by inheritance in the want of sons querie why she may not inherit and whether the French Salique law forbidding women to inherit the Crown be contained in Scripture A. Jos 17.4 And they came neere before Eleazar the Priest and before Joshua the Son of Nun and before the Princes saying The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brethren therefore according to the commandement of the Lord he gave them an inheritance among the brethren of their Father Job 42.15 And their Father gave them an inheritance among their brethren Chap. 19. Of an Oath Q. MAY we sweare at all A. Heb. 6.16 For men verily sweare by the greater and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife 2 Cor. 1.23 Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth Q. Must we sweare by the Creator A. Is 65.16 He that sweareth in the earth shall sweare by the God of truth Jer. 4.2 And thou shalt sweare the Lord liveth in Truth in Judgment and in Righteousnesse Q. May we not sweare by our Lady our Faith or Troth and such like oathes A. Mat. 5.34 35 36. Swear not at all neither by heaven for it is God's throne nor by the earth for it is his footstool neither by Jerusalem for it is the city of the great King Neither shalt thou swear by thy head because thou canst not make one haire white or black Jam. 5.12 But above all things my brethren swear not neither by heaven neither by the earth neither by any other oath Q. What think you of that expression As I live is it God's oath should wee sweare As we live or As the Lord liveth A. Ezek. 17.19 Thus sayth the Lord As I live surely mine oath that he hath despised and my Covenant that he hath broken even it will I recompense upon his own head Rom. 14.11 For it is written As I live saith the Lord every knee shall bow downe and every tongue shall confesse to God Q. What ceremony is it fittest then to use in swearing Kissing the book or lifting the hand up to heaven A. Rev. 10.5 6. And the Angell which I saw stand upon the Sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to Heaven and sware by him that liveth for ever and ever who created Heaven c. Q. Doth one maine end of an oath yet continue A. Yes Hebr. 6.16 For men verily swear by the greater and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife Q. If a man sweare to bind his soule under a curse to sinne against God either by omitting what is his duty to doe or by committing or doing what God forbids is he bound to keep that oath A. No. 1 Sam. 25.22 compared with 32. and 33. So and more also doe God unto the enemies of David If I leave of all that pertaine to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall And David said to Abigail Blessed be the Lord God of Israel which sent thee this day to meet me And blessed be thy Advice and blessed be thou which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood and from avenging my selfe with mine own hand Q. Doth Math. 5.34 35 36 37. James 5.12 Forbid and condemne as utterly unlawfull all oathes though in weighty matters and before a lawfull Magistrate A. No those Scriptures condemne rash customary swearing particularly by the Creatures and imply the one that in ordinary speech we should content our selves with simple affirmations and negations and the other perhaps may imply farther that our affirmations and negations should be plain and sure grounded on a mere truth that with us there should not be yea and nay but that as there is yea in our promise so there should be yea in our performance we should be as good as our word Consider first that the third commandement forbids taking God's name in vaine and not simply the taking up of his name 2ly That an oath is the end of strife 3ly That the Apostle Paul calls God to witnesse 2 Cor. 1.23 Chap. 20. Of buriall of the dead Q. WHERE did the Lord's people of old use to bury their dead did they bury sometimes in a cave in a field sometimes in a garden and sometimes in the city A. Gen. 25.9 And his Sonnes Isaack and Ishmael buried him in the Cave Machpelah in the field of Ephron Joh. 19.41 42. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden and in the garden a new sepulchre wherein was never man yet laid There laid they Jesus c. 1 King 2.10 So David slept with his Fathers and was buried in the City of David Q. Have godly people taken care of their buriall and especially to be buried in the sepulchres of their Fathers A. Gen. 49.29 31. I am to be gathered unto my people bury me with my Fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife there they buried Isaack Rebeckah his wife and there I buried Leah Q. Was it a part of the Priest's office under the Law to bury the dead A. Num. 19.11 He that toucheth the dead body of any man shall be uncleane seven dayes Lev. 21.1 2 10 11. Speak unto the Priests the Sons of Aaron say unto theÌ„ There shall none be defiled for the dead among his people But for his kinne that is neer unto him c. And he that is the High Priest among his brethren shall not uncover his head nor rent his cloathes neither shall he goe in to any dead body nor defile himselfe for his Father or for his Mother Q. Hath Christ laid his commands on the Ministers of the Gospel to bury the dead A. Luk. 9.60 Jesus said unto him Let the dead bury their dead but goe thou and preach the Kingdome of God Q. Is it lawfull for a minister to take occasion from Providence the opportunity of the peoples meeting to preach or give a word of Exhortation preaching to their eares as God doth thâ—â— to their eyes A Prov. 25.11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver 2 Tim. 4.2 Preach the word be instant in season out of season reprove rebuke exhort with all long suffering and Doctrine Luk. 14.15 16. And when one of them that sate at meat with him heard these things he said unto him Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the Kingdome of God Then said he unto him A certaine man made a great supper c. Q. Is it lawfull to make a funerall oration or Elegies for the dead A. 2 Sam. 1.71 19. And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul over Jonathan his son The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places how are the mighty fallen c. So vers 23. Saul and Jonathan were lovely pleasant in their lives and in their death
