Medulla Novi Testamenti THE SUBSTANCE OF THE NEW TESTAMENT MORE ESPECIALLY Of the HISTORICAL WITH A brief Account of the Doctrinal Part in each Book by way of Dialogue between a Divine and his Parishioner Designed for the benefit of Private Families By THOMAS STANHOPE Preacher at the Fleet. IMPRIMATUR W. Jane London Printed by A.G. and J. P. and are sold by Nath. Rolles at the Golden Key in St. Paul's Church-yard 1680. TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE Mrs FANSHAW MADAM I Know not what excuse to make for offering so poor a Present to your Ladiship and under your Name to the World My performance must needs make it mean though the Design is Great it being a familiar Introduction to the understanding of the New Testament But when I consider what a Misfortune in your Education did cast you into a Religion that can never hope to support it self but by Ignorance of the Scriptures from which your Ladiship is now so happily delivered through the assistance of that Eminent and Worthy Dean of Canterbury to the Great Joy of your most Illustrious Brother the ever Renowned DUKE of Monmouth his Grace and to the Infinite satisfaction of your Husband who never thought himself completely Happy in you till Religion had united your Souls as well as Wedlock had done your Persons When I reflect on these things I hope that without accusing you I may fear that till of late you have been too much a Stranger to those Holy Writings or rather they have been to you as a Sealed Book And at the same time I may assure my self that being brought into that Church which hath no other Rule or Standard of Faith but the Holy Scriptures you will now Redeem the time of your Former Ignorance by a stricter Application to that blessed Study and therefore will not despise the meanest help which can be offered to you I now present your Ladiship with my Endeavours about the New Testament and hope shortly to give you an account of what I have already finished concerning the Old I have so perfect an assurance of your Ladiships Goodness that I am confident you will easily pardon this Presumption and accept of my Faithful Zeal and Hearty Prayers to God to bestow upon you all those Blessings which either your High Blood or more excellent Qualities may render you Capable of and that you will permit me to assume the Honour with the hearty wish of this and many prosperous New Years to own my self MADAM Jan. 1. 1679 80. Your Ladiships most humble Servant THO. STANHOPE THE PREFACE THis poor Book long strugling under Difficulties would willingly have shewed it self to the World in a larger Volume and have given an account of the whole Scripture in one piece but through several failures it comes out but in part i. e. the New Testament which is now sent forth to try how it will be Enterâ—ained As to the promises of those that are Dead I have nothing to mention the feigned Endeavours of some now Living have sufficiently hindred even this part of it One Person assured me it should be extant the latter end of Michaelmas Term after that some time towards New-years tide though nothing of that promise was kept However it is now got abroad and if it takes as I hope it will I shall be Encouraged to follow it with the other of the Old Testament in a short time Which done I shall have my End proposed which is to be God's and his Church's Servant as an helper to the Common Salvation of Mankind It may be necessary for Private Families And some Judicious Persons particularly a most Learned Bishop have approved it Young People may hereby be acquainted with the Holy Gospel and instructed in the Book and Chapter which they would have recourse unto In case it be frowned upon I have the Confidence to believe none can blame me for my Design of doing Good And I thank God for that universal Charity which he hath given me that I heartily desire the Temporal Spiritual and Eternal welfare of every Man in the World whereunto I would contribute the utmost of my Endeavours and for which I would spend my Dearest Blood I have no more to add but that I am not an Enemy to any one upon Earth I heartily wish the Peace and Prosperity of all true Protestants as the Friends of those who love our Lord Jesus and to them I subscribe my self an hearty Servant for his blessed Name 's sake THO. STANHOPE THE NEW TESTAMENT P. WHy do you call this the New Testament D. Not only with respect to the Old which preceded it both in Order of Nature and Time but also in regard that it declares God's gracious fulfilling the Conditions of the New Covenant the Covenant of Grace as the other was of Works so far as concerned him P. It seems then there were Two Covenants made with man D. There were so The first the Covenant of Works before the Fall the Condition whereof was Perfect Obedience the Second a Covenant of Grace after the Fall the Conditions whereof are Faith and Sincere Obedience the Mediator of which Covenant is Jesus Christ the Object of this New Testament P. How is this New Testament divided D. Into Four Parts 1. The Evangelists i. e. their Writings 2. The Acts of the Apostles 3. The Canonical Epistles 4. The Book of the