A
BRIEFE
COLlection
of
the
Church
,
Gathered
by
T.S.
THE
name
of
the
church
is
in
greeke
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
,
whiche
worde
is
also
taken
out
of
an
other
Greek
word
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
,
which
signifieth
to
call
a
man
from
one
place
,
or
state
of
life
to
another
.
And
we
doe
finde
in
the
holy
scriptures
that
there
are
two
kinds
of
calling
.
The
one
is
ioyned
with
the
efficacie
,
power
,
and
worke
of
the
holy
ghost
.
Of
which
kinde
of
calling
,
the
Apostle
doth
speake
in
the
Epistle
to
the
Romans
,
where
he
saith
,
that
God
doth
iustifie
them
,
whom
he
hath
called
.
Manie
are
called
,
but
few
are
chosen
.
This
name
Church
,
This
church
is
called
,
and
is
the
body
of
Christ
,
members
of
his
bodie
,
bone
of
his
bones
,
and
flesh
of
his
flesh
.
In
which
number
the
reprobate
cannot
be
conteyned
;
For
they
are
the
members
of
the
diuel
.
It
is
vnpossible
for
one
to
be
a
member
of
Christ
,
and
a
member
of
the
diuel
at
one
time
;
as
Augustine
well
noteth
.
This
distinction
of
the
name
of
the
church
the
same
father
vseth
,
writing
vppon
the
threescore
and
fourth
Psalme
,
when
he
sayeth
,
that
the
Church
,
which
is
signified
by
Hierusalem
,
had
the
beginning
in
Abel
;
and
that
which
is
signified
by
Babylon
,
did
begin
in
Cain
.
And
yet
in
his
booke
written
of
baptisme
against
the
Donatistes
,
Abel
,
Enoch
,
Noah
,
Abraham
,
&
the
Prophets
;
&
also
that
it
engendred
Cain
,
Ismael
,
Dathan
,
and
such
other
like
to
them
.
To
conclude
this
matter
,
let
vs
take
that
which
Augustine
writeth
in
that
same
treatise
;
we
doe
beleeue
the
holy
Church
.
But
a
man
is
not
saide
properly
to
beleeue
that
,
which
hee
seeth
.
For
beleefe
is
of
thinges
not
seene
,
but
of
such
thinges
as
God
hath
promised
,
though
they
bee
not
seene
with
the
bodilie
eye
.
Nowe
of
visibilitie
I
say
,
that
as
Christ
Iesus
our
Lorde
,
beeing
in
the
worlde
to
worke
the
worke
of
our
saluation
,
was
visible
in
the
glorie
,
and
maiestie
of
the
true
Messiah
;
so
is
his
true
Church
visible
in
the
worlde
.
Simeon
,
Anna
,
Zacharie
,
and
other
,
did
see
,
and
ioyne
themselues
to
the
person
of
Messiah
.
So
did
that
blinde
man
,
which
was
cured
,
as
we
doe
reade
in
the
gospell
.
all
they
,
which
did
holde
the
foundation
,
did
not
alwayes
builde
vpon
it
golde
,
or
siluer
,
or
precious
stones
,
but
also
stubble
,
and
hay
.
Thus
wee
speake
of
the
Church
in
sounde
,
and
substantiall
trueth
.
We
doe
not
make
of
it
a
fantasticall
thing
,
conceiued
onely
by
imagination
;
neither
are
we
carried
away
in
the
fonde
conceites
of
the
Donatistes
,
or
Catharians
;
nor
in
the
furious
frensies
of
the
Anabaptistes
.
Let
mee
therefore
nowe
speake
somewhat
of
the
marks
,
&
witnesses
of
the
Church
;
which
ought
well
to
bee
knowne
,
&
marked
,
because
by
them
we
may
be
directed
rightly
to
that
Church
,
in
which
saluation
is
to
be
had
.
Neither
is
there
any
one
thing
,
by
which
Sathan
our
olde
enemie
doeth
labour
more
to
deceiue
men
,
then
by
the
title
,
&
wrong
opinion
of
the
Church
.
There
are
two
marks
,
(
as
I
said
)
most
certaine
,
and
infallible
,
by
which
the
true
Church
is
knowne
,
and
discerned
from
all
other
conuenticles
,
and
assemblies
of
men
.
The
first
is
,
the
pure
preaching
of
the
worde
of
God
.
The
second
is
,
the
sincere
administration
of
the
holy
Sacramentes
.
To
these
some
haue
ioyned
the
true
discipline
,
and
the
fruite
of
obedience
to
the
gospell
preached
.
And
in
truth
there
ought
to
be
such
a
christian
policie
for
the
gouernement
of
the
church
,
as
the
lorde
of
the
church
,
Christ
Iesus
hath
ordeined
;
&
such
obedience
shewed
to
the
gospell
,
as
it
commaundeth
.
But
because
the
abounding
&
force
of
our
sinnes
are
such
,
that
often
times
these
two
last
things
do
not
so
fully
apeare
in
their
maiestie
,
and
excellencie
,
as
they
ought
to
doe
;
therefore
we
doe
rest
our selues
vpon
the
two
first
named
markes
.
The
preaching
of
the
word
is
a
most
sure
,
and
certeine
marke
,
&
token
of
the
true
church
of
Christ
;
And
therefore
the
preaching
of
the
gospell
is
compared
to
the
seede
sowen
;
My
sheepe
do
heare
my
voice
:
He
that
is
of
God
,
heareth
Gods
words
.
Ye
therefore
heare
them
not
,
because
ye
are
not
of
God
.
They
which
are
of
God
,
doe
heare
,
receiue
,
and
obey
his
worde
;
they
are
his
true
church
.
They
which
do
not
heare
,
nor
receiue
his
worde
,
are
not
of
God
,
are
not
his
true
church
.
The
second
sure
token
of
the
true
church
,
is
the
sincere
administration
of
the
holy
sacraments
.
