discover and learn to flye from all that false Antichristian light of superstitious Will-Worship of God by mens inventions contrary to the light of Christ in the light of his Word aqd this Law or commanding part of his will and word in particular Mat. 15.9 By this true light of Christ you may finde out the falshood of those blinding lights who set up the false light of natural reason corrupted since Adams fall without the enlightning of the spirit of Christ Rationis lumen quo Deus ns donavit ostendit non debere nec posso paenam corporalem quam unus debea ab alio persolvi Sociuus Tract de Salvatore above the light of Christ in the scripture as if it were no further to be believed then the sense can agree with the right reason as they call it of their darkned understanding by which as the wicked Arrians they question the Divinity of the Son of God and the All-sufficient satisfaction of Christ for poor sinners Isa 53.5 6. Ioh. 1.12 1 Cor. 2.14 a most abominable error odious to every true Christian whatsoever and most contrary to the light of Christ revealed in Scripture which is sometimes above not contrary to right Reason enlightned by the spirit of Christ By this light of Christ you may see evidently that odious hateful false light of the Mahometan Alcaron upheld by Turkish Tyranny to the miserable slavery and destruction of many thousands I may say the same of those false lights of the Councel of Trent Conc. Trident Decret 1. Sess 4. de Tradit Conc. Trid. de Interpret Script Decret â— Sess 4. making unwritten Traditions of equal Authority with the written Word of God and the Church of Rome the Judge of all Interpretations of Scripture as Cardinal Bellarmine maketh the Pope chief Iudge as being the Church vertual and having infallibility of spirit as he vainly pretends when as in truth his light is darknesse a blinde leader of the blinde to error and destruction I might name the Arminian false light that gilded Popery the Antinomian false light I mean not such Orthodox men who Preach Christ clearly a justifier and sanctifier and love the Law of God the commanding part of the will and word of God as Christ by his light holdeth it forth in Scripture But Antinomian enemies to the Law of God indeed their light is a false light easily discovered by the true light of Christ Others there are not worth the naming who go about like Guido Fauks with the dark Lanthern of Errors A Memento of Nov. 5. 1605. to blow up the Parliament house of the true light of Christ from the Saints if the Lord did not hold forth the light of Christ in grace to quicken them by his Spirit of truth unto glory I say no more of any these false lights but desire the true light Christ if it be his blessed will may bring them from darknesse to light and from the power of Satan unto God Acts 26.18 reconciled in Christ Iesus Again if Christ be such a light the true light Then how should every Christian soul highly prize this true light Christ above all false wandring uncertain dangerous light whaâ—soever new or old for this light Lux vera et sincara nil ficti habeus Christ and his light is true light without any counterfeit at all and who will not prise truth above fallehoodjts not a true precious Diamond far more valued then a counterfeite Is not pure Gold far more excellent then guilded Lead or Copper what woman will not prise a rich chaine of precious Pearle above any counterfeit Beads or Glasse or the like what hungry man will value a painted banquet above a solid feast was not the Land of Goshen where was light far more sweet and comfortable then Egypt where was darknesse that might be felt Exod. 10.23 even so is Chrâ—st and his light excelling the darknesse of all false lights in the world look upon the light of Christ it is pure cleare and Genuine as it hath not falsehood so it hath no obscurity in it It is Christs owne proper light as the light of the Sun not borrowed as the light of the Moone if it seem dark to men at any time it is because some Cloud or mist of ignorance or unbeliefe cometh between a soule and Christ Yea Christ is a full and perfect light the light of Christ it self admitteth no lessening no decrease the Moon the more it draweth from the Sun the more her light decreaseth But Christs light doth not diminish at all if any darknesse seem to be it is the weaknesse of our eyes not able to behold the glorious light of Christ as sick eyes cannot look upon the Sun in his glory If Iohn Baptist was a burning Iohn 5.35 Iohn 1.8 and a shining light who was not that true light how much more Christ who is the true light it self by whose brightnesse we may see the glory of a reconciled God 2 Cor. 4.6 as in the Face of Christ The light of Christ is full of vertue to drive away all darknesse from a soule The Land that sate in darknesse Mat. 4.13 c. and in the shâ—ddow of death unto them hath the light shined and then darknesse flieth away Christ shineth in the midle of darknesse He is truly a light to lighten the hearts and the glory or Gods people Israel Luke 2.31 32. He driveth away the darknesse of ignorance out of the minde and understanding and causeth light of Divine and heavenly knowledge to shine into the Soule as it is with the light of a candle brought into a dark Dungeon it expelleth darknesse and light shineth in the place So it is with the light of Christ when he cometh into a darkned soul he driveth out the darknesse of error and light of truth shineth in the place thereof He driveth out the darknesse of unbelief when a soul walketh in darknesse and seeth no light yet when the light of Christ cometh shining into a soul and revealing the light of Divine truth inclosed in the promises the sparks of faith which were as it were raked up in the Embers they are kindled and the flame of faith shineth as a light with joy and peace in believing yea Christ brings the light of joy to a troubled conscience Phil. 4.7 and peace of God which passeth all understanding And how then is the light of Christ precious How is it to be rested in as satisfactory above all other lights whatsoever And how should every soul that liveth and walketh in darknesse draw nigh to Christ for light for he lightneth every man that cometh into the world all that receive light they do and must receive it in and through Christ whether light of Justification or light of Sanctification or light of glory O then my soul come into Christ for increase of light come near to Christ and meet him often in his
knowledge of God Ioh. 5.39 17.3 Rom. 15.14 and of Iesus Christ whom he hath sent Quest 14. What is the sum of the Scriptures held forth since the fall of Adam to this end that we may be happy for ever Ans First the Gospel or promising part holding forth Christ and Salvation in Christ by Faith Gen. 3.15 17.1 Exo. 20. Mat. 5. Iam. 7.2 Secondly The Law or commanding part manifesting that life and Rule of life in thankfulnesse by obedience Quest 15. Whence hath the holy Scriptures its Authority to require belief and obedience unto it Ans From God himself who did write part of it with his own finger Exod. 31.18 32.16 35.1 Deut. 9.10 2 Pet. 1.20 21. or by himself and his own power and the Prophets Apostles and Pen-men were the Pen-men of God the holy Ghost writing the Word of the Lord and what was directed by his holy Spirit for Gods glory and the good of his Church Quest 16. But doth not the Scriptures Authority depend upon the Authority of the Church and doth not the Churches Testimony prove the holy Scriptures to be the Word of God Ans Certainly although the Scripture may be believed with some kinde of Faith to be the Word of God by the Testimony of the Church especially by men out of the Church moved by the Churches testimony to receive the Scripture as Gods Word as holy Augustine did yet the Authority of the Scriptures depends upon God himself and the Saints are moved to believe it as by the excellency of the Scripture it self so by the testimony of the spirit witnessing unto their consciences that it is indeed the very Word of God Quest 17. How may this be illustrated further to us Ans By that Example of the Samaritans Iohn 4. they first believed on Christ for the testimony of the woman who said Christ had told her all things that ever she did But when they had heard Christ Ibid. now say they to the woman We do not believe on Christ for thy saying for we have heard him our selves and know indeed that this is very Christ So likewise at the first Augustine was and others may be drawn to believe the scriptures by the testimony of the Church but when once the minde is enlightned by the holy Spirit to see the Scriptures excellency Heb. 4.12 and the power of God in the word how it is quick and alive yea mighty in operation sharper then a two edged sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of the soul and the spirit and of the joynts and marrow of us and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart and that the Spirit of God is in the word 2 Cor. 3.8 and the Gospel is the Ministration of the Spirit Now the soul doth not believe and rest upon the witnesse of the Church for the truth and Authority of the Scripture but by the power of the Spirit of truth it self The childe of God seeth and knoweth that the holy Scriptures are the Scriptures of truth Iohn 16.13 and the very word of God himself and so to be believed and obeyed of all that look for Salvation Quest 18. But is not the Scriptures obscure and difficult to be understood and so dangerous to be read especially of ignorant and weak people Ans The holy Scriptures in respect of that Doctrine the knowledge of which is absolutely necessary to Salvation is not obscure but plain and easie by the assistance of the Spirit for every regenerate soul to understand the eyes of whose minde is enlightned Psa 119.105 yea it is a light to our feet and a lanthern to our pathes unto which we ought to give heed 2 Pet. 1.19 as unto a light that shineth in a dark place untill the day dawn and the day star and glory of the Gospel arise in our hearts But it is true it is dark and offensive to blinde eyes 1 Cor. 1.18 and to all that perish as in whom the God of this world hath blinded their mindes 2 Cor. 4.4 lâ—st the light of the glory of God should shine unto them and it is obscure and difficult to be understood in some parts even to Gods Children though not alwayes First that the Elect people of God might not trust to their own wisdom for understanding of the Scripture Eph. 1.18 19. but might be stirred up to pray for the help of the Spirit of Christ Luk. 24.45 Eph. 3.16 c and that Christ might dwell in their hearts by Faith and open their wills to understand that they may be able to comprehend with all Saints what is the height and length and depth and to know the love of God which passeth knowledge that they may be filled with the fulnesse of God Secondly That the Saints may be stirred up to diligent reading meditation and study of the Scriptures that so they may better gain the right understanding of places difficult and obscure Thirdly That the Saints may see that sometimes they stand in need of an Interpreter Iob 33.23 Acts 8.30 31. one of a thousand to understand the Scriptures As the Eunuch did stand in need of Philip and therefore might be taught to see the necessity and excellency of the speciall office of Christs Ministers 1 Cor. 4.1 2. 1 Tim. 5.17 and esteem of them and honour them as the Ministers of Christ unto whom the Lord in a more speciall manner hath given and communicated by his Spirit the speciall gift of understanding and Interpreting of the Scriptures 1 Cor. 12.28 c. Mal. 2.7 Nehem. 8.7 8. 1 Tim. 4.13 2 Tim. 3.15 16. and of opening the true sense of the holy Scriptures to the glory of God and good of Gods Church and verely the Scriptures may and ought to be read and searched of all sorts whose hearts God moveth to desire the knowledge of Christ for it hath been observed of old the Scripture is a Sea wherein the Elephant may swim and the Lamb may go on foot the greatest Doctors may finde work to understand and the poorest Saint may see and feel and finde comfort Quest 19. What or how manifold is the sense and meaning to be sought out in the holy Scriptures for our instruction Ans Howsoever the Scriptures in many places may be applied to our use and instruction by Typicall Tropologicall Figurative Analogicall and Parabolicall Interpretations Yet notwithstanding there is but one immediate literall genuine certain sense of a place of Scripture which is the true scope and intent of the holy Ghost in that place and this is to be sought out with all diligence as being the Grammaticall Historicall or positive meaning of the Spirit of God to be rested in as the truth of God Quest 20. But from whence must we seek the true interpretation of the Soripture Ans From the Spirit of Christ speaking not in the breast of the Pope falsly challenging
from Babylon it self The force and falshood of their minor proposition will appear as it relates to our Congregations if we compare the Church of Corinth and our great mixed Congregations together we shall finde the Church of Corinth and other Churches as corrupt and mixt as ours and yet not un-churched by Christ or the Apostles You may observe these particulars 1 Cor. 1.10 c. 1 Cor. 3.3 4. First in the Church of Corinth there were contentions Schisms and Divisions For which the Apostle reproveth them and tells them they were carnal and carried themselves not Christian like and yet he did not un-church them for all this 1 Cor. 5.1 2 13. Secondly in the Church of Corinth were prophane persons the incestuous person and such as with whom they should not eat in their civil societies as professing themselves Brethren for such are intimated and warning given of them and such as should have been cast out of the Church and excommunicated or suspended from the Sacrament at least and were not and yet the Apostle doth not un-church them for all this but admonish to put from them wicked persons Thirdly 1 Cor. 6. 1 2 8 in the Church of Corinth there was quarrelling and going to Law one with another and that before unbelievers yea Brother with Brother yea doing wrong and defrauding one another and yet the Apostle doth not un-church them nor exhort to a separation for all this Fourthly in the Church of Corinth 1 Cor. 8.1 2 10. there were some puffed up with knowledge but had little charity they offended their weak Brethen by eating meat in the Idols Temple and yet no un-churching for all this Fifthly in the Church of Corinth there were such as did grudge at the maintenance of Christs Ministers 1 Cor. 9. 1 2 34. as if Christs Ministers had not power to eat and to drink and to receive and require maintenance for their labour in preaching the Gospel as some amongst us have not been ashamed to affirm For which the Apostle reproveth them and proveth by several Arguments 1 Cor. 9.13 14. the equity justice and duty of Ministers maintenance as being an Ordinance of Christ that those who preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel of duty not of meer alms at pleasure or not at pleasure as som◠think And yet the Apostle doth not unchurch them for all this or exhort or teach a separation by all this Sixthly in the Church of Corinth there were Idolaters those who did go to partake of the Lords Table and the Table of Devils and provoked God to jealousie 1 Cor. 10 14 c. as the Apostle intimates and yet he doth not un-church them for all this Seventhly In the Church of Corinth there were such as came to the Sacrament and Church-Communion not for the better 1 Cor. 11. but for the worse There were divisions amongst them they neglected the poor one was hungry another drunken for so the Greek signifieth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 one is hungry another is drunken The Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ebrius est he is drunken is taken for drunkennesse in divers other places of Scripture Thus Acts 2. For these are not drunken as ye suppose The same Greek word is used in the Plural Number 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are drunken or they are not drunken as ye suppose it implieth a distemper by wine or strong drink which the Apostle did affirm the Church was not at that time to whom God gave the gift of Tongues in such an excellent manner by the power of the holy Ghost The same word is used in 1 Cor. 6. Neither Thieves nor Covetous nor Drunkards shall inherit the Kingdom of God not drunkards the Greek word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ebriosi drunken men distempered with drink I might name other places These are enough to shew the condition of the Corinthians some of them hungry others drunken that is distempered with drink It is not enough to say they were merry and cheerful with drink for it is evident they were so far distempered or drunken that the Apostle reproveth them for it as a sin some are hungry some are drunken and yet he doth not un-Church them nor move them to Separation for all this Quest 36. But do you approve of drunkennesse or these sinful corruptions in a Church Ans God forbid nay we reprove them as Saint Paul did and declare they ought to be informed against to the Church and Elders of the Church and if after Admonition and warning given they do not repent they are to be Excommunicated to be excluded the Sacrament and cast out of the Church But if there be failing in this and the like as Corinth did in not casting out the Incestuous person for a time yet the Apostle doth not un-Church them for all this or presse a Separation from Saints or from the Church though failing in this particular Eighthly They came to the Sacrament without due Examination of themselves 1 Cor. 28 c. they were guilty of the Body and Blood of Christ by unworthy receiving They did eat and drink judgement to themselves not discerning the Lords Body they were both ignorant and scandalous and God did punish them some with sicknesses some with death This the Apostle tells them of and reproveth them and exhorts to examine and judge themselves But yet he doth not un-Church them for all this or give any way to Separation from Church Ninthly 2 Cor 11.12 c. They had in the Church of Corinth false Teachers false Apostles deceitful workers transforming themselves into the Apostles of Christ as Satan changeth himself into an Angel of light whose Ministers these safe Apostles were labouring by fair shew to seduce the people of God in Corinth and yet the Apostle doth not un-Church Corinth nor presse or give way to a Separation for all this Tenthly and lastly In the Church of Corinth there were such as said there is no resurrection from the dead A notorious Atheistical Doctrine 1 Cor. 15.12 c. overthrowing the very foundation of Religion For as the Apostle argueth If there be no Resurrection then Christ is not risen then our Preaching is vain and our faith is in vain and we are yet in our sins But Christ is risen and there is certainly a Resurrection from the dead as the Apostle proveth at large in that Chapter Certainly too many in the Church of Corinth were seduced to that opinion and denied this truth of the Resurrection from the dead And yet the Apostle doth not un-Church them for all this nor give any way to a Separation from that Church Qest 37. And what the reason of this may some one demand Ans There might be many reasons given but this one amongst the rest Because although there were many corruptions in that Church both in life and Doctrine yet the Word and Sacrament were continued the prophane wicked men and Hypocrites
