Selected quad for the lemma: duty_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
duty_n	church_n	elder_n	pastor_n	988	5	9.2585	5	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A91721	The Racovian catechisme vvherein you have the substance of the confession of those churches, which in the kingdom of Poland, and great dukedome of Lithuania, and other provinces appertaining to that kingdom, do affirm, that no other save the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, is that one God of Israel, and that the man Jesus of Nazareth, who was born of the Virgin, and no other besides, or before him, is the onely begotten Sonne of God.; Racovian catechism. English. 1652.	Smalcius, Valentin, 1572-1622.; Socinus, Faustus, 1539-1604.	1652 (1652)	Wing R121; Thomason E1320_1; ESTC R200387	94,429	183

be taught what order is in the same Doctrine prescribed to that Church A. That order consisteth in the duties of those persons whereof the Church consisteth and the diligent and accurate care that all the persons perform their severall duties Q. What are the persons whereof the Church consisteth A. Of them some govern others obey Q. Who rule A. Apostles Prophets Evangelists Doctors Pastors Bishops Elders and Deacons Q. What is their duly or office whom you call Apostles A. To go out into all the world and preach the Gospell of Christ for which things sake they were both chosen first by Christ and by him sent forth from whence they had the denomination of Apostles whom Christ also endued with his holy Spirit sent in a visible manner and armed with great powers Mat. 28. 19. Mark 16. 5. Act. 2. 4. Q. What is the office of Prophets A. To foretell things to come and expound the things that are hard to be understood in the Christian Religion 1 Cor. 14. Q. What is the office of Evangelists A. To be assistant to the Apostles in preaching the Gospell and to disperse it through divers regions and plant it of which sort were Philrp Timotheus and others Act. 21. 8. 2 Tim. 4. 5. Q. What are the offices of Doctors Pastors Bishops and Elders A. To go before others in speaking to keep order in the Church of God and pour out prayers for the people of God 1 Tim. 5. 17. Acts 6. 4. Q. What is the office of Deacons A. To be serviceable to the necessities of the Church especially of the Poor therein Act. 6. 2 3. Q. Are all those persons which you said are to govern others and whose offices have you described at this day found in the Church of God A. As to the Apostles and Prophets it is certain that they have no more place in the Church of Christ For the cause for which they were chosen and sent forth by the Lord is now ceased which was that God by them would have the doctrine of his Son declared and confirmed to the world And therefore they were called the foundations of the Church of Christ by Paul Ephes 2. 20. Wherefore after that the Gospell of Christ had according to the counsell of God been abundantly discovered to the world and confirmed there is no more place left in the Church for such persons as should any further discover and confirm the same Q. Why call you the Apostles and Prophets the foundation of the Church when Christ himself is the foundation thereof 1 Cor. 3. 11. A. The Apostles and Prophets are called the foundation of the Church in one sense and Christ is in another the foundation thereof The one only in reference to other men who belong to the same Church of Christ and wholly ground themselves on the doctrine of the Apostles and Prophets And then Christ is considered as something greater that is as the chief Corner-stone of that foundation see the forecited place Ephes 2. 20. The other not onely in reference to the rest of the Church but also the very Apostles themselves who are built upon Christ as well as other Believers Q. What say you concerning Evangelists A. That they ceased together with the Apostles For they did then with the Apostles preach a New doctrine which now accounted most Old Q. What think you of the other persons A. In as much as their Ministries doe even now continue the persons themselves must also needs continue as being constituted for the ministries sake Q. How are they constituted for the Ministry A. As we have it set down in the doctrine of the Apostles Q. How is that A. Concerning the offices of Doctors Pastors Bishops and Presbyters or Elders the Apostle Paul at large discovereth 1 Tim. 3. 2 3. c. A Bishop must be unblameable c. and Tit. 1. 6 7. c. A Bishop must be unreproveable c. Q. Have not those who teach in the Church and keep order therein need to be sent in some speciall manner A. By no means for they doe not now bring a new doctrine and such as was unheard of before but that of the Apostles received of old by all men exhorting men to lead their lives according to it Whence the Apostle expresly describing all things which belong to the constituting of such persons make no mention of any mission or sending Neverthelesse when such persons according to the prescript of the Apostolick Doctrine are constituted and are endued with those two properties namely innocency of life and aptnesse to teach they ought thereupon to have just authority amongst all Q. What say you to those words of the Apostle Rom. 10. 