and benefits for his Church and children and what they are in particular Election Redemption Vocation and the excellent priviledge of Justification for comfort of Saints Classis 14. Quest 1. p. 142. 143 c. VVHat is the great blessing and benefit of adoption the difference betweene a naturall and an adopted Sonne and Daughter and how we may know we are the adopted children of God in Christ Jesus and heires with Christ of glory Qu. 2. p. 144 c. What is the great benefit of the new creation and how a man or woman may know they are now creatures Qu. 3 p 146 147 c. What is the benefit of the presence of Christs Spirit and what other particular graces Christ communicates to his Church Qu. 4.149 150 c. What a true Church of Christ is who are the members how manifold it is what are the markes of it and whether there bee so many Independent Churches as there are particular Congregations of Porfessors in the world Whether there may be a separation from a true Church for some corruption in Doctrine or manners and how far Qu. 5. p. 154 c. Whether the Church of Christ may erre in Fundamentalls totally and finally P. 206 297. Qu. 6. p. 157 158 c. with the grounds of preseverance and whether this doctrine of assurance doth open a way to libertinisme Classis 15. VVHat knowledge of the Sacraments is necessary for a comfortable partaking of the Lords Supper Qu. 1. p. 160 c. what kinde of mystery a Sacrament is How it is a signifying and sealing action and the Covenant of Grace which is sealed How many Sacraments there are of Christs institution Qu. 2. p. 164 c. what difference between those before and since the comming of Christ who may administer and what are the outward and inward matter and forme of the Sacraments in generall with the union between the signe and the thing signifyed Classis 16. Qu. 1. p. 170 c p. 290. VVHo are the subjects or persons to be Baptized according to the institution of Christ and whether Infant Children of believing Parents and what evidence and light from Christ to prove this against the adversaries of Poedobaptisme Qu. 2. p. 194 c. What meanes to difference the Church from the world without Rebaptization of men and women professing their faith with the profit of Baptisme if Infants in the Church Classis 17. Qu. 1. p. 210 c. VVHat the Sacrament of the Lords Supper is by whom instituted and when what are the outward things signified and sealed and what kind of body of Christ the receiver doth partake of or hath communion and union with in the Ordinance the naturall or Sacramentall or spiriticall or Mysticall Body of Christ and how and in what manner each or any of these is in the Sacrament What are the outward and inward form in the Sacrament Qu. 2. p. 217 c. and what the Analogy and agreement betweene the signes and the things signified and in particular betweene the Bread and the Body of Christ Classis 18. VVHat is the Analogy and similitude between the Wine in the Sacrament and the bloud of Christ Qu. 1. p. 221 222 c. and how the things signified are present with the outward signes to a faithfull communicant if neither by transsubstantiation as Papists nor by consubstantiation as others whether by a locall presence or Sacramentall or spirituall or virtuall and what every of these kind of presence are and how to he understood What are the ends why the Lords Supper was ordained Q. 2. p. 22â— c. and the sweet union and communion we have with Christ and the Saints for our strengthening in thâ—â— sacred Ordinance Classis 19. Qu. 1. p. 229 230 c. VVHat is fit to be knowne concerning the outward circumstances of time place and gestures in giving or receiving the Sacrament whether Christian churches and particular members may not use liberty of conscience in these particularly in standing kneeling or sitting and upon what grounds Qu. 2. p. 23â— c. VVhether it be necessary that the Minister deliver the Bread and Wine to every communicant in particular and whether Christ did so whether all ought not to endevour a uniformity with the Directory and practice of that church of which hee or shee is a member and what hath beene the practice of antiquity in things indifferent as seeking Vnity and Peace in the Church Classis 20. VVHat the grace of Faith is Qu. 1. p. 241 c. the severall acceptations of faith in Scripture what justifying faith is and when a man or woman is rightly disposed by Christ and his Spirit to believe and receive Christ for salvation Who is the principall worker of faith Qu. 2 p. 244 c. who the instrumentall what is the matter and forme of faith what are the lively effects of it what the ends of it namely the glory of God and salvaiion of our soules Classis 21. VVHat the grace of Evangelicall Repentance Qu. 1. pag. 249. and conversion to God is with the author or meanes and manner of working the subject matter the whole Man or Women soule and body The forme mortification of the old man and vivification of the new and the end of it the glory of God the edification of our Neighbour and assurance of our eternall salvation Qu. 2. p. 255 c. What the necessary grace of Christian love and charity is wherein and with whom it is to be exâ—rcised in the Church namely to every one that is our Neighbour but especially the household of faith and our fellow Saints in the church of Christ Q. 3. p. 258 c. How we may know who are of the household of Faith and rightly admitted to be fellow Saints or Members of the church and of the twofold entrance and admission into the Church the first inward and spirituall the second outward corporall and visible with the severall degrees of spirituall entrance into church-fellowship or christianity not almost but altogether And how the church may be sayd to be universall nationall provinciall or congregationall Q. 4. p. 264 c. How manifold the outward corporall on visible entrance and admission is into the visible church namely but one in substance yet diversly acted in the church both in men and woemen of ripe yeares and children before Christ and of the Jnfant â—dmission of children into the Church and Proselytes in and after Abrahams time Q 5 p 273 c. Whether circumcision was unto Abraham a seale of the covenant of workes or of the covenant of grace and how that place is to bee understood Galat. 5. hee that is circumcised is bound to keepe the whole Law What was the outward manner of admission into the Church since Christs time for men of ripe yeares Q. 6. p. 278 c. and
or division in the Body or Church of Christ as the Apostle St. Paul excellently holds forth unto us Quest 35. But may there not be a Separation from a true Church when corruptions and faults are found in it in Doctrine or practise of life and conversation Ans First I conceive there is a great deal of difference between the Errors or faults of a Church and of particular Members of a Church and also between failings of a Church in substantials and fundamentals which destroy the Essence and being of a Church and between failings and faults in circumstantials only If any Church or company of people should fall away the greater part of them in substantial truths and fundamental unto Error and Heresies which cannot stand with the foundation and being of a Church then I conceive such company may be rather said to have left the true Church though it be the lesser part in number then the lesser part to have left the Church The greater part Rom. 8.1 1 Tim. 1.19 20. as the seeming Church of Rome having left their first Faith and the truth of God in those Fundamental verities of Christ and his Offices and Graces without the holding and believing of which no company of people can be a Church of Christ Secondly If particular Members or a Church or company of professors fail in some particulars not Fundamentals but circumstantials only and such as it may yet be and is a true Church of Christ both in respect the Preaching of the Word and Administration of the Sacraments Then I believe there ought not to be presently an unchurching or a Separation from this Church Eph. 4.1 c. but rather a labour and industry for a Reformation the preservation of unity and avoyding of Schisms and Rents and Divisions in the Church of Christ Quest 36. What do you call that company of people which fall away to Error and Heresies destroying the Foundation and in that respect separate from Saints Ans The name of Church cannot be given unto them but abusively and improperly only But these are a Heretical company rather then Church leaving the true Church of Christ 2 Ioh. 2.18 19. because they were never truly of the Church and so departing to their own destruction Quest 37. What do you call those who agree in the Fundamentals of Faith with the Orthodox and true Churches of Christ yet for some External Rites or things indifferent or some particular failings in manners or different Opinions in Dispensation of Ordinances or Discipline and these not Fundamental unchurch the Orthodox Reformed Churches of Christ and Separate themselves as if it were from Rome or Babylon Ans These are truly called Schismatical congregations who intentionally without cause do separate and unchurch the Churches of Christ and making Schismes 1 Cor. 3.3 11.18 so much complained against by the Apostle do divide themselves from the unity of the Churches condemning the true Churches as not Churches of Christ Quest 38. But whether is the Church of Christ subject to erre in fundamentals finally and totally or to perish for ever Ans Certainly no Mat. 16.18 Ioh. 10.27 c. Psa 125.1 2. howsoever particular Churches have erred in many particulars yet the universal Churches of Christ cannot erre in Fundamentals neither totally nor finally in any particular necessary to salvation nor can the Church of Christ perish it being built upon the Rock Christ but shall abide firm for ever Quest 39. Yet tell me I pray you what firm ground is there that the Church and Children of Christ shall be inabled to persevere and continue in grace unto Eternal glory and not fall from Christ and grace to perdition Ephes 1.4 14. 2 Thes 2.13 Matth. 24.24 2 Tim. 2.19 Acts 26.17 18. 2 Tim. 2.9 10. Rom. 8.28 Rom. 11.29 Isa 42.1 Luk. 17.5 Luke 22.32 Rom. 14.1 2 3 4. 