to you young men because you are strong and the Word of God abideth in you 1 Ioh. 2 14. 4. It was the end of the Scriptures miraculous preservation what pains did the Heathens take to have the Bible out of the world what wonders did God work to preserve it it was that men might know them and keep them that they might live by them SECTION IV. THe next thing in Order before us is to demonstrate the truth of the Doctrine by reason and strength of Argument that having both reason and Scripture for it we may without delay addresse our selves to obedience It is necessary for all persons to know the Scriptures For 1. All persons are bound to know God and worship or serve God There is a knowledge must be had which all the Creation cannot give the Creatures in heaven and in the Earth may show that there is a God but how to know God they are silent one of them could say Deum colit qui novit but understood he what he said The wisest of men did worship an unknown God Act. 17.23 The Scriptures only teach us and do only show us what God is that he is a spirit Ioh. 4.24 Infinite Eternal Immutable Creator Preserver of all things mercifull gracious long-suffering a God that heareth prayer a hater of all sin one in nature three in persons This no book in the World holds out but this and he that knew most of the nature and best knew in the secrets of art had read far and much in the large volume of the Creatures yet could not know that which is Eternal life to know him to be the only true God and Iesus Christ he had sent Which the Scripture doth truly fully and clearly Having known God by the Scriptures we by that know how to worship Deum colit qui novit God will be worshipped in spirit and in truth Joh. 4.23 By no book can this Question be answered Wherewith shal I come before the Lord that is to be accepted Miâ—â— 6.6 but by the Scriptures The whole society of men and Angells cannot answer this one Question How shal I do to be saved but by the Scriptures Act. 16.30 The effectual walking after holinesse was never to be seen and read in the starry heaven but in the Heaven of the Scriptures Many excellent things and indeed holy truths may appear and do occurre in the reading of Heathens Seol verbum caro factum est habitavit in nobis ibi non legi but not a syllable of the great mystery of godlynesse Christ manifested in the flesh 2. All persons have need of cleansing against their approaches to God Man is naturally filthy being wholly defiled by sin he is cast out â—n his blood to the loathing of his person Ez. 16.5 Could he apprehend his own filthiness he would be more loathsome in his own eyes then the most infectious Creature could possibly appear All persons may say with the Leaper Unclean Unclean Levit. 13.45 Old and and young rich and poor Male and Female want cleansing therefore had need learn the Word of God which is clean it self Psal. 19.9 and cleaneth others Psal. 119.9 It is of a purifying nature and therefore compared to rain that washeth away filth Deut. 32.2 to Rivers of Waters which denotes the purifying nature of this Word of truth since all persons are impure they are to entertain this Word of Christ which will make them beautifull God is said to wash the soul with water Eze. 16.9 to heal them that are sick Psal. 107.20 and clean them that are filthy by his Word Psalm 119.9 3. All persons may be drawn to believe some great errors against and some to damnable opinions of God Paul assures the Elders of Ephesus Acts 20.29 that after his departure grievous Wolves should enter among them commends them to God and to the Word of his grace which was able to build them up v. 32. whereby they might stand against the blasts of contrary doctrine The worshipping of Angels was going to be intruded upon those Colossians Chap. 2. v. 19. the Word of Christ is recommended to them that by the force and light of that such doctrine might be excluded from Congregations Through ignorance of the Scripture by mens persons by enticing words we may be drawn to believe the doctrine of Devils We must therefore if we would steer our course right for the Haven of happinesse sail by the light given us in the body of the Scriptures Things that have but a show of Scripture meeâ—ing with ignorance doth oâ—â—en passe as having divine Authority while â—hose that know the Scripture know that it is Sathan transformed into an Angel of light Not a fixed but a wandring star Iud. 13. and therefore not to be walked after lest as he that follows that Meteor ignis fatuus we fall in a ditch and perish in the mid way of our errour and backsliding The ignorance of many in Scripture and the mistakes of many touching some places in it are apparent causes or the Apostacy of many from it in these days of liberty c. 4. No person can perform that duty required commanded and enjoyned them of God Without the knowledge of and acquaintance with the Scriptures the Magistrate will be to seek the Minister will be at a losse and the people like sheep without a Shepherd The Magistrate is to punish sin which cannot be known but by the Scriptures Rom. 7.7 The Minister is to preach the Word and how shall he preach it but by the spirit and how shall he have the spirit except he ask it and how shall he ask except the Scripture direct him How can the people know to give obedience to the one and double honour to the other without acquaintance of this Word of Christ It is that alone that discovers the duties of all relations and by all therefore to be consulted with lest being found faulty in the least Commandement we become breakers of all Iames 2.10 and be called for so doing Least in the Kingdome of Heaven Therefore all Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for Doctrine for reproofe for correction for instruction in Righteousnesse that the man of God may be perfect throughly furnished â—â—to all good Works 2 Tim. 3.16 17. 5. All Persons will be judged acquitted or condemned by the Scriptures at the dreadful appearance of God we mean by this All those to whom the Scriptures are given according to conformity of mens lives with this Word shall God passe that sentence of Come ye Blessed or Go ye cursed If thou cast thy bread upon the waters give a portion to seven and also to eight Eccl. 11.22 if thou hast dealt thy bread to the hungry Isai. 58.6 or hast neglected and saw thy Brother have need and shut up thy bowels against him 1 Iohn 3.17 and hast stopped thy ears at the cry of thy poor brother Prov. ult 13. thou shalt have thy self condemned and
