The castell of comforte in the whiche it is euidently proued, [that] God alone absolueth, and freli forgeueth the sinners of so many as vnfaynedly repent, and turne vnto hym Lately compyled by Thomas Becon.

¶ The Castel of comforte .

THat God alone absolueth the truly penitent , and onely forgeueth the synnes of so many as with vnfayned fayth and harty repentaunce conuerte , turne and fle vnto his mercy , it is manifestly proued by diuers textes of the holy scripture . First let vs heare , Esa. xlii● what God him self sayeth by the Prophet , I am he yea , I am he in dede , which putteth awaye thy synnes , yea , and that for myne owne sake , and I will remember thy synnes nomore . Call to remembraunce , & let vs be iudged together . Tel , if thou haste any thinge that thou mayste be iustified . Thy first father synned , & thy Prophetes haue trespassed agaynste me .

Are not these woordes euident ynough ? Math. xxiiii . God the father perceyuynge righte wel , that there shoulde aryse fals annoynted & fals preachers , whiche without all shame woulde arrogantlye arrogate , and proudely chalenge to them selfes that power of forgeuinge synne , whych alone pertayneth to him , plainly here affirmeth , that he alone putteth away oure sinnes . And because he would haue vs the more seriously and earnestly to beleue it , he repetethe thys worde , I twyse , sayinge , I am he , yea , I am he in dede , whiche putteth awaye thy synnes , yea , and that for myne awne sake . And leaste any man shoulde thynke , that one may more forgeue another hys synnes ( I speake of those synnes , which are betwene God and our conscience , and not of the brotherly reconciliation ) he affirmeth that our firste father Adam , and all Prophetes and preachers haue synned , so that of them no remission of synnes is to be loked for . Ioan. iii. Can fleshe purifye the soule ? Roma . iii. . that whiche is borne of fleshe , Roma . xi . is fleshe sayeth Christ . All haue synned , sayeth saint Paule , and wante the glory of God . Again , God hath wrapped all nacions , sayth he in vnbelefe , that he might haue mercy on all . Ephe. ii . If al be sinners , flesh , and the chyldren of wrath , Luce. xvii . if al be hipocrites , vnprofitable seruauntes , earth , dust and ashes , if all be the enemies of God & vnfaythfull , howe dare we be so bolde , as to take vpon vs one to forgeue another their synnes ? Is a traytoure a mete man to purchase a pardon of a Price for another traytoure ? Can one traytoure forgeue another hys treason ? Can one sinner forgeue another his sinne ? Iob xiiii . Of the vnclene what can be made clene ? as Iob saith : Who can make him clene , that is conceyued of vnclene sede ? Is it not thou alone o Lorde ? It is the Lorde alone in dede , Psal. x. ii . as Dauid sayeth , thou o Lord , shalte sprinkle me with Hysop , & I shall be made clene , yea , I shall be made whyther than snowe . And as our sauior Christe sayde vnto Peter , Ioan. xiii . If I washe the not , thou haste no parte with me . If God washeth vs not from oure filthines , we haue no parte in the heritage of Christ . Agayn the aforesayde Prophet sayth , Ese . xxxiii the Lord is our iudge , the Lorde is our Lawegeuer , the Lorde is our Kynge , and he it is that shall saue vs . Howe ofte is the Lorde here repeted , to shewe that it is he alone , whiche worketh all good thinges in vs , which forgeueth our synnes , and saueth vs , yea , and none but he alone . Agayne the Lorde hym selfe sayeth by the same Prophet , 〈…〉 . I am the Lorde & there is no Sauiour besides me . Here God hym selfe confesseth , that he alone is the Lorde , and that there is none other sauiour besydes hym , that is too saye , none that forgeueth synne and geueth eternall lyfe , but he alone . 〈◊〉 . xii● . By another Prophet he also saieth , thy destruccion , o Israel , cometh of thy self , onely of me cometh thy healpe and saluacion . Dauid that holy kyng and godly Prophet , knowyng hys deliueraunce from sinne to be of God alone , stireth vp his inwarde man to magnifie the Lorde , sayinge : magnifye the Lorde , o my soule , and all that are within me , prayse his holy name . O my soule blesse the Lord and forget nor al his benefites . 〈…〉 . For he it is that pardonneth al thyne iniquities , & that healeth all thy diseases , yea , he it is , that deliuereth thy lyfe from destruccion , and crouneth the in mercy and louing kyndnesse . Agayne let Israel trust in the Lord , Psal. 〈…〉 . for with the Lord there is infinite mercy , and plenteous redemption . And he it is that redemeth Israel from all their sinnes . Whosoeuer therfore taketh on hym to forgeue synne , maketh hym selfe a sauiour , and sayeth with the Aungell Apostata , Es● . xiiii . I will clyme vp aboue the hygh cloudes and I will be lyke vnto the mooste hyghest . But let hym knowe , that pryde will haue a faule , and that the Lorde is a ielous God , and will geue hys glorie to none other . Esa. x●ii Who deliuered Adam from euerlastinge damnacion , Gene. iii. whan he with hys wyfe had transgressed the commaundement of the hygh Lord ? Who absolued Nohe from his dronkennes ? Who deliuered Loth from the vnclennes , which he committed with hys doughters ? Gene. xix . Who saued Moyses , and forgaue hym hys manslaughter ? Exod. ii . Who absolued Dauid from hys adultry ? iii. Reg. xi . Who had compassion on the Niniuites whan they repented , Ionus . iiii . beleued and conuerted ? To be shorte , who forgaue and absolued all the Patriarckes , Kynges , Prophetes , prestes , &c with all other of the olde testament , whan they knowledged their sinnes , and returned vnto the Lord their God , with faithfull repentaunce , but onely God alone ? to whome did theif●e for remission of sinnes , but to God alone ? In whome did they put their afflaunce and trust , but in God alone ? as the Psalmographe testifieth , Psal. xx●● . sayinge : Our fathers trusted in the , o Lord , yea they trusted in the , and thou deliuerest them . They cryed vnto the , and they were made safe , in the o Lord , they trusted , & were not confounded . Are not these the woordes of blessed Dauid ? I sayde , Psa. xxxii . I wil confesse my sinnes vnto the Lorde , and thou forgauest the wickednes of my sinne . Here is no mencion made of Aaron or of any of that priesthode , nor yet of Pope , Patriarcke , Cardinall , Archebishop Bishop , Prieste , or of any other man to forgeue vs our synnes , but of God alone . So foloweth it , that the Lorde alone remitteth the vngodlynes of oure synne , and that he alone absolueth a pena et culpa . This was godly doctrine in the olde testament , neyther was he counted of godly men any Heretyke that taught this kynde of learning at that tyme . God was than the Lorde alone omnisufficient for all hys people that truly repented and conuerted to his vnmesurable mercye , neyther had he nede at that tyme of any other to be conioyned with hym , as he hym selfe sayde vnto Abraham , Gene. xv . feare not Abraham , I am thy defender and thyne altogether sufficient rewarder , and is the Lordes hande nowe so abbreuiated and shortened , Esa. lix . that he can saue nomore ? or is hys eare so stopped that he can not heare ? Lorde God , what a so●ē chaunge is this ? But I stedfastly beleue , that he is the same Lorde now , that he was in the olde tyme , and of no lesse power to remit sinne at thys present , than he was many thousande yeres before these oure dayes , in asmuche as he abydeth euer one , and is not chaungeable , as he sayeth by the Prophet Malachie , Malac. iii. I am the Lord and am not chaunged .

