follow thom And Eccles 12.7 Then shall the Dust return to the Earth as it was and the Spirit shall return unto God who gave it And 2 Cor. 5.1 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 Likewise Jesus Christ by the Parable Luke 16. of Dives and Lazarus teacheth us that Believers after Death are carried into Abraham's Bosome where they are comforted and at his Death he says to the Converted Thief This day thou shalt be with me in Paradise Luk. 23.43 and St. Paul 2 Tim. 4.7 8. Promises to himself That having kept the Faith and fought the good Fight he should receive the Crown of Righteousness and the Spirit of Christ says to Believers Rev. 2.10 Be Faithful unto Death and I will give thee a Crown of Life In a word Jesus Christ John 5.24 saith That he that believeth on him shall never enter into condemnntion but is passed from death unto Life And St. Paul Rom. 8.1 says There is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus then certainly neither in this Life nor in that which is to come is there any condemnation to them it must then be much rashness to condemn those whom God hath justified and to think that God takes pleasure to punish his Children many thousands of years for Sins already pardoned and for which he hath had full satisfaction by the death of his Son our Saviour Q. But since the Scripture tells us Rev. 21.17 That no unclean thing shall enter into the Holy City is it not necessary that Souls so much infected with Sin should be purged with fire that they might be presented pure and holy unto God A. In this passage of the Revelations God speaketh of wicked persons and not of Believers such as Traitors and Adulterers who committed abomination and falsehood and who entered not into the City of God Revel 22.15 And it is not material fire that cleanses the soul but the blood of Jesus Christ that cleanseth us from all sin 1 John 1.7 for by vertue of his blood our sins are blotted out we are also cleansed by the Holy Ghost in Regeneration and Sanctification Such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the spirit of our God 1 Cor. 6.11 Q. Have Believers no need then to be purged after death A. No For God hath in this life freely forgiven all our sins Col. 2.13 Neither is there any place for Repentance and Amendment after this life and where the Tree faleth there it shall be Eccles 11.3 Q. What do you understand then by the fire St. Paul speaks of 1 Cor. 3.15 That the fire shall try every mans work of what sort it is A. I understand the Word of God by which all Doctrines are to be tryed for the Apostle in that place speaks of the Doctrine of the Gospel as of a Building whose Foundation is in Jesus Christ and upon which Pastors builded some Gold Silver and Precious Stones that is good and solid Doctrines and others Wood Hay and stubble that is light and curious Doctrine which will perish and vanish away when they are examined by the Word of God as Wood Hay and Stubble in the fire is burned and turned to Smoak Q. Doth not that saying of St. Paul 1 Cor. 15.29 What shall they do which are Baptised for the dead if the dead rise not imply a Purgatory A. This passage cannot prove Purgatory for it is only the Resurrection that the Apostle considers Many Learned men in the Church have thought that St. Paul speaks of certain Hereticks who denyed the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and yet when any of them dyed without Baptism Baptised some others for the dead and in their name fearing that they should be punished for dying without Baptism Q. But Jesus Christ says in Matth. 12.32 That the sin against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven either in this world or in the world to come there must then be a world to come in which sins are forgiven and punished A. These words shall not be forgiven signifie only that it shall be punished in this World and in that which is to come as St. Mark explains it Chapter 3.29 He that Blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost hath never Forgiveness but is in Danger of Eternal Damnation Also by the World to come may be understood the day of Judgment in which the Scriptures tell us Sins shall be forgiven and punished because then shall be publickly pronounced the Sentence of Condemnation or of Absolution according as St. Paul prayed for Onesyphorus That he might find mercy of the Lord in that day 2 Tim. 1.18 because then mercy or Punishment would be manifested SECT XVI Of Human Satisfactions Quest CAn men satisfie the Justice of God for their Sins by Works of Penitence as Fasting Alms Stripes and such like A. No for they are imperfect and to think that any Suffering and Pains but those of Jesus Christ can Reconcile us to God is to esteem the Blood of Jesus Christ and his Sufferings superfluous and unprofitable for God takes not two payments for one debt and the Scripture tells us Col. 2.13.14 That God hath freely forgiven all our Trespasses in blotting out the hand-writinng of Ordinances that was against us Nailing it to his Cross and this Word freely excludes all Satisfaction on our part for as St. Paul Rom. 11.6 says If by Grace then it is not by Works Q. But they will tell you that they hold those penitential works Satisfactory only by vertue of the death of Christ A. These things are contradictory for Jesus Christ dyed that we should not be obliged to make satisfaction our selves and to pay that debt which it was impossible for us to pay and the Apostle Hebr. 1.3 tells us That he had by himself purged our sins and not by our making Satisfaction Q. God hath indeed freed us from the guilt of our sins for Jesus Christ's sake but not from all the punishment of them A. This is an absurd evasion for the forgiving of Sin is nothing else but the not punishing of it and when we desire That God would forgive our Sins as we forgive them that trespass against us we pray That God would not inflict the punishment that we deserve for our sins no more than we seek to Revenge the Wrongs done unto us Q. Yet God often inflicts punishments after he hath pardoned Sins as he did upon David after having signified to him that his Adultery and Murder were pardoned 2 Sam. 12.10 14. A. Such punishments God inflicts for to humble and correct his Children but not to satisfie his Justice and are rather Effects of Love and Mercy than of Justice therefore Eliphas says to Job Happy is the man whom God Correcteth therefore despise not thou the chastning of the Almighty Job 5.17 Q.
