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

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in perfection And if God be infinite in perfection then surely there cannot be a multiplicity of Gods seing that which is infinite in that respect cannot be multiplied 2 It is evident from Deut 32 39 where the Lord speaketh of himself I even I am he and there is no God with me 3 Because God is Omnipotent and so cannot be hindred by any other in his working Rev 15 3 4 It is evident from Christs words to the young man of the Gospel there is none good but one that is God 5 From the Words of Hanna in her Song for there is none beside thee O Lord neither is there any Rock beside our God 6 From the Testimony of the Apostle 1 Cor. 8 6 to us says he there is but one God 7 From what Christ said to one of the Scribes viz the Lord our God is one Lord Mark 12 29 8 Because God is a most absolute and most perfect Beeing and so beyond all other things One Iohn 10 29. Psalm 145 3 147 5 9 Because this one blessed God is most absolutely sufficient and furnished with infinite Power and Wisdom for the production conservation and ruleing all things in Heaven and in Earth 10 Because he is of all things without himself the first and supream cause from which all the Creatures visible or invisible have their rise and beginning 11 It is evident lastly from the testimonies of the most wise Heathens who have been necessitated to acknowledge but one God only Quest. II. IS GOD infinite in beeing and perfection Yes Iob 11. 7 8 9. Iob 26 14. Well then do not the Vorstians Socinians and Anthropomorphitans err who maintain that God is finite in beeing and perfection Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because God hath a beeing from himself and all things have their dependence from him and therefore there can be nothing by which he can be limited Romans 11. 36. 2 Because GOD is every where present in heaven and in earth and beyond the Heavens Ierem 23 24 Isaiah 66 1. 2 Because the Scripture affirms that the perfection of God is the highest is unmeasurable unchangeable and infinitely great beyond all creatures Iob 11. 7 8 9. Psal. 145. 3. Iob 26. 14. Quest. III. IS the only living and true God a most pure Spirit invisible without a body and parts Yes Iohn 4 24 1 Tim 1 17 Deut 4 15 16 Luke 24. 39. Well then do not the Vorstians Anthropomorphitans and Socinians err who maintain God to have a body and endued with parts and an outward shape and form Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because God is the Father of spirits Hebr. 12 9. 2 Because God is invisible 1 Tim 1 17. 3 Because God is like to no bodily thing nor can he be represented by any image or corporeal likeness Isa 40. 18. Acts 17. 29. Quest. IV. ARE there in the unity of the Godhead three Persons of one substance power and eternity Yes 1 Iohn 5. 7. Matth. 3. 16 17. Matth. 28 19. 2 Cor. 13. 14. Well then do not the Arians and Socinians err and others Who deny the Godhead of the Son and holy Ghost Yes Do not likewise the Tritheitae err Who deny the Unity of the Divine essence Yes Thirdly do not the Sabellians err Who deny the real distinction of the Persons Yes And lastly do not the Quakers err who maintain there are no Persons in the Godhead Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 From the places of Scripture already cited 2 From the Apostolical Benediction in which the three Persons of the God-head are called upon expresly 2 Cor. 13. 14. 3 From 1 Cor. 12. 4 5 6. Where the three Persons are named Spirit Lord God And from Iohn 15. 26. But when the Comforter is come whom I will send unto you from the Father even the Spirit of Truth 4 Because there are three that bear record in heaven the Father the Son and the holy Spirit 1 Iohn 5. 7. These three must be either three Persons or three Gods This last is the hight of impossibility therefore they must be three Persons Here they are put to silence and have nothing to reply such is the strength and power of Truth which is able to stop the mouths of the greatest rebels against religion and reason But there is good ground for the word Person Heb. 1. 3. where Christ is said to be the express Image or impression of the Fathers Person Because the Person of the Son perfectly represents the Person of the Father as an Impression doth the Seal wherefore he is also called the image of the invisible GOD Col. 1. 15. The Greek word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Subsistence or Person whereby is understood the Person of the Father as distinct from the Son and subsists of himself and in himself and is as the Original of the Person of the Son by an eternal and ineffable generation That there are three Persons in the Godhead it is further evident 1 from all the Epistles written to the seven Churches of Asia For as may be gathered from Rev. 1. 1. it is the Father that sends it is the Son that gives Iohn the Commission and it is the holy Ghost in the close that is mentioned as a joynt speaker 2 Because in that Epistle written to Thyatira there are three distinctly named first the Father and the Son in these words these things saith the Son of God Next there is named in the last verse of that second chapter the Spirit he that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches 3 Because in the beginning of that Epistle to the Church of Sardis they are all three put together these things saith He to wit the Son that hath the seven Spirits of GOD. Here GOD that is the Father is distinctly considered as another Person The seven spirits are the holy Ghost 4 Because these three Persons are most fully and clearly distinguished in the fifth chapter First the Father sitting on the Throne Secondly the Lamb or the Son of GOD And thirdly the seven Spirits or the holy Ghost so called from the pouring out of his Gifts upon the Churches in that aboundant manner as if he were seven Spirits or a sevenfold Spirit It is evident also that the Father Son and Spirit are really distinct from one another and are three Persons They are indeed in respect of their Essence which is indivisibly communicable to them One and the same GOD but considered Personally they differ really for the Father is not the Son neither is he that sits upon the Throne the Lamb. Neither the Father nor the Spirit were incarnate but the Son who died and was buried which can be said of none but of a Person It cannot be said that the Father died or that the Spirit died Next is not the holy Ghost the spirit of GOD as the Son is the Son of GOD And if that suppose a real distinct personality this
must do it also Now if the Father be God and the Son be God and the Spirit God also who have one and the same divine nature and essence indivisibly communicated to them and so if there be but one God and yet these three really distinct then they must be distinct persons in respect of their Personal properties seing they are Persons and distinct The Son as was said is called the express Image of the Fathers Person which evidently shews that the Father considered as distinct from the Son is a Person and subsists If then thus it be must not the Son as distinct from the Father and so lively and expresly representing his person be a person also having this from the Father The same must be true likewise of the holy Ghost who is GOD equal with both yet different from both for he who proceedeth from the Father and from the Son must differ from the Father and from the Son as he who is begotten must be distinct from him that begat him Some Quakers either ignorantly or perversely will have the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 translated substance as it is Heb. 11. 1. and thus they read Heb. 1. 3. the Character or Image of GODS substance which is to be understood of Christ say they not simply as GOD but as Man But they might as well have said it signifies confident or confidence because it is so translated 2 Cor. 9. 4. and 2 Cor. 11. 17. But they speak here consequentially to their own Tenets who in effect deny the Trinity and all distinction between the Father Son and holy Ghost not only in words but in very deed The Apostle in this place is proving Christ the Son of GOD to be Lord and Heir of all things because GOD created the Worlds by him He is the brightness of his glory the express Image of his person upholdeth all things by the Word of his power These Titles are here given to the Son of GOD as a Creator and a Preserver of all things which belong to him only according to his Divine Nature therefore these Titles must be understood of Christ forasmuch as he is the eternal Son of GOD and a Light from the Eternal Light of one Essence and Glory with the Father nevertheless distinguished from the Person of the Father by whom the Father executes his Operations and shews his Properties even as the Sun by its light doth shine Quest. V. IS the Son of God of the same substance Power and Eternity with the Father Yes 1 Iohn 5. 20. Rom. 9. 5. Isa. 9. 