have instructed many Job 4.3 It were well if only learned sober and christian-like religious Persons were sound in the exercise of this weighty Vocation 28 Directiom is Allow them those things that are necessary in their Condition That it be not a hindrance of their Advancement in Learning allow them suitable Books and other things so far as your ability will permit but let not your Money be bestowed upon Romances Plays Prophane Histories Ballads and Lying Pamphlets for they teach Youth Debauchery and Vice but not Truth and Piety Provide them things that are honest in the sight of all men Rom. 12.17 29 Direction is Be often visiting them and endeavour to know their condition in what capacity they are and how they profit in Learning Here you must encourage your children by loving perswasions or loving and heart-winning Letters and Invitations with supplying them with Moneys and such things as they stand in need of according to their degree and your own Abilities provided they are virtuous Let ours saith Paul also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses that they be not unfruitful Tit. 3.14 As much as if he had said be diligent in an honest Employment to procure necessaries both for you and yours 30 Direction is You must study their Abilities and natural Condition If they are stubborn and will not yield you must give them due correction but not in anger for then perhaps you will correct them too immoderately and the child may then justly think that it is corrected to appease its Parents wrath and evil passion more than for the fault it has committed you should make your child as sensible of its fault by words to the purpose as of the smart by the rod of correction and then you may bow their stubborn heart Prov. 22.15 Also if they be dull and slow of capacity you must not be too fierce hasty and violent upon them it will hurry them beyond or out of themselves that they will be capable of just nothing at all if they be wild you must be fierce but if they be mild you must use all the lenity and mildness that is possible Gal. 5.22 The fruit of the spirit is gentleness 31 Direction is You must let them have some liberty not to tie them up altogether like a Horse in a Mill At School a quarter of an hours time in the Forenoon or Afternoon refresheth youth and they will be the better capable to go through their lesson when their veins are stirred and brains are quickned by far than they are to fit half a day congealed like Momes it does but hinder their Learning So likewise if you keep them at work from morning till night when young it dulls them much and especially if their Vocation be matter of art then a small Journey of a quarter of an hour on an Erand or some other little business will refresh quicken and do them abundance of good Moreover you ought to let them have some time to read and to pray if they be capable Where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty 2 Cor. 3.7 But use not this liberty as an occasion to the flesh Gal. 5.13 32 direction is You must if it be possible preserve and increase your estate that your children may have something to live on comfortably when you are dead and gone Saith the Wise Man A good man leaveth an inberitance to his Childrens children Prov. 13.22 St. Paul informs us That the children ought not to lay up for the parents but the parents for the children 2 Cor. 12.14 But they unparent themselves who give away their Estates from their children for want of love Such are destitute of true grace and others love their name better than their children who give their Estates from their daughters It is much better to obey the Lord and to give your Estates to your own children if Daughters than to give it to one that is no kin to you though they be of your name more especially if he should prove wicked that possesseth it it would be but a grand blot to your name and a perpetual stain for your wicked Act Their inward thoughts is that their houses shall continue for ever this their way is their folly Psal 49.11 13. 33 Direction is When your children are capable of holy Duty you ought to instruct them to pray with the spirit and with their understanding 1 Cor. 14.15 Humane Traditions are not always good Mat. 15.3 Nor yet a stinted form 2 Tim. 3.5 1st Stinted Forms made and imposed seems to put an affront upon the Dignity and Free-grace of the Almighty which freely giveth the gift of his Holy Spirit to them that ask him Luke 11.13 If they ask in Faith 〈◊〉 teach them to pray John 14. 