spirits of those Ministers of the Gospell whom they had found by experience to be true and faithfull servants of God as it is evident from 1 John 4. 1. for it is not said there that they should not beleeve any but not every spirit and that not because of the true and faithfull Ministers of the Gospell who were already known and received but by reason of false Ministers and Prophets who had either revolted or intruded themselves into the Church for it was a different case when those lawfull Ministers were not as yet received for such by the people and known by experience as it is manifest both by our Saviours speech to the Jews John 7.14 15 16 17 18. and the example of the Beroeans Acts 17.10 11 12. for in that case the word of the lawfull Ministers of the Gospell was left to be examined by the people that doubted of it not as if any errour either were or were to be found by the people therein but that the doubting examiner after a due search might be infallibly assured that no errour either was or was to be found there which is so true that whether the examiner of that word said or beleeved that he had found an errour therein or affirmed that he had found no errour therein yet their word remaineth as before wholly intrinsically undoubtedly and meerly true 1 Cor. 14.37 38. but after they had found those Ministers to be true and lawfull that of the Apostle taketh place 1 Thes 2.13 For this cause also we Paul Sylvanus and Timotheus give thanks to God incessantly in that when ye received the word of God preached by us ye received it not as the word of men but as it is indeed the word of God which also effectually worketh in you that beleeve Wherefore as at this day none suspecteth godly Ministers who are known and received for such that they in their preaching wilfully depart from the known truth but is rather perswaded that their whole endeavour is to keepe close to it so likewise it is to be granted that the people of that age were fully perswaded of their Ministers who were known to be godly that they rightly imployed their gifts which Ministers since they might continue in the meer purity of that word and not depart from it must needs performe that which they desired and were able to do and consequently there was no reason that the faithfull of that age should have any sinister suspition of such Ministers untill by contrary proofs of evil life and doctrine they had rendred themselves unworthy to be accounted lawfull Ministers of God which if they did it could easily be discovered by the faithfull of that age as we have already shewn in the thirteenth Article 16. But though some particular Ministers in the time of the Apostles did indeed revolt from the word of the Gospell yet did they not presently forfeit their Ministery because as they might revolt so they might repent and returne againe into the right way a Apoc. 3.1 2 3 14 15 16 17 18 19 Col. 4.17 1 Tim. 1.3 4. and therefore there was hope that they would revert to the integrity of their first institution wherein Christ had given them a faculty to preach the Gospell by way of embassage for God which faculty they had both reduced into act in the beginning of their preaching and though they had afterwards revolted yet if they were not wanting to themselves might again renew it and therefore because according to the institution and will of Christ they had been furnished with a word that was wholly intrinsically undoubtedly and meerly true and had been specially and duly called by Apostles or Apostolick men to officiate for God likewise because they might persist in the originall truth of their institution or if they revolted return unto it again for this reason I say they did not presently forfeit the title and function of Ministers of the Gospel because there was hope that they would again return to those divine beginnings which would have had no place if either their doctrine had not at first been instituted by Christ that they by it might officiate for God or they had not gotten a faculty to preach a word wholly intrinsically undoubtedly and meerly true or they could not have persisted in that truth though they endeavoured it never so much or there had been no hope that they could attain to the truth of the first institution of the Ministers of Christ or in a word if they had never before really performed or were not as yet able to perform the things that were requisit to the first institution of Christ Ephes 4.11 c. for in these cases it necessarily followeth that they who had never stood in such or such a condition cannot be said to fall from it much lesse that they are able still to persist in it Apoc. 3. v. 1. And unto the Angel of the Church in Sardis Write These things saith he that hath the seven spirits of God and the seven stars I know thy works that thou hast a name that thou livest and art dead v. 2. Be watchful and strengthen the things which remain that are ready to die for I have not found thy works perfect before God v. 3. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard and hold fast and repent If therefore thou shalt not watch I will come on thee as a thief and thou shalt no know what hour I will come upon thee v. 14. And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write These things saith the Amen the faithfull and true witness the beginning of the creation of God v. 15. I know thy works that thou art neither cold nor hot I would thou wert cold or hot v. 16. So then because thou art lukewarm and neither cold nor hot I will spue thee out of my mouth v. 17. Because thou sayest I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing and knowest not that thou art wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked v. 18. I counsell thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire that thou mayest be rich and white raiment that thou mayest be clothed and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear and anoint thine eyes with eye salve that thou mayest see v. 19. As many as I love I rebuke and chasten be zealous therefore and repent Col. 4. v. 17. And say to Archippus Take heed to the ministery which thou hast received in the Lord that thou fulfill it 1 Tim. 1. v. 3. As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus when I went into Macedonia that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine v. 4. Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies which minister questions rather then edifying which is in faith so do 17. Wherefore since in the institution of Christ regard is to be had to the gifts wherewith particular Ministers were instituted by him and not to
mutuall forbearance And I make no doubt if this course were once taken but God would meete us going on in his way and confirme his truth by some cleare and infallible demonstration that so all contentions about Religion might at length receive a quiet and happy Catastrophe TO THE LAW AND TO The TESTIMONIE Article 1. IN the first place we are to hold that God hath built the Christian Church on no other foundation but Iesus Christ who by the price of his bloud hath purchased her to himself for a peculiar possession as being her Lord Husband and Lawgiver and therefore that all right and authority of lawfull and due Ecclesiastick Administration ought to be derived from Him alone and consequently that the meanes and manner of that Administration neither can nor ought to be any other then such as argue Christ to be their Author so that if in the right authority meanes or manner of the Administration both heretofore and at this day used there occurre any thing of which it is certain that it was never instituted commanded or well-pleasingly permitted by Christ or at least whereof it may justly be doubted that very thing neither can nor ought to be made use of to the lawfull and due administration of the Church 2. Wherefore since the promise of Christ whereby he hath engaged himself to the Church behaving her self faithfully in the Covenant of God that he will be present with her to the end of the world graciously