Benefits or Advantages that accrew to one and all Such then cannot honestly lay claim to justifie their Principles and practices from the Scriptures But I leave these Straglers in Religion and come again to the divers Sects To begin with these that are most numerous I think I need not say much to the Papists in this Case for they do not so much as pretend to prove all their Dogmaes by the Scriptures sith it is one of their chief Doctrines That Tradition may Authorize Doctrines without any Authority of Scripture Yea the Council of Constance hath made bold to command things to be believed Non obstante Scriptura i.e. Though the Scriptures say the contrary and indeed it were their great Folly to pretend to prove their Doctrines by Scripture seeing the Adoration of Saints and Images Purgatory and Prayer for the Dead the Precedency of the Bishop of Rome the Matter of Indulgencies with much more Stuff of that kind hath not the least Shadow of Scripture for it Among Protestants I know the Socinians are great Pretenders to the Scriptures and in Words as much exalt them as any other People And yet its strange to see how that not only in many things they are not agreeable to them but in some of their chief Principles quite contrary unto it as in their Denying the Divinity of Christ which is as expresly mentioned as any thing can be And the Word was God Joh. 1. As also in Denying his Being from the Beginning against the very Tenour of that of John 1. and divers other as at large is shown in the third Chapter of this Treatiâ—e Divers other things as to them might be mentioned but this may suffice to stop their Boasting in this Matter The Arminians are not more successful in their Denying the False Doctrine of Absolute Reprobation and in Asserting the Vniversal Extent of Christ's Death for all then they are short in not placing this Salvation in that Spiritual Light where with man is enlightned by Christ but wrongously asscribing a Part of that to the Natural Will and Capacity which is due alone to the Grace and Power of God by which the Work is both begun carried on and accomplished And herein they as well as both the Socinians and Pelagians though they do well in Condemning their Errors yet they miss in setting up another and not the Truth in place thereof and in that respect are justly reproved by such Scriptures as their Adversaries who otherwise are as far wrong as they bring against them in shewing the Depravity of man's VVill by Nature and his Incapacity to do any Good but as assisted by the Grace of God so to do On the other hand It s strange to observe how many Protestants the first Article of whose Confession of Faith is to assert the Scripture to be the Only Rule should deny the Universal Extent of Christ's Death contrary to the express words of Scripture which saith He tasted Death for for every man or the Universality of Grace and a sufficient Principle which the Scriptures assert in as many positive words as except we may suppose the Pen-men intended another thing then they spoke it was possible to do viz. A Manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal The Grace of God that brings Salvation hath appeared unto all men and many more be ore-mentioned The like may be said of their denying the Perfection of the Saints and asserting the Impossibility of any falling away from real Beginnings of true and saving Grace contrary to so many express Scriptures as are heretofore adduced in their proper Place But to give all that defire to be undeceived a more full Oportunity to observe serve how the Devil has abused many pretending to be wise in making them cloak with a Pretence of Scripture false and pernicious Doctrines I shall take a few of many Instances out of the Confession of Faith and Catechism made by the Divines at Westminster so called because the same is not only most universally received and believed by the People of Britain and Ireland but also containeth upon the Matter the Faith of the French Churches and of most others both in the Nether-Lands and else-where that it may appear what wild Consequences these Men have sought both contrary to the naked Import of the words and to all common Sense and Reason to cover some of their Erroneous Principles CHAP. XVIII A Short Examination of some of the Scripture-Proofs alledged by the Divines at Westminster to prove divers Articles in their Confession of Faith and Catechism IT is not in the least my Design in this Chapter to offer so large an Examination of any of their Articles as might be done nor yet of so many as are very obvious but only of two or three to give the Reader a Taste of them for Example's sake whereby as ex ungue Leonem he may judge of most of all the rest if he will be at the pains narrowâ—ly to look over and examine them I shall begin with the first Chapter Sect. 1. where they assert two things First That God has committed his Will now wholely to writing Secondly That the former Wayes of God's revealing his Will as by Immediate Revelation are now ceased The Scriptures they bring to prove are first Prov. 22. 19 20 21. Vers. 19. That thy Trust may be in the Lord I have made known to thee this day even to thee Vers. 20. Have not I written to thee Excellent Things in Counsels Knowledge Vers. 21. That I might make thee know the Certainty of the Words of Truth that thou mightest answer the Words of Truth to them that send unto thee Luke 1. 3 4. Vers. 3. It seemed good to me also having had perfect Vnderstanding of all things from the very first to write unto thee in Order most excellent Theophilus that thou mightest know the Certainty of those things wherein thou hast been instructed Rom. 15 4. For whatsoever things were written afore-time were written for our Learning that we through Patience and Comfort of the Scriptures might have Hope Mat. 4. 4 7 10. But he answered and said It is written Man shall not live by Bread alone but by every Word that proceedeth out of the Mouth of God 7. Jesus said unto him It is written again Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God 10. Then saith Jesus unto him Get thee hence Satan for it is written Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve Isa. 8. 19 20. 19. And when they shall say unto you Seek unto them that have Familiar Spirits and unto Wizards that peep and that mutter Should not a People seek unto their God for the Living to the Dead To the Law and to the Testimony if they speak not according to this Word it is because there is no Light in them But is it not matter of Admiration that men should be so beside themselve as to imagine these
the Wisdom of this World For after that in the Wisdom of God the World by Wisdom knew not God it pleased God by the Foolishness of Preaching to save them that believe 1 Cor. 1. 20 21. Q. It seems then the Preachings of the true Ministers are not gathered together by Wisdom and Learning It hath been supposed that a Man must be greatly skilled in Learning to make a good Sermon what is the Apostles Judgment in the Case A. For Christ sent me not to baptize but to preach the Gospel not with Wisdom of Words lest the Cross of Christ should be made of none Effect 1 Cor. 1. 17. And I was with you in Weakness and in Fear and in much Trembling and my Speech my Preaching was not with enticing Words of Man's VVisdom but in Demonstration of the Spirit and of Power that your Faith should not stand in the VVisdom of Men but in the Power of God 1 Cor. 2. 3 4 5. Q. I perceive the Apostle layes far more Stress upon the Demonstration and Power of the Spirit in a Preacher then upon human Literature ought Ministers then to preach as the Spirit teacheth them A. Also we speak not in the Words which Man's Wisdom teacheth but which the holy Ghost teacheth 2 Cor. 2. 13. And they were all fill'd with the holy Ghost and began to speak as the Spirit gave them Utterance Acts 2. 