Question.

VVHat do you judge is the needful work of the day?

Answer. The day calls for many needful works, and amongst the rest, this for one, The laying down such foundations and principles of Religi­on and Godliness, as may through God's blessing, recover Religion in­to its antient Purity, and preserve it therein.

Quest. What do you think of the many Catechisms that have been imployed in this service?

Answ. Many have done worthily in opening he Commandments of God, and in shewing the use of Christ's Ordinances; and several parts of Truth have been usefully opened: but yet through their not knowing, or not considering, how the world is over-spread, partly with Atheism, and partly with Ignorance, have missed of that which is the main, and said little, or nothing, to that which is of most concernment.

Quest. What are those weighty Truths, or some of them, that should be further spoken to?

Answ. This for one, namely, The undoubted and unquestionable Being of a God.

Quest. Do you judge that needful?

Answ. Yea: for it is not so long since Atheism appeared with an open face in the Ranters; and how it appears in the lives of multitudes, is too manifest. For how do men at this day, swear for or against any thing that stands with their present advantage, and laugh at that in pri­vate as superstitious and ridiculous, which they in publick subscribe to, as if it were good and sutable to the mind of God; with many like Abo­minations, which men could never constantly run on in the course of doing, if they did from the heart believe that there is a God: For what is more inconsistent with the Being of a God, than to own and counte­nance such works of Iniquity?

Quest. How will you prove convincingly there is a God?

Answ. First, It is proved by the Creation of the World: for it is altogether impossible for the visible Creation to give it self a being; I mean there is no thing which the eye of man can behold, which could [Page]possibly give it self a being; muchless could it give a being to any thing lese. As for example, Where can any Man find a creature in heaven or in earth, indued with Reason and Understanding, and so accompli­shed with Skill, to bring to pass such excellent works as he himself can do, and yet could he not make himself. But it is evident to reason, that the first of mankind must have their Being from God: muchless could Man have stretched out his hand to the Heavens, and have set them at such a wonderful distance from the Earth, and have stretched them round about it, and so bespangled it with Stars, and have given a Be­ing to the Sun & Moon, and have commanded them to keep their course to all Generations: neither could he have made the Earth and the Seas, and have stocked them with such variety of Creatures, and bound them in a round lump together, and commanded this bulkie massie piece to stand firm in the midst of the Heavens: these and such-like Works are too wonderful for any, but only for Himself, who is in Mercy, Power, Wisdom, Fore-knowledge, and all eternal Excellency, Matchless and Infinite.

Quest. But may it not be objected by an Atheist, that all things are by Nature?

Answ. It may, and is so objected commonly; but the answer is rea­dy at hand, thus; If it should be supposed that all things are by Nature, yet then of necessity this cannot be denied, that Nature must be accom­plished with such an Almighty Power, unsearchable Wisdom, and won­derful Love to the whole Earth, and especially to Mankind, together with all those most glorious Perfections which we commonly ascribe to God: for most evident it is, that He that wrought out the Being, and Well-being of all things, is most richly furnished with the very high­est Perfections of all Excellency and Goodness; and this is no less than to confess the Being of a God.

Quest. Have you any other proof that there is a God?

Answ. The works of Providence do further evidence the Being of a God; as first, The constant Preservation of the whole Creation, that all the hosts of Men and Beasts, Fowls, and all living Creatures, should be in a constant course of Providence fed every day for thousands of years together; it evidently shews the Fatherly-care, Faithfulness, Wisdom and Bounty of a God.

Again, if God doth alter his wonted course at any time, and make the Heavens Brass, and the Earth Iron, or bring other severe judgements; every considering man may clearly discern, that the abounding Wick­ednesse of the Sons of Men, have provoked the Giver of all Goodness to take his Mercy away, and may well read in all his stroaks, a loud call [Page 7]to repentance. But further, if men do but humble themselves under his hand, and return from their evil wayes, how graciously doth he return to his ordinary way of shewing Mercy.

Also, if we do consider his governing the World, it most wonderful­ly declares his infinite and eternal Being. Take these instances, first, the Sun, Moon and Stats, keeping so constant a course ordinarily from Age to Age: as also Day and Night; Summer and Winter; Seed­time and Harvest, following each other in a setled course. And if the Lord at any time alter the course of any of his Creatures; as when the Sun and Moon stood still in Joshua's dayes, and came back in Hezekiah's dayes ten degrees; the Red-sea divided in Moses's dayes, and the Ri­ver of Jordan driven back, or any like act done, it alwayes was brought to pass at such times, and for some such noble ends, as that it did al­way more abundantly preach forth the Power, Grace, Wisdom, Justice, and unspeakable Goodness of an Eternal God.

Quest. But how know you that these wonderful Works were done?

Answ. Manifest it is, that in no age, no not in this we now live in, can any of the great Works of God get any credit in the world, till they are manifest beyond all possibility of dispute: therefore there can be no ground for a doubt.

Secondly, Consider his Strength, Wisdom and Goodness, in governing the World, so as that his poor People live in it. It is most manifest to all that do consider it, that of them that love and fear God, and are the most conscionable in minding and observing his Word, Works and Worship, that they are very few, few, few, in comparison of the mul­titudes, numberless multitudes of blasphemous-Atheists, Idolaters, prophane, unjust, deceitful Covenant-breakers, with other like workers of Iniquity! all setting themselves with open mouth to devour this lit­tle Remnant, and diging to Hell for deep Counsels to destroy them; and yet for all their unjust and cunning policies, and oft-times open violence exercised against them, through the rich Goodness, di­vine Wisdom and Providence of God, they have never yet been root­ed out of the Earth; but although they have been almost blotted out with the rage and persecution of the World, yet hath the Most High still preserved a little Flock of Lambs amidst a world of wolves, who fain would, but never yet could, wholly devour them: which plain­ly proves that there is a God that hath more Power, Wisdom & Goodness, than all their Enemies have strength or malice, who ever lives to take care of them.

