which the people understand A. 1 Cor. 14.18 19 27 28. I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all yet in the Church I had rather speak five words with my understanding that by my voice I might teach others also than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue If any man speak in an unknown tongue let one interpret but if there be no Interpreter let him keep silence in the Church and let him speake to himselfe and to God Q. May we quote a translation of Scripture A. Heb. 10.5 6 7. Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not c then said I Lo I come to doe thy will O God Which is a passage taken out of the 40th Psal verses 6.7 8. secundum Interpret 70 c. Q. Are the Scriptures to be read in the Church A. Luk. 4.16 And he came to Nazareth and as his custome was he went into the Synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up for to read Act. 15.21 For Moses of old time hath in every City them that preach him being read in the Synagogues every Sabbath day Q. In which book that of the Creatures or that of the Scriptures may we learne to know God best A. Psal 138.2 I will worship towards thy Holy Temple and praise thy Name for thy loving kindnesse and for thy truth for thou hast magnifyed thy Word above all thy name Psal 19.1 7 11. The Heavens declare the glory of God the firmament sheweth his handy worke the Law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul the testimony of the Lord is sure making wise the simple moreover by them is thy servant warned and in keeping of them there is great reward Psal 119.105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path Q. May Nations know any thing of God by his workes or Creatures A. Rom. 1.19 20. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them for God hath shewed it unto them For the invisible things of him from the Creation of the world are cleerly seen being understood by the things that are made even his eternall power and God-head so that they are without excuse Q. Is it a speciall blessing to have the word of God A. Psal 147.19 20. He sheweth his word unto Jacob his statutes and his judgments unto Israel He hath not dealt so with any Nation and as for his judgements they have not known them praise ye the Lord. Chap. 4. Of God and of the Trinity of Persons in the Godhead Q. ARE the Gentiles in an Errour who worship many Gods A. Yea. Deut. 6.4 Heave O Israel the Lord our God is one Lord. 1 Cor. 8.4 5 6. We know that an Idol is nothing in the world that there is none other God but one for though there be that are called Gods whether in heaven or in earth as there be Gods many and Lords many but to us there is but one God the Father of whom are all things and we in him and one Lord Jesus Christ by whom are all things and we by him Q. How doth the Scripture set out converts from the worship of false Gods or dead Idols which the Gentiles worship A. 1 Thes 1.9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entring in we had unto you and how ye turned to God from Idols to serve the living and true God Jer. 10.10 But the Lord is the true God he is the living God and an everlasting King c. Q. Is it possible for us to know God comprehensively or perfectly to comprehend his infinite being and perfection A. Job 11.7 8 9. Canst thou by searching find out God canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection It is as high as heaven what canst thou doe Deeper than hell what canst thou know The measure thereof is longer than the earth and broader then the Sea So chap. 26.14 Lo these are parts of his waies but how little a portion is heard of him but the thunder of his power who can understand Q. To speak after the manner of men is God a Spirit A. Yea Joh. 4.24 God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth Q. What doth the Scripture teach us to conceive of the nature of a Spirit or how doth a Spirit differ from a body A. Luk. 24.39 Behold my hands and my feet that it is I my selfe handle me and see for a Spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see me have Q. What Scripture have you to prove that God is invisible to corporeall eyes A. 1 Tim. 1.17 Now unto the King eternall immortall invisible the only wise God be honour and glory for ever and ever Deut. 4.15 16 17. Take ye therefore good heed unto your selves for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fires lest ye corrupt your selves and make you a graven image the similitude of any figure the likenesse of male or female c. compared with Rom. 1.21 23. Because that when they knew God they glorifyed him not as God neither were thankfull but became vaine in their imaginations and their foolish heart was darkened and they changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man and to birds and foure-footed beasts and creeping things Q. What proofe doe you bring that God is without Passion A. Act. 14.11 15. When the people saw what Paul had done they lift up their voices saying the Gods are come down to us in the likenesse of men c. Sirs why doe ye these things we also are men of like passions with you and preach unto you that you should turne from these vanities unto the living God which made heaven and earth c. Q. Give us a text to shew the unchangeablenesse or Immutability of God A. Mal. 3.6 For I am the Lord I change not therefore the Sons of Jacob are not consumed Jam. 1.17 Every good and perfect gift is from above and cometh downe from the Father of Lights with whom is no variablenesse neither shadow of turning Q. What text of Scripture is there to prove that God cannot be contained in any place or that he is Immense A. 1 King 8.27 But will God indeed dwell on the earth behold the heaven and the Heaven of heavens cannot containe thee how much lesse this house that I have builded Jer. 23.23 24. Am I a God at hand sayth the Lord and not a God a far off Can any hide himselfe in secret places that I shall not see him saith the Lord Doe not I fill heaven and earth saith the Lord Q. How doe you prove that he is Eternall A. Psal 90.2 Before the mountaines were brought forth or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God 1 Tim. 1.17 Now unto the King eternall
