Meat to every Beast of the Field because there was no Shepherd Neither did my Shepherds search for my Flock but the Shepherds fed themselves and fed not my Flock Ezek. â—4 2 3 8. Thus saith the Lord concerning the Prophets that make my people ERR that bite with their Teeth and cry PEACE and he that putteth not into their Mouthes they even prepare WAR against him The Heads thereof judge for Reward and the Priests thereof Teach for Hire and the Prophets thereof divine for Money yet will they lean upon the Lord and say Is not the Lord amongst us None Evil can come upon us Michah 3. 5 11. Q. These are plain Testimonies from the Prophets Are there none such from the Apostles A. Perverse Disputings of men of corrupt Minds and destitute of the Truth supposing that Gain is Godliness from such withdraw thy self But Godliness with Contentment is great Gain For we brought â—othing into the World and it is certain we can carry nothing out and having Food and Rayment let us therewith be content But they that will be Rich fall into Temptation and a Snare and into many foolish and hurtful Lusts which drown Men in Destruction and Perdition For the Love of Money is the Root of all Evil which while some coveted after they have erred from the Faith and pierced themselves through with many Sorrows 1. Tim. 6. 5 6 7 8 9 10. For Men shall be Lovers of their own selves Covetous Boasters Proud Blasphemers Disobedient to Parents Unthankful Unholy 2. Tim. 3. 2. For there are many unruly and vain Talkers and Deceiveâ—s especially they of the Circumcision whose Mouthes must be stopped who subvert whole Houses teaching things which they ought not for Filthy Lucre's sake Tit. 1. 10 11. But there were False Prophets also among the People even as there shall be False Teachers among you who privily shall bring in Damnable Heresies even Denying the Lord that bought them and bring upon themselves swift Destruction And many shall follow their Pernicious Wayes by Reason of whom the Way of Truth shall be Evil spoaken of And through Covetousness shall they with feigned Words make Merchandize of you whose Judgment now of a long time lingereth not and their Damnation slumbreth not Having Eyes full of Adultery and that cannot cease from Sin beguiling unstable Souls an Heart they have exercised with Covetous Practices Cursed Children which have forsaken the Right Way and are gone astray following the Way of Balaam the Son of Bozor who loved the Wages of Unrighteousness 2 Pet. 2. 1 2 3 14 15. VVo unto them for they have gone in the VVay of Cain and run greedily after the Error of Balaam for Reward and perished in the Gain-saying of Corah These are Murmurers Complainners walking after their own Lustâ— and their Mouth speaketh Great Swelling VVords having men's Persons in Admiration because of Advantage Jude 11. 16. Q. Ought there to be any Order in the Church of God A. Let all things be done decently and in Order 1 Cor. 14. 40. Q. What Good Order is prescribed in the Church concerning Preachers Is it fit that only one or two speak or may more if moved thereto A. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by let the first hold his Peace For ye may all Prophesie one by one that all may learn and that all may be comforted And the Spirits of the Prophets are subject to the Prophets for God is not the Author of Confusion but of Peace as in all the Churches of the Saints 1 Cor. 14. 30 31 32 33. Q. Is there any Promise that Daughters as well as Sons shall Prophesie under the Gospel A. And it shall come to pass afterwards that I will pour out of my Spirit upon all Flesh and your Sons and your Daughters shall Prophesie your Old Men shall dream Dreams your Young Men shall see Visions Joel 2. 28. Q. Is that Promise fulfilled and to be fulfilled A. But this is that which was spoaken by the Prophet Joel And it shall come to pass in the last dayes saith God I will pour out of my Spirit upon all Flesh and your Sons and your Daughters shall prophesie and your Young Men shall see Visions and your Old Men shall dream Dreams Acts 16. 17. Q. Is there any such Instance of old in the Scripture A. And the same Man had four Daughters Virgins which did Prophesie Acts 21. 9. Q. But may all Women speak or are any commanded to keep Silence in the Church A. Let your Women keep Silence in the Church for it is not permitted unto them to speak but they are commanded to be under Obedience as also saith the Law And if they will learn any thing let them ask their Husbands at Home for it is a Shame for VVomen to speak in the Church 1 Cor. 14. 34 35. Let the Woman learn in Silence with all Subjection But I suffer not a VVoman to teach or usurp Authority over the Man but to be in Silence 1 Tim. 2. 11 12. Q. The first of these seems only to relate to Women that have Husbands What comes of them that have none The second speaks nothing of the Church but only that she ought not to usurp Authority over the Man Hath this no Limitation Doth not the same Apostle give Directions how Women that speak should behave themselves in the Church A. Every man Praying or Prophecying having his Head covered dishonoureth his Head But every Woman that Prayeth or Prophesieth with her Head uncovered dishonoureth her Head for that is even all one as if she were shaven 1 Cor. 11. 4 5. CHAP. X. Concerning Worship Question VVHat is the Worship that is acceptible to God A. But the Hour cometh and now is when the True VVorshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth for the Father seeketh such to worship him God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in Truth Joh. 4. 23. 24. Q. Seeing Prayer is a Part of Worship when ought we to pray A. And he spake a Parable unto them to this End That Men ought alwayes to pray and not to faiâ—t Luke 18. 1. Pray without ceasing 1 Thes. 5. 17. Q. Doth God hear the Prayers of all that call upon him A. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him to all that call upon him in Truth Psal. 145. 18. For there is no Difference between the Jew and the Greek for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him Rom. 10. 12. Q. Hath God no respect to the Manner of Calling upon him A. The Lord is nigh to all them that call upon him to all that call upon him in Truth Psal. 145. 18. The Lord is far from the Wicked but he heareth the Prayer of the Righteous Prov. 15. 29. Now we know that God heareth not Sinners but if any Man be a Worshipper of God and doth his Will him he heareth John 9. 31.
