5>cs**Hi+o 'IM. 3^6 • -■ • - ' : ■ &#***?! ; ■ TO THE Christian Reader, ESPECIALLY HEADS of FAMILIES. AS we cannot but with grief of foul lament thofe mul- titudes of errors, blafphemies, and all kinds of pro- fanenefs, which have in this laft age like a mighty deluge overflown this nation ; fo, among feveral other fins which have helped to open the flood gates of all thefe im- pieties, we cannot but efteem the difufe of family inrtni&ioa one of the greateft. The two great pillars upon which the kingdom of Satan is ere&ed, and by which it is upheld, are ignorance and error ; the firft ftep of our manumi'fion from this fpiritual thraldom confifts, in having our a.o ^ ~ ' Eyes opened, and being turned from dark- # 2 ' ' nefs to light:' How much theferious endeavours of godly parents and matters might contribute to an early feafoning the tender years of fuch as are under their infpedhon, is a- bundantly evident,not only from their fpecial influence, upon them,inrefpeft of their authority over them, intereit in them, continual prefence with them, and frequent opportunities of being helpful to them ; but alfo from the fad effects u hich by woful experience we find to be the fruit of the omiflion of this duty. 'Twere eafy to fet before you a doud of wirneiles the language of whofe praftice hath been not only an cmi- not commendation of this duty, but alio a yt ferious exhortation to it. As ' Abel though 2 '' '• id yet (peaks' by his example to us for imitation o{ Jy.g faith, &c. So do the examples of Abraham, of Jofluva, of the parents of Solomon, ot% the grandmother and mother of Timothy ,the mother of Auguftin , as as well l rfc up the fouh as the bodies of their little ones : and a, 4 The Eptflle to the Reader. as their pains herein was great, fb was their fuccefs no way unanfwcrablc. We ihould fcarce imagine it any better than an imperti- jnency, in this noon-day of the gofpel, either to inform or perfwade in a duty fb exprcfly commanded, fo frequently urged* fo highly encouraged, and fb eminently owned by the Lord in all ages with his bleffing, but that our fad expe- rience tells us this duty is not more needful than 'tis of late neglected. For the reftoring of this^uty to its due obfer- vance, give us leave to ftiggeft this double advice. The firft concerns heads of families in refpeft of them* felves, that as the Lord hath fet them in place *above the reft of their family, they would labour in all wifdom and fpiritual understanding to be above them alio. 'Tis an. uncomely fight to behold men in years babes in knowledge ; and how unmeet are they to inftruft others, who need themfelves to be taught which ' be the firil principles of theora- Heb. 5. 12. clesofGod?' knowledge is an accomplifliment fo defireable, that thedevikthemfelves know not a more taking bait by which to tempt our firft parents,than by the fruit of the ' tree of knowledge: So /hall you be as god's, knowing good and evil.' When Solo- I Kings 3.5,9. monhad that favour fhewed him of the Lord, that he was made his own chufer what to afk, he knew no greater mercy to beg than wifdom. The under- f landing is the guide and pilot of the whole man, that facul- ty which fits at the ftern of the foul ; But as the mod expert guide may miftake in the dark, fo may the underftanding Prov o 1 w^en lt wants the light of knowledge : ' With- Eph " j. 1 R* out knowledge the mind cannot be good/ nor Hofea a 6 r^e ^e S°°d/ nor the eternal condition fafe. \'! ' My people are deftroyed for lack of know- ledge.' ?Tis ordinary in fcripture to fet profanenefs and all kind of mifcarriages upon the fcore of ignorance. Difeafes in the body have many times their rife from diftempers in the head, and exorbitancies in pra&ice from errors in judgment: And indeed in every fin there is fome thing both of ignorance and error at the bottom ; for, did finners truely know what they do in finning, we might fay of every fin, what the a- poftlefpeaks concerning that great fin, ' Had they known him, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory ;' did they trail* , 1 he jLpijtie to the Reader. $ truly know that every fin is a provoking the Lord to jealoufy a proclaiming war againfl heaven, - a crucifying the Lord ' Jejfus afrefh, a treafuring up wrath unto themfcives againfl 4 the day of wrath/ and that, if ever they be pardoned, it mud be at no lower a rate than the price of his blood, it were fcarce poftible but fin, in ftead of alluring, fhould af- fright, and, inftead of tempting, fcare. 'lis one^of the arch devices and principale methods of .Satan to deceive men into fin; thus he prevailed againfl: our firft parents, not as a lion but as a fcrpent, acting his enmity under a pretence of friendlhip, and tempting them to evil under an appearance of good ; and thus hath he all along carried en bis 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 moll fovcreign antidote againfl all kind of errors, is to be grounded and fettled in the faith: perfons, unfixed in the true rehgion, are very receptive of a falfe ; and they who are nothing in fpiritual knowledge,, arc cafily made any thing. ' Clouds without water are driven to 4 and fro with every wind,' and fhips without ballad liable to the violence of every tempeft. But yet the knowledge we efpecially commend, is not a brain-knowledge, a mere f pe- culation ; this may be in the worft of men, nay, in the worft of creatures, the devils themfelves, and that in fuchan emi- nency, as the beft of faints cannot attain to in this life of im- perfection : ( But an inward, a favory an heart-knowledge, Fuch as was in that martyr, who, tho' fhe could not difpute for Chrift, could die for him. This is that fpiritual fenfe and feeling of divine truths, the apoftle fpcaks of, Heb. Y. 14. ' Having yout fenfes exercifed,' Szc. But, alas, we may fay of moil mens religion, what learn- ed Rivet fpcaks concerning the errors of ». y^r- the " Fathers, they were not fo much their own errors, as the errors of the times wherein they Jived." Thus do molt men take up their religion upon no better an account than Turks and Papifls take up theirs, the religion of the times and piaces wherein tiny live ; and what they take up thus flightly they lay down af Prov. zj. 7. ' hove all getting, get understanding, and iVcv. 2. ' fearch for wifdom as for hidden t eafures.' It much concerns you in refpe& of your- fclvcs. Our fecond advice concerns heads of families, in refpeft of their families. Whatever hath been faid already, tho' it concerns every private Christian that hath a foul to look after, yet, upon a double account, it concerns parents and mailers, as having themfelves and others to look after: Some there are^ who, becaufe of their ignorance, cannot; others, becaufe of their fluggifhnefs, will not mind this dut;. To the former we propound the method of Jolhua, who firft began with himlelf, and then is careful of his family. To the latter we fhall only hint, what a dreadful meeting thofe parents and matters muft have at that great day, with their children and Servants, when all that were under their infpc&ion fhall not onlj accufe them; but charge their eternal mifcarr; ing u- poq ~jl ne iLpijnc 10 r/je j^eaaer. 