we have an Advocate with the Father even Jesus Christ the Righteous 1 John 2.1 And Jesus Christ says John 14.6 I am the way the truth and the life no man cometh to the Father but by me Q. But may not Saints and Angels be also Mediators A. No For St. Paul says 1 Tim. 2.5 There is one God and one Mediator between God and men the man Jesus Christ Q. This passage seems to be altered for in the Greek it is There is one Mediator and not one only Mediator A. The Greek word as in this Context signifies one only as also Ephesians 4.4 5 6. And they of the Roman Church in the Louvain Version have turned it so in the next Chapter Verse 2. That a Bishop must be the Husband of one Wife they have it of one only and it is clear that in that place it should be taken so for the Apostle would have us to understand that there is one Mediator as there is one God now there is but one only God there is therefore also but one only Mediator Q. It is true there is but one Mediator for redemption but there may be more for Intercession A. Not as Intercessor is to be understood in this question for one who can procure us the favour of God by his own Merit and Intercession and so those of the Roman Church understand the word when they pray God in the Mass to hear them for the Merits of the Saints whose Relicks are under the Altar Now there can be no such Intercessor but Jesus Christ only who alone hath reconciled us to God by his blood and is the only Advocate and Propitiation for our sins 1 John 2.2 And it is in this beloved that God accepteth us Eph. 1.6 Q. Why may not glorified Saints Pray to God in Heaven for us as well as Believers Pray for one another on the Earth have they less Knowledge and Charity in Heaven then they had on Earth A. Glorified Saints may pray for the Church in general but not for particular Believers not for want of Charity but for want of knowledge of the persons and their necessities for though their knowledge be much more perfect because of their seeing God yet have they no more communication with Believers here on Earth as it hath been said before that they have no more portion for ever in any thing that is done under the Sun Q. But is it not expedient at least to make use of the Intercession of Saints to go to Jesus Christ for us A. No For he commands us to come to himself Matth. 11.28 Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden SECT XIII Of Images Quest IS It not lawful to make Images of God A. No for the Prophet Isaiah sheweth us that God cannot be represented Chap. 40. Vers 18. To whom will ye liken God or what Likeness will ye compare unto him And Deut. 4.15 Moses speaketh to the Israelites saying Take ye heed unto your selves for ye saw no manner of Similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire 16. Lest ye corrupt your selves and make you a Graven Image the similitude of any Figure the likeness of Male or Female Q. Nevertheless God hath often appeared to Believers under the Old Testament in humane shape as to Abraham and Lot Gen. 18. 19. A. Extraordinary Appearances of God are not to be the Rule of our Actions but his Commands and though God appeared in Humane Likeness yet the Church of Israel never made any such Representation of him Q. Is it lawful to make Images of Saints and give to them any Religious Worship or Honour A. No for God hath forbidden us to bow down before any Image whatsoever in his second Gommandment Thou shalt not make unto thee any Graven Image nor the likeness of any thing that is in Heaven above or in the Earth beneath Thou shalt not bow down to them nor serve them Q. This word should he translated Idol and not Image for God forbids there only the Pagan Idols which did represent false Gods and not Images of Saints A. Images both of Saints and Angels are forbidden for he forbiddeth to make any Likeness of any thing that is in Heaven Q. Why then did God command to put Cherubims upon the Ark and in the Tabernacle which did represent Angels A That was a Command of the Ceremonial Law which since hath been abolished by Jesus Christ but the forbidding to worship Images is a Command of the Moral Law which is eternal and indispensable Besides they were not put there to be worshipped by the people for there were two Veils between the people and them so that the people could not see them and there was moreover an express Command to make Cherubins whereas there is none to make Images of Saints and to put them into the Church Q. Is it lawful to worship the Relicks of Sainis A. No We should have a respect unto the Sepulchres of the Saints and Martyrs since their Bodies have been the Temples of the Holy Ghost but to give them any Religious Worship is to leave the living God to serve dead Idols And God hid the body of Moses lest the people of Israel should have committed Idolatry with it Deut. 34.6 SECT XIV Concerning Praying for the Dead Quest MVst we pray for the