WHether there be not sufficient in the Bible, as it is translated into English, for Believers under the Gospell to prove their Faith, and Order or Church-fellowship by, without any tradition of men, as Matth. 20.28. teaching them to observe whatsoever I have com­manded you, and lo I am with you alway, even to the end of the world; according to Tim. 2, 3.14, 15, 16, 17. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned, and hast been assured of; knowing of whom thou hast learned them, And [...] form a childe thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profi­table for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousnesse, that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good workes; Compared with Rev. 22.18, 19.

Q 2. Whether Christ Jesus hath not given as plain and perspicuous a rule under the Gospel, to Believers in all their Administrations to the end of the world, as Moses did to the Jews under the Law Deut. 4.2. Isa 8.20. Jer. 6.16. Joh. 5.39. Search the Scrip­tures, for in them you think to have eternall life, and them are they that testifie of me: compared with Ephes. 4 8.11. to the 14.

Quer. 3. Whether any thing may be brought into the worship of God, for matter or form, that is not exprest in the Gospell, or the Epistle of the Apostles, seeing the Jewes were required so strict obedience under the Law; as it was given of God by Moses, Deut 12.32. What thing soever I command you to observe do it, thou shalt not adde thereto nor diminish from it: compared with Pro. 30.6. But believers much more under the Gospell, as given by Christ: Heb. 1.1, to the 4. and 2.1, to the 5. and 3.1, to the 4. and 10.28, 29. He that despised Moses Law died without mercie, under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment shall he be thought wor­thy, who hath trodden under foot the Sonne of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified, an un-holy thing, and hath done despight unto the spirit of Grace?

Quer. 4. Whether actuall Believers, confessing sins, and professing faith, with [Page 2]desire of the Ordnance, be not the true subject of Baptisme or Dipping: And the right form, Dipping or Burying in water, not Sprinkling with water, it being not accord­ing to the rule and institution of Christ and the primitive Churches practice, Mat. 28 19, 20. Acts 2.37, 38. and 8.12, 13. But when they believed Philip, preaching to them the Kingdome of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were all dipt both men and women, compared with verses 36, and 37. Rom. 6.4. Coll. 2.10. And this is per­formed in shew by Godfathers and Godmothers, commanding the Priest to dip the childe, as is cleer in the Rubrick: And whether the Administrator be not to go down into the water, as Philip with the Eunuch, Acts 3.38. and Iohn with Jesus, Matth. 3.16.

Quer. 5. Whether repentance and faith, with desire of dipping, be not of neces­sitie to be required, according to the former Scriptures; and declared in the Cate­chisme set forth by authoritie, of every one that is baptised. And whether there be not the same ground for Common Prayer, Surplice, and the rest, as for sprinkling of Infants?

Quer. 6. Whether Christ commanded, or the Disciples and Apostles ever practi­sed the dipping (much lesse the sprinkling) of Infants of eight dayes old, or the like; or when or by whom it was first invented; which we finde to be one Fidus a Priest, and confirmed by Pope Innocentius about 300 years after Christ: And whether such as seek to uphold it by Scripture, be not those false accusers Paul speaks of, 2 Tim. 3.3. In that they pretend Scripture for it, when both the Church of Rome, Councels and Fathers (as they call them) confesse it to be but a Tradition: And whether the Inventers and upholders declare not themselves worse then Balam, Numb. 22.18, who being sent for by Balack to curse the people of God, and so to be raised to great promotion, answered; If Balack would give me his house full of silver and gold, I can­not go beyond the Word of the Lord my God, to do lesse or more.

Quer. 7. Whether every one that looks for life, and salvation by Christ, and pro­fesse faith in him, be not bound to partake of that one Baptisme, Eph. 4.4, 5, and not content themselves with any inventions of men: For as Eliah said 1 Kings 18.21, how long halt ye between two opinions, if God be God follow him, if Baal be God follow him: So say I, if Dipping actuall Believers be Gods Ordinance, obey and imbrace it; If Sprinkling Infants be according to Christs institution, prove it by the Scripture, and continue it: For as the Apostle saith, if he, or an Angell, bring any other doctrine then what they have received, or above what is written, let him be accursed, Gal 189. 1 Cor. 46.

Quer. 8. Whether every particular Church of Christ or Assembly of Saints, in the order of the Gospell, have not power from him their Head, to receive in, deal with, or cast out their own Members, by the onely Lawes, Keyes, or Statutes of him their King and Law-giver, according to Is. 33.22. The Church of Ierusalem, Corinth, or the Churches of Galatia, for Iames 4.12. there is one Law-giver who is able to save and to destroy, Acts 2.41 46, 1 Cor. 5 4, 5.

