Tvvo very Godly and comfortable letters, written ouer into England The one to a Godly and zealous Lady: wherin the Annabaptists errour is confuted and the sinne against the Holye Ghoste plainly declared. The other an answer to a Godly merchants letter: written for his comfort, being greeued with the heauye burden of sinne wherin is declared the true confession of sinne: Written by T.C.

Two very Godly and comfortable Letters , written ouer into England .

THE ONE TO A GODly and zealous Lady : wherin the Annabaptists errour is confuted : and the sinne against the Holye Ghoste plainly declared .

¶ THE OTHER AN answer to a Godly Merchants Letter : written for his comfort , being greeued with the heauye burden of sinne : wherin is declared the true confession of sinne .

Written by T. C.

AT LONDON Printed by Edward Allde for Edward White . 1589.

A comfortable Letter written to a Godly and zealous Lady : Wherin the Annabaptists error is breefly confuted , and the sin against the holy Ghoast , plainlye declared .

MADAME , where as it pleased your good Lady ship to require me to writ vnto you my minde , concerning the true sence and meaning of this place of S. Paule , in his Epistle to the Hebrewes : Heb. 6. 4 , It cannot bee that they which were once lightned & haue tasted of the heuenly gift , and were become pertakers of the holy Ghost , and haue tasted of the good woord of God , & of the power of the Worlde to come : if they fall awaye ( and as concerning themselues , crucifie the sonne of God a fresh , and make a mocke of him , ) that they should be renued againe by repentance .

Madame , many in time The errour of the Nouatians , and now of the Anabaptists . past , and at this present day mistaking this text , and not truly vnderstanding it , bothe haue béene and are incombred with the Nouacians erroure : which is , That after man by Baptisme and the holye Ghoste is regenerated , and hath tasted of the grace of God , and hath embraced Christe and his holye woorde , if he fall to sinne againe , he is without remedye of Saluation .

Vndoubtedly this is a verye damnable erroure , inough to bring all them that are infected therewith to desperation . But albeit they grounde this their errour vpon this afore aleadged texte of S. Paule , and certaine other textes : yet they misse the Marke , because they take this Scripture too straitlye , not referrng it to manye other places of scripture , which plainely shew : That when soeuer and how often so euer a Sinner repenteth him truely of his sinnes , and committeth him selfe with a sure faith vnto the mercy of God thorow Christ : God receiueth him again to grace and saluation .

Doubtlesse No prophecy in the scripture hath any priuat 2. Pet. 1. 20. interpretation , but must néedes be expounded according to the generall articles of the Christian faith and agréeable to other textes of holy scripture , and so must this text be also .

Now trueth it is , that there is almost innumerable texts in holy scripture , that most plainlye do declare : that when so euer a true repentaunte sinner by vnfained faith returneth vnto God , and asketh mercy for Christs sake , he shall vndoubtly haue it . And albeit the holye scriptu●● is full of such places , yet heere by Gods grace , I will shew and rehearse to you some of them , to giue you occasion to marke them , and such like places as you shal finde almost in euery leafe of the Byble . Pro. 24. 16.

A iust man falleth seauen times , and riseth vp againe . Marke the scripture saith : he riseth vp againe .

The wickednesse of the Ezech. 33. wicked shall not hurt him , whensoeuer he conuerteth . Note what it saith : when soeuer he conuerteth .

Let the vngodly man forsake Esay . 55. his owne waye , and the vnrighteous his owne imaginations and turne againe vnto the Lord , so shall he be mercifull vnto him .

Thou disobedient Israel Iere. 3. turn again ( saith the Lord ) and I will not let my wrath fall vpon you .

Thus saith the Lord : doo Iere. 8. men fall so , that they rise not vp againe ? or if Israel doo repent , will not God turne againe to them ?

Turne you vnto me ( sayth Zach. 1. the Lord God of hostes , ) and I will turn me vnto you .

Remember from whence Apoc. 2. thou art falne , and doo the firste woorks .

Mark in the Gospel of Luke . 15. Luke , the example of the vnthriftie Sonne .

Also Christe said vnto Peter , Peter I haue prayed Luke . 22. for thee , that thy faith fayle not : and when thou art conuerted , strengthen thy Brethren .

Marke , he saith : When thou art conuerted , &c. Lo , if you weigh these places of scripture afore alleadged , and almost innumerable moe of the same sorte , you shall perceiue euidentlye , that though A Christian haue sinned neuer so ofte ( as who dooth not daylye offende God ) yet when soeuer he returneth vnto God by true repentance ( which consisteth of inward contricion & a sure faith in Christ Iesu ) he is assured by the woorde of God to recouer and receiue againe the grace , fauour ▪ and mercy of God , which thorow his disobedience he had worthely lost and immediatly to enioy ful , absolute , and perfect remission and forgiuenesse of all his sinnes , thorowe Iesus Christe , in whome he reposeth all his faith , truste and confidence of saluation . The Gospell assureth him no lesse saying : So God loued the world Ioh. 3. that he gaue his onely begotten sonne , that who so euer beleeueth in him shoulde not perishe , but haue euerlasting life .

More ouer , if you mark wel the examples of godlye men , which are registred in holye scripture , you shall plainelye perceiue , that albeit they were highly in Gods fauour , yet for all that many of them had great falles and committed very hainous offences , but they did rise vp againe returning to Gods mercye by true repentance & faith , and so recouered againe their former grace , which they thorowe their owne folly had lost .

Aaron was so muche Aaron . fauoured of God , that by Gods calling hee was made the high bishop and curate ouer his People . And yet at the light request of the Israelites , he let them make and worship the Golden Calfe , contrarye to his Conscience : by reason wherof bothe hee and they committed that most detest able sinne of Idolatrye , and yet he by true repentaunce and faithe , returning to grace was saued . Dauid Gods deare darlinge , Dauid . after that hee had the knoweledge of God , and had muche tasted of his grace , béeing indued aboundauntlye with the holy Ghost , and gratious giftes from aboue , fell both into the sinne of adultry and murther . And yet by true and vnfained repentance , returning to Gods mercy , was accepted and receiued againe into Gods fauour .

Manasses also contrary Manasses vnto his Conscience , fell willinglye to Idolatrye , but yet he rose againe by true repentaunce and faithe , and recouered againe the grace of god .

So likewise that wicked The sinfull Corinthian 1. Cor. 5. man of the Citie of Corinthus , whom S. Paule straitlye charged the Corinthians to excommunicate and erclude out of the holy congregation of Christian men , and that they shoulde neither eate nor drinke with him , because of his open and abhominable crime of incest and outragious whordome : and yet when he declared him self to be truelye repentant for his great and infamous sin : Saint Paule admonished 2. Cor. 2. them with all gentlenesse and Christian Charity to receiue him again into the Congregation as a Christian Brother , and so to esteeme him and take him .

What shall I saye of Peter Christes Apostle ? Peter . Had not he a sure knowledge of Christe , confessing him openlye before all the Apostles , To be very Christe , the sonne the liuing God ? Was not he euen then indued with the holy Ghost and grace from aboue , vnto whom Iesus Christe saide : Blessed art Math. 16. thou Symon , the sonne of Ionas , for flesh and bloud hath not opened that vnto thee , but my Father which is in heauen . And yet after all this , he had such a fall , that contrary to his own conscience , willinglye without anye compulsion , threates , or imprysonment , he did most cowardlye and shamefullye forsake and deny Christ , not without blasphemy , swering that he neuer knew him , cursing and committing him selfe to the Diuell if euer he had to doo with him .