For
it
is
the
good
pleasure
of
God
,
to
call
,
&
feed
his
flock
,
not
onely
by
the
voice
of
his
gospel
,
and
worde
sounding
in
their
eares
,
but
also
by
mouing
their
eyes
,
and
other
senses
bodily
.
And
therfore
he
ordeyned
that
his
sacraments
should
be
certein
witnesses
,
&
visible
seales
of
the
vnion
of
his
children
with
him selfe
,
&
of
one
of
them
with
another
.
And
this
was
one
cause
,
why
it
was
sayd
to
the
people
of
God
,
Iesus
sayde
to
his
Apostles
:
Goe
teache
all
nations
,
baptising
them
in
the
name
of
the
father
,
the
sonne
,
and
of
the
holy
Ghoste
.
Here
is
enioyned
both
the
teaching
of
the
gospel
of
Iesus
,
&
also
the
ministring
of
the
sacrament
of
Baptisme
.
And
with
the
ministerie
of
baptisme
,
is
the
administration
of
that
other
sacrament
to
be
ioined
,
which
S.
Paul
did
also
ioyne
in
his
ministerie
,
the
Church
is
the
piller
of
the
trueth
.
For
the
worde
of
God
,
And
to
this
purpose
serueth
that
,
which
olde
father
Irene
writeth
:
Irene
,
Tertullian
,
and
Augustine
did
against
the
Marcionites
,
Manichees
,
and
Donatistes
.
But
because
some
men
do
vse
this
matter
of
succession
as
a
weapon
against
vs
,
as
though
we
were
newe
heretikes
,
&
deuisers
of
newe
doctrines
;
therefore
you
shall
knowe
what
wee
doe
thinke
,
touching
this
matter
of
succession
.
Wee
are
taught
thus
to
doe
by
the
saying
of
our
sauiour
Iesus
Christe
,
who
teacheth
vs
to
heare
the
Scribes
and
Pharisees
,
They
which
do
sit
in
Moses
chaire
(
sayth
Augustine
)
do
teach
the
lawe
of
God
;
and
God
doeth
teach
the
people
by
them
:
But
if
they
will
teach
their
owne
doctrines
,
heare
them
not
,
do
not
as
they
teache
.
The
same
thing
doeth
Augustine
in
an
other
place
handle
;
that
is
,
De
verbïs
Domini
,
Serm.
49.
Because
false
teachers
may
succeed
the
true
in
the
teaching
place
,
and
so
the
wolues
may
succede
good
sheapheardes
;
we
do
not
therfore
receiue
and
allowe
all
personall
succession
.
For
this
kinde
of
succession
may
giue
a
cloke
to
falshod
,
if
the
succession
of
doctrin
be
not
ioyned
to
it
,
as
the
foundation
thereof
.
Moreouer
those
men
,
which
will
holde
the
succession
personall
,
simply
,
and
of
it selfe
alone
,
to
be
a
true
,
&
infallible
mark
of
the
true
church
;
these
men
must
shewe
vs
some
promise
of
God
,
by
which
hee
hath
promised
to
binde
his
grace
to
those
certaine
seates
,
places
,
and
countries
,
that
in
them
shoulde
be
such
a
sure
,
and
continuall
succession
of
holy
men
,
&
Bishoppes
succeeding
one
an
other
.
This
promise
we
finde
not
in
the
newe
Testament
.
Wee
learne
there
that
Christe
will
alwayes
haue
his
christian
,
catholike
,
and
vniuersall
church
;
the
particular
members
,
and
partes
whereof
are
dispersed
,
&
scatered
abroade
throughout
the
whole
vniuersall
worlde
;
as
it
pleaseth
God
to
exercise
his
iudgementes
vppon
them
,
whome
either
he
cutteth
off
for
euer
,
or
on
them
whome
he
doth
chastice
,
and
afflict
for
a
time
,
and
to
enlarge
his
mercies
vpon
them
,
whom
hee
leadeth
from
good
to
better
;
or
that
hee
doeth
call
some
of
them
anewe
to
the
true
knowledge
of
himselfe
.
For
sometimes
the
Lord
God
shewing
foorth
his
iust
vengeaunce
,
doeth
so
cast
downe
,
and
cutt
of
all
,
that
hee
will
not
leaue
so
much
as
a
trace
of
his
true
church
in
a
place
;
as
sometimes
he
did
in
Iurie
;
and
is
in
our
time
come
to
passe
in
Barbarie
.
In
some
other
place
he
doth
so
destroy
,
that
yet
hee
leaueth
there
some
little
trace
,
and
token
of
a
church
;
as
now
we
may
see
in
al
Graecia
,
and
in
some
other
places
also
more
neare
to
vs
.
Sometimes
also
the
Lorde
doeth
cut
off
the
personal
succession
of
Pastors
,
by
the
fault
,
corruption
,
negligence
,
and
sluggishnesse
of
the
Pastors
themselues
;
or
by
such
violence
,
as
is
vsed
against
those
pastors
which
are
good
Of
the
firste
wee
may
take
example
of
the
church
of
Antioche
,
in
which
Samosatenus
an
euill
heretike
did
thorowe
corruption
and
ouersight
succeede
good
fathers
going
before
him
.
Of
the
seconde
,
the
church
of
Alexandria
may
giue
vs
an
example
;
out
of
which
,
when
good
Athanasius
was
banished
,
Arians
did
succeed
.
The
like
is
to
be
seene
also
in
moe
other
churches
,
by
him
that
will
marke
the
histories
of
the
church
.
Such
a
cutting
off
,
and
breaking
of
personall
succession
was
euen
in
the
church
of
Rome
,
more
than
once
or
twise
;
As
when
Honorius
the
first
of
that
name
,
being
Pope
,
and
Bishoppe
there
,
was
condemned
for
partaking
with
the
horrible
heresie
of
Eutiches
,
about
the
yeare
of
our
Lorde
623.
And
when
Iohn
,
the
xxii
.
of
that
name
,
was
by
a
general
councel
condemned
for
heresie
.
Likewise
was
the
personal
succession
cut
off
in
Rome
,
when
that
woman
Pope
,
O
most
cursed
times
!
