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A35959 Truths victory over error, or, An abridgement of the chief controversies in religion which since the apostles days to this time, have been, and are in agitation, between those of the Orthodox faith, and all adversaries whatsoever, a list of whose names are set down after the epistle to the reader : wherein, by going through all the chapters of The confession of faith, one by one, and propounding out of them, by way of question, all the controverted assertions, and answering by yes, or no, there is a clear confirmation of the truth, and an evident confutation of what tenets and opinions, are maintain'd by the adversaries : a treatise, most useful for all persons, who desire to be instructed in the true Protestant religion, who would shun in these last days, and perillous times, the infection of errors and heresies, and all dangerous tenets and opinions, contrary to the word of God. Dickson, David, 1583?-1663.; Sinclair, George, d. 1696. 1684 (1684) Wing D1412; ESTC R3405 145,943 378

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Pet. 1. 19. 3. Because the Scripture enlighteneth the eyes and maketh the simple wise Psal. 19. 7 8. Quest XII HAth the Lord by his singular providence and care keeped pure in all Ages the Old Testament in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek Yes Matthew 5. 18. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain the Old Testament in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek which are the Fountains to be corrupted and that their common Latine Version is authentick Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1. Because Christ sayes till Heaven and Earth pass one jot or one title shall in nowise pass from the Law till all be fulfilled Matth. 5. 18. 2. Because there can be no urgent necessity shown why the Fountains are corrupted 3 If any such corruption had been in the Scripture Christ his Apostles and the Orthodox Fathers had declared so much 4 Because they never have nor can make out any manifest corruptions in the Fountains albeit most manifest and undenyable demonstrations are given of the corruptions of their Latine Version which they make authentick Quest XIII ARE the Original tongues viz. the Hebrew and the Greek to be translated into the Vulgar Language of every Nation into which they come Yes Are we commanded in the fear of GOD to read and search the Scriptures Yes Iohn 5. 39. 1 Cor. 14. 6 9 11 12 14 24 27 28. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain There is no necessity of translating the Original Tongues the Hebrew and the Greek into the vulgar Language of every Nation unto which they come but rather a very great hazard and danger of Errors and Heresies Yes Do not likewise the same Papists err who forbid the reading of the Scriptures in the vulgar tongues Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1. Because the Scriptures were given long since to the Iews in their own vulgar Language that they might be read publickly and privately by all Deut. 31. 10 11 12. Deut. 11. 18 19 20. 2. Because the New Testament was written in the Greek Language which at that time was most generally known to all Nations 3. Because Christ bids all promiscuously search the Scriptures Ioh. 5. 29. 4. Because the Prophets and Apostles preached their Doctrines to the People and Nations in their known Languages Ier. 36 15 16. Act. 2. 6. 5. Because immediately after the Apostles times many Translations were extant 6. Because all things must be done in the Congregation unto edifying 1 Cor. 14. 26. but an unknown tongue doth not edify 7. Because all are commanded to try the Spirits 1 Thes. 5. 21. 1 Cor. 10. 15. 8. Because the Scriptures teach the way of Life Prov. 2. 9. Luke 16. 29. Acts 24. 14. 9. Because the Scriptures set forth the duties of every man in his place and estate of his life Deut. 17. 18 19 20. Iosh. 1. 8. Psal. 119. 24. 2 Chron. 23. 11. 10. Because they are the ground of Faith Rom. 4. 20. 2 Chron. 20. 20. 11. Because they are the Epistle of God sent to his Church Hos. 8. 12. Rev. 2. 1 8 12. 12 Because they are his Testament wherein we may find what legacies he hath bequeathed unto us 2 Cor. 3. 14 16. Heb. 10. 16. Ioh. 14. 16. 13 Because they are the sword of the Spirit Ephes. 6. 17. 14 Because being imbraced and known they make a man happy Psalm 119. 97 98. Luke 10. 42. Luke 16. 29. Psalm 1 2 Rev 1 3. 15 Because when the Scriptures are neglected or contemned they plunge men into all misery Heb 2 3 Matth 22 29 Psalm 50 16. Quest XIV WHen there is a Question about the true meaning and full sense of any Scripture must it be known and searched by other places which speak more clearly Yes 2 Peter 1 21 Acts 15 15 16. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain The Scriptures not to be a sufficient Interpreter of it self and that the sense of it cannot be gathered infallibly when the text is doubtfull from other places which speak more clearly but onely from the Magisterial Traditions and unwritten Opinions of the Church of Rome Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the noble Bereans compared Scripture with Scripture for finding out the true and sure sense of it Acts 17 11. 2 Because the Apostle Paul did the same Acts 28 23. 3 Because the same was done by the council of the Apostles and Elders Acts 15. 15 16 17. Quest. XV. IS the holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture the Supream Iudge by which all controversies of Religion are determined and all Decrees of Councils Opinions of Ancient Writers Doctrines of men and private Spirits are to be examined and in whose sentence we are to rest Yes Matth 22 29 31 Eph 2. 20 Acts 28. 25. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain That the Church of Rome and the Pope are the supream Iudges of all Controversies of Faith and that his Decrees and Determinations are to be believed without examination and implicitly to be believed by all Believers Yes Do not likewise the Quakers err who maintain that the Light within which teacheth the Elect is the only Iudge of all Controversies of Faith Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because God commands all men to go to the Law and to the Testimony in doubtful matters Isaiah 8 20 2 Because all doubts in Religion are to be examined by the Rule of the Word Acts 17. 11. Galatians 6. 16. 3 Because Christ and his Apostles did alwayes dispute and reason from the Scriptures against the enemies of the Truth Matth. 22 31. Gal. 3. 13. 4 Because the Church of GOD is founded upon the Writings of the Prophets and Apostles Eph. 2. 20. 5 Because we are commanded to prove all things and to try the Spirits 1 Thes. 5. 2. 1 Iohn 4. 1 6. CHAP. II. Of GOD and of the Holy Trinity Question I. IS there but one onely the true and living GOD Yes Deut. 6. 4. 1 Corinth 8. 4. 6. 1 Thes. 1. 9. Well then do not the Tritheitae err who maintain three GODS numerically distinct the Father the Son and Holy Ghost Yes Do not likewise the Manicheans err who maintain That there are two Gods being diverse and opposite as to kind viz. One good the Author and cause of all good things and of things immaterial being the God of the New Testament The other evil to wit the Devil the Author and cause of all evil things and of things material being the God of the Old Testament Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because though there be a plurality of Persons mentioned in Scripture yet it is ever God as One as is evident from the first chapter of the Revelation and the last For if that one God have in himself all perfections there can be no perfection beside him and so no God but this one true God for if there were He should not be God because not infinite