7 pon their fcorc. Never did any age of the church enjoy fuch choife helps, as this of ours. Every age of the goipel hath had its creeds, confeflions, catechifms, and fuch breviaries and models of divinity as have been Angularly ufeful. Such forms of found words (however in thefe days decry ed) have been in ufe in the church, ever face God himfelf wrote the decalogue, as a fummary of things to be done, and Chrift taught us that prayer of his, as a dire&ory what - ~ to aik concerning the ufefulnefs of fuch com- in°chi°sr ^ia« pendiary fyftems, fo much hath been faid al- cn 2rim.\. \-i. ready by a learned divine of this age, as is . fufficient to fatisfy all who are not refolved to remain un- fa tisfied. Concerning the particular excellency of thefe enfuing trea- tifes, we judge it unneedful to mention thofe eminent tefti- monies which hath been given them, from perfons of known worth in refpeft of their judgment, learning, and integrity, both at home and abroad, becaufe thcmfelvcs fpake fo much their own praife : gold ftands not in need of varnilh, nor dia- monds 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 pofTefled with mean thoughts of thefe treatifes, we (hall only give the fame coun- fel to them, that Philipgives Nathaniel, ' Come t u T ^ 4 and fee.' 'Tis nofmall advantage the reader J 4 now hath, by the addition of fcriptures at large, whereby with little pains he may more profit, becaufe with every truth he may behold its fcripture-foundation. And indeed, con- sidering 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 pcrfon. but will conclude that advice of the prophet efpecially fuited to fuch an age as this, Ifa. viii, 20. J To the law and to the 4 teftimony, if they fpeak not according to this word, it is ' becaufe there is no light in them.' If the reverend and lear- ned compolures of theie enluing treatifes were willing to take the pains of annexing fcripture-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 conddcrable pains hath now been further taken in tranferibing thole fcrip- tures, partly to prevent that grand inconvenience (which all A 4 55 1 he ±jpijtle to the Header. former impreffions, except the latin, have abounded with, to the great perplexing and difheartning of the reader) the mis- quotation of fcripture; the meaneit reader being able, by having the words at large, to reftify whatever miftake may be in the printer in citing the particular place : Partly to prevent the trouble-of turning to every proof, which could not but be very great : Partly to help the memories of fuch who are wil- ing to take the pains of turning to every proof, but are un- able to retain what they read ; and partly that this may ferve as a bible common-place, the fcveral parages of fcripture which are fcattcred up and down in the word, being in this book reduced to their proper head, and thereby given light each to other. The advantages, you fee, in this defign, are many and great : The way to fpiritual knowledge is hereby rnade more efify, and the ignorance of this age, more inex- culable. If therefore there be any fpark in you of love to God, be not content that any of yours fhouldbe ignorant of him whom you fo much admire, or any haters of hfaj whom you fo much love. If there be any companion to the fouls of them who are under your care, if any regard of your being found faith- ful in the day of Chrifl, if any refpecfc of future generations; labour to fow the feeds of knowledge, which may grow up in after- times. That you may be faithful herein, is the ear- ned prayer of. Henry Wilkinfon, D. D A. At; Roger Drake. William Taylor. Samuel Anneflcy. Thomas Gc/igc. Charles Ofspving. Arthur Jackfon. John Crofs. bamuel Clark. Samuel Slater. William Whitaker. John Fuller. James Nalton. Vhoraa* Goodwin. P. Matthew Pool. William Bates. John Loder. Francis Ra worth. William Cooper. William Jenkin. Thomas Manton. Thomas ]acomb. George Griffiths. Edward Perkins. Ralph Venning. . Jeremiah Burwel. Jofeph Church, liaf. Bridges. Samuel Smith. Samuel Rowles. John Glafcock. Leo. Coolie. John Sheffeild. Matthew Haviland. William Blackmore. Richard Kentim. Alexander Pringle. "William Wickins. Thomas Watfon. John Jackfon. John Seabrooke. John Peachie. James Jollife. Obadiali Lee. Mr. Mr. T'bcmas Martens Epiftle to the Reader. Christian Reader. I Cannot fuppofe thee to be fuch a ftranger in England, as to be ignorant of the general complaint concerning the decay of the power of godlincfs, and more efpecially of the great corruption of youth ; wherever thou.goeft, thou wilt hear men crying out of bad children and bad fervants: Whereas indeed the fource of the mifchief muft be fought a little higher ; 'tis bad parents and bad mailers that make bad children, and bad fervants ; and we cannot blame fo much their untowardnefs, as our own negligence in their education. The devil hath a great fpite at the kingdom of Chrift, and he knowethno fuch compendious way to crufh it in the egg, as by the perverfion of youth, and fupplanting family -duties. He ftriketh at all duties, thofe wrhich are publick in the af- fcmblies of the faints ; but thefe are too well guarded by the folemn injunctions and dying charge of Jefus Chrilt, as that he fhould ever hope totally to fubvert and undermine them ; But at family-duties he ftriketh with the more fuccefs, be- caufe the inftitution is not fo folemn, and the practice not fo ferioufly and confeientiouflv regarded as it fhould be, and the omi/Tion is not fo liable to notice and publick cenfure. Religion was firft hatched in families, and there the de?il fceketh to crufh it ; the families of the Patriarchs were all the churches God had in the world for the time, and there- fore (I fuppofe) when Cain went out from Adam's family, he is laid to go out 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 fuccefTion of churches : If he can lebvert families, other focicties and communities will not long flourifh and fubfift with any power and vigour ; for there is the ftock from whence they are fupplicd both for the prc- icnt and the future. For the preicnt, a family is the feminary of church and ftate ; and, if children be not well principled, there all mif- carrieth : A fault in the firft concottion is not mended in the fecondj if youth be bred ill iu the family, tbey prove ill ia church io Mr. Thomas Manton % church and common-wealth ; there is the firfl: making or mar- ring, and the prefage of their future lives to be thence taken, Prov. xx. ii. By family-difcipline, officers are trained up for the church, i Tim. iii. 4. One that ruleth well his own houfe, &c. and there are men bred up in fubje&ion and obe- dience, 'tis noted, A6ts xxi. 5. that the difciples brought Paul on his way with their wives and children ; their chil- dren probably are mentioned, to intimate, that their parents would, by their own example and affectionate farewel to Paul, bred them up in a way of reverence and refpeft to the paftors of the church. For the future, 'tis comfortable certainly to fee a thriving nurfery of young plants, and to have hopes that God fhall have a people to ferve him when we are dead and gone ; the people of God comforted themfelves in that, Pfal. cii/28. The children of thy fervant fhall continue/ &c. Upon all thefe confiderations how careful fhould miniftcrs and parents be to train up young ones, while they are yet pliable, and, like