What woulde the N●●atian and Annabaptiste saye vnto this ? Was it not a fall ? Could there be anye greater sinne then this ? Was it not doone of knowledge ? Was it not doone willinglye ? Was it not against his own conscience ? Yes doubtlesse , it was no lesse but againste his owne conscience . But yet thankes be vnto almightye God , it was not the sinne of blasphemye against the holy ghost , neither the sin vnto death , the which Saint Iohn speaketh of , for hee 1. Ioh. 5. continued not therin vnto his ende , but immediatly he went foorth of the Bishops house and wept bitterly , very muche lamenting his hainous offence , and by faith he returned again vnto christ Mat. 26. knoweing his mercye to be infinite and without measure : and so he was accepted vnto grace againe , & Christ appeared vnto him ( to his greate comforte ) after he rose againe from deathe to life and afterwards sending downe his holye Spirite , indued him with wonderfull giftes of grace from aboue . And then Peter became a strong Champion , setting foorth Christe to be the only sauiour of the whole world Preaching and openlye confessing him before all men , without any feare , either of the Scribes , Pharises or . Maiestrates .

Now good Madam , lay this example of S. Peter to this text of S. Paule to the Hebrewes : It can not be that they which were once lightned , &c. If they fall away &c. that they should be renued again by repentance .

If a man would apply the aforesaide example of S. Peter vnto this text of S. Paule , he would thinke that Peter should vtterly haue béen cast away from Gods fauour , mercy and grace . For first it can not be denied , but that hee was once lightned , that is : indued with the true knowledge of Christe to be the onely Messias and sauiour of the world . Secondlye , he had also tasted of the heauenly gift , which was a true faith in christ Iesus , openlye confessing the same before al the Apostles , béeing fully perswaded in his owne conscience what Christ was . Thirdlye , that Peter was become pertaker of the holy Ghoast , and had tasted of the good woorde of God , it appéereth euidently by Christes sentence , saying : Blessed art thou Symon , for flesh and bloud ( that is man ) shewed thee ●●ot that , but my father ●hich is in heauen . Which ●as by the inspiration of ●is holy spirit . Finally , Peter had a taste of the world to come . For hee did see in the mountaine the transfiguration of Christ , & so did Iames Mat. 17. the more , and Iohn the Euangelist also . Where in the presence of them all Christ was transfigured and shewed him selfe vnto them in the forme of a glorified body , So that his face did shine as the Sun and his clothes appeared as white as the light . There appeared also among them Moyses and Elias . And euen there the cleare voice of God the father of heauen , was plainlye hearde among them out of the cloud , saying vpon Christe . This is my dearlye beloued sonne , in whom I delite , heare him .

Loe , all this and much more Peter bothe hearde and sawe , béeing almoste continuallye in Christes companye , eating and drinking with him , hearing daylye his heauenly doctrine , preaching and teaching , seeing euerye where ( as occasion serued ) his great and wonderfull miracles . And yet for all this , what a great fall Peter had , it appeared plainely by his deniall of Christ his louing maister and Sauiour , and by the circumstaunces thereof , whiche I touched before . But yet to make Peters fall more horrible , Christ saide vnto him and vnto al the other his Apostles , when he sent them ●●●rth to preache the Gospell of saluation . He that denieth Math. 10. me before men , I shall denie him also before my Father .

Alas good Peter , what case stand●● thou in now● How dooth this saying of Christ touch thée ▪ remembringe this sayinge of Christe , art thou not vtterly at thy wits end ? Is it not most certaine , and true , that thou hast too horriblye fallen after that thou haddest tasted of all these gratious giftes , before rehearsed ? Hast thou not contrarye to thine owne conscience moste shamefullye denyed thy maister & sauiour Christ before men ? Ah good soule what shal becom of thée ? How wilt thou answere for thy self ? for it séemeth héer plainly , that both S. Paule in the afore alleaged place to the Hebrewes and also Christ him selfe in the scripture afore rehearsed haue giuen sentence of condemnation against thée . Wherefore , bothe the Nouacian & the Annabaptist , grounding them selues vppon these two places of holy scripture , will plainelye pronounce thée to be a reprobate , and that thou art dispatched , and vtterlye cast awaye from all hope of saluation . But héere let vs not too lightlye passe ouer , but earnestlye weigh and deepely consider , what may be said in this matter on Peters behalfe . And firste it may be rightlye answered , that that place of S. Paul vnto the Hebrewes , maketh Heb. 6. nothing againste S. Peter , neither yet againste any Christian man , how gréeuouslye or how often soeuer hée hath sinned , so that he hath not vtterlye forsaken Christe and fallen cleane awaye from him . For S. Paule saith : It cannot be that they which were once lightned , &c. If they fall away they should be renued by repentance .

Marke héer diligentlye that S. Paule saithe : If they fall away . He saithe not If they fall , But : if It is not all one thing to fall , and to fall away they fall away . For it is not all one thing to fall : and to fall away .

For Peter did fall , but hee did not fall away from Christe , but returned vnto him againe . An olde prouerb it is : A man runneth A Prouerb● very far , that neuer returneth againe . All we christians do daily fal , for we daily break Gods commandements , but yet we do not fal away from christ neither refuse we him to be our Sauiour , but acknowledging our manifold sinnes and offences : wée daylye returne vnto him againe by true repentaunce , faithe and amendment of life , nothing doubting of his great & vnmeasurable mercy towards vs .

They fal away from christ Who falleth away from Christe . the vtterly forsake him & refuse him to be their sauiour , & neuer returneth vnto him againe to obtaine his mercy , but are becom plain Apostataes , vtterlye forsaking the christian faith making but a mocke of Christe , perseuering in their obstinate Apostasie & vnbeléefe , euen till their liues end : as did Iudas the 1. Tim. 1. 2. Tim. 4. traitor ▪ Iulianus Apostata Simon Magus , Porphirius , Hymeneus and Alexander the Coppersmith .

Secondarily ▪ as touching the saying & thretning of Christ , saying : He that denieth me before men , I shall Math. 10. deny him before my father .

It is to be considered that al the terrible thretnings that are in the holy scripture threatned against great sinners , are threatned conditionally , A good and general rule to be noted . that is to saye : if the sinners do not truely repent and return vnto God by Faith & amendmente of life , this plague and punishment or that , shall light vpon them . But if they at the Preaching , reading , or hearing of Gods holy woord , doo repent & return vnto God , by faith & godly life , then that Plague threatned shall not once touch them .

Example by the Niniuites vppon whome Ionas Gods Minister and preacher , Ionas . 3. ( or rather God by him ) pronounced this terrible iudgement , saying : There are yet Forty daies , and then shall Niniuye bee ouerthrown . But there , as the Scripture sayth : the people of Niniuy beleeued God and earnestly repented them of their greate sinnes , and so was the sentence of GOD retracted , and the Citye saued and not ouerthrowne .

So likewise this terrible sentence of Christe : He that denyeth mee before men , I shall deny him before my Father , must néedes haue this condition ioyned A condition . with it : If he dooth not repent , neither return again :

But Peter did bothe repent and returne againe vnto Christe . For albeit his Faithe was weake and faynte , ( as was the faith of all the Apostles ) yet it was not vtterlye extincte . For Christe had saide vnto him before .

Symon , I haue praied for Luke . 22 . thee that thy faith faile not .