¶ Hytherto haue I bene holde in few wordes to proue , that in the time of the olde law , God alone forgaue the synnes of his people without the helpe , eyther of Bishop , Prophet , prieste , leuite or any other , that the whole glory of their saluacion might be ascribed to hym alone . Nowe let vs also labour to declare , that God alone doth the very same thynge in the new testament , that he alone maye stil remayne the God of health agaynst the pestilent doctrine of the wicked Papistes , whiche so borishelye sweate to maintaine their vsurped power , and fayned authoritie to the greate obscuringe of Gods glorie , and that to hym alone all honour and prayse maye be geuen . i. Timo. i

¶ We reade in the holy gospel that when a certen man beyng diseased of the palsey , was brought vnto Christe to be made whole , Christ sayde vnto hym : Sonne be on a good conforte , Math. ix thy sinnes are forgeuen the. The Scribes hearing these wordes of forgeuing sinne , thinking with them selfs that Christ was not God , but man onely , & that it was the office of God alone too remit & forgeue synne , spake on thys manner within them selfs . Hic blasphemat , this felow blasphemeth , Marc. ii . or as Marke & Luke writeth , Luce. v Who is he that speaketh blasphemies ? Who is able to forgeue sinne but God alone ? here the Scribes tendering more the glory of God then our papistes & pharises do at this time , could not abyde that Christ , whome they iudged only man , should chalenge to him power to forgeue sinne , seing y● alone pertained to God . And vpon this place of the scripture many write that the Scribes erred not in this confession that God alone forgeueth synne , but in this thei sai , thei were deceyued because thei beleued not , that christ was bothe God and man . If Christe had bene nothinge but man , he had blasphemed in dede , that is to say , taken that thing vpon hym , whiche is the office of God alone , but forasmuche as he was not onely man , but also God , he blasphemeth not , he chalenged nothing but that was hys righte . So did the Scribes and not Christe blaspheme . Let all men therefore learne of this historie , that God alone forgeueth synne . Doeth not Christe also in the aforesaid chapter of Matthew , Math. ix call hym selfe a Phisicion , and shew that he came to call synners vnto repentaunce , and to make them whole ? Why calleth he him self a phisicion , but because it is his office to cure and heale ? Iere. xvii . Ieremy prayed vnto this phisicion , sayeng : heale me o Lorde , & I shall be healed , saue thou me , & I shall be safe , for thou arte he whome I will magnifye . For he did knowe full well , that all other phisicions were vnprofitable without his helpe , and no more mete to cure sicke conscinces of them selfes , then the olde Lyon was to heale the horse , of whome Esope writeth in his fables , whiche notwithstandyng take on him to practise phisicke whan of that same science he was altogether ignorante . Math. xi . Moreouer Christe calleth all them that labour and are laden to hym , & promiseth that he will refreshe , ease and conforte them . He sendeth them not awaye to other , but calleth them all withoute excepcion to hym , whereby he sheweth that no creature , neyther in heauen nor in earth can truly and sufficiently heale our infirme and sicke consciences , but he alone , Ioan. x● . whiche sayeth , I am the resurrection and lyfe . He that beleueth in me , althoughe he be dead , shal lyue , and euery one that liueth and beleueth in me , shal neuer dye . For who can forgeue me my synne , but he alone , which is without al sinne ? Who can deliuer me from death & hel , i. Pe● . ii● but he alone , which hath ouercome them both ? Ose. xiii . Who can make me good , but he alone , whiche onely is good ? Math. xix . Who can make me wyse , righteous and holy , but he alone , which is appoynted of God the father to be our wysdome , righteousnes , & sanctification ? i. Cor. ● . Finally , who can engraffe in me life & vertu , but he alone , in whome is all hope of life and vertue ? Eccle. xxiiii Therfore ful well doth Christ cal so many as labour and are loden with the burden of synne to him , Mat. xi . and promiseth that he wil refresh them , that is to saye , absolue and deliuer them frome their synnes . Hereto belongeth the sayinge of blessed Iohan Baptiste , Ioan. i. Beholde that lambe of God , whiche taketh awaye the sinne of the worlde . Here blessed Baptiste confesseth , that it is Christe alone , whiche absolueth and taketh awaye the synne of the worlde . Doeth not also the holy Euangelist sainct Iohan in the aforesayde Chapter call Christe that true lighte , which lighteneth euery man that cometh into this worlde : what other thinge is it to lighten , than too put awaye the cloudes of synnes , and to sende into oure hertes the radiante and glisteringe beames of the eternall sonne , whiche is the knowlege of Gods mooste holy will . And this , sayeth saincte Iohan , is the office of Christe alone .