6. Well then do not the Arians err who maintain the Son to be a creature brought forth before the foundations of the World Yes Do not likewise the Socinians err who maintain the Son to have had no Existence before he was conceived in the Womb of the Virgin Mary Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 From the Scriptures above cited 2 Because the Son is Omnipotent the Creator and Preserver of all things Rev. 1. 18. Col. 1. 16 17. 3 Because he is Omniscient and searcher of the heart Matthew 9. 3 4. Iohn 2. 25. Iohn 21. 17. Quest. VI. IS the Holy Ghost GOD Yes Acts 5. 3. 1 Cor. 6. 19 20. 1 Cor. 3. 16 17. Well then do not the Macedonians or Pneumatomachians Arians Socinians and many of the Anabaptists err who maintain the Holy Ghost to be a Creature as do the Macedonians or a Power Vertue or Efficacy of the Father as many Socinians and others do Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1. Because the Holy Ghost is to be worshipped as God Matth. 28. 19. 2 Cor. 13. 14. Rev. 1. 4. 2. Because he is omniscient and knoweth all things 1 Cor. 2. 10 11. 3. Because he is omnipotent the maker and preserver of all things the worker of miracles and it is he that sanctifies and justifies the Believers Gen. 1 2. Psalm 33. 6. Matth. 12. 28. Compare Isaiah 6. 9. with Acts 28. 25 26 27. 4. Because Ananias is said to lie to the holy Ghost Acts 5. 3. and verse 4. he is said not to lie to men but to GOD. 5. Because Believers are said to be the Temple of God 1 Cor. 3. 16 17. And they are said 1 Cor. 6. 19. to be the Temple of the holy Ghost therefore the holy Ghost is God seeing to be the Temple of God and the Temple of the holy Ghost are the same 6. Because none can be properly sinned against but the true God therefore the Holy Ghost is God because many have been said to have sinned against the holy Ghost Matth 12. 31. Quest. VII DOth not the Holy Ghost eternally proceed from the Father and the Son Yes Iobn 15. 26. Gal. 4. 6. Well then doth not the Greek Church err who maintains the holy Ghost to proceed only from the Father Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1. Because he is sent by the Son Iohn 15. 26. Acts 2. 33. 2. Because all things which are the Sons are the Fathers except the Personal Properties by which they are distinguished and all things are communicated from the Father to the Son and consequently the holy Ghost Iohn 16. 13 14 15. Matth. 11. 27. Iohn 17. 10. 3. Because Christ gave to his Apostles the Spirit by breathing it upon them Iohn 20. 22. To shew that he proceeded from himself 4. Because he is the Spirit of the Son no less than the Spirit of the Father Gal. 4. 6. 5. Because if the holy Ghost did not proceed from the Son as truely as from the Father he would not be a person really distinct from the Son which is contrary to Iohn 14. 16 17. 6 Because it is said Iohn 16. 14. He shall glorify me namely by his testimony gifts and miracles for he shall receive of mine that is the doctrine of Salvation which I have taught you he shall also reveal it unto you seing he shal receive the same from me and shall shew it unto you And Rom. 8. 9. He is called the Spirit both of the Father and of the Son It is said if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ that is the same Spirit which in the foregoing verse is called the Spirit of GOD namely the Father and is here also called the Spirit of Christ because he also proceeds from Christ and is procured for us by Christ Iohn 14. 26. Iohn 16. 7. CHAP. III. Of GODS Eternal Decrees Question I. DId God from all eternity by the most holy and wise Counsel of his Will freely and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass Yes Eph. 1. 11. Romans 11. 33. Heb. 6. 17. Romans 9. 15. 18. Well then do not the Socinians Arminians and Iesuits err who maintain the things which come to pass in time to fall out and come to pass without the Decree of God Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1. From the knowledge of God whereby from all eternity he hath known all things infallibly which come to pass
and spiritual and therefore nothing can represent him as the Prophet well infers Isaiah 40. 18 25. 3 Because every representation of God by graven images or pictures is a most disgraceful changing of the glory of the incorruptible God Rom. 1. 23. 4 Because images and pictures of this kind are lies and vanities which the Lord abhores and mocks at with an holy scorn Isaiah 44. from verse 9. to 18. 5 Because the Lord expresly forbiddeth the Israelites to represent him under any form or shape for saith the Text ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake to you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire Deut. 4. 15. to verse 20. 6 Because though the Israelites worshipped the true God by an image for Aaron built an Alter and made proclamation and said to morrow is a feast to the Lord yet are they accused of the sin of idolatry and for that cause severely punished Exod. 32. 21 27 35 7 Because Ieroboam and the ten Tribes who worshipped the true God by the Golden-Calves set up at Dan and Bethel for the worship of false gods by images was afterwards brought in by Achab who is therefore said to have provoked the Lord more than all the Kings of Israel before him 1 Kin 16 31 32. are accused for the sin of Idolatry and are severely threatned 1 King 12. 29 30. and 1 Kings 13. 2. which threatning was put in execution by Iosiah 2 Kings 23. 15 16 20. 8 Because the Apostle says we ought not to think that the God-head is like unto Gold or Silver or Stone graven by art and mans device Acts 17. 29. Quest. III. IS Religious worship to be given to God the Father Son and Holy Ghost and to him alone Yes Is Religious worship to be given to Angels Saints or any other Creature No. Matth 4. 10. Iohn 8. 49. 2. Cor. 13. 14. Iohn 5. 23. Col. 2. 18. Rev. 19. 10. Rom. 1. 25. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain that not only God but good Angels and Saints departed being Canonized by the Pope ought to be worshipped and called upon even after a religious manner but cheifly the Virgin Mary and that there is a Divine Power in the Relicks of Saints which therefore ought to be worshipped Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Lord our God and he only is to be worshipped Matth. 4. 10. Deut 6. 13. 2 Because the Object of invocation and religious Adoration is he only who is Omnipotent Omniscient and searcher of the heart For there is none that knows our necessities and wants but he that is Omniscient and none can succour and help us but he that is Omnipotent But Angels are not Omniscient Eph. 3. 10. 1 Peter 1. 12. Neither are the Saints departed Omniscient as is clear from Isa. 63. 16. Abraham is ignorant of us 3 Because they that are dead know nothing of our condition Eccl. 9. 5. 4 Because no man ought to call upon him in whom he doth not believe Rom. 10. 14. But no man ought to believe in Saints or Angels but in God alone Isaiah 26. 4. Ier. 17. 5. 5 Because neither Saints alive nor Angels would suffer adoration and worship to be given to themselves Acts 10. 25. Rev. 22. 8 9. 6 Because the worshipping of Angels doth derogate from the honour of Christ in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him Eph. 3. 12. 7 Because the worshipping of Saints and Angels is like a Polytheismus the having of many Gods For the Papists attribute to each one of their Saints and Angels a proper divine power as the Heathens did of old to their Idols and false gods Quest. IV. IS any Religious worship given to God since the fall without a Mediator No. Nor in the mediation of any other but of Christ alone No. Iohn 14. 6. 1 Tim. 2. 5. Eph. 2. 18. Col. 3. 17. Well then doth not the Popish Church err who maintain that Saints departed but chiefly the Virgin Mary are Mediators and Intercessors between God and Man Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Scripture affirms expresly that there is but one Mediator between God and Man namely the Man Jesus Christ 1 Tim. 2. 5. 2 Because no man cometh to the Father but by Christ Iohn 14. 6. And by him we have access to the Father Eph 2. 18. 3 Because the Scripture promiseth that they shall be heard that in the name of Christ seek such things as are according to the will of God but there is no promise in all the Word that they shall be heard that pray to Saints or Angels Iohn 14. 13 14. 1 Iohn 5. 14. 4 Because the Apostle says whatsoever ye do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus not in the name of Saints Col. 3. 17. 5 Because Christ who is called the propitiation for our sins is also called our Advocate with the Father 1 Iohn 2. 1 2. 6 Because Mediation is a part of the Priestly office of Christ which is only proper to himself and which cannot be divided between him and the Saints 7 Because the Saints are not to be called upon as was proven in the foregoing Question Quest. V. IS prayer with thanksgiving one special part of Gods worship required by God of all men Yes Phil. 4. 6. Psal. 65. 