Teâ—timonie do in the least prove their Assertion or that others that do not take things meerly upon Trust would be so foolish as to believe them For though God made known and wrote excellent things to Solomon Though Luke wrote unto Theophilus an Account of divers Transactions of Christ's Outward Abode For many were never written Joh. last vers last et 20. 30. And there are also many other things which Jesus did the which if they should be written every one I suppose that even the World it self could not contain the Books that should be written And many other Signs truly did Jesus in the Presence of his Disciples which are not written in this Book Though Christ made use of divers Scriptures against Satan and that Isaiah directed People to the Law and to the Testimony who will be so mad as to say It naturally follows from thence that God has now committed his Will wholely to Writing Such a Consequence is no more deducible from these Scriptures then if I should argue thus The Divines of Westminster have asserted many things without Ground therefore they had Ground for nothing they said Nay it follows not by far so naturally seeing after the writing of all these Passages by them cited according to their own Judgment there were divers Scriptures written so that it had been false for them to assert That Gâ—d had then committed his Counsel wholely to Wâ—iting which indeed was not true So it is most Irrational and Unwarrantable for any to draw such a strange and strained Consequence from their words For the Second That the former Wayes are now ceased they alledge Hebr. 1. 1 2. God who at sundry Times and in divers Manners spake in times past unto the Fathers by the Prophets hath in these last dayes spoken unto us by his Son whom he hath appointed Heir of all things by whom also he hath made the Worldâ— 2 Pet. 1. 19. We have also a More Sure Word of Prophesie whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a Light that shineth in a Dark Place until the Day dawn and the Day-Star arise in your Hearts Which prove thâ— Matter as little as the former If Paul had intended by that to Timothy what those Divines would have Would not they have made the Apostle speak a manifest Untruth seeing they themselves acknowledg that John's Revelation was written long after so that these former Ways were not then ceased As for that of Peter it is to beg the thing in Question To say It is intended of the Scripture and though it were it proves not the Case at all That of Hebr. is so ar from asserting the Matter they would have it that it may be very aptly brought to prove the quite contrary for God indeed speaks to us now by his Son But to infer from thence That the Son speaks only to us by the Scriptures remains yet unproved Aâ—d for the Apostle to have there asserted it had been false seeing the Revelations which he and others afterwards had were inward so such were not ceased And if we may trust the same Apostle better then these Men he tells us that so soon as Christ was revealed in him he went straight and obey'd And the same Apostle tells us that Except Christ be in us we are Reprobates sure he is not dumb in us seeing he sayes He will dwell in us and walk in us and be with us to the End of the World And John tells us that the inward Anointing is to teach us all things so that we need not as to any absolute Necessity any Man to teach us how then is this ceased seeing God speaks to us by Christ and Christ must be in us Surely these Men have not herein followed the Rule of the Scriptures but rather endeavoured most grosly to wrest them and make of them a Nose of Wax notwithstanding their Pretences as to the contrary in their 6th Sect. where they say All things necessary are either expresly set down or by good and necessary Consequences may be deduced Now that these two former Assertions are not expresly set down they will not deny whether they follow by sound Consequence any understanding Man may judge by what is above observed There are divers other things in the same Chapter which will not abide the Test for which the Scripture-Proofs are alledged by them are most ridiculous yet for Brevity's sake I have omitted In Chap. 21. Sect. 7. where they say That the Sabbath from the Resurrection of Christ was changed into the First Day of the Week which in Scripture say they is called the Lord's Day and is to be continued to the End of the World as the Christian-Sabbath In which they assert Three Things First That the First Day of the Week is come in place of the Seventh for a Sabbath To prove which they alledge 1 Cor. 16. 1 2 Now concerning the Collection for the Saints as I have given order to the Churches of Galatâ—â— even so do ye upon the First Day of the Week Let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him that there be no Gathering when I come Acts 20. 7. And upon the First Day of the Week when the Disciples came together to break Bread Paul preached to them ready to depart on the morrow and continued his Speech until Midnight That these Proofs assert not the thing expresly we need not I suppose dispute Now to say that because Paul desired the Corinthians to lay somewhat by them in store that day or because he broak Bread and continued his Speech until Midnight therefore the First Day of the Week is come in place of the Sabbath is a Consequence more remarkable for its Sottishness then to be credited for its Soundness Indeed to make so solemn an Article of Faith as these men would have the Morality of the first day of the Week to be would need a more positive and express Authority The Text doth clearly enough tell the Reason of the Disciples meeting so frequently and of Paul's preaching so long because he was ready to depart to morrow it speaks not a word of its being Sabbath Their Second Assertion That the First Day of the Week is therefore called the Lord's Day is drawn yet more strangly from that of Rev. 1. 10. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day and heard behind me a great Voice as of a Trumpet Whereas no particular Day of the Week is mentioned so for them to say John meaned the First Day of the Week hath no more Proof but their own bare Assertion For their Third Assertion That it is to be continued to the End of the World as the christian-Christian-Sabbath they alledge these Scriptures Exod. 20. 8 10 11. Remember the Sabbath-Day to keep it Holy but the Seventh Day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any Work thou nor thy Son nor thy Daughter thy Man-Servant nor thy Maid-Servant
