Familiar and lead on to Things that are more Hard and Intricate Besides that Things be more largely opened in the Catechism and divers Objections answered which are proposed in the Questions the Reader having past through that first will more perfectly understand the Confession which consisteth mainly in positive Assertions Not long after I had received and believed the â—estimony I now bear I had in my View both the Possibility and Facility of such a Work and now after a more large and perfect Acquaintance with the Holy Scriptures I found Access to allow some Time to set about it and have also been helped to Accomplish the same I doubt not but it might be enlarged by divers Citations which are here omitted as not being at present brought to my Remembrance Yet I find Cause to be Contented in that God hath so far assisted me in this Work by his Spirit that Good Remembrancer the Manifestation of which as it is minded will help such as Seriously and Conscientiously read this to find out and cleave to the Approved of and Agreed unto by the Truth and also Establish and Confirm those who have already believed Which of all things is most earnestly Desired and daily Pray'd for By ROBERT BARCLAY A Servant of the Church of CHRIST From Vrie the Place of my Being in my Native Country of Scotland the 11th of the 6th Moneth 1673. A CATECHISM CHAPTER I. Of GOD and the True and Saving Knowledge of Him Question SEeing it is a thing unquestioned by all sorts of Christians that the Height of Happiness consisteth in coming to know and enjoy Eternal Life what is it in the Sense and Judgment of Christ A. This is Life Eternal that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent Joh. 17. 3. Q. How doth God reveal this Knowledge A. For God who commanded the Light to shine out of Darkness hath shined in our Hearts to give the Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ 2 Cor. 4. 6. Q. How many God's are there A. One God Ephes. 4. 6. We know that an Idol is nothing in the World and that there is none other God but One But to us there is but One God 1 Cor. 8. 4 6. Q. What is God A. God is a Spirit Joh. 4. 24. Q. Among all the blessed Glorious and Divine Excellencies of God which are asscribed and given to him in the Scriptures what is that which is most needful for us to take notice of as being the Message which the Apostles recorded in special manner to declare of him now under the Gospel A. This then is the Message which we have heard of him and declare unto you That God is Light and in him is no Darkness at all 1 John 1. 5. Q. What are they that bear Record in Heaven A. There are Three that bear Record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost and these Three are One 1 John 5. 7. Q. How cometh any man to know God the Father according to Christ's words A. All things are delivered to me of my Father and no man knows who the Son is but the Father and who the Father is but the Son and he to whom the Son will reveal him Luke 10. 22. Mat. 11. 27. Jesus saith unto him I am the Way the Truth and the Life no man cometh unto the Father but by me John 14. 6. Q. By whom and after what manner doth the Son reveal this Knowledge A. But as it is written Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard neither have entered into the Heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit For the Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God For what man knoweth the things of a man save the Spirit of a man which is in him Even so the things of God knoweth no man but the Spirit of God Now we have received not the Spirit of the World but the Spirit which is of God that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God 1 Cor. 2. 9 10 11 12. But the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my Name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your Remembrance c. John 14. 26. CHAP. II. Of the Rule and Guide of Christians and of the Scriptures Question SEeing it is by the Spirit that Christ reveals the Knowledge of God in things spiritual is it by the Spirit that we must be led under the Gospel A. But ye are not in the Flesh but in the Spirit if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none his For as many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the Sons of God Rom. 8. 9 14. Q. It is an Inward Principle then that is to be the Guide and Rule of Christians A. But the Anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you and ye need not that any man teach you but as the same Anointing teacheth you of all things and is Truth and is no Lye and even as it hath taught you ye shall abide in him 1 John 2. 27. But as touching Brotherly Love ye need not that I write unto you for ye your selves are taught of God to love one another 1 Thes. 4. 9. Q. I perceive by this that it is by an inward Anointing and Rule that Christians are to be taught Is this the very tenor of the New Covenant Dispensation A. For this is the Covenant that I will make with the House of Israel after those dayes saith the Lord I will put my Laws into their Mind and write them in their Hearts and I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a People And they shall not teach every man his Neighbour and every man his Brother saying Know the Lord for all shall know me from the Least to the Greatest Hebr. 8. 10. â—1 And they shall be all taught of God John 6. 45. Q. Did Christ then promise that the Spirit should both abide with his Disciples and be in them A. And I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you forever even the Spirit of Truth whom the World cannot receive because it seeth him not neither knoweth him but ye know him for he dwells with you and shall be in you Joh. 14. 16 17. Q. For what End were the Scriptures written A. For whatsoever things were written afore time were written for our Learning that we through Patience and Comfort of the Scriptures might have Hope Rom. 15. 4. Q. For what are they profiâ—able A. Thou hast known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto Salvation through Faith which is in Christ Jesus All Scripture is given by Inspiration of God is
profitable for Doctrine for Reproof for Correction for Instruction in Righteousness that the Man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all Good Works 2 Tim. 3. 15 16 17. Q. Wherein consisteth the Excellency of the Scriptures A. Knowing this first that no Prophecy of the Scriptures is of any private Interpretation For the Prophecy came not in Old Time by the Will of Man but Holy Men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost 2 Pet. 1. 20 21. Q. The Scriptures are then to be regarded because they came from the Spirit and they also testifie that not they but the Spirit is to lead into all Truth In what respect doth Christ command to search them A. Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have Eternal Life and they are they which testifie of me Joh. 5. 39. Q. I perceive there was a Generation of old that greatly exalted the Scriptures yet would not believe nor come to be guided by that the Scriptures directed to How doth Christ bespeak such A. Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father there is One that accuseth you even Moses in whom ye trust For had ye believed Moses ye would have believed me for he wrote of me But if ye believe not his Writings how shall ye believe my Words John 5. 45 46 47. Q. What ought then such to be accounted of notwithstanding of their Pretences of being ruled by the Scriptures A. In which are some things hard to be understood which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest as they do also the other Scriptures unto their own Destruction 2 Pet. 3. 16. CHâ—P III. Of Jesus Christ's being manifest in the Flesh the Use and End of it Question VVHat are the Scriptures which do most observably prophesie of Christ's Appearance A. The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee of thy Brethren like unto me unto him ye shall hearken Deut. 18. 15. Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a Sign Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son and shall call his Name Immanuel Isa. 7. 14. Q. Was not Jesus Christ in being before he appeared in the Flesh What clear Scriptures prove this against such as erroneously assert the contrary A. But thou Beth-lehem Ephratah though thou be little among the Thousands of Judah yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be Ruler in Israel whose Goings forth have been from of Old from Everlasting Mic. 5. 2. In the Beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God The same was in the Beginning with God All things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made John 1. 1 2 3. Jesus said unto them Verily verily I say unto you Before Abraham was I am John 8. 58. And now O Father Glorifie thou me with thine own self with the Glory which I had with thee before the World was John 17. 5. And to make all men see what is the Fellowship of the Mystery which from the beginning of the VVorld hath been hid in God who created all things by Jesus Christ Ephes. 3. 9. For by him were all things created that are in Heaven and that are in Earth visible and invisible whether they be Thrones or Dominions or Principalities or Powers All things were created by him and for him Col. 1. 16. God hath in these last dayes spoaken unto us by his Son whom he hath appointed Heir of all things by whom also he made the Worlds Hebr. 1. 2. Q. These are very clear that even the World was created by Christ But what Scriptures prove the Divinity of Christ against such as falsly deny the same A. And the Word was God Joh. 1. 1. Whose are the Fathers and of whom as concerning the Flesh Christ came who is over all God blessed forever Amen Rom. 9. 5. Who being in the Form of God thought it no Robbery to be equal with God Philip. 2. 6. And we know that the Son of God is come and hath given us an Understanding that we may know him that is true and we are in him that is true even in his Son Jesus Christ This is the true God and Eternal Life 1 John 5. 20. Q. What are the Glorious Names the Scripture gives unto Jesus Christ the Eternal Son of God A. And his Name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor The Mighty God The Everlasting Father The Prince of Peace Isa. 9. 6. Who is the Image of the Invisible God the First-born of every Creature Col. 1. 15. Who being the Brightness of his Glory and the express Image of his Person or more propâ—rly according to the Greek of his Substance Hebr. 1. 3. And he was cloathed with a Vesture dipt in Blood and his Name is called the Word of God Rev. 19. 13. Q. After what manner was the Birth of Christ A. Now the Birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise Whenas his Mother Mary was espoused to Joseph before they came together she was found with Child of the Holy Ghost Mat 1. 18. And the Angel said unto her Fear not Mary for thou hast found Favour with God And behold thou shalt conceive in thy Womb and bring forth a Son and shalt call his Name Jesus He shall be great and shall be called The Son of the Highest and the Lord God shall give unto him the Throne of his Father David Then said Mary unto the Angel How shall this be seeing I know not a Man And the Angel answered and said unto her The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the Power of the Highest shall over-shadow thee Therefore also that Holy Thing that shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God Luke 1. 30 31 32 34 35. Q. Was Jesus Christ who was born of the Virgin Mary and supposed to be the Son of Joseph a True and Real Man A. Forasmuch as the Children are Partakers of Flesh Blood he also himself took part of the same that through Death he might destroy him thath hath the Power of Death that is the Devil Hebr. 2. 14. For verily he took not on him the Nature of Angels but he took on him the Seed of Abraham wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his Brethren that he might be a Merciful and Faithful High Priest c. Hebr. 2. 16 17. For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our Infirmities but was in all Points tempted as we are yet without Sin Hebr. 4. 15. And the Gift by Grace which is by one Man Jesus Christ hath abounded unto many Rom. 5. 15. But now is Christ risen from the Dead and become the First Fruits of them that slept for since by Man came Death by Man came also the Resurrection of the Dead 1 Cor. 15. 20 21. Q. After what manner doth the Scripture assert
the Wisdom of this World For after that in the Wisdom of God the World by Wisdom knew not God it pleased God by the Foolishness of Preaching to save them that believe 1 Cor. 1. 20 21. Q. It seems then the Preachings of the true Ministers are not gathered together by Wisdom and Learning It hath been supposed that a Man must be greatly skilled in Learning to make a good Sermon what is the Apostles Judgment in the Case A. For Christ sent me not to baptize but to preach the Gospel not with Wisdom of Words lest the Cross of Christ should be made of none Effect 1 Cor. 1. 17. And I was with you in Weakness and in Fear and in much Trembling and my Speech my Preaching was not with enticing Words of Man's VVisdom but in Demonstration of the Spirit and of Power that your Faith should not stand in the VVisdom of Men but in the Power of God 1 Cor. 2. 3 4 5. Q. I perceive the Apostle layes far more Stress upon the Demonstration and Power of the Spirit in a Preacher then upon human Literature ought Ministers then to preach as the Spirit teacheth them A. Also we speak not in the Words which Man's Wisdom teacheth but which the holy Ghost teacheth 2 Cor. 2. 13. And they were all fill'd with the holy Ghost and began to speak as the Spirit gave them Utterance Acts 2. 4. Q. Is it Christ then that speaketh in and through his Ministers A. For it is not ye that speak but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you Mat. 10. 20. For it is not ye that speak but the holy Ghost Mark 13. 11. For the holy Ghost shall teach you in the same Hour what ye ought to say Luke 12. 12. Since ye seek a Proof of Christ speaking in me which to you ward is not weak but is mighty in you 2 Cor. 13. 3. Q. What is the Apostle's Mind of that human Learning which some cry up so much and think so needful in a Minister A. Beware leâ—t any Man spoil you through Philosophy and vain Deceit after the Tradition of Men after the Rudiments of the World and not after Christ Col. 2. 8. O Timothy keep that which is committed to thy Trust avoiding prophane and vain Babling and Oppositions of Science falsly so called 1 Tim 6. 20. Q. Though true Ministers speak not by the natural Wisdom of Man yet is their Testimony altogether void of Wisdom A. Howbeit we speak Wisdom among them that are perfect yet not the Wisdom of this World nor of the Princes of this World that come to nought but we speak the Wisdom of God in a Mystery even the hidden Wisdom which God ordained before the World to our Glory 1 Cor. 2. 6 7. Q. What is the Reason that Man by his natural Wisdom is not capable to minister in the Things of God A. For what Man knoweth the Things of a Man save the Spirit of a Man which is in him Even so the Things of God knoweth no Man but the Spirit of God But the natlural Man receiveth not the Things of the Spirit of God for they are Foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned 1 Cor. 2. 11 14. Q. These Scriptures do sufficiently hold forth that the true Call to the Ministry is from God that which maketh a true Minister is the Gift and Grace of God that the true and effectual Preaching of a faithful Minister is such as 〈◊〉 from the inward Teaching and Leading of the Spirit of God But what say the Scriptures touching the Maintenance of Ministers A. Let him that is taught in the VVord communicate unto him that teacheth in all good Things Gal. 6. 