Selected quad for the lemma: lord_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
lord_n	day_n	reason_n	sabbath_n	12,233	5	10.0568	5	false

Text snippets containing the quad

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

of the Ceremonial Law Exod. 16. 23. Thirdly because it was written with Gods own hand and inserted into the midst of the rest of the moral precepts and was put into the Ark of the Testimony with the other nine which honour was never conferred upon any precept meerly Ceremonial 4 Because all the reasons of this Command are intirely Moral He rested after six days and allowed us six days to work therefore in all equity we ought to rest after so many days work and give God a seventh 5 Because Christ confirms this Command in saying pray that your flight be not in the winter neither on the Sabbath day where the Lord insinuateth that as travelling is troublesome to the body in winter so would it be to the minds of the Godly to travel on that day specially and solemnly set apart for Gods worship Now if there were no sabbath to continue after Christs ascension or if it were not to be sanctified there would be no occasion of this grief and trouble that they behoved to travel on the Sabbath and durst not tary till that day were by-past and so no cause to put up this prayer which yet by our Lords exhortation seemeth to infer that the Sabbath was to be as certain in its time as the Winter And doubtless this cannot be meaned of the Iewish Sabbath for that was to be abolished shortly Next travelling on the Iewish Sabbath was to be no cause of grief unto them if indeed all days were alike neither would it be scroupled in such a case by the Apostles to whom he is now speaking Quest. XII WAS this one day in seven from the beginning of the World to the Resurrection of Christ the last day of the week Yes And was it from the Resurrection of Christ changed into the first day of the week Yes And is it to be continued to the end of the World as the Christian Sabbath Yes Gen. 2. 2 3. 1 Cor. 16. 1. 2. Acts 20. 7. Rev. 1. 10. Matth. 5. 17 18. Well then do not the Sabbatarians err who maintain that the Iewish Sabbath or the seventh day from the Creation is to be observed Yes Do not others likewise err who maintain that the observation of the Lords Day is only of Ecclesiastick and Apostolick institution Yes These Authors you see do confound and make two things really distinct to be but one namely Ecclesiastick and Apostolick institution By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the fourth Command standing wherein one day of seven is appointed the numbering is left free to God himself that the right and power may be reserved to Christ the Law-giver and to his Spirit for the change of the day and continuing the worship prescribed in the fourth Command 2 From the name it self for our Sabbath is called the Lords Day Rev. 1. 10. I was in the Spirit on the Lords Day or on that Lords Day or Dominick Day or day which is the Lords pointing out a day singularly and a day which in a particular special manner is called His day even as the Lords prayer and the Lords Supper are so called because appointed by Christ the Lord. 3 Because God only can abrogate the Lords day the Adversaries granting so much therefore he that hath power to rescind hath power likewise to establish 4 Because there is an implicit Command concerning the observation of the Lords day 1 Cor. 16. 2. As I have saith Paul given order to the churches of Galatia even so do ye the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him From which place we reason thus that not the seventh but the first day is the chief solemn day for worship after Christs Resurrection because the Apostles did pitch particularly and eminently upon that day and that in diverse Churches as the fittest time for expressing their Charity He doth not think it indifferent what day it be done on nor that all dayes are alike but pitcheth on the first day not in one Church only but in many Next this command supposeth them to be already acquainted with some special priviledges of the first day beyond others and that there must be some peculiar thing in this day making it fit yea more fit for such a purpose rather than any other day 5 Because as the seventh day was instituted in remembrance of the works of Creation so the first day after the work of redemption was finished succeeded as most convenient for collating and comparing both Mercies together 6 Because Christ on the first day of the week appeared most frequently to his Disciples and blessed it with his presence Matth. 28. 9. Acts 1. 3. Iohn 20. 19 26. 7 Because on that day the holy Ghost descended upon the Apostles And on the same day Peter baptized three thousand Acts 2. 1 2 3 4 41. 8 Because the Church in the time of the Apostles did observe the first day of the week as holy Acts 20. 7. But the practise of the Apostles approven in Scripture is equivalent to a Divine Institution 9 Because Christ was seen of his Apostles fourty dayes after his Resurrection and spoke to them of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God during which time he hath taught them all things needful to be known and among the rest it is probable the change of the Sabbath and the institution of the first day of the week and that immediatly after his resurrection he hath either immediatly by himself institute that day or hath inspired his Apostles to observe it from that same very time 10 Because the Lord hath remarkably owned this Christian Sabbath in being remarkably avenged upon the breakers and profanners thereof as it is clear from several Histories Quest. XIII IS this Sabbath then kept holy unto the Lord when men after a due preparation of their hearts and ordering of their common affairs before hand do not only observe an holy rest all the day from their own works words and thoughts about their worldly employments and recreations but are also taken up the whole time in the publick and private exercises of his own worship except what is spent in the duties of necessity and mercy Yes Exod. 16. 23 25 26 29 30. Exod. 31. 15 16 17. Isa. 58. 13. Neh. 13. 15 16 18 19 21 22. Well then do not some err who think that after publick worship is ended the rest of the Lords day may be spent in ordinary exercises recreations and such like sports as are not unlawful on other dayes unless they be forbidden by the Church or Common-wealth wherein men live Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Lord says in the fourth Commandment in it thou shalt not do any work But ordinary recreations games and sports are our own works 2 Because Nature it self requires that we bestow as much of the Sabbath day on God who is the Lord of Time and of all things which we have as we can and use to bestow