Revelation P. How many are there of the Evangelists D. They and the Gospels written by them are Four Matthew Mark Luke and John P. Why call you those Books Gospels and those the Four Evangelists D. The Greek Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies a Good Message and so the Evangelists are Messengers of Good Tidings that Name suting best with these Writings which contain an History of what our Lord Christ did and suffered for the Salvation of Mankind And the English Gospel is thought to be quasi Gods Spell i.e. Gods Charm or Power whereby he draws men to Life Eternal so the Apostle explains it I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ Minshew for it is the power of God unto Salvation Rom. 1 16. P. Why were there several of them and the whole not contracted into one Book D. God in his infinite Wisdom did so order it and more especially for Two Reasons 1. To confirm the Truths contained in these Gospels delivered by so many persons 2. That what one was not so exact in relating the rest or at least some of them might supply P. How are these Evangelists Prophetically represented in the Old Testament D. Expositors do generally believe that they are shadowed out by the Four Living Creatures in Ezekiel's Prophesie Chap. 1.10 which had Four Faces one of a Man the Second of a Lion the Third of an Oxe and the Fourth of an Eagle P. Pray give me leave then to desire you would satisfie me why the several Evangelists were thus represented and how some small Differences in their Writings are to be reconciled and
of the Nails which had pierced him P. Was this satisfaction afforded him D. It was For Eight days after Christ appeared again and allowed Thomas the liberty of feeling his Hands Feet and Side whereupon he cried out My Lord and my God P. Did he after this appear to his Disciples any more D. Yes He appeared to them again at the Sea of Tiberias P. What Circumstances attended that Appearance D. Peter and some other Disciples going a Fishing and catching nothing all night in the Morning Jesus stood on the Shore and commanded them to cast the Net on the Right side of the Ship whereupon they caught such a multitude of Fishes that they were not able to draw the Net to shore P. Did this make any Discovery of him D. S. John hereupon declared to Peter that it was the Lord which Peter hearing swam unto him and the rest of the Disciples came in a little Ship dragging the Net with Fishes P. What Miracle followed this D. No sooner were they come ashore but they found a Fire of Coals with Fish laid upon it and Bread P. Did they eat of the Fish D. No. For at Christ's Command they dressed of the Fish which they had taken P. What Number of Fishes were taken at that Draught D. An Hundred Fifty and Three Great Fishes yet was not the Net broken P. To whom did Christ then particularly address himself in Discourse D. To Peter three times questioning his Love which when Peter professed as the best evidence thereof Christ commanded him to feed his Lambs and Sheep declaring also the Martyrdom that he should suffer P. Did Peter propound any Question at that time to his Master D. He asked what should become of John P. How did Christ answer this Question D. That if he pleased to have John live till his coming i. e. till his Power was manifested in the Destruction of the Jews it was nothing to him whereupon the Disciples fancied that John should not die P. How doth this Gospel conclude D. With John's asserting the Truth of those things which are delivered in it The End of S. JOHN ACTS P. VVHat Book follows next after the Gospels D. The Acts of the Apostles P. Why hath it that Name D. Because it contains an History of the Eminent Acts beside the Sufferings of the Apostles of Christ especially those Two more greatly employed S. Peter and S. Paul P. By whom was this Book written D. It is generally believed to be written by S. Luke P. What reason have we to believe so D. Several Reasons particularly these Two 1. Because the Stile of this Book is the same with that of his Gospel as those who understand the Greek Tongue well Chap. 1 know 2. By the Reference it hath to the End of his Gospel formerly written and both of them are dedicated to the same Theophilus P. Wherewith doth this Book begin D. With a particular Account of Christ's Ascension into Heaven in the sight of his Apostles after he had conversed with them forty days from his Resurrection P. What was the first Work of the Apostles after Christ's Resurrection D. They and the rest of the Believers being assembled together chose one out of the other Disciples to succeed Judas in his Apostleship from which he fell by his Transgression P. Who were appointed to stand for the place D. Two Judas called Barsabas and Matthias P. How were they to be chosen D. By Lot and Prayer adjoyned P. Vpon whom did the Lot fall D. Upon Matthias who was thence-for-ward reckoned among the 11 Apostles P. When was the Holy Ghost given to the Disciples D. Upon the Feast of Pentecost Chap. 2 when they were all assembled together P. How was He given D. With the sound of a rushing mighty Wind in Cloven Tongues like Fire by which