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AND
CONFESSION OF FAITH,
Approved of and agreed unto by the General
Jissemhlij of the Patriarchs, Prophets,
and Apostles, CHRIST himself Chief
Speaker in and among them;
Which containeth a true and faithful Account of the
Principles and Doctrines, which are most surely believ-
ed by the Churches of Christ in Great Britain and Ire-
land, who are reproachfully called by the name of
QUAKERS; yet are found in the one Faith with the
Vs Primitive Church and Saints, as is most clearly demon-
^^^ strated by some plain Scripture Testimonies (without
Consequences or Commentaries) which are here col-
lected, and inserted by way of Answer to a few weighty,
jUrj^ yet easy and familiar Questions, fitted as well for the w i-
Bcst and largest, as for the weakest and lowest capacities.
BY ROBERT*BARCLAY.
Search the Scriptures, (or, ye search the Scriptures) for in
ihem ye think ye have eternal Life, and they are they Avhich
testify of me. And ye will not come unto me, that ye might
have Life. John v. 39, 40.
■'". I ■ ' c ' ■ 1' II I ■ ■ III ■■ " ' "v;' "J !■ ■",
TO WHICH IS ADDED,
THE
ANCIENT TESTIMONY
OF THE SAID PEOPLE, REYH ED.
WILMIJ\*GTOJV, DEL.
PRINTED AND SOLD BY JAMES WILSON.
tN*o, 105, Market Street.
18£1.
ws.
.^0
^%\
FREFJICE TO THE READEN.
SINCE first that great apostacy took place, in the
hearts and heads of those who began, even in the Apos-
•; ties' days, to depart from the simplicity and purity of the
""! gospel, as it was then delivered in its primitive splendor
and integrity, innumerable have been the manifold inven-
tions and traditions, the different and various notions and
opinions, wherewith man (by giving \vay to the vain and
airy imaginations of his own unstable mind) hath burthen-
ed 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 sub-
stituted 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 sh^ and name, but wanting
the substance and thing itself. Nevertheless, it pleased
t God to raise up witnesses for himself almost in every age
\ and generation, who, according to the discoveries they
received, bore some testimony, less or more, against the
superstition and apostacy of the time; and in special
manner, through the appearing of that light which first
broke forth in Germany, about one hundred and fifty
years ago, and afterwards reached divers other nations,
j"^. the beast received a deadly wound; and a very great num-
ber did at one time protest against, and rescind from the
Church of Rome, in divers of their most gross and sensual
doctrines and superstitious traditions: but, alas! it is for
matter of lamentation, that the successors of these Pro-
testants are establishing and building up in themselves,
that which their fathers were pulling down, instead of
prosecuting and going on with so good and honorable a
work, which w^ill easily appear.
The generality of all Protestants (though in many othef'
things miserably rent and shattered among themselves) do
agree in dividing from the Church of Rome in these two
particulars:
First — That every principle and doctrine of the chfis*^
tian faith, is, and ought to be, founded upon the scripture;
and that whatsoever principles and doctrines are not only
not contrary, but even not according thereto, ought to be
denied as antichristian.
Secondly — That the scriptures themselves are plain and
easy to be undeistood; and that every private christian and
member of the church ought to read and peruse Ihem,
that they may know their faith and belief founded upou
them, and receive them for that cause alone, and not be-
cause any church or assembly has compounded and recom-
mended them; the choicest and most pure of which, they
arc obliged to look upon %s fallible.
Now, contrary to this their known and acknowledged
principle, they do most vigorously prosecute and persecute
otiiers with the like severity the Papists did their fathersr>
for believing things that are plainly set down in the scrip-
lures, and for not believing divers principles, for which
tliemselves are forced to recur to tradition, and can by no
means prove fi-om scripture: to shew which I shall not here
insist, having allotted a chapter for it in the book itsejf —
because, to put it here, would swell it beyond the bounds
of a preface.
Oh! how hke do they sliew themselves (I mention it with
regret) to the scribes and pharisees 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 are they that were the greatest opposers and
vilifiers of Christ, to whom Moses and all the prophets
gave witness; yea, their chief accusations and exceptions
PREFACE, V
ag-ainst 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 reviled, and accused as heretics, by a gene-
ration tliat cry up and exalt the scriptures: and yet these
people's principles are found in scripture, word by word;
though the most grievous, and indeed the greatest calum-
ny cast upon them is, that they vilify and deny the scrip-
tures, 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 im-
partial view. If thou lovest the scriptures 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; es-
pecially in those things their adversaries oppose them in,
where the scripture plainly decideth the controversy foi*
them, without niceties and school-distinctions, which have
been the wisdom by which the world hath not known Godj
and the words which have* been multiplied, 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 somew^hat sub-
sumed, of what in my judgment is the plain and naked
import of the words, it is not to impose my sense upon the
reader, but to make way for the next questions, for the
dependance of the matter's sake.
I shall leave it to the reason of any understanding and
judicious man, who is not biassed by self-interest, that
great enemy to true equity, and who in the least measure
A2
VI PREFACE^
is willing to give way to the light of Christ in his con-
science, 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 w ithout cause, I now have taken another method: they
usually place their confession of faith before the cate-
chism: I judge it ought to be otherwise, in regard that
wliich is easiest, and is composed for children, or such as
are vreak, ought in my judgment to be placed first; it be-
ing most regular to begin with things that are easy and fa-
miliar, and lead on to things that are more hard and intri-
cate. Besides, that things be more largely opened in the
catechism, and divers objections answered, which are pro-
posed in the questions, the reader having passed through
that first, w^iil more perfectly understand the confession^
v/hich consisteth mainly in positive assertions.
Not long after I had received and believed the testimony
1 now bear, I had in my view both the possibility and fa-
cility of such a work; and now after a more large and per-
fect acquaintance w^ith the holy scriptures, 1 found access
to allow some time to set about it, and have also been
helped to accomplish the sajpie.
I doubt not but it might be enlarged by divers citations,
vvhich are here omitted, as not being at present brought to
my remembrance; yet I find cause to be contented, in that
God hath so far assisted me in this w^ork 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 beUeved: which of all
things is most earnestly desired, and daily prayed for.
By ROBERT BARCLAY,
%B servaiU of the Church of Christ,
From Urie, the place of my being, in my native
country of Scotland, the 11th of the sixth month; 167^^
d CJlTECniSM, c§-c?
CHAP. I.
Of God^ and the true and saving knowledge of him'.
Quest. SEEING it is a thing unquestioned
by all sorts of Christians, that the height of hap-
piness consisteth in coming to know and enjoy
eternal life, what is it in the sense and judgment
of Christ?
Ans. This is life eternal, that they might j^^^ ^^ o
know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ
whom thou hast sent.
Q. How doth God reveal his knowledge?
A. For God, who commanded the light to shine 2Cor.4. 6»
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. How many Gods are there?
A. One God. Eph. 4. 6.
We know that an idol is nothiug in the world, ^^^^ q^q
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. John 4 24
Q. Among all the blessed, glorious and divine
excellencies of God, which are ascribed and giv-
en to him in the Scriptures; what is that which is
most needful for us to take notice of, as being the
message which the apostles recorded in special
8
manaer to declare of him now under the gospel?
lJohnl.5. '^' ^^'^^9 then, is the message which we have
heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is
light, and in him is no darkness at all.
Q. What are they that bear record in heaven?
ch. 5. T A. There are three that bear record in heaven,
the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost3 and
these three are one,
Q. How cometh any man to know God the Fa-
ther, according to Christ's words?
l.uk.lO. 22. A. All things are delivered to me of my Fa-
^ * * * ther, and no man knows who the Son is, but the
Father, and who the Father is, but the Son, and
he to whom the Son will reveal him.
John 14. 6. 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 his knowledge?
ICor. 2. 9, A. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor
10 11 12.
' ' ' ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of
man, the things which God hath prepared for
them that love him! but God hath revealed them
unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all
things, yea, the deep things of God. For what
man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit
of a man which is in him? even so the things of
God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
Now, we have received, not the spirit of the
world, but the Spirit which is of God, that we
barglay's gateghism. 9-
might know the things that are freely given to us
of God.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, johnl4.2^
whom the Father will send in my name, he shall
teach you all things, and bring all things to your
remembrance, &c.
CHAP. n.
Of the rule and guide of Christians^ and of the
Scriptures,
Q. Seeing it is by the Spirit, that Christ reveals
the knowledge of God in things s;jiritual; is it by
the Spirit that we must be led under the gospel?
A. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spi- Romans a
9 14
rit, 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 j John 3.
of him, abideth in youj 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 iThes.4. 9.
that I write unto you; for ye yourselves are
taught of God to love one another.
Q. 1 perceive by this, that it is by an inward
10
anointing and rule that christians are to ,be
taught: is this the very tenor of the new covenant
dispensation?
Heb. 8. 10. A. For this is the covenant that I will make
with the house of Israel, after those days, saith
the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and
verse 11. 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 neighbor, and
every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord,
for all shall know me, from the least to the
greatest.
John 6. 45. And they shall be all taught of God.
Q. Did Christ then promise, that the Spirit
should both abide with his disciples, and be in
them?
John 14. A. And I will pray the Fatlier, and he shall
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 knowelh him: but ye know him; for
, be dwells with you, and shall be in you.
Q. For what end were the scriptures written?
Rom. 15. 4. A. For whatsoever things were v/ritten afore-
time, were written for our learning, that we
through patience and comfort of the scriptures
might have hope.
Q. For what are they profitable?
A. Thou hast known the holy scriptures, which
2 Tim. 3, • I • 1 1
15. 16. 17, are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through
I
11
faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is
given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruc-
tion in righteousness, that the man of God may
be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good
works,
Q. Wherein consists the excellency of the
scriptures?
A. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the ^ peter 1.
scriptures is of any private interpretation. For ^^'> ^^*
the prophecy came not in old time by the will of
man, but holy men of God spake as they were
moved by the Holy Ghost.
Q. The scriptures are then to be regarded, be-
cause they came from the Spirit, and they also
testify, that not they, but the Spirit, is to lead
into truth: in what respect doth Christ command
to search them?
A. Search the scriptures, for in them ye think jqJ^^ 5. o9.
ye have eternal life, and they are they which
testify of me.
Q. I perceive there was a generation of old,
that greatly exalted the scriptures, and yet would
not believe, nor come to be guided by that the
scriptures directed to: How doth Christ bespeak * ,
such?
A. Do not think that I will accuse you to the john 5.
Father; there is one that accuseth you, even Mo- ^^i^^^^.-.
ses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Mo-
ses, ye v/ould have believed me; for he wrote of
12 Barclay's catechism.
me. But if ye believe not his writings, how
shall ye believe my words?
Q. AVhat ought such then to be accounted of,
notwithstanding of their pretences of being ruled
by the scriptures?
2 Peter ^» ^^ which are some things hard to be under-
^' ^^' stood, which they that are unlearned and unsta-
ble, wrest, as they do also tlie other scriptures,
unto their own destruction.
CHAP. III.
Of Jesus Christ being manifest in the flesh; the
use and end of it.
Q. What are the scriptures which do most
observably prophesy of Christ's appearance?
Deut. 18. A. The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee
a prophet from the midst of thee, of thy breth-
ren, like unto me, unto him ye shall hearken.
isii. 7. 14, Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a
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?
Mic.5. 2. ^' ^"^ ^^^^ Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou
be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out
of thee shall he come forth unto mC; that is to be
Barclay's catechism. 15
ruler in Israel, whose goings forth have been from ^
of old, from everlasting.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word john 1.
was with God, and the Word was God; the same 1^2,5.
was in the beginning with God: all things were
made by him, and without him was not any thing
made that was made.
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto John 8. 58.
you, before Abraham was, I am.
And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine John 17. 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 gp^j 3 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 in Col. i. 16.
heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisibl<e,
whether they be thrones, or dominions, or princi-
palities, or powers; all things were created by
him, and for him.
God hath in these last days spoken unto us by Heb. 1. 2,
his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all
things, by whom also he made the world.
Q. These are very clear, that even the world
was created by Christ: but what scriptures prove
the divinity of Christ, against such as falsely
deny the same.^
A. And the Word was God. John 1. 1.
Whose arc the fathers; and jof whom, as con^ Bom. 9.5,
B
14 Barclay's catechism*
cerning the flesh, Christ came, who is over all,
God blessed for ever. Amen.
Phil 2. 6. Who being in the form of God, thought it no
robbery to be equal with God.
1 John 5. 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. 9. 6. -^' -^^^ '*^^ name shall be called, Wonderful,
Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting
Father, the Prince of Peace.
Col. 1.15. Who is the image of the invisible God, the
first-born of every creature.
Ileb. 1. 3. Who being the brightness of his glory, and the
express image of his person (or more proper ac-
cording to the Greek, of his substance.)
Rev.l9. 13. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in
blood; and his name is called the Word of God.
Q. After what manner was the birth of Christ.^
Matl. 18. ^^ js^Q^ ^\^Q j^jj.^!^ Q^ 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.
Lake 1.30. And the aneel said unto her. Fear not Mary,
31, 32, 34, ^ *^
35^ for ihou hast found favor with God. And behold
thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth
a son, and shalt call his name Jesus: he shall be
Id
great, and shall be called the 8on of the Highest;
and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne
of his father David. Then said Mary unto the
angel, how shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
And the angel answered and said unto her, the
Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power
of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore
also that holy thing, that shall be born of thee,
shall be called the Son of God.
Q. Was Jesus Christ, who was born of the
Virgin Mary, and supposed to be the son of Jo-
seph, a true and real man?
A. Forasmuch as the children are partakers of Heb.2. 14,
llesh and blood, he also himself took part of the
same, that through death he might destroy him
that had the power of death, that is, the devil.
For verily he took not on him the nature of Heb. 2.
angels, but he took on him the seed of Abraham. ^^' ^'^'
Wherefore, in all things it behoved him to be
made like unto his brethren, that he might be a
merciful and faithful high priest. &c.
For we have not an high priest which cannot ^ -^ a i^
be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but
was in all points tempted as we are, yet without
sin.
And the gift by grace, which is by one nian, rq^^ 5 15^
Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and be- i cor. 15.
come the first fruits of them that slept. For ^^' ^^'
16 BARCLAV^S CATECHISM.
since by man came death, by man came also the
resurrection of the dead.
Q. After what manner doth the scripture assert
the conjunction and unity of the eternal Son of
God, in and with the man Christ Jesus?
John A. 14. A. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt
among us (and w^e beheld his glory, the glory as
of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace
and truth.
John 3. 34. For he whom God hath sent, speaketh the
words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by
measure unto him.
Acts 10.38. How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the
Holy Ghost and with power, who went about do-
ing good, and healing all that were oppressed of
the devil; for God was with him.
Col. 1. 19. For it pleased the Father, that in him should
all fulness dwell.
Col. 2. 9. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the
Godhead bodily.
Col. 2. 3. In him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and
knowledge.
Q. For what end did Christ appear in the world? j
Rom. 8.3. ^* ^^^ 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, con-
demned sin in the flesh.
1 John 3. For this purpose the Son of God was manifest-
' ' ' ed, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Barclay's catechism. IT
And ye know that he was manifested to take
away our sins.
Q. AVas Jesus Christ really crucified and raised
again?
A. For I delivered unto you first of all, that i Coi\ 15.
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,
according to the scriptures.
Q. What end do the scriptures ascribe unto
the coming, death and sufferings of Christ?
A. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, j^^te 2.
which thou hast prepared before the face of all ^^> ^^> ^^'
people, A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the
glory of thy people Israel.
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation Rom. 3. 25,
through faith in his blood, to declare his right-
eousness for the remission of sins that are past,
through the forbearance of God.
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, Eph. 5. 2.
and hath given himself for us, an offering and a
sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.
And having made peace through the blood of (-.^l j
his cross by him, to reconcile all things unto him- 20, 21, 22.
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 his flesh, through death, to present
you holy, unblamable and unreprovable in his sight.
B2
18 BARCLAY'S CATECHISM.
Heb. 9. Neither by the blood of soats and calves, but
12,14. . "^ ®
by his own blood, he entered in once into the holy
place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who
through the eternal Spirit offered himself without
spot to God, purge your consciences from dead
works to serve the living God?
1 Peter 3. ^^^ Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the
1^- just for the unjust (that he might bring us to God)
being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by
the Spirit.
1 .Tohn 3. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because
he laid down his life for us.
Heb. 9. 15. And for this cause he is the mediator of the
New Testament, that by means of death for the
redemption of the transgressions that were under
the first Testament, they which are called, might
receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
Q. Is Christ then the Mediator?
I Tim. 2. 5. A. For there is one God, and one Mediator be-
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?
Rev. 5. 12. A. He is the Lamb that was slain from the
foundation of 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?
^ 13. 8.
Barclay's catechism; 19
A. Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye 1 Cor. 10,
12 3 4*
should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were ' ' *
under the cloud, and all passed through the sea,
and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud,
and in the sea, and did all eat the same spiritual
meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink;
(for they drank of that spiritual Rock that fol-
lowed them, and that Rock was Christ.)
Q. But whereas 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 any thing for himself to do in us, nor for us
to do, in and by his strength?
A. For even hereunto were ye called, because ^ Peter 2.
Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, ^^•
that ye should follow his steps.
Whereof I Paul am made a minister, who now ^^^j ^
rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that 23, 24.
which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in mj
flesh, for his body's sake, which is the church.
Always bearing about in the body the dying of 2 cor. 4,
the Lord Jesus; that the life also of Jesus might ^^' ^^'
be made manifest in our body. For we which
live, are always delivered unto death for Jesus's
sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made
manifest in our mortal flesh.
And that he died for all, that they which live, ^q^ . ^,.
should not henceforth live unto themselves; but
20 Barclay's catechism.
unto him that died for them, and also rose again.
Phil. 3.10. That I may know him, and the power of his
resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings,
being made conformable to his death.
CHAP. lY.
Of the new birth, the inward appearance of Christ
in Spirit^ and the unity of the saints with him,
Q. Doth Christ promise then to come again to
his disciples?
Johnl4. 18. A. I will not leave you comfortless; I will come
unto you.
Q. Was this only a special promise to these
disciples? or is it not the common privilege of the
saints?
Isa.57. 15. A. For thus saith the high and lofty One, that
inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in
the high and holy place, with him also that is of a
contrite and humble spirit, &c.
2 Cor. 6. For ye are the temple of the living God; as God
hath said, I will dwell in them and walk in them.
KeT.3.20. Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any
man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come
in to him, and sup with him, and he with me.
Q. Doth the apostle Paul speak of the Son of
God being revealed in him?
Gal. 1. A. But when it pleased God, who separated me
from my mother's womb, and called me by his
15. 16.
BAROLAY^S CATECHISM. 21
grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might
preach him among the heathen.
Q. Is it needful then to know Christ within?
A. Examine yourselves, whether je be in the 2 Cor. 13;
faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your
own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, ex-
cept 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 Gal. 4.19.
birth 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 new creature beyond the outward?
A. Wherefore, henceforth know we no man af- 2 Cor. 5,
ter the flesh; yea, though we have known Christ '
after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him
no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he
is a new creature; old things are passed away,
behold all things are become new.
But ye have not so learned Christ; if so be that Eph. 4. 20
ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, ^^' ^^> ^^^
as the truth is in Jesus: that ye put off, concern-
ing the former conversation, the old man which is
corrupt, according to the deceitful lusts; and be
renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye
put on the new man, which after God is created
in righteousness and true holiness.
Q. Is this Christ v/ithin, the mystery of God
and hope of glory, which the apostle preached?
2£
Col. 1. A. To whom God would make known what is
' ' the riches of the glory of this mystery among the
Gentiles; which is, Christ in you the hope of glo-
ry, whom we preach.
Q. Doth the apostle any where else press the
putting on of this new birth?
Rom. 13. A. Put ve on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make
14. . "
no provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Q. Doth he write to any of the saints, as hav-
ing put off the old, and put on the new man?
Gal 3. 27. ■^' -^^^^ ^^ many of you as have been baptized
into Christ, have put on Christ.
Col. 3. Seeing that ye have put off the old man with
9. 10. 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 new birth?
John 3. 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?
1 Peter 1 ^* Being born again, not of corruptible seed,
23. but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which
liveth and abideth for ever.
Q. What doth the apostle Paul witness of him-
self concerning this new life?
