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

do not the Erastians err who maintain that the Civil Magistrate hath in himself all Church power and so may administer the Sacraments and preach the Word and may exercise the power of the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because Christ hath given no such power to Magistrates as evidently appears from all those places of Scripture where mention is made of the keyes There is not in them one syllabe of the Civil Magistrate Matth. 18. 17. Matth 16. 19. 2 If the power of the keyes of the Kingdom of Heaven agree to the Magistrate as a Magistrate then ought it to agree to every Magistrate though the Magistrate were an Infidel or a Woman which is absurd 3 A Magistrate as a Magistrate is not a Minister of the Church as is evident from all the Catalogues of the Ministers of the Church For in them you will not find any mention of the Magistrate Eph. 4. 11. Rom. 12. 7. 8. 1 Car. 12. 8 9 10. 4 Because before ever there was a Christian Magistrate in the World the Church exercised all Acts of Church Jurisdiction and Government The Church ordained Ministers and Pastors 1 Tim. 4. 14. And inflicted the Censure of Excommunication 1 Cor. 5. 5. And Relaxed the Penitent from this Censure Called a Synod and stigmatized Hereticks Acts 15. 5 Because GOD hath put a difference between the Church Government and the Civil and hath appointed distinct Governours to them 2 Chron. 19. 8 9 10 11. 6 Because God did severely punish Saul and Uzzia for presuming to offer sacrifice which was proper to the Priests only 1 Sam. 13. 9 10 13. 2 Chron. 26. 16 19. Quest. VI. HATH the Civil Magistrate power to call Synods to be present at them and to provide that whatsoever is transacted in them be according to the mind of GOD Yes 2 Chron. 19. 8 9 10 11. and 2 Chron. 29 30. chapters Matth. 2. 4 5. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain that the judgement and care of Religion doth not belong to the civil Magistrate Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the custody and keeping of the divine law is committed by GOD to the Civil Magistrate Deut. 17. 18. 2 Because it was foretold that Kings should be nursing Fathers to the Church Isaiah 49. 23. 3 Because it is the duty of the Magistrate to take care that subjects may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty 1 Tim. 2. 2. 4 From the commendable examples of the good kings of Iuda 2 Chron. 29. 30. chapters Quest. VI. DOth infidelity or difference in Religion make void the Magistrates just and legal authority No. Doth it free the people from their due obedience to him No. 1 Peter 2. 13 Rom. 13. 1 2 3 4. Titus 3. 1. Well then do not the Papists Anabaptists and others err who maintain that subjects ought not to suffer a King that 's an infidel or obey that King in his just commands that differs from them in Religion Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because we are commanded to submit our selves to every ordinance of man 1 Peter 2. 13. Namely in all that they command us if it be not contrary to God and his command otherwise according to Acts 4. 19. it is better to obey GOD than man And it is said for the Lords sake that is because it is GODS will to govern us by them 2 Because the Christians which were at Rome were commanded by the Apostle to subject themselves to the higher powers and that without exception of Religion and Piety and even to that heathen the Roman Emperour Rom. 13. 1. 3 Because the same Apostle writing to Titus bids him exhort the Cretians his hearers to obey Magistrates what manner of ones soever they be not only believing ones but also those that are unbelieving as then they were yet most of them Titus 3. 1. 4 Because when the Apostle Paul was persued for his life and charged with matters criminal he appealled unto Cesar Acts 25. 10 11. 5 Because the Prophet Ieremiah did own the power of Zedekia who had turned aside to a false worship and had despised the oath which he had made to the King of Babylon Ezek 17. 16 17. Now hear I pray thee says the Prophet O my Lord the King let my Supplication I pray thee be accepted before thee Ierem. 27. 20. 6 Because Christ himself payed tribute to Cesar though he was free being both the Son of GOD by nature and the Son of David by birth Matth. 17. 26. And he commanded and allowed others to pay Matth. 22. 21. Rom. 13. 7. 7 Because Paul did own and acknowledge the power of King Agrippa Acts 26. 2. Quest. VII IS it the duty of people to pray for Magistrates and honour their persons Yes 1 Tim. 2. 1 2. and 1 Peter 2. 17. Well then do not some err who deny this Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because Samuel at the request of Saul whom he knew the Lord had rejected returned again after him and honoured him before the people 1 Sam. 15. 31. 