wax, capable of any form and impreflion in the knowledge and fear of God ; and betimes to inftil the principles of our moll: holy faith, as they are drawn into a lhort finn in catechifms, as fo altogether laid in the view of conference ? Surely thefe feeds of truth planted in the field of memory, if they work nothing elfe, will at leaft be a great check and bridle to them, and, as the carting in of cold wa- ter doth ftay the boiling of the pot, fomewhat allay the fer- vours of youthful lufts and paffions, I had upon intreaty refoved to recommend to thee with the greateit earneftnefs the work of catechifing,and,as a. meet help, the ufefulnefs of this book as thus printed with the fcriptures at large : But meeting with a private letter of a very learned and godly divine, wherein that work is excel- lently done to my hand, I fhall make bold to tranferibe a part of it, and offer it to publick view, ( The author having bewailed the great diftraftions, corrup- tions and divifions that are in the church, he thus reprefents the caufe and cure : Among others,a principle caufe of thefe mifchiefs is the great and common negleft of the governors of families, in the difcharge of that duty which they owe to God for the fouls that are under their charge, elpecially ifl. teaching them the do&rine of chriflianity. Families are fo* Epiflle tc the Reader. 1 1 focieties that mufl be fancfified to God, as well as churches : And the governors of them have as truly a charge of the fouls that are therein, as paftors have of the churches. But, alas, how little is this considered or regarded ! Bur, while negligent roinifters are (defervedly) caft out of their places, the ne- gligent matters of families take themfelves to be almoftblame- leis. They offer their children to God in baptilm, and there they promife to tr-ich them the doftrine of the gofpel, and bring them up in the nurture of the Lord ; but they eafjly promife, and eafily break it; and educate their children for the world and the flelh ; altho' they have renounced thele, and dedicated them to God. This covenant-breaking with God, and betraying the fouls of their children to the devil, nuift ly heavy on them here or hereafter. They beget chil- dren, and keep families, merely for the world and the fiefh : but little confider what a charge is committed to them, and what it is to bring up a child for God, and govern a family as a fan&ified fociety. O how fweetly and fuefcefsf ullj would the work of God go on, if we would but all join together in our ieveral places to promote it ! Men need not then run with- out fending to be preachers : But they might find that part of the work that belongeth to them to be enough for them, and , the heft that they can be imployed in. Efpecially wo- id be careful of this duty, becaufe as they are mod about their children, and have early and frequent oppomi- to inftrnft them, fo this is the principle fervice they can do ro God in this world, being retrained from more publick work. And doubdefs many an excellent magiftrate have been fent into the common-wealth, and many an excellent >r into the church, and many a precious faint to heaven, through the happy preparations of a holy education, perhaps by a woman that thought herfelf ufelefs and unfcrviceable to the church, would parents but begin betimes, and labour to atf eft the hearts of their children with the great matters of everhftmg life, and to acquaint them with the fubltance of the doftrinc of Chrift, and when they find in them the know- and Jove of Chrift, would bring them then tothepaftors of the church to be tried, confirmed and admitted to the fur- ther privileges of the church, what happy, well-ordered churches might wc have? Then one paflor need not be put to do the work of two or three M or thouiand go\er- aors 12 jvir. 1 nomas iviancon j nors of families ; even to teach their children thofe princi- ples which they fhould have taught them long before : Nor fhould we be put to preach to fo many miserable ignorant fouls, that be not prepared by education to underftand us ; Nor fhould we have need to ftiut out fo many from holy commu- nion upon the account -of ignorance, that yet have not the grace to feel it and lament it, nor the wit and patience to wait in a learning ftate, till they are ready to be fellow-citizens with the faints, and of the houfhold of God. But now they come to us with aged felf-conceitednefs, being paft children; and yet worfe than children ftill : having the ignorance of children, but being over-grown the teachablenefs of children and think themfelves wife, yea, wife enough to quarrel with the wifelt of their teachers, becaufe they have lived longe- nough to have been 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 inftrufiior.s, till they are prepared for them that they may do them good ; like fnappifti currs, that will fnap us by the fingers for their meat, and fnatch it out of our hands ; and not like children, that flay till we give 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 lay- ing the foundation well at firft, that profeflbrs themfelves are fo ignorant as moft are, and that fo mary, efpecially of the younger fort, do fwallow down almoft any error that is of- fered thern, and follow any feet of dividers that will entice them, fo it be but done with earneftnefs and plaufibility. For alas, though, by the grace of God, their hearts may be chan- ged in an hour, (whenever they underftand but the efleritials of the faith) yet their underftandings muft have time and di- ligence to furnifh them with fuch knowledge as muft ftabliili them, and fortify them againft deceit, Upon thefe and ma- ny the like confiderations, we iliould intreat all chriftian fa- milies to take more pains in this neceftary work, and to get better acquainted with the fubftance of chriftianity. And to that end (taking along fome moving; treatifes to awake the Heart) I know not what work fhould be fitter for their ufe, than that compiled by the aflembly at Weflminiter ; a fynod of as godly, judicious divines, (notwithstanding all the bit- ter words which they have received from difcoutented and fclf- Epiftk to the Reader. I ? felf-conceited Men) I Terily think, as ever England favv. Tho' they had the unhappinefs to be employed in calami- tous times, when the noife of wars did ftop men's ears, and the licentioufnefs of wars did let every wanton tongue and pen at liberty to reproach them ; and the profecution and e- vent of thofe wars, did exafperate partial difcontented men, to difhonour themfelves by ieeking to difiionour 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 brfhops, as this of presbyters was, the fame of it for learning and holinefs, and all minifterial abilities, would with very great honour have been tranfmirted to pofterity. I do therefore defire, that all matters of families would firft ftudy well this work themfelves; and then teach it .their children and fervants, according to their feveral capacities. And, if they once underitand thefe grounds of religion, they will be able to read other books more underftandingly, and hearfermons more profitably, and confer more judicioufly, and hold faft the do&rine of Chrift more firmly, than ever you are like to do by any other courfe. Firft let them read and learn the Shorter Catechifm, and next the Larger, and laftly, read the Confeffion of Faith. Thus far he; whofe name I fhall conceal (though the ex- cellency of the matter, and prefent ftile, will cafily difcover hinrQ becaufe I have publiihed it without his privity and content, though, I hope, nor againft his liking and approba- tion, 1 fliall add no more, but that I am 7*hy fervant In the Lord's work, * THOMAS MANTON. An *4 •An ordinance of the lords and commons affembled in p aril a* menty for the calling of an affembly of learned and godly divines y and others, to be confultedivith, by the parlia- ment y for the fettling of the government and liturgy of the church of England ; and for vindicating and clearing of the doElrine of the church from falfe afperfions and in* terpretations. June 12. 