Again, the Signs that God often sheweth in the sudden and unexpe­cted overturning of their Enemies from time to time, is of a very con­vincing [Page 8]nature, to prove that certainly there is a God that judgeth the Earth.

Quest. Seeing you have proved the undoubted and certain Being of a God, what is the next weighty Truth that stands in need of proof?

Answ. The next Truth most needful to be cleared, is the holy Scrip­tures, to be the Words and Counsels of God.

Quest. Is there any with us do deny them?

Answ. Yes, there is some do deny them; and more would, if fear or shame did not stop their mouths, as appears by their works.

Quest. What Books do you mean by holy Scriptures?

Answ. The Writings of Moses and the Prophets, till Malachies dayes, committed to the antient Church of the Jews, and received by them: as also the Books of the New Testament, from Matthew to the Revelation.

Quest. And wherefore do you reject those Books commonly called Apocry­pha? do you think the Spirit of God had no hand in the writing of them?

Answ. It seems too hard to conclude, that those that wrote those sto­ries, had no Light or aid from the Spirit of God in the writing of them; they might be good men, and hand forth some truths, and useful things, as many doubtless have done both in former and latter Ages, who, al­though we may make good use of their Books, yet may we not receive them as infallible Prophets writings, but receive, or reject, or suspend our judgements, as we see they agree or disagree with the Word of Truth and clear Reason, or appear doubtful.

Quest. But is there reason to take this liberty with those Books; what are your grounds to doubt of their infallability?

Answ. Clear it is, that however there are good Counsels in some of those Writings, yet they seem to be written by some Jews in or after the captivity, when their light in all probability was much dimmed, and not by the Prophets: Also how far from the language and stile of the in­fallible Spirit of God, those Writings are (some of them) is evident: the Spirit of God useth not to acknowledge infirmity, and a doing as well as he can, for he is perfect, and therefore doth nothing meanly. Again, as there be absurdities not fit to be put upon the holy Spirit (as this for one, to go about to make us believe the Devil will be frighted away with smoak) so also there is one stark lie, so rank that a fool may discern it; the same person that saith in one place, he is the Son of Ananias, saith in another, he is an holy Angel. There be other exceptions I will not now spend time about; these may suffice to let you see some ground wherefore I cannot own them to be of divine Authority.

Quest. But how will you prove that those books, known by the names of the [Page 9]Old and New Testaments, are the infallible Words of God, and so the safe Rule to lead men in the true Path of believing and obedience to Life everlasting?

Answ. First, They may be known by their noble stile; as for exam­ple, When you hear any persons express themselves judiciously, acute­ly, in excellent Language, although you never saw them before, yet may you safely conclude that they are persons of excellent breeding and quality, although they should appear in never so mean a dress: So may it much more be concluded concerning the Scriptures; their dialect hath that Majesty, Holiness, Grace and high Wisdom in them, most elegantly manifesting the perfections of a divine Being in them, and declaring the judiciousness, faithfulness, and perfection of all his Inten­tions and Proceedings with the sons of men, that it is not likely possi­ble for any gracious considering man, to call there Authority into que­stion.

Secondly, The blessed Intention and scope of them, discover them to proceed from the holy Spirit; all the Commandments, Threatnings, Promises, Warnings, Counsels & Declarations contained in them, una­nimously tending to advance Godliness in the hearts and lives of men.

Thirdly, The several Doctrines and points of Truth contained in them, are so wisely and holily compacted, standing in so sweet an Uni­on together, and so nessecarily depending one upon another, like the parts and members of a natural body, most comely and beautiful, so that the highest commendations Christ gives his Church, in that book of the Canticles, doth much more belong to that Body of Divinity held forth in the Scriptures, by which she is begotten and conformed to his Image. Add to this the consideration of the Pen-men thereof, who be­ing the Prophets and Apostles, and living in several Ages, yet without jarr have brought forth this noble work; so that you may plainly see, they were all guided by one and the same holy Spirit in the writing of them.

Fourthly, The Effects and lively Power of them in the hearts of men, declare from whence they are descended; that which is spoken of their soul-searching and powerful piercing nature, Heb. 4.12. every soul that seriously converseth with them, findeth true: He that in his old blind estate took his heart to be good, when he comes to try it by the Scriptures, finds it so notoriously filthy, that he abhors himself; and as it discovereth sin, so it purgeth it out, and makes the carnal heart spi­ritual, and brings it unto the Love of God and Holiness, which be­fore he hated, and works it up to the hatred of sin, which before he lo­ved; so that its transforming nature plainly sheweth it to be the Words of God.

Quest. But may not other Books perswade men as well as that? how many are led by other books into error?

Answ. Yea other books may over-come mens judgements, but not transform their natures, from carnal to be spiritual, from earthlymind­edness to be heavenly minded, and to bring from the love of sin to the love of holiness, as this blessed Book of the holy Scriptures doth.

Fifthly, The constant fulfilling of the Prophecies of them, preach to all men their [...]nfallibility. God made good his Promise to Abraham, Gen. 15. as also that to David, 2 Sam. 7.12. to the 17. Also his Threat­nings to Jeroboam, 1 Kings 13.2. As also the Promises made in the 2d of Haggai, and 3d of Malachi, concerning Christ's coming to the se­cond Temple, which is now fallen. Also Christ's Prophecy of the fall of this Temple, and of Jerusalem, Mat. 23.37, 38. & 24.2, 19, 20, 21, 22. Luke 21.20, 21, 22, 23, 24. is also come to pass. As also the Prophecy of Paul, 1 Tim. 4.1, 2, 3. is, you see, fulfilled to a tittle, with many more instances if need were, all proving their heavenly birth.

Sixthly, The unsupportable burthen of a Conscience, which God woundeth for sin; The sealing Testimony of his Love by the Spirit to the soul of the true believer; The gracious Answers to prayers made to God in the name of Christ, with other like experiences, give to all gracious hearts most full assurance, that the Scriptures were endited by the Spirit of God.

