THE English Creed, CONSENTING WITH THE TRUE ANCIENT Catholic, and apostolic Church in all the points, and articles of Religion which every Christian is to know and believe that would be saved. THE FIRST part, IN MOST LOYAL MANNER TO THE GLORY OF GOD, CREDIT OF OUR Church, and displaying of all haerisies, and errors, both old and new, contrary to the faith, subscribed unto by THOMAS ROGERS. Allowed by authority. Cyprianus Epist. li. 1. epist. 4. Humanos errores, & mendacia relinquamus, & in veritate Dei maneamus. verbum Dei manet in aeternum: NON SOLO PANE VIVET HOMO I W AT LONDON▪ IMPRINTED BY JOHN WINdet for Andrew Maunsel at the brazen Serpent in Paul's church yard. 1585. REVERENDISSIMO IN CHRISTO PATRI, AC DOMINO EDMUNDO PROVIDENTIA DIVINA NORWICENSI EPISCOPO▪ RELIGIONIS VERAE, CATHOLICAE, AC ORTHODOXAE ET PROFESSORI CONSTANTI, ET FAUTORI QVIDEM SINGULARI▪ ATHEISMI, JUDAISMI, TURCISMI, PAPISMI, ANABAPTISMI, ET OMNIVM DENIQVE FANATICARUM OPINIONUM HOSTI ACERRIMO ET CAPITALI: THOMAS ROGERIUS PRIOREM HANC SYMBOLO ANGLICANO SUBSCRIPTIONIS SVAE PARTEM, HONORIS, DEBITAEQVE OBSERVANTIAE ERGO DICAT, CONSECRATQVE. To the Christian readers, and hearers, S. OF the great subscription urged from the Pastors and ministers of the word and Sacraments in a great part of this land the last year, ye can not lightly be ignorant. The causes of the same being either secret, I cannot: or not convenient to be published, I may not set down. What the event thereof will be, God he knoweth: what it hath been, according to the diversity of man's mind, diversly do men think thereof. For some are of opinion that much hurt thereby hath redounded to the Church of God, and they think not amiss in divers considerations: others, (again) wisely do suppose that it hath made not a little unto the glory of God, and comfort of his servants, as whereby a full and perfect trial of men is had, & divers of the godly notably be delivered from the manifold slanders, & wicked surmises falsely raised of them through the secret, and subtle suggestions of Satan, and his members. For, to speak first of her majesties authority in causes Ecclesiastical, (and that to offend none of God's children, but to the consolation of many) of all that have been examined, what one hath denied the same? who but most willingly, and cheerfully doth ascribe so much as the laws of this land in every respect do give unto her highness? Who but hath offered, as to subscribe, so to swear unto that article? Who but would suffer the loss, not of goods only, but of life also, for the maintenance of the same? And although the Papists do write, that to grant this unto her majesty, is loathsome and base flattery a Answer to the Execut. of justice c. 8, p. 207. , abominable and blasphemous adulation b Ibi. c. 8, p. 198. , shameful heresy, and untruth c Ibi. c. 8, p. 195 , against nature d Ibi. c. 7, p. 159. , and is not to make her next to God in her Realm, but to make her the God of her people e Ibi. c. 8, p. 298. : For the next step, say they, (unto divine adoration) is to say & believe, that a temporal King is above the Priest in causes Ecclesiastical, or that in a Christian common weal the next dignity to Christ, or God is not the priest▪ but the Prince: yet can we not to avoid the eternal displeasure of God, but think it, and to show ourselves dutiful, & loyal subjects, subscribe unto the same, having learned so to do out of God's holy word. As for the supremacy challenged by the Pope, whom (as heretofore, so daily, but most sacrilegiously) they call The general pastor f Answer to the Execut. of justice c. 6. p. 131. , yea, The common Father of all Christians, specially of princes g Ibi. c. 6, p. 121. , yea, The chief priest and pastor of our souls h Ibi. c. 5, p. 96. , yea, The supreme pastor of God's faithful people i Ibi. c, 8, p, 193. , yea, The high pastor of Christ's universal Church k Ibi. c, 3, p, 52. : and, to omit a number of such blasphemous titles, The prince of God's people l Ibi. in the preface. : as we know no such prerogative given him by the word of God, so we do utterly renounce, and altogether mislike the same. And, to come unto another Article concerning the book of common prayer, not one, that I know, hath refused simply to subscribe unto that neither. Though some deny not only that that form, but that any form of public, & ordinary prayer is to be used in the Church, and think it papistical, and give out that it doth but mock the Lord, and the Lord loatheth, and spueth it out of his mouth m ●. H. upon the 122. Psal. pub. anno 1●83. : though some again write that it hath no part of the catholic service n Owlet in his 4. reason. , and call it a Calvinistical o Answer to the Execut. of justice, c. 3, p. 50. , a schismatical p Ibi. c, 1, p, 1●. , a damnable schismatical q Ibi, c, 3, p, 38. , an heretical r Ibi, c, 2, p, 28▪ c, 8, p, 174. , an abominable service s Ibi. c. 1. p. 14. , (These be the ●●●●dest and charitable words of them whom, they say, no protestant in England is able to reprove of a●●● untruth, or slander, railing, immodesty, etc. t Ibi, c. 9, p, 212. :) yet what is that unto us? which of all God's ministers that have been tried can justly be charged so much as to favour, much less to maintain those ungodly assertion? And the authors too, who are they? Not nightbirds? Not light headed, and fugitive persons? Not our professed and known enemies? It may not be denied, but some do withhold their pens from approving that holy book in every point by subscription: yet are there none, I trust, that proudly contemn it, none that disdainfulie despise it, none but in the fear of God, and in pub. Church's always, and only do use it, and many have set their hands there-unto, and all, I doubt not but so would, were that which is offensive, reform; and that which is crooked, made straight; and that which is doubtful, made evident and plain. Which things also are for number but very few, and, therefore may the more easily be removed: and remain, for the most part, in the directions and rubrics, and therefore with less offence may be taken away. Neither doth any minister of the word, that I hear, deny by subscription to allow the book concerning the Articles, & sum of our faith, but what laws do exact, or enjoin most willingly have they offered to perform. And no cause is there why we should not so do: the authors of the same do move; the sovereign authority, whereby it was established, and is upholden, doth move; but the necessary, and all Christian doctrine therein comprised, doth most of all move us, not only in heart to like thereof, but with mouth also, and every way to praise it, and to glorify the goodness of God for the same. Our forefathers many of them desired to see that, though it were but secretly, and to the hazarding of their lands, goods, and lives, which in that book we openly and publicly to our unspeakable comfort, and profit do see maintained. Besides, it is the badge of Eng. Christians whereby we are known to the universal world not only to agree with all the godly that have been or do live at this present in the material points of religion: but also to disagree from the jews, Turks, Papists, Anabaptists, and all other profane men. So that they, or he which shall withdraw his hand from allowing the same, may vehemently be suspected to be a contemner of the sacred authority of this noble realm, and of the doctrine of Christ; a dissenter not only from all the godly in this land, and therefore not worthy to live among us: but also from the true Christians who both have lived heretofore, and remain in any reformed Church at this present time; and a favourer either of the jewish, or Turkish, or Popish, or Anabaptistical, or some ungodly, and cursed opinion, or other. These things (one of the weakest of my brethren known I confess, yet through confidence in our chief captain jesus Christ, whose all power is u Matth. 28, 18. ) I have undertaken to prove in two books or treatises: the former whereof is now before you, the other in good time, if so it please God, shall come abroad, In which advisedly look, and ye shall perceive, that the Religion established by the authority, and professed of all degrees in this land, is neither a false religion, as the Papists do think, still terming it (how like Christians judge ye) ungrateful heresy x Answer to the Execut. of justice c. 6, p. 128. , barbarous heresy y Ibi. c. 1. p. 4. c. 4. p. 71. , brutish heresy z Ibi. c. 6. p, 126. , cruel heresy a Ibi. c. 1, p. 〈◊〉. , wicked heresy b Ibi. c. 6. p, 132. , wild condemned heresy c Ibi. c. 5. p, 103. , devilish doctrine d Ibi c. 8. p. 166. , but founded and built upon the immovable foundations which the true Apostles of jesus Christ, and the Prophets have laid, and therefore cannot deceive; nor a new religion e Answer to the Execut. of justice in the praef. etc. 3, p. 13. c. 4. p. 8●. c. 8. p, 182. , a new faith f Ibi. c. 8. p, 172. , a new and barbarous Gospel g Answer to the Execut. of justice c. 4, p. 83. , a new heresy h Ibi. c. 8. p. 166. , (as the Antichristians, and priests of the breaden God would persuade, and make their credulous company to believe) found-out by Zwinglius, whom they call, The unfortunate father of our Eng. faith i Ibi. c. 4, p. 80. , and not extant in England above 5. or 6. years before the short reign of K. Edward the sixth k Ibi c. 3. , but the most ancient, received even from Christ himself, and his written word; nor, A wicked religion tending unto Paganism, & Epicurism l Ibi c. 8, p. 169. , but that the man of God may be absolute, being made perfect unto all good works m 2. Tim, 3. 17. , nor at this present taught in a corner of the world by us only, but with a sweet harmony and consent of all the Church's protestant in Europe publicly embraced. Again, besides that all the enemies of name, which the truth hath had from time to time even till this very hour be here discovered, ye shall so clearly and plainly behold, as any thing ye may when the Sun gloriously doth show himself, that Popery is not the only true worship of God n Answer to the Execut. of justice, c, ●, p. 103. ; that Popery is not consonant to (God) his sacred word and will o Ibi c, 8, p, 180. ; but planted by weak & wicked men; that Popery is not the old Religion p Ibi c. 2, p, 19 c. 3, p, 36, c, 9, p, 211 , but a new, or more truly a loathsome Chaos of all condemned heresies, and antichristian opinions; and that Popery agreeth not with the church of God in this land, or in any other country or city, almost in no one substantial & material point of Christianity, and so is not the Catholic or c●●●on Religion q Answer to the Execut. of justice, in the preface. , as they commonly give out. And therefore is to be detested: and the teachers thereof, whether Seminaries, or others, to be held accursed r Gal. 1. 8, 9 : and the maintainers of the same as ●●ch to be taken heed of, as the Arrian, Nestorian, Pelagian, and such like heretics that have lived heretofore: or as the jews, Turks, Anabaptistes, which trouble the world in these days. And therefore right▪ godly wisdom and Christian magnanimity hath our sovereign Queen, & her noble Counsel declared, in suffering the papists, being more dangerous to the Realm, and as hurtful to the true and Catholic religion, to have no more favour either publicly in temples, or privately in houses to assemble themselves together, than the jews, or Turks: the contrary whereof as they exceedingly do wish s Answer to the Execut. of justice, c. ●▪ p, 〈◊〉. : so we trust shall never come to pass, notwithstanding the marvelous opinion they have in their Gregory the 13. that now is Pope, who they hope shall once be the bane of our ungrateful heresy t Ibi. c. 6, p. 328. . And having noted these things judge in the name of God, both what he was that incited the Emp. Charles the 5. to make war rather against that most puissant and noble King of famous memory (whom the enemies of their country say, is Radi●●●eccati u Answer to the Execut. of justice, c. ●, p. 〈◊〉. c. 8, ●. 188. ,) Henry the eight for inclining but in part unto that truth, which wholly is here defended, than against the Turk Card. Polus. : & what they are who call our country The sanctuary of the worst men y ●●lla Pu. 5. : our Church, The slaughter house of heresy z 〈◊〉 in his 9 reason. : our Martyrs, No martyrs, but murderers of themselves a Answer to the Execut. of justice, c. 3, p. 56. : our Ministers. Intruders b Ibi. c. 8, p. 171. : uncircumcised philistines c Ibi. c. 3, p. 44. , wolves d Ibi. c. 3, p. 41. , Apostates e Ibi. c. 3, p. 41. c. ●, p. 171. : the honourable Counsel, A sort of heretics f ●●lla Pn. ●. : her royal Majesty, A schismatic g bristol motive. 6. , an Haeretique, un Ethnique, a Publican h ●●lla Pn. 5. N. Sand. de visib. ecclesi. 3, p. 78. : and therefore of Bishops to be excommunicate i: of the nobles to be resisted, and of all the commons to be disobeyed k bristol motive. ●. : judge in the fear of God, whether Popery be Christianity, and all other sects, as they say, false religions, and whether the professors of this Creed be out of the Church, as one l Owlet par. 1. , nay many Antichristians m Answer to the Execut. of justice, c. 6. p. 