1. ARTICLE. Of faith in the holy Trinitie.

THere is but ¹ one, liuing, and true God, euerla­sting, without bodie, partes, or passions, of infinite power, wisedome, and goodnes; ² the maker and preseruer of al thinges both visible, and inuisible. ³ And in vnitie of this God-hed, there be three persons, of one substance, power, and aeternitie, the Father, the Sonne, and the holie Ghost.

• 1. There is but one God, who is liuing, true, euer­lasting.
• 2. God is the maker, and praeseruer of al thinges.
• 3. In the vnitie of the God-hed, there is à Tri­nitie of persons▪

• [Page 2]1. Maie be gathe­red from the al holie and sa­cred Scripture, which giueth vs to knowe, that God is
• • 1. But one
  • • Exod. 30. 3.
    • Deut. 6, 4.
    • Psal. 18, 31.
    • Mal. 2, 10.
    • 1. Cor. 8, 4, &c.
    • 1. Tim. 2, 5.
  • 2. The verie God
  • • 1. Chro. 15, 3
    • Ier. 10, 10.
    • Iohn. 17, 3.
    • 1. Thes. 1, 9.
  • 3. Euerlasting,
  • • Psal. 102, 24, &c.
    • Dan. 6, 26.
    • 1. Tim. 1, 17.
  • 4. Without bodie, &c.
  • • Psal. 104, 1, &c.
    • Iohn. 4, 24.
    • 2. Cor. 3, 17.
  • 5. Of infinite
  • • Power,
    • • Ezech. 10, 5
      • 2. Cor. 6, 18.
      • Reuel. 11, 17.
    • Wisedom
    • • Psal. 1. 7, 5.
      • Rom. 16, 27
      • 1. Tim. 1, 17.
    • Goodnes,
    • • Psal. 106, 1.
      • Psal. 107, 1.
• 2. Is agreeable to the publique con­fessions of the Church of God in
• • Ausburgh, art. 2.
  • Heluet. 2, art. 2.
  • Bohem. cap. 3.
  • France, art. 1.
  • Fland. art. 2.
  • Wittemb. cap. 1.
  • Whereby we maie beholde th'impie­tie
    • Of such as flatlie denie there is à God, as did
    • • Diagoras.
      • Theodorus.
    • Of such as be doubtful whether there be anie God,
    • • As was Protagoras.
      • As are the Macchiauils.
    • Of such as fained two Gods, as did the
    • • Valentinians.
      • Manechies.
    • Of such, who saie there be manie Gods, as did the Gentils, wherof some worshipped for God.
    • • Beastes, as the Aegyptians.
      • Th'elements, as the Persians.
      • Iupiter &c. as the
      • • Indians.
        • Graecians.
        • Romans.
    • Of such as ascribe the forme and lineaments of man vnto God, as did the Anthropomorphites.
    • Of such as put anie con­fidence in
    • • Sanctes, As the Papistes.
      • Man, As the Papistes.
      • Riches, As the Atheistes.
      • Horses, &c. As the Atheistes.

• [Page 3]1. VVas made, it agreeth with
• • 1. The Scripture,
  • • Gen. 1, 1, &c.
    • 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 preserued, it accordeth vnto
• • 1. The word of God,
  • • Psal. 104, 1, &c.
    • Matth. 10, 29, &c.
    • Act. 17, 25, &c.
    • 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 al Here­tiques & errors which impugne
      • 1 The creation of the worlde by God; as did
      • • Aristotle, that saide the world was aeternal, and without beginning.
        • The Marcionites, who saide God made not the world. For it was too base à thing for him to create.
        • The Manechies, which ascri­bed the creation of al things vnto two Gods, or Begin­nings, or Natures,
        • • Th'one Good; where-of ca [...] good thinges.
          • Th'other Euil; where-of came euil thinges.
      • 2. The proui­dence of God; as
      • • The Stoikes, who ascribe al thinges to Fate, or Destinie.
        • The Epicures, which thinke howe God is idle, and gouerneth not the world.

• [Page 4]1. To the sa­cred Scrip­ture,
• • Gen. 1, 1, &c.
  • Psal. 33, 6.
  • Matth. 3, 16, 17.
  • Gal. 4, 6.
  • 2. Cor, 13, 13.
  • 1. Iohn, 5, 7.
• 2. To the Creede
• • Apostolical,
  • Nicen,
  • Athanasian.
• 3. To the con­fess. of the godlie in
• • Heluet.
  • • [...]. art. 6.
    • [...]. cap. 3.
  • Ausburgh, art. 1.
  • France, art. 6.
  • Fland. art. 8, 9.
  • Bohem. cap. 3.
  • Witemb. cap 1,
  • Sueuia, art. 2.
  • Curssed then are al opini­ons of men contrarie here-vnto, which do
    • Saie, there is one God, and not three persons in the God head, as do the
    • • Iewes.
      • Turkes.
    • Saie, there be moe God than one, and yet not three persons, nor of one nature, but of contrarie disposi­tion, as the
    • • Gnostikes,
      • Marcionites.
      • Valentinians.
    • Thinke, there be three Gods, or spirits, not distinguished onlie, but di­uided also, as the Tritheites.
    • Holde, that not à Trinitie, but à Quaternitie is to be worshipped, as the Emperour Anastasius commaunded.
    • Graunte
    • • The name of three sondrie persons, and denie their persons, as did the
      • These did saie howe the same God was called in the holie Scripture by diuers names. And ther­fore that the Father be­came flesh, and suffered, because one & the same God is called the Fa­ther, Sonne, and holie Ghost. For this cause they were called Patri­passians. In this number was Seruetus.
        • Noëtians,
        • Praxeneans,
        • Termogeni­ans.
      • The names, and persons of three: and yet doe depriue not onelie the Sonne, and holie Ghost of their Diuinitie, but the whole Trinitie of their properties. For they sayde there be three in heauen, the Father, the VVorde, and the holie Ghost: but the Father onelie is verie God; the VVorde is the breath of the Father, and the holie Ghost is the Spirit created by God of nothing through the VVorde. And so they spoile the Sonne and the holie Ghost of their Deitie; and the whole Trinitie of their properties. These were the Arian and Macedonian heretiques, who were called Pneu­matomachoie, because they warred against the holie Ghost:

2. ARTICLE. Of the word, or sonne of God, which was made verie man.

THe Sonne, which is the¹ VVord of the Father, be­gotten from euerlasting of the Father, the verie and eternal God, of one substance with the Fa­ther, ² tooke mans nature in the wombe of the blessed Virgine, of her substance: so that ³ two whole & perfect natures, that is to say, the God­head and man-hood were ioyned in one person, neuer to be diuided, whereof is one Christ, verie God and verie man; ⁴ who suffered, was crucified, dead and buried to re­concile his Father to vs, and to be a sacrifice, not only for original gilte, but also for al actual sinnes of men.

• 1. Christ is verie God.
• 2. Christ is verie man.
• 3. Christ is God and man and that in one person.
• 4. Christ is the Sauiour of the world.

• [Page 6]1. The Scriptures do witnesse. As it is apparent that he is
• • The Word, Ioh. 1. 1.
  • Begot­ten of the Fa­ther frō euerla­sting▪
  • • Psal. 2, 7.
    • Act. 13. 33
    • Heb. 1, 5.
    • Heb. 5, 5.
  • Very God
  • • Ioh. 17. 3.
    • Iohn. 8, 42.
    • Mat. 1. 23.
  • God eternal, Heb. 5, 5.
  • Of one substance with the Father, Heb. 1, 3.
• 2. The Creede
• Do testifie.
  • Apostolical
  • Nicene
  • Athanasian
• 3. The confessiōs of the chur­ches in
• Do ac­know­ledge.
  • Helue. conf.
  • • 1. art. 11.
    • 2. cap. 11.
  • Bohem. cap. 4. 6.
  • Ausburgh. art. 6.
  • France art. 13. 14.
  • Fland. art. 10.
  • Wittemb. cap. 2.
  • Sueuia, art. 2.
  • Miserably therefore haue they erred, which deny the di­uinitie of our Sauiour Christ.
    • As did
    • • Arius.
      • Corinthus.
      • Ebion.
      • Eunomius.
      • P. Samosatenus.
    • As doe
    • • The Iewes.
      • The Turkes. which say that Christ was
      • • A good man.
        • Not God.

• [Page 7]1. with the scrip­ture, which entreateth of Christ his
• • Conception
  • • Gen. 49, 10.
    • Isa. 7, 14.
    • Mat. 1, 18, &c.
    • Luke 1, 26, &c.
  • Growing, Luke 2, 40.
  • Hungering, Mat. 4, 2.
  • Thirsting, Iohn. 4, 7, 19, 28.
  • Weeping, Luke 19, 41.
  • Sleeping, Mark. 4, 38.
  • Suffering deth,
  • • Math. 27, 50.
    • Marke, 15, 37.
    • Luke 23, 46.
    • Ioh. 19. 30. 33
• 2. With the Creede.
• • Apostolical,
  • Nicen,
  • Athanasian.
• 3. With the Confession of the godly in
• • Helue. Confes.
  • • 1. art. 11.
    • 1. cap. 11.
  • Basil. art. 4.
  • Bohem. cap. 6.
  • Fland. art. 18.
  • France. art. 14.
  • Ausburgh. art. 3.
  • Wittemb. cap. 2.
  • Sueuia. art. 2.
  • Therfore most wicked was the opinion of those men, which said
    • That Christ had a body without a soule, as Eunomius the heretique did.
    • That Christ had a soule without sense and reason, as Apollinaris did.
    • That Christ tooke not flesh of the Virgine Marie, as
    • • did the
      • • Valentinians.
        • Arians.
      • doe the
      • • Anabaptists.
        • Fam. of Loue.
    • That Christ tooke flesh not of the Virgine only, but by the seede of man too, as Ebion gaue out.

• [Page 8]1. With the Scripture.
• • Iohn 1, 14. &c.
  • Math. 3, 17.
  • Ephes. 4, 10.
  • Phil. 2, 5. &c.
  • 1 Tim. 2, 5.
• 2. With the Creede
• • Apostolical.
  • Nicen,
  • Athanasian.
• 3. With the Confes. of the Churches in
• • Confes. Helue.
  • • 1. cap. 11.
    • 2. art. 11.
  • Basil. art. 4.
  • Bohem. art. 6.
  • France. art. 15.
  • Fland. art. 19.
  • Ausburgh art. 3.
  • Wittemb. cap. 2.
  • Sueuia. 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 vnited, that the properties of the one, might in some sense be ascribed vnto the other: and sayde that as Christ had two natures, so he had not one but two persons.
    • Of Seruetus, who said of Christ, that he was the Pa­tren of al things, & but a figure of the sonne of God and that the bodie of Christ, was compact of three vncreated elements: and so confounded and ouer­threw both natures.

• [Page 9]1. With the Scripture, which testifieth that Christ trulie
• • Suffered,
  • was cru­cified,
  • Died,
  • was bu­ried,
  • Matth 27, 26, &c. And that
    • 1. To reconcile his Father vnto vs,
    • • Rom. 5. 10.
      • 2 Cor. 5. 18, &c.
      • Ephes. 2, 16.
      • Col. 1, 19, 20.
    • 2. To be a sacrifice, &c. for al sinnes of men.
    • • Isa 53, 4.
      • Iohn. 1, 19.
      • Gal. 3, 13.
      • 2. Cor. 5, 21.
      • 1. Iohn. 2, 2.
• 2. With the Creede
• • 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.
  • Sueuia, art. 2.
  • Then wicked are al opinions contrarie herevnto, which tende
    • To shewe that
    • Did suffer, a [...] that of the Patripassians
      • The Father in his Deitie
      • Not the Sonne in his humani­tie
    • To shewe that Christ did not truelie suffer, but in imagination, as the Heretiques Cerdon, and Basilicus cast-forth.
    • To bring the passion of our Lorde into detesta­tion, as do the fantasies of the wicked Iacobites and Turkes.
    • To make the passi­on of Christ
    • • Of none effect,
      • To put awaie but Original sinne on­lie.
      • As that of
        • Popish Masses.
        • Popish praiers.
        • Popish par­dons.
        • Popish Purgatorie.
    • To showe that Christ died not for the sinnes of al men.
    • To showe that some sinnes be so filthie, as Christ his bloud vppon true repentance cannot washe them awaie.

3. ARTICLE. Of the going downe of Christ into hel.

AS Christ died for vs, and was buried: so also it is to be beleeued that he went downe into hel,

• 1. The anci­ent creeds
• • 1. Apostolical
  • 2. Athanasian
• 2. The con­fessions of the Churches of
• • Heluet. 2, cap. 11.
  • Basil. art. 4.
  • Aus­burgh art. 3.
  • Sueuia, art. 2.
  • Doe te­stifie. Which worde Hel, in this ar­ticle, as we take it, signi­fieth
    • Not the place of euerla­sting tormēts where
    • • Diues was, and is; Luke 16, 23.
      • Al the repro­bate to­gether shalbe: Matth. 25, 41.
      • In which place Christ, as man, was not, for­asmuch as
        • 1. His bodie laie in the graue,
        • • Matth. 12. 40.
          • Matth. 16, 4.
          • Luke 11, 29.
        • 2. His soule was
        • • Commē ­ded into the hands of God the Fa­ther,
          • • Psal 31, 5.
            • Luke 23. 46
          • In Paradise: (so is it set downe as a thing wel to be obserued) & not in Hel, Luke 23, 43.
    • The terrors, and torments of the bodie, and soule, 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 saie, that Christ descended not into Hel at al.
        • 2. Which thinke that Christ descended into the place of torments, where in soule he endured for a time the paines which the damned spirits doe there sustaine.
        • 3. Which holde, that Christ went downe into Lake [...]ymbo, to fetch from thence, as Canisius: to loose from thence, as Vaux he saith, the soules of our forefathers, which afore his death were shut vp in the close prison of Hel.

