meek and lowly Matth. 11. 29. So in all due humilitie as one of the least of the Sons of my Mother Church what I have written on this Subject in submission I lay it down at her Feet fully resolving to obey the Law of my Father in Heaven which is not to despise or forsake the Law of my Spiritual Mother on Earth Prov. 1. 8. and Prov 6. 20. That our Father in Heaven may have all the Glory His Church Edification and the Lambs of Christ their Milk which shall be my desire and Prayer at the Throne of Grace THE CONTENTS of the Several Chapters Chap. I. PRoveth the great Fundamentality of the Doctrine of the most blessed Trinity from the Sacred Scriptures and illustrateth it by Fathers and Councils and modern Divines and answers the common Objection Chap. II. Containeth a Catalogue of the chief Blasphemers of the Blessed Trinity the first 400. Years with the many evils of Sin and misery that followed thereupon and how the Lord from Heaven and His Church on Earth gave effectuall and prevalent Testimony against them Chap III. Containeth the rise of the Arian Heresy in the Fourth Century their Persecution and Activity their Fashood Injustice and Cruelty and the Testimonie both of God and His Church against them Chap. IV. The unanimous Practice and Appointment of the universall Church for Singing the Doxologie be Occasion of Satan and his Supposts great Opposition to the Doctrine of the Trinity and in that their War against God Chap. V. The cause of the continuance of the Doxologie in after Ages viz. The continuance of the Churches Persecution and Temptation from Arians and other Blasphemers of the Trinity as Eutichians within and Mahumitans without the Church and the Rise and Growth of the Socinian Heresie notwithstanding Gods witness against them and the Church and Magistrats endeavours in many Kingdoms these Blasphemous Antitrinitarian Hereticks remained and nested with Anabaptists and Quakers all three Blasphemous Antitrinitarian Hereticks which gives sufficient cause for the continuance of the Doxologie Chap VI. The lawfulness of Singing the Doxologie proven by these Arguments 1 Because all Christians are Baptized in the Name of Father Son and Holy Ghost 2. They believe or profess their Faith in Father Son and Holy Ghost 3. They believe Father Son and Holy Ghost to be their Creator Redeemer and Sanctifier 4. Their Faith and Hope of Eternal Glory is from Father Son and Holy Ghost 5 God Father Son and Holy Ghost made all things and especially for His Glory 6. This Lord of Glory often calls mans tongue His Glory 7. From the practise of the Saints and Angels 8. From Gods Command 9. The Appointment and Practice of the universal Church 10. The indivisibility of the Worship we give to God one in Essence and three Persons Illustrat by Fathers and Councils Chap. VII The lawfulness of singing the Doxologie proven by the induction of all it's Parts 12. from the three Holies Isa 6. 3. Chap. VIII 13 Reason from that Song Revel 5. 9. 14. From Gods Command 1 Cor. 16. 20. Illustrat by Councils and Fathers Chap. IX 15. Reason from the necessar Difference of the Christians worship as in reading of the Word Prayer and Sacraments they exceedingly-diffet from Christians shal not then also be a difference betwixt the Christian singing of Psalms and the Jewes by singing the Doxologie 16. As the Jewes in their Psalms of David close many of them with a Doxologie answering to the measure of their Light dispensed to them in the Old Testament So it becomes the Christian to have a Doxologie answerable to their greater measure of light of the Trinity in the New Testament 17. Reason founded upon the signification of Jehovah Elohim which is often in the Doxologie of the Old Testament Chap. X. A Reason given for singing the Doxologie satisfactory to every strong Christian and that born in also upon the weak Christian by Scripture Reason Chap. XI The Reasons why the General Assembly was not in power to lay aside the Doxologie proving their great reluctancy to their own deed with several other circumstances alleviating the same Chap. XII That invalid Scruple answered because the Doxologie is not to be found altogether in one place of Scripture and the conveniency of singing is proven Chap. XIII The many evils that flow from the refusing to sing the Doxologie Chap. XIV An exhortatory conclusion to the strong and orderly Christian to receive and imbrace with all Christian Love and tenderness every weak Christian who shall return from their wandring in Error to live in Order and Unity in the Bosome of their Mother Church THE DOXOLOGY Approven CHAP. I. The great fundamentality of the Doctrine of the most blessed Trinity proven from the Sacred Scriptures and illustrated by Fathers Councils and Modern Divines and the great Objection answered AMongst all the Divine In symbolo Athanasil ab ecclesiae universali recepto utpote in principio fine fidem in trinitate personarum esse necessariam ad salutem 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his asseritur Zanchius de Deo lib. 1. part 1. cap. 1. §. 2. quaestio de Trinitate ut est omnium in Theologia creditu maxime necessaria ita omnium cognitu dissicillima Meisnerus contra Socinianos scite probat plurimis argumentis primum magnum articulum fidei christinae esse unum Deum in Trinitate personarum quibus argumentis adstipulatur Hoorn Beek Socinianismi confutati 1. lib. 1. cap. 9. à pag. 226. ad pag. 243. Voetius select disp theol par 1. pag. 472. dogma de trinitate est fundamentale 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 imo fundamentum fundamenti quia fundat alia dogmata fundamentalia quod multis ibid probat Melanct. loc commun cap. 27. summa Evangelii erudite comprehensa est in verbis baptismi Eusebius Pamphilus in conc Niceno fatetur symbolum Nicenum paucis solum verbis differre à symbolo quod inquit nos ab episcopis antegressis accepimus cumque lavatro baptismatis abluti essemus audivimus Socrat. hist eccles l. 1. c. 5. Theodoret. lib. 1. cap. 12. Socrates Hist lib. 7. cap. 17. Judaeus requirens baptizari ante baptismi participationem multis diebus fidem christianam addiscere cum precibus jejuniis praecipitur idem cap. 30. lib. 7. gens Burgundorum à Paganismo conversa petit Baptismum quae post septem dies in eis catechisandis impensos cum praece jejunio votum obtinuere hinc canon 46. Conc. Laodicen anno dom 364. Baptizandos oportet fidei symbolum discere baptizanti reddere Symbolum Con. Nicen. anno dom 325. Constantinopolitani anno dom 381. Chalcedon anno dom 451. Symbolum Athanasii Symbolum quod habet Irenaeus lib. 1. adversus Haeresis cap. 2. primum concilium Toletan conc Lateranum in omnibus praedictis symbolis habetur articulus trinitatis tanta cura Paganos Catechimenos articulum trinitatis docuerunt ut Lucianus qui vixit sub
where Satan had his Throne and Antichrist kept the Chair They wrote nine several Creeds not all confirming or explaining the former Creed but some of them containing Contradictions of which themselves were ashamed d Socrat. lib. 2. cap. 25. for a Liar should have a good Memory yea in the last of these Councils they ratifie their Council at Seleucia and its Creed and cursed the Creed at Ariminum because it was not Heterodox enough e Socrat. lib. 4. cap. 4. As we have seen the Activity Perfidity and Falshood of the Arian in spreading their Heresie so in the fourth place we shall take a view of their Hellish Cruelty practised against the Orthodox and true Church of God For they poysoned with their Arianism the Emperour Constantius who began his Reign Anno Dom. 336. and Valence who began his Reign Anno Dom. 366. thâ—se two Emperours they instigate to raise cruel and bloody Persecution against the Orthodox during the time of their Empire of which we shall only mention a few notable Instances First The Arians at Constantinople raised a great Tumult of Sedition that many Christians were troden under Foot to Death a Socrat. lib. 2. cap. 9. Secondly The Arian Emperour Constantius having banished the Orthodox Bishop of Constantinople the Arians strangled him in his Exile and the Orthodox Bishop of Adrianople died in Prison with Torments b Socrat. lib. 2. cap. 21. Thirdly Great Persecution was raised by the Arians in the Cities of the East against the Orthodox Christians by Banishment spoiling of their Goods and sundry kinds of Torments c Socrat. lib. 2. cap. 22. Fourthly The Arians at Alexandria upon the Lords Day invaded with Arms the Orthodox and having kindled a great Fire apprehended Orthodox Virgins who as they thought would soonest yield to them these they threatned with Burning unless they turned Arian but percelving these holy Virgins invincible Courage resolute to die Martyrs for the Glory of the Sacred Trinity they violently in the open Streets pulled off all their Clothes to put them to shame and mocked them in their nakedness but these Virgins being of undaunted Courage to suffer for the Name of Christ them the Arians so wounded on the Face that their nearest Relations did hardly know them and fourty Men they scourged with Rods that some of them died yet they refused to give their dead bodies to their Friends to bury and these who outlived their Scourging part of them they Banished of others not banished the Chirurgians had great difficulty to pull out the Thorn Pricks out of their Flesh At that same time the Arians killed moe then thirty Orthodox Bishops in Egypt and Lybia and banished sixteen moe whereof some died in their cruel usage by the way others died in the place of their Banishment of which Martyrs the World was not worthy d Socrat lib. 2. cap. 23. Fifthly In Constantinople and the Country about many Orthodox Bishops were banished by the Arians and other of the Orthodox that refused to communicate with the Arians they cruelly tormented their Bodies and then scobbing their Mouths violently thrust in the sacramental Elements of the Lords Supper and that not only of Men and Women but also of Children and these who were most reluctant they detained in Prison and Torments that so the Arian intended by this his work to get the honour that the Orthodox did communicate with them but prophane forcing proved the Arian Communion to be the Table of Devils yea they thrust the Papes of some holy Women into a Chest and closing its lid cut off their Papes with a Saw and others they burnt off their Papes with a red hot Iron a Socrat. lib. 2. cap. 30. Theodoret. lib. 2. cap. 14. Sixthly The Arians in Alexandria conspired with the Jews and Pagans and all three raised great Persecution against the true Christians there they apprehended the holy Virgins stripped them naked as they were born and led them through the Streets obscenely mocking them and if any Beholder in Christian compassion did speak but one word in their favours they were driven away with Wounds thereafter many of the Virgins they ravished some they killed and refused to give their Bodies to their Parents to be buried yea in this Tumult the Arian and Pagan committed so great abomination that I am ashamed to render them in English b Theodoret. lib. 4. cap. 20. a most profane Pagan being a chief Acter of these Abominations acted both in the Pulpit and on the Altar of the chief Church of Alexandria it was too like a Stage-Play of Satans divising against God's Word and Worship the most profane the Devil could devise and all this acted in the presence of the Arian Bishop whom the Pagan Spokesman thus saluted O Bishop who denies the Son of God thy coming is welcome to us c Theodoret. lib. 5. cap. 22. our god Serapis embraceth thee and brought thee hither observe how well the Devil and the Arian does aggree like Heart and Joy This Pagan god Serapis had a Church in Alexandria where he was worshipped and in it a monstruous great Image at that time much worshipped by the Pagans there What true Christian can read the Perjury Falshood and hellish Cruelty of the Arian and their atheistical profaning of the Lord's Supper and not look upon them as incarnate devils against these antichristian and profane bloody Arians who blasphemed both the Son and Holy Ghost The Orthodox Church were most zealous to defend the Truth and for that cause to sing the Doxology in their publick Worship exactly according to the words of the Holy Scriptures For then the Arian also keeped the singing of their own Doxology but it was different from the Orthodox and Holy Scriptures Now considering the true Churches hard condition when the Arians persecute them and yet these holy Christians were most willing to suffer Martyrdom for the Name of Jesus and also to sing the Doxology therein professing their Faith in one God in three Persons Father Son and Holy Ghost equal in Power and Glory Now I would ask the Christian now a days If the Lord in His Providence did put them now in such a condition to be persecuted to the death by the prevailing Arian whether or not they would be content to suffer Martyrdom in defence of the honour of Christ and also with the Orthodox Christian to sing the Doxology would they both sing and suffer as these did who are now singing triumphant Songs to Father Son and Holy Ghost having trode Satan and Arians under-foot I willingly judge in Charity to these weak Lambs they would then with the Orthodox Christians both joyn in singing the Doxology and also in suffering with them for the Name of Jesus Then I ask them again if they would have sung the Doxology if they had been going to the Stake to die in desence of the honour of Christ against the cursed Arian then have they not as good
malice in stirring up Hereticks against the Sacred Trinity and Mans Naturall weakness and pronness to listen to Error and believe Lies especially against the blessed Trinity most prudently and Piously aggreed and unanimously to sing the Doxology to the blessed Trinity in the publick Worship of God to be a Witness against the Arian and other Blasphemers of the Trinity and for Confirmation of the Orthodox and sound Believers in the True Faith for Singing Glory to God Father Son and Holy Ghost being in it self a Lawfull and Holy unquestionable Duty of Christians albeit there were neither Heretick to oppose and Blaspheme the Trinity nor Devil to tempt them to that wicked Deed then finding both wicked Men and Devils by Experience enemies to that found and saving Truth makes the singing of the Doxology besides it's Lawfulness and Expediency to be most usefull and edifying for the People of God and a strong preservative against Antitriâ—itarian Heresies Here we are not to think that the Doxology or praising of the Holy Trinity was not used by the Doctors of the Church these burning and shining Lights before and beside the publick singing in the Church for the Sacred Trinity being the great Fundamental of the Christian Faith and object of Divine Worship these Doctors ordinarily closed their Prayers or Sermons or other Writtings with the Doxology Anno Dom. 165. Policarpus Bishop of Smirna who had been the Disciple of the beloved Disciple St John dying a glorious Martyre in presence of many thousand Jews Pagans and Christians ready to step into the Fyre closed his heavenly Prayer thus I glorifie thee through the everlasting high Priest Jesus Christ thy welbeloved Son to whom with the and the Holy Ghost be all Glory World without end Amen Here this blessed Martyr not only sealled the Doctrine of the blessed Trinity with his Death but also the Blessed Glorious Trinity Father Son and Holy Ghost Sealled that same Faith of this Faithfull Martyr with many miracles at his Death of which we wrot in the second Chapter b Eus lib. 4. hist cap. 19. About the Year of Christ 190. Clemens Alexandrinus writeth thus Let us praise Father Son and Holy Ghost who one is all and in whom are all altogether Good Beautifull Wise and Just to whom be Glory now and for ever a lib. 3. paedagog In the Year of Christ 325. The famous Councill of Nice having condemned Arius and his Blaspheming Associats for denying the Co-eternity of the Son and Holy Ghost with the Father they writ a Synodical Letter to the Churches of Alexandria Aegypt Lybia and Pentapolis which they close with a Doxology to the Sacred Trinity Thus By the help of God the Father Almighty and our Lord Jesus Christ with the grace of the Holy Ghost to whom be glory for ever Amen b Socrat. lib. 1. cap. 6. Theodoret lib. 1. cap. 9. The Synodical Epistle of the Council of Illyricum closeth thus these things are inacted to the glory of the Father Son and Holy Ghost for ever 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sozemen lib. 3. cap. 19. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sozomen closeth the Preface to his Church History to Christ with God the Father and Holy Ghost be Glory for ever Amen c Macarius a Church-man in Aegypt who lived in the reign of Constantine and Constantius closeth his 12th 16th and 17th Homolies with the Doxology About the Year of Christ 360. in the Church of Antioch being a Patriarchall See at Publick Worship were conveened most part Orthodox but some Arians mixed with them when they came to that part of the Worshhip which a Chronologer d Nicephorus Hist Ecclesiast lib. 9. cap 24. Ait eos cecinisse Doxologiam ad sinem Psalmodij writes was immediatly after their singing the Psalm then the Orthodox did sing the Doxology Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost according to the Doctrine of the Nicen Council But the Arians who were with them in the Church differing from the Orthodox sang Glory to the Father by the Son thereby purposing that the Father was greater then the Son which difference in the singing being perceived by Leontius e Leontius tametsi sordibus Arianae blasphemiae fuit inquinatus tamen eas callide admodum occultare studuit Etenim cum clerum Laicam etiam multitudinem in duas partes divisam cerneret Orthodoxos adhibentes conjunctionem Filio Spiritui Sancto Arianus vero ante Filium Per ante Spiritum Sanctum In. praeponere Ipse totam glorisicationem tacitus secum recitavit adeo ut qui ei proximi erant solum hanc particulam in secula seculorum audirent haec Theodoretus lib. 2. cap. 24. Ex Athanasio Regnante Anastasio diuterius Arianorum Constantinop Episcopus cum quendam Barbam nomine baptizare intenderet spreta dominica institutione diceret baptizatur Barbas 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hoc dicto aqua in columbethra evanuit Barbas vero arreptâ fugâ exivit miraculum hoc cunctis significavit Haec scribit Theodorus lector in collectaveris lib. 2. Nicephorus calisti lib. 16. hist Eceles cap. 35. then Bishop of Antioch and inclining to Arianisme putting his hand to his Gray Hairs said when this snow is melted there will be much Mire by Age and Experience and Humane Prudence he did foresee the Storm of the Arian persecution of which I have spoken somewhat in the 3d. chap. of this Treatise for the Orthodox did sing the Doxology according to the Words of our Saviour in the Gospel in the Words of His Divine Institution of Baptisme Matth. 28. 19. All three in one manner to the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost but the Arian did sing Glory to the Father by the Son in the Holy Ghost where observe that the Arian as yet did not altogether refuse to sing the Doxology upon any pretended reason or scruple of Conscience as some men do now but it is like the singing of the Doxology was then performed by the Orthodox with such Zeall and unanimity that the Arian was as yet afraid or ashamed altogether to refuse the singing of it as some now do Basil the great who lived in the Year of Christ 369. in his Book concerning the Holy Ghost cap. 27. He writs that the most ancient Fathers did sing Gods praise to Father Son and Holy Ghost according to the Word in Baptism and these two great Doctors Basil and Chrysostom who were contemporary Bishops in the Greek Church each of them wrot a Greek Leturgy being their Mother tongue which both are used at this day in all the Christian Churches of the World that are within the Greek Communion a In Lyturgia St. Basil prope finem 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The one Lyturgy on the Sabbath Dayes b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The other Lyturgy on all other Solemn Dayes and in both these Lyturgyes the Doxology was and still is used these 1300 Years without