upon our own affairs on other days 3 Because the Lord says if thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath from doing thy pleasure on my holy day and call the Sabbath a delight the holy of the Lord honourable and shalt honour him not doing thy own wayes nor finding thy own pleasure nor speaking thy own words then shalt thou delight thy self in the Lord and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the Earth and feed thee with the heritage of Iacob thy Father for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it Isaiah 58. 13 14. See Ierem. 17. 22. Deut. 5. 12 13 15. Numb 15. 32 33 36. And Neh. 13. 15. to verse 23. In those dayes saw I in Iudah some treading Wine-presses on the sabbath and bringing in Sheaves and lading asses as also wine-grapes and figes and all manner of burdens which they brought into Ierusalem on the sabbath day and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals CHAP. XXII Of Lawful Oaths and Vows Question I. IS the name of GOD that only by which men ought to swear Yes Deut. 6. 13. Well then do not the Papists err who in their swearing joyn with their calling upon the name of GOD the calling on Saints departed and their Reliques Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because swearing is a part of divine worship which is only due to God Deut. 6. 13. Deut. 10. 20. Isaiah 65. 16. 2 Because God only is the judge of hidden and secret truth and the Avenger to take vengence on them that do not swear in truth Therfore he only is to be called on as witness of those things which are asserted and promised which was the practise of the Apostle Paul Rom. 9. 1. Rom. 1. 9. Phil. 1. 8. 3 Because God condemns swearing by them that are no Gods Ier. 5. 7. Quest. II. IS an Oath warranted by the word of GOD under the New Testament as well as under the Old in matters of weight and moment Yes Heb. 6. 16. Isaiah 65. 16. Gal. 1. 20. Rom. 1. 9. Rom. 9. 1. 2 Cor. 1. 18. 23. and 2 Cor. 11. 31. with 2 Cor. 12 19. 1 Thes. 5. 27. Rev. 10. 6. Well then do not the Quakers and Anabaptists err who maintain that there is no lawful use of an Oath under the New Testament Yes Do not likewise the Papists err who make it a degree of perfection to abstain from all Oaths Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 From Isaiah 65. 16. where it is promised under the time of the Gospel that the Nations to be converted to Christ shall swear by the name of God as is clear also from Ierem. 4. 2. 2 Because the calling upon the name of God with due fear and reverence in swearing is commanded in the third Command as the profanation of his name is forbidden but Christ came not to abolish the moral Law 3 From the approven examples of the Saints which occurr in the New Testament Gal. 1. 20. Rom. 1. 9. and 2 Cor. 1. 13 18. Rev. 10. 6. 4 Because the end of an Oath is approven by God and is in all ages necessary to all men being the end of all controversie Heb. 6. 16. 5 Because an oath rightly taken is an Act of Religion whereby we glorifie God and adore his attributes We thereby first solemnly acknowledge his Beeing and Existence Secondly his Ubiquity that he is present in all places and at all times and within our hearing Psalm 139. 7. His Omniscience that he is the searcher of the heart The Apostle calls him Kardiognostes Acts 15. 8. We acknowledge fourthly his Truth and Veracity he is a witness brought into the Court that cannot lie nor be impos'd upon as saith the Apostle be not deceived God is not mocked Gal. 6. 7. Fifthly his Supremacy over all creatures for verily men swear by the greater Heb. 6. 16. We acknowledge sixthly his vindictive justice as he is a Revenger of Perjury Seventhly we acknowledge his Providence and Fatherly care of the concerns of mankind owning the cause of the Righteous 6 Because there being an express law for swearing to wit rightly Deut. 10 20. it must either belong to the Moral Law to the Judicial Law or Ceremonial Law The Adversaries will not call it a part of the Judicial Law which was given to the Iewes as a Body Politick which expired together with the state of that People It is no part of the Ceremonial Law for what was purely Ceremonial was purely Typical but the Law concerning an oath was not a Type of any thing to come And if it was a Type where will you find its Antitype in all the Gospel or the thing represented by it Therefore it must be a part of the Moral Law Deut. 6. 13. Ier. 4. 2 and consequently perpetual which Christ came not to destroy It is confirmed hence that it was of Authentick use and held sacred among the Patriarchs before the delivery of the Levitical Law as it is clear from Abraham the father of the faithful and Abimelech Gen. 21. 23 24 31. Consider also that other instance in Abraham Gen. 24. 2 3 9. who would not give his servant an oath rashly nor exercise his authority to impose on his conscience It is evident also from the example of Isaac who made a Covenant and swore to Abimelech Gen. 26. 28 31 And from the example of Iacob who made a Covenant with and swore to his Uncle Laban by the fear of his Father Isaac Gen. 31. 53. That is by God who is called our fear by reason of the filial awe and fear we ought to stand in before him Isaiah 8. 13. 7 Because the reasons and usefulness of Oaths are perpetual and the same to us under the Gospel as they were to them under the Law There is as much need of oaths for ending of strife in this litigious age as there could be in former times 8 Because oaths were once lawful therefore they are lawful still unless the Adversaries prove them repealled which they must do not by stealing out of the Scripture single words by themselves making one part contradict another 9 Because we need not fear to imitate any thing which is done in Heaven Our Lord has taught us to pray thy will be done in Earth as it is done in Heaven But the Angel says Iohn Rev. 10. 5 6. which I saw stand upon the Sea and upon the Earth lifted up his hand to Heaven and swore by him that liveth for ever and ever That Angel calls himself our fellow-servant and of our brethren the Prophets and of them which keep the sayings of this Book Rev. 22. 9. And therefore the Angels being of the same fraternity with us do not act under different dispensations from us Quest. III. IS an Oath to be taken in the plain and common sense of the words without Equivocation or Mental reservation Yes Psalm 24. 4. Exod. 20. 7. Lev. 19. 12. Ier. 4. 2.