Quer 9. Whether Religion be to be forced or compelled by any paenall Laws and Statutes? Or if these Scriptures prove not the contrary: Psal. 18.43. and 110.3. Math. 10.1, to the 16, and 20.1, to the 10, and 28.19. Mark 16.15, 16. 2 Cor. 10.3, 4, 5. 2 Tim. 2.24, 25. And whether the Civill Magistrate in forcing the conscience, fulfils not these Scriptures, in giving their power and Kingdome to the Beast, Revel. 17, 12 to the 18. And whether as was said by Christ, Matth. 23.32, to the 36, Fill yee up the measure of the Fathers, ye serpents, ye generation of Vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell; wherefore, behold I send unto you Prophets, and wise men, [Page 3]and Scribes, and some of them ye shall kill and crucifie, and some of them shall ye scourge in the Synagogues, and persecute them from Citie to Citie, that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the bloud of righteous Abel, unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barakias, whom ye slew between the Temple and the Altar: So whether the bloud, imprisonments, banishments, deaths, and per­secutions, of what kinde soever, that hath been spilt of any of the Saints, that hath witnessed for the truth since Christs death, our Abel, shal not be required of the King­domes and States where they have suffered. According to Isa. 43.4. and Jer. 25.13, to the 18. and Rev. 18.21, 22, 23, 24, The Angel took up a stone like a great milstone and cast it into the Sea saying, thus with violence shall that great Citie Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all: And the voice of Harpers and Musitians and Pipers and Trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee: And no Craftsman of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee, and the sound of a milstone shall be heard no more at all in thee, and the light of a can­dle shall shine no more at all in thee, and the voice of the Bridegroom and of the Bride shall be heard no more at all in thee, for thy Merchants were the great men of the earth, for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived; and in her was found the bloud of Prophets and of Saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth: compared with Jude 15.

10 Whether Religion is to be fought for with carnall weapons by Believers, in the first publishing the Gospell, for the planting or after preserving the Churches of Christ? Or, if these Scriptures prove not cleerly the contrary, Mat. 10.16, Behold I send you forth as sheep in the midst of Wolves; be ye therfore wise as Serpents, harm­lesse as Doves, Mat. 16.24, 25, Then said Jesus unto his Disciples, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his crosse and follow me; for who­soever will save his life shall lose it, and whosoever will lose his life for my sake, shall finde it: 2 Cor. 10.3, 4, 5, For though we walk in the flesh we do not warre after the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not carnall, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledge of God; and bringing into captivitie every thought to the obedience of Christ: compared with Ephes. 6.11, to the 19. Col 1 24 Revel. 6.10, and 11.12. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimonie, and they loved not their lives unto the death: Their weapons as I conceive being onely Faith, Preaching, Prayers, Sufferings, and Tears, Mark 16.16. 2 Cor. 5.20. Now then we are Embassadours for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christs steed be ye reconciled unto God; Ier. 9.1, and 13.17. 2 Cor. 12.15. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you, though the more abundantly I love you, the lesse I am beloved. According to Eccles. 9.17, The Words of Wise men are heard in quiet, more then the crie of him that ruleth among Fooles.

Quer. 11. Whether Nationall or Parishionall Assemblies, be by divine Institu­tion Churches of Christ, now under the Gospell, or a humane invention, and con­trary to the Primitive churches practice, as 1 Cor. 1.2. Unto the church of God which is in Corinth, to them which are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be Saints. Ioh. 15.19. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own, but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 1 Pet. 2, 5, 9, Ye also as lively stones, are built up a spirituall house, an holy Priest-hood, to offer up spirituall sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Vers. 9. But ye are a chosen generation, a Royall Priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that you [Page 4]shew forth the praises of him, who hath called you out of darknesse into his marvai­lous light: And that some would shew, how and by whom the Nationall or Paro­chiall Assemblies, were first begun, contrived, or constituted?

Quer. 12. Whether God makes any covenant under the Gospell concerning life and salvation, with any Parishionall church and their naturall seed, much lesse with any Nationall; which is cleer he doth with all the Saints, and churches of Christ. Mark. 16.16, He that beleeveth and is baptised, shall be saved Rom. 2.6.7 Who will render to every man according to his deeds, to them who by patient continuance in well doing, seek for glory, honour, immortality, and eternall life; The contrary proved Mat. 3 7, 8 9. Rom. 9.7, 8. Gal. 3.6, 7, 8, 9.27, 28, 29. And therefore whether practi­sing contrary to the Scripture, pretending Scripture for their doings when there is none, be not as Isaiah saith, seeking deep to hide their counsell from the Lord, whose works are in the dark, turning things upside down saying; who seeth us, or who knoweth us, saying of him that made them he had no understanding. Isaiah 29.15, 16.

Quer. 13. Whether the Parishionall Assemblies, and the Ministerie of Eng­land, have not their Constitution and calling from the Church of Rome, by Au­stin the Monk? As we humbly conceive is to be seen in the Book of Ordination, de­dicated to Archbishop Abbot. And whether such as have their call from them, be not as truly Antichristian as theirs? Seeing Job the 14.4. he saith, Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one. Therefore Christ saith, Math. 7.15, 16 Beware of false Prephets which come to you in Sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ravening Wolves, ye shall know them by their fruites: Do men gather Grapes of Thornes, or Figges of Thistles: Even so every good Tree bringeth forth good fruit; But a corrupt Tree bringeth forth evill fruit: A good Tree cannot bring forth e­vill fruit, neither can a corrupt Tree bring forth good fruit. Verses the seventeen and eighteen.

