received us gladly v. 18. And the day following Paul went in with us unto James and all the Elders were present and so forward Which proves that those several Congregations were under one Presbyterial Government And whether these Congregations were fixed or not fixed in regard of Officers or Members it is all one as to the truth of the Proposition Nor doth there appear any material difference betwixt the several Congregations in Jerusalem and the many Congregations now in the ordinary condition of the Church as to the point of fixednesse required of Officers or Members 3. Thirdly Therefore the Scripture doth hold forth that many Congregations may be under one Presbyterial Government II. Secondly By the instance of the Church of Ephesus for 1. That they were more Congregations then one in the Church of Ephesus appears by Act 10. 31. Therefore watch and remember that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears Where is mention of Pauls continuance at Ephesus in preaching for the space of three years And Acts 19. 18. And many that believed came and confessed and shewed their deeds v. 19. Many also of them which used curious arts brought their books together and burned them before all men and they counted the price of them and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver v. 20. So mightily grew the Word of God and prevailed Act. 19. 10. And this continued by the space of two years so that all they who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus both Jews and Greeks v. 17. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus and fear fell on them all and the Name of the Lord Jesus was magnified 1 Cor. 16. 8. But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost v. 9. For a great door and effectual is opened unto me and there are many adversaries v. 19. The Churches of Asia salute you Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord with the Church that is in their house Where the special effect of the Word is mentioned and verse 10 and 17 of the same Chapter where is a distinction of Iews and Greeks and 1 Cor. 16. 8 9. where a reason of Pauls stay at Ephesus untill Pentecost and verse 19 where is mention of a particular Church in the house of Aquila and Priscila then at Ephesus as appears Acts 18. 19. And he came to Ephesus and left them there but he himself entred into the Synagogue and reasoned with the Iews v. 24. And a certain Iew named Apollos born at Alexandria an Eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures came to Ephesus v. 26. And he began to speak boldly in the Synagogue whom when Acquila and Priscilla had heard they took him unto them and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly All which laid together doth prove that the multitudes of believers did make more Congregations then one in the Church of Ephesus 2. That there were many Elders over these many Congregations as one flock appeareth Act. 20. 17. And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the Elders of the Church v. 28. Take heed therefore unto your selves and to all the flock over the which the holy Ghost hath made you overseers to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood 3. That these many Congregations were one Church and that they were under one Presbyterial Government appeareth Rev. 2. 1 2 3 4 5 6. v. 1. Unto the Angel of the Church of Ephesus write These things saith he that holdeth the seven Stars in his right hand who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks v. 2. I know thy works and thy labour and thy patience and how thou canst not bear them which are evil and thou hast tryed them which say they are Apostles and are not and hath found them liars v. 3. And hast horn and hast patience and for my names sake hast laboured and hast not fainted v. 4. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee because thou hast left thy first love v. 5. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and repent and do the first works or else I will come unto thee quickly and will remove thy candlestick out of his place except thou repent v. 6. But this thou hast that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans which I also hate Joyned with Act. 20. 17 28. of which see before Of Synodical Assemblies THe Scripture doth hold out another sort of Assemblies for the Government of the Church beside Classical and Congregational all which we call Synodical Acts 15. 2 6 22 23. v. 2. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no smal dissention and disputation with them they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should go up to Jerusalem unto the Apostles and Elders about this question v. 6. And the Apostles and Elders came together for to consider of this matter v. 22. Then pleased it the Apostles and Elders with the whole Church to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas namely Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas chief men among the brethren v. 23. And wrote letters by them after this manner The Apostles and Elders and Brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia Pastors and Teachers and other Church-Governours as also other fit persons when it shall be deemed expedient are members of those Assemblies which we call Synodical where they have a lawful calling thereunto Synodical Assemblies may lawfully be of several sorts as Provinical National and Occumenical It is lawful and agreeable to the word of God that there be a subordination of Congregational Classical Provincial and National Assemblies for the Government of the Church Of Ordination of Ministers UNder the head of Ordination of Ministers is to be considered either the Doctrine of Ordination or the power of it Touching the Doctrine of Ordination NO man ought to take upon him the Office of a Minister of the Word without a lawful calling Joh. 3. 27. John answered and said a man can receive nothing except it be given him from heaven Rom. 10. 14 15. v. 14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard and how shall they hear without a preacher v. 15. And how shall they preach except they be sent as it is written How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things Jer. 14. 14. Then the Lord said unto me The prophets prophesie lies in my name I sent them not neither have I commanded them neither sake I unto them they prophesie unto you a false vision and divination and a thing of nought and the deceit of their heart Heb. 5. 4. And no man taketh this honour unto himself but he that is called