in perfection And if God be infinite in perfection then surely there cannot be a multiplicity of Gods seing that which is infinite in that respect cannot be multiplied 2 It is evident from Deut 32 39 where the Lord speaketh of himself I even I am he and there is no God with me 3 Because God is Omnipotent and so cannot be hindred by any other in his working Rev 15 3 4 It is evident from Christs words to the young man of the Gospel there is none good but one that is God 5 From the Words of Hanna in her Song for there is none beside thee O Lord neither is there any Rock beside our God 6 From the Testimony of the Apostle 1 Cor. 8 6 to us says he there is but one God 7 From what Christ said to one of the Scribes viz the Lord our God is one Lord Mark 12 29 8 Because God is a most absolute and most perfect Beeing and so beyond all other things One Iohn 10 29. Psalm 145 3 147 5 9 Because this one blessed God is most absolutely sufficient and furnished with infinite Power and Wisdom for the production conservation and ruleing all things in Heaven and in Earth 10 Because he is of all things without himself the first and supream cause from which all the Creatures visible or invisible have their rise and beginning 11 It is evident lastly from the testimonies of the most wise Heathens who have been necessitated to acknowledge but one God only Quest. II. IS GOD infinite in beeing and perfection Yes Iob 11. 7 8 9. Iob 26 14. Well then do not the Vorstians Socinians and Anthropomorphitans err who maintain that God is finite in beeing and perfection Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because God hath a beeing from himself and all things have their dependence from him and therefore there can be nothing by which he can be limited Romans 11. 36. 2 Because GOD is every where present in heaven and in earth and beyond the Heavens Ierem 23 24 Isaiah 66 1. 2 Because the Scripture affirms that the perfection of God is the highest is unmeasurable unchangeable and infinitely great beyond all creatures Iob 11. 7 8 9. Psal. 145. 3. Iob 26. 14. Quest. III. IS the only living and true God a most pure Spirit invisible without a body and parts Yes Iohn 4 24 1 Tim 1 17 Deut 4 15 16 Luke 24. 39. Well then do not the Vorstians Anthropomorphitans and Socinians err who maintain God to have a body and endued with parts and an outward shape and form Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because God is the Father of spirits Hebr. 12 9. 2 Because God is invisible 1 Tim 1 17. 3 Because God is like to no bodily thing nor can he be represented by any image or corporeal likeness Isa 40. 18. Acts 17. 29. Quest. IV. ARE there in the unity of the Godhead three Persons of one substance power and eternity Yes 1 Iohn 5. 7. Matth. 3. 16 17. Matth. 28 19. 2 Cor. 13. 14. Well then do not the Arians and Socinians err and others Who deny the Godhead of the Son and holy Ghost Yes Do not likewise the Tritheitae err Who deny the Unity of the Divine essence Yes Thirdly do not the Sabellians err Who deny the real distinction of the Persons Yes And lastly do not the Quakers err who maintain there are no Persons in the Godhead Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 From the places of Scripture already cited 2 From the Apostolical Benediction in which the three Persons of the God-head are called upon expresly 2 Cor. 13. 14. 3 From 1 Cor. 12. 4 5 6. Where the three Persons are named Spirit Lord God And from Iohn 15. 26. But when the Comforter is come whom I will send unto you from the Father even the Spirit of Truth 4 Because there are three that bear record in heaven the Father the Son and the holy Spirit 1 Iohn 5. 7. These three must be either three Persons or three Gods This last is the hight of impossibility therefore they must be three Persons Here they are put to silence and have nothing to reply such is the strength and power of Truth which is able to stop the mouths of the greatest rebels against religion and reason But there is good ground for the word Person Heb. 1. 3. where Christ is said to be the express Image or impression of the Fathers Person Because the Person of the Son perfectly represents the Person of the Father as an Impression doth the Seal wherefore he is also called the image of the invisible GOD Col. 1. 15. The Greek word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Subsistence or Person whereby is understood the Person of the Father as distinct from the Son and subsists of himself and in himself and is as the Original of the Person of the Son by an eternal and ineffable generation That there are three Persons in the Godhead it is further evident 1 from all the Epistles written to the seven Churches of Asia For as may be gathered from Rev. 1. 1. it is the Father that sends it is the Son that gives Iohn the Commission and it is the holy Ghost in the close that is mentioned as a joynt speaker 2 Because in that Epistle written to Thyatira there are three distinctly named first the Father and the Son in these words these things saith the Son of God Next there is named in the last verse of that second chapter the Spirit he that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches 3 Because in the beginning of that Epistle to the Church of Sardis they are all three put together these things saith He to wit the Son that hath the seven Spirits of GOD. Here GOD that is the Father is distinctly considered as another Person The seven spirits are the holy Ghost 4 Because these three Persons are most fully and clearly distinguished in the fifth chapter First the Father sitting on the Throne Secondly the Lamb or the Son of GOD And thirdly the seven Spirits or the holy Ghost so called from the pouring out of his Gifts upon the Churches in that aboundant manner as if he were seven Spirits or a sevenfold Spirit It is evident also that the Father Son and Spirit are really distinct from one another and are three Persons They are indeed in respect of their Essence which is indivisibly communicable to them One and the same GOD but considered Personally they differ really for the Father is not the Son neither is he that sits upon the Throne the Lamb. Neither the Father nor the Spirit were incarnate but the Son who died and was buried which can be said of none but of a Person It cannot be said that the Father died or that the Spirit died Next is not the holy Ghost the spirit of GOD as the Son is the Son of GOD And if that suppose a real distinct personality this
