to be buried with their own People 2dly As a Body of Christ we will with one Shoulder stand together to uphold his Truth Zeph. 3.9 Margent Phil. 1.27 Gal. 2.5 and that the Gospel may continue with us and our Seed like David serving our Generation we profess to strive together for all Truth Act. 20.20 27. Psal 119.128 Deut. 12.32 Mat. 5.19 Gal. 4.18 Rev. 2.13 3.10 2 Cor. 10.4 7. Col. 1.18 counting nothing indifferent being always zealously affected for those Truths of Christ that are most oppos'd in our day resisting stedfastly by his Word and Spirit all Doctrines undermining the Dignity of our Lord Jesus Christ as King Prophet and Priest of his Church that in all things he might have the Preheminence More particularly First Isa 24.5 Matth. 2.14 Matth. 15.9 Gal. 5.1 1 Kin. 12.28 to the End Isa 33.22 Psal 45.11 We shall oppose ALL Doctrines leading to the Neglect of Christ's Ordinances or to the sinful imposing any Traditions Ceremonies Orders or Officers in the Church not instituted by Christ our only King Judge and Lawgiver who is our Lord and we will worship him Secondly Acts 13.45 46 with 3.22 We shall continue heartily to abhor ALL Doctrine contradicting and Blaspheming the Revelation of this our Prophet in his Written Word 1 Tim. 4.1 Chiefly those Doctrines of Devils which deny oppose or prevaricate about the Eternal Godhead of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit Joh. 10.30 38 Acts 5.3 4. 1 John 5.7 so blaspheming the ever blessed Trinity in Unity Or that Oppose Isa 9.6 7. Matth. 1.23 1 Tim. 3.16 or Equivocate about the Mysterious Union of the Divine and Humane Nature in the One Person of our glorious Mediator Jesus Christ Or that exalt the Light within Jer. 10.23 Matth. 6.23 John 1.4 9. with 8.12.9.5 6.27.40 or any other Creature above besides or with Jesus of Nazareth that was Born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem in Judea The Only True Light of the World and Seal'd Sent Saviour of Sinners Or that Eclipse the Sovereignty Rom. 9.11 end 11.5 7. Eph. 2. thro' out John 1.13 2 Tim. 1.9 Titus 3.5 7. Freeness and Efficacy of Divine Grace in Election Vocation and Justification all being only of Grace without any regard had to Good foreseen in or done or will'd by the Creature Or that make void the good old righteous Law of God Hosea 8.12 Mat. 5.17 19. Isa 42.21 Rom. 3.19 21. Gal. 6.16 1 Tim. 1.5 10. Psal 19.7 9. Rom. 7.12 22 as a Law under which all Men are born and as a Rule of Life to all the Called of God The Law given to Adam in Paradice and afterwards held forth summarily in the Ten Commandments explain'd by Christ his Apostles and Prophets containing all Duties whatsoever Faith and Repentance not excepted and forbidding all manner of sin Or that transform the Gospel of God's Grace into a new Remedial Law Acts 20.24 Luke 2.10 11. Acts 13.38 39 commanding Faith Repentance and sincere Obedience as the Terms and Conditions of our Justification the true Gospel being a Ministration of Grace Rom. 3.22 28. 5.1 2.10.4 freely tendring to poor sinners the Suretiship Righteousness of Christ to be relied upon by Faith and imputed to them for their full and free Justification before God Or that affirm Justification is only by the Death of Christ and consists only in Remission of Sin Rom. 5.10 19. 10.4 The Word assuring us that Justification is as well by Christ's perfect Obedience to the Law Heb. 5.8 9. Cant. 4.7 2 Cor. 5.21 Eph. 5.27 1 Joh. 3.7 as by his Death under its Curse and therein the Sinner is not only forgiven but accounted perfectly righteous Or that render the Elect less children of Wrath by Nature than others Ephes 2.3 12. Rom. 3.9 19. Mark 2.17 Gal. 3.22 23. 1 Thes 1.8 10. by asserting their actual Justification from Eternity or at any time before Faith the whole tenour of Scripture discovering that all are alike under sin shut up under the Law till Faith comes Gal. 2.16 Psal 86.13 by which Christ is apprehended to justifie and save even from the lowest Hell Or that give the least encouragement to sin Either by affirming Psal 89.31 33 Jer. 46.28 Amos 3.2 that the Iniquities of God's Children are not visited by Stripes consisting with the Father's loving-kindness Or By refusing to pray for the Pardon of Sin Luke 11.4 Psal 25.7 11 18. 