the father worketh hitherto and I work CHAP. XV. QVest To usher in the doctrine of works way is made for it by confounding the terms Iustification and Righteousness as if they were but one and the same thing when indeed there 's nothing less for the Scripture indeed tels us of a righteousness which is of the Law but nowhere a Iustification which is of the Law That we may therefore understand them both let us hear the Scripture speaking touching them both and first for Iustification doth not the Scripture expresly say it cannot be righteousness in us Answ Psal 143.3 For in thy sight shall no man that liveth be justified Rom. 4.5 To him that worketh not but believes on him that justifies the ungodly his faith is accounted for Righteousness Quest Justification then cannot be righteousness in us but accounted to us what is Justification then but remission of sins and doth not the Scripture make our Justification to consist herein that iniquities are forgiven and sin not imputed Answ Psal 32.1 Blessed is he whose iniquitie is forgiven and whose sin is covered blessed is the man to whom God imputeth not sin Quest But how prove you this is meant to be Justification doth not the Apostle Paul treating on this very thing Iustification quote this very place summing up Iustification in two parts Imputation of righteousness without works non-Imputation of sin Answ Rom. 4.2 5 6 7 8. For if Abraham were Iustified by works he had wherewith to boast but not before God But to him that worketh not but believeth on him that iustifieth the ungodly his faith is accounted for Righteousness even as David declareth the blessedness of the man to whom the Lord Imputeth righteousness without works saying Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputeth not sin Quest What then is our Righteousness doth not the Scripture tell us it s the satisfaction and obedience of Christ in life and death performed for us and of God freely imputed to us that believe report the language of the Scripture touching this glorious import first of his satisfaction Answ 1 Cor. 2.2 For I determined to know nothing among you save Iesus Christ and him crucified Esay 53.5 6. By his stripes we are healed the Lord hath laid upon him the iniquities of us all Luke 22.20 This cup is the New Testament in my blood which is shed for you Rom. 3.24 Justified freely by his grace through the Redemption which is in Christ Iesus whom God hath sent forth to be a reconciliation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness to the forgiveness of sins Rom 5.8 9. While we were yet sinners Christ dyed for us much more then being justified by his blood we shall be saved from wrath through him Gal. 5.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the Curse of the Law when he was made a Curse for us Eph. 1.7 By whom we have Redemption through his blood even the forgiveness of sins 1 Joh 1.7 The blood of Iesus Christ the Son of God cleanseth us from all sin Christ the Son of God cleanseth from all sins Col. 2.10 Ye are compleat in him Rom 5.19 For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many also be made righteous Quest It s clear indeed tha its the suffering of Christ the obedience and righteousness of Christ that makes us righteous and justified but then how doth the Scripture say his faith was counted righteousness Abrabam believed in God and he counted it for righteousness Is it contrary to the sense of all the forementioned Scriptures the act of faith or the blood of Christ the Object of faith that justifies in short is Justification for our faith or by it how say the Scriptures Answ Eph. 2 10. By Grace are ye saved through faith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God Rom. 5.9 Being now justified by his blood Quest But the Scriptures say we are justified freely by grace the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace eternal life is the gift of God c. Is it so as if the gift of God and the merit of Christ are inconsistent nay rather do they ever act apart may not nay is not that which is a free gift of God respecting us the price of blood respecting Christ Answ We need no farther then the Scriptures wrested on this very account Rom 3.24 We are justified freely by his grace through the Redemption that is in Christ Jesus Eph. 1.7 In whom we have Redemption through his blood the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace Rom. 6 23. The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Quest Doth not the Scripture say therefore positively that we are bought with a price and that price is the precious blood of Jesus Chrâ—st Answ 1 Cor. 6.20 For ye are bought with a price 1 Cor. 7.23 Ye are bought with a price be not the Servants of men 1 Pet. 1.18 19. Knowing that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold from your vain conversation received by the traditions of the fathers but with the precious blood of Iesus Christ as a Lamb undefiled and without spot Quest Nay more doth not the Scripture expresly say that without this price of blood there is no remission Answ Heb. 9.22 And almost all things are by the Law purged with blood and without shedding of blood there is no remission CHAP. XVI Quest Our Saviour tels us his Commandments are not grievous his yoak is easiy and his burden light this indeed is a slight proof of our Master of Arts to conclude our possibility of keeping the Commandments of God let 's hear the sense of the Apostle Paul to this very thing affectionately expressing the desire of his regenerate part to keep the Law of God and his hearty closing therewith making good that of our Saviour That his Commandments are not grievous his yoak is easie and his burden light yet withall plainly telling us that he was not able to keep them by reason of his unregenerate part and in plain terms giving our Master of Arts the lye Answ Rom. 7.14 For we know the Law is spiritual but I am carnal sold under sin for that which I do I allow not for that I would that do I not but what I hate that I do now then it s no more I that do it but sin that dwelleth in me for I know in me that is in my flesh dwelleth no good thing for to will is present with me but how to perform that which is good I know not for the good that I would I do not but the evil which I would not that do I I find then a Law that when I would do good evil is present with me for I delight in the Law of God after the inward man but I see another Law