Dead A. No Because we have neither Command nor Example in the Word of God and since the Scripture speaks only of two places Heaven for the Righteous and Hell for the Wicked our Prayers cannot draw the Wicked out of Hell for their Torments are to be Eternal nor can they add to the Happiness of those in Heaven because it is already Compleat Q. Yet we have an Example in the 12th Chapter of the 2d Book of the Maccabees where Juda and his Men prayed for their Brethren which were slain and under whose Garmenâ—â— were found things consecrated to Idols that their sin might be pardoned A This Book is not Canonical nor was ever acknowledged as such by the Church of the Jews and there were many Superstitions sliden in among the Jews in the time of the Maccabees so their Practice cannot be an Example to be followed neither did they pray that they might be delivered out of Purgatory but that they might be happy at the Resurrection as it appears from Vers 44. SECT XV. Of Purgatory Quest DO You believe that after this Life the Souls of all Believers go to the fire of Purgatory for many years to be tormented that they may be purged and cleansed from their sins A. No For the Scripture speaking of the Condition of Believers after this Life tells us Isa 57.1 That the Righteous is taken away from the Evil to come and shell enter into Peace and Rev. 14.13 that Blessed are the Dead that die in the Lord from henceforth yea said the Spirit that they may rest from their Labours and their Works do
Bondage Gal. 5.1 And Secondly in that passage of St. Paul 1 Tim. 4. where he calls them seducing spirits that teach to abstain from meats that God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe the Truth he speaketh in the general without any restriction and Colos 2.22 23. He condemns them that say Touch not Tast not Handle not though such things had a shew of Wisdom in Will-worship and Humility and neglecting of the Body not in any honour to satisfying of the flesh Now the forbidding to eat flesh upon certain days must be of these kind of Ordinances Q. Do you blame then all manner of Fasts A. No for though Fasting of it self be an indifferent thing yet it becomes profitable and good when Superstition and the opinion of Merit is separated from it and when it is employed to subdue the flesh and humble the mind to help forward Repentance and to excite Zeal in Prayer and therefore the Scripture ordinarily joyns Prayer and Fasting together Matth. 17.21 Jesus Christ saith that There is a kind of Devils that goeth not out hut by prayer and fasting And 1 Cor. 7.5 St. Paul would would have the Husband and the Wife to separate themselves for a time to give themselves to Fasting and Prayers Q. When is Fasting requisite A. First In time of Affliction either publick or private for extraordinary Humiliation before God in such a time is needful as in Joel 2.15 when the Church was in distress they were commanded to Blow the Trumpet in Sion sanctifie a Fast call a solemn Assembly Secondly When it is necessary to make Request by Prayer to obtain something of importance for the Church and to obtain a Blessing upon their Ministry Acts 14.23 And besides these publick Fasts every one ought to fast and to implore the Mercy of God for their Falls and for his assistance in dangers for to prepare them better for the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper SECT XXIV Of Holy Days Quest WHat do you blame in the Church of Romes Holy Days or Feasts A. First That it is a departing from the Liberty that God hath given us in the fourth Commandment Six days shalt thou labour Secondly By them the Yoke is again put upon the Christians which Jesus Christ delivered us from by his death as heavy or heavier than it was upon the Jews Whereas S. Paul commands Colos 2.16 17. Let no man judge you in meat or in drink or in respect of an Holy Day or of the New Moon or of the Sabbath days which are a shadow of things to come but the Body is of Christ Thirdly That they are dedicated to the Saints Fifthly That the Observation is required as a thing as necessary as the Observation of the Lords Day Sixthly That they think they merit Salvation by the Observation of them Q. Are you then against all Holy Days except the Sabbath day A. Believers may profitably assemble themselves together on other days as well as on the Sabbath day to celebrate the Memory of signal Deliverances that we have received from God by Jesus Christ by Prayers and Thanksgiving and Meditation on the Word to give thanks for extraordinary deliverance or for publick humiliation provided that these days be celebrated without Superstition and without Scruple of Conscience and without an Opinion of any particular Holiness in that day or Merit in its Celebration SECT XXV Of the Providence of God Quest DOth any thing happen in the World that is not ordered by the wise Providence of God A. No For A Sparrow falleth not to the ground without the Will of your Father which is in heaven and the very hairs of your head are all numbred Matth. 