2 Cor. 7.10 11 Jam. 2.14 ult Jude 4 v. Phil. 3.18 19. which our Lord in his Summary of Prayer hath made our daily Duty And by denying Repentance and Good Works to be the genuine Fruits of Faith so turning the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ into Lasciviousness and causing his Cross to be evil-spoken of These Doctrines shall we detest Pro. 2.6 to 15. Psal 17.4.19.7 2 Tim. 3.15.17 Together with all that question the Validity of any part or the sufficiency of the whole written Word for perfecting the Man of God in all things whatsoever so reproaching our faithful Prophet who hath seal'd the Vision Mal. 2.9 Heb. 3.5 6. Dan. 9.24 Jer. 8.8 9. and given us a Rule in every thing compleat Thirdly Continually shall we reject all Doctrines establishing Priesthoods Heb. 2.17.9.26.10.4 to 23. Masses Conditions or any Creature Qualifications and Confidences for Satisfaction Heb. 3.1 1 John 2.1 2. 1 Tim. 2.5 Mediation or Intercession with God Christ alone being our High-Priest Propitiation and Mediatour Therefore we will not give place by subjection Gal. 2.5 5.1 2 Tim. 2.1 Rev. 14.1 Gal. 2.11 Rev. 2.10.3.15 16. 1 King 18.21 Zech. 11.8 Psal 69.9.119.139 1 Cor. 4.3 Psal 69.7 Heb. 12.3 Psal 69.8 Gal. 4.16 Micah 7.1 7. Luke 14.26 to 33. no not for an hour to any that would bring us into Bondage but being strong in the Grace which is in Christ Jesus and shewing the Father's Mark in the Forehead we shall withstand them to the Face stedfastly resisting even to the Death Protesting against all coldness lukewarmness halting or indifferency in the Cause of Christ which things his Soul hates The Zeal of Christ's House having eaten us up for his sake therefore shall we gladly bear the unrighteous Judgments Reproaches and Contradictions of all sorts of sinners whether open Enemies false Brethren lukewarm Churches or Kindred according to the flesh professing to have counted the Cost and willingly to deny and forsake all Friends Relations Enjoyments and whatsoever is dear to us in this World Rev. 14.4 1 Cor. 4.9 13. Heb. 11.24 27 that we may follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth laying our Reputation Estate Liberty yea Life it self at the Feet of Jesus Christ Matth. 16.24 27. our Lord and Saviour 3dly As a Body of Christ Ephes 4.3 with Eze. 20.37 Gal. 5.1 we will keep the unity of the Spirit in the Bond or Covenant of peace Maintaining the Priviledges of
THE Covenant To be the LORD'S PEOPLE AND TO Walk after the LORD Sign'd by the CHURCH of CHRIST Meeting at Horsly-Down in Southwark Deut. 29.1 With 2 Chron. 23.16 34 31. These are the Words of the Covenant which the Lord Commanded to be the Lord's People and to Walk after the Lord and to keep his Commandments and his Testimonies and his Statutes with the whole heart and with the whole soul and to perform the words of the Covenant which are written in this Book LONDON Printed for the Use of the Church 1700. In the Name 1 Cor. 5 4. Spirit and Power of our Lord JESUS CHRIST WE an escaped Remnant of poor Sinners of the Gentiles Isa 37.31 Judg 20.1 11. 1 Cor. 14.23 Deut. 29.1 1 Sam. 7.2 Isa 37.3 1 Cor. 4.9 Nehem. 9.2 Ezek. 36.31 Rom 5.12 Jer. 5.23 Ezek. 16.6 8. 1 Pet. 2.3 knit as one Man and assembled together in one Place to Renew Covenant with the Lord and to lament after him in this Day of Trouble Rebuke and Blasphemy Do before God Angels and Men most solemnly confess bewail and loath our Selves for our Apostacy from God in Adam and for all our abominable revoltings in Heart and Life as well before as since the time of Love and Life came wherein we tasted that the Lord is gracious Especially do we judge our selves 1 Cor. 11.31 Levit. 