one we must needs be distracted in mind not knowing who hath prescribed that way to us And therefore the Scripture frequently admonisheth us of this thing as you may see in Moses Deut. 6. 4. which passage is cited by Christ himself Mark 12. 29. Hearken Israel thy Lord the God is one Lord. And again in Moses Deut. 32. 39. See that I alone am He and there is no God besides me Esay 44. 6. 8. Esay 45. 5. 14. 21. Esay 46. 9. 1 Cor. 8. 4 5 6. Gal. 3. 20. Eph. 4. 6. 1 Tim. 2. 5. Q. How the third A. Unlesse we believe God to be eternall how can we hope for eternall life from him and so attain the end to which this way doth lead Q. How the fourth A. To believe that God is perfectly just is necessary unto Salvation first that we may perswade our selves that God will make good his Promises to us though we be unworthy Next that we may acknowledge all those trialls to be just which being entred into this way we must of necessity undergo in that they are permitted by God Q. How the fifth A. This is therefore necessary to be known to the end we might not doubt that even our very heart then which nothing is harder to be searched out and from which the chiefest estimate of our obedience is taken lieth alwaies open unto God Q. How the sixth A. Because we could not expect eternall life from the hands of God as the prime Author were we not perswaded that his power is circumscribed with no bounds and limits Againe who would endure so many adversities as are incident to all those that make profession of the Christian Religion were not this perswasion deeply fastned in his heart that all things are in the hands of God and afflictions happen not without his will neither is any thing either in heaven or on earth able to hinder his divine power from accomplishing what he hath promised and we expect from him Q. You have unfolded what things are necessary to be known touching the Essence of God and therefore I pray you now discover what things are very conducible thereunto A. It is very conducible hereunto to know that in the essence of God there is but one Person Q. Demonstrate this I pray you A. Inasmuch as the Essence of God is but one in number there cannot be so many persons therein since a person is nothing but an individuall intelligent Essence Q. Who is this one divine Person A. That one God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ Q. How prove you that A. By the most evident testimonies of the Scripture thus Christ himself Iohn 17. 3. saith This is life eternall that they may know thee Father the onely true God And the Apostle Paul 1 Corinth 8. 6. saith To us there is but one God the Father of whom are all the things we for him And Ephes 4. 6. There is one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in you all Q. But Christians commonly hold that not onely the Father but also the Son and the Holy Spirit are persons in one and the same Deitie A. I know it well but they are grievously mistaken producing arguments for it out of the Scriptures ill understood Q. What are their arguments wherewith they endeavour to prove their opinion A. The chief are these First they say that the Scripture calleth not only the Father but also the Son and the Holy Spirit God And forasmuch as the same Scripture affirmeth that there is but one God hence they gather that these Three are that one God Q. How must this Argument be solved A. I will first make answer concerning the Son and then concerning the Holy Spirit Q. What answer will you make concerning the Son A. The word GOD is two wayes chiefly used in the Scripture The first is when it denoteth him who both in the heavens and on the earth doth so rule and exercise dominion over all that he acknowledgeth no superior and is so the Author and Principall of all things as that he dependeth on none The other is when it designeth him who hath some sublime dominion from that one God and so is in some sort partaker of his Deïty Hence is it that the Scripture calleth that one God the God of Gods or most high God Psal 50. 1. Heb. 7. 1. And in the latter signification the Son of God is in certain places of the Scripture dignified with the title of a God Q. How prove you that the Son of God is in this latter signification dignified with the title of a God A. From the very words of the Son himself John 10. 35. If he call them Gods to whom the Word of God came and the Scripture cannot be broken say ye of him whom the Father hath sanctified and sent into the world Thou blasphemest because I said I am the Son of God By this speech Christ doth clearly intimate both that the word GOD is somtime attributed unto them in the Scripture who are far inferiour to that one God as also that he called himself the Son of God and consequently a God for no greater reason then because he had been sanctified by the Father and sent into the world Q. But what answer give you concerning the Holy Spirit A. The Holy Spirit is no where in the Scripture expresly called God and though in some places the things of God are attributed to him yet doth it not thereupon follow that he is either God or a person of the Deity since this happeneth for another cause as you shall hear in in its place Q. VVhat is the second argument wherewith they go about to prove the three Persons in one Deity A. It is taken from those places wherein mention is made of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit Q. VVhich are those places A. The first is that where Jesus commandeth his Aposties to make all Nations Disciples baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Mat. 28. 19. The second is that where the Apostle writeth in this manner There are diversities of Gifts but the same Spirit And diversities of Ministeries but the same Lord. And diversities of Operations but the same God that operateth all the things in all 1 Cor. 12. 4 5 6. And afterwards in the eleventh verse of the same chapter he saith But all these things operateth one and the same Spirit distributing to every one as he will The third is in John 1 Epist 5. 7. There are three that hear witnesse in heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Spirit and these three are one Q. What are we to think of these Quotations A. In generall I answer that these Quotations onely shew that there is a Father Sonne and Holy Spirit which we not only acknowledge but constantly assert so that we pronounce him to be no Christian who is either ignorant thereof or doth not
believe it But it is evident that these Quotations do not demonstrate the Father Sonne and Holy Spirit to be three Persons in one Divine Essence Q. Yet from such a Conjunction of those three in divine Operations it seemeth somewhat probable that they are three Persons in one divine Essence A. By no means For as to the first place although the Father Son and Holy Spirit be conjoyned in Baptism yet doth it not therefore follow that they are Persons in one divine Essence both for that it is said in the words immediately going before that all power in heaven on earth was given to the Son which cannot possibly agree to him that is a Person in the divine Essence as also because it is no new thing for the Scripture in other things no lesse divine then Baptism to joyn with God such Persons and Things as no wayes pertain to the divine Essence Of Persons you have an example in the first book of Samuel chap. 12. 18. And all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel And in Moses Exod. 14. 31. where according to the Hebrew it is read And the people feared the Lord and believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses Of things you have an instance Acts 20. 32. I commend you to God and to the Word of his Grace Ephes 6. 10. Strengthen your selves in the Lord and in the power of his might Q. But they hold he must needs be God into whose name we are baptized A. They are exceedingly mistaken for we read 1 Cor. 10. 2. that the Israelites were all baptized into Moses And Act. 19. 3. that certain Disciples were baptized into the Baptisme of John Although neither Moses were God nor the Baptisme of John a Person much lesse God Q. But it seemeth one thing to be baptized into any ones name and another to be baptized into any one A. By no means For by vertue of the Hebrew Idiotisme it is oftentimes all one to do something into any ones name and into any one as is sufficiently known Neither need we go far for any instance since the matter in hand will readily furnish us for whereas we read in some places that Disciples were baptized into the name of Christ see Act. 8. 16. Act. 19. 5. we read in others that they were simply baptized into Christ Rom. 6. 3. Gal. 3. 