hear and not understand c. In Acts its quoted well said the holy Ghost by Esaias the Prophet go unto this people and say by hearing ye shall hear and not understand Heb. 9.14 The etternal Spirit 1 Cor. 3.16 Know ye not that ye are the Temple of God and that the spirit of God dwelleth in you 1 Cor. 6.19 Know you not that your body is the Temple of the holy Ghost which dwelleth in you therefore glorifie God in your body and in your Spirit for they are Gods 2 Cor. 6.16 And what Agreement hath the Temple of God with Idols for ye are the Temple of the living God Acts 5.3 4. Then said Peter Ananias why hath Satan filled thy heart that thou shouldest lye unto the holy Ghost Thou hast not lyed unto man but unto God Esay 40.9 Say unto the Cities of Judah behold your God ver 10. behold the Lord God will come with power ver 13. who hath instructed the Spirit of the Lord or was his Councellour ver 15. Behold the Nations are as a drop of a bucket and are counted as the dust of the ballance Behold he takes away the sles as a little dust vers 17. All Nations before him are as nothing less then nothing and vanity ver 18. To whom then will ye liken God Luke 1.3 And the Angel said the holy ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the most high shall overshadow thee the Spirit of God hath made me 1 John 1.5 7. Three bear Record in heaven and these three are one Mat. 28.19 Go teach all Nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost Gen. 1.2 And the Spirit of God moved upon the waters 1 Cor. 12.1 Now concerning gifts vers 4. There are diversities of gifts but the same Spirit vers 6. And there are diversities of operations but God is the same which worketh all in all ver 8 9. To one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit to another faith by the same Spirit to another the gift of healing by the same Spirit vers 11. All these things worketh the self-same Spirit distributing to every one severally as he will Mat 12.28 31.32 I cast out Devils by the Spirit of God therefore I say unto you every sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men but the blasphemy of the holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men and whosoever speaketh against the holy Ghost it shal not be forgiven him either in this world or the world to come Quest Are there not some workings of the Spirit in the hearts of men already regenerate that are extraordinary and miraculous such as in the Acts which is called receiving the holy Ghost the holy Ghost falling upon them c. in use for confirmation of the primitive Church some that are proper to such a state as the Spirit of Adoption Because ye are Sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son of Consolation so the Spirit is called the Comforter which Christ prays shall be sent of assurance and evidence after ye believed ye were fealed with the holy Spirit of promise if there be and that this is the meaning of such Scriptures do they then prove that Regeneration Conversion and the first beginnings of grace are in us without the working of the Spirit until after as our Catechist would insinuate or else do they prove only the further and gradual workings of the Spirit what say the Scriptures Answ 2 Cor. 3.8 The Gospel by which we are converted is called the Ministration of the Spirit Joh. 3.5 Except a man be born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God Mat. 3.12 I baptize you with water unto amendment of life but he that cometh after me will baptize you with the holy Ghost and with fire Ioel 2.28 I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh 2 Cor. 6.11 18. But ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are purified in the name of our Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God 1 Ioh. 3.24 No man can say that Jesus is the Lord but by the holy Ghost Rom. 8.2 The Law of the Spirit of life which is in Christ Jesus hath freed me from the Law of sin and death CHAP. VI. QVest That Scripture Rom. 5.10 We shall be saved by his life is it so to be understood as Saints ought not to expect salvation by the death of Christ as Biddle insinuates What say other Scriptures to this thing Answ Rom. 8.3 God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh condemned sin in the flesh Heb. 2.9 14 15. that he by the grace of God should taste death for all men that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the Devil and deliver them who through fear of death were all their life-time subject to bondage 2 Cor. 5.14 If one dyed for all then were all dead and that he died for all that they that live should not henceforth live unto themselves but unto him which dyed for them and rose again 1 Tim. 2.6 who gave himself a ransom for all men Mat. 20.28 The Son of man came not to be ministred unto but to minister and give his life a ransom for many Mat. 26.28 For this is my blood of the New Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins Heb. 9.28 Christ wat once offered to bear the sins of many Esay 53.11 By knowledge shall my righteous servant Justifie many for he shall bear their iniquities Eph. 5.25 Christ loved the Church and gave himself for it without blood there is no remission he dyed for us and gave himself for us Eph. 1.7 We have redemption through his blood Heb. 9.12 But by his own blood entred he once into the holy place and obtained redemption for us Heb. 13.13 Therefore even Jesus that he might sanctifie his own people by his own blood suffered without the gate 1 Pet. 1.18 19 Knowing ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold but with the precious blood of Christ 1 Iohn 1.7 And the blood of Iesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin Rev. 1.5 Who hath washed us from our sins in his own blood Rom. 4.25 Isa 53.5 He was wounded for our transgressions he was bruised for our iniquities 1 Cor. 15.3 Christ dyed for our sins according to the Scriptures he laid on him the iniquities of us all Quest But how is the other Question of Christ his being given raised and exalted by another to be a Saviour according to those Scriptures a name given exalted to be a Saviour raised unto Israel a Saviour to be understood Answ As are those Scriptures in the fourth Chapter of the humanity of Christ else the Scripture tels us 1 Tim. 2 6. He gave himself a ransom he gave himself for us CHAP. VIII QVest Whereas he