Seventhly, Jehovah himself hath born witness of them, that they are his words beyond all contradiction. 1. By declaring the ten Command­ments with his own Voice, with that terrour as is exprest, Exod. 19. and writing them twice with his own hand; these being the grand Law on which the whole Scriptures depend, and being the foundation of all Religion, as by and by will appear. 2. The wonderful Signs and Miracles wrought to confirm them; as the bringing Israel out of Egypt through the Red-Sea, and the Wilderness, and Jordan, by a piller of a Cloud by day, and a piller of Fire by night, into Canaan, to the terrour of all the Nations round about. Also the Sun standing still, and coming back. The Resurrection of Christ, which will be proved anon: and the Resurrection of others by Christ, with other numberless Miracles; all preaching to the world, that the Scriptures are the Counsel and Will of God.

Quest. But how shall we know that these wonders have been wrought, but by the Scriptures own Testimony, or by the Church?

Answ. It may be known if this be considered, that the Scriptures have alwayes had, and to this day have, so many feigned friends & open ene­mies, either flatly opposing them, or to their uttermost, secretly undermi­ning [Page]and disgracing them, or exalting humane inventions above them, in so much that no sober Christian can doubt, but that if there had beene possibility to have denied the report of those Miracles in that day in which they are said to be done, the World could not have wanted Vo­lumes enough to have shaken the Faith of the Christian World (so cal­led) long before this day: but although they be carpt at and undermi­ned, yet may all that love them, challenge all their enemies to produce one known and approved Author, that hath undertaken to reprove the report of those glorious Miracles; and if none can be found, then have we the greatest assurance that can be desired, that they are certainly true.

Eightly, And lastly, They have a Testimony in the consciences and mouths of those that like not to be ruled by them; and therefore make as little use of them as possible they can in setting up Religion. You have a clear instance of the Papists, to go no further. Evident it is, that as many Decrees, Canons, Articles, Traditions and Ceremonies, as the Church of Rome hath, yet with all these and her Mass-book, Pope and Councils to boot, with all their pretended infalliability, yet they cannot have a Religion without the holy Scriptures, although it be a well-known truth that they love them not: For all those that honour and o­bey them, and dare not transgress those blessed Precepts, are the only grand Hereticks with them. And as for such as conform to their abomi­nable Idolatries, and superstitious Inventions, pass for Catholick peo­ple with them, although they be notorious transgressors of the Law of God: and yet if these men did wholly cast off the Scriptures, as ill as they love them, their Religion could not have a Being. I am neither insensible nor forgetful, that there are both foolish & subtile indeavours by several sorts of men, besides these; some of them I may meet with at another turn, others a reasonable understanding will answer; and therefore I will go no further in this.

Quest. Have you not some other consideration about the Scriptures meet to be opened? you spake a little before of the Dignity of the ten Command­ments, will you prove those sayings?

Answ. I did so, and before I go further, I think it meet to do that work, for now having proved the Scriptures to be of divine Authority, we may with all boldness apply our selves unto them, as a safe guide in Religion. And first for the Dignity of the ten Commandments, it is most evident that they are a superior Law, on which all other Laws in the Scriptures depend. For this, see Christ's own Testimony, Mat. 22.35. where giving us the sum of that divine Law, consisting in Love to God and to our Neighbour, he tells us in express words, that the whole [Page 12]Law and the Prophets hang upon it; and that this is not my own expo­sition of the Text, but the Apostle Pauls, see Rom. 13.8, 9, 10. as also Jam. 2.8, 9, 10, 11. how plainly doth he there call this Law the Royal Law; and that this is the Law there intended, plainly appears, by his naming some of the Precepts of it expresly.

Quest. But these two Texts, Romans and James, seem to look to the se­cond Table more than the first; must we understand the whole ten is there in­tended, although not exprest?

Answ. The whole Law is exprest truly in those Texts, although not so largely handled; the Apostles business being to apply the second Table to those present cases; but Love belongs to God as wel as to our Neigh­bour; and the second Table without the first, cannot be every tittle of the Royal Law; which yet appeareth more clearly, if you consider that the way to prove our Love to men to be sincere, is by our Love to God, and keeping of his Commandments, 1 John 5.2, 3. And the Commands without limitation, are said to be the whole duty of man, Eccles. 12.13. And David found the keeping of them all, the only safe way of escaping shame, Psal. 119.6. And in Psal. 111. how vehemently he presses the keeping of those Commands that are the work of God's hands, which none were but only the ten Commandments, Exod. 20. these he wrote twice himself, Exod. 32.15, 16. and Deut. 10.1, 2, 3, 4, 5. And how Moses exalted them above all other Laws of God, see Deut. 4.10, 11, 12.

Quest. But can you by some further opening the point, help our understan­dings, that we may discern that the whole Scriptures do depend upon them?

Answ. Very evident it is in Reason, that this Law is of a Supream Authority: for observe, the judicial Law clearly dependeth upon it; for it is a Law ordaining punishments for the transgressions of that high­er Law. And as for the Ceremonial Law, it dependeth upon it plainly; for it consisteth of shadows of Christ, and the Grace that comes to the world by him; who came to redeem us from the curse of that Law, Gal. 3.13. Heb. 9.15. And from these and other-like Texts, we may clearly see that the whole Gospel dependeth upon that Law also: for it being transgressed by all mankind, and no possibility therefore for any man to have life by the Law, because it cursed every transgressor without Mer­cy: and seeing all are gone out of the way, and are altogether become abominable, Psal. 14. & 53. and therefore no justification by the Law. And therefore if God would be so gracious as to save man, there lay this necessity upon him to give his Son to die, and through his Blood, to vouchsafe his Word, Spirit and Ordinances, and whatsoever tendeth to justifie or to sanctifie man, and so to fit him for Eternal Life. Like­wise [Page 13]the whole Scriptures consisting of threatenings for sin, committed against that Law, or declarations of the judgements that have fallen upon the transgressors of that Law; or promises of mercy to those that obey it, or repent for breaking it; or declarations of the blessings which they have had, or shall have, that love or observe it; or some or other such head of Doctrine is held forth in the whole Scriptures fome way relating to that Law, that what Doctrine soever we hear at any time, that beareth not a good accord with that Law of the ten Command­ments, we are taught by the Prophet Isaiah, to believe that that Teach­er hath no light in him, Isa. 8.20. So that whosoever will but mind the Scriptures, and exercise his reason, may very well discern they all de­pend upon that Law.