pag. 58. Thus he writs all men may see that many in England are Arians and Antitrinitarians he writs also pag. 136. a Letter from Holland to London dated 1646. Here we burn the Books of the Socinian Errors and they dare not be sold in these parts but at London is taught Blasphemy against God and his Christ and a Minister in Holland wrot a Letter dated October 18. 1646. to some Ministers in London that diverse English Merchants were seeking to buy Socinus Works and Crellius c. from a Stationer in Holland and when the Stationer answered that these Books were prohibit by the States General the Merchant replyed nevertheless you may transport them from other Nations and we shall give you for them what you will and the Generall Assembly in Scotland Anno Dom. 1648. Sess 43. Writs thus Socinianisme is now spread in England As for our sentiment upon the Socinian there was in the ancient Church two Heresies that were most dangerous and prevalent First the Arian then the Pelagian both which the Orthodox Church zealously opposed and justly condemned but the late Socinian hath drunk in all the poyson both of the Arian and Pelagian and much more Secondly That as the Ancient Church did condemne Arius and Pelagius in their Councils and being obstinat Excommunicat them So the Ancient Fathers b Athanasius oratione prima contra Arianos multis probat Arianos non debere dici christianos Idem scribit Theodoretus lib. 2. cap. 16. Fulgentius Hilarius ad Imperatorem Constantium denyed the Arian to deserve the name of Christian yea the moderns both Papists and Lutherians that wrot against the Socinians deny them also to be Christians the same doth Gomarus and Doctor Forbes in his Theological Instructions lib. 10. cap. 13 Sect. 14. denyes the Socinian Baptism to be valid The Professors of Leyden Anno Dom. 1598. gave their judgment of Osterodius the Socinian his Writs that they led Men very near to Turcism and Grotius writing of the Piety of the States of Holland saith Seing Heresie is the Venom of the Church and that suddenly working yet there are degrees in Heresies whereof some are more hurtful then others but a worse Heresie then Socinianism is not to be found at the very mentioning of which all the godly should shrink Against this Heresie not only the Civil Magistrate and Church but also the God of Heaven by His immediate Hand of Providence hath given Testimony the Magistrate hath put them to death not only in the reformed Church but also the Roman Church Thus the Parliament of Pole being informed Anno Dom. 1638. that the Socinians in Racovia had begun to print a Book of Blasphemies against the Sacred Trinity a Libri titulus Tormentum Throno Tritnitatem deturbans they did take from them their Bibliotheck Printinhouse and Press and being many banished them the Town As for the immediate Hand of God upon the Socinian it is remarkable both in Temporal and Spiritual Judgments that some of them were their own Murderers and others of them died in Despair others renunced Christ and turned Mahumetan Thus having spoken of the Socinian remains a word of the Anabaptist and Quaker who also are Blasphemers of the Trinity That the Anabaptists are such the Professors of Leyden are sufficient Witnesses b Profess Leidens disp 23. in antithesi Sabellius Praxias hodie libertini Anabaptistae quidam trinominem Deum statuentes personarum realem distinctionem tollentes modumque tantum patesactionis varium inducentes Patrem incarnatum passumque revera statuunt As for the Quakers who not only are in England and Jreland but even some of them scattered in Scotland It 's well known by many of their own printed Pamphlets and by the Books of others their mad Pranks and Blasphemies and Disputes against the Sacred Trinity for instance The Phanatick History printed at London Anno Dom. 1660. pag. 54. In a publick Dispute at Cambridge they denied the Sacred Trinity with Blasphemies that I abhor to write And Anno Dom. 1657. a Book printed at London by John Stalham called the Reviler rebuked wherein he refutes Quaker Richard Fairnworth who printed and spread a Pamphlet about that time wherein he denied the Holy Ghost to be a Person in the Trinity Therefore as the Universal Church of old did piously and wisely appoint and practise the singing of the Doxology to confirm the Flock of Christ against the dangerous Blasphemies of Arius and other Antitrinitarian Hereticks so to this day the Universal Church do still continue that practice to guard their Flocks against the Blasphemies of Anabaptists and Quakers but especially Socinians who in horrid and hellish Blasphemies out do the old Arian CHAP. VI. The lawfulness of Singing the Doxology proven by these Arguments 1. Because all Christians are baptized in the Name of Father Son and Holy Ghost 2. They believe or profess their Faith in Father Son and Holy Ghost 3. They believe Father Son and Holy Ghost to be their Creator Redeemer and Sanctifier 4. Their Faith and Hope of Eternal Glory is from Father Son and Holy Ghost 5. God Father Son and Holy Ghost made all things and especially for His Glory 6. This Lord of Glory often calls Man's Tongue His Glory 7. From the practice of the Saints and Angels 8. From God's Command 9. The Appointment and Practice of the Universal Church 10. The indivisibility of the Worship we give to God one in Essence and three Persont illustrate by Fathers and Councils IN the former Chapters I having described the occasion upon which the Universal Church did appoint the singing of the Doxology to wit The abounding of Blasphemers against the Trinity proven in the first three Chapters Secondly The unanimous Agreement of the Church for singing the Doxology in the fourth Chapter and the reason of its continuance in the Church to this day even because the Church ever since hath never altogether wanted some blasphemous Hereticks within the Church besides the Turk and Jew both deniers of the Trinity without the Church Follows the second part of this Treatise which is subdivided thus First I prove by many Arguments the lawfulness of the singing of the Doxology in the sixth seventh eighth ninth and tenth Chapters Secondly I answer some Objections in the eleventh and twelfth Chapters Thirdly I show the many Evils from the refusing to sing the Doxology Lastly I close with an Exhortation to receive with all tenderness all that shall return from their Errors In this and some following Chapters I have accumulate Arguments because I supponed I did write to some Christians weak in Knowledge I say weak in Knowledge because I am loath to judge that any Christian strong in Knowledge will deny its lawfulness unless their Judgement be strangely overclouded by prevalent Prejudice and if any such there be we have also brought Arguments for their perusing We begin with Arguments for the Weak All who are baptized in
the Name of Father Son and Holy Ghost to them it is lawful to sing Glory to Father Son and Holy Ghost But all Christians are baptized in the Name of Father Son and Holy Ghost therefore to all Christians it's lawful to sing Glory to Father Son and Holy Ghost Second Reason All who believe and profess their Faith in Father Son and Holy Ghost to them it 's lawful to sing Glory to Father Son and Holy Ghost but all Christians throughout the World believe and profess Faith in Father Son and Holy Ghost therefore it is lawful to all Christians throughout the World to sing Glory to Father Son and Holy Ghost Third Reason All who believe or profess that God Father Son and Holy Ghost is their Creator Redeemer and Sanctifier to them it is lawful to sing Glory to Father Son and Holy Ghost But all Christians believe and profess that God Father Son and Holy Ghost is their Creator Redeemer and Sanctifier Therefore c. Fourth Reason All who believe hope and profess to enjoy eternal Glory in Heaven from and with Father Son and Holy Ghost to them it is lawful to sing Glory to Father Son and Holy Ghost But all Christians believe hope and profess to enjoy eternal Glory in Heaven from and with the Father Son and Holy Ghost Therefore c. Fifth Reason God Father Son and Holy Ghost made all things for His own Glory and Man's chief end is to glorifie God the first words of the lesser Catechism of the Westminster Synod Therefore it is lawful for Man to glorifie Father Son and Holy Ghost in a Song Sixth Reason God Father Son and Holy Ghost hath given to Man his Tongue and Speech that therewith he may glorifie God Father Son and Holy Ghost Therefore often in the Book of Psalms Mans Tongue is called his glory Psal 57. 8. Awake up my glory Psal 108. 1. I will sing praise with my glory Psal 16 9. My heart is glad my glory rejoyceth which glory the Maker of the Tongue Acts 2. 26. expones to be the Tongue in these words My heart did rejoyce and my tongue was glad Psal 30. 12. That my glory may sing praise unto thee and not be silent O Lord my God Shall then Mans Tongue his glory be commanded silence by Man and not to sing glory to God the Father Son and Holy Ghost when his Maker gave him his Tongue to sing glory to his Maker Seventh Reason That which is the practice of the Angels and of all the Saints in Heaven and Earth is lawful but to sing glory to God Father Son and Holy Ghost is the practice of the Angels Luk. 2. 14. The heavenly host sang glory to God and Rev. 5. 13. All in Heaven and in Earth did sing glory to God Eighth Reason That which is commanded of God is lawful but to sing glory to God is commanded by God I prove the assumption Psal 96. 1 2. These commanded Sing unto the Lord and vers 3. declare his glory and vers 7 8. give unto the Lord the glory due unto his Name c. Ninth Reason That which hath been the constitution and constant practice of the Universal Church these 1300. Years without scruple or refusal and still retained in all the reformed Churches after their purgation from Idolatry and Superstition that is lawful the same Argument is used by St. Paul 1 Cor. 11. 16. to stop the mouth of the Contentious to wit we have no such custom neither the Churches of God Tenth Reason a Rationis fundamentum illustratum Justinus Martyr in expositione fidei sive unam duas vel tres personas proferamus necesse est animo semper possidere 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 de Patre Filio Spiritu Sancto Athanasius lib. de communi essentia Patris Filii Spiritus Sancti cap. 00 quod non sunt tres dii 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Idem in Symbolo 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Basilius magnus lib. 5. contra Eunomium cap. 15. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 licet haeretici disrumpant sese non tamen disrumpetur Trinitas Nazianzenus Orat. 40. Quae est in sanctum baptisma 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Idem Orat. 37. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ephiphanius Haeresi 62. §. 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Haec eadem est doctrina communiter Scholasticorum Alensis in summa Theologiae parte 3. quest 3. membro 1. Articulo 3. Aquinas 2. 2. quest 81. articulo 3. quest 84. articulo 1. Et Franciscus à Sancto Claro in expositione confessionis Anglicanae Orat. 28. negat unam personam divinam praecise sumptam esse terminum formalem adorationis latriae sed deitatem primario personas ut identiscantur cum essentia Calvinus Institut lib. 1. cap. 13. §. 2. Si non consideramas tres persanas in deitate nudum inane duntaxat Dei nomen sine vero Deo in caerebro nostro volitat §. 6. ubi in Scripturis fit simplex Dei mentio indefinita non minus ad Filium Spiritum Sanctum pertinet nomen hoc quam ad patrem Et §. 20. In eundem sensum Amesius meduil lib. 1. c. 6. §. 26. Equalis honor omnibus personis divinis equaliter à nobis debetur That which is commanded by God is lawful but to sing glory to Father Son and Holy Ghost is commanded by God Therefore c. I prove the minor the glory commanded by God and given to God is indivisive and due to all the three Persons equally so says the lesser Catechism they are equal in Power and Glory and whensoever a Christian sings glory to God then it is not only lawful but also necessary that in the thought that Christian at that same time shall ascribe that glory to all the three Persons which if he do not he is worshipping an Idol and not the true God then whatever thought of a Christian is lawful and commanded it is lawful for him to express that thought with his Tongue then when he is singing glory to God and lawfully and equally in his Mind is giving that glory to Father Son and Holy Ghost then it is lawful for him at that same time to give that glory expressly with his Tongue to Father Son and Holy Ghost for all the Worship and Adoration that the Christian gives to God should and is rightly given to God one in Essence and three in Persons Father Son and Holy Ghost who all three have one Almighty Power one Will one external Action in hearing our Prayers and granting our Requests and therefore the Worship given to them is indivisible therefore Perkins saith well writing on Matth. 6. vers 9. We should worship the whole Trinity conjunctly and not one Person alone and when we name God alone we should in our mind worship the three Persons also Then upon the sound and infallible Doctrine of Christianity as no Christian dare deny the lawfulness of singing Glory to God so upon the same ground and as
were now Christians of understanding as they were Baptized presently in the name of Father Son and Holy Ghost and gave a Confession of their Faith in Father Son and Holy Ghost that they also in their publick worship did sing Glory to that Father Son and Holy Ghost in whose name they were newly Baptized Some asks the question upon what Text of Scripture the Doxology is chiefly founded for answer It hath two parts to wit The three Persons of the Trinity which are the object of that worship Secondly the Glory given to them which is the Act of worship in the Doxology accordingly the giving of Glory to God is founded on many Scriptures but there is one full and express Rom. 11. the last verse Of him and through him and to him are all things to whom be glory for ever Amen But seing the object of the worship in three distinct Persons of the Trinity is most clear in the Words of the Baptismal institution Matth. last Baptizing them in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost therefore with Athanasius Bazil and the rest of the Greek Fathers we think that the Doxology is chiefly grounded upon that Text in Matthew It is true some of the Learned would build it on that Text Rom. 11. And that because they alleadge the three Persons of the Trinity insinuate here which though it Lombardus lib. 1. senten distinct 36. capitulo 3. putat cum Augustino in lib. 1. de trinitate cap. 6 in loco praedicto 11. capitis ad Romanos indigitari distinctionem trium personarum astibi certum est to loco non satis perspicuum datur fundamentum fidei trium personarum trinitatis pro argumento invincibili quod Eunomius Arianus istam textam citat ut patet Basilei lib. 1. contra Eunominium dum dat confessionem suae fidei pag. 7. Credimus inquit in unum Deum ex quo sunt omnia in unum unigenitum dei filium eundem verbum dominum nostrum Jesum Christum per quam sunt omnia in unum Spiritum Sanctum paracletum Haec Arij confessio fidei in trinitatem subolet hunc locum ad Romanos ipse Arianus prius rumperet quam consiteretur se credere in Patrem Filium Spiritum Sanctum aut ita proferret Doxologiam ut scribit Basilius were granted that the three Persons are there insinuat yet the other Text being full and express and the strongest Bulwark against the Arian therefore that Text in Matthew is the chief ground for the Doxology for to glorify God according to that Text in the Romans is so general that the Arian could easily subscribe to such a Doxology CHAP. VII The lawfulness of singing the Doxology proven by the Induction of all it's Parts 12. from the three Holies Isa 6. 3. IN this Chapter we prove by Induction that all the Parts of the Doxology are in the Holy Scriptures from whence we deduce this Reason that Divine Glory which in the Holy Scripture is given to Father Son and Holy Ghost that same Divine Glory is lawfull to sing to Father Son and Holy Ghost we prove the assumption that Glory is given to Father Son and Holy Ghost Rom. 11. v. last To God be glory for ever 1 Tim. 1. 17. To God be honour and glory forfor ever and ever Amen 2 Tim. 4. 18. To God be glory for ever and ever 1 Tim. 6. v. 16. To God be honour and power everlasting for ever Jude v. last To God be glory now and for ever Amen Galat. 14. 5. To God and our Father be glory for ever and ever Amen and the same Words Philip. 4. 20. Secondly Glory to God through Christ these words you shall find Rom. 16. v. last Eph. 3. 21. Heb. 13. 