Saints or any other creature d Col. 2. 18 Rev. 19. 10 Rom. 1. 25 and since the Fall not without a Mediator nor in the mediation of any other but of Christ alone e Iohn 14. 6 1 Tim. 2. 5. Eph. 7. 18 Col. 3. 17 III. Prayer with thanksgiving being one speciall part of Religious Worship f Phil. 4. 6 is by GOD required of all men g Psal 65 2 and that it may be accepted it is to be made in the Name of the Son h Iohn 14. 13. 14. 1 Pet. 2. 5 by the help of his Spirit i Rom. 8. 26. according to his Will k Ioh. 5. 14 with understanding reverence humility fervency faith love and perseverance l Psal 47. 7 Eccles 5. 1 2 Heb. 12. 28 Gen. 18. 27 Iames 5. 16. Iam. 1 6 7 Mark 11. 24. Mar 6. 12. 14. 15. Col 4. 2. Ep. 6. 18 and if vocall in a known tongue m Cor. 14. 14 IV. Prayer is to be made for things lawfull n 1 Ioh 5 14 and for all sorts of men living or that shall live hereafter o 1 Tim. 2. 1 2 Ioh. 17 20 2. Sa. 7. 29 Ruth 4. 12 but not for the dead p 2 Sam. 12 21 22. 23. with Luk. 16. 25 26 Rev. 14 3 nor for those of whom it may be known that they have sinned the sin unto death q 1 Ioh. 5. â—6 V. The reading of the Scriptures with godly fear r Act. 15. 21 Rev. 1. 3 the sound Preaching Å¿ 2. Tim. 4. 2 and conscionable hearing of the Word in obedience to God with understanding faith and reverence t Iam. 1. 22 Acts 10. â—5 Mat. 13. 19. He 4. 2. Isa 66. 2 singing of Psalms with grace in the heart u Col. 3. 16 Ephes 5. 19 Iam. 5. 13 as also the due administration worthy receiving of the Sacraments instituted by Christ are all parts of the ordinary Religious Worship of God w Mat. 28. 19 1 Cor. 11. 13 to 29. Acts 2. 42 Beside Religious Oaths x Deut. 6. 13 with Neh. 10. 29. Vows y Isa 19. 21 with Eccl. 5. 4 5 Solemn Fastings z Ioel 2 12 Esther 4. 16 Mat. 9. 15 1 Cor. 7. 5 and Thanksgivings upon special occasions a Psal 107 throughout Ester 9. 22 which are in their severall times and seasons to be used in an holy and religious manner b Heb. 11. 28 VI. Neither Prayer nor any other part of Religious Worship is now under the Gospel either tyed unto or made more acceptable by any place in which it is performed or towards which it is directed c Iohn 4. 21 but God is to be worshipped every where d Mal. 1. 11 1 Tim. 2. 8 in Spirit and Truth e Iohn 4 23 24 as in private Families f Ier. 10. 25 Deut. 6. 6 7 Iob 1. 5 2 Sam. 6. 18 20. 1 Pet. 3 7. Acts 10. 2 daily g Mat. 6. 11 and in secret each one by himselâ— h Mat. 6. 6 Eph. â— 18 so more solâ—mnly in the publique Assemblies which are not carelessy or wilfully to be neglected or forsaken when God by his Word or Providence calleth thereunto i Isa 56. 7 Heb. 10 25 Prov. 1. 20 21 24 Prov. 8. 34 Acts 13 42 Luk. 4. 16 Acts 2. 42 VII As it is of the Law of Nature that in general a due proportion of time be set a part for the Worship of God so in his Word by a positive Morall and perpetuall Commandment binding all men in all ages he hath particularly appointed one day in seven for a Sabbath to be kept holy unto him k Exod. 20 8 0 11 Isa 56. 2 4 6 7. which from the beginning of the World to the resurrection of Christ was the last Day of the week and from the Resurrection of Christ was changed into the first Day of the week l Gen. 2. 2 3 1 Cor. 16. 1 2 Acts 20. 7 which in Scripture is called the LORDS Day m Rev. 1. 10 and is to be continued to the end of the World as the Christian Sabbath n Exod. 20. 8. 10. with Mat. 5 17 18 VIII This Sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord when men after a due preparing of their hearts ordering of their common affairs before-hand do not only observe an holy rest all the Day from their own works words and thoughts about their worldly imployments and recreations o Exod. 20. 8 Exod. 16. 23 25 26 29 30 Ex. 31. 15 16 17 Isa 58. 13. Nehem. 131 16 17 18 19 21 22 but also are taken up the whole time in the publique and private Exercises of his Worship in the duties of necessity and mercy p Isa 58. 13 Mat. 12. 2 to 13 CHAP. XXII Of lawfull Oaths and Vows A Lawfull Oath is a part of Religious Worship a Deut. 12 20 wherein upon just occasion the person swearing solemnly calleth God to witnesse what he asserteth or promiseth and to judge him according to the truth or falshood of what he sweareth b Exod. 20. 7 Levit. 19. 12 2 Cor. 1. 23 2 Chron. 6 22 23 II. The Name of God only is that by which men ought to sweare and therein it is to be used with all holy fear and reverence c Deut. 6. 13 Therefore to swear vainly or rashly by that glorious and dreadfull Name or to swear at all by any other thing is sinfull and to be abhorred d Exod 10. â— Ier. 1. 7 Mat 5. 34 37 Iam. 5. 12 Yet as in matters of weight and moment an Oath is warranted by the Word of God under the New Testament as well as under the Old e Heb. 6. 16 2 Cor. 1. 2â— Isaâ— 6â— 1â— so a lawfull Oath being imposed by lawfull Authority in such matters ought to be taken f 1 Kings â— 31. Neh 13 25. Ezra 10 5. III. Whosoever taketh an Oath ought duely to consider the weightinesse of so solemn an Act and therein to avouch nothing but what he is fully perswaded is the truth g Exod. 20. 7 Ier 4. 2 Neither maâ— any man binde himself by Oath to any thing but what is good and just and what he believeth so to be and what he iâ— able and resolved to perform h Gen 24. 2 3 5 6. 8 9. Yet is it a sin to refuse an Oath touching any thing that is good and just being imposeâ— by lawfull Authority i Num. 5. 19 21 Neh. 5 12. Exâ—d 22 7 8 9 10 11 IV. An Oath is to be taken in the plain and common sense of the words without equivocation or mentall reservation k Ier. 4. 2 Psal 24. 4 It cannot oblige to sin but in any thing not sinfull being taken it binds to performance although to a mans own hurt l 1 Sam. 25 22. â—2 33 34 Psal 15. 4 nor is it to be violated
seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy GOD in it thou shalt not do any worke thon nor thy son nor thy daughter thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thy cattell nor thy stranger that 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 blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed x Exod. 20 8 9 10 11 it x. Q. What is required in the fourth Commandement A The fourth Commandement requireth of all men the sanctifying or keeping holy to God such set time as he hath appointed in his word expresly one whole day in seven which was the seventh from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ and the first day of the week ever since so to continue to the end of the world which is the Christian Sabbath y Deut. 5. 12 13 14 Gen. 2. 2. 3 1 Cor. 16. 1 2 Acts 20. 7 Mat. 5 17 18 Isa 56 24 6 7. and in the New Testament called the Lords day z Rev 1. 10 Q. How is the Sabbath or Lords day to be sanctified A. The Sabbath or Lords day is to be sanctified by an holy resting all the day a Exod. 20 8 10 not only from such works as are at all times sinfull but even from such worldâ—y imployments recreations as are on other dayes lawfull b Exod. 16 25. 26. 27 28 Neh 13 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 Ier. 17. 21 22 and making it our delight to spend the whole time except so much of it as is to be taken up in works of necessity and mercy c Mat. 12 1 to 13 in the publick private exercises of Gods worship d Isa 58. 13 Luk. 4. 16 Acts 20. 7 1 Cor. 16. 1 2 Psal 92. title Isa 66 23 Lev. 23. 3 and to that end we are to prepare our hearts with such foresight diligence and moderation to dispose and seasonably to dispatch our wordly busines that we may be the more free and fit for the duties of that day e Exod. 2. 8 Luk. 23. 54 55 Exod. 16. 22 25 26 29. Neh. 13. 19 Q. Why is the charge of keeping the Sabbath more specially directed to governours of families and other superiours A. The charge of keeping the Sabbath is more specially directed to governours of families other superiours because they are bound not only to keep it themselves but to see that it be observed by al those that are under their charge and because they are prone oft-times to hinder them by imployments of their own f Exod. 20. 10 Iosh 24. 15 Neh 13. 15 17 Ier. 17. 20 21 22 Exod. 23. 12 Q. What are the sins forbidden in the fourth Commandement A. The sins forbidden in the fourth Commandement are all omissions of the duties required g Ezek. 22. 26 all carelesse negligent and unprofitable performing of them being weary of them h Act. 20. 7 9 Ezek. 33. 30 31 32 Amos 8. 5 Mal. 1. 13 all profaning the day by idlenes doing that which is in it self sinful i Ezek. â—3 38 by al needles works words and thoughts about our worldly imployments recreations k Ier. 17. 24 27 Isa 58. 13 Q. What are the Reasons annexed to the fourth commandment the more to enforce it A. The Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandement the more to enforce it are taken from the equity of it God allowing us six dayes of seven for our own affairs reserving but one for himself in these words Six dayâ—s shalt thou labour and do all thy work l Exod. 20. 9 from Gods challenging a speciall property in that day The seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy GOD m Exod. 20. 10 from the example of God who in six dayes made heaven earth the sea and all that in them is rested the seventh day from that blessing which God put upon that day not only in sanctifying it to be a day for his service but in ordaining it to be a means of blessing to us in our sanctifying it Wherfore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it n Rom 20. 11 Q. Why is the word Remember set in the beginning of the fourth Commandement A. The word Remember is set in the beginning of the fourth Commandement o Exod. 20. 8 partly because of the great benefit of remembring it we being thereby helped in our preparation to keep it p Exod 16 23 Luk 23. 54 56 with Mar. 15. 42 Neh 13. 9 and in keeping it better to keep all the rest of the Commandements q Psal 92 title with vers 13. 14 Ezek. 20 12. 19. 20 and to continue a thankful remembrance of the two great benefits of Creation and Redemption which contain a short abridgment of Religion r Gen. 2. 2 3 Isai 1. 8 22 24 with Acts 4. 10 11 Rev. 1. 10 and partly because we are very ready to forget it Å¿ Ezek. 21. 26 for that there is lesse light of nature for it t Neh. 6. 14. and yet it restraineth our naturall liberty in things at other times lawful u Exod. 34. 21 that it commeth but once in seven dayes and many worldly businesses come between and too often take off our minds from thinking of it either to prepare for it or to sanctifie it w Deut. 5. 14 15 Amos 8. 5 and that Sathan with his instruments much labour to blot out the glory and even the memory of it to bring in all irreligion and impiety x Iam. 1. 7 â—er 17. 21 22 23 Neh. 13. 15 to 25 Q. What is the summe of the six Commandements which containe our duty to man A. The summe of the six Commandments which contain our duty to man is to love our neighbour as our selves y Mat. 22. 39 and to do to others what we would have them do to us z Mat. 7. 12 Q. Which is the fifth Commandement A. The fifth Commandement is Honour thy Father and thy mother tâ—at thy dayes may be long upon the land which the LORD thy GOD giveth thee a Exod. 20. 4 Q. Who aâ—e meant by Father and Mother in the fifth Commandement A By Father and Mother in the fifth Commandement are meant not only naturall parents b Prov. 23. 22 Eph 6. 1 2 but all Superiours in age c 1 Tim. 5. 1 2 and gifts d Gen. 420. 21 22. Gen. â—5 8 and especially such as by GODS ordinance are over us in place of authority whether in Family e 2 Kin 5. 13 Church f 2 Kin 2. 12 2 Kin 13. 14 Gal. 4. 19 or Common-wealth g Isa 49. 23 Q. Why are Superiours styled Father and Mother A. Superiours are styled Father and Mother both to each them in all duties towards their Inferiours like naturall parents to expresse love and
an act of Gods free grace g 1 Io. 3. 1 whereby we are received into the number and have a right to all the priviledges of the Sons of God h Ioh. 1. 12 Rom. 8. 17 Q. VVhat is Sanctification A. Sanctification is the work of Gods free grace i 2 Thes 2 13 whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God k Eph. 4. 23 24 and are inabled more and more to dye unto sin and live unto righteousness l Rom 6 4 Q. VVhat are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from Justification Adoption and Sanctification A. The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from Justification Adoption and Sanctification are assurance of Gods love peace of Conscience m Rom. 5 1 2 5 joy in the holy Ghost n Rom. 14 17 increase of grace o Pro 4 18 and perseverance therein to the end p 1 Io. 5. 13 1 Pet. 1. 5 Q. VVhat benefiâ—s do Beleevers receive from Christ at death A. The souls of Beleevers are at their death made perfect in holiness q Heb. 12 23 do immediately pass into glory r 2 Cor. 5 1 6 8 Phil. 1. 23 Luk. 23. 43 and their bodies being still united to Christ s 1 Thes 4 14 do rest in their graves t Isa 57. 2 till the Resurrection u Iob 19. 26 27 Q. VVhat benefits do Beleevers receive from Christ at the Resurrection A. At the Resurrection Beleevers being raised up in glory w i Cor 15 43 shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of Judgment x Mat. 25 23. 10. 32 and made perfectly blessed in full injoying of God y 1 Joh. 3. 2 1 Cor. 13. 2 to all eternity z 1 Thes 4 17 18 Q VVhat is the duty which God requireth of man A. The Duty which God requireth of man is obedience to his revealed will a Mic. 6. 