Come with us let us lay wait for blood let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause V. 15. My son walk not thou in the way with them refrain thy foot from their path V. 16. For their feet run to evil and make hast to shed blood and practises which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any h 1 Sam. 24. 12. The Lord judge between me and thee and the Lord avenge me of thee but mine hand shall not be upon thee 1 Sam. 26. 9 10 11. And David said to Abishai Destroy him not for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lords anointed and be guiltless V. 10. David said furthermore as the Lord liveth the Lord shall smite him or his day shall come to die or he shall descend into battle and perish V. 11. The Lord forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the Lords anointed Gen. 37. 21. 22. And Reuben heard it and he delivered him out of their hands and said Let us not kill him V. 22. And Reuben said to them Shed no blood but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness and lay no hands upon him that he might rid him out of their hands to deliver him to his father again by just defence thereof against violence i Psal 82. 4. Deliver the poor and needy nid them out of the hand of the wicked Pro. 24. 11 12. If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death and those that are ready to be slain V. 12. If thou saist Behold we knew it not doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it and he that keepeth thy soul doth not he know it and shall not he render to every man according to his works 1 Sam. 14. 45. And the people said unto Saul Shall Jonathan die who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel God forbid As the Lord liveth there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground for he hath wrought with God this day So the people rescued Jonathan that he died not patient bearing of the hand of God k Jam. 5. 7 8 9 10 11. Be patient therefore brethren unto the coming of the Lord behold the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth and hath long patience c. V. 8. Be ye also patient stablish your hearts for the coming of the Lord drawes nigh V. 9. Grudg not one against another brethren lest ye be condemned behold the Judge standeth before the door V. 10. Take my brethren the Prophets who have spoken in the Name of the Lord for an example of suffering affliction and of patience V. 11. Behold we count them happy that endure Ye have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the end of the Lord c. Hâ—b 12. 9. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh who corrected us and we gave them reverence shall we not much rather be in subjection to the father of Spirits and live quietnesse of mind l 1 Thes 4. 11. And that ye study to be quiet and to do your own businesse c. 1 Pet. 3. 4. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning c. V. 4. But let it be the hidden man of the heart in that which is not corruptible even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit which is in the sight of God of great price Psal 37. 8 9 10 11. Cease from anger and forsake wrath fret not thy self in any wise to do evil V. 9. For evil doers shall be cut off but they that wait upon the Lord shall inherit the earth V. 10. For yet a little while and the wicked shall not be yea thou shalt diligently consider his place and it shall not be V. 11. But the meek shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in abundance of peace chearfulnesse of spirit m Pro. 17. 22. A merry heart doth good like a medicine but a broken spirit dryeth the bones a sober use of meat n Prov. 25. 16-27 Hast thou found honey cat so much as is sufficient for thee least thou be filled therewith and vomit it V. 27. It is not good to eat much honey c. drink o 1 Tim. 5. 23. Drink no longer water but drink a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities physick p Isa 38. 21. For Isaiah had said Let him take a lump of figs and lay it for a plaister upon the boil and he shall recover sleep q Psal 127. 2. It is in vain for you to rise up early to sit up late to eat the bread of sorrows for so he giveth his beloved sleep labour r Eccles 5. 12. The sleep of a labouring man is sweet whether he eat little or much but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep 2 Thes 3. 10-12 For even when we were with you this we commanded you That if any would not work neither should he eat V. 12. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ that with quietness they work and eat their own bread Prov 16. 26. He that laboureth laboureth for himself for his mouth craveth it of him and recreations Å¿ Eccl. 3. 4 -11 A time to weep and a time to laugh a time to mourn and a time to dance V. 11. He hath made every thing beautiful in his time also he hath set the world in their heart c. by charitable thoughts t 1 Sam. 19. 4. 5. And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father and said unto him Let not the King sin against his servant against David because he hath not sinned against thee and because his works have been to thee-ward very good V. 5. For he did put his life in his hand and slew the Philistine and the Lord wrought a great salvation for all Israel thou sawest it and didst rejoyce wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood to slay David without a cause 1 Sam. 22. 13 14. And Saul said unto him Why have ye conspired against me thou and the son of Jesse in that thou hast given him bread and a sword c. V. 14. And Ahimilech answered the King and said And who is so faithful among all thy servants as David which is the Kings son in-law and goes at thy bidding and is honourable in thine house love u Rom 13. 10. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour therefore love is the fulfilling of the Law compassion * Luk. 10. 33 34 35. But a certain Samaritan as he journied came where he was and when he saw him he had compassion on him V. 34. And went to him and bound up his wounds powring in oil and wine and set him on his own beast and brought him to an Inn and took care of him c. meeknesse gentlenesse kindnesse x Col. 3. 12 13. Put on therefore as the Elect of God
make themselves wings they flee away as an Eagle towards heaven Psal 62. 10. If riches increase set no your heart upon them distrustful and distracting cares and studies in getting keeping and using them u Mat. 6. 25 -31.-34 Therefore I say unto you Take no thought for your life what ye shall eat or what she shall drink nor yet for your body what ye shall put on is not the life more then meat and the body then raiment V. 31. Therefore take no thought saying what shall we cat or c. V. 34. Take therefore no thought for the morrow for the morrow shall take thought for the things of it self sufficient to the day is the evil thereof Eccl. 5. 12. The sleep of a labouring man is sweet whether he eat little or much but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep envying at the prosperity of others * Psal 73. 3. For I was envious at the foolish when I saw the prosperity of the wicked Psal 37. 1-7 Fret not thy self because of evil doers nor be thou envious against the workers of iniquity V. 7. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him fret not thy self because of him who prospereth in his way because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass as likewise idleness x 2 Thes 3. 11. For we hear that there are some who walk among you disorderly working not at all but are busie-bodies Pro. 18. 9. He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster prodigality wastful gaming and all other wayes whereby we do unduly prejudice our own outward estate y Prov. 21. 