would impudently apply that Scripture Joh. 3.13 No man hath ascended into heaven but he that came down from heaven the Son of man which is in heaven and what other Scriptures speak him coming down from heaven coming forth from God and such like to this erroneous doctrine that Christ as man first ascended into heaven was there and came down thence ere he shewed himself to the world is that according to truth or doth he this meerly to avoid the force these Scriptures have in them to prove the Deity of the Son what Scriptures have you that will sufficiently prove he did not so ascend as man ere he was discovered to the world Answ Mat. 1.8 The birth of Jesus was on this wise when as his Mother Mary was espoused to Joseph before they came together she was found with child of the holy Ghost behold a Virgin shall be with child Luke 1 30,31 And the Angel said unto her Mary Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and bring forth a Son Mat. 2.8 Search diligently for the young child ver 9. stood over where the young childe was vers 11. They saw the young child with Mary his Mother vers 13. Arise take the child and his Mother for Herod seeketh the child to destroy him vers 14 15. He arose and took the babe and his Mother and departed into Egypt and was there until the death of Herod that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the Prophet saying Out of Egypt have I called my son vers 19 20 21. And when Herod was dead behold an Angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Ioseph in Egypt saying Arise and take the babe and his Mother and go into the Land of Israel Then he rose up and took the babe and his Mother and came into the Land of Israel Vers 23. And went and dwelt in a City called Nazareth Luke 2.40 And the child grew and waxed strong in the Spirit 42. Now when he was twelve years old 43. The child Iesus remained in Jerusalem 51.52 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was subject to them and Iesus increased in wisdom and stature Joh. 20.17 Iesus said unto her Touch me not for I am not yet ascended unto my Father but I ascend unto my father and your father Quest These Scriptures prove indeed sufficiently that Jesus was conceived among us for she was with child born among us seen among us removing from place to place among us growing in years and stature and gifts among us and after all this his own testimony after his resurrection do sufficiently prove he ascended not as man before he descended what use then shall those Scriptures turn to which he abuses to that end Ioh. 3.13 No man hath ascended but he that hath descended the Son of man which is in heaven Iohn 8.42 I came from God Vers 29. I am from above Iohn 13.1.3 Jesus knowing that he came from God Ioh. 16.28 30. I came forth from the Father by this we believe that thou camest from God Answ Add them all to that Testimony afforded us by the Scripture Rom. 9.5 Who is God over all blessed for evermore Amen Quest Whereas our Catechist quotes several Scriptures importing that he that believes shall be saved if we hold fast our confidence to the end if a man purge himself if through the spirit we mortifie the deeds of the flesh we shall live if we repent our sins shall be blotted out if we do these things happy are we if we suffer with him we shall also raign and whereby he deducts that the promises of the Gospel are propounded conditionally to faith perseverance obedience doing and uttering which indeed is true but mean time conceals that Truth which ought to be considered herewith namely that we may perform these conditions we must have recourse to an absolute promise are there not therefore Scriptures that make all these first to be Gods gift ere they are our Act repeat some among many Answ Gal. 5.22 The fruit of the spirit is love joy peace long suffering gentleness goodness faith c. Eph. 6.23 Peace be to the Brethren and love with faith from God the Father and from our Lord Iesus Christ Heb. 12.2 Looking unto Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith Eph. 2.8 By grace are ye saved through faith in Iesus and that not of your selves it is the gift of God Acts 26.22 I obtained help of God and continue unto this day 2 Tim. 2.14 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and will preserve me unto his heavenly Kingdom Heb. 13.20 21. The God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ the great Shepheard of the Sheep thorough the blood of the everlasting Covenant make you perfect in all good works to do his will working in you what is pleasing in his sight thorough Jesus Christ to whom be praise for ever and ever Amen Eze. 11.19 And I will give them one heart and I will put a new spirit in their bowels and will take their stony heart out of their bodies and I will give them a heart of flesh that they may walk in my statutes and keep my Judgements and execute them Hosea 14.9 The wayes of the Lord are just and the r ghteous shall walk in them Phil. 2.13 For it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure Acts 5.31 Him hath God raised up with his right hand to be a Prince and Saviour to Israel to give repentance and forgiveness of sins Acts. 11.17 18. Forasmuch then as God gave them a like gift as he did unto us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ who was I that I could let God when they heard these things