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kingdom_n	key_n	open_v	shut_v	2,164	5	9.3630	5	false

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ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A35959	Truths victory over error, or, An abridgement of the chief controversies in religion which since the apostles days to this time, have been, and are in agitation, between those of the Orthodox faith, and all adversaries whatsoever, a list of whose names are set down after the epistle to the reader : wherein, by going through all the chapters of The confession of faith, one by one, and propounding out of them, by way of question, all the controverted assertions, and answering by yes, or no, there is a clear confirmation of the truth, and an evident confutation of what tenets and opinions, are maintain'd by the adversaries : a treatise, most useful for all persons, who desire to be instructed in the true Protestant religion, who would shun in these last days, and perillous times, the infection of errors and heresies, and all dangerous tenets and opinions, contrary to the word of God.	Dickson, David, 1583?-1663.; Sinclair, George, d. 1696.	1684 (1684)	Wing D1412; ESTC R3405	145,943	378

can take the office of a civil Magistrate or of a Deacon of the church upon him unless he be called thereunto Luke 12. 14. Acts 6. 5. 1 Tim. 3. 10. And therefore no man ought to take upon him the publick preaching of the Word unless he be called thereunto likewise 7 Because he that taketh upon him this office without a call he usurpeth Authority in the church seing Preaching is an Act of Authority 1 Thes. 5. 12. 8 Because the Titles which are given to the Preachers of the Gospel are names of Office they are called the Ambassadours of Christ 2 cor 5. 20. Stewards of the Word Titus 1. 7. The Men of GOD 1 Tim. 6. 11. and Angels Rev. 2. 1. 9 Because there is not one approven example in all the Word of GOD for a gifted brother to Preach without a call and therefore seing it is not done in Faith it must be Sin Must every Fellow that takes a laxit in his tongue go up to the Pulpit and ease himself 10 Because there are Precepts and Rules set down in Scripture for all the Ages of the church to the end of the world anent the calling of men to be Ministers of the Gospel 1 Tim. 3. 2 3 6 7. and 1 Tim. 5. 21 22. Do not likewise the Independents Brunists and Anabaptists err who maintain that the Right and Power of Governing the church belongs no less to the multitude and community of Believers than to the Officers of the church Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Scripture expresly teaches that GOD hath committed the Government of his church and the care of his people to certain chosen Persons and not to all and every one Ephes. 4. 11. 12 13. 1 Cor. 12. 28. 2 Because if the power of the keyes were given to believers in common either they are given to them as believers or as they are gifted by GOD with gifts and qualifications above others for Governing the church and chosen out of the rest for performing that office If the last part be affirmed it follows that the power and right of the keyes is committed not to a community of believers but to some select persons which we own and maintain but the Independents deny If the first be asserted then it follows first that the care of Governing the church is committed to Women and children being believers and so they must necessarly have the power of seeing as being eyes and watch men to the church the power of hearing as being the ears of the church and the body of the church must be deformed because the whole body is the eye and the whole body is the ear and whose many members are made one member 1 cor 12. 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19. 2 It follows that the power of the keyes it not only given to all but to Believers only but it is evident by the example of Iudas and other Reprobates that many in Christs name have preached who were not Believers Matth. 7. 22 23. Phil. 1. 16 17 18. 3 Because to whom Christ has given the power of Governing the church to them also he hath promised to give gifts and enduments largely for performing that office Iohn 20. 21 22 23. 1 Cor. 4. 6 7. Matth. 28. 19 20. But to a community of Believers God has never promised a Spirit for the Ministry nor gifts for that employment Nor did he ever bestow or confer any such enduments 4 Because Christ our Mediator appointed Ecclesiastical Officers and Church-Governours before ever there was a formal church under the New Testament gathered and set up Luke 9. 1. Luke 10. 1 2 3. Iohn 20. 21 22 23. Matth. 28. 19 20. This was all done before his death And before his ascension he did the like Ephes. 4. 8. 11 12. Acts 2. 1 Cor. 12. 28. Now it is evident that there was no formal gathering together of a church before the Feast of Pentecost Acts 2. Ecclesiastick Ministers and Officers were appointed for calling in and gathering together the Mystical body of Christ to wit his Members therefore it was needful that Ministers baptizing ought to be before Persons baptized That Gatherers of the church ought to be before Persons gathered That callers and inviters to Christ ought to be before Persons called and invited 5 This Democracy or popular Government cannot but bring in great confusion whence many absurdities will follow As the church of GOD should not be an organical body That Women who are forbidden to speak in the church most have the keyes of the kingdom of Heaven hanging at their Belt forsooth All must govern and none must be governed All must attend the government of the church All must be rendred uncapable for going about their particular callings which God calls them to every day Therefore seing this sort of Government brings so much confusion with it it is most probable that it is not of God who is a God of Order and not of confusion 1 Cor. 14. 