Quer. 14. Whether any that pretend to renounce their call from the Prelates, may preach (as some do) by vertue of their gifts (as they pretend) without first con­version to the Faith, and obedience to the Gospell; And so joyning to a church of Christ in order, and by them sent forth, with whom they are Members: Seeing the Apostle saith, Rom. 10.15. How shall they preach except they be sent? And Acts 13.3. When they chose Paul and Barnabas (it is said) when they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them away.

Quer. 15. Whether after the Apostasie JOHN speakes of (Revel 6.14, 15.) Hea­ven being rowled up as a Scrole, and the witnesses being slain (Chapter eleven verse the seventh to the twelfth) the churches of Christ are not to be so gathered as they were first instituted by Christ, and planted by the Apostles, as in the first of the Corinthians the third and the 9, to the 15, and Revelat the eleventh and the first: And there was given me a Reed like unto a Rod, and the Angell stood saying; arise and measure the Temple of God, and the Altar, and them that worship therein.

Quer. 16. Whether the Ministerie of the Gospell be not those gifts, and those onely of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers, which CHRIST gave at his Ascension (Ephes. 4.8.11.) Wherefore he saith when he ascended up on high, he led captivitie captive, and gave gifts unto men; And he gave some Apo­stles, and some Prophet, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers. And whether as the false church is rejected and the true erected, the false Ministerie be not to be forsaken and the true received, and consequently false Baptisme renounced, [Page 5]and the true assumed? According to Ier. 51.6. to the 10. The Lord hath brought forth our righteousnesse, come and let us declare in Zion the Work of the Lord our God. And 2 Cor. 6.17. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate saith the Lord, and touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you: compared with Revelat. 18.4. Come out of her my people, pertake not of her sinnes, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

Quere 17. Whether Abraham had not a carnall or temporall covenant made to his carnall seed, the Promise being of carnall or temporall things sealed to them with a carnall seal? Gen. 17.13. Also a second or new covenant, made with him and his Spirituall seed concerning spirituall things, even the kingdome of grace and glory: (Hebrews 8.7. to the 12) whereof the Holy spirit of Promise is the seal. And thus (as I conceive) things are proportionable; Two covenants (Gal. 4.24) Two seeds (verse 23) Ishmael of Abraham and Hagar, which typed the carnall seed; And Isaac of Abraham and Sarah, which typed the Spirituall seed. These had likewise two Seales; Circumcision (Gen. 17.11) and the Holy spirit of promise: (2 Corinth. 1.22. Ephesians 1.13. 1 John 4.13) But now under the Gospell, the carnall Comman­dement together with the subject, is done away by the crosse of Christ (2 Coloss. 14.) Blotting out the hand-writing of Ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way nayling it to his crosse: And infteed thereof we have a spi­rituall covenant typed by the carnall: Also the Spiritual seal the Holy spirit of Pro­mise, signified by the carnall seal likewise; a Spirituall Infant, a new born Babe in Christ, in whom Christ typed by the male is newly formed, signified by the carnall Infant: These had also two states and conditions promised; the naturall seed the Land of Canaan (Genesis 17.8) but the Spirituall seed, the Kingdome of Heaven: Genesis 17.19. Romans 9.7, 8. Galatians 3.7, 8, 9. Romans 2.7. Mark 10.30.

And whether the Admission of Children to Baptisme, and so into Church-fellow­ship by anothers faith, either Parents, or Godfathers and Godmothers (as they call them) be not contrary to the Scriptures? Which cleerly shewes that men are saved by their own faith, and not by the faith of others: Habakuk 2.4. Romans 1.17. Hebrews 10.38. John 1.12, 13. and 3.3.5. 2 Cor. 5.16, 17.

Quere 18. Whether it may not be said of Infants sprinkling, as at the mariage of England and Scotland? Where every one is charged to examine themselves, as they will answer at the day of judgement; If they know any cause why they may not lawfully be joyned together then to speak; Because such as are joyned together o­therwise then Gods Word doth allow, are not joyned together by God, neither is their Matrimonie lawfull: So of Infants Baptisme or Sprinkling, it may be said, That those that are baptised (or rather sprinkled) otherwise then Gods Word doth command (Matthew 28.19, 20) were never baptised into CHRIST; (Gala­thians chapter the third, verse twenty seven) Neither is their Baptisme lawfull (E­phesians chapter four, verses four and five) There is one Body and one Spirit, even as yee are called in one hope of your Calling, one LORD, one Faith, one Baptisme.

Quer. 19. Whether under the Gospel the Church and Civill state bee not two distinct things as bodies or corporations Independant of themselves, by Gods divine ordination, as is largely shewen by Master Hancoke, in the three Kingly Estates, Or Light for the Ignorant; That is, the civill state, the true Ecclesiastacall State, and the false Eclesiastical state, & whether the 3 part or civil state which was noted in speech [Page 6]between Mr Selden and Master Grimstone, to be but Iure Humane, having power from God only over our Estates Liberties & lives, and that which is externall, as is noted by Luther, and therefore are called Fathers of our flesh, Heb. 12.9. have any autho­thority from God to settle Religion, which is Iure Divino, And setled already by the Parliament of Heaven, with a curse denounced against all that adde or dimi­nish, and therefore not to be altered, but by the same authority and Parliament of Heaven, by which it was enacted, Mat 28.18, 19, 20. Revel. 22.18.19.

