of his soul and be satisfied by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justifie many for he shall bear their iniquities V. 12. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great and he shall divide the spoil with the strong because he hath poured out his soul unto death and he was numbred with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors Heb. 7. 22. By so much was Jesus made a Surety of a better Testament Rom. 8. 32. He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him also freely give us all things 1 Pet. 1. 18 19. For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers V. 19. But with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot imputing his righteousness to them e 2 Cor. 5. 21. For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him and requiring nothing of them for their Justification but Faith f Rom. 3. 24 25. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ V. 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God which also is his gift g Eph. 2. 8. For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God their Justification is to them of free grace h Eph. 1. 7. In whom we have redemption through his blood the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace Q. What is justifying Faith A. Justifying Faith is a saving Grace i Heb. 10. 39. But we are not of them who draw back to perdition but of them who believe to the saving of the soul wrought in the heart of a Sinner by the Spirit k 2 Cor. 4. 13. We having the same Spirit of faith according as it is written I believed and therefore have I spoken we also believe and therefore speak Eph. 1. 17 18 19. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of glory may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him V. 18. The eyes of your understanding being enlightned that ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the Saints V. 19. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe according to the working of his mighty power and word of God l Rom. 10. 14. How then shall they call on him on whom they have not believed and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard and how shall they hear without a preacher whereby he being convinced of his sin and misery and of the disability in himself and all other creatures to recover him out of his lost condition m Act. 2. 37. Now when they heard this they were pricked in their hearts and said unto Peter and to the rest of the Apostles Men and brethren what shall we do to be saved Act. 16. 30. And brought them out and said Sirs What must we do to be saved Joh. 16. 8 9. And when he is come he will convince the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgement Of sin because they believe not in me Rom. 5. 6. For when we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly Eph. 2. 1. And you hath he quickned who were dead in trespasses and sins Act. 4. 12. Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved not onely assenteth to the truth of the promise of the Gospel n Eph. 1. 13. In whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the word of truth the Gospel of your salvation in whom also after ye believed ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise but receiveth and resteth upon Christ and his righteousness therein held forth for pardon of sin o Joh. 1. 12. But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name Act. 16. 31. And they said Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thine house Act. 10. 43. To him give all the Prophets witness that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins and for the accepting and accounting of his person righteous in the fight of God for salvation p Phil. 3. 9. And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is by the Law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith Act. 15. 11. But we believe that through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved even as they Q. How doth Faith justifie a Sinner in the sight of God A. Faith justifies a sinner in the sight of God not because of those other graces which do alwayes accompany it or of good works that are the fruits of it q Gal. 3. 11. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident for the just shall live by faith Rom. 3. 28. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law nor as if the grace of Faith or any act thereof were imputed to him for his justification r Rom. 4. 5. But to him that worketh not but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted for righteousness Compared with Rom. 10. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation but onely as it is an Instrument by which he receiveth and applieth Christ and his righteousness Å¿ Joh. 1. 12. But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name Phil. 3. 9. And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is by the law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith Gal. 2. 16. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by the faith of Jesus Christ even we have believed in Jesus Christ that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by the works of the law for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified Q. What is Adoption A. Adoption is an act of the free grace of God t 1 Joh. 3. 1. Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons
of the wicked are at death cast into hell where they remain in torments and utter darkness and their bodies kept in their graves as in their prisons till the resurrection and judgement of the great day Å¿ Luk. 16. 23 24. And in hell he lift up his eyes being in torments and seeth Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosome V. 24. And he cried and said Father Abraham have mercy on me and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue for I am tormented in this flame Act. 1. 25. That he may take part of this Ministery and Apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell that he might go to his own place Jude v. 6 7. And the Angels which kept not their first estate but left their own habitation he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgement of the great day V. 7. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha and the Cities round about them in like manner giving themselves over to fornication and going after strange flesh are set forth for an example suffering the vengeance of eternal fire t Job 19. 26 27. And though after my skin worms destroy this body yet in my flesh shall I see God V. 27. Whom I shall see for my self and mine eyes shall behold and not another though my reins be consumed within me Q. What are we to believe concerning the Resurrection A. We are to believe that at the last day there shall be a general resurrection of the dead both of the just and unjust t Act 24. 15. And have hope towards God which they themselves also allow that there shall be a resurrection of the dead both of the just and unjust when they that are then found alive shall in a moment be changed and the self same bodies of the dead which were laid in the grave being then again united to their souls for ever shall be raised up by the power of Christ u 1 Cor. 15. 51 52 53. Behold I shew you a mystery we shall not all sleep but we shall all be changed V. 52. In a moment in the twinkling of an eye at the last trump for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed V. 53. For this corruptible must put on incorruption and this mortal must put on immortality 1 Thess 4. 15 16 17. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord that we who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them who are asleep V. 16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout with the voice of the Archangel and with the trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first V. 17. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Joh. 5. 28 29. Marvail not at this for the hour is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice V. 29. And shall come forth they that have done good unto the resurrection of life and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation the bodies of the just by the Spirit of Christ and by vertue of his resurrection as their head shall be raised in power spiritual incorruptible and made like to his glorious body * 1 Cor. 15. 21 22 23 -42 43 44. For since by man came death by man came also the resurrection of the dead V. 22. For as in Adam all die even so in Christ shall all be made alive V. 23. But every man in his own order Christ the first fruits afterwards they that are Christs at his coming V. 42. So also is the resurrection of the dead it is sown in corruption it is raised in incorruption V. 43. It is sown in dishonour it is raised in glory it is sown in weakness it is raised in power V. 44. It is sown a natural body it is raised a Spiritual body Phil. 3. 21. Who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body according to the working whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself and the bodies of the wicked shall be raised up in dishonour by him as an offended Judge x Joh. 5. 27 28 29. And hath given him authority to execute judgement also because he is the son of man V. 28 Marvail not at this for the hour is coming in which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice V. 29. And shall come forth they that have done good unto the resurrection of life and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation Mat. 25. 33. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand but the goats on the left Q. What shall immediately follow after the resurrection A. Immediately after the resurrection shall follow the general and final judgement of Angels and men y 2 Pet. 2. 4. For if God spared not the Angels that sinned but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness to be reserved unto judgement Jude v. 6 7-14 15. And the Angels which kept not their first station but left their own habitation he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgement of the great day V. 7. Even as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities about them in like manner giving themselves over to fornication and going after strange flesh are set forth for an example suffering the vengeance of eternal fire V. 14. And Enoch also the seventh from Adam prophesied of these saying Behold the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his Saints V. 15. To execute judgement upon all and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him Mat. 25. 46. And those shall go away into everlasting punishment but the righteous into life eternal the day and hour whereof no man knoweth that all may watch and pray and be ever ready for the coming of the Lord z Mat. 24. 36-42-44 But of that day and hour knowes no man no not the Angels of heaven but my Father onely V. 42. Watch therefore for ye know not the hour when your Lord doth come V. 44. Therefore be ye also ready for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh Luke 21. 35 36. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth V. 36. Watch ye therefore and pray alwayes that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of man Q. What shall be done to the wicked at the day of judgement A. At the day of judgement the wicked shall be set on Christs