2. Well then do not the Adamites and others long since err who denyed that God was to be called upon For say they God is Omniscient and bestowes all things upon us freely without our prayers Yes Do not likewise some late Hereticks err who maintain that unregenerate men ought not to call upon God Yes Do not also the Quakers err who will not move in the commanded duties of prayer and thanksgiving unless there be some inward call and motion on their Spirit Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because there are extant many universal precepts in the Word by which the duty of prayer is commanded Phil. 4. 6. 1 Thes. 5. 17. Iohn 16. 24. Matth. 7. 7. 2 Because God is the hearer of prayer and to him shall all flesh come Psal. 65. 2. 3 We have the example of David Psalm 55. 17. Of Daniel chapter 6. 10. The example of those many who were gathered together praying in the behalf of the Apostle Peter Acts 12. 12. The example of Christ himself Iohn 17. chapter 4 Because the Apostle Paul bids Simon Magus who was in the gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity to repent and call upon God Acts 8. 22. As to the Quakers what assurance can they have the next hour or the next day more than now of the Spirits moving on their souls And are we not commanded to pray without ceasing 1 Thes. 5. 17. That is upon all opportunities and in all our necessities Quest. VI. IF Prayer be Vocal ought it to be in a known tongue Yes 1 Cor. 14. 14. Well then
because they think that all the Jewish ceremonies are still in force and binding us who live under the Gospel Page 141. Independents so called because they will have every particular Congregation to be ruled by their own laws without dependency upon any other Church Page 236 309 317. L. Libertines from the liberty and freedom they take and give to others to commit sin Their first Author was one Quintinus a Taylor in Picardy who taught that whatsoever good or evil we did was not done by us but by GODS Spirit in us and many other blasphemous opinions Page 44 106 114 155 175 189 245 246. Lutherians who so call themselves lyingly and falsely from Martin Luther that eminent Man of GOD. Page 43 65 69 86 112 139 157 244 265 269 271 280 298. M. Manicheans from one Manes a Persian by birth and a servant by condition The Manichean sect was the sink of all former Heresies p. 19 55 261 Macedonians so called from Macedonus Bishop of Constantinople 312. years after Christ. Their Heresie was condemned in the second general Council held at Constantinople by Gratian and Theodosius anno 380. His followers were called Pneumatomachians fighters against the holy Spirit from Pneuma a Spirit and Machesthai to fight Page 28. Marcionites from one Marcion a Paphlagonian near the Euxine Sea who was Cerdons scholar a grand Heretick He maintained Cerdons Heresies at Rome about 133. years after Christ. Page 55 283 334. N. Nestorians so called from Nestorius Patriarch of Constantinople who broached his errours under Theodosius the younger 400. years after Christ. They made Christ to have two Persons as he had two Natures This Heresie was condemned by the third general Council held at Ephesus under Theodosius the younger anno 431. Page 57. Novatians so called from Novatus who lived under Decius the Emperor 220. years after Christ. He was an African by birth P. 104 108 110 230. O. Origenists so called from famous Origen His errors began to spread about the year of Christ 247. under Aurelian the Emperour and continued above 334. years p. 332. P. Pneumatomachians See the letter P. Pelagians from Pelagius a Britain as they say by birth A Monk at Rome afterward a Presbyter under Theodosius the younger p. 45 64 91 115. Puritans otherwise called Kathari because they esteemed themselves purer and holier than others p. 66 104 230 239. Photinians from Photinus born in the lesser Galatia He began to spread his Heresies about the year 323. at Syrmium where he was Bishop under Constantius the Emperour p. 334. Papists are too well known They are to be found in every other page almost of the book Q. Quakers so called because sometimes they use to Quake and Tremble when they prophesy or when they are in a rapture p. 4 5 12 18 23 c. S. Socinians so called from one Faustus Socinus an Italian of Siena place all Religion in the old condemned Heresies following their Master a most vile Heretick p. 1 12 13 21 23 28 31 c. Sabellians so called from Sabellus an African by birth His Heresies began anno Christi 224. Page 23. Separatists so called because they withdrew themselves from the Christian Communion and fellowship of others in the Worship of GOD. p. 257. Scepticks commonly called Seekers maintain that the whole universal Church hath perished a little after the Apostles times and are not to this day restored until Christ from Heaven shall send new Apostles for raising up again the Church Visible p. 247. Sabbatarians so called because they observe the Jewish Sabbath imagining there is no precept or example in the New Testament for observing the first day of the week p. 192. T. Tritheits or Tritheitae so called because they divided the indivisible Essence of the Godhead into three parts the one they called the Father the other the Son the third the Holy Ghost p. 19 23. Tertullianists were so called from that famous Lawyer and Divine Tertullian who lived under Severus the Emperour about 170. years after Christ. p. 230. V. Vorstians from one Vorstus an old Heretick who taught that GOD had a Body and was endued with parts as the Anthropomorphitans affirmed p. 21 22. Vaninians from one Vaninus a great promotter of Atheism He was publickly burned at Tholouse p. 163. CHAP. I. Of the Holy SCRIPTURE Question I. IS the Light of Nature and the works of Creation and Providence sufficient to give that knowledge of GOD and of his Will which is necessary to Salvation No. 1 Cor. 1. 21. and 1 Cor. 2. 13 14. Well then do not the Socinians err who mantain That Men living according to the Law and Light of Nature may be saved Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because none can be saved unless they be born again by the incorruptible seed of the Word 1 Pet. 1. 23. 2 Because Christ is the Way the Truth and the Life and no man cometh to the Father but by the Son Iohn 14. 6. 3 Because there is none other Name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved but by the Name of Jesus Acts 4. 12. 4 Because men cannot believe in Christ without supernatural revelation and therefore cannot be sanctified or justified because all Justification Sanctification and Remission of sins are by GODS Grace and Faith in Jesus Christ Rom. 3. 24 25. Acts. 26. 18. Neither can men be so saved viz. by living according to the light of Nature because Salvation is promised onely to Believers in Christ Acts 16. 31. Iohn 3. 16. 5. Because all that know not GOD will be punished eternally 2 Thes. 1. 8. But men without supernatural Revelation cannot savingly know GOD 1 Cor. 1. 21. Matth. 11. 27. 6. Men destitute of supernatural Revelation cannot know their own corruption and misery by the first Adam nor the remedy which is offered by Christ the second Adam They are without GOD without Hope without the Promises without the Church and covenant of God and the mysteries of Faith are hid and unknown to them allanerly that perish and are lost Eph. 2. 11 12. Rom. 9. 4. 2 Cor. 4. 3. Mat. 13. 11 12. Matth. 11. 25 26 27. Quest II. ARE the holy Scriptures most necessary to the Church Yes 2 Tim. 3. 15. 2 Pet. 1. 19. Well then doth not the Popish Church err that affirmes the true Church to be infallible in teaching and propounding Articles of Faith both without and against the Scripture and that their unwritten Traditions are of Divine and equal Authority with the Canon of the Scripture Yes Do not likewise the Libertines and Quakers err affirming that GOD doth teach and guide the Elect into all truth by the alone instinct and light of the Spirit without any written Word whatsoever Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1. Because the Scriptures are the foundation upon which the Church is built Eph. 2. 20. 2. Because all things are to be examined by the Rule of the Word as the noble Bereans