26. Rom. 8.15 16. Ephes 6.18 1 John 2.27 2dly It quencheth the Spirit contrary to 1 Thes 5.19 Man is sometimes sensible of his great wants and would pour forth his Soul to the Lord in a very vehement and large measure and manner But in a form his Wants it may be are not expressed or he knows not where to get a prayer suitable and if he doth yet 't is a doubt whether it agree with his Spirit in all cases and conditions and before he hath learned it the through sence of his wants which formerly he had are damped cold and flat that now the fiery zeal of his spirit and good desires are altogether quenched as fire is quenched by the want of fuel and the continual powring on of water 3ly We are commanded in every thing by prayer and supplication to let our request be made known to God Phil. 4.6 Now if this command to the Church of Philippi do extend to all persons I am apt to think that there is not one of an hundred that hath a memory to contain forms of Prayers that have Words in them suitable to pray for every thing so that this Precept cannot extend it self in any sence to the using of stinted forms of Prayers but altogether to the Exercise of Spiritual Prayer Tutius ex puro fonte bibuntur aquae Waters are drank more safely out of the purest fountain 4ly stinted Forms destroy Divine Meditation and the Study of our Wants and Conditions Divine Meditation made David fervent in holy duty Psal 63.6 7. 119.93 94. and St. Paul exhorts thereunto Phil. 4.8 Abimo omnia tecum peragere Choose to ponder all things well in thine own mind 5ly As our Wants are various and many so are the Temptations of Satan the World and our own Heats that it is impossible to have stinted forms suitable in all conditions of Mans life Ephes 6.11 Prov. 7.27 1 John 2.15 16 17. Ardua via virtutis the way to Vertue is very difficult painful and perilous 6ly Stinted Forms hinder those that daily use them from seeking after the help of the Spirit in this holy duty which the Apostle saith Helpeth our infirmities with groanings which cannot be uttered Rom.
worship by the words of the Book of the Law as you may read more at large in that Chapter Lastly Some men do extol their Learning their Arts their Acquirements in knowledge yea their gifts above the giver saying can such learned men as we are Err when they themselves full well know that almost all the greatest Hereticks that ever were since the Apostles time have all been very great Scholars these men stretch themselves beyond their due measure 2 Cor. 10.12 13. Such ought to labour after true Humility and that will teach them to extol the Most High and to worship and serve him only that will be Worshiped and Served in Spirit and in Truth John 4.24 And to make Learning the Handmaid not the Mistress 3dly You must not take the Name of the Lord in Vain that is you must not express that Sacred Name in vain discourse but always express it with holy Fear and Reverence as is becoming Christianity An Oath is a Sacred thing in point of Controversie to cease strife Heb. 6.16 14. being commanded by the Lord himself Deutt 6.19 Chap. 10.20 Jer. 12.16 but all vain Swearing is in many Scriptures positively forbidden Amos 8.14 Matt. 5.34 James 5.12 Yea he is a Sinner that heareth the voice of Swearing and alloweth of it Levit. 5.1 by so doing we may partake of others Sins 1 Tim. 5.22 Therefore have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of Darkness but rather reprove them Ephes 5.11 Twelve several ways men may commit this Sin of taking the Name of the Lord in vain As 1st When men do Swear when there is no lawfull call nor cause for an Oath Ephes 4.29 2dly In Swearing falsly Levit. 19.12 3dly In Vowing and not performing 2 Chron 36.13 4thly In vain repetitions in Prayer Matt. 6.7 5thly By Preaching false Doctrine 2 John v. 10. 6thly In unjust Excommunication Isaiah 66.5 7thly In jesting vainly Ezek. 33.31 Ephes 5.4 8thly In abusing the Lords Table 1 Cor. 11.27.29 9thly When the Mouth and Heart do not agree in performing of Holy Duty Ezek. 33.31 10thly In Hearing Reading or Praying without Faith Rom. 14.23 11thly In calling the Lord to witness without a true sense and Holy Reverence of his Name 1 Sam. 19. 12thly When any of the Names or Titles of God are vainly expressed by which the Father Son and Holy Spirit are understood Fourthly You must not Prophane the Sabbath by needless Labour or other excercise that is vain the Sabbath-Breaker shall surely be put to Death Exod. 31.14 15 16. Ezek. 20.22 Men may break the Sabbath Eighteen several ways As 1st By Sleeping or lying on Bed too long on Sabbath-Day Morning Solomon saith The Sluggard desireth and has nothing Prov. 13.4 The Sabbath-day is the Harvest-day of the Soul to sleep in harvest causeth Shame Prov. 10.5 This was one of the Sins for which Israel went into Captivity Amos 6.4 2dly Some break the Sabbath by Idleness they will sit still and neither go to hear a Sermon nor yet will they read in the Bible or other Book of Divinity by which they might receive some good Instructions nor will they Pray nor use Divine Meditations or other Holy Duty Col. 4.2 3. but their Idle Soul shall suffer Hunger Prov. 19.15 Thus saith the Lord of Hosts consider your ways Hag. 1.5 3dly Some break the Sabbath by imploying themselves in their Worldly Business Nehemiah Testified against such doings shut the Gates of Jerusalem to keep out the Traders he forced them to keep off till the Sabbath was over Nehem. 