6. If we have sown unto you spiritual Things is it a great Matter if we shall â—eap your carnal Things If others be Partakers of this Power over you are not we rather Nevertheless we have not used this Power but suffer all Things lest we should hinder the Gospel of Christ Do ye not know that they which minister about holy Things live of the Things of the Temple and they which wait at the Altar are Partakers with the Altar even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel 1 Cor. 9. 11 12 13 14. For the Scripture saith Thou shalt not muzle the Ox that treadeth out the Corn and the Labourer is worthy of his Reward 1 Tim. 5. 18. Q. I perceive by these Scriptures that there lyeth an Obligation upon the Saints to help with outward Things such as truly minister unto them spiritual but this seems to be voluntary ought not therefore true Ministers to preach whether they be sure of this or not What saith the Apostle of himself in this Case and what adviseth he others A. But I have used none of these Things neither have I written those Things that it should be so done unto me for it were better for me to dye then that any Man should make my Glorying void for though I preach the Gospel I have nothing to glory of for Necessity is laid upon me yea Wo is unto me if I preach not the Gospel For if I do this Thing willingly I have a Reward but if against my Will a Dispensation of the Gospel is committed unto me what is my Reward then Verely that when I preach the Gospel I make the Gospel of Christ without Charge that I abuse not my Power in the Gospel 1 Cor. 9. 15 16 17 18. I have coveted no Man's Silver or Gold or Apparel yea ye your selves know that these Hands have ministred unto my Necessities and to them that were with me I have shewed you all Things how that so Laboâ—ring ye ought to support the Weak and to remember the Words of the Lord Jesus how he said It is more blessed to give then to receive Acts 20. 33 34 35. Q. It s observable that the Apostle every where makes special mention among the Qualifications of Teachers that they be not given to Filthy Luchre What ought we then to think of these Teachers as will not preach without Hire yea that will by Violence take from those who receive no Spirituals from them are they like to be the Ministers of Christ or what else saith the Scripture of such A. Yea they are greedy Dogs which can never have enough and they are Shepherds that cannot understand they all look to their own Way every one for his Gain from his Quarter Isa. 56. 11. Son of Man Prophesie against the Shepherds of Israel Prophesie and say unto them Thus saith the Lord God unto the Shepherds Wo be to the Shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves Should not the Shepherds feed the Flock Ye eat the Fat and ye cloath you with the Wool ye kill them that are fed but ye feed not the Flock As I live saith the Lord God Surely because my Flock became a Prey and my Flock became
And this is the Confidence that we have in him that if we ask any Thing according to his VVill he heareth us 1 Joh. 5. 14. Q. After whae Manner doth the Apostle then declare he will Pray A. What is it then I will pray with the Spirit and I will pray with the Understanding also I will sing with the Spirit and I will sing with the Understanding also 1 Cor. 14. 15. Q. Must we then pray alwayes in the Spirit A. Praying alwayes with all Prayer and Supplication in the Spirit and VVatching thereunto with all Perseverance and Supplication for all Saints Ephes. 6. 18. Q. Since we are commanded to pray alwayes in it can we do it of our selves without the Help thereof A. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our Infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit it self maketh Intercession for us with Groanings which cannot be uttered And he that searcheth the Hearts knoweth what is the Mind of the Spirit because he maketh Intercession for the Saints according to the Will of God Rom. 8. 26 27. Q. I perceive that without the Leadings and Help of the Spirit Prayers are altogether unprofitable may not a Man truly utter these Things that are Spiritual without the Spirit 's Assistance A. VVherefore I give you to understand that no Man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus Accursed and that no Man can say that Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost 1 Cor. 12. 3. Q. That is strange It seems the Spirit 〈◊〉 much more necessary then many called Christistians suppose it to be some of which can scarce give a good Account whether they have it or want it But if a Man speak Things true upon the Matter are they not true as from him if spoaken without the Spirit A. And though they say The Lord liveth surely they swear falsly Jer. 5. 2. Q. It is apparent from all these Scriptures that the true Worship of God is in Spirit and as it is not limitted to a certain Place neither to any certain Time what shall we think of them that plead for the Observation of certain Dayes A. But now after that ye have known God or rather are known of God how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly Elements whereunto ye desire again to be iâ— Bondage Ye observe Dayes and Months and Times and Years I am afraid of you lest I have bestowed upon you Labour in vain Gal. 4. 9 10 11. Let no Man therefore judge you in Meat or Drink or in respect of an Holy Day or of the New Moon or of the Sabbath Day which are a Shadow of Things to come but the Body is of Christ Col. 2. 16 17. Q. Seeing it is so may not some Christians as lawfully esteem all Dayes alike as others may esteem some Dayes above another What Rule giveth the Apostle in this Case A. One Man esteemeth one Day above another another esteemeth every Day alike let every Man be fully perswaded in his own Mind He that regardeth a Day regardeth it unto the the Lord and he that regaâ—deth not the Day unto the Lord he doth not regard it He that eateth eateth to the Lord for he giveth God Thanks and he that eateth not to the Lord he eateth not and giveth God Thanks Rom. 14. 5 6. Q. But is it not convenient and necessary that there be a Day set apart to Meet and Worship God in Did not the Apostles aâ—d Primitive Christians use to meet upon the First Day of the Week to make their Collections and to Worship A. Now concerning the Collection for the Saints as I have given Order to the Churches of Galatia even so do ye upon the First Day of the Week Let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prosper'd him that there be no Gatherings when I come 1 Cor. 16. 1. CHAP. XI Concerning Baptism and Bread and VVine Question HOw many BAPTISMS are there A. One Lord One Faith One Baptism Ephes. 4 5. Q. What is the Baptism A. The like Figure whereunto even Baptism doth now save us not the putting away the Filth of the Flesh but the Answer of a good Conscience towards God by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ who is gone into Heaven and is on the Right Hand of God Angels and Authorities and Powers being made subject unto him 1 Pet. 3. 21 22. Q. What saith John the Baptist of Christ's Baptism how distinguisheth he it from his A. I indeed baptize you with Water unto Repentance but he that cometh after me is Mightier then I whose Shoes I am not worthy to bear he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with Fire Mat. 3. 11. Q. Doth not Christ so distinguish it also A. And being assembled together with them commanded them That they should not depart from Jerusalem but wait for the Promise of the Father which saith he ye have heard of me For John truly baptized with Water but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many dayes hence Act. 1. 4. 5. Q. Doth not the Apostle Peter also observe this A. And as I begâ—n to speak the Holy Ghost fell on them as on us at the Beginning Then remembred I the Word of the Lord how that he said John indeed baptized with Water but ye shall be baptiz'd with the Holy Ghost Acts 11. 