4. ARTICLE. Of the Resurrection of Christ.

CHrist did trulie ¹ arise againe from death, and tooke a­gaine his bodie, with flesh, bones, and al thinges appertai­ning to the perfection of mans nature; ² wherewith he ascended into heauen, and there sitteth, ³ vntil he returne to iudge al men at the last daie.

• 1. Christ is risen from death.
• 2. Christ is ascended into heauen.
• 3. Christ wil come againe to iudge the quicke, and the dead.

• [Page 12]1. Proued by the Scrip­tures. For it is euident that Christ
• • Should arise,
  • • In th'old Testament,
    • • Psal. 16, 12.
      • Isa. 53, 10.
    • In the Newe Testa­ment, by the testimonie of our Sauiour Christ,
    • • Matth. 12, 40▪
      • Marke 9, 31.
      • Marke 10, 34.
      • Luke 9, 22.
  • Did rise again▪
  • • By his appea­ring to
    • • Marie Magdalene, Iohn 20, 14, &c.
      • Diuers women, Matth. 2 [...], 9. Two Disciples in the field, Luke, 24, 13.
      • Tenne Disciples, Iohn 20, 19. &c.
      • Al the Disciples, Iohn 20, 26.
      • Moe than 500. brethren at once, 1. Cor. 15, 6.
      • To sundrie, 40. daies toge­ther, Act. 1, 3.
    • By the testi­monie of
    • • Peter,
      • • Act. 1, 22.
        • Act. 2, 31.
        • 1. Pet. 1, 3.
      • Paul.
      • • Act. 17, 3.
        • Rom. 10, 9.
        • 1. Cor. 15, 4, &c.
• 2. Affirmed by
• • 1. The Creede
  • • 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.
    • Ausburgh. art. 3.
    • Sueuia, art. 2.
    • So that vtter­lie false, and vnchristian is the opinion of
      • The Sadduc [...]is, which flatlie denie the re­surrection of anie.
      • The Iewes, that wil not acknowledge this resurrect. of Christ.
      • The Schuenkfeldians, that sa [...]e, howe our Sauiour after his re­surrection was so deified, that he re­teined no more the properties of his bodie and soule, nor the vnion of both natures, but was meerelie God.
      • The Fam. of Loue, which take the re­surrection of Christ to be but an alle­gorie, and no cer­taine historie.

• [Page 13]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 Creede
• • Apostolical,
  • Nicen,
  • Athanasian.
• 3. From the Confes. of the Churches of
• • Helue.
  • • 1. art. 11.
    • 2. cap. 11.
  • Basil. art. 4.
  • Bohem. cap. 6.
  • France, art. 15.
  • Fland. art. 20.
  • Ausburgh. art, 3.
  • Saxon. art 3.
  • Sueuia. art. 2.
  • But we alto­gether dis­sent
    • 1. From the Vbiquita­ries, as
    • • Papistes
      • Certaine Germans
      • Which doe holde that the body of Christ is
        • Not only in heauen,
        • But also in earth, and that euery where
        • Where the Sacrament is [...].
          • In euery kingdome,
          • In euery Countrey,
          • In euery citie,
          • In euery parish,
          • In euery loase,
          • In euery peece of bread, and cup of wine.
    • 2. From the Papistes that say how Christ ascended carrying with him the soules which he losed from captiuitie, & bondage of the Di­uel, wheras there is not one word, ei­ther
    • • 1. In the S. Scripture.
      • 2. In any sound Con­fession.
      • • Olde
        • Newe
        • That the soules of the righ­teous
          • Were not afore [...]
          • Were then placed [...]

• [Page 14]1. With the scripture.
• • Acts. 10, 42.
  • Rom. 2, 16.
  • 2. Tim. 4, 1, 8.
  • Iam. 5, 9.
• 2. With the Creede
• • Apostolical▪
  • Nicen▪
  • Athanasian.
• 3. With the Confes. of the Churches in
• • Helue.
  • • 2. cap. 11.
    • 1. art. 11.
  • Basil. art. 9.
  • Bohem. cap. 6.
  • Fland. art 37.
  • Ausburgh. art. 3.
  • Sueuia, art. 2.
  • But we re­nounce their opiniōs which thinke
    • That there shal be no iudgement at al, as the Atheists, & Epicures of this world, do.
    • That The Diuels The wicked shalbe saued, as do the Origenists.
    • That before the iudgement there shalbe a golden worlde, the godly and none besides enioying the same peaceablie and gloriouslie, as the Iewes do.
    • That the righteous are in godly glory, & shal from hence­forth liue euerlastingly with Christ, & raigne vpon earth, as the Fam. of Loue teacheth.

5. ARTICLE. Of the holie Ghost.

THe holie Ghost, proceeding from the Father, and the Sonne, is of one substance, maiestie, and glorie, with the Father, and the Sonne, verie and eternal God.

• 1. The Scripture,
• • Math. 28, 19.
  • Act. 2, 4.
  • 2. Cor. 13, [...]3.
  • 2. Pet. 1, 21.
  • 1. Iohn. 5, 7.
• 2. The Creede.
• • Apostolical,
  • Nicen,
  • Athanasian,
• 3. The Confes. of the Churches in
• • Heluet.
  • • 1. Art. 6.
    • 2. Cap. 3.
  • Basil. art. 1.
  • Ausburgh. art. 1.
  • France, art. 6.
  • Bohem. cap. 3.
  • Fland. art. 8, 9, 11.
  • Wittemb. cap. 1. 3.
  • Sueuia, art. 1.
  • Do verifie. In say­ing
    • That the holie Ghost proceedeth from the Father, and the Sonne, we shew our selues not to be of the error of the Graecians, which said howe the holy Ghost procee­ded from the Father, but not from the Sonne.
    • That the holy Ghost is of one substance with the Fa­ther and the Sonne, we declare our selues aduersaries to the Macedonian heretiques, who sayde the holy Ghost was a Creature, which is of another substaunce than GOD is.
    • That the holie Ghost is of one substance, maiestie, and glorie with the Father, and the Sonne, we altogether dissent from the heresie of the Sabellians, & Tritheites, which thought the holie Ghost to be that, which God the Father, and God the Sonne were, and no distinct person from them.

6. ARTICLE. Of the sufficiencie of the holy Scriptures for saluation.

HOlie Scripture ¹ conteineth al thinges necessarie to saluation: so that whatsoeuer is not read therein, nor maie be proued thereby, is not to be required of anie man, that it should be beleeued as an ar­ticle of the faith, or be thought requisit necessarie to saluation. ² In the name of the holie Scripture, we doe vnderstande those Canonical bookes of the old and newe Testament, of whose auctoritie was neuer any doubt in the Church.

• Genesis.
• Exodus.
• Leuiticus.
• Devteronomium.
• Iosue.
• Iudges.
• Ruth.
• The 1. booke of Samuel.
• The 2. booke of Samuel.
• The 1. booke of Kinges.
• The 2. booke of Kinges.
• The 1. booke of Chron.
• The 2. booke of Chron.
• The 1. booke of Esdras.
• The 2. booke of Esdras.
• The booke of Esther.
• The booke of Iob.
• The Psalmes.
• The Prouerbes.
• Eccles. or the Preacher.
• Cant. or song of Salomon.
• 4. Prophets the greater.
• 12. Prophets the lesse.

[Page 17]3 And the other bookes (as Hierome saith) the Church doth reade for example of life, and instruction of manners: but yet doeth it not applie them to stablish anie doctrine. Such are theis following.

• The third booke of Esdras.
• The fourth booke of Esdras.
• The booke of Tobias.
• The booke of Iudith.
• The rest of the booke of Hester.
• The booke of wisedome.
• Iesus the sonne of Sirach.
• Baruch the Prophet.
• Song of the three children.
• The storie of Susanna.
• Of Bel, and the Dragon.
• The praier of Manasses.
• The 1. booke of Machab.
• The 2. booke of Machab.

4 Al the bookes of the Newe Testament, as they are commonlie re­ceiued, we doe receaue, and accompt for Canonical.

• 1. The S. Scripture containeth al thinges necessarie vnto the saluation of man.
• 2. Al the bookes in the volume of the Bible, are not Ca­nonical.
• 3. The 3. and 4. bookes of Esdras: the booke of Tobias, &c. are Apocripha.
• 4. In the newe testament, al the bookes are Canonical.

• [Page 18]1 The S. Scrip­ture,
• • Deut.
  • • 4, 2.
    • 12, 8.
  • Iosh. 1, 7.
  • Prou. 30, 5.
  • Iohn. 20, 31.
  • Gal. 1, 8.
  • 2. Tim. 3, 16.
  • Reuel. 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.
  • Sueuia, art. 1.
  • Do witnesse. And therefore we are aduer­saries to al such as before the worde of God, do pre­fer their, owne
    • Inuentions, as the Philosophers: whereof one saide of Moses. That good man maketh a trim discourse, but hee proueth nothing.
    • Phantastical imaginations, a [...]
    • • Did the Manechies.
      • Doe the
      • • Libertines,
        • Anabaptistes,
        • Fam of Loue.
    • Traditions, as the Papistes, which eui­dently appeareth in that they do moste cruelie punish, and torment such as re­fuse
    • The wicked pre­cepts of men; or not at al, or ouer­slightly correct the breakers of God his com­maundements.
      • To keepe popish holie daies.
      • To heare their bla­sphemous Masse,
      • To obserue their superstitious fa­stings and ceremo­nies,
    • Statutes, or edicts, or decrees, or iudgements, or proclamati­ons, or els whatsoeuer proceeding from the braine of man, as Macchiauel doth, and his fauorers.

• [Page 19]France, art. 3.
• Fland▪ art, 4.
• Therefore (to speake first of the Canonicall bookes of the olde Testament) they haue hainously offended, & defaced the glory of God, which
  • 1. Reiected al the bookes of the old [...] Testament, as did the Heretiques
  • • Basilides,
    • Ca [...]po [...]rates,
    • the Manichies.
  • 2. Allowed some, but not al the Cano­nical bookes of the old Testament. And of this sorte
  • • Some receaued no more but the. 5. bookes of Moses, as the Saduceis.
    • Some receaued the Lawe on­lie, and the Prophetes▪ as the Samarites.
    • Some receaued neither the law nor the Pro­phetes: as the Appelleans.

• [Page 20]The auncient Councel at Laodicea, can. 59. did
• The confessi­ons of the Churches re­formed in
• Doe
  • France, art. 3.
  • Fland, art. 4.
  • Iudge them, not to be Canonical. So that they are to be taken heede of as seducers, which would thrust vpon the Church,
    • 1. The bookes for canonical Apocrypha, within the vo­lume of the Bible, as the Papistes would: and there­fore accursse so manie as take them not for canonical, Conc. Trid, sess, 4. decr. de can. Scrip.
    • 2. Anie bookes not compre­hended in the Bible, whether they be
    • • The newe Prophetes, Barcobas, and Barcolf, of Basilides the heretique.
      • The Phaneroses, or manifestations of Marcion the heretique.
      • The mysteries of Manechie the Here­tique.
      • Isais Ascensorium, of Hierax the Here­tique.
      • The Gospel after
      • • The Aegyptians.
        • The Hebrues.
        • The 12. Apostles.
        • Barnabas.
        • Thomas.
        • Nicodemus.
      • The Actes of S. Paul.
      • The Reuel. of S. Peter.
      • The bookes of the
      • • Montanistes▪
        • Anabaptistes▪
        • HN.
        • Papistes, & [...].

• [Page 21]Not so much because man in the world doth so re­ceiue and allow of them.
• As for that
• • 1 The holy spirit in our hartes, doth testifie that they are from God.
  • 2 They carrie a sacred aucto­ritie with thē.
  • 3 They do agree with the other books of God in the old Te­stament.
  • Therefore in receiuing thē wholy, not in part, we shewe our selues vt­terly to con­demne
    • Such as receiued not the whole new [...] Testament but▪ a part thereof. And these were of diuers kindes, whereof
    • • Some reiected all the Epistles of Paule▪ &c. and allowed only the Gospel after Mathewe, as Co­rinthus the Heretique.
      • Some re­ceaued of the
      • As Marcionth [...] Heretique.
        • Euangelistes onely Luke,
        • Epistles of Paul only the Epistle vnto Timothie and Titus.
      • Some alowed of al the testament, only the Act [...] of the Apostles, as Tatian the Heretique.
    • Such as allowed neither the whole new Testament, nor those books wholie which they receiued, as the Marcionites, who defaced al those places in the Gospel after Luke, and in the Epistles which concerned either the Diuinitie, or humanitie of our S. Christ.
    • Such as receaue & read the new Testament, but scrape out such text [...] therein, as mislike them, as the Turkes, who scrape out whatsoeuer they finde touching the passion of Christ, saying how it was added purposely by the Iewes, in derision of the Christians.