And in any wise take héede , and note this well : Christe said not : He that denyeth me , I shal denye him , though hee repente and return . But remember wel that Christ said : M 〈…〉 . 9.

I came not to call the righteous , but sinners to repentaunce . Peter therfore repented , and returned vnto Christ again , and so was receiued vnto grace and was saued .

Wherfore good Madam , in this hard Texts of S. Paule vnto the Hebrewes , way wel this condition : ( if they full away ) For they only fall away , which commit that moste horrible crime , which is called in the holy Scripture , The sinne vnto death , blasphemy against the spirit , and sinne against the holy ghost , which neuer shall be forgiuen , neither in this world , neither in the world to come .

Question . But héere it might be demaunded , what that sinne againste the holye Ghost is , and wherein it differeth from all other gréeuous sinnes . Answer . Wherunto I answere . That ther is difference in sins , it may cléerlye be gathered of Christes woordes , saying : I saye vnto you , Math. 12. All sinne and blasphemye shall be forgiuen vnto men , but the blasphemye againste the spirite shall not be forgiuen vnto men .

Loe , héer is the matter plainelye opened by our Sauiour Christe , what kinde of sinnes shall be forgiuen , and what neuer forgiuen . Blasphemye againste the spirite shall neuer bee forgiuen : all other sinne and Blasphemye shall bee forgiuen .

And Christe in sayinge : All sinne shall be forgiuen , compriseth both originall sinne , and also actuall sin .

Moreouer Christe speaketh héere of thrée sortes Three sorts of Sinnes . Sinne . . Blasphemy . Blasphemye against the Spirite . of sinnes . The first he calleth Sinne , the second Blasphemy , and the third Blasphemye againste the Spirite . Which the scripture also calleth , The sin vnto death , and the sinne against the holy ghost . These thrée kinds of sinnes , and the difference of euery of them , I intend by Gods helpe seuerallye to declare vnto you so breefelye as I can , and so for this time commit you vnto God , and firste , consider well what sinne is .

Sinne is euery wilfull disobedience , Act or déed , Sinne . . that is doon contrary vnto the Lawe and Commaundementes of God , without murmur , grudg or euill speaking , either against the Lawe , commaundementes , or God him selfe , that is the maker and giuer of the law .

As is Idolatrye , superstition , periurye swearing vnaduisedlye , breaking of the Holye Daye , dishonouring father and Mother , Murther , malice , hatred , enuy , wrath , strife , treason , sedition , slaunder , Whoredome , theft and such like .

All these and such other are called , and are indéed sinne so long as the dooers of them doo neyther murmur , repine , grudge nor speake euill againste God or his holye Lawe : neither allowe in their conscience the thing and euil that they doo , but rather doo vtterlye disalow , accuse and condemn in their owne conscience those their owne damnable actes , as euill and detestable .

The seconde kinde of Sinne is Blasphemye : marke it well , and consider howe it differeth first from sinne , and then from the sinne againste the holy ghost . Blasphemy .

Blasphemye is more haynouse then is sinne alone , for all blasphemye is sinne , but all sinne is not blasphemye . For trueth it is , that blasphemye compriseth in it selfe bothe sinne , and also a murmure , grudge , reuiling , euill speaking , slander and reproche of God and Godlynes , but it is alwaye coupled with ignoraunce and vnbeleefe , and proceedeth not of such obstmate malice as continueth to the ende of the life , as doth the sinne against the holy Ghost . In this sinne of Blasphemy S. Paule offended before his conuersion vnto the faith of Christ Iesu . For thus he speaketh of him selfe .

Before , I was a blasphemer , and a persecutor , and a Tyrant , but I obtained mercy , because I did it ignorauntlye in vnbeleefe . Loe , heere it is plain and euident , that this blasphemye , though it be a greate offence , yet it is remissible and forgiueable , and is not excluded from Grace and mercy , because it procéedeth of Ignoraunce , and not ●f knowledge , nor of obstinate malice , that dooth endure to the liues end . Neither is it the sin vnto death : and therfore we maye lawfullye praie for such blasphemers . As S , Iohn saith : If any man 1. Iohn . 5. see his Brother sin a sin , that is not vnto death , let him ask and he shall giue him life .

In this simple blasphemy ( for so we may cal it ) many of the Iewes offended , taking Christe to be nothing lesse , then the Sonne of Dauid or Messias , because his parents were very poore , and him selfe supposed to be but a poore Carpenters Sonne , which bare but a simple port in the worlde . Yea , and some of them that crucified Christe , were ouerwhelmed in this simple blasphemy . And therfore Christe prayed for them , saying : Father forgiue Luke . 23. them , for they know not what they doo . So Peter in his Sermon excused the crucifiers of Christe , saying . Now deare brethren I knowe that you haue doon it thorough ignoraunce . &c. Repent you therfore and returne , Acts. 3. that your sinnes may be doon away .

So did S. Steuen also praye for his persecutors , whom before he called Stifnecked , aduersaries Acts , 7. of the holy ghost , Traytours and murtherers of Christe . Doubtlesse he would not haue praied for than so ear nestly , vnles their sinnes had bin forgiueable . And therefore their sinne and offence was no more but simple blasphemy .

The thirde kinde of Sinne , is Blasphemye against the Spirite .

They committe blasphemye againste the spirite , or sinne againste Blasphemy against the Spirite . the Holye Ghoste , which willinglye , vpon knoweledge , and aduisedly contrarie to their owne conscience doo denye , forsake , impugne , slaunder , reuile , and persecute the plaine , open , manifeste , and knowne trueth , stifly , maliciouslye , and obduratly , perseuering and continuing without vnfained repentance in that their wilful blindnes and obstinat malice so long as they liue in this worlde . As did Pharo , Saul , Herod Iudas the traitor , Iulianus Apostata , Porphirius , Himeneus and Alexander the Coppersmith , with other .

But mark this diligentlye that we can not ( as farre I can perceiue ) certainly iudge of these Blasphemers againste the spirite before the time of theire departure out of this present life : because we cannot certainelye knewe , whether at the ende of their life they can repent and by faith returne and take hold of the mercy of God or not .

We maye coniecture , Coniecturare vncertaine . but wee cannot as I suppose ) certainlye define of them . Let vs consider that the théefe that hung on the righte hande of Luke . 23. Christe , euen at the last houre , repented him with a strong and Faithefull prayer , committed him selfe wholy vnto the mercy of Christ , and was saued . In consideration whereof , let vs thinke it to be our bounden duetye ( as the Prophets , Christ and his Apostles did ) to reuoke and calback againe open sinners and blasphemers to earnest repentance for their owne sinfulnes , and to haue a sure truste in the mercy of God , and in the merite of Christes passion and death , thogh they bee euen at the departure out of this present life . For it is neuer too late so long as life lasteth . Let vs therefore with all feruentnesse call vppon them and exhorte them in any wise , with a good courage and a sure and vndoubtfull Fayth : aske , call and crye for gods mercy , for his sweet sonne our sauiour Iesus Christes sake : and vndoubtedly they shal haue it . For sith the beginning of the Worlde hitherto was there neuer one that in faith asked mercy hartelye , but hee had it , thorow the gracious goodnesse of our aforesayde merciful Sauiour Iesus Christ , vnto whom with the Father and the holye Ghost , be all Lawde and Praise , worlde without end .

Amen .

An aunswer vnto a godly Merchants letter , wherin is plainlye opened the true way of confessing our sinnes .