27. Q. What answer give you to the second Quotation A. That although divine operations be attributed to God and to the Lord and to the Holy Spirit yet can it not be rightly inferred thence that these three are of one essence Yea the contrary may be thence clearly collected namely that they cannot be of one essence since the Lord and the Holy Spirit are openly distinguished from God whom we formerly proved to be no other then the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ But because together with God mention is here made of the Lord and of the Holy Spirit this is therefore done because the Lord is he by whom God doth work all these things with the concurrent ministery of the Holy Spirit for here he treateth only of those things that appertain unto the faithfull in whom the Holy Spirit worketh Q. What answer give you to the third A. First since it is known that in the more ancient Greek copies and in the Syriack and in the more antient Latin Versions these words are not extant as the chiefest of our Adversaries do shew nothing certain can be concluded from them Again though they were extant in the Scripture yet could it not be thence concluded that there are three Persons in one Divinity For that place speaketh of no other thing then of witnessing that Jesus is the Son of God or the Christ But that this may be attested not only by such as are divine persons but even by such as are no persons at all appeareth by the following words wherein the Apostle saith that there are three that bear witnesse on the earth the Spirit the Water and the Bloud Now when he saith that the former three are one that this is meant of their being one in testimony and agreement but not in essence is apparent by the following verse where the like expression is found and must be taken in such a sense Q. I perceive by your former discourse that there is but one Person in the divine essence and therefore I would now know how the knowledge hereof is very conducible to salvation A. You will easily perceive that if you consider how pernitious the opinion of the Adverse Party is For first that opinion may easily undermine and weaken the belief of one God whilest one while it confesseth but one God another while acknowledgeth three Persons every one whereof is that one God Secondly it obscureth the glory of that one God who is only the Father of Jesus Christ whilest it transferreth it to another who is not the Father Thirdly it may easily pervert the way of salvation whilest it taketh away the difference between the first and second cause thereof and suffâ—reth us not rightly to acknowledge who is the prime Author of our Salvation and how God manageth the same by Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit In sine it greatly hindreth Aliens from embracing the Christian Religion whilest it delivereth such things as are opposite to divine Truth and sound reason From all which inconveniences that opinion is free which holdeth that there is but one Person in the divine essence Of the Will of God Q. YOu have explained to me the things that pertain to the essence of God explain now those things also that concern his Will A. Those things that concern the Will of God are partly such as all men in generall are and ever have been partakers of them partly such as properly belong to those who are to obtaine eternall life Q. What are those whereof all men in generall have ever been partakers of A. They are three in number first the Creation of heaven and earth and all the things that are therein Act. 14. 15. Secondly his care and providence over all things in particular Mat. 10. 29. Lastly the remuneration of them that seek him that is yeeld themselves obedient to him Heb. 11. 6. Q. Why is it necessary to believe that God created heaven and earth A. There are two principall causes thereof The one that God would have us believe it And therefore in the Scriptures both God and his Ministers do so frequently and clearly admonish us thereof as amongst other testimonies you have it in Isaiah chap. 44. 24. I am the Lord that maketh all things that stretcheth out the heavens alone that spreadeth abroad the earth by my self And in Moses Gen. 1. 1. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth And in David Psal 33. 6. By the word of the Lord were the heavens made and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth He gathereth the waters of the Sea together as
an heap he layeth up the depth in store-houses Let all the earth fear the Lord let all the Inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him For he spake and it was done he commanded and it stood fast And in the Acts chap. 4. 24. Thou Lord art he who madest the heaven and earth and seas and all that in them are And in the Acts chap. 4. 24. Thou Lord art he who madest the heaven and earth and seas and all that in them are And again chap. 17. 14. God who made the world and all the things that are therein he being Lord of heaven and earth dwelleth not in temples made with hands The second reason is because unlesse we be perswaded thereof we have no ground to believe that God hath any care of particular men and so will not be induced to yeeld our selves obedient to him Q. I perceive by this answer of yours that I have no reason to ask why God taketh care of particular men and rewardeth those that obey him wherefore explain to me those things that concern the Will of God as it properly belongeth unto them who shall obtain eternall life A. They are those things that he hath discovered by Iâ—sus Christ Of the knowledge of Christ CHAP. I. Touching the Person of Christ Q. INasmuch as you have said that those things have been discovered by Jesus Christ that concern the will of God as it properly belongeth unto them who shall obtain eternall life I would entreat you to declare those things to me concerning Jesus Christ which are need full to be known A. I am content First therefore you must know that those things partly concern the Essence partly the Office of Jesus Christ Q. What are the things that concern his Essence or Person A. Only that he is a true man by nature as the holy Scriptures frequently testifie concerning that matter and namely 1 Tim. 2. 5. There is one Mediator of God and men the man Christ Jesus And 1 Cor. 15. 21. Since by man came death by man also came the Resurrection from the dead And indeed such a one God heretofore promised by the Prophets and such a one the Apostles Creed acknowledged by all Christians confesseth Jesus Christ to be Q. Is the Lord Jesus then a meer man A. By no means For he was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary and therefore is from his very conception and birth the Son of God as we read Luke 1. 35. where the Angell thus speaketh to the Virgin Mary The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee therefore also that Holy Thing Generated shall be called the Son of God That I may omit other causes which you shall afterwards discover in the Person of Jesus Christ and most evidently shew that the Lord Jesus ought by no means to be reputed a meer man Q. You said a little before that the Lord Jesus is a man by nature hath he not also a divine Nature A. At no hand for that is repugnant not onely to sound Reason but also to the holy Scriptures Q. Shew me how it is repugnant to sound Reason A. First because two substances indued with opposite properties cannot combine into one Person and such properties are mortality and immortality to have beginning and to be without beginning to be mutable and immutable Again two Natures each whereof is apt to constitute a severall person cannot be huddled into one Person For instead of one there must of necessity arise two persons consequently become two Christs whom all men without controversie acknowledge to be one and his Person one Q. But when they alledge that Christ is so constituted of a divine and humane Nature as a man is of a body and soul what answer must we make to them A. That in this case there is a wide difference for they say that the two Natures in Christ are so united that Christ is both God and Man Whereas the soul and body in a man are so conjoyned as that a man is neither soul nor body For neither doth the soul nor the body severally constitute a Person But as the divine Nature doth by it self constitute a Person so must the humane by it self of necessity also constitute Q. Shew how it is also repugnant to the Scripture that Christ should have a divine Nature A. First because the Scripture proposeth to us but one God by nature whom we formerly demonstrated to be the Father of Christ Secondly the same Scripture witnesseth that Jesus Christ is a man by nature as was formerly shown Thirdly because whatsoever divine excellency Christ hath the Scripture testifieth that he hath it by gift of the Father John 3. 35. John 5. 19 20 21 22 23 26 27. John 10. 25. Iohn 13. 3. Iohn 14. 10. Acts 2. 33. Rev. 2. 26 27. 2 Pet. 1. 17. Finally because the Scripture doth most evidently shew that Jesus Christ doth perpetually ascribe all his Divine acts not to himself or any Divine nature of his own but to the Father who seeth not that such a Divine nature as the Adversaries imagine in Christ would have been altogether idle and of no use Q. But they endeavour to assert that Divine nature of Christ from the Scriptures A. They endeavour indeed sundry wayes but whilest thy are labouring either to evince from the Scriptures the things that are not there or to draw wrong conclusions from the things that are there they have very ill successe Q. What are those things that they labour to evince from the Scriptures touching Christ that are not there A. His being from Eternity which they go about to prove from the Scriptures by two sorts of Arguments the one taken from those places wherein they think this being of Christ from eternity is expressed the other taken from those places wherein although it be not expressed yet they suppose it is here implyed Q. What are the places of the Scripture wherein the being of Christ from Eternity seemeth to be expressed A. They are those wherein the Scripture testifieth of Christ that he was in the beginning with God Iohn 1. 1. was in heaven Iohn 6. 62. was before Abraham Iohn 8. 58. Q. What answer you to the first A. In the quoted place there is nothing concerning Christs being from Eternity since mention is here made of the beginning whereas a beginning is opposite to Eternity Besides the word beginning every where in the Scripture is wont to be referred to the subject matter as you may see Dan. 8. 1. Iohn 15. 27. Iohn 16. 4. Acts 11. 15. 1. Iohn 2. 7 24. Since therefore the subject matter here is the Gospel which Iohn undertook to describe without question by the word beginning he understood the beginning of the Gospel This will further appear if you compare Mark 1. 1. Luke 1. 2. Luke 3. 23. where according to the truth of the Greek the words ought to be rendered