of one For by the exceding great and precious Promises that are given them they are made Partakers of the divine Nature Because for this Endprayed Christ that they all might be one as the Father is in him and he in the Father that they also might be one in them the Glory which he had gotten from the Father he gave them that they might be one even as the Father and he is one Christ in the Saints and the Father in Christ that they might be made perfect in one ARTICLE X. Concerning the Universal Love and Grace of God to all GOd so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have Everlasting Life And in this was manifested the Love of God towards us because that God sent his only begotten Son that we might live through him So that if any Man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the Righteous and he is the Propitiation for our Sins and not for ours only but also for the Sins of the whole World For by the Grace of God he hath tasted Death for every Man And gave himself a Ransom for all to be testified in due Time Willing all Men to be saved and to come to the Knowledge of the Truth Not willing that any should perish but that all should come to Repentance For God sent not his Son into the World to condemn the World but that the World through him might be saved And Christ came a Light into the World that whosoever believeth in him should not abide in Darkness Therefore as by the Offence of one Judgment came upon all Men to Condemnation even so by the Righteousness of one the free Gift came upon all Men to Justification of Life ARTICLE XI Concerning the Light that enlighteneth every Man THe Gospel was preached to every Creature under Heaven Which Gospel is the Power of God unto Salvation to them that believe And if it be hid it is hid to them that are lost in whom the God of this World hath blinded the Minds of them which believe not lest the Light of the glorious Gospel of Christ should shine into them And this is the Condemnation that Light is come into the World and Men love Darkness rather then Light because their Deeds are Evil And this was the true Light which lightneth every Man that cometh into the World By which all things that are reproveable are made manifest for whatsoever maketh manifest is Light Every one that doth Evil hateth the Light neither cometh to the Light lest his Deeds should be reproved but he that doth Truth cometh to the Light that his Deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in God And they that walk in the Light as Christ is in the Light have Fellowship one with another and the Blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth them from all Sin Therefore ought we to believe in the Light while we have the Light that we may be the Children of the Light Therefore to Day if we will hear his Voice let us not harden our Hearts For Christ wept over Jerusalem saying If thou hadst known even thou at least in this thy Day the Things which belong unto thy Peace but now they are hid from thine Eyes And he would often have gathered her Children as a Hen gathereth her Chickens but they would not for the stiff-necked and uncircumcised in Heart and Ears do alwayes resist the Holy Ghost And are of those that rebel against the Light Therefore God's Spirit will not alwayes strive with Man For the Wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all Ungodliness and Unrighteousness of Men who hold the Truth in Unrighteousness Because what is to be known of God is manifest in them for God hath shewed it unto them And a Manifestation of the Spirit is given to every Man to profit withall For the Grace of God that brings Salvation hath appeared to all Men teaching us that denying Ungodliness and Worldly Lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present World And this Word of his Grace is able to build up and give an Inheritance among all those that are sanctified For the Word of God is quick and powerful and sharper then any two-edged Sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of the Soul and Spirit and of the Joints and Marrow and is a Discerner of the Thoughts and Intents of the Heart This is that more sure Word of Prophecie whereunto we do well that we take heed as unto a Light that shineth in a dark Place until the Day dawn and the Day-Star arise in the Heart And this is the Word of Faith which the Apostles preached which is nigh in the Mouth and in the Heart For God who commanded Light to shine out of Darkness hath shined in our Hearts to give the Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ But we have this Treasure in earthen Vessels that the Excellency of the Power may be of God and not of us for the Kingdom of God cometh not by Observation but is within us ARTICLE XII Concerning Faith and Justification FAith is the Substance of things hoped for and the Evidence of things not seen VVithout which is is impossible to please