THE grace and peace of GOD , bee giuen vnto you , thorough Iesus Christe , &c. Whereas in your last Letters , to mee moste Trustye and assured Freende , you instantlye desired me to write vnto you , what I haue read and learned in holye Scripture , touching The Confession of Sinnes . Truelye Sir this your reasonable request , I woulde , if I were able right gladly satisfie .

But as you know , I am farre vnable to pen this matter according to the woorthinesse therof .

Neuerthelesse , when I consider with my selfe , how muche I am bounden to you , for your louing kindenesse dayly shewed to my poore kinsefolke and freendes in England , I can-not but thinke it to bee my bounden duetye somewhat to gratifye you againe . And albeit that ignoraunce , rudenesse of stile , and lacke of learning plucketh mee backe from the handling of this matter , yet the consideratione of youre greate discretion and gentlenesse pricketh me forwarde to attempte what I can doo therein . Certes , I nothing doubte , but that you will gentlye accept my simple rudenesse , good will , and endeuour in this behalfe , no lesse then if the matter were Gloryouslye garnished with Eloquence , and set foorthe with the moste profitable perswasions of the freshest Philosopher or Rethoritian in bothe Vniuersities in England , I truste you will credite and imbrace the truethe though it bee neuer so basely and homelye written or declared vnto you . For the trueth shall abide and flourish , when al prophane painted perswasions , and fond pharisaic all phantasies shall vanish awaye , and be scattered abroad as drye dust before a whirle wind . Wherfore to keepe you no longer from this matter , I shall by Gods grace , so breefelye as I can declare vnto you , what I haue learned & read in holye scripture , concerning this article , of confession of sinnes . And that is this that followeth .

Of Confession of Sinnes .

THE holie scripture , doothe diuerslye in sundry places set forth & treat of the Confession of sinnes . In some places it maketh mencion of a general and A generall Confession sollemn Confession openly made of all the People being assembled and gathered togeather , at the appointment , calling and exhortation of their high Magistrate , Byshoppe , Curate , or publique Minister of Gods Woorde .

The cause thereof was commonlye some greate plague , vengeance or punishment , wherwith God scourged them for theire sinfull , hainous , and abhominable offences , committed and doon by them and their forefathers , example thereof we haue in the second booke of Esdras , where it is thus written .

In the foure and twenty ●eem . 9. day of this moneth , came the Children of Israell together with fasting and sackclothes , and earth vpon them , and seperated the seede of Israell from all the straunge Children , and stoode and knowledged their sinnes and wickednesses of their fathers , & stoode vp in their place , and read in the booke of the Law of the Lord their God , foure times on the daye , &c. And after a solemne rehearsall of the iudgementes , and greate mercifulnesse of God declared in holye scripture : they conclude thus saying : Thou ( O God ) art righteous in al that thou haste brought vpon vs , for thou haste doone right . As for vs , wee haue beene vngodlye , and our Kinges , Princes , Preestes and Fathers haue not doon after thy Law , nor regarded thy commaundements & thine earnest exhortations , wherwith thou hast exhorted them , & haue not serued thee in thy Kingdome , & in thy greate goods that thou gauest them &c. and are not conuerted from their wicked works . Beholde , therefore are wee in bondage this day . Yea , euen in the lande which thou gauest vnto our Fathers to enioye the Fruites and goodes therof , beholde , there are we bondmen , &c.

Loe , Héere is a solemne open Confession . Would God that this example of publique Confession of sinnes , were well practised through out all Christendome , namely at this day , séeing that the plagues of God doo daily increase more and more vpon vs , our sinful liues & abhominations iustlye deseruing the same and much more .

There are also thrée Three more sort of confeson of sins . more sortes of Confession of sinnes . declared in the holy Scriptures .

The first is secret confession of sinne only vnto God .

The second is an open confession before men .

The third is a priuate and secret confession made vnto man . Confessio● vnto God only .

As touching the firste , it is an humble and lowly confession of sins , made vnto God , euen from the hart . As when a sinner examineth his life by the commandements of God , & so findeth his conscience burdned and encombred with sinne , and feeleth thereby what danger of damnation that he is in : this feeling of his sicke conscience wil greatly moue him to séeke a Phisition . And when hée perceiueth that there is no medicine will heale his disease but onely the mercye of God , he will not cease to make all the suite that hee can to obtaine it . Hee will without any delaye prostrate him selfe before God , and with an humble , lowlye , and contrite hart & minde acknowledg him selfe gréeuouslye to haue offended his Godlye maiesty , in thought , consent , delectation , woorde , and déede . He will neuer leaue off his lamentable suite and faithfull praier and requeste of this his bountifull mercye , till he obteine it . The swelling rage of his putrified conscience will neuer be asswaged , till the precious oyle of Gods mercy haue suppled it , mittigated it , quieted it , and vtterly cured and healed it . Of this maner of confession the holye Scripture doth many times treate , both by plaine authoritye and examples . By authority . If we knowledge our sinnes Authoritie . 1. Iohn . 1. ( saith S. Iohn ) God is faithfull and iuste to forgiue vs our sinnes , and to clense vs from all vnrighteousnesse .

Examples there bee manye . Of which I will at this time content my selfe with two or three . King Dauid féelinge the Dauid . intollerable burthen of his sinnes , cryed out saying .

Haue mercy vpon me ( O God ) after thy greate goodnesse , Psal , 51. and according vnto thy great mercies , doo awaye mine offences . Washe me againe from my wickednesse , and clense me from my sinne . For I knowledge my faultes , and my sinne is euer before me . Against thee onlye againste Psal. 24. thee haue I sinned , for thy names sake ( O Lord ) be mercifull vnto my sinne , for it is great ,

The Publican also The Publicane . Luke . 18. saith : Be mercifull ( O God ) to me a sinner ,

This confession and knowledging of our sins vnto God if with a contrite and sorrowfull hart it be doone in faith , God ( which knoweth the secretes of euerye mans minde ) will accepte and allowe , though the repentant sinner vttereth not one woorde with his mouth .

Example of the sinfull The sinfull woman . Luke . 7. woman , that came vnto Christe . She spake nothing , but wepte , and lowlye fell down at christes féete , and washed them with the teares of her Eyes , and dryed them with the haires of her heade , and annoynted them with oyntement .

All which thinges were euident witnesses of her true and vnfained repentance of her sinnes , and fruites of her sure faith , that she had in Christes goodnesse . For whose comfort Christe saide , thy sinnes are forgiuen thee , thy Faith hath saued thee : goe thy way in peace . This earnest confession of sinnes vnto God should euerye Christian , daylye practise and exercise vnfaynedlye .

Of this aforesaide confession to God , springeth out the Confession of our owne sinfulnesse before men .

For he that felt a taste of the mercye of God , as hée shall sée occasion to Confession of sinnes before men . glorifie God by his example , will not be ashamed either priuatelye before one man , or openlye before manye men , yea , thoughe all the whole worlde were present , to confesse him selfe to haue béene an horrible , transgressour of Gods Holye commaundementes . He will nothing doubte , but that hée with this his meeke Confession , shall muche glorifie God , and mooue the Hearers by his example , to abhorre sinne , and chaunge their euill life . Of this , wée haue an euidente example in Gods chosen vessel . S. Paule , which after his conuersation vnto the faith of Christe , was not ashamed many times , openlye to confesse before Act. 22. 16. men , what an vnmercifull Tirant & vngratious graft he was against the Holye Congregation of christe , before his conuertion to the Faithe . This thinge also ashamed hée not to write and set forth to the whole world , sayeing : I am not woorthy to be 1. Cor. 15. 1. Tim. 1. called an Apostle , because I persecuted the congregation of God . And in an other place he sayth : I was a blasphemer and a tirant , &c And after Christ Iesus came into the Worlde to saue sinners , of whom I am cheefe .

