Familiar and lead on to Things that are more Hard and Intricate Besides that Things be more largely opened in the Catechism and divers Objections answered which are proposed in the Questions the Reader having past through that first will more perfectly understand the Confession which consisteth mainly in positive Assertions Not long after I had received and believed the â—estimony I now bear I had in my View both the Possibility and Facility of such a Work and now after a more large and perfect Acquaintance with the Holy Scriptures I found Access to allow some Time to set about it and have also been helped to Accomplish the same I doubt not but it might be enlarged by divers Citations which are here omitted as not being at present brought to my Remembrance Yet I find Cause to be Contented in that God hath so far assisted me in this Work by his Spirit that Good Remembrancer the Manifestation of which as it is minded will help such as Seriously and Conscientiously read this to find out and cleave to the Approved of and Agreed unto by the Truth and also Establish and Confirm those who have already believed Which of all things is most earnestly Desired and daily Pray'd for By ROBERT BARCLAY A Servant of the Church of CHRIST From Vrie the Place of my Being in my Native Country of Scotland the 11th of the 6th Moneth 1673. A CATECHISM CHAPTER I. Of GOD and the True and Saving Knowledge of Him Question SEeing it is a thing unquestioned by all sorts of Christians that the Height of Happiness consisteth in coming to know and enjoy Eternal Life what is it in the Sense and Judgment of Christ A. This is Life Eternal that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent Joh. 17. 3. Q. How doth God reveal this Knowledge A. For God who commanded the Light to shine out of Darkness hath shined in our Hearts to give the Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ 2 Cor. 4. 6. Q. How many God's are there A. One God Ephes. 4. 6. We know that an Idol is nothing in the World and that there is none other God but One But to us there is but One God 1 Cor. 8. 4 6. Q. What is God A. God is a Spirit Joh. 4. 24. Q. Among all the blessed Glorious and Divine Excellencies of God which are asscribed and given to him in the Scriptures what is that which is most needful for us to take notice of as being the Message which the Apostles recorded in special manner to declare of him now under the Gospel A. This then is the Message which we have heard of him and declare unto you That God is Light and in him is no Darkness at all 1 John 1. 5. Q. What are they that bear Record in Heaven A. There are Three that bear Record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost and these Three are One 1 John 5. 7. Q. How cometh any man to know God the Father according to Christ's words A. All things are delivered to me of my Father and no man knows who the Son is but the Father and who the Father is but the Son and he to whom the Son will reveal him Luke 10. 22. Mat. 11. 27. Jesus saith unto him I am the Way the Truth and the Life no man cometh unto the Father but by me John 14. 6. Q. By whom and after what manner doth the Son reveal this Knowledge A. But as it is written Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard neither have entered into the Heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit For the Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God For what man knoweth the things of a man save the Spirit of a man which is in him Even so the things of God knoweth no man but the Spirit of God Now we have received not the Spirit of the World but the Spirit which is of God that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God 1 Cor. 2. 9 10 11 12. But the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my Name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your Remembrance c. John 14. 26. CHAP. II. Of the Rule and Guide of Christians and of the Scriptures Question SEeing it is by the Spirit that Christ reveals the Knowledge of God in things spiritual is it by the Spirit that we must be led under the Gospel A. But ye are not in the Flesh but in the Spirit if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none his For as many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the Sons of God Rom. 8. 9 14. Q. It is an Inward Principle then that is to be the Guide and Rule of Christians A. But the Anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you and ye need not that any man teach you but as the same Anointing teacheth you of all things and is Truth and is no Lye and even as it hath taught you ye shall abide in him 1 John 2. 27. But as touching Brotherly Love ye need not that I write unto you for ye your selves are taught of God to love one another 1 Thes. 4. 9. Q. I perceive by this that it is by an inward Anointing and Rule that Christians are to be taught Is this the very tenor of the New Covenant Dispensation A. For this is the Covenant that I will make with the House of Israel after those dayes saith the Lord I will put my Laws into their Mind and write them in their Hearts and I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a People And they shall not teach every man his Neighbour and every man his Brother saying Know the Lord for all shall know me from the Least to the Greatest Hebr. 8. 10. â—1 And they shall be all taught of God John 6. 45. Q. Did Christ then promise that the Spirit should both abide with his Disciples and be in them A. And I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you forever even the Spirit of Truth whom the World cannot receive because it seeth him not neither knoweth him but ye know him for he dwells with you and shall be in you Joh. 14. 16 17. Q. For what End were the Scriptures written A. For whatsoever things were written afore time were written for our Learning that we through Patience and Comfort of the Scriptures might have Hope Rom. 15. 4. Q. For what are they profiâ—able A. Thou hast known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto Salvation through Faith which is in Christ Jesus All Scripture is given by Inspiration of God is
