THE Covenant To be t …

THE Covenant To be the LORD'S PEOPLE, AND TO Walk after the LORD. Sign'd by the CHURCH of CHRIST. Meeting at Horsly-Down in Southwark.

Deut. 29.1. With 2 Chron. 23.16. & 34, 31.

These are the Words of the Covenant which the Lord Commanded, to be the Lord's People, and to Walk after the Lord, and to keep his Commandments, and his Testimonies, and his Statutes, with the whole heart, and with the whole soul, and to perform the words of the Covenant which are written in this Book.

LONDON: Printed for the Use of the Church. 1700.

In the Name,1 Cor. 5, 4. Spirit and Power of our Lord JESUS CHRIST:

WE, an escaped Remnant of poor Sinners of the Gentiles,Isa. 37.31. Judg, 20.1, 11. 1 Cor. 14.23. Deut. 29.1. 1 Sam. 7.2. Isa. 37.3. 1 Cor. 4.9. Nehem. 9.2. Ezek. 36.31. Rom 5.12. Jer. 5.23. Ezek. 16.6, 8. 1 Pet. 2.3. knit as one Man, and assembled toge­ther in one Place, to Renew Covenant with the Lord, and to lament after him in this Day of Trouble, Rebuke and Blasphemy; Do before God, Angels and Men, most solemnly confess, be­wail, and loath our Selves for our Apo­stacy from God in Adam, and for all our abominable revoltings in Heart and Life, as well before, as since the time of Love and Life came, wherein we tasted that the Lord is gracious: Especially do we judge our selves,1 Cor. 11.31. Levit. 10.3. Jer. 7.31. Ezra 9.10, 15. Neh. 13.23, 27 Mal. 2.11, 12. Hosea 6.7. for that there have been found with us, those great Evils of offering unto the Lord strange Fire (Worship which he commanded not) Of Marrying strangers to God and his Covenant; and of dealing treache­rously with God in his Covenant, to follow after lying Vanities; For these,Jonah 2.8. and all our innumerable evils, we ab­hor our selves before the Lord,Psal. 40.12. Job 42.6. as in Dust and Ashes,Neh. 9.33. Acknowledging him to be just in all that is brought upon [Page 4]us, for he hath done right, but we have done wickedly: Yet mourn we not as those without hope,1 Thess. 4.13. Psal. 107.43. Jer. 3.1, 5. Hosea 14.1, 2. but under­standing the Loving-kindness of the Lord, that he yet invites us to return to him, we take with us words, and cry to him, Art thou not our Father, the guide of our Youth? Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously, so will we render thee the calves of our Lips: Thus by Faith do we look again unto the Holy Temple,Jonah 2.4. Heb. 12.15, 16 Deut. 29.18. and having diligently searched lest any one of us fail of the Grace of God, that there be no root of bitterness springing up in us, to trouble us, and that there be no Fornicatour, or profane Person as Esau: As a People prepared for the Lord,Luke 1.17. Ezek. 11.18, 19 we cast away all our detestable things; And with one heart, in one way which God hath given us for our good,Jer. 32.39. and of our children after us; We do stand this day all of us before the Lord our God,Deu. 29.11, 15 Jer. 17.10. the Searcher of Hearts, We, our Elders, and Deacons, and our little ones which the Lord hath given us, that we should again enter into Covenant with the Lord our God, and into his Oath which the Lord our God maketh with us this day, that he may establish us to day for a People unto himself, and our seed with us, and not here with us this day; that he may be unto us a God, Gal. 3.7.6, 14, 29. & 4.28. as he hath said to us, and as he hath sworn unto our Fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and [Page 5]to Jacob, whose children we are,Isa. 44.5. and heirs with them according to the Pro­mise by Faith in Jesus Christ;

We do make a Covenant with the Lord by Sacrifice, giving up our selves,Psal. 50.5. 2 Cor. 8.5. Isa. 65.23. 1 Pet. 2.5. and our Offspring with us, unto the Lord, and unto each other by the Will of God, to offer up spiritual Sacrifices ac­ceptable to God by Jesus Christ, to be built up a spiritual house,Ephes. 2.22. 1 Tim. 3.15. Isa. 43.21. Ephes. 3.21. or Church of the Living God, to shew forth his Praise, and give Glory to him in this present evil World.

Now that we may keep this our Co­venant and do it,Neh. 9.38. we write it in our sight,Ezek. 43.11. Heb. 8.1. and by Name express unto what we Covenant, of which this is the Sum;

To Avouch Jehovah alone for our GOD.

To chuse the Written Word for our Only Rule;

To walk blameless in all the Ordinan­ces of the Lord:

To Discharge our several Relative Duties.

First. We do thro' the help of the Spirit, by Covenant, 2 Cor. 3.5. 2 Chr. 30.18, 20. & 34.32. Psal. 83.18. Matth. 28.19. stand to our Bap­tism (tho' not so regularly administred) into the Name of the Living and True God, whose Name alone is Jehovah, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, these Three, The Lord, our God, Deut. 6.4. the Lord being [Page 6] One Lord,Psalm 96.5. all other Gods being Idols: This God alone we do solemnly Avouch for a God and Father to us and our Seed, Deut. 26.17. & 4.37. to Love him with all our heart, and with all our soul,Matth. 12.30. and with all our mind, and with all our strength, and to cleave to him for ever as our God and Father in our Lord Jesus Christ,Deut. 10.20. 2 Cor. 1.2, 3. 1 Tim. 3.15. & 2.5. Jer. 23.6. Phil. 3.8, 9. 1 Cor. 1.30. God-Man, the One Mediator be­tween God and Men, Jehovah our Righteousness, counting all our own Righteousness as Loss and Dung, trust­ing to him only for Justification, San­ctification, and compleat Salvation from the Curse of God's Law,Gal. 3.10, 13. Matth. 1.21. all our Sins, and all evils whatsoever; having hope of the Resurrection of the Body,2 Tim. 4.18. Acts 23.6. 2 Thess. 2.1. and of coming to, and standing with him in Judgment, fully expecting pre­servation to his heavenly Kingdom, to whom be Glory for ever,2 Tim. 4.18. and ever, Amen.

Secondly. We do, through the Help of the Spirit,2 Cor. 3.5. Psal. 119, 30. Gal. 6.16. Col. 2.5. Ephes. 2.20. Rev. 14.1. & 15.3. 1 Tim. 5.21. Mal. 2.9. Prov. 30.5. Psal. 119.128. by Covenant chuse all the Written Word of God to be our only Rule for Faith, and Order, so building upon the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, and on this Mount Si­on, singing the Song of Moses and the Lamb; We shall not prefer one part of the Word by partiallity to another, but esteeming every Word of God to be pure, and all the Precepts concern­ing all things to be right, and nothing [Page 7]to be refus'd;Rom. 15.4. We shall take whatso­ever is written therein for our Learn­ing, Reproof, Correction,2 Tim. 3.15, 17 and Instruct­ion in Righteousness, as throughly fur­nishing us to all good Works; There­fore do we hate the Apocrypha, Psal. 119.104.128. Rev. 22.18. and all additions of Men whatsoever, to this our only Rule; yet not accounting that we have already attained, or are already per­fect,Phil. 3.12, 13. Psal. 119.105. Isa. 8.20. we will reach forth to those things which are before, by the Light of the Word waiting for the teachings of the Spirit of Truth,John 16.13. to lead us into all Truth, in a diligent comparing Scrip­ture with Scripture,1 Cor. 2.13. Prov. 4.18. till the light there­of shine more and more unto the perfect day.

Thirdly, 2 Cor. 3.5. 2 Chr. 34.31. Luke 1.6. typify'd. Eze. 40.39.43. & 46.3. We do thro' the help of the Spirit, Covenant to walk blameless in all the Ordinances which the Lord Jesus Christ hath given to his Churches, both General and Special in their appointed seasons.

1st. We shall every First day of the Week,1 Cor. 16.2. Rev. 1.10. Psal. 150.6. 1 Tim. 2.1. Eph. 3.8. Gal. 6.6. being the Lord's Day, wait upon God in the general Ordinances of Praise, Prayer, Preaching, and Contribution to be dispens'd to all.

Praising God by singing Scripture Psalms, Hymns,2 Chr. 29.30. Ephes. 5.19. Spiritual Songs and no other.

Praying to God in and by the Spirit, Rom. 8.26. Col. 2.20. without the Forms or Rudiments of Men.

Preaching by our Pastour,1 Cor. 4.15, 16. & 12.28. 1 Tim. 6.3. with helps appointed in the Word, to instruct us according to our form of sound words.

Laying by us in store, as God prospers us,1 Cor. 16.1, 2. Heb. 13.16. that we may be ready for Contributi­on on all Occasions offer'd.

2dly, Isa. 66.23. Ezek. 47.12. We shall (according to the Months) attend upon God in the spe­cial Ordinances, Baptism, And the Lord's Supper. 1 Cor. 4.1. Typify'd. Eze. 46.19, 24. The Seals of the Church (commonly call'd Sacraments) to be administred to us only by our own Pastour.

Fellowship And Censure. Matth. 16.19. John 20.23. Rev. 3.7. The Keys of the Church to be exer­cis'd by our own Elders.

Baptism to be administred to us,1 Cor. 10.1.2. with Ps. 77.17. Isa. 52.15. with Matt. 28.19, 20. Acts 2.39, 41. 1 Cor. 7.14. & 12.13. with Gal. 3.27 1 Pet. 3.21. with 1.3. and to all our immediate Infant-Seed, by sprinkling or pouring only Water on the Face, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; Sealing to all their Covenant-Relation to God in his Church, or putting on Christ by Profession; and only to the Elect a saving-Relation by the sprink­ling of Christ's Blood in Justification, [Page 9]and pouring forth his Spirit in Sanctifi­cation,Ezek. 36.25. Rom. 11.7. such alone putting on Christ to Salvation.

The Lords Supper, 1 Cor. 11.23. to the end. In which Bread is blest, and broken; and Wine blest, and pour'd forth,Luke 22.14, 30 Numb. 28.2. Heb. 9.26. and receiv'd by the Church met, and sitting together in the Evening time, as a Sign to all, that in the Even­ing time of the World, Christ's Body was broken, and his Blood shed for the Remission of Sins; Rom. 3.24, 26. Sealing only to the worthy Receivers their saving interest therein.