(l) 2 Cor. 7. 11. For behold this self same thing that ye sorrowed after a godly sort what carefulness it wrought in you yea what clearing of your selves yea what indignation yea what fear yea what vehement desire yea what zeal yea what revenge in all things you have approved your selves to be clear in this matter Isa 1. 16. Wash ye make ye clean put away the evil of your doings before mine eyes cease to do evil V. 17. Learn to do well seek judgment relieve the oppressed judg the fatherless plead for the widow Q. What are the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of Redemption A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of Redemption are his Ordinances especially the Word Sacraments and Prayer all which are made effectual to the Elect for salvation (m) Mat. 28. 19. Go ye therefore teach all nations baptizing them in â—he Name of the father and of the son and of the holy Ghost V. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and low I am with you alway even unto the end of the world Amen Acts 2. 42 -46 47. And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles Doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers V. 46. And they continuing daily with one accord in the Temple and breaking bread from house to house did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart V. 47. Praising God and having favour with all the people And the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved Q. How is the Word made effectual to salvation A. The Spirit of God maketh the reading but especially the preaching of the word an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners and of building them up in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation (n) Neh. 8. 8. So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly and gave the sense and caused them to understand the reading 1 Cor. 14 24. But if all prophesie and there come in one that believeth not or one unlearned he is convinced of all he is judged of all V. 25. And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest and so falling down on his face he will worship God and report that God is in you of a truth Acts 26. 18. To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them which are sanctifiâ—d by faith â—hat is in me Psal 19. 8. The statutes of the Lord are right rejoycing the heart the commandment of the Lord is pure enlightning the eyes Acts 20. 32. And now brethren I commend you to God and to the word of his grace which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified Rom. 15 4. For whatsoever things were written afore-time were written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope 2 Tim. 3. 15. And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus V. 16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine for reproof for correction c. V. 17. That the man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto good works Rom. 10. 14. 15. ver 14. How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard and how shall they hear without a preacher ver 15. and how shall they preach except they be sent c. and 1. 16. for I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth to the Iew first and also to the Greek Q. How is the Word to be read and heard that it may become effectual to salvation A. That the Word may become effectual to salvation we must attend thereunto with diligence (o) Pro. 8. 34. Blessed is the man that heareth me watching daily at my gates waiting at the posts of my doors preparation (p) 1 Pet. 2. 1. Wherefore laying aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisies and envies evil speakings V. 2. As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby and prayer (q) Psal 119. 18. Open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law receive it with faith and love (r) Heb. 4. 2. For unto us was the Gospel preached as well as unto them but the word preached did not profit them not being mixt with faith in them that heard it 2 Thes 2. 10. With all deceiveableness of unrighteousness in them that perish because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved lay it up in our hearts (Å¿) Psal 119. 11. Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee and practise it in our lives (t) Luk. 8. 15. But that on the good ground are they which in an honest and good heart having heard the word keep it and bring forth fruit with patience Iam. 1. 25. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty and continueth therein he being not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the word this man shall be blessed in his dealing Q. How do the Sacraments become effectual means of salvation A. The Sacraments become effectual means of salvation not from any virtue in them or in him that doth administer them but only by the blessing of Christ (u) 1 Pet. 3. 22. The like figure whereunto even Baptisme doth also now save us not the putting away the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience towards God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ Mat. 3. 11. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance but he that cometh after me is mightier then I whose shoes I am not worthy to bear he shall baptize you with the holy Ghost and with fire 1 Cor. 3. 6 7. I have planted Apollo watered but God gave the encrease V. 7. So then neither is he that planteth any thing neither he that watereth but God that giveth the encrease and the working of his Spirit in them that by faith receive them * 1 Cor. 12. 13. For by one spirit are we all baptized into one body whether we be Jews or Gentiles whether we be bond or free and have been made all to drink into one Spirit Q. What is a Sacrament A. A Sacrament is an holy Ordinance instituted by Christ wherein by sensible signs Christ and the benefits of the new Covenant are represented sealed and applied to believers (x) Gen. 17. 7. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant to be a God unto thee and to
thy seed after thee V. 10. This is my covenant which ye shall keep between me and you and thy seed after thee every man-child among you shall be circumcised Exod. 12. throughouts 1 Cor. 11. 23. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you that the Lord Iesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread V. 26. For as oft as ye eat this bread and drink this cup ye do shew the Lords death till he come Q. Which are the Sacraments of the New Testament A. The Sacraments of the New Testament are Baptisme (y) Mat. 28. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost and the Lords Supper (z) Mat. 26. 26. 27. 28. v. 26. And as they were eating Iesus took bread and blessed it and brake it and gave it to the Disciples and said Take eat this is my body v. 27. And he took the cup and gave thanks and gave it to them saying drink ye all of iâ— v. 28. For this is my blood of the New Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins Q. What is Baptisme A. Baptisme is a Sacrament wherein the washing of Water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost (a) Mat. 28. 19. See in letter y doth signifie and seal our ingrafting into Christ and partaking of the benefits of the Covenant of Grace and our engagement to the Lords (b) Rom. 6. 4. Therefore we are buried with him by baptisme into death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the father even so we also should walk in newness of life Gal. 3. 27. For as many of you as have been Baptized into Christ have put on Christ Q. To whom is Baptisme to be administred A. Baptisme is not to be administred to any that are out of the visible Church till they profess their faith in Christ and obedience to him (c) Act. 8. 36. And as they went on their way they came unto a certain water and the Eunuch said see here is water what doth hinder me to be baptized V. 37. And Philip said if thou believest with all thine heart thou maist and he answered I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God Acts 2. 38. Then Peter said unto them repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the holy Ghost but the infants of such as are members of the visible Church are to be baptized (d) Acts 2. 38. See before V. 39. For the promise is unto you and to your children and to all that are a far off even as many as the Lord our God shall call Gen. 17. 10. See in letter x Col. 2. 11 12. In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ V. 12. Buried with him in Baptisme wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God who hath raised him from the dead 1 Cor. 7. 14. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband else were your children unclean but now are they holy Q. What is the Lords Supper A. The Lords Supper is a Sacrament wherein by giving and receiving Bread and Wine according to Christs appointment his death is shewed forth and the worthy receivers are not after a corporal and carnal manner but by faith made partakers of his Body and Blood with all his benefits to their spiritual nourishment and groweth in grace e 1 Cor. 11. 23 34 25 26. I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you that the Lord Jesus the same night wherein he was betrayed took bread V. 24. And when he had given thanks he brake it and said Take eat this is my body which is broken for you this do in remembrance of me V. 25. After the same manner also he took the Cup when he had supped saying This Cup is the New Testament in my blood this do ye as oft as ye drink it in remembrance of me V. 26. For as oft as ye eat this bread and drink this cup ye do shew the Lords death till he come 1 Cor. 10. 16. The Cup of blessing which we bless is it not the Communion of the blood of Christ The bread which we break is it not the Communion of the body of Christ Q. What is required to the worthy receiving of the Lords Supper A. It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lords Supper that they examine themselves of their knowledg to discern the Lords body (f) 1 Cor. 11. 