rebellious also that the Lord God might dwell among them to raise up our affections thither i Col. 3. 1 2. If ye then be risen with Christ sâ—ck those things which are above where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God set your affections on things above not on things on the earth and to prepare a place for us k Joh. 14. 3. And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto my self that where I am there ye may be also where himself is and shall continue till his second coming at the end of the world l Act. 3. 21. Whom the heavens must receive till the â—imes of restitution of all things which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy Prophets since the world began Q. How is Christ exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God A. Christ is exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God in that as God-man he is advanced to the highest favour with God the Father m Phil. 2. 9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name with all fulness of joy n Act. 2. 28. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life Thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance Compared with Psal 16. 11. Thou wilt shew me the path of life in thy presence is fulness of joy and at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore glory o Joh. 17 5. And now O Father glorifie thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was and power over all things in heaven and earth p Eph. 1. 22. And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church 1 Pet. 3. 22. Who is gone into heaven and is on the right hand of God Angels and Authorities and Powers being made subject unto him and doth gather and defend his Church and subdue their enemies furnisheth his Ministers and people with gifts and graces q Eph. 4. 10 11 12. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens that he might fill all things And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers For the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministery for the edifying of the body of Christ Psal 110. throughout The Lord said unto my Lord sit thou at my right hand till c. to the end and maketh intercession for them r Rom. 8. 34. Who is he that condemneth it is Christ that died ye rather that is risen again who is even at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for us Q. How doth Christ make intercession A. Christ maketh intercession by his appearing in our nature continually before the Father in heaven Å¿ Heb. 9. 12-24 Neither by the blood of goats and calves but by his own blood he entred in once into the holy place having obtained eternal redemption for us V. 24. For Christ is not entred in the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true but into heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us in the merit of his obedience and sacrifice on earth t Heb. 1. 3. Who being the brightness of his glory and the express image of his person and upholding all things by the word of his power when he had by himself purged our sins sate down on the right hand of the Majesty on high declaring his will to have it applied to all believers u Joh. 3. 16. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him might not perish but have everlasting life Joh. 17. 9 -20-24 I pray for them I pray not for the world but for them which thou hast given me for they are mine V. 20. Neither pray I for these alone but for them also that shall believe on me through their word V. 24. Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me may be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world answering all accusations against them * Rom 8. 33 34. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect it is God that justifies Who is he that condemneth it is Christ that died yea rather that is risen again who is even at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for us procuring for them quiet of conscience notwithstanding daily failings x Rom. 5. 1 2. Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoyce in hope of the glory of God 1 Joh. 2. 1 2. My little children these things write I unto you that ye sin not And if any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous And he is the propitiation for our sins and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole word Heb. 4. 16. Let us there come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and finde grace to help in time of need access with boldness to the throne of grace y and acceptance of their persons z Eph. 1. 6. To the praise of the glory of his grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved and services a 1 Pet. 2. 5. Ye also as lively stones are built up a Spiritual house an holy Priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ Q. How is Christ to be exalted in his coming again to judge the world A. Christ is to be exalted in his coming again to judge the world in that he who was unjustly judged and condemned by wicked men b Act. 3. 14 15. But ye denied the Holy One and the just and desired a murtherer to be granted unto you and killed the Prince of life whom God hath raised from the dead whereof we are witnesses shall come again at the last day in great power c Matt. 24. 30. And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory and in the full manifestation of his own glory and of his Fathers with all his holy Angels d Luk. 9. 26. For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words of him shall the Son of man be ashamed when he shall come in his own glory and in his Fathers and of the holy Angels Mat. 25. 31. When the Son of man shall come in his glory and all his holy Angels with him then shall he
that prophecy in my Name and I sent them not yet they say c. Rom. 10. 15. And how shall they preach except they be sent as it is written How beautiful c. Heb. 5. 4. And no man taketh this honour unto himself but he that is called of God as was Aaron 1 Cor. 12. 28 29. And God hath set some in the Church first Apostles secondarily Prophets thirdly Teachers after that Miracles then gifts of healing Helps Governments diversities of tongues v. 29 Are all Apostles are all Pâ—opets are all Teachers are all workers of Miracles 1 Tim. 3. 10. And let these also first be proved then let them use the office of a Deacon being found blameless 1 Tim. 4. 14. Neglect noâ— the gift that is in thee which was given thee by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery 1 Tim. 5. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partaker of other mens sins c. Q How is the Word of God to be preached by those that are called thereunto A. They that are called to labour in the ministry of the Word are to preach sound doctrine (m) Tit. 2. 1 -8 But speak thou the things that become sound doctrine v. 8. Sound speech that cannot be condemned that he who is of the contrary part may be ashamed having no evil thing to say of you diligently (n) Act. 18. 25. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord and being servent in the Spirit he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord c. in season and out of season (o) 2 Tim. 4. 2. Preach the word be instant in season out of season rebuke reprove exhort with all long suffering and doctrine plainly (p) 1 Cor. 14. 19. Yet in the Church I had rather speak five words with my understanding that by my voice I might teach others also then ten thousand words in an unknown tongue not in the enticing words of mans wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and power (q) 1 Cor. 2. 4. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of mans wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power faithfully (r) Jer. 23. 