Qu. 20. Whether it be not a Humane Invention, and not Gods Ordinance, for one to go up into a pulpit, and there speake an houre or more, and deliver what he please, without questioning by any of the Assembly, though never so erronious, or judging by them whose due it is, or adding, if truth, or whether these Scriptures prove not the contrary, Act. 13.16. & 17.11, 1 Cor 14.31, 32. For ye may all prophesie one by one, that all may learne, and all may be comforted: and the spirits of the prophets are subiect to the prophets, for God is not author of confusion but of peace, as in all the Churches of the Saints, And Pet. 14.10. As every man hath received the gift even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. And as every member that hath any gift, is to administer the same for Gods Glory, and the peoples good, so the power of determinig is onely in the particular Church where it is done, they being the freeest Independent body under heaven, whose power resteth in the body, not in the Officers, Mat. 18.20. and 28.20. Act. 1.21. to the 26.

Quer. 21. Whether the servants of Christ are not to preach by vertue of a gift given, Ephes. 4.8.11 being called thereunto by the Church of which they are mem­bers, as Acts 13.3. And not by arts learned at the Universitie, or Authority gotten from Bishops or any others; And whether those priests that hinder beleevers from exercising those gifts, or those books from printing, which are plainly proved by Scriptures, be not a part of the Four angels: Revel 7.1. that hold the four winds that they should not blowe upon the earth, which causeth separation, when men may not deliver truth, nor contradict errours, the Word of God, being as David saith, Psal. 39.3. Like a fire within the breast of his Disciples, they beinig as the Law­vers that take away the key of knowledge, and enter not in themselves, but hinder those that are entring. Luke 1152.

Quere. 22. Whether it can be properly said that the Ministers of Englang doe convert any to the faith of Christ and obedience of thegospel by their preaching, see­ing they take it for granted before they sprinkle the Infant, that it is regenerate and borne Anew, whereas before it was the Childe of wrath, but the godfathers ha­ving profest repentance and faith and desired baptisme, or having one of the parents a beleever, as they now say, the Minister saith, he receivs the childe into the congrega­tion of Christ flock; Now we never read that the members of Christs church hath conversion preached unto them, after thy are added to the church, but before, to bring them thither, As Acts. 2.38, 40.41. & 3.19, and 26.17, 18. Col. 1.12, 18. Ehpe. 2.19. Now therefore ye are no more strangers, and forreiners, but fellow Citizens, with the Saints & of the houshold of God, but afterwards they are to be fed, as Paul exhorts the Elders of Ephesus, Act. 20.28. they being before begotten to the faith as he saith, 1 Cor. 4.15. For though you have ten thousand Instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many Fathers, for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the Gospel.

Quer. 23. Whether the two Witnesses spoken of in the Revel. 11.3. may not be understood to be the Scriptures and those gifts or ministerie of the Gospel, Mat. 28. [Page 7]19, 20. Ephes. 4.8, 11. And whether their being clothed in Sackcloth, signifie not, their poor mean dispised and persecuted condition, according to Mat. 10.16. Be­hold I send you forth as Sheep in the midst of Wolves, 1 Cor. 4.9. to the 13. and 2. Tim. 3.12. and John 15 18, 19. which as the Lord complaineth of the false Pro­phets, Ezekiel 34.3. Who eat the flesh, and cloath themselves with the wooll, which now will not serve, but Silke Plush, or Velvet, they being indeed the great Merchants of the earth according to Revel. 18.11. to the 19.

Quer. 24. Whether the true Ministers of the Gospel, may not or ought not to worke with their hands in some particular calling, to eate their owne bread, as Paul did, Acts 18.3. and gave command to all others, Mat. 10.8. freely ye have recei­ved freely given, 1 Cor. 4.12. and 9.18. Acts. 20.33, 34, 35. I have coveted no mans Silver or Gold, or apparell, yea you your selves know, that these hands have ministred to my necessity, and to them that were with me.

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said it is more blessed to give then to receive, and 2. Thes. 3.8. Neither did we eat any mans bread for nought, but wrought with labour and travell night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you, not because we have not power, but to make our selves an ensample un­to you, to follow us, for even when we were with you this we commanded you, that if any would not worke, neither should he eate, for we heare that there are some which walke Amongst you disorderly, working not at all, but are busie bodies, now them that are such, we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietnesse they worke, and eate their owne bread, but the Lord of old, by the Pro­phet, reproves those that preach for hire, and Divine for money, and yet would lean upon the Lord, and say, is not the Lord among us, Micha. 35. to the 11.

Quere 25. Whether under the Gospel there be any priviledge or prerogative by descent or generation, seeing the Scripture saith, Eze. 18.4. That soul that sinneth shall die: And Hab. 2.4. The Iust shall live by his faith, And Gal. 5.6. and 6.15. Circum­cision nor Vncircumcision availeth any thing, but a new creature, and faith which worketh by love, and Christ tels the Jews who were Abrahams seed after the flesh, they were of their father the Devill, Iohn 8.44. And Paul saith, 2 Cor. 15.16. Henceforth know we no man after the flesh, yea though we have known Iesus Christ after the flesh, yet henceforth know we him no more: and Gal. 3.7, 8, 9, 26, 29. If you are of the faith of Abraham, then are ye blessed with Abraham, for ye are all the Children of God by faith in Christ Iesus, and If ye be Christs, then are ye Abrahams seed and heires according to the Promise, according to Iohn. 1.12, 13, and 3.3, 5.