Why doth Christe cal so many as thyrste vnto hym , Esa. iv . & promyseth that floudes of lyuysh water shall flowe out of their bellies : Ioan. vii . yea , ●poc . xxii . and that he will geue them the water of life frely ▪ but onely to shewe , that whosoeuer is thyrsty , and hartely desireth remission of synnes , muste with all haste come to hym , Psal ▪ 〈◊〉 . and saye with the Psalmographe , Lyke as the harte desireth the water brokes , so longeth my soule after the , o God . My soule is a thyrste for God , yea , euen for the liuinge God . &c. Furthermore Christe commaundeth that repentaunce and remission of sinnes shoulde be preached in his name . 〈◊〉 . ●i● iii. Where we may learne , that forgeuenes of synne cometh onely by the name of Christe . And in the Actes of the Apostles we fynde , that when any famous & notable acte or miracle was done ▪ the people , as manye at this daye , did ascribe it to the vertue and power of the Apostles , willynge to do sacrifice vnto them for it , but the Apostles did reiecte and cast awaye all suche immerited honor and vndeserued prayse , contendyng and maynly laborynge to perswade the people , Act. ●iii . & . xiii● that whatsoeuer was don , came not to passe by their power , but by the vertue of Iesu Christe , whom God raysed vp from death . And when they made mencion of remission of synnes , they did neuer remember and reherse their owne power to forgeue synne , but onely preached , that so many as beleued and were baptised into the remission of synnes , shoulde be absolued and frely forgeuen by the name of Iesu Christe . And in the actes of the apostles blessed Peter playnly confesseth , Act. x. that there is no health , no lyfe , no remission of synnes , but in Christ alone , and that there is none other name geuen vnto men vnder heauen , wherein they muste be saued , Act. iiii . but the name of Iesu Christe alone . Neyther did the Apostles absolue any otherwise than by the preachyng of gods worde , which when it was heard & beleued , than were the diligent hearers , and faythful beleuers of the same truly absolued , as Christ sayeth . Now are ye clene for the wordes sake that I haue spoken vnto you , that is . Now are ye deliuered from your sinnes because ye haue beleued my preaching . ●●an . xv . The fayth of the herte iustifieth , sayeth sainct Paule . Where it maye be learned , Roma ▪ x. that if fayth be not geuen to the worde there is no absolucion or deliueraunce from sinne . Roma . xiii For whatsoeuer is not of fayth , is sinne , & where fayth is not , there abydeth the wrathe of God , as holy Iohan Baptist sayeth , Ioan. iii he that beleueth the sonne , hath euerlasting life , but he that beleueth not the sonne , shal not se life , but the wrath of God abydeth vpon him . Math. viii ix . xv . Therfore before Christ absolued any man of his synnes , Marc. v. ix . he did beholde & se , Luc. xvii . xv● whether he had faith or not . Ioan. xi . If Christe founde true fayth in his hert , than he alwais sayde , thy fayth hath saued the. Seyng than the none can search the hert , whyther it be faythfull or vnfaythful ▪ but God alone , seynge also that the absolution beareth no strength , but where faythe is , it foloweth that none canne absolue me of my synnes , Iere. xvii . but that Lorde alone , whiche searcheth the raynes & the herte . Psal. vii . The prieste is onely Gods minister , Apoc. ●i . appoynted of God ( if he be truly sent ) to preache that absolucion and fre deliueraunce from my synne , thorow the name of Iesu Christe , whiche pre●chinge if I beleue , I am so sure to be deliuered from all my sinnes , as though Christ hym self had sayde vnto me , ●oan . xv . I frely absolue the , or thy synnes are forgeuen the for thy faythes sake in my name . Are not these the wordes of Christ , Tit. 〈◊〉 . whiche is the self trueth and can not lye , spoken too all faythfull Ministers ? Luc. x He that heareth you , heareth me , and he that de●pyseth you , despiseth me , and he that despyseth me , despiseth hym that sent me . But let vs reherse mo scriptures , althoughe too anye Christen hert , these , whiche hytherto I haue recyted , maye seme abundantly too suffice .

Blessed Paule in his Epistel to the Romains proueth manifestly , Roma . viii . that God alone iusti●ieth vs . If our iustificacion cometh from God alone , than foloweth it wel , that the remission of our sinnes cometh from God alone also . For remission of synnes goeth before Iustification . Roma . iiii . By Christes death are we deliuered from our synnes but by his resurreccion are we insti●ide and made righteous . So doeth it euidently appere , that it is God alone , i. Cor. i. which both remitteth the synne , and also iustifieth the synner for Christes sake , which is our righteousnes . Roma . viii . Agayne the aforesayde Apostle sayeth , that God hath not onely geuen vs his sonne , but also all thinges with hym . Ergo absolucion of synnes . So se we that God alone absolueth & forgeueth vs oure synnes for Christes sake . Saint Paule to the Galathians affirmeth , Galat. i. that Christ gaue him self for our sinnes , that he might deliuer vs from this present euill worlde , that is to saye , from all euil in this present worlde . Ergo God alone it is , ● . Cor. vi . which deliuereth vs from oure sinnes in this vale of misery . Ye are wasshed awaye from your sinnes , sayeth he , yea , ye are sanctified & made righteous by the name of the Lord Iesu , and by the spirit of our God . Ergo our absolucion , oure deliueraunce frome synne , our sanctification , oure iustification and all that euer good is cometh frome God thorowe Iesu Christ our Lord . Agayn he sayeth , Ephe. i. God the father hath blessed vs with all spirituall blessinges , ergo with the blessinge of absolucion and fre deliueraunce from all oure sinnes . Colos. i. God hathe deliuered vs from the power of darkenes , and caryed vs into the kyngedome of his welbeloued sonne , by whome we haue redemption , euen by hys bloude remission of synnes . Ergo by Christes bloude are we absolued and deliuered frome oure synnes .

Euery good gyfte and euery perfecte gifte , Iac. ● . sayeth Iames , cometh from aboue , and descendeth frome the father of lyght . Ergo absolucion , whiche is a good and perfecte gyfte , cometh doune frome the father of lyghte . Blessed Ihon in his epistle sayeth : If we confesse our synnes , god is faythfull & righteous to forgeue vs oure synnes & to make vs clenne from all iniquite . Here saynct Ihon affirmeth , i. Ioan. i that God for●eueth vs our synnes , and ma●●h vs clene from all vnrighteousnes . He sayeth also , that the bl●ude of Iesu Christ gods ow●●onne , i. Ioan. ii . maketh vs cleane 〈…〉 sinne . And in the chap●●●olowyng he sayeth , If any ●an synneth , we haue an aduocate with the father Iesu Christ that righteous one . And he it is that obtaineth mercy for our synnes , not for our sinnes only , but for al the world also . Again he sayeth , I writte vnto you , o ye litle chyldren , that your synnes are forgeuen you for Christes name sake . Here se we again that by Christ remission of synnes cometh to vs from God the father . Moreouer bl●ssed Ihon in hys reuelacion writteth on this manner , Apoc. i. Christ hath loued vs , and washed vs from our synnes by hys bloude . Here se we that all our synnes be washed away by Christes bloud alone . What shoulde I write more ▪ If I go forthe to gather together al the places of holy scripture , that proue the absolucion of our sinnes to come from God alone , I shuld not onely trouble the mooste godly Reader , but also writte a volume more Prol●rior than the Iliades of the greke poet Homere , whan to any christen iudgement I maye iustly seme all redy to haue poroued my article true & sufficiently christen men vnto the great shame of all these Papistes , which cease not with their stētorous voyces to speke euill of the true preachers of Gods worde , and to obscure or deface the glory of God . Take away the power of onely remittinge synnes from God , & what remayneth there , wherfore we should confesse our selfs bounde to hym ? I speake of matters concernynge the saluacion of our soules . If all that be of the shauen nacion , haue power to absolue men of their sinnes at their pleasure , and to remit or retayn , whose iniquities it pleaseth them , than is God wel promoted , euen out of the Halle into the Kytchyn , as they vse to saye .

