Triumph and Insultation as if they had wone Carthage 5. Q. Are all things necessary to salvation plainly and clearly propounded and opened in the Scripture so that even the unlearned in a due use of the ordinary means may understand them A. The entrance of thy word giveth light it giveth understanding to the simple Psal 119.130 The commandement is not hidden from thee neither is it far off it is nigh unto thee in thy mouth and in thy breast that thou mayest do it Deut. 30.13 Rom. 10.8 Thy word is a Light unto my feet and a Lanthern to my path Psal 119.105 We have a sure word of Prophecy whereunto ye do well to take heed as to a light shining in a dark place 2 Pet. 1.19 Note the Scripture is called a light and what is more clear and perspicuous than light Note the Papists deny the Scripture to be plain and intelligible by believers even in things necessary to salvation because 1. They would set the Authority of the Church of Rome above the Scripture 2. Bring all Christians to a blind belief of what ever they say 3. Discourage people from reading the Scripture 6. Q. What places of Scripture demonstrate the Pope of Rome to be the great Antichrist A. That day shall not come except there come a falling away first and that man of sin be revealed who exalteth himself above all that is called God sitteth in the Temple of God c. 2 Thes 2.3 c. I beheld another Beast and he had two horns like a Lamb he deceiveth them that dwell on Earth and exerciseth all the power of the first Beast Rev. 13.11 c. The great whore upon a scarlet coloured Beast having seven beads and ten horns upon her forehead was written mystery Babilon c. Rev. 17.1 2. see also 1 Tim. 4. 1. Dan. 7.20 Dan. 11.26 2 John 2.22 Note How could Daniel St. Paul St. John draw a Picture so like the Pope and never think upon him yea the Papists themselves and the ancient Fathers generally acknowledge that the great Antichrist is described in the forementioned places 2 Thes 2. Rev. 13. Dan. c. 7. c. 11. and it 's almost generally agreed by all that in Dan. c. 7. c. 11. Antiochus Epiphan is described as a Type and figure of Antichrist Note The Roman Empire when it was in four did hinder the Popes rising but the Empire decaying the Pope seized upon Rome and exalted himself upon the ruines of the Empire that this is the meaning of St. Paul in 2 Thes 2.7 He that letteth c. is generally granted by the ancient Fathers Note The seat of Antichrist is notably described Rev. 17.1.2 to be Popish Rome Note By the Dragon Rev. 12.3 understand the Devil as the Pagan and Heathen Roman Empire by the Beast with ten horns Rev. 13.1 understand the Christian Roman Empire corrupted with Popish Idolatry as the two horned Beast or false Prophet Rev. 13.11 is evidently the Pope Papists themselves grant this Beast to be Antichrist by the two witnesses Rev. 11.3 understand a succession of holy men testifying against Antichrist in the whole time of his Reign Antichrist shall Reign 1260. years as expositors generally agree and prove by Rev. 11.3 Rev. 13.5 Though there is difficulty when to begin his rise and Reign Prophetical dayes are years 1260 dayes are 1260 years Prophetical months are so many years as there are dayes in a month 42 months reckoning for every month 30 dayes are 1260 years so long Antichrist shall Reign and the witnesses Prophesie Therefore when the Papists ask where was the Church before Luther's time we answer it was in and among them though it was not of them in the several ages under the Reign of Antichrist some still opposed his Errours 7. Q. What is the infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture A. No prophesie of the Scripture is of any private interpretation 2 Pet. 1.20 Let us prophesie according to the proportion of faith Rom. 12.6 To this agree the words of the Prophets as it is written Acts 15.15 Note When there is a question about the true sense and meaning of any Scripture it must be known by comparing it with other places which speak more cleerly so that the Scripture it self is the only infallible rule of expounding the Scripture 8. Q. Who is the supreme Judge by whom all controversies in Religion are to be determined is it the holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture A. To the Law and to the Testimony if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them Esa 8.20 They searched the Scriptures daily whether those things were so Acts 17.11 Search the Scriptures John 5.29 Note The Papists contend that the Church is the supreme and infallible judge of Controversies in Religion and interpreter of the Scripture but being asked what they mean by the Church they confess they mean not the people but the Pastors the Church representative that is Bishops and Prelates assembled in Counsel