Gal. 2. 20. A. I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I
live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.
Q. What is the preaching of the cross of Christ?
Barclay's catechism. 53
A. For the preaching of the cross is to them 1 Cor. 1.
that perish, foolishness; but unto us that are
saved, it is the power of God.
Q. What effect hath this cross in the apostle?
And how much preferreth he the new creature,
to all outward and visible ordinances and obser-
vances?
A. But God forbid that I should glory, save in ^^^ g
the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the 14,15.
world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world:
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth
any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
Q, What speaketh Christ of the unity of the
saints with him?
A. At that day ye shall know that I am in my johnl4.20.
Father, and you in me, and I in you.
Abide in me, and I in you; as the branch can- John 15.
not 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 1 in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit;
for without me ye can do nothing.
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them jq|^„ ;j^
also which shall believe in me through their word; 20, 21, 22,
^ 23.
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 wliich thou gavest me, I have
given ttiem, that they may be one, even as we are
one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be
S4 ba'rclay's catechism.
made perfect in one, and that the world may
know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved theni
as thou hast loved me.
Q. What saith the apostle Paul to this purpose?
Heb. 2. 11. A. For both he that sanctifies, and they that
are sanctified, are all of one; for which cause he
is not ashamed to call them brethren.
Q. What spJth the apostle Peter?
2 Peter 1. A. Whereby are given unto us, exceeding
great and precious promises, that by these you
might be partakers of the divine nature, having
escaped the corruption that is in the world through
lust.
CHAP.V.
Concerning the light wherewith Jesus Christ hath
enlightened every man: the universality and
sufficiency of God^s grace^ to all the
worlds made manifest therein^
Q. Wherein consists the love of God towards
fallen and lost man?
John 3. 10. A. For God so loved the world, that he gave
his only begotten Son, that Vv^hosoever believeth in
him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
1 John 4. In this was manifested the love of God towards
us, because that God sent his only begotten Son
into the world, that we might live through him.
Q.- What is intended here by the world? all
arid every raau; or only a few?
9.
Barclay's catechism. 2S
A. But we see Jesus, who was made a little Heb. 2. 9.
lower than the angels, for the suffering of death,
crowned with glory and honor; that he by the
grace of God should taste death for every man.
And if any man sin, we have an advocate with 1 John 2.
the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, and he is *
the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours
only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
Q. Methinks the apostle John is very plain
there, in mentioning the whole world, which
must be not only the saints, but all others, seeing
he distinguished the world from himself, and all
the saints to whom he then wrote: What saitli
Paul elsewhere in this matter?
A. Christ in you, the hope of glory, whom we Col. 1.
preach, warning every man, and teaching every *
man in all wisdom, that we may present every
man perfect in Christ Jesus.
1 exhort therefore, that first of all, supplica- 1 Tim. 2.
tions, prayers, intercessions, and giving of '
thanks, be made for all men: for this is good and
acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who
will have all men to be saved, and to come to the
knowledge of the truth; who gave himself a ran-
som 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 prom- 2 Peter 3.
ise, (as some men count slackness) but is long- ^'
suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should
26
perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Q. Are there any more scripture passages that
prove this thing?
Ezek. 33. A. Say unto them, as I live, saith the Lord
11
God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wick-
ed, but that the wicked turn from his way and live.
Psalm 145. The Lord is gracious and full of compassion;
slow to anger, and of great mercy. The Lord is
good to all, and his tender mercies are over all
his works.
2 Cor. 5. To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the
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 who assert, that God nor
Christ never purposed love nor salvation to a
great part of mankind, and that the coming and
sufferings of Christ never were intended, nor
could be useful to their justification; but will and
must be effectual for their condemnation, even
according to God's purpose; who from their very
infancy, ta their grave, withheld from them all
means of salvation.^ What saith the scripture to
such?
John 3. 17. A. For God sent not his Son into the world to
condemn the world, but that the world through
him might be saved.
JoTjLnl2. I am come a light into the world, that whoso-
46.47. ever believeth on n\e, should not abide in dark-
BARCLAY'S CATECHISM:. 27
ness. And if any man hear my words, and believe
not, I judge him not; for I came not to judge the
%vorld, but to save the world.
Q. From what scripture then come these men
to wrest an opinion so contrary to truth?
A. For the children being not yet born, neither Romans 9.
having done any good or evil, that the purpose » ' '^'
of God according to election might stand, not of
works, but of him that calleth, it was said unto
her, the elder shall serve the younger; as it is
written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
Q. I perceive in that scripture it v/as only said,
before the children were born, the elder shall
serve the younger; these other words (Jacob have
I loved, Esau have I hated) are mentioned out of
the prophet Malachi, who wrote them many hun-
dred years after both were dead: doth not the
scripture mention any other cause of God's hating
Esau, than merely his decree? What saith the
same apostle elsewhere?
A. Lest there be any fornicator, or profane per- „ i^ ^^
son, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his 16, 17.
birthright: for ye know how that afterward when
he would have inherited the blessing, he was re-
jected,
Q. But seeing that such alledge, that it is be-
cause of Adam's sin, that many, even children,
are damned; doth not the scripture aver, that the
death of Christ was as large to heal, as Adam's
gin could be to condemn?
^8
Romans 5. A. For if through the offence of one, many be
dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift
by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ.—
Therefore as by the offence of one, judgment came
upon all men to condemnation; even so by the
righteousness of one, the free gift came upon all
men unto justification of life.
Q. That proves abundantly, that Christ's death
is of sufficient extent, to make up any hurt
Adam's sin brought upon mankind: what is then
the cause of condemnation?
John 3. 18. A. He that believeth on him is not condemned;
but he that believeth not, is condemned already,
because he hath not believed in the name of the
only begotten Son of God.
2 Thes. 2. And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness
' ' "' in them that perish, because they received not the
love of the truth, that they might be saved. And
for this cause God shall send them strong delu-
sion, that they shall believe a lie, that they all
might be damned who believe not the truth, but
had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Q. Seeing it is of a truth, according to the
scripture's testimony, that God has purposed love
and mercy to all, in the appearance of his Son
Jesus Christ; is the gospel or glad tidings of this
salvation, brought nigh unto all, by which they
are put into a capacity of receiving the grace,
and being saved by it?
Gol, 1. 23. A. If ye continue in the faith grounded andl
Barclay's catechism. i29
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 the gospel?
A. Lam not ashamed of the gospel; for it isRom. 1. 16.
the power of God unto salvation, to every one
that believeth.
p
Q. Is the gospel hid
A. If our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that 2Cor.4,
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 who is
the image of God should shine unto them.
Q. Is the light then come into the world? and
are not men condemned because they love it not,
and not because it is hid from them?
A. And this is the condemnation, that light is John 3. 19.
come into the world, and men love darkness ra-
ther than light.
Q. Why do they so?
A. Because their deeds are evil. John 3. 19.
Q. Is every man enlightened by this light?
A. He \yas not that light, but was sent to bear j^j^,^ j g 9^
witness of that light, that was the true light,
which enlighteneth every man that cometh into
the world.
Q. Doth this light discover all things?
A. All things that are reproved are made man- Eph. 5. 13.
C2
30 Barclay's catechism.
ifest by the light; for whatsoever doth make man-
ifest, is light.
Q. Do evil men preach up this light, or mind it?
.John 3.20. A. Everj one that doth evil, hateth the light,
neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should
be reproved.
J^ob 24. 13. They are of those that rebel against the light.
Q. Do good men love it and follow il.^
Johns. 21. A. He that doeth 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 walk in it?
1 John l.r. 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 command to take heed to the
light?
John 12. A. While ye have the light, believe in the
light, that ye may be the children of the light.
Q. Were the apostles commanded to turn peo-
ple to the light?
Acts 26. A. Delivering thee from the people, and fromi
'^^' ^^' the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, to opem
their eyes, and to turn them from darkness unto»
light, and from the power of Satan unto God,,
that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and in
heritance among them which are sanctified^j;
through faith that is in me.
SI
Q. Doth this light abide .with every man all
his life time, in order to save, or only during the
day of his visitation?
A. Yet a little while is the light with you; Johnl2.35.
walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come
upon you.
Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in Da- ^^h. 4. 7,
vid, 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 know things concerning their
peace, which afterwards may be hid from them?
A. And when he was come near, he beheld the Luke 19.
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 who would
not, and therefore were condemned?
A. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem! thou that killest Mat.23. 37.
the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto ^^^^1^-^^*
thee: how often would I have gathered thy chil-
dren together, even as a hen gathereth her chick-
ens under her wings, and ye would not?
Then his Lord, after that he had called him, Mat. 18.
said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave ^^^^^^^'^^
thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on
3i^ Barclay's catechism.
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.
Actsl3. 46. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said,
it was necessary that the word of God should first
have been spoken to you; but seeing ye put it
from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of ev-
erlasting life, lo we turn to the Gentiles.
Proverbsl. Because I have called, and ye refused; 1 have
" ^ ^' ' stretched out my hand, and no man regarded: but
ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would
none of my reproof: 1 also will laugh at your ca-
lamity, I will mock when your fear cometh.
Jew 18. 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
wherewith I said I would benefit them.
Q. Doth God's Spirit strive then for a season,
and afterwards forbear?
Gen. 6. 3. A. And the Lord said, my Spirit shall not al-
ways strive with man.
Q. May it then be resisted?
Acts 7. 51. A. Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart
and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost; as
your fathers did, so do ye.
Rom. 1. 18. ^^^' ^^^ wrath of God is revealed from heaven
against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of
men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.
53
Q. Hath God manifested to man that which
may be known of himself?
A. That which may be known of God, is mani- Rom. 1.19,
fest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
Q. Is then this light or seed sown in the heart
of evil men?
A. And he spake many things to them in par- Mat. 13,
ables; Behold, a sower went forth to sow, and ^> ^> ^» ^'
when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way-side,
&c. Some fell among stony places, &c. And
some fell among thorns, &c«
Q. Are these places, where the seed is said to
have fallen, understood of the hearts of men?
A. Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. M'at 13.
.18 19.
When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, '
and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked
one, and catcheth away that which was sown in
his heart; this is he which received the seed by
the way -side, &c.
Q. Is this seed small in its first appearance?
A. The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of Mat. 13.
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 another dialect than the common;
though I must needs confess, it is the very lan-
guage of the scriptures; is a saving manifestation
of the Spirit given unto all?
1 Cor. 12. A. The manifestation of the Spirit is given to
every man to profit withal?
Q. Sure, if it be to profit withal, it must be in
order to save; for if it were not useful, yea, suffi-
cient to save, what profit could it be of? but in
regard some speak of a p;race that is common,
and of a grace that is saving, is there such a grace
common unto all, as brings salvation?
Titus 2. 11. A. The grace of God that brings salvation,
hath appeared unto all men.
Q. That which brings salvation must needs be
saving; what doth that grace teach us?
Titus 2. 22. A. Teaching us, that denying ungodliness and
wordly lusts, we should live soberly, righteouslj
and godly, in this present world.
Q. Certainly that which teacheth both right-
eousness and godliness must be sufficient; for
therein consisteth the whole duty of man: What
saith the apostle elsewhere of this instructer?
Acts20 32. •^* -^^^ now, brethren, I commend you to God,
and to the word of his grace, which is able to
build you up, and to give you an inheritance
among all those that are sanctified.
Q. What is the word of God?
Hebrews 4. A. The word of God is quick and powerful,
12, lo. jj^Q 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
Barclay's catechism, 55
bight, but all things are naked and open to the
ejes of him with whom we have to do.
Q. Ought we to take heed to this word?
A. We have also a more sure word of prophe- 2 Peter
cy, w^hereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as
unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the
day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts,.
Q. I perceive the scriptures are very clear,
both concerning the universality and sufficiency
of this light, seed, grace and word of God; but is
this word nigh or afar off, inward or outward?
A. Say not in thine heart, who shall ascend in- Romans 10,
6 7 8
to 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. That is clear, as to the word; is there any
scripture speaks of the light's being inward?
A. God, who commanded the liffht to shine out 2 Cor. 4*
f\ '7
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?
A. The kinodom of God comes not with ob- ^-ul^e 17.
20 21
servation; neither shall they sav, lo here, or lo '
S6 Barclay's catechism.
there; for behold, the kingdom of God is within
you.
CHAP. vr.
Concerning Faiths Justijication^ and Works.
Q. What is faith?
Heb. 11. 1. A. Faith is the substance of things hoped for,
and the evidence of things not seen.
Q. [s faith of absolute necessity.^
Heb. 11. 6. -^^ Without faith it is impossible to please him,
for he that cometh to God, must believe that he
is, and that he is a rewarder of them that dili-
gently seek him.
Q. Are vi^e justified by faith.^
Gal. 3.24. A. Wherefore the law vi^as our school-master
to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified
by faith.
Q. What is the nature of this faith that availeth
to justification?
Gal. 5. 6. A. For in Jesus Christ, neither circumcision
availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but faith
which worketh by love.
Q. Are works then necessary to justification,
as well as faith?
James 2. A. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith
^ ' without works is dead? Was not Abraham our
father justified by works, when he had offered
Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith
wrought with his works, and by works was faith
made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled,
which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was
imputed to him for righteousness: he was called
the friend of God, Ye see then how that by
works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Q. If then both be equally required in justifi-
cation, what are these works which the apostle
excludes so much?
A. By the deeds of the law, there shall no Rom. 3. 20.
flesh 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 may be exalted?
A. For by grace are ye saved, through faith, gph, 2,
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 works which are performed by
grace excluded? Are we never said to be saved
or justified by them?
A. Not by works of righteousness which we Titus 3,
have done, but according to his mercy he saved ^ ^ '^^
us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing
of the Holy Ghost, which he shed on us abun-
dantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that
being justified by his grace, we should be made
lieirs, according to the hope of eternal life.
Q. I perceive then, that to be justified by grace,
is to be justified or saved by regeneration, which
38
cannot exclude the works wrought by grace and
by the Spirit; how doth the apostle add in the next
Terse, for the maintaining this against those that
cavil about the law?
Titus 3. A. This is a faithful saying, and these things I
• will that thou aflBrm constantly; that they which
have believed in God, might be careful to maintain
good w orks. These things are good and profitable
unto men. But avoid foolish questions, and gen-
ealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the
law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
Q. Doth the apostle Paul, that is so much a-
gainst justification by the works of the law, speak
any where else of being justified by the Spirit.^
1 Cor. 6. A. But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified,
but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Je-
sus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Q. But since the law gives not power nor abil-
ity to obey, and so falls short of justification, is
there no power under the gospel, by which the
rig-hteousness of the law comes to be fulfilled in-
wardly?
liom. 8. A. For what the law could not do, in that it
^'^' was weak through the flesh, God sending his own
Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin,
condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness
of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not
after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Q. Seeing then there is a power in the Spirit,
Barclay's catechism. 39
are not works through it, a condition upon which
life is proposed under the new covenant?
A. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die; Rom. 8.13.
but if ye thiough the Spirit, do mortify the deeds
of the body, ye shall live.
Q. Do not the apostles then frequently propose
life to people, upon condition of repentance and
other works?
A. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that Acts 3. 19.
your sins may be blotted out.
z\nd if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and Rom. 8.17,
joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer
with him, that we may also be glorified together.
It is a faithful saying: for if we be dead with 2 Tim. 2.
"1119 91
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
honor, sanctified and meet for the master's use,
and prepared unto every good work.
Remember, therefore, from whence thou artRev. 2. 5.
fallen; and repent, and do the first works; or else
I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove
thy candlestick out of his place, except thou re-
pent.
Q. It appears clearly by these passages, that
the apostle excludes only our righteousness, which
he elsewhere explains, as being the righteousness
of the law, from being necessary to justification,
and not such works as the law of the Spirit of
life leads to, and are not so much ours as Christ
40 BARCLAt'^S OATJiCHlSM.
in usi are not such good works rewarded, though
they require no absolute merit, as being the fruits
of free grace; yet doth not God judge according
to them, and may they not be said to have a re-
ward?
Ezeklel 18. A. But if a man be just, and do that which is
' ' ' ' ' lawful and right, and hath not eaten upon the
mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the
idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled
Jiis neighbor's wife, neither hath come near to a
menstruous woman; and hath not oppressed any,
but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath
spoiled none by violence, hath given his bicad to
the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a
garment: he that hath not given forth upon usury,
neither hath taken any increase; that hath with-
drawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true
judgment between man and man, hath walked in
my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal
truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the
Lord God.
Mat.16.2?'. 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 10. Then Peter opened his mouth and said, of a
34, 35. 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,
Romans 2. The righteous judgment of God; who will ren-
5j 6, 7, 10. jgj. ^Q every man according to his deeds: to them,
Barclay's cAXECHis^r. 41.
who bj |>atient continuance in well doing, seek
for glory, and honor,* and immortality, eternal
life: but glory, honor, and peace, to every man
that worketh good; to the Jew first, and also to
the Gentile.
For we must all appear before the judgment 2 Cor. 5.
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.
Which is a manifest token of the righteous 2 Thes. 1.
judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy ^*
of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer.
But whoso looketh into the perfect law of lib- james 1.
erty, and continueth therein, he being not a for- 25.
getful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man
shall be blessed in his deed.
Cast not away therefore your confidence, which Heb. 10. 35.
hath great recompense of reward.
And if ye call on the Father, who without res- iPeter 1.
pect 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.22. 12.
v/ith me, to give to every man according as his ^'^'
work shall be. Blessed are they that do his com-
mandments, that they may have 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
D2
4£ barglay's catechism.
simply to save man by an imputative righteousness
altogether without them; but also by the washing
of regeneration, or an inward righteousness:
What saith the scripture further of this?
Mat. 1.21. A. And thou shalt call his name Jesus, for he
shall save his people from their sins.
Titus 2. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious
' appearing of the great God, and our Saviour Je-
sus Christ, who gave himself for us, that he might
redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto him«
self a peculiar people, zealous of good Avorks.
CHAP. VII.
Concerning Perfection^ or Freedom from Sin.
Q. I perceive then by all these scriptures afore-
mentioned, that Christ, as well as he hath pur-
chased pardon for our sins, hath also obtained
power by w^hich 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?
Rom. 6. 14. A. For sin shall not have dominion over you.
Q. For what reason?
Horn. 6.14. 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? Doth he speak that
as a condition always permanent to him and other
Barclay's catechism, 4S^
saints, or (Tnly that which he had passed through?
What saith he afterwards?
A. There is therefore now no condemnation to Romans 8.
them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not af- l>2.35toS9.
ter the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of
the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, hath made me
free from the law of sin and death. Who shall
separate us from the love of Christ? Shall 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
are counted as sheep for the slaughter.) Nay, in
all these things we are more than conquerors
through him that loved us. For 1 am persuaded,
that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor prin-
cipalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor
things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any o-
ther 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 words, should plead for
continuance in sin for t^rm of life, and think to
be saved by the imputative righteousness of
Christ, as being under grace?
A. What shall we say then? Shall we continue Romans 6.
In sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. ■^^^*
; What then? Shall we sin, because we are not Rom. 6. 15.
\inder the law, but under grace? God forbid?
Q. Is not the apostle then so far from suppo-
sing that condition, of being always under sin, to
44 BARCLAY^S CATECHI^Af.
be his own constant condition, or that of all the
saints, that he even supposes many of the then
church of Rome, to whom he wrote, to be free of
it? How bespeaketh he them, as in relation to
this matter?
Romans 6. A. How shall we that are dead to sin, live any
O '^ A ^ (^
7] \l 12' ^o^g^'' therein? Know ye not, that so many of us
13; 16to23. as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized
into his death? /nferefore, we are buried with him
by baptism into Seath; that like as Christ was
raised up from the! dead by the glory of tlie Fa-
ther, even so we also should walk in newness of
life. For if we have been planted together in the
likeness of his death, we shall be also in the
likeness of his resurrection; knowing this, that
our old man is crucified with him, that the body
of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we
should not serve sin. For he that is dead, is freed
from sin. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves 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 instruments of righteousness unto God. Know
ye 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
BAReLAY S ©ATEeHISM. 45
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 ini-
quity; even so now yield your members servants
to righteousness, unto holiness. For when ye
were the servants of sin, ye were free from right-
eousness. 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 eternal life, through Jesus Christ our
Lord.
Q. It would appear then, that God requires of
us to be perfect?
A. Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Fa- jyi^t, 5.48,
ther which is in heaven is perfect.
Q. Is it then possible to keep the command-
ments?
A. My yoke is easy and my burthen is light. Mat.ll. 30.
For this is the love of God, that we keep his com- ^ ^ , ^ «
' ^ 1 John 5. 3,
mandments, and his commandments are not griev-
ous.
46
Q. Is it necessary then for salvation, to keep
the commandments?
Rev, 22.14 A. Blessed are they that do his commandments,
that they may have tight to the tree of life, and
may enter in through the gates into the city,
Q. Do you understunfl by this perfection, that
any liave kept the commandments, as never to
have sinned?
1 John 1. A. If we say that we have not sinned, we
10.
make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Q. Do you understand, that those who are per-
fect may say, they have no sin, or only that hav-
ing sinned, and so having sin, in respect they
once sinned, as the apostle in the passage cited
mentions; may they notwithstanding thereof,
come to know forgiveness for the guilt, but also
cleansing from the filth?
1 John 1. A. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive
8 9
ourselves, and the truth is not in us: if we confess
our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our
sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Q. That scripture seems to be very plain, being
compared with the other before mentioned: but
because some are apt to mistake and wrest the
words of the apostle, what saith he elsewhere?
Did he judge any could know God, or be true
^ Christians, who kept not the commandments?
1 John 2. ^' -^^J little children, these things wTite I unto
1. 3, 4, 5, 6. youj that ye sin not; and if any man sin, we have ^
an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the
BARCLAY'S CATECHISM* 47
righteous. And hereby do we know that we kpow
him, if we keep his commandments. He that
saith, T 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 in
him. He that saith he abideth in him, ought
himself also to walk even as he walked.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it 1 John 3
doth not yet appear what we shall be, but we
know, that when he shall appear, we shall be like
him, for we shall see him as he is: and every
man that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself,
even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin,
transgresseth also the law, for sin is the trans-
gression of the law. And ye know that he was
manifested to take away our sins; and in him is
no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not.
Whosoever sinneth, hath not seen him, neither
known him. Little children, let no man deceive
you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous,
even as he is righteous. He that comm^itteth sin
is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the be-
ginning. For this purpose the Son of God was
manirested, that he might destroy the works of
the devil, Whosoever is born of God, doth not
commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him, and
he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this
the children of God are manifest, and the children
of the devil. Whosoever doeth not righteousness.
48 Barclay's catechism.
is not of God, neither he that loveth not his
brother.
Q. It is very plain by these passages, that the
apostles were 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 christians while they live in their
sins.
Mat. 7. A. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord,
21, 24» 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 to
a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.
Johnl3.17. ^^ y® know these things, happy are ye if ye do
them.
Q. What saith the apostle Paul further con-
cerning the needfulness of this thing?,
1 Cor. 7. •^' Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumci-
^^- sion is nothing; but the keeping of the command-
ments of God.
Q. Was not this according to the apostle Paul's
judgment, the very intention of Christ, to have
his church and children to be pure and without
spot.^
Eph. 1,4. -A. According as he hath chosen ns in him be-
fore the foundation of the world, that we should
be holy, and without blame before him in love.
Eph. 5. 25, Even as Christ also loved the church, and gave
26, 27. himself for it, that he might sanctify and cleanse
49
it, that he might present it to himself a glorious
church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such
thing, but that it should be holy, and without
blemish.
Q. Doth not Paul press the same thing further,
besides the other passages above mentioned?
A. Having therefore these promises, dearly be- 2 Cor, T.
loved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness
of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the
fear of God. Finally, brethren, farewell; be per- 2 Cor. 13.
feet. Christ in you the hope of glory, whom we q^i ^ 28
preach, warning every man, and teaching every
man in all wisdom, that we may present every
man perfect in Christ Jesus. Laboring fervently Col. 4.12.
for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and
complete in all the will of God. To the end he IThes. 3.
may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness
before God. And the very God of peace sanctify ch. 5. 23,
you wholly; and I pray God, your whole spirit
and soul, and body, be presented blameless unto
the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Q, Is not this then the very end for which God
appointed teachers in his church?
A. And he gave some apostles^, and some Eph. 4. n,
prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors ■^"''^^^•
and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for
the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the
body of Christ, till we all come in the unity of
the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of
E
50 babclay's catechism.
Gotl, 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 none of tlie saints this testimony, as being
free from sin at some times, and so not always
and daily sinning, as is supposed?
Gen. 6. 9. -^^ Noah was a just man, and perfect in his
generations;, and Noah walked with God. And
Job 1. 8. ^'^^ Lord said unto Satan, hast thou considered
my servant Job, that there is none like him in the
earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that fear-
eth God, and escheweth evil. There was in the
Lukel. days of Herod, king of Judea, a certain priest,
' ' named Zacharias, of the course of Abia; and his
wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her
name was Elizabeth; and they were both right-
eous before God, walking in all the command-
ments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
Q. That proves sufficiently as to particular per-
sons; but what doth the scripture intimate of
this, even of considerable numbers?
Kph. 2. •^' ^^^ God, who is rich in mercy, for his
4, 5,6. great love wherewith he hath loved us, even when
we were 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
Heb. 12. Jesus. But ye are come unto Mount Sion, and
22,23. yy^^Q ^1^^ ^jjl^y ^f ^^ Hvittg God, the heavenly Je-
rusalem, and to an innumerable company of an-
51
gels, to the general assembly and church of the
first-born, which are written in heaven, and to God
the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men
made perfect. And I looked, and lo, a Lamb j^^y 14
stood on the Mount Sion, and with him an hun- ^- ^*
dred forty and four thousand, having his Father's
name written in their foreheads. These are they
which were not defiled with 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 Rev. 14. 5,
no guile, for they are without fault before the
throne of God.
CHAP. VIIL
Concerning Perseverance^ and Falling from
Grace.
Q. Is it enough for a believer, to be sure that
he hath once received true grace? or is there any
further certainty requisite?
A. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give dili- 2 Peter 1.
gence to make your calling and election sure^ for ^^^
if ye do these things ye shall never fall.
Q, May one that hath received true grace, have
ground to fear, or suppose he can fall?
A. But I keep under my body, and bring it into 1 Cor. 9.
subjection, lest that by any means, when I have
1
52 BARCLAY*S CATECHISM.
preached to others, I myself should become a
castaway.
Q. That greatly contradicteth the doctrine of
such as say, once in grace, ever in grace: But
doth the apostle Paul express this only out of an
humble esteem of himself? or doth he judge or
suppose the like of other saints?
Heb.o. 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 hard-
Heb 4. 11. ^"^^ through the deceitfulness of sin. Let us la-
bor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man
11 b 6 ^^^^ ^'^^^ *^^ same example of unbelief. For it is
4, 5, 6. impossible for those who were once enlightened ,
and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were
made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have
tasted the good word of God, and the powers of
the world to come, if they shall fall away, to re-
new them again unto repentance; seeing they cru-
cify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put
Heb 1^ ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^P^^ shame. Looking diligently, lest
15. any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root
of bitterness springing up, trouble you, and there-
by many be defiled.
Q. Doth he speak this only by supposition, or
doth he assert it not only possible, but certain?
2 Tim. 4. -A. For the time will come, when they will not
'^*^' endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts
shall they heap to themselves teacherS; having
BARCLAY^S CATECHIS>r» 53
itching ears. And they shall turn 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 Timo- i Tim. 1,
thy, according to the prophecies which went be- ^^ ^^*
fore on thee, that thou by them mightest war a
good warfare, holding faith in a good conscience;
which some having put away, concerning faith
have made shipwreck. For the love of money is i Tim. 6.
the root of all evil; which while some coveted af- ^^•
ter, they have erred from the faith, and pierced
themselves througih with many sorrows. And
their word will eat as doth a canker; of whom is 17, 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 where express his
fears of this, as a thing that may happen to any
number of people, who once truly received the
faith of Christ.^
A. Well; because of unbelief they were bro- Rou^anslL
ken oft', and thou standest by faith. Be not high- 20.
minded, but fear. Now the Spirit speaketh ex- 1 xim. 4,
pressly, that in the latter times some shall depart ^'
from the faith, &c. For this cause, when I could 1 Thes. 3.
no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest ^'
by some means the tempter have tempted you,
and our labor be in vain.
E2
54 Barclay's catechism.
Q. What is the apostle Peter's mind; does he
judge, that such as have known the right way^
may forsake it?
2 Peter 2. A. Cursed children, which have forsaken the
irl isj 20^ rvi^t way, and are gone astray, following the way
21, 22. 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 re-
served for ever. For when they speak great
swelling words of vanity, they allure through the
lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those
that were clean escaped from them who live in
error. For if after they have escaped the pol-
lutions 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 begin-
ning. For it had been better for them not to have
known the way of righteousness, than, after they
have known it, to turn from the holy command-
ment 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 cautions to them that stand,
as supposing they may also fall?
SPet.3. 17. A. Ye therefore, beloved^ seeing ye know these
55
things before, beware lest ye also, being led away
with the error of the wicked, fall from your own
steadfastness.
Q. May a man 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 Johnl5. 6.
as a branch, and is withered.
Q. May a righteous man then depart from his
righteousness.^
A. But when the righteous man turneth away Ezek. 18.
from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, ^^' ^^^^'^^
and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath
done, he shall die.
Q. May a believer come to such a condition in
this life, from which he cannot fall away?
A. Him that overcometh, will I make a pillar Rev. 3. 12»
in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more
out; and I will write upon him the name of my
God, and the name of the city of my God, which
is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of
heaven 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 Romans 8,
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
56 BARCLAY^S CATECHISM,
to separate us from the love of God, which is in
Christ Jesus our Lord.
CHAP. IX.
Concerning the Church and Ministry.
Q. What is the church?
1 Tim. 3. A. But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know
^^' how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house
of God, which is the church of the living God^
the pillar and ground of truth.
Q. Who is the head of the church?
Col. 1. 13. A. Who hath delivered us from the power of
18: and 2. darkness, and hath translated us into the king*
dom of his dear Son: And he is the head of the
body, the church, from which all the body, by
joints and bands, having nourishment ministered,
and knit together, increaseth with the increase of
God.
Q. What kind of persons make the church?
1 Cor. 1.2. A. Them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus.
Acts 2. 47. And the Lord added to the church daily such
as should be saved.
Q. Hath not Christ appointed officers in the
church, for the work of the ministry?
Eph 4 8 -^' Wherefore he saith. When he ascended up
11, 12. on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts
unto men. And he gave some apostles, and some
prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors
and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for
Barclay's catechism. 57
the work of the ministry, for the edification of
the body of Christ.
Q. What kind of men should such as are teach-
ers and overseers of the church be?
A. A bishop then must be blameless, the hus- 1 Tim. 3;
band of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good beha- ^ '
viour, given to hospitality, apt to teach: not given
to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre;
but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that
ruleth well his own house, having his children in
subjection with all gravity; for if a man know not
how to rule his own house, how shall he take care
of the church of God? not a novice, lest being
lifted up with pride, he fall into the condemnation
of the devil. Moreover, he must have a good re-
port of them which are without; lest he fall into
reproach, and the snare of the devil.
For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward Titus 1.
7 8 9
of God: not self-willed, not soon angry, not given * *
to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; but
a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men; sober,
just, holy, temperate; holding fast the faithful
word, as he hath been taught, that he may be able
by sound doctrine, both to exhort and to convince
the gainsay ers.
Q. What is incumbent upon such to do?
A. Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to ActsSO. 2S.
all the fiock, over which the Holy Ghost hath
made you overseers, to feed the church of God.
58
1 Peter 5. The elders which are among you I exhort, who
am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings
of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that
shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is
among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by
constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but
of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's
heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
Q, Though they be not to lord over the flock,
yet is there not a respect due to them in their
place?
t. Tim. 5. A. Let the elders that rule well, be counted
^' worthy of double honor, especially they who labor
in the word and doctrine,
Q. Albeit then, among true christians, every
one that believeth, is to have the witness in him-
self, being persuaded in himself by the Spirit; yet
is there not also a real subjection to be to one
another in the Lord?
1 Cor. 14. A. The spirits of the prophets are subject to
the prophets.
Ileb.13.17. Obey them that have the rule over you, and
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 unprof-
itable for you.
IThes. 5. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them
12, 13. which labor among you, and are over you in the
Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them
very highly in love for their works sake.
59
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto 1 Peter 5.
the elder; yea, all of you be subject one to ano-
ther, and be clothed with humility; for God re-
sisteth the proud, and giveth grace unto the hum-
ble.
Q. How ought true teachers to minister in the
church?
A. As every man hath received the gift, even l Peter 4
so minister the same one to another, as good '
stewards of the manifold grace of G^d. 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 glori-
fied through Jesus Christ.
Q. T percieve then, that every true minister of
the church of Christ, is to minister of the gift
and grace of God, which he hath received: but
some are of the judgment, that natural wisdom
or parts, and human learning, are the qualifica-
tions which are of absolute necessity for a minis-
ter: but grace they judge not to be so absolutely
necessary, but that one may be a minister without
it: what saith the scripture in this case?
A. A bishop must be blameless, sober, just, ho- Titus 1.
ly, temperate. ' '-
Q. Methinks it is impossible for a man to be
blameless, just, holy, sober and temperate, with-
out the grace of God: so that if these qualifica-
tions be absolutely necessary, then surely, that
without which a man cannot be so qualified, must
60 BARCLAY'S CATECHISM. >
be necessary also: but whatsaith the scripture, as
to the necessity of natural wisdom, and human
learning?
1 Gov. 1. A. Where is the wise? Where is the scribe?
2Q 21.
Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not
God made foolish the wisdom of this warld? 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 be-
lieve.
Q. It seems then, the preachings of the true
ministers are not gathered together by wisdom
and learning: it hath been supposed that a man
must be greatly skilled in learning, to make a
good sermon: What is the apostle's judgment in
the case?
verse 17. A. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to
preach the gospel; not with wisdom of words,
lest the cross of Christ should be made of none
effect.
chapter 2. And I was with you in weakness^ and in fear,
and in much trembling. And my speech and my
preaching was not with enticing words of 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 human literature; ought
3, 4, 5.
Barclay's catechism, 61
ministers then to preach as the Spirit teacheth
them?
A. Also we speak, not in the words which i Cor. 2,
man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy '
Ghost teacheth.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, ^^ts 2. 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 of Mat.lO. 20.
your Father, which speaketh in you.
For it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. Mar.13. 11.
For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same Lukel2.12.
hour, what ye ought to say.
Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in2Cor.l3.3,
xne, which to you -ward is not weak, but is mighty
in you.
Q. What is the apostle's mind of that human
learning, which some cry up so much, and think
so needful in a minister?
A. Beware lest any man spoil you through col. 2. 8.
philosophy 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 ^^p-j^ ^
thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, 20.
and oppositions of science falsely so called.
Q. Though true ministers speak not by the nat-
F
62 Barclay's catechism.
ural wisdom of man; yet, is their testimony alto-
gether void of wisdom?
lCor.2. A. Howbeit, we speak wisdom among them
' ' that are perfect; yet not the wisdom of this
world, nor of the princes of this world, that come
to nought: but we speak the wisdom of God in a
mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God or-
dained before the world unto our glory.
Q. What is the reason, that man by his natural
wisdom is not capable to minister in the things of
God?
ver. 11. 14. A. For what man knoweth the things of a man,
save the spirit of a man, which is in him? even
so the things of God knoweth no man, but the
Spirit of God. But the natural man receiveth not
the things of the Spirit of God, for they are fool-
ishness unto him; neither can he know them, be-
cause they are spiritually discerned.
Q. These scriptures do sufficiently hold forth,
that the true call to the ministry is from God;
that which maketh a true minister, is the gift and
grace of God; that the true and effectual preach-
ing of a faithful minister is such, as is from the
inward teaching and leading of the Spirit of God:
But what say the scriptures touching the main-
tenance of ministers?
Gal. 6. 6. A. Let him that is taught in the word, commu-
nicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
1 Cor. 9. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it
^ * a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things?
If others be partakers of this power over you,
are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not
used this power, but suffer ail things, lest we
should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not
know, that they which minister about holy things,
live of the things of the temple? and they which
"wait at the altar, are partakers with the altar?
even so hath the Lord ordained, that they which
preach the gospel, should live of the gospel.
For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle i Tim. 5.
the ox that treadeth out the corn: and, the laborer ^^'
is worthy of his reward.
Q. I perceive by these scriptures, that there
lieth an obligation upon the saints, to help with
outward things, such as truly minister unto them
spiritual; but this seems to be voluntary: Ought
not therefore true ministers to preach, whether
they be sure of this or not? What saith the apos-
tle of himself in this case; and what adviseth he
others?
A. But I have used none of these things, nei- 1 Cor. 9.
ther have I written these things, that it should be ^^ ■'
so done unto me: for it were better for me to die,
than that any man should make my glorying void.
For though I preach the gospel, T 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, 1 havef a reward; but if
against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is
committed unto me. What is my reward then?
64
Verily, that when I preach the gospel, 1 may
make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I
abuse not my powder in the gospel?
Acts 20. I have coveted no man's silver, or siold, or ap-
' ' ' parel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands
have ministered unto my necessities, and to them
that were with me. I have shew^ed you all things,
how that so laboring, 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 every where
makes special mention among the qualifications
of teachers, that they be not given to filthy lucre:
What ought we then to think of those teachers
who will not preach without hire? Yea, that will
by violence take from those who receive no spir-
ituals from them? Are they like to be the minis-
ters of Christ? Or what else saith the scripture
of such?
Isa. 56. 11. A. Yea, they are greedy dogs, which can never
have enough^ and they are sliepherds that cannot
understand: they all look to their own way, every
one for his gain from his quarter.
Ezekiel34. Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of
''^' ' Israel: prophesy, and say unto them. Thus saith
the liOrd God unto the shepherds, Woe be to the
shepherds of Isra«l that do feed themselves!
Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ye eat
the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill
65'
them that are fed; but ye feed not the flock. As
I live, saith the Lord God, surely because my
flock became a prey, and my flock became meat
to every beast of the field, because there was no
shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my
flock; but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed
not my flock.
Thus saith the Lord concerning the prophets MIcali 3.
5 11
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 hire, and the
prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they
lean upon the Lord, and say, is not the Lord
among us.^ none evil can come upon us.
Q. These are plain testimonies from the proph-
ets; are there none such from the apostles.^
A. Perverse disputings of men of corrupt i Tim. 6,
minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that ^ ^^ ^^*
gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. —
But godliness 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 temptation,
and a snare, and into many fox)lish and hurtful
lusts, which drown men in destruction and per-
dition. For the love of money is the root of all
evil; which; w^hile some coveted after^ they have
F2
66 Barclay's catechism,
erred from the faith, and pierced themselves
through with many sorrows.
2 Tim. 3. For men shall be lovers of their own selves,
2.
covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobe-
dient to parents, unthankful, unholy.
Titus 1. For tliere are many unruly and vain talkers
' ' and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision;
whose mouths must be stopped; who subvert
whole houses, teaching things which they ought
not, for filthy lucre's sake.
2 Peter 2. But there were false prophets also among the
15"'^^ ' people, even as there shall be false teachers
among you, who privily shall bring in damnable
heresies, even denying the Lord that bought
them, and bring upon themselves swift destruc-
tion. And many shall follow their pernicious
^vays; by reason of whom the way of truth shall
be evil spoken of. And through covetousness
shall they with feigned words make merchandise
of you: whose judgment now of a long time lin-
gereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not:
Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot
cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart
they have exercised with covetous practices; cur-
sed children; which have forsaken the right way,
and are gone astray, following the way of Ba-
laam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of
unrighteousness.
T. d 11 16 ^^^ ^^^^ them! for they have gone in the way
of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Ba-
BARCLAY^S CATECHISM. 6f
laam 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 mens' per-
sons 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 in i Cor. 14.
1 40.
order.
Q. What good order is prescribed in the church
concerning preachers? Is it fit that only one or
two speak; or may more, if moved thereunto?
A. If any thing be revealed to another that verse 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 promise, that daughters as well
as sons, shall prophesy under the gospel?
A. And it shall come to pass afterward, that I Joel 2. 28.
will pour out 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 this promise fulfilled, and to be fulfilled?
A. But this is that which was spoken by the Acts 2.
prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last ^^> ^^'
days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon
68 Barclay's catechism.
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?
