A Golden Chain

Thus much of general preparation. Now followeth the particular, which is in the time of sickness. And here first of all I will show what is the doctrine of the Papists, and then afterward the truth. By the popish order and practise, when a man is about to die, he is enjoined three things. First to make sacramental confession, specially if it be in any mortal sin; secondly to receive the Eucharist; thirdly to require his anointing, that is, the sacrament (as they call it) of extreme unction.

Thus much of generall preparation. Now followeth the particular, which is in the time of sicknes. And here first of all I will shew what is the doctrine of the Papists, and then afterward the truth. By the popish order and practise, when a man is about to die, he is inioyned three things. First to make sacramentall confession, specially if it be in any mortall sinne; secondly to receiue the Eucharist; thirdly to require his annoyling, that is, the sacrament (as they call it) of extreame vnction.

Sacramental confession, they term a rehearsal or enumeration of all mans sins to a priest, that he may receive absolution. But against this kind of confession, sundry reasons may be alleged. First of all, it hath no warrant either by commandment or example in the whole word of God. They say yes; and they endeavour to prove it thus: He which lies in any mortal sin, is by Gods law bound to do penance and to seek reconciliation with God; now the necessary means after baptism to obtain reconciliation, is the confession of all our sins to a priest. Because Christ hath appointed priests to be judges upon earth, with such measure of authority, that no man falling after baptism can without their sentence and determination be reconciled; and they can not rightly judge, unless they know all a mans sins: therefore all that fall after baptism are bound by Gods word to open all their sins to a priest. Ans. It is false which they say that priests are judges, having power to examine and take knowledge of mens sins, and jurisdiction whereby they can properly absolve & pardon or retain them. For Gods word hath given no more to man, but a ministry of reconciliation, whereby in the name of God, and according to his word, he doth preach, declare, and pronounce, that God doth pardon or not pardon his sins. Again, pardon may truly be pronounced, and right judgement of the estate of any man, without a particular rehearsal of his sins. For he which soundly and truly repents of one or some few sins, repents of all. Secondly, this confession is overturned by the practise of the Prophets & Apostles, who not only absolved particular persons, but also whole churches without exaction of auricular confession. When Nathan the Prophet had rebuked David for his two great & horrible crimes, David touched with remorse said,