17. He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich Prov. 23. 20 21. Be not among wine bibbers among riotous eaters of flesh V. 21 For the drunkard and glutton shall come to poverty and drowsiness shall cloth a man with rags Prov. 28. 19. He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough and defrauding our selves of the due use and comfort of that estate which God hath given us z Eccl. 4. 8. There is one alone and there is not a second yea he hath neither child nor brother yet there is no end of all his labour nor is his eye satisfied with riches neither saith he For whom do I labour and bereave my soul of good This is also vanity yea it is a sore evil Eccl. 6. 2. A man to whom God hath given riches wealth and honour so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof but a stranger eateth it This is vanity and an evil disease 1 Tim. 5. 8. But if any â—â—ovide not for his own and especially for those of his own house he hath denied the faith and is worse then an infidel Q. Which is the ninth Commandment A. The ninth Commandment is Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour a Exod. 20. 16. Q. What are the duties required in the ninth Commandment A. The duties required in the ninth Commandment are the preserving and promoting of truth between man and man b Zâ—ch 8. 16. These are the things that ye shall do Speak every man truth to his neighbour execute the judgement of truth and peace in your gates and the good name of our neighbour as well as our own c 3 John ver 12. Demetrius hath a good report of all men and of the truth it self yea and we also bear record and ye know that our record is true appearing and standing for d Prov. 31. 8 9. Open thy mouth judge righteously and plead the cause of the poor V. 9. Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction and from the heart e Psal 15. 2. He that walketh uprightly and worketh righteousnesse and speaketh the truth from his heart sincerely f 2 Chron. 19. 9. And he charged them saying Thus shall ye do in the fear of the Lord faithfully and with a perfect heart freely g 1 Sam. 19. 4 5. And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father and said unto him Let not the King sin against his servant against David because he hath not sinned against thee and because his works to thee-ward have been very good V. 5. For he did put his life in his hand and slew the Philistine and the Lord wrought great salvation for all Israel thou sawest it and didst rejoyce Wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood to slay David without a cause cleerly h Jos 7. 19. And Josuâ—h said unto Achan My son give I pray thee glory to the Lord God of Israel and make confession unto him and tell me now what thou hast done hide it not from me and fully i 2 Sam. 14. 18 19 20. Then the King answered and said unto the woman Hide not from me I pray thee the thing that I shall ask thee And the woman said Let my Lord the King now speak V. 19. And the King said Is not the hand of Joab with thee in all this and the woman answered and said As thy soul liveth my Lord the King none can turn to the right hand or to the left from ought that my Lord the King hath spoken for thy servant Joab he bad me and he put all these words in the mouth of thine hand-maid V. 20. To fetch about this forme of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing and my Lord is wise c. speaking the truth and onely the truth in matters of judgement and justice k Lev. 19. 15. Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgement thou shalt not respect the person of the poor nor honour the person of the mighty but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour Prov. 14. 5-25 A faithfull witness will not lye but a false witness will utter lyes V. 25. A true witness delivereth soules but a deceitful witness speaketh lyes and in all other things whatsoever l 2 Cor. 1. 17 18. When I therefore was thus minded did I use lightness or the things that I purpose do I purpose according to the flesh that with me there should be yea yea and nay nay V. 18. But as God is true our word toward you was not yea and nay Eph. 4. 25. Wherefore putting away lying speak every man truth with his neighbour for we are members one of another a charitable esteem of our neighbours m Heb. 6. 9. But beloved we are perswaded better things of you and things that accompany Salvation 1 Cor. 13. 7. Charity beareth all things beleeveth all things hopeth all things endureth all things loving desiring and rejoycing in their good name n Rom. 1. 8. First I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all
1 Cor. 11. 23 24 25. For I have received of the Lord that which I also delivered unto you that the Lord Jesus the same night wherein he was betrayed took bread and when he had given thanks he brake it and said Take eat this is my body which was 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 in which Grace and salvation is held forth in more fulness evidence and efficacy to all Nations q 2 Cor. 3. 6. to the end of the chapter Who hath also made us able ministers of the New Testament not of the letter but of the Spirit for the letter killeth but the Spirit giveth life But if the ministration of death written and engraven in stones was glorious c. Heb. 8. 6 -10 11. For finding fault with them he saith Behold the dayes come saith the Lord when I will make a new Covenant with the house of Israel and Judah V. 10. 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 minds and write them in their hearts and I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a people V. 11. 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 Mat. 28. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of c. Q. Who is the Mediator of the Covenant of Grace A. The onely Mediator of the Covenant of Grace is the Lord Jesus Christ r 1 Tim. 2. 5. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and Man the Man Christ Jesus who being the eternal Son of God of one substance and equal with the Father Å¿ Joh. 1. 1 -14 In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God V. 14. And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the onely begotten of the Father full of grace and truth Joh. 10. 30. I and my father are one Phil. 2. 6. Who being in the form of God thought it no robbery to be equal with God in the fulness of time became man t Gal. 4. 4. But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the Law and so was and continues to be God and Man in two entire distinct natures and one person for ever u Luke 1. 35. 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 which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God Rom. 9. 5. Whose are the Fathers and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came who is over all God blessed for ever Amen Col. 2. 9. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily Heb. 7. 24 25. But this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Q. How did Christ being God become Man A. Christ the Son of God became Man by taking to himself a true body and a reasonable soul * Joh. 1. 14. And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the onely begotten of the Father full of grace and truth Mat. 26. 38. Then saith he unto them My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death tarry ye here and watch with me being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin Mary of her substance and born of her x Luke 1. 