Acts 21. 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. 14. A, Let your women keep silence in the church-
"^ ^"^ * es5 for it is not permitted unto them to speak, but
they are commanded to be under obedience, as
also saith the law. And if they will learn any
thing, let them ask their husbands at home; for it
is a shame for women to speak in the church.
1 Tim. 2. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjec-
^^ tion. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor ta
usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
Q. The first of these seems only to relate to
v/omen that have husbands: whcft 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.^
1 Cor. 11. A. Every man praying or prophesying, having
^ his head covered, dishonoreth his head. But every
woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head
Barclay's catechism. 69
uncovered, dishonoreth her head: for that is even
all one as if she were shaven.
CHAP. X.
Concerning JVorship.
Q. What is the worship that is acceptable to
God?
A. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the John 4.
true worshippers shall 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 worship him in spirit and in truth.
Q. Seeing prayer is a part of worship, when
ought we to pray.^
A. And he spake a parable unto them to this Luke 18. 1.
end, that men ought always to pray, and not to
faint.
Pray without ceasing. - 1 Thes. 5,
Q. Hath God no respect to the manner of *
calling upon him?
A. For there is no difference between the Jew Rom. 10.
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 him?
A. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call Psalm 145,
upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth
the prayer of the righteous.
70
John 9. 31. Now, we know that God heareth not sinners;
but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth
his will, him he heareth.
1 John 5. And this is the confidence that we have in him,
14
that if we ask any thing according to his will, he
heareth us.
Q. After what manner doth the apostle declare
he will pray?
1 Cor. 14. A. What is it then? I will pray with the Spir-
it, 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 pray always in the Spirit?
Eph. 6. 18. 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 we are commanded to pray always in
it, can we do it of our own selves, without the
help thereof?
Romans 8. A. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmi-
26. 27. ^jgg. fQj. y^Q know not what we should pray for as
we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh interces-
sion for us with groanings which cannot be utter-
ed. And he that searcheth the hearts, knoweth
what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh
intercession for the saints according to the will
of God.
Q. I perceive, that without the leadings and
help of the Spirit, prayers are altogether unprof-
itable. May not a man truly uUer those things
Barclay's catechism. 71
that arc spiritual, without the Spirit's assistance?
A. Wherefore I give you to understand, that i cor. 12.
no man speaking by the Spirit of God, calleth Je- ^'
sus 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 much
more necessary than many called Christians sup-
pose it to be; some of which can scarce give a
good account, whether they have it, or want it:
but if a man speak things true upon the matter,
are they not true as from him, if spoken without
the Spirit?
A. And though they say, the Lord liveth; sure- Jer. 5. 2.
ly they swear falsely.
Q. It is apparent from all these scriptures, that
the true worship of God is in the Spirit; and as
it is not limited to a certain place, neither to any
certain time, what shall we think of them that
plead for the observation of certain days?
A. But now, after that ye have known God, or Gal. 4.
9 10 11
rather are known of God, how turn ye again to ' *
the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye
desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days,
and months, and times, and years. I am afraid
of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labor in
vain.
Let no man, therefore, judge you in meat, or in Col. 2,
drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new '
moon, or of the sabbath-days, which are a shadow
of things to come: but the body is of Christ,
Q. Seeing it is so, may not some Christians as
lawfully esteem all days alike, as others may es-
teem some days above another? What rule giveth
the apostle in this case?
Romans 14. A, One man esteemeth one day above another:
5 6 .
* * another esteemeth every day alike. Let every
man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that
regardeth 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, eateth to the
Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eat-
eth 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 worship God
in? 'Did not the apostles and primitive Christians
use to meet upon the first day of the week, to
make their collections, and to worship?
1 Cor. 16. A. Now, concerning the collection for the
' "* saints, as I have given order to the churches of
Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the
^veek, let every one of you lay by him in store, as
God hath prospered him, that there be no gather-
ings when I come.
73
CHAP. XI.
Concerning Baptism^ and Bread and Wine,
Q. How many baptisms are there?
A. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. Eph. 4. 5.
Q. AVhat is the baptism?
A. The like figure whereunto, even baptism, 1 Peter 3.
21 22
doth also now save us, (not the putting avvaj of *
the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good
conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of
Jesus Christ, who is gone into heaven, and is on
the right hand of God; angels, and authorities,
and powers, being made subject unto him.
Q. What saith John the Baptist of Christ's
baptism? How distinguisheth he it from his?
A. I indeed baptize you with water unto re^ Mat. 3.11.
pentance; 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?
A. And being assembled together with th em , Acts 1.4, 5.
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 bapti^
zed with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
Q. Doth not the apostle Peter also observe this?
A. And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost chapter 11.
f^ili on them, as on us at tlie beginning. Then re- ^^' ^^*
G
74 BARCLAY'S CATECHISM.
membered I 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 John's baptism must pass
away, that Christ's may take place; because John
must decrease, that Christ may increase?
John 2.S0, A. He must increase, but I must decrease.
Q. I perceive then, many may be sprinkled
with, and dipped and baptized in water, and yet
not truly baptized with the baptism of Christ:
What are the real effects in such as are truly-
baptized with the baptism of Christ?
Romans 6. A. Know ye not, that so many of us as were
3. 4.
baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into his
death? Therefore we are buried with him by bap-
tism into death; that like as Christ was raised up
from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so
we also should walk in newness of life.
Gal. 3. 27. For as many of you as have been baptized into
Christ, have put on Christ.
Col. 2. 12. Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye
are risen with him through the faith of the opera-
tion of God, Vrho hath raised him from the dead.
Q. I perceive there was a baptism of water,
which was John's baptism, and is therefore by John
himself contra-distinguished from Christ's: was
there not likewise something of the like nature
appointed by Christ to his disciples, of eating-
bread, and drinkina: wine, in remembrance of him?
1 Coi\ 11. . '
23,24,25. A. For I have received of the Lord that which
/J
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, when
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, Mow long was this to continue?
A. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink 1 Cor. 11.
: 26
this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
Q. Did Christ promise to come again to his
disciples?
A. I w^ill not leave you comfortless; I will come John 14.
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 inward coming?
A. At that day ye shall know th^t I am in my John 14.
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 was come
inwardly: was it so, that there were certain ap-
pointments positively commanded, yea, and zeal-
ously 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 14, 15.^'
T6 BARCLAY*S CATEcmS]\r.
washed j'our feet, ye also ought to wash one ano-
ther's feet. For I have given you an example,
that ye should do as I have done to you.
Actsl3. 33. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to
usj to lay upon you no greater burden than these
necessary' things; That ye abstain from meats
offered to idols, and from biood, and from things
strangled, and from fornication: from which, if ye
keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
James 5. Is any sick among you? let him call for the el-
ders of the church; and let them pray over him?
anointing him with 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 necessa-
ry 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 shew that it is not neces-
sarv, that of bread and wine to continue?
llomansl4. A. For the kingdom of God is not meat and
■^^' drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in
the Holy Ghost.
Col. 2. -^^^ ^° man, therefore, judge you in meat, or.
16;20to22. jn drink, or in respect of an 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, v/hy, as though living in the world, are
ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not, taste not,
handle not: which all are to perish with the
BARCLAY S CATECHISM. 77
using,) after the commandraents and doctrines of
men?
Q. These scriptures are very plain, and say as
much for the abolishing of this, as to any necessi-
ty, as ought can be alledged for the former: but
what is the bread then, wherewith the saints are
to be nourished?
A. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, John 6.
I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread ^"^^|^^l '^^
from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true ^^to 58.
bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he
w^hich cometh down from heaven, and giveth life
unto the world. Then said they unto him. Lord,
evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto
them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to
me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on .
me shall never thirst. I am that bread of life.
Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness,
and are dead. This is the bread which cometh
down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof,
and not die. I am the living bread which came
down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread
he shall live forever: and the bread that I will
give is my tiesh, which I w^ill give for the life of
the world. The Jews therefore, strove amona*
themselves, saying, Howcan 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
G2
78 BARCLAY'S CATECHISM.
my blood, hath eternal life, and I will raise him
lip at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed,
and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my
flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and
I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and
I live by the Father^ so he that eateth me, even
he shall live by me. This is that bread which
came down from heaven; not as your fathers did
eat manna, and are dead. He that eateth of this
bread shall live forever.
CHAP. xn.
Concerning the Life of a Christian, in generaU
what and hoiv it ought to be in this world.
Q. What is true religion.^
James 1. A. Pure religion, and undented, is this: To
" ' \isit the fatherless and widows in their afliiction,
and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Q. What is required of man.^
Micah 6.8. A. He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good;
and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do
justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly
with thy God?
Isa. 66. 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 be Quakers,
to tremble at his word.^ Was there any such
among the saints of old.^
Barclay's catechism. T9
A. Then were assembled unto me every one Ezra 9. 4.
that trembled at the words of the God of Israel.
Now therefore, let us make a covenant with Ezra 10. 3.
our God to put aAvay all the wives, and such as
are born of them, according to the counsel of mj
Lord, and of those that tremble at the command-
ment of our God.
Q. It seems Ezra loved well, and had a high
esteem of Quakers, since he would have their
counsel followed: do any other of the prophets
point out Quakers, or Tremblers, as God's people?
A. Hear the word of the Lord, ye that tremble Isa. 66. 5-
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.
And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise Jer. 33.9,
and an honor before all the nations of the earth,
which shall hear all the good that I do unto them:
and they shall fear and tremble for all the good-
ness, and for all the prosperity, that I procure un-
to it.
Q. The prophets promised good things there to
Quakers: What becometh of those that tremble
not, and are not such?
A. Hear now this, O foolish people! and with- jer 5.
out understanding; which have eyes, and see not; ^^^^^^
which have cars, and hear not: Fear ye not me?
saith the Lord: will ye not tremble at my pres-
ence? &c.
80 Barclay's catechism.
Q. Are then all God's children Quakers? And
are we commanded to quake or tremble in order
to our salvation, both under the law, and now un-
der the gospel?
Psalm 2. A. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with
trembling.
Daniel 6. I make a decree. That in every dominion of my
kingdom, men tremble and fear before the God of
Daniel; for he is the living God, and steadfast for
ever.
Phil 2. 12. Work out your own salvation with fear and
trembling.
Q. What be the chief commandments?
Hat. 22. A. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all
37 to 40. i-j^y 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 neighbor 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?
Mat. 6.33. A. Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his
righteousness; and all these things shall be added
unto you.
Q. How ought Christians to behave themselves
in this world?
1 Cor. 7. A, But this I sav, brethren, the time is short:
"" '^ ' 'it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as
though they had none; and they that weep, as
though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as
Barclay's catechism. 81
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 every where, i Tim. 2.
lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubt- ^^^'^^*
ing. In like manner also, that women adorn
themselves in modest apparel, with shame-faced-
ness and sobriety; not with broidered hair, or
gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which be-
cometh women professing godliness) with good
works.
Q. I observe the apostle is much against the
vanity and superfluity of clothes among Chris-
tians: what saith Peter to this?
A. Whose adorning, let it not be that outward i Peter 3.
adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of '
gold, or of putting on of apparel: but let it be
the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not
corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and
quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great
price.
Q. The apostle is very plain there: but what
saith the scripture, as to respect of persons among
Christians?
A. My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord
Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of i to 9,
82
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 vveareth 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
partial 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
despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress jou,
and draw you before the judgment-seats? Do not
they blaspheme that worthy name by the which
ye are called? If ye fulfil the royal law according
to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as
thyself, ye do well: but if ye have respect to per-
sons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the
law as transgressors.
Q. Though that be indeed sufficient to reprove
the different ranks among Christians, upon the
account of riches or birth; yet is there not a rel-
ative respect among Christians, as betwixt master
and servant? W hat admonition gives the apostle
in this case?
Eph. 6. A. Servants, be obedient to them that are your
5 to 9. masters according to the flesh, with fear and
trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto
Christ: Not with eye-service, as men-pleasers;
BARCLAY S CATECHISM. 83
but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of
God from the hearty 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 receive of the Lord, whether he be bond
or free. And, ye masters, do the same things un-
to them, forbearing threatening; knowing that
your Master also is in heaven; neither is there
respect of persons with him.
Servants, obey in all things your masters ac- Col. 3.
"^2 to 25
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 inherit-
ance: 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 Col. 4. 1.
just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Mas-
ter in heaven.
Let as many servants as are under the yoke, i Tim. 6.
count their own masters worthy of all honor; that '
the name of God, and his doctrine, be not blas-
phenied. And they that have believing masters,
let them not despise them, because they are breth-
ren; but rati^er do them service, because they are
faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit.
These things teach and exhort.
Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own Tit.2.9,10;
I
84
masters, and to please them well in all things;
not answering again, not purloining, but shewing
all good fidelitj; that they may adorn the doctrine
of God our Saviour in all things.
lPeter2. Servants, be subject to your masters with all
° ^ ' fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to
the froward. For this is thank-worthy, if a man
for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering
wrongfully. For what glory is it, if when ye be
buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently?
but if when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take
it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For
even hereunto were ye called; because Christ also
suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye
should follow his steps.
Q. What good admonitions gives the scripture,
as to the relation betwixt parents and children.^
Eph. 6. A. Children, obey your parents in the Lord,
for this is right. Honor thy father and mother,
(which is the first commandment with promise,)
that it may be well w^ith 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.
Col. 3. Children, obey your parents in all things; for
20,21. |.j^;g jg y,Q\[ pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers,
provoke not your children to anger, lest they be
discouraged,
Q, What between husbands and wives?
Barclay's catechism. S5
A. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own Eph. 5.
husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is " ^nd
the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head ^^» *^^> *^^
of the church: and he is the Saviour of the body.
Therefore, as the church is subject unto Christ,
so let the wives be to their own husbands in eve-
ry 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 that loveth his wife, loveth him-
self. 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 ev-
ery one of you in particular so love his wife even
as himself; and the wife see that she reverence
her husband.
Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter CoL 3. 19.
against them.
Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to youriPeterS.
own husbands; that if any obey not the word, ^' ^* ^•
they also may without the word be won by the
conversation of the wives; while they behold your
chaste conversation coupled with fear. Liicewise,
ye husbands, dwell with them according to know-
ledge, giving honor 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. What is the armour of a true Christian, and
w^herewith ou^ht he to wrestle?
A. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye n to 17,
H
S6 Barclay's catechism,
may be able to staod against the wiles of the dev-
il: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers, against
the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
^spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore
take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye
may be able to withstand in the evil day, and hav-
ing done all, to stand. Stand theiefore, having
your loins girt about with truth, and having on the
breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod
with the preparation of the gospel of peace: Above
all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall
be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wick-
ed. And take the helmet of salvation, and the
sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Q. What are Christian's weapons, and for what
end?
2 Cor 10. A. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not
3 4 5
^ ' ' war after the flesh: For the weapons of our war-
fare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to
the pulling down of strong holds, casting down
imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth
itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing
into captivity every thought to the obedience of
Christ.
Q. Ought strife and envy to be among Chris-
tians.^
James 3. A. Who is a wise man, and endued with knowl-
13 to 18. ^jg^ among you? let him shew, out of a good
conversation? his works with meekness of wis-
sr
flom. 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 en-
vying and strife is, there is confusion, and every
evil Wink. But the wisdom that is from above, is
first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be
entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without
partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit
of righteousness is sown in peace of them that
make peace.
Q. Ought wars to be among Christians.^ From
whence proceed they.^
A. From whence come wars and fightings a- james 4.
mong 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. What saith Christ e\hn of defensive war.^
A. But I say unto you. That ye resist not evil: Mat. 5.3$.
but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek,
turn to him the other also.
But I say unto you which hear, Love your ene- j^^^q e,
mies; do good to them which hate you: bless them ^^ ^^ ^•
that curse you, and pray for them which despite-
fully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee
en the one cheeky ofter also the other^ and him
8S
Barclay's catechism.
1 Peter 3,
9.
1 Thes. 5.
15.
that taketh away thy cloak, forbid not to take thjr
coat also.
Q. What saith the apostles?
Boni.12.17. A. Recompense to no man evil for evil.
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for rail-
ing; but contrariwise, blessing; knowing that ye
are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a
blessing.
See that none render evil for evil unto any
jnan; but ever follow that which is good, both,
among yourselves, and to all men.
Q. It was lawful of old to swear; and an oath
for confirmation was to them an end of all strife:
Is it not lawful for Christians also to swear?
A. Again, ye have heard that it hath been said
by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thy^
self, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths.
But I say unto you, Swear not at all: neither by
heaven, for it is 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 communi-
cation be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay; for whatsoever is
more than these, cometh of evil.
But above all things, my brethren, swear not;
neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither
by any other oath: but let your yea be yea, and
your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
Mat. 5.
S3 to ST,
James 5.
12.
Barclay's oAfECHi&M. 89
Q. Is it fit for Christians or believers to receive
carnal and worldly honor one from another?
A. How can ye believe, which receive l^^pnor John 5. ^,.
one of another, and seek not the honor that com-
eth from God only?
Q. Doth God allow us to give flattering titles
to men?
A. Let lYie not, I pray you, accept any man's Job 33.
person; neither let me give flattering titles unto ' ^'
roan. 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 witb
us for speaking proper, sound words, as, thuu to
one, you to many; which is Christ's and the saints'
language in the scripture?
A. If any man teach otherwise, and consent 1 Tim, §.
not to wholesome words, even the words of our ^' *
Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is
according to godliness, he is proud, knowing no-
thing, but doting about questions, and strifes of
words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil
surmisings.
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou 2 Tim.T.
hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in ^^'
Christ Jesus.
Q. What is the great commandment given by
Christ to his disciples, as that which fevcn decla-
reth them to be such, and is also pressed by his
apostles?
A. A new commandment I give unto you, That 34,55.
H2
90
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.
John 15. This is my commandment, That ye love one
12 17 ^ J
' ' another, as I have loved yau. These things I com-
mand you, that ye love one another.
Eph. 5, 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 offer-
ing and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling
savour.
X John 4. If a man sav, I love God, and hatetb his broth-
20 21. '' '
er, 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
ive from him, That he who loveth God love his
brother also.
Q. Is humility very needful to Christians.^ whaj
like must we be ere we can enter the kingdom?
Hat IS. A. And Jesus said, Verily, I say unto you, ex-
'^^'' cept ye be converted, and become as little chil-
dren, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heav-
en. Whosoever, therefore, shall humble himself
as this little child, the same is greatest in the
kingdom of heaven.
Q. Ought Christians to lord over one another?
what rule giveth Christ in this case?
Mat 50 A. But Jesus called them unto him, and said,
2^ w 23. y^ know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise
Barclay's oaTechism. 9X,
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
wnto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom
for many.
Q. How then are Christians in this world?
A. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the Mat.lO, 1^.
midst of wolves; be ye therefore, wise as ser-
pents, and harmless as doves.
Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as Lute 10.$/
lambs among wolves.
Q. Are we then to expect affliction and perse-
cution here?
A. And ye shall be hated of all men for my Mat.lO. Sfe,
Hame's sake; but he that endureth to the end^^^^' * ^'
shall be saved.
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name^s Luke 21.
sake. ^^•
If the world hate you, ye know that it hated John 1^5
me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, ^^'
the world would love his own; but I have chosen
you out of the world, therefore the world hateth
you.
These things have I spoken unto you, that in Johnl6.i^;
me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall
have tribulation; but be of good cheer, 1 have^
overcome the world.
92 Barclay's cArECHis3.i»
2 Tim. 3. And all that will live godly in Christ JesuSj
shall suffer persecution.
Q. Ought we then to fear persecution?
Mat. 10. A. Fear not them which kill the bodv, but are
28
notable to kill the soul: but rather fear him which ^
is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
I^uke 12. And I say unto you, my friends, be not afraid /
' ' of them that kill the body? and after that, have
no more that they can do. But I will forewarn
you whom ye shall fear: Fear him which, after he
l\ath killed, hath power to cast into hell; yea, I
say unto you, fear him.
Q. What advantage is to them that suffer per-
secution cheerfully, and hazard to them that shun
it?
Mat. 5.10. A. Blessed are they which are persecuted fof
righteousness sake; for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.
1 Peter 3. ^'^^ if J^ suffer for righteousness sake, happy
^^' are ye; and be not afraid of their terror, neither
be troubled.