Quest. Will you shew us how they be the foundation of all Religion?

Answ. First, That which hath been said, is a full proof that they be the foundation of all Religion; for if they be the ground of all Re­proof, Exhortation, Promises, and whatsoever else is contained in the Scriptures, then must they needs be the foundation of all Religion, if Religion be to be learned from the Scriptures, as sure it is, and they be the Counsels and Words of God, as they have been proved to be.

Quest. But what if the Scriptures be the Words of God, may nothing be learned from the Church; is there nothing in her power to order in manner of God's Worship, or the time of it; is there no ceremony or custome lawful but what the Scriptures warrant?

Answ. No, nothing is lawful in God's Worship, but his own certain Appointments: He hath by an express Law bound us to hearken to his Word, and neither add nor diminish, Deut. 4.2. with many other-like Texts.

Object. But are we not as well commanded not to forsake the Law of our Mother, as to obey the Commands of our Father, Prov. 1.8. & 6.20. and is not the Church our Mother?

Answ. That Popish interpretation of those Texts, appears to be I­dolatrous and blasphemous: the admitting the Church to be a law-ma­king Mother, if you compare it with the words of Christ, Mat. 15.9. where the commandments of men, although they were the Church, are condemned for vain worship. Also Paul tells us, Christ is in all things head to the Church, Ephes. 1.22. and if that Apostle understood him­self, there can be nothing left for the Church to order or appoint, in one kind or other, about God's Worship; but her work lies meerly in searching out what her Head by himself, or by his Ministry hath ap­pointed.

Quest. Who account you Christ's Ministry?

Answ. All the Pen-men of the holy Scriptures, as well those that wrote the Old Testament, as those that wrote the New, as appears, 1 Pet. 1.10, 11, 12.

Quest. Can you make it a little more plain to our understandings, that the ten Commandments are the ground and foundation of all Religion?

Answ. That I shall indeavour, and for that end consider, there must be a Law binding all men to the observance of God's Will, before any sin can be committed; and it must be a Law of such a nature, as ren­ders the whole world guilty before God, according to Rom. 3.19. and no such Law can be found but the ten Commandments.

Quest. Is it not more likely to be that Law, written in the hearts of all men, spoken of, Rom. 2. that brings the whole world under guilt?

Answ. True it is; but that Law written in the heart, is the very same Law; as is plainly to be seen in that 2d to the Rom. 14, 15. and so to the end of the Chapter. The very same Law that the Jews boasted of, and preached, and shall be judged by, it is that that is writ in the heart, and may be discerned by the Light aforded to natural men. And the Gentiles come up to a more close obedience of, than the Jews, and so have more praise of God, and be in his account the better Jews: the only difference is, the one hath it written in letters easie to read, the other only as it is written in the heart: but the Law is the very same that is given both to the one and to the other.

Quest. Was there no Religion in the world, till the ten Commandments were given upon Mount Sinai?

Answ. Yea, from the very beginning of the world, but yet not be­fore the ten Commandments were given, for there could be none with­out them.

Quest. But how doth it appear that the ten Commandments were given to Adam and all his Posterity?

Answ. The Law could not stop every mouth, and bring the whole world under guilt, if Adam, the Father of the whole world, were not under it, Rom. 3.19.

Quest. Do you read of any other command to him, then to forbear the fruit of the Tree, of knowledge of Good and Evil?

Answ. Yea we do, or may do; if through carelesness and inconside­ration we over look them not: For can it be reasonably thought, that God sanctified the Sabbath for no use; which absurdity cannot be av [...]i­ded, if it were not for Adam to keep: or that Cain sinned in killing his Brother, if there had been no Law against Murther: or indeed that ei­ther Godliness or Righteousness was like to flourish in the world, if any of the ten Commandments had been wanting. But further it is clear, [Page 15]that the ten Commands are called the First Covepant o [...] [...] the Old Covenant; Heb. 8. And in the 9th chap. 15. ver. there you have the Cause of Christ's Death, rendered to be for the sins committed against that first Covenant. So that it is evident beyond contradiction, that if Abel, Enoch, and the godly Patriarchs of the first Ages of the world, had the benifit of the Redeemers blood; for otherwise they could not be righteous by Faith, then the New Covenant must needs be in force in Adams dayes: And I am sure no man in his right mind, will say, that the New Covenant is older than the old Covenant is.

Again, can it be any other than that holy Law which is so well known in the Old Testament, that Paul doth mean, when he maketh the work of Redemption to lie in delivering us from the curse of the Law, Gal. 3.13. & 4.4.5. Therefore they do not want ignorance, that have so confidently affirmed, that the Sabbath, which is one of the ten Words, was never given to the Gentiles, neither by the Law of Moses, nor by the Law of Nature, nor yet by the Law of Christ. Seeing it is so evident in reason to believe, that what was given to the first Fathers of the world, was given to the World. And the curse of that Law that did necessitate the Death of Christ for the World, must needs be the Worlds duty, otherwise it could not curse them; but they shew themselves what skilful builders they be.

Quest. Seeing you charge these men so home, speak one word more for the further clearing of this point?