the Spirit for the Law of the Spirit of Life maketh free from the Law of Sin and Death For such are become dead unto Sin and alive unto Righteousness and being made free from Sin are become Servants of Righteousness Therefore ought we to be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect For the Yoak of Christ is easie and his Burthen is light And his Commandments are not grievous And whosoever will enter into Life must keep the Commandments Hereby do we know that we know God if we keep his Commandments He that saith I know him and keepeth not his Commandments is a Lyar and the Truth is not in him Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not whosoever sinneth hath not seen him neither known him Let no Man deceive us he that doth Righteousness is Righteous even as he is Righteous He that committeth Sin is of the Devil whosoever is born of God doth not commit Sin for his Seed remaineth in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God For not every one that saith Lord Lord shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven but he that doth the Will of the Father which is in Heaven Circumcision is nothing and Uncircimcision is nothing but the keeping of the Commandments of God ARTICLE XV. Concerning Perseverance and Falling from Grace VVE ought to give Diligence to make our Calling and Election sure which things if we do we shall never fall For even Paul kept under his Body and brought it into Subjection lest by any Means when he preached to others he himself become a Cast-away Let us therefore take Heed lest there be in any of us an evil Heart of Unbelief in departing from the living God Likewise let us labour to enter into that Rest lest any Man fall after the same Example of Unbelief For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened and have tasted of the Heavenly Gift and were made Partakers of the Holy Ghost and have tasted of the good Word of God and the Powers of the World to come if they shall fall away to renew them again unto Repentance For he that abideth not in Christ is cast forth and is withered Yet such as overcometh he will make as Pillars in the Temple of his God and they shall go no more out And these are perswaded that nothing shall be able to separate them from the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus ARTICLE XVI Concerning the Church Ministry THe Church of God is the Pillar and Ground of Truth Whereof the Dear Son of God is the Head From which all the Body by Joynts and Bands having Nourishment ministred and knit together increaseth with the Increase of God Which Church of God is them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus Who when he ascended up on high gave Gifts unto Men And he gave some Apostles some Prophets some Evangelists some Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the Work of the Ministry Who ought to be blameless vigilant sober of good Behaviour given to Hospitality apt to teach not given to Wine no Strikers not greedy of filthy Lucre but patient not Brawlers not covetous Lovers of good Men sober just holy temperate holding fast the faithful as they have been taught that they may be able by found Doctrine both to exhort and to convince Gain-sayers Taking heed to themselves and to the Flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made them Overseers to feed the Church of God Taking the Oversight thereof not by Constraint but willingly not for filthy Lucre but of a ready Mind neither as being Lords over God's Heritage but as being Ensamples to the Flock And such Elders as rule well are to be counted worthy of double Honour especially they who labour in the Word and Doctrine And to be esteemed very highly in Love for their Works sake As every Man hath received the Gift so ought the same to be ministred if any Man speak let him speak as the Oracles of God if any Man minister let him do it as of the Ability which God giveth Preaching the Gospel not with the Wisdom of Words lest the Cross of Christ be made of none Effect Nor yet with enticing Words of Man's Wisdom but in Demonstration of the Spirit and of Power that the Faith may not stand in the Wisdom of Men but in the Power of God Howbeit such speak Wisdom among them that are perfect yet not the Wisdom of this World nor of the Princes of this World which cometh to nought but they speak the Wisdom of God in a Mystery even the hidden Wisdom which God ordained before the World to their Glory VVhich things they also speak not in the Words which man's Wisdom teacheth but which the Holy Ghost teacheth For it is not they that speak but the Holy Ghost of Spirit of the Father that speaketh in them Who if they sow spiritual things ought to reap carnal Things for so the Lord hath ordain'd that they â—hâ—ch preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel for the Scripture saith Thou shalt not muzle the Mouth of the Ox that treadeth out the Corn and the Labourer is worthy of his Reward Yet a Necessity is laid upon them yea VVo is unto them if they preach not the Gospel and their Reward is that when they preach the Gospel they make the Gospel of Christ without Charge Not coveting any Man's Silver or Gold or Apparel but their Hands minister to their Necessities that so labouring they may support the Weak remembring the VVords of the Lord Jesus how he said It s more blessed to give then to receive For they are not of the greedy Dogs that can never have enough Nor of the Shepherds that look to their own VVay every one his Gain from his Quarter That feed themselves and not the Flock That make the People err biting with their Teeth and crying Peace and preparing VVar against all such as put not in their Mouths teaching for Hire and divining for Money Nor yet of those which teach things which they ought not for fiâ—thy Lucres sake That run greedily after the Error of Baâ—aâ— for Reward loving the VVages of Unrighteousness And through Covetousness with feigned VVords making Merchandize of Souls Men of corrupt Minds destitute of the Truth supposing that Gain is Godliness But they know that Godliness with Contentment is great Gain and having Food and Rayment they are therewith content ARTICLE XVII Concerning Worship THe Hour cometh and now is when the true Worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit in Truth for the Father seeketh such to worship him God is a Spirit and they which worship him must worship in the Spirit and in the Truth For the Lord is nigh to all them