profitable for Doctrine for Reproof for Correction for Instruction in Righteousness that the Man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all Good Works 2 Tim. 3. 15 16 17. Q. Wherein consisteth the Excellency of the Scriptures A. Knowing this first that no Prophecy of the Scriptures is of any private Interpretation For the Prophecy came not in Old Time by the Will of Man but Holy Men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost 2 Pet. 1. 20 21. Q. The Scriptures are then to be regarded because they came from the Spirit and they also testifie that not they but the Spirit is to lead into all Truth In what respect doth Christ command to search them A. Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have Eternal Life and they are they which testifie of me Joh. 5. 39. Q. I perceive there was a Generation of old that greatly exalted the Scriptures yet would not believe nor come to be guided by that the Scriptures directed to How doth Christ bespeak such A. Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father there is One that accuseth you even Moses in whom ye trust For had ye believed Moses ye would have believed me for he wrote of me But if ye believe not his Writings how shall ye believe my Words John 5. 45 46 47. Q. What ought then such to be accounted of notwithstanding of their Pretences of being ruled by the Scriptures A. In which are some things hard to be understood which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest as they do also the other Scriptures unto their own Destruction 2 Pet. 3. 16. CHâ—P III. Of Jesus Christ's being manifest in the Flesh the Use and End of it Question VVHat are the Scriptures which do most observably prophesie of Christ's Appearance A. The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee of thy Brethren like unto me unto him ye shall hearken Deut. 18. 15. Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a Sign Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son and shall call his Name Immanuel Isa. 7. 14. Q. Was not Jesus Christ in being before he appeared in the Flesh What clear Scriptures prove this against such as erroneously assert the contrary A. But thou Beth-lehem Ephratah though thou be little among the Thousands of Judah yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be Ruler in Israel whose Goings forth have been from of Old from Everlasting Mic. 5. 2. In the Beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God The same was in the Beginning with God All things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made John 1. 1 2 3. Jesus said unto them Verily verily I say unto you Before Abraham was I am John 8. 58. And now O Father Glorifie thou me with thine own self with the Glory which I had with thee before the World was John 17. 5. And to make all men see what is the Fellowship of the Mystery which from the beginning of the VVorld hath been hid in God who created all things by Jesus Christ Ephes. 3. 9. For by him were all things created that are in Heaven and that are in Earth visible and invisible whether they be Thrones or Dominions or Principalities or Powers All things were created by him and for him Col. 1. 16. God hath in these last dayes spoaken unto us by his Son whom he hath appointed Heir of all things by whom also he made the Worlds Hebr. 1. 2. Q. These are very clear that even the World was created by Christ But what Scriptures prove the Divinity of Christ against such as falsly deny the same A. And the Word was God Joh. 1. 1. Whose are the Fathers and of whom as concerning the Flesh Christ came who is over all God blessed forever Amen Rom. 9. 5. Who being in the Form of God thought it no Robbery to be equal with God Philip. 2. 6. And we know that the Son of God is come and hath given us an Understanding that we may know him that is true and we are in him that is true even in his Son Jesus Christ This is the true God and Eternal Life 1 John 5. 20. Q. What are the Glorious Names the Scripture gives unto Jesus Christ the Eternal Son of God A. And his Name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor The Mighty God The Everlasting Father The Prince of Peace Isa. 9. 6. Who is the Image of the Invisible God the First-born of every Creature Col. 1. 15. Who being the Brightness of his Glory and the express Image of his Person or more propâ—rly according to the Greek of his Substance Hebr. 1. 3. And he was cloathed with a Vesture dipt in Blood and his Name is called the Word of God Rev. 19. 13. Q. After what manner was the Birth of Christ A. Now the Birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise Whenas his Mother Mary was espoused to Joseph before they came together she was found with Child of the Holy Ghost Mat 1. 18. And the Angel said unto her Fear not Mary for thou hast found Favour with God And behold thou shalt conceive in thy Womb and bring forth a Son and shalt call his Name Jesus He shall be great and shall be called The Son of the Highest and the Lord God shall give unto him the Throne of his Father David Then said Mary unto the Angel How shall this be seeing I know not a Man And the Angel answered and said unto her The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the Power of the Highest shall over-shadow thee Therefore also that Holy Thing that shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God Luke 1. 30 31 32 34 35. Q. Was Jesus Christ who was born of the Virgin Mary and supposed to be the Son of Joseph a True and Real Man A. Forasmuch as the Children are Partakers of Flesh Blood he also himself took part of the same that through Death he might destroy him thath hath the Power of Death that is the Devil Hebr. 2. 14. For verily he took not on him the Nature of Angels but he took on him the Seed of Abraham wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his Brethren that he might be a Merciful and Faithful High Priest c. Hebr. 2. 16 17. For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our Infirmities but was in all Points tempted as we are yet without Sin Hebr. 4. 15. And the Gift by Grace which is by one Man Jesus Christ hath abounded unto many Rom. 5. 15. But now is Christ risen from the Dead and become the First Fruits of them that slept for since by Man came Death by Man came also the Resurrection of the Dead 1 Cor. 15. 20 21. Q. After what manner doth the Scripture assert