Fellowship, The Key, Acts 2.42. Isa. 26.1, 2. Jer. 51.10. 1 Pet. 3.15. 1 Cor. 14. Jude 20. for opening the Gates of the Church to receive in the Righteous that keep the Truth; in which there is a communication of Experience, and Knowledge, as also of Gifts and Graces, by praying, and prophecying, for building up the Saints in their most Holy Faith;1 Cor. 14.34, 35. no Woman being herein permitted to speak; for 'tis a shame for Women to speak in the Church.

Censure, Rev. 1.18. 1 Cor. 4.21. The Key for shutting the Door of the Church; consisting of Ad­monition, withdrawing from, and cutting off Offenders.

Admonition, Privately given,Mat. 18.15, 17 1 Tim. 5.20. Numb. 12.14. Ezek. 43.11. for private Offences; Publickly, when the Of­fence relates to the Body; with shutting up from Special Ordinances those that [Page 10]slight the Church,2 Thes. 3.14, 15 or their own Elders, that such may be asham'd.

Withdrawing from Those that walk disorderly,2 Thess. 3.6. Rom. 16.17. Ezra 10.8. Jer. 2.18, &c. Heb. 12.15, 17 cause Divisions and Offences forsake Church Assemblies, pre­sent themselves at any Will-Worship, or despise their Birthright.

Cutting off, 1 Cor. 5.1, 5. 1 Tim. 1.20. Titus 3.10. Neh. 5.13. 2 Cor. 9.13. And delivering to Sa­tan such as are obstinate, Hereticks, or guilty of those sins that are scarce nam'd among the Gentiles: To all this Dis­cipline of Christ we profess Willing sub­jection. And thus shall each one of us be in readiness to revenge all disobedi­ence with the Sword of the Spirit in our hands;2 Cor. 10.4, 6. Psal. 149.5, 9. this Honour have all the Saints; Praise ye the Lord!

After this manner shall we call up­on each other,Psal. 122.1. Heb. 10.24.25 Num. 28.2 Exo. 20.24, 26. to go up to the Worship of Christ in our stated Seasons, behav­ing our selves in the House of God not unseemly, but as in the Presence of Christ:Joel 2.15. 2 Chr. 20.3.26. Attending also on such other Occasional Meetings for Fasting and Thanksgiving, as it shall seem good to the Church from the Word to appoint: So shall we keep all the Ordinances of God's House,1 Cor. 14.40. Ezek. 43.4.11. Matth. 15.9. Dan. 7.25. Col. 2.20, 23. with the Times and Forms thereof, rejecting all Ordinances, Times and Forms after the Command­ments and Doctrines of Men.

Fourthly, The Spirit helping our In­firmities,2 Cor. 3.5. We covenant conscientiously to discharge our several Duties to the Lord in this Body,Heb. 3.5.

We that are Officers Covenant to dis­charge our Duty:Deut. 29.10. 1 Pet. 5.2. Acts 20.28. Jer. 50.8. 2 Sam. 23.3. The Pastour willing­ly to feed and take the Oversight of the Flock of God; going before them in the ways of Christ; ruling in the Fear of the Lord; and being an Exam­ple in Faith, Love and Zeal;Titus 2.7. preach­ing the Word, instant in Season,2 Tim. 4.1, 4. and out of Season; reproving, rebuking, ex­horting with all long-suffering; not profaning the Seals to any out of the Flock over which the Holy Spirit hath made him Overseer.Ezek. 44.6.13. Matth. 7.6. The Elders dili­gently to help the Pastor in Teaching,Rom. 12.7, 8. Heb. 13.17. Watching over, Ruling and Admonish­ing the Flock.Acts 6.2, 3.1 Tim. 3.8, 14 The Deacons faithfully to serve the Tables, waiting on that Ministry to which they are call'd, using their Office well.

Furthermore, We all Covenant to discharge our several Relative Duties,Exodus 19.8.

To our Own Officers:

To our Infant Seed:

To each other singly; And

To the whole Body jointly.

Ist. Neb. 10.29. Deut. 1.13. 1 Cor. 9.7, 15. Heb. 13.17. We Covenant to Discharge our Duty to our own Officers chosen from among our selves; to maintain, submit to, and pray for our Pastour; to cleave [Page 12]to him,2 Thess. 3.1. Acts 17.34. 1 Sam. 22.23. 2 Tim. 4.2. Prov. 21.16. 1 Cor. 4.15, 16 1 Thess. 5.13. 1 Cor. 4.1, 2. 2 Tim. 4.14, 15 3 John 9, 10. Psal. 101.5. and to abide by him, waiting upon his Ministry in Season and out of Season; not wilfully wandring from, or forsaking it to attend upon any other; esteeming him very highly in Love for his Works sake, as a Steward of the Mysteries of God to us: We shall not suffer any privily to back­bite, whisper, or prate against our Pa­stour with malicious words, for such are to be cut off; We shall Honour and Obey our own Elders in the Lord, not rebuking,1 Tim. 5.1.17.19. but intreating them as Fathers; counting them worthy of double Honour, who rule well, especi­ally those who labour in the Word and Doctrine; Respecting also our Deacons and being ready for every good work to which they shall call.Neh. 13.13. 1 Tim. 6.18.

IIdly. We Covenant to discharge our Duty to our Infant Seed; Gen. 18.19. Jude 3. Gen. 17.7, 12. Deut. 10.15.14.1, 2. con­tending earnestly for the Faith once delivered to the Saints, of their right to a relation unto God in his Church with us, and to Baptism, the Seal thereof; We being a Spouse of Christ our Royal Husband,Mal. 2.15. 1 Cor. 7.14. & 10.2. Eze. 16.20, 21. & 46.16, 18. Jer. 30.20. Acts 2.39. Ephes. 2.13. Psal. 147.13. All our Children therefore are his, born to him, who hath promis'd to us Gentiles that were afar off, that he will not thrust our children out of their possession; but that even our children shall inherit, and be continu'd a holy Seed as afore-time; that our Congrega­tion should be establisht, and the Bars [Page 13]of our Gates strength'ned,Isa. 65.23. & 66.22. Josh. 24.16. Joel 2.16, 17. Psal. 90.16. Esther 10.3. Nehem. 2.10. Psal. 101.1. Ephes. 6.4. Prov. 22.6. 1 Chr. 28.9. 2 Chr. 29.11. & 30.6. Isa. 44.3, 5. Gen. 21.9, 12. by the Lord's blessing our children within us; there­fore will we and our House serve the Lord, seeking as well in the Congrega­tion, as in Secret, for the Blessing of the Lord, and his Peace upon our children; walking before them in a perfect way; training them up in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord; and calling upon them as they grow up, to avouch the Lord for their God, and to take on themselves the Bond of the Covenant, casting out such of them as prove Scof­fers, and despisers of their Birthright.

IIIdly, We Covenant to discharge our Duty to each other as members in par­ticular; 1 Cor. 12.27. 1 Pet. 1.22. Gal. 6.2. Ephes. 4.2. Rom. 12.10. Mark 13.37. to Love one another with a pure heart fervently; to bear each others bur­thens, forbearing one another, and in Ho­nour esteeming each better than our selves; to watch over each other, not ha­ting our Brother by suffering sin to rest upon him,Levit. 19.17. but in any wise to rebuke him: We shall not consent, hearken to,Deut. 13.6, 11. Prov. 29.24. pity, spare, nor conceal any, tho' dear as our own soul, that would secretly intice us to depart from the true Faith of God in which we stand;1 Pet. 5.12. Heb. 3.12, 13. Acts 11.23. James 5.16. Luke 22.32. 1 Thess. 4.18. but daily will we exhort each other, with full purpose of heart to cleave unto the Lord; praying for, strengthning and com­forting one another in the ways of Christ; no Brother wronging, nor defrauding a Brother,1 Cor. 6.1, 8. nor going to Law with him [Page 14]before unbelievers, the Saints being to judge all matters relating to the Bre­thren; And consecrating our substance to the Lord,Mic. 4.13. Esther 10.3. Rom. 12.13. Acts 4.32. we shall seek the welfare of each other, distributing to the necessi­ties of the Saints, according to the Ex­ample of the People of God in the Apo­stles times,1 Cor. 7.26, 27. as far as the present distress doth permit; not refusing to lay down even our lives for the Brethren,1 John 3.16. Psal. 137.6. as pre­ferring this Sion to our chiefest Joy.

Nor shall we neglect our several re­lative Duties whether within the Church,Col. 4.5. or without.

Husbands loving their Wives,Ephe. 5.25.33. Col. 3.19. Eph. 5.22, 24. Col. 3.18. not be­ing bitter against them:

Wives being obedient to their own Husbands in the Lord:

Parents bringing up their Children in the Fear of God:Ephes. 6.4.

Children obeying their Parents in the Lord:Ephes. 6.1, 2.

Masters being just and merciful to their Servants:Ephes. 6.9.

Servants and Subjects obeying their Su­periors in the Lord;1 Pet. 2.13, 25. 1 Thess. 4.11. 2 Thess. 3, 10, 12 All studying to be quiet, to work with their own hands, and to mind their own business, render­ing to Caesar the things that are Caesars, Mat. 22.21. and to God the things that are Gods, that so we may adorn the Gospel of God our Saviour.Titus 2.10.

IV. We all Covenant to discharge our Duty to the whole Church jointly, 1 Cor. 12.25.12. as a Body of Christ.

To be holy to the Lord in all manner of Conversation;

To stand together for the Defence of the Truth;

To keep the Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace;

To press forward in our Heavenly Course.