20 21. Thirdly To Christ be glory now and for ever Amen 2 Peter 3. v. last Revel 16. Revel 5. 12. He is the Lord of glory 1 Corinth 2. 8. James 2. 1. He is crowned with glory Heb. 2. 9. The Lords glorious branch Isaiah 11. 10. The Holy Ghost Pet. 14. 14. The Spirit of glory is glorified Thus we have proven from Scripture these parts of the Doxology Glory to the Father to the Son and Holy Ghost for now and ever There remains one word to be cleared in the Doxology to wit As it was in the beginning for clearing of which we wrot in the end of the fourth Chapter that these words were added to the Doxology because of Arian Hereticks and that in the fourth Century when Arius denyed that the Son was with the Father from all eternity but affirmed that there was a time when the Son was not and these Ancient Doctors of the Church knowing that the first Words in St. Johns Gospel in these three Verses were indited by the Holy Ghost and written by the Apostle John his Pen-man to assert the Co-eternity of the Son with the Father and that against Ancient Hereticks who lived in the Apostle St. John's time and were Blasphemers of Christ the Church therefore hath made choise of that same Text as fittest against the Arians a Alexander Alexandriae Episcopus Concilij Niceni Membrum Arij Blasphemijs infensissimus in sua Epistola ad omnes ubique gentium fratres scribit Arium asserere tempus aliquando fuisse cum filius Dei non esset quod sic refutat in initio Evangilij Joannis In principio erat verbum itaque non erat tempus cum non esset Socrates lib. 1. cap. 3. Syrmiense concilium in symbolo damnat eos qui dicunt erat tempus aut seculum quando 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 non erat ibidem anathemate 25. Si quis dicat Christum ex quo ex Maria natus est initium accepisse ut Deus esset anathema sit ut Samosatenus Ebion Cerinthus Thus have we cleared that all the Words in the Doxology are express Scripture and according thereunto and if any object that it follows not to be lawfully sung in the Church except it were in Scripture all contiguous together as one of the Psalms of David to these in this place I only give this Answer That the reformed Church of France in their publick worship sing the Apostolick Creed turned in Meeter and is therefore printed and bound in with their Psalm Books and yet that Creed is far lesse continued Scripture then the Doxology And the Learned know that the Church of France is famous not only of old time for many glorious Martyres before the Council of Nice but also in the beginning of Reformation from Popery b Origines in hunc locum Is 66. 3. ait hic trinitatem insinuari Athanasius tom 1. operim pag. 154. 255. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 proferunt glorificationem dicentes sanctus sanctus sanctus tres personas perfectas ostendunt sub una voce Dominus unam substantiam declarant idque 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in confuse indivise subinnuens nec Angelos
nec Homines debere nec audere colere essentiam divinam non una colere tres personas ut supra probatum hoc idem Athanasius ait detestandos ac procul abigendosesse Arianos dicentes ac si ipsi interfuissent angelos illos in primis vocibus exclamandi sanctus maxima voce usos esse in secundis autem non tam magna voce in tertia adhuc submissiori ac primam sanctificationem propriam legittimamque esse secundam autem inferioris notae tertiam adhuc gradatim deterioris conditionis esse In eandem sententiam scribit Caesarius Gregorij Nazianxeni frater dialogo primo responsione ad interrogationem 13. Epiphanius in ancorato § 10. 26. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hic hymnus Isaiah 6. 3. quem Gre. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vocant canitur in liturgijs Basil Chrisostom Gregorij ut Damascenus lib. 3. Orthodoxae fidei cap. 10. interpretatur quod ter sanctus sit tribus personis trinitatis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in ordine baptismi secundū Aethiopes habetur Sanctus Sanctus Sanctus Pater Filius Spiritus Sanctus nunc semper in secula seculorum Amen Anno Dom. 451. Hic hymnus trisagius in Concil oecumen Chaledon 630. Episcoporum fuit cantatus inter actu hujus Concilij refertur postea Ecclesia universalis to hymno est usa ut colligitur ex Constantinopolitana Sinodo 5. Praesidente Menua ejus sedis Patriarcha ubi Petrus Gnapheus Antiochiae Episcopus damnatus quod in suae Ecclesiae Lyturgia Heretice trisagio Sanctus Sanctus Sanctus addidisset qui pro nobis crucifixus est ubi per ter sanctus interpretantur tres Personas Trinitatis ut videre est in Epistola monitoria ad eundem Gnapheum prioribus consentiunt Theodoretus sermone 2do de curandis Grec affecto Cyrillus in tum textum Augistinus sermone 38 de tempore Et haec eadem est sententia theologorum modernorum Calvini institut lib. 1. cap. 13. Is 6. cap. § 11. 15. 28. Zanchij tomo 1. lib. 1. cap. 2. Isa 6. cap. Seraphim occinunt Patri Filio Spiritui Sancto quod etiamsi Antitrinitarij Transilvanij negent hunc textum nunquam mihi eripient Polani syntagmate lib. 9. cap. 15. Professores Leidenses disp 7. thesi 16. Bucan loco 3. § 7. Ames meduli lib. 1. cap. 5 § 17. The second Part of the Chapter containing the twelfth Reason it is taken from Isaiah cap. 6. v. 1 2. 3. The Prophet Isaiah in a vision saw the Lord sitting on a Throne and the heavenly seraphims crying one to another holy holy holy is the Lord of hosts the whole earth is full of his glory Here the learned prove that this song is sung to the Sacred Trinity as if these Seraphims had said Holy Father Holy Son Holy Ghost for that same Lord of Hosts in the 8. v. speaks in the plural number who will go for us just so Gen. 1. 26. And God said let us make man after our likeness which speech the learned agree to be spoken by the Sacred Trinity Secondly We shall prove that glory to the three distinct Persons of the Trinity is meant here First That glory to the Father is meant none will deny no not the Arian nor Socinian Secondly we prove that glory to the Son is also meant here for God the Son was also here for the Prophet Isaiah saw His glory here which is proven John 12. 41. The Prophet Isaiah saw Christs glory and spake of Him even then when the Lord blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts Verse 40. which commission Isaiah received Isaiah 6. 10. after he had seen Christs glory then if God the Son was here the 2d holy is to him Thirdly the Holy Ghost was here which I prove it was the Holy Ghost here which spake to the Prophet Isai 6. 9. The Lord said go tell this people but Acts 28. 25. That same Lord is the Holy Ghost well spake the Holy Ghost by Isaiah the Prophet unto our Fathers saying Go unto this people and say hearing ye shall hear and shal not understand c. Then seing the Scriptures prove the three Persons expresly were here it cannot be denyed but the three holies were to the three Persons therefore the Doctors of the Ancient Church and universal Councills and approven Orthodox Divines unanimously teach that here the Seraphims in their Chore are singing a Doxology to the blessed Trinity and consequently this Doxology is a Scripture Song therefore the Divines of Westminster Synod in their Notes upon Revel 4. at the 8. Verse singing the like three Holies with them in the 6. of Isaiah 3. Verse which they also quoat and coment thus They contiually praise God and set out the Trinity of the Persons in the Godhead Did not the Angels in this 6. of Isaiah sing the Doxology to the Glorious Trinity The universall Church in their General Councill have taught so and also practised accordingly The Fathers both before and after that Councill with Calvine and the rest of the reformed Church teached so and the Synod of Divines in their Notes on the Revelation teached so will ye not then go along with the Universall and Reformed Church or will ye go along with the Synod of Divines on the Revelation to that Synod you gave the Credit to draw up your Creed or Confession of Faith and Catechisms and will ye not give them credit in the matter of the Doxology that the Heavenly Seraphims sang Glory to Father Son and Holy Ghost shall the Angels come from Heaven to Earth to give you a good example to sing the Doxology will neither the Universal Church on Earth nor Angels in Heaven move you to follow their holy example I answer it will move all these on whom that Judgement hath not fallen pronounced Isaiah 6. 9 10. Hear indeed but understand not make the heart of this people fat As ye love your Souls bewar of that Judgement which is my prayer for you at the Throne of Grace CHAP VIII 13. Reason from that Song Revel 5. 9. 14. From Gods Command 1 Chr. 16. 20. Illustrat by Councils and Fathers THe thirteenth reason is taken from the 5. Chap. of the Book of Revelation thus collected John the Divine saw a vision in Heaven and heard them sing a new Song vers 9. continuing to the end of the Chapter and vers 13. Every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea and all that are in them heard I saying blessing honour glory and power be unto him that sitteth upon the Throne and unto the Lamb for ever and ever Here the university of singing is so great that it comprehends the universal Church of all Christians yea of all the Angels in Heaven and all Saints in Heaven and Earth both the Church Militant and Triumphant 2. What are they singing Blessing honour glory and power 3. To whom do
the Doxologie ye detain the truth in unrighteousness Rom. 1. 18. and rebel against the light and hate the light John 3. 20. And they who wilfully harden themselves would not embrace the truth albeit Christ the wisdom of the Father were Preaching it unto them unlesse he did apply his Almighty gracious power as he did to Saul in his conversion Acts 9. ver 5 6. Which he does not ordinarily on those that harden themselves and close their eyes against the light darting in upon their understanding for he resists the proud but giveth grace to the humble and lowly The Apostle speaks of unreasonable men by which are meant the unbeliever and unregenerat For the true believer his saving Faith clears up and fortifies his reason Therefore if thou be a furnished and true believer and grant the truth of the first two sentences of any one or all the reasons then thou will assent to the third sentence which is to sing Glory to the Father Son and Holy Ghost and if thou find thy heart inclining to consent then blow at that spunk that is kindled in thy soul by the Holy Ghost and go to thy knees in all humility sincerity and self-denial and beg of him to lead thee in all truth and to shew thee the good and the right way and whether it will tend more to the glory of God to sing Glory to the Father Son and Holy Ghost or to be dumb and silent and say in your heart I will not sing glory to God even when my fellow-Christians are singing it Do you believe with all your soul that God sent his Son from Heaven to earth to bring you from earth to Heaven that Christ suffered the sorrows of death and hell to save thee from endless torments and will ye refuse to sing glory to him for so doing and suffering for you If a poor brother of Jesus were asking an alms from you and you would not give him one mite and yet would say at that same time to standers by if that poor man were going to Prison I would give him a great sum of money to relieve him would they believe you or rather laugh you to scorn So when you are desired to sing glory to the blessed Trinity and ye refuse to do it who would believe you that you would suffer tormenting flames for the glory of that blessed Trinity I know you will say you have some reasons why you refuse to sing the Doxologie but ye would have no reason to refuse martyrdome I answer your corruption that prompts you with excuses to refuse to sing the Doxologie which is the easier duty would furnish you with more excuses to shun burning so that ye who will not give God his due honour to sing glory to him it is too like would never suffer martyrdome for him and so the true ground of your refusing is want of true Faith Phil. 1. 29. To you it is given in the behalf of Christ not only to believe in him but also to suffer for his sake As for your pretences and excuses you bring for not singing the Doxologie lay it to heart that your excuses which your prejudged Conscience it may be accepts of so as to give you a seeming and deceitful peace for a time yet trust not that he who is greater then your Conscience will accept of these excuses which in this life men who are blind and partial Judges in their own cause thinks to be good and relevant Our Saviour in the Gospel gives a list of excusers of themselves but the Judge of quick and dead tells the true reason which the excusers would not have told Mat. 22. 5. they made light of it But I intreat you make it not a light thing to refuse to sing Glory to Father Son and Holy Ghost for these reasons I have set before you are founded on the Word of God by which we shall be judged and your pretences and excuses in that day will be burnt with the hay and stubble 1 Cor. 3. 12. CHAP. IX 15. Reason from the necessary Difference of the Christians Worship as in Reading of the Word Prayer and Sacraments they exceedingly differ from Christians shall not then also be a difference betwixt the Christian singing of Psalms and the Jews by singing the Doxology 16. As the Jews in their Psalms of David close many of them with a Doxology answering to the measure of their Light dispensed to them in the Old Testament so it becomes the Christian to have a Doxology answerable to their greater measure of Light of the Trinity in the New Testament 17. Reason founded upon the signification of Jehovah Elohim which is often in the Doxology of the Old Testament TAke three Reasons more to be pondered by the judicious and unbyassed Christian The first is thus grounded the Worship of God consists in two parts either God speaks to us or we speak to God God speaks to us in the Word read or exponed by Preaching We speak to God by Prayer suiting things needful to Soul and Body or by Praises of His infinite Excellencies and for His Benefites These two last to wit Petitions or Praises are either done without Song or in a Song but so it is that God in His infinite Wisdom and Goodness hath made the Christian Worship in the New Testament to differ from the Jews Worship in the Old Testament in fulness clearness and comfortableness they had only the Old Testament we have the New Testament added to it they had the Old Testament read and exponed by the Church-men and Prophets we have Old and New Testament both read exponed and preached more plainly and fully to our greater saving Knowledge and Comfort for the least in the kingdom of Heaven is greater then John Baptist Matth. 11. 11. Secondly Our Prayers and Praises of God in the New Testament are proportional to the Word read and preached even more full clear and comfortable then the Jew had in the Old Testament but so it is that the obstinate and impenitent Jew refused to joyn with us Christians in any of these three parts of the Worship of God they will not hear the Gospel read because it is the Gospel of Christ whom they reject and blaspheme they will not hear the Word preached because we preach Christ crucified which is to the Jews a stumbling-block 1 Cor. 1. 23. Thirdly They will not joyn with us in Prayer for they refuse to pray to Father Son and Holy Ghost and they will seek nothing from God in the Name of Christ Fourthly They reject our Sacraments for they refuse to be baptized in the Name of Father Son and Holy Ghost nor yet will they communicate with us because it is the Communion of the Body and Blood of Christ Seing then the all-wise Lord hath made the Christian to differ from and excell the Jew in the Word and Sacraments in Preaching and Praying is it not convenient and suitable to the other parts of our Christian