of the death of Christ from whence we derive strength unto a pious and immortall life Q. How are those words of Paul to be taken The Cup of blessing which we blesse is it not the Communion of the Bloud of Christ The Bread which we break is it not the Communion of the Body of Christ A. In such a manner as that all those who blesse this Cup that is using it celebrate the name of the Lord and blesse him and also those that break the Bread in Communion do thereby openly testifie that they are partakers of the Body and Bloud of Christ that is of all those things which Christ by his death hath procured to us As he a little after speaketh of the Israelites saying that the Israelites who did eat the Sacrifice were partakers of the Altar that is belonged unto all those things which were promised in that Religion Q. Explicate therefore to me the true and genuine sense of those words This is my Body A. It is as if Christ had said this action of breaking and eating this bread is a commemoration and certain adumbration of that which is to be done with my Body and this action pouring out and drinking this Wine is a commemoration and representation of what is to be done with my Bloud or that we may explain the words of Paul 1 Cor. 11. 25. the drinking of this Cup is a commemoration of that excessive love of God exhibited to us in the New Covenant and confirmed by the death of Christ In this manner it is written concerning the solemn custome of eating the Paschal Lamb for they had their loynes girded their feet shod their staves in their hands and did eat it hastily that it was the Passeover of the Lord Exod. 12. 11 27. Thus also Ezek. 5. 3 4 5. it is said of the shorn hairs part whereof was burned part scattered part conserved that this was Jerusalem CHAP. IV. Concerning the Baptisme of VVater Q. WHat think you concerning the Baptism of VVater A. That it is an externall Rite whereby men coming from Judaisme or Gentilisme to the Christian Religion did professe openly that they acknowledge Christ for their Lord. Q. Do Infants belong to that Rite A. By no means for neither have we in the Scripture either precept or example thereof nor can they as the thing it self sheweth acknowledge Christ for their Lord. Q. What then is to be thought of those that baptise infants A. Although they erre herein yet is it not therefore lawfull to condemn them so that they be not otherwise Idolaters but live piously according to Commandments of Jesus Christ and forbear to persecute others who reject their opinion For the Kingdom of God consisteth not in these outward things but in righteousnesse peace and joy in the holy Spirit Q. VVhat think you of them that think they are regenerated by this Rite A. They are exceedingly mistaken for Regeration is nothing but the transformation of our mind and will and composure of them to the doctrine of our Saviour Christ as the very word Regeneration doth intimate But such a transformation cannot have place in Infants who know not good and evill much lesse that a thing of so great moment should be incident to them But that those of perfect age in whom the transformation of mind and will hath place should be regenerated by Water is so distant from truth that it seemeth to carry a face of Idolatry with it whilst that is ascribed to a grosse elementall thing which is onely to be ascribed to God himself and his Word since it is he who hath of his own will begotten us by the Word of his truth and that incorruptible seed whereof we must be regenerated is the Word of God that liveth and abideth for ever Q. But the Apostle saith Tit. 3. 5. that God hath saved us by the Laver of Regeneration A. True but he doth not therefore affirm that that Laver of Regeneration is the Babtism of Water Neither is it unusuall in the Scriptures that the purlfication of our Souls which is wrought by the Word should be siguratively called a Laver for the same Paul Ephes 5. 26. writeth That Christ hath sanctified his Church having purified her with the Laver of water in the Word And the Authour to the Hebrews exhorteth them who had long since given their names to Christ and did no more stand in need of the Baptisme of water that they should have their hearts sprinkled from an evill conscience and their body washed with pure water Finally the Apostle himself in this very place which we have in hand explaineth himself what he meaneth by the Laver of Regeneration sub-joyning those words that give light to the foregoing ones namely And renewing of the holy Spirit For that this particle and is sometimes all one with that is was formerly demonstrated Q. But as concerning these words of Ananias to Paul arise be baptised and wash away thysins having invocated the name of the Lord Acts 22. 16. what is to be held A. It is to be held and we shall find this observation give light to many other places of the Scripture that when in the writings of the new covenant that is ascribed to some act or outward ceremony which altogether belongeth to eternall salvation this is not therefore done as if that act or outward ceremony had such power but because thereby a certain adumbration is made of that thing which altogether belongeth to salvation Thus when it is said The Cup of blessing which we blesse is it not the communion of the Blood of Christ the bread which we break is it not the communion of the body of Christ 1 Cor. 11. and elsewhere as many of you as have been baptised into Christ have put on Christ Gal. 3. 27. And after this manner the words of Ananias may and ought to be understood although the place may be so constrained as that the meaning of Ananias was not that Paul by the Baptisme of water should wash away his sins but that he should be baptised and wash away his sins by invocating the name of the Lord since the time was now come wherein every one that called upon the name of the Lord should be saved Q. Doth not our Saviour Christ in his conference with Nichodemus John 3. 5. by water understand Baptisme A. By no means for there he speaketh of being born from above but the water of Baptisme cometh not from above besides he treateth of such a regeneration without which none can enter into heaven which reason it self sheweth cannot be said of the Baptisme of water Now that water and the spirit are the same in that place so that by water is meant the spirit or spirituall water seemeth thence to be plain in that the particle and may in this place signifie that is as we formerly shewed that it sometimes signifieth so in the Scripture and by name in that passage Matt. 3. 11. which is like to this
since it may of him be affirmed that he was manifested in Christ and the Apostles who were flesh And though it be afterwards according to the vulgar translation read that he was received up into glory yet is it in the Greek he was received in glory that is with glory or gloriously Q. What then is the sense of this place A. That you may the better perceive it I will cite the whole Thus therefore the Apostle saiâ—h God was manifested in flesh was justified in spirit was seen of Angels was preached to the Gentiles was believed in the world was received in glory The meaning of all which is this The Christian Religion is full of mysteries For God that is the divine Will touching the salvation of men was perfectly discovered by weak and mortall men and yet notwithstanding by reason of the miracles wrought by the spirit in confirmation of the Gospel it was acknowledg'd for true The same was at length perceived by the Angels themselves preached not only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles and not only generally believed but entertained with the greatest glory and magnificence Q. What say you to the fourth A. In it there is not so much as a resemblance of an Incarnation since the divine Author doth not say took but taketh nor humane nature but the seed that is the posterity of Abraham And indeed to shew the invalidity of the argument taken from this place there needs no more then to consult the various reading of the English Translators set in the margin Q. What then is the sense of this place A. The meaning of the Author is that Christ is not the Saviour of Angels but men who being subject to afflictions leath which thing he before exprest by the participation of flesh bloud therfore Christ of his own accord submitted himself to the same that he might free the faithfull from the fear of death and succour them in all their afflictions Q. What say you to the fifth A. Here likewise is nothing to assert the incarnation as they term it For wheras it is read in the ordinary Bibles Every spirit that confesseth Jesus to be come in the flesh is of God The Greek hath it Every spirit that confesseth Iesus Christ come in flesh or Every spirit that confesseth Iesus come in flesh to be Christ That is Every spirit is of God that confesseth Iesus who discharged his Embassie on the earth without any worldly pomp ostentation in the most humble manner as to his outward presence with the greatest contempt finally indured a most ignominious death to be the Christ or King of the people of God Q. VVhat say you to the sixth A. Here also is no mention of any Incarnation since the world whereinto this Author here saith that Christ entred to performe his offering is as hath been formerly shown the vvorld to come Whence to enter into the world doth not here signifie to be born but to passe into the heaven Again by body in those words A body hast thou prepared me may be understood an immortall one Q. What then is the sense of the place A. That God while Jesus was entring into heaven furnished him with such a body as was very suitable fit to discharge his Priestly Office Q. You have hitherto explained the places of Scripture from whence they endeavour to prove that which is not found there I entreat you therefore now to alledge those places from whence they draw wrong conclusions A. The Scriptures from whence they draw their wrong conclusions either directly concern Christ or are referred to him by a certain accommodation Q. What are those that directly have respect to Christ A. They are such wherein Christ is called either a God or one with God or equall to God or the Son of the living God or the proper or only begotten Son of God or the first born of every creature or having all things that the Father hath or the Father of eternity or the Word of God or the Image of the Invisible God or the Character of his substance or he who being seen the Father is seen or in whom the fulnesse of Deity dwelleth bodily or that had glory with the Father before the world was or whose Spirit was in the Prophets or that came down from heaven came out from the Father and came into the world was sent by the Father into the world or the only Lord Lord of Glory King of Kings Lord of Lords and to whom Faith and divine honor pertaineth Q. In what places of the Scripture is the word God attributed to Christ A. Joh. 1. 