33. Quest. II. ARE Church Censures necessary for reclaiming and gaining of offending brethren for deterring of others from the like offences for purging out of that leaven which might infect the whole lump for vindicating the honour of Christ and the holy profession of the Gospel and for preventing the wrath of GOD which might justly fall upon the church if they should suffer his covenant and the seals thereof to be prophaned by notorious and obstinate sinners Yes 1 Tim. 5. 20. 1 Tim. 1. 20. 1 cor 11. 27. to the end Iude 23. verse Are the Officers of the church for the better attaining of these ends to proceed by Admonition by Suspension from the Lords Table for a season and by Excommunication from the church according to the nature of the crime or scandalous offence and demerit of the Person Yes 1 Thes. 5. 12 1 cor 5. 4 5 13. Matth. 18. 17 Titus 3. 10. Well then do not the Socinians Anabaptists Quakers and other Sectaries err who deny that any church censures should be inflicted upon offenders Yes Do not likewise the Erastians err who maintain there should be no suspension from the Lords Table or excommunication from the church Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the power of the keyes is given to the Ministers of the church wherewith not only by the preaching of the Word but also by church censures they open and shut the kingdom of heaven as will appear by comparing these places of Scripture together Matth. 16. 19. Matth. 18. 17. 2 Because he that offends publickly and after Admonition persists pertinaciously in his sin should be esteemed as a Publican and Heathen Matth. 18. 17. 3 Because the Apostle says if any man obey not our Word by this Epistle note that man and have no company with him Note him that is either by excommunication or some other note of church censure 2 Thess. 3. 14. 4 Because the Apostolick church being moved by the same reasons which

doing we ought to put to silence the ignorance of foolish men 1 Peter 2 15 2 Because they that follow the liberty of sinning and promise liberty to others are truely the servants of corruption for of whom a man is overcome of the same is he brought in bondage 2 Peter 2 19. 3 Because the end of that liberty which is purchased by Christ is that being delivered out of the hands of our enemies we might serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life Luke 1 74 75 4 Because whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin Iohn 8 34 5 Because the Moral Law obligeth Believers to perform obedience out of gratitude and thankfulness for Christ came not to destroy the Law but to fulfil it Matth 5 17 6 Because whosoever shall break one of these least commandments and shall teach men so he shal be called the least in the kingdom of Heaven Matth. 5. 19 Quest IV MAY such men be lawfully called to an account and proceeded against by the Censures of the Church and by the power of the Civil Magistrat who publish such opinions or maintain such practises as are contrary to the Light of Nature or to the known principles of Christianity whether concerning Faith Worship or Conversation or to the power of Godliness or such erroneous opinions and practises as either in their own Nature or in the manner of publishing or maintaining them are destructive to the external peace and order which Christ hath established in his Church Yes 1 Cor. 5 1 5 11. 13 2 Iohn v 10 11 1 Tim. 6 3 4 Titus 1 10 11 13 Titus 3 10. 1 Tim. 1 19 20 Matth 18 15 16 17 Rev 2 2 14 15 20 Rev 3 9 Well then do not the Anabaptists err who maintain there should be no Ecclesiastical Censures Yes Do not others also err who maintain that Church Censures should not be inflicted upon Hereticks Yes Do not lastly the Lutherians Anabaptists Arminians Quakers and all sort of Hereticks and Sectaries err who maintain under the pretext of Christian Liberty that the Civil Magistrat is not obliged in duty to punish any man with the sword for errors in doctrine but that they ought to be tolerated and suffered providing such persons as own them do not trouble or molest the Common-wealth Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the keyes of the Kingdom of Heaven are for this end delivered to the Ministers of the Church that with Censures they may pursue Scandalous and offending Persons who will not obey admonition Matth. 18. 15 17 18. But such also are Hereticks Gal. 5. 20. Tit. 1. 10. 12. 2 Because an Heretick after the first and second admonition is to be rejected avoided or shuned That is let him not remain in the external Communion of the Church Titus 3. 10. 3 Because Paul did excommunicat Hymeneus and Alexander who had made shipwrack of the Faith 1 Tim. 1. 19 20. 4 Because if any man obey not our Word by this Epistle note that man and have no company with him that he may be ashamed 2 Thes. 3. 14. 1 Tim. 6. 4 5. Titus 1. 11 5 Because Christ approves and commends the Pastors of the Church of Ephesus because they could not suffer them that are evil but had tried them which say they are Apostles and were not and had found them Liars Rev. 2. 2. And Christ in that same chapter accuses the Pastors of the Church of Pergamus and Thyatira and threatneth them because they had suffered Hereticks to be in the Church The Lutherians Anabaptists Arminians and other Sectaries are confuted 1 Because it is evident from many examples of Godly Magistrats who did extirpat Idolatry and inflict punishment upon Idolaters as did Iacob the Patriarch who at least purged his family of strange Gods Gen. 35. 2 3 4. Moses likewise took punishment with the sword upon those who did worship the Golden-Calf Exod. 32. 26 27 28. We have 2 the examples of Hesekia 2 Kings 18. 4. Of Iosia 2 Kings 23. Of Asa who decreed that whosoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel according to the law of God Deut. 13. 9. should be put to death whether small or great whether man or woman 2 Chro. 15. 13. Of Iehosaphat 2 Chron. 