10.29 Q. Do Evils come to pass by His Will and Permission A. Yes For if he would not have them to come he is Almighty and could hinder them Amos 3.6 Shall there be Evil in the City and the Lord hath not done it Doth not Evil and Good proceed from the Most High Lam. 3.38 Q. These places speak of Afflictions and Calamities which happen to men by the Providence and Permission of God for the manifestation of his Justice in the punishment of the wicked and of his Goodness in trying of his own people But do you believe that the sins and actions of the wicked are ordered by the Providence of God A. Yes For the Word of God shews us that the selling of Joseph by his Brethren came to pass by the Providence of God for the preservation of Jacob's Family Gen. 50.20 As for you ye thought evil against me but God meanâ— it unto good to bring to pass to save much people alive Likewise the taking away Joh's Goods was an effect of God's Providence for his trial and therefore he says The Lord hath given and the Lord hath taken away blessed be the Name of the Lord Job 1.21 And S. Peter saith Act. 2.23 that Jesus Christ was delivered by the determinate Counsel and Fore-knowledge of God And Act. 4.27 28. he speaks thus Of a truth against thy holy Child Jesus whom thou hast annointed both Herod and Pontius Pilate with the Gentiles and the people of Israel were gathered together to do whatsoever thy Hand and thy Council determined before to be done Q. Can this be and God not be the Author of sin nor Partaker of the sins of the wicked A. Yes Even as a Physician gives not to Leeches their bloody Nature but doth fitly himself with the inclination of this Animal to draw blood of his Patient for his health and comfort so God doth not give to the wicked their wickedness nor incite them to evil against his Children but doth wisely employ their wicked inclinations for their Consolation and Salvation knowing how to make all their evil designs serve by his admirable Providence the end that he hath determined and tend to the accomplishment of his wise and holy Will Q. Doth not that excuse the wicked since they only execute the Will of God A. No For they do it without their knowledge and contrary to their intentions for we are not to rule our Actions by God's Decree which is unknown to us but by his Commands which are revealed to us Deut. 29.29 Secret things belong unto the Lord our God but these things which are revealed belong unto us and to our Children SECT XXVI Of Man's Free Will in the State of Sin Quest IS Not this Doctrine of Providence contrary to that of Man's Free Will A. Not at all For God so governs the things of the World that he lets them act according to their nature and inclination necessary things necessarily and the Free as Men and Angels freely Q. Wherein consâ—sts the Free Will and Liberty of Man in the State of Sin before Regeneration A. In four things 1. in Natural Actions as Eating and Drinking 2. In Civil Actions as Buying and Selling. 3. In external good and vertuous Actions as frequenting the Assemblies of God's People giving
That he had said no other things than these which the Prophets and Moses did say should come and to Teach us that these things did contain all that is Necessary to Salvation he assures the Ephesians Act. 20 27. That he had declared unto them all the Counsel of God Q. Yet the Church believes many Doctrines which are not contained in the Scripture as the perpetual Virginity of the Holy Virgin the Baptism of Children the translation of the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday the number of the Sacraments to be but two A. For the perpetual Virginity of the Blessed Virgin the Church receives it not as an Article of Faith necessary to Salvation but as an Article becoming the honour they think themselves obliged to render to this Sacred Vessel But for the other points they are taught in Scripture if not in formal terms at least by necessary consequences St. Peter Acts 2.38.39 would have all the Jews Baptized because the Promise was to them and to their Children and we see that in the time of the Apostles Acts 20.7 1 Cor. 16.2 Rev. 1.10 Believers Assembled themselves for Prayer and to make Collection the first Day of the Week which St. John calls The Lord's Day And the Church may well conclude there are but two Sacraments since they see not in the Scripture that Jesus Christ hath instituted any more SECT V. Of Reading the Holy Scripture Q. IS it Lawful for all Persons to Read the Scripture A. Jesus Christ Recommends the Reading of it indifferently to all John 5.39 Search the Scriptures and Deut. 17.18 19. God Commandeth Kings to have the Book of the Law and to read therein every day and the Apostle St. Paul 1 Thess 5.27 Charges that his Epistle be read to all the holy Brethren and 2 Tim. 3.15 he praises Timothy because from a Child he had known the Holy Scriptures And the Eunuch of Queen Candace did Read in the Chariot Esaias the Prophet Acts 8.28 And in all the Synagogues the Law and the Prophets were read every Sabbath-day Acts 15.21 17. The believing Bereans having heard the Doctrine of St. Paul compared it with the Scriptures to know if it was as he had said And tho' the Revelations be the most obscure Book in the Scripture yet the reading of it is recommended to all Rev. 1.3 Blessed be he that readeth and they that hear the words of this Prophesie Q. It seems notwithstanding that it would be expedient to hinder the simple People from the reading thereof St. Peter tells us that there are in the Epistles of St. Paul things hard to be understood which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest as they do also the other Scriptures to their own destruction A. Upon the contrary the simple and ignorant are to read the Scriptures that they may become wise to Salvation and Jesus Christ tells us that the ignorance of the Scriptures is cause of Errors You Err not knowing the Scriptures said he to the Sadduces Mat. 22.29 And David Psal 19. says That the Law enlightens the Eyes and maketh wise the simple And tho' there be some ignorant and unstable that wrest the Scriptures to their own destruction yet it hinders not St. Peter from recommending in the same place to Believers the Epistles of St. Paul And in the first Chapter of the same Epistle he tells us That we have a sure word of Prophesie whereunto we do well to take heed as to a Light that shineth in a dark place For because those that are Prophane abuse the Word of God and his Graces the Children of God must not be forbidden the Use thereof Q. What Profit then do Believers receive from the Reading of the Scriptures A. By them they are instructed in the Knowledg of God fortified in the Faith and Expectation of their Salvation comforted in their Afflictions furnished against Temptations of Satan the World and the Flesh For whatsoever things were written afore-time they were written for our Learning that we through Patience and Comfort of the Scriptures might have Hope Rom. 15.4 SECT VI. Of the Church Quest WHat signifies this word Church A. An Assembly Q. How many ways is the name of Church taken in the Scripture A. Four ways principally 1. For the Church of the Elect. 