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work_n	covenant_n	grace_n	mediator_n	4,478	5	11.2745	5	false

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ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
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

10. 1 Cor. 9. 8 9 10. 1 Peter 2. 13. 14. Matth. 5. 17. 38. 39. Well then do not some err though otherwise Orthodox who maintain that the whole Iudicial Law of the Jews is yet alive and binding all of us who are Christian Gentiles Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Judicial Law was delivered by Moses to the Israelites to be observed as to a Body Politick Exod. 21 chapter 2 Because this Law in many things which are of particular right was accommodated to the Common-wealth of the Iews and not to other Nations also Exod. 22. 3. Exod. 21. 2. Lev. 25. 2 3. Deut. 24. 1 2 3. Deut. 25. 5 6 7. 3 Because in other things which are not of particular right it is neither from the Law of Nature obliging by Reason neither is it pressed upon Believers under the Gospel to be observed 4 Because Believers are appointed under the Gospel to obey the civil Laws and commands of those under whose Government they live providing they be just and that for Conscience sake Rom. 13. 1. 1 Peter 2. 13 14. Titus 3. 1. Quest. V. DOTH the Moral Law for ever bind as well justified persons as others to the obedience thereof and that not only in regard of the matter contained in it but also in respect of the Authority of God who gave it Yes Rom. 13. 8 9 10. Eph. 6. 2. 1 Iohn 2. 3 4 7 8. Iames 2. 10. 11. Well then do not the Antinomians err who maintain that Believers under the Gospel are not obliged to the obedience of the Moral Law Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because Christ sayes he came not to destroy the Law and the Prophets that is to alter or disannul the doctrine of the Law or of the Prophets Matth. 5. 17. 2 Because he says in the following verse I say unto you till heaven and earth pass one jot or one title shal in no wise pass from the Law till all be fulfilled Matth. 5. 18. 3 Because whosoever shal break one of these least Commandments and shall teach men so he shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven that is shall not at all be esteemed there or shall not enter thereinto verse 19. 4 Because that after the Apostle Paul hath concluded the justification of Believers to be of free Grace he subjoines Do we then make void the Law through faith God forbid yea we establish the Law Rom. 3. 31. 5 Because all the Precepts of the Moral Law belong to the Law of Nature naturally ingraven upon the hearts of men which cannot be abrogated but oblige all men perpetually and necessarly from Natural Reason it self Rom. 2. 15. 6 Because all the Precepts of the Moral Law are repeated in the Gospel and injoyned to all Believers by Christ Matth. 19. 17 18 19 20. Rom. 2. 13. 7 Because Paul adjoyneth and proposeth to Believers under the New Testament both a command and a promise of the Decalogue as properly belonging to them Eph. 6. 2 3. 8 Because the Apostle Iames setteth forth to Believers the moral law as a Rule of life which they are obliged to observe and by breaking of which they are convinced of sins Iames 2. 8 9 11. 9 Because whosoever committeth any sin against the Moral Law shall never enter into the kingdom of God 1 Cor. 6. 9 10. Gal. 5. 21. 10 Because this Tenet of the Antinomians turns the Grace of God into wantonness overturneth the end of Christian liberty and of the coming and death of Christ and paveth a way leading to all impiety and the indulging of the lusts of the flesh and fostering the Dominion of sin contrary to these Scriptures Iude verse fourth 1 Iohn 2. 16. 2 Peter 2. 18 19 20. Rom. 6. 14 15 16. Luke 1. 74 75. Tit. 2. 11. 12. 1 Tim. 6. 9. Rom. 6. 21. 22 23. 11 Because Believers ought to study good works Titus 3. 8 to which they are created in Christ that they should walk in them Eph. 2. 10. 12 Because Christ will render to every man at his last coming both to the good and the bad according to their works Rev. 22. 12. Matth. 25. 34 35 41 42. Quest. VI. ARE true Believers under the Law as a Covenant of Works to be thereby justified or condemned No. Rom. 6. 14. Gal. 2. 16. Gal. 3. 13. Gal. 4. 4 5. Acts 13. 39. Rom. 8. 1. Well then do not the Papists and Socinians err who maintain that Believers under the Gospel are justified by their obedience to the Law of God the Law I say either Moral or Evangelical and condemned for the transgression thereof Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because by the Law is the knowledge of sin Rom. 3. 