they were not divided they were swifter than Eagles they were stronger than Lyons 2 Chr. 35.25 And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah and all the singing men and singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations to this day c. Chap. 21. Of Angels and particularly of Evill Angels Q. VVERE the Angels the inhabitants of heaven created as well as men and things on earth A. Col. 1.16 For by him were all things created that are in Heaven and that are in earth visible and invisible whether they be thrones or dominions or principalities or powers all things were created by him and for him Q. Have Angels bodyes or are they Spirits A. Heb. 1.7 And of the Angels he saith Who maketh his Angels Spirits and his Ministers a flame of fire Q. Did some of the Angels sinne and so fall from their first happy state wherein God made them A. 2 Pet. 2.4 For if God spared not the Angels that sinned but cast them down into hell and delivered them into chaines of darkenesse to be reserved unto judgment Q. What is the present and what shall be the future state and condition of those Angels which fell A. Jude 6. And the Angels which kept not their first estate but left their own habitation he hath reserved in everlasting chaines under darknesse unto the judgment of the great day Mat. 25.41 46. And these shall goe away into everlasting punishment but the righteous into life eternall Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devill and his Angels Q. If the Devill should appeare to a man in a visible shape would it be our wisdome to speak to him and confer with him if he speak to us A. Gen. 3.2 13. And the woman said unto the Serpent we may eate of the fruit of the trees of the garden The Serpent beguiled me Q. Are there Divels and Witches A. Luk. 8.30 And Jesus asked him saying what is thy name And he said Legion because many Divels were entred into him 1 Sam. 28.3 7. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits and the wizards out of the land Then said Saul unto his Servants seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit that I may goe to her and enquire of her And his servants said to him Behold there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor Q. Is it possible that a godly man or woman should be possessed bodily of the Devill or obsessed that is have any part or member possessed by him A. Luk. 13.16 And ought not this woman being a daughter of Abraham whom Satan hath bound loe these 18 yeers be loosed c. Q. Is it possible there should be any places haunted with evill spirits A. Rev. 18.2 Babylon the great is fallen is fallen and is become the habitation of Devils and the hold of every foule spirit and a cage of every unclean and hatefull bird Q. What would you advise to doe to keep our houses from being so haunted A. Ps 30. Preface A psalme and song at the dedication of the house of David Compared with 1 Tim. 4.5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer Q. What meanes would you have us use to expell or drive out the Devils out of our persons or houses possessed A. Mar. 9.29 This kind can come forth by nothing but by prayer and fasting Q. May a man when he hath losses or is sick or hath his house haunted with evill spirits goe or send to wise men or Star-gazers wizards or Conjurers for helpe A. Deut. 18.10 11 12. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his Son or his Daughter passe through the fire or that useth divination or an observer of times or an Inchanter or a witch or a charmer or a consulter with familiar spirits or a wizard or a Necromancer for all that doe these things are an abomination unto the Lord. Is 47.13 14. Let now the Astrologers the Star-gazers the monethly Prognosticators stand up and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee Behold they shall be as stubble the fire shall burne them they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame Q. May we without a good call or necessity live or lodge in such places A. Psal 91.11 For he shall give his Angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy waies Mat. 4.7 Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God Chap. 22. Of Ministers Q DID ever God appoint men to minister to him in and about holy things A. Yes Ex. 28.1 And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother and his Sons with him from among the children of Israel that he may minister unto me in the Priest's office even Aaron Nadab and Abihu Eleazar and Ithamar Aaron's Sons Q. Were the Priests of old cald God's Ministers A. Yes Jer. 33.21 Then may also my Covenant be broken with David my servant that he should not have a Son to raigne upon his throne and with the Levites the Priests my Ministers Joel 1.9 The meat offering and the drink offering is cut off from the house of the Lord the Priests the Lord's Ministers mourne Q. Did our Lord Jesus the high Priest of our profession the great or chief Shepherd and Bishop of our soules did he ordaine any men and send them forth to preach A. Yes Mar. 3.14 And he ordained twelve that they should be with him and that he might send them forth to preach Q. Did he call these 12 Preachers Apostles A. Yea. Luk. 6.13 And when it was day he called unto him his Disciples and of them he chose twelve whom also he named Apostles Math. 10.2 And now the names of the twelve Apostles are these the first Simon who is called Peter c. Q. Did Christ never send any to preach but the twelve Apostles did not he also send 70 disciples A. Yes Luk. 10.1 9 16. After these things the Lord appointed other 70 also and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place whither he himselfe would come And heal the sick that are therein and say unto them the Kingdome of God is come nigh unto you He that heareth you heareth me and he that despiseth you despiseth me and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me Q. But were not these all the followers of Christ had he any that believed on him besides thâ— 12. the 70 A. Yea. 1 Cor. 15.6 After that he was seen of above 500 brethren at once Q. Did the Apostles give power to others to ordaine Elders A. Yes Tit. 1.15 For this cause left I thee in Crete that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting and ordaine Elders in every City as I had appointed thee 2 Tim. 2.2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses the same commit thou to faithfull men who shall be able to teach others also Q. Are Preachers of the Gospell to be called and accounted
Watson and Parsons here in the dayes of Queen Elizabeth and of latter times 'twixt the Jansenians and Jesuites abroad 2ly It may be said that for our present ruptures either you have made or else maintained and continued diverse of our breaches 3ly That when we come to heaven and not before we may expect that all men should be of the same opinion in every thing 4ly That the Protestant Churches doe agree in the maine and fundamentals of our Religion See the Harmony of Confess and wherein we differ I and 1000 s other Protestants desire to use Scripture Prayer and sound reason to convince those who are otherwise minded We desire to use soft words and hard reasons to draw men with cords of love and not to burne and consume them with coales of fire Yea I dare almost put it to your selves to be Judges whether there have not been in Queen Mary's daies in four yeers more Protestants put to death in England than there have been Papists in fourscore since And now if you object against the Protestant Churches for want of a right ministry pretending their want of succession or a right ordination or a right Government and jurisdiction to these it may be replyed 1 That succession in pure Doctrine is a better marke of a true Church than succession into the seats and places of former Orthodox Pastors 2ly That it is almost if not utterly impossible for you Papists to know who is the true Pastor the Bishop of Rome whom you pretend you must follow considering the many Schismes and the indirect corrupt