2. Generally for the Universal Visible Church and they that make profession of Faith in Jesus Christ And it is this Church St. Paul speaks of when he says That in a great house there are not only vessels of Gold and of Silver but also of Wood and of Earth because that this Church is composed of good and of evil ones 2 Tim. 2.20 3. The Church signifies an Assembly of the Leaders of the Church which Jesus Christ speaks of Matth. 18.17 When there is a quarrel between two Brethren he will have the party offended tell it to the Church 4. The name Church is given to each particular Christian Assembly which is a part of the Universal Visible Church such in the time of the Apostles was the Churches of Corinth of Ephesus of Rome c. to whom St. Paul directs his Epistles Q. What is meant by the Church of the Elect A. It is the Assembly of all Believers that Goth hath Elected in Jesus Christ of which some are Glorified in Heaven others are yet Combating on the Earth others are not yet born or called to the Faith but must be in their time and subsist already in the Counsel of God of these Jesus Christ speaks John 10.16 saying Other sheep have I which are not of this fold they also I must bring and they shall hear my voice Q. Where doth the Word of God speak of this Church of the Elect A. The Apostle Hebrews 12.23 calls it the Heavenly Jerusalem the General Assembly and Church of the first born It is this Church which St. Paul calls the Body of Christ for Christ cannot have dead Members 1 Cor. 12.27 Ephes 4.12 Colos 1.24 and the Spouse of Christ Ephes 5.32 for Christ cannot have an Adulteress for his Spouse St. Peter 1 Epist 2.9 call this Church A chosen Generation a royal Priesthood an holy Nation a peculiar People Q. Which Church is spoken of in this Article of the Apostles Creed I believe the Holy Catholick Church A. Of the Church of the Elect for we believe things that are not seen as the Apostle Heb. 11.1 says Faith is the Evidence of things not seen And after those words I believe the Holy Catholick Church is put the Communion of Saints in this Church that the Profane may be excluded Q. Why is this Church of the Elect said to be invisible since it is composed of men who are Visisible A. Not only because the Glorified Saints are out of our sight and that those who belong to the Election of God and are not yet born cannot be seen but also because that though the Elect that live upon the Eatth are visible men yet it is not visible that they are
Alms c. 4. Above all he is free and at liberty to sin Q. Hath not an unregenerate man Free Will to Actions freely good and pleasing unto God such as Faith Repentance and Love to God A. No for Jesus Christ teaches us that Whosoever committeth sâ—n is the servant of sin John 8.34 and Matth. 7.18 that A corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruits And S. Paul Rom. 8.7 tells us that The carnal mind is enmity against God for it is not subject to the Law of God neither indeed can be And the same Apostle says that Men before they are savingly called are dead in their trespasses and sins Ephes 2.1 Q. What think you of the brave Actions of Pagans and the heroick Vertues which shined in them A. That they were brave and splendid Actions but that they could not be pleasing unto God because they were not moved by the consideration of his Glory but by their own Ambition and that these great men not being in Christ and being destitute of faith could not please God as the Apostle teacheth us that Without faith it is impossible to please God Heb. 11.6 Q. May not these civil Vertues which are in unregenerate men be saving dispositions to the Grace of God and merits of Congruity which may incline God to be merciful to them A. No For S. Paul says 2 Tim. 1.9 that God 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 And our Lord Jesus Christ doth not refer the Cause of his Disciples being called to the knowledge of God rather than the Pharisees to any thing but God's good pleasure Matth. 11.26 I thank thee O Father Lord of heaven and earth because thou hast hid those things from the wise and prudent and hast revealed them unto babes even so Father for so it seemed good in thy sight Q. What doth a man then contribute towards his heavenly Callong A. No more than one dead to his Resurrection or Adam to his Creation or a Child to his Conception and therefore Regeneration is called in the Word of God a Resurrection Col. 2.12 You are risen through the faith of the operation of God who hath raised Jesus Christ from the dead And a Creation Ephes 2.10 We are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works A Generation James 1.18 Of his own Will begat he us with the Word of Truth that we should be a kind of first fruits of his Creatures SECT XXVII Of Man's Free Will in a State of Grace Quest BVT After God hath called a man from a