27-31-35-42 To a virgine spoused to a mâ—n whose name was Joseph of the house of David and the Virgins name was Mary V. 31. And behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and bring forth a Son and shalt call his name Jesus V. 35. And the Anâ—el 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 whâ—ch shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God V. 42. And Elizabeth spake out with a loud voice and said Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Gal. 4. 4. But when the fulness of the time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law yet without sin y Heb. 4. 15. For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with a feeling of our infiâ—mities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Heb. 7. 26. For such an High-Priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners and made higher then the heavens Q. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be God A. It was requisite that the Mediator should be God that he might sustain and keep the humane nature from sinking under the infinite wrath of God and the power of death z Acts 2. 24 25. Whom God hath raised up having loosed the pains of death because it was not possible he should be holden of it For David speaks concerning him I foresaw the Lord alwayes before my face for he is on my right hand that I should not be moved Rom. 1. 4. And declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead Compared with Rom. 4. 25. Who was delivered for our offences and was raâ—sed again for our justification Heb. 9. 14. How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered up himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God give worth and efficacy to his sufferings obedience and intercession a Act. 20. 28. Take heed therefore unto your selves and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood Heb. 9. 14. How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered up himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God Heb. 7. 25 26 27 28. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them V. 26. For such an High Priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners and made higher then the Heavens V. 27. Who needeth not daily as those High Priests to offer up sacrifice first for
his own sins and then for the peoples for this he did once when he offered up himself V. 28. For the law maketh men High Priests which have infirmities but the word of the oath which was since the law maketh the Son who is consecrated for ever and so satisfie Gods justice b Rom. 3. 24 25 26. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ V. 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through saith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God V. 26. To declare I say at this time his righteousness that he might be just and the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus procure his favour c Eph. 1. 6. To the praise of the glory of his grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved Mat. 3. 17. And lo a voice from Heaven saying This is my beloved Son in whom alone I am well pleased purchase a peculiar people d Tâ—â— 2. 13 14. Looking for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saâ—â—â—ur 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 give his Spirit to them e Gal. 4. 6. And because ye are sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father conquer all their enemies f Luke 1. 68 69 -71.-74 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for he hath visited and redeemed his people and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David V. 71. That we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us V. 74. That he would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him without fear and bring them to everlasting salvation g Heb. 5. 8 9. Though he were a Son yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered and being made perfect he became the author of everlasting salvation unto all that obey him Heb. 9 11. to the 16. But Christ being come an High Priest of good things to come by a greater and more perfect Tabernacle not made with hands that is to say not of this building V. 12. Neither by the blood of Goats and Calves but by his own blood he entred in once into the holy place having obtained eternal redemption for us V. 13. For if the blood of Bulls and of Goats and the ashes of an Heifer sprinkling the unclean sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh V. 14. How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God V. 15. And for this cause he is the Mediator of the New Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance Q. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be Man A. It was requisite that the Mediator should be Man that he might advance our nature h Heb. 2. 16. For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham perform obedience to the law i Gal. 4. 4. But when the time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law suffer and make intercession for us in our nature k Heb. 2. 14. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himself likewise took part of the same that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the Devil Heb. 7. 24 25. But this man because he continueth for ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them have a fellow-feeling of our infirmities l Heb. 4. 15. For we have not an High Priest that cannot be touched with the seeling of ouâ— infirmitâ—es but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin that we might receive the adoption of sons m Gal 4. 5. To redeâ—m â—hem that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of sons and have comfort and access with boldness unto the throne of grace n Heb. 4. 16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need Q. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be God and Man in one person A. It was requisite that the Mediator who was to reconcile God and Man should himself be both God and Man and this in one person that the proper works of each nature might be accepted of God for us o Matth. 1. 21. 23. And she shall bring forth a Son and thou shalt call his Name Jesus for he shall save his people from their sins V. 23. Behold a Virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a Son and they shall call his Name Emmanuel which being interpreted is God with us Mat. 3. 17. And lo a voyce from heaven saying This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased Heb. 9. 14. How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered up himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God and relied on by us as the works of the whole person p 1 Pet. 2. 6. Wherefore it is contained in the Scripture Behold I lay in Sion a choice Corner-stone elect and pretious and he that beleeveth on him shall not be confounded Q. Why was our Mediator called Jesus A. Our Mediator was called Jesus because he saveth his people from their sins q Mat. 1. 21. And she shall bring forth a Son and thou shalt call his name Jesus for he shall save his people from their sins Q. Why was our Mediator called Christ A. Our Mediator was called Christ because he was anointed with the Holy Ghost above measure r Joh. 3. 34. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him Psal 45. 7. Thou lovest righteousness and hatest wickedness therefore God thy God hath annointed thee with the oyl of gladness above thy fellowes and so set apart and fully furnished with all authority and ability Å¿ John 6. 27. Labour not for the meat that perisheth but for that meat which endureth to everlasting life which the Son of Man shall give unto you for him hath God the Father sealed Mat. 28. 18 19 20. Jesus came and spake unto them saying All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth
Law u Gal. 4. 4. But when the fulnesse of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the Law which he perfectly fulfilled * Mat. 5. 17. Think not that I am come to destroy the Law or the Prophets I am not come to destroy but to fulfill Rom. 5. 19. For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous and by conflicting with the indignities of the world x Psal 22. 6. But I am a worm and no man a reproach of men and despised of the people Heb. 12. 2 3. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith who for the joy that was set before him endured the Cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds temptations of Satan y Mat. 4. from v. 1. to v. 12. Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to he tempted of the Divel c. Luke 4. 13. And when the Divel had ended all the temptation he departed from him for a season and infirmities in his flesh whether common to the nature of man or particularly accompanying that his low condition z Heb. 2. 17 18. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a mercifull and faithful High-Priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted he is able to succour them that are tempted Heb. 4. 15. For we have not an High-Priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Isa 52. 13 14. Behold my servant shall deal prudently he shall be exalted and extolled and be very high As many were astonished at thee his visage was so marred more then any man and his form more then the sons of men Q. How did Christ humble himself in his death A. Christ humbled himself in his death in that having been be rayed by Judas a Mat. 27. 4. Saying I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood and they said What is that to us see thou to that forsaken by his Disciples b Mat. 26. 56. But all this was done that the Scriptures of the Prophets might be fulfilled then all the Disciples forsook him and fled scorned and rejected by the World c Isai 53. 2 3. For he shal grow up before him as a tender plant and as a root out of a dry ground he hath no form nor comeliness and when we shall see him there is no beauty that we should desire him He is despised and rejected of men a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief and we hid as it were our faces from him he was despised and we esteemed him not condemned by Pilate and tormented by his Persecutors d Mat. 27. from ver 26. 10 v. 50. Then released he Barrabbas unto them and when he had scourged Jesus he delivered him to be crucified c. John 19. 34. But one of the souldiers with a spear pierced his side and forthwith came thereout blood and water having also conflicted with the terrors of death and the powers of darkness felt and born the weight of Gods wrath e Luke 22. 44. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground Mat. 27. 46. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voyce saying ELI ELI LAMA SABACTHANI that is to say My God my God why hast thou forsaken me he laid down his life an offering for sin f Isa 53. 10. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him he hath put him to grief When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin he shall see his seed he shall prolong his dayes and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand enduring the painful shameful and cursed death of the cross g Phil. 2. 8. And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross Heb. 12. 2. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God Gal. 3. 13. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law being made a curse for us for it is written Cursed is every one that hangeth on the tree Q. Wherein consisted Christs humiliation after his death A. Christs humiliation after his death consisted in his being buried h 1 Cor. 15. 3 4. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and that he was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures and continuing in the state of the dead and under the power of death till the thirdday i Psal 16. 10. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption Compared with Acts 2. 24 25 26 27 -31 Whom God hath raised up having loosed the pains of death because it was not possible that he should be holden of it V. 25. For David speaketh concerning him I foresaw the Lord alwayes before my face for he is on my right hand that I should not be moved V. 36. Therefore did my heart rejoyce and my tongue was glad my flesh also shall rest in hope V. 27. Because thou wilt not leave my soul in the grave nor wile thou suffer thine holy One to see corruption V. 31. He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ that his soul was not left in hell neither did his flesh see corruption Rom. 6. 9. Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more death hath no more dominion over him Matth. 12. â—0 For as Jonas was three dayes and three nights in the whales belly so shall the Son of man be three dayes and three nights in the heart of the earth which hath been otherwise expressed in these words He descended into Hell Q. What was the estate of Christs exaltation A. The estate of Christs exaltation comprehendeth his resurrection k 1 Cor. 15. 4. And that he was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scripture Ascention l Mark 16. 19. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them he was received up into heavâ—n and sate on the right hand of God sitting at the right hand of the Father m Eph. 1. 20. Which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set hâ—m
the law V. 22. But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe and of the perfection of his obedience a Rom. 10. 4. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth Q. What particular use is there of the Moral law to unregenerate men A. The Morall Law is of use to unregenerate men to awaken their consciences to fly from wrath to come b 1 Tim. 1. 9 10. Knowing this that the Law is not made for a righteous man but for the lawless and disobedient for the ungodly and sinners for unholy and profane for murderers of fathers and murtherers of mothers for man-slayers V. 10. For whore-mongers for them that defile themselves with man-kind for men-stealers for liars for perjured persons and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine and to drive them to Christ c Gal. 3. 24. Wherefore the Law was our School Master to bring us unto Christ that we might be justified by faith or upon their continuance in the estate and way of sin to leave them inexcusable d Rom. 1. 20. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are cleerly seen being understood by the things that are made even his eternal power and Godhead so that they are without excuse Compared with Rom. 2. 15. Which shew the work of the Law written in their hearts their consciences also bearing witness and their thoughts the meane while accusing one another and under the curse thereof e Gal. 3. 10. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse for it is written Cursed is every one that continueth not in all the things which are written in the book of the Law to do them Q. What special use is there of the Moral Law to the regenerate A. Although they that are regenerate and believe in Christ be delivered from the Moral Law as a Covenant of works f Rom. 6. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you for ye are not under the law but under grace Rom. 7. 4 6. Wherefore my brethren ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ that ye should be married to another even to him who is raised from the dead that we should bring forth fruit unto God V. 6. But now we are delivered from the law that being dead wherein we were held that we should serve in newness of spirit and not in the oldness of the letter Gal. 4. 