Quere 26. Whether those gifts of the Apostles, Prophets and Evangelists, which Christ gave at his Assension, Ephes. 4.8, 11. For the begetting to the faith, and plant­ing in Church fellowship, do not continue after the apostacie, though commonly said to be ceased, as well as Pastors and Teachers, according to Mat. 28.20. Epes. 4.13. 1 Cor. 3.5. to the 10. or by what gifts they must be gathered converted or be­gotten, seeing it is the pastors duty to feed and instruct those that are begotten as Philemon 10. I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Now it belongs to the Ministerie of Apostles to beget, and not to Pastors and Teachers; as Acts 20.28. where they are to feed those that are begotten according to Isa. 2.3. and 1 cor 12.20. Revel. 14 2, 6, 7, 8, 13 15 17 18, 19.

Quere 27. What may be meant of the Great city Babylon, being divided into three parts, Revel. 16.19. And whether Presbiteriall Nationall Government, which some would have set up, be not the third part or division thereof, and as truly An­tichristian [Page 8]as the Papall or pontificall: And whether their Government would not exceed the other in cruelty, had they but the like power as the other had, over the consciences of men, as farre as Ieroboam did his father Solomons, 1 Kings 12.10, 11, 14. or that some would declare, what Presbyterian Government is, what power they have wherein their strength Lyes, from whom they receive it, whether from the ci­vill state, or the Eclesiasticall state, Christ or the civill Magistrate, or composed of both: And whether the the Papall State at first arose not out of a Presbyteriall.

Que. 28. Whether the people of God are not in an Especiall manner to hold and bear forth the Truth when it is most opposed, or decrees made against it, as Dan. 6.9, 10. Wherefore King Darius signed the writing: And the Decree, now when Daniel knew that the writing was Signed he went into his house, and his win­dowes being open in his chamber, towards Ierusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three time a days, and prayed, and Acts 4.18, 19. the Apostles being commanded si­lence answered and said, unto them whether it be right in the sight of God, to hear­ken unto you more then unto God, judge ye for we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

Quere 29. Whether the faithfull preaching and patient sufferings of the Saints and Servants of Christ under the Gospel, who have ever gone under reproaches, and trials, as Act. 2.41. 1 Cor. 1.24. Col. 1.24 1 Kings 18.17. Where Elias was counted the troubler of Israel, Paul and Silas was said to turne the world upside downe, Acts 17.6. Paul counted a pestilent fellow, a mover of sedition among the Iewes, and a ringleader of the Nazarites, yet whether they and others since, walking in Gods owne way faithfully, doth not more publish the truth to the glory of God, the Inlightening of the earth, and the overthrough of the Kingdome of Antichrist, then all the Inventions of men, though never so seemingly holy: According to Christs whords to the Pharisees, Luk 16.15. Ye are they which Iustifie your selves be­fore men, but God knoweth your hearts, for that which is highly esteemed before men, is abomination in the sight of God: And this made the Fathers; as they call them, say, the blood of the Martyrs was the seed of the Church.

Quere 30. Whether in all Ages since Christ there hath not been a people, though few in number, and despised, who walked neerer in practice to the order of the gos­pel, and institutions of Christ then was the generall profession of the Nation, as 1 Kings 18, 19. and 19.10, 14. and Mat. 7 13, 14. Revel. 7 and 13.3. and 14.1. to the 6.

Quere 31. Whether those Priests or Ministers that are so forward for pulling downe of stone and woodden crosses, pictures, surplices, common prayer book, and to stand for the liberty of the Subject, yet hold the Ordination received by the an­thority from Rome, with church state, tithes and baptisme, or rather Infants sprink­ling, also prohibiting the libertie of conscience, and the very institutions of Christ, are not guilty of that who, which christ pronouneth to the Scribes Pharisees, and hipocrites, for that they pay tithe of Mint, Annis, & Commin, but omitted the wheightier Matter: as the Law Iudgement, Mercy and Faith, these, saith he, ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone ye blinde Guides which straine at a Gnat and swallow a Cammell: Mat. 23.23, 24. Luk. 11.42.

Quere 32. Whether under the Gospel there ought to be requiring or paying Tithes any more then Altar-Sacrifice Priests and a High Priest, as the Lord com­manded, Exod. 20.24. and chapter 28. or Whether the Aronicall Priesthood with those Administrations ended not in christ, as is cleere in the seventh of the Hebrews or whether under the Law, the Priest took any more then the tenth of the in­crease, [Page 9]and that as Stewards, out of which they relieved the poore, the fatherlesse, the strangers and the Widowes, as in, Deut. 14.29. And how far they that would have tithes now, comes short of them in deeds of mercie and performing dutie.