7. ARTICLE▪ Of the old Testament.

THe ¹ old Testament is not contrarie to the new, for both in the old and newe Testament euerlasting life is offered to mankind by Christ, who is the onely mediator betweene God and man, being both God and man. ²VVherefore they are not to be heard, which faine that the old Fathers did looke only for transitorie promises. ³ Although the Lawe giuen from God by Moses, as tuching ceremonies and rites, do not bind Christian men, nor the ciuil precepts thereof ought of necessitie to be receiued in any Common wealth, yet notwithstanding, no Christian man whatsoeuer is free from the obedi­ence of the Commaundements, which are called moral.

• 1 The old Testament is not contrarie vnto the new.
• 2 The old Fathers looked for eternal happinesse, so wel as for temporal blessings.
• 3 The Law moral remaineth, though the ceremonial and ciuil be abro­gate.

• [Page 23]1 There is one Christ, and no moc,
• 2. Christ is the Son of God,
• 3. Christ is verie man,
• 4. Christ was born at Bethlehem,
• 5. Christ was▪ born of a virgine,
• 6. Christ was ho­noured of wi [...]e men,
• 7. Christ rid vpon an Asse vnto le­rusalem,
• 8. Christ was be­trayed,
• 9. Christ did suffer not for his owne but for our sins,
• 10. Christ did rise againe,
• 11. Christ did as­cend,
• As 'it is apparent in the newe 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. Esai. 60, 6.
    • 7. Zech. 9, 9.
    • 8. Zech. 11, 12.
    • 9. Isa. 53, 5.
    • 10. Psal. 16, 10. Ion. 2, 1.
    • 11. Psal. 68, 8.
    • So that we are aduersa­ries to their do­ctrine, and they, as it should seeme, enemies to this which
      • Vtterly reiect the old Testa­ment, as did the Here­tiques.
      • • Basilides.
        • Carpocra [...]es.
        • Manichies.
      • Say that the Law as con­trarie to the Gospel, is not to be preached, as do the Antiomies, and Ana­baptists.

• [Page 24]1 The Scripture.
• • Rom. 1, 1. 2, &c.
  • 1. Peter. 1, 10.
• 2. The confession of the people of God in
• • Heluet. Confes. 2. cap. 13.
  • Saxonie, art, 3.
  • Do testifie. Wherefore they are not to be heard which thinke the fathers hoped for temporal, and not for spiritual and eternal happinesse, as
    • Many of the Iewes did.
    • The Fa of Loue, as it should seeme, doth.

• [Page 25]1. Ceremonial is not necessarilie to be obserued of al men, and in al times.
• • 1. The Scripture by
  • • The example of
    • • Stephan, Acts 6, 14.
      • The vision, Acts 10. 13, &c.
      • Th'Apostles, Acts 15, 1, &c.
    • The testimo­nie of
    • • Paul,
      • • Gal. 2, 3, &c.
        • 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.
    • Doe wit­nesse. Theie therefore are in à wrong opi­nion, which thinke that in force.
      • It stil is, as do the
      • • Iewes.
        • Turkes.
        • Cerdonits
        • Armeni­ans.
      • It shalbe à thousand yeeres together, af­ter the general re­surrection, as do the Apollinareans, and Millenaries.
• 2. Moral is to be taught, kept, and obeied of euerie man, is easilie pro­ued
• Wherebie the vane opinions of the Antinomies, is vtterlie confu­ted, and condemned.
  • 1. In the S. Scripture by infinite places, and namelie
  • • Rom. 2, 13.
    • Rom. 3, 31.
    • 1. Cor. 7. 19.
  • 2. By the consent of al good Christians, and by the publique con­fessions of the Church of God in France, expreslie art. 23.

8. ARTICLE. Of the three Creedes.

THe three Creedes, Nicene creede, Athanasius creede, and that which is commonly called the Apostles creede, ought throughlie to be receiued and beleeued: for they maie be proued by most certaine warrants of holie Scripture.

• The Nicen
• The Athanasian
• The Apostolical
• Creede
  • 1. Is to be receiued, and beleeued.
  • 2. Maie be proued by the holie Scripture.

• [Page 27]That the 1. Nicen
• That the 2. Athanasi­an
• That the 3. Apostoli­cal
• Creedes
  • 1. Are to be receiued, and beleeued, with vs the Chur­ches of God
  • • 1. In the old time, haue thought.
    • 2. At this daie in
    • By publi­que confes­sions do ac­knowledge.
      • France, art. 5.
      • Saxon. art. 1.
      • Flan. art. 9.
      • Heluet. Confess. 2, cap. 11.
  • 2. May be proued by most cer­taine war­rants of the S. Scripture, is verie ap­parent, in that they al speake
  • • 1. Of one, and the same God, whom we are to beleeue, is
    • • 1. For es­sence, but one
      • • Deut. 6, 4.
        • Mal. 2, 10.
        • 1. Cor. 8, 4. &c.
        • Ephe. 4, &c.
      • 2. In per­sons, three,
      • • Matth. 3, 17.
        • Gal. 4, 6.
        • 1. Iohn 5, 7.
        • • The 1. Father, the Crea­tor,
          • • Psal. 134. 3.
            • Heb. 1, 2.
            • Col. 1, 16.
            • Rom. 11, 36.
          • The 2. Sonne the redeemer
          • • Isa. 53. 4.
            • Rom. 5. 18.
            • Gal. 3, 13.
            • Ephes. 2, 16.
            • 1. Iohn 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 thinke to be
    • • 1. The Church
      • • 1. Holie,
        • • Ephes. 1. 3.
          • Ephes. 2, 21.
          • Coloss. 1, 22.
        • Catholique
        • • Isa. 54, 2.
          • Psal. 87. 4.
          • Acts. 1, 8, &c.
          • Ephes. 2. 14.
          • Reu. 5. 9.
      • 2. The communion of sanctes,
      • • Ephes. 4, 15.
        • 1. Cor. 10. 16.
        • Heb. 10, 25.
        • 1. Iohn 1. 7.
      • 3. Pardoned of al their sinnes,
      • • Isa. 44, 22.
        • Matth. 18, 23, &c.
        • Col. 2, 13.
      • Appointed to
      • • 4. Arise frō death
        • • Iohn 5. 28.
          • 1. Cor. 15, 12 &c
          • Phil. 3. 21.
        • 5. Enioy eternal life, both of bodie & soule,
        • • Iohn 6, 39.
          • 1. Pet. 1. 4.
          • Reuel. 21, 4.
          • There­fore we are eni­mies to al ad­uersa­ries of the do­ctrine in them compri­sed, whether they be
            • Arrian [...].
            • Iewes.
            • Turkes.
            • Saddu­cies.
            • Papists.
            • Epi­cures.
            • Atheists

9. ARTICLE. Of original, or birth sinne.

ORiginal ^{1 2} sinne standeth not in the following of Adam (as the Pelagians do vanelie talke) but it is the fault and corruption of the nature of euerie man, that naturallie is engendred of the ofspring of Adam, wherebie man is verie farre gone from original righteousnes, and is of his owne nature enclined to euil, so that the flesh lusteth alwaies against the spirit, and therefore in euerie person borne into this world, it deserueth Gods wrath, and damnation. ³ And this infection of nature doth remaine, yea in them that are regenerated, whereby the lust of the fleshe, called in Greeke [...], which some do expound the wisedome, some sensualitie, some the affection, some the desire of the flesh, is not subiect to the law of God. ⁴ And although there is no condemnation for them that beleeue, and are baptised: yet Th'A­postle doth confesse, that concupiscence and luste hath of itselfe the na­ture of sinne.

• 1. There is original sinne.
• 2 What original sinne is.
• 3 Original sinne remaneth in God his children.
• 4 Concupiscence euen in the regenerate is sinne.

• [Page 29]1. By the S. Scripture, wherein is set downe most eui­dentlie, thereof
• • 1. The cause which is
  • • 1. Principa­lie the fal of Adam▪ as
    • • Rom. 5. 15 &c.
      • 1. Cor. 15. 22.
      • Who fel partly
        • By the sugge­stion of the Diuel
        • • Cor. 11. 3.
          • Gen. 3. 4.
        • Through his owne free will.
    • 2. Secondarily the propagation of the corrupted nature fro man vnto man. So sayth
    • • Christ▪ Iohn 3, 3, & 6, [...]3.
      • Paul. Rom. 5. 12, 1. Cor. 15, 48.
      • Peter. 2. Pet. 2.
      • Iames, cap. 1. [...]8.
      • Iohn, 1. Epist. 3, 4, 5.
  • 2. The subiect euen the old man, with al his powers, minde, wil, & heart. For in the
  • • 1. Minde there is
    • • Darkenesse.
      • Ignorance
      • Of God & his wil
        • Matth. 12. 34.
        • Rom 8, 7.
        • Rom 3, 4.
        • 1. Cor. 2, 14.
        • 2. Tim. 3, 8.
        • 1. Iohn 3 1.
        • 1. Iohn 5, 20.
    • 2. Will and hart there is
    • • Concupiscence
      • Rebellious motions
      • For so it is
        • Matth. 5, 19.
        • Act. 7. 39.
        • Act. 15, 9.
        • Rom. 1, 21.
        • Iam. 1, 13.
  • 3. The effects, which are
  • • 1. Not only actual sins, and they both
    • Math. 15. 19.
      • 1. Inwarde, as vngodly
      • • Affections
        • Cogitations
      • 2. Outward, as
      • • Wicked lookes,
        • Prophane speech,
        • Diuelish actions.
    • 2. But also
    • • 1. An euil conscience, 1. Iohn, 3. 21.
      • 2. The wrath of God Rom. 1, 18. Col. 3, ver. 5. 6.
      • 3. Death, Iohn 8, 24. Rom. 5, 12. Iam. 1, 15.
      • 4. Eternal damnation. Rom. 5, 18.
• 2. By the Confession of the Churches of God in
• • Heluet. confes.
  • • 1. Art. 8.
    • 2. Cap. 8.
  • Basil. art. 2.
  • Bohem. cap. 4.
  • France, art. 9. 11.
  • Fland. art. 15.
  • Ausburgh, art. 2.
  • Saxon. art. 2.
  • And thus armed both with the word of God, and the confessiōs of the pu­rest Chur­ches we do offer battell
    • Both to the Car­pocratians and such like, who vt­terlie denie that there is any ori­ginal sinne.
    • And also
    • • Not only to Flori­nus & Blastus, &c. who make God the Auctor of sinne; But also to al such as curi­ously en­quire whether God woulde haue Adā to fal; or why he stayd him not from offending

• [Page 30]Not the imitation of Adam his wicked­nesse. For neither doth
• • The Scripture speake thereof
  • Any Church reformed or otherwise, so thinke: and some flatly by publique cō ­fession with vs denie it, as the Church in France, art. 10. in Fland. art. 15.
• Partly
• • 1. The Imputation of Adam his disobedience vnto vs. So sayth
  • • 1. The Scripture. Rom. 5. verse
    • • 12.
      • 15.
      • 16.
      • 17.
      • 18.
      • 19.
    • 2. The Chur­ches of god at
    • • Ausburgh, art. 2.
      • Saxon. art. 2.
      • Wittemb. cap. 4.
  • 2. The fault and corruption of the nature of euery 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
    • • Helue. lat. ca. 8.
      • France, art. 10.
      • Bohem. cap. 4.
      • Ausburg. art. 2.
      • Saxon. art. 2.
      • Wittemb. ca. 4.
      • Our Sa­uiour Christon­ly exemp­ted from the taint of this corrupti­on. For
        • He is the immaculate Lambe, 1. Pet. 1. 19.
        • He did no sinne, 1. Pet. 2. 22.
        • He knew no sinne, 2. Cor. 5▪ 21.
        • He was tempted, & yet without sinne, Hebr. 4, 15.
        • Now ad­uersaries herevnto, are the
          • Who say that Orig. sinne com­meth by i­mitation and not other­wise.
            • 1. Pelagians
            • 2. Fam. of Loue.
          • 3. Valentini­ans who ascribed Orig▪ sin
          • • Not in anie sort vnto man.
            • To the Diuel.
          • 4. Mani­chies, who hold that this sinne
          • • Proceedeth not from our corrupted na­ture.
            • Is another substance within vs.
          • 5. Papistes, who though they graunt that the vir­gine Marie was natural­ly engendred of the of­spring of Adam: yet they denie that she was guiltie of original sinne, Conc. Trid. decr. de pec. Orig.

• [Page 31]1. Easie to be proued by the scripture, as in di­uers places beside: so ap­parently
• • Rom. 7, 14▪ &c.
  • Gal. 5, 16.
  • Iam. 1, 14.
  • Iam. 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 stande in this point against
    • 1. The Papists, who say that Orig. sinne was not at al, much lesse remaned in the Virgine Ma [...]e, whence it followeth, if Orig. sinne were not in her, then [...] was not regenerate; if not rege­nerate, à very dangerous, and most vnchristian doctrine doth ensue concerning her.
    • 2. The Fam. of Loue, who affi [...]me that the elect and regenerate sinne not. For seeing Orig. sinne is in the regenerate, as the Scripture doth testifie, then do, and shall the regenerate sinne, so long as they haue within them Orig. sinne.
    • 3. Adamites, that contend howe they are in so good à state, as Adam was afore his fal: there­fore without Orig. sinne.