Familiar and lead on to Things that are more Hard and Intricate Besides that Things be more largely opened in the Catechism and divers Objections answered which are proposed in the Questions the Reader having past through that first will more perfectly understand the Confession which consisteth mainly in positive Assertions Not long after I had received and believed the â—estimony I now bear I had in my View both the Possibility and Facility of such a Work and now after a more large and perfect Acquaintance with the Holy Scriptures I found Access to allow some Time to set about it and have also been helped to Accomplish the same I doubt not but it might be enlarged by divers Citations which are here omitted as not being at present brought to my Remembrance Yet I find Cause to be Contented in that God hath so far assisted me in this Work by his Spirit that Good Remembrancer the Manifestation of which as it is minded will help such as Seriously and Conscientiously read this to find out and cleave to the Approved of and Agreed unto by the Truth and also Establish and Confirm those who have already believed Which of all things is most earnestly Desired and daily Pray'd for By ROBERT BARCLAY A Servant of the Church of CHRIST From Vrie the Place of my Being in my Native Country of Scotland the 11th of the 6th Moneth 1673. A CATECHISM CHAPTER I. Of GOD and the True and Saving Knowledge of Him Question SEeing it is a thing unquestioned by all sorts of Christians that the Height of Happiness consisteth in coming to know and enjoy Eternal Life what is it in the Sense and Judgment of Christ A. This is Life Eternal that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent Joh. 17. 3. Q. How doth God reveal this Knowledge A. For God who commanded the Light to shine out of Darkness hath shined in our Hearts to give the Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ 2 Cor. 4. 6. Q. How many God's are there A. One God Ephes. 4. 6. We know that an Idol is nothing in the World and that there is none other God but One But to us there is but One God 1 Cor. 8. 4 6. Q. What is God A. God is a Spirit Joh. 4. 24. Q. Among all the blessed Glorious and Divine Excellencies of God which are asscribed and given to him in the Scriptures what is that which is most needful for us to take notice of as being the Message which the Apostles recorded in special manner to declare of him now under the Gospel A. This then is the Message which we have heard of him and declare unto you That God is Light and in him is no Darkness at all 1 John 1. 5. Q. What are they that bear Record in Heaven A. There are Three that bear Record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost and these Three are One 1 John 5. 7. Q. How cometh any man to know God the Father according to Christ's words A. All things are delivered to me of my Father and no man knows who the Son is but the Father and who the Father is but the Son and he to whom the Son will reveal him Luke 10. 22. Mat. 11. 27. Jesus saith unto him I am the Way the Truth and the Life no man cometh unto the Father but by me John 14. 6. Q. By whom and after what manner doth the Son reveal this Knowledge A. But as it is written Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard neither have entered into the Heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit For the Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God For what man knoweth the things of a man save the Spirit of a man which is in him Even so the things of God knoweth no man but the Spirit of God 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 1 Cor. 2. 9 10 11 12. But the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my Name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your Remembrance c. John 14. 26. CHAP. II. Of the Rule and Guide of Christians and of the Scriptures Question SEeing it is by the Spirit that Christ reveals the Knowledge of God in things spiritual is it by the Spirit that we must be led under the Gospel A. But ye are not in the Flesh but in the Spirit if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none his For as many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the Sons of God Rom. 8. 9 14. Q. It is an Inward Principle then that is to be the Guide and Rule of Christians A. 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 Lye and even as it hath taught you ye shall abide in him 1 John 2. 27. But as touching Brotherly Love ye need not that I write unto you for ye your selves are taught of God to love one another 1 Thes. 4. 9. Q. I perceive by this that it is by an inward Anointing and Rule that Christians are to be taught Is this the very tenor of the New Covenant Dispensation A. For this is the Covenant that I will make with the House of Israel after those dayes saith the Lord I will put my Laws into their Mind and write them in their Hearts and I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a People And they shall not teach every man his Neighbour and every man his Brother saying Know the Lord for all shall know me from the Least to the Greatest Hebr. 8. 10. â—1 And they shall be all taught of God John 6. 45. Q. Did Christ then promise that the Spirit should both abide with his Disciples and be in them A. And I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you forever even the Spirit of Truth whom the World cannot receive because it seeth him not neither knoweth him but ye know him for he dwells with you and shall be in you Joh. 14. 16 17. Q. For what End were the Scriptures written A. For whatsoever things were written afore time were written for our Learning that we through Patience and Comfort of the Scriptures might have Hope Rom. 15. 4. Q. For what are they profiâ—able A. Thou hast known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto Salvation through Faith which is in Christ Jesus All Scripture is given by Inspiration of God is
the Conjunction and Vnity of the Eternal Son of God in and with the Man Christ Jesus A. And the Word was made Flesh dwelt among us and we beheld his Glory the Glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father full of Grace and Truth Joh. 1. 14. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the Words of God for God giveth not the Spirit by Measure unto him Joh. 3. 34. How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with Power who went about doing Good and healing all that were oppressed of the Devil for God was with him Acts 10. 38. For it pleased the Father that in him should all Fulness dwell Col. 1. 19. For in him dwelleth all the Fulness of the Godhead bodily Col. 2. 9. In him are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge Col. 2. 3. Q. For what End did Christ appear in the World A. For what the Law could not do in that it was weak through the Flesh God sending his Son in the Likeness of sinful Flesh and for Sin condemned Sin in the Flesh Rom. 8. 3. For this Purpose the Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the Works of the Devil And ye know that he was manifested to take away our Sins 1 Joh. 3. 8 5. Q. Was Jesus Christ really Crucified and Raised again A. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received how that Christ dy'd for our Sins according to the Scriptures And that he was buried and that he arose again the third day according to the Scriptures 1 Cor. 15. 3 4. Q. What End do the Scriptures asscribe unto the Coming Death and Sufferings of Christ A. For mine Eyes have seen thy Salvation which thou hast prepared before the Face of all People A Light to lighten the Gentiles and the Glory of thy People Israel Luke 2. 30 31 32. Whom God hath set forth to be a Propitiation through Faith in his Blood to declare his Righteousness for the Remission of Sins that are past through the Forbearance of God Rom. 3. 25. And walk in Love as Christ also hath loved us and hath given himself for us an Offering and a Sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling Savour Ephes. 