10.3 Jer. 7.31 Ezra 9.10 15. Neh. 13.23 27 Mal. 2.11 12. Hosea 6.7 for that there have been found with us those great Evils of offering unto the Lord strange Fire Worship which he commanded not Of Marrying strangers to God and his Covenant and of dealing treacherously with God in his Covenant to follow after lying Vanities For these Jonah 2.8 and all our innumerable evils we abhor our selves before the Lord Psal 40.12 Job 42.6 as in Dust and Ashes Neh. 9.33 Acknowledging him to be just in all that is brought upon us for he hath done right but we have done wickedly Yet mourn we not as those without hope 1 Thess 4.13 Psal 107.43 Jer. 3.1 5. Hosea 14.1 2. but understanding the Loving-kindness of the Lord that he yet invites us to return to him we take with us words and cry to him Art thou not our Father the guide of our Youth Take away all iniquity and receive us graciously so will we render thee the calves of our Lips Thus by Faith do we look again unto the Holy Temple Jonah 2.4 Heb. 12.15 16 Deut. 29.18 and having diligently searched lest any one of us fail of the Grace of God that there be no root of bitterness springing up in us to trouble us and that there be no Fornicatour or profane Person as Esau As a People prepared for the Lord Luke 1.17 Ezek. 11.18 19 we cast away all our detestable things And with one heart in one way which God hath given us for our good Jer. 32.39 and of our children after us We do stand this day all of us before the Lord our God Deu. 29.11 15 Jer. 17.10 the Searcher of Hearts We our Elders and Deacons and our little ones which the Lord hath given us that we should again enter into Covenant with the Lord our God and into his Oath which the Lord our God maketh with us this day that he may establish us to day for a People unto himself and our seed with us and not here with us this day that he may be unto us a God Gal. 3.7.6 14 29. 4.28 as he hath said to us and as he hath sworn unto our Fathers to Abraham to Isaac and to Jacob whose children we are Isa 44.5 and heirs with them according to the Promise by Faith in Jesus Christ We do make a Covenant with the Lord by Sacrifice giving up our selves Psal 50.5 2 Cor. 8.5 Isa 65.23 1 Pet. 2.5 and our Offspring with us unto the Lord and unto each other by the Will of God to offer up spiritual Sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ to be built up a spiritual house Ephes 2.22 1 Tim. 3.15 Isa 43.21 Ephes 3.21 or Church of the Living God to shew forth his Praise and give Glory to him in this present evil World Now that we may keep this our Covenant and do it Neh. 9.38 we write it in our sight Ezek. 43.11 Heb. 8.1 and by Name express unto what we Covenant of which this is the Sum To Avouch Jehovah alone for our GOD. To chuse the Written Word for our Only Rule To walk blameless in all the Ordinances of the Lord To Discharge our several Relative Duties First We do thro' the help of the Spirit by Covenant 2 Cor. 3.5 2 Chr. 30.18 20. 34.32 Psal 83.18 Matth. 28.19 stand to our Baptism tho' not so regularly administred into the Name of the Living and True God whose Name alone is Jehovah Father Son and Holy Spirit these Three The Lord our God Deut. 6.4 the Lord being One Lord Psalm 96.5 all other Gods being Idols This God alone we do solemnly Avouch for a God and Father to us and our Seed Deut. 26.17 4.37 to Love him with all our heart and with all our soul Matth. 12.30 and with all our mind and with all our strength and to cleave to him for ever as our God and Father in our Lord Jesus Christ Deut. 10.20 2 Cor. 1.2 3. 1 Tim. 3.15 2.5 Jer. 23.6 Phil. 3.8 9. 1 Cor. 1.30 God-Man the One Mediator between God and Men Jehovah our Righteousness counting all our own Righteousness as Loss and Dung trusting to him only for Justification Sanctification and compleat Salvation from the Curse of God's Law Gal. 3.10 13. Matth. 1.21 all our Sins and all evils whatsoever having hope of the Resurrection of the Body 2 Tim. 4.18 Acts 23.6 2 Thess 2.1 and of coming to and standing with him in Judgment fully expecting preservation to his heavenly Kingdom to whom be Glory for ever 2 Tim. 4.18 and ever Amen Secondly We do through the Help of the Spirit 2 Cor. 3.5 Psal 119 30. Gal. 6.16 Col. 2.5 Ephes 2.20 Rev. 14.1 15.3 1 Tim. 5.21 Mal. 2.9 Prov. 30.5 Psal 119.128 by Covenant chuse all the Written Word of God to be our only Rule for Faith and Order so building upon the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets and on this Mount Sion singing the Song of Moses and the Lamb We shall not prefer one part of the Word by partiallity to another but esteeming every Word of God to be pure and all the Precepts concerning all things to be right and nothing to be refus'd Rom. 15.4 We shall take whatsoever is written therein for our Learning Reproof Correction 2 Tim. 3.15 17 and Instruction in Righteousness as throughly furnishing us to all good Works Therefore do we hate the Apocrypha Psal 119.104.128 Rev. 22.18 and all additions of Men whatsoever