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. EDINBVRGH Printed by IOHN REID Anno DOM. 1684. To the Right Honourable GEORGE DRUMMOND Of Milnenab Lord Provost Iohn Iohnston Thomas Douglas Thomas Fairholm and Iohn Chanceler Bailiffs Charles Murray Dean of Gild Thomas Young Thesaurer and remanent Members of the Honourable Council of the Ancient City of Edinburgh May it please your Lordship And the Honourable Senate MY first Application is for Pardon that I should adventure to prefix your names to the Frontispice of this small Fabrick between which and your singular Merits there is no Proportion save what flows from the Uniformity and Delicacy of the Contrivance and sincerity of his Respects who presents it I have sometimes appeared in publick though not with the Gold of Ophir and Tyrian Purpure wherewith the Persians were accustomed to present their Princes and Benefactors in testimony of their Obeysance and Gratitude yet with Oblations sutable to my Ability as now though unsutable to your Honour and Dignity Your unstained Reputation Candour and Ingenuity by which you are guided in the Management of the weighty Affairs of the City Your encouraging by your Authority and good example the holy Ministry Vertue and Learning in Schooles and Universities within the Verge of your Iurisdiction The commemoration of Favours which I have received from the Council these many years bygone have had no small Influence upon me to make this publick yet humble Address And though I have done but little by way of Remuneration yet Somewhat to be a Remembrance of my hearty affection to the Good Town I have made some small attempts during the twelve years I taught Peripatetick and Experimental Philosophy and since for the Advancement of Learning among others which have not wanted success whereby the Author hath been encouraged especially by the kind acceptance his Writings have met with from the greatest Philosophers and Mathematicians in this Age in England Holland Germany and France It is yet recent in the minds of many Noble and worthy Persons what esteem His Royal Highness had of my Observations of the great Blazing Star which appeared in December 1680 which since have been published I do not mention this for applause or out of vanity but for some peculiar reasons hinted at below But these studies being only Hand-maids and Subservient to Divine Knowledge and not so generally useful I have now given them a Manumission unless I be animated by the benign and favourable aspect of those who may and can I move in a distinct Sphere from Masters of Universities They teach in Philosophy the Causes and Reasons of Things What I write is but Practical and Mechanical for the promoting of natural Knowledge and Learning as do the Virtuosi But in stead of such I present your Honours with a small bundle of Orthodox Truths confirmed by plain Scripture Testimonies wherewith the true Christian Church hath in all Ages scattered the swarms of dark Errors and damnable Heresies Locusts from the bottomless pit But least I seem too tedious upon one Subject I shall beg your Lordships liberty to interpose for your Divertisement this pleasant Interlude the contemplation whereof may recreate the mind and have its own usefulness That brave Athenian Orator Demosthenes writes that there was a standing Ordinance among the Locrians a people in Greece that whosoever desired a new Law to be made he should make an overture thereof to the whole Assembly with a rope about his neck If it was Judged profitable for the Publick-Good the Author was assoild and got the thanks of the house If not he was instantly strangled By this means for the space of 200 years and more no new Law was made save this only that follows It was a received custome there that if any man should strick out his neighbours eye his on the other part was to be stricken out likewise in imitation of Lex Talionis Neither was this crime to be expiated by any sacrifice nor redeemed by any summ of Money or Gold how great soever A certain man who had but one eye was threatned by his Adversary with the loss of it This man taking it grievously and judging the want of his sight more bitter than death adventur'd with a halter about his neck to offer this new Law to the Senate viz. that whosoever should strick out his neighbours eye who had but one he should be requited with the lose of both his as a just recompence that the one might share equally with the other in the same calamity The Law was approven and Ratified by the whole meeting Demosthenes relates this teaching that in a well ordered City Magistrates should take special care that new Laws be not rashly made or changed But I return thither whence the famous Orator hath led me aside by this digression I cannot but now after these wieghty perswasives make my next application for Acceptance and seriously entreat that this little Book if not for the value of the thing offered yet for its design which is that Truth may have victory over Error and for the ingenuity and affection it flows from may be received into the tuition of your favour and get a full protection against the Champions of the uncircumcised Philistimes and being enlightned with the splendor of your Lordships name and receiving the impression of the Councils Authority upon it may by the Lords blessing be useful to young Students in Religion and others too For which singular Favour I shall fervently pray the Almighty God to bless you in your Persons and Government sub auspiciis Augustissimi regis Caroli a Carolo the Ancient City may flourish with Religion and Righteousness Peace and Truth that the Lord may be in it in the darkest night a pillar of fire to enlighten and direct in the hotest affliction a pillar of cloud to overshadow and protect and to us all both a Sun and a Shield And shall think my self very happy while I live to be under the Character of Your Lordships and the Councils much Obliged Servant Geo. Sinclar Edin January 2. 1684. TO THE HONEST HEARTED READER THE two great Pillars upon