that he would come up and sit with him vers 38. And he commanded the charet to stand still and they went down both into the water Q. Might the Priests of old have any temporall estate in Lands of their owne A. Act. 4.36 37. And Joses a Levite and of the country of Cyprus having land sold it and brought the money and laid it at the Apostles feet Q. What may be done with Scandalous Ministers if they will not reforme A. Mat. 5.13 Ye are the salt of the earth but if the salt have lost his savour wherewith shall it be salted it is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and to be troden under foot of men 1 Sam. 2.30 35. Wherefore the Lord God of Israel sayth I said indeed that thy house and the house of thy Father should walke before me for ever but now the Lord sayth be it far from me for them that honour me I will honour and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed And I will raise me up a faithfull Priest that shall doe according to that which is in my heart and my mind and I will build him a sure house and he shall walke before mine anointed for ever 1 King 2.27 So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being Priest unto the Lord that he might fulfill the word of the Lord which he spake concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh Q. May we allow those who are deprived a fifth part to live on A. 2 King 23.9 Neverthelesse the Priests of the High places came not up to the Altar of the Lord in Jerusalem but they did eate of the unleavened bread among their brethren Q. May Another lawfully be put into the place of such as are lawfully thrust out A. 1 Kin. 2.35 And the King put Benaiah the Son of Jehojada in his room over the host and Zadok the Priest did the King put in the roome of Abiathar Act. 1.20 25. For it is written in the book of Psalmes Let his habitation be desolate and let no man dwell therein and his Bishoprick let another take That he may take part of this ministry and Apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell Q. Who did put in and put out under the old Testament A. 1 King 2.35 And the King put Zadok the Priest in the roome of Abiathar Chap. 23. Of publick worship Churches and Ordinances Q. HAD the Jewes Synagogues generally in their cities to worship God in and was there reading the Law in them constantly on the Sabbath day A. Act. 15.21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him being read in the Synagogues every Sabbath day Acts 13.14 15. Q. Was it the practise of Christ and his Disciples and followers the primitive Christians to worship God on the Sabbath daies at their owne home or in private houses or in the Synagogues A. Luk. 4.16 And he came to Nazareth and as his custome was he went into the Synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up for to read So Chap. 6.6 And it came to passe also on another Sabbath that he entred into the Synagogue and taught Joh. 18.20 Jesus answered I spake openly to the world I ever taught in the Synagogue and in the Temple whither the Jewes alwaies resort and in secret have I said nothing Act. 9.20 And straightway he preached Christ in the Synagogue that he is the Son of God Act. 13.5 And when they were at Salamis they preached the word of God in the Synagogues of the Jewes Q. Did the Apostles rob the Temples or Idols of the Heathens of their riches A. No Act. 19.37 For ye have brought hither these men which are neither robbers of Churches nor yet blasphemers of your Goddesse Q. Was it held lawfull in the Apostle's dayes to alienate that part of a man's estate which he had once vowed or dedicated unto God Ans No. Act. 5.3 But Peter sayd Ananias why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost and to keep back part of the price of the land Q. May we meet and preach in places commonly called Churches A. Yes Mar. 1.21 And they went into Capernaum and straightway on the Sabbath day he entered into the Synagogue and taught Luk. 4.15 16. And he taught in their Synagogue being glorified of all And he came to Nazareth and as his custome was he went into the Synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up for to read Joh. 18.20 I ever taught in the Synagogue and in the Temple whither the Jewes alwaies resort and in secret have I said nothing Act. 13.14 15. They came to Antioch in Pisidia and went into the Synagogue on the Sabbath day and sate down and after the reading of the Law and the Prophets the Rulers of the Synagogue sent unto them saying ye men and brethren if ye have any word of Exhortation for the people say on Act. 18.4 And he reasoned in the Synagogue every Sabbath and perswaded the Jewes and the Greeks Act. 19.8 9. And he went into the Synagogue and spake boldly for the space of