5. 2. And having made Peace through the Blood of his Cross by him to reconcile all things unto himself by him I say whether they be things in Earth or things in Heaven And you that were sometimes alienated and Enemies in your Minds by Wicked Works yet now hath he reconciled in the Body of his Flesh through Death to present you Holy Unblamable and Unreprovable in his Sight Col. 1. 20 21 22. Neither by the Blood of Goats and Calves but by his own Blood he entered in once into the Holy Place having obtained Eternal Redemption for us How much more shall the Blood of Christ who through the Eternal Spirit offer'd himself without Spot to God purge your Consciences from Dead Works to serve the Living God Hebr. 9. 12 14. For Christ also hath once suffered for Sins the Just for the Unjust that he might bring us to God being put to Death in the Flesh but quickened by the Spirit 1 Pet. 3. 18. Hereby perceive we the Love of God because he laid down his Life for us 1 John 3. 16. And for this Cause he is the Mediator of the New Testament that by means of Death for the Redemption of Transgressions that were under the first Testament they which are called might receive the Promise of the Eternal Inheritance Hebr. 9. 15. Q. Is Christ then the Mediator A. For there is One God and One Mediator between God and men the Man Christ Jesus who gave himself a Ransom for all to be testified in due time 1 Tim. 2. 5. Q. Was not Christ the Mediator until he appeared and was crucified in the Flesh A. He is the Lamb that was slain from the Foundation of the VVorld Rev. 5. 12. and 13. 8. Q. Is it needful then to believe that the Saints of old did partake of Christ as then present with and nourishing them A. Moreover Brethren I would not that ye should be ignorant how that all our Fathers were under the Cloud and all passed through the Sea and were all baptized unto Moses in the Cloud and in the Sea and did all eat the same spiritual Meat and did all drink the same spiritual Drink for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them and that Rock was Christ 1 Cor. 10. 1 2 3 4. Q. But whereas most of these Scriptures before-mentioned do hold forth that the Death and Sufferings of Christ were appointed for the destroying removing and remitting of Sin Did he so do it while he was outwardly upon Earth as not to leave any thing for himself to do in us nor for us to do in and by his Strength A. For even hereunto were ye called because Christ also suffered for us leaving us an Example that ye should follow his Steps 1 Pet. 2. 21. Whereof I Paul am made a Minister who now rejoyce in my Sufferings for you and fill up that whiâ—h is behind of the Afflictions of Christ in my Flesh for his Body's sake which is the Church Col. 1. 23 24. Always bearing about in the Bâ—dy the Dying of the Lord Jesus that the Life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our Body For we which live are alway delivered unto Death for Jesus's sake that the Life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal Flesh 2 Cor 4. 10 11. And that he dyed for all that they which live should not hence-forth live unto themselves but unto him that dyed for them and also rose again 2 Cor. 5. 15. That I may know him and the Power of his Resurrection and the Fellowship of his Sufferings being made conformable to his Death Phil. 3. 10. CHAP. IV. Of the New Birth the Inward Appearance of Christ in Spirit and the Unity of the Saints with him Question DOth Christ promise then to come again to his Disciples A. I will not leave you comfortless I will come unto you John 14. 18. Q. Was this only a special Promise to these Disciples or is it not the common Priviledge of the Saints A. For thus saith the High and Lofty One that inhabiteth Eternity whose Name is Holy I dwell in the High and Holy Place with him also that is of a Contrite and Humble Spirit c. Isa. 57. 15. For ye are the Temple of the Living God as God hath said I will dwell in them and walk in them 2 Cor. 6. 16. Behold I stand at the Door and knock if any man hear my Voice and open the Door I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me Rev. 3. 20. Q. Doth the Apostle Paul speak of the Son of God his being revealed in him A. But when it pleased God who separated me from my Mother's Womb and called me by his Grace to reveal his Son
and to turn them from Darkness unto Light and from the Power of Satan unto God that they may receive Forgiveness of Sins and Inheritance among them which are sanctified through Faith that is in me Acts 26. 17 18. Q. Doth this Light abide with every man all his Life time in order to save or only during the Day of his Visitation A. Yet a little while is the Light with you walk while ye have the Light lest Darkness come upon you John 1â— 35. Again He limiteth a certain Day saying in David to day after so long time as it is said To day if ye will here his Voice harden not your Hearts Heb. 4. 7. Q. How can it be proved that there is a day wherein People may know things concerning their Peace which afterwards may be hid from them A. And when he was come near he beheld the City and wept over it saying If thou hadst known even thou at least in this thy day the things which belong unto thy Peace but now they are hid from thine Eyes Luke 19. 41 42. Q. Is there any further Scripture-Proof of the Lord's Willingness to gather a People who would not and therefore were condemned A. O Jerusalem Jerusalem thou that killest the Prophets and stonest them which are sent unto thee How oft would I have gathered thy Children together even as a Hen gathereth her Chickens under her Wings and ye would not Mat. 23. 37. Luke 13. 34. Then his Lord after that he had called him said unto him O thou Wicked Servant I forgave thee all the Debt because thou desiredst me shouldst not thou also have had Compassion on thy Fellow Servant even as I had Pitty on thee And his Lord was wroth and delivered him to the Tormentors till he should pay all that was due unto him Mat. 18. 32 33 34. Then Paul and Barnabas waâ—ed bold and said It was necessary that the Word of God should first have been spoaken to you but seeing ye put it from you and judge your selves unworthy of Everlasting Life â—o we turn to the Gentiles Acts 13. 46. Because I have called and ye refused I have stretched out my Hand and no man regarded But ye have set at nought all my Counsel and would none of my Reproof I also will laugh at your Calamity I will mock when your Fear cometh Prov. 1. 24 25 26. And at what Instant I shall speak concerning a Nation and concerning a Kingdom to build and to plant it If it do Evil in my Sight that it obey not my Voice then I will Repent of the Good wherewith I said I would benefit them Jer. 18. 9 10. Q. Doth God's Spirit strive then for a season and afterwardâ— forbear A. And the Lord said My Spirit shall not alwayes strive with man Gen. 6. 3. Q. May it then be resisted A. Ye Stiff-necked and Uncircumcised in Heart and Ears ye do alwayes Resist the holy Ghost as your Fathers did so do ye Act. 7. 51. For the Wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all Ungodliness and Unrighteousness of Men who hold the Truth in Unrighteousness Rom. 1. 