1st, 1 Pet. 1.15. 2 Tim. 2.4. As a Body of Christ we shall be holy to the Lord in all manner of Conversa­tion; not intangling our selves with the Affairs of this Life;Zeph. 3.9. Ephes. 5.4. in Language seeking Purity, avoiding all foolish Talking, or Jesting, which is not convenient; ha­ving our Speech season'd with Salt,Col. 4.6. that it may administer Grace to the Hearers: And we being redeem'd from a vain Conversation,1 Pet. 1.14, 18. shall not fashion our selves according to the former Lusts in our Ig­norance, but adorning our selves with modest Apparel, becoming People pro­fessing Godliness,1 Tim. 2.9. Deut. 22.5. with 1 Cor. 11.1.16. Ezek. 44.20. Rev. 9.7, 8. Zeph. 1.8. Isa. 3.24. Jude 23. No Woman shall wear that which pertains to a Man, nor any Man put on a Woman's Garment, or Co­vering, all that do so being an Abomi­nation to the Lord, who will punish all such who are cloath'd with strange Ap­parel, strange to Nature, or strange to Scripture; therefore shall we hate even [Page 16]the Garment spotted with the Flesh;Gen. 35.2. 2 Cor. 6.14. Josh. 23.12, 13. Judg. 2.1.4. 2 Chron. 19.2.20.35, 37. Deut. 7.3, 5. Ezra 9.14. & 10.3, 5. Neb. 13.23, 27 Mal. 2.11.15. Heb. 6.10. Levit. 18.30. Prov. 2.17. Mal. 2.14. Gen. 23. all. Ruth 1.17. 1 King 13.31. we will not unequally Yoke our selves with Unbelievers, nor join in Affinity, or make Leagues with such as are not in a visible relation to Christ in his Church; nor yet shall we give our Daughters to their Sons, nor take their Daughters to our Sons, lest our Children learn their ways, and we so mingle the Holy Seed, that there be no Remnant of us, or esca­ping: Desiring also to be married as God's People were of old, and not according to vain Customs, all which are forbid­den; avoiding as much as in us lies, be­ing interr'd with Strangers; so follow­ing the Example of the Saints, who co­veted to be buried with their own Peo­ple.

2dly, As a Body of Christ we will with one Shoulder stand together to uphold his Truth;Zeph. 3.9. Mar­gent. Phil. 1.27. Gal. 2.5. and that the Gospel may con­tinue with us and our Seed, (like David serving our Generation) we profess to strive together for all Truth,Act. 20.20, 27. Psal. 119.128. Deut. 12.32. Mat. 5.19. Gal. 4.18. Rev. 2.13. 3.10. 2 Cor. 10.4, 7. Col. 1.18. counting nothing indifferent; being always zea­lously affected for those Truths of Christ that are most oppos'd in our day; resist­ing stedfastly by his Word and Spirit all Doctrines undermining the Dignity of our Lord Jesus Christ, as King, Prophet, and Priest of his Church, that in all things he might have the Preheminence; More particularly,

[Page 17] First, Isa. 24.5. Matth. 2.14. Matth. 15.9. Gal. 5.1. 1 Kin. 12.28. to the End. Isa. 33.22. Psal. 45.11. We shall oppose ALL Doct­rines leading to the Neglect of Christ's Ordinances; or to the sinful imposing any Traditions, Ceremonies, Orders or Offi­cers in the Church, not instituted by Christ our only King, Judge and Lawgiver, who is our Lord, and we will worship him.

Secondly, Acts 13.45, 46 with 3.22. We shall continue hearti­ly to abhor ALL Doctrine contradict­ing and Blaspheming the Revelation of this our Prophet in his Written Word:1 Tim. 4.1. Chiefly those Doctrines of De­vils; which deny, oppose, or prevari­cate about the Eternal Godhead of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit,Joh. 10.30, 38 Acts 5.3, 4. 1 John 5.7. so blaspheming the ever blessed Trinity in Unity.

Or that Oppose,Isa. 9.6, 7. Matth. 1.23. 1 Tim. 3.16. or Equivocate about the Mysterious Union of the Divine and Humane Nature in the One Person of our glorious Mediator Jesus Christ:

Or that exalt the Light within, Jer. 10.23. Matth. 6.23. John 1.4, 9. with 8.12.9.5. & 6.27.40. or any other Creature, above, besides, or with Jesus of Nazareth, that was Born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem, in Ju­dea; The Only True Light of the World, and Seal'd, Sent Saviour of Sin­ners:

Or that Eclipse the Sovereignty,Rom. 9.11. end. & 11.5, 7. Eph. 2. thro' out John 1.13. 2 Tim. 1.9. Titus 3.5, 7. Free­ness, and Efficacy of Divine Grace in Election, Vocation and Justification, all being only of Grace, without any regard had to Good foreseen in, or done, or will'd by the Creature;

Or that make void the good old righ­teous Law of God,Hosea 8.12. Mat. 5.17, 19. Isa. 42.21. Rom. 3.19, 21. Gal. 6.16. 1 Tim. 1.5, 10. Psal. 19.7, 9. Rom. 7.12, 22: as a Law under which all Men are born, and as a Rule of Life to all the Called of God; The Law given to Adam in Paradice, and afterwards held forth summarily in the Ten Commandments, explain'd by Christ, his Apostles, and Prophets, containing all Duties whatsoever, (Faith and Repent­ance not excepted) and forbidding all manner of sin.

Or that transform the Gospel of God's Grace into a new Remedial Law,Acts 20.24. Luke 2.10, 11. Acts 13.38, 39 com­manding Faith, Repentance, and sin­cere Obedience, as the Terms and Con­ditions of our Justification: the true Go­spel being a Ministration of Grace,Rom. 3.22, 28. & 5.1, 2.10.4. freely tendring to poor sinners the Suretiship Righteousness of Christ, to be relied upon by Faith; and imputed to them, for their full and free Justification before God:

Or that affirm Justification is only by the Death of Christ, and consists only in Remission of Sin:Rom. 5.10, 19. & 10.4. The Word assuring us, that Justification is as well by Christ's [Page 19]perfect Obedience to the Law,Heb. 5.8, 9. Cant. 4.7. 2 Cor. 5.21. Eph. 5.27. 1 Joh. 3.7. as by his Death under its Curse, and therein the Sinner is not only forgiven, but accounted perfectly righteous:

Or that render the Elect less children of Wrath by Nature than others,Ephes. 2.3, 12. Rom. 3.9, 19. Mark 2.17. Gal. 3.22, 23. 1 Thes. 1.8, 10. by as­serting their actual Justification from Eternity, or at any time before Faith; the whole tenour of Scripture discover­ing that all are alike under sin, shut up under the Law till Faith comes,Gal. 2.16. Psal. 86.13. by which Christ is apprehended to justifie, and save even from the lowest Hell:

Or that give the least encouragement to sin: Either by affirming,Psal. 89.31, 33 Jer. 46.28. Amos 3.2. that the Iniquities of God's Children are not visited by Stripes consisting with the Father's loving-kindness; Or, By refus­ing to pray for the Pardon of Sin,Luke 11.4. Psal. 25.7, 11, 18. 2 Cor. 7.10, 11 Jam. 2.14. ult Jude 4 v. Phil. 3.18, 19. which our Lord in his Summary of Prayer hath made our daily Duty: And, by deny­ing Repentance and Good Works to be the genuine Fruits of Faith; so turning the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ into Lasciviousness, and causing his Cross to be evil-spoken of:

These Doctrines shall we detest; Pro. 2.6. to 15. Psal. 17.4.19.7. 2 Tim. 3.15.17. Toge­ther with all, that question the Validity of any part, or the sufficiency of the whole written Word, for perfecting the Man of God in all things whatsoever; so re­proaching [Page 20]our faithful Prophet who hath seal'd the Vision,Mal. 2.9. Heb. 3.5, 6. Dan. 9.24. Jer. 8.8, 9. and given us a Rule in every thing compleat.

Thirdly, Continually shall we reject all Doctrines establishing Priesthoods,Heb. 2.17.9.26.10.4, to 23. Masses, Conditions, or any Creature Qualifications, and Confidences, for Sa­tisfaction,Heb. 3.1. 1 John 2.1, 2. 1 Tim. 2.5. Mediation or Intercession with God; Christ alone being our High-Priest Propitiation and Mediatour.

Therefore we will not give place by subjection,Gal. 2.5. & 5.1. 2 Tim. 2.1. Rev. 14.1. Gal. 2.11. Rev. 2.10.3.15, 16. 1 King. 18.21. Zech. 11.8. Psal. 69.9.119.139. 1 Cor. 4.3. Psal. 69.7. Heb. 12.3. Psal. 69.8. Gal. 4.16. Micah 7.1, 7. Luke 14.26. to 33. no not for an hour, to any that would bring us into Bondage, but being strong in the Grace which is in Christ Jesus, and shewing the Father's Mark in the Forehead, we shall with­stand them to the Face, stedfastly resist­ing even to the Death; Protesting against all coldness, lukewarmness, halting or indifferency in the Cause of Christ, which things his Soul hates: The Zeal of Christ's House having eaten us up, for his sake therefore, shall we gladly bear the unrighteous Judgments, Reproaches and Contradictions of all sorts of sinners, whether open Enemies, false Brethren, lukewarm Churches or Kindred according to the flesh; professing to have counted the Cost, and willingly to deny and for­sake all, Friends, Relations, Enjoyments, and whatsoever is dear to us in this World,Rev. 14.4. 1 Cor. 4.9, 13. Heb. 11.24, 27 that we may follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth, laying our Repu­tation, Estate, Liberty, yea Life it self at [Page 21]the Feet of Jesus Christ,Matth. 16.24, 27. our Lord and Sa­viour.