〈◊〉. would persuade, and so can have neither salvation in the next, nor any true peace, and security in this world n Ibi. c. 8, p. 19●. : and whether Papists are to be cherished as good catholic Christians o Ibi. c. 9 , and the hot Protestants which most carefully embrace all these religious Articles, to be punished, as the Screecher would insinuate p Owlet in his preface. . Besides, forsomuch as the Papists do not only think, but also give-out, that we are at fierce contention among ourselves, let them advisedly consider, either how all the Protestant Churches in Europe do subscribe unto our Articles, or we unto their confessions, and then tell what our dissension is. It may be they will say, all reformed Churches subscribe not to every of our Articles. But many do, and none deny, I say not any of our Articles, but not any one Thesis, or proposition of any Article common to all Christians. I grant some confessions be larger than other some are, and contain more matter of Christianity than others do: yet are they not contrary, no more than Athanasius Creed is contrary to the Apostles, because it is larger; nor the decalogue is contrary to the moral Law, because it is the sum of it; nor the Commandments, Love God above all, and thy neighbour as thy self, are contrary to the decalogue, because they are the Epitome of that also. Occasions may fall out that we may be brief, & upon occasion we may use more words as errors be suppressed, or do spring up. And it is to be wished, that as new errors peep out, so from time to time new Articles by authority were published, thereby to make it evident unto the whole world both how hurtful they be to the Church of Christ, and how we condemn them. Now, as the Papists cannot in truth say, that we descent from the godly Christians living in other parts of the world: so may they not tell us so odiously of division among ourselves at home. For we, all of us, allow her majesties authority in causes Eccles. and civil; we, all of us, either simply subscribe unto the form of pub. prayer prescribed, or humbly (which liberty the law giveth) desire resolution in some few things; we, all of us, jointly both embrace the Articles of the English Creed, and renounce all heretical opinions contrary there-unto; we, all of us acknowledge the good things that we do enjoy, and that the Church would flourish much better, if that good laws already made were faithfully put in execution, and the true discipline of Christ so greatly, and so long wished q Book of Common prayer Tit. C●●●●●ation. , were firmly established, who doth not acknowledge? A thing evident enough these many years, but never so apparent as by this great, and late trial of the Ministers. So that this is another benefit redounding to us thereby. Another is, that whereas the Papists would make their favourers to believe (who they think will credit all things whatsoever they do write) that the far greater part of all degrees in this land are Catholics r Answer to the Execut. of justice c. 8. p. 171. : and an infinite number of all states never consented unto those things which we do s Ibi. c. ●, ●. 200. : yea, and that all the Clergy in a manner be on their sides t Ibi in the preface. , who is either so blind, that he seethe not; or so ignorant, that he knoweth not, how a greater untruth could never have been published? And in this respect we may term it an happy trial, that even all the Papists may learn how to credit them in things not so apparent, when they will not blush to give-out which in their conscience they know is untrue. For, God be thanked, not the lesser part, but even all the Ecclesiastical persons of the Church, especially which have▪ been tried, are on our side, and not on the Papists, or else they dissemble so cursedly as no true Christian would to gain the whole world. And as all the realm may see, and must confess thus much: so her Majesty, and the right honourable of her privy Counsel, do best know, and we may easily conjecture, that the noble and worshipful of this Realm, chiefly the greater and better part, have devoutly sworn, and be ready, and that by sword stoutly to defend not Popery, as some seditious fellows blow abroad u Answer to the Execut. of justice c. 3, p. 48. , but the Religion publicly into this land by authority received; and our most noble princess & Queen Elizabeth, not that odious and most infamous Pontifex. And such as the Pastors are, such be the flocks; as the Nobles be▪ such are the Commons; and as the ruler of the city is himself, such are all they that dwell therein. Again, although our common enemy Satan (which accuseth us not only before man but also even before the throne of the Almighty, and that day and night x 〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. ,) so much as in him was, laboured to sow the poisoned seeds of mortal strife and dissension among us: I trust he shallbe deceived of his expectation, and that which he made an occasion of discord, willbe turned into a cause of an holy and indissoluble concord. For holding her Majesty immediately after Christ in her dominions over all persons the chief governor; the ordinary service for a religious worship of God; the Articles of our religion for the very grounds of Christianity, whereupon we must build or perish, what shall deter us from loving one another with a most firm and Christian love? Shall petty and trifling things of no weight, or of small importance? yea, or any thing else that can be conceived in heart, or expressed by mouth or pen? God forbidden. And in this holy unity we shall the more firmly be rooted, do we turn our eyes from beholding one another, and consider the unquenchable malice of our capital enemies against us, and the cause of the same. From the abundance of their malice, they call the holy Ministers of Christ rascals y Answer to the Execut. of justice c. 3, p. 44. Intruders, philistines, Wolves, Apostates, as before was noted. And these infamous, yea blasphemous titles, they attribute not unto a few, but unto all, even from the poorest, and most obscure Curate in the country, to the highest prelate in the Palace. Now if thus they think, and write of us in the time of their trial, what will they not term us, if they should have their wills? And they which have so little respect of persons, and of gifts now, will have much less then. And the cause is neither for the Service which we have in our Temples, which divers Popes have offered to tolerate even as it now is without alteration (they would never so do, we must think, were it either Schismatical, heretical, or abominable, as our English of all the vainest Papists do say) nor for the diversity of our ceremonies, it is for our Faith, which is contrary to theirs, and for their Supremacy, which we deny: yea, they can bear all, themselves do say z Answer to the Execut. of justice c. 7, p. 155. , and turn all to good, so long as the true Faith, and substance of Ecclesiastical jurisdiction be not destroyed: but seeing we have and do both oppugn the faith, and overthrow the government of the Church of Rome, therefore the vilest words that Satan, their spiritual father, can put into their hearts, be in most poisonful manner vomited forth to hurt us. This being so, how ought we to love and make of one another, who are thus hated, and by revilings persecuted, and that for one and the same cause at this present. If that day which they so long-for should, as either that or some other affliction in this world for our unthankfulness, or a more intolerable at the general judgement, which is near at hand, shall come, it will not be to our grief that we have believed, preached, and professed the truth which the Church of England at this day doth hold, but that we have not lived thereafter, we shall repent; and publishing the Gospel of peace, have yet been contentious, we shall repent; and being servants to one and the same Lord and master, have not only railed upon, but also beaten and pursued one another, we shall repent; and, being watchmen, have not been more vigilant and resident in our places, we shall repent; our negligence, our coldness, we shall repent; & if we have either kept-out of the Lord his vineyard, such as both for ability could, and for their zeal would, either implant this faith in the ignorant, or confirm it in the learned; or to the certain destruction of themselves, and many others depending upon them, either brought or kept in the idle, and idol shepherd, that shall we repent also, and that with tears. These things that we may carefully think upon, and perform every of us in our place, the God of peace grant us for his Christ sake, to whom together with the holy Ghost be ascribed all honour, and praise, and glory for all the good things both presently imparted upon us, and in the life to come prepared for us, for evermore, Amen. At London the 6. of February, Anno 1585. In Christ yours Tho. Rogers. D. August. Epist. 9 Incomparabiliter pulchrior est veritas Christianorum, quàm Haelina Graecorum. 1. ARTICLE. 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. The Propositions. 1. There is but one God, who is living, true, everlasting. 2. God is the maker, and praeseruer of all things. 3. In the unity of the Godhead, there is à Trinity of persons▪ 1. That there is but one God, who is etc. It is a truth which 1. May be gathered from the all holy and sacred Scripture, which giveth us to know, that God is 1. But one Exod. 30. 3. Deut. 6, 4. Psal. 18, 31. Mal. 2, 10. 1. Cor. 8, 4, etc. 1. Tim. 2, 5. 2. The very God 1. Chro. 15, 3 jer. 10, 10. john. 17, 3. 1. Thes. 1, 9 3. Everlasting, Psal. 102, 24, etc. Dan. 6, 26. 1. Tim. 1, 17. 4. Without body, etc. Psal. 104, 1, etc. john. 4, 24. 2. Cor. 3, 17. 5. Of infinite Power, Ezech. 10, 5 2. Cor. 6, 18. Revel. 11, 17. Wisdom Psal. 1. 7, 5. Rom. 16, 27 1. Tim. 1, 17. Goodness, Psal. 106, 1. Psal. 107, 1. 2. Is agreeable to the public confessions of the Church of God in Augsburg, art. 2. Heluet. 2, art. 2. Bohem. cap. 3. France, art. 1. Fland. art. 2. Wittemb. cap. 1. Whereby we may behold th'impiety Of such as flatly deny there is à God, as did Diagoras. Theodorus. Of such as be doubtful whether there be any God, As was Protagoras. As are the Macchiavils. Of such as feigned two Gods, as did the Valentinians. Manechies. Of such, who say there be many Gods, as did the Gentiles, whereof some worshipped for God. Beasts, as the Egyptians. Th'elements, as the Persians. jupiter etc. as the Indians. Grecians. Romans. Of such as ascribe the form and lineaments of man unto God, as did the Anthropomorphites. Of such as put any confidence in Sanctes, As the Papists. Man, As the Papists. Riches, As the Atheists. Horses, etc. As the Atheists. 2. That by God the world 1. Was made, it agreeth with 1. The Scripture, Gen. 1, 1, etc. Psal. 124, 8. Psal. 134, 3. Psal. 135, 6. Heb. 1, 2. Col. 1, 16. 2. The Confess. of the Church of God in Heluet. 2, cap. 6, 7. Basil. art. 1. France, art. 7. Fland. art. 12, 2. Is preserved, it accordeth unto 1. The word of God, Psal. 104, 1, etc. Matth. 10, 29, etc. Act. 17, 25, etc. Heb. 1, 3. 2. The confess. of the Church of God in Heluet. 2, cap. 7. Basil. 1, 2. France, art. 18. Fland. art. 12, 13. Herebie are condemned all Heretics & errors which impugn 1 The creation of the world by God; as did Aristotle, that said the world was eternal, and without beginning. The Marcionites, who said God made not the world. For it was too base a thing for him to create. The Manechies, which ascribed the creation of all things unto two Gods, or Beginnings, or Natures, Th'one Good; whereof ca●● good things. Th'other Evil; whereof came evil things. 2. The providence of God; as The stoics, who ascribe all things to Fate, or Destiny. The Epicures, which think how God is idle, and governeth not the world. 3. Though there is but one God: yet that there be three persons in the Godhead, it is agreeable 1. To the sacred Scripture, Gen. 1, 1, etc. Psal. 33, 6. Matth. 3, 16, 17. Gal. 4, 6. 2. Cor, 13, 13. 1. john, 5, 7. 2. To the Creed Apostolical, Nicen, Athanasian. 3. To the confess. of the godly in Heluet. ●. art. 6. ●. cap. 3. Augsburg, art. 1. France, art. 6. Fland. art. 8, 9 Bohem. cap. 3. Witemb. cap 1, Suevia, art. 2. Cursed then are all opinions of men contrary hereunto, which do Say, there is one God, and not three persons in the God head, as do the jews. Turks. Say, there be more God than one, and yet not three persons, nor of one nature, but of contrary disposition, as the Gnostikes, Marcionites. Valentinians. Think, there be three Gods, or spirits, not distinguished only, but divided also, as the Tritheites. Hold, that not a Trinity, but a quaternity is to be worshipped, as the Emperor Anastasius commanded. Grant The name of three sundry persons, and deny their persons, as did the These did say how the same God was called in the holy Scripture by divers names. And therefore that the Father became flesh, and suffered, because one & the same God is called the Father, Son, and holy Ghost. For this cause they were called Patripassians. In this number was servetus. Noëtians, Praxeneans, Termogenians. The names, and persons of three: and yet do deprive not only the Son, and holy Ghost of their Divinity, but the whole Trinity of their properties. For they said there be three in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the holy Ghost: but the Father only is very God; the Word is the breath of the Father, and the holy Ghost is the Spirit created by God of nothing through the Word. And so they spoil the Son and the holy Ghost of their Deity; and the whole Trinity of their properties. These were the Arian and Macedonian heretics, who were called Pneumatomachoie, because they warred against the holy Ghost: 2. ARTICLE. 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 man's nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin, of her substance: so that two whole & perfect natures, that is to say, the Godhead and manhood were joined in one person, never to be divided, whereof is one Christ, very God and very man; who suffered, was crucified, dead and buried to reconcile his Father to us, and to be a sacrifice, not only for original guilt, but also for all actual sins of men. The Propositions. 