the Scriptures of Truth 4. Contribution By laying by in Store 1 Cor. 16.1 3. Heb. 13.16 as God prospers each Week to be Communicated at the Publick Gatherings Question 9. What are the Four special Ordinances confin'd only to the Church Answer Matth. 7.6 Cant. 4.12 Matth. 16.19 Eph. 4.11 16. typify'd Eze. 46.21 24 Acts 20.28 1 Pet. 5.2 The four special Ordinances confin'd by Christ within the Pale of his Church are the Two Seals call'd Sacraments and the Two Keys of the Church the Seals to be dispens'd to each Church by their own Pastour only and the Keys by their own Pastour or Elders Question 10. What are the Seals of the Church Answer The Seals of the Church are Two Baptism And the Lords Supper 1st Baptism for every Believer or Church-Member Act. 2.39 41. chap. 16.15 33. Isa 44.3 Rev. 14.1 Matth. 28.19 with Isa 52.15 1 Cor. 10.1.2 and their immediate infant-seed by sprinkling or pouring Water only on the Face in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit 2. The Lords Supper 1 Cor. 11. chap. 23d verse to the end for such only in a Church as can examine themselves wherein Bread and Wine is receiv'd according to the Institution of Christ by all the Church sitting together in the Evening time Question 11. How are Baptism and the Lord's Supper call'd Seals Answer 1 Cor. 10.2 3 4 Baptism and the Lord's Supper are Seals of the Covenant that is of the Church-Covenant as they Seal to all an outward relation in the Church tho' to the Elect only they Seal Salvation 1st Baptism Seals to Church-Members Gal. 3.27 1 Cor. 1.2 7.14 with 12.12 Heb. 12.24 Ezek. 36.25 1 Pet. 3.21 and their Seed an outward relation to Christ in the Church Covenant and to the Elect also their saving-relation to Christ by his Blood sprinkled And his Spirit pour'd upon them 2. The Lords Supper seals to Church-Members 1 Cor. 10.16 17 and 11.26 their outward Relation to Christ in the Church tho' only the Elect are seal'd to Salvation therein by Christ's Body broken and his Blood shed for them trusted to by Faith Luke 22.19 20. and signify'd by the Bread and Wine Question 12. What are the Keys of the Church Answer Matth. 18.18 The Keys committed by Christ to his Church are two Fellowship And Censure 1st Fellowship Acts 2.42 Isa 26.2 Jer. 51.10 Psal 40.9 10.66.16 Cor. 14.12.19 31.34.2 in Church-Meetings is the Key for opening the Door of the Church to let in the Righteous that keep the Truth in which their Experiences are given in to the Church and the Brethren's Gifts are also exercis'd in Praying and Prophecying 2. Censure is the Key to shut the Door of the Church upon Offenders Matth. 11.15 18. 1 Thess 5.14 2 Thess 3.6 1 Cor. 5.4 5. Psal 149.6 9. Jude 22 23. By Admonition By Withdrawing or By Cutting off in Excommunication as the Offence doth require SECT VI. Of the Right Order of a Church Question 13. What is the right Order of a Church of Christ Answer Psal 119.128 Gal. 6.16 with Mal. 4.6 2 Tim. 3 15 17 Ephes 2.20 2 Pet. 3.2 Gal. 6.16 Isa 8.20 Matth. 15.9 Zech. 7.12 Jer. 8.8 9. All the right Order of a Church must be taken from the written Word of God both from the Old Testament and New which together are the compleat Rule and Canon whereby all things must be order'd in the Church and by this Rule or Canon of the Prophets and Apostles the old Testament and the new the whole Israel of God must walk as ever they 'd have the Peace of God with them therefore all Orders Rules and Canons given by Popes Councils or any other whatsoever are confusion if not according to this Word SECT VII Of the right Ends of a Church Question 14. What are the right Ends of a Church of Christ Answer Ephes 3.21 1 Cor. 14.26 Col. 2.3 4. Phi. 2 5.10 11 Psalm 110.3 Isa 45.23 with Rom. 14.11 Ezek. 20.37 Rev. 14.1 1 John 4.3 Matth. 