and effectually to conferre and continue the things aforesaid consisteth herein that his Spirit and Word never depart from that Church It is to be considered by all and singular Assemblies of Christians who acknowledge the Scripture of the Old and New Testament for the only Rule of faith and manners especially such as are under persecution whether that promised Spirit and Word of Christ be present with their Churches lest by the absence of both they appear to have broken the Covenant and to be without due and lawfull Ecclesiastick Administration and consequently so far forth without Christ 3. As Christ is sole and singular in that he admitteth no other person or persons to share with himself in the speciall worke for which he was given to the Church by the Father so is the Word of Christ sole and single because it admitteth no other word or words to share with it self in the aforesaid speciall work for which it was given to the Church by God 4. It is agreed upon amongst all Assemblies that acknowledge none but the Scripture of the Old and New Testament for the only Rule of faith and manners that that promised VVord of Christ was therefore amongst other things pertaining to that work given to the Church by God that it might be a wholly intrinsically undoubtedly and meerly true outward meanes whereby in an ordinary way she might attain to salvation 5. For if that VVord were not such a meanes the belief of all things built upon it must needs stagger neither could any man thence challenge to himself that undoubted certainty of faith and consequently no true certainty of faith but only opinion should possesse the minds of all Christians which God forbid 6. Since therefore the ordinary outward means given to the Church by God for the attainment of faith and salvation is that sole and single promised Word of Christ wholly intrinsically undoubtedly and meerly true whose native character it is to be free from all even the least error and to be meer truth It is to be considered whether God and Christ to this end would have the cheife worship of the New Testament to wit the due and lawfull preaching of the Gospel which is to be performed in the Name of God by Ministers specially and duly called thereunto as the chief part of Ecclesiastick Administration begun and set on foot by that promised Word only or not 7. Certainly if you consider the first preaching of the Gospell performed by John the Baptist by our Lord himselfe and his Apostles you cannot deny that God would have it at the first begun with that promised Word only being as it hath been said wholly intrinsically undoubtedly and meerly true 8. VVherefore the first lawfull preaching of the Gospell was performed by word of mouth and that such as was sincere sound unblamable abiding for ever and of which it might be truly and undoubtedly said Thy Word is Truth 9. In like manner you cannot deny that the aforesaid Beginners and Preachers of the Gospel being specially and duly called thereunto preached that Word in the name of God or in the stead and by the authority of God so that being Embassadors for God they sustained his person and consequently to hear them was as much as to hear God himself speaking by them so that their word was wholly intrinsically undoubtedly and meerly true and both they that preached it and they that received them for Ministers preaching in the name of God were infallibly assured of the truth of that word as of the very VVord of God 10. Now as there is but one Gospel a Gal. 1. ver 6 7. so there is but one true and genuine word of the Gospel b ver 8 9. which is and is called the truth c Ioh. 17. v. 14.17 the word of truth d Eph. 1. ver 13. the sincere rationall milke e 1 Pet. 2. v. 2. not the word of men but as it is indeed the word of God f 1 Thes 2. v. 13. which was not yea and nay but yea g 2 Cor. 1. v. 18 19 20. with chap. 7.14 also the word of God that abideth for ever i 1 Pet. 1. v. 25. that is the promised word of Christ wholly intrinsically undoubtedly and meerly true to declare which they that were sent as Embassadors for Christ had an expresse Commission and were furnisht with sufficient gifts for the due performance of their Embassie as cannot be denied vid. l 2 Cor. 5. v. 20. 1 Thes 2. v. 13. m Eph. 4. v. 11. n 1 Cor. 2. v. 12 13 16. Acts 5.20 Rom. 6.17 and chap. 16. v. 17. 1 Cor. 4. v. 17. 2 Ioh. v. 9 10. Iude v. 3. o 2 Cor. 3. v. 5 6. and chap. 4. v. 1 2. and chap. 6. v. 4 7. and chap. 7. v. 14. Gal. 1. v. 6. I marvell that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel v. 7. Which is not another but there be some that trouble you and would pervert the Gospel of Christ v. 8. But though we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you then that which we have preached unto you let him be accursed v. 9. As we said before so say I now again If any man preach any other gospel unto you then that ye have received let him be accursed Ioh. 17. v. 14. I have given them thy word and the world hath hated them because they are not of the world even as I am not of the world v.
TO THE LAW AND TO The TESTIMONIE OR A Proposall of certain Cases of Conscience by way of quaere chiefly touching the publick worship of the New Testament and other things either necessary or profitable for Christianity presented to those Churches and Societies of Christians which professe the Scripture of the Old and New Testament for the only Rule of Faith Manners Wherein the true and genuine way to reconcile Christians is laid open Translated out of Latine into English by a lover of Truth and Peace LONDON Printed for George Whittington at the Blew Anchor in Cornhill neer the Royall Exchange 1648. TO THE READER COurteous Reader That the Authors name and other circumstances of the Work are not here expressed know it was done for thy sake to prevent sinister prejudice which is wont commonly to arise from such undertakings especially when men write pro and con Otherwise there is no reason why they should not be published to all men In the meane time if thou knowest any thing belonging to this designe conceale it till the Author when he shall judge it expedient manifest himself Farewell Reade Iudge Answer but on this condition that thou remember it spoken to thy self and others Iohn 7.24 Judge not according to the appearance but judge righteous judgement A PREFACE WHosoever shall diligently enquire into the stirres and tumults that are every where to be seen amongst Christians will finde them chiefely to arise from hence that the Leaders of almost every Party claime to themselves a divine authority as if they were true Preachers and men of God Upon which ground they are so busie in stirring up not only private Christians but also Magistrates to engage themselves in the quarrell of the Church that is of the Priests esteeming the determinations of the Church as the Oracles of God Constantine the Great though otherwise a sage and excellent Prince was yet brought into this fooles paradise and so exceedingly doated on the Priests as that he stuck not to say that the voice of three hundred Bishops met together was no other then the voice of God himselfe and accordingly imployed his power in persecuting those whom the Bishops had voted Heretiques In whose steps Christian Princes have ever since for the most part trodden to the great disturbance of their Subjects and many times to the hazard of their own Crownes Wherefore it much conduceth to the Peace and Welfare of Christian States that the vanity of the claime which the Priests lay to divine Authority should be detected made known to the world that Christians may cease for shame to prosecute any longer their interests perceiving their office to be but an ordinance of man For if they as they pretend had received a Commission from God they would not only know when they received it and what the particulars of it are but would also be able to make it appeare to others For it would be unsuitable to the wisedome of God to send messengers on other termes since he would thereby expose not only them