1 Cor. 15.10 Isa 53.11 Ier. 23.6 Acts 13.38 39. Rom. 5.1 2 3 4 5. Rom. 8.1 Col. 1.20 Answ We might hold forth unto you many grounds But you may observe these First The certainty and infallibility of our Election by God the Father in Jesus Christ both unto grace and glory Secondly The certainty of our vocation or calling from darknesse to light and from the power of Satan unto God a holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ before the world was Thirdly The certainty of our Faith being true though sometimes weak yet receiving relying and resting on Gods promise in Christ is sure to hold out not by our own power but by the grace of God in Christ Fourthly The certainty of our justification in and by Christs righteousnesse and merits by which we are freed from condemnation and have peace with God in Christ for ever Fifthly The certainty of our regeneration and new creation and glorification begun here and to be perfected in glory 1 Pet. 1.23 2 Cor. 5.17 and 3.18 Rom. 8.30 Phil. 1.6 Sixthly 2 Pet. 1.7 8 c. 1 Cor. 2.9 10. Our entrance already into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ endeavouring by the grace of God in Christ to make our calling and election sure Seventhly 1 Thes 5.23 â—4 1 Pet. 1.3 4 5. Iohn 10.29 30. Iude 4. Our assurance of faithfulnesse and mighty power of God to keep his children through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last times Quest 40. But doth not this Doctrine of Assurance open a way to Libertinism and so to sin Answ Certainly Iohn 8.31 32 36. the children of God have an excellent liberty and true freedom in and by Christ 1. Rom. 8.1 Gal. 3.13 2 Cor. 5.19 Rom. 8.2 Rom. 6.12 c. Ephes 2.1 2 3. Rom. 14.1 2 3 23. 1 Cor. 14.26 40. Rom. 6.1 15. From the condemning or damning power of the Law sin and curse due to sin having our pardon sealed in Christ 2. From the commanding power of sin and Satan unto both which by nature we were in bondage 3. From tyranny and rigid imposition of things indifferent to binde the conscience where Christ bindes not Christian charity and order guiding us to our comfort and the peace of the Church Yet there is no liberty for a childe of God to commit the least sin What shall we sin that grace may abound Rom. 6.11 12. 2 Pet. 2.19 20. Psal 19.13 God forbid How shall we that are dead to sin take any liberty to sin as the wicked do but rather pray continually by the power of Christ to be kept from sin Quest 41. What should the childe of God do that wants this assurance of perseverance in grace to glory Gal. 1.16 Gal. 2.20 Ioh. 13.1 2 Cor. 1.20 Iob 44.14 Iohn 17.24 Answ Waite on God in Christ in all good means of grace till the Lord be pleased to reveal Christ in you and his love and assurance of his free-love in
though they were in the Church and taken as members until they were discovered and tryed and proved and cast out yet they were not true members of the Church nor true members of Christ nor any true members of the Congregation but in shew and outward appearance They were amongst the Saints but they were not of the Saints as John speaks They were and are indeed of the world they went out from us 1 Ioh. 2.18 19. but they were not of us but they went out from us that it might be known they were not all of us they were with and in the Church and yet they were not truly of the Church And howsoever this corruption was yet the Church did still remain a true Church and had many true Saints in Corinth although it had rotten and corrupt members which by right course and execution of Discipline should have have been cast out the Church And thus for the Saints sake though the Church of Corinth had false member and corrupt members and many Errors both in life and Doctrine yet the Apostle doth not un-un-Church the Church of Corinth or give way to a Schism or Separation for all this As a tree is a true tree although it have some rotten Branches Simile Or as a sick or wounded man is a true man although he be sick or wounded So a Church of Christ may be a true Church although it be sick and weak and wounded and full of imperfections both in matter and form as the Church of Corinth and other Churches of Christ have been and yet esteemed by Christ and his Apostles to be true Churches of Christ as the Scripture hold forth evidently unto us Now compare the Church of England or the Churches of Christ in England collectively though they be mixed Congregations yea divers of our Congregations in London and in the countrey where faithful and painful Ministers have been Preaching Baptizing Catechizing calling to profession of Faith and holinesse and approbation before the Admission to the Lords Supper where there hath been and is a communion of Saints as I know there hath been in divers places and mixed Congregations compare I say these with the Church of Corinth and by the same Argument that these Seducers may or can Separate or un-Church our Churches by the same the Saints or some of the Saints in Corinth might have separated from their fellow Saints and Church of Corinth which yet would have been a sin in them as it is a sin in these who separate and labour to seduce and draw others amongst us to separate from their fellow-Saints and to un-Church or make rents and Schisms and divisions in our Church which is a grievous sin against the Lord Christ the Lord and Head of his Body the Church Quest 38. But some will object It may be that there is not the same condition of our Church of London or any great mixt Congregation amongst us in respect of the matter as there was of Corinth For in Corinth it is most like that the greater part of the Church were Saints indeed or visible Saints in outward appearance at least But in our mixt Congregations commonly the greatest part visible ignorant prophane or scandalous persons or but civilly honest and formal professors at best and so are not to be compared to the Church of Corinth no not so much as for the matter of our Church Ans First Certainly men ought to be very careful as not to un-Church a Church so not to un-Christian a Professor for some failings in knowledge or practice 1 Cor. 13. 1 Pet. 4.8 Charity covers many failings and as the Apostle speaks Secondly Corinth was a great city wd Church and yet consider the divisions and other faults it is not certain which was the greater part the innocent or the faulty But howsoever grant that the Church were so decayed that that the greater part had onely a name to live and indeed were dead Rev. 3 1 2. as is spoken of the Angel or Church of Sardis Or that the greater part of the Church were grown Luke-warm Rev. 3.15 16. and such as Christ threatens to spew out of his mouth as the Church or Angel of Laodicea yet it may be a true Church of Christ for all this A Bushel of good Wheat in a Barn amongst three or four or more Bushels of chaff is yet a true Bushel of Wheat though it be mixed with much more chaff then Wheat Or an Army of men although consisting of more sick and wounded Souldiers and Officers then whole is yet a true Army though weak And so is a company of Professors of the Gospel of Christ enjoying a communion in Ordinances holding the truth of Christ and professing subjection thereunto Yet a true Church when the greater part be the worse yea both ignorant and scandalous but yet a sick Church and stands in need of the Reformation And thus is the Church of England and our great mixt Congregations true Churches for matter of a Church of Christ as the Church of Corinth was and not to be separated from or un-Churched for these coruuptions as Corinth was not whatsoever any seducers in this respect oppose to the contrary Quest 39. But howsoever this may prove our Churches as true as Corinth was for matter yet the Adversaries of our Church deny our Churches to be true Churches in Form And how will you Answer this Objection Ans I Answer the Form of a Church doth consist in union This union is two fold first internal with Christ our Head Eph. 1.22 23. 1 Cor. 12.13 Eph. 4.1 2 3. by the spirit and Faith The second is external of members one with another Now to understand this better and to declare that our Churches are true visible Churches of Christ in respect of outward Form Consider First the outward Form or union in respect of admission into a Church membership Secondly the outward Form of Ordination of Ministers and appointment of them for a Church and union with them Thirdly the outward Form in possession and profession of union with them in outward ordinances As First in the Word or Gospel Secondly in prayers Thirdly in the Sacraments Fourthly observe the outward Form of union in government and execution of Discipline in the Church I will not stand to handle these at large but touch them in brief First for outward Form of union in respect of admission into a Church we have shewed how men of ripe years Iews or Pagans converted to the Faith were admitted first after they had heard the Gospel and believed either with a false Faith as Simon Magus or with a true Faith as the Eunuch they did desire a union and admission into the Church by Baptism Secondly did make profession of their Faith Thirdly did intimate in this desire of Baptism and profession of Faith their receiving of Christ to be their Lord and Saviour and their Covenanting with the Lord to be his people And Fourthly
and the bounds of their habitation and in this civil co-habitation there is a union and this civil union in a Kingdom City or Parish or the like doth not un-church a people for this respect for then certainly all the Churches of Christ in Corinth Galatia Ephesus Pergamos Smyrna and others as well as in England London or a Parochial Congregation must have been un-churched then which what is more absurd to imagine Secondly there is a religious and more spiritual formal union when a company of men and women professing the Faith of Christ held forth in the Gospel and subjection thereunto in righteousnesse and true holinesse and united in a Parochial Church or congregational meeting place to partake of the holy Ordinance of the Word Prayer and Sacraments and other acts of Christian communion and Church fellowship This is a true form of a Church amongst us though not without some failings yet so as we have and do remain true Churches of Iesus Christ and such as ought not to be un-churched by schism and separation Quest 45. But how will this appear in particular Ans I Answer first for the preaching of the Gospel and our union in that we have had and do enioy a most comfortable union and meeting of Christ and one with another even our Adversaries being judges they themselves have found the sweetnesse of Christ in the preaching of the Gospel in our mixed Congregations by Gods faithful Ministers And although some Ministers there preach otherwise as in Galatia they do yet not un-church a Church for all this Secondly for prayer howsoever set forms have been by some in Authority so much pressed yet if we look to the ancient form prescribed in the dayes of King Edward the sixt of happy memory That was but a kinde of directory as was evident in the Rubrick and directions at the end of that