• [Page 32]1. In the Scrip­ture, because
• • 1. The holy Spirit straightly forbiddeth it
  • • Coloss. 3, 5.
    • 1. Pet. 2. 11.
  • It
  • • 2. Not onlie lusteth against the Spirite. Gal. 5, 17.
    • 3. But also figh­teth against
    • • The soule, 1. Pet. 2, 11.
      • The law of the mind, Rom. 7, 24.
  • 4. It bringeth certainely (but that there is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Iesus, Rom. 8, 1.) death, & damnation. Gal. 5, verse 17. & 21. Iam. 1. 14, 15.
• 2. In the right Christian Confession
• • Heluet. 2, cap. 9.
  • Saxon. art. 2. 10.
  • Therefore we mislike their opinions, as vnsound which say that concu­piscence is no sinne, but
    • 1. A thing indif­ferent, and the punishment of sinne, as do the
    • • Pelagians.
      • Sententiaries.
    • 2. Proceeding from sinne, and in­clining vnto sinne; so doe the Papistes. Conc. Trid. Sess. 5. decr. depec. Orig.

10. ARTICLE. Of free wil.

THe ¹ condition of man after the fall of Adam is such, that he cannot turne and prepare himselfe by his owne natural strength & good workes [...]re faith and calling vpon God. Wherefore we haue no power to do good workes pleasant and accep­table to God, ³ without the grace of God by Christ preuenting vs, that we may haue â good wil, and woorking with vs, when we haue that good wil.

• 1. Man maie do outward and euil things, being not yet regenerate.
• 2. Man cannot do what good is, being not yet regenerate.
• 3. Man maie performe good thinges, when he is preuented by the grace of Christ, and renued by the holie Ghost.

• [Page 34]1. Of nature, for the preseruati­on, or destruc­tion of the
• • 1▪ Bodie,
  • 2. Bodilie state,
  • Which thing the verie
    • 1. Brute beastes
    • 2. Prophane Gentils
    • Had, and haue, As it is wel obserued in the Confession of
      • Heluet. 2, cap. 9.
      • Ausburgh, 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 godlie 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 moue
        • 1. His bodie vnto outward thinges.
        • 2. His minde vn­to wickednes, as the Mani­chies do holde

• [Page 35]
  What good is.
  • 1. To vnderstand
  • 2. To wil,
• 3. To doe anie 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.
    • Iohn 15, 5.
  • 2. In the Confess. of the godlie at
  • • Heluet.
    • • 1. art. 9.
      • 2. cap. 9.
    • Basil. art. 2.
    • Bohem. cap. 4.
    • Ausburgh. art. 18.
    • Flan. art. 14.
    • Aduersa­ries vnto the truth are the
      • Which hold, that na­turallie there is free wil in men, and that vnto goodnes.
        • Pharisies
        • Sadduces▪
        • Pelagians
        • Papistes,
      • Donatistes, that say, how man is borne with free wil, and if he wil, he beleeueth in Christ; if he wil not, he beleeueth not: if he wil, he continueth in that which he beleeueth, if he wil not, he continueth not.

• [Page 36]1. The vnder­standing is inligh­tened, so that he knoweth
• • The se­crets
  • The wil
  • Of god. So te­stifie
    • 1. The scrip­tures
    • • Iere. 31, 33.
      • Matth. 11, 27.
      • Matth. 16, 17.
      • Luke. 10. v. 21, 22.
      • 1. Cor. 2, 12.
      • 1 Cor. 12, 3, &c.
    • 2. The godlie in al places,
• 2. The verie wil is
• • 1. Not onlie changed.
  • • Acts. 15, 9.
    • Phil. 2, 13.
    • 1. Cor. 6, 10, 11.
  • 2. But also endued with power to do good thinges. As witnesse
  • • 1. The scrip­tures▪
    • • Acts. 15, 9.
      • Rom. 8, 26.
      • Phil. 1, 29.
      • Phil. 2, 13.
    • The god­ly in their confess.
    • • Heluet. 2, cap. 9.
      • Ausburgh art. 18.
      • Bohem. cap. 4,
      • Saxon. art. 4.
      • And this do the godlie
        • Not onlie passiuelie, but also actiuelie,
        • Yet not perfectly, but im­perfectly.
        • • 1. Cor. 13. 9, & 12.
          • Rom. 7. 22, &c.
          • Gal. 5, 17.
          • So we de­clare our selues e­nimies to the doc­trine of the
            • Anomaeans, for that cause by-named Athe­ons, who saie theie knowe the inuisible God▪ not in part, but thoroughlie; not by faith, but perfectlie; as anie man knoweth any visible thing.
            • Which ei­ther saie, they are pure from al spots of sinne: or that the re­generate do not sin at al.
              • Capocra­tians.
              • Marcians,
              • Adamites
              • Fam. of Loue.

1. ARTICLE. Of the iustification of man.

WE are accounted righteous before God, only for the ¹ merite of our Lord & Sauiour Iesus Christ ² by faith, and not for ³ our own workes or deser­uings. Wherefore, that we are iustified by Faith only is a most wholesome doctrine, and verieful of comfort, &c.

• VVe are accounted righ­teous before God
  • Onlie
  • • 1. For the merite of our L. and Sauiour Christ.
    • 2. By Faith.
  • 3. Not for our owne
  • • VVorkes.
    • Deseruings.

• [Page 38]1. In the Scrip­ture; where we finde, that by Christ
• • His blood we are clensed
  • • 1. Iohn, 1. 17.
    • 1. Pet. 1, 18.
    • 1. Cor. 6, 20.
    • Iohn 1, 29.
    • Rom. 3. 25.
  • His righteous­nes, we are iu­stified
  • • Phil. 5, 8. &c.
    • Rom. 5, 19.
    • 1. Cor. 1. 30.
    • 2. Cor. 5, 21.
    • Rom. 10, 4. &c.
• 2. In the Confessions of the godly militant in this worlde, as may be seene in the Confes. of the Church in
• • Heluet. 2, cap. 15.
  • Bohem. cap. 6.
  • France, art. 12.
  • Fland. art. 22.
  • Ausburgh. art. 4.
  • Wittemb. art. 5.
  • Sueuia, cap. 3.
  • But so beleeue not
    • The Atheists of this world, for they are not perswa­ded of the life to come, not of the mysteries of mans saluation.
    • The Pharisaical teachers, who thinke there is no righ­teousnes before God, but ciuil and external righte­ousnes in the sight of men.
    • The Papistes. For they teach that
    • • Some sinnes are washed away, not by the blood of Christ, but by holy water, so called, as lesser offences.
      • Some sinnes are pur­ged
      • • By the fire of Pur­gatorie.
        • By almes giuing.
        • By Perigrinati­ons.
        • By Pardons.
        • By Masses.
        • By fasting, &c.

• [Page 39]1. Grounded vpon the worde of God, as
• • Mark. 5, 36
  • Act. 10. 41, &c.
  • Act. 13. [...]8.
  • Act. 15, 8.
  • Act. 22, 16
  • Rom. 1, 16.
  • Rom. 3, 20, &c.
  • Rom. 4, 4, &c.
  • Rom. 10. 3, &c.
  • Gal. 2, 16, &c.
  • Gal. 3, 7▪ &c.
  • Ephes. 2, 8.
  • Phil. 3, 6▪ &c.
• 2. Subscribed vnto by the godly in al the refor­med Chur­ches of this world, and by publique writing in the Confes­sion of
• • Hel. 2. c. 16.
  • [...]asil. art. 8.
  • Bohe. c. 6. 7.
  • Fran. art. 20
  • Flan. art. 22.
  • Ausburgh, art. 4.
  • Sax. art. 3, 8.
  • Wittemb. art. 4.
  • Sueuia, cap. 3.
  • Partakers of the profit & com­fort of this do­ctrine [...]re not
    • The Infi­dels, who
    • • Either be altogether ignorant of this mysterie.
      • Either know it, but applie it not to their owne soules and consciences, but altogether despise the same
      • • As did
        • • Herod, in killing Iams, act. 12▪
          • Agrippa, in not desending Paul Act. 26, 26 &c.
          • The Iewes in persecuting the Apostles. Act. 13, 41. &c.
        • As doe
        • • The Diuels. Iam. 2. 19.
          • Many vn­godly mē
          • • False Christians.
            • Tyrans.
            • Apostates, &c.
      • Either teach not a sure confidence in Christ: but an historical knowledge of Christ, and of other Eccles. matters, as in his Catechisme doth
      • • Canisius. cap. 1.
        • Vaux. Cap. 1.
      • Either holde that man is to be stil in doubt whether he shalbe saued, or no, as the Papists, Conc. Trid. sess. 6 c. 9.
    • Such as do faine, that they please God, not through faith by hearing, but by reuelation, as the
    • • Manichies.
      • Enthusiasts.
      • Anabaptists.
    • They whiche hold that man is iustified
    • • By Workes with­out Faith.
      • • As did
        • • The false Apostles in Asia, 1. Tim. 1.
          • The Interim of Ausburgh.
        • As do the Turkes: Anabaptists.
      • By Faith & works
      • • As did the Pseudoapostles at Hierusalem. Act. 15.
        • As do the Papists commonly.
      • Neither by faith nor workes, as they which contemne both a sure confi­dence in Iesus Christ, & good virtues, & yet hope to be saued, as they say.
    • They who defende how we apprehend not the righteousnesse of Christ by faith▪ but haue it, or Christ himselfe rather dwelling essentially within vs, as the O sianders.

• [Page 40]1. In the holy Scripture, where we do find, that
• • Al men be sinners, and are destitute of the glorie of God: and therefore that no man can be iustified by works
  • • Psal. 14, 2, 3.
    • Psal. 53, 2, 3.
    • Psal. 51. 4.
    • Rom. 5, 12. &c.
  • The Apostles, and the whole Synod gathered toge­ther in the holy Ghost did conclude that both Iewes and Gentiles which beleeued were saued, not by wor­kes, but by the meere grace of our Lord Iesus Christ, Act. 15.
  • Eternal life commeth not by desert, but
  • • Of Promise
    • • Acts
      • • 2. 39.
        • 3. 25.
        • 13, 32, &c.
      • Rom 3, 21, &c.
      • 2. Tim. 1, 1.
    • Of Gifte,
    • • Iohn. 17, 2.
      • Rom. 6, 23.
      • 1. Iohn. 5, 11.
      • Reuel. 2, 10▪
  • The iust shal liue by faith. And the Law is not of [...]ith, Gal. 3. 11.
  • As the godly in olde time were: so Christians in these dayes are▪ and shal be iustified. But the godly were iustified not for any good works, or worthinesse of their owne. So iustified was
  • • Abra­ham
    • • Rom. 4, 1. &c.
      • Gal 3, 6. &c.
      • Heb. 11. 17.
    • The Iewes, Act. 2 44.
    • The Sama [...]itans, Act. 8, 12.
    • Paul,
    • • Act. 9.
      • Act. 22, 16.
      • 1. ti. 1. 13 &c.
      • Ph. 3. 6. &c.
    • The Eunuch, act. 8, 37
    • The [...]ailer. Act. 16. 31. &c.
    • The Ephesians, Eph. 2, 4. &c.
• 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.
  • Ausburgh, art. 6. 26.
  • Aduersa­ries vnto this truth are
    • The Pharisies who thought that by exter­nal righteous­nesse
    • They were sa­ued.
      • Moral
      • Ceremonial▪
    • The false Apo­stles both
    • • In Asia, 1 Tim. 1.
      • At Ierusalem, Act. 15.
    • The Pharisaical Pa­pists, which against the iustification of Faith only, do holde a iustification by Merites, & that of
    • • 1. Congruitie.
      • 2. Dignitie.
      • 3. Condignitie.

12. ARTICLE. Of good workes.

ALbeit that good workes, which are the frutes of Faith, and follow after iustification, cannot put a­way our sinnes, and endure the seueritie of Gods iudgement: yet ¹ are they pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ, ² and do spring out necessarilie of a true and liuely faith, insomuch, that by them a liuely faith ³ may be as euidentlie knowen, as a tree discerned by the frute.

• 1 Good workes do please God.
• 2. No worke is good except it spring from faith.
• 3. Good workes are the outward signes of the inwarde beliefe.

• [Page 42]1. In the Scrip­ture, be­cause God hath
• • Commaunded them to be done,
  • • Matth. 5. 16.
    • Iohn. 15. 12.
    • Phil. 2. 14 &c.
    • 1 Thes 4, 3
    • 2. Tim. 2, 19.
    • And re­quireth righte­ousnes
      • Not onely outward, of the bodie,
      • But also inward, of the minde,
      • • Matth. 5, v. 22. &c.
        • Act 24. 16
        • 1. Pet. 2. 11
        • 1. Pet 3. 4, &c.
        • Rom [...]2. 2
        • 1. Ioh. 3. 15, 17.
  • Appointed
  • • For the virtuous, rewardes
    • • 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 theie
      • • Spiritual
        • • Isa 59. 1, 2.
          • Iohn. 9. 31.
          • 1. Tim. 1. 6. &c.
          • 1. Iohn 3. 21. 22.
        • Corporal
        • • Deut. 28. 15. &c.
          • Ier. 5, 24, 25.
          • Rom. 13. 1. 2.
      • Heauenly & eternal.
      • • Matth. 10. 33.
        • Matth. 21. 41. &c.
        • 1. Cor. 6, 9, &c.
        • Heb. 12. 14, &c.
        • Reuel. 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.
  • Ausburgh. art. 6 & 26.
  • Saxon▪ art. 3, 5, & 6.
  • Wittemb cap. 7.
  • Sueuia, cap. 4.
  • Which truth is oppugned by aduer­saries of diuers kindes, whereof
    • Some hold, that seing man is iustified by faith, he may liue as him listeth li­centiously, as the Libertines.
    • Some think that to attend vpon ver­tue & to follow goodnes▪ is a yoake too intolerable, as the Simo [...]ia [...]s.
    • Some vt­terly re­iect al grace, vir­tue and feate of God, as
    • • Did the
      • • Donatistes.
        • Aë [...]ians. Circumcelli­ans.
      • Do the
      • • Macchiauils.
        • Atheists.
    • Some permit, though not al manner: yet some sinnes▪ So of the
    • Whoredome, is allow­ed.
      • Carpo­cratians
      • Valen­tinians,
      Periu­rie in the time of trou­bles, is allow­ed.
      • Basili­dians,
      • Helchi­saits,
      • Priscil­hanites,
      • Fam. of Loue,
    • Papists.
    • • Simple fornication, yea, in Priests. is allow­ed.
      • Brea­king of faith to an here­tique, &c. is allow­ed.
    • Some dreame that God is pleased with lipseruice, and outward righte­ousnes, as the hypocritical Pharisies or Pharisaical Hypocrites.