Rome
,
Gregorie
the
seuenth
;
as
no
lesse
man
of
credite
than
a
Cardinall
doth
write
.
Iirmiah
,
Ionas
had
none
.
Daniel
,
Amos
,
and
diuerse
other
of
the
Prophetes
,
had
no
ordinarie
calling
by
men
;
and
yet
the
Lord
God
called
these
men
,
&
such
like
,
to
the
ministerie
of
the
word
;
when
they
which
kept
the
place
of
the
ordinary
calling
,
did
abuse
the
same
.
Then
(
I
say
)
then
God
vsed
to
lay
to
his
hand
extraordinarily
to
the
worke
,
which
they
that
had
their
ordinarie
calling
,
did
not
onely
neglecte
,
but
bring
into
ruine
.
Thus
the
Lord
god
himself
did
;
and
yet
he
did
not
bring
any
disorder
,
or
confusion
into
his
house
by
this
meane
:
But
thus
did
he
to
correct
,
and
reforme
,
that
confusion
&
disorder
,
which
was
brought
into
his
house
,
by
them
,
which
,
vnder
the
colour
of
ordinarie
succession
,
did
ouerthrowe
all
good
order
,
&
peruerted
it
.
This
doth
the
writings
of
the
prophets
witnes
,
in
which
the
priests
are
chiefely
reproued
.
If
you
will
say
that
the
men
,
whome
the
Lorde
did
thus
call
extraordinarily
,
had
yet
some
outwarde
,
&
miraculous
testimonie
of
this
their
heauenly
calling
;
It
is
so
in
deed
of
some
;
but
it
was
not
so
in
all
.
I
doe
not
finde
that
many
of
the
Prophets
did
come
of
the
race
of
Aaron
;
nor
that
the
ordinarie
imposition
of
handes
was
layde
vppon
them
;
Nor
that
they
testified
their
vocation
,
and
calling
,
by
working
straung
signes
,
and
miracles
.
If
you
will
say
that
these
prophetes
,
&
teachers
,
which
had
this
extraordinarie
calling
,
did
content
themselues
with
that
part
of
the
church
office
,
which
is
to
teach
,
and
to
reprooue
;
but
they
did
not
meddle
with
the
sacrifices
;
This
is
not
altogether
true
.
For
Samuel
who
was
not
of
the
stock
of
Aaron
,
This
is
the
house
of
God
,
which
hee
doth
dayly
builde
,
so
that
it
groweth
stil
more
and
more
.
It
is
gouerned
by
the
spirit
of
God
,
stil
fighting
against
the
fleshe
.
It
is
purified
,
but
so
that
it
is
by
little
and
little
brought
towards
that
perfection
of
beauty
,
in
which
is
neither
blemish
nor
I
pot
.
It
knoweth
God
truely
,
but
yet
in
part
.
In
which
kinde
of
speaches
,
I
doe
vse
the
very
wordes
of
the
holy
scripture
.
Out
of
this
Church
is
no
saluation
:
For
life
and
saluation
is
no
where
else
but
in
Christ
Iesus
alone
,
and
onely
;
neither
doeth
the
Lorde
Iesus
powre
foorth
his
quickning
power
,
&
grace
,
but
onely
vpon
his
owne
members
.
The
vnion
and
assembling
of
them
together
in
their
head
Iesus
,
is
called
,
and
is
the
true
church
of
Christ
.
If
you
aske
me
whether
this
church
being
in
this
worlde
,
can
erre
;
and
whether
it
be
in
authority
aboue
the
holy
scripture
,
or
else
it
be
subiecte
to
the
holy
word
of
God
;
they
knowe
but
in
part
,
If
we
do
say
that
we
haue
no
sinne
,
we
do
deceiue
our selues
:
And
in
this
number
we
may
,
and
do
recken
the
olde
doctors
.
For
many
faultes
are
to
be
founde
in
them
;
and
therefore
they
are
not
to
be
receiued
in
al
things
without
exception
.
Thus
doe
we
thinke
of
the
members
of
the
church
in
particular
;
whose
imperfections
doe
not
so
prevaile
,
but
that
of
them
knitte
together
in
trueth
,
is
made
a
true
church
.
For
they
do
by
little
and
little
growe
,
and
goe
forwarde
in
the
knowledge
of
God
,
and
of
his
trueth
,
and
holinesse
of
life
.
But
if
wee
will
consider
the
partes
of
the
Church
more
generally
,
as
it
is
diuided
into
diuerse
Diocesses
,
and
Prouinces
,
we
say
playnely
that
it
may
erre
.
Significasti
,
tit.
de
Electionibus
,
that
sometime
more
credite
is
to
be
giuen
to
one
priuate
man
,
beeing
a
faithfull
man
,
and
who
hath
on
his
side
better
authoritie
&
reason
,
than
is
to
be
giuen
to
the
whole
Councell
,
or
to
the
Pope
him selfe
.
And
in
that
great
,
and
first
Councel
of
Nice
,
it
was
long
of
one
poore
Paphnutius
that
the
lawe
of
sole
life
,
which
since
that
time
hath
brought
much
filthinesse
into
the
church
,
was
not
then
established
.
Againe
,
when
shall
there
so
generall
a
Councell
be
assembled
,
in
which
a
great
number
of
learned
,
&
holy
men
,
are
not
left
out
of
the
Councell
?
And
who
can
assure
vs
,
but
that
they
,
which
are
absent
,
may
not
sometime
haue
more
vnderstanding
of
a
trueth
,
than
they
all
,
which
are
present
at
the
Councell
?
It
is
also
wel
known
how
long
time
now
an
horrible
confusion
hath
reigned
in
the
church
,
&
that
chiefely
in
the
greatest
dignitie
of
the
prelacie
.
So
that
the
greatest
desolation
in
the
house
of
god
hath
ben
,
&
is
,
by
the
means
of
them
,
by
whome
it
should
haue
been
best
furnished
.
