take in hand and also in the publick meetings of the Saints but there are other special times wherein every Christian hath liberty to make choice of the fittest time in his own wisdome and discretion as he hath need Quest What is a Sacrament Ans A Sacrament is an outward visible signe appointed by God to teach unto his people spirituall and heavenly misteries Quest Do the Sacraments teach any other thing then that which the word of God doth Ans Not any other thing is taught thereby but the very same thing is visibly preached and presented to our eyes by visible signes which we heare with our eares preached out of the word of God Quest How many Sacraments are there now apointed by God continually to teach and instruct his Church Answ Onely two Baptisme and the Supper of the Lord. Mat. 28.19 Chap. 26..27 c. Quest What is Baptisme Answ It is a teaching signe whereby is visibly preached unto us by the water and the outward washing Regeneration the new birth of water and the Spirit that is Repentance and faith required of all that will enter into the Kingdome of Heaven Io. 3. Quest Is Baptisme necessary to salvation Answ The things signified by the outward signes of water and washing which indeed is Baptisme is of necessity to salvation as our Lord testifieth Io. 3.5 Quest Are not the outward signes of necessity to salvation Answ No they are not of that necessity for many no doubt may be partakers of that new birth signified by the outward washing which never heard of the outward Baptisme Quest But what if any shall contemne and despise the outward Baptisme Answ It is not possible for any that know it to be an ordinance of God and despise it and will not be baptised it is impossible for such to be saved Quest Are all the elect regenerate when they are outwardly baptised An. No certainly for many of them live many yeares before that work be wrought in them but God doth work in them that great work of Regeneration at what time it pleaseth him Quest But doth the Lord require of us to submit to his own ordinance and will he not work that which is signified thereby Answ The Lord will have us obedient to his ordinance and it is his goodnesse to afford unto us such an excellent help to teach and instruct us to confirm unto us the truth of his promise by such an outward visible signe or seal but he hath not any where promised that he will work that work of grace in them at that instant in their outward Baptisme or by it Quest But there are promises made unto Baptisme of eternall life and such promises belong to none but the regenerate therefore they are also regenerate in Baptisme Answ It is true that in Scripture there are made promises of eternall life unto Baptisme but there are two Baptismes spoken of in Scripture the one men may be partakers of perish which is the outward washing and the other which is the inward washing whosoever are partakers of shall assuredly have eternall life which is indeed the Baptisme of the spirit which whosoever are partakers of have put on Christ and are buried with Christ and are baptised into his death and so shall also live with Christ in eternall glory Quest May Infants be baptised seeing they cannot understand what is done or meant by Baptisme Answ Yes doubtlesse they may as well as children might bee circumcised both Sacrament signifying one and the same thing and therefore they being as capable of the thing signified now as they were then may be baptised for the Lord would thereby shew unto us that we are all born polluted and defiled our nature being corrupted and that children have need of that inward washing of the spirit signified by outward Baptisme and al so to teach us that Infants may be saved as well as others seeing he would admit them to be partakers of that his ordinance Quest Whhat is the Sacrament of the Lords Supper Answ It is also an outward signe whereby is represented unto us by the breaking of the Bread and the pouring out of the Wine the Lords death the breaking of his body and the pouring out of his blood and by the receiving of those signes of Bread and Wine is set forth unto us the participation and communion of the faithfull in his death and in whatsoever he hath done for them and it is their thankfull remembrance thereof till he come 1 Cor. 11. Quest Who are to partake of this Sacrament Answ It was instituted onely for the Saints who are ingrafted into Jesus Christ by a true and lively faith and for their comfort a one Quest May not others bee admitted to this Sacrament Answ They ought not to be admitted if they be knowne to bee wicked and contemners of good things and indeed they ought not to presume to eat thereof considering the danger and damage that comes by unworthy eating and drinking thereof 1 Cor. 11.28.29 Quest What is the danger in unworthy eating and drinking thereof Answ They provoke the Lord to lay judgements upon them for abusing his ordinance which was ordained onely for the helpe and comfort of the faithfull and so eat and drinke damnation to themselves 1 Cor. 11. Quest What great things hath the Scriptures foretold us that are yet unfulfilled the performance whereof wee are to expect in these latter dayes Answ The destruction of Antichrist that man of Sinne The restoration of the truth from those errors abroad in the world the comming downe of the Turkes upon the Christians and the comming of the Lord unto Judgement 2 Thes 2.8 Revel 21.11 chap. 1.17.16 chap. 18. Rev. 20.8 9. Ezek. 38.2 and chapt 39.1 Quest Is the time of the destruction of Antichrist layd downe in the Scriptures Answ Yes certainly Quest But is it possible to find out the time of his destruction Answ Yes assuredly for the Lord hath caused it to bee written for that