but his own Majesty to scorne and contempt For who would not laugh at such a Prince as should send Embassadours to treat of some waighty affayres in his Name without a Commission or Letters of Credence to give assurance of their Embassie But the Preachers of our times can neither tell us when the Word of God came to them as being instituted of man without any divine Revelation nor do they know what the particulars of their message are as learning all their skill out of books like other men and therefore being uncertaine of the truth of the Gospell they preach contrary to one another yea the same person oftentimes preacheth contrary to himselfe crying up that one while for truth which another while he cryeth down againe for errour nor can they make their calling apparant to others in that their speech and preaching standeth only in the plausible words of mans wisdome but not in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power and yet they presently take on if we receive them not as speaking in the Name of God not waighing that whosoever speaketh in the Name of God intituleth God to whatsoever he publisheth and consequently if his doctrine be false as that of our Preachers must needs be in regard of the contrarieties found therein intituleth God himselfe to false doctrine which is a grievous impiety Upon these grounds therefore let us compare the Preachers of our times with Christ and his Apostles which heretofore spake in the Name of God and we shall the better perceive how unlike our Preachers are to them and therefore cannot be their successours as they pretend nor true Messengers of God but rather false Prophets against whom God himselfe denounceth a woe for running when he hath not sent them and prophesying when he hath not spoken to them For Christ and his Apostles were certaine of the doctrin that they preached and therefore constantly taught in one and the same straine but our Preachers are altogether uncertaine of theirs and thereupon bewray so much sicklenesse in their teaching They required not that men should beleeve them as coming from God unlesse they did the works of God but our Preachers though destitute of divine power doe yet fall foule upon all those who do but make a question of their calling They though they were both themselves infallibly assured of their doctrine and could by miracles make their hearers also infallibly assured of it yet never desired that Refractories should be compelled to embrace it though thereby they should have been compelled to nothing but the truth but our Preachers though they be at a loss as to the exact and entire truth of the Gospell and not able to beget a certainty in their hearers yet never cease to importune the assistance of the Magistrate to force the people to submit to their doctrine though most commonly it be contrary both to Scripture and to common sense But let us leave prosecuting these false teachers in the Name of God any further lest we too much forestall the reasons that are held forth in this ensuing excellent discourse which doth so canvase the pretended divine authority that the Preachers of our times challenge to themselves and so drive them from post to pillar that they know not where to set their foot so that if they would but seriously waigh what is here offered to their view they would soone pull down their crests and cease to exalt themselves above their brethren acknowledging their owne institution to be as it is indeed meerly humane and that their doctrine ought not to be any further received then the hearers perceive it to be agreeable to Scripture and reason Which if they did the Christian world would soone be at peace and truth be daily more and more discovered since God is not to be found either in the whirlewinde of passion or in the earthquake of persecution but in the still voyce of love and
17. Sanctifie them through thy truth thy word is truth Eph. 1. v. 13. In whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the word of truth the gospel of your salvation in whom also after that ye believed ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise 1 Pet. 2. v. 2. As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby 1 Thes 2. v. 13. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing because when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us ye received is not as the word of men but as it is in truth the word of God which effectually worketh also in you that believe 2 Cor. 1. v. 18. But as God is true our word toward you was not yea and nay v. 19. For the Sonne of God Jesus Christ who was preached among you by us even by me and Sylvanus and Timotheus was not yea and nay but in him was yea v. 20. For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him amen unto the glory of God by us chap. 7. v. 14. For if I have boasted any thing to him of you I am not ashamed but as we spake all things to you in truth even so our boasting which I made before Titus is found a truth 1 Pet. 1. v. 25. But the word of the Lord endureth for ever And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you 2 Cor. 5. v. 20. Now then we are ambassadours for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs steed be ye reconciled to God 1 Thes 2. v. 13. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing because when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us ye received it not as the word of men but as it is in truth the word of God which effectually worketh also in you that beleeve Ephes 4. v. 11. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers 1 Cor. 2. v. 12. 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 v. 13. Which things also we speak not in the words which mans wisdome teacheth but which the holy Ghost teacheth comparing spirituall things with spirituall v. 16. For who hath known the minde of the Lord that he may instruct him But we have the minde of Christ Acts 5. v. 20. Go stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life Rom. 6. v. 17. But God be thanked that ye were the servants of sinne but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrin which was delivered you chap. 16. v. 17. Now I beseech you brethren marke them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned and avoid them 1 Cor. 4. v. 17. For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus who is my beloved sonne and faithfull in the Lord who shall bring you into remembrance of my wayes which be in Christ as I teach every where in every Church 2 Ioh. v. 9. Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrin of Christ hath not God he that abideth in the doctrin of Christ he hath both the Father and the Son v. 10. If there come any unto you and bring not this doctrin receive him not into your house neither bid him God speed Iude v. 3. Beloved when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation it was needfull for me to write unto you and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints 2 Cor. 3. v. 5. Not that we are sufficient of our selves to thinke any thing as of our selves but our sufficiencie is of God v. 6. Who also hath made us able ministers of the new Testament not of the letter but of the spirit for the letter killeth but the spirit giveth life chap. 4. v. 1. Therefore seeing we have this ministery as we have received mercy we faint not v. 2. But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty not walking in craftinesse nor handling the word of God deceitfully but by manifestation of the truth commending our selves to every mans conscience in the sight of God chap. 6. v. 4. But in all things approving our selves as the ministers of God in much patience in afflictions in necessities in distresses v. 7. By the word of truth by the power of God by the armour of righteousnesse on the right hand and on the left chap. 7. v. 14. For if I have boasted any thing to him of you I am not ashamed but as we spake all things to you in truth even so our boasting which I made before Titus is found a truth 11. Now for as much as the Ministers of particular Churches were in the Apostles times given by Christ a Ephes 4.11 Tit. 1.5 6 7. 