17. 6. Of Nehemia 13. 15 17. 3 Were not good kings reproved and was it not imputed to them as a fault that they did not take away the High-places 2 Kings 12. 3. 2 Kings 14. 4. 2 Kings 15. 4. 2 Chron. 15. 17. Far more is it a fault to suffer Hereticks 4 It is evident from the office of the Magistrat who is the Minister of God against them that do evil and beareth not the sword in vain Rom. 13. 3 4. 5 Because it is expresly commanded in Scripture that punishment be inflicted upon Idolaters even by the nearest Relations If then the Father may kill the Son may kill the Daughter the Husband the Wife of his bosom and if one brother may stone another brother with stones that he die for being Idolaters much more may the Civil Magistrat do this Deut. 13. 6. to the 13 verse Deut. 17. 2. to the 7 verse Lev. 24. 16. 6 Because it is foretold that under the New Testament Kings shall be nursing Fathers to the Church and Queens nursing Mothers and that Hereticks that were about to be hurtful to the Church shall be removed and taken away Isaiah 49. 23. Zech. 13. 2 3. And it shall come to pass in that day saith the Lord of hosts that I will cut off the names of the Idols out of the land that is all Idolatry whatsoever so that the same shall not be so much as named any more among you and they shall no more be remembred And I will also cause the Prophets the false Prophets and the unclean Spirit to pass out of the Land that is the false Teachers who teach impure doctrines through the inspiration of the unclean Spirit the Devil Compare with this 1 Iohn 4. 1 2 3. For confirmation consider what is foretold by Iohn Rev. 17. 12 16 17. That the Kings of the Earth shall eat the flesh of the Whore and burn her with fire All which are foretold as blessings to be confered upon the Church 7 It is evident from the Epithets whereby the pernicious and destructive nature of Hereticks is set forth in Scripture They are called Wolfes not sparing the flock Thieves Robers Troublers of the Church and Seducers or Beguilers of poor souls They are like unto a Gangren or Canker in the body They are as leaven or soure dough which leaveneth the whole lump Acts 20. 29. Iohn 10. 8. Acts 15. 24. Gal. 5. 12. 2 Tim. 2. 17. Gal. 5. 9. 8 Because Ezra did esteem it a great favour and blessing of God conferred upon the Church for which he thanked God that had inclined the heart of Artaxerxes to publish a Decree for the punishment of those that did not observe

power force and oblige all his subjects to a Reformation of Religion and to a conformity to the true worship sound doctrine and discipline of the Church Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because it is foretold by the Prophet Isaiah that in the dayes of the Gospel Kings shall be nursing Fathers and Queens nursing Mothers to the Church of God Chap. 49. 23. 2 Because Artaxerxes who was but a Heathen King was very careful to make a decree that whatsoever was commanded by the God of Heaven should be diligently done for the house of the God of Heaven And that whosoever would not obey the Law of GOD and the King judgement was to be executed speedily upon him whether by death banishment confiscation of goods or imprisonment For which singular mercy Ezra blessed the Lord GOD of his Fathers who had put such a thing in the Kings heart chap. 7. 23 25 26 27 28. So did Nebuchadnezzar make a decree that if any People Nation or Language should speak any thing amiss against the GOD of Heaven they should be cut in pieces and their houses made a dunghill Dan. 3. 29. The like we read of Darius who made a Decree that all men should tremble and fear before the GOD of Daniel chap. 6. 26. 3 From the example of Hezekiah who removed the high places and brake the images and cut down the groves and brake in pieces the brazen Serpent to which the Israelites did burn incense 2 Kings 18. 4. 4 From the example of Iosiah who made a through reformation and made all Israel to serve the LORD their GOD. The word in the Original importeth that he in a manner forced and compelled them to the pure worship and service of God as a servant is forced and compelled to his work He by his Royal Power and Authority kept them in order forbidding Idolatry and commanding them to serve God no otherwise than according to his Word 2 Chron. 34. 33. and 2 Chro. 15. 12 13. They entered into a Covenant to seek the Lord of their Fathers with all their heart and with all their soul that whosoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel should be put to death whether great or small man or woman 5 Because whosoever blasphemed the name of the Lord was surely put to death Lev. 24. 16. This blaspheming was a peircing through or stabbing the name of the Lord as the original word properly signifies which may be done not only after this manner but by maintaining blasphemous errors and heresies 6 Because the supream Magistrate is Custos utriusque Tabulae a Keeper of both Tables of the Law of God As well of the first Table which relates to Religion and our duty to God as of the second which relates to righteousness and our duty to our neighbour If then he may punish evil doers who offend against the second Table and force and compel them to obedience by the sword of justice which God hath put into his hand much more may he punish Idolaters and blasphemers who offend against the first Table and force and compell them to obedience seeing there are many sins against the first Table which are more hainous and odious than the sins against the second Table And though it be the sinful practise of the Church of Rome to force men and women to be of their Religion which is superstitious and Idolatrous yet it is not so to others who have the true religion among them And though our blessed Saviour and his Apostles did not use such means for propagating the Gospel reserving the Glory of conquering of souls to himself and the power of his Spirit yet he has taught nothing to the contrary but that Kings and Magistrates whom he has made nursing Fathers to his Church may according to the laudable examples of the good Kings of Iuda improve their power for Reformation and maintainance of his own Religion And though Religion hath been much advanced by suffering yet it will not infer that a Christian Prince has not power to reform his own subjects or extirpate blasphemers and Hereticks Quest. III. IS it lawful for a Christian to accept and execute the office of a Magistrate when called thereunto Yes Prov. 8. 