Which
hath
caused
some
bishops
&
churchmen
to
cast
foorth
many
grieuous
sighes
,
&
complaints
,
most
cleare
,
and
so
lowde
,
that
wee
do
yet
heare
the
sound
of
them
.
It
is
knowne
also
that
complaints
hereof
haue
passed
the
penne
of
the
Pope
himselfe
at
sometimes
,
Alas
Lorde
(
saith
he
)
they
,
which
do
loue
the
first
,
&
chiefe
places
in
the
church
,
and
to
beare
the
chiefe
rule
in
it
,
are
the
first
which
do
persecute
thee
.
They
haue
taken
the
Arke
of
Sion
;
they
haue
taken
the
castell
,
and
afterward
haue
set
the
whole
citie
on
fire
.
By
this
wee
may
see
that
they
which
then
had
the
highest
,
and
most
principall
places
in
the
church
,
were
farre
out
of
order
.
The
same
men
doe
holde
and
will
holde
the
same
places
still
.
Now
surely
the
generall
Councels
at
the
time
,
which
were
,
&
haue
ben
gathered
of
such
persons
,
so
euill
qualified
,
haue
not
ben
so
conducted
by
the
holy
ghost
,
but
that
they
might
erre
.
And
euen
so
the
whole
vniuersitie
of
Paris
did
think
,
&
iudge
of
the
Councell
holden
at
Rome
by
Pope
Leo
the
tenth
of
the
name
;
&
therfore
they
apealed
from
him
,
&
his
said
Councel
.
Againe
,
if
a
generall
Councell
hath
receyued
this
priuiledge
,
that
it
can
not
erre
in
doctrine
,
let
vs
knowe
of
what
date
this
priuiledge
is
,
and
when
it
was
giuen
.
There
was
yet
neuer
but
one
true
faith
;
But
there
haue
beene
many
errours
.
For
euen
in
the
church
,
which
was
in
the
olde
testament
,
the
Prophets
doe
tell
vs
plainly
,
and
the
histories
of
that
time
do
proue
,
that
there
were
errours
,
and
foule
faults
among
them
,
which
should
haue
beene
the
teachers
of
the
trueth
.
All
their
watchmen
(
sayth
the
Prophete
I
say
)
are
blinde
;
they
knowe
not
thing
;
they
are
all
dumme
dogges
.
The
Prophet
Iirmiah
sayth
,
From
the
Prophet
to
the
Priest
,
all
do
deale
falsely
.
And
because
these
reproofes
should
not
be
restrained
to
the
particular
liues
and
manners
of
men
,
he
sayeth
plainly
,
They
do
prophesie
false
things
,
&
a
lying
vision
.
that
the
wisedome
of
the
wise
shall
perish
,
and
the
vnderstanding
of
the
prowde
shall
vanish
:
and
that
God
will
stop
the
eyes
of
the
Prophets
,
euen
of
the
chiefe
of
them
.
The
Prophet
Ezechiel
sayeth
,
that
the
lawe
shall
perish
through
the
Priest
;
that
is
,
through
the
fault
of
the
Priest
.
And
in
deede
who
did
condemne
the
true
Prophets
,
and
seruants
of
the
liuing
God
Iirmiah
,
Micheah
,
and
other
;
yea
,
euen
the
verie
sonne
of
God
him self
,
and
after
him
his
Apostles
?
who
did
this
,
but
the
assemblies
,
&
Councels
of
the
prelats
,
which
were
in
those
dayes
?
If
you
will
saye
,
These
things
happened
in
the
olde
Testament
;
that
cannot
warrant
our
times
.
as
there
were
false
Prophets
in
the
olde
time
,
so
there
should
be
in
the
time
after
him
.
Furthermore
of
the
time
of
the
newe
Testament
S.
Paul
speaketh
plainly
,
euen
in
our
time
of
the
newe
Testament
,
Wolues
shall
come
out
of
the
midst
of
the
pastors
.
And
in
another
place
,
That
the
child
of
perdition
shall
sit
in
the
temple
of
God
.
(
Emendari
)
which
Augustine
doeth
vse
,
presupposeth
a
fault
committed
,
and
afterwarde
amended
,
be
it
in
doctrine
or
maners
.
And
Augustine
doth
not
speake
there
of
any
external
policie
,
but
of
a
point
of
doctrine
;
that
is
of
the
opinion
of
Ciprian
,
&
of
the
Councel
of
Afrique
,
touching
rebaptising
.
If
you
wil
say
,
that
our
Sauiour
Iesus
hath
promised
to
be
in
the
midst
of
two
,
or
three
,
which
are
gathered
together
in
his
name
;
therfore
he
wil
be
in
the
midst
of
a
general
Councel
;
This
may
wel
be
presumed
;
but
there
is
a
difference
between
a
presumption
,
&
a
necessary
conclusion
.
For
since
the
malice
of
men
proceedeth
so
farre
often
times
,
euen
to
abuse
the
most
holy
name
of
God
to
fortifie
falshod
;
such
men
may
haue
God
in
their
mouth
,
which
are
his
enimies
in
their
hearts
.
The
weaknesse
of
the
vnderstanding
of
men
is
such
,
that
it
is
often
seene
howe
corrupt
affections
do
blinde
their
eyes
,
and
mindes
,
so
that
hee
which
hath
none
other
foundation
,
but
the
aduise
of
men
,
is
more
often
in
danger
to
be
deceiued
,
than
otherwise
.
Is
then
the
doctrine
of
the
church
vncerteine
?
(
will
ye
saye
)
or
can
the
church
erre
?
Of
the
erring
of
the
church
I
haue
alreadie
spoken
,
therfore
vnto
the
first
question
I
answere
thus
.
The
doctrine
which
the
Lorde
our
God
hath
deliuered
to
be
the
doctrine
of
his
church
,
is
moste
certeine
and
sure
.
But
because
men
do
yet
knowe
but
in
parte
,
as
Saint
Paul
sayeth
;
in
this
respect
somtime
errour
is
mingled
with
the
trueth
in
the
knowledge
of
men
.