end that the Church of God might know it and might reape the greater comfort thereby in not onely knowing that he shall be destroyed but also in knowing the yeare of his destruction they may have their mindes setled and patiently wait and not doubt the fulfilling of that promise concerning his destruction Quest But is not times and seasons onely knowne unto the Lord Answ Times and seasons are known also to the Church when it pleaseth God to reveale them for the comfort of his people as we may see that the time of deliverance of Israel out of the captivity in Babilon was revealed and made known unto Daniel which he found out by books that were written Quest In what place of Scripture is the time of Antichrists destruction layd downe Answ In the booke of the Revelation and the eleventh chapter where hee is limited to raigne forty two moneths which is moneths of yeares which amounteth to 1260 yeares The end of which time shall bee in the
PLAIN TRVTHS OF DIVIVINITY Collected out of the sacred Scriptures set forth by way of question and answer the best way conceived for the information of the judgement of the Christian Reader Wherein is set forth many excellent things which are not commonly publshed Especially the destruction of Antichrist and the yeare when it shall be The coming of the Lord Christ to judgement and his reigning with his Saints for ever upon this earth at the restitution of all things Collossians 3.16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdome teaching and admonishing one another c. 2 Timothy 2.27 Consider what I say and the Lord give thee understanding in all things LONDON Printed for J. K. And are to be sold at the signe of the white horse in Pauls Church-yard 1647. To the Right Honourable and Religious Lady Margaret Countesse of Carlile the Authour presenteth the ensuing book wishing grace and peace to be multiplyed Right Honourable I Have presumed upon your favour to present this my poore labour to your Honour not doubting of your favourable acceptance from him who desireth your further increase in the knowledge of the truth of God you have given many testimonies of your love to Religion by your carefull walking in piety to the good example of others which hath rejoyced my heart to heare from time to time I desire nothing more then that you might go on till you receive the crown of glory It is not in vain to know God and the Lord Iesus Christ but life eternall I have endeavoured in this ensuing booke to set forth some grounds and principles of the knowledge of God and of Christ by way of Question and answer the easiest way I conceive to get knowledge and it may be your Honour may find it more plain and easie to be understood then other Catechismes I have laboured herein to set forth how and after what manner a poor sinner comes to be justified and how he walks being justified both towards God and man as also something concerning the destruction of antichrist and the felicity of the Church for ever with other things necessary to be known of us in these times It may be you may find in the reading of it some things you never heard of before both profitable and comfortable if your Honour shall be pleased to accept of this my poore labour J shall take it as a great favour and shall be obliged to remain Your humble Servant John Alcock To the truly Religious Christian that desires to know and yeild obedience to the will of God revealed in his word Grace and peace be multiplyed CHristian Reader I heare present thee with a few points of Divinity by way of Question and Answer The way which I have conceived to be best for the Information of Iudgement The substance of it I writ about twenty sixe yeares past The reasons that moved me thereunto were First to keepe in my owne memory the truths God had taught me Secondly that having gathered these heads of divinity into order I might the better teach my family to whom I could explaine any thing therein contained knowing my owne sence and meaning which I could not so well doe out of other mens workes I have since the first writing of it perused it and somewhat inlarged it and would have done more if weaknesse of body had not seized upon me After which some iudicious friends of mine having read and considered it thought it worth their labour to write it out as also worthy the publishing in Print and advised me thereunto perceiving some things in it necessary to be made publique which are not in other mens workes nor commonly taught I have therefore yeilded to their desires herein And also it was my own desire to do good to the Church and people of God whose servant I am and the least of them who am not worthy to be accounted one of them yet doe I make bold to present this small talent of mine unto thee intreating the to read and consider it if it be the truth as I know it is receive it with meeknes of heart It may be thou mayest find some truths in it which thou hast not formerly taken notice of which may be profitable unto thee And some Scriptures cleared from the false expositions of some men which it may be they have led the into some error hindred from some comfort that otherwise thou mightest have had in the knowledge of the truth I hope thou wilt not repent thy cost nor thy labour in reading it I wish unto thee Christian Reader all happinesse and thy profit by this poore worke of mine If thou findest good by it Blesse God and remember me in thy prayers who will remember thee dayly and desires thine and his owne furtherance in the truth and remaines Thine in the Lord Jesus Christ I.A. A Catechisme or certain Principles of Christian Religion Question SEeing that Knowledge is so much desired and sought after of most men what knowledge