1 Cor. 14.37 to preach the true and genuine VVord of the Gospell b Tit. 1.5.6 7 9. and cap. 2.7 8. 2 Tim. 2. v. 2. Ephes 4.12 13 14 15. by way of Embassage for Christ c 2 Cor. 1.19 and chap. 5.20 Tit. 1.5 6 7. and 1 Cor. 4. v. 1 2. 1 Thes 1.1 and chap. 2. v. 13. d 2 Tim. 4. v. 2. and cha 2. v. 2. Tit. 1. v. 9. It is evident that they also had an expresse Commission e 1 Cor. 1. v. 1. with chap. 2. v. 12 13 14 15 16. also 2 Tim. 1.13 14. and chap. 2. v. 2. Tit. 1.9 10 11. Acts 15.24 Rom. 6.17 and chap. 16. v. 17. 2 Ioh. v. 9 10. and were furnisht with gifts sufficient for the discharge thereof f 2 Cor. 1.1.19 with chap. 3. v. 5 6. Acts 14.22 23. and chap. 20. v. 17 18 20 21. c. 2 Tim. 2.2 Tit. 1.9 10 11. and consequently were able to performe it in a due manner g Acts 20.28 31 32. 2 Tim. 2.2 and did accordingly performe it as it shall by and by be related h 2 Cor. 1.19 with chap. 4. v. 1 2. and 1 Cor. 16.10 Acts 15.35 Apoc. 2.8 9 10 12 13.18 19. and chap. 3.7 8 9 10 11. Ephe. 4. v. 11. And he gave some Apostles and some prophets and some evangelists and some pastours and teachers Tit. 1. v. 5. For this cause left I thee in Crete that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting and ordain elders in every city as I had appointed thee v. 6. If any be blamelesse the husband of one wife having faithfull children not accused of riot or unruly v. 7. For a bishop must be blamelesse as the steward of God not self-willed not soon angry not given to wine no striker not given to filthy lucre 1 Cor. 14. v. 37. If any man think himselfe to be a prophet or spirituall let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandements of the Lord. Tit. 1. v.
5. For this cause left I thee in Crete that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting and ordaine elders in every city as I had appointed thee v. 6. If any be blamelesse the husband of one wife having faithfull children not accused of riot or unruly v. 7. For a bishop must be blamelesse as the steward of God not self willed not soon angry not given to wine no striker not given to filthy lucre chap. 2. v. 7. In all things shewing thy selfe a patterne of good workes in doctrine shewing uncorruptnesse gravity sincerity v. 8. Sound speech that cannot be condemned that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed having no evill thing to say of you 2. Tim. 2. v. 2. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses the same commit thou to faithfull men who shall be able to teach others also Ephes 4. v. 12. For the perfecting of the saints for the worke of the ministery for the edifying of the body of Christ v. 13. Till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Sonne of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulnesse of Christ v. 14. That we henceforth be no more children tossed to and fro and carried about with every winde of doctrine by the sleight of men and cunning craftinesse whereby they lie in waite to deceive v. 15. But speaking the truth in love may grow up into him in all things which is the head even Christ 2 Cor. 1. v. 1. Paul an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God and Timothy our brother unto the Church of God which is at Corinth with all the saints which are in all Achaia v. 19. For the Sonne of God Jesus Christ who was preached among you by us even by me and Sylvanus and Timotheus was not yea and nay but in him was yea Chap. 5. v. 20. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead be ye reconciled to God Tit. 1. v. 5. For this cause left I thee in Crete that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting and ordaine elders in every city as I had appointed thee v. 6. If any be blamelesse the husband of one wife having faithfull children not accused of riot or unruly v. 7. For a bishop must be blamelesse as the steward of God not self willed not soon angry not given to wine no striker nor given to filthy lucre 1 Cor. 4. v. 1. Let a man so account of us as of the Ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God v. 2. Moreover it is reâ—quired in Stewards that a man be found faithfull 1 Thes 1. v. 1. Paul and Sylvanus and Timotheus unto the Church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ grace be unto you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ chap. 2. v. 13. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing because when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us ye received it not as the word of men but as it is in truth the word of God which effectually worketh also in you that believe 2 Tim. 4. v. 2. Preach the word be instant in season out of season reprove rebuke exhort with all long suffering and doctrine chap. 2. v. 2. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses the same commit thou to faithfull men who shall be able to teach others also Tit. 1. v. 9. Holding fast the faithfull word as he hath been taught that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers 1 Cor. 1. v. 1. Paul called to be an Apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God and Sosthenes our brother chap. 2. v. 12. 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 v. 13. Which things also we speake not in the words which mans wisdome teacheth but which the Holy Ghost teacheth comparing spirituall things with spirituall v. 14. But the naturall man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishnesse unto him neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned v. 15. But he that is spirituall judgeth all things yet he himselfe is judged of no man v. 16. For who hath known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him But we have the minde of Christ 2 Tim. 1. v. 13. Hold fast the forme of sound words which thou hast heard of me in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus v. 14. That good thing which was committed unto thee keepe by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us chap. 2. v. 2. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses the same commit thou to faithfull men who shall be able to teach others also Tit. 1. v. 9. Holding fast the faithfull word as he hath been taught that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers v. 10. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers especially they of the circumcision v. 11. Whose mouthes must be stopped who subvert whole houses teaching things which they ought not for filthy lucres sake Acts 15. v. 24. Forasmuch as we have heard that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words subverting your soules saying Ye must be circumcised and keepe the law to whom we gave no such commandement Rom. 6. v. 17. But God be thanked that yee were the servants of sin but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you chap. 16. v. 17. Now I beseech you brethren marke them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned and avoid them 2 John v. 9. Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ hath not God he that abideth in the doctrine of Christ he hath both the Father and the Sonne v. 10. If there come any unto you and bring not this doctrine receive him not into your houses neither bid him God speed 2 Cor. 1. v. 1. Paul an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God and Timothy our brother unto the Church of God which is at Corinth with all the saints which are in all Achaia v. 19. For the Sonne of God Jesus Christ who was preached among you by us even by me and Sylvanus and Timotheus was not yea and nay but in him was yea chap. 3. v. 5. Not that we are sufficient of our selves to thinke any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God v. 6. Who also hath made us able Ministers of the New Testament not of the letter but of the Spirit for the letter killeth but the Spirit giveth life Acts
