The Confession of Faith of English People in Exile, Religious tract 1
THE CONFESSION of Fayth of certaine English people, living in the Low countreyes, exiled.
VVE beleeve with the heart & confesse with the mouth.
I.
THat there is but†Deut 6. 4. 1 Tim. 2. 5. Eph. 4. 4. 5. 6. 1 Cor. …. 6. & 12. 4. 5. 6. 13. Ier. 6. 16. Ioh. 14. 6. one God, one Christ, one Spirit, one Church, on… truth, one Faith, one true Religion,|1 Tim. 6. 3. 13. 14. Mat. 15. 9. & 28. 20. Deut. 4. 2. 6. & 12. 32 1 Cor 4. 17. & 14. 33. 2 Tim. … 15. 16. 17. Gal▪ 8. 9. Revel. 2… 18, 19. on… rule of godlines & obedience for al Chri…tians, in all places, at all tymes, to be observed.
II.
God is a*Ioh. 4. 24. spirit, whose‡Exod. 3. 14. Rom. 11. 36. Act 17. 28. being is … himself, and giveth beeing, moving, & preservation to al other things, being himself †1 Tim. 1. 17. Esa. 6. 3. & 66 1. 2.eternal, most holy, every way infinite, in greatnes, wisdome, power, goodnes, justice, truth, &c. In this Godhead there be|1 Iohn. 5, 7. Mat. 28. 19. Pro. 8. 22. Heb. 1. 3. & 9. 14. Phil. 2. 6. 1 Cor. 8. 6. Micah. 5. 2 Psal. 2. 7. Gal. 4. 6. Iohn. 1. 1. 2. 18. & 10. 30. 38. & 15. 26. three distinct persons, coeternal, coequal, and coessential, being every one of them one and the same God, & therfore not divided but distinguished one from another by their several and peculiar propertie: The Father, of whom are the other persons, but he of none; the Sonne, begotten of the Father from everlasting; the holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Sonne before all beginnings.
III.
God hath*Esa. 46. 10. Rom. 11. 34. 35. 36. Gen, 45. 5. 6. 7. 8. Mat. 10. 29 30. Eph. 1. 11 decreed in himself from everlasting touching al things, and the very least circumstances of every thing, effectually to work and dispose them according to the counsel of his own will, to the glory of his name. And touching his chiefest creatures, GOD hath in Christ ‡Eph. 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 10. 11. Mat. 25. 34. 2 Tim. 1. 9. Act. 13. 48 1 Tim. 5. 21. Col 1, 14 17 18. 19. 20 & 2. 10. Iob 1. 6. Rev. 19. 10 1 Thes. 5. 9. Rom 8. 29. 30. & 9. 23.before the foundation of the world, according to the good pleasure of his will, foreordeyned some men and Angels, to eternall lyfe, to be accomplished through Iesus Christ, to the prayse of the glorie of his grace. And hath also†Iud. v. 4. & 6. Rom. 9. 11. 12. 13. 17. 18. 22. with Exod. 9 16. Mal. 1. 3. Mat. 25. 41. Iob 4. 18. 2 Pet. 2. 4. 12. 1 Peter 2. 8. Ioh. 3. 19 Rom. 2. 5. Prov. 16. 4. of old according to his just purpose foreappointed other both Angels and men, to eternall condēnation, to be accōplished through their own corruption and desert, to the prayse of his justice.
IIII.
In the|Gen. 1. chap. Col. 1. 16. Hebr. 11. 3. Esa. 45. 12 Rev. 4. 11. beginning, God made al things of nothing very good: and created man *Gen. 1. 26. 27. Eph. 4. 24. Col. 3. 10. Eccles. 7. 31.after his own image and likenes in righteousnes and holynes of truth. But ‡Gen 3. 1. 4. 5. 2 Cor. 11. 3.streightwayes after, by the subtilty of the serpent which Satan vsed as his instrument (†2 Pet. 2. 4. Iud vers. 6. Iohn. 8. 44. himself with his Angels having sinned before, & not kept their first estate, but left their owne habitation:) first|Gen. 3. 1. 2. 3. 6 1 Tim. 2. 14. Ec. 7. 31. Gal. 3. 22. Eva, then Adam being seduced, did wittingly and willingly fall into disobedience and transgression of the cōmaundement of God. For the which,*Rom. 5. 12. 18 19. & 6. 23. with Gen. 2. 17. death came vponupon all, and reigneth over al: yea even‡Rom. 5. 14. & 9. 11. over infants also, which have not synned after the like manner of the transgression of Adam, that is, actually: Hence also it is, that all since the fall of Adam, are begotten†Gen. 5. 3. & 6 5. Psal. 51. 5. Eph. 2. 3. Rom. 5. 12. Deut. 27. 26. & 28. 15. &c. in his own likenes after his image, being conceived and formed in iniquity, and so by nature children of wrath and servants of sinne, and subject to death, and all other calamities due vntounto sinne, in this world and for ever.
V.
Al mankind being thus fallen and become altogether dead in sinne, & subject to the eternall wrath of God, both by original and actuall corruption: Yet *Gen. 3. 15. Eph 1. 3-7. & 2-49 1 Thes. 5. 9. 1 Pet 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Gē. 15. 6. with Rō. 4 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 22. 23. 24. 25. Act. 13. 38. 39. 48. Rom. 3. 24. 25. 26. 2 Tim. 1. 9. Phil. 3. 8.—11,the elect, al and onelyonly, are redeemed, quickned, raysed vp and saved again, not of themselves, neyther by works (least any man should boast himself) but wholly and only by God, of his free grace and mercy; through faith in Christ Iesus, †1 Cor. 1. 30. 31. 2 Cor. 5. 21. Ier. 23. 5. 6. & 9. 23. 24.who of God is made vntounto vsus wisdome, and righteousnes, and sanctification, and redemption, that according as it is written, He that reioyceth should reioyce in the Lord.
VI.
This therefore is*Ioh. 17. 3. Heb. 5. 9. Ier. 23. 5. 6. lyfe eternal, to know the only true God, and whom he hath sent into the world Iesus Christ. And on the contrary, the‡2 Thes. 1. 8. Iohn. 3. 36. Zep. 1. 4. 5. 6. Rom. 2. 8. 9. Lord will render vengeance in flaming fire vntounto them that know not God, and which obey not the Gospel of our Lord Iesus Christ.
VII.
Now the rule of this knowledg faith and obedience, concerning the worship and service of God and all other christian dutyes, is not mens opinions, devises, lawes, constitutions, or traditions vnwritten whatsoever, but only the written word of God, conteined in the Canonicall books of the old and new Testament.