Book that liberty given to use or not use in divers respects as that in prayer a man might knock his brest or not knock it he might kneel or not kneel in ordinance he might crosse or not crosse and divers other of like nature yea I conceive the late Book of Common-prayer howsoever pressed by some yet was but a kinde of directorie as in divers particulars is evident in direction for visitation of sick thanksgiving for womens deliverance from danger of childebirth left to discretion of a Minister and though pressed by other yet not un-church a Church for all this Thirdly for the Sacrament and administration of them those that object that Christ did blesse first the Bread and after distribution of the Bread or partaking of that did then blesse the Cup that we blesse them both together This is but a circumstance of time and if unchurch a Church for this then why not for changing the time of receiving from after supper to the morning or at feasts of charity or the like These are weak objections to unchurch a Church or to separate from a true Church for any such differences I may say the like to that of the cutting of the bread although the bread be cut and fitted for preparation yet we constantly break the Bread in our administration of the blessed Sacrament as those who joyn in communion with us know well Quest 45. But they object we admit ignorant and scandalous persons many times to the Sacrament which should be cast out of the Church Ans I Answer as Saint Paul did ordain concerning the incestuous person all such as are ignorant and to be cast out of the Church when once they are discovered and proved to be so not upon bare surmises onely and this is that which alwayes ought to have been done by the Discipline of the Church of England reade the old Rubrick in that Directory or Book of Common prayer before and at the Sacrament confirmed in the dayes of Edward the sixt and you may finde first that none ignorant ought to be admitted to the Sacrament they must first be catechized and approved before they be received to partake of that holy Ordinance and secondly none scandalous ought to be received yea if there have been or be but a controversie between two parties any malice or hatred the Minister ought first to examine the parties and to perswade to charity and admit the penitent and reject the uncharitable and howsoever this duty may have been neglected yet this failing is not a sufficient ground to un-church a Church or to separate from a Congregation presently for all this else might the Church of Corinth and other Churches of Christ have been unchurched as we noted before Quest 46. But what power of Discipline hath there been in particular Congregations in the Church of England that there might have been a power of Reformation in these things Ans I answer Certainly there was a great power in the Ministers of particular Congregations especially joyning with the Church-Officers who were sworn to assist in Execution of Discipline and further although there was a power taken to the Bishops in the great matter of Excommunication and such like censures yet not the Bishop nor any under him had any lawful power to Excommunicate any inflict any censure until they were first presented by the Minister or Church-officers of the particular Congregation Nor was any man taken notice of as Excommunicate or suspended from the Sacrament until the Sentence was Declared in the particular Congregation and thus There was a power of Discipline in particular Congregations although it was many times obstructed and not put in due Execution as it ought to have been yet for all this it had sufficient to declare and point out a form of a Church and to constitute and continue a true Church for all this Look to the Church of Corinth noted before Look to the Church of Pergamos where Discipline was obstructed the Church and Church-Officers suffered those who taught the Doctrine of Balaam Rev. 2.14 15. and the Doctrine of the Nicolaitans which Christ hated and yet a true Church for all this though corrupt and unsound in this respect Look to the Church of Thyatira Christ complained against them that Discipline was not exercised Rev. 2.20 they suffered the woman Jezabel yet Christ doth not un-church them nor direct any separation from them for all this And so our Churches are true Churches both for matter and form and not to be un-churched or any separation but a Reformation to be sought for and true unity in the Churches of Christ Quest 47. Yet once again Howsoever formerly there hath been a matter and form of a Church yet now the outward form is gone and the Church like an old house pull'd down to be new builded and where and what form of a Church have we now until Discipline and a Government be setled in the Church Ans I answer Our Church is now in a hopeful way of Reformation blessed be God but yet it is not like a house wholly pull'd down to be
he had once a year with his Neighbours at Easter received the Sacrament for many years together Example 2 The like ignorance I found in a manner in one W. D. an ancient man also and one that had thought himself worldly wise I asked him who died for him and that in a loving familiar way as willing to instruct him He Answered me The Son of God dyed for him I was glad to hear his answer but demanding of him again if he did know what this Son of God was that dyed for him he pointed his hand towards the Sun then shining in the Firmament it being about two a clock in the Afternoon and said Look yonder in the Son of God that dyed for me blessed might he be It grieved me then to see his lamentable ignorance which by that Answer and further Questions I found to be in him I might give more Examples of the like And such I conceive sin in coming to the Sacrament though neither for scandall of life nor for this ignorance they be judged worthy to be Excommunicate from the word Preached Quest 5. Truly I am of your minde for this notorious ignorance and for all such us are not able to Examine themselves But what think you of those who are otherwise Scandalous Ans There are too many Baptized persons Baptized in Childhood now of ripe years called by some visible christians whom St. Paul calls enemies to Christ Phil. 3.18.19 1 Cor. 5.9 10 12. 2 Ioh. 10.11 1 Cor. 1.11 2 Cor. 2.9.10 who are openly and notoriously scandalous ignorant prophane impenitent and unreformed with such as these are every true Christian ought as much as is possible to avoid all familiarity or intimate acquaintance except to convert them and much more all willing Communion with them at the Lords Table And therefore certainly Catechismes and Catechizing is very necessary that both knowledge and holinesse may be held forth as to the former so to such as these and examination or tryall be made 1 Cor. 11.28 29. both by themselves and others before they presume to come to the Supper of the Lord. Quest 6. Were there any in the Primitive times of the Church who were converted to Christianity that were kept back for a time from the Sacrament Ans In the Primitive times some who were converted extraordinarily upon profession of their Faith in Christ and desire they were Baptized First Thus was the Eunuch Acts 8.37 Acts 8. Secondly Thus was Cornelius and his company after the holy Ghost had given a publike evidence of their conversion and true Faith in Christ admitted to Baptisme Acts 10.44 45. 46 c. Acts 8.18 19 20. 21 c. 1 Tim. 1.19 20. 3 Ioh. 9.10 1 Cor. 5. Phil. 3.17 18 19. Heb. 6.4 4 6 c. Heb. 10.24 25 26 c. Thirdly Some were converted only to an outward profession of the Faith amongst whom were many hypocrites Baptized at the first and these it may be were admitted to the Lords Supper untill they were discerned But so soon as they were discerned and known notice was taken of them as such who were fit to be cast out and their Communion avoided for their wickednesse and hypocrisie Thus Simon Magus Hymeneus Alexander Diotrephes Demas and such like some of which fell for a time and were restored some fell to Heresie and Apostacy and perished in their sins Quest 7. Do you read of any difference of Christians made afterwards in the Church or were all that were converted to an outward profession of the Faith admitted the Sacraments promiscuously without any difference Ans Certainly no They were not admitted to the Sacrament For in processe of time when the Church did finde that many joyned themselves to the Christians and made a profession of the Faith as true Believers which after fell away As before noted 1 Tim. 1.26 30. 2 Pet. 2.14 15 20. some to Heresies some to scandalous lives and some to Paganisme again The Saints did not presently then upon the first seeming conversion or profession of themselves to believe admit men or women so much as to Baptisme much lesse to the Sacrament of the Lords Supper but had a time of tryall and preparation for so great a work Therefore Writers relate there were severall orders of Christians in the Church of Christ Quest 8. Which were these severall Orders of Christians in the Church Ans First some were only Catechumenes Isidorus Origen lib. 14. Catechumenus dictus qui Doctrinam fidei audit nec dum tamen Baptismum percepit hearers and learners of the Doctrine of the Gospel by Catechizing as well as Preaching yea though they were men of ripe years untill they were able to make a good profession of their Faith and give evidence of their sincere conversion and resolution to persevere by Gods Grace unto their lives end Quest 9. Have you read of any particular persons who were such Catechumens in the Church Ans First such a Catechumen was Ambrose Sozomen Histor Ecclesias l. 6. c. 24. when he was chosen Bishop or Overseer of the Church of Millaine the state of the Church so requiring by reason of Schismes and Heresies then springing up Eccles Hist Gent. 4. cap. 10. Cent. 5. cap. 10. Secondly such a Catechumen was Augustine after he was converted from a Maniche to be a Christian and did write divers Books before he was Baptized by St. Ambrose Arnobius Adversus Gentes lib. 7. Thirdly such a Catechumen was Arnobius who when he saw he was deferred Baptisme because the Disciples feared least being an eloquent man if he should revolt to Paganisme he might prophanely abuse that holy Sacrament Therefore he wrote an excellent Book against the Gentiles to evidence the truth of his profession and constancy in the Faith of Christ 2. Again there was a second Order or Degree of Christians and these were such Catechumens or Catechized persons who when they were well tryed and proved or examined and approved Socrates Eccl. hist l. 7. c 17. came to desire Baptisme and were called Competitors or Fellow-Catechumens desiring Baptisme which when they received they were arrayed in white Robes In liturgi Chrisostomi as History relates And neither of these were yet received to the Lords Supper untill they were baptized and approved by the Church Quest 10. What were the third Order of Christians in those times Ans They were called the Faithfull and these were such Believers or Beleeving Christians who after they were baptized Socrates Eccl. hist l. 7. c. 17. had made profession proof of their faith were admitted to the Lords Table and had Communion with their fellow-Saints in that holy Ordinance and so were all fellow members of the mysticall Body of Christ And in the first Primitive times of the Apostles and Church after Christ 1 Cor. 12.27 Acts 5.32 these Believers were together and were of one heart and of one soul a sweet example of unity for