8 1 Sam. 15 22 Q. What did God at first reveal to man for the rule of his Obedience A. The rule which God at first revealed to man for his Obedience was the Moral Law b Rom. 2 14 15. and 10. 5 Q Where is the Moral Law summarily comprehended A. The Moral Law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments c Deu. 10. 4 Q. What is the sum of the Ten Commandments A. The sum of the Ten Commandments is to love the Lord our God with all our heart with all our soul with all our strength and with all our mind and our Neighbor as our selves d Mat. 22 37 38 39 40 Q. VVhat is the Preface to the Ten Commandments A. The Preface to the Ten Commandments is in these words I am the Lord thy God which have brought thee out of the Land of Egypt out of the house of bondage e Exod. 20 Q What doth the Preface to the Ten Commandments teaâ—h us A The Preface to the Ten Commandments teacheth us that because God is the Lord and our God and Redeemer therefore we are bound to keep all his Commandments f Luk. 1 74 75. 1 Pet. 1 15 16 17 18 19 Q. Which is the first Commandment A. The first Commandment is Thou shalt hâ—ve no other Gods before me g Exod. 20 3 Q. VVhat is required in the first Commandment A. The first Commandment requireth us to know and acknowledg God to be the only true God and our God h 1 Chro. 28. 9. Deut 26. 17 and to worship and glorifie him accordingly i Mat 4 10 Psa 29. 2 Q. What is forbidden in the first Commandment A The first Commandment forbiddeth the denying k Psa 14. 1 or not worshiping and glorifying the true God as God l Ro. 1 21 and our God m Psa 81 10 11 and the giving that worship and glory to any other which is due to him alone n Rom. 1. 25 26 Q. What are we specially taught by these words Before me in the first Commandment A These words Before me in the first Commandment teach us that God who seeth all things taketh notice of and is much displeased with the sin of having any other God o Ezek. 8. 5 to the end Q. Which is the second Commandment A. The second Commandment is Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth thou shalt not bow down thy self to them nor serve them for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the Fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my Commandments p Exod. 20 4 5 6 Q. What is required in the second Commandment A. The second Commandment requireth the receiving observing and keeping pure and intire all such religious Worship and Ordinances as God hath appointed in his Word q Deut 32 46. Mat. 28. 20 Act. 2. 42. Q. What is forbidden in the second Commandment A. The second Commandment forbiddeth the worshiping of God by Images r Deut. 4. 15 16 17 18 19 Exod. 32. 5 8 or any other way not appointed in his Word Å¿ Deut. 12 31 32 Q. What are the Reasons annexed to the second Commandment A. The Reasons annexed to the second Commandment are Gods Soveraignty over us t Psa 95. 2 3 6 his propriety in us u Ps 45. 11 and the zeal he hath to his own Worship w Exod 34 13 14 Q. Which is the third Commandment A. The third Commandment is Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain x Ex. 20. 7 Q. What is required in the third Commandment A. The third Commandment requireth the holy and reverent use of Gods Names y Mat. 6. 9 Deu. 28. 58 Titles z Ps 68. 4 Attributes a Rev. 15 3 4 Ordinances b Mal. 1 11 14 Words c Psa 138 1 2 and Works d Iob 36 24 Q What is forbidden in the third Commandment A. The third Commandment forbideth all profaning or abusing of any thing whereby God makes himself known c Mal. 1. 6 â— 12. 2 â— 3. 14 Q. What is the Reason annexed to the third Commandment A. The Reason annexed to the third Commandment is that however the breakers of this Commandment may escape punishment from men yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment f 1 Sam. 2 12 17 22 29. 1 Sam 3. 13. Deut 28. 58 59 Q. Which is the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment is Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy Six days shall thou labour and do all thy work
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 nor thy cattel nor the stranger that is within thy gates For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it g Exod 20 8 9 10 11 Q. VVhat is required in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment requireth the keeping holy to God such set time as he hath appointed in his Word expresly one whole day in seven to be a holy Sabbath to himself h Deut. 15 12 13 14 Q. Which day of the seven hath GOD appointed to be the weekly Sabbath A. From the beginning of the World to the Resurrection of Christ God appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly Sabbath and the first day of the week ever since to continue to the end of the world which is the Christian Sabbath i Gen. 2. 2 3. 1 Cor. 16. 1 2 Acts 20. 7 Q. How is the Sabbath to be sanctified A. The Sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day k Exod. 20 8 10 even from such worldly imployments and recreations as are lawful on other days l Exod. 16 25 26 27 26 Neh. 13. 5 16 17 18 19 21 22. and spending the whole time in the publâ—ke and private exercises of Gods worship m Luk. 4 16 Acts 20 7 Ps 92. title Isa 66. 23 except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity mercy n Mat. 12. 1 to 13 Q What is forbidden in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment forbiddeth the omission or careless performance of the duties required o Ezek. 22 25 Amos 8. 5 Mal. 1. 13 and the prophaning the day by idleness p Acts 20 7 9. or doing that which is in it self sinful q Ezek. 23 38 or by unnecessary thoughts words or works about worldly imployments or recreations r Jer. 17. 24 25 26 Isai 58 13 Q. What are the Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment A. The Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment are Gods allowing us six days of the week for our own imployments Å¿ Exo. 20 9 his challenging a special propriety in the seventh his own example and his blessing the Sabbath day t Exod. 20 11 Q. Which is the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment is Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee u Exod. 20 12 Q. VVhat is required in the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment requireth the preserving the honour and performing the duties belonging to every one in their several places relations as Superiors w Eph. 5. 21 Inferiors x Pet. 2 17 or Equals y Ro. 12. 