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A catechism and confession
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CATECHISM

CONFESSION OF FAITH.

BY ROBERT BARCLAY.

" Search the Scriptures, [or, ye search the Scriptures,] for in them ye think yc have eternal
life, and they are they which testify of me."— John v. 3y.

A NEW EDITION. ,

LONDON:
PUBLISHED BY DARTON AND HARVEY,

GRACECHURCH-STREET.

1837.

PRESENT EDITION.

Ik this impression the title of the compilation has been sim-
plified, and two cliapters at the conclusion, of a supplementary
character, omitted. Some omissions also in that part which forms
the Catechism have been considered allowable in reprinting the
work at the present time ; but these are very few in number, and
not such as appeared to affect any point of doctrine. In several
instances the quotations from Scripture are now given with more
fulness or exactness than in former editions ; and occasionally,
but rarely, a small addition, denoted as such by being placed
liotween crotchets, has been made.

THE

PREFACE

READER.

Since first that great apostasy took place in the hearts and heads
of those who began, even in the apostles' da^'S, to depart from the
simplicity and purity of the gospel, as it was then delivered in its
primitive splendour and integrity, innumerable have been the
manifold inventions and traditions, the different and various no-
tions and opinions, wherewith man, by giving way to the vain and
airy imaginations of his own unstable mind, hath burthened 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 substituted 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 show and 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
apostasy of the time. And in a special manner, through the ap-
pearing 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 her most gross and sensual doc-

IV PUF.FACE.

trincs, and superstitious traditions. Hut alas ! it is for matter ol
lamentation, that the successors of these Protestants are esta-
blishinj^, 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 thus easily appear.

The generality of Protestants, though in many other things
miserably rent and shattered among themselves, do agree in
dividing from the church of Home in these two particulars:

First, That every pi inaple and doctrine of the Christian faith is, and
ought to be, founded upon the Scripture; and that w/iatsoevcr principles
and doctrines are not only contrary, but even not according thereto, ought
to be denied as anti-christian.

Secondly, Thai the Scriptures themselves arc plain and easy to he
understood ; and that every private Christian and member of the church
ought to read and peruse than, 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 tlicm ; 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 j)rinciples, for which themselves are forced to recur to tra-
dition, and which they can by no means prove from Scripture.

Oh ! how like do they show themselves, I mention it with re-
gret, to the scribes and ])harisees of old, who, of all men, most
cried up and exalted Moses and the prophets, boasting greatly of
their being Abraham's children ! And yet those were they that
were tlie greatest opposers and vilifiers of Christ, to whom JVfoses
and all the prophets gave witness; yea, their chief accusations and
exceptions against Christ were, 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 re-
viled, and accused as heretics, 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

PREFACE. V

the greatest calumny cast upon them is, that they vilify 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 those 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 ScTipture
plainly decideth the controversy for them, without niceties and
school-distinctions, which have been the wisdom by which the
world hath not known God ; and the words which have been multi-
plied without knowledge, by which counsel hath been darkened.

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 judg-
ment is the plain and naked import of the words, it is not to im-
pose 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 biased 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, to judge 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 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 easy 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 passed through that first, will more perfectly

VI PREFACE.

understand the confession, which consisteth mainly in positive
assertions.

Not long after I had received and helieved 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, wliich
are here omitted, as not being at present brought to my remem-
brance ; 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 Coun-
try of Scotland, the 11th of
the Sixth Month, 167a

CONTENTS.

Page.

Chat. I, — Of God, and the true and saving Knowledge of Him . . 1
Chap. II.— Of the Rule and Guide of Christians, and of the

Scriptures 2

Chap, III. — Of Jesus Christ being manifest in the Flesh ; the use

and end of it 5

Chap. IV.— Of the New Birth, the inward Appearance of Christ

in Spirit, and the Unity of the Saints with Him II

Chap. V. — Concerning the Light wherewith Jesus Christ hath
enlightened every IMan : the Universality and Sufficiency of

God's Grace, to all the World, made manifest therein 14

Chap. VI.— Of Faith, Justification, and Works 23

Chap. VII.— Of Perfection, or Freedom from Sin 2^

Chap. VIII.— Of Perseverance, and falling from Grace 34

Chap. IX.— Of the Church and Ministry 37

Chap. X.— Of W^orship 47

Chap. XI. — Of Baptism, and Bread and Wine 49

Chap. XII — Of the Life of a Christian in general, what and

how it ought to be in this world 53

Chap. XIII. — Of Magistracy 6G

Chap. XIV. — Of the Resurrection CO

Chap. XV. — A short introduction to the Confession of Faith . . 7I
Chap. XVI. — A Confession of Faith, containing Twenty-
three Articles 72

Art. 1. Concerning God, and the true and saving Knowledge of

Him 72

Art. 2. Of the Guide and Rule of Christians 73

Vlll CONTENTS.

Art. 3. Of the Scriptures 73

Art. 4. Of the Divinity of Chrbt, and his being from the be-
ginning 73

Art. 5. Of his Appearance in the Flesh 7^

Art. 6. Of the End and Use of that Appearance 74

Art. 7- Of the inward Manifestation of Christ 75

Art. 8. Of the New Birth 75

Art. 9. Of the Unity of the Saints with Christ 76

Art. 10. Of the Universal Love and Grace of God to all . . 7G

Art. 11. Of the Light that enlighteneth every Man 77

Art. 12. Of Faith and Justification 70

Art. 13. Of Good Works 79

Art. 14. Of Perfection 80

Art. 15. Of Perseverance, and falling from Grace 80

Art. 16. Of the Church and Ministry 81

Art. 17. Of Worship 83

Art. 18. Of Baptism 84

Art. 19. Concerning eating of Bread and Wine, washing of
one another's Feet, abstaining from Things strangled and

from Blood, and anointing of the Sick with Oil 84

Art. 20. Of the Liberty of such Christians as are come to
know the Substance, as to the using or not using of these

Rites, and of the Observation of Days 85

Art. 21. Of Swearing, Fighting, and Persecution 86

Art. 22. Of IMagistracy 87

Art. 23. Of the Resurrection 87

Notice to the Reader 88

CATECHISM, &c.

CHAPTER I.

Of God, and the true and saving Knowledge
of him.

Question. Seeing it is a thing unquestioned
hy 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 judgrnent
of Christ ?

Answer. This is life eternal, that they might, johnxvu. 3.
know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ
whom thou hast sent.

Q. Hoiu doth God reveal this knowledge ?

A. For God, who commandeth the light to 2 cor. iv. 6.
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.

Q. Hotu many Gods are there ?

A. One God and Father of all. Epii.iv.o.

We know that an idol is nothing in the world, 1 cor. vui.
and that there is none other God but one : — But **'''■
to us there is but one God.

Q. What is God ?

A. God is a Spirit. johniv.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 Tnessage which the apostles recorded in special
manner [as delivered to them] to declare of him
now under the gospel ?

A. This, then, is the message which we haveuoimi. 5.
heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is
light, and in him is no darkness at all.

Q, What are they that hear record in heaven?

iJciinv.?. A. There are three tliat bear record in heaven,
the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost ; and
these three are one.

Q. How cometh any man to know God the
Father, according to Christ's words ?

Luke X. 22. A. All things are delivered to me of my Father,

Matt. XI. 27. ^j^^ no man knoweth who the Son is, but the
Father, and who the Father is, but the Son, and
he to whom the Son will reveal him.

johnxiv. (;. Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth,
and the Life ; no man cometh unto the Father but
by me.

Q, By whom, and after what manner, doth the
Son reveal this knowledge ?

I Cor. ii.9, 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
byhisSpirit : 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 re-
ceived, 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.

johnxiv.2c. But the Comfortcr, 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, whatsoever I have said unto you.

CHAPTER II.

Of the Rule and Guide of Christians, and of
the Scriptures.

Quest. 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, i*<™; ^'"•^'
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. For as many as are led by the
Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Q. Is it an inward principle, then, that is to be
the guide and rule of Christians ?

A. But the anointing, which ye have received ijohnu. 27,
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 lie ; and
even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in
him.

But as touching brotherly-love, ye need not that^ J^^^- i^-
I write unto you ; for ye yourselves are taught of
God to love one another.

Q. I perceive by this, that it is by an inward
anointing a7id rule f/m^ Christians are to be taught ;
is this the very tenour of the new covenant dis-
pensation ?

A. For this is the covenant that I will make neb. vni.
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.

And they shall be all taught of God. johnvi.4.5.

Q. Did Christ then promise, that the Spirit
should both abide tvith his disciples, and be ifi
them ?

A. And I will pray the Father, and he shall Jfivnji"-
give you another Comforter, that he may abide
with you for ever, even the Spirit of Truth, whom
the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not,
neither knoweth him ; but ye know him, for he
dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Q. For what end were the Scriptures written ?

A. For whatsoever things were written afore- Kom. xv.4
time, were written for our learning, that we, through

patience and comfort of the Scriptures, niiglit have
hope.

Q. For what are they profitable ?

•2 Tim. Hi. A. Thou hast knowH the Holy Scriptures, which
lo, iG, i/.j^j.g ^i^jg j^ nialce 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 per-
fect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Q. Wherein consisteth the excellencij of the
Scriptures ?

■2 Pet. i. 20, A. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the
Scripture 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.

Q. The Scriptures are, then, to be regarded^
because they came from Spirit, and they also tes-
tify, that not they, but the Spirit, is to lead into
all truth. In what resj)ect doth Christ C07nmand
to search them ?

johnv.39. A. Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think
ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify
of me.

Q. / 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 : hoiv doth Christ bespeak
such ?

joiin \^ 45, 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 nie. But
if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe
my words ?

Q. What ought such, then, to be accounted of,
notivithstanding their pretences of being ruled by
the Scriptures?

-' Pet. iii. iG. A. In which are some things hard to be under-
stood, which they that are unlearned and unstable.

wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, unto
their own destruction.

CHAPTER III.

Of Jesus Christ being manifest in the Flesh ;
the use and end of it.

Quest. What are the ScrijHures which do most
observably prophesy of Christ's appearance ?

A. The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee aceut. xviii.
Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren,
like unto me, unto him ye shall hearken.

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you aisa.vii.H.
sign : Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a
Son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Q. Was not Jesus Christ in being before he ap-
peared in the flesh ? What clear Scriptures prove
this, against such as erroneously assert the con-
trary ?

A. But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou Mic.v.2.
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.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word John i. 1,2,
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 anything
made that was made.

Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto johnviii.58.
you, before Abraham was, I am.

And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine John xvn. 5.
own self, with the glory which I had with thee before
the world was.

And to make all men see what is the fellowship Eph. iii. 9.
of the mystery, which from the beginning of the
world hath been hid in God, who created all things
by Jesus Christ.

For by him were all things created that are incei.i. ic.

B 3

heaven, and lliat are in earth, visible and invisible,
whelhor they be thrones, or dominions, or princi-
palities, or powers; all things were created by him,
and for him.

H(.i..i.2. God — hath in these last days spoken unto us by

liis Son, whom he hath appointed Heir of all things,
by whom also he made the worlds.

Q. These are very clear, that even the world
was created by Christ : but what Scriptures prove
the divinity of Christ, ayainst such as falsely deny
the satne ?

John.. 1. A. And the Word was God.

Rom. ix. 5. Whose are the fathers, and of whom, as con-
cerning the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, God
blessed for ever. Amen.

Phil. ii. o. Who being in the form of God, thought it not
robbery to be equal with God.

i_^,jniin V. 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.

Q. What are the glorious names the Scripture
gives unto Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God ?

isa. ix. c. A. And his name shall be called Wonderful,
Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Fa-
ther, the Prince of Peace.

c'oi.i. ij. Who is the image of the invisible God, the first-
born of every creature.

iieb.i. 3. W*ho being the brightness of his glory, and the

express image of his person (or more properly, ac-
cording to the Greek, of his substance) —

Kev. xix. 1.). And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in
blood ; and his name is called the Word of God.
Q. After ivhat manner was the birth of Christ P

Mat. i. 111. A. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise:
When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph,
before they came together, she was found with child
of the Holy Ghost.

^'31^^34' ^^^ ^'^^ angel said unto her, Fear not, ^lary,
35. ' 'for thou hast found favour with God. And behoid

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 tlie Son of God.

Q. Was Jesus Christ, who was born of the Vir-
gin Mary, and supposed to be the son of Joseph,
a true and real man F

A. Forasmuch, then, as the children are partakers Heb.ii.u.
of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took
part of the same ; that through death he might
destroy him that had the power of death, that is,
the Devil.

For verily he took not on him the nature ofHeb. u. k,
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, in things pertaining to
God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the
people.

For we have not a high Priest which cannot be HeK iv. 15.
touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was
in all points tempted like as we are, yet without
sin.

And .the gift by grace, which is by one manRom. v. 15.
Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and 1cor.xv.20,
become the first fruits of them that slept. For ^^'
since by man came death, by man came also the
resurrection of the dead.

Q. After what manner doth the Scripture as-
sert the conjunction and unity of the eternal Son
of God, in and ivith the man Christ Jesus P

A. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt John 1. 14.
among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as

of the only begotten of the Fatlier,) full of grace

and truth.
John m.»4. For he whom God hath sent, speaketh the words

of God ; for God giveth not the Spirit by measure

unto him.
Actsx. 3C. 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.
Col. i. 19. For it pleased the Father, that in him should all

fulness dwell.
coLii.9. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the God-

liead bodily.
coi.ii.3. In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and

knowledge.

Q. For what end did Christ appear in the

world ?
Rom. viii. :j. 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.
I .John iii. For this pur|X)se 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.
Q. Was Jesus Christ really crucijied and raised

again P
I Cor. XV. 3, 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 rose again the third day, accord-
ing to the Scriptures.

Q. What end do the Sciipturcs ascribe unto the

coming, death, and sufferings of Christ P
Luke ii. 30, A. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation which
' ■ thou hast pre[)ared before the face of all people : a

light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy

people Israel.
Horn. iii. 25. Wliom God hath set forth to be a propitiation

through faith in his blood, to declare his righteous-
ness for the remission of sins that are past, through

the forbearance of God,

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, ^p'>- ''■•-•
and hath given hiniself for us, an offering and a
sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.

And having made peace through the blood of coi. i. 20,
his cross by him, to reconcile all things unto him- '' '
self; by him, I say, whether they be things in
earth, or things in heaven. And you that were
sometime alienated, and enemies in your minds by
wicked works ; yet now hath he reconciled in the
body of the flesh, through death, to present you
holy, unblameable, and unreproveable in his sight.