7.51 Prov. 20.25 Malac. 3.8 9. or resist or revile or discontent the Ministers of Jesus Chrst in or about their Ministeriall office or any other unlawful wayes is a sin Fifthly to take away or keepe back from them any part of that honorable maintenance or countenance which is due unto them by the Ordinance of the Lord Jesus 1 Thess 5.17 Galat. 6.6 7. is sacriledge a robbing and mocking of God and an odious sinne and more particularly what is approved of by the lawfull Magistrate Iohn 15.20 21. Iohn 16.1 2 3. Acts 9.25 2 Cor. 11.32.33 Luke 11.49 50. Acts. 8.2 3 Acts 9.4 5 Luk. 19.27 2 Sam 6.7 Sixthly to persecute betray or not to defend and preserve the Ministers of Jesus Christ by all lawfull and good meanes in their lives goods good names and especially in and for the execution of their Ministeriall office is a sinne and the property and marke of wicked men whom Christ will one day take for his enemies who refuse to have him to rule over them Seventhly for any to intrude themselves into the office of Christs Ministers 2 Chron. 26.19 20. or to usurpe a Ministeriall office in the Church of Christ for which he hath no call from Christ nor ground or title from the Word of God Heb. 5.4 is certainly a sin an odious sin against Christ Jesus Quest 34. You have revealed by Scripture and light from Christ in the Scripture what are the duties required and the sinneâ— forbidden both of Christs Ministers anâ— of the people over whom the holy Ghost hatâ— made them overseers and in particulaâ— how the people ought to receive reverence and countenance their Ministers Pastors and Teachers and give them that honorable maintenance which is due to Gods Ministers by Divine right and according to the Ordinances of the Lord Christ But is there any promise of blessing or any such encouragement to those who do thus receive honour and pay freely that honorable Maintenance that is due to God for his service and to Gods Ministers for their labour and service according to the Oâ—dinance of Christ Ans Yea verily the Scripture holdeth forth diverse promises to this effect Prov. 3.9.10 as that in the Proverbs Honour the Lord with thy substance and with the first fruits of all thy increase so shall thy Barnes be filled with plenty and thy Presses shall burst out with new Wine thou shalt be sure if thou honour God in his service or faithfull servants 1 Sam. 2.30 God will honour thee yea the Lord biddeth his people to trie and prove him if they would bring in the maintenance of his Ministery and service as they ought Malac. 3.10 11. if he would not open the Windowes of Heaven and powre a blessing upon them and he would blesse and not curse their increase and Christ saith hee Mat. 10.40 41. that receiveth his Disciples and Ministers receiveth him and they that receive a Prophet in the Name of a Prophet shall receive a Prophets reward so that there is great encouragement for Saints and all Gods people to perform their duties herein Quest 35. Is there any thinke you that love the Lord Iesus that will not love and honour his faithfull Ministers and willingly give them all respect due to them by the Ordinance of Christ Ans Certainly all men have not faith and some are unreasonable and wicked men 2 Thess 3.2 who love not Christ nor his Ministers I have heard divers Ministers complaine Gens 47.22.26 2 Chron. 36.16 17. that in some parts they have beene used far worse then the Egyptians used their Priests they finde no favour but have been subject to divers abuses which was a fearfull sinne that once brought a forraigne enemy upon Gods owne people But now we hope better things that as the Lord hath honoured those who are in high places so he will honour them with one grace more to take care that there may be faithfull and honorable Ministers placed in every congregation in the Kingdome 1 Tim. 5.71 and that they may have an honorable maintenance duly payd them according to the Ordinance of Christ 1 Cor. 9.14 Quest 36. I have received good satisfaction for the duties of Ministers Pastors and Teachers in the church of Christ and the peoples duties unto them both in respect of reverence and maintenance But what is your judgement I pray you hath Christ appointed no government in his Church and so no governours who as Fathers are to be honoured and who are to be as Rulers in the Church for right ordâ—â—ing of Christs discipline for Gods glory and the good of his Church what light from Christ to direct in this Ans Yes certainly as the Scripture holdeth forth the Lord Christ himselfe to be the chiefe Lord and Governour Isaia 2.6 7 Mich. 5.2 Mat. 2.6 yea the King of his Church and the Governement to be upon his shoulder so when the Lord Christ ascended up into Heaven and led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men as hee gave some to be Apostles and some Prophets some Pastors and Teachers Eph. 4 11 12. c. 1 Tim. 5.17 Rom. 12.8 for the perfecting of the Saints for the worke of the Ministery for the edifying of the body of Christ so hee hath given Elders 1 Cor. 12.28 Acts 6.1 2 3. Rom. 12.7 Rulers and Governments or helpes in Government as Overseers Deacons Ministers and Officers for the good of the Church of Christ Quest 37. But who are these Elders and Officers that are to have government in the Church Ans First it is evident in Scripture that the same men who are called in Scripture Presbyters Acts 20.17 28. or Elders and Rulers they are called Overseers or Bishops and Pastors 1 Tim. 5.17 such as must labour in the word and Doctrine and not only take heede to all the flocke over which the holy Ghost hath made them overseers Titus 1.5 6 7 8 9. But feede the Church of God which hee hath purchased with his own blood Acts 29.28 So that it is evident that the same men who are Pastors and Teachers have authority from Christ to be Elders 1 Pet. 5.2 3 4. and Rulers in the Church although they are not to lord it over Gods heritage but to be ensamples to the flock as St. Seter holdeth forth the light of Christ unto the Church Quest 38. Are there no other Elders or Ruling Officers in the Church but Pastors and Teachers and such as labour publikely in Preaching and so in the word and doctrin Ans Divers learned men do affirme from that place of the Apostle to Timothy Aretius Piscâ—tor Beza in 1 Tim. 5.17 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Cor. 12.28 Heb. 13.17 24. The Church of Gâ—neva The Chu ch of Scotland And Holland Frâ—nce Nâ—w England and nâ—w England the Elders that Rule well are worthy of double honour especially those that labour in Word and
they and every of you making your Calling and Election sure you may gain a sweet entrance here and in the end a full possession and fruition of that everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ which to further is the earnest desire and endeavour of Yours ever to serve you in Christ Iesus IMMANUEL BOURN May 2. 1646. TO THE READER A Briefe Table and Catalogue of the chiefe Questions Cases of Conscience and Divine Truths handled in this light from Christ or Jewell of Christian Divinity With a direction to make use both of the greater and lesser Catechismes in private Families or secret Closets or in publike Congregations if any please to make tryall of them These according to the severall Classes wherein they are primarily expressed or where more fully they are explained Classis 1. WHether all be bound in conscience to declare their knowledge and professe Qu. 1. p. 1 2 2. their faith in Christ when to whom and for what end this ought to bee done Quest 2. page 3. 4. Whether the use of Catechizing bee ancient in the Church with the necessity and benefit of it and the lamentable ignorance in the Kingdom Qu. 3. p. 7 8 c. Whether all Baptized persons bee true Christians and to be admitted to the Sacrament of the Lords Supper Qu. 4. p. 14. c. Whether all who are to be admitted to the preaching of the word may also be received to the Sacrament Qu. 5. p. 21. c. Whether in mixt congregations the sins of unworthy Receivers can hinder grace from the worthy and how such communion is lawfull how not Qu. 6. p. 24 c. What requisite graces are in the wedding garment to meet Christ in the Sacracrament antecedent antepresent present acting and subsequent graces Qu. 7. p. 27 28. What kinde of knowledge faith Repentance and Charity are to be enlivened in preparation Classis 2. Qu. 1 p. 27 28 c. WHether a fourefold knowledge of God 2 of our selves 3 of Christ 4 of the Sacrament be requisite in a Receiver what these are and wherefore necessary What God is in his nature Qu. 2. p. 29 c. and in his attributes communicable and incommunicable to the creatures Whether there be three distinct persons of the Divine Essence Qu. 3. p. 33 34 c. and the properties evidencing the Divinity of the Son of God of the Spirit as of God the Father and the Son Classis 3. WHether there be any such spirituall Essence Qu. 1. p. 38 c. and this proved by evidences of light from the Booke of nature and of Scripture of grace and of glory Classis 4. WHether the holy Scriptures be the revealed will and infallible word of God what is the antiquity Qu. 1. p. 47 48 c. necessity and authority of them How to know the right sence Qu. 2. p. 50 51 c. and understanding of the Scriptures and whether the authority of Scriptures depend upon the Church with the excellent use of them Cassis 5. Qu. 1. p. 58 c. WHat are the foure great works of God revealed in Scripture namely his eternall decree his worke of creation his work of providence here and worke of glory hereafter Qu. 2. p. 62 63 c. Whether the whole Trinity did create the world and how God made the body and soule of man Whether the soules of men or women be immortall with divers arguments to prove the immortality of the soule Classis 6. Qu. 1. p. 70. 71 c. VVHether God governeth the world by his providence and in particular Angells and men and of the nature of Angells good and evill and their service to the glory of God and benefit of his Church Classis 7. VVHether a fourefold knowledge of a man or womans selfe be requisite Qu. 1. p. 76 77 c. what hee or shee was by creation what by the fall of Adam what in and by Christ in grace and what he or she shall be in state of glory Classis 8. VVHether men or women have free will Qu. 1. p. 84 c. and what it was in the state of creation 2 Of nature corrupted after the fall 3 what it was in the state of grace and 4 what it shall be in the state of glory Whether a naturall man or woman can desire their own salvation and how far Qu. 2. p. 89. 90. and whether they be bound to waite upon God in the use of the means for salvation Classis 9. VVHether the Lord did hold forth the Law or commanding part of Gods word in mount Sinai Qu. 1. p. 91 c. as a covenant of workes or to what end and wherefore Christ and his Apostles doe interpret the mind of God in the commmanding part of his word and what is the use of it in the Church of Christ in preaching of the Gospell Qu. 2. p. 98 c. Qu. 3. p. 100 101 c. What is the covenant of grace and state of Gods children under the Gospel What shall be the condition and state of Gods children and of the wicked in death at the day of judgement and for every afterwards Classis 10. Qu. 1. p. 105 106 c. WHat is to be knowne of Christ in respect of his natures divines and humane and of his hypostaticall or personall union of both natures and the necessity of his being both God and man for our salvation How there is a communication of the Jdioms or Phrases and properties of both natures each to other Qu. 2.114 115 c. with particular instances of the same Classis 11. Qu. 1. p. 116 c. WHat is the threefold office of Christ in particular of his Priestly office and of the two chiefe parts of it First satisfactitn to Gods Justices Secondly intercession for us Whether the whole satisfaction and sufferings for our sinnes was fulfilled by Christ Qu. 2. p. 118 c. and for what end Gods is pleased to afflict and suffer his children to be afflicted in this life Classis 12. WHat is the propheticall office of Christ Qu. 1. p. 12 122 c. how and when he did and doth exercise it and to what end and how by his Gospell-ministrey and spirit he encourageth and draweth poore sinners to come unto him Believe Repent and he saved What is the kingly office of Christ Qu. 2. p. 139 130. when and how hee did and doth manifest his conquering calling power with his speciall calling and ordination of Ministers for the benefit of his Church Whether every man may take upon him the office of Preaching with the manner of callings necessity Qu. 3. p. 130 131 c. and excellency of the Ministeriall office and the sad miseries would follow in the Church if it were abolished Classis 13. Qu. 1. p. 134 135 c. VVHether Christ hath procured excellent graces
