I -'0/1 \ the ';*?*£& > CDnfefftonofjfait The Larger and Shorter CATECHISMS. With the Scripture-Proofs at Large. Together wich The Sum of Saving Kcwnledge (contain'd in the Holy Scriptures, and held forth in the faid Cotifeflion and Catcchifms) and Practical Use thereof; C O- \ I. N A NTSKational and Sole m n League A C KNOWL EDG M EN T of Si Nl and En G A G E.M ENTtd Duties, Directories To km of Chirch-Gw- .'fjE r &c. Of Publick Authority in the CHURCH of Scotland. \V I T H H fc T S of A ParlianientTelative to, and appro! ative ■ ■ i Denr. vi. 6. -**& tbu Day, wt$ m whn* tb n fitteft in thy Hinfty an eft by theli'.i) *na total tbmtitfl down and when G L A SCO ir9 Printed by . and Told at thJ. iddle of the Salt Mn cat ~M."~DC 18; Hof. 4> fc The Epijfle to the Reader < $ Yrtafuring up Wrath unto them/elves againjl the Day of Wrath, and that if ever they be pardoned it muft be at no lower a Rate than the Price of his Blood . it were fcarce poffible but Sin inftead of alluring fhould affright and in ftead of Tempting, fcare. Tis one of the arch Devices and Principal Methods of Satan to deceive Man into Sin . thus he prevailed againfl our firft Parents, not as a Lion, but as a Serpent, acting his Enmity under a Pretence of Friend- ship and tempting them to Evil under an Appearance of Good ; and thus hath he all along carried on his Defigns of Darknefs by transforming himfelf into an Angel of Light, .making poor deceived Men in Love with their Miferies, and hug their own Deftru&ion, A moft love reign Antidote a- gainft all kind of Errors, is to be grounded and fettled in the faith.: Perfons unfixed in the true Religion are very recep- tive of a Falfe ; And they who are nothing in fpiritual Know- ledge are eafily made any Thing, Clouds without Water are driven io and fro ivith every Wind, and Ships without Ballad liable to the violence of every Tempeft. But yet the ^knowledge we efpecially Commend, is not a Brain -knowledge, a mere Speculation ; This may be in the worft of Men nay, in the worft of Creatures, the Devils theiynQvcs, and thai: in fuch an Eminency, as the beft of Saints cannot attain to, in this Life of Imperfection But an inward, a Savoury an Heart knowledge ilichaswasin that Martyr% whq though fhe could not difpute for Chrift, could die for him. This is that fpiritual Senfe and Feeli/ig of Divine Truths the A- poftle lpeaks of, II eh v. 14. Having your Senjes exircifed^ &g. But alas we may fay of moft Mens Religion what Learned Rivet (peaks concerning the Er- Rivet ( rors of the Fath^/s They werf not Jo much Sacr. their own Errors , a} the Errors of the Times wherein they lived. Thus d9 moft Men take up their Reli gion upon no better an Account than Turh ana Papifts take up theirs, Becaufc 'tis the Religion of the Times and Places wherein they live t and what they t;*kt up thus {light- ly they lay down as eafily : Whereas an inward Tafte and Reliih of the Things of God is an excellentPrefervative to keep us fettled in the moft unfcttled Times. Corrupt and unfavoury Principles have great Advantage upon us, above . fhole that are fpiritual and Sound , the former being fuitable A3 tq 6 The Eftftle to the Reader: fo corrupt Nature, the latter contrary ; the former fpringing -lap of themfelves, the latter brought forth not without a painful Induftry. The Ground needs no other midwifery in bringing forth Weeds, than only the negleft of the Hu£ bandman's Hand to pluck them up ; the Air needs no other Caufe of Darknefs, than the Abfence of the Sun ; nor wa- fer of Coldnefs, than its Diftance from the Fire, becaufe thefe are the genuine Produ&s of Nature : Were it fo with the Soul (as fome of the Philofophers have vainly imagi- ned) tq come into the World as an Ab rafa Tabula, 2l mere- Blank or piece of white Paper, on which neither any Thing, written, nor any Blots ; it would then be equally re- ceptive of Good and Evil, and no more averfe to the one than to the other : " But how much worfe its Condition in- deed is, were Scripture filent, ev^ry Man?s Experience does evidently Manifeft : For, who is there that knows any Thing pfhis own Heart, and knows not this Much, that the Sug- geftions of Satan have fo eafy and free Admittance intq our Hearts, that our utmoft Watchfulnefs is too little to guar4 us from them ? whereas the Motions of God's Spirit are fa unacceptable to us, that our utmoft Diligence is too little to get our Hearts open to entertain them. Let therefore the ^Excellency, neceffity, Difficulty, of true Wifdom, ftir up endeavours in you fomewhat proportionable Prov, 4. 7. to fuch an Accomplishment, Above all getting ProV, £• 4. get Under ft anding, and fearch for Wifdom as for bidden Treafures ; it much concerns you in refpeft of your felves. Our fecond Advice concerns Heads of Families, in refpeft of their Families. Whatever hath been faid already, tho' it concerns every private Chriftian that hath a Soul to look after ; yet, upon a double Account, it concerns Parents and Mafters, as having themfelves and others to look after. Some there are, who, becaufe of their Ignorance, cannot ; others, becaufe of their Sluggifhnefs, will not mind this Duty. To the fqrmer we propound the Method of Jofhua, who firfl: ]began with hinjfelf, and then is careful of his Family. To the Latter we fhall only hint, what a dreadful meeting thole parents and Mafters muft have at that great Day, with their Children and Servants ; when all that were under their In- fpeftiqn, fhall not only accufe them, but charge their eter- } ^ naj The Epijlleto the Reader. 7 nal Mifcarrying upon their Score. Never did any Age of the Church enjoy fuch choice helps, as this of ours. Every Age of the Gofpel hath had its Creeds, Confefms, Cate- chifns, and fiich Breviaries and Models of Divinity, as have been Angularly ufeful. Such forms of found Words (how- ever in thefe Days decryed) have been in Ufe in the Church, ever fince God himfelf wrote the Decalogue, as a Summary of Things to be done, and Chrift taught us, that Prayer of his, as a Direftory what to ask. Concerning the Ufefiilnefs of fiich compendiary Syflems Doftor Tuckney, fo much hath been faid already by a Learned m ^s Sermorl Divine of this Age, as is fiifficient to fatis- on z m* 1% l5# fy all who are not refolved to remain unfati^fied. Concerning the particular Excellency of thefe enfuing Treatifes, we judge it unneedful to mention thofe eminent Teftimonies which have been given them, from Perfons of known Worth, in refpeft of their Judgments, Learning, and Integrity, both at home and Abroad, becaufe themfelves fpeak fomuch their own Praife : Gold ftands not in need of Varnifh, nor Diamonds of Painting, ; give us leave only to tell you, that we cannot but account it an Eminent Mercy to enjoy fuch Helps as thefe are : 'Tis ordinary in thefe Days, for Men to fpeak Evil of Things they know not ; but if any are poffefTed with mean Thoughts of thefe Treatifes, we fhall only give the fame Counfel to them, that Philip gives Nathanael, come and fee. John I, 46. *Tis no fmall Advantage the Reader now hath, by the Addition of Scriptures at large, whereby with little Pains, he may more profit, becaufe with every Truth he may behold its Scripture-foundation. And indeed, confidering what a Babel of Opinions, what a ftrange Confufion of Tongues there is this Day, among them who profefs they fpeak the Language of Canaan ; There is no intelligent Per- fon, but will conclude that Advice of the Prophet efpecially faited to fuch an Age as this, If a. viii, 20. To the Law and to the Teflimcny, if they fpeak not according to this IVord, it is becaufe there is no Light in them. If the Reverend and Learned Compofers of thefe enfuing Treatifes were willing to take the Pains of annexing Scripture-proofs to every Truth, that the Faith of People might not be built upon the Dictates of Men, but the Authority of God : So fome confiderable A 4 Pains 8 Tha Eftflleto the Redden Pains hath now been further taken intranrcriblngthQfeSerip- tiires, partly to prevent that grand Inconvenience, (which all former Imprdfiqns, except the Latin, have abounded with, to the great perplexing and disheartning of the Reader) the