and received as the word of Christ which other Scripture is as well as the Psalms But 3. Because of all Scripture the Psalms are of most generall use as having in them the greatest variety of doctrine the most fervent and working motives to godlinesse and piety and 4. Because of all the Scripture they were usually most if not only sung they were in a special way chanted by the Saints and sung by the holy men under the Law which besides the Spirit of God who by David did compose those Psalms suitable to be sung was occasioned from those holy raptures that by experience believers felt in themselves in the using of them arising upon the variety of Doctrine that was naturally perceived to be in them and flow from them but of these things more at large when vve come to handle that Ordinance of singing in particular CHAP. III. HAving opened the Text we shall now by the assistance of him whose word is to be spoken of come to the drawing out of such truths as shall and may serve for firm pillars whereby the true Christian and sober Saint may stand upright against and in despite of the storms and blasts of all contrary Doctrine Our purpose is to speak of the nature of and to defend the Churches practise in those effectual and grand Ordinances viz. the Word Sacraments and Prayer the Conduit Pipes to convey the water of life to the languishing and thirsty soul though some in this Age surfeiting through plenty account them but as puddle and to be shunned by men As a foundation and ground to the whole Discourse we shall therefore handle this point of Doctrine from the words in generall That it is a Duty incumbent upon all persons to have knowledge of and to be well acquainted with the holy Scriptures The word of Christ is the unum necessarium that one thing needfull for a Christian in this earth and in his passing or travelling toward heaven indispensably necessary as a guide to direct him as light to comfort him and as armour to defend him Ephes. 6.17 Psal. 119.105 Psal. 19.7 In the opening of this doctrine we shall observe this method 1. Show what knowledge it is that lies upon all Christians as a Duty 2. What it is to be well acquainted with the Scriptures 3. Give other Scriptures for the proof of the point 4. Demonstrate the truth of it by reasons drawn from Scripture 5. Discover some causes that hinder the knowledge of the word in our days 6. Draw some Corollaries 7. Resolve some Questions This shall be the Order that we will follow and the God of Order cause his blessing to go along with it that it may effectually teach us how to order our Lives aright towards God and towards man in these irregular days of ours SECTION I. VVHen Christ had ascended up on high and led captivity captive he gave gifts to men Ephes. 4.8 which gifts did vary and were more or less according to the good pleasure of him that ruleth all things Every man hath not knowledge alike and no man knoweth all things he that knoweth most knoweth but in part 1 Cor 13.12 According to the Order God puts men in he will give five two or but one talent and no more some things lie hid from the wisest and other things God will have the lowest of men find out he hath given his word universally to all that by it all may know their duty and he is a wise man which knoweth that There are three things that every Christian must indispensably know in Scripture 1. All necessary truths God will be offended if they know not how to be good Christians not if we be not good Disputants We are to know that God is a Spirit And they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in truth John 4.24 that he is a hater and punisher of sin Rom. 1.18 that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Saviour of the world Acts 9.20 Acts 5.31 c. From the knowledge of these and the like things there are none excepted they are indeed the ground work of all Religion and God will be angry if men know them not 2. All profitable truths It is necessary for men in health strength and wealth to lay up some comfortable provision against the days come wherein they shall say I have no pleasure in them Texts that can mitigate sickness suppress doubts and keep off despair conduce much to a Christians being and his well being also The mysteries of Daniel will not afford so much comfort to a drooping soul as the great mysterie of godliness What time thou art afraid trust in God Psal. 56.3 Remember Happy is he what case soever befals him that hath the God of Iacob for his help whose hope is in the Lord his God Psal. 146.5 God may bring thee through the fire and refine thee as silver is refined and try thee as Gold is tryed Zach. 13.9 Meditate therefore upon the Faith and patience of the Saints Rev. 13.10 and upon the end of the Lord Jam. 5.11 3. All Relative truths i.e. to know those things that God hath given a man in charge in reference to that particular calling or relation that God hath given to him or put him in A Father must know his Duty for he shall answer for his failings in that particular the Magistrate his the Minister his the people theirs God will punish Eli for his failings as a Father 1 Sam. 3.13 Saul for his as a Magistrate 1 Sam. 15.26 Nadab and Abihu for theirs as Priests Lev. 10.2 The people for theirs Mal. 3.8 9 10. Eonus Civis sed malus homo it is one thing to be a good Christian and another to be a good Father be both or if thou be not thou mayst be saved yet so as by fire 1 Cor. 3.15 that is as a man that hath his house and his goods burned may yet escape with his life so thou mayst be brought to heaven but not in that comfortable and joyfull condition which thou mightest hadst thou filled up all thy Relations according to the duties enjoyned thee by the word But of these there may be and is a twofold knowledge 1. A speculative or a head knowledge a knowledge that goeth no further then the brain old Eli might know wâ—â—t he ought to have done The word of Christ may be in a mans brain and there it will speed no better then the seed that was sown in stony ground Matth. 13.5 wanting depth of earth A head-knowledge will but encrease our guilt and that will increase our misery for he that knoweth his Masters will and doth it not shall be beaten with many stripes 2. An affective or heart-knowledge Theologia est scientia affectiva directiva which goes down to the affections and causes a man to walk and to do according to that which he knows Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophesie of this Book Rev. 22.7 This is to