state of Sin to a state of Grace hath be not Free Will to apply himself to that which is good A. Yes For Jesus Christ saith John 6.36 If the Son shall make you free ye shall be free indeed even as when Jesus Christ had raised Lazarus from the dead he commanded that they should untie him and let him go So after God hath raised a man from the state of spiritual death and delivered him from the bonds of Sin he walketh freely in the paths of Righteousness and with gladness of heart willingly employs himself in his Service Rom. 7.22 Q. Do you think that after God hath called a man to Salvation he leaves him to himself and to his own conduct A. No For the same Grace of God which hath begun the work will accompany us Phil. 1.6 He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ And Chap. 2.13 It is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure All the good motions of regenerate men proceed from the Grace of God 2 Cor. 3.5 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God Q. This being so a regenerate man is not at liberty since it is not he properly that acteth but God in him A. This doth not follow for God worketh so in the Will of Believers that he taketh not away their liberty but on the contrary maketh it more perfect making them incline to good not constrainedly but with a willing and filial Obedience Psal 119.32 35. Q. How do you understand this Divine Co-operation A. That God doth not deal with Believers as Stones or Stocks which are moved and drawn without feeling but as with Creatures endowed with Reason he conducts and moves them to good by enlightning their Understanding and sanctifying their Will and Affections So that whereas they were refractory he makes them become obedient and by the efficacy of Grace and a force without constraint he so draws them that he makes them follow his Will and Conduct freely and with delight as the Spouse says in Cant. 1.4 Draw me we shall run after thee And the Prophet Jeremy Lament 5.21 Turn us O Lord and we shall be turned And John 6.44 Our Saviour says No man can come to me except the Father draw him We go then to Christ when it pleases the Father to draw us Q. Doth not this Doctrine make men negligent in good Works A. No On the contrary S. Paul Phil. 2.12 exhorts us to work out our Salvation c. because It is God that worketh in us to will and to do according to his good pleasure Q. Is this Free Will to do good in Believers perfect A. No For their Regeneration is yet imperfect and there remains something of their Bondage to sin which is the cause that they do not the good that they would but the evil that they would not as S. Paul speaketh of himself Rom. 7.15 Q. When is it then that Man 's Free Will shall be perfect A. When the Soul delivered from this mortal Body shall enjoy the presence of God in Heaven for ther the Soul being made perfectly holy shall be also perfectly free as the Angels are and the Spirits of the Just SECT XXVIII Of Justification Quest WHat doth this word Justifie signifie in the Scripture A. To absolve the Just and therefore it is ordinarily opposed to the word Condemn Prov. 17.15 He that justifieth the wicked and he that condemneth the just even they both are abomination to the Lord. And Matth. 12.37 By thy words thou shalt be justiised and by thy words thou shalt be condemned Q. Who is it can justifie and absolve us A. God only Rom. 8.33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's Elect it is God that justifieth Q. Wherein consisteth that Justification A. In the free Remission and Pardon of Sin which he giveth us as David says Psal 32.1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven whose sins are covered Rom. 4.6 7. Q. Vpon what consideration doth God justifie men and pardon their sin A. Upon the account of Christ's Righteousness and full Obedience he hath rendred unto his Father which he hath particularly testified in being obedient
of Grace and Mercy and to bring them to Salvation by Faith and Sanctification leaving the others in their corruption and misery Q. God hath not elected all men then to Salvation A. No for Jesus Christ says Matth. 20.16 and 22.14 That many are called but few chosen Q. Hath God chosen those that he hath Elected to Salvation upon the account of their excellency or of Faith foreseen in them A. No For so it would be men that should chuse God and not God that should have chosen men contrary to that which Jesus Christ says to his Disciples John 15.16 Ye have not chosen me but I have chosen you that you should bring forth fruits Faith is not the cause but the effect of Predestination as it is said Acts. 13.48 As many as were Ordained to Eternal Life believed Q. What then is the Cause of Mens Election A. Onely the good pleasure of God Eph. 1.5 God having predestinated us unto the adoption of Children by Jesus Christ according to the good pleasure of his will And therefore St. Paul Rom. 11.5 calls the Election of Believers an Election of Grace and Rom. 9. he tells us That the Children being not yet born neither having done any good or evil that the purpose of God according to Election might stand not of works but of him that calleth it was said The Elder shall serve the Younger as it is written Jacob have I loved but Esau have I hated vers 11.12.13 It is not of him that willeth nor of him that runneth but of God that sheweth mercy vers 16. Q. Is the Election to Salvation irrevocable A. Yes for 2 Tim. 2.19 The foundation of the Lord standeth sure The Lord knoweth who are his Q. If it be so what ever Sins the Elect commit yea and though they should want Faith and Repentance they must of necessity be Saved A. You make the end combat the means for whom God hath