unspeakable goodnes to the sons and daughters of men Exod. 18.11 2 King 5.14 2 Chron. 14.11 20.12 13. Luk. 19.6 c. Act. 2.22 and 9.1 c. 20 21. 1 Tim. 1.11 Eph. 1.17 c. 2 Cor. 6.9 10. Hebrews 11. the whole Chapter Quest 20. What Evidence is there from the light of glory Exo. 34.29 30. Isa 6.1 2 3 2 Cor. 12.3 4. 1 Cor. 13.9.10 Iohn 3.1 2 3. 1 Thes 4.17 Ans That beginning and part-light of glory which God hath caused to shine in or upon his Children in this life and the fulnesse of which the Lord assureth them they shall see and injoy in Heaven for ever Quest 21. What profit or comfort is this knowledge what God is and what a one he is to you Ans Great cause of rejoycing that Jehovah this Lord God Isa 43.1 2 3. Psa 52.1 2 10. Dan. 3.17 18 25. Ioh. 20.28 is my God in Christ infinite able and willing and wise and alwayes present to preserve protect and do me good in this life and that life to come even for ever and ever Amen The fourth Classis or Company of Questions 1 Question VVHat is the word of God Or what ought a Christian to know concerning the word and will of God Ans The word of God in the manifestation of Gods will and pleasure 1. Gen. 1. 2. 3. 17.2 7 22.16 17. Exod. 19.20 Isa 8.20 Luke 11.28 Rom. 10.27 Ioh. 5.39 2 Pet. 1.19 c. Either immediatly by himself as his word of command concerning the Creation of the world in generall and man in particular before the fall and the manifestation of his good pleasure after the fall to Adam Abraham and other Saints and Sons of men Or mediatly in Scripture by holy men as they were inspired by the holy Ghost Quest 2. Where is this revealed will and word of God written to be found Ans In the Canonicall Books of the Old and New Testament Ps 40.7 Mat. 1.1 Mar. 12.26 Dā 10.21 Mat. 21.42 Rom. 1.2 Ioh. 5.39 commonly called the Bible and Book of God and the holy Scriptures Quest 3. What is there to be known in the holy Scriptures concerning the will and pleasure of God Ans That the holy Scriptures are the most perfect rule of Faith and life above all other writings whatsoever and that they hold forth the good will of God by way of Covenant both in the Covenant of works to our first Parents before the fall and in the Covenant of Gods Free-grace in Christ since to and for the people of God to the end of the world Isa 8.20 2 Tim. 3.15 c. 1 Cor. 15.3 Joh. 5.39 Gen. 2.9.16 17. 3.15 17.7 Jer. 31.33 34. Matth. 17.5 John 3.16 Acts 2.28 22. Quest 4. Are the Scriptures the ancient and first written truths of God to be believed Ans Certainly they are most ancient of all written Divine truths preserved wonderfully so many hundred yea thousand years as witnesse them Divine and of most Divine Authority indeed Quest 5. By what means may you be assured that these Books of the holy Scriptures are the infallible truth of the most true God and that holy men writ them as they were inspired by the holy Ghost Mat. 4.4 22.29 30 c. Luk. 24.25 c. Mat 7.12 Ioh 15.35 17.17 Act. 2.17 17.11 24 14.2 Ans Not only by the witnesse of Christ the chief Prophet and of the Saints and Church of God and by Promises and Prophecies fulfilled by miracles and martyrdoms whereby the Doctrine hath been confirmed but by the Divine harmony perfection powerfull efficacy of the Scriptures themselves and the testimony of Gods Spirit in the souls of believers Quest 6. What necessity was there of the holy Scriptures and word of God written Ans The Lord did see it needfull to have his word written Isa 8.20 Rom. 15.4 Isa 59.20 21. Rom. 1.20 21. 2 Tim. 3.16 because men did not learn by the Book of Nature and work of Creation and government to keep God in their mindes but did run into Errors and fell to worship Creatures and false Gods and false Religions Therefore God gave Scriptures as a guide and rule of life and Doctrine to his Church Quest 7. But is the Old Testament needfull for Gods Children in the time of the Gospel Ans Yea certainly it is of excellent use for the Old Testament holdeth forth Christ and directs to Christ who is yesterday and to day and the same for ever And the whole Scripture is to be searched as profitable for Doctrine for reproof for correction for instruction in righteousnesse that the man of God may be perfect and throughly furnished to every good work Gen. 3.15 Isa 9.6 and 53.1 2 3 c. Zach. 13.1 Mal. 4.2 Heb. 13.8 Rev. 13.8 Joh. 5.39 and 8.5 6. Rom. 15.4 2 Tim. 2.16 17. Psal 119.105 Isa 8.20 Rom. 3.31 Matth. 5.17 18. Luk. 10.34 Heb. 8.10 11. Quest 8. In what languages were the holy Scriptures Originally written And whether may they be translated and read in our English and other tongues understood of the people Nehem. 8.8 1 Cor. 14.5 14.18 19 26 27. Ans The holy Scriptures of the Old Testament were chiefly written in the Hebrew tongue and the New Testament in the Greek as Originall copies evidence But they may be truly translated and read in other Languages and interpreted as the people of severall Nations may understand them for the perpetuall edification of the Church Quest 9. Are not the Scriptures subject to error Psa 19.7 8 c. Prov. 30.5 6. Ps 12.6 2 Pet 3.15 16. Ans No certainly the holy Scriptures are most true perfect and pure and free from error though some men not rightly understanding them have erred to their own destruction Quest 10. What rules may be observed for right understanding of the Scriptures Ans There are divers And first a competent knowledge in the Originall Languages and inspection into the fountains themselves Secondly Prayer for the assistance of Gods Spirit and to reveal truth Thirdly A deniall of self-opinion and Spirituall pride Quest 11. What is a fourth Rule Ans Fourthly a carefull observation of the chief scope of the holy Ghost Acts 8.20 Rom. 6.14 Eph. 1.16 c. 1 Cor. 12.10 Col. 3.6 1 Cor. 14.31 32. with the coherence and consequents of the Text and of proper and figurative speeches comparing of obscure and plain places together Fifthly a having respect to the Analogy of Faith and grounds of Divinity drawn out of Scripture Sixthly a humble submitting of the private Spirits to the Spirits of the Prophets Quest 12. What is a seventh Rule Ans To eye the chief Iudge of controversies namely the Spirit of God speaking in the Scriptures and by consent of plain places expounding the harder Quest 13. What is the principle knowledge to be learned out of the Scriptures Ans How to attain life Eternall by the true
of the Faith in Christ the Messiah to come they had no right to circumcision nor to any signe and seal of the covenant of Grace and therefore the Assumption is true that Christ did institute Circumcision that signe and seal of the covenant to beleevers as beleevers and to children of beleevers as children of beleevers And so a signe and seal may still continue to beleevers and their children as well as beleevers and their children as well as before the coming of Christ and this not Circumcision which is abolished and therefore baptism which succeeds circumcision as the Apostle intimates to us Col. 2. Co. 2.11 12 13. making circumcision and baptism all one in the respect of the inward Grace Circumcision made without hands and burying with Christ by baptism both intimating our putting off the Old man in our burying with Christ as being made partakers of his death and rising again in putting on the New man as partaking of Christs Resurrection both signed land sealed in circumcision in the Old Rom. 4.16 and Baptism in the New Testament to beleevers and the elect children the seed of Abraham the father of us all Quest 8. But wherefore was not Melchisedech and Lot circumcised and Job and his friends and other beleevers and worshippers of the true God out of Abrahams family if circumcision was to beleevers as beleevers Ans First in Melchisedech Lot Iob and the rest we have no certain evidence that they were or were not circumcised nor is it material For it is certain neither circumcision before Christ nor baptism since or any outward Sacrament was or is or can be rightly said to be absolutely necessary to Salvation else Noah and other Patriarks before Abraham might have been circumcised or have had some other signe and seal which we had not and children dying before the eight day of circumcision or before they were baptized could not be saved which a Popish Doctrine well worthy to be exploded out of the Church Secondly it may be answered That God did renew the covenant and institute circumcision as a signe and seal of the covenant with Abraham and the Church in his house which was then the Church of God chiefly visible at that time in the world consisting of above three hundred souls Gen. 14.18 and then set forth by God as a Type of the Church of the faithful in all ages who were to have the covenant of Grace published and thâ— seals of the covenant communicated to them in the Gospel And so this Objection doth not hinder but that circumcision that signe and seal of the righteousnesse of Faith was instituted to Abraham as a beleever and to Abrahams children and family as the children and family of a beleever Men of ripe yeers professors of the true Faith and Religion and children as children of beleevers and professors And so the like signe and seal baptism may in like manner be continued in the New Testament as well as in the Old for any light that yet appeareth to be held forth from Christ to the contrary Quest 9. But is not Infants Baptism forbidden by Christ in the New Testament either expresly or by consequence in that Christ doth not name children in the institution of baptism as he did in the institution of circumcision Answ Certainly there is no expresse prohibition of Infant baptism in the New Testament yea the Lord Christ is so far from forbidding of Infants any Grace and favours they are capable of Mark 10.13 14. that he reproveth