now are used the power of the keyes and excluded from the Sacrament men that were manifestly contumacious and wicked 1 Cor. 5. 2 3. And 1 Tim. 1. 20. 2 Thes. 3. 6. 14. 5 Because the Apostle sayes them that sin to wit publickly rebuke before all that others also may fear 1 Tim. 5 20. 6 Consider the various ends of Ecclesiastical censures as the reclaiming of offending brethren and the rest of them which are set down in the Question CHAP. XXXI Of Synods and Councils Question I. OUght there to be such Assemblies for the Government and further edification of the Church as are called Synods and Councils Yes Acts 15. 2 4 6. Are the decrees and determinations of Councils and Synods if consonant to the Word of GOD to be received with reverence and submission not only for their agreement with the Word but also for their power whereby they are made as being an ordinance of GOD appointed thereunto in his Word Yes Acts 15 15 19 24 27 28 29 30 31. Acts 16 4. Matth. 18. 17 18 19 20 Well then do not the â—â—â—unists and Independents err who maintain that every particular Congregation or church hath in it self the full power of church Government for exercising the whole power of the keyes without subordination or subjection to any Classical or Synodical Meeting and that Presbytries and Synods have only a power of counselling advising and exhorting but no power of Iurisdiction to command or enjoyn any thing in the Lord to particular churches or congregations Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Apostolick church referred all weightier matters which did equally concern many Congregations to the free suffrages and votes of the Apostles Pastors and select Brethren and not to the determination of any one particular church or congregation Acts 15. 23 24 25. Acts 6. 2 3. 2 Because it is evident from Scripture that there have been many particular churches and congregations subordinate to one Presbytrie For in the church of Ierusalem it is manifest that there were more than one congregation First from the multitude of Believers who were of a greater number than could be of one Congregation for hearing the Word and communicating Acts 2. 41 42. Acts 5. 14. Acts 6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7. Acts 21. 20. 3 From the multitude of Pastors and Ministers whose pains and labours many churches required Acts 1 12. 13 14 26. Acts 2. 1 14 37 42. Acts 4 31 34 35 37. Acts 6. 2. Acts 8 14 4 From the diversity of Tongues among the Disciples at Ierusalem which were given not only for the edification of those that were of that Church but also for signs and wonders to others who were without and not of that Church 5 It is manifest from this that in those dayes they had no churches or meeting houses built but only met and conveened in private houses and upper rooms The same is also true of the church of Antioch Ephesus and Corinth from the Acts of the Apostles and other places of Scripture But all these congregations were ruled and governed by one Colledge of Pastors 1 Because all these particular Congregations are called but one church Acts 18 22 Acts 12 5 2 Because in that one church there were church Presbyters who were called Governours not of any one particular congregation but of the church which was made up of many particular churches Acts 20. 17 Acts 15 2 3 Acts 13 1 2 3 3 Because these Presbyters did meet together for governing the church and performed Acts of Iurisdiction which concerned the whole church in common Acts 11 30 compared with chapter 4 35 37 And Acts 21 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 and Acts 13 1 2 3 4 Because there is a particular example of a Synod which had the power of Iurisdiction and which consisted and was made up of members out of diverse Classical Conventions For when the Question about circumcision and the keeping of Moses Law which troubled the Churches of Syria Cilicia Antioch and Ierusalem could not be determined in their own particular churches the matter was referred to a Synod of Apostles and Presbyters who met at Ierusalem which decided the controversy and appointed their decrees to be obligatory and binding to all these foresaid churches Acts 15. Acts 16. 4. Acts 21. 25. 5 Because the Iewish church which was a politick body had in every city Synagogues subordinate to one supream council or great Synagogue which was at Ierusalem Deut. 17. 8 12. 2 chron 19. 8. 11. Exod 18. 22 26. Seing therefore dangers and difficulties for the preventing and healing of which the Lord hath appointed and set up in that church such a government may be as great if not greater in his church under the New Testament than was then and seeing the Lord has no less consulted the good of his church now than he did of old it follows that there must be councils no less under the New Testament than under the old to which particular churches ought to be subordinate 6 From the Light of Nature and right Reason for the Law of Nature directs to a diversity of courts namely where there is any Rule or Government in a city or common-wealth and orders the inferiour courts to be subordinate to the superiour the lesser to the greater and Appeals to be made from them to the greater And in bodies both Natural and Politick the parts ought to be subject to the whole for the good of both Besides there are and will be very many Ecclesiastick affairs which will concern many Congregations equally and alike which cannot be determined by any one 2 Because the Pastors and Presbyters of particular Congregations will stand in need each one of anothers help and assistance mutually 3 Because cases and difficulties may occur more intangled and intricate than can be settled and composed by the Governours of any one Congregation 4 Seing particular Congregations which ly nigh one to another ought to shun divisions and differences and to live in peace and unity it follows manifestly that there ought to be Synods or Councils consisting of the Presbyters of many particular congregations which ought to be subordinate to these Councils and Synods 5 From Christs own precept and command Tell the Church Matth. 18. 15 16 17. For if our blessed Lord appointed that for a single brothers offence he trespassing against GOD or his brother for gaining of him and removing the Scandal he be brought before the church it follows by consequence that the same course ought to be taken when any one particular Congregation offends against another and remains obstinate in their scandalous Opinion and Practise For our blessed Lord hath sufficiently prescribed a Remedy in this place for removing of all Scandals and Offences whether of one brother against another or of one Congregation against another Nay surely since Christ hath consulted so much the conversion of one brother that hath sinned and gone astray much more will
he look to the good and conversion of a whole Congregation 6 Because any one single congregation with one Pastor only hath not the power of Ordination an instance whereof cannot be given either from Precept or Practise in all the New Testament Nay the Ordination of Ministers in the New Testament was alwayes performed by a Colledge of Pastors associate together Acts 6. 6. Acts 13. 1 2 3. 1 Tim. 4. 14. 7 Because from this doctrine of the Independents these and the like absurdities will follow First that the Prophets must be censured and judged by way of authority not by other Prophets but by the multitude and vulgar of the Congregation which is contrary to 1 Cor 14. 32. 2 That all the Councils in the times of the Apostles which were convocated upon necessary occasions for matters which concerned many churches alike were but during the time and extraordinary and so not obliging succeeding churches though the occasions and causes why these Councils were convocated then are and will be to the end of the world 3 That private Believers must be the Bishops of their own Bishops Watch-men of their own Watch-men No communion or fellowship among Ecclesiastick Ministers That single and particular churches though they have defiled and pudled themselves with the most black and ugly Heresies with the most abominable faults and vices yet are not lyable to any Ecclesiastick Censure but must be refered to the immediate judgement of Christ at the last Day 4 That a Colledge of Pastors and Presbyters conveened together from several congregations shall have no more power of the keyes of the kingdom of Heaven than any one particular man that is able to look to the good of his brother 5 That a Pastor out of his own Congregation hath no power to administer the Sacraments or to preach the Word or exerce any Ministerial Act. From which Absurdities it follows evidently that this kind of Church Government labours under a manifest defect of the Means of Propagating the Gospel 6 That Christ hath as many visible bodies as there are particular congregations That Men and Women are to be accounted Members only of a particular congregation and not of the Church-Catholick And that those who are excomunicated are only casten out of a particular congregation not out of the Church Universal Quest. II. MAY not the Ministers of the Church of themselves by vertue of their office meet in Assemblies with other fit Persons upon delegation from their Churches when Magistrates are open enemies to the Christian Religion Yes Acts 15. 2 4 22 23 25. Well then do not the Erastians err who maintain that the Ministers of the Gospel have no right or power in themselves or by vertue of their office to meet in a Synod or Council Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Church of GOD in the primitive times had power in themselves to convocate their own Assemblies for Worship and Government not only without but against the consent of the civil Magistrate as is evident from the Acts of the Apostles and Church Histories 2 Though the power and right of meeting in church Assemblies be visible in the constitution and exercise yet it is intrinseck and within the church as well as the power of Preaching Quest. III. MAY Magistrates lawfully call a Synod of Ministers and other fit persons to consult and advise with about matters of Religion Yes Isa. 49. 23. 1 Tim. 2. 1 2. Matth. 2. 4 5. Prov. 11. 14. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain that the civil Magistrate hath no right or power to convocate Synods or Councils but that it belongs to the Bishop to convocate Diocesian Synods To the Metropolitan to convocate Provincial Synods To the Primate and Patriarch to convocate National Synods To the Pope onely to convocate and call Oecumenick and general Synods Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because under the Old Testament Councils and Synods were appointed and called by godly Kings 1 Kings 8. 1. 2 Kings 23. 1. 2 chron 29. 4. 2 Because it is the duty of the civil Magistrate being born within the church to take care that Peace and Unity be preserved and keeped in the Church that the Truth and Word of GOD be intirely and soundly Preached and obeyed that blasphemies and heresies be kept under and supprest that all corruptions in Worship and Discipline be reformed that all GODS Ordinances be lawfully established administred and preserved And if it should happen that both Church and State Iudicaturies should make an universal defection from the purity of doctrine and worship received and acknowledged it is the duty of a godly King by vertue of his Regal Power and Authority to set about a work of Reformation and to call and command all ranks of People to return to the true Worship and Service of GOD Isa. 45. 23. Psalm 122. 7 8 9. Ezra 7 23 25 26 27 28. Levit. 24. 16. Deut. 13. 5 6 12. 1 chron 13. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9. 2 Kings 23. from the first verse to the 26. 3 From the example of Constantine that did convocate the first Nicene council From Theodosius the elder that did call the first council of Constantinople From Theodosius the younger that did call the first council at Ephesus From Martianus that did call the Chalcedon council Quest. IV. MAY all Synods or Councils since the Apostles dayes err Yes And have not many actually erred Yes Well then doth not the Popish Church err who maintain that councils confirmed and solemnised by the Popes authority cannot err neither in explaining Doctrines of Faith nor in delivering Precepts and Rules of Manners common to the whole Church Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because all the Priests Levites and Prophets of the Iewish church who had the same Promises which the Christian church hath now under the New Testament 1 Cor. 10. 3 4. 2 Sam. 7. 16. Isaiah 49. 15 16. together with the High Priest have sometimes erred as is clear from the following Scriptures Isaiah 56. 10 11. Ierem. 6. 13. Ierem. 14. 14. Hos. 9. 7 8 9. Mic. 3. 9. The Lords Prophets that were immediately guided and inspired by him must be excepted 2 Because councils under the Old Testament lawfully called have often-times erred 2 Sam. 6. 6. 3. Ier. 26. 7 8 9. 1 Kings 22. 6. And under the New Testament Iohn 9. 35. Iohn 11. 47 48 52. Matth. 26 57 59 65 66. Acts 4. 5 6 17 18. 3 Because the Pope cannot shew a proof of infallibility Rom. 3. 4. 4 Because it is foretold in the New Testament that many Pastors and Teachers shall become false Prophets and turn Seducers and that Antichrist shall sit in the Temple of GOD shewing himself that he is God Mat. 24. 11 24. Acts 20. 29 30. 2 Peter 2. 1. 2 Thes. 2. 4. 5 It is most evident that many councils approven and authorized by the Pope have most foully erred and that