So shoulde it also folowe , that so many as pleased the priestes shoulde haue their synnes forgeuen them , and so be saued , otherwyse not . O intollerable blasphemy . But as God alone remitted the synnes of the fathers of the olde Testament , so in lyke maner doth he nowe in the new testament . Luc. vii . Who absolued Mary Magdalene from her sinnes , but Christe ? Who forgaue the thefe hys robbery and manslaughter , Luc. xxiii . but Christ ? Who had compassion on Peter , whan he had denied his master christ , but Christ ? Math. ix Who made of Mat thew the publica●e and tolgatherer , a faithful apostle & preacher , but Christe ? Luc. ●v . Who is that good shepeharde , Iohn . x. that fetcheth home the strayeshepe , louingly vpon hys shulders vnto the shepefolde , is it not Christe , whiche sayeth of him self , I am that good shepeharde ? A good shepeharde geueth his lyfe for the shepe . Who receyued home ioyfully the loste sonne , was it not Christe ? Luc. ●v . Who healed the wounded manne ? the Prieste or the Leuite ? Or rather Christe the Samaritane ? who made of Saul the persecutour , Paule an Apostle , was it not Christe ? Who absolued al these with many other in the scripture from their synnes , but Christe alone , the sonne of the liuynge God ? Mat. xxviii Doth not al power belong to Christe , both in heauen and in earth ? to hym therfore alone doeth the power of remi●tinge synne pertayne . Seyng than that this is true , and nothyng more true , why maye we not be bolde to saye , ●agre the Papistes , that God alone absolueth the truly penitent , and onely remitteth the synnes of so many as wyth an vnfayned fayth conuerte & fle vnto hys mercy ? If this be heresy , whiche we onely confesse and teache . I coulde allege diuers sentences out of the holy doctors of Christes churche , which maintaine this doctrine . But seyng I fighte not for the auauncement of man , but for the glory of God , I wil not satisfie this my worke with mans doctrine , but with the infallible verite of Gods word . For I know that euery man is a lyar , Psal. ● . 〈◊〉 but God is true , Esa. xl . & hys worde abydeth for euermore .

Now will I prepare my self to the second parte of this treatise , and afterwarde make aunswer to the obieccions of the aduersaries , that God maye styll remayne a glorious God in the presence of al men , and al other recounted duste and ashes in comparison of hym . The seconde parte of this treatise is this , as concernyng the priest , he forgeueth not the synne , but onely is a minister of God , appointed to vtter & declare that fre remission of synnes purchased for vs of God the father , by the most precious bloude of Iesu Christe . This maketh the Papistes to cry , ad ignem , ad ignem . For this doctrine plucketh them doune one staffe lower than they were before . They may now become no more Checkemate with God . For before they were not onely not contented to be his ministers , but also they woulde be heylefellow wel mette with him . Now shall they be fayne , eyther to be the messengers and seruauntes of God , or els playne Antichristes and papistes . But let vs se , what the scripture sayeth .

That the priest forgeueth not synne but God alone , it is sufficiently proued before . Now must we learne of the holy scriptures , whyther the priest be but onely a minister appoynted of God to vtter & declare the absolucion & fre deliueraunce from synne , or not . That this is his office , it is manifest by diuers places of the new testament . Whan Christ sent forth his disciples , he sayd vnto them on this maner : Go into the vniuersal worlde , & preache the Gospel to euery creatur , Max● . xvi . who so shal beleue & be baptised , he shall be saued , but who so wil not beleue shal be condemned . Here is it euident ynough , what authoritie prestes haue , & what their office is , verely to preache the Gospel & to baptise . Marke that they must preache the Gospell , as s. Paule sayeth , Christ sent me not onely to baptise , but to preache the Gospel . Again , wo is vnto me , i. Cor. ● . if I preache not the Gospel . i. Cor. ix . And in the discripsion of a spiritual minister he sheweth that such one ought to be chosen , as is not onely learned , but also apte too teache , able to exhorte with wholsome doctrine , 〈…〉 & to conuince or ouercome them that speake agaynst the trueth of Christes gospell . And sainct Peter sayeth , ye elders fede the flocke of Christe , somuche as in you is . What other thynge is it to preache the gospel , than to declare vnto the people , that their synnes be forgeuen them frely of God , if they repent and beleue in Christe , as it is written . He that beleueth the sonne , hath euerlasting lyfe . Ioan. iii. If synnes be forgeuen of God , & the ministers commaunded to declare that same to the people than doth it folowe , that they forgeue not the synne , but only are ministers appointed of god to publishe that benefite of our saluacion . If a Prince pardonneth his subiect for hys treason committed against hys person , and sendeth hys , letters of fauoure to the traytoure , by one of his faythfull seruauntes , commaundynge him to declare his pitefull mercy to the gilty , who forgeueth the fau●● the messenger or the kynge ? I am sure it wyll be answered the kynge . And not vniustly . For the prince alone pardoneth , the messenger only declareth hys princes pleasure to the traytoure . Euen so all we haue offended , & worthely deserued eternall deathe . Nowe the good pleasure of our moste mighty prince is to forgeue vs euen of his owne fre mercy , without our desertes or merites for Christes sake , and that hys vnspeakable goodnes towarde mankynde maye be knowen , he hath appoynted his ministers to publishe it abrode . The summe of their commission is this , that whosoeuer will repente hys former lyfe & beleue to haue remission of their sinnes thorowe the mercye of God in Iesu Christ our Lord , they , shal be forgeuen . The ministers of God publish these ioiful newes exhorte vnto repentaunce and fayth . The people repent & beleue , their synnes are forgeuen . Who forgeueth the synnes of the faythful repentaunte ? The graunter of the commission , or the declarer thereof ? God or man ? I doubte not , but that ye wil aunswer , God . If god alone , whom we offende , forgeueth the sinne , and not the declarers of the forgeuenes , I haue gotten that I haue desyred for the probacion of the second parte of this littel treatyse . But let vs heare what Christe sayeth , Ioan. x● . as my father sent me , so sende I you . Nowe I praye you howe was Christe sent , and for what purpose ?

¶ Let vs heare , what he hym selfe sayeth , and than shall I be blamelesse . By the Prophete Esaye he speaketh on this maner . Esa. lxi . The spirite of the Lorde is vpon me , Luc. ii●● because he hathe anoynted me , to preache the Gospell too the poore he hath sende me , to heale the br●ken ha●ted , to preache deliueraunce to the captiue , and sighte to the blind frely to set at liberte them that are brosed , and to preache the acceptable yere of the Lorde . Agayn he sayth , Luc. ●iii . I must preach the glad & ioyful tydinges of the kingdom of God to other cities also , fortherfore am I sent . Once again he saith : Ma●e . ● let vs go into the next tounes , that I may preach ther also , for therfor am I come Al these sentences declare manifestly , y● that Christ was sent to preach the kyngdome of God , that is to saye , fre deliueraunce frome synne to so many as repent and beleue . If thei wil not be aboue Christe , they must be contented to preache the will of the celestiall father , as he was , and not to take vpon them , that thynge wherof only they are ministers . Doth not saint Paule , Iames , Peter , and Iude , call them selfs the seruauntes of Iesu Christe in all their Epistles , declaringe therby , that they are not the self master , by whome remission & absolucion of synnes cometh , but onely the ministers of him , whiche infundeth and poureth into all men grace , fauoure , remission of synnes and euerlastyng lyfe ? there is but one master , that is to saye , Mat. xxiii . Christe , the other are seruauntes , as saynct Paule witnesseth , We preache not our selfes , but Christe Iesu the Lorde , ii . Cor. iiii . and we your seruauntes for Iesus sake . Agayn , let a man this wyse esteme vs , euen as the ministers of Christ , and stewardes of the secretes of God . i. Cor. iiii . All these textes declare manifestlye , that priestes , if they be true ministers , and not rather idolles , are nothinge but ministers and seruauntes appoynted of God to declare vnto the christen congregacion , that fre remission of synnes cometh vnto vs from God alone , thorow the glorious name of Iesu christe , so farre is it of , that the priestes contrary to their commission can forgeue synnes , whose office consisteth in declaring , and not in geuinge remission of sinnes .