Mifquotations of Scripture ; the ineaneft Reader being able,' by having the Words at large, to rectify whatever Mi- flake may be in the Printer in citing the particular Place : Partly rq prevent the Trouble of turning to every Proof, which could not but be very great : Partly to help the Me- mories of fuch who are willing to take the pains of. turning to every Proofs but are unable to retain what they read • and partly that this may ferve §s a Bible Common-place, the fe- veral PaiTages of Scripture which are fcattered up and down o the Word, being in this Book reduced to their proper Heads, and thereby giving Light each' "to other. The Ad- vantages, you fee, in this Defign, are many and great : The Way to fpiritual Knowledge is hereby made more eafy, and the Ignorance of this Age more inexcufable. If therefore there be anyfpark in you of Love to God, be not content that any of you Khould be Ignorant of Him whom you fo much admire, or any Haters of Him whom you fo much Love. If there be any Compaffion to the Souls of them who are under your Care, if any regard of your be: TngfoundFaithfulintheDayofChri.fr, if any refpedt to fu- ture Generations ; Labour to fow the Seeds of Knowledge, which may grow up in after Times. That you may be faith- ful herein, h the earrieft Prayer cf Henry Wilkin fori D. I>. A. M P. Roger Drake William Taylor Samuel Annefty Thomas Gouge Charles Ofspring Arthur JacMon John Crcfs Samuel Clark Samuel Slater William Whkaker John Fuller James Nalton Thomas Godwin Matthew Pool William Beates John Lorier Francis Raworrji William Cooper W ilium Jen kin Thomas Manton Thomas Jacomb George Griffiths Edward Perkins Riiph Venning Jeremiah Bur we! Jofeph Church Haf. Bridges Samuel Smith Samuel Rowles JohVGlalcock Leo. Cooke John Shtfteild Matthew Havland Will ram Black more Richard Kcntifh >' AKxander Pringle Wiliiam Wickins Thomas Watibn John Jackfon John'Seabrooke John Peachie James Jollire Obadiah Lee» Mh QQQQOQQ©QGOQQOQ :iQO9QO9QOQ0Oa0pfl Mr. Thomas Mantous Epiftle to the Reader, Christian Re a d e r, J Cannot fippofe thee to be fuch a Stranger in England, as tc be Ignorant cf the general Complaint concerning the Decay of the power of Godlinefs, and more efpecially of the great Corruption of Youth ; wherever thou goeff, thou wilt hear Men crying cut of bad Children and bad Servants: Whereas indeed the Source of the Mifchief muft be fought a little high- er ; '//j bad Parents, and bad Matters, that mate bad Chil- dren, and bad Servants ; and we cannot blame fo much their Untowardnefs, as our own Negligence in their Education. ' The Devil hath a great Spight at the Kingdom cf Chrifl, and he knoweth no fuch compendious Way to Cruftl it in the Egg, as by the Perverfion of Youth, and fupplanting Fa- mily-duties : He ftriketh at all Duties, thofe which are Pub- lick in the Affemblies cf the Saints -, but theje are too ' well guarded by the folemn Injunctions, and dying Charge of Jefus Chrift, as that he fhould ever hope totally to fubvert and undermine them : But at Family-Duties he flriketh with the more Succefs, becavfe the Inftitution is not fo folemn, and the Practice not fo ferioufly and Conftientioufly regarded as it fhould be, and the Omiffion is not fo liable to Notice and Publick Cenfure, Religion was firft hatched in Families, and there the Devil feeketh to crufi it ; the Families of the Patriarchs were all the Churches Cod had in the Wrorld fir the Time, and therefore (/ fippofe) when Cain went cut from Adam's Family, he is faid to go from the Face of the Lord, Gen. iv. 1 6. Now the Devil knoweth that this is a Blow at the Root, and a ready Way to prevent the Sue- ceffion of Churches ; if he can fiibVert Families, other So- cieties and Communities will not long flourifh and fubfift with any Power and Vigour ; for there is the Stock from whence they are fupplied both for the Prefent and the Fu- ture. For the Prefent, a Family is the Seminary of Church and State ; And if Children be not well Principled there, all mifi- carrieth : A Fault in the Firft Conco&ion is not mended in io Mr. Thomas Mantoris in the Second ; if youth be bred ill in the Family, they prove ill in Church and Common-wealth ; there is the fir (I Making or Marring, and the Prefage of their Future Lives to be thence taken, Prov, XX. II. By Family-Difcipline, Of- ficers are trained up for the Church, i Tim. ill. 4. One that ruleth well his own Houfe, &e, and there are Men bred up in Subjection and Obedience. 'Tis noted, Afts. xxi. £. that the Difciples brought Paul on his Way with their Wives and Children ; their Children probably are mentioned, to intimate that their Parents would, by their own Example and Affe- ctionate Farewell to Paul, breed them up in a Way of Reve- rence and Refpeft to the Pallors of the Church. For the Future, 'tis comfortable certainly to fee a thriv- ing Nurfery of young Plants, and to have hopes that God Jhall have a People to ferve Him when we are Dead and gone ; The People of God comforted themf elves in that, Pfal. cii. 28. The Children of thy Servants lhall continue, 6c. Upon all thefe Confederations, how careful jhould Miniflers find Parents be to train up young Ones, whilft they are yet pliable, and, like Wax, capable of any Form and Impreffion, in the Knowledge and Fear of Cod ; and betimes to inftil f/\? Principles of our moft holy Faith, as they are drawn in- to a fhort Sum in Catechifms ; and fo altogether laid in the View of Conference ? Surely thefe Seeds of Truth planted in the Field of Memory, if xthey work nothing elfe, will at leaft be a great Check and Bridle to them, and, as the c a fl- ing in of cold Water, doth flay the Boiling of the Pot, feme- what allay the Fervours of Youthful Lufls and Pajfions I had upon Intreaty refolved to recommend to thee with the grettcfl Eameflnefs the Work of Catechizing, and, as a meet Help, the Ufefulnefs of this Book as thus Printed with the Scriptures at Large : but meeting with a private Let- ter of a very Learned and Godly Divine, wherein that Work is Excellently done to my Hand, I fl?all make bold to tranferibe a part of it, and offer it to publick view. The Author having bewailed the great DifrraCtions, Cor- ruptions and Divifions that are in the Church, he thus re- prefents the Caufe and Cure : Among others, a principal Caufe of thefe Miichiefs is the great and common Neglect of the Governors of Families, in the Dilcharge of that Duty which they owe to God for the Souls that are under their Charge The Epjtle to the Reader. 1 1 Charge, efpecially in Teaching them the Doctrine of Chri- ftianity. Families are Societies that muft be fanftified to God, as well as Churches ; And the Governors of them have as truly a Charge of the Souls that are therein, as Paftors have of the Churches. But alas, how little is thisconfide- red or regarded ! But while negligent Minifters are (defer- vedly) caft out of their Places, the Negligent Matters of Fa- milies take themfelves to be almoft blamelefs. They offer their Children to God in Baptifm, and there they promife to teach them the Dottrine of the Gofpel, and bring them up in the Nurture of the Lord ; but they eafily promife, and eafily break it •, and educate their Children for the World and the Flefh, altho' they have renounced thefe, and dedica- ted them to God. This Covenant-breaking with God, and Betraying the Souls of their Children to the Devil, muft ly heavy on them here or hereafter. They beget Children, and keep Families, merely for the World and the Flefh; but little confider what a Charge is Committed to them, and what it is to bring up a Child for God, and govern a Fa- mily as a fanttified Society. O how fweetly and fuccesful- ly would the Work of God go on, if we would but all join together in our feveral Places to promote it ! Men need not then run without fending to be Preachers : but they might find that Part of the Work that belongeth to them to be e- nough for them, and to be the bed thatthey can be imploy- ed in. Efpecially Women (houldbe careful of this Duty, becaufe as they are moft about their Children, and have ear- ly and frequent Opportunities to inftrutt them, fo this is the principal