A Briefe or Generall REPLY UNTO Mr. KNUTTONS Answers unto the VII QUESTIONS About the Controversie betwen the Church of ENGLAND AND The SEPARATIST and ANABAPTIST Briefly discussed By JOHN MABBATT Prov. 22.19 20 21. verses Vers 19. That thy Confidence may be in the LORD I have shewed thee this day thou therefore take heed Vers 20. Have not I written unto thee three things in Counsells and Knowledge Vers 21. That I might shew thee the assurance of the words of Truth to answer the words of truth to them that send to thee 2 Tim. 2.9 Even unto bonds but the Word of God is not bound Prov. 30.5 Every word of God is pure he is a shield to those that trust in him Printed in the Yeere 1645. Vpon the Honourable Court of Parliament Englands worthy Patriots be the spirit of magnanimity profunditie of wisedome and sound judgement the pleasure of Industriousnesse the happy reaping of a righteous soweing mercy abundantly and seasonably beshowring the fruits of the ground with a blessed increase for under the defence of the All-protection I doubt not of the free passage of all and every Truth A rich Treasure for Parliament and Kingdome the ground or cause of this following discourse as the seed of it was the Tenents of the Separation Mr. Knutton charged to be unchristian in his opposite writing yet I suppose the blade that riseth from the seed which sometimes an opposite controversie in some sense may be said to bee yet I hope will not be offended at the graine in thee are ripened for the use of the Owner thereof yet will be burne up the Chaffe with unquenchable fire ¶ The Power of safety overshadow the PARLIAMENT and glory dwell in our Land UNto the Pyons inquiring understanding Reader increase of knowledge is a portion of God in promise yours then shall we know the Lord when we follow on to know him Hosea 6.3 And as the weight of all heavenly knowledge is God therein understood so is there a worth in the knowledge of heavenly things in the knowing of them according unto God which knowledge no man hath by nature but only of God and in him enjoyed who manifesting himselfe unto us gives forth the knowledge of things which wee understood not before opening the mouth to confesse him and the things of him though others deny him and will not receive him nor the things of him But like the Jewes that would not beleeve that Christ gave sight unto the man that was borne blind Joh. 9.18 so is it with many too like the Pharisees who would not acknowledge God in it yet would hee that was blind but then seeing confesse Jesus although the Jewes had ordained that if any man did confesse that he was the Christ hee should be excommunicated out of the Synagogue who being cast out by them yet imbraced by Christ So is Christ unto all his holding fast his truths though for it they are excluded by men in reading these few lines in this reply you must not expect Scholler Phrases nor the eloquence of the wisedome of men the Greeks seek after no such things as runnes in the streame amongst men generally in allowance for we are not ignorant how that this way is spoken against every where yet God causeth Truth to gaine such that in receiving it are advantaged by it though there may be as Solomon saith a price in the hand of a fool yet he hath not the heart to take it but in you Beloved let the Word of God dwell plenteously or richly try the spirits search the Scriptures examine the texts of Scriptures alledged in proof in this matter in reply And as you read you shall first have the originall Question then Mr. Knuttons Answer Reason or Objection marked with the Letter F and Ob. wherein there passeth not a word but what was his owne Secondly in Note for that is mine in Replie is noted with the Letter R and A. which matter in Replie wherein it holds out my Judgement and practise with those Churches in the faith and order of the Gospel am willing to be tryed by the Scriptures as knowing that the day shall declare all things approved and what shall be disapproved that matter that is declared unto us shall be approved is the matter that the Scripture evinceth and approveth unto us and whosoever shall walke according to this Rule Peace shall be upon them and Mercy upon the Israel of God desiring not to be found in our owne righteousnesse after the Law but in the righteousnesse of God by faith in Jesus Christ under which covering the Lord everlastingly find you Beloved after your effectuall call of God unto the Faith and Order of the Gospel in Nottingham Grace Mercy and Peace be multiplied unto you from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ although since it hath pleased God to make knowne his truth unto you you are not with us unacquainted with what Controversie Contention Tumults Oppositions that both you and the Churches in London and other parts of the Country have and doe meet withall for walking up to the Light of truth made knowne to us from God who hath fulfilled his promise unto