lesse then two or three Matt. 18.20 3. Beleevers living in severall distinct parts of this Kingdom neither acquainted one with another nor have any thing to doe each with another in the matters pertaining to a Church yet by vertue of their Faith in Christ may have that forme or constituting Cause of a Church hee alledgeth that brings it into relation unto Christ yet none will say they are Christs visible Church as the Apostle meaned when hee writ saying unto the Church of God at Corinth and unto the Church of Galatia and if any will say any thing of them it must be in the words of the Apostle Peter in his first Epistle first Chapter first Vers unto the strangers that dwell here and there throughout Pontus Galatia Capadocia Assia and Bithynia F. Because the Church of England hath the essentiall notes and markes of a true Church 1. The Word of God purely and powerfully Preach't profest and maintained which alwayes gather a People to the Lord being so taught 2. The lawfull Administration of the two Sacraments according to Christs Institution Matt. 28.19 20. 3. True obedience to the Word of God a right following Christ voice and conforming to his will 4. The Vnion with God by his Spirit and Faith and with his Saints by love R. As he could not make it good in the matter and forme of a true Church neither will these Notes and Markes be found in her to be a true Church but will prove like unto the Nethinims who came of the Gibeonites who pretended that they were of the Levites and sought their writing of the Genealogies but it was not found therefore they were put from the Priesthood Josh 9.3.4.9.27 Ezra 2.43.62 Nehem. 7.60.64 65. Laodicean saith I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing But the answer of God is and knowest not how thou art wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked Revel 3.17 To the first note for pure preaching of the Word of God it is purely when it is without mixture with humane rites or humane Tradition or Authority of humane Authours But the Church of England in stead of being like unto the House of God the Church of the living God the pillar and ground of truth 1 Tim. 3.15 to hold up and forth pure truth Doth she not hold out Truth mixt with humane rites and Traditions in the Authority of humane Authors witnesse the doctrine of Infants Baptisme which to doe Christ saith you worship me in vaine teaching for Doctrine mens Preceps 2. The Word is purely Preach'd when it is in the simple purity of the Word it self and not to be wise above what is written holding out nothing in matter of Faith and Worship then the pure Word of God holds out so to be which only is sufficient to make the man of God absolute and perfect to all good Workes 2 Tim. 3.15 16 17. But this is not a pure Preaching to affirme that the Scripture is not Sufficient to make the man of God perfect to every good worke Witnesse no man is able to preach the Gospel except he have humane Learning and the knowledge of Tongues 3. Thirdly then is the Word purely Preached when the whole Counsell of God is preached Act. 20.20.27 Now where any part of Gods Counsell is withstood there is no pure preaching of his Word but as it was said conserning the Pharisees and the expounders of the Law in the hearing of Christ preach'd in refusing to have heard to one part of Gods Truth in poynt of Johns Baptisme they were so farre from purely hearing the Word that they are said to despise the Counsell of God Luk. 7.30 so may it be said in the other respect to preach a part and not the whole Counsell of God made known is but to despise the Counsell of God Christs Prerogative Royall peculiar and alone King and Lawgiver to his Church is to be preach'd up and maintained Psal 2.6 Isaiah 9.6 Revel 19.16 and not to pretend to hold up Christs Prerogative in word only to spoile him of his Prerogative Royall which is so done when Christ hath said in his Word thus and thus shall ye preach my Word my will and my Commands But to contradict and say not so as the Word requires but thus and thus according to such and a humane Tradition of the Fathers this is to spoile Christ of his Prerogative as a King and to make void his Commands to his Church which he hath enjoyned them to observe unto the end of the World Mat. 28.20 And where any such things as these be are contrary to pure Doctrine there is not the Word purely preached