4.14 15 3 John 9 10. Psal 101.5 and to abide by him waiting upon his Ministry in Season and out of Season not wilfully wandring from or forsaking it to attend upon any other esteeming him very highly in Love for his Works sake as a Steward of the Mysteries of God to us We shall not suffer any privily to backbite whisper or prate against our Pastour with malicious words for such are to be cut off We shall Honour and Obey our own Elders in the Lord not rebuking 1 Tim. 5.1.17.19 but intreating them as Fathers counting them worthy of double Honour who rule well especially those who labour in the Word and Doctrine Respecting also our Deacons and being ready for every good work to which they shall call Neh. 13.13 1 Tim. 6.18 IIdly We Covenant to discharge our Duty to our Infant Seed Gen. 18.19 Jude 3. Gen. 17.7 12. Deut. 10.15.14.1 2. contending earnestly for the Faith once delivered to the Saints of their right to a relation unto God in his Church with us and to Baptism the Seal thereof We being a Spouse of Christ our Royal Husband Mal. 2.15 1 Cor. 7.14 10.2 Eze. 16.20 21. 46.16 18. Jer. 30.20 Acts 2.39 Ephes 2.13 Psal 147.13 All our Children therefore are his born to him who hath promis'd to us Gentiles that were afar off that he will not thrust our children out of their possession but that even our children shall inherit and be continu'd a holy Seed as afore-time that our Congregation should be establisht and the Bars of our Gates strength'ned Isa 65.23 66.22 Josh 24.16 Joel 2.16 17. Psal 90.16 Esther 10.3 Nehem. 2.10 Psal 101.1 Ephes 6.4 Prov. 22.6 1 Chr. 28.9 2 Chr. 29.11 30.6 Isa 44.3 5. Gen. 21.9 12. by the Lord's blessing our children within us therefore will we and our House serve the Lord seeking as well in the Congregation as in Secret for the Blessing of the Lord and his Peace upon our children walking before them in a perfect way training them up in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord and calling upon them as they grow up to avouch the Lord for their God and to take on themselves the Bond of the Covenant casting out such of them as prove Scoffers and despisers of their Birthright IIIdly We Covenant to discharge our Duty to each other as members in particular 1 Cor. 12.27 1 Pet. 1.22 Gal. 6.2 Ephes 4.2 Rom. 12.10 Mark 13.37 to Love one another with a pure heart fervently to bear each others burthens forbearing one another and in Honour esteeming each better than our selves to watch over each other not hating our Brother by suffering sin to rest upon him Levit. 19.17 but in any wise to rebuke him We shall not consent hearken to Deut. 13.6 11. Prov. 29.24 pity spare nor conceal any tho' dear as our own soul that would secretly intice us to depart from the true Faith of God in which we stand 1 Pet. 5.12 Heb. 3.12 13. Acts 11.23 James 5.16 Luke 22.32 1 Thess 4.18 but daily will we exhort each other with full purpose of heart to cleave unto the Lord praying for strengthning and comforting one another in the ways of Christ no Brother wronging nor defrauding a Brother 1 Cor. 6.1 8. nor going to Law with him before unbelievers the Saints being to judge all matters relating to the Brethren And consecrating our substance to the Lord Mic. 4.13 Esther 10.3 Rom. 12.13 Acts 4.32 we shall seek the welfare of each other distributing to the necessities of the Saints according to the Example of the People of God in the Apostles times 1 Cor. 7.26 27. as far as the present distress doth permit not refusing to lay down even our lives for the Brethren 1 John 3.16 Psal 137.6 as preferring this Sion to our chiefest Joy Nor shall we neglect our several relative Duties whether within the Church Col. 4.5 or without Husbands loving their Wives Ephe. 5.25.33 Col. 3.19 Eph. 5.22 24. Col. 3.18 not being bitter against them Wives being obedient to their own Husbands in the Lord Parents bringing up their Children in the Fear of God Ephes 6.4 Children obeying their Parents in the Lord Ephes 6.1 2. Masters being just and merciful to their Servants Ephes 6.9 Servants and Subjects obeying their Superiors in the Lord 1 Pet. 2.13 25. 