4. Q. Is it Christ then that speaketh in and through his Ministers A. For it is not ye that speak but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you Mat. 10. 20. For it is not ye that speak but the holy Ghost Mark 13. 11. For the holy Ghost shall teach you in the same Hour what ye ought to say Luke 12. 12. Since ye seek a Proof of Christ speaking in me which to you ward is not weak but is mighty in you 2 Cor. 13. 3. Q. What is the Apostle's Mind of that human Learning which some cry up so much and think so needful in a Minister A. Beware leâ—t any Man spoil you through Philosophy and vain Deceit after the Tradition of Men after the Rudiments of the World and not after Christ Col. 2. 8. O Timothy keep that which is committed to thy Trust avoiding prophane and vain Babling and Oppositions of Science falsly so called 1 Tim 6. 20. Q. Though true Ministers speak not by the natural Wisdom of Man yet is their Testimony altogether void of Wisdom A. Howbeit we speak Wisdom among them that are perfect yet not the Wisdom of this World nor of the Princes of this World that come to nought but we speak the Wisdom of God in a Mystery even the hidden Wisdom which God ordained before the World to our Glory 1 Cor. 2. 6 7. Q. What is the Reason that Man by his natural Wisdom is not capable to minister in the Things of God A. For what Man knoweth the Things of a Man save the Spirit of a Man which is in him Even so the Things of God knoweth no Man but the Spirit of God But the natlural Man receiveth not the Things of the Spirit of God for they are Foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned 1 Cor. 2. 11 14. Q. These Scriptures do sufficiently hold forth that the true Call to the Ministry is from God that which maketh a true Minister is the Gift and Grace of God that the true and effectual Preaching of a faithful Minister is such as 〈◊〉 from the inward Teaching and Leading of the Spirit of God But what say the Scriptures touching the Maintenance of Ministers A. Let him that is taught in the VVord communicate unto him that teacheth in all good Things Gal. 6. 6. If we have sown unto you spiritual Things is it a great Matter if we shall â—eap your carnal Things If others be Partakers of this Power over you are not we rather Nevertheless we have not used this Power but suffer all Things lest we should hinder the Gospel of Christ Do ye not know that they which minister about holy Things live of the Things of the Temple and they which wait at the Altar are Partakers with the Altar even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel 1 Cor. 9. 11 12 13 14. For the Scripture saith Thou shalt not muzle the Ox that treadeth out the Corn and the Labourer is worthy of his Reward 1 Tim. 5. 18. Q. I perceive by these Scriptures that there lyeth an Obligation upon the Saints to help with outward Things such as truly minister unto them spiritual but this seems to be voluntary ought not therefore true Ministers to preach whether they be sure of this or not What saith the Apostle of himself in this Case and what adviseth he others A. But I have used none of these Things neither have I written those Things that it should be so done unto me for it were better for me to dye then that any Man should make my Glorying void for though I preach the Gospel I have nothing to glory of for Necessity is laid upon me yea Wo is unto me if I preach not the Gospel For if I do this Thing willingly I have a Reward but if against my Will a Dispensation of the Gospel is committed unto me what is my Reward then Verely that when I preach the Gospel I make the Gospel of Christ without Charge that I abuse not my Power in the Gospel 1 Cor. 9. 15 16 17 18. I have coveted no Man's Silver or Gold or Apparel yea ye your selves know that these Hands have ministred unto my Necessities and to them that were with me I have shewed you all Things how that so Laboâ—ring ye ought to support the Weak and to remember the Words of the Lord Jesus how he said It is more blessed to give then to receive Acts 20. 33 34 35. Q. It s observable that the Apostle every where makes special mention among the Qualifications of Teachers that they be not given to Filthy Luchre What ought we then to think of these Teachers as will not preach without Hire yea that will by Violence take from those who receive no Spirituals from them are they like to be the Ministers of Christ or what else saith the Scripture of such A. Yea they are greedy Dogs which can never have enough and they are Shepherds that cannot understand they all look to their own Way every one for his Gain from his Quarter Isa. 56. 11. Son of Man Prophesie against the Shepherds of Israel Prophesie and say unto them Thus saith the Lord God unto the Shepherds Wo be to the Shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves Should not the Shepherds feed the Flock Ye eat the Fat and ye cloath you with the Wool ye kill them that are fed but ye feed not the Flock As I live saith the Lord God Surely because my Flock became a Prey and my Flock became
of one For by the exceding great and precious Promises that are given them they are made Partakers of the divine Nature Because for this Endprayed Christ that they all might be one as the Father is in him and he in the Father that they also might be one in them the Glory which he had gotten from the Father he gave them that they might be one even as the Father and he is one Christ in the Saints and the Father in Christ that they might be made perfect in one ARTICLE X. Concerning the Universal Love and Grace of God to all GOd so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have Everlasting Life And in this was manifested the Love of God towards us because that God sent his only begotten Son that we might live through him So that if any Man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the Righteous and he is the Propitiation for our Sins and not for ours only but also for the Sins of the whole World For by the Grace of God he hath tasted Death for every Man And gave himself a Ransom for all to be testified in due Time Willing all Men to be saved and to come to the Knowledge of the Truth Not willing that any should perish but that all should come to Repentance For God sent not his Son into the World to condemn the World but that the World through him might be saved And Christ came a Light into the World that whosoever believeth in him should not abide in Darkness Therefore as by the Offence of one Judgment came upon all Men to Condemnation even so by the Righteousness of one the free Gift came upon all Men to Justification of Life ARTICLE XI Concerning the Light that enlighteneth every Man THe Gospel was preached to every Creature under Heaven Which Gospel is the Power of God unto Salvation to them that believe And if it be hid it is hid to them that are lost in whom the God of this World hath blinded the Minds of them which believe not lest the Light of the glorious Gospel of Christ should shine into them And this is the Condemnation that Light is come into the World and Men love Darkness rather then Light because their Deeds are Evil And this was the true Light which lightneth every Man that cometh into the World By which all things that are reproveable are made manifest for whatsoever maketh manifest is Light Every one that doth Evil hateth the Light neither cometh to the Light lest his Deeds should be reproved but he that doth Truth cometh to the Light that his Deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in God And they that walk in the Light as Christ is in the Light have Fellowship one with another and the Blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth them from all Sin Therefore ought we to believe in the Light while we have the Light that we may be the Children of the Light Therefore to Day if we will hear his Voice let us not harden our Hearts For Christ wept over Jerusalem saying If thou hadst known even thou at least in this thy Day the Things