Further not only purely but powerfully preach'd when according to the power of God subjecting people to the pure word of God that obedience that is from the heart unto the forme of the doctrine of Christ's Word to the truth as the truth is in Jesus not only to one Truth but every Truth of Christ teaching them to observe all that I command you Mat. 28.20 And the Word in such purity and power as the Apostles preach'd it calling and bringing home people unto God this they did in severall places and all this while not a note or marke of a true Church gathered for after this they planted Churches and of these Converts were joyned unto Churches and this may be out of a Church calling and conversion as the hand of the Lord was with divers after the scattering of the Church for the persecution about Stephen Act. 11.19 20 21. 2. F. Note But in the Church of England is the lawfull administration of the two Sacraments according to Christs Institution Mat. 28.19 20. R. By this note or marke of a true Church hee cannot make it good First the two Sacraments must be lawfully Administred and then lawfully when done according to Christs Institution Matt. 28.19 20. Goe teach all Nations baptizing them in the Name of the Father and the Sonne and the holy Ghost In the Institution is plainly laid downe First Teach and then Baptize hee must so teach as the party be instructed by teaching teaching implies a Schollar learning Goe Teach all Nations that is Disciples all Nations Baptizing them Now how lawfully hath this Sacrament been by Mr. Knution or those his aspersion pleads for administred lawfully hath he taught or were they taught Disciples they administred Baptisme upon if not then not lawfully administred as the Institution is given by Christ to be observed Children cannot be the lawfull subjects of this Sacrament for they are not capable of teaching Christ Institutes and commands one thing you say and doe another thing he saith Teach and Baptize you say no Baptise without Teaching yea the untaught and such uncapable of teaching Is this a lawfull administration of this Sacrament and one will not serve without the other if that were lawfully administred for he enjoynes teaching to observe all that he commands vers the 20. F. 3. Note
A Briefe or Generall REPLY UNTO Mr. KNUTTONS Answers unto the VII QUESTIONS About the Controversie betwen the Church of ENGLAND AND The SEPARATIST and ANABAPTIST Briefly discussed By JOHN MABBATT Prov. 22.19 20 21. verses Vers 19. That thy Confidence may be in the LORD I have shewed thee this day thou therefore take heed Vers 20. Have not I written unto thee three things in Counsells and Knowledge Vers 21. That I might shew thee the assurance of the words of Truth to answer the words of truth to them that send to thee 2 Tim. 2.9 Even unto bonds but the Word of God is not bound Prov. 30.5 Every word of God is pure he is a shield to those that trust in him Printed in the Yeere 1645. Vpon the Honourable Court of Parliament Englands worthy Patriots be the spirit of magnanimity profunditie of wisedome and sound judgement the pleasure of Industriousnesse the happy reaping of a righteous soweing mercy abundantly and seasonably beshowring the fruits of the ground with a blessed increase for under the defence of the All-protection I doubt not of the free passage of all and every Truth A rich Treasure for Parliament and Kingdome the ground or cause of this following discourse as the seed of it was the Tenents of the Separation Mr. Knutton charged to be unchristian in his opposite writing yet I suppose the blade that riseth from the seed which sometimes an opposite controversie in some sense may be said to bee yet I hope will not be offended at the graine in thee are ripened for the use of the Owner thereof yet will be burne up the Chaffe with unquenchable fire ¶ The Power of safety overshadow the PARLIAMENT and glory dwell in our Land UNto the Pyons inquiring understanding Reader increase of knowledge is a portion of God in promise yours then shall we know the Lord when we follow on to know him Hosea 6.3 And as the weight of all heavenly knowledge is God therein understood so is there a worth in the knowledge of heavenly things in the knowing of them according unto God which knowledge no man hath by nature but only of God and in him enjoyed who manifesting himselfe unto us gives forth the knowledge