Answ. First, Then it is evident to all men, that as many as were bound to be circumcised, were bound to keep the whole Law. The rea­son is full in Pauls words, beyond any reasonable mans doubt, Gal. 5.3. for if he was bound to keep the whole Law, who was circumcised; al­beit, there might be some circumcised, who at that day, when Paul wrote this, it was not their duty, but their ignorance so to be; How much more must they needs be bound to keep the Law, who were bound to be circumcised, whether they were circumcised or no? except the neglect of one duty discharged a man of all other due from him to his God, which I presume no man will say. So that here remains nothing to do but only this, namely, to prove, That all men before the coming of Christ in the flesh, were bound to be circumcised: and if it had not been the Worlds duty as well as Israels, wherefore should be Lord threaten to punish them for the neglect of it, as he doth? Jerem. 9.25, 26. Sure God will not punish them for that which is no sin: and it can be no sin to neglect that which is no duty. Again, Paul in drawing up his Charge against the Colossians estate, 2.13. before their conversion, chargeth them with the uncircumcision of their flesh, which sure he [Page 16]would not have done, if he had not known their neglect of it before Christ was made known to them, had been their sin. Again, no man can be ignorant of this, that strangers that were not of Israel, might partake with them in all the Priviledges of Religion acceptably, that ever read Exod. 12.48, 49. with other-like places: and can any man be so brutish, as to think it was not all the Gentiles duty as well as some of them; or to think that any of them could have been accepted, if it had been voluntary religion, or will-worship, so plainly condemneds, Col. 2.18, 23. Besides it is manifest, that the very Congregation to whom God proclaimed this Law in Sinai, consisted of a mixed multitude of other People, as well as of Jews, Exod. 12.38. Numb. 11.4. Now that these ten Commandments are the foundation of all Religion, is no way hard to conceive; for because this Law was transgressed, and therefore could not save man, therefore there was a necessity of our Lords Death to redeem man, as may by comparing these with other-like Texts toge­ther be seen, Rom. 8.3, 4. & 10.5. Gal. 3.10, 12, 13. Heb. 8.7, 8, 9. and 9.15. And because Christ hath redeemed us, therefore the Gospel is necessary to open to the Sons of men, the benefits of his Death: For the raising of Faith in the soul, and the working of us to repentance, and for the carrying on of the work of Sanctification, the Ordinances of the Lord's Supper, Baptism, and the rest of his Appointments, are ne­cessary, as Preaching, Praying, and all other duties of Plety and God­liness: the whole body of Religion hath so natural a dependance, one part of Truth upon another, and the whole of it upon that Law, as is clear and easie to every considering man to understand.

Quest. But is not this Doctrine legal, and an exalting the Law above the Gospel, in saying it is the foundation of Religion?

Answ. No by no means, no such thing will follow, no more than it will follow that the first Adam is greater than the second Adam; or the darkness more excellent than the light, although that was first created.

Quest. Explain this point as brief as you can.

Answ. Understand it thus, I call this Law the Foundation of Reli­gion, because if it be made void, all Religion of necessity must be made void with it. As for Example, if it continue not to be a rule of holy and just living, then he that neglecteth to observe it, sinneth not; and he that offendeth not this Law, cannot be cuised by it; and he that is not cursed by it, cannot stand in need of redemption by our Lord Jesus to redeem him from the curse thereof; and he that needs no Redempti­on, needs no Redeemer; and he that needs not a Redeemer, needs not the blessings that come by him, nor yet a Gospe [...] nor Ordinances to convey them to him: So that if you mind it well, you will see that all [Page]the parts and prancies of Religion [...] with [...] Law; therefore as we love Religion, and would see it prosper, let u [...] be tender of the root. Our Saviour tells us, not one jor or tittle shall pass from this Law; and that he that breaketh one of the least of them, shall be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven, Mat. 5.18, 19. And James will not allow the breach of it in one point, but requires the ful­filling of it, Jam. 2.8, 9, 10, 11.

Quest. Doth the Law stand in the same force and power now, as when it was at first given, because the Scriptures speak of it, as old and done away, dead to us, and we to it, with such-like expressions which make some think, it doth not continue to be a Rule of life?

Answ. First, The Law continues the same in it self for ever, and is an everlasting Rule of Godliness and Righteousness to all Generati­ons, as hath been proved: nevertheless, the Law hath no power to help our distresses, which we lie in now since the Fall, but our help com­eth by our Lord Jesus alone. As for example, It cannot justifie us, not sanctifie us; look Rom. 3d, 4th & 7th chapters, with many more Texts like them: It cannot now give us life, although once it was ordained for that purpose, but it is now become the Ministration of Condemna­tion, a killing letter, out of whose power there were no escaping, were not its cursing Office taken out of its hands by Jesus Christ; look Rom. 7. 2 Cor. 3. with other-like places: but I cannot now stand to discourse this at large, it would require a Book of it self; nevertheless, I was willing to give thee a little hint or notice of these things, to preserve thee from stumbling at this holy Law, as many blind and ignorant souls do, who will not have it at all; that because it will not serve them, there­fore they will not have it cendemn them, nor shew them their sin; but this Office it will have in the world to the end of it, Rom. 3.20.

Quest. If the whole and every tittle of the Law be for ever binding, then the fourth Command must be binding also; and that almost all men are against; some think it abolished, and that we are bound to keep no Sabhath at all; o­thers think it partly moral, and partly ceremonial; others think the Church had power to change it; others think the Apostles and Church in their dayes changed it; others think that a seventh part of time at the will and pleasure of man, is sufficient instead of it.

Answ. I answer in the words of the Prophet, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of men that they are vanity, Psal. 94.11. for there is no ground for any of these thoughts, but the fourth Command is like its fellows, given at the beginning of the world, and endures as long as the world endures.

Quest. Will you speak a few words to prove its Perpetuity in particular?

Answ. That I shall; but seeing there are so many Treatises extant, of so many Authors, some dead, and some living, that have so fully proved it, and answered all objections, I shall say the less, Brayborn, Ocford, Spitlehouse, Stenit, with many others I omit to name now; yet notwithstanding I shall say something heat; First, It was given in a day of Innocency, even the very first whole day of Adams being in the world, which is enough to deliver it from all suspition of being ceremo­nial or changeable, but a sanctified season to worship God in, and to commemorate the Work of Creation for ever.

Quest. The second of Genesis speaks of God's resting upon it, and san­ctifying it; but is it plain that he gave it to Adam, and so to the world?