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but byneb. sx. 12
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 offered himself without
spot to God, purge your consciences from dead
works to serve the living God ?

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the 1 Pet-ui. i».
just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God :
being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by
the spirit.

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because hei Joim m.
laid down his life for us.

And for this cause he is the Mediator of the Heb. ix. 15.
New Testament, that by means of the redemption
of transgressions that were under the First Testa-
ment, they which are called might receive the pro-
oiiise of eternal inheritance.

Q. Is Christ, then, the Mediator ?

A. For there is one God, and one Mediator be- 1 Tim.ii.5.
tween God and man, the man Christ Jesus, who
gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in
due time.

Q. Was not Christ the Mediator until he ap-
peared, and was crucified in the flesh?

A. He is the Lamb that was slain from the foun- Kev. v. 12

. , andxm.y.

dation ot the world.

Q. Is it needful, then, to believe, that the saints
of old did partake of Christ, as then present with
and nourishing them ?

lOor. X. 1, A. Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye
""'■*■ sliould be ignorant, how that all our fathers were
under tlie 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.

Q. Butwhereas most of these Scriptures before-
mentioned do hold forth, that the death and suf-
ferings of Christ were appointed for the destroy-
ing, removing, and remitting of sin ; did he so
do it while he was outwardly upon earth, as not
to leave ayiy thing for himself to do in us, or for
us to do, in and by his strength ?

ii'ct. u. 21. j^^ For even liereunto were ye called, because
Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an ex-
ample, that ye should follow his steps.

coi.i.23,24. "Whereof I, Paul, am made a minister, who now
rejoice in my sufterings for you, and fill up that
whicli is behind of the afflictions of Clirist in my
flesh, for his body's sake, which is the church.

2Cor.iv.io, 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' sake, that
the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in
our mortal flesh.

zcor.v.ir. And that he died for all, that they which live,
should not henceforth live unto themselves, but
unto him which died for them, and rose again.

PhiLiii. 1(1. That I may know him, and the power of his
resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings,
being made conformable to his death.

CHAPTER IV.

Of the New Birth, the inward appearance of
Christ in Spirit, and the unity of the Saints
with him.

Quest. Doth Christ promise, then, to come again
to his disciples ?

A. I will not leave you comfortless ; I will come •'"•>" '<"■•'^•
to you.

Q. Was this only a special promise to these
disciples ? Or is it not the common privilege of
the Saints ?

A. For thus saith the high and lofty One, thatjsa,!™. 15.
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.

For ye are the temple of the living God; as2cor.vi.1a
God hath said, I will dwell in them and walk in
them.

Behold I stand at the door and knock ; if any Rcv.m.2('.
man hear my voice, and open the door, I will
come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with
me.

Q. Doth the apostle Paul speak of the Son of
God being revealed in him ?

A. But when it pleased God, who separated mecai.i.is.ir.
from my mother's womb, and called me by his
grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach
him among the heathen : —

Q. Is it needful, then, to knoto Christ, within ?

A. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in theator.xni.s
faith, prove your own selves, know ye not your own
selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye
be reprobates.

Q, Was the apostle earnest that this inward
birth of Christ should be brought forth in any ?

A. My little children, of whom I travail in birth cai.iv. ip.
again, until Christ be formed in you: —

Q. What saith the same apostle of the neces-

sity of this inward knowledge of Christ, and of
the 7iew creature, beyond the outward?

stor.v. ifi, A. Wlierefore henceforth know we no man after
the flesh ; yea, though we have known Christ after
the flesli, yet now henceforth know we him no
more. Therefore if any man be in Clirist, he is a
new creature ; old things are passed away, behold
all things are become new.

Eph.iv.2i)- 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 cor-
rupt, according to the deceitful lusts ; and be re-
newed in the spirit of your mind ; and that ye put
on the new man, which after God is created in
rigliteousness and true holiness.

Q. Is this Christ jvithiti, the mystery of God
and hope of glory , ivhich the apostle preached ?

coi.i.27,28. A. To whom God would make known what is
the riches of the glory of this mystery among tlie
Gentiles ; which is, Christ, in you the hope of glory,
whom we preach.

Q. Doth the apostle anyivliere else press the
putting on of this neiv [tnan] ?

Rom. xiiL A. Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make
not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Q. Dolh he write to any of the saints, as having
put off the old, and put on the neiu man ?

Gai.m.27. A. For as many of you as have been baptized
into Christ, have put on Christ.

Col. iii. 9, Seeing that ye have put off the old man with
^^' his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is

renewed in knowledge after the image of him that
created him.

Q. What speaketh Christ himself of the neces-
sity of this netv birth ?

John iii. ,■3. 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.
Q. Of what seed cometh this birth?

11'et.i. 23. A. Being born again, not of corruptible seed,

but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which
liveth and abideth for ever.

Q. What doth the apostle Paulvntness of him-
self concerning this new life ?

A. I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless loai.ii.^n.
live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.

Q. What is the jy^ettching of the cross of
Christ ?

A. For the preaching of the cross is to them i t-'f- >• is.
that perish, foolishness ; but unto us that are saved,
it is the power of God.

Q. What effect had this C7'oss on the ajjostle ?
And hovj much preferreih he the new creature,
to all outward and visible ordinances and obser-
vances.

A. But God forbid that I should glory, save in Gai.vi.i4, ir..
the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the
world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world :
for in Jesus Clu'ist neither circumcision availeth
anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

Q. What speaketh Christ of the unity of the
saints with him ?

A. At that day ye shall know that I am in the John xu. 20.
Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch John xv. 4,0.
cannot bear fruit of itself, 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.

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them John xvu. 20.
also which shall believe on 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 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.

Q. Wlint saii/i the apoafle Paul tothis purpose ?
jich. ii. 11. A. For both lie tliat sanctifies, and they that
are sanctified, are all of one ; for which cause he
is not ashamed to call them brethren.
Q. What snith the apostle Peter?
.'Peteri. 4. A. Whereby are givcH unto us exceeding: great
and precious promises, that by these ye might l)e
partakers of the divine nature, having escaped
the corruption that is in the world through lust.

CHAPTER V.

Concerning the LJohtAvlierewith Jesus Christ
hath enlightened every Man ; the Univer-
sahty and Sufficiency of God's Grace, to
all the World, made manifest therein.

Quest. Wherein consists the love of God t'o-
icards fallen and lost vian ?
joimm.iG. A. For God so loved the world that he gave
his only begotten Sou, that whosoever believeth
in him should not perisli, but have everlasting
life.
1 John iv. 9. In this was manifested the love of God towards
us, because that God sent his only begotten Son
into the world, that we niight live through him.

Q. What is intended here by the world? All
and every one or only afeiv?
iieb.ii.!!. 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.
ijr.imii. 1, And if any man .sin, we have an advocate with
" the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, and he is

the propitiation for our sins; alid not for ours
only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Q. Me thinks the apostle John is very jylain
there, in mentioniny the whole world, ivJiich must
be not only the saints, but all others, seeing he

distinguisheth the icoild from himself, and all
the saints to whom he then wrote: What saith
Paul elsewhere in this matter ?

A, Christ in you, the hope of ^lory, whom wetoi.i.27,2«
preach, warning every man, and teaching every
man in all wisdom, that we may present every man
perfect in Christ Jesus.

I exhort therefore, that first of all supplications, i ^im- '.'■ ^'
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 ; — For Christ Jesus gave himself a
ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Q. What is the apostle Peter's testimony in
this ?

A. The Lord is not slack concerning his pro- 2 Peu iii. y.
mise (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.

Q. Are there any more Scripture passages that
prove this thing ?

A. Say unto them. As I live, saith the Lord E^ek. xxxui.
God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, ^^•
but that the wicked turn from his way and live.

The Lord is gracious and full of compassion ; Psaim cxiv.
slow to anger, and of great mercy. The Lord is
good to all, and his tender mercies are over all his
works.

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the 2 cor. v. la
world unto himself.

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 tuho assert that
God nor Christ never purjiosed love nor salvation
to a great part of mankind, and that the coming
and suffering 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 ; icho from their very

infancy to their grave, withheld frofn them all
means of salvation ? What saith the Scripture
to such ?

John iii. 17. A. For God scut not his Son into tlie world to
condemn the world, but that the world through
him might be saved.

.ioiinxii.4G, I am come alight into the world, that wliosoever
believeth on nie 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 tlie world.

Q. From what Scripture, then, came these ?ne7i
to wrest an opinion so contrary to truth ?

"^™j'^ii' A. For the children being not yet born, neither
liaving 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 liave
I hated.

Q. / perceive in that Scripture it xcas only said
before the children were born, the elder shall
serve the younger; those other words {Jacob have
I loved, Esau leave I hated) are mentioned out of

Mai. i. 2, 3. the prophet Malachi, tvho ivrote them many hun-
dred years after both ivere dead : Doth not the
Scripture mention any other cause of God's
hating Esau, than merely his decree ? What
saith the same apostle elsewhere.

iieh. xii. k;, a. Lest there be any fornicator, or prophane
person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold
his birthright ; for ye know how that afterward,
when he would have inherited the blessing, he was
rejected.

Q. But seeing that such allege, that it is be-
cause of Adam's sin, that many, even children,
are damned ; doth 7iot the Scripture aver, that
the death of Christ was as large to heal, as
Adam's sin could condemn ?

Kom. V. 15, 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 hath

abounded unto many. Tlietefore as by the offence
of one, judgment came upon all men to condem-
nation ; even so by the righteousness of one, the
free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

Q. That proves abundantly, that Christ's death
is of sufficient extent to make up any liurt Adam's
sin brought upon mankind. iVhat is, then, the
cause of condemnation ?

A. He that believeth on him is not condemned; Johniu. ij^
but he that believeth not is condemned already,
because he hath not believed in the name of the
only bogotten Son of God.

And with all deceiveableness of unrighteousness 2 Thess. ii.
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 delu-
sions, that they should believe a lie, that they all
might be danvied who believe not the truth, but
had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Q. Seeing it is of a truth, according to the
Scrij^ture'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 andcoi.i.23.
settled, 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.

Q. What is this gospel ?

A. lam not asliamed of the gospel; for it is Rom. i. it;,
the power of God unto salvation, to every one that
believeth : —

Q. Is this gospel hid ?

A. If our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that 2 cor. iv. -j,
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.

c 3

Q. Is this light, then, come into the world?
And are not men condemned because they love it
iiot : and not because it is hid from them ?
.)ohnui.i9. A. And this is the condemnation, that light is
come into the world, and men loved darkness
rather than light : —
Q. Why did they so ?
jMhniii. ly. A. Because their deeds were evil.

Q. Is every man enlightened by this light ?
johni.K, 9. A. He was not that light, but was sent to bear
witness of that light. That was the true light,
which lightetli every man that cometh into the
world.

Q. Doth this light discover all things ?
Kph. V. 13. A. All things that are reproved are made mani-
fest by the light, for whatsoever doth make mani-
fest, is light.

Q. Do evil men preach up this light, or mind
it?
John iii. 20. A. Every oHC that doeth evil, hateth the light,
neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should
be reproved.
.Job xxiv. 13. They are of those that rebel against the h'ght.

Q. Do good men love it, and follow it '^
.rdimiii. 21. A. Hc that doetli truth, cometh to the light,
that his deeds may be made manifest, that they
are wrought in God.

Q. What benefit doth redound to such as love
the light, and 7valk in it ?
ijohni.7. 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, cleanseth us from
all sin.

Q. Doth Christ comynand to take heed to the
light ?
John xii, ou A. While ye have light, believe in the light,
that ye may be the children of light.

Q. Were the apostles commanded to turn people
to the light ?
.Us \x\n. 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 to
light, and from the power of Satan unto God ;
that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and in-
heritance among them which are sanctified, by faith
that is in me.

Q. Doth this light abide with every man all his
lifetime, in order to save ; or only during the
day of his visitation ?

A. Yet a httle while is the light with you ; John xu. 35.
walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come
upon you.

Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying inHeb.iv. 7.
David, To-day, after so long a time ; as it is said.
To-day, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your
hearts.

Q. How can it be proved, that there is a day
wherein people may knoiv things concerning their
peace, ivhich afterwards may be hid from them.

A. And when he was come near, he beheld the Luke xix. 41.
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.

Q. Is there any other Scripture proof of the
Lord's willingness to gather a people ivho would
not, and \who] therefore were condeinned ?

A. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem ! thou that killest Mat.xxiii.37.
the prophets, and stonest them which are sent ^"''^ ™'" ^"
unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy
children together, even as a hen gathereth her
chickens under her wings, and ye would not.

Then his Lord, after that he had called him, mm- xviii.32,
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.

Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said , Acts xin. 4<j.
It was necessary that the word of God should

first liave been spoken to you ; but seeing ye
put it from you, and judge yourselves unwurtliy
of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
Prw. L 24, 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.
jer. xvui. <), 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 will I repent of the good where-
with I said I would benetit them.

Q. Doth God's Spirit, tlien., strive for a season,
and afterwards forbear i
Gen. n. 3. A. kwd the Lord said, My Spirit shall not
always strive with man : —

Q. May it, then, be resisted ?
Acisvii.5i. A. Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart
and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost ; as
your fathers did, so do ye.
Horn. i. i». For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven
against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of
men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.

Q. Hath God manifested to man that ivhich
7nay be known of himself
Horn. 1.19. A. That which may be known of God is mani-
fest in them ; for God hath shewed it unto them.

Q. Is then this liylit or seed soion in the hearts
of evil men ?
Mat. xiii. 3, A. And he spake many things to them in parables :
■i,o,7. — Behold, a sower went forth to sow, and when he
sowed, some seeds fell by the way-side, — some
fell among stony places, — and .some fell among
thorns.

Q. Are these places, where the seed is said to

have fallen, understood of the hearts of men.

M«^xiii. Hi, 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 catcbeth away that which was sown in his
heart : this is he which received seed by the way-
side.

Q. 7s this seed small in its first appearance ?

A. The kingdom of heaven is hke to a grain Mat- "'"• 3i>
of mustard-seed, which a man took and sowed in
his field : which indeed is the least of all seeds : —

Q. Forasmuch as many understand not this,
under the notion and appellation of light or seed,
it being quite a^iother dialect than the common ;
though I must needs confess, it is the very lan-
guage of the Scriptures — is there a saviug mani-
festation of the Spirit given unto all.