This example of Saint Paule verye fewe of the Papistes in Englande haue followed , vnlesse it Few of the Papists of England follow this example . were by constrainte , for feare of bodilye punishment . And therefore for my parte , I suspect them to remaine Papistes still in their heartes . For if they had vnfainedlye abhorred Papistrye , they woulde after this example of S. Paul with al their harts , haue confessed themselues to be deceiued , and also to haue with false doctrin deceiued the people , and therfore haue openly and hartelye asked them mercye for the same : by dooing wherof doubtlesse , they shoulde very muche haue glorified God .

The thirde manner of Confession of sinnes is a priuate Confession to man . And that is of two sortes . The fi●ste is for the direction , establishement and comforte of a mans owne Conscience Priuat confession of sin is needful to many for knowledg , counsell and comfort . towardes God . The other is touching the reconsiliation and confession of a mans faulte and trespasse to his Neighbor whome he hath offended . And as touching the first waye of priuate Confession to man , I thinke it is a good and holesome maner and fashion conuenient and néedefull to be vsed and obserued of manye of Gods People for three causes , that is , for knowledge , counsell , and for comfort .

Firste for knowledge : For knowledge . as when a simple man or woman that hath heard little or no preaching of Gods woorde , by reason wherof they haue almost no knowledge of God or his Commaundementes , neither of the profession of Baptisme , neither of faith , neither haue they in a manner any knoweledge at all of the way of Saluation by Christes death . Is it not needefull ( thinke you ) for suche ignoraunte Personnes to hunte and séeke out some discrete and learned minister of Gods woorde , and to acknowledge vnto him their greate ignorance , and to require at his mouth the knowledg of the Lawe of the Lord , and of the waye of saluation ? Is it not written ,

That the Priestes lippes Malac. 2. shoolde be sure knowledge , that men maye seeke the law at his mouth , for he is a messenger of the Lord of hostes ? It is méete therefore that Préestes shoulde haue good knowledge in Gods woorde , for they are appointed to be shepheards ouer the flock of Christe , to féed the soules of gods People with the delicate food of Gods woord , & specially with the holy bread of life Christe Iesu , that came down from heauen to saue al his people from their sinnes . But alas for pitie , the spirituall shéepeheardes in many places of the world , and speciallye in England are verye rude , vnlearned , and vnable to teache other men , because they themselues lacke the knowledge and righte vnderstandinge of the holye Scriptures . For how should they teach others , béeing vnlearned themselues ? Doubtelesse it hath beene hearde of , in not a fewe places of England , that the Parishioner hath beene better learned in holye Scripture then the Parson or Vicar , which thinge is muche to bée lamented : Is it not a greate shame , It is very strange that the sheepe should haue more wit & learning , then the sheepheard . yes , it is vtterlye against nature , that the Sheepe should be wiser and better learned than the sheephearde . But no men are so muche in this behalfe to be blamed , as the Byshoppes : partelye for admitting such doltishe dodipoles to the office of the ministrye : and partelye for the instituting to fat beneficies , and to the cure and charge of Christian soules , so many vnlearned Idyotes , which neither can nor will féede them with the Spirituall foode of Gods woord . Our Lord redresse this matter . Amen .

Secondarily , this priuate Confession is verye For counsel needefull for Counsell , speciallye for suche persons , whose consciences are encombred with scrupulouse Superstition of meates , vowes , or with perplexed doubts in causes of matrimonye , of restitution of wronge gotten , or withholden goods : of reconciliation , and such other : Or else , if they bee sore assaulted with diuers temptations of their ghostly enemy the deuill , and knowe no remedyes how to auoyde them . In all these and suche like doubtfull cases , whome ought they rather to goe vnto , and aske counsell , then of the heardman of their Soules ? In worldelye affaires and businesse which waye a man maye defend his righte tytle of enheritaunce , and howe he maye ouerthrowe his aduersarye that woulde doo him wrong , men will spare for no laboure nor cost , but will retaine of their counsel the best lear nedmen of law that they can get : muche more in spirituall matters for the soules health , oughte euery true Christian to seeke for the beste learned and discret este Ministers of Gods woorde , to satisfie their consciences in doubtfull causes , and to shewe them apte remedies for the auoiding of their sundrye temptationes of their ghostlye enemye the Deuill . For if hee bee a good Spirituall Phisition , he will minister vnto the patient a conuenient medicine for the healing of his spirituall sicknes & disease . And the patients duety ( if he wil recouer his health ) is no lesse then thankfully and obedientlye to imbrace & receiue the wholsome counsel of his spirituall Physition . For the wise man Pro. 22. saith : He that is wise will be counselled . When Iohn the Baptist preached in the desart ▪ the people came vnto Math. 3. him from Ierusalem , and all the regions round about Iordan , confessing their sinnes .

And the Publicanes came also to be baptised , and saide vnto him : Maister , what shall we doo ? Loe Luke . 3● heere the Publicanes , which were verye extorcioners and bribers , at the Preaching of Iohn the baptist , came vnto repentaunce , and calling him Maister , asked him counsell how they should order their liues . Then he like a discrete ghostly Father saide vnto them thus : Require no more then is appointed you . As though he shoulde saye : For as muche as héeretofore you haue beene extortioners and verye Caterpillers and bribers , and haue taken more of the poore people , for taske , tribute and custome then you ought to haue doon . Now séeing you are conuerted and become the disciples of the heauenlye doctrine , you muste with all diligence change your euill life vnto a better , and oppresse the people no longer , but take your appoynted duetyes and no more . So likewise the souldiers also asked him and saide : What shal we do then ? And hée sayde vnto them : Do no man violence nor wrong , and be content with your wages , &c.

If the same trade were likewise had in vse amonge vs that are now liuing , so that when soeuer wee were encombred with any gréeuous temptation , or entangled or ouerthrowne in the same if wee euen then as soone as wée coulde possible would consulte with our souls phisition , to knowe which waye wée mighte best auoyde the temptation héereafter , were it not a godlye fashion and woorthy praise and commendation ?

Example : If a young An Example . man béeing sore tempted vnto Whordome , and manye times ouercome of his temptation , hath yeelded and giuen him selfe ouer vnto the Deuill for that time , committing the very act of filthie Whordome and adulterye : If he ( I saye ) vpon the consideration of his own damnable state that he standeth in , would goe vnto a discrete , godlye , and well learned Preacher of Gods woorde , and plainelye vtter vnto him his abhominable deedes in generall woordes , and aske his best counsell and aduise therin . Truly this Preacher would firste declare vnto him by Gods woord , what great daunger of eternall damnation that he then stoode in , and plainely tel him that God saithe in the Holye Scripture : That neyther Whoremongers nor adulterers shall inherite the Kingdome of God : And that God thretneth to Iudge and condemne both Adulterers and fornicatours . And so grounding him selfe vppon the Scripture and suche like , thereby beating into his Conscience , the feare of God ▪ he woulde 〈◊〉 him in any wise earnestlye repe●te him selfe of his greate sinne , and commit him self by earnest , faithfull , & continuall ▪ Praier , to the mercye of God in Christe Iesu . And in any wise without any dela●e , refuse that filthis and detestable fashion of liuing , or else , though he séemed neuer so much outwardli in this miserable worlde to flourishe , yet should he continually liue without the fauor of God , and vnder his great wrath and vengeance , not béeing in that state the seruante of God , but the diuels slaue & bondman , out of Gods Kingdom , and subiect to eternall death and damnation .