Service they can do to God in this World, being reftrained from more publick Work. And doubtlefs many an excellent Magiftrate hath been fent into the Com- mon-wealth, and many an Excellent Paftor into the Church, and many a precious Saint to Heaven, through the Happy Preparations of a Holy Education, perhaps by a Woman that thought her felf ufelefs and unferviceable to the Church. Would Parents but begin betimes, and labour to affect the Hearts of their Children with the great Matters of everlaft- ing Life, and to acquaint them with the Subftance of the Doftrine of Chrift, and, when they find in them the Know- ledge and Love of Chrift, would bring them then to^ the Paftors of the Church to be tried, confirmed and admitted to ix Mi. Thomas Mantoris to the further Privileges of the Church, what happy spell* ordered Churches might we have ? Then one Paftor rieed not be put to do the Work of Two or Three hundred or thousand Governors of Families ; even to teach their Chil- dren thofe Principles which they fhould have taught them Jong before : Nor fhould we be put to preach to fo many miferable Ignorant Squls, that be not prepared by Education tounderftandus : Nor fhould we have need to fhut out fo many from Holy Communion upon the Account of Igno- rance, that yet have not the Grace to feel it and lament it, nor the Wit and Patience to wait in a Learning State, till they are ready to be Fellow-Citizens with the Saints, and of the Houfhold of God. But now they come to us with aged Self-conceitednefs, being paft Children, and yet worfe than Children flill ; having the Ignorance of Children, but being over-.gro\yn the Teachablenefs pf Children ; and think themlelves wife, yea, wife enough to quarrel with the wifefl of their Teachers, becaufe they have lived long enough to have beeri wife, and the evidence of their Knowledge is their aged Ignorance : And they are readier to flee in our Faces for Church-privileges, than to learn of us, and obey our In- ftru&ions till they are prepared for them that they may do them good; like fhappifh Currs, that will fnap us by the Fingers for their Meat, and fnatch it out of our Hands ; and not like Children, that ftgy till we gjive it them. Parents have fo ufed them to be unruly, that Minifters have to deal but with too few but the Unruly. And it is for want of this laying the Foundation well at firft, that profeffors themfelves are fo ignorant as moft are, and that fo many, efpecially of the younger fort, do fwallow down almoft any Error that is offered them, and fellow any feci: of Dividers that will entice them, fo it be but done with Earneftnefs and Plaufi- bility. For alas, though, by the Grace of God, their Hearts may be changed in an Hour, (whenever they Underftand but the EfTentials of the Faith) yet their Underflandings mufl have Time and Diligence to fWnifh them with fuch Knowledge as muft ftablifh then), and fortify them againft Deceits. Upon thefe and many the like Cqnfiderations, we fhould intreat all Chriftian Families, to take more pains in this neceffary Work, and to get better acquainted with the Subftance of Chriftianity. And to that End (taking along fonae The Efiftle to the Reader: i j fbme moving Treatifes to awake the Heart) I know not what Work ihould be fitter for their Ufe, than that com- piled by the AfTembly at Weftminfter : A Synod of as God- ly, Judicious Divines, (notwithftanding all the bitter Words which they have received from difcontented and felf con- ceited Men) I verily think, as ever England faw, Though they had the Unhappinefs to be employed in Calamitous Times, when the Noife of Wars did flop Mens Ears, and the Licentioufnefs of Wars did fet every wanton Tongue and Pen at Liberty to- reproach them ; and the Profecuticn and Event of thofe Wars, did e-xafperate partial difconten- ted Men, to difhonour themfeives by feeking to dishonour them: I dare fay, if in the Days of Old, when Councils were in Power and Account, they had had but fuch a Council of Bi/hops, as this of Presbyters was, the fame of it for Learning and Holinefs, and all Minifterial Abilities, would with very great Honour have been transmitted to Posterity. I do therefore Defire that all Mafters of Families would firft ftudy well this Work themfeives ; and then teach it their Children and Servants, according to their feveral Ca- pacities. And if they once underftand thefe grounds of Religion, they will be able to read other Books more un- derftandingly, and hear Sermons more profitably, and con- fer more judicioufly, and hold faft the Doftrine of Chriit more firmly, than ever they are like to do by any other Courfe. Firft, let them read and learn the Shorter Cate- ehifm, and next the Larger, and laftly read the Confejfon of Faith. Thus far he ; ivhofe Name I Jhall conceal (though th? Excellency 6f the Matter, and prefent Stile, wilt eafily difcover him) hecaufe I have publijhed it without his Pri vity and Confent, though, I hope, not againft his Liking', i Approbation. I /hall add no more, but that I am Thy Servant In the Lord's Work, THOMAS MANTON. Art i4 An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons ajfe?nbled in Par- liament, for the Calling of an Ajfembly of Learned and godly Divines, and others, to be confulted with by the Parliament, for the Settling of the Government and Li- turgy of the Church of England ; and for Vindicating end clearing of the Do Brine of the faid Church from falfe Afperjions and Interpretations* June. 12. 1^43- WHereas, amongfl the infinite Bleffings of Almighty .God upon this Nation, none is, or can be more dear unto us, than the Purity of our Religion ; and for that as yet many Things remain in the Liturgy, Difclpline and Government of the Church, which d6 neceflarily require a further and more perfect Reformation, than as yet hath been attained : And whereas it hath been declared and refolved by the Lords and Commons afTembled in Parliament, That the prefent Church-Government by Archbifhops, their Chancellors, CommifTarSj Deans, Deans and Chapters, Archdeacons, and other Ecclefiaftical Officers depending upon the Hierarchy, is evil, and juftly ofFenfive and burden- fom to the Kingdom, a great Impediment to Reformation and growth of Religion, and very prejudicial to the State and Government of this Kingdom % and therefore they are refolved, that the fame fhall be taken away, and that fuch a Government fhall be fettled in the Church, as may be mod agreeable to God's holy Word, and moft apt to procure and preferve the peace of the Church at Home, and nearer A- greement with the Church of Scott andi and other Reformed Churches Abroad : and for the better effecting hereof, and for the vindicating and clearing of the Do&rine of the Church of England from all falfe Calumnies and Afperfions ,- it is thought fit and necefTary, to call an AfTembly of learned, godly and judicious Divines, who, together with fome Mem- bers of both the Houfes of Parliament, are to confult and advife of fuch Matters and Things touching the premifTes, as (hall be propofed unto them by both or either of the Houfes of Parliament, and to give their Advice and Counfel therein to both or either of the faid Houfes, when, and as often as they fhall be thereunto required. Be it therefore ordained by is by the Lords and Commons in this prefent Parliament affem- bled, that all and every the Perfons hereafter in this pre- sent Ordinance named, that is to fay, And fuch other Perfon and Perfons as fhall be nomina- ted and appointed by both Houfes of Parliament, or fo ma- ny of them asfhall not be letted by Sicknefs; or other nece£ fary Impediment, fhall meet and AfTemble, and are hereby required and enjoined upon Summons figned by the Clerks of both Houfes of Parliament, left at their refpeftive Dwel- lings to meet and afTemble themfelves at V/eftminfter , in the Chapel called King Henry the Vllth's Chappel, on the firft Day of July, in the Year of our Lord, One thoufand fix hundred and forty three ; and after the firft meeting, be- ing at leaft the Number of Forty, fhall from Time to Time fit, and be removed from Place to Place ; and alfo, that the faid Aflembly fhall be difTolved in