A. The manifestation of the Spirit is given to i Cor. xu. 7,
every man to profit withal.

Q. Sure, if it be to profit withal, it must be
in order to save ; for were it not useful, nor yet
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 xit. u. 11.
appeared unto all men, —

Q. That which brings salvation must needs be
saving ; what doth that grace teach us ?

A. Teaching us, that denying ungodliness and Tit. u. 12.
worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously,
and godly, in this present world.

Q Certainly that ivhich teacheth both righte-
ousness 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, Actsxxv.32.
and to the word of his grace ; which is able to
build you up, and to give you an inlieritance
among all those that are sanctified.

Q. What is the word of God ?

A. The word of God is quick and powerful, and Heb. iv. 12.
sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even ^*
to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of
the joints 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 thing's are naked and open unto the eyes of
him with whom we liave to do.

Q. Oiifjht ive not to take heed to this word?

2Pet.i.iy. A. We have also a more sure word of prophesy,
whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a
light that siiineth in a dark place, until the day
dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts.

Q. / perceive the Scriptures are very clear^
both concerniiuj tlie universality and sufficiency
of this lir/ht, seed, grace, and word of God ;
but is this word nigh or afar off, inward or out-
ward ?

Rom. X. 6, 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.

Q. This is clear, as to the loord. Is there any
Scripture [that^ speaks of the Light's being in-
ivard ?

2 Cor. iv. G, A. 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. But we have this treasure
in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power
may be of God, and not of us.

Q. But seeing it is also called the seed of the
kingdom, is the kingdom of God also within ?

Lukt xvii A. The kingdom of God comes not with obser-
20,21. yration ; neither shall they say, Lo here, or Lo
there ; for behold, the kingdom of God is within
you.

CHAPTER VI.

Concerning Faith, Justification, and Works.

Quest. — What is faith ?

A. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, Heb. xi. i.
the evidence of things not seen.

Q. Is faith of absolute necessity ?

A. Without faith it is impossible to please Got?, Hei.. xi. i;
for he that cometh to God must believe that lie is,
and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently
seek him,

Q. Are loe jtistified by faith?

A. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to cai. in. 24.
bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by
faith.

Q. What is the nature of this faith that avail-
eth to justification ?

A. For in Jesus Christ, neither circumcision cai. v. «.
availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but faith
which worketh by love.

Q. Are works, then, necessary to justification,
as tvell as faith ?

A. But wilt thou know, O vain man, tliat faith jam. u. 20-
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,
Avhich saith, Abraham believed God, and it was
imputed to him for righteousness ; and he was
called the friend of God. Ye see then how that
by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

Q. If, then, both be equally required in justifi-
cation, what are those works ivhich the apostle
excludes so much ?

A. By the deeds of the law there shall no fiesh Rom. m. 20.
be justified in his sight.

Q. But though we be not justified by the deeds

of the law, is not this to exclude boasting, that
the grace of God maxj he exalted ?

Eph. u. 0, A. For by grace are ye saved, through faith,

•''' '''• and that not of yourselves ; 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.

Q. Are even the ivorks ivhich are performed by
grace excluded [of themselves] ? Are ive never
said to be saved or Justified by them ?

Tit.iu. 5, G, A. Not by works of righteousness whicli we
'■ have done, but according to his mercy he saved us,

by tlie washing of regeneration, and renewing of
the Holy Ghost, which he shed on us abundantly,
through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that, being jus-
tified by his grace, we should be made heirs, ac-
cording to the hope of eternal life.

Q. / perceive, then, that to bejustifedby grace,
is to be justifed or saved by regeneration, which
cannot exclude the works wrought by grace and
by the sjnrit ; how doth the apostle add in the
next verse, for the maintaining this against those
that cavil about the law ?

Tit.ui. 8, 9. A. This is a faithful saying, and tliese things I
will that thou affirm constantly, that they which
have believed in God, might be careful to maintain
good works. These things are good and profit-
able unto men. But avoid foolish questions and
genealogies and contentions and strivin^^s about
the law, for they are unprofitable and vain.

Q. Doth the apostle Paul, that is so much
against justification by the works of the law,
speak anyiuhere else of being Justified by the
Spirit ?

1 Cor. vi. 11. A. But ye arc washed, but ye are sanctified, but
ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus,
and by the Spirit of our God.

Q. But since the law gives not power nor
ability to obey, and so falls short of Justif cation ;
is there no jiower 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 Rom. vm. 3,
was weak through the flesh, God, sending his own ■*"
Son in the likeness of sinful flesli, and for sin, con-
demned 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.

Q. Seeing, then, there is power in the Spirit, is
not works through it a condition upon which life
is proposed under the neiv covenant ?

A. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die; Rom. viu. 13.
but if ye through the spirit do mortify the deeds
of the body, ye shall live.

Q. Do 7iot the ajjostles, then, frequently propose
life to people, upon condition of repentance and
other works ?

A. Repent ye, therefore, and be converted, that Acts la 19.
your sins may be blotted out : —

And if children, then heirs ; heirs of God, and Rom. vm. 17.
joint-heirs with Christ ; if so be tliat we suflfer
with him, that we may be also glorified toge-
ther.

It is a faitliful saying : For if we be dead with 2 Tim. n. 11,
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.

Remember therefore from whence tliou art fallen, Rev. u. 5.
and repent, and do the first works, or else I will
come unto thee quickly, and remove thy candle-
stick out of his place, except thou repent.

Q. It ajjpears 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 just) f cation;
and not such works as the law of the spirit of
life leads to, and [which] are not so much ours
as Christ's in us. Are not such good luorks re-
warded, though they acquire 710 absolute merit,
as being the fruits of free grace ; yet doth not

God judge accordinr/ to them, and maxj they not
he said to have a reicard?

Ezek. xnu. A. But if a niim be just, and do that which is
^^' lawful and right,* — hcitli withdrawn his hand from
iniquity, hatli executed true judgment between
man and man, hath walked in my statutes, and
hath kept my judgment, to deal truly; he is just,
he shall surely live, saith the Lord God.

Mat.xvi.27. For the Son of man shall come in the glory of
his Father, with his angels, and then he shall re-
ward every man according to his works.

Acts X. 34, Tiien Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a
truth I perceive that God is no respecter of per-
sons : but in every nation, he that feareth him,
and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

Kom.iL 5— The righteous judgment of God ; who will ren-
^^' der 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 unto them that are contentious, and do
not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, in-
dignation and wrath ; tribulation and anguish
upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the
Jew first, and also of the Gentile : but glory,
honour, and peace to every man that worketh
good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.

2Cor. V. 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 Thcs. i. 5. Which is a manifest token of the righteous judg-
ment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of
the kingdom of God, for which ye alsosuflTer.

James L 25. But whoso lookctli iuto the pcrfcct law of liberty,
and continued therein, he being not a forgetful
hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be
blessed in his deed.

Heb. X. 35. Cast not away, therefore, your confidence, w'hich
hath great recompense of reward.

* For various Instances of which, given here by the prophet, the reader may
consult the text.

And if ye call on the Father, who without re- 1 pet. i. 17.
spect of persons, judgeth according to every man's
work, pass the time of your sojourning here in
fear.

And behold I come quickly, and my reward is Rev. xxii. 12,
with me, to give every man according as his work
shall be. — Blessed are they that do his command-
ments, that they may have a right to the tree of
life, and may enter in through the gates into the
city.

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 tvashing
of regeneration, or an inivard righteousness : what
saith the Scripture further of this ?

A. And thou shalt call his name Jesus, for he Mat, i. 21.
shall save his people from their sins.

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious Tit. li. 13, 14.
appearing of the great God, and our Saviour
Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us, that he
might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify
unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good
works.

CHAPTER VII.

Concerning Perfection, or Freedom from
Sin.

Quest. I perceive, then, by all these Scriptures
aforementioned, that Christ, as well as he hath
purchased pardon for our sins, hath also obtained
jjower by ivhich 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 : — Kom.

Q. For what reason ?

A. For ye are not under the law, but under
grace.

Q. How Cometh the apostle, then, to cry out
and complain of sin, saying. Who shall deliver
me from the body of this death P Doth he speak
that as a condition always permanent to him and
other sai)its, or only that luhich lie had jxissed
through ? What saith he afterivards ?

Horn. viu. 1, A. There is tlieretbre now no condemnation to

^- tliem wliicli 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

"^a"'' ^separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribu-
lation, 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
arc counted as sheep for the slaughter.) Nay, in
all these things we are more than conquerors
through him that loved us. For I am persuaded
tliat neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor princi-
palities, 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.

Q. What saith that apostle, then, unto such,
who, taking occasion from his luords, should plead
for continua7i.ce in sin for term of life, and think
to be saved by the imputative righteousness of
Christ, as being under grace ?

Rom.vi. ],2. A. What shall we say then ? Shall we continue
in sin, that grace may abound ? God forbid.

Rom.vi. 15. What then ? Shall we sin, because we are not
under the law, but under grace ? God forbid.

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
clmrch of Rome, to whom he wrote, to be free
from it ? How bespeaketh he tliem, as in relation
to this matter ?

Rom. \T. 2-7 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 bap-
tized 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 new-
ness of life. For if we have been planted toge-
ther 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
freed from sin. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves Rom. vi. lo-
to be dead indeed unto sin ; but alive unto God, ^^•
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin there-
fore 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 in-
struments of righteousness unto God. Know ye jg_23
not, that to whom ye yield yourselves 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
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 ser-
vants to uncleanness, and to iniquity, unto iniquity ;
even so now yield your members servants to righte-
ousness, unto holiness. For when ye were the
servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye
are now ashamed ? For the end of those 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 eter-
nal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

D 3

Q. It xvould appear, then, that God requires of
us to be j)erfect ?
Mat. V. 4U. A. Be yc tli6refore perfect, even as your Father
wliich is in heaven is perfect.

Q. Is it, then, possible to keep tlie command-
ments?
)iat.xi..To. A. My yoke is easy, and my burtiien is light.

John V. a. Pqj. ^|j|g j^ ^]jg jQyg Qf QqJ^ ^jj^^ ^^,g j^ggp Jjjg ^Qj^_

mandments, and Iiis commandments are not
grievous.

Q. Is it necessary, then, for salvation, to keep
the com77ia7idments ?

Rev. xxii. 14. 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.

Q. Do you understand by this perfection, that
any have so kept the commandments, as never to
have sinned ?

ijohni. 10. A. If we say that we have not sinned, we make
him a liar, and his word is not in us.

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, notwithstanding thereof, not onln
come to know forgiveness for the guilt, but also
cleansing from the filth '^

ijohni.8, !). A. If wc say we have no sin, we deceive our-
selves, and the truth is not in us : if we confess
our sins, he is faithful aild just to forgive us our
sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Q. This Scripture seems to be very plain, being
compared with the other before-inentioned : but
becatise some are apt to mistake and wrest the
words of the ajiostle, what saith he elsewhere ?
Did he judge aiiy could knoio God, or be true
Christians, ivho kept not the commandments ?

1 John ii. 1, 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 we do know that wc know

him, if we keep his commandments. He that
saith, I know him, and keepeth not his command-
ments, is a liar, 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
ni him : lie that saith he abideth in him, ought
himself also so to walk even as he walked.

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and itijohnin.2-
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 committetli sin, trans-
gresseth also the law, for sin is the transgression of
the law. And ye know that he was maniiested to
take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Who-
soever abideth in him sinneth not. Whosoever
sinneth, -hath not seen him, neither known him.
Little children, let no man deceive you : he that
doeth 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. Whoso-
ever doth not righteousness, is not of God, neither
he that loveth not his brother.

Q. It is very jj^ciin by these passages, that the
apostles ivere far of another mind, than those
that plead for sin during term of life ; and much
against the deceit of those who will esteem them-
selves good Christia7is while they live in their
sins ?

A. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Mat. vii. 21,
Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but
he that doeth the will of my Father which is in
heaven. Therefore, whosoever heareth these say-
ings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him

UDto a wise man, which bailt his house upon a
rock,

**miaa,i7. If ye know these things, h^ppj are ye if ye do
them.

Q, TT/tis; «4i/& <Ae apottle Paul further coH'
ceming the ri^edfnlneu of thi* thiruf ?

icw.1^1^ A. Circatnciiion is nothing', and uncircumcision
is nothing ; tot the keeping of the commandments
of Grod,

Q. Was not this, according to the apostle
Paul's judrjrnent, th^ rery intention of Christ, to
}uj.Kt his church a/td children to he pure, and with-
out sfxA ?

z,-^ -i. A. According as he has chosen as in him before

the foandation of the world, that we should be
holy, and without blame before him in lore.

E^u r. as- Even as Christ also loved tfie church, and gave
himself for it, that he might sanctity and cleanse
it, that he might present it t:> bitriself a glorious
church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such
thing, but that it should be holy, and without
blemish.

Q. Doth TuA Paul press the same thing fur-
t}ier, besides the other passages ah*/te-menti/jnied *

zOz-ts-l a. Having therefore these yt(iiix^ifA,dssiix\s \jffi^
loved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of
the fledi and sfHtit, perfecting holiness m the fear
of God.

iOm-^aLu, Finally, brethren, farewell; be perfect : —

cit27,«. Christ in you the hope of gl' ^e preach,

warning every man, and teac:. uian in all

wisdom, that we may present every ojan perfect in
Christ Je;us.

oxir.u^ Labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye
may stand perfect and complete in all the will of

, -Th^ ^ God- To the end he may establish your hearts

'^ unUameaUe in holiness befwe God. And the very

T.iTi God of peace sanctify you wholly : and I pray God,

your whole ^irit, and soul, and body, be preserved

blameless, unto the coming of our Lord Jesus

Christ.

Q. Is not this, then, the very end for 2vhich
God appointed teachers in his church ?
A. And he s;ave some apostles, and some pro- eb'v, "/ "'

1 1 1-1 1^ , 12, 13.

pnets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and
teachers ; for the perfecting of the saints, for the
work of the ministry, for the edit'ying- of the body
of Christ ; till we all come in the unity of the
faith, and of the knowledge of the Sou of God,
unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature
of the fulness of Christ.

Q. Seeing this is so much pressed by the holy
men, doth not the Scripture, which cannot lie, give
to some of the saints this testimony , as being free
from sin at some titnes, and so not always and
daily sinning, as is supposed?