Ioh. 5. 39. 2 Tim 3. 15. 16. 17. Deut. 4. 2. 5. 6. Gen. 6. 22. Exod 20. 4. 5. 6. & 39 42. 43. 1 Chro. 28. 19. Psal. 119 in the whole Psa Esa 8. 19 20. & …9. 13. Mat. 15. 9. Col. 2. 8. 18. 23. Luk. 16. 29. 30. 31. Gal. 1. 8. 9. 2 Pet. 1. 16. 19. & 3. 2. Rev. 22. 18. 19.VIII.
In this written word, God hath plainely reveled whatsoever he thought needfull for vsus to know beleev and acknowledge, touching the persō & Office of Iesus Christ; in whō all the promises of God are Yea, and in whom they are Amen, to the prayse of God through vsus.
Deut. 18. 18. Act. 3. 22. 23. Heb. 1…. 2. and through the Epistle. Ioh. 1. 1. 14. 18. & 12. 49. 50 & 15, 15 & 20. 31. Prov. 8. 8. 9. and 30. 5 6. 2 Tim. 3. 15. 16. 17. 2 Cor. 1. 20.IX.
Touching his Person, the Lord Iesus, of whom‡Gen. 3. 15. & 22, 18. & 49. 10, Dan 7. 13. & 9. 24. 25. 26. Ier, 23. 5. 6. Psa. 2. 2. 6. 7. 12. & 16. 10. & 110. with Luk. 24. 44 Ioh. 5. 46. Actes. 10. 42. 43. & 13. 33. &c. and 17. 3. Moses & the Prophets wrote, and whom the Apostles preached, is the ‡Pro. 8. 22. Mic. 5. 2. Iob. 1. 1. 2, 3 & 12. 37-41. with Esa. 6. 1. 1… and with Act. 28 25. Heb. 1. chap. Col. 1. 15. 16. 17 & 2. 9.everlasting Sonne of God the father by eternal generation, the brightnes of his glorie, & the engraven forme of his Person, coessential coequal & coeternal God with him and with the holy Ghost: By whom he made the worlds, by whom he vpholdeth and governeth all the works he hath made: Who also,†Gal. 4. 4. Gen. 3. 15. when the fulnes of tyme was come, was made man of a woman, of the|Heb. 7. 14. Rev. 5. 5. with Gen. 49. 9. 10. Tribe of Iudah, of*Rom. 1. 3. & 9. 5. Gen. 22 18. Gal. 3. 16. Mat. 1. 1. &c Luk 3. 23. &c. Esa. 7. 14. Luk. 1, 26, &c, Heb, 2, 16▪ the seed of David and Abraham, to wyt, of Mary that blessed Virgin, by the holy Ghost comming vponupon her, & the power of the most High overshadowing her: and was also†Heb, 4, 15, Esa, 53, 3, 4, 9, Phil, 2, 7, 8. in all things like vntounto vsus, sinne only excepted.
X
Touching his Office, Iesus Christ*1 Tim. 2, 5. Heb 9. …5. and 13. 20 Dā, 9. 24. 25. Ioh 14. 6. Act. 4. 12. only is made the Mediator of the new Testamēt, even of the everlasting Covenant of grace between God & Man, to be‡Heb. 1. 2. &. 3. 1, 2. 3. &. 7, 24. & 12. 24—28. Psal. 110. 1. 2. 4 &. 45. Deu. 18. 15. 18. Esa. 9. 6, 7. Act. 5. 31. Esa 55. 4 Dā. 7. 13. 14. Luk, 1. 32. 3… ▪ perfectly and fully the Prophet, Priest, and King of the Church of God for evermore.
XI.
VntoUnto this office, he was from everlasting *Pro. …. 23. Esa. 42. 6. & 49. 1, 5 Heb. 5, 5, 6.by the iust and sufficiēt authority of the Father, & in respect of his Manhood, from the wōb, called & separated‡Esa. 11. 2. 5 & 61. 1, 2, 3. with Luk. 4, 17. 22. Act. 10. 38. Ioh. 1. 14. 16. & 3. 34. & anoynted also most fully & abundantly with all ne…cessary gifts, as it is writtē, God hath not measured out the Spirit vntounto him.
XII,
This office to be Mediator, that is, Prophet, Priest, and King of the Church of God, is so proper to Christ, as neyther in the whole, not in any part thereof, it can be transferred from him to any other.
1 Tim, 2, 5, Heb, 7, 24. Dan. 7, 14, Act, 4, 12, Esa. 43. 11. Luk, 1, 33. Iohn. 14. 6,XIII.
Touching his Prophecie, Christ*Ioh. 1. 18. & 12 49. 50. & 15, 15 and 17, 8. Deut. 18. 15. 18 19. Act. 3, 22, 23, 24 Mat. 17 5. Eph. 1 8, 9. 2 Tim. 3. 15 16. 17. hath perfectly revealed out of the bosome of his Father, the whole word and will of God, that is needfull for his servants, eyther joyntly or severally to know beleev or obey: He also†Prov. 9. 3. Ioh. 13. 20. Luk. 10. 16. Mat. 10. 40, 41. & 28. 18. 20 Deut. 33. 8. 10. Eph. 4. 7, 8, 11, 12, 13. hath spoken and doth speak to his Church in his own ordinance, by his own Ministers and instruments onelyonly, and not by|Mat. 7. 15, 16. &. …4. 23, 24. 2 Pet. 2. chap. Tim. 4, 3. 4. Ro… 10. 14, 15. & 1… 17. 1 Tim. 6. 3, … 5. Ier. 23 21. … 10, 1- 5. Rev. … 3. &c. any false Ministerie at any tyme.
XIIII.
Touching his Priesthood, Christ*Ioh. 17. 19 Heb …. 7. 8. 9. and 9. …6. Esa. 53▪ chap. Rom. 5. 19. 1 Pet …. 2. 19. Eph. 5. 2. Col. 1, 20. Gal. 3. …3. 14. being consecrated, hath appeared once to put away sinne, by the offring and sacrificing of himself: and to this end hath fully performed & suffred all those things by which God through the blood of that his crosse, in an acceptable sacrifice, might be reconciled to his elect, and the blessing of Abraham come vponupon vsus to eternal life wherefore also having†Eph. 2. 14. 15. 16. Dan. 9. 24. 27. Heb. 9. & 10 chap. Rom▪ 8. 34 Heb. 4. 14. 16. & 7. 25. Ph. 2. 8-11. broken down th… partition wal, and therewith finished and removed all those rites, shadowes, and ceremonies, he is now entred within the vayle into the holy of holies, that is t… the very heaven, and presence of God where hee for ever liveth and sitteth a… the right hand of Majestie appearing before the face of his Father, to make intercession for such as come vntounto the throne of grace by that new and living way: and not that onelyonly, but maketh|1 Pet. 2. 5. Rev. 1. 5, 6. and 8 3 4 Rom▪ 12-1. 12. Mar. 9. 49-50. Mal. 1. 14. Ioh. 4 23. 24. Mar. 7. 6 7. 8. Esa. 1. 12. &c. his people aspiritual howse, an holy Priesthood, to offer vp spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through him. Neyther doth the Father accept or Christ offer vntounto the Father any other worship, or worshippers.