15 16. Rom. 13. 1 2 4. Well then do not the Anabaptists err who maintain that it is not lawful for Christians to carry the office of a Magistrate Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because there is no power but of God and the powers which are are ordained of GOD Rom. 13. 1. 2 Because Solomon says by me that is by the Lord Kings reign and Princes decree justice Prov. 8. 15. 3 Because the Magistrate exercises and executes Gods judgements Deut. 1. 17. 4 Because the Magistrate receiveth all things from GOD which are necessary for the performance of his office Numb 11. 17. 5 Because the Lord hath promised that Magistrates under the Gospel shall be nursing Fathers to his Church Isaiah 49. 23. And shall make the Whore desolate naked and shal eat her flesh and burn her with fire Rev. 17. 16. Quest. IV. MAY the Civil Magistrate now under the New Testament wage warr upon just and necessary occasion Yes Luke 13. 14. Matth. 8. 9 10. Rev. 17. 14 16. Acts 10. 1 2. Well then do not the Quakers Anabaptists and Socinians err Who maintain that it is altogether unlawful now under the New Testament to wage warr Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because GOD appointed and commanded lawful war Numb 31. 2. For it is said the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon when he was to fight the battles of the Lord against the Midianites and Amalekites Iudges 6. 34. Nay the Lord himself prescribeth the manner and way of making of War Numb 10. 9. Numb 31. 27. Deut 20. 2. And giveth knowledge and skill to his Generals and Heroes to fight his own battles Psalm 18. 34. Psalm 144. 1. All which are in no wise abrogated and taken away under the New Testament 2 Because the Centurion that was converted to the Faith did not lay down his office of a Captain of a hundred which surely he would have done if to war under the New Testament had been unlawful Acts 10. 1 2 47. The same may be said of the believing Centurion Matth. 8. 8 9 10. 3 Because the office of a Souldier is not reprehended and reproved by Iohn the Baptist but rather approven Luke 3. 14. 4 Because opposition and defence against unjust violence which often times cannot be done without war is the very law of nature 5 Because it is foretold that the kings of the Earth shall make war against the Beast Rev. 17. 14 16. Quest. V. MAY the Civil Magistrate assume to himself the Administration of the Word and Sacraments or the power of the keyes of the Kingdom of Heaven No. 2 Chron. 26. 18. Matth. 18. 17. Matth. 16. 19. 1 Cor. 12. 28 29. Rom. 10. 5. Hebr. 5. 4. Well then

do not the Erastians err who maintain that the Civil Magistrate hath in himself all Church power and so may administer the Sacraments and preach the Word and may exercise the power of the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because Christ hath given no such power to Magistrates as evidently appears from all those places of Scripture where mention is made of the keyes There is not in them one syllabe of the Civil Magistrate Matth. 18. 17. Matth 16. 19. 2 If the power of the keyes of the Kingdom of Heaven agree to the Magistrate as a Magistrate then ought it to agree to every Magistrate though the Magistrate were an Infidel or a Woman which is absurd 3 A Magistrate as a Magistrate is not a Minister of the Church as is evident from all the Catalogues of the Ministers of the Church For in them you will not find any mention of the Magistrate Eph. 4. 11. Rom. 12. 7. 8. 1 Car. 12. 8 9 10. 4 Because before ever there was a Christian Magistrate in the World the Church exercised all Acts of Church Jurisdiction and Government The Church ordained Ministers and Pastors 1 Tim. 4. 14. And inflicted the Censure of Excommunication 1 Cor. 5. 5. And Relaxed the Penitent from this Censure Called a Synod and stigmatized Hereticks Acts 15. 5 Because GOD hath put a difference between the Church Government and the Civil and hath appointed distinct Governours to them 2 Chron. 19. 8 9 10 11. 6 Because God did severely punish Saul and Uzzia for presuming to offer sacrifice which was proper to the Priests only 1 Sam. 13. 9 10 13. 2 Chron. 26. 16 19. Quest. VI. HATH the Civil Magistrate power to call Synods to be present at them and to provide that whatsoever is transacted in them be according to the mind of GOD Yes 2 Chron. 19. 8 9 10 11. and 2 Chron. 29 30. chapters Matth. 2. 4 5. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain that the judgement and care of Religion doth not belong to the civil Magistrate Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the custody and keeping of the divine law is committed by GOD to the Civil Magistrate Deut. 17. 18. 2 Because it was foretold that Kings should be nursing Fathers to the Church Isaiah 49. 23. 3 Because it is the duty of the Magistrate to take care that subjects may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty 1 Tim. 2. 2. 4 From the commendable examples of the good kings of Iuda 2 Chron. 29. 30. chapters Quest. VI. DOth infidelity or difference in Religion make void the Magistrates just and legal authority No. Doth it free the people from their due obedience to him No. 1 Peter 2. 13 Rom. 13. 1 2 3 4. Titus 3. 