15. How shall they preach unlesse they be sent A. The Apostle doth not here speak of any preaching whatsoever but of the preaching of a new Doctrine and such as hath not formerly been heard of which sort was the preaching of the Apostles and their assistants who therefore had need of a mission or sending But in as much as at this day there is no such preaching there is also no need of such a mission Q. How ought Deacons to be ordained A. As the Apostles directed 1 Tim. 3. 8 9. Let the Deacons in like manner be grave c. Q. You have handled what pertained to those that govern now handle also that which pertaineth to those that are governed A. It is their duty to be obedient unto those that govern in all those things which they prescribe according to the Word of God Concerning which we read in the Epistle to the Hebrewes chap. 13. 17. Next that they communicate to them that teach in all good things Gal. 6. 6. yea that they allow them double honour or maintenance 1 Tim. 5. 17. Finally that an accusation against them be not admitted under two or three Witnesses 1 Tim. 5. 19. CHAP. III. Concerning the Discipline of the Church of Christ Q. YOu have shewn the Offices of the persons which constitute the Church of Christ now likewise shew the way how these Offices may be duly performed A. That way partly concerneth all partly those that govern Q How doth it concern all A. In that manner as it is written Heh 3. 12 13. Take heed brethren lest there shall be found in any of you an evill heart of unbelief c. and Heb. 12. 15. Taking care lest any man shall fall from the Grace of God and Paul saith 1 Thes 5. 11. Admonish one another and build up one another See also ver 14. of the same Chapter Q. How must ●hey be dealt withall who are despiseds of this order A. Two wayes for they are either privately to be corrected or publickly Q. 〈◊〉 to be privat●ly corrected A. As Christ hath taught Mat. 18. 15 16 c. If thy brother offend against thee c. Q. Why to be so corrected A. Because as it appeareth from this place they privately offend against us and therefore the same is to be

Ierusalem nor have rested in the worship of the calves had they not been perswaded that they worshipped God in them Q. What is added to this Precept in the new covenant A. That we do not onely abstain from adoring images but also utterly avoid them and fly from them See 1 Iohn 5. 21. Little children keep your selves from idols 1 Cor. 8. and chap. 10. 14. wherefore my beloved brethren fly from Idolatry Q. In what manner are idolls to be avoided A. By being absent from those places where images are worshipped and not partaking of those things that are consecrated to them as it doth clearly appear out of those places which was a little before quoted Q. what is the third Precept A. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain Q. What is it to take name of God in vain A. To call God to record in false matters Q. What is added to this Precept under the new covenant A. First that we may call to record not onely God but also Christ inasmuch as the Lord Christ searcheth the hearts and reins Rev. 3 13. next that it is n●● only unlawfull for us to forswear our selves but to swear at all unlesse it be in most weighty matters and such wherein the glory of God is concerned and then it must not be done rashly but with great fear of God and singular caution Q. Where is is written concerning this matter A. Matt. 5. 33 34. And ye have heard that it was said to them of old thou shalt not forswear thy self but thou shalt pay thy vows to the Lord and concerning which matter see also what is written Iam. 5. 12. Q. Since the Lord forbiddeth to swear at all how prove you that it is lawfull to swear in most grave and weighty matters A. That word at all hath not such a sence as if it were not lawfull at all to swear in any case whatsoever for it is opposed to voluntary oaths and such as proceeded from lightnesse such as the law of Moses did not forbid if they were true whereas our Saviour Christ opposeth his doctrine to that of Moses in this point besides we read that the apostles have sworn as Rom. 1. 9. 2 Cor. 1. 23. and chap. 11. 31. Phil. 1. 8. 1 Thes 2. 5. 10. 1 Cor. 15. 31. but to take away all scruple concerning the forequoted place Mat. 5. 33. 34. c. let it be well considered whether it be not here spoken of such paths wherein a man promiseth that he will do something and are therefore called promissary oaths which though lawfull under the law do by these words of Christ seem to be altogether forbidden unto Christians under the Gospel see also the other forecited place Iames 5. 