which belong unto thy Peace but now they are hid from thine Eyes And he would often have gathered her Children as a Hen gathereth her Chickens but they would not for the stiff-necked and uncircumcised in Heart and Ears do alwayes resist the Holy Ghost And are of those that rebel against the Light Therefore God's Spirit will not alwayes strive with Man For the Wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all Ungodliness and Unrighteousness of Men who hold the Truth in Unrighteousness Because what is to be known of God is manifest in them for God hath shewed it unto them And a Manifestation of the Spirit is given to every Man to profit withall For the Grace of God that brings Salvation hath appeared to all Men teaching us that denying Ungodliness and Worldly Lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present World And this Word of his Grace is able to build up and give an Inheritance among all those that are sanctified For the Word of God is quick and powerful and sharper then any two-edged Sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of the Soul and Spirit and of the Joints and Marrow and is a Discerner of the Thoughts and Intents of the Heart This is that more sure Word of Prophecie whereunto we do well that we take heed as unto a Light that shineth in a dark Place until the Day dawn and the Day-Star arise in the Heart And this is the Word of Faith which the Apostles preached which is nigh in the Mouth and in the Heart For God who commanded Light to shine out of Darkness hath shined in our Hearts to give the Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ But we have this Treasure in earthen Vessels that the Excellency of the Power may be of God and not of us for the Kingdom of God cometh not by Observation but is within us ARTICLE XII Concerning Faith and Justification FAith is the Substance of things hoped for and the Evidence of things not seen VVithout which is is impossible to please God Therefore we are justified by Faith which worketh by Love For Faith without Works being dead is by Works made perfect By the Deeds of the Law there shall no Flesh be justified Nor yet by the Works of Righteousness which we have done but according to his Mercy we are saved by the VVashing of Regeneration and renewing of the holy Ghost For we are both washed sanctified and justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God ARTICLE XIII Concerning Good Works IF we live after the Flesh we shall dye but if we through the Spirit do mortifie the Deeds of the Body we shall live For they which believe in God must be careful to maintain Good Works For God will render to every Man according to his Deeds according to his righteous Judgment to them who by patient Continuance in well-doing seek for Glory Honour and Immortality Eternal Life For such are counted worthy of the Kingdom of God And cast not away their Confidence which hath great Recompence of Reward Blessed then are they that do his Commandments that they may have Right to the Tree of Life and may enter in through the Gates into the City ARTICLE XIV Concerning Perfection SIn shall not have Dominion over such as are not under the Law but under Grace For there is no Condemnation to those that are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the Flesh but after
in me that I might preach him among the Heathen Gal. 1. 15 10. Q. Is it needful then to know Christ within A. Examine your selves whether ye be in the Faith prove your own selves Know ye not your own selves how that Jesus Christ is in you except ye be Reprobates 2 Cor. 13. 5. Q. Was the Apostle earnest that this Inward Birth of Christ should be brought forth in any A. My little Children of whom I travel in Birth again until Christ be formed in you Gal. 4. 19. Q. What saith the same Apostle of the Necessity of this Inward Knowledge of Christ and of the New Creature beyond the Outward A. Wherefore hence-forth know we no man after the Flesh yea though we have known Christ after the Flesh yet now henceforth know we him no more Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a New Creature Old things are passed away behold all things are become New 2 Cor. 5. 16 17. But ye have not so learned Christ if so be that ye have heard him and have been taught by him as the Truth is in Jesus That ye put off concerning the former Conversation the Old Man which is corrupt according to the Deceitful Lusts and to be renewed in the Spirit of your Mind and that ye put on the New Man which after God is created in Righteousness and true Holiness Ephes. 4. 21 22 23 24. Q. Is this Christ Within the Mystery of God and Hope of Glory which the Apostle preached A. To whom God would make known what is the Riches of the Glory of this Mystery among the Câ—ntiles which is Christ in you the Hope of Glory whom we preach Col. 1. 27 28. Q. Doth the Apostle any where else press the putting on of this New Birth A. Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ and make not Provision for the Flesh to fulfil the Lusts thereof Rom. 13. 14. Q. Doth he write to any of the Saints as having put off the Old and on the New Man A. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ Gal. 3. 27. Seeing that ye have put off the Old Man with his Deeds and have put on the New Man which is renew'd in Knowledge after the Image of him that created him Col. 3. 9 10. Q. What speaketh Christ himself of the Necessity of this New Birth A. Jesus answered and said unto him Verily verily I say unto thee Except a man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of 〈◊〉 Joâ— 3. 3. Q. Of 〈◊〉 Seed 〈…〉 Birth A. Being born again not of Corruptible Seed but of Incorruptible by the Word of God which liveth and abideth forever 1 Pet. 1. 23. Q. What doth the Apestle Paul witness of himself concerning this Nâ—w Life A. I am crucified with Christ nevertheelss I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me Gal. 2. 20. Q. What is the Preaching of the Cross of Christ A. For the Preaching of the Cross is to them that perish Foolishness but unto us that are saved it is the Power of God 1 Cor. 1. 18. Q. What Effect had this Cross in the Apostle and how much preferreth he the New Creature to all outward and visible Ordinances and Observances A. But God forbid that I should Glory save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ by whom the World is crucified unto me and I unto the World For in Jesus Christ neither Circumcision availeth any thing nor Uncircumcision but a New Creature Galat. 6. 14 15. Q. What speaketh Christ of the Vnity of the Saints with him A. At that Day ye shall know that I am in my Father and ye in me and I in you John 14. 20. Abide in me and I in you As the Branch cannot bear Fruit of it self except it abide in the Vine no more can ye except ye abide in me I am the Vine ye are the Branches He that abideth in me and I in him the same bringeth forth much Fruit for without me ye can do nothing John 15. 4 5. Neither pray I for these alone but for them also which shall believe in me through their Word That they all may be One as thou Father art in me and I in thee that they also may be One in us that the World may believe it that thou hast sent me And the Glory which thou gavest me I have given them that they may be One even as we are one I in them and thou in me that they may be made perfect in One and that the World may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them as thou hast loved me John 17. 20 21 22 23. Q. What saith the Apostle Paul to this Purpose A. For both he that sanctifies and they that are sanctified are all of one for which Cause he is not ashamed to call them Brethren Heb. 2. 11. Q. What saith the Apostle Peter A. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious Promiâ—es that by these you might be Partakers of the Divine Nature having escaped the Corruption that is in the World through Lust 2 Pet. 1. 