CXI propositions concerning the ministry and government of the ChurchCXI propositions concerning the ministerie and government of the Church

104.

For thus he, In other Churches where either no Excommunication is in use, or tis not lawfully administered, and nevertheless without all controversy, it is confessed and openly taught, that it ought justly to be received and be of force in the Church: and a little after, Lest also your Highness by this new opinion do sever your self and your Churches from all other Churches, as well those which have not Excommunication, as those which have it; Forasmuch as all of them do unanimously confess, and always confessed that there is reason why it ought to be in use.

For thus he, In other Churches where either no Excommunication is in use, or tis not lawfully administred, and neverthelesse without all controversie, it is confessed and openly taught, that it ought justly to bee received and bee of force in the Church: and a little after, Lest also your Highnesse by this new opinion doe sever your self and your Churches from all other Churches, as well those which have not Excommunication, as those which have it; Forasmuch as all of them doe unanimously confesse, and alwayes confessed that there is reason why it ought to bee in use.

105.

To the same purpose it tendeth which the highly esteemed Philip Melanchthon in his Common places, chap. of civill Magistrates doth affirm: Before (sayeth he) I warned that civill Places and Powers are to be distinguished from the adhering confusions which arise from other causes, partly from the malice of the devil, partly from the malice of men, partly from the common infirmity of men, as it cometh to pass in other kinds of life and Government ordained of God. No man doubteth, that Ecclesiastical Government is ordained of God, and yet how many and great disorders grow in it from other causes. Where he mentioneth a Church Government distinct from the civill, and that jure divino, as a thing uncontroverted.