4 5. But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his son made of a woman made under the law V. 5. To redeem them that were under the Law that we might receive the adoption of sons so as thereby they are neither justified g Rom. 3. 20. Therefore by the deeds of the Law shall no flesh be justified in his sight for by the law is the knowledge of sin nor condemned h Gal. 5. 23. Meekness Temperance against such there is no law Rom. 8. 1. There is now therefore no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit yet beside the general uses thereof common to them with all men it is of special use to shew them how much they are bound to Christ for his fulfilling it and enduring the curse thereof in their stead and for their good i Rom. 7. 24 25. O wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from this body of death V. 25. I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord so then with the mind I my self serve the law of God but with the flesh the law of sin Gal. 3. 13 14. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us for it is written Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree V. 14. That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith Rom. 8. 3 4. For what the law could not do for that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinfull flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh V. 4. That the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit and thereby to provoke them to more thankfuluess k Luk. 1. 68 69 74 75. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel who hath visited and redeemed his people V. 69. And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David V. 74. That he would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without feare V. 75. In holiness and righteousness before him all the daies of our life Col. 1. 12 13 14. Giving thanks unto the father who hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in light V. 13. Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the Kingdom of his dear Son V. 14. In whom we have redemption through his blood even the forgiveness of sins and to express the same in their greater care to conform themselves thereunto as the rule of their obedience l Rom. 7. 22. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man Rom. 12. 2. And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mindes that ye may prove what is that good that acceptable and perfect will of God Tit. 2. 11 12 13 14. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men V. 12. Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present evil world V. 13. Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Lord Jesus Christ V. 14. Who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purifie unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works Q. Where is the Moral Law summarily comprehended A. The Morall Law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments which were delivered by the voice of God upon mount Sinai and written by him in two tables of stone m Deut. 10. 4. And he wrote in the Tables according to the first writing the ten Commandments which the Lord spake unto you in the Mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly and the Lord gave them unto me Exod. 34. 1 2 3 4. And the Lord said unto Moses Hew thee â—wo Tables of stone like unto the first and I will write upon these Tables the words that were in the first Tables which thou brakest V. 2. And be ready in the morning and come up into Mount Sinai and present thy self there to me in the top of
of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under a curse saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul and lots r Esth 3. 7. In the fifth moneth that is the moneth Nisan in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus they cast Pur that is the lot before Haman from day to day and from moneth to moneth to the twelfth moneth that is the moneth Adar Esth 9. 24. Because Haman had devised against the Jewes to destroy them and had cast Pur that is the lot to consume and destroy them Psal 22. 18. They part my garments among them and cast lots upon my vesture violating of our oaths and vowes if lawful Å¿ Psal 24. 4. He that hath clean hands and a pure heart who hath not lift up his soul unto vanity nor sworn deceitfully Eze. 17. 16 -18 19. As I live saith the Lord God surely in the place where the King dwelleth thaâ— made him King whose oath he despised and whose Covenant he breaketh even with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die V. 18 19. Seeing he despiseth the oath by breaking the Covenant when loe he had given his hand and hath done all these things he shall not escape V. 19. Therefore thus saith the Lord God As I live surely mine Oath that he hath despised and my Covenant that he hath broken even it will I recompence upon his own head and fulfilling them if of things unlawful t Mark 6. 26. And the King was exceeding sorry yet for his oaths sake and for their sakes who sate wâ—th him he would not reject her 1 Sam. 25. 22-32 33 34. So and more also do God unto the enemies of David if I leave of all that pertain to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall V. 32. And David said to Abigail blessed be the Lord God of Israel who sent thee this day to me V. 33. And blessed be thy advice and blessed be thou who hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood and from avenging my self with mine own hands V. 34. For in very deed as the Lord God of Israel liveth which hath kept me back from hurting thee except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me surely there had not been left unto Nabal by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall murmuring and quarrelling at u Rom. 9. 14 -19 20. What shall we say then Is there unrighteousness with God God forbid V. 19. Thou wilt say then unto me Why doth he yet find fault For who hath resisted his will V. 20. Nay but O man who art thou that replyest against God shall the thing formed say to him that formed it Why hast thou made me thus curious prying into * Deut. 29. 29. The secret things belong unto the Lord our God but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever that we may do all the words of this law and misapplying of Gods decrees x Rom. 3. 5-7 But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God what shall we say Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance I speak as a man V. 7. For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lye unto his glory why yet am I also judged as a sinner Rom. 6. 1. What shall we say then shall we continue in sin that grace may abound God forbid and providences y Eccl. 8. 11. Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil Eccl. 9. 3. This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun that there is one event unto all yea also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil and madness is in their heart while they live and after that they go to the dead Psal 39. I said I will take heed to my wayes that I sin not with my tongue throughout misinterpreting z Mat. 5. from V. 21. To the end Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time misapplying a Ezek. 13. 22. Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad whom I have not made sad and strengthned the hands of the wicked that he should not return from his wicked way by promising him life or any way perverting the word or any part of it b 2 Pet. 3. 16. As also in all his Epistles speaking in them of those things in which are some things hard to be understood which they that are unleaâ—ned wrest as they do also the other Scriptures to their own destruction Mat. 22. 