publickly for the proof of which 1. That the Priests and Levites in the Iewish Church were trusted with the publick reading of the Word as is proved Deut. 31 9 10 11. Neh. 8. 1 2 and 13. 2. That the Ministers of the Gospel have as ample a Charge and Commission to dispence the Word as well as other Ordinances as the Priests and Levites had under the Law proved Isa 66. 21. Mat. 23 34. where our Saviour intituleth the Officers of the New Testament whom he will send forth by the same names of the Teachers of the Old Which Propositions prove that therefore the duty being of a moral nature it followeth by just consequence that the publick reading of the Scriptures belongeth to the Pastors Office To feed the Flock by Preaching of the Word according to which he is to teach convince reprove exhort and comfort 1 Tim. 3. 2. 2 Tim. 3. 16 17. Tit. 19. To Chatechise which is a plain laying down the Principles of the Oracles of God Heb. 5. 12. or of the Doctrine of Christ and is a part of Preaching To dispence other divine Mysteries 1 Cor. 4 1 2. To administer the Sacraments Mat. 28 19 20. Mark 16. 15 16. 1 Cor. 11 23 24 25. compareth with 1 Cor. 10. 16. To bless the People from God Num. 6. 23 24 25 26. compared with Rev 14. 5 where the same blessings and Persons from whom they come are expresly mentioned Isai 66. 21. Where under the names of Priests and Levites to be continued under the Gospel are meant Evangelicall Pastors who therefore are by Office to bless the People Deut. 10. 8. 2 Cor. 13 14. Eph. 1. 2. To take care of the Poor Acts 1â— 30. 4. 34 35 36 37. 6. 2 3 4. 1 Cor. 16. 1 2 3 4. Gal. 2 9 10. And he hath also a ruling power over the Flock as a Pastor 1 Tim. 5. 17. Acts 20. 17. and 28. 1 Thes 5 12. Heb. 13. 7. 17. Teacher or Doctor THe Scripture doth hold out the name and title of Teacher as well as of the Pastor 1 Cor. 12. verse 28. Ephes 4. verse 11. Who is also a Minister of the Word as well as the Pastor and hath power of administration of the Sacraments The Lord having given different gifts and divers excercises according to these gifts in the Ministry of the Word Rom. 12. 6 7 8. 1 Cor. 12 1 4 5 6 7. Though these different gifts may meet in and accordingly be exercised by one and the same Minister 1 Cor. 14. 3. 2 Tim. 4. 2. Tit. 1. 9 yet where be several Ministers in the same Congregation they may be designed to several imployments according to the different gifts in which each of them doth most excel Rom 12. 6 7 8. 1 Pet. 4. 10 11. And he that doth more excel in exposition of Scripture in teaching sound Doctrine and in convincing gain sayers then he doth in application and is accordingly imployed therein may be called a Teacher or Doctor the places alledged by the Notation of the Word doth prove the Proposition Nevertheless where is but one Minister in a particular Congregation he is to perform so far as he is able the whole work of the Ministry as appeareth in the 2 Tim. 4. 2. Tit. 1 9 before alledged 1 Tim. 6 2. A Teacher or Doctor is of most excellent use in Schools and Universities as of old in the Schools of the Prophets and at Jerusalem where Gamaliel and others taught as Doctors Oâ—her Church-Governors AS there were in the Jewish Church Elders of the People joyned with the Priests and Levites in the Government of the Church as appeareth in the 2 Chron. 19. 8 9 10. So Christ who hath instituted a Government and Governors Ecclesiastical in the Church hath furnished some in his Church beside the Ministers of the Word with gifts for Government and with commission to execute the same when called thereunto who are to joyn with the Minister in the Government of the Church Rom. 12. 7 8. 1 Cor. 12. 28. which Officers reformed Churches commonly call Elders Deacons THe Scripture doth hold out Deacons as distinct Officers in the Church Phil 1. 1. 1 Tim. 3. 8. whose Office is perpetual 1 Tim. 3. 8. to verse 15. Acts 6. 1 2 3 4. To whose Office it belongs not to preach the Word or administer the Sacraments but to take special care in distributing to the necessities of the poor Acts 6. 1 2 3 4. and the verses following Of particular Congregations IT is lawful and expedient that there be fixed Congregations that is a certain company of Christians to meet in one Assembly ordinarily for publique Worship When Beleevers multiply to such a number that they cannot conveniently meet in one place it is lawful and expedient that they should be divided into distinct and fixed Congregations for the better administration of such Ordinances as belong unto them and the discharge of mutual duties 1 Cor. 14. 26. Let all things be done unto edifying and verses 33. 40. The ordinary way of dividing Christians into distinct Congregations and most expedient for edification is by the respective bounds of their dwellings First Because they who dwell together being bound to all kind of Moral duties Deut. 15 7 11 one to another have the better opportunity thereby to discharge them which Mat. 22. 39 Mat. 5 17 Moral tye is perpetual for Christ came not to destroy the Law but to fulfil it Secondly The Communion of Saints must be so ordered as may stand with the most convenient use of the Ordinances and discharge of Moral duties without respect of persons 1 Cor. 14 26. Let all things be done unto edifying Heb. 10 24 25. James 2. 1 2. Thirdly The Pastor and People must so nearly co-habite together as that they may mutually perform their duties each to other with most conveniency In this company some must be set apart to bear Office Of the Officers of a particular Congregation FOr Officers in a single Congregation there ought to be one at the least both to labour in the Word and Doctrine and to rule Prov. 29 18. 1 Tim. 5 17. Heb 13 7. It is also requisite that there should be others to joyn in Government 1 Cor. 12 28. And likewise it is requisite that there be others to take special care for the relief of the poor Acts 6 2 3. The number of each of which is to be proportioned according to the condition of the Congregation These Officers are to meet together at convenient and set times for the well-ordering of the affairs of that Congregation each according to his Office It is most expedient that in these meetings one whose Office is to labour in the Word and Doctrine do moderate in their proceedings 1 Tim. 5 17. Of the Ordinance in a particular Congregation THe Ordinances in a single Congregation are Prayer Thanksgiving and singing of Psalms 1 Tim. 2 ver 1. 1 Cor. 14 15 16. The Word
THE CONFESSION OF FAITH AND CATECHISMS Agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster TOGETHER With their Humble ADVICE Concerning Church Government And Ordination of Ministers LONDON Printed for Robert Bostock at the Sign of the Kings Head in Pauls Church-yard THE Confession of Faith Agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster To be a part of the Uniformity in Religion between the Churches of Christ in the three Kingdoms CHAP. I. Of the holy Scripture ALthough the light of Nature and the works of Creation and Providence do so farre manifest the Goodnesse Wisdom and Power of God as to leave men unexcusable a Rom. 2 14. 15. Rom. 1. 19 20. Psal 19. 1 2 3. Rom. 1. 32. with chap. 2 1. yet are they sufficient to give that knowledge of God and of his Will which is necessary unto salvation b 1 Cor. 1 21. 1 Cor. 2 13 14. Therefore it pleased the Lord at sundry times and in divers manners to reveal himself and to declare that his Will unto his Church c Heb. 1. 1 and afterwards for the better preserving and propagating of the Truth and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the Church against the corruption of the flesh and the malice of Satan and of the world to commit the same wholly unto writing d Pro. 22 19. 20 21 Luke 1. 3. 4 Rom. 15. 4 Mat. 4. 4 7 10. Isai 8 19 â—0 which maketh the Holy Scripture to be most necessary e 2 Tim. 3 15. 2 Pet. 1 19. those former wayes of Gods revealing his Will unto his people being now ceased f Heb. 1. â— 2. II. Vnder the name of Holy Scripture or the Word of God written are now contained all the Books of the Old and New Testament which are these Of the Old Testament GEnesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers DeuteronomiE Joshua Judges Ruth I. Samuel II. Samuel I. Kings II. Kings I. Chronicles II. Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Iob Psalmes Proverbs Ecclesiastes The Song of Songs Isaiah Ieremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Ioel Amos Obadiah Ionah Micah Nahum Habbakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi Of the New Testament The Gospel according to MAtthew Mark Luke Iohn The Acts of the Apostles Pauls Epistles to the Romanes Corinthians Corinthians I. Corinthians II. Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians Thessalonians I. Thessalonians II. To Timothy I. To Timothy II. To Titus To Philemon The Epistle to the Hebrews The Epistle of Iames The first and second Epistles of Peter The first second and third Epist of Iohn The Epistle of Iude The Revelat. of Iohn All which are given by inspiration of God to be the Rule of faith and life g Luk. 16. 29. 31. Eph. 2. 20. Rev 22. 18 19. 2 Tim. 3. 16. III. The Books commonly called Apocrypha not being of Divine inspiration are no part of the Cannon of the Scripture and therefore are of no authority in the Church of God nor to be any otherwise approved or made use of than other humane Writings h Luk. 24. 27 44. Rom. 3. 2. â— Pet 1. 21. IV. The authority of the Holy Scripture for which it ought to be beleeved and obeyed dependeth not upon the Testimonie of any man or Church but wholly upon God who is Truth it self the Author thereof and therefore it is to be receive d because it is the Word of God i 2 Pet. 1. 19 21. 2 Tim. 3. 16 1 Iohn 5. 9 1 Thes 2. 13 V. Wee may be moved and induced by the Testimonie of the Church to an high and reverend esteem of the holy Scripture k 1 Tim. 3. 15. And the heavenlinesse of the Matter the efficacie of the Doctrine the majesty of the Stile the consent of all the Parts the Scope of the whole which is to give all glory to God the full discovery it makes of the onely way of mans salvation the many other incomparable Excellencies and the intire perfection thereof are Arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence it self to be the Word of God yet notwithstanding our full perswasion and assurance of the infallible truth and Divine authority thereof is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit bearing witnesse by and with the Word in our hearts l 1 Iohn 2. 20 27. Iohn 16. 13 14. 1 Cor. 2. 10 11. 12. Isa 59. 21. VI. The whole Councell of GOD concerning all things necessary for his own Glory mans salvation Faith and Life is either expressely set down in Scripture or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture unto whâ—ch nothing at any time is to be added whether by new revelations of the Spirit or traditions of men m 2 Tim. 3 15. 16 17. Gal 1. 8. 9. 2 Thes 3. 2. Neverthelesse we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word n Ioh. 6. 4â— 1 Cor. 2 9 10 12. and that there are some circumstances concerning the Worship of God and Government of the Church common to humane actions and Societies which are to be ordered by the light of Nature and Christian Prudence according to the generall Rules of the Word which are alwayes to be observed o 1 Cor. 11. 13 14. 1 Cor. 14 26. 40. VII All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves nor alike clear unto all p 2 Pet. 3. 16. yet those things which are necessary to be known believed observed for salvation are so clearly propounded and opened in some place of Scripture or other that not only the Learned but the unlearned in a due use of the ordinary meanes may attain unto a sufficient understanding of them q Psal 119 105. 130. VIII The Old Testament in Hebrew which was the Native Language of the people of God of old and the New Testament in Greek which at the time of writing of it was most generally known to the Nations being immediatly inspired by God and by his singular care and providence kept pure in all Ages are therefore Authenticall r Mat. 5. 18 so as in all Controversies of Religion the Church is finally to appeal unto them Å¿ Isa 8. 20 Act. 15. 15 Iohn 5. 39 46. But because these Originall Tongues are not known to all the people of God who have right unto and interest in the Scriptures and are commanded in the fear of GOD to read and search them t Iohn 5. 39. therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar Language of every Nation unto which they come u 1 Cor. 14 6 9 11 12 24 27 28. that the Word of GOD dwelling plentifully in all they may worship him in an acceptable manner w Col. 3. 16 and through patience and comfort of the Scriptures may have hope x Rom. 15. 4 IX The infallible Rule of Interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture it self and therefore when there is a Question
being very and eternall God of one Substance and equall with the Father did when the fulnesse of time was come take upon Him mans nature k Iohn 1 1 14. 1 Iohn 5. 20. Phil. 2. 6. Gal. 4. 4 with all the Essentiall properties and common infirmities thereof yet without sin l Heb. 1. 14 16 17. Heb. 4. 15 being conceived by the Power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin Mary of her substance m Luke 1. 27 31 35. Gal. 4. 4. So that two whole perfect and distinct Natures the God-head and the Man-hood were inseparably joyned together in one Person without Conversion Composition or Confusion n Luke 1. 35 Col. 2. 9 Rom. 9. 5 1 Pet. 3. 18 1 Tim. 3. 16 Which person is very God and very Man yet one Christ the only Mediator between God and Man o Rom. 1. 3 4 1 Tim. 2. 5 III. The Lord Iesus in his humane nature thus united to the divine was sanctified and anointed with the holy Spirit above measure p Psal 45. 7 Iohn 3. 34 having in him all the treasures of Wisdom and knowledge q Col. 2. 3 in whom it pleased the Father that all fulnesse should dwell r Col. 1. 19 to the end that being holy harmless undefiled and full of grace and truth Å¿ Heb. 7. 16 Iohn 1. 14 he might be thorowly furnished to execute the Office of a Mediator and surety t Acts 10. â—8 Heb. 12. 24 Heb. 7. 22 Which Office he took not unto himself but was thereunto called by his Father u Heb. 5. 4 5 who put all power and judgement into his hand and gave him commandment to execute the same * Ioh. 5. 22 27. Mat. 28 18 Act. 2. 36 IV. This Office the Lord Iesus did most willingly undertake x Psal 40. 7 8. with Heb. 10. 5. to 11 Iohn 10. 18 Phil. 2. 8 which that he might discharge he was made under the Law y Gal. 4. 4. and did perfectly fulfill it z Mat. 3. 15 Mat. 5. 17 indured most grievous torments immediatly in his Soul a Mat. 26. 37 38. Luke 22 44. Mat. 27 46. Mat. 26. 27 chapters and most painfull sufferings in his body b was crucified and died c Phil. 28. was buried and remained under the power of death yet saw no corruption d Act. 2. 23 24 27. Act. 13. 37. Rom. 6. 9. On the third day he arose from the dead e 1 Cor. 15. 3 4. with the same body in which he suffered f Iohn 20. 25 27. with which also he ascended into Heaven and there sitteth at the right hand of his Father g Mark 16 19. making intercession h Rom. 8. 34 Heb. 9. 24. Heb. 7. 25. and shall return to judge men and Angels at the end of the World i Rom. 14. 9 10. Acts 1. 11. Acts 10. 42. Mat. 13. 40 41 42. Iude v. 6. 2 Pet. 2. 4 V. The Lord Iesus by his perfect obedience and sacrifice of himself which he through the eternall Spirit once offered up unto God hath fully satisfied the justice of his Father k Rom. 5. Heb. 9. 14. 16. Heb. 10. 1 4. Eph. 5. 2 Rom. 3. 25 26. and purchased not only reconciliation but an everlasting inheritance in the Kingdome of Heaven for all those whom the Father hath given unto him l Dan 9. â—4 26. Col. 1. 19 20. Eph 1. 11 14. Iohn 17. 2. Heb. 9. 12 15. VI. Although the work of Redemption was not actually wrought by Christ till after his Incarnation yet the vertue efficacy and benefits thereof were communicated unto the Elect in all ages successively from the beginning of the world in and by those promises types and sacrifices wherein he was revealed and signified to be the seed of the Woman which should bruise the Serpents head and the Lamb slaine from the beginning of the world being yesterday and to day the same and for ever m Gal 14 5. Gen. 3. 15. Rev. 13. 8. Heb. 13. 8. VII Christ in the work of Mediation acteth according to both Natures by each Nature doing that which is proper to it self n Heb. 9. 14. 1 Pet. â— 18. yet by reason of the unity of the Person that which is proper to one Nature is sometimes in Scripture attributed to the Person denominated by the other Nature o Acts 20. 25 Ioh 3. 1 â— Ioh. 3. 16. VIII To all those for whom Christ hath purchased Redemption he doth certainly and estectually apply and communicate the same p Ioh. 6. 