the Conjunction and Vnity of the Eternal Son of God in and with the Man Christ Jesus A. And the Word was made Flesh dwelt among us and we beheld his Glory the Glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father full of Grace and Truth Joh. 1. 14. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the Words of God for God giveth not the Spirit by Measure unto him Joh. 3. 34. How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with Power who went about doing Good and healing all that were oppressed of the Devil for God was with him Acts 10. 38. For it pleased the Father that in him should all Fulness dwell Col. 1. 19. For in him dwelleth all the Fulness of the Godhead bodily Col. 2. 9. In him are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge Col. 2. 3. Q. For what End did Christ appear in the World A. For what the Law could not do in that it was weak through the Flesh God sending his Son in the Likeness of sinful Flesh and for Sin condemned Sin in the Flesh Rom. 8. 3. For this Purpose the Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the Works of the Devil And ye know that he was manifested to take away our Sins 1 Joh. 3. 8 5. Q. Was Jesus Christ really Crucified and Raised again A. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received how that Christ dy'd for our Sins according to the Scriptures And that he was buried and that he arose again the third day according to the Scriptures 1 Cor. 15. 3 4. Q. What End do the Scriptures asscribe unto the Coming Death and Sufferings of Christ A. For mine Eyes have seen thy Salvation which thou hast prepared before the Face of all People A Light to lighten the Gentiles and the Glory of thy People Israel Luke 2. 30 31 32. Whom God hath set forth to be a Propitiation through Faith in his Blood to declare his Righteousness for the Remission of Sins that are past through the Forbearance of God Rom. 3. 25. And walk in Love as Christ also hath loved us and hath given himself for us an Offering and a Sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling Savour Ephes. 5. 2. And having made Peace through the Blood of his Cross by him to reconcile all things unto himself by him I say whether they be things in Earth or things in Heaven And you that were sometimes alienated and Enemies in your Minds by Wicked Works yet now hath he reconciled in the Body of his Flesh through Death to present you Holy Unblamable and Unreprovable in his Sight Col. 1. 20 21 22. Neither by the Blood of Goats and Calves but by his own Blood he entered in once into the Holy Place having obtained Eternal Redemption for us How much more shall the Blood of Christ who through the Eternal Spirit offer'd himself without Spot to God purge your Consciences from Dead Works to serve the Living God Hebr. 9. 12 14. For Christ also hath once suffered for Sins the Just for the Unjust that he might bring us to God being put to Death in the Flesh but quickened by the Spirit 1 Pet. 3. 18. Hereby perceive we the Love of God because he laid down his Life for us 1 John 3. 16. And for this Cause he is the Mediator of the New Testament that by means of Death for the Redemption of Transgressions that were under the first Testament they which are called might receive the Promise of the Eternal Inheritance Hebr. 9. 15. Q. Is Christ then the Mediator A. For there is One God and One Mediator between God and men the Man Christ Jesus who gave himself a Ransom for all to be testified in due time 1 Tim. 2. 5. Q. Was not Christ the Mediator until he appeared and was crucified in the Flesh A. He is the Lamb that was slain from the Foundation of the VVorld Rev. 5. 12. and 13. 8. Q. Is it needful then to believe that the Saints of old did partake of Christ as then present with and nourishing them A. Moreover Brethren I would not that ye should be ignorant how that all our Fathers were under the Cloud and all passed through the Sea and were all baptized unto Moses in the Cloud and in the Sea and did all eat the same spiritual Meat and did all drink the same spiritual Drink for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them and that Rock was Christ 1 Cor. 10. 1 2 3 4. Q. But whereas most of these Scriptures before-mentioned do hold forth that the Death and Sufferings of Christ were appointed for the destroying removing and remitting of Sin Did he so do it while he was outwardly upon Earth as not to leave any thing for himself to do in us nor for us to do in and by his Strength A. For even hereunto were ye called because Christ also suffered for us leaving us an Example that ye should follow his Steps 1 Pet. 2. 21. Whereof I Paul am made a Minister who now rejoyce in my Sufferings for you and fill up that whiâ—h is behind of the Afflictions of Christ in my Flesh for his Body's sake which is the Church Col. 1. 23 24. Always bearing about in the Bâ—dy the Dying of the Lord Jesus that the Life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our Body For we which live are alway delivered unto Death for Jesus's sake that the Life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal Flesh 2 Cor 4. 10 11. And that he dyed for all that they which live should not hence-forth live unto themselves but unto him that dyed for them and also rose again 2 Cor. 5. 15. That I may know him and the Power of his Resurrection and the Fellowship of his Sufferings being made conformable to his Death Phil. 3. 10. CHAP. IV. Of the New Birth the Inward Appearance of Christ in Spirit and the Unity of the Saints with him Question DOth Christ promise then to come again to his Disciples A. I will not leave you comfortless I will come unto you John 14. 18. Q. Was this only a special Promise to these Disciples or is it not the common Priviledge of the Saints A. For thus saith the High and Lofty One that inhabiteth Eternity whose Name is Holy I dwell in the High and Holy Place with him also that is of a Contrite and Humble Spirit c. Isa. 57. 15. For ye are the Temple of the Living God as God hath said I will dwell in them and walk in them 2 Cor. 6. 16. Behold I stand at the Door and knock if any man hear my Voice and open the Door I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me Rev. 3. 20. Q. Doth the Apostle Paul speak of the Son of God his being revealed in him A. But when it pleased God who separated me from my Mother's Womb and called me by his Grace to reveal his Son