because they think that all the Jewish ceremonies are still in force and binding us who live under the Gospel Page 141. Independents so called because they will have every particular Congregation to be ruled by their own laws without dependency upon any other Church Page 236 309 317. L. Libertines from the liberty and freedom they take and give to others to commit sin Their first Author was one Quintinus a Taylor in Picardy who taught that whatsoever good or evil we did was not done by us but by GODS Spirit in us and many other blasphemous opinions Page 44 106 114 155 175 189 245 246. Lutherians who so call themselves lyingly and falsely from Martin Luther that eminent Man of GOD. Page 43 65 69 86 112 139 157 244 265 269 271 280 298. M. Manicheans from one Manes a Persian by birth and a servant by condition The Manichean sect was the sink of all former Heresies p. 19 55 261 Macedonians so called from Macedonus Bishop of Constantinople 312. years after Christ. Their Heresie was condemned in the second general Council held at Constantinople by Gratian and Theodosius anno 380. His followers were called Pneumatomachians fighters against the holy Spirit from Pneuma a Spirit and Machesthai to fight Page 28. Marcionites from one Marcion a Paphlagonian near the Euxine Sea who was Cerdons scholar a grand Heretick He maintained Cerdons Heresies at Rome about 133. years after Christ. Page 55 283 334. N. Nestorians so called from Nestorius Patriarch of Constantinople who broached his errours under Theodosius the younger 400. years after Christ. They made Christ to have two Persons as he had two Natures This Heresie was condemned by the third general Council held at Ephesus under Theodosius the younger anno 431. Page 57. Novatians so called from Novatus who lived under Decius the Emperor 220. years after Christ. He was an African by birth P. 104 108 110 230. O. Origenists so called from famous Origen His errors began to spread about the year of Christ 247. under Aurelian the Emperour and continued above 334. years p. 332. P. Pneumatomachians See the letter P. Pelagians from Pelagius a Britain as they say by birth A Monk at Rome afterward a Presbyter under Theodosius the younger p. 45 64 91 115. Puritans otherwise called Kathari because they esteemed themselves purer and holier than others p. 66 104 230 239. Photinians from Photinus born in the lesser Galatia He began to spread his Heresies about the year 323. at Syrmium where he was Bishop under Constantius the Emperour p. 334. Papists are too well known They are to be found in every other page almost of the book Q. Quakers so called because sometimes they use to Quake and Tremble when they prophesy or when they are in a rapture p. 4 5 12 18 23 c. S. Socinians so called from one Faustus Socinus an Italian of Siena place all Religion in the old condemned Heresies following their Master a most vile Heretick p. 1 12 13 21 23 28 31 c. Sabellians so called from Sabellus an African by birth His Heresies began anno Christi 224. Page 23. Separatists so called because they withdrew themselves from the Christian Communion and fellowship of others in the Worship of GOD. p. 257. Scepticks commonly called Seekers maintain that the whole universal Church hath perished a little after the Apostles times and are not to this day restored until Christ from Heaven shall send new Apostles for raising up again the Church Visible p. 247. Sabbatarians so called because they observe the Jewish Sabbath imagining there is no precept or example in the New Testament for observing the first day of the week p. 192. T. Tritheits or Tritheitae so called because they divided the indivisible Essence of the Godhead into three parts the one they called the Father the other the Son the third the Holy Ghost p. 19 23. Tertullianists were so called from that famous Lawyer and Divine Tertullian who lived under Severus the Emperour about 170. years after Christ. p. 230. V. Vorstians from one Vorstus an old Heretick who taught that GOD had a Body and was endued with parts as the Anthropomorphitans affirmed p. 21 22. Vaninians from one Vaninus a great promotter of Atheism He was publickly burned at Tholouse p. 163. CHAP. I. Of the Holy SCRIPTURE Question I. IS the Light of Nature and the works of Creation and Providence sufficient to give that knowledge of GOD and of his Will which is necessary to Salvation No. 1 Cor. 1. 21. and 1 Cor. 2. 13 14. Well then do not the Socinians err who mantain That Men living according to the Law and Light of Nature may be saved Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because none can be saved unless they be born again by the incorruptible seed of the Word 1 Pet. 1. 23. 2 Because Christ is the Way the Truth and the Life and no man cometh to the Father but by the Son Iohn 14. 6. 3 Because there is none other Name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved but by the Name of Jesus Acts 4. 12. 4 Because men cannot believe in Christ without supernatural revelation and therefore cannot be sanctified or justified because all Justification Sanctification and Remission of sins are by GODS Grace and Faith in Jesus Christ Rom. 3. 24 25. Acts. 26. 18. Neither can men be so saved viz. by living according to the light of Nature because Salvation is promised onely to Believers in Christ Acts 16. 31. Iohn 3. 16. 5. Because all that know not GOD will be punished eternally 2 Thes. 1. 8. But men without supernatural Revelation cannot savingly know GOD 1 Cor. 1. 21. Matth. 11. 27. 6. Men destitute of supernatural Revelation cannot know their own corruption and misery by the first Adam nor the remedy which is offered by Christ the second Adam They are without GOD without Hope without the Promises without the Church and covenant of God and the mysteries of Faith are hid and unknown to them allanerly that perish and are lost Eph. 2. 11 12. Rom. 9. 4. 2 Cor. 4. 3. Mat. 13. 11 12. Matth. 11. 25 26 27. Quest II. ARE the holy Scriptures most necessary to the Church Yes 2 Tim. 3. 15. 2 Pet. 1. 19. Well then doth not the Popish Church err that affirmes the true Church to be infallible in teaching and propounding Articles of Faith both without and against the Scripture and that their unwritten Traditions are of Divine and equal Authority with the Canon of the Scripture Yes Do not likewise the Libertines and Quakers err affirming that GOD doth teach and guide the Elect into all truth by the alone instinct and light of the Spirit without any written Word whatsoever Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1. Because the Scriptures are the foundation upon which the Church is built Eph. 2. 20. 2. Because all things are to be examined by the Rule of the Word as the noble Bereans
Pet. 1. 19. 3. Because the Scripture enlighteneth the eyes and maketh the simple wise Psal. 19. 7 8. Quest XII HAth the Lord by his singular providence and care keeped pure in all Ages the Old Testament in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek Yes Matthew 5. 18. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain the Old Testament in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek which are the Fountains to be corrupted and that their common Latine Version is authentick Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1. Because Christ sayes till Heaven and Earth pass one jot or one title shall in nowise pass from the Law till all be fulfilled Matth. 5. 18. 2. Because there can be no urgent necessity shown why the Fountains are corrupted 3 If any such corruption had been in the Scripture Christ his Apostles and the Orthodox Fathers had declared so much 4 Because they never have nor can make out any manifest corruptions in the Fountains albeit most manifest and undenyable demonstrations are given of the corruptions of their Latine Version which they make authentick Quest XIII ARE the Original tongues viz. the Hebrew and the Greek to be translated into the Vulgar Language of every Nation into which they come Yes Are we commanded in the fear of GOD to read and search the Scriptures Yes Iohn 5. 39. 1 Cor. 14. 6 9 11 12 14 24 27 28. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain There is no necessity of translating the Original Tongues the Hebrew and the Greek into the vulgar Language of every Nation unto which they come but rather a very great hazard and danger of Errors and Heresies Yes Do not likewise the same Papists err who forbid the reading of the Scriptures in the vulgar tongues Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1. Because the Scriptures were given long since to the Iews in their own vulgar Language that they might be read publickly and privately by all Deut. 31. 10 11 12. Deut. 11. 18 19 20. 2. Because the New Testament was written in the Greek Language which at that time was most generally known to all Nations 3. Because Christ bids all promiscuously search the Scriptures Ioh. 5. 29. 4. Because the Prophets and Apostles preached their Doctrines to the People and Nations in their known Languages Ier. 36 15 16. Act. 2. 6. 5. Because immediately after the Apostles times many Translations were extant 6. Because all things must be done in the Congregation unto edifying 1 Cor. 14. 26. but an unknown tongue doth not edify 7. Because all are commanded to try the Spirits 1 Thes. 5. 21. 1 Cor. 10. 15. 8. Because the Scriptures teach the way of Life Prov. 2. 9. Luke 16. 29. Acts 24. 14. 9. Because the Scriptures set forth the duties of every man in his place and estate of his life Deut. 17. 18 19 20. Iosh. 1. 8. Psal. 119. 24. 2 Chron. 23. 11. 10. Because they are the ground of Faith Rom. 4. 20. 2 Chron. 20. 20. 11. Because they are the Epistle of God sent to his Church Hos. 8. 12. Rev. 2. 1 8 12. 12 Because they are his Testament wherein we may find what legacies he hath bequeathed unto us 2 Cor. 3. 14 16. Heb. 10. 16. Ioh. 14. 16. 13 Because they are the sword of the Spirit Ephes. 6. 17. 14 Because being imbraced and known they make a man happy Psalm 119. 97 98. Luke 10. 42. Luke 16. 29. Psalm 1 2 Rev 1 3. 15 Because when the Scriptures are neglected or contemned they plunge men into all misery Heb 2 3 Matth 22 29 Psalm 50 16. Quest XIV WHen there is a Question about the true meaning and full sense of any Scripture must it be known and searched by other places which speak more clearly Yes 2 Peter 1 21 Acts 15 15 16. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain The Scriptures not to be a sufficient Interpreter of it self and that the sense of it cannot be gathered infallibly when the text is doubtfull from other places which speak more clearly but onely from the Magisterial Traditions and unwritten Opinions of the Church of Rome Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the noble Bereans compared Scripture with Scripture for finding out the true and sure sense of it Acts 17 11. 2 Because the Apostle Paul did the same Acts 28 23. 3 Because the same was done by the council of the Apostles and Elders Acts 15. 15 16 17. Quest. XV. IS the holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture the Supream Iudge by which all controversies of Religion are determined and all Decrees of Councils Opinions of Ancient Writers Doctrines of men and private Spirits are to be examined and in whose sentence we are to rest Yes Matth 22 29 31 Eph 2. 20 Acts 28. 25. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain That the Church of Rome and the Pope are the supream Iudges of all Controversies of Faith and that his Decrees and Determinations are to be believed without examination and implicitly to be believed by all Believers Yes Do not likewise the Quakers err who maintain that the Light within which teacheth the Elect is the only Iudge of all Controversies of Faith Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because God commands all men to go to the Law and to the Testimony in doubtful matters Isaiah 8 20 2 Because all doubts in Religion are to be examined by the Rule of the Word Acts 17. 11. Galatians 6. 16. 3 Because Christ and his Apostles did alwayes dispute and reason from the Scriptures against the enemies of the Truth Matth. 22 31. Gal. 3. 13. 4 Because the Church of GOD is founded upon the Writings of the Prophets and Apostles Eph. 2. 20. 5 Because we are commanded to prove all things and to try the Spirits 1 Thes. 5. 2. 1 Iohn 4. 1 6. CHAP. II. Of GOD and of the Holy Trinity Question I. IS there but one onely the true and living GOD Yes Deut. 6. 4. 1 Corinth 8. 4. 6. 1 Thes. 1. 9. Well then do not the Tritheitae err who maintain three GODS numerically distinct the Father the Son and Holy Ghost Yes Do not likewise the Manicheans err who maintain That there are two Gods being diverse and opposite as to kind viz. One good the Author and cause of all good things and of things immaterial being the God of the New Testament The other evil to wit the Devil the Author and cause of all evil things and of things material being the God of the Old Testament Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because though there be a plurality of Persons mentioned in Scripture yet it is ever God as One as is evident from the first chapter of the Revelation and the last For if that one God have in himself all perfections there can be no perfection beside him and so no God but this one true God for if there were He should not be God because not infinite