A. Noah was a just man, and perfect in his oen. vi. -i.
generations; and Noah walked with God. Andj^j^^g^
the Lord said unto Satan, hast thou considered
my servant Job, that there is none like him in the
earth, a pert'ect and an upright man, one that fear-
eth God, and esohewoth evil.

There was, in the days of Herod, King- of Judea, L"kci.5. &
a certain priest, named Zacharias, of the course
of Abia ; and his wife was of the daugliters of
Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth ; and they
were both righteous before God, walking in all tlie
commandments and orilinances of the Lord blame-
less.

Q. That proves suj^ciently as to particular
persons; but what doth the Scripture intimate of
this nafu7-e, even of considerable nufnbers?

A. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his g:reatEi*.u. 4, 5,
love wherewith he Iiath loved us, even when we
wore dead in sin, hath quickened us together with
Christ — and hath raised us up together, and
made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ
Jesus.

Rut ve are come unto Blount Sion. and unto the Hei>. xii Si;,
City of the living Cnul, the heavenly Jerusalem, and
to an innumerable company of angels, to the gene-
ral assembly and church of the tirst-born, which

,5.

are written in heaven, to God the judge of all, and
to the spirits of just men made perfect.
Hev.^xiT. 1, 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 foreheads. — These are they which were not
defiled witli women ; for they are virgins. These
are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever 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.

CHAPTER VIIL

Concerning Perseverance, and falling from
Grace.

Quest. Is it enough for a believer to he sure
that he hath once received true grace ? Or is
there any further certaiiity requisite?

2 Pet. i. 10. A. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give dih'gence
to make your calling and election sure ; for if yc
do these things ye shall never fall.

Q. May one that hath received true grace, have
ground to fear ; or suppose he can fall ?

iCor.ix.27. A. But I keep under my body, and bring it
into subjection, lest that by any means, when I
have preached to others, I myself should be a
cast-away.

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 2 Or doth he judge
or suppose the like of other saints ?

Heb. iii. 12, 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

Heb.iv. 11. through the deceitfulness of sin. Let us labour

therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall

after the same example of unbelief. For it is im-Heb. vi. 4, 5,

possible 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 crucify to themselves

the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open

shame.

Looking diligently, lest any man fail of the Heb. xu. 15.
grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing
up, trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.

Q.. Doth he speak this only bij supposition, or
doth he assert it not only possible, but certain ?

A. For the time will come, when they will not 2 Tim. iv. 3,
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.

Q. Doth the apostle even judge it necessary to
guard such an one as his beloved son Timothy,
against this hazard^

A. This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, 1 Tim. i. 18,
according to the prophecies which went before on ^^•
thee, that thou by them mightest war a good war-
fare, holding faith and a good conscience ; which
some having put away, concerning faith, have
made shipwreck. For the love of money is the 1 Tim. vi. 10
root of all evil ; which while some coveted after,
they have erred from the faith, and pierced them-
selves through with many sorrows. And their word 2 Tmi, ii. 17.
will eat as doth a canker ; of whom is Hymeneus
and Philetus, who concerning the truth have erred,
saying that the resurrection is past already ; and
overthrow the faith of some.

Q. Doth the apostle any lohere express his fears
of this, as a thing that may happen to any num-
ber of people tuho once truly received the faith of
Christ f.

A. Well ; because of unbelief they were broken Rom.xi.20.

off, and ihou standest by faitli. Be not liigli-

iTim. iv. 1. minded, but tear. Now the spirit s]jeaketli ex-
pressly, that in the latter times some shall depart

iThess.iii.5.fi-oni the faith. 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.

Q. What is the apostle Peter s mind ? Does
he judge, that such as have known the right way,
may forsake it ?

2 Pet. ii. :i4- A. Curscd children, which have forsaken the
^"" right way, and are gone astray, following the way

of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages
of unrighteousness, but was rebuked for his ini-
quity ; 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
for ever. For when they speak great swelling
words of vanity, they allure through the lust of
the flesh, through much wantonness, those that
were clean escaped from them who live in error.

2 I'et. ii. 20, 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 righteous-
ness, than, after they have known it, to turn from
the holy commandment delivered unto them. But
it is happened unto them, according to the true
proverb. The dog is turned to his own vomit again,
and the sow that was washed, to her wallowing in
the mire.

Q. Gives he any caution to them that stand,
as supposing they also may fall ?

2Pet.m.i7- 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
steadfastness.

Q. May a 7nan be truly a branch in Christ,

or a real member of his body, and afterwards be
cut off ?

A. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth john xv. e.
as a branch, and is withered.

Q. May a righteous man, then, depart frotn his
righteousness ?

A. When a righteous man turneth away from Ezek. xviu.
his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and
dieth in them ; for his iniquity that lie hath done,
shall he die.

Q, May a believer come to such a condition in
this life, from which he cannot fall away f

A. Him that overcometh, will I make a pillar in Rev. w. 12.
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, which cometh down out of hea-
ven from my God, and I will write upon him my
new name.

Q. May such an one come to be assured that
he is in this condition ?

A. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor Rom. viji. s
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.

CHAPTER IX.

Concerning the Church and Ministry.

Quest. What is the church ?

A. But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know 1 Tim. ui. is.
how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house
of God, which is the church of the living God, the
pillar and ground of the truth.

Q. Who is the head of the church P

A. Who hath delivered us from the power ofcoi.i.13.
darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom

toL v. la of his dear Son. And he is the head of the body,
tlie church, — from which all the body by joints
and bands, having nourishment ministered and
knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
Q. JVhat kind of persons make the church ?
icoc.i.2. A. They that are sanctified in Christ Jesus.
Acts 6. 47. And the Lord added to the church daily such as
should be saved.

Q. Hath not Christ appointed any officers in
the church, for the work of the ministry ?
Epb. iT.8, n, A. "Wherefore he saiih, when he ascended up on
--• high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto

men. And he gave some apostles, and some pro-
phets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and
teachers ; for the perfecting of the saints, for the
work of the ministrv, for the edifying of the body
of Christ.

Q. What kind of men should such be as are
teachers and overseers of the church ?
i-nin.ia.2— A. A bishop then must be blameless, the hus-
"• band of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good beha-

viour. 2iven 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 condem-
nation 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.
ru.i.:.8,9i 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, holv, temperate; holding fast the faithful
word as he hath been taught, that he may be able,
bv sound doctrine, both to exhort and to convince
the gainsayers.

Q. fVhat is incumbent upon such to do ?

A. Take heed therefore to yourselv^, and to a]lAtmix.M.
the flock, over which the Hclv Ghost hath made
yoQ overseers, to feed the church of God : —

The elders which are among^ you I exhort, who i Pa. t. i, 2,
am als-o an elder, and a witness of the suffenB??
of Christ, and also a partaker of the 2"lory that
shall be revealed : Feed the flock of God, which
is among vou, taking the oversight thereof, not by
constraint, but willingly ; not for nlthy lucre, but
of a ready mind ; neither as being lords over God's
heritage, bat being ensamples to the flc-ck.

Q. Though they be not to lord it over the flock,
yet is there not a respect due to them in their
place?

A, Let the elders that rule well, be coaHtedi.-nmT,i;.
worthy of doable honour, specially they who labour
in the word and doctrine,

Q- Albeit, then, among true Christians, every
one that heliereth, is to haze the witness in himt-
self, being persuaded 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 iheica.or.^
prophets.

Obey them that have the rule over you, andHaLxm-i;.
submit yourselves ; 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 unpro-
fitable for you.

And we beseech you, brethieo, to know themi^=-^i*
which labour among you, and are over you in the
Lord, and admonish you ; and to esteem them very
hig^hly in love for their works sake.

Likewise, ve vounger, submit yourselves unto 1 !■«■'■ *■
the elder ; yea, all of you be subject one to ano-
ther, and be clothed with humility ; for God resist-
eth the proud, and giveth grace unto the homUe.

Q, How ought true teachers to minister in
the church ?

A- As every man hath received the gift, even 1 ^ zt^ i«i
so minister the same one to another, as good stew-

ards of tlie 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.

Q. / perceive, then, that every true minister
of the church of Christ, is to minister of the
gift and grace of God, tvhich he hath received :
but some are of the judgment, that natural icis-
dom or parts, and Ituman learning, are the quali-
f cations which arc of absolute necessity for a
minister ; but grace they judge not to be so abso-
lutely necessai-y , but that one may be a minis-
ter loithout it : What saith the Scripture in this

case '.

Tit. l7, «• A. A bishop must be blameless, — sober, just,
holy, temperate

Q. Methinks it is impossible for a vian to be
blameless, just, holy, sober, and temperate, with-
out the grace of God : so that if these qualifi-
cations be absolutely necessary, then, surely, that
without w/iich 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 P

1 Cor. i. 20, A. Where is the wise? Where is the scribe ?
^'' W^iere 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.
Q. It seems, then, the preachings of the true
ministers are not gathered together by ivisdom
and learning : it hath been supposed that a man
must be greatly skilled in learning, to mahe a
good sermon : what is the apostle's judgment in
the case P

ver. 17. A. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to

preach the gospel : not Avith wisdom of words,
lest the cross of Christ should be made of none
effect.

And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, icor. ii.3,4,
and in much trembling ; and my speech and my
preaching was not with enticing words of man's
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.

Q. I perceive the apostle lays far more stress
upon the demonstration and power of the Spirit
in a preacher, than upon hiunan literature :
Ought ministers then to preach as the Spirit
teacheth them ?

A. Which things also we speak, not in the words ch.ii. 13.
which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy
Ghost teacheth.

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, Acts ii. 4.
and began to speak as the Spirit gave them utter-
ance.

Q. Is it Christ, then, that speaketh in and
through his ministers ?

A. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit ofMa^x,2o.
your Father, which speaketh in you.

For it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. Mark xm. 11.

For the Holy'Ghost shall teach you in the same Luke xii. 12.
hour what ye ought to say.

Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in 2 Cor. xUi. 3.
me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty
in you.

Q. What is the apostle's mind of that human
learning, tuhich some cry up so much, a?id think
so needful in a minister ?

A. Beware lest any man spoil you through phi-coi.as.
losophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of
men, after the rudiments of the world, and not
after Christ.

O Timothy ! keep that which is committed to 1 Tim. vi. 20.
thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings,
and oppositions of science, falsely so called.

Q. Though true ministers speak not by the
natural wisdom of man ; yet is their testimoyiy
altogether void of ivisdom ?

A. Howbeit, we speak wisdom among them that icor.ii. 6,7.

E 3

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 unto our glory.

Q. Wliatis the reason tliat manly Jiisnaturalwis-
dom is not cajiable to minister in the tilings of God?

1 Cor. ii. 11, A. For what man knoweth the things of a man,
^"'" save the spirit of man which is in him ? Even so

tlie 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.

Q. These Scriptures do sufficiently hold forth
that the true call to the ministry is from God ;
that that ivhich maketh a true minister, is the gift
and grace of God; that the true and effectual
preaching of a faithful minister is such, as is
from the iniuard teaching and leading of the
Spirit of God : But what say the Scriptures
touching the maintenance of ministers ?

(ai. ri.(i. A. Let him that is taught in the word commu-

nicate unto him that teaclieth in all good things.

1 c-or. ix. 11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it
to 14. jj great thing if we shall reap your carnal things ?
If others be partakers of this power over you, are
not we rather ? Nevertheless we liave not used
this power, but sufi'er all things, lest we should
hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not know,
that they w'hich minister about holy things, live of
the things of the temple ? And they which wait
at tlie altar, are partakers with the altar : even so
hath the Lord ordained, that they which preach
the gospel, should live of the gospel.

iTira. V. 18. For the Scripture saith. Thou shalt not muzzle
the ox that treadeth out the corn; and, the la-
bourer is worthy of his reward.

Q. / perceive by these Scriptures, that there
lieth an obligation upon the saints, to help vjith
outiuard things, such as truly minister unto them

spiritual ; but this seems to be voluntary : ought
not therefore true ministers to preach, tvhether
they be sure of this or not ? What saith the
apostle of himself in this case ; and what ad-
viseth he others ?

A. But I have used none of these things, nei- i coi. ix. is
ther have I written these things, that it should be
so done unto nie, for it were better for me to die,
than 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, woe
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 1 preach the gospel, I make the gospel
of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my
power in the gospel.

I have coveted no man's silver or gold, or ap-Am xx. 33,
parel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands ^^'^'
liave ministered 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.

Q. It is observable, that the apostle everywhere
makes special mention among the qualifications
of teachers, that they be not given to filthy lucre.
What ought lue, then, to think of those teachers,
who 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 isaiahivi. li.
have enough ; and they are shepherds that cannot
understand ; they all look to their ov/n way, every
one for his gain from his quarter.

Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds ofEzek. xxxiv.
Israel, prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith "'"' '

the Lord God unto the shepherds, Woe be to the
shepherds of Israel, that do feed themselves.
Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ye eat
the fat, and ye clothe 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 slieplierds fed themselves, and fed not my
flock :—

Micah iji. 5, Thus saith the Lord, concerning the prophets
that make my people err, that bite with their teeth,
and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their
mouths, they even prepare war against him : —
The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests
thereof teach for liire, 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.

Q. These are plain testimonies from the prO'
phets ; are there none such from the apostles ?

1 Tim. vd. 5 A. Pcrvcrse disputings of men of corrupt minds,
*"^^' and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is
godliness : from such withdraw thyself. But god-
liness with contentment is great gain : for we
brought nothing into this world, and it is certain
we can carry nothing out ; and having food and
raiment, let us be therewith content. But they
that will be rich, fall into a temptation and a snare,
and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, wliich
drown men in destruction and perdition. For the
love of money is the root of all evil ; which, wliile
some coveted after, they have erred from the faith,
and pierced themselves through with many sor-
rows.

2Tun. m 2. For men will be lovers of their ownselves, cove-
tous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to
parents, unthankful, unholy, —

Tit i. 10, 11. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and
deceivers, specially they of the circumcision.

whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole
liouses, teaching things winch they ought not, for
filthy lucre's sake.