And being asked what they understand by Councils they are forced to answer that all Counsels may err and so are no infallible judges nor certain interpreters of Scripture unless they be allowed and approved by the Pope whom they would have to judge in and of Counsels and so they resolve all power of judging and interpreting into him who they say cannot err and thus the supream and infallible judge of the Scripture and all controversies in Religion according to the Papists is the Bishop of Rome But he cannot be the supreme and infallible judge because 1. Their own Histories confess that many Popes have been Hereticks 2. Many have set forth contrary Decrees 3. Many Popes have beengrosly ignorant of the Scripture and in their Decrees have ridiculously and absurdly misapplyed it 4. Many of them have been prophane impious wicked and addicted to Magick and Sorcery 9. Q. Ought not the Scripture to be set forth in the vulgar and common speech is it dangerous for people to read the Scripture will it make them fall into Heresie or ought all people to be diligent readers of the Scripture what saith our Saviour what say the Prophets and Apostles concerning this A. Search the Scripture John 5.39 Ye do err not knowing the Scriptures Matt. 22.29 Thy testimonies are my delight and my Councellers Psal 119.24 Seek ye the book of the Lord and read Esa 34.16 They were more noble in that they searched the Scriptures daily Act. 17.11 They have Moses and the Prophets let them hear them Luke 16.29 From a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures 2 Tim. 3.15 Let the word of God dwell richly in you Col. 3.16 Sitting in his Chariot he read Esaias the Prophet Acts 8.28 Take the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God Eph. 6.17 Note The true reason why the Church of Rome forbids people to read the Scripture is because it would make people abhor the Popish Religion it being so plainly
Gods Jer. 2.11 Note the Heathens did excuse their Idolatry with the same distinctions as the Papists now make use of so they did not worship their Images as God but God by Images This appears by the Testimony of many ancient Fathers especially Arnobius Lactantius Augustine Chrysostome in many places 20. Q. What reasons are given in Scripture against the religious adoration of Images and worshipping of God by Images A. I the Lord thy God am a jealous God Com. 2. God is a Spirit they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in Truth John 4.24 To whom will ye liken God to what likeness will ye compare him he fitteth upon the circle of the Earth the Inhabitants thereof are as Grasboppers before him c. Isa 40.18 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you Deut. 4.2 Rom. 1.23 Note Gods glorious and incomprehensible nature cannot be represented to men by any Image but in a way of infinite disparagement to him Note All Popish Images are lyes their Images of God of the blessed Trinity of Christ for he is both God and man and cannot be truly represented and surely it is greatly unbecoming the glory of the Saints in Heaven to set them up in dul and senseless Images The Popish pictures and Images of Christs body are lyes for from whence should they have his true Effigies There being no Images or Pictures made of his body until many hundred years after his death and the Pictures of his body that they now have in several places are not alike in shape lineaments or colour Note Some of the most learned Papists affirm that no Image is to be worshipped properly with that worship which the thing represented is worshipped by for that is Idolatry other Papists no less learned say if an inferiour worship be given to the Image distinct from that which is given to the thing represented it is Idolatry so that which way soever you take you are guilty of Idolatry by their own confession 21. Q. Is the Toleration of Idolatry lawful A. Whosoever will not do the law of thy God and the Law of the King let judgment be executed speedily upon him Ezr. 7.26 If any entice thee secretly saying let us go serve other Gods thou shalt not conceal him Deut. 13.6 Josiah took away all the Abominations and made all in Israel to serve the Lord their God 2 Chron. 34.33 They enterd into a Covenant that whosoever would not seek the Lord God should be put to death 2 Chro. 15.13 Asa cut down her Idol and burnt it 2 Chron. 