that through Faith in his promises and in the promised Mediator 2 Because Isaiah teacheth that both himself and other Believers were justified by the knowledge of Christ Chap. 53 11. 3 Because the holy Ghost expresly testifies that Christ died for the Believers under the Old Testament Heb. 9. 15. 4 Because the justification of believing Iews under the old Testament and believers under the New are compared between themselves as equal Acts 15. 11. CHAP. XII Of ADOPTION Question I. ARE those who are taken into the number and enjoy the liberties and priviledges of the Children of God and have his Name put upon them and receive the Spirit of Adoption are they I say ever cast off No. Are they sealed to the day of Redemption and inherit the promises as heirs of everlasting Salvation Yes Lam. 3. 3. Eph. 4. 30. 1 Pet. 1. 5. Well then do not the Lutherians err who maintain that the Chlidren of God some of them may be cast off for a time totally though not finally Yes Do not likewise the Arminians Quakers and Socinians err who maintain that those who have received the grace of Adoption may be cast off totally and finally Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because all the children of God are keeped through faith unto Salvation 1 Peter 1. 5 2 Because Christ hath prayed for the preseverance of all Believers Iohn 17 20 Iohn 11 26 And all those that are adopted are the children of God by faith Gal. 3 26 3 Because no man that is born again as are all the children of God doth sin that is he suffers not sin to reign over him for his seed remaineth in him that is Gods seed whereby he is born again namely the Word of God 1 Peter 1 23 Iohn 3 5 6 Remaineth in him that is doth not totally perish but abideth thence foreward working the fruits of regeneration once begun in them Phi 1 6 See 1 Iohn 3 9 4 Because all the children of God request the Father by the Son that he may grant them perseverance to salvation Matth 6 13 which perseverance is most needful to them for that end Matth 24 13. But Believers when they seek things needful to Salvation in the name of Christ according to his promise are alwayes heard Iohn 14 13 14 Iohn 16 23. 5 Because the Gifts and Calling of GOD are without Repentance Rom 11 29. 6 Because all those who are justified are glorified Rom 8 30 But all who are Adopted are endued with Faith and are justified Gal 3 26. 7 Because Christ keepeth all his Adopted Ones that none can pluck them out of his hand or his Fathers hand Iohn 10 27 28 29. 8 Because perseverance is a gift promised by GOD to all the Elect in the covenant of Grace Ezek 36 26 27 28. Ezek 11 19 20 Ierem 31 31 32 33. 9 Because justifying Grace is a Well of Water springing up into everlasting life in every man to whom it is given Iohn 4 14. And the Saints are like unto trees planted by the rivers of waters which bring forth their fruit in their season Psalm 1. 3. CHAP. XIII Of SANCTIFICATION Question I. ARE they who are effectually Called and Regenerated having a new Spirit created in them farther sanctified really and personally through the vertue of Christs death and resurrection by his Word and Spirit dwelling in them Yes 1 Cor. 6. 11. Acts 20 32. Phil 3 10 Rom 6 5 6. Iohn 17. 17. Well then do not the Antinomians err who maintain That those who are justified are sanctified onely by the imputed holiness of Christ not by infusing inherent holyness or any Spiritual qualities into them by the help of which they are enabled to live holily Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Apostle says follow peace and holiness with all Men without which no man shall see God Heb. 12. 14. 2 Because the fruit of the Spirit is Love Joy Peace long-suffering Gentleness and Faith Gal. 5. 22. 3 Because they who are in Christ bring forth good fruit Iohn 15. 5. 4 Because they who belong to Christ have crucified the Flesh with the affections and lusts Gal. 5. 24 25. 5 Because the Apostle commands us to work out our salvation with fear and with trembling Phil. 2. 12. 6 Because we ought to purify our selves from all filthiness of the Flesh and Spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God 2 Cor. 7. 1. 7 Because we ought to grow in Grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 3. 18. 8 Because the Lord circumcises the hearts of the Elect that they may love the Lord their God and taketh away the heart of stone Deut. 30. 6. Ezek. 36. 26 27. Quest. II. IS Sanctification imperfect in this life there being some remnants of corruption abiding in every part Yes 1 Iohn 1. 10. Rom. 7. 18 23. Ps 3. 12. Well then do not the Antinomians and many of the Quakers err who maintain That those who are justified are perfectly sanctified Yes Do not likewise the Papists Socinians and Anabaptists err who maintain the same but differ in the manner Yes By what reasons are they confuted But first consider that the Antinomians defend that the most perfect holiness of Christ is imputed to us and is made ours there being no inherent holiness in us nor required of us But the Papists Socinians Quakers and Anabaptists affirm and maintain a perfect inherent holiness in this life They are confuted 1 Because there is no man that sinneth not 1 Kings 8. 46. 2 Because if we say we have no sin we deceive our selves and the truth is not in us 1 Iohn 1. 8 3 Because in many things we offend all Iames 3. 2. 4 Because there is not a just man upon the earth that doth good and sinneth not Eccles. 7. 20. 5 Because we are all as an unclean thing and all our righteousnesses are as filthy raggs Isaiah 64. 6. 6 Because the Psalmist prayeth that GOD would not enter into judgement with him for in thy sight says he shall no man be justified Psal. 143. 2. 7 Because no man can say I have made my heart clean I am pure from my sin Prov. 20. 9. 8 Because the Apostle complains heavily concerning indwelling sin Rom. 7. 18 23. 9 Because the Saints are obliged to seek pardon of sin every day Matth. 6. 12. 10 Because the Lord sayes he that is holy let him be holy still Rev 22. 11. CHAP. XIV Of SAVING FAITH Question I. IS the grace of Faith whereby the Elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their Souls the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts Yes Heb. 10. 39. 2 Cor. 4. 13. Ephes. 1. 17 18 19. Well then do not the Pelagians err who maintain Faith to be a thing natural who attribute the being thereof to our selves and to the strength of our corrupt Nature Yes Do not likewise the Arminians err Who though they grant
did Acts 17. 11 12. 3 Because unwritten Traditions are subject and lyable to many corruptions and are soon and quickly forgotten 4. Because we have Life Eternal in the Scriptures therefore they must be most necessary to the Church Iohn 5. 39. 5. Because the Scriptures are given that the Man of GOD may be perfect thorowly furnished to all good works 2 Tim. 3. 16 17. And the Scriptures are written that men may believe Iohn 20. 31. Quest III. ARE these former wayes of GODS revealing his will unto his People now ceased Yes Well then do not the Enthusiasts and Quakers err who maintain That the Lord hath not ceased yet to reveal his Will as he did of old Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1. Because GOD who at sundry times and in diverse manners spake in times past unto the Fathers by the Prophets hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son Heb. 1. 1 2. The Apostle calls the time of the New Testament the last days because under the same there is no more alteration to be expected but all things are to abide without adding or taking away as was taught and ordained by Christ until the last day See also Ioel 2. 28. Acts 2. 17. The Wayes and Manners of old was first by Inspiration 2 Chro. 15. 1. Isaiah 59. 21. 2 Pet. 1. 21. Secondly by Visions Numb 12. 6. 8. Thirdly by Dreams Ioh 33. 14 15. Gen. 40. 8. Fourthly by Urim and Thummim Numb 27. 21. 1 Sam. 30. 7 8. Fifthly by Signs Gen. 32. 24. Exod. 13. 21. Sixthly by audible Voice Exod. 20. 1. Gen. 22. 15. All which do end in Writing Exod. 17. 14. which is a most sure and infallible way of the Lords revealing his Will unto his People Quest. IV. DO the Books of the Old and New Testament come under the name of the holy Scripture and Word of GOD Yes Well then do not the Quakers err who maintain That the Scriptures ought not to be called the Word of GOD Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1. Because Christ says if he called them Gods unto whom the Word of GOD came and the Scripture cannot be broken Ioh. 10. 35. Here it is evident that the Word of GOD and the Scripture are the same 2. Because the predictions of the Prophets are expresly called the Word of GOD. Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia that the Word of the Lord spoken by the mouth of Ieremiah might be accomplished 2 Chro. 36. 22. Here we see it is evident that the written Prophesies of Ieremiah which are a part of the holy Scripture are called the Word of GOD. 3. Because what Christ calls the commandement of GOD He calls the Word of GOD Mar. 7. 9 10. compared with v 13. 4. Because the Apostle calls the sword of the Spirit the Word of God This sword is the sword of the Holy Spirit which he doth as it were put into our hand to resist Satan against all his temptations Eph. 6. 17. Therefore by the sword of the Spirit must be understood the Scripture not the Spirit it self as some Quakers affirm It is evident also from the fourth chapter of Matthew where Christ being tempted by the Devil with three different temptations resists him with three different places of Scripture And being asked by the Pharisees why his Disciples did pluck the ears of Corn upon the Sabbath day answered by Scripture Mat. 12. 