10 Q. VVhat is forbidden in the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of or doing any thing against the honor and duty which belongeth to every one in their several places and relations z Mat. 5 15 4 5 6. Ezek. 34 2 3 4 Rom. 13 8 Q. What is the Reason annexed to the fifth Commandment A. The Reason annexed to the fifth Commandment is a promise of long life and prosperity as far as it shal serve for Gods glory and their own good to all such as keep this Commandment a Deu. 5 16 Eph 6 2 3 Q. Which is the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment is Thou shall not kill b Exod. 20 13 Q. What is required in the 6 Comandment A. The sixth Commandment requireth all lawful endeavors to preseâ—ve our own life c Eph 5 28 29 and the life of others d 1 Kings 18 4 Q. What is forbidden in the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment forbiddeth the tâ—kâ—ng away of our own life or the life of our neighbor unjustly and whatsoever tendeth thereunto e Acts 16 28 Gen 9 6. Q. Which is the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment is Thou shalt not commit adultery f Exod. 20 14 Q. What is required in the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment reqâ—ireth the preservation of our own and our neighbors chastity in heart speech and behaviour g 1 Cor. 7 2 3. 5 34 36 Col 4 6. 1 Pet. 3 2 Q. What is forbidden in the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment forbiddeth all unchast thoughts words and actions h Mat. 15 19 5 28 Eph. 5 3 4 Q. Which is the eighth Commandement A. The eighth Commandement is Thou shalt not steal i Exod. 20 15 Q. What is required in the eight Commandement A. The eighth Commandement requireth the lawfull procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of our selves and others k Gen. 30 30. 1 Tim. 5 8 Q What is forbidden in the eighth Commandment A. The eighth Commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth or may unjustly hinder our own or our neighbors wealth or outward estate l Lev. 25 35. Deut. 22 1 2 3 4 5. Exod. 2 3 4 5 Gen. 47 14 20 Pro 21 17 23 20 21. 28. 19. Ephe. 4. 28 Q. Which is the ninth Commandment A. The ninth Commandment is Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor m Exo 20 16 Q. What is required in the ninth Commandment A. The ninth Commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man n Zach. 8 16 and of our own and our neighbors good name o 3 John v. 12 especially in witness bearing p Prov. 14 5 25 Q. What is forbidden in the ninth Commandment A. The ninth Commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to truth or injurious to our own or our neighbors good name q 1 Sam 17 28 Lev. 19 16 Psal 15 3 Q. Which is the tenth Commandment A. The tenth Commandment is Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors house thou shalt not covet thy neighbors wife nor his man-servant nor his maid-servant nor his Ox nor his Asse nor any thing that is thy neighbors r Exod. 20 17 Q. What is required in the tenth Commandment A. The tenth Commandment requireth full contentment with our own condition s Heb. 13. 5 1 Tim. 6. 6 with a right and charitable frame of spirit toward our neighbor and all that is his t Job 31. 29. Rom. 12. 15. 1 Tim. 1 5. 1 Cor. 13 4 5 6 7. Q What is forbidden in the tenth Commandment A. The tenth Commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate u 1 Kin. 21 4. Esther 5. 13. 1 Cor. 10. 10. envying or grieving at the good of our neighbor w Gal. 5 26. Jam. 3. 14. 16. and all inordinate motions and affections to any thing that is his x Rom. 7. 7 8.
THE CONFESSION OF FAITH AND CATECHISMS Agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster TOGETHER With their Humble ADVICE Concerning Church Government And Ordination of Ministers LONDON Printed for Robert Bostock at the Sign of the Kings Head in Pauls Church-yard THE Confession of Faith Agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster To be a part of the Uniformity in Religion between the Churches of Christ in the three Kingdoms CHAP. I. Of the holy Scripture ALthough the light of Nature and the works of Creation and Providence do so farre manifest the Goodnesse Wisdom and Power of God as to leave men unexcusable a Rom. 2 14. 15. Rom. 1. 19 20. Psal 19. 1 2 3. Rom. 1. 32. with chap. 2 1. yet are they sufficient to give that knowledge of God and of his Will which is necessary unto salvation b 1 Cor. 1 21. 1 Cor. 2 13 14. Therefore it pleased the Lord at sundry times and in divers manners to reveal himself and to declare that his Will unto his Church c Heb. 1. 1 and afterwards for the better preserving and propagating of the Truth and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the Church against the corruption of the flesh and the malice of Satan and of the world to commit the same wholly unto writing d Pro. 22 19. 20 21 Luke 1. 3. 4 Rom. 15. 4 Mat. 4. 4 7 10. Isai 8 19 â—0 which maketh the Holy Scripture to be most necessary e 2 Tim. 3 15. 2 Pet. 1 19. those former wayes of Gods revealing his Will unto his people being now ceased f Heb. 1. â— 2. II. Vnder the name of Holy Scripture or the Word of God written are now contained all the Books of the Old and New Testament which are these Of the Old Testament GEnesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers DeuteronomiE Joshua Judges Ruth I. Samuel II. Samuel I. Kings II. Kings I. Chronicles II. Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Iob Psalmes Proverbs Ecclesiastes The Song of Songs Isaiah Ieremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Ioel Amos Obadiah Ionah Micah Nahum Habbakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi Of the New Testament The Gospel according to MAtthew Mark Luke Iohn The Acts of the Apostles Pauls Epistles to the Romanes Corinthians Corinthians I. Corinthians II. Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians Thessalonians I. Thessalonians II. To Timothy I. To Timothy II. To Titus To Philemon The Epistle to the Hebrews The Epistle of Iames The first and second Epistles of Peter The first second and third Epist of Iohn The Epistle of Iude The Revelat. of Iohn All which are given by inspiration of God to be the Rule of faith and life g Luk. 16. 29. 31. Eph. 2. 20. Rev 22. 18 19. 2 Tim. 3. 16. III. The Books commonly called Apocrypha not being of Divine inspiration are no part of the Cannon of the Scripture and therefore are of no authority in the Church of God nor to be any otherwise approved or made use of than other humane Writings h Luk. 24. 27 44. Rom. 3. 2. â— Pet 1. 21. IV. The authority of the Holy Scripture for which it ought to be beleeved and obeyed dependeth not upon the Testimonie of any man or Church but wholly upon God who is Truth it self the Author thereof and therefore it is to be receive d because it is the Word of God i 2 Pet. 1. 19 21. 2 Tim. 3. 16 1 Iohn 5. 9 1 Thes 2. 13 V. Wee may be moved and induced by the Testimonie of the Church to an high and reverend esteem of the holy Scripture k 1 Tim. 3. 