12.30 The Glory of God and the mutual Edification of his Saints without any regard to human Interest are the only right Ends all true Churches should set before them to advance which 't is the Duty of every one that hath Faith in the Heart openly to profess a willing Subjection to Christ in his Church so coming under the Bond of the Church-Covenant they take the Father's Mark in the Forehead and such only are visible Christians for he that is not for Christ by open Profession is against him Question 15. What time hath God allotted to his Church for worshipping him Answer Gen. 2.3 Ezod 20.9 10. Matth. 12.8 Job 20.19 20. Acts 20.7 Rev. 1.10 Psal 118.24 Heb. 4.7.11 typify'd Ezek. 43.27 and Numb 29.35 The Lord hath appointed in his word one Day in seven for his solemn Service which Day before Christ's Resurrection was the last Day of the Week but is since by the Lord of the Sabbath chang'd to the First-Day in Scripture call'd the Lord's-Day because on that Day our Lord rested from his work of Redemption therefore all Christians should keep the Lords-Day as a holy rest from Sin by attending on Christ in his publick Worship and resting in his Grace Question 16. But is there no other time for worshipping God in publick Answer Ephes 5.16 2 Tim. 4.2 as Acts 13.42 Margent Prov. 8.34 Psal 84.4 10. The Lord hath commanded us to redeem the time and to wait on him out of Season as well as in Season therefore every good Christian should improve all Opportunities on any Day of the Week for hearing the Word of God and worshipping him in the Assemblies of his Saints Question 17. But is a Christian only to worship God in publick Answer John 5.39 Mat. 6.5 6 7. Gen. 18.19 Jos 24.15 Eph. 6.4 18. figur'd 1 Chr. 16.40 43 Jer. 10.25 GOD hath made it the Duty of all Men to study his holy Word and to pray unto him in secret as well as to worship him in publick Therefore Masters of Families and Parents should instruct their Children and Servants in the holy Fear of God praying daily with their Families for the Curse of God resteth upon all those Families that Call not upon his Name Question 18. And shall all in Christ's visible Church on Earth be glorify'd in Heaven Answer There are in Christ's visible Church Two sorts of Worshippers 1st Such as Worship God hypocritically in the outward only Eze. 33.31 33. Matth. 24.51 who shall be cast down into Hell as Deceivers of others and their own Souls 2. Such as Worship God uprightly John 4.24 Matth. 25.46 John 17.24 with the heart as well as outwardly these shall be glorify'd with God for ever in Heaven Question 19. But when will the difference between the good and the bad appear Answer 2 Tim. 4.1 Dan. 2.44 Rev. 21.10.20.2 Mal. 3.17 18.4.1.3 Rev. 20.12 13 14. 2 Cor. 5.10 Math. 13.41 43.25.31 to end The Word of God declares that in the latter day Christ shall have a glorious Kingdom call'd the New Jerusalem when Satan being Chain'd up a Thousand Years we shall discern between the precious and the vile and all the Dead being rais'd in the day of Judgment shall be Sentenc'd by him the wicked into Everlasting Fire with the Devil and his Angels but the righteous he will receive into Glory with himself for ever AMEN 1 John 5.21 Little Children keep your selves from Idols Amen! 2 3 John 4. I have no greater Joy than to hear that my Children walk in Truth as We have receiv'd a Commandment from the Father Jude 24 25. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the Presence of his Glory with exceeding Joy To the only wise God our Saviour be Glory and Majesty Dominion and Power both now and ever Amen FINIS
is the Heresie of the Papists and their Followers to say that the good old righteous Law of God is taken away to make room for a new Gospel Law by our sincere Obedience whereto any can be sav'd for if Righteousness comes by our Obedience to any Law Christ is dead in vain Question 15. But are not Faith Repentance and New Obedience reckoned for our Gospel Righteousness Answer Gal. 2.16 Rom. 3.20 21 22. Jer. 23.6 1 Cor. 1.30 2 Cor. 7.11 Eph. 4.22 24. The only Righteousness for which a Sinner is sav'd is the Righteousness of Christ receiv'd by Faith and imputed to us the Act of Faith doth not justifie but Christ the Object by Faith apprehended and rested upon and this Faith is ever accompanied with true Repentance and new Obedience Question 16. Then those that receive the Gospel are to do good Works Answer Tit. 2.11 12.3.8 14. 