help they spake in several Languages P. How was this great Gift entertained D. By some with scorn as if the Apostles had been drunk by others with wonder P. How were the Apostles vindicated from the Aspersion of being drunk D. By a good and eloquent Sermon of S. Peter's making P. What especial Argument did he use to vindicate them D. He declared that hereby was fulfilled a Prophesie of Joel and thereupon proved Christ to be the True Messias P. Did this Sermon work effectually upon the People D. Yes for they were pricked at the heart and three thousand Souls were converted P. In what manner did those Converts live D. In great Vnity among themselves in great Devotion towards God and such Charity to one another that they had all things common insomuch that they who had Possessions sold them for the relief of their Brethren in necessity P. What was the first particular Miracle wrought after Christ's Ascension D. The Cure of a Lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple by the Word of S. Peter P. What followed upon this Miracle D. The People being amazed S. Peter made another Sermon to convince them of their Duty in repenting for their Murder of Christ and to receive him by a true Faith P. What else followed D. The Chief of the Jews hearing this put Peter and John his Companion into Prison P. What Number of Converts was already gained D. About Five Thousand P. What Course did the Chief Priests and Rulers take with the Two Apostles D. They enquired by what Name and Power that Miracle was wrought P. What Answer was given to this Question D. S. Peter who made the Answer told them the Miracle was wrought in the Name of Christ asserting him to be the true and only Saviour P. How was this Answer taken D. The Rulers marvelled at the Boldness of the Apostles and putting them aside consulted together what to do with them P. How ended this Consultation D. They let the Apostles go with threatnings that they should not spread the Name of Christ P. Of what Age was the man that was healed D. About Forty years old P. What did the Apostles do upon their Dismission D. At their return they reported what had happened whereupon followed a general Praising of God and an entire Love among themselves manifested in the Relief given to those who wanted by selling their Possessions to supply one anothers Necessities P. How was the Money disposed of for which those Possessions were sold D. It was brought and laid at the feet of the Apostles P. Was this Order justly observed by All D. No. Chap. 5 For Ananias and Saphira his wife kept back part of the Money for which their Land was sold P. How went it with them for doing so D. S. Peter taxed them with Hypocrisie and they were both punished for it by sudden Death P. Did the Apostles work any more Miracles D. Several In Curing Sick People who were laid upon Beds and Couches in the Streets as they passed by being brought to Jerusalem from many places in the Countrey P. Were not the Jews angry at these Miracles D. The Sadduces especially among
felt not any hurt P. What did the People then think of him D. They changed their minds and said that he was a God P. What especial Miracle did Paul work there D. He healed the Father of Publius a Great man in that Island of a Fever and a Bloudy Flux and after him others also who came unto him P. What did he do when he came to Rome D. He called together the Chief of the Jews to whom he declared the Cause of his coming thither and at their appointment Preached Christ one day unto them P. How was his Preaching received D. Some believed and others did not whereupon he dismissed the Assembly P. How long did Paul dwell there and how was he employed D. He dwelt there two whole years Preaching the Kingdom of God and declaring the Doctrine of Christ The End of the ACTS The EPISTLES P. HOw many are there of the Canonical Epistles D. One and Twenty P. By whom were they written D. St. Paul wrote Fourteen St. James One S. Peter Two St. John Three St. Jude One. P. What were those of St. Paul's Writing D. One to the Romans Two to the Corinthians One to the Galatians One to the Ephesians One to the Philippians One to the Colossians Two to the Thessalonians Two to Timothy One to Titus One to Philemon and one to the Hebrews P. Were these Epistles written in the same Order as they are placed in our Books D. No it is generally believed they were not P. In what Order then were they written D. In the Order following viz. The Two Epistles to the Thessalonians the First to Timothy the Two Epistles to the Corinthians the Epistle to Titus the Epistle to the Romans the Epistle to the Hebrews to the Galatians to the Ephesians to the Philippians to the Colossians to Philemon and last of all his Second Epistle to Timothy a little before his Martyrdom P. With which do we begin D. With the Epistle to the Romans ROMANS P. VVHat doth this Epistle contain D. This as most of the rest begins with a Civil Salutation and then proceeds in Points both Doctrinal and Practical P. What are the Principal Points of Doctrine contained in it D. The Doctrine of Justification by Faith without the Deeds of the Law Chap. 3 4. The