• [Page 43]1. The Scripture
• • Heb. 11, 6.
  • Rom. 14, 23.
  • Tit. 1, 15.
  • Rom. 8, 8.
  • Gal. 5, 6.
  • 1. Iohn 5. 4. 5
  • And although the workes of the beleeuing do please God: yet are theie not so perfect, that they can satisfie the law of God There­fore euen to the iustified saith
    • Christ,
    • • Praie, &c. for­giue vs our debts. Matth. 6, 12.
      • Saie we are vnprofitable ser­uants. Luke 17, 10.
    • Paul,
    • • We know that the Lawe is spiritual, but I am carnal, &c Rom 7. 14, &c.
      • We which haue the first frutes of the Spirit, euen we do sight in ourselues, &c. and haue infirmi­ties. Rom. 8, 23.
      • Ye cannot do the same thinges that ye would. Gal. 5, 17.
• 2. The godlie in their publique confessions extant in print,
• • Heluet. 2, cap. 16.
  • Basil. art. 8.
  • Bohem. cap. 7.
  • France, art. 22.
  • Fland. art. 24.
  • Ausburgh art. 26.
  • Saxon. art. 3, 5, & 6.
  • Wittemb. cap. 7.
  • Sueuia, cap. 4.
  • Therefore as we mis­like: so we con­demne the vngod lie opini­on of the
    • Valenti­nians, who saie, that please God do
    • • Spiritual men, which are themselues, not by faith, but onelie by knowledge.
      • Natural men, not by faith, but by
      • • Labor.
        • True dea­ling.
      Who teach, that the Lawes of God maie perfectile be fulfilled of men, once iustifi­ed, as the Papistes; il­luminated, as saie the Elders in the Fami­lie.
      • Papistes,
      • Fam. of Loue.

• [Page 44]1. The Scripture, that therby are knowen
• • The good trees, from the bad. Matth. 7, 16. &c.
  • The wheate from the chaffe. Matth. 3, 12.
  • The true Disciples, from the false. Iohn. 13, 35.
  • The sonnes of God, from the children of Sa­tan,
  • • Luke 6, 36.
    • Ephes. 5. 1.
    • 1. Iohn 3, 10.
  • The regene­rate, from th'vnbelee­uing
  • • Iam. 2, 18.
    • 1. Pet. 1, 17. &c.
    • 1. Pet. 4, 22, &c.
    • 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.
  • Sueuia, cap. 4.
  • And this doe the children of God.
    • Not to be seene of men, as Hypocrites.
    • Not to merit, as the Pharisai­cal Papistes. Con. Trid. Sess. 6. can. 24.

13. ARTICLE. Of workes before iustification.

WOrkes done before the grace of Christ, and the inspiration of his spirit, are ¹ not pleasant to God, forasmuch as theie spring not of faith in Iesu Christ, ² neither do they make men meete to re­ceiue grace, or (as the schoole aucthors saie) de­serue grace of congruitie: yea rather, ³ for that they are not done as God hath willed and com­maunded them to be done, we doubt not but they haue the nature of sinne.

• Workes before Iustification
  • 1 Please not God.
  • 2. Deserue not grace of congruitie.
  • 3. Haue the nature of sinne.

• [Page 46]1. In the Scripture, where it is euident, that before man be regenerate, they are
• Which bring out no good frute of them selues.
  • Matth. 7, 16.
    • Not grapes but thornes.
    • Not figs, but thi­stles.
  • Not good, but il trees,
  • • Matth. 12, 33.
    • Luke 6, 43.
  • Not liuely, but dead bowes. Iohn 15. 4.
  • Not ingraffed, but wilde oliues. Rom. 11.
  • • 17.
    • 23.
  • Not frends, but enemies Rom. 5. 10
  • Not the sonnes of God, but the children of wrath. Ephes. 2, 3.
• 2. In the publique confessions of the Churches reformed, expresselie,
• • Heluet. 2, cap. 15.
  • Ausburgh, art. 20.
  • Wherebie the vanitie of al them is percea­ued, which thinke that without rege­neration God is pleased with man his deedes whether they be
    • Papists, Look pag. 39
    • Commenders of ci­uil, and Philosophi­cal righteousnes, and placers of the doers of such workes, though without faith in christ in the heauens.

• [Page 47]1. In the Scripture, where wee finde that the vnregenerate, be­ing
• • Olde, not new creatures
  • • Ephes. 4, 22.
    • Col. 3. 5.
  • Enimies, (Rom. 8. 7.) not the
  • • Children of God,
    • Seruants of God,
  • Sinners, not godly bent, Rom. 5, 8.
  • Infidels (Tit. 1, 15.) and not faithfull Christians
  • Of congruitie de­serue no grace at God his hande
  • Hereby is ouer­throwne the Pap. doctrine concer­ning merites of con­gruitie.
• 2. In the Confessions of the Churches in
• • Heluet. 2, cap. 16.
  • Bohem. cap. 7.
  • Flan. Art. 23.
  • Ausburgh. art. 4, 20.
  • Sax. art. 3, & 8.
  • Wittemb. art. 5.

• [Page 48]1. In the scripture, where it is cleare, that of the vnregenerate
• • The best workes which they doe, euen their
  • • Fasting
    • • Isa. 58, 3. &c.
      • Math. 6, 16.
      • Zach. 7, 5, &c.
    • Praying
    • • Prou. 28, 9.
      • Math. 6, 5.
    • Almes deedes, Math. 6.
    • Sacrificing vnto God
    • • Psal. 50, 8.
      • Isa. 1, 13.
      • Hos. 6, 6.
      • Mar. 12. 33.
      though in the name of Christ, Mat. 7, 22, 23.
      • Prophesieng
      • Doing of miracles
  • Al th'actions whatsoeuer
  • • Rom. 14. 23.
    • Tit. 1, 15.
    • Heb. 11, 6. Are abhominable in God his eies.
• 2. In the Confessions of the holy militant in this world, and namelie
• • Heluet. 2, cap. 15, & 16.
  • Bohem. cap. 7. Belg. Art. 23.
  • Ausburgh, article 4. 20.
  • Saxon. 3, & 8.
  • Witemb. art. 5. Erred therefore hath the Trid. Councel in pro­nouncing them accursed, which hold that al workes of men whatsoeuer done before his iustifi­cation, are sin, Sess. 6. can. 7.

4. ARTICLE. Of workes of Supererogation.

VOluntarie workes ¹ besides, ouer, and aboue Gods commaundements, which they call workes of Su­pererogation, cannot be taught without arrogan­cie, and impietie. ² For by them men doe declare that they doe not onely render vnto God as much as they are bound to do, but that they do more for his sake than of bounden dutie is required: wheras Christ saith plainely, When ye haue done al that are commaunded to you, say, We be vnprofitable seruants.

• Workes of Supererogation
  • 1. Cannot be taught without
  • • Arrogancie.
    • Impietie.
  • 2. Are the subuersion of the true Religion.

• [Page 50]1. In the Scrip­tures where
• • We are cō ­maunded
  • • To walke, not after the lawes of men, but according to the statutes of God,
    • • Iohn 1. 7.
      • Ezek. 20. 19.
    • To heare, not what man he speaketh, but what Christ doth say. Mat. 9, 7. And
    • • He teaching the duties of Christians, set­teth before them the Lawe, and word of God (Math. 5. 15. & 22. And more than that, he doth neither ad, nor require.
      • He sayth
      • • They worship me in vaine, who for doctrine teache the commaundements of men. Mar. 7, 7.
        • Teach them to obserue all thinges whatsoeuer I haue comaunded you. Mat. 28. 20
        • My sheep
        • • Heare my voice.
          • Know not the voice of Straun­gers. 10. 10, 27. 5.
  • Such doctine is called som­times
  • • Beggerly rudiments. Gal. 4, 9.
    • Ordinances of the world, &c. Co. 2. 20. &c
    • The doctrine of Di­uels, 1. Tim. 4, 1.
    • Cursed. Gal. 1, 8.
• 2. In al 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.
  • Therfore they which teach such works be
    • Arrogant.
    • Vngodly.

• [Page 51]The Law of God is bro­ken, that the traditions of men may bee obser­ued.
• The S. Scripture must be contemned, as not suf­ficient enough to bring men vnto the know­ledge of saluation.
• God is made vnwise, in not commaunding so necessarie workes.
• Faith, and other spiritu­al virtues, are brought into vtter obliuion.
• Perfection is imputed not vnto Faith, but vnto workes, and which is most detestable, vnto the workes not commaun­ded but forbidden of God, ordeined by men.
• The Lawe of God is thought to be through­ly satisfied; and more duties performed than man needed to haue done.
• They which broached, and defende these errors
  • VVere the Pharisies.
  • Are the Pa­pists who besides what hath bine said, do holde that such workes
  • • Do merite remission of sinnes, and that
    • • For them­selues
      • For others
    • Often­times do driue away
    • • Diuels.
      • Euil spi­rits.
    • Are tokens of the forgiuenesse of sins, so wel as Baptisme; yea deliuer from the wrath of God, so wel as Christ.
    • And so they pre­fer their owne workes before
      • The word of God.
      • The Sa­craments.
      • Faith.
      • The death of Christ.
      • And ther­fore may
        • Their doctrine [...] called [...] doctrine of Diuels.
        • The tea­chers be held accur­sed.

15. ARTICLE. Of Christ alone without sinne.

CHrist ¹ in the truth of our nature was made like vnto vs in al things, sinne only except, from which he was clearely voide, both in his life and spirit. He came to be the Lambe without spot, who by sacrifice of himselfe once made, should take away the sins of the worlde; and sin, as S. Iohn sayth, was not in him. ² But al we the rest, although baptized, and borne againe in Christ, yet offende in many things, and if we say, we haue no sin we deceaue our selues, and the truth is not in vs.

• 1. Christ is truly and perfectly righteous.
• 2. Al men besides Christ, though regenerate, be sinners.

• [Page 53]1. In the Scrip­ture. For
• • He was without sin
  • • Conceaued. Matth. 1, 20.
    • Borne. Luke 1. 35.
  • He appeared to loose, but not to fulfil the workes of Satan. 1. Iohn 3, 8.
  • He li­ued
  • • And was tempted, yet without sinne. Heb. 4, 15.
    • And did no sinne. 1. Pet. 2, 22.
    • And knewe no sinne. 2. Cor. 5, 21.
    • And had no sinne in him. 1. Iohn. 3. 5.
  • He died à guiltlesse man, euen by the testi­monie
  • • Of Paul. Rom. 5, 6. &c.
    • Of Peter
    • • Act, 3, 14.
      • 1. Pet. 3. 18
    • Of Ste­phan. Of his ad­uersarie, and perse­cutor Pi­late,
    • • Act. 7, 52. Math. 27. 24.
      • Iohn 19, 4, 6.
• 2. In the godlie confes­sions of the reformed Churches, namelie
• • Heluet. 2, cap. 11.
  • Heluet. 1. art. 11.
  • Bohem. cap. 4, 7.
  • France. art. 14.
  • Fland. art. 18.
  • Therefore à cursed com­panie were they, which laide vnto the charge of our Sa­uiour
    • That he was à vio­lator of the Sab­baoth,
    • • Matth. 12. 10, &c.
      • Luke 13, 14.
      • Iohn 5▪ 16, &c.
    • That he taught, being not law­fulie autorized therevnto. Math. 21, 23.
    • That he forbad tribute to be giuen vnto Caesar. Luke 23, 2.
    • That he was the destroyer of the Lawe. Matth. 5, 17.
    • That he ouerthrewe all religion, and moued the people vnto re­bellion. Luke 23. 5.
    • Such were the
      • Scribes.
      • Pharisees.
      • High Priestes.

