viz. 1. The Father Createth but immediately by the Son and the Holy Ghost the Son from the Father and the Holy Ghost from the Father and the Son 2. The Father and the Holy Ghost Redeem us but mediately by the Son but the Son immediately from the Father by the Holy Ghost 3. The Father and the Son Sanctifie us but mediately by the Holy Ghost but the Holy Ghost immediately from the Father and the Son In this deep Mystery of our Religion we must be guided wholly by Faith and endeavor to believe this Trinity in Unity and Unity in Trinity though we are not able to reason the truth thereof by Natural demonstrations Behold the sacred Riddle of Divinity One Godhead in a holy Trinity Of Persons or three Persons all in one Most undivided Deity alone Distinct in Persons not in Essence no The Godhead's not divided think not so For it 's not subject to division Nor admits of any Composition But distinction without seperation As is most evident by Mans Creation Gen. 1.26 §. 2. Gods Word THe Word of God is the Wisdom of God James 3.17 concerning the truth which is according to godliness being given by inspiration of God 2 Tim. 3.16 the original being from heaven not earth Joh. 3.27 and the Author thereof being God not man 1 Cor. 2.10 by which Word God alone doth onely binde the Conscience by causing it in every action to excuse for well-doing and accuse for sin Now this Word of God is the holy Scripture in which name are to be understood all and onely those Canonical Books of the Old and New Testament of whose Authority was never any doubt in the Church which we receive as Canonical not so much because that the Church doth so receive and allow them as for that the holy Spirit in our hearts doth testifie that they are from God Touching which this is a Truth must be held of us That no part of the Canonical Scripture inspired of God such as was committed as the Lords Treasure to the Church for the perpetual instruction thereof in Faith and Obedience is lost and perished nor can be lost or perish so that no one Oracle or Sentence of God can fall away Indeed these sacred Books may be despitefully abused by men many ways but they can never be finally lost and wholly extinguished for the works of God remain for ever and ever And as for any sandy Supposition contrary to this Truth let the vain Supposer answer What Error more can be convinced what Comfort more can be received what Vice more can be corrected what Truth more can be published what Grace more can be commended to the Church out of those Books which he so fondly supposeth to be lost Beware therefore of doubting of Gods Providence herein shaking thereby the Faith of the Church Whosoever thus goes about to strike at the foundation thereof the least dust that falls from the Building will crush the presumptuous Underminer into bottomless destruction The Scripture is a Doctrine inspired by God to make us wise unto salvation 2 Tim. 3.15 16. Rom. 1.16 and containeth all things necessary to be known and believed for the salvation of man Joh. 20.31 2 Tim. 3.16 17. the whole being as it were compendiously comprised in the Decalogue the sum of the Law and in the Creed the sum of the Gospel As for all the fundamental Points of Christian Religion necessary to salvation they notwithstanding the darkness of some Mysteries herein contained are clearly and plainly set down so as the humble and obedient heart may distinctly without wavering and gainsaying conceive and believe them Thus not unfitly is the Scripture compared in regard of the perspicuity thereof to a Foord over which a Lamb may wade and in regard of the difficulty thereof to a Sea wherein an Elephant may swim Now though all things necessary to be known are herein contained yet are not all literally expressed as the Baptism of Infants and Original Sin which notwithstanding are distinctly and demonstratively inferred thence and so are all things that belong to Faith and Obedience whatsoever we are to believe or to practice So that the letter of the Scripture may be alledged and yet the word of God missed as by all Hereticks and a man may swerve from the letter yet alledge the true word of God therefore it is nothing less then necessary that we be diligently familiar and well acquainted with this word of God Josephus tells us The Jews knew the Scriptures as well as their own names many of us may tell the Jews We scarce know the names of the Scriptures Most inexcuseable Ignorance sad and lamentable for we are bound to know the Scriptures themselves that by them we may come to knowledge by knowledge to faith by faith to obedience and by obedience to salvation Touching the Apocryphal Books to which the Imps of Rome as to their own Traditions give power equal to the Canonical Scriptures they were not penned by the Prophets the Lords Secretaries as the Scriptures were nor ever committed of trust to the Israelites They contain certain things disagreeing from the true Scriptures of God and no proof that they were penned by the Spirit of God therefore there is no warrant for the equalling them in Credit or Authority with the Scriptures Besides one main property of the Books of the Old Testament is That every one of them was written either by Moses or some other of the Prophets in the Hebrew tongue the native language of the Jews but the Apocryphal Books were penned by some other in the Greek tongue which was not the language of the old Prophets so that they are no part of the Law or of the Prophets And yet as the presumptuous Papists make the Apocryphal Books of equal Authority with the Canonical so others have more blasphemously long since obtruded for Canonical the fatherless brood of other Books unto these as The third and fourth of Esdras An Appendix of Job A Preface to the Lamentation The third and fourth of the Maccabees