is most necessary and chiefly to be desired of all men Answer The true knowledge of the true God Jeremy 9.24 Quest Wherefore is the knowledge of God most necessary and chiefly to be desired Answ Because it is eternall life to know God aright Jo. 17.3 Qu. But God is invisible how can wee therefore come to know him Ans Although he be invisible yet he hath revealed and manifested himselfe and therefore it is possible to come to the true knowledge of him Qu. Where hath he revealed and manifested himselfe Answ In his workes and in his word Psalm 19. Qu. Is it possible to know God by his Workes Ans Yes it is possible his eternall power and God-head are seene from the Creation of the world and his goodness and mercy in the wise governing and upholding all things in the same Rom. 1.20 Quest Which is that Word of God wherein he hath manifested himselfe Answ The old and New Testament Quest Hath he therein more clearely manifested himselfe then in his workes Answ Yea for besides the workes of Creation which we spake of before there are also many great workes of God recorded in his Word and many names hee hath taken unto himself And many Attributes which shew and declare unto us what he is as also the Testimonies of the Saints and holy men of God which have had experience of his Attributes and have given unto him many excellent Titles declaring what he is and Christ Jesus himselfe hath evidently declared him unto us all which is to be seene and learned in the Scriptures Gen. 17.1 Exod. 12.41 42. Chap. 13.21 22 23. Exod. 34.6.7 Quest But God is infinite and we are but finite creatures how can we therefore come to know him who is of such an excellent glory dwelling in that light unapprochable Ans We may notwithstanding attaine to so much knowledge of him even in this life as will make us happy and wee must content our selves to know
is not for so all men may believe their sinnes to be pardonable except they have sinned the Sin against the holy Ghost and many have this faith that shall not be saved but shall perish for ever Quest But is this Iustifying faith of necessity to be obtained of us in this life Answ It is of great necessity for it doth minister unto us the greatest comfort that can be desired assuring us of freedome from the greatest evill and giving unto us a lively hope of the greatest good making all the speciall promises to be ours whereby wee are upheld in the greatest afflictions that can befall us in this life Quest VVhat are the speciall effects that doe follow this faith Answ There are these foure inseparable companions which are the effects of faith namely Peace patience Hope and Love a dying unto sinne and a rising againe to newnesse and holinesse of life Rem 5 1 2 3 4 5. 1 John 4.19 Quest VVherein consisteth the death to sinne or mortification Answ In the exercise of the three first effects mentioned namely Peace Patience and Hope Quest That we may the better understand these things describe unto me what these three effects are somewhat distinctly and first what that peace is Answ The peace which here I meane is peace with God through Jesus Christ so that whereas before God had a controversie with them now is reconciled unto them so that now they are at rest fully perswaded God being with them nothing may prevaile against them as it is written If God justifie who may condemne Rom. 8 33.34 Quest VVhat is the second effect namely patience Answ It is a vertue wherewith they are armed against all assaults of their enemies to beare their injuries to suffer and indure their wrongs and though they be compassed with a body of sinne and many lusts doe assault them yet endure all in quietnesse sustained by the Word which saith In patience possesse ye your soules Luke 21.19 Quest What is Hope which is the third effect of Faith Answ Hope is the Anchor of the Soule whereby they are stayed and upheld expecting those eternall good things to come which God hath promised to his people and which by faith they believe shall bee performed and this is that hope that maketh not ashamed Rom. 5.5 Quest Wherein consisteth that newnesse and holinesse of life which is called vivification and the new resurrection Answ It consisteth in the fourth and last effect of Faith namely love which is the light and perfection of a Christian which is caused by the love of God shed in their hearts and doth extend it selfe first to God their Father and to the Lord Jesus Christ their Redeemer next to their Brethren the begotten children of God then to all men even their enemies doing good unto them for evill praying and mourning for them Mathew 5.44 Acts 7.60 1 Cor. 13. 1 John 4.19 20 21. Quest What is the outward meanes which the Lord hath appointed for the working of these graces in them whom he will save Answ The outward meanes is the preaching of his Word which is the Instrumentall meanes that doth beget the Lord adding thereunto the power of his Spirit and so it becomes powerfull and effectuall for the conversion of his elect being preached either by those that are allowed Preachers in publike or by private Christians exhorting in private Qu. May wicked and unregenerate Ministers convert soules unto God Answ No they cannot for this is a worke peculiar to such as are members of Christ who only have this power to worke this great work of conversion having the ministery of reconciliation committed unto them Ier. 1.23.24 Quest Why cannot they convert soules seeing they preach the same word of God that others doe Answ They cannot for these Reasons First though they preach the same Word yet is it not by them delivered in the power and evidence of the Spirit Secondly God hath not promised his presence with them to make his Word