This thing earnestly How a great sinner should vse him self to recouer the fauour of God . heard , diligently waied , and déepelye from the verye he art considered : If this sinner were one of Gods flocke , at the hearing of this terrible sentence of the Lawe , hée would tremble & quake for feare , wéepe , wail and lament his horrible and detestable state , crye and cal incessantly for the vnspeakable mercye of God in Christe Iesu , trusting by his onelye meanes to obtain and get again the fauoure of God , which thorowe his carelesse disobedience he had lost .

And feather , he woulde humblye desire Counsell , which way he might best héerafter auoid that horrible crime of filthy whordome and adultery .

Then his discreete Preseruatiues against whordome . ghostlye father would exhorte him , in anye wise with al his due diligence , daily and continuallye to practise these whole some preseruations and moste present remedies against whordom . That is to say .

Firste , to eschue idlenesse , and alwaies be occupied in some honest labour and busines .

Then to auoid al occasions of euill , all suspect houses and wanton company .

Againe , to beware of filthye communication , wanton songs & histories of baudry & neither speak nor heare suche filthynesse .

Further , to vse sobrietye and temperaunce in the vse of meate , drinke , sleepe and apparell .

Moreouer , to be daily conuersante , with suche Persons , as are hothe chaste , honest , vertuous and godly .

Beside that , to remember dayly what painefull passion and death , Christ suffered for our sinnes , and filthy affections .

To consider also the certaintie and suddainnesse of death , and what a straite account and reckoning must be giuen of euery idle woorde : much more of filthye actes and vncleannesse .

But speciallye to vse daylye , faithfull and feruent suite , Praier and supplication vnto God , for the grations gifte of chastity and cleannesse of heart .

And finally if these ●e practised , and will not serue nor suffise , for the auoiding of Whordome , then in any wise to take a wife , for when all other remedies faile , that with the practising of the other will serue . For that is the moste present medicine , and natural remedy that God hath properly ordeined , to cure the disease of filthye concupiscence , whordome and adultrye , after the doctrine of S. Paule , which fayth : To auoyde Wh●●do me , let euerye man take his own wife , and 1. Corin. 7. euerye woman her own husband .

Thirdly , this priuate ●●●●lession , is chéefelye néedefull for them that are tormented in their Consciences , and are not fullye perswaded that their sinnes are forgiuen them , by reason whereof , they are halfe in desperation . These I say , haue muche néede of a discrete spiritual Phisition to comfort them . For vnlesse their , weak faith ●e staied and lifted vp by some comfortable restoratiues of the swéete promises of grace and mercy in Christs Iesu : it is to be feared , that their ghostly enemy Sathan , will shortlye bring them to desperation , and finallye to euerlastinge damnation . Therefore héere the discreece ●oule Phisition , will laboure with too the and nayle , to beate into this spirituall pacients minde & remembraunce , the most swéet , plain and euident promises of Gods aide and assistance , to be alway ready to them that aske it in faithfull praier . Wherfore it is verye néedefull to such weaklings in the Faithe , that are so sore brused in Conscience , to make all the haste that they can possible , to the Heardman of their souls , and plainely to open and acknowledge their gréefe vnto him , desiring to here of his mouth the comfortable promises of grace in Christe Iesu , to staye and lifte vp their weake and féeble Consciences .

Sainte Iames saythe : Pray one for another , that ye may bee healed . For ( saith Iames. 5. h● ) the feruente Prayer of a righteous Man anayleth much . If the praier of one godly person be of muche value , then is the prayers of two good Christians , agréeing togither in prayer , for any Godly purpose , of more value . For Christe sayth : If two of you shall agree vppon Math. 18. earth ( for what thing soeuer it bee that they desire , ) they shall haue it of my Father which is in Heauen . For where two or three are gathered together in my name , there am I in the middest among them . Marke that Christe sayth : If two of you shall agree vppon earth &c. And where two or three are gathéred togeather in my name , there am I present among them . And I pray you , is not this weake faythed person and his curate consulting of these matters gathered togeather in Christes name ? If they be ( as vndoutedly they are ) then is Christ in companye with them , by the assistaunce of his grace and presence of his God head . Againe , if they two , thus assembled doo agree to pray together to God , for the increace and establlshmēt of the fayth , of this Spirituall patient , then sayth Christe vnto them thus : If two of you shall agree vpon earth , ( for what thing so euer it be that they would desire ) they shall haue it of my Father which is in Heauen . Good Lord what a comfortable place of scripture is this ? For we may learn by it , that if there be but two persons gathered togither in Christes name ▪ for any good and godlye purpose , then is Christe presente with them ▪ And if they agrée to aske any godly requeste of God , they shall haue it graunted , what thing soeuer it bee ( saith Christ ) so it be a godly requeste contained within the lymits of faith & charity , and agréeing vnto 1. Iohn . 5. the will of God ▪ For ●● Iohn saithe : If we shall aske any thinge , according to his will he heareth vs .

But heere one will say : Obiection . Sir . me thinke you take the scriptures too straightly , if you would binde vs to confesse our faults only to a préest , or onely to our owne Curate .

For albeit S. Iames saith Iam. 5. Knoweledge your faultes one to another .

Yet he saith not one lay man vnto a Préeste , nor one Parishione● vnto his own Curate , and to no other : but he saith generally , one to an other . Therefore I thinke that I may aswell make my confession to anye other man , as vnto a Préeste , or vnto mine own curate .

Answere . Trueth it is , that thou mayest freelye chuse anye discreete Christian man , that is well learned in the holye Scripture , and resorte to him for learning , counsell , and comfort : but yet for all that , there is none so meete for thy purpose in that behalfe as thine owne Curate ( if he be no Papist , neither or corrupt iudgement in the scriptures , but be honest , discreete & well exercised in Gods holye woord ) For he is appointed of God to be heardman of thy soul : at whose mouth thou maiste lawfullye require learning , counsel and comfort , yea , hee is called and appointed of God to preach vnto thee , and to all other his Parishioners , both priuately and apertly , secretlye and openlye , the Gospell of Christ to comforte thy soule when néed is . Which preaching of What is the true absolution . Gods mercy , freely giuen to the faithful for Christs sake , what other thing is it , then the true absolution of their sinnes ? For what other thing is the priuate absolution of the préest , but a priuate or secret preaching of Christs Gospell . What can the Préeste more promise the sinner by his absolution , but therby to declare vnto him , that if hee repent him of his sinfull life , and vnfainedlye purpose to amend , reposing his whole faith , trust and confidence in the promises of grace and mercy in Christe Iesu , that then Gods trueth shall saue him for Christs sake ? Can he promise the sinner anye other thinge then to bee saued , if hée from the hart doo repent , beleeue , and purpose to walke in a newe life ? I think not . Resorte therefore to thine own Curate if he be honest , discréete , ( and well learned , as I saide before ) and thinke him to bee that person that is appointed of God , to minister Christs Gospell and his Sacraments vnto thee , at suche conuenient times , as shall be needefull to the comforte of thy troubled conscience .