and benefits for his Church and children and what they are in particular Election Redemption Vocation and the excellent priviledge of Justification for comfort of Saints Classis 14. Quest 1. p. 142. 143 c. VVHat is the great blessing and benefit of adoption the difference betweene a naturall and an adopted Sonne and Daughter and how we may know we are the adopted children of God in Christ Jesus and heires with Christ of glory Qu. 2. p. 144 c. What is the great benefit of the new creation and how a man or woman may know they are now creatures Qu. 3 p 146 147 c. What is the benefit of the presence of Christs Spirit and what other particular graces Christ communicates to his Church Qu. 4.149 150 c. What a true Church of Christ is who are the members how manifold it is what are the markes of it and whether there bee so many Independent Churches as there are particular Congregations of Porfessors in the world Whether there may be a separation from a true Church for some corruption in Doctrine or manners and how far Qu. 5. p. 154 c. Whether the Church of Christ may erre in Fundamentalls totally and finally P. 206 297. Qu. 6. p. 157 158 c. with the grounds of preseverance and whether this doctrine of assurance doth open a way to libertinisme Classis 15. VVHat knowledge of the Sacraments is necessary for a comfortable partaking of the Lords Supper Qu. 1. p. 160 c. what kinde of mystery a Sacrament is How it is a signifying and sealing action and the Covenant of Grace which is sealed How many Sacraments there are of Christs institution Qu. 2. p. 164 c. what difference between those before and since the comming of Christ who may administer and what are the outward and inward matter and forme of the Sacraments in generall with the union between the signe and the thing signifyed Classis 16. Qu. 1. p. 170 c p. 290. VVHo are the subjects or persons to be Baptized according to the institution of Christ and whether Infant Children of believing Parents and what evidence and light from Christ to prove this against the adversaries of Poedobaptisme Qu. 2. p. 194 c. What meanes to difference the Church from the world without Rebaptization of men and women professing their faith with the profit of Baptisme if Infants in the Church Classis 17. Qu. 1. p. 210 c. VVHat the Sacrament of the Lords Supper is by whom instituted and when what are the outward things signified and sealed and what kind of body of Christ the receiver doth partake of or hath communion and union with in the Ordinance the naturall or Sacramentall or spiriticall or Mysticall Body of Christ and how and in what manner each or any of these is in the Sacrament What are the outward and inward form in the Sacrament Qu. 2. p. 217 c. and what the Analogy and agreement betweene the signes and the things signified and in particular betweene the Bread and the Body of Christ Classis 18. VVHat is the Analogy and similitude between the Wine in the Sacrament and the bloud of Christ Qu. 1. p. 221 222 c. and how the things signified are present with the outward signes to a faithfull communicant if neither by transsubstantiation as Papists nor by consubstantiation as others whether by a locall presence or Sacramentall or spirituall or virtuall and what every of these kind of presence are and how to he understood What are the ends why the Lords Supper was ordained Q. 2. p. 22â— c. and the sweet union and communion we have with Christ and the Saints for our strengthening in thâ—â— sacred Ordinance Classis 19. Qu. 1. p. 229 230 c. VVHat is fit to be knowne concerning the outward circumstances of time place and gestures in giving or receiving the Sacrament whether Christian churches and particular members may not use liberty of conscience in these particularly in standing kneeling or sitting and upon what grounds Qu. 2. p. 23â— c. VVhether it be necessary that the Minister deliver the Bread and Wine to every communicant in particular and whether Christ did so whether all ought not to endevour a uniformity with the Directory and practice of that church of which hee or shee is a member and what hath beene the practice of antiquity in things indifferent as seeking Vnity and Peace in the Church Classis 20. VVHat the grace of Faith is Qu. 1. p. 241 c. the severall acceptations of faith in Scripture what justifying faith is and when a man or woman is rightly disposed by Christ and his Spirit to believe and receive Christ for salvation Who is the principall worker of faith Qu. 2 p. 244 c. who the instrumentall what is the matter and forme of faith what are the lively effects of it what the ends of it namely the glory of God and salvaiion of our soules Classis 21. VVHat the grace of Evangelicall Repentance Qu. 1. pag. 249. and conversion to God is with the author or meanes and manner of working the subject matter the whole Man or Women soule and body The forme mortification of the old man and vivification of the new and the end of it the glory of God the edification of our Neighbour and assurance of our eternall salvation Qu. 2. p. 255 c. What the necessary grace of Christian love and charity is wherein and with whom it is to be exâ—rcised in the Church namely to every one that is our Neighbour but especially the household of faith and our fellow Saints in the church of Christ Q. 3. p. 258 c. How we may know who are of the household of Faith and rightly admitted to be fellow Saints or Members of the church and of the twofold entrance and admission into the Church the first inward and spirituall the second outward corporall and visible with the severall degrees of spirituall entrance into church-fellowship or christianity not almost but altogether And how the church may be sayd to be universall nationall provinciall or congregationall Q. 4. p. 264 c. How manifold the outward corporall on visible entrance and admission is into the visible church namely but one in substance yet diversly acted in the church both in men and woemen of ripe yeares and children before Christ and of the Jnfant â—dmission of children into the Church and Proselytes in and after Abrahams time Q 5 p 273 c. Whether circumcision was unto Abraham a seale of the covenant of workes or of the covenant of grace and how that place is to bee understood Galat. 5. hee that is circumcised is bound to keepe the whole Law What was the outward manner of admission into the Church since Christs time for men of ripe yeares Q. 6. p. 278 c. and
How may we make use of this the Catechismel or the lesser to best profit of private families or others First the Master or some one in the Family may read the Question and then first every one in order declare their knowledge or shew their ignorance and inability to answer Secondly the Master or any other may Reade the Answer in the Booke and let every one in order render the Answer again not verbatim word by word but as hee or shee understands the Question Thirdly let this be practized untill every one is able to give the sence of the Answer onely upon Reading of the Question without Reading the Answer The like a Christian man or woman may do in their closets by Reading and Meditation and questioning themselves And if young Scholars in the Vniversities or elsewhere make use of it at times convenient onely Reading the Questions and Answers out of the English into Latine or Greek I conceive it might be helpefull to receive some light from Christ by which they may sooner be prepared to hold forth the light of Christ for the good of Christs Church Which for the benefit of the Vniversities Cities and Kingdomes is the dayly Prayers of Yours Theirs and the Churches Servant in Christ IMMANUEL BOURNE London Printed for John Wright in the Old Bayly at the signe of Kings Head 1646. FINIS A light from Christ leading unto Christ by the Star of his word and to a lively refreshing in and by Christ at the Lords-Table OR A Divine Help and Directory for preparation to a sweet Communion with Christ in the more comfortable partaking of the Lords Supper Divided into thirty three severall Classes or companies of Question the better to order practise and help the memory The first Classis or company of Questions 1 Question IS every man and woman who professe themselves Christians bound in conscience to make confession or profession of their Faith and Hope in Christ to whomsoever is fit to require it in a fit time and place to Gods glory and the good of Gods Church and Children Answer Yes verely the holy Spirit of Truth holdeth forth this in the Scripture of Truth Mat. 16.23 14 15 16. Luke 9.25 26. 1 Pet. 3.14 15 16. as a Christian duty not to be ashamed of Christs Word or afraid of men but to sanctifie the Lord God in our hearts and to be ready to give an Answer to every man that asketh a Reason of the hope that is in us with meeknesse and reverence Quest 2. But doth not the holy Apostle Paul require a man to examine himself and prove himself What then need any man or woman 1 Cor. 11.28 29. 2 Cor. 13.5 1 Pet. 3.14 15. Gal. 6.4.5 Gal. 2.8 Col. 3.20.22 He. 13.17 1 Tit. 14,26 1 Tit. 5.17 2 Tim. 2.24 c. or childe give an Answer to the Examination or Question of another Ans The Apostle Paul indeed doth strictly require self-examination but neither he nor any other in Scripture doth forbid or gainsay that which the same Spirit of God in St. Peter requireth as a duty namely give a reason of the hope that is in us especially to our Superiours in order of nature or office in the Church as to Parents or masters to Teaching or Ruling Elders especially when it is desired discreetly holily humbly as in Gods presence with meeknesse compassion and love for Gods glory our own Edification and the good of Gods Church Quest 3. Is Catechizing or Instruction of the ignorant Children and others of ancient practice and approved authority in the Church of God Ans Most certainly it is Gen. 18.18 Mat. 16.16 17. Heb. 5.12 13. Heb. 6.1 2 3. Eusebius l. 5. c. 9.10 Hicronim in catalo Eusebius l. 6. c. 56. Faithfull Abraham instructed his Family Christ Catechized his Disciples the Apostles gave both milk for Babes and meat for strong men laying down the principles of the Doctrine of Christ and Catechisme hath still been continued in the Church of Christ as Catechismes and Catechists witnesse at large and in particular Pantaenus a Catechist in the Primitive times succeeding the Apostles After him Clemens Alexandrinus Origen and others Quest 4. But may not all those who call themselves Christians and have been Baptized when they were Infants be admitted to the Sacrament when they come to riper years although they were never Catechized or be they never so ignorant And if so Then what need Catechismes or Catechizing or any Examination other then wha man can examine himself Ans All are not Israel that are of Israel nor are all true Christians that call themselves Christians Rom. 9.6 Rev. 3.9 as some said they were Iews and were not but were of the Synagogue of Satan so it is now there are many Christians in name or Baptized persons not only secret Hypocrites undiscerned of whom we cannot judge but open carelesse and notoriously ignorant of Christ and Christianity yea without the knowledge of God or of themselves or of Christ or of the Sacrament in any competent measure requisite to enable them to examine themselves as the Scripture 1 Cor. 11.28 and the Spirit of Christ in the Scriptures require and these I conceive though some men account them visible Christians and although neither their lives are so scandalous nor their ignorance such as for which they may be fitly Excommunicated from the preaching of the Gospel and all communion with the Saints they being willing to hear the Word Preached and not rejecting Christs ministers yet their very ignorance is such that in my judgement they are not fit to be admitted to the Sacrament 1 Example I will give you an Example or two of my own experience I did know one W.W. whom I found ignorant of Christ although he was above threescore years old and telling him that the wages of sin is death Rom. 6.23 and that he must know some one that had died for him or would die for him to satisfie Gods Justice for his sins or else being a sinner he could not be saved He Answered me That none had dyed for him and none should dye for him but he would stand between God and himself This man verely was unfit in my minde to be admitted to the Sacrament of the death of Christ who did neither know nor believe that Christ dyed for sinners Rom. 4.25 nor rose again for their Iustification And when he did presume thus ignorant to come to the Lords Table 1 Cor. ii 29 30. he sinned in so doing and did eat Iudgement to himself not discerning the Lord Body And yet I conceive he was not so scandalous in life or ignorant as to be Excommunicated from the Preaching of the Gospel For when after I did shew him his misery by sin Ioh. 3.16 and the greatnesse of Gods love in giving Christ to dye for poor sinners the tears ran down his cheeks for joy and he confessed he never understood so much before And yet
unspeakable goodnes to the sons and daughters of men Exod. 18.11 2 King 5.14 2 Chron. 14.11 20.12 13. Luk. 19.6 c. Act. 2.22 and 9.1 c. 20 21. 1 Tim. 1.11 Eph. 1.17 c. 2 Cor. 6.9 10. Hebrews 11. the whole Chapter Quest 20. What Evidence is there from the light of glory Exo. 34.29 30. Isa 6.1 2 3 2 Cor. 12.3 4. 1 Cor. 13.9.10 Iohn 3.1 2 3. 1 Thes 4.17 Ans That beginning and part-light of glory which God hath caused to shine in or upon his Children in this life and the fulnesse of which the Lord assureth them they shall see and injoy in Heaven for ever Quest 21. What profit or comfort is this knowledge what God is and what a one he is to you Ans Great cause of rejoycing that Jehovah this Lord God Isa 43.1 2 3. Psa 52.1 2 10. Dan. 3.17 18 25. Ioh. 20.28 is my God in Christ infinite able and willing and wise and alwayes present to preserve protect and do me good in this life and that life to come even for ever and ever Amen The fourth Classis or Company of Questions 1 Question VVHat is the word of God Or what ought a Christian to know concerning the word and will of God Ans The word of God in the manifestation of Gods will and pleasure 1. Gen. 1. 2. 3. 17.2 7 22.16 17. Exod. 19.20 Isa 8.20 Luke 11.28 Rom. 10.27 Ioh. 5.39 2 Pet. 1.19 c. Either immediatly by himself as his word of command concerning the Creation of the world in generall and man in particular before the fall and the manifestation of his good pleasure after the fall to Adam Abraham and other Saints and Sons of men Or mediatly in Scripture by holy men as they were inspired by the holy Ghost Quest 2. Where is this revealed will and word of God written to be found Ans In the Canonicall Books of the Old and New Testament Ps 40.7 Mat. 1.1 Mar. 12.26 Dā 10.21 Mat. 21.42 Rom. 1.2 Ioh. 5.39 commonly called the Bible and Book of God and the holy Scriptures Quest 3. What is there to be known in the holy Scriptures concerning the will and pleasure of God Ans That the holy Scriptures are the most perfect rule of Faith and life above all other writings whatsoever and that they hold forth the good will of God by way of Covenant both in the Covenant of works to our first Parents before the fall and in the Covenant of Gods Free-grace in Christ since to and for the people of God to the end of the world Isa 8.20 2 Tim. 3.15 c. 1 Cor. 15.3 Joh. 5.39 Gen. 2.9.16 17. 3.15 17.7 Jer. 31.33 34. Matth. 17.5 John 3.16 Acts 2.28 22. Quest 4. Are the Scriptures the ancient and first written truths of God to be believed Ans Certainly they are most ancient of all written Divine truths preserved wonderfully so many hundred yea thousand years as witnesse them Divine and of most Divine Authority indeed Quest 5. By what means may you be assured that these Books of the holy Scriptures are the infallible truth of the most true God and that holy men writ them as they were inspired by the holy Ghost Mat. 4.4 22.29 30 c. Luk. 24.25 c. Mat 7.12 Ioh 15.35 17.17 Act. 2.17 17.11 24 14.2 Ans Not only by the witnesse of Christ the chief Prophet and of the Saints and Church of God and by Promises and Prophecies fulfilled by miracles and martyrdoms whereby the Doctrine hath been confirmed but by the Divine harmony perfection powerfull efficacy of the Scriptures themselves and the testimony of Gods Spirit in the souls of believers Quest 6. What necessity was there of the holy Scriptures and word of God written Ans The Lord did see it needfull to have his word written Isa 8.20 Rom. 15.4 Isa 59.20 21. Rom. 1.20 21. 2 Tim. 3.16 because men did not learn by the Book of Nature and work of Creation and government to keep God in their mindes but did run into Errors and fell to worship Creatures and false Gods and false Religions Therefore God gave Scriptures as a guide and rule of life and Doctrine to his Church Quest 7. But is the Old Testament needfull for Gods Children in the time of the Gospel Ans Yea certainly it is of excellent use for the Old Testament holdeth forth Christ and directs to Christ who is yesterday and to day and the same for ever And the whole Scripture is to be searched as profitable for Doctrine for reproof for correction for instruction in righteousnesse that the man of God may be perfect and throughly furnished to every good work Gen. 3.15 Isa 9.6 and 53.1 2 3 c. Zach. 13.1 Mal. 4.2 Heb. 13.8 Rev. 13.8 Joh. 5.39 and 8.5 6. Rom. 15.4 2 Tim. 2.16 17. Psal 119.105 Isa 8.20 Rom. 3.31 Matth. 5.17 18. Luk. 10.34 Heb. 8.10 11. Quest 8. In what languages were the holy Scriptures Originally written And whether may they be translated and read in our English and other tongues understood of the people Nehem. 8.8 1 Cor. 14.5 14.18 19 26 27. Ans The holy Scriptures of the Old Testament were chiefly written in the Hebrew tongue and the New Testament in the Greek as Originall copies evidence But they may be truly translated and read in other Languages and interpreted as the people of severall Nations may understand them for the perpetuall edification of the Church Quest 9. Are not the Scriptures subject to error Psa 19.7 8 c. Prov. 30.5 6. Ps 12.6 2 Pet 3.15 16. Ans No certainly the holy Scriptures are most true perfect and pure and free from error though some men not rightly understanding them have erred to their own destruction Quest 10. What rules may be observed for right understanding of the Scriptures Ans There are divers And first a competent knowledge in the Originall Languages and inspection into the fountains themselves Secondly Prayer for the assistance of Gods Spirit and to reveal truth Thirdly A deniall of self-opinion and Spirituall pride Quest 11. What is a fourth Rule Ans Fourthly a carefull observation of the chief scope of the holy Ghost Acts 8.20 Rom. 6.14 Eph. 1.16 c. 1 Cor. 12.10 Col. 3.6 1 Cor. 14.31 32. with the coherence and consequents of the Text and of proper and figurative speeches comparing of obscure and plain places together Fifthly a having respect to the Analogy of Faith and grounds of Divinity drawn out of Scripture Sixthly a humble submitting of the private Spirits to the Spirits of the Prophets Quest 12. What is a seventh Rule Ans To eye the chief Iudge of controversies namely the Spirit of God speaking in the Scriptures and by consent of plain places expounding the harder Quest 13. What is the principle knowledge to be learned out of the Scriptures Ans How to attain life Eternall by the true