1643. WHereas, amongft the infinite bleflings of almighty God upon this nation, none is or can be more dear unto us than the purity of our religion : and for rhar, as yet, many things remain in the liturgy, difcipline and government of the church, which do neceflarily require a further and more perfeft reformation than as yet hath been attained : And whereas it hath been declared and refblved by the lords and commons aflembled in parliament, that the prefent church- government by archbifhops, their chancellors, commifTars, deans, deans and chapters, archdeacons, and other eccle- fiaftical officers depending upon the hierarchy, is evil and juftly offenfive and burdenfbm to the kingdom, a great impe- diment to reformation and growth of religion, and very prejudicial to the ftateand government of this kingdom ; and therefore they are refolved, that thefamefhall betaken 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 agreement with the church of Scotland, and other reformed churches abroad : And for the better effecting here- of, 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 neceiTary to call an aflembly 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 premifles, as fhall be propofed unto them by both or either of the houfes of parliament, and to give their advice and counfel therein to *5 to both, or either of the faid houfes, when, and as often as they fhall be thereunto required. Be it therefore ordained, by the lords and commons in this prefent parliament aflem- bled, that all and every the perfons hereafter in this prefent ordinance named, that is to fay, And fuch other perfon and perfons as fhall be nominated and appointed by both houfes of parliament, or fo many of them as fhall not be letted by ficknefs, or other neceffary im- pediments, fhall meet and afiemble, and are hereby required and injoined upon fummons figned by the clerks of both houfes of parliament, left at their refpeftive dwellings, to meet and aflemble themfelves at Weftminfter, in the chapel called king Henry the Vllth's chapel, on the firft day of July, in the year of our Lord, one thoufand fix hundred and forty three ? and after the firft meeting, being 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 diflblved in fuch manner, as by both houfes of parliament fhall be di- rected ; and the faid perfons, or fo many of them as fhall be foaflembled, or fit, fhall have power and authority, and are hereby likewife injoined from time to time, during this pre- fent parliament, or until further order be taken by both the faid houfes, to confer and treat among themfelves, of fuch matters and things, touching and concerning the liturgy, difcipline and government of the church of England, for the vindicating and clearing of the do&rinc of the fame, from all falfe afperiions and mifconftru&ions, as (hall 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 moft agreeable to the word of God, to both or either of the houfes, from time to time, in fuch manner and fort as by both or either of the faid houfes of parliament, Jhall be required; and the fame not to divulge by printing, writing, or otherwife, without the con- sent of both or either of the houfes of parliament. And be it further ordained, by the authority aforefaid, that William Twiffe doftor in divinity fhall fit in the chair, as prolocutor of the faid aflembly; and if he happen to die, or be letted by ficknefs, or otl • r nccdlary impediment, then fuch oi perfon to be appointed in his place, as ihall be - a by the faid houfes of parliament: ife ai j ce in opi- 1(5 opinions fhall happeii amongft the faid perfons fo aflemblecf, touching any the matters that fhall be propofed to them as forefaid, thac then they fhall reprefent the fa me, together with the reafons thereof, to both or either the faid houfes refpeft- ively to the end fuch further dire&ion may be given therein, as fhall be requifite to that behalf. And be it further ordaind by the authority forfaid, That for the charges and expences of the faid divines, and every oneof them, in attending the faid fervice, there fhall be allowed every one of them that fhall fo attend, during the time of their faid attendance, and for ten days before, and tea days after, the fum of four (hillings' for every day, at the charge of the common-wealth, at fuch time, and in fuch manner, as by both houfes of parliament fhall be appointed. And be it further ordained, That all and every the faid divines, fo, asaforefaid, required and injoyned to meet and aflemble fhall be freed and acquitted of and from every offence, 'forfeiture, penalty, lofs or damage, which fhall or may enfue or grow by reafon of any non-refidence, or abfence of them, or any of them, from h:s, or their, or any of their church, churches or cures, for or in refpeft of their faid attendance upon the faid fervice ; any law or fta- tute of non-refidence, or other law or ftatute injoining their attendance upon their refpe&ive miniftries, or charges, to the contrary thereof, notwithftanding. And if any of the perfons above-named fhall happen to die before the faid afiembly fhall be diflblved by order of both houfes of parliament, then fuch other perfon or perfons, fhall be nominated and pla>- ced in the room and ftead of fuch perfon or perfons fo dying, as by both the faid houfes fhall be thought fit, and agreed upon and every fuch perfon or perfons, fo to be named, fhall have the like power and authority, freedom and acquittal to all intents and purpofes, and alfo all fuch wages and allowances for the faid fervice, during the time of his or their attendance, as to any other of the faid perfons in this ordinance is, by this ordinance, limited and appointed. Provided always, that this ordinance, or any thing therein contained, fhall not give unto the perfons afore-faid, or any of them, nor fhall they in this afiembly affume to exercife, any jurifdiffion, power or authority ecclefiaftical whatfoever, or any other power than is herein particulary expreffed. *7 Aflembly at EDINBURGH, Auguft 19, 1643. SeiX 14. CommifTion of the General Aflembly to fome Minifters and Ruling Elders, for repairing to the Kingdom of England. TH E General Aflembly of the Church of Scotland finding it neceflary to fend fome Godly and Learnrd of this Kirk to the Kingdom of England, to the Effect under-written ; Therefore gives full Power ancf Commiflion to Mr. Alexander Hendcrlon, Mr. Robert Douglas, Mr. Samuel Rutherfoord, Mr. Robert Bailie, and Mr. George