3dly, As a Body of Christ,Ephes. 4.3. with Eze. 20.37 Gal. 5.1. we will keep the unity of the Spirit in the Bond or Cove­nant of peace: Maintaining the Privi­ledges of this Church; every true Church consisting of so many, and no more,1 Cor. 14.23. as can conveniently meet together in one place,1 Pet. 5.3. 1 Cor. 12.28. Ephes. 4.16. Isa. 66.21. Jer. 3.14, 15. & 30.21. Deut. 1.13. Acts. 1.21, 26. & 14.23. 1 Cor. 12.7. & 14.26. Rev. 2 & 3 cha. Ephes. 4.16. with 1 Cor. 12.12, 27. Gal. 5.1. 2 Thess. 2.3, 10. Rev. 2.2.12.11. Acts 15. &c. being Christ's Clergy or Heritage, to whom he hath given a power of sending forth his Ministers, and to chuse from among themselves, and to ordain their own Offi­cers, with Fasting and Prayer, without laying on of Hands, the glorious Gifts attending which, being long since ceas'd, that Ceremony is no more to be us'd, than washing of Feet, or anointing with Oil; This Priviledge therefore, with the Li­berty of determining all Matters relating to this Body, we will carefully uphold; Renouncing all Encroachments made on Faith, and Order, by Popes, Councils, or any other whatsoever: Yet shall we not refuse Communion with true Sister Chur­ches, in giving, and receiving Advice, Supplies or Members:

And that we may speak the same things, 1 Cor. 1.10. and have no Division among us, No one of us will go up and down as a Tattler,Levit. 19.16. Prov. 20.19. 1 Tim. 5.13. Rom. 16.17. Psal. 101. Tale-bearer, or Buisie-Body, speaking things which they ought not; but we shall mark, and avoid all Persons, and Things tending to Division; Especially, [Page 22]shall we refuse to receive into our House,2 John 9, 10. Dan. 11.30. 1 Cor. 5.11. 1 Kin. 13.8.9. Psal. 15.4. Hosea 4.15.17 2 Cor. 6.17, 18 Col. 2.20, 23. to have any Intelligence, or eat with Apo­states, or them that forsake the holy Cove­nant; contemning all such vile persons; Nor will we come near to, touch, taste or handle any Worship after the Command­ments and Doctrines of Men, whatsoever shew of Wisdom and Humility it may have;1 Cor. 1.10. & 10.17. Ephes. 4.4, 6. Thus being perfectly join'd in the same Mind, and in the same Judg­ment, we shall be as one Bread, and one Body, in one Spirit, call'd in one Hope, having one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God the Father of all, who is above all,Ezek. 44.6, 9. Jer. 51.10. Psa. 66.16. & 40.9, 10. 1 Pet. 3.15. Phil. 2.1, 2. 2 Chr. 23.19. and thro' all, and in us all; There­fore shall we take none into Fellowship with us, but such as shall declare what the Lord hath done for their Souls, and openly profess their Oneness with us in Faith, and Order; rejecting all that are visibly unclean in any thing; so shall we stand fast in the Liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free,Gal. 5.1. Mat. 11.29. Psal. 19.13. esteeming this Yoke of Christ easie, and his Burthen light, And dreading any wilful Breach of this Covenant,Levit. 26.25. the quarrel of which God will avenge!

Finally, AS a Body of CHRIST in this Oneness, Phil. 3.12, 15. 2 Cor. 6.17. Rev. 18.4. We Covenant to press for­ward after such a Separation from the Men of the World, as we are call'd to by God in his Word, that as Brethren we might dwell even together in Unity,Isa. 52.11, 12. Psalm 133. to seek and to intermeddle with all Wisdom, [Page 23]and to be kept from touching The Unclean Thing:Prov. 18.1. Ps. 106.47, 48. So giving Thanks to the Holy Name of God our Saviour, and triumph­ing in his Praise; We shall look for, and hasten unto the New Heavens, 2 Pet. 3.12, 13. and the New Earth, wherein dwells Righteous­ness, the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ,2 Tim. 4.1. to be reveal'd at his Appearance, who will come shortly, and will not tarry;Rev. 22.17, 20, 21. The Spirit and the Bride say come, and let him that heareth say come, even so come, Lord Jesus, come quickly: Amen!

AND now blessing our God for esta­blishing us a Church of Christ by Cove­nant,Psal. 105.8, 10 2 Cor. 1.21. Ephes. 2.22. 1 Tim. 3.15. Rev. 2.7. Matth. 5.14. Psal. 46.5. Matth. 16.18. 2 Cor. 13.14. a House for himself to dwell in, a Pillar and Ground of Truth, a Golden Candlestick to hold forth his Light to the World; Trusting that the Lord is in the midst of us, and that the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against us; We com­mend our selves to the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Spirit,Psal. 78.37. Col. 2.5. Isa. 45.24. 2 Cor. 12.9. whereby our hearts shall be stedfast in this Cove­nant; Expecting from Christ our Media­tour, All Righteousness and Strength, Strength to supply us with all Grace to do,Heb. 9.14, 15. and Righteousness to pardon all our failings in this our Covenant;Gal. 2.16. not looking to be justify'd by our Obedi­ence hereto,Heb. 13.20, 21 all our Salvation being in the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant of Grace, made with Christ for us,Isa. 55.3. and [Page 24]given to us as a Free Testament:2 Chr. 23.16. & 34.30, 32. This Covenant being the Holy Bond of our Souls to be the Lord's People, to walk fully after the Lord, and to keep his Commandments.

In Testimony of OƲR unfeigned Sincerity herein, We make it Sure by Writing it:Neh. 9.38. with chap. 10.16, 28 Ezek. 43.11. Isa. 44.5. And We, our Elders and Deacons Subscribe it with the Hand: This Thirtieth Day of the Eleventh Month, MDCXCIX.
THE Catechiſm OR, BR …

THE Catechism OR, BRIEF INSTRUCTION In the Faith AND Order Of the Gospel. For the CHURCH of CHRIST. Meeting at Horsly-Down in Southwark.

1 JOHN II.

I have written unto you Fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you Young Men, because ye are strong, and the Word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one: I have written unto you, Little Children, because your sins are forgiven you for his Name sake, and ye have known the Father.

LONDON: Printed for the Use of the Church. 1700.

THE CONTENTS OF THE Catechism.

THIS Catechism contains Seven Lessons which by degrees lead into the Knowledge of the Truth as it is in JESUS:

The First Lesson opens with a Discovery of God, that his Awe may be upon the Heart:

The Second Lesson speaks of the Decrees of God, and his Creation, that in some measure they may be understood: Afterwards

The Third Lesson makes known the Fall of Man, with the Bitter Fruits of it, to humble and abase the heart before God; And then in

The Fourth Lesson, Comfort is administred from the Glad Tidings of Redemption by the Person of Christ: And that this Salvation may not only be heard of, but felt

The Fifth Lesson explains the Manner of the Application of this Redemption by Faith to the [Page]Soul; which savingly experienc'd, will draw forth Desires to understand

The Sixth Lesson, In which the good Old Law and Gospel of God are briefly cleared up, and distinguisht; the good knowledge whereof will lead down to

The Seventh and last Lesson, containing some Light about The great Duty of glorifying God in his Churches; which hereafter (if God will) may be more fully Explain'd: This great Duty all Christians should covet to understand, since in the Church only can they give most Glory to Christ, and partake most of his Glory in this Life; And thro' these Gates of Heaven, upright Souls have an abundant Entrance administred to them into the Eternal Joy of their Lord and Master; with a brief Account whereof the Catechism concludes.

The Former Part of the Catechism contains those Truths that are more generally receiv'd, which are given in shorter Lessons, and shorter Answers, as Milk for Babes: By the good Digestion of which the Capacity will be enlarg'd to receive the Truths that follow, which are contain'd in larger Lessons, and longer Answers, that the Truth might be kept in an intire Proposition, and not mangled by many Questions; and for this there was a more special Necessity in the instruction about glorifying God in his Churches; Which is the strong meat belonging to them that are of more full age, who by reason of Use have their Sences exercis'd to discern both good and evil: Upon this strong meat the spiritual man will heartily feed; for only Babes and carnal feed altogether upon Milk.

The First Lesson, Of GOD.

Question 1. WHAT are You?

Answer. By Nature I am a poor lost Sinner against God. Rom. 3.9, 10 20. Eph. 2.1.3.12.

Question 2. What is God?

Answer. GOD is the Eternal,John 4.24. Rom. 1.20. Isa. 44.24. Dan. 4.35. 1 Tim. 6.16. Almighty Spirit, who made All things by His Power, and orders All things by his Providence, whom no Man hath seen, or can see.

Question 3. How then shall we know God?

Answer. Rom. 1.19, 20. Psal. 19. all. Psal. 138.2. GOD is known partly by Conscience within us; and by his Works without us; But more fully by his Written Word.

Question 4. How shall we know God by Conscience within us?

Answer. GOD hath shown all Men somewhat of Himself by Natural Reason,Rom. 2.14, 15. Prov. 20.27. Rom. 1.21. and Conscience within them; witnessing (tho' darkly) that there is a Just and Holy God.

Question 5. How do the Works of God make him known?

Answer. Psalm 8. all. Jer. 10.12. Acts 14.17. Rom. 1.20. The Heavens, the Earth, the Seas, and all things therein, shew forth the Power, Wisdom, and Goodness of GOD the Maker of all, so that All are without Excuse.

Question 6. How doth the Written Word reveal God more clearly?

Answer. 1 John 5.7. Isa. 43.10, 11. 1 Thess. 1.9. Psal. 83.18. & Psal. 96.5. 1 Cor. 8.4.6. The Written Word of God re­veals, That there are Three in Heaven, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and these Three are One Living and True GOD, whose Name alone is JEHOVAH, and all other Gods are Idols.

Question 7. How can it be that there are Three Persons in the Godhead, and yet but ONE God?

Answer. Joh 11.7, 8.9.36.26.37.19, 23, 24. Prov. 30.4, 5. 'Tis impossible for any Man to comprehend the unsearchable Mystery of the Trinity in Unity, or Three Persons in the Godhead: We should there­fore readily believe whatsoever GOD reveals of Himself in His Word, since none in all his Creation can find him out to Perfection!2 Chro. 20.20.

The Second Lesson About the Decrees and Creation.

Question 1. WHY did God create all things?

Answer. GOD the Father, Son,Isa. 57.15. 1 Tim. 6.16. Col. 1.16. Rev. 4.11. and Holy Spirit, Blessed and Happy in the En­joyment of Himself from all Eternity, Decreed to Create all things, to show forth his Glory in Christ Jesus.

Question 2. What are God's Eternal Decrees?

Answer. Acts 15.18.17.26. Isa. 14.24.46.10. GOD's Eternal Decrees are his Purpose, and his Counsel in him­self, before any thing was, fore-ordaining all Persons and Things that ever should be.

Question 3. When did Ged make all things?