they held their peace and glorified God saying then hath God also granted unto the Gentiles repentance unto life Rom. 2.4 Or despisest thou the riches of his bounty and patience and long-suffering not knowing that the bountifulness of God leadeth thee to repentance 2 Tim. 2.24 25. But the Servant of the Lord must not strive but be gentle toward all men apt to teach suffering the evil men patiently instructing them with meekness that are contrary-minded proving if God at any time will give them repentance that they may acknowledge the Truth and come to amendment out of the snare of the Devil of whom they are taken prisoners to do his will Phil. 1.19 Vnto you it is given for Christ that not onely you should believe in him but also suffer for his sake CHAP. IX QVest Though the many Scriptures cited do prove the Divinity of the Son and we do in the main refer all other by strokes thereat one whereof we have in this Chapter to that distinct head yet whereas here is quoted Mat. 9.2 3 4 importing that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins and that the multitude glorified God which had given
ends of Christs death the Scripture mentions if not what other principal end is here omitted Answ Ephes 1.7 We have redemption through his blood even the forgiveness of sins Col. 1.14 Same words Ephes 1.14 Redemption of the possession purchased Gal. 4.5 When the fulness of time was come God sent forth his son made of woman and made under the Law that he might redeem them which were under the Law Titus 2.13 14. Our Saviour Jesus Christ who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquities CHAP. XIII QVest Were there neither Scripture nor Argument against the doctrine of universal love and general Redemption this were enough to a sober mind to Question it in that it s bound up in the volume of our Authors Truth and so vigorously contended for by such a Master of heresie And may cause our late assertors thereof to blush to see their opinion touching so important an head in Divinity inserted in so black and Atheistical a Calender But to the thing the Scriptures speaking Christ dyed for all gave himself a ransom for all tasted death for every man giveth life to the world will have all men be saved all should come to repentance for the sins of the whole world c. and other such of a general tendency how must they be understood of a general confused and universal love to men so that God willed and Christ effected the Salvation of all men or else according to restraint given us in other Scriptures to the Election of the Father the prayer of Christ the faith and obedience of men the sheep of Christ his Church such whom his Father hath given him his people his peculiar people and this general term all expounded by other Scriptures to be many which will if so effectually prove that though Christ is indeed in common tendered and propounded to all men but intended and effectually applyed only according to these restraints Rehearse the Scriptures therefore on each of these Answ Rom. 9.11 12.13 For ere the Children were born and when they had done neither good nor evil that the purpose of God might remain according to Election not by works but by him that calleth it was said the elder shall serve the younger as it is written I have loved Iacob and hated Esau Rom. 11.5 Even so then at this present is there a remnant according to the election of grace ver 7. The Election have obtained it the rest have been hardned v. 28. As touching the election they are beloved for the Fathers sake Iohn 17.9 I pray for them I pray not for the world but for them which thou hast given me for they are thine Ioh. 3.16 God so loved the world that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life Iohn 12.46 I come a light into the world that whosoever believeth in me should not abide in the darkness Acts 10.43 To him also give the Prophets witness that through his name all that believe in him shall receive remission of sins Rom. 3.22 The righteousness of God by the Faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all that believe Heb. 5.9 Being consecrate was made the Author of eternal Salvation to all them that obey him Mat. 25.33 And he shall set his sheep on his right hand and the Goats on his left John 10.26 27. My sheep hear my voice and I give unto them eternal life John 10.15 I lay down my life for my Sheep Mat. 15.24 And he answered and said I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel Acts 20.28 Take heed therefore unto your selves and to all the flock whereof the holy Ghost had made you overseers to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood Ephes 5.25 Husbands love your wives even as Christ loved the Church and gave himself for it Iohn 6.29 And this is the Fathers will who hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day Mat. 1.21 And she shall bring forth a Son and thou shalt call his name Jesus for he shall save his people from their sins Titus 2.13 14. Looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the mighty God and of our Saviour Jesus Christ who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purge us to be a peculiar people unto himself zealous of good works Mat. 20.28 The Son of man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many Mat. 26.28 This is the blood of the new Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins Heb. 9.28 Christ was once offered to take away the sins of many Isa 53.11 But his knowledge shall my righteous servant justifie many for he shall bear their iniquities Quest These Scriptures are undeniable as to this great point but is there not a general providential temporal good mercy and salvation in God common to all men yea to irrational creatures as well as men Answ Psal 145.8 9. The Lord doth good to all and his tender mercies are over all his works Psal 36. O Lord thou savest man and beast Quest In this Chapter we have another blow at the Godhead of the Son The Scriptures abused to this end are such as tel us Christ was raised by God by the power of