There is also another kinde of priuate Confession , Confession of reconciliation . which may aptly be called , the confession of reconciliation . As when I haue offended my christian Brother , and haue prouoked him to anger : It is my bounden duetye , to reconcile my selfe vnto him , and to acknowledge my faulte , and desire of him forgiuenesse thereof . This Confession is no lesse than commaunded of Christ to be doone , & he estéemeth it so necessarye to be doone , that he profereth it , and will haue it doone before wée doo anye outwarde seruice , sacrifice , honour or woorship vnto him selfe . For this he saith : If thou offerest thy gifte at the Altar , and there remembrest that thy brother hath oughte againste thee , leaue there thine offering before the Altar , and goe thy way first , and reconcile thy selfe to thy brother , and then come did offer thy gift .

L●● , h●●re may we see that Christe so muche regardeth the attonement of them that are at variante , & the mutuall redresse of charitye , vnitye , peace , and concorde betweene them , that hee will haue that doone before we shall ●●● allowed of him to doo any acceptable seruice or outward woorshippe vnto him . And truelye I am muche afraide , that the transgressing of this commaundement of Christe , wil condemne almoste all the whole world , because there is so muche breache of Charitye , and so little regard of mutuall reconciliation and attonement .

Howe be it , they that are of God , regenerated by his holye spirite , will be verye circumspect and take good héede that they giue no iuste occasion of anger vnto their neighbour . But if they chance at any time ( as all men are fraile ) by their occasion to offend and greeue their euen Christian : yet they wil seeke all meanes to their possible power , and with al the spéed that they can , to be reconciled again vnto them .

For who knowinge that he can by no meanes obtain Gods fauour , vnlesse he be at one with his neighbour , wil not in this poynte laye all worldlye shame apart , and ( submitting his obedience vnto the commaundemente of Christe ) goe to his neighbour , knowledg his fault vnto him , and humbly desire the forgiuenes of his tr●space ? Trulye he that vnfeinedly feareth God , and intendeth earnestly● to auoide his displeasure will not sticke to do● this godly woork , but wil be glad to do it and much more .

Also , I think it not vnprofitable for you , if I inserte the Iudgemente of some of the Auncient Fathers touching the Confession of sinnes .

Chrysostome sayth , I say not vnto thee , that thou Chrysostom vpon the 12. to the Heb. the 31. Homely . shouldest bewray thy selfe abroade openlye , neither yet accuse thy selfe before other . But I will that thou obaye the Prophet , which saythe , Shewe vnto the Lord thy waye , ( that is , thy maner of liuing ) therfore confesse thy sinnes before God , Confesse thy sinnes before the true Iudge , with praier for the wrong that thou hast d 〈…〉 e , not with thy tongue , but in the memorie of thy conscience ; And then at last beleeue , that thou mayest get mercye ; if thou haue them continuallye in thy minde , thou shalte neuer keepe anye euill in thine heart , against thy neighbour .

And furthermore saith Chrisostome , If thou be ashamed Chrisostom vpon the 56 Psalme . to tell anye man thy sins , tel them daylye to thy soule ; I say not to thee that thou shouldest confesse thee vnto thy fellowe seruaunt , that hee might rebuke thee for them , tell thy sins vnto God , which healeth them , and if thou doo not tell him them , he knoweth them , for hee was by when thou diddest them . Chrisostom vpon the in comprehensible nature of God in the 5. Hom.

Again he saith , I desire and pray you , most deare brethren , to confesse you ofte vnto the immortall God ; and after that yee haue reckoned vp your sinnes , aske forgiuenesse and that God will bee mercifull . I doo not lead thee into the common Hause of thy fellowe seruants ; I compell thee not to open thy trespasses vnto men , rehearse thy conscience before God , declare and open thy selfe . Shewe thy woundes vnto the moste excellent Phisition , and aske of him a medicine . Shew vnto him that will vpbraide thee of nothing , but wil most gentlye heale thee .

It is the office of God onelye to quicken within , and to take awaye sinne , which faithe by the Prophet Cyrillu● vpon Iohn the 11. Chapter . I am hee that putteth away your iniquities .

And the same Cyrill saith vpon Iohn , in the ●0 . Chap. and in the 12. Booke 56. Doubtlesse it beelongeth onelye vnto God to bee able to loose men from sinnes , for to what other man is it lawefull to deliuer and quite the breakers of the Lawe from sinne , but to him that is the Auctor of the Lawe . And it followeth :

For when they forgiue and holde , the spirit which dwelleth in them , forgiueth & holdeth thorough them .

It app●rtaineth onlye to God to forgiue sinnes , Ambrose vpon the l●tter of the Corinth●ans 12. Chapter . and to giue the Holye Ghoste if God haue the effecte and ende of our health , man can haue no praise in this thing . And the same Ambrose saith : The woorde of God forgiueth sinnes , the Preest is the Iudge . And the same Ambrose sayth : He alone ▪ forgiueth sinnes , which alone dieth for our sinnes . Austen in the b●oke of wholesome teachings .

● . Austen sayth : All euill vices oughte to bee far awaye from vs , whiles Christe will be our heritag● ▪ Therefore because that we be vncertaine of ●●che thinges , let vs fall downe lowlye in the sight of our onlye Sauiour , and let vs bring foorthe our sinnes roundlye at once that our heauenlye Father maye take them away , and when wee haue confessed vs , let vs not iustifie our selues in our Prayer , least we goe away condemned as the Pharisee did . Let vs remember the Publicane , and let vs praye , so that wee maye deserue to get forgiuenesse of our sinnes ▪ let the crying of our hart beat and ascende vnto the ●ares of almightye God For with a pure mind he will be pleased in the time of Prayer .

It is not now necessary Chrisostom in a sermon of Confession and repentance . to confesse , other beeing presente , which mighte heare our Confession ; let the seeking oute of thy sinnes be in thy thought , let this Iudgemente bee without the presence of any bodye , let onlye God see thee , making thy confession . God which dooth not vpbraide thee for thy sinnes , & cast them in thy teethe : but loseth them for thy Confession .

Goe and shew thee to a Preeste , &c. who is the Ambrose in the third Sermon , vppon Beat● imaculat● . true Preest , but he that is a Preeste for euermore ? after the order of Melchisedech .

What haue I to doo Austen in the tenth booke of Confession in the third Chapter . with men ? that they should heare my Confessions , as though they should heale all my diseases ? Heere is a curious and a busie kinde of 〈…〉 , to knowe another mans life : and a slowe sorte to amende there owne . Wherfore seeke they to heare of me what man I am , which will not heare of thee ( O Lorde ) what they be .

Christe could not haue Theophelactus vpon Luke , in the first Chapter . beene knowne any other waye , but by forgiuing the people their sinnes , for it is the office of God to forgiue sinnes .

Of a surety it belongeth to the vertue of Christe to deliuer men from the Chrysostom vpon the fifth chap. of Mathew fifteen Homely . filthinesse of sinnes , but that they fall not againe a freshe into them , it perteineth to the cure and laboure of the Apostles . And Chrisostome , vppon the .viij. Chapter , in the liij . Homilye sayth : The bondage of sinne is moste greeuous , & from it onlye God can deliuer vs . For no man hath power to forgiue sinne , saue onlye God .