Son Job 15. 26. so he who hath not the Spirit of the Father and Son dwelling in him is none of Christs Rom. 8. 9. therefore the Jew Turk and Antitrinitarian Hereticks who are ashamed of the Name of Christ in this Life Christ will be ashamed of them when He comes in His Glory with His holy Angels Mark 8. 38. But for us Christians let us not be ashamed to believe and confess to our Salvation and give Glory to Father Son and Holy Ghost and with that Doxology to close the Psalm with it all our life yea also close our days with it on the Death-bed following the example of that sweet Singer of Israel Psal 72. which he sang at the close of his days a Prayer for his son Solomon a Prayer full of comfort and faith in the Son of God this Psalm he closes with a Doxology to Jehovah Elohim ver 18. Blessed be Jehovah Elohim the God of Israel and blessed be His glorious Name for ever and ever and let the whole Earth be filled with His glory Amen and Amen So as the Jew had their Doxology Glory to Jehovah Elohim for ever and we have Elohim more clearly manifested Father Son and Holy Ghost then shall it not be lawful for Christians to sing Glory to Father Son and Holy Ghost for ever For further clearing Jehovah Elohim its intimating the Doctrine of the Trinity as I have observed in the Hebrew Text of the Old Testament that these two Names of God when put together especially in the Prophets are most ordinarily used although not always upon one of these two occasions First When the Lord is to difference and contradistinguish Himself from all false and Pagan gods and then ordinarily it is rendered in the English Bible the Lord my God or thy God or the Lord our God or your God Secondly It is used when the Lord is giving to His Church some notable Promise of a great Deliverance either bodily or spiritual in the Messiah and so an evangelick Promise and both these ways Jehovah Elohim intimats a Trinity for the Pagans all confessed a Deity but none of them Trinity in Unity As for affixing Jehovah-Elohim to evangelick Promises in the Old Testament it might be the most proper Name to insinuate a Trinity which was to be yet more clearly manifested in the Gospel were it not that I intend brevity I could instance both these and clear them from many Scriptures in the Old Testament CHAP. X. A Reason given for singing the Doxologie satisfactory for every strone Christian and that born in also upon the Weak Christian by Scriptural Reason I Supponed in the Preface that the strong Christian and learned was so clear in their judgement of singing the Doxologie that all the former Arguments I brought was only for satisfying of the weak and all these reasons are well known to the learned but because I know the learned does not any thing especially in the matters of God but that for which their Conscience is clear and the warrand of their Conscience is the holy Word of God and therefore the learned in singing the Doxologie are perfectly assured that the same is grounded upon the infallible Word of God or deduced from it by clear and good consequence and they know Cum tenellis Christi Agnis in sermone justitiae imperitis ad ardua progredi non expediat at eruditis in Christo fortibus est abunde compertum doctrinam evangelicam de Christiani certitudine propriae falutis a plurimis pessime abusam esse nam ut Pontisicii Recedunt a veritate ex una part ita Ecclesiae reformatae pars maxima sed pessima recedunt a veritate ex alia parte dum nullus non impiorum crepat usque ad insaniam ipsum esse certissimum de sua salute proinde ad hujus veritatis exactiorem investigationem in Verbo Dei trutinatione professores Christianismi sunt primo dividendi in verê credentes ad salutem in reliquos profitentes fidem ore sed non credentes corde quibus tamen contingit fides dogmatica historica vel literalis sacrarum Scripturarum in qua fide Satanas praeomnibus impiis excellit attamen vere credentibus solis at non omnibus certitudo salutis contingit itaque sunt subdividendi in fortes infirmos infirmis in fide certitudo salutis non contingit quia ob defectum cognitionis Scripturarum non possunt reflectere in suos actus fidei alia fidei 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quae sunt Dei ordinaria media Christianum ad certitudinem salutis provehentia in particulari infirmus Christianus in cognitione puer nequit colligere suam certitudinem syllogistice hoccine quicunque crediderit in Christum salvabitur at ego credo in Christum ergo ego salvabor nam infirmus in fide licet possit dicere ego credo idque vere sincere tamen non cum ista certitudine super quam possit fundari certitudo conclusionis sit cum conclusio sequatur debiliorem partem infirmi conclusio non certo concludit ipsi certitudinem salutis proin solas fidelis fortis in fide certitudinem salutis adipiscitur nec hi omnes nam non pauci in fide fortes heri hodie incidunt in flagitium scandalosum conscientiam vastantem protinus moraliter judicialiter hesterna certitudo salutis evanescit quid quod alius non minus in fide fortis heri incidit in deliquium solaminus hodie cum Jobo quod non fuit causatum peccato flagitioso sed ob alios fines justo Sancto Deo cognitos in Scholis Theologorum observatos Quod ad Christianos non credentes ad salutem est certo certius eorum nullum certitudinem salutis adipisci Et tamen hos subdividimus in hypocritas Scripturarum sciolos profanos in flagitiis volutantes horum uterque jactat certitudinem salutis ad diverso modo flagitiosus dum jactat certitudinem propria salutis novit se mentiri at hypocritarum multi asserunt aliqualiter gaudent in certitudine salutis quorum error est praesumptionis nam quod ad minorem syllogismi Ego credo sibi ipsis imponunt nam vere opinantur se credere licet eorum fides non sit accepta à Deo ad salutem proinde inferunt conclusionem ego salvabor aequaliter praesumptuosam cum assumptione qui hypocritae in sua assumptione ego credo mentitiuntur Logice sed non Ethice Christianis itaque fic divisis subdivisis in classes eorum pars multo minima sed tamen optima certitudinem proprie salutis acquirit nempe solummodo fortes in cognitione Scripturarum Fide Sanctificatione itaque ab hac certitudine removentur non solium flagitiosi hypocritae quin Agni Christi tenelli qua tales quin fortes in fide aut sub deliquio gratiae sanctificantis aut gratiae solaminis His positis inter eruditos videtur
guard the Flocks of Christ against Antitrinitarian Hereticks but in Heaven there is no danger for no Devil nor Antitrinitarian will be there to tempt and the glorified Saints will be made perfect in Holinesse I answer when Isaiah 6. 2 3. The Seraphims cryed one to another by way of Authem Holy Holy Holy is the Lord of hosts the whole earth is full of his glory Here I hope was neither Arian nor Antitrinitarian yea I affirm according to the Seraphims singing a Doxology to the Trinity that although there had never been Antitrinitarian Heretick nor danger of Devils to tempt them to that heresie seing the Angels in Heaven did sing a Doxology to the blessed Trinity which is granted by the universal Church then shall it not be lawfull expedient and comely for Christians to sing Glory to Father Son and Holy Ghost whose motto in Baptism is to be Baptized in Name of Father Son and Holy Ghost Therefore to conclude this Chapter these who have Scruple or Doubts to sing the Doxology for want of knowledge my prayer is to God Father Son and Holy Ghost who is the Father of Lights to reveal even this unto them that we may with one Mind and with one Mouth glorifie God even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ Rom. 15. 6. Now to God Father Son and Holy Ghost be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all Ages world without end Amen Ephes 3. Chap. at the last verse CHAP. XIV An exhortatory Conclusion to the strong and orderly Christian to receive and imbrace with all Christian love and tenderness every weak Christian who shall return from their wandring in Error to live in Order and Unity in the Bosom of their Mother Church BEing now to conclude this little Treatise As its scope and aim is for healing and helping home of the wandring Sheep so my work in this Chapter is to remove all Stones and Stumbling-blocks out of the way of the weak Lambs returning to their Folds again and I beseech you put not the blame so much upon these Lambs as upon these Men wâ—o drew them away and missed them and let all good Christians rejoyce in their return and welcome them home and that because of the manifold Evils that this Kingdom was groaning under which now God in His Mercy hath almost removed Was not in many Families the Father against the Son and a Man's Enemies these of his own Houshold did not many Flocks forsake their Fold and resting Place and strayed in the gloomy and dark Day was not the empty Walls of many empty Paroch-Churches mourning and the Stones of-emptiness crying out and Pastors lamenting that their Flocks were departed and a few left yea sometimes the Pastor so evil intreated by his Flock turning Wolves that he must needs convey himself away out of that place some being spoiled some wounded some killed some like desolate Widows mourning in secret in a desolate Retirement like Jeremiah in his wished Cortage in the Wilderness Jer. 9. 2. and for a long time the Magistrate loath to use rigour which made them the more inexcusable and at last they display an open Banner of Rebellion whereby they wilfully run themselves into a Labyrinth of Miseries to be killed and spoiled and many impoverished and not a few suffered death by the hand of Justice whose infatuate Souls with that four leaven of their dangerous Doctrines was at their death a far more sad spectacle to the Godly then their bodily death which remembers me of David's bitter mourning for his traiterous son Absalom's death and this Malady and sore Disease came to so great a height that it threatned death which was more then once prevented by opening of a Vein and many thought our Disease incurable and that it would turn at last to be a rooted Hectick to the consuming of the Marrow but blessed be our kind Samaritan who beyond the expectation of many and much more beyond our deservings hath pitied us for it was a time of love and when we were lying in our Blood he said Live again he said Live Ezek. 16. 6. even when the Enemy was saying there is no help for him in God yet he hath poured in Wine and Oyl in our Wounds and letten us by sweet experience know that there is both a Physician and Balm in Gilead and the God of our Health hath rebuked that Feaver and hath commanded and created deliverance Then let every one of us rejoyce in God and count it our glory to be workers together with God Is this a time of healing let us concur and contribute our help Is the Lord's Flock returning then cast up cast up gather out the Stones Hath the Lord Jesus awakened out of sleep and rebuked the Winds and Seas so that now there is a great Calm then let us all help to row to bring the Vessel to a safe Harbour when the Lord is bringing back the captivity of His People let our Mouthes be filled with laughter and our Tongue with singing behold and see not one Dove alone returning to the Ark of their Mother Church with an Olive branch Gen. 8. 11. but a whole cloud of these Doves are flying to their Windows Isa 60. 8. Are not the Pastors returned to their Flocks with joy who went away weeping returning with the full blessing of the Gospel of Christ now to bring forth the peaceable fruits of Righteousness of their sad and desolate retirement and widow-head Lam. 3. 27 28 29. like St. Basil returning from the Desart and St. Athanasius from his Exile and now that promised Blessing shall be given them Isa 30. v. 29. your eye shall see your Teachers And now my Brethren who had precious retirement to read meditate and pray and a sad cross to put you to it then with Timothy 1 Tim. 4. 15. let your profiting appear to all Ye know what Luther writes Prayers Meditation and Temptation made good Theologues and the Flocks that have been mispending their time had the more need to redeem the time Now I turn my speech unto you in this Church who are strong and have overcome that evil one and have obtained Grace to live orderly before God and His Church during the time of these Confusions as your compassionate Souls did grieve for Sin weep in secret before the Lord to enlighten inform and reform them to reclaim and reduce them therefore hath the Lord given you a gracious return of your Prayers in returning them then open your loving Hearts and embrace them and these hands that were with outstreached arm lifted up to God for them let your arms embrace them and by word and deed and contenuance express the sincerity of your love to them and as the Lord hath given you more knowledge then to them let it be your generosity not to insult over them or despise them but with all tenderness not to look down but to stoop down to their Weakness and let the strong elder Brother stoop down
mouth glorifie God even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And according to this Prayer from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same throughout the whole World where ever Christianity is truly professed the Doxologie is Sung with one Heart and with one Mouth unto this day except by a few of late in Brittain whom I intreat seriously to consider these Questions from that Text Rom. 15. 6. Is it not God Father Son and Holy Ghost who indyts that Prayer 2dly The hearing and granting of that Prayer throughout the Christian World is it not the blessing of God Father Son and Holy Ghost in fulfilling the Christians Prayer indyted by God Himself then dare any Christian deny that it is lawfull to sing Glory to God Father Son and Holy Ghost with one heart and mouth seeing God Father Son and Holy Ghost commands and allowes Christians to glorifie Him with one heart and mouth Upon consideration of the Blooding Wounds and Torn Bowels of my Mother Church in Christian compassion I am pressed in Spirit to speak a word in Her behalf which I intend chiefly for two sort of Christians First To these Babs in Christ and of lesser knowledge who are obedient to their Mother Church and do not forsake this Her Law Prov. 6. 20. of Christianity but sing the Doxologie Be ye stedfast and immoveable be not drawn away from that Duty by the evil Example or Counsel of any who would intise or mislead you to increase their Soure Leaven and Prosylits I declare to you as an Ambassadour of Christ that you shal not have cause to repent you of singing Glory to Father Son and Holy Ghost in the Day of your Account to Father Son and Holy Ghost when the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ the Love of God and the Communion of the Holy Ghost shall be with you and your Grace consummat in Glory and your Prayers turned into Hallelujabs As for these who refuse to Sing the Doxologie and think it a Sin to Sing it or at least have their doubts anent it for want of better Information these are of three Sorts 1. The weak Lambs who yet are seeking the way to Zion and to please God in all good Conscience to these I am willing to tender the sincere Milk of the Word because of the Command of the Great Shepherd of our Souls John 21. 15. If you love me feed my Lambs these I intreat in the bowels of Jesus Christ to consider the danger of an Erronious Conscience For St. Paul was once yet more zealous then ye are in a wrong way of which he gave prudent and Christian warning to other Zealots Acts 26. 9. I verily thought with my self that I ought to do many things contraire to the Name of Jesus of Nazareth which thing I also did of which Erroneous Zealot Jews he bears record Rom 10. 2. That they have a zeal of God but not according to knowledge So of you I judge in charity that your Zeal is sincere and abundant but the defect is in your knowledge and in such a case the more Zeall the more danger and therefore be not Children in understanding 1 Cor. 14. 20. Be no more children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of Doctrine Eph. 4. 14. Be aware to despise or reject the Light of sound Instruction and side no longer with Antitrinitarians and the like Blasphemous Hereticks all which the universall Church hath declared Excommunicat as such from the Communion of Saints and forgivenness of Sins side no more with these Monsters The God of Truth reveall His Truth unto you and give you understanding in all things for to you I owe great compassion and tendernesse of bowels As for the 2d Sort called Christians to wit the cunningly painted Hypocrite and the openly Prophane I have a word alloted for them reserved till near the close of the Treatise Here I have an Apologie to make to the Learned who may object what needed so much to be written to prove or defend that Practice which none in the universal Church for 1300. Years did call in question to whom in all humility I reply these are not written for Information or Reformation of the Learned in this Point who stand in need of neither being assured both of the Lawfulness and Experiency of this Duty but they also know that there is too many of late years in Scotland who refuse to sing the Doxologie to whom I am resolved to become all things to them all whether weak or more knowing that by all means I may gain some for whose cause I have multiplyed Arguments to prove the lawfulnesse of the Doxologie having to teach these weaned from the Milk and drawn from the Breasts to whom Precept must be upon Precept and Lyne upon Lyne Isa 28. 9 10 I hope none will say that the Holy Ghost useth either Tautologie or Battologie in the foresaid 10. verse when he doubles both the Precept and the Lyne So I have brought for Information of these little Ones and Lambs of Christ Reason upon Reason redoubled For as the strong should have their stronger Food So the Bab's their Milk And some be more moved with one Reason and some with another herein I intending that great Postorall Duty to do all things for Edyfying 1 Cor. 14. 26. 2 Cor. 12. 19. And in Citing modern Divines I have made most use of these who will be most acceptable and convincing to the Refusers of the Doxologie And if at any time for defence fo Truth I bring Proof from any bygone Practice of themselves and their way I here declare that it no wayes to irritat but to bear in the Truth with the more power my purpose being to do all in Love and what makes for Peace and Healing The Servant of the Lord must not strive but be gentle unto all Men apt to Teach patient in meekness Instructing those that oppose themselves 2 Tim. 2. 28. and 25. That which is not written in the Vulgar Tongue in this following little Treatise in a distinct Section towards the Right Hand is intended for the Learned Finally I ingenuously declare That my first and chief End is the Glory of God and I pray through the Lords blessing it may prove the End and Essect of the work In the next place I intend the furtherance of the Peace and Prosperity of my Mother-church in Clearing and Removing of mistakes among the Children at least to make the Rent and Breach less that the weak might be strengthened and confirmed in their Judgement in their Singing the Doxologie that the Scruplous may be informed the Averse convinced and Reclaimed Contentions and Swellings pacified and removed as far as Relates to the Doxologie that all with one Heart and Mouth may Sing Glory to God Father Son and Holy Ghost and as my God and Saviour was subject to his Blessed Virgin Mother and hath commanded me to be