his Disciples for hindering their bringing unto him though it was not in particular to be baptized yet to receive a blessing from Christ for which cause their beleeving parents or friends did present them unto Christ that Christ might take them in his arms and put his hands upon them and blesse them as beleeving parents do now present them to Christ in baptism Mark 10.13 And Christ receiveth them and giveth for a reason a high approbation of children expressed in several Evangelists Suffer little children to come to me and forbid them not for of such is the Kingdom of God True not onely of such who in some respects are qualified like children but of such persons also even of little children And true both of the Kingdom of Grace and Glory for all elect children of Jews and Gentiles of all Nations And if the Kingdom of God belong to children then why not this Seal of the Kingdom Baptism of which Infants are capable now as well children at eight dayes old were capable of circumcision before the coming of Christ It is evident there is no expresse prohibition of Infants Baptism which may hinder their presenting unto Christ to be blessed in that Ordinance Quest 10. But what say you to the second is not Infant Baptism denyed by consequence in that they are not named in the words of Institution go Disciple all Nations or make them Disciple by Teaching and Baptizing them Ans The Answer is First it is evident that Christ in that Institution of Baptism intends principally men and women of ripe yeers Jews and Gentiles to be converted to the Faith of Christ who were capable of teaching and first to be discipled by teaching and then baptized as the Proselytes that came in to Abrahams House Gen. 18.18 c. no doubt were first taught before they were circumcised and yet their children were circumcised at eight dayes old before they were taught or made Disciples by teaching of which they were not capable It is true Iere. 1.4 5. Luke 1.13 14 15. they might be made Disciples by Covenant and inward teaching and sanctification Of the Holy Gospel as all the spiritual Seed were and so may children now that Christ holds forth why not baptized now as well as children were circumsed then by vertue of Christs Institution Secondly There is another answer That if a signe and seal of the Righteousnesse of Faith and Regeneration or inward Circumcision of the heart be due to Infants of beleevers and to be communicated to them as to children of beleevers by vertue of Christs institution of a seal to beleeving Abraham and his children as is before held forth Then it must be either circumcision or baptism or some other signe and seal appointed by Christ for this end but it cannot be circumcision for that is virtually abolished by Christs institution of baptism nor is there any other signe or seal appointed by Christ for children of beleevers Iews or Gentiles and therefore it must needs be baptism And so Christ doth not forbid but rather virtually appoint baptism for Infants in the new as he did appoint circumcision for Infants in the Old Testament Gen. 17. For the not naming doth not imply a negation when as they may be included in the institution in general setting up baptism instead of circumcision as women not named are not denyed but included in the institution of the Lords Supper in the place of the
with this in the New and so all this is to no purpose which is spoken Ans For mens opinions no assertion is therefore true because some men affirm it but it must have ground in the Word of God Now for circumcision it is evident by the Apostle that it is not a seal of the Covenant of works but of Faith and the righteousnesse of Faith Rom. 4.11 Rom. 11.6 and therefore not of works For Faith and works in respect of the Covenâ—nâ— and justification of life are opposite and contrary the one to the other if of works then not of grace And Mr. Ainsworth well observes upon that place that the word Covenant is thirteen times named in that Chapter Gen. 17.21 and hereby is meant the promise of Christ â—nd salvation in him and that the promise was not onely of corporal but of spiritual and heavenly things As Saint Luke testifieth Luk. 1.72 73 c. Chapter the first To perform this mercy promised to our fore-Fathers and to remember his holy Covenant the Oath which he swear unto our Father Abraham which was an Oath and Covenant of spiritual things as you may reade at large And so circumcision a seal of that Covenant must needs be not a seal of the Covenant of works but of grace Not of Mount Sinai gendring to bondage but of Mount Sion and of Jerusalem which is free the Mother of us all of all the free born children of faithful Abraham free born not by a natural but by a spiritual new birth Ioh. 1.12 not of the will of the flesh or of man but of God Quest 24. Gal. 5. But what say you to that place of the Apostle he that is circumcised is bound to keep the whole Law doth not this evidence that circumcision did bind a man to legal obedience and then how could it be a seal of the Covenant of Grace Ans I Answer the Apostle in this Chapter concludeth his disputation concerning justification by the merit of Christ and not by the observation of the works of the Law or of circumcision appointed to Abraham before the holding forth of the Law of Moses Gal. 2.3 c. or by any of Moses his Ceremonies Iustification before God being onely by Christ received by Faith and Christs righteousnesse as he had proved by divers Arguments in the former Chapters For the Iewish Doctors which came to the Galathians had preached a false Doctrine Act. 15.1 2 c. that except they were circumcised they could not be saved As those did at Antioch against which the Councel at Jerusalem made a Decree that no such burden as circumcision should be laid upon the Church Acts. i5 24 28. and this Doctrine of justification by circumcision the Apostle vehemently opposeth Not as if circumcision indeed had been ordained by Moses or was any Sacrament or seal of the Covenant of works or so esteemed by the Apostle For it was appointed by God Himself to Abraham a believer in Christ Ioh. 8.56 Gal. 3.17 four hundred yeers before that dispensation of the Law by Moses or matter of the Covenant of works by Moses and the same Apostle himself had held it forth not as a seal of the Covenant of works but of the righteousnesse of Faith in Christ Rom. 4.11 12. as is noted before Therefore the Apostle doth not speak against circumcision as it was an Ordinance of God to Abraham continued until Christ or as if it ever was a seal of the Covenant of works but as it was falsly abused by the false glosses of the Pharisees and Iewish legal Doctors who came and disturbed the pure Doctrine of the Gospel amongst the believing Galatians contrary to the Apostle and Churches Decree at Jerusalem and truth of Christ taught the Galathians by the Apostle Saint Paul himself for otherwise he speaketh of Circumcision as indifferent in the times of the Churches respect to the Jews whom they desired to convert as he made it evident in his own circumcising of Timothy which he would not have done if Circumcision had been a Seal of the Covenant of Works B. Arce in Gal. 5. Observa de circumcisione hic agi respectu abusus quem in ducebant falsi Doctores Alibi Circumcisionem tulit ut rem mediam in Timotheo alibi ut figillum justitiae commendavit in Abrahamo c. or subjected Timothy to perform the whole Law or could have caused that Timothy should have received no profit by Christ as here he speaketh of Circumcision to the Galathians when the false Doctors taught Justification by Circumcision which Errour the Apostle here so strongly contradicts as most contrary to Christ and the Doctrine of Faith in Jesus And to this effect both blessed Luther Benedictus Aretius and others expound that place And so it is a most clear truth that Circumcision was never a Seal to Abraham or to any other of the Covenant of Works of onely of temporal Benefits or that there is any such difference between Circumcision and Baptism as between Hagar and Sarah or between Mount Sina in Arabia gendering to bondage and Mount Sion or Jerusalem between Law and Gospel as some Antipoedobaptists have affirmed And therefore it is not unprofitable to hold forth the manner of entrance into the Church declared and appointed by God to Abraham for his posterity for Proselytes converted and the Church untill Christ as is noted before Quest 25. You have satisfied me in this trouble now I pray you what was or is the manner of outward admission into the Church since Christ in the time of the Gospel Answ For outward admission into the visible Church of Christ since Christs Ascention This was and is by way of Covenant also though in a different manner of dispensation as it respects divers persons and times of admission or at least of approbations of persons admission as visible compleat members of the Church and fellowship of the Saints fit to partake and communicate in al Ordinances and Acts of fellowship especially in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper And this in several ages and practises of the Church Quest 26. What was the first way or practice of the Church in the new Testament according to the Ordinance of Christ Ans First Inwardly men of ripe yeers Jews or Gentiles converted or professing themselves to be converted by the preaching of the Gospel to beleeve in Christ were admitted as members of the Church and into or for this admission there was First As there was or should have been a beleeving or faith in Christ true and sincere or at least temporary in which the soul did close or seem to close with Christ and Covenant and agree to receive Christ for a Saviour Act 8.13 and 8 37 Psa 27.8 according to the promise and tender of the Gospel And this was a kinde of union agreement and secret covenanting with Christ 1. The Lord Christ speaking inwardly to the soul in kindnesse O poor