15 16. Q. Then it seems John's Baptism must pass away that Christ's may take place because John must decrease that Christ may increase A. He must increase but I must decrease John 30. 30. Q. I perceive then many may be sprinkled with 〈◊〉 dipped baptized in Water yet not truly baptized with the Baptism of Christ What are the Real Effects in such as are truly baptized with the Baptism of Christ A. Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his Death Therefore we are buried with him by Baptism into Death that like as Christ was raised up from the Dead by the Glory of the Father even so we also should walk in Newness of Life Rom. 6. 3 4. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ Gal. 2. 27. Buried with him in Baptism wherein also ye are risen with him through the Faith of the Operation of God who hath raised him from the Dead Col. 2. 12. Q. I perceive there was a Baptism of Water which was John's Baptism and is therefore by John himself contra-distinguished from Christ's Was there not likewise something of the like Nature appointed by Christ to his Disciples of eating Bread and drinking Wine in Remembrance of him A. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you that the Lord Jesus the same Night in which he was betrayed took Bread when he had given Thanks he brake it and said Take eat this is my Body which is broken for you this do in Remembrance of me
go and gather them up But he said Nay lest whâ—le ye gather up the Tares ye root up also the Wheat with them Mat. 13. 27 28 29. Q. Doth he explain these Tares of the Wicked whom the Godly must not take upon them to cut off lest through Mistake they hurt the Good but leave it to God to do it by his Angels A. The Field is the World the good Seed are the Children of the Kingdom but the Tares are the Children of the Wicked One the Enemy that sowed them is the Devil the Harvest is the End of the World and the Reapers are the Angels As therefore the Tares are gathered and burnt in the Fire so shall it be in the End of this World The Son of Man shall send forth his Angels and they shall gather out of his Kingdom all things that offend and them which do Iniquity Mat. 13. 38 39 40 41. CHAP. XIV Concerning the Resurrection Question VVhat saith the Scripture of the Resurrection of the Dead A. And have Hope towards God which they themselves also allow that there shall be a Resurrection of the Dead both of the Just and Unjust Acts 24. 15. Q. To what different End shall the Good be raised from the Bad and how are they thereunto reserved A. Marvel not at this for the Hour is coming in the which all that are in the Graves shall hear his Voice and shall come forth they that have done Good unto the Resurrection of Life and they that have done Evil unto the Resurrection of Condemnation John 5. 28 29. But the Heavens and the Earth which are now by the same Word are kept in store reserv'd unto Fire against the Day of Judgment and Perdition of Ungodly Men 2 Pet. 3. 7. Q. What must be answered to such as ask How the Dead are raised and with what Body A. Thou Fool that which thou sowest is not quickned except it dye and that which thou sowest thou sowest not that Body that shall be but bare Grain it may chance of VVheat or some other Grain But God giveth it a Body as it hath pleased him and to every Seed his own Body All Flesh is not the same Flesh but there is one kind of Flesh of Men another Flesh of Beasts another of Fishes and another of Birds there are also Celestial Bodies and Bodies Terrestrial but the Glory of the Celestial is one and the Glory of the Terrestrial is another there is one Glory of the Sun and another Glory of the Moon and another Glory of the Stars for one Star differs from another Star in Glory so also is the Resurrection of the Dead it is sown in Corruption it is raised in Incorruption it is sown in Dishonour it is raised in Glory it is sown in VVeakness it is raised in Power it is sown a Natural Body it is raised a Spiritual Body There is a Natural Body and there is a Spiritual Body 1 Cor. 15. 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44. Q. The Apostle seems to be very positive that it is not that Natural Body which we now have that shall rise but a Spiritual Body A. Now this I say Brethren That Flesh Blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God neither doth Corruption inherit Incorruption Behold I shew you a Mystery We shall not all sleep but we shall all be changed in a Moment in the Twinkling of an Eye at the Last Trump for the Trumpet shall sound and the Dead shall be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed For this Corruptible must put on Incorruption and this Mortal must put on Immortality So when this Corruptible shall have put on Incorruption and this Mortal shall have put on Immortality then shall be brought to pass the Saying that is written Death is swallowed up in Victory O Death where is thy Sting O Grave where is thy Victory 1 Cor. 15. 50 51 52 53 54 55. CHAP. XV. A Short Introduction to the Confession of FAITH HAving thus largely and evidently performed the chief Part of that which I promised in this Treatise in giving a full Account of our Principles in plain Scripture-words and also answering by the Scriptures the chief and main Objections made against us I come to a Confession of Faith in which I shall not be so large for that I judge it not convenient to make an Inter-repetition of all the Scriptures before-mentioned which if needful the Reader may easily observe were not very difficult to do But whereas a Confession of Faith calleth rather for an Affirmative Account of one's own Faith then for the Solution of Objections or any thing of Debate in a Discursive Way which is both more properly and pertinently performed in a Catechism therefore I have here only done so I am necessitate sometimes to intermix some words for coherence of the Matter as sometimes And and sometimes Therefore and the like but not such as any ingenous Person can affirm do add to the Matter or that may any wise justly be reckon'd a Comment or Meaning and therefore to avoid the Censure of the most Curious Carping Critieks these are marked with a different Character Likewise unless I should have ridiculously offered to publish incongruous Grammar there was a true Need sometimes to change the Mood and Person of a Verb in all which places whosoever will look to the words shall find it is done upon no Design to alter any whit the naked import of them as for instance where Christ sayes I am the Light of the World were it proper for me to write thus I am the Light c Or can it be reckoned any whit contradicting of my Purpose or Promise to write Christ is the Light where the first Person is changed to the third Also sometimes I express things which are necessarily understood as when any of the Apostles say We there instead of We I write Apostles and where they say You speaking to the Saints there I mention Saints instead of it for the Connexion of the Sentence sometimes requires it as in the first Article in mentioning that of 1 Joh. 1. 5. concerning God's being Light and in such like Cases which I know no impartial Reader would have quarrelled though wanting this Apology which I judged meet to premise knowing there is a Generation who when they cannot find any real or substantial Ground against Truth its Followers will he cavilling at such little Nicities therefore such may see this Objection is obviated CHAP. XVI A Confession of Faith Containing XXIII Articles ARTICLE I. Concerning GOD and the True and Saving Knowledge of him THere is one God Who is a Spirit And This is the Message which the Apostles heard of him and declared unto the Saints That he is Light and in him is no Darkness at all There are Three that bear Record in Heaven the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost and these Three are One The Father is in the Son and the Son is in the Father No man knoweth the Son but the Father neither knoweth any man the Father but the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him The Spirit searcheth