of Church did the Apostle Paul write most of his Epistles to the Romans to the Corinthians to the Galathians and as in the text to the Thessalonians that is to the company of believers that lived in and about those Cities and Countries called to be Saints 1. Cor. 1.2 This National Church as the case now stands with us and for the better understanding of some things hereafter to be handled must be divided into the Romish Church and Reformed First The Romish Church by this we understand all those Christians that hold the new invented Doctrine of the Church of Rome that believe as that Church believes and in all points conform thereunto either in point of practice or in point of doctrine Secondly The reformed Church by this we understand those believers whether Nationall or Provinciall that have forsaken the Church of Rome so far as she hath forsaken the truth of the Gospel and cleave to the Ancient Doctrin taught in the Catholick Church whether by the Lord or by his Apostles or by Ministers sent from them whether taught at Jerusalem Antioch Athens or at Rome it selfe disowning the Doctrine of Purgatory praying for the dead worshiping of Saints or what ever as is contrary to true Doctrine such are the reformed Churches of France Helvetia Basil Bohemia Belgie Auspurge Wittemburge Saxony Scotland or England whose Doctrine in these and such other points opposing Rome as may be seen in their publick confessions Now know that all these together are but one and the same Church diversly considered for as the great Seâ— which is but one sends out her Branches and Rivers which receive names according to the Countries they pass through and become as it were distinst Seas as the British Sea the Germane Sea the Atlantick Sea Even so the Church sending her Doctrine through the Kingdome and Nations of the Earth receives a denomination from the place where she is received and from them whom she washes with water in the name of the Lord and so of old were the Churches of the Corinthians or Thessalonians and so now the Churches of France or England which yet made not severall Churches for as there is but one head one Lord one Faith one Baptisme one Bridegroom one God and one way to â—eaven so there can be but one Church but severall considerations of that one Church which we believe to be holy and Catholick and is the whole society and company of Believees Elected and appointed c. And now we have seen her whom the Lord loves This is the Spouse of Christ only and besides her we know no other this is she whom Men and Devils Hereticks and Infidels for the present labour to destroy and alwayes did desire to root out but all in vain Mathew 16.18 This is she whom Iohn saw as a Bride come down from Heaven adorned for her Husband Revelations 21.2 who is jealous over her and rejoyceth over her as a Bridegroome rejoyceth over his Bride Isa 62.5 He rejoyceth over her with singing Zepha 3.17 This is the body of Christ Ephesians 1.8 which from Christ as from the Head receiveth Life and Spirit by his Spirit she is governed in all things and of whom also she receiveth increase that she growes up Ephe. 4.16 This is she that for her justification by faith in Christ and her mystical union with him is in name and nature a Queen Christs Spouse for her Nobility the new Jerusalem the Brother Sister and Mother of our Lord the first born of God for her illumination perfection defence of Evangelical truth is called the light of the world a Golden Candlestick a Pillar of truth and for her Sanctification of life a peculiar People a vessel of Honour a Garden inclosed the Temple of the holy Ghost Sancta Dei Ecclesia est mater virgo Spousa This is she who from her fruitfulnesse in bringing forth many Children unto God is called a Mother and that is by keeping her Châ—stity pure from the embracements of the world and Sathan is known and esteemed a Virgin and from those engagements that she hath given to the Lord of constant fidelity to him she is honoured as the Lambs wife This is the Vineyard of the Lord which he hath planted in this world warred with his Blood fenced it about with holy Angels builded the winepress of his passion in the midst of her and is dayly gathering out the stones that do offend her This is she whose property it is to vanquish when she is hurt to understand when she is reproved to be in safety when she is forsaken to obtain victory when she is almost over-thrown to be strongest when she is weakest to grow highest when she is most crushed to be most glorious when she is most reproached to be honourably acquitted when she is scornfully condemned to be crowned when she is dishonoured to be rich when she is impoverished to be illustrous when she is despised then she is neâ—rest life when death is nearest to her He that is a member of this Church ought not to be calleâ— a Lutheran nor a Calvinist nor a Protestant no more then to be called a Petrir or a Paulis or a Nicean for following the doctrin of Paul or Peter or for adhearing to the positions of the Councels of Nice or Paphnutians for approving the opposition of Paphnutius in reference to the coelibat life motioned in that Councell since it is the doctrine of no private Person he believes in but of that that hath taught by the Spirit of God to the Saints in all ages therefore he is to be called a Catholick laying the ground of his Salvation on the foundation already and long agoe laid by the Prophets Apostles or Evangelists the opinion and invention of men being no part of his Religion or Articles of his Creed It is true the members of the Church of Rome subscribe themselves Catholicks but falsely many points of the Doctrin of that Church which they have made necessary to Salvation were not known by the Fathers and Teachers of the old Churches Unknown to the Apostles and to their Successors for severall ages when the fire of Purgatory first kindled We know and what Spirit or whose Breath first blew as it hath been demonstrated by Catholick Champions of this Nation and other reformed Churches Their own Histories discover that it hath neither the Spirit nor the word of God for its entry but the Bishop of Romes pollicy the peoples simplicity the Emperours inadvertency and Phochas's treachery for unto these causes may we reduce his Holinesses Supromacy and infallibility the foundation and Basis of all their other errors the Doctrin of Purgatory of Pardons of Auricular confession of Venial sin of Merit of Transubstantiation of Adoration of Saints Communicating under one kind of private Masse of the Pax of the Agnus Dei of Hostly or Ghostly processions we know to be but yesterday so that whosoever takes hold of this Doctrin deserves