us saying That hee would teach us and lead us in the way that we have not knowne Isai the 42.15 16. Vers in whom also we trust he will fulfill that his promise in Isai 49.11 where he saith I will make all my mountaines as a way and my paths shall be exalted Behold it much rejoyced mee and I was glad to heare that the knowledge of the true and pure Wayes of God was in manifestation unto you in Nottingham which was unknowne and unheard of by me that it was so amongst you untill that which was in opposition against you came out in publike view and Print here in London against you which one having one of the Books knowing it contrary to my judgement and practise gave it me saying here is that takes you to doe which I took and read understanding in it that the Author affirmes that he cannot maintaine in which affirmation of his the truth being opposed was one reason put me upon this Reply to his book the second Reason was in referrence to those persons in Nottingham opposed though unacquainted with any of them yet bearing affection to them as those in that Countie of Aliance from which I had my discent Among whom I hearing the truth imbraced was moved in referrence unto them having to them both an inward and outward relation yet through consciousnesse of mine own inabilitie found some demurre but being by a friend stirred to it and informing me of the desire in the contrary that there might be some answer unto Mr. Knuttons Booke I from a willing principle according unto the former reasons so to doe willingly according to what abillity and time God gave me I have made this Reply that his supposed Answers to these 7. Questions in his Book may appear as they are void
the true obedience to the Word of God a right following Christs voice and conforming to his Will John 10.27 R. This note will not serve to maintaine the thing affirmed For when Christs institution is not rightly hearkened unto and followed there cannot be boasting of obedience and hearkning unto and following Christ rightly Mat. 7.24.26 F. 4. Note Vnion with God by his Spirit and faith and with his Saints by love R. This is not so essentiall a marke of a true Church but that the scattered Saints Beleevers far remote one to another have Saints in their own particular it may be affirmed of them to have union with God by his Spirit and faith and with his saints by love and this the beleeving Saints had in the Apostles times when they were called afore visibly they were joyned unto any Church and some that never saw the Apostles face hearing of his conversion preaching glorified God for him Gal. 1.22 23. F. Because this Church of England was rightly called and constituted at the first by the preaching of the Word and gracious Lawes of the Magistrate R. Here it is affirmed it was called and constituted either by the preaching of the Word alone or else by the preaching of the Word the Laws of the Magistrate together he would not be understood to affirme it was constituted by the preaching of the Word alone yet it seems that if hee should speak according to the light of truth he could not tell how to make it out otherwayes as mind what he saith himself Constraint it self may justly have place in a lawfull Constitution or Reformation of a Church there must be first a lawfull constitution afore a law of constraint by the Magistrate and this he cannot deny without he will denie his owne words as hee saith in the first Argument pag. 1. the forme or Constituting cause of a Church is Faith If this bee a Constituting Cause in his Judgement he saith of faith and beleeving the Magistrate must not compell a man to beleeve saith he then from his own Argument a Church may be of a lawfull constitution without the Power of the Magistrate which is a truth according to the primitive Churches who were so But they must compell them to attend the meanes of grace and leave their wickednesse if so then it is but just and right reason where any Church or Churches are in a lawfull constitution according to the word of God in relation unto Christ by faith through the Spirit according together in the order and fellowship of the Gospel subjected unto Christ their only King Priest and Prophet is Gods Church appointed that to them they should grant protection for there hath God appointed the blessing for evermore and this the Apostle put us upon to pray for 1 Tim. 2.1 2 3. for kings and all that are in Authority that we may lead a quiet and a peaceable life in all Godlinesse and honesty But never did the Apostle call upon the Magistrate by the sword to cause any man to be of the Church of Christ this was effected by the power of God in the Word preached Act. 2.41 His fourth and fift Argument he saith more properly comes in elswhere which here is passed by But concerning Christs visible Church note these particulars 1. The foundation of the Church is Christ 1 Cor. 3.11 2. The layer of this foundation is God Isaiah 18.16 3. The