1. The Word was a God And c. 20. 28. Thomas saith to Christ My Lord and my God And RoÌ„ 9. 5. writeth that Christ is a God over all to be blessed for evermore Q. What say you to these passages A. That it cannot from thence be demonstrated that Christ had as the adversaries speak a Divine Nature may to omit what hath been formerly spoken be made appear from hence namely that it is spoken in the first testimony touching such a word as was with God In the second Thomas calleth him his God in whose hands and feet he found the prints of the nails and in his side the print of the spear And Paul saith that he who was of the Fathers according to the flesh was over all a God to be blessed for evermore All which it is cleer cannot possibly be said of him that is God by Nature For from the first it would follow that there are two Gods whereof the one was with the other As for the other twain namely to have the prints of wounds and to be of the Fathers do altogether pertain to a man which that they should be ascribed to him that is God by Nature is very absurd But if any one to cloak the businesse pretend the distinction of Natures we have formerly removed that and taught that this distinction is not to be endured Q. Where doth the Scripture teach that Christ is one with the Father A. John 10. 29. 30. Where the Lord saith The Father that gave me the sheep is greater then all and none can snatch them out of the Fathers hand I and my Father are one Q. What say you to this proof A. When it is said that Christ is one with the Father it cannot be thence evinced that he is one with him in Nature as the words of Christ himself spoken to the Father about the Disciples to demonstrate see Jo. 17. 11. Father keep them in thy name whom thou hast given to me that they may be one as we are one And afterwards v. 22 The glory which thou hast given me have I given them that they may be one as we are one Now that Christ is one with the Father this ought to be taken of unity or onenesse in will or power as to the businesse of mans Salvation Yea that the Divine Nature of Christ
be taught what order is in the same Doctrine prescribed to that Church A. That order consisteth in the duties of those persons whereof the Church consisteth and the diligent and accurate care that all the persons perform their severall duties Q. What are the persons whereof the Church consisteth A. Of them some govern others obey Q. Who rule A. Apostles Prophets Evangelists Doctors Pastors Bishops Elders and Deacons Q. What is their duly or office whom you call Apostles A. To go out into all the world and preach the Gospell of Christ for which things sake they were both chosen first by Christ and by him sent forth from whence they had the denomination of Apostles whom Christ also endued with his holy Spirit sent in a visible manner and armed with great powers Mat. 28. 19. Mark 16. 5. Act. 2. 4. Q. What is the office of Prophets A. To foretell things to come and expound the things that are hard to be understood in the Christian Religion 1 Cor. 14. Q. What is the office of Evangelists A. To be assistant to the Apostles in preaching the Gospell and to disperse it through divers regions and plant it of which sort were Philrp Timotheus and others Act. 21. 8. 2 Tim. 4. 5. Q. What are the offices of Doctors Pastors Bishops and Elders A. To go before others in speaking to keep order in the Church of God and pour out prayers for the people of God 1 Tim. 5. 17. Acts 6. 4. Q. What is the office of Deacons A. To be serviceable to the necessities of the Church especially of the Poor therein Act. 6. 2 3. Q. Are all those persons which you said are to govern others and whose offices have you described at this day found in the Church of God A. As to the Apostles and Prophets it is certain that they have no more place in the Church of Christ For the cause for which they were chosen and sent forth by the Lord is now ceased which was that God by them would have the doctrine of his Son declared and confirmed to the world And therefore they were called the foundations of the Church of Christ by Paul Ephes 2. 20. Wherefore after that the Gospell of Christ had according to the counsell of God been abundantly discovered to the world and confirmed there is no more place left in the Church for such persons as should any further discover and confirm the same Q. Why call you the Apostles and Prophets the foundation of the Church when Christ himself is the foundation thereof 1 Cor. 3. 11. A. The Apostles and Prophets are called the foundation of the Church in one sense and Christ is in another the foundation thereof The one only in reference to other men who belong to the same Church of Christ and wholly ground themselves on the doctrine of the Apostles and Prophets And then Christ is considered as something greater that is as the chief Corner-stone of that foundation see the forecited place Ephes 2. 20. The other not onely in reference to the rest of the Church but also the very Apostles themselves who are built upon Christ as well as other Believers Q. What say you concerning Evangelists A. That they ceased together with the Apostles For they did then with the Apostles preach a New doctrine which now accounted most Old Q. What think you of the other persons A. In as much as their Ministries doe even now continue the persons themselves must also needs continue as being constituted for the ministries sake Q. How are they constituted for the Ministry A. As we have it set down in the doctrine of the Apostles Q. How is that A. Concerning the offices of Doctors Pastors Bishops and Presbyters or Elders the Apostle Paul at large discovereth 1 Tim. 3. 2 3. c. A Bishop must be unblameable c. and Tit. 1. 6 7. c. A Bishop must be unreproveable c. Q. Have not those who teach in the Church and keep order therein need to be sent in some speciall manner A. By no means for they doe not now bring a new doctrine and such as was unheard of before but that of the Apostles received of old by all men exhorting men to lead their lives according to it Whence the Apostle expresly describing all things which belong to the constituting of such persons make no mention of any mission or sending Neverthelesse when such persons according to the prescript of the Apostolick Doctrine are constituted and are endued with those two properties namely innocency of life and aptnesse to teach they ought thereupon to have just authority amongst all Q. What say you to those words of the Apostle Rom. 10. 15. How shall they preach unlesse they be sent A. The Apostle doth not here speak of any preaching whatsoever but of the preaching of a new Doctrine and such as hath not formerly been heard of which sort was the preaching of the Apostles and their assistants who therefore had need of a mission or sending But in as much as at this day there is no such preaching there is also no need of such a mission Q. How ought Deacons to be ordained A. As the Apostles directed 1 Tim. 3. 8 9. Let the Deacons in like manner be grave c. Q. You have handled what pertained to those that govern now handle also that which pertaineth to those that are governed A. It is their duty to be obedient unto those that govern in all those things which they prescribe according to the Word of God Concerning which we read in the Epistle to the Hebrewes chap. 13. 17. Next that they communicate to them that teach in all good things Gal. 6. 6. yea that they allow them double honour or maintenance 1 Tim. 5. 17. Finally that an accusation against them be not admitted under two or three Witnesses 1 Tim. 5. 19. CHAP. III. Concerning the Discipline of the Church of Christ Q. YOu have shewn the Offices of the persons which constitute the Church of Christ now likewise shew the way how these Offices may be duly performed A. That way partly concerneth all partly those that govern Q How doth it concern all A. In that manner as it is written Heh 3. 12 13. Take heed brethren lest there shall be found in any of you an evill heart of unbelief c. and Heb. 12. 15. Taking care lest any man shall fall from the Grace of God and Paul saith 1 Thes 5. 11. Admonish one another and build up one another See also ver 14. of the same Chapter Q. How must â—hey be dealt withall who are despiseds of this order A. Two wayes for they are either privately to be corrected or publickly Q. 〈◊〉 to be privatâ—ly corrected A. As Christ hath taught Mat. 18. 15 16 c. If thy brother offend against thee c. Q. Why to be so corrected A. Because as it appeareth from this place they privately offend against us and therefore the same is to be