1. Christ is very God. 2. Christ is very man. 3. Christ is God and man and that in one person. 4. Christ is the Saviour of the world. 1 That Christ is very God with us also 1. The Scriptures do witness. As it is apparent that he is The Word, joh. 1. 1. Begotten of the Father from everlasting▪ Psal. 2, 7. Act. 13. 33 Heb. 1, 5. Heb. 5, 5. Very God joh. 17. 3. john. 8, 42. Mat. 1. 23. God eternal, Heb. 5, 5. Of one substance with the Father, Heb. 1, 3. 2. The Creed Do testify. Apostolical Nicene Athanasian 3. The confessions of the churches in Do acknowledge. Helve. conf. 1. art. 11. 2. cap. 11. Bohem. cap. 4. 6. Augsburg. art. 6. France art. 13. 14. Fland. art. 10. Wittemb. cap. 2. Suevia, art. 2. Miserably therefore have they erred, which deny the divinity of our Saviour Christ. As did Arius. Corinthus. Ebion. Eunomius. P. Samosatenus. As do The jews. The Turks. which say that Christ was A good man. Not God. 2. Holding the humanity of Christ, we do agree 1. with the scripture, which entreateth of Christ his Conception Gen. 49, 10. Isa. 7, 14. Mat. 1, 18, etc. Luke 1, 26, etc. Growing, Luke 2, 40. Hungering, Mat. 4, 2. Thirsting, john. 4, 7, 19, 28. Weeping, Luke 19, 41. Sleeping, Mark. 4, 38. Suffering death, Math. 27, 50. Mark, 15, 37. Luke 23, 46. joh. 19 30. 33 2. With the Creed. Apostolical, Nicen, Athanasian. 3. With the Confession of the godly in Helve. Confes. 1. art. 11. 1. cap. 11. Basil. art. 4. Bohem. cap. 6. Fland. art. 18. France. art. 14. Augsburg. art. 3. Wittemb. cap. 2. Suevia. art. 2. Therefore most wicked was the opinion of those men, which said That Christ had a body without a soul, as Eunomius the heretic did. That Christ had a soul without sense and reason, as Apollinaris did. That Christ took not flesh of the Virgin Marie, as did the Valentinians. Arians. do the Anabaptists. Fam. of love. That Christ took flesh not of the Virgin only, but by the seed of man too, as Ebion gave out. 3. That the divine and human nature of Christ is united in one person, accordeth 1. With the Scripture. john 1, 14. etc. Math. 3, 17. Ephes. 4, 10. Phil. 2, 5. etc. 1 Tim. 2, 5. 2. With the Creed Apostolical. Nicen, Athanasian. 3. With the Confes. of the Churches in Confes. Helve. 1. cap. 11. 2. art. 11. Basil. art. 4. Bohem. art. 6. France. art. 15. Fland. art. 19 Augsburg art. 3. Wittemb. cap. 2. Suevia. art. 2. Therefore detestable is the error Of Eutiches and Dioscorus, who thought the two natures of Christ were so confounded, that the nature of the Word, and of the Flesh was one, and the same. Of Nestorius, who denied the two natures of Christ to be united, that the properties of the one, might in some sense be ascribed unto the other: and said that as Christ had two natures, so he had not one but two persons. Of servetus, who said of Christ, that he was the Patrens of all things, & but a figure of the son of God and that the body of Christ, was compact of three uncreated elements: and so confounded and overthrew both natures. 4. That Christ is the Saviour of the world, agreeth. 1. With the Scripture, which testifieth that Christ truly Suffered, was crucified, Died, was buried, Matth 27, 26, etc. And that 1. To reconcile his Father unto us, Rom. 5. 10. 2 Cor. 5. 18, etc. Ephes. 2, 16. Col. 1, 19, 20. 2. To be a sacrifice, etc. for all sins of men. Isa 53, 4. john. 1, 19 Gal. 3, 13. 2. Cor. 5, 21. 1. john. 2, 2. 2. With the Creed Apostolical, Nicen, Athanasian. 3. With the Confess. of the Churches, in Heluet. 1. cap. 11. 2, art. 11. Basil. art. 4. Bohem. art. 6. France, art. 13, 16, 17. Fland. art. 20. 21. Ausburg. art. 3. Saxon. art. 3. Wittemb. cap. 2. Suevia, art. 2. Then wicked are all opinions contrary hereunto, which tend To show that Did suffer, a● that of the Patripassians The Father in his Deity Not the Son in his humanity To show that Christ did not truly suffer, but in imagination, as the Heretics Cerdon, and Basilicus cast-forth. To bring the passion of our Lord into detestation, as do the fantasies of the wicked jacobites and Turks. To make the passion of Christ Of none effect, To put away but Original sin only. As that of Popish Masses. Popish prayers. Popish pardons. Popish Purgatory. To show that Christ died not for the sins of all men. To show that some sins be so filthy, as Christ his blood upon true repentance cannot wash them away. 3. ARTICLE. Of the going down of Christ into hell. AS Christ died for us, and was buried: so also it is to be believed that he went down into hell, That our Saviour Christ descended into Hell, together without Church 1. The ancient creeds 1. Apostolical 2. Athanasian 2. The confessions of the Churches of Heluet. 2, cap. 11. Basil. art. 4. Augsburg art. 3. Suevia, art. 2. Do testify. Which word Hell, in this article, as we take it, signifieth Not the place of everlasting torments where Dives was, and is; Luke 16, 23. All the reprobate together shallbe: Matth. 25, 41. In which place Christ, as man, was not, forasmuch as 1. His body lay in the grave, Matth. 12. 40. Matth. 16, 4. Luke 11, 29. 2. His soul was Commended into the hands of God the Father, Psal 31, 5. Luke 23. 46 In Paradise: (so is it set down as a thing well to be observed) & not in Hell, Luke 23, 43. The terrors, and torments of the body, and soul, which Christ suffered, as appeareth, Isa, 53, 6. Isa. 53. 10. Psal. 116. 3, Matth. 26, 38. Matth. 27, 46, Luke 22, 42. And so we are against them. 1. Which say, that Christ descended not into Hell at al. 2. Which think that Christ descended into the place of torments, where in soul he endured for a time the pains which the damned spirits do there sustain. 3. Which hold, that Christ went down into Lake limbo, to fetch from thence, as Canisius: to lose from thence, as Vaux he saith, the souls of our forefathers, which afore his death were shut up in the close prison of Hel. 4. ARTICLE. Of the Resurrection of Christ. CHrist did truly arise again from death, and took again his body, with flesh, bones, and all things appertaining to the perfection of man's nature; wherewith he ascended into heaven, and there sitteth, until he return to judge all men at the last day. The Propositions▪ 1. Christ is risen from death. 2. Christ is ascended into heaven. 3. Christ will come again to judge the quick, and the dead. 1. The resurrection of Christ is 1. Proved by the Scriptures. For it is evident that Christ Should arise, In th'old Testament, Psal. 16, 12. Isa. 53, 10. In the New Testament, by the testimony of our Saviour Christ, Matth. 12, 40▪ Mark 9, 31. Mark 10, 34. Luke 9, 22. Did rise again▪ By his appearing to Marie Magdalene, john 20, 14, etc. divers women, Matth. 2●, 9 Two Disciples in the field, Luke, 24, 13. Ten Disciples, john 20, 19 etc. All the Disciples, john 20, 26. More than 500 brethren at once, 1. Cor. 15, 6. To sundry, 40. days together, Act. 1, 3. By the testimony of Peter, Act. 1, 22. Act. 2, 31. 1. Pet. 1, 3. Paul. Act. 17, 3. Rom. 10, 9 1. Cor. 15, 4, etc. 2. Affirmed by 1. The Creed Apostolical, Nicen, Athanasian. 2. The Confession of the churches in Heluet. 1. art. 11. 2, cap. 11, Basil. art. 4. Bohem. cap. 6. France, art. 15, 16. Augsburg. art. 3. Suevia, art. 2. So that utterly false, and unchristian is the opinion of The Sadduc●is, which flatly deny the resurrection of any. The jews, that will not acknowledge this resurrect. of Christ. The Schuenkfeldians, that sa●e, how our Saviour after his resurrection was so deified, that he retained no more the properties of his body and soul, nor the union of both natures, but was merely God. The Fam. of Love, which take the resurrection of Christ to be but an allegory, and no certain history. 2. In saying how christ with his very body ascended into heaven, we declare ourselves to dissent not 1. From the scriptures Psalm. 47, 5. Psal. 68, 18. Psal. 110, 1. Math. 22, 44. Math. 26, 64. Act. 1, 9 Luke. 24, 51. Rom. 8, 34. Ephes. 4, 8, 9, 10. 2. From the Creed Apostolical, Nicen, Athanasian. 3. From the Confes. of the Churches of Helve. 1. art. 11. 2. cap. 11. Basil. art. 4. Bohem. cap. 6. France, art. 15. Fland. art. 20. Augsburg. art, 3. Saxon. art 3. Suevia. art. 2. But we altogether descent 1. From the ubiquitaries, as Papists Certain Germans Which do hold that the body of Christ is Not only in heaven, But also in earth, and that every where Where the Sacrament is 〈…〉. In every kingdom, In every Country, In every city, In every parish, In every lose, In every piece of bread, and cup of wine. 2. From the Papists that say how Christ ascended carrying with him the souls which he loosed from captivity, & bondage of the Devil, whereas there is not one word, either 1. In the S. Scripture. 2. In any sound Confession. Old New That the souls of the righteous Were not afore 〈…〉 Were then placed 〈…〉 ●. Where we say that Christ shall come again to judge all men we agree 1. With the scripture. Acts. 10, 42. Rom. 2, 16. 2. Tim. 4, 1, 8. jam. 5, 9 2. With the Creed Apostolical▪ Nicen▪ Athanasian. 3. With the Confes. of the Churches in Helve. 2. cap. 11. 1. art. 11. Basil. art. 9 Bohem. cap. 6. Fland. art 37. Augsburg. art. 3. Suevia, art. 2. But we renounce their opinions which think That there shall be no judgement at all, as the Atheists, & Epicures of this world, do. That The Devils The wicked shallbe saved, as do the Origenists. That before the judgement there shallbe a golden world, the godly and none besides enjoying the same peaceably and gloriously, as the jews do. That the righteous are in godly glory, & shall from henceforth live everlastingly with Christ, & reign upon earth, as the Fam. of Love teacheth. 5. ARTICLE. 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. This article concerning the holy ghost 1. The Scripture, Math. 28, 19 Act. 2, 4. 2. Cor. 13, ●3. 2. Pet. 1, 21. 1. john. 5, 7. 2. The Creed. Apostolical, Nicen, Athanasian, 3. The Confes. of the Churches in Heluet. 1. Art. 6. 2. Cap. 3. Basil. art. 1. Augsburg. art. 1. France, art. 6. Bohem. cap. 3. Fland. art. 8, 9, 11. Wittemb. cap. 1. 3. Suevia, art. 1. Do verify. In saying That the holy Ghost proceedeth from the Father, and the Son, we show ourselves not to be of the error of the Grecians, which said how the holy Ghost proceeded from the Father, but not from the Son. That the holy Ghost is of one substance with the Father and the Son, we declare ourselves adversaries to the Macedonian heretics, who said the holy Ghost was a Creature, which is of another substance than GOD is. That the holy Ghost is of one substance, majesty, and glory with the Father, and the Son, we altogether dissent from the heresy of the Sabellians, & Tritheites, which thought the holy Ghost to be that, which God the Father, and God the Son were, and no distinct person from them. 6. ARTICLE. Of the sufficiency of the holy Scriptures for salvation. Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation: so that whatsoever is not read 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 necessary to salvation. In the name of the holy Scripture, we do understand those Canonical books of the old and new Testament, of whose authority was never any doubt in the Church. Of the names and number of the Canonical books. Genesis. Exodus. Leviticus. Deuteronomium. 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 Chron. The 2. book of Chron. The 1. book of Esdras. The 2. book of Esdras. The book of Esther. The book of job. The Psalms. The proverbs. Eccles. or the Preacher. Cant. or song of Solomon. 4. Prophets the greater. 12. Prophets the less. 3 And the other books (as Jerome saith) the Church doth read for example of life, and instruction of manners: but yet doth it not apply them to 'stablish any doctrine. Such are these following. The third book of Esdras. The fourth book of Esdras. The book of Tobias. The book of judith. The rest of the book of Hester. The book of wisdom. jesus the son of Sirach. Baruch the Prophet. Song of the three children. The story of Susanna. Of Bel, and the Dragon. The prayer of Manasses. The 1. book of Machab. The 2. book of Machab. 4 All the books of the New Testament, as they are commonly received, we do receive, and account for Canonical. The Propositions. 1. The S. Scripture containeth all things necessary unto the salvation of man. 2. All the books in the volume of the Bible, are not Canonical. 3. The 3. and 4. books of Esdras: the book of Tobias, etc. are apocrypha. 4. In the new testament, all the books are Canonical. 1 That the Scriptures of God are all sufficient and necessary to instruct us unto salvation, with us, 1 The S. Scripture, Deut. 4, 2. 12, 8. josh. 1, 7. Prou. 30, 5. john. 20, 31. Gal. 1, 8. 2. Tim. 3, 16. Revel. 22, 18. 19 2. The confess. of the Churches of God in Heluet 1. art. 1, 4. 2. cap. ●. Basil. art. 10. Bohem. cap. 1. France, art. 2, 4, 5. Fland. art. 5, 7. Saxon. art▪ 1. Wittemb. cap. 30. Suevia, art. 1. Do witness. And therefore we are adversaries to all such as before the word of God, do prefer their, own Inventions, as the Philosophers: whereof one said of Moses. That good man maketh a trim discourse, but he proveth nothing. Fantastical imaginations, a● Did the Manechies. Do the Libertines, Anabaptistes, Fam of love. Traditions, as the Papists, which evidently appeareth in that they do most cruelly punish, and torment such as refuse The wicked precepts of men; or not at all, or overslightly correct the breakers of God his commandments. To keep popish holy days. To hear their blasphemous Mass, To observe their superstitious fastings and ceremonies, Statutes, or edicts, or decrees, or judgements, or proclamations, or else whatsoever proceeding from the brain of man, as Macchiavel doth, and his favourers. 