three moneths disputing and perswading the things concerning the Kingdome of God But when diverse were hardened c. he departed from them and separated the disciples disputing daily in the Schoole of one Tyrannus Q. Is it an evidence of right Zeale to pull down Churches A. No Psal 74.8 They said in their hearts Let us destroy them together they have burnt up all the Synagogues of God in the Land Luk. 7.5 For he loveth our nation and he hath built us a Synagogue Q. Have we any warrant for reading the Scriptures as it is used to be called first and second lesson before the minister begin his Sermon A. Act. 13.15 And after the reading of the Law the Prophets the Rulers of the Synagogue sent unto thē saying ye men and brethren if ye have any word of Exhortation for the people say on c. Q. Is the spirit given that we may live without or above Gods commandements and ordinances A. Ezek. 11.19 20. And I will give them one heart and I will put a new spirit within them that they may walke in my statutes and keep mine Ordinances and do them Q. Are Gospell Ordinances and dispensations a ministration of the letter or of the Spirit A. 2 Cor. 3.6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the New Testament not of the letter but of the spirit Q. Is this ministry of the spirit to cōtinue Ans 2 Cor. 3.7 8 11. But if the ministration of death written and graven in stones was glorious which glory was to be done away how shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious For if that which is done away was glorious much more that which remaineth is glorious Q. What if a man have the spirit be filled with the spirit be a strong Christian is he to cast off ordinances and offices in the Church A. Act. 6.5 And the saying pleased the whole
unto them Againe I say Christians must obey God rather than men the servants of God may serve the persons of men but must not serve mens lusts contrary to the Law of God Q. Must Mr and Servant sit down to meat together or may one sit and the other stand and serve A. Luk. 17.7 8. Which of you having a Servant will say to him goe and sit down to meat and not rather make ready wherewith I may sup and gird thy selfe and serve me c. Q. Doth not the scripture condemne Respect of persons Deut. 16.19 Jam. 2.1 3 9. Prov. 24.23 and 28.21 A. It is written also in the Scripture and the Scripture cannot be broken Render honour to whom honour is due Rom. 13.7 And againe Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head and honour the face of the old man I am the Lord Lev. 19.32 We must not so expound one place of Scripture as to make it clash with another The holy spirit of truth doth not crosse and contradict himselfe We must necessarily therefore distinguish of Respect of Persons and shew what manner of honour or respect is sinfull and condemned and what is warrantable and allowed we acknowledge that the Scripture forbids to respect persons in judgment whether rich or poor Lev. 19.15 The Judge must not pervert judgment for feare of the rich man or out of pitty to the poor man but must judge righteous judgment every man's cause not according to the person that mannages it and whom it concernes but according to the merit of it Againe Christians must not as in the administration of justice so neither of Ordinances admit rich men because they are rich however unbelieving unworthy and altogether unqualified and exclude or refuse the poor how rich soever in Faith prepared and fitted merely because they are poor It seemes when James wrote his Epistle there were some in the Church who were to be blamed because they did preferre and honour rich men though unbelievers and oppressros and in the mean time did contemne and despise poor believing Christians for their poverty Though we may honour men for those outward excellencies which God hath bestowed or put upon them yet we must never so honour the rich as to slight and despise the poor especially the poor Believer Q. May we take these words Respect and Honour the one for the other A. Lev. 19.15 Ye shall doe no unrighteousnesse in judgment thou shalt not respect the person of the poor nor honour the person of the mighty but in Righteousnesse shalt thou judge thy Neighbour To conclude this matter that it is absolutely necessary to distinguish of respect of persons will appeare by comparing amongst others these two places of Scripture Eph. 6.9 knowing that your Mr also is in heaven neither is there respect of persons with him with Gen. 4.4 5. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect To reconcile thē these Scriptures that seem thus to crosse one another I say God doth not regard men more for their beauty place estate or such outward things nor will he for any such by-respect goe a haires breadth from justice and in this sence there is no respect of persons with God And yet God doth righteously and holily accept the faces of his people that feare and serve and call upon him Lev. 26.9 For I will have respect unto you and make you fruitfull and multiply you and establish my Covenant with you Q. May Christians when they are asked where they dwell give any other answer than this they dwell in God A. Yes Joh. 1.38 39. They said unto him Rabbi where dwellest thou he sayth to them come and see They came and saw where he dwelt and abode with him that day Act. 28.30 And Paul dwelt two whole yeers in his own hired house and received all that came in unto him Q. May a Christian without sin call persons or things by the names which Heathens or Idolaters have given them especially if they have been the names of Idols A. Act. 28.11 we departed in a ship whose signe was Castor and Pollux Rom. 16.1 I commend unto you Phebe vers 14. Salute Hermas c. 1 Cor. 16.12 Brother Apollos Act. 17.1 When they had passed through Apollonia Q. Is it lawfull to call the dayes of the week and the months of the yeer by any other names then the 1st 2d 3d c. A. Est 9.17 On the 13th day of the moneth Adar c. Luk. 23.54 And that day was the preparation and the Sabbath drew on Rev. 1.10 I was in the spirit on the Lord's day Deut. 16.1 1 King 6.37 38. 