doing we ought to put to silence the ignorance of foolish men 1 Peter 2 15 2 Because they that follow the liberty of sinning and promise liberty to others are truely the servants of corruption for of whom a man is overcome of the same is he brought in bondage 2 Peter 2 19. 3 Because the end of that liberty which is purchased by Christ is that being delivered out of the hands of our enemies we might serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life Luke 1 74 75 4 Because whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin Iohn 8 34 5 Because the Moral Law obligeth Believers to perform obedience out of gratitude and thankfulness for Christ came not to destroy the Law but to fulfil it Matth 5 17 6 Because whosoever shall break one of these least commandments and shall teach men so he shal be called the least in the kingdom of Heaven Matth. 5. 19 Quest IV MAY such men be lawfully called to an account and proceeded against by the Censures of the Church and by the power of the Civil Magistrat who publish such opinions or maintain such practises as are contrary to the Light of Nature or to the known principles of Christianity whether concerning Faith Worship or Conversation or to the power of Godliness or such erroneous opinions and practises as either in their own Nature or in the manner of publishing or maintaining them are destructive to the external peace and order which Christ hath established in his Church Yes 1 Cor. 5 1 5 11. 13 2 Iohn v 10 11 1 Tim. 6 3 4 Titus 1 10 11 13 Titus 3 10. 1 Tim. 1 19 20 Matth 18 15 16 17 Rev 2 2 14 15 20 Rev 3 9 Well then do not the Anabaptists err who maintain there should be no Ecclesiastical Censures Yes Do not others also err who maintain that Church Censures should not be inflicted upon Hereticks Yes Do not lastly the Lutherians Anabaptists Arminians Quakers and all sort of Hereticks and Sectaries err who maintain under the pretext of Christian Liberty that the Civil Magistrat is not obliged in duty to punish any man with the sword for errors in doctrine but that they ought to be tolerated and suffered providing such persons as own them do not trouble or molest the Common-wealth Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the keyes of the Kingdom of Heaven are for this end delivered to the Ministers of the Church that with Censures they may pursue Scandalous and offending Persons who will not obey admonition Matth. 18. 15 17 18. But such also are Hereticks Gal. 5. 20. Tit. 1. 10. 12. 2 Because an Heretick after the first and second admonition is to be rejected avoided or shuned That is let him not remain in the external Communion of the Church Titus 3. 10. 3 Because Paul did excommunicat Hymeneus and Alexander who had made shipwrack of the Faith 1 Tim. 1. 19 20. 4 Because if any man obey not our Word by this Epistle note that man and have no company with him that he may be ashamed 2 Thes. 3. 14. 1 Tim. 6. 4 5. Titus 1. 11 5 Because Christ approves and commends the Pastors of the Church of Ephesus because they could not suffer them that are evil but had tried them which say they are Apostles and were not and had found them Liars Rev. 2. 2. And Christ in that same chapter accuses the Pastors of the Church of Pergamus and Thyatira and threatneth them because they had suffered Hereticks to be in the Church The Lutherians Anabaptists Arminians and other Sectaries are confuted 1 Because it is evident from many examples of Godly Magistrats who did extirpat Idolatry and inflict punishment upon Idolaters as did Iacob the Patriarch who at least purged his family of strange Gods Gen. 35. 2 3 4. Moses likewise took punishment with the sword upon those who did worship the Golden-Calf Exod. 32. 26 27 28. We have 2 the examples of Hesekia 2 Kings 18. 4. Of Iosia 2 Kings 23. Of Asa who decreed that whosoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel according to the law of God Deut. 13. 9. should be put to death whether small or great whether man or woman 2 Chro. 15. 13. Of Iehosaphat 2 Chron. 17. 6. Of Nehemia 13. 15 17. 3 Were not good kings reproved and was it not imputed to them as a fault that they did not take away the High-places 2 Kings 12. 3. 2 Kings 14. 4. 2 Kings 15. 4. 2 Chron. 15. 17. Far more is it a fault to suffer Hereticks 4 It is evident from the office of the Magistrat who is the Minister of God against them that do evil and beareth not the sword in vain Rom. 13. 3 4. 5 Because it is expresly commanded in Scripture that punishment be inflicted upon Idolaters even by the nearest Relations If then the Father may kill the Son may kill the Daughter the Husband the Wife of his bosom and if one brother may stone another brother with stones that he die for being Idolaters much more may the Civil Magistrat do this Deut. 13. 6. to the 13 verse Deut. 17. 2. to the 7 verse Lev. 24. 16. 6 Because it is foretold that under the New Testament Kings shall be nursing Fathers to the Church and Queens nursing Mothers and that Hereticks that were about to be hurtful to the Church shall be removed and taken away Isaiah 49. 23. Zech. 13. 2 3. And it shall come to pass in that day saith the Lord of hosts that I will cut off the names of the Idols out of the land that is all Idolatry whatsoever so that the same shall not be so much as named any more among you and they shall no more be remembred And I will also cause the Prophets the false Prophets and the unclean Spirit to pass out of the Land that is the false Teachers who teach impure doctrines through the inspiration of the unclean Spirit the Devil Compare with this 1 Iohn 4. 1 2 3. For confirmation consider what is foretold by Iohn Rev. 17. 12 16 17. That the Kings of the Earth shall eat the flesh of the Whore and burn her with fire All which are foretold as blessings to be confered upon the Church 7 It is evident from the Epithets whereby the pernicious and destructive nature of Hereticks is set forth in Scripture They are called Wolfes not sparing the flock Thieves Robers Troublers of the Church and Seducers or Beguilers of poor souls They are like unto a Gangren or Canker in the body They are as leaven or soure dough which leaveneth the whole lump Acts 20. 29. Iohn 10. 8. Acts 15. 24. Gal. 5. 12. 2 Tim. 2. 17. Gal. 5. 9. 8 Because Ezra did esteem it a great favour and blessing of God conferred upon the Church for which he thanked God that had inclined the heart of Artaxerxes to publish a Decree for the punishment of those that did not observe
of the Ceremonial Law Exod. 16. 23. Thirdly because it was written with Gods own hand and inserted into the midst of the rest of the moral precepts and was put into the Ark of the Testimony with the other nine which honour was never conferred upon any precept meerly Ceremonial 4 Because all the reasons of this Command are intirely Moral He rested after six days and allowed us six days to work therefore in all equity we ought to rest after so many days work and give God a seventh 5 Because Christ confirms this Command in saying pray that your flight be not in the winter neither on the Sabbath day where the Lord insinuateth that as travelling is troublesome to the body in winter so would it be to the minds of the Godly to travel on that day specially and solemnly set apart for Gods worship Now if there were no sabbath to continue after Christs ascension or if it were not to be sanctified there would be no occasion of this grief and trouble that they behoved to travel on the Sabbath and durst not tary till that day were by-past and so no cause to put up this prayer which yet by our Lords exhortation seemeth to infer that the Sabbath was to be as certain in its time as the Winter And doubtless this cannot be meaned of the Iewish Sabbath for that was to be abolished shortly Next travelling on the Iewish Sabbath was to be no cause of grief unto them if indeed all days were alike neither would it be scroupled in such a case by the Apostles to whom he is now speaking Quest. XII WAS this one day in seven from the beginning of the World to the Resurrection of Christ the last day of the week Yes And was it from the Resurrection of Christ changed into the first day of the week Yes And is it to be continued to the end of the World as the Christian Sabbath Yes Gen. 2. 2 3. 1 Cor. 16. 1. 2. Acts 20. 7. Rev. 1. 10. Matth. 5. 17 18. Well then do not the Sabbatarians err who maintain that the Iewish Sabbath or the seventh day from the Creation is to be observed Yes Do not others likewise err who maintain that the observation of the Lords Day is only of Ecclesiastick and Apostolick institution Yes These Authors you see do confound and make two things really distinct to be but one namely Ecclesiastick and Apostolick institution By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the fourth Command standing wherein one day of seven is appointed the numbering is left free to God himself that the right and power may be reserved to Christ the Law-giver and to his Spirit for the change of the day and continuing the worship prescribed in the fourth Command 2 From the name it self for our Sabbath is called the Lords Day Rev. 1. 10. I was in the Spirit on the Lords Day or on that Lords Day or Dominick Day or day which is the Lords pointing out a day singularly and a day which in a particular special manner is called His day even as the Lords prayer and the Lords Supper are so called because appointed by Christ the Lord. 3 Because God only can abrogate the Lords day the Adversaries granting so much therefore he that hath power to rescind hath power likewise to establish 4 Because there is an implicit Command concerning the observation of the Lords day 1 Cor. 16. 2. As I have saith Paul given order to the churches of Galatia even so do ye the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him From which place we reason thus that not the seventh but the first day is the chief solemn day for worship after Christs Resurrection because the Apostles did pitch particularly and eminently upon that day and that in diverse Churches as the fittest time for expressing their Charity He doth not think it indifferent what day it be done on nor that all dayes are alike but pitcheth on the first day not in one Church only but in many Next this command supposeth them to be already acquainted with some special priviledges of the first day beyond others and that there must be some peculiar thing in this day making it fit yea more fit for such a purpose rather than any other day 5 Because as the seventh day was instituted in remembrance of the works of Creation so the first day after the work of redemption was finished succeeded as most convenient for collating and comparing both Mercies together 6 Because Christ on the first day of the week appeared most frequently to his Disciples and blessed it with his presence Matth. 28. 9. Acts 1. 3. Iohn 20. 19 26. 7 Because on that day the holy Ghost descended upon the Apostles And on the same day Peter baptized three thousand Acts 2. 1 2 3 4 41. 8 Because the Church in the time of the Apostles did observe the first day of the week as holy Acts 20. 7. But the practise of the Apostles approven in Scripture is equivalent to a Divine Institution 9 Because Christ was seen of his Apostles fourty dayes after his Resurrection and spoke to them of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God during which time he hath taught them all things needful to be known and among the rest it is probable the change of the Sabbath and the institution of the first day of the week and that immediatly after his resurrection he hath either immediatly by himself institute that day or hath inspired his Apostles to observe it from that same very time 10 Because the Lord hath remarkably owned this Christian Sabbath in being remarkably avenged upon the breakers and profanners thereof as it is clear from several Histories Quest. XIII IS this Sabbath then kept holy unto the Lord when men after a due preparation of their hearts and ordering of their common affairs before hand do not only observe an holy rest all the day from their own works words and thoughts about their worldly employments and recreations but are also taken up the whole time in the publick and private exercises of his own worship except what is spent in the duties of necessity and mercy Yes Exod. 16. 23 25 26 29 30. Exod. 31. 15 16 17. Isa. 58. 13. Neh. 13. 15 16 18 19 21 22. Well then do not some err who think that after publick worship is ended the rest of the Lords day may be spent in ordinary exercises recreations and such like sports as are not unlawful on other dayes unless they be forbidden by the Church or Common-wealth wherein men live Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Lord says in the fourth Commandment in it thou shalt not do any work But ordinary recreations games and sports are our own works 2 Because Nature it self requires that we bestow as much of the Sabbath day on God who is the Lord of Time and of all things which we have as we can and use to bestow