powerfull and effectuall in their mouthes for the conversion of others Jeremy 23.21 22 32. Thirdly none can be said to convert but only such as by the power of the Spirit in themselves doe worke upon the hearts and consciences of others the same grace that themselves are partakers of Fourthly they that convert soules shall shine as the stars for ever and ever Dan. 12.3 but no unregenerate man shall have that glory therefore they cannot convert soules unto God Quest Doth the law of the Decalogue or ten Commandements admit of Repentance Answ No it doth not but adjudgeth every transgressor to eternall condemnation Deut. 27.26 Gal. 3.10 Quest But the Apostle saith that the Law was our schoolemaster to bring us unto Christ Gal. 3. Answ The Apostle intends there the Ceremoniall law and not the law of the ten Commandements and indeed the Ceremoniall law did preach and teach us as a Schoolemaster to bring us unto Christ in every thing and wee may observe also that the Apostle saith that the Law was our Schoolmaster so that it appeares plainly the appostle intends there the Ceremoniall law and not the morall Quest But the Law sets forth our misery whereby we come to know our wretched condition Answ Yes indeed it doth but leaves us there without all hope or helpe of cure for it cannot afford us any helpe at all even like a man that wounds another and leaves him for dead but is not able to helpe him Quest What part of the word of God doth require and admit of repentance Answ It is the Gospell that admits and requires Repentance Mark. 1.1 2 3 4. Quest VVhat is the Gospell Answ It is a free declaration of Gods grace mercy and love for Christs sake Quest VVhen was this Gospell first preached Answ First it was preached to Adam in these words The seed of the woman shall breake the Serpents head and afterwards to the Fathers and Prophets and by our Lord Jesus Christ and his Apostles in a wonderfull great measure Quest If the law doe not admit of Repentance to what end serveth it Answ There is a double use of the Law It is set downe first for the unregenerate man that he may not deny the punishment denounced against him and also that it may take vengeance against him justly for his sinnes Secondly it is also set downe for a holy and regenerate man both that as often as he lookes upon it and alwayes he ought to looke into it he may so often bewaile his wickednesse and quake at it And as often as he calls it to mind and night and day hee ought to call it to remembrance so often he may thinke of the riches of the mercy and of the love of God by giving him thankes by Jesus Christ his Lord and Intercessor who so mercifully hath set him free from the wrath of this just and holy law Quest Are all the Rites and Ceremonies which God commanded the Iewes to observe utterly abolished Answ
it consists not in his owne power and strength but in the unchangeablenesse of Gods love for they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation wherein consisteth some part of mans happinesse for now by Grace he is set into a better estate and condition then Adam was by his Creation who was subject to change 1 Peter 1.5 Quest Doth not the knowledge of this Doctrine concerning mans stedfastnesse in grace make men secure and carelesse in the committing of sinne Answ No certainly it is not possible that any of those that are regenerate should make such an use of it but rather they considering Gods rich mercy and abundant grace showed towards them doe labour to deny ungodlinesse and worldly lusts and doe endeavour to live soberly righteously and godly seeing the grace of God that bringeth salvation unto all men hath so plentifully appeared unto them Titus 2.11.12 Rom. 12.1 Quest Doe not many of the regenerate fall into great sinnes after their regeneration Answ Yes certainly wee have examples thereof in Noah David and Peter who did fall into great sinnes after they were regenerate Gen. 9.21 2 Sam. 11.4.13 14 15. Chap. 12.9 Mat. 26.70.72.74 Quest What great dammage doth come unto them by their Falls seeing they cannot fall away and perish for ever Answ The dammage is very great for besides the dishonour of God whose glory ought to be deare unto them they deprive themselves of their sweet peace joy and comfort which they did enjoy and doe cast themselves into great trouble of mind sorrow and feare and many times cause the Lord to punish them for their sinne with some temporall punishment 2 Sam. 12. Psal 51. Quest What is required of men falling into Sinne after Iustification Answ That they should repent of their Sins and seeke earnestly at the hand of God for the pardon of them as David did Psal 51. Quest Is it in mans power to repent Answ No it is not it is the gift of God 2 Tim. 2.15 Quest Wherefore then doth the Lord require of man to repent and beleeve seeing he is unable to performe the same Answ The Lord requires of us to repent and beleeve becauâ—e they are workes to be performed by us and that we seeing our selves unable to performe them might be mooved to seeke for them at the hands of God who is the only giver of them Quest What need is there for them to repent who have formerly received pardon of their Sinne and cannot possibly perish because Christs death was a full satisfaction not only for their Sinnes past but for all that ever they should commit during this life Answ Yes certainly Repentance is very needfull for them and therefore the Apostle councelleth them amongst the rest of their spirituall armour Ephesians 6. to have their feet shod with the preparation of the Gospell of peace which is Repentance for by their sinne they having dishonoured God and greeved his Spirit and having also deprived themselves of their sweet Communion