Rev. 2.10 2 Tim. 4.8 c. Mat. 16.16 c. an acceptation of our person and all our services in this life and an assurance of the crown of Righteousnesse and glory in heaven with perseverance in grace and protection from men and Devils here and preservation to that heavenly Kingdom and Salvation These and many more are the rich blessings Christ hath purchased and God the Father given to his Church in Christ Jesus Quest 25. But what is this Church and people for whom the Lord Christ hath procured and to whom he communicates so many excellent benefits both of grace and glory Ans * Eph 1.4 5 6 7. Act. 20.28 Mat. 1 21. Rom. 8.29 30. 1 Pet. 1.4 5. 2 Tim. 4.7 8 18. 2 Cor. 5.1 2 8. Phil 1.23 Rev. 14.13 1 Thes 4.16 17. The Church of God is that company of people who are Gods chosen ones whom Christ hath purchased with his own blood saved from their sins in time calleth justifieth sanctifieth and preserveth here in grace in a condition Militant and in the end translateth to glory in and to an estate Triumphant in the heavens for ever Quest 26. Is there a communion of Saints or of this Church and people of God 1 Cor. 12.12 c. 1 Ioh. 1.3 Eph 4.3 c. Gal. 3.27 c. Ans Yes certainly true believers are united as one Body in Christ their Head and have a sweet union and communion with God the Father and with the Lord Jesus Christ and one with another in Christ in all these rich benefits procured by Christ for their souls and bodies and their happinesse for ever Quest 27. Who is the Head of the Church Ans The Lord Christ himself who was exalted up on high Eph. 1.20 c. Phil. 2.9 10. Eph. 4.15 16. Mat. 28.18 when he was raised from the Dead by the working of Gods mighty power and set at Gods right hand far above all principalities and power and every name in heaven and earth and appointed him to be the Head over all things to the Church all power being given unto Christ in heaven and in earth Quest 28. Is there but one Head of the Church 1 Cor. 12.12 27. 1 Thes 2.3 4 Ans Certainly no as Christs Church is one mystical Body so it hath but one mystical Head Christ himself to have two Heads ascribed to the Church were to make it a Monster Therefore the Pope or whosoever taketh upon him to be Head of the Church is not a friend of Christ but Antichrist Quest 29. Rev. 17.14 1 Cor. 12.27 c. Eph. 4.12 Heb. 1.1 c. Eph. 1.22 23. Heb. 12.22 Re 19.10 Who are the Members of Christs Church Ans All who are truly called and chosen and faithful believers and children of believers Elected in Christ yea the Elect Angels themselves in some respect are the Members of this Church of Christ he being exalted to be Head both of Angels and Men. Quest 30. How manifold is the Church of Christ Ans The Church of Christ is one Body of which Christ is the Head Gal. 3.28 Eph. 4 4. Can 6.8 Ioh. 10.16 one Dove one Flock as there is one Shepheard the Lord Jesus But in divers respects it hath divers names ascribed unto it 1. It is called Catholike or Universal Gal. 3.28 Heb. 12.23 Rev. 2. 3. as it relates to the children of God in all Ages and places of the world yea in heaven as well as in earth 2. It is called Particular as it relates to particular Countreys and Congregations believing in Christ and professing the Gospel Act. 2.41 2 Tim. 2.19 Eph. 6.11 Mat. 25.34 3. It is called visible as it relates to the open professors of the Faith 4. It is called invisible as it respects the Elect chiefly known to God himself 5. It is called Militanâ— as it is warring on Earth And 6. Triumphant as they are conquerours in the Kingdom of Heaven Quest 31. What are the marks of the Church Mat. 28.19 20. Act. 2.42 1 Cor. 11.23 c. 2 Thes 2.13 Ans First the outward marks are two The pure Preaching of the Word of God and right Administration of the Sacraments Secondly the inward are Faith and holinesse as the way to happinesse Quest 32. How are the keys of Jurisdiction or Discipline to be ordered in the Church Mat. 16.19 Ioh. 20.23 Mat. 18.15 c. 1 Cor. 5.5 16.22 2 Cor. 2.7 8 Ans According as Christ hath set down in the Scriptures to Gods glory and good of his Church Quest 33. You have briefly spoken of the true Church and true Members of the Church Gods Elect known to God But doth every visible National or particular Congregation of men professing themselves to be a Church of Christ consist only of such true Members without Hypocrites or false Christians in name not in truth Ans Certainly we do not read of any National Church visible but had or might seem to have some Hypocrites in it some false Brethren some who after they were admitted or taken as Members in the judgement of the Church proved erroneous in judgement and fell to Errors and Heresies or scandalous in life and fell to prophanenesse until they were discovered and Excommunicated or Schismatically rent themselves from that true Church and Congregation wherein they were as the Churches of Corinth Rev. 2.12 c. 1 Ioh. 2.18 19. of Galatia Ephesus Pergamos and other Churches since the Apostles times and History of Churches witnesse at large Quest 34. Are there so many absolute independent Churches of Christ as there are particular Churches or Congregations truly professing Christ and enjoying the Word and Sacraments in truth throughout the Christian World Ans Verely the Church of Christ is but one as we proved before Eph. 4.2 3 4. 4.1 5 16. and this one Catholique or Universal Church is depending upon Christ the Head whose Body the Church is and every particular true Church called Congregational Classical Provincial or National or by any other name is a Member of this Universal Church or Mystical body of Christ the Head 1 Cor. 12.21 c. and as no Member of the Body of man or woman is absolute and independent of itself but all the Members stand in need one of another are to submit one to another in love and duty and to be helpful one to another for the good of the whole Body So I humbly conceive it is and ought to be with the Churches of Christ 1 Cor. 12.20 Eph. 5.25 26 Act. 20.28 who are many Members yet but one Church which he hath loved and given himself for and purchased with his own blood and as no Church ought to be tyrannical or have a tyrannical power over another so no particular Member Church is or ought to be so independent 1 Cor. 12.25 c. but that the Member Churches should have the same care one for another that there be no Schisme
outward signes and circumstances yet the internal Grace held forth signed and sealed in both is Christ and his Benefits who is yesterday and to day and the same for ever and so though there were divers figures and types yet here are not four properly in substance but two Sacraments in the Church ordinarily for the Baptizing in the Red Sea was extraordinary Quest 14. Who hath authority as the spiritual Efficient and Author to institute and ordain such a holy Sacrament Ans None but God Gen. 17.10 11. Exod. 12.1 29. Matth. 28.19 Mark 14.22 23. the whole Trinity in common and Christ God and man in particular who is the Angel of the Covenant and of whose last Will and Testament a Sacrament is a Seal to and for the good of the Church Quest 15. Who hath authority and power as an instrument to administer such a Sacrament Answ None but the Ministers of Christ lawfully Matth. 28.19 20. Heb. 5.4 Ephes 4.7 8 c. and rightly called and authorised thereto by Christ and his Church Quest 16. what is the external matter or material cause and outward signe in the first of these Sacraments the Sacrament of Baptism Ans The external signe Matth. 3.6 Acts 8.38 Mark 7.4 1 Cor. 10.4 and seal of Baptism is the Element of Water wherewith men of ripe yeers converted to the Faith of Christ and children of beleeving Parents within the Covenant of Grace have been are and may be Baptized or washed by diving under dipping or sprinkling Heb. 12.24 and washing with water sacramentally and according to the Ordinance of Christ Quest 17. What is the internal material thing signified in this Sacrament of Baptism Iohn 3.3 5. Heb. 12.24 1 Cor. 12.13 Rom. 6.4 5 6. Gal. 3.27 1 Ioh 1.7 Rev. 1.5 Acts 22.16 2 Cor. 5.17 Titus 3.5 6 7. Matth. 28.19 Acts 14.3 4 5. Ans Christ himself and his spirit and the vertue of Christ his blood the blood of sprinkling applyed by the Spirit washing and clearsing us from our sins makeing the baptized partakers of the vertue of Christs death and Resurrection and of the Grace of Regeneration and new Creation of union and engrafting whom God the Father pleaseth into Christ in this Sacrament of Baptism Quest 18. What is the outward form of this Sacrament of Baptism Ans The outward form of Baptism on Gods part and ours is the word of Promise in the institution of the Sacrament and action and profession of Faith and manner of baptizing by dipping or sprinkling or baptizing in or into the Name of the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost Quest 19. What is the inward form of this Sacrament of Baptism Answ That mystical and sacramental union that is between the outward signes of the Sacrament Gen. 17.10 Rom. 2.29 Col. 2.11 12. Tit. 3 5. Acts 2.38 39. and 10. 47 48. and 22.16 and inward Graces of the Covenant set forth and sealed in the Sacrament by vertue of which union as the signes are attributed to the things signified and these agree with the signes so the things signified and sealed are really communicated not by vertue of the work done and to every person baptized as the Papists dream but when God seeth good to those persons that are Gods elect children and have right unto and rightly partake of this Sacrament it sealeth their Iustification Regeneration and Salvation in Christ Quest 20. What kinde of union is this between the outward signe and the thing signified in the Sacrament Ans Not a Corporall Physical or Local nor yet an imaginary union onely but a true and real union yet so as the inward Grace is not communicated to all by vertue of the work done but to Saints in Covenant by vertue of the Covenant to whom and when God pleaseth Simon Magus he wanted Acts 8.13 20. and 8.36 39. and the Eunuch enjoyed spiritual Grace and joy in beleeving when he received Baptism as the outward signe and seal of inward Regeneration of the heart so that the outward signe and inward grace are not always united together but when and to whom God please he giveth grace and sealeth it to the joy of the soul The sixteenth Classis or Company Questions 1 Question VVHo are the subjects or persons to be made partakers of this Sacrament of Baptism Matt. 28.19 29. Mark 16.16 Acts 2.38 and 8.38 Answ All that are within the Covenant of Grace are first men or women of ripe yeers embracing the Gospel and converted to beleeve in Christ repent of their sins and be new Creatures yea able and willing to make profession of the faith and graces of God in them And secondly the custome of the Church for many hundred yeers hath practised Baptizing of Infants especially of beleevers in the Church Quest 2. What grounds or proof of this do you finde that have or may be produced from Scripture that children of beleevers should be admitted to Baptism Ans Divers Reasons have been observed by Divines But first this Rule is noted by Divines That whatsoever is or may be found a command or Institution of Christ in the Old Testament or in the New either in expresse words and terms or by good and necessary consequence not upon supposition onely but true foundation in the Book of God either for moral or for positive Duty It hath sufficient authority to be commended as a Truth of Christ for the benefit of Christs Church and may hold good for substance in the New Testament as well as in the Old although in a different manner of dispensation And therefore those who cast off a Truth of Christ plainly set forth in the Old Testament because it is not in so many words held forth or expressed in the New I conceive do much derogate from Christ who was the glorious Prophet of his Church as truly in the Old Testament as in the New The same Spirit of Christ preaching to 1 Pet. 3.19 20. and in the Patriarks and by the Prophets in the Old Testament as in the New and both Moses the Prophets and Apostles being all the Amanuenses and Pen-men of the Holy Ghost The whole Scripture being written by the Inspiration the Holy Ghost not by any private Interpretation and so the whole Scripture or any part of it in the Old Testament or in the New 2 Pet. 1.19 20 21. either in expresse words or evident consequence is a sufficient ground to prove Infants Baptism or any Truth of God whatsoever Quest 3. Although this be granted yet vvhat Arguments do you finde dravvn either from the Old Testament or the Nevv for Pedobaptism or the practise of Infants Baptism in the Church Ans First you may take notice of this which followeth Whatsoever was a positive rule and institution of Christ to a beleever as a beleever either concerning himself or his children as children of a beleever for assurance of salvation by Faith in Christ and inward Circumcision of the heart according to
You have explained and held forth the Author Matter and Form of the Sacrament now what is your knowledge concerning the Vse Benefit and End of the Sacrament to faithful and right Communicants Ans The Ends Use and Benefits of this Sacrament are divers for the unspeakable benefit of faithful receivers Quest 11. What is a first End Ans First to seal and confirm the Covenant and promise of Gods free Grace in Christ Mat. 26.26 27. 1 Cor. 11.23 c. to our souls with Christs vertue and merits and all the benefits which Christ hath procured for us in his Passion Death Resurrection Ascention yea his whole active and passive obedience to his Fathers will as our Surety with his whole Humiliation and Glorification as mediator between God and us all sealed in this Sacrament Quest 12. What is a second End Ans On our part to renew and seal our mutual Covenant of thankfulnesse Rom. 12.1.2 2 Cor. 5.14 15. Psal 116.12 Psal 119.105 and obedience to our God and Father again in and by the vertue and power of Christ to be manifested in our lives according to that light of his will revealed by his Word and Spirit to our souls from Christ our chief Prophet and director in the way to happinesse Quest 13. What is a third End of this Sacrament of the Lords Supper Ans To hold forth Christ by remembring and shewing the Lords death until he come for the strengthening of our Faith and refreshing of our souls in the lively representation of Christs love to us Ioh. 15.13 1 Cor. 11.24 c. giving his body to be crucified and his blood to be shed for our sins evidently held forth in the sacramental breaking of the Bread powring out of the Wine seen by the eye of the body as the inward graces are by the faithful eye of the soul in every Communicant Quest 14. What is the fourth End and Benefit of this Sacrament Ans It is a sealing and confirming 2 Cor. 8.9 Eph. 3.8 Ioh. 6.56 1 Cor. 1.9 Ioh. 17.20 Eph. 3.8 16 c. 1 Cor. 6.15 Col. 3.2 3. 1 Cor. 12.12 13. First of our union and communion with God in Christ and of our right and title to all the riches and treasures of Christs Kingdom of Grace and glory And secondly of our union and communion one with another in Christ and with the whole Church of God as fellow members of the same mystical body of which Christ our Lord and Saviour is the head for the comfort and benefit of his Church Quest 15. Are there no other Ends of this Sacrament Ans Yes their are divers other ends and uses As Acts 2.46 47. First the profession of our Faith that we are Christians not Iews Turks or Infidels Secondly the profession of our love unity Acts 2.46 47. and charity one towards and with one another Thirdly 1 Cor. 11.17 18. Ephes 9.3 4 5. the conservation of our fellowship and communion with Saints Fourthly Our strengthening of all graces in us by participation and meditation of Christ held forth in this Ordinance in all times of temptations and divers other ends and uses but the former are principle in this Sacrament John 6.32 33 34 35 50 51. The ninteenth Classis or Company of Questions 1 Question YOu have declared your knowledge concerning the Author matter form and end of this Sacrament now what do you know concerning the outward circumstances of partaking of this Sacrament time place and gestures What light have you from Christ for these Answ I do not finde that the Lord Christ hath directly and expresly commanded any set time place or gesture when where and in what manner of gesture sitting or kneeling or standing we should receive the Sacrament But the Spirit of Christ in his holy Apostle Paul hath held forth two general Rules 1 Cor. 14.40 and 11.34 Col. 2.5 Rom. 14.17 18 19. 