1 Thess 4.11 2 Thess 3 10 12 All studying to be quiet to work with their own hands and to mind their own business rendering to Caesar the things that are Caesars Mat. 22.21 and to God the things that are Gods that so we may adorn the Gospel of God our Saviour Titus 2.10 IV. We all Covenant to discharge our Duty to the whole Church jointly 1 Cor. 12.25.12 as a Body of Christ To be holy to the Lord in all manner of Conversation To stand together for the Defence of the Truth To keep the Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace To press forward in our Heavenly Course 1st 1 Pet. 1.15 2 Tim. 2.4 As a Body of Christ we shall be holy to the Lord in all manner of Conversation not intangling our selves with the Affairs of this Life Zeph. 3.9 Ephes 5.4 in Language seeking Purity avoiding all foolish Talking or Jesting which is not convenient having our Speech season'd with Salt Col. 4.6 that it may administer Grace to the Hearers And we being redeem'd from a vain Conversation 1 Pet. 1.14 18. shall not fashion our selves according to the former Lusts in our Ignorance but adorning our selves with modest Apparel becoming People professing Godliness 1 Tim. 2.9 Deut. 22.5 with 1 Cor. 11.1.16 Ezek. 44.20 Rev. 9.7 8. Zeph. 1.8 Isa 3.24 Jude 23. No Woman shall wear that which pertains to a Man nor any Man put on a Woman's Garment or Covering all that do so being an Abomination to the Lord who will punish all such who are cloath'd with strange Apparel strange to Nature or strange to Scripture therefore shall we hate even the Garment spotted with the Flesh Gen. 35.2 2 Cor. 6.14 Josh 23.12 13. Judg. 2.1.4 2 Chron. 19.2.20.35 37. Deut. 7.3 5. Ezra 9.14 10.3 5. Neb. 13.23 27 Mal. 2.11.15 Heb. 6.10 Levit. 18.30 Prov. 2.17 Mal. 2.14 Gen. 23. all Ruth 1.17 1 King 13.31 we will not unequally Yoke our selves with Unbelievers nor join in Affinity or make Leagues with such as are not in a visible relation to Christ in his Church nor yet shall we give our Daughters to their Sons nor take their Daughters to our Sons lest our Children learn their ways and we so mingle the Holy Seed that there be no Remnant of us or escaping Desiring also to be married as God's People were of old and not according to vain Customs all which are forbidden avoiding as much as in us lies being interr'd with Strangers so following the Example of the Saints who coveted
openly acknowledg'd by Christ shall be for ever with the Lord 1 Thess 4.17 The Sixth Lesson About the Law and the Gospel Question 1. HOW shall we know the whole Will of God that we may do it Answer Hos 8.12 Isa 8.20 Eph. 2.20 1 Tim. 4.7 Tit. 1.14 Gal. 6.16 2 Tim. 3.15.17 The whole Will of God is reveal'd in his written Word containing all the Books of the Old and New Testament the Apocrypha being to be rejected as profane Old Wives Fables which turn from the Truth This Word is the perfect Rule or Canon which is able to make even a Child wise unto Salvation through Faith which is in Jesus Christ Question 2. Why are the Scriptures call'd the Old and the New Testament Answer The Scriptures are call'd the Old and New Testament Isa 8.20 as they testifie of the whole Will of God both under the first Testament Heb. 8.6 to 13. or Church-Covenant before Christ came in the Flesh and since under the Second Testament or Church-Covenant enlarg'd and renew'd by Christ wherein 1st Col. 2.14 All the outward Levitical Ceremonies in the first Church-Covenant are taken away 2dly Rom. 15.8 Yet all their Spiritual Priviledges in that Covenant are confirm'd to us and our Seed 3dly 2 Cor. 3.7 11. And glorious Additions are made of Gospel-Grace to the Church Question 3. How shall we know the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the Word of God Answer Mat. 16.17 John 16.3 1 John 2.20 ch 5.6 Luke 24.32 1 Cor. 2.14 2 Pet. 1.19.21 The Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are only known aright to be the Word of God by the witnessing of the Spirit of God in the Heart to the Testimony which they give of their heavenly Majesty and undoubted Divinity Question 4. How shall we come to understand the Mind of God in his Word Answer 1 Tim. 4.13.15 Acts 37.11 John 5.39 Ps 119.9 18. Eph. 1.17 18. 