15. And the heavenlinesse of the Matter the efficacie of the Doctrine the majesty of the Stile the consent of all the Parts the Scope of the whole which is to give all glory to God the full discovery it makes of the onely way of mans salvation the many other incomparable Excellencies and the intire perfection thereof are Arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence it self to be the Word of God yet notwithstanding our full perswasion and assurance of the infallible truth and Divine authority thereof is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit bearing witnesse by and with the Word in our hearts l 1 Iohn 2. 20 27. Iohn 16. 13 14. 1 Cor. 2. 10 11. 12. Isa 59. 21. VI. The whole Councell of GOD concerning all things necessary for his own Glory mans salvation Faith and Life is either expressely set down in Scripture or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture unto whâ—ch nothing at any time is to be added whether by new revelations of the Spirit or traditions of men m 2 Tim. 3 15. 16 17. Gal 1. 8. 9. 2 Thes 3. 2. Neverthelesse we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word n Ioh. 6. 4â— 1 Cor. 2 9 10 12. and that there are some circumstances concerning the Worship of God and Government of the Church common to humane actions and Societies which are to be ordered by the light of Nature and Christian Prudence according to the generall Rules of the Word which are alwayes to be observed o 1 Cor. 11. 13 14. 1 Cor. 14 26. 40. VII All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves nor alike clear unto all p 2 Pet. 3. 16. yet those things which are necessary to be known believed observed for salvation are so clearly propounded and opened in some place of Scripture or other that not only the Learned but the unlearned in a due use of the ordinary meanes may attain unto a sufficient understanding of them q Psal 119 105. 130. VIII The Old Testament in Hebrew which was the Native Language of the people of God of old and the New Testament in Greek which at the time of writing of it was most generally known to the Nations being immediatly inspired by God and by his singular care and providence kept pure in all Ages are therefore Authenticall r Mat. 5. 18 so as in all Controversies of Religion the Church is finally to appeal unto them Å¿ Isa 8. 20 Act. 15. 15 Iohn 5. 39 46. But because these Originall Tongues are not known to all the people of God who have right unto and interest in the Scriptures and are commanded in the fear of GOD to read and search them t Iohn 5. 39. therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar Language of every Nation unto which they come u 1 Cor. 14 6 9 11 12 24 27 28. that the Word of GOD dwelling plentifully in all they may worship him in an acceptable manner w Col. 3. 16 and through patience and comfort of the Scriptures may have hope x Rom. 15. 4 IX The infallible Rule of Interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture it self and therefore when there is a Question
about the true and full sense of any Scripture which is not manifold but one it must be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly y 2 Pet. 1. 20 21. Acts 15. 15 16. X. The Supream Iudge by which all Controversies of Religion are to be determined and all Decrees of Councels Opinions of Ancient Writers Doctrines of men and private spirits are to be examined and in whose Sentence we are to rest can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture z Mat. 22. 29. 31. Ephe. 2. 20. with Acts 28. 23. CHAP. II. Of God and of the holy Trinity THere is but one onely a Deut. 6. 4. 1 Cor. 8. 4. 6 living and true God b 1 Thes 1. 9 Ier. 10. 10. who is infinite in Being and Perfection c Iob 11. 7 8 9. Iob 26. 14. a most pure Spirit d Iohn 4. â—4 invisible e 1 Tim. 1. 17 without body parts f Deut. 4. 15 16. Ioh. 4. 24. with Luke 24. 39 or passions g Act. 14. 11 15. immutable h Iam. 1. 17. Mal. 3. 6. immense i 1 King 8. 27. Ier. 23 23 24. eternall k Psal 90. 2. 1 Tim. 1. 17. incomprehensible l Psal 14â— â— Almighty m Gen. 17. 1. Rev. 4. 8. most wise n Rom. 16. 27. most Holy o Isa 6. 3. Rev. 4. 8. most free p Psal 115. â— most absolute q Exod. 3. 14 working all things according to the Counsel of his own immutable and mostrighteous will r Eph. 1. 11. for his own glory Å¿ Pro. 16. 14. Rom. 11 36. most loving t 1 Iohn 4. 8. 6. gracious mercifull long-suffering abundant in goodnesse and truth forgiving iniquity transgression and sin u Exod. 34. 6 7. the rewarder of them that diligently seek him w Heb. 11. 6. and withall most just and terrible in his judgements x Nehem. 9. 32. 33. hating all sin y Psa 5. 5 6. and who will by no meanes clear the guilty z Nah 1. 2 3. Exod. 34 7. II. God hath all life a Iohn 5. 26. glory b Acts 7. 2. goodnesse c Psal 119. 68. blessednesse d 1 Tim. 6. 15. Rom. 9. 5. in and of himself and is alone in and unto himself all-sufficient not standing in need of any creatures which he hath made e Act. 17. 24 25. nor deriving any Glory from them f Iob 22. 2 3 but only manifesting his own glory in by unto and upon them He is the alone Fountain of all Being of whom through whom and to whom are all things g Rom. 11 36 and hath most Soveraigne Dominion over them to do by them for them or upon them whatsoever himself pleaseth h Rev. 4. 11. 1 Tim. 6. 15. Dan. 4. 25 31. In his sight all things are open and manifest i Heb. 4. 13. his knowledge is infinite infallible and independent upon the creature k Rom. 11. 33 34. Psal 147. 5. so as nothing is to him contingent or uncertain l Act. 15. 18. Ezek. 11. 5. He is most holy in all his counsels in all his works and in all his commands m Psal 145. 17. Rom. 7. 12 To him is due from Angels and men and every other creature whatsoever worship service or obedience he is pleased to require of them n Rev. 5. 1â— 13 14. III. In the Vnity of the God-head there be three Persons of one substance power and eternity God the Father God the Son and God the Holy Ghost o 1 Ioh. 5. 7. Mat. 3. 16 17 Mat 28. 19. 2 Cor. 13 14 The Father is of none neither begotten nor proceeding The son is eternally begotten of the Father p Ioh. 1. 14 18. The Holy Ghost eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son q Ioh 1. 15 26. Gal. 4. 6. CHAP. III. Of Gods eternall Decree GOD from all eternity did by the most wise and holy Counsell of his own Will freely and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to passe a Eph. 1. 11 Rom. 11. 33. Heb. 6. 17. Rom 9 15 18. yet so as thereby neither is God the Author of sin b Iam. 1. 13. 17. 1 Ioh 1. 5 nor is violence offered to the will of the Creatures nor is the Liberty or contingency of second Causes taken away but rather established c Acts 2. 