of things which wee understood not before opening the mouth to confesse him and the things of him though others deny him and will not receive him nor the things of him But like the Jewes that would not beleeve that Christ gave sight unto the man that was borne blind Joh. 9.18 so is it with many too like the Pharisees who would not acknowledge God in it yet would hee that was blind but then seeing confesse Jesus although the Jewes had ordained that if any man did confesse that he was the Christ hee should be excommunicated out of the Synagogue who being cast out by them yet imbraced by Christ So is Christ unto all his holding fast his truths though for it they are excluded by men in reading these few lines in this reply you must not expect Scholler Phrases nor the eloquence of the wisedome of men the Greeks seek after no such things as runnes in the streame amongst men generally in allowance for we are not ignorant how that this way is spoken against every where yet God causeth Truth to gaine such that in receiving it are advantaged by it though there may be as Solomon saith a price in the hand of a fool yet he hath not the heart to take it but in you Beloved let the Word of God dwell plenteously or richly try the spirits search the Scriptures examine the texts of Scriptures alledged in proof in this matter in reply And as you read you shall first have the originall Question then Mr. Knuttons Answer Reason or Objection marked with the Letter F and Ob. wherein there passeth not a word but what was his owne Secondly in Note for that is mine in Replie is noted with the Letter R and A. which matter in Replie wherein it holds out my Judgement and practise with those Churches in the faith and order of the Gospel am willing to be tryed by the Scriptures as knowing that the day shall declare all things approved and what shall be disapproved that matter that is declared unto us shall be approved is the matter that the Scripture evinceth and approveth unto us and whosoever shall walke according to this Rule Peace shall be upon them and Mercy upon the Israel of God desiring not to be found in our owne righteousnesse after the Law but in the righteousnesse of God by faith in Jesus Christ under which covering the Lord everlastingly find you Beloved after your effectuall call of God unto the Faith and Order of the Gospel in Nottingham Grace Mercy and Peace be multiplied unto you from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ although since it hath pleased God to make knowne his truth unto you you are not with us unacquainted with what Controversie Contention Tumults Oppositions that both you and the Churches in London and other parts of the Country have and doe meet withall for walking up to the Light of truth made knowne to us from God who hath fulfilled his promise unto us saying That hee would teach us and lead us in the way that we have not knowne Isai the 42.15 16. Vers in whom also we trust he will fulfill that his promise in Isai 49.11 where he saith I will make all my mountaines as a way and my paths shall be exalted Behold it much rejoyced mee and I was glad to heare that the knowledge of the true and pure Wayes of God was in manifestation unto you in Nottingham which was unknowne and unheard of by me that it was so amongst you untill that which was in opposition against you came out in publike view and Print here in London against you which one having one of the Books knowing it contrary to my judgement and practise gave it me saying here is that takes you to doe which I took and read understanding in it that the Author affirmes that he cannot maintaine in which affirmation of his the truth being opposed was one reason put me upon this Reply to his book the second Reason was in referrence to those persons in Nottingham opposed though unacquainted with any of them yet bearing affection to them as those in that Countie of Aliance from which I had my discent Among whom I hearing the truth imbraced was moved in referrence unto them having to them both an inward and outward relation yet through consciousnesse of mine own inabilitie found some demurre but being by a friend stirred to it and informing me of the desire in the contrary that there might be some answer unto Mr. Knuttons Booke I from a willing principle according unto the former reasons so to doe willingly according to what abillity and time God gave me I have made this Reply that his supposed Answers to these 7. Questions in his Book may appear as they are void