This
is
true
,
that
the
Lorde
our
God
will
not
suffer
that
the
substantiall
pointes
of
trueth
,
touching
our
saluation
,
shall
alwayes
be
buryed
in
the
whole
church
;
but
the
Lord
will
haue
alwayes
some
number
in
it
,
sometime
litle
,
sometime
great
,
which
shal
vnderstand
that
,
which
they
ought
to
vnderstande
;
and
follow
that
,
which
they
ought
to
followe
.
So
did
it
come
to
passe
in
the
time
of
the
Prophet
Eliah
in
Israel
;
and
in
the
captiuitie
of
Babylon
;
and
also
in
the
time
of
the
comming
of
our
sauiour
Christ
.
For
euen
then
was
founde
a
number
,
though
but
a
litle
number
of
them
,
whose
hearts
were
touched
with
the
knowledge
and
taste
of
trueth
;
as
Zacharie
,
Elizabeth
,
Iohn
the
Baptist
,
Ioseph
,
the
virgin
Marie
,
Simeon
,
Anna.
These
did
knowe
,
and
had
the
right
,
and
sure
vnderstanding
of
the
certein
fulfilling
of
the
prophecies
of
the
comming
of
the
promised
Sauiour
.
And
yet
they
liued
in
the
midst
of
the
corruptions
of
the
Scribes
,
Pharisees
,
Sadduces
,
&
priestes
.
Such
interruptions
of
open
professing
the
trueth
,
happen
in
the
church
of
God
,
proceeding
of
the
iniquitie
of
men
,
as
a
thick
mist
,
which
after
vanisheth
away
by
the
heat
of
the
Sunne
of
the
doctrine
;
I
meane
of
the
worde
of
God
;
when
it
pleaseth
God
,
according
to
his
secrete
ordinance
,
iudgement
,
&
wisedome
,
to
suffer
the
same
Sunne
of
his
worde
to
shine
foorth
with
power
,
&
maiestie
,
then
trueth
is
seen
,
embraced
,
&
professed
of
the
elect
children
of
God
.
Thinke
you
now
that
we
will
,
or
that
we
doe
reiect
al
the
old
Councels
?
Nay
verily
;
but
this
I
say
,
that
,
if
all
the
rules
giuen
in
the
eldest
&
best
of
them
,
were
put
in
execution
at
this
daye
,
they
woulde
make
a
greater
change
in
the
popish
or
Romish
church
(
called
catholike
)
than
they
would
or
could
doe
in
the
church
,
which
is
nowe
reformed
by
the
gospell
of
Iesus
.
But
let
the
holy
word
of
God
be
the
touchestone
,
to
trye
&
examine
all
that
is
sayde
,
or
done
in
the
church
,
and
then
it
will
be
easily
seene
where
the
true
church
is
.
Count
not
this
a
straunge
thing
that
I
require
;
For
it
is
an
olde
saying
,
receiued
before
our
times
,
of
the
most
catholike
doctors
.
Augustine
writing
to
Maximinus
the
Arrian
,
the
naturall
man
perceiueth
not
the
thinges
of
the
spirite
of
God
.
no
prophecie
in
the
scripture
is
of
any
priuate
interpretation
.
But
yet
this
obscuritie
is
not
so
great
,
but
that
the
scriptures
can
expound
them selues
.
And
therfore
doeth
our
Lord
,
and
chiefe
master
Iesus
,
send
vs
to
the
scriptures
,
&
to
nothing
else
but
to
the
scriptures
.
Search
you
the
scriptures
(
sayth
he
.
They
haue
(
sayth
Abraham
)
Moses
,
and
the
Prophets
;
If
they
will
not
beleeue
them
,
they
will
not
beleeue
any
that
shall
come
to
them
from
the
dead
.
And
howe
did
all
those
moste
auncient
and
godly
Christians
before
vs
,
which
had
among
them
only
the
scriptures
of
the
Prophets
,
and
Apostles
,
before
that
any
commentarie
,
or
explication
was
written
vppon
any
of
them
by
the
olde
writers
?
did
they
not
then
fetche
all
their
light
of
the
holy
scripture
onely
?
A
Romish
man
will
here
drawe
vs
to
receiue
the
traditions
Apostolicall
for
a
moste
sure
interpretation
of
the
holy
scripture
;
which
hath
beene
always
receiued
in
the
church
;
through
all
the
church
;
and
by
them
all
,
which
haue
beene
of
the
church
.
But
nowe
who
can
assure
vs
,
that
these
three
pointes
are
to
be
founde
in
any
of
these
traditions
,
which
they
do
call
Apostolicall
traditions
?
I
doe
not
knowe
who
can
doe
it
.
There
is
great
diuersitie
to
be
founde
in
the
bookes
,
and
writings
of
the
auncient
fathers
;
and
that
in
some
pointes
touching
faith
.
And
againe
,
touching
these
wordes
(
alwayes
)
and
(
of
all
)
let
the
Romish
men
tell
vs
,
at
what
time
wee
shall
begin
the
account
of
this
(
alwayes
.
)
If
wee
will
do
well
,
wee
must
fetch
the
beginning
of
this
time
euen
at
the
church
Apostolike
.
And
who
shall
be
the
firste
in
this
account
?
verily
the
Apostles
them selues
must
be
the
first
that
shal
begin
this
account
;
the
historie
of
whome
is
faithfully
written
by
S.
Luke
;
and
by
their
owne
writings
wee
must
take
knowledge
of
them
,
their
doctrine
and
their
doings
?
All
trueth
commeth
of
God
;
And
God
hath
chosen
his
Prophets
,
and
Apostles
to
speake
in
his
name
vnto
vs
all
that
trueth
,
which
doeth
appertaine
to
our
saluation
.
Therefore
wee
must
alwayes
haue
,
and
make
our
recourse
to
the
holy
scriptures
.
And
yet
wee
doe
not
vtterly
cast
away
the
aduice
of
Councels
,
nor
of
the
auncient
fathers
.