15.16 Thou sufferest Jezabel to seduce my servants Rev. 2.20 If thou do that which is evil be afraid he beareth not the sword in vain Rom. 13.14 I have something against thee because thou hast them that hold the doctrine of Balaam Rev. 2.20 Note The ancient Fathers observe that false Religions tolerated have a power to kill true Christianity in the Church and that this was the design of Julian the Apostate and valens the Arian in tolerating all Idolaters and Hereticks Note The Papists speak for toleration where themselves are under Hatches yet when they come to sit at Stern they judge and practise quite contrary witness the dayes of Queen Mary Note The Tares to be let alone Mat. 13.30 Signifie not Idolaters obstinate Hereticks for these are Briars and Thorns but such kind of evil persons as are like unto the good and come very near the truth as Tares do to the Wheat and so near that good men may be taken with them again let them alone may be a word of permission by way of providence God in his providence will permit some or other Tares ever to be in his Church not a word of precept by way of Ordinance Note No man is to be persecuted at all because all persecution is for righteousness sake 2. None is to be punished for his Conscience sake though erroneous unless his errours be fundamental or seditiously promoted and tend to destroy the souls of Gods people 22. Q. Is the Toleration of Popish Idolatry more perillous than of any other in regard of the civil peace and spiritual danger it being a mystery of iniquity and poyson in a golden Cup A. The mystery of iniquity doth already work 2 Thes 2.7 She had a golden Cup full of Abominations Rev. 17.4 Note Popish principles are utterly inconsistent with Government Their Councils Decretals and the books of their Divines teach that the Pope may depose Kings and Emperours transfer Kingdoms from one line to another absolve subjects from oaths of Alleigance that a King excommunicated may be killed by any one The Papists have murthered 4 or 5 Kings in this Realm since the Conquest that they are now quiet it is because they are not strong enough to carry a Rebellion Note The Papists pretend they are punished for serving God according to their Consciences but this plea is easily answered for 1. Treason is Treason though men think they are bound in Conscience to commit it one main point of the Popish Religion is Treasonable in it self and tends to destroy all evil Government and that is the Popes supream Authority and jurisdiction 2. The Papists have suffered for plain and evident Treasons and those Treasons were the occasions of making severe Laws à gainst them 3. The civil Government is bound to defend and maintain the true Religion and the publick peace and therefore may and ought to punish and suppress those persons that by any wilfull actions go about to destroy or disturb the true Religion or publick peace though such persons think themselves bound in conscience to do what they do 23. Q. Are there works of Supererogation can any do more than God requires or do all men in this life fall short of much which in duty they are bound to do A. When you have done all say we are unprofitable servants Luk. 17.10 How should a man be just with God if he will contend with him â—ob 9.2.3 Note The Papists distinguish between Commands and Evangelical Councils the doing of the former they account necessary to salvation the doing of the latter highly meritorious for that a man is not bound to do such things But this is repugnant to the Scripture which makes all Divine Councils to be commands Note The pride of Popery they teach that works of Supererogation are more noble and excellent than those of Gods Law Note There is much poyson in this Popish Doctrine 1. Hereby they debase the Law of God 2. Pretend to do all yea more then that the Law requires 3. Insinuate that by works of Supererogation they can help others 4. Affirm that their Monks and Fryars abound in these works c. And so shall have greater glory in Heaven and may satisfie for the sins of others viz. By their vow of single life of regular obedience c. 24. Q. Can any one in this life perfectly fulfill the Law of God did ever any man
The Plain Mans DEFENCE AGAINST Popery OR A DISCOURSE SHEWING The Flat Opposition of Popery to the Scripture Fitted for the use of the meanest Capacities and such as have not time to read Great Books By J. N. Chaplain to a Person of Honour London Printed for Tho. Parkhurst And are to be sold at the Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside near Mercers-Chappel 1675. Christian Reader THou wilt find in this little Tract an Account of the proper and chief Doctrines of the Romish Religion and their Contrarietie to the express Texts of Gods Word though indeed there is not one Point in which Papists differ from Protestants wherein they are agreed among themselves I shall only desire this of thee that thou be willing to submit thy Soul and Conscience to the clear and obvious sense of Scripture-Propositions and Testimonies J. N. THE CONTENTS 1. OF the Scripture Q. 1.2 3 4 5. 2. Of Antichrist Q. 6. 3. Of Controversies in Religion Q. 7.8 4. Of Reading the Scripture Q. 9. 