and upon him that takes Tythes which the Gospel sets at liberty from 1. To pay Tythes is to be bound to the whole law of Tythes in which was a Lambe to be brought for a sinne-offering which is abolished 2. He that was to take Tythes was one who offered daily sacrifice for sinne which if any doe so now he denies Christ come in the flesh and the alone sacrifice for sin by his death A word or two to that appertaines to the Gospel Ministers and the maintenance of them in that the Gospel holds out to us 1. Concerning the Lords ordaining that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel that the Word of God holds out to us in the time of the Gospel by his Worke he is to be a preacher of the Gospel 2 Cor. 9.14 Secondly the Word holds out to us the nature or quallity of this worke that it is in one preaching the Gospel chosen in the Church to this worke is to labour in the Word and Doctrine 1 Tim. 5.17 the Word requires of him that it may be so these things in diligence labour 1. Attending upon the work Rom. 12.7 8. 2. Herein he is to give attendance to reading of the Scriptures 1 Tim. 4.13 2 Tim. 3.16 3. Which study to shew himselfe approved unto God a workman that need not to be ashamed deviding the Word of God aright 2 Tim. 2.15 4. He must hold fast the true pattern of wholsome words 2 Tim. 1.13 Tit. 1.9 5. He must be apt to teach 1 Tim. 3.2 2 Tim. 2.24 6. Hearkning to the Exhortation of Christ by his Word to this Worke through the Spirit fulfilling obedience to the exhortation from the same Spirit dwelling within them 2 Tim. 1.14 7. Laboriously finishing this worke of preaching the Gospel watching thereunto 2 Tim. 4.2.5 And as these seven particulars are considerable to lie in the worke of the Ministery in preaching the Gospel so there is these foure or five properties the Word requires of those will take upon them this Work and undergoe it 1. Willingly not by constraint nor for silthy Lucre but of a ready mind in a simple freenesse to serve the Church the folk of Christ 1 Pet. 5.2 2. A high esteem of the Worke in preaching the Gospel counting it in it self that they have a precious reward in being imployed in the Worke it self 1 Tim. 1.12 1 Cor. 9.17 18. 3. Contentednesse of mind notwithstanding the want of any outward thing to supply them for this their work 1 Tim. 6.6 1 Cor. 4.11 12 13. Ephes 4.11 12. 4. Free and willing subjection to suffer any thing for the Church in the Cause of Christ Act. 20.22 23 24. Act. 21.13 Coloss 1.24 5. And all this freenesse of will to the worke and undergoing and accomplishing of it to be from no other principle or power then by Jesus Christ alone Phil. 4.13 Gal. 1.11 12. John 15.5 Rom. 15.18 Further in reference unto those that are to give the maintenance unto those that preach the Gospel are considerable in these particulars 1. Is to acknowledge that God hath ordained that those that preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel 1 Cor. 19.14 1 Thes 5.12 2. That the maintenance is there to be given and communicated in that Church wherein the Minister labours in preaching the Gospel 1 Thes 5.12 now when he that labours in the Gospel the Church is thus united as he is over them their Pastor they the flock the Word requires 1. That they should have them in singular love for the Work sake 1 Thess 5.13 2. Such alone as highly esteem of them Phil. 2.29 Isai 52.17 Nahum 1.15 Rom. 10.15 2 Cor. 8.24 3. So as they count them worthy of double honour Tim. 5.17 4. Such alone as is fruitfull in giving and communicating of all needfull yea bountifull supply unto them according to their abilitie Phil. 4.14 15 16 17 18. 2 Cor. 18.1 2 3 4 5 6. 