1 Cor. 2.12 13. We shall come to a right Understanding of the Mind of God in his Word by diligent reading hearing searching and meditating therein with constant Prayer to God for Wisdom comparing Scripture with Scripture by the help of the Holy Spirit Question 5. But will not the Learning of Men help to understand the Word of God Answer A knowledge of the Hebrew and the Greek Tongues in which the Scriptures were first written may be of use to understand the Letter of them Col. 2.8 1 Cor. 8.1 2. ch 1.19 21. ch 2.4 10 11. Luke 24.45 but Philosophy and other Learning puffs up and leads from a dependance on the Spirit who only can open our Understanding in the Scriptures Question 6. What are the chief Parts of the Word of God Answer Isa 8.20 with 1 Cor. 2.1 Luke 24.27 with Act. 10.43 Gal. 3.8 10. Psal 119.96 The whole Word of God may be divided into Law and Gospel both which are to be found both in the Old Testament and in the New the Historical and every other part of the Word referring and having a respect some way or other either to Law or Gospel Question 7. What is the Law Answer Psal 119.96 1 Tim. 1.8 9 10. Gal. 3.10 Exod. 20. all Mat. 5 6 and 7 chap. The Law consists of all the Commands and Threatnings in all the Bible not only in the Old Testament but in the New also all which are briefly summ'd up in the Ten Commandments given by Moses and explained by Christ his Apostles and Prophets Question 8. What is the Summ of the Ten Commandments Answer Eccles 12.13 Deut. 10.12 13. with Mat. 22.37 38 39 40. Rom. 13.10 The Ten Commandments briefly summ up our Duty to God and Man all which are contained in these Words of our Saviour Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy Heart and with all thy Soul and with all thy Mind and with all thy Strength and thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self for Love is the fulfilling of the Law Question 9. How shall we aright understand the Ten Commandments Answer By knowing these three Things we may come to a good Understanding of the Commands 1st Psal 119.128 Deut. 6.13 with Lev. 26.1 That every Command for Duty forbids the contrary Sin and every Command which forbids Sin obliges to the contrary Duty 2. Rom. 7.5 7 8 14. Mat. 5.21 22 27 28. Prov. 24.9 Gen. 6.5 2 Cor. 10.5 By knowing that every Command reacheth the very Heart not only forbidding the outward Sin and commanding outward Obedience but even the Thoughts and Motions of Sin within us are forbidden and the Obedience of the Heart is required therein 3. 1 John 3.4 James 2.10 Mat. 23.23 By considering that any Transgression of the Law or the least want of whatsoever the Law requires is Sin Question 10. Can any Man obey the Commandments perfectly Answer Mat. 19 20. Rom. 7.9 10 11. Those that think the Law forbids only outward Sins and know not the Spirituality of it they think that they can perform all Jer. 4.14 Prov. 23.16 Rom. 3.10 20. Eccl. 7.20 but such as feel that the Command reacheth the very Heart forbidding every sinful Thought and commanding us even in our Spirit to fear God they know and are sure that no meer Man can perfectly keep the Law Question 11. Why then were the Commands given by Moses if no Man can perfectly obey them Answer Moses did not give the Law as a Covenant of Works that we should obey it for Life Gal. 3.24 but as a Schoolmaster for Three Ends 1st To shew us our miserable State by Nature Rom. 3.9 19. chap. 7.8 that we are all Sinners against the holy Law of God 2. To make us despair of Salvation in our selves Rom. 3.19 20. chap. 5.20 and to fly to Christ for help 3. The Law was given as a Rule of Life Psal 119.45 1â—5 133. to