Mat 10. Whosoever therefore, shall confess me before?
^7 to 39. ^^^^5 ^i"^ will I confess also before my Father
which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny
me before men, him will I also deny before my
Father which is in heaven. He thatloveth 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
Si3
his life shall lose it; and he that ioseth his life for
my sake, shall find it.
Also I say unto you, whosoever shall confess Luke 12.
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 denied before the
angels of God.
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man Mat. 16.
24 25. "
will come after me, let him deny himself, and '
take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever
will save his life shall lose it; and whosoever will
lose his life for my sake, shall find it.
If we suffer, we shall also rei^n with him: if 2 Tim. 9.
12
we deny him, he also will deny us.
If any man come to me, and hate not his father, Luke 1^
VLiid mother, and wife, and children, and brethren,
and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot
be my disciple.
And he said to them all, If any man will come chapter 9.
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.
And when he had called the people unto him, Mark 8;
with his disciples also, he said unto them. Who- *
soever will come after me, let him deny himself,
and take up his cross, and follow me. For who-
soever will save his life shall lose it; but whoso-
ever shall lose his life for my sake and the gos-
pel's, the same shall save it.
94
Q. There is nothing more certain, according to
these scriptures, than that Christians must suffer
persecution in this world, even in theii persons
and estates; but shall they not also suffer in their
good names, in being accounted blasphemers, her-
etics and deceivers?
Mat. 10. A. The disciple is not above his master, nor
the servant above his lord. It is enough for the
disciple, that he be as his master, and the 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. 5. 11. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and
persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil
against you falsely for my sake.
Acts 6. Then they suborned men, which said, We have
II 12.
' ' heard him speak blasphemous words against Mo-
ses, and against God. And they stirred up the
people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came
upon him, and caught him, and brought him to
the council.
Acts IT'. 6. And when they found them not, they drew Ja-
son and certain brethren, unto the rulers of the
city, crying, These that have turned the world
upside down, are come hither also.
Act3 24 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way
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.
i3j. Being defamed, we entreat: we are made fs
95
the filth of the woi Id, and are the off'-seouring of
all things unto tlus day.
By honor and dishonor, by evil report and good 2 Cor. 6, 8,
report; as deceivers, and jet true.
Q. It is easily apparent from what is mention-
ed, that Christians are to expect persecution and
tribulation; and that they are always the sheep,
and never the wolves: Vae persecuted, and never
the persecutors; the afflicted, and not the afflict*
ers; the reproached, and not the reproachers: Is
it not fit then that Christians be so far from per-
secuting others,. that they ought to pray for their
persecutors? Is this Christ's command.^
A. But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless Mat. 5. 44
them that curse you, do good to them that hate
you, and pray for them which despitefully use
you and persecute you.
Q. Was this Christ's own practice.^
A. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them, for Luke SS.
they know not what they do, &c. ^^*
Q. Is Christ herein to be our example.^
A. For even hereunto were ye called; because j Peter 2.
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
lie was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffer-
ed, he threatened not; but committed himself to
him that judgeth righteously.
Q. Is there an instance of any saint in scripture
-who followed his example herein.'*
96 BARCLAY'S CATEGHISM.
Acts/'. 60. A. And he kneeled down, and cried with a
loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their
charge, &c.
Q. It appears by all these scriptures, that Chris-
tianity consisteth in the exercise of fear and
trembling, humility, patience and self denial:
"What ought we then to think of such who place
much of their religion in abstaining from mar-
riage, and certain meats; worshipping of angels,
and other such acts of voluntary humility?
1 Tim. 4 A. Now, the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in
' ' the latter times some shall depart from the faith,
giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of
devils; speaking 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.
Gol.2. 18, I^e^ ^^ ^^0 beguile you of your reward, in a
voluntary humility, and worshipping of angels,
intruding into those things which he hath not
seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.
^IHCLAy's 0ATE0HI9M* 97
CHAP. XIII.
Concerning Magistracy*
Q. What IS the duty of a magistrate?
A. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel 2 Sam. 2S.
3.
Epake 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?
A, Let every soul be subject unto the higher Romanslo*
powers; for there is no power but of God: the ^^ *
powers that be, are ordained of God. Whosoever,
tl^erefore, resisteth the power, resisteth the ordi-
nance of God; and they that resist, shall receive
to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a
terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou
then not be afraid of th« 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 min-
ister 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 con-
science sake.
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man 1 Peter 2;
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
^8
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?
Bom. 13. A. For, for this cause pay ye tribute also; for
^^'' they are God's ministers, attending continually
upon this very thing. Render, therefore, to all
their dues: tribute, to whom tribute is due; cus-
tom, to whom custom; fear, to whom fear; honor,
to whom honor.
Mat. 22, Then saith he unto them, Render, therefore,
" ' unto Cesar, the things which are Cesar's; and un-
to God, the things that are God's.
Q. Are we obliged to obey magistrates in such
things as we are persuaded in our minds are con-
trary to the commands of Christ.^
Acts 4. A. And they called them, and commanded them
18 to 20. j^Q^ ^Q speak at all, nor teach, in the name of Je-
sus. 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,
chapter 5. And when they had brought them, they set them
.27, 28, 29. before the council: and the high priest asked them,
saying, Did not we straitly command you, that ye
ghould not teaeh in this name? and behold, ye
have filled Jerusalem with /our 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.
iSarclay's catechism. S9
Q. What ought to be magistrates' behaviour ia
such cases, according to the counsel of wise Ga-
maliel? ,
A. Then stood there up one in the council, a Acts 5.54,
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 Isiael, take heed
to yourselves what je intend to do as touching
these men. And now, I say unto you, refraia
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 iight 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?
A. So the servants of the householder came and Mat. 13.
said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed 2/>2«*29,
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,
whom the godly must not take upon them to cut
IQO Barclay's cateohissi;.
off, lest through mistake they hurt the goodj B\jj;
leave it to God, to do it by his angels?
A. The field is the world; the good seed arct
the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the
children of the wicked one; the enemy that sowed
them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the
world; and the reapers are the angels. As, there-
fore, the tares are gathered and burned in the firCi
so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son
of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall
gather out of his kingdom all things that offend ,
and them which do iniquity.
CHAP. XIV.
Concerning the Resurrection.
Q. What saith the scripture of the resurrection
of the dead?
A. And have hope towards God, which thej
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? and how are they thereunto
reserved?
A. Marvel not at this; for the hour is coming,
in the which all that are in the graves shall hear
his voice, and shall come forth; they that have
done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they
that have done evil, unto the resurrection of dam-
Bation,
Barclay's catechism. \Qtl
But the heavens and the earth which are now, 2 Pet. G.^T;
by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto
fire against the day of judgment, and perditioa
of ungodly men.
Q. What must be answered to such as ask, how
the dead are raised, and with what body?
A. Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not 1 Cor. 15.
quickened except it die. And that which thou '^ ^^
sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall 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
celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial; but the
glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the
terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the
sun, and another glory of the moon, and another
glory of the stars; for one star differeth from an-
other star in glory. So also is the resurrection of
the dead: It is sown in corruption, it is raised in
incorruption: it is sown in dishonor, it is raised
in glory: it is sown in weakness, it is raised in
power: it is sown a natural body, it is raised a
spiritual body. There is a natural body, and
there is a spiritual body.
Q. The apostle seems to be very positive, that
it is not that natural body, which we now have^
that shall rise^ but a spiritual body*
12
1Q2 Barclay's catechism.
1 Cor. 15. A. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and
1^ to 55.
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 tire
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
tnortal shall have put on immortality, then shall
be brought to pass the saying that is writteni
Death is swallowed up in victory! O death! whei'^
5*s thy ating? 0 grave! where is thy victory?
iJSflRODUCTION TO THE CONFESSIdK. 108
CHAP. XV.
d 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, iq
which I shall not be so large; for that I judge it
not convenient to make an inter-repetition of all
the scriptures before mentioned, which, if need-
ful, the reader may easily observe, were not very
difficult to do. But whereas a confession of faith
calleth rather for an affirmative account of one's
own faith, than for the solution of objections, or
any thing of debate in a discursive way, which is
both more properly and pertinently performed ia
a catechism; therefore I have here only done so.
I am necessitated sometimes to intermix some
words for coherence of the matter, as sometimes
(and,) and sometimes (therefore,) and the like;
but not such as any ingenuous person can affirm^
do add to the matter; or that may any wise justly
be reckoned a comment or meaning: and'therefore
to avoid the censure of the most curious, carping
critic, these are marked with a different charac-
ter. Likewise, unless I should have ridiculously
offered to publish incongruous grammar, there was
^ true need sometitnes to change the mood anit
i04 Introduction to the confession*
person of a verb: in all which places, whosoever
will look to the words, shall find it is done upon
no design to alter any whit the naked import of
them: as for instance, where Christ says, I am the
light of the world: were it proper for me to write
thus, I am the light, &c.? Or can it be reckoned
any whit contradicting 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 we^
I write apostles; and where they say yow, speak*
ilig 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. concerning God's being light,
and in such like cases, which I know no impartial
reader would have quarrelled with, though want-
ing this apology, which I judged meet to premisci
knowing there is a generation, who when they
cannot find any real or substantial ground against
truth and its followers, will be cavilling at such
little niceties; therefore such may see this objeo
lion is obviated*
CjONPESSION OF FAltte idj'
CHAP. xvr.
A CONFESSION OF FAITH,
CONTAINING XXIII ARTICLES.
ARTICLE L
Concerning Godj and the true and saving IcnowU
edge of Him,
There is one God a. Who is a Spirit 6. .ind dZp\i. 4. ^,
this is the message which the apostles heard of 4 5 '
him, and declared unto the saints^ that he is light, ^John4. 24.
and in him is no darkness at all c. There are clJohnl.5.
three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the
Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are
one d. The Father is in the Son, and the Son is ^ch. 5,7.
in the Father e. No man knoweth the Son, but e John 10.
the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, ?^' ^!?^ H*
*' 10. 11: and i
but the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will 5.26.
reveal him /. The Spirit searcheth all things, 2^
yea, the deep things of God g. For the things of LukelO.22.
God knoweth no man but the Spirit of God: Now 10.
the saints 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
them of God h. For the Comforter, which is the ai Cor. 2*
Holy Ghost, whom the Father sends in ChrisVs ^^> ^^•
Dame, he teacheth them all things, and bringeth
sm things to their remembrance 1. 26.
loo . CONFESSION OF FAITH.
ARTICLE II.
Concerning the guide and rule of Christians,
Christ prayed to the Yniher^ and he gaue the
saints another Comforter, that was to abide with
them for ever, even the Spirit of Truth, whom the
world cannot receive, because it seeth him not,
nor knoweth him; but the saints know him; for he
l(?John 14. dvvelleth with them^ and is to be in them k. Now
if any niaa have not the Spirit of Christ, he is
none of his: For as many as are led by the Spirit
^Romans 8. of God, they are the sons of God I. For this is
'' the covenant that God /m//i 7??arfe with the house
of Israel^ he hath put his laws in their mind, and
writ them in their hearts; and they are all taught
«2Heb. 8. of God m. Jnd the anointing, which they have
10,11. received of him, abideth in them; and they need
not that any man teach themn but as the same
anointing teacheth them of all things, and is trutb^f
nl John 2,1...
07^ and IS no lie n.
ARTICLE III.
Concerning the Scriptures*
Whatsoever things were written aforetime,
were written for our learning, that we through
patience and comfort of the scriptures might have
jHom. 15. hope o. Which are able to make wise unto sal-
vation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus: All
scripture bniig given by inspiration of God, and
is profitable for doctrine^ for reprooof; for instruct
GONFESSION OF FAITH. 107
tion in righteousness, that the man of God may
be perfect/ throughly furnished unto all good
works p. No prophecy of the scripture is of any p2 Tim. 3.
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 ^o Peter 1.
Ghost q. 20, 21.
rJohnl.
ARTICLE IV.
\CQnczrning the divinity of Christy and his being
from the beginning.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word
was with God, and the Word was God| the same
was in the beginning with God; all things were
made by him, and without him was not any thing
made that was made r. Whose goings forth have i, 2, 3.
been from of old, from everlasting s. For God *^ ^^^
created all things by Jesus Christ t. Who being ^Eph. 3. 9.
in the form of God, thought it no robbery to be
equal with God w. And his name is called Won- ^^phll. 2.6^
derful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlas-
ting Father, the Prince of Peace oc. Who is the a:Isa.9. 6.
image of the invisible God, the first-born of every
creature y. The brightness of the Father's glory, ^Col. 1. 15.
and the express image of his substance z. Who ^^^'^' ^•*'
was clothed with a vesture dipt in blood; and his
name is called the Word of God a. In him dwells «l^ev. 19.
13.
all the fulness of the Godhead bodily b, Jind in him bCol 2. 9.
are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge c, cverse S..
jyOS Confession of faith-
ARTICLE V.
Concerning his appearance in thejlesh.
.t^Iohnl. 14. The Word was made flesh d. For he took not
on him the nature of angels; but he took on him
the seed of Mraham^ being in all things made
~«Heb. 2. like unto his brethren e. Touched with a feeling
16, 17. Qf Qm- infirmities; and in all things tempted, like
/Heb.4.15. as we are, yet without sin /. He died for our
sins, according to the scriptures; and he was bu-
ried, and he rose again the third day, according
gl Cor. 15. to the scriptures g.
Sj 4.
ARTICLE VI.
Concerning the end and use of that appearance,
God sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful
^Eom. 8. 3. flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the flesh /i.
For this purpose the Son of God was manifested,
ilJohnS. 8. that he might destroy the works of the devil i.
Being manifested to take away our sins k. For
he gave himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice
££pl^ 5 2. to God for a sweet smelling savour/. Having
fwHeb. 9. obtained eternal redemption for us m. Jlnd
12- through the eternal Spirit offered up himself with-
^ out spot unto God, to purge our consciences from
^«^c^i/t dead works, to serve the living God w. He was
the Lamb that was slain from the foundation of-
^ the world o. Of whom the fathers did all drink:
oBev. 5. 8, •
42;&13. 8. fur they drank of that spiritual Rock that follow-^
CONFESSION OF FAITH. 109
ed them, and that Rock was Christ 2^. Christ al- pl Cor. la.
so suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we
should follow his steps q. For tve are to bear gl Peter 2.
about in the body, the dying of the Lord Jesus,
that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest
in our body, being alway delivered unto death for
Jesus's sake, that the life also of Jesus mat/ be
made manifest in our flesh r. That we may know ^2 Cor. 4,
him, and the power of his resurrection, and the '
fellowship of his sufferings, being made conform-
able to his death s. ^pjiii. 3. 10.
ARTICLE VII.
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 /Tsa. 57,13.
and walk in them u. Jind Christ standeth at the 2i2 Cor. 6.
door, and knocketh^ if any man hear his voice, "^^*
and open the door, he will come in to him, and
sup with him, and he with him x. Jlnd therefore ^Rev.3. 20,
ought we to examine our selves, and prove our
own selves, knowing how that Christ is in us ex-
cept we be reprobates y. For this is the riches ^2 Cor. 13,
of the glory of the mystery, which God would
make known among (or rather IJYJ the Gentiles^
Christ within, the hope of glory z. cCoI. 1. 27,
K
110 CONFESSION OF FAITH.
ARTICLE VIII.
Concerning the JVew Birth.
Except a man be bom again, he cannot see tlie
oJolin 3. 3. kingdom of God a. Therefore ought we to put
off the old man with his deeds, and put on tlie
new man, which is renewed in knowledge after
the image of him that created him, and which af-
ter God is created in righteousness and true holi-
^Eph 4. ness h. For henceforth know we no man after
Col. 3! 10. ^'^^ flesh; yea, though we have known Christ after
the flesh, yti now henceforth know we him no
c2 Cor. 5. more c. For if any man be in Christ, he is a new
creature, old things are passed away; behold, all
Averse 17. things are become new d. For such have put on
^^om. o. ^j^^ Lord Jesus Christ e. And are renewed in
/Eph.4.23. the spirit of their minds/. For as many as have
^Gal.3. 27, been baptized into Christ, have put on Christy.
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of
incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth
7*1 Peter 1. and abideth forever A. Snd glory in nothings
23 <=>./<?
save in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ, by
whom the world is crucified unto them^ and they
/Gal. 6.14. unto the world 1. For in Christ Jesus, neither
circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumci^
H-erse 15. sion, but a new creature A^
CONFESSION OF FAITH* 111
ARTICLE IX.
Concerning the unity cf the saints ivith Christ.
He that sanctifieth, and they who aresanctifietl,
are all of one L For by the exceeding great and ZHeb.2. 11.
precious promises that are given them, they are
made partakers of the divine nature vi. Because ^r^speterl.
for this end prayed Christ, fhey all might be one, ^'
as the Father is in himj and he in the Father^ that
they also might be one in them^ and the glory
which he had gotten from tlie 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 n. 21 22 23.
ARTICLE X.
Concerning the universal love and grace of God
to all.
God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him
should not perish, but have everlasting life 0. And ©johnS. 16,
in this was manifested the love of God towards
us, because that God sent his only begotten Son,
that we might live through him p. So that if any /'IJohn^ 9,
man sin, we have an advocate with the Father,
Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the propitia-
tion for our sins; and not for ours only, but also
for the sins of the whole world q. For by the 1,^2^''^'" ^'
grace of God he hath tasted death for every man r. rlleb. 2.9.
112 CONFESSION OF FAITH.
•Snd gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified
jlTim.2. 6. jf, ^^jyg ^jj^g g^ Willing r^ll men to be saved, and
UTim. 2.4. to come to the knowledge of the truth t. Not
willing that any should perish, but that all should
w2Pet. 3.9. come to repentance u. For God sent not his Son
into tlie world to condemn the world, but that the
aJohn 3. world through him mi^htbe saved x, Jlnd Christ
came a light into the world, that whosoever be-
?/Johnl2. lieveth in hirtu should not abide in darkness t/.
46
Therefore, as by the offence of one, judgment
came upon all men to condemnation; even so by
the righteousness of one, the free gift caroe upon
zIlGm.5.18. all men to justification of life z.
ARTICLE XL
Concerning the light that enlighteneth every man.
The gospel was preached to every creature un-
aCol. 1.23. (]er heaven a. Which gospel is the power of God
*Rom-1.16. unto salvation, to them that believe b. Jind if it
be hid, it is hid to them which are lost, in whom
the God of this world hath blinded the minds of
them which believe not, lest the light of the gld-
c2 Cor. 4. ™"s 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
ciJobno. 19. light, because their deeds are evil d. ^nd this
was the true light, which lightneth every man that
ejohnl. 9. cometh into the world e. By which all things
that are reprovable, are made manifest^ for what-
CONFESSION OF FAITH. 113
soever maketh manifest is light/. Every one/Epb*6\
that doth evil, hateth the light, neither cometh to
the light, lest his deeds should be reproved: but
he that doeth truth, cometh to the light, that his
deeds may be made manifest, that they are
wrought in God s. Jlnd they that walk in the g^ohw J.
*^0 21
light, as Christ is in the light, have fellov/ship one
with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his
Son, cleanseth them from all sin h. Therefore hi John 1,
ovght we to believe in the light, while we have the '
light, that we may be the children of the light i. aohn 12.
Therefore to-day, if we will hear his voice, let us
not harden our hearts fc. For Christ wept over klich.4,7,
Jerusalem, 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 /. .ind he would often have gathered /Luke 19.
her children, as a hen gathereth her chickens; but ^^» ^^•
they would not m. For the stiff-necked and un- 7nMat.23^.
circumcised in heart and ears, do always resist ^^*
the Holy Ghost «. And are of those that rebel n\cts7. 51,
against the light o. Therefore God^s Spirit will oj^b24 15
not always strive with man /?. For the wrath of ^^Qen. 6. 3.