13.15 to 22. Many will imploy themselves secretly on the Sabbath day and do that which they are not willing their Neighbour should know of but some will Sin more openly but they do that which the Law will not take hold of them for their so doing or choose Morning and Evening for the doing it that it may be the easier passed by 4thly Some break the Sabbath by gaming sporting and playing that Day Against whom do you Sport your selves against whom do you make a wide Mouth and draw out the Tongue are ye not Children of Transgressors and seed of Falshood Isaiah 67.4 Such are Spots and Blemishes in the Church who Sport themselves with their own deceiving 2 Pet. 2.13 Israel is complained of that they Sate down to Eat and to Drink and rose up to Play Exod. 32.6 1 Cor. 10.7 5thly Some break the Sabbath by their needless Journies they that will not work that day will spend the whole day to go to such and such a Place to visit their Friends or to do such Worldly Business as may be done by agreement or appointment of Business and the like from Even to Even shall ye Celebrate your Sabbath Levit. 23.33 Then surely the Lord hath not given any time on that day to go any Frivilous Journies or to do any needless Business 6thly Some break the Sabbath by using much vain discourse That day they will gather together in Companies to tell and hear any kind of vain Stories and Tales by which comes abundance of evil yea and ill-will among Neighbours Friends and Relations therefore well might the Lord give it in charge to Israel Thou shalt not go up and down as a Tale-bearer Levit. 19.16 The words of a Tale-bearer are as wounds Prov. 18.8 26 22. Therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips Prov. 20.19 where there is no Tale-bearer the strife ceaseth Prov. 26.20 In the multitude of words there wants no sin Prov. 10.19 Death and Life are in the power of the Tongue Prov. 18.21 For every idle word that a man shall speak he shall give an account in the day of judgment Mat. 12.36 Therefore let thy Words be few Eccles 5.2 Curb thy Tongue with David as with a bridle Psal 39.1 7thly Some Men break the Sabbath by letting their eyes wander after divers Objects and they immediately carry away the heart from the benefit of the Word preached that they can have no profit by it such had need with good Job resolve to make a Covenant with their eyes Job 31.1 The Lord complains of Jerusalem saying They have hid their eyes from my Sabbath Ezek. 22.26 But good David was very careful in this matter when he prayeth O let me not wander from thy Commandments Psal 119.10 8thly Some break the Sabbath by letting their hearts run after the concerns of this life while they are under the hearing of the Word of this sort of People were they which the Lord complains of They sit before thee as my people and they hear thy words but they will not do them for with their mouth they shew much love but their heart goeth after their Covetousness Ezek. 33.31 They cry when will the Sabbath be over that we may sell corn Amos 8.5 'T is they that hearken diligently with all their heart that have the promise Deut. 11.13 14. Ch. 15.5 Jer. 17.24 25. Deut. 7.12 13. But the Lord complains of the heart-wanderers saith he
Rom. 1.3 Of whom concerning the flesh Christ came Rom. 9.5 Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God 1 John 4.2 5ly Christ had also blood One of the Soldiers with a spear peirced his fide and forthwith came there out blood and water John 19.24 Thou hast redeemed us unto God by thy blood Revel 5.9 We have redemption through his blood Col. 1.14 You are redeemed with the precious blood of Christ 1 Pet. 1.19 And the blood of Christ cleanseth us from all sin 1 John 1.7 Ye are made nigh by the blood of Christ Ephes 2.13 Heb. 9.14 Being justified by his blood we shall be saved Rom. 5.9 6ly And as he had flesh and blood so also bones These things were done that the Scripture might be fulfilled a bone of him shall not be broken John 19.36 Handle me a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see me have Luke 24.39 7ly Christ died Jesus when he had cryed again with a loud voice yielded up the Ghost Mat. 27.50 Mark 16.37 Luke 23.46 John 19.30 To this end Christ died Rom. 14.9.15 Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures 1 Cor. 15.3 And through thy knowledge shall thy weak brother perish for whom Christ died 1 Cor. 8.11 If righteousness came by the law Christ is dead in vain Gal. 2.21 And that Christ died for all 2 Cor. 5.15 Christ humbled himself and became obedient to death even the death of the Cross Phil. 2.8 In due time Christ died for the ungodly Rom. 5.6 While we were sinners Christ died for us Rom. 5.8 8ly Christ was