in me that I might preach him among the Heathen Gal. 1. 15 10. Q. Is it needful then to know Christ within A. Examine your selves whether ye be in the Faith prove your own selves Know ye not your own selves how that Jesus Christ is in you except ye be Reprobates 2 Cor. 13. 5. Q. Was the Apostle earnest that this Inward Birth of Christ should be brought forth in any A. My little Children of whom I travel in Birth again until Christ be formed in you Gal. 4. 19. Q. What saith the same Apostle of the Necessity of this Inward Knowledge of Christ and of the New Creature beyond the Outward A. Wherefore hence-forth know we no man after the Flesh yea though we have known Christ after the Flesh yet now henceforth know we him no more Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a New Creature Old things are passed away behold all things are become New 2 Cor. 5. 16 17. But ye have not so learned Christ if so be that ye have heard him and have been taught by him as the Truth is in Jesus That ye put off concerning the former Conversation the Old Man which is corrupt according to the Deceitful Lusts and to be renewed in the Spirit of your Mind and that ye put on the New Man which after God is created in Righteousness and true Holiness Ephes. 4. 21 22 23 24. Q. Is this Christ Within the Mystery of God and Hope of Glory which the Apostle preached A. To whom God would make known what is the Riches of the Glory of this Mystery among the Câ—ntiles which is Christ in you the Hope of Glory whom we preach Col. 1. 27 28. Q. Doth the Apostle any where else press the putting on of this New Birth A. Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ and make not Provision for the Flesh to fulfil the Lusts thereof Rom. 13. 14. Q. Doth he write to any of the Saints as having put off the Old and on the New Man A. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ Gal. 3. 27. Seeing that ye have put off the Old Man with his Deeds and have put on the New Man which is renew'd in Knowledge after the Image of him that created him Col. 3. 9 10. Q. What speaketh Christ himself of the Necessity of this New Birth A. Jesus answered and said unto him Verily verily I say unto thee Except a man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of 〈◊〉 Joâ— 3. 3. Q. Of 〈◊〉 Seed 〈…〉 Birth A. Being born again not of Corruptible Seed but of Incorruptible by the Word of God which liveth and abideth forever 1 Pet. 1. 23. Q. What doth the Apestle Paul witness of himself concerning this Nâ—w Life A. I am crucified with Christ nevertheelss I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me Gal. 2. 20. Q. What is the Preaching of the Cross of Christ A. For the Preaching of the Cross is to them that perish Foolishness but unto us that are saved it is the Power of God 1 Cor. 1. 18. Q. What Effect had this Cross in the Apostle and how much preferreth he the New Creature to all outward and visible Ordinances and Observances A. But God forbid that I should Glory save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ by whom the World is crucified unto me and I unto the World For in Jesus Christ neither Circumcision availeth any thing nor Uncircumcision but a New Creature Galat. 6. 14 15. Q. What speaketh Christ of the Vnity of the Saints with him A. At that Day ye shall know that I am in my Father and ye in me and I in you John 14. 20. Abide in me and I in you As the Branch cannot bear Fruit of it self except it abide in the Vine no more can ye except ye abide in me I am the Vine ye are the Branches He that abideth in me and I in him the same bringeth forth much Fruit for without me ye can do nothing John 15. 4 5. Neither pray I for these alone but for them also which shall believe in me through their Word That they all may be One as thou Father art in me and I in thee that they also may be One in us that the World may believe it that thou hast sent me And the Glory which thou gavest me I have given them that they may be One even as we are one I in them and thou in me that they may be made perfect in One and that the World may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them as thou hast loved me John 17. 20 21 22 23. Q. What saith the Apostle Paul to this Purpose A. For both he that sanctifies and they that are sanctified are all of one for which Cause he is not ashamed to call them Brethren Heb. 2. 11. Q. What saith the Apostle Peter A. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious Promiâ—es that by these you might be Partakers of the Divine Nature having escaped the Corruption that is in the World through Lust 2 Pet. 1. 4. CHAP. V. Concerning the Light wherewith Jesus Christ hath enlightned every man The Universality and Sufficiency of God's Grace to all the World made manifest therein Question WHerein consists the Love of God towards Fallen and Lost Man A. For God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have Everlasting Life John 3. 16. In this was manifested the Love of God towards us because that God sent his only begotten Son into the World that we might live through him 1 John 4. 9. Q. What is intended here by the World all and every man or only a few A. But we see Jesus who was made a little lower then the Angels for the suffering of Death crowned with Glory and Honour that he by the Grace of God should taste Death for every man Hebr. 2. 9. And if any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the Righteous and he is the Propitiation for our Sins and not for ours only but also for the Sins of the whole World 1 Joh. 2. 1 2. Q. Methinks the Apostle John is very plain there in mentioning the whole World which must be not only the Saints but all others seeing he distinguisheth the World from himself and all the Saints to whom he then wrote What saith Paul else-where in this Matter A. Christ in you the Hope of Glory whom we preach warning every man and â—eaching every man in all Wisdom that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus Col. 1. 27 28. I exhort therefore that first of all Supplications Prayers Intercessions and Giving of Thanks be made for all men For this is good and acceptable in the Sight of God our Saviour who will have all men to be saved and to come to the Knowledge of the Truth who gave himself a Ransom for all to