2 Cor. 9.5.13 5. And which is not the least discovery of the true love unto the Pastors preaching the Gospel to receive their ministery in all love attending and hearkning unto their Ministery they have received of the Lord and Minister unto them which is one of the chefest fruits the true Pastor will rejoyce and take pleasure in amongst his flock in the Lord. 2 Cor. 7.2 1 Pet. 2.2 Heb. 13.17 Rom. 1.8 10.11 12. Phil. 4.1 1 Thess 2.13.19 20. the third Epist of John vers 3 4. And with this they both pray for them and praise God for them Heb. 13.18 Gal. 1.22 23. Two particulars concerning the Pastor in reference to his maintenance 1. To be contented with the free Contribution of the Church under the exhortation of the Word 2 Cor. 9.6 Phil. 4.12 2. The place where he is to receive his maintenance is of the Church by whom he is freely chosen and elected in Ordination over them labouring in the Word and Doctrine Act. 20.28 Gal. 6.6 1 Thess 5.12 13. Phil. 4.15 Act. 14.23 QVESTION IIII. ¶ Whether is the Baptisme of Infants a true and lawfull Baptisme or not F. I Affirme it is as true right Lawfull and fit Baptisme and ought to be used in a Christian Church professing Gods Truth R. Baptisme of Infants is not true Baptisme the Reason is because true Baptisme hath the truth of Christ witnesseth it to be true Baptisme but the truth of Christ witnesseth not that the Baptisme of Infants is true Baptisme Act. 10.47.48 Act. 11.17.18 Act. 8.12 2 Reas Is not right and lawfull Baptisme because right and lawfull Baptisme according to Christs Institution is to Teach and Baptise but Infants are not capable of being taught therefore not to be Baptized Matt. 18 19. Mar. 16.15.16 3. That Baptisme that the truth of Christ testifies not to be his Baptisme and is such that is not right and lawfull from the institution is not fit but unsuitable any such thing should be observed by any Church professing the truth of Christ Col. 2.5 6. Ephes 4.21 2 Cor. 13.8 Ob. F. Because there is the same Analogy of reason of Baptisme as of Circumcision the same internall and spirituall thing signifie Remission of sinnes and Mortification of the flesh A.R. It is denied there is not the same Analogy of reason of Circumcision as is of Baptisme for they differ in the Institution in their subject and in the Covenant to which either did appertaine As may be seen for Circumcision God Institutes it in Gen. 17.8 9. God saith to Abraham I will give thee and thy seed after thee the Land even all the Land of Canaan for an everlasting possession and I will be their God upon this God enjoynes him and his seed to keep his Covenant what that is is laid downe in the 10.11.12 13.14 verses of the same Chapter following in signe and obligation to which they were to be Circumcised thus in the institution of Circumcision here is the ground laid down God makes it with Abraham and
mercy of Christ to his not to leave them for their defects and weaknesses but it is not to maintaine their defects and weaknesses in them but to work them out of them But for you to say Christ leaves you not as considered by you the Church of England you cannot maintaine for Christ upholds nor maintaineth no other House or Church then that which is of his own building that is founded upon himself nor no other Ordinances then those of his owne Institution Heb. 3.6 Mat. 7.24 25 with the 21 22 23. verses of the same Chapter Ob. It appeares Christ dwells amongst us because he hath setled his Sacred Word amongst us sent us many Godly and learned Teachers and where these are teaching the truth there is Christ Mat. 28.20 An. It is not onely having the Word taught but there must be the receiving obeying and conforming unto it is that Scripture received you aledged in Matt. 28.19 20. observed are fought against Doe you according to the Institution in 19. vers goe teach and Baptise Is there that teaching to observe all that Christ commands if the Word come neer you only in Declaration not hearkened to as to obey it but opposed the Kingdome of God comes neer you but not to stay with you opposition against the truthes of Christ by a people prosageth Christs Word departing from them Act. 18.5 6. Mat. 10.14 Ob. He hath converted many souls in our Land to himself by the faithful dispensation of his Ordinances and where all this is there Christ is resident An. The more the mercy and grace of God hath showne forth it selfe to convert many foules unto himself in the Land the more meet matter by him is there for his House and Building and the faithfulnesse that hath done this is Gods and not mans Christ is the life and power of Conversion and not Ordinances Act. 16.14 Act. 14.27 Act. 3.26 And for that of Christ being resident is considerable these two things 1. He is resident with his people as considered his in Conversion and in another respect as they are his Church hee is not resident with them as he is with his Saints coupled and compacted together as they are his Church not till they are so