a Book called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Book of Enoch The Gospel of Thomas and of Matthias The Acts of Peter and in the year 1120 a certain new Gospel called Evangelium Aeternum was found out being full of Blasphemies All which and the like are damnable presumptions plainly forbidden by the Lord Deut. 4.2 and most fearfully threatned Rev. 22.18 19. So then to withstand the Devils suggestion against the Divine Authority of the true sacred Seriptures it is very necessary to have our judgements well informed therein to pray for the Spirit of Revelation or Inspiration which may inwardly testifie to our Spirits That God is the Author of the Scriptures which Principle we must hold undeniable and give no place to doubting about these uncontradictable Truths The Scripture is said to be the Word of God in regard of 1. The Author who is God himself 2 Tim. 3.16 2. The Matter which is Gods
Will Eph. 1.9 3. The End which is Gods Glory Eph. 3.10 4. The Efficacy which is Gods Power Rom. 1.16 Touching the Scriptures we are principally to consider these 4 things 1. Who is the Author of them that is as hath been shewed God himself Gal. 1.11 12. 2. Who are the instrumental Causes they are as hath been likewise shewed the Prophets and Apostles 2 Pet. 1.21 3. To whom they belong even to all sorts and degrees of men and women Psal 111.2 119.9 4. What is the property thereof viz. All-sufficiency without any patching of mens Decrees or Inventions to teach the true knowledge of God 2 Pet. 1.16 1 Cor. 1.17 〈◊〉 the Scripture is the Word of God and 〈◊〉 Doctrine of infallible Truth and certainty may be firmly proved from these unanswerable Arguments drawn from Scripturâ—it self 1. From the Causes thereof wherein consider 1. That the first and principal is the Author thereof even God himself to him do the Scriptures refer themselves and also shew how God is their Author Now nothing is falsly ascribed to God but God in time will bring the same to nought and therefore if the Scripture had not been Gods Word it would long ago have vanished 2. The cause Conservant for the Devil by wicked men and Hereticks hath labored to take away Gods Word from mens hearts and hands but yet it is still preserved in the Church which argues that it is kept by a greater power then is in all men and all Angels that is by the power of God 3. The causes Instrumental they were holy men of God Prophets and Apostles who for vertue und piety exceeded other Writers far beyond all comparison and if they had been meer Polititians their writings would have shewed it for the Penmen of holy Scripture have herein faithfully registred their own faults which no politick person would have done 2. From the Matter therof which stands 1. In doctrine which is The Law set forth in most excellent purity nothing being therein against it or common Equity The Law is perfect Reason the Gospel above Reason yet not contrary to Reason The Gospel wherein is set down Doctrine altogether above mans Reason touching Christs Incarnation and mans Redemption by his death and although these things be above Nature yet we finde them true wholesom and good in experience of conscience which also proveth that they are the Word of God Men may devise strange things above Nature but they can never be wholesom to the conscience 2. In stile the phrase is plain and familiar and yet in any one speech there is more majesty then in all the writings of men 3. From the End thereof for it sets up Gods Worship and mans Salvation and yet gives nothing to Men or Angels but all to the glory of God but for the writings of men they do either directly or by insinuation ascribe something to the writers thereof 4. From the Effects thereof For 1. Though it is against our corrupt Nature crossing and condemning the same yet it winneth men to the love thereof and to obedience thereto which could not be unless it were the Truth of God for we abhor and detest the words of men that be against our Nature 2. It serves notably to comfort a man in all distresses whatsoever even in the pangs of death when no word of any man can do him the least good but onely his word that is the Lord of our soul and the God of our life 5. From the two properties of Scripture 1. Antiquity Among humane writings we have none of certainty in things they record that go so high as the Creation but the Scripture sets down things done from the beginning 2. Mutual Consent for though the Books of Scripture were written by divers men in sundry Ages and Times yet all agree within themselves there is no contradiction in Scripture but the writings of men have not this consent no not in the same Author whom commonly we shall finde contradicting himself 6. From the signs and true miracles thereof as the parting of the Sea the staying of the Sun and Moon and many others yea the Incarnation of the Son of God the Miracle of miracles 7. From the Contraries Contrary to the word of God is the will of the Devil and mans corrupt Nature the Devil hates Scripture and mans corrupt Nature repines thereat when it is checked and controlled thereby Now that which is contrary to these two must needs be holy and true and that is the word of God 8. From Testimonies whereof there be 2 kindes 1. Of holy Martyrs who in all ages have sealed the truth thereof preferring the word of God before their own lives whence it is truly said Sanguis Martyrum semen Ecclesiae And though Hereticks have dyed for falshood yet there is great difference in their ends the true Martyrs have unspeakable joy in the Spirit in their torments but Hereticks have no such joy but a natural sensless blockishness whereby they undergo these torments 2. Of Gods Spirit which is the principal testimony for when men begin to learn and obey the word of God then the Spirit of God