1 Cor. 10.23 and 14.25 Rom. 14.1 2 c. and 15.1 2. First That all things should be done according to decency and order And secondly That all be done to edification Quest 2. But may not the consciences of Gods children be ordered and bound up to particulars in these things Ans I am perswaded that no Law or Rule ought to be made to binde the tender conscience of any man or woman where the Lord Christ the chief teacher doth not binde nor ought any liberty of conscience be given where the Lord Iesus Christ giveth no liberty But all Churches ought to be content if they cannot agree in circumstance and ceremony yet lovingly to agree in matters of substance which Christ hath plainly holden forth unto his Church in the holy Scriptures Quest 3. But may not Christian liberty be used in these things which are onely circumstantial in this Sacrament Ans Yes Christian liberty may be used in these things Rom. 14.1 2 c. and 15.1 2 3. Gal. 6.1 2 3. and the stronger ought not to tyrannize over the conscience of the weaker brother or sister but to bear one anothers burden and so fulfil the Law of Christ yea the stronger brethren and the Elders of the Church ought in all love and tendernesse to endevour the instruction of the weaker and to inform the judgement rather then by force upon the outward man to compel the conscience Quest 4. But may not the weak Christians absolutely and peremptorily use what circumstances they please Ans The weak ought in all humility to seek information of judgement and satisfaction in scrupulous or tender doubtful cases of conscience that if it be possible he or she may conform to the Directory of that particular Church Eph. 4.1 2 3. Psal 133.1 c. of which he or she is a member or if not to behave themselves humbly peaceably and Christian like rather then to break or endanger the breaking of the bond of unity amity and uniformity in that Church wherein God in his providence calls them to partake in this holy Ordinance Quest 5. Verily I do desire to conform my self to the Order and Directory of that Church and Congregation where I live and I long often to meet Christ in this holy Ordinance But I have some doubts trouble me in the present Directory for giving and receiving the bread and wine at the Lords Table And first I am not satisfied upon what ground the gesture of kneeling so much pressed formerly as if it had been a matter of absolute necessity is now changed into a Table gesture of sitting about or at the Lords Table Ans To satisfie you in this I desire you first to consider that the gesture of kneeling at the Sacrament hath no example much lesse any command either in Old or New Testament Search the Scriptures and you can finde none and so no binding necessity can presse the continuance of it The real presence bodily advanced by Pope Innocent about 1215. Secondly If you read all the History of the Church
be of Abrahams Family by professing themselves covenanters and to have the Lord for their God and by accepting of and submitting unto circumcision that signe and seal of the Covenant as Abraham did But for children of Abraham and of other Proselytes believers who had entred Covenant for themselves Abraham and such Parents did in all appearance Covenant that they would instruct and teach their children the Covenant of God which the Lord witnesseth of Abraham Gen. 18.18 19. that he did know Abraham would do according to his duty and Covenant that they might fear the Lord which is certain was no more then what Abraham had engaged himself unto by his Covenant accepting the Lord for his God and the God of his seed And the Infants themselves did only passively enter Covenant if I may so speak by receiving circumcision the signe and seal of the Covenant which they were actually to enter by solemn profession when they came to be of knowledge and understanding as those children of the Israelites did of which we read Nehemiah the tenth Neh. 10.28 29. When they were instructed and catechized in the knowledge of the mystery and Sacrament of circumcision as the Israelites children were commanded to be instructed in the mystery or Sacrament of the Passeover Law of God Exo. 12.26 27. Deut. 6.6 7. from generation to generation Exodus 12. Quest 21. Then it seemeth that circumcision did not give Infants at eight dayes old a compleat and perfect admission into the Church or a perfection of membership with visible professors compleat Ans I conceive they had a true and compleat Infant admission as far as they were capable of and passively received the signe of circumcision as a signe and seal of that Covenant made with Abraham their Father to distinguish them from the children of all Pagans and Idolaters such as were not of the Church and to intitle them to other rights and priviledges which they should be capable of when they came to knowledge and understanding to professe and by profession actually to enter Covenant themselves But they were not fully and compleatly taken as such visible members as might joyn in Covenant and other Ordinances until they were of knowledge and understanding as is noted in Nehemiah before For I do not conceive it certain that children were admitted to eat the Passeover until they were of some understanding if that be true which is related by the Hebrews that every one both of men and women was bound to drink that night four cups of wine without fail every cup containing a log as much as an egge and half and to blesse God at every cup especially at the last cup As Master Ainsworth out of Maimon relates to which the Apostle alludes in the cup of blessing besides they were to be of that understanding to ask their Parents the reason of that service Exo. 12. 1 Cor. 10.16 and to conceive their instruction given them as appeareth from that 12 of Exod. noted before Therefore more then Infant-circumcision was necessary to a compleat grown up visible member of the Church before Christ Quest 22. You have shewed in part the admission of Abraham and men of ripe years of Abrahams posterity or children were admitted as members now in what manner were the Proselytes admitted when they were received as of the Church Ans It is recorded in Scripture that one Ordinance was to be for the Congregation and for the stranger that sojourned with them as they were so were the strangers to be before the Lord by an Ordinance for ever Num. 15.15 But we read further as it is related out of the Hebrew Doctors That if an Hebrew receive of the Heathens a servant grown in yearâ— and the servant be not willing to be circumcised he dealeth with him a whole twelve moneth more then that it is not lawful to keep him being uncircumcised he must sell him again to the Heathens so that every Heathen might be admitted to the Church and people of God if he would but if he would be admitted then he must be admitted and enter into Covenant as the Hebrews did like as the Hebrew Doctors say by three things did Israel enter into Covenant namely by circumcision and baptism and sacrifice First circumcision was in Egypt as it is written Exo. 12.48 1 Cor. 10.22 Exo. 10.8 9 10. no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof Secondly Baptism was in the wildernesse before the Law not only typically in the Red-sea But at the foot of Mount Sinai as it is written The Lord said to Moses go unto the people and sanctifie them to day and to morrow and let them wash their cloaths and be ready against the third day this was their entring Covenant as in the 5 6 7 8. verses a fore going in that Chapter is evident Thirdly by sacrifice as it is written he sent young men of the sons of Israel which offered burnt offerings and this at entring into a confirming of the Covenant For Moses took the Book of the Covenant and read in the audience of the people Exo. 24.5 6 7 8. and they said all that the Lord hath spoken we will do and be obedient here was a submission to the Covenant and Moses confirmed it by sprinkling the blood on the people and said Behold the blood of the Covenant which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these6 words And so in all ages when an Ethnick or Heathen was willing to enter into the Covenant and gather himself under the wings of the Majesty of God and take upon him the yoak of the Law he must be circumcised and baptized and bring a sacrifice and if it be a woman she must be baptized and bring a sacrifice and as the Israelite so was the admission of a stranger also by way of Covenant profession and seal of Covenant as is held forth by these evidences Quest 23. There is one question more I desire to be resolved in before you come to shew the admission of converts or children of belivers in the time of the Gospel and this is concerning what you said of circumcision that it was to Abraham a signe and seal of the righteousnesse of Faith and of the Covenant of Grace I have heard some are of opinion that circumcision appointed to Abraham was not a seal of Faith and Covenant of Grace but a seal of the Covenant of works do and live and of the righteousnesse of works by doing and not believing and that Abraham by circumcision was bound to perform perfect obedience to the whole Law upon pain of eternal damnation and that the Covenant was onely a corporal covenant and that there was as much difference between circumcision and baptism as between Mount Sinai which gendreth to bondage Gal. 4. and Ierusalem which is free between Hagar and Sara which are most contrary and then the manner of admission of Saints in the Old Testament can have no agreement
soul wilt thou seek my face and have me for thy Lord and Husband and Saviour Behold I have loved thee Gal. 2.20 and given my self for thee 2. The soul answering again as by consent and agreement Lord 1 Tim. 15. I know thou haste loved me to come into the World to save sinners of which I am cheif Behold thy face will I seek and I Will have yea I do receive and take thee for my Lord and my Husband and my onely Saviour Hosea 2.14 19. upon whom alone I rest for salvation and life eternal here I say is a kinde of secret covenanting and a preparation for admission as I noted before in part in the internal entrance before specified Secondly Outwardly there was first an inchoation or degree of entrance and admission into Church fellowship by desiring of Baptism the Seal of the Covenant with Christ and the Members of Christ Acts 8.16 the head of his Church as the Eunuch did desire to be baptized Secondly There was an open profession of this Faith and internal Covenant and union with Christ the Head of his Church by beleeving and so inwardly or by that inward bond of the spirit and saith with all Christs members and an open Declaration and holding forth of this Faith of Christ and beleef of it before the Church or those who had authority from Christ to admit and receive into Church fellowship as visible membership in the Church Acts 8.37 This Philip requireth of the Eunuch when he demanded or desired Baptism First Here is water saith the Eunuch what letteth but that I may be baptized Secondly Philip Answereth if thou believest with all thy heart thou mayst Thirdly the Eunuch replieth Act. 8.16 17. I believe that Iesus Christ is the Son of God I believe that Iesus Christ of whom I have read in the 53 of Isaiah and whom then Philip had preached unto him and namely Christ the Saviour Here was two things first a holding forth of the truth of the Gospel Secondly of his belief and assent thereunto and so a receiving of Christ and a hearty-covenant with Christ which moved him to desire Baptism as the seal and Sacrament of the Covenant and of admission into the Church and of Communion with the Saints Thirdly In this profession of Faith and declaration of a willingnesse to and desire of Baptism the signe and seal of the Covenant of Grace in Christ as circumcision was before is implied a Declaration that we have and do actually Covenant with Christ And as it was foretold by the Prophet Zachary as the Lord sayes ye are my people Zac. 13.9 so Gods people also say the Lord is our God First Christ saith to the soul thou art my spouse Secondly and the soul saith to Christ thou art my Lord my loving Husband And so though not in so many words outwardly yet in substance in this belief in the heart and profession or confession of Faith with the mouth and willingnesse to be baptized is an entrance by way of Covenant or witnessing that the party desiring Baptism hath entred Covenant with God in Christ which he now desired to be sealed and his admission to be compleated in Baptism 4ly A Covenant is entred and sealed in Baptism with the Head Christ and all the members of his mystical Body the party thus confessing and professing Faith and Covenant when the Church or persons authorized by it that did finde that according to Christs institution Act. 10.47 he or she had jus adrem a right unto Church-fellowship and to Baptism the seal of admission yea a kinde of inward right in the Communion and spiritual membership of Saints in Christ the Head as far as in judgement of charity they could discern thus admitted by Christ this professor of the Faith I say was baptized and so outwardly compleated and entertained as a Church member not only to the Sacrament of the Lords Supper and breaking of bread Act. 2.46 but also to all other Acts of Church fellowship which agree to a member by the Ordinance of Christs sealing in Baptism both his Covenant with God in Christ and with all the members of Christs mystical Body And thus you see how men of ripe years converted from Iudaism or Paganism to the Faith and holinesse of the Gospel had their outward admission into the Church and Communion of the Saints with Christ their Head and one with another And so far you may behold the Scripture way of admission into or making up the Body or Church of Christ Thus there were dayly added to the Church such as should be saved Act. 2.47 1 Cor. 12.27 Eph. 1.22 23. men and women converts and professors being made visible members of the Church And all particular members making up one Body of which Christ is the Head and so Saints to and with whom we must exercise our Christian love and charity Quest 26. How then may a visible Church of Christ be described by this that you have held forth Answ I conceive a true visible Church of Christ to be a company or Act. 8.17 18 c. society of professours of the true Faith of Christ and holinesse of the Gospel 2 Cor. â—â— 13 and of their belief obedience and subjection thereunto united and joyned by Covenant and Covenant union unto one with Christ their Head and in Christ and with another both sealed in the Sacrament of Baptism rightly admitted and compleated according to the Scriptures by and in which they are admitted and received and approved as visible members of the Church and Body of Christ Quest 27. I like of this description if you make the matter of a visible Church to be visible Saints as you seem to intimate Rom. 1.7 Ans The matter of a visible Church certainly ought to be visible Saints if you mean Saints by profession of true Faith and true holinesse and such as desire and endeavour to walk not after the flesh Rom. 8.1 2. but after the spirit so as the Church can discern Quest 28. But what if any admitted prove offensive Ans If any declare themselves otherwise in their walkings or common course of life after their admission the Church and those in authority by Christ may and ought to cast them out upon due proofs and convictions in a due and right exercise of the Keys and power of Christ though not for every failing Matth. 18.17 1 Cor. 5. and not before other means used according to the custome and practise of the Churches of Christ Quest 29. But if this Discipline be wanting Ans For want of this although the Lord Christ hath not used in any Scripture example to un-un-Church a Church for any personal corruption of particular members or for the Churches neglect in this particular Revel 2.10 11 c. yet Christ hath reproved the particular Churches for this fault and that sharpely as the Scripture holdeth forth evidently unto us Quest 30. But