from Babylon it self The force and falshood of their minor proposition will appear as it relates to our Congregations if we compare the Church of Corinth and our great mixed Congregations together we shall finde the Church of Corinth and other Churches as corrupt and mixt as ours and yet not un-churched by Christ or the Apostles You may observe these particulars 1 Cor. 1.10 c. 1 Cor. 3.3 4. First in the Church of Corinth there were contentions Schisms and Divisions For which the Apostle reproveth them and tells them they were carnal and carried themselves not Christian like and yet he did not un-church them for all this 1 Cor. 5.1 2 13. Secondly in the Church of Corinth were prophane persons the incestuous person and such as with whom they should not eat in their civil societies as professing themselves Brethren for such are intimated and warning given of them and such as should have been cast out of the Church and excommunicated or suspended from the Sacrament at least and were not and yet the Apostle doth not un-church them for all this but admonish to put from them wicked persons Thirdly 1 Cor. 6. 1 2 8 in the Church of Corinth there was quarrelling and going to Law one with another and that before unbelievers yea Brother with Brother yea doing wrong and defrauding one another and yet the Apostle doth not un-church them nor exhort to a separation for all this Fourthly in the Church of Corinth 1 Cor. 8.1 2 10. there were some puffed up with knowledge but had little charity they offended their weak Brethen by eating meat in the Idols Temple and yet no un-churching for all this Fifthly in the Church of Corinth there were such as did grudge at the maintenance of Christs Ministers 1 Cor. 9. 1 2 34. as if Christs Ministers had not power to eat and to drink and to receive and require maintenance for their labour in preaching the Gospel as some amongst us have not been ashamed to affirm For which the Apostle reproveth them and proveth by several Arguments 1 Cor. 9.13 14. the equity justice and duty of Ministers maintenance as being an Ordinance of Christ that those who preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel of duty not of meer alms at pleasure or not at pleasure as som◠think And yet the Apostle doth not unchurch them for all this or exhort or teach a separation by all this Sixthly in the Church of Corinth there were Idolaters those who did go to partake of the Lords Table and the Table of Devils and provoked God to jealousie 1 Cor. 10 14 c. as the Apostle intimates and yet he doth not un-church them for all this Seventhly In the Church of Corinth there were such as came to the Sacrament and Church-Communion not for the better 1 Cor. 11. but for the worse There were divisions amongst them they neglected the poor one was hungry another drunken for so the Greek signifieth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 one is hungry another is drunken The Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ebrius est he is drunken is taken for drunkennesse in divers other places of Scripture Thus Acts 2. For these are not drunken as ye suppose The same Greek word is used in the Plural Number 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are drunken or they are not drunken as ye suppose it implieth a distemper by wine or strong drink which the Apostle did affirm the Church was not at that time to whom God gave the gift of Tongues in such an excellent manner by the power of the holy Ghost The same word is used in 1 Cor. 6. Neither Thieves nor Covetous nor Drunkards shall inherit the Kingdom of God not drunkards the Greek word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ebriosi drunken men distempered with drink I might name other places These are enough to shew the condition of the Corinthians some of them hungry others drunken that is distempered with drink It is not enough to say they were merry and cheerful with drink for it is evident they were so far distempered or drunken that the Apostle reproveth them for it as a sin some are hungry some are drunken and yet he doth not un-Church them nor move them to Separation for all this Quest 36. But do you approve of drunkennesse or these sinful corruptions in a Church Ans God forbid nay we reprove them as Saint Paul did and declare they ought to be informed against to the Church and Elders of the Church and if after Admonition and warning given they do not repent they are to be Excommunicated to be excluded the Sacrament and cast out of the Church But if there be failing in this and the like as Corinth did in not casting out the Incestuous person for a time yet the Apostle doth not un-Church them for all this or presse a Separation from Saints or from the Church though failing in this particular Eighthly They came to the Sacrament without due Examination of themselves 1 Cor. 28 c. they were guilty of the Body and Blood of Christ by unworthy receiving They did eat and drink judgement to themselves not discerning the Lords Body they were both ignorant and scandalous and God did punish them some with sicknesses some with death This the Apostle tells them of and reproveth them and exhorts to examine and judge themselves But yet he doth not un-Church them for all this or give any way to Separation from Church Ninthly 2 Cor 11.12 c. They had in the Church of Corinth false Teachers false Apostles deceitful workers transforming themselves into the Apostles of Christ as Satan changeth himself into an Angel of light whose Ministers these safe Apostles were labouring by fair shew to seduce the people of God in Corinth and yet the Apostle doth not un-un-Church Corinth nor presse or give way to a Separation for all this Tenthly and lastly In the Church of Corinth there were such as said there is no resurrection from the dead A notorious Atheistical Doctrine 1 Cor. 15.12 c. overthrowing the very foundation of Religion For as the Apostle argueth If there be no Resurrection then Christ is not risen then our Preaching is vain and our faith is in vain and we are yet in our sins But Christ is risen and there is certainly a Resurrection from the dead as the Apostle proveth at large in that Chapter Certainly too many in the Church of Corinth were seduced to that opinion and denied this truth of the Resurrection from the dead And yet the Apostle doth not un-Church them for all this nor give any way to a Separation from that Church Qest 37. And what the reason of this may some one demand Ans There might be many reasons given but this one amongst the rest Because although there were many corruptions in that Church both in life and Doctrine yet the Word and Sacrament were continued the prophane wicked men and Hypocrites
Christ by faith O my soul and rightly endeavour to declare thy thankfulnes to God in Christ again and shew forth my thankfulness to my Lord Jesus in daily remembring of him until he translate thee to eternal glory Quest 23. What are the subsequent graces to be acted and duties to be exercised and practised in manifestation of your thankfulnesse to your God in Christ all the dayes of your life And what light from Christ have you received for direction herein Gal. 2. 20. 2 Cor. 5. 14 .. Mat. 22.37 .. Gal. 5. 13 14. Eph. 4.1 c. Ans There is one root-grace flowing into my soul from Christ and Christs wonderful love to me Christ loving me and giving himself for me And this is the grace of love that love of Christ with a holy gracious power as a precious Loadstone doth draw my soul to my God in Christ and sweetly constrain me to love Christ again who loved me first moving me powerfully to live henceforth not to my self but to him that dyed for me and role again and the fruits of this love are to be made evident by the power of Christ dwelling in me 1. Towards God the Father in Christ 2. Towards my self in true charity 3. Towards my Neighbour in love and unity all the dayes of my life all comprehended in one Grace Love And all this as fulfilling the Law of Christ Gal. 6.1 2. Iohn 13.34 25. and 15. 12 c. and because I finde God hath loved me first in the Lord Iesus John 4.19 Quest 24. What is the fruit that spring from this root Grace of your Christian Walking the free love of God to you in Christ assured by the spirit and faith and the reflex of that love as the eccho of love in your souls answering love again Ans The manifestation of my thankfulnesse or thankful remembrance of Christ of Christ Ioh. 4.9 c. love held forth to me in this Sacrament by a conltant and continued acting and exerciting of that grace of love wrought in me by the power of Christs spirit in my soul 1. Towards God my Father Iohn 20.17 2. Towards my self as to a childe of God in Christ Luke 10.17 3. Towards my Neighbour and especially towards the Houshold of saith the Church and Saints of the most High God and my fellow-members in Christ Iesus Gal. 6.10 Quest 25. Wherein ought you to declare your thankfulnesse and exercise your love towards God and your Neighbour in Christ Ans In yielding obedience to the will of God as my Father in Christ Iohn 5.39 6.68 First in believing whatsoever truth the Lord my God holdeth forth to be believed in the Scriptures Secondly Iohn 14.21 in doing or suffering whatsoever is by the will and pleasure of God my Father to be done or suffered by me according to his will Thirdly in praying to or praising God all the dayes of my life Quest 26. What light from Christ or what directory or rule is there of your faith or of tbose truths in which you are to declare in thankfulnesse your love and duty to God your Father by believing Ans The holy Scripture or whole Word of God recorded in Gods Book Ioh. 5.32 2 Pet. 1.19 20. Gen. 3.15 22. Isa 53. Ioh. 3.16 the holy Bible is my light but that which is especially for my comfort is the promises of the Gospel or Covenant of grace held forth unto me in the Old and New Testament by the Lord himself or by men of God as they were inspired by the holy Ghost Quest 27. What brief or sum is there to be believed of that which is taught at large as the Doctrine of faith in the holy Scriptures Ans Those twelve Articles in that symbole of faith or brief sum commonly called the Apostles Creed explained further in those other ancient Creeds received in the Church of Christ and known by the Names of Nicene Creed and Athanasius Creed Quest 28. Which call you the Apostles Creed Ans That which begins thus I believe in God the Father Almighty maker of Heaven and Earth And in Iesus Christ his onely Son our Lord c. as is expressed at large in my lesser Catechism Quest 29. Which call you the Nicene Creed Ans That Creed which beginneth as followeth I believe in one God the Father Almighty maker of Heaven and Earth and of all shings visible and invisible and in one Lord Iesus Christ the onely begotten Son of God begotten of his Father before all Worlds God of God Light of Light very God of very God begotten not made c. Quest 30. Which call you Athanasius Creed Ans That Creed which begins and follows thus Whosoever will be saved before all things it is necessary that he hold the Catholike Faith Which Faith except every one do keep whole and undâ—filed without doubt he shall perish everlastingly And the Catholike Faith is this That we worship one God in Trinity and Trinity in Vnity Neither confounding the Persons nor dividing the Substance For there is one Person of the Father another of the Son and another of the Holy Ghost But the Godhead of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Ghost is one The glory equal the Majesty co-eternal c. as is also Printed at large in my lesser Catechism Quest 31. But are these Creeds the ground or rule of Faith 2 Pet. 1.19 2. Iohn 5.39 Ans The holy Scripture is the most proper ground of Faith and most perfect rule for judging all Controversies But these Creeds as they are grounded on the Scriptures and holy Wod of God are and may be an objâ—ct and directory of our faith and so they have been and are yet received in the Church of Christ and are very profitable for our help and furtherance in the knowledge and remembrance of the Doctrine of Faith Iohn 5.39 Romans 15.4 2 Timothy 3.15 16 17. 