such as by good and necessary consequence are drawn from the Scripture They pass reckoning for number Let no man blame me for speaking somewhat for the Truth because another man hath spoken better If I have said little in defence if it I am sure I have said nothing against it as the Apostle says We can do nothing against the truth but for it If I cannot please all men I shall endeavour at least to please some And if I can please none I shall not displease my self I hope my friends will censure favourably if my enemies censure maliciously I expect as many Adversaries of one sort and of another upon my top as a travelling man hath midges and wasps about his head in a warm summer evening There are escapes in Authors whose knowledge is far beyond any thing I can profess No marvel then if a malicious Critick like a viper from the fire of contention fasten upon a mans hand For the Author being intent upon all cannot lay out his whole industry upon every line which a snarling Cur will bark at I shal take it as a favour to have Learned and Iudicious men to censure me Reprove one says Solomon that hath understanding and he will understand knowledge Some perhaps may look awry upon me because I have medled with some ticklish Questions and been too positive in my Iudgement If any such Questions are they have occur'd to me in the Road which I could not pass by without a Salutation But as all of them have been weighed in the Ballance of the Sanctuary so these likewise which some may call ticklish I durst not for a world have been positive if I had not judged them consonant to Truth Therefore let all men whatever perswasions they be of judge charitably for I have said nothing upon the account of fead or favour nor any thing which may cause division or offence For they that are such serve not our Lord Iesus Christ but their own belly and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple Rom. 16. 18. But I wish all who profess themselves to own the true Protestant Religion were owning the sound principles of the Confession and were sutable and consequential to them in their opinions and practises and had not given too just cause and occasion to others to reproach all honest hearted men as being of seditions and disloyal principles It is probable I may be less noticed by the common Adversaries than by some who are so vain that they glory in injuring the Merit of a Book For as a Gentleman of great Parts and Learning says well in his reflections upon one of his late pieces the meanest Rogue may burn a City or kill an Hero whereas he could never have built the one or equaled the other As the method is plain and easy so is the stile I use only the common and plain Arguments Some perhaps might have expected a dilution or answering of the Adversaries Reasons It is hard to propose them to their Palate They complain their arguments are enervate and clipped Neither is it expedient to bring forth from the Devils Armory and Magazin his fiery darts In confuting the Adversaries I use no worse language than Do not they err Sometimes I treat the Quakers with such language as they use against others Though they look like Lambs yet gall them but a little and you will find them express the Matulent and Teen of their heart And as Cacus spouted fire against Hercules who persued him as a Theif so will they against all who persue them as Hereticks Anno 1662. I published a little Book intituled Tyrocinia Mathematica for the use of my Schollars and young Students which was dedicated to that great Hero John Duke of Lauderdail Anno 1669 I had a large Book printed in Holland dedicated to the Earle of Winton In the year 1672 a third was published intituled the Hydrostaticks Though some endeavoured to ruin the reputation of my Writings at home yet they were not able to do it abroad But least this peece may meet with the like welcome into the world I shall beg liberty to cite one passage of a letter from a most intelligent Gentleman in vindication of that Book intituled Ars Nova Magna against which so many flate contradictions were uttered which the other two likewise met with Ostend October 10. 1670. I must not forget to tell you a passage anent your late peece When we were at Breda we had occasion to see Collonel Lauther who fell in regrating that Scots Spirits were not encouraged And told he had seen a Book lately published by one Sinclar whereof he had a great esteem and that many others as well as he esteemed it highly For example he told of a Dutchman who is one of the French Virtuosi that said he had seen nothing on that subject comparable to it and it was esteemed so in France If you have any other thing to publish I pray you hasten it for it will not want acceptance This testimony was homologate afterwards by that famous Virtuoso and Mathematician Christopher Sturmius a German in his Book intituled Collegium Curiosum which some here have seen He hath gone thorow the Book diligently and gleaned the finest purposes in it and sent them abroad not as his own Inventions but as mine which he would never have done if the Experiments had been all of them either Untruths and Lies or not New and unheard off This testimony from a Stranger vindicates sufficiently The rest of my writings are likewise commended by Mr. Boile Sir Frances Hales Doct. Glanvil and others men of eminent skill and knowledge in such matters as I treat of In going thorow this Book you will find the Papists confuted upon threescore and fourteen several heads The Quakers upon thirty and two The Socinians upon fourty and seven The Lutherians upon thirteen The Antinomians upon as many The Anabaptists upon thirty and two The Arminians upon twenty and seven The rest are confuted some upon fewer some upon more heads and that only according to their chief and grand Errors For a man to confute all and every one of their false and absurd Tenets would be a task like the cleanseing of Augeas King of Elis his Ox-stall which none but Hercules was able to do Neither would it be worth the while seeing by the confutation of those mentioned you may the more easily confute the rest If any be too curious to inquire why the Author hath touched so many controversies in Religion and yet hath medled nothing with the great controversie of the time I answer I had been both officious and impertinent to have touched matters which lay not in my way For in all the Confession which is the onlie Road I walk in there is not one Mum or Syllable of the one Government or of the other The Book for Paper and Character may compare with many from abroad The Printer a Person of special
because they think that all the Jewish ceremonies are still in force and binding us who live under the Gospel Page 141. Independents so called because they will have every particular Congregation to be ruled by their own laws without dependency upon any other Church Page 236 309 317. L. Libertines from the liberty and freedom they take and give to others to commit sin Their first Author was one Quintinus a Taylor in Picardy who taught that whatsoever good or evil we did was not done by us but by GODS Spirit in us and many other blasphemous opinions Page 44 106 114 155 175 189 245 246. Lutherians who so call themselves lyingly and falsely from Martin Luther that eminent Man of GOD. Page 43 65 69 86 112 139 157 244 265 269 271 280 298. M. Manicheans from one Manes a Persian by birth and a servant by condition The Manichean sect was the sink of all former Heresies p. 19 55 261 Macedonians so called from Macedonus Bishop of Constantinople 312. years after Christ. Their Heresie was condemned in the second general Council held at Constantinople by Gratian and Theodosius anno 380. His followers were called Pneumatomachians fighters against the holy Spirit from Pneuma a Spirit and Machesthai to fight Page 28. Marcionites from one Marcion a Paphlagonian near the Euxine Sea who was Cerdons scholar a grand Heretick He maintained Cerdons Heresies at Rome about 133. years after Christ. Page 55 283 334. N. Nestorians so called from Nestorius Patriarch of Constantinople who broached his errours under Theodosius the younger 400. years after Christ. They made Christ to have two Persons as he had two Natures This Heresie was condemned by the third general Council held at Ephesus under