2 Because the Lord having appointed Magistrates to administer justice and judgement in his name is so far pleased to honour them as to call them Gods and the Children of the high Psalm 82. 1 6. 3 Because the Apostle Peter says fear God and honour the King parallel to what Paul says render to all men their dues honour to whom honour is due 1 Peter 2 17. Rom. 13. 7. 4 Because even heathen Magistrates are called the Lords anointed Isaiah 45. 1. And the Lord calls Nebuchadnezzar his servant Ierem. 27. 6. If then such Magistrates ought to be honoured upon that account much more Christian Magistrates 5 Because if we be obliged not to speak evil of dignities 2 Peter 2. 11 nor revile the Gods Exod. 22. 8 we are obliged to honour dignities for where a sin is forbidden the contrary duty is commanded 6 Because God commanded his people the Jews to seek the peace of the City that is the welfare and prosperity of Babylon whither he had caused them to be carried away captives Ierem. 29. 7. 7 Because the Prophet the man of God besought the Lord in behalf of Ieroboam and prayed for him a man that had made Apostacy from the true worship of God and had made Israel to sin 1 Kings 13. 3. 8 Because our blessed Saviour says render to Cesar the things that are Cesars Matth. 22. 21. But prayers and supplications are as due to Cesar as custom and tribute 1 Tim. 2. 1 2. 9 Because the Apostle commands us to pray for all that are in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life which is the cause wherefore we must pray for Magistrates For in the Apostles times and long after Magistrates were persecutors of the Church of GOD and hindred the members of Christ to live in peace and godliness 1 Tim.

and Familiarity with GOD but such are all these who walk inordinatly 2 cor 6. 16. 6 Because if the Church willingly and wittingly admit such persons they stir up the wrath of God against themselves for suffering Gods Covenant and his holy Symboles to be openly prophaned 1 Cor. 11. 30. 7 Because the Lord will not suffer such as are manifestly and contumaciously wicked to take his Covenant in their mouth and therefore to such persons the seals and symboles of his Covenenat ought not to be offered Psalm 50. 17. 8 Because ignorant prophane and godless persons ought to be esteemed as Heathens and Publicans Matth. 18. 17. CHAP. XXX Of CHURCH CENSURES Question I. HAth the Lord Iesus as King and Head of his Church appointed therein a Government in the hands of Church-Officers distinct from the Civil Magistrate Yes Isaiah 9. 6 7. 1 Tim. 5. 17. 1 Thes 5. 12. Acts 20. 17 18. Hebr. 13. 7 17 24. 1 Cor. 12. 28 Matth. 28. 18 19 20. Well then do not the Erastians and others err who maintain that in the Holy Scripture there is no particular form of Church Government set down and appointed by Christ Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Lord Jesus Christ hath delivered to the Ministers of his Church as to his own Delegates and Ambassadours and therefore according to his own laws the whole power of Governing the Church which he himself received from the Father to be managed and put in execution in his own name and authority Iohn 20. 21. Matth. 28. 19. Acts 1. 2. Eph. 4. 7 8 11. 2 Because all the substantials of Church Government under the New Testament which either concern Ministers Ordinances Censures Synods Councils and their power are proposed and set down in Scripture namely in the third Chapter of the first Epistle to Timothy Acts 15. chapter And 1 Cor. 14. 26 40. 3 Because the Lord Jesus Christ hath looked to the good of his Church no less under the New Testament than under the Old Therefore since the Church under the Old Testament had a most perfect form of Government prescribed to it and since there is as great need and necessity of Church order and discipline under the New Testament as was under the Old it must follow that there is a Patern and Form of Church government no less set down and prescribed under the New Testament than was under the Old Heb. 3. 1 2 4 5. Heb. 13. 8. 1 Cor. chap. 5. 1 Tim. 5. 20. And 1 Tim. 1. 20. 4 The end of the Church Government is spiritual namely the gaining of mens souls to Christ. But nothing that 's meerly of humane authority can reach this end Matth. 18. 15 16 17. 5 Because all the parts of Church Government are particularly set down in Scripture As first those things which concern the key of doctrine as publick prayer and giving of thanks 1 Tim. 2. 12. 1 cor 14. 14 15 16. Singing of Psalms Eph. 5. 18 19. Col. 3. 16. Publick reading of the Word Preching and Expounding the same Acts 6. 4. Acts 13. 15 17. Acts 5. 21. 2 cor 3. 14. Matth. 18. 19 20. 2 Tim. 4. 11. Heb. 6. 1. Gal. 6. 6. Secondly those parts likewise which concern the key of Discipline namely the ordination of Presbyters with the imposition of the hands of the Presbytrie 1 Tim. 4. 14. and 1 Tim. 5. 22. Titus 1. 5. Acts 14. 21 23. Thirdly the Authoritative giving of Judgement and sentence concerning doctrine and that according to the Word Acts 15. 