1 2 3 4. Teaching us that Satans temptations must be carefully answered and that by Scripture as the onely mean to overcome him and his Instruments 5. Because the Word of GOD is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword Heb. 4. 12. This cannot be understood of Christ because Paul in his other writings doth not call the Person of Christ by this name and therefore must be understood of the word of the Gospel the power whereof is described Rom. 1. 16. 6. See these following places of Scripture Psalm 119. 172. 1 Kin. 16. 12. and 2 Kin. 9. 36. and 2 Kin. 23. 16. Isa. 28. 13. Hos. 1. 1 2. Isa. 37. 22. Prov. 30. 5. By the Scripture or Word of GOD we do not understand the bare letters or the several written words of the holy Scripture which the Adversaries may imagine we call the Word of GOD. These are only the Vessels which carry and convey that Heavenly Light unto us But we understand thereby the Doctrine or Will of GOD revealed unto reasonable creatures teaching them what to do believe or leave undone Deut. 29. 29. Quest. V. ARE the Scriptures given of GOD to be the Rule of Faith and Life Yes Luke 16. 29 31. Eph. 2. 20. Rev. 22. 18 19. 2 Tim. 3. 16. Well then doth not the Popish Church err who maintain their Unwritten Traditions to be the Rule of Faith Yes Do not likewise the Enthusiasts and the Quakers err who maintain the Spirit within that teaches the Elect to be the only Rule of Faith And that the Dictates of the Light within are of as great authority as the Scriptures Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1. Because the Scriptures are called a Rule Gal. 6. 16. 2. Because nothing is to be added to the Scriptures Deut. 4. 2. and 12. 32. Prov. 30. 6. Rev. 22. 19 20. 3. Because we ought rather to follow the Scriptures in this Life than a voice spoken from Heaven 2 Pet. 1. 19 21. 4. Because the Scripture is written that we may believe Iohn 20. 31. 5. Because the Scripture is given for making the man of GOD perfect 2 Tim. 3. 17. 6. Because we must betake our selves in the whole of Religion to the Law and to the Testimony Isa. 8. 20. 7 Because Christ himself refers the greatest question that ever was whether he be the Son of GOD or not to the Scriptures Ioh. 5. 38 39. Search the Scriptures says he for they testify of me 8 Because the Holy Ghost did never give such a designation to his own Word as an Historical Rule and dead Letter or as some Quakers call them not the principal Fountain of Truth and knowledge nor the first rule of Faith and Manners but the Regula secundaria subordinate to the Spirit whence as they affirm the holy Scriptures have all their true worth excellency and certainty whereas Paul sayes expresly Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of GOD Rom. 10. 14. 9. Because the spirits cannot be known by any other Rule than by the written Word It is certain that the Devil transforms himself into an Angel of light 2 Cor. 11. 14. There is a spirit of the World 1 Cor. 2. 12. A spirit that rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience Eph. 2. 2. There is a lying spirit 1 Kin. 22. 22. And a Spirit of error and delusion 1 Iohn 4. 6. How shal these be known to be such or the Spirit which the Quakers obtrude upon us not to be one of them but by the Rule of the
Pet. 1. 19. 3. Because the Scripture enlighteneth the eyes and maketh the simple wise Psal. 19. 7 8. Quest XII HAth the Lord by his singular providence and care keeped pure in all Ages the Old Testament in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek Yes Matthew 5. 18. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain the Old Testament in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek which are the Fountains to be corrupted and that their common Latine Version is authentick Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1. Because Christ sayes till Heaven and Earth pass one jot or one title shall in nowise pass from the Law till all be fulfilled Matth. 5. 18. 2. Because there can be no urgent necessity shown why the Fountains are corrupted 3 If any such corruption had been in the Scripture Christ his Apostles and the Orthodox Fathers had declared so much 4 Because they never have nor can make out any manifest corruptions in the Fountains albeit most manifest and undenyable demonstrations are given of the corruptions of their Latine Version which they make authentick Quest XIII ARE the Original tongues viz. the Hebrew and the Greek to be translated into the Vulgar Language of every Nation into which they come Yes Are we commanded in the fear of GOD to read and search the Scriptures Yes Iohn 5. 39. 1 Cor. 14. 6 9 11 12 14 24 27 28. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain There is no necessity of translating the Original Tongues the Hebrew and the Greek into the vulgar Language of every Nation unto which they come but rather a very great hazard and danger of Errors and Heresies Yes Do not likewise the same Papists err who forbid the reading of the Scriptures in the vulgar tongues Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1. Because the Scriptures were given long since to the Iews in their own vulgar Language that they might be read publickly and privately by all Deut. 31. 10 11 12. Deut. 11. 18 19 20. 2. Because the New Testament was written in the Greek Language which at that time was most generally known to all Nations 3. Because Christ bids all promiscuously search the Scriptures Ioh. 5. 29. 4. Because the Prophets and Apostles preached their Doctrines to the People and Nations in their known Languages Ier. 36 15 16. Act. 2. 6. 5. Because immediately after the Apostles times many Translations were extant 6. Because all things must be done in the Congregation unto edifying 1 Cor. 14. 26. but an unknown tongue doth not edify 7. Because all are commanded to try the Spirits 1 Thes. 5. 21. 1 Cor. 10. 15. 8. Because the Scriptures teach the way of Life Prov. 2. 9. Luke 16. 29. Acts 24. 14. 9. Because the Scriptures set forth the duties of every man in his place and estate of his life Deut. 17. 18 19 20. Iosh. 1. 8. Psal. 119. 24. 2 Chron. 23. 11. 10. Because they are the ground of Faith Rom. 4. 20. 2 Chron. 20. 20. 11. Because they are the Epistle of God sent to his Church Hos. 8. 12. Rev. 2. 1 8 12. 12 Because they are his Testament wherein we may find what legacies he hath bequeathed unto us 2 Cor. 3. 14 16. Heb. 10. 16. Ioh. 14. 16. 13 Because they are the sword of the Spirit Ephes. 6. 17. 14 Because being imbraced and known they make a man happy Psalm 119. 97 98. Luke 10. 42. Luke 16. 29. Psalm 1 2 Rev 1 3. 15 Because when the Scriptures are neglected or contemned they plunge men into all misery Heb 2 3 Matth 22 29 Psalm 50 16. Quest XIV WHen there is a Question about the true meaning and full sense of any Scripture must it be known and searched by other places which speak more clearly Yes 2 Peter 1 21 Acts 15 15 16. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain The Scriptures not to be a sufficient Interpreter of it self and that the sense of it cannot be gathered infallibly when the text is doubtfull from other places which speak more clearly but onely from the Magisterial Traditions and unwritten Opinions of the Church of Rome Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the noble Bereans compared Scripture with Scripture for finding out the true and sure sense of it Acts 17 11. 2 Because the Apostle Paul did the same Acts 28 23. 3 Because the same was done by the council of the Apostles and Elders Acts 15. 15 16 17. Quest. XV. IS the holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture the Supream Iudge by which all controversies of Religion are determined and all Decrees of Councils Opinions of Ancient Writers Doctrines of men and private Spirits are to be examined and in whose sentence we are to rest Yes Matth 22 29 31 Eph 2. 20 Acts 28. 25. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain That the Church of Rome and the Pope are the supream Iudges of all Controversies of Faith and that his Decrees and Determinations are to be believed without examination and implicitly to be believed by all Believers Yes Do not likewise the Quakers err who maintain that the Light within which teacheth the Elect is the only Iudge of all Controversies of Faith Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because God commands all men to go to the Law and to the Testimony in doubtful matters Isaiah 8 20 2 Because all doubts in Religion are to be examined by the Rule of the Word Acts 17. 11. Galatians 6. 16. 3 Because Christ and his Apostles did alwayes dispute and reason from the Scriptures against the enemies of the Truth Matth. 22 31. Gal. 3. 13. 4 Because the Church of GOD is founded upon the Writings of the Prophets and Apostles Eph. 2. 20. 5 Because we are commanded to prove all things and to try the Spirits 1 Thes. 5. 2. 1 Iohn 4. 1 6. CHAP. II. Of GOD and of the Holy Trinity Question I. IS there but one onely the true and living GOD Yes Deut. 6. 4. 1 Corinth 8. 4. 6. 1 Thes. 1. 9. Well then do not the Tritheitae err who maintain three GODS numerically distinct the Father the Son and Holy Ghost Yes Do not likewise the Manicheans err who maintain That there are two Gods being diverse and opposite as to kind viz. One good the Author and cause of all good things and of things immaterial being the God of the New Testament The other evil to wit the Devil the Author and cause of all evil things and of things material being the God of the Old Testament Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because though there be a plurality of Persons mentioned in Scripture yet it is ever God as One as is evident from the first chapter of the Revelation and the last For if that one God have in himself all perfections there can be no perfection beside him and so no God but this one true God for if there were He should not be God because not infinite