Answer. Gen. 1.1.9, 10, 31. In [...] beginning God crea­ted the Heaven, the Earth, the Seas, and all things therein in Six Days.

Question 4. Of what did God make all things?

Answer. Job 26.7. Heb. 11.3. GOD made things of Nothing, so that the things which are seen, were not made of things which do appear.

Question 5. How did God create all things?

Answer. John 1.3. Heb. 1.2, 10. Col. 1.16. GOD created all things by his Son Jesus Christ, whom he ap­pointed Lord and Heir of all.

Question. 6. In what State did God make all things?

Answer. Gen. 1.27.31. Eccl. 7.29. GOD made Angels and Man, and all things very good.

Question 7. What are Angels?

Answer. Heb. 1.7.14. Psal. 103.20.104.4. Angles are Ministring Spi­rits, mighty in Strength, to wait about the Throne of GOD, and to do all his Commands.

Question 8. What Creature is Man?

Answer. GOD form'd Man of the Dust of the ground,Gen. 2.7. Matth. 10.28. Gen. 1.27. Eccl. 7.29. Gen. 3.20. and gave him an im­mortal Soul; so God created Man in his own Image, upright, Male and Fe­male Created he them, and they were call'd Adam and Eve.

Question 9. What did God do with Man when he made him?

Answer. The Lord God took Man, and put him into the Garden of Eden, Gen. 2.8.16, 17 and gave him a Law Note, 'Twas a Law given to Man, not a Covenant of Works made with Man., forbidding him to eat of the Tree of Knowledge: for in the day he eat thereof he should surely die.

The Third Lesson. About the Fall, and the Fruits of it.

Question 1. HOW long did Man continue Upright?

Answer. Man that was in Honour,Ps. 49.12. Heb. Gen. 3.6. Eccl. 7.29. abode not for a Night, but by sinning against God, fell from his Innocency and Upright­ness.

Question 2, How came Man to fall by Sin?

Answer. Man being left to the Free­dom of his own Will,Ge. 3.6, 7, 8, 13 fell into Sin thro' the Temptation of that old Serpent,John 8.44. the Devil, in transgressing the Law giv'n him by God.

Question 3. What Creature is the Devil?

Answer. Job 4.18. 2 Pet. 2.4. Jude 6. 1 Tim. 3.6. 1 Pet. 5.8. The Devil was once an An­gel of Light, but rebelling against GOD, and drawing other Angels with him, they were all condemn'd into Hell for their Pride; and now these Devils go about as roaring Lions seeking whom they may devour.

Question 4. What was that Sin by which the Devil tempted Man to fall from God?

Answer. The Devil in the Serpent tempted the Woman to eat of the for­bidden fruit, Gen. 3.1. to 7. 1 Tim. 2.14. 2 Cor. 11.3. and She, being first deceiv'd, tempted her Husband to eat with her, by which they both fell from God.

Question 5. What follow'd Man's falling from God?

Answer.Gen. 2.17.3.16.19. Rom. 5.12.8.22.Adam and Eve falling from GOD, receiv'd the Sentence of Death, that is, dreadful Misery to themselves, to their Posterity, and to all the Creation subjected to them.

Question 6. What special Misery came on Adam and Eve by the Pall?

Answer. Assoon as Adam and Eve fell they died spiritually, Rom. 3.24. Gen. 3.7, 10.16.19.23.24. that is, they lost the Image of GOD in their Souls, and they saw that they were Naked, or expos'd to all manner of Death, and were driven out of Paradice.

Question 7. What Misery came on Adams Posterity by his Fall?

Answer. All Mankind being the Sons and Daughters of Adam, 1 Co. 15.21, 22 Rom. 5.12, 14, 17, 18. and in his Loins, sinn'd in him, and so Death past upon them all, therefore all are born in spirituall Death, under the Sen­tence of eternal Death, and undergo the natural death of the Body.

Question 8. I find then that the death of the Body is the fruit of Sin; But what is that spiritual Death all are born in?

Answer. The spiritual death all are born in,Rom. 3.9, 19. Psal. 51.5. Rom. 3.10, 14. Ephes. 4.18. Titus 1.15. Zech. 7.12. Titus 3.3. Psalm 58.3. is the loss of God's Image in the Soul, all being conceiv'd in Sin, and born without any Righteousness, full of all evil, having their minds blinded, their Consciences defil'd, their Heants harden'd, their Wills corrupted, their Affections per­verted, and going astray from the Womb; and all this is call'd Original Sin.

Question 9. What is that Eternal Death to which all are expos'd?

Answer. All the Children of Adam by Nature are born under the Sentence of Eternal Death, which is,Rom. 3.9. with 6.23. Rom. 5.12, 14. Isa. 1.9. Rom. 9.29.11.5, 7. 1 Thess. 5.9. being separa­ted from GOD for ever in Hell; this all deserve, and would feel, if the Lord had not chosen in Christ a remnant, to escape the Wrath to come.

Question 10. What Misery came on the rest of the Creation by Adam's Fall?

Answer. The Ground was cursed for Adam's sake,Gen. 3.17, 18. Rom. 8.20, 22. and so brings forth Briars and Thorns; yea, because of this the whole Creation groaneth.

Question 11. Can any Man help him­self out of this miserable State?

Answer. There is no Man can by any Means redeem his own Soul,Psal. 49.7, 8. Hosea 13.9. nor give to GOD a Ransom for himself, or for any of the Creation from this dreadful Misery.

The Fourth Lesson About Redemption by the Person of CHRIST.

Question 1. DID God leave all Men in this mise­rable condition to perish for ever?

Answer. GOD did not leave all Men to perish in their Misery,Gen. 3.8, 15. with Heb. 2.14, 16. but pre­sently upon Adam's Fall, reveal'd to him Salvation by Jesus Christ, the Seed of the Woman.

Question 2. Who is Jesus Christ?

Answer. Jesus Christ is the only Be­gotten Son of God,John 3.16. 1 Tim. 3.16. Matth. 1.21, 23 God and Man in One Person, the only Saviour of Sinners.

Question 3. How can Jesus Christ be God and Man in One Person?

Answer. This is the great Mystery of Godliness, 1 Tim. 3.16. Heb. 2.14.7.26. Matth. 1.23. that Jesus Christ being Very God took on him the Nature of Man, yet without Sin, and so in One Person is both God and Man.

Question 4. How did Jesus Christ the Son of God take our Nature upon him?

Answer, Luke 1.35. Matth. 1.18.2.1. The Holy Spirit overshadow­ing the Virgin Mary, she conceiv'd, and that Holy Thing that was Born of her [Page 13]in Bethlehem in Judea, Luke 1.32. was Jesus Christ the Son of the Most High God!

Question 5. Why was Jesus Christ Born into the World?

Answer. Jesus Christ came into the World to save Sinners,1 Tim. 1.15.2.5. as being Media­tour between God and Men.

Question 6. How doth Jesus Christ save Sinners?

Answer. Jesus Christ saves Sinners freely by his Grace,Ephes. 2.8. Titus 3.4, 5. 2 Tim. 1.9. Isa. 52.3. Heb. 7.24, 25. Acts 3.20, 26. Psalm 110. all and 2.2, 6. without any Con­ditions or Qualifications done by them, being the only Priest to atone for them, by the Sacrifice of himself; the true Prophet to teach them by his Word and Spirit; by which also as King he Rules them.

Question 7. How is Jesus Christ Me­diatour between God and Men?

Answer. Jesus Christ is the Media­tour between God and Men,Heb. 9.14, 15. Eph. 2.13, 16. as he makes up the Breach between an offended God, and offending Men, according to the Ever­lasting Covenant of Grace.

Question 8. What is the Everlasting Covenant of Grace?

Answer. Psal. 89.3.28 to 38. Isa. 53.10, 11. Psal. 40.6, 8. The Covenant of Grace is the Eternal Agreement of the Father with the Son, in which the Father on the part of the Godhead promis'd to the Son, Eternal Life for all the Elect, upon [Page 14]his performing all Conditions,Isa. 26.12. for and in them that shall be sav'd.

Question 9. But is not the Covenant of Grace made with Men?

Answer. The Covenant of Grace is made only with Jesus Christ as the Head and Representative of the Elect,Zeeh. 9.11. Isa. 42.6. Eph. 1.10. Isa. 55.1, 3. Ezek. 16.6. Psal. 50.5. Jer. 31.31, 33. Heb. 8.6, 13. to whom; when they believe, 'tis made over as a Promise in a gracious Church-Covenant, founded upon it, and made with the Saints before Christ came in the flesh; and since by him renew'd to the Church, and their Seed; which is call'd the first and second Covenant.

Question 10. But are not Men to perform some of the Conditions of the Covenant of Grace?

Answer. No Man can perform any one Condition of the Covenant for Salvati­on;2 Cor. 3.5. Isa. 26.12. Phil. 2.13. Eph. 2.8. 2 Tim. 1.1. 1 Cor. 11.25. Isa. 55.3.49.8. Jesus Christ doth all for his People that procures their Salvation, and all in them to make them lay hold of this Salvation, and so gives the Covenant of Grace, as a Free Promise, or Testament to them in his Blood, therefore he is call'd the Covenant.

Question 11. How doth Jesus Christ according to the Covenant of Grace, make up the Breach between God and Man?

Answer. Heb. 7.22. 2 Cor. 5.21. Jesus Christ makes up the Breach between God and Man as his People's Surety in their Stead; being [Page 15]made under the Law,Gal. 4.4, 5. Matth. 5.17. Gal. 3.13. 1 Cor. 15.3, 4. Rom. 1.3, 4. and 4.25. obeying it per­fectly in his Life, and dying the shame­ful Death of the Cross under the Curse of it, and rising again the Third Day, he so fulfill'd all Conditions of Life, and Salvation for them.

Question 12. Why was it needful that Jesus Christ should be God and Man to make up this Breach?

Answer. It was needful that Christ should be Man to obey the Law,Heb. 2.14, 16. and die under its Curse in the same Nature that sinn'd; and also God, Acts 20.28. to support him under, and give a value to all that he did, and suffer'd for the Salvation of his People.

Question 13. Is there no Salvation to be had but by Jesus Christ God-Man?