which the kingdom of Satan is erected and by which it is upheld are Ignorance and Errour And the two great Pillars which support the Kingdom of Christ are Knowledge and Truth Therefore our blessed Saviour resolving to subvert the kingdom of Satan among the Gentiles tells the Apostle in his first Commission that he was about to send him to open their eyes namely their understanding by the Preaching and Knowledge of the Gospel and to turn them from darkness to light from natural blindness and worldly ignorance unto the right and true knowledge of GOD. This is the first step of our Manumission from that spiritual thraldom The Understanding is the Guide and Pilot of the whole man It is that faculty which sits at the helme of the Soul But as the most skilful Pilot may mistake his course in the dark so may the Understanding when it wants the light of Knowledge This is an accomplishment so desirable that the Devil knew not a more alluring bate to tempt our first Parents in Paradise Ye shall be as Gods sayes he knowing good and evil When the Lord had refer'd it to Solomons option what to choose he choose Wisdom and Knowledge When once the Devil understood that by the Preaching of the Gospel his kingdom was ruined he invents two new stratagems to overthrow Religion even in the infancy and beginning of it to wit Persecution and Heresie Open persecution began in Nero a very imp and graff of the Devil When this Hirricano and many others of that kind were past and when the Churches of Christ were once at rest he sends in a Deluge of Arianism which in a short time so prodigiously spread and over-ran the Christian World that it seemed to carry all before it an assault that did not strike at the uppermost boughs of Religion but at the Root and Beeing of Christianity But this second proved more sad than the first for where Persecution kills one thousand Heresie kills ten thousand The one is the Wild-Boar of the Forrest the other is the little Fox that eateth up the Grapes of the Lords Vineyard The one kills the bodies of Men and Women the other poisoneth the Souls of Christians In times of greater Light as these and former times have been reputed to be Satan comes not abroad usually to deceive with his gross forgeries and cloven foot for every one almost would discern his haltings but with more mystical yet strongdelusions and invincible chains of darkness wherewith he binds his captives the faster to the judgement of the great day And therefore the Watch word given in the bright and shining times of the Apostles was to try the Spirits and believe not every Spirit and take heed of Spirits who indeed were only fleshly and corrupt men yet called Spirits because they pretended to have much of the Spirit and their doctrine seemed only to advance the Spirit the fitest and fairest cobwebs to deceive and inveigle the world in these discerning times that possibly could be spun out of the poysonful bowels of corrupt and fleshly men for Heresie is a work of the flesh The times are now come wherein by the refined mystical divinity of the old Moncks all the ordinances of Christ in the New Testament are allegorized and spiritualized out of the world They reject the outward word because of an inward teaching They reject the outward Baptism because of the inward Baptism They reject the Lords Supper because of the spiritual bread from heaven the Lord Jesus They abolish the outward Sabbath because of a spiritual and inward Sabbath of rest in the bosome of Christ. This is very consistent with the observing the outward Sabbath But they wickedly sever and separat what GOD hath joyned together But as to what relates to the present Treatise I am not ignorant that many eminent and learned Divines far beyond whatever I could profess have beatten this path and travelled round the world of Polemick Divinity But their writings being so Voluminous and large that he who desires to have a full sight at one look of the chief controversies can no more have it than a man from the Peak of Teneriff can get a clear sight of the whole Globe of the Earth Which things though they be principally worth the knowing nevertheless for so much as their number and variety are an impediment to themselves and the multiplicity of matter makes the mind abruptly flit from one thing to another Therefore I have imitated Geographers who after they have surveyed the whole Globe of the Earth draw Universal descriptions thereof and comprehend the the whole image of that great Terra-queous Body within a narrow circumference of a Card or Mapp In so doing I may perhaps contribute some what towards the satisfaction of some who neither can nor are able to trace the wearisome foot steps of those eminent Divines who have written fully This Treatise being Historical none can expect but I must have consulted others and gleaned off their writtings what things were needful I cannot here as in writing Philosophy or any such like Science set up new Theorems or Axioms which have not been heard of before This were to make a new Religion a new System and Body of Divinity such as some giddy-headed Hereticks are thinking upon I must confine my self to the good old way and follow the heatten path-road wherein men of sound principles have walked before me This Book is not designed for men of knowledge and learning who are more conversant in such matters than I am but for the unlearned and new-beginners who need to be instructed with the sound principles of the true Protestant Religion I hope none will think I have done amiss in mentioning so many Religions which had been better unnamed some may think than named This might have some weight if there were no more Religions in the world at this time but one only to wit the true Protestant Religion But seeing I cannot name so many here as there are this day owned and professed in the Christian Church I cannot be to blame This Book will be useful for understanding the Confession and knowing the design of it For how many read it and commend it that never knew the nature of it Though there be a multiplicity of questions and many in number yet all of them to my best remembrance are taken word by word out of the Confession The answers are by Yes or No. To which are subjoyned immediately the proofs of the Confession These words which are often repeated Well then do not the Papists err are nothing els but sure Conclusions drawn from two manifest propositions The design of this Treatise is good The method is plain and easy The order of the Questions follow the order of the purposes in the Confession The probations are such as are made use of in the Confession and by the Orthodox Divines against the Adversaries They are either the very words of the Scripture in Terminis or