after our image and let him have dominion over the fishes of the sea and over the fowles of the ayre and over the cattell and of all the whole earth and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth Q. But what think you of the second testimony A. The Apostle in that place doth not speak of mortality but of death it self but there is a wide difference between death and mortality inasmuch as a man may be mortall and yet never die Q. What therefore is the meaning of those words that death entred into the world by sin A. Namely this that Adam for sin was by the decree and sentence of God subjected to eternall death and consequently all men inasmuch as they are propagated from him are liable to the same eternall death that the thing is so the comparison of Christ with Adam which the Apostle maketh in the same chapter from the twelfth verse to the end doth sufficiently intimate Q. I observe that man by nature hath nothing common with immortality but how prove you that he could not by himselfe know the way leading thereunto A. It may be proved thus because that knowledge doth far exceed mans reason as the Apostle expressely saith an animall man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God 1 Cor. 2. 14. meaning the things whereof he had spoken a little before p. 9. and 10. which neither eye hath seen nor ear heard nor ever came up into the heart of man which God hath prepared for those which loâ—â— him But he hath revealed them to us by the Spirit All which that it is to be understood of immortality and the way and means tending thereunto is evident from the very thing it self Q. But can you make this plain by another testimony of the Scripture A. Yes by that Rom. 1. 19. 20. where the Apostle saith That what may be known of God is manifest in them for God hath manifested it unto them For the invisible things of him from the foundation of the world being understood by his works are seen both his eternall power and divinity so that they are inexcuseable Q. But how appeareth it plainly from that testimony A. Because the Apostle affirmeth those things which God hath by the Gospell discovered to men to be such as were invisible from the very creation of the world So that they could by no means be traced out by men For the very matter which the Apostle in this place proposeth to be handled intimateth that those works whereby the invisible things of God were known are to be understood of the works done under the Gospell Q. But that place is commonly interpreted in another sense A. I am not ignorant thereof but that cometh to passe because they read the passage otherwise then it was written by the Apostle For whereas the Apostle wrote From the creation of the world they read By the creation of the world Again they joyn the same words not with the clause going before an example of which joyning you have in the 13. of Mat. ver 35. I will open my mouth in parables I will disclose things hidden from the foundation of the world but with the clause coming after as if the Apostle meant that the invisibles of God were seen by the Creation of the world CHAP. II. Wherein the way of Salvation doth consist Q. I Perceive that the way hath been discovered and disclosed by God and therefore would now fain know what it is A. Even the knowledge of God and Christ as the Lord Jesus himself testifieth This is life eternall that they know thee Father the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent Joh. 17. 3. Of the knowledge of God CHAP. I. Touching the Essence of God Q. EXplain therefore to me wherein the knowledge of God doth consist A. In the knowledge of those things that pertain to his essence and his will Q. What things pertain to his essence A. They are of two sorts the one comprising those things that are simply necessary to salvation the other those that are very conducible thereunto Q. What are the things that pertain to the Essence of God and are simply necessary to salvation A. These that God is that he is but one that the is eternal that he is perfectly just perfectly wise and perfectly powerfull Q. What is it to know that God is A. To acknowledge or at least to be firmly perswaded that he hath of himself divine Soveraignty over us Q. What is it to know that he is but one A. To acknowledge and firmly believe that he only hath of himself divine Soveraignty over us Q. What is this divine Soveraignty over us A. A right and Soveraign power to determine of us as he please even in those things to which neither humane force nor any other whaâ—soever can extend of which sort are our thoughts while they lye hidden in the inward recesses and closets of the heart to which he can prescribe Laws according to his pleasure and appoint penalties and rewards Q. What is it that he hath Soveraignty of himself A. Namely that he hath not received it from any other Q. What is it that he only A. I said not simply that he only hath it but that he only hath it of himself For nothing hinder but that he may communicate with another that power and Soveraignty which no other besides him hath of himselfe although the Scripture affirm that he is the only Potentate and Lord 1 Tim. 6. 15. Q. Why then doth the Scripture speak in that manner A. Because all power and authority not onely divive but also humane happeneth to every one that hath it by his grant and donation Q. What is it to know that God is eternall A. That he is without either beginning or end Q. What is it to know that God is perfectly just A. That it is naturall to him to maintain and observe rectitude and equity Q. What is it to know that God is perfectly wise A. That he not only knoweth all sorts of things but every thing in particular so exactly that nothing can escape his cognizance Q. What is it to know that he is perfectly powerfull A. That he can do whatsoever things he will Q. Why is it necessary unto salvation to know all these things A. Because without the knowledge of them we could not be able to persevere unto the end in this way of salvation Q. Shew how this is verified of every one of these things in particular A. As to the first who seeth not that it is necessary unto salvation to believe that God is for unlesse we believe that God is we cannot possibly believe that this way was delivered by him And hence is it that the Author to the Hebrews saith He that maketh his addresse to God must believe that God is Heb. 11. 6. Q. How prove you that the knowledge of the second is necessary to salvation A. Unlesse we believe that God is but
given glory to him all the things both in the heavens and on the earth were by him reformed and reduced to another state and condition in that he became the Head of Angells and Men who before acknowledged God only for their Lord. Q. What say you to the fourth testimony A. That it is not here said that the Son made the world but God made it by the Son Now that the word world may not only signifie that which is past and present but also that which is to come is confessed And that it is here spoken of the world to come is evident from hence namely that the same Author affirmeth that by him whom God hath appointed heire of all things the world was made For Jesus of Nazareth was not appointed heire of all things before God had raised him up from the dead which is apparent because then at length all power in heaven and earth was given to him by God the Father in the donation of which power and not in any other thing that inheritance of all things is contained Q. What answer you to the fifth A. This testimony doth not expresly speak of Christ but of God But forasmuch as this divine Author doth apply it unto the Son of God it is to be considered that the words expresly speak not of one thing but of twain chiefly The one whereof is the creation of heaven and earth the other is the abolition of the things created Now that this Author doth not referre the first unto Christ is from hence apparent namely because he proposed to himself to demonstrate not that excellency of Christ which he hath from himself but that which he obtained by inheritance and whereby he was made better then Angells as appeareth from the fourth verse of this first chapter of the Hebrews of which kind of excellency since the creation of heaven and earth neither is nor can be it is evident that this testimony was not alledged to prove that Christ created the heaven and earth Since therefore the first cannot be referred to Christ it is apparent that the latter only pertaineth to him and that therefore because God will abolish both the heaven and earth by Christ when he judgeth the world by him Wherein the excellency of Christ shall so far surpasse that of Angels that the very Angels shall therein minister to him Which latter speech since it could not be understood without the words going before wherein mention is made of the heaven and earth inasmuch as it is joyned to them by the word they the author was therefore necessitated to repeat them also For if other sacred Writers do in that manner cite testimonies of the Scripture when they are pressed with no necessity much more ought this Author so to do when he was necessitated thereunto Q. Where do sacred VVriters do so A. Amongst many other testimonies you have that of Mat. 12. 18 19 20 21. Where it is very evident that the 19. v. only pertaineth to the purpose of the Evangelist since his intention was to shew the reason why Christ would not have himselfe be made manifest Again Act. 2. 17 18 19 20 21. where also the 17. 