• [Page 54]1. In the Scripture, which te­stifieth how al men be either
• • Vnregenerate; & they be vnrigh­teous (alredie proued aboue, pag. 46, 47) and sinne in al things (con­firmed, pag. 48.)
  • Regene­rate; and there are not with­out sinne
  • • Original; reade pag. 31, 32.
    • Actual, see pag. 43. Be­sides con­firmed is it
    • • [...] 2.
      • Eccles. [...], 20.
      • 1. Tim. 1, 15.
      • Gal. 5, 17
      • 1. Iohn. 1, 8.
• 2. In the confessions of the godly, especialie
• • In Ausburgh. art. 20
  • In Saxonie. art. 3, 8.
  • Oppugned is this truth by sondrie aduersaries which hold, that besides Christ, o­thers either haue bine, or be per­fectlie righ­teous, such be
    • The Papistes.
    • The Mani­chies.
    • The Catha­rans.
    • The Donatists.
    • The Pelagians
    • The Familie of Loue.
    • The Marcio­nites.
    • The Adamits.
    • The Carpocra­tians.
    • Whereof some haue thought
      • As the Papists, that
      • • The vir­gine Ma­rie was pure from al sinne, both
        • • Original.
          • Actual.
        • S. Francis hath fulfilled euerie [...]ote of the booke of God.
      • That they could not sinne so much as in cogitation, as the
      • • Manechics.
        • Catharans.
      • That theey haue bin so perfect that they could iustifie other men at their pleasures, as the Donatists.
      • That they needed not to say, as Christ commaundeth, Forgiue vs our trespasses, &c. except it were on the behalfe of o­thers. For they cannot sin. Of this opinion are the
      • • Pelagians.
        • Fam. of Loue.
      • That they are so pure, euen as
      • • Yea more holie than Paul, Peter, &c. such are the Marcionites Adam, and Eua before their fal, as the Ada­mi [...].
        • I. Christ himselfe, as the Carpocratians.

16. ARTICLE. Of sinne after Baptisme.

NOt euerie deadlie ¹ sinne willinglie committed after baptisme, is sinne against the holie Ghost, and vn­pardonable. Wherefore, the graunt of repentance is not to be denied to such as fal into sinne after Bap­tisme. ² After we haue receiued the holie Ghost, we may depart from grace giuen, and fal into sinne, and by the grace of God, (we maie) rise againe, and a­mende our liues. And therefore they are to be con­demned, which saie, they can no more sinne, as long as they liue here, ³ or denie the place of forgiuenes to such as trulie repent.

• 1. Euerie sinne is not the sinne against the holie Ghost.
• 2. The verie regenerate maie fal, and yet rise againe.
• 3. None are vtterlie to be cast of, which vnfainedlie repent.

• [Page 56]1. In the Scripture, where we finde though e­uerie sinne of it owne nature de­serue dam­nation: yet that there is
• • A sinne
  • Stripes. Luke 12, 46.
    • Which shalbe puni­shed with fewe,
    • Which shalbe puni­shed with manie
  • A sinne
  • 1. Iohn 5, 6.
    • Vnto death,
    • Not vnto death,
  • A sinne against
  • • which shalbe forgiuen,
      • The Fa­ther
      • The Son
    • The holie Ghost; that neuer shalbe forgiuen
    • • Matth. 12, 31.
      • Mar. 3, 39.
      • Luke 12, 10.
• 2. In the publique confessions of the Church of God at
• • Heluet. 2, cap. 8.
  • Bohem. cap. 4.
  • Saxon. art. 10.
  • Diuerslie hath this doctrine bine in­uaded. For
    • Some haue thought al sinnes to be like, as the
    • • Stoikes.
      • Pelagians.
      • [...]ouinians.
    • Some taught howe none of the godlie fathers, and nations from the beginning of the worlde, vntill the 15. yeare of Tiberius the Emperour, though earnestly theie did repent, were saued, but were punished alike with vtter confusion, as Manes the Heretique.
    • Some giue out that al euerla­stingly be condemned, which depart out of this world
    • • Afore theie are baptized, as the Papistes.
      • Afore theie come vnto yeares of discretion; as the Heracites.

• [Page 57]1. Graun­ted vpon the Scriptures. For in them we do e­uidentlie see
• • That fal
  • • They maie
    • • Partlie by the ad­moniti­ons
      • • Of Christ vnto
        • • The man hea­led of the pal­sie. Iohn 5, 14.
          • The adultresse. Iohn 8, 11.
        • Of Paul▪ vnto
        • • Th Ephesians. cap. 4, 21.
          • Colossians. cap. 3, 8.
          • The Hebrues. cap. 5, 12.
          • Ti­mo­thie
          • • 1. T. 1, 9.
            • 2. T. 4, 3
            • 2. T. 2, 22.
        • Of Peter, vnto al the godly
        • • 1. Pet. 2, 10.
          • 1. Pet. 5, 8.
          • 2. Pet. 3, 17.
      • Partlie by the exam­ple of
      • • Dauid.
        • Salomon.
        • Peter, &c.
    • Thei [...] do, euen by the 5. pe­tition of the Lord his prayer, were there nothing beside to proue the same: but looke pag. 31, 32, 43, 54.
  • That being fal­lē, they maie rise againe, by the
  • • Exhortations of the Angel vnto the chur­ches of
    • Reuel. 2.
      • Ephesus,
      • Perga­mus.
      • Thyatira,
    • Exam­ples
    • • Of Peter, who denied, and yet afterwarde confessed Christ. Of al the Disciples, which fled (Matth. 26, 56.) and yet came againe.
      • But sub­scribe herevnto wil not
        • The Catharans.
        • The Nouati­ans.
        • The Iouini­ans,
        • The Anabap­tistes.
        • The Fam. of Loue.
        • • Who thinke that the people of God be rege­nerate into a pure and Angelical state, so that they be defiled with no contagion of sinne.
        • The Papistes simplie. For though they graunt that the godlie maie rise againe from sinne: yet they denie that they can so do without their Sacrament of Pe­nance; which is an error. Conc. Trid. sess. 6. can. 29.
• 2. Groun­ded by al 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.

• [Page 58]1. In the Scrip­ture. For there is it
• • That God
  • • Would haue al men to be sa­ued
    • • Matth. 11, 28.
      • 1. Tim. 2, 4.
    • Is readie to receaue the peni­tent,
    • • Luke 15. 7.
      • Luke 19, 41.
      • Iam. 5, 20.
      • 2. Pet. 3, 10.
      • 1. Iohn 1, 9.
      • Reuel. 2, 5, &c.
    • Doth refuse none that returne vnto him by repentance, as appeareth in th'example
    • • Of the prodi­gal childe. Luke 15, 20.
      • Of the debitor Matth. 18, 26, &c.
  • That vpon repentance man must receaue, & comfort them which haue gone astraie. So did Paul wil
  • • The Galathians to re­store the weake. Gal. 6, 1.
    • The Corinthians to com­fort the man which had committed incest. 2. Cor. 2, 7, &c.
    • Philemon to receaue One simus. Phil. vers. 12.
• 2. In the Christian confessions of the godlie in
• • Heluet. 2, cap. 14.
  • Bohem. 5.
  • Ausburgh art. 11.
  • Saxon. art. 3.
  • Wittemb. art. 12.
  • Aduer­saries. vnto this truth, are
    • Who leaue no­thing but th [...] ­apeaseable wrath of God to such as of­fend after Bap­tisme.
      • The Monta­nists.
      • The Nouati­ans.
      • The Anabap­tistes.
      That saie, how being once re­generate, sinne is cut awaie, as with à rasor, so that they can­not sinne, nei­ther neede to repent.
      • The Messali­ans.
      • The Fam. of Loue.
    • The desperate, whose sinnes be either so manie, or so grieuous, that they think how God he nei­ther can, nor wil forgiue them.

17. Article Of Predestination and Election.

PRedestination ¹ to life, is the euerlasting ⁵ purpose of God vvhereby, ² before the foundations of the vvorld vvere laid, he hath ³ constantlye decreed by his councel secrete to vs, to deliuer from curse & damnation ⁴ those vvhome he hath chosen ⁵ in Christ out of mankinde, and to bring them by Christ to euerlasting ⁵ saluation, as vessels made ⁵ to honor, ⁶ vvherefore they vvhich be endued vvith so excellent a be­nesite of God, be called according to Gods purpose by his spirit vvorking in due season, they through grace obey the calling, they be iustified freely, they be made sonnes of God by adoption, they be made like the image of his only begotten s [...]nne Iesus Christ: they vvalke religiously in good vvorkes, and at length by Gods mercy, they attaine to euerlasting felicitie. As ⁸ the godly consideration of prede­stination and our election in Christ is ful of svveete, pleasant & vnspeakable comfort to godly persons, & such as feele in themselues the vvorking of the spirite of Christ, morte­fying the vvorks of the flesh, & their earthly members, & dravving vp their mind to high and heauenly things, as vvel because it doth greatly establish and confirme their faith of eternal saluation to be enioyed through Christ, as because it doth feruently kindle their loue tovvards God: so, for curious and carnal persons lacking the spirit of Christ to haue continually before their eies the sentence of Gods predestination, is a moste dangerous dovvnfal, vvhereby the diuel doth thrust them either into desperation, or into rechlesnesse of most vncleane liuing, no lesse perilous than desperation.

⁹ Furthermore, vve must receiue Gods promises in such vvise, as they be generaly set forth vnto vs in holy scripture, ¹⁰ and in our doings that vvil of God is to be follovved, vvhiche vve haue expressely declared vnto vs in the vvord of God.

• 1. There is a Praedestination vnto euerlasting life.
• 2. Praedestination hath bine from euerlasting.
• 3. They which are praedestinate vnto saluation cannot perish.
• 4. Not al men, but certaine are praedestinate to be saued.
• 5. VVhy some are elected, and not others.
• 6. Who they are which shalbe saued.
• 7. VVhat are the effects of Praedestination.
• 8. The vse of the doctrine of praedestinatiō, both to the godly & wicked.
• 9. VVhat may keepe men both from desperation, & also frō securitie.
• 10. In our actions the word of God, which is his reuealed wil, must be our direction.

• [Page 60]1. In the Scripture
• • 1. By the te­stimonie
  • • Of Christ him­selfe
    • • Math. 10, 20. 20, 23. 22, 14. 24, 22. 25, 35.
      • Luke 12, 32. 17, 34.
      • Iohn. 6, 37. 10, 26, &c.
    • Of the
    • • Euangeliste, Luke, Act. 13. 48.
      • Apostle Paul
      • • Rom. 8, 29 &c. 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 Bre­theren
    • • Habel Kain
      • • Gen. 4. 4.
        • Heb. 11, 4.
      • Isaac & Ismael Rom. 9, &c.
      • Iaakob & Esau
      • • Mal. 1, 2, 3.
        • Rom. 9. 13.
    • The two Eunuches of K. Pharao, Ge. 40, 20, &c.
    • The two kingdomes Iuda & Israel.
    • The two peoples Iewes & Gentiles Rom. 11.
    • The two Apostles, Peter & Iudas.
    • The two theeues vpon the Crosse.
    • The two men in the Fieldes, Math. 24. 40.
    • The two women at the Mill. Math. 24. 40. Al wicked: and yet of them some be receaued into the fa­uour of God, and some reie­cted.
    • Erre there­fore doe they which stand in o­pinion
      • That some are apoin­ted to be saued, but none to be damned.
      • That some in soul, but in soule and bodie toge­ther none shal be sa­ued, as the
      • • Pseuda­postles.
        • Carpo­cratiās.
        • Valent.
        • Cerdo­nites.
        • Mani­chies.
        • Hiera­cites.
        • Monta­nists.
• 2. In the publique writings, and confession of the Churches militant.

• [Page 61]1. In the Scripture
• • Matth. 25, 34.
  • Rom. 16, 25. 26.
  • Ephes. 1. 4. &c.
  • 2. Tim. 1, 9.
• 2. In the publique confession of the godlie in
• • Heluet. 2. cap. 10. 11.
  • Basil. Art. 1.
  • France, art. 12. Whereby it appeareth how those Sophi­sters be deceiued, who, because God is not included within the compasse of anie time, but hath al things to come as present continually before his eyes, doe [...]a [...]e, that God he did not in the time long passed onely, but stil doth in the time present likewise predestinate.

• [Page 62]1. The Scripture
• • Math. 16. 18.
  • Math. 24, 24.
  • Iohn. 6, 37.
  • Iohn. 10, 28, 129.
  • Rom. 8, 30. &c.
  • Rom. 11. 29.
  • 2. Tim. 2, 19.
  • 1. Iohn, 2, 19.
• 2. The Church of God in
• • Heluet. confes. 2. cap. 10.
  • Basil. confes. art. 1.
  • France, art. 12. confes.
  • Then wander doe they from the truth, which thinke
    • That the very elect may fal vtterly from grace & be dam­ned.
    • That the number of those which be predestinate, may both increase and be dimini­shed. So did the Pelagians.

• [Page 63]1. The word of God
• • Luke, 10, 20.
  • Luke, 12, 7.
  • Iohn, 10, 14.
  • 2. Tim. [...], 10.
• 2. The Churches refor­med in
• • Heluet. 2. cap. 10.
  • Basil. Art. 1.
  • France, art. 12.
  • Fland. Art. 16.
  • What they are therefore ap­peareth, which saie that
    • Not cer­taine, but al shal be saued, yea the verie
    • As the Orige­nistes. Libertines Catabaptis [...]
      • Diuels
      • Damned
    • Al men be elected vnto euerlasting life,
    • Furthermore they are not to bee liked that curiously wil enquire what the number of them is that shalbe saued, or dam­ned.