Therfore let theim be contented nomore from hensforth arrogantly to arrogate that vnto them , which pertayne to God alone . but humbly confesse , that God onely forgeueth the synne , and that they are but commissioners , appointed of God , to publishe and setforth the same , I meane the remission of synnes geuen to the faythfull penitent of God alone . Neyther let theym frowne at thys doctrine , whiche setteth them in their righte place , but rather ( as it becometh good & faythfull seruauntes ) let theim geue the glory of our saluacion to God alone , and be glad that they are called vnto so worthy & honorable office to declare the misteries of God to the people , whose preachinges or sermons , whosoeuer beleueth , may be so certenly assured of the remission of their sinnes , as though God him self had sayd vnto them , your sinnes are forgeuen you . For thys sayng of Christ is an infallible verite , he that heareth you heareth me . Lu● . x. Now let vs beholde the obieccions of the papistes , & briefly confute them , that all the glory may be the Lordes . Fyrst they alledge this saying of Christe , loosen hym & let him go away . Ioan. xl . Agayn , loosen them a bring them vnto me . Math. xxi . Here is simple poore shyfte too proue their absolucion , whan thei are compelled to fle vnto the vnteiyng of a vile shete , and loseninge of a simple rude Asse . Loke whersoeuer the papistes fynde any worde that cometh of this verbe Soluo , that maketh for absolucion streyght wayes . I maruel how this escaped theym , Math. xviii . Solue quod debes . I thinke if Salue regina hadde bene turned into Solue regina , as some of theim that be not very fyne mouthed pronounce it , they wolde not haue bene ashamed to haue alledged it for absolution , euen as some of the papistes do , which , where so euer they fynde , Ignis , take it for Purgatory streyght-wayes . O noble doctors of Tyrology , rather than of Theology .

As concerning the first text , which is that Christ commaunded that Lazarus should be let loose , and suffered frely to go hys waye , if they will gather their absolucion of that , it may than be proued , that all other men and women haue that same power so well as they . For there were at that tyme present , not onely the disciples of Christe , but also diuers Iewes with certeyn women , whiche I am sure were not all priestes . Haue they not made a good market ? they haue brought a shillinge to .ix. pens , yea , rather to nothynge .

They haue done fayre by them selfes by my fay . Whyle thei laboure to make them selfs goddes , & to excell all other in dignitie , they go so wisely to worke that they haue made them selfs equal to the mooste inferioure . O crafty dawbers . Whiche of them all is able too proue that Christ spake these wordes , loosen hym and let hym go , rather to his Disciples than to all the other indifferently ? I thynke rather that he spake them to the women , as mooste comonly occupied aboute suche thinges . But to whom he spake , the text maketh no mencion , therfore can they proue nothyng .

As touchyng the losoninge Math. xxi . of the Asse , who seeth not their folishnes ? the occasion why christ sente the disciples for the Asse , was not to geue theym power to losen men from their sinnes at their pleasure , but to fulfil the prophecy of zachary , whiche so longe before prophecied that Christ shoulde come rydynge mekely vpon an Asse , contrarye to the expectacion of the ambicious & vayne glorious Iewes . What is this to the purpose ? Where as Christ by this example teacheth humilite , the papistes gather pryde . ii . Thes. iii Christe submitteth hym self , euen with the mooste lowest , and they exalt them selfs with the mooste hyghest , yea , aboue all that is called God or that is worshypped , and syt in the temple of God , and shewe them selfes as God . Tell me good Reader , are not these swete Allegorymakers ? I woulde they woulde ones cease to moralyse , for they haue lyed too longe .

Some of them also alledge this sayinge of Christe , Whatsoeuer thou shalt bynde on the earth , shal be also bounde in heauen . And whatsoeuer thou shalt loosen on earthe , shall be loosoned in heauen . Here they esteme them selfes more than Goddes . By this texte , they thynke they maye do , whatsoeuer pleaseth theym , saue or condemne , bynde or loose , holde vp or cast doune , buylde or subuerte , bring to heauen or caste doune to hel , but if the good men woulde take the paynes to looke what goeth before , theyr combe should sone be plucked doune , they wold not make somuch of their paynted shethe . Christ sayeth a littel before , I will geue y● , the keyes of the kyngdom of heauen . He sayeth not , I geue y● . Christ in this place onely promised the keyes to the congregacion , and performed his promise after his resurreccion , as we maye se in the Gospel of Ihon. Hereof maye the papistes right well perceyue , that this texte , wherof hytherto they haue so greatly gloried , and out of the whiche they haue sucked so greate aduauntage , maketh littel vnto the aduauncement of theyr fayned power .