skill hath done his dutie sufficientlie in correcting so that I find it needless to prefix or subjoyn Errata Corrigenda If there be any Literal faults which the most skilful Author and best of Printers cannot prevent let the Reader impute them only to invincible necessity Our good Lord whose Prerogative it is to teach to profit bless this little Book that it may be to thee as a light shining in a dark place untill the day dawn and the day star arise in thy heart that thereby thou mayest grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. In Summarium hoc Theologieum Tetrastichon Quisquis aves Sophiam Coelestem noscere paucis Huc ades hic breviter namque Libellus habet Aureus est certè firmat quia Dogmata sana Codice Divino falsa refellititem Upon Truths victory over Error Doth thou desire this Treasure to be thine Of sacred Truths and Oracles Divine A fiery Pillar radiantly bright Come it will guide thee in the darkest night Through Seas and Rocks and Mountains on each hand Through Wildernesses to Canaan's land By Holy Writ the Truth it verifies By Holy Writ confutes all Heresies Though short yet clear for both do well agree To make thy path unerring unto thee As Ophirs Gold which from Malacca came Made Solomon on Earth the richest Man So will this Book make rich thy heart and mind With Divine Wisdom Knowledge of all kind Thee richer make than Croesus of great name Thee wiser make than Solon of great fame Than all the seven wise Sages Greeces Glory I do protest it 's true and is no Story An Alphabetical List of the Proper and Patronymick names of the Authors of the old and late Heresies confuted in the following Treatise A. ADamites so called from one Adam the Author of their Sect or from the first man Adam whose nakedness they imitate in their Stoves and Conventicles after the example of Adam and Eve in Paradise Page 172. Anthropomorphitans so called from two Greek words Anthropos a Man and Morphe a Form Figure or Shape because they maintain'd that GOD had a Body and was endued with Humane shape Page 21 22. Arians from Arius a Lybian by Birth and a Presbyter of Alexandria by profession This Heresie brake out under Constantine 290. years after Christ and overran a great part of the World It was condemned in the first famous Council of Nice gathered by Constantines appointment anno 325. page 23 28. Arminians so called from James Arminius Divinity Reader in Leyden who 1605. published and maintained five Articles which have occasioned great troubles to the Church of GOD being eagerly maintain'd by his followers called Remonstrantes The five Articles are concerning Predestination Redemption GODS Grace Free-will and Perseverance Page 12 13 31 36 40 41 42 43 47 65 69 70 72 74 76 79 81 86 93 115 125 130 157 228 334. Anabaptists so called from Re-baptising had for their Author one Nicholas Storck who pretended familiarity with GOD by an Angel promising him a kingdom if he would reform the Church and destroy the Princes that would hinder him Page 12 40 45 55 66 75 89 90 104 106 110 157 175 189 198 202 212 216 226 239 244 246 262 276 277 283 309 314 228 334. Antinomians so called from two Greek words Anti against and Nomos the Law They sprung up from one John Agricola who affirmed that the Moral Law was altogether needless and that Christians were not tyed to the observation thereof This Sect sprung up about the year 1535. Page 66 82 83 88 89 98 99 106 114 127 132 133 145. 155. Arabians so named from Arabia the Country where their Heresie was broached and maintained under Philip the Emperor 217. years after Christ. Page 40. B. Brounists so called from their Author Mr. Robert Broun of North-hampton-shire in England sometimes a School-master in Southwork hold there is no other pure Church in the World but among themselves as did the Donatists of old Page 317. D. Dominicans one of the Popish Orders so called from Dominicus a Spainard They were institute by Pope Innocent the third Anno 1205. This man with twelve Abbots were appointed to preach down the Doctrine of the Albigenses who by their preaching did so incense the Princes that they took Arms and killed 100000. of them They were of the same Religion with the old Non-conformists in England who were called Puritans Page 46. 257. Donatists from Donatus born in Numidia in Africk who because Cecilian was preferred Bishop before him to the Bishoprick of Carthage accused him and all the Bishops which had ordained him to be Traditores that is such as had delivered up their Bibles to be burned by Idolaters under the persecution of Maximius Page 239. E. Epicureans from one Epicurus an old Heathen Philosopher who placed mens chief happiness in the pleasure of the mind He denyed Providence and taught that the World was made by the concurse of Atoms Page 40 42. Eutychians so named from Eutyches an Abbot of Constantinople This mans Heresies were condemned by the fourth general Council held at Chalcedon under the Emperour Martianus anno 451. page 58. Erastians so called from Thomas Erastus a Physician in Heidelberg in Germany who following this mans footsteps have taken away from the Church all Discipline and Government and put it into the hands of the Civil Magistrate Page 214 254 315 324. Enthusiasts so called from the Greek word Enthusiadso or Enthusiao in Latine Fanatico I am inspired or acted with a Prophetical or Divine fury Page 4 175 232 245 305. F. Franciscans another Popish order so called from one Francis an Italian Merchant who before his Conversion as the Papists say lived a wicked and debauched life He gathered many disciples anno 1198. and appointed them to be obedient to Christ and the Pope Page 46. Familists or of the Family of Love whose Authour was one Henry Nicholas a Hollander Their first Founder was one David George of Delph who called himself the true David that would restore the kingdom to Israel They maintained many dangerous opinions Page 116 226 260. G. Greeks are these who inhabit Greece viz. Macedon Epirus Bulgaria Moldavia c. They place much of their Religion in the worship of the Virgin Mary and of painted but not of carved Images Pages 167 228 330. H. Hemerobaptists so called from two Greek words Hemera a day and Baptisdo to Baptise because they maintained that men and women according to their faults committed every day ought every day to be Baptised Page 283. I. Jesuites so called from our blessed Saviours name JESUS which they falsely assume to themselves They were instituted anno 1540. by Ignatius Loyala first a Souldier they are all well bred in Philosophy and School Divinity and in many other Arts and Sciences and therefore they are employed as Emissaries from the Pope and his Conclave to advance the Popish Religion Page 31 46. Judaisers so called