15 24 28. Fourthly Admonition and publick Rebuking of those who have offended Matth. 18. 15 16 17. 1 Thes. 5. 14. 1 Tim. 5. 20. Fifthly The excommunicating of those who are contumacious and ungodly and who are convicted of manifest crimes and scandals Matth 18. 17. Titus 3. 10 1 Tim. 1. 20. 1 cor 5. 2 3 4 5. Lastly the receiving again into the fellowship of the Church persons cast out by excommunication having testified their Repentance 2 cor 2. 6 7 8 9. Do not the same Erastians err who make no distinction between Church power and the Secular power Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because Christ hath committed the keyes of the kingdom of Heaven to the Officers of his Church which are Governours distinct from the civil Magistrate Matth. 16. 18 19. Matth. 18. 19. Iohn 20. 21 22 23. 2 Because Church power and civil power differ specifically The church and the common-wealth are Polities formally and essentially different They are not as such powers subordinate at least in a right line but co-ordinate Acts 4. 19 20. 2 chron 26. 18. Next God the Creator and Governour of the World is the Efficient of the power of the civil Magistrate Rom. 13. 1 2 4. But God-Christ our blessed Mediator and Lord of his church is the Efficient of the church particularly and of its Government The matter materia ex qua of the civil Government is the secular sword but the matter of the church Government are the keyes of the kingdom of Heaven The matter of the civil Government materia in qua may be a Senate many people the Person of one king of a child 〈◊〉 woman But the matter of the church government is not of this kind Heb. 13. 22. 1. Tim. 3. 15. 1 cor 14. 34 35. The matter of the civil Government materia circa quam are men and women as members of the common-wealth without as well as within the church but as christians and members of the church they are not such 1 cor 5. 13. The formal causes of both are distinct the one inflicts punishments meerly spiritual the other inflicts punishments meerly civil Lastly the end of this is the corporal and external good of a society but the end of that is the spiritual good of the church and its edification Matth. 14. 15. 1 cor 5. 5. 2 cor 10. 8. Do not likewise the Socinians Anabaptists Quakers many Independents and others err who maintain that the key of Doctrine or the publick preaching of the Word is proper to any man furnished with sutable gifts though not called and sent to that employment Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because no man can believe in Christ of whom he hath not heard and how shal he hear without a Preacher and how shal he preach unless he be sent Rom. 10. 14 15. 2 Because Women may have sutable and competent gifts for Preaching and yet they are forbidden to speak in the Church 1 Tim 2. 12. 3 Because the Scripture blames such as have run and yet have not been sent Ierem. 23. 21 32. 4 Because no man taketh this honour to himself that is he ought not to take it but he that is called of GOD as was Aaron Heb. 5. 4. 5 Because the Scripture mentioneth that GOD hath set apart certain peculiar Ministers for the preaching of the Word Rom. 1. 1. Ephes 4. 11. Titus 1. 3. 6 Because no man

can take the office of a civil Magistrate or of a Deacon of the church upon him unless he be called thereunto Luke 12. 14. Acts 6. 5. 1 Tim. 3. 10. And therefore no man ought to take upon him the publick preaching of the Word unless he be called thereunto likewise 7 Because he that taketh upon him this office without a call he usurpeth Authority in the church seing Preaching is an Act of Authority 1 Thes. 5. 12. 8 Because the Titles which are given to the Preachers of the Gospel are names of Office they are called the Ambassadours of Christ 2 cor 5. 20. Stewards of the Word Titus 1. 7. The Men of GOD 1 Tim. 6. 11. and Angels Rev. 2. 1. 9 Because there is not one approven example in all the Word of GOD for a gifted brother to Preach without a call and therefore seing it is not done in Faith it must be Sin Must every Fellow that takes a laxit in his tongue go up to the Pulpit and ease himself 10 Because there are Precepts and Rules set down in Scripture for all the Ages of the church to the end of the world anent the calling of men to be Ministers of the Gospel 1 Tim. 3. 2 3 6 7. and 1 Tim. 5. 21 22. Do not likewise the Independents Brunists and Anabaptists err who maintain that the Right and Power of Governing the church belongs no less to the multitude and community of Believers than to the Officers of the church Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Scripture expresly teaches that GOD hath committed the Government of his church and the care of his people to certain chosen Persons and not to all and every one Ephes. 4. 11. 12 13. 1 Cor. 12. 28. 