20. 2 Because for as many as are of the works of the Law are under the curse Gal. 3. 10. 3 Because there is not a Law given which could have given life to fallen man Gal. 3. 21. 4 Because Christ is not dead in vain for if righteousness be by the Law then Christ is dead in vain that is without cause reason need or fruit Gal. 2. 21. see Iohn 15. 25. 5 Because it was promised by God about 430 years before the promulgation of the Law that all the Nations of the earth should be blessed in the seed of Abraham Gen. 22. 18. Gen. 12. 3. with Gal. 3. 16 17 18. 6 Because Christ is become of no effect to them that are justified by the Law they are fallen from Grace Gal. 5. 4 7 Because Believers ought to wait through the Spirit for the hope of righteousness by Faith Gal. 5. 5. 8 Because the Apostle though a strick Observer of the law counted all his works but loss and dung that he might be found in Christ not having his own righteousness which is of the Law but that which is through the Faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by Faith Phil. 3. 8 9. 9 Because Christ is made of God to Believers righteousness 1 Cor. 1. 30. 2 Cor. 5. 21. 10 Because they that seek righteousness not by Faith but by their works do not attain to it And contrarywise they that seek their righteousness by Faith and not by their works do attain to it Rom. 9. 30 31 32. 11 Because Christ is the end of the Law for righteousnes to every one that believeth Rom. 10. 4. 12 Because the justification of men under the Law or Covenant of works is by the law and by the works of the law but the justification of men under Grace or the Covenant of Grace is by Faith Rom. 10. 5 6 8 9. 10. Gal. 3. 11 12. Lev. 18. 5. But Believers now are not under the Law or the Covenant of works but under Grace or the Covenant of Grace Rom. 6. 14 15. Gal. 5. 18. 13 Because Believers under the New and Old Testament are saved by the Grace of Jesus Christ and not by the Law Whose yoke none were able to bear That

upon him And Isaiah 53. 7. he offered up himself a sacrifice for sin and by one Oblation he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified Heb. 10. 14. 6 Because whole Christ was given to us with all his benefits otherwise if onely his passive Obedience were imputed to us it would follow that half Christ onely were given to wit Christ suffering but not Christ doing those things which pleased the Father taking away our sin and saving from death onely but not bringing Righteousness But Christ was not given and born for himself but for us that he might bestow himself wholly upon us by doing for us what we could not do and by suffering for us what we could not suffer Do not likewise the Socinians err who maintain That this Orthodox Doctrine namely That Christ did merit Eternal Salvation to the Elect and hath satisfied Divine Iustice for them is erroneous false and absurd Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Messiah doth finish the transgression and maketh an end of sins and maketh Reconciliation for iniquity and shal be cut off but not for himself as the Prophet Daniel hath foretold chap. 9. 24 26. 2 Because his own self bare our sins in his own Body upon the tree 1 Peter 2. 24. 3 Because he hath reconciled those to GOD that were sometimes alienated and enemies in their mind by wicked works in the body of his Flesh through death Col. 1. 21 22. 4 Because now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself Heb. 9. 26. 5 Because he hath given his life an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a pretium redemptionis a price of Redemption for many 6 Because the Prophet Isaiah sayes that it pleased the Lord to bruise him and put him to grief and that he was wounded for our transgressions and that he bare our iniquities chapter 53. 5 10 11. Quest. VI. DID Christ in the work of Mediation act according to both Natures by each Nature doing that which is proper to it self Yes Heb. 9. 4. 1 Peter 3. 18. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain that Christ is a Mediator only according to his humane Nature Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because it was needful for perfecting the work of the Mediator that Christ should overcome death which could not otherwise be done than by his Divine Nature 1 Pet. 3. 18. Where it is said he was put to death in the Flesh but quickned by the Spirit 2 Because there are very many properties of the Mediator which cannot in any wise agree to the humane Nature of Christ as undertaking and promising that he will raise up all at the last day whom the Father has given him Iohn 6. 