God Therefore we are justified by Faith which worketh by Love For Faith without Works being dead is by Works made perfect By the Deeds of the Law there shall no Flesh be justified Nor yet by the Works of Righteousness which we have done but according to his Mercy we are saved by the VVashing of Regeneration and renewing of the holy Ghost For we are both washed sanctified and justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God ARTICLE XIII Concerning Good Works IF we live after the Flesh we shall dye but if we through the Spirit do mortifie the Deeds of the Body we shall live For they which believe in God must be careful to maintain Good Works For God will render to every Man according to his Deeds according to his righteous Judgment to them who by patient Continuance in well-doing seek for Glory Honour and Immortality Eternal Life For such are counted worthy of the Kingdom of God And cast not away their Confidence which hath great Recompence of Reward Blessed then are they that do his Commandments that they may have Right to the Tree of Life and may enter in through the Gates into the City ARTICLE XIV Concerning Perfection SIn shall not have Dominion over such as are not under the Law but under Grace For there is no Condemnation to those that are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the Flesh but after
the Conjunction and Vnity of the Eternal Son of God in and with the Man Christ Jesus A. And the Word was made Flesh dwelt among us and we beheld his Glory the Glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father full of Grace and Truth Joh. 1. 14. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the Words of God for God giveth not the Spirit by Measure unto him Joh. 3. 34. How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with Power who went about doing Good and healing all that were oppressed of the Devil for God was with him Acts 10. 38. For it pleased the Father that in him should all Fulness dwell Col. 1. 19. For in him dwelleth all the Fulness of the Godhead bodily Col. 2. 9. In him are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge Col. 2. 3. Q. For what End did Christ appear in the World A. For what the Law could not do in that it was weak through the Flesh God sending his Son in the Likeness of sinful Flesh and for Sin condemned Sin in the Flesh Rom. 8. 3. For this Purpose the Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the Works of the Devil And ye know that he was manifested to take away our Sins 1 Joh. 3. 8 5. Q. Was Jesus Christ really Crucified and Raised again A. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received how that Christ dy'd for our Sins according to the Scriptures And that he was buried and that he arose again the third day according to the Scriptures 1 Cor. 15. 3 4. Q. What End do the Scriptures asscribe unto the Coming Death and Sufferings of Christ A. For mine Eyes have seen thy Salvation which thou hast prepared before the Face of all People A Light to lighten the Gentiles and the Glory of thy People Israel Luke 2. 30 31 32. Whom God hath set forth to be a Propitiation through Faith in his Blood to declare his Righteousness for the Remission of Sins that are past through the Forbearance of God Rom. 3. 25. And walk in Love as Christ also hath loved us and hath given himself for us an Offering and a Sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling Savour Ephes. 5. 2. And having made Peace through the Blood of his Cross by him to reconcile all things unto himself by him I say whether they be things in Earth or things in Heaven And you that were sometimes alienated and Enemies in your Minds by Wicked Works yet now hath he reconciled in the Body of his Flesh through Death to present you Holy Unblamable and Unreprovable in his Sight Col. 1. 20 21 22. Neither by the Blood of Goats and Calves but by his own Blood he entered in once into the Holy Place having obtained Eternal Redemption for us How much more shall the Blood of Christ who through the Eternal Spirit offer'd himself without Spot to God purge your Consciences from Dead Works to serve the Living God Hebr. 9. 12 14. For Christ also hath once suffered for Sins the Just for the Unjust that he might bring us to God being put to Death in the Flesh but quickened by the Spirit 1 Pet. 3. 18. Hereby perceive we the Love of God because he laid down his Life for us 1 John 3. 16. And for this Cause he is the Mediator of the New Testament that by means of Death for the Redemption of Transgressions that were under the first Testament they which are called might receive the Promise of the Eternal Inheritance Hebr. 9. 15. Q. Is Christ then the Mediator A. For there is One God and One Mediator between God and men the Man Christ Jesus who gave himself a Ransom for all to be testified in due time 1 Tim. 2. 5. Q. Was not Christ the Mediator until he appeared and was crucified in the Flesh A. He is the Lamb that was slain from the Foundation of the VVorld Rev. 5. 12. and 13. 8. Q. Is it needful then to believe that the Saints of old did partake of Christ as then present with and nourishing them A. Moreover Brethren I would not that ye should be ignorant how that all our Fathers were under the Cloud and all passed through the Sea and were all baptized unto Moses in the Cloud and in the Sea and did all eat the same spiritual Meat and did all drink the same spiritual Drink for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them and that Rock was Christ 1 Cor. 10. 