18. ver only make to the purpose of the Apostle which is to shew that the H. Spirit was poured out upon the Disciples and in the same ch v. 25 26 27 28. where it is clear that the 27. ver only is ê‘ertinent to the businesse in hand since the Apostle intendeth to prove that Christ could not be detained by death Finally in this very ch to the Heb. v 9. where it is apparent that these words Thou lovedst righteousnesse and hatedst iniquity are not pertinent to what the divine Author goeth about to prove namely that Christ is made better then Angels Q. With what testimony do the adversaries go about to prove that Christ conserveth all created things A. From that place Heb. 1. 3. where it is said That Christ upholdeth all things by the word of his power Q. What say you to this testimony A. That the word all in this as well as in other places doth not designe all things without exception but is referred to those things only that pertain to the Kingdom of Christ as the Article in the Greek set before the word all to limit it doth sufficiently declare shewing that it is to be understood only of all the things of a certain kind Besides the Greek word which is by the English Translators rendered upholding ought to have been rendered carrying which hath rather the signification of ordering and mannaging then of conserving as that which is annexed namely by the word of his power seemeth to intimate Q. By what testimony prove they that Christ brought the children of Israel out of Egypt A. Out of Iude's Epistle vers 5. Iesus having saved the people out of Egypt did the second time destroy them that believed not Q. What answer make you hereunto A. That the word Iesus is extant in no Greek copie but instead thereof the word Lord is here read so that this testimony no whit proveth what the Adversaries intend Q. But whence prove they that Christ was with the Israelites in the wildernesse and conducted them and did good to them A. From that passage of Paul 1 Cor. 10. 4 They all drank the same spirituall drink for they drank of the spirituall rock that followed them but that rock was Christ As also from the 9. ver of the same chap. where the Apostle saith Neither let us tempt Christ as some of them tempted and perished by Serpents Q. What answer give you to these places A. As to the first the Apostle doth not at all say that Christ was in the wildernesse with the people of Israel and did good to them For though he write that the Rock whereof the people drank was Christ yet doth not he therefore assert that Christ was indeed there because those words of Paul may be figuratively taken Now whereas he calleth that Rock spirituall this doth nothing advantage the cause of the adversaries since that Rock may be called spirituall although it were Indeed materiall for the same cause that the meat was called spiritual namely in that it contained in it a mystical sense as in the Revelation John saith That the great City where our Lord was slain is spiritually called Sodom and Egypt Rev. 11. 8. Moreover in that he faith that the Rock followed them it is to be understood of the water issuing out of the Rock and following the people through the wildernesse which before was destitute of running water or at least of such as was potable To which Isaiah ch 43. 20. doth allude where he saith The beast of the field shall honour me the Dragons and the Ostriches for I have given them waters in the wildernesse and rivers in the desert to give drink to my people my Chosen As for the second testimony namely Let us not tempt Christ as some of them
glory of God A. The things first in order Q. VVhich is the first of them A. Hallowed be thy name Q. Explain this Petition A. In this petition we desire God to assist us every way that we may celebrate his name with words hymns writings and by other means whatsoever Q. VVhat is the second A. Thy Kingdome come Q. Explain this Petition A. In this petition we do beseech God that he would induce us by such means as are best known to himself to consecrate and resign our hearts up to him but more especially by the discovery and obsignation of his truth and choicest promises in our hearts for then God truly reigneth when he exerciseth his Kingdome by the laws of the Gospel in our hearts and mind Quest What is the third Petition Answ Thy will be done as in the Heavens so in the Earth Quest. Explain the meaning of this Petition Answ In this Petition we beg of God that he would vouchsafe us his assistance in performing the obedience due unto him and what is to be expressed in our lives and actions for a man standing in need of much assistance to the performance of those things which God hath commanded him especially under the Gospell for they are such as far exceed his strength there is also in this Petition a tacite confession of our own weaknesse and of our confidence in God and hope which we conceive of his bounty when we dare to beg of him that he would make us no lesse ready to yeild him obedience then the Angels who are in Heaven Quest What are the Petitions that are referred to our use Answ The other three which follow in the same order Quest What is the first Answ Give us this day our dayly bread Quest Explain this Petition Answ Therein we desire God first that he would bestow upon us the gifts of his grace necessary to sustain and cherish our Spirituall life next that he would confer all those things that any wayes pertain to the maintenance of this life Quest What is the second Answ Forgive us our debts as we also forgive our Debtors Quest Explain this also Answ Therein we beg of God not onely to remit those sins which we have committed since we subjected our selves to the lawes of the Gospell but also much more those which we committed before the knowledge of the truth in as much as these are far more grievous and more easily exclud us from the possession of eternall life and cast us into everlasting damnation but whereas it is added As we forgive our debtors it is held that the forgivenesse of sins can at no hand be hoped for unlesse we forgive offences unto others and that from our hearts so that to be quite alienated from all desire of revenge Quest What is the third Petition Answ And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evill Quest Declare it Answ In this Petition we intreat of God to assist us that we be not over come in afflictions which are sent for the triall of our faith as often as we fall into them by the will or permission of God and that he would keep us from Satan suffering us not to be oppressed with those temptations which he useth as engines to subvert and overthrow us Quest Is it not lawfull to pray otherwise Answ Yes for he neither here or elsewhere forbiddeth it so that our prayer be not such as thwarteth the will of God openly prescribed to us But if we desire any such thing concerning which the will of God is not manifested then is that petition to be wholly submitted to the will of God Quest To what end therefore did Christ command that we should pray in the aforesaid manner Answ That we might know assuredly what things are alwayes and necessarily to be desired of God Quest What else hath the Lord Jesus added to his first precept Answ That we ought to acknowledge him likewise for a God that is such a one as hath divine soveraignty over us and to whom we are bound to exhibit Divine honour Quest Wherein consisteth the Divine honour due to Christ Answ That as we are bound to celebrate him with Divine adoration so we may in our necessities implore his aid now we adore him for his sublime majesty and implore his aid for his divine and Soverain Authority Quest What else pertaineth to the Divine honour of Christ Answ The Administration of his Supper of which you shall hear anon Quest Whence prove you that Divine Adoration is due to Christ Answ There are proofs thereof in many passages of the Scripture and namely John 5. 22. Christ himself saith the Father hath given all Judgement that is according the Hebrew phrase all government and rule to the Son that all should honour the Son as they honour the Father and Phil. 2. 9 10 11. wherefore God hath exceedingly exalted him and given him a name above every name That in the Name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in Heaven on the Earth and under the Earth and that every tongue should confesse Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father Quest But how prove that we may fly to Christ in all our necessities Answ First because he is both able and willing to help us next that we have incitements thereunto both from the Lord himself and also from his Apostles in fine because we have examples thereof in holy men Quest How prove you that Christ is able and willing to help us Answ We will speak of that below when we come to his Kingly and Priestly Office Quest But where hath the Lord or where have the Apostles proposed to us these incitements A. John 14. 13 14 and chap. 15. and chap. 16. 23 24 25. where the Lord himself saith whatsoever you shall ask in my name that is relying on my name and power or directing your prayers to me by name or so to the Father as that I onely be named in the prayers I will do it Rev. 3. 18. I councell thee to buy of me gold tryed in the fire c. and Heb. 4. 14 15 16. where that divine Author writeth after this manner Having therefore a great high Priest passed through the Heavens Jesus the Son of God Let us hold fast the confession for we have not a High Priest that cannot be touched with a fellow feeling of our infirmities but in all things tempted like unto us without sin Let us therefore with boldnesse make our addresses to the throne of Grace that we may obtain mercy and find favour to help in time of need and Rom. 10. 13. Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved Quest Where have you examples hereof Answ Luke 17. 5. the Apostles say Lord increase our Faith in like mannor Mat. 8. 25. Lord save us we perish and Acts 7. 59. where Stephen invocating breaketh out into these words Lord Jesus receive my spirit and again ver 60.