buried Joseph brought fine Linnen and took him down and wrapped him in the linnen and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewen out of a rock and rolled a stone unto the door of the Sepulchre Mark 15.46 And that Christ was buried and he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures 1 Cor. 15.4 Being buried with Christ in baptism Col. 2.12 Rom. 6.4 How are the Valentinian and Utichen Heresies detected it is plain Christ was begotten born had a body of flesh blood and bones died and was buried which body c. he receiv'd of the Virgin Mary being compleat and perfect God-man in one person Heaven and Earth being as it were united in one person in an Hypostatical Union by which divine and miraculous Union all the Elect are come to obtaining Union with God and Eternal Salvation Article the Fourth Crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate suffered and was buried c. Pilate said unto them what shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ they all said unto him let him be crucified and he delivered him to be crucified Mat. 27.22 26. Let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified both Lord and Christ Acts 2.36 1 Cor. 1.23 Acts 4.10 1 Cor. 2.2 Then took they the body of Jesus and wound it in Linnen Cloaths with the spices as the manner of the Jews is to bury and laid it in a new Sepulchre John 19.40 41. Article the Fifth And rose again the third day according to the Scriptures c. 1 Cor. 15.4 We have testified of God that he raised up Christ 1 Cor. 15.15 But now is Christ risen from the dead and become the first fruits of them that sleep 1 Cor. 15.20 And he said unto them thus it is written and thus it behoveth Christ to suffer and to rise again the third day from the dead Luke 24.46 He hath begotten us again to a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 1 Per. 1.3 Christ the first fruits from the dead Col. 1.18 Christ the first begotten of the dead Rev. 1.5 That Christ must needs have suffered and risen again from the dead Acts 17.3 That Christ should be the first that should arise from the dead Acts 26.23 Christ being risen from the dead died no more Rom. 6.9 He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal Bodies Rom. 8.11 To this end Christ both died and rose again Rom. 14.9 Gal. 1.1 He spake of the resurrection of Christ that his Soul was not left in hell Acts 2.31 It is Christ that died yea rather that is risen again Rom. 8.34 10.9 According to the working of his mighty power which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead Ephes 1.19 20. Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my Gospel 2 Tim. 2.8 Article the Sixth And ascended into Heaven and sitteth on the right hand of the Father c. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them he was received up into Heaven and sat on the right hand of God Mark 16.19 And it came to pass while he blessed them he was parted from them and carried up into Heaven Luke 24.51 While they beheld he was taken up and the cloud received him out of their sight Acts 1.9 Who is even at the right hand of God Rom. 8.34 Eph. 1.20 If ye be risen with Christ seek those things that are above where Christ fitteth at the right hand of God Col. 3.1 Heb. 1.3 8. But this man after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever sat down on the right hand of God Heb. 10.12 12.2 Christ who is gone into Heaven and is on the right hand of God 1 Pet. 3.22 Acts 2.33 a Prince and a Saviour Acts 5.31 Article the Seventh And is to come again in Glory to judge the living and the drad of whose Kingdom there shall be no end c. If I go and prepare a place for you I will come again John 14.3 28. This same Jesus which is taken up into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into Heaven Acts 1.11 For the son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his Angels Mat. 16.27 And they shall see the son of man coming in the clouds of Heaven with power and great glory Mat. 24.30 Mark 13.26 Luke 21.27 It is he which was ordained of God to be judge of quick and dead Acts 10.42 I charge thee therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ who shall judge the quick and dead at his appearing and his Kingdom 2 Tim. 4.1 Whose Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom Dan. 7.27 The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall reign for ever and ever Rev. 11.15 Article the Eighth And in the Holy Ghost the Lord and Giver of Life who proceedeth from the Father and the Son who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified who spake by the Prophets c. But the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my name he shall teach you all things John 14.26 It is the Spirit that quickeneth John 6.63 The Father the Word and the Holy Ghost