But there were false prophets also among the2Pe^ii. i. 2,
people, even as there will be false teachers among
you, who privily will bring in damnable heresies,
even denying the Lord that bought them, and
bring upon themselves swift destruction. And
many will follow their pernicious ways, by reason
of whom, the way of truth will be evil spoken of.
And through covetousness will they with feigned
words make merchandize of you : whose judgment
now of a long time lingereth not, and their dam-
nation slumberetli not : — having eyes full of adul-
tery, and that cannot cease from sin ; beguiling
unstable souls ; an heart they have exercised with
covetous practices ; cursed children, who have for-
saken the right way, and are gone astray, follow-
ing the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who
loved the wages of unrighteousness.

Woe unto them, for they have gone in the way jude 11,16.
of Cain, and run greedily after the errors of Balaam
for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
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.

Q. Ought there to be any order in the church
of God?

A. Let all things be done decently, and inicor. xiv..4o-
order.

Q. What good order is prescribed i?i the church
concerning preachers ? Is it Jit that only one or
two speak ? or may more, if moved thereu7ito ?

A. If any thing be revealed to another that 1 cor. xiv. 30
sitteth by, let the first hold his peace : for ye may
all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and
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 churches of the saints.

Q. Is there any prvmise that daughters, as
well as sons, shall prop he si/ tinder the yospel?
Joel ii. 28. 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 prophesy ; your old
men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see
visions : —

Q. Is that promise fulfilled and to be fulfilled?
Actsii.16,17. A. But this is that which was spoken by the
prophet Joel : And it shall come to pass in the
last days, saith God, I will pour out my Spirit upon
all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall
prophesy ; and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.

Q. Is there any such instance of old in the
Scriptures ?
Actsxa.9. A. And the same man had four daughters, vir-
gins, which did prophesy.
* Q. But may all women speak, or are any com-
manded to keep silence in the church ?
1 Cor. xiv.34, A. Let your women keep silence in the churches :
^- 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 anything,
let them ask their husbands at home ; for it is a
shame for women to speak in the church.
iTim. u. n. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjec-
^^ tion. But I suff'er not a woman to teach, or usurp

authority over the man, but to be in silence.

Q. The first of these seems only to relate to
women that have husbands : luhat 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 ?
iCor.xL4,5. A. Everyman praying or prophesying, having
his head covered, dishonoureth his head. But
every woman that prayeth or pro])hesieth with her
head uncovered, dishonoureth her head; for that
is even all one as if she were shaven.

CHAPTER X.

Concerning Worship.

Quest. What is the worship that is acceptable
to God?

A. But the hour coraeth, and now is, when the John iv, 23,
true worshippers sliall worship the Father in spirit ^^
and in truth ; for the Father seeketh such to wor-
ship him. God is a spirit, and they that worship
him, must worsliip him in spirit and in truth.

Q. Seeing 2)rayer is a part of worship, when
ought we to pray ?

A. And he spake a parable unto them to this Luke x\-ui.i.
end, that men ought always to pray, and not to
faint.

Pray without ceasing.

Q. Hath God no respect to the mamier of call-
ing upon him ?

A. For there is no difference between the Jew Rom. x. 12.
and the Greek ; for the same Lord over all is rich
unto all that call upon him.

Q. Doth God hear the prayers of all that call
upon hitn ?

A. The Lord is nigh unto all them that callPsaim cxiv.
upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

The Lord is far from the wicked; but he hear- Prov. xv. 29.
eth the prayer of the righteous.

Now we know that God heareth not sinners ; John ix. 31.
but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth
his will, him he heareth.

And this is the confidence that we have in him, 1 John v. 14.
that if we ask anything according to his will, he
heareth us.

Q. After ivhat wanner doth the apostle, then,
declare he ivill pray ?

A. What is it, then? I will pray with the J cor. xh. 15.
spirit, and I will pray with the understanding
also : I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing
with the understanding: also.

Q. Must we, then, prcnj always in the Spirit ?

Eph. vii8. A. Praying always, with all prayer, and suppli-
cation in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with
all perseverance, and supplication for all saints.

Q. Since xoe are commanded to jway always
in it, can we do it of ourselves, luithout the help
thereof?

Kf.m.viii.26, A, Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmi-
ties ; for we know not what we should pray for as
we ought ; but the Spirit itself niaketli interces-
sion 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 inter-
cession for the saints according to the will of God.
Q. / perceive, that ivithout the leadings and
help of the Spirit, prayers are altogether unpro-
fitable : may not a man truly utter those things
that are spiritual, tvithout the Spirit's assistance ?

icor.xii. 3. A. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no
man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus
Christ accursed ; and that no man can say, that
Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

Q. This is strange ; it seems the Spirit is muck
more necessary than many called Christians sup-
pose it to be ?

Rom. viu. 8, A. [So then they that are in the flesh cannot
please God. But ye are not in the flesh but in the
Spirit, if so be the Spirit of God dwell in you.
Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he
is none of his.]

Q. It is apparent from all these Scriptures,
that the trice tuorship of God is in spirit ; and as
it is not limited to a certain place, neitlier to any
certain time, what shall we think of them that
plead for the observation of certain days ?

Gal. iv. 9, 10, 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, wliereunto ye
desire again to be in bondage ? Ye observe days
and months, and times and years. I am afraid of
you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.

Let no man therefore judge you in meat orcoLU. 16,17.
drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of tlie new
moon, or of the sabbath-day, which are a shadow
of things to come : but the body is of Christ.

Q. USeeing it is so, may not some Christians as
lawfully esteem all days alike, as others may
esteem some days above another ? luhat rule giveth
the ajjostle in this case ?

A. One man esteemeth one day above another : Rom. xiv.
another esteemeth every day alike : let every man ^'
be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that re-
gardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord ; and
he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth
not regard it. He that eateth, eatetli to the Lord ;
for he giveth God thanks ; and he that eateth not,
to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

Q. But is it not convenient and necessary , that
there be a day set apart to meet and zvorship God
in ? Did not the apostles and primitive Chris-
tians 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, 1 cor. xvu 1,
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 prospered him, that there be no gatherings
when I come.

CHAPTER XL

Concerning Baptism, and Bread and Wine.

Quest, How many baptisms are there ?

A. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. Eph. iv. 5.

Q. What is this baptism ?

A. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth 1 pet. m. 21,
also now save us, (not the putting away of the ^^'
filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good con-
science towards God,) by the resurrection of Jesus
Christ, who is gone into heaven, and is on the right

liand of God ; angels and authorities, and powers,
being made subject unto him.

Q. What saith John the Baptist of Christ's
baptism? How distimjuisheth he it from his?

Mat. iii.ii. A. I indeed baptize you with Water unto repent-
ance ; but he that cometh after me, is mightier
than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear, he
shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with
fire.

Q. Doth not Christ so distinguish it also ?

Actsi. 4, 5. 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.

Q. Doth not the apostle Peter also observe
this?

Acts xi. 15, A. And as I began to sioeak, the Holy Ghost

^''' fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then

remembered 1 the word of the Lord, how that he

said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye

shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

Q. Then it seems Jolin's baptis7n must pass
away, that Christ's may take jji^^cc, because
John must decrease, that Christ may increase.

jnhniii.nn. A. He must increase, but I must decrease,

Q. / perceive, then, many may be sprinkled
with, and dijrped and baptized in, water, and yet
not truly baptized with the baptism of Christ :
What are the real effects in such as are truly
bajitized ivith the baptism of Christ ?

jiom. vi.3, 4. A. Know ye not, that so many of us as were
baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into liis
death ? Therefore we are buried with him by bap-
tism into death, that like as Clirist was raised up
from tlie dead by the glory of the Father, even so
we also should walk in newness of life.

Gai.iii. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into

Christ, have put on Christ.

Buried wilh him in baptism, wherein also ye are coi. 1112.
risen witli him, through the faith of the operation
of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

Q. / perceive there ivas a baptism of water,
which was John's bajitism, 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 himf

A. For 1 have received of the Lord, that which icor. _xi. 23,
also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus, the
same night in which he was betrayed, took bread ;
and 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, wlien he
had supped, saying. This cup is the New Testa-
ment in my blood ; this do ye, as oft as ye drink
it, in remembrance of me.

Q. Hoiv long ivas this to continue ?

A. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink 1 Cor. xi. 20.
this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

Q. Did Christ promise to come again to his
disciples ?

A. I will not leave you comfortless; I will come John siv. is,
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.

Q. Was this an inivard coming ?

A. At that day ye shall know that I am in my John xiv. 20.
Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

Q- But it would seem, this was even practised
by the church of Corinth after Christ ivas come
inwardly : Was it so, that there were certain ap-
pointments positively commanded, yea, and zea-
lously 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 John xSii. h,

washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one ano-
ther's feet. For I have given you an example, that
ye sliould do as I liave done to you.

Acts XV. 28, For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to
^'''' us, to lay upon you no greater burthen 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 yourselves, ye shall do well : fare ye well.

James V. 14. Is any sick among you? Let him call for the
elders of the church, and let them pray over him,
anointing him witli oil in the name of the Lord.

Q. These commands are no less positive than
the other ; yea, some of them are asserted as the
very sense of the Holy Ghost, as no less neces-
sary than 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 shoiv that it is
not necessary for that of bread and icine to con-
tinue ?

Rom. ;uv. 17. A. For the kingdom of God is not meat and
drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in
the Holy Ghost.

toi. ii. 16, 20. Let no man therefore judge you in meat or in
to 22. drink, or in respect of a holy day, or of the new
moon, or of the sabbath 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 witli the using,) after
,the commandments and doctrines of men ?

Q. These Scriptures are very plain, and say
as much for the abolishing of this, as to any ne-
cessity, as can be alleged for the former : but
what is the bread, then, wherewith the saints are
to be nourished ?

johnn.32to ^^ Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I
say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from
heaven ; but my F^'ather giveth you the true bread
from heaven. For the bread of God is he which

Cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto
the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, ever-
more give us this bread. And Jesus said unto
them, I am tlie bread of life ; he that cometh to
me shall never hanger ; and he that believeth on
me shall never thirst. — I am that bread of life. Your job vi. 48 to
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 die.
I am the living bread, which came down from hea-
ven ; if any man eat of this bread, he shall live
for ever ; and die bread that I will give, is my
flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
The Jews therefore strove among themselves, say-
ing. How can this man give us his flesh to eat ?
Then Jesus said unto them. Verily, verily, I say
unto you, Except ye 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,
liath 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 for ever.

CHAPTER XII.

Concerning the Life of a Christian, in general,
what and how it ought to be in this world.

Quest. What is true religion ?

A. Pure religion and undefiled before God and James i. 27.
the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows

F 3

in tlieir affliction, and to keep liiniself" unspotted
from the world.

Q. What is required of man ?

Micain-i. 8. A. Hc liatli slicwcd tlicc, O man, wliat 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?

Isaiah ixvi. 2. But to this man will I look, even to him that is
poor, and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my
word.

Q. Doth God then require people to he quakers,
to tremble at his word ? Were there any such
amomj the saints of old?

Eiraix. 4. A. Then were assembled unto me every one
that trembled at the words of the God of Israel ; —

Isaiah ixvi. 5. Hear thc word of the Lord, ye that tremble at
his word : your brethren that hated you, that cast
you out for my name's sake, said. Let the Lord be
glorified ; but he shall appear to your joy, and
they shall be ashamed.

Q. What becometh of those thai tremble not
[at God's presence] ?

A. Hear now this, O foolish people! and with-
out 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,
[who have placed the sand for the bound of the
sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it :
and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet
can they not prevail ; though they roar, yet can
they not pass over it ? But this people hath a re-
volting and a rebellious heart ; they are revolted
and gone. Neither say they iu their heart. Let
us now fear the Lord our God, that giveth rain,
both the former and the latter in his season : he
reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the har-
vest. Your iniquities have turned away those
things, and your sins have withholden good things
from you.]

Q. Are we commanded to tremble [before the
Lord,] in order to our salvation, both under the
law, and noiu xinder the gospel .'*

Jer.v. 21— 25.

A. Serve the Lord witli fear, and rejoicewithpsaimii.il,
trembling.

I make a decree, that in every dominion of my Danidvi.26.
kingdom, men fear and tremble before tlie God of
Daniel ; for he is the living God, and steadfast for
ever.

Work out your own salvation with fear and pwi. ii. 12.
trembling.

Q. What are the chief commandments ?

A. Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all Mat. xxu. 37
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 thyself. On these two command-
ments hang all the law and the prophets.

Q. What ought a Christian to seek after in the
first place ?

A. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his Mat %t. 33.
righteousness, and all these things shall be added
unto you.

Q. HoiD ought Christians to behave themselves
in this world ?

A. But this I say, brethren, the time is short : 1 S^^^^'-^^'
It remaineth, that both they that have wives, be as
though they had none ; and they that weep, as
tliough they wept not; and they that rejoice,
as though they rejoiced 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.

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 everywhere, 1 inm. ii. g,
lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting. ^'^^'
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves
in modest apparel, with shame-facedness and so-
briety : not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls,
or costly array ; but (which becometh women pro-
fessing godliness) with good works.

Q. / observe the apostle is much against the

vanity and superjiuity of clothes among ChriS'
tians ; luliat salth Peter to this?

ii'et. iii, 3, 4. A. Wliose adoiniiig, let it not be that outward
adorning of plaiting the hair, or wearing of gold,
or of putting on of apparel : but let it be the hid-
den man of the heart, in that which is not cor-
ruptible ; even the ornament of a meek and quiet
spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Q. The apostle is very plain there ; but what
saith the Scripttire, as to respect of jtersons
amony CJiristians ?

Jamesu. 1 to A. My brethren, have not the faitlj 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 raiment; and
ye have respect to him that weareth the gay
clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good
place ; and say to the poor. Stand thou there, or
sit here under my footstool : are ye not then par-
tial in yourselves, 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 de-
spised tlie poor. Do not rich men oppress you,
and draw you before the judgment-seats? Do
they not blaspheme that worthy name by the which
ye are called? If ye fulfil the royal law, accord-
ing to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neigh-
bour as thyself, ye do well ; but if ye have respect
to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of
the law as transgressors.

Q. Thouyh that be indeed sufficient to reprove
the different ranks amony Christians, uj)on the
account of riches or birth : yet is there not a
relative respect among Christians, as betwixt
master and servant : and lohat admonition gives
the apostle in this case ?

Ei)h.vL-.-9. A. Servants, be obedient to them that are your
masters according to the flesh, with fear and trem-

bling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ :
not witli 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 doeth, the same shall he re-
ceive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
And ye masters, do the same things unto them,
forbearing threatening, knowing that your master
also is in heaven; neither is there respect of per-
sons with him.