4. CHAP. V. Concerning the Light wherewith Jesus Christ hath enlightned every man The Universality and Sufficiency of God's Grace to all the World made manifest therein Question WHerein consists the Love of God towards Fallen and Lost Man A. For God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have Everlasting Life John 3. 16. In this was manifested the Love of God towards us because that God sent his only begotten Son into the World that we might live through him 1 John 4. 9. Q. What is intended here by the World all and every man or only a few A. But we see Jesus who was made a little lower then the Angels for the suffering of Death crowned with Glory and Honour that he by the Grace of God should taste Death for every man Hebr. 2. 9. And if any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the Righteous and he is the Propitiation for our Sins and not for ours only but also for the Sins of the whole World 1 Joh. 2. 1 2. Q. Methinks the Apostle John is very plain there in mentioning the whole World which must be not only the Saints but all others seeing he distinguisheth the World from himself and all the Saints to whom he then wrote What saith Paul else-where in this Matter A. Christ in you the Hope of Glory whom we preach warning every man and â—eaching every man in all Wisdom that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus Col. 1. 27 28. I exhort therefore that first of all Supplications Prayers Intercessions and Giving of Thanks be made for all men For this is good and acceptable in the Sight of God our Saviour who will have all men to be saved and to come to the Knowledge of the Truth who gave himself a Ransom for all to
as to the Word Is there any Scripture speaks of the Light 's being inward A. God who commanded the Light to shine out of Darkness hath shin'd in our Hearts to give the Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ. But we have this Treasure in earthen Vessels that the Excellency of the Power may be of God and not of us 2 Cor. 4. 6 7. Q. But seeing it is also call'd the Seed of the Kingdom is the Kingdom of God also within A. The Kingdom of God comes not with Observation neither shall they say Lo here or Lo here for behold the Kingdom of God is within you Luke 17. 20 21. CHAP. VI. Concerning Faith Justification and VVorks Question VVHat is Faith A. Faith is the Substance of things hoped for and the Evidence of things not seen Heb. 11. 1. Q. Is Faith of absolute Necessity A. Without Faith it is impossible to please him for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek him Heb. 11. 6. Q. Are we justified by Faith A. Wherefore the Law was our School-Master to bring us unto Christ that we might be justified by Faith Gal. 3. 24. Q. What is the Nature of this Faith that availeth to Justification A. For in Jesus Christ neither Circumcision availeth any thing nor Uncircumcision but Faith which worketh by Love Gal. 5. 6. Q. Are Works then necessary to Justification as well as Faith A. 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 Isaac his Son upon the Altar Seest thou how Faith wrought with his Works and by Works was Faith made perfect And the Scripture was fulfilled which saith Abraham believed God and it was imputed to him for Righteousness He was called the Friend of God Ye see then how that by Works a man is justified not by Faith only Jam. 2. 20 21 22 23 24. Q. If then both be equally required in Justification what are these â—orks which the Apostle excludes so much A. By the Deeds of the Law there shall no Flesh be justified in his Sight Rom. 3. 20. Q. But though we be not justified by the Deeds of the Law is not thâ—s to exclude Boasting that the Grace of God may by exalted A. For by Grace are ye saved through Faith and that not of your selves it is the Gift of God not of Works left any man should boast for we are his VVork manship created in Christ Jesus unto good Works Eph. 2. 8 9 10. Q. Are even the Works which are performed by Grace excluded are we never said to be saved or justified by them A. Not by Works of Righteousness which we have done but according to his Mercy he saved us by the Washing of Regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour That being justified by his Grace we should be made Heirs according to the Hope of Eternal Life Tit. 3. 5 6 7. Q. I perceive then that to be justified by Grace is to be justified or saved by Regeneration which cannot exclude the Works wrought by Grace and by the Spirit How doth the Apostle add in the next Verse for the maintaining this against these that Cavil about the Law A. This is a Faithful Saying and these things I will that thou affirm constantly that they which believed in God might be careful to maintain good VVorks these things are good and profitable unto men But avoid Foolish Questions and Genealogies and Contentions and Strivings about the Law for they are unprofitable and vain Tit. 3. 8 9. Q. Doth the Apostle Paul that is so much against justification by the Works of the Law speak any where else of being justified by the Spirit A. But ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God 1 Cor. 6. 11. Q. But since the Law gives not Power nor Ability to obey and so falls short of Justification Is there no Power under the Gospel by which the Righteousness of the Law comes to be fulfilled inwardly A. For what the Law could not do in that it was weak through the Flesh God sending his own Son in the Likeness of sinful Flesh and for Sin condemned Sin in the Flesh that the Righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the Flesh but after the Spirit Rom. 8. 3 4. Q. Seeing thâ—n there is Power in the Spirit is not Works through it a Condition upon which Life is proposed under the New Covenant A. For if ye live after the Flesh ye shall dye but if ye through the Spirit do mortifie the Deeds of the Body ye shall live Rom. 8. 13. Q. Do not the Apostles then frequently propose Life to People upon Condition of Repentance and other Works A. Repent ye therefore and be converted that your Sins may be blotted out Acts 3. 19 And if Children then Heirs of God and joynt Heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we also may be glorified together Rom. 8. 17. It is a faithful Saying For if we be dead with him we shall also live with him If we suffer we shall also reign with him If a man therefore purge himself from these he shall be a Vessel unto Honour sanctified and meet for the Master's Use and prepared unto every good Work 2 Tim. 2. 11 12 21. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and Repent and do the first Works or else I will come unto thee quickly and remove thy Candle stick out of his place except thou Repent Rev. 2. 5. Q. It appears clearly by these Passages that the Apostle excludes only our Righteousness which he elsewhere explains as being the Righteousness of the Law from being necessary to Justification and not such Works as the Law of the Spirit of Life leads to and are not so much ours as Christ in us are not such good Works rewarded though they require no absolute Merit as being the Fruits of free Grace yet doth not God judge according to them and may they not be said to have a Reward A. But if a man be Just and do that which is Lawful and Right and hath not eaten upon the Mountains neither hath lift up his Eyes to the Idols of the House of Israel neither has defiled his Neighbour's Wife neither hath come near to a Menstruous Woman and hath not oppressed any but has restor'd to the Debtor his Pledge hath spoiled none by Violence hath given his Bread to the Hungry and hath covered the Naked with a Garment he that hath not given forth upon Usury neither hath taken any Increase that hath with drawn his Hand from Iniquity hath executed True Judgment between man and maâ— hath walked in my Statutes and hath kept my