waies whereby diverse have advanced themselves into the chaire 3ly Our first Reformers were ordained Ministers by your Church and Mr Mason shewes you a succession since To him you may adde a little piece of Sr John Harrington as a supplement to Mr Mason and Dr Ferne hath justified the consecrations of our first Bishops against those frivolous allegations made against them 4ly If you should quarrell with us now because Bishops are in a great measure laid aside as if no ordination could possibly be valid except by Bishops and therefore that if now we have true Ministers yet without Restauration of Bishops we can have none no Ministers long I answer that although I am not yet plerophorized that a Primitive Bishop or Episcopus praeses is utterly unlawfull yet I am not fully convinced that they are an Institution of Christ and essentiall or absolutely necessary to the very being of a Church or ministry I dare not so easily unchurch those of the Reformed Religion abroad who have no Bishops name or thing Bishops or Superintendents and in this I am not alone the late Reverend Dr Usher sometimes an Arch-Bishop himselfe was of the like judgment See his life and death by Dr Bernard Yea in the Church of Rome sometimes there hath been allowed Ordination by other hands than by Bishops if I mistake not And the Master of the Sentences holds but two orders jure divino Presbyters and Deacons See Pet Lumb And if I misremember not I have read that the Spaniards hindred it in the Council of Trent that it did not passe that all Bishops except the Bishop of Rome were jure humano or to that effect And Medina who disputed at the Councill of Trent touching the Superiority of a Bishop above a Priest affirms that Jerome was in this point of Aerius his opinion and that not only he but also Ambrose and Austin Sedulius Primasius Chrysostomus Theodoret Oecumenius and Theophylact maintained all of them the same Heresy So hee If the Charity so some Protestants be a stumbling block which lyes in your way to hinder you from leaving your Errors and professing the truth I shall endeavour briefly to remove that out of your way First Were I in your case and did not I resigne up my Judgment to the Scriptures according to that infallible rule to judge which is the true Church I would avoid that Church most where is professed and practised the greatest cruelty and joyne to that soonest where is professed and practised the greatest charity You professe at least many of you that 't is impossible for us to be saved that 't is absolutely necessary to salvation to be a member of the Roman Church to believe the Articles of the Trent faith and to live and dye in the communion of the Roman Church in subjection unto the Bishop of Rome whom you call Christ's Vicar and Peter's Successor Hear what a learned and religious Person saith to this point Must Paul be damned because he was not one of Peter's subjects doe not your consciences know he writes to the literate Romanists that swearing obedience to the Pope of Rome was a thing unknown for many hundred yeares yea that it is a novelty in the world Againe when I read so many plain promises in the Scriptures that whoever believeth in Christ shall not perish and that if by the Spirit we mortify the deeds of the body we shall live and that if we repent our sins shall be forgiven yea that Godlinesse hath the promise of this life and that to come and then when I find that the Papists for all these certain promises doe unchurch and damne us all because we believe not in the Pope of Rome as well as in Christ this satisfied me as fully that you are audacious Schismaticks as I am satisfied that you are Papists So hee Mr Baxter against popery The Papists will sometimes brag of their Charity they give perhaps a piece of bread to some of our poor and yet unchurch us poore and rich they would not stick I feare had they power in their hands to burne our bodies saying we are Hereticks and they doe as much as in them lyes to damne our soules and if this be their charity Oh my soule come not thou into their secrets And yet doe not the Papists lay too great a stresse on the charity of some Protestants considering the Assertion of Mr Perkins which saith that A Reprobate may in truth be made partaker of all that is contained in the Religion of the Church of Rome and a Papist by his Religion cannot goe beyond a Reprobate Perk. Vol. 1. p. 396. 404. And what Dr Usher said namely to this effect being asked by a Papist whether a Papist may be sav'd that one that holds all the Tenets of the Council of Trent and lives accordingly without Repentance cannot be saved he said there were two plaine places for it the places I did not heare but suppose them to be 2 Thes 2.11 12. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusions that they should believe a lye that they all might be damned who believe not the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousnesse And Rev. 14.9 10 11. If any man worship the beast and his image and receive his marke in his forehead or in his hand the same shall drinke of the wine of the wrath of God And the smoke of
which the people understand A. 1 Cor. 14.18 19 27 28. I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all yet in the Church I had rather speak five words with my understanding that by my voice I might teach others also than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue If any man speak in an unknown tongue let one interpret but if there be no Interpreter let him keep silence in the Church and let him speake to himselfe and to God Q. May we quote a translation of Scripture A. Heb. 10.5 6 7. Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not c then said I Lo I come to doe thy will O God Which is a passage taken out of the 40th Psal verses 6.7 8. secundum Interpret 70 c. Q. Are the Scriptures to be read in the Church A. Luk. 4.16 And he came to Nazareth and as his custome was he went into the Synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up for to read Act. 15.21 For Moses of old time hath in every City them that preach him being read in the Synagogues every Sabbath day Q. In which book that of the Creatures or that of the Scriptures may we learne to know God best A. Psal 138.2 I will worship towards thy Holy Temple and praise thy Name for thy loving kindnesse and for thy truth for thou hast magnifyed thy Word above all thy name Psal 19.1 7 11. The Heavens declare the glory of God the firmament sheweth his handy worke the Law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul the testimony of the Lord is sure making wise the simple moreover by them is thy servant warned and in keeping of them there is great reward Psal 119.105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path Q. May Nations know any thing of God by his workes or Creatures A. Rom. 1.19 20. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them for God hath shewed it unto them For the invisible things of him from the Creation of the world are cleerly seen being understood by the things that are made even his eternall power and God-head so that they are without excuse Q. Is it a speciall blessing to have the word of God A. Psal 147.19 20. He sheweth his word unto Jacob his statutes and his judgments unto Israel He hath not dealt so with any Nation and as for his judgements they have not known them praise ye the Lord. Chap. 4. Of God and of the Trinity of Persons in the Godhead Q. ARE the Gentiles in an Errour who worship many Gods A. Yea. Deut. 6.4 Heave O Israel the Lord our God is one Lord. 1 Cor. 8.4 5 6. We know that an Idol is nothing in the world that there is none other God but one for though there be that are called Gods whether in heaven or in earth as there be Gods many and Lords many but to us there is but one God the Father of whom are all things and we in him and one Lord Jesus Christ by whom are all things and we by him Q. How doth the Scripture set out converts from the worship of false Gods or dead Idols which the Gentiles worship A. 1 Thes 1.9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entring in we had unto you and how ye turned to God from Idols to serve the living and true God Jer. 10.10 But the Lord is the true God he is the living God and an everlasting King c. Q. Is it possible for us to know God comprehensively or perfectly to comprehend his infinite being and perfection A. Job 11.7 8 9. Canst thou by searching find out God canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection It is as high as heaven what canst thou doe Deeper than hell what canst thou know The measure thereof is longer than the earth and broader then the Sea So chap. 26.14 Lo these are parts of his waies but how little a portion is heard of him but the thunder of his power who can understand Q. To speak after the manner of men is God a Spirit A. Yea Joh. 4.24 God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth Q. What doth the Scripture teach us to conceive of the nature of a Spirit or how doth a Spirit differ from a body A. Luk. 24.39 Behold my hands and my feet that it is I my selfe handle me and see for a Spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see me have Q. What Scripture have you to prove that God is invisible to corporeall eyes A. 1 Tim. 1.17 Now unto the King eternall immortall invisible the only wise God be honour and glory for ever and ever Deut. 4.15 16 17. Take ye therefore good heed unto your selves for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fires lest ye corrupt your selves and make you a graven image the similitude of any figure the likenesse of male or female c. compared with Rom. 1.21 23. Because that when they knew God they glorifyed him not as God neither were thankfull but became vaine in their imaginations and their foolish heart was darkened and they changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man and to birds and foure-footed beasts and creeping things Q. What proofe doe you bring that God is without Passion A. Act. 14.11 15. When the people saw what Paul had done they lift up their voices saying the Gods are come down to us in the likenesse of men c. Sirs why doe ye these things we also are men of like passions with you and preach unto you that you should turne from these vanities unto the living God which made heaven and earth c. Q. Give us a text to shew the unchangeablenesse or Immutability of God A. Mal. 3.6 For I am the Lord I change not therefore the Sons of Jacob are not consumed Jam. 1.17 Every good and perfect gift is from above and cometh downe from the Father of Lights with whom is no variablenesse neither shadow of turning Q. What text of Scripture is there to prove that God cannot be contained in any place or that he is Immense A. 1 King 8.27 But will God indeed dwell on the earth behold the heaven and the Heaven of heavens cannot containe thee how much lesse this house that I have builded Jer. 23.23 24. Am I a God at hand sayth the Lord and not a God a far off Can any hide himselfe in secret places that I shall not see him saith the Lord Doe not I fill heaven and earth saith the Lord Q. How doe you prove that he is Eternall A. Psal 90.2 Before the mountaines were brought forth or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God 1 Tim. 1.17 Now unto the King eternall
immortall c. be honour and glory for ever Q. Where is it proved that his greatnesse is Incomprehensible or unsearchable A. Psal 145.3 Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised and his greatnesse is unsearchable Q. What text have we that God is Almighty or Omnipotent A. Gen. 17.1 And when Abraham was ninety yeers old and nine the Lord appeared to him and said I am the Almighty God walke before me and be thou perfect Rev. 4.8 And they rest not day and night saying Holy holy holy Lord God Almighty which was and is and is to come Q. How doe you prove God is only wise A. Rom. 16.27 To God only wise be glory through Jesus Christ for ever 1 Tim. 1.17 To the King eternall c. the only wise God be honour and glory for ever and ever Q. How doe you prove God is most holy A. Isai 6.3 And one cryed unto another and said Holy holy holy is the Lord of Hosts the whole earth is full of his glory Rev. 4.8 And they rest not day and night saying Holy holy holy Lord God Almighty which was and is and is to come Q. How doe you prove that God is most free in all he doth A. Psal 135.6 Whatsoever the Lord pleased that did he in heaven and in earth in the Seas and all deep places Q. How prove you that God is absolute A. Exod. 3.14 And God said unto Moses I am that I am and he said Thus shalt thou say unto the Children of Israel I Am hath sent me unto you Q. How prove you that God Works all according to the counsill of his own will A. Eph. 1.11 In wom also we have obtained an inheritance being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsill of his own will Q. What text of Scripture proves God doth all for his own glory A. Prov 16.4 The Lord hath made all things for himselfe yea even the wicked for the day of evill Rom. 11.36 For of him and through him and to him are all things to whom be glory for ever Q. Is the Atheist or he that denyes there is a God cal'd a Fool in Scripture A. Psal 14.1 The Fool haith said in his heart there is no God Q. Where have we ground in Scripture for such expressions as these the nature of God the God-head the Essence of God the Person of the Father A. Gal. 4.8 Howbeit then when ye knew not God ye did service unto them which by nature are no Gods Exod 3.14 And God said unto Moses I am that I am Thus shalt thou say unto the Children of Israel I am hath sent me unto you Rev. 1.4 Grace be to you and peace from him which is and which was and which is to come Col. 2.9 For in him dwelleth all the fulnesse of the God-head bodily Heb. 1.3 Who being the brightnesse of his glory and the expresse image of his Person and upholding all things by the word of his power c. Q. What say you to those many Scriptures which say that God is in heaven A. The Reason why God is said to be in Heaven is not because his Essence is included in a certaine place cal'd Heaven but he may be said to be in Heaven in regard of the more eminent manifestation of his glory there to Saints and Angels in respect of some more eminent