Their laste and moste strong bulwarke , Ioan. xx . where the keyes were geuen to the true ministers , is this text , Whosoeuer synnes ye forgeue , they are forgeuen vnto them . And whosoeuers synnes ye retayne , they are retayned . Here they triumphe & perswade themselfes , that they haue gotten the victory , though they neuer fight stroke . But if they will be fauorable to God , and worke no iniurie to the other scriptures afore rehersed , they shall haue no cause to lifte vp their bristles . Christe speaketh here after the manner of our speache , whiche diligently must be noted , vnles we wil depriue God of his glorie . Whan we se a man restored to his healthe , whiche longe before hathe ben vexed of some greuous disease , & is made whole thorowe the diligence of some Phisicion we vse to saye , Doctor Turner made this man whole , or doctor Byll , or some other , whiche is expert in that kynde of science , and yet is it not the doctor that made hym whole , but rather the emplastures and medecines that he ministred vnto hym , yea , rather god , if we wil speake truly which gaue such vertue to hys creatures to worke health vnto the sicke . So doeth the scripture speake . Somtyme it attributeth our health to the ministers of the worde , as in thys aforesayde place , somtyme and moste comonly to God hym self , as we tofore haue abundantly hearde , & somtyme to the worde of God , Ioan. xv as it is written . Nowe are ye clene for the wordes sake which I haue spoken vnto you , Item , Sapi. xvi . Neyther herbe nor emplasture hathe healed them , but thy worde , o Lord , that healeth al thinges . Hereto pertaineth the saying of the Psalmographe , Psal. e. vii he sent his worde , & healed them , & deliuered them from their destruccions , and yet doeth God onely make vs whole , & forgeue vs our sinnes as he himself witnesseth by the Prophet , Ose. xiii . saying , thy destruccion o Israel cometh of thy self , only of me cometh thy helpe & saluacion . What can be more plainly spoke ? Who is able once to hiske against these thinges ? Who wil once open his mouth to barcke agaist this doctrine ? Noman I suppose , except he be altogether drouned in papisme . This therfore is the true meaning of th aforesayd text . Whan soeuer the ministers of the Lordes worde declare vnto me the swete promises of God the father made to me in Christes bloud , Note . & I beleue them , than are my sinnes forgeuen me at the very instaunt , but if I do not beleue them , than are my synnes retayned , that is to saye , not forgeuen . And forasmuch as I eyther repent & beleue , or els continew still in myne olde damnable state , at the preaching of the Lordes ministers , therfore the scripture attributeth my deliuerauns from synne or otherwyse to them , whan notwithstandynge God alone remitteth my synne , if I repent and beleue . If I do not , the vncircumcision of my hert , that is , my incredulitie and vnfaithfulnes is the occasion that my sinnes are retained and not forgeuen . For thys sayinge alwaye muste nedes avyde true , thy destruccion , o Israel , cometh of thy selfe , onely of me cometh thy helpe and saluacion . So that the priestes ( I meane the ministers of Gods worde ) are counted to forgeue synne , whan they preache to the truly repentaunte remission of synnes thorowe Christe , and to retayne synne , whan they declare too the vnfaythfull damnacion , and that the wrath of God abydeth vpon them , so long as they remayne still in their incredulitie and vnfaythfulnes , as it is written , He that beleueth not on the sonne shall not see lyfe , Ioan. i●● . but the wrathe of God abydeth vpon hym . Thus se we , that those te●te● of the holy scripture , which the papistes alledge for the maintenaunce of their fayned & vsurped power in remitting synne , maketh nothing for their purpose , if they be truly alledged & vnderstande , accordinge to the vayne of the holy scriptures . The scriptures of God maye not be rent and torne , neyther harked nor wrested to serue the priuate affectes of menne , but euery text must be so weyed , pondered , alledged , and vnderstond , that it may agre with the other textes of the holy Bible , that al the glory of our saluacion may be ascribed to God alone , which is both the beginner & finisher of all our health , to hym therefore be all honour and prayse for euer . Amen .

NOw wil I make hast to the laste parte of Math. xvi . this treatyse , which requireth that I should expresse my mynde , concernyng the keyes , which Christe before hys passion promised too hys churche , Ioan. xx and after his resurreccion performed hys promyse , and shew by the sacred scriptures , that the gyfte of the keyes is no vayne and idle gyfte , but a necessarie , ioyfull and confortable treasure . For the Papistes will here obiecte , If remission of sinnes cometh from God alone than were the keyes geuen to the congregacion in vayne . But to the entent , that I maye stop the mouthes of the aduersaries , and that they may haue no occasion to barke agaynst the glory of God after this , marke wel good Reader , what shal be spoken . Esa liiii . Trueth it is that God alone teacheth men hys verite by the holy Ghoste , ●ere . xxxi . as it is written , Ioan. vi . Al shal be taughte of God . Heb. viii . Again I will poure oute of my spirite vpon all fleshe , Ioel. ii . and youre sonnes and your doughters shall prophecye . ●ct . ii . The Psalmographe also sayeth : Psal. i. I will heare what the Lord speaketh in me , Ioan. v. viii . ● . yet will he that they shoulde be studious of the holy scriptures , bothe daye and nyghte , as it is commaunded of Christe . Searche the scriptures , and also diligently heare the preachynge of hys woorde , as it is written . He that is of God , heareth the woordes of God .