We are reconciled and Austen in his booke called Enchiridion , the 32. chap. brought in fauour againe with God thorow Christe which is the mediatour , that of Enemyes wee might be made Sonnes . And in the xix . Chapter . Neither shoulde wee bee deliuered thorowe him as 〈…〉 lye the mediatoure of God and man , Christ Iesus , if hee were not also God . But when Adam was made , that is to wit , a righte man , hee needed no mediatour . But when as sinne did seperate and sunder mankinde far from God , we must be brought in fauoure againe with God , by a mediatour and a meane which was onelye borne without sinne ▪ liued and was slaine , vnto the rising agayne of the fleshe and to euerlasting life .

Beware thou shew any Chrisostom of Lazarus in the 4. Sermon . man thy sinnes , leaste hee cast them in thy teeth , and reuile thee for them . Neither doo thou confesse thee vnto thy fellowe-seruaunt , that hee mighte tell thy faultes abroade , but to him which is the Lord and Maister , which also suffered for thee , to him that is kinde and gentle , and then shewe thy woundes vnto him , which is a Physition . And a little after he saith : God will that thou shouldst tel , not that thou shouldst be punished , but be released and iustified ,

Seeing that wee knowe Chrisostom of repentance in the fourth Homely . these thinges , let vs alwaies flee for succour vnto God , which bothe will and maye take awaye all our greefes and sinnes . If at any time wee must get anye thing of men , by praier , we must first meete with the Porter , and entise the flatterers , the iesters , and the Plaiers , and Skoffers , and oftentimes goe a greate waye . There is no such● thing in God , ye may easily get by praier of him , hee will graunt you your petitions and Prayers without any money or cost .

Saint Ambrose saith : Peter mourned and wept , because hee erred as a Ambrose vpon Luke . man . I finde not what hee sayde , I knowe that hee wept , I reade of his teares , but I reade not of his satisfaction .

Thou needest no helpers nor Aduocates with God , neither anye greate Chrisostom in the Homely of the going forward of the Gospell . running about to flatter other men , but thoughe thou bee alone , and haste no Patrone or Aduocate , and makest thy Prayer thy owne selfe vnto God , doubtlesse thou shalt obtaine thy purpose . For God dooth not so easilye heare when other praieth for vs , as when wee praye our selues , although wee be full of muche euill and vnrighteousnesse .

Thus haue I declared vnto you after my slender gifte of knoweledge bothe the Iudgement of the Aunciente Fathers of the Primitiue church , and what I haue read & learned in holye Scripture , touching the confes 〈…〉 of sinnes .

Besides al these former fortes of confession , there was also vsed in the primati●e Church , an open Confession , which they that had béene excommunicated Another Confession for greate and ha●nous sinnes , made before the whole congregation at such time as they were restored againe to the same . But because this is now out of vse ( it is the more to be lamented ) I will héere speake no more of it . But wheras in the latter ende of your letters , you instantlye desired me to write vnto you , what I thinke of the eare Confession , that is so straitlye commaunded among the papistes . Truelye to vtter my Conscience plainelye vnto you in few woordes : Abuses of eare Confession . I thinke it bringeth manye a simple soule to the hazarde of damnation . For doubtlesse there are manye shamefull abuses therein , of which I wil ( by the grace of God ) rehearse two or thrée which are intollerable .

First , it is commaunded of necessity . Through which abhominable commaundement , the simple common people ( for lacke of good instruction ) thinke ( for so are they deceiued by false teaching ) that without eare confession , they cannot bee saued , So this opinion of necessitye of the one partie , and the compulsarye lawes made of stincking Papists for the maintenance of the same , on the other partye , ( I knowe this certainlye ) bringeth very manye to perplexed and doubtfull straites of conscience , which ( if it be not in time remoued by the sw●te promises of grace i●●hrist ) will doubtlesse d●ine than to desperation .

Secondarilye , it is no 〈…〉 le bondage of Christ●n ●eus consciences to ●empell the● to number ●ll their sinnes particularly , with al due circumstances of time , person and place : and how many times euerye sin was committed . Which opinion perswaded to the vnlearned People , is not vnlike to bring many of their soules vnto the diuells daunger . For they thinke themselues bounden in Conscience ( for so are they coruptly taught ) to confesse euerye sin perticularlye by it selfe , and ●● open and declare to their ghostlye father , euerye circumstaunce of the same . And yet sometime for feare , and sometime for shame , they confesse not all , but concealeth and hideth some offence . Which not confessed oppresseth their weake and féeble Consciences , sometime thrée or foure yeeres or more , and so all that space they thinke themselues because of that concealemente to bee in the state of damnation , and quite out of Gods fauor . And manye times ( if the thinge were thorowelye knowne ) it is scantlye so waighty a matter , as the eating of an egge vpon a Fridaye , so deepelye are the Popishe traditions printed in their tender Consciences , estéeming the breache of them to be a greater offence , than idolatrye , blasphemye , periurie ▪ theft , slaunder or any transgression of Gods holy commaundements . Whiche thinge oughte to make all the Babilonicall Bishoppes ashamed ( but that they are past all shame already ) because they suffer Gods people to be so drowned in ignoraunce , that they can not discern the commaundements of God , from the dirtye dregs of Papisticall traditions . And albeit the holy scripture alloweth these sorts of Confession that I haue spoken of before in this Epistle : yet for all that , the prowdest Papiste of them all , cannot finde in holye Scripture these woordes or sentences : To his owne Curate whatsoeuer he is : all Sinnes perticularlye : all circumstances : & such like trash . For all these are nothing else but Pedlarye patches of Papistrye . Which I pray God maye bee purged againe , and banished out of Christendome , and that shortlye .

Finally , beside the aforesaide abuses of eare Confession , the common sorte of people are therewith two manner of wayes deceiued . Firste , because they thinke , that their Confession is the cause of forgiuenesse of their sinnes : by reason whereof , they blotte out the blessed benefite of the passion and death of Christe our onely Sauiour : which is the onlye obtayner of Grace and Mer●ys , for the Sinnes of all mankinde Secondarilye , because they are fullye perswaded that the Penaunce , that is , that Fasting , Praier , or alme 〈…〉 enioyned them of their ghostlye Father , is the due satisfaction and full recompensation to God , equiuolente for their sinnes past , which they haue confessed to the Préeste : And so for lacke of knowledge and instruction , they are therin vtterlye deceiued . For sure it is , that to God , no man is able to satisfie for Sinne : for that satisfaction hath onlye our Sauiour Christ wrought in hys paynefull 〈◊〉 ●● ▪ but ●● will at this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them ouer 〈◊〉 .

Thus 〈◊〉 haue I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you of the Confession of sinnes , to declare vnto you my conscience and simple Iudgmente therein , according to your requeste in you : 〈◊〉 Letters , written vnto mée by NICHOLAS NERIN , from Roane in Fraunce , the eight day of IANVARIE . And ●● you accepte of my rude writing and collection in this matter : I shall by the grace of God doo mine endeuour likewise in other matters of holye Scripture , to shewe you heereafter my small and slender knowledge and iudgement . Thus the liuing God increace in you dayly more & more , faith , charitie , meekenesse , godlinesse and pacience . Amen .

From Copyn Hauen in Denmarke the 3. of Februarye . ¶ If you write againe to me write to Geneua , for thitherwards by Gods grace , I intend to goe shortly . Yours in the Lord . T. C.

〈◊〉 by Eaward Allde for Edward White , and are to be solde at the little North doore of S. Paules Church at the signe of the Gun .