all things yea the deep things of God For the Things of God knoweth no man but the Spirit of God Now the Saints have received not the Spirit of the World but the Spirit which is of God that they might know the things which are freely given them of God For the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father sends in Christ's Name he teacheth them all things and bringth all things to their Remembrance ARTICLE II. Concerning the Guide and Rule of Christians CHrist pray'd to the Father and he gave the Saints another Comforter that was to abide with them forever even the Spirit of Truth whom the World cannot receive because it seeth him not nor knoweth him but the Saints know him for he dwelleth with them and is to be in them Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his For as many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the Sons of God For this is the Covenant that God hath made with the House of Israel he hath put his Laws in their Mind writ them in their Hearts and they are all taught of God And the Anointing which they have received of him abideth in them and they need not that any man teach them but as the same Anointing teacheth them of all things and is Truth and is no Lye ARTICLE III. Concerning the Scriptures VVHatsoever things were written afore time were written for our Learning that we through Patience and Comfort of the Scriptures might have Hope Which are able to make wise unto Salvation through Faith which is in Christ Jesus All Scripture being given by Inspiration of God and is profitable for Doctrine for Reproof for Instruction in Righteousness that the Man of God may be Perfect throughly furnished unto all Good Works No Prophecy of the Scripture is of any private Interpretation for the Prophecy came not in old time by the Will of man but Holy Men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost ARTICLE IV. Concerning the Divinity of Christ and his Being from the Beginning IN the Beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God the same was in the Beginning with God All things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made Whose Goings forth have been from of old from Everlasting For God created all things by Jesus Christ Who being in the Form of God thought it no Robbery to be equal with God And his Name is called Wonderful Counsellor the Mighty God the Everlasting Father the Prince of Peace Who is the Image of the Invisible God the First-born of every Creature The Brightness of the Father's Glory and the express Image of his Substance Who was cloathed with a Vesture dipt in Blood and his Name is call'd The Word of God In him dwells all the Fulness of the God head bodily And in him are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom Knowledge ARTICLE V. Concerning his Appearance in the Flesh. THe Word was made Flesh For he took not on him the Nature of Angels but he took on him the Seed of Abraham being in all things made like unto his Brethren Touched with a feeling of our Infirmities and in all things tempted like as we are yet without Sin He dyed for our Sins according to the Scriptures and he was buried and he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures ARTICLE VI. Concerning the End and Use of that Appearance GOD sent his own Son in the Likeness of sinful Flesh and for Sin condemned Sin in the Flesh For this Purpose the Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the Works of the Devil Being manifested to take away our Sins For he gave himself for us an Offering and a Sacrifice to God for a Sweet-smelling Savour Having obtained Eternal Redemption for us And through the Eternal Spirit offered up himself without Spot unto God to purge our Consciences from dead Works to serve the living God He was the Lamb that was slain from the Foundation of the World Of whom the Fathers did all drink for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them and that Rock was Christ Christ also suffered for us leaving us an Example that we should follow his Steps For we are to bear about in the Body the dying of the Lord Jesus that the Life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our Body being alway delivered unto Death for Jesus's sake that the Life also of Jesus may be made manifest in our Flesh That we may known him and the Power of his Resurrection and the Fellowship of his Sufferings being made conformable to his Death ARTICLE VII Concerning the Inward Manifestation of Christ. GOd dwelleth with the Contrite and Humble in Spirit For he hath said he will dwell in them and walk in them And Christ standeth at the Door and knocketh if any man hear his Voice and open the Door he will come into him and sup with him and he with him And therefore ought we to examine our selves and prove our own selves knowing how that Christ is in us except we be Reprobates For this is the Riches of the Glory of the Mystery which God would make known among or rather IN the Gentiles Christ Within the Hope of Glory ARTICLE VIII Concerning the New Birth EXcept a Man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God Therefore ought we to put off the Old Man with his Deeds and put on the New Man which is renewed in Knowledge after the Image of him that created him and which after God is created in Righteousness and true Holiness For henceforth know we no man after the Flesh yea though we have known Christ after the Flesh yet now henceforth know we him no more For if any man be in Christ he is a new Creature old things are past away behold all things are become new For such have put on the Lord Jesus Christ And are renewed in the Spirit of their Minds Sith as many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ Being born again not of corruptible Seed but of incorruptible by the Word of God which liveth abideth forever And glory in nothing save in the Cross of the Lord Jesus Christ by whom the World is crucified unto them and they unto the World For in Christ Jesus neither Circumcision availeth any thing nor Uncircumcision but a new Creature ARTICLE IX Concerning the Unity of the Saints with Christ. HE that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all
of one For by the exceding great and precious Promises that are given them they are made Partakers of the divine Nature Because for this Endprayed Christ that they all might be one as the Father is in him and he in the Father that they also might be one in them the Glory which he had gotten from the Father he gave them that they might be one even as the Father and he is one Christ in the Saints and the Father in Christ that they might be made perfect in one ARTICLE X. Concerning the Universal Love and Grace of God to all GOd so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have Everlasting Life And in this was manifested the Love of God towards us because that God sent his only begotten Son that we might live through him So that if any Man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the Righteous and he is the Propitiation for our Sins and not for ours only but also for the Sins of the whole World For by the Grace of God he hath tasted Death for every Man And gave himself a Ransom for all to be testified in due Time Willing all Men to be saved and to come to the Knowledge of the Truth Not willing that any should perish but that all should come to Repentance For God sent not his Son into the World to condemn the World but that the World through him might be saved And Christ came a Light into the World that whosoever believeth in him should not abide in Darkness Therefore as by the Offence of one Judgment came upon all Men to Condemnation even so by the Righteousness of one the free Gift came upon all Men to Justification of Life ARTICLE XI Concerning the Light that enlighteneth every Man THe Gospel was preached to every Creature under Heaven Which Gospel is the Power of God unto Salvation to them that believe