18. Q. Hath God manifested to man that which may be known of himself A. That which may be known of God is manifest in them for God hath shewed it unto them Rom. 1. 19. Q. Is then this Light or Seed sown in the Hearts of Evil Men A. And he spake many things to them in Parables Behold a Sower went forth to sow when he sowed some Seeds fell by the Way side c. some fell among stony Places c. and some fell among Thorns c. Matth. 13 3 4 5 7. Q. Are these Places where the Seed is said 〈◊〉 have fallen understood of the Hearts of Men A. Hear ye therefore the Parable of thâ— Sower when any one heareth the Word oâ— the Kingdom and understandeth it not theâ— cometh the wicked One and catcheth awaâ— that which was sown in his Heart this is hâ— which receiv'd the Seed by the Way side c Mat. 13. 18 19. Q. Is this Seed small in its first Appearanceâ— A. The Kingdom of Heaven is like to a Grain of Mustard Seed which a man took and sowed in his Field which indeed is the least of all all Seeds Mat. 13. 31 32. Q. Forasmuch as many understand not this under the Notion and Appellation of Light or Seed it being quite another Dialect then the common though I must needs confess it is the very Language of the Scriptures Is a Saving Manifestation of the Spirit given unto all A. The Manifestation of the Spirit given to every man to profit withal 1 Cor. 12. 7. Q. Sure if it be to profit withal it must be in order to save for if it were not useful yea sufficient to save what Profit could it be of But in regard some speak of a Grace that is common and of a Grace that is saving is there such a Grace common unto all as brings Salvation A. The Grace of God that brings Salvation hath appeared to all men Tit. 2. 11. Q. That which brings Salvation must needs be saving What doth that Grace teach us A. Teaching us that denying Ungodliness and Worldly Lusts we should live Soberly Righteously Godlily in this present World Tit. 2. 11. Q. Certainly that which teacheth both Righteousness and Godliness must be sufficient for therein consisteth the whole Duty of Man What saith the Apostle else-where of this Instructor A. 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 those that are sanctified Acts 20. 32. Q. What is the Word of God A. The Word of God is quick and powerful and sharper then any Two-edged Sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of Soul and Spirit and of the Joynts and Marrow and is a Discerner of the Thooghts and Intents of the Heart Neither is there any Creature that is not manifest in his Sight but all things are naked and open to the Eyes of him with whom we have to do Heb. 4. 12 13. Q. Ought we to take heed to this Word A. We have also a More Sure Word of Prophecy whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a Light that shineth in a Dark Place until the Day dawn and the Day-Star arise in your Hearts 2 Pet. 1. 19. Q. I perceive the Scriptures are very clear both concerning the Vniversality Sufficiency of this Light Seed Grace and Word of God but is this Word nigh or afar off inward or outward A. Say not in thine Heart Who shall ascend into Heaven that is to bring Christ down from above or who shal descend into the Deep that is to bring up Christ again from the Dead But what saith it The Word is nigh in thy Mouth and in thy Heart that is the Word of Faith which we preach Rom. 10. 6 7 8. Q. That is clear
Judgments to Deal Truly he is just 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 surely Live saith the Lord God Ezek. 18. 5 6 7 8 9. For the Son of Man shall come in the Glory of his Father with his Angels and then he shall Reward every Man according to his Works Mat. 16. 27. Then Peter opened his Mouth and said Of a Truth I perceive that God is no Respecter of Persons but in every Nation he that feareth him and worketh Righteousness is accepted with him Acts 10. 34 35. The Righteous Judgment of God who will render to every man according to his Deeds To them who by Patient Continuance in Well-doing seek for Glory and Honour and Immortality Eternal Life But Glory Honour and Peace to every man that worketh Good to the Jew first and also to the Gentile Rom. 2. 6 7 10. For we must all appear before the Judgment-Seat of Christ that every one may receive the things done in his Body according to that he hath done whether it be good or bad 2 Cor. 5. 10. VVhich is a manifest Token of the Righteous Judgment of God that ye may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God for which ye also suffer 3 Thes. 1. 5. But who so looketh into the Perfect Law of Liberty and continueth therein he being not a forgetful Hearer but a Doer of the Work this man shall be blessed in his Deed James 1. 25. Cast not away therefore your Confidence which hath great Recompence of Reward Hebr. 10. 35. And if ye call on the Father who without Respect of Persons judgeth according to every man's Work pass the time of your sojourning here in Fear 1 Pâ—t 1. 17. And behold I come quickly and behold my Reward is with me to give every man according as his work shall be Blessed are they that do his Commandments that they may have a Right to the Tree of Life and may enter in through the Gates into the City Rev. 22. 12 14. Q. It should seem that the Purpose of God in sending his Son the Lord Jesus Christ was not simply to save Man by an Imputative Righteousness altogether without them but also by the Washing of Regeneration or any inward Righteousness What saith the Scripture further of this A. And thou shalt call his Name Jesus for he shall save his People from their Sins Mat. 1. 21. Looking for that Blessed Hope and the Glorious Appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all Iniquity and purifie unto himself a peculiar People zealous of Good Works Tit. 2. 13 14. CHAP. VII Concerning Perfection or Freedom from SIN Question I Perceive then by all these Scriptures afore-mentioned that Christ as well as he hath purchased Pardon for our Sins hath also obtained Power by which we may even here be cleansed from the Filth of them may we expect then in this Life to be freed from the Dominion of Sin A. For Sin shall not have Dominion over you Rom. 6. 14. Q. For what Reason A. For ye are not under the Law but under Grace Rom. 6. 14. Q. How cometh the Apostle then to cry out and complain of Sin saying Who shall deliver me from the Body of this Death Doth he speak that as a Condition always permanent to him and other Saints or only that which he had passed through What saith he afterwards A. There is therefore now no Condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the Flesh but after the Spirit for the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the Law of Sin and Death Who shall separate us from the Love of Christ Shall Tribulation or Distress or Persecution or Famin or Nakedness or Peril or Sword as it is written For thy sake we are killed all the Day long we are accounted as Sheep for the Slaughter Nay in all these things we are more then Conquerors through him that loved us For I am perswaded that neither Death nor Life nor Angels nor Principalities nor Powers nor things present nor things to come nor Height nor Depth nor any other Creature shall be able to separate us from the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord Rom. 8. 