Gillefpie, Minifters, John Earl of Caflils, John Lord Maitland, and Sir Archibald Johnfton of Wariftoun, Elders, or any Three of them, whereof Two Ihajl be Minifters, to repair to the Kingdom of England, and there to deliver the Declaration fent unto the Parliament of England, and the r fent unto the Aflembly of Divines now fitting in that Kingdom; and 10 propond, confult, treat and conclude with that Aflembly, or any Commiilioners deputed by them, or any Committees or Commiilioners deputed by the Houfes of Parliament, in ^11 Matters which may further the Union of this Ifland in one Form of Kirk -go , one ConfeiRon of Faith, one Catechifm, one P< • the \Yorfhip of God, accord- ; the InftriKHions which they have received from the Aflembly, or ihall receive from Time to Tune hereafter from the Commiilioners of the Aflembly, deputed for that Effect: With Power alio to them to convey to his Majeity the humble Anfwcr fent from this Aflembly to his Majcfty's Letter*, by fuch Occafion as they (hall think convenient; and fuch like, to deliver the Aflembly 's Aniwer to the Letter fent from fome v/ell- affected Brethren of the Miniftry tliere; and generally authorizes them to do all Things, which may further the fo much defircd Union, and ntarcfi Conjunction of the Two Churches of Scoilund and England, conform to their Inltructians aforeiaid. Many of the Perfons who were called by the forefaid Ordinance of the Lords and Common:;, (in that broken St ! Church) to attend the Aflcr . .tied not; whereupon the whole Work lay on the Hands of the Perfons hereafter mentioned. The Promife and Vow taken by cvciy Member admitted to (It in the Aflembly. I A. B. do ferioufly Promife and Vow, in the Presence of Almighty GOD, That in this Aflembly, whereof I am a Member, 1 will main- tain nothing in Point of Doctrine, but what I believe to be rao Me to the Word of GOD; nor in Point of Difcip make molt foi God's Glory, and the Peace and Good oi ich. A LIST of the DIVINES who met in the Aflembly at Wcftminftu. DR. William Twifc of : B. I). Prolocutor lus Burgr* Bowles of Sutton, B. D. i • jugc of Bla to x8 Jeremiah Whitaker of Streton Dr. Anthony Tuckney of Bofton John Arrowfmith of Lynne Simeon Afhe of St. Brides Philip Nye of Kimbolton Jeremiah Burroughs of Stepney John Lightfoot of Afhley Stanley Gower of Brampton Bryan Richard Heyrick of Manchefter Thomas Caie of London Dr. Thomas Temple of Battery George Gipps of Aylefton Thomas Carter Dr. Humphrey Cambers of Cla- verftoun Thomas Micklethwait of Cherry- burton John Guibon of Waltham ChriftopherTefdak of Uphufborne Henry Philps George Walker, B. D. Edmond Calamy, B. D. of Alder- manbury Dr. Lazarus Seaman of London Jofeph Caryl of Lincoln's Inn Dr. Henry Wilkinfon Senior of Waderfron Richard Vines of Calcot Nicolas ProfFet of Marlburrough Stephen Marchal, B. D. of Finch- ingfield Dr. Joihua Hoyle late of Dublin Thomas Wilfon of Otham Thomas Hodges of Kenfington Thomas Bailie of Mildenhaf, B. D* Francis Taylor of Yalding Thomas Young of Stownmarket Thomas Valentine, B. D. of Chal- font St. Giles p William Greenhil of Stepney Edward Pele of Compton John Green of Pencomb Andrew Pern of Wilby Samuel de la Place John de la March John Dury 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 Winwick, Prolo- cutor after Dr • Twils Herbert Palmer, B. D< of Afnwel, Afleffor after Mr. White Daniel Cawdrey of Great Billing Henry Painter, B. D. of Exeter Henry Scudder of Colingborn Thomas Hill, B. D. of Tichmarch William Reynorj B. D. of Eghain Dr. Thomas Goodwin of London Dr. William Spur flow of Hampden Matthew Newcomb of Dedham Dr. Edmond Staunton of Kingfton John Conant of Lymmington, B. D. Anthony Burees of Sutton Cold- . field * William Rathband Dr. Francis Cheynel of Oxort Dr. Henry Wilkinfon younger o"f Oxford Obadiah Sedgwick, B. D. of Cogfhal Edward Corbift of Marton College, Oxford § Samuel Gibfon of Burley Thomas Coleman of Bliton Theodore BackUurft Wrilliam Carter of London Peter Smith John Maynard of Mayfield William Price of Paul's Church ' 1 Covent Garden John Whincop of St. Martins in the Fields William Bridge of Yarmouth Peter Sterrye of London Wrilliam Mew, B. D. of Ellington Benjamin Pickefing of Eaft-Hoatly John Strickland otSt. Edmonds in Sarum Humphrey Hardwick Jafper Hicks of Lawrick or Lanrakc John Bond Henry Hall, B. D. of Norwich Thomas Ford of London, after- wards of Exeter Thomas Thorowgood of Mailing* ham Peter Clark of Kerby underfill William Good John Foxcroft of Cotham John Ward Richard Byfield of Long-Ditton Francis Wroodcock John Jackfcn of Marfkc Com- *9 Commiflioners from the General Membly of the Church of SCOTLAND. ALcxander Henderfon of Edin- John Earl of Caffils burgh John Lord Manland, afterward Robert Douglafs of Edinburgh Duke of Lauderdale . Samuel Rutherfoord of St. Andrews Sir Archibald Johniton of Wan- Robert Baily of Glafgow ftoun George Gillefpy of Edinburgh Ruling Elders Minilfers Henry Robrough -y Adonirarn Byiieid > Scribes Tohn Wallis 3 Affembly at EDINBURGH, Auguft 27th, 2647. Seff. 22. A& approving the Confeflion of Faith. A Confeflion o? Faith for the Kirks of God, in the Three Kingdom?, being the chiefeft Part of that Uniformity in Religion, which, by the folemn League and Covenant, we are bound to endeavour ; and there « accordingly a Confeflion of Faith agreed upon by the Affembly of cs fitting at Wcftminirer, with the Afliftance of Commiflioners from the Kirk of Scotland; Which Confeflion was Cent from our Commiflion- ers at London, to the Commiflioners of the Kirk met at Edinburgh in January lair, and hath been in this Affembly twice publickly read over, examined and confidered ; Copies thereof being alfo printed, that it might be particularly perufed by all the Members of this Affembly, unto whom frequent Intimation was publickly made, to put in their Doubts and Ob- jections, if they had any : And the faid Confeflion being, upon due Exa- mination thereof, found by the Affembly to be mo(F agreeable to the "Word of God, and in nothing contrary to the received Doctrine, Wor- fhip, Difcipline and Government of this Kirk. And laitly, it being fo receffary, and fo much longed for, that the faid Confeflion be, with all poflible Diligence and Expedition, approved and eftablifhed in both King- doms, as a principal Part of the intended Uniformity in Religion, and as a fpecial Means for the more effectual Supprefling of the many dangerous , Errors and Herefies of thefe Times. The General Affembly doth tl I fore, after mature Deliberation, agree unto, and approve the faid Con- feflion, as to the Truth of the Matter; (judging it to be mult Orthodox, and grounded upon the Word of God) and alio, as to the Point of Uni- formity, agreeing for our Part, that it be a common Confeflion of Faith for the Three Kingdoms. The Affembly doth alfo blcfs the Lord, thankfully acknowledge his great Mercy, in that fo excellent a I of Faith is prepared, and thus I upon in both Kingdoms; which we look upon as a great (Irengthning ot the true Reformed Religion, a- gainll the com;* . but. left our Intention and A B 2 ing 20 ing be in feme Particulars mifunderftood, jt is hereby exprefly declared and provided, That the not mentioning in this Confeilion, the feveral Sorts of Ecclefiaftical Officers and AfTemblies, mail