power force and oblige all his subjects to a Reformation of Religion and to a conformity to the true worship sound doctrine and discipline of the Church Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because it is foretold by the Prophet Isaiah that in the dayes of the Gospel Kings shall be nursing Fathers and Queens nursing Mothers to the Church of God Chap. 49. 23. 2 Because Artaxerxes who was but a Heathen King was very careful to make a decree that whatsoever was commanded by the God of Heaven should be diligently done for the house of the God of Heaven And that whosoever would not obey the Law of GOD and the King judgement was to be executed speedily upon him whether by death banishment confiscation of goods or imprisonment For which singular mercy Ezra blessed the Lord GOD of his Fathers who had put such a thing in the Kings heart chap. 7. 23 25 26 27 28. So did Nebuchadnezzar make a decree that if any People Nation or Language should speak any thing amiss against the GOD of Heaven they should be cut in pieces and their houses made a dunghill Dan. 3. 29. The like we read of Darius who made a Decree that all men should tremble and fear before the GOD of Daniel chap. 6. 26. 3 From the example of Hezekiah who removed the high places and brake the images and cut down the groves and brake in pieces the brazen Serpent to which the Israelites did burn incense 2 Kings 18. 4. 4 From the example of Iosiah who made a through reformation and made all Israel to serve the LORD their GOD. The word in the Original importeth that he in a manner forced and compelled them to the pure worship and service of God as a servant is forced and compelled to his work He by his Royal Power and Authority kept them in order forbidding Idolatry and commanding them to serve God no otherwise than according to his Word 2 Chron. 34. 33. and 2 Chro. 15. 12 13. They entered into a Covenant to seek the Lord of their Fathers with all their heart and with all their soul that whosoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel should be put to death whether great or small man or woman 5 Because whosoever blasphemed the name of the Lord was surely put to death Lev. 24. 16. This blaspheming was a peircing through or stabbing the name of the Lord as the original word properly signifies which may be done not only after this manner but by maintaining blasphemous errors and heresies 6 Because the supream Magistrate is Custos utriusque Tabulae a Keeper of both Tables of the Law of God As well of the first Table which relates to Religion and our duty to God as of the second which relates to righteousness and our duty to our neighbour If then he may punish evil doers who offend against the second Table and force and compel them to obedience by the sword of justice which God hath put into his hand much more may he punish Idolaters and blasphemers who offend against the first Table and force and compell them to obedience seeing there are many sins against the first Table which are more hainous and odious than the sins against the second Table And though it be the sinful practise of the Church of Rome to force men and women to be of their Religion which is superstitious and Idolatrous yet it is not so to others who have the true religion among them And though our blessed Saviour and his Apostles did not use such means for propagating the Gospel reserving the Glory of conquering of souls to himself and the power of his Spirit yet he has taught nothing to the contrary but that Kings and Magistrates whom he has made nursing Fathers to his Church may according to the laudable examples of the good Kings of Iuda improve their power for Reformation and maintainance of his own Religion And though Religion hath been much advanced by suffering yet it will not infer that a Christian Prince has not power to reform his own subjects or extirpate blasphemers and Hereticks Quest. III. IS it lawful for a Christian to accept and execute the office of a Magistrate when called thereunto Yes Prov. 8. 15 16. Rom. 13. 1 2 4. Well then do not the Anabaptists err who maintain that it is not lawful for Christians to carry the office of a Magistrate Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because there is no power but of God and the powers which are are ordained of GOD Rom. 13. 1. 2 Because Solomon says by me that is by the Lord Kings reign and Princes decree justice Prov. 8. 15. 3 Because the Magistrate exercises and executes Gods judgements Deut. 1. 17. 4 Because the Magistrate receiveth all things from GOD which are necessary for the performance of his office Numb 11. 17. 5 Because the Lord hath promised that Magistrates under the Gospel shall be nursing Fathers to his Church Isaiah 49. 23. And shall make the Whore desolate naked and shal eat her flesh and burn her with fire Rev. 17. 16. Quest. IV. MAY the Civil Magistrate now under the New Testament wage warr upon just and necessary occasion Yes Luke 13. 14. Matth. 8. 9 10. Rev. 17. 14 16. Acts 10. 1 2. Well then do not the Quakers Anabaptists and Socinians err Who maintain that it is altogether unlawful now under the New Testament to wage warr Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because GOD appointed and commanded lawful war Numb 31. 2. For it is said the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon when he was to fight the battles of the Lord against the Midianites and Amalekites Iudges 6. 34. Nay the Lord himself prescribeth the manner and way of making of War Numb 10. 9. Numb 31. 27. Deut 20. 2. And giveth knowledge and skill to his Generals and Heroes to fight his own battles Psalm 18. 34. Psalm 144. 1. All which are in no wise abrogated and taken away under the New Testament 2 Because the Centurion that was converted to the Faith did not lay down his office of a Captain of a hundred which surely he would have done if to war under the New Testament had been unlawful Acts 10. 1 2 47. The same may be said of the believing Centurion Matth. 8. 8 9 10. 3 Because the office of a Souldier is not reprehended and reproved by Iohn the Baptist but rather approven Luke 3. 14. 4 Because opposition and defence against unjust violence which often times cannot be done without war is the very law of nature 5 Because it is foretold that the kings of the Earth shall make war against the Beast Rev. 17. 14 16. Quest. V. MAY the Civil Magistrate assume to himself the Administration of the Word and Sacraments or the power of the keyes of the Kingdom of Heaven No. 2 Chron. 26. 18. Matth. 18. 17. Matth. 16. 19. 1 Cor. 12. 28 29. Rom. 10. 5. Hebr. 5. 4. Well then
do not the Erastians err who maintain that the Civil Magistrate hath in himself all Church power and so may administer the Sacraments and preach the Word and may exercise the power of the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because Christ hath given no such power to Magistrates as evidently appears from all those places of Scripture where mention is made of the keyes There is not in them one syllabe of the Civil Magistrate Matth. 18. 17. Matth 16. 19. 2 If the power of the keyes of the Kingdom of Heaven agree to the Magistrate as a Magistrate then ought it to agree to every Magistrate though the Magistrate were an Infidel or a Woman which is absurd 3 A Magistrate as a Magistrate is not a Minister of the Church as is evident from all the Catalogues of the Ministers of the Church For in them you will not find any mention of the Magistrate Eph. 4. 11. Rom. 12. 7. 8. 1 Car. 12. 8 9 10. 4 Because before ever there was a Christian Magistrate in the World the Church exercised all Acts of Church Jurisdiction and Government The Church ordained Ministers and Pastors 1 Tim. 4. 14. And inflicted the Censure of Excommunication 1 Cor. 5. 5. And Relaxed the Penitent from this Censure Called a Synod and stigmatized Hereticks Acts 15. 5 Because GOD hath put a difference between the Church Government and the Civil and hath appointed distinct Governours to them 2 Chron. 19. 8 9 10 11. 6 Because God did severely punish Saul and Uzzia for presuming to offer sacrifice which was proper to the Priests only 1 Sam. 13. 9 10 13. 2 Chron. 26. 16 19. Quest. VI. HATH the Civil Magistrate power to call Synods to be present at them and to provide that whatsoever is transacted in them be according to the mind of GOD Yes 2 Chron. 19. 8 9 10 11. and 2 Chron. 29 30. chapters Matth. 2. 4 5. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain that the judgement and care of Religion doth not belong to the civil Magistrate Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the custody and keeping of the divine law is committed by GOD to the Civil Magistrate Deut. 17. 18. 2 Because it was foretold that Kings should be nursing Fathers to the Church Isaiah 49. 23. 3 Because it is the duty of the Magistrate to take care that subjects may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty 1 Tim. 2. 2. 4 From the commendable examples of the good kings of Iuda 2 Chron. 29. 30. chapters Quest. VI. DOth infidelity or difference in Religion make void the Magistrates just and legal authority No. Doth it free the people from their due obedience to him No. 1 Peter 2. 13 Rom. 13. 1 2 3 4. Titus 3. 1. Well then do not the Papists Anabaptists and others err who maintain that subjects ought not to suffer a King that 's an infidel or obey that King in his just commands that differs from them in Religion Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because we are commanded to submit our selves to every ordinance of man 1 Peter 2. 13. Namely in all that they command us if it be not contrary to God and his command otherwise according to Acts 4. 19. it is better to obey GOD than man And it is said for the Lords sake that is because it is GODS will to govern us by them 2 Because the Christians which were at Rome were commanded by the Apostle to subject themselves to the higher powers and that without exception of Religion and Piety and even to that heathen the Roman Emperour Rom. 13. 1. 3 Because the same Apostle writing to Titus bids him exhort the Cretians his hearers to obey Magistrates what manner of ones soever they be not only believing ones but also those that are unbelieving as then they were yet most of them Titus 3. 1. 4 Because when the Apostle Paul was persued for his life and charged with matters criminal he appealled unto Cesar Acts 25. 10 11. 5 Because the Prophet Ieremiah did own the power of Zedekia who had turned aside to a false worship and had despised the oath which he had made to the King of Babylon Ezek 17. 16 17. Now hear I pray thee says the Prophet O my Lord the King let my Supplication I pray thee be accepted before thee Ierem. 27. 20. 6 Because Christ himself payed tribute to Cesar though he was free being both the Son of GOD by nature and the Son of David by birth Matth. 17. 26. And he commanded and allowed others to pay Matth. 22. 21. Rom. 13. 7. 7 Because Paul did own and acknowledge the power of King Agrippa Acts 26. 2. Quest. VII IS it the duty of people to pray for Magistrates and honour their persons Yes 1 Tim. 2. 1 2. and 1 Peter 2. 17. Well then do not some err who deny this Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because Samuel at the request of Saul whom he knew the Lord had rejected returned again after him and honoured him before the people 1 Sam. 15. 31. 2 Because the Lord having appointed Magistrates to administer justice and judgement in his name is so far pleased to honour them as to call them Gods and the Children of the high Psalm 82. 1 6. 3 Because the Apostle Peter says fear God and honour the King parallel to what Paul says render to all men their dues honour to whom honour is due 1 Peter 2 17. Rom. 13. 7. 4 Because even heathen Magistrates are called the Lords anointed Isaiah 45. 1. And the Lord calls Nebuchadnezzar his servant Ierem. 27. 6. If then such Magistrates ought to be honoured upon that account much more Christian Magistrates 5 Because if we be obliged not to speak evil of dignities 2 Peter 2. 11 nor revile the Gods Exod. 22. 8 we are obliged to honour dignities for where a sin is forbidden the contrary duty is commanded 6 Because God commanded his people the Jews to seek the peace of the City that is the welfare and prosperity of Babylon whither he had caused them to be carried away captives Ierem. 29. 7. 7 Because the Prophet the man of God besought the Lord in behalf of Ieroboam and prayed for him a man that had made Apostacy from the true worship of God and had made Israel to sin 1 Kings 13. 3. 8 Because our blessed Saviour says render to Cesar the things that are Cesars Matth. 22. 21. But prayers and supplications are as due to Cesar as custom and tribute 1 Tim. 2. 1 2. 9 Because the Apostle commands us to pray for all that are in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life which is the cause wherefore we must pray for Magistrates For in the Apostles times and long after Magistrates were persecutors of the Church of GOD and hindred the members of Christ to live in peace and godliness 1 Tim.