XV.
Towching his Kingdome, Christ*1 Cor, 15. 4. &c. 1 Pet. 3. 21. …2. Mat. 28. 18. 19 20, Psal. 2. 6, Act. 5. 30. 31. Ioh …9-36, Rev, 19, …6. Rom, 14, 17, being …isen from the dead, ascended into heaven, set at the right hand of God the Father, having al power in heaven and earth given vntounto him, he doth spiritually govern his Church: exercising his power‡Ios, 5, 14, Zac. … 8, &c, Mar, 1, …7, Heb. 1. 14, Iohn, 16, 7—15. over all Angels and men, good and bad, t… the preservation and salvation of the elect to the overruling and destruction of th… reprobate:|Eph, 5, …6, 27 Rom, 5, & 6, & … & 8, chap, & 14, 17, Gal, 5, 22 23, 1 Ioh, 4, 13, &c. communicating & applying the benefits, vertue, & frute of his prophecy and priesthood vntounto his elect, namely to th… remissiō, subduing, & taking away of thei… syns, to their iustificatiō, adoptiō of sōnes regeneration, sanctificatiō, preservation & strengthning in all their conflicts against Sathan, the world, the flesh, & the temptations of them: continually dwelling in governing, and keeping their harts in h… true faith & fear by his holy spirit: which having‡Ioh, 13, 1, & 10, 28, 29, and 14, 16, 17, & 16 31, 32, with Luk, 22, 31, 32, 40. Rom, 11, 29, Psa, 51, 10, 11, 12. & 89, 30-34, Iob, 33. 29, 30, Esa, 54, 8, 9, 10, 2 Cor 12, 7, 8▪ 9, Eph, 6 10. &c. Gal, 5, 17, 22. 23. once given it, hee never take… away from them, but by it still begette… and norisheth in them repentance, faith love, obedience, comfort, peace, ioy hope, and all Christian vertues, vntounto im…mortalitie; notwithstanding that it b… somtymes through sinne and tentatio… interrupted, smothered, and as it were o…erwhelmed for the tyme. And on th… contrary,†Iob, 1, 6, and 2, chap, 1 Kin. …, 19, Esa, 10, 5 15, Rom, 1, 2, & 2, 4. 5, 6 & 9, 17, 18, Eph, 4, 17, 18. 19, Esa, 57, 2…, 21, 2 Peter. 2, chap, ruling in the world over … enemies, Sathan, and all the vessels of wrath, limiting, vsing, restreyning them …y his mighty power, as seemeth good …n his divine wisdome and justice, to the execution of his determinate counsell, …o wit, to their seduction, hardning, and condemnation, delivering them vp to a reprobate mynd, to be kept through their …wn desert in darcknes, sinne, and sensualitie, vntounto judgment.
XVI
The Kingdome shalbe then fully perfected, when he shal the second tyme come in glorie with his mightie Angels, to judg both quick and dead, to abolish a rule authoritie and power, to put all his enemies vnderunder his feet, to separate and free all his chosen from them for ever… to punish the wicked with everlasting perdition from his presence, to gather ioyne, and carry the godly with himsel… into endles glory, and then to delive… vp the kingdome to God, even the Fa…ther, that so the glorie of the Father ma… be full and perfect in the Sonne, the glo…rie of the Sonne in all his members, & God be all in all.
1 Cor, 15, 24, 28, Dan, 12, 2, 3. Ioh, 5, 22, 28, 29 Heb, 9, 28, 2 Thes 1, 9, 10, Mat, 13, 41, 49, & 25, 31. 1 Thes, 4, 15 16, 17, Iohn, 17, 21,—26 1 Cor, 15. 28.XVII.
In the meane tyme, besides his absolute rule in the world, Christ hath her… in earth*Ioh, 18, 36, 1 Tim. 3. 15, Heb 3, 6, 9. & 10. 21 Zach, 4, 7, Act, 20, 28. Tit 2, …4, a spirituall Kingdome & oeco…nomical regiment in his Church, which he hath purchased and redemed to him…elf, as a peculiar inheritance. And albeit that many hypocrites do for the time …urke amongst them‡Mat, 13, 25, 47, & 22, 12, Luk, 13, 25, 2 Tim, 2, 20, whiles the Church … militant here on earth, yet Christ notwithstanding |Mar, 16, 15, 16 Col, 1, 21, 1 Cor, 6, 11, Tit, 3, 3. 4, 5.by the power of his word gathereth them which be his into the body of his Church, calleth them from out of the world, bringeth them to his …ue faith, separating them*Esa, 52, 11, Ezra. 6, 21, Act, 2, 40, & 17, 3, 4. & 19, 9, 2 Cor, 6, 14-18 1 Pet, 2, 4, 5, 9, 25. frō amongst …nbeleevers, frō idolatrie, false worship. …uperstition, vanitie, dissolute life, and … works of darknes, &c. making them … royal Priesthood, an holy nation, a peo…le set at libertie, to shew foorth the vir…es of him that hath called them out of …arknes into his marvelous light; gathe…ing and vniting them together, as†Eph. 4, 12, 16, Esa, 60, 4, 8, Psa, 110, 3, Act, 2, 41 Col, 2. 5, 6, mem…ers of one body, in his faith, love, and …oly order, vntounto all generall and mutu…l dutyes,Esa, 59, 21, & 62, 6. 1 Iohn. 2. 27, Ephes. 4, 7. 8, 11, 12, Ier. 3, 15, Ezek, … chap, Zach, 11 Heb. …2. 28. 2 Mat. 28, 20 1 Tim, 6, 13, … through his spirit instructing and governing them by such Officers & …awes as he hath prescribed in his word, …y which Officers and Lawes he gover…eth his Church, and by‡Mat. 7, 15. 24, 23, 24, 2…. 4, 3, 4. Ier, … 30, 31, and 21, Deut. 12▪ 32. Rev. … 2, and 22, …9. none other.
XVIII.