elected to Salvation he hath elected to Sanctification as a means necessary to obtain it for without Faith Repentance and Sanctification none shall see God Heb. 12.14 and John 15.16 I have chosen you says Christ that you should bring forth fruits and that your fruit should remain and Epbes 2.10 We are his workmanship created in Jesus Christ unto Good Works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them see 2 Thes 2.13 Eph. 1.4 SECT XXXI Of Perseverance Quest MAy those that God hath predestinated to Salvation fall finally and totally from the Grace of God A. No For that Chain that St. Paul speaks of cannot be broken Rom. 8.30 Whom he did Predestinate them he also called and whom he called them also he justified and whom he justified them he also glorified The Decrees of God are irrevocable and his Covenant with his Elect is eternal Jerem. 32.39 I will give them one heart that they may fear me for ever vers 40. I will make an everlasting Covenant with them that I will not turn away from them c. Q. Then the Faith of the Elect cannot be totally lost A. No because it is the Faith of the Elect Tit. 1.1 and Jesus Christ says John 5.24 He that believeth in him hath Everlasting Life and shall not come into condemnation And John 4.14 He promiseth to give water that whosoever shall drink thereof shall never thirst but it shall be in him a well of water springing up into Everlasting Life And St. Peter 1 Epist 1.23 That the word of God by which we are regenerated liveth and abideth for ever and is not a corruptible seed but incorruptible Q. Yet the Scripture speaks of Stars fallen from heaven Rev. 6.13 and of them who have made shipwrack of Faith 1 Tim. 1.19 A. We say of such that which S. John says 1 Ep. 2.19 They went out from us but they were not of us that is They conversed with us but they were not of our body for if they had been of us they would no doubt have continued with us They were called and not chosen Q. From whence proceeds that perseverance A. Not from the power and nature of Faith considered in it self but from the continual assistance of God and from the certainty of his promises for Jesus Christ says John 6.39 This is the Father's will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing his Gifts and Calling is without Repentance Rom. 11.29 We are kept by the power of God through Faith unto Salvation ready to be revealed in the last Time 1 Peter 1.5 Add the efficacy of the intercession of Jesus Christ For he prayed for us that our Faith fail not Luke 22.32 Joh. 17.20 SECT XXXII Of the Certainty of Perseverance and Salvation Quest ARE All obliged to believe that they shall be saved and persevere to the end A. No for those that continue in unbelief and impenitence ought not to have this persuasion but they that do seriously repent and believe in Jesus Christ their Saviour are obliged to believe this Evangelical Promise That whosoever believeth on the Son of God should not perish but have Everlasting Life 1 John 3.16 and are obliged to obey the Command of God Hebr. 4.16 to come boldly unto the Throne of Grace and Chap. 10.22 To draw near to God with a true heart in full assurance of Faith Q. We ought indeed to go to God with full assurance of Faith that he is merciful and will pardon our Sins if we have the repentance that is necessary but to be assured that we shall never fall from the Grace of God seems to be an inconsiderate Affirmation since we fall every day in divers manners and have every day need to implore the mercy of God and to renew our Reconciliation we may indeed be assured of the goodness of God but we ought to suspect our own infirmity A. It is true but also we ought to be assured that God will accomplish his power in our weakness and will be merciful to us in his Son and will not permit sin so to prevail as to make us wholly fall away from a State of Grace and so fall short of the Salvation which he hath promised And every Believer ought to say with S. Paul 2 Tim. 4.18 The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work and will preserve me unto his heavenly Kingdom And to accuse those who are assured of their Salvation and of Perseverance of rashness is to accuse David Asaph Jacob Job Paul and other Saints who were assured that they should not be greatly moved Psal 62.2 But that after God had guided them with his Counsel he would receive them into Glory Psal 73.24 That they should see God with their eyes Job 19.27 Who have waited for the Salvation of the Lord. Gen. 49.18 And who were persuaded that neither death nor life should separate them from the love of God Rom. 8.37 Q. You speak of some privileged Saints Prophets and Apostles which might have a Revelation
Sacrifice of the Mass that which is said Gen. 14.18 that Melchisedeck sacrificed Bread and Wine A. If it were so in this passage as it is alledged there could nothing be gathered from it but that the Priests according to the Order of Melchisedeck should offer Bread and Wine and not the Body of Jesus Christ But this passage is not well translated for in the Hebrew it is not that Melchisedeck sacrificed but that he brought forth or presented Bread and Wine and that to Abraham for to refresh him and his people and not to God in Sacrifice Q. They prove likewise the Sacrifice of the Mass by Mal. 1.11 From the rising of the Sun even unto the going down of the same my Name shall be great among the Gentiles and in every place Incense shall be offered unto my Name and a Pure-Offering A. In all this passage there is nothing spoke of the Sacrifice of the body of Christ but the Prophet speaking of the Calling of the Gentiles foretels that every where a pure Offering should be offered unto God