upon him And Isaiah 53. 7. he offered up himself a sacrifice for sin and by one Oblation he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified Heb. 10. 14. 6 Because whole Christ was given to us with all his benefits otherwise if onely his passive Obedience were imputed to us it would follow that half Christ onely were given to wit Christ suffering but not Christ doing those things which pleased the Father taking away our sin and saving from death onely but not bringing Righteousness But Christ was not given and born for himself but for us that he might bestow himself wholly upon us by doing for us what we could not do and by suffering for us what we could not suffer Do not likewise the Socinians err who maintain That this Orthodox Doctrine namely That Christ did merit Eternal Salvation to the Elect and hath satisfied Divine Iustice for them is erroneous false and absurd Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Messiah doth finish the transgression and maketh an end of sins and maketh Reconciliation for iniquity and shal be cut off but not for himself as the Prophet Daniel hath foretold chap. 9. 24 26. 2 Because his own self bare our sins in his own Body upon the tree 1 Peter 2. 24. 3 Because he hath reconciled those to GOD that were sometimes alienated and enemies in their mind by wicked works in the body of his Flesh through death Col. 1. 21 22. 4 Because now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself Heb. 9. 26. 5 Because he hath given his life an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a pretium redemptionis a price of Redemption for many 6 Because the Prophet Isaiah sayes that it pleased the Lord to bruise him and put him to grief and that he was wounded for our transgressions and that he bare our iniquities chapter 53. 5 10 11. Quest. VI. DID Christ in the work of Mediation act according to both Natures by each Nature doing that which is proper to it self Yes Heb. 9. 4. 1 Peter 3. 18. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain that Christ is a Mediator only according to his humane Nature Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because it was needful for perfecting the work of the Mediator that Christ should overcome death which could not otherwise be done than by his Divine Nature 1 Pet. 3. 18. Where it is said he was put to death in the Flesh but quickned by the Spirit 2 Because there are very many properties of the Mediator which cannot in any wise agree to the humane Nature of Christ as undertaking and promising that he will raise up all at the last day whom the Father has given him Iohn 6. 39. Again he could not lay down his life and take it up again by the alone strength of his humane Nature but all these are works proper to the Mediator as is clear from the tenth chapter of Iohn v. 18. And 3 the application of those good things which he hath merited is the proper work of the Mediator which can only be done by the Divine Nature 4 Because Christ is a Prophet a Priest and a King according to both his Natures A Prophet Matt. 11. 27. No man knoweth the Father save the Son A Priest Rom. 5. 10. Heb. 9. 14. He is a King Luke 1. 32. All which Offices he executes according to both his Natures CHAP. IX Of FREE-WILL Question I. HATH Man by his fall into an estate of sin wholly lost all ability of will to any supernatural good accompanying salvation so as a Natural Man being altogether averse from that Good and dead in sin is not able by his own strength to convert himself or to prepare himself thereunto Yes Rom. 5. 6 Iohn 15. 5. Rom. 3. 10. 12. Iohn 6. 44 65. Well then do not the Pēlagians and Socinians err who maintain that the Natural Man without supernatural and divine grace is able to convert himself to God by his own strength Yes Do not likewise the Semipelagians Papists Arminians and Lutherians err who maintain That fallen Man and corrupted with Original sin is partly able by his own strength the Grace of GOD assisting him to prepare himself and turn himself to GOD Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Natural Man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of GOD for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are Spiritually discerned 1 Cor. 2. 14. Rom. 8. 7 9. 2 Because all that the Natural Man doth is sin and cannot in any wise please GOD because his works are not of Faith nor to the Glory of GOD as the Law requires Rom. 14. 23. Heb. 11. 6. Titus 1. 15. Rom. 3. 10 11 12. Psalm 14. 3. Rom. 8. 8. 3 Because a man hath no good in himself whereby he may be differenced from the most flagitious nor any good thing which he hath not received 1 Cor. 4. 7. 4 Because Conversion Grace and Salvation are not of him that runneth or willeth but of GOD that sheweth mercy and whom he will be hardneth Rom. 9. 15 16 18. Rom. 11. 7 8. Matth. 11. 21 22 25. 5 Because the Conversion of a Natural Man is the quickning of one dead Ephes. 2. 5. Col. 2. 13. It is a Regeneration or bearing again Ioh. 3. 5 6 It is the creating of a new heart Psalm 51. 10. It is the taking away the heart of stone and the giving of a heart of flesh Esek 11. 19. Esek 36. 26. And therefore as God raised Christ from the dead so also he raiseth us from the grave of sin by his own proper power 1 Cor. 6. 14. And 6 because GOD converts and calls men not by works of Righteousness which they have done Titus 3. 4 5 5. but according to his own Purpose and Grace which is given us in Christ Jesus 2 Timoth. 1. 9. Quest. II. DOth a Regenerate Man after his Conversion perfectly and onely will that which is good No. Gal. 5. 17. Rom. 7. 15 18 19 21 23 Well then do not the Puritans I do not mean the old Non-conformists Antinomians Anabaptists and many Quakers err who maintain That all the Saints of GOD are free from every spot and blemish of sin Yes Do not likewise some of the Popish Church and Socinians err who maintain That some Christians that are more advanced may come that length to be without any spot blemish and act of sin Nay that some have really win that length Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because in many things we offend all Iames 3. 2. 2 Because Christ commands us to seek dayly remission of sins Matth. 6. 12. Luke 11. 4. 3 Because there is not one just man upon the Earth who doth not sin 1 Kings 8. 46. Eccles. 7. 20. 4 Because there is a continual war between the Flesh and the Spirit so that they namely the Regenerate are not able
doing we ought to put to silence the ignorance of foolish men 1 Peter 2 15 2 Because they that follow the liberty of sinning and promise liberty to others are truely the servants of corruption for of whom a man is overcome of the same is he brought in bondage 2 Peter 2 19. 3 Because the end of that liberty which is purchased by Christ is that being delivered out of the hands of our enemies we might serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life Luke 1 74 75 4 Because whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin Iohn 8 34 5 Because the Moral Law obligeth Believers to perform obedience out of gratitude and thankfulness for Christ came not to destroy the Law but to fulfil it Matth 5 17 6 Because whosoever shall break one of these least commandments and shall teach men so he shal be called the least in the kingdom of Heaven Matth. 5. 19 Quest IV MAY such men be lawfully called to an account and proceeded against by the Censures of the Church and by the power of the Civil Magistrat who publish such opinions or maintain such practises as are contrary to the Light of Nature or to the known principles of Christianity whether concerning Faith Worship or Conversation or to the power of Godliness or such erroneous opinions and practises as either in their own Nature or in the manner of publishing or maintaining them are destructive to the external peace and order which Christ hath established in his Church Yes 1 Cor. 5 1 5 11. 13 2 Iohn v 10 11 1 Tim. 6 3 4 Titus 1 10 11 13 Titus 3 10. 