they had with God there is no other way to obtaine their peace joy comfort and sweet Communion with God againe but by Repentance as we may see by the example of David Psal 51. Quest Then Repentance doth not cease in men assoone as they are justifyed and reconciled unto God Answ No assuredly for although they have attained the thing their soules so much desired in the day of their trouble and their wounded soules be healed and refreshed yet doe they still retaine their soft and melting heart which doth daily mourne and lament for the body of Sin and remnant of Corruption that is left in them whereby they are led Captive to Sinne and to offend their Lord and Redeemer who hath been so rich and abundant in mercy towards them Rom. 7.23.24 Quest Then it seemes that the estate of a true Christian in this life is a very sorrowfull and mournfull estate Answ It is true indeed their life is full of sorrow this is their time of mourning and weeping they of all others are subject to many persecutions disgraces and reproaches besides the corruption that is within them which pursues their soules daily so that if their hope were only in this life they were of all men the most miserable But yet notwithstanding in the midst of their afflictions and persecutions the Lord doth give them inward joy and comfort by his Spirit farre exceeding all worldly Joy that this world can afford and none but they have any sound Joy but they only doe possesse that Joy which is unspeakable and full of glory and which shall never be taken from them Io. 16.22 Quest From whence proceedeth that unspeakeable Ioy which the faithfull doe enjoy Answ It proceedeth from the apprehension of Gods love unto them who hath remitted their Sinnes and assured them of peace and reconciliation with him 1 Io. 4.10.19 Quest What is the first and principall cause of mans salvation Answ The first and principall cause is the Infinite love and mercy of God Io. 3.16 So God loved the world c. Quest Was there no other moving cause to moove him â—o pitty man but his owne love Answ No certainely neither needed there any other nor could possibly be a greater cause then his owne love goodnesse and mercy to moove him thereunto Quest Was not Christ the principall cause of man salvation Answ No assuredly he was indeed the materiall cause but not the efficient or principall mooving cause for howsoever it be true that every person in the Godhead did our of their infinite love decree from all eternity the salvation of man yet in the effecting and accomplishing of the same every person hath his distinct operation and worke appropriated unto him so that we cannot without confusion attribute that to one person which is proper and peculiar to another Quest Declare unto me briefly the severall worke of every person in the Godhead distinctly and severally in the working of the Redemption of man Answ The worke appropriated in Scriptures to the first person namely the Father is of his meere love to have sent his onely Sonne and the worke of the Son is to be sent and to take mans nature upon him to suffer death to satisfie the Justice of God and to effect and bring to passe that great worke of mans Redemption and the worke of the third person the Holy Ghost is to inlighten the understanding of the elect in this great mistery and to make effectuall unto them this Redemption which Christ hath wrought for them Quest Might not the Lord have saved mankind out of his owne love and goodnesse without the sending of his Son to take upon him our nature and to suffer death Answ Whether he might or no we will not dare to conclude but that which may be profitable for us we will affirme that certaine it is that this way which the Lord hath ordayned and also made knowne unto us did best stand with his Iustice and doth serve the
more to manifest his Attributes of wisdome power goodnesse love and mercy then if he had saved man without the giving his Sonne to death for him Quest Who are they that have the speciall benefit by the death of Christ Answ All have benefit thereby but the elect only have the speciall benefit of Redemption and Justification by him And all the rest of the Sonnes of Adam have a common benefit enjoying for Christs sake the continuance of the world and the abundant blessings thereof Quest What difference is there betweene Redemption and Justification Answ There is this difference Redemption is a worke which Christ hath wrought for all the Elect even for them also which are yet unborne and Justification is the free declaration of Gods eternall love free grace and mercy which he worketh in his good time in the hearts of his Elect making knowne unto them that the Redemption which Christ hath wrought is for them and that they have part and portion therein Quest Wherein consisteth mans Iustification Answ It consisteth in the free remission and taking away of the guilt and punishment of Sin and in the imputation of Christs righteousnesse Acts 10.43 Psal 32.1 Rom. 4.6 Quest By what meanes doe they come to bee thus freed from the guilt and punishment of sin and also to have the righteousnesse of Christ imputed unto them Answ By the meere grace and favour of God for as there was nothing but his owne love to move him to elects them so there was nothing but his owne love to move him to justifie them Ephes 2.8 Quest How is this made knowne unto them Answ It is revealed unto them by the holy Ghost who assureth them of peace and reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ and also worketh in them faith to lay hold and to apply unto themselves the speciall and peculiar promises of the Gospell Rom. 5.1 Ephes 8. Quest Are not all men set free from the guilt and punishment of sinne