1 2 3 4. Q. But whereas most of these Scriptures before-mentioned do hold forth that the Death and Sufferings of Christ were appointed for the destroying removing and remitting of Sin Did he so do it while he was outwardly upon Earth as not to leave any thing for himself to do in us nor for us to do in and by his Strength A. For even hereunto were ye called because Christ also suffered for us leaving us an Example that ye should follow his Steps 1 Pet. 2. 21. Whereof I Paul am made a Minister who now rejoyce in my Sufferings for you and fill up that whiâ—h is behind of the Afflictions of Christ in my Flesh for his Body's sake which is the Church Col. 1. 23 24. Always bearing about in the Bâ—dy the Dying of the Lord Jesus that the Life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our Body For we which live are alway delivered unto Death for Jesus's sake that the Life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal Flesh 2 Cor 4. 10 11. And that he dyed for all that they which live should not hence-forth live unto themselves but unto him that dyed for them and also rose again 2 Cor. 5. 15. That I may know him and the Power of his Resurrection and the Fellowship of his Sufferings being made conformable to his Death Phil. 3. 10. CHAP. IV. Of the New Birth the Inward Appearance of Christ in Spirit and the Unity of the Saints with him Question DOth Christ promise then to come again to his Disciples A. I will not leave you comfortless I will come unto you John 14. 18. Q. Was this only a special Promise to these Disciples or is it not the common Priviledge of the Saints A. For thus saith the High and Lofty One that inhabiteth Eternity whose Name is Holy I dwell in the High and Holy Place with him also that is of a Contrite and Humble Spirit c. Isa. 57. 15. For ye are the Temple of the Living God as God hath said I will dwell in them and walk in them 2 Cor. 6. 16. Behold I stand at the Door and knock if any man hear my Voice and open the Door I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me Rev. 3. 20. Q. Doth the Apostle Paul speak of the Son of God his being revealed in him A. But when it pleased God who separated me from my Mother's Womb and called me by his Grace to reveal his Son
have Ears and hear not fear ye not me saith the Lord will ye not tremble at my Presence c. Jer. 5. 21 22. Q. Are then all God's Children Quakers and are we commanded to quake or tremble in order to our Salvation both under the Law and now under the Gospel A. Scrve the Lord with Fear and rejoyce with Trembling Psal. 2. 11. I make a Decree that in every Dominion of my Kingdom Men fear and tremble before the God of Daniel for he is the living God and stedfast forever Dan. 6. 26. Work out your own Salvation with Fear and Trembling Phil. 2. 12. Q. What be the chief Commandments A. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy Heart and with all thy Soul and with all thy Mind This is the first and great Commandment and the second is like unto it Thou shale love thy Neighbour as thy self On these two Commandments hang all the Law and Prophets Mat. 22. 37 38 39 40. Q. What ought a Christian to seek after in the first Place A. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness and all these Things shall be added unto you Mat. 6. 33. Q. How ought Christians to behave themselves in this World A. But this I say Brethren the Time is short It remaineth That both they that have Wives be as though they had none and they that weep as though they wept not and they that rejoyce as though they rejoyced not and they that buy as though they possessed not and they that use this World as not abusing it for the Fashion of this World passeth away 1 Cor. 7. 29 30 31. Q. What saith the Apostle Paul further as that which is fit for Christian Men and Women to be found in A. I will therefore that Men pray every where lifting up holy Hands with out Wrath Doubting In like Manner also that Women adorn themselves in modest Apparel with Shamefastness and Sobriety not with broidered Hair or Gold or Pearles or costly Array but which becometh Women professing Godliness with good Works 1 Tim. 2. 8 9 10. Q. I observe the Apostle is much against the Vanity and Superfluity of Cloathes among Christians what saith Peter to this A. Whose Adorning let it not be that outward Adorning of plating the Hair of wearing of Gold or of putting on of Apparel But let it be the hidden Men of the Heart in that which is not corruptible even the Ornament of a meek quiet Spirit which is in the Sight of God of great Price 1 Pet. 3. 3 4. Q. The Apostle is very plain there but what saith the Scripture as to Respect of Persons among Christians A. My Brethren have not the Faith of our Lord Jesus Christ the Lord of Glory with Respect of persons for if there come unto your Assembly a Man with a Gold Ring in goodly Apparel and there come in also a poor Man in vile Rayment but ye have Respect to him that weareth the gay Clothing and say unto him sit thou here in a good Place and say to the poor stand thou there or sit here under my Foot-stool Are you not then partial in your selves and are become Judges of evil Thoughts hearken my beloved Brethren hath not God chosen the poor of this World rich in Faith and Heirs of the Kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him but ye have despised the poor Do not rich Men oppress you and draw you before the Judgment-Seat Do they not blaspheme that worthy Name by the which ye are called If ye fulfil the royal Law according to the Scripture Thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self ye do well but if we have Respect to Persons ye commit Sin and are convinced of the Law as Transgressors Jam. 2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9. Q. Though that be indeed sufficient to reprove the different Rancks among Christians upon the Account of Riches or Birth yet is there not a relative Respect among Christians as betwixt Master and Servant what Admonitions gives the Apostle in this Case A. Servants be obedient to them that are your Masters according to the Flesh with Fear and Trembling in Singleness of your Heart as unto Christ not with Eye-Service as Men Pleasers but as the Servants of Christ doing the Will of God from the Heart with Good will doing Service as to the Lord and not to Men knowing that whatsoever good Thing any Man doth the same shall he receive of the Lord whether he be bond or free And ye Masters do the same Things unto them forbearing Threatning knowing that your Master also is in Heaven neither is there Respect of Persons with him Ephes. 