that through Faith in his promises and in the promised Mediator 2 Because Isaiah teacheth that both himself and other Believers were justified by the knowledge of Christ Chap. 53 11. 3 Because the holy Ghost expresly testifies that Christ died for the Believers under the Old Testament Heb. 9. 15. 4 Because the justification of believing Iews under the old Testament and believers under the New are compared between themselves as equal Acts 15. 11. CHAP. XII Of ADOPTION Question I. ARE those who are taken into the number and enjoy the liberties and priviledges of the Children of God and have his Name put upon them and receive the Spirit of Adoption are they I say ever cast off No. Are they sealed to the day of Redemption and inherit the promises as heirs of everlasting Salvation Yes Lam. 3. 3. Eph. 4. 30. 1 Pet. 1. 5. Well then do not the Lutherians err who maintain that the Chlidren of God some of them may be cast off for a time totally though not finally Yes Do not likewise the Arminians Quakers and Socinians err who maintain that those who have received the grace of Adoption may be cast off totally and finally Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because all the children of God are keeped through faith unto Salvation 1 Peter 1. 5 2 Because Christ hath prayed for the preseverance of all Believers Iohn 17 20 Iohn 11 26 And all those that are adopted are the children of God by faith Gal. 3 26 3 Because no man that is born again as are all the children of God doth sin that is he suffers not sin to reign over him for his seed remaineth in him that is Gods seed whereby he is born again namely the Word of God 1 Peter 1 23 Iohn 3 5 6 Remaineth in him that is doth not totally perish but abideth thence foreward working the fruits of regeneration once begun in them Phi 1 6 See 1 Iohn 3 9 4 Because all the children of God request the Father by the Son that he may grant them perseverance to salvation Matth 6 13 which perseverance is most needful to them for that end Matth 24 13. But Believers when they seek things needful to Salvation in the name of Christ according to his promise are alwayes heard Iohn 14 13 14 Iohn 16 23. 5 Because the Gifts and Calling of GOD are without Repentance Rom 11 29. 6 Because all those who are justified are glorified Rom 8 30 But all who are Adopted are endued with Faith and are justified Gal 3 26. 7 Because Christ keepeth all his Adopted Ones that none can pluck them out of his hand or his Fathers hand Iohn 10 27 28 29. 8 Because perseverance is a gift promised by GOD to all the Elect in the covenant of Grace Ezek 36 26 27 28. Ezek 11 19 20 Ierem 31 31 32 33. 9 Because justifying Grace is a Well of Water springing up into everlasting life in every man to whom it is given Iohn 4 14. And the Saints are like unto trees planted by the rivers of waters which bring forth their fruit in their season Psalm 1. 3. CHAP. XIII Of SANCTIFICATION Question I. ARE they who are effectually Called and Regenerated having a new Spirit created in them farther sanctified really and personally through the vertue of Christs death and resurrection by his Word and Spirit dwelling in them Yes 1 Cor. 6. 11. Acts 20 32. Phil 3 10 Rom 6 5 6. Iohn 17. 17. Well then do not the Antinomians err who maintain That those who are justified are sanctified onely by the imputed holiness of Christ not by infusing inherent holyness or any Spiritual qualities into them by the help of which they are enabled to live holily Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Apostle says follow peace and holiness with all Men without which no man shall see God Heb. 12. 14. 2 Because the fruit of the Spirit is Love Joy Peace long-suffering Gentleness and Faith Gal. 5. 22. 3 Because they who are in Christ bring forth good fruit Iohn 15. 5. 4 Because they who belong to Christ have crucified the Flesh with the affections and lusts Gal. 5. 24 25. 5 Because the Apostle commands us to work out our salvation with fear and with trembling Phil. 2. 12. 6 Because we ought to purify our selves from all filthiness of the Flesh and Spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God 2 Cor. 7. 1. 7 Because we ought to grow in Grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 3. 18. 8 Because the Lord circumcises the hearts of the Elect that they may love the Lord their God and taketh away the heart of stone Deut. 30. 6. Ezek. 36. 26 27. Quest. II. IS Sanctification imperfect in this life there being some remnants of corruption abiding in every part Yes 1 Iohn 1. 10. Rom. 7. 18 23. Ps 3. 12. Well then do not the Antinomians and many of the Quakers err who maintain That those who are justified are perfectly sanctified Yes Do not likewise the Papists Socinians and Anabaptists err who maintain the same but differ in the manner Yes By what reasons are they confuted But first consider that the Antinomians defend that the most perfect holiness of Christ is imputed to us and is made ours there being no inherent holiness in us nor required of us But the Papists Socinians Quakers and Anabaptists affirm and maintain a perfect inherent holiness in this life They are confuted 1 Because there is no man that sinneth not 1 Kings 8. 46. 2 Because if we say we have no sin we deceive our selves and the truth is not in us 1 Iohn 1. 8 3 Because in many things we offend all Iames 3. 2. 4 Because there is not a just man upon the earth that doth good and sinneth not Eccles. 7. 20. 5 Because we are all as an unclean thing and all our righteousnesses are as filthy raggs Isaiah 64. 6. 6 Because the Psalmist prayeth that GOD would not enter into judgement with him for in thy sight says he shall no man be justified Psal. 143. 2. 7 Because no man can say I have made my heart clean I am pure from my sin Prov. 20. 9. 8 Because the Apostle complains heavily concerning indwelling sin Rom. 7. 18 23. 9 Because the Saints are obliged to seek pardon of sin every day Matth. 6. 12. 10 Because the Lord sayes he that is holy let him be holy still Rev 22. 11. CHAP. XIV Of SAVING FAITH Question I. IS the grace of Faith whereby the Elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their Souls the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts Yes Heb. 10. 39. 2 Cor. 4. 13. Ephes. 1. 17 18 19. Well then do not the Pelagians err who maintain Faith to be a thing natural who attribute the being thereof to our selves and to the strength of our corrupt Nature Yes Do not likewise the Arminians err Who though they grant

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