39. Again he could not lay down his life and take it up again by the alone strength of his humane Nature but all these are works proper to the Mediator as is clear from the tenth chapter of Iohn v. 18. And 3 the application of those good things which he hath merited is the proper work of the Mediator which can only be done by the Divine Nature 4 Because Christ is a Prophet a Priest and a King according to both his Natures A Prophet Matt. 11. 27. No man knoweth the Father save the Son A Priest Rom. 5. 10. Heb. 9. 14. He is a King Luke 1. 32. All which Offices he executes according to both his Natures CHAP. IX Of FREE-WILL Question I. HATH Man by his fall into an estate of sin wholly lost all ability of will to any supernatural good accompanying salvation so as a Natural Man being altogether averse from that Good and dead in sin is not able by his own strength to convert himself or to prepare himself thereunto Yes Rom. 5. 6 Iohn 15. 5. Rom. 3. 10. 12. Iohn 6. 44 65. Well then do not the Pēlagians and Socinians err who maintain that the Natural Man without supernatural and divine grace is able to convert himself to God by his own strength Yes Do not likewise the Semipelagians Papists Arminians and Lutherians err who maintain That fallen Man and corrupted with Original sin is partly able by his own strength the Grace of GOD assisting him to prepare himself and turn himself to GOD Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Natural Man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of GOD for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are Spiritually discerned 1 Cor. 2. 14. Rom. 8. 7 9. 2 Because all that the Natural Man doth is sin and cannot in any wise please GOD because his works are not of Faith nor to the Glory of GOD as the Law requires Rom. 14. 23. Heb. 11. 6. Titus 1. 15. Rom. 3. 10 11 12. Psalm 14. 3. Rom. 8. 8. 3 Because a man hath no good in himself whereby he may be differenced from the most flagitious nor any good thing which he hath not received 1 Cor. 4. 7. 4 Because Conversion Grace and Salvation are not of him that runneth or willeth but of GOD that sheweth mercy and whom he will be hardneth Rom. 9. 15 16 18. Rom. 11. 7 8. Matth. 11. 21 22 25. 5 Because the Conversion of a Natural Man is the quickning of one dead Ephes. 2. 5. Col. 2. 13. It is a Regeneration or bearing again Ioh. 3. 5 6 It is the creating of a new heart Psalm 51. 10. It is the taking away the heart of stone and the giving of a heart of flesh Esek 11. 19. Esek 36. 26. And therefore as God raised Christ from the dead so also he raiseth us from the grave of sin by his own proper power 1 Cor. 6. 14. And 6 because GOD converts and calls men not by works of Righteousness which they have done Titus 3. 4 5 5. but according to his own Purpose and Grace which is given us in Christ Jesus 2 Timoth. 1. 9. Quest. II. DOth a Regenerate Man after his Conversion perfectly and onely will that which is good No. Gal. 5. 17. Rom. 7. 15 18 19 21 23 Well then do not the Puritans I do not mean the old Non-conformists Antinomians Anabaptists and many Quakers err who maintain That all the Saints of GOD are free from every spot and blemish of sin Yes Do not likewise some of the Popish Church and Socinians err who maintain That some Christians that are more advanced may come that length to be without any spot blemish and act of sin Nay that some have really win that length Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because in many things we offend all Iames 3. 2. 2 Because Christ commands us to seek dayly remission of sins Matth. 6. 12. Luke 11. 4. 3 Because there is not one just man upon the Earth who doth not sin 1 Kings 8. 46. Eccles. 7. 20. 4 Because there is a continual war between the Flesh and the Spirit so that they namely the Regenerate are not able

or oblige him to give any thing as due And according to the order of Gods justice he can receive no favor from us nor can any creature confer any benefit on him Ps. 16. 2. Iob 22. 2 3. Truely where there is no favour done there can be no Merit for merit presupposeth a benefit accepted 4 Because our works are imperfect as well as to Parts as to Degrees Gal. 5. 17 Is. 64. 7. Deut. 27. 26. A Perfection of parts is when we have a Part of every Grace and are renewed in some measure in every power and faculty of the whole man though we be not come to the just and due measure in any of them A perfection of Degrees consists in the compleat measure of our conformity and our exact correspondence to the Law of God in respect of all whatsoever it requires 5 Because Christ says so likewise ye when ye shal have done all those things which are commanded you say we are unprofitable servants we have done that which was our duty to do Luke 17. 