======================================================================== CATECHISM by Robert Barclay ======================================================================== Barclay's catechism presenting the distinctive doctrines of the Society of Friends (Quakers) in question-and-answer format, covering their understanding of Scripture, the Inner Light, worship, sacraments, and Christian conduct. Chapters: 17 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ TABLE OF CONTENTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 0. CATECHISM 1. Preface 2. Of God, and the true and saving Knowledge of him. 3. Of the Rule and Guide of Christians, and of the Scriptures. 4. Of Jesus Christ's being manifest in the Flesh, the Use and End of it. 5. Of the New Birth, the Inward Appearance of Christ in Spirit, and the Unity of the Saints with him. 6. Concerning the Light wherewith Jesus Christ hath enlightned every Man 7. Concerning Faith, Justification, and Works. 8. Concerning Perfection, or Freedom from Sin. 9. Concerning Perseverance and falling from Grace. 10. Concerning the Church and Ministry 11. Concerning Worship. 12. Concerning Baptism, and Bread and Wine. 13. Concerning the Life of a Christian in general, what, and how it ought to be in this World. 14. Concerning Magistracy 15. Concerning the Resurrection. 16. A short Introduction to the Confession of Faith. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 0: CATECHISM ======================================================================== ======================================================================== CHAPTER 1: PREFACE ======================================================================== Since first that great Apostacy took place in the Hearts and Heads of those who began even in the Apostles days, to depart from the simplicity and purity of the Gospel, as it was then delivered in its primitive Splendor and Integrity, innumerable have been the manifold Inventions and Traditions, the different and various Notions and Opinions, wherewith Man (by giving way to the vain and airy Imaginations of his own unstable mind) hath burdened the Christian Faith: so that indeed, first by adding these things, and afterwards by equalling them, if not exalting them above the Truth, they have at last come to be substitute in the stead of it; so that in process of time, Truth came to be shut out of doors, and another thing placed in the room thereof, having a shew and a Name, but wanting the substance and thing itself: Nevertheless it pleased God to raise up Witnesses for himself almost in every Age and Generation, who, according to the Discoveries they received, bore some Testimony, less or more, against the Superstition and Apostacy of the time; and in special manner through the appearing of that Light which first broke forth in Germany about One hundred and fifty years ago, and afterwards reached divers other Nations; the Beast received a deadly Wound: and a very great Number did at one time Protest against, and Rescind from the Church of Rome in divers of their most gross and sensual Doctrines and superstitious Traditions: But alas! it is for matter of lamentation, that the Successors of these Protestants are Establishing and Building up in themselves that which their Fathers were pulling down, instead of prosecuting and going on with so Good and Honourable a Work; which will easily appear. The generality of all Protestants (though in many other things miserably rent and shattered among themselves) do agree in dividing from the Church of Rome in these two particulars: First, That every Principle and Doctrine of the Christian Faith is, and ought to be founded upon the Scripture; and that whatsoever Principles or Doctrines are not only not contrary; but even not according thereto, ought to be denyed as Antichristian. Secondly, That the Scriptures themselves are plain and easie to be understood; and that every private Christian and Member of the Church ought to read and peruse them, that they may know their Faith and Belief founded upon them, and receive them for that Cause alone, and not because any Church or Assembly has compounded and recommended them; the choicest and most pure of which they are obliged to look upon as Fallible. Now, contrary to this their known and acknowledged Principle, they do most vigorously prosecute and persecute others with the like Severity the Papists did their Fathers, for believing things that are plainly set down in the Scriptures, and for not believing divers Principles for which themselves are forc'd to recur to Tradition, and can by no means prove from Scripture: To shew which I shall not here insist, having allotted a Chapter for it in the Book it self, because to put it here, would swell beyond the bounds of a Preface. Oh! how like do they show themselves (I mention it with regret) to the Scribes and Pharisees of old, who of all men most cryed up and exalted Moses and the Prophets, boasting greatly of being Abraham's Children? And yet those were they that were the greatest Opposers and Vilifiers of Christ, to whom Moses and all the Prophets gave witness; yea, their chief Accusations and Exceptions against Christ, was, as being a Breaker of the Law, and a Blasphemer. Can there any Comparison run more parallel, seeing there is now found a people, who are greatly Persecuted, and bitterly reviled, and Accused as Hereticks by a Generation that cry up and exalt the Scriptures; And yet this People's Principles are found in Scripture, Word by Word, though the most grievous, and indeed the greatest Calumny cast upon them is, that they vilifie and deny the Scriptures, and set up their own Imaginations instead of them. To disprove which, this Catechism and Confession of Faith is compiled, and presented to thy Serious and Impartial view: If thou lovest the Scripture indeed, and desirest to hold the plain Doctrines there delivered, and not these Strained and Far-fetched Consequences, which Men have invented, thou shalt easily observe the whole Principles of the People called QUAKERS, plainly couched in Scripture-Words, without Addition or Commentary; especially in those things their Adversaries oppose them in, where the Scripture plainly decideth the Controversie for them, without Nicities and School-Distinctions, which have been the Wisdom by which the World hath not known God; and the Words which have been multiplied without knowledge, by which Counsel hath been darkned. In the Answers to the Questions, there is not one Word that I know of, placed, but the express Words of Scripture: And if in some of the Questions there be somewhat subsumed of what in my Judgment is the plain and naked Import of the Words, it is not to impose my Sense upon the Reader, but to make way for the next Question, for the dependence of the Matter's sake; I shall leave it to the reason of any Understanding and Judicious Man, who is not byassed by Self-Interest, that great Enemy to true Equity, and who in the least measure is willing to give way to the Light of Christ in his Conscience, if the Scriptures do not pertinently and aptly answer to the Questions. As I have upon serious grounds separated from most of the Confessions and Catechisms heretofore published; so, not without Cause, I have now taken another method: They usually place their Confession of Faith before the Catechism: I judge it ought to be otherwise, in regard that which is easiest, and is Composed for Children, or such as are weak, ought in my Judgment to be placed first; it being most regular to begin with things that are easie and familiar, and lead on to things that are more hard and Intricate: Besides, that things be more largely opened in the Catechism, and divers objections answered, which are proposed in the Questions, the Reader having past through that first, will more perfectly understand the Confession, which consisteth mainly in positive Assertions. Not long after I had received and believed the Testimony I now bear, I had in my view both the possibility and facility of such a work; and now after a more large and perfect acquaintance with the Holy Scriptures, I found access to allow some time to set about it; and have also been helped to accomplish the same. I doubt not but it might be enlarged by divers Citations, which are here omitted, as not being at present brought to my Remembrance: Yet I find Cause to be contented, in that God hath so far assisted me in this Work by his Spirit, that good Remembrancer; the Manifestation of which, as it is minded, will help such as Seriously and Conscientiously read this, to find out and cleave to the Truth, and also Establish and Confirm those who have already believed: Which of all things is most earnestly desired, and daily prayed for, By ROBERT BARCLAY, A Servant of the Church of CHRIST. From Urie, the Place of my Being in my Native Country of Scotland, the 11th. of the 6th Month, 1673. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 2: OF GOD, AND THE TRUE AND SAVING KNOWLEDGE OF HIM. ======================================================================== Question, Seeing it is a thing unquestioned by all sorts of Christians, that the height of Happiness consisteth in coming to know and enjoy Eternal Life, what is it in the Sense and Judgment of Christ? A. This is Life Eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent [John 17:3]. Q. How doth God reveal this knowledge? A. For God, who commanded the Light to shine out of Darkness, hath shined in our Hearts, to give the Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ [2 Cor. 4:6]. Q. How many Gods are there? A. One God [Eph. 4:6]. We know, that an Idol is nothing in the World, and that there is none other God but one. But to us there is but one God [1 Cor. 8:4,6]. Q. What is God? A. God is a Spirit [John 4:24]. Q. Among all the Blessed, Glorious and Divine Excellencies of God, which are ascribed and given to him in the Scriptures; what is that which is most needful for us to take notice of, as being the Message which the Apostles recorded in special manner to declare of him now under the Gospel? A. This then is the Message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is Light, and in him is no Darkness at all [1 John 1:5]. Q. What are they that bear Record in Heaven? A. There are Three that bear Record in Heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost; and these Three are One [1 John 5:7]. Q. How cometh any man to know God the Father according to Christ's words? A. All things are delivered to me of my Father; and no man knows who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him [Luke 10:22; Matt. 11:27]. Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me [John 14:6]. Q. By whom, and after what manner doth the Son reveal this knowledge? A. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor Ear heard, neither have entered into the Heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him; But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit; For the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the Spirit of a man, which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now, we have received not the Spirit of the World, but the Spirit which is of God, that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God [1 Cor. 2:9-12]. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my Name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your Remembrance, &c. [John 14:26]. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 3: OF THE RULE AND GUIDE OF CHRISTIANS, AND OF THE SCRIPTURES. ======================================================================== Question. Seeing it is by the Spirit that Christ reveals the Knowledge of God in things spiritual, is it by the Spirit that we must be led under the Gospel? A. But ye are not in the Flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now, if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his [Rom. 8:9]. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of God [Rom. 8:14]. Q. It is an Inward Principle then, that is to be the Guide and Rule of Christians? A. But the Anointing, which ye have received of him, abideth in you; and ye need not that any man teach you, but as the same Anointing teacheth you of all things, and is Truth, and is no Lye, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him [1 John 2:27]. But as touching Brotherly love, ye need not that I write unto you; for ye your selves are taught of God to love one another [1 Thess. 4:9]. Q. I perceive by this, that it is by an inward Anointing and Rule that Christians are to be taught; Is this the very tenor of the new Covenant Dispensation? A. For this is the Covenant that I will make with the House of Israel, after those Days, saith the Lord, I will put my Laws into their Mind, and write them in their Hearts; and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a People: And they shall not teach every Man his Neighbour, and every Man his Brother, saying, Know the Lord; for all shall know me, from the Least to the Greatest [Heb. 8:10-11]. And they shall all be taught of God [John 6:45]. Q. Did Christ then promise, that the Spirit should both abide with his Disciples, and be in them? A. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you forever, even the Spirit of Truth, whom the World cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwells with you, and shall be in you [John 14:16,17]. Q. For what End were the Scriptures written? A. For whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our Learning, that we through Patience and Comfort of the Scriptures might have Hope [Rom. 15:4]. Q. For what are they profitable? A. Thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto Salvation, through Faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by Inspiration of God, and is profitable for Doctrine, for Reproof, for Correction, for Instruction in Righteousness, that the Man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all Good Works [2 Tim. 3:15-17]. Q. Wherein consisteth the Excellency of the Scriptures? A. Knowing this first, that no Prophecy of the Scriptures is of any private Interpretation; For the Prophecy came not in Old Time by the Will of Man, but Holy Men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost [2 Pet. 1:20-21]. Q. The Scriptures are then to be regarded, because they came from the Spirit, and they also testifie, that not they, but the Spirit is to lead into all Truth; In what respect doth Christ command to search them? A. Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have Eternal Life; and they are they which testifie of me. [John 5:39] Q. I perceive there was a Generation of old that greatly exalted the Scriptures, and yet would not believe, nor come to be guided by that the Scriptures directed to; How doth Christ bespeak such? A. Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father; there is One that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust: For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me: But if ye believe not his Writings, how shall ye believe my Words? [John 5:45-47] Q. What ought then such to be accounted of, notwithstanding of their Pretences of being ruled by the Scriptures? A. In which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own Destruction [2 Pet. 3:16]. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 4: OF JESUS CHRIST'S BEING MANIFEST IN THE FLESH, THE USE AND END OF IT. ======================================================================== Question. What are the Scriptures which do most observably prophesie of Christ’s Appearance? A. The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee of thy Brethren, like unto me, unto him ye shall hearken [Deut. 18:15]. Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a Sign: Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call his Name Immanuel [Isa. 7:14]. Q. Was not Jesus Christ in being before he appeared in the Flesh? What clear Scriptures prove this, against such as erroneously assert the contrary? A. But thou Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the Thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me, that is to be Ruler in Israel, whose Goings forth have been from of Old, from Everlasting [Mic. 5:2]. In the Beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God; The same was in the Beginning with God: All things were made by him, and without him was not any thing made that was made [John 1:1-3]. Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was I am [John 8:58]. And now, O Father, Glorifie thou me with thine own self, with the Glory which I had with thee before the World was [John 17:5]. And to make all Men see what is the Fellowship of the Mystery, which from the beginning of the World hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ [Eph. 3:9]. 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 [Col. 1:16]. God hath in these last Days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed Heir of all things, by whom also he made the Worlds [Heb. 1:2]. Q. These are very clear, that even the World was created by Christ; But what Scriptures prove the Divinity of Christ against such as falsly deny the same? A. And the Word was God [John 1:1]. Whose are the Fathers, and of whom as concerning the Flesh Christ came, who is over all God, blessed forever, Amen [Rom. 9:5]. Who being in the Form of God thought it no Robbery to be equal with God [Phil. 2:6]. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an Understanding that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ: This is the true God, and Eternal Life [1 John 5:20]. Q. What are the Glorious Names the Scripture gives unto Jesus Christ, the Eternal Son of God? A. And his Name shall be called, Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace [Isa. 9:6]. Who is the Image of the Invisible God, the First born of every Creature [Col. 1:15]. Who being the Brightness of his Glory and the express Image of his Person (or more properly, according to the Greek, of his Substance) [Heb. 1:3]. And he was cloathed with a Vesture dipt in Blood, and his Name is called the Word of God [Rev. 19:13]. Q. After what manner was the Birth of Christ? A. Now, the Birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph (before they come together) she was found with Child of the Holy Ghost [Matt. 1:18]. And the Angel said unto her, Fear not Mary, for thou hast found Favour with God: And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy Womb, and bring forth a Son, and shalt call his Name Jesus: He shall be Great, and shall be called The Son of the Highest, and the Lord God shall give unto him the Throne of his Father David. Then said Mary unto the Angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a Man? And the Angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the Power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: Therefore also that Holy Thing, that shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God [Luke 1:30-32,34-35]. Q. Was Jesus Christ, who was born of the Virgin Mary, and supposed to be the Son of Joseph, a True and Real Man? A. Forasmuch as the Children are Partakers of Flesh and Blood, he also himself took part of the same, that through Death he might destroy him that had the Power of Death, that is, the Devil [Heb. 2:14]. For verily, he took not on him the Nature of Angels, but he took on him the seed of Abraham; wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his Brethren, that he might be a Merciful and Faithful High Priest, &c. [Heb. 2:16-17]. For we have not an High Priest, which cannot be touched with the feeling of our Infirmities; but was in all Points tempted as we are, yet without Sin [Heb. 4:15]. And the Gift by Grace, which is by one Man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. [Rom. 5:15] But now is Christ risen from the Dead, and become the First Fruits of them that slept; for since by Man came Death, by Man came also the Resurrection of the Dead [1 Cor. 15:20-21]. Q. After what manner doth the Scripture assert the Conjunction and Unity of the Eternal Son of God in and with the Man Christ Jesus? A. And the Word was made Flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his Glory, the Glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father) full of Grace and Truth [John 1:14]. For he whom God hath sent, speaketh the Words of God; for God given not the Spirit by Measure unto him [John 3:34]. How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power, who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the Devil; for God was with him [Acts 10:38]. For it pleased the Father, that in him should all fulness dwell [Col. 1:19]. For in him dwelleth all the Fulness of the Godhead bodily [Col. 2:9]. In him are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge [Col. 2:3]. Q. For what End did Christ appear in the World? A. For what the Law could not do, in that it was weak through the Flesh, God sending his Son in the likeness of sinful Flesh, and for Sin condemned Sin in the Flesh [Rom. 8:3]. For this Purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the Works of the Devil. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our Sins [1 John 3:8,5]. Q. Was Jesus Christ really Crucified and Raised again? A. For I delivered unto you first of all, that which I also received, how that Christ died for our Sins, according to the Scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he arose again the third day, according to the Scriptures [1 Cor. 15:3-4]. Q. What End do the Scriptures ascribe unto the Coming, Death and Sufferings of Christ? A. For mine Eyes have seen thy Salvation, which thou hast prepared before the Face of all People, A Light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel [Luke 2:30-32]. Whom God hath set forth to be a Propitiation through Faith in his Blood, to declare his Righteousness for the Remission of Sins that are past, through the forbearance of God [Rom. 3:25]. And walk in Love as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us, an Offering and a Sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling Savour [Eph. 5:2]. And having made Peace through the Blood of this Cross by him, to reconcile all things unto himself by him, I say, whether they be things in Earth or things in Heaven. And you that were sometimes alienated, and Enemies in your minds by Wicked Works; yet now hath he reconciled in the Body of his Flesh through Death, to present you Holy, Unblamable, and Unreprovable in his Sight [Col. 1:20-22]. Neither by the Blood of Goats and Calves, but by his own Blood he entered in once into the Holy Place, having obtained Eternal redemption for us. How much more shall the Blood of Christ, who through the Eternal Spirit offer'd himself without Spot to God, purge your Consciences from dead Works, to serve the Living God [Heb. 9:12,14]. For Christ also hath once suffered for Sins, the Just for the Unjust (that he might bring us to God) being put to Death in the Flesh, but quickened by the Spirit [1 Pet. 3:18]. Hereby perceive we the Love of God, because he laid down his Life for us [1 John 3:16]. And for this Cause he is the Mediator of the new Testament, that by means of Death for the Redemption of Transgressions that were under the first Testament, they which are called might receive the Promise of the Eternal Inheritance [Heb. 9:15]. Q. Is Christ then the Mediator? A. For there is One God, and One Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a Ransom for all, to be testified in due time [1 Tim. 2:5]. Q. Was not Christ the Mediator until he appeared, and was Crucified in the Flesh? A. He is the Lamb that was slain from the Foundation of the World [Rev. 5:12; 13:8]. Q. Is it needful then to believe that the Saints of old did partake of Christ, as then present with, and nourishing them? A. Moreover, Brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our Fathers were under the Cloud, and all passed through the Sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the Cloud and in the Sea; and did all eat the same spiritual Meat, and did all drink the same spiritual Drink, (for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ) [1 Cor. 10:1-4]. Q. But whereas most of these Scriptures before mentioned do hold forth, that the Death and Sufferings of Christ were appointed for the destroying, removing and remitting of Sin? Did he so do it while he was outwardly upon Earth, as not to leave any thing for himself to do in us, nor for us to do in and by his Strength? A. For even hereunto were ye called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an Example, that ye should follow his Steps [1 Pet. 2:21]. Whereof I Paul am made a Minister, who now rejoice in my Sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the Afflictions of Christ in my Flesh for his Body's sake, which is the Church [Col. 1:23-24]. Always bearing about in the Body the Dying of the Lord Jesus, that the Life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our Body. For we which live, are alway delivered unto Death for Jesus's sake, that the Life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal Flesh [2 Cor. 4:10-11]. And that he dyed for all, that they which live should not hence-forth live unto themselves, but unto him that dyed for them, and also rose again [2 Cor. 5:15]. That I may know him, and the Power of his Resurrection, and the Fellowship of his Sufferings, being made conformable to his Death [Phil. 3:10]. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 5: OF THE NEW BIRTH, THE INWARD APPEARANCE OF CHRIST IN SPIRIT, AND THE UNITY OF THE SAINTS WITH HIM. ======================================================================== Question. Doth Christ promise then to come again to his Disciples? A. I will not leave you comfortless; I will come unto you [John 14:18]. Q. Was this only a special Promise to these Disciples? or is it not the common Priviledge of the Saints? A. For thus saith the High and Lofty one that inhabiteth Eternity, whose Name is Holy, I dwell in the High and Holy Place, with him also that is of a Contrite and Humble Spirit, &c. [Isa. 57:15]. For ye are the Temple of the Living God, as God hath said, I will dwell in them and walk in them [2 Cor. 6:16]. Behold I stand at the Door and knock, if any man hear my voice, and open the Door, I will come in to him, and sup with him and he with me [Rev. 3:20]. Q. Doth the apostle Paul speak of the Son of God's being revealed in him? A. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my Mothers Womb, and called me by his Grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Heathen [Gal. 1:15-16]. Q. Is it needful then to know Christ within? A. Examine your selves, whether ye be in the Faith, prove your own selves; Know ye not your own selves how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be Reprobates [2 Cor. 13:5]. Q. Was the Apostle earnest that this Inward Birth of Christ should be brought forth in any? A. My little Children, of whom I travel in Birth again, until Christ be formed in you [Gal. 4:19]. Q. What saith the same Apostle of the Necessity of this inward Knowledge of Christ, and of the New Creature beyond the Outward? A. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the Flesh; yea, though we have known Christ after the Flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any Man be in Christ, he is a New Creature; Old things are passed away, behold all things are become New [2 Cor. 5:16-17]. But ye have not so learned Christ; if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the Truth is in Jesus, That ye put off concerning the former Conversation the Old Man, which is corrupt, according to the deceitful Lusts; and to be renewed in the Spirit of your Mind; and that ye put on the New Man, which after God is Created in Righteousness and true Holiness [Eph. 4:21-24]. Q. Is this Christ within, the Mistery of God and Hope of Glory, which the Apostle Preached? A. To whom God would make known what is the Riches of the Glory of this Mystery, among the Gentiles, which is, Christ in you the Hope of Glory, whom we preach [Col. 1:27-28]. Q. Doth the Apostle any where else press the putting on of this New Birth? A. Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not Provision for the Flesh to fulfil the Lusts thereof. [Rom. 13:14] Q. Doth he write to any of the Saints, as having put off the Old, and on the New Man? A. For as many of you, as have been Baptized into Christ, have put on Christ [Gal. 3:27]. Seeing that ye have put off the Old Man with his Deeds, and have put on the New Man, which is renew'd in Knowledge after the Image of him that created him [Col. 3:9-10]. Q. What speaketh Christ himself of the Necessity of this New Birth? A. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God [John 3:3]. Q. Of what Seed cometh this Birth? A. Being born again, not of Corruptible Seed, but of Incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever [1 Pet. 1:23]. Q. What doth the Apostle Paul witness of himself concerning this New Life? A. I am Crucified with Christ, nevertheless I Live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me [Gal. 2:20]. Q. What is the Preaching of the Cross of Christ? A. For the Preaching of the Cross is to them that perish, Foolishness; but unto us that are saved, it is the Power of God [1 Cor. 1:18]. Q. What Effect had this Cross in the Apostle? and how much preferreth he the New Creature to all outward and visible Ordinances and Observances? A. But God forbid that I should Glory, save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the World is Crucified unto me, and I unto the World: For in Jesus Christ neither Circumcision availeth any thing, nor Uncircumcision, but a New Creature [Gal. 6:14-15]. Q. What speaketh Christ of the Unity of the Saints with him? A. At that Day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you [John 14:20]. Abide in me, and I in you: As the Branch cannot bear Fruit of it self, except it abide in the Vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the Vine, ye are the Branches; He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much Fruit; for without me ye can do nothing [John 15:4-5]. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe in me through their Word: That they all may be One; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be One in us, that the World may believe it, that thou hast sent me. And the Glory which thou gavest me I have given them, that they may be One, even as we are One; I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in One, and that the World may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them as thou hast loved me [John 17:20-23]. Q. What saith the Apostle Paul to this Purpose? A. For both he that Sanctifies, and they that are Sanctified are all of One, for which Cause he is not ashamed to call them Brethren [Heb. 2:11]. Q. What saith the Apostle Peter? A. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious Promises, that by these you might be Partakers of the Divine Nature, having escaped the Corruption that is in the World through Lust [2 Pet. 1:4]. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 6: CONCERNING THE LIGHT WHEREWITH JESUS CHRIST HATH ENLIGHTNED EVERY MAN ======================================================================== Concerning the Light wherewith Jesus Christ hath enlightned every Man: The Universality and Sufficiency of God's Grace to all the world made manifest therein. Question. Wherein consists the Love of God towards Fallen and Lost Man? A. For God so loved the World, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not Perish, but have Everlasting Life [John 3:16]. In this was manifested the Love of God towards us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the World, that we might live through him [1 John 4:9]. Q. What is intended here by the World? all and every Man, or only a few? A. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the Angels, for the suffering of Death crowned with Glory and Honour, that he by the Grace of God should taste Death for every Man [Heb. 2:9]. And if any Man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the Righteous; and he is the Propitiation for our Sins, and not for ours only, but also for the Sins of the whole World [1 John 2:1-2]. Q. Methinks the Apostle John is very plain there, in mentioning the whole World, which must be not only the Saints, but all others; seeing he distinguisheth the World from himself and all the Saints to whom he then wrote: What saith Paul else-where in this matter? A. Christ in you the Hope of Glory, whom we Preach, warning every Man, and teaching every Man in all Wisdom, that we may present every Man perfect in Christ Jesus [Col. 1:27-28]. I exhort therefore, that first of all Supplications, Prayers, Intercessions and Giving of Thanks be made for all Men; For this is good and acceptable in the Sight of God our Saviour, who will have all Men to be saved, and to come to the Knowledge of the Truth; who gave himself a Ransom for all, to be testified in due time [1 Tim. 2:3-4,6]. Q. What is the apostle Peter's Testimony in this? A. The Lord is not slack concerning his Promise (as some Men count slackness) but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should Perish, but that all should come to Repentance [2 Pet. 3:9]. Q. Are there any more Scripture Passages that prove this thing? A. Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no Pleasure in the Death of the Wicked, but that the Wicked turn from his Way and live [Ezek. 33:11]. The Lord is Gracious, and full of Compassion; slow to Anger, and of great Mercy. The Lord is good to all, and his tender Mercies are over all his Works. [Psal. 145:8-9] To wit, That God was in Christ reconciling the World unto himself [2 Cor. 5:19]. Q. Seeing then by these Scriptures it appears that the Love of God is held out to all, that all might have been or may be saved by Christ: What is to be judged of those who assert, that God nor Christ never purposed Love nor Salvation to a great part of Mankind, and that the Coming and Sufferings of Christ never was intended, nor could be useful to their Justification; but will and must be effectual for their Condemnation, even according to God's Purpose, who from their very Infancy to their Grave with-held from them all Means of Salvation? What saith the Scripture to such? A. For God sent not his Son into the World to condemn the World, but that the World through him might be saved [John 3:17]. I am come a Light into the World, that whosoever believeth in me, should not abide in Darkness. And if any Man hear my Words and believe not, I judge him not; for I came not to judge the World, but to save the World [John 12:46-47]. Q. From what Scripture then came these Men to wrest an Opinion so contrary to Truth? A. For the Children being not yet born, neither having done any Good or Evil, that the Purpose of God according to Election might stand, it was said unto her, The Elder shall serve the Younger, as it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated [Rom. 9:11-13]. Q. I perceive in that Scripture it was only said before the Children were born, The Elder shall serve the Younger; These other Words (Jacob have I loved, Esau have I hated) are mention'd out of the prophet Malachie, who wrote them many hundred Years after both were Dead: Doth not the Scripture mention any other Cause of God's hating Esau, than meerly his Decree? What saith the same Apostle elsewhere? A. Lest there by any Fornication or Profane Person, as Esau, who for one Morsel of Meat sold his Birth-right; for ye know, how that afterward when he would have inherited the Blessing, he was rejected [Heb. 12:16-17]. Q. But seeing that such allege, that it is because of Adam's Sin that many, even Children are Damned: Doth not the Scripture aver, that the Death of Christ was as large to Heal, as Adam's Sin could Condemn? A. For if through the Offence of one many be Dead, much more the Grace of God, and the Gift by Grace, which is by one Man, Jesus Christ. Therefore as by the Offence of one, Judgment came upon all Men to Condemnation, even so by the Righteousness of one, the free Gift came upon all Men unto Justification of Life [Rom. 5:15,18]. Q. That proves abundantly that Christ's Death is of sufficient Extent to make up any Hurt Adam's Sin brought upon Mankind: What is then the cause of Condemnation? A. He that believeth on him is not Condemned, but he that believeth not is Condemned already, because he hath not believed in the Name of the Only Begotten Son of God [John 3:18]. And with all Deceivableness of Unrighteousness in them that Perish, because they received not the Love of the Truth that they might be saved. 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 Unrighteousness [2 Thess. 2:10-12]. Q. Seeing it is so of a Truth according to the Scripture's Testimony, that God has purposed Love and Mercy to all, in the Appearance of his Son Jesus Christ; Is the Gospel or Glad Tidings of this Salvation brought nigh unto all, by which they are put into a Capacity of receiving the Grace, and being saved by it? A. If ye continue in the Faith grounded and setled, and be not moved away from the Hope of the Gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every Creature which is under Heaven, whereof I Paul am made a Minister [Col. 1:23]. Q. What is the Gospel? A. I am not ashamed of the Gospel; for it is the Power of God unto Salvation, unto every one that believeth [Rom. 1:16]. Q. Is this Gospel hid? A. If our Gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are Lost, in whom the God of this World hath blinded the Minds of them which believe not, lest the Light of the Glorious Gospel of Christ should shine unto them [2 Cor. 4:3-4]. Q. Is this Light then come into the World? And are not Men condemned because they love it not, and not because it is hid from them? A. And this is the Condemnation, that Light is come into the World, and Men love Darkness rather than Light [John 3:19]. Q. Why do they so? A. Because their Deeds are Evil [John 3:19]. Q. Is every Man enlightened by this Light. A. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light, that was the True Light, which enlighteneth every Man that cometh into the World [John 1:8-9]. Q. Doth this Light discover all things? A. All things that are reproved are made manifest by the Light; for whatsoever doth make manifest is Light [Eph. 5:13]. Q. Do Evil Men preach up this Light, or mind it? A. Every one that doth Evil hateth the Light, neither cometh to the Light, lest his Deeds should be reproved [John 3:20]. They are of those that Rebel against the Light [Job 24:13]. Q. Do good Men love it, and follow it? A. He that doth Truth comes to the Light, that his Deeds might be made manifest, that they are wrought in God [John 3:21]. Q. What Benefits doth redound to such as love the Light, and walk in it? A. If we walk in the Light, as he is in the Light, we have Fellowship one with another, and the Blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all Sin [1 John 1:7]. Q. Doth Christ command to take heed to the Light? A. While ye have the Light, believe in the Light, that ye may be the Children of the Light [John 12:36]. Q. Were the Apostles commanded to turn People to the Light? A. Delivering thee from the People, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, to open their Eyes, and to turn them from Darkness unto Light, and from the Power of Satan unto God, that they may receive Forgiveness of Sins, and Inheritance among them which are sanctified, through Faith that is in me [Acts 26:17-18]. Q. Doth this Light abide with every man all his Life time, in order to save, or only during the Day of his Visitation? A. Yet a little while is the Light with you; walk while ye have the Light, lest Darkness come upon you [John 12:35]. Again, He limiteth a certain Day, saying in David, to day, after so long time, as it is said, To day if ye will hear his Voice, harden not your Hearts [Heb. 4:7]. Q. How can it be proved, that there is a day wherein People may know things concerning their Peace, which afterwards may be hid from them? A. And when he was come near, he beheld the City, and wept over it, saying, If thou hadst known even thou, at least in this thy day the things which belong unto thy Peace; but now they are hid from thine Eyes [Luke 19:41-42]. Q. Is there any further Scripture Proof of the Lord's willingness to gather a People, who would not, and therefore were condemned? A. Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem! thou that killest the Prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, How oft would I have gathered thy Children together, even as a Hen gathereth her Chickens under her Wings, and ye would not? [Matt. 23:37; Luke 13:34] Then his Lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou Wicked Servant! I forgave thee all the Debt, because thou desiredst me; shouldst not thou also have had Compassion on thy Fellow-Servant, even as I had Pity on thee? And his Lord was wroth, and delivered him to the Tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him [Matt. 18:32-34]. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you; but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of Everlasting Life, lo we turn to the Gentiles [Acts 13:46]. Because I have called, and ye refused, I have stretched out my Hand, and no man regarded: But ye have set at nought all my Counsel, and would none of my Reproof; I also will laugh at your Calamity, I will mock when your Fear cometh [Prov. 1:24-26]. And at what Instant I shall speak concerning a Nation, and concerning a Kingdom to build and to plant it; If it do Evil in my Sight that it obey not my Voice, then I will Repent of the Good wherewith I said I would benefit them [Jer. 18:9-10]. Q. Doth God's Spirit strive then for a season, and afterwards forbear? A. And the Lord said, my Spirit shall not always strive with man [Gen. 6:3]. Q. May it then be resisted? A. Ye Stiff-necked and Uncircumcised in Heart and Ears, ye do always Resist the holy Ghost, as your Fathers did, so do ye [Acts 7:51]. For the Wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all Ungodliness and Unrighteousness of man, who hold the Truth in Unrighteousness [Rom. 1:18]. Q. Hath God manifested to Man that which may be known of himself? A. That which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them [Rom. 1:19]. Q. Is then this Light or Seed sown in the Hearts of Evil Men? A. And he spake many things to them in Parables: Behold, a Sower went forth to sow, and when he sowed, some Seeds fell by the way side, &c. some fell among stony places, &c. and some fell among Thorns, &c. [Matt. 13:3-5,7]. Q. Are these Places where the Seed is said to have fallen understood of the Hearts of Men? A. Hear ye therefore the Parable of the Sower, when any one heareth the Word of the Kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the Wicked One, and catcheth away that which was sown in his Heart; this is he which received the Seed by the way side, &c. [Matt. 13:18-19]. Q. Is this Seed small in its first Appearance? A. The Kingdom of Heaven is like to a Grain of Mustard Seed, which a Man took and sowed in his Field, which indeed is the least of all Seeds [Matt. 13:31-32]. Q. Forasmuch as many understand not this under the Notion and Appellation of Light or Seed, it being quite another Dialect than the common; though I must needs confess it is the very Language of the Scriptures, Is there a saving Manifestation of the Spirit given unto all? A. The Manifestation of the Spirit given to every Man to profit withal [1 Cor. 12:7]. Q. Sure if it be to profit withal, it must be in order to save; for if it were not useful, yea, sufficient to save, what Profit could it be of? But in regard some speak of a Grace that is common, and of a Grace that is saving, is there such a Grace common unto all as brings Salvation? A. The Grace of God that brings Salvation hath appeared to all Men [Tit. 2:11]. Q. That which brings Salvation must needs be saving; What doth that Grace teach us? A. Teaching us, that denying Ungodliness and Worldly Lusts, we should live Soberly, Righteously and Godlily in this present World [Tit. 2:12]. Q. Certainly that which teacheth both Righteousness and Godliness must be sufficient; for therein consisteth the whole Duty of Man: What saith the Apostle elsewhere of this Instructor? A. And now, Brethren, I commend you to God, and to the Word of his Grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an Inheritance among all those that are Sanctified [Acts 20:32]. Q. What is the Word of God? A. The Word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper then any Two-edged Sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of Soul and Spirit, and of the Joynts and Marrow, and is a Discerner of the Thoughts and Intents of the Heart. Neither is there any Creature that is not manifest in his Sight, but all things are naked and open to the Eyes of him with whom we have to do [Heb. 4:12-13]. Q. Ought we to take heed to this Word? A. We have also a More Sure Word of Prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a Light that shineth in a Dark Place, until the Day dawn, and the Day Star arise in your Hearts [2 Pet. 1:19]. Q. I perceive the Scriptures are very clear both concerning the Universality and Sufficiency of this Light, Seed, Grace and Word of God, but is this Word nigh or afar off, inward or outward? A. Say not in thine Heart; Who shall ascend into Heaven, that is, to bring Christ down from above; or who shall descend into the Deep, that is, to bring up Christ again from the Dead? But what saith it, The word is nigh, in thy Mouth and in thy Heart, that is the Word of Faith which we preach [Rom. 10:6-8]. Q. That is clear as to the Word; Is there any Scripture speaks of the Light's being inward? A. God who commanded the Light to shine out of Darkness, hath shin'd in our Hearts, to give the Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ. But we have this Treasure in Earthen Vessels, that the Excellency of the Power may be of God and not of us [2 Cor. 4:6-7]. Q. But seeing it is also called the Seed of the Kingdom, is the Kingdom of God also within? A. The Kingdom of God comes not with Observation, neither shall they say, Lo here, or Lo there; for behold the Kingdom of God is within you. [Luke 17:20-21] ======================================================================== CHAPTER 7: CONCERNING FAITH, JUSTIFICATION, AND WORKS. ======================================================================== Question. What is Faith? A. Faith is the Substance of things hoped for and the Evidence of things not seen [Heb. 11:1]. Q. Is Faith of absolute Necessity? A. Without Faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God, must believe that he is, and that he is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek him [Heb. 11:6]. Q. Are we justified by Faith? A. Wherefore the Law was our School-master to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by Faith [Gal. 3:24]. Q. What is the Nature of this Faith that availeth to Justification? A. For in Jesus Christ neither Circumcision availeth any thing, nor Uncircumcision; but Faith which worketh by Love [Gal. 5:6]. Q. Are Works then necessary to Justification as well as Faith? A. But wilt thou know, O Vain Man, that Faith without Works is Dead? Was not Abraham our Father justified by Works when he had offered Isaac his Son upon the Altar? Seest thou how Faith wrought with his Works, and by Works was Faith made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled; which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for Righteousness: He was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by Works a man is justified, and not by Faith only [James 2:20-24]. Q. If then both be equally required in Justification, what are these Works, which the Apostle excludes so much? A. By the Deeds of the Law there shall no Flesh be justified in his Sight [Rom. 3:20]. Q. But though we be not justified by the Deeds of the Law, is not this to exclude Boasting, that the Grace of God may be exalted? A. For by Grace are ye saved, through Faith, and that not of your selves, it is the Gift of God; not of Works, lest any Man should boast, for we are his Workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good Works [Eph. 2:8-10]. Q. Are even the Works which are performed by Grace excluded? Are we never said to be saved or justified by them? A. Not by Works of Righteousness which we have done; but according to his Mercy he saved us by the washing of Regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by his Grace we would be made Heirs, according to the hope of Eternal Life [Tit. 3:5-7]. Q. I perceive then that to be Justified by Grace is to be justified or saved by Regeneration, which cannot exclude the Works wrought by Grace, and by the Spirit; How doth the Apostle add in the next Verse for the maintaining this against these that Cavil about the Law? A. This is a Faithful Saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which believe in God might be careful to maintain good Works; these things are good and profitable unto Men: But avoid foolish Questions, and Genealogies, and Contentions, and Strivings about the Law, for they are unprofitable and vain [Tit. 3:8-9]. Q. Doth the Apostle Paul, that is so much against Justification by the Works of the Law, speak any where else of being justified by the Spirit? A. But ye are Washed, but ye are Sanctified, but ye are Justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God [1 Cor. 6:11]. Q. But since the Law gives not Power nor Ability to obey, and so falls short of Justification; Is there no Power under the Gospel by which the Righteousness of the Law comes to be fulfilled inwardly? A. For what the Law could not do, in that it was weak through the Flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful Flesh, and for Sin condemned Sin in the Flesh; That the Righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit [Rom. 8:3-4]. Q. Seeing then there is Power in the Spirit, is not Works through it a Condition upon which Life is proposed under the New Covenant? A. For if ye live after the Flesh, ye shall Dye; but if ye through the Spirit, do mortifie the Deeds of the Body, ye shall Live [Rom. 8:13]. Q. Do not the Apostles then frequently propose Life to People upon Condition of Repentance and other Works? A. Repent ye therefore and be Converted, that your Sins may be blotted out [Acts 3:19]. And if Children then Heirs of God, and joynt Heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with him, that we also may be glorified together [Rom. 8:17]. It is a faithful Saying; For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we Suffer, we shall also Reign with him. If a Man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a Vessel unto Honour, sanctified and meet for the Master's Use, and prepared unto every good Work [2 Tim. 2:11-12,21]. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and Repent, and do the first Works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and remove thy Candlestick out of his place, except thou Repent [Rev. 2:5]. Q. It appeares clearly by these Passages, that the Apostle excludes only our Righteousness, which he elsewhere explains as being the Righteousness of the Law from being necessary to Justification, and not such Works as the Law of the Spirit of Life leads to, and are not so much ours as Christ in us; are not such good Works rewarded, though they require no absolute Merit, as being the Fruits of free Grace, yet doth not God judge according to them, and may they not be said to have a Reward? A. But if a Man be just, and do that which is lawful and right, and hath not eaten upon the Mountains, neither hath lift up his Eyes to the Idols of the House of Israel, neither has defiled his Neighbour's Wife, neither hath come near to a Menstruous Woman, and hath not oppressed any; but hath restored to the Debtor his Pledge, hath spoiled none by Violence, hath given his Bread to the Hungry, and hath covered the Naked with a Garment; he that hath not given forth upon Usury, neither hath taken any Increase, that hath withdrawn his Hand from Iniquity, hath executed true Judgment between Man and Man, hath walked in my Statutes, and hath kept my Judgments to deal Truly, he is Just, he shall surely Live, saith the Lord God. [Ezek. 18:5-9] For the Son of Man shall come in the Glory of his Father with his Angels, and then he shall reward every Man according to his Works [Matt. 16:27]. Then Peter opened his Mouth, and said, Of a Truth I perceive that God is no Respecter of Persons; but in every Nation he that feareth him and worketh Righteousness, is accepted with him. [Acts 10:34-35] The Righteous Judgment of God, who will render to every Man according to his Deeds; To them who by Patient Continuance in well-doing seek for Glory and Honour, and Immortality, Eternal Life; But Glory, Honour and Peace to every Man that worketh Good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile [Rom. 2:6-7,10]. For we must all appear before the Judgment-Seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in his Body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad [2 Cor. 5:10]. Which is a manifest Token of the Righteous Judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer [2 Thess. 1:5]. But who so looketh into the Perfect Law of Liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful Hearer, but a Doer of the Work, this Man shall be blessed in his Deed [James 1:25]. Cast not away therefore your Confidence, which hath great Recompence of Reward. [Heb. 10:35] And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of Persons judgeth according to every Mans Work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear [1 Pet. 1:17]. And behold I come quickly, and behold my Reward is with me, to give every man according as his Work shall be. Blessed are they that do his Commandments, that they may have a Right to the Tree of Life, and may enter in through the Gates into the City [Rev. 22:12,14]. Q. It should seem that the Purpose of God, in sending his Son the Lord Jesus Christ, was not simply to save Man by an imputative Righteousness altogether without them; but also by the washing of Regeneration, or an inward Righteousness: What saith the Scripture further of this? A. And thou shalt call his Name Jesus, for he shall save his People from their Sins [Matt. 1:21]. Looking for that blessed Hope, and the Glorious Appearing of the Great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all Iniquity, and purifie unto himself a peculiar People, zealous of Good Works [Tit. 2:13-14]. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 8: CONCERNING PERFECTION, OR FREEDOM FROM SIN. ======================================================================== Question. I perceive then by all these Scriptures afore-mentioned, that Christ, as well as he hath purchased Pardon for our Sins, hath also obtained Power by which we may even here be cleansed from the Filth of them: may we expect then in this Life to be freed from the Dominion of Sin? A. For Sin shall not have Dominion over you [Rom. 6:14]. Q. For what Reason? A. For ye are not under the Law, but under Grace [Rom. 6:14]. Q. How cometh the Apostle then to cry out and complain of Sin, saying, Who shall deliver me from the Body of this Death? Doth he speak that as a Condition always permanent to him and other Saints, or only that which he had passed through? What saith he afterwards? A. There is therefore now no Condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit; for the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus, hath made me free from the Law of Sin and Death. Who shall separate us from the Love of Christ? Shall Tribulation, or Distress or Persecution, or Famine, or Nakedness, or Peril, or Sword? (as it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the Day long, we are accounted as Sheep for the Slaughter) Nay, in all these things we are more than Conquerors through him that loved us. For I am perswaded that neither Death nor Life, nor Angels, nor Principalities, nor Powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor Height, nor Depth, nor any other Creature shall be able to separate us from the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord [Rom. 8:1-2,35-39]. Q. What saith that Apostle then unto such, who taking Occasion from his words, should plead for Continuance in Sin for term of Life, and think to be saved by the imputative Righteousness of Christ, as being under Grace? A. What shall we say then? shall we continue in Sin that Grace may abound? God forbid [Rom. 6:1-2]. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the Law, but under Grace? God forbid [Rom. 6:15]. Q. Is not the Apostle then so far from supposing that Condition, of being always under Sin, to be his own constant Condition, or that of all the Saints, that he even supposes many of the then Church of Rome, to whom he wrote, to be free of it; How bespeaketh he them as in relation to this matter? A. How shall we that are Dead to Sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into his Death; therefore we are Buried with him by Baptism into Death, that like as Christ was raised up from the Dead by the Glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in Newness of Life: For if we have been planted together in the Likeness of his Death, we shall be also in the Likeness of his Resurrection; knowing this, that our Old Man is crucified with him, that the Body of Sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve Sin; for he that is dead is free from Sin. Likewise reckon ye also your selves to be dead indeed unto Sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not Sin therefore reign in your mortal Body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof: Neither yield ye your Members as Instruments of Unrighteousness unto Sin; but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the Dead, and your Members as Instruments of Righteousness unto God. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield your selves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey, whether of Sin unto Death, or of Obedience unto Righteousness: But, God be thanked, that ye were the Servants of Sin; but ye have Obeyed from the Heart that form of Doctrine which was delivered unto you; being then made free from Sin, ye became the Servants of Righteousness: I speak after the manner of men, because of the Infirmity of your Flesh; for as ye have yielded your Members Servants to Uncleanness and to Iniquity, unto Iniquity, even so now yield your Members Servants to Righteousness, unto Holiness; for when ye were the Servants of Sin, ye were free from Righteousness; What Fruit had ye then in these things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the End of these things is Death. But now, being made free from Sin, and become Servants to God, ye have your Fruit unto Holiness, and the End, Everlasting Life: For the Wages of Sin is Death; but the Gift of God is Eternal Life through Jesus Christ our Lord [Rom. 6:2-7,11-13,16-23]. Q. It would appear then that God requires of us to be Perfect? A. Be ye therefore Perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is Perfect [Matt. 5:48]. Q. Is it then possible to keep the Commandments? A. My Yoak is easie, and my Burden is light [Matt. 11:30]. For this is the Law of God, that we keep his Commandments, and his Commandments are not grievous [1 John 5:3]. Q. Is it necessary then for Salvation to keep the Commandments? A. Blessed are they that do his Commandments, that they may have Right to the Tree of Life, and may enter in through the Gates into the City [Rev. 22:14]. Q. Do you understand by this Perfection that any have so kept the Commandments, as never to have sinned? A. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a Lyar, and his Word is not in us [1 John 1:10]. Q. Do you understand that those who are Perfect may say, they have no Sin; or only that having sinned, and so having Sin, in respect they once sinned, as the Apostle in the Passage cited mentions? May they notwithstanding thereof come to know Forgiveness for the Guilt, but also Cleansing from the Filth? A. If we say, we have no Sin, we deceive our selves, and the Truth is not in us: If we confess our Sins, he is Faithful and Just to forgive us our Sins, and to cleanse us from all Unrighteousness [1 John 1:8]. Q. That Scripture seems to be very plain, being compared with the other before mentioned: But because some are apt to mistake and wrest the Words of that Apostle, What saith he elsewhere? Did he judge, any could know God, or be True Christians, who kept not the Commandments? A. My little Children, these things write I unto you, that ye Sin not; and if any Man sin we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous: And hereby do we know that we know him, if we keep his Commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his Commandments, is a Lyar, and the Truth is not in him; But whoso keepeth his Word, in him verily is the Love of God perfected. Hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him, ought himself also to walk even as he walketh. Beloved, now are we the Sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is: And every Man that hath this Hope in him; purifieth himself even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth Sin transgresseth also the Law; for Sin is the Transgression of the Law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our Sins, and in him is no Sin; Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: Whosoever sinneth hath not seen him neither known him. Little Children, let no Man deceive you; he that doth Righteousness is Righteous, even as he is Righteous. He that committeth Sin is of the Devil; for the Devil sinneth from the beginning: For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the Works of the Devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit Sin; for his Seed remaineth in him, and he cannot Sin, because he is born of God. In this the Children of God are manifest, and the children of the Devil; whosoever doth not Righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his Brother [1 John 2:1,3-6; 3:2-10]. Q. It is very plain by these Passages, that the Apostles were far of another Mind, then those that plead for Sin during term of Life, and much against the Deceit of those who will esteem themselves Good Christians while they live in their Sins? A. Not every one that saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he that doth the Will of my Father which is in Heaven. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doth them, I will liken him unto a Wise Man, which built his House upon a Rock [Matt. 7:21,24]. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them [John 13:17]. Q. What saith the Apostle Paul further concerning the Needfulness of this thing? A. Circumcision is nothing, and Uncircumcision is nothing; but the keeping of the Commandments of God [1 Cor. 7:19]. Q. Was not this according to the Apostle Paul's Judgment, the very Intention of Christ, to have his Church and Children to be Pure and without Spot? A. According as he hath chosen us in him before the Foundation of the World, that we should be Holy and without Blame before him in Love [Eph. 1:4]. Even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave himself for it, that he might sanctifie and cleanse it, that he might present it to himself a Glorious Church, not having Spot or Wrinckle; or any such thing; but that it should be Holy and without Blemish [Eph. 5:25-27]. Q. Doth not Paul press the same thing further, besides the other Passages above mentioned? A. Having therefore these Promises, Dearly Beloved, Let us cleanse ourselves from all Filthiness of the Flesh and Spirit, perfecting Holiness in the Fear of God [2 Cor. 7:1]. Finally, Brethren farewell, be Perfect [2 Cor. 13:11]. Christ in you the Hope of Glory, whom we Preach, warning every Man, and teaching every Man in all Wisdom, that we may present every Man perfect in Christ Jesus [Col. 1:28]. Labouring fervently for you in Prayers, that ye may stand perfect and compleat in all the Will of God [Col. 4:12]. To the end he may establish your Hearts unblameable in Holiness before God [1 Thess. 3:13]. And the very God of Peace Sanctifie you wholly, and I pray God, your whole Spirit, and Soul, and Body be presented blameless unto the Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ [1 Thess. 5:23]. Q. Is not this then the very End for which God appointed Teachers in his Church? A. And he gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers, for the Perfecting of the Saints, for the Work of the Ministry, for the Edifying of the Body of Christ, till we all come in the unity of the Faith, and of the Knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect Man, unto the Measure of the Stature of the Fulness of Christ [Eph. 4:11-13]. Q. Seeing this is so much pressed by the Holy Men, doth not the Scripture, which cannot lye, give none of the Saints this Testimony, as being free from Sin at some times, and so not always and daily sinning, as is supposed? A. Noah was a Just Man, and perfect in his Generations; and Noah walked with God [Gen. 6:9]. And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my Servant Job, that there is none like him in the Earth, a Perfect and an Upright Man, one that feareth God, and escheweth Evil [Job. 1:8]. There was in the days of Herod King of Judea, a certain Priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abja; and his Wife was of the Daughters of Aaron, and her Name was Elizabeth, and they were both Righteous before God, walking in all the Commandments and Ordinances of the Lord blameless [Luke 1:5,6]. Q. That proves sufficiently as to particular Persons; But what doth the Scripture intimate of this nature, even of considerable Numbers? A. But God, who is rich in Mercy, for his great Love, wherewith he hath loved us, even when we were dead in Sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in Heavenly Places in Christ Jesus [Eph. 2:4-6]. But ye are come unto Mount Sion, and unto the City of the Living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, and to an Innumerable Company of Angels, to the General Assembly and Church of the First-born, which are written in Heaven, to God, the Judge of all, and to the Spirits of Just Men made perfect [Heb. 12:22-23]. And I looked, and lo a Lamb stood on the Mount Sion, and with him an Hundred Forty and Four Thousand, having his Father's Name written in their Fore-heads: These are they which were not defiled with Women; for they are Virgins: These are they which follow the Lamb wheresoever he goeth: These were redeemed from among Men, being the first Fruits unto God, and to the Lamb. And in their Mouth was found no Guile, for they are without Fault before the Throne of God [Rev. 14:1- 5]. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 9: CONCERNING PERSEVERANCE AND FALLING FROM GRACE. ======================================================================== Question. Is it enough for a Believer, to be sure that he hath once received true Grace? or is there any further Certainty requisite? A. Wherefore the rather, Brethren, give Diligence to make your Calling and Election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall [2 Pet. 1:10]. Q. May one that hath received true Grace have Ground to fear, or suppose he can fall? A. But I keep under my Body, and bring it into Subjection, lest that by any means when I have Preached to others, I my self should be a Cast away [1 Cor. 9:27]. Q. That greatly contradicteth the Doctrine of such as say, once in Grace, ever in Grace; but doth the Apostle Paul express this only out of an Humble Esteem of himself? or doth he judge or suppose the like of other Saints? A. Take heed, Brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil Heart of Unbelief, in departing from the Living God; But exhort one another daily, while it is called to day, lest any of you be hardened through the Deceitfulness of Sin [Heb. 4:12-13]. Let us labour therefore to enter into that Rest, lest any man fall after the same Example of Unbelief [Heb. 4:11]. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the Heavenly Gift, and were made Partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good Word of God, and the Powers of the World to come; If they shall fall away; to renew them again unto Repentance, seeing they crucifie to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame [Heb. 6:4-6]. Looking diligently, lest any man fail of the Grace of God, lest any root of Bitterness springing up, trouble you, and thereby many be defiled [Heb. 12:15]. Q. Doth he speak this only by Supposition; or doth he assert it not only possible, but certain? A. For the time will come, when they will not endure sound Doctrine; but after their own Lusts shall they heap to themselves Teachers, having itching Ears; and they shall turn away their Ears from the Truth, and shall be turned unto Fables [2 Tim. 4:3-4]. Q. Doth the Apostle even judge it necessary to guard such a one as his beloved Son, Timothy, against this Hazard? A. This Charge I commit unto thee, Son Timothy, according to the Prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them might war the good Warfare; Holding Faith in a good Conscience, which some having put away concerning Faith have made Shipwrack [1 Tim. 1:18-19]. For the Love of Money is the Root of all Evil, which while some coveted after, they have erred from the Faith, and pierced themselves through with many Sorrows [2 Tim. 4:10]. And their Word will eat, as doth a Canker, of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus, who concerning the true Faith have erred; saying, That the Resurrection is past already, and overthrown the Faith of some [2 Tim. 2:17-18]. Q. Doth the Apostle any where express his Fears of this, as a thing that may happen to any number of People, who once truly received the Faith of Christ? A. Well, because of Unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by Faith; be not High minded, but fear [Rom. 11:20]. Now, the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the Faith, &c. [1 Tim. 4:1]. For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your Faith, lest by some means the Tempter have tempted you, and our Labour be in vain [1 Thess. 3:5]. Q. What is the Apostle Peter's mind? does he judge that such as have known the right Way may forsake it? A. Cursed Children, which have forsaken the Righteous Way, and are gone astray, following the Way of Balaam the son of Bezor who loved the Wages of Unrighteousness; but was rebuked for his Iniquity; the dumb Ass speaking with Man's Voice, forbad the Madness of the Prophet. These are Wells without Water, Clouds that are carried with a Tempest, to whom the mist of Darkness is reserved forever. For when they speak great swelling Words of Vanity, they allure through the Lusts of the Flesh, through much Wantonness; those that were clean escaped from them who live in Error: For if after they have escaped the Pollutions of the World, through the Knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, the latter End, is worse with them than the Beginning; for it had been better for them, not to have known the Way of Righteousness, than after they have known it, to turn from the Holy Commandment delivered unto them: But it is happened to them, according to the true Proverb, the Dog is turned to his Vomit again, and the Sow that was washed to her wallowing in the Mire [2 Pet. 2:14-15,18,20-22]. Q. Gives he any Cautions to them that stand, as supposing they may also fall? A. Ye therefore, Beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware, lest ye also being led away with the Error of the Wicked, fall from your own Stedfastness [2 Pet. 3:17]. Q. May a Man be truly a branch in Christ, or a real Member of his Body, and afterwards be cut off? A. If any man abide not in me, he is cast forth, as a Branch, and is withered [John 15:6]. Q. May a Righteous man then depart from his Righteousness? A. But when the Righteous man turneth away from his Righteousness, and commits Iniquity, and dyeth in them, for his Iniquity that he hath done shall he dye [Ezek. 18:26; 33:13]. Q. May a Believer come to such a Condition in this Life, from which he cannot fall away? A. Him that overcometh will I make a Pillar in the Temple of my God, and he shall go no more out; and I will write upon him the Name of my God, and the name of the City of my God, which is New Jerusalem, who cometh down out of Heaven from my God; and will write upon him my New Name [Rev. 3:12]. Q. May such an one come to be assured that he is in this Condition? A. For I am perswaded, that neither Death, nor Life, nor Angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor Things present, nor Things to come, nor Heighth, nor Depth, nor any other Creature shall be able to separate us from the Love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord [Rom. 8:38-39]. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 10: CONCERNING THE CHURCH AND MINISTRY ======================================================================== Question. What is the Church? A. But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know, how thou oughtest to behave thy self in the House of God, which is the Church of the living God, the Pillar and Ground of Truth [1 Tim. 3:15]. Q. Who is the Head of the Church? A. Who hath delivered us from the Power of Darkness, and hath translated us into the Kingdom of his dear Son; and he is the Head of the Body, the Church from which all the Body by Joynts and Bands, having Nourishment ministered and knit together, encreaseth with the Encrease of God [Col. 1:13,18; 2:19]. Q. What kind of Persons make the Church? A. Them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus [1 Cor. 1:2]. And the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved [Acts 2:47]. Q. Hath not Christ appointed any Officers in the Church for the Work of the Ministry? A. Wherefore he saith, when he ascended up on high, he led Captivity Captive, and gave Gifts unto Men; and he gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors, and some Teachers, for the perfecting of the Saints, for the Work of the Ministry, for the Edification of the Body of Christ [Eph. 4:8,11-12]. Q. What kind of Men should such as are Teachers and Overseers of the Church be? A. A Bishop then must be Blameless, the Husband of one Wife; Vigilant, Sober, of good Behaviour, given to Hospitality, apt to Teach, not given to Wine, no Striker, not greedy of filthy Lucre; but Patient, not a Brawler, not Covetous, one that ruleth well his own House, having his Children in Subjection with all Gravity; (for if a Man know not how to rule his own House, how shall he take Care of the Church of God?) not a Novice, lest being lifted up with Pride, he fall into the Condemnation of the Devil: Moreover, he must have a good Report of them which are without, lest he fall into Reproach, and the Snare of the Devil [1 Tim. 3:2-7]. For a Bishop must be blameless, as the Steward of God, not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to Wine, no Striker, not given to filthy Lucre, but a lover of Hospitality, a lover of good Men, sober, just, holy, temperate, holding fast the faithful word, as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound Doctrine, both to exhort and to convince the Gain-sayers [Tit. 1:7-9]. Q. What is incumbent upon such to do? A. Take heed therefore to your selves, and to all the Flock, over which the holy Ghost hath made you Overseers, to feed the Church of God [Acts 20:28]. The Elders which are among you, I exhort, who am also an Elder, and a Witness of the Sufferings of Christ, and also a Partaker of the Glory that shall be revealed; Feed the Flock of God which is among you, taking the Oversight thereof, not by Constraint, but willingly; not for filthy Lucre, but of a ready Mind; neither as being Lords over God's Heritage, but being Ensamples to the Flock [1 Pet. 5:1-3]. Q. Though they be not to Lord over the Flock, yet is there not a Respect due to them in their Place? A. Let the Elders that rule well, be counted worthy of double Honour, especially they who labour in the Word and Doctrine [1 Tim. 5:17]. Q. Albeit then among true Christians every one that believeth is to have the Witness in himself, being perswaded in himself by the Spirit; yet is there not also a real Subjection to be to one another in the Lord? A. The Spirits of the Prophets are subject to the Prophets [1 Cor. 14:32]. Obey them that have the Rule over you, and submit your selves; for they watch for your Souls, as they that must give Account, that they may do it with Joy, and not with Grief; for that is unprofitable for you [Heb. 13:17]. And we beseech you, Brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in Love, for their Works sake [1 Thess. 5:12-13]. Likewise, ye younger, submit your selves unto the Elder; yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with Humility; for God resisteth the Proud, and giveth Grace unto the Humble. [1 Pet. 5:5] Q. How ought true Teachers to minister in the Church? A. As every Man hath received the Gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good Stewards of the manifold Grace of God. If any speak let him speak as the Oracles of God: If any Man minister let him do it as of the ability which God Giveth, that God in all Things may be glorified, through Jesus Christ [2 Pet. 4:10-11]. Q. I perceive then, that every true Minister of the Church of Christ is to minister of the Gift and Grace of God which he hath received: But some are of the Judgment, that natural Wisdom or Parts, and humane Learning are the Qualifications, which are of absolute Necessity for a Minister, but Grace they judge not to be absolutely necessary, but that one may be a Minister without it; what saith the Scripture in this Case? A. A Bishop must be sober just, holy, temperate [Tit. 1:7-8]. Q. Methinks it is impossible for a Man to be blameless, just, holy, sober and temperate without the Grace of God: So that if these Qualifications be absolutely necessary, then surely, that without which a Man cannot be so qualified, must be necessary also: But what saith the Scripture, as to the Necessity of Natural Wisdom and human Learning? A. Where is the Wise? where is the Scribe? where is the Disputer of this World? hath not God made foolish the Wisdom of this World? for after that in the Wisdom of God the World by Wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the Foolishness of Preaching, to save them that believe [1 Cor. 1:20-21]. Q. It seems then the Preachings of the true Ministers are not gathered together by wisdom and Learning: It hath been supposed that a Man must be greatly skilled in Learning to make a good Sermon, what is the Apostles judgment in the Case? A. For Christ sent me not to Baptize, but to preach the Gospel; not with Wisdom of Words, lest the Cross of Christ should be made of none Effect [1 Cor. 1:17]. And I was with you in Weakness, and in Fear, and in much Trembling; and my Speech and my Preaching was not with enticing Words of mans Wisdom, but in Demonstration of the Spirit and of Power, that your Faith should not stand in the Wisdom of Men, but in the Power of God [1 Cor. 2:3-5]. Q. I perceive the Apostle layes far more stress upon the Demonstration and Power of the Spirit in a Preacher, than upon human Literature; ought Ministers then to preach as the Spirit teacheth them? A. Also we speak not in the Words which Man's Wisdom teaches; but which the holy Ghost teacheth [1 Cor. 2:13]. And they were all fill'd with the holy Ghost, and began to speak as the Spirit gave them Utterance [Acts 2:4]. Q. It is Christ then that speaketh in and through his Ministers? A. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father, which speaketh in you [Matt. 10:20]. For it is not ye that speak, but the holy Ghost [Mark 13:11]. For the holy Ghost shall teach you in the same Hour what ye ought to say [Luke 12:12]. Since ye seek a Proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you [2 Cor. 13:3]. Q. What is the Apostle's Mind of that human Learning, which some cry up so much, and think so needful in a Minister? A. Beware, lest any Man spoil you through Philosophy and vain Deceit, after the Tradition of Men, after the Rudiments of the World, & not after Christ [Col. 2:8]. O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding prophane and vain Babling and Oppositions of Science, falsly so called [1 Tim. 6:20]. Q. Though true Ministers speak not by the natural Wisdom of Men; yet is their Testimony altogether void of Wisdom? A. Howbeit, we speak Wisdom among them that are perfect; yet not the Wisdom of this World, nor of the Princes of this World that come to nought; but we speak the Wisdom of God in a Mystery, even the hidden Wisdom, which God ordained before the World to our Glory. [1 Cor. 2:6-7] Q. What is the Reason that man by his natural Wisdom is not capable to minister in the Things of God? A. For what Man knoweth the Things of a Man, save the Spirit of a Man, which is in him? Even so the Things of God knoweth no Man but the spirit of God: But the natural Man receiveth not the Things of the Spirit of God; for they are Foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned [1 Cor. 2:11,14]. Q. These Scriptures do sufficiently hold forth, that the true Call to the Ministry is from God; that which maketh a Minister, is the Gift & Grace of God; that the true & effectual Preaching of a faithful Minister, is such, as is from the inward Teaching and Leading of the Spirit of God: But what say the Scriptures touching the Maintenance of Ministers? A. Let him that is taught in the Word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good Things [Gal. 6:6]. If we have sown unto you spiritual Things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal Things? If others be Partakers of this Power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless, we have not used this Power, but suffer all Things, lest we should hinder the Gospel of Christ: Do ye not know, that they which minister about holy Things, live of the Things of the Temple; and they which wait at the Altar, are partakers with the Altar; even so hath the Lord ordain'd, that they which preach the Gospel, shall live of the Gospel [1 Cor. 9:11-14]. For the Scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the Ox that treadeth out the Corn; and the Labourer is worthy of his Reward [1 Tim. 5:18]. Q. I perceive by these Scriptures, that there lyeth an Obligation upon the Saints, to help with outward Things such as truly minister unto them spiritual; but this seems to be voluntary; ought not therefore true Ministers to preach, whether they be sure of this or not? What saith the Apostle of himself in this Case? and what adviseth he others? A. But I have used none of these Things, neither have I written those things, that it should be so done unto me, for it were better for me to dye, then that any Man should make my Glorying void; for though I Preach the Gospel, I have nothing to glory of; for Necessity is laid upon me, yea, Wo is unto me if I preach not the Gospel. For if I do this Thing willingly I have a Reward, but if against my Will a Dispensation of the Gospel is committed unto me, what is my Reward then? Verily, that when I Preach the Gospel, I make the Gospel of Christ without Charge, that I abuse not my Power in the Gospel [1 Cor. 9:15-18]. I have coveted no man's Silver, or Gold, or Apparel, yea, ye your selves know that these Hands have ministred unto my Necessities, and to them that were with me. I have shewed you all things, how that so Labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the Words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give, than to receive [Acts 20:33-35]. Q. It is observable, that the Apostle every where makes special mention among the qualifications of Teachers, that they be not given to Filthy Lucre; What ought we to think of those Teachers as will not preach without Hire; yea, that will by Violence, take from those who receive no Spirituals from them? Are they like to be the Ministers of Christ? Or what else saith the Scripture of such? A. Yea, they are greedy Dogs, which can never have enough; & they are Shepherds that cannot understand; they all look to their own Way, every one for his Gain from his Quarter [Isa. 56:11]. Son of Man, Prophesie against the Shepherds of Israel, Prophesie, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God unto the Shepherds, Wo to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves: Should not the Shepherds feed the Flock? Ye eat the Fat, and ye cloath you with the Wool, ye kill them that are fed, but ye feed not the Flock. As I live, saith the Lord God, Surely because my Flock became a Prey, and my Flock became Meat to every Beast of the Field, because there was no Shepherd; Neither did my Shepherds search for my Flock; but the Shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my Flock [Ezek. 34:2-3,8]. Thus saith the Lord concerning the Prophets that make my People Err, that bite with their Teeth, and cry Peace; & he that putteth not into their Mouthes, they even prepare War against him: The Heads thereof judge for Reward, & the Priests thereof teach for Hire, and the Prophets thereof divine for Money; yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, Is not the Lord amongst us? None Evil can come upon us [Mic. 3:5,11]. Q. These are plain Testimonies from the Prophets; Are there none such from the Apostles? A. Perverse Disputings of Men of Corrupt Minds, and destitute of the Truth, supposing that Gain is Godliness; from such withdraw thy self; But Godliness with Contentment is great Gain; For we brought nothing into the World, and its certain we can carry nothing out; & having Food and Rayment, let us therewith be content. But they that will be Rich, fall into Temptation and a Snare, & into many foolish and hurtful Lusts, which drown men in Destruction and Perdition; For the Love of Money is the Root of all Evil, which while some coveted after, they have erred from the Faith, and pierced themselves through with many Sorrows [1 Tim. 6:5-10]. For Men shall be Lovers of their own selves, Covetous, Boasters, Proud, Blasphemers Disobedient to Parents, Unthankful, Unholy [2 Tim. 3:2]. For there are many unruly and vain Talkers & Deceivers, especially they of the Circumcision, whose Mouthes must be stopped; who subvert whole Houses, teaching things which they ought not for Filthy Lucre's sake [Tit. 1:10-11]. But there were False Prophets also among the People, even as there shall be False Teachers among you, who privily shall bring in Damnable Heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift Destruction: And many shall follow their Pernicious Wayes, by reason of whom the way of Truth shall be Evil spoken of. And through Covetousness shall they with feigned Words make Merchandize of you; whose Judgment now of a long time lingereth not, & their Damnation slumbereth not: Having Eyes full of Adultery, and that cannot cease from Sin, beguiling unstable Souls; an Heart they have exercised with Covetous practices. Cursed Children, which have forsaken the Right Way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam, the Son of Bozor who loved the Wages of Unrighteousness. [2 Pet. 2:1-3,14-15] Wo unto them; for they have gone in the Way of Cain, and run greedily after the error of Balaam for Reward, and Perished in the Gain-saying of Corah: These are Murmurers, Complainers, walking after their own Lusts; and their Mouth speaketh Great Swelling Words, having men's Persons in Admiration because of Advantage [Jude. 11,16]. Q. Ought there to be any Order in the Church of God? A. Let all things be done decently, and in Order. [1 Cor. 14:40] Q. What Good Order is prescribed in the Church concerning Preachers? Is it fit that only one or two speak, or many more, if moved thereto? A. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his Peace; For ye may all Prophesie one by one, that all may learn, and that all may be comforted. And the Spirits of the Prophets are subject to the Prophets; for God is not the Author of Confusion, but of Peace, as in all the Churches of the Saints [1 Cor. 14:30-33]. Q. Is there any Promise that Daughters as well as Sons shall Prophesie under the Gospel? A. And it shall come to pass afterwards, that I will pour out of my Spirit upon all Flesh, and your Sons and your Daughters shall prophesie; your old Men shall dream Dreams, your Young Men shall see Visions [Joel 2:28]. Q. Is that Promise fulfilled, and to be fulfilled? A. But this is that which was spoken by the Prophet Joel, & it shall come to pass in the last dayes (saith God) I will pour out my Spirit upon all Flesh. and your Sons and your Daughters shall prophesie; and your Young men shall see Visions, and your Old Men shall dream Dreams [Acts 2:16-17]. Q. Is there any such Instance of old in the Scripture? A. And the same Man had four Daughters, Virgins, which did prophesie [Acts 21:9]. Q. But may all Women speak; or are any commanded to keep Silence in the Church? A. Let your Women keep Silence in the Church; for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under Obedience, as also saith the Law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their Husbands at Home, for it is a Shame for Women to speak in the Church [1 Cor. 14:34-35]. Let the Woman learn in Silence with, all Subjection. But I suffer not a Woman to teach, or usurp Authority over the Man; but to be in Silence [1 Tim. 2:11-12]. Q. The first of these seems only to relate to Women that have Husbands; What comes of them that have none? The second speaks nothing of the Church, but only that she ought not to usurp Authority over the Man; Hath this no Limitation? Doth not the same Apostle give Directions how Women that speak should behave themselves in the Church? A. Every man Praying or Prophesying, having his Head covered, dishonoureth his Head: But every Woman that Prayeth or Prophesieth with her Head uncovered, disonoureth her Head; for that is even all one as if she were shaven [1 Cor. 11:4-5]. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 11: CONCERNING WORSHIP. ======================================================================== Question. What is the Worship that is Acceptable to God? A. But the Hour cometh, and now is, when the True Worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit, and they that worship him, must worship him in Spirit and in Truth [John 4:23-24]. Q. Seeing Prayer is a part of worship; when ought we to Pray? A. And he spake a Parable unto them to this End, That men ought alwayes to pray, and not to faint [Luke 18:1]. Pray without ceasing [1 Thess. 5:17]. Q. Hath God no respect to the Manner of Calling upon him? A. For there is no Difference between the Jew and the Greek; for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him [Rom. 10:12]. Q. Doth God hear the Prayers of all that call upon him? A. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in Truth [Psal. 145:18]. The Lord is far from the Wicked; but he heareth the Prayer of the Righteous [Prov. 15:29]. Now we know, that God heareth not Sinners; but if any man be a Worshipper of God, and doth his Will, him he heareth [John 9:31]. And this is the Confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his Will, he heareth us [1 John 5:14]. Q. After what Manner doth the Apostle then declare he will Pray? A. What is it then? I will pray with the Spirit, and I will pray with the Understanding also; I will sing with the Spirit, and I will sing with the Understanding also [1 Cor. 14:15]. Q. Must we then pray alwayes in the Spirit? A. Praying always, with all Prayer and Supplication in the Spirit, and Watching thereunto with all Perseverance and Supplication for all Saints [Eph. 6:18]. Q. Since we are commanded to pray always in it, can we do it of our selves without the Help thereof? A. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our Infirmities, for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit it self maketh Intercession for us with Groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the Hearts, knoweth what is the Mind of the Spirit, because he maketh Intercession for the Saints according to the Will of God [Rom. 8:26-27]. Q. I perceive, that without the Leadings and Help of the Spirit, Prayers are altogether unprofitable; may not a man truly utter these things that are Spiritual, without the Spirit's Assistance? A. Wherefore I give you to understand that no man speaking by the Spirit of God, calleth Jesus Accursed; and that no man can say, that Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost [1 Cor. 12:3]. Q. That is strange: It seems the Spirit is much more necessary than many called Christians suppose it to be; some of which can scarce give a good Account, whether they have it, or want it: But if a man speak things true upon the Matter, are they not true as from him, if spoken without the Spirit? A. And though they say, The Lord liveth, surely they swear falsly [Jer. 5:2]. Q. It is apparent from all these Scriptures, that the True Worship of God is in Spirit; and as it is not limited to a certain place, neither to any certain time, what shall we think of them that plead for the Observation of certain Dayes? A. But now, after that ye have known God, or rather, are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly Elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in Bondage? Ye observe Dayes and Months, and Times, and Years; I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you Labour in vain [Gal. 4:9-11]. Let no man therefore judge you in Meat or Drink, or in respect of an Holy Day, or of the New Moon, or of the Sabbath Day, which are a Shadow of things to come; but the Body is of Christ [Col. 2:16-17]. Q. Seeing it is so, may not some Christians as lawfully esteem all Dayes alike, as others may esteem some Dayes above another? What Rule giveth the Apostle in this Case? A. One man esteemeth one Day above another, another esteemeth every Day alike; let every man be fully perswaded in his own Mind: He that regardeth a Day, regardeth it unto the Lord: and he that regardeth not the Day, to the Lord, he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord; for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord, he eateth not, and giveth God Thanks [Rom. 14:5-6]. Q. But is it not convenient and necessary, that there be a Day set apart to Meet and Worship God in? Did not the Apostles and Primitive Christians use to meet upon the First Day of the Week, to make their Collections, and to Worship? A. Now concerning the collection for the Saints, as I have given Order to the Churches of Galatia, even so do ye upon the First Day of the week: Let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prosper'd him, that there be no Gatherings when I come [1 Cor. 16:1]. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 12: CONCERNING BAPTISM, AND BREAD AND WINE. ======================================================================== Question. How many BAPTISMS are there? A. One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism [Eph. 4:5]. Q. What is this Baptism? A. The like Figure, whereunto even Baptism doth now save us: not the putting away the Filth of the Flesh, but the Answer of a good Conscience towards God, by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is gone into Heaven, and is on the Right Hand of God, Angels, and Authorities, and Powers, being made subject unto him [1 Pet. 3:21-22]. Q. What saith John the Baptist of Christ's Baptism? how distinguisheth he it from his? A. I indeed baptize you with Water unto Repentance; but he that cometh after me, is Mightier then I, whose Shoes I am not worthy to bear, he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with Fire [Matt. 3:11]. Q. Doth not Christ so distinguish it also? A. And being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem; but wait for the promise of the Father, which saith he, ye have heard of me: For John truly baptized with Water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost, not many days hence [Acts 1:4-5]. Q. Doth not the Apostle Peter observe this? A. And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the Beginning; Then remembered I the Word of the Lord, how, that he said, John indeed baptized with Water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost [Acts 11:15-16]. Q. Then it seems John's Baptism must pass away, that Christ's may take place; because John must decrease, that Christ may increase? A. He must increase, but I must decrease [John 3:30]. Q. I perceive then, many may be sprinkled with and dipped and baptized in Water, and yet not truly baptized with the Baptism of Christ? What are the real Effects in such as are truly baptized with the Baptism of Christ? A. Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into his Death? Therefore we are buried with him by Baptism into Death, that like as Christ was raised up from the Dead by the Glory of the Father, even we also should walk in Newness of Life [Rom. 6:3-4]. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ [Gal. 2:27]. Buried with him in Baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him, through the Faith of the Operation of God, who hath raised him from the Dead [Col. 2:12]. Q. I perceive there was a Baptism of Water, which was John's Baptism, and is therefore by John himself contra-distinguished from Christ's: Was there not likewise something of the like nature appointed by Christ to his Disciples, of eating Bread, and drinking Wine in Remembrance of him? A. For I have received of the Lord that which also I have delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus, the same Night in which he was betrayed, took Bread, & when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat; this is my Body which is broken for you; this do in Remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the Cup, when he had supped, saying, This Cup is the New Testament in my Blood; This do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in Remembrance of me [1 Cor. 11:23-25]. Q. How long was this to continue? A. For, as often as ye eat this Bread, and drink this Cup, ye do shew the Lord's Death till he come [1 Cor. 11:26]. Q. Did Christ promise to come again to his Disciples? A. I will not leave you Comfortless; I will come to you. Jesus answered, and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my Words; and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him and make our Abode with him [John 14:18,23]. Q. Was this an Inward Coming? A. At that Day ye shall know, that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you [John 14:20]. Q. But it would seem this was even practised by the Church of Corinth, after Christ was come inwardly; was it so that there were certain Appointments positively commanded, yea, and Zealously and Conscientiously practised by the Saints of Old, which were not of perpetual Continuance, nor yet now needful to be practised in the Church? A. If I then your Lord and Master have washed your Feet, ye ought also to wash one another's Feet, For I have given you an Example, that ye should do as I have done to you [John 13:14-15]. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to lay upon you no greater Burden than these necessary things, That ye abstain from Meats offered to Idols, and from Blood, and from things strangled, and from Fornication; from which if ye keep your selves, ye shall do well; farewell [Acts 15:28-29]. Is any man sick among you, let him call for the Elders of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with Oyl in the name of the Lord [Jas. 5:14]. Q. These commands are no less positive then the other, ye some of them are asserted as the very Sense of the Holy Ghost, as no less necessary then abstaining from Fornication; and yet the generality of Protestants have laid them aside, as not of perpetual Continuance: But what other Scriptures are there, to show that it is not Necessary, that of Bread and Wine to Continue? A. For the Kingdom of God is not Meat and Drink; but Righteousness, and Peace, and Joy in the Holy Ghost [Rom. 14:17]. Let no man therefore judge you in meat or in Drink, or in respect of an Holy Day, or of the New Moon or of the Sabboth Days: Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the Rudiments of the World, why, as though living in the World, are ye subject to Ordinances (touch not, taste not, handle not, which all are to perish with the Using) after the Commandments and Doctrines of Men? [Col. 2:16,20-22] Q. These Scriptures are very plain, and say as much for the abolishing of this, as to any Necessity, as ought can be alledged for the former: But what is the Bread then wherewith the Saints are to be nourished? A. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that Bread from Heaven; but my Father giveth you the True Bread from Heaven; for the Bread of God is he which comes down from Heaven, and giveth Life unto the World. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this Bread? And Jesus said unto them, I am the Bread of Life; he that cometh to me, shall never Hunger; and he that believeth on me, shall never Thirst. I am that Bread of Life: Your Fathers did eat Manna in the Wilderness, and are Dead; This is the Bread Which cometh down from Heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not dye. I am the Living Bread which came down from Heaven; If any man eat of this Bread, he shall live for ever: and the Bread that I will give him, is my Flesh, which I will give for the Life of the World. The Jews therefore strove amongst them selves, saying, How can this man give us his Flesh to eat? Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink his Blood, ye have no Life in you: Whoso eateth my Flesh, and drinketh my Blood, hath Eternal Life, and I will raise him up at the Last Day; For my Flesh is Meat indeed, and my Blood is Drink indeed. He that eateth my Flesh and drinketh my Blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the Living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father, so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that Bread which came down from Heaven; not as your Fathers did eat Manna, and are dead: He that eateth of this Bread shall live forever. [John 6:32-35,48-58] ======================================================================== CHAPTER 13: CONCERNING THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN IN GENERAL, WHAT, AND HOW IT OUGHT TO BE IN THIS WORLD. ======================================================================== Question. What is the True RELIGION? A. Pure Religion and Undefiled is this, To visit the Fatherless and the Widow in their Affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the World [Jas. 1:27]. Q. What is required of Man? A. He hath showed thee, O man, what is good: and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love Mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? [Mic. 6:8] But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor, and of a contrite Spirit, and trembles at my Word [Isa. 66:2]. Q. Doth God then require People to be Quakers, to tremble at his Word? was there any such among the Saints of old? A. Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the Words of the God of Israel [Ezra 9:4]. Now therefore let us make a Covenant with our God, to put away all the Wives, and such as are born of them, according to the Counsel of my Lord; and of those that tremble at the Commandment of our God [Ezra 10:3]. Q. It seems Ezra loved well, and had a high Esteem of Quakers, since he would have their Counsel followed: Do any other of the Prophets point out Quakers or Tremblers, as God's People? A. Hear the Word of the Lord, ye that tremble at his Word: Your Brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my Names sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified; but he shall appear to your Joy, and they shall be ashamed [Isa. 66:5]. And it shall be to me a Name of Joy, a Praise and an Honour before all the Nations of the Earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them, and they shall fear and tremble, for all the Goodness and for all the Prosperity that I procure unto it [Jer. 33:9]. Q. The Prophets promise good Things there to Quakers; what becometh of these that tremble not, and are not such? A. Hear now this, O foolish people! and without Understanding, which have Eyes, and see not, which have Ears, and Hear not, fear ye not me? saith the Lord; will ye not tremble at my Presence, &c? [Jer. 5:21-22] Q. Are then all God's Children Quakers? and are we commanded to quake or tremble, in order to our Salvation, both under the Law, and now under the Gospel? A. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling [Psal. 2:11]. I make a Decree, that in every Dominion of my Kingdom, Men fear and tremble before the God of Daniel; for he is the living God, and steadfast for ever [Dan. 6:26]. Work out your own Salvation with Fear and Trembling [Phil. 2:12]. Q. What be the chief Commandments? A. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy Heart, and with all thy Soul, and with all thy Mind: This is the first and great Commandment; and the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self: On these two Commandments hang all the Law and Prophets [Matt. 22:37-40]. Q. What ought a Christian to seek after in the first Place? A. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness, and all these Things shall be added unto you [Matt. 6:33]. Q. How ought Christians to behave themselves in this World? A. But this I say, Brethren, the Time is short: It remaineth, That both they that have Wives, be as though they had none; and they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoyce, as though they rejoyced not; and they that buy, as though they Possessed not; and they that use this World, as not abusing it; for the Fashion of this World passeth away [1 Cor. 7:29-31]. Q. What saith the apostle Paul further, as that which is fit for Christian Men and Women to be found in? A. I will therefore, that Men Pray every where, lifting up holy Hands without Wrath and Doubting: In like Manner also, that Women adorn themselves in modest Apparel, with shamefac'dness and Sobriety; not with broidered Hair, or Gold, or Pearls, or costly Array; but (which becometh Women professing Godliness) with good Works [1 Tim. 2:8-10]. Q. I observe, the Apostle is much against the Vanity and Superfluity of Cloathes among Christians; what saith Peter to this? A. Whose Adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of Platting the Hair, of wearing of Gold, or of putting on of Apparel: But let it be the hidden Man of the Heart, in that which is not corruptible; even, the Ornament of a meek quiet Spirit, which is in the Sight of God of great Price [1 Pet. 3:3-4]. Q. The Apostle is very plain there; but what saith the Scripture, as to Respect of Persons among Christians? A. My Brethren, have not the Faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory, with Respect of Persons: for if there come unto your Assembly a man with a Gold Ring in goodly Apparel; and there come in also a poor Man in vile Rayment; and ye have Respect to him that weareth the gay Cloathing, and say unto him, sit thou here in a good Place, and say to the poor, stand thou there, or sit here under my Foot-stool: Are ye not then partial in your selves, and are become Judges of evil Thoughts? Hearken my beloved Brethren; hath not God chosen the poor of this World, rich in Faith, and Heirs of the Kingdom, which he hath promised to them that love him; but ye have despised the Poor. Do not rich Men oppress you and draw you before the Judgment-Seat? Do they not blaspheme that worthy Name by the which ye are called? If ye fulfil the royal Law according to the Scripture, Thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self, ye do well; but if ye have Respect to Persons, ye commit Sin, and are convinced of the Law as Transgressors [Jas. 2:1-9]. Q. Though that be indeed sufficient to reprove the different Ranks among Christians upon the Account of Riches or Birth: yet is there not a relative Respect among Christians, as betwixt Master and Servant: what Admonitions gives the Apostle in this Case? A. Servants, be Obedient to them that are your Masters, according to the Flesh, with Fear and Trembling, in Singleness of your Heart, as unto Christ, not with Eye-Service, as Men-Pleasers; but as the Servants of Christ, doing the Will of God from the Heart; with Good-will doing service; as to the Lord, and not to Men; knowing that whatsoever good Thing any Man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And ye Masters, do the same Things unto them, forbearing Threatning, knowing that your Master also is in Heaven; neither is there Respect of Persons with him [Eph. 6:5-9]. Servants, obey in all things your Masters according to the Flesh; not with Eye-Service, as Men-pleasers, but in Singleness of Heart, fearing God. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men, knowing, that of the Lord ye shall receive the Reward of the Inheritance; for ye serve the Lord Christ: But he that doth Wrong shall receive for the Wrong which he hath done; and there is no Respect of Persons [Col. 3:22-25]. Masters, give unto your Servants that which is just and equal, knowing that ye also have a Master in Heaven [Col. 4:1]. Let as many Servants as are under the Yoak count their own Masters worthy of all Honour, that the Name of God and his Doctrine be not blasphemed: And they that have believing Masters, let them not despise them, because they are Brethren; but rather do them Service, because they are faithful and beloved, Partakers of the Benefit; these things teach and exhort [1 Tim. 6:1-2]. Exhort Servants to be obedient unto their own Masters, and to please them well in all Things; not answering again, not purloining; but shewing all good Fidelity, that they may adorn the Doctrine of God in all Things [Tit. 2:9-10]. Servants, be subject to your Masters with all Fear, not only to the good and gentile, but also to the froward; for this is Thank-worthy, if a man for Conscience toward God endure Griefs, suffering wrongfully: For what Glory is it, if when ye be buffeted for your Faults, ye shall take it patiently; but if when ye do well and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God; for even hereunto were ye called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an Example, that ye should follow his Steps [1 Pet. 2:18-21]. Q. What good Admonitions gives the Scripture as to the Relation betwixt Parents and Children? A. Children, obey your Parents in the Lord; for this is right: honour thy Father and thy Mother (which is the first Commandment with Promise) that it may be well with thee, and thou may'st live long on the Earth. And, ye Fathers, provoke not your Children to Wrath; but bring them up in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord [Eph. 6:1-4]. Children, obey your Parents in all Things; for this is well-pleasing unto the Lord, Fathers provoke not your Children to Anger, lest they be discouraged [Col. 3:20-21]. Q. What between Husbands and Wives? A. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own Husbands, as unto the Lord; for the Husband is the Head of the Wife, even as Christ is the Head of the Church, and he is the Saviour of the Body: Therefore, as the Church is subject unto Christ; so let the Wives be to their own Husbands in every thing; Husbands, love your Wives, even as Christ loved the Church and gave himself for it, so ought men to love their Wives as their own Bodies: he that loveth his Wife, loveth himself; for this Cause shall a Man leave his Father and Mother, and shall be joyned unto his Wife, and they two shall be one Flesh: Nevertheless, let every one of you in particular so love his Wife even as himself; and the Wife see that she reverence her Husband [Eph. 5:22-25,28,31,33]. Husbands, love your Wives, and be not bitter against them [Col. 3:19]. Likewise, ye Wives, be subject to your own Husbands, that if any obey not the Word, they also may without the Word be won by the Conversation of the Wives, while they behold your Chaste Conversation coupled with Fear. Likewise ye Husbands, dwell with them according to Knowledge, giving Honour unto the Wife, as unto the weaker Vessel, and as being Heirs together of the Grace of Life, that your Prayers be not hindered [1 Pet. 3:1-2,7]. Q. What is the Armour of a true Christian? and wherewith ought he to wrestle? A. Put on the whole Armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the Wiles of the Devil; for we wrestle not against Flesh and Blood, but against Principalities, against Powers, against the Rulers of the Darkness of this World, against spiritual Wickedness in high Places; wherefore take unto you the whole Armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil Day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your Loins girt about with Truth, and having on the Breast-plate of Righteousness, and your Feet shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace, above all, taking the Shield of Faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery Darts of the Wicked One; and take the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God [Eph. 6:11-17]. Q. What are Christians Weapons? and for what End? A. For though we walk in the Flesh, we do not war after the Flesh; for the weapons of our Warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to the pulling down of strong Holds, casting down Imaginations and every high thing, that exalteth itself against the Knowledge of God; and bringing in to Captivity every Thought to the Obedience of Christ [2 Cor. 10:3-5]. Q. Ought Strife and Envy to be among Christians? A. Who is a wise Man, and endued with Knowledge amongst you? Let him shew out of a good Conversation his Works with Meekness of Wisdom: But if ye have bitter Envying and strife in your Hearts, glory not, and lie not against the Truth: This Wisdom descendeth not from above; but is Earthly, Sensual, Devilish; for where Envying and Strife is, there is Confusion and every evil Work: But the Wisdom that is from above, is first pure, then peaceable and easie to be entreated, full of Mercy and good Fruits, without Partiality and without Hypocrisie: And the Fruit of Righteousness is sown in Peace of them that make Peace [Jas. 3:13-18]. Q. Ought Wars to be among Christians? from whence proceed they? A. From whence come Wars and Fightings among you? Come they not hence, even from your Lusts, that war in your Members: Ye lust, and have not; ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain; ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not [Jas. 4:1-2]. Q. What saith Christ, even of defensive War? A. But I say unto you, that ye resist not Evil; but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right Cheek, turn to him the other also [Matt. 5:39]. But I say unto you which hear, Love your Enemies; do good to them which hate you; bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despightfully use you; and unto him that smiteth thee on the one Cheek, offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy Cloak, forbid not to take thy Coat also [Luke 6:27-29]. Q. What say the Apostles? A. Recompence to no man Evil for Evil [Rom. 12:17]. Not rendring Evil for Evil, or Railing for Railing; but contrary-wise, Blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a Blessing [1 Pet. 3:9]. See that none render Evil for Evil unto any Man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all Men [1 Thess. 5:15]. Q. It was lawful of Old to Swear; and an Oath for Confirmation was to them an End of all Strife: Is it not Lawful for Christians also to Swear? A. Again, ye have heard, that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thy self; but shalt perform unto the Lord thine Oaths. But I say unto you, Swear not at all, neither by Heaven, for it is Gods Throne: nor by the Earth, for it is his Foot-stool; 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 Hair white or black; but let your Communication be Yea, Yea; Nay, Nay; for whatsoever is more than these cometh of Evil [Matt. 5:33-37]. But above all things my Brethren, Swear not, neither by Heaven, neither by the Earth, neither by any other Oath; but let your Yea be Yea, and your Nay, Nay, lest you fall into Condemnation [Jas. 5:12]. Q. Is it fit for Christians or Believers to receive Carnal and Worldly Honour one from another? A. How can ye believe which receive Honour one of another, and seek not the Honour that cometh from God only [John 5:44]. Q. Doth God allow us to give flattering Titles to Men? A. Let me not, I pray you, accept any Man's Person: neither let me give flattering Titles unto Man; for I know not to give flattering Titles, in so doing my Maker would soon take me away [Job 32:21-22]. Q. What should we say to such as quarrel us for speaking proper sound Words, as Thou to one, You to many; which is Christ's and the Saints Language in the Scripture? A. If any Man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome Words, even the Words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the Doctrine which is according to Godliness, he is proud; knowing nothing, but doting about Questions and Strifes of Words, whereof cometh Envy, Strife, Railings, Evil Surmisings [1 Tim. 6:3-4]. Hold fast the Form of sound Words, which thou hast heard of me in Faith and Love, which is in Christ Jesus [2 Tim. 1:13]. Q. What is the great Commandment given by Christ to his Disciples, as that which even declareth them to be such, and is also pressed by his Apostles? A. A new Commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another: as I have loved you, that ye also love one another; by this shall all men know that ye are my Disciples, if ye have Love to one another. This is my Commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you: These things I command you, that ye love one another [John 13:34-35; 15:12,17]. Be ye therefore Followers of God, as dear Children; and walk in Love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an Offering and a Sacrifice to God, for a sweet smelling Savour [Eph. 5:1-2]. If any Man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a Lyar; for he that loveth not his Brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this Commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God, loveth his Brother also [1 John 4:20-21]. Q. Is Humility very needful to Christians? what like must we be ere we can enter the Kingdom? A. And said, verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little Children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little Child, the same is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven [Matt. 18:3-4]. Q. Ought Christians to lord over one another? What Rule giveth Christ in this Case? A. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the Princes of the Gentiles exercise Dominion over them; and they that are great, exercise Authority upon them: but It shall not be so among you; but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your Minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your Servant, even as the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his Life a Ransom for many [Matt. 20:25-28]. Q. How then are Christians in this World? A. Behold, I send you forth, as Sheep in the midst of Wolves, be ye therefore wise as Serpents, and harmless as Doves [Matt. 10:16]. Go your ways; behold, I send you forth as Lambs among Wolves [Luke 10:3]. Q. Are we then to expect Afflictions and Persecution here? A. And ye shall be hated of all Men for my Names sake; but he that endureth to the End shall be saved [Matt. 10:22; Mark 13:13]. And ye shall be hated of all Men for my Names sake [Luke 21:17]. If the World hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you: if ye were of the World, the World would love his own: but because ye are not of the World, but I have chosen you out of the World, therefore the World hateth you [John 15:18-19]. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have Peace; in the World ye shall have Tribulation; but be of good Cheer, I have overcome the World [John 16:33]. And all that will live Godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer Persecution [2 Tim. 3:12]. Q. Ought we then to fear Persecution? A. Fear not them which kill the Body, but are not able to kill the Soul; but rather fear him who is able to destroy both Soul and Body in Hell [Matt. 10:28]. And I say unto you, my Friends, be not afraid of them that kill the Body, and after that have no more that they can do: But I will fore-warn you, whom ye shall fear; fear him which after he hath killed, hath Power to cast into Hell; yea, I say unto you, fear him [Luke 12:4-5]. Q. What Advantage is it to them that suffer Persecution cheerfully, and Hazard to them that shun it? A. Blessed are they which are persecuted for Righteousness sake; for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven [Matt. 5:10]. But if ye suffer for Righteousness sake, happy are ye; and be not afraid of their Terror, neither be troubled [1 Pet. 3:14]. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before Men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in Heaven; but whosoever shall deny me before Men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in Heaven: He that loveth Father or Mother more then me is not worthy of me; and he that taketh not his Cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me: He that findeth his Life shall lose it; and he that loseth his Life for my sake shall find it [Matthew 10:32-33, 37-39]. Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of Man also confess before the Angels of God; but he that denyeth me before Men, shall be denyed before the Angels of God [Luke 12:8-9]. Then said Jesus unto his Disciples, If any Man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his Cross, and follow me; for whosoever will save his Life shall lose it, and whosoever will lose his Life for my sake shall find it [Matt. 16:24-25]. If we suffer, we shall also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us [2 Tim. 2:12]. If any come to me, and hate not his Father and Mother, and Wife, and Children, and Brethren, and Sisters: yea, and his own Life, he cannot be my Disciple [Luke 14:26]. And he said to them all, if any Man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his Cross daily, and follow me; for whosoever will save his Life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his Life for my sake the same, shall save it [Luke 9:23-24]. And when he had called the People to him, with his Disciples also, he said unto them, whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his Cross, and follow me; for whosoever will save his Life, shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his Life for my sake and the Gospels, the same shall save it [Mark 8:34-35]. Q. There is nothing more certain, according to those Scriptures, than that Christians must suffer Persecution in this World, even in their Persons and Estates: But shall they not also suffer in their good Names, in being acounted Blasphemers, Hereticks and Deceivers? A. The Disciple is not above his Master, nor the Servant above his Lord; it is enough for the Disciple that he be as his Master, and the Servants as his Lord: If they have called the Master of the House Beelzebub; how much more shall they call them of his Houshould? [Matt. 10:24-25] Blessed are ye when Men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of Evil against you falsly for my sake [Matt. 5:11]. Then they suborned Men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous Words against Moses, and against God: And they stirred up the People, and the Elders, and the Scribes; and came upon him and caught him, and brought him to the Council [Acts 6:11-12]. And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain Brethren unto the Rulers of the City, crying, These that have turned the World upside down, are come hither also [Acts 17:6]. But this I confess unto thee, that after the Way which they call Heresie, so worship I the God of my Fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and the Prophets [Acts 24:14]. Being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the Filth of the World, and are the Off-scouring of all things unto this Day [1 Cor. 4:13]. By Honour and Dishonour, by Evil Report and Good Report, as Deceivers, and yet true [2 Cor. 6:8]. Q. It is easily apparent from what is mentioned, that Christians are to expect Persecution and Tribulation, and that they are always the Sheep, and never the Wolves; the Persecuted, and never the Persecutors; the Afflicted, and not the Afflictors: the Reproached, and not the Reproachers: Is it not fit then that Christians be so far from Persecuting others, that they ought to Pray for the Persecutors? Is this Christ's Command? A. But I say unto you, Love your Enemies; Bless them that Curse you, do Good to them that hate you, and Pray for them which despightfully use you and Persecute you [Matt. 5:44]. Q. Was this Christ's own Practice? A. Then said Jesus, Father forgive them; for they know not what they do, &c. [Luke 23:34]. Q. Is Christ herein to be our Example? A. For even hereunto were you called, Because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an Example, that ye should follow his Steps, who did no Sin, neither was Guile found in his Mouth; who when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not, but committed himself unto him that judgeth righteously [1 Pet. 2:21-23]. Q. Is there an Instance of any Saints in Scripture, who followed his Example herein? A. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this Sin to their Charge, &c. [Acts 7:60]. Q. It appears by all these Scriptures, that Christianity consisteth in the Exercise of Fear and Trembling, Humility, Patience, and Self-Denial; What ought we then to think of such who place much of their Religion in Abstaining from Marriage, and certain Meats; Worshipping of Angels, and other such Acts of voluntary Humility? A. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the Faith, giving heed to seducing Spirits and Doctrines of Devils, speaking Lyes in Hypocrisie; having their Conscience seared as with a hot Iron, forbidding to Marry, and commanding to abstain from Meats, which God hath Created, to be received with Thanksgiving of them which believe and know the Truth [1 Tim. 4:1-3]. Let no Man beguile you of your Reward in a voluntary Humility, and Worshipping of Angels; intruding into these things which he hath not seen, vainly puft up by his Fleshly mind [Col. 2:18]. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 14: CONCERNING MAGISTRACY ======================================================================== Question. What is the Duty of a Magistrate? A. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me; he that Ruleth over Men must be Just, Ruling in the Fear of God [2 Sam. 23:3]. Q. What do the Scriptures speak of the Duty of such as are under Authority? A. Let every Soul be Subject to the Higher Powers; for there is no Power but of God: The Powers that be, are ordained of God: Whosoever therefore resists the Power, resists the Ordinance of God; and they that resist shall receive to themselves Damnation: For Rulers are not a Terror to good Works, but to the Evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the Power? Do that which is Good, and thou shalt have praise of the same; for he is the Minister of God to thee for Good: But, if thou do that which is Evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the Sword in vain: for he is the Minister of God; a Revenger to execute Wrath upon him that doth Evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for Wrath, but also for Conscience sake [Rom. 13:1-5]. Submit your selves to every Ordinance of Man for the Lord's sake, whether it be to the King as Supream; or unto Governours, as unto them that are sent by him, for the Punishment of Evil-Doers, and for the Praise of them that do well; for so is the Will of God, that with Well-doing ye may put to silence the Ignorance of foolish Men [1 Pet. 2:13-15]. Q. Ought Tribute to be paid to them? A. For, for this Cause pay we Tribute also; for they are God's Ministers, attending continually upon this very thing: Render therefore to all their Dues, Tribute to whom Tribute is due, Custom to whom Custom, Fear to whom Fear, Honour to whom Honour [Rom. 13:6-7]. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's [Matt. 22:21]. Q. Are we obliged to obey Magistrates in such things, as we are perswaded in our Minds are contrary to the Commands of Christ? A. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all, nor teach in the Name of Jesus: but Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God, to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye; for we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard [Acts 4:18-20]. And when they had brought them, they set them before the Council, and the High-Priest asked them, saying, Did not we straightly command you, that ye should not teach in this Name? And behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your Doctorine, and intend to bring this Man's Blood upon us: Then Peter and the other Apostles answer'd, and said, We ought to obey God rather than Men [Acts 5:27-29]. Q. What ought to be the Magistrates Behaviour in such cases according to the Counsel of wise Gamaliel? A. Then stood there up one in the Council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a Doctor of Law, had in Reputation among the People, and commanded to put the Apostles forth a little space, and said unto them, Ye Men of Israel, take heed to your selves, what ye intend to do, as touching these men: And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone; for if this Counsel or this Work be of men, it will come to nought; but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it, lest happily ye be found even to fight against God [Acts 5:34-35,38-39]. Q. What Command giveth Christ to his People under the Gospel, in relation to this matter? How doth he hold forth their Duty under the Parable of the Tares? A. So the Servants of the Houshold came, and said unto him, Sir, didst thou not sow Good Seed in thy Field? from whence then hath it Tares? He said unto them, An Enemy hath done this. The Servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay, lest while ye gather up the Tares, ye root up also the Wheat with them [Matt. 13:27-29]. Q. Doth he explain these Tares of the Wicked, whom the Godly must not take upon them to cut off, lest through Mistake they hurt the Good; but leave it to God, to do it by his Angels? A. The Field is the World; the good Seed are the Children of the Kingdom; but the Tares are the Children of the Wicked One; the Enemy that sowed them is the Devil; the Harvest is the End of the World; and the Reapers are the Angels: As therefore the Tares are gathered and burnt in the Fire, so shall it be in the end of this World; the Son of Man shall send forth his Angels, and they shall gather out of his Kingdom all things that offend, and them which do Iniquity [Matt. 13:38-41]. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 15: CONCERNING THE RESURRECTION. ======================================================================== Question, What saith the Scripture of the Resurrection of the Dead? A. And have Hope towards God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a Resurrection of the Dead, both of the Just and Unjust [Acts 24:15]. Q. To what different End shall the Good be raised from the Bad? and how are they thereunto reserved? A. Marvel not at this; for the Hour is coming, in the which all that are in the Graves shall hear his Voice, and shall come forth; they that have done Good, unto the Resurrection of Life; and they that have done Evil, unto the Resurrection of Condemnation [John 5:28-29]. But the Heavens and the Earth, which are now, by the same Word are kept in store, reserved unto Fire against the Day of Judgment, and Perdition of Ungodly Men [2 Pet. 3:7]. Q. What must be answered to such as ask how the Dead are raised; and with that what Body? A. Thou Fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened except it dye: and that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that Body that shall be; but bare Grain, it may chance of Wheat, or some other Grain: But God giveth it a Body as it hath pleased him, and to every Seed his own Body. All Flesh is not the same Flesh; but there is one kind of Flesh of Men, another Flesh of Beasts, another of Fishes, and another of Birds: there are also Celestial Bodies, and Bodies Terrestrial; but the Glory of the Celestial is one, and the Glory of the Terrestrial is another: there is one Glory of the Sun, and another Glory of the Moon, and another Glory of the Stars; for one Star differs from another Star in Glory; so also is the Resurrection of the Dead; it is sown in Corruption, it is raised in Incorruption; it is sown in Dishonour, it is raised in Glory; it is sown in Weakness, it is raised in Power; it is sown a Natural Body, it is raised a Spiritual Body: There is a Natural Body, and there is a Spiritual Body [1 Cor. 15:36-44]. Q. The Apostle seems to be very positive that it is not that Natural Body, which we now have, that shall rise, but a Spiritual Body? A. Now this I say, Brethren, That Flesh and Blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God, neither doth Corruption inherit Incorruption. Behold I shew you a Mystery, We shall not all sleep; but we shall all be changed in a Moment, in the Twinkling of an Eye, at the last Trump (for the Trumpet shall sound) and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed: For this Corruptible must put on Incorruption, and this Mortal must put on Immortality: So when this Corruptible shall have put on Incorruption, and this Mortal shall have put on Immortality, then shall be brought to pass the Saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in Victory: O Death where is thy Sting? O Grave where is thy Victory? [1 Cor. 15:50-55] ======================================================================== CHAPTER 16: A SHORT INTRODUCTION TO THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. ======================================================================== Having thus largely and evidently performed the chief Part of that which I promised in this Treatise, in giving a full account of our Principles in plain Scripture-words; and also answering by the Scriptures the chief and main Objections made against us; I come to a Confession of Faith, in which I shall not be so large, for that I judge it not convenient to make an Inter-repetition of all the Scriptures before-mentioned, which, if needful, the Reader may easily observe were not very difficult to do: But whereas a Confession of Faith, calleth rather for an Affirmative Account of one's own Faith, than for the Solution of Objections, or any thing of debate in a discursive Way, which is both more properly and pertinently performed in a Catechism, therfore I have here only done so. I am necessitate sometimes to intermix some words for coherence of the Matter, as sometimes (And) and sometimes (Therefore) and the like; but not such as any ingenuous Person can affirm, do add to the Matter, or that may any wise justly be reckoned a Comment or Meaning, and therefore to avoid the Censure of the most Curious, Carping Criticks; these are marked with a different Character. Likewise unless I should have ridiculously offered to publish incongruous Grammar, there was a true need sometimes to change the Mood and Person of a Verb; in all which places, whosoever will look to the words, shall find it is done upon no Design to alter any whit the naked import of them: as for instance; where Christ sayes, I am the Light of the World; were it proper for me to write thus, I am the Light, &c.? Or can it be reckoned any whit contradicting of my Purpose or Promise to write, Christ is the Light, where the first Person is changed to the third? Also sometimes I express things which are necessarily understood, as when any of the Apostles say, We, there instead of We, I write Apostles; and where they say You, speaking to the Saints, there I mention Saints instead of it; for the Connection of the Sentence sometimes requires it; as in the first Article in mentioning that of 1 John 1:5 concerning God's being Light, and in such like Cases, which I know no impartial Reader would have quarrelled, though wanting this Apology, which I judged meet to premise, knowing there is a Generation, who when they cannot find any real or substantial Ground against Truth and its Followers, will be cavilling at such little Niceties, therefore such may see this Objection is obviated. ======================================================================== Source: https://sermonindex.net/books/catechism/ ========================================================================