by the death of Christ Answ No certainly none but those whom God did make choyce of from all eternity to be vessels of mercy Quest Wherfore should God make choice of some and leave others seeing all had sinned alike in Adam and all alike corrupted Answ There was nothing in man at all in one more then in another but it was his good pleasure nothing moving him thereunto but his owne will Rom. 9. Quest Did the Lord then make some men of purpose to destroy them and to condemne them for ever Answ The Lord did decree from all eternity to save some and to leave others but yet notwithstanding hee did not create them of purpose to destroy them For the end of mans Creation was the glory of God and in their Creation he did not intend the destruction of the creature but his owne glory and he made man righteous but he brought destruction upon himselfe by rebelling against God Hosea 13.9 Eccle. 7.29 Quest Then the Lord is not the Author of mans condemnation Answ He is not the Author thereof but man himselfe for God at first did make man righteous and holy and gave him power to obey and serve him but hee willingly of himselfe fell to disobey the command of God and so made himselfe liable to eternall wrath and condemnation Hosea 13.9 Eccle. 7.29 Quest Why did not God make man so absolute perfect in himselfe that he could not possibly have fallen but might have stood in his perfection of himselfe Answ It could not possibly be unlesse hee should have been God for it is proper only unto God to be so absolute perfect and immutable and cannot bee in any creature whatsoever Quest Doe not the good Angels stand in their state of perfection and glory by themselves Answ No verily it is through the free grace and goodnesse of God that they stand and not of their owne power and that they and we also might see our owne weaknesse and that we all stand through his grace he suffered both Angels and man to fall Quest Why did not God as well punish all the Angells as some of them seeing hee punished all mankind for Adam's sin Answ The case is not alike for we all sinned in Adam being in his loynes and are therefore polluted with corruption of nature and doe bring forth the evill fruit of sinne and rebellion against God But it was not so with Angels they did not proceed from one another by naturall generation and therefore not in the same manner corrupted but were all created glorious creatures And it was but some of the Angels that sinned and therefore none but them that sinned were punished And although he suffered all men to fall yet he provided a remedy to restore part of them againe through Jesus Christ and to make them heires of glory for ever Quest Is not the remedy sufficient to redeeme all mankind that had fallen through Adams transgression Answ It is sufficient doubtlesse being a price of an infinite value and all men are thereby set in a possibility of salvation and as we said before all men enjoy good by Christ yet notwithstanding God did not purpose nor intend to give his Sonne to death to redeeme all mankind and so to save them for ever but only for those whom he had elected and made choice of to be vessells of mercy in his wisdome from all eternity the Lords workes and doings are unchangeable Quest But the Lord exhorts all men to repent and to turne to him promising to pardon their sins if they do repent How then is it that God did not purpose to save all mankind by Christs death Answ It is true indeed that all men are exhorted to repent and the promises are made generally to all that doe repent but none doe repent but only the elect and chosen of God and therefore none but they enjoy the speciall promises of grace and mercy Quest But what is the reason that all doe not repent that so they might have right unto those speciall promises of grace and mercy through Christ Answ The fault is in man who through the corruption of his heart resists this grace and mercy offered and so hardens his heart in sinne choosing rather to enjoy his pleasure here then to humble himselfe to walke with God to enjoy his grace and mercy for ever Quest Have the Elect any more power in themselves then others to repent and turne to the Lord Answ No none at all but Repentance is the gift of God as we said before and it is he that by his Spirit doth effect this great worke in them 2 Tim. 2.25 Quest Why doth not God give repentance to all and so save all by Christ that so all men might for ever glorifie and praise his mercy Answ It was his purpose from all eternity as well to set forth the glory of his Justice as of his mercy and therefore as he did not intend nor purpose to save them by Christ so neither would he bestow
upon them any speciall benefit tending that way Quest Wherefore doth God call and exhort all men to repent seeing all cannot attaine thereunto Answ Hee doth it for these Reasons First because his elect are mingled amongst others and therefore he doth send his Word and call upon all men to repent Secondly he doth it to manifest to all the freenesse of his grace that he is ready to receive all that come to him Thirdly to leave all men without excuse and that their condemnation might more manifestly appeare to be just seeing that grace and mercy was offered them and they willingly refused and rejected it and at that great day of Judgement every mouth shall bee stopped and every one appeare culpable before God Quest But seeing that God hath elected sonne and rejected others is it not therefore in vaine to heare or reade the word of God to pray unto him or to use any meanes to come to the knowledge of the way of life and salvation Answ No verily for seeing these things are required of all men all are bound to take knowledge thereof