2. 1 2. 9 Because Moses cryed unto the Lord in behalf of Pharoah Exod. 8. 12. Abraham prayed unto God for Abimelech Gen. 20. 17. Iacob blessed Pharoah Gen. 47. 7 10. 10 Because many blessed Martyrs going to death have prayed for their persecuting Magistrates following the example and command of our blessed Saviour Luke 23. 34. Matth. 5. 44. Quest. VIII OUght any man at his own hand or at the instigation of other men to assassinate or kill a Magistrate or any private or publick person under the pretence they are Hereticks and Persecutors of the truth No. Exod. 20. 13 Prov. 1. 10. 11. Well then do not those men of the Romish-Church err and others too who own this dangerous Tenet Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because all sort of murder is expresly forbidden in the sixth command thou shalt not kill Exod. 20. 13. Where there is a clear distinction made by Thou between a private man and a publick Magistrate that doth it by divine authority 2 Because though Saul was a man rejected of God 1 Sam. 15. 26. yet David says to the Amalekite how wast thou not affrayed to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the Lords anointed 2 Sa. 1. 14. see 1 Sam. 24. 5. 1 Sam. 26. 9. 3 Because whatever may be alledged from Phineas his fact Num. 25. 8. from Ehuds fact in stobbing Eglon Iudges 3. 21. from Samuels fact in killing Agag 1 Sam. 15. 33. and from Elijahs fact in killing the Priests of Baal 1 Kings 18. 40. they will not by any means favour private mens assassinations for certainly Phineas had a divine motion as Ehud had stirring him up which was evident by the Lords approving the fact and rewarding it Samuel no doubt was moved hereunto by an inward motion and instinct of God and the conduct of his Spirit as was Elijah so that their facts and suck like were altogether particular and cannot be abused by imitation and followed by every one as rules whose calling is not properly to use the sword of justice 4 Because it would bring a Mass of confusion to the utter ruine of all Societies if every man at his own hand might execute vindictive justice upon offenders who deserve it or upon pretence they do deserve it which is to fight against God who is the God of order politick as well as Ecclesiastick and not of confusion 5 Because the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God Ia. 1. 20. 6 Because it is a contempt of publick laws and publick order It is an usurpation of the Magistrates sword which God hath put into his hand for punishing and protecting It is an invasion of Gods right and prerogative of executing vengeance which he hath so expresly reserved to himself Psalm 94. 1. Rom. 12. 19. Deut. 32. 35. Prov. 25. 21 22. 6 Because Solomon sayes my son if sinners entice thee consent thou not if they say come with us let us lay wait for blood let us lurk privily for the innocent walk not thou in the way with them Prov. 1. 10 11. 7 Because a righteous man regardeth the life of his beast much more ought a righteous man to regard the life of his neighbour Prov. 12. 10. The sin of murder may be many wayes aggravated First by the quality of the person murdered whether he be a superiour as a Magistrate or Minister or parent or whether he be of a near relation as a brother or near kinsman Secondly from the manner extream cruelty being used or sudden and unexpected death putting a man into eternity in the twinckling of an eye To which we may add deliberation and premediate murder of which Solomon speaks in the forecited place Quest. IX ARE Ecclesiastick Persons exempted from due obedience to the Magistrate No. Rom. 13. 1 1 Kings 2. 26. Acts 25 9 10 11. 2 Peter 2. 1 10 11. Iude verse 8. 9 10 11. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain that the Clergy as they call them and their goods are altogether free by the Law of God from Secular Powers Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the command of obedience is general and universal let every soul be subject Rom. 13. 1. 2 Because Christ commanded the Pharisees who were of the Clergy to render unto Cesar the things which are Cesars Matth. 22. 21. Nay Christ himself payed tribute money to wit a Stater in value two shillings and three pence which Peter found in the fishes mouth when he opened it Matth. 17 27. 3 Because Paul did acknowledge himself subject to the Magistrate when he appealled unto Cesar Acts 25. 11. 4 From the example of the Priests who were subject to their Kings Did not Abiather at Solomons command go to Anothoth 1 Kings 2. 26. Quest. X. HAth the Pope any Power or Iurisdiction over Magistrates in their dominions or over any of their people No. Rev. 13. 15 16 17. 2 Thes. 2 4 Well then do not the Papists err who maintain that the Pope of Rome as Pope hath full power by divine right over the whole World as well in matters Civil as Ecclesiastical Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because Christ expresly discharges his Disciples from taking to themselves any such power or dominion Matth. 20 25 Mark 10 42 2 Because the Kingdom of Christ is not of this World Iohn 18. 36. Neither ought the Popes Kingdom to be of this World who calls himself the Vicar of Christ. That is one who supplieth Christs room and taketh pains for him his Depute here on Earth 3 Because when the people would have made Christ a King he departed again into a mountain himself alone Iohn 6. 15. 4 Because the Apostle Peter discharged this Dominion 1 Peter 5. 1 2 3. 5 Because its never heard that any of the Apostles did ever use any civil power or command or sate as judges in civil matters but stood alwayes to be judged by Civil powers as is evident from the History of the Acts. 6 Because GOD hath put a difference between the Government of the Church and the Civil Government and hath given to each their own proper and distinct Officers Neither can the one invade the other without very great sin 2 Chron. 19. 8 9 10 11. 7 Because it is the mark of Antichrist to exalt himself above all that is called God 2 Thes. 2. 4. CHAP. XXIIII Of Marriage and Divorce Question I. IS Marriage between one man and one woman Yes Is it lawful for a man to have more than one wife or for a woman to have more than one husband at the same time No. Gen. 2. 24 Matth 19 5 6. Prov 2 17 Well then do not the Anabaptists and Familists err who maintain that it is lawful for a Christian not only to have more wives at the same time but as many as he desires Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the having of two wives or many wives is contrary to the first
in the world is Catholick and Universal Acts 15. 23. Acts 24. 14. Gal. 5. 14. 10 Because the initial Visible seal admittance and enrowlment are things Catholick and Oecumenical For he that takes up his freedom in a whole Corporation or Kingdom is free of the whole and in every part thereof and hath right to all the general priviledges and immunities thereof There is a Patent for Baptism Go and baptize all Nations And by vertue of the Priviledges thereof they that are baptized in any one Church are accounted visible subjects of Christs Kingdom in all places of the Christian world Matth. 28. 19. 11 Because all Churches are one Body Rom. 12. 5. 12 Because Peter writting to the strangers scattered abroad throughout Pontus Galatia Cappadocia Asia and Bithynia calleth them all one Flock 1 Peter 5. 2. 13 Because all the Churches of the World are one sheepfold Iohn 10. 16. 14 Because the Visible Church is one great house 2 Tim. 2. 20. Quest. III. DOTH the Visible Church consist of all those thorowout the world that profess the Christian Religion together with their Children Yes 1 Cor. 1. 2. Psalm 2. 8. 1 Cor. 7. 14. Well then do not the Donatists Anabaptists and Puritans of old so truely named err who affirm the visible Church to consist of those only that are pious and holy Yes Do not likewise the Independents err who think none ought to be members of the Visible Church save those who in the judgement of men very spiritual and discerning are esteemed true believers and saints who have given sufficient proof of their knowledge in the fundamentals of Religion who have reported in order and given a good account of the experimental work of their conversion and effectual calling who have shewed their conversation in the world to have been without the omission of any known duty or commission of any known fault and that for a considerable length of time Yes Do not lastly the Quakers err who think the only visible Church of GOD on earth to be themselves and all others not of their profession and practise to be unregenerate and wanting the Spirit Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the visible Church is compared to a Garner in which there is not only Wheat but Chaff mixed with it To a Field in which Tares and Darnel are mixed among the good Corn. To a Net in which both good Fishes and bad are taken Matth. 13. chapter To a great House wherein are not only vessels of Gold and Silver but of Wood and of Earth 2 Tim. 2. 20. 2 Because Christ will answer some at the last day who will say to him Lord have not we Prophesied in thy name and in thy name casten out Devils and have we not eaten and drunken at thy table I know you not This evidently shews that many have been members of the Visible Church whom Christ will not own at the last day Matth. 7. 22 23. 3 From the Parable of the ten Virgins five whereof were foolish five wise Matth. 25. 1. 4 From the Parable of the Banquet where one was found at the Table without a Wedding Garment Matth. 22. 11. 5 Because many are of the Visible Church who are not of the invisible Church 1 Iohn 2. 19. 6 Because the Apostle calls the Church of Corinth the Church of Christ notwithstanding of their gross enormities 1 Cor. 1. 11. 1 Cor. 3. 3. 1 Cor. 5. 1. 1 Cor. 6. 7. 7 Because Moses did acknowledge even those then to be members of the Visible Church to whom yet he knew the Lord had not given ears to hear nor eyes to see nor a heart to understand the great and wonderful miracles which he wrought in their sight Deut. 29. 10 11 12 13. compared with the verses 2 3 4. 8 Because Iohn the Baptist did admit many thousands into the communion of the Visible Church without making a narrow search of their true grace and conversion Matth. 3. 9 Because the Apostles did instantly and without the delay of one day baptise all those that professed the Christian Religion Acts 2. 38 41. Acts 8. 12. Iohn 3. 26. 10 Because the preaching of the Gospel is appointed by God as an ordinary mean no less for the Conversion of men and women than for the advancement of those in grace that are converted Prov. 9 3 4. 2 Cor. 5. 18 19. 20 2 Tim. 2. 24 25 11 Because we are forbidden by the Apostle to judge the spiritual state and condition of our neighbour Rom. 14. 4. 12 Because Christ did acknowledge Iudas the Theif and Traitor as a member of his Visible Church whom yet he foresaw to be the son of perdition Matth. 26. 23. 