1 King 8.2 Ezr. 6.15 Neh. 1.1 and 2.1 6.15 Q. May we interpret the word of God A. Math. 1.23 They shall call his name Emanuel which being interpreted is God with us Q. May we not only translate but also give the sence or meaning A. Joh. 7.37 38. If any man thirst let him come unto me and drink He that believeth on me as the Scripture hath said out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water this spake he of the spirit which they that believe on him should receive c. Neh. 8.8 Q. May one man be helpfull to another towards the understanding of the Scriptures or must we depend upon and waite for the immediate teachings of the Holy Ghost A. Act. 8.30 31. And Philip ran thither to him and heard him read the Prophet Esaias and said Understandest thou what thou readest And he sayd How can I except some man should guide me And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him Q. Is that said to be in the Scripture which is no where word for word now to be found but only in the sence and scope A. Jam. 4.5 Doe ye think that the scripture sayth in vaine the spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy Joh. 7.38 He that believeth on me as the Scripture hath said out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water Q. May that be said to be grounded on Scripture which is founded on Scripture consequences A. Mar. 12.26 27. And as touching the dead that they rise have ye not read in the book of Moses how in the bush God spake unto him saying I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaack and the God of Jacob He is not the God of the dead but the God of the living Q. May those who have the Spirit and are guided by the Spirit yet attend unto the Scripture or the outward writing A. 1 Chr. 28.11 12 19. Then David gave to Solomon the son his patterne of the porch And the patterne of all that he had by the Spirit of the courts of the house of the Lord All this said David the Lord made me understand in writing by his hand upon me even all the workes of this patterne Q. Did our Lord Christ give the Apostles any
we receive erroneous teachers into our houses or must we avoid them A. 2 Joh. 10. If there come any unto you and bring not this doctrine receive him not into your house neither bid him God speed Q. What 's the cause of Error A. Matth. 22.29 Jesus answered and said unto them ye doe erre not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God Chap. 3. Of the Holy Scriptures Q. BY What Rule must we judge of the Doctrines we heare we must we judge by the Scriptures A. Yes Isai 8.20 To the Law and to the Testimony if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them Joh. 5.39 Search the Scriptures for in them ye thinke ye have eternall life and they are they which testify of me Act. 17.11 12. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readinesse of mind and searched the Scriptures daily whether those things were so therefore many of them believed Q. Are we to believe God speaking to us in the Scriptures as if he spake to us audibly by a voice from heaven A. 2 Pet. 1.19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy whereunto ye doe well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a darke place untill the day-dawn the daystar arise in your hearts Q. Are we to believe even an Angel from heaven contrary to the Scriptures A. Galat. 1.8 But though we or an Angel from Heaven preach any other Gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you let him be accursed Q. Ought we to believe the Scriptures rather than one who should come from the dead A. Luk. 16.27 28 29. I pray thee Father that thou wouldest send him to my Fathers house that he may testify unto them Abraham saith unto him They have Moses and the Prophets let them heare them Q. Would it be more effectuall to have our friends rise from the dead and warne us lest we come to the place of torment than to have the Scriptures read and applyed A. Luk. 16. last And he said unto him If they heare not Moses and the Prophets neither will they be perswaded though one rose from the dead Q Did the Prophets of old speak and write the Holy Scriptures by any private motion or by the incitation or inspiration of the holy Ghost A. 2 Tim. 3.16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for Doctrine c. 2 Pet. 1.20.21 Knowing this first that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost Q. Did the Apostles of Christ preach the word of God or the word of man A. 1 The. 2.13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing because when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us ye received it not as the Word of men but as it is in truth the Word of God which effectually worketh also in you that believe Q. Did our Saviour Christ and the Apostles allow their Hearers no try their Doctrine by the