1 2 35 36 37 38 39. Q. What saith that Apostle then unto such who taking Occasion from his words should plead for Continuance in Sin for term of Life and think to be saved by the Imputative Righteousness of Christ as being under Grace A. What shall we say then shall we continue in Sin that Grace may abound God forbid Rom. 6. 1 2. VVhat then shall we Sin because we are not under the Law but under Grace God forbid Q. Is not the Apostle then so far from supposing that Condition of being alwayes under Sin to be his own constant Condition or that of all the Saints that he even supposes many of the then Church of Rome to whom he wrote to be free of it How bespeaketh he them as in relation to this Matter A. How shall we that are dead to Sin live any longer therein Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his Death Therefore we are buried with him by Baptism into Death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the Glory of the Father even so we also should walk in Newnes of Life For if we have been planted together in the Likeness of his Death we shall be also in the Likeness of his Resurrection knowing this that our Old Man is crucified with him that the Body of sin might be destroyed that henceforth we should not serve Sin for he that is dead is freed from Sin Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto Sin but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not Sin therefore reign in your mortal Body that ye should obey it in the Lusts thereof Neither yield ye your Members as Instruments of Unrighteousness unto Sin but yield your selves unto God as those that are alive from the Dead and your Members as Instruments of Righteousness unto God Know ye not that to whom ye yield your selves Servants to obey his Servants ye are to whom ye obey whether of Sin unto Death or of Obedience unto Righteousness But God be thanked that ye were the Servants of Sin but ye have Obeyed from the Heart that Form of Doctrine which was delivered unto you being then made free from Sin ye became the Servants of Righteousness I speak after the manner of men because of the Infirmity of your Flesh For as ye have yielded your Members Servants to Uncleanness to Iniquity unto Iniquity even so now yield your Members Servants to Righteousness unto Holiness For when ye were the Servants of Sin ye were free from Righteousness What Fruit had ye then in these things whereof ye are now ashamed for the End of these things is Death But now being
made free from Sin and become Servants to God ye have your Fruit unto Holiness and the End Everlasting Life For the Wages of Sin is Death but the Gift of God is Eternal Life through Jesus Christ 〈◊〉 Lord Rom. 6. 3 4 5 6 7 11 12 13 â—6 17 18 19 20 21 â—2 23. Q. It would appear then that God requires of us to be perfect A. Be ye therefore Perfect even as your Father which is in Heaven is Perfect Mat. 5. 48. Q. Is it then possible to keep the Commandments A. My Yoak is easie and my Burden is light Mat. 11. 30. For this is the Law of God that we keep his Commandments and his Commandments are not grievous 1 Joh. 5. 3. Q. Is it necessary then for Salvation to keep the Commandments A. Blessed are they that do his Commandments that they may have Right to the Tree of Life and may enter in through the Gates into the City Rev. 22. 14. Q. Do you understand by this Perfection that any have so kept the Commandments as never to have sinned A. If we say that we have not sinned we make him a Lyar and his Word is not in us 1 Joh. 1. 10. Q. Do you understand that those who are perfect may say they have no Sin or only that having sinned and so having Sin in respect they once sinned as the Apostle in the Passage cited mentions May they not withstanding thereof come to know Forgiveness for the Guilt but also Cleansing from the Filth A. If we say we have no Sin we deceive our selves and the Truth is not in us If we confess our Sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our Sins and to cleanse us from all Unrighteousness 1 Joh. 1. 8. Q. That Scripture seems to be very plain being compared with the other before-mentioned But because some are apt to mistake and wrest the Words of that Apostle what saith he elsewhere Did he judge any could know God or be True Christians who keeped not the Commandments A. My little Children these things write I unto you that ye sin not and if any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the Righteous And hereby do we know that we know him if we keep his Commandments He that saith I know him and keepeth not his Commandments is a Lyar and the Truth is not in him But whoso keepeth his Word in him verely is the Love of God perfected Hereby know we that we are in him He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked Beloved now are we the Sons of God it doth not yet appear what we shall be but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is And every man that hath this Hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure Whosoever committeth Sin transgresseth also the Law for Sin is the Transgression of the Law And ye know that he was manifested to take away our Sins and in him is no Sin Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not Whosoever sinneth hath not seen him neither known him Little Children let not man deceive you he that doth Righteousness is Righteous even as he is Righteous He that committeth Sin is of the Devil for the Devil sinneth from the beginning For this purpose the Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the Works of the Devil Whosoever is born of God doth not commit Sin for his Seed remaineth in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God In this the Children of God are manifest and the Children of the Devil whosoever doth not Righteousness is not of God neither he that loveth not his Brother 1 John 2. 1 3 4 5 6. and 3. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10. Q. It is very plain by these Passages that the Apostles were far of another Mind then those that plead for Sin during term of Life and much against the Deceit of those who will esteem themselves Good Christians while they live in their Sins A. Not every one that saith unto me Lord Lord shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven but he that doth the Will of my Father which is in Heaven Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doth them I will liken him unto the Wise Man which built his House upon a Rock Mat. 7. 21 24. If ye know these things happy are ye if ye do them Joh. 13. 17. Q. What saith the Apostle Paul further concerning the Needfulness of this thing A. Circumcision is nothing and Uncircumcision is nothing but the keeping of the Commandments of God 1 Cor. 7. 19. Q. Was not this according to the Apostle Paul's Judgment the very Intention of Christ to have his Church and Children to be pure and without Spot A. According as he hath chosen us in him before the Foundation of the World that we should be Holy and without Blame before him in Love Eph. 1. 4. Even as Christ also loved the Church and gave himself for it that he might sanctifie and cleanse it that he might present it to himself a Glorious Church not having Spot or Wrinckle or any such thing but that it should be Holy and without Blemish Eph. 5. 