for so the Word of God calls the preaching of the Gospel Prayers and Alms and such like good works which are spiritual Sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 2.5 Q. What answer you to that which the Apostle says H. 13.10 We have an Altar whereof they have no right to eat which serve the Tabernacle A. That by this Altar is meant the Sacrifice that is spoken of in all the Epistle viz. the death of Jesus Christ and not the Sacrifice of Mass of which there is no mention made Q. Of what Sacrifice then speaks the Apostle besides the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ when he says Heb. 9.23 That it was necessary that the Heavenly things should be purified with better Sacrifices than those naming more than one A. He speaks only of the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ more excellent than all the Sacrifices of the Law names it Sacrifices putting it in the Plural 1. Because of his opposing it to the ancient Sacrifices of the Law 2. Because of its Excellency so David calls Repentance Psal 51.17 The Sacrifices of God and The most Holy Place in Greek is called Holy Places The Right Hand of God is called Right Hands Q. May not the Lord's Supper be called a Sacrifice A. Yes in the same sense that Alms and good Works are called Sacrifices not Propitiatory but Congratulatory or a Thanksgiving Sacrifice It may also be called a Sacrifice because it represents the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ's death even as the Sacraments take the name of the things they represent SECT XLVIII Of Baptism Quest WHat doth Baptism represent to you A. Two Washings 1. The Washing of our Justification which consists in the Forgiveness of our Sins 2. The Washing of Regeneration which consists in our being renewed spiritually by the Holy Ghost Q. Are those Graces communicated by Baptism Ex opere operato as they speak in the Schools by the thing done that is to say by the bare Action of the Sacrament wiihout the disposition of him that receives contributing thereunto A. No But by the power of the Holy Ghost in them who have Faith and Repentance for as it was not the blood of the Heifer that purified the Conscience neither is it the Water of Baptism but the Blood of Jesus Christ that cleanses from Sin and therefore Baptism is called 1 Pet. 3.21 A figure which saves us not the putting away the filth of the flesh says the Apostle but the answer of a good Conscience towards God by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ Q. Why then are Children baptized which are not capable of Faith and Repentance A. Because having an interest in the Covenant they ought also to receive the Sign thereof Acts 2.38 39. Be ye baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the Remission of sins for the promise is unto you and to your children But these Children when they come to Age must apply to themselves the Promise made to them in Baptism or else the Sacrament will serve only to aggravate their Condemnation SECT XLIX If Original Sin continues after Baptism Quest HAth Baptism that efficacy wholly to efface or abolish Original Sin so that after Baptism there remains in Man no sinful Corruption A. No For Experience shews that Children have perverse inclinations and are sinners after Baptism and if they were not sinners they would not die for says the Apostle The wages of sin is death Rom. 6.23 And St. Paul who was circumcised and after that baptized grants that sin dwelt in him and that he was sold under sin Rom. 7.14 17. The Romanists themselves confess in the Council of Trent that Lust continueth after Baptism Now if we believe St. Paul Lust is Sin Rom. 7.7 I had not known Lust except the Law had said Thou shalt not covet Q. But how often doth the Scripture tell us that We are baptised to the Remission of Sins and that We are therein washed from our Sins Act. 22.16 A. We do receive Forgiveness of Sins therein and to those that believe in Jesus Christ their sin shall not be imputed but that doth not hinder but after Baptism our Corruption doth continue more or less even till death SECT L. Of the Necessity of Baptism Quest IS Baptism so necessary to Salvation that without it we cannot be saved A. Baptism is necessary to Salvation when it may be had and this holy Sacrament ought not to be neglected but to exclude from Salvation a person who could neither have the time nor the opportunity to be baptised or a Child whose sudden death hath prevented Baptism is a cruel Doctrine and contrary to the goodness of God who tieth not his Grace to exterior Elements and maketh not the Salvation of Children to depend upon the negligence of their Parents Q. Nevertheless Jesus Christ says to Nicodemus John 3.5 Except a man be born of Water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God A. Jesus Christ doth not mean the material Water of Baptism but the Grace of the Holy Ghost which is often both in the Old New Testament called water Is 44.3 I will pour water upon him that is thirsty and floods upon the dry ground I will pour my spirit upon thy seed And Jesus Christ promised to give them that believe on him a well of water springing up into Everlasting Life John 4.14 By those words Jesus Christ doth not shew Nicodemus the Necessity of being Baptised since he was already Circumcised but the Necessity of being Regenerated that he might enter into the Kingdom of Heaven SECT LI. Of the Lords Supper Quest FOR what End did Jesus Christ institute the Sacrament of the Lords Supper A. That it might be a memorial of his death as Saint Paul teacheth us 1 Cor. 11.26 As often as you Eat this Bread and Drink this Cup ye do shew the Lords Death till he come And himself when he