1. Well then do not the Papists Anabaptists and others err who maintain that subjects ought not to suffer a King that 's an infidel or obey that King in his just commands that differs from them in Religion Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because we are commanded to submit our selves to every ordinance of man 1 Peter 2. 13. Namely in all that they command us if it be not contrary to God and his command otherwise according to Acts 4. 19. it is better to obey GOD than man And it is said for the Lords sake that is because it is GODS will to govern us by them 2 Because the Christians which were at Rome were commanded by the Apostle to subject themselves to the higher powers and that without exception of Religion and Piety and even to that heathen the Roman Emperour Rom. 13. 1. 3 Because the same Apostle writing to Titus bids him exhort the Cretians his hearers to obey Magistrates what manner of ones soever they be not only believing ones but also those that are unbelieving as then they were yet most of them Titus 3. 1. 4 Because when the Apostle Paul was persued for his life and charged with matters criminal he appealled unto Cesar Acts 25. 10 11. 5 Because the Prophet Ieremiah did own the power of Zedekia who had turned aside to a false worship and had despised the oath which he had made to the King of Babylon Ezek 17. 16 17. Now hear I pray thee says the Prophet O my Lord the King let my Supplication I pray thee be accepted before thee Ierem. 27. 20. 6 Because Christ himself payed tribute to Cesar though he was free being both the Son of GOD by nature and the Son of David by birth Matth. 17. 26. And he commanded and allowed others to pay Matth. 22. 21. Rom. 13. 7. 7 Because Paul did own and acknowledge the power of King Agrippa Acts 26. 2. Quest. VII IS it the duty of people to pray for Magistrates and honour their persons Yes 1 Tim. 2. 1 2. and 1 Peter 2. 17. Well then do not some err who deny this Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because Samuel at the request of Saul whom he knew the Lord had rejected returned again after him and honoured him before the people 1 Sam. 15. 31. 2 Because the Lord having appointed Magistrates to administer justice and judgement in his name is so far pleased to honour them as to call them Gods and the Children of the high Psalm 82. 1 6. 3 Because the Apostle Peter says fear God and honour the King parallel to what Paul says render to all men their dues honour to whom honour is due 1 Peter 2 17. Rom. 13. 7. 4 Because even heathen Magistrates are called the Lords anointed Isaiah 45. 1. And the Lord calls Nebuchadnezzar his servant Ierem. 27. 6. If then such Magistrates ought to be honoured upon that account much more Christian Magistrates 5 Because if we be obliged not to speak evil of dignities 2 Peter 2. 11 nor revile the Gods Exod. 22. 8 we are obliged to honour dignities for where a sin is forbidden the contrary duty is commanded 6 Because God commanded his people the Jews to seek the peace of the City that is the welfare and prosperity of Babylon whither he had caused them to be carried away captives Ierem. 29. 7. 7 Because the Prophet the man of God besought the Lord in behalf of Ieroboam and prayed for him a man that had made Apostacy from the true worship of God and had made Israel to sin 1 Kings 13. 3. 8 Because our blessed Saviour says render to Cesar the things that are Cesars Matth. 22. 21. But prayers and supplications are as due to Cesar as custom and tribute 1 Tim. 2. 1 2. 9 Because the Apostle commands us to pray for all that are in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life which is the cause wherefore we must pray for Magistrates For in the Apostles times and long after Magistrates were persecutors of the Church of GOD and hindred the members of Christ to live in peace and godliness 1 Tim.

and Familiarity with GOD but such are all these who walk inordinatly 2 cor 6. 16. 6 Because if the Church willingly and wittingly admit such persons they stir up the wrath of God against themselves for suffering Gods Covenant and his holy Symboles to be openly prophaned 1 Cor. 11. 30. 7 Because the Lord will not suffer such as are manifestly and contumaciously wicked to take his Covenant in their mouth and therefore to such persons the seals and symboles of his Covenenat ought not to be offered Psalm 50. 17. 8 Because ignorant prophane and godless persons ought to be esteemed as Heathens and Publicans Matth. 18. 17. CHAP. XXX Of CHURCH CENSURES Question I. HAth the Lord Iesus as King and Head of his Church appointed therein a Government in the hands of Church-Officers distinct from the Civil Magistrate Yes Isaiah 9. 6 7. 1 Tim. 5. 17. 1 Thes 5. 12. Acts 20. 17 18. Hebr. 13. 7 17 24. 1 Cor. 12. 28 Matth. 28. 18 19 20. Well then do not the Erastians and others err who maintain that in the Holy Scripture there is no particular form of Church Government set down and appointed by Christ Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Lord Jesus Christ hath delivered to the Ministers of his Church as to his own Delegates and Ambassadours and therefore according to his own laws the whole power of Governing the Church which he himself received from the Father to be managed and put in execution in his own name and authority Iohn 20. 21. Matth. 28. 19. Acts 1. 2. Eph. 4. 7 8 11. 2 Because all the substantials of Church Government under the New Testament which either concern Ministers Ordinances Censures Synods Councils and their power are proposed and set down in Scripture namely in the third Chapter of the first Epistle to Timothy Acts 15. chapter And 1 Cor. 14. 26 40. 3 Because the Lord Jesus Christ hath looked to the good of his Church no less under the New Testament than under the Old Therefore since the Church under the Old Testament had a most perfect form of Government prescribed to it and since there is as great need and necessity of Church order and discipline under the New Testament as was under the Old it must follow that there is a Patern and Form of Church government no less set down and prescribed under the New Testament than was under the Old Heb. 3. 