And if it be hid it is hid to them that are lost in whom the God of this World hath blinded the Minds of them which believe not lest the Light of the glorious Gospel of Christ should shine into them And this is the Condemnation that Light is come into the World and Men love Darkness rather then Light because their Deeds are Evil And this was the true Light which lightneth every Man that cometh into the World By which all things that are reproveable are made manifest for whatsoever maketh manifest is Light Every one that doth Evil hateth the Light neither cometh to the Light lest his Deeds should be reproved but he that doth Truth cometh to the Light that his Deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in God And they that walk in the Light as Christ is in the Light have Fellowship one with another and the Blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth them from all Sin Therefore ought we to believe in the Light while we have the Light that we may be the Children of the Light Therefore to Day if we will hear his Voice let us not harden our Hearts For Christ wept over Jerusalem saying If thou hadst known even thou at least in this thy Day the Things which belong unto thy Peace but now they are hid from thine Eyes And he would often have gathered her Children as a Hen gathereth her Chickens but they would not for the stiff-necked and uncircumcised in Heart and Ears do alwayes resist the Holy Ghost And are of those that rebel against the Light Therefore God's Spirit will not alwayes strive with Man For the Wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all Ungodliness and Unrighteousness of Men who hold the Truth in Unrighteousness Because what is to be known of God is manifest in them for God hath shewed it unto them And a Manifestation of the Spirit is given to every Man to profit withall For the Grace of God that brings Salvation hath appeared to all Men teaching us that denying Ungodliness and Worldly Lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present World And this Word of his Grace is able to build up and give an Inheritance among all those that are sanctified For the Word of God is quick and powerful and sharper then any two-edged Sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of the Soul and Spirit and of the Joints and Marrow and is a Discerner of the Thoughts and Intents of the Heart This is that more sure Word of Prophecie whereunto we do well that we take heed as unto a Light that shineth in a dark Place until the Day dawn and the Day-Star arise in the Heart And this is the Word of Faith which the Apostles preached which is nigh in the Mouth and in the Heart For God who commanded Light to shine out of Darkness hath shined in our Hearts to give the Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ But we have this Treasure in earthen Vessels that the Excellency of the Power may be of God and not of us for the Kingdom of God cometh not by Observation but is within us ARTICLE XII Concerning Faith and Justification FAith is the Substance of things hoped for and the Evidence of things not seen VVithout which is is impossible to please God Therefore we are justified by Faith which worketh by Love For Faith without Works being dead is by Works made perfect By the Deeds of the Law there shall no Flesh be justified Nor yet by the Works of Righteousness which we have done but according to his Mercy we are saved by the VVashing of Regeneration and renewing of the holy Ghost For we are both washed sanctified and justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God ARTICLE XIII Concerning Good Works IF we live after the Flesh we shall dye but if we through the Spirit do mortifie the Deeds of the Body we shall live For they which believe in God must be careful to maintain Good Works For God will render to every Man according to his Deeds according to his righteous Judgment to them who by patient Continuance in well-doing seek for Glory Honour and Immortality Eternal Life For such are counted worthy of the Kingdom of God And cast not away their Confidence which hath great Recompence of Reward Blessed then are they that do his Commandments that they may have Right to the Tree of Life and may enter in through the Gates into the City ARTICLE XIV Concerning Perfection SIn shall not have Dominion over such as are not under the Law but under Grace For there is no Condemnation to those that are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the Flesh but after
the Spirit for the Law of the Spirit of Life maketh free from the Law of Sin and Death For such are become dead unto Sin and alive unto Righteousness and being made free from Sin are become Servants of Righteousness Therefore ought we to be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect For the Yoak of Christ is easie and his Burthen is light And his Commandments are not grievous And whosoever will enter into Life must keep the Commandments Hereby do we know that we know God if we keep his Commandments He that saith I know him and keepeth not his Commandments is a Lyar and the Truth is not in him Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not whosoever sinneth hath not seen him neither known him Let no Man deceive us he that doth Righteousness is Righteous even as he is Righteous He that committeth Sin is of the Devil whosoever is born of God doth not commit Sin for his Seed remaineth in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God For not every one that saith Lord Lord shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven but he that doth the Will of the Father which is in Heaven Circumcision is nothing and Uncircimcision is nothing but the keeping of the Commandments of God ARTICLE XV. Concerning Perseverance and Falling from Grace VVE ought to give Diligence to make our Calling and Election sure which things if we do we shall never fall For even Paul kept under his Body and brought it into Subjection lest by any Means when he preached to others he himself become a Cast-away Let us therefore take Heed lest there be in any of us an evil Heart of Unbelief in departing from the living God Likewise let us labour to enter into that Rest lest any Man fall after the same Example of Unbelief For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened and have tasted of the Heavenly Gift and were made Partakers of the Holy Ghost and have tasted of the good Word of God and the Powers of the World to come if they shall fall away to renew them again unto Repentance For he that abideth not in Christ is cast forth and is withered Yet such as overcometh he will make as Pillars in the Temple of his God and they shall go no more out And these are perswaded that nothing shall be able to separate them from the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus ARTICLE XVI Concerning the Church Ministry THe Church of God is the Pillar and Ground of Truth Whereof the Dear Son of God is the Head From which all the Body by Joynts and Bands having Nourishment ministred and knit together increaseth with the Increase of God Which Church of God is them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus Who when he ascended up on high gave Gifts unto Men And he gave some Apostles some Prophets some Evangelists some Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the Work of the Ministry Who ought to be blameless vigilant sober of good Behaviour given to Hospitality apt to teach not given to Wine no Strikers not greedy of filthy Lucre but patient not Brawlers not covetous Lovers of good Men sober just holy temperate holding fast the faithful as they have been taught that they may be able by found Doctrine both to exhort and to convince Gain-sayers Taking heed to themselves and to the Flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made them Overseers to feed the Church of God Taking the Oversight thereof not by Constraint but willingly not for filthy Lucre but of a ready