settles their Conscience in the perswasion of the truth of Scripture which is infallibility it self The Testimony of the Holy Ghost touching Gods Word is obtained and discerned from the Testimony of man by doing these two things 1. By resigning our selves to become truly obedient to the Doctrine taught John 7.17 2. By praying unto God for his Spirit to certifie our Consciences that the Doctrine revealed is the very Doctrine of God Mat. 7.7 8. Luke 11.13 Jam. 1.7 The Majesty of the Scriptures consisteth chiefly in these three excellencies 1. In the Majesty of the Spirit of God which shineth in them 2. In the Consent of all the parts among themselves 3. In the Fulfilling all the Prophesies delivered long before yet accomplished precisely each of them in their proper place The Authority of the Scripture doth not as the Papists affirm depend on the Church for these Reasons 1. The reproach of God by making the Testimony of mans voyce greater then the voyce of God 2. Our Comfort for Faith is grounded on approved witness therefore not on man 3. The truth of God is plainly exposed to the mocks and scoffs of the wicked if we affirm that our Religion is from God onely because our selves say so 4. Because the Authority of the Church depends on the Scripture 5. The Scripture it self is in many places against this opinion John 5. 1 Cor. 2. 1 John 5. The Popish twofold Scripture 1. Inward Scripture or a consent of Doctrine written by the Holy Ghost in the hearts of all Catholicks and this say they is right Scripture Unparalleld Blasphemy 2. Outward Scripture which is written in Paper or Parchment which hath no certain sense as they falsly affirm but as the present Church determines thereof but this is a devilish Doctrine abolishing the true Word of God
aright The duties following upon our faith in the Holy Ghost 1. To keep our bodies holy and pure as the Temples of the Holy Ghost and not to defile them by uncleanness 2. To believe without doubting whatsoever is contained in the holy Scripture because that all were given by inspiration of the Holy Ghost and were set forth by holy men not of any private motion but as they were moved by the Holy Ghost 2 Tim. 3.16 2 Pet. 1.21 3. To use all our gifts to the honor of God for it is the holy Spirit of God from whom we receive them all 4. To submit our selves in all things to the government of Gods Spirit and not follow the sway of our own Natures for he is our guide and will lead us into the way of all Truth Eternal Breath O let thy blessed ayr Imbreathe us with new life or else repair The ruines of our Souls Blow and refresh Our dim-burning Zeal but blow out the Flesh New-mould us fit for Mercy and make good The Charter Christ hath seal'd us with his Blood Vnscale our Vnderstandings make us see The Crown of Hope ' yond hope Faith's Mystery Inflame our Souls with holy fire and then Our Souls thy fire shall flame thee back agen §. 9. The Holy Catholique Church Concerning the holy and Catholique Church of Christ we believe That the Son of God doth from the beginning of the world Joh. 10.11 Gen. 26.4 to the end thereof Rom. 8.29 gather defend and preserve unto himself by his Spirit Isa 59.21 and Word Acts 2.46 out of whole Mankinde Mat. 16.18 Joh. 10.28 a company chosen to everlasting life 1 Joh. 3.21 and agreeing in true faith And that we are lively Members of that Company 1 Joh. 2.19 and so shall remain for ever 1 Cor. 18.9 To believe in which holy Catholique Church is to believe the Doctrine thereof wherein she followeth Christ the Prophets and Apostles the onely sure ground and pillar of Truth and that in this visible Company and Society are some true Repentants and truly converted and my self to be a lively Member of the invisible and visible Church So that to believe and confess the Doctrine of Salvation taught and delivered by the Prophets and Apostles is an infallible and inseperable note of a true Church of God for Gods Church is nothing else but a company of Gods people called by the Doctrine of the Prophets and Apostles unto the state of Salvation so that out of the Church there is no Salvation ordinarily In which regard Noahs Ark was a true Type of the Church none being saved from drowning that were out of it And none but such who are of Christs body shall partake of the benefits of his Office for himself saith He prays not for the world Joh. 17.9 In which respect also out of the Church no Salvation for the body being the true Catholique Invisible Church he that is not a member of this body is out of the Church and so hath not Christ to be his Head and Savior Yea the Church is also Christs Spouse the many espousal Titles which in Scripture are given to Christ and the Church in mutual relation of one to another evidently declareth as much He is stiled a Bridegroom she a Bride Joh. 3.29 He Well-beloved she Love Cant. 1.13 15. He an Husband she a Wise 2 Cor. 11.2 He an Head she the Body both one flesh Eph. 5.23 31. Thus the Church being the Communion of Saints sanctified in Christ Jesus confessing him the Son of the living God in every place knit in one Church as the Body and every Member unto Christ as unto one Head it is most evident that no man can be saved out of the Church for whomsoever God hath chosen and elected to the end which is eternal life them he hath chosen to the means which is the inward and outward calling But here note That Infants born in the Church are in charity to be reputed of the Church till at their mature Age their life notoriously express the contrary The Church is called Catholique or Vniversal because it is not now tyed to any certain place or people as it was under the Law before the coming of Christ Now the Doctrine of the true Church consisteth in the Sentences and Decrees which we are bound by the Commandment of God to believe