Doctrine of Original Sin Ch. 5. And as some think The Doctrine of Gods Election Ch. 7. Together with the Rejecting the Jews and Calling the Gentiles to Chap. 12. P. What are the Points of Practice D. Duties of Piety towards God and Justice towards men Chap. 12. Of Obedienc to Authority Chap. 13. Of Charity by a mutual forbearance between Brethren in things of Indifferency Ch. 14. P. How doth the Epistle conclude D. With some good Exhortations and a Commendation to several Persons eminent for their Christian Profession The End of the Epistle to the ROMANS I CORINTHIANS P. HOw doth this First Epistle to the Corinthians begin D. After the usual Salutation Chap. 1,2,3 it begins with a Reproof of the Dissentions which were among them in point of Religion shewing that S. Paul's Preaching though not in excellency of Speech Chap. 4 was in the Demonstration of the Spirit and Power shewing them also in what Account the Ministers of God should be among them notwithstanding the scorn which the Apostles then met with P. What particular sins doth the Apostle reprove among them D. The Incest committed by one Chap. 5 who married his Fathers Wife for which they did not sufficiently mourn and therefore he took order for the man's punishment by Excommunication in order to his Amendment teaching them thereby how to deal with great Offenders P. What else doth the Apostle reprove D. A Fault common among them Chap. 6 upon every Trifle going to Law before Heathen Judges and the Sin of Fornication so much against a Man's own Body P. How doth he then proceed D. To discourse about points of Marriage Chap. 7 in answer to some Questions which the Corinthians had sent to him P. What Answer doth he give to those Questions D. That persons should marry to avoid Fornication and when they are so married that there should be a mutual performance of all Duties between Husband and Wife giving likewise particular Directions to the unmarried to have them so continue if capable of doing it and to the Married that they should endeavour the Conversion of one another for their Good on both parts P. Vpon what Point doth he next insist D. Concerning Meats offered to Idols Chap. 8 that Christian Liberty be not abused but care taken for preventing any Offence to our Brethren P. Hath he no Discourse in this Epistle concerning the Ministers of the Gospel D. Yes Chap. 9 He sheweth his own Liberty and the Justice that every Minister hath to require a Livelihood upon his Employment and that though himself was not chargeable to the Corinthians yet he might have been so only he was willing to become all things to all men that by all means he might gain some P. What Doctrines doth he teach from what related to the Jews of old D. He shews how Typical their Sacraments were of Ours Chap. 10 and that the Punishments which they suffered for their Disobedience were recorded that we might take example by them and not fall into the same sias urging again the duty of Caring for our Brethrens Consciences in points of Indifferency P. What doth he take notice of relating to Faults among them D. Their Vndecent Carriage in Holy Assemblies the wearing long Hair Chap. 11 and the Abuse of the Lord's Supper P. How doth he endeavour to rectifie this last fault D. By setting before them the First Institution of that Holy Sacrament the Dangers of unworthy coming to it and the means of Preparing for it by Self-Examination P. Hath he no Discourse concerning the Spiritual Gifts of the Holy Ghost Chap. 12 D. He shews the Diversity of them but that they still proceed from the same Spirit and propounds their Serviceableness to the Church by an Allusion to the several Members of the Natural as that is a Spiritual Body P. What doth he urge thence D. The necessity of Charity Chap. 13 which he describes and shews its particular Properties exalting it above all other Attainments and Gifts whatsoever P. What other Doctrinal Point doth he write of D. The great Doctrine of the Resurrection Chap. 15 proving it from the Resurrection of Christ and shewing in what manner it should come to pass whence he concludes the Reasonableness of being industrious in our Christian Service P. How doth he end the Epistle Chap. 16 D. With directing a Charitable Collection for the Christians in necessity to be done by laying apart a proportion the First day of each Week according to every man's ability and then gives his particular Salutations to several Friends The End of the First Epist to the CORINTHIANS II CORINTHIANS P. IN what manner doth S. Paul begin this Epistle D. With an encouragement against