6. 5 6 7 8 9. Servants obey in all things your Masters according to the Flesh not with Eye Service as Men-Pleasers but in Singleness of Heart fearing God And whatsoever ye do do it heartily as to the Lord and not unto Men knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the Reward of the Inheritance for ye serve the Lord Christ But he that doth Wrong shall receive for the Wrong which he hath done and there is no Respect of Persons Col. 3. 22 23 24 25. Masters give unto your Servants that which is just and equal knowing that ye also have a Master in Heaven Col. 4. 1. Let as many Servants as are under the Yoak count their own Masters worthy of all Honour that the Name of God and his Doctrine be not blasphemed And they that have believing Masters let them not despise them because they are Brethren but rather do them Service because they are faithful and beloved Partakers of the Benefit these Things teach and exhort 1 Tim. 6. 1 2. Exhort Servants to be obedient unto their own Masters and to please them well in all Things not answering again not purloining but shewing all good Fidelity that they may adorn the Doctrine of God in all Things Tit. 2. 9 10. Servants be subject to your Masters with all Fear not only to the good and gentile but also to the froward for this is Thankâ—worthy if a Man for Conscience toward God endure Griefs suffering wrongfully For what Glory is it if when ye be buffeted for your Faults ye shall take it patiently but if when ye do well and suffer for it ye take it patiently this is acceptable with God for even hereunto were ye called because Christ also suffered for us leaving us an Example that ye should follow his Steps 1 Pet. 2. 18. 19 20 21. Q. What good Admonitions gives the Scripture as to the Relation betwixt Parents and Children A. Children obey your Parents in the Lord for this is right honour thy Father and thy Mother which is the first Commandment with Promise that it may be well with thee and thou may'st live long on the Earth And ye Fathers provoke not your Children to Wrath but bring them up in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord Ephes. 6. 1 2 3 4. Children obey
nor thy Cattel nor thy Stranger which is within thy Gates for in Six Dayes the Lord made Heaven and Earth the Sea and all that in them is and rested the Seventh Day wherefore the Lord blessâ—d the Sabbath Day and hallowed it Isaiah 56. 2 4 6 7. Mat. 5. 17 18. Think not that I am come to destroy the Law or the Prophets I am not come to destroy but to fulfil For verily I say unto you Till Heaven and Earth pass one Jâ—t or one Tittle shall in no wise pass from the Law till all be fulfilled If they prove any thing they must needs prove the Continuance of the Seventh Day seeing in all the Law there is no mention made of the First Day of the Week being a Sabbath If these may be reckoned good and sound Consequences I know no Absurdities so great no Heresies so damnable no Superstitions so ridiculous but may be cloaked with the Authority of Scripture In their 27th Chapter in the 1 2 3. Sections they speak at large of the Definition and Nature of Sacraments but in all the Scriptures they bring there is not one word of Sacraments The Truth is there was a good Reason for this Emission for such a thing is not to be found in all the Bible For them to alledge that the thing signified is though that be also a begging of the Question will not excuse such who else-where aver the whole Counsel of God is contained in the Scripture to forsake and reject the Tenour thereof and scrape out of the Rubbish of the Romish Tradition for that which is reckoned by themselves so substantial a Part of their Faith In their 4th Section they assert two things First That there are Two only Sacraments under the Gospel Secondly That these two are Baptism and the Supper To prove which they alledge Mat. 28. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all Nations Baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost 1 Cor. 11. 20 23. When ye come together therefore into one place this is not to eat the Lord's Supper for I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you that the Lord Jesus the same Night in which he was betrayed took Bread 1 Cor. 4. 1. Let a man so account of us as of the Ministers of Christ and Stewards of the Mysteries of God Hebr. 5. 