fuch Manner, as by both Houfes of Parliament fhall be directed : and the faid Perfons, or fo many ofthem asfhall be fo affembled, or fit, fhall have Power and Authority, and are hereby likewife enioyned from Time to Time, during this preient Parliament, or until fur- ther orderbe taken by both the faid Houfes, to confer and treat among themfelves, of fuch Matters and Things, touch- ing and concerning the Liturgy, Difcipline and Government of the Church of England, for the Vindication and Clearing of the Doftrine of the fame from all falfe Afperfions and Mifconflruftions, as fhall be propofed unto them by both, or either of the faid Houfes of Parliament, and no other ; and deliver their Opinion, Advices, of or touching the Matters aforefaid, as fhall be molt agreeable to the Word of God, to both, or either of the Houfes, from Time to Time, in fuch Manner and Sort, as by both, or either of the faid Houfes of Parliament fhall be required ; and the fame not to divulge by Printing, Writing, or otherwife, without the Confentof both, or either of the Houfes of Parliament. And be it further ordained, by the Authority aforefaid, That William TwiJJe Do&or in Divinity, fhall fit in the Chair, as Prolocutor of the faid Aflembly ; and if he happen to die, or be letted by Sicknefs, or other necefTary Impediment, then fuch other Perfon to be appointed in his Place, as fhall be agreed on by the faid Houfes of Parliament : And in Caie; any Difference in Opinions fhall happen amongft the faid Per- \6 Perfbns fo aflemble^, touching any the Matters that mall 6e propofed to them as aforefaid, that then they fhall reprefen the fame, together with the Reafons thereof, to both, or either of the faid Houfes refpeclively, to the end fuch further Direction may be given therein, as fhall be requisite to that Behalf. And be it further ordained by the Authority fore- faid, that for the Charges and Expences of the faid Divines, and every one of them, in attending the (aid Service there mall be allowed every one of themthat mail fo attend, during the TiMe of their faid Attendance tod for Teh Days before, and Ten Days after the Sum of Four Shillings for every Day at the' Charges of the Common-Wealth, at! Rich Time, and in fuch Manner, as by both Houfes of Parliament mall be appointed. And be it further ordained, That all, and every the faid Divines, fb, as aforefaid, required atad enjoyned to meet 8c aflemble, fhall be freed and acquitted of, and from every Of- fence, Forfeiture, Penalty, Lofs or Damage, which fhall or may enfue, or grow by Reafon of any Non-refidence, or Ab- fence of them, or any of them, from his, or theirs, or any of their Church, Churches of Cures, for or in fefpect of their faid Attendance upon the faid Service; any Law or Statute of Non-refidence, or other Law or Statute injoynmg their At- tendance: upon 'their refpeclive Miniftries, or Charges, to the contrary thereof, notwithstanding. And if any of the Per- fons above-named fhall happen' to die before the faid AflTem- bly fhall be diffalved by Order of both Houfes of Parliament, then fuch other Perfbn or Perfons fhall be nominated and placed in the Robm and Stead of fuch Perfbn or Perfbns fa dying, as by both the faid Houfes mail be thought fit, and agreed upon ; and every fuch Perfbn or Perfbns, fb to b& named, fhall have the like Power and Authority, Freedom, and Acquittal to all Intents and Purpofes, andalfo all fiich Wages and Allowances for the faid Service, duririg the Time of his or their Attendance, as to any other of the faid Perfons in this Ordinance, is, by this Ordinance, limited and appoint- ed. Provided always, that this Ordinance, or any Thing* therein-contained, fhall not give unto the Perfons aforefaid, or any of them, nor fhall they in this x^ffembly affume to* exercife any Jurisdiction. Power or Authority Ecclefiafti- cal whatfoever, or any other power than is herein partial* larly expreffed. Atfem* 17 dfembly at Edinburgh, Augufl 19. 1643. Seff. 14, Commiffion of the General Affembly to fome Miniflers and Ruling Elders, for repairing to the Kingdom of England. " HE General affembly of t be Church of Sco'land finding it neceffary to jenafome Godly andLearned oj this Kirk to the Kingdom of England, to the Effetl underwritten ; Therefore gives full Power and Com- Tmfficv to Air. Alexander Henderfon, Mr. Robert Douglas, Mr, Samuel Rutnertoord, Mr. Robert Baillie, and Mr. George Gildpie, Minifters; T t\ J • £r rLinguvm vj *-..*&.«.— , — r~r"- .* ~ Woiaration lent unto the Parliament of England, and the Letter jent unto the . Affembly of Divines now fitting in th&t Kingdom : and to propone, conjiut, treat and conclude with that Alfi?nbly, or any Cummi jfioners de- puted by them, or any Committees, or Cammijfimers deputed by the Hoffes of Parliament, in all Matters which -may father the Union of this Jjlana in one Form of Kirk-Government, one GmfeJJion of Faith one Ci- Whitb they foave receive! from the Affembly, or fhall receive from Time tvT'we hereafter, from the Commijfioners oj the Affembiy ieputty pr that -r *' f^ Fmer alf° to them, to convey tq His Ikk'ajetty the humble ^nfwer fent from this Affembly to His Mujefty's Letter, by juch Occa- Jton as they frail think convenient, and fuch like, to deliver the Afcm- blies Anjwer to the Letter fent from fome well affeBed Brethren of th? Minitiry there 5 and generally authorises them to do all Things WlW may .further the jo much d'e fired Union, and nearefl Conjunction °tJ»efLwo Churches of Scotland W^ England, cwformtothdr Mir actions Aforejaid. Many oi the Per/on s who were called by the foresaid Ordinance of the Lords and Commons (in that broken Stare of" the C:u-ch) to attend the Aflembly, appeared not; whereupon the whole Work lay on the Hands of the Perfons hereafter mentioned. The Promife and Vow taken by every Member admit- ted to fit in the Affembly. J A. B. do fer That in thi. - thing in Point of __. U'rd oj GOD j nor in Point of Difc'pllne. but what may rm GOD's Glory, and the Peace and Good of this Chu ch A LIST of the DIVINES who met in the Affembly at Weftminfter. mod J or DR. William Twifs oi Newbury, Prolocutor. Dr. Cornelius Burges oi Waterfor;', John White of Dorcheirer, Affeffors Dr. William Gouge of Blackf-i::?, London, Robert Harris of Hanwell, B. D. Thomas Gattakcr of Rotocrhi the B..D. Onvur Bowles of Sutton, B. D: Edward Reynolds of Bramiton. B JeremJah w Jeremiah Whitaker of Streton. Dr, Anthony Tuckney of Bolton.5 John Arrowfmith ot Lynne. Simeon Afhe ot S'. Bribes. Philip Nye of Kimbolton. Jeremiah Burroughs of Stepney. John Lightfootof Afhiey. Stanley Gower ot Brampton Bryan. Richard Heyrick of Manchefier. Thomas Cafe ot London. Dr. Thomas Temple of Battery, George Gibbs of Ayleiton. Thomas Carter. Dr Humphrey Cambers of Claver- ftoun, Thomas Micklethwaic of Cherry- burton. John Guibon of Waltharn. Chriitopher Tcfdale of Uphusborne Henry Philips. George Walker, B D. Edmond Calamy, B. D, of Alder- man bury. Dr. Lazarus Seaman of London, joleph Caryl of Lincoln's-Inn. Dr. Henry Wilkinfon Senior of V/a- deriton. Richard Vines of Calcof. Nicolas ProrTct of Marlburrou^h. Stephen Marchal, B. D. of Finch- ingfield. Dr. Jofhua Hoyk late of Dublin. Thomas Wilfon ol Grham. Thomas Hodges of Kenfington. Thomas Baylie of Mildenhal, B. D. Francis Taylor of Yalding. Thomas Ycung of Stownmarket. Thomas Valentine, B. D. ot Chal- 0 font S. Giles. William Greenhil of Stepney. Edward Pele of Compton. John Green of Pencomb. Andrew Pern of Wilby. Simiiel de la Place. John de la March. John D^ry. Philip Delme. Sidrach Simpfon of London:' John Langley of Weftuderly. Richard Clayton of Showers. Arthur Sallaway of Seaverneftoak. John Ley of Budworth. Charles Herle of Winwickj Vrclo* cutor after Dr. Twifs. I Herbert Palmer, B. D, of Afliwel, djfefjor alter Mr. White. [Daniel Cawdrey of Great Billing. Henry Painter, B. D. of Exeter; Henry Scudder of Colingborn. Thomas H'<11, B. D. ot Tichmarch. Wihiara Reynor, B. D. ofEgham. frr Thomas Goodwine ot London, D r William Spurftow of Hampden! Matthew Newcomb ofDcHiiam. Dr. Edmond Staunton of Kingfton. John Conant of Lymmington, B. D.