and obey and no Doctrine is to be proposed to the Church that is repugnant to the holy Scripture or not contained therein And the Church hath Authority to judge and determine in Controversies of Faith according to Scripture to interpret and expound the Word of God with respect to the Analogy of faith Rom. 12.6 And though she be the Witness and Keeper of Gods written Word yet may not inforce any thing to be believed as necessary to Salvation that is either contrary or beside the Word of God The visible Church is a company among men imbracing and professing the true and uncorrupt Doctrine of the Law and the Gospel and using the Sacraments aright according to Christs Institution and professing Obedience unto the Doctrine in which company are many ungenerate or hypocrites consenting notwithstanding to the Doctrine The invisible Church is a company of those which are Elected to eternal life in whom a new life is begun here by the Holy Ghost and is perfected in the world to come They which are in this invisible Church never perish neither are any hypocrites therein And it is called Invisible not that the men are invisible but because their Faith is so that we cannot certainly discern the godly from the hypocrites And although this Universal invisible Church is that Militant Church which remaineth as yet in the field and is fighting on Earth yet it is and lieth hid in the visible Church so that in this respect there is as it were no more difference between them then between a whole and a part Now those visible Churches which refuse to be governed by Christs Word but are by Humane Traditions playing the Adulteresses by committing Idolatry are not of this Catholique Church which is subject to Christ neither are Infidels that defie Christ Hereticks that deny him Ignorant persons that know not his Will Prophane persons that despise Worldlings that lightly esteem him nor any that persecute or scorn him in his Members Thus many have a Name of being of the Church who indeed are not And as for the Church of Rome they are departed from the Truth they have denyed the Faith they have defiled themselves with Idols they will not have Christs Righteousness imputed to them they set up their own Works and seek Justification by them they will not receive Christ to be their onely King and Priest they will merit Salvation for themselves and therefore they are not a true but a false Church The word Church signifieth an Assembly called together which calling is twofold viz. 1. Outward which is common to all that make profession of the Gospel in this respect
God who as he will not be coupled with Idols so will he have his Truth severed from lyes 3. For our own Salvation that the faithful may know which to joyn themselves to and of what Kingdom they are 4. For the better confirmation of our faith and comfort when as we see that to be rightly in our Church which is wanting in others 5. Lest we being deceived should embrace the Doctrine of some other Church or Sect for true Religion 6. Lest we be partakers of the punishments which are to come on such men Rev. 18.4 7. That the wicked may be left unexcusable Why God oftentimes suffereth for a while his Enemies to prevail over his Church 1. Because his own people sin against him and therefore he is even compelled to correct and chasten them howbeit in mercy not in fury for their instruction not for their destruction that they may not be condemned with the world For as the Bush which Moses saw in the Wilderness though in the midst of a fire yet not consumed so is the Church on Earth in the midst of Persecution yet not overcome 2. That his children may learn to rest in God alone and not on themselves or upon the Arm of flesh rather then upon the living God Thus profited Manasseh more in the Prison at Babylon then on his Throne 2 Chron. 33.11 12. 3. To harden the hearts of the Enemies that they may run forward to their own confusion and fill up the measure of their iniquity The difference between the Church before the coming of Christ and now since is fourfold viz. 1. The Church before Christ did set him forth his Death and Resurrection but darkly by certain outward ceremonies as Sacrifices Lights Washings and the like 2. This consisteth in Reformation of life for as the knowledge of Christ is now greater so also the efficacy and working of the Holy Ghost is far greater which mortifieth our flesh so as we do more earnestly obey his Commandments according to the Promises declared by the Prophets some special gifts granted to some special men as Moses Elias and others who went far beyond us onely excepted 3. In that everlasting life was but obscurely and darkly offered to the Israelites wrapped or folded up onely in earthly Promises 4. The Church under the Law was as it were bounded with the borders of Judea or shut up within that countrey but now it is dispersed and scattered throughout the whole world neither is it tyed to any one place time or people The difference of the true doctrine from others viz. 1. This Doctrine was delivered from God other Sects are sprung from men and have been invented by Devils 2. True Religion hath firm Testimonies both Divine and Humane such as quiet Consciences and convince all other Sects of Error 3. In the Doctrine of the Prophets and Apostles is rightly delivered the whole Law of God and both the Tables of the Law are perfectly kept other Sects cast away the principal parts of Gods Law the Doctrine concerning the true knowledge and Worship of God contained in the first Table and reject the inward obedience of the second Table 4. The whole Gospel of Christ rightly understood is in the true Church alone taught and in this true Doctrine alone contained other Sects are either quite ignorant of it or do patch some little part of it out of the Doctrine