8.26 7ly Stinted Forms keeps Persons in a lame stupid dead and lukewarm posture so long as they do continue in the use of it they are neither hot nor cold Revel 3.15 16. What the Fruits and Benefits that forms do conduce I leave it to those that have received it if any have to declare but this is certain that the Letter kills but it is the Spirit that giveth life 2 Cor. 3.6 John 3.63 8ly By spiritual Prayer we have access unto the Throne of Grace Ephes 2.18 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is 1st Accessus 2ly Manuductionem A drawing near by leading by the hand to God as Persons are led or conducted into Kings Courts but I do not find any promise in all the Holy Scriptures that any shall have access to God by reading or saying over of stinted forms of Prayer 9ly There are many good Presidents in Scripture that the faithful in all ages have poured out their Souls to the Lord omnipotent in Spiritual Prayer It is said Isaac went out into the field to meditate Gen. 24.63 The Margin reads it to pray agreeing with Ainsworth in loc David poured out his soul to the Lord Psal 142.1 to 7. Jehoshephat was fervent in this duty 2 Chron. 20.12 Hezekiah prayed against Senacherib's Blasphemy 2 Kings 19.15 It will be too tedious to set forth one quarter of the instances of this kind Take St. Paul for your Example who saith He will pray with his Spirit and with his understanding also 1 Cor. 14.15 Epaphras is said to be fervent in this duty Col. 4.12 10ly Spiritual Prayer is commanded Praying always with all prayers and supplication in the Spirit Ephes 6.18 Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and suplication let your request be made known to God Phil. 4.6 I will that men pray every where 1 Tim. 2.8 Pray for them that despitefully use you Mat. 5.44 Luke 6.28 Pray ye the Lord of the Harvest Mat. 9.38 Pray one for another James 5.16 If ye sow to the spirit ye shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting Gal. 6.8 34 Direction is Be often minding of them that they let the love of God in Christ be the principal Motive upon their Hearts to perswade them to love God above all to uphold them from being dashed in pieces upon that rock of Despair about Personal Election and Reprobation Know for certain that as all were brought into a state of Condemnation by the first Adam's Sin so all that believe are in a state of justification by the death of Christ Rom. 5.18 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 For God sent not his Son into the World to condemn the World but that the World through him might be saved John 3.16 17. There is Salvation open to every Soul that believeth the Lord hath taken such care for every mans Salvation 1st That he hath commanded the Gospel to be Preached to every Creature Mark 16.15 16 2dly That Prayers and Supplications be made for all men 1 Tim. 2.1 to 6. 3dly The Lord would have all men come to the Knowledge of the Truth that they might be Saved 1 Tim. 2.4 as touching those that are Elected they are Elected thro' the Sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth 2 Thes 2.13 to believe on Christ is the first step to enjoy the promise of Eternal Salvation Heb. 3.9 Revel 22.14 Heb. 10.36 Jam. 1.25 2dly True Faith is the spring of true love to God in Christ which is also the true and only ground of our Obedience Rom. 6.17 18. 3dly A right Knowledge of Gods love in justification by his Son is the chief ground of our love to God 1 John 4.19 4thly True Faith is that hand whereby we receive Christ and Christ's Righteousness is the matter or material Cause of our Justification as Gods Imputation of it to us is the formal Cause and Faith I think I may say without any blame may be said to be the Instrumental Cause thereof but no procuring Cause or meriting Condition of our Justification for Faith is in the Covenant of Grace as it is the Gift of God and therefore not a procuring Condition of it Rom. 3.28 Gal. 2.16 Rom. 5.1 Gal. 3.24 5thly Preaching the Gospel thro' the working of Gods Spirit is the cause of Faith Rom. 10.17 6thly The love of God in Christs Death and Resurrection is the ground and cause of the Gospels being Preached 1 Cor. 15.1 to 23. 7thly The love of God to those he gave to Christ is the only ground and cause why he sent his Son to dye John 3.16 17. Heb. 2.9 So on the other hand Sin is the cause that any are reprobated it is for the Sin of their Nature which they love and for Unbelief Rom. 11.23 all which remains they do not will not hear the Word so as to set their hearts to ponder on the same their understandings are blinded their wills rebellious their affections are carnal their hearts are immoderately set upon Earthly things If any man loveth the World the love of the Father is not in him 1 John 2.15 Because they believe not the Word of Life they remain in a state of Condemnation the Scripture holds forth that mans Destruction is of himself Mat. 23.37 Hosea 13.9 35 Direction is Teach your Children to