- Anthony Burges ot Sutton Coldfield William Rathband. Dr. Francis Cheynel of Oxon. Dr. Henry WilJusfon Younger of Oxford. Obadiah Sedgwick, B.Da of Cogfhai Edward Gorbift of Marton Collegl Oxford Samuel Gibfon of Burley. Thomas Coleman of Biiton, Theodore Backhurft. William Carter of London. Peter Smith. John Maynard ot May field. William Price of PaulV Church in Covent-Garden. John Whincop of St. Martins in the Fields. William Bridge of Yarmouth. Perer Sterrye ot London. William Mew B. D. of Ellington. Benjamin Pickering of Ealt-Hoatljr; John Strickland of St. Edmonds in Sarum. Humphrey Hardwick. Jaipcr Hicks of Lawrick or Lan* rake. John Bond: Henry Hail, B D. ot Norwlck. Thomas Ford of London, after- wards of Exeter. Thomas Thorowgood of Ma fling* ham. Peter Clark of Kerby-underhiL William Good; John Foxcroft of Cotham. John Ward. Richard Byfield of Long-Ditton.- Francis Woodcock. John Jackfon of Marske. Com *9 Commiffioners from the General Aflembly of the Church of SCOTLAND. Lexander Henderfon of Edin- i John Earl of Caffils. fcjL burgh; I John Lord Maitland, afterwards Robert Douglas of Edinburgh; Duke of Lauderdale, # Samuel Ru:herfoord of St. Andrews. Sir Archibald Johnlton or Wan- A1 Robert Baily of Glafgow. ftoun. George Gillefpy of Edinburgh* Ruling Elders. >brough, "1 Byfieid, \ Scribe si His. ( Miniflers. Henry Robrough, Adoniram John Wallii /4JJemh!y at Edinburgh, Auguft 27M, 1647. Sef. 23. ACT approving the Confeflion of Faith. AConjeJjion of Faith Tor the Kirks of God, in the Three Kingdoms, being :he chieteft Part of that Uniformity in Religion, which, by the Solemn League and Covenant, we are bound to endeavour ; and there being accordingly, a ConfeJJjon of Faith, agreed upon by the Af- fembly of Divines faring at Weftminfter, with the AiMance of Com- miffioners from the Kirk of Scotland-, which Conjeffion was fent from our Commiff loners at hsndon, to the Commifiioners ot the Kirk met at Edinburgh in January laft, and bath been in this AfFernbiy twice pub- lickly read over, examined and confidered- Copies thereof being alfo Printed, that it might be paniculany perufed by all the Members of this Aitembly, unto whom ir.quent Intimation was publickly made, to put in their Doubts and Objections, if they had any. And the faid ~ Conjej- fun being, upon due Examination thereof, found by the Aficrribiy, to be moit agreeable to the Ward of God, and in nothing contrary to the received Doctrine, Worfhip, Difcipline and Government of this Kirk ; And, laftly, It being fo neceiTary, and fo much longed for, that the faid Gonjefjion be, with all poftible Diligence and Expedition, ap- proved and eitaoiifhed ifl both Kingdoms, as a principal part of the in- tended Uniformity in Religion, and as a fpecial Means for the more cffedual fupprefling ot the many dangerous Errors and Hcre/ies of thefe Times: The General Aflembly doth therefore, after mature Deliberation, agree unto, and approve the faid Cmfeffion, as to the Truth of the Matter (judging it to be moft Orthodox, and grounded upon the Woid ot Gjd) and alfo, as ro the Point of Uniformity, agree- ing for our Part, that it be a common Confeflion of Faith for the Three Kingdoms. The Aflembly doth alfo blefs the Lord, and thankfully ac- knowledge his great Mercy, in that fo excellent a Confejjion of Faith is prepared, and thus far agreed upon in boih Kingdoms, which we look upon, as a great Strengthens of the true reformed Religion, againft the common Enemies thereof. But, left our Intention and Meaning be in Tome Particulars mifunderftood, it is hereby exprefly declared and ■ z pro* 26 provided, That the not mentioning in this Corjefion, the feveral Sort* o( Ecclefiafticaf Officers and Aflembiies, (hall be" no Prejudice to the Truth of drift, in rhefe Particulars, to be exprefled fully m the Di- reBory of Government. . It is further declared, That the Afllmbiy un- de-r. ideth fome 'Parts of the fecona Article of the Thiity on-- Chap- ter, only of Kirks not fettled, or conltituted in Point of Govern merit; And true although, in luch Kirks, a Synod of Ministers, and other fie Perfons, rrfey he called by the Magiitratefs Authority and Nomination, without any other Call, to confult and advife with, about Matter* of Religion, and" although llkewife the: Minifters of drift, wii ou De- legation irom their Churches, may of themfelvcs, and, by v rue ot their OEce, meeC together Syncdically- in fuch Kirks, not yet onfti* tated; yet neither of theie ought to be done in Kirks conltiriK^a and fettled; It being always free to the Magiftrate ro advile with Syiidds of Minifters and Ruiing Elders, meeting upon Delegation from heir C&urcftes, either ordinarily, or behigjndi&ed by his Authority, occafio- nally and pro re nata\ it being a'Kolree to aiTemble togeifheFTynodfcallf , as well^ro re nata, as ar the o dinary Times, upon Del .-..ation rom the,' Churches, by the Wrinfical fdwer received* from Curaft, as oirer- Ps it is neceilary iof the Good ot 'he Church fo to aiTembie, in cafe (he j#a- giftrate, to the Detriment of the Church, withhold or deny ~his Content, the Neceflry of occafional Aflembiies being firft. rernonftiate* untq hirn by humble Supplication, A. RER, Charles L Pari. 2. Sejf. 2. Atl 16. ACT anent the Catechiftns, Confeffion of Faith, ; and Ratification thereof. ^Edinburgh, February 7th. x tf4o, THE Eftates of Parliament now prefently conveened in this (econd Sellion ot the fecond Triennial Parliament, by venue of an Act of ?he Committee cf Eflates, who had Power and Authority from the laft Parliament' for conveening the Parliament, having (erioufly confide: ed the Catech>jmt3 v z. the Larger and Shorter Ones, with the Confeffion of 'Faith, with the Three kih ot Approbation thereof,by theCommiinoners of Lhe General Aftembiy; prefented unto them by the Com milTi oners of the faid General AfTembly ■> Do ratify and ap~)iove the (aid Catechifms% Confeffion of Faith, and Afts of approbation ot the fame, produced as it is; and ordains them to be recorded, publifhed and praftiied. THE T H E * Confeffion of Faiths Agreed upon by the Aflembly ofDIVINES A T WESTMINSTER, "With the Affiftance of COMMISSIONERS FROM THE CHURCH of Scotland, A Part of the Covenanted Uniformity in Religion betwixt the Churches of CHR I S T in the Kingdoms of Scotland^ England, and Ireland. Approved by the General Afemhly 1647, and Ratified and Eftablifhed by Aft of Parliament 1649, as the publick and Avowed Confeffion of the CHURCH of SCOT-" LAND. With the T roofs from the Scripture. GLASGOW Printed by John Roifctfon and Mrs M'Lcan, and fold at" their Shops in the middle of the 8 alt-Merc at M. DGG. XLVI. The C O N T E N T S. CHAP. PaJ* I f\J? the holy Scripture (J II. Of God and of the holy Trinity 3 l III. Of Cod's EternalDecree 36 IV. Of Creation, 4l V Of Providence. 43 VI. Of the Fall of Man, cf Sin, and of the Punifij- merit thereof 5l VII. Of God's Covenant with Man 55 VIII. OfChrifl the Mediator 6° IX. Of Free-mill 68 X. Of Effectual Calling 7l XI. Of Justification 75 XII. Of Adoption *° XIII. 0/ SancJif cation °2 XIV. Of Saving Faith *4 XV. Of Repentance unto Life eo XVI. 0/ 6W flPork ( ?° XVII. Of the Perfevcrance of the Saints 91 XVIII. Of Ajfurance of Grace and Salvation *oo XIX. Of the Law of God Io^ XX. O/ Chriftian Liberty, and Liberty of Confaenc* 112 XXI Of Religious Worjhip and the Sabbath-day 119 XXII. O/ lawful Oaths and Vows - **8 XXIII. Of the Civil Magi fir ate *33 XXIV. Of Marriage vnd Divorce *38 XXV. Of '*&? <&W*A J4* XXVI. Of Communion of Saints JA5 XXVII. Of the Sacraments Hs XXVIII. Of 5*/*/> ^ XXIX. Of /#*r 15'3 XXX. Of GtaS Cenfiures l57 XXyil. Of Synods and Councils l59 XXXIL O/ fl&* State of Men after Death, gnd of the Re- furred ion of the Dead. 161 XXXIIP Of thi laft frdg?m T^ /^C "ffl*^'*'* THE Confession of F a i t h, Agreed upon by the Ajjembly of Divines at fVefiminfler ; Examined and Approved, Anno 1647, by the General Assembly of the Church of SCOTLAND; And Ratified by A61 of Parlia m e n t 1649. J'f3jC^/> Chap. I. Of the Holy Scripture. ALTHOUGH the Light of Nature, and the **■ Works of Creation and Providence, do fo far manifeft the Goodnefs, "YVifdom, and Power of God, as to leave Men inexcufable a ; yet are they not fufficient to give that Knowledge of God and of his "Will, which is neceflary unto Sal- vation I: a. Rem, 2. 