4. And no man taketh this Honour to himself but he that is called of God as was Aaron Now granting there were such a thing as Sacraments to be so solemnly performed all that these Scriptures will prove is That these two were appointed to be performed but that there are only two or that these are they which is the thing asserted and incumbent to be proved there is not the least Shadow of Proof alledged for according to their own Definition of a Sacrament in the larger Catechism where they say The Parts of a Sacrament are Two the one an outward and sensible Sign used according to Christ's own Appointment the other an inward and spiritual Grace thereby signified both the Washing of one another's Feet and the Anointing of the Sick with Oyl doth Answer to it and many other Things So that the Probation of a Sacrament at all or of their being Two Seven yea or Seventy is all alike easie seeing neither Name nor Number is to be found in the Scripture they being the meer Conceits and Inventions of men and yet it is marvellous to see with how great Confidence some men do assert the Scripture to be their Rule while they build up so considerable Parts of their Doctrine without the least Scripture-Foundation Thus I thought fit to pitch upon these three viz. the Scriptures Sabbaths and Sacraments because these be three of the main things for which we the Quakers are chiefly cry'd out against and accused as believing Erroneously concerning them Now what we believe concerning these things and how agreeable our Testimony herein is to the Scriptures is heretofore sufficiently demonstrated Also how little Scripture-Proof these have for their contrary Assertions to us in these things notwithstanding of their great Pretences to Scripture will also appear to the Vnbyassed Reader Advertisment to the Reader NOte Reader That I have here throughout made use of the Last Common Translation of the Bible And if I would have made use of the Hebrew and Greek I could have produced divers other very clear Scriptures which in the Common Translation are corrupted and perverted but I choosed rather to do thus that our Opposers might see I took no Advantage that way and also that all that can but read may find the places cited in their own Bibles THE END a Ephes. 4 6. 1 Cor. 8. 4 6. b Joh. 4. 24. c 1 Joh. 1. 5. d 1 Joh. 5. 7. e John 10 38. 14. 10 11. 5. 26. f Mat. 11 27. Luke 10. 24. g 1 Cor. 2. 10. h 1 Cor. 2 11 12. i Joh. 14. 16. k Joh. 14. 16 17. l Rom. 8. 9 14. m Heb. 8. 10 11. n 1 John 2. 27. o Rom. 15. 4. p 2 Tim. 3. 15 16 17. q 2 Pet 1. 20 21. r John 1. 1 2 3. s Mic. 5. 2. t Eph. 3. 9. u Phil. 2. 6. x Isa. 9. 6. y Col. 1. 15. z Hebr. 1. 3. a Rev. 19. 13. b Col. 2. 9 c Col. 2. 3. d Jo. 1. 14. e Hebr. 2. 16 17. f Hebr. 4. 15. g 1 Cor. 15. 3 4. h Rom. 8. 3. i 1 John 3. 8. k 1 John 3. 5. l Eph. 5. 2. m Heb. 9. 12. n Hebr. 9. 14. o Rev. 5. 8 12 13. p 1 Cor. 10. 1 2 3 4. q 1 Pet. 2. 21. r 2 Cor. 4. 10 11. s Phil. 3. 10. t Isai. 57. 15. u 2 Cor. 6. 16. x Rev. 3. 20. y 2 Corin 13. 5. z Col. 1. 27. a Joh. 3 3. b Ephes. 4. 21 22. Col. 3. 10. c 2 Cor. 5. 16. d 2. Cor. 5. 17. e Rom. 13. 14. f Ephes. 4. 23. g Gal. 3. 27. h 1 Pet. 1. 23. i Gal. 6. 14. k Gal. 6. 5. l Hebr. 2. 11. m 2 Pet. 1. 4. n Joh. 17. 21 22 23. o John 3. 16. p John 4. 9. q 1 Joh. 2. 1 2. r Heb. 2. 9. s 1 Tim. 2. 6. t 1 Tim. 2. 4. w 2 Pet. 3. 9. x John 3. 17. y John 12. 46. z Rom. 5. 18. a Coll. 1. 23. b Rom. 1. 16. c 2 Cor. 4. 3 4. d Joh. 3. 19. e Joh. 1. 9. f Ephes. 5. 11. g John 3. 20 21. h 1 Joh 1. i John 12. 36. k Heb. 4 7. l Luke 19. 42. m Mat. 23. 37. n Acts 7. 51. o Job 24 13. p Gen. 6. 3. q Rom. 1. 18. r Rom. 1. 19. s 1 Cor. 12. 7. t Tit. 2. 11 12. w Act. 20. 32. x Hebr. 4. 12. y 2 Pet. 1. 19. z Rom. 10. 8. a 2 Cor. 4. 6. b 2 Cor. 4. 7. d Heb. 11. 1 e Heb. 11. 6. f Gal. 5. 6. g Jam. 2. 22 26. h Rom. 3. 20. i Tit. 3. 5. k 1 Cor. 6. 11. l Rom. 8. 13. m Tit. 3 8 n Rom. 2. 6 7. o 2 Thes. 1. 5. p Heb. 10. 35. q Rev. 22. 14. r Rom. 6. 14. s Rom. 8. 1 2. t Rom. 6. 2 18. w Mat. 5. 48. x Mat. 11. 30. y 1 Joh. 5. 3. z Mat 19. 17. a 1 Joh. 2. 3. b 1 Joh. 2. 4. c 1 John 3. 6. d 1 John 3. 7 8 9. e Mat. 7. 21. f 1 Cor. 7. 19. g 2 Pet. 1. 10. h 1 Cor. 9. 27. l Heb. 3. 12. k Heb. 4. 11. l Heb. 6. 4. 5 6. m Joh. 15. 16. n Rev. 3. 12. o Rom. 8. 38. p 1 Tim. 3. 15. q Col. 1. 18. r Col. 2. 19. s 1 Cor. 1. 2. t Ephes. 4. 8. 11. w 1 Tim. 3. 2 3. x Tit. 1. 8 9. y Acts 20. 28. z 1 Pet. 5. 2 3. a 1 Tim. 51 17. b 1 Thes. 5. 12. c 1 Pet. 4. 10 11. d 1 Cor. 1. 17. e 1 Cor. 2. 4 5. f 1 Cor. 2. 6 7. g 1 Cor. 2. 13. h Mat. 10. 20. i 1 Cor. 9. 11. 14. 9. k 1 Cor. 9. 16 17 18. l Acts 20. 33 34. m Isa. 36. 11. n Ibidem o Ezek. 34. 8. p Mic. 35. 11. q Tit. 1. 11. r 2 Pet. 2. 15. s 2 Pet. 2. 3. t 1 Tim. 6. 5. w 1 Tim. 6. 6. x 1 Tim. 6. 8. y John 4. 23. z John 4. 24. a Psa. 145. 18. b Pro. 15. 29. c 1 Joh. 5. 14. d 1 Cor. 14 15. e Rom. 8. 26 27. f Ephes. 4. 5. g 1 Pet. 3. 21 22 h Mat. 3. 11. i Rom. 6. 3 4. k Gal. 3. 27. l 1 Corin. 11. 23 24 25. m Joh. 13â— 2 4 5 12 13 14 15. n Act. 15. 28 29. o Jam. 5. 14. p Rom. 14. 17. q Col. 2. 16. r Col. 2. 20 21 22. s Gal. 4. 9 10 11. t Rom. 14. 5 6. w Mat. 5. 33 34 35 36 37. x Jam. 5. 12. y 2 Cor. 10 3 4 5. z Jam. 4. 1 2. a Mat. 5. 39. b Luk. 10. 3. c Mat. 10. 22. d 2 Tim. 3. 12. e Mat. 5. 10. f Mat. 16. 25. g Luk 12. 8 9. h Mat. 1â— 28. i Rom. 13. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7. k 1 Pet. 2. 13 14 15. l Acts 4. 19. m Acts 5. 28 29. n Acts 24. 15. o Johu 5. 29. p 1 Corin. 14. 56. q 1 Corin. 15. 37 38 42 43 44.
Familiar and lead on to Things that are more Hard and Intricate Besides that Things be more largely opened in the Catechism and divers Objections answered which are proposed in the Questions the Reader having past through that first will more perfectly understand the Confession which consisteth mainly in positive Assertions Not long after I had received and believed the â—estimony I now bear I had in my View both the Possibility and Facility of such a Work and now after a more large and perfect Acquaintance with the Holy Scriptures I found Access to allow some Time to set about it and have also been helped to Accomplish the same I doubt not but it might be enlarged by divers Citations which are here omitted as not being at present brought to my Remembrance Yet I find Cause to be Contented in that God hath so far assisted me in this Work by his Spirit that Good Remembrancer the Manifestation of which as it is minded will help such as Seriously and Conscientiously read this to find out and cleave to the Approved of and Agreed unto by the Truth and also Establish and Confirm those who have already believed Which of all things is most earnestly Desired and daily Pray'd for By ROBERT BARCLAY A Servant of the Church of CHRIST From Vrie the Place of my Being in my Native Country of Scotland the 11th of the 6th Moneth 1673. A CATECHISM CHAPTER I. Of GOD and the True and Saving Knowledge of Him Question SEeing it is a thing unquestioned by all sorts of Christians that the Height of Happiness consisteth in coming to know and enjoy Eternal Life what is it in the Sense and Judgment of Christ A. This is Life Eternal that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent Joh. 17. 