of the Apostles unto their own Errors True Christian Religion consisteth especially in five principal points distinguished thereby from all other counterfeit Religions 1. It maketh all the chief Points of the Doctrine thereof to agree with the nature of the true God in the knowledge of whom it strengthneth and keepeth the godly 2. That it establisheth the glory of God in the Salvation of men and so the godly are more and more confirmed in the certainty of their Salvation 3. That it joyneth good Works with our Salvation by a most near band although it be no way grounded upon them so that the faithful cannot take any matter of boasting in them 4. That it openeth a way for us unto God to crave of him all things necessary for soul or body for this life or that to come 5. That it yieldeth to the godly matter of patience and joy in adversity yea also Assurance in the greatest dangers and not without much circumspection care and watchfulness in the most prosperous condition The difference between the Church and Commonweals viz. 1. Commonweals are distinct in divers places and times the Church is alway one and the same 2. The States of the World have many Heads the Church but one and that in Heaven 3. Kingdoms are governed by mens Laws the Church by the Holy Ghost and Gods Word 4. The civil State requireth outward obedience onely the Church both inward and outward 5. States give Power to Civil Magistrates to alter and make new Laws the Church is so tyed to the Word of God as she may not adde to or detract ought from it 6. The civil State hath Corporal Power but the Church punisheth by denouncing Gods Wrath out of the Word of God 7. In the Church are always some Elect and holy but not always in the Commonwealth The Office and Authority of the Church as concerning the Scriptures 1. It is as the Keeper of the sacred Rolls and Records to preserve them not to authorize them 2. It is as a Touchstone to distinguish them from counterfeit Scriptures not to make that Scripture which is no Scripture 3. It is as the voyce of a Cryer to preach publish promulgate and teach the Truth but cannot adde to or take from it nor authorize nor alter or change it 4. It is as an Interpreter and Expounder of the Scriptures according to the Scriptures How the Church may be said not to erre 1. The whole doth not erre though some Members do 2. It doth not erre universally though in some points of Doctrine it may 3. It erreth not in the Foundation As the Church may ordain ceremonies tending to order decency unity and edification so hath it no power to appoint what she please For she may not decree any Rites or ceremonies that are 1. Idle or unprofitable but must all tend to edifying 2. For their nature impious like the Ordinances Maners and Idols of our Forefathers Ezek. 30.18 Teachers of vanity Jer. 10.8 and of lyes Heb. 3.10 3. For use Superstitious like the Brazen-Serpent Hezekiah brake 2 Kings 18. 4. For their worthiness in the eyes of the ordainers either of equal price or of more account then the very Ordinances of God so as for the performance of them the Laws of God must be left undone Mark 7.8 13. 5. Against the liberty of Christians to the intangling of them again with the yoke of servile bondage Gal. 5.1 6. For their weight over-heavy and grievous to be born Luke 11.46 7. Any way contrary to the Commandments Will and Word of God Mat. 15.13 8. They must
and so was it with Pauls Viper Faiths double Act 1. The Direct Act of Faith by which we apprehend and take Christ 2. The Reflect Act by which we know and are assured that we have apprehended and taken Christ Faith hath also this double Quality 1. To lay hold of Christ offered 2. To empty a man of all things else whatsoever especially 1. Of all opinion of Righteousness in himself 2. Of all opinion of strength and ability to help himself Faith admits Degrees in four respects viz. 1. In Perswasion That Christ is offered that he is ours that he is given by God the Father 2. In regard of the difficulty and hardness of the things to be believed 3. In regard of the Extent of it when there are more things revealed to us 4. In regard of the Proof and here as the Evidence of Sanctification is more so is the Assurance Opinion is but an Assent to the Truth with a fear lest the contrary may be true So that Faith and Opinion differ in these three things 1. In the Object which is something in its own nature uncertain but Faith pitcheth upon the Word of God which is in its own nature infallible and cannot deceive 2. In the working Opinion being a matter of Speculation and no more Faith a matter of Practice but that is not all 3. In overcoming Doubts for Opinion goeth no farther but stays in a Doubt but Faith proceeds to full Assurance To be rooted and grounded in Faith is To have the first ground right and so to proceed from one to another As thus 1. Stedfastly to believe the Scriptures in general 2. All the Promises therein contained in particular 3. To apply and appropriate them to our selves justly and upon good ground No man knoweth what Justifying Faith is but he that hath it whose true Properties are these 1. He being convicted thereof in his Conscience knoweth that whatsoever things are spoken in the Scriptures are true and Divine 2. He findeth himself bound to believe them 3. He is certain That through Christs Satisfaction he is received of God into favor and is endowed with the Holy Ghost and is by him regenerated and directed 4. He applyeth to himself all those things concluding that they belong unto him 5. He rejoyceth in the present Blessings which he hath but most of all in the certain and perfect Salvation to come And this is that peace of Conscience which passeth all Understanding 6. He hath a Will to obey the Doctrine of the Prophets and Apostles without any exception in doing or suffering whatsoever is therein commanded 7. He is certain that his Faith though it be in this life imperfect and languishing and often very much eclipsed yet being builded upon the Promise of God which is unchangeable doth never altogether fail or dye Faith is said to work four ways viz. Towards 1. God by a quiet and peaceable Conscience grounded on Gods love Rom. 5.1 2. Our Neighbor by mutual concord especially in matters of Religion Acts 1.14 3. Our selves by Patience with joy and thankfulness in Afflictions Rom. 5.3 4. 