us and a sober vigilant Resisting the Devil P. How doth the Epistle End D. With an Holy Prayer for their being strengthened in Faith with some particular Salutations The End of the First Epistle of S. PETER II. S. PETER P. WHat is the beginning of this Epistle D. An exhortation to labour after the Increase of Grace P. With what Argument is that exhortation backed D. With an assertion of the Truth of the Christian Doctrine it being divinely inspired by the Holy Ghost to the Prophets P. Doth not speaking of the true Prophets give occasion to speak of the false ones D. Yes Chap. 2 the Apostle describes what they were by bringing in Damnable Heresies and several other Characters of them shewing the Danger of the adhering to their pernicious principles P. How doth this Epistle End D. With a Caution to Avoid their Tenets and in order thereunto to grow in Grace Chap. 3 and in the Knowledge of Christ Jesus our Saviour The End of the Second Epistle of S. PETER I. S. JOHN P. WHat are the Contents of S. John's first Epistle D. The Apostles assuring believers of their Fellowship with God the Father and the Son Chap. 1.2 c. and the Exhortation he gives to Brotherly Love throughout the whole Epistle as the Argument of our Conversion the Assurance of the Holy Spirit of God dwelling in us in opposition to the false Spirit of Error Reigning throughout the World The End of the First Epistle of S. JOHN II. S. JOHN P. WHat doth this Epistle Contain D. It being written to an Honourable Lady the Apostle exhorts her and her Children to continue stedfast in the Faith for fear of losing the good Work and the reward for them to all that are sound believers and gives a Caution to avoid all seducers The End of the Second Epistle of S. JOHN III. S. JOHN P. WHat are the Contents of this Third Epistle D. It is directed to Gaius an Holy and Hospitable Man for which Vertues he is Commended Diotrephes blamed for his Ambition in the Church and Demetrius Applauded for his kindness The End of the Third Epistle of S. JOHN S. JUDE P. WHat things doth this Epistle Treat of D. It begins with an Exhortation to continue Stedfast in the Faith argued from the entering in of several who endeavoured to Corrupt it by whose untoward Doctrine a great many were led aside whose wickedness the Apostle there Describes encouraging all the Disciples of Christ not to be moved and so concludes with a Thanksgiving to God for his Grace to all believers The End of the Epistle of S. JUDE REVELATION P. VVHat is the last Book of the New Testament D. The Revelation of S. John the Divine P. Why is it so called D. Because it Reveales what God had shewed by an Angel unto S. John concerning things which should come to pass P. To whom was this Book directed D. To the Seven Churches in Asia P. Where and when was this Revelation made to S. John D. It was made in the Isle of Patmos Chap. 1 whither he was Banished and he had it on the Lords Day P. How was it conveyed unto him D. He heard behind him a great Voice as of a Trumpet P. What did that Voice direct him to do D. To write what he should see in a Book and send it to the seven Churches of Asia viz. Ephesus Smirna Pergamus Thyatira Sardis Philadelphia and Laodicea P. What was the first Vision D. The Vision of Seven Golden Candlesticks in the midst whereof walked One like the Son of Man who had in his Right hand Seven Stars P. What were those Golden Candlesticks and Stars D. The seven Golden Candlesticks Represented the seven Churches and the seven Stars the Angels of those Churches P. With which of these Churches doth S. John begin D. With the Church of Ephesus Chap. 2 P. Of what Nature is the Message sent to that Church D. It contains a Commendation for the sufferings she had endured a Reproof for the Abatement of her Zeal and an Exhortation to Repentance with a Promise of Reward to him that should overcome P. What is the Message to the Church of Smyrna D. That to Smyrna and most of the rest are of the same Nature with the former convincing the People of what was blame-worthy Commending them for what was good Exhorting them to Piety and Vertue P. In which Epistles is there a Difference from the rest D. In those two to Philadelphia Chap. 3 and to Laodicea P. What doth that to Philadelphia contain D. Only a Commendation of her Goodness with promises thereupon P. What doth that to Laodicea contain D. A Reproof of her Luke-warmness with a Threatening upon it and good Counsel to turn unto God by Zeal and Repentance P. What else doth this Book inform us of D. Certain Predictions concerning the State of the Church in this World Chap. 4.5 and in the World to come P. What are these concerning the Church in this World A Discovery of things to happen in the several Ages of the World together with the Conquest of the Churches Enemies but the way of this Discovery is very Abstruse and Mysterious P. What concerns the State of the Church in the World to come D. The full Description of the New Jerusalem Chap. 21 where the Saints shall be for ever happy set forth by some Mysterious Resemblances P. How doth this Book conclude D. With a Confirmation of the Truth of this Prophesy Chap. 22 and the Churches earnest desire of Christs second Coming to Judgment The End of the REVELATION FINIS ERRATA PAg. 15. line 7. read Cities P. 26. l. 18. r. of Religion to P. 41. l. 27. dele about P. 42. l. 13. r. he to be P. 64. Marg. add chap. 9. P. 68. l. ult Marg. add chap. 18. P. 69. l. 7. Marg. add chap. 19. P. 70. l. 17. Marg. add chap. 21. P. 74. l. 10. add chap. 3. l. 26. chap. 4. P. 77. l. 17. r. Parmemas P. 80. l. 15. r. Sau P. 122. l. 1. Marg. add chap. 3. l. 12. chap. 4. l. 21 chap. 5. l. 30. chap. 7. P. 126. l. 5. Marg. add chap. 4