10. 6 Because the Good Works which we do are not ours but it is God that worketh in us both to will and to do 1 Cor. 4. 7. Gal. 5. 22. Phil. 2. 13. 7 Because that heavenly blessedness to be given to the saints is expresly attributed to the mercy and pity of God Plalm 103. 4. Matth. 5. 7. Titus 3. 5. Eph. 4. 6 7 8. 8 Because when the Apostle proclaims death to be the wages of sin he doth not affirm life eternal to be the reward of Good Works but the free and gracious gift of God which we obtain by Christ even in our sanctification whereof the Apostle here Rom. 6. 23. Which free Gift hath for its end eternal life Not that it merits this for then it should not be a gracious gift but because Christ hath merited this for us and shal of free Grace give it to us as the following words through Iesus Christ our Lord shew 9 Because God will have us to buy without money or price Wine Milk Honey that is to receive all things requisite and necessary for our spiritual life for Nothing and eternal life it self Isaiah 55. 1 2 3. 10 Because Christ should not be a perfect Saviour if any thing from us were to be added to the righteousness of his Merit But Christ is a perfect Saviour Eph. 1. 7. Eph. 2. 7 8 9. 1 Iohn 1. 7. Acts 4. 12. 11 Because our best works have such a mixture of corruption and sin in them that they deserve his curse and wrath so far are they from meriting Isa. 64. 6. But we are all saith the Prophet as an unclean thing and all our righteousnesses are like filthy raggs 12 If the works of regenerated men did deserve eternal life then should the whole contrivance of the Gospel be subverted and the same very way of Life layed down which was in the Covenant of works as is clear from 2 Cor. 5. 21. The Gospel is so contrived by the infinite Wisdom and Goodness of God that there is a judicial transferring of our sin as a debt on Christ the Cautioner and a translation of his righteousness and merit to be imputed to us for our justification without the least respect to our works Quest. VII ARE Works done by unregenerate men although for the matter of them they may be things which God commands and of good use both to themselves and others are they I say sinful and cannot please God Yes Hag. 2. 14. Titus 1. 15. Amos 5. 21. 22. Hos. 1. 4. Rom. 9. 16. Titus 3. 5. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain that not only all the works of unregenerate men are not sinful but also that some of their Works do indeed Merit and deserve somewhat from God namely as they speak by Merit of Congruity that is as they are agreeable to the Law of God Yes There is also as they say a Merit of Condignity by which the works of the Regenerate which follow justification deserve eternal life not from the imputation of Christs righteousness but from their own intrinseck worth and proportionableness to the Reward Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because as a good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit neither can a corrupt rotten tree bring forth good fruit Matth. 7. 18. 2 Because all unregenerate men are dead in Trespasses and sin Eph. 2. 1. 3 Because all the works of unregenerate men are done without Faith and so cannot please God Heb. 11. 6. Rom. 14. 23. 4 Because if unregenerate men were able to do Good Works or perform any duty which deserved somewhat from God than would it follow that a man were able to do some good of himself which is contrary to Iohn 15. 5. Phil. 2. 13. 5 Because it is clear from Scripture that before renewing grace all are the children of wrath who of themselves cannot have a good thought nor any active concurrence or putting themselves forth to the utmost for their own Conversion 2 Cor. 3. 5. Therefore no plea for merit by any improvement of mens natural abilities see Rom. 9. 15. CHAP. XVII Of the Perseverance of the SAINTS Question I. CAN they whom GOD hath accepted in his beloved effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit either totally or finally fall away from the state of Grace No. Shall they certainly persevere therein to the end and be eternally saved Yes Phil. 1. 6. 2 Pet. 1. 10. Iohn 10. 28 29. 1 Iohn 3 9. 1 Peter 1. 5. 9. Well then do not the Papists Socinians Arminians and some Ring-leaders among the Quakers err who maintain that the Saints may totally and finally fall away Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Saints are built upon the Rock and not upon the Sand therefore when temptations of any kind assault they can never fall nor can the gates of hell prevail against them Matth. 7. 