1 2 4 5. Heb. 13. 8. 1 Cor. chap. 5. 1 Tim. 5. 20. And 1 Tim. 1. 20. 4 The end of the Church Government is spiritual namely the gaining of mens souls to Christ. But nothing that 's meerly of humane authority can reach this end Matth. 18. 15 16 17. 5 Because all the parts of Church Government are particularly set down in Scripture As first those things which concern the key of doctrine as publick prayer and giving of thanks 1 Tim. 2. 12. 1 cor 14. 14 15 16. Singing of Psalms Eph. 5. 18 19. Col. 3. 16. Publick reading of the Word Preching and Expounding the same Acts 6. 4. Acts 13. 15 17. Acts 5. 21. 2 cor 3. 14. Matth. 18. 19 20. 2 Tim. 4. 11. Heb. 6. 1. Gal. 6. 6. Secondly those parts likewise which concern the key of Discipline namely the ordination of Presbyters with the imposition of the hands of the Presbytrie 1 Tim. 4. 14. and 1 Tim. 5. 22. Titus 1. 5. Acts 14. 21 23. Thirdly the Authoritative giving of Judgement and sentence concerning doctrine and that according to the Word Acts 15. 15 24 28. Fourthly Admonition and publick Rebuking of those who have offended Matth. 18. 15 16 17. 1 Thes. 5. 14. 1 Tim. 5. 20. Fifthly The excommunicating of those who are contumacious and ungodly and who are convicted of manifest crimes and scandals Matth 18. 17. Titus 3. 10 1 Tim. 1. 20. 1 cor 5. 2 3 4 5. Lastly the receiving again into the fellowship of the Church persons cast out by excommunication having testified their Repentance 2 cor 2. 6 7 8 9. Do not the same Erastians err who make no distinction between Church power and the Secular power Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because Christ hath committed the keyes of the kingdom of Heaven to the Officers of his Church which are Governours distinct from the civil Magistrate Matth. 16. 18 19. Matth. 18. 19. Iohn 20. 21 22 23. 2 Because Church power and civil power differ specifically The church and the common-wealth are Polities formally and essentially different They are not as such powers subordinate at least in a right line but co-ordinate Acts 4. 19 20. 2 chron 26. 18. Next God the Creator and Governour of the World is the Efficient of the power of the civil Magistrate Rom. 13. 1 2 4. But God-Christ our blessed Mediator and Lord of his church is the Efficient of the church particularly and of its Government The matter materia ex qua of the civil Government is the secular sword but the matter of the church Government are the keyes of the kingdom of Heaven The matter of the civil Government materia in qua may be a Senate many people the Person of one king of a child 〈◊〉 woman But the matter of the church government is not of this kind Heb. 13. 22. 1. Tim. 3. 15. 1 cor 14. 34 35. The matter of the civil Government materia circa quam are men and women as members of the common-wealth without as well as within the church but as christians and members of the church they are not such 1 cor 5. 13. The formal causes of both are distinct the one inflicts punishments meerly spiritual the other inflicts punishments meerly civil Lastly the end of this is the corporal and external good of a society but the end of that is the spiritual good of the church and its edification Matth. 14. 15. 1 cor 5. 5. 2 cor 10. 8. Do not likewise the Socinians Anabaptists Quakers many Independents and others err who maintain that the key of Doctrine or the publick preaching of the Word is proper to any man furnished with sutable gifts though not called and sent to that employment Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because no man can believe in Christ of whom he hath not heard and how shal he hear without a Preacher and how shal he preach unless he be sent Rom. 10. 14 15. 2 Because Women may have sutable and competent gifts for Preaching and yet they are forbidden to speak in the Church 1 Tim 2. 12. 3 Because the Scripture blames such as have run and yet have not been sent Ierem. 23. 21 32. 4 Because no man taketh this honour to himself that is he ought not to take it but he that is called of GOD as was Aaron Heb. 5. 4. 5 Because the Scripture mentioneth that GOD hath set apart certain peculiar Ministers for the preaching of the Word Rom. 1. 1. Ephes 4. 11. Titus 1. 3. 6 Because no man

he look to the good and conversion of a whole Congregation 6 Because any one single congregation with one Pastor only hath not the power of Ordination an instance whereof cannot be given either from Precept or Practise in all the New Testament Nay the Ordination of Ministers in the New Testament was alwayes performed by a Colledge of Pastors associate together Acts 6. 6. Acts 13. 1 2 3. 1 Tim. 4. 14. 7 Because from this doctrine of the Independents these and the like absurdities will follow First that the Prophets must be censured and judged by way of authority not by other Prophets but by the multitude and vulgar of the Congregation which is contrary to 1 Cor 14. 32. 2 That all the Councils in the times of the Apostles which were convocated upon necessary occasions for matters which concerned many churches alike were but during the time and extraordinary and so not obliging succeeding churches though the occasions and causes why these Councils were convocated then are and will be to the end of the world 3 That private Believers must be the Bishops of their own Bishops Watch-men of their own Watch-men No communion or fellowship among Ecclesiastick Ministers That single and particular churches though they have defiled and pudled themselves with the most black and ugly Heresies with the most abominable faults and vices yet are not lyable to any Ecclesiastick Censure but must be refered to the immediate judgement of Christ at the last Day 4 That a Colledge of Pastors and Presbyters conveened together from several congregations shall have no