dispensations and workes of his manifested from thence Q. What say you to those Scriptures that testify that God came down from heaven or appeared on Mount Sinai c. A. The Scripture speaks of God after the manner of men condescending to our capacity God is or may be said to be or appeare or come to such a place when either some glorious appearances are seen there or some more glorious dispensations are there M. Mede or when the Angels or Courtiers of Heaven are there or when there are some eminent signes of his favour there God who in his own being and Essence is infinite and immense D. Ow. is by reason thereof present in and to the whole creation equally not by a diffusion of his Substance or mixture with other things heaven or earth in or upon them but by an inconceivable indistancy of Essence to all things though he exert his power and manifest his glory in one place more than another as in Heaven in Sion at the Arke c. Q. How prove you that God hath no corporeall visible figure and shape or similitude A. Is 40.25 To whom then will ye liken me or shall I be equall sayth the Holy one Q. When the Scripture saith that man is made after the image and likenesse of God doth it intend that God hath a bodily figure or shape like a man A. Col. 3.9 10. Seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds And have put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge after the Image of him that created him Q. What meanes the Scripture by attributing unto God parts like a man eyes cares nostrils armes hands fingers are we to understand that God hath a body of flesh and parts fleshly like us A. No but they are spoken of him after the manner of men for it is written 2 Chr. 32.8 With him is an Arme of flesh but with us is the Lord our God to helpe us and to fight our battels Jer. 17.5 Cursed be the man that trusteth in man and maketh flesh his Arme and whose heart departeth from the Lord. Job 10.4 Hast thou eyes of flesh or seest thou as man seeth Q. How must those Scriptures be understood which attribute Affections and Passions to God as Anger Fury Zeale Wrath Love Hatred Jealousy Repentance Griefe Joy c A. They are Metaphorically assigned unto him spoken of him only in reference to his outward workes and dispensations correspondent and answering to the actings of men D. Ow. in whom such affections are and under the power whereof they are in those actings Q. How prove you that these are spoken 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and to be understood 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 metaphorically A. Mal. 3.6 For I am the Lord I change not Is 27.4 Fury is not in me 1 Sam. 15.29 And the strength of Israel will not lye nor repent for he is not a man that he should repent To instance in Anger that may denote either God's vindictive justice whence punishments flow or else the effects of it in the punishments themselves either threatned or inflicted Q. What is meant when 't is said that Moses should see the Similitude of the Lord c. Exod. 34. Num. 12.8 Doth it mean that God hath any reall visible shape A. No but it may be possibly he shall see an Angel or some glorious light 1 Tim. 6.16 Who only hath immortality dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto whom no man hath seen nor can see 1 Joh. 4.12 No man hath seen God at any time
he did predestinate them he also called and whom he called them he also justified and whom he justified them he also glorified Eph. 1.5 Having predestinated us unto the Adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himselfe according to the good pleasure of his will 2 Thes 2.13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the spirit and beliefe of the truth Q. How prove you such shall be certainly kept and preserved unto Salvation A. 1 Pet. 1.5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto Salvation ready to be revealed in the last time John 10.27 28 29. Chap. 10. Of God's Providence Q. HOW prove you that God's Providence reacheth over all things Creatures and their actions from the greatest to the least A. Dan. 4.35 And all the Inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing and he doth according to his will in the army of heaven and among the Inhabitants of the earth and none can stay his hand or say unto him what dost thou Psal 135.6 Whatsoever the Lord pleased that did he in heaven and in earth in the seas and all deep places Act. 17.25 28. Seeing he giveth to all life and breath and all things For in him we live and move and have our being Mat. 10.30 But the very haires of your head are all numbred Prov. 16.33 The Lot is cast into the lap but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Psal 94.11 The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man that they are vanity Q. How prove you that God orders the actions of men and the events of all their actions beyond whatever came into their hearts A. Deut. 19.5 compared with Exod. 21.13 And if a man lye not in waite but God deliver him into his hand c. As when a man goeth into the wood with his neighbour to hew wood and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the axe to cut down the tree the head slippeth from the helve and lighteth upon his neighbour that he dye c. 1 Kin. 22.34 compared with vers 28. And a certain man drew a bow at a venture and smote the King of Israel between the joynts of the harnesse Isai 10.6 7. I will send him against an hypocriticall nation and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge to take the spoyle and to take the prey and to tread them down like the mire of the streets Howbeit he meaneth not so neither doth his heart think so but it is in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few Q. Can you prove that God who is omnipotent and can worke without meanes that he useth meanes to bring about his purpose A. Act. 27.31 44. Paul said unto the Centurion and to the Souldiers Except these abide in the ship ye cannot be saved And the rest some on boards and some on broken pieces of the ship and so it came to passe that they escaped all safe to land Isa 55.11 For as the raine cometh down and the snow from heaven and returneth not thither but watereth the earth and maketh it bring forth and bud that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth it shall not returne unto me void but it shall accomplish that which I please and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it Hos 2.21 22. And it shall come to passe in that day I will heare saith the Lord I will heare the heavens and they shall heare the earth and the earth shall heare the corne and the wine and the oyle and they shall heare Jezreel Q. What Scriptures teach that God doth not only barely permit but most wisely and powerfully bound and order sinfull actions to his own holy ends and yet neither is nor can be the Author or approver of sin A. 1 King 22.22 23. And he said I will goe forth and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his Prophets And he saidt thou shalt perswade him and prevaile also goe forth and doe so Now therefore behold the Lord hath put a lying Spirit in the mouth of