and spiritual and therefore nothing can represent him as the Prophet well infers Isaiah 40. 18 25. 3 Because every representation of God by graven images or pictures is a most disgraceful changing of the glory of the incorruptible God Rom. 1. 23. 4 Because images and pictures of this kind are lies and vanities which the Lord abhores and mocks at with an holy scorn Isaiah 44. from verse 9. to 18. 5 Because the Lord expresly forbiddeth the Israelites to represent him under any form or shape for saith the Text ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake to you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire Deut. 4. 15. to verse 20. 6 Because though the Israelites worshipped the true God by an image for Aaron built an Alter and made proclamation and said to morrow is a feast to the Lord yet are they accused of the sin of idolatry and for that cause severely punished Exod. 32. 21 27 35 7 Because Ieroboam and the ten Tribes who worshipped the true God by the Golden-Calves set up at Dan and Bethel for the worship of false gods by images was afterwards brought in by Achab who is therefore said to have provoked the Lord more than all the Kings of Israel before him 1 Kin 16 31 32. are accused for the sin of Idolatry and are severely threatned 1 King 12. 29 30. and 1 Kings 13. 2. which threatning was put in execution by Iosiah 2 Kings 23. 15 16 20. 8 Because the Apostle says we ought not to think that the God-head is like unto Gold or Silver or Stone graven by art and mans device Acts 17. 29. Quest. III. IS Religious worship to be given to God the Father Son and Holy Ghost and to him alone Yes Is Religious worship to be given to Angels Saints or any other Creature No. Matth 4. 10. Iohn 8. 49. 2. Cor. 13. 14. Iohn 5. 23. Col. 2. 18. Rev. 19. 10. Rom. 1. 25. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain that not only God but good Angels and Saints departed being Canonized by the Pope ought to be worshipped and called upon even after a religious manner but cheifly the Virgin Mary and that there is a Divine Power in the Relicks of Saints which therefore ought to be worshipped Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Lord our God and he only is to be worshipped Matth. 4. 10. Deut 6. 13. 2 Because the Object of invocation and religious Adoration is he only who is Omnipotent Omniscient and searcher of the heart For there is none that knows our necessities and wants but he that is Omniscient and none can succour and help us but he that is Omnipotent But Angels are not Omniscient Eph. 3. 10. 1 Peter 1. 12. Neither are the Saints departed Omniscient as is clear from Isa. 63. 16. Abraham is ignorant of us 3 Because they that are dead know nothing of our condition Eccl. 9. 5. 4 Because no man ought to call upon him in whom he doth not believe Rom. 10. 14. But no man ought to believe in Saints or Angels but in God alone Isaiah 26. 4. Ier. 17. 5. 5 Because neither Saints alive nor Angels would suffer adoration and worship to be given to themselves Acts 10. 25. Rev. 22. 8 9. 6 Because the worshipping of Angels doth derogate from the honour of Christ in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him Eph. 3. 12. 7 Because the worshipping of Saints and Angels is like a Polytheismus the having of many Gods For the Papists attribute to each one of their Saints and Angels a proper divine power as the Heathens did of old to their Idols and false gods Quest. IV. IS any Religious worship given to God since the fall without a Mediator No. Nor in the mediation of any other but of Christ alone No. Iohn 14. 6. 1 Tim. 2. 5. Eph. 2. 18. Col. 3. 17. Well then doth not the Popish Church err who maintain that Saints departed but chiefly the Virgin Mary are Mediators and Intercessors between God and Man Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Scripture affirms expresly that there is but one Mediator between God and Man namely the Man Jesus Christ 1 Tim. 2. 5. 2 Because no man cometh to the Father but by Christ Iohn 14. 6. And by him we have access to the Father Eph 2. 18. 3 Because the Scripture promiseth that they shall be heard that in the name of Christ seek such things as are according to the will of God but there is no promise in all the Word that they shall be heard that pray to Saints or Angels Iohn 14. 13 14. 1 Iohn 5. 14. 4 Because the Apostle says whatsoever ye do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus not in the name of Saints Col. 3. 17. 5 Because Christ who is called the propitiation for our sins is also called our Advocate with the Father 1 Iohn 2. 1 2. 6 Because Mediation is a part of the Priestly office of Christ which is only proper to himself and which cannot be divided between him and the Saints 7 Because the Saints are not to be called upon as was proven in the foregoing Question Quest. V. IS prayer with thanksgiving one special part of Gods worship required by God of all men Yes Phil. 4. 6. Psal. 65. 2. Well then do not the Adamites and others long since err who denyed that God was to be called upon For say they God is Omniscient and bestowes all things upon us freely without our prayers Yes Do not likewise some late Hereticks err who maintain that unregenerate men ought not to call upon God Yes Do not also the Quakers err who will not move in the commanded duties of prayer and thanksgiving unless there be some inward call and motion on their Spirit Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because there are extant many universal precepts in the Word by which the duty of prayer is commanded Phil. 4. 6. 1 Thes. 5. 17. Iohn 16. 24. Matth. 7. 7. 2 Because God is the hearer of prayer and to him shall all flesh come Psal. 65. 2. 3 We have the example of David Psalm 55. 17. Of Daniel chapter 6. 10. The example of those many who were gathered together praying in the behalf of the Apostle Peter Acts 12. 12. The example of Christ himself Iohn 17. chapter 4 Because the Apostle Paul bids Simon Magus who was in the gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity to repent and call upon God Acts 8. 22. As to the Quakers what assurance can they have the next hour or the next day more than now of the Spirits moving on their souls And are we not commanded to pray without ceasing 1 Thes. 5. 17. That is upon all opportunities and in all our necessities Quest. VI. IF Prayer be Vocal ought it to be in a known tongue Yes 1 Cor. 14. 14. Well then