order all our Conversation by at all times And this is the only right Use of the Law 1 Tim. 1.8 Question 12. What is the Gospel Answer Luke 2.10 11. Acts 20.24 Rom. 10.15 with Isa 52.7 Acts 13.23 39. chap. 3.18 The Gospel is the Glad Tidings of Salvation by Jesus Christ containing all the free Promises and Invitations of Grace whether in the Old Testament or in the New Question 13. But are not Faith Repentance and Love the Commands of the Gospel Answer Acts 20.24 1 Tim. 1.5 10. Psal 19.7 8 9. Mat. 22.37 40. Mark 1.15 Gal. 3.24 The Gospel strictly taken for Glad Tidings of Salvation by Jesus Christ hath no Commands Faith Repentance Love and all Duties whatsoever being commanded by the Law yet in preaching the Gospel these Commands must be urg'd to lead to Christ Question 14. But is not the Gospel a new Law offering Salvation on the easier Terms of our sincere Obedience Answer Mat. 5.17 18 19 20. Luke 16.17 Phil. 3.9 Gal. 2.16 21. It
the Scriptures of Truth 4. Contribution By laying by in Store 1 Cor. 16.1 3. Heb. 13.16 as God prospers each Week to be Communicated at the Publick Gatherings Question 9. What are the Four special Ordinances confin'd only to the Church Answer Matth. 7.6 Cant. 4.12 Matth. 16.19 Eph. 4.11 16. typify'd Eze. 46.21 24 Acts 20.28 1 Pet. 5.2 The four special Ordinances confin'd by Christ within the Pale of his Church are the Two Seals call'd Sacraments and the Two Keys of the Church the Seals to be dispens'd to each Church by their own Pastour only and the Keys by their own Pastour or Elders Question 10. What are the Seals of the Church Answer The Seals of the Church are Two Baptism And the Lords Supper 1st Baptism for every Believer or Church-Member Act. 2.39 41. chap. 16.15 33. Isa 44.3 Rev. 14.1 Matth. 28.19 with Isa 52.15 1 Cor. 10.1.2 and their immediate infant-seed by sprinkling or pouring Water only on the Face in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit 2. The Lords Supper 1 Cor. 11. chap. 23d verse to the end for such only in a Church as can examine themselves wherein Bread and Wine is receiv'd according to the Institution of Christ by all the Church sitting together in the Evening time Question 11. How are Baptism and the Lord's Supper call'd Seals Answer 1 Cor. 10.2 3 4 Baptism and the Lord's Supper are Seals of the Covenant that is of the Church-Covenant as they Seal to all an outward relation in the Church tho' to the Elect only they Seal Salvation 1st Baptism Seals to Church-Members Gal. 3.27 1 Cor. 1.2 7.14 with 12.12 Heb. 12.24 Ezek. 36.25 1 Pet. 3.21 and their Seed an outward relation to Christ in the Church Covenant and to the Elect also their saving-relation to Christ by his Blood sprinkled And his Spirit pour'd upon them 2. The Lords Supper seals to Church-Members 1 Cor. 10.16 17 and 11.26 their outward Relation to Christ in the Church tho' only the Elect are seal'd to Salvation therein by Christ's Body broken and his Blood shed for them trusted to by Faith Luke 22.19 20. and signify'd by the Bread and Wine Question 12. What are the Keys of the Church Answer Matth. 18.18 The Keys committed by Christ to his Church are two Fellowship And Censure 1st Fellowship Acts 2.42 Isa 26.2 Jer. 51.10 Psal 40.9 10.66.16 Cor. 14.12.19 31.34.2 in Church-Meetings is the Key for opening the Door of the Church to let in the Righteous that keep the Truth in which their Experiences are given in to the Church and the Brethren's Gifts are also exercis'd in Praying and Prophecying 2. Censure is the Key to shut the Door of the Church upon Offenders Matth. 11.15 18. 1 Thess 5.14 2 Thess 3.6 1 Cor. 5.4 5. Psal 149.6 9. Jude 22 23. By Admonition By Withdrawing or By Cutting off in Excommunication as the Offence doth require SECT VI. Of the Right Order of a Church Question 13. What is the right Order of a Church of Christ Answer Psal 119.128 Gal. 6.16 with Mal. 4.6 2 Tim. 3 15 17 Ephes 2.20 2 Pet. 3.2 Gal. 6.16 Isa 8.20 Matth. 