God by the glory of the Father and such like whence it is concluded Christ rose not by his own power but by the power of another Is that therefore the language of these Scriptures which tels us he was not raised by himself Touching that we must address to other Scriptures what therefore saith the Lord himself touching this thing Answ Iohn 2.19 20 21. Jesus answered and said unto them Destroy this Temple and in three days I will raise it up again then said the Jews Forty and six years was this Temple a building and wilt thou rear it in three days but he spake of the Temple of his body Iohn 10.17 Therefore doth my Father love me because I lay down my life that I may take it again no man taketh it from me But I lay it down of my self I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again Quest This discourse of the resurrection was improvidently medled with to that end intended for if the Lord Jesus Christ did by his own power raise himself from the dead as those Scriptures prove then onely was he God yet have you not other Scriptures do prove that when God the Father raised up the Son from the dead the Son then raised up himself inasmuch as the Father and the Son work together in one and the same work Answ John 5.21 For likewise as the Father raiseth up the dead and quickneth them so the Son quickeneth whom he will John 5.19 Whatsoever things the Father doth the same things doth the Son also
Scriptures truly to press us to aim at perfection and have it as a rule in our eye nay doth not the Apostle Paul press such as he cals already perfect at the same time to press on to perfection as not having yet attained perfection though called perfect let us hear himself speak of himself and others Answ Phil. 3.11 12 13 14 15. If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead not as though I had already attained or were already perfect But I follow after If I may apprehend that for which I am apprehended of Christ Jesus Brethren I count not my self to have apprehended But this one thing I do forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth to those things which are before I press towards the mark for the price of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus let us therefore as many as be perfect be thus minded Quest When Paul was at his highest pitch through the abundance of Revelations yet was he not then far from such an estate as perfection in degree what saith he himself Answ 2 Cor. 12. Lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of Revelations there was given unto me a prick in the flesh Quest. But though the degree of perfection were not attained or attainable yet there is sincerity which is perfection there is an universal general obedience to every part of the Law of God which is perfection too in Gods account so much these Scriptures compared with others declare but can they prove the compleat pitch and degree of perfection besides what is already named what say other Scriptures Answ 1 Cor. 13.9 10. For we know in part we prophesie in part Psal 19.12 13. Who can understand his Errors cleanse thou me from my secret sins keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins Mat. 6. 12. Forgive us our Trespasses Mark 9.24 Lord I believe help thou my unbelief Col. 3.5 Mortifie therefore your members which are upon the earth Psal 51.4 My sin is ever before me Quest Touching good works enough hath been said in the former chapter to evince that they have nothing to do in the business of Justification so as that God should justifie us for or because of our works yet inasmuch as here it s again insisted on as the cause of Justification repeat therefore the same Scriptures here urged which prove our Justification to be not of works but of grace Answ Eph. 8 9. 10. By grace are ye saved through faith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God not of works Rom. 11.5 And if by grace it s no more of works otherwise grace is no more grace Quest But good works are so to salvation as is the Antecedent to the Consequent to say though we may not expect to be saved for them yet we cannot expect to be saved without them what therefore the Scripture makes the proper end of good works are they not especially these and such like as these obedience to God the honour of our profession the glory of God the proof evidence and justification of our faith a tryal to the sincerity of our profession a sign of our state in grace acceptance with God and from the whole to put to silence evil men and be a comfortable ground of peace in our own sâ—uls What says the Scriptures to each of these Answ 1 Thes 4.3 This is the will of God even your Sanctification Titus 3.8 This is a faithful saying and these things I will that thou affirm constantly That they which have believed in God may be careful to maintain good works These things are good and profitable unto men Eph. 4.1 I therefore the Prisoner of the Lord beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation whereunto ye are called Mat. 5.16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorifie your father which is in heaven James 2.14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 24 25. What doth it profit my brethren though a man say he hath faith and have not works will faith save him if a brother be naked and destitute of daily food and one of you say unto them Depart in peace be you warmed and filled notwithstanding you give them not those things that are needful to the body what doth it profit even so faith if it hath not works is dead Was not Abraham our father justified by works Thou believest that there is one God thou dost well the Devils also believe and tremble but wilt thou know O vain man that faith without works is dead was not Abraham our father justified by works when he had offered his son Isaac upon the altar seest thou how faith wrought with his works and by works was faith made perfect 1 John 3.7 10. Little children let no man deceive you he that doth righteousness is righteous even as he is righteous in this the children of God