23 Mat. 17 12. Act. 4. 27 28 Iob 19. 11. Pro. 16. 33. II. Although God knowes whatsoever may or can come to passe upon all supposed conditions d Act. 15. 18. 1 Sam 23. 11 12. Mat. 11. 21 23. yet hath he not decreed any thing because he foresaw it as future or as that which would come to passe upon such conditions e Rom 9. 11 13 16. 18. III. By the decree of God for the manifestation of his Glory some men and Angels f 1 Tim. 5. 21. Mat. 25. 41. are predestinated unto everlasting life and others fore-ordained to everlasting death g Rom. 9. 22 23. Eph 1 5 6 Prov. 16. 4 IV. These Angels and men thus predestinated and fore-ordained are particularly and unchangeably designed and their number is so certain and definite that it cannot be either increased or diminished h 2 Tim. 3 19. Ioh. 13 18. V. Those of man-kinde that are predestinated unto Life God before the foundation of the world was laid according to his eternall and immutable purpose and the secret counsell and good pleasure of his Will hath chosen in Christ unto everlasting glory i Eph. 1. 4 9 11. Rom. 8. 30 2 Tim. 1. 9 1 Thes 5 9 out of his meer free grace and love without any foresight of Faith or good works or perseverance in either of them or any other thing in the creature as conditions or causes moving him thereunto k Rom. 9. 11 13 16. Eph. 1. 4 9. all to the praise of his glorious grace l Eph. 1. 6. 12 VI. As God hath appointed the Elect unto glory so hath he by the eternall and most free purpose of his Will fore-ordained all the meanes thereunto m 1 Pet. 1. 2 Eph 1. 4 5 Eph. â— 13 Wherefore they who are elected being fallen in Adam are redeemed by Christ n 1 Thes 5 9. 10. Tit. 2. 14 are effectually called unto faith in Christ by his Spirit working in due season are justified adopted sanctified o Rom. 8. 30 Eph. 1. 5 2 Thes 2. 13 and kept by his power through faith unto salvation p 1 Pet. 1. 5 Neither are any other redeemed by Christ effectually called justified adopted sanctified and saved but the Elect onely q Iohn 17. 9 Rom. 8. 28 to the end Iohn 6. 64 65. Iohn 10 26. Iohn 8. 47. 1 Ioh. 2 19. VII The rest of man-kinde God was pleased according to the unsearchable counsell of his own Will whereby he
Cor. 1. 9 Q. What is effectuall Calling A. Effectuall Calling is the work of Gods almighty power and grace i Ioh. 5. 25 Eph. 1. 18 19 20. 2 Tim. 1. 8. 9 where by out of his free and especiall love to his Elect and from nothing in them moving him thereunto k Tit. 3. 4 5 Eph. 2. 4 5 7 8 9. Rom. 9. 11. he doth in his accepted time invite and draw them to Iesus Christ by his Word and Spirit l 2 Cor. 5. 20 with 2 Cor. 6. 1 2 Ioh. 6. 44 2 Thes 2. 13 14 savingly inlightning their minds m Acts 26 18 1 Cor. 2. 10 12 renewing powerfully determining their wils n Ezek. 11 19. Eze. 36. 26 27 Iohn 6. 4â— so as they although in themselves dead in sin are hereby made willing and able freely to answer his call and accept and imbrace the grace offered and conveyed therein o Eph 2. 5 Phil. 2. 13 Deut. 30. 6 Q. Are the Elect only effectually called A. All the Elect and they onely are effectually called p Acts 13. 48 although others may be and often are outwardly called by the ministery of the Word q Mat. 22. 14 and have some common operations of the Spirit r Mat. 7. 22 Mat. 13. 20 21. Heb. 6. 4 5 who for their wilfull neglect and contempt of the grace offered to them being justly left in their unbelief do never truly come to Iesus Christ Å¿ Ioh. 12. 38 39 40 Acts 28. 25 26 27 Ioh. 6. 64 65. Ps 81 11 12. Q. What is the Communion in Grace which the members of the Invisible Church have with Christ A. The Communion in grace which the members of the Invisible Church have with Christ is their partaking of the vertue of his Mediation in their justification t Rom. 8. 30 Adoption u Eph. 1. 5 Sanctification and whatever else in this life manifests their Vnion with him w 1 Cor 1. 30 Q. What is Iustification A. â—ustification is an act of Gods free grace unto sinners x Rom. 3. 22 24. 25 Rom. 4. 5 in which he pardoneth all their sins accepteth accounteth their persons righteous in his sight y 2 Cor. 2. 5 19 21 Rom. 3. 22 24 25 27 28 not for any thing wrought in them or done by them z Tit. 3 5. 1 Eph. 1. 7 but only for the perfect obedience full satisfaction of Châ—ist by God imputed to them a Rom. 5. 17 18 19 and received by faith alone b Acts 10. 43 Gal. 2. 16 Phil. 3. 9 Q. How is Iustification an act of Gods free Grace A. Although Christ by his Obedience and death did make a proper reall and full satisfaction to Gods Iustice in the behalf of them that are justified c Rom. 5 8 9 10 19 yet in as much as God accepteth the satisfaction from a Surety which he might have demanded of them did provide this Surety his own only son d 1 Tim. 2 5 6 Heb. 10. 10 Mat. 20. 28 Dan. 9. 24 26 Isa 53. 4 5 6 10 11 12 Heb. 7. 22 Rom. 8. 32 1 Pet. 1. 18 19 imputing his righteousnesse to them e 2 Cor. 5. 21 requiâ—ing no thing of them for their Iustification but Faith f Rom. 3. 24 25 which also is his gift g Eph. 2. 28 their Iustification is to them of free grace h Eph. 1. 7 Q. What is Iustifying Faith A. Iustifying Faith is a saving grace i Heb. 10. 39 wrought in the heart of a Sinner by the Spirit k 2 Cor. 4. 13 Eph. 1. 17 18 19 and work of God l Ro. 10. 14 17 whereby he being convinced of his sin and misery and of the disability in himself and all other creatures to recover him out of his lost condition m Acts 2. 3 Acts 16. 30 Ioh. 16. 8 9 Rom. 5. 6 Eph 2. 1 Acts 4. 12 not only assenteth to the truth of the promise of the Gospel n Eph. 1. 13 but receiveth and resteth upon Christ and his righteousnes therein held forth for pardon of sin o Ioh. 1. 12 Acts 16. 31 Acts 10 43 and for the accepting and accounting of his person righteous in the sight of God for salvation p â—hil 3. 19 A8 15. 11 Q. How doth Faith justifie a sinner in the sight of God A. Faith justifies a sinner in the sight of God not because of those other graces which do alwayes accompany it or of good works that are the fruits of it q Gaâ— 3. 11 Rom. 3. 28. nor as if the grace of Faith or any act thereof were imputed to him for his justification r Rom. 4. 5 with Rom. 10 10 but only as it is an Instrument by which he receiveth and applyeth Christ and his righteousnesse Å¿ Ioh. 1 12 Phil. 3. 9 Gal. 2. 16 Q What is Adoption A. Adoption is an act of the free grace of God t Ioh. 3. 1 in and for his onely Son Iesus Christ u Eph. 1. 5 Gal. 4. 4 6 whereby all those that are justified are received into the number of his children w Ioh 1. 