3. Q. How doth God reveal this Knowledge A. For God who commanded the Light to shine out of Darkness hath shined in our Hearts to give the Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ 2 Cor. 4. 6. Q. How many God's are there A. One God Ephes. 4. 6. We know that an Idol is nothing in the World and that there is none other God but One But to us there is but One God 1 Cor. 8. 4 6. Q. What is God A. God is a Spirit Joh. 4. 24. Q. Among all the blessed Glorious and Divine Excellencies of God which are asscribed and given to him in the Scriptures what is that which is most needful for us to take notice of as being the Message which the Apostles recorded in special manner to declare of him now under the Gospel A. This then is the Message which we have heard of him and declare unto you That God is Light and in him is no Darkness at all 1 John 1. 5. Q. What are they that bear Record in Heaven A. There are Three that bear Record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost and these Three are One 1 John 5. 7. Q. How cometh any man to know God the Father according to Christ's words A. All things are delivered to me of my Father and no man knows who the Son is but the Father and who the Father is but the Son and he to whom the Son will reveal him Luke 10. 22. Mat. 11. 27. Jesus saith unto him I am the Way the Truth and the Life no man cometh unto the Father but by me John 14. 6. Q. By whom and after what manner doth the Son reveal this Knowledge A. But as it is written Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard neither have entered into the Heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit For the Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God For what man knoweth the things of a man save the Spirit of a man which is in him Even so the things of God knoweth no man but the Spirit of God Now we have received not the Spirit of the World but the Spirit which is of God that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God 1 Cor. 2. 9 10 11 12. But the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my Name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your Remembrance c. John 14. 26. CHAP. II. Of the Rule and Guide of Christians and of the Scriptures Question SEeing it is by the Spirit that Christ reveals the Knowledge of God in things spiritual is it by the Spirit that we must be led under the Gospel A. But ye are not in the Flesh but in the Spirit if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none his For as many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the Sons of God Rom. 8. 9 14. Q. It is an Inward Principle then that is to be the Guide and Rule of Christians A. But the Anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you and ye need not that any man teach you but as the same Anointing teacheth you of all things and is Truth and is no Lye and even as it hath taught you ye shall abide in him 1 John 2. 27. But as touching Brotherly Love ye need not that I write unto you for ye your selves are taught of God to love one another 1 Thes. 4. 9. Q. I perceive by this that it is by an inward Anointing and Rule that Christians are to be taught Is this the very tenor of the New Covenant Dispensation A. For this is the Covenant that I will make with the House of Israel after those dayes saith the Lord I will put my Laws into their Mind and write them in their Hearts and I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a People And they shall not teach every man his Neighbour and every man his Brother saying Know the Lord for all shall know me from the Least to the Greatest Hebr. 8. 10. â—1 And they shall be all taught of God John 6. 45. Q. Did Christ then promise that the Spirit should both abide with his Disciples and be in them A. And I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you forever even the Spirit of Truth whom the World cannot receive because it seeth him not neither knoweth him but ye know him for he dwells with you and shall be in you Joh. 14. 16 17. Q. For what End were the Scriptures written A. For whatsoever things were written afore time were written for our Learning that we through Patience and Comfort of the Scriptures might have Hope Rom. 15. 4. Q. For what are they profiâ—able A. Thou hast known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto Salvation through Faith which is in Christ Jesus All Scripture is given by Inspiration of God is