Holy Scriptures A. Yea. Joh. 5.39 Search the Scriptures for they are they which testify of me Act. 17.11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readines of mind and searched the Scriptures daily whether those things were so Q. Did Christ and the Apostles who had the greatest measure and who were full of the Holy Ghost cite Scripture and prove by Scripture or appeal constantly to private Revelations or to a light or word within them or say alway Thus sayth the Spirit within us A. Luk. 10.26 What is written in the Law how readest thou Mar. 12.29 And as touching the dead that they rise have ye not read in the book of Moses how in the bush God spake unto him saying I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaack and the God of Jacob Q. Are the Scriptures and the Spirit joyned together and doth the Spirit of God goe along with the Scriptures A. Isai 59.21 As for me this is my Covenant with them sayth the Lord My Spirit that is upon thee and my words which I have put in thy mouth shall not depart out of thy mouth nor out of the mouth of thy seed nor out of the mouth of thy feeds seed saith the Lord from henceforth and for ever Joh. 6.63 It is the Spirit that quickneth the flesh profiteth nothing the words that I spake unto you they are Spirit and they are life Q. But are the Scriptures able to make us perfect and wise unto Salvation without attending to visions and Revelations A. 2 Tim. 3.15 16 17. And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto Salvation through Faith which is in Christ Jesus All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for Doctrine for reproof for correction for instruction in righteousnesse that the man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all good workes Q. Are the Scriptures of the old Testament of use unto us now in the dayes of the Gospell A. Rom. 15.4 For whatsoever things were written afore time were written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope 1 Cor. 10.1 to the 6th Moreover brethren I would not that ye should be ignorant how that all our Fathers were under the cloud and all passed thorow the Sea c. Now these things were our Examples to the intent we should not lust after evill things as they also lusted c. So. v. 11. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples and they are written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come Q. May the common people read the Scriptures A. Yea Joh. 5.39 Search the Scriptures for they are they which testify of me Act. 17.11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readinesse of mind and searched the Scriptures daily whether those things were so Act. 8.30 And Philip ran thither to him and heard him read the Prophet Esaias and said Understandest thou what thou readest 2 Tim. 3.15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures Isai 34.16 Seek ye out of the book of the Lord and read Deut. 17.18 19. And it shall be when he sitteth upon the throne of his Kingdome 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 shall be with him and he shall read therein all the dayes of his life that he may learne to feare the Lord his God to keep all the words of this Law and these Statutes to doe them Q. May the Scriptures be translated out of the Originall languages into those tongues
only but in power also and in the Holy Ghost and in much assurance and ye became followers of us and of the Lord having received the word in much affliction with joy of the Holy Ghost So v. 9. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entring in we had unto you and how ye turned to God from Idols to serve the living and true God Q. Is the word a means to work Faith A. Rom. 10.17 So then Faith commeth by hearing hearing by the word of God Q. Is a man justified partly by Faith and partly by works A. Rom. 3.28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by Faith without the deeds of the Law Q. How is that of James chap. 2.24 to be understood A. Jam. 2.17 18. Even so Faith if it hath not works is dead being alone yea a man may say Thou hast faith I have works shew me thy Faith without thy works I will shew thee my faith by my works i.e. Faith that doth not shew it selfe by good works to be alive is a dead faith Q. Shall any that are elected justified sanctified ever fall wholy and finally from Grace A. Math. 24.24 For there shall arise false Christs and false Prophets c. and shall shew great signes and wonders insomuch that if it were possible they shall deceive the very Elect. 1 Pet. 1.5 Who are kept by the power of God through Faith unto Salvation Joh. 10.28 29. I give unto them eternall life and they shall never perish neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand My Father which gave them me is greater than all and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand Q. Shall any regenerate person any child of God continue in sin allow himselfe to goe on customarily in any way of sinne and wickednesse A. 1 Joh. 3.9 Whatsoever is borne of God doth not commit sinne for his seed remaineth in him and he cannot sin because he is borne of God Psal 139.23 24. Search me O God and know my heart try me know my thoughts and see if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting Q. Did our Lord Christ dye that sinners being justified might live as they list or that they should live holily c. A. 1 Joh. 3.8 He that committeth sinne is of the Divel for the Devill sinneth from the beginning