12 have his name put upon them x 2 Cor. 6 18 Rev 3 12 the Spirit of his Son given to them y Gal 4 6 are under his fatherly care and dispensations z Psal 10 13 Prov 14 26 Mat 6 32 admitted to all the liberties priviledges of the sons of God made heires of all the promises and fellow heires with Christ in glory a Heb. 6 13 Rom 8 17 Q. What is Sanctification A. Sanctication is a work of Gods grace whereby they whom God hath before the foundation of the world chosen to be holy are in time through the powerfull working of his Spirit b Eph. 1. 4. 1 Cor. 6. 11. 2 Thes 2. 13. applying the death refurrection of Christ unto them c Rom. 6. 4 5 6. renewd in their whole man after the image of God d Eph. 4. 23. 24. having the seeds of repentance unto life of al other saving graces put into their hearts e Acts 11. 18. 1 Iohn 3. 9. and those graces so stirred up increased strengthened f Iude v. 20. Heb. 6. 11 12. Eph. 3. 16 17. 18. 9. Col 1. 10 11. as that they more and more die unto sin and rise unto newnesse of life g Rom. 6. 4 6 14. Gal. 5. 24. Q What is repentance unto life A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace h 2 Tim. 2. 25 wrought in the heart of a sinner by the Spirit i Zach. 12 10. Word of God k Acts 11. 18. 20 2â— whereby out of the sight and sense not only of the danger l Ezek. 18. 28. 30 32. Luk. 15. 17 18 Hos 2. 6 7 but also of the filthinesse and odiousnesse of his sins m Ezek. 36. 31 Isa
and taken up of our selves p Ps 106. 39 or received by tradition from others q Mat. 15. 9 though under the title of antiquity r 1 Pet. 1. 18 custom Å¿ Ier. 44. 17 devotion t Isa 65. 3 4 5 Gal. 1. 13 14 good intent or any other pretence whatsoever u 1 Sam. 13 11 12 1 Sam. 5. 21 simony w Acts 8. 18 sacriledge x Rom. 2. 22 Mal. 3. 8 all neglect y Ex. 4. 25. 26 contempt z Mat. 22 5 Mal. 1. 7. 13 hindering a Mat. 23. 13 and opposing the Worship and Ordinances which God hath appointed b Acts 13 44 45 1 Thes 2. 15 16 Q. What are the Reasons annexed to the second Commandment the more to enforce it A. The Reasons annexed to the second Commandement the more to enforce it contained in these words For I the Lord thy God am a iealous God visiting the iniquities of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me keep my Commandements c Ex 20. 5 6 are beside Gods soveraignty over us property in us d Psal 45. 11 Rev. 15. 3. 4 his fervent zeal for his own worship e Exod. 34 13 14. his revengfull indignation against all false worship as being a spirituall whordom f 1 Cor. 10 20 21 22 Ier. 7. 18 19 20 Ezek. 16. 26 27 Deut. 22. 16 17 18 19 20 accounting the breakers of this Commandement such as hate him and threatning to punish them unto divers generations g Hos 2 2 3. 4 and esteeming the observers of it such as love him and keep his Commandements and promising mercy to them unto many generations h Deut. 5. 29 Q. Which is the third Commandement A. The third Commandement is Thou shalt not take the Name of the LORD thy GOD in vain for the LORD will not hold him guiltlesse that taketh his Name in vain i Exod. 20. 7 Q. What is required in the third Commandement A. The third Commandement requires that the Name of God his titles attributes k Mat. 6. 9 Deut. 28. 58 Psal 29. 2 Psal 6. 4 Rev. 15. 3 4 ordinances l Mal. 1. 14 Eccles 5. 1 the word m Psal 138. 2. Sacraments n 1 Cor. 11. 24 25 28 29 prayer o 1 Tim. 2. 8 oaths p Ier. 4. 2 vowes q Eccl. 5. 2. 4 5 6 lots r Acts 1. 24 26 his works Å¿ Iob 36. 24. whatsoever else there is whereby he makes himself known be holily and reverently used in thought t Mal. 3. 16 meditation u Psal 8 throughout word w Col. 3. 17 Psal 105. 2. 5 writing x Ps 102. 1â— by an holy profession y 1 Pet. â— 15 Mic 4. 5 and answerable conversation z Phil. 1. 27 to the glory of God a 1 Cor. 10. 31 and the good of our selves b Ier. 32. 39 and others c 1 Pet. 2. 1â— Q. What are the sinnes forbidden in the third Commandement A. The sinnes forbidden in the third Commandement are the not using of d Mal 2 2 Gods name as is required and the abuse of it in an ignorant e Acts 17. 23 vain f Pro 30 9 irreverent profane g Mal. 1. 6 â— 12 Mal 3 14 superstitious h 1 Sam. 4. 3 4 5. Ier 7 4 9 10. 14. 31 Col. 2. 20 21 22. or wicked mentioning oâ— otherwise using his titles attributes i 2 King 18. 30 35 Exod 5 2 Psal 139. 10 ordinances k Ps 50. 16 17 or works l Isa 5. 12. by blasphemy m 2 Kin. 19. 22 Lev. 24. 11 perjury n Zech 5 4 Zech. 8 17 all sinful cursings o 1 Sam 1â— 43 2 Sam. 16. 5 oaths p Ier. 5. 7 Ier 23. 10 vows q Deut 23. 18 Acts 23. 12 14. and lots r Esth 3. 7 Esth 9. 24 Psal 22. 18 violating of our oaths and vows if lawfull Å¿ Psal 24. 4 Ezek. 17. 16 18 19 and fulfilling them if of things unlawfull t â—â—a 6. â—6 1 Sam. 25. 23 33 34 murnâ—uring and quarrelling at u Rom. 9. 14 19 20 curious prying into w Deut. 29. 29 and misapplying of Gods decrees x Rom 3. 5 7 Rom 6. 1 and providences y Eccl 8. 11 Eccles 9. 3 Psal 39. throughâ—ut misinterpâ—ting z Mat. 5. 21 to the end misapplying a Ezek. 13. 22. or any way pervâ—rting the woâ—d or any part of it b 2 Pet 3. 16. Mat. 22. 2â— to 31 to proâ—ane jests c Isa 22. 13. Ier 23 34. 36. 38. curious or unprofitable questions vain janglings or the maintaining of false Doctrines d 1 Tim. 1. 4. 6 â— 1 Tim. 6. 4 5. 20. 2 Tim. 2. 14 T it 3 9 abusiâ—g it the creatures or any thing contained under the name of God to charms e Deut 18. 10 11 12 13 14. Acts 19. 13. or sinful lusts and practises f 2 Tim. 4. 2. 4. Rom. 13 13. 14. 1 Kin. 21. 9. 10. Iude v 4 the maligning g Acts 1 16 1 Iohn 3 12. scorning h Psal 1. 1. 2 Pet 3 5. reviling i 1 Pet. 4 4 or any ways opposing of Gods truth grace and wayes k Acts 13. 45 â—6 50. Acts 4. 18. Acts. 19. 9. 1 Th. 2. 16 Heb. 10. 29. making profession of Relgion in hypocrisie or for sinister ends l 1 Tim. 3. 5. Mat. 23. 14. Mat. 6. 1. 2. 5. 16. being ashamed of it m Mar. 8. 38. or a shame to it by uncomfortable n Psal 73 14 15 unwife o 1 Cor 6. 5 6 Eph. 5. 15 16 17 unfruitfull p Isa 5. 4 2 Pet 1. 8. 9 and offensive walking q Rom. 2. 23 24 or backsliding from it r Gal 3. 1. 3 Heb. 6. 6 Q What Reasons are annexed to the third Commandement A. The Reasons annexed to the third Commandement in these words the LORD thy GOD and for the LORD will not hold him guiltiesse that taketh his name in vain Å¿ Exod. 20. 7 are because he is the LORD our GOD and therfore his name is not to be profaned or any way abused by us t Levit. 19. 12 especially because he will be so far from acquitting and sparing the transgressours of this Commandement as that he will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgement u Ezek. 36. 21 22 23 Deut. 28. 58 59 Zech. 5. 2 3 4 albeit many such escape the censures punishments of men w 1 Sam. 2 12. 1â— 22 24 with 1 Sam 3. â—3 Q. Which is the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandement is Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy six dayes shalt thou labour and do all thy work but the
