d, but rather the better, and with more
ableness to do good. Further, we say, that the same law which by
constraint taketh away this liberty from men, and compelleth them against
their wills to live single, is the doctrine of devils, as Paul saith:
and, that, ever sithence the time of this law, a wonderful uncleanness of
life and manners in God's ministers, and sundry horrible enormities have
followed, as the Bishop of Augusta, as Faber, as Abbas Panormitanus, as
Latomus, as the tripartite work, which is annexed to the second tome of
the councils, and other champions of the Pope's band, yea, and as the
matter itself, and all histories do confess. For it was rightly said by
Pius the Second, Bishop of Rome, "that he saw many causes why wives
should be taken away from priests, but that he saw many more, and more
weighty causes why they ought to be restored them again."

* * * * *

We receive and embrace all the canonical Scriptures, both of the Old and
New Testament, giving thanks to our God, who hath raised up unto us that
light which we might ever have before our eyes, lest either by the
subtlety of man, or by the snares of the devil, we should be carried away
to errors and lies. Also that these be the heavenly voices, whereby God
hath opened unto us His will: and that only in them man's heart can have
settled rest; that in them be abundantly and fully comprehended all
things, whatsoever be needful for our salvation, as Origen, Augustine,
Chrysostom, and Cyrillus have taught: that they be the very might and
strength of God to attain to salvation: that they be the foundations of
the Prophets and Apostles, whereupon is built the Church of God: that
they be the very sure and infallible rule, whereby may be tried, whether
the Church do stagger, or err, and whereunto all ecclesiastical doctrine
ought to be called to account: and that against these Scriptures neither
law, nor ordinance, nor any custom ought to be heard: no, though Paul his
own self, or an angel from heaven, should come and teach the contrary.

* * * * *

Moreover, we allow the Sacraments of the Church, that is to say, certain
holy signs and ceremonies, which Christ would we should use, that by them
He might set before our eyes the mysteries of our salvation, and might
more strongly confirm our faith which we have in His blood, and might
seal His grace in our hearts. And these Sacraments, together with
Tertullian, Origen, Ambrose, Hierom, Chrysostom, Bas