My shepe heare my voyce . Euery one that is of the trueth , heareth my voyce . So in like maner although God alone remitteth all synne , yet will he that remission of synnes shoulde be preached to the people , that by this meanes they maye repent beleue and be made whole , as Christ testifieth , Lu● . xxii ● . saying : It behoued Christ to suffer , and too ryse agayn from death the thirde day , and that repentaunce and remission of synnes shoulde be preached in hys name amonge all nacions . 〈…〉 Faythe cometh by hearing , & hearing by the worde of God . For the ministers of the gospell are the organnes & instrumentes of Christ , by whom God worketh thorow his holy spirit , health and saluacion in so many as are predestinate vnto eternal lyfe . They are Gods laborers & ministers , by whom we beleue , ● . Cor. iii. euen as the Lord geueth euery man grace . They are the oratours , messengers , interpreters , Asigels , Apostles and Embassadours of the Lord as the Apostle sayeth , all thinges are of God , which hath reconciled vs vnto hym selfe by Iesu Christ , and hath geuen vs the office to preache the attonement . For God was in Christ , & reconciled the worlde vnto him self , ii . Cor. v. and imputed not their sinnes vnto them , and among vs hath he set vp the worde of attonement . Now then are we messengers in the roume of Christ , euen as though God exhorted by vs . We beseche you nowe therfore in Christes steade , that y● be at one with god . Goolat . iiii . Agayne to the Galathians he writteth on this manner , Ye did not despyse nor abhorre me , but receyued me as an Aungell of God , yea , euen as Christe Iesu. Hereto pertayneth hys saying to the Thessalonians , i. Thes. iiii . He that casteth awaye vs , casteth not awaye menne , but God , whiche hath geuen hys holy spirit into vs . Moyses also in tymes paste , sayde to the people that murmured agaynste hym , Exod. xvi . The Lorde hath hearde your grudgynge and murmuryng , wherwith ye murmure against him . For what are we ? Youre murmurings are not against vs , but agaynst the Lorde . So likewise reade we in the Gospell , Math. x. that the Lord spake of hys ministers , Uerely , verely I saye vnto you : He that receyueth , wl●ome soeuer I shall sende , receyueth me . And he that receyueth me , receyueth him that also that sent me . Luc. x. Agayne he sayeth : he that heareth you , heareth me , and he that despyseth you , despiseth me , and he that despyseth ●e , despyseth hym also that sent me . Here se we that the ministers of Goddes woorde , are not to be despysed , for they are necessarye instrumentes vnto the health of men and they are worthy of double honoure , as the Apostle sayeth . Therefore maye it be concluded that the absolucion of the i. Timo. v. Prieste is not too be despysed , seynge it is none other thynge , if it be a true and Christen absolucion , than the preachynge of fre remission of oure synnes in Christes name . ● . Cor. iii. And although he that planteth , be nothing & he that wattereth be nothing , but God , which geueth the encrease , agayne , albeit the Lorde blesseth vs with al spiritual benediction , yet inasmuche as the inestimable kyndnes & manyfolde benefytes of God toward vs can not be knowen nor beleued without preachinge ( for fayth cometh by hearynge , 〈◊〉 . x. and hearing by the worde of God ) therefore hath God appoynted hys ministers to open & declare vnto men those excellent misteries , those confortable & ioyful promyses of Gods mercy and good wil towarde mankynde , that they maye perceyue , learne and vnderstande , what is geuen them of the Lorde , what they ought to beleue , how thei shuld obtayne the giftes of God , and lede a lyfe worthy the kyndnes of so bounteous a father , God also hath appoynted the ministers to beget men in Christ Iesu by the Gospell , Luc. i. too open the eyes of the blynde , to turne them from darkenes to lighte , to conuerte the hertes of fathers into children , and the disobedient to the wysdome of the righteous . He hath commaunded them to preache repātaunce and remission of synnes in his name vnto Luce. xxiiii . all nacions , Go youre waye , sayeth he into the worlde vniuersall , and preache the gospell to euery creature . Marc. xvi . He that beleueth and is baptised , shall be saued . He that beleueth not shal be condemned . Moreouer he hath geuen to his faythful ministers the keyes of the kyngedom Math. xv● of heauen , that whatsoeuer they loosen in earthe , maye be also loosened in heauen . And whatsoeuer thei bynde in earth maye also be bounde in heauen , that is to saye : he hath committed to theim the office of preachyng the Gospel , that they should go forth into the worlde , & preache vnto all men the grace and fauoure that is geuen of God the father for Christes sake , yea and that thei should proclaime , publish and set abrode vnto all men , that so many as repent & beleue , are losoned from the captiuitie of sathan , purged from syn , deliuered from death , & made enheritours of eternal life : Again that so many as beleue not , remayne still the captiues & bonde slaues of satan , & continew bounde in their synnes , and in the state of damnacion , and that therefore thei shal dye the death , and for euer more be damned , excepte they repent , turne and beleue . And thus their preachynge is so certeyn and sure before God , that whatsoeuer they pronounce , beynge conformable to the worde of God , shall as certenly come to passe , as thoughe God hym selfe had spoken it . As for an example , Whan soeuer the ministers & preachers of Gods woorde in this worlde shall declare to the faythfull repentaunce , remission of synnes , & tell them that they be losoned from the captiuitie of sathan , it is euen as certen & sure , as though God hym selfe had sayde these woordes vnto them : Thy synnes are forgeuen the. In lyke manner whan they shall saye to the vnfaythfull , that they remayne still bounde in their synne , and that the wrathe of God abydeth vpon them , and therefore they shall be damned , God approapproueth their sayinge , and it shal vndoubtedly come to passe according to their preachinge . So that whatsoeuer the minister of Gods worde sayeth , accordynge to the worde of God , ought to be receyued with greate reuerence , and taken as an oraele , sent doune from heauen , & vndoubtedly beleued , as a manifeste and infallible veritie of God . And this preaching of remittyng or retaynyng sinnes are the keyes of the kyngdome of heauen , which Christ promysed his Apostles before hys death , as we maye se in Matthew , Math. xvi . and after hys resurrection performed hys promyse , as we rede in the Gospel of saint Iohan . Ioan. xx . And by a Metaphore Christ calleth the preachyng of his worde a keye . For as a keye hath twoo properties , one too shutte , another to open , so hath the worde of God . It openeth to the faythfull the treasure of the giftes of God , grace , mercy , fauou●e , remission of synnes , quietnes of conscience , & euerlastyng life , but to the vnfaithfull it shutteth all his treasures , and suffereth them , to receiue none of them all , so long as they persiste and remayne in theyr incredulity and vnfaithfulnes . These keyes are geuen too so many , as beynge truely called vnto the office of ministracion , preache the worde of God . They loosen , that is to say , they preache to the faythfull remission of synnes by Christe . They also bynde , that is , they declare to the vnfaythfull damnacion . But he that preacheth not the woorde of God , Note . can neyther bynde nor loose , though he chalenge neuer so great dignitie , authoritie & power . For Christ calleth it the keye of knowlege . Luc. xi . And the Prophet sayth , the lyppes of a Priest kepe knowledge , and at hys mouthe shall they requyre the lawe , for he is the Aungell or messenger of the Lorde of hoostes . Malach. ii Therefore where there is no k●●wlege , there is no keye . And where there is no keye , there is neyther openynge nor shuttinge , that is , neyther byndynge nor loosonynge . Here let all menne iudge what is to be thoughte of the Papistes absolucion , whereof they crake so muche , whiche also they sell derely . If no remission of synnes cometh from them , but by preachynge Gods woorde , it foloweth that their absolucion auayleth but littel , seyng they neuer preache , neyther the lawe of God , nor the swete promyses of hym , but onely mumble a fewe woordes in the latin tonge , yea , and this is not vnderstanded , so likewise many tymes contrarye too the diuine scriptures , and the glory of god . Miserable doub●les is that congregacion , which hath a blynd guyde to their Curate , whiche hath neyther the gyfte nor the knowledge of preachynge . Mark . xv . For if the blynde leadeth the blynd both falle into the dyche . Agayn , greately fortunate is that Paryshe , and hyghly