5. Of the judgment of Discretion Q. 10. 6. Of the Apocrypha Q. 11. 7. Of sin Q. 12.13 8. Of Separation from the Church of Rome Q. 14. 9. Of Idolatry and Image worship Q. 15.16 17 18 19 20. 10. Of Toleration Q. 21. 11. Of the great danger in Tolerating Popish Idolatry 12. Of good works Q. 23.24 13. Of Assurance of Grace Q. 25. 14. Of Prayer Q 26.27 28 29 30. 15. Of Aequivocation Q. 31. 16. Of St. Peter Q. 32.33 17. Of the Head of the Church Q. 34. 18. Of the most wholesom Doctrine of justification by faith only Q. 35.36 37 38. 19. Of the lawfulness of Ministers Marriage Q. 39. 20. Of private Confession to a Priest Q. 40. 21. Of Christ's Satisfaction and merit Q. 41. 22. Of Popish pardons Indulgences Jubilees Q. 42. 23. Of Purgatory Q. 43. 24. Of the Sacraments Q. 44.45 46 47 48 52 53. 25. Of the Horrible Idolatry and Blasphemy of the Popish Masse and danger of going to it Q 49. 26. Of Transubstantiation and the damnable Idolatry of Papists in giving Divine worship to their Breaden God Q. 50.51 A plain Discourse shewing The flat opposition of Popery to the Scripture 1. Q. ARE People at first moved and induced to an high esteem of the holy Scripture by the Testimony of the Church A. The Church is the Pillar and ground of Truth 1 Tim. 3.15 Note the Apostle doth not say that the Church cannot err for the purest Churches under Heaven are subject to Errours but it holds forth and makes known Gods word and truth as Pillars hold forth the Proclamations and Edicts of Magistrates and Princes 2. Q. Are there not greater evidences for our belief of the Scripture to be the word of God than the bare Testimony of the Church which is but a humane Testimony and so fallible A. If we rceive the witness of men the witness of God is greater 1 John 5.9 When the Spirit of truth is come he will guide you into all truth John 16.13 The anointing teacheth you of all things and is the truth 1 John 2.27 The Gospel came to you not in word only but also in power and in the Holy Ghost and in much assurance 1 Thes 1.5 Note our full perswasion and assurance of the infallible truth and divine Authority of the Scripture is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit bearing witness by and with the word in our hearts Yet he doth not cause us to believe by Enthusiasme without any reason or evidence but he enlightens the understanding removes the blindness and depravedness thereof and makes us see what clear evidences and reasons there are to satisfie us that the Scripture is the word of God 3. Q. What are those clear evidences and reasons that prove the Scripture to be the word of God A. Declare things to come that we may know ye are Gods Isa 41.22 When the word of the Prophet shall come to pass then shall it be known that the Lord hath truly sent him Jer. 28.9 We know thou art a Teacher come from God for no man could do the miracles which thou dost except God be with him John 3.2 The Law of the Lord is perfect converting the Soul Psal 19.1 The word of God is quick and powerful sharper than any two edged Sword a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart Heb. 4.12 Through comfort of the Scripture we have hope Rom. 15.4 Note Besides the Testimony of the Church Five things especially evince the Scripture to come from God 1 The antiquity of it far exceeding the most ancient humane writings 2. It s miraculous preservation in all Ages against the rage of Satan and persecution of Tyrants 3. The wonderful and supernatural effects of it convincing converting and comforting the Soul 4. The marks of Divinity and Lineaments of Heavenly wisdom that plainly appear in it viz. Its Majesty purity perfection scope profound and glorious Revelations excellent rewards dreadful punishments c. 5. The seals of divine Authority annexed to it viz. 1. The spirit of Prophesie foretelling future events 2. The power of working famous and illustrious miracles to confirm the Doctrine of it 4. Q. Are all things necessary for mans salvation set down in Scripture either expresly or by necessary consequence A. The holy Scriptures are able to make thee wise to salvation that the man of God may be perfect and throughly furnished unto all good works 2. Tim. 3.16 The Law of God is perfect Psal 19.7 see Gal. 6.16 Isa 8.20 John 20.31 Deut. 12.32 Note The Scripture is called a Testament the chief property of which is to declare the whole will of the Testator Note The Papists teach that there are unwritten Traditions necessary to salvation because otherwise they know the main points of Popery must needs fall to the ground as having no proof of Scripture for them And because many things held and practised by them are not only besides but also repugnant to the Scripture they will not endure to have their