4. The Devil and the World by victory over their Assaults and Temptations 2 Joh. 5.4 5. 1 Pet. 5.8 9. The work of Faith towards God 1. Peace in Conscience from our Reconciliation with God Rom. 5.1 2. Love towards God and Christ Luke 7.47 3. Hope of the Glory of the Sons of God in the world to come and joy in troubles Rom. 5.3 4. Boldness to speak unto God grounded on a sure confidence in him Eph. 3.12 5. A Confession of the Truth 2 Cor. 4.13 Rom. 10.10 6. Obedience to God Rom. 1.5 for which Abraham is chronicled as the Father of the Faithful 7. A Perseverance and Constancy in the Truth of Christ Joh. 6.68 And a commending of our Souls to God Acts 7.59 The work of Faith towards our neighbors 1. A knitting of the mindes of men one towards another Acts 1.14 2. It extendeth Brotherly love even to our Enemies 1 Tim. 1.6 The work of Faith towards our selves viz. 1. It makes us entertain with joy and thankfulness Gods loving Chastisements Rom. 5.3 4. 2. A Resting upon his Providence and Promises for Blessings Temporal and Spiritual Mat. 6.25 3. It affects our hearts with comfort strengthning them against all troubles Joh. 14.1 4. It worketh in us a hatred of sin and of our former ways with shame and grief Joh. 12.46 A thing may be said not to be done of Faith three ways viz. 1. Conscientia Dubitante when a thing is done with a doubting or unresolved Conscience as in those that are weak in knowledge 2. Conscientia Errante thus the Mass-Priest sinneth in saying Mass though in his Conscience he think it the Ordinance of God 3. Conscientia Repugnante though upon Error and false judgement of the Conscience it is in the doer a sin Thus an Anabaptist that holds it unlawful to Swear sinneth if he take an Oath In what sense Faith is called Effectual 1. When it does its proper Office or Function namely To Take Christ 2. When it is true real and substantial when it is opposed to vain Faith 3. When it is an operative lively stirring and a fruitful Faith 4. When it goes thorough with the work in hand that is when it Sanctifieth the heart throughout in respect of parts and throughout in regard of time when it brings a man to the end of his Salvation when it carries a man through all impediments when it leaps over all difficulties a growing pervailing overcoming Faith Wherein the Effectualness of Faith consists viz. 1. In being well built that is when the preparation is sound and full by Humiliation 2. When a man believes the Promises on sure infallible grounds and sees them distinctly 3. When the Will takes Christ out of love to him not his not out of fear nor out of mistake 4. When it turns not onely the Will but all the Affections when it turns the whole man when it shoots it self into life and practice The Causes of Uneffectual Faith viz. 1. The Taking of Christ upon misinformation without due consideration 2. The Taking Christ out of fear not out of true love to him as men in sickness 3. The taking Christ for the love of the good things by him not of his person 4. Want of Humiliation that should go before it 5. Because Faith is not grounded aright when men falsly take to themselves a perswasion of the Remission of their sins upon an uncertain and wrong ground The Reasons why God accepts no Faith but such as is Effectual 1. Because otherwise it is not Faith for it is dead 2. Other Faith hath no Love which condition is required 3. Other Faith the Devils have for they believe and tremble 4. Else it works no Mortification for we must deny our selves 5. Else Christ should lose the end of his coming into the world 6. Because good Works are the way to Salvation The usual means that
20.6 or the holy Names therein to Conjuration 10. By teaching falsly in the Name of the Lord as the false Prophets did saying Thus saith the Lord. 11. By ascribing Power Greatness c. to our selves as Nebuchadnezzar Herod and the Princes of Tyre did Dan. 4. Acts 12. Jer. 27. 7. Vain Protestations and Asseverations that is the needless use of them when some earnest occasion doth not urge hereunto Against those as against Swearing doth Christ direct his speech Mat. 5.37 That our Swearing may be lawful it is required 1. That we Swear onely to such a Truth as we know to be so for although it be a Truth to which we Swear yet if we know it not so to be we are perjured because we Swear contrary to our Conscience 2. That we Swear according to the known intent of him unto whom or before whom we Swear for if we Swear in doubtful words having another meaning then we know him to have before whom we Swear we abuse the Ordinance of God 3. This being a part of Gods Worship we must do it with great fear and reverence 4. We must Swear onely things lawful and possible otherwise we but mock God who cannot be mocked 5. If we Swear for the performance of any lawful thing by the Assistance of God we must be careful our Oath be not frustrated The Vertue of this Commandment consisteth in the right and honorable usage of Gods Name the parts whereof were formerly named but here explained viz. 1. The Propagation and spreading abroad of Gods true Doctrine not that onely by the publike Ministery of the Word but that instituting and instructing which appertaineth to every one privately in his place being bound to bring others to the knowledge and