14. v. 22. Confirming the soules of the Disciples and exhorting them to continue in the faith and that we must through much tribulation enter into the Kingdome of God v. 23. And when they had ordained them elders in every Church and had prayed with fasting they commended them to the Lord on whom they beleeved chap. 20. v. 17. And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the Church v. 18. And when they were come to him he said unto them Ye know from the first day that I came into Asia after what manner I have beene with you at all seasons v. 20. And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you but have shewed you and have taught you publickly and from house to house v. 21. Testifying both to the Jewes and also to the Greekes repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ v. 25. And now behold I know that ye all among whom I have gone preaching the Kingdome of God shall see my face no more v. 26. Wherefore I take you to record this day that I am pure from the blood of all men v. 27. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsell of God v. 32. And now brethren I commend you to God and to the word of his grace which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified 2. Tim. 2. v. 2. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses the same commit thou to faithfull men who shall be able to teach others also Tit. 1. v. 9. Holding fast the faithfull word as he hath been taught that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers v. 10. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers especially they of the circumcision v. 11. Whose mouthes must be stopped who subvert whole houses teaching things which they ought not for filthy lucres sake Act. 20. v. 28. Take heed therefore unto your selves and to all the flocke over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood v. 31. Therefore watch and remember that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears v. 32. And now brethren I commend you to God and to the word of his grace which is able to build you up and to give you an in inheritance among all them which are sanctified 2 Tim. 2. v. 2. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses the same commit thou to faithfull men who shall be able to teach others also 2 Cor. 1. v. 1. Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God and Timothy our brother unto the church of God which is at Corinth with all the saints which are in all Achaia v. 19. For the Son of God Iesus Christ who was preached among you by us even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus was not yea and nay but in him was yea chap. 4. v. 1. Therefore seeing we have this ministery as we have received mercy we faint not v. 2. But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully but by manifestation of the truth commending our selves to every mans conscience in the sight of God 1 Cor. 16. v. 10. Now if Timotheus come see that he may be with you without fear for hee worketh the work of the Lord as I also doe Act. 15. v. 35. Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch teaching and preaching the word of the Lord with many others also Apoc. 2. v. 8. And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write These things saith the first and the last which was dead and is alive v. 9. I know thy works and tribulation and poverty but thou art rich and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews and are not but are the Synagogue of Satan v. 10. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer behold the devil shall cast some of you into prison that ye may be tried and ye shall have tribulation ten dayes be thou faithfull unto death and I will give thee a crown of life v. 12. And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges v. 13. I know thy works and where thou dwellest even where Satans seat is and thou holdest fast my name and hast not denied my faith even in those dayes wherein Antipas was my faithfull martyr who was slain among you where Satan dwelleth v. 18. And unto the angel of the church in Thyatyra write These things saith the Son of God who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire and his feet are like fine brasse v. 19. I know thy works and charity and service and faith and thy patience and thy works and the last to be more then the first chap. 3. v. 7. And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write These things saith he that is holy he that is true he that hath the key of David he that openeth and no man shutteth and shutteth and no man openeth v. 8. I know thy works behold I have set before thee an open door and no man can shut it for thou hast a little strength and hast kept my word and hast not denied my name v. 9. Behold I will make them of the Synagogue of Satan which say they are Jews and are not but do lie behold I will make them to come and worship before thy feet and to know that I have loved thee v. 10. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world to try them that dwell upon the earth v. 11. Behold I come quickly hold that fast which thou hast that no man take thy crown 12. Since therefore the doctrine of the aforesaid Beginners and Preachers of the Gospell as also of the particular Ministers to which both were called and gifted by God and which they could rightly discharge was that sole and single promised VVord of Christ there can be no difference therein as to the meere essentiall truth thereof but the persons which ought to preach it in the Name of God did herein differ from one another that some of them did alwayes continue in the meere purity of that word and neither would nor could depart from it such as were the Apostles and their like but others might either depart or not depart from it such as were the aforesaid Ministers of particular Churches Againe of these persons some though they might depart yet did not depart such as were those who kept the mysterie of the faith deposited in a good conscience and made use of it to the publick Ministery in the Name of God as Timothy 1
Cor. 16.10 1 Tim. 4.6 Titus 2 Cor. 8.23 and chap. 12.18 Epaphras Col. 1.7 Tychicus Col. 4.7 and their like 2 Cor. 8.23 but others though they might have continued in the meere purity of that word yet either through the neglect of their gifts or through the losse of a good conscience or by the abuse of their affections or of set purpose did depart from it such as they may be accounted who built wood hay and stubble upon the foundation 1 Cor. 3.10 11 12. who taught strange doctrine 1 Tim. 1.3 4. and were deceitfull workers 2 Cor. 11.13 and grievous wolves not sparing the flock and speaking perverse things to draw away the Disciples after them Acts 20.29 30. as ambitious and prating Diotrephes 3 John ver 9 10. Hymenaeus Alexander and Philetus 1 Tim. 1.19 20. 2 Tim. 2.16 17 18. and other false teachers of that age 1 John 2.18 19 26. Finally others though they continued in the meere purity of that word yet being indulgent to some particular affection did not procure the unanimous edification of the Church together with other Ministers such as they may be accounted of whom the Apostle speaketh Philip. 1.12 13. c. Philip. 1. v. 12. But I would ye should understand brethren that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel v. 13. So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace and in all other places v. 14. And many of the brethren in the Lord waxing confident by my bonds are much more bold to speake the word without fear v. 15. Some indeed preach Christ even of envie and strife and some also of good will v. 16. The one preach Christ of contention not sincerely supposing to adde affliction to my bonds v. 17. But the other of love knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel v. 18. What then notwithstanding every way whether in pretence or in truth Christ is preached and I therein do rejoyce yea and will rejoyce v. 19. For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ 13. But since the people of that age had an infallible oyntment and knew the truth 1 John 2.20 27. were confirmed therein 1 Pet. 5.12 2 Pet. 1.12 were replenished and enriched with all necessary knowledge Rom. 15.14 1 Cor. 1.5 6 7 8. had mutuall faith with the Apostles alike precious and most holy Rom. 1.8 12. 