more power of the keyes of the kingdom of Heaven than any one particular man that is able to look to the good of his brother 5 That a Pastor out of his own Congregation hath no power to administer the Sacraments or to preach the Word or exerce any Ministerial Act. From which Absurdities it follows evidently that this kind of Church Government labours under a manifest defect of the Means of Propagating the Gospel 6 That Christ hath as many visible bodies as there are particular congregations That Men and Women are to be accounted Members only of a particular congregation and not of the Church-Catholick And that those who are excomunicated are only casten out of a particular congregation not out of the Church Universal Quest. II. MAY not the Ministers of the Church of themselves by vertue of their office meet in Assemblies with other fit Persons upon delegation from their Churches when Magistrates are open enemies to the Christian Religion Yes Acts 15. 2 4 22 23 25. Well then do not the Erastians err who maintain that the Ministers of the Gospel have no right or power in themselves or by vertue of their office to meet in a Synod or Council Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Church of GOD in the primitive times had power in themselves to convocate their own Assemblies for Worship and Government not only without but against the consent of the civil Magistrate as is evident from the Acts of the Apostles and Church Histories 2 Though the power and right of meeting in church Assemblies be visible in the constitution and exercise yet it is intrinseck and within the church as well as the power of Preaching Quest. III. MAY Magistrates lawfully call a Synod of Ministers and other fit persons to consult and advise with about matters of Religion Yes Isa. 49. 23. 1 Tim. 2. 1 2. Matth. 2. 4 5. Prov. 11. 14. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain that the civil Magistrate hath no right or power to convocate Synods or Councils but that it belongs to the Bishop to convocate Diocesian Synods To the Metropolitan to convocate Provincial Synods To the Primate and Patriarch to convocate National Synods To the Pope onely to convocate and call Oecumenick and general Synods Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because under the Old Testament Councils and Synods were appointed and called by godly Kings 1 Kings 8. 1. 2 Kings 23. 1. 2 chron 29. 4. 2 Because it is the duty of the civil Magistrate being born within the church to take care that Peace and Unity be preserved and keeped in the Church that the Truth and Word of GOD be intirely and soundly Preached and obeyed that blasphemies and heresies be kept under and supprest that all corruptions in Worship and Discipline be reformed that all GODS Ordinances be lawfully established administred and preserved And if it should happen that both Church and State Iudicaturies should make an universal defection from the purity of doctrine and worship received and acknowledged it is the duty of a godly King by vertue of his Regal Power and Authority to set about a work of Reformation and to call and command all ranks of People to return to the true Worship and Service of GOD Isa. 45. 23. Psalm 122. 7 8 9. Ezra 7 23 25 26 27 28. Levit. 24. 16. Deut. 13. 5 6 12. 1 chron 13. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9. 2 Kings 23. from the first verse to the 26. 3 From the example of Constantine that did convocate the first Nicene council From Theodosius the elder that did call the first council of Constantinople From Theodosius the younger that did call the first council at Ephesus From Martianus that did call the Chalcedon council Quest. IV. MAY all Synods or Councils since the Apostles dayes err Yes And have not many actually erred Yes Well then doth not the Popish Church err who maintain that councils confirmed and solemnised by the Popes authority cannot err neither in explaining Doctrines of Faith nor in delivering Precepts and Rules of Manners common to the whole Church Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because all the Priests Levites and Prophets of the Iewish church who had the same Promises which the Christian church hath now under the New Testament 1 Cor. 10. 3 4. 2 Sam. 7. 16. Isaiah 49. 15 16. together with the High Priest have sometimes erred as is clear from the following Scriptures Isaiah 56. 10 11. Ierem. 6. 13. Ierem. 14. 14. Hos. 9. 7 8 9. Mic. 3. 9. The Lords Prophets that were immediately guided and inspired by him must be excepted 2 Because councils under the Old Testament lawfully called have often-times erred 2 Sam. 6. 6. 3. Ier. 26. 7 8 9. 1 Kings 22. 6. And under the New Testament Iohn 9. 35. Iohn 11. 47 48 52. Matth. 26 57 59 65 66. Acts 4. 5 6 17 18. 3 Because the Pope cannot shew a proof of infallibility Rom. 3. 4. 4 Because it is foretold in the New Testament that many Pastors and Teachers shall become false Prophets and turn Seducers and that Antichrist shall sit in the Temple of GOD shewing himself that he is God Mat. 24. 11 24. Acts 20. 29 30. 2 Peter 2. 1. 2 Thes. 2. 4. 5 It is most evident that many councils approven and authorized by the Pope have most foully erred and that