Theodosius the younger anno 431. Page 57. Novatians so called from Novatus who lived under Decius the Emperor 220. years after Christ. He was an African by birth P. 104 108 110 230. O. Origenists so called from famous Origen His errors began to spread about the year of Christ 247. under Aurelian the Emperour and continued above 334. years p. 332. P. Pneumatomachians See the letter P. Pelagians from Pelagius a Britain as they say by birth A Monk at Rome afterward a Presbyter under Theodosius the younger p. 45 64 91 115. Puritans otherwise called Kathari because they esteemed themselves purer and holier than others p. 66 104 230 239. Photinians from Photinus born in the lesser Galatia He began to spread his Heresies about the year 323. at Syrmium where he was Bishop under Constantius the Emperour p. 334. Papists are too well known They are to be found in every other page almost of the book Q. Quakers so called because sometimes they use to Quake and Tremble when they prophesy or when they are in a rapture p. 4 5 12 18 23 c. S. Socinians so called from one Faustus Socinus an Italian of Siena place all Religion in the old condemned Heresies following their Master a most vile Heretick p. 1 12 13 21 23 28 31 c. Sabellians so called from Sabellus an African by birth His Heresies began anno Christi 224. Page 23. Separatists so called because they withdrew themselves from the Christian Communion and fellowship of others in the Worship of GOD. p. 257. Scepticks commonly called Seekers maintain that the whole universal Church hath perished a little after the Apostles times and are not to this day restored until Christ from Heaven shall send new Apostles for raising up again the Church Visible p. 247. Sabbatarians so called because they observe the Jewish Sabbath imagining there is no precept or example in the New Testament for observing the first day of the week p. 192. T. Tritheits or Tritheitae so called because they divided the indivisible Essence of the Godhead into three parts the one they called the Father the other the Son the third the Holy Ghost p. 19 23. Tertullianists were so called from that famous Lawyer and Divine Tertullian who lived under Severus the Emperour about 170. years after Christ. p. 230. V. Vorstians from one Vorstus an old Heretick who taught that GOD had a Body and was endued with parts as the Anthropomorphitans affirmed p. 21 22. Vaninians from one Vaninus a great promotter of Atheism He was publickly burned at Tholouse p. 163. CHAP. I. Of the Holy SCRIPTURE Question I. IS the Light of Nature and the works of Creation and Providence sufficient to give that knowledge of GOD and of his Will which is necessary to Salvation No. 1 Cor. 1. 21. and 1 Cor. 2. 13 14. Well then do not the Socinians err who mantain That Men living according to the Law and Light of Nature may be saved Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because none can be saved unless they be born again by the incorruptible seed of the Word 1 Pet. 1. 23. 2 Because Christ is the Way the Truth and the Life and no man cometh to the Father but by the Son Iohn 14. 6. 3 Because there is none other Name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved but by the Name of Jesus Acts 4. 12. 4 Because men cannot believe in Christ without supernatural revelation and therefore cannot be sanctified or justified because all Justification Sanctification and Remission of sins are by GODS Grace and Faith in Jesus Christ Rom. 3. 24 25. Acts. 26. 18. Neither can men be so saved viz. by living according to the light of Nature because Salvation is promised onely to Believers in Christ Acts 16. 31. Iohn 3. 16. 5. Because all that know not GOD will be punished eternally 2 Thes. 1. 8. But men without supernatural Revelation cannot savingly know GOD 1 Cor. 1. 21. Matth. 11. 27. 6. Men destitute of supernatural Revelation cannot know their own corruption and misery by the first Adam nor the remedy which is offered by Christ the second Adam They are without GOD without Hope without the Promises without the Church and covenant of God and the mysteries of Faith are hid and unknown to them allanerly that perish and are lost Eph. 2. 11 12. Rom. 9. 4. 2 Cor. 4. 3. Mat. 13. 11 12. Matth. 11. 25 26 27. Quest II. ARE the holy Scriptures most necessary to the Church Yes 2 Tim. 3. 15. 2 Pet. 1. 19. Well then doth not the Popish Church err that affirmes the true Church to be infallible in teaching and propounding Articles of Faith both without and against the Scripture and that their unwritten Traditions are of Divine and equal Authority with the Canon of the Scripture Yes Do not likewise the Libertines and Quakers err affirming that GOD doth teach and guide the Elect into all truth by the alone instinct and light of the Spirit without any written Word whatsoever Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1. Because the Scriptures are the foundation upon which the Church is built Eph. 2. 20. 2. Because all things are to be examined by the Rule of the Word as the noble Bereans
did Acts 17. 11 12. 3 Because unwritten Traditions are subject and lyable to many corruptions and are soon and quickly forgotten 4. Because we have Life Eternal in the Scriptures therefore they must be most necessary to the Church Iohn 5. 39. 5. Because the Scriptures are given that the Man of GOD may be perfect thorowly furnished to all good works 2 Tim. 3. 16 17. And the Scriptures are written that men may believe Iohn 20. 31. Quest III. ARE these former wayes of GODS revealing his will unto his People now ceased Yes Well then do not the Enthusiasts and Quakers err who maintain That the Lord hath not ceased yet to reveal his Will as he did of old Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1. Because GOD who at sundry times and in diverse manners spake in times past unto the Fathers by the Prophets hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son Heb. 1. 1 2. The Apostle calls the time of the New Testament the last days because under the same there is no more alteration to be expected but all things are to abide without adding or taking away as was taught and ordained by Christ until the last day See also Ioel 2. 28. Acts 2. 17. The Wayes and Manners of old was first by Inspiration 2 Chro. 15. 1. Isaiah 59. 21. 2 Pet. 1. 21. Secondly by Visions Numb 12. 6. 8. Thirdly by Dreams Ioh 33. 14 15. Gen. 40. 8. Fourthly by Urim and Thummim Numb 27. 21. 1 Sam. 30. 7 8. Fifthly by Signs Gen. 32. 24. Exod. 13. 21. Sixthly by audible Voice Exod. 20. 1. Gen. 22. 15. All which do end in Writing Exod. 17. 14. which is a most sure and infallible way of the Lords revealing his Will unto his People Quest. IV. DO the Books of the Old and New Testament come under the name of the holy Scripture and Word of GOD Yes Well then do not the Quakers err who maintain That the Scriptures ought not to be called the Word of GOD Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1. Because Christ says if he called them Gods unto whom the Word of GOD came and the Scripture cannot be broken Ioh. 10. 35. Here it is evident that the Word of GOD and the Scripture are the same 2. Because the predictions of the Prophets are expresly called the Word of GOD. Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia that the Word of the Lord spoken by the mouth of Ieremiah might be accomplished 2 Chro. 36. 22. Here we see it is evident that the written Prophesies of Ieremiah which are a part of the holy Scripture are called the Word of GOD. 3. Because what Christ calls the commandement of GOD He calls the Word of GOD Mar. 7. 