13 Because Christ had a visible church on earth many hundered of years before ever there were such cattle as Quakers in the World Unless they will alledge that the primitive Christians and all the Saints since the Apostles dayes have been their Predecessors and claime kin to them as the Samaritans did to Iacob who were truely descended of the heathen who were brought thither out of Assyria as the Quakers are descended from the Enthusiasts in Germany about 160 years since as Nicolas Strokins Iohn Matthias and Iohn of Leyden notorious Hereticks blasphemers and bloody Murderers But how quite different the Quakers are to the primitive christians and holy men of God then and since will evidently appear hence that they did not contemn these two great ordinances of the Gospel instituted by Christ to wit Baptism and the Lords Supper They had Bishops and Deacons to govern and instruct them who were ordained to their functions by prayer and imposition of hands whom they did not revile with the ugly names of dumb dogs and hirelings These primitive christians had not in their assemblies Women-preachers as the Quakers have which is down right contrary to Pauls injunctions 1 Cor. 14. 35. Neither were silent meetings ever heard of among the primitive christians Nor did they ever out of contempt call churches places appointed for the publick worship of God Steeple-houses but resorted to them for performing their devotions and service to God as did our blessed Saviour and his Apostles Iohn 18. 20. Luke 4. 16. Acts 3. 1. Acts 13. 5. Do not likewise the Papists and Lutherians err who will have none members of the visible Church that are unbaptized Yes Do not lastly the Anabaptists err who will have no infants members of the visible church Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because that God commanded infants and little ones should stand before him should enter into covenant with him Deut. 29. 10 11. 2 Because infants are called the people of God no less than men and women come to age Deut. 29. 11 12 13. 3 Because the promise of Grace belongs to children as well as to the parents Acts 2. 39. 4 If children be not members of the visible church they must be members of the visible kingdom of the devil for
there can be no midst Eph. 2. 12 13. And so there shall be no difference between the children of Believers and the children of Turks and Pagans 5 Because infants under the Old Testament had right unto the Covenant of Grace Gen. 17. 7 12. And children of Believers under the New Testament have lost no right to that covenant of Grace which children under the Old Testament had seeing the covenant of Grace now under the Gospel is not more strickly and sparingly administred than long since under the law Heb. 8. 6. Rom. 11. 12. 6 Because infants are commanded to joyn themselves to Gods ordinances Ioel 2. 16. 7 Because if Christ while an infant was head of the visible church then infants may be his members But the first is true from Isaiah 9. 6. Therefore the second must be true also 8 Because they whom the false Apostles would have to be circumcised after the manner of Moses and therefore infants were called Disciples Acts 15. 10. Quest. IV. IS there any ordinary possibility of Salvation out of the Visible Church No. Acts 2. 47. Well then do not the Enthusiasts Quakers and Libertines err who affirm that any man may be a true christian and be saved though he live within no Visible Church Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Lord IEHOVAH in his visible Church ordinarly commands the blessing even life for evermore Psalm 133. 3. 2 Because the visible church is the mother of all Believers Gal. 4. 26. By Ierusalem which is above I understand the true Christian Church which seeketh its salvation not by the first covenant of the law namely by the works of the law but by the second of the Gospel namely by the merits of Christ embraced by a true Faith which hath its orginal from heaven by the powerful calling of the Holy Ghost 3 Because they that are without the visible church are without Christ Eph. 2. 12. 4 Why are men and women joyned to the visible church but that they may be saved Acts 2. 47. 5 Because they that are without the visible church are destitute of the ordinary means of life and salvation Psalm 147. 19. 20. Quest. V. HATH Christ given to this Catholick-church-visible the Ministry Oracles and Ordinances of God for the gathering and perfecting of the Saints in this life to the end of the World Yes Shall there be alwayes a church on earth to worship God according to his will Yes 1 cor 12. 28. Eph. 4. 11 12 13. Mat. 28. 19 20. Matth. 16. 18. Psalm 72. 17. Psalm 102. 28. Isai. 59. 21. Well then do not the Socinians Anabaptists and Libertines err who affirm that the visible Church may fail and perish out of the world Yes Do not likewise the Scepticks commonly called Seekers err who affirm that the whole universal church which hath been upon the earth and all religious worship all external and outward preaching of the Word all administration of Sacraments and the use of all other religious things have perished a little after the Apostles times and are not to this day restored until Christ from Heaven shall send new Apostles with an extraordinary commission for restoring and raising up again the visible church And that in the mean time no man hath right or power to dispense the Word or administer the Sacraments or perform any Ecclesiastical duty and that they who are now called the preachers of the Gospel are not so Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Lord hath promised that his church shall endure so long as the ordinances of heaven shall continue Isaiah 66. 22. 2 Because Christ hath promised that the Gates of Hell shal not prevail against his church Matth. 16. 18. 3 Because there is no end to be put to the kingdom of Christ Luke 1. 33. And therefore no end to his church Isaiah 9. 7. 4 Because glory will be to him in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all Ages world without end Amen Eph. 3. 21. 5 Because Christ who hath given power to his Ministers to teach his church and to administer the Sacraments hath promised to be with them to the end of the World Matth. 28. 19 20. 6 Because the Lord hath promised to preserve a people to himself to the end of the world which he shall rule and govern by his Word and Spirit Isaiah 59. 20 21. Isaiah 9. 6 7. 7 Because the Lord hath chosen Zion he hath desired it for his habitation where he will rest and dwell for ever Psalm 132. 13. 14. 8 Because Christ hath given some to be Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints till we all come into the unity of the Faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God Eph. 4. 11. And he hath appointed a Ministry to continue even after the Apostles dayes as is evident from 1 Tim. 3 chapter From Titus first chapter where the Apostle sets down the ordinary qualifications of Ministers and the Rules for calling them to the Ministry 9 Because there is a general Rule set down for the government and discipline of Christs church which discipline and order is to continue in it to the end of the world Matth. 1 18. 10 Because the Lord commands that we forsake not the assembling of our selves together and hath promised to bless after a special manner any that are gathered together in his name any where but our assembling for hearing the word of God is done in the name of Christ Heb. 10. 25. Matth. 18. 20. Matth. 28. 20. 11 Because the death of Christ in the last supper is to be shewed till he come 1 Cor. 11. 26. 12 Because by the Word even preached Rom. 10. 17. we are born again 1 Peter 1. 23. Iames 1. 18. By Baptism we are ingrafted into Christ Rom. 6. 3 4. Gal. 3. 27. In the Lords Supper we have communion with Christ 1 Cor. 10. 16. See more to this purpose chap. 21. Question eight Quest. VI. HAth the Catholick church been sometimes more sometimes less Visible Yes Rom. 11. 3 4. Rev. 12. 6 14. Well then do not the Papists err who affirm that the church hath been is and shall be most gloriously Visible to all the whole world far and nigh Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the church of GOD in the Prophet Elijahs time was brought to that pass that he thought none remained but himself 1 Kings 19. 10. Rom. 11. 2 3 4. 2 Because for a long time Israel was without the true GOD and without a teaching Priest and without the Law 2 Chron. 15. 3. 3 Because the Lord often complains that his church and people have forsaken him have not known him that the faithful city hath become a harlot that scarce a man could be found to do justice and follow truth all which is inconsistent with that glorious condition of the visible church which the Papists dream of Isaiah 1. 3 4. Ierm 2. 29. Ierm 5. 1. 4 Because
in the time of the ten Persecutions the visible church was much obscured and darkned And after these storms were over arose the Arians who did much trouble the church of Christ as is clear from History 5 Because two wings were given to the Woman that is to the Church of GOD two wings I say of a great Eagle that she might flie into the wilderness to hid her self Rev. 12. 14. 6 Because the Apostle Paul did foretel that general defection and apostasy of the visible church mentioned 2 Thes. 2 3. 7 Because Christ hath foretold that before his second coming he shall scarce find Faith on the Earth Luke 18. 8. 8 Because the church of GOD is alwayes lyable to trouble and persecution while it sojourneth in this world But troubles and persecutions do much obscure the brightness and splendour of a visible church Luke 21. 17. Iohn 16. 2. Psalm 129. 1 2 3. Quest. VII ARE the purest churches under heaven subject both to mixture and error Yes 1 Cor. 13. 12. Rev. 2. and 3. chapter Rev. 18. 2. Rom. 11. 18 19 20 21 22. Well then do not the Papists err who affirm that the church cannot err neither in matters absolutely necessary neither in other things which it proposes to be done and believed by us Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the visible church under the Old Testament oftentimes made defection to Idolatry Exod. 32. 8. Iudges 3. 7. 2 Because as long as we are here we know but in part and therefore we are subject and lyable to mistakes 1 Cor. 13. 9 12. 3 Because the seven churches of Asia to which Iohn did writ are accused of mixture and errors Rev. 2. 4 5. 4 Because while Christ was on earth the Disciples dreamed of a worldly kingdom and for a time even after his resurrection they did believe it Acts 1. 6. 5 Because before the day of Christ be at hand there shall be a falling away of the visible church from the true Orthodox Faith to Antichristianism which in great part is already come to pass and more than is to come between this time and his second coming 2 Thes. 2. 3. Rev. 13. 3. 6 Because one of the chief differences between the Church Militant and the Church Triumphant is this that the one can err but not the other 1 Cor. 13. 9 10 12. 7 Because Christ hath foretold that there shall arise false Christs and false Prophets and shall shew great signs and wonders in so much if it were possible they shall deceive the very Elect Matth. 24. 24. 8 Because when the Son of man cometh he shall scarce find Faith on the earth Luke 18. 8. 9 Because the converted Iews erred in being zealous for the Law thinking that the Ceremonial Law ought yet to be observed not understanding that the same was abolished by Christ Acts 21. 20. So did the Galatians err in admitting circumcision Gal. 1 6. And the Corinthians in their abuse of the Lords Supper 1 Cor. 11. 18. Quest. VIII IS there no other head of the Visible Church but the Lord Iesus Christ No. Can the Pope of Rome in any sense be the head thereof No. Col. 1. 18. Eph. 1. 