24. Matth. 16. 16 18. 2 Because he that hath begun a good work in the Saints will finish it untill the day of Jesus Christ Phil. 1. 6. 3 Because Paul says nothing can separate us from the love of God Rom. 8. 35 38 39. 4 Because they that fall away have never had true justifying Faith Luke 8. 13 16. 1 Iohn 2. 19. 5 Because it is impossible for the Elect to be seduced Matth. 24. 24. I say impossible not in respect of the will and power of the Elect themselves but in respect of the immutability of Gods Decree concerning them and of his purpose of keeping them powerfully against seduction according to his promises of which he cannot repent see Iohn 10. 28. Rom. 8. 38 39. 1 Peter 1. 5. 6 Because they that believe in the Son of God have life eternal 1 Iohn 5. 13. Iohn 6. 47 54 58. And they have passed from death unto life and shall never thirst nor hunger any more Iohn 6. 35. 7 Because God hath promised in his Covenant that though he chastise his own

Iohn 4. 2. 4 Because reason requires that from the knowledge of the effect we should come to the knowledge of the cause according to that of Matth. 7. 16. 5 Because marks of Grace have so much clearness in themselves that they will even beget in others a judgement according to charity concerning the Election of others therefore much more in those same very Persons who are able to discern and know better their own hearts 1 Thes. 1. 3 4. Quest. IV. DOTH this infallible assurance belong to the essence of Faith No. May a true Believer wait long and conflict with many difficulties before he be partaker of it Yes 1 Iohn 5. 13. Isai. 50. 10. Mark 9. 24. Psalm 88 throughout Psalm 77 to the 12. verse Well then do not the Antinomians err who maintain That the assurance of Salvation is Faith it self And that Faith is nothing els but the Eho of the Soul answering the holy Spirit my sins are forgiven me Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the sealing of the Holy Spirit which is the Earnest of our inheritance is given to Believers after they have believed Eph. 1. 13 14. 2 Because Believers may sometimes not know that they have eternal life 1 Iohn 5. 13. And he that feareth the Lord obeying the voice of his servant may walk in darkness Isaiah 50. 10. 3 Because if this assurance which takes away all doubting as the Antinomians affirm were of the Essence of faith there should not be any degrees of faith which is contrary to Mark 9. 24. Matth. 8. 10. Matth. 15. 28. 4 Because there are evident examples in Scripture from the Experience of the Saints as that of faithful Heman who thus complained Psalm 88. Why casteth thou off my soul why hidest thou thy face from me And of faithful Asaph under very sad exercise Psalm 77. to the 10 verse Quest. V. DOTH this assurance of Salvation incline men to loosness No. 1 Iohn 2. 1 2. Rom 8 1 12 1 Iohn 3 2 3 1 Iohn 1 6 7 Rom 6 1 2 Titus 2 11 12 14 2 Cor 7 1 Well then do not the Papists err who maintain That the Doctrine of Assurance of Salvation is of its own nature hurtful to true Piety and inclines men to sin and wickedness Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Apostle Peter argues the contrary way and infers a far other conclusion namely because Believers know they are redeemed by the pretious blood of Christ they ought to pass the time of their sojourning here in fear 1 Peter 1. 17 18 19. 2 Because the Apostle Paul who was certainly perswaded of his interest in Christ rejects and abominats that conclusion with indignation and wrath Rom. 6. 1 2. 3 Because from the promise that God is the Father of Believers the Apostle exhorts the Corinthians by consequence to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and Spirit and to perfect holiness in the fear of God 2 Cor. 7. 1. 4 Because they who are in Christ to whom there is no condemnation and are assured of it walk not after the Flesh but after the Spirit Rom. 8. 1. 12 38 39. 5 Because a Believer knowing God to be merciful concludes that God ought to be feared Psalm 130. 4. 6 Because whosoever hath that hope namely that he shall see Christ and be made like unto him he purifies himself as he is pure 1 Iohn 3. 3. 7 Because it is evident from the example of those who were perswaded of their salvation who yet lived piously and holily As Paul Rom. 8. 38 39. compared with 2 Cor. 1. 12. Acts 24. 16. Next we have the example of Abraham Gen. 17. 1. compared with Rom. 4. 