For this purpose the Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the workes of the Devil Act. 3.26 Unto you first God having raised up his Son Jesus sent him to blesse you in turning away every one of you from his iniquities Luk. 1.74 75. That he would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him without feare in holinesse and righteousnesse before him all the dayes of our life Q. Is the Gospel or the Doctrine of salvation as 't is taught in the Scriptures a Doctrine according to Godlinesse A. 1 Tim. 6.3 If a man teach otherwise and consent not to wholsome words even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the Doctrine which is according to godlinesse 1 Tim. 3.16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godlinesse Tit. 2.11 12. For the grace of God that bringeth Salvation hath appeared to all men teaching us that denying ungodlinesse and worldly lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present world Q. Is any man in this life so perfect that he is without all sin A. 1 Joh. 1.8 10. If we say that we have no sinne we deceive our selves and the truth is not in us If we say that we have not sinned we make him a lyar and his word is not in us 1 Kin. 8.46 If they sinne against thee for there is no man that sinneth not c. Prov. 20.9 Who can say I have made my heart clean I am pure from my sinne Eccles 7.20 For there is not a just man upon earth that doth good and sinneth not Jam. 3.2 For in many things we offend all Q. May we know that if a man prove an Apostate and fall wholy and for ever away that he was never truly justified and regenerated A. 1 Joh. 2.19 They went out from us but they were not of us for if they had been of us they would no doubt have continued with us but they went out that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us Mat. 7.24 25. Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doth them I will liken him unto a wise man which built his house upon a rocke and the raine descended and the floods came and the winds blew and beat upon the house and it fell not for it was founded upon a rock Q. Can any man come to Christ except the Father draw him A. Joh. 6.44 No man can come to me except the Father which hath sent me draw him and I will raise him up at the Last day Q. May we pray to God to draw us A. Cant. 1.4 Draw me we will run after thee the King hath brought me into his chambers Q. What Scripture grounds have men to listen after to prize to be in love with the Gospel and to esteem it as worthy of all acceptation and so to hunger and thirst after the good things contained in it A. Joh. 3.16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life 1 Tim. 1.15 16. This is a faithfull saying and worthy of all acceptation that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am chief Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all long-suffering for a paterne to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting chap. 4.10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach because we trust in the living God who is the Saviour of all men specially of those that believe Joh. 6.37 And him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out He. 7.25 Wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth c. Q. If a man really hunger and thirst after Christ to be his Saviour and to be his Soveraigne is he then under any conditionall promise A. Mat. 5.6 Blessed are they which doe hunger and thirst after righteousnesse for they shall be filled Q. If any man hearing of the God of Israel that he is a mercifull God and that he will save some of the chiefest of sinners and all that being weary and heavy laden with the burden of their sins coming unto him doe thereupon come and lay himselfe as a beggar at a rich mans door and wait there as the Cripple at the Pool of Bethesda and aske and seek and knock for mercy and grace hath he then any promise of being heard A. Mat. 11.28 Come unto me all
Ministers of Christ or of the State A. 2 Cor. 11.23 Are they Ministers of Christ I speake as a fool I am more 1 Cor. 4.1 Let a man so account of us as of the Ministers of Christ and Stewards of the mysteries of God Col. 4.17 Q. But ought not Ministers to be of some other calling beside must not they necessarily worke at some trade on the week dayes and preach on the Lord's day A. No. 1 Cor. 9.6 Or I only and Barnabas have not we power to forbear working Matth. 4.20 And they straight way left their nets and so followed him So vers 22. And they immediatly left the ship and their father and followed him Q. If Ministers doe not work c. How shall they live or be maintained A. 1 Cor. 9.13 14. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the Temple and they which wait at the Altar are partakers with the Altar even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospell should live of the Gospel 1 Tim. 5.17 18. Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour especially they who labour in the word and Doctrine For the Scripture saith Thou shalt not muzzle the Oxe that treadeth out the corne and the Labourer is worthy of his reward Q. What may ministers take wages or hire for their preaching A. Mat. Yes 10.9 10. Provide neither gold nor silver nor brasse in your purses nor skrip for your journey neither two coates neither shooes nor yet staves for the workman is worthy of his meat 2 Cor. 11.8 I robbed other Churches taking wages of them to doe you service 2 King 8.9 So Hazael went to meet him and took a present with him even of every good thing of Damascus fourty Camels burden came stood before him c. 1 Cor. 9.7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges who planteth a vineyard and eateth not of the fruit thereof or who feedeth a flock and eateth not of the milk of the flock Q. Did our Lord Jesus Christ ever receive any thing while he went up and down preaching A. Yes Luk. 8.3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's Steward and many others which ministred unto him of their substance Q. Did the Church of old ordaine officers with Fasting Prayer and Imposition of hands A. Yes Act. 6.3 5 6. Wherefore brethren look ye out among you seven men of honest report full of the holy Ghost and wisedome whom we may appoint over this businesse And the saying pleased the whole multitude and they chose Stephen a man full of faith and of the holy Ghost and Philip c. whom they set before the Apostles and when they had prayed they laid their hands on them 1 Tim. 4.14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee which was given thee by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery So chap. 5.22 Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partaker of other mens sinnes 2 Tim. 1.6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God which is in thee by the putting on of my hands Q. Did the Apostle Paul labour in his calling alwaies and in all places preach gratis or did he take hire or wages of some Churches although he preached freely among the Corinthians A. 2 Cor. 11.8 I robbed other Churches taking wages of them to doe you service Q. Was that commandement of Christ to the Apostles Mat. 10.9 10. only temporary or perpetuall was it only for the first expedition and afterwards reversed by the same power that made it A. Yea. Lu. 22.35 36. And he said unto them when I sent you without purse skrip shooes lacked ye any thing And they said Nothing Then said he unto them But now he that hath a purse let him take it and likewise his scrip and he that hath no sword let him sell his garment and buy one Q. How did godly ones of old carry themselves to the Prophets of the Lord A. 1 King 18.3 4. Now Obadiah feared the Lord greatly For it was so when Jezebel cut off the Prophets of the Lord that Obadiah took an 100 Prophets and hid them by fifty in a cave and fed them with bread and water Q. How did Idolaters carry themselves to their Priests A. 1 King 18.19 Now therefore send and gather to me all Israel unto Mount Carmel and the Prophets of Baal 450 and the Prophets of the groves 400 which eate at Jezebels table Q. Did God provide for those that fed any of his Prophets A. Yes 1 King 17.15 16. And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah and she and he and her house did eat many dayes and the barrel of meale wasted not neither did the cruse of oyle faile according to the word of the Lord which he spake by Elijah Q. Was it the custome of the Nations in extremity to sell the Priest's portion A No. Gen. 47.22 Only the land of the Priests bought he not for the Priests had a portion assigned them of Pharaoh and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them wherefore they sold not their lands Q. How did the Saints of the new Testamēt entertaine the Preachers of the Gosple A. Gal. 4.14 15. And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not nor rejected but received me as an Angel of God even as Christ Jesus I beare you record that if it had been possible ye would have plucked out your own eyes have given them unto me Q. Were tithes ever given or received any other way then by vertue of the Leviticall law A. Yes He. 7.1 2 9. For this Melcheisedeck King of Salem Priest of the most high God who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the Kings and blessed him to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all And as I may so say Levi also who receiveth tithes payd tithes in Abraham Q. May a Son or Daughter of Abraham without sinne pay tithes or shall not a man subject his neck to the yoke of legal ceremonies in case he pay tithes A. Heb. 7.1 2. For this Melchisedeck c. Gal. 6.6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things Q. Were tithes first paid to the Priesthood of Aaron or to him of whose order Christ was a Priest A. Heb. 7.1 2. For this Melchisedeck King of Salem Priest of the most high God who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the Kings and blessed him to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all Heb. 5.5 6. Q. Suppose a man think himselfe not bound by the law of God or man may a man lawfully pay that from which he is free by right provided that he be not bound by oath to the contrary A. Mat. 17.25 26 27. What thinkest thou Simon of whom doe the Kings of the earth take custome or tribute of their own