all these thy Prophets Psal 76.10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain Gen. 50.20 But as for you ye thought evill against me but God meant it unto good to bring to passe as it is this day to save much people alive Jam. 1.13 17. Let no man say when he is tempted I am tempted of God for God cannot be tempted with evill neither tempteth he any man Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and commeth down from the Father of Lights with whom is no variablenesse neither shadow of turning 1 Joh. 2.16 The lust of the flesh the lust of the eyes the pride of life is not of the Father Psal 50.21 These things hast thou done and I kept silence thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thy selfe but I will reprove thee and set them in order before thine eyes Q. What Scriptures prove that God blinds and hardens some mens hearts for former sins A. Rom. 11.8 God hath given them the spirit of slumber eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not heare unto this day Ro. 1.28 And as they did not like to retaine God in their knowledge God gave them over to a reprobate mind to doe those things which are not convenient Q. How may God be said to harden mens hearts for former sinnes A. Rom. 1.24 Wherefore God gave them up unto uncleannesse through the lusts of their own hearts to dishonour their own bodies between themselves Ps 106.15 And he gave them their request but sent leannesse into their soul 2 Thes 2.11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusions that they should believe a lye Exod. 7.3 And I will harden Pharaoh's heart compared with chap. 8.32 And Pharaoh hardened his heart c. Q. How is it proved that God doth blind and harden men by withholding his grace to enlighten their understandings and to worke upon their hearts A. Mat. 13.13 Therefore speake I to them in Parables because they seeing see not and hearing they heare not neither doe they understand Q. Doth God sometimes withdraw the gifts which men have had for their not using or abusing of them A. Math. 25.29 From him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath Q. Is it a meanes of blindnesse and hardnesse that sometimes they are exposed to such objects as their corruption will make occasion of Sinne A. 2 King 8.12 And Hazael said why weepeth my Lord and he answered because I know the evill that thou wilt doe unto the children of Israel their strong holds wilt thou set on fire and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword and
before them it be tryed whether they or we be in the right Besides Elijah the Prophet cal'd for fire from heaven to consume two Captaines and their fiftyes 2 King 1.10 11 12. Will any therefore conclude wildly that we may call for fire from heaven to consume all the Captaines and their companies when they come to apprehend us The Apostles were mistaken in misapplying this instance of Elijah Luk. 9.55 And therefore no so great marvel if light heads be soon on fire against us from their miscarrying such a sparke of truth as this and therewith if let alone hazard to burne to Ashes the present Churches and Ministers and think they doe God good service Q. Is it not said Rev. 16.6 For they have shed the blood of Saints and Prophets and thou hast given them blood to drink for they are worthy A. This was a Propheticall vision of destruction to persecutors and possibly it might be in part fulfilled when Priests were adjudged to death either in Popish countryes for ill-living or else according to the Lawes made against them by the supreme powers amongst Protestants But what warrant is this for private persons that against Law to fall upon the persons or estates of the true Ministers of Christ Oh that men would consider that this Judgment is here denounced against men for shedding the blood of Prophets and of Saints and observe there is a distinction of Prophets and Saints and that Prophets are put in the first place Besides I say further that the precepts of holy Scripture not the Prophecies are to be our guide and if we follow this light it will guide our feet into the wayes of peace Q. Was it required by the Law of Moses that the Priests should be consulted withall or made any use of when they went forth to warre A. Numb 10.8 9. And the sonnes of Aaron the Priest shall blow with the trumpets c. And if ye goe to warre in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you then ye shall blow an alarum with the trumpets and ye shall be remembred before the Lord your God and ye shall be saved from your enemies Q. May Ministers goe along and encourage their brethren when they are going to fight the Lord's battels to help the Lord against the mighty A. Deut. 20.2 3 4. And it shall be when ye are come nigh unto the Battell that the Priest shall approach and speak unto the people and shall say unto them Heare O Israel you approach this day unto battell against your enemies let not your hearts faint feare not and doe not tremble neither be ye terrified because of them For the Lord your God is he that goeth with you to fight for you against your enemies to save you Q. Was that a Centurion or Captain of a 100 of whom the Jewes said unto Christ he hath loved our nation and built us a Synagogue A. Yes Luk. 7.2 And a certaine Centurions Servant who was deare unto him was sick and ready to dye c. he hath loved our nation and built us a Synagogue Q. Did there ever a Colledge or company of Prophets live quietly and peaceably by a Garrison of Souldiers A. Yes 1 Sam. 10.5 After that thou shalt come to the hill of God where is the garrison of the Philistines and it shall come to passe when thou art come thither to the city that thou shalt meet a company of Prophets coming down from the high place with a Psaltery and a Tabret a Pipe and a Harp before them and they shall prophesie Q. What will make Souldiers fly before their enemies in a day of battell A. Psal 78.9 10 11. The children of Ephraim being armed and carrying bowes turned back in the day of battell They kept not the Covenant of God and refused to walke in his law and forgate his works and his wonders that he had shewed them Q. VVhat effect had John Baptists preaching upon the Souldiers A. Luk. 3.14 And the Souldiers likewise demanded of him saying And what shall we doe And he said unto them Doe violence to no man c. Q. Ought Souldiers to enquire of Ministers the way of Salvation A. Act. 10.22 23. Cornelius the Centurion a just man and one that feareth God and of good report among all the nation of the Jews was warned frō God by an holy Angell to send for thee into his house and to heare words of thee Then called he them in lodged them and on the morrow Peter went away with them Q. Doe we ever read that the Souldiers dedicated ought of their spoiles to Religious uses A. 1 Chr. 26.26 27. Which Shelomith and his brethren were over all the treasures of the dedicate things which David the King and the chief Fathers the Captaines over thousands and hundreds and the Captaines of the host had dedicated Out of the spoiles won in battels did they dedicate to maintain the house of the Lord. Chap. 28. Of the Errours of