Quere 33. Whether marriage be not a civill Ordinance belonging to all men, Heb. 13.4. And ought to be performed by the civill Majestrate, and therefore by all the Disciples of Christ, to be brought from that Antichristian practice, where they have made it part of their Marchandize to uphold their Kingdome, to its proper place of the civill Majestrate, it being Gods Ordinance among all, as Gen. 2.18. to the 24. Ruth. 41. to the 13.

Qu. 34. Whether it be not as truly Antichristian, and destructive to the rule of the Gospel, and the Institutions of Christ, to have two Baptismes, the one dipping of actu­all beleevers, the other Sprinkling of Infants, As it would be destructive to the Law of the Land, And to the common wealth, to have two Parliaments, or two powers governing at once; And whether the power of Christ rests not in the body, not in the officers, as the power of the civill State, according to Mat. 18.18, 19, 20. Acts 1.21. to the 26. 1 Cor. 5.4.5.

Quere 35. Whether the Ministers of Christ after the Apostasie are not to Preach by the same power and Authority and in the same manner, as being sent out by the Church, of which they are members, as Paul and Baruabas, Act. 13.2.3. And whether every beleever, be not to stand for the Prerogative of Christ, and the Liberty of the Church, as well as members of a Common Wealth, are to stand for the Prerogative of the King, Priviledges of Parliament, and Libertie of the Subject, according to Gal. 5.1. stand fast therfore in the Libertie wherin Christ hath made us free, And be not intangled againe with the yoke of bondage.

Quere 36. Whether the Advice Lately given by the 21 Ministers, to perswade people from entring into Church-Fellowship, and communion for the present, were not contrary to the Scripture, and the practice of the Saints, as Psal. 18.43, 44. Assoone as they hear of me, they shall obey me, Psal. 110.3. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, and Cant. 14. Draw me, we will run after thee.

Quere 37. Whether the Civill Magistrate, under the Gospel, hath any charge from God over the Soules of the Subjects, or whether their authority be not onely in things civill; and therefore are called fathers of their flesh, Heb. 12.9. Rom. 13.1. 1 Pet. 2.13. Furthermore we have had Fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence, shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of Spirits and liue. Their soules being onely under Subjection, to God in Christ, as Mat. 28.18, Where Christ saith, all power in heaven and earth is given unto me; now where it is alleadged, that under the Law, the Kings did reforme and set up the worship of God? To this I Answer, what they did doe, they did as Types of Christ, or commanded by the Prophets, But under the Gospel it is said of Zion, the church of Christ, that the Kings of the earth, do bring their glory and ho­nour unto it: Revel. 21. verse 24. And therefore as is acknowleded by Luther and others, that the Authority of the Magestrate is onely over the body, estate, and life, and that which is externall, but over the Soule, God will have none to beare rule but himselfe, the duty of the Majestrate being to support them, as their Subjects in well doing.

Quere 38. Whether in a Reformation of Religion, things are not to be redu­ced to the Primitive Institutions: and not to other Churches Reformations, as in Ezra 5.11. Nehemiah 8.1. to the eighth verse, And Galatians 1.8, 9. and Reve­lation 11.1. Where the Angel commands to measure the Temple of God, and [Page 10]the Altar, and them that Worship therein; And the first of the Corinthians, chap. 11. verse 23. the Apostle delivers that to the Church, which he had recived of the Lord.

Quere 39. Whether it hath not been the practice of the false Prophets under the Law, and in the time of the Gospel, for their owne ends to side with the times, and to be more in number then the true Prophets or Ministers of the Gospel: As in Eliahs time, 1 Kings 18.22. Where Eliah a Prophet of God alone, in appeareance, but Baals Prophets four hundred and fiftie, likewise in King Henry the eights daves, Edward the sixth, Queene Mary, Queene Elizabeth, what turning, siding and time­serving: As also when the Bishops was in their power, what cringing and stooping, hiding and running their countries, whereas the true ministers of the Gos­pel were ever the same, though never so few in number, yet not variable, nor chang­ing with times or State Governement, although they went through never so great persecutions, which was a part of their portion, as Mark 10.3. Phil. 1.29. Where the Apostle exhorts the Philippians in no thing to bee terrified by their adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of Salvation: and that of God: For unto you it is given in the behalfe of Christ, not onely to beleeve on him, but also to suffer for his sake: And James 4.4. The friendship of the World is en­mity with God, whosoever therefore will be a friend of the World, is the Enemie of God, and John 14.19. If ye were of the World, the would world love his owne, but because ye are not of the world, I have chosen you out of the World, therefore the World ha­teh you.

Quere 40. Whether it be not a sure marke to know the Ministers of Antichrist by their Pride, Idlenesse, contempt of the poore Brethren, persecution, and cove­tousnesse, contracting for hire, changing of places for greater wages, As what will you give me, and ile be your Minister, Iudas like, Matthew 26. What will you give me and ile be your Minister to deliver CHRIST into their hands: And they cove­nanted for thirty peeces of silver; whereas the servants of CHRIST is to strive to make the Gospel free, Matthew 10.8. Freely ye have received; freely give: and 1 Cor. 4 12. & 9.18. & 2.12, 14, 15. Where the Apostle saith: He will not be bur­thensome unto them: For saith he I seek not yours, but you, for the children ought not to lay up for the parents; but the parents for the Children: And it is to be no­ted, that he which came to CHRIST, telling him that he would follow whither­soever he went (was a Scribe) but he telles him: The Foxes have holes, and the birds of the ayre have nests, but the Sonne of man hath not whereon to rest his head, Mat. 8.19, 20. Luke 9 57,58.