To this Church hee hath made the*Lev. 26, 11, 12. Mat, 28, 18. 19, 20. Rom, 9. 4. Esa 59, 20, 21, Ezek. 48. 35, 2 Cor. 6, 18. pr…mises, and given the seales of his Cov…nant, presence, love, blessing & protecti… Here are the‡Esa, 8, 16, 1 Tim, 3, 15, & 4, 16, & 6-3, 5, 2 Tim, 2. 15. Tit, 1, 9 Deu, 31. 26. holy Oracles, as in t… Arke, surely kept and puerly taught. H… are all the†Psal, 46, 4, 5 Ezek 47, 1, &c Ioh, 1, 16, and 7, 38. 39, Ep 4. 4. 7 fountaynes and springs of … grace continually replenished & flowi… forth. Heer is Christ|Esa, 11, 12, Ioh, 3, 14, & 12, 32, Esa, 49, 22, lifted vp to all N…tions, hither*Esa 55, 1, Mat 6, 33, & 22, 2, &c, Prov, 9, 4, 5, Ioh 7▪ 37, hee inviteth all men to … supper, his mariage feast: hither ou… ‡Deut, 12, 5, 11, Esa, 2, 2, 3, & 14 1, & 44, 5, zach, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, Act 2, 41 47, Heb, 12, 22, &c, Psal. 87, 5, 6, Song, 4, 12. Gal, 6, 10, Eph, 2 19, Col, 1, 12, 13.all men of al estates and degrees, that … knowledge him their Prophet, Priest a… King to repayre, to be enrolled amongst his houshold servants, to be vnderunder his heavenly conduct and government, to lead their lives in his walled sheepfold and watered orchard, to have communion heer with the Saincts, that they may be made meet to be partakers of theyr inheritance in the kingdome of God.
XIX.
And as*See Article 18 afore. & Exo. 25 2. & 35. 5. 1 Cor. 12. 4. 5. 6 7. 12. 18. Rom. 12. 4. 5. 6. 1 Pet. 4. 10. Ephes. 4. 16. Col. 2. 5. 6. 19. all his servants and subjects are called hither, to present their bodies and soules, and to bring the gyfts God hath given them, so being come, they are heer by himself bestowed in their severall order, peculiar place, due vse, being fitly compact and knit together by every joynt of help, according to th… effectuall work in the measure of ever… part, vntounto the edification of it self in lov… Wherevnto when he†Eph. 4. 8. 10. 11. 12. 13. Rom. 12. 7. 8. & 16. 1 1 Cor. 12. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 11. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 28. Act. 6. 2. 3. & 14, 23. & 20. 1… ▪ 28. Phil. 1. 1. 1 Pet. …. 1. 2. … 4. 1 Tim. 3. ch… & 5. 3. 9. 17. … with 6. 13. 1… ▪ Rev 22. 18. 1… ▪ Mat. 28. 20. ascended vp o… high he gave gifts vntounto men, and distributed them vntounto several publik function in his Church, having instituted and ra…tified to continue vntounto the worlds end only this publick ordinarie ministery o… Pastors, Teachers, Elders, Deacons, Helpers, … the instruction, government, and service of his Church.
XX,
This Ministerie is exactly*Rom, 12, 7. 8 Eph, 4, 11. 12, with the Epis, to Tim, and Tit, A…t, 6, 3, 5, 6, & 14. 23. & 20 17, &c. 1 Pet. 5 1, 2, 3, 1 Cor, 5, 4, &c, and 9, 7 9. 14, and 12, 4 &c, & Heb. 3. 2 6. & Pro, 8, 8, 9 descrbed distinguished, limited concerning their office, their calling to their office their administration of their office, and their maintenance in in their office, by most perfect and plaine lawes in Gods word: which‡Heb, 2, 3, and 3, 3, and, 1…,. 25, &c. 1 Tim 14-15. & 6. 13. 14. 2 Tim. 3, 14—17, Gal, 1, 8, 9, Deut, 4 2, and 12, 32. Revel, 22, 18, 19 lawes it is not lawfull for these Ministers, or for the whole Church wittingly to neglect, transgresse, or violate in any part, nor yet to receive any other lawes brought into the Church by any person whatsoever.
XXI.
None*Heb. 5. 4. Num 16, 5. 40. & 18. 7. 2 Chron. 26. 18. Iohn. 10. 1. 2. and 3. 27. Act. 6. 3. 5. 6. & 14. 23. Tit. 1. 5. Ier. 23. 21. Num. 8. 9. 10. may vsurp or execute a ministerie, but such as are rightly called by the Church wherof they stand Ministers, vntounto such offices, and in such maner, as God hath prescribed in his word. And being so called, they ought to giuegive all diligence to fulfil their Ministery to be foūd faithfull and vnblameable in all things.†Act. 20. 28. 1 Cor. 4. 1. 2. Col. 4. 17. 1 Tim. 1. 18. 19. & 4. 12▪ & 5. 21. & 6. 11-14. 2 Tim. 1, 13. 14. & 3. 14▪ & 4. 5. 1 Pet 5. 1-4▪ Ro… 12. 7. 8
XXII.
This Ministerie is alike given to every Christian congregation, with like and equalMat. 28. 20. 1 Cor. 4, 17, & 12 4-7▪ & 14. 33. 36 & 16, 1, Eph. 4. 10-13. Rev. 1. 20, & 2 & 3. chap. 1 Cor, 3. 21. 22. 23. Mat, 18, 17. See besides these, the Article 20. before. power and commission to have & enjoy the same, as God offereth fit men and meanes, the same rules given to all for the election and execution thereof in all places.
XXIII,
As every Christian congregation*Act. 6. 3. 5. 6. & 14. 23, & 15 2. …. 23. 2 Cor 8. 19. 1 Tim. 3. 10. and 4. 14. & 5. 22. Num. 8. 9. 10. 1 Cor. 16. 3. hath power and commandement to elect and ordeine their owne Ministerie according to the rules in Gods word prescribed, & whilest they shall faithfully execute their office, to have them†1 Thes. 5. 12. 13. 1 Tim. 5. 3. 17. 18. Heb. 13 17. 1 Cor. 9. 7. &c. Gal. 6. 6. in superabundant love for their worke sake, to provide for them, to honour them & reverence them, according to the dignitie of the office they execute: So have they also|1 Tim. 3. 10. & 5. 22. Rom. 16. 17. Phil. 3. 2 1 Tim. 6. 3. 5. Ezech. 44. 12. 13. Mat. 18. 17. power and commandement, when anie such default, eyther in their life, doctrine, or administration breaketh out, as by the rule of the word debarreth them from, or depriveth them of their Ministerie, by due order to depose them from the Ministerie they exercised: yea if the case so require, and they remain obstinate & impenitent, orderly to cut them off by excommunication.