9 10. compared with v 13. 4. Because the Apostle calls the sword of the Spirit the Word of God This sword is the sword of the Holy Spirit which he doth as it were put into our hand to resist Satan against all his temptations Eph. 6. 17. Therefore by the sword of the Spirit must be understood the Scripture not the Spirit it self as some Quakers affirm It is evident also from the fourth chapter of Matthew where Christ being tempted by the Devil with three different temptations resists him with three different places of Scripture And being asked by the Pharisees why his Disciples did pluck the ears of Corn upon the Sabbath day answered by Scripture Mat. 12. 1 2 3 4. Teaching us that Satans temptations must be carefully answered and that by Scripture as the onely mean to overcome him and his Instruments 5. Because the Word of GOD is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword Heb. 4. 12. This cannot be understood of Christ because Paul in his other writings doth not call the Person of Christ by this name and therefore must be understood of the word of the Gospel the power whereof is described Rom. 1. 16. 6. See these following places of Scripture Psalm 119. 172. 1 Kin. 16. 12. and 2 Kin. 9. 36. and 2 Kin. 23. 16. Isa. 28. 13. Hos. 1. 1 2. Isa. 37. 22. Prov. 30. 5. By the Scripture or Word of GOD we do not understand the bare letters or the several written words of the holy Scripture which the Adversaries may imagine we call the Word of GOD. These are only the Vessels which carry and convey that Heavenly Light unto us But we understand thereby the Doctrine or Will of GOD revealed unto reasonable creatures teaching them what to do believe or leave undone Deut. 29. 29. Quest. V. ARE the Scriptures given of GOD to be the Rule of Faith and Life Yes Luke 16. 29 31. Eph. 2. 20. Rev. 22. 18 19. 2 Tim. 3. 16. Well then doth not the Popish Church err who maintain their Unwritten Traditions to be the Rule of Faith Yes Do not likewise the Enthusiasts and the Quakers err who maintain the Spirit within that teaches the Elect to be the only Rule of Faith And that the Dictates of the Light within are of as great authority as the Scriptures Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1. Because the Scriptures are called a Rule Gal. 6. 16. 2. Because nothing is to be added to the Scriptures Deut. 4. 2. and 12. 32. Prov. 30. 6. Rev. 22. 19 20. 3. Because we ought rather to follow the Scriptures in this Life than a voice spoken from Heaven 2 Pet. 1. 19 21. 4. Because the Scripture is written that we may believe Iohn 20. 31. 5. Because the Scripture is given for making the man of GOD perfect 2 Tim. 3. 17. 6. Because we must betake our selves in the whole of Religion to the Law and to the Testimony Isa. 8. 20. 7 Because Christ himself refers the greatest question that ever was whether he be the Son of GOD or not to the Scriptures Ioh. 5. 38 39. Search the Scriptures says he for they testify of me 8 Because the Holy Ghost did never give such a designation to his own Word as an Historical Rule and dead Letter or as some Quakers call them not the principal Fountain of Truth and knowledge nor the first rule of Faith and Manners but the Regula secundaria subordinate to the Spirit whence as they affirm the holy Scriptures have all their true worth excellency and certainty whereas Paul sayes expresly Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of GOD Rom. 10. 14. 9. Because the spirits cannot be known by any other Rule than by the written Word It is certain that the Devil transforms himself into an Angel of light 2 Cor. 11. 14. There is a spirit of the World 1 Cor. 2. 12. A spirit that rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience Eph. 2. 2. There is a lying spirit 1 Kin. 22. 22. And a Spirit of error and delusion 1 Iohn 4. 6. How shal these be known to be such or the Spirit which the Quakers obtrude upon us not to be one of them but by the Rule of the
Well then do not the Anabaptists err who maintain that it is lawful in swearing to use words of Equivocation Yes Do not likewise the Papists err who maintain Mental reservation to be lawful in swearing Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Scripture requires from all men in their common dealing one with another in their discourse and conferences Verity and Simplicity Matth. 5. 37. Eph. 4. 25. Much more are these things required in Swearing wherein God is called to be witness of the truth of those things which are asserted 2 Because the Lord threatneth such as use guile and deceit in their words Psalm 15. 4. Psalm 24. 4. Gal. 2. 11 12 13. 3 Because the Lord requires in every Oath truth righteousness and judgement Ier. 4. 2. 4 Because Equivocations and Mental Reservations are against the very end of an approven Oath which is to put an end to all debate and controversie 5 Because if Equivocations and Mental Reservations were lawful in vain should the Lord have made laws against lying for a lie may be excused by Mental Reservation 6 If Equivocations and Mental Reservations were allowed they would take away all commerce among men and would make Bonds Contracts and Charter-parties of none effect Quest. IV. IS a Religious Vow to be made to GOD alone and not to any creature Yes To GOD alone Ier. 44. 25 26. Psalm 76. 11. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain Vows may be made to Saints departed and to Cenobiarchs that is to Priors of Monasteries or Abbeys Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because Vows are a part of our gratitude and thankfulness due to God only for his favours and mercies conferred upon us Psalm 50. 14. Psalm 66. 13 14. 2 Because we are commanded in the Word to make our vowes to God and perform them But no where are we appointed to make our vows to Saints departed Psalm 58. 14 3 Because God only is the trier and searcher of the heart and it is he only that knoweth the sincerity of the mans mind that voweth and is able to punish such as violate and break their vows Deut. 23. 21. 4 Because the Lord threatneth those severely that had vowed to any other Gods but to himself alone and accuses them of a very great sin Ierem. 44. 25 26. Quest. V. ARE Popish Monastical Vows of a perpetual single life professed poverty and regular obedience so far from being degrees of higher perfection that they are superstitious and sinful snares in which no Christian may intangle himself Yes Matth. 19. 11 12. 1 Cor. 7. 2 9. Eph. 4. 28. 1 Peter 4. 2. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain Monastical Vows of perpetual single life professed poverty and Regular Obedience to be degrees of higher perfection Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because a Vow of a perpetual single life is unlawful For no man ought to Vow the performance of that for which he hath not a promise of strength to perform But no man hath a promise of perpetual Continency which is necessarly required to a perpetual single life Nay Christ says expresly that the gift of Continency is not given to all men Mat. 19. 11. 2 Because marriage is honourable among all men and the bed undefiled Heb. 13. 4. 3 Because the Apostle bids every man take his own wife for shuning of Fornication 1 Cor. 7. 1 2 9. 4 Because the forbidding of Marriage is a Doctrine of Devils 1 Tim. 4. 1 3. Next the Vow of professed Poverty is unlawful 1 Because the Lord did not allow Beggars to be among his people of old Deut. 15. 7. 