A68831:4894
The whole works of W. Tyndall, John Frith, and Doct. Barnes, three worthy martyrs,…The vvhole workes of W. Tyndall, Iohn Frith, and Doct. Barnes, three worthy martyrs,…
The whole works of W. Tyndall, John Frith, and Doct. Barnes, three worthy martyrs, and principal teachers of this Church of England collected and compiled in one tome together, being before scattered, [and] now in print here exhibited to the Church. To the praise of God, and profit of all good Christian readers.The vvhole workes of W. Tyndall, Iohn Frith, and Doct. Barnes, three worthy martyrs, and principall teachers of this Churche of England collected and compiled in one tome togither, beyng before scattered, [and] now in print here exhibited to the Church. To the prayse of God, and profite of all good Christian readers.
London: printed by John Daye, 1573London: printed by Iohn Daye, 1573
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
¶ Tripartita historia lib. 9. cap. 35. Verba Sozemeni.
¶ Tripartita historia lib. 9. cap. 35. Ʋerba Sozemeni.
Because it is known to be a divine thing and above mans nature never to sin, God commanded remission to be given to sinners that do repent. But they which refuse to acknowledge their sins, they heap unto themselves 1a greater burden of sins. Wherefore it seemed good to the ancient Bishops, that as it were upon a stage under the testimony of the Ecclesiastical people their sins should be opened. And for this purpose they appointed a Priest of good conversation, a wise man, and a keeper of secretes, unto whom they coming that had offended confessed their own sins. But he according to every mans offence assigned a penalty. Which custom also hitherunto is observed in the Western Churches & especially at Rome, where there is also a certain place appointed for repentant sinners. For the offenders stand amongest the penitents and mourners. For when as the holy celebration is a doing, they not participating the communion, prostrate them selves upon the earth with morning and lamentation, unto whom the Bishop repairing, he also prostrateth him self with spiritual tears and groaning, and all the common multitude in the Church fall on weeping. After this, first ariseth the Bishop and taketh up those which lay on the ground. Then when he hath competently prayed for them which have repented, he demiseth them all. But they of there own accord afflicting them selves, either with fasting, or abstinence from washing, or forbearing of meats, or by other like things which they be commanded, do look for the general day which the Bishop assigneth. The time being appointed and they having as it were fulfilled certain duties and tendered the penalty for their sin, then are they admitted to communicate with the people. And this custom, the ancient bishops of Rome have observed even until our days. Moreover at Constantinople there was a minister appointed to attend upon the penitent until that time, that a certain noble woman, when she had confessed her sins, and the minister had commanded her that she should fast and pray unto God with good works, when she had this observed, she confessed that she had often times lain with the Deacon. When the people