And this is the Confidence that we have in him that if we ask any Thing according to his VVill he heareth us 1 Joh. 5. 14. Q. After whae Manner doth the Apostle then declare he will Pray A. What is it then I will pray with the Spirit and I will pray with the Understanding also I will sing with the Spirit and I will sing with the Understanding also 1 Cor. 14. 15. Q. Must we then pray alwayes in the Spirit A. Praying alwayes with all Prayer and Supplication in the Spirit and VVatching thereunto with all Perseverance and Supplication for all Saints Ephes. 6. 18. Q. Since we are commanded to pray alwayes in it can we do it of our selves without the Help thereof A. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our Infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit it self maketh Intercession for us with Groanings which cannot be uttered And he that searcheth the Hearts knoweth what is the Mind of the Spirit because he maketh Intercession for the Saints according to the Will of God Rom. 8. 26 27. Q. I perceive that without the Leadings and Help of the Spirit Prayers are altogether unprofitable may not a Man truly utter these Things that are Spiritual without the Spirit 's Assistance A. VVherefore I give you to understand that no Man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus Accursed and that no Man can say that Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost 1 Cor. 12. 3. Q. That is strange It seems the Spirit 〈◊〉 much more necessary then many called Christistians suppose it to be some of which can scarce give a good Account whether they have it or want it But if a Man speak Things true upon the Matter are they not true as from him if spoaken without the Spirit A. And though they say The Lord liveth surely they swear falsly Jer. 5. 2. Q. It is apparent from all these Scriptures that the true Worship of God is in Spirit and as it is not limitted to a certain Place neither to any certain Time what shall we think of them that plead for the Observation of certain Dayes A. But now after that ye have known God or rather are known of God how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly Elements whereunto ye desire again to be iâ— Bondage Ye observe Dayes and Months and Times and Years I am afraid of you lest I have bestowed upon you Labour in vain Gal. 4. 9 10 11. Let no Man therefore judge you in Meat or Drink or in respect of an Holy Day or of the New Moon or of the Sabbath Day which are a Shadow of Things to come but the Body is of Christ Col. 2. 16 17. Q. Seeing it is so may not some Christians as lawfully esteem all Dayes alike as others may esteem some Dayes above another What Rule giveth the Apostle in this Case A. One Man esteemeth one Day above another another esteemeth every Day alike let every Man be fully perswaded in his own Mind He that regardeth a Day regardeth it unto the the Lord and he that regaâ—deth not the Day unto the Lord he doth not regard it He that eateth eateth to the Lord for he giveth God Thanks and he that eateth not to the Lord he eateth not and giveth God Thanks Rom. 14. 5 6. Q. But is it not convenient and necessary that there be a Day set apart to Meet and Worship God in Did not the Apostles aâ—d Primitive Christians use to meet upon the First Day of the Week to make their Collections and to Worship A. Now concerning the Collection for the Saints as I have given Order to the Churches of Galatia even so do ye upon the First Day of the Week Let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prosper'd him that there be no Gatherings when I come 1 Cor. 16. 1. CHAP. XI Concerning Baptism and Bread and VVine Question HOw many BAPTISMS are there A. One Lord One Faith One Baptism Ephes. 4 5. Q. What is the Baptism A. The like Figure whereunto even Baptism doth now save us not the putting away the Filth of the Flesh but the Answer of a good Conscience towards God by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ who is gone into Heaven and is on the Right Hand of God Angels and Authorities and Powers being made subject unto him 1 Pet. 3. 21 22. Q. What saith John the Baptist of Christ's Baptism how distinguisheth he it from his A. I indeed baptize you with Water unto Repentance but he that cometh after me is Mightier then I whose Shoes I am not worthy to bear he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with Fire Mat. 3. 11. Q. Doth not Christ so distinguish it also A. And being assembled together with them commanded them That they should not depart from Jerusalem but wait for the Promise of the Father which saith he ye have heard of me For John truly baptized with Water but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many dayes hence Act. 1. 4. 5. Q. Doth not the Apostle Peter also observe this A. And as I begâ—n to speak the Holy Ghost fell on them as on us at the Beginning Then remembred I the Word of the Lord how that he said John indeed baptized with Water but ye shall be baptiz'd with the Holy Ghost Acts 11. 15 16. Q. Then it seems John's Baptism must pass away that Christ's may take place because John must decrease that Christ may increase A. He must increase but I must decrease John 30. 30. Q. I perceive then many may be sprinkled with 〈◊〉 dipped baptized in Water yet not truly baptized with the Baptism of Christ What are the Real Effects in such as are truly baptized with the Baptism of Christ A. Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his Death Therefore we are buried with him by Baptism into Death that like as Christ was raised up from the Dead by the Glory of the Father even so we also should walk in Newness of Life Rom. 6. 3 4. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ Gal. 2. 27. Buried with him in Baptism wherein also ye are risen with him through the Faith of the Operation of God who hath raised him from the Dead Col. 2. 12. Q. I perceive there was a Baptism of Water which was John's Baptism and is therefore by John himself contra-distinguished from Christ's Was there not likewise something of the like Nature appointed by Christ to his Disciples of eating Bread and drinking Wine in Remembrance of him A. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you that the Lord Jesus the same Night in which he was betrayed took Bread when he had given Thanks he brake it and said Take eat this is my Body which is broken for you this do in Remembrance of me
After the same manner also he took the Cup when he had supped saying This Cup is the New Testament in my Blood this do ye as oft as ye drink it in Remembrance of me 1 Cor. 11. 23 24 25. Q How long was this to continue A. For as often as ye eat this Bread and drink this Cup ye do shew the Lord's Death till he come 1 Cor. 11. 26. Q. Did Christ promise to come again to his Desciples A. I will not leave you comfortless I will come to you Jesus answered and said unto him if a Man love me he will keep my Words and my Father will love him and we will come unto him and make our Abode with him Joh. 14. 18 23. Q. Was this an Inward Coming A. At that Day ye shall know that I am in my Father and ye in me and I in you Joh. 14. 20. Q. But it would seem this was even practised by the Church of Corinth after Christ was come in wardly Was it so that there were certain Appointments positivelycommanded yea and Zealously and Conscientiously practised by the Saints of Old which were not of perpetual Continuance nor yet now needful to be practised in the Church A. If then your Lord and Master have washed your Feet ye also ought to wash one another's Feet For I have given you an Example that ye should do as I have done to you Joh. 13. 14 15. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us to lay upon you no greater Bâ—rden then these necessary Things that ye abstain from Meats offered to Idols and from Blood and from Things strangled and from Fornication from which if ye keep your selves ye shall do well farewell Acts 15. 28 29. Is any man sick among you let him call for the Elders of the Church and let them pray over him anointing him with Oyl in the Name of the Lord Jam. 5. 