be no Prejudice to the Truth of Chrift, in thefe Particulars, to be expreiTed fully in the Di- rectory of Government. It is further declared, That the AflemWy un- derftandeth fome Parts of the fecond Article oi the Thirty-oile Chapter, only of Kirks not fettled, cr conftituted in Point of Government : And that although, infuch Kirks, a Synod of Minifters, and other fit Perfons, maybe called by the Magiftrate's Authority and Nomination, without any other Gall, to confult and advife with, about Matters of Religion; andaltho* likewife the Minifters of Chriit, without Delegation from their Churches, may of -themfelve's, and by vertue of their Office, meet together Synodi- cally in fuch Kirks, not yet conftituted; yet neither of thefe ought to be done, in Kirks conftituted and fettled: It being always free to the Ma- giftrate to advife with Synods of Minifters and Ruling-Elders, meeting upon Delegation from their Churches, either ordinarily, or, being in- dicted by his Authority, occafionally and pro re nata; it being alfo free to aflemble together SVnodically, as well pro re nata as at the ordinary Times, upon Delegation from the Churches, by the intrinfical Power received from Chnft, as often as it is necefTary for the Good of the Church fo to afTemble, in cafe the Magiftrate, to the Detriment of the Church, withhold or deny his Confent ; the Neceflity of occasional Af- femblies being iirft remonilrate unto him by humble Supplication. A. KER. Charles L Pari 2. Self. 2. Aft 1 6. Aft anent the Catechifms, Confefilon of Faith, and Rati- fication thereof. At EDINBURGH, February 7th, 1649. THE Eftates of Parliament now prefently conveened in this fecond Seizor* of the fecond Triennial Parliament, by vertue of an Acl of the Committe of Eftates, who had Power and Authority from the laft Parliament for conveening the Parliament, having ferioufly conddered the Catechifms, viz. the Larger and Shorter Ones, with the Confeilion of Faith, with Three Acts of Approbation thereof by the Commjtlioners of the General Aflembly, preiented unto them by the Commiflioners of the faid General AiTembly ; Do ratify and approve the faid Catechifms, Confeilion of Faith, and Ads of Approbation of the fame, produced as it is •, and ordains them t© be recorded, published and practifed. THE THE Confession of Faith, Agreed upon by the ASSEMBLY of DIVINES A T WESTMINSTER, "With the Affiftancc of COMMISSIONERS FROM THE CHURCH of SCOTLAND* A S A Part of the Covenanted Uniformity in Religion betwixt the Churches of Christ in the King- doms of Scotland, England and Ireland. Approved by the General djfembly 1647, and ratified and eftablifncd by A£i of Parliament 1649, as the publick and avowcdCoNFESSioN of the CHURCH of .S C 0 T- l A N D. With the Proofs from the Scripture. GLASGOW; Printed by Archibald M(Liah, f I.DCC.LVH, 22 The C O NT E N TSi Chap. I. f~\F the Holy Scripture. II- KJ Of God and of the Holy Trinity. ' III Of God's Eternal Decree. IV. Of Creation. V. Of Providence, VI. Of the fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punijbment thereof VII Of God's Covenant -with Mart* VIII. Of Chrift the Mediator. IX- Of Freewill. X. OfEfeclual Calling. XL O/* Juftification. XII. Of Adoption. XIII. Of San&if cat/on, XIV. Of Saving Faith,. XV. Of Repentance unto Life. XVI. Of Good Works. XVII. 0//** Perfeverance of the Saints. XVIII. Of Ajfurance of Grace and Salvation. XIX. 0//J* £«w o/G^. XX. 0/- Chrijlian Liberty, and Liberty ofConfciencel XXI. Of Religious Worjhip, and the Sabbath-Day. XXII. Of Lawful Oaths and Vows. XXIII. 0//A* Cm'/ Magiftrate. XXIV Of Marriage and 'Divorce. XXV.- 0//J* G&wrofe XXVI; Of Communion of Saints'. XX VII. Of the Sacraments, XXVIII: OfBaptifm. XXIX. Of the Lord's Sapper* XXX. Of Church-Cenfures XXXI: Of Synods and Councils'. XXXII. of the State of Men after 'Death, end of the RefurreBion of the Dead; XXXIII. of the lafl Judgment. THE *3 THE Confession of Faith: Agreed upon by the Ajfembly of Divines at JVeftmin- fieri Examined and approved, Anna 1647. by the General Assembly of the Church of SCOT*- LANT>\ And ratified by Aft of Parliament 1649. Chap. I. Of the Holy Scripture. ALTHOUGH the Light of Nature, and the Works of Creation and Providence, do fo far manifeft th« Goodnefs, Wifdom, 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 ne- ceflary unto Salvation b. Therefore it pleafed the Lord, at fundrjr 1. a Rom. 2. 14. For when the Gentiles which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, thefe having not the law, are a law unto thcmfelves : v. 15. Which mew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience alfo bearing witnefs, and their thoughts the mean while ac- cyfing or clfe excufing one another. Rom. 1. 19. Becauie that which rnaybeknownofGod,ismanifefled in them ; for. God hath fhewn it un- to them. v. 20. For the invilible s of him from the creation of the world, are clearly feen, being underftood by the things that arc made, even his eternal power and Godhead; fo that tlu ti.out excufe. Tfal. 19. 1. The heavens larc the glory of God; and the £i»araem (heweth his handy-woik. Ter. 2. Day unto day uttereth fpeech, and night unto night {hew- rth knowledge, v. 3. There is no fpeech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Rom. I. 32.^ Who knowfhg the judgment of God, (that they which commit fuch things are worthy of death) not only do the fame, but have plea- sure in them that do them. With Rom. 2. 1. Therefore thou art in- excufable, () man, whofoover thou art that judged; for wherein thou judgeit another, thou condemned thylelf; tor thou tfa doft the fame things. 'b 1 1. For after that, in the wifdOl world by in knew God by the foolifhncfs of pi to favc them that believe. 13. Which things alfo we fp 24 wlhe {jtnjejjion o] rattb. L.HAP. I. fundry Times, and in divers Manners, to reveal himfelf, and to declare that his Will unto the Church c ; and afterwards, for the better Preferving and Propagating of the Truth, and for the more fure Eftablifliment and Comfort of the Church againft the CorruRtioi* of the Flefh, and the Malice of Satan and of the World, to commit the fame wholly unto Writing d\ Which maketh the Holy Scripture to be mod neceflary e ; thofe former Ways of God's Revealing his Will unto his People, being now ceafed/. II. Under the Name of Holy Scripture, or the Word of God not in the words which man's wiP dom teachcth, but which the holy Ghoft teacheth, comparing fpiri- tual things with fpiritual. v. 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God ; for they are foolifhnefs unto him : neither "can he know them, becaufe they are fpiritually difcerqed. c Heb. 1.1. God who at fundry times, and in divers manners, fpake in time pad unto the fathers by the prophets. d Prqv. 22. 1 9. That thy truft may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. ▼. 20. Have not i written to thee excellent things in counfels and knowledge; v. 21. That I might make thee knQW the certainty of the words of truth ; that thou mightft anfwer the words of truth to them that fend unto thee ? Luke 1. 3. It feemed good to me alfo, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very fir ft, tp write unto thee in order, mod excellent Theophilus, v.4. That thou mightft know the certainty of thofe things, wherein thou haft been inftrucled* Rom. 15.4. For whatfbever things were written aforetime, were writ- ten for our learning ; that we thro* patience and comfort of the fcrip- tures might have hope. Matth. 