24. to the 31. Vers Saying Master Moses said If a man die having no children his brother shall marry his wife and raise up seed to his brother for there were with us seven brethren and the first c. V. 29. Jesus answered and said unto them ye erre not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God For in the Resurrection to profane jests c Isai 22. 13. And behold joy and gladness slaying of oxen and killing of sheep eating flesh and drinking wine let us eat and drink for to morrow we shall die Jer. 23. 34 -36-38 As for the Prophet and the Priests and the people that shall say The burthen of the Lord I will even punish that man and his house V. 36. And the burden of the Lord shall ye mention no more for every mans word shall be his burden for ye have perverted the words of the living God V. 38. But sith ye say The burden of the Lord and I have sent unto you saying ye shall not say The burden of the Lord therefore I will utterly forget and forsake you c. curious or unprofitable questions vain janglings or the maintaining of false Doctrines d 1 Tim. 1. 4-6 7. Neither give heed to fables and endles genealogies which minister Questions rather then good edifying which is in faith so do V. 6. From which faith some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling V. 7. Desiring to be teachers of the Law understanding neither what they say nor whereof they affirm 1 Tim. 6 4 5 -20 He is proud knowing nothing but doting about questions and strifes of words whereof cometh envy strife railings evil surmisings V. 5. Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth supposing that gain is godliness from such withdraw thy self V. 20. O Timothy keep that which is committed to thy trust avoiding profane and vain bablings and oppositions of science falsly so called 2 Tim. 2. 14. Of these things put them in remembrance charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no no profit but to the subverting of the hearers Tit. 3. 9. Avoid foolish questions and genealogies and contentions and strivings about the Law for thâ—y are unprofitable and vain abusing it the creatures or any thing contained under the name
and rejected of men a man of sorrows and acquainted with griefs and we hid as it were our faces from him he was despised and we esteemed him not the wrath of God (g) Luk. 22. 44. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground Mat. 27. 46. And about the ninth hour Jesus cryed with a loud voice saying ELI ELILAMA-SABACTHANI that is to say My God my God why hast thou forsaken me and the cursed death of the cross (h) Phil. 2. 8. And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross in being buried (i) 1 Cor. 15. 4. And that he was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures and continuing under the power of death for a time (k) Mat. 2. 40. As Jonas was three dayes and three nights in the whales belly so shall the Son of man be three dayes and three nights in the heart of the earth Act. 2. 24 25 26 27 -31 v. 24. Woom God bath raised having loosed the pains of death because it was not possible that he should be holden of it v. 25. For David speaketh concerning him I foresaw the Lord alwayes before my face for he is on my right hand that I should not be moved v. 26. Therefore did my heart rejoyce and my tongue was glad moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope v. 27. Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell neither wilt thou suffer thine holy One to see corruption v. 31. He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ that his soul was not left in hell neither did his flesh see corruption Q. Wherein consisteth Christs Exaltation A. Christs exaltation consisteth in his rising again from the dead on the third day (l) 1 Cor. 15. 4. And that he was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures in ascending up into heaven (m) Mark 16. 19. So then after the Lord had spoken to them he was received up into heaven and sate on the right hand of God in sitting at the right hand of God the Father (n) Eph. 1. 20. Which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places and in coming to judge the world at the last day (o) Act. 1. 11. Which also said Ye men of Galilee why stand ye gâ—zing up into heaven this same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven Chap. 17. v. 31. He hath appointed a day in the which he shall judge the world in righteousnesse by that man whom he hath ordained whereof he hath given assurance unto all men in that he hath raised him from the dead Q. How are we made partakers of the Redemption purchased by Christ A. We are made partakers of the Redemption purchased by Christ by the effectual application of it to us (p) John 1. 11 12. v. 11. He came unto his own and his own received him not v. 12. But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the Sons of God even to them that believe on his Name by his holy Spirit (q) Tit. 3. 5 6. v. 5. Not by works of righteousnesse which we have done but according to his mercy â—e saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the holy Ghost v. 6. Which be shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Sâ—viour Q. How doth the Spirit apply to us the Redemption purchased by Christ A. The Spirit applieth to us the Redemption purchased by Christ by working faith in us (r) Eph. 1. 13 14. v. 13. In whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the Word of truth the Gospel of your salvation in whom also after that ye believed ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise v. 14. Which is an earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of his glory Joh. 6. 37 39. v. 37. All the Father giveth me shall come unto me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out v. 39. And this is the Fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given I should lose nothing but should raise it again at the last day Eph. 2. 8. By grace ye are saved through faith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual Calling (Å¿) Eph. 3. 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that ye being rooted and grounded in love 1 Cor. 1. 9. God is faithful by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Q. What is effectual Calling A. Effectuall calling is the work of Gods Spirit (t) 2 Tim. 1 9. Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began 2 Thes 2. 13 14. v. 13. But we are bound to give thanks alwayes to God for you brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through Sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth v. 14. Whereunto he called you by our Gospâ—l to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ whereby convincing us of our sin and misery (u) Act. 2. 37. Now when they heard this they were pricked in their hearts and said unto Peter and to the rest of the Apostles men and brethren what shall we do inlightning our minds in the knowledg of Christ (*) Act 26. 18. To open their eyes and to turn them from darknesse to light and from the power of Satan unto God that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me and renewing our wills (x) Ezek. 36. 26 27. v. 26. A new heart also will I give you and a new Spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and I will give you an heart of flesh v. 27. And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my judgments and do them he doth perswade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ freely offered to us in the Gospel (y) John 6. 44 45. v. 44. No man can come unto me except the Father which hath sent me draw him and I will raise him up at the last day v. 45. As it is written in the Prophets and they shall be all taught of God every man therefore that hath heard and hath learned of the Father cometh unto me Phil. 2.