Quere 41. Whether the Ministers, or rather the Servants: as 2 Cor 4.5. of the churches of CHRIST under the Gospel, be not to be at the disposing of the church whose servants they are, as is cleere: Acts 6.3. and 13.2. and 14.27. Colo. 4.17. And therefore not to be changing at their owne pleasure, for a better Benefice rich­er flocke, or greater hire: As too many doe, they disposing of the church, not the church of them, who therein as Paul did: serve not the Lord CHRIST, but their own belly: And by faire words seeke to deceive the hearts of the simple: Rom 16.18. professing they know God, but in workes they denie him, being abominable and disobedient; and to every good worke reprobate, or voide of judgement, but as Paul saith; 1 Tim. 6.9.10. They that will be rich fall into Temptation, and snare, and into many foolish and hurtfull lusts, which drowne them in destruction and per­dition, for the loue of money is the roote of all Eyill, which while some coveted af­ter [Page 11]they have erred from the faith. And pierced themselves, thorow with many sorrewes, this was Iudas his condition: Mark chapter 14. verse 10.11. Also Demas, 2 Tim. chap. 4. verse 10. Like them that received the seed among thornes Mat. 13.22. VVho hearing the word, the care of this world, and the deceitfulnesse of riches choak the Word, and he becommeth unfruitfull.

Q. 42. Whether one of the chiefest duties the Lord requires of that honorable high court of parliament be not, or had not been to relieve those that have been oppres­sed by the unjust courts and Judges. And whereas their Honours may be imploi­ed in greater affaires, there might not be some godly men appointed for that businesse to relieve those plundered Subjects, as well as a Committee for plundered Ministers, whilst there is releif to be had from their oppressors; And that because the Lord com­mands that as Justice is to be Executed impartially: Leviticus chapter 10. verse 15. Deuteronomie chap. 1. vers. 17. and chapter 16. verse 19.2. Chronicles chapter 19. verse 7. Upon which doing, they might expect Gods speciall presence, as Isaiah. chap. 58. verse 4. to the 9th. So also it is to bee done speedily, as 1 Kings chapter 20. verse 42. and chapter 22. verse 28. Where the Prophet said to A­hab: Thus saith the Lord, because thou hast let goe out of thy hands, A man which I had appointed to utter destruction, therefore thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people: and Ecclesiastes chapter 8. verse 11 Because sentence against an Evill worke is not executed Speedily, therefore the hearts of the sonnes of men is fully set in them to do evill; And Jeremiah chapter 48. verse 10. Cursed bee hee that doth the worke of the Lord negligently, And cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood, therfore Iethroes advice to Moses was Ex. 18.21. to provide out of all the people Able men such as feare God, men of truth hating covetonsnesse: And place them to be Rulers over the people, and whether the greatest offences are not to be punished onely by death. So far as concernes the Civill Majestrate.

Q. 43. Whether the best Imployment for the Sinod to have bin imployed in, were not truely to translate the Bible into English by reason that some of it as it is Translated into English, is quite put out, as Acts chapter 1. verse 26. And they gave forth their lots, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and hee was numbred by a common consent with the Eleven Apostles, where common consent is left out, and Acts. 14.23. Where the word Election is quite left out; untranslated, Mat 28.19. where if with Paul wee desired to speake in a knowne tongue we, might have Baptizing, Dip­ping.

Quere 44. Whether notwithstanding the prohibition, which men through Ig­norance or malice obtaine, as hath ever been the practice of fale prophets and Mi­nistrie of Antichrist, to shelter themselves, And their practises under the Civill Ma­gistrate, the people of God are not to witnesse to whatever truth the Lord betrusts them withall, as Amos chapter 7. verse 10. to the 17. Daniel chapter 6. verses 10.11. Acts chapter 4. verses 18.19.20. So CHRIST himselfe saith: John. 18.37. To this end was I borne and for this cause came I into the world, that I should beare witnesse unto the truth: every one that is of the truth, heareth my voyce. and 1 Corinthinthians chapter 9. verses 16. and 17. Where necessity was laid upon Paul, saying, Woe unto me If I preach not the Gospel, else hee might have been reproved as the evill Stewart, Matthew chapter 25. verse 24. to the 30. verse. So likewise shall every one that improves not the Talent which God betrusts them withall, especially at this time, we having taken a Protestation against Poperie, and [Page 12]Popish innovasion, to the extent of our Estates, Libertie and Lives, and to stand for a Reformation, accordng to the Word of God, rooting up Episcopacie, Root, and branch, and therefore we must performe our vowes made to God, that the Land mourne not because of oathes, nor commit that sin of devouring holy things, and after vowes to make Inquiry, Pro. 20.25.