28 29. But let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that Bread and drink of that Cup. V. 29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself not discerning the Lords body of their faith to feed upon him (g) 2 Cor. 13. 5. Examine your selves whether ye be in the faith prove your own selves know you not that Jesus Christ is in you except ye be reprobates of their repentance (h) 1 Cor. 11. 31. For if we would judg our selves we should not be judged love (i) 1 Cor. 10. 16. The cup of blessing which we bless is it not the communion of the blood of Christ the bread which we break is it not the communion of the body of Christ V. 17. For we being many are one bread and one body for we are all partakers of that one bread and new obedience (k) 1 Cor. 5. 7. Pâ—rge out therefore the old leaven that ye may be a new lump as ye are unleavened for even Christ our Passeover is sacrificed for us V. 8. Therefore let us keep the feast not with old leaven neitheir with the leaven of malice and wickedness but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth lest coming unworthily they eat and drink judgment to themselves (l) 1 Cor. 11. 28 29. See in letter f Q. What is Prayer A. Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God (m) Psal 62. 8. Trust in him at all times ye people pour out your hearts before him God is a refuge for us Selah for things agreeable to his will (n) 1 Ioh. 5. 14. And this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us in the Name of Christ (o) Ioh. 16. 23. And in that day he shall ask me nothing verily verily I say unto you Whatsoever ye shall ask the father in my name he will give it you with confession of our sins (p) Psal 32. 5 6 I acknowledged my sins unto
Of Classical Assemblies THe Scripture doth hold out a Presbytery in a Church both in 1 Tim. 4. 14. Neglect not the gift that is in thee which was given thee by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery And in Acts 15. 2 4 6. v. 2. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissention and disputation with them they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should go up to Jerusalem unto the Apostles and Elders about this question v. 4. And when they were come to Jerusalem they were received of the Church and of the Apostles and Elders and they declared all things that God had done with them v. 6. And the Apostles and Elders came together for to consider of this matter A Presbytery consisteth of Ministers of the Word and such other publick Officers as are agreeable to and warranted by the Word of God to be Church-governours to joyn with the Ministers in the Government of the Church as appeareth Rom. 12. 7 8. v. 7. Or Ministry let us wait on our Ministring or he that teacheth on reaching v. 8. Or he that exhorteth on exhortation he that giveth let him do it with simplicity he that ruleth with diligence he that sheweth mercy with cheerfulness 1 Cor. 12. 28. And God hath set some in the Church first Apostles secondarily Prophets thirdly teachers after that miracles then gifts of healings helps governments diversities of tongues The Scripture doth hold forth that many particular Congregations may be under one Presbyterial Go ernment This proposition is proved by instances 1. First Of the Church of Jerusalem which consisteth of more Congregations then one and all these Congregations were under one Presbyterial Goverment This appeareth tâ—us â— First The Church of Jerusalem consisteth of more Congregations then one as is manifest 1. By the multitude of believers mentioned in divers Both before the dispersion of the believers there by means of the persecutions mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles chap. 8. in the beginning thereof witness Acts 1. 15. And in those dayes Peter stood up in the midst of the Disciples and said The number of the names together were about an hundred and twenty Acts 2. 41 46. 47. v. 41. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls v. 46. And they continuing daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart v. 47. Praising God and having favour with all the people And the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved Acts 5. 14. And believers were the more added unto the Lord multitudes both of men and women Acts 6. 1. 7. v. 1. And in those dayes when the number of the Disciples was multiplied there a rose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration v. 7. And the Word of God increased and the number of the Disciples multiplyed in Jerusalem greatly and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith And also after the dispersion Acts 9. 31. Then had the Churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria and were edified and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the holy Ghost were multiplied Acts 12. 24. But the Word of God grew and multiplied Acts. 21. 20. And when they heard it they glorified the Lord and said unto him Thou seest brother how many thousand of Jews there are which believe and they are all zealous of the law Secondly By the many Apostles and other Preachers in the Church of Jerusalem And if there were but one Congregation there then each Apostle preached but seldome which will not consist with Acts 6. 