so sealing promise of performance of Covenant with Christ and his Church accordingly Of these I say 1. The first is not acted by the childe for that cannot desire Baptism Mark 10. But it is acted by the parents who do present the childe as those in the Gospel and dedicate and consecrate it to God in Christ and in the behalf of the childe according to Gods Covenant with the faithful and their seed desire Baptism for it That in and by Baptism it may be admitted to outward visible Infant-membership in the Church See the Ancient Forms of Baptism in the Church of Christ Reformed c. 2. Again for the second profession of the Faith that neither is nor can be done by the Infant when it usually baptâ—zâ—d at a week old or thereabouts or it may be sooner That profession of Faith therefore hath usually been made by the parents at least in a declaration of their assent and consent to the Articles of the Faith of Christ and cheif sum of the Gospel Thirdly for the intimation of a Covenant and Covenant-union with Christ and his Church in the profession of the Gospel this the child in infancy cannot perform nor promise Therefore it hath been the Churches practise that the Parents whose duty properly it is or the pro-parents have according to their duty promised and engaged themselves to do their best endeavour by the power of Christ First To Catechize and instruct their children in the knowledge of God and Iesus Christ as he is held forth in the Word of God our Saviour and to instruct them in that promise they did make when they did present them to be baptized to bring them up in the knowledge Faith and profession of the Gospel according to the power and means God in his good providence should afford them Secondly to inform them how they have likewise promised to do their best endeavour to instruct them in their duty when that they come to years and have gain'd knowledge and Faith by Gods Grace in the Gospel to make profession of that Faith and declare their subjection in their own persons unto the Gospel of Christ Thirdly and to renew the Covenant of which passively they received the seal when they were baptized in infancy and to declare their renewing of that Covenant with God in Christ when upon approbation of the Church and Ministers and Elders of the Church or those in Authority from Christ they were admitted to the Lords Table Fourthly and lastly to instruct them that they were baptized and engaged in Baptism to this end amongst others in this or the like manner to enjoy a more full Communion in and with the Church of Christ And thus I have endeavoured to set forth the manner and nature of Infants outward entrance and solemn admission with the Church by Baptism Secondly there is another thing to be considered in and concerning the children of believers when they are come to years of understanding and knowledge and that God hath given them Faith and holinesse in some measure and ability to professe their Faith and to declare their desire of holinesse and willingnesse to manifest their professed subjection to the Gospel in Faith and obedience This is their performance of this duty by means whereof they are admitted by the Church in general or those who have Authority from Christ unto a full Church communion in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper and other acts of Church-fellowship according unto the rule and direction of Christ held forth in the Gospel And thus I conceive they are formally compleat members as in respect of truth of membership-infant in their infant Baptism so in respect of visibility and ripe years membership in the Lords Supper and thus they all are visible members and matter of the Church of Christ and have a true formal admission into the Church without any other special Covenant amongst Christians as necessarily and absolutely necessary to the formal constitution of a visible Church and without any rebaptization or renouncing of their former Baptism as some have and do pretend And thus I have shewed you who are our neighbours and what is the Church of Christ visible and the Communion of Saints to and with whom we ought to exercise our Christian love and charity And so the true matter of a Church or material cause both in respect of infants and men of ripe years Quest 35. But sir there are divers Separatists amongst us who are seducing people dayly from our Church and affirm our Churches have neither matter nor form of a Church or at least are so corrupt in both that our congregation are no Churches of Christ but Babylon and members of Antichrist and so to be departed from Rev. 41. They do indeed abuse that place of Scripture and falsly apply that to us which belongs to Rome Ans But I have given an Answer to this Objection before in part Yet to clere the point more fully in brief First for the matter of the Church they cannot deny but we have in our Church and Congregations visible Saints true matter of a Church and members of Christ yea some as great Saints as most we know or reade of in the Christian world This I my self have known in some Country Parochial Congregations by experience and this I do know in some great City Congregations although there be too many hypocrites too many formalists and too many prophane People mixed and not yet purged out from our Congregation nor cast out as they ought to have been And I say further if for these failings and corruptions in a Church They will as they would un-church our Churches they may and do by the same Argument unchurch the Church of Corinth and others which Christ and his Apostles approve and acknowledge true Churches of God in Christ Iesus If for this cause of different matter of or in our Churches or because we have mixed Congregations and not consisting of all visible Saints but some erroneous in judgement and some erring in life and conversation their Argument I conceive must be to this or the like effect as full against the Church of Corinth as our great mixed Congregations No visible Church which is a mingled Congregation consisting of some visible Saints and some visible prophane people in life and erroneous in judgement ignorant and scandalous and not cast out but suffered in the Church is a true visible Church of Christ and to be communicated with But the Church of Corinth was such a Church as well as our mixed Congregations as may easily be proved And therefore the Church of Corinth was no true visible Church of Christ and to have beep separated from as from Babylon And this I hope they dare not but confesse is a most false and scandalous conclusion and so their Argument false against our Churches and their opinion a false opinion that our mixed Congregations are no true Churches of Christ or to be separated from as
though they were in the Church and taken as members until they were discovered and tryed and proved and cast out yet they were not true members of the Church nor true members of Christ nor any true members of the Congregation but in shew and outward appearance They were amongst the Saints but they were not of the Saints as John speaks They were and are indeed of the world they went out from us 1 Ioh. 2.18 19. but they were not of us but they went out from us that it might be known they were not all of us they were with and in the Church and yet they were not truly of the Church And howsoever this corruption was yet the Church did still remain a true Church and had many true Saints in Corinth although it had rotten and corrupt members which by right course and execution of Discipline should have have been cast out the Church And thus for the Saints sake though the Church of Corinth had false member and corrupt members and many Errors both in life and Doctrine yet the Apostle doth not un-Church the Church of Corinth or give way to a Schism or Separation for all this As a tree is a true tree although it have some rotten Branches Simile Or as a sick or wounded man is a true man although he be sick or wounded So a Church of Christ may be a true Church although it be sick and weak and wounded and full of imperfections both in matter and form as the Church of Corinth and other Churches of Christ have been and yet esteemed by Christ and his Apostles to be true Churches of Christ as the Scripture hold forth evidently unto us Now compare the Church of England or the Churches of Christ in England collectively though they be mixed Congregations yea divers of our Congregations in London and in the countrey where faithful and painful Ministers have been Preaching Baptizing Catechizing calling to profession of Faith and holinesse and approbation before the Admission to the Lords Supper where there hath been and is a communion of Saints as I know there hath been in divers places and mixed Congregations compare I say these with the Church of Corinth and by the same Argument that these Seducers may or can Separate or un-Church our Churches by the same the Saints or some of the Saints in Corinth might have separated from their fellow Saints and Church of Corinth which yet would have been a sin in them as it is a sin in these who separate and labour to seduce and draw others amongst us to separate from their fellow-Saints and to un-Church or make rents and Schisms and divisions in our Church which is a grievous sin against the Lord Christ the Lord and Head of his Body the Church Quest 38. But some will object It may be that there is not the same condition of our Church of London or any great mixt Congregation amongst us in respect of the matter as there was of Corinth For in Corinth it is most like that the greater part of the Church were Saints indeed or visible Saints in outward appearance at least But in our mixt Congregations commonly the greatest part visible ignorant prophane or scandalous persons or but civilly honest and formal professors at best and so are not to be compared to the Church of Corinth no not so much as for the matter of our Church Ans First Certainly men ought to be very careful as not to un-Church a Church so not to un-Christian a Professor for some failings in knowledge or practice 1 Cor. 13. 1 Pet. 4.8 Charity covers many failings and as the Apostle speaks Secondly Corinth was a great city wd Church and yet consider the divisions and other faults it is not certain which was the greater part the innocent or the faulty But howsoever grant that the Church were so decayed that that the greater part had onely a name to live and indeed were dead Rev. 3 1 2. as is spoken of the Angel or Church of Sardis Or that the greater part of the Church were grown Luke-warm Rev. 3.15 16. and such as Christ threatens to spew out of his mouth as the Church or Angel of Laodicea yet it may be a true Church of Christ for all this A Bushel of good Wheat in a Barn amongst three or four or more Bushels of chaff is yet a true Bushel of Wheat though it be mixed with much more chaff then Wheat Or an Army of men although consisting of more sick and wounded Souldiers and Officers then whole is yet a true Army though weak And so is a company of Professors of the Gospel of Christ enjoying a communion in Ordinances holding the truth of Christ and professing subjection thereunto Yet a true Church when the greater part be the worse yea both ignorant and scandalous but yet a sick Church and stands in need of the Reformation And thus is the Church of England and our great mixt Congregations true Churches for matter of a Church of Christ as the Church of Corinth was and not to be separated from or un-Churched for these coruuptions as Corinth was not whatsoever any seducers in this respect oppose to the contrary Quest 39. But howsoever this may prove our Churches as true as Corinth was for matter yet the Adversaries of our Church deny our Churches to be true Churches in Form And how will you Answer this Objection Ans I Answer the Form of a Church doth consist in union This union is two fold first internal with Christ our Head Eph. 1.22 23. 1 Cor. 12.13 Eph. 4.1 2 3. by the spirit and Faith The second is external of members one with another Now to understand this better and to declare that our Churches are true visible Churches of Christ in respect of outward Form Consider First the outward Form or union in respect of admission into a Church membership Secondly the outward Form of Ordination of Ministers and appointment of them for a Church and union with them Thirdly the outward Form in possession and profession of union with them in outward ordinances As First in the Word or Gospel Secondly in prayers Thirdly in the Sacraments Fourthly observe the outward Form of union in government and execution of Discipline in the Church I will not stand to handle these at large but touch them in brief First for outward Form of union in respect of admission into a Church we have shewed how men of ripe years Iews or Pagans converted to the Faith were admitted first after they had heard the Gospel and believed either with a false Faith as Simon Magus or with a true Faith as the Eunuch they did desire a union and admission into the Church by Baptism Secondly did make profession of their Faith Thirdly did intimate in this desire of Baptism and profession of Faith their receiving of Christ to be their Lord and Saviour and their Covenanting with the Lord to be his people And Fourthly
they were not true Ministers of the Gospel because ordained by a Bishop and a company of Presbyters according to the ancient practise of the Church Secondly I say the Ministers of Christ have had a twofold vocation or calling to that office Acts 20.18 18. and 13.1 2 3. 1 T t .4.14 First extraordinary by Christ Himself as the Apostle and Saint Paul had And Secondly more ordinarily by the Apostles and Elders of the Church and by the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery as the Scripture held forth unto us as Paul left Titus Tit. 1.3 4. Act. 20 2â— Bishop Titus or overseer Titus as Saint Paul calleth the Bishops or Elders of Ephesus far different from our late Bishops or overseers in many respects the manner commonly by laying on of hands of Presbyters and a Bishop or overseer not as a Bishop of later stamp but as a Presbyter and overseer of old have Ministers of Christ been ordained and after ordination sent and received of particular Churches And howsoever some corruptions have crept into the manner of Ordination and although some ordained Presbyters have turned Popes and Popish Bishops and some Popish Bishops with a company of Presbyters have examined approved and ordained Ministers and given outward Ordination and Authority to preach the Gospel yet this cannot nullifie the call of a Minister of Christ if he be called and gifted inwardly and inabled by Christs spirit with gifts fit for the ministerial office as all the outward calling and approbation by a particular Congregation maketh not an illiterate cobler or other mechanick to be a true Minister of Christ when Christ hath not furnished him with gifts and graces fit for so high and honourable a calling Thirdly We who are Ministers of Christ receive not our calling from Antichrist but from Christ and our Ordination for substance is truly Christian not Antichristian Howsoever some Antichristianly affected might sometimes have had a hand in Ordination the Gospel of Christ hath been conveyed to Reformed Churches yea to separate congregations themselves to such as separate themselves from Babylon it may be by the hands and means of Romish Babylon God hath made the servants of Antichrist to be his servants in this that they have been porters and carriers to bring the holy Scriptures unto the Reformed Churches by the hands of glorious Reformers in the Churches of Christ and yet the Scriptures are the true Word of God and the true Gospel of Jesus Christ for all this And so are our Ministers true Ministers of Christ though their outward Ordination had been carried through the polluted hands of some Antichristianly affected Bishops and Presbyters who did sit in place as Scribes and Pharisees did sit in Moses chair But we say further Mat. 23.1 2 3. as God did extraordinarily call and gifted the Apostles and Ministers in the Primitive times and they ordained others in the Church whose Ministery the Lord did blesse for the propagation of the Gospel So did the Lord wonderfully stir up and in an extraordinary manner call Luther Calvin and others in the Reformed Churches And so Reverend Bishop Cranmer Ridley Latimer and other godly Martyrs Bishops and Ministers of Christ by whose hand their successors the faithful Ministers in the Churches of Christ in England received their outward ordination but their inward from Christ himself and his spirit by whose grace the Lord hath made our Ministery glorious in the conversion of many thousand souls to God and building up of as glorious Saints as any ever was in the Christian world since the Primitive times yea even the Separatists themselves 1 Cor. 4 15. who now deny us to be the true Ministers of Jesus Christ must needs confesse that we have been their spiritual Fathers in Christ and have begotten them again to God through the Gospel yea Gal. 4.19 we as tender Mothers have travelled in birth again in our painful Ministery until Christ hath been formed in them all though now in a most ingrateful manner they dishonour their parents and sin against Christ the Lord of his Church Quest 43. This I suppose is sufficient to satisfie any humbled soul not filled too much with pride self-conceit and the spirit of division and separation as too many are in these dayes But yet some object That howsoever Ministers outward approbation and ordination may be passed over and they be lawful Ministers yet what lawful call have they to particular Congregations and places Ans I answer Patrons of Churches and congregations were and have been honoured and trusted with the nomination and presentation of Ministers to particular Churches but so as none ought to have been put upon any congregation but such as ought to have been well approved of by the Bishop who had a trust reposed in him also for sufficiency and ability for the work of the Ministery and for holinesse of life and and conversation which when and where the trust was rightly performed and the Ministers have been faithful labourers in the Lords harvest and after admission approved of by the faithful and godly party in a Parochial Congregation certainly there was a call sufficient and a sufficient union and form of union between Pastor and people to make up in this respect a true Church of Christ Secondly Howsoever this trust both in Patrons and Bishops hath been most grosly abused by corrupt Simoniacal Patrons most unconscionably seeking to thrust wicked Ministers they cared not whom upon the people and carelesse Bishops neglecting that trust reposed in them yet the failings herein was not enough to un-church a Church where yet the Gospel hath been preached and Sacraments administred for substance according to the institution of Christ though here as in Corinth Galatia and Jerusalem many faults might be found to stand in need of Reformation And howsoever no face of a Church might for a time appear 1 Kin. i9 14 Ier. 3.15 as in Jerusalem for a time yet God in many places have given Pastors after his own heart to feed his people with knowledge and understanding and where the Candlestick hath been removed for a time or at least a Candle shut up as in a dark lanthorn God at prayers of his people hath removed a carelesse shepherd and in his due time restored comfort in a faithful Minister to his people and so still continued and preserved the Churches of Christ amongst us yea both for matter and form sufficient to constitute a Church howsoever there hath been some failings in both Quest 44. You have in some measure cleared this Objection Yet how are our Churches rightly constituted in respect of a formal union of members one with another Ans I conceive there is a twofold union First a civil union as in division of Kingdoms Provinces Cities or Parishes And as God hath in this providence united men in habitation and course Act. 17.26 and means of livelyhood God having determined the times before appointed