2 Because if the power of the keyes were given to believers in common either they are given to them as believers or as they are gifted by GOD with gifts and qualifications above others for Governing the church and chosen out of the rest for performing that office If the last part be affirmed it follows that the power and right of the keyes is committed not to a community of believers but to some select persons which we own and maintain but the Independents deny If the first be asserted then it follows first that the care of Governing the church is committed to Women and children being believers and so they must necessarly have the power of seeing as being eyes and watch men to the church the power of hearing as being the ears of the church and the body of the church must be deformed because the whole body is the eye and the whole body is the ear and whose many members are made one member 1 cor 12. 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19. 2 It follows that the power of the keyes it not only given to all but to Believers only but it is evident by the example of Iudas and other Reprobates that many in Christs name have preached who were not Believers Matth. 7. 22 23. Phil. 1. 16 17 18. 3 Because to whom Christ has given the power of Governing the church to them also he hath promised to give gifts and enduments largely for performing that office Iohn 20. 21 22 23. 1 Cor. 4. 6 7. Matth. 28. 19 20. But to a community of Believers God has never promised a Spirit for the Ministry nor gifts for that employment Nor did he ever bestow or confer any such enduments 4 Because Christ our Mediator appointed Ecclesiastical Officers and Church-Governours before ever there was a formal church under the New Testament gathered and set up Luke 9. 1. Luke 10. 1 2 3. Iohn 20. 21 22 23. Matth. 28. 19 20. This was all done before his death And before his ascension he did the like Ephes. 4. 8. 11 12. Acts 2. 1 Cor. 12. 28. Now it is evident that there was no formal gathering together of a church before the Feast of Pentecost Acts 2. Ecclesiastick Ministers and Officers were appointed for calling in and gathering together the Mystical body of Christ to wit his Members therefore it was needful that Ministers baptizing ought to be before Persons baptized That Gatherers of the church ought to be before Persons gathered That callers and inviters to Christ ought to be before Persons called and invited 5 This Democracy or popular Government cannot but bring in great confusion whence many absurdities will follow As the church of GOD should not be an organical body That Women who are forbidden to speak in the church most have the keyes of the kingdom of Heaven hanging at their Belt forsooth All must govern and none must be governed All must attend the government of the church All must be rendred uncapable for going about their particular callings which God calls them to every day Therefore seing this sort of Government brings so much confusion with it it is most probable that it is not of God who is a God of Order and not of confusion 1 Cor. 14. 33. Quest. II. ARE Church Censures necessary for reclaiming and gaining of offending brethren for deterring of others from the like offences for purging out of that leaven which might infect the whole lump for vindicating the honour of Christ and the holy profession of the Gospel and for preventing the wrath of GOD which might justly fall upon the church if they should suffer his covenant and the seals thereof to be prophaned by notorious and obstinate sinners Yes 1 Tim. 5. 20. 1 Tim. 1. 20. 1 cor 11. 27. to the end Iude 23. verse Are the Officers of the church for the better attaining of these ends to proceed by Admonition by Suspension from the Lords Table for a season and by Excommunication from the church according to the nature of the crime or scandalous offence and demerit of the Person Yes 1 Thes. 5. 12 1 cor 5. 4 5 13. Matth. 18. 17 Titus 3. 10. Well then do not the Socinians Anabaptists Quakers and other Sectaries err who deny that any church censures should be inflicted upon offenders Yes Do not likewise the Erastians err who maintain there should be no suspension from the Lords Table or excommunication from the church Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the power of the keyes is given to the Ministers of the church wherewith not only by the preaching of the Word but also by church censures they open and shut the kingdom of heaven as will appear by comparing these places of Scripture together Matth. 16. 19. Matth. 18. 17. 2 Because he that offends publickly and after Admonition persists pertinaciously in his sin should be esteemed as a Publican and Heathen Matth. 18. 17. 3 Because the Apostle says if any man obey not our Word by this Epistle note that man and have no company with him Note him that is either by excommunication or some other note of church censure 2 Thess. 3. 14. 4 Because the Apostolick church being moved by the same reasons which