2 Pet. 1.1 Jude ver 20. had learnt the doctrine of the Apostles and had beleeved it as it was preached by them and had received it Rom. 16.17 2 Thes 2.15 1 Cor. 15.11 Heb. 10.26 Acts 8.14 could retaine that doctrine as it had been delivered to them 1 Cor. 11. 2. Acts 2.42 did altogether abound in faith and utterance and knowledge and all diligence 2 Cor. 8.7 had the truth of the Gospell abiding with them Gal 2.5 had beene sealed with the holy Spirit upon the word of truth or Gospell of their Salvation Ephes 1.13 had the sanctification of the Spirit and beliefe of the truth 2 Thes 2.13 had the form of the Apostles doctrine Rom. 6.17 Jude v. 3. could try the Spirits whether they were of God 1 John 4.1 2 3. 2 John v. 9 10. Heb. 9.10 might be and was sound in the faith Titus 1.13 Apoc. 2 25. might continue in the faith grounded and setled and not moved away from the hope of the Gospel which they had heard Col. 1.23 knew how they ought to walke and please God 1 Thes 4.1 2. and consequently knew that one only faith Heb. 11.6 Ephes 4.5 c. since I say the people of that age were endued with the aforesaid faculties they could easily observe what particular Ministers did depart from the purity of that Word and therefore though the Ministers of particular Churches by the neglect of their gifts or otherwise might depart from the truth yet were not the people using their gifts to the end aforesaid endangered thereby since they could easily detect it a 1 John 2 20 21 24 26 27 28. and 2 Ioh. v. 9 10. 1 Joh. 2. v. 20. But ye have an unction from the holy One and ye know all things v. 21. I have not written unto you because yee know not the truth but because ye know it and that no lie is of the truth v. 24 Let that therefore abide in you which ye have heard from the beginning if that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you ye also shall continue in the Son and in the Father v. 26. These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you v. 27. 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 lie and even as it hath taught you ye shall abide in him v. 28. And now little children abide in him that when he shall appear we may have confidence and not be ashamed before him at his coming 2 Iohn v. 9. Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ hath not God he that abideth in the doctrine of Christ he hath both the Father and the Son v. 10. If there come any unto you and bring not this doctrine receive him not into your house neither bid him God speed 14. Neverthelesse though some Ministers did revolt yet the integrity of the gift it selfe wherewith they were instituted and endued remained safe and sound with all other particular Ministers who kept the mysterie of the faith in a good conscience inasmuch as they both might and did duely performe that Embassage to which they were called and furnished by Christ for though the particular Ministers of that age might revolt and there were some amongst thē that did indeed revolt yet that doth no more derogate from the integrity of their institution which was with the word of the Gospell wholly intrisincally undoubtedly and meerly true then the fall of our first parents derogateth from the truth of their originall integrity wherein they were created by God for as their fall hindreth not but that they were created in a spotlesse condition and were able to have persisted in it so likewise though those particular Ministers might revolt and did revolt yet it cannot be denied that they were instituted with the word of the Gospell wholly intrinsically undoubtedly and meerly true and might accordingly have persisted in it 15. Besides as there were some amongst those particular Ministers that did indeed revolt so also were there others that did not revolt to wit those who by patient continuance in well doing proved themselves to be good trees by their good fruits such as many then were and in the first beginning of the Gospell all though afterwards some by degrees revolted so as the faithfull of that age were not wont to try the
of wilworship 27. If it be said that God hath somewhere in Scripture instituted commanded or welpleasingly permitted such a mission or calling let the place or places be produced that we may consider of them 28. But if it be answered that God hath instituted commanded or welpleasingly permitted no such mission or calling in the Scripture Then it is to be enquired whether they who are tainted with the aforesaid crime of wilworship in that service which they perform in the name of God have any lawfull calling and such as is welpleasing to God to perform such a service by means of such a preaching of the Gospel used to the people in the name of God 29. If it be said that such persons have the aforesaid mission or calling let the reasons of such an Assertion be produced that we may consider of them 30. But if it be answered that such persons have no such mission or calling Then it is to be enquired whether such persons using such preaching in the name of God may erect or gather Churches in the name of God with any command or well-pleasing permission of his by such preaching to which they have no lawfull calling 31. If it be said that they may neverthelesse erect and gather Churches let that command or wel-pleasing permission of God together with the reasons thereof be produced that we may consider of them 32. But if it be answered that such persons by means of such preaching cannot in the name of God erect and gather Churches with a command or welpleasing permission of God Then it is to be enquired whether they who gather Churches in that manner be condemned of themselves therein and sin against their owne conscience Namely after they know that they in their preaching ground neither upon any command nor wel pleasing permission of God as also after they refuse to take away that will-worship of theirs when they are able to doe it 33. If it be said that such persons are not condemned of themselves nor sin against their own consciences let the reasons be produced that we may consider of them 34. But if it be answered that they are therein condemned of themselves and sin against their own conscience Then it is to be enquired whether the people after they are ascertained that the Ministers of their Churches are condemned of themselves in that they ground on no command or wellpleasing permission of God in their preaching as also because they refuse to take way that will-worship of theirs when they are able to doe it whether I say such a people may then be perswaded according to the command or welpleasing permission of God that they may be gathered by such Ministers into a Church in the name of God 35. If it be said that such a people may be perswaded thereof let the reasons be produced that we may consider of them 36. But if it be answered that such a people cannot be perswaded thereof Then it is to be enquired whether such a people who suffer themselves to be gathered into a Church in the name of God by such persons and by such preaching do well therein or not 37. If it be said that such a people do well therein let the reasons be produced that we may consider of them 38. But if it be answered that such a people doth not well therein Then it is to be enquired whether it agree with the command or wellpleasing permission of God that a people should be gathered to God and in the name of God by such a word as is intrinsically and undoubtedly of the same truth and nature with that word by which God began and instituted the preaching of the Gospel in his own name or by such a word as is not so 39. If it be said that it agreeth with the command or welpleasing permission of God let it be produced together with the reasons thereof that we may consider of them 40. But if it be answered that it agreeth with the command or welpleasing permission of God that a people should be gathered to God and in the name of God by such a