1 Cor. 10.31 1 Tim. 1.5 8 9. Rom. 7.12 22. 1 Cor. 9.21 Mat. 5.19 Those that receive the Gospel should be careful to maintain good Works done from a Principle of Faith unto God's Glory but all Commands for all good Works with all Threatnings for the neglect thereof are from the Law which is the Rule of Life to all Question 17. How shall we walk according to this Rule that we may glorifie God Answer Christ hath set up his Churches 1 Pet. 2.3 5 9 12. Luke 1.6 in which we should walk blameless in all the Ordinances and Commands of God Mat. 12.50 Acts 2.42 11.26 Gal. 6.16 Mal. 4.4 2 Cor. 9.13 not being partial in his Law but esteeming the Commands as highly in the Old Testament as in the New both being our Rule and such only are call'd Christians in the Scripture and to be accounted visible Believers who profess their Subjection to Christ in his Church The Seventh Lesson About Glorifying God in his Churches Question I. WHat is the Church of Christ Answer The Church of Christ is either 1st The Catholick Church Eph. 1.22 23.5.25 27. 2 Thes 2.1 consisting of all and only the Elect which is and will be invisible till the Judgment-Day Or 2dly The visible Church which consisted first in Families Gen. 17.7 10. Acts 7.38 Rev. 1.11 then in the whole Nation of the Jews and since Christ ascended it consists in particular Congregations Question 2. What makes a Congregation a true Church of Christ Answer More generally and briefly two Things go to the due Constitution of every Church of Christ Scripture Faith Col. 2.5 6. and Order without both which there can be no true Church But more largely and particularly to the regular Constitution of every true Church these * Prov. 9.1 These are the Churches Seven Pillars Seven things are necessary Right Foundation Matter Form Officers Ordinances Order and Ends. SECT I. Of the Right Foundation of a Church Question 3. What is the Right Foundation of a Church of Christ Answer The right Foundation of every true Church Mat. 16.18 Isa 26.4 Marg. Eph. 2.20 2 Pet. 3.2 Ps 18.22 Col. 2.19 1 Pet. 2.4 5. 1 Cor. 3.11 is the Person of Christ the Rock of Ages on whom the Church is built according to the Precepts and Practices of the Apostles and Prophets Christ himself being the only Support and Head thereof on whom the Faith of the Church stands and all other Foundations of Money Power and Policy not being of God will fall SECT II. Of the right Matter of a Church Question 4. What is the right Matter of a Church of Christ Rom. 10.9 10. 1 Cor. 1.10.7.14 Jer. 32.39 Deut. 29.10 12. 1 Cor. 14.23 and 11.20 Deut. 4.37 Psal 102.27 28. Ezek. 16.20 21. Luke 18.16 Answer So many professing Believers of one Mind and one Judgment with their immediate Infant-Seed as can conveniently assemble together to worship in one place and no more are the only right Matter of a visible Church of God who loving the Fathers chose their Children after them therefore the Infant-Seed with Believers stand in a Relation to God in his Church for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven SECT III. Of the Right Form of a Church Quest 5. What is the right Form of a Church of Christ Answer Psal 50.5 Deut. 29.1 9 15. 2 Cor. 8.5 with 2 Chron. 23.16 and 34.31 The only right forming of a Church is by Covenant in which all do give up themselves and their Children to the Lord and to each other by his Will to be the Lord's People and to walk after him in all his ways by such a Covenant were the Churches both in the Old and in the New Testament form'd Neh. 10.1 29. with Act 11.23 Jer. 50.5 with Act. 9.26 Heb. 8.6.13 Eph. 4.3 with Ezek. 20.37 Neh. 9.38 Ezek. 43.11 call'd in God's Word the First and Second Covenant and this being the Bond of the Churches Peace it is most expedient to have written in our sight that we may keep it and do it SECT IV. Of the right Officers of a Church Quest 6. Who are the right Officers of a Church of Christ Answer Christ hath appointed for each Church only two sorts of Officers Phil. 1.1 A Pastor and Deacon 1st Eph. 4.11 1 Pet. 5.2 3. Acts 20.28 1 Cor. 12.28 A Pastor or Bishop not to Lord over but to feed teach and rule that Flock to which he is related assisted in his Work by Elders if need be 2d Acts 6.2 3. 