Wee
doe
proue
that
,
which
they
do
saye
,
by
the
holy
scriptures
.
The
which
holy
scriptures
(
as
Augustine
doeth
saye
truely
)
are
so
tempered
by
the
holy
spirite
of
God
,
that
that
,
which
is
obscurely
spoken
in
one
place
,
is
clearely
expressed
in
another
place
of
them
.
Some
of
the
Romish
rout
haue
sayd
,
that
the
whole
wil
of
God
,
touching
all
that
,
which
doeth
appertaine
to
our
saluation
,
is
not
all
written
by
the
Apostles
and
Euangelists
.
By
this
wicked
,
&
false
saying
,
they
make
an
open
way
to
bring
in
al
that
falsehood
,
error
,
&
vntrueth
,
which
men
list
to
deuise
.
And
it
is
the
way
,
by
which
,
Satan
hath
entred
to
destroy
the
vineyard
of
the
Lorde
,
to
sowe
therein
his
darnell
of
damnation
,
and
cockle
,
choking
true
doctrine
,
and
Christian
faith
.
I
graunt
that
before
the
time
of
Moses
,
God
gouerned
his
church
by
heauenly
visions
,
inspirations
,
and
reuelations
;
But
the
Apostles
planted
the
churches
of
God
by
his
holy
worde
written
.
And
the
malice
of
men
growing
with
the
number
of
them
;
and
the
better
sort
of
men
decaying
together
with
goodnes
,
it
was
the
good
pleasure
of
the
Lorde
our
God
,
that
this
doctrine
shoulde
be
written
in
a
tongue
common
,
and
knowen
,
by
which
plaine
trueth
,
Gods
children
might
receiue
all
that
doctrin
,
which
concerneth
saluation
,
and
might
also
withstand
all
subtilties
creeping
in
vnder
the
couler
of
traditions
,
or
reuelations
,
or
custome
,
or
other
deuice
of
man
whatsoeuer
.
Now
if
the
doctrine
of
our
saluation
were
written
but
in
parte
;
how
shal
we
do
for
the
rest
which
is
wanting
?
Saint
Iohn
doth
not
speake
so
scantly
of
the
holy
scriptures
,
as
these
Romish
men
do
.
For
he
saith
that
the
thinges
,
that
they
doe
make
the
man
of
God
(
not
onely
euery
faithful
minister
&
Pastor
,
but
euery
faithful
man
)
perfect
and
fully
perfited
.
Then
a
man
nedeth
not
any
vnwritten
verity
,
or
tradition
(
as
they
are
called
)
Apostolike
.
Yet
I
do
not
deny
but
that
there
haue
beene
alwayes
vnwritten
traditions
,
touching
order
,
and
manner
of
doing
in
the
church
;
but
not
so
in
poyntes
of
doctrine
touching
faith
and
saluation
.
Nowe
because
men
haue
long
time
abused
the
name
of
tradition
,
we
must
learne
to
knowe
which
are
traditions
to
be
allowed
,
&
receiued
;
and
which
are
not
to
be
allowed
.
This
is
easie
to
be
done
,
if
we
will
set
before
vs
some
pointes
,
&
by
them
frame
our
iudgement
.
First
we
must
put
a
iust
difference
betwen
doctrine
,
and
matter
of
rites
,
and
orders
of
the
church
.
In
doctrine
the
Apostles
deliuered
,
in
the
worde
by
them
written
,
onely
,
and
wholy
all
that
which
they
had
rceiued
of
the
Lord
.
To
this
then
I
adde
,
that
if
the
traditions
offered
to
vs
,
be
agreeable
to
the
worde
of
God
;
and
are
meete
,
and
fit
for
edifying
,
then
are
they
to
bee
receiued
.
For
this
is
a
thing
assured
,
that
neither
the
Apostles
,
nor
the
true
Pastors
,
did
appoynt
any
orders
,
or
maners
of
doing
,
which
were
either
directly
,
or
indirectly
contrarie
to
the
doctrine
of
the
gospell
;
nor
such
as
should
turne
any
man
neuer
so
little
from
the
seruice
of
God
,
which
is
spiritual
.
This
being
obserued
of
vs
,
it
shal
be
easie
for
vs
to
discerne
the
doctrin
from
traditions
,
and
the
false
traditions
from
the
true
.
It
was
accompted
with
the
old
father
.
Tertullian
a
very
straunge
thing
,
that
any
man
should
say
that
he
had
omitted
to
teach
any
thing
(
either
by
word
of
mouth
,
or
by
writing
)
of
that
which
doth
apertain
to
our
saluation
.
I
will
say
further
,
that
all
that
,
which
the
Apostles
did
deliuer
as
traditions
,
in
matter
of
order
,
rites
,
&
maners
of
doing
,
are
not
to
be
kept
perpetually
.
For
according
to
the
rule
of
charitie
they
ordeined
touching
the
strangled
,
&
not
to
eat
blood
;
Augustine
,
I
shoulde
not
beleeue
the
scriptures
,
if
the
authoritie
of
the
Church
did
not
moue
me
.
In
that
place
Augustine
speaketh
of
himselfe
,
as
he
was
when
he
was
a
Manichee
.
When
two
contrary
parts
shal
fal
into
debate
touching
the
truth
of
an
Instrument
,
or
writing
,
to
whom
shall
they
haue
recourse
,
but
to
the
Notarie
,
which
keepeth
the
recorde
?
But
yet
it
will
not
bee
saide
that
the
writinge
is
grounded
vppon
the
authoritie
of
the
Notarie
,
for
that
the
recorde
is
true
,
although
no
man
liuing
doe
beare
witnesse
thereof
.
So
I
aunswere
them
,
which
doe
thinke
that
the
holy
scripture
is
not
otherwise
founded
,
but
vppon
the
determination
of
the
church
.
This
verily
were
a
feeble
,
&
a
slender
ground
.
For
we
shal
find
the
determinations
of
councells
,
which
are
called
the
church
representatiue
,
one
contrarie
to
an
other
;
as
by
conference
of
them
together
it
will
appeare
.