• [Page 64] [...]. In the Scripture, wher may be seene
• • 1. The cause efficient to be th'euerlasting purpose of God
  • • Rom. 8, 28.
    • Rom. 9. 11.
    • Ephes. 1, 5. &c.
    • 2. Tim. 1, 9.
  • 2. The cause formal, God his infinite mer­cie
  • • Exod. 33, 19.
    • Rom. 9, 15.
  • 3. The cause material, the bloud of 1. Christ
  • • Act. 2, 38.
    • Act. 3, 20, &c.
    • Act. 10, 43, &c.
    • 1. Cor. 15, 22, &c.
    • Ephes. 1. 3. &c.
    • 1. Tim. 2. 5.
    • 1. Pet. 1, 18, 19.
  • 4. The cause final, or end, why both God the Father hath lo­ued, and Christ thus suffered, namelie
  • • The glo­rie of God
    • • Ephes. 1. 6▪ 12.
      • Prou. 16. 4.
      • Isa. 5. 16.
    • The sal­uation of man
    • • Rom. 8, 29.
      • Rom. 9. 21.
• 2. In the publique writinges of the Churches militant with a sweete consent according to this article,
• And this condem­neth the impietie of al those which thinke
  • That God doth not predesti­nate man of his mercie, but that man doth predestinate himselfe by his merites.
  • That God behelde in euerie man whether he would vse his grace well, and beleeue the Gospel, or no; and as he sawe a man wel 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 vs.
  • That men are predestinate vnto life, if they doe beleeue; But Predestination is not conditionall, but certaine. For they which are elected in Christ shall, and if they liue, must and wil beleeue.
  • That God is partiall, and vn­iust, for chusing some, and re­fusing others; calling manie, and electing but fewe.

• [Page 49]1. They be cal­led vnto the knowledge of saluation, by the preaching of the worde.
• 2. They obeie that calling through th▪o­peration of God his spirit, working with­in them.
• 3. They feele in their soules, the Spirit of God bearing witnesse vnto their spirits, how they are the children of God.
• 4. They walke religiously in all good works.
• And this is euident, and cleare
  • 1. In the Scrip­ture, where is set downe, of the predesti­nate vnto sal­uation▪
  • • 1. The calling
    • • Rom. 8, 30.
      • Gal. 1, 15.
      • 1. Thes. 2, 12.
      • 2. Tim. 1. 9.
      • Reuel. 17, 14.
    • 2. Th'obedi­ence vnto the word.
    • • Matth. 13, 11.
      • Rom. 1, 5.
      • Rom. 16. 19. 26.
      • 2. Cor. 13, 5.
      • Ephes. 1, 13.
    • 3. Th'adoption into the childrē of God.
    • • Rom. 8, 15. 16.
      • Matth. 6, 9.
      • Ephes. 1, 5.
      • Gal. 4, 5. 6.
    • 4. The holines of life, and conuersatiō.
    • • Ephes. 1, 4.
      • Ephes. 2, 10.
      • 2. Thes. 2, 13. 14.
      • Tit. 2, 11. 12.
  • 2. In the 2. publique Heluet. confession, cap. 10.
  • Sundrie ad­uersaries hath this truth, but principalie.
    • The Papists, who reach that none are to think that they ar of the nūber of the pre­destinate Con [...]. Trid. [...].
    • • Cap. [...] ▪
      • C [...] [...].
    • Such as thinke it is a suf­ficient argument of electi­on, if they be outward­lie called by the worde, though they haue none in­ward calling of the Spirit.
    • The Schuenkfeldians, and al such as depending vpon reuelations, condemne the ordinarie calling of God by the ministerie of hi [...] worde.

• [Page 50]1. In this life, Iusti­fication.
• 2. In the life to come, Glorifi­cation.
• Alwaies à confor­mitie to the image of th'on­lie begot­ten sonne of God
  • 1 In suffe­ring tro­bles.
  • 2. In enioi­eng glo­rie.
  • So wit­nesse
    • 1. The scrip­ture
    • • Rom. 8, 30.
      • Rom. 8, 29, 17.
      • Matth. 25, 34.
    • 2. The god lie, who
    • • In any age haue bine
      • Doe liue at this present.
      • And this is flatlie a­gainst thē which op­pugne ei­ther
        • 1. The iustifica­tion by faith through the hearing of the worde prea­ched, as do the
        • • Infidels.
          • Epicures.
          • Atheistes, of which reade more aboue, pag. 39.
        • 2. The glorious condition of man in blessed immortalitie. such are
        • • The Appollinari [...]ns.
          • The Millinaries.
          • Those heretiques whiche denie the resurrec­tion of the flesh. as the
          • • Carpocratians.
            • Valentinians.
            • Cerdonites.
            • Manichies.
            • Montanists, &c.

• [Page 51]1. To the godly ful
• • Sweete,
  • Plea­sant,
  • Com­forta­ble.
  • Because
    • It greatlie con­firmeth their faith in Christ.
    • It doth feruentlie kin­dle their loue toward God.
    • So saith
      • 1. The scrip­ture.
      • • Rom. 8 18, 31. &c.
        • Ephe. 1. 15, &c.
        • 1. Cor. 15, 14, 15, &c.
      • 2. The Church of God in al places.
• 2. To the wicked and re­probate
• • Soure
  • Vnsa­uorie,
  • Vncomforta­ble.
  • As that which they thinke, though moste vn­truely and wic­kedly, bringeth them either
    • To despaire of Gods mercie, being without faith.
    • Not to feare his iu­stice being so extremely wic­ked.
    • VVhere as▪ nei­ther
      • .1 By the word of God.
      • 2. By any sound confes­sion
      • • Can anie man col­lect that he is a vessel of wrath, prepared vn­to damnation: but contrari­wise, by manie great ar­guments may per­swade himselfe that he is in the fa­uour of God, as in the next table fol­lowing, plainly doth ap­peere.
        • Therfore they are to be held as hereti­ques a­gainst the faith, which giue out that this doctrine leadeth
          • Vnto desperation, which is with out al com­fort,
          • Loose­nes of life, and so vnto Atheis. me.
          • And therefore to be published neither by mouth nor by writing: such
            • were the hereti­ques cal­led from hence, Predesti­nati.
            • Are the newe Pe­lagians, the Fam. of Loue.

• [Page 52]Despe­ration,
• Carnal securi­tie,
• Theie are in their mindes firmely to re­mem­ber
  • 1. That the promise of grace and fauour to men is vniuersal,
  • • Matth. 11, 28.
    • Matth. 18, 14.
    • Iohn. 3, 15.
    • Rom. 3, 22.
    • 1. Tim. 2, 4.
    • 2. Pet. 3▪ 6.
    • Reade Rom.
    • • 9.
      • 10.
      • 11.
  • 2. That the doctrine of predestination is to be preached not vnto a fewe, but vniuersalie to al men
  • • Matth. 28, 19, 20.
    • Mark. 16, 15, 16.
    • Luk. 24, 45, 46, 47
  • 3. That the seales of the coue­nant be appoin­ted to al in gene­ral. For
  • • Concerning Bap­tisme, Al are to be baptised,
    • • Matth. 28, 19.
      • Mark. 16, [...]5.
    • Tou­ching the Lorde his sup­per, Christ faith
    • • Of the bread, Take, eate, this is my bo­die.
      • Of the cup, Drinke ye al of it.
      • • Matth. 26, 26, &c. 1. Cor. 11, 23. &c.
  • 4. That as the diso­bedience of Adam brought condemnation vpon al men: so the bloud and obedience of Christ is able, and al sufficient to washe away al sinnes, and that of al men.
  • 5. That none euer yet did flie vnto the mercie of God by vnfained repen­tance, but he was re­ceaued into fauor: so among others was
  • • Dauid after his a­dulterie. Manasses after his idolatrie. Peter after his apo­stacie. The theefe hanged with Christ, euen at the last gaspe. The Nin [...]ui [...]s after many▪ and greeuous offences committed
    • So that as theie are not to be heard, which do saie
      • The numer of the elect is but smal, and seing we are vn­certaine whether we be of that com­panie or not, we wil proceede on as we haue be­gonne:
      • That God is an accep­tor of per­sons, and so vniust in choosing some, and refusing o­thers:
      • So is it the parte of al, and euerie man,
        • Not to refuse the mercies of God, as generalie: so most gratiouslie offered vnto al men.
        • Not to despere in [...]espect either
        • • Of the great­nes
          • Of the multi­tude
          • • Of his sins.
        • Not to prouoke the Lorde to execute his vengeance through prophanenesse of life, and securitie.

• [Page 53]1. Not our oune iudgementes, and what seemeth good in our oune opinions.
• 2. The will of God. And that wil to
• • Not which is concealed from vs, of God his omnipotencie, whereby he is minded to go­uerne at his pleasure the things by him selfe created. Of this wil is mention made
  • • Psal. 115, 3.
    • Isa. 46, 10.
    • Rom. 9, 15.
  • Of his fauour and good will towarde man­kinde, reuealed vnto vs in the S. Scriptures by Iesus christ, whome we are to heare, Math. 3, 17. And he saith
  • • Come vnto me, &c. Math. 11, 28.
    • So God loued the world, &c. Iohn, 3, 16.
    • Subscribed hereunto haue the Godly in al ages, and by name the Church in Heluetia by their publique confession. Heluet 2▪ cap. 10: but so haue no [...]
      • The Enthusiasts.
      • Anabaptists.
      • Fam. of Loue.
      • So many as leaue the writtē word of God, and depend vpon re­uelations, either con­trarie, or besides the truth
      • Of which vn­godly cogita­tions springeth among men
        • Contempt of the words of the Preache [...] and of al godly exerc [...].
        • Impeni [...]enci [...] ▪
        • Carnal secu­ritie.
        • Desperation▪

18. ARTICLE. Of obtaining eternal saluation only by the name of Christ.

THey also are to be had accursed, that presume to say that euery man shalbe saued by the lawe, or sect which he professeth, so that he be diligent to frame his life according to that law, and the light of nature. For holie Scripture doth set out vnto vs onlie the name of Iesus Christ, whereby men must be saued.

• One faith
• Onlie the Name of Iesus
• Whereby men must be saued, as witnesse
  • The Scrip­tures
  • • Ephe, 4. 5.
    • Act. 4, 2.
  • The Godly militant in this world.
  • They are to be had ac­cursed which saie that
    • Euerie man is saued by the
    • which he professeth.
      • Lawe
      • Sect

    • Men maie frame them selues accor­ding to al

      Times, Places, Persons, Religion.

      As

      • The Libertine Ana­baptistes.
      • The Familie of Loue.
      • Temporizers.
      • Macchiauels.

19. ARTICLE. Of the Church.

THe ¹ visible ² Church of Christ, is a congregation of ³, ⁴ faithfull men, in the which the ⁵ pure worde of God is preached, and the Sacraments be dulie ministred, according to Christes ordinance, in al those thinges that of necessitie are requisite to the same.

As ⁶ the Church of Jerusalem, Alexandria, and Antioch haue erred: so also the ⁷ Church of Rome hath erred, not only in their liuing and maner of ceremonies, but also in matters of faith.

• 1 There is a Church of Christ, not onely inuisible, but also visible.
• 2 There is but one Church.
• 3 The visible Church is a catholike church.
• 4 The word of God was, and is before the Church.
• 5 The markes and tokens of the visible church, are the due and true admi­nistration of the Word and Sacraments.
• 6 The visible Church may erre both in doctrine and conuersation.
• 7 The church of Rome most shamefully hath erred both in life, ceremonies, and matters of Faith.
• 8 There is no saluation without this church, and therefore euerie man is firmely to ioyne therevnto, and neuer to depart there from by schisme, and contention.

• [Page 56]1 Inuisi­ble; which are all th elect, who are or shall be ei­ther
• • 1 In Heauen, triumphing.
  • 2 In earth figh­ting a­gainst the
  • • Flesh
    • World
    • Diuell
    • • These as mē bers of the Church, are sayde to bee inuisible, not because the men are not seene, but for that their faith and consci­ence is not perfectly known vnto vs.
• 2 Visible, where­of some are
• • 1 For God.
  • 2 Against God.
  • • Al notwithstanding well thought of: and accompted faithfull, so long as they make no manifest and o­pen rebellion against the trueth.
    • And this
      • 1 Is ga­thered out of the S. Scrip­ture, where is tou­ched the Church
      • • 1 Inuisi­ble, and holy
        • • 1 Trium­phing
          • • Reu. 2▪ 26.
            • Reu. 7. 14▪ 15
            • Reu. 3, 5 12.
          • 2 Militāt, or wa [...] ­ring
          • • Gal. 4, 29.
            • Ephe. 6. 10.
            • 2. Tim. 3. 12.
            • 1. Pet. 5. 10.
            • Reu. 12. 11.
            • Reuel. 17. 14.
        • 2 Visible & mix­ed
        • • By the parable
          • • Of the Sower▪ Mat. 13.
            • Of the Marriage, Mat. 22.
            • Of the Virgins, Mat. 25.
          • By the saying
          • • Of christ
            • • Ioh. 6. 70
              • Ioh. 13. 10.
            • Of Paule, 2. Tim. 2. 20
            • This truth hath many aduer­saries, wherof
              • Some re­nounce our Christ, the Sauiour of mankind, & so think hys people are not the Church as the
              • • Iewes.
                • Turks.
                • Anabapt. Heretiks.
              • Some denie the trium­phing state of the god­lie in hea­uen, and dreame of a glorious condition in this world, as the fa­miliars.
              • • H. N.
                • Vitell▪
              • Some think the Church Catholike to be visible, as the Papists. Some suppose the Churche militant is not visible at all, as the Li­bertines.
              • Some giue out that the Church is voyde of sin and sinners, as the
              • • Donatists
                • Anabap­tists.
                • Fami. of Loue.
      • 2 Is testi­fied in the Chur­ches re­formed Confes.
      • • Heluet. [...]. cap. 17.
        • Heluet. 1. art. 14.
        • Bohem. cap. 8.
        • France Art. 27.
        • Flan. Art. 27.
        • Ausburgh. art. 7.
        • Sax Art. 11.
        • Wittemb. Art. 32.
        • Sueu [...]. art.