14. For when the Gentiles which have not the law, do by nature the things conrained in the law, thefc having not the law, are a Jaw unto themfcivcs: *v, 15. Which (hew the wor/v of the law written in their hearts, thdr , confcienc: alfo bearing wirncfs, and their thoughts the mean whtlc ac- cufing or elfe excusing one another. Rom I. 19. Became that which may be known of God, is manifefr in them ; for God harh fhcwed it tm- ro them. v* 2.0. For the invi/ible things of him irom the creation of rhe world are clearly fcen, being underftood by the things that are made, even his eternal Power and Godhead j (0 that they are without cxcuil1. Pfal 19 • I! The heavens declare the glory of God, and rhe firmament fheweth his Handy* worK, V. 2. Day unto Day urrcreth fpeech, and rvght jinro nfght fhew- eth knowledge, v. 3- There Is no fpeech, nor language, where rheir voice is not heard. Rem. 1. 32, Who knowing the judgment of God, (thar they which commit fuch things arc wonhv of death) noc only do the hme, but have plea- fure in them rhat do them. With 2. 1 Therefore thru art inex- cufable, O man, whofocver rhou arc that judgefl j for wherein thou judg- ed another, thou condemnor, thy felf ; for then that judgeft doit the fame things. B 4. 1 Cor. 14 1he ConfeJJton of Faith: Chap: t vation b; Therefore it . pleafed the Lord, at fundry "-Times, and in divers Manners, to reveal himfelf and to declare that his Will unto the Church c. ; and after- ' wards for the better preferring and Propagating of the Truth, and for the more fure Eftablifhment and Comfort of the Church againft the Corruption of the Fiefh, and the Malice of Satan and of the 6 : World to commit the fame wholly unto "Writing d Which maketh "the Holy Scripture to be moft necefTary e thofe. b r Cor. i ~i. For sfrer that, n the XV Adorn of God, rhe World by wiidom knew not God, it pleafed God by the iooiilhnefs oi preaching to lave them that believe, i Or. 2. 13. Which things alfo we fpeak, not in the words which mans wif- dom te?cheth, but which ihc holy Ghoft teachetb, comparing .fpiri- tual things with ipiritnal. v. 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God ; for they are foolifhnefs unto him 5 neither can he know them, be- caufe they are fp-'rirually difcerned. c Heb. 1. 1. God who at fundry times, and in divers manners {pake in time pail unto the fathers by rhe Prophets. d Prov 22. 19. That thy trufr. may be in rhe Lord;. I have made known ro thee this dayveven :: 1;. 2.0. Have not 1 written to thee excellent things in counfeis and knowledge j v. 2.1. That I might make thee know z\>z certainty of the wem^ti truth ; thar thau mighteit ^rfver the words of :r:;n to them that lend unto thee? Lstke 1. 3: It feemed good co me alio, having ^ad perfect imderfbndirig of all tilings from the very firft, to write unto thee, in order, moil excei-ient Theophilur, v. 4: That thou mightft know :he«cer:ainty of thoie things, v/hereia thou haft been inputted. Ro?v. i) 4.. For whatfoever things were written aforc:ime, were writ- ten for our learning that we through patience and comiorr of thqjjffip- tures might have hen. 4. But he anlwered a"nd (aid, It is written, Man fliail not live by bread alone f but uy every word that proceedethout of the mouth of God. v. 7. Jefos faidtjfo him, Tc is written again, Th] tempt the Lord thy Then (aid jeUis thee hence-Sitan : for Thou (halt worihip theLord th^God and him only fhalt thcu fervc. ify 8. 1 p.- And when they (halt fav unto you, leek u-to them mat have fa- miliar ipi.irs, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter > fhn-jld not a People feek unto their God ? for the living to tiie rie^d ? v. 20* Tz the law and to die teftimony : if they fpeak not according to this word, it is becauie there is no li^hc in them. e zTlm. 3.15-. And that from a child thou haft known the. holy fcrip^ures, which are able to make thee Wile unto faivatnn, through faith Wh:ch is in Chrift Jeius. 2 Peter 1. 19. We 1 iiavealfoa more fure word of pro- t phecv, whereunto vedo well that ye take heed,as unto a light that fhineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and theday-fuar a*ife in your hears, f &k Chap, i: Ihe Confeffion of Faith: z$ thofe former Ways of God's Revealing his Will onto his People, being now ceafed £ II, Under the Name of Holy Scripture, or the Word of God written, are now contained all the Books of the Old and New Teftament, which are thefe ; Of the Old Testament. Genesis. Exodus. Leviticus. Numeers. DeUTRGNOMY. Joshua. Judges. Ruth. I. Samuel, If. Samuel. I. Kings. II. Kings* I. Chronicles. Chronicles. II. Ezra. Nehemiah. Esther. Joe. Psalms. Proverb-. e.ccle5iaste5. The Song c/Sosgs Isaiak. Jeremiah. Lamentations. Ezekiel, Daniel. Hosea. Joel Amos. O BAD I AH. Jonah. Micah. Nahu; Habakkuk, Zephaniah. Haggai. Zechariah. Malachi. Of the New Testament. The Gofpels accor- ding to Matthew Mark. Lukf. ^ John. The Atis cf the -! p,>- Paul's Epiftles to the Romans. * Corinthjans I. Corinthians.il Galatian. Ephesian -. Philippians. CoLO.^SlANS. Thessal jniansI. The«saloniAn5II To Timothy. I. To Tim ithy. II. To Titu To Philemon. The Epiftle to the Heeki \VS. The Epiftle if |AME . The firfl and ficotti Epiftles of ?ETzk. The fir}} feynJ, c-1 third Epi- ftles of John. The Epiftle of Judf. The Revelation. All t Heb. r i. O^d who at fnfltlry times, and In divers manners (pake in rime pail unto the Fathers by he prophets, the man, lave the fpirit of man which is in him? evert fo the tlrngs of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. v. 12. Now we have re- ceived, not the fpirit: of the world, but the Spirit which is of God ; that we might know the things that are freely given to us ol God. Ifaiah 59. 2.1. As for me, this is my co- venant with them faith the Lord, My fpirit that is upon thee, snd my words which I have put in thy mourh, (hail not depart out ot rhy mouth, nor out ot the mouth of thy feed, nor out of the mouth o?thy feeds feed, faith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever. Vf. m. 2. Tim. 3. iy. And that from a child thuu haft known the feoly fcpipturcs, which are able to make rheewife untofal vation.through fai'h which is in Chrift Jefus. v 16*. All fcripture is given by inspiration ot God, and is profitable tor doc- trine, for reproof, ior correction, for inftruclton in righteoufnefs: v: 17. That the man of God may bs perfect, throughly furnifhed unto ail good works. Gal. 1. 8. But though we, or an angel from hea- ven, preach any other gofpel un* to ynu, then that which we have preached unto you, lee him be ac- curfed. r our learning j that we through patience and comfort of the fcriptures might have hope. IX. y 2 M. Chap. 2: The ConfeJJion of Faith 3 1 there is a Queflion about the true and full Senfe of any Scripture, (which is not manifold, but one) it mull be learched and known by other Places that fpeak more clearly \. X* The fupreme Judge, by which fall Controver- sies of Religion are to be determined, and all De- crees of* Councils, Opinions of ancient Writers, Do- ctrines of Men, and private Spirits, are to be exa- mined, and in whofe Sentence we are to reft; can be no other but the Holy Spirit ipeaking in the Scrip- ture z. Chap. II. Of Gody and of the Holy Trinity. THERE is but One only a, God b, a muft pure Spirit d, Inviftble e, without Bo- dy, Parts f, or Paffions ,, Immutable \\ Immenfe \y Eternal \ Incomprehensible J, Almighty m, moft Wife, c 'Job. ii. i- Can (I thou by Tea roll- ing find out God ? canft thou lind out the Almighty unto perfection ? y 8 . It is as nigh as heaven, what canft .thou do ? deeper than hell, what canft thou know? up. 6*3. Thou art good, and dolt good, teach ine thy fea- tures. d 1 Tim. 6y \f. Wh'ch in his times he (hall (hew, who is theblefledand only potcnta-e, the King of kin^s, end Lord of lords Korn. 9. 5. V/hofe are the fathers, and or whom as concerning the flefh Crrfift came, v/ho is over all, God blefled for e- ver. Amen. e Afts 17. 