4. 4. But he anfwered and faid* It is written, Man fhall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedcth out of the mouth of God. v. 7. Jefus faid unto him, It is written again, Thou malt not tempt the Lord thy God. v. 10. Then faith Jefus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan : for it is written, Thou fhalt wprfhip the Lord thy God, and him only (halt thou ferve. ifa. 8. 19. And when they fhall fay unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar fpirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter ; fhould not a people feek unto their God ? for the living to the dead ? v. 20. To the law and to the tcftimony : if they fpeak not according to this word, it is becaufe there is no light in them. e 2 Tim. 3. if, And that from a child thou haft known the holy f cri- ptures, which are able to make thee wife unto falvation, through faith which is in Chrift jefus. 2 Pet. 1. 19. We have alfo a more fure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that fhineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-ftar a- rife in your hearts. f Heb. 1 . 1 . God, who at fundry times , and in divers manners , fpake, in time paft unto the fathers by the prophets : v. 2. Hath in thefc kit days fpoken unto us by his fori whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom alfo he made the world. gLuke CHAP, I, Ihe Ccnfejjion of faith. 25 God written, are now contained all the Books of the Old and New Teftament, which are thefe : Of the Old Testament Genefis. II. Chronicles. Daniel. Exodus, Ezra. Hofea. Leviticus. Nehemiah. Joel. Numbers. Eftner. Amos. Deuteronomy, Job. Pfaims. Obadiah. Jofhua. Jonah. Micah . Judges. Proverbs. Ruth. Ecdefiaftes, Nahum. I. Samuel. ThtSongofSongs. Habakkuk. 11. Samuel. Ifaiah. Zephaniah. I. Kings. Jeremiah. Lamentations. Haggai. II. Kings. Zechariah, I. Chronicles. ! Ezekid. 1 Malachi. Of the * Ikw Testament. The Gofpels ac- \ Corinthians II. 1 The Epiflle to the cording to Galatiais. Hebrews. Matthew. Ephefiais. The Epiftle of Mark. Philipphns, James. The firft and fecond Lukef ColoiTiais. John. The A&s of the Theflalcnians I. Epiftles of Peter. Theflalcnians II. The firft, fecond Apoftles. To Tirrothy I. and third Epiftles Paul's Epiftles to the To Timothy II. of John. TheEpiftleofJude. Romans. To Titis. Corinthians I. 1 To Philemon. The Revelation, All which are given by Infpiration of God, to be the Rule of Faith and Life, g p.Lukc 16.29. Abraham faith rn« to bim, they have Mofes and the prophet*?, let ihcm hear them. si. and lie faid unto bim, they hear not Moles and the pro- phets, neither will they be periwa- ded, though one rofe froTi the L Kph. 2. 20. And are built u- pon the foundation of the apoftles and prophets, Jcfus Chrilt himielf being the chief corner-llonc. K 22. 18. For 1 tctUiy unto c *6 The Confejjlon of Faithl Chap. t. III. The Books commonly called Apocrypha, not being of Divine Infpiration, are no Part of the Cannon of the Scrip- ture; and therefore are of no Authority in the Church of God, nor to be any otherwife approved, or made Ufe of, than other human Writings h. IV. The Authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought. to be believed and obeyed, dependeth not upon the Teftimony of any Man, or Church ; but wholly upon God (who is Truth itfelf) the Author thereof; and therefore it is to be received, becaufe it is the Word of God i ♦ V. We may be moved and induced by the Teftimony of the Church, to an high and reverend Efteem of the Holy Scripture k, and the Heavenlinefs of the Matter, the Efficacy of the Do&rine, the Majefty of the Stile, the Confent of all the man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man ihall add unto thefe things, God (hall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. v. 19. And if any man mail take away from the words of the book of this pro- phecy, Gci mail take away his part out of the l^ook of life, and ant of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. 2 Tim. 3. 16. All fcripture is given by infpiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for re- proof, for correction, for inftrucli- on in righteoufnefs. III. h Luke 24. 27. And beginning at Mofes, and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the fcriptures the things concerning himfelf. v. 44. And he faid unto them, Thefe are the words which I fpake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things muft be fulfilled which were written in the law of Mofes, and in the prophets, and in the pfalms concerning me.' Rom. 3.2. Much every way: chief- ly becaufe unto them were commit- ted the oracles of God. 2 Pet .1.21. Per the prophecy came riot in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God fpake as they were moved by the Holy Ghoft. IV. i 2 Pet. 1. 9. We have alfo a more fure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that fhineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-ftar arife in your hearts. v. 21. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God fpake as they ■were moved by the Holy Ghoft. sTim. 3. 16. All fcripture is given by infpiration of God, and is pro- ftable for dodtrinej for reproof, hr correction, for inftrudtion in ighteoufnefs. 1 John c. 9. If we receive the witnefs of men, the vitnefs of God is greater: for this s the witnefs of God, which he aath teftified of his Son. 1 ThefT. 2. 13. For this caufealfo thank we God without ceafing, becaufe when ye received the word of God, which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which ef- fectually worketh alfo in you that believe. V. k 1 Tim. 3. 15. But if 1 tarry long, that thou may eft know how thou oughteft to behave thyfelf in the houfe of God, which is the church of the living God, the pil- lar and ground of the truth. 1 1 Joha C H 4 P. T . The Confejjton of Faith. 2 7 the Parts, the Scope of the Whole, (which is to give all Glory to God) the full Difcovery it makes of the only Way of Man's Salvation, the many* other incomparable Excellencies, and the intire Perfection thereof, are Arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence itfelf to be the Word of God; yet not- withftanding our full Perfuafion and AfTurance of the infal- lible Truth, and Divine Authority thereof, is from the in- ward Work of the holy Spirit, bearing Wicnefs by and with the Word in our Hearts /. VI. The whole Counfel of God, concerning all Things neceflary for his own Glory, Man's Salvation, Faith and Lite, is either exprefly iet down in Scripture, or by good and ne- ceflary Confequence may be deduced from Scripture : Unto which nothing at any Time is to be added, whether by new Revelations of the Spirit, or Traditions of Men m. Never- the- 1 1 John 2. 20. But ye have an unction from the holy One, and ye know all things, v. 27. But the anointing which ye have received of him aoideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you : But as the fame anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie ; and even as it hath taught you, ye fhall abide in him, John 16. 