sedition or division to requit it will foster Heresie Hereticks do corrumpere sidem and Schismaâ—â—cks or Separatists do disrumpere charitatem the one corrupts the Doctrine of the Church the other falls from her Communion both are fruits of the flesh and they that do such things shall not inherit the Kingdome of God Verse ult The sin of Separation is so infectious that in Scripture we are to separate from them that so do Rom. 16.17 There is a Rule in Divinity that wil make the sin of separation to be great it is this Those sins are the greatest which are most contrary to and do most oppose the greatest of Christian vertues or graces Now they are recorded 1 Cor. 13.13 Now abideth Faith Hope and Charity but the greatest of these three is Charity Now by the Rule distrust in Gods promises or in his power is a great sin it being a sin against hope Heresie or a stout persisting in an errour is a far greater sin for it is a sin against faith and seeks to cover conceal if not to destroy the truth Now Charity is greater then either of these that follows therefore that that sin that destroys the peace of the Church untyes the Ligatures by which the whole body is compact together is the greatest but this doth the sin of Separation a thing by this age of no account yet they wil find it of great moment in the day of their Account It is a sin generally accompanied with the other lusts of the flesh viz. Hatred Varience Emulations Strife Wrath which seldome lurks long in a Corner but in time appears in the field in the habit and acts of Murtherers Ravishers Traytors and all with the voyce of Iacob pretending Godlinesse and conscience as Histories do abundantly show But to answer the Question So long as a Church makes no separation from Christ no separation is to be made from it but to keep in it is the duty and safety honour and happinesse of him that would enjoy the Communion of Saints the forgivenesse of sins the Resurrection of the body unto life Everlasting A Church separates from Christ two ways 1. When she overthrows the foundation of that Doctrine that is laid by Christ the foundation of all truth is already laid and he that goes to overthrow that may be said to turn from it Do we see a society of men whether Nationally or Domestically whether openly or secretly going in that road that thwarteth the foundation or fundamental points of Religion there must be a separation Rev. 18.4 whether it be in the adding to these fundamentals as if they were not sufficient or taking from them as if they were redundant or superfluous This made the Reformed Churches beyond Sea and the Church of England to separate from the Church of Rome which hath both taken from and added to those fundamental Truths whereupon the Church was by the Lord and his Apostles erected and builded Having to the Scriptures added some Books as the Apocrypha makes the Scriptures to be an imperfect Rule and must have Traditions to compleat it That the sense and meaning of the Scripture depends upon the Churches authority That in all matters of Controversie not the Scriptures but the Church must be the Judge They have made five Sacraments more then Christ made They have clearly blotted out the whole body of the second Commandment out of the first Table of the Law in several Books That Infants that die without Baptism are eternally separate from God except they be as it were martyred by which martyrdom they are baptized Baptismo sanguinis with their own blood They teach that men are not justified by Faith alone before God They make Saints and holy men departed assistant in the work of reconciling us to God and therefore maintain they must be prayed unto That the Doctrine of Purgatory must be believed if we would be saved That the efficacy of the Sacraments depends upon the worthiness or intention of the giver That Baptism totally abolisheth Original sin That the real fleshly body of Christ is in the Bread at the Sacrament of the Lords Supper as soon as the Priest pronounceth the words Hoc est corpus meum this is my body if he should say Corpus mea it were no Sacrament They take the Wine or keep the Cup from the Laity in that Sacrament That the wine in that Ordinance must be mingled with water that that Sacrament is profitable not only for the living but for the dead The Priest is not to bless a second marriage They baptize Bells with the very words of Baptism and by that they teach Devils are drove from the Church O Romanists great is your Faith and give them proper names That God-Fathers and God-mothers at the Font by reason of the nearness of their Spiritual Kindred are not to nor must noâ— marry for the seventh generation That the Pope or Bishop of Rome is the universal Head of the Church and Christs Vicar All which â—enets as they were utterly unknown to the former Bishops of Rome nor heard of in the Church of Christ for many Ages so they are for the present opposed by all the Reformed Churches abroad who have upon that account forsaken her and England hath thrown her off and separated from her and by the Champions of the several Churches hath their separation been defended By vertue of that Catholick truth 1 Tim. 6.3 If any man teach otherwise that is then the Scriptures do and consent not to wholsom words of our Lord Iesus and to the Doctrine which is accordâ—ng to godliness c. from such separate turn away or withdraw thy self their separation is justifiable What Paul would have Timothy in this place to do he practiseth himself in another Acts 19.9 yet probably in one and the same City was it both done by Paul and to be done by Timothy Saint Paul being in Ephesus some there were that believed his word others not but hardened their heart speaking evil of him and of the Gospel After he had preached three moneths and perswading to the things concerning the Kingdom of God he separated the Disciples he would not have those Believers that had received the Truth to be in any Church-fellowship with those that spoke against it Luther who began to rise up and take his farewell of the Church of Rome Anno 1517. being an Augustian Frier was called an Apostate answered Consitetur se esse Apostatam sed beatum Sanctum qui sidem Diabolo datam non servavit that he had only fallen back from that Covenant and Engagement he had made with Satan Not that there is a separation to be made from all the Doctrine of Rome for she holds many great mysteries of Divinity purely and soundly wherein we must and do all agree with her as Christians but he that is a true member of the Church of Rome as it now stands he must believe that the least coal in Purgatory is very