Religion tryed by the Scripture Note In the age next to the Apostles Papias introduced the errour of the Chiliasts under Title of an Apostolical Tradition In like manner under the same Title the Papists have brought in an infinite number of corrupt Superstitious Idolatrous opinions and practices Note The ancient Fathers do oft by the name of Tradition understand the Doctrine contained in the Scripture and sometimes by unwritten Traditions they mean such things which are found in the Scripture not in express words but are contained therein by right and just consequence Note St. Paul 2 Thes 2.15 Doth not say that he did Preach or deliver any thing by word of mouth that is not set down in the Scripture The Popish argument runs thus all things necessary to salvation are not written in the Epistle to the Thessalonians therefore all things necessary to salvation are not contained in the Scripture This pittiful argument they manage with as much
shall be discharged from all temporal punishment for his sins both in this life and in purgatory Now this is the received Doctrine of the Roman Church for which they have no proof of Scripture nor testimony of the ancient Fathers nor can they agree among themselves about the effect and validity of these pardons and indulgencies yea this Doctrine is evidently contrary to Scripture absurd and basphemous For 1. Experience shews that the Popes pardons do not free men from sickness and death therefore not from all temporal sufferings 2. If Christs satisfaction be enough what need the Saints merits be joyned with it 3. How came the Treasure of the Church into the Popes keeping When did Christ give him the keyes of it 4. Why doth not Christs satisfaction remit the temporal punishment as well without the Popes indulgence as with it 5. The Scripture teaches that all punishment of sin is remitted by the merits and satisfaction of Christ alone Esa 63.3 Matth. 26.28 6. The Scripture affirms that God forgives sin fully and freely Rom. 8.1 7. No Saints have superabounding merits for their best works are imperfect Psal 130.3 8. One Saint cannot satisfie or merit for another every man shall bear his own burthen Gal. 6.5 Ezek. 18.20 Psal 49.8 Matth. 25.9 Prov. 9.12 Every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour 1 Cor. 3.8 Ezek. 14.20 Note The Popish Jubilee is now brought from every fiftieth year to every five and twentieth year or as oft as the Pope pleases he promises to give full remission of sins to all that personally visit the Apostles Churches at Rome if they be truly penitent and confessed this hath been so gainful a Trade that one of the Popes left 115000 Ducats to his Successor which he had scraped together by selling pardons upon computation it hath been found that the Pope hath had Three hundred thousand pounds yearly out of England for indulgences pardons Peter-pence jubilees and such like Popish trumpery in so much that England was by the Popes styled an inexhaustible Mine 43. Q. Is there any such place as Purgatory or doth the Scripture acknowledge only two places for men after this life viz. Heaven and Hell A. In Hell he lift up his eyes being in torments and seeth Abraham afarr off and Lazarus in his bosome Luke 16.23 They shall sit down with Abraham c. In the Kingdom of Heaven but the other shall be cast out into â—tter darkness where shall be weeping and â—nashing of Teeth Matth. 8.12 He that believeth shall be saved he that believeth not shall be damned Mark 16.16 2 Cor. 5.1 Rev. 14.13 Rev. 22.13 Esa 57.1 2 Tim. 4.8 Note It is blasphemy to say that men are purged by suffering of pains in purgatory whereby they satisfie for lesser sins and for the temporal punishment of their greater sins for the blood of Christ is the only purgatory for our sins Heb. 1.3 Heb. 9.14 Note The Papists divide Hell into four Regions 1. The Hell of the damned the place of eternal torment this we grant but the other are not only unwritten in Scripture but contrary to it 2. Purgatory next adjoyning to Hell and the torments of purgatory they say are as extreme as Hell torments but not eternal here they say the Souls of the faithful are tormented it may be a 100 or a 1000 years or longer except they be delivered by the Prayers Masses Alms of the living or the Popes pardons 3. The place or receptacle of Infants dying without Baptisme who they say suffer the loss of Heaven but no pain or torment 4. The place or receptacle of the Saints who dyed before Christ where they did remain in darkness but without pain until they were delivered by Christs descending into Hell Note The things which are seen are temporal the things which are not seen are eternal 2 Cor. 4.18 Hence it follows that there is no invisible place after this life which is not eternal