2. That some books in the Bible are Canonical, and some Apocrypha, it hath been granted by the best learned, and most godly of long time. And as all the reformed Churches in the world are of the same judgement with us: so in their public confessions some have so counted, and judged of them as we do. As namely the Church in France, art. 3. Fland▪ art, 4. Therefore (to speak first of the Canonical books of the old Testament) they have heinously offended, & defaced the glory of God, which 1. Rejected all the books of the old● Testament, as did the Heretics Basilides, Ca●po●rates, the manichees. 2. Allowed some, but not all the Canonical books of the old Testament. And of this sort Some received no more but the. 5. books of Moses, as the Saduceis. Some received the Law only, and the Prophets▪ as the Samarites. Some received neither the law nor the Prophets: as the Appelleans. 3. That divers, yea and those books here mentioned are Apocrypha, we are neither the first that said it, nor they only which affirm the same. For The ancient Council at Laodicea, can. 59 did The confessions of the Churches reform in Do France, art. 3. Fland, art. 4. judge them, not to be Canonical. So that they are to be taken heed of as seducers, which would thrust upon the Church, 1. The books for canonical Apocrypha, within the volume of the Bible, as the Papists would: and therefore accurse so many as take them not for canonical, Conc. Tried, sess, 4. decr. de can. Scrip. 2. Any books not comprehended in the Bible, whether they be The new Prophets, Barcobas, and Barcolf, of Basilides the heretic. The Phaneroses, or manifestations of Martion the heretic. The mysteries of Manechie the Heretic. Isais Ascensorium, of Hierax the Heretic. The Gospel after The Egyptians. The hebrews. The 12. Apostles. Barnabas. Thomas. Nicodemus. The Acts of S. Paul. The Revel. of S. Peter. The books of the Montanistes▪ Anabaptistes▪ HN. Papists, & ●. 4 Although some of the ancient Doctors accepted not all the books comprehended within the volume of the new testament for Canonical: yet in the end they were wholly taken and received by the common consent of the Church of Christ in this world, for the very word of God, as they are at this day in all places, where the Gospel is preached & professed▪ Howbeit we judge them canonical Not so much because man in the world doth so receive and allow of them. As for that 1 The holy spirit in our hearts, doth testify that they are from God. 2 They carry a sacred authority with them. 3 They do agree with the other books of God in the old Testament. Therefore in receiving them wholly, not in part, we show ourselves utterly to condemn Such as received not the whole new● Testament but▪ a part thereof. And these were of divers kinds, whereof Some rejected all the Epistles of Paul▪ etc. and allowed only the Gospel after matthew, as Corinthus the Heretic. Some received of the As Marcionth● Heretic. Evangelists only Luke, Epistles of Paul only the Epistle unto Timothy and Titus. Some allowed of all the testament, only the Act● of the Apostles, as Tatian the Heretic. Such as allowed neither the whole new Testament, nor those books wholly which they received, as the Marcionites, who defaced all those places in the Gospel after Luke, and in the Epistles which concerned either the Divinity, or humanity of our S. Christ. Such as receive & read the new Testament, but scrape out such texts therein, as mislike them, as the Turks, who scrape out whatsoever they find touching the passion of Christ, saying how it was added purposely by the jews, in derision of the Christians. 7. ARTICLE▪ 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 only mediator between God and man, being both God and man. 2wherefore they are not to be heard, which feign that the old Fathers did look only for 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. The Propositions. 1 The old Testament is not contrary unto the new. 2 The old Fathers looked for eternal happiness, so well as for temporal blessings. 3 The Law moral remaineth, though the ceremonial and civil be abrogate. 1 That the old Testament is not contrary to the new, it may easily be proved by many invincible arguments yet is it most apparent in that our Christ (very God, and very man, as above, p. 6▪ 7. hath been declared) is offered unto mankind by them both. That 1 There is one Christ, and no moc, 2. Christ is the Son of God, 3. Christ is very man, 4. Christ was born at Bethlehem, 5. Christ was▪ born of a virgin, 6. Christ was honoured of wi●e men, 7. Christ rid upon an Ass unto lerusalem, 8. Christ was betrayed, 9 Christ did suffer not for his own but for our sins, 10. Christ did rise again, 11. Christ did ascend, As ' it is apparent in the new Testament. 1. Acts. 3, 25. Gal. 3, 8. 16. 2. Acts. 13, 33. 3. Heb. 2, 12. 4. Math. 2, 1. 5. Math. 1, 23. 6. Math. 2, 11. 7. Math. 21, 1. 8. Luke 22, 7. 9 Mat. 8▪ 17. Acts. 8, 32. 1. Cor. 15, 3. 1. Pet. 2, 24. 10. Act. 2, 25. 1. Cor. 15, ● 11 Ephes. 4. 8. So is it confirmed by the old Testament 1. Gen. 12, 3. 2. Psalm. 2, 7. 3. Psalm. 22, 22. 4. Micah. 5, 2. 5. Isa. 7, 14. 6. isaiah. 60, 6. 7. Zech. 9, 9 8. Zech. 11, 12. 9 Isa. 53, 5. 10. Psal. 16, 10. jon. 2, 1. 11. Psal. 68, 8. So that we are adversaries to their doctrine, and they, as it should seem, enemies to this which Utterly reject the old Testament, as did the Heretics. Basilides. Carpocra●es. manichees. Say that the Law as contrary to the Gospel, is not to be preached, as do the Antiomies, and Anabaptists. 2 That the old Fathers looked not only for transitory promises, but for eternal happiness beside 1 The Scripture. Rom. 1, 1. 2, etc. 1. Peter. 1, 10. 2. The confession of the people of God in Heluet. Confes. 2. cap. 13. Saxony, art, 3. Do testify. Wherefore they are not to be heard which think the fathers hoped for temporal, and not for spiritual and eternal happiness, as Many of the jews did. The Fa of Love, as it should seem, doth. 3. That the Law 1. Ceremonial is not necessarily to be observed of all men, and in all times. 1. The Scripture by The example of Stephan, Acts 6, 14. The vision, Acts 10. 13, etc. Th'Apostles, Acts 15, 1, etc. The testimony of Paul, Gal. 2, 3, etc. Ephes. 2, 14. Col. 2, 16. Peter, 1. Pet. 1, 18, 19 2. The Confessions of the Churches of God in France, art. 23. Fland. art. 25. Do witness. they therefore are in a wrong opinion, which think that in force. It still is, as do the jews. Turks. Cerdonits' Armenians. It shallbe a thousand years together, after the general resurrection, as do the Apollinareans, and Millenaries. 2. Moral is to be taught, kept, and obeyed of every man, is easily proved Whereby the vane opinions of the Antinomies, is utterly confuted, and condemned. 1. In the S. Scripture by infinite places, and namely Rom. 2, 13. Rom. 3, 31. 1. Cor. 7. 19 2. By the consent of all good Christians, and by the public confessions of the Church of God in France, expressly art. 23. 8. ARTICLE. Of the three Creeds. THe three Creeds, Nicene creed, Athanasius creed, and that which is commonly called the Apostles creed, ought throughlie to be received and believed: for they may be proved by most certain warrants of holy Scripture. The Propositions. The Nicen The Athanasian The Apostolical Creed 1. Is to be received, and believed. 2. May be proved by the holy Scripture. That the 1. Nicen That the 2. Athanasian That the 3. Apostolical Creeds 1. Are to be received, and believed, with us the Churches of God 1. In the old time, have thought. 2. At this day in By public confessions do acknowledge. France, art. 5. Saxon. art. 1. Flan. art. 9 Heluet. Confess. 2, cap. 11. 2. May be proved by most certain warrants of the S. Scripture, is very apparent, in that they all speak 1. Of one, and the same God, whom we are to believe, is 1. For essence, but one Deut. 6, 4. Mal. 2, 10. 1. Cor. 8, 4. etc. Ephe. 4, etc. 2. In persons, three, Matth. 3, 17. Gal. 4, 6. 1. john 5, 7. The 1. Father, the Creator, Psal. 134. 3. Heb. 1, 2. Col. 1, 16. Rom. 11, 36. The 2. Son the redeemer Isa. 53. 4. Rom. 5. 18. Gal. 3, 13. Ephes. 2, 16. 1. john 2, 2. The 3. Spirit, the sanctifier. 2. Cor. 1, 21, 22. 1. Pet. 1, 2. 2. Of the people of God, whom we must also think to be 1. The Church 1. Holy, Ephes. 1. 3. Ephes. 2, 21. Coloss. 1, 22. Catholic Isa. 54, 2. Psal. 87. 4. Acts. 1, 8, etc. Ephes. 2. 14. Reu. 5. 9 2. The communion of sanctes, Ephes. 4, 15. 1. Cor. 10. 16. Heb. 10, 25. 1. john 1. 7. 3. Pardoned of all their sins, Isa. 44, 22. Matth. 18, 23, etc. Col. 2, 13. Appointed to 4. Arise from death john 5. 28. 1. Cor. 15, 12 etc. Phil. 3. 21. 5. Enjoy eternal life, both of body & soul, john 6, 39 1. Pet. 1. 4. Revel. 21, 4. Therefore we are enemies to all adversaries of the doctrine in them comprised, whether they be Arrian●. jews. Turks. Sadducees. Papists. Epicures. Atheists 9 ARTICLE. Of original, or birth 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 against the spirit, and therefore in every person borne into this world, it deserveth God's 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 Th'Apostle doth confess, that concupiscence and lust hath of itself the nature of sin. The Propositions. 1. There is original sin. 2 What original sin is. 3 Original sin remaineth in God his children. 4 Concupiscence even in the regenerate is sin. 1. Though this word original sin is not to be found in the Can. Scripture, yet that there is Orig. sin, it is clear 1. By the S. Scripture, wherein is set down most evidently, thereof 1. The cause which is 1. Principalie the fall of Adam▪ as Rom. 5. 15 etc. 1. Cor. 15. 22. Who fell partly By the suggestion of the Devil Cor. 11. 3. Gen. 3. 4. Through his own free will. 2. Secondarily the propagation of the corrupted nature fro man unto man. So saith Christ▪ john 3, 3, & 6, ●3. Paul. Rom. 5. 12, 1. Cor. 15, 48. Peter. 2. Pet. 2. james, cap. 1. ●8. john, 1. Epist. 3, 4, 5. 2. The subject even the old man, with all his powers, mind, will, & heart. For in the 1. Mind there is Darkness. Ignorance Of God & his will Matth. 12. 34. Rom 8, 7. Rom 3, 4. 1. Cor. 2, 14. 2. Tim. 3, 8. 1. john 3 1. 1. john 5, 20. 2. Will and heart there is Concupiscence Rebellious motions For so it is Matth. 5, 19 Act. 7. 39 Act. 15, 9 Rom. 1, 21. jam. 1, 13. 3. The effects, which are 1. Not only actual sins, and they both Math. 15. 19 1. Inward, as ungodly Affections Cogitations 2. Outward, as Wicked looks, Profane speech, Devilish actions. 2. But also 1. An evil conscience, 1. john, 3. 21. 2. The wrath of God Rom. 1, 18. Col. 3, ver. 5. 6. 3. Death, john 8, 24. Rom. 5, 12. jam. 1, 15. 4. Eternal damnation. Rom. 5, 18. 2. By the Confession of the Churches of God in Heluet. confess. 1. Art. 8. 2. Cap. 8. Basil. art. 2. Bohem. cap. 4. France, art. 9 11. Fland. art. 15. Augsburg, art. 2. Saxon. art. 2. And thus armed both with the word of God, and the confessions of the purest Churches we do offer battle Both to the Carpocratians and such like, who utterly deny that there is any original sin. And also Not only to Florinus & Blastus, etc. who make God the Auctor of sin; But also to all such as curiously inquire whether God would have Adam to fall; or why he stayd him not from offending 2. Original sin ●● Not the imitation of Adam his wickedness. For neither doth The Scripture speak thereof Any Church reform or otherwise, so think: and some flatly by public confession with us deny it, as the Church in France, art. 10. in Fland. art. 15. Partly 1. The Imputation of Adam his disobedience unto us. So saith 1. The Scripture. Rom. 5. verse 12. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19 2. The Churches of god at Augsburg, art. 2. Saxon. art. 2. Wittemb. cap. 4. 2. The fault and corruption of the nature of every man. As we find in the 1. Scripture Rom. 5. 12. Rom. 3, 23. Rom. 7, 18. 1. Cor. 15. 48. Ephe. 2, 3. 2. Confessions of the Churches in Helve. lat. ca 8. France, art. 10. Bohem. cap. 4. Ausburg. art. 2. Saxon. art. 2. Wittemb. ca 4. Our Saviour Christonly exempted from the taint of this corruption. For He is the immaculate Lamb, 1. Pet. 1. 19 He did no sin, 1. Pet. 2. 22. He knew no sin, 2. Cor. 5▪ 21. He was tempted, & yet without sin, Hebr. 4, 15. Now adversaries hereunto, are the Who say that Orig. sin cometh by imitation and not otherwise. 1. Pelagians 2. Fam. of love. 3. Valentinians who ascribed Orig▪ sin Not in any sort unto man. To the Devil. 4. manichees, who hold that this sin Proceedeth not from our corrupted nature. Is another substance within us. 5. Papists, who though they grant that the virgin Marie was naturally engendered of the offspring of Adam: yet they deny that she was guilty of original sin, Conc. Trid. decr. de pec. Orig. 3. That Original sin remaineth, yea in them that be regenerate, it is 1. Easy to be proved by the scripture, as in divers places beside: so apparently Rom. 7, 14▪ etc. Gal. 5, 16. jam. 1, 14. jam. 4, 1. ●. Pet. 2, 11. 2. Agreeable to the Confessions of other reformed Churches, Confes. Heluet. 1. art. 8. 2. cap. 8 Basil. art, 2. France, art. 11. Saxon. art. 10. Therefore we do stand in this point against 1. The Papists, who say that Orig. sin was not at all, much less remaned in the Virgin Ma●●e, whence it followeth, if Orig. sin were not in her, than 〈◊〉 was not regenerate; if not regenerate, a very dangerous, and most unchristian doctrine doth ensue concerning her. 2. The Fam. of Love, who affirm that the elect and regenerate sin not. For seeing Orig. sin is in the regenerate, as the Scripture doth testify, then do, and shall the regenerate sin, so long as they have within them Orig. sin. 3. Adamites, that contend how they are in so good à state, as Adam was afore his fall: therefore without Orig. sin. 4. That Concupiscence in all men (and therefore in the faithful & regenerate) is sin, is very apparent. 