avoid the Seeing Hearing Receiving doing or Allowing of those things that are directly prohibited or forbid in Scripture First You must Teach them the Ten Commandments recorded in Exod. 20. Deut. 5. the Lord by these Precepts hath prohibited all from gross and capital Sins to teach men Morrality and Divine Adoration and Invocation having called him from all Corruption unto the integrity he first Created him in And therefore 1st Man is denied to have any other object of Divine Adoration beside his Creator 2dly Man must not have the least shew of any kind of Worship in Expression Gesture or Habit not so much as in affections too nor towards any Image or the likeness of any Creature Made Ingraven or Portraied of any Mass or resemblance whatsoever no not so much as to go into the place where an Idol is nor to eat of the Meat that has been offered to an Idol Acts 15.20.29 Chap. 21.25 keep your selves from Idols 1 John 5.21 Flee from Idolatry 1 Cor. 10.14 Levit. 19.4 Any thing that is set up in our Hearts and extolled above our Maker which we take all care possible to please our selves in to admire and set our Chief Love upon that we give more Service Love and Adoration too then is properly due to a meer Creature is by us made an Idol and though it be no God yet we make it a God unto our selves Fourteen several ways Men may make to themselves Gods and Serve Love and Adore them more then they do their Creator And 1st some make their Bellys their God they lay up all
they sin altogether omitting an holy discipline in their families as keeping of their Children and Servants close in the attendance on the aforesaid duties 1 Tim. 3.4 Chap. 4.13 16ly Some break the Sabbath in going to false worship therefore let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of Angels Col. 2.18 Here you had need to follow in the footsteps of the Apostles and all the primitive Churches in the New Testament as ye have them for example 1 Tim. 4.12 Phil. 3.17 1 Thes 1.7 to 10. All that preach any other Doctrine or Worship in any other way under the Gospel than that which was the practice of the Apostles and first Churches is for certain not the true worship Gal. 1.8 for they that worship the Father must worship him in spirit and Truth John 4.24 17ly Some have broke the Sabbath in their often persecuting of Christian Assemblies Christians ought not to persecute one another for as all are to give an account to God for themselves Rom. 14.12 It is but reason that they themselves should choose that religion that they believe to be the Truth The Tares and the Wheat ought to grow together till the harvest Mat. 13.30 There are many reasons why Christians should not persecute one another As 1st The Apostles and first Churches did not persecute but often were persecuted 1 Cor. 4.12 They honestly confest that they had no dominion over the Churches Faith 2 Cor. 1.24 2ly 'T is a Mark of a false Church to persecute Mat. 10.16 Gal. 4.29 2 Tim. 3.13 3ly Christ would not have the Tares rooted out least the Wheat should be rooted out with them Mat. 13.30 4ly It is impossible that I can see with anothers eyes or believe with anothers Faith Mark 9.50 5ly They that persecute are not infallible they may err in their Doctrine as well as in their Discipline Rom. 3.23 6ly Christ commanded his Ministers to teach all Nations and preach the Gospel to every Creature Mat. 28.19 Mark 16.16 not a word of Persecution 7ly Persecution does make weak Christians that in time might have been good Christians to turn Apostates 8ly A Person that is an Heretick is to be excommunicated not persecuted but admonished as a Brother Tit. 3.10 2 Thes 3.15 9ly If you force persons to do things in religious Worship against the light of their own Consciences you force them to sin Rom. 14.13 10ly The strong ought to bear with the weak Rom. 14.1 to 14. 11ly All Persons ought to observe that good old Rule viz. To do to all Men as you would have they should do to you Mat. 7.12 Luke 6.31 and then all Persecution would quickly cease 12ly The Scripture forbids us to judge one another in matters of Religion Mat. 7.1 James 4.12 Rom. 2.1 to 3. If you may not must not judge one another in matters of Conscience and Religion surely you must not persecute them More especially to break the Sabbath in such a wicked act when that day they are in their religious Worship according to the best light of Knowledge that they have recieved of the Lord least over and above you should offend one of the little ones that beleive in Christ and then it were better that a Mill-stone were hanged about your neck and you cast into tâ—h depth of the Sea Mat. 18.6 Luke 17.2 18ly Some break the Sabbath by common War burning and destroying of Villages Towns and Cities Christ bids his Disciples pray that their flight might not be on the Sabbath-day Mat. 24.20 Wars and Rumours of Wars is one of the signs of the