Answer. There is no Salvation in any other but Jesus Christ;Acts 4.12. Isa. 43.11. Rom. 4.25. for there is none other Name under Heaven given among Men, whereby we must be sav'd but by Jesus Christ, who died for our Sins, and rose again for our Justification!

The Fifth Lesson. About the Application of Redemption.

Question 1. WILL Jesus Christ save all Men?

Answer. Jesus Christ so saves all the World from present destruction,Psal. 36.6. with 1 Tim. 4.10. Heb. 2.9, 10. Rom. 9.27. 1 Tim. 4, 10. that all men have some outward Benefits by his Ran­som; but he doth only save a certain number from Eternal Death, whence he is said specially to save them that be­lieve.

Question 2. Who are those that Jesus Christ will save from Eternal Death?

Answer. Jesus Christ saves none from Enternal Death but the Elect, Joh. 17.2, 9, 12, 19. Rom. 11.5, 7. 2 Thess. 2.11, 14 those that were chosen to Salvation before the foun­dation of the World; the rest die in their Sins and are damn'd, notwith­standing all the good things they enjoy in this life by Christ.Luke 16.25.

Question 3. How comes it that only some are elected?

Answer. It pleas'd God of his own Will,Ephes. 4.5, 11. Rom. 9.11. to 24. Prov. 16.4. 1 Pet. 2.8, 9. for the manifestation of his glory, to chuse some to everlasting life, and to appoint others to Condemnation; [Page 17]nor doth he give any other account of his doings,Jude 4. Job 33.13. but his own Sovereign Will and Pleasure.

Question 4. But did not God chuse the Elect for some good he saw in them more than in the rest?

Answer. 2 Tim. 1.9. There could be no more good foreseen in the Creature than what God did fore-ordain; therefore God chose not any for foreseen good in them;Rom. 9.18. Matth. 20.15. Job 9.12. 40.2. but he had Mercy on whom he would have Mercy, and whom he would he harden'd; and who may say to him what doest thou?

Question 5. What difference then is there between the Elect and others, that we may know them?

Answer, There is no difference be­tween the Elect and others by Nature,Rom. 3.9. Gal. 3.10 22, 23, 24. all are alike the Children of Wrath, un­der Sin, shut up under the Law till Faith comes;Rom. 11.5, 6. 1 Cor. 4.7. Gal. 1.15. 2.16.3.24. the difference is made only by Grace; which causeth the Elect in the time appointed to believe in Christ, that they may be justified by Faith in him.

Question 6. But if I am Elect, may I not live as I will, and yet be saved?

Answer. All that are elected to Sal­vation, are elected also to the Means of Salvation,2 Thess. 2.13. 1 Pet. 1.2. being chose to be sav'd thro' Faith in Christ, and Sanctification [Page 18]of the Spirit unto Obedience,Rom. 6.17, 18. Acts 15.9, 11. Rom. 8.1.14. which Faith all the Elect shall have to purifie their hearts, so that they cannot live after the flesh!

Question 7, Are the Elect then sav'd for their Faith and Obedience?

Answer. The Elect are not sav'd for their Faith and Obedience,Titus 3.5. Eph. 2.8.9.10. Rom. 8.6, 14. Joh. 3.18.36. 10.3.26. but they are sav'd thro' Faith in Christ in a way of Obedience unto him; and whosoever live all their life as they list, and do never come to Christ by Faith, nor obey him, they are not elected, and can never be sav'd!

Question 8. But are none sav'd with­out Faith in Christ?

Answer. GOD hath appointed only one way of Salvation,John 3.18.36. Eph. 2.5.8. Gal. 3.22.24. Acts 13.39, 48 2 Sam. 12.23. Psal. 22.9, 10. 71.5, 6. Luke 1.37.44. 18.16.17. Rom. 4.16. Heb. 11.6. and that is by Grace thro' faith in Jesus Christ; so that without, or before Faith, none are justifi­ed; even the Elect that die in their infancy, have Faith wro't in them by the Spirit of GOD, by which they trust in Christ; and all that do not thus come to Christ by true Faith, being already condemn'd, the Wrath of God abideth on them.

Question 9. How did the Elect of Old come to Christ before he was born in the World?

Answer. The Elect of Old came to Christ,Heb. 13.8. Acts 15.9, 11. and were sav'd by faith in him, [Page 19] even as we are now,Rom. 3.22, 25.4.22.24. Heb. 11.13.7.25. only they believ'd in Christ as to come, and we believe in Christ as already come, and now in Hea­ven at the Right Hand of God, where he ever liveth to make Intercession.

Question 10. What is that Faith by which we come to Christ?

Answer. 2 Cor. 4.17. Rom. 10.10, 17 1 Thes. 1.5, 9. Phil. 3.3, 8. Eph. 1.13.3.17. Joh. 17.20, 21. 1 John 5.12. Faith is a Grace wro't by the Spirit of GOD thro' his Word, in the heart of a poor Sinner, by which the Sinner is made to renounce all Sin, and other Confidence, and to trust to, and rest upon Christ alone for Salvation, where­by he is united to Christ, and so having the Son hath Life.

Question 11. What accompanies the Souls believing in Christ?

Answer. 1 Cor. 1.9. 2 Tim. 1.9. John 1.12. Gal. 3.26. Rom. 8.2.15.30. Every one that believes in Christ with the heart is effectually call'd by the Spirit of Christ, and so is by Faith a Child of God, justified, adopted, sanctify'd, and shall be glorify'd.

Question 12. How is a Sinner justi­fy'd, what's Justification?

Answer. In Justification the Righte­ousness of Christ is by the Free Grace of God imputed to the believing Sin­ner,Rom. 3.21. to 27 4.23, 24. Gal. 2.16, 3.22, 23. Acts 13.38, 39 2 Cor. 5.21. Isa. 60.21. Rom 5.1.19. and only to him that believes; for which Suretiship-Righteousness all his Sins are pardon'd, and he is accounted perfeclly righteous in the sight of God; and so being justified by faith, hath Peace with GOD.

Question 13. How are we Adopted, what is Adoption?

Answer. Acts 26.18. Rom. 8.15.17. Gal. 4.7. John 1.12. 1 John 3.1, 2. Matth. 3.17. 1 Cor. 3.21, 23 In Adoption GOD by his free Grace takes the poor Sinner out of the sin­ful Family of the First Adam, and makes him a Child of God, and Joint-heir with Christ the Second Adam, his well-beloved Son, in whom he hath a right to all the Priviledges of the Sons of GOD.

Question 14. How are Believers san­ctified, what is Sanctification?

Answer, Rom. 8.29. Eph. 4.23 24. 2 Cor. 5.17. 1 Joh 4.19. 2 Cor. 7.11. Ezek. 36.31. Rom. 6.17, 21, 22. In Sanctification the Holy Spirit restores the Image of GOD in the heart of a poor Sinner, making him a New Creature, renewing the Spirit of his Mind in all Holiness, and true Righ­teousness, to love God, to repent of all Sin by loathing it, and turning from it; and with the heart to obey the Law of God.

Question 15. When are Believers glo­rify'd, what's Glorification?

Answer; Glorification is the enjoyment of God for ever in Heaven,John 17.5, 24. Acts 13.36. 2 Cor. 5.1, 2, 4. Heb. 2.10. 1 Cor. 15 chap. Phil. 3.21. Matth. 25.34, &c. by them who have in this life done his holy will, whose Souls at death are made perfect in Holi­ness, and their bodies being rais'd in Glory at the great day, both Soul and Body shall be united, and they being openly acknowledg'd by Christ, shall be for ever with the Lord!1 Thess. 4.17

The Sixth Lesson. About the Law, and the Gospel.

Question 1. HOW shall we know the whole Will of God, that we may do it?

Answer. Hos. 8.12. Isa. 8.20. Eph. 2.20. 1 Tim. 4.7. Tit. 1.14. Gal. 6.16. 2 Tim. 3.15.17. The whole Will of God is reveal'd in his written Word, containing all the Books of the Old and New Testament; the Apo­crypha being to be rejected as profane, Old Wives Fables, which turn from the Truth: This Word is the perfect Rule, or Canon, which is able to make even a Child wise unto Salvation, through Faith which is in Jesus Christ.

Question 2. Why are the Scriptures call'd the Old and the New Testament?

Answer. The Scriptures are call'd the Old and New Testament,Isa. 8.20. as they testifie of the whole Will of God, both under the first Testament,Heb. 8.6. to 13. or Church-Covenant, before Christ came in the Flesh, and since under the Second Testament, or Church-Covenant, enlarg'd and renew'd by Christ, wherein, [Page 22]

  • 1st,
    Col. 2.14.
    All the outward Levitical Cere­monies in the first Church-Cove­nant are taken away.
  • 2dly,
    Rom. 15.8.
    Yet all their Spiritual Privi­ledges in that Covenant are con­firm'd to us and our Seed.
  • 3dly,
    2 Cor. 3.7, 11.
    And glorious Additions are made of Gospel-Grace to the Church.

Question 3. How shall we know the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the Word of God?

Answer. Mat. 16.17. John 16.3. 1 John 2.20. ch. 5.6. Luke 24.32. 1 Cor. 2.14. 2 Pet. 1.19.21. The Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are only known aright to be the Word of God, by the witnessing of the Spirit of God in the Heart, to the Testimony which they give of their hea­venly Majesty, and undoubted Divi­nity.

Question 4. How shall we come to un­derstand the Mind of God in his Word?

Answer. 1 Tim. 4.13.15. Acts 37.11. John 5.39. Ps. 119.9, 18. Eph. 1.17, 18. 1 Cor. 2.12, 13. We shall come to a right Understanding of the Mind of God in his Word, by diligent reading, hearing, searching, and meditating therein, with constant Prayer to God for Wisdom, comparing Scripture with Scripture by the help of the Holy Spirit.

Question 5. But will not the Learning of Men help to understand the Word of God?

Answer. A knowledge of the Hebrew, and the Greek Tongues, in which the Scriptures were first written, may be of use to understand the Letter of them;Col. 2.8. 1 Cor. 8.1, 2. ch. 1.19, 21. ch. 2.4, 10, 11. Luke 24.45. but Philosophy, and other Learning puffs up, and leads from a dependance on the Spi­rit, who only can open our Understand­ing in the Scriptures.