12. which giveth light hereunto Q. Why should the Lord Iesus forbid us to swear voluntarily and lightly even in the things that are true A. That the name of the most high God and of our Lord Jesus Christ should be in the greater veneration again lest by levity of swearing we should learn to forswear our selves Q. Is it lawfull to swear by others besides God and Christ A. At no hand for neither hath God given to any other besides Christ to search the heart and reins Q. What is the fourth Precept A. Remember to keep holy the Sabboth day c. Q. What think you of this Precept A. That it is taken away under the new covenant as well as other ceremoniall observations Q. Why was it inserted into the Decalogue A. That it might appear that the chiefest part of the Mosaicall Law was not perfect and a hint might thereby be given that a far perfecter Law should succeed in room of Moses Law namely the Law of our Lord Jesus Christ Q. Did not Christ institute that we should celebrate the day commonly called the Lords day instead of a Sabboth A. By no means since the Christian Religion as it taketh away other ceremoniall observations so also the difference of dayes see Coll. 2. 16. but forasmuch as we see the Lords day to be of old celebrated by Christians we permit the same liberty to all Christians Q. What is the fifth Precept A. Honour thy Father and Mother c. Q. VVhat is it to honour our Parents A. To be obedient to them in all things which are not repugnant to the word of God and to shew all thankfullnesse to them for the benefits we have received from them Ephes 9. 1 2. 1 Tim. 5. 4. Q. But what is the duty of Parents A. That they do not provoke their children but educate them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord Eph. 6. 4. Coll. 3 21. Q. What is it to provoke children A. To chastise them without cause or exceed measure in chastising them or alwayes to pursue ones right and forgive nothing to them for by these means children are discouraged But the Apostle injoyneth that Parents provoke not their children lest they be discouraged Q. VVhat is it to educate them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord A. To introduce them into the wayes of the Lord and the obedience of his commandements both by pious conferences and exhortations and examples and example and conversation see Deut. 11. 19. where there is a singular Precept concerning this matter that parents talk with their children about the law of God at morning and at even and not onely at home but also when they are abroad when they are in their Journey Q. VVhat hath the Lord Iesus added this Precept A. There seemeth nothing added hereunto Neverthelesse whatsoever is delivered in the new covenant concerning Subjects and Magistrates wives and husbands servants and Masters seemeth referrible hereunto by reason of the mutuall duties that are between them as between parents and children Q. What is the duty of Subjects towards the Magistrate A. To obey the Magistrate not onely for fear but for conscience to pay him tribute and custome to honour and fear him Q. What is the Office of the Magistrate A. To acknowledge their power given them by God for the defence of good men and terrour of wicked men see Rom. 13. 1 2 3 4 5. Q. What is the duty of wives toward their Husbands A. That they be obedient to their Husbands in all things as the Church is to Christ and that they fear their Husbands Ephe. 5. 24 33. 1 Pet. 3. 5. Col. 3. 18. Q. What is the duty of Husbands towards their Wives A. That they love them as Christ loved the Church and as their own bodies and give honour to them as to the weaker vessels and do not rage against them See Ephes 5. 25 28. Col. 3. 19. 1 Pet. 3. 7. Q. What is the duty of Servants towards their Masters A. To obey their Masters with fear and trembling and sincerity of heart as Christ not giving eye-service as Men-pleasers but as servants of Christ doing the will of God from their hearts with good-will serving the Lord and

you demonstrate each of these A. That the sins which could not be expiated under the Old Covenant may be expiated under the New is testified by Paul Acts 13. 38 39. where he saith Be it known unto you brethren that by this man is remission of sins declared to you And from all things wherefrom ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses by Him every one that believeth is justified The same may be seen Rom 3. 25. Heb. 9. 15. Now that sins are in such a manner expiated under the New Covenant as that the eternall penalty of them is taken away and Eternall Life given appeareth from the last place we quoted Heb. 9. 12. Where it is said That Christ by his own Bloud entred once into the Sanctuary having found Eternall Redemption Q. Why is that Sacrifice of Christ performed in the Heavens A. Because it required a Tabernacle suitable both to the Priest and the Sacrifice For since the Priest is immortall and his Sacrifice altogether incorruptible it was necessary that he should enter into an Eternall Tabernacle But in as much as Heaven only is such a Tabernacle being the seat and habitation of God and therefore it was necessary that he should enter into the very Heaven there to discharge his Priestly function as the Author to the Hebrews plainly testifieth Heb. 7. 26. and chap. 8. 1 2 3 4. and chap. 10. 5 6 c. Q. VVhat was he not a Priest till he entred into the Heaven not when he hung upon the Crosse A. At no hand for as you heard even now the Divine Author to the Hebrews chap. 8. 