• [Page 57]That the Church is
• • Visible,
  • Inuisi­ble,
• That there is à church
• • VVeast,
  • Easte,
  • Greeke,
  • Latine,
  • Italian,
  • English
  • We think not that Christ hath di­uers churches, but that the Church
    • Is di­uerslie taken,
    • Hath manie parti­cular Chur­ches (as the sea manie armes) contai­ned in it.
    • For the visible Church is
      • Not manie 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 godlie in
        • • Heluet. 2, cap. 17.
          • Bohem. cap. 8.
          • Franc. art. 26.
          • Fland. art. 27.
          • Ausburgh art. 7.
          • Wittemb. art. 32.
          • Sueu. art. [...]5.
          • Then blasphe mous be th'o­pinions of
            • The Iewes,
            • The Turks,
            • [...]
            • • VVho se­clude al from the Church, whosoeuer embrace no [...] their [...] nations.
            • Munce [...], that Anabaptist, which tearmed his [...] ▪ cleane contrarie to the peo­ple of Christe [...] of God; and sa [...]de that al others were wicked, and worthie to be slaine.
            • The fami­lie of Loue, who pub­lish how
            • • They onlie are the Church.
              • None are in à rect faith or beliefe, but only the Com­munaltie of Loue.
              • The Commu­naltie of Loue are the Saintes of God, and his acceptable people.
              • Theie which are not of the Familie, haue no liuing god; and be with­out Gods ser­uice.

• [Page 58]For cal­ling
• • Gouernors and sub­iectes,
  • Noble and base,
  • Rich and poore,
  • Teachers & learners,
• For sexe
• • Men
  • Women,
• For age
• • Old
  • Yong▪
• For their countrie.
• • Iewes and Gentils,
  • Graecians and Barba­rians,
  • It may be wel cal­led a Ca­tholike Church. This
    • 1. Is grounded vpon 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 sexe
      • • 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 graunted by the Church, namelie in
    • • Heluet. confes. 2. cap [...]7.
      • Bohem. confes. cap. 8.
      • Flan. confes. art. 27.
      • Wittemb. art. 32.
      • Vnsounde be they in religi­on there­fore, which wil t [...]e the Church to a cer­taine
        • Calling, as the rude Roma­nistes, to the Clergie.
        • Contrie, as the Donatists, to Africa.
        • Place▪ as the Papists, to Rome.
        • People, as the Iewes to themselues, excluding al others.

• [Page 59]1. Time▪ Be­cause the word is
• • The seede: the faith­ful
  • • The corne Luke 8, [...]1
    • The chil­dren. 1. Pet. 1, 23
  • The rocke, or foun­dation; the faithful the house
  • • Matt. 16, 1 [...].
    • Ephes. 2, [...]0.
• 2. Auctority: forsomuch as the voce
• • Of the Church, is the voce of man, who
  • • Hath er­red,
    • Maie erre.
  • Of the scripture is the voce of God,
  • • 2. Tim. 3, 16.
    • 2. Pet. 1, 21.
    • Who can­not
      • Deceaue
      • Be de­ceaued.
      • Of this iudge­ment are the Churches re­formed, as ap­peareth in their confes.
        • Heluet. 1, art. 14.
        • Heluet. 2, cap. 13, 17.
        • Bohem. cap. 1, 8.
        • France, art. 5.
        • Flan. art. 3, 7.
        • Saxon. art. 1, 11.
        • Sueuia. art. 1.
        • This maketh to the strengthning of vs, a­gainst those Popish opini­ons; that the Church
          • 1. VVas before [...] VVord, for time
          • 2. Is aboue the VVord▪ for auctoritie.

• [Page 60]1. The pure worde of God is syncerely preached.
• 2. The Sa­craments instituted by Christ are dulie administred.
• And so saie not we one­lie, but besides
  • 1. The scripture; wher in we find that à note of the vi­sible Church is the
  • • 1. VVord prea­ched,
    • • Luke 8, 21.
      • Iohn 8, 47.
      • Iohn. 10▪ 27.
      • Gal. 1, 8
      • 1. Thes. 5, 20.
      • 1. Iohn 4, 2, &c.
      • 2. Iohn 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. &c.
  • 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.
    • Sueuia. art. 15. Some, and they also godlie men, ad besides for à note of the visible Church, Disci­pline. But be­cause discipline in part, is in­cluded in th'o­ther markes mentioned, both we, and in effect, al other Churches re­formed, ouer­passe it in this place, as no to­ken simplie of the visible Church. Nei­ther do we tie the Church so strictlie to th'other signs, that we thinke al those to be without the Church, and Antichristians, which neither doe heare the worde orderlie preached, nor receiue the sa­craments; if so be they would, and can neither heare th'one, nor receaue th'other: at which time the Church is not visible, but in­uisible, as in the time of ty­ranny, and cap tiuitie.
    • On the other side we renūce, as alto­gether Anti­christi­an, the opini­ons
      • 1. Of the Papists, who alleage for to­kens of the true Church
      • • Anti­quitie,
        • Vnitie,
        • Vni­uersali­tie,
        • Succes­sion,
        • Mira­cles.
        • Reue­lations.
        • But these are not so,
          • Because theie are not deriued from the verie nature of the Church, but are meerelie external.
          • Because they are tokens aswel of the false, as of the true Church.
          • Because theie are not good, except there be warran­ted by the worde of God.
          • Because it was fore tolde by the Spirit of God, that the com­ming of Anti­christ should be with all power, signes, and lieng wonders, &c. 2. Thes. 2, 9, &c.
      • 2. Of some, which make discipline, and that their owne too, such an essentiall argu­ment of the visible Church, as theie thinke where that is not, though both the Word, and the Sacraments be rectlie ministred and receaued, there
      • • 1. The Magistrates are Tyrants.
        • 2. The Ministers are false prophets
        • 3. No Church of God is.
        • 4. Antichristianitie doth reigne.

• [Page 61]1. In do­ctrine,
• 2. In con­uersation,
• Els woulde it not haue bine saide to the Church
  • By our Sauior Christ, concer­ning
  • • 1. Doc­trine,
    • • Take heede, &c. Matt. 24. 4.
      • Beleeue it not. Matt. 24, 23, & 26.
      • Beware of the leauen, &c. Mar. 8, 15.
      • Many shalbe deceaued: yea▪ the verie elect if it were pos­sible. Matt. 24. ver. 11, 24.
      • Shal he finde faith on the earth? Luke 18, 8.
    • 2. Conuersation.
    • • Iniquitie shal be encreased.
      • The loue of manie shal waxe colde. Matth. 24, 12.
  • By Paul tou­ching
  • • Doc­trine.
    • • We knowe in part. 1. Cor. 13. 12.
      • Antichrist sit­teth in the temple of God 2. Thes 2, 4.
      • Beware of dogs of idle workemen, of concision. Phi. [...]. 1.
    • Conuersation.
    • • There is a fight. Rom. 7. 22.
      • Restore, &c. least thou also be tempted. Beare one an­others burthen Gal. 6, 1.
      • Now that the Church hath er­red, ei­ther the
        • Su­per­stition,
        • Here sies,
        • Atheisme
        • Now reig­ning at
          • Hie­rusalem,
          • Alexan­dria,
          • Anti och.
          • The most famous places in th'v­niuersal world, do wit­nesse. And this is subscri­bed vn­to by the churches in
            • Heluet. confes. 2. cap. 17
            • Saxon. confes. art. 11.
            • Wit­temb. art. 32.
            • Sueuia. confes. art. 15.
            • But this truth is oppug­ned by
              • 1. The Papi­stes which holde that the Church cannot erre in doctrine.
              • 2. The Do­natistes Anabap. who saie the chur­che can­not erre for man­ners.

• [Page 62]1. In life. for there
• • The harlot hath a better life, Than she that is a Romans wife.
  • Al things are vendible.
  • A man may be what he wil, sauing a godly man.
• 2. In cere­monies, which are
• • For numer, infinite: such as neither we, nor our fathers could beare.
  • For vse
  • • Vaine. For manie of them are
    • • To no purpose.
      • To none order.
      • To no comlines.
    • Dam­nable: inas­much as they are held
    • • Necessa­rily to be obserued, which is against Christian libertie.
      • To merit, which bringeth vnto no­thing, the sacrifice of Christ.
• 3. In do­ctrine. For
• • 1. Against the law of God it maintaineth
  • • Idola­trie.
    • Inuoca­tion of crea­tures.
    • Disobedience vnto Magistrates. Whoredome. Periurie so it be not to a Catholique.
  • 2. To the ouer­throwe of the Gospel, of man his sal­uation, it ascri­beth
  • • The o­riginal, partlie
    • • To the grace of God.
      • To the force of nature.
    • The substance, partly
    • • To the iustice of God.
      • To the merits of man.
    • The end partly
    • • To the glorie of God.
      • To the honor of creatures.
      • Againe, looke we into the heades of The anti­christian Synago­gue and we shal see that of them some haue bine
        • 1. Coniu­rers, & force­rers, as Pope
        • • Martine, 2.
          • Syluester. 2. 3.
          • Iohn 19. 20. 21,
          • Gregorie 6. and Grego­rie the 7.
          • Benedict. 9▪
        • 2. Here­tikes. For▪ Pope
        • • Syricius, Calixtus, Leo 9. Pas­chalis, if not simply, yet in some men, & wo­men condē ­ned marri­age.
          • Liberius was an Ar­rian.
          • Anastasius 2. an Acati­an.
          • Honorius a Monothe­lite.
          • Iohn 22. a D [...]rmitane.
          • Caelestinus a Nestorian.
        • 3. World Athe­ly pro­phane men. Pope
        • • Sixtus buil­ded a stewes for Sodo­mites. Paul. 3. re­ceaued 40000▪ duc­kats month­ly of curti­ [...]ans. Leo 10 de­nied the im­mortalitie of the soule. Iohn 23 was pronounced a diuel in­carnate, at the counsel at Con­stance.
          • Hence it came that
            • 1. Rome
            • • Hath bine called Ba­bylon, and that by
              • • August de ci [...]i­tat. Dei, lib. 18.
                • Hieron in prae­fat. lib. de Spi­ritu S.
              • Was saide to shewe the parts of the Gen­tils, rather than of Christians, euen by the late Pope Paus 5.
            • 2. Bernard saide the Romanes are wise to doe wickednes, but be altogether fooles vnto good­nes. They are hateful to heauen and earth, yea, and hurtful to both: wicked against God, rash against holy thinges, seditious among themselues. De consider. ad Eugen. lib. 4.
            • 3. The Pope was proclamed Antichrist at Rhemes, by the coū ­sel vnder Capet.
            • • What they are then, it ap­pea­reth, which sa [...]e, the Chur­che of Rome doth not, yea, can­not erre at al.

• [Page 63]1. None can be saued, which are not mem­bers of this true church
• 2. Euerie one is firme­lie to ioyne and neuer to forsake this com­muni­on of sancts
• And this is e­ui­dent
  • 1. In the word of God, where we are com­manded
  • • To heare Christ. Matth. 17, 5.
    • To come vnto Christ. Matt. 21, 28.
    • To be­ware
    • • Of false pro­phets. Matt. 7, 15.
      • Of the leauen of the P [...]t. & Sad. Mat. 16, 6.
      • Of dogs, Phil. 32.
      • Of idle workmē Phil. 32.
      • Of conci­sion Phil. 32.
      • Lest there be a­nie that spoile vs through philosophie. Col. 2, 8.
      • Lest we be pluc­ked awaie with th'error of the wicked. 2. Pet. 3, 7.
    • To trie the spi­rits, &c. 1. Iohn 4, 1.
    • To goe out of Babylon. Reuel. 18, 4.
    • To come out from among th'vngodlie, &c. 2. Cor. 6, 17.
    • For
      • 1. The be­nefites which the Church doth, and shal en­ioye, are most sin­gular
      • • 1. Cor­poral
        • • Matth. 6, 33.
          • Luke 21, 28.
        • 2. Spiri­tual
        • • Iohn 17, 3.
          • Gal. 4, 6.
          • Col. 3, 13.
          • 1. Iohn 1, 9.
        • 3. Eter­nal
        • • Matth. 25, 21.
          • Iohn 16, 22.
          • Matth. 13, 43.
          • Rom. 8, 17.
      • 2. The pu­nishmēts which the enimies of the Church shal haue, are manie and gree­uous.
      • • 1. In this life
        • • Wars, and de­structiō Matth. 22, 7.
          • Indura­tion of harte. Iohn 12, 40.
        • 2. In the world to come
        • • Expul­sion frō the Supper. Luke 14 24. Exclusi­on frō the ma­riage. Matth. 25, 12. A porti­on in the cup of the wrath of God. Reu. 1 [...], 10, in the lake &c. Re­ue. 21, 8. Dam­nation. Phil. 3, 19.
          • Therfore let thē take heed
            • Who, whatsoeuer considerations they may seeme to haue, [...] to ioine with this church, I meane
            • • Papi­stes.
              • Li­ber. Ana­bap­tists.
              • Schis­mati­kes.
            • Who wil [...]ome not onlie with this chur­che but with al o­ther be­sides, if oc­casion doe serue,
            • • I [...] [...]ur­kie, with turks
              • At Rome with Anti­christ
              • At home with Christ
              • Suc [...] are
                • The Fami­liars.
                • [...]
  • 2. In the publike 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.
    • Sueuia. art. 15.