14. Q. These Commands are no less positive then the other yea some of them are asserted as the very Sense of the Holy Ghost as no less necessary then abstaining from Fornication and yet the Generality of Protestants have laid them aside as not of perpetual Continuance But what other Scriptures are there to shew that it is not necessary that of Bread and Wine to Continue A. For the Kingdom of God is not Meat and Drink but Righteousness and Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost Rom. 14. 17. Let no Man therefore judge you in Meat or in Drink or in respect of an Holy Day or of the New Moon or of the Sabbath Dayes Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the Rudiments of the World why as though living in the World are ye subject to Ordinances touch no taste not handle not which all are to perish with the Using after the Commandments and Doctrines of Men Col. 2. 16 20 21 22. Q. These Scriptures are very plain and say as much for the abolishing of this as to any Necessity as ought can be alledged for the former But what is the Bread then wherewith the Saints are to be nourished A. Then Jesus said unto them Verily verily I say unto you Moses gave you not that Bread from Heaven but my Father giveth you the True Bread from Heaven for the Bread of God is he which comes down from Heaven and giveth Life unto the World Then said they unto him Lord evermore give us this Bread And Jesus said unto them I am the Bread of Life he that cometh to me shall never Hâ—â—ger and he that believeth on me shall never Thirst. I am that Bread of Life Your Fathers did eat Manna in the Wilderness and are Dead This is the Bread which cometh down from Heaven that a man may eat thereof and not dye I am the Living Bread which came down from Heaven If any man eat of this Bread he shall live forever and the Bread that I will give him is my Flesh which I will give for the Life of the World The Jews therefore strove amongst themselves saying How can this man give us his Flesh to eat Then Jesus said unto them Verily verily I say unto you Except ye eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink his Blood ye have no Life in you Whoso eateth my Flesh and drinketh my Blood hath Eternal Life and I will raise him up at the Last Day For my Flesh is Meat indeed and my Blood is Drink indeed He that eateth my Flesh and drinketh my Blood dwelleth in me and I in him As the Living Father hath sent me and I live by the Father so he that eateth me even he shall live by me This is that Bread which came down from Heaven not as your Fathers did eat Manna are dead He that eateth of this Bread shall live forever John 6. 32 33 34 35 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58. CHAP. XII Concerning the Life of a Christian in general what and how it ought to be in this World Question VVHat is True RELIGION A. Pure Religion and Undefiled is this To visit the Fatherless and the Widdow in their Affliction and to keep himself unspotted from the World Jam. 1. 27. Q. What is required of man A. He hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and to love Mercy and to walk humbly with thy God Michah 6. 8. But to this man will I look even to him that is pure and of a contrite Spirit and trembles at my Word Isa. 66. 2. Q. Doth God then require People to be Quakers to tremble at his Word was there any such among the Saints of old A. Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the Words of the God of Israeal Ezra 9. 4. Now therefore let us make a Covenant with our God to put away all the Wives and such as are born of them according to the Counsel of my Lord and of those that tremble at the Commandment of our God Ezra 10. 3. Q. It seems Ezra loved well and had a high Esteem of Quakers since he would have their Counsel followed Do any other of the Prophets point out Quakers or Tremblers as God's People A Hear the Word of the Lord ye that tremble at his Word Your Brethren that hated you that cast you out for my Names sake said Let the Lord be glorified but he shall appear to your Joy and they shall be ashamed Isa. 66. 5. And it shall be to me a Name of Joy a Praise and an Honour before all the Nations of the Earth which shall hear all the Good that I do unto them and they shall fear and tremble for all the Goodness and for all the Prosperity that I procure unto it Jer. 33. 9. Q. The Prophets promise good Things there to Quakers what becometh of these that tremble not and are not such A. Hear now this O foolish People and without Understanding which have Eyes and see not which
your Parents in all Things for this is well-pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers provoke not your Children to Anger lest they be discouraged Col. 3. 20 21. Q. What between Husbands and Wives A. Wives submit your selves unto your own Husbands as unto the Lord for the Husband is the Head of the Wife even as Christ is the Head of the Church and he is the Saviour of the Body Therefore as the Church is subject unto Christ so let the Wives be to their own Husbands in every thing Husbands love your VVives even as Christ loved the Church and gave himself for it so ought men to love their VVives as their own Bodies he that loveth his VVife loveth himself for this Cause shall a Man leave his Father Mother and shall be joyned unto his VVife aud they two shall be one Flesh Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so loye his Wife even as himself and the Wife see that she reverence her Husband Eph. 5. 22 23 24 25 28 31 33. Husbands love your VVives and be not bitter against them Col. 3. 19. Likewise ye VVives be subject to your own Husbands that if any obey not the word they also may without the word be won by the Conversation of the Wives while they behold your Chast Conversation coupled with Fear Likewise ye Husbands dwell with them according to Knowledge giving Honour unto the VVife as unto the weaker Vessel and as being Heirs together of the Grace of Life that your Prayers be not hindred 1 Pet. 3. 1 2 7. Q. What is the Armour of a true Christian and wherewith ought he to wrestle A. Put on the whole Armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the Wiles of the Devil for we wrestle not against Flesh and Blood but against Principalities against Powers against the Rulers of the Darkness of this World against spiritual VVickedness in high Places wherefore take unto you the whole Armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil Day and having done all to stand Stand therefore having your Loins girt about with Truth and having on the Breast-plate of Righteousness and your Feet shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace above all taking the Shield of Faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery Darts of the Wicked One and take the Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God Ephes. 6. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17. Q. What are Christians Weapons and for what End A. For though we walk in the Flesh we do not war after the Flesh for the VVeapons of our VVarfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong Holds casting down Imaginations and every high Thing that exalteth it self against the Knowledge of God and bringing into Captivity every Thought to the Obedience of Christ 2 Cor. 10. 3 4 5. Q. Ought Strife and Envy to be among Christians A. VVho is a wise Man and endued with Knowledge amongst you Let him shew out of a good Conversation his Works with Meekness of VVisdom but if ye have bitter Envying and Strife in your Hearts glory not and lye not against the Truth This VVisdom descendeth not from above but is Earthly Sensual Devilish for where Envying and Strife is there is Confusion and every evil VVork but the VVisdom that is from above is first pure then peaceable and easie to be intreated full of Mercy and good Fruits without Partiality and without Hypocrisie And the Fruit of Righteousness is sown in Peace of them that make Peace Jam. 3. 