3â— 39. Ioh. â—0 15 16. making intercession for them q 1 Ioh. 2 1. 2 Rom 8. 34 and revealing unto them in and by the Word the mysteries of salvation r Ioh. 15 13 15. Eph. 1. 7 8 9. Iohn 17. 6. effectually perswading them by his Spirit to beleeve and obey and governing their hearts by his Word and Spirit Å¿ Iohn 14. 16. Heb. 12 2. 2 Cor. 4. 13. Rom. 8. 9. 14. Rom. 15. 18 19. Ioh. 17. 17. overcoming all their enemies by his Almighty Power and Wisdom in such manner and wayes as are most consonant to his wonderfull and unsearchable dispensation t Psal 110. 1 1 Cor. 15. 25 26. Mal. 4. 2 3. Col. 2. 15. CHAP. IX Of Free-will GOD hath indued the Will of man with that naturall liberty that is neither forced nor by any absolute necessity of nature determined to do good or evâ—â— a Mat. 17. 12. Iam. 1. 14. Deut. 30. 19 II. Man in his state of Innocency had freedom and power to will and to do that which was good and well-pleasing to God b Eccles 7 29. Gen. 1 26. but yet mutably so that hee might fall from it c Gen. 2. 16 17. Gen. 3. 6 III. Man by his fall inâ—o a state of sin hath wholly lost all ability of Will to any spirituall good accompanying salvation d Rom. 5. 6 Rom. 8. 7 Iohn 15. 5 so as a naturall man being altogether averse from that good e Rom. 3. â—0 12. and dead in sin f Eph. 2. 1. 5 Col. 2. 13 is not able by his own strength to convert himself or to prepare himself thereunto g Ioh. 6. 44 65. Eph 2 â— 2. 3. 4 5. 1 Cor. 8. 14 Titus 3. 3 4 5. IV. When God converts a sinner and tanslates him into the state of grace he freeth him from his naturall bondage under sin h Col. 1. 13 Ioh. 8. 34 36 and by his grace alone inables him freely to will and to do that which is spiritually good i Phil. 2. 13 Rom. 6. 18 22. yet so as that by reason of his remaining corruption he doth not perfectly nor only will that which is good but doth also will that which is evill k Gal. 5. 17 Rom. 7. 15 19 21 V. The will of man is made perfectly and immutably free to good alone in the
Iam. 2. 11 Psal 119 101 104 28. and the threatnings of it serve to shew what even their sins deserve and what afflictions in this life they may expect for them although freed from the curse thereof threatned in the Law r Ezra 9. 13 14. Psal 89 30 31 32 33 34. The promises of it in like manner shew them Gods approbarion of obedience and what blessings they may expect upon the performance thereof Å¿ Levit. 26. 1 to 14. with 2 Cor. 6. 16 Eph. 6. 2. 3 Psal 37. 11 with Mat. 5 5. Psal 19 11. although not as due to them by the Law as a Covenant of Works t Gal. 2. 16 Luke 17. 10 So as a mans doing good and refraining from evill because the Law encourageth to the one and deterreth from the other is no evidence of his being under the Law and not under grace u Rom. 6 12 14. 1 Pet. 3. 8 9 10 11 12 with Psa 34 12 13 14 15 16 Heb. 12. 28 29. VII Neither are the forementioned Vses of the Law contrary to the grace of the Gospel but do sweetly comply with it w Gal. 3. 21 the Spirit of Christ subduing and inabling the will of man to do that freely and chearfully which the will of God revealed in the Law requireth to be done x Eze. 36. 27 Heb. 8. 10 with Ier. 31 33. CHAP. XX. Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience THe Liberty which Christ hath purchased for Beleevers under the Gospel consists in their freedom from the guilt of sin the condemning Wâ—ath of God the Curse of the Morall Law a Tit. 2. 14 1 Thes 1. 10 Gal. 3. 13 and in their being delivered from this present evil world bondage to Satan and Dominion of sin b Gal. 1. 4 Col. â— 13 Acts 26. 18 Rom. 6. â—4 from the evill of afflictions the sting of death the victory of the grave and everlasting damnation c Rom. 8. 28 Psal 119. 71 1 Cor. 15. 55 55 56. 57 Rom. 8. 1 as also in their free accesse to God d Rom. 5 1 2 and their yeelding obedience unto him not out of slavish fear but a child like love and willing minde e Rom. 8 14 15 1 Iohn 4 18. All which were common also to Beleevers under the Law f Gal. 3. 9 14. But under the New Testament the liberty of Christians is further inlarged in their freedom from the yoke of the Ceremonial Law to which the Iewish Church was subjected g Gal. 4. 1 2 3 6 7 Gal. 5. 1 Acts 15. 10 11. and in greater boldnesse of accesse to the Throne of Grace h Heb. 4. 14 16. Heb. 10 19 20. 21 22 and in fuller communications of the free Spirit of God than Beleevers under the Law did ordinarily partake of i 1 Iohn 7 38 39 2 Cor. 3. 13 17 19 II. God alone is Lord of the Conscience k Iam. 4. 12 Rom. 14. 4. and hath left it free from the Doctrines and Commandments of men which are in any thing contrary to his Word or beside it if matters of Faith or Worship l Acts 4. 19 Acts 5. 29 1 Cor. 7. 25 Mat 23. 8. 9 10. 2 Cor. 1 24. Mat. 15. 9 So thaâ— to beleeve such Doctrines or to obey such commands out of conscience is to betray true liberty of conscience m Col. 2. 20 22. 23. Gal. 1 10. Gal. 2. 14 5. Psal 5. 1 and the requiring of an implicit faith and an absolute aâ—d blinde obedience is to destroy lâ—berty of conscience and reason also n Rom. 10 17. Rom 14 23 Isa 8. 20 Acts 17. 11 Iohn 4. â—â— Hos 5. 11 Revel 13. â—â— 16 17 Ier. 8. 9 III. They who upon pretence of Christian Liberty do practise any sin or cherish any lust do thereby destroy the end of Christian Liberty which is that being delivered out of the hands of our Enemies we might serve the Lord without fear in holinesse and righteousnesse before him all the dayes of our life o Gal. 5. 13 â— Pet 2. 16 2 Pet. 2 19 Iohn 8. 34 Luke 1. 74. 75. IV. And because the Powers which God hath ordained and the Liberty which Christ hath purchased are not intended by God to destroy but mutually to uphold preserve one another They who upon pretence of Christian Liberty shall oppose any lawfull Power or the lawfull exercise of it whether it be Civill or Ecclesiasticall resist the Ordinance of GOD p Mat. 12. 25 1 Pet. 2. 13 14 16 Rom. 13. 1 10 8. Heb 13. 17. And for their publishing of such Opinions or maintaining of such Practises as are contrary to the light of Nature or to the known Principles of Christianity whethe concerning Faith Worship or Conversation or to the Power of Godlinesse or such erroneous Opinions or Practises as either in their own nature or in the manner of publishing or maintaining them are destructive to the externall Peace and Order which Christ hath established in the Church they may lawfully be called to account and proceeded against by the Censures of the Church q Rom. 1. 32 with 1 Cor 5. 1 5 11 13. 2 Iohnver 10. 11. and 2 Thes 3. 14. and 1 Tim. 6 3 4 5. and Tit. 1. 10 11 13. Tit. 3. 10. with Mat. 18. 15 16. 17. 1 Tim. 1. 19 20. Reve. 2. 2 14 15 20. Rev. 3. 9. and by the Power of the Civill Magistrate r Deut. 13. 6 to 12. Rom. 13. Rom. 13. 3 4. with 2 Iohn ver 10 11. Ezra 7. 23 25 26 27 28. Revel 17. 12 16 17. Nehem. 13. 15 17 21 22 25 30. 2 Kings 23. 5 6 9 20 21. 2 Chron. 34. 33. 2 Chron. 15. 12 13 16. Dan. 3. 29. 1 Tim. 2. 2. Isa 49. 23. Zec. 13 2 3. CHAP. XXI Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath-day THe light of Nature sheweth that there is a GOD who hath Lordship and Soveraignty over all is good and doth good unto all and is therefore to be feared loved praised called upon trusted in served with all the heart and with all the soul and the might a Rom 1. 20 Acts 17. 24 Psal 119. 68 Ier. 10. 7 Psal 13. 23 Psal 18. â— Rom. 10. 12 Psal 6. 2. 8 Ios 24. 14. Mark 12. 33 But the acceptable way of Worshipping the true GOD is instituted by Himself and so limited by his own revealed Will that he may not be worshipped according to the imaginations and devices of men or the suggestions of Satan under any visible representation or any other way not prescribed in the holy Scripture b Deut. 12. 32. Mat. 1â— 9. Acts 17. 25. Mat. 4 9. 10. Deu. 4. 15. 10 20. Exo. 20. 4 5 6. Col. 2. 23 II. Religious Worship is to be given to GOD the Father the Son and Holy Ghost and to him alone c Mat. 4. 10. with Ioh. 5. 23 2. 2 Cor. 13. 14 not to Angels