Servants, obey in all things your masters ac- coi. ui. 22—
cording 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 doeth
wrong, shall receive for the wrong which he hath
done ; and there is no respect of persons.

Masters, give unto your servants that which is coi. w. 1.
just and equal, knowing that ye also have a master
in heaven.

Let as many servants as are under the yoke, 1 Tim. vi 1,
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 bre-
thren ; but rather do them service, because they
are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit.
These things teach and exhort.

Exhort servants to be obedient to their own Tit a. 9, 10.
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 our Saviour in all things.

Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, 1 Pet. ii. iit-
not only to the good and gentle, but also to the
froward ; for this is thankworthy, if a man for con-
science toward God endure grief, suffering wrong-
fully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted

for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if
\yhen ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it pa-
tiently, this is acceptable with God. For even
hereunto were ye called, because Christ also suf-
fered (or us, leaving us an example that ye should
follow his steps.

Q. JVhat (jood admonitions r/ive the Scriptures,
as to the relation betwixt parents and children ?

Eph.vi.i-4. A. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for
this is right. Honour thy father and mother (which
is the first commandment with promise) that it may
be well with thee, and thou mayest 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.

toi.iii.2o,:2i. Children, obey your parents in all things; for
this is well-pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, pro-
voke not your children to anger, lest they be dis-
couraged.

Q. What betiveen husbands and wives ?

^fs.ss.^sT, ^' ^^'^^s, submit yourselves unto your own hus-
33! ' 'bands, 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. There-
fore, as the church is subject unto Christ, so let
the Avives be to their own husbands in every thing.
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also
loved the church, and gave himself for it. So ought
men to love their wives as their own bodies; he
thatloveth his wife, loveth himself. For this cause
shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall
be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one
flesh. Nevertheless, let every one of you in parti-
cular so love Jiis wile, even as himself; and the wife
see that she reverence her husband.

Col. iii. 19. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter
against them.

iPet.iu. 1,2, Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own

'• liusbands ; 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 con-

versation coupled with fear. Likewise, ye Iius-
bands, 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.

Q. JVhat is the armoxir of a true Christian ;
and wheretvith ought he to ivrestle ?

A. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may Eph.iv.n-
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 wick-
edness 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 prepara-
tion 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. And take the
helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God.

Q. What are Christian iveapons, and for what
end?

A. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not 2 cor. x. 3.
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 ima-
ginations, and every high thing, that exalteth itself
against the knowledge of God, and bringing into
captivity every thouglit to the obedience of Christ.

Q. Oti(jht strife and envy to he among Chris-
tians ?

A. Who is a wise man, and endued with knov/- Jame^ui. 13
ledge among 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, gentle, and easy to be intreated,
full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and
without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness
is sown in peace, of tliem that make peace.

Q. Ought luars to be amomj Christians? From
whence proceed they ?
James iv. 1, A. From whcnce come wars and fightings among
^ you ? Come they not hence, even of 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.
Q. IVIiat saith Christ even of defensive war ?
Mat.v.39. 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,
Luke vi. 27- But I Say unto you which hear, Love your ene-
^' mies ; do good to them which liate you ; bless them

that curse you ; and pray for them that despitefully
use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the
one cheek, offer also the other; and him that taketh
away tliy cloak, forbid not to take thy coat also.
Q. IVhat say the apostles f
Rom. xii. 17. A. Recompense to no man evil for evil.
iPet.uLy. Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing ;
but contrariwise, blessing; knowing that ye are
thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
1 Thes.v. 15. See that none render evil for evil unto any man;
but ever follow that which is good, both among
yourselves and to all men.

Q. It was laivful 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?
Mat. V. 33- 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 God's throne ; nor by earth, for it
is liis footstool ; neither by Jerusalem, for it is the
city of the great King : neither shalt thou swear by

thy head, because thou canst not make one hair
white or black. But let your communication be
yea, yea ; nay, nay ; for whatsoever is more than
these, cometh of evil.

But above all things, my brethren, swear not; James v. 12.
neither by heaven, neither by the eartli, neither by
any other oath ; but let your yea be yea, and your
nay, nay ; lest ye fall into condemnation.

Q. Is it Jit for Christians or believers to receive
carnal andivorldly honour one from another?

A. How can ye believe which receive honour one John v. 44.
of another, and seek not the honour that cometh
from God only.

Q. Doth God alloiv us to give flattering titles to
men ?

A. Let me not, 1 pray you, accept any man's Job xxxu.
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,

Q. What should we say to such as quarrel with
us for speaking proper sound words, as thou to one,
you to many ; which is Christ's and the saints'
language in Scripture ?

A. Hold fast the form of sound words, which 2Tmi.i. 13.
thou hast heard of me, in faith and love, which is
in Christ Jesus.

[In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good Tit.u. 7, 8.
works : in doctrines shewing uncorriiptness, gravity,
sincerity : sound speech that cannot be condemned ;
that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed,
having no evil thing to say of you.]

Q. What is the great command7nent 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 Johii xUi.
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 one to another.

This is my com.mandment. That ye love one ano- Joimxv.3i2,
ther, as I have loved you. These things I command
you, That ye love one another.

Eph. V. 1, 2. 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.

iJoiin 11.20, If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother,
^'' he is a liar: 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.

Q. Is humility very needful to Christians ?
What like must we be ere we can enter the kingdom ?

Mat. x\-ui. 3, A. And Jesus 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 king-
dom of heaven.

Q. Ought Christians to lord over one another?
What rule giveth Christ in this case ?

Matxx.25— A. But Jesus Called them unto him, and said,
Ye know that tlie princes of the Gentiles exercise
dominion over them : and they that are great, ex-
ercise 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.

Q. IIou\ then, are Christians in this tvorld?

Mat.x. iG. A. Behold, 1 send you forth as sheep in the midst
of wolves; be ye therefore wise as serpents, and
harmless as doves.

Lukex.,x Go your ways; behold, I send you forth as lambs
among wolves.

Q. Are we, then, to exjiect afflictions and perse-
cutions here ?

Mat X. 22. A. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's

Mark xiu. 13. g^iig . b^j },£ t]jat endurctli to the end shall be saved.

Lukcxxi.i7. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's
sake.

If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me Johnxv. i8,
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.

These things have I spoken unto you, that in me Johnxvi.33.
ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have
tribulation ; but be of good cheer, I have overcome
the world.

And all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall 2Tun.iii.12.
suffer persecution.

Q. Ought we, then, to fear persecution?

A. Fearnotthem which kill the body, but are not Mat. x. 28.
able to kill the soul ; but rather fear him who is able
to destroy both soul and body in hell.

And I say unto you, my friends, be not afraid Luke.\u.4,5.
of them that kill the body, and after that, have no
more that they can do. But I will forewarn 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.

Q. What advantage is it to them that suffer
persecution cheerfully , and luhat hazard to them
that shun it ?

A. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righ- Mat. v. 10.
teousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

But if ye suffer for righteousness sake, happy are ye ; 1 Pet-m. 14.
and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled.

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, M^t. x. 32
him Avill I confess also before my Father which is 33.37-3!>.
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 than 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.

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 denieth me before men, shall be de-
nied before the angels of God.

Mat. xvi..24. 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 liis life shall lose it, and whosoever will lose

his life for my sake, shall find it.

2Tim. ii. 12. If we suttcr, wc sluill also reign with him ; if we
deny him, he also will deny us.

Lukexiv. 26. If any man come to me, and hate not his father
and mother, and wife and children, and brethren
and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be
my disciple.

ch.ix.23,24. And he said to tliem 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.

)Harkviu.»i, And when he had called the people unto him,
^' with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whoso-

ever 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 gospel's, the same
shall save it.

Q. There is nothing more certain, according to
these Scriptures, than that Christians must suffer
persecution in thisioorld, evenin their persons and
estates ; but shall they not also suffer in their
good names, in behig accounted blasphemers, here-
tics, and deceivers ?

Mat.x.24.25. A. The disciplc is not above his master, nor the
servant above his Lord. It is enough for the dis-
ciple, that he be as his Master, and the servant as
his Lord. If they have called the Master of the
house Beelzebub ; how much more shall they call
them of his household ?

Mat. V. II. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and

persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil
against you falsely, for iriy sake.

Acts vi. 11,12. 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 caug-ht him, and brought him to the council.

And when they found them not, they drew Jason, Actsxvii.G.
and certain brethren, unto the rulers of the city,
crying, These that have turned the world upside
down, are come hither also.

But this I confess unto thee, that after the way Actsxxiv.14
which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my
fathers ; believing all things which are written in
the law and in the prophets.

Being defamed, we intreat ; we are made as the icor. u-.u,
filth of the earth, and are the off-scouring of all
things unto this day.

By honour and dishonour, by evil report and scor.vi. 8.
good report, as deceivers, and yet true.

Q. It is easily apparent from ivhat is mentioned,
that Christians are to expect persecution and tri-
bulation ; and that they are always the sheep,
and never the wolves; the persecuted, and never
the persecutors ; the afflicted, and not the af-
Jlicters ; the reproached, and not the reproachers :
Is it not Jit, then, that Christians be so far from
persecuting others, that they ought to pray for
their persecutors f Is this Christ's command?

A. But I say unto you, Love your enemies; Mat. v. 44.
bless them that curse you, do good to them that
hate you, and pray for them which despitefuUy use
you and persecute you.

Q. Was this Christ's own practice ?

A. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them, for Luke xxiu.
they know not what they do.

Q. Is Christ herein to be our example ?

A. For even hereunto were ye called, because ip«-"- 21-
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 to him
that judgeth righteously.

Q. Is there an instance of any saints in Scrip-
ture who followed his example herein ?

G 3

Actsvii.60. A. And he [Stephen] kneeled down, and cried
with a loud voice, Lord, lay not tliis sin to their
charge.

Q. It appears by all these Scriptures, that
Christianity consisteth in the exercise of fear and
trembling, humility, jjatience, and self-denial :
What ought we, then, to think of such who place
77iuch of their religion in abstaining froin marriage,
and certain meats; worshipping of angels, and
other such acts of voluntary humility ?

iTim.iv. 1- A. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, tliatin the
■'• latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving

heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils ;
speaking lies in hypocrisy ; having their conscience
seared 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.

Loi. ii. la Let no man beguile you of your rev.ard, in a vo-

luntary humility, and worshipping of r>ngels, in-
truding into those things which he hath not seen,
vainly pufl'ed up by his fleshly mind.

CHAPTER XIII.

Concerning Magistracy.

Quest. What is the duty of a inagistrate?

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.

Q. What do the Scriptures speak of the duty of
such as are under authority ?
Rom. xiii. 1 j^ Let every soul be subject unto the higlier
powers ; for there is no power but of God : the
powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever
therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance
of God ; and they that resist, shall receive to
themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror
to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then

2 Sam. '(xiii

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
doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject,
not only for wrath, but also for conscience-sake.

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for i Pet ". n
the Lord's sake ; whether it be to the king, as su-
preme, or unto governors, as unto them that are
sent by them, for the punishment of evil-doers, and
for the praiss 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.

Q. Ought tribute to be paid to them ?

A. For, for this cause pay ye tribute also, for Rom.xm. 6,
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.

Then saith he unto them. Render therefore unto Mat.xxii.2i.
Ccesar the things which are Csesar's ; and unto
God, the things that are God's.

Q. Are we obliged to obey magistrates in such
things as we are jiersuaded in our minds are con-
trary to the commands of Christ?

A. And they called them and commanded them Actsiv. is-
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.

And when they had brought them, they set them ch. v. 27-
before the council, and the high-priest asked them, ^'
saying. Did not we straitly command you, that ye
should not teach in this name? And behold, ye
have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and in-
tend to bring this man's blood upon us. Then
Peter and the other apostles answered and said,
We ought to obey God rather than men.

Q, What ought to be magistrates' behaviour in
such cases, according to tJic counsel of wise
GatnaUel P

Acts V. 34,35. A. Then stood there up one in the council, a
Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law,
had in reputation among all the people, and com-
manded to put the apostles forth a little space ;
and said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed
to yourselves, what ye intend to do, as touching

V. 38, 3y. 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 haply ye be found even to fight against
God.

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 ?

Mat. xiu. 27 A. So the servants of the householder came, and
~ ' said unto him. Sir, didst not thou 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.

Q. Doth he explain these tares of the wicked,
rvhotn the godly must not take upon them to cut
off, lest through mistake they hurt the good, Init
leave it to God, to do it by his angels ?

Mat. xui. 38 ^- 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 tlic devil ; the harvest is tlie end of the
world, and the reapers are the angels. As there-
fore the tares are gathered and burned 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 oflfend,
and them which do inicjuity, and shall cast them

into a furnace of fire: there shall be waiHng and
srnashino; of teeth !

CHAPTER XIV.

Concerning the Resurrection.

Quest. What saith the Scripture of the resur-
rection of the dead?

A. And have hope towards God, which they Acts xxiv. is.
themselves also allow, that there shall be a resur-
rection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

Q. To what different end shall the good be raised
from the bad; andhoware they thereunto reserved'?

A. Marvel not at this, for the hour is coming, john v. 28,
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 dam-
nation.

But the heavens and the earth, which are now, 2 Pet. ui. 7.
by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto
fire against the day of judgment, and perdition of
ungodly men.

Q. What must be ansivered to such as ask,
How are the dead raised, and with what body ?

A. Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not 1 cor. x v. so-
quickened except it die. And that which thou
sowest, thou sowest not tliat body that sliall be, but
bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of 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 celes-
tial 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 diff'ereth from another star

in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead.
It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorrup-
tion : 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.
Tiiere is a natural body, and there is a spiritual
body.

Q. The apostle seems to he very positive, that
it is 7iot that natural bodtj, which ive now have,
that shall rise ; but a spiritual body.
icor. XV. 60 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 ?

CHAPTER XV.