place where God layes this foundation is in Sion his Church Rom. 9.33 1 Pet. 2.6 4. The builder on this foundation is God by his Spirit Eph. 2.22 1 Cor. 3.9 5. The matter laid upon this foundation is living Stones 1 Pet. 2.5 6. The forme of this building is a Temple or Spirituall house 1 Pet. 2.5 Ephes 2.21 7. The end of this building or house of God is that it should be a habitation for God through the Spirit Ephes 2.22 Seven particulars more the Scripture holds out to us as in one Conjunction unto these seven principall heads pertaining unto Christs visible Church 1. In Christ being the foundation of the Church so is he the Lord and King and only head of the Church Psal 2.6 Mat. 21.42 Ephes 1.22 2. God laying this foundation he layes it as the stock of all the fulnesse of the treasury of Righteousnesse and life 1 Cor. 1.30 Coloss 1.9 Coloss 2.9 3. In regard of the place where God layes this foundation the Church he makes it the fulnesse of him that filleth all in all Ephes 1.23 2 Pet. 1.3 Mat. 18 19 20. 4. From Gods being the builder the building of Christs Church shall goe on and the gates of Hell shall not prevaile against it Mat. 16.18 1 Cor. 3.11 Heb. 3.4 5. In regard of the matter laid upon this foundation living Stones this that the beleeving sheep of Christ shall be gathered into the Sheep-fold of the Lord Jesus and built up upon him John 10.16 Mat. 24.31 Ephes 4.11 12.13 6. In that this building is a Temple and spirituall House this that the Church is a glorious and admirable building Ephes 2.19 20 21. 1 Tim. 3.15 Psal 87.7 Revel 21.2.11 Cant. 6.10 7. From the end of this building to be a habitation for God through the Spirit is this from Gods inhabiting here are these two things to be understood First Gods purging his floor Mat. 3.12 Revel 21.27 Secondly his filling his House with his glory Revel 22.1 2 3 4 5. Revel 21.3 4 5. Now to these former particulars I shall lay down these foure conclusions 1. That the foundation and the Saints mutuall according together in the Order and Fellowship of the Gospel to be the Church of God is in one Conjunction together Matt. 18.20 Joh. 15.1.5 Ephes 4.15 16. Colloss 2.19 Ephes 2.21 2. This is so by the Lords doing alone and it is marveilous in our eyes Matt. 21.42 Ephes 2.22 3. Thirdly that in the Church in Sion God hath only declared that there is this foundation laid by him Isay 28.16 Rom. 9.33 1 Pet. 2.6 7 8. Ephes 3.10 4. That the Church of Christ is such a choice one to him as his Spowse that it is not the Faith of another or others can instate any into this relation to Christ to be his Church or Spowse for she is his Church Spowse by her own being one with Jesus Christ I am my beloveds and my Beloved is mine Cant. 6.2 QVESTION II. ¶ Whether the Church of England be a right Nationall Church F I Assieme it is as true a Nationall Church as the Jewish Church was R. To return back to him his own words wherein may appeare what little weight of truth there is in his affirmation It is as true a Nationall Church as the Jewish Church was yet saith he in the Old Testament the Jews were never called by the name of Nationall Church which is deniall enough to what he affirmes and further he saith that no National Church is mentioned in the New Testament but only
lesse then two or three Matt. 18.20 3. Beleevers living in severall distinct parts of this Kingdom neither acquainted one with another nor have any thing to doe each with another in the matters pertaining to a Church yet by vertue of their Faith in Christ may have that forme or constituting Cause of a Church hee alledgeth that brings it into relation unto Christ yet none will say they are Christs visible Church as the Apostle meaned when hee writ saying unto the Church of God at Corinth and unto the Church of Galatia and if any will say any thing of them it must be in the words of the Apostle Peter in his first Epistle first Chapter first Vers unto the strangers that dwell here and there throughout Pontus Galatia Capadocia Assia and Bithynia F. Because the Church of England hath the essentiall notes and markes of a true Church 1. The Word of God purely and powerfully Preach't profest and maintained which alwayes gather a People to the Lord being so taught 2. The lawfull Administration of the two Sacraments according to Christs Institution Matt. 28.19 20. 3. True obedience to the Word of God a right following Christ voice and conforming to his will 4. The Vnion with God by his Spirit and Faith and with his Saints by love R. As he could not make it good in the matter and forme of a true Church neither will these Notes and Markes be found in her to be a true Church but will prove like unto the Nethinims who came of the Gibeonites who pretended that they were of the Levites and sought their writing of the Genealogies but it was not found therefore they were put from the Priesthood Josh 9.3.4.9.27 Ezra 2.43.62 Nehem. 