25 26 27. Q. Doth not Paul press the same thing further besides the other Passages above-mentioned A. Having therefore these Promises Dearly Beloved Let us cleanse our selves from all Filthiness of the Flesh and Spirit perfecting Holiness in the Fear of God 2 Cor. 7. 1. Finally Brethren farewell be perfect 2 Cor. 13 11. Christ in you the Hope of Glory whom we preach warning every man and teaching every man in all Wisdom that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus Col. 1. 28. Labouring fervently for you in Prayers that ye may stand perfect and compleat in all the Will of God Col. 4. 12. To the End he may establish your Hearts unblamable in Holiness before God 1 Thess. 3. 13. And the very God of Peace sanctifie you wholly and I pray God your whole Spirit and Soul and Body be presented blameless unto the Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thess. 5. 23. Q. Is not this then the very End for which God appointed Teachers in his Church A. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers for the Perfecting of the Saints for the Work of the Ministry for the Edifying of the Body of Christ till we all come in the Unity of the Faith and of the Knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect Man unto the Measure of the Stature of the Fulness of Christ Ephes. 4. 11 12 13. Q. Seeing this is so much pressed by the Holy Men doth not the Scripture which cannot lye give none of the Saints this Testimony as being free from Sin at sometimes and so not alwayes and daily sinning as is supposed A. Noah was a Just Man and Perfect in his Generations
and came upon him and caught him and brought him to the Council Acts 6. 11 12. And when they found them not they drew Jason and certain Brethren unto the Rulers of the City crying These that have turn'd the World upside down are come hither also Acts 17. 6. But this I confess unto thee that after the Way which they call Heresie so worship I the God of my Fathers believing all things which are written in the Law and the Prophets Acts 24. 14. Being defamed we entreat we are made as the Filth of the World and are the Off-scouring of all things unto this Day 1 Cor. 4. 13. By Honour and Dishonour by Evil Report and Good Report as Deceivers and yet true 2 Cor. 6. 8. Q. It is easily apparent from what is mentioned that Christians are to expect Persecution and Tribulation and that they are always the Sheep and never the Wolves the Persecuted and never the Persecutors the Afflicted and not the Afflicters the Reproached and not the Reproachers Is it not fit then that Christians be so far from persecuting others that they ought to pray for the Persecutors is this Christ's Command A. But I say unto you Love your Enemies Bless them that Curse you do Good to them that hate you Pray for them which despightfully use you persecute you Ma. 5. 44. Q. Was this Christ's own Practice A. Then said Jesus Father forgive them for they know not what they do c. Luk. 23. 24. Q. Is Christ herein to be our Example A. For even hereunto were ye called because Christ also suffered for us leaving us an Example that ye should follow his Steps who did no Sin neither was Guise found in his Mouth who when he was reviled reviled not again when he suffer'd he threatned not but committed himself unto him that judgeth righteously 1 Pet. 2. 21 22 23. Q. Is there an Instance of any Saint in Scripture who follow'd his Example herein A. And he kneeled down and cryed with a loud Voice Lord Lay not this Sin to their Charge c. Acts 7. 60. Q. It appears by all these Scriptures that Christianity consisteth in the Exercise of Fear and Trembling Humility Patience and Self-Denyal What ought we then to think of such who place much of their Religion in abstaining from Marriage and certain Meats Worshipping of Angels and other such Acts of voluntary Humility A. Now the Spirit speaketh expresly That in the latter Times some shall depart from the Faith giving heed to Seducing Spirits and Doctrines of Devils speaking Lyes in Hypocrisie having their Conscience â—eared as with a Hot Iron forbidding to Marry and commanding to abstain from Meats which God hath created to be received with Thanksgiving of them which believe and know the Truth 1 Tim. 4. 1 2 3. Let no man beguile you of your Reward in a voluntary Humility and worshipping of Angels intruding into these things which he hath not seen vainly puft up by his Fleshly Mind Col. 2. 18. CHAP. XIII Concerning Magistracy Question VVHat is the Duty of a Magistrate A. The God of Israel said the Rock of Israel spake to me he that Ruleth over men must be Just Ruling in the Fear of God 2 Sam. 23. 3. Q. What do the Scriptures speak of the Duty of such as are under Authority A. Let every Soul be subject to the Higher Powers for there is no Power but of God the Powers that be are ordained of God Whosoever therefore resists the Power resists the Ordinance of God they that resist shall receive to themselves Damnation For Rulers are not a Terror to Good Works but to the Evil Wilt thou then not be afraid of the Power Do that which is Good and thou shalt have Praise of the same for he is the Minister of God to thee for Good But if thou do that which is Evil be afraid for he beareth not the Sword in vain for he is the Minister of God a Revenger to execute Wrath upon him that doth Evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject not only for Wrath but also for Conscience sake Rom. 13. 1 2 3 4 5. Submit your selves to every Ordinance of Man for the Lord's sake whether it be to the King as Supream or unto Governours as unto them that are sent by him for the Punishment of Evil-Doers and for the Praise of them that do well for so is the Will of God that with Well-doing ye may put to Silence the Ignorance of Foolish Men 1 Pet. 2. 13 14 15. Q. Ought Tribute to be paid to them A. For for this Cause pay we Tribute also for they are God's Ministers attending continually upon this very thing Render therefore to all their Dues Tribute to whom Tribute is due Custom to whom Custom Fear to whom Fear Honour to whom Honour Rom. 13. 6 7. Then saith he unto them Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's Mat. 22. 21. Q. Are we obliged to obey Magistrates in such things as we are perswaded in our Minds are contrary to the Commands of Christ A. And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the Name of Jesus But Peter and John answered and said unto them Whether it be right in the Sight of God to hearken unto you more then unto God judge ye for we cannot but speak the things which we have seen heard Acts 4. 18 19 20. And when they had brought them they set them before the Council and the High-Priest asked them saying Did not we straightly command you that ye should not teach in this Name And behold ye have filled Jerusalem with your Doctrine and intend to bring this Man's Blood upon us Then Peter and the other Apostles answer'd and said We ought to obey God rather then Men Act. 5. 27 28 29. Q. What ought to be Magistrates Behaviour in such Cases according to the Counsel of wise Gamaliel A. Then stood there up one in the Council a Pharisee named Gamaliel a Doctor of Law had in Reputation among the People and commanded to put the Apostles forth a little space and said unto them Ye men of Israel take heed to your selves what ye intend to do as touching these men And now I say unto you Refrain from these men and let them alone for if this Counsel or this Work be of men it will come to nought but if it be of God ye cannot overthrow it lest happily ye be found even to fight against God Acts 5. 34 35 38 39. Q. What Command giveth Christ to his People under the Gospel in relation to this matter How doth he hold forth their Duty under the Parable of Tares A. So the Servants of the Houshold came and said unto him Sir Didst thou not sow good Seed in thy Field from whence then hath it Tares He said unto them An Enemy hath done this The Servant said unto him Wilt thou then that we