God is revealed from heaven against all ungodli-
ness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the
truth in unrighteousness y. Because what is to be ^Romans L
known of God is manifest in them; for Godliath ^^
shewed it unto them r. Jlnd a manifestation orrversel9.
the Spirit isj;iven to every man to profit withal s. ^xcor. 1?,-
For the jjrace of God that brings salvation, hath ^'
K2
114 CONFESSION OF FAlTIt.
appeared to all men, teaching us, that (lending un-
godliness and worldly lusts, we should live sober-
fTitus2. Ij, 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
wActs 20. sanctified u. For the word of God is quick and
powerful, 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
<2:Heb.4.12. heart 00. This is that more sure word of prophe-
cy, whereunto we do well that we take heed, as
unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the
7/2Peter 1. day dawn and the day-star arise in the heart y,
Jind this is the word of faith which the apostles
preached^ which is nigh, in the mouth, and in the
izRom. 10. heart z. For God, who commanded the light to
^* shine out of dcirkness, hath shined in our hearts,
to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of
a2Cor.4. 6. Grod in the face of Jesus Christ a. But we have
this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellen-
5verse 7. cy of the power may be of God, and not of us b;
for the kingdom of God cometh not by observa-
tion, but is within us.
ARTICLE XII.
Concerning faith and justification.
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and
vaeb.ll. 1. the evidence of things not seen c. Without which
CONFESSION OF FAITH. 115
U is impossible to please God d. Therefore we cfHeb.11.6.
are justified by faith, which worketh by love «. cGal. 5. 6.
For faith without works being dead, is by works
made perfect f. By the deeds of the law there /James 2.
22 26.
shall no flesh be justified g, JS*or yet by the works ^Romans
of righteousness which we have done; but accord- ^' 20.
ing to his mercy we are saved, by the washing of
regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost h. ATitusS. 5.
For we are both washed, sanctified and justified
in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit
of our God I. ^i""^' ^
ARTICLE XIII.
Concerning good works,
IT we live after the flesh, we shall die; but if
we^ through the Spirit, do mortify the deeds of
the body, we shall live k. For they which believe A^Romans
in God must be careful to maintain good works L /Titus 3. 8.
For God will render to every man according to
his deeds m. According to his righteous judg- 7nRom.2. 6.
ment to them, who by patient continuance in well
doing, seek for glory, honor, and immortality-—
eternal life\ For such are counted worthy of the
kingdom of God w. And cast not away their n2 Thes. X*
confidence, which hath great recompense of re- ^'
wat d 0. Blessed then are tliey that do his com- oHeb. 10.
mandinents, that they may have right to the tree
Qf life, and may eater in through the i^ates mio
.. ■ o & /»ReT.22.
the cuy p, 14
116 CONFESSION OF FAITH:
ARTICLE XIV.
Concerning perfection.
Sin shall not have dominion over such as are
^Ilom6. 14 not under the law, but under grace g. For there
is no condemnation to those that arc in Christ Je-
sus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the
Spirit; for the law of the Spirit of life maketh
rchapter 8 free from the law of sin and death r. For such
* * are become dead unto sin, and alive unto right-
eousness; and being made free from sin, are be-
^chapter 6. coine servants of righteousness s. Therefore
2. 18. ought we to be perfect, as our heavenly Father is
mat. 5. 48. perfect t. For the joke of Christ is easy, and his
t/Mat.ll. burthen is light M. And his commandments are
^^' , not grievous x, ^Snd whosoever will enter into
xlJolm 5. . *
3. life must keep the commandments y. Hereby do
|i, ^^' ' we know that we know God, if we keep his com-
^lJohn2« mandments 2?, He that saith, I know him, and
keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the
averse 4. truth is not in him a. Whosoever abideth in him,
sinneth not; whosoever sinneth, hath not seen
6chap 3.6. him, neither known him b. Let no man deceive
us^ he that doth righteousness is righteous, even
as he is righteous; he that committeth sin is of the
devil; whosoever is born of God doth not commit
sin; for his seed remaineth in him, and he cannot
cl John 3. sin, because he is born of God c. For not every
f 8 9. -
^ ' ' one that saith Lord, Lord, shall enter into the
kingdom of heaven; but he that doth the will of
CONFESSIOK OF FAITH. 11/
the Father, which is in heaven d. Circumcision is <iMat. 7.
21.
nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the
keeping the commandments of God e. e\ Cor. 7.
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, we shall
never fall /. For even Paul kept under his body,/2 Peter I*
and brought it into subjection, lest by any means, '
when he preached to others, he himself became a
cast-away g*. Let us therefore take heed, lest^icor,9.
there be in any of us an evil heart of unbelief, in ^^'
departing from tlie living God h. Likewise let AHeb.3. 12t
us labor to enter into that rest, lest any man fall
after the same example of unbelief i. For it is ^chapter 4v
impossible for those who are 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
ivorld to come, if they shall fall away, to renew
them again unto repentance k* For he that abi- A?chapter6.
deth not in Christ is cast forth, and is withered L f * f' ^* ^
' /John 15. 6.
Tet such as overcometh, he will make as pillars in
the temple of his Gt)d, and they shall go no more
ouim. •And these are persuaded, that nothing 7nRev.3. 12,
shall be able to separate them from the love of
God, which is in Chjrist Jesus n. nUomans^
118 CONFESSION OF FAITH,
ARTICLE XVI.
Concerning the church and ministry.
The church of God is the pillar and ground of
g1 Tim. 3. truth 0. Whereof the dear Son of God is the
pCol. 1. 18. head p. From which all the body by joints and
bands, having nourishment ministered, and knit
7C0I. 2. 19^ together, increaseth with the increase of God q.
Which church of God is them that are sanctified
rlCor.l. 2. in Christ Jesus r. Who when he ascended up oil
high, gave gifts unto men: And he gave some,
apostles; some, prophets; some, evangelists; some,
pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the
sK\)h. 4. saints, for the work of the ministry s. Who ou^ht
8 11 l'^
^ ^ ^* to be blameless, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour,
given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to
wine, no strikers, nor greedy of filthy lucre, but
t\ Tim. o. patient; hot brawlers, not covetous t. 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
tiTitus 1. exhort and to convince gainsayers u. Taking
* * heed to themselves and to the flock, over which
the Holy Ghost hath made tAem overseers, to feed
^Acts 20. the church of God a?. Taking the oversight there-
of, not by constraint, but willingly^ not for filthy
lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords >
over God's heritage, butas being ensamples to the
?»1 Peter 5. flock y. Jnd such elders as rule well, are to be
counted worthj of double honor, especially they
28,
:^j| iii
CONFESSION OF FAITH. 119
who labor in the word and doctrine %. And to ^1 Tim. 5.
ir.
\)Q esteemed very highly in love for their works
sake a. As every man hath received the gift, so «1 Thes. 5.
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 b. Preaching the gospel, not with bl Peter 4
the wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ be '
made of none eftect c. Nor yet with enticing cl Cor. L
17
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 d. Howbeit such speak wisdom among them </chapter2.
that are perfect; yet not the wisdom of this '*^*
^vo^ld, nor of the princes of this world, which
cometh to nought; but they speak the wisdom of
God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which
God ordained before the world to their glory e, everse 6, 7,
Which things they also speak, not in the words
which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Ho-
ly Ghost teacheth/. For it is not they that speak, /verse 13.
but the Holy Ghost, or Spirit of the Father, that
speaketh in f/zem g*. Who \i they sow spiritual ^^Mat. 10.
20
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 shalt not muzzle the mouth of the
ox that treadeth out the corn; and the laborer is
worthy of his reward h. Yet a necessity is laid ^i cor, 9^
':pon them; yea, woe is unto them, if they preach ^^* ^^' ^'
i£0 CONFESSION OF FAITH.
not the gospel; and their reward i5, that when
they preach the gospel, they make the gospel of
n Cor. 9. Christ without charge i. Not coveting any man's
' ' ' silver or gold, or apparel; but their hands minister
to their necessities, that so laboring, they may
support the weak; remembering the words of the
Lord Jesus, how he said. It is more blessed to
Mcts 20. give, than to receive fc. For they are not of the
33 34 35. ® if J
llL: 56,11. greedy dogs, that can never have enough /. JV'oii*
of the shepherds that look to their own way, eve-
TTilbid. ry one for his gain from his quarter m. That feed
7iEzek.34. themselves, and not the flock n. That make the
^' people err, biting with their teeth, and crying
peace, and preparing war against all such as put
not into their mouths, teaching for hire, and divi'
oMicahS. ning for money o. t/Vbr yet of these which teach
things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's
pTitus 1. gake p. That run greedily after the error, of J?a-
laam for reward, loving the wages of unrighteous-
§2 Peter 2. j^ess q. And through covetousness, with feigned
rverse 3. words, making merchandise of souls r. Men of
corrupt minds, destitute of the truth, supposing
.slTim.6.5. that gain is godliness s. But they know that god-
averse 6. liness with contentment is great gain t. That
having food and raiment, they are therewith con^
averse 8, tent u.
CONFESSION OF FAITH. 1^1
ARTICLE XVII.
Concerning worship.
The hour cometh, and now is, when the true
worshippers shall worship ih^ Father in Spirit
and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to wor-
ship him X. God is a Spirit, and they which wor- a7john4.23.
ship him, must worship him in the Spirit and in
the truth y. For the Lord is nigh to al 1 them «/^erse 24.
that call upon him, to all that call upon him in
truth %. He is far from the wicked; but he hear- ^Psal. 145.
18
eth the prayers of the righteous a. And this is aVvoy. 15.
the confidence that we have in him, That if we ^^*
ask any thing according to his will, he heareth
us 6. What is it then.^ We must pray with the ^IJohn 5.
Spirit, and with the understanding also c. Like- ci Cor 14
wise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities; for ^^'
we know not what we should pray for as we
ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession
for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered:
And he that searcheth the heart, knoweth what is
the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh inter-
cession for the saints, according to the will of
God d. 4^0"?. 8.
ARTICLE XVIII.
Concerning brqitisin*
As there\s one Loid, one faith, so there is one
baptism e. Which doth also now save us, not the eEpb,4.5.
putting away of tlie filth of the flesh, but the an-
122 OONFESSION OF FAITH.
swer of a good conscience tovvaids God,, by the
/I Peter 3. resurrection of Jesus Christ/. For John indeed
baptized with water, but Christ with the Holy
j-Mat. 3. Ghost and with fire g. Therefore as many as are
baptized into Jesus Christ, are baptized into his
death, and 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 they also
hRom. 6. should walk in newness of life h. Having put on
iGal.3.27. Christ i.
ARTICLE XIX.
Concerning eating of bread and wine^ washing
of one another^ s feet ^ abstaining from things
strangled^ and from bloody and anointing
of the sick with oil.
The Lord Jesus the same night in which he was
betrayed, took breads 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 re-
membrance 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; tJiis
do ye,^s oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of
me; for as oft as ye do eat this bread, and drink
this cup. ye do shew forth the Lord's death till he
MCor. 11. come k, Jesus knowing that the Father had giv-
en all things into his hands, and that he was come
from God, and went to God^ he ariseth from sup-
CONFESSION OF FAITH. 1j23
per, and laid aside his garments, and took a tow-
el, and girded himself: after that, he poureth wa-
ter 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
again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have
done unto you? Ye call me Master and Lord,
and ye say well; for so I am; if then I, 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 shall do as I have done unto
you L For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and ^ John 13.
to us, to lay upon you no greater burthen than ^J^L ij
these necessary things. That ye abstain from
meats offered to idols, from blood, and from things
strangled, and from fornication; from which if ye
keep yourselves ye do well m. Is any man sick mActs 15.
90 on
among you, let him call for the elders of the ' '
church, and let them pray over him, anointing him
with oil n. f^^^^ ^'
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 righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy
1£4 CONFESSION OF FAITH.
oRom. 14. Ghost 0. Let no man therefore judge us in meat
or drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the
pCo\.2. 16. Hew moon, or of the sabbath days p. For if tve
be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the
world, why, as though living in the world, are we
subject to ordinances? Let us not touch, ortaste^
or handle, which all are to perish with the usingy
9verse20 after the commandments and doctrines of men o^^
to 22. ^
For now, after we have known God, or rather are
known of Aim, why should we 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 labor have been bestowed on us in
rGal. 4s 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 re-
gardeth a day, regardeth it unto the Loi^l: and
he that regardeth not the day to the Lord, he
.9Rom. 14. doth not regard it s.
ARTICLE XXI.
Concerning swearivg^ fghting^ and perseciMon*
It hath been said by them of old, Thou shalt
not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the
Lord 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 thoui
CONFESSION OF FAITH. 125
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 t, ^}^^^*^'
And James charged us, Above all things not to
swear; neither by heaven, neither by the earth,
neither by any other oath: but let your yea be
yea, and your nay, nay, lest ye fall into condemna-
tion It. Thoudi we walk in the flesh, we are not ^''Tames 5,
12.
to war after the flesh; for the weapons of our
warfare are not to be carnal, but mighty through
God to the pulling down of strong holds, casting
down imaginations, and every high thing that ex-
alts itself against the knowledge of God, and
bringing into captivity every thought to the obe-
dience of Christ ^. jPor wars and fi^htino-s come ^2 Cor. 10^
out of the lusts, that war in the members y. tj2imes4< 1,
Therefore Christ commands^ not to resist evil;
but whosoever will smite thee on the right cheek,
to turn the other also x. Because Christians are zMat.S.SO,
lambs among wolves a. Therefore are theu hated aLukelO.3,
of all men for ChrisVs sake b. Jlnd all that will ^Mat. IQ.
live godly in Christ Jesus, must sufler persecu-
tion c. Such are blessed, for theirs is the kin^>'- ^2Tim. S.
^ 12
dom of heaven d. For though they have lost their riMat. 5,
lives, yet shall theu save them e. And because ^^:
ech. 16. 25 »
they have confessed Christ before men, he will
also confess them before the an<>els of God/. /Fg/Lukel2.8.
ought not then to fear them which kill ih^ body,
but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear him
which is able to destroy both soul and body in heIlg^ ?a^^^* ^^'
L2
i26 CONFESSION OF FAITH.
ARTICLE XXII.
Concerning mogistracy.
Let every soul be subject to the higher powers;
for there is no power but of God; the powers that
be, are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore
resists the power, resists the ordinance of God;
and they that resist, shall receive to themselves
damnation: For rulers are not a terror to good
works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be
afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and
thou shalt have praise of the same; for he is the
minister of God to thee for good: but if thou do
that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not
I the sword in vain: For he is the minister of God,
a revenger to execute wnith upon him that doth
evil. VVherefore we must needs be subject, not
only for wrath, but also for conscience sake; for,
for this cause pay we also tribute; for they are
God's ministers, attending continually upon this
very thing: Render, therefore, to all their dues; I
tribute, to whom tribute is due; custom, to whom
custom; fear, to whom fear; honor, to whom hon-
//Rora. 13. or h. Therefore are we to submit ourselves to ev-
1 to 7. gj.^ ordinance of man for the Lord's sake; wheth-
er it be to the king, as supreme; or unto gover-
nors, as unto them that are sent by him for the
punishment of evil-doers, and for the praise of
them thatflo well For so is the will of God, that
with well doing, ive may put to silence the igno*
CONFESSION OF FAITH. 127
ranee of foolish men i. Yet it is right in the sight H Peter 2.
of God, to hearken unto him more than unto
them k. Jlnd though they straitly command us A?Acts4. 19.
not to teach in Christ^s name, we ought to obey /chapters
God rather than men l. 28, 29.
ARTICLE XXIir.
Concerning the resurrection.
There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both
of the just and unjust m. Thej that have done 7wchap. 24
good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that
have done evil, unto the resurrection of damna-
tion n. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the king- 7john5.29,
dom of God; neither doth corruption inherit in-
corruption o. JVor is that body sown that shall ol Cor. 15.
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 weakness, it is raised in power: it is sown j^lCor> 15o
a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body p. 42^0 44
}£8 A SUOR'l!' EXPOSTULATION*
CHAP. XVII.
A short expostulation^ with an appeal to all other
professors.
Come, let us reason with you, all ye professors
of Christianity of what sort or kind soever; and
bring forth your Catechisms and Confessions of
Faith, to that which by most of yourselves is ac-
counted the touch-stone or rule: And suffer your-
selves no more to be blinded, and to err through
your ignorance of the scriptures, and of the pow-
er of God; but freely acknowledge and confess to
that glorious gospel and light, which the scriptures
so clearly witness to, and your experience must
needs answer; as also to these other doctrines,
which consequently depend upon the belief of
that noble and truly catholic principle, whereia
the love of God is so mercifully exhibited to all
men, and his justice and mercy do like twins so
harmoniously concord; his mercy in the oft ten-
dring of his love, through the strivings and wrest-
lings of his light, during the day of every man's
visitation; and his justice, both in the destroying
and cutting away of the wicked nature and spirit,
in those that suffer themselves to be redeemed
through his judgments; and in the utter overthrow
of such, who rebelled against the Ii;u,ht, and doing
despite to the Spirit of grace, hate to be reform-
ed. Now not only this fundamental principle is
clearly held forth in this ti^eatise, but all those
A SHORT EXPOSTULATION-* l£9
that depend upon it, as the real and inward jus-
tification of the saints, through the power and life
of Jesus revealed in them, their full and perfect
redemption from the body of death and sin, as
they grow up by the workings and prevalency of
his grace; and yet lest security should enter, there
is great need of watchfulness, in that they may
even depart after they have really witnessed a
good condition, and make shipwreck of the faith,
and of a good conscience, with all the parts of
the doctrine of Christ, as they lie linked together
like a golden chain, which doth very much evi-
dence the certainty and virtue of truth above all
heresies, error and deceit, however so cunningly
gilded with the specious pretences thereof; for
truth is entire in all its parts, and consonant to
itself, without the least jar, having a wonderful
coherence and a notable harmony, answering to-
gether like the strings of a well tuned instru-
ment; whereas the principles of all other profes-
sors, though in some things most of them come
near, and divers acknowledge that which is truth;
yet in most things they stray from it, so that their
principles greatly contradict and jar one against
another; and though they may allege scripture fop
some of their principles, yet they are put strange-
ly to wrest it, and to deny it for others. My op-
peal then to, and e:x'postulation with, all sorts of
professors, is not to prove some one or two points
by the scriptures, (for there be some general no-
130 A SHORT EXPOSTULATION.
tions of truth, which most, if not all, agree to,)
but the whole body of our principles, as they
stand in relation to each other, which none of
them all is able to do; for, among the niany pro-
fessors, their Catechisms emd Confessions of Faith ^
I find none (save the dispensation of truth, now
again revealed) but such as in most of their sub-
stantial principles differ greatly, and in many
contradict grossly the plain text and tenor of the
scripture. I confess there be certain men in this
age, who with some plausible appearance of real-
ity, undertake this task: These are they which
join with, and own not only any imbodied people;
but while they pretend a general love to all, yet
find fault with some part of every sort; while in
the mean time they scarce can give any account
of their own religion, and most of them prove at
bottom to have none at all. These men, I say,
may perhaps acknowledge some general truths,
and also hold to the letter of the scripture in some
other things, so as thereby to take occasion large-
ly to judge others, while themselves offer not to
bring these good things to practice, they blame
others for the want or neglect of: But such an en-
terprise from these men, will not (when weighed)
prove a fulfilling of this matter; seeing it is not
enough to acknowledge many truths, but also to
deny and witness against all error; and likewise,
not to fall short of any truth which ought to be
acknowledged: Whereas these sort of men for
A SHORT EXPOSTULATION. 131
the most part, cannot give account of their faith
in many things needful to be believed; and what-
ever things they may acknowledge to be true, they
err most grievously, and contradict a truth most
needful to be minded and answered, as is proved
hereto, in that they stand not forth to appear for
any of these discoveries they pretend they have^
but make a shift to hide their heads in times of
trial, so as not to suffer for, nor with any: And
though these fine pretences above mentioned^
through their scruples of joining with any, they
c^n cunningly shun the diflBculties of persecu-
tions, that attend the particular sect of Christians.
And yet by their general charity and love to all,
claim a share in any benefits or advantages that
accrue to one and all: Such then cannot honestly
lay claim to justify their principles and practices
from the scriptures. But I leave these stragglers
in religion, and come again to the divers sects.
To begin with those that are most numerous: I
think I need not say much to the Papists in this
case; for they do not so much as pretend to prove
all their dogmas by the scriptures; since it is one
of their chief doctrines, That tradition may au-
thorise doctrines, without any authority of scrip-
ture: yea, the council by Constance hath made
bold to command things to be believed, JV^??! ob-
stante scriptural i. e. though the scriptures say the
contrary; and indeed it were their great folly, to
pretend to prove their doctrines by scripture, see-
13£ A SHORT EXPOSTULATION.
ing the adoration of saints and images, purgatory
and prayer for the dead, the precedency of the
bishop of Rome^ the matter of indulgences, with
much more stuff of that kind, hath not the least
shadow of scripture for it.