Saints or any other creature d Col. 2. 18 Rev. 19. 10 Rom. 1. 25 and since the Fall not without a Mediator nor in the mediation of any other but of Christ alone e Iohn 14. 6 1 Tim. 2. 5. Eph. 7. 18 Col. 3. 17 III. Prayer with thanksgiving being one speciall part of Religious Worship f Phil. 4. 6 is by GOD required of all men g Psal 65 2 and that it may be accepted it is to be made in the Name of the Son h Iohn 14. 13. 14. 1 Pet. 2. 5 by the help of his Spirit i Rom. 8. 26. according to his Will k Ioh. 5. 14 with understanding reverence humility fervency faith love and perseverance l Psal 47. 7 Eccles 5. 1 2 Heb. 12. 28 Gen. 18. 27 Iames 5. 16. Iam. 1 6 7 Mark 11. 24. Mar 6. 12. 14. 15. Col 4. 2. Ep. 6. 18 and if vocall in a known tongue m Cor. 14. 14 IV. Prayer is to be made for things lawfull n 1 Ioh 5 14 and for all sorts of men living or that shall live hereafter o 1 Tim. 2. 1 2 Ioh. 17 20 2. Sa. 7. 29 Ruth 4. 12 but not for the dead p 2 Sam. 12 21 22. 23. with Luk. 16. 25 26 Rev. 14 3 nor for those of whom it may be known that they have sinned the sin unto death q 1 Ioh. 5. â—6 V. The reading of the Scriptures with godly fear r Act. 15. 21 Rev. 1. 3 the sound Preaching Å¿ 2. Tim. 4. 2 and conscionable hearing of the Word in obedience to God with understanding faith and reverence t Iam. 1. 22 Acts 10. â—5 Mat. 13. 19. He 4. 2. Isa 66. 2 singing of Psalms with grace in the heart u Col. 3. 16 Ephes 5. 19 Iam. 5. 13 as also the due administration worthy receiving of the Sacraments instituted by Christ are all parts of the ordinary Religious Worship of God w Mat. 28. 19 1 Cor. 11. 13 to 29. Acts 2. 42 Beside Religious Oaths x Deut. 6. 13 with Neh. 10. 29. Vows y Isa 19. 21 with Eccl. 5. 4 5 Solemn Fastings z Ioel 2 12 Esther 4. 16 Mat. 9. 15 1 Cor. 7. 5 and Thanksgivings upon special occasions a Psal 107 throughout Ester 9. 22 which are in their severall times and seasons to be used in an holy and religious manner b Heb. 11. 28 VI. Neither Prayer nor any other part of Religious Worship is now under the Gospel either tyed unto or made more acceptable by any place in which it is performed or towards which it is directed c Iohn 4. 21 but God is to be worshipped every where d Mal. 1. 11 1 Tim. 2. 8 in Spirit and Truth e Iohn 4 23 24 as in private Families f Ier. 10. 25 Deut. 6. 6 7 Iob 1. 5 2 Sam. 6. 18 20. 1 Pet. 3 7. Acts 10. 2 daily g Mat. 6. 11 and in secret each one by himselâ— h Mat. 6. 6 Eph. â— 18 so more solâ—mnly in the publique Assemblies which are not carelessy or wilfully to be neglected or forsaken when God by his Word or Providence calleth thereunto i Isa 56. 7 Heb. 10 25 Prov. 1. 20 21 24 Prov. 8. 34 Acts 13 42 Luk. 4. 16 Acts 2. 42 VII As it is of the Law of Nature that in general a due proportion of time be set a part for the Worship of God so in his Word by a positive Morall and perpetuall Commandment binding all men in all ages he hath particularly appointed one day in seven for a Sabbath to be kept holy unto him k Exod. 20 8 0 11 Isa 56. 2 4 6 7. which from the beginning of the World to the resurrection of Christ was the last Day of the week and from the Resurrection of Christ was changed into the first Day of the week l Gen. 2. 2 3 1 Cor. 16. 1 2 Acts 20. 7 which in Scripture is called the LORDS Day m Rev. 1. 10 and is to be continued to the end of the World as the Christian Sabbath n Exod. 20. 8. 10. with Mat. 5 17 18 VIII This Sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord when men after a due preparing of their hearts ordering of their common affairs before-hand do not only observe an holy rest all the Day from their own works words and thoughts about their worldly imployments and recreations o Exod. 20. 8 Exod. 16. 23 25 26 29 30 Ex. 31. 15 16 17 Isa 58. 13. Nehem. 131 16 17 18 19 21 22 but also are taken up the whole time in the publique and private Exercises of his Worship in the duties of necessity and mercy p Isa 58. 13 Mat. 12. 2 to 13 CHAP. XXII Of lawfull Oaths and Vows A Lawfull Oath is a part of Religious Worship a Deut. 12 20 wherein upon just occasion the person swearing solemnly calleth God to witnesse what he asserteth or promiseth and to judge him according to the truth or falshood of what he sweareth b Exod. 20. 7 Levit. 19. 12 2 Cor. 1. 23 2 Chron. 6 22 23 II. The Name of God only is that by which men ought to sweare and therein it is to be used with all holy fear and reverence c Deut. 6. 13 Therefore to swear vainly or rashly by that glorious and dreadfull Name or to swear at all by any other thing is sinfull and to be abhorred d Exod 10. â— Ier. 1. 7 Mat 5. 34 37 Iam. 5. 12 Yet as in matters of weight and moment an Oath is warranted by the Word of God under the New Testament as well as under the Old e Heb. 6. 16 2 Cor. 1. 2â— Isaâ— 6â— 1â— so a lawfull Oath being imposed by lawfull Authority in such matters ought to be taken f 1 Kings â— 31. Neh 13 25. Ezra 10 5. III. Whosoever taketh an Oath ought duely to consider the weightinesse of so solemn an Act and therein to avouch nothing but what he is fully perswaded is the truth g Exod. 20. 7 Ier 4. 2 Neither maâ— any man binde himself by Oath to any thing but what is good and just and what he believeth so to be and what he iâ— able and resolved to perform h Gen 24. 2 3 5 6. 8 9. Yet is it a sin to refuse an Oath touching any thing that is good and just being imposeâ— by lawfull Authority i Num. 5. 19 21 Neh. 5 12. Exâ—d 22 7 8 9 10 11 IV. An Oath is to be taken in the plain and common sense of the words without equivocation or mentall reservation k Ier. 4. 2 Psal 24. 4 It cannot oblige to sin but in any thing not sinfull being taken it binds to performance although to a mans own hurt l 1 Sam. 25 22. â—2 33 34 Psal 15. 4 nor is it to be violated
12. Mat. 12 36 37. II. The end of Gods appointing his Day is for the manifestation of the glory of his Mercy in the eternall salâ—aâ—ion of the Elect of his Iustice in the damnation of the reprobate who are wicked and disobedient For then shall the Righteous go into everlasting Life and receive that fulnesse of Ioy and refreshing which shall come from the presence of the Lord but the wicked who know not God and obey not the Gospel of Iesus Christ shall be cast into eternal Torments and be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power e Mat. 25. 31 to the end Rom. 2. 5 6 Rom. 9. â—2 2â— Mat. 25 21. Acts 3. 19 2 Thess 1 7 8 9 10 III. As Christ would have us to bee certainly perswaded That there shall be a Day of Iudgement both to deterre all men from sin and for the greater consolation of the godly in their adversity f 2 Pet. 3. 11 14. 2 Cor. 5 10 11 2 Thes 1. 5 6 7. Luk 21. 2â— 28 Rom. 8. 23 24 25 g Mat. 24. 36 42 43 44 Mark 13. 35 36 37. Luk. 11. 35 36 Rev. 22. 20 so will hee have that Day unknown to men that they may shake off all carnall security and be alwayes watchfull because they know not at what hour the Lord will come and may bee ever prepared to say come Lord Iesus come quickly Amen Charles Herle Prolocutor Cornelius Burges Assessor Herbert Palmer Assessor Henry Robâ—ough Scriba Adoniram Byfield Scriba FINIS The LARGER CATECHISM Agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster To be a part of Uniformity in Religion between the Churches of Christ in the three Kingdomes QUESTION WHat is the chief and highest end of man A. Mans chief and highest end is to glorifie God a Rom. 11. 36. 1 Cor. 10. 31 and fully to enjoy him forever b Ps 73. 24. to the end Ioh. 17 21 22 23. Q. How doth it appear that there is a God A. The very light of nature in man and the works of God declare plainly that there is a God c Rom. 1. 19 20. Ps 19. 1. 2. 3 Acts 17. 18 but his Word and Spirit only doe sufficiently and effectually reveale him unto men for their saltion d 1 Cor. 2 9 10 2 Tim 3. 15 16 17 Isa 59. 21 Q. What is the Word of God A. The holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the Word of God e 2 Tim. 3 16 2 Pet. 1. 19 20 21 the only Rule of Faith Obedience f Eph 2. 20 Rev. 22. 18 19. Q. How doth it appear that the Scriptures are the Word of God A. The Scriptures manifest themselves to be the Word of God by their majesty g Hos 8. 12 1 Cor. 2. 6 7 13. Psal 119. 18 129 and purity h Psal 12 6 Ps 119. 140 by the consent of all the parts i Acts 10. 43 Acts 26. 22 and the scope of the whole which is to give all glory to God k Rom. 3. 19 27 by their light and power to convince and convert sinners to comfort and build up Believers unto salvation l Acts 18. 28 Heb. 4. 12 Iam. 1. 18 Psal 19. 7 8 9. Rom. 15. 4 Acts 20. 32 But the Spirit of God bearing witnesse by and with the Scriptures in the heart of man is alone able fully to perswade it that they are the very word of God m Ioh. 16 13. 14 1 Ioh. 2. 20 1â— Ioh. 20. 31 Q. What doe the Scriptures principally teach A. The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God and what duty God requires of man n 2 Tim. 1. 