scruple or alteration c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gregory Nazianzen in his sixth Orration concerning the Holy Ghost we worship the Father Son and Holy Ghost one God-head and power to Him be all glory honour and power for ever and ever Amen In the Year of Christ 370. St. Jerome wrot to Damasus Bishop of Rome that in all the Churches of Rome Glory to the Father Son and Holy Ghost as it was in the a Rome 1. Council pag. 625. editionis Parisiensis beginning is now and for ever be sung alwayes at the end of the Psalm b Concilium Vasense provinciase sub Imperio Theodosij inmoris cap. 7. cujus titulus ac propter haereticorum incredulitatem post gloria Patri c. sicut erat in principio c. semper dicatur quia non solum in sede apostolica sed etiam per totam Orientem totam Africani vel Italiani propter Haereticorum astutiam qui dei filium non semper fuisse sed in tempore caepisse blasphemant in omnibus clausulis post Gloria Patri c. sicut erat in principio c. dicatur etiam nos universis Ecclesijs nostris ita dicendum esse decrevemus About the Year of our Lord 444. in the Council of Vason an Act is made because of the unbelief of Arian Hereticks Because not only in the Apostolick See but also throughout all the East and in all Africk and Italy to guard against the deceit of Hereticks Blaspheming that the Son of God was not ever with the Father but began to be in time therefore in all their closings of singings in the publick Worship after these Words Glory to the Father Son and Holy Ghost in all these other Churches is added as it was in the beginning so we appoint that the same Words as it was in the beginning be mentioned in the Doxology in all our Churches also c Symbolium Nicenium in sine 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hence we may observe That this addition as it was in the beginning was not first appointed at Vason for their Act bears the contrare that it was used in Churches far and near before that time which Jeromes desire to Damasus proves But this Act at Vason gives the clear reason of the addition viz. To guard the flock of Christ the better against Arian Hereticks whereof some said there was a time when the Son of God was not Alexander Patriarch of Alexandria one of the chief Fathers in the Nicen Council to refute the Arian brings that Text d Socrat. lib. 3. cap. 3. among many others John 1. 1. In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God by him all things were made and if he made all things then he was before the world and also before that beginning and consequently Eternal as that Father reasoneth well and St. Basil after him for It were nonsense to say that there were priority of time in Eternity For Arius said there was a time when God was not a Father Therefore the infallible Theologue of St. John began his Evangell with these words intending in his Gospel to assert Christs God-head against two abominable Hereticks in his time Ebion and Cerinthus at whom Arius had learned his Blasphemies and from this same Text Calvin refutes both the old Arian and Servetus a vile Blasphemer his own contemporary who was burnt at Genevah for a most blasphemous Heretick In the Year of Christ 627. in the third Council of Toledo consisting of the Church-men of Spain and Galatia inact whosoever sayes not Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost let him be accursed by saying they mean singing For then four hundred years before that the Doxology was sung in all the Templet of the universal Church And so in this Council all of them in the close of the same in the praises of God they cryed Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost as the Learned may read in the Tomes of Councils by this cursing mentioned in this Councill It appears they judged that no Orthodox Christian would refuse to sing the Doxology they did not imagine any will refuse except a Heretick In the Year of Christ 633 in the Fourth Councill of Toledo there are some accused for rejecting the Sacred Hymnes composed by Hilary and Ambrose two famous Saints and being received and used in the Churches yet these Men refused to sing them because they were not in the Holy Scripture for which refusal they were Excommunicat yet these same very Men did not scruple nor refuse to sing the Doxology which was then constantly sung in the Church at the close of every Psalm Hence it is probable that these men who refused to sing the Churches Holy Hymnes and were willing to sing the Doxology did estimat it of a higher rank and counted it in with Divine and Spirituall Songs a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. Quocirca at mea fert sententia major merces praemium potius apud justum indicem reponitur quam veteribus illic martyribus cum illi in confessa positum reportarent martyrij apud homines existimationem laurealas á Deo acceperint suas vobis autem desint in certamine pari á populo collati honores Basil tom 2. Epist 303. pag. 1074. The Learned have observed that the Arian persecution which was in this Fourth Century was more bitter to the Souls of the Saints and true Christians then the Suffering during the ten Persecutions in the first 300. Years from Pagan Emperours for then the Christian Martyrs received their Crown of Martyrdome from their Lord in Heaven with acclamations of praise from all their contemporary Christians without all malignant murmure or obloquie which was a sharp sput to hasten Christians to run that race for ingenuous spirits know what humane applause will do even to the godly to encourage them to a good action and rouse them up to their Duty even allowed by God Phil. 4. 8. Whatsoever things are of good report if there be any vertue and if there be any praise think on these things But in this fourth Century the Christian suffering Persecution and Death It wat not from Pagans but from these that called themselves Christians even the Arian who being prevalent and putting to Death the Orthodox Christians yet the Arian cryes out these are not true Christians but we they are justly suffering Death for Errors in Christianity Therefore writs the Learned that the Martyrs in the fourth Persecution their reward will be greatest in Heaven And because this Persecution was so much the sadder to the Orthodox Christian and in this Century the King of Saints who promised His presence to His Church on Earth seemed to be asleep like that Matth. 8. 24. while the Ship is filled with waves yet in the mean time though thus he had decreed to let His brittle Vessel and His Disciples suffer a
Storm yet therefore he provided two excellent Pilots in this Century and indued them with so great a measure of Piety Learning undaunted Courage and Prudence that the one succeeding to the other in the Eastern Church where the Arian Storm did most rage by Dispute and Writing and couragious Sufferings they faced the Enemy and kept the Flock of Christ together Athanasius Patriarch of Alexandria and after him Basil Archbishop of Caesarea both which keep the Styl of Great untill this day for they got it because of their worth Athanasius even from the Arian Emperour Constantius and Basil from the Apostat Emper or Julian As is to be seen in both their Letters of record with St. Basils Letters of sharp rebuke which did become a pious Bishop to Julian an Apostat As for the Arian as ye read in this Chapter before in singing of the Doxology shuned to sing it according to the Scriptures Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost but by the Son in the Holy Ghost which was a deceitfull Invention and the Church History tells us the thing it self but does not unfold the intrigue and mystery of it which St. Basil hath done at full length for that their singing in that their new devised way was a subtil trick of the Devil for under it they couched their Error and Blasphemy only giving Glory to God the Father and for the Son considering him only as the Fathers Instrument but not equal with Him in Glory and far less the Holy Ghost which depths of Satan are found out by St. Basil to the shame of the Arian of which he writs at large which the Learned do read a Basil tomo 2. lib. de spiritu sancto contra Arianus cap. 2 3 4 5. and 25. cap. 7. 10. And that they were so obstinat in their Errors that nothing could prevail to gain them to sing the Doxology according to the Scriptures b lib. de spiritu sancto cap. 25. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 scilicet isti Citius abjectarent linguas quam hanc vocem recipeant idem cap. 25. Doxologiam Ariani recitat tibi Patri honor gloria per unigenitum filium tuum in spiritu sancto qui sermo nunc usitatior est istis ipsa ut ita loquar respiratione cap. 29. in oriente Orthoaoxi dignoscunt suos ab Arianis signo Doxologiae That they would as soon quite their tongue as quite that form of Doxology which they used where St. Basil grants that their way of singing the Doxology might be exponed in an Orthodox sense according to the Scriptures but was not to be suffered in these Hereticks because it was well known they sang them in an Heretical and Blasphemous sense against the Son and Holy Ghost Yet reflecting upon the Arian practice observe that they did choise it as a less evil and scandal to sing the Doxology with some change of the short syllabes of interjections conjunctions then not to sing it at all For to have refused the singing of it had been a shorter cut but the reason was publick shame would not suffer them altogether to seperat from the Orthodox Church in that so unquestionable a duty and so well known a part of the Christians publick worship then let these in Scotland who call themselves Orthodox and refuse altogether to sing the Doxology either one way or other see to it and I beseech them to commune with their own hearts and smit upon their own Breast and amend They who are pleased to read the History of the Arian Persecution in this fourth Century will perceive the true Church of Christ at a very low ebb and under one of the greatest eclipses that ever it suffered since the two Disciples said we trusted that it had been He Luk. 24. 21. and the eleven Apostles were weeping in secret Mark 16. 10. yet the Lord who brought David out of his Deeps and Daniel out of the Lions Den and the three Children out of the seven times hotter Furnace Jonah out of the Whales belly and Lazarus out of the grave and commanded the dry scattered Bones to stand up a strong Army Ezek. 37. 10. and in the beginning commanded Light to shine out of Darkness and bringeth Good out of Evil out of the Churches Persecution and low condition brought the more glory to His own Name and more strength of Faith to His Church whereby the Arians ungodly way of proceeding when they got the Power in their hand they declared to the World what they were even not the true Church of Christ but the Seed of the Serpent promoting their Religion by Injustice and Perjury the Children of Abaddon and Apollyon that Liar and Murderer from the beginning John 8. 44. promoting their hellish Religion by cruel tormenting and murdering of the Orthodox they being the first that usurped the name of Christian withall intending to propagate their Religion with Fire and Sword which is not Christs way nor of His true Christians but of Antichristians and therefore in persecuting of the true Church as they had learned it at the Pagans who lived before them so they were glad to take the help of the Pagans who lived with them therefore the Lord at last brought the Arian to confusion and put their lying Lips to silence so that ever thereafter they were hated and abhorred and despaired ever to prevail any more as they had done The second Good which the Lord brought out of this Evil was the perfite setling of the Christian Faith the Lord bestowing on the Orthodox such Courage to suffer such Faith and Constancy and heavenly Joy that the Arian was confounded thereby yea and while the Orthodox were suffering for the Glory of God and His Truth the Lord from Heaven did approve and seal His Truth which they believed and professed even making them His Instruments to work glorious Miracles but in the mean time the Arian wrought no Miracle nor so much as pretended to work any lying Miracle as Jannes and Jambres did against Moses to the hardning of Pharaoh wherein I observe the Lord 's wonderful Providence so over-ruling the Arian that they did not so much as mint to a Miracle whereas the Miracles of the Orthodox Church were undenyable and thus the Lord from Heaven did dicide the Contraversie betwixt the Arian and the Orthodox in favours of His Church and this the Lord 's doing did so confirm them in the true Faith of the blessed Trinity that the gates of Hell ever since was not able so to brangle it and also His Church which had used the Doxology to the blessed Trinity in their publick Worship before that time was now more confirmed in their Practice and resolute to make use of it without fail ever thereafter especially in the publick Worship In this Chapter at Page 24. we spoke anent the addition put to the Doxology mentioned in the Council of Vauson as it was in the Beginning If some object that
they sing this Doxologie I answer to him that sits upon the Throne and to the Lamb And that the weak may better understand that there are two Persons of the Godhead distinctly exprest here for them more clearly distinguished in the 6. vers In the midst of the Throne stood a Lamb who came and took the Book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the Throne Vers 7. And that both the Father and the Son sat upon the same Throne Revel 3. 21. at the end I am set down with my Father on his Throne And Revel 22. 3. and 1. verses both the Throne of God and of the Lamb and not Thrones But the weak may say that the Holy Ghost is not named in this Song To whom I answer that it is the Doctrine and Faith of the universal Church containing all Christians from the of the Sun to its going down Athanasius lib. 1. de Communi essentia trium personarum probat Trinitatem sedere in Throno Nazianzenus Orat. 26. Docet Spiritum Sanctum esse Patre Filioque 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Lyturgia Graeco Tomo 2. Bibliothecae Patrum Graec. Latin pag. 112. Ita Deum invocant 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 expers principii Trinitas impartibilis essentia eidem incidens throno unitas Father Son and Holy Ghost one and that same glorious God sit and reign conjunctly upon one and that same glorious Throne in Heaven according to the lesser Catechism There are three Persons in the Godhead equal in power and glory So that here while they sing glory to him that sits upon the Throne the Holy Ghost is also necessarily to be meant and lawfully is to be expressed according to the orthodox Doctrine in the former reasons Seing then all the Saints and Angels in Heaven and in Earth joyn in this Song with a loud voice what a pity is it that some Christians should refuse to joyn in singing this Doxologie yea abhor it as a sinful action and by shuning it think they abstain from evil I beseech you in the fear of the Almighty consider that word Isai 5. 20. Wo unto them that call evil good and good evil The General Assembly of this Church Anno Dom. 1647. at Edinburgh August 28. Sess 25. did ordain Mr. Zacharie Boyd to turn the Scriptural Songs beside the Psalms in the Old and New Testament in Meeter for the use of the Church as Mr. Zacharie himself professes in the Preface to the said Songs Printed at Glasgow Anno Dom. 1648. But this Song in the Revelation 5. 9. I find not among the Scriptural Songs why he omitted it the reason I know not but this I know the Holy Ghost calls it a Song as expresly as any in the Bible 2. The singers are all Christians 3. The Subject is solemn and the duty undenyable to all that call themselves Christians Mr. Zacharie Boyd in his Letter to the Ministers of Scotland of the date Glasgow 27. of February 1648. which Letter he prefixes to his Scriptural Songs which he turned in Meeter sayes that the Church having the use thereof may in obedience to the Apostles Precept Eph. 5. 18. In Psalms and Hymns and spiritual Songs make melodie in their heart to the Lord. The 14th reason that we bring is from 1 Chron. 16. 29. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his Name whence with a little Explication the lawfulness of singing the Doxologie may be proven And first from Christs words in his Divine Institution of Baptism Mat. 28. vers 19. Baptize all Nations in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost So according to Christs words Father Son and Holy Ghost is the Name of God then seeing we are commanded to give glory to Gods name then to give glory to God the Father Son and Holy Ghost And if any would foolishly cavil here are three names let this suffice to stop their mouth that God who is truth it self hath called it in the Name in the Singular Number and not Names in the Plural a Justin in expositione fidei 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in doctrina baptismatis unite nobis Patris Filii Spiritus Sancti unum nomen traditum est Athanasius lib. 1. de unita Deitate Trinitatis ad Theophilum in eundem sensum Gregorius Nazianzenus Oratione 40. quae est in sanctum baptisma 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Epiphanius haeraesi 62. § 4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in uno nomine Trinieas appellata Arium refellat idem in Ancorato § 22. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Trinitas in uno nomine nominata Gaudentius sermone 14. non ait in baptismi institutione in nominibus sed in nomine quia unum Trinitatis est nomen Ambrosius lib. 1. de Spiritu Sancto cap. 14. in baptismo unum nomen quia unus est Deus Augustinus lib. 3. contra Maximinianum cap. 22. unum nomen quia hi tres sunt unum Fulgentius ad Felicem notarum cap. 2. nomen unum Deitatis quod triplicari non potest idem observant Lombardus Aquinas Therefore the Doctors both of the Greek and Latine Church have piously and learnedly dived into the mysterious cause of this one Name and with one consent they agree that it is to teach the unity of the Essence together with the Trinity of the Persons then for our purpose if Father Son and Holy Ghost be the Name of God and three distinct Persons in the Godhead are to be known and believed necessarily to salvation by all Christians who are baptized in that Name and seeing God in his mercy and goodness hath made Baptism a Seal applying to Christians benefits of unspeakable value given by Father Son and Holy Ghost shall it not then be Gods due from man and mans duty to God to give God the glory due unto his Name even to this his Name Father Son and Holy Ghost yea and to sing it for proof of which amongst many Texts take the 23. Verse of the foresaid Chapter 1 Chron. 16. Sing unto the Lord all the earth So that from these three Texts 1 Chron. 16. 23. and 29. with Mat. 28. and 19 I collect this conclusion all baptized in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost should sing Glory to the Father Son and Holy Ghost and if any object that 1 Chron. 16. 29. by Gods name is meant himself I answer be it so but God himself is Father Son and Holy Ghost Now Christian when you have read these reasons I intreat you to lay them to heart especially the first nine being most plain and ponder in each reason the first two sentences which no Christian will or dare deny albeit he know no more but the common grounds of reason and Christianity and if you grant both the first sentences and yet deny the third sentence following on that reason then know that truth hath got the victory and you are convinced And if you assent not to sing