are manifest and the Children of the devil whosoever doth not righteousness is not of God 1 Iohn 2.29 If ye know that he is righteous ye know that every one which doth righteousness is born of him Acts 10.35 He that feareth him and worketh righteousness is accepted of him Heb. 13.18 Pray for us for we trust we have a good conscience in all things willing to live honestly 1 Pet. 3.16 Having a good conscience that whereas they speak evil of you as ev l doers they may be ashamed that falsly accuse your good conversation in Christ 1 Pet. 2.15 For so is the will of God that with well doing you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men Acts 23.1 And Paul earnestly beholding the Council said Men and brethren I have lived in all good conscience towards God untill this day Quest We are now come to that grand Question touching the perseverance of the Saints wherein we have many â—criptures brought telling us that the righteous may turn away from his righteousness and sin unto death and that for his iniquity which he hath committed he shall dye Eze. 18.24.33.13 Is there any denies a temporal death according to these Scriptures have ye not other examples agreeing with them that sickness and death are inflicted on good men under the Gospel for their miscarriages Answ 1 Cor. 13. For this cause some of you are sick and some are fallen asleep Quest But do these or other Scriptures following prove that doctrine to be false Once in Christ and ever in Christ as we have taken for granted in the question of Biddle The Scriptures are such as tell some shall depart from the faith some have made Shipwrack of faith cast off their faith erred from the faith overthrown the faith of some several exhortations in Scripture that we take heed we depart not from the living God left we be hardned thorough the deceitfulness of sin lest any man fall after the example of unbelief lest being led away by the error of the wicked fall
Lord Iesus Christ God is faithful 1 Cor. 10 13. God is faitful and will not suffer you to be tempted above what ye are able but will give with the temptation that ye may be able to bear it 1 Thes 5.23 24. Now the very God of peace sanctifie you throughout and I pray God that your whole spirit soul and body may be kept blameless unto the coming of our Lord Iesus Christ faithful is he that calleth you who will also do it 2 Thes 3.3 The Lord is faithful which will stablish you and keep you from evil Phil. 1.6 And I am perswaof this thing that he that haeh begun this good work in you will perform it until the day of Iesus Christ 4 The Elect cannot fall 4. Mat. 24.24 For there shall arise false Christs and false Prophets and shall shew great signs and wonders so that if it were possible they should deceive the very Elect. Rom. 8.29,30 For those whom he knew before those also he predestinated moreover whom he predestinated them also he called and whom he called them also he justified and whom he justified them he also glorified Rom. 11.1 God hath not cast away his people whom he knew before vers 7. what then Israel hath not obtained that he sought but the election have obtained it and the rest have been hardned 5 Christ prays and is always heard 5. Luke 21.31 32. And the Lord said Simon Simon behold Satan hath desired to winnow thee as wheat but I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not John 17.15 20. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world but that thou keep them from evil I pray not for these alone but for them which shall believe in me through their word Rom. 8.34 Who shall condemn it is Christ which is dead yea rather which is risen again who is also at the right hand of God and maketh request for us who shall separate us from the love of Christ John 11.41 42. And Iesus lift up his eyes and said Father I thank thee because thou hast heard me I know that thou hearest me always 6 The Saints pray and shall obtaen 6. Mat. 6. 13. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil 1 John 5.14 And this is that assurance that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us 7 6 Saints are preserved in the faith 7. John 6.37.38 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I cast not away This is the Fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day Chap. 10.27 28. My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me and I give unto them eternal life and they shall not perish neither shall any pluck them out of my hand John 17.12 Those that thou gavest me have I kept and nore of them is lost chap. 13.1 Forasmuch as he loved his own which were in the world unto the end he loved them 8. 2 Cor. 1.21 And it is God which establisheth us with you in Christ and hath annointed us who hath also sealed us and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts Ephes 1.13 14. In whom also ye have trusted after that ye heard the word of truth even the Gospel of your Salvation wherein also after that ye believed ye were sealed with the holy spirit of promise which is the earnest of our inheritance Chap. 4.30 Grieve not the holy spirit of God by whom ye are sealed unto the day of Redemption Psal 9. Comparison of Believers in Scripture 1.3 For he shall be like a Tree planted by the Rivers of waters that will bring forth her fruit in her due season whose leaf shall not fade Mat. 7 24.25 I will liken him to a wise man which hath builded his house on a rock Luke 8.15 But that which fell on good ground are they which with an honest and good heart hear the word and keep it and bring forth fruit with patience 10. Rom. 6.2 8 10 Saints dead to sin 9 11. How shall we that are dead to sin live yet therein wherefore if we be dead with Christ we believe that we shall live also with him knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dyeth no more death hath no more dominon over him likewise think ye also that ye are dead to sin but are alive to to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Iohn 3 9. Whosoever is born of God sinneth not for his seed remaineth in him neither can he sin