28. The Prophet that hath a dream let him tell a dream and he that hath my word let him speak my word faithfully What is the chaff to the wheat saith the Lord 1 Cor 4. 1 2. Let a man so account of us as of the ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God v. 2. Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful making known the whole counsel of God (Å¿) Act. 20. 27. For I have not shunned to declare unto you the whole counsel of God wisely (t) Col. 1. 28. Whom we preach warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus 2 Tim. 2. 15. Study to shew thy self approved unto God a workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth applying themselves to the necessities and capacities of the hearers (u) 1 Cor. 3. 2. I have sed you with milk and not with meat for hitherto ye were not able to bear it neither yet now are ye able Heb. 5. 12 13 14. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the Oracles of God and are become such as have need of milk and not of strong meat v. 13. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness for he is a babe v. 14. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil Luk. 12. 42. And the Lord said Who then is that faithful and wise steward whom his Lord shall make ruler over his houshold to give them their portion of meat in due season zealously (*) Act. 18. 25. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord and being fervent in the Spirit he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord c. with fervent love to God (x) 2 Cor. 5. 13 14. For whether we be besides our selves it is to God or whether we be sober it is for your cause v. 14. For the love of Christ constraineth us because we thus judge that if one dyed for all then were all dead Phil. 1. 15 16 17. Some indeed preach Christ out of envy and strife and some also of good will v. 16. The one preach Christ of contention not sincerely supposing to adde affliction to my bonds v. 7. But the other of love knowing that I am set for the defence of the Gospel and the souls of his people (y) Col. 4. 12. Epaphras who is one of you a servant of Christ saluteth you alwayes labouring servently for you in prayers that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God 2 Cor. 12. 15. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you though the more abundantly I love you the less I be loved sincerely (z) 2 Cor. 2. 17. For we are not as many who corrupt the word of God but as of sincerity but as of God in the sight of God speak we in Christ 2 Cor. 4. 2. But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully but by manifestation of the truth commending our selves to every mans conscience in the sight of God aiming at his glory (a) 1 Thes 2. 4 5 6. But as we are allowed of God to be put in trust with the Gospel even so we speak not as pleasing men but God who tryeth the hearâ—s v. 5. For neither at any time used we flattering words as ye know not a cloak of covetousness God is witness v. 6. Nor of men sought we glory neither of you nor yet of others when we might have been burdensome as the Apostles of Christ Joh. 7. 18. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory but he that seeketh his glory that sent him the same is true and no unrighteousness is in him and their conversion (b) 1 Cor. 9. 19 20 21 22. For though I be free from all men yet have I made my self servant unto all that I might gain the more v. 20. And unto the Jewes I became as a Jew that I might gain the Jewes to them that are under the Law as under the Law that c. v. 21. To them that are without Law as without Law that c. v. 22. To the weak became I as weak that I might gain the weak I am made all things to all men c. edification (c) 2 Cor. 12 19. Again think you that we excuse our selves unto you we speak before God in Christ but we do all things dearly beloved for
done on earth as it is in heaven Give us this day our daily bread And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debters And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory for ever Amen The CREED I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty maker of heaven and earth And in Jesus Christ his onely Son our Lord which was conceived by the holy Ghost born of the Virgin Mary suffered under Pontius Pilate was crucified dead and buried he descended into hell * i. e. Continued in the state of the dead and under the power of death till the third day the third day he rose again from the dead he ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead I believe in the holy Ghost the holy Catholick Church the Communion of Saints the forgiveness of sins the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting Amen SO much of every Question both in the Larger and Shorter Catechism is repeated in the Answer as maketh every Answer an entire Proposition or sentence in it self to the end the Learner may further improve it upon all occasions for his encrease in knowledge and piety even out of the course of catechising as well as in it And albeit the substance of the doctrine comprised in that Abridgement commonly called The Apostles Creed be fully set forth in each of the Catechismes so as there is no necessity of inserting the Creed it self yet it is here annexed not as though it were composed by the Apostles or ought to be esteemed Canonical Scripture as the Ten Commandments and the Lords Prayer much less a Prayer as ignorant people have been apt to make both it and the Decalogue but because it is a brief sum of the Christian faith agreeable to the Word of God and anciently received in the Churches of Christ Cornelius Burges Prolocutor pro tempore Henry Roborough Scriba Adoniram Byfield Scriba To the Right Honorable THE LORDS COMMONS Assembled in Parliament The Humble Advice of the Assembly of Divines now sitting by Ordinance of Parliament at Westminster Concerning CHURCH-GOVERNMENT The Preface JEsus Christ upon whose shoulders the Government is whose name is called Wonderful Counsellour the Mighty God the Everlasting Father the Prince of Peace of the encrease of whose Government and Peace there shall be no end who sits upon the throne of David and upon his Kingdome to order it and to establish it with Judgment and Justice from henceforth even for ever having all power given unto him in Heaven and Earth by the Father who raised him from the dead and set him on his own right hand far above all Principalities and Power and Might and Dominion and every name that is named not only in this world but also in that which is to come and put all thing under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church which is his body the fulness of him that filleth all in all He being ascended up far above all Heavens that he might fill all things received gifts for his Church and gave offices necessary for the edification of his Church and perfecting of his Saints Mat. 28. 18 19 20. v. 18. And Jesus came and spake unto them saying All power is given unto me in Heaven and in Earth v. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost v. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you alway even unto the end of the world Amen Eph. 1. 20 21 22 23. v. 20. Which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places v. 21. Far above all Principality and Power and Might and Dominion and every name that is named not only in this world but also in that which is to come v. 22. And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church v. 23. Which is his body the fulness of him that filleth all in all compared with Eph. 4. 8 11. v. 8. Wherefore he saith when he ascended up on high he led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men v. 11. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some pastors and teachers And with Psal 68. 18. Thou hast ascended on high thou hast led captivity captive thou hast received gifts for men yea for the rebellious also that the Lord God might dwell among them Of the Church THere is one General Church visible held forth in the New Testament 1 Cor. 12. 12 13 28. For as the body is one and hath many members and all the members of that one body being many are one body so also is Christ v. 13. For by one spirit are we all baptized into one body whether we be Jews or Gentiles whether we be bond or free and have been all made to drink into one Spirit v. 28. And God hath set some in the Church First Apostles Secondarily Prophets Thirdly Teachers after that miracles then gifts of healings helps governments diversities of tongues Together with the rest of the Chapter The Ministry Oâ—acles and Ordinances of the New Testament are given by Jesus Christ to the General Church visible for the gathering and perfecting of it in this life until his second coming 1 Cor. 12. 28. See before Eph. 4. 4 5. v. 4. There is one body and one spirit even as ye are called in one hope of your calling v. 5. One Lord one Faith one Baptism Compared with ver 10. 11 12 13 15 16. v. 10. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens that he might fill all things v. 11. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some pastors and teachers v. 12. For the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ v. 13. Till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledg of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ v. 15. But speaking the truth in love may grow up into him in all things which is the head even Christ v. 16. From whom the whole body fitly joyned together and compacted by that which every joynt supplieth according to the effectual working in the measure of every part maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of it self in love Particular visible Churches Members of the General Church are also held forth in the New Testament Gal 1. 21 12. v. 21. Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia v. 22. And was unknown by face unto the Churches of Judea which were in
exhort therefore that first of all supplications prayers intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men 1 Cor. 14. 15 16. v. 15. What is it then I will pray with the spirit and will pray with understanding also I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the understanding also v. 16. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen as the giving of thanks seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest The Word read although there follow no immediate explication of what is read the Word expounded and applyed Catechizing the Sacraments administred Collection made for the poor dismissing the people with a blessing Of Church-Government and the several sorts of Assemblies for the same CHrist hath instituted a Government and Governours Ecclesiastical in the Church to that purpose the Apostles did immediately receive the keys from the hand of Jesus Christ and did use and exercise them in all the Churches of the world upon all occasions And Christ hath since continually furnished some in his Church with gifts of Government and with commission to execute the same when called thereunto It is lawful and agreeable to the word of God that the Church be governed by several sorts of Assemblies which are Congregational Classical and Synodical Of the Power in common of all these Assemblies IT is lawful and agreeable to the Word of God that the several Assemblies before mentioned have power to convent and call before them any person within their several bounds whom the Ecclesiastical business which is before them doth concern proved by Mat. 18. 15 16 17 18 19 20. v. 15. Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone if he shall hear thee thou hast gained thy brother v. 16. But if he will not hear thee then take with thee one or two more that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be estâ—blished v. 17. And if he shall neglect to hear them tell it unto the Church but if he neglect to hear the Church let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican v. 18. Verily I say unto you whatsoever ye shall binde on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven v. 19. Again I say unto you that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven v. 20. For where two or three are gathered together in my Name there am I in the midst of them They have power to hear and determine such causes and differences as do orderly come before them It is lawful and agreeable to the Word of God that all the said Assemblies have some power to dispense Church-censures Of Congregational Assemblies that is The meeting of the Ruling Officers of a particular Congregation for the Government thereof THe Ruling Officers of a particular Congregation have power Authoritatively to call before them any member of the Congregation as they shall see just occasion To enquire into the knowledg and spiritual estate of the several members of the Congregation To admonish and to rebuke Which three branches are proved by Heb. 13. 17. Obey them that have the rule over you and submit your selves for they watch for your souls as they that must give account that they may do it with joy and not with grief for that is unprofitable for you 1 Thes 5. 12 13. v. 12. And we beseech you brethren to know them which labour among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you v. 13. And to esteem them very highly in love for their works sake and be at peace among your selves Ezek. 34. 4. The diseased have ye not strengthened neither have ye healed that which was sick neither have ye bound up that which was broken neither have ye brought again that which was driven away neither have ye sought that which was lost but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them Authoritative suspension from the Lords Table of a person not yet cast out of the Church is agreeable to the Scripture First Because the Ordinance it self must not be profaned Secondly Because we are charged to withdraw from these that walk disorderly Thirdly Because of the great sin and danger both to him that comes unworthily and also to the whole Church Mat. 7. 6. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs neither cast ye your pearls before swine lest they trample them under their feet and turn again and rent you 2 Thes 3. 6 14 15. v. 6. Now we command you brethren in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that ye withdraw your selves from every brother that walketh disorderly and not after the tradition which he received of us v. 14. And if any man obey not our word by this Epistle note that man and have no company with him that he may be ashamed v. 15. Yet count him not as an enemy but admonish him as a brother 1 Cor. 11. 27. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. So on to the end of the chap. Compared with Jude v. 23. And others save with fear pulling them out of the fire hating even the garment spotted by the flesh 1 Tim. 5. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partaker of other mens sins Keep thy self pure And there was power and Authority under the Old Testament to keep unclearn persons from holy things Lev. 13. 5. And the priest shall look on him the seventh day and behold if the plague in his sight be at a stay and the plague spread not in the skin then the priest shall shut him up seven dayes more Numb 9. 7. And those men said unto him We are defiled by the dead body of a man wherefore we are kept back that we may not offer an offering of the Lord in his appointed season among the children of Israel 2 Chr. 23. 19. And he sets porters at the gates of the house of the Lord that none that was unclean in any thing should enter in The like power and Authority by way of Analogy continues under the New Testament The Ruling Officers of a particular Congregation have power authoritatively to suspend from the Lords Table a person not yet cast out of the Church First Because those who have Authority to judg of and admit such as are fit to receive the Sacrament have Authority to keep back such as should be found unworthy Secondly Because it is an Ecclesiastical business of ordinary practice belonging to that Congregation When Congregations are divided and fixed they need all mutual help one from another both in regard of their intrinsecal weaknesses and mutual dependence as also in regard of enemies from without
of God as was Aaron Ordination is alwayes to be continued in the Church Tit. 15. For this cause left I thee in Crete that thou shouldst set in order the things that are wanting and ordain elders in every City as I had appointed thee 1 Tim. 5. 21 22. v. 21. I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect Angels that thou observe these things without preferring one before another doing nothing by partiality v. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partaker of other mens sins Keep thy self pure Ordination is the solemn setting apart of a person to some publick Church-office Numb 8 10 11 14 19 22. v. 10. And thou shalt bring the Levites before the Lord and the children of Israel shall put their hands upon the Levites v. 11. And Aaron shall offer the Levites before the Lord for an offering of the children of Israel that they may execute the service of the Lord. v. 14. Thus shalt thou separate the Levites from among the children of Israel and the Levites shall be mine v. 19. And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the children of Israel to do the service of the children of Israel in the Tabernacle of the Congregation and to make an atonement for the children of Israel that there be no plague among the children of Israel when the children of Israel come nigh unto the Sanctuary v. 22. And after that went the Levites in to do their service in the Tabernacle of the Congregation before Aaron and before his sons as the Lord had commanded Moses concerning the Levites so did they unto them Acts 6. 3 5 6 v. 3. Wherefore brethren look ye out among you seven men of honest report full of the holy Ghost and wisdom whom we may appoint over this business v. 5. And the saying pleased the whole multitude and they those Stephen a man full of faith and of the holy Ghost and Philip and Prochorus and Nicanor and Timon and Permenas and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch v. 6. Whom they had set before the Apostles and when they had prayed they laid their hands on them Every Minister of the Word is to be ordained by imposition of hands and prayer with fasting by those preaching Presbyters to whom it doth belong 1 Tim. 5. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partaker of other mens sins Keep thy self pure Acts 14. 23. And when they had ordained them Elders in every Church and had prayed with fasting they commended them to the Lord on whom they believed Acts 13. 3. And when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them they sent them away It is agreeable to the Word of God and very expedient that such as are to be ordained Ministers be designed to some particular Church or other ministerial charge Acts 14. 23. See before Tit. 1. 5. For this cause left I thee in Crete that thou shouldst set in order the things that are wanting and ordain Elders in every City as I had appointed thee Acts 20 17 28. v. 17. And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the Elders of the Church v. 28. Take heed therefore unto your selves and to all the flock over the which the holy Ghost hath made you over-seers to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood He that is to be ordained Minister must be duly qualified both for life and Ministerial abilities according to the Rules of the Apostles 1 Tim. â—3 2 3 4 5 6. v. 2. A Bishop hen must be blameless the husband of one wife vigilant sober of good behaviour given to hospitality apt to teach v. 3. Not given to wine no striker not greedy of filthy lucre but patient not a brawler not covetons v. 4. One that ruleth well his own house having his children in subjection with all gravity v. 5. For if a man know not how to rule his own house how shall he take care of the Church of God v. 6. Not a novice lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the Devil Tit. 1. 6 7 8 9. v. 6. If any man be blameless the husband of one wife having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly v 7. For a Bishop must be blameless as the Steward of God not self-willed not soon angry not given to wine no striker not given to filthy lucre v. 8. But a lover of hospitality a lover of good men sober just holy temperate v. 9. Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gain-sayers He is to be examined and approved by those by whom he is to be ordained 1 Tim. 3. 7 10. v. 7. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without lâ—st he fall into reproach and the snare of the Devil v. 10. And let these also first be proved then let them use the office of a Deacon being found blameless 1 Tim. 5. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partaker of other mens sins Keep thy self pure No man is to be ordained a Minister for a particular Congregation if they of that Congregation can shew just cause of exception against him 1 Tim. 3. 2. A Bishop then must be blameless the husband of one wife vigilant sober of good behaviour given to hospitality apt to teach Tit. 1. 