Quakers Q. HOVV came man at first to have a right to the earth and the fruites thereof and creatures therein A. Psal 115.16 The Heaven even the Heavens are the Lord's but the earth hath he given to the children of men Q. Have particular nations or Families lawfully distinct lands and territories did they obtain it by order from the first borne or by choice in order begining at the first borne or by Lot did God allow of such distinction A. Act. 17.26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth and hath determined the times before appointed and the bounds of their habitation Deut. 32.8 When the most high divided to the nations their inheritance when he separated the sons of Adam he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel Q. Hath a man a right to that which is gotten from a common enemy in a lawfull war A. Gen. 48.22 Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow Judg. 11.24 wilt not thou possesse that which Chemosh thy God giveth thee to posses so whomsoever the Lord our God shall drive out before us them will we possesse Q. Did Christ ever because he was Lord of all put any one man out of possession of any foot of ground A. Luk. 12.13 14. Mr speak to my Brother that he divide the inheritance with me And he said unto him Man who made me a judge or a divider over you Mar. 12.17 And Jesus answering said unto them Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's Q. Hath Christ given power to his Church or Saints to rule them that are without A. 1 Cor. 5.12 For what have I to doe to judge them also that are without vers 13. but them that are without God judgeth Q. Must not all ministers and Christians sell what they have and live upon
a common stocks must not Mine and Thine cease in the Church and Common-wealth A. Act. 5.4 Whiles it remained was it not thine own and after it was sold was it not in thine own power 1 Cor. 16.1 2. Now concerning the collection for the Saints upon the first day of the weeek let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him Q. May a godly man he that is an heir of heaven purchase land upon earth A. Gen. 23.20 And the field and the cave that is therein were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a burying place by the sons of Heth. Q. May a Christian buy or sell with or for money A. James 4.13 15. Goe to now ye that say To day or to morrow we will goe into such a city and continue there a yeer and buy and sell and get gain For that ye ought to say If the Lord will we shall live and doe this or that Luk. 22.36 John 4.8 compared with John 13.29 Q. May we say Sr or L d to any man and especially to a Minister A. Gen. 23.14 15. And Ephron answered Abraham saying unto him my Ld hearkē unto me Joh. 20.15 She supposing him to be the gardiner sayth unto him Sir if thou have born him hence tell me c. Act. 27 10. Sirs I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt c. Q. May Saints give the title of Sirs to Idolaters A. Act. 14.15 Sirs why doe ye these things we also are men of like passions with you and preach unto you that ye should turne from these vanities unto the living God c. Q. May we say Honourable or write Most excellent to any A. 1 Sam. 9.6 And he said unto him Behold now there is in this city a man of God and he is an honourable man all that he sayth cometh surely to passe Act. 1.3 It seemed good to me also c. to write unto thee in order most excellent Theophilus Q. May a Minister or private Christian say or write to any man your servant in the Lord A. 2 Cor. 4.5 For we preach not our selves but Christ Jesus the Lord and our selves your servants for Jesus sake Q. May we say good morrow good even or I wish you good speed A. Ruth 2.4 And behold Boaz came from Bethlehem and said unto the Reapers the Lord be with you and they answered him the Lord blesse thee Psal 129.8 Neither doe they which goe by say The blessing of the Lord be upon you we blesse you in the name of the Lord. 2 Joh. 10 11. If there come any unto you bring not this Doctrin receive him not into your house neither bid him God speed For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evill deeds Q. May we crave a blessing or as we call it give thanks for our meat and drink A. 1 Tim. 4.4 5. For every creature of God is Good nothing to be refused if it be received with thanksgiving For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer Joh. 6.11 And Jesus took the loaves and when he had given thanks he distributed to the Disciples c. Q. May a Christian bear the office of a civill Magistrate A. Ro. 13.1 2 3 4. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers for there is no power but of God The powers that be are ordained of God whosoever therefore resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation For Rulers are not a terrour to good works but to the evill c. For he is the minister of God to thee for good c. Q. May Christians lawfully live under any King but Christ A. Rom. 13.5 6 7. Wherefore ye must needs be subject not only for wrath but also for conscience sake for for this cause pay you tribute also for they are God's ministers c. Render therefore to all their dues tribute to whom tribute is due custome to whom custome fear to whom feare honour to whom honour 1 Pet. 2.13 14. Submit your selves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake whether it be to the King as supreame or unto Governours as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evill doers and for the praise of them that doe well Q. Is it lawfull to pay tribute custom A. Rom. 13.7 Render therefore to all their dues Tribute to whom tribute is due Custome to whom custome Q. Is it lawfull to salute honour and bow down before men A. Gen. 23.12 And Abraham bowed down himselfe before the people of the land Mat. 5.47 And if ye salute your brethren only what doe you more than others doe not even the Publicans so c. 10.12 And when you come into an house salute it 1 Sam. 10.4 And they will salute thee and give thee c. Q. What say you to 2 King 4.29 salute him not And Luk. 10.4 salute no man by the way A. When the Prophet Elisha's servant Gehazi was sent upon life and death as we say it was no time then to stay or hinder his businesse in giving or taking courtesyes our Lord would not have his disciples distracted or hindered in their worke with civilities and besides the lesse they courted the world with comity and as we say complementing the more was God's power seen in making way yet for their entertainment and yet civility was not altogether forbidden them vers 5. Into whatsoever house ye enter first say peace be to this house Q. May we write books inscribing the name of any particular person especially in the beginning A. Luk. 1.3 It seemed good to me also having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first to write unto thee in order most Excellent Theophilus Q. Are some persons honourable and more honourable than others A. Luk. 14.8 When thou art bidden of any Man to a wedding sit not down in the highest room lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him Q. May we call those Noble or most Noble of whose Religion or godlinesse we have small evidence A. Act. 26.25 I am not mad most Noble Festus Q. May Women be stiled Honourable A. Act. 17.12 Therefore many of them believed also of honourable Women which were Greeks and of men not a few Q. May a Christian be a servant to any man seeing he is the Lord's servant yea the Lord's free-man A. 1 Cor. 7.21 Art thou called being a Servant care not for it but if thou mayest be made free use it rather 1 Tim. 6.1 2. Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own Masters worthy of all honour And they that have believing Masters let them not despise them because they are brethren c. Obj. 1 Cor. 7.23 Ye are bought with a price be not ye the servants of men A. Christians should not when they are free chuse to serve Idolatrous Masters lest that should prove a snare