24, God that mads, the world, and ail things therein, feeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands: i/4 25. Neither is wor- shipped with mens hands, asthougiV he needed any things (eeing he gi- verh to all life, and breath, and ail things. f ^ob. 22. 2. Gan^a man be profi- table unto God, as he chat is wife may be prorrable unto himfelf? ^ 3. Is it any pleafure ca the Al- mighty tnit: thou art righteous? or is it gain to him, that thou makeft thy ways perfect. ? g Rom. 1 r. 36. For of him, and through him, and to him are all things ;: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. h Rav. 4. u. Thou art worthy, 0 Lord, to receive glory, and ho- nour, and power ^ for thou haft created all things, and tor thy plea- fure they are, and were created. 1 Tim 6 is [See letter d immedi~ atcly fjreg ring 1 Dan. 4. 25-. Tnac they fhali d ive tuee from men, and thy dwelling (hall be wi h the be-afts of the field, and they (hail make thee to eat grafs -as oxen, and they fhaii wet thee with the dew of hea- ven, and (even times /hall pals over thee, rill thou know that the mod High ru'erh in the kingdom ot men, and givuh it to whomsoever he will. 1; 3)". And all the inhabitants of die earth are reputed as nothing :- and Chap: x The Confejfton of Faith. $j In his Sight all Things are open and manifefl i ; his Know- ledge is infinite, infallible, and independent upcn the Grea • ture n, fo as nothing is to him contingent or uncertain .'He is moil holy in all his Counfels3 in ail his Works, and in all his Commands m. To him is due from Angels and Men, and every other Creature, whatfoever Worfhip, Service, or Obedience he is pleafed to require of them n. Ill In the Unity of the God-head there be Three Per- sons, of one Subftance, Power and Eternity ; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghoft o. The Father is of none, neither begotten nor proceed- ing, snd he doth according to his wftl in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants oi the earth: and none can ftay his hand, or fay un- to him, What dofl thou ? i Heb. 4. 1 3 - Neither is there any creature that is no: manifefl in h:s light : but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with Whom we have to do. k Rom. 1 1. 33. O he depth of the riches, both or' the WiHom and knowledge of God ! how unfearch- able arc his judgments, and his ways pall iinding our! v. 34. For who hath known the mnd ot the Lord, or who hath been his Cotl'rl- feller? PJahn 1 47. y. Great is our Lord, and of great Power : his un- derspending is infinite. 1 ABs if. io. known unto God are all his works from the begin - ing of the world. Ezek. 11. 5. And the Spirit of the Lord fell upon me, and laid utuo me.SpeaK, Thus 'airh the Lord, Thus have ye faid, O houfe of Ifratl: for 1 know the things that come into your mind every one of them. ] m Pfabn 14.5. 17. The Lord fs righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. Ro?;i- 7. 12 Where- fore the law is holy, and the com mandment holy, juir, and good, n Rev. ft 12.. Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was flain, to receive powefr, and richesi and wifdom, and ilrength, and ho- nour, and glory, and bleiling. v. 13: And every creature which is in hea- ven, and on the eardi, and under the earth, and fuch as are in the fea, and all tnat are in them, heard I, faying, Bleiling, and honour, and glory, and power be unto him, that li reth upon the throne, and unto the La mo for ever and ever . 2.8, for to do whatfo- ever thy hand and thy counfel de- termined before to be done. John 19. 11. Jefus anfwered, Tnou couidft have no powerat all againft me, ex- cept it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me un- to rhee, hath the greater fin, Prov. 16.33. The lot is caft into the lap: but the whole difpoiing thereof is of the Lord. II. d Acis 15-. i3 Known untoGod are ai; his works from the begin- ing of the world. 1 Sam. 23. II. Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? Will Saul come down, as thy fervant harh heard ? O Lord God of Ifrael, I befeeeh thee, tell thy fervanr. And the Lord faid, He will come down, v. 12. Then faid Divid, Will the men of Kcilah deliver me and my men in- to the hand of Saul? And the Lord laid, They will deliver thee up. Mat, 1 1 . 21 Wo unfo thee Chorazin, wo unto tiiee Bethfaida : for li the mighty works which were done in you, had Ipcen done in Tyre and Sidon they v\ould have repented long ago, infackloth and afhes. v. 23. And thou Capernaum,, which art exalted unto heaven, fhalt be brought down to hell : for if the mighty works which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom , it would have remained unci! this day. eRo?n. 9. j 1. For the children being not yet borns neither having done any good or evil, that the pur- pole of God according to election, might ftand, not of works, but of him that calle h. V, 13, As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Efau have I hated. 1/. 16. So then, it is not of him that wilierh, nor of him that runneth, but of God that fhewuh mercy, v. t 8. There- lore hath he mercy on whom he w ill have mercy, and whom he will he hardneth. Uhfiilm 5". 2 1. 1 charge thee be- foreGodand the Lord Jefus Chrilt, and the elect angels, that thou ob- ferve thefe things, without prefer- ring one before another, doing no* thing by partiality. Mat. zj. 4 r; Then fhall he fay alio un:o them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cuvfed, into everlafting hvc pre- pared for the devil and his angels, g Rom. 9. 2,1. What if God, wii. ling to {hew his wrath, and to mike his power known, endured with much long fjfTering the veilels of wrath fitted to deft.ucTion: v- 23, And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vef- felsot mercy, which he had afore C 3 pre- jS The Confer/ton of Faith. Chap.* 3; r IV, Theft Angels and Men, thus predeftinated and fore^ ordained, are particularly and unchangeably defigned ; and their Number is fo certain and definite, that it cannot be either increafed or diminished h. V. Thofe of Mankind that are predeftinated unto Life, God, before the Foundation of the World was laid, accord- ing to his eternal and immutable Purpofe, and the fecret Counfel and good Pleafure of his "Will, hath chofen, in, Chrift, unto everlafting GlGry j. out of his mere free Grace and Love, without any Forefight of Faith, or good Works, or Perfeverance in either of them, or any other Thing in the Creature, as Conditions, or Caufes moving him there- unto k, and all to the Praile of his glorious Grace >. VI. As God hath appointed the Elefr unto Glory, fo hath he, by the eternal and moft free Purpofe of his prepared unto glory ? Eph. i: $, Having predeftinated us unto the adoption of children by Jefus Chrift to himfelf, according to the good pleafure of his Will. v. 6. To the ptiife of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved Vrov. 16.4. The Lord hath made all things for himfelf : yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. IV. hiTim. zf 19. Neverthelefs the foundation of God ftandcth lure, having this leal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Chrirt deparc from iniquity. John 13. i8» I fpeak not ot you alt 5 I know whom I have chofen -, but that the icripture might be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me, hacb lift up his heel againlt me. . V.iEpb. 1. 4. According as he hath chofen us in him, before the foundation of the world, that we Thould be holy, and without blame fceiore him in love : v. 9. Having ra«ds known unto us the myftery of Ills will, according to his good pleafure, which he hath purpofed in himfelf. nj 11. In whom alio we have obtained an inheritance, being predeftinated according to the purpofe of him, who worKet i all things after the counfel of his own will. P.om 8, 30: Moreover, whom he dtd predeitmate, them he alfo called : and whom he called, them he alfb jollified : and whom he juftified, them he alfo glo- rified. 2 Tim. 1 9 Who hath faved us, and called us with an ho- ly calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpofe and grace which was given us in Chriif Jefus, before the world began, 1 The/. 5. 