13 14 15 16 17 18. Ought Wars to be among Christians from whence proceed they A. From whence come Wars Fightings among you Come they not hence even from your Lusts that war in your Members Ye lust and have not ye kill and desire to have and cannot obtain ye fight and war yet ye have not because ye ask not Jam. 4. 1 2. Q. What saith Christ even of Defensive War A. But I say unto you that ye resist not Evil but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right Cheek turn to him the other also Mat. 5. 39. But I say unto you which hear Love your Enemies do Good to them which hate you bless them that curse you and pray for them which despightfully use you and unto him that smiteth thee on the one Check offer also the other and him that taketh away thy Cloak forbid not to take thy Coat also Luke 6. 27 28 29. Q. What say the Apostles A. Recompense to no man Evil for Evil Rom. 12. 17. Not rendring Evil for Evil or Railing for Railing but contrary-wise Blessing knowing that ye are thereunto called that ye should inherit a Blessing 1 Pet. 3. 9. See that none render Evil for Evil unto any Man but ever follow that which is Good both among your selves and to all men 1 Thes. 5. 15. Q. It was lawful of old to Swear and an Oath for Confirmation was to them an End of all Strife Is it not Lawful for Christians also to Swear A. Again ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time Thou shalt not forswear thy self but shalt perform unto the Lord thine Oathes But I say unto you Swear not at all neither by Heaven for it is God's Throne nor by the Earth for it is his Footstool neither by Jerusalem for it is the City of the great King neither shalt thou swear by thy Head because thou canst not make one Hair white or black but let your Communication be Yea Yea Nay Nay for whatsoever is more then these cometh of Evil Mat. 5. 33 34 35 36 37. But above all things my Brethren swear not neither by Heaven neither by the Earth neither by any other Oath but let your Yea be Yea and your Nay Nay lest ye fall into Condemnation Jam. 5. 12. Q. Is it fit for Christians or Believers to receive Carnal and Worldly Honour one from another A. How can ye believe which receive Honour one of another and seek not the Honour that cometh from God only John 5. 44. Q. Doth God allow us to give flattering Titles to Men A. Let me not I pray you accept any Man's Person neither let me give flattering Titles unto Man for I know not to give flattering Titles in so doing my Maker would soon take me away Job 32 21 22. Q. What should we say to such as quarrel us for speaking proper sound Words as Thou to One You to Many which is Christ's and the Saints Language in the Scripture A. If any man teach otherwise and consent not to wholesom Words even the Words of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the Doctrine which is according to Godliness he is proud knowing nothing but doting about Questions and Strife of Words whereof cometh Envy Strife Railings Evil Surmisings 1 Tim. 6. 3 4. Hold fast the Form of sound Words which thou hast heard of me in Faith
Father No man knoweth the Son but the Father neither knoweth any man the Father but the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him The Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God For the Things of God knoweth no man but the Spirit of God Now the Saints have received not the Spirit of the World but the Spirit which is of God that they might know the things which are freely given them of God For the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father sends in Christ's Name he teacheth them all things and bringth all things to their Remembrance ARTICLE II. Concerning the Guide and Rule of Christians CHrist pray'd to the Father and he gave the Saints another Comforter that was to abide with them forever even the Spirit of Truth whom the World cannot receive because it seeth him not nor knoweth him but the Saints know him for he dwelleth with them and is to be in them Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his For as many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the Sons of God For this is the Covenant that God hath made with the House of Israel he hath put his Laws in their Mind writ them in their Hearts and they are all taught of God And the Anointing which they have received of him abideth in them and they need not that any man teach them but as the same Anointing teacheth them of all things and is Truth and is no Lye ARTICLE III. Concerning the Scriptures VVHatsoever things were written afore time were written for our Learning that we through Patience and Comfort of the Scriptures might have Hope Which are able to make wise unto Salvation through Faith which is in Christ Jesus All Scripture being given by Inspiration of God and is profitable for Doctrine for Reproof for Instruction in Righteousness that the Man of God may be Perfect throughly furnished unto all Good Works No Prophecy of the Scripture is of any private Interpretation for the Prophecy came not in old time by the Will of man but Holy Men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost ARTICLE IV. Concerning the Divinity of Christ and his Being from the Beginning IN the Beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God the same was in the Beginning with God All things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made Whose Goings forth have been from of old from Everlasting For God created all things by Jesus Christ Who being in the Form of God thought it no Robbery to be equal with God And his Name is called Wonderful Counsellor the Mighty God the Everlasting Father the Prince of Peace Who is the Image of the Invisible God the First-born of every Creature The Brightness of the Father's Glory and the express Image of his Substance Who was cloathed with a Vesture dipt in Blood and his Name is call'd The Word of God In him dwells all the Fulness of the God head bodily And in him are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom Knowledge ARTICLE V. Concerning his Appearance in the Flesh. THe Word was made Flesh For he took not on him the Nature of Angels but he took on him the Seed of Abraham being in all things made like unto his Brethren Touched with a feeling of our Infirmities and in all things tempted like as we are yet without Sin He dyed for our Sins according to the Scriptures and he was buried and he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures ARTICLE VI. Concerning the End and Use of that Appearance GOD sent his own Son in the Likeness of sinful Flesh and for Sin condemned Sin in the Flesh For this Purpose the Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the Works of the Devil Being manifested to take away our Sins For he gave himself for us an Offering and a Sacrifice to God for a Sweet-smelling Savour Having obtained Eternal Redemption for us And through the Eternal Spirit offered up himself without Spot unto God to purge our Consciences from dead Works to serve the living God He was the Lamb that was slain from the Foundation of the World Of whom the Fathers did all drink for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them and that Rock was Christ Christ also suffered for us leaving us an Example that we should follow his Steps For we are to bear about in the Body the dying of the Lord Jesus that the Life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our Body being alway delivered unto Death for Jesus's sake that the Life also of Jesus may be made manifest in our Flesh That we may known him and the Power of his Resurrection and the Fellowship of his Sufferings being made conformable to his Death ARTICLE VII Concerning the Inward Manifestation of Christ. GOd dwelleth with the Contrite and Humble in Spirit For he hath said he will dwell in them and walk in them And Christ standeth