last times Mat. 24.6 How Rapine and Murder and destruction of Towns and Cities is justifiable by the Scripture I cannot see and more especially on the Lords-day I must leave it to those that are the cause of the action to answer for it in the great day of account and say no more to it but remember to keep holy the Sabbath-day Exod. 20.8 5ly You must not disobey your Parents but do them all Service of Honour Luke 18.20 6ly Thou must not commit any kind of Murder either on thy self as King Saul Ahithophel and Judas did 2 Sam. 17.23 1 Sam. 31.4 5. Mat. 27.5 Nor on any other Person whatsoever secretly or openly thou must not thirst after the blood of any Man Prov. 29.10 No nor yet if it be possible let not the blood of any beast or fowl enter in at thy mouth as Food or Drink 1st Because the Lord hath positively forbid it to be eat in Noah's Time Gen. 9.4 As though the eating of blood were a grand inducement to move Frail Man to shed Mans Blood without a just cause 2ly In the Levetical Law the Lord saith whose eateth the blood of any manner of flesh shall be cut off Levit. 17.14 Here its use is not allowed but to be condemned by an immediate judgment 3ly In that first great Council and General Assembly at Jerusalem of the Apostles Elders and Brethren who drew up their result and confirmed that Canon by the approbation of the Holy Ghost Acts 15.28 They sent it to the Gentiles in Antioch Syria and Cilicia by the hands of Paul Barnabas Judas and Silas four chief Men the Substance of the Canon or Epistle is recorded in Acts 15.29 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 St. James proposing this very Sentence to the Assembly in Acts 15.20 The Church at Jerusalem confirmed the Truth of the beforementioned Canon and express it verbatim Acts 21.25 From all which I must conclude that the Gentiles under the Gospel may as well commit Fornication as they may eat blood or things strangled the abstaining from all the four are injoyned in Acts 15.29 Seventhly You must not commit Adultery This Precept forbids all manner of filthiness of fleshly Vice as Fornication Uncleanness Eph. 5.3 Unnatural Filthiness Levit. 19.22 23. Chambering and Wantonness in Words Gesture or Attire Rom. 13.13 Prov. 7.10 to 22. 1 Pet. 2.11 So that Man had need with good Job make a Covenant with his eyes Job 31.1 For Christ himself in his first Sermon saith He that looketh on a Woman to lust after her he hath committed Adultery with her already in his heart Mat. 5.28 Incestuous Marriages Unjust Divorces Bigamy Polygamy and all Unchastity in Body and Mind is not to be allowed nor practised by any but every one ought to live in purity of Life and Conversation that every one possess his Vessel in Sanctification and Honour 1 Thes 4.4 Eighthly Thou must not steal That is Thou must not rob any one of their Goods neither publickly nor yet privately by cozening nor cheating by fraud nor by force nay thou must not rob thy Wife nor Children of their Dowre nor Birthright or of that which is given thee to maintain them to live comfortably in this world with which kind of
these three are one 1 John 5.7 Holy Men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost 2 Pet. 1.21 Article the Ninth And I believe 〈◊〉 one Catholick and Apostolick Church My Dove my undefiled is but one Cant. 6.9 Other sheep have I which are not of this Fold them also I must bring and they shall hear my voice and there shall be one fold and one Shepherd John 10.16 But that also he should gather together in one the Children of God that were scattered abroad John 11.52 After this I beheld and lo a great multitude which no man could number of all Nations and Kindreds and People and Tongues stood before the Throne and before the Lamb cloathed with white robes and palms in their hands Rev. 7.2 The Church is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 universal which comprehendeth all People that truly fear the Lord at all times and that walk in his ways in all places of what Sex Age or Generation from the beginning of the World to the End thereof Article the Tenth I Confess one Baptism for remission of sin One Lord one Faith one Baptism Ephes 4.5 Go ye therefore teach all Nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Mat. 28.19 He that believeth and is baptized slall be saved Mark 16.16 Repent and be baptized every one of you for the remission of sins Acts 2.38 Philip and the Eunuch went both down into the water and he baptized him Acts 8.38 Jesus when he was baptized went up straightway out of the water Mat. 3.16 And straightway coming up out of the water he saw the Heavens opened Mark 1.10 John also was baptizing in Enon near Salim because there was much water there John 3.23 But when they believed Philips preaching they were baptized both Men and Women Acts 8.12 This one Baptism the right manner of doing it is by burying the body in the water Rom. 