1 Tim. 1 19 20 Matth 18 15 16 17 Rev 2 2 14 15 20 Rev 3 9 Well then do not the Anabaptists err who maintain there should be no Ecclesiastical Censures Yes Do not others also err who maintain that Church Censures should not be inflicted upon Hereticks Yes Do not lastly the Lutherians Anabaptists Arminians Quakers and all sort of Hereticks and Sectaries err who maintain under the pretext of Christian Liberty that the Civil Magistrat is not obliged in duty to punish any man with the sword for errors in doctrine but that they ought to be tolerated and suffered providing such persons as own them do not trouble or molest the Common-wealth Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the keyes of the Kingdom of Heaven are for this end delivered to the Ministers of the Church that with Censures they may pursue Scandalous and offending Persons who will not obey admonition Matth. 18. 15 17 18. But such also are Hereticks Gal. 5. 20. Tit. 1. 10. 12. 2 Because an Heretick after the first and second admonition is to be rejected avoided or shuned That is let him not remain in the external Communion of the Church Titus 3. 10. 3 Because Paul did excommunicat Hymeneus and Alexander who had made shipwrack of the Faith 1 Tim. 1. 19 20. 4 Because if any man obey not our Word by this Epistle note that man and have no company with him that he may be ashamed 2 Thes. 3. 14. 1 Tim. 6. 4 5. Titus 1. 11 5 Because Christ approves and commends the Pastors of the Church of Ephesus because they could not suffer them that are evil but had tried them which say they are Apostles and were not and had found them Liars Rev. 2. 2. And Christ in that same chapter accuses the Pastors of the Church of Pergamus and Thyatira and threatneth them because they had suffered Hereticks to be in the Church The Lutherians Anabaptists Arminians and other Sectaries are confuted 1 Because it is evident from many examples of Godly Magistrats who did extirpat Idolatry and inflict punishment upon Idolaters as did Iacob the Patriarch who at least purged his family of strange Gods Gen. 35. 2 3 4. Moses likewise took punishment with the sword upon those who did worship the Golden-Calf Exod. 32. 26 27 28. We have 2 the examples of Hesekia 2 Kings 18. 4. Of Iosia 2 Kings 23. Of Asa who decreed that whosoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel according to the law of God Deut. 13. 9. should be put to death whether small or great whether man or woman 2 Chro. 15. 13. Of Iehosaphat 2 Chron. 17. 6. Of Nehemia 13. 15 17. 3 Were not good kings reproved and was it not imputed to them as a fault that they did not take away the High-places 2 Kings 12. 3. 2 Kings 14. 4. 2 Kings 15. 4. 2 Chron. 15. 17. Far more is it a fault to suffer Hereticks 4 It is evident from the office of the Magistrat who is the Minister of God against them that do evil and beareth not the sword in vain Rom. 13. 3 4. 5 Because it is expresly commanded in Scripture that punishment be inflicted upon Idolaters even by the nearest Relations If then the Father may kill the Son may kill the Daughter the Husband the Wife of his bosom and if one brother may stone another brother with stones that he die for being Idolaters much more may the Civil Magistrat do this Deut. 13. 6. to the 13 verse Deut. 17. 2. to the 7 verse Lev. 24. 16. 6 Because it is foretold that under the New Testament Kings shall be nursing Fathers to the Church and Queens nursing Mothers and that Hereticks that were about to be hurtful to the Church shall be removed and taken away Isaiah 49. 23. Zech. 13. 2 3. And it shall come to pass in that day saith the Lord of hosts that I will cut off the names of the Idols out of the land that is all Idolatry whatsoever so that the same shall not be so much as named any more among you and they shall no more be remembred And I will also cause the Prophets the false Prophets and the unclean Spirit to pass out of the Land that is the false Teachers who teach impure doctrines through the inspiration of the unclean Spirit the Devil Compare with this 1 Iohn 4. 1 2 3. For confirmation consider what is foretold by Iohn Rev. 17. 12 16 17. That the Kings of the Earth shall eat the flesh of the Whore and burn her with fire All which are foretold as blessings to be confered upon the Church 7 It is evident from the Epithets whereby the pernicious and destructive nature of Hereticks is set forth in Scripture They are called Wolfes not sparing the flock Thieves Robers Troublers of the Church and Seducers or Beguilers of poor souls They are like unto a Gangren or Canker in the body They are as leaven or soure dough which leaveneth the whole lump Acts 20. 29. Iohn 10. 8. Acts 15. 24. Gal. 5. 12. 2 Tim. 2. 17. Gal. 5. 9. 8 Because Ezra did esteem it a great favour and blessing of God conferred upon the Church for which he thanked God that had inclined the heart of Artaxerxes to publish a Decree for the punishment of those that did not observe
V. IS nothing but Adultery or such wilful desertion as can no way be remedied by the Church or Civil Magistrate a sufficient cause of dissolving the bond of Marriage Nothing Matth. 19. 8 9. 1 Cor. 7. 15. Matth. 19. 6. Well then do not the Enthusiasts and Familists err who maintain that it is free to a man to put away his wife when he pleaseth Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the God of Israel hatteth putting away Mal. 2. 16. 2 Because whosoever putteth away his wife except in case of Fornication he causeth her to commit Adultery Matth. 5 32. 3 Because the Apostle says art thou bound to a wife seek not to be loosed 1 Cor. 7. 27. Do not likewise the Papists err who maintain that there are other causes of divorce than Adultery and wilful desertion Yes They first tell us that marriage contracted but not consummated may be dissolved to wit by a Monastick Vow of a perpetual single life They tell us secondly that infidelity and heresie are just causes of divorce So say the Anabaptists And thirdly they tell us that murder committed upon the hope of getting such a Match is a sufficient cause of divorce That coldness perpetual impotency and such like fancies are causes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because Christ says what God hath joyned together let no man put asunder Matth. 19. 6. But marriage contracted and ratified though not consummated is made by God therefore it cannot be dissolved by man Neither ought any man once married to turn a Monck for a single life is only fit for those that have the gift of Continency for God commands them that have it not to marry 1 Cor. 7. 9. 2 Neither can infidelity or heresie be a ground of divorce as is clear from 1 Cor. 7. 12 13. If any brother hath a wife that believeth not and she be pleased to dwell with him let him not put her away And the woman that hath an husband that believeth not if he be pleased to dwell with her let her not leave him CHAP. XXV Of the CHURCH Question I. DOTH the Catholick or Universal Church which is invisible consist of the whole number of Elect that have been are or shall be gathered into one under Christ the head thereof Yes Eph. 1. 10 22 23. Eph. 5. 23 27. Col. 1. 18. Well then doth not the Popish-Church err who deny any Catholick invisible Church consisting of the Elect only effectually called who maintain the Catholick Church to be absolutely visible and as visible a Society as the Republick of Venice or the kingdom of France and that it consists no less of reprobates unbelievers great and manifest sinners void of all inward and true grace than of the Elect effectually called Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because we profess to believe according to the Creed that there is a Church Universal namely such a one as we have now described but what we believe must be invisible Heb. 11. 1. 2 Because the internal form of the Church namely her effectual calling by the Word and Spirit 1 Peter 2. 9. is invisible 2 Tim. 2. 19. 1 Cor. 2. 11. 3 Because the glory of the Kings daughter that is of the Universal Church as the Adversaries themselves confess is internal and therefore hidden and invisible Psalm 45. 13. 4 Because the Word tells us that there is a Church even the number of those whom Christ hath loved for whom he gave himself to the death whom he hath sanctified and washen and cleansed and redeemed with his own blood and whom at last he will glorifie Eph. 5. 25 26 27. 5 Because the Scripture tells that there is a Church which is the mystical body of Christ and therefore invisible to the eyes which by a most mystical and most marvelous union is conjoyned and united straitly with him Eph. 1. 10 22 23. 6 Because the Church Universal as to its internal forme is a spiritual house built of lively stones in Christ 1 Peter 2. 5. 7 Because the members of the Church Universal considered as to their internal state and condition are united and conjoyned together in one body by one Spirit and by one Faith 1 Cor. 12. 13. Eph. 4. 4 5. 8 Because the members of the Church Universal considered the former way are the lively members of Christ which he himself doth cherish with a lively and quickning nurishment Eph. 5. 