Mind neither as being Lords over God's Heritage but as being Ensamples to the Flock And such Elders as rule well are to be counted worthy of double Honour especially they who labour in the Word and Doctrine And to be esteemed very highly in Love for their Works sake As every Man hath received the Gift so ought the same to be ministred if any Man speak let him speak as the Oracles of God if any Man minister let him do it as of the Ability which God giveth Preaching the Gospel not with the Wisdom of Words lest the Cross of Christ be made of none Effect Nor yet with enticing Words of Man's Wisdom but in Demonstration of the Spirit and of Power that the Faith may not stand in the Wisdom of Men but in the Power of God Howbeit such speak Wisdom among them that are perfect yet not the Wisdom of this World nor of the Princes of this World which cometh to nought but they speak the Wisdom of God in a Mystery even the hidden Wisdom which God ordained before the World to their Glory VVhich things they also speak not in the Words which man's Wisdom teacheth but which the Holy Ghost teacheth For it is not they that speak but the Holy Ghost of Spirit of the Father that speaketh in them Who if they sow spiritual things ought to reap carnal Things for so the Lord hath ordain'd that they â—hâ—ch preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel for the Scripture saith Thou shalt not muzle the Mouth of the Ox that treadeth out the Corn and the Labourer is worthy of his Reward Yet a Necessity is laid upon them yea VVo is unto them if they preach not the Gospel and their Reward is that when they preach the Gospel they make the Gospel of Christ without Charge Not coveting any Man's Silver or Gold or Apparel but their Hands minister to their Necessities that so labouring they may support the Weak remembring the VVords of the Lord Jesus how he said It s more blessed to give then to receive For they are not of the greedy Dogs that can never have enough Nor of the Shepherds that look to their own VVay every one his Gain from his Quarter That feed themselves and not the Flock That make the People err biting with their Teeth and crying Peace and preparing VVar against all such as put not in their Mouths teaching for Hire and divining for Money Nor yet of those which teach things which they ought not for fiâ—thy Lucres sake That run greedily after the Error of Baâ—aâ— for Reward loving the VVages of Unrighteousness And through Covetousness with feigned VVords making Merchandize of Souls Men of corrupt Minds destitute of the Truth supposing that Gain is Godliness But they know that Godliness with Contentment is great Gain and having Food and Rayment they are therewith content ARTICLE XVII Concerning Worship THe Hour cometh and now is when the true Worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit in Truth for the Father seeketh such to worship him God is a Spirit and they which worship him must worship in the Spirit and in the Truth For the Lord is nigh to all them
the Conjunction and Vnity of the Eternal Son of God in and with the Man Christ Jesus A. And the Word was made Flesh dwelt among us and we beheld his Glory the Glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father full of Grace and Truth Joh. 1. 14. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the Words of God for God giveth not the Spirit by Measure unto him Joh. 3. 34. How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with Power who went about doing Good and healing all that were oppressed of the Devil for God was with him Acts 10. 38. For it pleased the Father that in him should all Fulness dwell Col. 1. 19. For in him dwelleth all the Fulness of the Godhead bodily Col. 2. 9. In him are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge Col. 2. 3. Q. For what End did Christ appear in the World A. For what the Law could not do in that it was weak through the Flesh God sending his Son in the Likeness of sinful Flesh and for Sin condemned Sin in the Flesh Rom. 8. 3. For this Purpose the Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the Works of the Devil And ye know that he was manifested to take away our Sins 1 Joh. 3. 8 5. Q. Was Jesus Christ really Crucified and Raised again A. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received how that Christ dy'd for our Sins according to the Scriptures And that he was buried and that he arose again the third day according to the Scriptures 1 Cor. 15. 3 4. Q. What End do the Scriptures asscribe unto the Coming Death and Sufferings of Christ A. For mine Eyes have seen thy Salvation which thou hast prepared before the Face of all People A Light to lighten the Gentiles and the Glory of thy People Israel Luke 2. 30 31 32. Whom God hath set forth to be a Propitiation through Faith in his Blood to declare his Righteousness for the Remission of Sins that are past through the Forbearance of God Rom. 3. 25. And walk in Love as Christ also hath loved us and hath given himself for us an Offering and a Sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling Savour Ephes. 5. 2. And having made Peace through the Blood of his Cross by him to reconcile all things unto himself by him I say whether they be things in Earth or things in Heaven And you that were sometimes alienated and Enemies in your Minds by Wicked Works yet now hath he reconciled in the Body of his Flesh through Death to present you Holy Unblamable and Unreprovable in his Sight Col. 1. 20 21 22. Neither by the Blood of Goats and Calves but by his own Blood he entered in once into the Holy Place having obtained Eternal Redemption for us How much more shall the Blood of Christ who through the Eternal Spirit offer'd himself without Spot to God purge your Consciences from Dead Works to serve the Living God Hebr. 9. 12 14. For Christ also hath once suffered for Sins the Just for the Unjust that he might bring us to God being put to Death in the Flesh but quickened by the Spirit 1 Pet. 3. 18. Hereby perceive we the Love of God because he laid down his Life for us 1 John 3. 16. And for this Cause he is the Mediator of the New Testament that by means of Death for the Redemption of Transgressions that were under the first Testament they which are called might receive the Promise of the Eternal Inheritance Hebr. 9. 15. Q. Is Christ then the Mediator A. For there is One God and One Mediator between God and men the Man Christ Jesus who gave himself a Ransom for all to be testified in due time 1 Tim. 2. 5. Q. Was not Christ the Mediator until he appeared and was crucified in the Flesh A. He is the Lamb that was slain from the Foundation of the VVorld Rev. 5. 12. and 13. 8. Q. Is it needful then to believe that the Saints of old did partake of Christ as then present with and nourishing them A. Moreover Brethren I would not that ye should be ignorant how that all our Fathers were under the Cloud and all passed through the Sea and were all baptized unto Moses in the Cloud and in the Sea and did all eat the same spiritual Meat and did all drink the same spiritual Drink for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them and that Rock was Christ 1 Cor. 10. 1 2 3 4. Q. But whereas most of these Scriptures before-mentioned do hold forth that the Death and Sufferings of Christ were appointed for the destroying removing and remitting of Sin Did he so do it while he was outwardly upon Earth as not to leave any thing for himself to do in us nor for us to do in and by his Strength A. For even hereunto were ye called because Christ also suffered for us leaving us an Example that ye should follow his Steps 1 Pet. 2. 21. Whereof I Paul am made a Minister who now rejoyce in my Sufferings for you and fill up that whiâ—h is behind of the Afflictions of Christ in my Flesh for his Body's sake which is the Church Col. 1. 