new builded there are onely some few rooms pull'd down where the Officers for execution of Discipline lodged and some such particulars But the main house stands still the preaching of the Gospel as glorious as ever the Word and Prayer and the Sacraments and admission and growth of grace in the Churches of Christ yea even in our mixed Congregations and so still true Churches for matter and form and visible Saints to be found to and with whom we may exercise this grace of christian love and charity Quest 48. This is enough I conceive to shew our lawful membership in and of the Church of Christ and to evidence our Church a true Church in respect of admission into the fellowship of the Saints and communion of the faithful both for matter and form But now wherein should a childe of God declare and shew forth his Christian love and charity to such visible Saints and members of Christs Church Ans In all lawful christian union and communion one with another in actions of piety and charity according to the rules of the Gospel edifying one another in the knowledge of Christ receiving the weak brethren in all wisdom humility and love to build them up in the necessary truth of the Gospel and that in all godly prudence to win them to a more high prizing of Christ and all the wayes of Grace and godlinesse but not receiving weak brethren or sisters to doubtful Disputations Rom. 14.1 2 c. so much as in things indifferent and so not in matters of higher nature they being not able to judge of the force of Arguments in dispute 1 Tim. 1.4.6 and vain jangling too common in the world and so may be drawn to Errors have their consciences remain lesse satisfied in the truth Acts 2. 5. but to exercise all love towards them especially Ministers to the flock satisfying tender consciences out of Gods Word and one christian communicating to another in outward things especially to the poor in the Churches of Christ not that there is such a community of goods Rev. 2. and of all things as the wicked Nicolaitans did Acts 2. and some of later times do imagine by wrong interpreting Scripture but that in christian charity the richer christians should be careful to relieve the necessities of their poor Brethren and do good to them especially as being of the houshold of Faith Gal. 6.10 And this is enough to manifest the truth of members of particular Congregations that were baptized in Infancy and Catechized and professing Faith holinesse and renewing Covenant with God in Christ before their partaking of the Lords Supper as according to the true ancient order of the Church they have been in many Congregations Parochial in England where faithful Ministers have been and not onely in this respect but in respect of our Ministers Word and Sacraments and effects of grace wrought in the hearts of Gods children evidence our Churches true Churches whatsoever violent seducing Separatists whisper to their deceived Disciples to the contrary Thus you may see a communion of Saints in England to whom and with whom we may exercise our christian love and charity Ier. 15.19 which every day will shine more gloriously as Reformation separates the precious from the vile more fully which we hope and pray for daily The two and twentieth Classis or company of Questions Question 1. YOu have in some good measure declared these four Graces in the Wedding garment Divine knowledge lively Faith Evangelical Repentance and Christian love and charity Now is there no more required but the habits of these Graces to fit us for the comfortable partaking of the Lords Supper and to fit us in our walking with Christ in the whole course of our lives What light is there for Christians for direction herein Ans Yes we ought to wait on Christ in all good means that these graces may be enlivened actuated awakened as a man from sleep yea strengthned and lively 2 Tim i. 6 Rev. 3.2 stirred up and quickned by the quickning vertue and power of Christ that we may more sweetly meet Christ and gain soul-cherishing vertue from Christ in that holy ordinance and walk with Christ to eternal glory As man may have an habit of sight yet except awakened he cannot see Eph. 5.14 so we in habits of Grace must be awakened and quickned by Christ Quest 2. What helps or meant are there to be used in which we should wait on Christ for the quickning of these Graces and our further preparation for the Lords Table and walking with Christ in our lives And what light have you from Christ to direct in this particular Ans These helps are chiefly of three sorts revealed by Christ unto us 2 Chron. 30.3 c. Lev. 23.27 c 1 Cor. 11.17 c. First Publike preparation in the Ministery of the Word Prayer Catechizing confession or profession of these graces of Knowledge Faith Repentance and love especially in a day set apart for preparation for the meeting of Christ in this Ordinance that a man or woman may be approved of by the Ministers and Elders of the Church as being not onely in some competent measure freed from ignorance and without scandal but also endued with truth of grace as far as may be discerned in judgment of charity and so such as are to be admitted to joyn in communion with the Saints and partake with comfort in this this holy communion at the Table of the Lord. Quest 3. But is it fit that men or women should willingly make profession of their graces and approve themselves to the Church as well as examine themselves in secret before they presume to come to the Lords Supper Ans Howsoever it is not necessary that every one should make this profession every time he or she comes to the Sacrament yet it is certain that every one ought to make this profession or be known to be such a one until he or she be approved of by the Church as fit members to be admitted as children baptized when they come to age of discretion ought to professe the Faith in Christ 2 Cor. 2.5 c. 1 Cor. 5.3 c. 2. And if any fall into open sin after profession and admission it is fit they should declare their Repentance before they presume to come or be re-admitted to this feast of the Lord. Quest 4. What ground have you for this in holy Scriptures or what light from Christ to discover this Truth Ans Because if we must be alwayes ready to give an Answer to every one that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in us with meeknesse and fear 1 Pet. 3.15 and 5.1 c. Iud. 20.21 c. as is noted in the first Classis much more to the Church or to the Ministers of Christ or Elders set over the Congregation desiring not as Lord to tyrannize over our consciences or to shame us for our
Christ by faith O my soul and rightly endeavour to declare thy thankfulnes to God in Christ again and shew forth my thankfulness to my Lord Jesus in daily remembring of him until he translate thee to eternal glory Quest 23. What are the subsequent graces to be acted and duties to be exercised and practised in manifestation of your thankfulnesse to your God in Christ all the dayes of your life And what light from Christ have you received for direction herein Gal. 2. 20. 2 Cor. 5. 14 .. Mat. 22.37 .. Gal. 5. 13 14. Eph. 4.1 c. Ans There is one root-grace flowing into my soul from Christ and Christs wonderful love to me Christ loving me and giving himself for me And this is the grace of love that love of Christ with a holy gracious power as a precious Loadstone doth draw my soul to my God in Christ and sweetly constrain me to love Christ again who loved me first moving me powerfully to live henceforth not to my self but to him that dyed for me and role again and the fruits of this love are to be made evident by the power of Christ dwelling in me 1. Towards God the Father in Christ 2. Towards my self in true charity 3. Towards my Neighbour in love and unity all the dayes of my life all comprehended in one Grace Love And all this as fulfilling the Law of Christ Gal. 6.1 2. Iohn 13.34 25. and 15. 12 c. and because I finde God hath loved me first in the Lord Iesus John 4.19 Quest 24. What is the fruit that spring from this root Grace of your Christian Walking the free love of God to you in Christ assured by the spirit and faith and the reflex of that love as the eccho of love in your souls answering love again Ans The manifestation of my thankfulnesse or thankful remembrance of Christ of Christ Ioh. 4.9 c. love held forth to me in this Sacrament by a conltant and continued acting and exerciting of that grace of love wrought in me by the power of Christs spirit in my soul 1. Towards God my Father Iohn 20.17 2. Towards my self as to a childe of God in Christ Luke 10.17 3. Towards my Neighbour and especially towards the Houshold of saith the Church and Saints of the most High God and my fellow-members in Christ Iesus Gal. 6.10 Quest 25. Wherein ought you to declare your thankfulnesse and exercise your love towards God and your Neighbour in Christ Ans In yielding obedience to the will of God as my Father in Christ Iohn 5.39 6.68 First in believing whatsoever truth the Lord my God holdeth forth to be believed in the Scriptures Secondly Iohn 14.21 in doing or suffering whatsoever is by the will and pleasure of God my Father to be done or suffered by me according to his will Thirdly in praying to or praising God all the dayes of my life Quest 26. What light from Christ or what directory or rule is there of your faith or of tbose truths in which you are to declare in thankfulnesse your love and duty to God your Father by believing Ans The holy Scripture or whole Word of God recorded in Gods Book Ioh. 5.32 2 Pet. 1.19 20. Gen. 3.15 22. Isa 53. Ioh. 3.16 the holy Bible is my light but that which is especially for my comfort is the promises of the Gospel or Covenant of grace held forth unto me in the Old and New Testament by the Lord himself or by men of God as they were inspired by the holy Ghost Quest 27. What brief or sum is there to be believed of that which is taught at large as the Doctrine of faith in the holy Scriptures Ans Those twelve Articles in that symbole of faith or brief sum commonly called the Apostles Creed explained further in those other ancient Creeds received in the Church of Christ and known by the Names of Nicene Creed and Athanasius Creed Quest 28. Which call you the Apostles Creed Ans That which begins thus I believe in God the Father Almighty maker of Heaven and Earth And in Iesus Christ his onely Son our Lord c. as is expressed at large in my lesser Catechism Quest 29. Which call you the Nicene Creed Ans That Creed which beginneth as followeth I believe in one God the Father Almighty maker of Heaven and Earth and of all shings visible and invisible and in one Lord Iesus Christ the onely begotten Son of God begotten of his Father before all Worlds God of God Light of Light very God of very God begotten not made c. Quest 30. Which call you Athanasius Creed Ans That Creed which begins and follows thus Whosoever will be saved before all things it is necessary that he hold the Catholike Faith Which Faith except every one do keep whole and undâ—filed without doubt he shall perish everlastingly And the Catholike Faith is this That we worship one God in Trinity and Trinity in Vnity Neither confounding the Persons nor dividing the Substance For there is one Person of the Father another of the Son and another of the Holy Ghost But the Godhead of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Ghost is one The glory equal the Majesty co-eternal c. as is also Printed at large in my lesser Catechism Quest 31. But are these Creeds the ground or rule of Faith 2 Pet. 1.19 2. Iohn 5.39 Ans The holy Scripture is the most proper ground of Faith and most perfect rule for judging all Controversies But these Creeds as they are grounded on the Scriptures and holy Wod of God are and may be an objâ—ct and directory of our faith and so they have been and are yet received in the Church of Christ and are very profitable for our help and furtherance in the knowledge and remembrance of the Doctrine of Faith Iohn 5.39 Romans 15.4 2 Timothy 3.15 16 17. 2 Peter 2.19 20. The thirtieth Classis or company of Questions 1 Question VVHat directory or rule is there of your thankfulnesse and declaration thereof in doing or suffering the will of God as your God and loving Father in Iesus Christ What light from Christ for instruction in our Christian walking with God all our life long Deut. 4.1 c 6.1 c. Psa 119.105 Isa 8.20 Matthew 5 6 7 c. Ans The will and command of God my God and Father held forth to his Church and to me in the Decalogue or ten Commandments and the Explication and meaning of them by Moses and the Prophets in the Old Testament and by Christ and his Apostles in the New Testament as is evident by many places of Scripture in the Book of God Quest 2. What light is there from Christ Or what is that directory or rule of the Decalogue or ten Commandments held forth as a light to older our obedience and thankfulnesse is unto God as to our Father who hath brought us out of the