2. Then the twelve called the multitude of the Discipleâ— unto them and said It is not reason that we should leave the Word of God and serve tables Thirdly The diversity of Languages amongst the Believers mentioned both in the second and sixth chapters of the Acts doth argue more Congregations then one in that Church 2. Secondly All those congregations were under one Presbyterial government because First They were one Church Acts 8. 1. And Saul was consenting unto his death And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria except the Apostles Acts 2. 47. Praising God and having favour with all the people And the Lord added unto the church daily such as should be saved Compared with chap. 5. 11. And great fear came upon all the church and upon as many as heard these things chap. 12 5. Peter therefore was kept in prison hut prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him chap. 15. 2. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should go up to Jerusalem unto the Apostles and Elders about this question Secondly The Elders of the Church are mentioned Act. 11. 30. Which also they did and sent it to the Elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul Acts 15. 4 6 22. v. 4. And when they were come to Jerusalem they mere received of the Church and of the Apostles and Elders and they declared all things that God had done with them v. 6. And the Apostles and Elders came together to consider of this matter v. 22. Then it pleased the Apostles and Elders with the whole Church to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Bâ—rnabas namely Judas sirnamed Barsabas and Silus chief men among the brethren And ch 21. 17 18. v. 17. And when we were come to Jerusalem the brethren received us gladly v. 18. And the day following Paul went in with us unto James and all the Elders were present Thirdly The Apostles did the ordinary Acts of Presbyters as Presbyters in that Church which proveth a Presbyterial Church before the dispersion Act. 6 Fourthly The several Congregations in Jerusalem being one Church the Elders of that Church are mentioned as meeting together for acts of Government Act. 11. 30. Which also they did and sent it to the Elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul Acts 15. 4 6 22. v. 4. And when they were come to Jerusalem they were received of the Church and of the Apostles and Ellers and they declared all things that God had done with them v. 6. And the Apostles and Elders came together for to consider of this matter v. 22. Then it pleased the Apostles and Elders with the whole Church to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas namely Judas sirnamed Barsabas and Silas chief men among the brethren Acts 21. 17 18. v. 17. And when they were come to Jerusalem the brethren
of God as was Aaron Ordination is alwayes to be continued in the Church Tit. 15. For this cause left I thee in Crete that thou shouldst set in order the things that are wanting and ordain elders in every City as I had appointed thee 1 Tim. 5. 21 22. v. 21. I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect Angels that thou observe these things without preferring one before another doing nothing by partiality v. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partaker of other mens sins Keep thy self pure Ordination is the solemn setting apart of a person to some publick Church-office Numb 8 10 11 14 19 22. v. 10. And thou shalt bring the Levites before the Lord and the children of Israel shall put their hands upon the Levites v. 11. And Aaron shall offer the Levites before the Lord for an offering of the children of Israel that they may execute the service of the Lord. v. 14. Thus shalt thou separate the Levites from among the children of Israel and the Levites shall be mine v. 19. And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the children of Israel to do the service of the children of Israel in the Tabernacle of the Congregation and to make an atonement for the children of Israel that there be no plague among the children of Israel when the children of Israel come nigh unto the Sanctuary v. 22. And after that went the Levites in to do their service in the Tabernacle of the Congregation before Aaron and before his sons as the Lord had commanded Moses concerning the Levites so did they unto them Acts 6. 3 5 6 v. 3. Wherefore brethren look ye out among you seven men of honest report full of the holy Ghost and wisdom whom we may appoint over this business v. 5. And the saying pleased the whole multitude and they those Stephen a man full of faith and of the holy Ghost and Philip and Prochorus and Nicanor and Timon and Permenas and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch v. 6. Whom they had set before the Apostles and when they had prayed they laid their hands on them Every Minister of the Word is to be ordained by imposition of hands and prayer with fasting by those preaching Presbyters to whom it doth belong 1 Tim. 5. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partaker of other mens sins Keep thy self pure Acts 14. 23. And when they had ordained them Elders in every Church and had prayed with fasting they commended them to the Lord on whom they believed Acts 13. 