Herevnto
I
will
adde
this
reason
,
Iesus
Christe
is
hee
,
whome
all
the
true
Prophetes
honoured
(
for
as
their
Lorde
he
did
send
them
)
and
yet
they
are
not
aboue
him
,
but
he
aboue
them
,
notwithstanding
he
doth
approue
his
doctrin
by
their
testimonies
.
S.
Paul
suffereth
the
Bereites
to
do
the
like
with
his
doctrin
.
We
must
not
(
sayth
he
)
followe
the
errours
of
fathers
,
nor
of
auncestours
;
But
wee
must
follow
the
authorite
of
the
holy
scriptures
.
And
Chrysostome
writing
vppon
the
14.
That
hee
,
which
will
knowe
which
is
the
true
Church
of
Christ
,
when
thinges
are
in
confusion
through
likelihoode
,
hee
must
knowe
it
by
the
scriptures
.
And
in
the
same
place
vppon
these
wordes
:
(
Let
them
,
which
are
in
Iurie
,
flee
vnto
the
mountaines
)
he
saith
,
Let
them
,
which
are
in
the
christianitie
,
retire
,
and
drawe
them selues
to
the
holy
scriptures
.
For
when
the
time
is
such
,
that
heresie
doeth
possesse
the
Churches
so
,
that
one
cannot
haue
by
;
or
in
the
church
,
any
sure
or
certaine
tryall
,
to
prooue
which
is
true
christianitie
,
there
can
bee
no
other
refuge
to
such
christians
,
as
are
desirous
of
the
christian
faith
,
but
only
to
the
scriptures
.
whosoeuer
then
will
not
know
which
is
the
true
church
of
Christe
,
how
shal
he
know
it
,
but
only
by
the
holy
scriptures
?
(
saith
this
ancient
father
.
)
Againe
he
saith
,
The
Lord
knowing
that
great
confusion
should
come
in
the
later
dayes
,
doth
commaund
that
the
christians
,
which
doe
desire
to
take
some
holde
of
true
faith
,
should
haue
their
refuge
to
nothing
,
but
to
the
holy
scriptures
.
For
otherwise
if
they
will
haue
regard
to
other
thinges
,
they
shall
be
offended
,
and
perishe
,
not
understanding
which
is
the
true
church
;
and
so
shall
fall
into
the
abhomination
of
desolation
,
which
wil
hold
it self
in
the
holy
place
of
the
Church
.
An other
olde
greek
writer
(
Basil
I
do
meane
)
in
the
nienth
Summe
of
his
moralls
,
If
all
that
which
is
not
of
faith
,
be
sinne
(
as
the
Apostle
saith
)
and
faith
commeth
by
hearing
,
and
hearing
by
the
word
of
God
then
all
that
which
is
out
of
the
diuine
,
&
holy
scripture
,
is
sinne
.
Againe
in
a
Sermon
,
which
hee
maketh
of
the
confession
of
faith
,
If
God
be
faithfull
in
all
his
purposes
,
and
his
commandementes
be
sure
for
euer
,
being
done
in
trueth
and
right
,
it
is
manifestly
to
turne
from
the
faith
,
and
a
sinne
of
pride
,
to
throwe
any
thing
away
of
that
which
is
written
,
or
to
bring
in
any
thing
,
which
is
not
written
.
Thus
much
in
answere
to
that
,
which
our
Romish
rufflers
do
bellowe
for
their
church
,
the
power
,
and
glorie
thereof
;
And
to
shewe
what
a
christian
may
and
ought
safely
to
thinke
of
the
church
,
and
how
to
giue
humble
credit
to
the
holy
scriptures
,
and
to
giue
to
them
their
due
authoritie
.
To
this
Oration
made
,
and
pronounced
in
that
Colloquie
had
at
Poyssi
,
by
that
singular
instrument
,
and
seruant
of
God
Theodore
Beza
,
the
Papistes
and
their
capitayne
the
Cardinall
did
not
reply
.
For
I
thinke
they
had
not
the
hartes
to
withstand
the
trueth
.
Yea
they
were
so
far
from
denying
of
it
,
that
euen
then
,
and
there
,
their
chiefe
doctor
Despense
was
,
in
approbation
thereof
,
content
to
saye
,
that
hee
did
allowe
that
in
generall
,
which
was
sayde
in
this
Oration
of
the
church
;
and
saide
that
hee
had
alwayes
taken
this
for
a
wicked
blasphemie
that
some
doe
say
,
that
The
church
is
aboue
the
holy
scriptures
.
But
touching
that
,
which
was
in
this
oration
saide
of
the
ordinarie
succession
of
Pastors
,
hee
was
not
yet
fully
satisfied
.
He
added
that
he
did
not
take
the
pastors
of
the
Churches
reformed
by
the
Gospell
to
be
lawfull
ministers
,
because
they
had
not
the
handes
laide
on
them
by
the
Bishops
.
To
this
the
doctor
was
aunswered
then
,
to
offer
sacrifice
to
God
,
and
to
say
masse
for
the
quick
and
the
dead
,
as
the
Popes
Pontifical
beareth
record
,
and
that
in
the
name
of
the
lord
(
say
they
.
)
But
the
Popish
Pontificall
doeth
herein
greatly
abuse
the
name
of
the
Lord
.
For
the
Lord
God
doeth
not
in
the
whole
newe
Testament
ordeyne
any
such
kinde
of
sacrifizing
,
or
massing
Priestes
.
And
therefore
the
order
of
the
Popish
priesthood
is
as
farre
wide
from
the
gospell
,
as
the
calues
of
Ieroboam
were
from
the
lawe
of
God
;
and
his
priestes
from
the
Lords
priestes
.
Now
in
the
execution
of
that
office
,
which
the
Priestes
in
poperie
pretende
to
haue
,
and
to
exercise
,
they
doe
likewise
depart
from
the
trueth
.