22. Well then doth not the Popish-Church err who maintains that not only Christ is the universal head of the Church but that there is another visible head under him who say they is the Pope of Rome Christs Vicar or Deputy under him Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because as not many husbands but one only is head of the wife so Christ only is head of the Church Eph. 5. 23. 2 Because the Church is espoused to one only namely to Christ 1 Cor. 11. 3. 3 Because the Church is the body of Christ only Eph. 1. 22 23. 4 Because among all the Ecclesiastick orders instituted and appointed by Christ we do not read of such a creature as an Universal Vicar of Christ Eph. 4. 11. 5 Because the Church is one body only unless it be a monster but one body cannot have two heads Rom. 12. 4 5. 6 Because Christ only can inspire or breath in vigour sense motion and spiritual life into his members Eph. 5. 29 30. Iohn 6. 48 50 51. Iohn 15. 1 2. 7 Because there must not be Lordship and soveraignty among them that are under Christ their head and Lord Luke 22. 25. 1 Peter 5. 2 3. 8 If the Pope be not so much as a Bishop of a particular Church he cannot be universal Bishop The first is true because he doth not perform the office of a Bishop which is set down 1 Tim. 3 2 Titus 1 7. 8 9. Do not likewise the Erastians and others as Arminians err who make the Supream Magistrate head of the Church Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Protestant Religion as it is contained in the Harmony of Confessions especially in the Confession of Faith recorded in the first Parliament of King Iames the sixth laitly ratified and confirmed doth not acknowledge any Supream Head or Governor in the Church neither Angel Man Pope Prince nor Potentate save the Lord Christ from whom alone all subordinate power and authority is derived to the officers of his own Church 2 Because if the Supream Magistrate be a church officer he must derive his power from Christ and must be a Spiritual and Ecclesiastick head and Governour and not a civil only And if such then Christ hath devolved his own place and office upon him which is without Scripture proof 3 Because if the Supream Magistrate be head of the church he must have a right to this Title either by humane Law or by a divine warrant Laws of a Nation cannot make him head of the church because such laws cannot make him an Ecclesiastick and Spiritual officer There is no divine warrant or commission from Christ as is clear from Matth. 18. 17. From the Epistles to Timothy and Titus From Ephes. 4. 11. Rom. 12. 7 8. And from 1 Cor. 11. 28. Quest. IX IS the Pope that Antichrist that Man of sin and Son of perdition that exalteth himself in the church of God against Christ and all that is called God Yes 2 Thes. 2. 3 4 8 9 Rev. 13. 6. Matt. 23. 8 9 10. Though this be denyed by the church of Rome yet the true discription of Antichrist agrees to him 1 Because he is not one single man but an order and race of men succeeding to one another in that same state and office which you will see by comparing 1 Iohn 4. 3. 2 Thes. 2. 7 8. together 2 His coming is after the manner of Satan 2 Thes. 2. 9. 3 As to his name he calls himself a Christian but in very truth an Adversary to Christ and by consequence one that denys Jesus to be the Christ Rev. 17. 14. Rev. 19. 19. 2 Thes. 2 8. 1 Iohn 2. 23. 4 he sitteth in the Temple of GOD as GOD 2 Thes. 2. 4. 5 He ruleth in
the great city and exercises dominion over the Kings of the earth 6 He deceiveth them that dwell on the earth with lying wonders and miracles 2 Thes. 2. 9. Rev. 13 14 15 7 He causeth all sorts of Persons to receive his mark on their right hand or on their forehead Rev 13 16 17 8 To him agrees what Paul sayes and now ye know what with-holdeth namely the Roman Emperour that he might be revealed in his time 2 Thes 2 6 7 CHAP. XXVI Of the Communion of Saints Question I. ARE the Saints bound by profession to maintain an holy fellowship and communion in the worship of GOD in performing such other spiritual duties as tend to their mutual edification Ye Heb. 10. 24 25. Acts 2. 42. 46. Isa. 2. 3. 1 Cor. 11. 20. Well then did not the Donatists of old and Separatists now err who maintain that Hypocrites and wicked men do pollute and defile the worship of God not only to themselves but also to others that worship with them and that therefore we must separate from Communion in the worship of God because of them Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Church of the Iews in Christs time was very corrupt Matth. 15. 7. Mark 6 7 8. And yet both by his practise and his command he would not have his hearers to separate from it For he both observed the feasts and preached in their Synagogues Iohn 8. 1. Luke 4. 15. Iohn 10. 22. And he commands his hearers to observe what the Scribes and Pharisees bad them do Matth. 23. 2 3. 2 Because the Apostle is so far from commanding separation from the Church of Corinth that he praises their meetings 1 Cor. 5. 4. 1 Cor. 11. 20. 1 Cor. 14. 23. notwithstanding of the many gross scandals which were among them 1 Cor. 1. 11 12 13. 1 Cor. 5. 1 2. And 1 Cor. 15. 12 13. 3 Because the Apostles calls the Galatians the Church of Christ brethren and the children of God who were yet in some measure removed from GOD to another Gospel Nay says Paul O foolish or senseless Galatians who hath bewitched you that is so blinded the eyes of your understanding that ye cannot see the right truth as the Iuglars bewitch the outward eyes that men think they see that which they see not that ye should not obey the truth Gal. 3. 1. And yet since it was a constitute true Church it was his judgement there should be no separation from it notwithstanding of all the foresaid faults 4 Because the Church of Ephesus was a true Church though they made defection from their first love So was the Church of Pergamus though there were in it who held the doctrine of Balaam So was the Church of Thyatira notwithstanding that they suffered Iesebel that called her self a prophetess and taught the servants of Christ to commit Fornication and to eat things sacrificed to Idols 5 If we must separate from the Communion of the Church in things lawful for the faults of others of for the faults of Ministers and if their sins pollute the worship of God to others than we must not keep communion with any Church seeing there can hardly be a Church where there are not some hidden Hypocrites Nay where there are not some who are known to be such by the Minister Yet such are not to be excluded as Christ himself teaches Matth. 13. 24. to 31. See the 47. and 48. verses of that same chapter 6 If the worship be polluted to some for the faults of others with whom they worship then must the Word and Sacraments have their efficacy and worth from the Persons that worship and from the dispensers of them which is absurd 7 Because wicked and evil men do not pollute the worship to others but to themselves only as it appears from the man that wanted the wedding Garment Matth. 22. 11. And from those who did eat and drink unworthily at the Lords Table Such do not eat and drink damnation to others but to themselves 1 Cor. 11. 27 29. Quest. II. DOth this Communion which the Saints have with Christ make them in any wise partakers of the Substance of his God-head or equal with him in any respect No. Is there a mixture of the Divine Essence with the Substance of all the Creatures because the Divine Essence is infinite and every where present No. Doth every règenerate man that is united with God by vertue of this union become God the maker of Heaven and Earth No. Are all the Acts of a mans will and all his actions even his most cursed and wicked actions wholly Divine which to resist and contradict is rebellion against God No. Iohn 1. 14. Col. 1. 18 19. Well then do not the Familists err who teach that the Saints are made God and Christ by an Essential and Corporal Union with them Yes Do not likewise the Manicheans err who blasphemously taught that the Divine Essence was mingled with soul and body of every man and that therefore all his Actions were wholly Divine Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the personal union is given to none but to Christ only Iohn 1. 14. The Word was made Flesh that is a true man like unto us in all things yet without sin 2 Because in him dwelleth all the fulness of the God-head bodily Namely by an essential inhabitation of the Son of God in the humane nature by the uniting of his Divine Nature with the Humane in the unity of his Person Bodily that is Personally Essentially and Truely 3 Because the union of the Saints with Christ is by Faith not indeed by a personal Union Eph. 3. 17. 4 Because there is no man that sinneth not 1 Iohn 1. 8 10. 5 Because Gods Essence is most simple and single and infinitely above and beyond all creatures Exod. 3. 14. 6 Because holy holy holy is the Lord God of Hosts Isaiah 6. 3. 7 Because Solomon in his prayer says behold the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee how much less this house which I have builded to thy Name 1 Kings 8. 27. 8 Because the Prophet Isaiah says behold the Nations are as a drop of a bucket and are as the smallest dust of the ballance estemed chap. 40. 15. 9 Because the Manichean error is the outmost stretch of Satans invention beyond which he is not able to go They deserve not confutation but to be looked upon as Devils incarnate Quest. III. DOth the Communion of Saints which they have one with another take away or infringe the Title or propriety which each man hath in his own goods and possessions No. Acts 5. 4. Exod. 25. 14. Eph. 5. 28. Well then do not the Anabaptists err who affirm that the goods and possessions of the Saints ought to be common Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because in the time of the primitive Church no man was obliged out of necessity to deliver his goods Neither did believers loss their right