Answ. For answer to this, when God sanctified the Sabbath, it must be for Adam, or for himself: now it is so sorded to say, or to think, that he sanctified a Rest for himself, that one would think that no man that is in his right mind, would once imagine it. As for outward Rest, he cannot want, Isa. 40.28. and for inward Sanctification, he can have as little want of that; for who that owneth a God, will not confess him to be perfect, now if he had no need to sanctifie it for himself, he did it for Adam, or for no use at all; but to judge him so vain in his actions, is too great blasphemy for any to affirm that hath his reason, and doth but use it.

Quest. Have you any thing more to strengthen this proof?

Answ. Yea, when the Lord gave it with the other nine, in the 20. of Exodus, he placed it in the midst of his Law, and wrote it with his own hand, and put it into the Ark with its fellows, and fenced it about with more Reasons to preserve it from violation, than he did all the other six Commands following it; and all those Reasons are of a mo­ral nature, not one of them otherwise; so that here is no occasion given of mens so stumbling at it, as they do; but that the Duty is spiritual, and mens hearts carnal, and they love to be ruled by the flesh.

Quest. But is there not ground to judge the Sabbath ceremonial from that 2d of the Colossians?

Answ. Not at all, if men did with care read and consider the Scrip­tures; for evident it is, that besides the New Moons, and holy Dayes, of which there were many, there were four ceremonial Sabbaths in the seventh Month, as appears, Levit. 23.24, 32, 39. which if considered, men would be wiser than to imploy that Text in that unworthy Service, to take away the Seventh-Day-Sabbath, especially seeing the Sabbaths there mentioned, are of the nature of the New Moons & holy Days, sha­dows of things to come; but the Seventh-Day-Sabbath, appointed to commemorate the great Work past. But further, when God decla­red [Page]his ten Commandments in [...] of [...]ny Sab­bath, but the Seventh-Day, burgiveth his People in this Command, as free leave to work the six dayes, as if he never intended any other Sab­bath should be kept at all, and yet by Moses, shortly after giveth com­mand for them also. All which sheweth plainly the difference between these two sorts of Sabbaths, the one to contitute a Law for ever, the other a shadow till the time of Reformation only.

Quest. Seeing it is so opposed in the world, speak one word or two more for its confirmation.

Answ. Our Lord Jesus hath in the Now Testament, sufficiently con­firmed it; First in general, By telling that the Law, in which the Sab­bath is included, shall remain in every jot and tittle of it, till Heaven and Earth pass away, and till all things be fulfilled: now we know ma­ny great things, spoken of in the Law and Prophets, are not yet fulfilled; neither is Heaven and Earth in any sence passed away, and therefore the Sabbath must remain by that Rule, without the diminishing of one tittle of it, Mat. 5.17, 18, 19, 20. these Texts are of a like import with that already named, Luke 16.17, 18. Jawes. 2.8, 10, 11. Rev. 11.19. and 12.17. & 14.12. Rom. 3.31. Ephes. 6.1, 2, 3. with many other.

Again, in particular to the Sabbath it self; If our Lord did not in­tend it should continue after his Death, but he nailed to the Cross with the other Ceremonies, what reason could there be for him to advise his Disciples to pray that their flight might not fall out on the Sabbath, or at the fall of Jerusalens, seeing it fell out sorty years after his Death? and wherefore should be tell us it was made for man, and that He is the Lord of it, if it have no being in his Dominions amongst the Children of men? Mark 2.27, 28. And besides all this, doth not the holy Spirit call it Sabbath; and how dare mortal worms call it working day? For which way can it deserve the name of a Sabbath, if it retain not the nature of a Sabbath? But this is an Age in which men are bent to walk in their own wayes, and neither believe nor do any thing that crosseth the flesh; otherwise how were it possible for men to find so many eva­sions to keep off from so plain a Duty? which was the constant practice of the Saints in the Primitive time, as may be seen, Acts 13.14, 42, 44. and 16.13. & 17.2. & 18.4. And it is observable, that in the former of these Texts, Acts 13. Paul keeps Sabbath with Gentiles, and speaks not the least word against their Practice, nor intimates nothing of a meeting any other day, an evil that Paul would never have been guilty of, had he known any thing of the abolishing or changing of the Sab­bath-day; for how earnestly Paul contended against the Gentiles obser­vation of Ceremonies, cannot be unknown.

Quest. But is it not possible for the whole ten Commands to be observed, al­though the Sabbath be transmitted from the seventh to the first day of the week?

Answ. If the Lord, or any other by his Authority, had so done, I would not have questioned his power or wisdom herein; but seeing he did it not, but it is meerly an invention of man, I must condemn it for a wicked and ungodly Practice, of which the old Serpent was the principal Au­thor, to cause the poor Jews to stumble at the Redeemer of the World to this day.

Quest. Since Christ and his Apostles, and Primitive Saints observed it, what is the reason that the Jews do not believe in Jesus Christ, seeing Sab­bath-Prophanation is one of their greatest Arguments they commonly urge against Christ, and the Christian Religion?

Answ. There is no cause to wonder at their unbelief, nor at the rea­son of it; for how can we expect they should search the New Testament diligently, to inform themselves what the mind and practice of Christ and his Primitive Saints was, when they who profess it to be their Rule, are so extream careless in this matter, that they suffer themselves to be couzened, some with another day, and some with no day, instead of the Sabbath: now the poor Jews judging of the Religion of Christ, by the lives of the generality of those that profess his Name, cannot but stumble at him, and abominate that Religion that alloweth such plain and noto­rious Wickedness, committed against the express letter of God's most holy Law; and it cannot be expected in reason that they should repent and believe, till a more general Reformation be found in the lives of the Gentiles, that profess to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Quest. Well if such prejudices as they take at the Lord Jesus, should be removed, how can it be clearly proved that Christ Jesus, the Son of Mary, who was crucified by Pilate, is the true Messiah?

Answ. There are many infallible proofs of it; As first, The certain Time of his coming, being so fairly pointed at by the Scriptuies; if Jesus be not he, this will follow, not only that we must with the Jews look for another, but be constrained also to cast off the holy Scriptures, received both by them and us, and so shall be wholly at a loss to know what to believe or receive for truth, in order to our eternal peace.