15.9 Zech. 7.12 Jer. 8.8 9. All the right Order of a Church must be taken from the written Word of God both from the Old Testament and New which together are the compleat Rule and Canon whereby all things must be order'd in the Church and by this Rule or Canon of the Prophets and Apostles the old Testament and the new the whole Israel of God must walk as ever they 'd have the Peace of God with them therefore all Orders Rules and Canons given by Popes Councils or any other whatsoever are confusion if not according to this Word SECT VII Of the right Ends of a Church Question 14. What are the right Ends of a Church of Christ Answer Ephes 3.21 1 Cor. 14.26 Col. 2.3 4. Phi. 2 5.10 11 Psalm 110.3 Isa 45.23 with Rom. 14.11 Ezek. 20.37 Rev. 14.1 1 John 4.3 Matth. 12.30 The Glory of God and the mutual Edification of his Saints without any regard to human Interest are the only right Ends all true Churches should set before them to advance which 't is the Duty of every one that hath Faith in the Heart openly to profess a willing Subjection to Christ in his Church so coming under the Bond of the Church-Covenant they take the Father's Mark in the Forehead and such only are visible Christians for he that is not for Christ by open Profession is against him Question 15. What time hath God allotted to his Church for worshipping him Answer Gen. 2.3 Ezod 20.9 10. Matth. 12.8 Job 20.19 20. Acts 20.7 Rev. 1.10 Psal 118.24 Heb. 4.7.11 typify'd Ezek. 43.27 and Numb 29.35 The Lord hath appointed in his word one Day in seven for his solemn Service which Day before Christ's Resurrection was the last Day of the Week but is since by the Lord of the Sabbath chang'd to the First-Day in Scripture call'd the Lord's-Day because on that Day our Lord rested from his work of Redemption therefore all Christians should keep the Lords-Day as a holy rest from Sin by attending on Christ in his publick Worship and resting in his Grace Question 16. But is there no other time for worshipping God in publick Answer Ephes 5.16 2 Tim. 4.2 as Acts 13.42 Margent Prov. 8.34 Psal 84.4 10. The Lord hath commanded us to redeem the time and to wait on him out of Season as well as in Season therefore every good Christian should improve all Opportunities on any Day of the Week for hearing the Word of God and worshipping him in the Assemblies of his Saints Question 17. But is a Christian only to worship God in publick Answer John 5.39 Mat. 6.5 6 7. Gen. 18.19 Jos 24.15 Eph. 6.4 18. figur'd 1 Chr. 16.40 43 Jer. 10.25 GOD hath made it the Duty of all Men to study his holy Word and to pray unto him in secret as well as to worship him in publick Therefore Masters of Families and Parents should instruct their Children and Servants in the holy Fear of God praying daily with their Families for the Curse of God resteth upon all those Families that Call not upon his Name Question 18. And shall all in Christ's visible Church on Earth be glorify'd in Heaven Answer There are in Christ's visible Church Two sorts of Worshippers 1st Such as Worship God hypocritically in the outward only Eze. 33.31 33. Matth. 24.51 who shall be cast down into Hell as Deceivers of others and their own Souls 2. Such as Worship God uprightly John 4.24 Matth. 25.46 John 17.24 with the heart as well as outwardly these shall be glorify'd with God for ever in Heaven Question 19. But when will the difference between the good and the bad appear Answer 2 Tim. 4.1 Dan. 2.44 Rev. 21.10.20.2 Mal. 3.17 18.4.1.3 Rev. 20.12 13 14. 2 Cor. 5.10 Math. 13.41 43.25.31 to end The Word of God declares that in the latter day Christ shall have a glorious Kingdom call'd the New Jerusalem when Satan being Chain'd up a Thousand Years we shall discern between the precious and the vile and all the Dead being rais'd in the day of Judgment shall be Sentenc'd by him the wicked into Everlasting Fire with the Devil and his Angels but the righteous he will receive into Glory with himself for ever AMEN 1 John 5.21 Little Children keep your selves from Idols Amen! 2 3 John 4. I have no greater Joy than to hear that my Children walk in Truth as We have receiv'd a Commandment from the Father Jude 24 25. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the Presence of his Glory with exceeding Joy To the only wise God our Saviour be Glory and Majesty Dominion and Power both now and ever Amen FINIS