word as is intrinsically and undoubtedly of the same truth and nature with that word by which God began instituted the preaching of the Gospel in his own name Then it is to be enquired whether the holy Text of the Old and New Testament be intrinsically and undoubtedly of the same truth and nature with that word by which God began and instituted the preaching of the Gospel in his own name or not 41. If it be said that a word not wholly intrinsically undoubtedly and meerly true is intrininsically and undoubtedly of the same truth and nature with that word wherewith God in his own name began and instituted the preaching of the Gospel let the reasons thereof be produced that we may consider of them 42. But if it be answered that the holy Text of the Old and New Testament is so Then it is to be enquired whether it agree with the command or welpleasing permission of God that a people should be gathered to God and in the name of God by the very Text of the Old and New Testament wholly intrinsically undoubtedly and meerly true or by a word not wholly intrinsically undoubtedly and meerly true 43. If it be said that it agreeth with the command or welpleasing permission of God that it should be done by a word not wholly intrinsically undoubtedly and meerly true let that command or welpleasing permission together with the reasons thereof be produced that we may consider of them 44. But if it be answered that it agreeth with the command or welpleasing permission of God that a people should be gathered to God and in the name of God by the meer Text of the Old and New Testament Then it is to be enquired whether there be any word as yet amongst men besides the written word of the Old and New Testament which is intrinsically and undoubtedly of the same truth and nature with that word wherewith God began and instituted the preaching of the Gospel in his own name 45. If it be said that there is such a word as yet amongst men let it be declared and produced that we may consider of it 46. But if it be answered that there is no such word as yet amongst men besides the written word of the Old and New Testament which is intrinsically and undoubtedly of the same truth and nature with that word wherewith God began and instituted the preaching of the Gospel in his own name Then it is to be enquired whether that written word of God as it is and lyes without any explications thereof be a means to beget faith in the name of God or by way of embassage for God as that word was wherewith God began and instituted the preaching of the Gospel in his own name 47. If it be said that that written word of God as it is and lyes c. is not such a means
let the reasons be produced that we may consider of them 48. But if it be answered that that written word as it is and lyes is such a means in that it is intrinsically and undoubtedly of the same truth and nature with that word of mouth wholly intrinsically undoubtedly and meerly true Then it is to be enquired whether the hearing of that written word as it is and lyes be the hearing of the word of God by which hearing in the name of God saving faith is procured to a man as the hearing of that word was wherewith God began and instituted the preaching of the Gospel in his own name 49. If it be said that the hearing of the written word is not such a hearing let the reasons thereof be produced that we may consider of them 50. But if it be answered that the hearing of the written word is such a hearing Then it is to be enquired whether the bare hearing of that written word be sufficient to procure that faith to a man in the name of God 51. If it be said that the bare hearing of the written word be not sufficient thereunto Then it is to be enquired whether those things which ought to supply the bare hearing of the written word used in the name of God to the aforesaid end be better equall or lesse than the aforesaid hearing 52. If it be said that they are better let them shew where they be and produce them that we may consider of them 53. If it be said that they are equall let them likewise shew where they be and produce them that we may consider of them 54. But if it be said that they are lesse then the aforesaid hearing Then it is to be enquired whether those lesse things be intrinsically and undoubtedly of the same truth and nature with the word of that hearing that is wholly intrinsi ally undoubtedly and meerly true or else not wholly intrinsically undoubtedly and meerly true 55. If it be said that those lesse things be intrinsically and undoubtedly of the same truth and nature with the word of that hearing let them be produced that we may enquire whether they if they be such may by right be termed lesse And when that is dispatched we will then consider of them 56. But if it be said that those lesse things are not intrinsically and undoubtedly of the same truth and nature with the word of that hearing Then it is to be enquired whether God in his written word hath any where commanded or well-pleasingly permitted that to his written word wholly intrinsically undoubtedly and meerly true should be added the supplement of a word not wholly intrinsically undoubtedly and meerly true whereby that which is wanting to the written word of God to procure saving faith by the bare hearing thereof might be supplyed 57. If it be said that God hath somewhere in his written word commanded or welpleasingly permitted it let the place or places be produced that we may consider of them 58. But if it be answered that God hath no where in his written word commanded or welpleasingly permitted it Then it is certain that such a word is not by way of supplement to be added to the written word by meanes whereof the hearing of faith cometh in the name of God and consequently the affirmative of the question set down in the 49th Article is to be held namely that the bare hearing of the written word of God is sufficient to procure saving faith to a man in the name of God without any other additions whatsoever 59. But if to the question of the 49th Article it be answered that the bare hearing of the written word of God as it is and lyes without any Comments Expositions or Glosses is sufficient to procure saving faith to a man in the name of God Then it is to be enquired whether the hearing of the written word of God be publikely to be used as the true and genuine publike meanes of saving faith in the publike worship performed by that hearing in the name of God 60. If it be said that that hearing ought not to be publikely used to that end let the reasons thereof be produced that we may consider of them 61. But if it be answered that that hearing ought to be publikely used to the end aforesaid Then it is to be enquired whether another publike hearing besides that may according to the institution command or wellpleasing permission of God be used as a true and genuine publike meanes to procure saving faith to a man in the name of God 62. If it be said that another publike hearing besides that may be used let the place or places of the Scripture together with that hearing be produced that we may consider of them 63. But if it be answered that another publike hearing besides that cannot according to the institution command or well pleasing permission of God in the Scripture be used in the name of God Then it is to be enquired whether heretofore at this day it come to passe according to the institution cōmand or welpleasing permission of God in the scripture that the concionatory hearing of Ministers is publickly used as the true and genuine publike means to procure saving faith to men in the name of God and is varnished with the title of the true word of God preached and preferred before the publick hearing of the written word of God since it is apparent that that hearing which is by meanes of such Sermons is not the hearing which may and ought to be used in the name of God since such a hearing ought to be of a word wholly intrinsically undoubtedly and meerly true such as was that word of mouth whereby the true and genuine preaching of the Gospel was at first begun and instituted in the name of God and continued in the time of the Apostles as also the written word of the Old and New Testament and not the hearing of a word not wholly intrinsically undoubtedly and meerly true such as your Ministers themselves confesse their concionatory word to be 64. If it be said that this notwithstanding commeth to passe according to the institution command or welpleasing permission of God in the Scripture you must produce the places of the Scripture together with the reasons thereof that we may consider of them 65. But if it be answered that this commeth not to passe according to the institution command or welpleasing permission of God in the Scripture and therefore neither can nor ought to be used to the true and genuine administration of the Church which ought to be performed in the name of God Then it is to be enquired by what means that concionatory word which is used in the name of God as a true and genuine publick meanes to procure faith to men may fitly as the state of things now is be taken away that it may not hence forward be obtruded in the name of God as the genuine word of God and chief
