Christs one Oblation.  
32 Of the Marriage of Priests.  
33 Of Excommunicate persons.  
34 Of the Traditions of the Church.  
35 Of Homilies.  
36 Of Consecration of Ministers.  
37 Of Civil Magistrates.  
38 Of Christian Mens Goods.  
39 Of a Christian Mans Oath.  
The Ratification.      

Here followeth the Three Creeds approved of by the Eighth Article of the Church of England, foregoing; viz. I. The Nicene Creed; II. The Creed of Athanasius; III. The Creed commonly called the Apostles Creed.  

I. The Nicene Creed.  
I Believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth, and of all things Visible and Invisible:  
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Begotten Son of God, Begotten of his Father before all Worlds. God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, Begotten, not made, Being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made: Who for us Men, and for our Salvation came down from Heaven, and was Incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made Man, and was Crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was butted, and the third Day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into Heaven, and sitteth on the Right Hand of the Father. And he shall come again with Glory to Judge both the quick and the dead: Whose Kingdom shall have no end.  
And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and giver of Life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is Worshipped and Glorified, who spake by the Prophets. And I believe one catholic and apostolic Church. I aclowledge one Baptism for the Remission of Sins, and I look for the Resurrection of the dead, and the Life of the World to come. Amen.   

II. Athanasius his Creed.  
WHosoever will be saved: before all things it is necessary that he hold the catholic Faith.  
Which Faith, except every one do keep whole and undefiled: without doubt he shall perish Everlastingly.  
And the catholic Faith is this: that we Worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity;  
Neither confounding the persons: nor dividing the substance.  
For there is one person of the Father, another of the Son: and another of the Holy Ghost.  
But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost is all one: the Glory equal, the Majesty co-eternal.  
Such as the Father is, such is the Sun: and such is the Holy Ghost.  
The Father uncreate, the Son uncreate: and the Holy Ghost uncreate.  
The Father Incomprehensible, the Son Incomprehensible: and the Holy Ghost Incomprehensible.  
The Father Eternal, the Son Eternal: and the Holy Ghost Eternal.  
And yet they are not three Eternals: but one Eternal.  
As also there are not three Incomprehensibles, nor three Uncreated: but one Uncreated, and one Incomprehensible.  
So likewise the Father is Almighty, the Son Almighty: and the Holy Ghost Almighty.  
And yet they are not three Almighties: but one Almighty.  
So the Father is God, the Son is God: and the Holy Ghost is God;  
And yet they are not three Gods: but one God.  
So likewise the Father is the Lord, the Son Lord: and the Holy Ghost Lord;  
And yet not three Lords: but one Lord.  
For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity: to aclowledge every person by himself to be God and Lord;  
So are we forbidden by the catholic Religion: to say, there be three Gods, or three Lords.  
The Father is made of none: neither Created, nor Begotten.  
The Son is of the Father alone: not made, nor Created, but Begotten.  
The Holy Ghost is of the Father, and of the Son: neither made, nor Created, nor Begotten, but proceeding.  
So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons: one Holy Ghost, not three Holy Ghosts.  
And in this Trinity none is afore, or after other: none is greater, or less then another.  
But the whole three Persons are co-eternal together: and coequal.  
So that in all thing, as is aforesaid: the Unity in Trinity, and the Trinity in Unity is to be Worshipped.  
He therefore, that will be saved: must thus think of the Trinity.  
Furthermore, it is necessary to Everlasting Salvation: that he also believe rightly the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ.  
For the right Faith is, that we believe and confess: that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God, and Man;  
God of the substance of the Father, Begotten before the Worlds: and Man of the substance of his Mother, Born in the World;  
Perfect God, and perfect Man: of a reasonable Soul, and human Flesh subsisting;  
Equal to the Father, as touching his Godhead: and inferior to the Father, as touching his Manhood.  
Who although he be God, and Man: yet he is not two, but one Christ;  
One; not by Conversion of the Godhead into Flesh: but by taking of the Manhood into God:  
One altogether; not by confusion of substance: but by Unity of person.  
For as the reasonable Soul and Flesh is one Man: so God and Man is one Christ.  
Who suffered for our Salvation: descended into Hell, rose again the third Day from the Dead.  
He ascended into Heaven, he sitteth on the Right Hand of the Father, God Almighty: from whence he shall come to Judge the quick and the dead.  
At whose coming all Men shall rise again with their Bodies: and shall give account for their own Works.  
And they that have done good, shall go into Life Everlasting: and they that have done evil, into Everlasting Fire.  
This is the catholic Faith: which, except a Man believe faithfully, he cannot be saved.  
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;  
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: World without end. Amen.   

III. The Creed commonly called the Apostles Creed.  
I Believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth.  
And in Jesus Christ his onely Son our Lord, Who was Conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary, Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was Crucified, Dead, and butted, He descended into Hell, the third Day he Rose again from the Dead, He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth on the Right Hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence he shall come to Judge the quick and the dead.  
I believe in the Holy Ghost; The Holy catholic Church; The Communion of Saints; The forgiveness of Sins; The Resurrection of the Body, and the Life Everlasting. Amen.  
FINIS.