because he is born of God Chap. 5,4 For all that is born of God overcometh this world Rom. 8.35.37 to the end Who shall separate us from the love of Christ in all these things we are more then Conquerours through him that loved us for I am perswaded that neither death nor life nor Angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come nor height nor depth nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord. Quest Our Saviour tels his Disciples hitherto they had asked nothing in his name was it because they prayed God without a Mediator without the name of Christ nay sure but they had asked nothing that is nothing comparatively to what they might have asked and God would give was there at any time even before Christs Incarnation any acceptance with the Father without him was not Christ the Centre of all those types Surely yes the Scripture is full Let it suffice us here to hear one Scripture proving that Christ was to them before his coming in the flesh as to us since though more darkly one Scripture proving that they did then pray the Father through his name even before his incarnation One Scripture that there is but one Mediatour for all men whether them before or us since his manifestation in the flesh let us hear them faithfully recorded Answ 1 Cor. 10.4.3 Moreover Brethren I would not have you ignorant how that all our Fathers were under the cloud and all passed through the sea and did all eat the same spiritual meat and did all drink the same spiritual drink for they drank of that spiritual rock that followed them and that rock was Christ Dan. 9.17 Now therefore oh our God hear the prayer of thy servant and his supplications and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that lieth waste for the Lords sake 1 Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one Mediatour between God and men the man Christ Jesus CHAP. XX XXI QVest It s of great comfor to the Church indeed that Christ her head hath the Keys of hell and death But hath not the Lord Jesus committed to the Church the power of these keys that the publike regular and due use thereof may according
Ordinance of Baptism administred in the Element of water Answ Mark 1.9.10 And it came to pass in those days that Iesus came from Nazareth a City of Galilee and was baptized of Iohn in Iordan and assoon as he was come out of the water Iohn saw the heavens cleaving in twain and the holy Ghost descending on him like a Dove Mrt. 3.13 to the end Then came Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto Iohn to be baptized of him but Iohn earnestly put him back saying I have need to be baptized of thee and comest thou to me Then answering Iesus said Let it be now for thus it becomes us to fulfil all righteousness so he suffered him and Iesus when he was baptized came straight out of the water and lo the heavens were opened unto him and Iohn saw the the Spirit of God descending like a Dove and lighting on him and lo a voice came from heaven saying This is my welbeloved Son in whom I am well pleased CHAP. XXIV QVest Well were it for the Heresie of former ages and of this if the last thing in the Catechism were true fitly brought if believed to lull asleep the present torments of a checking Conscience which will work in the heart of such as maliciously sin against the truth but alas they cannot but know the greater is their present sentence and receipt of Iudgement and fiery indignation which shall devour such adversaries Heb. 10.26 27. They have a lye in their right hand It is most fitly added therefore as a close hereto The thing is this then in one word dreadful enough whereas we read of a lyar ought to have a good memory see the last Question of the third Chapter death opposed to everlasting life the second death destruction perdition Hell-fire c. Is it as I know Biddle could wish such a death as immediately maketh the Creature cease to be and dye as doth a beast and so that the height of their misery were that they should not be happy to say they should dye and that 's all or else more truly according to Scripture doth this death second death destruction damnation hell fire c. consist in eternity of torments and everlasting death so that damnation is a life though miserable in opposition to which salvation is only called eternal life Two or three Scriptures and so end Answ Isa ult ult And they shall go forth and look on the carkasses of the men that have transgressed against me for their worm shall not dye neither shall their fire be quenched and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh Mark 9.42 to the 48. And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me it were better for him that a Milstone were hanged about his neck and that he were cast into the sea Wherefore if thy hand cause thee to offend cut it off it is better for thee to enter into life maimed then having two hands to go into hell into the fire that never shall be quenched where the worm dyeth not and the fire never goeth out likewise if thy foot cause thee to offend cut it off it is better for thee to go halt into life then having two feet to be cast into hell into the fire that never shall be quenched where the worm dyeth not and the fire goeth not out and if thy eye cause thee to offend pluck it out it is better for thee to go into the kingdom of God with one eye then having two eyes to be cast into hell fire where the worm dyeth not and the fire never goeth out Mat. 25.41 46 verses Then shall he say to them on the left hand depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire which is prepared for the Devil and his Angels and these shall go into everlasting pain and the righteous into life eternal FINIS