13 Q. What doe the Scriptures make known of God A. The Scriptures make known what God is o Heb. 11. 6 the Persons in the Godhead p 1 Ioh. 5. 7 his Decrees q Acts 15 14 15 18 and the execution of his Decrees r Acts 4. 27 28 Q. What is God A. God is a Spirit Å¿ Ioh. 4. 24 in and of himself infinite in being t Exod. 3. 14 Iob 11. â— 8 9 glory u Acts 7. 21 blessedness w 1 Tim. 6 15. and perfection x Mat. 5. 45 alsufficient y Gen. 17. 1 eternal z Psal 90. 2 unchangeable a Mal. 3. 6 Iam. 1. 17 in comprehensible b 1 Kin. 8. 27 every where present c Psal 139. 1 to 13. almighty d Rev. 4. 8 knowing all things e Heb. 4. 13 Psal 147. 5 most wise f Rom. 16 17 most holy g Isa 6. 3 Rev. 15 4 most just h Deut. 32 4 most mercifull and gracious long-suffering and abundant in goodnesse and truth i Exod 34 6 Q. Are there more Gods then one A. There is but one onâ—y the living and true God k Deut. â— 4 1 Cor. 8. 4. 6 Ier. 10. 10 Q. How many persons are there in the Godhead A. There be three Persons in the Godhead the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost and these three are one true eternall God the same in substance equall in power and glory although distinguished by their Personall properties l 1 Ioh. 5. 7 Mat 3. 16 17 Mat. 28. 12 2 Cor. 13. 14 Ioh. 10. 30 Q. What are the Personall Properties of the three Persons in the Godhead A. It is proper to the Father to be get the Son m Heb. 1. 5 6 8 and to the Son to be begotten of the Father n Ioh. 1. 14 18 and to the Holy Ghost to proceed from the Father and the Son from all eternity o Ioâ— 15. 16 Gal. 4. 6 Q How doth it appeare that the Son and the Holy Ghost are God equall with the Father A. The Scriptures manifest that the Son and the Holy Ghost are God equall with the Father ascribing unto them such Names p Isa 6. 3 5 8 with Ioh. 12. 41. and Acts 28. 25 1 Ioh. 5 20 Acts 5. 3 4 attributes q Ioh. 1. 1 Isa 9 6. Ioh. 1. 24 25 1 Cor. 2. 10 11. works r Col. 1. 16 Gen 1. 2 and worship as are proper God onely Å¿ Mat. 28. 19 2 Chr. 13. 14 Q. What are the Decrees of A. Gods Decrees are the wise free and holy acts of the counsel of his will t Eph. 1. 11 Rom. 11. 33 Rom. 9. 14 15 18 whereby from all eternity he hath for his own glory unchangeably fore-ordained whatsoever comes to passe in time u Eph. 1. 4 11. Rom. 9 22 23 Psal 33. 11 especially concerning Angels and men Q What hath God especially decreed concerning Angels and Men A. God by an eternall and immutable Decree out of his meer love for the praise of his glorious grace to bee manifested in due time hath elected some Angels to glory w 1 Tim. 5 21 and in Christ
From circumstances of time r 2 Kin. 5. 26 place Å¿ Ier. 7. 10 Isai 26. 10 if on the Lords day t Ezek. 23. 37. 38 39 or other times of divine worship u Isai 58. 3 4 5 or immediately before w 1 Cor. 11 20 21 or after these x Ier. 7. 8 9 10 Pro. 7. 14 15 Ioh. 13. 27 30 or other helps to prevent or remedy such miscarriages y Ezra 9. 13 14 if in publike or in the presence of others who are thereby likely to be provoked or defiled z 2 Sam. 16 22 1 Sam. 2. 22 23 24 Q. What doth every sinne deserve at the hands of God A. Every sin even the least being against the soveraignty a Iam 2. 10 11 goodnes b Ex. â—0 1 â— holines of God c Hab. 1. 13 Lev. 10. 3 Lev 11. 44 45 against his righteous law d 1 Ioh. 3. 4 Rom. 7. 12 deserveth his wrath curse e Eph. 5. 6 Gal. 3. 10. both in this life f Lam. 3. â—9 Deut. 28. 15 to the end that which is to come g Mat. 25. 41 cannot be expiated but by the blood of Christ h Heb. 9. 22 1 Pet. 1. 18 19 Q. What doth God require of us that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us by reason of the transgression of the Law A. That we may escape the wrath and curse of God due to us by reason of the transgression of the Law be requireth of us repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Iesus Christ i Acts 20. 21 Mat 3. 7 8 Luk 13. 3. 5 Acts 16. 30 31 Ioh. 3. 16. 18 and the diligent use of the outward meanes whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation k Prov. 21 to 6 Prov. 8. 33. to the end Q. What are the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefiâ— of his mediation A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to his Church the benefits of his mediation are all his ordinances especially the Word Sacraments and prayer all which are made effectuall to the Elect for their salvation l Mat. 28. 19 20. Acts 2 42 46 47 Q. How is the word made effectuall to salvation A. The Spirit of God maketh the Reading but especially the Preaching of the Word an effectual means of enlightning m Neh. 8. 8 Acts 26. 18 Psal 19. 8 convincing and humbling sinners n 1 Cor. 14 24 25. 2 Chr. 34. 18 19 26 27 28. of driving them out of themselvs and drawing them unto Christ o Acts 2. 37 41. Acts 8 27 to 39 of conforming them to his Image p 1 Cor. 3. 18 and subduing them to his will q 2 Cor. 10. 4 5 6 Rom. 6. 17 of strengthening them against temptations and corruptions r Mat. 4 4. 7. 8 Eph. 6. 16 17 Psal 19. 11 1 Cor. 10. 11 of building them up in grace Å¿ Acts 20 32 2 Tim. 3. 15 16 17 and establishing their hearts in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation t Rom. 16. 25 1 Thes 3. 2 10 11 13 Rom. 15. 4 Rom. 10. 13 14 15 16 17 Rom. 1. 16 Q. Is the word of God to be read by all A. Although all are not to be permitted to read the Word publikely to the Congregation u Deut. 31. 9 11 12 13 Neh. 8. 2. 3 Neh. 9. 3 4 5 yet all sorts of people are bound to read it apart by themselves w Deut. 17 19. Rev. 1. 3 Ioh. 5. 39 Isa 34. 16 with their families x Deut. 6 6 7. 8 9. Gen. 18 17 19. Psal 78. 5 6 7 to which end the holy Scriptures are to be translated out of the Original into vulgar languages y 1 Cor. 14. 6 9 11 12 15. 16 24. 27 28 Q. How is the Word of God to be read A. The holy Scriptures are to be read with an high and reverent esteem of them z Psaâ— 19. 10 Neh. 8. 3. to 10. Exod. 24. 7. 2 Chr. 34. 27. Isai 66. 2. with a firm perswasion that they are the very Word of God a 2 Pet. 1. 19 20 21 and that he only can enable us to understand them b Luk. 24. 45 2 Cor. 3 13 14 15 16 with desire to know believe and obey the will of God revealed in them c Deut. 17 19 20 with diligence d Acts 17. 11 and attention to the matter and scope of them e Acts 8. 30 34. Luk. 10 26 27 28 with meditation f Psal 1. 2 Psal 119. 97 application g 1 Chr. 34. 21 self-deniall h Pro. 3. 5 Deut. 33. 3 and prayer i Prov. 2. 1 to 7. Ps 119 18 Neh. 8. 6 8 Q. By whom is the Word of God to bee preached A. The Word of God is to be preached only by such as are sufficiently gifted k 1 Tim. 3. 2 6. Eph. 4. 8 9 10 11. Hos 4. 6. Mal. 2. 7 2 Cor. 3. 6 also duly approved called to that office l Ier. 14. 15 Rom. 10. 15 Heb. 5. 4 1 Cor. 12. 28 29. 1 Tim. 3 10. 1 Tim. 4 14. 1 Tim. 5 22 Q. How is the Word of God to be preached by those that are called thereunto A. They that are called to labour in the ministry of the Word are to preach sound doctrine m Tit. 2. 1 8 diligently n Acts 18. 25 in season and out of season o 2 Tim. 4. â— plainly p 1 Cor. 14. 19 not in the enticing words of mans wisdome but in demonstration of the Spirit and power q 1 Cor. 2. 4 faithfully r Ier. 23 28 1 Cor. 4. 1 2 making known the whole counsell of God Å¿ Acts 20. 27 wisely t Col. 1. 28 2 Tim. 2. 15 applying themselves to the necessities and capacities of the hearers u 1 Cor. 3. 2. Heb 5. 12 13. 14. Luk. 12. 42. zealously w Acts 10. 25. with fervent love to God x 2 Cor. 5. 13 14. Phil. 1. 15 16 17. and the souls of his people y Col. 4. 12. 2 Cor. 12. 15. sincerely z 2 Cor. 2. 1â— 2 Cor. 4. 2. ayming at his glory a 1 Thes 2. 4 5 6. Ioh. 7. 18. and their conversion b 1 Cor. 9. 19 20 21 22. edification c 2 Cor. 12 19. Eph. 4. 12. and salvation d 1 Tim. 4. 16 Acts 26. 16 17 18. Q. What is required of those that heare the Word preached A. It is required of those that hear the Word preached that they attend upon it with diligence e Pro. 8. 34 preparation f 1 Pet. 2. 1 2 Luke 8. 18 and prayer g Psal 119. 18 Eph. 6. 18. 19 examine what they hear by the Scriptures h Acts 17. 11 receive the truth with