For
they
preach
not
the
gospell
of
Iesus
,
but
the
deuises
of
men
,
contrarie
to
the
doctrin
of
Iesus
.
They
do
not
administer
his
holy
sacraments
according
to
Christes
holy
ordinance
,
but
they
do
,
forasmuch
as
in
them
lieth
,
corrupt
the
sacrament
of
baptisme
,
&
the
administration
thereof
with
their
manifold
,
&
very
grosse
ceremonies
,
thogh
they
leaue
the
substance
of
it
vnchanged
.
And
they
do
take
vpon
them
boldly
to
change
,
(
as
they
say
)
both
the
substance
of
the
other
sacrament
;
that
is
,
of
the
bodie
and
bloode
of
Christ
our
Sauiour
,
and
also
the
ende
why
it
was
ordeined
;
so
that
they
doe
not
leaue
vs
of
this
holy
sacrament
neither
the
doctrine
in
truth
,
nor
the
substance
of
it
,
nor
the
ende
,
and
vse
of
it
;
as
their
deuises
of
the
Transubstantiation
,
and
sacrifice
of
their
masse
do
declare
to
all
the
worlde
.
Therefore
the
imposition
of
the
handes
of
Popishe
Bishoppes
,
beeing
them selues
straungers
to
the
gospel
,
is
vtterly
vnmeete
for
them
which
are
called
to
do
the
office
of
a
minister
of
the
gospell
.
The
olde
true
Priestes
in
the
old
Testament
did
not
receiue
imposition
of
handes
of
any
of
the
Priestes
of
Baal
,
or
other
Idolatrous
priests
.
In
the
Ecclesiasticall
historie
we
do
read
of
diuerse
godly
fathers
,
and
Pastors
,
which
woulde
not
receiue
the
imposition
of
handes
of
such
Bishops
as
were
heretikes
.
Neither
truely
ought
the
ministers
of
the
gospell
of
Iesus
seeke
to
haue
anye
imposition
of
handes
of
the
popish
priestes
,
or
bastardly
Bishops
of
Poperie
,
which
are
both
Idolaters
&
heretikes
.
Surely
this
is
not
necessarie
,
neither
were
it
comely
.
The
ministers
and
preachers
of
the
gospell
,
they
haue
this
good
testimonie
of
their
vocation
.
First
,
that
they
are
called
to
preache
the
gospell
.
Then
they
haue
ben
examined
,
&
tryed
by
those
,
to
whome
the
gouernement
of
the
church
is
in
those
matters
committed
.
Thirdly
,
they
are
found
meete
for
the
vocation
,
and
chosen
to
it
.
Last
of
all
,
they
are
with
solemne
prayers
admitted
into
the
charge
,
and
put
in
possession
of
it
;
admitted
,
and
accepted
of
the
people
.
And
this
is
of
force
sufficient
in
trueth
to
proue
the
lawfulnes
of
their
ministerie
,
and
sufficiencie
of
their
calling
.
They
need
not
oyle
;
no
not
the
consecrated
oyle
,
to
which
the
Popish
Bishops
doe
attribute
a
maruellous
vertue
of
consecrating
,
and
blessing
.
They
neede
not
the
blind
blessing
of
any
of
the
popish
Bishops
;
no
more
than
they
neede
the
shearing
,
or
shauing
of
their
crownes
,
which
toyes
are
the
cognisance
of
the
sworne
soldiers
of
those
Bishops
which
are
the
tryed
peticaptaines
of
the
Pope
,
the
very
priestes
of
Baal
.
Those
two
horned
beasts
do
,
among
them
of
Rome
,
take
on
them
onely
the
authoritie
to
lay
on
handes
.
Let
them
,
if
they
wil
,
lay
their
hands
on
them
in
their
popish
priesthood
,
which
are
like
to
them selues
.
On
the
ministers
of
the
gospell
,
which
haue
nothing
like
to
them
in
the
ministerie
of
it
,
their
handes
are
not
to
be
layde
.
And
where
is
that
commission
giuen
,
whereby
the
popish
Bishops
alone
do
claime
the
authoritie
to
lay
on
their
vnholy
hands
vpon
the
hoministers
of
the
gospell
?
Truely
,
neither
can
wee
finde
it
in
the
olde
,
nor
in
the
newe
Testament
.
And
in
his
time
Hierome
did
write
to
one
Euagrius
,
that
the
imposition
of
hands
by
the
Bishop
,
as
it
was
then
vsed
,
was
no
ordinance
of
God
,
but
onely
a
custome
.
Let
the
tryall
of
a
true
minister
then
not
rest
vpon
custom
,
or
encroching
vnder
the
couer
of
ceremonies
;
but
let
it
rest
in
the
true
substance
of
the
ministerie
;
which
is
in
doctrine
,
and
doing
the
office
of
an
Euangelicall
minister
.
The
Romish
rulers
wil
driue
vs
to
proue
our
calling
either
by
doctrine
,
or
by
miracle
.
Touching
doctrine
,
the
word
of
God
approueth
our
ministerie
sufficiently
:
We
neede
not
to
auow
the
working
of
miracles
;
For
the
beleeuers
of
the
doctrine
,
which
is
preached
by
vs
,
do
proue
it
for
vs
,
in
that
their
vnfeigned
conuersion
to
God
is
miraculously
wrought
in
them
by
the
power
of
his
worde
.
This
doeth
shewe
forth
the
lawfull
,
faithfull
,
and
fruitefull
labour
,
to
which
we
are
called
by
the
grace
,
and
blessing
of
God
.
This
is
no
strange
matter
,
if
you
consider
that
,
which
Saint
Paul
saith
to
the
Corinthians
,
that
they
by
his
preaching
of
the
Gospell
,
and
his
ministerie
in
it
,
beeing
called
,
and
conuerted
from
idolatrie
,
to
knowe
and
worship
the
lord
God
in
trueth
;
from
wickednesse
to
holinesse
of
life
,
were
(
as
he
sayth
)
the
seales
of
his
Apostleship
in
the
Lord
.
FINIS
.