1 Tim. 3. all Deacons to take Care of the outward Affairs of the Church These Officers to be chosen by the Church from among themselves Acts 14.23 and by them to be ordain'd or set a part to their Work with Fasting and Praying without laying on of Hands Profit not 1 Cor. 12.7 Edifie not 1 Cor. 14.12 26 that Ceremony being no more to be us'd than washing of Feet or anointing with Oyl because the glorious Gifts that once attended it are long since ceas'd SECT V. Of the Right Ordinances of a Church Question 7. What are the Right Ordinances of a Church of Christ Answer Typify'd Ezek. 40.39 40 41 42. chap. 46.3 Ezek. 47.12 The Right Ordinances for the Worship of GOD in the Church are Eight Four being more general to be dispens'd every first day of the Week in which all may join And four more special to be confin'd to or kept within the pale of the Church and dispens'd according to the Months Question 8. What are the Four general Ordinances in which all may join Answer The Four general Ordinances are Praise Prayer Preaching And Contribution 1st Praise Psal 150.6 Eph. 5.19 Col. 3.16 By singing only the Psalms Hymns and Songs indited by the Spirit and contain'd in the Scripture 2. Prayer By the help of the Spirit Psalm 65.2 Rom. 8.26 Matth. 6.7 9. without humane forms according to the Pattern given by our Lord to his Disciples 3. Preaching By rightly dividing 2 Tim. 4.2 Acts 28.23 expounding and applying
to this our only Rule yet not accounting that we have already attained or are already perfect Phil. 3.12 13. Psal 119.105 Isa 8.20 we will reach forth to those things which are before by the Light of the Word waiting for the teachings of the Spirit of Truth John 16.13 to lead us into all Truth in a diligent comparing Scripture with Scripture 1 Cor. 2.13 Prov. 4.18 till the light thereof shine more and more unto the perfect day Thirdly 2 Cor. 3.5 2 Chr. 34.31 Luke 1.6 typify'd Eze. 40.39.43 46.3 We do thro' the help of the Spirit Covenant to walk blameless in all the Ordinances which the Lord Jesus Christ hath given to his Churches both General and Special in their appointed seasons 1st We shall every First day of the Week 1 Cor. 16.2 Rev. 1.10 Psal 150.6 1 Tim. 2.1 Eph. 3.8 Gal. 6.6 being the Lord's Day wait upon God in the general Ordinances of Praise Prayer Preaching and Contribution to be dispens'd to all Praising God by singing Scripture Psalms Hymns 2 Chr. 29.30 Ephes 5.19 Spiritual Songs and no other Praying to God in and by the Spirit Rom. 8.26 Col. 2.20 without the Forms or Rudiments of Men. Preaching by our Pastour 1 Cor. 4.15 16. 12.28 1 Tim. 6.3 with helps appointed in the Word to instruct us according to our form of sound words Laying by us in store as God prospers us 1 Cor. 16.1 2. Heb. 13.16 that we may be ready for Contribution on all Occasions offer'd 2dly Isa 66.23 Ezek. 47.12 We shall according to the Months attend upon God in the special Ordinances Baptism And the Lord's Supper 1 Cor. 4.1 Typify'd Eze. 46.19 24. The Seals of the Church commonly call'd Sacraments to be administred to us only by our own Pastour Fellowship And Censure Matth. 16.19 John 20.23 Rev. 3.7 The Keys of the Church to be exercis'd by our own Elders Baptism to be administred to us 1 Cor. 10.1.2 with Ps 77.17 Isa 52.15 with Matt. 28.19 20. Acts 2.39 41. 