coupled and compacted together For if he were so this would imply Church fellowship needlesse and would worke unto annullity of it But Christ calling and converting by his Word unto himself is for the increasing building of his Church Act. 2.41 42. and so are interessed into all the priviledges of his Church Pet. 2.2 3 4 5 and so have him resident with them as his Church Matt. 18.20 Ephes 2.21 22. Ob. Because in separating from our assemblies ordinances such prevent the exercises of many a holy 〈◊〉 which you might ought to have performed amongst us A. But that assembly 〈◊〉 stands repugnant unto the use of Christs Ordinance according to this Instiâ—â—â—ion or repugnant unto the Saints priviledges and that wherein they are 〈…〉 in their duty in 〈◊〉 to edifie as in the body of Christ his Church 〈…〉 another according to the effectuall power of each part to 〈…〉 it self in love Ep. 〈◊〉 16.17 is that assembly Christ is 〈◊〉 head of nor his Saints 〈…〉 members of it for if he were the head 〈…〉 be the doing the thing 〈…〉 as he saith then am I you◠〈…〉 when you do that I commâ—◠〈…〉 head say I have no need of 〈…〉 Ob. Because this seperatiâ—◠〈…〉 cleer Heb. 10.25 26. for such 〈…〉 holy Ordinances amongst us 〈…〉 Christ his presence and love from 〈…〉 Truth and to sinne 〈…〉 A. Whether is the ready 〈…〉 obedience unto the truths of 〈…〉 stand in open opposition unto the truth of 〈…〉 cording of the Saints unto that manner of 〈…〉 quires is in the way an union of the spirit 〈…〉 that assembly that answers not unto 〈…〉 warrs against and opposeth such asseâ—◠〈…〉 Saints as Christ requires and would 〈…〉 sin against the holy Ghost Act. 13.50 〈…〉 despise or disert Christian assemblies 〈…〉 with that assembly that is truly Chrisâ—◠〈…〉 truly such who dispiseth or diserteth 〈…〉 those that make out after them to enjoy them according to the will of Christ or those that cleave to those for Christs Ordinances to be his his will declares not to be such Collos 2.20.21 22 23. Ob. They are his Ordinances though there be same defects and imperfections A. A fundamentall defect in and Ordinances is such that it cannot be said to be his Ordinance Rev. 2.9 Rev. 3.9 I know saith Christ the blasphemy of them that say they are Jews and are not but are the Synagogue of Satan they professe themselves to be Jews but the gathering together was of Satan Now every Ordinance of Christ is sundamentally made good to us to be such from the word of Christ as we have the Apostle Paul 1 Cor. 11.23 therefore that I have received of the Lord that I deliver unto you as concerning the Supper according to that Matth. 28.20 Teach them to observe all that I command you the Church of GOD is his great Ordinance which fundamentally is made out to us by the Word Mat. 18.20 1 Pet. 2.5 Ephes 2.20.21 22. So is Baptisme in its sundamentall is laid down how to be in the Institution Mat. 28.19 Mar. 16.16 as well as the Ordinance of Preaching which fundamentally is sending Rom. 10.15 Now for any to professe an Ordinance to be 〈…〉 which is deficient in 〈◊〉 fundamentall of his Ordinaâ—â—â— as â—â—â—tuted by 〈◊〉 there is not Christ 〈…〉 in his love and will as with that which is his Ordinance yet of his 〈…〉 he may bring over these into the 〈◊〉 â—dience of himself in his 〈…〉 26 27 28 29 3 〈◊〉 Though it may be gran 〈…〉 him of his geace according to the 〈…〉 where it listeth and that some 〈…〉 show it forth in many 〈…〉 Ministery made out to us 〈…〉 Officiall Ministery Fur 〈…〉 did communicate it forth to 〈…〉 that through the grace of 〈…〉 and lively building of Gods 〈…〉 â—ation in the order and fellowship of the Go 〈…〉 requires that it should not â—e so but so far 〈…〉 Christ should be unto thee for Ordinance 〈…〉 in his love truly from them hee is 〈…〉 Thus is hee to all are made one with 〈…〉 that the Spirit shall lead them into 〈…〉 â—â—ted from you as the Church of England can be in 〈…〉 house Christ speakes of that was built upon the sands which when the raine fell and the floods came and the winde blew and beat upon that house and it fell and the fall thereof was great Mat. 7.26 27. and the foundation thereof discovered to have been only upon the sands they heard the words of Christ but the spirit of life in obedience with conjunction unto Christs Word and will they had not Mat. 7.21.22.23 24 25. For they were such as heard the words of Christ but did them not who was likened unto a foolish man