benedictio videtur absque cantu Deo oblata 3. Davidis Doxologia solemnior Jehovah Elohim videtur prorsus ultima jam moribundi inquit Tremellius sanctam ipsius animam Deo reddentis Psal 72. 18 19. benedictus sit Jehovah Elohim v. 19. benedictum nomen gloriae ejus in seculum impleaturque gloriâ ejus tota terra Amen Amen huic Davidis Doxologiae seraphim Isai cap. 6. vers 3. stantes clamabant Trinitati Doxologiam ut supra probatum est hujus tractatus pagin◠47. plena est omnes terra gloria ejus quod quam belle respondet quasi implet verba Davidis nempe impleaturque gloria ejus tota terra Gods most proper Name most often used in the Old Testament it comes from an Hebrew word that signifies To Be and so Jehovah signies Gods Essence and Being of Himself and the giving of Being to all His Creatures therefore Exod. 6. 3. the Lord prefers His Name Jehovah to His other Name God Almighty for this Name implyes Gods Almighty Power to wit Elshaddai but Jehovah importeth Gods infinite Perfections therefore Psal 83. 18. God alone His Name is Jehovah and Isa 42. 8. I am Jehovah that is my Name and Exod. 15. 3. Jehovah is His Name therefore Num. 6. 24 25 26. when God endites the words of the Blessing to Moses how the Priest should pray over his People it is all in the Name of Jehovah and so the Lord puts His Name Jehovah upon His People The second Name of God most frequent in the Old Testament is Elohim it is the Plural Number and is sometimes indeed used in the Old Testament in the Singular Number but not so often by far as it 's in the Plural Number It is dispute among Divines what can be the reasons why the Lord should take to Himself so often a Name signifying Moe to wit a Plurality and to joyn that to another of His Names to wit Jehovah which is of the Singular Number for albeit often in the Old Testament God design Himself by other moe Names as God Almighty Lord of Hosts God of Israel c. yet most often He designs Himself Jehovah Elohim which is ordinarily rendered in the Bible Lord God For answer to the question proponed generally it is this That albeit from these two words there cannot be demonstrate the Unity of the Godhead and Trinity of the Persons by a convincing Argument against obstinate Jews and Antitrinitarian Hereticks yet from it may be brought a probable Argument to moderate and sober spirited Christians to prove that Moses and other Pen men of the Old Testament who themselves undoubtedly did know the Mystery of the Trinity as Moses David Isaiah c. and therefore when they did so often write these two Names of God together Jehovah Elohim the first being the Singular Number the second the Plural did thereby intimate the Unity of the Essence in the Godhead with the Trinity of Persons therefore Pareus on Genesis pag. 23. having dispute the question at length concludes No godly Man will deny the probability of this reason drawen from Elohim joined with another word of the Singular Number as it is here with Jehovah and so think the Westminster Synod Notes on the first two words of Genesis Elohim Bara the first Elohim being in the Plural Number jovned with Bara in the Singular Number He did creat and that Moses and the rest of the Pen-men of the Holy Scriptures in the Old Testament did know this Mystery is out of question to the Doctors both of the Reformed and Roman Church all which with the Fathers and Councils bring many strong and clear Arguments from the Old Testament to prove the Mystery of the Sacred Trinity Therefore Tremellius a Jew born in his Notes upon Gen. 1. 26. Let us make Man after our own image saith God Note this here God Father Son and Holy Ghost one God in three distinct Persons so appoint Let us here saith Tremellius is a Testimony of the Sacred Trinity and that not an obscure one And therefore the Westminster Notes prove from the Scriptures that Moses was not ignorant of the Doctrine of the Trinity and it is observable that in the first three Chapters of Genesis Moses nineteen times calls God Jehovah Elohim and who will deny that Abraham saw Christs day John 8. 56. and did not David call Him Lord when in the Spirit of Prophecy he spake of Him Mat. 22. 44. and Isaiah saw His Glory John 12. 41. And if some object If there be so many clear Testimonies in the Old Testament of the Doctrine of the Trinity how came it to pass that now the Jews who have and read the Old Testament deny the Sacred Trinity The Scriptures will answer you our Saviour in the Gospel pronounces them blind Mat. 15. 14. the blind lead the blind and often elsewhere and so the Apostle calls them Rom. 11. 7. were they not broken off for their Unbelief Rom. 11. 20. till the fulness of the Gentiles come in and since their rejection and breaking off the Vail is on their Eyes until this day while they read the Old Testament 2 Cor. 3. 13. yet it will not follow but that the Mystery of the Trinity was known to the Saints and saved in the Old Testament who believed the Covenant of Grace made with Adam in Paradice the seed of the Woman should tread down the head of the Serpent which our blessed Saviour was to the Saints in the Old Testament as well as to us the Way the Truth and the Life Joh. 14. 6. and the same to day yesterday and for ever Heb. 13. 8. So that as the believing Jews and Church of God in the Old Testament did believe the Doctrine of the Trinity albeit we grant that that Mystery of the Trinity was not so clearly revealed to these Saints in the Old Testament as it is now to us Christians under the New Testament asserted to them in many Testimonies of Scripture so they reading and hearing the Hebrew Text which was their Mother Language and therein two Names of God so often joyned together Jehovah Elohim the one in the Singular the other in the Plural Number the Holy Ghost and His Pen-men did thereby insinuate to them the Doctrine of the Sacred Trinity and according to this in many of the Hebrew Psalms and some Spiritual Songs there is a Doxology to Jehovah Elohim closing the Psalm to wit these Psalms following 76 80 84 90 92 99 144 146 and 1 Chron. 16. 36. and Chap. 29. vers 20. and Psal 72. vers 18 and 19. If then the Jew closed many Psalms with the Doxology to the blessed Trinity shall not the Christian to whom the Mystery is more clearly revealed and in which he is baptized and without which he cannot be saved for no Salvation without Christ Acts 4. 12. and he who denieth the Son hath not the Father 1 John 2. 23. and as the Holy Ghost proceeds from the Father and the
hanc questionem posse agitari num sit possibile aut saltem probabile Christianum posse esse certum de sua salute eundem non esse certum de hac veritate bonum est expedit Christianum psallere Doxologiam Patri filio spiritui sancto ratio dubitationis est haec probavimus nullum Christianum habere certitudinem propriae salutis nisi in cognitione religiosa scripturarum in fide sanctificatione fortem at vix est verisimile hunc fortem christianum acquisivisse certitudinem propriae salutis quae veritas est dissicillima acquisitu quia multum excedit lumen naturae solum fundatur in lumine gratiae at haec veritas Deus est licite hymno glorificandus Pater Filius Spiritus Sanctus haec propositio non solum fundatur in himine scripturarum gratiae sed etiam in lumine naturae ut probatum est Alia ratio probans certitudinem salutis esse veritatem acquisitu difficiliorem quam eam praedictam de Doxologia haec est plurimi quibus nunquam contingit certitude vera salutis quia impossibilis at ex eisdem non pauci qui callent sensum Scripturarum Literalem Historicum dogmaticum praecipâ—e si in Philosophia sunt bene versati quamvis vel Hypocritae vel flagitiosi tamen haec veritas licet glorificare Deum Patrem Filium Spiritum Sanctum hymno facillime potest ab ijs comprehendi quia Christiani millies milleni nec ad salutem credentes in Christum nec pij tamen has duas veritates certo credunt scilicet licet Deum hymno glorificare hanc assumptionem Deus est Pater Filius Spiritus Sanctus Simodo sint Philosophi nullatenus de conclusiâ—ne dubitabunt itaque possit mirum videri homines cognitionis fidei pietatis certitudinis propriae salutis multum jactantes attamen eosdem quasi sit mysterium incomprehensibile an sit licitum vel expediens saltem Deum Patâ—â—m Filium Spiritum Sanctum hymno glorificare dubitantes nec mirum videatur objectum fidei justificantis de sua salute Christiani certissimi hypocritae dogmatice solum credentis de sua salute incerti idem esse nempe Deum Patrem Filium Spiritum Sanctum nam justificatus credit in Deum toto corde Patrem Filium Spiritum Sanctum in Christum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sibi salvatorem at hypocrita credit esse Deum eumque esse Patrem Fiâ—ium Spiritum Sanctum Scripturas Dei Verbum esse veras at neutiquam credit in Deum Patrem Filium Spiritum Sanctum in Christum salutorem fidei justificante coâ— purificante renovante ipsum Deo in Christo vinculo Spiritus Sancti in Aeternum uniente hypocritae fides est more speculativa in cerebro fluctuans at credentis ad salutem in corde radicata pieque fiducialis practica that the Doxologie is of this nature which reason of the strong is thus framed whatsoever is clearly lawful from the light of Nature and the Word of God that to the religious Christian is lawful to do but to sing glory to God is clear from the light of Nature and from the holy Scriptures therefore it is lawful for the religious Christian to do it First It is clear from the light ol Nature because many learned Pagans who had no more but the light of Nature did sing holy Hymns of praise to their gods this is abundantly clear in Humane History and undenyable Secondly The Holy Scriptures are full of it especially the Book of the Psalms commanding us to sing praises to God now this proves infallibly the general that it is lawful to sing glory to God Which Conclusion being proven I make up a second Reason and takes the proven Conclusion for the Major and I reason thus It is unquestionably lawful to sing glory to God I assume God is Father Son and Holy Ghost then it is unquestionably lawful to sing Glory to Father Son and Holy Ghost and if any think themselves strong and being under prejudice are not satisfied with this reason I would ask them if their Infant-Baptism was not an act of lawful Worship and done in faith of the Minister that Baptized and of their Parent that required and received that Sacrament for their use in both which I judge the Minister consecrat and administrat the Sacrament lawfully and their Parents lawfully received them from the Laver of Regeneration and yet I would gladly know from these that are not content with singing the Doxologie because it is not express in Scripture that the Christian sing glory to Father Son and Holy Ghost why then do they not reject their Infant-baptism because it is not express in Scripture Baptize Infants but well proven to be lawful by necessary consequence from Scripture which with the universal Church we think a sufficient ground for Infant-baptism And what is the cause that Antipedobaptists have fallen in that error and separat from the true Church Even because they were too deep in that opinion that necessary consequence from Scripture is not sufficient warrand for an act of religious Worship of which error ye would be aware lest it draw you into other greater errors then you are aware of 2. What express Scripture had Rahab to receive the Spies conceal them and send them away safely Joshua 2. 9. c. Heb. 11. 31. Jam. 2. 25. All which that she did in Faith is proven clearly from these quoted Scriptures then her faith was good and acceptable to God albeit only built on good consequences from Scripture 3. I ask of you John who comes to Church and Communicats taking the Lords Supper whether your worship be in faith which I in charity suppon it is but where is your express warrand in your Bible you John such a man come and worship and take the Lords Supper as the pledge of your salvation These words are not to be found in the whole Scripture why then dare ye come to worship and take the holy Sacraments I think ye will or should answer because in the express Word of God there is a general invitation Come to me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest Mat. 11. 28. From which gracious general invitation I suppon ye assume in sincere and good Conscience I John am heavy loaden and labours to be freed of my burden by all the good means appointed by God preparatory to that holy Sacrament which if you can truly affirm in the sight of God then I dare assure you in the Name of Jesus that your worshipping and communicating is in faith albeit you have not express warrand in your Bible for you such an one by name to communicate 4ly You John believes to be saved but no expresse warrand have you in your Bible that you John such a one shall be saved yet I suppon with you in charity your Act
the deserved reproof of Ignorance â—ride and Perversness therefore Mr. Baxter in his Method of Peace of Conscience paâ— 411. writes thus In my weak judgment if Hymns and Psalms of Praise were new invented as fit for the state oâ— thâ— Gospel Church and Worship to laud the Redeemer come in the Flesh as expressly as the work of Grace is now express As Davids Psalms were fitted to the former state and infancy of the Churchâ— and more obscure Revelations of the Mediator and His Grace it would be no sinful humane invention or addition nor any more want warrand then ouâ— inventing the form and words of every Sermon we preach or every Prayer that we make or any Catechism or Confession of Faith nay it seems oâ— so great usefulness as is next to a necessity and if there be any convenient parcels of the ancient Church that are fitted to this use they should deservedly Petrus Martyr Comment in quintum caput Judicum v. ◠§ 4. curandum ne in templis quaevis promiscue canantur sâ—d illa tantummodo quae divinis literis continentur aut quae inde justis conclusionâ—bus eliciuntur cum verbo Dei ad amiusium consentiunt nam si senestra inventis hominum aperiaâ—ur verendum est ne musica ecclesiastica tandem ad nugas fabulas reâ—idat at approbat Hymnos Ambrosii cani in Templis Symbolum Athanasii Psalmos Augustini contra Donatistas be preferred for doubtless if Gods usual solemn Worship on the Lords days were fitted and directed to a pleasant delightful praising way it would do very much to frame the spirits of Christians to joyfulness thankfulness and delight in God than which there is no greater care for the doubtful pensive and self-tormenting frame of some Christians O try this Christians at the request of one who is moved by God to importune you to it Isa 58. 14. Thou shall delight thy self in the Lord compare this with Zeph. 3. 17. The Lord will rejoice over thee with joy he will rest in his love he will rejoyce over thee with singing If it be objected that the Doxology is defective because it expresseth not the unity of the Essence in the Godhead with the Trinity of the Persons to wit that we do not express glory to God Father Son and Holy Ghost to which I answer first That it is beyond all question that these three Persons Father Son and Holy Ghost are one glorious God and so all true ChrisTians from the rising of the Sun to its going down do firmly believe and unanimously profess therefore to sing it after that manner no doubt were Orthodox then ye will urge why was it not so appointed at first to be sung in Churches for answer to which question I perceive that the Westminster Synod in their Directory Anno Dom. 1645. for Baptism have appointed the Sacrament of Baptism to be administrate in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost without adding one word more albeit they did well know and believe that these three are one God which no doubt they have done following closs to the example of that great cloud of Witnesses to wit the Universal and particularly the reformed Churches lest otherwise they had presumed to teach our Saviour who is the wisdom of the Father to speak better and more full Divinity And this leads us to the chief Answer to wit Why the Doxology Ecclesia antiqua fidem suam in tres personas divinas aequales ejusdemque trinitatis Doxologiam super Christi verbis baptisma instituentis accuratius fundarunt patres concilij Constantiâ—op secundi oecumen ab Ecclesia universali in hunc diem approbati mittunt libellum synodicum Roman ad Damasim aliosque Epis copos ibidem convocatos in quo exhibent fidei suae de Trinitate confessionem 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 consentaneam baptismati 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Theodoret Hist Eccles lib. 5. cap. 9. Nazianzen his contemporandus oratione 32. Anno Dom. 381. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 idem Nazianzâ— Oratione 6. de Spiritu Sancto 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Quod ad Arianorum perversam ac haereticam Doxologiae corruptionem ab Ecclesia Orthodoxa damnatam consule Theodoretum Hist Eccl. lib. 2. cap. 24. ex Athanasio does not express the unity of the divine Essence with the Trinity of Persons even because these ancient Doctors of the Church and Apostolick Men in their holy and due reverence given to our Saviours words when he appointed Christian Baptism baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost to the Doxology would neither add nor alter from that divine Pattern and accordingly Basil the great writes Epist. 78. We must as we have received even so Baptize and as we Baptize even so Believe and as we Believe even so give Glory As for the Arian about the Year of Christ 360. in the Cathedral Church of Antioch the Arians singing the Doxology were observed to change the words appointed by our Saviour in Christian Baptism and instead of singing Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost did sing Glory to the Father by the Son in the Holy Ghost which presumptuous change the Orthodox Church did condemn as flowing from an Antichristian heart inspired from Hell yet pretending somewhat of an Angel of Light for their heretical Spirit was seen through their Mask in that they did not keep fast the form of sound words 2 Tim. 1. 13 Others object To oblige Christians to sing the Doxology is to take away their Christian liberty who should have it still in their option to sing it or not sing it when they please I answer God never appointed Christian Liberty to warrand disorderly Confusion which God disowneth for according to this Objection in a Church Meeting there is one half at such a Diet that will not sing the Doxology because of their Christian Liberty and the other half will sing it at that same Si Ecclesiae incolumitati bene prospectum volumus diligenter omnino curandum est ut diligenter omnia secundum ordinem siant ut cum in hominum moribus tanta insit diversit as tanta in animis varietas tanta in ingeniis judiciisque pugna neque politia ulla firma est nisi certis legibus constituta nec nisi stata quaedam forma servari ritus quispiam potest Institut lib. 4. cap. 10. §. 27. time because of Christian Liberty and then who will deny this to be horrid and scandalous Confusion very dishonourable to the God of all Glory who is not the Author of Confusion 1 Cor. 4. 33. and hath commanded all things to be done decently and in order and therefore hath given power to His Church to appoint such and such things to be done decently and in order as is clear in Calvin's words If it be objected to the Christians to sing the Doxology so often