therefore no Purgatory or Limbus Patrum Note The Apostle saith the whole Church all the Family whereof Christ is Head is either in Heaven or upon Earth Eph. 1.10 Eph. 3.15 Therefore there is no Purgatory or Limbus Note If any did need satisfactory purgation after death sure that Thief who was converted upon the Cross ought to have suffered the pains of purgatory many hundred years yet he went not into purgatory but Paradise Luke 23.43 Note If it be necessary as the Papists hold that the Saints must satisfie God for the guilt of temporal punishment and for lesser sins which they call venial then the Saints that are alive upon the Earth at Christs second coming must first go into purgatory before they can meet the Lord in the Air which is contrary to the Scripture 1 Thes 4.17 Note The Fable of purgatory came into the Romish Church out of the Heathen Writers Philosophers and Poets Plato Virgil Ovid c. Note The more men are afraid of the fire of purgatory the more money they will give for Indulgences Pardons Masses Prayers to be made for them after death The Popish Church knowing how gainful this Doctrine is contend fiercely for it for want of better proofs flye to Enthusiastick lying visions revelations forged miracles in their Legends strange stories are told of persons that have come out of purgatory and have related the manner and extremity of sufferings there which things have been believed by the ignorant multitude 44. Q. Are there more than two Sacraments namely Baptisme and the Lords Supper A. Go tâ—ach all Nations and Baptise them Matth. 28.19 Jesus took bread and when he had given thanks he brake it saying Take eat this is my body c. 1 Cor. 11.23 By one Spirit are we all Baptized into one Body and have been all made to drink into one Spirit 1 Cor. 12.13 see 1 Cor. 10.2 3. Note The Papists reckon seven Sacraments viz. Baptism the Lords Supper Confirmation Penance Matrimony Orders extreme unction But there can't be seven Sacraments properly so called For 1. They are never mentioned in any Scripture Creed or ancient Father they were first devised by Peter Lumbard 1439. Afterwards confirmed in the Council of â—â—ent 2. The Conditions required to a â—â—crament agree only unto Baptism and ◠〈◊〉 Lords Supper Note Five Conditions are required to a â—â—crament of the Gospel 1. That it be inâ—â—uted by Christ himself immediately 2. That it have some sensible sign 3. That it â—â—ve the promise of God concerning saâ—ng grace and eternal life added to the â—â—gn 4. That it represent seal and apply to â—elievers Christ and the benefits of the â—ew Covenant 5. That it be given to the â—hole Church to continue to the end of â—â—e world Note Though the Papists and Quakers â—gree in many things yet in the Doctrine â—f the Sacraments they differ very much â—or the Papists will have too many Sacraments and the Quakers none at all Papists set up false Sacraments and Quakers reâ—ect
the true Sacraments 45. Q. Doth the efficacy and being of the Sacrament depend upon the intention of the Priest or Minister A. Neither is he that planteth any thing neither he that watereth but God that giveth the encrease 1 Cor. 3.7 Notwithstanding every way whether in pretence or in truth Christ is preached I therein do rejoyce Phil. 1.18 Note The Ordinances of God depâ—â—â— not upon the holiness or intention of 〈◊〉 person that doth administer them but on the work of the spirit and the word 〈…〉 institution containing a precept for the 〈◊〉 of them and a promise of benefit 〈◊〉 them Note The Papists holding the intentiâ—â— of the Priest to be necessary to the makiâ—â— of a Sacrament hang their faith and salâ—â—tion upon great uncertainties they h 〈…〉 they cannot be saved without Baptism thâ—â— Baptism is no Baptism if the Priest did nâ—â— intend to make it a Sacrament How caâ— a Papist be sure of the Priests intention thus they hang their salvation upon thâ— meer will of an impious Priest They can be sure that they have any Sacraments oâ— Priests among them I must be certain thaâ— he is a Priest that Consecrates and that hâ— hath an intention to make a Sacrament but how can I be sure of this how can be sure of his Priesthood For I must firsâ— be assured of the Priesthood of him thaâ— Baptized him and of the intention of the Bishop that ordained him and of the intention of the Archbishop that ordained that Bishop which is impossible for me so that according to their own principles they can have no certainty that they are Christians 46. Q. Do the Sacraments confer grace by the meer work done the meer Sacramental action So that there needs no preparation qualification faith or devotion in those who receive A. Baptism doth save not the putting away of the filth of the flesh but he answer of a good Conscience 