7. For the Bishop must be blameless as the Steward of God c. Touching the Power of Ordination ORdination is the Act of a Presbytery 1 Tim. 4. 14. Neglect not the gift that is in thee which was given thee by prophesie with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery The power of ordering the whole work of Ordination is in the whole Presbytery which when it is over more Congregations then one whether those Congregations be fixed or not fixed in regard of Officers or Members it is indifferent as to the point of Ordination 1 Tim. 4. 14. Neglect not the gift that is in thee which was given thee by prophesie with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery It is very requisite that no single Congregation that can conveniently associate do assume to it self all and sole power in Ordination 1. Because there is no Example in Scripture that any single Congregation which might conveniently associate did assume to it self all and sole power Ordination neither is there any rule which may warrant such a practise 2. Because there is in Scripture Example of an Ordination in a Presbytery over divers Congregations as in the Church of Jerusalem where were many Congregations these many Congregations were under one Presbytery and this Presbytery did ordain The Preaching Presbyters orderly associated either in Cities or neighbouring Villages are those to whom the imposition of hands doth appertain for those Congregations within their bounds respectively To the Right Honourable THE LORDS
and COMMONS Assembled in Parliament The Humble Advice of the Assembly of Divines now sitting by Ordinance of Parliament at Westminster Concerning The Doctrinall part of Ordination of MINISTERS 1 NO man ought to take upon him the office of a Minister of the Word without a lawful calling John 3. 27. Rom. 10. 14 15. Jer. 14. 14. Heb. 5. 4. 2. Ordination is alwayes to be continued in the Church Titus 1. 5. 1 Tim. 5. 21 22. 3. Ordination is the solemn setting apart of a person to some publique Church Office Numb 8 10 11 14 19 22. Acts 6. 3 5 6. 4. Every Minister of the Word is to be ordained by imposition of hands and Prayer with Fasting by those preaching Presbyters to whom it doth belong 1 Tim. 5. 22. Acts 14. 23. and 13. 3. 5. The power of ordering the whole work of Ordination is in the whole Presbytery which when it is over more Congregations then one whether those Congregations be fixed or not fixed in regard of Officers or Members it is indifferent as to the point of Ordination 1 Tim. 4. 14. 6. It is agreeable to the Word of God and very expedient that such as are to be ordained Mâ—nisters be designed to some particular Church or other Ministerial charge Acts 14. 23. Tit. 1. 5. Acts 20. 17. and 28. 7. He that is to be ordained Minister must be duly qualified both for life and Ministerial abilities according to the rules of the Apostle 1 Tim. 3. 2 3 4 5 6. Tit. 1 5 6 7 8 9. 8. He is to be examined and approved by those by whom he is to be ordained 1 Tim. 3. 7. 10 and 5. â—2 9. No man is to be ordained a minister for a particular Congregation if they oâ— that Congregation can shew just cause of exception against him 1 Tim. 3. 2. Tit. 1. 7. 10. Preaching Presbyters orderly associated either in Cities or neighbouring Villages are those to whom the imposition of hands doth appertain for these Congregations within their bounds respectively 1 Tim. 4. 14. 11. In extraordinary cases something may be donâ— untill a setled order may â—e had yet keeping as near as possible may be to the rule 2 Chron. 19. 34 35 36. 2 Chron. 30. 2 3 4 5. 12. There is at this time as we humbly conceive an extraordinary occasion for a way of Ordination for the present supply of Ministers The Directory for Ordination of Ministers IT being manifest by the Word of God that no man ought to take upon him the Office of a Minister of the Gospel untill he be lawfully called and ordained thereunto And that the work of Ordination is to be performed with all due care wisdome gravity and solemnity we humbly tender these directions as requisite to be observed 1. He that is to be ordained being either nominated by the people or otherwise commended to the Presbytery for any place must addresse himself to the Presbytery and bring with him a Testimonial of his taking the Covenant of the three Kingdoms of his diligence and proficiency in his Studies What degrees he hath taken in the University and what hath been the time of his abode there and withal of his age which is to be twenty four yeers but especially of his life and conversation 2. Which being considered by the Presbytery they are to proceed to enquire touching the Grace of God in him and whether he be of such holinesse of life as is requisite in a Minister of the Gospel and to examine him touching his learning and sufficiency and touching the evidences of his Calling to the holy Ministry and in particular his fair and direct Calling to that place The Rules for Examination are these 1. That the party examined be dealt withal in a brotherly way with mildnesse of spirit and with special respect to the gravity modesty and quality of every one 2. He shall be examined touching his skill in the Original Tongues and his tryal to be made by reading the Hebrew and Greek Testaments and rendring some portion of some into Latin and if he be defective in them enquiry shall be made the more strictly after his other Learning and whether he hath skill in Logick and Phylosophy 3. What Authors in Divinity he hath read and is best acquainted with and triall shall be made in his knowledge of the grounds of Religion and ability to defend the Orthodox Doctrine contained in them against all unsound and erronious opinions especially these of the present age of his skill in the sense and meaning of such places of Scripture as shall be proposed unto him in cases of Conscience and in the Chronology of the Scripture and the Ecclesiastical History 4. If he hath not before preached in publique with approbation of such as are able to judge he shall at a competent time assigned him expound before the Presbytery such a place of Scripture as shall be given him 5. He shall also within a competent time frame a discourse in Latin upon such a common place or Controversie in Divinity as shall be assigned him and exhibite to the Presbytery such Theses as expresse the sum thereof and maintain a Dispute upon them 6. He shall preach before the people the Presbytery or some of the Ministers of the Word appointed by them being present 7. The proportion of his gifts in relation to the place unto which he is called shall be considered 8. Beside the trial of his gifts in Preaching he shall undergo an examination in the Premises two several dayes and more if the Presbytery shall judge it necessary 9. And as for him that hath been formerly ordained a Minister and is to be removed to another Charge he shall bring a Testimonial of his Ordination and of his abilities and Conversation whereupon his fitnesse for that place shall be tryed by his Preaching there if it