Worship of God Deut. 4.9 2. The Celebration lauding and magnifying of God which is a commemoration and recounting of Gods Works and Properties joyned with a love and admiration of them 3. The Confession of the Truth which we know concerning God which is the shewing of our judgement and opinion concerning God and his Will certainly known out of his Word Rom. 10.10 4. The Zeal of God which is an ardent love of God and a grief for any reproach or contempt which is done to God and an endeavor to put away that reproach from the Name of God and to avoid sins our selves and to banish them from others 5. Invocation which is Prayer whereby we crave of the true God none other blessings then God hath commanded us to ask of him onely made in true Conversion by Faith and in a full perswasion of Gods Promises for the Mediators sake Psal 105.1 6. Thanksgiving which is to acknowledge what and how great Blessings we have received of God and to yield unfeigned Obedience unto him to the utmost of our power Col. 3.17 1 Thess 5.18 7. Right and lawful Swearing the maner whereof hath been already touch'd and yet remains to be further opened Again Gods Name is honored 1. By our deeds of Piety Praying Reading Hearing Preaching c. also of Charity 2 Cor. 8.19 And when we confess and defend it as the Martyrs did Now that our deeds may be good these Properties are required 1. They must be frequent and often 2. They must be done in sincerity and truth that is from the very heart with an aim at this onely end That God may have glory 3. In Faith that is by persons believing and in assurance of being accepted in all our devotion Heb. 11.6 4. The Doer must be separate from sin that is not live impenitently in or make a trade of any sin 2. By our speech as herein we are priviledged beyond all other earthly Creatures And this is the right use of the tongue as 1. When our talk is not corrupt but tending to the edification of others 2. When we speak Reverently of the Name of God Phil. 2.10 3. When in all things we make Conscience of speaking the Truth Josh 7.19 4. When an Oath is rightly taken or a Vow rightly made for this is a special part of Gods Service Deut. 6.13 Jer. 4.1 5. When we speak of the Word of God to edification Psal 37.3 Deut. 6.7 6. When we speak affectionately and thankfully of the Works of God to others Psal 107.8 yea of his Judgements upon our selves Job 1.11 3. In the Thoughts and Desires of our hearts which is when even here we are enslamed with a love and reverence of his holy Name and do burn with a desire of his glory above all things Without this the outward reverence is nothing at all in Gods acceptation 4. When we labor to bring others to the glorifying of Gods Name Matth. 5.16 extending our care to others by all means possible and lawful to win them to the praise and glory of God Christian Confession of the Truth being also a special vertue of this Commandment as whereby Gods Name is highly honored is twofold 1. Open when a man boldly confesseth the Truth or his Faith before the Adversary even to the death This is the highest degree of Confession 2. Implicite when a man to keep his Religion is content to forsake his Countrey Friends and Goods This is a lower degree thereof yet acceptable to God Two special Times in which Confession of our Faith is to be made 1. When we are examined touching our Religion by them that are in Authority 2. When in the want thereof Gods glory is directly impeached the Salvation of men hindred the Truth obscured Error enboldned and our Neighbor offended Unto the Confession of the truth and consequently to this Commandment is repugnant 1. Denial which is 1. An universal and general Defection from true Religion This Denyal is proper only to Reprobates and Hypocrites 2. Special and Particular committed through error not voluntary neither purposed through fear and humane frailty This may happen to a childe of God as in Peter When a man is forced to deny his Religion his offence in deed and in truth is voluntary though some otherwise think it to be a mixed action for compulsion doth not reach to the Will but to the outward man and serves to draw forth a consent and when consent is yielded he denies his Religion voluntarily for voluntas non potest cogi 2. Dissimulation or Dissembling and hiding of the Truth when as Gods glory and our Neighbors safety requireth a Confession thereof Hereof are they guilty who out of novelty curiosity or for fashions sake dare be present at Idolatrous Service for it is not lawful for any man being urged to go to Idol-Service and hear Mass though he keep his heart unto God The Corinths might not go into the Temple of Idols though not partaking with Idolaters in their Worship 1 Cor. 8. Chap. 10. 3. The abusing of Christian liberty or giving offence in things indifferent to confirm errors in the mindes of the Adversaries or of the weak to alienate them from true Religion Rom. 14.15 4. All Scandals and