2 Peter 2.19 20. The thirtieth Classis or company of Questions 1 Question VVHat directory or rule is there of your thankfulnesse and declaration thereof in doing or suffering the will of God as your God and loving Father in Iesus Christ What light from Christ for instruction in our Christian walking with God all our life long Deut. 4.1 c 6.1 c. Psa 119.105 Isa 8.20 Matthew 5 6 7 c. Ans The will and command of God my God and Father held forth to his Church and to me in the Decalogue or ten Commandments and the Explication and meaning of them by Moses and the Prophets in the Old Testament and by Christ and his Apostles in the New Testament as is evident by many places of Scripture in the Book of God Quest 2. What light is there from Christ Or what is that directory or rule of the Decalogue or ten Commandments held forth as a light to older our obedience and thankfulnesse is unto God as to our Father who hath brought us out of the
our faith who for the joy that was set before him edured the Crosse despiâ—â—ng the shame and is set downe at the right hand of the Throne of God Quest 27. You have explained and held forth the duties of Superiors and Juferiors in the oeconomicall or househould estate now what are the duties in the Ecclesiasticall Church or state 1 Cor. 4.15 and Spiritnall Parents or superiours in the Church as Pastors and Treachers or Ministers to the people of God committed to their charge Acts 20.28 und over whom the Holy Ghost hath made them overseers 1 Pet. 2.25 1 Pâ—r. 5.4 1 Cor. 4.1 2. 2 Tim. 3.15 Ans First the holy Scripture holdeth forth the Lord Christ himselfe to be the chiefe Shepheard and overseer and as he is the great Pastor to teach so he hath appointed Pastors and Teachers in his Church And as the Lord Christ is faithfull not as a servant but as a son over his owne house Heb. 3.5 6 1 â—or 4.1 2. 1 Tim. 2.15 so it is the duty of the Miniâ—â—ers and servants of Christ to be faithfull as stewards in the house of Christ the Church of the living God Quest 28. Wherein is this faithfulnesse to be manifested by Ministers in the performance of their duties and what light from Christ to mâ—ke this evident Ans First Act. 20.28 2 Cor. 5.19 20. in taking heede to themselves as Ambassadors sent of Christ and to all the flock over which the holy Ghoâ—â— hath made them overseers 2 Tim. 4.2 to feede the Church of God which he hath purchazâ—d with his owne bloud To Preach the Word of God and be instant in season and out of season to Reproove Rebuke Exhort with all long suffering and Doctrine Secondly Rom. 12.8 1 Pet. 5.1 2 3. 2 Cor. 4.5 to feede the flock of God taking the Rule and oversight of them with diligence not by constraint but willingly not for filthy lucre but of a ready minde neither as Lords over Gods heritage but as servants to the Church for Jesus sake Thirdly the Overseers Elders Acts 20.28 1 Pet. 5.1 1 Tim. 3.2 3 4. or Ministers of Christ they are Pastors and Teachers and Rulers they ought to be of unblameable life and conversation 1 Pet. 5.3 examples to the flock husband of one wife vigilant 1 Tim. 4.6 c. sober apt to teach not given to Wine no striker not given to filthy lucre but patient not a brawler not covetous 1 Tim. 6.11 12. one that ruleth his own house well having his childen in subjection with all gravity no novice least hee be lifted up with pride 2 Tim. 2.24 Here are foureteene properties in one place the Epistles of blessed Paul to Timothy and to Titus hold forth diverse more Titus 1.6 7 8 9. Titue 2.7 Thus the servant of Christ ought not to strive but in meeknesse to instruct and be a patterne of good work Quest 29. What are the sinnes of Ministers contrary to these duties Ans First unfaithfullnesse running before they be sent Isai 56. to 11. and not feeding the flock of God where they come not Preaching Catechizing administring of the Sacraments Jâ—â— 23.1 2 and Prayers and other Ministeriall acts for good of the Church Ezek. 34.1 2 3. being ignorant idoll Shepheards or idle and negligent Sheepheards Not regarding that great charge and honorable office they have taken upon them not performing that trust committed unto them and of which they must give an account to the chiefe Sheepheard Christ Jesus 1 Pet. 5.4 Secondly unfaithfulnesse in not ruling as Elders and not Governing the Church of God with watchfulnesse Eze. 34.4 5 1 Pet. 5.3 4. 3 Iohn 9. Isai 56.11 12. wisedome and humility according to the Rule of Christ but in pride or tyranny as lording it over Gods heritage loving the preheminence contrary to the direction of the Spirit of Christ Thirdly Ministers sinne in unfaithfulnesse in not feeding them by good example of life and conversation being as Iohn the Baptist burning and shining lights Iohn 5.35 But walking disorderly as Eli's sons to the dishonour of their callings and evill example of others any manner of way unbeseeming the Ministers and servants of Christ Jesus 1 Sam. 2.17 22. Quest 30. You have declared the duties of those who are Ministers of Christ 1 Pet. 5.1 1 Cor. 4.15 spirituall Fathers Elders Overseers Pastors and Teachers in the Church and their sins and failings Now what are the duties of spirituall children of the Congregation and people to their Pastors and Teachers Ans The duty of people and congregations 1 Thess 5.17 to their faithfull Pastors and Teachers as Mat. 11.40 1 Thess 5.12.1 Gal. 4.14 1 Cor. 4.1 1 Thess 5.13 1 Tim. 5.17 First to receive and acknowledge them as sent of Christ and over them in the Lord as the Apostles expression is Secondly to Love Reverence and esteeme those Ministers and Elders especially that labour in the word and very highly in love for their worke sake and with double honour as is fit for Ministers and officers of Christ Thirdly to obey them in the Lord as those that have the Rule and over-sight of them Heb. 13.17 Heb. 13.24 and watch for their soules and must give an account that they may doe it with joy and not with greif for that will not profit for those that disobey Gods Ministers and Elders over them in the Lord. 1 Thess 5.22 Gal. 4.15 1 Tim. 5.17 18. Luke 10.5 6 7. Galat. 6.6 7. 1 Coâ— 9.13 14. Fourthly readily and cheerefully to communicate give or pay unto them that honorable maintenance which is due unto thâ—m for their labour in the worke of the Miniâ—try according to the word of God and ordinance of Jesus Chriâ—t Quest 31. But is there any payment of maintenance due now to Gods Ministers as Ministers of Christ in the new Testament by any Divine-right the neglect or keeping back of which is a sinne because I have heard some affirme that howsoever in the old Testamenet the Lord had the reserved portion of his owne inheritance the Tenth which he gave to his Ministers for their labour and for the honorable and comfortable maintenance of them and theirs besides their Cities and their Suburbs for their cattell Numb 18.20 21 30.31 Levit. 27.30 31 32.1 2.3 4 c. Numb 35. and for their goods and for all their beasts and â—ther helpes more yet in the new Testament since Christ ascended into Heaven the Lord hath nothing peculiar to himselfe and Christ Ministres have nothing due to them for their labour and maintenance by any Divine Right 2 Cor. 5.20 But they must live of Almes and accept of there reward for their labour and maintenance at the pleasure of the people Ans Truely I should have wondred that any one who had professed the least measure of love to Christ should dare to manifest so little
7.51 Prov. 20.25 Malac. 3.8 9. or resist or revile or discontent the Ministers of Jesus Chrst in or about their Ministeriall office or any other unlawful wayes is a sin Fifthly to take away or keepe back from them any part of that honorable maintenance or countenance which is due unto them by the Ordinance of the Lord Jesus 1 Thess 5.17 Galat. 6.6 7. is sacriledge a robbing and mocking of God and an odious sinne and more particularly what is approved of by the lawfull Magistrate Iohn 15.20 21. Iohn 16.1 2 3. Acts 9.25 2 Cor. 11.32.33 Luke 11.49 50. Acts. 8.2 3 Acts 9.4 5 Luk. 19.27 2 Sam 6.7 Sixthly to persecute betray or not to defend and preserve the Ministers of Jesus Christ by all lawfull and good meanes in their lives goods good names and especially in and for the execution of their Ministeriall office is a sinne and the property and marke of wicked men whom Christ will one day take for his enemies who refuse to have him to rule over them Seventhly for any to intrude themselves into the office of Christs Ministers 2 Chron. 26.19 20. or to usurpe a Ministeriall office in the Church of Christ for which he hath no call from Christ nor ground or title from the Word of God Heb. 5.4 is certainly a sin an odious sin against Christ Jesus Quest 34. You have revealed by Scripture and light from Christ in the Scripture what are the duties required and the sinneâ— forbidden both of Christs Ministers anâ— of the people over whom the holy Ghost hatâ— made them overseers and in particulaâ— how the people ought to receive reverence and countenance their Ministers Pastors and Teachers and give them that honorable maintenance which is due to Gods Ministers by Divine right and according to the Ordinances of the Lord Christ But is there any promise of blessing or any such encouragement to those who do thus receive honour and pay freely that honorable Maintenance that is due to God for his service and to Gods Ministers for their labour and service according to the Oâ—dinance of Christ Ans Yea verily the Scripture holdeth forth diverse promises to this effect Prov. 3.9.10 as that in the Proverbs Honour the Lord with thy substance and with the first fruits of all thy increase so shall thy Barnes be filled with plenty and thy Presses shall burst out with new Wine thou shalt be sure if thou honour God in his service or faithfull servants 1 Sam. 2.30 God will honour thee yea the Lord biddeth his people to trie and prove him if they would bring in the maintenance of his Ministery and service as they ought Malac. 