1 Pet. 3.21 Let a man examine himself and so let him eat of this Bread and drink of this cup 1 Cor. 11.28 Note The Papists teach that the Sacramental signs as water in Baptism c. have in them inherent power and vertue to work and produce grace as physick to cure fire to burn and that the Sacraments do always confer grace in the very moment of time when received But this is most absurd and false For 1. It is injurious to God for he only who made the heart can sanctifie it for the cleansing of the Soul by grace infused is of the same nature with Creation 2. It is plainly contrary to the Doctrine of the Apostles in the forementioned places 3. The Sacramental signs touch not the soul For instance water in Baptism toucheth not the Soul therefore cannot work grace in it 4. The word preached doth not profit without faith therefore much less Sacraments 5. Did the Sacrament conferr grace upon Judas did Simon Magus receive grace by Baptism doth not St. Peter say the contrary Act. 8.13 with 23. 6. The Scripture ascribes grace to God only as the immediate worker of it in us 7. If there be seven Sacraments and they confer grace by the meer work done it is strange that the Papists should have no more grace having so many and so efficacious Sacraments Note We grant the Sacraments are not meer signs but efficacious to work grace if they be rightly used we say 1. They are efficacious not by the meer work done but by the power and operation of the spirit 1 Cor. 12.13 Matth. 3.11 As Elishas bough made Iron to swim Moses Rod divided the Red Sea not by inherent force in it self but by the power of God 2. The efficacy of the Sacraments is not tyed to that moment of time wherein they are administred John 3.8 3. They become effectual means of salvation to such only as by faith receive them Mark 16.16 47. Q. Is water the only visible substantial sign to be used in Baptism A. I Baptize you with water Math. 3.11 Can any forbid water that these should not be Baptized Act. 10.47 Note The Papists use Salt Oyl and Spittle with many superstitious Ceremonies additions to the institution of Christ in Baptism King James of famous memory in his Apology hath these words The Queen my Mother at my Baptism although I was Baptized by a Popish Archbishop sent him word to forbear to use the spettle in my Baptism which was obeyed being indeed a filthy and apish trick Her own very words were that she would not have a Pockie Priest to spet in her Childs mouth 48. Q. Are all that die without Baptism undoubtedly damned and shut out of Heaven A. Baptism doth now save us not the putting away of the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good Conscience 1 Pet. 3.21 Mark 16.16 Note The Papists teach that all unbaptized are damned this is false for then 1. The penitent Thief could not be saved conrary to Luk. 23.43 2. Innumerable Infants must be damned for the neglect of their Parents a cruel uncharitable censure contrary to Gen. 17.7.1 Cor. 7.14 Rom. 4.11 Math. 19.14 Note Not the meer want but the contempt of Baptism is damnable Luke 7.31 The holy Ghost may be had without Baptism so it be not contemned therefore Salvation also Act. 10.47 Note John 3.5 is not to be understood of material water but rather of the sanctifying grace of Christ whereas water in Baptism is a sign The words of our Saviour are not properly of the external Sacrament more than John 6. Of the other Sacrament except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood ye have no life in you whereas all Infants are excluded from that Sacrament and consequently should be excluded from eternal life if the words were meant of the outward Sacrament It is a true rule in Divinity given by the ancient Fathers that the visible Sacrament is then supplyed invisibly when not the contempt of Religion but some inevitable necessity doth exclude the mystery of Baptism 49. Q. Is the Popish Sacrifice of the Masse a most abominable Idol is Christ offered up as a Sacrifice in the Lords Supper by the Priest Doth the Scripture say that Christ is often offered up as a Sacrifice for us or that he was only once offered up as a Sacrifice for us when he dyed upon the Cross A. Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many Heb. 9.28 We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus once for all Heb. 10.10 Christ after he had offered one Sacrifice for fins for ever sate down at the right hand of God Heb. 10.12 By one offering Christ hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified Heb. 10.14 Christ hath once suffered for sins that he might bring us to God 1 Pet. 3.18 Note The Papists say that in the Lords Supper the Minister is a Priest properly and doth offer up Christs body and blood as a Sacrifice to God for obtaining the pardon of