praise or neglect to blesse his Name when God requires Leviticus 24.15 Job 2.9 Mark 5.24 Secondly to curse or Blaspheame the sacred Name of God or of Christ our Lord in himselfe Word Ordinances or Works Thirdly to abuse the fearefull Name of God to conjuration charmes exorcismes or the like wicked abomination Fourthly to dishonour his Name Title Exodus 21.17 Mat. 5.44 James 3.9 10. Word or Workes of Judgement or mercy in using and abusing it in cursing Father or Mother or others by any wicked imprecation as a plague of God and Pockes on you or the like most odious and prophane termes wicked men practise against themselves or others as God damme me or them Quest 16. What other sinne is there contrary to this duty of glorifying Gods Name in blessing in and by Gods Name Ans To blesse or curse any in the Name of the Devill whether it be by wicked devilish imprecations upon a mans selfe as those cursed wishes and devilish prayers of Athesticall prophane men in these dayes Job 2.9 10 The Devill take me the Devill confound me body and soule and the like damnable wickednesse or the like worse then Paganish imprecation upon any others all being high provocations of the most mighty God who is able to cast both body and soule into Hell fire in a moment Mat. 20.28 as he made the earth to open her mouth and to swallow up Dathan and to cover the congregation of Abiram Numbers 16.32 33. 1 Sam. 28.7 2 Kings 1.1 or to blesse in the devils name or by the devil as those whom ignorant people use to cal good Witches abominable to God Quest 17. What is the first particular duty required in this third Commandement for honoring of Gods Name Ans Deut. 6.13 To glorifie God in calling him to witnesse and judge of the Truth of our words and actions Jer. 4.2 Jer. 12.16 Heb. 6.16 whensoever we are called to sweare in his Name in Truth Judgement and Righteousnesse and to testifie the Truth lawfully concerning our selves or others upon Oath or whensoever wee bind our selves by Oath Promise 2 Cron. 11.12 13.14 Psalme 15.4 Covenant or Protestation in Gods Name for the performance of any thing lawfull possible acknowledging the Lord to be the Revenger of all false Oathes or falsification of Oathes and Promises and subjecting our selves to his judgement if we swear falsely or performe not our just and lawfull Oathes and Protestations so prophan and take the name of our God in vain Quest 18. What are the particular sinnes contrary to this duty of honouring God in swearing the Lord liveth in Truth Iudgemmt and Righteousnesse Ans First Not to sweare and witnesse the Truth in judgement and righteousnesse Ierem. 4.2 in the name of God when we are called lawfully and rightly to sweare to Gods glory and the good of Gods Church As those who affirme all swearing unlawfull and utterly refuse to take any Oath before a lawfull Magistrate upon misunderstanding of those places of Scripture which seeme to forbid swearing at all Mâ—t. 5.14 Iames. 4.12 when as indeed they only forbid all unlawful swearing and all swearing in our ordinary communication by which the name of God is taken in vaine Quest 19. WVhat is a second sinne contrary to this duty Isaiah 48.1 Levit. 19.12 Ans All perjury or false swearing when men sweare by the name of the Lord but not in truth nor righteousnesse and so take the name of the Lord God in vaine Deut. 3.11 Zach. 5.23 4. contrary to Gods strict commandement Quest 20. What is a third sinne forbidden contrary to the duty of glorifying Gods name what light from Christ in this duty for our direction Ans Ier. 5.7 All swearing by the creatures and that which is not God calling that to witnesse truth which cannot search the heart nor try the reines nor know whether the Oath be true or false As when men sweare by Heavens Mat. 5.34 35 36 37. or by the Earth or by our Lady or by the Masse or by themselves or any thing in them or of mans devising setting them up for the tryers of Truth in stead of God whether they be Saints or Angels or any creature whatsoever or any thing but God himselfe Quest 21. What is a fourth sinne 1 Sam. 14.24 40 45. 1 Sam. 25.22 Ans The performing of any unlawfull rash oathes vowes or promises which are sinfull and a dishonour to the holy name of God and to the hurt of the soules or bodies of our selves or others Acts. 23.12 and contrary to the true honour of God or love of our neighbour Prov. 16.33 Prov. 18.18 Numb 26.25 Ioshu 14.2 Quest 22. What is a sixt duty in particular for the honouring of Gods name Ans The lawfull and right use of a lot for dividing of lands or goods when necessity requireth and God calleth for it to end some such controversie which otherwise cannot be decided Acts. 1.24 Psal 16.6 and this with prayer to God to direct the lot and resting satisfied with the lot when God hath ordered it Quest 23. What is the sinne contrary to this duty of seeking the honour of Gods name in a lot Ans All unlawfull common and ordinary abuse of lots in games or otherwise in a wrong manner or to a wrong end Hester 3.7 to the prophanation of Gods name and dishonour of the Gospell of Christ Quest 24. What is a seventh particular duty what light from Christ herein Mat. 10.32 Rom. 10.10 Mat. 5.16 Phil. 1.27 Rom. 1.16 Iude. 4. Ans The confession and glorifying of Gods name in our lives and conversations to Gods honour the good example of others and comfort of our owne soules in Christ Jesus Quest 25. What is the sinne contrary to this confession and profession to the glorifying of Gods name Ans To deny or be ashamed of Christ Mat. 26.74 Iohn 12.42 43 Rom. 2.24 or the Gospel or to dishonour God in our lives or cause the Gospel of Christ and name of God to be Blasphemed Quest 26. You have given me good satisfaction concerning the command it selfe now what doe you believe concerning the reason annexed in the words following For the Lord will not hold him guiltlesse that taketh his name in vaine Ans I understand in this command as in the former there is expressed a terrible threatning against all such as prophane Gods name 2. Chron. 36.13 either by prophane swearing or forswearing or by abuse of Ordinances or any other way that God will not hold them guiltlesse but guilty Deut. 27.26 and so subject to Gods curse and eternall condemnation for this sinne Quest 27. What is further implyed in this threatning that God will not hold such guiltlesse who prophane his name Ans A gracious promise of blessing to such as by the power of Christ carefully endeavour by all good meanes to glorifie the sacred name of
Doctrine and principally from the Word especially implying a difference and distinction of Elders as is it a note of distinction in other places of Scripture as you may reade Gal. 6.10 doe good to all especially to the household of faith And 1 Tim. 4.10 who is the Saviouiour of all especially of them that believe as also from other places of Scripture that besides Pastors and Preachers There are other Elders Assistants to the Ministers of Christ and helpes in government as divers Reformed Churches have used and yet have in their practize of Discipline Quest 39. What kinde of graces or qualifications ought Elders Rulers Deacons or Church officers bee endowed with that they may bee fit to governe in the Church Ans Verily Elders and Deacons and Ministers or any Rulers in the Church according to the Scriptures they ought to be spirituall Heavenly-minded men Acts 6.1 2.3 endued with the Holy Ghost James 3.17 men of wisdome and knowledge in Religion endued with wisdome 1 Tim. 3.9 that is from above 2 Tim. 2.1 2. pure peaceable gentle full of mercy and good fruits without partiality or hypocrisy sound and sincere in the Faith Heb. 5.14 Prudent Holding the mystery of faith in a pure conscience grave sober Titus 1.9.13 14. not given to drinke patient able in meeknesse to instruct those who oppose themselves 1 Tim. 3.8 2 Tim. 2.23 24 c. Titus 1.5 6 7. not proud as Lords of Gods inheritage but of blamlesse life and conversation humble minded that they may shew themselves good examples to the Flock and when the chiefe Sheapheard shall appeare 1 Pet. 5.1 2 3 4. receive a never fading Crowne of Glory Quest 49. What is the Office of such Elders Rulers or Governours in the Church Answ Being rightly chosen by the Church Acts 6.3 Acts 15.22 23. 1 Cor. 12.28 Acts 9.26 27. Acts 10.45 47. they are to be helpers and assistant in the Government of Christs Church to take care with the Chuch to further the right admission and uniting of Members do the Communion of Saints and especially to Churh fellowship in the holy communion and Supper of the Lord for better not for worse 1 Cor. 11.17 c. Exo. 12.48 Ezek. 44.7 8 9. Jer. 15.19 Mat. 18.15 16. 1 Thess 5.12 13. 2 Thess 3.14 15. that all ignorant unbelieving prophane Scandalous impenitent persons be kept away to separate the pretious from the vile They are to assist in Christian exhortations in godly and brotherly admonitions reprehensions counsells comforts yea to assist not onely in suspensions from the Sacrament that lesser but in that great censure of Excommunication if necessity require they are to assist in overseeing or watching over the flock according to their place and power Mat. 18.17 18 19 20. 1 Cor. 5.3 4 5 c. Iames 5.15 16. Acts 6.1 2 3. Zach. 14.5 â—1 Revel 21.3 in visiting of the sicke and having eyes with the Deacons whose office is to take care for the poore Saints and goods of the Church to the glory of God and benefit of Saints in faith and holinesse that the Lord may be found to dwell in the Tabernacle of his Saints with delight Thus the duty of spirituall Fathers Quest 41. Now what are duties commanded and sins forbidden of civill Parents and children in the civill politicall or Common wealth Estate in the relations between Magistrates Kings Princes Governours and people or subjects Ans I shall touch these but very briefly for present and what followeth also in the other Commandements But first for duties of superiors The duty of all Magistrates Deut. 17.18 19 20. Deut. 18 2â— 2 Sam. 13.3 4. Prov. 29.4 2 Cron. 28.9 2 Sam. 8. â—5 2 Cor. 19.5 6. Daniel 4.34 37 Deut. 16.18 19 20. 2 Chron. 15.10 Prov. 28. â—1 Magna Charta Kings Princes Governous or any in higher or lower places is to know the Law of God and in the feare of God in Justice and equity to governe the Common Wealth and people over whom the Lord placeth them to rule according to the Word of God and the good Lawes of the same Nation or Kingdome over which they are considering that they are under God and governe for God as vice-Gerents under the great Kings of Kings and Lord and King of Heaven and Earth Quest 42. What is the sinne of Magistrates and Governours contrary to this duty whether they bee in higher or lower places Ans To Rule or Governe without the knowledg or feare of God unâ—ustly tyrannically or in any corrupt and sinfull way contrary to the Word of God and good Lawes of the Land to sell or defer or deny Justice and right to any man Quest 43. You have held forth the duty of Magistrates and Fathers of the common wealth now what if the duty of subjects and people to Kings Princes Magistrates and Governours in higher or lower places Ans The dutie of subjects and people to their Soveraigne Princes Kings Magistrates or any under God in high or lower places is as to know and acknowledge them as their superiors and bee subject to them in their respective places to love honour preserve 2 Sam. 18 3. Rom. 13.1 2 Pet. 1.17 1 Pet. 2.13 14. 1 Tim. 2.1 2 3. Mat. 22.21 and obey them in their just and lawfull commands to be serviceable unto them in and for that which is good and to pray for them that they may so governe that we may leade a quiet and peaceable life in all godlinesse and honesty being carefull to render to Caesar the things that are Caesars and to God the things that are Gods Quest 44. What are the sinnes of the people and inferiors against their superiors 2 Chron. 36.13 1 Sam. 24.6 1 Sam. 26.9 2 Sam. 1.14 15. Ex 22.28 Ans To Rebell against dishonour or disobey the lawfull and just commands of superiors in higher or lower places Kings Princes or Magistrates to conspire Treason against them to curse them or neglect to pray for them according to the Scriptures is a fearfull sin 2 Sam. 16.7 Eccl. 10.20 1 Sam. 12.23 Quest 45. Sir yoU have manifested the duties and sinnes both of superiours and inferiours declared in Scriptures and to he referred unto this fifth â—ommandement as required by the Lord in this Rule of life and comfortable walking with God in Christ in our severall callings and relation now what use may a Christian make of the knowledge of so many duties requred and sinnes forbidden in this fifth Commandement and what light from Christ to leade us unto Christ for our comfort and direction herein Ans Truly by light from Christ we may here learne to see as in a glasse our owne inability to keepe the Law of God 2 Cor. 3.5 and so consider our extreame neede of Christ First as a justifyer that we may seeke our rest not in our selves or any of our owne performances 1 Cor. 1.30 Eph. 2.14 Isai 11.10 but
22.21 Ezek. 22.6 7. Ezra 4.19 Dan. 6.7 8 Isai 10.1 2 Luke 18.2 3 4 5. superior inferior or equalls or their estates inward or outward all concealing of truth not witnessing all wresting or depraving of actions or words contrary to the minde of the speaker or doer all false teaching and lying all unjust judgement without due tryall and examination to finde out truth and all erring in judgement contrary to truth all pleading of Lawyers against truth and all wresting of judgement for bribes or by-respects or hindering the right execution of judgement by unjust writs of error contrary to right and truth to oppresse a poore man and his just cause in law or conscience all unjust Records or concealling truth all Decrees Orders and Ordinances contrary to the right rule of truth or equity all false delayes or pretences to delay petitioners for Justice and right like as the unjust Judge did the poor widow Rom. 1.31 Psal 15.3 Exo. 23.1 All these are both theft and false witnes bearing sins against the eight ninth Commandement All Covenant breaking all credulous receiving of false rumors and reports and nourishing them by rash believeing of them or relating them to others Nehe. 6.6 7. Ezek. 22.9 all carring tales lying and speaking untruth to deceive in jest or earnest all officious or pernirious lies in trading buying Levit. 19.16 selling or otherwise all not ruling the tongue and all other wayes and meanes of hurting with the tongue by any idle unprofitable or sinfull words whatsoever James 3.2 3. c. Quest 12. Certainly Christ in this glasse of the Law giveth a light to finde out many sins and failing even in the best much more the abominations of wicked men Gen. 6.5 who are sencelesse of the villanies of their owne evill hearts what benefit may we reape by this Ans First Mat. 12.36 to teach wicked men to tremble the sinnes of whose words are sufficient to damm them for ever in hell fire Secondly to teach them to prize the Gospell which brings them news of a Saviour Prov. 23.26 and to waite on the meanes of grace if at any time Christ will give them Repentance and faith in Christ Jesus Heb. 13.5 Phil. 3.11 12 13. that they may be delivered out of the snare of the devill who are taken captive by him at his will Thirdly to teach Gods children to fly dayly to Christ and meet Christ in his Ordinances 2 Pet. 1.9 10 11. as to gaine more assurance of pardon even of their sinnefull words so for power to set a watch before their mouthes Psal 39.1 2. and to keepe the dors of their lips that they sinne not in their words Eph. 4.29 c. but that no corrupt communication come out of their mouthes but that which is good to the use of edifying that it may minister grace to the hearers as becomes those who have received true light from Christ Quest 13. You are now come by Gods goodnesse and light from Christ to the tenth and last Commandement of the Decalogue tell I pray you what are the duties commanded and the sinnes forbidden in this Commandement Thou shalt not covet thy neighbours house thou shalt not covet thy Neighbours wife nor his man-servant nor his maid-servant nor his Oxe nor his Asse nor any thing that is thy Neighbours Ans To open the Commandement a little and then to give you the duties Note first that whereas Moses here useth the Hebrew word Tatehmod covet in Deut. 5.21 he useth the word Tithavveh desire which the Hebrewes make lesse then to covet implying a prohibition of the least desire or thought to commit sinne in wronging our Neighbour so much as in our hearts or desires and in Deuterinomy the wife is named before the house and the field is added which is not named here Secondly you may observe the object of this coveting or desire prohibited Thou shalt not covet First in particular not thy Neighbours house Secondly not his wife Thirdly not his man-servant Fourthly not his maide-servant Fifthly not his Oxe Sixthly not his Asse Seventhly in the generall Nor any thing that is thy Neighbours Now the duty the Lord requireth is Prov. 23.26 wee should give God our hearts and every man and woman should be content in their minds Heb. 13.5 hearts and affections with that outward estate and condition in which it hath pleased God to place them Phil. 4.11 12 13. to behave themselves well towards their Neighbours not onely in outward actions but inwardly in affections and to declare their love out of a pure heart using all meanes to cherish and keepe good thoughts Luke 10.27 Galat. 5.17 Phil. 4.8 1 Thess 5.23 Prov. 4.23 desires and affections in their hearts and to banish or keepe evill lusts and desires out that by the strength of Christ they may bee carefull not to sinne so much as in a lust or desire or thought against God or their Neighbour Quest 14. Now you have held forth the duty required in the affirmative part of this Commandement what I pray you are the sinnes prohibited and what light from Christ the great Prophet of his Church to reveale these in the sacred Scriptures Ans First in generall the Lord prohibits all sinfull or evill concupiscence Rom. 7.7 and lusts or desires of the heart even before consent of will Coloss 3.5 originall corruption and pollution of heart Gen. 8.21 Mat. 15.19 the root of evill lusts and desires All actuall particular unlawfull passions lusts and desires of the soule Mat. 5.22.38 1 John 2. yea the very lusts of the eyes as our Saviour speaketh hee that looketh upon a Woman to lust after her 15 16. Jo 1.31.1 hath committed adultery with her in his heart and hee that is but angry with his brother unadvisedly is in danger of judgement Mat. 5.22 Joshua 7.21 Psal 19.7 Heb. 4 12.13 Isai 55.7 So that in this the perfection precisenesse and exact strictnesse of the Law of God appeareth above all humane Lawes whatsoever because they onely take hold of men sinning in words or actions Prov. 24.9 Jere. 17.9 10. Genes 6.5 James 2.10 11. Deut. 27.26 not of evill thoughts except they bee made manifest But the Lord searcheth the very heart and sinnefull lusts desires imaginations and thoughts of the heart make them guilty before God and subject men to the curse as breakers of Gods most holy Law Quest 15. Blessed bee God that you have received this light from Christ to declare the minde of God in these Ten Commandements both concerning duties commanded and sinnes forbidden yea even to the very thoughts lusts and desires of our soules good or evill Now what profit or benefit may the knowledge of this bring to a Christian soule and what light from Christ to make a right use of this that God hath revealed by Christ and his Spirit in the explication of these directions for