1. In the Scripture, because 1. The holy Spirit straightly forbiddeth it Coloss. 3, 5. 1. Pet. 2. 11. It 2. Not only lusteth against the Spirit. Gal. 5, 17. 3. But also fighteth against The soul, 1. Pet. 2, 11. The law of the mind, Rom. 7, 24. 4. It bringeth certainly (but that there is no condemnation to them which are in Christ jesus, Rom. 8, 1.) death, & damnation. Gal. 5, verse 17. & 21. jam. 1. 14, 15. 2. In the right Christian Confession Heluet. 2, cap. 9 Saxon. art. 2. 10. Therefore we mislike their opinions, as unsound which say that concupiscence is no sin, but 1. A thing indifferent, and the punishment of sin, as do the Pelagians. Sententiaries. 2. Proceeding from sin, and inclining unto sin; so do the Papists. Conc. Trid. Sess. 5. decr. depec. Orig. 10. ARTICLE. Of free wil THe condition of man after the fall of Adam is such, that he cannot turn and prepare himself by his own natural strength & good works ●re 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 â good will, and working with us, when we have that good wil The Propositions. 1. Man may do outward and evil things, being not yet regenerate. 2. Man cannot do what good is, being not yet regenerate. 3. Man may perform good things, when he is prevented by the grace of Christ, and renewed by the holy Ghost. 1. We deny not that men, not yet regenerate, have free will to do the works 1. Of nature, for the preservation, or destruction of the 1▪ Body, 2. Bodily state, Which thing the very 1. Brute beasts 2. Profane Gentiles Had, and have, As it is well observed in the Confession of Heluet. 2, cap. 9 Augsburg, art. 18. Saron. art. 3, 4. 7. 2. Of Satan, both in 1. Thinking, 2. Willing, 3. Doing. That which il is. So witnesseth 1. The S. Scripture Gen. 6, 5. Gen. 8, 11. 2. The godly by the confession Heluet. 2, cap. 9 Heluet. 1, art. 9 Bohem. cap. A false opinion is it therefore, that man hath no power to move 1. His body unto outward things. 2. His mind unto wickedness, as the manichees do hold 2. We deny, that man before he be regenerate can turn, and prepare himself by his own natural strength and good works to faith, and calling upon God, that is, we deny that man hath power of himself What good is. 1. To understand 2. To will, 3. To do any thing that pleaseth God, So it is 1. In the Scripture, Rome. 8, 7. 2. Cor. 3, 5. 1. Cor. 2, 14. 1. Cor. 12, 3. john 15, 5. 2. In the Confess. of the godly at Heluet. 1. art. 9 2. cap. 9 Basil. art. 2. Bohem. cap. 4. Augsburg. art. 18. Flan. art. 14. Adversaries unto the truth are the Which hold, that naturally there is free will in men, and that unto goodness. pharisees Sadduces▪ Pelagians Papists, Donatists, that say, how man is borne with free will, and if he will, he believeth in Christ; if he will not, he believeth not: if he will, he continueth in that which he believeth, if he will not, he continueth not. 3. In a man prevented by the grace of Christ, and regenerate by the S. Spirit, 1. The understanding is enlightened, so that he knoweth The secrets The will Of god. So testify 1. The scriptures jere. 31, 33. Matth. 11, 27. Matth. 16, 17. Luke. 10. v. 21, 22. 1. Cor. 2, 12. 1 Cor. 12, 3, etc. 2. The godly in all places, 2. The very will is 1. Not only changed. Acts. 15, 9 Phil. 2, 13. 1. Cor. 6, 10, 11. 2. But also endued with power to do good things. As witness 1. The scriptures▪ Acts. 15, 9 Rom. 8, 26. Phil. 1, 29. Phil. 2, 13. The godly in their confess. Heluet. 2, cap. 9 Augsburg art. 18. Bohem. cap. 4, Saxon. art. 4. And this do the godly Not only passively, but also actively, Yet not perfectly, but imperfectly. 1. Cor. 13. 9, & 12. Rom. 7. 22, etc. Gal. 5, 17. So we declare ourselves enemies to the doctrine of the Anomaeans, for that cause bynamed Atheons, who say they know the invisible God▪ not in part, but thoroughly; not by faith, but perfectly; as any man knoweth any visible thing. Which either say, they are pure from all spots of sin: or that the regenerate do not sin at al. Capocratians. Marcians, Adamites Fam. of love. 1. ARTICLE. Of the justification of man. WE are accounted righteous before God, only for the merit of our Lord & Saviour jesus Christ by faith, and not for our own works or deservings. Wherefore, that we are justified by Faith only is a most wholesome doctrine, and verieful of comfort, etc. The Propositions. We are accounted righteous before God Only 1. For the merit of our L. and Saviour Christ. 2. By Faith. 3. Not for our own Works. deservings. 1. That through the merits of our L. jesus Christ we are accounted righteous before God, it is evident 1. In the Scripture; where we find, that by Christ His blood we are cleansed 1. john, 1. 17. 1. Pet. 1, 18. 1. Cor. 6, 20. john 1, 29. Rom. 3. 25. His righteousness, we are justified Phil. 5, 8. etc. Rom. 5, 19 1. Cor. 1. 30. 2. Cor. 5, 21. Rom. 10, 4. etc. 2. In the Confessions of the godly militant in this world, as may be seen in the Confes. of the Church in Heluet. 2, cap. 15. Bohem. cap. 6. France, art. 12. Fland. art. 22. Augsburg. art. 4. Wittemb. art. 5. Suevia, cap. 3. But so believe not The Atheists of this world, for they are not persuaded of the life to come, not of the mysteries of man's salvation. The Pharisaical teachers, who think there is no righteousness before God, but civil and external righteousness in the sight of men. The Papists. For they teach that Some sins are washed away, not by the blood of Christ, but by holy water, so called, as lesser offences. Some sins are purged By the fire of Purgatory. By alms giving. By Perigrinations. By Pardons. By Masses. By fasting, etc. 2. The doctrine of our justification by Faith only, as it is whole some, and full of comfort▪ so is it 1. Grounded upon the word of God, as Mark. 5, 36 Act. 10. 41, etc. Act. 13. ●8. Act. 15, 8. Act. 22, 16 Rom. 1, 16. Rom. 3, 20, etc. Rom. 4, 4, etc. Rom. 10. 3, etc. Gal. 2, 16, etc. Gal. 3, 7▪ etc. Ephes. 2, 8. Phil. 3, 6▪ etc. 2. Subscribed unto by the godly in all the reformed Churches of this world, and by public writing in the Confession of Hel. 2. c. 16. ●asil. art. 8. Bohe. c. 6. 7. Fran. art. 20 Flan. art. 22. Augsburg, art. 4. Sax. art. 3, 8. Wittemb. art. 4. Suevia, cap. 3. Partakers of the profit & comfort of this doctrine ●re not The Infidels, who Either be altogether ignorant of this mystery. Either know it, but apply it not to their own souls and consciences, but altogether despise the same As did Herod, in killing Iams, act. 12▪ Agrippa, in not descending Paul Act. 26, 26 etc. The jews in persecuting the Apostles. Act. 13, 41. etc. As do The Devils. jam. 2. 19 Many ungodly men False Christians. tyrants. Apostates, etc. Either teach not a sure confidence in Christ: but an historical knowledge of Christ, and of other Eccles. matters, as in his Catechism doth Canisius. cap. 1. Vaux. Cap. 1. Either hold that man is to be still in doubt whether he shallbe saved, or no, as the Papists, Conc. Trid. sess. 6 c. 9 Such as do feign, that they please God, not through faith by hearing, but by revelation, as the manichees. Enthusiasts. Anabaptists. They which hold that man is justified By Works without Faith. As did The false Apostles in Asia, 1. Tim. 1. The Interim of Augsburg. As do the Turks: Anabaptists. By Faith & works As did the pseudo-apostles at Jerusalem. Act. 15. As do the Papists commonly. Neither by faith nor works, as they which contemn both a sure confidence in jesus Christ, & good virtues, & yet hope to be saved, as they say. They who defend how we apprehend not the righteousness of Christ by faith▪ but have it, or Christ himself rather dwelling essentially within us, as the Osiander's. 3. Besides what hath been said that works have no place, nor portion in the matter of our justification, it is evident 1. In the holy Scripture, where we do find, that All men be sinners, and are destitute of the glory of God: and therefore that no man can be justified by works Psal. 14, 2, 3. Psal. 53, 2, 3. Psal. 51. 4. Rom. 5, 12. etc. The Apostles, and the whole Synod gathered together in the holy Ghost did conclude that both jews and Gentiles which believed were saved, not by works, but by the mere grace of our Lord jesus Christ, Act. 15. Eternal life cometh not by desert, but Of Promise Acts 2. 39 3. 25. 13, 32, etc. Rom 3, 21, etc. 2. Tim. 1, 1. Of Gift, john. 17, 2. Rom. 6, 23. 1. john. 5, 11. Revel. 2, 10▪ The just shall live by faith. And the Law is not of ●●ith, Gal. 3. 11. As the godly in old time were: so Christians in these days are▪ and shall be justified. But the godly were justified not for any good works, or worthiness of their own. So justified was Abraham Rom. 4, 1. etc. Gal 3, 6. etc. Heb. 11. 17. The jews, Act. 2 44. The Sama●itans, Act. 8, 12. Paul, Act. 9 Act. 22, 16. 1. ti. 1. 13 etc. Ph. 3. 6. etc. The Eunuch, act. 8, 37 The ●ailer. Act. 16. 31. etc. The Ephesians, Eph. 2, 4. etc. 2. In the Confess of the godly in this world, as appeareth plainly Heluet. 2, cap. 16. Basil. art. 8. Bohem. cap. 7. France, Art. 22. Fland. art. 24. Augsburg, art. 6. 26. Adversaries unto this truth are The pharisees who thought that by external righteousness They were saved. Moral Ceremonial▪ The false Apostles both In Asia, 1 Tim. 1. At jerusalem, Act. 15. The Pharisaical Papists, which against the justification of Faith only, do hold a justification by Merits, & that of 1. Congruity. 2. Dignity. 3. Condignity. 12. ARTICLE. 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 God's judgement: yet are they pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ, and do spring out necessarily of a true and lively faith, insomuch, that by them a lively faith may be as evidently known, as a tree discerned by the fruit. The Propositions. 1 Good works do please God. 2. No work is good except it spring from faith. 3. Good works are the outward signs of the inward belief. 1. Though God acce●● not man for his works ●ake, as hath bin● proved▪ yet that good works after man his justification please God, it is a clear truth every where to be seen. 1. In the Scripture, because God hath Commanded them to be done, Matth. 5. 16. john. 15. 12. Phil. 2. 14 etc. 1 Thes 4, 3 2. Tim. 2, 19 And requireth righteousness Not only outward, of the body, But also inward, of the mind, Matth. 5, v. 22. etc. Act 24. 16 1. Pet. 2. 11 1. Pet 3. 4, etc. Rom ●2. 2 1. joh. 3. 15, 17. Appointed For the virtuous, rewards In this life, Mat 5, 5 Mar. 10 30. 1. Tim. 4. 8. In the world to come Matth. 7. 21. Matth. 10, 32. Luke. 14, 14. Rom. 2, 10. To the wicked, punishments, both Temporal▪ and they Spiritual Isa 59 1, 2. john. 9 31. 1. Tim. 1. 6. etc. 1. john 3. 21. 22. Corporal Deut. 28. 15. etc. jer. 5, 24, 25. Rom. 13. 1. 2. Heavenly & eternal. Matth. 10. 33. Matth. 21. 41. etc. 1. Cor. 6, 9, etc. Heb. 12. 14, etc. Revel. 21, 8. 2. In the confess▪ of the godly in Heluet. 2, cap. 16. Basil. art. 8. Bohem. cap 7. France, art. 22. Fland. art. 24. Augsburg. art. 6 & 26. Saxon▪ art. 3, 5, & 6. Wittemb cap. 7. Suevia, cap. 4. Which truth is oppugned by adversaries of divers kinds, whereof Some hold, that seeing man is justified by faith, he may live as him listeth licentiously, as the Libertines. Some think that to attend upon virtue & to follow goodness▪ is a yoke too intolerable, as the Simoniacs. Some utterly reject all grace, virtue and feat of God, as Did the Donatists. Aë●ians. Circumcellians. Do the Macchiavils. Atheists. Some permit, though not all manner: yet some sins▪ So of the Whoredom, is allowed. Carpocratians Valentinians, Perjury in the time of troubles, is allowed. Basilidians, Helchisaits, Priscilhanites, Fam. of Love, Papists. Simple fornication, yea, in Priests. is allowed. Breaking of faith to an heretic, etc. is allowed. Some dream that God is pleased with lipseruice, and outward righteousness, as the hypocritical pharisees or Pharisaical Hypocrites. 2. All which man doth, is not pleasing unto God, but that only which proceedeth from a true faith in jesus Christ. So witnesseth 1. The Scripture Heb. 11, 6. Rom. 14, 23. Tit. 1, 15. Rom. 8, 8. Gal. 5, 6. 1. john 5. 4. 5 And although the works of the believing do please God: yet are they not so perfect, that they can satisfy the law of God Therefore even to the justified saith Christ, Pray, etc. forgive us our debts. Matth. 6, 12. Say we are unprofitable servants. Luke 17, 10. Paul, We know that the Law is spiritual, but I am carnal, etc. Rom 7. 14, etc. We which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we do sight in ourselves, etc. and have infirmities. Rom. 8, 23. Ye cannot do the same things that ye would. Gal. 5, 17. 2. The godly in their public confessions extant in print, Heluet. 2, cap. 16. Basil. art. 8. Bohem. cap. 7. France, art. 22. Fland. art. 24. Augsburg art. 26. Saxon. art. 3, 5, & 6. Wittemb. cap. 7. Suevia, cap. 4. Therefore as we mislike: so we condemn the ungodly opinion of the Valentinians, who say, that please God do Spiritual men, which are themselves, not by faith, but only by knowledge. Natural men, not by faith, but by Labour. True dealing. Who teach, that the Laws of God may perfectile be fulfilled of men, once justified, as the Papists; illuminated, as say the Elders in the Family. Papists, Fam. of love. 3. Many are the reasons why good works are to be done, cited in part afore pag. 42. yet not the least cause is that men may be known what they are; so saith 1. The Scripture, that thereby are known The good trees, from the bad. Matth. 7, 16. etc. The wheat from the chaff. Matth. 3, 12. The true Disciples, from the false. john. 13, 35. The sons of God, from the children of Satan, Luke 6, 36. Ephes. 