Judgments to Deal Truly he is just 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 surely Live saith the Lord God Ezek. 18. 5 6 7 8 9. For the Son of Man shall come in the Glory of his Father with his Angels and then he shall Reward every Man according to his Works Mat. 16. 27. Then Peter opened his Mouth and said Of a Truth I perceive that God is no Respecter of Persons but in every Nation he that feareth him and worketh Righteousness is accepted with him Acts 10. 34 35. The Righteous Judgment of God who will render to every man according to his Deeds To them who by Patient Continuance in Well-doing seek for Glory and Honour and Immortality Eternal Life But Glory Honour and Peace to every man that worketh Good to the Jew first and also to the Gentile Rom. 2. 6 7 10. For we must all appear before the Judgment-Seat of Christ that every one may receive the things done in his Body according to that he hath done whether it be good or bad 2 Cor. 5. 10. VVhich is a manifest Token of the Righteous Judgment of God that ye may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God for which ye also suffer 3 Thes. 1. 5. But who so looketh into the Perfect Law of Liberty and continueth therein he being not a forgetful Hearer but a Doer of the Work this man shall be blessed in his Deed James 1. 25. Cast not away therefore your Confidence which hath great Recompence of Reward Hebr. 10. 35. And if ye call on the Father who without Respect of Persons judgeth according to every man's Work pass the time of your sojourning here in Fear 1 Pâ—t 1. 17. And behold I come quickly and behold my Reward is with me to give every man according as his work shall be Blessed are they that do his Commandments that they may have a Right to the Tree of Life and may enter in through the Gates into the City Rev. 22. 12 14. Q. It should seem that the Purpose of God in sending his Son the Lord Jesus Christ was not simply to save Man by an Imputative Righteousness altogether without them but also by the Washing of Regeneration or any inward Righteousness What saith the Scripture further of this A. And thou shalt call his Name Jesus for he shall save his People from their Sins Mat. 1. 21. Looking for that Blessed Hope and the Glorious Appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all Iniquity and purifie unto himself a peculiar People zealous of Good Works Tit. 2. 13 14. CHAP. VII Concerning Perfection or Freedom from SIN Question I Perceive then by all these Scriptures afore-mentioned that Christ as well as he hath purchased Pardon for our Sins hath also obtained Power by which we may even here be cleansed from the Filth of them may we expect then in this Life to be freed from the Dominion of Sin A. For Sin shall not have Dominion over you Rom. 6. 14. Q. For what Reason A. For ye are not under the Law but under Grace Rom. 6. 14. Q. How cometh the Apostle then to cry out and complain of Sin saying Who shall deliver me from the Body of this Death Doth he speak that as a Condition always permanent to him and other Saints or only that which he had passed through What saith he afterwards A. There is therefore now no Condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the Flesh but after the Spirit for the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the Law of Sin and Death Who shall separate us from the Love of Christ Shall Tribulation or Distress or Persecution or Famin or Nakedness or Peril or Sword as it is written For thy sake we are killed all the Day long we are accounted as Sheep for the Slaughter Nay in all these things we are more then Conquerors through him that loved us For I am perswaded that neither Death nor Life nor Angels nor Principalities nor Powers nor things present nor things to come nor Height nor Depth nor any other Creature shall be able to separate us from the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord Rom. 8. 1 2 35 36 37 38 39. Q. What saith that Apostle then unto such who taking Occasion from his words should plead for Continuance in Sin for term of Life and think to be saved by the Imputative Righteousness of Christ as being under Grace A. What shall we say then shall we continue in Sin that Grace may abound God forbid Rom. 6. 1 2. VVhat then shall we Sin because we are not under the Law but under Grace God forbid Q. Is not the Apostle then so far from supposing that Condition of being alwayes under Sin to be his own constant Condition or that of all the Saints that he even supposes many of the then Church of Rome to whom he wrote to be free of it How bespeaketh he them as in relation to this Matter A. How shall we that are dead to Sin live any longer therein Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his Death Therefore we are buried with him by Baptism into Death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the Glory of the Father even so we also should walk in Newnes of Life For if we have been planted together in the Likeness of his Death we shall be also in the Likeness of his Resurrection knowing this that our Old Man is crucified with him that the Body of sin might be destroyed that henceforth we should not serve Sin for he that is dead is freed from Sin Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto Sin but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not Sin therefore reign in your mortal Body that ye should obey it in the Lusts thereof Neither yield ye your Members as Instruments of Unrighteousness unto Sin but yield your selves unto God as those that are alive from the Dead and your Members as Instruments of Righteousness unto God Know ye not that to whom ye yield your selves Servants to obey his Servants ye are to whom ye obey whether of Sin unto Death or of Obedience unto Righteousness But God be thanked that ye were the Servants of Sin but ye have Obeyed from the Heart that Form of Doctrine which was delivered unto you being then made free from Sin ye became the Servants of Righteousness I speak after the manner of men because of the Infirmity of your Flesh For as ye have yielded your Members Servants to Uncleanness to Iniquity unto Iniquity even so now yield your Members Servants to Righteousness unto Holiness For when ye were the Servants of Sin ye were free from Righteousness What Fruit had ye then in these things whereof ye are now ashamed for the End of these things is Death But now being