is infirmity and weakness in many Christians therefore after that diverse day of keeping of Easter raised such broils and contentions betwixt the East and West Church that there was no visible nor seasible way for preventing a fearful rent and schism in the universal Church until the general Council of Nice did appoint all to keep one day which the universal Church hath kept ever since therefore Beza in his 24. Epist and 14. § thereof distinguisheth well betwixt Ecclesiastick constitutions some are universal some particular and without all controversie the singing of the Doxologie is of universal constitution for as we have proven from antiquity of Fathers and Councils the singing of the Doxologie was the practice and judgement of the universal Church therefore as the universal Church resolved to keep Easter upon a differing day from the Jew who crucified the Lord of glory and still blasphemes him as Constantine the Great insinuats in his pious Letters after that Council of Nice so that same universal Church resolved to keep the Doxologie as a testimony against the Arians and all such blasphemous Antitrinitarian Hereticks Then to apply the singing of the Doxologie is like the keeping of Easter on the Christian Sabbath day and not with the Jew on their day to which both the Civil Magistrat by their Authority and the Church by their Spiritual Authority did agree at the Council of Nice as for that Text which we cited Rom. 14. of Christians in two contrary opinions about meat and dayes the Civil Magistrat nor Church had not as yet interponed their Authority but it was still Arbitrary for the Magistrats external power they being then all Pagans to them both the Jewish and Christian Religion were accounted superstition about words and names as said the Pagan Magistrat Acts 25. 19. and they thought it below them to take notice of these things as for the Church Authority which was then Apostolick the Learned know the reason why they did not determine these questions of meats and dayes because there was a time allotred of interim betwixt the death and honourable burial of the Jews Ceremonies which time of their honourable burial was not yet expired and the Epistle to the Romans was written in this interim during which time the Jewish Ceremonies of meats and dayes c. were mortui to the strong Christian Jew and they were freed of their yoak by taking on Christs easie yoak and to the weak Christian Jew who was not clear to quite these Ceremonies as yet during this interim they were indifferent and not mortiferi So that place foresaid Rom. 14. I fear be misapplyed by these that refuse to sing the Doxologie for the case alters in this the Doxologie is determined to be used both by the universal Church and all civil Christian Powers but these meats and dayes when St. Paul wrote to the Romans were yet left arbitrary therefore St. Paul reproved these weak Christians for their ignorance in not eating but how much more bitterly had he reproved and condemned them if their not eating had been a breach of the command of the Church and State as now it is in refusing to sing the Doxologie Yet as the singing of the Doxologie agreed upon by the universal Church differs from the keeping of Easter on the Christian Sabbath and not on the Jewish Sabbath in two particulars 1. The universal Church did more then 200. years differ in keeping the Christian Easter but all that time not one iota of objection or scruple against the singing of the Doxologie 2. The Scandalizing Act of difference of keeping Easter was but once in the year but the refusing to sing the Doxologie is a scandal every weekly Sabbath This your refusing to sing the Doxologie which the universal Church judgeth to be lawful and expedient is offensive and evil both to these within and these without the Church for these within the Church I make this Hypothesis that there being many thousand Protestants beyond Seas who hear that some in Scotland have made a separation from their Mother Church and yet these same beyond Seas do not study the particular grounds or pretended causes of that separation yet these same persons being certainly informed that these of the Scots separation among other differences refuse to sing the Doxologie which refusal of theirs is so notorious in their Publick Worship that it is like the Oyntment upon the right hand which cannot be hid Then what will Protestant Strangers over Seas conclude Even this that seing there is in Scotland some who without just cause have abandoned the Doxologie contrary to the judgement and practice of the universal Church then it is very like that their other pretences for their separation are as unwarrantable this refusing to sing the Doxologie is also evil to these without the Church which I thus illustrat a Turk Jew or Pagan being in the way of conversion to Christianity and having learned that there is one God and three Persons Father Son and Holy Ghost for in this Name he is to be baptized and being thereafter informed that these same men who are to Baptize him refuse to sing Glory to the Father Son and Holy Ghost in their Publick Worship in what a demurr and doubtful perplexity would that Turk be Or would he receive Baptism from these who were to Baptize him in the Name of Father Son and Holy Ghost and yet would not themselves sing Glory to Father Son and Holy Ghost and also forbid him to sing it would not that doubt debarr him from Christian Baptism and Salvations or else upon better information that these who refused to sing the Doxologie were but a hanâ—ful who did separate themselves from the many thousand thousands of Christians who did gladly sing the Doxologie Would not that Turk joyn himself gladly to that Church whose Word and Works Sacraments of God and his other Worship was harmonious where they did Baptize in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost did also in their Publick Worship sing Glory to Father Son and Holy Ghost This bygone information as I directed is only to the weak and gracious Lambs of Christ yet because I know there are other sort of Christians to whom though I owe not so great respect as to the Lambs yet I will tender them this word ye who refuse to sing the Doxologie pretending Conscience for your refusing ye are either painted Tombs and cunning Hypocrites or openly prophane ones who proclaim your sin like Sodom First I speak to the Hypocrite thou gravely assevers that you dare not sing the Doxologie leâ—â— you should wrong or grieve your Conscience but how comes it to pass that against thy knowledge and Conscience thou lives in secret hainous sins wilt thou in that day when thou gives account of thy self to the all-seeing God the searcher of hearts and the eye-witness of thy secret sins pretend Conscience as thy defence for thy schism now in refusing to sin the
but that howsoever it is true And because of the mysteriousness of these Gospel Divine Truths there is a necessity for a Christian to deny himself before he can follow Christ Matt. 16. 24. deny his carnal Wit and corrupt Reason therefore in the Lord's work of Man's Conversion in which He applys His exceeding great and Mighty Power Eph. 1. 19. He casts down Imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self against the Knowledge of God and bringeth into captivity every thought unto the obedience of Christ 2 Cor. 10. 5. where albeit the Almighty Hand of God is first in order and chief in the work yet the Christian himself willingly consents to captivate all his carnal Imaginations and Thoughts and over the belly of them all gives the assent of Faith to the Mysteries of the Gospel because they are the Truth of God who is infinite in Truth and cannot Lie for he who piously and humbly captivates his Thoughts to Christ will stop the mouth of all Objections of corrupt Reason with Abraham against hope believing in hope Rom. 4. 18. which assent of Faith gives God far more Glory then the assent of Science which flows naturally from the force of that natural Light born in by the knowledge of the Cause but the assent of Faith is supernatural being a supernatural Grace and gift of God with all its degrees And because the Mystery of the Trinity and Christ's Incarnation were so high above Man's corrupt Reason therefore in the first 400. Years of the New Testament Satan wrought mightily in the Children of Disobedience and did find it an easie work to raise up many blasphemous Hereticks who in the pride of their undaunted Heart refused to captivate their corrupt Reason to believe the Mysteries of the Trinity and Incarnation which were not contrary to Reason but above it CHAP. II. This Chapter hath three Parts First a Catalogue of the Chief Ring-leading Hereticks against the Doctrine of the Sacred Trinity the first 400. Years Secondly The many evils of Sin and Misery that followed upon these Heresies Thirdly How the Lord and His Church opposed and confounded them AS for the Roll of the Ring leading Hereticks after our Lord's Ascension intending brevity We passe by all the Errors or Heresies mentioned or foretold in the New Testament Matth. 24. v 9. and 24. Act. 20. v. 29 and 30. Acts 15. Rom. 16. v. 17 and 18. Gal. 1. 6 7. Col. 3. v. 1. Col. 9. v. 10. Col. 2. v. 8. 1 Tim. 1. 20. Col. 9. 1. 2 Tim. 2. v. 17 18. 2 Tim. 3. 8. 2 Thess 2. v. 8. Albeit therein be instanced diverse Doctrines of Devils and St. Peter foretells that some would deny the Lord that bought them 2 Pet. v. 4. and St. John 2 Epist 4. 3. mentions many Antichrists in the General and denyers of Christ but particularizeth none as such for Simon Magus Act. 8. 18. Was a baptised Christian and falling in the Sin of Simonie in a most gross manner was justly and bitterly rebuked by the Apostle Peter And Ecclesiastick Hystoriographers record that thereafter he returned with the Doge to his vomite and with the Sow to the wallowing in the myre went to Rome and turned to his old trade of witchcraft where he was admired for his Lying Satanical Wonders as before his Baptism he had been admired in Samaria Act. 8. v. 9 10. and blasphemously called himself Father Son and Holy Ghost b Euseb hist Eccles lib. 2 cap. 1. cap. 12. 13 14. Ignatius Epistola ad Tralesios Ireneus lib. 1. cap. 20. Justinus Martyr Apologia secunda fusius Cerinthus blasphemed Christ Jesus to be only a Man and not the Messia Anno Dom. 75. c Ireneus lib. 1. cap. 25. lib. 3. cap. 3. Euseb lib. 3. cap. 22. The third Ring-leader Heretick Ebion vented the like Blasphemies by occasion of which three Hereticks and their many followers the Apostle St. John who lived to this time wrot the Gospel in which his chief intent is to prove and maintain against these Blasphemous Hereticks that Christ is God and Man in one Person d Ireneus lib. 1. cap. 26. Eusebius lib. 3. cap. 21. Ignatious epist ad Trallianos Epiphanius heresie 51. Cerdon Blasphemed that the God of the Old Testament was not Christ's Father Anno Dom. 143. e Ireneus lib. 1 cap. 28. Euseb lib. 4. cap. 10. Valentinus of whom came the Genosticks rejected the Doctrine of the Sacred Trinity and made up a fiction as it were of three Gods Anno Dom. 145. f Euseb lib. 4. cap. 10. Ireneus lib. 1. cap. 1. alibi passim multis refutat a Euseb lib. 5. cap. ult Eumcum prioribus refutat Ignatius nominatim Epist ad Tralianos Theodotus That Christ was only Man he denyed Christ to be the Word Joh. 1. 1. An. Dom. 194. b Hos refutat Tertul. Praxeas denyed the Trinity his Followers were called Patripossiani Anno Dom. 210. c Hos refutat Tertul. Melchizedeciani blasphemed that Melchizedeck was greater then Christ d Eus lib. 7. cap. 5. refutatur ad Athanasio Sabellius denyed the blessed Trinity e Damnatus in Concilio Antiocheno Anno Dom. 272. Samosatenus denyed Christ to be God Anno Dom. 269. f Eus lib. 7. cap. 25. Socrat 1. lib. 1. cap. 17. Exortus est Anno Dom. 276. eum Augustinius multus eruditus refutavit Manes and his Followers denyed Christ and the Holy Ghost to be God g Damnatus a 318. Episcopis Socret lib. 1. cap. 3 4 5. Theodoret lib. cap. 1. 7. Sozomen lib. 1. cap. 16. Anno Dom. 325. Arius denyed the second Person of the blessed Trinity to be one in substance co-equall and co-eternall with God the Father he was confuted in the Council of Nice his Blasphemy condemned and he Excommunicated An. Dom. 325. h Socrat. lib. 2. cap. 24. a Basilio magno in disputatione devictus Photinius fell unto the heresie of Sabellius and Sam. Satanius he was condemned in the Council of Serinium i Socrates lib. 2. cap. 35. ab Athanasio Basillo refutatus Macedonius denyed the Holy Ghost to be God Anno Dom. 360. He was condemned in the General Council of Constantinople Anno Dom. 381. k Socrat. lib. 7. cap. 33. in hoc concilio contra Nestorium Cyrillus magnam sustinuit partem Nestorius denyed the Personal Union of Christ's Divine and Humane Natures Therefore was condemned by a General Council at Ephesus by 200. Bishops Anno Dom. 431. And being obstinat was banished by the Emp. Theodosius Albeit these forementioned Heriticks all Blasphemed the Sacred Trinity yet none of them but were poysoned with moe Errors besides for mans corrupt heart is a too fertill soil to receive Satans Inventions l Di onisius Episcopus Alexandrinus Eus lib. 7. cap. 6. Anno Dom. 260. One of the Antients by reading the Blasphemies of Hereticks did not only condemne them but also
abhorred them the more So I wish every Christian Reader of this Little Catalogue to make the like good use of it for the Learned read them at length in the large Volums and from this Catalogue the Learned may Collect the Reason why the subtill Serpent the Enemy of Gods Glory and Mans Salvation was so much set against the Doctrine of the Trinity even because of it's great fundamentality in the Christian Saving Faith In the second Part of the Chapter follows the manyfold and sade evils both of Sin and Misery that were caused by these Blasphemous Hereticks 1. The Lord of Glory was in a High Degree dishonoured and greatly provoked to anger So that the Learned and Pious in there consuming Zeal and holy Indignation did admire the Lords long Suffering Patience crying out O God how long shal the adversary reproach shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever Psal 74. 10. 2. Too many followed those Blaspheming Hereticks and their Pernitious wayes and that often in the particular Kingdom where their Blasphemy was first invented and sometimes their Pestilentious Breath spread abroad and infected moe Kingdoms with their Poyson 3. Satan and the power of Darknesse sometimes seemed to triumph and Wickedness to lift up it's horn on high and the smoak of the Bottomless Pit to darken the Face of the Earth 4. Many weak Christians and tender Lambs of Christ staggered and stumbled being troubled with the Words of Hereticks almost to the subverting of their Souls now in a fainting condition their hearts being moved as the Trees of the Wood with a mighty Wind and many in danger to perish for whom Christ died 5. The sade condition of these Flocks no doubt moved their Pastors in holy Zeal like St. Paul to wish these incorrigible Hereticks who did what in them lay to destroy the Flock of God Accursed from the Lord as they were cut off from the Church Gal. 5. 12. even these wandring Stars to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness-for ever Jude v. 13. 6. Sometime unstable Church men were Deceived and Insnared who when Learned Eloquent or both they prevailed mightily both in City and Countrey Like that time when the Great Red Dragons Tail did draw the third part of the Stars of Heaven and cast them to the Earth Revel 12. 3 4. Hence a fearfull Rent and Schisme was made in the Church Hence came Biting Devouring and Consuming one another Gal. 5. 15. 7. The Jew and Pagan were hardened in their Errors and a stumbling block insuperable laid in the way of their Conversion 8. The Jew and in after Ages the Turk joyning with them did gladly â—rasp at the opportunity to increase the Fire of Conâ—ention by joyning with the Hereticks and Apostats and strengthning their hands against the Orthodox And took the more boldnesse to Blaspheme that worthy Name by which we ate named Iam. 2. 7. 9. The frequent and beautiful meetings of the Flocks of Christ being Seduced Diminished and Scattered caused their Faithful Pastors to offend Mourn and Lament these of their Flocks that had fallen Like the Loving Mother weeping over not One only but Many of Her Children dying together And to lyâ— all night in Sackcloath and weep betwixt the Porch and the Altar to be in great heaviness and continual sorrow of heart and almost to wish themselves accursed from Christ for the welfare of His Church and their Flocks therein Rom. 9. 21. 10. When sometime the Faction of Hereticks grew strong as in particular of the Arians having by the subtility of the Serpent obtained the Secular Power to joyn and side with them and so did many Years Persecute the true Church of Christ not only to the spoyling of their Goods Imprisonment or Banishment but also many thousands having suffered Cruel Torments at last Sealled the True Faith of Christ with their Blood and Death Of which Arian Persecution against the true Church of Christ we intend hereafter to give you a more particular accompt Follows the third part of the Chaâ—ter wherein we shall give you a Compendious accompt of the Good and Holy Means which the God of Truth who walks in the midst of the seven Golden Candlesticks and His Church the Pillar and Ground of Truth 1 Tim. 3. 15. Having the Truth dwelling in them and therefore were Fellow-helpers to the truth in this time of Jacob trouble Windowing and Fiery Tryal The Lord stirred up and inspired the Learned Doctors of His Church to plead the cause of their Mother against these Wolves and Foxes who made Havock of the Church which Doctors in their Generation were Burning and Shining Lights did earnestly contend for the Faith once delivered unto the Saints Jude 3. Were valiant for the Truth and suffered it not to fall in the Streets but gave those Hereticks publick Disput as they found Opportunity Refuted them by their Writings left to the Church in their several Volums to this Day wherein they Refuted not only the Heresies that rose in their own Dayes but also all the Heresies that Blasphemers had spread before their time and by Painfull and Zealous Preaching of the Truth they Confirmed their Flocks and furnished them with Powerfull preservatives against the Poyson of Seducers a Ignatius Justinus in suis Epistolis Justinus epistola ad Philippenses Dominus mittens Apostolos jussit baptizâ—re in nomen Patris Filij Spiritus Sancti 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Epist. ad c. Philadel-Phienses 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod ad Ignatium in suis maltis epistolis ad varias Ecclesias perquam erudite omnes Hereticos se priores confutat confundit praesertim antitrinitarios 3. Irenaeus justo volumine summo labare scripsit polemice adversus Hereticos se priores contemporarios 4 Cyprianus justo itidem volumine multus est in veritate christiana stabilienda quam hi quatuor heroessanguine consignarunt A second Mean Beside the thousand thousand Christians that Sealed the Christian Faith of the Trinity with their Blood and Death among them many Pious and Learned Bishops not only defended the Truth of God by their Pen and Writings as a foresaid but also Sealed that Truth which they had Written and Preached by their Blood and Death As Ignatius Justin Irenaeus and Cyprian and many others who wrot learnedly in defence of the Sacred Trinity against Blasphemous Hereticks The third Means As these glorious Martyrs for the Glory of their Lord Father Son and Holy Ghost Sealed His Truth with their Blood So the Almighty who only does wonders appended His own Seall to His own Truth in their Death by many miracles of diverse sorts First of stupendious Courage and a Ignatius a militibus Romam conductus in Epist quam ad Romanos praemisit vehementer christianos hortatur Romanos adjurat ut eorumnullus solicitet magistratum Romanum ut Ignatium a morte liberate fassus se exultaturum tormenta mortem pro Christo submenta martyrium