4. expresly saith that if Christ were upon the Earth hee would not be a Priest Besides for as much as the same Author chap. 2. 17. testifieth that Christ ought in all things to be made like unto his Brethren that he might become a mercifull and faithfull High-Priest to God ward it is evident that untill he had been made like unto his brethren in all things that is in afflictions and death he was not out mercifull and faithfull High-Priest Whereby it commeth to passe that his afflictions and death were not his very Sacrifice but a preparation thereunto Quest Why doth the Apostle say that Christ delivered himself a sacrifice and offering to God for a sweet-smelling savour Ephes 5. 2. Answ First you must know that we doe not separate the death of Christ and exclude it from his offering yea we constantly affirme that Christ no otherwise then by his death and the intervening thereof offered himself Onely we assert that his offering was not actually compleated and absolved till being raised from the dead he passed into Heaven For in that yearly sacrifice under the Law which chiefly shadowed out the Sacrifice of Christ for the compleating of the work it was altogether necessary that the bloud of the slain Beast should be brought into the Sanctuary by the High-Priest see Heb. 9. 7. Again it is to be considered that the Apostle in the fore-mentioned place doth not say that Christ offered himself to God for us For this word delivered ought not to be joyned with the word offering but to be read by it self so that the sense is that Christ delivered himself to death For in that significaon the Scripture elsewhere useth the word deliver Furthermore the following words a Sacrifice and offering to God for a sweet-smelling savour are an illustration and commendation of that work of Christ in delivering himself to death whereby the Apostle exhorteth the faithfull to imitate that deed of Christ in loving their neighbour As goods Works are in the like manner of speaking else where commended see Phil. 4. 18. And therefore doing of good and communicating are called Sacrifices wherewith God is well-pleased Heb. 13. as also all good Works which the Faithfull in Christ doe Which good Works of Christians were shadowed forth in the legall Sacrifices Quest VVhat is the meaning of that place Heb. 1. 3. Christ having made a purgation of our sinnes sate down at the right hand of the majesty on high Answ That the manner of expiating and purging our sinnes is since Christ being raised from the dead entred into Heaven and offered himself to God for us I say is perfect and compleat that is all is now finished whereby we may be moved to embrace the remission of sinnes which God hath offered to us and Christ hath obtained authority to conferre that remission upon us Whence afterwards perpetually issueth the cleansing from sinnes and true freedom from the penalties of them Q. Why doth the Scripture treating of Christs Priest-hood say that he intercedeth for us A. Both that the care which Christ takes of our Salvation might by the requests which he is said to make to God appear to us and also that the Prerogative and eminency of the Father above Christ might remain entire and inviolate Touching the Church of Christ Q. YOu have spoken concerning the Kingdome of Christ speak now also concerning his People A. It is the Church or society of Christians and that either visible or invisible CHAP. I. Touching the Visible Church Q. VVHat is the Visible Church A. The Society of such Men as hold and professe the saving Truth Which society may be considered in generall or in speciall In generall when all the visible Societies of Christ dispersed through the whole world are considered as one Society of Christ or one Church In speciall when the particular Societies abiding in certain places as taken for the Church of Christ Q. For as much as now all Societies challenge to themselves the name of the Church of Christ I would fain hear whether there be any marks whereby the Church of Christ may be known A. It is to no great profit to inquire the Marks of a true Church of Christ since I have declared to you what constituteth a True Church namely the saving Truth which whatsoever Society holdeth and professeth is a true Church of Christ But such a Society as holdeth not the saving Truth or Doctrine nor professeth it not although it make shew of I know not what signes yet can it not be accounted a true Church of Christ But to hold the saving Doctrine since it is the essence of the Church of Christ cannot if we speak properly be the Mark thereof since the signe ought to differ from the thing whereof it is the signe Q. Therefore to know which is the true Church of Christ it is sufficient to know the saving Doctrine A. You rightly apprehend the thing For he that embraceth the saving Doctrine is already in the true Church So that he hath no need to enquire the notes of a true Church whereby it may be known But what the saving doctrine is you may understand by our foregoing speech and conference CHAP. II. Of the Government of the Church of Christ Q. SInce you have taught me that the Visible Church of Christ consisteth in the saving doctrine I would also