read although there follow no immediate explication of what is read the Word expounded and applyed Catechising the Sacraments administred Collection made for the poor dismissing the people with a blessing Of Church Government and the several sorts of Assemblies for the same CHrist hath instituted a Government and Governors Ecclesiastical in the Church to that purpose the Apostles did immediately receive the keys from the hand of Jesus Christ and did use and exercise them in all the Churches of the world upon all occasions And Christ hath since continually furnished some in his Church with gifts of Government and with commission to execute the same when called thereunto It is lawful and agreeable to the Word of God that the Church be governed by several sorts of Assemblies which are Congregational Classical and Synodical Of the power in Common of all these Assemblies IT is lawful and agreeable to the word of God that the several Assemblies before mentioned have power to convent and call before them any person within their several bounds whom the Ecclesiastical business which is before them doth concern proved by Math. Chap. 18. They have power to hear and determine such causes and differences as do orderly come before them It is lawful and agreeable to the Word of God that all the said Assemblies have some power to dispence Church-censures Of Congregational Assemblies that is The meeting of the ruling Officers of a particular Congregation for the Government thereof THe ruling Officers of a particular Congregation have power authoritatively to call before them any member of the Congregation as they shall see just occasion To enquire into the knowledg and spiritual estate of the several members of the Congregation To admonish and rebuke Which three branches are proved by Heb. 13. 17. 1 Thess 5. 12 13. Ezek. 34. 4. Authoritative suspension from the Lords Table of a person not yet cast out of the Church is agreeable to the Scripture First Because the Ordinance it self must not be prophaned Secondly Because we are charged to withdraw from these that walk disorderly Thirdly Because of the great sin and danger both to him that comes unworthily and also to the whole Church Mat. 7. 6. 2 Thess 3. 6 14 15. 1 Cor. 11. 27. to the end of the chap. compared with Jude vers 23. 1 Tim. 5. 22. And there was power and authority under the Old Testament to keep unclean persons from holy things Levit. 13. 5. Numb 9. 7. 2 Chron. 23. 19. The like power and authority by way of Analogy continues under the New Testament The Ruling Officers of a particular Congregation have power authoritatively to suspend from the Lords Table a person not yet cast out of the Church First Because those who have authority to judg of and admit such as are fit to receive the Sacrament have authority to keep back such as shall be found unworthy Secondly Because it is an Ecclesiastical business of ordinary practise belonging to that Congregation When Congregations are divided and fixed they need all mutual help one from another both in regard of their intrinsecal weaknesses and mutual dependence As also in regard of enemies from without Of Classical Assemblies THe Scripture doth hold out a Presbytery in a Church both in the first Epistle to Timothy Chap. 4. vers 14. and in Acts 15. verses 2 4 6. A Presbytery consisteth of Ministers of the Word and such other publique Officers as are agreeable to and warranted by the Word of God to be Church Governors to joyn with the Ministers in the Government of the Church as appeareth Rom. 12. 7 8. 1 Cor. 12. 28. The Scripture doth hold forth that many particular Congregations may be under one Presbyterial Government This Proposition is proved by instances First Of the Church of Jerusalem which consisteth of more Congregations then one and all these Congregations were under one Presbyterial Government This appeareth thus First The Church of Jerusalem consisteth of more Congregations then one as is manifest first By the multitude of Beleevers mentioned in divers Both before the dispersion of the Beleevers there by means of the persecution mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles Chap. 8. in the beginning thereof witness Chap. 1. verse 11. and 2. v. 41 46 47. and 4. 4. and 5 14. and Chap. 6. of the same book of the Acts verses 1 7. And also after the dispersion Acts 9. 31. Chap. 12. â—4 and Chap. 21. ver 20. of the same book Secondly By the many Apostles and other Preachers in the Church of Jerusalem And if there were but one Congregation there then each Apostle preached but seldom which will not consist with Chap. 6. verse 2. of the same book of the Acts of the Apostles Thirdly The diversity of languages amongst the Beleevers mentioned both in the second and sixth Chapters of the Acts doth argue more Congregations then one in that Church Secondly All those Congregations were under one Presbyterial Government because First They were one Church Acts 8. 1. and Chapter 2. 47. compared with Chap. 5. 11 and 12. 5. and 15. 4. of the same book Secondly The Elders of the Church are mentioned Acts 11. 30. and 15. 4 6 22. and 21. 17 18. of the same book Thirdly The Apostles did the ordinary Acts of Presbyters as Presbyters in that Kirk which proveth a Presbyterial Church before the dispersion Acts 6. Fourthly The several Congregations in Jerusalem being one Church the Elders of that Church are mentioned as meeting together for acts of Government Acts 11. 30. and 15. 4 6 22. and 21. 17 18. and so forward which proves that those several Congregations were under one Presbyterial Government And whether these Congregations were fixed or not fixed in regard of Officers or Members it is all one as to the truth of the Proposition Nor doth there appear any material difference betwixt the several Congregations in Ierusalem and the many Congregations now in the ordinary condition of the Church as to the point of fixedness required of Officers or Members Thirdly Therefore the Scripture doth hold forth that many Congregations may be under one Presbyterial Government Secondly By the instance of the Church of Ephesus for 1 That they were more Congregations then one in the Church of Ephesus appears by Acts 20 31. where is mention of Pauls continuance at Ephesus in Preaching for the space of three years and Acts 19 18 19 20. where the special effect of the Word is mentioned and verse 10 and 17 of the same Chapter where is a distinction of Iews and Greeks and 1 Cor. 16. 8 9. where a reason of Pauls stay at Ephesus until Pentecost and verse 19 where is mention of a particular Church in the house of Aquila and Priscilla then at Ephesus as appears Acts 18. 19 24 26. all which laid together doth prove that the multitudes of Beleevers did make more Congregations then one in the Church of Ephesus 2. That there were many Elders over these many Congregations
of God in him and whether he be of such holiness of life as is requisite in a Minister of the Gospel and to examine him touching his learning and sufficiency and touching the evidences of his Calling to the holy Ministry and in particular his fair and direct Calling to that place The Rules for Examination are these 1. That the party examined be dealt withall in a brotherly way with mildness of spirit and with special respect to the gravity modesty and quality of every one 2. He shall be examined touching his skil in the Original Tongues and his tryal to be made by reading the Hebrew and Greek Testaments and rendring some portion of some into Latin and if he be defective in them enquiry shall be made the more strictly after his other learning and whether he hath skill in Logick and Phylosophy 3. What Authors in Divinity he hath read and is best acquainted with and tryal shall be made in his knowledg of the grounds of Religion and ability to defend the Orthodox Doctrine contained in them against all unsound and erronious opinions especially these of the present age of his skill in the sense and meaning of such places of Scripture as shall be proposed unto him in cases of Conscience and in the Chronology of the Scripture and the Ecclesiastical History 4. If he hath not before preached in publique with approbation of such as are able to judg he shal at a competent time assigned him expound before the Presbytery such a place of Scripture as shall be given him 5. He shall also within a competent time frame a discourse in Latin upon such a common place or Controversie in Divinity as shall be assigned him and exhibite to the Presbytery such Theses as express the sum thereof and maintain a Dispute upon them 6. He shall Preach before the People the Presbytery or some of the Ministers of the Word appointed by them being present 7. The proportion of his gifts in relation to