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

power force and oblige all his subjects to a Reformation of Religion and to a conformity to the true worship sound doctrine and discipline of the Church Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because it is foretold by the Prophet Isaiah that in the dayes of the Gospel Kings shall be nursing Fathers and Queens nursing Mothers to the Church of God Chap. 49. 23. 2 Because Artaxerxes who was but a Heathen King was very careful to make a decree that whatsoever was commanded by the God of Heaven should be diligently done for the house of the God of Heaven And that whosoever would not obey the Law of GOD and the King judgement was to be executed speedily upon him whether by death banishment confiscation of goods or imprisonment For which singular mercy Ezra blessed the Lord GOD of his Fathers who had put such a thing in the Kings heart chap. 7. 23 25 26 27 28. So did Nebuchadnezzar make a decree that if any People Nation or Language should speak any thing amiss against the GOD of Heaven they should be cut in pieces and their houses made a dunghill Dan. 3. 29. The like we read of Darius who made a Decree that all men should tremble and fear before the GOD of Daniel chap. 6. 26. 3 From the example of Hezekiah who removed the high places and brake the images and cut down the groves and brake in pieces the brazen Serpent to which the Israelites did burn incense 2 Kings 18. 4. 4 From the example of Iosiah who made a through reformation and made all Israel to serve the LORD their GOD. The word in the Original importeth that he in a manner forced and compelled them to the pure worship and service of God as a servant is forced and compelled to his work He by his Royal Power and Authority kept them in order forbidding Idolatry and commanding them to serve God no otherwise than according to his Word 2 Chron. 34. 33. and 2 Chro. 15. 12 13. They entered into a Covenant to seek the Lord of their Fathers with all their heart and with all their soul that whosoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel should be put to death whether great or small man or woman 5 Because whosoever blasphemed the name of the Lord was surely put to death Lev. 24. 16. This blaspheming was a peircing through or stabbing the name of the Lord as the original word properly signifies which may be done not only after this manner but by maintaining blasphemous errors and heresies 6 Because the supream Magistrate is Custos utriusque Tabulae a Keeper of both Tables of the Law of God As well of the first Table which relates to Religion and our duty to God as of the second which relates to righteousness and our duty to our neighbour If then he may punish evil doers who offend against the second Table and force and compel them to obedience by the sword of justice which God hath put into his hand much more may he punish Idolaters and blasphemers who offend against the first Table and force and compell them to obedience seeing there are many sins against the first Table which are more hainous and odious than the sins against the second Table And though it be the sinful practise of the Church of Rome to force men and women to be of their Religion which is superstitious and Idolatrous yet it is not so to others who have the true religion among them And though our blessed Saviour and his Apostles did not use such means for propagating the Gospel reserving the Glory of conquering of souls to himself and the power of his Spirit yet he has taught nothing to the contrary but that Kings and Magistrates whom he has made nursing Fathers to his Church may according to the laudable examples of the good Kings of Iuda improve their power for Reformation and maintainance of his own Religion And though Religion hath been much advanced by suffering yet it will not infer that a Christian Prince has not power to reform his own subjects or extirpate blasphemers and Hereticks Quest. III. IS it lawful for a Christian to accept and execute the office of a Magistrate when called thereunto Yes Prov. 8. 15 16. Rom. 13. 1 2 4. Well then do not the Anabaptists err who maintain that it is not lawful for Christians to carry the office of a Magistrate Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because there is no power but of God and the powers which are are ordained of GOD Rom. 13. 1. 2 Because Solomon says by me that is by the Lord Kings reign and Princes decree justice Prov. 8. 15. 3 Because the Magistrate exercises and executes Gods judgements Deut. 1. 17. 4 Because the Magistrate receiveth all things from GOD which are necessary for the performance of his office Numb 11. 17. 5 Because the Lord hath promised that Magistrates under the Gospel shall be nursing Fathers to his Church Isaiah 49. 23. And shall make the Whore desolate naked and shal eat her flesh and burn her with fire Rev. 17. 