some have openly contradicted others CAAP. XXXII Of the State of Men after Death and of the Resurrection of the Dead Question I. ARE the Souls of the Righteous being made perfect in holiness received into the highest Heavens where they behold the Face of GOD in Light and Glory Yes Acts 3. 21. Ephes. 4. 10. Well then do not the Greeks Arminians Anabaptists and Papists err who maintain that the Souls of the Righteous are not presently after death admitted to enjoy happiness which consists in seeing of GOD but are put into some Mansion though it be not a Heavenly one yet a place above Hell where they enjoy even until the Resurrection some Heavenly Delight and Recreation without seeing of GOD Yes Do not likewise the Socinians err who affirm That the Souls of the Righteous after death until the Resurrection are extinguished and put out to speak so Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Souls of the Righteous after Death are with Christ in Heaven and enjoy that blessed Vision Phil. 1. 23. Acts 3. 21. Ephes. 4. 10. 2 Because the Spirits of Iust Men after Death return to GOD and are received by GOD Eccles. 12. 7. Acts 7. 59. Note that Solomon onely speaketh of the people of GOD. Yet some understand it of the Souls both of Believers and unbelievers which are both sentenced by GOD as supream Iudge immediately when a man dieth every man to his place the Souls of Believers to Heaven of unbelievers to hell 3 Because the Saints departed together with the Angels are said to sing perpetually Praises and Thanksgiving before His Throne Rev. 4. 6 9 10 11. Rev. 5. 8 9 10. Rev. 7. 9 10. 4 Because Christ promised that the Thief should be with him in Paradise that same very day he died Luke 23. 43. Paul also calls it the third Heaven 2 cor 12. 2. 4. 5 Because the Spirits of just men are said to be made perfect in holiness and glory and placed in the Heavenly Ierusalem with the Angels Heb. 12. 22. 23. 6 Because the Apostle sayes that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved we have a building of GOD an house not made with hands eternal in the heavens 2 Cor. 5. 1 2. 7 Because the same Apostle sayes therefore we are alwayes confident knowing that whilst we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord 2 Cor. 5. 6 8. 8 Because the souls of the righteous after death are comforted and carried into Abrahams bosom Luke 16. 22. 25. Quest. II. ARE the souls of the wicked cast into hell where they remain in torments and utter darkness reserved to the judgement of the great day Yes Luke 16. 23 24. Acts 1. 25. Iude 6 7. verses 1 Peter 3. 19. Well then do not the Greeks and others err who maintain that the souls of the wicked are not adjudged to hells torments till after the resurrection Yes Do not likewise the Socinians err who maintain that the souls of the wicked shall never be tormented in hell Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the particular judgement of every single man follows immediately his departure out of this life Heb. 9 27. 2 Because the soul of the rich Glutton after it departed from his body was tormented in the flames of Hell Luke 16. 22. 23. 3 Because the souls of wicked men departed go to their own place that is to hell Acts 1. 25. 4 Because the souls of wicked men are no less punished in hell than the Apostate Angels Iude verses 6 7. 5 Because the Spirits of those who in the time of Noah were disobedient are said to be in prison 1 Peter 3. 19. This prison is Hell Matth. 5. 26 27. Quest. III. DOTH the Scripture acknowledge any other place than heaven and hell for souls departed from their bodies No. Well then do not the Papists err who besides these two places have devised other four First a place called Limbus patrum in which the Faithful who died before Christs passion have been shut up as in a dark prison under ground and being without torment and for the time wanting happiness have been keeped closs there until Christs Resurrection and ascension into heaven Secondly a place called Limbus infantum in which Infants which die without Baptism suffer the eternal punishment not of Sense but of Loss The third is a most pleasant Meadow in which as in a Royal prison the Souls that are in it want happiness yet suffer no punishment of Sense except what ariseth from the delay of happiness but only of Loss This place seems to be the Elisian Fields taken out of the sixth book of Virgils Aeneiods The fourth place is called Purgatory which is a middle place between heaven and hell in which are the Saints who have departed from this life without making satisfaction by temporal punishments for their venial sins yet have gone thither for the guilt of their punishment the fault whereof is pardoned in this life that when they have satisfied and are well purged from every spot and blemish they may be admitted to that blessed Vision in seeing GOD for ever Do not I say the Papists err who besides heaven and hell maintain other four places for souls departed Yes By what reasons do you confute Limbus patrum 1 Because the Souls of the Faithful that departed before Christs passion were made Inhabitants of the same Heavenly Ierusalem with the Angels Heb. 12. 22 23. 2 Because the Spirits and Souls of the Faithful that died before Christ suffered returned to GOD who gave them Eccl. 3. 21. 3 Because the vertue of Christs sacrifice did no less extend it self to Believers under the Old Testament than to Believers under the New Rev. 13. 8. 4 From the example of Enoch and of Moses and Elias which two before the passion of Christ were seen upon the mount with him Gen. 5. 24. 2 Kings 2. 11. Luke 9. 30 31. Heb. 11. 5. By what reasons confute you Limbus Infantum 1 Because the Covenant belongs to the Children of Believers though not baptised in which Covenant glory and life eternal are promised Acts 2 39. 2 Because Christ said that the Kingdom of Heaven belonged to little children though not baptised Matth. 19. 14. 3 Because the Infants of the Israelites dying before the eight day were not shut up in Limbus Infantum as the Adversaries themselves confess But the Nature and Essence of Baptism under the New Testament and the Nature and Essence of Circumcision under the Old are the same Col. 2. 11 12. 4 All the Arguments which are brought against the absolute necessity of Baptism do clearly overturn this fiction of Limbus Infantum Thirdly There is no such place as a most pleasant meadow in which as in a Senatorian prison the Souls that are in it want Felicity yet suffer no punishment of Sense This was made evident in the First Question Lastly there is no such place as Purgatory 1 Because there