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 a repetition of all the
Scriptures before mentioned; which, if needful, the reader may
easily observe, were not very difficult to do. But whereas a Con-
fession of Faith calleth rather for an affirmative account of one's
own faith, than for the solution of objections, or anything of
debate in a discursive way, which is both more properly and perti-
nently performed in a Catechism ; therefore I have here only done
so. I am necessitated sometimes to intermix some words for cohe-
rence 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 in any wise justly be reckoned a
comment or meaning : and therefore, to avoid the censure of the
most curious carping critics, these are marked with a diflTerent
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, who-
soever 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 says, / am the light of the tforld, were it proper for me to
write thus, / a?« the light, &c. ? Or can it be reckoned any Avhit
contradicting to 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 u/e, I write, apostles ; and
where they say, you, speaking to the saints, there I mention saints
instead of it, for the connexion of the sentence sometimes requires

it ; as in the first article, in mentioning that of 1 John i. 5, con-
cerning God's being light, and in like cases, with which I know no
impartial reader would have (juarrelled, 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 svich
little niceties; therefore such may see this objection is obviated.

CHAPTER XVI.
A CONFESSION OF FAITH,

CONTAINING XXIII. ARTICLES.

ARTICLE I.

Concerning God, and the true and saving Knowledge
of Him.

There is one God, (a) ivho is a Spirit. (i) And this is
tlie message which the apostles heard of him, and declared
unto the saints, that he is light, and in him is no darkness
at all. (c) There are three tliat bear record in heaven, the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are
one. (fZ) The Father is in the Son, and the Son is in the
Father, (e) No man knoweth the Son, but the Father ;
neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son^ and
he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. (f) The Spirit
searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (g) For
the things of God knoweth no man ; but the Spirit of God :
Now the sazw^s have received not the spirit of the world,
but the Spirit which is of God, that they might know the
things which are freely given the7n of God. (h) For the
Coni^forter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father
sends in Chrisfs name, he teacheth them all things, and
bringeth all things to their remembrance. (i)

a Eph. iv fi; 1 Cor. viii. 4, 6— 6 John Iv. 24— c 1 John i. 5— d Ch. v. 7— e John x. 3«.
and xlv. 10, 11, and v. 20-/ Mat. xi. 27; Luke x. 22— g 1 Cor. ii. lO-h 1 tor. lu U, 12—
t John xiv, 20.

ARTICLE II.

Concerning the Guide and Rule of Christians.

Christ prayed to the Father, and he gave the saints
another Comforter, that was to abide with them for ever,
even the Spirit of truth, wliom the world cannot receive,
because it seeth him not, nor knoweth him ; but the saints
know him ; for he dwelleth with them, and is to be in
the7n. (k) Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,
he is none of his : for as many as are led by the Spirit of
God, they are the sons of God, (I) For this is the cove-
nant that God hath made with the house of Israel, he hath
put his laws in their mind, and writ them in their hearts ;
and they are all taught of God.(m) And the anointing
which #/ie?/ have received of him, abideth in them; and
they need not that any man teach them, but as the same
anointing teacheth them of all things, and is truth, and is
no lie. (n)

ARTICLE in.

Concerning the Scriptures.

Whatsoever things were vi'ritten aforetime, were written
for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of
the scriptures might have hope, (o) Which are able to
make wise unto salvation, through faitli which is in Christ
Jesus: all scripture being given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for instruction
m righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect,
thoroughly furnished unto all good works, (p) No pro-
phesy of the scripture is of any private interpretation ; for
the prophesy came not in old time by the will of man, but
holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy
Ghost, i^q)

ARTICLE IV.

Concerning the Divinity of Christ, and his being from
the Beginning.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was

k John xiv. 16, I7— 7 Rom. viii. 9, 14— m Heb. viii. 10— « 1 John ii. 27.
0 Rom. XV. 4— p 2 Tini. iii. 15, 10, VJ—q 2 Pet. i. 20, 21.

with God, and the Word was God ; tlie same was in tlie
beginning with God ; all things were made by him, and
without him was not anything made that was made. (/•)
Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlast-
ing, (s) /'or God created all things by Jesus Christ. (<)
Who, being in the form of God, thought it no robbery to be
equal with God.(M) And his name is called Wonderful,
Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the
Prince of Peace, (x) Who is the image of the invisible
God, the first-born of every creature, (y) The brightness
of his glory, and the express image of his person (or sub-
stance.) (z) Who was clothed with a vesture dipped in
blood ; and his name is called the Word of God. (a) In
him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily, (b)
And in him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and know-
ledge, (c)

ARTICLE V.

Concerning his Appearance in the Flesh.

The Word was made flesh, {d) For he took not on him
the nature of angels ; but he took on him the seed of
Abraham, being in all things made like unto his brethren, (e)
Touched with a feeling of our infirmities : and in all
things tempted, like as we are, yet without %\n.(f) He
died for our sins, according to the scriptures ; and he was
buried, and he rose again the third day, according to the
scriptures. (</)

ARTICLE VI.

Concerning the End and Use of that Appearance.

God sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh,
and for sin condemned sin in the flesh, {h) For this pur-
pose the Son of God was manifested, that he might de-
stroy the works of the Devil, {i) Being manifested to

)■ John L 1, 2,3-t MJcah v. i—t Eph. iii. 0-m PhU. ii. G— J Isaiah m. C-;/ Col. i. 15—
Z Heb. i. :i—<t Mev. xix. Ui— h Col. ii. !)— r Col. ii .')
d John i. 14— c Hcl>. ii. Ki, 17—/ Ch. iv. 15—^ 1 Cor. xv. 3, 4.
h Kym. \-iii. S— i 1 Jolin iii. 8.

take away our sins, (k) For lie gave himself for us, an
offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour. (Z)
Having obtained eternal redemption for us. (m) And
through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to
God, to purge our consciences from dead works, to serve
the living God. (?i) He was the Lamb that was slain from
the foundation of the world, (o) Of whom the fathers did
all drink ; for they drank of that spiritual rock that fol-
lowed them, and tliat rock was Christ. {]}) Christ also
suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ive should fol-
low his steps, (q) For we are to bear about in the body
the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus
might be made manifest in our body, being always deli-
vered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus
may be made manifest in our mortal flesli. (r) That 2ve
may know him and the power of his resurrection, and the
fellowship of his sufferings being made conformable unto
his death, (s)

ARTICLE VIL

Concerning the Inward Manifestation of Christ.

God dwelleth with the contrite and humble in spirit, (t)
For he hath said, He will dwell in them, and walk in
them, (m) And Christ standeth at the door, and knock-
eth ; if any man hear his voice, and open the door, he
will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with
him. {x) And therefore ought vje to examine our own
selves, and prove our own selves, knowing how that Christ
is in us, except we be reprobates. (?/) For this is the
riches of the glory of the mystery, which God would
make known among {or rather IN) the Gentiles, Christ
within, tlie hope of glory, (z)

ARTICLE VIII.

Concerning the New Birth.

Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom

k 1 John Si. 3—1 Eph. v. 2— m Heb. ix. 12— n Ver. 14— o Rev. v. 8, 12, 13— p 1 Cor.K. 4
— o 1 Pec iL 21— r 2 Cor.iv. 10, 11-4 Phil. iiL 10.
t Isaiah Jvii. 15— M 2 Cor. vi. 16— j; Rev. iii. 20— y 2 Cor, xiii. 5— s Col. i. 27.

of God. (a) Therefore ought 7ve to put oft' the old man
Nvith his deeds, and put on the new man, which is renewed
in knowledge after the image of him tliat created him, and
which after God is created in righteousness and true holi-
ness, {li) For henceforth know we no man after the flesh;
yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now
hencefortli know we him no more, (c) For if any man be
in Christ he is a new creature, old things are passed away;
behold J all things are become new. (J) For such have
put on the Lord Jesus Christ, (e) And are renewed in the
spirit of their minds. (/) For as many as have been bap-
tized into Christ, have put on Christ, (g) Being born
again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the
word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever, (h) And
glory in nothing^ save in the cross of the Lord Jesus
Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto them, and
theij unto the world, [i) For in Christ Jesus, neither cir-
cumcision availeth anything, nor uncircuracision, but a
new creature. (^)

ARTICLE IX.

Concerning the Unity of the Saints with Christ.

He that sanctifieth, and they who are sanctified, are all
of one. (/) For by the exceeding great and precious pro-
mises that are given them, they are made partakers of the
divine nature. (?«) Because for this end prayed Christ,
that all might be one, as the Father is in hitn, and he in
the Father, that they also might be one in thetn ; and the
glory which he had gotten from the Father, he gave them,
that they might be one, even as the Father, and he is one ;
Christ in the Saints, and the Father in Christ, that they
might be made perfect in one. {71)

ARTICLE X.

Concerning the Universal Love and Grace of God to all.

God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten

a John iii.3— 6 Col.iii. 10; Eph. iv. 24— c 2 Cor. v. 16— rf Ver. 17— c Uom. siii. 14—
/ Eph. iv. TS-K (Jal. iiL 27— » 1 Pet. i. 2.'^-t Gal. vL 14— fc Ver. 15.
/ Heb. il U-m 2 Pec I 4— « John xrii. 21, 22, 2,1.

Son, that whosoever beheveth in him should not perish,
but have everlasting life, (o) And in this was manifested
the love of God toward us, because that God sent his
only begotten Son into the world, that we might live
through him. {p) So that if any man sin, we have an ad-
vocate 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 world, {q) For by the grace
of God he hath tasted death for every man.(r) And gave
himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, (s) I^Vill-
ing all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge
of the truth, (i) Not willing that any should perish, but
that all should come to repentance, (m) For God sent not
his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the
world through him might be saved, (x) And Christ came
a light into the world, that whosoever believeth in him,
should not abide in darkness, (y) Therefore as by the
offence of one, judgment came upon all men to condem-
nation ; even so by the righteousness of one, the free gift
came upon all men unto justification of life. (2)

ARTICLE XI.

Concerning the Light that enlighteneth every Man.

The gospel was preached to every creature under hea-
ven, {a) Which gospel is the power of God unto salva-
tion to them that believe. (6) And if it 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 into
them, (c) And this is the condemnation, that light is
come into the world, and men love darkness rather than
light, because their deeds are evil, {d) And this was
the true light, which lighteneth every man that cometh
into the world, (e) By which all things that are reprove-
able, are made manifest ; for whatsoever maketh manifest
is light, (f) Every one that doeth evil hateth the light,
neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be re-

0 John lii. 16— p 1 John iv. 9—q 1 John ii. 1, 2—r Heb. ii. 9— s 1 Tim. il 6—t 1 Tim. ii. 4
— M a Pet. iii. 9—x John iii. 17— y Ch. xiL 46— z Rom. v. 18.
a Col.i 23—6 Kom. i. 16— c 2 Cor. iv. 3, 4— <i John Ui. 19— e John i. 9—/ Eph. v. 11.

H 3

proved : but lie tlmt doelh truth cometh to the light, that
Jus deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought iu
God. {(/) A7id they that walk in the light, as Clirist is
ill the light, liave fellowship one with another, and the
blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth them from all
sin. (A) Therefore ought we to believe in the light while
we have the light, that we may be the children of the
light, (i) Therefore to-day, if we will hear his voice, let
us not harden our hearts. (/<■) For Christ wept or<?r Jeru-
salem, 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. (/) Arid he would often
have gathered her children, as a hen gathereth her
chickens; but theij would not. (m) For the stiff-necked,
and uncircumcised in heart and ears, do always resist the
Holy Ghost. (?z) And are of those that rebel against the
liglit. (o) Therefore God's Spirit will not always strive
with man.(;j) For the wrath of God is revealed from hea-
ven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men,
who hold the truth in unrighteousness, [q) Bocause what
is to be known of God is manifest in them ; for God hath
shewed it unto them, (r) And a manifestation of the
Spirit is given to every man to profit withal, (s) For the
grace of God, that bringeth salvation, hath appeared to
all men, teaching us, that denying ungodliness and worldly
lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this
present world, {t) And this word of his grace is able to
build up, and give an inheritance among all those that are
sanctified, (m) For the word of God is quick and power-
ful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even
to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit, and of the
joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and
intents of the heart, (x) This is that moie sure word of
prophesy, whereunto lue do well that we take heed, as
unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day-
dawn, and the day-star arise in the heart, {y) And this is
the word of faith which the apostles preached, which is
nigh in the mouth, and in the heart, (z) For God, who
commanded the liglit to shine out of darkness, hath shined

tr Jolin iii. 20-?i 1 John i. 7— « John xiL 30— fc Heb. iv. 7—1 LuUe ix. 42— m Mat. xxiii.
.■i7— n Acts ii. l.^i— o .lob xxiv. 1.3— p Gen. vl. 3—9 Rom. i. Ill— r Vcr. I9~s I Cor. xli. 7—
t Tit. ii. 1 1, 12- 1< Acts XX. 32— x Hcb. iv. 12— i' 2 I'ct. i. 19—: Roin. x. a

in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the
glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, (a) But we have
this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the
power may be of God, (b) and not of us; for the king-
dom of God Cometh not by observation, but is within us.

ARTICLE XII.
Concerning Faith and Justification.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evi-
dence of things not seen, (c) Without v^hich it is impossible
to please God. (d) Therefore we are justified by faith,
which worketh by love, (e) For faith without works being
dead, is by works made perfect. (/) By the deeds of the
law there shall no flesh he justified, {cj) Nor yet by the
works of righteousness which we have done ; but according
to his mercy we are saved, by the washing of regeneration,
and renewing of the Holy Ghost. (Ii) For we are both
washed, sanctified and justified in the name of the Lord
Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. {i)

ARTICLE XIII.

Concerning Good Works.

If iv€ live after the flesh, we shall die ; but if we, through
tlie spirit, do mortify the deeds of the body, 7ve shall
live, {k) For they which believe in God must be careful
to maintain good works. {I) For God will render to every
man according to his deeds. According to his righteous
judgment to them, who by patient continuance in well-
doing, seek for glory, honour, and immortality, eternal
life : (m) for such are counted worthy of the kingdom of
God. {n) And cast not away their confidence, which hath
great recompense of reward, (o) Blessed then are tliey
that do his commandments, that they may have right to
the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the
city, {p)

a 2 Cor. iv. 6-i 2 Cor. iv. 7.

c Heb. xi. 1— d Ver. &— e Gal. v. G—f James ii. 22, 2G— £• Uom. iii. 20— ft Tit. iii. 5—
I 1 Cor. vi. 2.
k Kom. viii. !»-/ Tit. iii. 8— m Rom. ii. 6, 7—n 2 Thes. i. 5— o Heb. y,a5—p Rev. xx. 14.

80
ARTICLE XIV.

Concerning Perfection.