18 19 20. Quest VI ARE true Believers when they fall into some special sin which woundeth the Conscience and grieveth the Spirit destitute of the seed of GOD and life of Faith No. 2 Iohn 3 9 Luke 22 32 Well then do not the Quakers and others err who maintain That true Believers falling into some special sin can have nothing of the life of faith and seed of GOD in them Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin for his seed remaineth in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God 1 Iohn 3. 9. For his seed remaineth in him that is doth not totally perish but abideth thenceforeward working the fruits of regeneration once begun in them Phil. 1. 6. 2 Because although Peter fell into that grievous sin of denying his Master thrice yet he still retained that seed of God and life of Faith and love to Christ because Christ had said to him I have prayed for thee that thy Faith fail not Luke 22. 32. The like may be said of David and others of the Saints of GOD who by falling into some special sins have wounded the Conscience and grieved the holy Spirit CHAP. XIX Of the Law of GOD. Question I. DID GOD give to Adam a Law as a Covenant of Works by which he bound him and all his Posterity to Personal Entire Exact and Perpetual obedience Yes Did he promise life upon the fulfilling and did he threatten death upon the breach of it Yes Was Adam endued with Power and Ability to keep it Yes Gen 1 26 27 Gen 2 17 Rom 2 14 15 Rom 5 12 19 Gal 3 10 12 Eccl 7 29 Iob 28 28 Well then do not the Socinians err who maintain that God made no Covenant with Adam in his integrity in which he promised to him and his posterity life eternal Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 From those places of Scripture where the righteousness of the Law is described Lev. 18. 5. Rom. 10. 5. Gal. 3. 12. Ezek. 20. 11. 13. Whosoever therefore keepeth my Statutes and Judgements saith the Lord shall live in them And to whom life is promised for ever upon their perfect obedience and continuance in all things written in the Book of the Law And from those places in which death is threatned to them that in the least transgress the Law of God Deut. 27. 26. Gal. 3. 10. Ezek. 18. 4. 2 From the words of our Saviour who spoke to the Young man according to the Covenant of Works in which the Lord promiseth life eternal to such as shall fulfil the Law Matth. 19. 17. Luke 10. 28. Observe that Christ answereth here according to the question and opinion of this young man who thought he was able to obtain salvation by his own good works and therefore Christ directs him to the Law thereby to bring him to the acknowledgement of his own imperfection and afterwards to Faith in himself 3 Because man was created by God in righteousness holiness and immortality according to the similitude and image of God Gen. 1. 26. Gen. 9. 6. Eccl. 7. 29. Eph. 4. 24. Col. 3. 9 10. And received from him the Law of Nature naturally ingraven upon his heart Rom. 2. 14. 15.

there can be no midst Eph. 2. 12 13. And so there shall be no difference between the children of Believers and the children of Turks and Pagans 5 Because infants under the Old Testament had right unto the Covenant of Grace Gen. 17. 7 12. And children of Believers under the New Testament have lost no right to that covenant of Grace which children under the Old Testament had seeing the covenant of Grace now under the Gospel is not more strickly and sparingly administred than long since under the law Heb. 8. 6. Rom. 11. 12. 6 Because infants are commanded to joyn themselves to Gods ordinances Ioel 2. 16. 7 Because if Christ while an infant was head of the visible church then infants may be his members But the first is true from Isaiah 9. 6. Therefore the second must be true also 8 Because they whom the false Apostles would have to be circumcised after the manner of Moses and therefore infants were called Disciples Acts 15. 10. Quest. IV. IS there any ordinary possibility of Salvation out of the Visible Church No. Acts 2. 47. Well then do not the Enthusiasts Quakers and Libertines err who affirm that any man may be a true christian and be saved though he live within no Visible Church Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Lord IEHOVAH in his visible Church ordinarly commands the blessing even life for evermore Psalm 133. 3. 2 Because the visible church is the mother of all Believers Gal. 4. 26. By Ierusalem which is above I understand the true Christian Church which seeketh its salvation not by the first covenant of the law namely by the works of the law but by the second of the Gospel namely by the merits of Christ embraced by a true Faith which hath its orginal from heaven by the powerful calling of the Holy Ghost 3 Because they that are without the visible church are without Christ Eph. 2. 12. 4 Why are men and women joyned to the visible church but that they may be saved Acts 2. 