and to reject or refuse them is to reject and refuse God who offers his grace therein and doth by them worke grace in his elect now seeing some there are that reape benefit by the use of them and that no man can conclude of himselfe that God hath not elected him it is not in vaine to use the meanes but it is meere madnesse and folly to refuse and reject them Quest But by this meanes men may come to such a measure of knowledge and to bee so farre inlightned that they may be in danger to commit the sin against the holy Ghost and so make their condemnation the greater Answ This commeth not by the carefull use of the meanes but by the abuse thereof and light esteeme of the grace offered and therefore they are to take heed of those things that may be any occasion thereunto Quest Is it necessary that this doctrine concerning Gods Predestination should bee made knowne seeing that it may bee hurtfull to many making some secure and carelesse in using any meanes of salvation and also causing others to despaire Answ It is necessary to bee knowne and therefore hath the Lord beene pleased to reveale it and doubtlesse no hurt shall come thereby to any of the elect but exceeding much good for it serves greatly to humble them and to let them see that it is no defert of theirs but the free grace of God who might have chosen others and rejected them And as for the rest they will abuse every truth though it be never so good and profitable and therefore seeing God hath been pleased to reveale it the Elect are not to be deprived of this Benefit because of the abuse of them by the Reprobate Quest Wherefore is it that in Scripture our Justification is attributed unto Faith Answ We are said to be justified by Faith not that Faith justifieth of it selfe but because it is a gift of God whereby man believeth that which the Spirit declareth and evidenceth to the conscience namely the pardon of sinne and assurance of grace through the blood of Christ Secondly because all our owne workes are excluded in the matter of Justification before God and there is no cause of boasting for our salvation is onely of the Lord Hosea 13.9 Quest If good workes doe not justifie before God to what end are they so often required Answ They are required for divers ends First because by them we shall glorifie God and adorne our holy profession Math. 5.16 Secondly we shall by them be a means to win others to love our profession and give good examples to others to doe the like and to follow us 1 Pet. 2.12 Thirdly by this means we shall stop the mouthes of the adversaries 1 Pet. 2.15 Fourthly we shall have comfort if we be brought to suffer and be accused as evill doers wrongfully 1 Pet. 2.19 Fifthly we shall by them make tryall of the truth of our faith and of the graces that are in us by the exercise of them as occasion is offered Quest But doe not good workes deserve nothing at the hands of God Answ No certainly no workes that we can doe can possibly deserve any thing at the hands of God for when we have done all that we can we may truly say we are unprofitable servants Luke 17.10 Quest If good workes deserve nothing wherefore is it that so many promises are made in Scripture unto good workes Answ God hath thereby set forth his bounty to stir us up who are backward of our selves adding thereunto promises of reward But such is our weakenesse and great imperfections in our best workes that we haue cause rather to be humbled for our wants in the performance of them then to challenge any thing at the hands of God for the same yet certaine it is that the good workes of Gods Children shall be rewarded though not for the worthinesse of the worke yet for the truth of the promiser who hath promised to reward the gift of a cup of cold water to one of those that belong to him so that we have no cause to be backward in good workes but to be forward in the doing of them Math. 10.42 Quest Are all men rewarded for their good workes Answ Yes certainly the righteous God rewardeth all either here in this life or after this life but he in a more especiall manner rewardeth the good workes of his Children even those workes of love and mercy extended towards the Saints their Brethren Math. 25. Quest Are there Saints now upon the earth Answ Yes verily there have been are and ever shall be Saints upon the earth Psal 16.3 Quest But seeing all men are corrupted and even after regeneration the remnants of Sinne still continue in them can the name of Saints be properly given unto them Answ Yes it may be well given unto them for God so accounts of them as being without Sinne beholding no iniquity in them Numbers 23.21 Canticles 4.7 Ephes 5.27 Quest If God behold all things and nothing be hid from his all-seeing eye how can it be but that he should see those Sinnes which his elect doe daily and continually fall into Answ It is true that God beholdeth all things and cannot be ignorant of those Sinnes which they fall into yet notwithstanding God doth looke upon them in Christ and beholds them all righteous and holy in him imputing the rigteousnesse of Christ unto them Rom. 4.6.7 1 Cor. 1.30 2 Cor. 5.21 Quest What is that righteousnesse of Christ which is imputed unto the Saints and for which they are accounted holy Answ All the righteousnesse of Christ whatsoever his active obedience performed to the law his passive obedience in suffering whatsoever was due unto them for Sinne and what the Justice of God could require at their hands yea all the holinesse that is in Christ either of his nature as hee was man or of his