23 24. Always bearing about in the Bâ—dy the Dying of the Lord Jesus that the Life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our Body For we which live are alway delivered unto Death for Jesus's sake that the Life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal Flesh 2 Cor 4. 10 11. And that he dyed for all that they which live should not hence-forth live unto themselves but unto him that dyed for them and also rose again 2 Cor. 5. 15. That I may know him and the Power of his Resurrection and the Fellowship of his Sufferings being made conformable to his Death Phil. 3. 10. CHAP. IV. Of the New Birth the Inward Appearance of Christ in Spirit and the Unity of the Saints with him Question DOth Christ promise then to come again to his Disciples A. I will not leave you comfortless I will come unto you John 14. 18. Q. Was this only a special Promise to these Disciples or is it not the common Priviledge of the Saints A. For thus saith the High and Lofty One that inhabiteth Eternity whose Name is Holy I dwell in the High and Holy Place with him also that is of a Contrite and Humble Spirit c. Isa. 57. 15. For ye are the Temple of the Living God as God hath said I will dwell in them and walk in them 2 Cor. 6. 16. Behold I stand at the Door and knock if any man hear my Voice and open the Door I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me Rev. 3. 20. Q. Doth the Apostle Paul speak of the Son of God his being revealed in him A. But when it pleased God who separated me from my Mother's Womb and called me by his Grace to reveal his Son
Teâ—timonie do in the least prove their Assertion or that others that do not take things meerly upon Trust would be so foolish as to believe them For though God made known and wrote excellent things to Solomon Though Luke wrote unto Theophilus an Account of divers Transactions of Christ's Outward Abode For many were never written Joh. last vers last et 20. 30. And there are also many other things which Jesus did the which if they should be written every one I suppose that even the World it self could not contain the Books that should be written And many other Signs truly did Jesus in the Presence of his Disciples which are not written in this Book Though Christ made use of divers Scriptures against Satan and that Isaiah directed People to the Law and to the Testimony who will be so mad as to say It naturally follows from thence that God has now committed his Will wholely to Writing Such a Consequence is no more deducible from these Scriptures then if I should argue thus The Divines of Westminster have asserted many things without Ground therefore they had Ground for nothing they said Nay it follows not by far so naturally seeing after the writing of all these Passages by them cited according to their own Judgment there were divers Scriptures written so that it had been false for them to assert That Gâ—d had then committed his Counsel wholely to Wâ—iting which indeed was not true So it is most Irrational and Unwarrantable for any to draw such a strange and strained Consequence from their words For the Second That the former Wayes are now ceased they alledge Hebr. 1. 1 2. God who at sundry Times and in divers Manners spake in times past unto the Fathers by the Prophets hath in these last dayes spoken unto us by his Son whom he hath appointed Heir of all things by whom also he hath made the Worldâ— 2 Pet. 1. 19. We have also a More Sure Word of Prophesie whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a Light that shineth in a Dark Place until the Day dawn and the Day-Star arise in your Hearts Which prove thâ— Matter as little as the former If Paul had intended by that to Timothy what those Divines would have Would not they have made the Apostle speak a manifest Untruth seeing they themselves acknowledg that John's Revelation was written long after so that these former Ways were not then ceased As for that of Peter it is to beg the thing in Question To say It is intended of the Scripture and though it were it proves not the Case at all That of Hebr. is so ar from asserting the Matter they would have it that it may be very aptly brought to prove the quite contrary for God indeed speaks to us now by his Son But to infer from thence That the Son speaks only to us by the Scriptures remains yet unproved Aâ—d for the Apostle to have there asserted it had been false seeing the Revelations which he and others afterwards had were inward so such were not ceased And if we may trust the same Apostle better then these Men he tells us that so soon as Christ was revealed in him he went straight and obey'd And the same Apostle tells us that Except Christ be in us we are Reprobates sure he is not dumb in us seeing he sayes He will dwell in us and walk in us and be with us to the End of the World And John tells us that the inward Anointing is to teach us all things so that we need not as to any absolute Necessity any Man to teach us how then is this ceased seeing God speaks to us by Christ and Christ must be in us Surely these Men have not herein followed the Rule of the Scriptures but rather endeavoured most grosly to wrest them and make of them a Nose of Wax notwithstanding their Pretences as to the contrary in their 6th Sect. where they say All things necessary are either expresly set down or by good and necessary Consequences may be deduced Now that these two former Assertions are not expresly set down they will not deny whether they follow by sound Consequence any understanding Man may judge by what is above observed There are divers other things in the same Chapter which will not abide the Test for which the Scripture-Proofs are alledged by them are most ridiculous yet for Brevity's sake I have omitted In Chap. 21. Sect. 7. where they say That the Sabbath from the Resurrection of Christ was changed into the First Day of the Week which in Scripture say they is called the Lord's Day and is to be continued to the End of the World as the Christian-Sabbath In which they assert Three Things First That the First Day of the Week is come in place of the Seventh for a Sabbath To prove which they alledge 1 Cor. 16. 1 2 Now concerning the Collection for the Saints as I have given order to the Churches of Galatâ—â— even so do ye upon the First Day of the Week Let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him that there be no Gathering when I come Acts 20. 7. And upon the First Day of the Week when the Disciples came together to break Bread Paul preached to them ready to depart on the morrow and continued his Speech until Midnight That these Proofs assert not the thing expresly we need not I suppose dispute Now to say that because Paul desired the Corinthians to lay somewhat by them in store that day or because he broak Bread and continued his Speech until Midnight therefore the First Day of the Week is come in place of the Sabbath is a Consequence more remarkable for its Sottishness then to be credited for its Soundness Indeed to make so solemn an Article of Faith as these men would have the Morality of the first day of the Week to be would need a more positive and express Authority The Text doth clearly enough tell the Reason of the Disciples meeting so frequently and of Paul's preaching so long because he was ready to depart to morrow it speaks not a word of its being Sabbath Their Second Assertion That the First Day of the Week is therefore called the Lord's Day is drawn yet more strangly from that of Rev. 1. 10. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day and heard behind me a great Voice as of a Trumpet Whereas no particular Day of the Week is mentioned so for them to say John meaned the First Day of the Week hath no more Proof but their own bare Assertion For their Third Assertion That it is to be continued to the End of the World as the Christian-Sabbath they alledge these Scriptures Exod. 20. 8 10 11. Remember the Sabbath-Day to keep it Holy but the Seventh Day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any Work thou nor thy Son nor thy Daughter thy Man-Servant nor thy Maid-Servant