This Errour in point of worship you may call Idolatry But beware that you take not decent or comely Ceremonies for essentiall parts of worship The Apostle urging women in the Church of Corinth to be covered 1 Cor. 11.6 that which they might think was too much precisenesse in him for we may be apt to suppose he discontented them that did otherwise was decent in his eyes and commanded to be done but not making it a point of worship nor pressing it upon them as part of Gods service declares that ceremonies may be used in but ought ever to be differenced from the worship performed In brief whatever Ceremony of what nature or kind soever that is enjoined that is not contrary to the Word of God and by the Officers of the Church thought comely to be used as tending to make that worship then used to be the more Reverenced and esteemed by the performers is not to be opposed This age discovers what a dis-respect contempt undervaluinig thoughts most men have even good men in a great measure of the house of God table of God service of God and Servants of God since decent and comely ceremonies were banished from the Church of God and where such ceremonies are injoyned and thou separatest thou art guilty of renting the seamlesse coat there being no cause for making that separation justifiable For Hereâ—â—e then and Idolatry only then is there a cause of separation and what ever is more then these cometh of Satan Wherefore though our departure were a trouble to them sayth Reverend Bishop Iewel speaking of Rome yet they ought to consider how just cause we had of our departure And in another place he saith It is true we have departed from them and for so doing we give thanks to Almighty God but yet from Christ from the Apostles and from the Primitive Church we have not departed Romes Heresie and Idolatry gave a just ground for the Reformed Churches separation But In our days there is made such a separation as by no Scripture can be justified there being nothing in matter of doctrine taught nor in point of worship performed that in the least contradicts the Word written or the worship injoyned and therefore their sin is the greater tending to the destroying of that love charity concord union that ought to be in and amongst the members of the Church we must not cut off the arm for every scratch or smal hurt much lesse cut off our nose because it seems to stand awry through a false glasse neither ought we to separate from the body of the Church for every small errour in it as for every Ceremony that in our judgment is amisse and indeed those that are most separate from the Church now in the highest points of doctrine and fight against her did but at first dislike her Ceremonies so dangerous it is to yield in the least to the sin of Schisme for the hurt in that quickly turns to the Gangreen of Heresie Those that disliked her Suâ—plice now scorn her preaching those that disliked her prayers will not now pray at all those that disliked standing at the Creed now will fall down to no God those that disliked her Crosse in Baptism now scorn the Spiritual washing those that looked sowr upon my Lord the Bishop now casts stones at the Preacher Master G Those that dug down her Altars now would pull down her Churches they that saw her kneel at the Lords Supper and grumbled because she sate not are now so holy that they scorn it Which thing duly and seriously weighed might make men afraid to play about the hole of the asp or to put their hand in the Cokatrice den nay to touch it were it but with a stick least as it befals him that toucheth the Torpedo a spiritual numbnesse or Judiciall stupefaction befall them that they shall noâ— move one foot forward in a right way more Seldome can we see them returning to their mother Church and to that doctrine wherein they were baptized but like sheep out of the Fold as soon as out of the Church porch they wander further and further and so far they are gone that for the present I am not disposed to go after them but to such as are within hearing I give this short direction viz. to behold such as have gone before them that at first did but stâ—mble at straws were troubled at trifles thought to have gone no further yet whither are they now hurried look back to the Church you have left view her orders her Sacraments her points of worship study them try them by the Sciptures if you can find them contrary or repugnant to the written Word of God stand stil and save thy own soul but follow not them for they went in the way of Cain and run greedily after the errour of Balaam perished in the Gainsaying of Coâ—e Clouds without Water carried about of Winds raging waves of the Sea foaming out their own shame wandring stars Jude 11.12 13. By good Words and fair Speeches they deceive the hearts of the simple not for our Lord Iesus Christ but for their own belly Romans 16.18 Quest. 7. Whether more Religions then one may be Tollerated where the true Church is Established In the opening of this Question knowing the times wherein I live and the fewnesse of my years I will not shew you my opinion but you shall hear the Judgement of a Master in our Israel that was gathered with gray hairs to his Fathers and lately fell asleep One Religion is to be Tolerated and no more to be publickly taught then one 1. Because there is but one God who is the object of Religion his Essencâ— being simple and indivisible his worship is also to be diversitie of Religion breeds and produceth only diversity of Opinion touching God which in time may in the conceits of men dâ—stroy his unity and Onenesse 2. As there is but one truth so there ought to be but one Religion for false Religions either teach to worship false Gods or else in a false way and manner to worship the true God which made God himself in constituting the Church of the Jews in a strict manner to give charge touching that and in his constituting the Church of the Christians to do the same by commanding them to stone that Prophet that taught otherwise and us to curse that Angel that should teach other Doctrine then he did then by Moses and now to us by his Son give teach command and appoint Deut. 13.1 Gal. 1.8 3. There is but one Church which is the ground and pillar of truth 1 Tim. 3.15 and one Spirit to lead that Church in the way of truth and therefore there ought to be but one Religion which is the Doctrine of that one Truth 4. There is but one way to heaven and eternal Life in which way few through ignorance and errour walk or find and ways to Hell and destruction which many through corrupted nature fall