the place unto which he is called shall be considered 8. Beside the tryal of his gifts in Preaching he shall undergo an examination in the Premises two several days and more if the Presbytery shall judg it necessary 9. And as for him that hath been formerly ordained a Minister and is to be removed to another charge he shall bring a Testimonial of his Ordination and of his abilities and Conversation whereupon his fitness for that place shall be tryed by his Preaching there if it shall be judged necessary by a further examination of him In all which he being approved he is to be sent to the Church where he is to serve there to Preach three several days and to converse with the people that they may have tryal of his Gifts for their edification may have time and occasion to enquire into and the better to know his life and Conversation In the last of these three days appointed for the tryal of his gifts in Preaching there shall be sent from the Presbytery to the Congregation a publick intimation in writing which shall be publickly read before the people and after affixed to the Church door to signifie that such a day a competent number of the Members of that Congregation nominated by themselves shall appear before the Presbytery to give their consent and approbation to such a man to be their Minister or otherwise to put in with all Christian discretion and meekness what exceptions they have against him if upon the day appointed there be no just exception against him but the people give their consent then the presbytery shall proceed to ordination Upon the day appointed for Ordination which is to be performed in that Church where he that is to be ordained is to serve a solemn Fast shall be kept by the Congregation that they may the more earnestly joyn in Prayer for a blessing upon the Ordinance of Christ and the labours of his Servant for their good The Presbytery shall come to the place or at least three or four Ministers of the Word shall be sent thither from the Presbytery of which one appointed by the Presbytery shall preach to the people concerning the office and duty of Ministers of Christ and how the people ought to receive them for their work sake After the Sermon the Minister who hath Preached shall in the face of the Congregation demand of him who is now to be ordained concerning his faith in Christ Jesus and his perswasion of the truth of the Reformed Religion according to the Scripture His sincere intentions and ends in desiring to enter into this Calling His diligence in Praying Reading Meditation Preaching Ministring the Sacraments Discipline and doing all Ministerial Duties towards his Charge His Zeal and Faithfulness in maintaining the Truth of the Gospel and Unity of the Church against Error and Schism His care that himself and his Family may be unblameable and examples to the Flock His willingness and humility in meekness of Spirit to submit unto the admonitions of his Brethren and Discipline of the Church And his resolution to continue in his duty against all trouble and persecution In all which having declared himself professed his willingness and promised his endeavours by the help of God The Minister likewise shall demand of the People concerning their willingness to receive and acknowledg him as the Minister of Christ and to obey and submit unto him as having rule over them in the Lord and to maintain encourage and assist him in all the parts of his Office Which being mutually promised by the People the Presbytery or the Ministers sent from them for Ordination shall solemnly set him apart to the Office and Work of the Ministry by laying their hands on him which is to be accompanied with a short Prayer or Blessing to this effect Thankefully acknowledging the great mercy of God in sending Jesus Christ for the redemption of his people and for his ascension to the right hand of God the Father and thence pouring out his Spirit and giving gifts to Men Apostles Evangelists Prophets Pastors and Teachers for the gathering and building up of his Church and for sitting and inclining this man to this great Work To entreat him to fit him with his holy Spirit to give him who in his name we thus set apart to this holy service to fulfil the Work of his Ministry in all things that he may both save himself and his people committed to his charge This or the like form of prayer and blessing being ended let the Minister who preached briefly exhort him to consider of the greatness of his Office and Work the danger of negligence both to himself and his people the blessing which will accompany his faithfulness in this life and that to come and withal exhort the people to carry themselves to him as to their Minister in the Lord according to their solemn promise made before and so by prayer commending both him and his Flock to the Grace of
faith i Heb 4 2 love k 2 The. 2. 10 meeknesse l Iames. 1. 21 and rediness of minde m Acts 17. 11 as the Word of God n 1 The. 2. 13 meditate o Luk. 9 44 Heb. 2. 1 and conferre of it p Luk. 24. 14 Deut. 6. 6 7 hide it in their hearts q Prov. 2. 1 Psal 119. 11 and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives r Luk. 8. 15 Iames 1. 25 Q. How doe the Sacraments become effectuall means of salvation A. The Sacraments become effectuall means of salvation not by any power in themselves or any vertue derived from the piety and intention of him by whom they are administred but only by the working of the holy Ghost the blessing of Christ by whom they are instituted Å¿ 1 Pet. 3. 21 Acts 8. 13 with v. 23 1 Cor. 3. 6 7 1 Cor. 12. 13 Q. What is a Sacrament A. A Sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ in his Church t Gen. 17 7 10. Ex. 12. ch Mat. 28 19 Mat. 26 27 28 to signifie seale and exhibit u Rom. 4. 11 1 Cor. 11. 24 25 unto those that are within the Covenant of grace w Rom. 15. 8 Exod. 12. 48 the benefits of his mediation x Acts 2. 38 1 Cor. 10. 16 to strengthen and encrease their faith and all other graces y Rom. 4. 11 Gal. 3. 27 to oblige them to obedience z Rom. 6. 3 4 1 Cor. 10. 21 to testifie and cherish their love and communion one with another a Eph. 4. 2 3. 4 5 1 Cor. 12. 13 and to distinguish them from those that are without b Eph. 2. 11 12 Gen. 34. 14 Q. What are the parts of a Sacrament A. The parts of a Sacrament are two the one an outward and sensible signe used according to Christs own appointment the other an inward and spiritual grace thereby signified c Mat. 3. 11 1 Pet. 3. 21 Rom. 2. 28 29 Q. How many Sacraments hath Christ instituted in his Church under the New Testament A. Vnder the New Testament Christ hath instituted in his Church only two Sacraments Baptism and the Lords Supper d Mat. 28. 19 1 Cor. 11. 20 23 Mat. 26. 26 27 28. Q. What is Baptism A. Baptism is a Sacrament of the New Testament wherein Christ hath ordained the washing with water in the Name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the Holy Ghost e Mat. 28. 19 to be a sign and seal of engrafting into himself f Gal. 3. 27 of remission of sinnes by his blood g Mar. 1. 4 Rev. 1. 5 and regeneration by his spirit h Tit. 3. 5 Eph. 5. 26 of Adoption i Gal. 3. 26 27 and resurrectionn to everlasting life k 1 Cor. 15 29 Rom. 6. 5 and whereby the parties baptized are solemnly admitted into the visible Church l 1 Cor. 12 13 and enter into an open and professed engagement to be wholly and only the Lords m Rom. 6 4 Q. Vnto whom is Baptism to be administred A. Baptism is not to be administred to any that are out of the visible Church and so strangers from the Covenant of promise till they professe their faith in Christ and obedience to him n Acts 8. 36 37 Acts 2. 38 but Infants descending from parents either both or but one of them professing faith in Christ and obedience to him are in that respect within the Covenant and to be baptized o Gen. 17. 7 9. with Gal. 3. 9 14. and Col. 2. 11 12 and Acts 2 38 39. and Rom. 4. 11 12. 1 Cor. 7 14. Mat. 28. 19. Luk. 18. 15 16. Rom. 11. 16 Q. How is our Baptism to be improved by us A. The needful but much neglected duty of improving our Baptism is to be performed by us all our life long especially in the time of temptation when we are present at the administration of it to others p Col. 2. 11 12 Rom 6. 4. 6 11 by serious thankfull consideration of the nature of it of the ends for which Christ instituted it the priviledges and benefits conferred sealed thereby and our solemn vow made therein q Rom. 6. 