XXIIII.
Christ*Psal. 122. 3. Act. 2. 47. Rom. 16. 2. Mat. 18. 17. 1 Cor. 5. 4. 2 Cor. 2. 6. 7. 8. Lev. 20. 4. 5. & 24. 14. Num 5. 2. 3. Deut. 13. 9. hath given this power to receive in or to cut of any member, to the whole body together of every Christian congregation, and not to any one member apart, or to more members sequestred from the whole, or to any other Congregation to do it for them: Yet so, as ech Congregation ought to vse the‡Act. 15. 2. 22 with 1 Cor. 3. 5. 22. & 12. 20. & 14. 33. best help they can heervnto, and the most meet member they have to pronounce the same in their publick assembly.
XXV,
Every member… of each Christian congregation, how excellent, great, or learned soever, ought to be subiect to this censure & judgment of Christ: Yet ought not the Church without great care and due advise to proced against such publick persons.
Lev. 4. chap. 2 Chron. 26. 20. Psal. …. 10. 11. 12 & 141. 5. and 149. 8. 9. Act 11 2. 4. 1 Tim. 5. 19. 20. 21.XXVI,
As Christ hath*Act. 20. 17. 28. Heb. 13. 17. 24 Sōg. 3. 3. Esa 62. 6. Ezec. 33. 2. Mat. 24. 45. Luk. 12. 42. 1 Thes. 5. 14. for the keeping of this Church in holy and orderly communion, placed some speciall men over the Church, who by their office are to governe, oversee, visite, watch &c. So ‡Mar. 13. 34. 37. Luk. 17. 3. Gal. 6. 1. 1 Thes. 5. 11. Iude vers. …. 20. Heb. 10. 24 25. & 12. 15.lykewise for the better keeping thereof in all places, by all the members, hee hath given authority and layd duty vponupon them all to watch one over another.
XXVII.
Finally, whilest the Ministers & people thus remayne together in this holy order & Christian communion, ech one endevoring to do the wil of God in their calling, and thus to walke to the glory of God, in the obedience of faith: Christ hath promised to be present with them, to blesse & defend them against all fraud and force of theyr enemyes, so as the gates of hell shall not prevaile against thē.Mat. 28. 20. Luk 12. 35. 36. 37. 38. Rom. 16. 19 20. Deut. 28. 1. &c. Zach. 2. 5. & 12. …. 3. 4. Psal. 125. 2▪ and 132. 12. 13. &c. Mat. 16. 18.
XXVIII.
But when and where this holy order and diligent watch was intermitted, neglected, violated: Antichrist that man of sinne, did together with other points of Christian faith corrupt also and alter the holy ordinances, offices, and administrations of the Church: and in stead thereof brought in, and erected a strange new forged ministerie, Leitourgie, and government. Yea and the nations kingdoms and inhabitants of the earth were made druncken with this cup of fornications and abominations, and al people enforced to receive the Beasts mark and worship his image, and so brought into confusion and Babylonish bondage.
2 Thes. 2. 3. 4 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Rev. 9. & 13. & 17. & 18. ch. 1 Tim. 4. 1. 2. 3. Psal. 74. Esa. 14. 13. 14. Dan. 7. 25. & 8. 10. 11. 12. & 11. 31▪ 2 Pet. 2. chapt. 1 Iohn. 2. 18. 22. & 4. 3. and 2 Ioh. verse. 7. 9.XXIX.
The present Hierarchie reteyned and vsed in England of Archbs, Primates, Lordbps, Metropolitanes, Suffraganes, Deanes, Prebendaries, Canons, Peticanons, Archdeacōs, Chancellors, Commissaries, Priests, Deacons or Halfpriests, Parsons, Vicars, Curats, Hierling roving Preachers, Church-wardēs, Parish-clerks: Also their Doctors, Proctors, and other Officers of their spiritual Courts (as they call them) together with the whole rable of the Prelats, and their Servitours from and vnderunder them set over these Cathedrall and Parishionall Assemblies in this confusion, are a strange & Antichristian Ministerie and Offices: and are not that Ministerie above named, instituted in Christs Testament, nor placed in or over his Church.
Rev. 9. 3. &c & 13. 15. 16. 17 & 18. 15. 17, 2 Thes. 2. 3. 4. 8. 9. with Rom. 12 7. 8. with Eph. 4. 11. 12. 1 Tim 3. 15. & …. 17. Let this Article be conferred with the precedent▪ & 1. 7. 12. 13. 14 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 28.XXX,
These their Popish Offices, Entrance, Administration, and Maintenance, with their names, titles, privileges, & prerogatives: also the power and rule they vsurp over and in these Ecclesiasticall assemblies, over the whole Ministration and affaires therof, yea one over another, creating Priests, citing, suspēding, silencing, deposing, absolving, excommunicating, &c, Their confounding of Ecclesiasticall & Civill jurisdiction, causes, and procedings in their persons, Courts, Cōmissions, Visitations, the Priests of lesse rule taking their Ministery from & exercising it vnderunder them by their prescription & limitation, swearing Canonical obedience vntounto thē, administring by their devised imposed stinted popish Leitourgie, &c. Finally the dispensations which they vse for Plurality of benefices, licences of Non residency, Licences to mary and eat flesh (both which with them are on certain dayes & tymes forbidden, &c,) These, we say, are sufficient proofes of the former assertion, the particulars therin being duly examined by & compared to the rules of Christs Testament. Not to speak here, of their private Baptisme, of the signe of the Crosse vsed in Baptisme, of questions propounded to the infants, of the Priests surplice, prayer over the dead at buriall, kneeling at the Lords supper, and other the like popish corruptions, almost infinite, reteyned and allowed among them.
Confer this Article with the precedent 1. 7. 12. 13. 14. 19. &c. also Revel. 9. 3. &c. & …3. 11. 15. 16. 17. & 14. 9. 10 11. & 17. 3, 4, …. & 18. 15. 17 & 22. 18. 19. Io…. 10, …1, Luk. …2. 25. 26. Dan 7, 8. 25. &. 8. 10. 11. 12. 2 Thes 2. 3. 4, 8, 9. 1 Pet. 5. 3. with Ioh, 3. 27, 29. with Rev. 2. 1. 1 King. 12. 27. &c. Zac, 11. 15. 16. Esa. 1. 12. & 29. 13. & 30. 22 Mar. 7. 7. 8. Gal 1. 8. &c. & 2. 4. 5. Col 2. 20. 22. 2…, 1 Tim, 4. 1. 2. 3. Eze, 8. 5. & 13, 9. &c. Mica. 2. 11. Malach. 1. 8. 13. 14, 1 Cor. 14. 34, 35. Exod. 20, 4. 5. 6. 7. Num. 15. 39. 40. Psal. 119. 22. 113 138. Deut. 1…. 30. 31. 32.XXXI.