2 Because Agur wished that the Lord might not give him poverty least he should steal and take the name of God in vain Prov. 30. 8 9. 3 Because the Lord will have every man to eat his bread in the sweat of his face Gen. 3. 19. 4 Because the Apostle commands the Thessalonians to work with their own hands 1 Thes. 4. 11. 5 Because professed poverty hindereth a greater good to wit our charity and benevolence towards the poor and indigent members of Christ which is contrary to the Apostles Rule Eph. 4. 28. The Vow of Regular Obedience is likewise unlawful 1 Because it makes us the servants of men which is contrary to the Apostle Ye are bought with a price be not ye the servants of Men viz. to do any thing for the service or obedience of men Superiours which should be repugnant to the Commands of the service of God Or suffer not your selves in spiritual things to be brought in bondage by any men that you should not freely use that which the Lord hath made free to us 1 Cor. 7. 23. CHAP. XXIII Of the Civil Magistrate Question I. HATH GOD armed the Civil Magistrat with the power of the Sword for the defence and encouragement of them that are good and for the punishment of evil doers Yes Rom. 13. 1 2 3 4. 1 Peter 2. 13. 14. Well then do not the Socinians err who maintain that it is not the duty of the Civil Magistrate to punish the guilty with death Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because GOD hath expresly commanded that transgressing Idolaters be put to death Deut. 17. 7. Deut. 19. 21. 2 Because it appertains to the office and duty of the Magistrate to punish the guilty with death Rom. 13. 4. 1 Peter 2. 14. 3 Because the capital punishment of evil doers makes others stand in awe and fear to offend Deut. 13. 11. Deut. 19. 20 4 Because if the Magistrate shall neglect to inflict due punishment the Lord himself will be avenged on that Magistrate 1 Kings 20. 42. Num. 25. 4. 5 Because he that smitteth a man so that he die shall surely be put to death Exod. 21. 12. 6 Because all that take the sword shall perish by the sword Matth. 26. 52. Namely without a lawful call or order for it They shall perish by order and command of the Magistrate to whom the Lord hath given the sword for this same very end to punish evil doers with death Gen. 9. 6. Rom. 13. 4. Quest. II. IS it the duty of the Civil Magistrate to take order that all Blasphemies and Heresies be suppressed all the ordinances of God duely settled administred and observed all abuses in worship and discipline reformed all Idolaters Gainsayers and other obstinate dissenters be obliged and forced to quite their tenets and opinions and conform themselves to the true worship and service of God according to his Law Yes Isaiah 49. 23. 2 Chro. 15. 12 13. 2 Chro. 34. 33. 2 Kings 18. 4. 2 Kings 23. 1 to the 26 verse Ezra 7. 23 25 26 27 28. Lev. 24. 16. Well then do not the Quakers and other Sectaries err who judge it Antichristian and the practise of the Church of Rome that the Civil and Supream Magistrate with the assistance of the Church and her Censures should by his coactive
which the kingdom of Satan is erected and by which it is upheld are Ignorance and Errour And the two great Pillars which support the Kingdom of Christ are Knowledge and Truth Therefore our blessed Saviour resolving to subvert the kingdom of Satan among the Gentiles tells the Apostle in his first Commission that he was about to send him to open their eyes namely their understanding by the Preaching and Knowledge of the Gospel and to turn them from darkness to light from natural blindness and worldly ignorance unto the right and true knowledge of GOD. This is the first step of our Manumission from that spiritual thraldom The Understanding is the Guide and Pilot of the whole man It is that faculty which sits at the helme of the Soul But as the most skilful Pilot may mistake his course in the dark so may the Understanding when it wants the light of Knowledge This is an accomplishment so desirable that the Devil knew not a more alluring bate to tempt our first Parents in Paradise Ye shall be as Gods sayes he knowing good and evil When the Lord had refer'd it to Solomons option what to choose he choose Wisdom and Knowledge When once the Devil understood that by the Preaching of the Gospel his kingdom was ruined he invents two new stratagems to overthrow Religion even in the infancy and beginning of it to wit Persecution and Heresie Open persecution began in Nero a very imp and graff of the Devil When this Hirricano and many others of that kind were past and when the Churches of Christ were once at rest he sends in a Deluge of Arianism which in a short time so prodigiously spread and over-ran the Christian World that it seemed to carry all before it an assault that did not strike at the uppermost boughs of Religion but at the Root and Beeing of Christianity But this second proved more sad than the first for where Persecution kills one thousand Heresie kills ten thousand The one is the Wild-Boar of the Forrest the other is the little Fox that eateth up the Grapes of the Lords Vineyard The one kills the bodies of Men and Women the other poisoneth the Souls of Christians In times of greater Light as these and former times have been reputed to be Satan comes not abroad usually to deceive with his gross forgeries and cloven foot for every one almost would discern his haltings but with more mystical yet strongdelusions and invincible chains of darkness wherewith he binds his captives the faster to the judgement of the great day And therefore the Watch word given in the bright and shining times of the Apostles was to try the Spirits and believe not every Spirit and take heed of Spirits who indeed were only fleshly and corrupt men yet called Spirits because they pretended to have much of the Spirit and their doctrine seemed only to advance the Spirit the fitest and fairest cobwebs to deceive and inveigle the world in these discerning times that possibly could be spun out of the poysonful bowels of corrupt and fleshly men for Heresie is a work of the flesh The times are now come wherein by the refined mystical divinity of the old Moncks all the ordinances of Christ in the New Testament are allegorized and spiritualized out of the world They reject the outward word because of an inward teaching They reject the outward Baptism because of the inward Baptism They reject the Lords Supper because of the spiritual bread from heaven the Lord Jesus They abolish the outward Sabbath because of a spiritual and inward Sabbath of rest in the bosome of Christ. This is very consistent with the observing the outward Sabbath But they wickedly sever and separat what GOD hath joyned together But as to what relates to the present Treatise I am not ignorant that many eminent and learned Divines far beyond whatever I could profess have beatten this path and travelled round the world of Polemick Divinity But their writings being so Voluminous and large that he who desires to have a full sight at one look of the chief controversies can no more have it than a man from the Peak of Teneriff can get a clear sight of the whole Globe of the Earth Which things though they be principally worth the knowing nevertheless for so much as their number and variety are an impediment to themselves and the multiplicity of matter makes the mind abruptly flit from one thing to another Therefore I have imitated Geographers who after they have surveyed the whole Globe of the Earth draw Universal descriptions thereof and comprehend