done on earth as it is in heaven Give us this day our daily bread And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debters And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory for ever Amen The CREED I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty maker of heaven and earth And in Jesus Christ his onely Son our Lord which was conceived by the holy Ghost born of the Virgin Mary suffered under Pontius Pilate was crucified dead and buried he descended into hell * i. e. Continued in the state of the dead and under the power of death till the third day the third day he rose again from the dead he ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead I believe in the holy Ghost the holy Catholick Church the Communion of Saints the forgiveness of sins the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting Amen SO much of every Question both in the Larger and Shorter Catechism is repeated in the Answer as maketh every Answer an entire Proposition or sentence in it self to the end the Learner may further improve it upon all occasions for his encrease in knowledge and piety even out of the course of catechising as well as in it And albeit the substance of the doctrine comprised in that Abridgement commonly called The Apostles Creed be fully set forth in each of the Catechismes so as there is no necessity of inserting the Creed it self yet it is here annexed not as though it were composed by the Apostles or ought to be esteemed Canonical Scripture as the Ten Commandments and the Lords Prayer much less a Prayer as ignorant people have been apt to make both it and the Decalogue but because it is a brief sum of the Christian faith agreeable to the Word of God and anciently received in the Churches of Christ Cornelius Burges Prolocutor pro tempore Henry Roborough Scriba Adoniram Byfield Scriba To the Right Honorable THE LORDS COMMONS Assembled in Parliament The Humble Advice of the Assembly of Divines now sitting by Ordinance of Parliament at Westminster Concerning CHURCH-GOVERNMENT The Preface JEsus Christ upon whose shoulders the Government is whose name is called Wonderful Counsellour the Mighty God the Everlasting Father the Prince of Peace of the encrease of whose Government and Peace there shall be no end who sits upon the throne of David and upon his Kingdome to order it and to establish it with Judgment and Justice from henceforth even for ever having all power given unto him in Heaven and Earth by the Father who raised him from the dead and set him on his own right hand far above all Principalities and Power and Might and Dominion and every name that is named not only in this world but also in that which is to come and put all thing under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church which is his body the fulness of him that filleth all in all He being ascended up far above all Heavens that he might fill all things received gifts for his Church and gave offices necessary for the edification of his Church and perfecting of his Saints Mat. 28. 18 19 20. v. 18. And Jesus came and spake unto them saying All power is given unto me in Heaven and in Earth v. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost v. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you alway even unto the end of the world Amen Eph. 1. 20 21 22 23. v. 20. Which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places v. 21. Far above all Principality and Power and Might and Dominion and every name that is named not only in this world but also in that which is to come v. 22. And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church v. 23. Which is his body the fulness of him that filleth all in all compared with Eph. 4. 8 11. v. 8. Wherefore he saith when he ascended up on high he led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men v. 11. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some pastors and teachers And with Psal 68. 18. Thou hast ascended on high thou hast led captivity captive thou hast received gifts for men yea for the rebellious also that the Lord God might dwell among them Of the Church THere is one General Church visible held forth in the New Testament 1 Cor. 12. 12 13 28. For as the body is one and hath many members and all the members of that one body being many are one body so also is Christ v. 13. For by one spirit are we all baptized into one body whether we be Jews or Gentiles whether we be bond or free and have been all made to drink into one Spirit v. 28. And God hath set some in the Church First Apostles Secondarily Prophets Thirdly Teachers after that miracles then gifts of healings helps governments diversities of tongues Together with the rest of the Chapter The Ministry Oâ—acles and Ordinances of the New Testament are given by Jesus Christ to the General Church visible for the gathering and perfecting of it in this life until his second coming 1 Cor. 12. 28. See before Eph. 4. 4 5. v. 4. There is one body and one spirit even as ye are called in one hope of your calling v. 5. One Lord one Faith one Baptism Compared with ver 10. 11 12 13 15 16. v. 10. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens that he might fill all things v. 11. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some pastors and teachers v. 12. For the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ v. 13. Till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledg of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ v. 15. But speaking the truth in love may grow up into him in all things which is the head even Christ v. 16. From whom the whole body fitly joyned together and compacted by that which every joynt supplieth according to the effectual working in the measure of every part maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of it self in love Particular visible Churches Members of the General Church are also held forth in the New Testament Gal 1. 21 12. v. 21. Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia v. 22. And was unknown by face unto the Churches of Judea which were in
hearing Neh. 8. 1 2 13. v. 1. And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water-gate and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses which the Lord had commanded to Israel v. 2. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women and all that could hear with understanding upon the first day of the seventh moneth v. 3. and he read therein v. 13. And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people the priests and the Levites unto Ezra the sâ—r the even to understand the words of the law 2. That the Ministers of the Gospel have as ample a charge and commission to dispense the Word as well as other Ordinances as the Priests and Levites had under the law proved Isa 66. 21. And I will also take of them for Priests and for Levites saith the Lord. Mat. 28. 34. Wherefore behold I send unto you Prophets and wise men and scribes and some of them ye shall kill and crucifie and some of them shall ye scourge in your Synagogues and persecute them from City to City Where our Saviour intituleth the Officers of the New Testament whom he will send forth by the same names of the teachers of the Old Which Propositions prove that therefore the duty being of a moral nature it followeth by just consequence that the publick reading of the Scriptures belongeth to the Pastors Office To feed the flock by preaching of the Word according to which he is to teach convince reprove exhort and comfort 1 Tim. 3. 2. A Bishop then must be blameless the husband of one wise vigilant sober of good behaviour given to hospitality apt to teach 2 Tim. 3. 16 17. v. 16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for Doctrine for Reproof for Correction for Instruction in righteousness v. 17. That the man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all good works Tit. 1. 9. Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught that he may be able by sound Doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers To Catechise which is a plain laying down the Principles of the Oracles of God Or of the Doctrine of Christ and is a part of preaching Heb. 5. 12. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers ye have need that one teach you again which be the first Principles of the Oracles of God and are become such as have need of milk and not of strong meat To dispense other Divine Misteries 1 Cor. 4. 1 2. v. 1. Let a man so account of us as of the Ministers of Christ and stewards of the misteries of God v. 2. Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful To administer the Sacraments Mat. 28. 19 20. v. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost v. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you alway even unto the end of the world Amen Mar. 16. 15 16. v. 15. And he said unto them Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel unto every creature v. 16. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned 1 Cor. 11. 23 24 25. v. 23. 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 v. 24. 