Q. 45. Whether persecution by Imprisoning, Silencing, Fining, Banishing, or taking away by death, for conscience cause, were not first invented by the heathen or the Man of Sin, as to set up, so to uphold his bloody Kingdome; Frst condemning the ser­vants of CHRIST, for heretickes; And then leaving them to the Civill Maje­strate to be tormented and executed, making them their executioners; and as the Papists in former times, so the Prelates Lately, And now the Presbyters, would be, which I conceive to be contrarie to these Scriptures, as Matthew the 7. chapter and the 12. verse: Where CHRIST saith; Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets, and Romanes the 13. chapter, and the third and fourth verses, Rulers are not a terrour to good workes but to the evill, 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 for thy good, but if thou doe that which is evill be afraid, for he beareth not the sword in vaine, for he is the Minister of God, a Revenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evill, as is largely laid downe in the 1. of Timmothie the 1. chapter and the 8. verse, to the 12th. verse, and the second of Timothie chapter the second verse 24. and 25.

Quere 46. Whether those Ministers which have recived, their Ordination and call from Antichrist, shall have any hand at all, or not the least in the publishing that Glorious and Everlasting Gospel, Revelation chapter 14. verse 6. For the over­throwing the Kingdome of Antichrist, and the setting up the Kingdome of CHRIST, according to Jeremiah chapter 49. verse 20. and chapter 50. verse 45. and chapter 51. verse 24.25, and 26. compared with Matthew chapter 5. verse 19. Whosoe­ver shall break one of these Commandements, and teach men so, he shall be called the least in the Kingdome of God, and Acts chapter 6. verse 7. When the Word of God increased, and the number of the Disciples multiplyed in Jerusalem greatly, then a great companie of Priests were obedient to the faith, and Acts chapter 8. verse 12.13. When Samaria had received the faith, and were Baptized, both men and wo­men, then Simon himselfe that had used Sorcerie, and bewitched the people for­merly, then he beleeved and was Baptized, but as in CHRISTS time, the Pharisees cried out, John the 7th. chapter and the 48. and 49 verses; have any of the Rulers or of the Pharisees beleeved on him, but this people, which know not the Law, are cur­sed; so now they usually cry out, do any of the Learned walke in this way of the se­paration, To which I Answer, for my owne part, I am so farre frow wondring at it, that no more of them imbrace it, that considering the Apostles words the 1. of the Corinthians chapter 1. verse 26. to the 30. that I admire to see so many: Yea any at all, cosidering the great measure of selfe deniall, that must be wrought in them beyond others, when they like the Converts, Acts chapter 19. verse 19. that used curious Arts shall burne their bookes, And with Apollo, bee instructed by Aquila or Priscilla, Acts 18. verse 24, 25, 26. Two poore Disciples, being by trade Tentmakers with whom Paul, wrought, he being of the same craft, verse 1.2, 3, [Page 13]And with Paul (Philippians chapter 3. verse the 7, and the 8) count all things but losse and dung, that he might gain the knowledge of Christ; being willing to receive Instruction, and Baptisme, though from Ananias a poore Disciple. (Acts 9.17, 18.) And so as he adviseth (1 Corinth. 3.18.) become a fool, that he may be made wise.

Quere 47. Whether the shutting up of houses for infection, or the Plague, as they call it, be not a great heedlesse burthen and oppression to this Kingdome, and a meer invention, to the great grief of the perticular persons, and abuse of divers scrip­tures; contrary to the rule of Equity, and Christs command, who saith: Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, even so do you unto them. And at the last day, when Christ shall say, depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire, prepared for the divell and his Angels! One chief reason was, I was sick and in prison, and ye visited me not: Will it be a good plea for them think you to say, thou wast sicke of the plague or sicknesse? Surely no. Christ excepts no disease, but saith, the haires of their head are numbred: And a Sparrow fals not to the ground without the providence of God, Matth. 10.29, 30, 31. Again, whereas many ignorantly would draw it from the shutting up of the Leprosie, you may easily perceive how grossely they abuse the Scri­ptures: First, they were never shut up, as I humbly conceive, for fear of infection, but to keep the Congregation cleer; which rather typed the keeping out those that were scandalous of life, and Excommunication to be past upon great offenders: As (in the first of the Corinthians, the fifth chapter, the 4, and 5, verses) the Incestuous person was to be cast out, but from the Leprous the Priest was not to keep, but Aron or his sonnes was to have recourse to them, and to look upon it upon all occasions; As is cleer in the 13 Chapter of Leviticus throughout. But the Priests of these times, though they retain their Tithes, yet run from the Plague, as some of them have done from the Cavatiers, or after a rich Benefice, letting who will take the flock: Accord­ing as Iohn saith (chapter 10. verses 10.12, 13) He that is an hireling and not the Shepheard, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the Wolfe comming, and leaveth the sheep and fleeth, and the Wolfe catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep, the hireling fleeth because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep; but the good shepheard giveth his life for the Sheep. And as Christ the head, and true Shepheard, (Isaiah 40.11. Ezek. 34.23. to the end of the chapter.) So his faithfull Ministers and servants, as Paul expresses (Acts 21.13.) what mean ye to weep and break my heart, for I am ready not to be bound onely, but also to die at Jerusalem, for the Name of the Lord JESVS.