Quest. Name some of those Texts, and a little open them, for the sakes of the poor Jews, and the blind World; who, it is to be feared, neither know Him, nor in truth believe in Him, but ignorantly confess him, because it is the Religion of the Times, and tradition and custom hath taught them so to do.

Answ. The first Text is Gen. 49.10. The Scepter shall not depart from Judah, and the Law-giver from between his feet, until Shiloh come, and unto [Page]him shal the obedience of the Peoples [...]. [...]hiloh here is Christ, or the Messiah, and so understood by the Hebrew Doctors, as well as by Christians. See learned Ainsworth upon the place: And that he was to come according to Jacobs Prophesie, at or near the time that the Kings and Governours of Judah ceased to rule, is the manifest scope and intent of the Text: And although Judah had no King after the Captivity, yet her Princes were still known, and by Permission some of them bore Rule, as ap­pears, Ezra 3.8, 9. Hag. 1.12. And evident it is, the Heirs of the Crown of Judah, were well known to the coming of Christ, and Christ known to be Heir apparent to the Crown of Judah so well, that when he wrought that Miracle of feeding five thousand with five loaves, and two fishes, John 6.14, 15. the people would by force have made him King, if he had not by hiding himself avoided it; and that was a charge against him at his death, that he was King of the Jews; but neither Pilate nor the Jews could deny but that so He was; his right to the Crown may well be perceived, by what his enemies on both parts say, in that 18, & 19, chapters of John. but since Christ, the World, nor the Jews themselves, cannot find any Law-giver or Prince that so much as pretended a right to the Kingdom, but are so dispersed and broken, that they are like to find none, till that Prophecy be fulfilled, Zech. 12.10. that they look up­on him whom they pierced, to whom the Peoples, that is, the Gentiles, do gather, acknowledge or obey, according to this Text; and impossible it is, that this Text can be fulfilled in any that is yet to come; for the House of Judah hath been without a Governour or Law-giver this 1600 years at least, and so long ago, or longer, the Messiah must be come, or else this Text must be blotted out of the Book of God: and if once Moses's writings come into question, then farewel all Religion both among Jews and Gentiles. Now as for our Lord Jesus, we know that all Prophecies of the Old Testament are fulfilled in him; He is a Prophet like to Moses, most graciously opening and confirming all the moral Laws; and in his own obedience unto the Death, fulfilled all the ceremonial Laws; and the Laws he hath added in the New Testa­ment, are so fully confirmed by many glorious Miracles, and are so ho­ly, just, and good, the end of them all tending to advance Love with Holiness: Witness Baptism, the Lord's Supper, and the rest of his Ap­pointments; so that to his time, and in him, this Prophecy of good old Father Jacob is fulfilled; but since him there hath been no Law-giver to the House of Judah, and therefore the Messiah cannot be to come, unless we should reject Moses's writings, and account them fables, which God forbid. The other two Texts are Haggai, the 2.7, 9. and Mal. 3.1. In the former of these Texts, you have a Promise made to [Page] Zerubbabel, that the desire of all Nations should come, and that the Temple he built, should be filled with Glory; yea, have greater Glory than the former built by Solomon, although it were in comparison of it as nothing; yea, so great a difference was there between them, for all outward glory, that the old men that had seen the first House, lamented the meanness of this latter House, as much as the young men rejoyced at its Glory, Ezra 3.12, 13. So that it is evident to every indifferent and impartial man, that the coming of Christ to that House while it re­mained, should be the great Glory promised to it. Likewise the Pro­mise in Malachi cuts off all cavels about the matter, for there the Pro­mise runs clear, The Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to his Tem­ple, the Messenger of the Covenant, whom ye delight in. And if it be considered, no man can doubt but that our Lord Jesus is the Christ, who did come to that Temple, and by his Presence, and blessed Doctrine, made it glorious, even while it was yet standing: for if these Texts be not fulfilled in Christ our Lord, they never can be fulfilled at all; for the Promises were made of his coming, to that Temple which Zerubba­ble built, and cannot be understood of one that is yet to be built, al­though it should be built the next month; for that can never be said to be done suddenly, that remains so many hundred years undone, as it is since Malachi wrote; neither if the Messiah should come to another Temple not yet in being, would it signifie any thing as to the fulfilling of any Promise made concerning that Temple, then which Zerubbabel built; but the Promises were made to that Temple then known and in being, if ever those Prophets intended their meaning should be known by their words; and therefore we must own our Lord Jesus for the true Messiah and Saviour of mankind, or else reject Moses and the Prophets, or put out the eye of our understanding and reason.

Quest. Have you some further proof of this great Truth?

Answ. The glorious Miracles which he did in the dayes of his flesh, and his Ministers after him, so plentifully recorded in the New Testa­ment, be an evident witness of the truth of his being sent of God; Who, that is not assisted with omnipotency, can give eyes to the blind, yea, to those born blind; and cure such as are lame from the womb; cast out Devils by a word of command; raise the dead four dayes dead, with cures of all kinds?

Quest. But may not an unbelieving person say, how shall the truth of all this be known?

Answ. To which I say, where is the Book, the Author, or Record, that could ever be produced, that hath substantially discovered the falfity of the Records of the New Testament? if not, we may be sure it is most [Page]true; for there never wanted either malice or skill to have done it, if it could possibly have been done.

Quest. Is there any further proof of this, because it is a point of great importance?

Answ. The Prophecies that went before of him where he should be born, and of whom, a Virgin of the House of David; what he should suffer, and by what hands; how he should be numbred with transgres­sors, be pierced, his garments parted, lots cast upon his vesture, and He sold for 30 pieces of Silver, which should come into the Potters hands; with whatsoever was written in the Old Testament of the Mes­siah, it was to a tittle fulfilled in our Lord Jesus, and that in the very let­ter of it; so that here is no place left for our doubting, if malice blind not our understandings.

Quest. Is there any thing more to be said to this point?