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 v. 25. 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 Compared with 1 Cor. 10. 16. The cup of blessing which we bless is it not the communion of the blood of Christ the bread which we break is it not the communion of the body of Christ To bless the people from God Numb 6. 23. 24 25 26. v. 23. Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons saying On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel saying unto them v. 24. The Lord bless thee and keep thee v. 25. The Lord make his face to shire upon thee v. 26. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee and give thee peace Compared with Rev. 1. 4 5. v. 4. John to the seven Churches which are in Asia grace be unto you and peace from him which is and which was and which is to come and from the seven spirits which are before his throne v. 5. And from Jesus Christ who is the faithful witness and the first begotten of the dead and the prince of the Kings of the earth unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood Where the same blessings and persons from whom they come are expresly mentioned Isa 66. 21. And I will also take of them for Priests and for Levites saith the Lord. Here under the names of the Priests and Levites to be continued under the Gospel are meant Evangelical Pastors who therefore are by office to bless the people Deut. 10. 8. At that time the Lord separated the tribe of Levi to bear the ark of the Covenant of the Lord to stand before the Lord to minister unto him and to bless in his name unto this day 2 Cor. 13 14. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all Amen Eph. 1. 2. Grace be to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ To take care of the poor Act. 11. 30. Which also they did and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul Act. 4. 34 35 36 37. v. 34. Neither was there any among you that lacked for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them and brought the prises of the things that were sold v. 35. And laid them down at the Apostles feet and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need v. 36. And Joses who by the Apostles was surnamed Barnabas which is being interpreted the son of conselation a Levite and of the country of Ciprus v. 37. Having land sold it and brought the money and laid it at the Apostles feet Act. 6 2 3 4. v. 2. Then the twelve called the multitude of the Disciples unto them and said It is not reason that we should leave the word of God and serve Tables v. 3. Wherefore brethren look you out among you seven men of honest report full of the Holy Ghost and wisdome whom ye may appoint over this business v. 4. But we will give our selves continually to prayer and
Of Classical Assemblies THe Scripture doth hold out a Presbytery in a Church both in 1 Tim. 4. 14. Neglect not the gift that is in thee which was given thee by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery And in Acts 15. 2 4 6. v. 2. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissention and disputation with them they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should go up to Jerusalem unto the Apostles and Elders about this question v. 4. And when they were come to Jerusalem they were received of the Church and of the Apostles and Elders and they declared all things that God had done with them v. 6. And the Apostles and Elders came together for to consider of this matter A Presbytery consisteth of Ministers of the Word and such other publick Officers as are agreeable to and warranted by the Word of God to be Church-governours to joyn with the Ministers in the Government of the Church as appeareth Rom. 12. 7 8. v. 7. Or Ministry let us wait on our Ministring or he that teacheth on reaching v. 8. Or he that exhorteth on exhortation he that giveth let him do it with simplicity he that ruleth with diligence he that sheweth mercy with cheerfulness 1 Cor. 12. 28. And God hath set some in the Church first Apostles secondarily Prophets thirdly teachers after that miracles then gifts of healings helps governments diversities of tongues The Scripture doth hold forth that many particular Congregations may be under one Presbyterial Go ernment This proposition is proved by instances 1. First Of the Church of Jerusalem which consisteth of more Congregations then one and all these Congregations were under one Presbyterial Goverment This appeareth tâ—us â— First The Church of Jerusalem consisteth of more Congregations then one as is manifest 1. By the multitude of believers mentioned in divers Both before the dispersion of the believers there by means of the persecutions mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles chap. 8. in the beginning thereof witness Acts 1. 15. And in those dayes Peter stood up in the midst of the Disciples and said The number of the names together were about an hundred and twenty Acts 2. 41 46. 47. v. 41. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls v. 46. And they continuing daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart v. 47. Praising God and having favour with all the people And the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved Acts 5. 14. And believers were the more added unto the Lord multitudes both of men and women Acts 6. 1. 7. v. 1. And in those dayes when the number of the Disciples was multiplied there a rose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration v. 7. And the Word of God increased and the number of the Disciples multiplyed in Jerusalem greatly and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith And also after the dispersion Acts 9. 31. Then had the Churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria and were edified and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the holy Ghost were multiplied Acts 12. 24. But the Word of God grew and multiplied Acts. 21. 20. And when they heard it they glorified the Lord and said unto him Thou seest brother how many thousand of Jews there are which believe and they are all zealous of the law Secondly By the many Apostles and other Preachers in the Church of Jerusalem And if there were but one Congregation there then each Apostle preached but seldome which will not consist with Acts 6. 2. Then the twelve called the multitude of the Discipleâ— unto them and said It is not reason that we should leave the Word of God and serve tables Thirdly The diversity of Languages amongst the Believers mentioned both in the second and sixth chapters of the Acts doth argue more Congregations then one in that Church 2. Secondly All those congregations were under one Presbyterial government because First They were one Church Acts 8. 1. And Saul was consenting unto his death And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria except the Apostles Acts 2. 47. Praising God and having favour with all the people And the Lord added unto the church daily such as should be saved Compared with chap. 5. 11. And great fear came upon all the church and upon as many as heard these things chap. 12 5. Peter therefore was kept in prison hut prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him chap. 15. 2. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should go up to Jerusalem unto the Apostles and Elders about this question Secondly The Elders of the Church are mentioned Act. 11. 30. Which also they did and sent it to the Elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul Acts 15. 4 6 22. v. 4. And when they were come to Jerusalem they mere received of the Church and of the Apostles and Elders and they declared all things that God had done with them v. 6. And the Apostles and Elders came together to consider of this matter v. 22. Then it pleased the Apostles and Elders with the whole Church to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Bâ—rnabas namely Judas sirnamed Barsabas and Silus chief men among the brethren And ch 21. 17 18. v. 17. And when we were come to Jerusalem the brethren received us gladly v. 18. And the day following Paul went in with us unto James and all the Elders were present Thirdly The Apostles did the ordinary Acts of Presbyters as Presbyters in that Church which proveth a Presbyterial Church before the dispersion Act. 6 Fourthly The several Congregations in Jerusalem being one Church the Elders of that Church are mentioned as meeting together for acts of Government Act. 11. 30. Which also they did and sent it to the Elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul Acts 15. 4 6 22. v. 4. And when they were come to Jerusalem they were received of the Church and of the Apostles and Ellers and they declared all things that God had done with them v. 6. And the Apostles and Elders came together for to consider of this matter v. 22. Then it pleased the Apostles and Elders with the whole Church to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas namely Judas sirnamed Barsabas and Silas chief men among the brethren Acts 21. 17 18. v. 17. And when they were come to Jerusalem the brethren