5. 1. 1. john 3, 10. The regenerate, from th'unbelieving jam. 2, 18. 1. Pet. 1, 17. etc. 1. Pet. 4, 22, etc. Ephes. 4, 17. 2. The Confession Heluet. 2. cap. 16. Basil. art. 8. Bohem. cap. 7. Franc: art. 22. Flan. art. 24. Saxon. art. 3. Wittemb. cap. 7. Suevia, cap. 4. And this do the children of God. Not to be seen of men, as Hypocrites. Not to merit, as the Pharisaical Papists. Con. Trid. Sess. 6. can. 24. 13. ARTICLE. 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. The Propositions. Works before justification 1 Please not God. 2. Deserve not grace of congruity. 3. Have the nature of sin. 1. Before men do please God, nothing that man doth can please him. But men please not God being not renewed by the Spirit, which as it hath been already proved: so is it 1. In the Scripture, where it is evident, that before man be regenerate, they are Which bring out no good fruit of themselves. Matth. 7, 16. Not grapes but thorns. Not figs, but thistles. Not good, but ill trees, Matth. 12, 33. Luke 6, 43. Not lively, but dead bows. john 15. 4. Not engraffed, but wild olives. Rom. 11. 17. 23. Not friends, but enemies Rom. 5. 10 Not the sons of God, but the children of wrath. Ephes. 2, 3. 2. In the public confessions of the Churches reform, expressly, Heluet. 2, cap. 15. Augsburg, art. 20. Whereby the vanity of all them is perceived, which think that without regeneration God is pleased with man his deeds whether they be Papists, Look pag. 39 Commenders of civil, and Philosophical righteousness, and placers of the doers of such works, though without faith in christ in the heavens. 2. The unregenerate, not yet justified, have nothing in them to move God to be gracious unto them. As may be seen 1. In the Scripture, where we find that the unregenerate, being Old, not new creatures Ephes. 4, 22. Col. 3. 5. Enemies, (Rom. 8. 7.) not the Children of God, Servants of God, Sinners, not godly bent, Rom. 5, 8. Infidels (Tit. 1, 15.) and not faithful Christians Of congruity deserve no grace at God his hand Hereby is overthrown the Pap. doctrine concerning merits of congruity. 2. In the Confessions of the Churches in Heluet. 2, cap. 16. Bohem. cap. 7. Flan. Art. 23. Augsburg. art. 4, 20. Sax. art. 3, & 8. Wittemb. art. 5. 3. Whatsoever men, not yet justified before god, do, it is sin: & this shall we find confirmed 1. In the scripture, where it is clear, that of the unregenerate The best works which they do, even their Fasting Isa. 58, 3. etc. Math. 6, 16. Zach. 7, 5, etc. Praying Prou. 28, 9 Math. 6, 5. Alms deeds, Math. 6. Sacrificing unto God Psal. 50, 8. Isa. 1, 13. Hos. 6, 6. Mar. 12. 33. though in the name of Christ, Mat. 7, 22, 23. prophesying Doing of miracles All th'actions whatsoever Rom. 14. 23. Tit. 1, 15. Heb. 11, 6. Are abominable in God his eyes. 2. In the Confessions of the holy militant in this world, and namely Heluet. 2, cap. 15, & 16. Bohem. cap. 7. Belg. Art. 23. Augsburg, article 4. 20. Saxon. 3, & 8. Witemb. art. 5. Erred therefore hath the Trid. Council in pronouncing them accursed, which hold that all works of men whatsoever done before his justification, are sin, Sess. 6. can. 7. 4. ARTICLE. Of works of Supererogation. Voluntary works besides, over, and above God's commandments, which they call works of Supererogation, cannot be taught without arrogancy, and impiety. For by them men do declare that they do not only render unto God as much as they are bound to do, but that they do more for his sake than of bounden duty is required: whereas Christ saith plainly, When ye have done all that are commanded to you, say, We be unprofitable servants. The Propositions. Works of Supererogation 1. Cannot be taught without Arrogancy. Impiety. 2. Are the subversion of the true Religion. 1. Works of Supererogation, which are all voluntary works besides over, and above the commandments of God are often condemned 1. In the Scriptures where We are commanded To walk, not after the laws of men, but according to the statutes of God, john 1. 7. Ezek. 20. 19 To hear, not what man he speaketh, but what Christ doth say. Mat. 9, 7. And He teaching the duties of Christians, setteth before them the Law, and word of God (Math. 5. 15. & 22. And more than that, he doth neither ad, nor require. He saith They worship me in vain, who for doctrine teach the commandments of men. Mar. 7, 7. Teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. Mat. 28. 20 My sheep Hear my voice. Know not the voice of Strangers. 10. 10, 27. 5. Such doctrine is called sometimes Beggarly rudiments. Gal. 4, 9 Ordinances of the world, etc. Co. 2. 20. etc. The doctrine of Devils, 1. Tim. 4, 1. Cursed. Gal. 1, 8. 2. In all the reformed Churches in Christendom, and namely by the Confession Heluet. 2. cap. 16. Aus burgh. art. 20 Basil. art. 10. France art. 24. Fland. art. 12. Saron. art. 3. 17. Therefore they which teach such works be Arrogant. ungodly. 2. Where the works of Supererogation are taught The Law of God is broken, that the traditions of men may be observed. The S. Scripture must be contemned, as not sufficient enough to bring men unto the knowledge of salvation. God is made unwise, in not commanding so necessary works. Faith, and other spiritual virtues, are brought into utter oblivion. Perfection is imputed not unto Faith, but unto works, and which is most detestable, unto the works not commanded but forbidden of God, ordained by men. The Law of God is thought to be thoroughly satisfied; and more duties performed than man needed to have done. They which broached, and defend these errors Were the pharisees. Are the Papists who besides what hath been said, do hold that such works Do merit remission of sins, and that For themselves For others Oftentimes do drive away Devils. Evil spirits. Are tokens of the forgiveness of sins, so well as Baptism; yea deliver from the wrath of God, so well as Christ. And so they prefer their own works before The word of God. The Sacraments. Faith. The death of Christ. And therefore may Their doctrine 〈◊〉 called 〈◊〉 doctrine of Devils. The teachers be held accursed. 15. ARTICLE. Of Christ alone without sin. CHrist in the truth of our nature was made like unto us in all things, sin only except, from which he was clearly void, both in his life and spirit. He came to be the Lamb without spot, who by sacrifice of himself once made, should take away the sins of the world; and sin, as S. john saith, was not in him. But all we the rest, although baptised, and borne 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. The Propositions. 1. Christ is truly and perfectly righteous. 2. All men besides Christ, though regenerate, be sinners. 1. That Christ was pure from sin, it is abundantly to be seen. 1. In the Scripture. For He was without sin conceived. Matth. 1, 20. Born. Luke 1. 35. He appeared to lose, but not to fulfil the works of Satan. 1. john 3, 8. He lived And was tempted, yet without sin. Heb. 4, 15. And did no sin. 1. Pet. 2, 22. And knew no sin. 2. Cor. 5, 21. And had no sin in him. 1. john. 3. 5. He died a guiltless man, even by the testimony Of Paul. Rom. 5, 6. etc. Of Peter Act, 3, 14. 1. Pet. 3. 18 Of Stephan. Of his adversary, and persecutor Pilate, Act. 7, 52. Math. 27. 24. john 19, 4, 6. 2. In the godly confessions of the reformed Churches, namely Heluet. 2, cap. 11. Heluet. 1. art. 11. Bohem. cap. 4, 7. France. art. 14. Fland. art. 18. Therefore a cursed company were they, which laid unto the charge of our Saviour That he was a violator of the Sabbaoth, Matth. 12. 10, etc. Luke 13, 14. john 5▪ 16, etc. That he taught, being not lawfully authorized thereunto. Math. 21, 23. That he forbade tribute to be given unto Caesar. Luke 23, 2. That he was the destroyer of the Law. Matth. 5, 17. That he overthrew all religion, and moved the people unto rebellion. Luke 23. 5. Such were the Scribes. Pharisees. High Priests. 2 All men besides Christ, are sinners. A truth most apparent 1. In the Scripture, which testifieth how all men be either Unregenerate; & they be unrighteous (already proved above, pag. 46, 47) and sin in all things (confirmed, pag. 48.) Regenerate; and there are not without sin Original; read pag. 31, 32. Actual, see pag. 43. Besides confirmed is it 〈…〉 2. Eccles. ●, 20. 1. Tim. 1, 15. Gal. 5, 17 1. john. 1, 8. 2. In the confessions of the godly, especially In Augsburg. art. 20 In Saxony. art. 3, 8. Oppugned is this truth by sundry adversaries which hold, that besides Christ, others either have been, or be perfectly righteous, such be The Papists. The manichees. The catharan's. The Donatists. The Pelagians The Family of love. The Marcionites. The Adamits. The Carpocratians. Whereof some have thought As the Papists, that The virgin Marie was pure from all sin, both Original. Actual. S. Francis hath fulfilled every ●ote of the book of God. That they could not sin so much as in cogitation, as the Manechics. catharan's. That they have been so perfect that they could justify other men at their pleasures, as the Donatists. That they needed not to say, as Christ commandeth, Forgive us our trespasses, etc. except it were on the behalf of others. For they cannot sin. Of this opinion are the Pelagians. Fam. of love. That they are so pure, even as Yea more holy than Paul, Peter, etc. such are the Marcionites Adam, and Eva before their fall, as the Adami●●●●. I. Christ himself, as the Carpocratians. 16. ARTICLE. 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 departed from grace given, and fall into sin, and by the grace of God, (we may) rise 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, or deny the place of forgiveness to such as truly repent. The Propositions. 1. Every sin is not the sin against the holy Ghost. 2. The very regenerate may fall, and yet rise again. 3. None are utterly to be cast of, which unfeignedly repent. 1. Every sin willingly committed after regeneration, is not the sin against the holy Ghost, and therefore unpardonable; as may be seen 1. In the Scripture, where we find though every sin of it own nature deserve damnation: yet that there is A sin Stripes. Luke 12, 46. Which shallbe punished with few, Which shallbe punished with many A sin 1. john 5, 6. Unto death, Not unto death, A sin against which shallbe forgiven, The Father The Son The holy Ghost; that never shallbe forgiven Matth. 12, 31. Mar. 3, 39 Luke 12, 10. 2. In the public confessions of the Church of God at Heluet. 2, cap. 8. Bohem. cap. 4. Saxon. art. 10. diversly hath this doctrine been invaded. For Some have thought all sins to be like, as the stoics. Pelagians. ●ouinians. Some taught how none of the godly fathers, and nations from the beginning of the world, until the 15. year of Tiberius the Emperor, though earnestly they did repent, were saved, but were punished alike with utter confusion, as Manes the Heretic. Some give out that all everlastingly be condemned, which depart out of this world Afore they are baptised, as the Papists. Afore they come unto years of discretion; as the Heracites. 2. That the very regenerate may fall, and yet rise again, is a true doctrine 1. Granted upon the Scriptures. For in them we do evidently see That fall They may Partly by the admonitions Of Christ unto The man healed of the palsy. john 5, 14. The adulteress. john 8, 11. Of Paul▪ unto Th' Ephesians. cap. 4, 21. Colossians. cap. 3, 8. The hebrews. cap. 5, 12. Timothy 1. T. 1, 9 2. T. 4, 3 2. T. 2, 22. Of Peter, unto all the godly 1. Pet. 2, 10. 1. Pet. 5, 8. 2. Pet. 3, 17. Partly by the example of David. Solomon. Peter, etc. Thei● do, even by the 5. petition of the Lord his prayer, were there nothing beside to prove the same: but look pag. 31, 32, 43, 54. That being fallen, they may rise again, by the Exhortations of the Angel unto the churches of Revel. 2. Ephesus, Pergamus. Thyatira, Examples Of Peter, who denied, and yet afterward confessed Christ. Of all the Disciples, which fled (Matth. 26, 56.) and yet came again. But subscribe hereunto will not The catharan's. The novatians. The Iouinians, The Anabaptistes. The Fam. of love. Who think that the people of God be regenerate into a pure and Angelical state, so that they be defiled with no contagion of sin. The Papists simply. For though they grant that the godly may rise again from sin: yet they deny that they can so do without their Sacrament of Penance; which is an error. Conc. Trid. sess. 6. can. 29. 2. Grounded by all the godly, & published in the confession of Heluet. 2, cap. 7. Bohem. cap. 5, 8. Saxon. art. 10, 11. Wittemb. art▪ 32. Sueu. art. 15. 3. Such as do fall, & yet return again by unfeigned repentance unto the Lord, are to be received as members of the true Church. And this is verified 1. In the Scripture. For there is it That God Would have all men to be saved Matth. 11, 28. 1. Tim. 2, 4. Is ready to receive the penitent, Luke 15. 7. Luke 19, 41. jam. 5, 20. 2. Pet. 3, 10. 1. john 1, 9 Revel. 2, 5, etc. Doth refuse none that return unto him by repentance, as appeareth in th'example Of the prodigal child. Luke 15, 20. Of the debtor Matth. 18, 26, etc. That upon repentance man must receive, & comfort them which have gone astray. So did Paul will The Galathians to restore the weak. Gal. 6, 1. The Corinthians to comfort the man which had committed incest. 2. Cor. 2, 7, etc. Philemon to receive One simus. Phil. vers. 12. 2. In the Christian confessions of the godly in Heluet. 2, cap. 14. Bohem. 