Church of England is a true Church as it is now constituted her Doctrine being pure she holds nothing nor injoyns nothing upon her members in matters of salvation by way of precept neither doth she add to nor take any thing from the nature of the Sacraments that the Lord Christ hath left behinde him in the Church by way of practice she doth and may injoyn and she hath power to ordain several Ceremonies to be performed in the receiving of them which in themselves being not contrary to the Scriptures nor taught by her as necessary for salvation urged only as edifying for their meaning and decent for the service performing her Members may and they do give her all due obedience and their obedience is justifiable You need not here be put in minde of that caution formerly given viz. not to take manners for doctrine it is a high errour to conceit the vertue power efficacy of an Ordinance to consist in or depend upon the goodness of him that doth administer the same A prophane person a known Swearer may purely dispense the Sacraments for that lies not as God forbid it did in the purity of any mans conversation but in the pure adhering to our Lords Institution The pure preaching of the word hangeth not upon the purity of him that speaketh but in the purity of the word spoken of The purity of Doctrine lies in the agreement of it unto Scripture and not in the agreement of a mans life unto the word if so how many had Christ converted what multitudes of people had Paul brought to the knowledge of the truth more then he did The same Doctrine teacheth the Reformed Churches and the Church of England Art 26. To conclude this Chapter in all Instituted Ordinances it is neither Pauls goodness nor Apollo's graces nor Iudas's wickednesse that is the cause of the plants fruitfulness or barrenness from the grace of God must we look to receive the promised reward 1 Cor. 3.7 In natural as in prayer sometimes it may be otherwise Iames 5.16 CHAP. II. Of the Scriptures COL 3.16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. HAving viewed this beautifull heavenly and holy building for it is Gods 1 Cor. 3.9 which is as Ierusalem a City compact together we shall now behold the foundation upon which it stands The Builder of it was skilfull in all kind of cunning Work and a Fabrick of this height or altitude required a foundation suitable deep strong and sure he therefore founded it upon a Rock Matth. 16.18 by which the several parts of it stand firm the carved and polished work thereof knows no shaking the least vessell therein though earthen yet being chosen for the Masters honour knoweth no falling down by tottering The foundation of this glorious Metropolis Royal Edifice or House of God is in truth and nature but one yet since Scripture speaks of it as two we shall speak in that Language and shew you that the Church hath 1. An increated essential foundation which is that holy thing whose name is Jesus Christ the Lord Matth. 16.18 begotten before the beginning of the world it is the Lamb of God the Rock of Ages it is he that is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners the only begotten Son of the Father who taking upon himself to deliver man did not abhor the Virgins womb it is he whose name is wonderfull Counsellor the mighty God the Prince of Peace the everlasting Son of the Father the Man who is Gods Fellow Zach. 13.17 2. A Created Doctrinal foundation this is the Law and the Prophets Ephes. 2.20 It is the word written which is profitable for Doctrine and reproof for correction and instruction in righteousness that the man or Church of God might be perfect throughly furnished unto all good works In summ it is that word that was spoken by the Fathers by the Saints by the Prophets and Apostles who were the servants of God Phil. 1.1 Of these two we may say as Ioseph said of Pharaâ—hs doubled dream Gen. 41.26 They are but one yet not one so but that the preheminence is given to the first under the notion of a Corner stone Isa. 28.16 that giving both strength to the building and directions to the Builder And indeed the Prophets and Apostles laid no new Foundation but added to that corner stone laid to their hands daily such firme Christians as they had fitted for this holy superstructure taking directions in their building from its posâ—ture for unto it all the building fuly framed together groweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord Ephes. 2. ult No foundation being laid therefore but what is united to this strengthened by this supported by this and directed by this shews that properly there is none but this Saint Paul who was a wise and excellent Master builder himself 1 Cor. 3.10 understanding there was a Church builded at Colos. a City of Phrygia the greater in the continent of Asia the lesse so called from one Phryxus a King thereof had no desire it should stand empty left the evill spirit which hath been cast out should take possession again as at this time he was like to do whether by their falling back to Paganisme and Heathnish customes again or by being taught the necessity of imbracing the doctrine or Ceremonies of Jewisme would have the Word of Christ dwell richly in them This Country of Phrygia had once in it a King named Gordius who of a Plow-man being chosen King tyed or hampered his Plow-Tacklings in such a knot that he predicted that none should untye them but he that was to be Conquerour of the World it was called Nodus Gordianus this Prophesie was fulfilled in Alexander who because he could not untye it by Art cut it asunder with his Sword and for afterward conquering the World was sirnamed the Great At this time there was among these Phrygian Colossians some that hampered their understandings by a counterfeited humility who with their dark Axiomes would have intruded upon them worshipping of Angels which knots to untye that they might be great the Apostle sends them or recommends unto them the Sword of the Spirit Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly In this Country also was the City of Midaium where Midas the son of this Gordius lived and dwelt he as the Poets fain asked of Bacchus who was his Guest that what ever he touched might become gold his great riches was the ground of the Fable his â—ute was granted by which he turned Mountains into gold but finding that he could neither eat nor drink but Goblets and Viands of Gold he recalled his wish and by washing himselfe in the River Paâ—tâ—lus communicated that virtue to the River which afterward brought up golden sand The River that comes from the Mount Tmolus brings with it abundance of gold and