And this is the Confidence that we have in him that if we ask any Thing according to his VVill he heareth us 1 Joh. 5. 14. Q. After whae Manner doth the Apostle then declare he will Pray A. What is it then I will pray with the Spirit and I will pray with the Understanding also I will sing with the Spirit and I will sing with the Understanding also 1 Cor. 14. 15. Q. Must we then pray alwayes in the Spirit A. Praying alwayes with all Prayer and Supplication in the Spirit and VVatching thereunto with all Perseverance and Supplication for all Saints Ephes. 6. 18. Q. Since we are commanded to pray alwayes in it can we do it of our selves without the Help thereof A. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our Infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit it self maketh Intercession for us with Groanings which cannot be uttered And he that searcheth the Hearts knoweth what is the Mind of the Spirit because he maketh Intercession for the Saints according to the Will of God Rom. 8. 26 27. Q. I perceive that without the Leadings and Help of the Spirit Prayers are altogether unprofitable may not a Man truly utter these Things that are Spiritual without the Spirit 's Assistance A. VVherefore I give you to understand that no Man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus Accursed and that no Man can say that Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost 1 Cor. 12. 3. Q. That is strange It seems the Spirit 〈◊〉 much more necessary then many called Christistians suppose it to be some of which can scarce give a good Account whether they have it or want it But if a Man speak Things true upon the Matter are they not true as from him if spoaken without the Spirit A. And though they say The Lord liveth surely they swear falsly Jer. 5. 2. Q. It is apparent from all these Scriptures that the true Worship of God is in Spirit and as it is not limitted to a certain Place neither to any certain Time what shall we think of them that plead for the Observation of certain Dayes A. But now after that ye have known God or rather are known of God how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly Elements whereunto ye desire again to be iâ— Bondage Ye observe Dayes and Months and Times and Years I am afraid of you lest I have bestowed upon you Labour in vain Gal. 4. 9 10 11. Let no Man therefore judge you in Meat or Drink or in respect of an Holy Day or of the New Moon or of the Sabbath Day which are a Shadow of Things to come but the Body is of Christ Col. 2. 16 17. Q. Seeing it is so may not some Christians as lawfully esteem all Dayes alike as others may esteem some Dayes above another What Rule giveth the Apostle in this Case A. One Man esteemeth one Day above another another esteemeth every Day alike let every Man be fully perswaded in his own Mind He that regardeth a Day regardeth it unto the the Lord and he that regaâ—deth not the Day unto the Lord he doth not regard it He that eateth eateth to the Lord for he giveth God Thanks and he that eateth not to the Lord he eateth not and giveth God Thanks Rom. 14. 5 6. Q. But is it not convenient and necessary that there be a Day set apart to Meet and Worship God in Did not the Apostles aâ—d Primitive Christians use to meet upon the First Day of the Week to make their Collections and to Worship A. Now concerning the Collection for the Saints as I have given Order to the Churches of Galatia even so do ye upon the First Day of the Week Let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prosper'd him that there be no Gatherings when I come 1 Cor. 16. 1. CHAP. XI Concerning Baptism and Bread and VVine Question HOw many BAPTISMS are there A. One Lord One Faith One Baptism Ephes. 4 5. Q. What is the Baptism A. The like Figure whereunto even Baptism doth now save us not the putting away the Filth of the Flesh but the Answer of a good Conscience towards God by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ who is gone into Heaven and is on the Right Hand of God Angels and Authorities and Powers being made subject unto him 1 Pet. 3. 21 22. Q. What saith John the Baptist of Christ's Baptism how distinguisheth he it from his A. I indeed baptize you with Water unto Repentance but he that cometh after me is Mightier then I whose Shoes I am not worthy to bear he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with Fire Mat. 3. 11. Q. Doth not Christ so distinguish it also A. And being assembled together with them commanded them That they should not depart from Jerusalem but wait for the Promise of the Father which saith he ye have heard of me For John truly baptized with Water but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many dayes hence Act. 1. 4. 5. Q. Doth not the Apostle Peter also observe this A. And as I begâ—n to speak the Holy Ghost fell on them as on us at the Beginning Then remembred I the Word of the Lord how that he said John indeed baptized with Water but ye shall be baptiz'd with the Holy Ghost Acts 11. 15 16. Q. Then it seems John's Baptism must pass away that Christ's may take place because John must decrease that Christ may increase A. He must increase but I must decrease John 30. 30. Q. I perceive then many may be sprinkled with 〈◊〉 dipped baptized in Water yet not truly baptized with the Baptism of Christ What are the Real Effects in such as are truly baptized with the Baptism of Christ A. Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his Death Therefore we are buried with him by Baptism into Death that like as Christ was raised up from the Dead by the Glory of the Father even so we also should walk in Newness of Life Rom. 6. 3 4. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ Gal. 2. 27. Buried with him in Baptism wherein also ye are risen with him through the Faith of the Operation of God who hath raised him from the Dead Col. 2. 12. Q. I perceive there was a Baptism of Water which was John's Baptism and is therefore by John himself contra-distinguished from Christ's Was there not likewise something of the like Nature appointed by Christ to his Disciples of eating Bread and drinking Wine in Remembrance of him A. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you that the Lord Jesus the same Night in which he was betrayed took Bread when he had given Thanks he brake it and said Take eat this is my Body which is broken for you this do in Remembrance of me