3. And when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them they sent them away It is agreeable to the Word of God and very expedient that such as are to be ordained Ministers be designed to some particular Church or other ministerial charge Acts 14. 23. See before Tit. 1. 5. For this cause left I thee in Crete that thou shouldst set in order the things that are wanting and ordain Elders in every City as I had appointed thee Acts 20 17 28. v. 17. And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the Elders of the Church v. 28. Take heed therefore unto your selves and to all the flock over the which the holy Ghost hath made you over-seers to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood He that is to be ordained Minister must be duly qualified both for life and Ministerial abilities according to the Rules of the Apostles 1 Tim. â—3 2 3 4 5 6. v. 2. A Bishop hen must be blameless the husband of one wife vigilant sober of good behaviour given to hospitality apt to teach v. 3. Not given to wine no striker not greedy of filthy lucre but patient not a brawler not covetons v. 4. One that ruleth well his own house having his children in subjection with all gravity v. 5. For if a man know not how to rule his own house how shall he take care of the Church of God v. 6. Not a novice lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the Devil Tit. 1. 6 7 8 9. v. 6. If any man be blameless the husband of one wife having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly v 7. For a Bishop must be blameless as the Steward of God not self-willed not soon angry not given to wine no striker not given to filthy lucre v. 8. But a lover of hospitality a lover of good men sober just holy temperate v. 9. Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gain-sayers He is to be examined and approved by those by whom he is to be ordained 1 Tim. 3. 7 10. v. 7. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without lâ—st he fall into reproach and the snare of the Devil v. 10. And let these also first be proved then let them use the office of a Deacon being found blameless 1 Tim. 5. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partaker of other mens sins Keep thy self pure No man is to be ordained a Minister for a particular Congregation if they of that Congregation can shew just cause of exception against him 1 Tim. 3. 2. A Bishop then must be blameless the husband of one wife vigilant sober of good behaviour given to hospitality apt to teach Tit. 1. 7. For the Bishop must be blameless as the Steward of God c. Touching the Power of Ordination ORdination is the Act of a Presbytery 1 Tim. 4. 14. Neglect not the gift that is in thee which was given thee by prophesie with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery The power of ordering the whole work of Ordination is in the whole Presbytery which when it is over more Congregations then one whether those Congregations be fixed or not fixed in regard of Officers or Members it is indifferent as to the point of Ordination 1 Tim. 4. 14. Neglect not the gift that is in thee which was given thee by prophesie with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery It is very requisite that no single Congregation that can conveniently associate do assume to it self all and sole power in Ordination 1. Because there is no Example in Scripture that any single Congregation which might conveniently associate did assume to it self all and sole power Ordination neither is there any rule which may warrant such a practise 2. Because there is in Scripture Example of an Ordination in a Presbytery over divers Congregations as in the Church of Jerusalem where were many Congregations these many Congregations were under one Presbytery and this Presbytery did ordain The Preaching Presbyters orderly associated either in Cities or neighbouring Villages are those to whom the imposition of hands doth appertain for those Congregations within their bounds respectively To the Right Honourable THE LORDS
nature of it Con. 41. Cat. 37 38. The Instrument of it Con. 42. How it is an Act of Gods free grace Con. 43. Cat. 37 38. Justification not from Eternity Con. 44. Not by Workes Cat. 39. Justification the same under the Old Testament as under the New Con. 45. How Justification distâ—rs from sanctification Cat. 42. K. The Kingly Office of Christ how executed Cat. 22. What meant by the Coming of his Kingdome Cat. 146 147. L. The Law Morall given to Adam as a Covenant of Works with Ability to keep it Con. 66. Cat. 52. The Nature of it ibid. The Law continues still to be a perfect Rule of Righteousnesse Con. 67. and to bind Beleevers as well as others Con. 68 69. Being not abolisht but establisht by the Gospel Con. 69. No man able now to keep it perfectly Cat. 11. How Beleevers are free'd from the Law Con. 69. The Uses of the Law to all men Cat. 53 54. The Uses of it to the Unregenerate Cat. 54. The severall excellent Uses of the Law to Beleevers Con. 69 70. Cat. 55. How sweetly concordant with the grace of the Gospel Con. 71. Comprized in the Ten Commandments Cat. 56. Rules for understanding the Morall Law Cat. 56 57 58 59. The Ceremoniall Law what Con. 67. Abrogated under the New Testament Con. 68. The Judiciall