6.4 Col. 2.12 Ananias said to Paul arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins Acts 22.16 The Greek Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is derived of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 mergo immergo tingo quod fit immergendo To dip plunge or overwhelm To dip in that manner as they do that dye Cloath or Colours those Men well know that this is the native and proper signification of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that do understand Scapula or Stephanus and Leigh in his Critica Sacra in his sixth Demonstration of the Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saith the native and proper signisication of it is to dip into the water or to plunge under water and in his Supplement 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies properly mergo immergo to drown or sink in the waters to dip to overwhelm to plunge Mr. Symson in his Greek Lexicon seems to be willing to pass by the Native and Proper Signification of the Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but yet is forced to give it a double stroke with his Pen and confesseth the Word tho' it be derived from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to dip or plunge into the water and fignifieth primarily such a kind of washing as is used in Bucks where linnen is plunged and dipped yet it is taken more largely for any kind of washing rinsing or cleansing surely as Christ hath but one Baptism in it he hath but one right subject not an infidel infant with a believer If Christ had intended that Infants should have been members of the Gospel Church by baptism he would have appointed it in some place of the New Testament for Circumcision was appointed Gen. 17.12 Again if Christ hath but one Baptism he hath but one essential form and one sort of subjects but dipping and sprinkling are two distinct Actions yea or two differing Acts neither can pouring or dropping a little water on a Childs face be called Christs own Baptism because Christ hath no where apointed Infants as the Subjects of it nor that to be the manner of the administration of it it being at best but Mans tradition which Christ saith is vain Mat. 15.9 The Earth is defiled under the Inhabitants thereof because they have transgressed the Laws changed the Ordinances broken the everlasting Covenant Isa 24.5 Article the Eleventh I look for the Resurrection of the dead He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ Acts 2.31 But now is Christrisen from the dead and become the first fruits of them that sleep 1 Cor. 15.20 1 Pet. 1.3 Revel 1.5 Col. 1.18 1 Cor. 15.3 15. All that are in the graves shall hear his voice and shall come forth they that have done good to the resurrection of life and they that have done evil to the resurrection of damnation John 5.28 29. That there shall be a resurrection of the dead both of just and unjust Acts 24.15 Thy dead men shall live together with my dead body shall they arise awake and sing ye that dwell in the dust Isa 26.19 Many that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting contempt Dan. 12.2 It is sown in corruption it is raised in incorruption it is sown a natural body it is raised a spirtual body 1 Cor. 15.42 44. Article the Twelfth And the life of the World to come Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand come ye blessed of my Father inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the World Mat. 25.34 This inheritance is incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away it is reserved in Heaven for you c. 1 Pet. 1.4 Fear not little flock it is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom Luke 12.32 And they shall reign for ever and ever Revel 22.5 And the Saints of the most high shall take the kingdom and possess the kingdom for ever even for ever and ever Dan. 7.18 14th Direction is Hearken to your Parents reproofs When they put as it were a bit in your mouths to check and stop you in the road to Destruction You must lend them a diligent and an affectionate ear Reproofs of instruction are the way of life Prov. 6.23 He that regardeth reproof shall be honoured Prov. 13.18 The rod and reproof give wisdom Prov. 29.15 15th Direction is Endeavour to imitate your Parents in all things that are good Whatsoever things are true whatsoever things are honest whatsoever things are just whatsoever things are pure whatsoever things are lovely whatsoever things are of good report if there be any vertue and if there be any praise think on these things Phil. 4.7 and follow them in it Young Josiah is highly commended for that he did that which was right in the fight of the Lord after the example of his Father David 2 Chron. 34.2 Good Hezekiah is likewise commended in following the Example of David 2 Kings 18.3 St. Paul exhorts the Philippians that what they heard and see in him to do Phil. 4.9 18th Direction