without prejudice argued on both sides pro and con and the weight and force of every place accurately scanned to the intent that all those places being set down discussed and weighed on both sides judgement may at length be made according as the manifest truth shall present it self to the view in some one of those parts immediatly confronted together 141. If it be said that there is no need of so laborious an enquiry after the truth in this matter let another way to search it out alike certain in this revolted state of the Church be produced and then we will consider of it 142. But if it be answered that in this state of the Church nothing can be certainly known or determined concerning that matter unlesse we proceed in the manner aforesaid Then it is to be enquired whether any men either have been or are now known who in this revolted state of the Church have so performed that thing 143. If it be said that there are some let the persons be named who have sought out and endeavoured that gathering and governing of Churches by all the meanes that have heretofore been or now are 144. But if it be answered that none either have bin or are now known who in this revolted state of the Church have taken that course Then it is to be enquired whether it can any longer be doubted whence so many and so great contentons and schismes have sprung up in the Christian Church and do as yet spring up since it is apparent that the neglect of this search hath been still is the cause of those stirs in that Ministers not observing or not regarding the want of fit persons and gifts for the administration of the Church in the name of God have yet adventured to continue in the name of God those Churches that were at first duely gathered and governed in the name of God or to erect new ones in the name of God by such means as were not wholly intrinsically undoubtedly and meerly true Whereupon it came to passe that every one pretending to be a lawfull Minister in the name of God did captivate the people with his doctrine as duly proposed in the name of God and consequently to be strickly observed and so divided the people being zealous for their Ministers into divers factions whereas they ought to have measured themselves by their own module and after the want of fit persons and gifts to have gathered and governed Churches not in the name of God but only by Ecclesiastick authority and right of common calling and in the name of the respective members of the Church but as neer as might be in such a manner and by such meanes as were wholly intrinsically undoubtedly and meerly true according as God in the Scripture gives a toleration in such cases Also it is to be enquired whether the aforesaid collection and ranging of places of Scripture be esteemed a thing impossible or not 145. If it be said that it is esteemed a thing impossible Then I say that it is also impossible in this revolted state of the Church to gather and govern Churches in any convenient manner for how will it appear that it is done in a convenient manner if you proceed otherwise 146. But if it be answered that the collection aforesaid is not esteemed a thing impossible since few places are found in Scripture concerning this gathering and governing of Churches in that the Scripture was given to institute conserve and introduce the exactnesse of worship to be administred in the name of God and not to prescribe the worship of the apostolicall Church in the tolerance and connivence of God Then it is to be enquired whether the Churches which during the want of fit persons and gifts for the due administration of the Church in the name of God have been and still are gathered and governed neglecting to enquire the aforesaid manner of constituting Churches could and can accurately know whether they have been and are well gathered and governed 147. If it be said that they could and can accurately know it let the reasons there of be produced that we may consider of them 148. But if it be answered that they neither could nor can accurately know it and therefore justly ought to doubt whether that administration and constitution of Churches which hath heretofore passed and at this day passeth in the name of God be instituted commanded or welpleasingly permitted by Christ Then it is to be enquired whether all and singular persons who after the foresaid want of gifts and persons have not followed that course of searching out and constituting Churches but have continued in the name of God those Churches that were at first duely gathered and governed in the name of God or erected new ones in the name of God by such meanes as were not wholly intrinsically undoubtedly and meerly true whether I say all such persons and their Churches ought to have been very shie of preaching in the name of God a word not wholly intrinsically undoubtedly and meerly true of making in the name of God catechismes and confessions not wholly intrinsically undoubtedly and meerly true of administring Sacraments in the name of God of slighting and excommunicating other Churches of calling ordaining and sending Ministers in the name of God of examining men about their faith of governing the Church of exercising Ecclesiastick discipline in the name of God of framing and imposing liturgies and consistoriall classicall and synodall acts and Ecclesiastick decrees in the name of God of imploring the secular arme to punish such as they call Hereticks and Schismaticks of publickly blessing the people in the name of God of praying publickly for all the people as if they were Ministers sent to discharge an embassage for Christ of making hymnes to be publickly sung in the Church as a part of divine service of making formes of administration of baptisme and the Lords Supper of ordination of Ministers Elders and Deacons of making formes of marriage excommunication reception and admission into the Church of the deposition of Ministers of the visitation of the sick and of private prayers of making formes to bid publicke fasts and dayes of humiliation of making formes to appoint holy dayes rites and ceremonies in the Church all which formes have beene made as by Ministers sent in the name of God Moreover they ought to have been shie of translations of the Scripture of written commentaries of written Sermons of common Places Theses and the like made and proposed to the people as by Ministers officiating for God also of opening erecting and governing Schooles and Universities of callings elections confirmations and ordinations of Doctors Bachelors and Professors of Divinity of licencing books of opening and shutting the presse of ordaining publicke Readers of the Scripture Clerks and Visiters of the sick of forbidding to converse with Christians of other societies of forbidding the mutuall edification of Christians in publick of requiring of Christians a publicke