The castle of comfort in the which it is evidently proved, [that] God alone…The castell of comforte in the whiche it is euidently proued, [that] God alone…

Here see we that the ministers of God's word, are not to be despised, for they are necessary instruments unto the health of men and they are worthy of double honour, as the Apostle sayeth. Therefore may it be concluded that the absolution of the¹ Priest is not too be despised, seeing it is none other thing, if it be a true and Christen absolution, than the preaching of free remission of our since in Christs name.² And although he y• planteth, be nothing & he that watereth be nothing, ⟨image 38⟩but God, which giveth the increase, again, albeit the Lord blesseth us with all spiritual benediction, yet inasmuch as the inestimable kindness & manifold benefits of God toward us can not be known nor believed without preaching (for faith cometh by hearing,³ and hearing by the word of God) therefore hath God appointed his ministers to open & declare unto men those excellent mysteries, those comfortable & joyful promises of Gods mercy and good will toward mankind, that they may perceive, learn and understand, what is given them of the Lord, what they ought to believe, how they should obtain the gifts of God, and lead a life worthy the kindness of so bounteous a father, God also hath appointed the ministers ⟨image 38⟩to beget men in Christ Jesus by the Gospel,⁴ too open the eyes of the blind, to turn them from darkness to light, to convert the hearts of fathers into children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous. He hath commanded them to preach repentance and remission of since in his name unto⁵ all nations, Go your way, sayeth he into the world universal, and preach the gospel to every creature.⁶ He that believeth and is baptised, shall be saved. He that believeth not shall be condemned. Moreover he hath given to his faithful ministers the keys of the kingdom