These Ecclesiastical Assemblies, remayning thus in confusion & bondage vnderunder this Antichristian Ministerie, Courts, Canons, worship, Ordinances &c. without freedom and power to redresse any enormitie among them, cannot be said in this confusion and subiection, truly to have Christ their Prophet Priest and King, neither can be in this estate (whilest we judg them by the rules of Gods word) estemed the true, visible, orderly gathered or cōstituted Churches of Christ, whereof the faithful may become or stād Members, or have anie spirituall communion with them in their publick worship and Administration.
Conferre this Article with the precedent: See also Rev, 18. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1 Cor. 14 33. Ier. 15, 19 Mal, 1. 4, 6, 8. Hos. 4. 14. 15. Rom. 6. 16. 2 Pet. 2, 19. Lev. 17. 1—9. 1 Cor. 10, 14, 17, 18. 19. 20. 2 Co…. 6. 14. 15. 16. 17. Song. 1, 6. 7.XXXII.
Therfore are*Rev. 18. 4. Esa. 48. 20. & 52. 11. Ier. 50. 8 & 1…. 6. 45. Zach. 2. 6. 2 Cor 6. 17. al that will be saved, bound by Gods commandement, with speed to come forth of this Antichristian estate, leaving the suppression of it‡Rev. 17. 16. Mat. 22. 21. 2 Chro. 14. 3. 4. 5. & 15. 8. 9. & 17. 6. 2 Kin. 23. 5. &c. Rom 13. 4. vntounto the Magistrate to whom it belongeth. And all such also as have|Rev. 18. 4. Zach. 13. 2. 4. 5. 6 & 14. 21. Ier. 51. 26. Psal. 119 59. 60. 128. Prov. 5. 20. Esa. 8. 11. 12. & 35. 8. received or exercised any of these false Offices or any pretended function or Ministerie in or to this false and Antichristian constitution, are willingly in Gods feare to give over aud leave those vnlawfull Offices, and no longer to minister in this maner to these assemblies in this estate. Neyther may*Rev. 18. 11. Psal. 16. 3. 4. Prov. 3. 9. 10. with Exod. 20. 4. 5. Iud. 17. 3. 4. 5. Ezec. 16. 17. 18. 19. 1 Cor 10. 19. 20. 21. 22 with Heb. 13. 10 1 Tim. 5. 17. 2 Cor. 8, 3. 4. 5. any of what sort or conditiō soever, give any part of their goods, Lands, Money, or money worth to the maintenance of this false Ministerie and worship, vponupon any cōmandement or vnderunder any colour whatsoever.
XXXIII.
And being come forth of this Antichristiā-estate vntounto the freedom & true profession of Christ, besides the*Gen 18, 19. Exod, 13. 8. 14. Pro. 31. 26. 27. Eph.…6. 4. 9, Deut. 6. 7. Psal. 79. 3. 4. instructing and well guyding of their owne families, they are willingly to‡Luk. 17. 37. Phil. 1. …. Ier. 50 4. 5. Act. 2. 41. 42. Psal 110. 3. Esa. 14. 1. & 44 5. Neh. 9. 38. 2 Cor. 9. 13. with ioyne together in Christian communion and orderly covenant, and by free confession of the faith & obedience of Christ to vnite themselves into |1 Cor. 1, 2, & 12 14. 27. & 14. 2…. & 16. 1. Act. 14. 23. 27. & 15. 3. 4. & 16. 5. Rom. 12. 5. Mat. 18. 17. 18. 19. 20. Rev. 1. 20. & 2. 18. 12. 18 & 3.. 17. 14▪ Eph. 2. 19. Col. 2. 19,peculiar & visible Congregations: wherin, as mēbers of one body wherof Christ is the only head, they are to worship and serve God according to his word, remē bring to‡Exod. 20, 8. with Rev. 1. 10▪ Act. 20. 7. 1 Cor. 16. 2. keep holy the Lords day.
XXXIIII.
Then also*1 Cor. 14. chap. Rom. 12. 6. 1 Pet. 4. 10. …1. 1 Cor. 12. 7. Act. 13. 15. 1 Thes. 5. 20 such to whom God hath given gifts to interpret the Scriptures, tryed in the exercise of Prophecy, attending to studie and learning may and ought (by the appointment of the Congregation) to prophesie, according to the proportion of faith, and so to teach publickly the word of God, for the edification, exhortation and comfort of the Church: Vntill such tyme as the people be meet for and God manifest men with able gifts and fitnes to such Office or Offices as Christ hath appointed to the publick Ministerie of his Church: But‡Heb. 5. 4. Eph, 4. 11. 12. Num 16. 10. 39. 40. Rom. 12. 7. Iohn. 1. 23. 25. 1 Cor. 1. 14. 15. 16. 17. with chap. 3. 5. 6. no Sacraments to be administred vntil the Pastors or Teachers be chosen and ordeined into their Office.
XXXV.
And then wheresoever there shall be a people fit, and men furnished with meet and necessary gifts, they are not onelyonly still to continue the exercise of Prophesy aforesayd, but also‡Act. 6. 3. 5. 6. & 14. 21. 22. 23. Tit. 1. 5. &c. Eph. 4. 11. 12. 1 Cor. 12. 7. 8. 14. 15. 28, 1 Tim. 3. & 5. chap. Lev, 8. chap. vponupon due tryal to proceed vntounto choyce and ordination of Officers for the Ministery and service of the Church, according to the rule of Gods word: & so hold on*Col, 2. 5. 6. 7, 2 Thes. 2, 15, Iude, ver. 3, &c, Mat. 28. 20, stil to walk forward in the wayes of Christ for their mutuall edification and comfort, as it shall please God to give knowledg and grace therevnto. And particularly, that such as be†Act, 2. 38. 39. with Rom. 9. 4, & Gen, 17. 7. 12. 27. Rom, 11, 16. 1 Cor, 1, 16 & 7. 14, & 10 2. Psal, 21, 30, Col. 2, 11. 12, Exod, 12, 48, 49 Act. 16, 15, 33. Mar. 10. 13-16 Gal. 3, 28. 29. of the seed, or vnderunder the government of any of the Church, be even in their infancie received to Baptisme and made partakers of the signe of Gods covenant made with the Faithful & their seed throughout all generations. And that al|Mat, 26. 26. 27, 1 Cor. 11, 28. & 10. 3. 4. 16. 17 & 12. 13 Act, 2, 42, with 1, 14, & 20. 7. 8. Gal, 3. 28. of the Church that are of yeares, and able to examine themselves, d… communicate also in the Lords supper, both men and women, and in‡Mat. 26, 26. 17. 1 Cor, 10, 3. 4. 16, & 11. 23 24-29, both kinde… bread and wine. In which*1 Cor. 10, 16. 17, & 11. 23, 24 25. &c. Mat. 26, 26, 27. 29. & 15. 17. Iohn. 12. 8. Act. 3, 21, & 7. 56. clements as also in the water of baptisme, even after they are consecrate, there is neyther transubstantiation into, nor consubstantiation with the body and blood of Iesus Christ: whom the heavens must conteyn, vntil the time that all things be restored: But they are†Gen, 17. 11. Rom, 4. 11. Exo. 12. 13, with Heb 13, 20. in the ordinance of God signes and seales of Gods everlasting covenant with vsus, representing & offring|1 Cor. 10, 3, 4. 5, & 11. 26. 27. 28. 29. & 12. 13. Rom. 2. 28. 29, Col. 2. 11, 12. 13. Act 8. 13. 36. 37, 38. & 15. 9. Gal. 3, 27. Rom. 5. & 6. and 7. and 8, chap. 1 Cor. 1. 30. 31. to all the receivers, but exhibiting only to the true beleevers the Lord Iesus Christ & al his benefits vntounto righteousnes, sanctification, and eternal lyfe, through faith in his name, to the glorie and prayse of God.