9. For God hath not appointed us to wrath ; but to obtain falvation by our Lord Jefus Chrift. k Rom* 9: 11, 13, 16. [See letter e immediately foregoing )Eph. 1.4.9. [See letter i immediately foregoing.] 1 Epb, 1. 6. To the praife ol the glory of his grace, wherein he bath made us accepted in the beloved v. 12,' Chap- ;; The ConfeJJion of Faith. j9 his Will, fore-ordained all the Means thereunto nV Wherefore they who are elected, being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by -Chrift n, are effectually called unto Faith in Chrift, by his Spirit working in due Seafon ; are juftified, adopted, fan* ftified o, and kept by his Power through Faith unto Sal- ivation p. Neither .are any other redeemed by Chrift, ef- fectually called, juftified, adopted, fanclified and fave.d, but the Eleft only q. VII. The 12, That we fhould be to the praifeof his glory, who fiift trufted in Chrift. VI. m j Pet. I. 2. Elecl accor- ding t@ the iore-knowiedge of God the Father, through fanciificarion of the Spirit unto obedience, and Sprinkling of the Blood of Jefus Chrift. Eph. I. 4. According as he hath chofen us in him, before the foundation of the -world, that we /hould be holy, and without blame before him in love : v. f. Having predeftinated us unto the adoption of children by Jefus Chrift to him- felf, according to the good pleafure of his will. Eph. 2.. 10. For we are his workmanfhip, created m Chrift Jefus unto good works,which God hath before ordained that we fhould walk in them, 2 Thef. 2. 13. But we are bound to give thanks al- way to God for you, brethren, be- loved of the Lord, becaufe God hath from the beginning chofen you to falvation. through fanclifi- cation of the Spirit, and belief of the truth: o Rom. 8. 50. Moreover, whom he did prerieftinate, "them he alio called : and whom he called, them he aifo juftified ; and w horn he juftified, them he aifo glorified. Eph. 1. 5. Having predeftinated us unto the adoprion of children by Jefus Chrift to himfelf, according to the good pleafure of his will. 2 Thef 2. 1$.. But we are bound to give tnanks to God alway for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord, be- caufe God hath from the beginning chofen you to falvaticn through fan&ification of the Spirit, and be- lief of the truth. p 1 Vetcr 1 . 5. Who are kept by the power oi God through faith unto lalvation, ready to be reveal- ed in the la ft time. q John 17, 9 I pray for them: I pray not lor the world, but for them which thou haft given me, for they are thine, Rom. 8. 28. And we know that all things work to- gether for good, to thern that love God, to thern who are the called according to his purpofe, &c. [to n 1 Thef. 5, 0. For God hath not the end of the Chapter] ^ohn 6. 64# appointed us to wrath, but to ob- But (here are fome oi you that be tain falvation by our Lord Jefus Chrift. . 6". By the word of the Lord were the heavens made : and all the hoft of them, by the breath of his mouth. c (The whole Jirft chapter of Gen ) Eeb. 11. 5. Through fairh we under- ftand, that the worlds were framed, by the word of God, lo that things which are feen, were not made of things which do appear. Col. 1. 16. For by him were all things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth, vifible and invifible, whether they be thrones or dominions, or principalities or powers : all things were created by him, and for him. A els 1,7, 24. God that made the World, and all things therein, fee- ing rhat he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands. II. d Gen. 1, 27. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him : male and female created he them. e Gen. 2. 7. And the Lord God formed man of the duff, of the ground, and breathed inro his no- firils the breath of life; and man* became a living foul. With EccL it 7, Then (hall the dull return to the earth as it was : and the (piric (hall return unto God who gave it. Ana Luke 23. 43. And Jefus faid untc him, Verily I (ay unto thee, To daj fhaltthoube with me in paradile And Matth. 10. 28. And fear noi them which kill the body, but are not able to lull the foul : but rather fear him which is able to deftroy both foul and body in hell. iOen. 1, 26. And God faid, Let us make man in our image, after our likenefs: and let them have dominion over the hfliof the fea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Col. 3.10. And have put on the new man, which is renewed in know- ledge, aftsr the image of him that created hijm Eph. 4. 24. And that ye put on the new man which after God is created ia righteoufnefs, and rrue hoiinefsi gRom. 2 1 4.. For when the Gen- tiles which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, thefe having not the law, are a law untothemlclves: v. 1 5:. Which fhew the work of the law written in their hearts, their confeience a Ho bearing witnefs, and their thoughts the mean while accufing, or elfe excufing one another. h EccL 7. 29. Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright 2hap: £* The ConfeJJion of Faith. 4} lhange i. Befide this Law written in their Hearts, they eceived a Command, notto eat of the Tree of the Know- >dge of Good and Evil; which while they kept, they /ere happy in their Communion with God k, and had )ominion over the Creatures 1. Chap: V; Of 'Providence : r^l O D, the great Creator of all Things, doth up^ i^j hold a, direft, difpofe, and govern all Creatures, Utions, and Things b, from the greateft even to the ' leaft, nprght} but they have fought out many inventions. i Gen. 3.6 And when the woman !aw that the tree was good for food ind that it was pleafant to the eyes, and a tree to be defired to make one wife ; fhe took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave alio unro her husband withher, and he did eat. Eccl. 7. 29 (See letter h immediate- ly joregoing.) kGeris 2. 17. But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil thou fhak not eat of it : for in the day that thou eaten: thereof, thou {halt furely d\e.Ge?i. 3. 18, And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: And Adam and his wife hid themfelves from the prefence of the Lord God amongft the trees of the garden, v. 9. And the Lord God called unto Adam, and faid un- to him, Where art thou ? v. 10 And he faid, I heard thy voice in the garden: and /was afraid, becaufe 1 was naked -y and I hid my felt, ff.it. And he faid, Who told thee that thou waft naked ? Haft thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee, that thou fliouldeft not eat ? v. 23. Therefore the Lord God fent him torth trom the garden of Eden, to till the ground, from whence he was taken. 1 Gen. 1. 26". And God faid, Let us make man in our image, after our iikenefs: and let them have do- minion over the fifh of the lea, and ever the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. . And hath made of enc biood, all nations of men, for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times be- fore appointed, and the bounds o'f their habitation : v 28. For in him we live, and move, and have our being -y as certain alfo of your own - poets nave (Vid, For we are alfo his offspring. Job j8, 39, 40, 41, Chapters* c Mat. 10. 29. Are not two fpar- rows fcid for a farthing ? and one of them fhall not fall on the ground without your Father. v. 30. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered, and provoked David to number lf- rael. 1 Kings 22 22. And the Lord (aid unto him, Wherewith ? And he laid, I will go forthy and I will be a lying fpirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he laid, Thou (halt perfwade him, and prevail al- foyy go forth, and do io v. 23 Now therefore behold, the Lord hath put a lying fpirit in the mouth of all thefe thy prophets, and the Lord hath fpoken evil concerning thee. 1 Cbr. 10.4- Then faid Saul to his armour-bearer, Draw thy fword, and thruft me through therewith} left thefe unci; cu mated come, and a- bufe me. But his armour-bearer would not, for he was lore afraid So Saul took a fword, and fell upon it vi 13. StD Saul died, for his tranfgreflion which he committed againft the Lord, even againft the word of the Lord which he kept not, and alto for asking counfel of one that had a familiar fpirit, to enquire of it