not men knowing that whatsoever good thing every one shall do that he shall receive from the Lord whether he be bond or free Ephes 6. 5 6 7 8. And 1 Pet. 2. 18. Let servants be subject to their masters with all fear not onely to the good and gentle but also the froward And Tit. 2. 9 10. That they please their masters in all things not answering again not purloyning but shewing all good fidelity And 1 Tim. 6. 1 2. As many as are servants under the yoke let them account their masters worthy of all honour lest the name of God and his doctrine be evill spoken of And those that have believing masters let them not despise them because they be brethren but serve them so much the more because they are faithfull and beloved partakers of the benefit Q. What is the office of Masters towards Servants A. That they give to Servants that which is just and equall and forbear threats knowing that they themselves also have a Master in the Heavens and there is with him no acceptation of persons ' Ephes 6. 9. Col. 4. 1. Q. What is the sixth precept A. Thou shalt do no murder Q. What hath the Lord Jesus added hereunto A. That we be not rashly angry with our brother and offend him with rough speeches proceeding from a desire of revenge which the Lord Jesus expresseth by the word Racha that is a vain person a fool Mat. 5. 22. hereunto belongeth those words of Paul Ephes 4. 31. Let all bitternesse and chasing and anger and clamour and evill speaking be put away from you with all malice Q. What is it to say to another Racha or fool A. It is all one as if you should say he were a man good for nothing or without reason Q. But if it happen that we offend our Brother what ought to be done A. He is very carefully to be reconciled for unlesse we be at peace with our Brother our Religion is vain and there is danger lest we fall under the judgement of God Q. It is then altogether unlawfull to be angry A. It is indeed unlawfull to be angry and that you should endeavour to satiate your desires of revenge but if any one be angry at the apparent sinfulnesse of a thing and yet doth not meditate or studdy any revenge not persevere in his anger it is not forbidden to be angry in such a matter Q. What else hath the Lord Jesus added to this precept A. He hath prohibited all kind of revenge not onely private but that which is by the Magistrate so that if any one hurt either our body goods or good name we should be ready rather to receive another injury then to revenge our selves which the Lord Jesus taught in these words But I say unto you resist not evill but if any one smite thee c. Mat. 5. 39 40 41. Q. Are not those words of our Lord to be taken simply as they sound A. No for we read of our Saviour himself that when he had a blow given him with the palme of the hand he did not only forbare to turn the other cheek but also opposed those words to the smiter If I have spoken ill hare witnesse of that evill if well why doest thou smite me John 18. 23. we read the same of the Apostle Paul Acts 23. 3. Q. May we not then go to Law before the Magistrate and prosecute injuries A. Yes so you be free from the desire of revenge for our Saviour forbiddeth this onely But it is revenge when a man endeavours to requite him that hath been injurious towards him with like for like as it was tollerated in the Law of Moses to requite eye for eye tooth for tooth hand for hand foot for foot burning for burning stripes for stripes Q. What is the seventh precept A. Thou shalt not commit adultery Q. What hath the Lord Jesus added thereunto A. first that we do not onely avoid the act of Adultery but forbear to look upon a woman so as to lust after her intimating that he which lusteth after her in his heart hath already committed adultery with her besides he addeth that he which putteth away his wife unlesse it be in case of Adultery and marryeth another doth commit adultery and he also that marrieth her that is put away doth also commit adultery Lastly he forbiddeth all fornication and uncleannesse and filthy speech and sacrallity and jests Mat. 5. 28. chap. 19. 9. 1 Cor. 9. 10. 13. 18. Heb. 13. 4. 1 Thes 4. 3 4. Ephes 5. 3 4. Q. What pertaineth to the same precept A. That a Beleever do not marry with an Unbeleever lest by such a Marriage the Beleevers heart be seduced for which cause we see that under the Law such Marriages were forbidden by God himself See 1 Cor. 7. 39. Exod. 34. 16. Dent. 7. 3 4. Q. What if it happen that one of the unbeleeving married parties become a Beleever must the other unbeleeving party be thereupon deserted A. By no means if the unbeleeving party be content to dwell with the beleeving but if the unbeleeving party be not content the beleever is at liberty in such a case 1 Cor. 7. 10 11 12 13. Q. What is the eight precept A. Thou shalt not steal Q. What is forbidden in this precept A. All manner of interversion in those things that concern the commodity of our neighbour which commeth to passe when we either take away those things which he hath or doe not when we are able lend our assistance to him standing in heed Q. In what manner doe we take away from our neighbour that which is his A. Either by force or fraudulent interversion how it is effected by force is evident to every man but there are sundry ways of fraudulent Interversion for you may easily find them in buying or selling or exchanging or hiring or letting or lending or other actions as we have an old prohibition of God touching sale Lev. 19. 35 39. Deut. 25. 14 15. Thou shalt not have in this house an Epha and an Epha but thou shalt have a just waight and a just Epha Q. Is not Usury to be referred hither A. Yes Q. What is Usury A. It is the extorting of Commodities and benefit from money lent with the oppression of another which appeareth from the signification of the word wherewith Usury is expressed in the Old Covenant which is all one with biteing Exod. 22. 25. Levit. 25. 36 37. Deut 23. 19 20. whence it is apparent that to receive Commodities from money lent without biteing or detriment of another is neither biteing nor Usury whence it commeth to passe that under the Gospell the receiving of such benefit is no where forbidden unlesse it be there where Covetousnesse or extortion is forbidden although all those things that are contrary to the Spirit and Doctrine of Jesus Christ are in sundry places expresly set down Q. What hath the Lord Jesus added to that precept A. That we should
the New Covenant by the word Spirit is sometimes designed the very Gospell of Jesus Christ partly because the things contained therein are such as were revealed by God himself and could not have been discovered by the wit of man partly because it respecteth the spirit of man and maketh us spirituall which the Law could not do Hence the Apostle Paul saith Rom. 7. 6. But now we are freed from the Law that being dead wherein we were held so that we serve in newnesse of the Spirit and not in oldnesse of the Letter And Rom. 8. 2. The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus hath freed me from the Law of Sin and Death And ver 9. If any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his And 2 Cor. 3. 6. the same Apostle calleth himself not a Minister of the Letter that is the Law but of the Spirit or New Covenant Secondly by the word Spirit is understood such a Gift of God as is by the Scripture called an Earnest or pledge of our Inheritance 2 Cor. 1. 22. chap. 5. 5. Ephes 1. 14. So that we thereby conceive a firm and certain hope of the Eternall life that is promised to us have a kind of taste and feeling thereof in our hearts Q. Do we not perceive a hope of Eternall Life by the very preaching of the Gospell A. Yes in some measure for from the preaching of the Gospell a hope of Eternall life therein promised may be acquired otherwise why should that Life be there promised But to fasten and rivet in our minds a firm and certain hope thereof by vertue whereof we may continue invincible in all temptations it seemeth requisite that that promise outwardly proposed by the preaching of the Gospell should be inwardly sealed in our hearts by God Quest Doth this inward sealing happen unto all to whom the outward preaching of the Gospell cometh Answ At no hand but onely unto them who believe the Gospell preached to them and so rightly use that outward means imployed by God in confirming the promise of Eternall Life For if that Gift of the holy Spirit which continued but for a time was given only to those that believed the Gospell much more are we to hold that that Gift of the holy Spirit which is perpetuall is not imparted to others but them who have sincerely believed the Gospell and from their hearts embraced it Q. Is there not need of the inward Gift of the holy Spirit to believe the Gospel A. By no means for neither do we read in the holy Scriptures that that Gift is conferred on any one but him that believeth the Gospel See John 7. 38 39. Act. 8. 21 13 14 15 16 17. Acts 15. 7 8. Act. 19. 1 2 6. Gal. 3. 14. Ephes 1. 13. Q. Since you have declared to me what the Gift of the holy Spirit is I desire you also to declare whether the holy Spirit be a person of the Godhead A. That the holy Spirit is not a person of the God-head is evident from the Scriptures wherein it is affirmed that he is given and sent by God 1 Joh. 3. 21. 22. 23 24. 1 Pet. 1. 12. yea in the name of Christ John 14. 26. That he speaketh not of himself but what he heareth glorifying Christ in that he receiveth of his and declareth it to his Disciples John 16. 13. 14. that he is the Advocate John 14. 16 17. compared with 1 John 2. 1. where you have the same Greek appellation in both place but in the latter the English Translators themselves render it Advocate That he maketh intercession for the Saints with groans inutterable Rom. 8. 