children or of strangers Peter saith unto him Of strangers Jesus saith unto him thē are the children free notwithstanding lest we should offend them go thou to the Sea c. That give for thee and me Q. May a Minister lawfully have a set manitenance A. 1 Timothy 5.17 18. compared with Math. 20.1 2. Luk. 10.7 Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour especially they who labour in the word and Doctrine For the Scripture sayth thou shalt not muzzle the Oxe that treadeth out the corne and the Labourer is worthy of his reward For the Kingdome of Heaven is like unto a man that is an housholder which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day he sent them into his vineyard Q. Is it lawfull to preach in a Pulpit A. Neh. 8.4 And Ezra the Scribe stood upon a Pulpit of wood which they had made for the purpose c. Q. Is it lawfull to read in the book of the Lord although no exposition immediatly follow A. Jer. 36.6 Therefore goe thou and read in the roll which thou hast written from my mouth the words of the Lord in the eares of the people in the Lord's house upon the fasting day and also thou shalt read them in the eares of all Judah that come out of their cities Q. Is it lawfull to read and expound in the Congregation or make them to understand what is read A. Neh. 8.8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly and gave the sence and caused them to understand the reading Act. 28.23 to whom he expounded and testified the Kingdome of God perswading them concerning Jesus both out of the law of Moses and out of the Prophets Mark 4.34 Luk. 24.27 Act. 8.30.31 35. Q. Is there any warrant to pray before reading and expounding A. Neh. 8.6 And Ezra blessed the Lord the great God and all the people answered Amen Amen with lifting up their hands and they bowed their heads and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground Q. What warrant is there for the people to say Amen at the end of the Ministers prayer A. Ne. 8.6 And all the people answered Amen Amen with lifting up their hands Psal 106.48 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting and let all the people say Amen Q. May we pray the Lord's prayer A. Luk. 11.1 2. And it came to passe that as he was praying in a certaine place when he ceased one of his disciples said unto him Lord teach us to pray as John also taught his disciples And he said unto them when ye pray say Our Father c. Q. May we pray other prayers A. Act. 4.24 And when they heard that they lift up their voice to God with one accord and said Lord thou art God which hast made heaven and earth and the Sea and all that in them is c. Q. Is there any thing to be said for the lawfulnesse of writing of Sermons after the minister A. Jer. 36.4 And Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the Lord which he had spoken unto him upon a roll of a book Q. May we preach upon a text A. Luk. 4.20 21. And he closed the book and he gave it againe to the Minister and sate down and the eyes of all them that were in the Synagogue were fastened on him And he began to say unto them This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your eares Q. May Ministers make use of books and give themselves to reading A. 2 Tim. 4.13 The cloak when thou comest bring with thee and the books but especially the parchments Q. Is it lawfull for a Minister to make use of humane learning A. Tit. 1.12 One of themselves even a Prophet of their own said the Cretians are alway lyars evill beasts slow bellyes 1 Cor. 15.33 Be not deceived evill communications corrupt good manners Act. 17.28 For in him we live and move and have our being as certaine also of your own Poets have said For we are also his off-spring Q. Had any of the Prophets or Apostles any humane learning A. Act. 7.22 And Moses was learned in all the wisdome of the Egyptians and was mighty in words and in deeds Act. 22.3 I am verily a man which am a Jew borne in Tarsus a city in Cilicia yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the Fathers c. Q. May a Minister marry and take care of wife and children A. 1 Tim. 3.4 One that ruleth well his own house having his children in subjection with all gravity Q. May a Minister keep a Servant A. 2 King 5.20 But Gehazi the servant of Elisha the man of God said my Master hath spared Naaman this Syrian c. Q. Is it lawfull for a Minister to suffer himselfe to be called Sr or Mr A. 1 King 18.7 That my Lord Elijah Act. 16.30 Sirs what must I doe to be saved 1 Sam 1.16 And she said oh my Lord as thy soul liveth my Lord I am the woman that stood by thee here praying unto the Lord. Q. What say you unto Mat. 23.10 Neither be ye called Masters c A. i. c. Doe not ye ambitiously affect great titles of Fathers and Masters or Governours or Guides as the Pharisees doe but account God your Father in heaven and me your master on earth and be ye content with the title of my disciples Q. Doth the holy Scripture ever give any titles of respect unto the disciples or Ministers afterwards A. Yes Act. 20.28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood 1 Tim. 5.17 Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour especially they who labour in the word and Doctrine Eph. 4.11 And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastours and Teachers Heb. 13.17 Obey them that have the rule over you and submit yourselves for they watch for your souls c. Q. Is the title or office of a Preacher dishonourale for any A. No. Eccles 1.12 I the Preacher was King over Israel in Jerusalem Rom. 15.8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a Minister of the circumcision for the truth of God to confirme the promises made unto the Fathers Q. Was it a disparagement among the Jewes to match with a Priest A. 2 Chr. 22.11 So Jehoshabeath the Daughter of King Jehoram the wife of Jehoida the Priest for she was the Sister of Ahaziah hid him Q. May Preachers lawfully suffer themselves to be taken up into the coaches of Nobles did not Elijah gird himselfe and run by Ahab's chariot A. Act. 8.28 31. And sitting in his charet c. He desired Philip