shall be judged necessary by a further examination of him 3. In all which he being approved he is to be sent to the Church where he is to serve there to preach three several days and to converse with the people that they may have tryal of his gifts for their edification and may have time and occasion to enquire into and the better to know his life and conversation 4. In the last of these three dayes appointed for the tryal of his gifts in preaching there shall be sent from the Presbytery to the Congregation a publike intimation in writing which shall be publikely read before the people and after affixed to the Church door to signifie thaâ— such a day a competent number of the Members of that Congregation nominated by themselves shall appear before the Presbytery to give their consent and approbation to such a man to be their Minister or otherwise to put in with all Christian discretion and meeknesse what exceptions they have against him and if upon the day appointed there be no just exception against him but the people give their consent then the Presbytery shall proceed
Church visible what Con. 97. Cat. 32. Church invisible what Cat. 33. The priviledges of the Church visible Con. 97. Cat. 32 33. The priviledges of the Church Invisible Cat. 34. Church Catholick what Con. 96. It hath been sometimes more sometimes lesse visible Con. 98. The best Churches on earth subject to mixture and errour ibid. Church-Government committed by Christ to Church-Officers distinct from the Civil Magistrate Con. 111. Church-Officers instrusted with the power of the Keyes and what that power is Con. 111 112. Church-Censures their use necessity Con. 112. Civil-Magistrate See Magistrate The Ten Commandments a Rule of Righteousnesse Con. 67. Rules for understanding the Ten Commandments Cat. 56 57 58 59. No man in this life able perfectly to keep them Cat. 111. The Duties of each Commandment See Commandment The Sins against each Commandment See Commandment Communication of Properties in Christ Con. 34. Communication of Saints what Con. 99 100. Communion in Grace which Saints have with Christ Cat. 36. Communion in Glory which they have with Christ in this life Cat. 46. Immediately after Death Cat. 48. After Judgement Cat. 51. This Communion makes them not equall with Christ Con. 101. What Communion we ought to have one with another Con. 100 101. This Communion infringes not Propriety in goods or possession Con. 101. The Communion See Lords Supper Confession of sins to men when necessary Con. 53. Upon Confession the offending brother is to be received ibid. Liberty of Conscience See Liberty No enjoying of God but by way of Covenant Con. 25. Covenant of works or First Covenant what Con. 26. Covenant of Grace or Second Covenant what Con. 26 27. Cat. 14. With whom made Cat. 15. How the Grace of God is manifested in the Second Covenant Cat. 55. How the Covenant of Grace was administred under the Law Con. 27. Cat. 16. How under the Gospel Con. 28. Cat. 16 17. Councils to be call'd Con. 113. By whom Con. 90. 113. What power Councils have Con. 114. What submission due to their Determinations and Decrees ibid. Councâ—ls not infallible since the Apostles time Con. 114. Therefore Councils no Rule of Faith ibid. How far only Councils may meddle with Civil affaires Con. 114. Corruption of Nature what Con. 22 23. Cat. 12. How propagated Con. 23. Cat. 12 13. Creation Con. 15. Cat. 7. Creation of Man in particular Con. 15 16. Creation of Angels Cat. 8. The Curse and wrath of God how it may be escaped Cat. 119. D. Damnation how to be escaped Cat. 119. Dead not to be prayed for Con. 80. Death appointed for all Cat. 47. How Death is an advantage to Beleevers Cat. 47. The state of Beleevers after Death till the Resurrection Cat. 48. Of Unbeleevers Con. 115. The Decalogue the summe of the Morall Law Cat. 56. Rules for understanding it Cat. 56 57 58 59. The Decrees of God the nature extent and properties of them in generall Con. 10 11. Cat. 6. The Decree of pâ—edâ—stâ—nation Con 11 12. The Decree of Election and Reprobation Con. 12 13. Cat. 6 7. The Doctrine of the Decrees how to be handled and what use to be made of them Con. 14. True Beleevers can never utterly Despair Con. 66 Dipping in Baptism not necessary Con. 95. Divorce in what cases lawfull Con. 95. Divorce if lawfull dissolves the bond of Marriage ib. Doubting may consist with an Interest in Christ Cat. 134. And therefore should not hinder us from partaking of the Lords Supper ibid. Duties of the First Commandment Cat. 61. c. of the Second Cat. 66. c. Of the Third Cat. 72. c. Of the Fourth Cat. 78. c. Of the Fifth Cat. 58. c. Of the Sixth Cat. 91. c. Of the Seventh Cat. 95. c. Of the Eighth Cat. 99. c. Of the Ninth Cat. 103. c. Of the Tenth Cat. 109. c. E. Ecclesiasticall powers if lawfull not to be opposed on pretence of Christian Liberty Con. 74. Ecclesiasticall persons not exempted from obedience to the Civil Magistrate Con. 92. Effectuall Calling See Calling Election not out of Faith or Workes foreseen Con. 12. The properties of it ibid. Election to the meanes as well as to the end Con. 13. What use to be made of the Doctrine of Election Con. 14. The Elect only can be saved Con. 40. Elect Infants how saved Con. 39. Eucharist See Lords Supper Exallation of Christ what Cat. 25. In his Person Cat. 26. In his Ascension Cat. 27. In his sitting at the right hand of God Cat. 28. In his coming to Judgement Cat. 29. Excommunication by whom to be managed and to what end Con. 112. F. Faith the alone Instrument of Justification Con. 42 43. Cat. 37 38 39. How Faith justifies in the sight of God Cat. 33. The nature of Justifying Faith Con. 49. Cat. 38 39. The chief Acts of it Con. 49. How Faith is wrought and how encreased Con. 48. Faith may be without Assurance Cat. 45 46. Fall of Man the Nature and Effects of it Con. 22 23. Cat. 11. How all Mankind concern'd in the Fall Con. 23. Cat. 11. No Falling away totally and finally from true Grace Cat. 44 45. Con. 59. Why true Beleevers cannot so fall away but must needs persevere Con. 59 60. How farre they may Fall away Con. 61. Family worship required by God Con. 82 Fasting a part of Religious Worship Con. 81. Forgivenesse of sin how to be prayed for Cat. 151 152. Free-Will See Will G. Gods Nature and Attributes Con. 7 8 9. Cat. 4. God but one in Essence Cat. 4. Persons of the Godhead Con. 10. Cat. 5. How it appeares there is a God Cat. 1 2. God alone to be worshipped and that through Christ only Con. 78. God to be worshipped in that way only that is prescribed in Scripture Con. 77 78 Good Works See Works The Gospel dissolves not the Morall Law but establishes it Con. 69. Without the Gospel no salvation Cat. 30 31. No Falling from Grace See Falling Government of the Church See Church H. Why and how God Hardens sinners Con. 20 21. How we are to Hear the Word preached Cat. 125 126. The Holy Ghost's Godhead and Equality with the Father proved Cat. 5. The Humiliation of Christ what Cat. 23. The Humiliation of Christ in his Conception and Birth Cat. 23. In his Life Cat. 24. In his Death Cat. 24 25. After his Death Cat. 25. Hypostaticall Union See Personall Union I. Ignorant persons not to be admitted to the Lords Supper Con. 110. Cat. 105. Incarnation of Christ See Christ Incestuous Marriages Con. 94 95. Infants of Beleevers to be Baptized Con. 105. Cat. 129. Day of Judgement for Angels and men Cat. 49. Con. 117. The time concealed and why Cat. 50. Con. 118. The end of it Con. 117. The manner of it as to the wicked Cat. 50. Con. 117. As to the Righteous Cat. 50 51. Con. 117. Judiciall Law when it expired and how farre any part of it binds now Con. 68. Justification the