Among Protestants^ I know the Socinians are
great pretenders to the scriptures, and in words
as much exalt them as any other people; and yet
it is strange to see, how that not only in many
things they are not agreeable to them, but in some
of their chief principles quite contrary unto it—
as in their denying the divinity of Christ, which
is as expressly mentioned as any thing can be,
^Bnd the Word was God^ John i. As also in de-
nying his being from the beginning, against the
very tenor of that of John i. and divers other, as
at large is shewn in the third chapter of this trea-
tise. Divers other things, as to them, might be
mentioned; but this may suffice, to stop their
boasting in this matter.
The *^rminians are not more successful in their
denying the false doctrine of absolute reprobation^
and in asserting the universal extent of ChrisVs
death for all^ than they are short in not placing
this salvation in that spiritual light, wherewith
man is enlightened by Christ; but wrongfully as-
cribing a part of that to the natural will and ca-
pacity, which is due alone to the grace and power
of God, by which the work is both begun, carried
on and accomplished. And herein they? as well
A SHORT EXPOSTULATION. 133
as both the Socinians and Pelagians^ though they
do well in condemning their errors, yet they miss
in setting up another, and not the truth in place
thereof'^ and in that respect are justly reproved
by such scriptures as their adversaries (who other-
wise are as far wrong as they) bring against them,
in shewing the depravity of man's will by nature,
and his incapacity to do any good, but as assisted
by the grace of God so to do.
On the other hand, it is strange to observe, how
many Protestants (the first article of whose Cow-
fession of Faith^ is to assert the scripture to be
the only rule) should deny the universal extent of
Christ's death, contrary to the express words of
scripture, which saitli, He tasted death for every
man^ or the universality of grace, and a sufficient
principle; which the scriptures assert in as many
positive words, as, except we suppose the penmen
intended another thing than they spoke, it was
possible to do, viz, d manifestation of the Spirit
is given to every man to profit withal: Tlie grace
of God^ that bringeih salvation J hath appeared UU"
to all men; and many more before mentioned.—
The like may be said of their denying the perfec-
tion 4Df the saints, and asserting the impossibility
of any falling away from real beginnings of true
and saving grace, contrary to so many express
scriptures^ as are heretofore adduced in their prop-
er place. But to give all that desire to be unde-
ceived, a more full opportunity to observe how the
M
134 A SHORT EXAMINATI0N%
devil has abused many, pretending to be wise, in
making them cloak with a pretence of scripture,
false and pernicious doctrines; I shall take a few
of many instances out of the Confession of Faith
and Catechism, made by the divines at Westmin-
ster (so called) because the same is not only most
universally received and believed by the people
of Britain and Ireland, but also containeth upon
the matter, the faith of i\\& French churches, and
of most others, both in the JSTetherlands^ and
elsewhere; that it may appear what wild conse-
quences these men have sought, both contrary to
the naked import of the words, and to all common
sense and reason, to cover some of their errone-
ous principles,
CHAP. XVIIL
Ji short eocamination of some of the scripture proofs^
alleged by the divines at Westminster, to prove
divers articles in their Confession of
Faith and Catechism*
It is not in the least my design in this chapter,
to offer so large an examination of any of their
articles, as might be done, nor yet of so many as
are very obvious; but only of two or three, to give
the reader a taste of them, for example's sake,
whereby, hs ex ungue leonem, he may judge of
most of all the rest, if he will be at the pains
narrowly to look over and examine them.
A SHORT EXAMIKATIOJf. 135
I shall begin with the first chapter, Sec. 1. —
where they assert two things: First, That God has
committed his ivill now ivholly to writing. Sec-
ondly, That the former ways of God^s revealing
his willj as by immediate revelation^ are now
ceased. The scriptures they bring to prove it, are
first, Prov. xxii. 19, £0, 21. Ver. 19. That thy
trust may be in the Lord, I have made known unto
thee tnis day^ even to thee. Ver. 20. Have not I
written to thee excellent things in counsels and
knowledge^ Ver. 21. That I may make thee
know the certainty of the words of truth, that thou
mightest answer the words of truth to them that
send unto thee. Luke i. 3, 4. It seemed good to
me also, having had perfect understanding ^of all
things from the very Jirst, to write unto thee in or--
der, most excellent Theophilus, that thou mightest
know the certainty of those things wherein thou
hast been instructed. Rom. xv. 4. For whatsoever
things were written aforetime, were written for
our learning, that we through patience and com-
fort of the scriptures, might have hope. Mat. iv.
4, 7, 10. But he answered, and said, It is writ-
ten, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every
word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. —
Ver, 7. Jesus said unto him. It is written again,
Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Ver. 10*
Then said Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan;
for it is written. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy
God, and him only shalt thou serve. Isa.-yiii. 19,
136 A SHORT EXAMINATION.
20. And when they shall say unto you^ Seek unto
them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards^
that peep and that mutter: Should not a people
seek unto their God? For the living to the dead?
To the law and to the testimony $ if they speak not
according to this word, it is^ because there is no
light in them.
But is it not matter of admiration, that men
should be so beside themselves, as to imagine
these testimonies do in the least prove their as-
sertion; or that others that do not take things
merely upon tru^, would be so foolish as to be-
lieve them? For, though God made known, and
wrote excellent things to Solomon; though Luke
wrote unto Theophilus, an account of divers
transactions of Christ's outward abode; For many
were never written. John xxi. 25: and xx. 30.-—
And there are also many other things which Jesus
did, the which, if they should be written every
one, I suppose, that even the world itself could not
contain the books that should be written. And
Tnany other signs truly did Jesus in the presence
of his disciples, which are not written in this
hook. Though Christ made use of divers scrip-
tures against Satan, and that Isaiah directed peo-
ple to the law, and to the testimony; who will
say, It naturally follows from thence, that God
has now committed his will wholly to writing?
Such a consequence is no more deducible from
the scriptures, than if I should argue thus; The
A SHORT EXAMINATION. 1S7
divines of We^Umnstev have asserted many things
without ground^ therefore they had ground for
nothing they said. Nay, it follows not by far so
naturally, seeing after the writing of all these
passages, by them cited, according to their own
judgment, there were divers scriptures written;
so that it had been false for them to assert, That
God had then committed his counsel wholly to
writings which indeed was not true: So it is most
irrational and unwarrantable for any to draw such
a strange and strained consequence from their
words.
For the second, That the former ways are now
ceased^ they allege, 2 Tim. iii. 15. where Faul
writes to Timothy^ saying. That from a child he
(Timothy) hath known the holy scriptures^ which
were able to make him wise unto salvation, through
faith, which is in Christ Jesus, And Heb. i. 1,2.
God, who, at sundry times, and in divers manner s^
spake in times past unto the fathers iy the proph*
ets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his
Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things,
by whom also he made the worlds. 2 Pet. i. 19. If^e
have also a more sure word of prophecy, ivhereunto
ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that
shineth in a dark place, until the day daivn, and
the day-star arise in your hearts.
Which prove the matter as little as the former:
If Paul had intended by that to Timothy, what
those divines would have, would not thev have
M2
158 A SHORT EXAMIKATIOK.
made the apostle speak a manifest untruth, seeing
they themselves acknowledge, that John^s revela-
tion was written long after? So that these former
ways were not then ceased. As for tliat of Peter^
it is to beg the thing in question, to say, It is in-
tended of the scripture; and though it were, it
proves not the case at all. That of the Hebrews
is so far from asserting the matter they would have
it, that it may be very aptly brought to prove the
quite contrary; for God indeed speaks to us now
by his Son; But to infer from thence. That the Son
speaks only to tis by the scriptures^ remains yet
unproved: And for the apostle to have there as-
serted it, had been false; seeing the revelations^
which he and others afterwards had, wereinward,
and so such were not ceased. And if we may
trust the same apostle better than these men, he
tells us. That so soon as Christ was revealed in
him, he went straight and obeyed. And the^Jame
apostle tells us, that Except Christ be in us^ we
are reprobates: surely he is not dumb in us, seeing
he says, He will dwell in us, and walk in us, and
be with us to the end of the ivorld. And John tells
US, that the Inward anointing is to teach us all
things; so that we need not, as to any absolute
necessity, any man to teach us: How then is this
ceased, seeing God speaks to us by Christ, and
Christ must be in us? Surely these men have not
-herein followed the rules of the scriptures; but
ather endeavored most grossly to wrest them, and
A SHORT EXAMINATION. i5&
make of them a nose of wax, notwithstanding
their pretences as to the contrary in their sixth
section, where they say, •ill things necefisary are
either expressly set doivn^ or by good and necessary
consequences may be deduced. Now that these
two former assertions are not expressly set down^
they will not deny; whether they follow by sound
consequence, a«y understanding man may judge^
by what is above observed.
There are divers other things in the same chap-
ter, which will not abide the test, for which the
scripture proofs, as alleged by them, are most ri-
diculous: yet for brevity's sake I have omitted.
In Chap. 21. Sec. 7. where they say, That the
Sabbath from the resurrection of Clirist^ was
changed into the first day of the week^ which in
scripture (say they) is called the Lord'^s day, and
is to be continued to the end of the world as the
Christian Sabbath. In which they assert three
things.
First — That the first day of the week is come in
place of the seventh for a sabbath: To prove which
they allege, 1 Cor. xvi. 1, 2. JSTow concerning the
collection for the saints^ as I have given order to
the churches of Galatia, even so do ye: Upon the
first day of the week^ let every one of you lay by
him in store^ as God hath prospered him, that there
he no gathering when I come. Acts xx. 7. Jlnd
upon the first day of the week, when the disciples
cam^ together to break breadp Paul preached ta
140 A SHORT EXAMINATION.
thenij ready to depart on the morrow^ and continued
his speech until midnight.
That these proofs assert not the thing express-
ly, we need not, I suppose, disput^. Now to say,
that because Faul desired the Corinthians to lay
somewhat by them in store that day; or because
he broke bread, and continued his speech until
midnight^ therefore the first day of the week is
come in place of the sabbath, is a consequence
more remarkable for its sottishness, than to be
creditedfor its soundness: Indeed to make so sol-
emn an article of faith, as these men would have
the morality of the first day of the week to be,
would need a more positive and express authority.
The text doth clearly enough tell the reason of
the disciples meeting so frequently, and of PauVs
preaching so long, because he was ready to depart
to-morrow; it speaks not a word of its being sab-
bath.
Their second assertion. That the first day of
the week is therefore called the Lord^s day^ is
drawn yet more strangely from that of Rev. i. 10.
/ was in the Spirit on the Lord'^s day^ and heard
behind me a great voice^ as of a trumpet; whereas
no particular day of the week is mentioned: So
for them to say, John meaned the first day of the
week^ hath no proof but their own bare assertion^
For their third assertion, That it is to be con*
tinned- to the end of the worlds as the Christian sa6-
batfip they allege these scriptures, Exod. xx. 8, 10;
A SHORT EXAMINATION. 141
11. Bemember the sabbath-day^ to keep it holy;
but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy
God; in it thou shalt not do any tvorkj thou^ nor
thy son^ nor thy daughter ^ thy man-servant^ nor thy
maidservant^ nor thy cattle^ nor thy stranger
which is within thy gates; for in six days the Lord
made heaven and earthy the sea^ and all that in them
isj and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord
Messed the sabbath-day^ and hallowed it. Isa. Ivi.
2, 4, 6, 7. Mat. v. IT, 18. Think not that I am
come to destroy the law and the prophets; I am not
come to destroy, but to fulfil; for verily^ I say mi"
to you^ till heaven and earth pass^ one jot or one
tittle shall in no wise pass from the law^ till all be
fulfilled.
If they prove any thing, they must needs prove
the continuance of the seventh day, seeing in all
the law there is no mention made of the first day
of the week being a sabbath. If these may be
reckoned good and sound consequences, I know
no absurdities so great, no heresies so damnable,
no superstitions so ridiculous, but may be cloaked
with the authority of the scripture.
In their £7th chapter, and the first, second, and
third sections, they speak at large of the defini-
tion and nature of Sacraments; but in all the
scriptures they bring, there is not one word of
sacraments: The truth is, there was a good reason
for this omission; for such a thing is not to be
found in all the bible. For them to allege, that
142 A SHORT EXAMINATION".
the thing signified is (though that be also a begging
of the question) will not excuse such, who else-
where aver, the whole counsel of God is contained
in the scripture, to forsake and reject the tenor
thereof, and scrape out of the rubbish of the Ro'
viish tradition, for that which is reckoned by
themselves so substantial a part of their faith.
In their fourth section they assert two things-
First, TMt there are two only sacraments under
the gospel. Secondly, That these two are baptism
and the supper.
To prove which, they allege. Mat. xxviii. 19.—
Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing
(hem in the name of the Father, and of the Sotiy
and of the Holy Ghost. 1 Cor. xi. 20, 23. When
ye^ome together therefore into one place, this is not
to eat the Lord's supper: For I have received of
the Lord, that which also I delivered unto you^
that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was
betrayed, took bread. 1 Cor. iv. 1. Let a man so
account of us, as of the ministers of Chiist, and
stewards of the mysteries of God. Hebrews v. 4.
And no man taketh this honor to himself, but he that
is called of God, as was Aaron,
Now granting there was such a thing as sacra*
ments, to be so solemnly performed, all that these
scriptures will prove is, That these two were ap-
pointed to be performed; but that there are only
two, or that these are they (which is the thing as-
seited, and incumbent to be proved) there is not
A SHORT EXAMINATION. 143
the least shadow of proof alleged; for, according
to their own definition of a sacrament^ in the larger
Catechism, where they say. The parts of a sacra*
merit are two^ the one an outward and sensible^
used according to Christ^s own apppintment ; the
other^ an inward and spiritual grace thereby sig-
nified; both the washing of one another^s feet^
and the anointing of the sick ivith oil^ doth an-
swer to it, and many other things: So that the pro-
bation of a sacrament at all, or of their being two,
seven, yea, or seveYity, is all alike easy; seeing
neither name nor number is to be found in the
scripture, they being the mere conceits and imagi-
nations of men: And yet it is marvellous to see,
with how great confidence some men do assert the
scripture to be their rule, while they build up so
considerable parts of their doctrine, without the
least scripture foundation.
Thus I thought fit to pitch upon these three,
viz. The Scriptures^ Sabbaths^ and SacramentSy
because these be three of the main things for which
we Quakers are chiefly cried out against, and ac-
cused, as believing erroneously concerning them.
Now what we beliei'e concerning these things, and
how agreeable our testimony herein is to the scrip-
tures, is heretofore sufficiently demonstrated: —
Also, how little scripture-proof these have for
their contrary assertions to us in these things, not-
withstanding their great pretences to scripture^
will also appear to the unbiassed reader.
144 NOTK TO THE READfeH.
Advertisement to the Reader,
Note, Reader, That I have here througliout,
made use of the last common translation of the
bible; and if I would have made use of the Hebrew
and Greeks I could have produced divers other
very clear scriptures, vi^hich in the common trans-
lation are corrupted and perverted; but I choosed
rather to do thus, that our opposers might see I
took no advantage that way; and also^ that all
that can but read, may find the places cited in
their own bibles.
THE
ANCIENT TESTIMONY
OF THE
PEOPLE CALLED QUAKERS,
REVIVED.
BY THE ORDER AND APPROBATION OF THE
YEARLY MEETING, HELD FOR THE PROVIN-
CES OF PENNSYLVANIA AND N. JERSEY,
1722.
V^^ILMINGTON, DEL:
PRINTED AND SOLD BY JAMES WILSON,
1821.
THE
ANCIENT TESTIMONY
OF THE
PEOPLE CALLED qVAKERS.
Dear Friends,
HAVING lately by an introduction to Introduce
our <Book of Discipline,' given a short hint how
our respective meetings, for church affairs, do
consist, and by what authority, and example, they
came at first to be instituted, we think well at
this time, for the further information, and encour-
agement of our youth, and others, whose faces are
turned towards Zion, to signify, that by living
experience, we find, and can with good conscience
declare and testify, that the same blessed Holy ,
Spirit which led us to believe and receive the Spirit leads
doctrines and principles of truth, (as they were orto"^
declared by Christ and his apostles in the holy
scriptures) did and now doth, lead us into the like
holy order and government to be exercised among.
us, as it was amongst the primitive Christians, in
sanctification and holiness.
148 ANCIENT TESTIMONY
The For the church of God is a satherino: of Hheni
church
defined. that are sanctified' by the word of truth, ^called
ICor. 1.2. ^Q |3g saints,' who are members of the body, even
the true church, whereof Jesus Christ is the head:
But before any can come to be true membei^ of
Fiery that body, they must witness the fiery baptism of
baptism. i\^Q Holy Ghost, to initiate them into this true
Mat.l9. 18. church; and as they follow Christ, in the regene-
ration, they will witness a purity of living, and
Qualifies to t>e qualified to act and judge for him, who in dis-
actforGod. pensing his Holy Spirit, doth in his infinite wis-
dom, minister unto every member a measure
The opera- thereof which operates diversely 'for the edifying
tion of the ^ , , , f , . "^ . "^ ^
Spirit di- ot the body, there being some apostles, some
E^ h 4'^il teachers, some pastors,' some elders, young men
1 Cor 12. and babes: for all are not apostles, elders, nor
babes; yet all who are truly gathered are mem-
bers, and as such, have a sense and feeling of th«
life of the body flowing from the head Jesus
Christ. And whilst they remain in that senscj
Eph 4. 2,3. acting ^with all lowliness, meekness, and long-
suffering, forbearing one another in love, endeav-
oring to keep the unity of thQ Spirit in the bond
of peace,' they will be indued with right judg-
ment, seasoned with pure charity, and perfect
love, which is the bond of our holy communion
and church-fellowship.
The ffov- ^"^* ^s ^^ become thus initiated and qualified,
ernment of y^rQ gh^ll be enabled to maintain the holy order
the Chris- . / x •
tian church and government above-mentioned m pertect uni-
QF THE QUAKERS. 149
tn and according to the degree of faithfulness tobe in
.> , . I 11 1 .1 perfect
we are found in, shall more and more see Hhe unity.
holy city New Jerusalem coming down from God ^^^ '^^^^^'
out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for church of
her husband,' and the river of water of life pro- Rev 21. 2.
ceeding out of the throne of God, and of the
verse 1*^
Lamb; which city being the true church, 'had a 'j^l^^^^.g^lY
wall great and high,' signifying the excellency of
God's power encompassing those that are within
this church, and keeping out all that would invade
or hurt it: 'And this wall had twelve foundations, ^"4 ^^^^'
dations
^nd on them the names of the twelve apostles of thereof.
the Lamb;' which denotes that the doctrines of^^^^^ '
the apostles are to be embraced, and those that
are not founded upon them to be rejected and
shut out of this holy city which had but one
street, and that is the way to the tree of life^
where the true members of the church of Christ
are travelling in the unity of his blessed Spirit;
and so they become 'of one heart, and of one Acts 4. 32,
soul,' as the multitude of them that believed in
the apostle's days were, in which precious unity
we shall feel the life of righteousness.
And as we come to feel this life, and therein Glory of
experience the arisino;s of this alorious day of ^'^^ ?P*^**-
^ o & J ^al dispen-
love and light, with the increase of this blessed sation.
unity, we shall more and more witness the glory
of this spiritual dispensation by knowing God's
^tabernacle with us,' and his dwelling in us, and Rey21. 3.
the peaceable government of the Lamb among us
N2
150 ANCIENT TESTIMONY
mysteriously signified by the descending of this
holy city; and as we abide here, we shall witli
Rev 21. 1. John see no more seaj that is, we shall not degen-
division in erate into that outrageous and dividing principle
the church j|^^|. j^^g ^^ times prevailed in some that walked
amongst us to manifest they were not of us; but
Romans 12. shall 'present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable ser-
vice, and not be conformed to this world, but
transformed by the renewing of our mind, proving
what is that good, acceptable, and perfect will of
God,' and then none among us 'will think of him-
self more highly than he ought; but wrll think
soberly according as God hath dealt to every man
the measure of faith,
verse 6. For having 'gifts differing,' as said the apostle,
Sfferin«- ^according to the grace that is given to us, whether
prophecy, we shall prophesy according to the pro-
portion of faith; or ministry, we shall wait on our
ministry; or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he
thatexhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, will
do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with dili-
gence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness;'
Romans 12. our love will be 'without dissimulation, abhorring
-9 to 14. . ^ o
that which is evil, cleaving to that which is good,
kindly aftectioned one towards another with
brotherly love, in honor preferring one another,
not slothful in business,' but providing things hon-
est in the sight of all men, and yet have our
Uiinds kept above the surfeiting cares of the
of'the quakehs. 151
world, by being 'fervent in spirit, serving the
Lord, rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation,
continuing instant in prayer, distributing to the
necessity of saints, given to hospitality, blessing
them which persecute us, and not curse.'