so much power unto men Acts 5.31 Him hath God exalted to be a Prince and Saviour to give repentance and remission of sins to Israel which Scripture he accommodates by his Question to his Lye namely that Christ forgiving sins on earth and heaven does it as a man impowered and exalted by God and not as God That so he may remove the irresistible force of this argument He that forgives sins is God but the man Jesus Christ forgives sins Ergo. Have you therfore no Scripture that directly proves this thing that what the Lord Jesus did in the work of Redemption and forgiveness of sins he did it as God and so what ere act he did as Mediator he did by vertue of his Divine nature Acts 20.28 The Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood CHAP. X. QVest What shall we say to this Blasphemer who yet in despight of Jesus Christ God blessed for ever abuseth that place Iohn 22.23 The father judgeth no man but hath committed all Judgement to the Son that all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father to th s cursed end The Son is not to be honoured as the Father because he hath not the same esteem with the Father but the same judiciary power that so he may divert the dint of two unanswerable Arguments in this glorious Text. 1. He that is Judge of all the world is God but the Son is Judge of all the world Ergo Gen. 18.22 25. And Abraham stood before the Lord and said Shall not the Judge of all the world do right And the Lord answered If I shall find 50. persons in Sodom righteous I will spare the place for their sakes 2. The second is He that is to be Honoured even as the Father is equal to the Father but the Son is to be Honoured even as the Father Ergo. So that though there be enough in the naming this Scripture to confute this child of Satan yet have ye no Scripture over and above those Scriptures already brought to vindicate the Divinity of the Son that expresly proves the Son is honoured as he is and because he is God Answ 1 Pet. 3.15 Sanctifie the Lord God in your hearts that they may be ashamed which blame your good conversation in Christ Luke 17.15 16 17. Then one of them when he saw that he was healed turned back and with a loud voice praised God and fell down on his face at his feet and gave him thanks and he was a Samaritan But Jesus answered and said Are there not ten cleansed but where are the nine There were none found to give God thanks save this stranger Quest Since in this Chapter he belches out yet more blasphemy what shall be said in answer to his perverting of this Scripture Iohn 5 27. he hath authority to execute Judgement because he is the Son of man Christ therefore saith he had it not as he is God and that Rev. 1.5 6 11 12. Unto him which washed us from our own sins in his own blood be glory and dominion worthy is the Lamb that was slain when saies he Saints and Angels praise him not because he is very God of very God but because he died for us Answ These are sufficiently spoken to in the Scriptures to the other Answer yet more to follow him in regard in this Question he blasphemes the term very God of very God see Phil. 2.5 6.7 8.9 Let the same mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus who being in the form of God thought it no robbery to be equal with God but he made himself of no reputation and took on him the form of a Servant and was made like unto man and was found in shape as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto the death even the death of the Cross wherefore God also highly exalted him and gave him a name above every name 1 Iohn 5.20 But we know that the Son of God is come and hath given us a mind to know him that is true and we are in him that is true that is in his Son Iesus Christ this same is very God and eternal life Iohn 1.14 And the word was made flesh and pitched his tents among us and we saw the glory thereof as the glory of the onely begotton Son of the Father full of grace and truth CHAP. XI QVest There being two parts of the Priesthood of Christs satisfaction and intercession according to the Scriptures it s the design of this Chapter to make void the first of them namely the satisfaction of Christ by making the Priesthood of Christ meerly to consist with latter namely his intercession contrary to that rule What God hath joyned let no man put asunder And whereas he doth this First by Heb 8.4 If he were on earth he should not be a Priest Heb. 7.15 16. There ariseth another Priest made not after the Law of a Carnal Commandement but after the power of an endless life hereby concluding that Christ was not a Priest untill after his death and resurrection and if so no Priest upon the Cross since then this is so weighty a business what saith the Scripture in other places Answ The Scriptures to this thing are already cited in the sixth Chapter All centring in that 1 Cor. 15.3 Christ died for us according to the Scriptures Quest But whereas that Scripture Heb. 7.25 he is able to save seeing he ever lives to make intercession for us is alledged doth he save only by his intercession or by his intercession without his satisfaction What other Scriptures therefore have you to prove Christ to be a Priest and a Priest able to save because he offered up himself Answ Many but some of the principal our adversary names I cannot tell why unless that we should not Heb. 9.28 Christ was once offered up to bear the sins of many Heb. 10.11 12. This man after he had offered one sacrifie for sins for ever sat down at the right hand of God for by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified Heb. 7.26.27 For such a High-Priest it became us to have which is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners and made higher then the Heavens which needed not daily as these High-Priests to offer up a sacrifie first for his own sins and then for the peoples for that he did once when he offered up himself Quest Doth our Catechist pretend to expres place of Scripture and yet tells us so impudent and known a lye as that Christ entred into the holy place to offer himself as in his nineth Question in this Chapter intimating he offered himself not here what will you then say to so bold a Blasphemer Answ Acts 13.10 Oh full of all subtilty and all mischief the child of the Devil and enemy of all righteousness wilt not thou leave to pervert the straight wayes of the Lord Quest What means that place in Heb. 9.12 By his own blood entred