of God in him and whether he be of such holiness of life as is requisite in a Minister of the Gospel and to examine him touching his learning and sufficiency and touching the evidences of his Calling to the holy Ministry and in particular his fair and direct Calling to that place The Rules for Examination are these 1. That the party examined be dealt withall in a brotherly way with mildness of spirit and with special respect to the gravity modesty and quality of every one 2. He shall be examined touching his skil in the Original Tongues and his tryal to be made by reading the Hebrew and Greek Testaments and rendring some portion of some into Latin and if he be defective in them enquiry shall be made the more strictly after his other learning and whether he hath skill in Logick and Phylosophy 3. What Authors in Divinity he hath read and is best acquainted with and tryal shall be made in his knowledg of the grounds of Religion and ability to defend the Orthodox Doctrine contained in them against all unsound and erronious opinions especially these of the present age of his skill in the sense and meaning of such places of Scripture as shall be proposed unto him in cases of Conscience and in the Chronology of the Scripture and the Ecclesiastical History 4. If he hath not before preached in publique with approbation of such as are able to judg he shal at a competent time assigned him expound before the Presbytery such a place of Scripture as shall be given him 5. He shall also within a competent time frame a discourse in Latin upon such a common place or Controversie in Divinity as shall be assigned him and exhibite to the Presbytery such Theses as express the sum thereof and maintain a Dispute upon them 6. He shall Preach before the People the Presbytery or some of the Ministers of the Word appointed by them being present 7. The proportion of his gifts in relation to the place unto which he is called shall be considered 8. Beside the tryal of his gifts in Preaching he shall undergo an examination in the Premises two several days and more if the Presbytery shall judg it necessary 9. And as for him that hath been formerly ordained a Minister and is to be removed to another charge he shall bring a Testimonial of his Ordination and of his abilities and Conversation whereupon his fitness for that place shall be tryed by his Preaching there if it shall be judged necessary by a further examination of him In all which he being approved he is to be sent to the Church where he is to serve there to Preach three several days and to converse with the people that they may have tryal of his Gifts for their edification may have time and occasion to enquire into and the better to know his life and Conversation In the last of these three days appointed for the tryal of his gifts in Preaching there shall be sent from the Presbytery to the Congregation a publick intimation in writing which shall be publickly read before the people and after affixed to the Church door to signifie that such a day a competent number of the Members of that Congregation nominated by themselves shall appear before the Presbytery to give their consent and approbation to such a man to be their Minister or otherwise to put in with all Christian discretion and meekness what exceptions they have against him if upon the day appointed there be no just exception against him but the people give their consent then the presbytery shall proceed to ordination Upon the day appointed for Ordination which is to be performed in that Church where he that is to be ordained is to serve a solemn Fast shall be kept by the Congregation that they may the more earnestly joyn in Prayer for a blessing upon the Ordinance of Christ and the labours of his Servant for their good The Presbytery shall come to the place or at least three or four Ministers of the Word shall be sent thither from the Presbytery of which one appointed by the Presbytery shall preach to the people concerning the office and duty of Ministers of Christ and how the people ought to receive them for their work sake After the Sermon the Minister who hath Preached shall in the face of the Congregation demand of him who is now to be ordained concerning his faith in Christ Jesus and his perswasion of the truth of the Reformed Religion according to the Scripture His sincere intentions and ends in desiring to enter into this Calling His diligence in Praying Reading Meditation Preaching Ministring the Sacraments Discipline and doing all Ministerial Duties towards his Charge His Zeal and Faithfulness in maintaining the Truth of the Gospel and Unity of the Church against Error and Schism His care that himself and his Family may be unblameable and examples to the Flock His willingness and humility in meekness of Spirit to submit unto the admonitions of his Brethren and Discipline of the Church And his resolution to continue in his duty against all trouble and persecution In all which having declared himself professed his willingness and promised his endeavours by the help of God The Minister likewise shall demand of the People concerning their willingness to receive and acknowledg him as the Minister of Christ and to obey and submit unto him as having rule over them in the Lord and to maintain encourage and assist him in all the parts of his Office Which being mutually promised by the People the Presbytery or the Ministers sent from them for Ordination shall solemnly set him apart to the Office and Work of the Ministry by laying their hands on him which is to be accompanied with a short Prayer or Blessing to this effect Thankefully acknowledging the great mercy of God in sending Jesus Christ for the redemption of his people and for his ascension to the right hand of God the Father and thence pouring out his Spirit and giving gifts to Men Apostles Evangelists Prophets Pastors and Teachers for the gathering and building up of his Church and for sitting and inclining this man to this great Work To entreat him to fit him with his holy Spirit to give him who in his name we thus set apart to this holy service to fulfil the Work of his Ministry in all things that he may both save himself and his people committed to his charge This or the like form of prayer and blessing being ended let the Minister who preached briefly exhort him to consider of the greatness of his Office and Work the danger of negligence both to himself and his people the blessing which will accompany his faithfulness in this life and that to come and withal exhort the people to carry themselves to him as to their Minister in the Lord according to their solemn promise made before and so by prayer commending both him and his Flock to the Grace of