We shall also 'be of the same mind one towards Several
another, affecting not high things, but condescend- Homansl2.
ins: to men of low estate: not wise in our own l^» ^'^y
., ^ ., 18,21.
conceits; nor recompense to any man evil for evil, iPeterS. 9.
or railing for railing; but overcome evil with good;
and as much as lieth in us, live peaceably with all
men, having the same love, doing nothing through Phil2: 2,3.
strife or vain glory, but in lowliness of mind, each
esteeming the other better than themselves;' the
strongest and best gifted, not despising the mean-
est, nor they envying the strongest^ but all in
their respective stations and degrees will 'walk PhllS. 16.
by the same rule,' be of one accord, 'and mind
the same thing,' heartily joining to maintain char- Charity in
ity in all its branches, and carry on the affairs of branches
truth in the lamb. like spirit to the honor of God *» be
and comfort one of another in him, and then we
shall demonstrate that we experimentally know
there is 'one body, and one Spirit, one Lord, one Eph4.
faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who "^y ^> ^•
is above all, and through all, and in us all.
, By all which, it is manifest that our church-fel- Church
lowshiT) stands in the bond of charity and true ^^"^^^^'^
unity of the Holy Spirit, the fruit whereof, as
saith the apostle, 'is in all goodness, righteousness Eph5. 9.
152 ANCIENT TESTIMONY
The fruit of and truth, love, joy, peace, lono;-sufferino:, grentle-
the Spirit. ,. 'JJM 5 o oJto
Gal 5.22, ness, faith, meekness, temperance, against such
23, 14, 16, ^hgi^e is riQ law; for the law is fulfilled in one
The law word,' saith the same apostle, ^even this. Thou
^ ' shalt love thy neighbor as thyself;' which is that
perfect charity we speak of, and desire all may
come unto, and be preserved in; so that God (^who
is love') may take delight in us, and make his
abode with us, and then shall we <walk in the Spir-
it, and not fulfil the lusts of the flesh, for the flesh
lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against
the flesh.'
The works 'T^^ works of the flesh are manifest;' (said the
GsdS^lQ^' apostle Paul to the Galatians^) ^which are these;
20,21. adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations,
wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, mur-
ders, drunkenness, revelling and such like; and
they that do such things shall not inherit the
kingdom of God.' And the same apostle, when
he wrote to the churches of Rome, Corinth, Ephe-
sus, and Coloss, testifying against the like evils,
Eph 5. 4,5, and against 'foolish talking and jesting,' he added,
^l'}^\ that^no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor
covetous man who is an idolater, hath any inher-
itance in the kingdom of Christ and of God, for
because of these things cometh the wrath of God
upon the children of disobedience: Be not there-
fore (said he) paitakers with them, and have no
OF THE QUAKERS. 153
fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness,
but rather reprove them/
And the same apostle speaking of some ^who Eph 4.
were past feeling, had given themselves over to
lasciviousness to work all uncleanness with greed-
iness: But ye, (said he to the believers) have not
so learned Christ: If so be, that ye have heard
him, and have been taught by him as the truth is
in Jesus; that ye put off concerning the former
conversation the old man which is corrupt, accord-
ing to deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit
of your mind; and that ye put on the new man,
which after God is created in righteousness and
true holiness; wherefore putting away lying, speak
every man truth with his neighbor; for we are
members one of another:' And after he forbad
them 'to be angry and give place to the devil,' he
would have them that 'stole, steal no more,' and
that 'no corrupt communication should proceed
out of their mouth; but that which is good to the
use of edifying, that it might minister grace to the
hearers, and that all bitterness and wrath, and an-
ger, and clamor, and evil speaking should be put
away, with all malice.'
And the apostle having testmed against those
Mvho were full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, Romans J.
^ 29, 30,
malignity, whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, 31, is.
despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil
things, disobedient to parents; without under-
standing, covenant breakers, without natural af»
154 ANCIENT TESTIMONY
fection, implacable, unmerciful, and such as held
1 Cor 6. 9, the truth in unrighteousness,' he saith, 'Know ye
not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the king-
dom of God: Be not deceived; neither fornica-
tors, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate,
nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor
thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, norrevilers,
nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of
God; and such were some of you; but je are
washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified,
in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit
of our God.' By this we may clearly understand,
that the vilest of people, as they give way to the
power and word of truth, may be sanctified, and
so become members of the church of Christ, which
is great encouragement for all to submit them-
selves to the divine holy hand, that leads them to
repentance and amendment of life.
Apostates. ^^^ ^ve may observe, that notwithstanding the
9T*"^ 9 17 *^^^y cautions and repeated advice of the apos-
3. 8. ties, yet some in their days, as in our time, who
3 John 9. P'^ofessed the tinith, and seemed in measure re-
Gal 2. 4. deemed out of the evils of this world, fell into
1 Cor 1.12. .
5. 1. these and the like enormities which the apostles
testified against jf and some others who were then
gathered into the belief of the principles and doc-
trines of the gospel of Christ, fell from those
principles as some have done in our day; in which
cases such as stood firm in the faith, had power by
-the Spirit of God (after Christian endeavors to
OF THE QUAKERS. 155
convince and reclaim those backsliders) to exclude
them from our spiritual fellowship and commu-
nion, as also the privileges the}' had as fellow
members; which power, we know by good expe-
rience, continues with us in carrying on the dis-
cipline of the church in the spirit of meekness.
Therefore, we say, as our brethren have here- Power in
tofore concluded, that where any in the church of ^o censure.
God, pretending conscience or revelation, shall
arise to teach and practise (however insignificant
or small in themselves) whether principles or prac-
tice, yet if they be contrary to such as are already
received as true, and confirmed by God's Spirit
in the hearts of his saints; and that the introdu-
cing of these things tend to bring reproach upon
the truth, as such as are not edifying in them-
selves, and so stumble the weak; those who have
a true and right discerning, may in and by the
power of God authorising them (and no otherwise)
condemn and judge such things; and their so do-
ing will be obligatory upon all the members that
have a true sense, because they will see it to be
so, and submit to it.
Whatsoever innovation, difference, or diverse Innova-
appearance, whether in doctrine or practice, pro- ^^°"^'
ceedeth not from the pure moving of the Spirit of
God, or is not done out of pure tenderness of con-
science, but either from that which being puffed
up affecteth singularity, and there -through would
be observed, commended and exalted, or from
156 ANCIENT TESTIMONY
that which the malignity of some humors and nat-
ural tempers, which will be contradicting without
cause, and secretly begetting divisions, animosities
and emulations, by which the unity and unfeigned
love of the brethren is lessened or rent, all things
proceeding from this root and spirit, however little
they maybe supposed to be of themselves^ are to
be guarded against, withstood and denied as hurt-
ful to the true church's peace and hindrance of the
prosperity of truth.
Things And now we come to take notice of some things
deem^lalv- *^^* others professing Christianity, deem lawful,
ful, are not which are not so to us, as swearing and fighting,
or going to war when required by lawful authority.
The first we testify against, because it is contrary
to the express command of our blessed Saviour,
Swearing, who said, 'Swear not at all^' and the apostle James
writing to the twelve scattered tribes, who ac-
cording to their law, were to 'swear by the Lord,
James5.12. and perform their oaths to him,' saith, 'But above
all things, my brethren, swear not; neither by
heaven, neither by the earth, nor by any other
oathj but let your yea be yea, and your nay, nay,
lest you fall into condemnation.' By this we be-
lieve, that all oaths commanded or allowed by the
Mosaical law, which took their beginning from
want of truth and faithfulness, as well as the
oaths of those times, are totally abrogated, and
instead thereof the speaking of truth established^
and we are greatly thankful to God that our su*
O^" THE QUAKERS. 15?'
periors in Great Britain have been pleased to grant
relief and ease to us in that point, and hope it
tv^ill be a firm and renewed obligation upon us to
keep peaceable, faithful, harmless and honest to-
wards all the children of men: and then we shall
assuredly be preserved out of those contests, fal-
lacies, strife and perfidies against which oaths
were at first introduced as a remedy, and are still
alleged to be a security.
And since we must not ^swear at all,' we can- Adminr&-
not administer oaths to others; therefore let all of oa^^J^gf
«ur community who are or may be concerned as
magistrates, be tender of God's honor in this mat-
ter.
And as for wars and fightings, they are alto- w'ars
gether unlawful to us, because our Lord and Sa-
moixv Jesus Christ, (who for the excellency of his
government is called 'the Prince of Peace') in his rsa9; 6.
%less€d Sermon upon the mount, commanded that
we should 'love our enemies.' Mat 5: 44,
And the apostle Paul exhorts not to ^avenge Romans 12;
ourselves;' but if our enemy hunger, we must feed '
him; if he thirst, give him drink:' But it is evi-
dent, that war teacheth to hate, famish and destroy
them. The same apostle declares, that 'we war 2Cor 10: 3.
Hot after the flesh,' nor 'wrestle against flesh and ^P^^ ^* ^^'
blood:' But outward war is according to the flesh,
and against flesh and blood, for the shedding of
the one and destroying of the other. The same
apostle saith further, 'The weapons of our warfare 2Cor 10; 4^
158 ANCIENT TESTIMONY
are not carnal, but mighty through God^' so are
not the weapons of outward warfare; and the
James 4: 1. apostle James testifies, that <wars and fightings
come from lusts,' and those lusts war in the mem-
bers of carnal men: But such as have crucified
the flesh with its aflfections and lusts, cannot in-
dulge them by waging war; nor can the servants
Johnl8: 36. ^f Christ fight, because 'his kingdom is not of this
world.' So that when Peter used the sword, his
Lord and Master reproved him, saying, *Put up
again thy sword into his place, for all they that
take up the sword, shall perish with the sword.'—
We are not without sorrowful instances of some
that have been educated in the peaceable princi-
ples here asserted, and yet became so far degene-
rated from it as to use the sword; and they per-
ished by the sword; which is here mentioned only
as a warning to those who by pursuing the vanity
of their minds, may happen to stray out of the
pure path of peace, and fall into the like incon-
veniences.
Clirist's By all which it may appear, that Jesus Christ
banner. ^j^^ captain of our salvation, calls those that list
themselves under his banner, to bear his cross,
and abide in humility, patience, simplicity and
revenge. ^^"^ charity, and not any ways indulge the least
Roml2: 17. thought of revenge, or ^rendering evil for evil, or
railing for railing;' much less endeavor to advance
themselves by the fraudulent stratagems of war;
but suffer true love to take place of wrath j^ and
OF THE qtJAKEtlS'. 159
forgiveness to overeome injury and revenge; so
the Lamb will be preserved before the lion, and
<the lion' resign to, and 'lie down with the Lamb.'
And although these testimonies of Christ and
his apostles are so clear against wars and fightings,
yet our elder brethren and some of us formerly,
suffered much because we could not ourselves bear SufFerings
arms, nor send others in our places, nor pay for ^ "^" **
buying of drums and other military attire, as also
for not observing those days which were appointed
to crave a blessing for success to the arms of the
nation where we lived, or to give thanks for the
victories acquired by the effusion of much blood.
There are other things, as giving flattering ti- Flattering'
ties, uncovering the head, and cringing to men, -j^^g^'g,^^'
calling the days and months by the heathen names,
and drinking one to another, drinking healths, ri-
otings, banquetings, and using games, sports, Games, &b*
plays, revels, comedies, and such like (which ma-
ny of the professors of Christianity allow) are not
at all lawful to us, because they not only waste
that time which is but lent us, and should be spent
to the honor of God, but also naturally draw men
from God's fear; and we know the testimony of
the Spirit of Truth is against them, and the in-
ward convictions of light and grace in our own
hearts, have prevailed upon us to lay them aside.
And some called Christians about the first com- « .^ •
ing forth of our friends, encouraged people to go
from their worships to gaming, sportings, musicj
160
ANCIEKT TESTtMOK¥
dancing, wrestling, running of races, and tlie
like, counting it not inconsistent with religion so
to do, which was so abominable in the sight of
God that he was pleased to raise a holy zeal in
our elder brethren against those ungodly practi-
Drinking ces, and against drinking healths, banquetings and
heaUhs,&c. riotous living, which not only provoke people to
excess of eating, drinking, laughter, foolish talk-
ing, jesting, and such like things that are sinful,
and in no wise becoming the solidity, gravity and
sobriety which men professing Christianity ought
to be adorned with; but it is obvious, that such as
run into those excesses, bring a scorn and slight
upon their profession, to the grief of the honest
hearted; and not only so, but they lay themselves
open to commit all such vices as the devil may
tempt them to.
And our constant testimony has been, and ia^
against saying you to a single person, not only
because it is contrary to the true propriety of
speech and scripture language; but it gratifies that
proud Haman-like spirit which possesses the
heart of such who would arrogate to themselvea
the homage and reverence due to God, requiring
to be addressed in such language as they judge
more honorable than that which they bestow upon
the Almighty.
And because our ancient friends and elders in
tlie truth could not join with that spirit, they suf-
fered deeply for their inaocent testimony against
Scripture
language.
Arro-
gance
Respect
to luen.
OF THE QUAKERS. 161
ft, and yet upon all occasions shewed the decent
respect due to men and maintained in the wisdom
of God, the true honor and obedience due from
subjects to their prince, inferiors to superiors, Honor to
from children to parents, and servants to masters, ^^P^^^^^*'
whereby the mutual relations betwixt those differ-
ent ranks and degrees of men have been and are
asserted and endeavored to be established after
the manner our Saviour and his apostles were
pleased to direct.
Now before we go further, we think proper to
give some accounts of our principles and practi-
ces concerning those mutual relations or ranks of
men. And first of kings^ rulers, and magistrates, Of king^
as it is our belief, that the powers and government Rom is^T
we live under are of the Lord, so we acknowledge
that fidelity and subjection are due to those who
are in authority over us, expecting only the bene-
fit of those good laws which are deemed our birth-
right as English subjects, and not the protection
by gun and sword which others make the terms
of their allegiance; and we faithfully own, that
Biagistracy is an ordinance of God, and ^ those Magistracy
who rule well are worthy of double honor,' and ^^^1^ ^^' ^•
deserve to be really valued and much esteemed,
not by giving them vain appellations or flattering
titles, nor by bowing the body, or uncovering the
head, nor by feigned words called compliments,
^ut by obeying their just and lawful commands,
05
Supplica-
tions for
kings, &c.
1 Tim ?:
Titus 3: 1,
1 Peter 2:
13, 14.
Rom 13: 4<
'Laws
against
con-
science.
G. F. II:
291.
16$ ' AKCIENT TESTIMONt
wherein the true honor and subjection due to theai:
doth chiefly consist.
And it has been, and is our frequent concern
according to the pure leadings and dictates of
God's Holy Spirit in our nearest approaches to
the throne of hisxgrace to make 'supplication,
prayer, intercession, and giving of thanks for
kings, and all that are in authority:' And we have
not been wanting in our respective places and
stations, to put people in mind, as the apostle ex-
horted, to be 'subjected to principalities and pow-
ers, to obey magistrates, and submit to every or-
dinance 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 praise of them that do well;' for so
the magistrates 'are ministers of God to us for
good, bearing not the sword in vain, being reven^
gers to execute wrath upon him that doth evil;'
and for this cause pay we tribute also, for they are
God's ministers attending continually on this verj
thing.
Yet when laws and statutes were made, requi-
ring certain conformities which for conscience-sake
could not be complied with by our faithful friends,
some magistrates, instead of the sword of justice^
took up the sword of persecution against them;
nevertheless they did not resist, but patiently suf-
fered the spoiling of their goods, grievous impris-
ounientsj scourging and banishment from their
-OF THE QUAKERS. l63
fender families, friends and relations; choosing, as
the holy apostles did in the like case, 'to obey God ^^^^ ^ |^:^
rather than men;' for they could not *but speak
the things which they had seen and heard;' and
for all this cruel usage and sufferings, they paid
their taxes and tributes, 'rendering to Geesar the ]vfat22: 21,
things which were his, and to God the things that
were his;' for so was «the will of God, that with iPet2: 15,
well doing, they should put to silence the igno-
rance of foolish men.
And here it is necessary to distinguish between Dlstin-
the laws or statutes which occasioned those suf- ^"^^]^, ^^^
good law.
ferinos, and the law ^ which the apostle said, ^islTiml:
. . 8 9 10
good if a man use it lawfully, knowing this, that * * *
the law is not made for the righteous man, but for
the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and
for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers Titusl: 10.
of fathers, and murderers of mothers, for man-
slayers, for whoremongers, for them that defile
themselves with mankind, for man-stealers, for
liars, for perjured persons, and for any other thing
that is contrary to sound doctrinq^.'
Signed in and by order of the
said meeting, this 19th day
of Uie rih mo. 1722, by
SAMUEL PJIESTOJW
THE COJ^TEJ^TS.
PAGE,
Chap. 1. Of God, and the true and saving
knowledge of him. . - - - f
Chap. 2. Of the rule and guide of Chris-
tians^ and of the scriptures. - - 9
Chap. 3. Of Jesus Christ being manifest in
the flesh, the end and use of it. - - 12
Chap. 4. Of the New Birth, the inward ap-
pearance of Christ in Spirit, and the unity
of the saints with him. - - - 20
Chap. 5. Of the light wherewith Christ hath
enlightened every man; the universality
and sutHciency of God's grace, to all the
world, made manifest therein. - - 24
Cliap. 6. Of faith, justification and works. 56
Chap. 7. Of perfection, or freedom from sin. 42
Clinp. 8. Of perseverance, and falling from
grace. .-..-. 5t
Chap. 9. Of the church and ministry. - 56
Chap. 10. Of worship. ... 69
Chap, 11. Of baptism, and bread and wine. 73
Chap. 12. Of the life of a Christian^ in gen-
eral, what and how it ought to be iu this
world - - 78
CJmp. 13. Of magistracy. - - - 97
Chap. 14. Of the resurrection. - - 100
Chap. 15. A short introduction to the con-
fession of faith. - - - - 103
Chap. 16. A confession of faith, containing
twenty three articles. ... 105>
Article 1. Of God, and the true and saving
knowledge of him. - - - - ib.
Jlrt. 2. Of the guide and rule of CArish*a/25. 106
%^rt, 3. Of the scriptures. - - - ib.
Art. 4. Of the divinity of Christ, and his
being from the beginning. . - - 107
iirt. 5. Of his appearai^cc in fhcf flesh* lOS
^rt. 6. Of the end and use of that appear-
ance. .-.--- ij.
%irt. 7. Of the inward manifestation of
Christ. ...... 10&
Art. 8. Of the new birth. - - - IlO
iSrt. 9. Of the unity of the saints with Christ. Ill
•Sirt. 10. Of the universal love and grace of
God to all. ib.
Art, 11. Of the light that enlighteneth ev-
ery man. - - - - - -112
Art. 12. Of faith and justification. - 114
Art. 13. Of good works. - - - 115
Art, 14. Of perfection. - - - 116
Art. 15. Of perseverance, and falling from
grace. - - - - - - 117
Art. 16. Of the church and ministry. - 118
Art, 17. Of worship. - - - - 121
Art. 18. Of baptism ih.
Art. 19. Of eating of bread and wine, wash-
ing of one another's feet, abstaining from
things strangled, and from blood, and
anointing of the sick with oil. - - 122
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. - - 125
Art. 21. Of swearing, fighting, and perse-
cution. - - - - - - 124
Art. 22. Of magistracy. - - - 126
Art. 23. Of the resurrection. - - 127
Chap. 17. A short expostulation, with an
appeal to all other professors. - - 12S
Chap. 18. A short examination of some of
the scripture proofs, alleged by the divines
at Westminster^ to prove divers articles in
their Confession of Faith and Catechism. 134
Ancient Testimony of the Quakers. - 147
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