16. Quest. IV. MAY the Civil Magistrate now under the New Testament wage warr upon just and necessary occasion Yes Luke 13. 14. Matth. 8. 9 10. Rev. 17. 14 16. Acts 10. 1 2. Well then do not the Quakers Anabaptists and Socinians err Who maintain that it is altogether unlawful now under the New Testament to wage warr Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because GOD appointed and commanded lawful war Numb 31. 2. For it is said the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon when he was to fight the battles of the Lord against the Midianites and Amalekites Iudges 6. 34. Nay the Lord himself prescribeth the manner and way of making of War Numb 10. 9. Numb 31. 27. Deut 20. 2. And giveth knowledge and skill to his Generals and Heroes to fight his own battles Psalm 18. 34. Psalm 144. 1. All which are in no wise abrogated and taken away under the New Testament 2 Because the Centurion that was converted to the Faith did not lay down his office of a Captain of a hundred which surely he would have done if to war under the New Testament had been unlawful Acts 10. 1 2 47. The same may be said of the believing Centurion Matth. 8. 8 9 10. 3 Because the office of a Souldier is not reprehended and reproved by Iohn the Baptist but rather approven Luke 3. 14. 4 Because opposition and defence against unjust violence which often times cannot be done without war is the very law of nature 5 Because it is foretold that the kings of the Earth shall make war against the Beast Rev. 17. 14 16. Quest. V. MAY the Civil Magistrate assume to himself the Administration of the Word and Sacraments or the power of the keyes of the Kingdom of Heaven No. 2 Chron. 26. 18. Matth. 18. 17. Matth. 16. 19. 1 Cor. 12. 28 29. Rom. 10. 5. Hebr. 5. 4. Well then

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

in the time of the ten Persecutions the visible church was much obscured and darkned And after these storms were over arose the Arians who did much trouble the church of Christ as is clear from History 5 Because two wings were given to the Woman that is to the Church of GOD two wings I say of a great Eagle that she might flie into the wilderness to hid her self Rev. 12. 14. 6 Because the Apostle Paul did foretel that general defection and apostasy of the visible church mentioned 2 Thes. 2 3. 7 Because Christ hath foretold that before his second coming he shall scarce find Faith on the Earth Luke 18. 8. 8 Because the church of GOD is alwayes lyable to trouble and persecution while it sojourneth in this world But troubles and persecutions do much obscure the brightness and splendour of a visible church Luke 21. 17. Iohn 16. 2. Psalm 129. 1 2 3. Quest. VII ARE the purest churches under heaven subject both to mixture and error Yes 1 Cor. 13. 12. Rev. 2. and 3. chapter Rev. 18. 2. Rom. 11. 18 19 20 21 22. Well then do not the Papists err who affirm that the church cannot err neither in matters absolutely necessary neither in other things which it proposes to be done and believed by us Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the visible church under the Old Testament oftentimes made defection to Idolatry Exod. 32. 8. Iudges 3. 7. 2 Because as long as we are here we know but in part and therefore we are subject and lyable to mistakes 1 Cor. 13. 9 12. 3 Because the seven churches of Asia to which Iohn did writ are accused of mixture and errors Rev. 2. 4 5. 4 Because while Christ was on earth the Disciples dreamed of a worldly kingdom and for a time even after his resurrection they did believe it Acts 1. 6. 5 Because before the day of Christ be at hand there shall be a falling away of the visible church from the true Orthodox Faith to Antichristianism which in great part is already come to pass and more than is to come between this time and his second coming 2 Thes. 2. 3. Rev. 13. 3. 6 Because one of the chief differences between the Church Militant and the Church Triumphant is this that the one can err but not the other 1 Cor. 13. 9 10 12. 7 Because Christ hath foretold that there shall arise false Christs and false Prophets and shall shew great signs and wonders in so much if it were possible they shall deceive the very Elect Matth. 24. 24. 8 Because when the Son of man cometh he shall scarce find Faith on the earth Luke 18. 8. 9 Because the converted Iews erred in being zealous for the Law thinking that the Ceremonial Law ought yet to be observed not understanding that the same was abolished by Christ Acts 21. 20. So did the Galatians err in admitting circumcision Gal. 1 6. And the Corinthians in their abuse of the Lords Supper 1 Cor. 11. 18. Quest. VIII IS there no other head of the Visible Church but the Lord Iesus Christ No. Can the Pope of Rome in any sense be the head thereof No. Col. 1. 18. Eph. 1. 