XXXVI.
Thus being rightly gathered, established, & stil proceeding in Christian cōmunion and obedience of the Gospell of Christ, none is to separate for faults and corruptiōs, which may & so long as the Church consisteth of mortall men will fall out & arise among them, even in true constituted Churches, but by due order to seeke redres…e thereof.
Rev. 2, & 3… Chap. Act, 15 1, 2, 1 Cor. 1. 10. Phil. 2. 1-6. & 3, 15. 16, Heb. 10, 25, Iude. ver, 19, Lev. 4, 13, &c, 2 Chron, 15. 9, 17, & 30. 18 19, 2 Cor 13, 1, 2, 1 These. 5. 14▪ 2 Thes 3. 6. 14▪ Mat. 18. 17. 1 Cor. 5, 4, 5,XXXVII.
Such as yet see not the truth, may not withstanding*1 Cor. 14. 23. 24, 25. Psal. 18. 49. Rom. 15. … 10. 1 Tim. 2. 4. 2 Tim. 2. 25. heare the publik doctrine and prayers of the church, and with a meeknes are to bee sought by al meanes Yet none who are growen in yeares may be received into their cōmunion as members, ‡2 Cor. 6. 14. 15. 16. Ezr. 4, 3. Exod 12, 43. Lev. 22. 25, Deut, 7, chap. Exod. 34, 12, Esa. 44. 5. Psal. 47. 9, & …10, 3. Act. 1…, 18. 19.but such as do make confession of their faith, publickly desiring to be received as members, and promising to walk in the obedience of Christ. Neyther any infants,†Exod. 20, 5, 6. 1 Cor, 7, 14, Gen, 17. 7. 12. …7, Exod, 12, 48. 49. Act, 16 15. 33. Eph, 4, 4. 5. See also Artic. 35, before. but such as are the seed of the faithfull by one of the parents, or vnderunder their education and government. And further|Act. 9. 26. 27. & 18. 27. Rom. 16 1. 2. 2 Cor, 8. 23. Col. 4. 10. not any from one congregation to be received members in another, without bringing certificate of their former estate & present purpose.
XXXVIII.
And although the particular Congregations be thus distinct and severall bodies, every one as a compact and knit citie in it self, yet are they al to walke by one and the same rule, and by all meanes convenient to have the counsel and help one of another in all needfull affaires of the Church, as members of one body in the common faith, vnderunder Christ their onelyonly head.
Psal, 122. 3, Sōg 8 8, 9. 1 Cor. 4. 17 and 14, 33. 36 & 16. 1. Col. 4. 16. Mat. 28. 20 … Tim 13. 15. & 6. 13, 14. Rev 22, 18, 19. Col. 2. 6. 19 & 4, 16 Act. 15. cap. See besides the Artic. 1. 22. 33.XXXIX.
It is the office and duty of Princes & Magistrates (who by the ordinance of God are*Rom. 13, 1, 2▪ 1 Pet, 2. 13, 14, 2 Chron, 19, 4, &c. & 29, & 34, chap, Iudg, 17, 5, 6. Mat, 22 21. Tit. 3, 1, supreme governours vnderunder him over all persons and causes within their Realmes and dominions) to†2 King, 23, 5, &c, Deut, 12. 2, 3, with, 17. 14. 18. 19, 20. 2 Kin 10. 26. 27. 28. 2 Chron. 17. 6. Psal, 101, Pro. 16. 12. & 25. 2. 3. 4, 5, Act. 19. 27. Rev, 17▪ 16 & 18. 11. 12 &c. suppresse and root out by their authoritie al false Ministeries, voluntarie religions, & counterfeit worship of God; to abolish and destroy the Idol Temples, Images, Altars, Vestments, & all other monuments of Idolatry and superstition; and to take and convert to their own civill vses not only the benefit of all such idolatrous buildings and monuments, but also the Revenues, Demeanes, Lordships, Possessions, Gleabes, and Maintenance of any false Ministeries, and vnlawfull ecclesiasticall functions whatsoever within their dominions. And on the other hand, ‡Esa. 49. 23. & 60. 3. 10. 11. 12, Rev. 21, 24. Deut. 17. 14. 18 19. 20. Psal. 2. 10. 11. 12, and 72. 1, &c, & 10… ▪ Ios. 1. 7. 8. 2. Chr. 17. 4,—9, & 19 4, &c. & 29, & 30, chap. Dan 6. 25, 26, Esr, 7. 26 Pro. 16, 10, 12. 13, & 20. 28. & 29, 14. Esa. 10, 1 2, 1 Tim. 2. 2, 1 Pet. 2, 13, 14. Rom, 13. 3. 4.to stablish and mainteyn by their lawes every part of Gods word, his Christian Religion, pure worship, and true Ministery described in his word; to cherish and protect all such as are careful to worship God according to his word, and to lead a godly lyfe in al peace and loyalty; yea to enforce al their subjects whether Ecclesiasticall or Civil, to do their dutyes to God and men, protecting & mainteining the good, punishing and restreyning the evil, according as God hath commaunded, whose Lieutenants they are here on earth.
XL.