is the Church of the living God the Pillar and ground of the truth Joh. 8.13 If ye continue in my word then are ye my Disciples indeed Joh. 10.27 My sheep heare my voice Q. Doe the Papists abstaining from flesh 40 dayes every Lent fast as Christ for 40 dayes in the wildernesse or did our Saviour fast from all manner of food during that time A. Mat. 4.2 And when he had fasted 40 dayes and 40 nights he was afterward an hungred Q Did our Saviour and his disciples keep any set weeks of fast yeerly or any set dayes of fasting weekly in remembrance of this all the while Christ was with them A. No. Mar. 2.18 Why doe the Disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast but thy Disciples fast not Q. Is it lawfull for Christians to fast upon extraordinary occasions A. Mar. 2.20 But the dayes will come when the Bridegroome shall be taken away from them and then shall they fast in those dayes 1 Corinth 7.5 that ye may give your selves to fasting and prayer c. Q. Is every Christian a vessell fit for his Masters use as to this duty of fasting are ordinary servants fit for extraordinary service A. Mar. 2.22 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles else the new wine doth burst the bottles and the wine is spilled and the bottles will be marred But new wine must be put into new bottles Q. Is fish holier than flesh because these perished not by water when the old world was drowned A. Exod. 7.20 21. And he lift up the rod and smote the waters that were in the river in the sight of Pharaoh and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood And the fish that was in the river dyed and the river stunck and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river Q. Were fish or the beasts and fowles preserved in a more wonderfull manner in Noah's Arke at the floud A. Gen. 8.17 Bring forth with thee every living thing that is with thee of of all flesh both of fowle and of cattell and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth that they may breed abundantly Q. Were there any kinds of fish reckoned uncleane according to the Law A. Yes Lev. 11.10 And all that have not finnes nor scales in the Seas and in the rivers of all that move in the waters and of any living thing which is in the waters they shall be an abomination unto you Q. Is it a duty then in imitation of Christ's 40 dayes fast to abstaine from flesh 40 dayes in a yeere A. No. Mat. 15.9 But in vaine they doe worship me teaching for Doctrines the commandements of men Q. Is it a Doctrine of Apostates to command to abstaine from some sort of meats A. Yes 1 Tim. 4.1 3. Now the spirit speaketh expressely that in the latter times some shall depart from the Faith forbidding to marry and commanding to abstaine from meates which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth Q. Doe the Saints departed know our wants should we pray to them or to God for supply A. Is 63.16 Doubtlesse thou art our Father though Abraham be ignorant of us and Israel acknowledge us not thou O Lord art our Father our Redeemer Job 14.20 21. Thou changest his countenance and sendest him away his Sonnes come to honour and he knoweth it not and they are brought low but he perceiveth it not of them Q. Ought we to pray for the dead since we must not pray to them A. 2 Sam. 12.22 23. And he said while the child was yet alive I fasted and wept for I said who can tell whether God will be gracious to me that the child may live But now he is dead wherefore should I fast Can I bring him back againe I shall goe to him but he shall not returne to me Q. Are all damned who dye without Baptisme A. No. Luk. 23.42 43. And he said unto Jesus Lord remember me when thou commest into thy kingdome And Jesus said unto him Verily I say unto thee To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise Q. May Women without scruple or feare administer the Sacrament of Baptisme A. 1 Tim. 2.12 But I suffer not a woman to teach but to be in silence compared with Math. 28.19 Goe ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the Holy Ghost Q. Will full Assurance of life cause Christians to neglect the use of all good means A. Act. 23.11 16 17. Be of good cheer Paul for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem so must thou beare witnesse also at Rome And when Paul's Sisters Son heard of their laying in wait he went and entred into the Castle and told Paul Then Paul called one of the Centurions unto him and said Bring this young man unto the chiefe Captaine for he hath a certaine thing to tell him Act. 27.24 31. Feare not Paul thou must be brought before Caesar and loe God hath given thee all them that saile with thee Paul said to the Centurion and to the Souldiers except these abide in the ship ye cannot be saved Q. Were any of the Apostles married especially was the Apostle Simon Peter ever married A. Yes 1 Cor. 9.5 Have we not power to lead about a Sister a Wife as well as other Apostles and as the brethren of the Lord and Cephas Mar. 1.30 But Simon 's Wives mother lay sick of a fever Q. Did our Saviour Christ command that the Apostles should forsake their VVives and that other Ministers their successours should not marry A. No. 1 Cor. 9.5 Have we not power to lead about a Sister a Wife as well as other Apostles and as the brethren of the Lord Cephas 1 Tim. 3.2 4. A Bishop then must be blamelesse the husband of one wife one that ruleth well his own house having his children in subjection with all gravity Heb. 13.4 Marriage is honourable in all and the bed undefiled but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge Q. Is it necessary that those who live a long time in their sins repent late and doe not suffer much in this world should suffer in purgatory after death to expiate their sinnes A. Lu. 23.43 And Jesus said unto him verily I say unto thee To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise Q. Is Heaven cal'd Paradise A. Yes 2 Cor. 12.2 3 4. I knew a man in Christ such a one caught up to the third Heaven and I knew such a man how that he was caught up into Paradise c. Q. Can any mere man by his own good workes merit heaven or eternall life A. Lu. 17.10 So likewise ye when ye shall have done all these things that are commanded you say we are unprofitable Servants Rom. 6. ult For the wages of Sinne is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.