me to find out all those sweet promises contained in the Scriptures yet as many as I can call to mind for the present I will set down that hereafter we may read them and take comfort in them and live by faith in the hope and expectation of them and the Lord inlighten our understandings in the knowledge of his truth and give us hearts to obey the truth made knowne unto us that God may be glorified by us through Jesus Christ by the assistance of the Holy Ghost to whom be all praise glory and honour for ever Amen The places of Scripture are these following But for your better understanding of them I pray you consider the words of the Holy Ghost by Saint Peter in the 3 of the Acts verse 21. in these words speaking there of Jesus Christ whom the heaven must receive untill the times of restitution of alll things which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began so that you may observe hence that this restitution or restauration must not be til the second coming of Christ and then it shall be and it is that which all the Prophets have spoken of and if these places of Scripture here following do not intend this great restitution then let them who are contrary minded show us where it is spoken of in the Scriptures if they will needs have us to understand these Scriptures to intend the great conversion of the naturall Jewes now in the latter end of the world and before the coming of Christ to Judgement a doctrine never intended or meant by the Holy Ghost for this restitution is not to be till the second coming of Christ Act 3 19.20 21. And so I may now leave you to the reading of the Scriptures here following the Lord give us wisdome to understand them aright and to find and feele the comfort of them for they belong to all Abrahams spirituall seed as well Gentiles as Jewes and not to the naturall Jew except he be also a Jew inward Rom. 2.28.29 Gen. 13 Chapter 14 15 16. verses and Chapter 15.8 and Chap. 17.8 and Chap. 26.3.4 and Chap. 28.4.13.14 2 Chron. 16.30.31 32 33. and Chapter 17.9.11 12 13 14.27 Psalm 8. compared with Heb. 2. Psalm 14.7 and Psalm 15.1 and Psal 37.9.10 11.29 Psal 45.6.16 Psalm 48. Psalm 87.3 and Psal 89.3.4.15 16.17 c. Psal 96.9 10 11 12.13 Psal 98. Psal 132.11 12. c. Esay 11. compared with Romanes the 8.19.20 Esay 25.6 7 8 9. Esay 27.13 and Esay 55.12.13 and Chapter 60.14.15 c. Esay 61.4 5 6 7. and Esay 62.1.2 3 4.5 7 8. and chap. 65.9.10.14 15. c. Esa 66.5.7 8. and so to the end of the Chapter Ieremy 3.16 17 18. and Chapter 23.5 6.7 8. and Ieremy 30.9 10. and Chap. 31.35.36 and Chap. 33.15 16 17 to the end of the chapter Ieremy 46.27 28. Ezekiel 28.24.25.26 Ezek. 34.11 12.13 14 15 16.23 24. to the ' end of the Chapter Chapter Ezek. 36. read the whole chapter and also the 37 chapter Ezek 9.25 to the end of the chapter Daniel 2.44 45. and chapter 7.14.27 and chapter 12.1 2 3.13 Hosea 2.14 to the end of the chapter Joel 3.1 3.12.16 17 18.20.21 Amos 9.11 to the end of the chapter Haggai 2.6 7 8 9. Zechariah 6.12 13. and chapter 12.8 and chapter 14.4 read to the end of the chapter Matthew 5.5 Acts 2.19 20 21. Rom. 8 9.20 and 1 Cor. 2.9 and 2 Thes 1.7.8 and 2 Pet. 3.13 Hebrewes 4.9 reade the whole Chapter Revelation 3.12.21 and Chapter 5.10 and chapter 7.15 16 17. and chap. 11.15 16 17 18. and chapter 21. but read the whole chapter and also the 22. chapter The Prophet Esay is wonderfull excellent in expressing the happinesse of the Saints for ever and therefore to these former places set down I also adde these places following Esay 32.15 16 17 18 19. and chapter 33.15 16 17.20 21.22.24 and chapter 35. read the whole chapter and Esay the 45.17 18 19. Esay 49.9 10.11 12 13. CChristian Reader it may be thought that I have not beene so large in this last matter concerning the happinesse of the Saints in glory for ever with Christ their Lord and King upon this earth as the matter required and therefore for thy more full satisfaction in the same J referre thee to a book called the land of promise and the covenant thereof printed 1641 for John Wright the younger in the old Baily wherein this thing is fully manifested it being the subject matter of the whole book and proved by many places of Scripture for indeed the Scriptures are very plentifull in this thing it being that which God chiefly intended from all eternity it being the rest of God wherein he alwayes took delight and pleasure the setting up of the Kingdome of his Sonne Christ and his dwelling with the Sons of men his Saints for evermore even the full perfection of all his works which he entended from everlasting Revel 11.15 And the seventh Angel sounded and there were great voices in heaven saying the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdomes of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall reigne for ever and ever Revel 21.3 Behold the tabernacle of God is with men and he will dwell with them and they shall be his people and God himself shall be with them and be their God Revellation 22.3 4 5. verses And there shall be no more curse but the throne of God and of the Lambe shall be in it and his servants shall serve him and they shall see his face and his name shall be in their forheads And there shall be no night there and they need no candle neither light of the Sunne for the Lord God giveth them light and they shall reign for ever and ever Christian reader for thy further information in this point J referre thee also to two other bookes th one called the holy rest of God printed for John Wright the younger in the old Bailie 1641. the other called the two olive trees or the Lords two annointed ones c. being an exposition of the 11 Chapter of the Revellation printed by Matthew Simmons 1645. in these two books this point is largely set forth against the millenaries of these times thus desiring thy furtherance in the truth I commend thee to the grace of God J A. FINIS