And thus the protectiō & cōmandement of the Princes and Magistrates maketh it much more*Act, 9, 31, Pro 16, 15. Esra. 5. & 6. ch, 1 Tim, 2, 2. Dan, 6, 25, 26, Rev, 21, 24, peaceable, though no whit at all‡Act, 4. 18, 19 & 5. 28, 29, Dan, 6, 7. 8. 9, 10, Luk. 21, 12, 13, Mat. 28. 20, 1 Tim, 5, 21, & 6. 13. 14. more lawfull, to walke in the wayes and ordinances of Iesus Christ: which he hath commanded his Church to keep without spot and vurebukeable vntill his appearing in the end of the world, And in this behalf, therefore, the brethren thus mynded and proceding as is before said, are both cōtinually to†Psa, 20, 9, & 72, 1, 1 Tim. 2. 4. 2 Chro, 15. 1, 2, Hag. 1. 1, 4. 14. & 2, 5. supplicate to God and as they may, to their Princes & Governors, that thus & vnderunder thē they may lead a quiet and peaceable lyfe in al godlines and honestie.
XLI.
And if God encline the Magigstrates hearts to the allowance and protection of the Church therein, it ought to be accoūted a singular & happy blessing of God who grāteth such noursing Fathers & Mothers to his Church. And it behoveth al to be careful to walk worthie so great a mercy of God, in all thankfulnes and obedience.
Psal, 126, 1, &c, Esa, 49. 23 & 60, 16. Ps 21 & 72, Rō. 13. 3, 1 Tim, 2. 2. 3. 4, Act, 9. 31.XLII,
But if God withold the Magistrates allowance & furtherance herein, yet*Act, 2, 40-42 & 4, 19, & 5, 28, 29. 41, & 16. 20, &c, & 17. 6, 7. & 20, 23, 24, 1 Thes, 3. 3. Phil. 1. 27 28, 29, Dan, 3, …6-18, & 6. 7. 10, 22, 23. 24. Luk, 14. 26, 27. & 21 12-14. 2 Tim, 2, 12. & 3. 12 Heb. 10, 32 &c, 1 Pet. 4, chap, Rev. 2, 10. 25. 26. & 6. 9, & 12. 11, 17. must wee notwithstanding proceed together in Christian covenant & cōmunion thus to walke in the obedience of Christ and confession of his faith and Gospel, even through the middest of all tryalls & afflictiōs, not accounting our goods, lands, wives, children, Fathers, Mothers, brethren, sisters, no nor our lives, dear vntounto vsus, so as wee may finish our course with joy, remembring alwayes that we ought to obey God rather then man: & grounding vponupon the‡Mat. 28. 18, 19. 20, 1 Tim, 6, 13, 14▪ 15. 16 Rom, 12, 1, 2, 3, 4. 5, 6. 7. 8, 1 Cor. 14, 37 2 Tim, 4, 7, 8, Rev, 2, 10, and 14, 12. 13. & 22, 16, 17. 18. 19, 20. commandement, commission, & promise of our Saviour Christ, who as he hath all power in heaven and in earth, so hath also promised (if we keep his commandements, which hee hath given without limitation of tyme, place, Magistrates allowance or disallowance) to be with vsus vntounto the end of the world: and when we have finished our course and kept the faith, to give vsus the crown of righteousnes which is layd vp for all that love his appearing.
XLIII.
VntoUnto al men is to be given whatsoever is due vntounto them. Tributes, Customes, and all other such lawfull & accustomed dutyes, ought willingly and orderly to be payed and performed: Our lands, goods, and bodyes, to be submitted in the Lord to the Magistrates pleasure. And the Magistrates themselves every way to be acknowledged, reverenced, and obeyed according to godlines, not because of wrath onelyonly but also for conscience sake: And finally, all men so to be estemed and regarded, as is due and meet for their place, age, estate and condition.
R…m, 13, 1. 5. 6, 7 Mat, 22, 21. … Chron, 27, chap. Ezra, 7. 26, Neh 9. 36. 37. Tit. 3 1, 1 Pet. 2, 13, &c Ex. 18. 12 & 20, 12. &c. Lev 19. 32. Iob. 29, 7. &c, with 30, 1 &c, Eph, 5. 21-33, & 6. 1-9. 1 Pet. 5, 5, Tit. 2. chap,XLIIII.
And thus, we labour to giuegive vntounto God yt which is Gods & vntounto Cesar that which is Cesars, and vntounto all men, that which belongeth vntounto them: Endevoring our selves to have alwayes a cleare conscience towards God and towards men: And having hope in God that the resurrection of the dead shalbe of the just vntounto life, & of the vnjust vntounto condemnation, everlasting. Now if any take this to be heresie, then do we with the Apostle freely confesse that after the way which they call heresie, we worship God the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ, beleeving all things that are written in the Law and in the Prophets and Apostles: and whatsoever is according to this rule of truth published in our owne countrey or holden by any reformed Churches in their Confessions abroad in the world. We do also reiect and detest all straunge and heretical opinions & doctrines of all Hereticks both old and new whatsoever.Mat, 22, 21. Act 24. 14. 15. 16. Ioh. 5. 28. 29. Dan. 12. 2. 2 Cor 4. 17. 1 Tim. 6. 3 4. 5. & 2. Tim 1. 13. and 3. 14 15. 16. 17.
XLV.
Finally, whereas we are much slaundered and traduced as if we denyed or misliked that forme of prayer commonly called the Lords prayer: we thought it needful here also cōcerning it to make known, that we beleev and acknowledg it to be a most absolute and most excellent forme of prayer, such as no men nor Angels can set downe the like. And that it was taught and appointed by our Lord Iesus Christ, not that we should be tyed to the vse of those very words, but that we should according to that rule make all our requests and thankesgiving vntounto God, forasmuch as it is a perfect forme & patterne, conteining in it plaine & sufficient directions of prayer, for all occasions & necessities, that have ben, are, or shalbe, to the Church of God, or any member therof, to the end of the world.Mat. 6. 9-13. Luk. 11. 2. 3. 4. with Mat. 14 30. & 26. 39. 42. Act. 1. 24. 25. and 4. 24. 30. & 6. 4. Rom 8. 26. 27. & 15 30. 31. 32. 1 Pet 2. 5. Iam. 1. 5. 6. and 5. 13. 1 Tim. 2. 1. 2. 3. Eph. 6. 18. … 1 Thess. 5. 17. 18. Phil. 4. 6. Rev. 3. 4.
Now vntounto him that is able to keep vsus that woe fal … and to present vsus faultlesse before the presence of his glory with ioy, that is, to God only wise, our Saviour, be glory and maiestie, and dominion, & power, both now … for ever, Amen.