Question 6. What are the chief Parts of the Word of God?

Answer. Isa. 8.20. with 1 Cor. 2.1. Luke 24.27. with Act. 10.43 Gal. 3.8, 10. Psal. 119.96. The whole Word of God may be divided into Law and Gospel, both which are to be found both in the Old Testament, and in the New; the Historical, and every other part of the Word referring, and having a respect some way or other, either to Law or Go­spel.

Question 7. What is the Law?

Answer. Psal. 119.96. 1 Tim. 1.8, 9, 10. Gal. 3.10. Exod. 20. all. Mat. 5, 6, and 7 chap. The Law consists of all the Commands and Threatnings in all the Bi­ble, not only in the Old Testament, but in the New also, all which are briefly summ'd up in the Ten Commandments given by Moses, and explained by Christ, his Apostles, and Prophets.

Question 8. What is the Summ of the Ten Commandments?

Answer. Eccles. 12.13, Deut. 10.12, 13. with Mat. 22.37, 38, 39, 40. Rom. 13.10. The Ten Commandments briefly summ up our Duty to God and Man; all which are contained in these Words of our Saviour, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy Heart, and with all thy Soul, and with all thy Mind, and with all thy Strength; and thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self; for Love is the fulfilling of the Law.

Question 9. How shall we aright under­stand the Ten Commandments?

Answer. By knowing these three Things we may come to a good Understanding of the Commands:

1st, Psal. 119.128. Deut. 6.13. with Lev. 26.1. That every Command for Duty forbids the contrary Sin, and every Command which forbids Sin, obliges to the contrary Duty.

2.Rom. 7.5, 7, 8, 14. Mat. 5.21, 22, 27, 28. Prov. 24.9. Gen. 6.5. 2 Cor. 10.5. By knowing that every Command reacheth the very Heart, not only forbidding the outward Sin, and commanding outward Obedience, but even the Thoughts and Motions of Sin within us are forbidden, and the Obedience of the Heart is required therein.

3.1 John 3.4. James 2.10. Mat. 23.23. By considering that any Transgres­sion of the Law, or the least want of whatsoever the Law requires is Sin.

Question 10. Can any Man obey the Commandments perfectly?

Answer. Mat. 19, 20. Rom. 7.9, 10, 11. Those that think the Law for­bids only outward Sins, and know not the Spirituality of it, they think that they can perform all; Jer. 4.14. Prov. 23.16. Rom. 3.10, 20. Eccl. 7.20. but such as feel that the Command reacheth the very Heart, forbidding every sinful Thought, and commanding us even in our Spirit to fear God, they know, and are sure, that no meer Man can perfectly keep the Law.

Question 11. Why then were the Com­mands given by Moses, if no Man can per­fectly obey them?

Answer. Moses did not give the Law as a Covenant of Works, that we should obey it for Life,Gal. 3.24. but as a Schoolmaster for Three Ends:

1st, To shew us our miserable State by Nature, Rom. 3.9, 19. chap. 7.8. that we are all Sinners a­gainst the holy Law of God.

2. To make us despair of Salvation in our selves, Rom. 3.19, 20. chap. 5.20. and to fly to Christ for help.

3. The Law was given as a Rule of Life, Psal. 119.45, 1 [...]5, 133. to order all our Conversation by at all times.

And this is the only right Use of the Law.1 Tim. 1.8.

Question 12. What is the Gospel?

Answer. Luke 2.10, 11. Acts 20.24. Rom. 10.15. with Isa. 52.7. Acts 13.23, 39. chap. 3.18. The Gospel is the Glad Ti­dings of Salvation by Jesus Christ, con­taining all the free Promises and Invita­tions of Grace, whether in the Old Te­stament, or in the New.

Question 13. But are not Faith, Repen­tance, and Love, the Commands of the Gospel?

Answer. Acts 20.24. 1 Tim. 1.5, 10. Psal. 19.7, 8, 9. Mat. 22.37, 40. Mark 1.15. Gal. 3.24. The Gospel strictly taken for Glad Tidings of Salvation by Jesus Christ, hath no Commands; Faith, Repentance, Love, and all Duties whatsoever being commanded by the Law; yet in preach­ing the Gospel these Commands must be urg'd to lead to Christ.

Question 14. But is not the Gospel a new Law, offering Salvation on the easier Terms of our sincere Obedience?

Answer. Mat. 5.17, 18, 19, 20. Luke 16.17. Phil. 3.9. Gal. 2.16, 21. It is the Heresie of the Papists, and their Followers, to say, that the good old righteous Law of God is taken away, to make room for a new Gospel Law by our sincere Obedience whereto any can be sav'd; for if Righteousness comes by our Obedience to any Law, Christ is dead in vain.

Question 15. But are not Faith, Repen­tance, and New Obedience reckoned for our Gospel Righteousness.

Answer. Gal. 2.16. Rom. 3.20, 21, 22. Jer. 23.6. 1 Cor. 1.30. 2 Cor. 7.11. Eph. 4.22, 24. The only Righteousness for which a Sinner is sav'd, is the Righte­ousness of Christ receiv'd by Faith, and imputed to us; the Act of Faith doth not justifie, but Christ the Object by Faith apprehended, and rested upon; and this Faith is ever accompanied with true Re­pentance, and new Obedience.

Question 16. Then those that receive the Gospel, are to do good Works?

Answer. Tit. 2.11, 12.3.8, 14. 1 Cor. 10.31. 1 Tim. 1.5, 8, 9. Rom. 7.12, 22. 1 Cor. 9.21. Mat. 5.19. Those that receive the Gospel, should be careful to maintain good Works, done from a Principle of Faith unto God's Glory; but all Commands for all good Works, with all Threatnings for the neg­lect thereof, are from the Law, which is the Rule of Life to all.

Question 17. How shall we walk ac­cording to this Rule, that we may glorifie God?

Answer. Christ hath set up his Chur­ches, 1 Pet. 2.3, 5, 9, 12. Luke 1.6. in which we should walk blame­less in all the Ordinances and Com­mands [Page 28]of God,Mat. 12.50. Acts 2.42. 11.26. Gal. 6.16. Mal. 4.4. 2 Cor. 9.13. not being partial in his Law, but esteeming the Commands as highly in the Old Testament as in the New, both being our Rule; and such only are call'd Christians in the Scripture, and to be accounted visible Believers, who profess their Subjection to Christ in his Church.

The Seventh Lesson. About Glorifying God in his Churches.

Question I. WHat is the Church of Christ?

Answer. The Church of Christ is either,

1st, The Catholick Church,Eph. 1.22, 23.5.25, 27. 2 Thes. 2.1. consisting of all, and only the Elect, which is and will be invisible till the Judg­ment-Day: Or

2dly, The visible Church, which con­sisted first in Families, Gen. 17.7, 10. Acts 7.38. Rev. 1.11. then in the whole Nation of the Jews; and since Christ ascended, it consists in par­ticular Congregations.

Question 2. What makes a Congrega­tion a true Church of Christ?

Answer. More generally, and briefly two Things go to the due Constitution of every Church of Christ, Scripture Faith, Col. 2.5, 6. [Page 30]and Order, without both which there can be no true Church: But more large­ly, and particularly, to the regular Con­stitution of every true Church, theseProv. 9.1. These are the Churches Se­ven Pillars. Seven things are necessary:

Right

  • Foundation,
  • Matter,
  • Form,
  • Officers,
  • Ordinances,
  • Order, and
  • Ends.

SECT. I. Of the Right Foundation of a Church.

Question 3. What is the Right Foun­dation of a Church of Christ?

Answer. The right Foundation of every true Church,Mat. 16.18. Isa. 26.4. Marg. Eph. 2.20. 2 Pet. 3.2. Ps 18.22. Col. 2.19. 1 Pet. 2.4, 5. 1 Cor. 3.11. is the Person of Christ, the Rock of Ages, on whom the Church is built, according to the Precepts and Prac­tices of the Apostles and Prophets; Christ himself being the only Support and Head thereof, on whom the Faith of the Church stands; and all other Foundations of Mo­ney, Power, and Policy, not being of God, will fall.

SECT. II. Of the right Matter of a Church.

Question 4. What is the right Matter of a Church of Christ?

Rom. 10.9, 10. 1 Cor. 1.10.7.14. Jer. 32.39. Deut. 29.10, 12. 1 Cor. 14.23. and 11.20. Deut. 4.37. Psal. 102.27, 28. Ezek. 16.20, 21. Luke 18.16.

Answer. So many professing Believers of one Mind, and one Judgment, with their immediate Infant-Seed, as can con­veniently assemble together to worship in one place, and no more, are the only right Matter of a visible Church of God; who loving the Fathers, chose their Chil­dren after them; therefore the Infant-Seed, with Believers, stand in a Relation to God in his Church; for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.

SECT. III. Of the Right Form of a Church.

Quest. 5. What is the right Form of a Church of Christ?

Answer. Psal. 50.5. Deut. 29.1, 9, 15. 2 Cor. 8.5. with 2 Chron. 23.16. and 34.31. The only right forming of a Church is by Covenant, in which all do give up themselves and their Children to the Lord, and to each other by his Will, to be the Lord's People, and to walk after him in all his ways; by such a Covenant [Page 32]were the Churches both in the Old and in the New Testament form'd,Neh. 10.1, 29. with Act 11.23. Jer. 50.5. with Act. 9.26. Heb. 8.6.13. Eph. 4.3. with Ezek. 20.37. Neh. 9.38. Ezek. 43.11. call'd in God's Word the First and Second Cove­nant, and this being the Bond of the Churches Peace, it is most expedient to have written in our sight, that we may keep it, and do it.

SECT. IV. Of the right Officers of a Church.

Quest. 6. Who are the right Officers of a Church of Christ?

Answer. Christ hath appointed for each Church only two sorts of Officers,Phil. 1.1. A

  • Pastor, and
  • Deacon.

1st, Eph. 4.11. 1 Pet. 5.2, 3. Acts 20.28. 1 Cor. 12.28. A Pastor, or Bishop, not to Lord over, but to feed, teach, and rule that Flock to which he is related; assisted in his Work by Elders, if need be.