the the whole image of that great Terra-queous Body within a narrow circumference of a Card or Mapp In so doing I may perhaps contribute some what towards the satisfaction of some who neither can nor are able to trace the wearisome foot steps of those eminent Divines who have written fully This Treatise being Historical none can expect but I must have consulted others and gleaned off their writtings what things were needful I cannot here as in writing Philosophy or any such like Science set up new Theorems or Axioms which have not been heard of before This were to make a new Religion a new System and Body of Divinity such as some giddy-headed Hereticks are thinking upon I must confine my self to the good old way and follow the heatten path-road wherein men of sound principles have walked before me This Book is not designed for men of knowledge and learning who are more conversant in such matters than I am but for the unlearned and new-beginners who need to be instructed with the sound principles of the true Protestant Religion I hope none will think I have done amiss in mentioning so many Religions which had been better unnamed some may think than named This might have some weight if there were no more Religions in the world at this time but one only to wit the true Protestant Religion But seeing I cannot name so many here as there are this day owned and professed in the Christian Church I cannot be to blame This Book will be useful for understanding the Confession and knowing the design of it For how many read it and commend it that never knew the nature of it Though there be a multiplicity of questions and many in number yet all of them to my best remembrance are taken word by word out of the Confession The answers are by Yes or No. To which are subjoyned immediately the proofs of the Confession These words which are often repeated Well then do not the Papists err are nothing els but sure Conclusions drawn from two manifest propositions The design of this Treatise is good The method is plain and easy The order of the Questions follow the order of the purposes in the Confession The probations are such as are made use of in the Confession and by the Orthodox Divines against the Adversaries They are either the very words of the Scripture in Terminis or
evil tree cannot bring forth good fruit Matth. 7. 17. 2 Because the carnal mind is enmity against GOD for it is not subject to the Law of GOD neither indeed can it be Rom. 8. 7. 3 Because we have nothing in our selves which we have not received whereby we may differ from others 1 Cor. 4. 7. 4 Because whatever is not of Faith is sin Rom. 14. 23. Heb. 11. 6. 5 Because we are not able of our selves to think a good thought but all our sufficiency is of GOD 2 Cor. 3. 5. 6 Because before conversion we were dead in trespasses and sins Eph. 2. 2 5. 7 Because not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of Regeneration and renewing of the holy Ghost Titus 3. 5. 8 Because we were sometimes that is before conversion darkness Eph. 5. 8. 9 Because Christ says without me ye can do nothing Iohn 15. 5. Quest. V. IS a Man in effectual calling onely passive until being quickned and renewed by the holy Ghost he is thereby enabled to answer this call and to embrace the Grace offered and conveyed in it Yes 1 Cor. 2. 14. Rom 8. 7. Ephes. 2. 5. Iohn 6. 37. Iohn 5. 25. Ezek. 36. 27. Well then do not the Papists and Arminians err who maintain That a Man in his conversion is not passive but active Yes By what reasons are they confuted Before I do this it is to be observed that when I say a man is passive in his Conversion I do not think he is physically passive as a stock or a stone while an Artist is about to make a Statue of them but Morally or rather Spiritually as a Man is Spiritually dead which is a true and real death though he be naturally living The 1 Reason by which they are confuted is this because we are dead in trespasses and sins Ephes. 2. 1. 2 Because we are the servants of sin until we be made freemen by the Son of GOD Iohn 8 34 36. 3 Because we are by Nature under the power of Satan and of darkness Acts 26. 18. Col. 1. 13. 2 Tim. 2. 26. 4 Because it is God that worketh in us both to will and to do of his own good pleasure Phil. 2. 13. 5 Because the Flesh lusteth against the Spirit Gal. 5. 17. 6 Because tho Scriptures ascribe that whole work to God and no part of it to Man Eph. 2. 8 9 10. Quest. VI. ARE Elect Infants dying in infancy Regenerated and saved by Christ through the Spirit who worketh when and where and how he pleaseth Yes Luke 18. 15 16. Acts 2. 38 39. Iohn 3. 3 5. 1 Iohn 5. 12. Well then do not the Anabaptists err who maintain that no Infants are Regenerated Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because Iohn the Baptist was filled with the Holy Ghost even from his Mothers Womb Luke 1. 15. 2 Because the Propher Ieremiah was sanctified from his mothers Womb Ier. 1. 5. 3 Because the promise is made to believing Parents and to their Children conjunctly Gen. 17. 7. Acts 2. 39. 4 Because of such says Christ is the kingdom of Heaven Mat. 19. 14. 5 Because the Apostle calls Children which are descended but of one Parent in covenant with God holy 1 Cor. 7. 14. 6 Because God hath promised in the second Command that he will shew mercy unto thousands that are descended of believing Parents Exod. 20. 6. Quest. VII CAN any not elected although called by the Ministry of the Word and having some common operations of the Spirit truely come to Christ and so be saved No. Matth. 22. 14. Matth. 7. 22. Matth. 13. 20 21. Heb. 6. 4 5. Iohn 6. 64 65 66. Iohn 8. 24. Well then do not the Arminians err who maintain that there is sufficient Grace given to all Men for their conversion to whom the Gospel is preached Yes Do not likewise the Quakers err who maintain that every man hath so much grace given of God as if he would improve it would bring him to heaven Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because Christ says to his Disciples to you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven but to them it is not given Mat. 13. 11. 2 Because it is said of the Jews they could not believe because God had blinded their eyes and hardned their hearts Iohn 12. 39 40. 3 Because Christ said to his Disciples there are some of you that do not believe therefore said I unto you that no man can come unto me except it were given unto him of my Father Iohn 6 64 65 4 Because the Prophet Isaiah complains who hath believed our report or to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed cap 53 1. 5 Because many are called but few are chosen Mat. 22. 14 6 Because men in nature do not discern neither can they know the things of the Spirit of God 1 Cor 2. 14. 7 Because the most part of the World are buried in gross darkness and have their understanding darkned and are alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the blindness of their hearts Eph. 4 18. CHAP. XI Of IUSTIFICATION Question I. DOTH GOD freely justify those whom he effectually calleth not by infusing righteousness into them but by pardoning their sins and by accounting and accepting their persons as righteous not for any thing wrought in them or done by them but for Christs sake alone Yes Rom 9 30 Rom 3 24 Well then do not the Papists Socinians and Quakers err who maintain that the righteousness whereby we are justified before God is not without us but within us and inherent Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because if inherent righteousness did justify us then good Works would justify us but the Scripture denys that Rom 3 20 Therefore says the Text by the deeds of the Law shall no flesh be justifyed in his sight And verse 28 therefore we conclude that a man is justified by Faith without the deeds of the Law See Rom 4 6 Gal 2 16 Eph. 2 8 9 Titus 3 5 In all which places works are secluded expresly from our justification 2 Because the Righteousness whereby we are justified is not our proper own 2 Cor 5 21 For he to wit God hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him Phil 3 8 9 and be found in him not having my own righteousness which is of the Law but that which is through the Faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by Faith 3 Because we are not justified by the Law Acts 13 38 39. 4 Because our Justification is given to us freely Rom. 4 4 5. Rom. 11. 6. 5 Because our inherent righteousness is imperfect 1 Kings 8 46 For this Scripture says there is no man that sinneth not See that parallel place 1 Iohn 1 8 Where it