3.10 11. if he would not open the Windowes of Heaven and powre a blessing upon them and he would blesse and not curse their increase and Christ saith hee Mat. 10.40 41. that receiveth his Disciples and Ministers receiveth him and they that receive a Prophet in the Name of a Prophet shall receive a Prophets reward so that there is great encouragement for Saints and all Gods people to perform their duties herein Quest 35. Is there any thinke you that love the Lord Iesus that will not love and honour his faithfull Ministers and willingly give them all respect due to them by the Ordinance of Christ Ans Certainly all men have not faith and some are unreasonable and wicked men 2 Thess 3.2 who love not Christ nor his Ministers I have heard divers Ministers complaine Gens 47.22.26 2 Chron. 36.16 17. that in some parts they have beene used far worse then the Egyptians used their Priests they finde no favour but have been subject to divers abuses which was a fearfull sinne that once brought a forraigne enemy upon Gods owne people But now we hope better things that as the Lord hath honoured those who are in high places so he will honour them with one grace more to take care that there may be faithfull and honorable Ministers placed in every congregation in the Kingdome 1 Tim. 5.71 and that they may have an honorable maintenance duly payd them according to the Ordinance of Christ 1 Cor. 9.14 Quest 36. I have received good satisfaction for the duties of Ministers Pastors and Teachers in the church of Christ and the peoples duties unto them both in respect of reverence and maintenance But what is your judgement I pray you hath Christ appointed no government in his Church and so no governours who as Fathers are to be honoured and who are to be as Rulers in the Church for right ordâ—â—ing of Christs discipline for Gods glory and the good of his Church what light from Christ to direct in this Ans Yes certainly as the Scripture holdeth forth the Lord Christ himselfe to be the chiefe Lord and Governour Isaia 2.6 7 Mich. 5.2 Mat. 2.6 yea the King of his Church and the Governement to be upon his shoulder so when the Lord Christ ascended up into Heaven and led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men as hee gave some to be Apostles and some Prophets some Pastors and Teachers Eph. 4 11 12. c. 1 Tim. 5.17 Rom. 12.8 for the perfecting of the Saints for the worke of the Ministery for the edifying of the body of Christ so hee hath given Elders 1 Cor. 12.28 Acts 6.1 2 3. Rom. 12.7 Rulers and Governments or helpes in Government as Overseers Deacons Ministers and Officers for the good of the Church of Christ Quest 37. But who are these Elders and Officers that are to have government in the Church Ans First it is evident in Scripture that the same men who are called in Scripture Presbyters Acts 20.17 28. or Elders and Rulers they are called Overseers or Bishops and Pastors 1 Tim. 5.17 such as must labour in the word and Doctrine and not only take heede to all the flocke over which the holy Ghost hath made them overseers Titus 1.5 6 7 8 9. But feede the Church of God which hee hath purchased with his own blood Acts 29.28 So that it is evident that the same men who are Pastors and Teachers have authority from Christ to be Elders 1 Pet. 5.2 3 4. and Rulers in the Church although they are not to lord it over Gods heritage but to be ensamples to the flock as St. Seter holdeth forth the light of Christ unto the Church Quest 38. Are there no other Elders or Ruling Officers in the Church but Pastors and Teachers and such as labour publikely in Preaching and so in the word and doctrin Ans Divers learned men do affirme from that place of the Apostle to Timothy Aretius Piscâ—tor Beza in 1 Tim. 5.17 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Cor. 12.28 Heb. 13.17 24. The Church of Gâ—neva The Chu ch of Scotland And Holland Frâ—nce Nâ—w England and nâ—w England the Elders that Rule well are worthy of double honour especially those that labour in Word and
Doctrine and principally from the Word especially implying a difference and distinction of Elders as is it a note of distinction in other places of Scripture as you may reade Gal. 6.10 doe good to all especially to the household of faith And 1 Tim. 4.10 who is the Saviouiour of all especially of them that believe as also from other places of Scripture that besides Pastors and Preachers There are other Elders Assistants to the Ministers of Christ and helpes in government as divers Reformed Churches have used and yet have in their practize of Discipline Quest 39. What kinde of graces or qualifications ought Elders Rulers Deacons or Church officers bee endowed with that they may bee fit to governe in the Church Ans Verily Elders and Deacons and Ministers or any Rulers in the Church according to the Scriptures they ought to be spirituall Heavenly-minded men Acts 6.1 2.3 endued with the Holy Ghost James 3.17 men of wisdome and knowledge in Religion endued with wisdome 1 Tim. 3.9 that is from above 2 Tim. 2.1 2. pure peaceable gentle full of mercy and good fruits without partiality or hypocrisy sound and sincere in the Faith Heb. 5.14 Prudent Holding the mystery of faith in a pure conscience grave sober Titus 1.9.13 14. not given to drinke patient able in meeknesse to instruct those who oppose themselves 1 Tim. 3.8 2 Tim. 2.23 24 c. Titus 1.5 6 7. not proud as Lords of Gods inheritage but of blamlesse life and conversation humble minded that they may shew themselves good examples to the Flock and when the chiefe Sheapheard shall appeare 1 Pet. 5.1 2 3 4. receive a never fading Crowne of Glory Quest 49. What is the Office of such Elders Rulers or Governours in the Church Answ Being rightly chosen by the Church Acts 6.3 Acts 15.22 23. 1 Cor. 12.28 Acts 9.26 27. Acts 10.45 47. they are to be helpers and assistant in the Government of Christs Church to take care with the Chuch to further the right admission and uniting of Members do the Communion of Saints and especially to Churh fellowship in the holy communion and Supper of the Lord for better not for worse 1 Cor. 11.17 c. Exo. 12.48 Ezek. 44.7 8 9. Jer. 15.19 Mat. 18.15 16. 1 Thess 5.12 13. 2 Thess 3.14 15. that all ignorant unbelieving prophane Scandalous impenitent persons be kept away to separate the pretious from the vile They are to assist in Christian exhortations in godly and brotherly admonitions reprehensions counsells comforts yea to assist not onely in suspensions from the Sacrament that lesser but in that great censure of Excommunication if necessity require they are to assist in overseeing or watching over the flock according to their place and power Mat. 18.17 18 19 20. 1 Cor. 5.3 4 5 c. Iames 5.15 16. Acts 6.1 2 3. Zach. 14.5 â—1 Revel 21.3 in visiting of the sicke and having eyes with the Deacons whose office is to take care for the poore Saints and goods of the Church to the glory of God and benefit of Saints in faith and holinesse that the Lord may be found to dwell in the Tabernacle of his Saints with delight Thus the duty of spirituall Fathers Quest 41. Now what are duties commanded and sins forbidden of civill Parents and children in the civill politicall or Common wealth Estate in the relations between Magistrates Kings Princes Governours and people or subjects Ans I shall touch these but very briefly for present and what followeth also in the other Commandements But first for duties of superiors The duty of all Magistrates Deut. 17.18 19 20. Deut. 18 2â— 2 Sam. 13.3 4. Prov. 29.4 2 Cron. 28.9 2 Sam. 8. â—5 2 Cor. 19.5 6. Daniel 4.34 37 Deut. 16.18 19 20. 2 Chron. 15.10 Prov. 28. â—1 Magna Charta Kings Princes Governous or any in higher or lower places is to know the Law of God and in the feare of God in Justice and equity to governe the Common Wealth and people over whom the Lord placeth them to rule according to the Word of God and the good Lawes of the same Nation or Kingdome over which they are considering that they are under God and governe for God as vice-Gerents under the great Kings of Kings and Lord and King of Heaven and Earth Quest 42. What is the sinne of Magistrates and Governours contrary to this duty whether they bee in higher or lower places Ans To Rule or Governe without the knowledg or feare of God unâ—ustly tyrannically or in any corrupt and sinfull way contrary to the Word of God and good Lawes of the Land to sell or defer or deny Justice and right to any man Quest 43. You have held forth the duty of Magistrates and Fathers of the common wealth now what if the duty of subjects and people to Kings Princes Magistrates and Governours in higher or lower places Ans The dutie of subjects and people to their Soveraigne Princes Kings Magistrates or any under God in high or lower places is as to know and acknowledge them as their superiors and bee subject to them in their respective places to love honour preserve 2 Sam. 18 3. Rom. 13.1 2 Pet. 1.17 1 Pet. 2.13 14. 1 Tim. 2.1 2 3. Mat. 22.21 and obey them in their just and lawfull commands to be serviceable unto them in and for that which is good and to pray for them that they may so governe that we may leade a quiet and peaceable life in all godlinesse and honesty being carefull to render to Caesar the things that are Caesars and to God the things that are Gods Quest 44. What are the sinnes of the people and inferiors against their superiors 2 Chron. 36.13 1 Sam. 24.6 1 Sam. 26.9 2 Sam. 1.14 15. Ex 22.28 Ans To Rebell against dishonour or disobey the lawfull and just commands of superiors in higher or lower places Kings Princes or Magistrates to conspire Treason against them to curse them or neglect to pray for them according to the Scriptures is a fearfull sin 2 Sam. 16.7 Eccl. 10.20 1 Sam. 12.23 Quest 45. Sir yoU have manifested the duties and sinnes both of superiours and inferiours declared in Scriptures and to he referred unto this fifth â—ommandement as required by the Lord in this Rule of life and comfortable walking with God in Christ in our severall callings and relation now what use may a Christian make of the knowledge of so many duties requred and sinnes forbidden in this fifth Commandement and what light from Christ to leade us unto Christ for our comfort and direction herein Ans Truly by light from Christ we may here learne to see as in a glasse our owne inability to keepe the Law of God 2 Cor. 3.5 and so consider our extreame neede of Christ First as a justifyer that we may seeke our rest not in our selves or any of our owne performances 1 Cor. 1.30 Eph. 2.14 Isai 11.10 but