29 30. Quest. II. IS the Visible Church under the New Testament Catholick and Universal Yes 1 Cor. 1. 2. and 1 Cor. 12. 12 13. Psal. 2. 8. Rev. 7. 9. Rom. 15. 9 10 11 12. Well then do not the Independents err who maintain there is no Visible Church under the New Testament except what may meet in one place and may perform all their holy services in a private Church Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because in very many places of the New Testament the word Church to wit Visible is so largely taken that it cannot be restricted to any particular Congregational Church Acts 8. 3. Gal. 1. 13. Acts 2. 47. 1 Cor. 10. 32. Eph. 3. 10. 1 Cor. 12. 28. 1 Tim. 3. 15. 2 Because it hath been foretold in many places of the Old Testament that the Catholick Church shall be Visible Psalm 22. 22 23 25 27 28. Psalm 72. 8 9 10 11. Psalm 86. 9. Isaiah 2. 2 3 4. Zech. 14. 9. 3 Because the Donation or the gift of the kingdom that is of the Church Universal made by the Father to the Son is Universal and of all the World Psalm 2. 8. Psalm 72. 8. Isaiah 49. 6. Dan. 7. 14. 4 Because the Gospel of the Kingdom is Universal and according to the stile of the Scripture worketh the visible conversion of the whole world and therefore the Church visibly converted and gathered together is Catholick and Universal Matth. 26. 13. Mark 14. 9. Col. 1. 16. 5 Because the Visible Charter which constitutes the Church is Universal and therefore since one Charter constitutes one Politie or Government all the Visible particular Churches which are constitute by that one Catholick Charter are one Church Universal Matth. 28. 19. Eph. 3. 6. 6 Because if there be Officers of a Church Visible Universal there must be a Church Visible Universal it self but the first is true since the Donation of the Ministry and the giving of it in a gift is made to the Catholick Church 1 Cor. 12 28. Matth. 28. 19. 7 Because there is a general outward call and a general outward covenant into which all Christians enter outwardly by vertue whereof all of them are knit and tyed together Acts 2. 39. 8 Because that same individual System and Body of external Laws proceeding from that same Authority in which all particular Churches are equally concerned and by which they are ruled is Universal 1 Tim. chap. 3. and Titus 3 chap. 9 Because that external union of brotherhood which is amongst all the Visible Christians
Sacrament of Baptism in case of necessity Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because Christ gave the power of dispensing the Sacraments to them only to whom he gave the power of Preaching Mat. 28. 19. But the power of preaching is not given to all men Heb. 5. 4. 2 Because all that ever did dispense the Sacrament of Baptism in the New Testament were either called Ordinarly or Extraordinarly as is evident from the examples of Iohn the Baptist and the disciples of Christ. From the example of Peter Acts 2. 41. From the example of Philip Acts 8. 38. From the example of Ananias Acts 9. 18. From the example of Paul and Silas Acts 16. 15. 33. 3 Because it is unlawful for any man to affix the Kings seal to a Charter or Letters-patent unless he be a person authorized and deputed by the King for that use But the Sacraments are seals of the Covenant between God and his people Rom. 4. 11. 4 Because women are not permitted to speak publickly in the Church therefore they have no power to dispense the Sacrament of Baptism 1 Cor. 14. 34. 1 Tim. 2. 12. 5 Because the Adversaries grant that it is unlawful to women or Laicks to administer the Lords Supper therefore it is as unlawful for them to administer Baptism No just cause of reason or disparity can be given 6 Because the benefit of regeneration is not tyed as the Adversaries may dream to the outward Baptism as is clear and evident from the conversion of the Thief upon the cross And from 1 Peter 3. 21. Therefore there is no such necessity of Baptism as the Papists and Lutherians do fancy Quest. VI. ARE the Sacraments of the Old Testament in regard of the spiritual things thereby signified and exhibited the same for substance with those of the New Yes 1 Cor. 10. 1 2 3 4. Well then do not the Papists and Lutherians err who maintain that the difference between the Sacraments of the Old Testament and the New consists in this that those did deliniate and shaddow forth Grace these contain offer and confer Grace Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Apostle 1 Cor. 10. 1 2 3. expresly says that the Cloud and the passing thorow the Red-Sea did signifie these same things to the Iews which Baptism signifies to us And that the Manna and the Water from the Rock did signifie the same thing to them which the Lords Supper signifies to us 2 Because the Sacraments of the Old and New Testament did obsignate and seal up the same righteousness of Faith Rom. 4. 11. 3 Because the Scripture applyeth to Believers under the Old Testament the Sacraments of the New 1 Cor. 10. 1 2 3. And on the other hand the Scripture applyeth the Sacraments of the New Testament to Believers under the Old which is not done by reason of the sign for the signs are diverse and different therefore it must be done by reason of the thing signified and by consequence the Sacraments of the Old Testament must agree in the thing signified with the Sacraments of the New 4 Because the Sacraments of both Testaments agree in the Word of Promise Gen. 17. 7. Acts 2. 38 39. Rom. 4. 11 12 13. Gal. 3. 29. CHAP. XXVIII Of BAPTISM Question I. IS the Sacrament of Baptism with Water by Christs appointment to be continued in his Church to the end of the World Yes Matth. 28. 19 20. Well then do not the Quakers err who maintain that Baptism with Water is not an Ordinance of Divine institution and that there is no Gospel precept for it Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because Christ taking his fare-well of his Disciples gave them this Commission Go ye therefore and teach all Nations Baptising them in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost Or according to the Original Word make all Nations Disciples by your Doctrine Baptising them in the Name of c. All which words are spoken with one breath Whence it is clear that the same very persons that were commanded to make all Nations Disciples by their Doctrine were commanded to baptise them But it was not in their power to administer the Inward Baptism that is to baptise with the holy Ghost and with fire Men may well administer the Water or external sign but it is Christ that bestowes the inward Grace and thing signified as is clear from Matth. 3. 11. where Iohn the Baptist sayes I indeed baptise you with Water unto Repentance but he that cometh after me shall baptise you with the holy Ghost and with fire If any man had received this power of Baptising with the Holy Ghost then surely Iohn should have received it whom Jesus so highly commends as that there was not a greater than he born of women Matth. 11. 11. And though our Saviour subjoyns he that is least in the kingdom of Heaven is greater than he yet this will not infer that any among the Teachers of the Gospel had the power of baptising with the holy Ghost which he had not but only that they did shew Christ more clearly as having most perfectly accomplished whatsoever was requisite to our salvation and did publish this not only to the Iews but also to the Gentiles And so Christ as the Master employed only the Disciples as his servants to dispense and act ministerially in his service reserving the blessing of their employments to himself Now baptizing with the holy Ghost is the greatest blessing of the Gospel and so cannot flow but from Christ himself 2 Because the Disciples of Christ acted only ministerially under him in working of miracles therefore they could not administer baptism with the holy Ghost seing this is a greater power than the other The cureing of the soul is a far greater work than to cure miraculously the body The work of Conversion and regeneration is a work beyond the creating of heaven and earth There was only here the introducing of a new Form but no contrary Form or quality to be expelled But in this the heart of stone must not onely be taken away but a heart of flesh must be given That they acted only Ministerially under Christ it is evident from what Peter sayes ye men of Israel why look ye so earnestly on us as though by our own power and godliness we made this man to walk Acts 3. 12. And the same Peter says Eneas Jesus Christ maketh thee whole Acts 9. 34 See Mark 16. 17. 1 Cor. 12. 10. 3 Because if this commission empowred the Apostles to baptise onely with the Holy Ghost and not with water then they in the exercise of this Commission would onely have baptized men and women with the holy Ghost and not with water but the contrary is manifest Acts 2. 38. where Peter makes a distinction between being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and receiving the gift of the holy Ghost namely the gifts and graces of the holy Spirit which are common