Law See Judiciall What Liberty Christ hath purchased for Beleevers Con. 71 72. Wherein it is enlarged under the New Testament Con. 72 73. The ends of Christian Liberty Con. 74. How it is abused Con. 74 75. Not intended to destroy Ecclesiasticall or Civill powers but to uphold them Con. 74. This Liberty no plea for an Universall Toleration Con. 74 75. Liberty of Conscience what it is and what is repugnant to it Con. 73. No Liberty to sin Con. 74. Light of Nature not sufficient to make wise to salvation Con. 1. Cat. 30 31. Lords Supper See Supper Lords Prayer See Prayer M. Magistracy an Ordinance of God Con. 88 89 Lawfull for Christians to be Civil Magistrates Con. 89. The Civil Magistrate not to be resisted upon pretence of Christian Liberty Con. 74. The Civil Magistrates power in Church-affaires stated Con. 90. Magistrates authority not null'd by Infidelity or difference in Religion on 91. 92. Ecclesiasticall persons not execmpted from obedience to the Civil Magistrate Con. 92. The duty of people to their Magistrate Man how created at first Con. 15 16. Cat. 8. Gods providence towards Man in the state of Innocency Cat. 10. Man's chiefe end Cat. 1. The Masse an abominable abuse of Christ's sacrifice Con. 108. Marriage the ends of it Con. 93. Lawfull for all sorts ibid. Whom Christians should not Marry with Con. 94. Marriage within the degrees of Consanguinity or Affinity unlawfull Con. 94 95. In what cases Marriage may be dissolved Con. 95. Marriage between more then one Man and one Woman at a time unlawfull Con. 93. The Meanes of salvation what Cat. 119. The Mediatour of the Covenant of Grace Con. 29 30. Cat. 17. No Merit in good works Con. 56. The Ministry given by Christ to the visible Church Con. 97. N. The Name of God how to be used Cat. 72 73. How it is abused Cat. 73. What meant by the Name of God Cat. 145 146. New Testament or Covenant what Con. 28. O. Oathes part of Religious Worship Con. 81 84. The nature of an Oath Con. 84. Oathes warrantable under the New Testament Con. 85. A lawfull Oath not to be refused if imposed by lawfull Authority Con. 85 86. What to be considered before taking of an Oath Con. 85 How an Oath is to be taken Con 86. An Oath binds to performance whoever it be made to if the performance be not sinfull Con. 86. Offices of Christ Propheticall Office See Propheticall Priestly Office See Priestly Kingly Office See Kingly Old Testament what Con. 27 28. Ordinances given by Christ to the visible Church Con. 97. How they are effectuall Con. 97 98. Originall sin what Con. 23. Cat. 12. The root of Actuall Con. 24. Not wholly abolished in this life Con. 24. The guâ—lt of Originall sin Con. 24 25. How propagated Con. 23. Cat. 12 13. Originall Text of Scripture the Authenticall Con. 6. P. Pardon of sin how to be prayed for Cat. 151 152. Poedobaptisme lawfull Con. 105. Cat. 129. Perseverance of the Saints proved Cat. 44. Con. 59. What it depends upon Con. 59 60. The certainty and infallibility of perseverance whence Con. 60. The Persons of the Godhead Con. 10. Cat. 5. The Coequality of the Divine Persons proved Cat. 5 6. The Personall Union of the two Natures in Christ Con. 30 31. Why requisite Cat. 20. Polygamy unlawfull Con 93. The Pope hath no jurisdiction over Civil Magistrates in their Dominions nor over their people Con. 92. The Pope in no sense Head of the visible Church Con 99. The Pope Antichrist Con. 99. Powers Ecclesiasticall and Civil not to be opposed upon pretence of Christian Liberty Con. 74 Power of the Keyes what and to whom committed Con. 111 112. Prayer what Cat. 140. To be made to God alone ibid. Prayer and Thanksgiving the duty of all men Con. 78. How Prayer is to be made Con. 78. Cat. 143 144. For what and for whom we are to Pray and for whom nor Con. 79 80. Cat. 142 143. Prayer now not more acceptable in one place then in another Con. 81. What it is to Pray in the Name of Christ Cat. 141. Why we are to Pray in the Name of Christ ibid. How the Spirit helps in Prayer Cat. 142. The Rule of Prayer Cat. 144 The Lords Prayer how to be used Cat. 144. The meaning of the First PetitioÌ„ Cat. 145 c. of the Second Cat. 146 c. of the Third Cat. 148 c. of the Fourth Cat. 149 c. of the Fifth Cat. 151 c. of the Sixth Cat. 152 c. of the Conclusion Cat. 154 c. Preaching a part of Religious Worship Con. 80. Who are to Preach the Word Cat. 123 124. How Ministers are to Preach the Word Cat. 124 125. Predestination the properties of it Con. 12. Predestination unto life Con. 12 13. Predestination unto Wrath. Con. 13 14. The Doctrine of Predestination how to be handled and what use to be made of it Con. 4. Preparation to the Sabbath requisite Cat. 82. To the Lords Supper Cat. 133. Priestly Office of Christ how exâ—cuted Cat 21. Priviledges of the Church Visible Cat. 32. Of the Church Invisible Cat. 34. Prophetical Office of Christ how executed Cat. 21 Propriety of Goods not taken away by Communion of Saints Con. 101. Providence the Nature and Extent of it Con. 16 17. Cat. 9. How Providence is exercised about Sin Con. 18 19 20 21. Gods Providence in especiall manner over his Church Con. 21 22. Gods Providence towards Angels Cat. 9 10. Gods Providence towards Man in Innocency Cat. 10. Publick Worship not to be neglected Con. 82. Punishments of sin in this world Cat. 13 14. In the