is said if we say we have no sin we deceive our selves and the truth is not in us 6 Because if we were justified by inherent righteousness we would have matter to boast of which is contrary to Pauls doctrine Eph. 2 9 Not of works least any man should boast 7 Because the righteousness of a Christian man is the justifying of the ungodly Rom 4 5. Quest II DOTH GOD justify men by imputing Faith it self the Act of believing or any other Evangelical obedience to them as their righteousness No. Rom. 4. 5 6 7 8. 2 Cor 5 19 21 Rom 3 22 24 25 27 28 Tit 3 5 7 Eph. 1. 7. Ier 23 6. 1 Cor 1. 30 31 Rom 5 17 18 19. Well then do not the Arminians err who maintain that Faith it self and the Act of Believing is imputed to us for righteousness Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because Faith is that by which we receive righteousness Acts 26 18. Therefore if it be that by which we receive righteousness it cannot be righteousness it self because that which is received is far different and another thing from that whereby we receive it 2 Because we are not justified by inherent righteousness as is proven evidently against the Papists in the last foregoing Question all which reasons do clearly evince that we are not justified by the imputation of Faith it self or by the act of believing as our righteousness Quest. III. IS Faith which is the alone instrument of justification alone in the person justified No. Is it ever accompanied with all other saving graces and is no dead Faith but worketh by Love Yes Iames 2 17 22 26. Gal. 5. 6. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain That justifying Faith may be truely and really separated from Love saving Hope and all the rest of the Christian vertues Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because as the Body without the Spirit is dead so Faith without works is dead also Iames 2. 26. 2 Because Faith worketh by Love Gal. 5. 6. that is by shewing forth the works of Love in us towards GOD and our neighbour 3 Because Faith purifies the heart Acts 15. 9. 4 Because he that hath Faith is in Christ but he that is in Christ bringeth forth much fruit Iohn 15. 5. 5 Because those who have Faith are buried with Christ and walk in newness of life Rom. 6. 4. that is in holiness and purity which accompany Faith 6 Because he that saith I know GOD and keepeth not his Commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him 1 Iohn 2. 4. Quest. IV. DId Christ by his Obedience and Death fully discharge the debt of all these who are thus justified and did he make a proper real and full satisfaction to the Fathers justice in their behalf Yes Rom. 5. 8 9 10. 1 Tim. 2. 5. 6. Dan 9 24 26 Heb 10 10 14 Isa 53 4 5 6 10. 11 12. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain That Christ hath not made a full satisfaction to Divine Iustice for the sins of those who are justified and that Humane satisfactions do in part satisfy the Iustice of GOD for sin Yes Do not likewise the Socinians err who deny all true and proper satisfaction to Christs sufferings Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Prophet sayes he hath born our griefs and carried our sorrows was wounded for our transgressions was bruised for our iniquities Isaiah 53 4 5. 2 Because by one Offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified Heb. 10. 14 3 Because Humane satisfactions being finite can never satisfy in part or in whole the infinite Justice of GOD for the punishment of sin Iob 35. 6. 4 Because he hath blotted out the hand writting of Ordinances which was against us which was contrary to us and took it out of the way nailing it to his cross Col. 2. 14. 5 Because there is nothing more frequent in Scripture than that Christ was a propitiation for our sins Rom 3. 25. 6 Because Christ sayes I lay down my life for my sheep and no man taketh it from me but I lay it down of my self Iohn 10. 15 18. 7 Because the Son of man came to give his life a ransom for many Matth. 20. 28. see the first of Tim. 2. 6. Ephes. 5. 2. Gal 3. 13. Rev. 5. 9. 1 Iohn 2. 2. Quest. V. ARE the Elect justified until the Holy Spirit in due time actually apply Christ to them No. Col. 1. 21 22. Titus 3. 4 5 6 7. Well then do not the Antinomians err who maintain That the Elect are justified from eternity or when the price of Redemption was payed Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because all that are justified have been strangers and enemies to GOD and children of Wrath Ephes. 2. 3. Col. 1. 21. Titus 3. 3. 1 Cor. 6. 10 11. 2 Because none are justified until they believe in Christ Gal. 2. 16. knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but by the Faith of Jesus Christ even we have believed in Jesus Christ that we might be justified by the faith of Christ. Quest. VI. CAN those who are justified by reason of their sins fall under Gods Fatherly displeasure and not have the light of his countenance restored unto them until they humble themselves confess their sins beg pardon and renew their faith and repentance Yes Psalm 89. 31 32 33. Psalm 32. 5. Psalm 51. 7 8 9 10 11 12. Matth. 26. 75. 1 Cor. 11 30 32. Well then do not the Antinomians err who maintain that GODS love and favour towards those that are once-justified cannot consist with his anger and chastisement towards them Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because Christ says as many as I love I rebuke and chasten Rev. 3. 19. 2 Because David was chastened for his Adultery and Murder 2 Sam. 12 10. 3 Because the Lord says if my children forsake my Law and walk not in my judgements then will I visit their transgressions with the rod and their iniquity with stripes Psalm 89. 30 31. 4 Because God was provoked with the sins of the Corinthians for which he punished them 1 Cor. 10. 22. And 1 Cor. 11. 30. Quest VII IS the Iustification of Believers under the Old Testament one and the same in all respects with the justification of Believers under the New Testament Yes Gal. 3. 9 13 14. Rom. 4. 22 23 24. Heb. 13. 8. Well then do not the Socinians err who maintain that the manner of justification is not one and the same under both the Testaments Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because Abraham was justified by Faith in Christ Gen. 15. 6. And he believed in the Lord and it was counted to him for righteousness That is God of his meer Grace held him righteous and justified that had no righteousness in himself whereby to subsist and stand before his justice seat and