A short instruction for to arm all good Christian people against the pestiferous errors…A short instruction for to arme all good Christian people agaynst the pestiferous errours…

☞ We deny not, but that the excommunication is a good and holy policy: and not only profitable: but also necessary in the church. Moreover, that which this ingrate people do know of this matter, they learned of us: and by their ignorance or presumption they have corrupted the doctrine, which we on our behalf do purely teach. But briefly to void this article: I will declare where in we agree: and wherein they differ ••om us. As I have already said, we on our ⟨image 15⟩behalf do constantly teach, that excomm• nication ought to be in use, according as it was instituted by Jesus Christ: and we affirm that it is a necessary mean to conserve the church. Furthermore, as much as in us is, we do constantly procure and solicit, that it may be restored and practised as it ought to be: declaring that it is a great fault, & vice to be reproved, when it is not so done. In this thing then, the Anabaptists do not differ from us, it we did condemn excommunication or would make men believe, that it were a thing superfluous & unprofitable: or that we were of that mind, that we would it should have no place in the church: then might they have an occasion to murmur against us. But in this thing we agree well. Herein now lieth the strife: that they think that in every place, where this policy is not in his estate, or that it be not duly exercised, there is no church: & that it is not lawful for a christian man there to receive the supper. Therefore do they separate them selves from those churches, in the which, the doctrine of God is purely preached, taking this colour, that they will not be partakers of that pollution, which is done there: because those which have deserved, are not banished.