26 All which with sundry other things that might be enumerated cannot possibly agree to him that is a person of the God-head and consequently the most High God CHAP. VII Touching the confirmation of the Divine Will Q. HOw Jesus declared unto us the Divine VVill hath been explained I would now have it also explained how he confirmed the same A. There are three things of Christ that did confirme the Divine Will which he declared first the absolute innocency of his life John 8. 46. 1 John 3. 5. Secondly his great and innumerable Miracles John 15. 24. John 21. 25. Thirdly his death 1 Tim. 2. 6. chap. 6. 13. All these three are united in that noted place of John 1 Epist 5. 8. There are three that bare record on Earth The Spirit the Water and the Bloud For by the Spirit without question the holy Spirit is meant by whose Vertue the Miracles of Christ were wrought Acts. 10. 38. As by Water is understood the Purity of his life and by Bloud his Bloudy death Q. What was the Innocency of Christs Life and how was the will of God confirmed thereby A. The Innocency of his Life was such that he not onely committed no sin neither was guil found in his mouth nor could he be convicted of any crime but he lived so transcendently pure as that none either before or after did equallize him so that he came next to God himself in Holinesse and was therein very like to him Whence it followeth that the Doctrine delivered by him was most true Q. What were his Miracles and how did they confirme the Divine will A. The Miracles were so great as none before him ever did and so many as that had they been set down in particular the world would not contain the Books And these Miracles do therefore make to the confirming of the will of God in that it is not imaginable that God would invest any one with such power as was truly Divine who had not been sent by him CHAP. VIII Of Christs Death Q. VVHat was the Death of Christ and how did it confirm the Wil of God A. Such a death as had all sorts of afflictions ushering it in and was of it self most bitter and ignominious so that the Scripture thereupon testifieth that he was made like to his brethren in all things Heb. 2. 17. Q. Why doth the Scripture witnesse that Christ was buried and that God was not forgetfull of him in the grave A. That it might appear that he was truly dead and yet not left therein so that the faithfull may thereby conceive a hope that though death seise upon them yet shall they not utterly perish Q. But what necessity was there that Christ should suffer so many tbings and undergo so bitter a Death A. Because those that are to be saved by him are for the most part subject to the same afflictions and Death Q. But what reason was there that the Saviour should endure the same afflictions and death with the saved A. There are two reasons thereof as Christ also saveth the Faithfull in a two-fold way for first by his example he moveth them to persist in the way of Salvation that they have entred into Next he standeth by them in every combate of temptations afflictions and troubles and at length delivereth them from
Lord lay not this sin to their charge Also 2 Cor. 12. 7 8. Lest I should be too much elevated with the excesse of Revelation there was given to me a prick in the flesh an Angell of Satan to buffet me that I might not be elevated whereupon I besought the Lord that he might depart from me also 1 Thes 3. 11. Now our very God and Father and our Lord Jesus Christ direct our way unto you besides this may be farther seen in all the Apostolick salutations wherein they wish Grace Mercy and Peace As from God the Father so also from his Son Jesus Christ unto the faithfull Quest But is not the first Commandment of the decalogue altogether changed by this addition namely that we ought to acknowledge Christ for a God and celebrate him with Divine honour Answ At no hand for the Commandment it self is not changed in as much as all the worship that is given to Christ redoundeth to the glory of that one God the Father but the reason and manner of worshipping is changed for before Christ God was worshipped immediately but under Christ mediately Besides that law forbiddeth us to have other Gods before the Lord God and Christ is not an other God but in that very worship which is given to him subordinate to that one God it is apparent that that law is no way changed since it is well known that subordinate things are not opposite to one another Quest Is Divine Honour and Worship so attributed to Christ that there is herein no difference between him and God Answ Yes very great for we adore and honour God as the first cause of our Salvation but Christ as the second or to speak with Paul God the Father as him of whom are all the things the Lord Christ as him by whom are all the things 1 Cor. 8. 6. Quest What think you of those men which doe not invocate Christ nor think that he must be adored Answ That they are no Christians since indeed they have not Christ for though in words they dare not deny him yet in reality they do Quest You have shewed that next to God Christ ought to be worshipped tell me whether any one else is to be worshipped Answ None for neither is there any Divine testimony from whence it may appear that to any other but Christ Divine soverainty over us is given and whereas at this day in the Church of Rome some divine Authority is attributed to the Virgin Mary and to the Saints that is wholly built upon their own opinion Quest Can they not justly be excused since they doe it to this end that they may thereby give worship to God Answ No for in the worship of God it is not enough to ground our selves upon opinion though never so specious but thereunto there is need of the very truth it self otherwise that worship ought justly to be accounted for Idolatry Quest I perceive that none but God and Christ is to be worshipped but may we not invocate the Virgin Mary and the Saints not that they themselves may bestow any thing upon us but impetrate it by their prayers unto God and Christ Answ It is no wayes lawfull for the reason a little before declared as also because in those things that concern the worship of God one ought to be most certainly perswaded that the things which are done may be done according to the will of God But no testimony can be produced out of the sacred Scriptures from whence it may appear that the Virgin Mary and the other Saints either have any care of those things that are done by us or any knowledge or at least are able to hear our Prayers of which things never the lesse he ought to be perswaded who would addresse his prayers to them Quest I suppose I now perceive what force this precept hath in the Christian Religion come therefore to the second Answ The second is this Thou shalt not make to thy self any Graven Image c. Quest What is the meaning of this precept Answ That no Image is to be made to the end it should be adored and worshipped nor any such Image as may occasion such adoration and worship Quest What are those Images which men make to the end they should be adored and worshipped Answ Such as are made out of an opinion and shadow of Religion Quest In what manner is such adoration performed Answ Not onely when Images themselves are worshipped but when the worship is performed before them and when they are religiously cloathed but much more when Tapers are lighted before them Incense burned Vowes made to them and Pilgrimages undertaken to them Quest But they say these things are not exhibited to the Images themselves nor the Images themselves adored but those whom they represent Answ This shift availeth them not for in that prohibition there is no mention of such a difference that this should be done for the Images sakes or not but the people are enjoyned not to do the thing at all But that this evasion is not to be admitted the example of the Calf which the Israelites made in the Wildernesse and of those Calves which Jeroboam made for the Israelites in the Land which the Lord had given them to possesse For it is certain that the worship that was given to those Calves was in the intention of the Israelites not given to Calves themselves but to the Lord God of Israel whom they thought to be represented by them neverthelesse that worship was repugnant to the will of God as appeareth sufficiently out of the sacred Story Quest How will you prove that the Israelites worshipped God in the Calf that was made in the Wildernesse Answ That appeareth from the fact of Araon and the People From the fact of Aaron because being inforced by the prayers of the people to make them a God that might goe before them he framed that Calf But it is certain that Aaron had no other God besides the Lord which is also apparent from hence namely in that Aaron when he was about to dedicate that Calf saith of him Tomorrow is a solemnity to the Lord Exod. 32. 5. From the fact of this people because they said of the Calf that he was the God which brought them out of the Land of Aegypt for this whole action of bringing them out of the land of Aegypt by the hand of Moses was performed under the expresse name of the Lord himself Quest How will you prove the same concerning those Calves that Jeroboam made for the People A. First because those calves were proposed to the people by Jeroboam to be worshipped with these words behold thy God O Israel that brought thee up out of the land of Egypt 1 Kings 12. 28. Besides it is evident from the very history yea therein expressed that those calves were therefore framed by Ieroboam lest the people should go to Ierusalem to worship the Lord for they would never have desisted to go to