remission of sin of the Quick or Dead No. Heb. 9. 22 25 26 28. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain that in this Sacrament there is performed a true and real Sacrifice commonly called the Mass wherein Christ under the forms of Bread aud Wine without sheding of blood is offered unto GOD by a Priest and sacrificed for the living and for the Dead to obtain remission of sins Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the sacrificing and offering up of Christ is a part of his own Priesthood Heb. 9. 14. But the Priesthood of Christ cannot be transferred from himself to any other Heb. 7. 24. Therefore no Priest can offer him up under the forms of Bread and Wine unto GOD. 2 Because the offering of the Body of Christ is once for all It is but one single offering and cannot be repeated Heb. 10. 10 12 14. 3 Because the sacrificing and offering up of Christ is one only and of a most perfect Merit and Efficacy Heb. 9. 14. Heb. 10 14. But the repeating of the same Sacrifice and the multitude of Priests are a token of an imperfect Sacrifice Heb. 9. 25 26. Heb. 10. 10 11. 4 If Christ be often offered he must often die and suffer Heb. 9. 25 26. But Christ being now raised from the Dead cannot any more suffer and die Rom. 6. 9. 5 Because that one and most perfect Sacrifice of Christ did abrogate and take away all those external Sacrifices and caused them to cease Daniel 9. 27. 6 Because there can be no propitiatory Sacrifice for sin without shedding of blood Heb. 9. 22. Neither doth he die any more but is now in Heaven to appear in the presence of GOD for us and to interceed in our behalf Heb. 1. 3. Heb. 9. 24. Heb. 10. 12. 7 Because in every Sacrifice there is required and really is a dying and destruction of the thing sacrificed But Christ still liveth Rom. 6. 9. 8 Because no man can offer Jesus up to GOD but Christ himself Heb. 7. 27. 9 Because in all external sacrifices properly so called there is necessarly required a visible external Host or thing sacrificed as the Adversaries grant But the thing which is said to be offered up by the Mass-Priest namely the Body of Christ is neither external nor visible here it being in Heaven and not on Earth with man Acts 3. 21. Quest. III. ARE private Masses or the receiving this Sacrament by a Priest or any other alone as likewise the denyall of the cup to the People worshipping the Elements the lifting them up or carrying them about for adoration and the reserving them for any pretended Religious use are all these I say contrary to the nature of this Sacrament and to the institution of Christ Yes Mark 14. 23. 1 Cor 11. 25 26 27 28 29. Matth. 15. 9. Well then doth not the Romish Church err whose Mass-Priests standing in the Altar celebrate private Masses the People eihter being absent or standing idle who take the Cup to themselves only and drink thereof That administer the Lords Supper privately to sick persons and Bed-rid That teach to administer the Communion to Laicks under both the forms of Bread and Wine is not only not necessary but unlawful Who teach that for Adorations-cause the Elements are to be lifted up and carried about and reserved for Religious uses Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because Christ did institute the last Supper not for one a part but for many together Matth. 26. 27 28. 2 Because Christ in celebrating the last Supper did not eat and drink himself alone but the Disciples did also eat and drink with him Matth. 26. 27 28. 3 Because the Apostle commands the Corrinthians that when they come together to eat they tarry one for another 1 Cor. 11. 33. 4 Because the Lords Supper is a Sacrament of Brother-hood and communion of the Saints 1 Cor. 10. 16 17 1 Cor. 11. 33. 5 Because in the dayes of the Apostles the Disciples and Brethren met together for breaking of bread Acts 20. 7. 6 Because Christ when he had taken bread and distributed it is said to have likewise taken the Cup 1 Cor 11 23 24 25 26 27. 7 Because it is expresly said and commanded Christ foreseeing this black errour which is now in their Church drink ye all of it Matth 26 27. 8 Because the common People which are Communicants gather more Fruit from both the Forms than from one onely 1 Cor 10 16 and 1 Cor. 11 26 9 Because the Blood of Christ the sign whereof is the Wine in the Cup is not onely shed for Apostles Preachers and Pastours but also for Lay-men and those that are not of the Clergy as the Popish Church speaks Iohn 3 16. 10 Because the Apostles and Christians of the Primitive Church did communicate under both Forms Mark 14 22 23 1 Cor 10 11 chapters 11 Because it is a Villany to detract and withdraw any thing from Christs Testament and therefore the Cup which is left to us by Legacy Matth 26 27 28 is not to be denyed to any Communicant Gal 3 15 12 Because Christ did not institute any Adoration of the Elements therefore this Adoration is to be condemned as Will-worship Matth. 15 9. 13 Because the Adoration is founded upon the Corporal presence of Christs Body in the Sacrament which is blasphemous seing Christ now is at the Right Hand of GOD Heb 1 3. 14 Because this Popish Adoration of the Elements is a worshipping of the creature together with the Creator a most abominable Idolatry Daniel 11 38 Matth 23 16 to verse 23. 15 Because if the Elements ought to be adored because Christ is Sacramentally present in them then ought believers in whom Christ dwelleth Iohn 14. 20. to be adored which is absurd Nay the water of Baptism ought to be worshipped seeing the whole Trinity is no less present there than in the Supper 16 The worshipping of the bread since no man as the Adversaries confess is able to know certainly that the Host is consecrated is a work done without Faith therefore a sin Rom. 14. 23. 17 Because Christ commanded the Element of bread to be broken eaten and distributed But no where doth Christ command the bread to be Reserved 1 Cor. 11. 23 24. 18 Because the bread which is the communion of the body of Christ is the bread which we break 1 Cor. 10. 16. 19 Because the bread and the wine are not Sacramental Symbols but in the very action 1 Cor. 11. 26. Here it is said for as often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup but not as often as ye reserve this bread 20 Because GOD commanded that nothing should be Reserved of the Pasehal-Lamb to which bread and wine in the Lords Supper have succeeded till the morning Exod. 12. 10. That it might not be put to any other use whether for Idolatry or common food Quest. IV. DO the outward Elements in this
can take the office of a civil Magistrate or of a Deacon of the church upon him unless he be called thereunto Luke 12. 14. Acts 6. 5. 1 Tim. 3. 10. And therefore no man ought to take upon him the publick preaching of the Word unless he be called thereunto likewise 7 Because he that taketh upon him this office without a call he usurpeth Authority in the church seing Preaching is an Act of Authority 1 Thes. 5. 12. 8 Because the Titles which are given to the Preachers of the Gospel are names of Office they are called the Ambassadours of Christ 2 cor 5. 20. Stewards of the Word Titus 1. 7. The Men of GOD 1 Tim. 6. 11. and Angels Rev. 2. 1. 9 Because there is not one approven example in all the Word of GOD for a gifted brother to Preach without a call and therefore seing it is not done in Faith it must be Sin Must every Fellow that takes a laxit in his tongue go up to the Pulpit and ease himself 10 Because there are Precepts and Rules set down in Scripture for all the Ages of the church to the end of the world anent the calling of men to be Ministers of the Gospel 1 Tim. 3. 2 3 6 7. and 1 Tim. 5. 21 22. Do not likewise the Independents Brunists and Anabaptists err who maintain that the Right and Power of Governing the church belongs no less to the multitude and community of Believers than to the Officers of the church Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Scripture expresly teaches that GOD hath committed the Government of his church and the care of his people to certain chosen Persons and not to all and every one Ephes. 4. 11. 12 13. 1 Cor. 12. 28. 2 Because if the power of the keyes were given to believers in common either they are given to them as believers or as they are gifted by GOD with gifts and qualifications above others for Governing the church and chosen out of the rest for performing that office If the last part be affirmed it follows that the power and right of the keyes is committed not to a community of believers but to some select persons which we own and maintain but the Independents deny If the first be asserted then it follows first that the care of Governing the church is committed to Women and children being believers and so they must necessarly have the power of seeing as being eyes and watch men to the church the power of hearing as being the ears of the church and the body of the church must be deformed because the whole body is the eye and the whole body is the ear and whose many members are made one member 1 cor 12. 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19. 2 It follows that the power of the keyes it not only given to all but to Believers only but it is evident by the example of Iudas and other Reprobates that many in Christs name have preached who were not Believers Matth. 7. 22 23. Phil. 1. 16 17 18. 3 Because to whom Christ has given the power of Governing the church to them also he hath promised to give gifts and enduments largely for performing that office Iohn 20. 21 22 23. 1 Cor. 4. 6 7. Matth. 28. 19 20. But to a community of Believers God has never promised a Spirit for the Ministry nor gifts for that employment Nor did he ever bestow or confer any such enduments 4 Because Christ our Mediator appointed Ecclesiastical Officers and Church-Governours before ever there was a formal church under the New Testament gathered and set up Luke 9. 1. Luke 10. 1 2 3. Iohn 20. 21 22 23. Matth. 28. 19 20. This was all done before his death And before his ascension he did the like Ephes. 4. 8. 11 12. Acts 2. 1 Cor. 12. 28. Now it is evident that there was no formal gathering together of a church before the Feast of Pentecost Acts 2. Ecclesiastick Ministers and Officers were appointed for calling in and gathering together the Mystical body of Christ to wit his Members therefore it was needful that Ministers baptizing ought to be before Persons baptized That Gatherers of the church ought to be before Persons gathered That callers and inviters to Christ ought to be before Persons called and invited 5 This Democracy or popular Government cannot but bring in great confusion whence many absurdities will follow As the church of GOD should not be an organical body That Women who are forbidden to speak in the church most have the keyes of the kingdom of Heaven hanging at their Belt forsooth All must govern and none must be governed All must attend the government of the church All must be rendred uncapable for going about their particular callings which God calls them to every day Therefore seing this sort of Government brings so much confusion with it it is most probable that it is not of God who is a God of Order and not of confusion 1 Cor. 14. 33. Quest. II. ARE Church Censures necessary for reclaiming and gaining of offending brethren for deterring of others from the like offences for purging out of that leaven which might infect the whole lump for vindicating the honour of Christ and the holy profession of the Gospel and for preventing the wrath of GOD which might justly fall upon the church if they should suffer his covenant and the seals thereof to be prophaned by notorious and obstinate sinners Yes 1 Tim. 5. 20. 1 Tim. 1. 20. 1 cor 11. 27. to the end Iude 23. verse Are the Officers of the church for the better attaining of these ends to proceed by Admonition by Suspension from the Lords Table for a season and by Excommunication from the church according to the nature of the crime or scandalous offence and demerit of the Person Yes 1 Thes. 5. 12 1 cor 5. 4 5 13. Matth. 18. 17 Titus 3. 10. Well then do not the Socinians Anabaptists Quakers and other Sectaries err who deny that any church censures should be inflicted upon offenders Yes Do not likewise the Erastians err who maintain there should be no suspension from the Lords Table or excommunication from the church Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the power of the keyes is given to the Ministers of the church wherewith not only by the preaching of the Word but also by church censures they open and shut the kingdom of heaven as will appear by comparing these places of Scripture together Matth. 16. 19. Matth. 18. 17. 2 Because he that offends publickly and after Admonition persists pertinaciously in his sin should be esteemed as a Publican and Heathen Matth. 18. 17. 3 Because the Apostle says if any man obey not our Word by this Epistle note that man and have no company with him Note him that is either by excommunication or some other note of church censure 2 Thess. 3. 14. 4 Because the Apostolick church being moved by the same reasons which