5. Augsburg art. 11. Saxon. art. 3. Wittemb. art. 12. Adversaries. unto this truth, are Who leave nothing but th●●apeaseable wrath of God to such as offend after Baptism. The Montanists. The novatians. The Anabaptistes. That say, how being once regenerate, sin is cut away, as with a razor, so that they cannot sin, neither need to repent. The Messalians. The Fam. of love. The desperate, whose sins be either so many, or so grievous, that they think how God he neither can, nor will forgive them. 17. Article 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 council secret to us, to deliver from curse & 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 endued with so excellent a benesite of God, be called according to God's 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 only begotten s●nne jesus Christ: they walk religiously in good works, and at length by God's mercy, they attain to everlasting felicity. As the godly consideration of predestination and our election in Christ is full of sweet, pleasant & unspeakable comfort to godly persons, & such as feel in themselves the working of the spirit of Christ, mortifying the works of the flesh, & their earthly members, & 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 God's predestination, is a most dangerous downfall, whereby the devil doth thrust them either into desperation, or into recklessness of most unclean living, no less perilous than desperation. 9 Furthermore, we must receive God's promises in such wise, as they be generally set forth unto us in holy scripture, 10 and in our doings that will of God is to be followed, which we have expressly declared unto us in the word of God. The Propositions. 1. There is a predestination unto everlasting life. 2. predestination hath been from everlasting. 3. They which are predestinate unto salvation cannot perish. 4. Not all men, but certain are predestinate to be saved. 5. Why some are elected, and not others. 6. Who they are which shallbe saved. 7. What are the effects of predestination. 8. The use of the doctrine of predestination, both to the godly & wicked. 9 What may keep men both from desperation, & also from security. 10. In our actions the word of God, which is his revealed will, must be our direction. 1. That among men some be predestinate unto life, it is a truth most apparent 1. In the Scripture 1. By the testimony Of Christ himself Math. 10, 20. 20, 23. 22, 14. 24, 22. 25, 35. Luke 12, 32. 17, 34. john. 6, 37. 10, 26, etc. Of the evangelist, Luke, Act. 13. 48. Apostle Paul Rom. 8, 29 etc. 9 10. 11. 1. Cor. 1. 27. 2. Cor. 2. 13. Ephes. 1. 2. By the example of The Creatures Man Angels, Math. 25, 41. ●ude, vers. 6. The two brethren Habel Kain Gen. 4. 4. Heb. 11, 4. Isaac & Ishmael Rom. 9, etc. jaakob & Esau Mal. 1, 2, 3. Rom. 9 13. The two eunuchs of K. Pharaoh, Goe 40, 20, etc. The two kingdoms juda & Israel. The two people's jews & Gentiles Rom. 11. The two Apostles, Peter & judas. The two thieves upon the Crosse. The two men in the Fields, Math. 24. 40. The two women at the Mill. Math. 24. 40. All wicked: and yet of them some be received into the favour of God, and some rejected. Err therefore do they which stand in opinion That some are appointed to be saved, but none to be damned. That some in soul, but in soul and body together none shall be saved, as the pseudo-apostles. Carpocratians. Valent. Cerdonites. manichees. Hieracites. Montanists. 2. In the public writings, and confession of the Churches militant. 2. Predestination began not in time, but before all times. So is it 1. In the Scripture Matth. 25, 34. Rom. 16, 25. 26. Ephes. 1. 4. etc. 2. Tim. 1, 9 2. In the public confession of the godly in Heluet. 2. cap. 10. 11. Basil. Art. 1. France, art. 12. Whereby it appeareth how those Sophisters be deceived, who, because God is not included within the compass of any time, but hath all things to come as present continually before his eyes, do ●a●e, that God he did not in the time long passed only, but still doth in the time present likewise predestinate. 3. They which are predestinate unto life everlasting cannot fall away from God for altogether, saith 1. The Scripture Math. 16. 18. Math. 24, 24. john. 6, 37. john. 10, 28, 129. Rom. 8, 30. etc. Rom. 11. 29. 2. Tim. 2, 19 1. john, 2, 19 2. The Church of God in Heluet. confes. 2. cap. 10. Basil. confess. art. 1. France, art. 12. confess. Then wander do they from the truth, which think That the very elect may fall utterly from grace & be damned. That the number of those which be predestinate, may both increase and be diminished. So did the Pelagians. 4. As we grant there is a Predestination and that before all worlds, of men who must enjoy everlasting life: so we do say not that all men, but certain be predestinate unto salvation. And so doth 1. The word of God Luke, 10, 20. Luke, 12, 7. john, 10, 14. 2. Tim. ●, 10. 2. The Churches reform in Heluet. 2. cap. 10. Basil. Art. 1. France, art. 12. Fland. Art. 16. What they are therefore appeareth, which say that Not certain, but all shall be saved, yea the very As the Origenistes. Libertines Catabaptis●●● Devils Damned All men be elected unto everlasting life, Furthermore they are not to be liked that curiously will inquire what the number of them is that shallbe saved, or damned. 5. The causes why some are predestinate unto life, are set down most plainly ●. In the Scripture, where may be seen 1. The cause efficient to be th'everlasting purpose of God Rom. 8, 28. Rom. 9 11. Ephes. 1, 5. etc. 2. Tim. 1, 9 2. The cause formal, God his infinite mercy Exod. 33, 19 Rom. 9, 15. 3. The cause material, the blood of 1. Christ Act. 2, 38. Act. 3, 20, etc. Act. 10, 43, etc. 1. Cor. 15, 22, etc. Ephes. 1. 3. etc. 1. Tim. 2. 5. 1. Pet. 1, 18, 19 4. The cause final, or end, why both God the Father hath loved, and Christ thus suffered, namely The glory of God Ephes. 1. 6▪ 12. Prou. 16. 4. Isa. 5. 16. The salvation of man Rom. 8, 29. Rom. 9 21. 2. In the public writings of the Churches militant with a sweet consent according to this article, And this condemneth the impiety of all those which think That God doth not predestinate man of his mercy, but that man doth predestinate himself by his merits. That God beheld in every man whether he would use his grace well, and believe the Gospel, or no; and as he saw a man well affected, so he did predestinate him. That beside his will there was some other cause in God why he choase one, and cast off another: but this cause and reason was hid from us. That men are predestinate unto life, if they do believe; But Predestination is not conditional, but certain. For they which are elected in Christ shall, and if they live, must and will believe. That God is partial, and unjust, for choosing some, and refusing others; calling many, and electing but few. 6 Though true it be the Lord knoweth all, & every of his elect: yet hath he revealed unto us certain notes and tokens, whereby we may see, & certainly know whether we be of that number, or not. For such as be ordained unto everlasting life, if they live 1. They be called unto the knowledge of salvation, by the preaching of the word. 2. They obey that calling through th'▪ operation of God his spirit, working within them. 3. They feel in their souls, the Spirit of God bearing witness unto their spirits, how they are the children of God. 4. They walk religiously in all good works. And this is evident, and clear 1. In the Scripture, where is set down, of the predestinate unto salvation▪ 1. The calling Rom. 8, 30. Gal. 1, 15. 1. Thes. 2, 12. 2. Tim. 1. 9 Revel. 17, 14. 2. Th'obedience unto the word. Matth. 13, 11. Rom. 1, 5. Rom. 16. 19 26. 2. Cor. 13, 5. Ephes. 1, 13. 3. Th'adoption into the children of God. Rom. 8, 15. 16. Matth. 6, 9 Ephes. 1, 5. Gal. 4, 5. 6. 4. The holiness of life, and conversation. Ephes. 1, 4. Ephes. 2, 10. 2. Thes. 2, 13. 14. Tit. 2, 11. 12. 2. In the 2. public Heluet. confession, cap. 10. Sundry adversaries hath this truth, but principally. The Papists, who reach that none are to think that they are of the number of the predestinate Con●. Trid. 〈…〉. Cap. ●▪ C●●●●●. Such as think it is a sufficient argument of election, if they be outwardly called by the word, though they have none inward calling of the Spirit. The Schuenkfeldians, and all such as depending upon revelations, condemn the ordinary calling of God by the ministery of hi● word. 7 divers be th'effects of predestination: but chief it bringeth to th'elect 1. In this life, justification. 2. In the life to come, Glorification. Always a conformity to the image of th'only begotten son of God 1 In suffering troubles. 2. In enjoying glory. So witness 1. The scripture Rom. 8, 30. Rom. 8, 29, 17. Matth. 25, 34. 2. The god lie, who In any age have been Do live at this present. And this is flatly against them which oppugn either 1. The justification by faith through the hearing of the word preached, as do the Infidels. Epicures. Atheists, of which read more above, pag. 39 2. The glorious condition of man in blessed immortality. such are The Appollinari●ns. The Millinaries. Those heretics which deny the resurrection of the flesh. as the Carpocratians. Valentinians. Cerdonites. manichees. Montanists, etc. 8. The consideration and doctrine of predestination, is 1. To the godly full Sweet, Pleasant, Comfortable. Because It greatly confirmeth their faith in Christ. It doth fervently kindle their love toward God. So saith 1. The scripture. Rom. 8 18, 31. etc. Ephe. 1. 15, etc. 1. Cor. 15, 14, 15, etc. 2. The Church of God in all places. 2. To the wicked and reprobate Sour Unsavoury, Uncomfortable. As that which they think, though most untruly and wickedly, bringeth them either To despair of God's mercy, being without faith. Not to fear his justice being so extremely wicked. Where as▪ neither .1 By the word of God. 2. By any sound confession Can any man collect that he is a vessel of wrath, prepared unto damnation: but contrariwise, by many great arguments may persuade himself that he is in the favour of God, as in the next table following, plainly doth appear. Therefore they are to be held as heretics against the faith, which give out that this doctrine leadeth Unto desperation, which is with out all comfort, Looseness of life, and so unto Atheis. me. And therefore to be published neither by mouth nor by writing: such were the heretics called from hence, Predestinati. Are the new Pelagians, the Fam. of love. 9 That men the better may avoid Desperation, Carnal security, They are in their minds firmly to remember 1. That the promise of grace and favour to men is universal, Matth. 11, 28. Matth. 18, 14. john. 3, 15. Rom. 3, 22. 1. Tim. 2, 4. 2. Pet. 3▪ 6. Read Rom. 9 10. 11. 2. That the doctrine of predestination is to be preached not unto a few, but universally to all men Matth. 28, 19, 20. Mark. 16, 15, 16. Luk. 24, 45, 46, 47 3. That the seals of the covenant be appointed to all in general. For Concerning Baptism, All are to be baptized, Matth. 28, 19 Mark. 16, ●5. Touching the Lord his supper, Christ faith Of the bread, Take, eat, this is my body. Of the cup, Drink ye all of it. Matth. 26, 26, etc. 1. Cor. 11, 23. etc. 4. That as the disobedience of Adam brought condemnation upon all men: so the blood and obedience of Christ is able, and all sufficient to wash away all sins, and that of all men. 5. That none ever yet did fly unto the mercy of God by unfeigned repentance, but he was received into favour: so among others was David after his adultery. Manasses after his idolatry. Peter after his apostasy. The thief hanged with Christ, even at the last gasp. The Nin●ui●s after many▪ and grievous offences committed So that as they are not to be heard, which do say The number of the elect is but small, and seeing we are uncertain whether we be of that company or not, we will proceed on as we have begun: That God is an acceptor of persons, and so unjust in choosing some, and refusing others: So is it the part of all, and every man, Not to refuse the mercies of God, as generally: so most graciously offered unto all men. Not to despere in ●espect either Of the greatness Of the multitude Of his sins. Not to provoke the Lord to execute his vengeance through profaneness of life, and security. 10. In our doings, but chiefly in the matter of Predestination, we are to follow 1. Not our own judgements, and what seemeth good in our own opinions. 2. The will of God. And that will to Not which is concealed from us, of God his omnipotency, whereby he is minded to govern at his pleasure the things by himself created. Of this will is mention made Psal. 115, 3. Isa. 46, 10. Rom. 9, 15. Of his favour and good will toward mankind, revealed unto us in the S. Scriptures by jesus christ, whom we are to hear, Math. 3, 17. And he saith Come unto me, etc. Math. 11, 28. So God loved the world, etc. john, 3, 16. Subscribed hereunto have the Godly in all ages, and by name the Church in Helvetia by their public confession. Heluet 2▪ cap. 10: but so have no● The Enthusiasts. Anabaptists. Fam. of love. So many as leave the written word of God, and depend upon revelations, either contrary, or besides the truth Of which ungodly cogitations springeth among men Contempt of the words of the Preache●● and of all godly exerc●●●●. Impenitency▪ Carnal security. Desperation▪ 18. ARTICLE. Of obtaining eternal salvation only by the name of Christ. THey also are to be had accursed, that presume to say that every man shallbe 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. For so much as there is bu● One faith Only the Name of jesus Whereby men must be saved, as witness The Scriptures Ephe, 4. 5. Act. 4, 2. The Godly militant in this world. They are to be had accursed which say that Every man is saved by the which he professeth. Law Sect Men may frame themselves according to all Times, Places, Persons, Religion. As The Libertine anabaptists. The Family of love. Temporizers. Macchiavel's. 19 ARTICLE. 