2d, Acts 6.2, 3. 1 Tim. 3. all. Deacons to take Care of the out­ward Affairs of the Church.

These Officers to be chosen by the Church from among themselves,Acts 14.23. and by them to be ordain'd, or set a part to their [Page 33]Work, with Fasting and Praying; with­out laying on of Hands; Profit not, 1 Cor. 12.7. Edifie not. 1 Cor. 14.12, 26 that Ceremony being no more to be us'd, than washing of Feet, or anointing with Oyl; because the glorious Gifts that once attended it, are long since ceas'd.

SECT. V. Of the Right Ordinances of a Church.

Question 7. What are the Right Ordinances of a Church of Christ?

Answer. Typify'd Ezek. 40.39, 40, 41, 42. chap. 46.3. Ezek. 47.12. The Right Ordinances for the Worship of GOD in the Church are Eight; Four being more general, to be dispens'd every first day of the Week, in which all may join; And four more spe­cial, to be confin'd to, or kept within the pale of the Church, and dispens'd ac­cording to the Months.

Question 8. What are the Four general Ordinances in which all may join?

Answer. The Four general Ordinances are

  • Praise,
  • Prayer,
  • Preaching, And
  • Contribution.

[Page 34]

  • 1st.Praise,
    Psal. 150.6. Eph. 5.19. Col. 3.16.
    By singing only the Psalms, Hymns and Songs indited by the Spirit, and contain'd in the Scripture.
  • 2. Prayer By the help of the Spi­rit,
    Psalm 65.2. Rom. 8.26. Matth. 6.7, 9.
    without humane forms, accord­ing to the Pattern given by our Lord to his Disciples.
  • 3. Preaching By rightly dividing,
    2 Tim. 4.2. Acts 28.23.
    expounding and applying the Scrip­tures of Truth.
  • 4. Contribution By laying by in Store,
    1 Cor. 16.1, 3. Heb. 13.16.
    as God prospers each Week, to be Communicated at the Publick Gatherings.

Question 9. What are the Four spe­cial Ordinances confin'd only to the Church?

Answer. Matth. 7.6. Cant. 4.12. Matth. 16.19. Eph. 4.11, 16. typify'd Eze. 46.21, 24 Acts 20.28. 1 Pet. 5.2. The four special Ordinances confin'd by Christ within the Pale of his Church, are the Two Seals call'd Sacraments; and the Two Keys of the Church; the Seals to be dispens'd to each Church by their own Pastour only, and the Keys by their own Pastour or Elders.

Question 10. What are the Seals of the Church?

Answer. The Seals of the Church are Two

Baptism,

And the

Lords Supper.

1st. Baptism for every Believer or Church-Member,Act. 2.39, 41. chap. 16.15, 33. Isa. 44.3. Rev. 14.1. Matth. 28.19. with Isa. 52.15. 1 Cor. 10.1.2. and their im­mediate infant-seed, by sprinkling or pouring Water only on the Face, in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

2. The Lords Supper, 1 Cor. 11. chap. 23d verse to the end. for such only in a Church as can exa­mine themselves, wherein Bread and Wine is receiv'd, according to the Institution of Christ by all the Church sitting together in the Evening time.

Question 11. How are Baptism and the Lord's Supper call'd Seals?

Answer. 1 Cor. 10.2, 3, 4 Baptism and the Lord's Sup­per are Seals of the Covenant, (that is, of the Church-Covenant) as they Seal to all an outward relation in the Church; tho' to the Elect only they Seal Salva­tion:

[Page 36] 1st. Baptism Seals to Church-Members, Gal. 3.27. 1 Cor. 1.2. & 7.14. with 12.12. Heb. 12.24. Ezek. 36.25. 1 Pet. 3.21. and their Seed an out­ward relation to Christ in the Church Covenant; and to the Elect also their saving-relation to Christ by his Blood sprinkled, And his Spirit pour'd upon them:

2. The Lords Supper seals to Church-Members, 1 Cor. 10.16, 17 and 11.26. their outward Relation to Christ in the Church; tho' only the Elect are seal'd to Salvation therein, by Christ's Body broken, and his Blood shed for them, trusted to by Faith,Luke 22.19, 20. and signify'd by the Bread and Wine.

Question 12. What are the Keys of the Church?

Answer. Matth. 18.18. The Keys committed by Christ to his Church are two,

Fellowship, And

Censure.

1st, Fellowship, Acts 2.42. Isa. 26.2. Jer. 51.10. Psal. 40.9, 10.66.16. Cor. 14.12.19, 31.34.2 in Church-Meet­ings, is the Key for opening the Door of the Church, to let in the Righ­teous that keep the Truth, in which their Experiences are given in to the Church, and the Brethren's Gifts are also exercis'd in Praying, and Prophecying.

[Page 37]2. Censure is the Key to shut the Door of the Church upon Offenders,Matth. 11.15, 18. 1 Thess. 5.14. 2 Thess. 3.6. 1 Cor. 5.4, 5. Psal. 149.6, 9. Jude 22, 23. By Admonition, By With­drawing, or By Cutting off in Excommunication, as the Offence doth require.

SECT. VI. Of the Right Order of a Church.

Question 13. What is the right Order of a Church of Christ?

Answer. Psal. 119.128. Gal. 6.16. with Mal. 4.6. 2 Tim. 3, 15, 17 Ephes. 2.20. 2 Pet. 3.2. Gal. 6.16, Isa. 8.20. Matth. 15.9. Zech. 7.12. Jer. 8.8, 9. All the right Order of a Church must be taken from the written Word of God, both from the Old Testa­ment and New, which together are the compleat Rule, and Canon, whereby all things must be order'd in the Church; and by this Rule, or Canon, of the Pro­phets, and Apostles, the old Testament and the new, the whole Israel of God must walk, as ever they'd have the Peace of God with them, therefore all Orders, Rules, and Canons given by Popes, Councils, or any other whatsoever, are con­fusion, if not according to this Word.

SECT. VII. Of the right Ends of a Church.

Question 14. What are the right Ends of a Church of Christ?

Answer. Ephes. 3.21. 1 Cor. 14.26. Col. 2.3, 4. Phi. 2 5.10, 11 Psalm 110.3. Isa. 45.23. with Rom. 14.11. Ezek. 20.37. Rev. 14.1. 1 John 4.3. Matth. 12.30. The Glory of God, and the mutual Edification of his Saints, without any regard to human Interest, are the only right Ends all true Churches should set before them; to advance which, 'tis the Duty of every one that hath Faith in the Heart, openly to profess a willing Subjection to Christ in his Church, so coming under the Bond of the Church-Covenant, they take the Father's Mark in the Forehead, and such only are visible Christians, for he that is not for Christ by open Profession, is against him.

Question 15. What time hath God allot­ted to his Church for worshipping him?

Answer. Gen. 2.3. Ezod. 20.9, 10. Matth. 12.8. Job. 20.19, 20. Acts 20.7. Rev. 1.10. Psal. 118.24. Heb. 4.7.11. typify'd. Ezek. 43.27. and Numb. 29.35. The Lord hath appointed in his word one Day in seven for his solemn Service: which Day before Christ's Re­surrection was the last Day of the Week, but is since by the Lord of the Sabbath chang'd to the First-Day, in Scripture call'd the Lord's-Day, because on that Day our Lord rested from his work of Re­demption, therefore all Christians should keep the Lords-Day as a holy rest from Sin, by attending on Christ in his pub­lick Worship, and resting in his Grace.

Question 16. But is there no other time for worshipping God in publick?

Answer. Ephes. 5.16. 2 Tim. 4.2. as Acts 13.42 Margent. Prov. 8.34. Psal. 84.4, 10. The Lord hath commanded us to redeem the time, and to wait on him out of Season as well as in Season; therefore every good Christian should improve all Opportunities on any Day of the Week, for hearing the Word of God, and worshipping him in the Assemblies of his Saints.

Question 17. But is a Christian only to worship God in publick?

Answer. John 5.39. Mat. 6.5, 6, 7. Gen. 18.19. Jos. 24.15. Eph. 6.4, 18. figur'd 1 Chr. 16.40, 43 Jer. 10.25. GOD hath made it the Du­ty of all Men to study his holy Word, and to pray unto him in secret, as well as to worship him in publick; Therefore Ma­sters of Families, and Parents should in­struct their Children and Servants in the holy Fear of God, praying daily with their Families; for the Curse of God rest­eth upon all those Families that Call not upon his Name.

Question 18. And shall all in Christ's visible Church on Earth, be glorify'd in Heaven?

Answer. There are in Christ's visible Church Two sorts of Worshippers:

1st. Such as Worship God hypocriti­cally in the outward only,Eze. 33.31, 33. Matth. 24.51. who shall be cast down into Hell as Deceivers of others, and their own Souls;

2. Such as Worship God uprightly, John 4.24. Matth. 25.46. John 17.24. with the heart, as well as outwardly, these shall be glorify'd with God for ever in Heaven.

Question 19. But when will the dif­ference between the good and the bad ap­pear?

Answer. 2 Tim. 4.1. Dan. 2.44. Rev. 21.10.20.2. Mal. 3.17, 18.4.1.3. Rev. 20.12, 13, 14. 2 Cor. 5.10. Math. 13.41, 43.25.31. to end. The Word of God declares that in the latter day Christ shall have a glorious Kingdom, call'd the New Jeru­salem, when Satan being Chain'd up a Thousand Years, we shall discern be­tween the precious and the vile; and all the Dead being rais'd in the day of Judgment shall be Sentenc'd by him; the wicked into Everlasting Fire, with the Devil and his Angels; but the righte­ous he will receive into Glory with him­self for ever, AMEN!

1 John 5.21.

Little Children keep your selves from Idols. Amen!

2, 3 John 4.

I have no greater Joy, than to hear that my Children walk in Truth as We have receiv'd a Commandment from the Fa­ther.

Jude 24, 25.

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the Presence of his Glory with ex­ceeding Joy. To the only wise God our Saviour, be Glory, and Majesty, Domi­nion, and Power, both now and ever. Amen.

FINIS.

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