blessed of God , to whome a learned shepeheard hath chaunced , which can feede them wyth knowlege and doctrine . Whatsoeuer they shall heare of suche a learned and godly minister , lette theym beleue it as a voyce comynge doune frome heauen . And so ofte as by suche a shepeharde remission of synnes in the bloude of Christe is preached vnto the congregation , let them esteme that preachinge none otherwyse , than if the Lord hym self had preached it . Let them stedfastly beleue the woorde of God , and vndoubtedly by their fayth th●row the grace of God , they shall obtayne remission of all theyr synnes . Contrariwise , i● they beleue not , their synnes are retayned and by no meanes forgeuen . These thinges haue I spoken , concernyng the abs●l●cion or the keyes , which consisteth only in preaching Gods worde , that the Papistes maye haue no occasion , iustly to barke agaynst me , as they haue done hytherto both for my sermons and bkes . God forgeue them , and sende them a better mynde . Nowe , forasmuche as the true and Christen absolution is nothing els but the preachinge of fre deliueraunce from synne , by the death of Iesu Christ , it ought not to be contemned and despised , but rather to be receiued with great humilitie and reuerence , euen as a diuine oracle , sente doune from the father of lightes . For no man can expresse , Iaco. i. how greatly it conforteth infirme & weake consciences , whiche are troubled with the feare of Gods iudgementes . Whan the Prophet Nathan came vnto kyng Dauid , ii . Reg. xi●● and rebuked hym for sleyng Urias the Hethite , & for taking his wyfe Bethsabe vnto hys wyfe , and tolde hym howe greatly God was angrye with hym , and what plages shoulde fall vpon hys house , yea , vpon hym selfe for hys wickednes , it is not to be doubted , but that Dauid was stryken with a wonderfull great heuynes , and his hert pearsed with an inwarde sorowe , insomuche that he was righte ashamed of hym selfe , of his faulte , of his wickednes , & was compelled euen of conscience to braste out into the knowlege of hys synne , & to saye , I haue synned agaynst the Lorde . As Dauid was now full of sorow , griefe , trouble , disquietnes in his hert , & had ioye of nothing ( vnto suche shame and confusion was he broughte in hys conscience ) so likewyse it is not to be doubted , but that he was wonderfully reuiued , maruelouslye restored vnto the peace and quietnes of his conscience , yea , and plenteously replenisshed with ioye in hys mynde , whan the Prophet sayde these wordes vnto hym : The Lorde hath put away thy synne , thou shalt not dye . Luc. vii . Mary magdalen was a famous synner , & whan she herde her vnclene conuersacion rebuked by the woorde of God , she hertely repented , and was replenished with an inwarde sorow , lamenting greatly , that she had offended so bounteous a Lorde & mercifull God , insomuche that a large fountayne of teares folowed out of her tender eyes . All this tyme vndoubtedly her sorow was greater than it can be here expressed . But whan she herde this confortable absolucion of our sauioure Christe , Remittuntur tibi peccata . Thy synnes are forgeuen the. Again , thy faith hath made the safe Go thy way in peace , that is to saye , wyth a quiete and mery conscience . O good God , who is able to expresse with howe great ioye and singular solace she was affected ? So sure and confortable is it to weake and troubled consciences too heare the swete and confortable wordes of our fre deliueraunce from the greuous burden of ●ynnes by Christes bloude . 〈◊〉 . xxiii . The thiefe was full of great anguysh and trouble in his conscience , whan he hanged vpon the crosse in the time of Christes passion , & confessed that both he & hys felowe thefe suffered worthely , euen according to their desertes , and in the middes of his troubled conscience , he cryed vnto the Lord Christe on this maner , sayeng : Lorde remember me , whan thou comest into thy kyngdom . But whan Christ had made him aunswere and sayde , Uerely I saye vnto the , this day shalt thou be wyth me in Paradyse , O wyth what a quiet conscience suffered he hys paynes , and with howe gladde an hert yelde● he vp his spirit into the handes of the eternal father ? So confortable a thynge is it to a troubled conscience , for to heare any thynge that maye quiet it . Agayn whan blessed Peter preached vnto the Iewes and tolde them , Act. ii . that they had crucifyde Christ the Lord , the scripture sayeth , that they were pricked in their hertes , & sayde vnto Peter and vnto that other Apostles : Ye men and brethren , what shall we do ? Peter sayde vnto them : Repent & be baptised euery one of you , in the name of Iesus Christ for the remission of synnes , and ye shall receyue the gifte of the holye Ghoste . As they were greatly dismayde , whan the holy Apostle opened vnto theim their malicious fact , in sleayng Christ the Lorde , so were they very much conforted , whan they hearde of sainct Peter , that there was hope of theyr synnes to be forgeuen , so that they repented theym of their wickednes , and were baptised in the name of Iesu Christ . With how entier and vnspeakeable sorow is it to be thought , that the famous and notable adulterer among the Corinthians was ouerwhelmed , Cor. v. whan at the commaundement of s. Paule he was deliuered vnto sathan , excommunicate , put out of the christen company , and reputed among them as an Ethnycke & Publicane ? Contrariwyse , with what excedyng ioye was he replenished , whan after hys repentaunce and sorowe he heard the swete promyses of Goods mercy declared vnto hym , that lygheth bent oute towarde all synners that repent in faythe , and afterwarde was receyued into the company of the faythfull Christianes ? ii . Cor. ii . I passe ouer diuers other histories , bothe of the olde and newe testamente , whiche do abundantly declare , what great conforte the faythful penitent synners haue alway had in hearing the confortable promises of Gods mercy . Now the absolucion beyng , as I said before , nothynge elles but the preachynge of fre deliueraunce from synne , by the death of Iesu Christ ( for God alone forgeueth synne and absolueth the faythfull penitent ) it ought not to be contemned and despysed , but whansoeuer the Mynyster of the Lordes woorde , be it priuatly or openly , shall reherse vnto ●en , the swete and confortable wordes of Gods mercye , towarde all them that repent in fayth , they oughte too geue earnest fayth vnto them , beynge vndoubtedly perswaded , that their synnes at that time be assuredly forgeuen them , 〈…〉 . as thoughe God hym selfe had spoken these wordes , according to this saying of Christ , he that heareth you , heareth me . But it were expedient , that al true ministers should praye that their forme or manner of absolucion be pure and agreable to the vayn of the holy scriptures , without the intermixtion of anye mans authoritie , in remittinge synne eyther of Peter , Paule , Fraunces , Dominike , Benet , or anye other , or yet of them selfs , agayn that it be declared to the penitent that God alone forgeueth the synne , and that the Priestes are but the ministers of God , too whome he hath geuen the keyes of the kyngdome of heauen for to shewe to the true penitent loosoning , that is to saye : remission of their synnes , to the obstinate and hardeharted synners byndyng , that is , that they remayn still in the daunger of damnacion , and shal be damned , except they repent & beleue . It wolde also be prouided , that whan the faythfull penitent is desirous to haue hys conscience confyrmed , stablished and conforted with the worde of God , it shuld not be mumbled in the latin tonge as the Papistes haue hytherto vsed in their absolucions , but in the mother tounge , that the Idiote and vnlearned may vnderstande it and be edifyed . Or els what fayth shall he conceyue in hys herte ? Howe shall he repent ? How shall he knowe the goodnes of God towarde synners ? Howe shall he arme hym selfe with fayth agaynst sathan , synne and desperacion ? Howe shall he prepare hym selfe too geue God thankes for his kindnes , and lyue worthy of his profession ? God graunt that al thinges maye be done vnto hys glory , & vnto the profit of hys holy congregacion .

Here hast thou ( moste godly Reader ) my mynde , concerning the absolucion and forgeuenes of synnes , which if it be examined by the scriptures of God , al mannes doctrine set aparte , I doubt not , but it will stande so stronge , that the gates of hell shall not once be able too preuayle agaynst it . Farewel most gentle Reader , and praye that the Lordes woorde maye haue fre passage , that the name of the great God , and our sauiour Iesu Christe maye be glorified amonge all nacions , and that al discension layde asyde , we may agree in one faythe and one truthe .

Amen . ☞ Geue the glory to God alone . ☞ ❧ ☜