7.60.64 65. Laodicean saith I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing But the answer of God is and knowest not how thou art wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked Revel 3.17 To the first note for pure preaching of the Word of God it is purely when it is without mixture with humane rites or humane Tradition or Authority of humane Authours But the Church of England in stead of being like unto the House of God the Church of the living God the pillar and ground of truth 1 Tim. 3.15 to hold up and forth pure truth Doth she not hold out Truth mixt with humane rites and Traditions in the Authority of humane Authors witnesse the doctrine of Infants Baptisme which to doe Christ saith you worship me in vaine teaching for Doctrine mens Preceps 2. The Word is purely Preach'd when it is in the simple purity of the Word it self and not to be wise above what is written holding out nothing in matter of Faith and Worship then the pure Word of God holds out so to be which only is sufficient to make the man of God absolute and perfect to all good Workes 2 Tim. 3.15 16 17. But this is not a pure Preaching to affirme that the Scripture is not Sufficient to make the man of God perfect to every good worke Witnesse no man is able to preach the Gospel except he have humane Learning and the knowledge of Tongues 3. Thirdly then is the Word purely Preached when the whole Counsell of God is preached Act. 20.20.27 Now where any part of Gods Counsell is withstood there is no pure preaching of his Word but as it was said conserning the Pharisees and the expounders of the Law in the hearing of Christ preach'd in refusing to have heard to one part of Gods Truth in poynt of Johns Baptisme they were so farre from purely hearing the Word that they are said to despise the Counsell of God Luk. 7.30 so may it be said in the other respect to preach a part and not the whole Counsell of God made known is but to despise the Counsell of God Christs Prerogative Royall peculiar and alone King and Lawgiver to his Church is to be preach'd up and maintained Psal 2.6 Isaiah 9.6 Revel 19.16 and not to pretend to hold up Christs Prerogative in word only to spoile him of his Prerogative Royall which is so done when Christ hath said in his Word thus and thus shall ye preach my Word my will and my Commands But to contradict and say not so as the Word requires but thus and thus according to such and a humane Tradition of the Fathers this is to spoile Christ of his Prerogative as a King and to make void his Commands to his Church which he hath enjoyned them to observe unto the end of the World Mat. 28.20 And where any such things as these be are contrary to pure Doctrine there is not the Word purely preached Further not only purely but powerfully preach'd when according to the power of God subjecting people to the pure word of God that obedience that is from the heart unto the forme of the doctrine of Christ's Word to the truth as the truth is in Jesus not only to one Truth but every Truth of Christ teaching them to observe all that I command you Mat. 28.20 And the Word in such purity and power as the Apostles preach'd it calling and bringing home people unto God this they did in severall places and all this while not a note or marke of a true Church gathered for after this they planted Churches and of these Converts were joyned unto Churches and this may be out of a Church calling and conversion as the hand of the Lord was with divers after the scattering of the Church for the persecution about Stephen Act. 11.19 20 21. 2. F. Note But in the Church of England is the lawfull administration of the two Sacraments according to Christs Institution Mat. 28.19 20. R. By this note or marke of a true Church hee cannot make it good First the two Sacraments must be lawfully Administred and then lawfully when done according to Christs Institution Matt. 28.19 20. Goe teach all Nations baptizing them in the Name of the Father and the Sonne and the holy Ghost In the Institution is plainly laid downe First Teach and then Baptize hee must so teach as the party be instructed by teaching teaching implies a Schollar learning Goe Teach all Nations that is Disciples all Nations Baptizing them Now how lawfully hath this Sacrament been by Mr. Knution or those his aspersion pleads for administred lawfully hath he taught or were they taught Disciples they administred Baptisme upon if not then not lawfully administred as the Institution is given by Christ to be observed Children cannot be the lawfull subjects of this Sacrament for they are not capable of teaching Christ Institutes and commands one thing you say and doe another thing he saith Teach and Baptize you say no Baptise without Teaching yea the untaught and such uncapable of teaching Is this a lawfull administration of this Sacrament and one will not serve without the other if that were lawfully administred for he enjoynes teaching to observe all that he commands vers the 20. F. 3. Note