1 Cor. 7.14 12.13 with Gal. 3.27 1 Pet. 3.21 with 1.3 and to all our immediate Infant-Seed by sprinkling or pouring only Water on the Face in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Sealing to all their Covenant-Relation to God in his Church or putting on Christ by Profession and only to the Elect a saving-Relation by the sprinkling of Christ's Blood in Justification and pouring forth his Spirit in Sanctification Ezek. 36.25 Rom. 11.7 such alone putting on Christ to Salvation The Lords Supper 1 Cor. 11.23 to the end In which Bread is blest and broken and Wine blest and pour'd forth Luke 22.14 30 Numb 28.2 Heb. 9.26 and receiv'd by the Church met and sitting together in the Evening time as a Sign to all that in the Evening time of the World Christ's Body was broken and his Blood shed for the Remission of Sins Rom. 3.24 26. Sealing only to the worthy Receivers their saving interest therein Fellowship The Key Acts 2.42 Isa 26.1 2. Jer. 51.10 1 Pet. 3.15 1 Cor. 14. Jude 20. for opening the Gates of the Church to receive in the Righteous that keep the Truth in which there is a communication of Experience and Knowledge as also of Gifts and Graces by praying and prophecying for building up the Saints in their most Holy Faith 1 Cor. 14.34 35. no Woman being herein permitted to speak for 't is a shame for Women to speak in the Church Censure Rev. 1.18 1 Cor. 4.21 The Key for shutting the Door of the Church consisting of Admonition withdrawing from and cutting off Offenders Admonition Privately given Mat. 18.15 17 1 Tim. 5.20 Numb 12.14 Ezek. 43.11 for private Offences Publickly when the Offence relates to the Body with shutting up from Special Ordinances those that slight the Church 2 Thes 3.14 15 or their own Elders that such may be asham'd Withdrawing from Those that walk disorderly 2 Thess 3.6 Rom. 16.17 Ezra 10.8 Jer. 2.18 c. Heb. 12.15 17 cause Divisions and Offences forsake Church Assemblies present themselves at any Will-Worship or despise their Birthright Cutting off 1 Cor. 5.1 5. 1 Tim. 1.20 Titus 3.10 Neh. 5.13 2 Cor. 9.13 And delivering to Satan such as are obstinate Hereticks or guilty of those sins that are scarce nam'd among the Gentiles To all this Discipline of Christ we profess Willing subjection And thus shall each one of us be in readiness to revenge all disobedience with the Sword of the Spirit in our hands 2 Cor. 10.4 6. Psal 149.5 9. this Honour have all the Saints Praise ye the Lord After this manner shall we call upon each other Psal 122.1 Heb. 10.24.25 Num. 28.2 Exo. 20.24 26. to go up to the Worship of Christ in our stated Seasons behaving our selves in the House of God not unseemly but as in the Presence of Christ Joel 2.15 2 Chr. 20.3.26 Attending also on such other Occasional Meetings for Fasting and Thanksgiving as it shall seem good to the Church from the Word to appoint So shall we keep all the Ordinances of God's House 1 Cor. 14.40 Ezek. 43.4.11 Matth. 15.9 Dan. 7.25 Col. 2.20 23. with the Times and Forms thereof rejecting all Ordinances Times and Forms after the Commandments and Doctrines of Men. Fourthly The Spirit helping our Infirmities 2 Cor. 3.5 We covenant conscientiously to discharge our several Duties to the Lord in this Body Heb. 3.5 We that are Officers Covenant to discharge our Duty Deut. 29.10 1 Pet. 5.2 Acts 20.28 Jer. 50.8 2 Sam. 23.3 The Pastour willingly to feed and take the Oversight of the Flock of God going before them in the ways of Christ ruling in the Fear of the Lord and being an Example in Faith Love and Zeal Titus 2.7 preaching the Word instant in Season 2 Tim. 4.1 4. and out of Season reproving rebuking exhorting with all long-suffering not profaning the Seals to any out of the Flock over which the Holy Spirit hath made him Overseer Ezek. 44.6.13 Matth. 7.6 The Elders diligently to help the Pastor in Teaching Rom. 12.7 8. Heb. 13.17 Watching over Ruling and Admonishing the Flock Acts 6.2 3.1 Tim. 3.8 14 The Deacons faithfully to serve the Tables waiting on that Ministry to which they are call'd using their Office well Furthermore We all Covenant to discharge our several Relative Duties Exodus 19.8 To our Own Officers To our Infant Seed To each other singly And To the whole Body jointly I st Neb. 10.29 Deut. 1.13 1 Cor. 9.7 15. Heb. 13.17 We Covenant to Discharge our Duty to our own Officers chosen from among our selves to maintain submit to and pray for our Pastour to cleave to him 2 Thess 3.1 Acts 17.34 1 Sam. 22.23 2 Tim. 4.2 Prov. 21.16 1 Cor. 4.15 16 1 Thess 5.13 1 Cor. 4.1 2. 2 Tim.