England As for these Brethren in England who requested the General Assembly in Scotland to lay aside the singing of the Doxologie no doubt they had taken the League and Covenant and on this account are called Brethren but in that Covenant they did solemnly vow and swear to Almighty God to reform Religion according to the best reformed Churches but all the reformed Churches have still retained the Doxologie why then did not these Brethren in England fear that Oath the mark of the truly godly Eccl. 9. 2. And if any would thus excuse them that they were perswaded by such strong reasons as they thought liberate them from their Oath in regard of singing the Doxologie I answer granting that it is possible they had such thoughts as may be in charity supponed To which I reply If they had as they thought such strong reasons convincing themselves then they were bound to impart that new and rare light unknown to the universal Church for more then 1300. years they should have imparted that spiritual gift and not hid that talent of knowledge in their Napkin nor set their Candle under a Bushel but on a Candlestick to give light to all the house not only of the reformed but even of the universal Church 2. It may be thought that they were obliged to clear themselves of giving offence in separating from the Reformed Churches contrary to their Covenant and quitting the Doxologie without so much as rendering one reason for their making a breach from the reformed Churches in their uniformity in Worship which they did swear in their Covenant I am also sorry that with their quitting of the Doxologie these in England did also quite both the solemn blessings in the Old and New Testament which the Reformed Church useth in the closing of the publick Worship that they would neither give God his due nor his people not him his solemn glory nor them their solemn blessing and so they have not left a blessing behind them and it is like their way hath not been the more blessed in their deed for as their laying aside of the Apostolick blessing 2 Cor 13 14. which Text the universal Church taketh for one of the chief Texts in the Word-of God for proving the great fundamental point of faith of the Sacred Trinity So the universal Church had made use of the Doxologie these many hundred years bygone as a strong preservative against seducing of people to errour anent the Trinity As for the General Assembly of Scotland as they piously and prudently in these unsettled and reeling times retained both the blessings of the Old and New Testament in their Publick Worship with the rest of the reformed Churches So it was a good presage that in the Lords good time they would re-assume and sing glory to the blessed Trinity with the rest of the reformed and universal Church as now they do at this day for which we give glory to the blessed Trinity CHAP. XII That invalid Scruple answered because the Doxologie is not to be found altogether in one place of Scripture and the conveniency of singing it proven THe Apostle Paul as a good Pastor professeth he became all things to all men that by all means he might save some 1 Cor. 9. 22. So I am informed that some Christians weak in knowledge because the General Assembly for a time did lay aside the Doxologie therefore they in an ignorant mistake thought it unlawful to be sung and they are promoved in that errour upon this weak reason because the Doxologie is noâ— express in continued Scriptures as the Psalms of David are I answer first If a Preacher whom they like well Preach or Pray or Praise God in Prose or without a Song although neither of these three their Sermon Prayer or Praise be express Scripture but only according to Scripture and I heartily wish it be alwayes so then without all scruple they joyn in these as parts of Gods Worship when neither that Sermon Prayer or Praise is the express Word of God but if we praise God with a Tone or Song it must either be in the Psalms of David or else it is an abomination to them But doth not the Apostle command to praise God in Psalms Hymns and spiritual Songs Eph. 5. 19. In which place the Learned dare not exclude any Hâ—mn or spiritual Song in Scripture and we have proven already thâ— Dâ—xologie to be of this nature 2. I answer whereas they say nothing should be sung in Publick Worship but express Scripture then let them be pleased to learn this truth that the Psalms which they sing in Meeter or Verse are but a Paraphrase or short Commentary upon the Scripture for no Church nor Divine rejects the express Word of God but for Paraphrase it is ordinary to reject one and authorize another as the Church finds expedient and thus the General Assembly of Scotland rejected the old Paraphrase of the Psalms as not so fit as need were in some things and caused make a new Paraphrase in Meeter and authorized it to be used in Churches therefore no Paraphraâ—e is the express and pure Word of God so they are in a mistake singing an imperfect Commentary of mans making when they think they are singing the pure Word of God and yet you sing it without scruple of Conscience then I reason that any judicious Christian understanding that all the parts of the Doxologie are either expâ—ess Scripture or so infallible Divine fundamental and saving truth that they have been received without scruple or contradiction these 1300. years by the universal Church so that all that time not one Christian did carp at any one word of the Doxologie but as for the Paraphrase in Meeter upon the Psalms as that old is rejected for its faults so some do object and carp at some words and lines in the new Paraphrase which ye sing without scruple so that by consequence a learned and judicious Christian will sing the Doxologie with more clearness and contentment then some lines of the new Paraphrase although I think that last Paraphrase any defect in it is compatible to the peaceable and moderate Christian for this I write not that any should reject the late Paraphrase but that they who accept of the Paraphrase do not despise or reject the Doxologie 3. I answer In our Psalm Books in Scotland printed shortly after the Reformation from Popery we also printed with the Psalms some spiritual Songs and holy Hymns with liberty to sing them in the Church So the Church of Geneva reformed Church of France and the Church of Belgia have printed together with their Psalms of David many Scriptural Songs and holy Hymns and have authorized them to be sung in the publick Worship of God with the Lords Prayer Ten Commandments and the Apostolick Creed all turned in Meeter and sung in the Church and dare any in Britain who own the name of Protestant condemn this practice of the reformed Churches beyond Seas without
the Jews Acts 3. 17. and Joseph his Brethren Gen. 50. 20. Secondly He will â—ear with the froward Speeches of the Weak as the Lord does with Jonah chap. 4. vers 9. For he that covereth a transgression seeketh love Prov. 17. 9. yea Love covereth all sins Prov. 10. 22. to wit of Infirmity Thirdly They will answer â—he froward words of the Weak with Meekness for a soft tongue breaketh the bone Prov. 25. 15. Eli in his imprudent rashness did mistake holy Hannah 1 Sam. 1. 14. by her soft and humble answer Elies mistaken reproof was instantly turned into a prophetical blessing of her which the Lord fulfilled This Duty of the Strongs bearing with the infirmities of the Weak must always be subordinate to our pleasing of God which two are very well consistent for our Saviour and so should every good Christian increased in favour with God and Man Luke 2. 52. The Babes and Lambs of Christ must be ranked in two sorts First Some weak in Knowledge but not so weak in sanctifying Grace others some more Knowledge but less sanctifying Grace and accordingly the strong should carry toward them but they will find it much easier and sweeter to converse with these weak ones who have some measure of Sanctification though their Knowledge be weak and these weak ones again must be suboivided some only Weak some both Weak and Sick that is not only weak in Knowledge but also Sick by reason of Desertion or Soul perplexiâ—iesâ— tending to Despair these of all the weak Lambs must be and should be most tenderly dealt with and of these especially our Saviour speaks in His Gospel better a Milnstone be hanged â—bout his Neckâ— and he be drowned in the deep of the Sea then he offend one of these little ones that believe in me Be cautious to try out and careful to oversee these Lambs by any others As for you that are Strong because you are not all of one size I confesâ— the talk of bearing with the Infirmities and gaining of the Weak to râ—quiâ—e strong Shoulders and the Graces abovementioned required in the Strong for that Duty proves no less And therefore ye that are strong in Kâ—â—wledge but weâ—k in Mortification and Sanctification no doubt that â—â—sk will be more difficult to you and therefore my humble advice to you is that if you find you are not sufficiently strong in Mortification and Patience as to bear with the Infirmities of them beware oâ— falling in reasoning or disputing with them for that will make no Healing but rather more Strife But withall I would charge you to make this choice rather to bear with the weak Lambs then for pleasing of Men to bear too much with Sinners which is a displeasing of God and thou who will not stoop to bear with the infirmities of the Weak does not thy Father in Heaven bear with thy infirmities and grosser sins does not thy Neighbour with whom thou converseth bear with thee also nay he deserves not to be born with or live in Christian Society who is â—o passionate and wrathful that he will neither bear word or look for in many things we sin all especially in sins of infirmity beware thou be not like Job's Friends who had some measure of Knowledge and came with real purpose to comfort their Friend but for want of Charity they proved miâ—erable Comforters and instead of binding up his Soul wounds ranckled them more As for you who are strong both in Knowledge and Grace though the task be hard and difficult sometime to the strongest Christian as upon this account sometimes ye will have to do with a Lamb so weak in Knowledge that they will think you scarce deserve the name of Christian or that you have Grace or are walking in the way to Heaven the best confutation of these is to live with them and before them in all good Conscience and by time they will be convinced of their Error towards you As for you who are prophane in your Lives and yet have more Knowledge in Religion then the weak Lambs beware ouâ— take it not upon you to reproach these Lambs for in so doing you serve the Devil ye break the heart of the tender Lambs ye grieve the Spirit of God and who gave you authority to insult over them for to do these Lambs any good to their Soul condition thou has no Grace to do it being a slave to Satan and his Lusts thy self beware of the cuâ—se of Amalâ—k 1 Sam. 13. 3. his name to be blotted out from under Heaven bâ—cause with a cruel heart he pursued and smâ—â—e the hindmost sâ—eble faint and weary of Israel and Ezek. 34. 20. 1. because the strong Caâ—â—el thrust with side and shoulder and push'd all the diseâ—sed with their horns therefore will I destroy the fat and the strong I will â—ed them with judgment I will seek that which was lost bring again that which was driven away bind up that which was broken strengthen that which was sick As for you Lambs when you consider all this care that your Heavenly Father takes of you draw not hence this weak conclusion That because your Father in Heaven commands the Strong to bear wiâ—h your Infirmities and to please you for your good to Edification do not overwean upon that as if your Father in Heaven love you better then the Strong Christian know you not that the Father on Earth when he hath a young tender Child very sick or in danger of Death he will command his elder Brother who is yet more beloved of the Father then that young Child yet he will command him to sit up in the night and attend his sick Brother forbid him to speak a word to offend him why then is all this care of the Father even because the young one is weak and sick and in danger of Death and therefore has need to be tenderly dealt with therefore on the other hand when thou considers thy Heavenly Fathers tender care of thee and thy salvation give him this thankfull meeting to wit when any Strong Christian accosts thee in Christian love to gain thee from thy Errours to tender the Information and Instruction beware thou reject not such a Messenger Commissionated from thy Father but with all Meekness and Gentleness lend thy Ear and thy Heart to sound Instruction and if thou wilt keep Church Communion and live orderly thy Heavenly Father will more and more clear thee of thy doubts and mistakes and resolve to follow the advise of the Apostle Philip. 3. 16. Which comes to this that seing thy Neighbour Christian and you agree in the Fundamentals and saving Truths of Religion to wit one Catechism and Confession of Faith which are the compleat Rule to lead you both to Heaven walk joyntly together in that way of Faith and Holy Life and for any other difference in opinion till ye be cleared of your doubts there is no danger for your Soul to let them lye asleep And for you that are Strong remember that Precious Promise in the Covenant of Grace Their sin I will remember no more Heb. 8. 12. And none of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him Ezek. 18. 22. and 33. 16. So in this be ye followers of God as dear Children Ephes 5. 1. Therefore I charge you that their bygone escapes be mentioned no more as you would have your Heavenly Father keep that Covenant of Grace to you in the day of your accounts therefore let an Act of Oblivion in the Souls of the Strong in Gifts and Grace be passed in favours of the Weak who have returned or are in the way of returning to the Bosom of their Mother Church that so these Weak Lambs reflecting with an holy and inward Indignation against themselves for their bygone Mistakes and Wandrings may rejoyce in the Lord for the kindness and Christian Brotherly Love Humanity and Acceptance that they find even from these whom before they looked upon during their separation as castawayes and and now they find that Truth confirmed Charity suffereth long and is kind all which Christian Kindnesse they finding in you who are Strong it may prove a strong Convincing and Gaining Argument upon their Spirits that you have been and are still in the Right Way to Heaven For by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye love one another John 13. 35 And he that dwells in love dwells in God and God in him 1 John 4. 16. And for you beloved in the Lord who through the good hand of God upon you are returned to your Mother Church to Communion in Word and Sacraments let there be no Schism in your Worship but joyn with your Mother Church and Holy Church Universal in singing the Doxology with them make straight paths for your feet least that which is Lame be turned out of the way but rather let it be healed Heb. 12. 13. Do not so far as in you lyes make lame and halting Worship if you be silent when others are singing Glory to their God shall your loving Mother Church receive you again in her bosome and will ye be unthankfull and grieve her Soul in retaining that halt which ye learned straying on the Mountains and retain still to be a scandall to your Brethren and a grief to her that bare you God forbid As the Lords Covenant with Noah and with mankind in him and Sealled it with a visible Sign to continue to all Generations that he would not any more destroy the earth with a flood and according to that Covenant hath â—terat His Promise I have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetuall decree that it cannot passe it and though the waves tosse themselves yet cannot it prevail though they roar yet they cannot passe over it I beseech the Lord if it be His will that such another Inundation of Errours with such Confusion and disorder never overrun these three Kingdoms again untill that day that the Lord send forth His Angells and gather out of His Kingdom all things that offend and the King shall seperat the Sheep from the Goats and there shall be perfect Union in singing one Song with one Heart and Mouth unto all Eternity To Him that sits upon the Throne and to the Lamb and to the Holy Ghost be Glory and Praise And shall be Glory and Praise by all glorified Angels and Saints World without End AMEN FINIS