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 Christ's 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 only in their living and manner of ceremonies, but also in matters of faith. The Propositions. 1 There is a Church of Christ, not only invisible, but also visible. 2 There is but one Church. 3 The visible Church is a catholic church. 4 The word of God was, and is before the Church. 5 The marks and tokens of the visible church, are the due and true administration of the Word and Sacraments. 6 The visible Church may err both in doctrine and conversation. 7 The church of Rome most shamefully hath erred both in life, ceremonies, and matters of Faith. 8 There is no salvation without this church, and therefore every man is firmly to join thereunto, and never to departed there from by schism, and contention. 1 A true saying is it. The Lord, and he only, knoweth who are his. For to man the Church of christ is partly 1 Invisible; which are all th' elect, who are or shall be either 1 In Heaven, triumphing. 2 In earth fight against the Flesh World Devil These as members of the Church, are said to be invisible, not because the men are not seen, but for that their faith and conscience is not perfectly known unto us. 2 Visible, whereof some are 1 For God. 2 Against God. All notwithstanding well thought of: and accounted faithful, so long as they make no manifest and open rebellion against the truth. And this 1 Is gathered out of the S. Scripture, where is touched the Church 1 Invisible, and holy 1 Triumphing Reu. 2▪ 26. Reu. 7. 14▪ 15 Reu. 3, 5 12. 2 Militant, or wa●ring Gal. 4, 29. Ephe. 6. 10. 2. Tim. 3. 12. 1. Pet. 5. 10. Reu. 12. 11. Revel. 17. 14. 2 Visible & mixed By the parable Of the Sour▪ Mat. 13. Of the Marriage, Mat. 22. Of the Virgins, Mat. 25. By the saying Of christ joh. 6. 70 joh. 13. 10. Of Paul, 2. Tim. 2. 20 This truth hath many adversaries, whereof Some renounce our Christ, the Saviour of mankind, & so think his people are not the Church as the jews. Turks. Anabapt. Heretics. Some deny the triumphing state of the godly in heaven, and dream of a glorious condition in this world, as the familiars. H. N. victual▪ Some think the Church Catholic to be visible, as the Papists. Some suppose the Church militant is not visible at all, as the Libertines. Some give out that the Church is void of sin and sinners, as the Donatists Anabaptists. Fami. of love. 2 Is testified in the Churches reform Confes. Heluet. ●. cap. 17. Heluet. 1. art. 14. Bohem. cap. 8. France Art. 27. Flan. Art. 27. Augsburg. art. 7. Sax Art. 11. Wittemb. Art. 32. Sueu●. art. 2. When we do say That the Church is Visible, Invisible, That there is à church West, east, Greek, Latin, Italian, English We think not that Christ hath divers churches, but that the Church Is diversly taken, Hath many particular Churches (as the sea many arms) contained in it. For the visible Church is Not many congregations A Congregation. As may be read. 1. In the Scripture, Rom. 12, 5. 1. Cor. 10, 17. 1. Cor. 12, 13. Gal. 3. 28. 2. In the Confes. of the godly in Heluet. 2, cap. 17. Bohem. cap. 8. Franc. art. 26. Fland. art. 27. Augsburg art. 7. Wittemb. art. 32. Sueu. art. ●5. Then blasphemous be th'opinions of The jews, The Turks, 〈…〉 Who seclude all from the Church, whosoever embrace no● their 〈◊〉 nations. Munce●, that Anabaptist, which termed his 〈◊〉▪ clean contrary to the people of Christ 〈…〉 of God; and sa●de that all others were wicked, and worthy to be slain. The family of Love, who publish how They only are the Church. None are in a rect faith or belief, but only the Commonalty of love. The Commonalty of Love are the Saints of God, and his acceptable people. they which are not of the Family, have no living god; and be without God's service. ●. The visible church property understood, is but a part of the Catholic: yet forasmuch as it is a Congregation of the faithful, who be For calling Governors and subjects, Noble and base, Rich and poor, Teachers & learners, For sex Men Women, For age Old Young▪ For their country. jews and Gentiles, Grecians and Barbarians, It may be well called a Catholic Church. This 1. Is grounded upon the word of God. Where we find that excluded is No calling Marc. 16, 15. Matth. 28, 19 1. Cor. 4, 10. 1. Cor. 1, 26, 27. No sex Act. 2, 21. Rom. 1, 16. Gal. 3, 28. None age Marc. 16, 16. Act. 13, 39 Rom. 10, 4. No nation Matth. 28, 19 Luke 13, 29. Act. 2, 39 Act. 10, 34▪ 35. 2. Is granted by the Church, namely in Heluet. confes. 2. cap ●7. Bohem. confess. cap. 8. Flan. confess. art. 27. Wittemb. art. 32. Unsound be they in religion therefore, which will t●e the Church to a certain Calling, as the rude romanists, to the Clergy. country, as the Donatists, to Africa. Place▪ as the Papists, to Rome. People, as the jews to themselves, excluding all others. 4. Seeing the visible Church of Christ is a Congregation of men (either in th'eyes of God, or at the least in the judgement of the godly) faithful: it followeth that the word of God must be before the Church, fo● 1. Time▪ Because the word is The seed: the faithful The corn Luke 8, ●1 The children. 1. Pet. 1, 23 The rock, or foundation; the faithful the house Matt. 16, 1●. Ephes. 2, ●0. 2. Authority: forsomuch as the voce Of the Church, is the voce of man, who Hath erred, May err. Of the scripture is the voce of God, 2. Tim. 3, 16. 2. Pet. 1, 21. Who cannot Deceive Be deceived. Of this judgement are the Churches reform, as appeareth in their confess. Heluet. 1, art. 14. Heluet. 2, cap. 13, 17. Bohem. cap. 1, 8. France, art. 5. Flan. art. 3, 7. Saxon. art. 1, 11. Suevia. art. 1. This maketh to the strengthening of us, against those Popish opinions; that the Church 1. Was before 〈◊〉 Word, for time 2. Is above the Word▪ for authority. 5. There is the visible Church, where 1. The pure word of God is sincerely preached. 2. The Sacraments instituted by Christ are duly administered. And so say not we only, but besides 1. The scripture; where in we find that à note of the visible Church is the 1. Word preached, Luke 8, 21. john 8, 47. john. 10▪ 27. Gal. 1, 8 1. Thes. 5, 20. 1. john 4, 2, etc. 2. john verse 9 2. Administration of the Sacraments. Matth.▪ 28, 19 Rom. 6 3. 1. Cor. 6, 11. 1. Cor. 12, 13. Luke 23, 19 1. Cor. 1. 20. etc. 2. The god lie in reformed Churches Confes. Heluet. 1, art. 14. Heluet. 2, cap. 17. Bohem. cap. 8. France, art. 27, 28. Saxon. art. 11. Wittemb. art. 32. Suevia. art. 15. Some, and they also godly men, add beside for a note of the visible Church, Discipline. But because discipline in part, is included in th'other marks mentioned, both we, and in effect, all other Churches reform, overpass it in this place, as no token simply of the visible Church. Neither do we tie the Church so strictly to th'other signs, that we think all those to be without the Church, and Antichristians, which neither do hear the word orderly preached, nor receive the sacraments; if so be they would, and can neither hear th'one, nor receive th'other: at which time the Church is not visible, but invisible, as in the time of tyranny, and captivity. On the other side we renounce, as altogether Antichristian, the opinions 1. Of the Papists, who allege for tokens of the true Church Antiquity, Unity, Universality, Succession, Miracles. Revelations. But these are not so, Because they are not derived from the very nature of the Church, but are merely external. Because they are tokens aswell of the false, as of the true Church. Because they are not good, except there be warranted by the word of God. Because it was foretold by the Spirit of God, that the coming of Antichrist should be with all power, signs, and lying wonders, etc. 2. Thes. 2, 9, etc. 2. Of some, which make discipline, and that their own too, such an essential argument of the visible Church, as they think where that is not, though both the Word, and the Sacraments be rectlie ministered and received, there 1. The Magistrates are Tyrants. 2. The Ministers are false prophets 3. No Church of God is. 4. Antichristianitie doth reign. 6. Nothing is more certain, than that the church militant and visible, may err, and that 1. In doctrine, 2. In conversation, Else would it not have been said to the Church By our Saviour Christ, concerning 1. Doctrine, Take heed, etc. Matt. 24. 4. Believe it not. Matt. 24, 23, & 26. Beware of the leaven, etc. Mar. 8, 15. Many shallbe deceived: yea▪ the very elect if it were possible. Matt. 24. ver. 11, 24. Shall he find faith on the earth? Luke 18, 8. 2. Conversation. Iniquity shall be increased. The love of many shall wax cold. Matth. 24, 12. By Paul touching Doctrine. We know in part. 1. Cor. 13. 12. Antichrist sitteth in the temple of God 2. Thes 2, 4. Beware of dogs of idle workmen, of concision. Phi. ●. 1. Conversation. There is a fight. Rom. 7. 22. Restore, etc. lest thou also be tempted. Bear one another's burden Gal. 6, 1. Now that the Church hath erred, either the Superstition, Here sies, Atheism Now reigning at Jerusalem, Alexandria, Antioch. The most famous places in th'universal world, do witness. And this is subscribed unto by the churches in Heluet. confes. 2. cap. 17 Saxon. confess. art. 11. Wittemb. art. 32. Suevia. confess. art. 15. But this truth is oppugned by 1. The Papists which hold that the Church cannot err in doctrine. 2. The Donatistes' Anabap. who say the church cannot err for manners. 7. justly is the Church of Rome condemned of us, and of all reformed Churches. Because not only it hath erred, but still cursedly doth offend 1. In life. for there The harlot hath a better life, Than she that is a Romans wife. All things are vendible. A man may be what he will, saving a godly man. 2. In ceremonies, which are For number, infinite: such as neither we, nor our fathers could bear. For use Vain. For many of them are To no purpose. To none order. To no comeliness. Damnable: inasmuch as they are held Necessarily to be observed, which is against Christian liberty. To merit, which bringeth unto nothing, the sacrifice of Christ. 3. In doctrine. For 1. Against the law of God it maintaineth Idolatry. Invocation of creatures. Disobedience unto Magistrates. Whoredom. Perjury so it be not to a Catholic. 2. To the overthrow of the Gospel, of man his salvation, it ascribeth The original, partly To the grace of God. To the force of nature. The substance, partly To the justice of God. To the merits of man. The end partly To the glory of God. To the honour of creatures. Again, look we into the heads of The antichristian Synagogue and we shall see that of them some have been 1. Conjurers, & forcerers, as Pope Martin, 2. Sylvester. 2. 3. john 19 20. 21, Gregory 6. and Gregory the 7. Benedict. 9▪ 2. Heretics. For▪ Pope Syricius, Calixtus, Leo 9 Paschalis, if not simply, yet in some men, & women condemned marriage. Liberius was an Arrian. Anastasius 2. an Acatian. Honorius a Monothelite. john 22. a D●rmitane. Caelestinus a Nestorian. 3. World Athely profane men. Pope Sixtus builded a stews for Sodomites. Paul. 3. received 40000▪ ducats monthly of curti●ans. Leo 10 denied the immortality of the soul. john 23 was pronounced a devil incarnate, at the counsel at Constance. Hence it came that 1. Rome Hath been called Babylon, and that by August de ci●itat. Dei, lib. 18. Hieron in praefat. lib. de Spiritu S. Was said to show the parts of the Gentiles, rather than of Christians, even by the late Pope Paus 5. 2. Bernard said the Romans are wise to do wickedness, but be altogether fools unto goodness. They are hateful to heaven and earth, yea, and hurtful to both: wicked against God, rash against holy things, seditious among themselves. De consider. ad Eugen. lib. 4. 3. The Pope was proclaimed Antichrist at Rheims, by the counsel under Capet. What they are then, it appeareth, which sa●e, the Church of Rome doth not, yea, cannot err at al. 8. Although it be not expressly set down: yet is it necessarily derived from this Article, that 1. None can be saved, which are not members of this true church 2. Every one is firmly to join and never to forsake this communion of sancts And this is evident 1. In the word of God, where we are commanded To hear Christ. Matth. 17, 5. To come unto Christ. Matt. 21, 28. To beware Of false prophets. Matt. 7, 15. Of the leaven of the P●●t. & Sad. Mat. 16, 6. Of dogs, Phil. 32. Of idle workmen Phil. 32. Of concision Phil. 32. Lest there be any that spoil us through philosophy. Col. 2, 8. Lest we be plucked away with th'error of the wicked. 2. Pet. 3, 7. To try the spirits, etc. 1. john 4, 1. To go out of Babylon. Revel. 18, 4. To come out from among th'ungodly, etc. 2. Cor. 6, 17. For 1. The benefits which the Church doth, and shall enjoy, are most singular 1. Corporal Matth. 6, 33. Luke 21, 28. 2. Spiritual john 17, 3. Gal. 4, 6. Col. 3, 13. 1. john 1, 9 3. Eternal Matth. 25, 21. john 16, 22. Matth. 13, 43. Rom. 8, 17. 2. The punishments which the enemies of the Church shall have, are many and grievous. 1. In this life Wars, and destruction Matth. 22, 7. Induration of heart. john 12, 40. 2. In the world to come Expulsion from the Supper. Luke 14 24. Exclusion from the marriage. Matth. 25, 12. A portion in the cup of the wrath of God. Reu. 1●, 10, in the lake etc. reave. 21, 8. Damnation. Phil. 3, 19 Therefore let them take heed Who, whatsoever considerations they may seem to have, 〈◊〉 to join with this church, I mean Papists. Liber. Anabaptists. Schismatics. Who will ●ome not only with this church but with all other beside, if occasion do serve, I●●urkie, with turks At Rome with Antichrist At home with Christ Suc● are The Familiars. 〈…〉 2. In the public confessions of the reformed Churches in Heluet. 1. art. 14. Heluet. 2, cap. 17. France, art. 26. Fland. art. 28. Saxo. art. 11. Wittemb art. 32. Suevia. art. 15.