3 4 5 by being humbled for our sinful defilement our falling short of walking contrary to the grace of Baptism and our engagements r 1 Cor. 1. 11 12 13 Rom. 6. 2. 3 by growing up to assurance of pardon of sin and of all other blessings sealed to us in that Sacrament Å¿ Rom. 4. 11 12. 1 Pet. 3 21. by drawing strength from the death and resurrection of Christ into whom we are baptized for the mortifying of sin and quickning of grace t Rom 6 3 4. 5 and by end eavouring to live by faith u Gal. 3. 26 2â— to have our conversation in holiness and righteousness w Rom. 6. 22 as those that have therein given up their names to Christ x Acts 2. 38 and to walk in brotherly love as being baptized by the same spirit into one body y 1 Cor. 12 13 25 26 27 Q. What is the Lords Supper A. The Lords Supper is a Sacrament of the New Testament z Luk. 22. 20 wherein by giving receiving bread and wine according to the appointment of Iesus Christ his death is shewed forth and they that worthily communicate feed upon his body and blood to their spirituall nourishment and growth in grace a Mat. 26. 26 27 28 1 Cor. 11. 23 24 25 26 have their union and communion with him confirmed b 1 Cor. 10 16 testifie and renue their thankfulnesse c 1 Cor. 11 24 25 26 and engagement to God d 1 Cor. 10 14 15 16 21 and their mutuall love and fellowship each with other as members of the same mysticall body e Cor. 10. 17 Q. How hath Christ appointed Bread and Wine to be given and received in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper A. Christ hath appointed the Ministers of his word in the administration of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper to set apart the bread and wine from common use by the word of institution thanksgiving and prayer to take and break the bread and to give both the Bread the Wine to the Communicants who are by the same appointment to take and eat the Bread and to drink the Wine in thankfull remembrance that the body of Christ was broken and given and his blood shed for them f Cor. 11 23 24 Mat. 26. 26 27 28 Mar. 14. 22 23 24 Luk. 22. 19 20 Q. How doe they that worthily communicate in the Lords Supper feed upon the body and blood of Christ therein A. As the body and blood of Christ are not corporally or carnally present in with or under the Bread Wine in the Lords Supper g Acts 3. 21 and yet are spiritually present
a father able and ready to help us u Ro. 8 15 Luk 11 13 and that we should pray with and for others w Act 12 5 1 Tim. 2. 1. 2 Q. What do we pray for in the first Petition A. In the first Petition which is Hallowed be thy name x Mat 6 9 we pray that God would enable us and others to glorifie him in all that whereby he maketh himself known y Psal 67 2 3 and that he would dispose all things to his own glory z Psa 83 throughout Q. What do we pray for in the second Petition A. In the second Petition which is Thy Kingdom come a Mat 6. 10 we pray that Satans Kingdom may be destroyed b Psa 68 1 18 and that the Kingdom of Grace may be advanced c Rev 12 10 11 our selves and others brought into it and kept in it d 2 Thess 3 1. Rom 10 1 Ioh. 17 9 20 and that the Kingdom of Glory may be hastened e Rev 22 20 Q. What do we pray for in the third Petition A. In the third Petition which is Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven f Mat. 6 10 we pray that God by his grace would make us able and willing to know obey and submit to his will in all things g Psa 67 throughout Ps 119 36 mat 26 39 2 Sam. 15 25. Iob 1 21 as the Angels do in heaven h Psa 103. 20 21 Q. What do we pray for in the fourth Petition A In the fourth Petition which is Give us this day our dayly bread i Mat. 6. 11 we pray that of Gods free gift we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life and enjoy his blessing with them k Prov. 30 8 9 Gen. 28 20. 1 Tim 4. 4 5 Q. What do we pray for in the fifth Petition A. In the fisth Petition which is And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debters l Mat. 6. 12 we pray that God for Christs sake would freely pardon all our sins m Psa 51. 1 2 7 9 Dan. 9. 17 18 19 which we are the rather encouraged to ask because by his grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others n Luk. 11. 4 Mat 18. 15 Q. What do we pray for in the sixth Petition A. In the sixth Petition which is And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil o Mat. 6. 13 we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin p Mat 26 41 or support and deliver us when we are tempted q 2 Cor 12. 1 8 Q. What doth the Conclusion of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The Conclusion of the Lords Prayer which is For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory for ever Amen r Mat. 6. 13 teacheth us to take our encouragement in prayer from God onely Å¿ Dan. 9. 4 7 8 9 16 17 18 19. and in our Prayers to praise him ascribing Kingdom power and glory to him t 1 Chro. 29. 10 11 12 13 and in testimony of our desire and assurance to be heard we say Amen u 1 Cor. 14 16. Rev. 22. 20 21 PROPOSITIONS Concerning Church-Government AND ORDINATION OF MINISTERS LONDON Printed for Robert Bostock and are to be sold at his shop at the Kings-head in Pauls Church-yard 1648. TO THE Right Honorable THE Lords Commons Assembled in PARLIAMENT The humble Advice of the Assembly of Divines now sitting by Ordinance of Parliament at Westminster Concerning Church-Government The Preface JEsus Christ upon whose shoulders Isa 9. 6 7 the Government is whose name is called Wonderful Counsellor the Mighty God the everlasting Father the Prince of Peace of the encrease of whose Government and Peace there shal be no end who sits upon the throne of David and upon his Kingdom to order it and to establish it with Judgment Mat. 28. 18 19 20 Eph. 1. 20 21 22 23 compared with Eph. 4 8 11. Psa 68. 18 and Justice from henceforth even for ever having all power given unto him in Heaven and in Earth by the Father who raised him from the dead and set him on his own Right Hand far above all Principalities and Power and Might and Dominion and every Name that is named not only in this World but also in that which is to come and put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church which is his Body the fulness of him that filleth all in all He being ascended up far above all Heavens that he might fill all things received gifts for his Church and gave offices necessary for the edification of his Church and perfecting of his Saints Of the Church THere is one General Church visible held forth in the New Testament 1 Cor. 12. 12 13 28. together with the rest of the Chapter The Ministry Oracles and Ordinances of the new Testament are given by Jesus Christ to the General Church visible for the gathering and perfecting of it in this life until his second coming 1 Cor. 12 28. Ephes 4. 4 5. compared with vers 10 11 12 13 15 16. of the same Chapter Particular visible Churches Members of the General Church are also held forth in the New Testament Gal. 1. 21 22. Rev. 1. 4. 20. and Rev. 2. 1. Particular Churches in the Primitive times were made up of visible Saints viz. Of such as being of age professed faith in Christ and obdience unto Christ according to the Rule of Faith and Life taught by Christ and his Apostles And of their Children Acts 2. 38 41. Acts 2 vers last compared with Acts 5. 14. 1 Cor. 1. 2. compared with the 2 Corinth 9. 13. Acts 2. 39. 1 Cor. 7. 14. Rom. 11. 16. and so forward Mark 10. 14. compared with Matth. 19. ver 13 14. Luke 18. vers 15 16. Of the Officers of the Church THe Officers which Christ hath appointed for the edification of his Church and the perfecting of the Saints are Some extraordinary as Apostles Evangelists and Prophets which are ceased Others ordinary and perpetual as Pastors Teachers and other Church-Governors and Deacons Pastors THe Pastor is an ordinary and perpetual Officer in the Church Jer. 3. 15 16 17. Prophecying of the time of the Gospel 1 Pet. 5. 2 3 4. Eph. 4. 11 12 13. First It belongs to his office To pray for and with his flock as the mouth of the people unto God Acts 6. 2 3 4. 20. 36 Where Preaching and Prayer are joyned as several parts of the same Office Jam. 5. 14 15. The Office of the Elder that is the Pastor is to pray for the sick even in private to which a blessing is especially promised much more therefore ought he to perform this in the publick execution of his Office as a part thereof 1 Cor. vers 15 16. To read the Scripture