at the Door and knocketh if any man hear his Voice and open the Door he will come into him and sup with him and he with him And therefore ought we to examine our selves and prove our own selves knowing how that Christ is in us except we be Reprobates For this is the Riches of the Glory of the Mystery which God would make known among or rather IN the Gentiles Christ Within the Hope of Glory ARTICLE VIII Concerning the New Birth EXcept a Man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God Therefore ought we to put off the Old Man with his Deeds and put on the New Man which is renewed in Knowledge after the Image of him that created him and which after God is created in Righteousness and true Holiness For henceforth know we no man after the Flesh yea though we have known Christ after the Flesh yet now henceforth know we him no more For if any man be in Christ he is a new Creature old things are past away behold all things are become new For such have put on the Lord Jesus Christ And are renewed in the Spirit of their Minds Sith as many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ Being born again not of corruptible Seed but of incorruptible by the Word of God which liveth abideth forever And glory in nothing save in the Cross of the Lord Jesus Christ by whom the World is crucified unto them and they unto the World For in Christ Jesus neither Circumcision availeth any thing nor Uncircumcision but a new Creature ARTICLE IX Concerning the Unity of the Saints with Christ. HE that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all
that callupon him to all that call upon him in Truth He is far from the VVicked but he heareth the Prayers of the Righteous And this is the Confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his VVill he heareth us VVhat is it then We must pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding also we must sing with the Spirit and with the Understanding also Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our Infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit itself maketh Intercession for us with Greanings which cannot be uttered And he that searcheth the Heart knoweth what is the Mind of the Spirit because he maketh Intercession for the Saints according to the Will of God ARTICLE XVIII Concerning Baptism AS there is One Lord One Faith so there is One Baptism Which doth also now save us not the putting away of the Filth of the Flesh but the Answer of a Good Conscience towards God by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ For John indeed baptized with Water but Christ with the Holy Ghost and with Fire Therefore as many as are baptized into Jesus Christ are baptized into his Death and are buried with him by Baptism into Death that like as Christ was raised up from the Dead by the Glory of the Father even so they also should walk in Newness of Life Having put on Christ ARTICLE XIX Concerning Eating of Bread and Wine Washing of one anothers's Feet Abstaining from things Strangled and from Blood and Anointing of the Sick with Oyl THe Lord Jesus the same Night in which he was betrayed took Bread and when he had given Thanks he brake it and said Take eat this is my Body which is broken for you this do in Remembrance of me After the same manner also he took the Cup when he had supped saying This Cup is the New Testament in my Blood this do ye as oft as ye drink it in Remembrance of me for as oft as ye do eat this Bread and drink this Cup ye do shew forth the Lord's Death till he come Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his Hands and that he was come from God and went to God he ariseth from Supper and laid aside his Garments and took a Towel and girded himself after that he poureth VVater into a Bason and began to wash the Disciples Feet and to wipe them with the Towel where with he was girded So after he had washed their Feet and had taken his Garments and was sate down again he said unto them Know ye what I have done unto you Ye call me Master Lord and ye say well for so I am If then I your Lord and Master have washed your Feet ye also ought to wash one another's Feet for I have given you Example that ye should do as I have done unto you For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us to lay upon you no greater Burden then these Necessary Things That ye abstain from Meats offered to Idols from Blood and from things strangled and from Fornication from which if ye keep your selves ye do well Is any man sick amâ—ng you let him call for the Elders of the Church and let them pray over him anointing him with Oyl ARTICLE XX. Concerning the Liberty of such Christians as are come to know the Substance as to the Using or not Using of these Rites and of the Observation of Dayes THe Kingdom of God is not Meat and Drink but Righteousness and Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost Let no man therefore judge us in Meat or Drink or in Respect of an Holy Day or of the New Moon or of the Sabbath Days For if we be dead with Christ from the Rudiments of the World why as though living in the World are we subject to Ordinances Let us not touch or taste or handle which all are to perish with the Using after the Commandments and Doctrines of Men For now after we have known God or rather are known of him why should we turn again unto the Weak and Beggarly Elements or desire again to be in Bondage to observe Dayes and Months and Times and Years lest Labour have been bestowed on us in vain If one man esteem a Day above another another esteems every Day alike let every man be fully perswaded in his own Mind He that regardeth a Day regardeth it unto the Lord and he that regardeth not the Day to the Lord he doth not regard it ARTICLE XXI Concerning Swearing Fighting and Persecution IT hath bin said by them of old Thou shalt not Forswear thy self but shalt perform unto the Lord thine Oathes But Christ says unto us Swear not at all neither by Heaven for it is God's Throne nor by the Earth for it is his Footstool neither by Jerusalem for it is the City of the great King neither shalt thou swear by thy Head because thou canst not make one Hair white or black but let your Communication be Yea Yea Nay Nay for whatsoever is more then these cometh of Evil And James chargeth us Above all things not to Swear neither by Heaven neither by the Earth neither by any other Oath but let your Yea be Yea and your Nay Nay lesâ— ye fall into Condemnation Though we walk in the Flesh we are not to war after the Flesh for the Weapons of our Warfare are not to be carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong Holds casting down Imaginations and every High Thing that exalts it self against the Knowledge of God and bringing into Captivity every Thought to the Obedience of Christ For Wars and Fightings come of the Lusts that war in the Members Therefore Christ commands Not to resist Evil but whosoever will smite on the Right Cheek to turn the other also Because Christians are Lambs among Wolves Therefore are they hated of all men for Christ's sake And all that will live Godly in Christ Jesus must suffer Persecution Such are Blessed for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven For though they have lost their Lives yet shall they save them And because they have confessed Christ before men he will also confess them before the Angels of God We ought not then to 〈◊〉 them which kill the Body but are not able â—o the kill the Soul but rather him which is able to destroy both Soul and Body into Hell ARTICLE XXII Concerning Magistracy LET every Soul be subject to the Higher Powers for there is no Power but of God the Powers that be are ordained of God VVhosoever therefore resists the Power resists the Ordinance of God and they that resist shall receive to themselves Damnation For Rulers are not a Terror to Good Works but to the Evil Wilt thou then not be afraid of the Power do that which is Good and