they sinned that word that might have been purely and unsported given to the Father through negligence forgetfulness wilfulness might not have been delivered intirely and perfectly to the son but now in writing none of these can alter the age that now is can know if others do corrupt and those that come after may judge of this each having copies by them they are able to discover or iudge of the integrity of another neither can any one corrupt it in the least but it may easily be discryed by his neighbour through the copies or writings of it 3 That helpe might be afforded men against those imperfections that attend the best for through fraile nature cares and troubles of the world sutable comforts confirming truths might not suddenly be thought on now by writing this malady hath a proper cure the word being open and before our eyes we may take up and read such truths as may stay the Soul in her greatest shakeings and comfort her in her languishing distempers 4 That mens faith might be the more confirmed in the truth of it when men see the prophecies that were foretold in the book of Daniel and in the Revelation the fulfillings of the threatnings is against the Jews c. To know that these things are done and to see them foretold so many hundred years before induceth a man more firmely to beleeve them then if it were told him barely from another that his Father or Grandfather said it should be so of which he also might have cause to doubt and the truth of the Speaker even in that particular suspect Quest. 10. Whether men be bound to believe all that is in the Scripture For the dispatching this Question we must distinguish 1. Between the Scripture it self and the persons who writ it is not necessary to salvation to believe that Matthew writ that Gospell that goes under his Name nor that Peter writ his to believe what is spoken or written is one thing and to believe that David writ it is another thing 2. Between the writing it self and the time when or the place whence it was written It is one thing to believe the truth of those Epistles of Paul and another thing to believe that they were written from Corinthus as that to the Romans or that from Athens as that to the Thessalonians or from Rome when Paul was brought the second time before Nero as that last Epistle to Timothy 3. Between the Words written and the meaning or sence of the thing writ It is one thing to believe that Paul writ the words of his Epistles in that order method place as we have them in our Bibles ordered and placed and another thing to believe the sence and the meaning of the thing so written we shall find the writers of the Scriptures in citing of places deviate from the naturall order of the Words given them by the first Author which shews that we are not bound to believe that For instance David declares Psal. 16.8 I have set the Lord always before me because he is at my right hand I shall not be moved which Text Peter having occasion to use Act. 2.25 reads it thus viz. I foresaw the Lord always before my face he is on my right hand that I should not be moved The words being clearly varied but the sence and meaning being the same we are tyed to the one and not to the other which alteration is evident in many places particularly the very next verse both of that Psalm and this Chapter 4. Between an Historical and a saving faith we are to believe all that the Scripture contains and set down that is the sence and meaning of it to be no other then the very will purpose mind and Law of God which we must believe if we would be saved And that it was written by David and sent to the chief Musitian by Matthew by Paul and sent to them from Corinthus that the Epistle to Timothy Ordained the first Bishop of the Church of Ephesus was written from Rome when Paul was brought the Second time before Nero as his second Epistle at the close declares ought to be believed by an Historical faith that not being written by the infallible spirit of God but by the Churches Tradition of whose authority in an Historical way it is but presumption in any man to doubt CHAP. IV. Of Reading We are now come to the prosecuting and enforcing of those directions above named as necessary Antecedents for the Words indwaking The first was to read the Scriptures In the handling of which we shall 1. Prove it is a duty to read 2. Direct how to read 3. Resolve some Questions Sect. 1. THat all are to read the Scriptures is a truth that the Religious Christian will not doubt of and the Hypocriticall dare not deny yet that all might be left without excuse we shall prove that all must do it According to the usuall division of Magistrates Ministers and people or of Old and young which comprehendeth al sorts of persons whatsoever 1. Magistrates are to read it God giving Laws concerning the Ruling of his People to him that should be King â—ver them Commandeth Deut 17 18. that when he sitteth upon the Throne of his Kingdom that he shall write him a Copy of this Law in a book out of that which is before the Priests the Levites and it shal be with him and he shal READ therein all the days of his life The King therefore it not exempted from this duty though he be Lord of all notwithstanding all affairs he must READ therein all the days of his life And the truth is he will be the best Ruler that is best acquainted with this word he will know sin the better which he is to punish Rom. 13.13 the better he be acquainted with the Scripture Rom. 7.7 It is the abundance of the sincere milk of the Word that maketh Kings Queens nursing Fathers and nursing Mothers unto the Church Isai. 49.23 that all that live under them may by their knowledge and discipline grow in all godlinesse and wax strong to every good work sucking from their breasts wholesome doctrine springing from good government and Laws and enjoying the fruit of all in every Act of Justice What God doth in this place require of a King who is Supream 1 Pet. 2.13 he requires the same of all Magistrates and Officers under him that are as Kings in their proper places and Domininions and by the Subjects ought so to be beheld 1. That they be not puffed up by conceit of Earthly greatness Psal. 131 1 2. 2. That they may be impartiall in their Sentences Proverbs 31.5 3. That they may uphold and defend the truth of his worship 2 Kings 23.1 2 3 4. 4. That they may know whom to encourage and whom to punish Rom. 13.3 5. That every thing may be done by them as those that must give an account to the King of Kings and Lord of Lord for