worse sense 24. To defend an evil Cause and impugn the contrary 25. To write or spread abroad infamous Libels 26. To raze Deeds or any Testimonial Evidences 27. To counterfeit another mans hand or to forge any thing 28. To suppress the Truth whether by fraud violence favor or by any other means 29. By delivering our judgement of any person or thing in words of a double sense 30. To refuse to give Testimony when we can and ought being lawfully thereto required by the Magistrate 31. To deny to give an account of our Faith when Error stands in competition with Truth 32. To lye though it be for never so good an end Zech. 13.3 The Vertues required in this Commandment viz. 1. A Rejoycing for the Credit and good Estimation of our Neighbor Gal. 5.22 2. Willingly to acknowledge that goodness we see in any man whatsoever and onely to speak of the same Tit. 3.2 Moreover we must withal desire receive and believe Reports of our Neighbors good Acts 16.1 2 3. Notwithstanding this must be so performed by us that in no wise we approve or allow of the vices and faults of men 2 Chron. 25.2 27.2 3. Fairness of Minde being a vertue taking well things well or doubtfully spoken or done and interpreting them in the better part as far as there are any reasonable causes to induce thereto and doth not easily conceive suspitions neither sticketh upon suspitions though they be such as are just and have reasonable causes nor determineth ought by them unless the Honor of God be interested therein yea to interpret a doubtful evil to the better part 1 Cor. 13.5 7. Gen. 37.31 32 33. 4. Not to believe an evil Report running abroad amongst the Common People by the whispering of Talebearers as it were by Conduit-pipes Psal 15.3 Jer. 40.14 16. Prov. 25.23 5. Taciturnity or Silentness which withholdeth in silence things secret and unnecessary to be spoken where when and as far as is needful and avoiding overmuch babling and talkativeness to keep secret the offence of our Neighbor except it must of necessity be revealed Prov. 10.12 Mat 1.19 18.16 Contrary hereto is prating and foolish pratling also Peevishness and Morosity 6. To get a good Name and Estimation among men and to keep the same when we have gotten it Phil. 4.8 Now a good Name is gotten thus viz. 1. If we seek the Kingdom of God before all things repenting us of our sins and with an earnest desire embrace and follow after Righteousness Prov. 10.7 Mark 14.9 2. We must have a care both to judge and speak well of others Mat. 7.2 Eccl. 7.13 3. We must abstain from all kinde of wickedness for one onely vice or sin doth obscure and darken a mans good Name Eccl. 10.1 4. We must in all things earnestly seek for the Glory of God onely and not our own Mat. 6.5 6. 7. Truth which is a firm Election in the Will whereby we constantly embrace true Sentences and Opinions speak that which is true keep Covenants and Promises and avoid all deceitful dissembling both in speech and outward gesture and all to the Glory of God and the Safety of our Neighbor Repugnant to this vertue are all Lyes as well Lyes of courtesie called Officious Lyes as others also vanity or levity and the like 8. Simplicity which is open Truth without wrinkles or circumlocutions a vertue which doth properly and plainly speak and do such things as are true right and honest with a single heart To this is repugnant Doubleness in Maners and Conversation 9. Constancy being a vertue not departing from the known Truth neither altering purpose without good and necessary causes but constantly speaking and doing such things as are True Just and Necessary Contrary whereto is Lightness and Pertinacy 10. Affability or Readiness of speaking which is a vertue gladly and with signification of good will hearing answering speaking where need is upon a necessary cause Rash Censure of men being a high breach of this Commandment may be committed these many ways viz. 1. When things are well done to carp and cavil at them without cause that is just 2. When actions and speeches indifferent are taken in the worse sense 3. When upon light occasion and uncertain Reports we suspect and surmise evil of our Neighbor 4. When we see any want in our Neighbors speech or behavior to make it worse then it was or indeed it is 5. When we spread abroad and publish the wants of men to defame them which might better be concealed and in Conscience and Charity ought so to be 6. When we speak nothing but the Truth of another yet withal do insinuate thereby some evil of the party in the hearts of the hearers This is a pestilent practice and too much used 7. When in hearing the Word Preached and sins reproved in the Congregation some misapply the same with spight against the Ministers person or his Ministery Reasons against Rash Judgement viz. 1. The practice of it cannot stand with Christian Charity for Charity bindes us to walk in Love and Love suspecteth not evil but thinks the best always 2. When thou seest a man erre consider thy self art or may be guilty of the like or worse 3. Consider That God the Father hath committed all Judgement unto his Son who now judgeth by his Ministers 4. Consider That thou art unable to judge aright of other mens actions being ignorant of many circumstances thereof for thou knowest not haply with what minde or to what end the action was done nor the cause why he did it nor the state of his person nor the maner of his temptation thereto 5. He that gives rash Judgement of another is worse then a Thief that steals away a mans goods for he robs him of his good Name which Solomon saith is to be chosen above great riches Prov. 22.1 Three things Required in judging of others aright viz. 1. We must have recourse to the cause of our Judgement for if the Cause be insufficient then our Judgement is Rash and unlawful 2. We must have Authority and Warrant by lawful calling to give Judgement or else some thing which is answerable thereto though the Judgement be private for private men in private Judgement though they want this Authority by a lawful calling yet if they have that which is answerable thereto that is the Affection of Christian Love then they may judge 3. We must alway have a good end of our Judgement that is the Reformation and amendment not the defarning of our Brother Since Truth is the chief and principal thing required in this Commandment consider in the last place that there is a fourfold Truth viz. 1. Of Judgement when a mans Judgement agreeth with Gods Word which is the Touchstone of Truth So as the Principles of that Religion which he professeth and his opinion concerning the same are ground thereon and may be warranted thereby This is the ground of all the rest to which must