have Ears and hear not fear ye not me saith the Lord will ye not tremble at my Presence c. Jer. 5. 21 22. Q. Are then all God's Children Quakers and are we commanded to quake or tremble in order to our Salvation both under the Law and now under the Gospel A. Scrve the Lord with Fear and rejoyce with Trembling Psal. 2. 11. I make a Decree that in every Dominion of my Kingdom Men fear and tremble before the God of Daniel for he is the living God and stedfast forever Dan. 6. 26. Work out your own Salvation with Fear and Trembling Phil. 2. 12. Q. What be the chief Commandments A. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy Heart and with all thy Soul and with all thy Mind This is the first and great Commandment and the second is like unto it Thou shale love thy Neighbour as thy self On these two Commandments hang all the Law and Prophets Mat. 22. 37 38 39 40. Q. What ought a Christian to seek after in the first Place A. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness and all these Things shall be added unto you Mat. 6. 33. Q. How ought Christians to behave themselves in this World A. But this I say Brethren the Time is short It remaineth That both they that have Wives be as though they had none and they that weep as though they wept not and they that rejoyce as though they rejoyced not and they that buy as though they possessed not and they that use this World as not abusing it for the Fashion of this World passeth away 1 Cor. 7. 29 30 31. Q. What saith the Apostle Paul further as that which is fit for Christian Men and Women to be found in A. I will therefore that Men pray every where lifting up holy Hands with out Wrath Doubting In like Manner also that Women adorn themselves in modest Apparel with Shamefastness and Sobriety not with broidered Hair or Gold or Pearles or costly Array but which becometh Women professing Godliness with good Works 1 Tim. 2. 8 9 10. Q. I observe the Apostle is much against the Vanity and Superfluity of Cloathes among Christians what saith Peter to this A. Whose Adorning let it not be that outward Adorning of plating the Hair of wearing of Gold or of putting on of Apparel But let it be the hidden Men of the Heart in that which is not corruptible even the Ornament of a meek quiet Spirit which is in the Sight of God of great Price 1 Pet. 3. 3 4. Q. The Apostle is very plain there but what saith the Scripture as to Respect of Persons among Christians A. My Brethren have not the Faith of our Lord Jesus Christ the Lord of Glory with Respect of persons for if there come unto your Assembly a Man with a Gold Ring in goodly Apparel and there come in also a poor Man in vile Rayment but ye have Respect to him that weareth the gay Clothing and say unto him sit thou here in a good Place and say to the poor stand thou there or sit here under my Foot-stool Are you not then partial in your selves and are become Judges of evil Thoughts hearken my beloved Brethren hath not God chosen the poor of this World rich in Faith and Heirs of the Kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him but ye have despised the poor Do not rich Men oppress you and draw you before the Judgment-Seat Do they not blaspheme that worthy Name by the which ye are called If ye fulfil the royal Law according to the Scripture Thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self ye do well but if we have Respect to Persons ye commit Sin and are convinced of the Law as Transgressors Jam. 2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9. Q. Though that be indeed sufficient to reprove the different Rancks among Christians upon the Account of Riches or Birth yet is there not a relative Respect among Christians as betwixt Master and Servant what Admonitions gives the Apostle in this Case A. Servants be obedient to them that are your Masters according to the Flesh with Fear and Trembling in Singleness of your Heart as unto Christ not with Eye-Service as Men Pleasers but as the Servants of Christ doing the Will of God from the Heart with Good will doing Service as to the Lord and not to Men knowing that whatsoever good Thing any Man doth the same shall he receive of the Lord whether he be bond or free And ye Masters do the same Things unto them forbearing Threatning knowing that your Master also is in Heaven neither is there Respect of Persons with him Ephes. 6. 5 6 7 8 9. Servants obey in all things your Masters according to the Flesh not with Eye Service as Men-Pleasers but in Singleness of Heart fearing God And whatsoever ye do do it heartily as to the Lord and not unto Men knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the Reward of the Inheritance for ye serve the Lord Christ But he that doth Wrong shall receive for the Wrong which he hath done and there is no Respect of Persons Col. 3. 22 23 24 25. Masters give unto your Servants that which is just and equal knowing that ye also have a Master in Heaven Col. 4. 1. Let as many Servants as are under the Yoak count their own Masters worthy of all Honour that the Name of God and his Doctrine be not blasphemed And they that have believing Masters let them not despise them because they are Brethren but rather do them Service because they are faithful and beloved Partakers of the Benefit these Things teach and exhort 1 Tim. 6. 1 2. Exhort Servants to be obedient unto their own Masters and to please them well in all Things not answering again not purloining but shewing all good Fidelity that they may adorn the Doctrine of God in all Things Tit. 2. 9 10. Servants be subject to your Masters with all Fear not only to the good and gentile but also to the froward for this is Thankâ—worthy if a Man for Conscience toward God endure Griefs suffering wrongfully For what Glory is it if when ye be buffeted for your Faults ye shall take it patiently but if when ye do well and suffer for it ye take it patiently this is acceptable with God for even hereunto were ye called because Christ also suffered for us leaving us an Example that ye should follow his Steps 1 Pet. 2. 18. 19 20 21. Q. What good Admonitions gives the Scripture as to the Relation betwixt Parents and Children A. Children obey your Parents in the Lord for this is right honour thy Father and thy Mother which is the first Commandment with Promise that it may be well with thee and thou may'st live long on the Earth And ye Fathers provoke not your Children to Wrath but bring them up in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord Ephes. 6. 1 2 3 4. Children obey