Sin shall not have dominion over such as are not under
the law, but under grace, {q) For there is no condemna-
tion to those that are in Clirist Jesus, who walk not after
the flesh, but after the Spirit; for the law of the Spirit of
life, maketh free from the law of sin and death, (r) For
such are become dead unto sin, and alive unto righteous-
ness ; and being made free from sin, are become servants of
righteousness, (s) Therefore, ought we to be perfect, as
our heavenly Father is perfect, {t) For the yoke of Christ
is easy, and his burthen is light, (m) And his command-
ments are not grievous, (.r) And whosoever will enter into
life, must keep the commandments, {y) Hereby do we
know that we know God, if we keep his command-
ments, (z) He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his
commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (a)
Whosoever abideth in him, sinneth not ; whosoever sinneth,
hath not seen him, neither known him. {b) Let no man
deceive 2is ; he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even
as he is righteous ; he tliat committeth sin is 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. (c) For not every one that saith Lord, Lord,
shall enter into the kuigdom of heaven ; but lie that doeth
the will oi' the Father, which is in heaven, (d) Circumci-
sion is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the
keeping the commandments of God. (e)

ARTICLE XV.

Concerning Perseverance and Falling from Grace.

We ought to give diligence to make our calling and
election sure, which things if we do, ive shall never fall. (J")
For even Paul kept under his body, and brought it into

q Rom. vi. 14— r Ch. vui. 1, 2— « Ch. vi. 2, 18— « Mat. v. 4ft— k fh. ii. 30— r 1 John v.
3— V Mat. xix. 17—: 1 John ii. '3— a Vcr. 4—* Ch. iii. (J— c 1 John ill 7, 8, it—d Mat. vL 21 —
e 1 Cor. vii. 19. / 2 Pet. i. 10.

subjection, lest by any means, when he preached to others,
he "himself became a castaway. (</) Let us therefore take
heed, lest there be in any of us an evil heart of unbelief, in
departing from the living- God. (/i) Likewise let uslabour
to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same ex-
ample of unbelief, (i) 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 of the good word of God, and the powers of the
world to come, if tliey shall fall away, to renew them again
unto repentance, (k) For he that abideth not in Christ,
is cast forth, and is withered. (Z) Yet such as overcome
he will make as pillars in the temple of his God, and they
shall go no more out. {m) And these are persuaded, that
nothing shall be able to separate them from the love of
God, which is in Christ Jesus, {n)

ARTICLE XVI.

Concerning the Church and Ministry.

The church of God is the pillar and ground of truth, (o)
Whereof the dear Son of God is the head, (p) From
which all the body by joints and bands, having nourish-
ment ministered and knit together, increaseth with the in-
crease of God. ((/) Which church of God are they that
are sanctified in Christ Jesus, (r) Who when he ascended
up on high, gave gifts unto men : and he gave some
apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors
and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work
of the ministry, (s) Who ought to be blameless, vigilant,
sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach ;
not given to wine, no strikers, not greedy of filthy lucre,
but patient; not brawlers, not covetous. (^) But lovers
of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate, holding fast the
faithful word, as they have been taught, that they may
be able by sound doctrine, both to exhort and to convince
gainsayers. (m) Taking heed to themselves and to the
flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made them over-
s' 1 Cor. ix.27— ft Heb. iii. 12— t Heb. iv. 11— Ar Heb. vi. 4, 5, G—l John xv. 16— m Rev.
iii. 12 — n Rom. \iii. 38. „

0 1 Tim. iii. 15-p Col. i. 18— g CoL ii. 19—)- 1 Cor. I 2— « Eph. iv. 8, 11, 12—!: 1 Tim.
ill. 2, 3—u Tit. i. 8, 9.

seers, to feed the cluircli of God. (x) 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 as being ensamples to the flock. (?/)
And such elders as rule well, are to be counted worthy of
double honour, especially they who labour in the word and
doctrine, (z) And to be esteemed very highly in love for
their work's sake, (a) As every man hath received the gift,
so ought the same to be ministered ; if any man speak, let
him speak as the oracles of God : if any man minister, let
him do it as of the ability which God giveth. (6) Preach-
i?i(/ the f/ospel, not with the wisdom of words, lest the
cross of Christ be made of none effect, (c) Nor yet with
enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of
the Spirit and of power; that the faith may not stand in
the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.(c?) How-
beit such speak wisdom among them that are perfect ; yet
not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this
world, which cometh to nought ; but they speak the wis-
dom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which
God ordained before the world to their glory, (e) Which
things tliey also speak, not in the words which man's wis-
dom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth. (/)
For it is not they that speak, but the Holy Ghost, or
Spirit of the Father, that speaketh in them, (y) iVho if
they sow spiritual things, ought to reap carnal things ', for
so the Lord hath ordained, that they which preach the
gospel, should live of the gospel : for the scripture saith,
"Thou shall not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth
out the corn ; and the labourer is worthy of his reward, {h)
Yet a necessity is laid upon them ; yea, woe is unto the7n,
if they preach not the gospel ; and their reward is, that
when they preach the gospel, they make the gospel of
Christ without charge, (i) l^ot coveting any man's silver,
or gold, or apparel ; hut their hands ministering to their
necessities, that so labouring, they may support the weak ;
rcmemberiny the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It
is more blessed to give, than to receive, (/e) For they are

X Acts XX. 28— y 1 Pet v. 2, 3—: 1 Tim. 17— n 1 Thes. v. 13—* 1 Pet. \\. 10, U— cl Cor.
i. 17— rf Ch. ii. 4, 5-e Ver. \\. 7—/ Ver. 13-^ Mat. x. 20— /< 1 Cor. ix. 11, 14— i 1 Cor.
«. 16, 17, la— A Acts XX. 33,34.

not of the greedy dogs that can never have enough. (Z)
Nor of the shepherds that look to their own way, every
one for his gain from his quarter, (to) That feed them-
selves, and not the flock, {n) That make the people err,
biting with their teeth, and crying Peace, and pj-epanrz^r war
against all such as put not into their mouths, teaching for
hire, and divining for money, (o) Nor yet of these which
teach things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's
sake, [p) That run greedily after the error of Balaam for
reward, loving the wages of unrighteousness, {q) And
through covetousness, with feigned words, making mer-
chandize of souls, (r) Men of corrupt minds, destitute of
the truth, supposing that gain is godliness. (5) But they
knoiv that godliness, with contentment, is great gain, {t]
And having food and raiment, they are therewith con-
tent, (m)

ARTICLE XVII.

Concerning Worship.

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. (.r) God is a Spirit,
and they which worship him, must worship him in Spirit
and in Truth, {y) For the Lord is nigh to all them that
call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth, (z) He
is far from the wicked ; but he heareth the prayer of the
righteous, {a) And this is the confidence that we have in
him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he
heareth us. (5) What is it then ? We must pray with the
Spirit, and with the understanding also.(c) Likewise the
spirit also helpeth our infirmities ; for we know not what
we should pray for as we ought : but the Spirit maketh in-
tercession for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered :
and he thatsearcheth the heart, knoweth what is the mind
of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints,
according to the will of God. (</)

I Isaiah Ui. 11 — m Ibid. — n Ezek. xxxiv. 8 — o Micah ilL 5, 11— p Tit. i. 11 — o Pet ii.
15—*- Ver. 3— « 1 Tim. vi. 5— < Ver. 6— M Ver. 8.

X John iv. 23— y Ver. 24—2; Psalm clxv. 18— a Prov. xv. 29—6 1 John v. 14— c 1 Cor.
xiv. 15— d Rom. viii. 26, 27.

ARTICLE XVIII.

Concerning Baptism.

As there is one Lord, one faith, so tliere is one bap-
tism, (c) Which doth also now save us, not the putting
away of tlie filtli of tlie flesh, but the answer of a good
conscience towards God, by the resurrection of Jesus
Christ. (/) For John indeed baptized with water, but
Christ with the Holy Ghost, and with fire, (g) Therefore
as many as are baptized into Jesus Christ, arc baptized
into his death, and are buried with him by baptism into
deatli, that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by
tlie glory of the Father, even so they also should walk in
newness of life, (h) Having put on Christ, (i)

ARTICLE XIX.

Concerning eating of Bread and Wine, washing of one
another's Feet, abstaining from Things strangled, and
from Blood, and anointing of the Sick with Oil.

The Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was be-
trayed, took bread; and 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 ; for as
often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew
the Lord's death till he come, (k) Jesus knowing that the
Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was
come from God, and went to God, he riseth from supper,
and laid aside his garments, and took a towel, and girded
himself; after that he poureth water into a bason, and
began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with
the towel wherewith he was girded : so after he had washed
their feet, and had taken his garments, and was sat down

e Eph. iv. 5—/ 1 Pet. iii. 21, 22—*- Mat iii. 11— ft Rom. vi. 3, 4— i Gal. iii. 27.
k 1 Cor. xi. 23, 24, 2.5.

again, he said unto them, Know ye what I liave done to
you? Ye call me Master, and Lord, and ye say well;
for so I am : if I then, your Lord and Master, have washed
your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet ; for I
have given you an example, that ye should do as I have
done to you. (Z) 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 yourselves, ye
shall do well, {m) Is any man sick among you ? let him
call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over
liim, anointing him with oil. (w)

ARTICLE XX.

Concerning the Liberty of such Christians as are come to
know the Substance, as to the using or not using of
these Rites, and of the Observation of Days.

The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righte-
ousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, (o) Let
no man therefore judge us in meat or drink, or in respect of
any holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath
days. (^) For if we be dead with Christ from the rudi-
ments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are
we subject to ordinances? Ze? W5 not touch, or taste, or
handle, which all are to perish with the using, after the com-
mandments and doctrines of men. (q) For now, after we
have known God, or rather are known of him, why should
ive turn again unto the weak and beggarly elements, or
desire again to be in bondage, to observe days and months,
and times and years, lest labour have been bestowed on us
in vain?(r) If one man esteem a day above another,
another esteems every day alike ; let every man be fully
persuaded in his own mind : he that regardeth a day, re^
gardeth it unto the Lord : and he that regardeth not the
day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. (5)

i Johnxiii.Sto 5, l2 to 15— hi Actsxv. 28, 29— n James v. 14.

o Rom. xiv. 11— p Col. ii. \Q—q Ver. 20 to 22— r Gal. iv. 9 to 11— s flom> :uv. 5, g.

ARTICLE XXI.

Concerning Swearing, Fighting, and Persecution,

It hath been said by them of old time, Tliou shalt not
forswear tJiyself, but shalt perform unto the I^rd thine
oaths : but Christ says unto us, Swear not at all, neither
by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by the earth, for it
is his footstool ; neither by Jerusalem, for it is the city of
the Great King; neither shalt thou swear by thy head,
because thou canst not make one hair white or black ; but
let your communication be yea, yea; nay, nay; for what-
soever is more than these, cometh of evil.(<) ^nrf James
charged us, Above all things not to swear : neither by
lieaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath;
but let your yea be yea, and your nay, nay ; lest ye fall
into condemnation, (m) Though we walk in the flesh, we
are not to war after the flesh ; for the weapons of our war-
fare are not to be carnal, but mighty through God, to the
pulling down of strong holds, casting down imaginations,
and every high thing that exalteth itself against the know-
ledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought
to the obedience of Christ, (x) For wars and fightings
come of the lusts, that war in the members. (?/) Therefore
Christ commands, not to resist evil; but whosoever will
smite thee on the right cheek, to turn the other also, (r)
Because Christians are lambs among wolves, (a) There-
fore are they hated of all men for Christ's sake, {h) And
all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, must suft'er perse-
cution, (c) Such are blessed, for theirs is the kingdom of
lieaven. (d) For though they have lost their lives, yet
shall they save them, (e) And because they have confessed
Christ before men, he will also confess them before the
angels of God. (f) We ought not then to fear them which
kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather
him which is able to destroy both soul and body in
hell.(^)

t Mat. V. 33— .37— 1< James v. 12— j 2 Cor. x. 3, 4, 5— y James iv. I, 2—2 Mat. v. .'.(I—
a Luke x. ,i-6 Mat, x. 22— t 2 Tim. iii. 12— </ J.aL v. 10— e Ch. xvi. 95— /Luke xii. 8, i>-
g Mat. X. 21).

ARTICLE XXII.

Concerning Magistracy.

Let every soul be subject unto the higlier powers ; for
there is no power but of God; the powers that be, are or-
dained of God. Whosoever, therefore, resisteth the power,
resisteth the ordinance of God ; and they that resist, shall
receive to themselves damnation ; for rulers are not a ter-
ror to good works, but to the eviL Wilt thou then not
be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou
shall 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
thcit doeth evil. Wherefore we must needs be subject, not
only for wrath, but also for conscience-sake ; for, for this
cause pay we tribute also ; for they are God's ministers,
attending continually upon this very thing. Render there-
fore to all their dues; tribute to whom tribute is due, cus-
tom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honour to whom
honour, (h) Therefore are ive to submit ourselves to
every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake ; whether it be
to the king, as supreme ; or unto governors, 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, loe may put to silence the ig-
norance of foolish men. (i) Yet it is right in the sight of
God, to hearken unto him more than unto them, (k) And
though they straitly command us not to teach in Christ's
name, ive ought to obey God rather than men. (/)

ARTICLE XXIIL

Concerning the Resurrection

There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the
just and unjust, (m) They that have done good, unto the
resurrection of life : and they that have done evil, unto

ft Rom. xiii. ]— 7— i 1 Pet. ii. 13— 15— ,V Acts iv. 1&— Acts v. 28, 29.
m Ch. xxiv. 15.

the resurrection of damnation. (?i) Flesh and blood can-
not inherit the kingdom of God, neither doth corruption
inherit incorruption. (o) Nor is that body sown that shall
be; but God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and
to every seed his own body. 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, {p)

n John V. 29— « 1 for. xv. 80— j» 1 Cor. xv. 37, ."iS, 42-44.

NOTICE TO THE READER.
[by the author.]

Note, reader, that I have here throughout made use of
the last common translation of the Bible ; and if I would
have made use of the Hebrew and Greek, I could have
produced divers other very clear Scriptures, which in the
common translation are corrupted and perverted ; but I
chose rather to do thus, that our opposers might see I
took no advantage that way ; and also, that all tliat can
but read, may find the places cited in their own Bibles.

THE END.

Joseph Rickerby, Printer, Sherboum Lane>

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UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO LIBRARY

RTheol Barclay, Robert
B A catechism and confession

of faith.

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