22. Well then doth not the Popish-Church err who maintains that not only Christ is the universal head of the Church but that there is another visible head under him who say they is the Pope of Rome Christs Vicar or Deputy under him Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because as not many husbands but one only is head of the wife so Christ only is head of the Church Eph. 5. 23. 2 Because the Church is espoused to one only namely to Christ 1 Cor. 11. 3. 3 Because the Church is the body of Christ only Eph. 1. 22 23. 4 Because among all the Ecclesiastick orders instituted and appointed by Christ we do not read of such a creature as an Universal Vicar of Christ Eph. 4. 11. 5 Because the Church is one body only unless it be a monster but one body cannot have two heads Rom. 12. 4 5. 6 Because Christ only can inspire or breath in vigour sense motion and spiritual life into his members Eph. 5. 29 30. Iohn 6. 48 50 51. Iohn 15. 1 2. 7 Because there must not be Lordship and soveraignty among them that are under Christ their head and Lord Luke 22. 25. 1 Peter 5. 2 3. 8 If the Pope be not so much as a Bishop of a particular Church he cannot be universal Bishop The first is true because he doth not perform the office of a Bishop which is set down 1 Tim. 3 2 Titus 1 7. 8 9. Do not likewise the Erastians and others as Arminians err who make the Supream Magistrate head of the Church Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Protestant Religion as it is contained in the Harmony of Confessions especially in the Confession of Faith recorded in the first Parliament of King Iames the sixth laitly ratified and confirmed doth not acknowledge any Supream Head or Governor in the Church neither Angel Man Pope Prince nor Potentate save the Lord Christ from whom alone all subordinate power and authority is derived to the officers of his own Church 2 Because if the Supream Magistrate be a church officer he must derive his power from Christ and must be a Spiritual and Ecclesiastick head and Governour and not a civil only And if such then Christ hath devolved his own place and office upon him which is without Scripture proof 3 Because if the Supream Magistrate be head of the church he must have a right to this Title either by humane Law or by a divine warrant Laws of a Nation cannot make him head of the church because such laws cannot make him an Ecclesiastick and Spiritual officer There is no divine warrant or commission from Christ as is clear from Matth. 18. 17. From the Epistles to Timothy and Titus From Ephes. 4. 11. Rom. 12. 7 8. And from 1 Cor. 11. 28. Quest. IX IS the Pope that Antichrist that Man of sin and Son of perdition that exalteth himself in the church of God against Christ and all that is called God Yes 2 Thes. 2. 3 4 8 9 Rev. 13. 6. Matt. 23. 8 9 10. Though this be denyed by the church of Rome yet the true discription of Antichrist agrees to him 1 Because he is not one single man but an order and race of men succeeding to one another in that same state and office which you will see by comparing 1 Iohn 4. 3. 2 Thes. 2. 7 8. together 2 His coming is after the manner of Satan 2 Thes. 2. 9. 3 As to his name he calls himself a Christian but in very truth an Adversary to Christ and by consequence one that denys Jesus to be the Christ Rev. 17. 14. Rev. 19. 19. 2 Thes. 2 8. 1 Iohn 2. 23. 4 he sitteth in the Temple of GOD as GOD 2 Thes. 2. 4. 5 He ruleth in

Sacrament in substance and nature remain still truely and only bread and wine as they were before Yes Matth. 26. 29. 1 Cor. 11. 26 27 28. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain that the Bredd and Wine by the power of the words of consecration This is my Body are truely Transubstantiat into the very body and blood of Christ nothing remaining but the outward forms and Accidents of the Bread and wine Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Doctrine of Transubstantiation makes Christs body every where present invisible that cannot be handled without shape and figure without humane quantity which is contrary to Matth. 26. 6. Here Christ is only present in Bethany And Iohn 20. 27. Thomas toucheth Christ. And according to Acts 3. 21. the Heavens must receive Him and therefore cannot be every where See Heb. 2. 14 17. 2 Because before and after consecration the bread is called the communion of the body of Christ but nothing is said or can be the communion of its own self 1 Cor. 10. 16. 3 Because afrer consecration the Apostle calls not the bread a Species or form of Bread 1 Cor. 11. 26 27 28. And after consecration Christ calls the wine the fruit of the vine Matth. 26. 29. 4 Because Christ did institute the Supper to be a memorial of himself until he come again But a memorial is not of things corporally present but of things absent 1. Cor. 11. 25. 5 Because that which is properly broken is not the body of Christ but the bread is properly broken therefore the bread is not the body of Christ 1 Cor. 10. 16. 