not under the Law have those beasts offered up fo him in sacrifice that did not chew the cud they were unpured as unclean those under the Gospel that brings not up again by meditation what they gathered by reading shall not be esteemed pure Meditation puts a boult upon the door that Sathan that gsand picklock cannot so enter to rob their treasure of knowledg 2. Walk sutably to it When Moses was in the mount with God his face shined at his comming to the people when a Christian hath been in and seen the glory of the Lord in the holy mount of the Scriptures his conversarion ought to shine in the eyes of the world he ought to bring forth the fruit of the Scriptures in a holy life Not lying but speaking the truth Ephe. 4.25 As much as in us lies living peaceably with all men Rom. 12 18. Iudging no man Matthew 7.1 Giving honour to whom honour tribute to whom tribute custome to whom custome is due Rom. 13.7 Speaking no evill of dignities not reviling the Gods nor cu sing the ruler of the people Levit. 22.28 Judg. 8. c. Putting away all bitternesse and wrath and anger and clamour and evill speaking with all malice Ephe. 9.31 But as he who hath known the mind of the Lord. 1 Cor. 2.16 He may honour all men love Brotherhood fear God honour the King 1. Pet. 2.17 Every good act is a watering of that root of grace that is planted in the soule by the word of God that it may abide and bring forth the fruit of eternal life 3. Call upon God again to blesse it to the As thou hast sought him ie his word where his Saints alwayes found him through his goodnesse so do thou raise up thy soul and beg that it might make thee perfeâ—t in every good work that he by the abundant pouring forth of the Holy Ghost might sanctifie thee through his word Ephe. 5.26 But 1. In this praise him for what thou hast learned 2. Repent for what thou hast neglected 3. Confesseth and forsake that for which thou hast been reproved 4. Remember those who to thee are recommended 4 Go about the works of thine ordinary calling chearfully it is not the end of God in publishing the Scriptures to make men idle and loyter in the earth to neglect their Families and forsake their callings as c. Follow then thy calling it is a part of his service and leave him to bring to perfection that good work which he hath begun But never forget to remember that the Scriptures are as necessary as thy dayly food SECTION III. Question Resolvd Quest. 1. Whether there be a God as it declared in Scripture Quest. 2. Whether God be a Spirit Quest. 3. Whether there be but one God Quest. 4. Whether there be three Persons in the God-head and how these Persons do agree Quest. 5. Why are Kings and Magistrates called Gods and Rebellion to be like witch craft in Scripture Quest. 6. What was that image wherein God made man and why was man created naked Quest. 7. Whether the reading of the Ceremonial Law be profitable to a Believer And whether any part of that Law be established under the Gospel Quest. 8. Why would God suffer his dearest Saints to lie under such sad afflictions as are mentioned in Scripture und whether the book of Job be a reall history Quest. 9. Whether there be a difference between the old and new Testament and why the Scriptures are called a Testament Quest. 10. Why are there some things on Scripture hard to be understood and whether the Scripture can dwell richly in those that cannot read Quest. 1. Whether there be a God as is declared in Scripture It hath been proved that all are to read the Scripture that being the will of God revealed and published to man for the right ordering of his life yet in reading some fool might say in his heart There is not a GOD and throw all aside but that there is a God appears 1. The Creation or Fabrick of the world by such a glorious building as this wherein we live such a goodly frame as our eyes behold could not but have been formed by some or other if by a creature why cannot a creature do the like now why cannot they that are displeased with this remove it and give us another who made the starry Heavens and the vaulted Roof of the whole Earâ—h to shine with such glorious light by night and by day what is his name and what is his Sons name Who hath layed the measures thereof if thou knowest who hath streched the line upon it whereupon are the foundations thereof fastned or who lay the corner Store name another besides God eris mihi magnus Apollo I shall take thee to be some great one see Rom. 1.19 20. 2. From the order that is in all the world this world is of an uniform nature this world is not a confused and disorderly heap but in all things ordered and sure were there not a God to keep all in order the Sun might often stray the Moon might withdraw her shining or get above the Stars the Stars forget their path and shine below the Moon the Heavens might not alwayes goe directly roâ—nd by ehance they might slip aside and smother men and cover the whole Earth or the beast might break out upon man and the Horse not know his Rider the Servant rebel against his Master and he that had a House might live in fear by chance harvest might fall in the spring and the spring not make haste by reason of the cold yea the Sun by some means or other might not hasten his going down The universal and constant order that we see in the world makes manifest they are acted by some superior being which is and can be onely God 3 From the variety that is in that Order wee see not onely a sweet and orderly Harmony in the Creatures but a delightfull and pleasant variety there are Stars of different magnitudes and each Star differs from another in glory there are greater and lesser lights lighter and heavier darker and brighter Clouds It is a goodly sight to see the Sun like a Bride-groom comming out of his Chamber in the East to see Flowers Herbs Grasse Plants stores of rare qualities and inimitable variety to see the Earth shining with Flowers and Heaven with Stars with the souls of the one and Beâ—sts of the other sporting in the beautifull Ayr and playing in the delightfull Rivers without the study or art of man or any other creature doth plainly show there is a God The wonderfull symmetry and proportion that is in the face of man the placeing of its parts the hanging of his Tongue the guard of the Teeth how uniform are they in all yet the variety that is in those Faces the diversity that is in those Sounds doth evidence a Diety 4. From the testimony of all Nations in the world no People so Savage