Father No man knoweth the Son but the Father neither knoweth any man the Father but the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him The Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God For the Things of God knoweth no man but the Spirit of God Now the Saints have received not the Spirit of the World but the Spirit which is of God that they might know the things which are freely given them of God For the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father sends in Christ's Name he teacheth them all things and bringth all things to their Remembrance ARTICLE II. Concerning the Guide and Rule of Christians CHrist pray'd to the Father and he gave the Saints another Comforter that was to abide with them forever even the Spirit of Truth whom the World cannot receive because it seeth him not nor knoweth him but the Saints know him for he dwelleth with them and is to be in them Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his For as many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the Sons of God For this is the Covenant that God hath made with the House of Israel he hath put his Laws in their Mind writ them in their Hearts and they are all taught of God And the Anointing which they have received of him abideth in them and they need not that any man teach them but as the same Anointing teacheth them of all things and is Truth and is no Lye ARTICLE III. Concerning the Scriptures VVHatsoever things were written afore time were written for our Learning that we through Patience and Comfort of the Scriptures might have Hope Which are able to make wise unto Salvation through Faith which is in Christ Jesus All Scripture being given by Inspiration of God and is profitable for Doctrine for Reproof for Instruction in Righteousness that the Man of God may be Perfect throughly furnished unto all Good Works No Prophecy of the Scripture is of any private Interpretation for the Prophecy came not in old time by the Will of man but Holy Men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost ARTICLE IV. Concerning the Divinity of Christ and his Being from the Beginning IN the Beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God the same was in the Beginning with God All things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made Whose Goings forth have been from of old from Everlasting For God created all things by Jesus Christ Who being in the Form of God thought it no Robbery to be equal with God And his Name is called Wonderful Counsellor the Mighty God the Everlasting Father the Prince of Peace Who is the Image of the Invisible God the First-born of every Creature The Brightness of the Father's Glory and the express Image of his Substance Who was cloathed with a Vesture dipt in Blood and his Name is call'd The Word of God In him dwells all the Fulness of the God head bodily And in him are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom Knowledge ARTICLE V. Concerning his Appearance in the Flesh. THe Word was made Flesh For he took not on him the Nature of Angels but he took on him the Seed of Abraham being in all things made like unto his Brethren Touched with a feeling of our Infirmities and in all things tempted like as we are yet without Sin He dyed for our Sins according to the Scriptures and he was buried and he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures ARTICLE VI. Concerning the End and Use of that Appearance GOD sent his own Son in the Likeness of sinful Flesh and for Sin condemned Sin in the Flesh For this Purpose the Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the Works of the Devil Being manifested to take away our Sins For he gave himself for us an Offering and a Sacrifice to God for a Sweet-smelling Savour Having obtained Eternal Redemption for us And through the Eternal Spirit offered up himself without Spot unto God to purge our Consciences from dead Works to serve the living God He was the Lamb that was slain from the Foundation of the World Of whom the Fathers did all drink for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them and that Rock was Christ Christ also suffered for us leaving us an Example that we should follow his Steps For we are to bear about in the Body the dying of the Lord Jesus that the Life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our Body being alway delivered unto Death for Jesus's sake that the Life also of Jesus may be made manifest in our Flesh That we may known him and the Power of his Resurrection and the Fellowship of his Sufferings being made conformable to his Death ARTICLE VII Concerning the Inward Manifestation of Christ. GOd dwelleth with the Contrite and Humble in Spirit For he hath said he will dwell in them and walk in them And Christ standeth at the Door and knocketh if any man hear his Voice and open the Door he will come into him and sup with him and he with him And therefore ought we to examine our selves and prove our own selves knowing how that Christ is in us except we be Reprobates For this is the Riches of the Glory of the Mystery which God would make known among or rather IN the Gentiles Christ Within the Hope of Glory ARTICLE VIII Concerning the New Birth EXcept a Man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God Therefore ought we to put off the Old Man with his Deeds and put on the New Man which is renewed in Knowledge after the Image of him that created him and which after God is created in Righteousness and true Holiness For henceforth know we no man after the Flesh yea though we have known Christ after the Flesh yet now henceforth know we him no more For if any man be in Christ he is a new Creature old things are past away behold all things are become new For such have put on the Lord Jesus Christ And are renewed in the Spirit of their Minds Sith as many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ Being born again not of corruptible Seed but of incorruptible by the Word of God which liveth abideth forever And glory in nothing save in the Cross of the Lord Jesus Christ by whom the World is crucified unto them and they unto the World For in Christ Jesus neither Circumcision availeth any thing nor Uncircumcision but a new Creature ARTICLE IX Concerning the Unity of the Saints with Christ. HE that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all