profitable for Doctrine for Reproof for Correction for Instruction in Righteousness that the Man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all Good Works 2 Tim. 3. 15 16 17. Q. Wherein consisteth the Excellency of the Scriptures A. Knowing this first that no Prophecy of the Scriptures 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 2 Pet. 1. 20 21. Q. The Scriptures are then to be regarded because they came from the Spirit and they also testifie that not they but the Spirit is to lead into all Truth In what respect doth Christ command to search them A. Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have Eternal Life and they are they which testifie of me Joh. 5. 39. Q. I perceive there was a Generation of old that greatly exalted the Scriptures yet would not believe nor come to be guided by that the Scriptures directed to How doth Christ bespeak such A. Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father there is One that accuseth you even Moses in whom ye trust For had ye believed Moses ye would have believed me for he wrote of me But if ye believe not his Writings how shall ye believe my Words John 5. 45 46 47. Q. What ought then such to be accounted of notwithstanding of their Pretences of being ruled by the Scriptures A. In which are some things hard to be understood which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest as they do also the other Scriptures unto their own Destruction 2 Pet. 3. 16. CHâ—P III. Of Jesus Christ's being manifest in the Flesh the Use and End of it Question VVHat are the Scriptures which do most observably prophesie of Christ's Appearance A. The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee of thy Brethren like unto me unto him ye shall hearken Deut. 18. 15. Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a Sign Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son and shall call his Name Immanuel Isa. 7. 14. Q. Was not Jesus Christ in being before he appeared in the Flesh What clear Scriptures prove this against such as erroneously assert the contrary A. But thou Beth-lehem Ephratah though thou be little among the Thousands of Judah yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be Ruler in Israel whose Goings forth have been from of Old from Everlasting Mic. 5. 2. In the Beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God The same was in the Beginning with God All things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made John 1. 1 2 3. Jesus said unto them Verily verily I say unto you Before Abraham was I am John 8. 58. And now O Father Glorifie thou me with thine own self with the Glory which I had with thee before the World was John 17. 5. And to make all men see what is the Fellowship of the Mystery which from the beginning of the VVorld hath been hid in God who created all things by Jesus Christ Ephes. 3. 9. For by him were all things created that are in Heaven and that are in Earth visible and invisible whether they be Thrones or Dominions or Principalities or Powers All things were created by him and for him Col. 1. 16. God hath in these last dayes spoaken unto us by his Son whom he hath appointed Heir of all things by whom also he made the Worlds Hebr. 1. 2. Q. These are very clear that even the World was created by Christ But what Scriptures prove the Divinity of Christ against such as falsly deny the same A. And the Word was God Joh. 1. 1. Whose are the Fathers and of whom as concerning the Flesh Christ came who is over all God blessed forever Amen Rom. 9. 5. Who being in the Form of God thought it no Robbery to be equal with God Philip. 2. 6. And we know that the Son of God is come and hath given us an Understanding that we may know him that is true and we are in him that is true even in his Son Jesus Christ This is the true God and Eternal Life 1 John 5. 20. Q. What are the Glorious Names the Scripture gives unto Jesus Christ the Eternal Son of God A. And his Name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor The Mighty God The Everlasting Father The Prince of Peace Isa. 9. 6. Who is the Image of the Invisible God the First-born of every Creature Col. 1. 15. Who being the Brightness of his Glory and the express Image of his Person or more propâ—rly according to the Greek of his Substance Hebr. 1. 3. And he was cloathed with a Vesture dipt in Blood and his Name is called the Word of God Rev. 19. 13. Q. After what manner was the Birth of Christ A. Now the Birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise Whenas his Mother Mary was espoused to Joseph before they came together she was found with Child of the Holy Ghost Mat 1. 18. And the Angel said unto her Fear not Mary for thou hast found Favour with God And behold thou shalt conceive in thy Womb and bring forth a Son and shalt call his Name Jesus He shall be great and shall be called The Son of the Highest and the Lord God shall give unto him the Throne of his Father David Then said Mary unto the Angel How shall this be seeing I know not a Man And the Angel answered and said unto her The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the Power of the Highest shall over-shadow thee Therefore also that Holy Thing that shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God Luke 1. 30 31 32 34 35. Q. Was Jesus Christ who was born of the Virgin Mary and supposed to be the Son of Joseph a True and Real Man A. Forasmuch as the Children are Partakers of Flesh Blood he also himself took part of the same that through Death he might destroy him thath hath the Power of Death that is the Devil Hebr. 2. 14. For verily he took not on him the Nature of Angels but he took on him the Seed of Abraham wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his Brethren that he might be a Merciful and Faithful High Priest c. Hebr. 2. 16 17. For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our Infirmities but was in all Points tempted as we are yet without Sin Hebr. 4. 15. And the Gift by Grace which is by one Man Jesus Christ hath abounded unto many Rom. 5. 15. But now is Christ risen from the Dead and become the First Fruits of them that slept for since by Man came Death by Man came also the Resurrection of the Dead 1 Cor. 15. 20 21. Q. After what manner doth the Scripture assert