that callupon him to all that call upon him in Truth He is far from the VVicked but he heareth the Prayers of the Righteous And this is the Confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his VVill he heareth us VVhat is it then We must pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding also we must sing with the Spirit and with the Understanding also Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our Infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit itself maketh Intercession for us with Greanings which cannot be uttered And he that searcheth the Heart knoweth what is the Mind of the Spirit because he maketh Intercession for the Saints according to the Will of God ARTICLE XVIII Concerning Baptism AS there is One Lord One Faith so there is One Baptism Which doth also now save us not the putting away of the Filth of the Flesh but the Answer of a Good Conscience towards God by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ For John indeed baptized with Water but Christ with the Holy Ghost and with Fire Therefore as many as are baptized into Jesus Christ are baptized into his Death and are buried with him by Baptism into Death that like as Christ was raised up from the Dead by the Glory of the Father even so they also should walk in Newness of Life Having put on Christ ARTICLE XIX Concerning Eating of Bread and Wine Washing of one anothers's Feet Abstaining from things Strangled and from Blood and Anointing of the Sick with Oyl THe Lord Jesus the same Night in which he was betrayed took Bread and when he had given Thanks he brake it and said Take eat this is my Body which is broken for you this do in Remembrance of me After the same manner also he took the Cup when he had supped saying This Cup is the New Testament in my Blood this do ye as oft as ye drink it in Remembrance of me for as oft as ye do eat this Bread and drink this Cup ye do shew forth the Lord's Death till he come Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his Hands and that he was come from God and went to God he ariseth from Supper and laid aside his Garments and took a Towel and girded himself after that he poureth VVater into a Bason and began to wash the Disciples Feet and to wipe them with the Towel where with he was girded So after he had washed their Feet and had taken his Garments and was sate down again he said unto them Know ye what I have done unto you Ye call me Master Lord and ye say well for so I am If then I your Lord and Master have washed your Feet ye also ought to wash one another's Feet for I have given you Example that ye should do as I have done unto you For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us to lay upon you no greater Burden then these Necessary Things That ye abstain from Meats offered to Idols from Blood and from things strangled and from Fornication from which if ye keep your selves ye do well Is any man sick amâ—ng you let him call for the Elders of the Church and let them pray over him anointing him with Oyl ARTICLE XX. Concerning the Liberty of such Christians as are come to know the Substance as to the Using or not Using of these Rites and of the Observation of Dayes THe Kingdom of God is not Meat and Drink but Righteousness and Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost Let no man therefore judge us in Meat or Drink or in Respect of an Holy Day or of the New Moon or of the Sabbath Days For if we be dead with Christ from the Rudiments of the World why as though living in the World are we subject to Ordinances Let us not touch or taste or handle which all are to perish with the Using after the Commandments and Doctrines of Men For now after we have known God or rather are known of him why should we turn again unto the Weak and Beggarly Elements or desire again to be in Bondage to observe Dayes and Months and Times and Years lest Labour have been bestowed on us in vain If one man esteem a Day above another another esteems every Day alike let every man be fully perswaded in his own Mind He that regardeth a Day regardeth it unto the Lord and he that regardeth not the Day to the Lord he doth not regard it ARTICLE XXI Concerning Swearing Fighting and Persecution IT hath bin said by them of old Thou shalt not Forswear thy self but shalt perform unto the Lord thine Oathes But Christ says unto us Swear not at all neither by Heaven for it is God's Throne nor by the Earth for it is his Footstool neither by Jerusalem for it is the City of the great King neither shalt thou swear by thy Head because thou canst not make one Hair white or black but let your Communication be Yea Yea Nay Nay for whatsoever is more then these cometh of Evil And James chargeth us Above all things not to Swear neither by Heaven neither by the Earth neither by any other Oath but let your Yea be Yea and your Nay Nay lesâ— ye fall into Condemnation Though we walk in the Flesh we are not to war after the Flesh for the Weapons of our Warfare are not to be carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong Holds casting down Imaginations and every High Thing that exalts it self against the Knowledge of God and bringing into Captivity every Thought to the Obedience of Christ For Wars and Fightings come of the Lusts that war in the Members Therefore Christ commands Not to resist Evil but whosoever will smite on the Right Cheek to turn the other also Because Christians are Lambs among Wolves Therefore are they hated of all men for Christ's sake And all that will live Godly in Christ Jesus must suffer Persecution Such are Blessed for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven For though they have lost their Lives yet shall they save them And because they have confessed Christ before men he will also confess them before the Angels of God We ought not then to 〈◊〉 them which kill the Body but are not able â—o the kill the Soul but rather him which is able to destroy both Soul and Body into Hell ARTICLE XXII Concerning Magistracy LET every Soul be subject to the Higher Powers for there is no Power but of God the Powers that be are ordained of God VVhosoever therefore resists the Power resists the Ordinance of God and they that resist shall receive to themselves Damnation For Rulers are not a Terror to Good Works but to the Evil Wilt thou then not be afraid of the Power do that which is Good and