nature of it Con. 41. Cat. 37 38. The Instrument of it Con. 42. How it is an Act of Gods free grace Con. 43. Cat. 37 38. Justification not from Eternity Con. 44. Not by Workes Cat. 39. Justification the same under the Old Testament as under the New Con. 45. How Justification distâ—rs from sanctification Cat. 42. K. The Kingly Office of Christ how executed Cat. 22. What meant by the Coming of his Kingdome Cat. 146 147. L. The Law Morall given to Adam as a Covenant of Works with Ability to keep it Con. 66. Cat. 52. The Nature of it ibid. The Law continues still to be a perfect Rule of Righteousnesse Con. 67. and to bind Beleevers as well as others Con. 68 69. Being not abolisht but establisht by the Gospel Con. 69. No man able now to keep it perfectly Cat. 11. How Beleevers are free'd from the Law Con. 69. The Uses of the Law to all men Cat. 53 54. The Uses of it to the Unregenerate Cat. 54. The severall excellent Uses of the Law to Beleevers Con. 69 70. Cat. 55. How sweetly concordant with the grace of the Gospel Con. 71. Comprized in the Ten Commandments Cat. 56. Rules for understanding the Morall Law Cat. 56 57 58 59. The Ceremoniall Law what Con. 67. Abrogated under the New Testament Con. 68. The Judiciall Law See Judiciall What Liberty Christ hath purchased for Beleevers Con. 71 72. Wherein it is enlarged under the New Testament Con. 72 73. The ends of Christian Liberty Con. 74. How it is abused Con. 74 75. Not intended to destroy Ecclesiasticall or Civill powers but to uphold them Con. 74. This Liberty no plea for an Universall Toleration Con. 74 75. Liberty of Conscience what it is and what is repugnant to it Con. 73. No Liberty to sin Con. 74. Light of Nature not sufficient to make wise to salvation Con. 1. Cat. 30 31. Lords Supper See Supper Lords Prayer See Prayer M. Magistracy an Ordinance of God Con. 88 89 Lawfull for Christians to be Civil Magistrates Con. 89. The Civil Magistrate not to be resisted upon pretence of Christian Liberty Con. 74. The Civil Magistrates power in Church-affaires stated Con. 90. Magistrates authority not null'd by Infidelity or difference in Religion on 91. 92. Ecclesiasticall persons not execmpted from obedience to the Civil Magistrate Con. 92. The duty of people to their Magistrate Man how created at first Con. 15 16. Cat. 8. Gods providence towards Man in the state of Innocency Cat. 10. Man's chiefe end Cat. 1. The Masse an abominable abuse of Christ's sacrifice Con. 108. Marriage the ends of it Con. 93. Lawfull for all sorts ibid. Whom Christians should not Marry with Con. 94. Marriage within the degrees of Consanguinity or Affinity unlawfull Con. 94 95. In what cases Marriage may be dissolved Con. 95. Marriage between more then one Man and one Woman at a time unlawfull Con. 93. The Meanes of salvation what Cat. 119. The Mediatour of the Covenant of Grace Con. 29 30. Cat. 17. No Merit in good works Con. 56. The Ministry given by Christ to the visible Church Con. 97. N. The Name of God how to be used Cat. 72 73. How it is abused Cat. 73. What meant by the Name of God Cat. 145 146. New Testament or Covenant what Con. 28. O. Oathes part of Religious Worship Con. 81 84. The nature of an Oath Con. 84. Oathes warrantable under the New Testament Con. 85. A lawfull Oath not to be refused if imposed by lawfull Authority Con. 85 86. What to be considered before taking of an Oath Con. 85 How an Oath is to be taken Con 86. An Oath binds to performance whoever it be made to if the performance be not sinfull Con. 86. Offices of Christ Propheticall Office See Propheticall Priestly Office See Priestly Kingly Office See Kingly Old Testament what Con. 27 28. Ordinances given by Christ to the visible Church Con. 97. How they are effectuall Con. 97 98. Originall sin what Con. 23. Cat. 12. The root of Actuall Con. 24. Not wholly abolished in this life Con. 24. The guâ—lt of Originall sin Con. 24 25. How propagated Con. 23. Cat. 12 13. Originall Text of Scripture the Authenticall Con. 6. P. Pardon of sin how to be prayed for Cat. 151 152. Poedobaptisme lawfull Con. 105. Cat. 129. Perseverance of the Saints proved Cat. 44. Con. 59. What it depends upon Con. 59 60. The certainty and infallibility of perseverance whence Con. 60. The Persons of the Godhead Con. 10. Cat. 5. The Coequality of the Divine Persons proved Cat. 5 6. The Personall Union of the two Natures in Christ Con. 30 31. Why requisite Cat. 20. Polygamy unlawfull Con 93. The Pope hath no jurisdiction over Civil Magistrates in their Dominions nor over their people Con. 92. The Pope in no sense Head of the visible Church Con 99. The Pope Antichrist Con. 99. Powers Ecclesiasticall and Civil not to be opposed upon pretence of Christian Liberty Con. 74 Power of the Keyes what and to whom committed Con. 111 112. Prayer what Cat. 140. To be made to God alone ibid. Prayer and Thanksgiving the duty of all men Con. 78. How Prayer is to be made Con. 78. Cat. 143 144. For what and for whom we are to Pray and for whom nor Con. 79 80. Cat. 142 143. Prayer now not more acceptable in one place then in another Con. 81. What it is to Pray in the Name of Christ Cat. 141. Why we are to Pray in the Name of Christ ibid. How the Spirit helps in Prayer Cat. 142. The Rule of Prayer Cat. 144 The Lords Prayer how to be used Cat. 144. The meaning of the First PetitioÌ„ Cat. 145 c. of the Second Cat. 146 c. of the Third Cat. 148 c. of the Fourth Cat. 149 c. of the Fifth Cat. 151 c. of the Sixth Cat. 152 c. of the Conclusion Cat. 154 c. Preaching a part of Religious Worship Con. 80. Who are to Preach the Word Cat. 123 124. How Ministers are to Preach the Word Cat. 124 125. Predestination the properties of it Con. 12. Predestination unto life Con. 12 13. Predestination unto Wrath. Con. 13 14. The Doctrine of Predestination how to be handled and what use to be made of it Con. 4. Preparation to the Sabbath requisite Cat. 82. To the Lords Supper Cat. 133. Priestly Office of Christ how exâ—cuted Cat 21. Priviledges of the Church Visible Cat. 32. Of the Church Invisible Cat. 34. Prophetical Office of Christ how executed Cat. 21 Propriety of Goods not taken away by Communion of Saints Con. 101. Providence the Nature and Extent of it Con. 16 17. Cat. 9. How Providence is exercised about Sin Con. 18 19 20 21. Gods Providence in especiall manner over his Church Con. 21 22. Gods Providence towards Angels Cat. 9 10. Gods Providence towards Man in Innocency Cat. 10. Publick Worship not to be neglected Con. 82. Punishments of sin in this world Cat. 13 14. In the