47. 5 Because they that are without the visible church are destitute of the ordinary means of life and salvation Psalm 147. 19. 20. Quest. V. HATH Christ given to this Catholick-church-visible the Ministry Oracles and Ordinances of God for the gathering and perfecting of the Saints in this life to the end of the World Yes Shall there be alwayes a church on earth to worship God according to his will Yes 1 cor 12. 28. Eph. 4. 11 12 13. Mat. 28. 19 20. Matth. 16. 18. Psalm 72. 17. Psalm 102. 28. Isai. 59. 21. Well then do not the Socinians Anabaptists and Libertines err who affirm that the visible Church may fail and perish out of the world Yes Do not likewise the Scepticks commonly called Seekers err who affirm that the whole universal church which hath been upon the earth and all religious worship all external and outward preaching of the Word all administration of Sacraments and the use of all other religious things have perished a little after the Apostles times and are not to this day restored until Christ from Heaven shall send new Apostles with an extraordinary commission for restoring and raising up again the visible church And that in the mean time no man hath right or power to dispense the Word or administer the Sacraments or perform any Ecclesiastical duty and that they who are now called the preachers of the Gospel are not so Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Lord hath promised that his church shall endure so long as the ordinances of heaven shall continue Isaiah 66. 22. 2 Because Christ hath promised that the Gates of Hell shal not prevail against his church Matth. 16. 18. 3 Because there is no end to be put to the kingdom of Christ Luke 1. 33. And therefore no end to his church Isaiah 9. 7. 4 Because glory will be to him in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all Ages world without end Amen Eph. 3. 21. 5 Because Christ who hath given power to his Ministers to teach his church and to administer the Sacraments hath promised to be with them to the end of the World Matth. 28. 19 20. 6 Because the Lord hath promised to preserve a people to himself to the end of the world which he shall rule and govern by his Word and Spirit Isaiah 59. 20 21. Isaiah 9. 6 7. 7 Because the Lord hath chosen Zion he hath desired it for his habitation where he will rest and dwell for ever Psalm 132. 13. 14. 8 Because Christ hath given some to be Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints till we all come into the unity of the Faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God Eph. 4. 11. And he hath appointed a Ministry to continue even after the Apostles dayes as is evident from 1 Tim. 3 chapter From Titus first chapter where the Apostle sets down the ordinary qualifications of Ministers and the Rules for calling them to the Ministry 9 Because there is a general Rule set down for the government and discipline of Christs church which discipline and order is to continue in it to the end of the world Matth. 1 18. 10 Because the Lord commands that we forsake not the assembling of our selves together and hath promised to bless after a special manner any that are gathered together in his name any where but our assembling for hearing the word of God is done in the name of Christ Heb. 10. 25. Matth. 18. 20. Matth. 28. 20. 11 Because the death of Christ in the last supper is to be shewed till he come 1 Cor. 11. 26. 12 Because by the Word even preached Rom. 10. 17. we are born again 1 Peter 1. 23. Iames 1. 18. By Baptism we are ingrafted into Christ Rom. 6. 3 4. Gal. 3. 27. In the Lords Supper we have communion with Christ 1 Cor. 10. 16. See more to this purpose chap. 21. Question eight Quest. VI. HAth the Catholick church been sometimes more sometimes less Visible Yes Rom. 11. 3 4. Rev. 12. 6 14. Well then do not the Papists err who affirm that the church hath been is and shall be most gloriously Visible to all the whole world far and nigh Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the church of GOD in the Prophet Elijahs time was brought to that pass that he thought none remained but himself 1 Kings 19. 10. Rom. 11. 2 3 4. 2 Because for a long time Israel was without the true GOD and without a teaching Priest and without the Law 2 Chron. 15. 3. 3 Because the Lord often complains that his church and people have forsaken him have not known him that the faithful city hath become a harlot that scarce a man could be found to do justice and follow truth all which is inconsistent with that glorious condition of the visible church which the Papists dream of Isaiah 1. 3 4. Ierm 2. 29. Ierm 5. 1. 4 Because