6 Because Christ went up to heaven bodily and is to tarry there until the end of the world Acts 3. 21. 7 Transubstantiation destroys the very Essence and being of the Lords Supper First It destroyes the sign because it takes away the substance of the bread and wine the Accidents and outward Forms only remaining Secondly It destroys the thing signified for it robes and spoils the body of Christ of its true quantity and dimensions for according to that infallible Philosophical Maxim sublatis dimensionibus corporis tollitur ipsum corpus That is by taking away the length breadth and thickness of any Physical or Natural body you destroy consequentially the very essence and being of that body and introduces instead of one body many bodies 8 Because Transubstantiation takes away the Sacramental Analogie and so when the sign is turned into the thing signified all similitude between them is gone and ceaseth 9 From this doctrine do follow many great Absurdities inconsistent with Religion Sense and Reason As first that Christ in the Supper did both eat and drink himself that he was wholly in his own mouth that he had a double and twofold body one Visible another Invisible That a Mouse or Rat may eat Christs Body That his body being reserved and laid up into a Cupboard in a short time may turn into Vermine Must not Christs body be in many places at once Must not his body and all the parts thereof his head hands and feet be in the smallest and least crumb of the Host Must not Christs body having now that bigness in Heaven which he had upon Earth be biger than it self longer and thicker If Christs Body may be in diverse places at once why may not a mans body be in diverse places at once this is granted by the Adversaries but a man cannot be in diverse places at once Can Peter for example be both at Edinburgh and London in the same moment of time He may then be both a man and not a man at the same time he may be a man because living at Edinburgh and not a man because dead at London May not Peter at Edinburgh go to York and meet Peter there from London And what a mirry meeting must it be when Peter shakes hands with Peter and takes a glass of Wine from him May not Peter from London be killed there at York and Peter from Edinburgh be left alive May not Peter alive be re-produced in a thousand Cities at once and marry there a thousand wives and beget in one night a thousand Sons and Daughters May not Peter be so many times re-produced till he make up an hundred thousand fighting men May not one candle by re-production be made as many as may give light to the whole Universe May not one bottle of water be made so many as may serve an Army of an hundred thousand May not one Guiney be reproduced as many times as may amount to five and twenty hundred thousand pounds sterling A brave invention for paying five or six hundred thousand merks of debt Next as the Adversaries are engaged to maintaine that one body may be in many places a once so are they under a necessity to affirm that many bodies may be in one place together by way of Penetration for in every crumb of the Host is Christs Body From which position it follows that a mans body may be contained within a Nut-shel That a Snuff-box may contain Athurs Seat the hollow of an Ox eye the whole Globe of the Earth That a Sparrow may swallow one by one the seven Planets seeing each one of them may occupy no more bounds or space than a grain of barly corn doth and yet the Sun which is swallowed will be as big as at present for Christs body in the Host is as big and tall as when he was on the Cross as the Adversaries confess 10 We never read of a miracle wrought by GOD but what was evident and conspicuous to all and evidently seen to be such As when Moses his rod was turned into a Serpent and became a rod again Exod. 4. 2 3. Such were the wonders of Egypt Such was the dividing of the Red Sea the stricking of the Rock and the flowing out of the waters Numb 20. 11. The destruction of Korah Dathan and Abiram was evident to all the Israelites Numb 16. 31 32. So were the miracles which were wrought by the holy Prophets such were the miracles which Christ and his Apostles wrought Was not the water most evidently turned into wine Iohn 2. 7 8 9. But after the Words of consecrationn uttered by the Mass Priest the bread as to sense is the same thing it was The bread hath the same taste thè same smell that same touch that same outward form and figure that same colour that same weight It occupies that same space and bounds and hath the same quantity in all its dimensions But the rod was seen a serpent and the serpent was seen a rod. The water was seen wine it was known to be wine by the taste by the smell by the colour Christ never wrought such a miracle as the miracle of Transubstantiation In all his miracles he appealed to our outward Senses And was it ever heard that Christ wrought miracles without a necessity Quest. V. IS the Body and Blood of