Answ. Yea, this may be further added as a proof in the case, The holiness & unspottedness of his Life and Doctrine. As for his Doctrine it speaks for its self, and lies fair to be seen in the New Testament; and as for his Life, although many scandals were raised upon him, as if he were a friend of publicans and sinners, a Devil, a Sabbath-breaker, yet no jot of this dirt can stick to this spotless Lamb; for whosoever shall make the closest search and scruteny into his actions, shall see that, that which seems most probable to be true, is most false; how far are his cures on the Sabbath from breaking the Sabbath? the man that he com­manded to carry his bed, who had been 38 years sick, was an action so far from breaking the Sabbath, that there was nothing like that could have been done or said, that could have preached Christ so convincing­ly to the Consciences of men, to be the Anointed of God, that they might believe and be saved; so neither this nor any thing else can manifest the least evil in him; but contrarily, his Life is so innocent, that in the face of his greatest opposers, he could say, Which of you convinceth me of sin? John 8.46.

Quest. Indeed Holiness is a glorious Argument, and much tends to stop an enemies mouth; but if you have another, let us hear it?

Answ. I have two more, and the first of them is, The constant Ex­perience of all true Believers in all Ages; never did any person go to the Father by prayer and supplication in his necessity, asking in Christ's Name, and according to his Commandment believing in Him, that ever was disappointed of his hope. This not only I have many hundred ex­periences of, but it is a general case; all the truly Faithful since Christ to this day, can set their seal to this Truth.

Quest. Experience is a strong Argument, but let us hear your sixth and last?

Answ. My last is not my least, it is taken from that glorious Testi­mony that God gave of him in his Death and Resurrection. First at his Death, The Darkness that was from the sixth hour to the ninth; that is, from that you call 12 a Clok, to that you call 3 a Clok in the afternoon, is a clear manifestation, that God accounted his enemies cruelty against him, a blak action; for this darkness could come from no natural cause, the Passover being alwayes at a Full Moon, and therefore in the North and North-East at that time of the day, far enough from causing any Eclipse, and he died at the time of the Passover, all this is beyond dis­pute. Secondly, The Vaile of the Temple rent in twain, from the top to the bottome, this being a hanging of Twenty Cubites long, where it was by the Ministers of the Temple, Christ's deadly enemies, kept safe enough from any hand of earthly man, none but a Messenger from Hea­ven could rent it; again, the Earth did quake, and the Rocks rent, which could not be, but by an omnipotent Power; all which made the Centu­rion and his Company, though in all probability they were Heathens, being Souldiers in Caesars Army, cry out, and say, Truly this was the Son of God; and if Souldiers, who are commonly rude persons, especially when they have such Masters as they had, if they could not chuse but see this, how much more should all men consider and take notice of God's Testimony so gloriously born on his behalf. Thirdly, The Resurrecti­on of Christ proves it beyond exception.

Quest. Yea, but how shall that be proved clearly?

Answ. There be three evident proofs of it; 1. The witnesses of it are a considerable number, not less than Five hundred at once, 1 Cor. 15.6, 7, 8. and some of these died for this Testimony; and what their holy Doctrine and Life was, is to be seen in the New Testament, and neither credit nor profit was to be gained by this Testimony; besides two of these witnesses were such, as had they not been extraordinarily convinced of the truth of it, would not have believed it themselves: Thomas proclaiming his unbelief, till he felt and saw the print of the nailes, and thrust his hand into his side, which the Spear had made, John 20.24, 25. And as for Paul, he persecuted this Testimony unto the death, and had his hand in the blood of Stephen for it, not altering his bloody purpose, till by a Voice and a Light from Heaven, he was smitten blind, and unto the earth, and he made to know, that that Je­sus whom he persecuted in his People, was risien and ascended. 2. The miserable excuse that was made to blind the Peoples understandings, that they might not believe he was risen, proves it evidently; for he was laid in a Tomb which had a stone so great on the top of it, that the good women were in care to get it removed, when they came to a­noint [Page 25]him. Also there was a strong guard of Souldiers set to watch, lest his Disciples should steal him, who were so afraid of their own lives, that they durst not meet but in the night, an unlikely company to steal their Masters dead body from a band of Souldiers. But now to make the world believe that these poor frighted men stole him away while they slept, is most impossible; for who can believe that the whole Guard should be asleep all at once? or who can believe his Disciples durst venture to roul off that Stone in the midst of those Armed men, to steal his Corps from them, they being set there on purpose to prevent them from this act? muchless was it possible for them to be able to give a just account whether he were stollen away, or risen again, if they had been all asleep indeed; and it is not at all likely, that those armed Souldiers ran from the Sepulchre to the High Priest in such a fear, be­cause the Disciples had stole him; but indeed because the Angel of the Lord terrified them away from that fruitless work: Neither yet can it enter into any mans heart to believe, that ever the Priests and Elders of the Jews, would ever go about to perswade the Governour to peace and reconciliation with those Souldiers, that had so much neglected their duty, to suffer him to be stole, if indeed he had been stole, but they would much rather have perswaded him to take them, and hang them up eve­ry man of them, for their negligence, if it had not manifestly appear­ed, that Jesus, whom they caused to be crucified, was indeed risen again from the dead. Thirdly, and lastly, Besides the wonderful Miracles his Apostles did work in his Name; the Gifts bestowed upon them so suddenly after his Ascention, according to the Promise made to them, the which we read of, Acts 2.1, to the 11. proves it clearly: for from whence could poor Fisher-men, ignorant and unlearned, at an instance attain such Gifts of Knowledge, Courage, Utterance, as is there ex­prest, but that it must needs be by the Power of the holy Spirit? To all which I only ask this question, I desire that the most unbelieving Jews, will tell me what they expect from the Messiah they look for, or what they can think he should be, that Jesus Christ is not? When this is so­berly answered, I will set Pen to Paper again, if the Lord please that I live to see it; in the mean time, as one desiring the Salvation both of Jews and Gentiles, I intreat all men to consider the main grounds of Religion, and to get such sound Principles for the Foundation thereof, as will substantially bear up the whole body of it.