in the world is Catholick and Universal Acts 15. 23. Acts 24. 14. Gal. 5. 14. 10 Because the initial Visible seal admittance and enrowlment are things Catholick and Oecumenical For he that takes up his freedom in a whole Corporation or Kingdom is free of the whole and in every part thereof and hath right to all the general priviledges and immunities thereof There is a Patent for Baptism Go and baptize all Nations And by vertue of the Priviledges thereof they that are baptized in any one Church are accounted visible subjects of Christs Kingdom in all places of the Christian world Matth. 28. 19. 11 Because all Churches are one Body Rom. 12. 5. 12 Because Peter writting to the strangers scattered abroad throughout Pontus Galatia Cappadocia Asia and Bithynia calleth them all one Flock 1 Peter 5. 2. 13 Because all the Churches of the World are one sheepfold Iohn 10. 16. 14 Because the Visible Church is one great house 2 Tim. 2. 20. Quest. III. DOTH the Visible Church consist of all those thorowout the world that profess the Christian Religion together with their Children Yes 1 Cor. 1. 2. Psalm 2. 8. 1 Cor. 7. 14. Well then do not the Donatists Anabaptists and Puritans of old so truely named err who affirm the visible Church to consist of those only that are pious and holy Yes Do not likewise the Independents err who think none ought to be members of the Visible Church save those who in the judgement of men very spiritual and discerning are esteemed true believers and saints who have given sufficient proof of their knowledge in the fundamentals of Religion who have reported in order and given a good account of the experimental work of their conversion and effectual calling who have shewed their conversation in the world to have been without the omission of any known duty or commission of any known fault and that for a considerable length of time Yes Do not lastly the Quakers err who think the only visible Church of GOD on earth to be themselves and all others not of their profession and practise to be unregenerate and wanting the Spirit Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the visible Church is compared to a Garner in which there is not only Wheat but Chaff mixed with it To a Field in which Tares and Darnel are mixed among the good Corn. To a Net in which both good Fishes and bad are taken Matth. 13. chapter To a great House wherein are not only vessels of Gold and Silver but of Wood and of Earth 2 Tim. 2. 20. 2 Because Christ will answer some at the last day who will say to him Lord have not we Prophesied in thy name and in thy name casten out Devils and have we not eaten and drunken at thy table I know you not This evidently shews that many have been members of the Visible Church whom Christ will not own at the last day Matth. 7. 22 23. 3 From the Parable of the ten Virgins five whereof were foolish five wise Matth. 25. 1. 4 From the Parable of the Banquet where one was found at the Table without a Wedding Garment Matth. 22. 11. 5 Because many are of the Visible Church who are not of the invisible Church 1 Iohn 2. 19. 6 Because the Apostle calls the Church of Corinth the Church of Christ notwithstanding of their gross enormities 1 Cor. 1. 11. 1 Cor. 3. 3. 1 Cor. 5. 1. 1 Cor. 6. 7. 7 Because Moses did acknowledge even those then to be members of the Visible Church to whom yet he knew the Lord had not given ears to hear nor eyes to see nor a heart to understand the great and wonderful miracles which he wrought in their sight Deut. 29. 10 11 12 13. compared with the verses 2 3 4. 8 Because Iohn the Baptist did admit many thousands into the communion of the Visible Church without making a narrow search of their true grace and conversion Matth. 3. 9 Because the Apostles did instantly and without the delay of one day baptise all those that professed the Christian Religion Acts 2. 38 41. Acts 8. 12. Iohn 3. 26. 10 Because the preaching of the Gospel is appointed by God as an ordinary mean no less for the Conversion of men and women than for the advancement of those in grace that are converted Prov. 9 3 4. 2 Cor. 5. 18 19. 20 2 Tim. 2. 24 25 11 Because we are forbidden by the Apostle to judge the spiritual state and condition of our neighbour Rom. 14. 4. 12 Because Christ did acknowledge Iudas the Theif and Traitor as a member of his Visible Church whom yet he foresaw to be the son of perdition Matth. 26. 23. 13 Because Christ had a visible church on earth many hundered of years before ever there were such cattle as Quakers in the World Unless they will alledge that the primitive Christians and all the Saints since the Apostles dayes have been their Predecessors and claime kin to them as the Samaritans did to Iacob who were truely descended of the heathen who were brought thither out of Assyria as the Quakers are descended from the Enthusiasts in Germany about 160 years since as Nicolas Strokins Iohn Matthias and Iohn of Leyden notorious Hereticks blasphemers and bloody Murderers But how quite different the Quakers are to the primitive christians and holy men of God then and since will evidently appear hence that they did not contemn these two great ordinances of the Gospel instituted by Christ to wit Baptism and the Lords Supper They had Bishops and Deacons to govern and instruct them who were ordained to their functions by prayer and imposition of hands whom they did not revile with the ugly names of dumb dogs and hirelings These primitive christians had not in their assemblies Women-preachers as the Quakers have which is down right contrary to Pauls injunctions 1 Cor. 14. 35. Neither were silent meetings ever heard of among the primitive christians Nor did they ever out of contempt call churches places appointed for the publick worship of God Steeple-houses but resorted to them for performing their devotions and service to God as did our blessed Saviour and his Apostles Iohn 18. 20. Luke 4. 16. Acts 3. 1. Acts 13. 5. Do not likewise the Papists and Lutherians err who will have none members of the visible Church that are unbaptized Yes Do not lastly the Anabaptists err who will have no infants members of the visible church Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because that God commanded infants and little ones should stand before him should enter into covenant with him Deut. 29. 10 11. 2 Because infants are called the people of God no less than men and women come to age Deut. 29. 11 12 13. 3 Because the promise of Grace belongs to children as well as to the parents Acts 2. 39. 4 If children be not members of the visible church they must be members of the visible kingdom of the devil for