13. Howbeit, when the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth : for he fhallnot fpeak of him- lelf , but whatfoever he ihall hear, that (hall he fpeak; and he will (hew you dungs to come. v. 14. Hefhall glorify me : for he fhall receive of mine, and fhall mew it unto you. I Cor. 2. 10. But Cod hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit, for the Spirit fearcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. v. 11. For what man knoweth the things of a man, fave the fpirit of man which is in him ? even fo the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit ©f God. v. 12. Now we have re- ceived, not the fpirit of the world, but the fpirit which is of God ; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. lfaiah *y. 21.* As for rae, this is »y co- venant with them, faith the Lord, My Spirit that is upon thee, and my words w hich I have put in thy mouth, lhall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy feed, nor out of the mouth of thy feed's feed, faith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever. VI. m 2 Tim. 3. ic. And that from a child thou haft known the holy fcriptures, which are able to make thee wife unto falvation, through faith which is in Chriftjefus. v. 16. All fcripture is given by infpiration of God, and is profitable for doc- trine, for reproof, for correction, for inftruclion in righteoufnefs. v. 17. That the man of God may be perfect,, thoroughly furnifhed unto all good works. Gal. 1. 8. But though we, or an angel from hea- ven, preach any other gofpel unto you, than that which we have preached unto you, let him be ac- curlcd. v. 9. As wefaid before, fo fay I now again : If any man preach any other gofpel unto you, than that ye have received, let him be accural. 2 Their. 2.2. That ye be not foon (haken in mind, or be troubled, neither by fpirit, nor by word, nor by letter, as from us, as *8 The Confejjion of Fatth^ Chap. r. thelefs, we acknowledge the inward Illumination of the Spi- rit of God to be neceflary for the faving Underftanding of fiich Things as are revealed in the Word »; and that there are fbme Circumftances concerning the Worfiiip of God, and Government of the Church, common to human A&ions and Societies, which are to be ordered by the Light of Nature, and Chriftian Prudence, according to the general Rules of the Word, which are always to be obferved o. m VII. All Things in Scripture are not alike plain in them- (elves, nor alike clear unto all,?, yet thofe Things which are neceflary to be known, believed, and obferved for Salvation, are (b clearly propounded and opened in fome Place of Scrip- ture or other, that not only tfie Learned but the Unlearned, in a due Ufe of the ordinary Means, may attain unto a fuffi- cient Underftanding of them q. h VIII. The Old Teftament in Hebrew, (which was the na- tive Language of the People of God of old) and the New Teftament in Greek, (which at the Time of the writing of it vvas moft generally known to the Nations) being immediately inlpired by God, and by his lingular Care arjd Providence kept as that the day of Chrift is at hand. n John 6. 4£. It is written in the prophets, And they fhall be all taught of God, Every man there- fore that hath heard, and hath lear- ned of the Father, cometh untp me. I Cor. 2. o. But as it is written, Eye hath not ieen, nor ear heard, nei- ther have entred into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. v. io. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit : for the Spirit iearcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. % v. n. For what man knoweth the things of a mans fave the Spirit of man which is in him ? even fo the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. v. 12. Now we have received^ 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 of God. o i Cor. ii. is. Judge in your- fdves, is it comely that a womaa pray unto God uncovered ? v. 14. Doth not even nature itfclf teach you, that if a man have long hair it is a (hame unto him ? 1 Cor. 14. 26. How is it then, brethren, when ye come together, every one of you hath a pfalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tpngue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation ? Let all things be done unto edifying, v. 40. Let all things be done decently, and in order. VII. p 2 Pet. 3. 1$. Asalfoinall his epiftles, fpeaking in them of thefe things, in which are fome things hardto be underftqqd, which they that are unlearned and unit/a- ble wreft, as they do alfo the other fcriptures, unto their pwn deftruc- tion. q Pfal. 119. 105. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. v. 130. The entrance ofthy words giveth light, it giveth underftanding unto the fimple. VIII. r. Mat, Chap. i. 'The Confejjlon of Faith. 29 kept pure in all Ages, are therefore authentical r ; Co as, in all Controverfies of Religion, the Church is finally to appeal un- to them/ But becaufe thefe Original Tongues are not known to all the People of God, who have Right unto and Intereft in the Scriptures, and are commanded, in the Fear of God, to read and fearch them / ; therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar Language of every Nation unto which they come v, that, the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may worihip him in an acceptable Manner iv, and, through Patience and Comfort of the Scriptures, may have Hope x. IX. The infallible Rule of Interpretation of Scripture, is the Scripture itfelf; and therefore, when ther^is a (Vueftion about the true and full Senfe of any Scripture, (which is not manifold, but one) it mult be fearched and known by other Places VIII. r Mat. t. t8. For vc riJy I fay unto you, Till heaven and earth pafs, one jot, or one title fliall in no wife pafs from the law, till all be fulfilled. f lfaiah 8. 20. To the law. and to the teitimony : if they freak not according, to this word, it is ttlie there is no light in them. Acts 15. 15. And to this agree the words of the prophets, as it is writ- ten. John 5. 29. Search the fcrip- turcs, for in them ye think yc have al life, and they are they which tcitify of me. v. 46. For had ye be- licv t ye would have belie- ved : c wrote of me. t John j. 39. Search the (crip* tures, for in them > e think ye have etcr: and uhcy arc they which teftifiy of me. \ 1 Cor. 14. 6. Now, brethren, if I come unto you fpeak in g with ies, what (hall I profit you, ex- cept I (hall fpeak tu you either by re .elation, or by kh' or by 6\ by doctrine? \ . Sohkewife pi ye utter by the tongue words eafy to be undcr- 1, how mail it be known what . into the air. 7. II. ThcK not the meaning of the foice, I fliall be unto him that fpeaketh a barbarian ; and he that fpeaketh (hall be a barbarian unto me. v. 12, Even fo ye, torafmueh as ye are. zealous 01 fpiritual gifts, feck that ye may excel to the edifying of the church, v. 24. Hut if all prop), ar.d there come in v r thin/ v.cte written for our lcarc 1 we through patience a- : of 3o TheJConfcJJion of Faith* Cahp* 2. Places that fpake more clearly .y. X. The fupreme Judge, by which all Controverfies of Re- ligion are to be determined, and all Decrees of Councils, Opinions of ancient Writers, Doftrines of Men, and private Spirits, are to be examined, and in whofe Sentence we are to reft ; can be no other but the Holy Spirit fpeaking in the Scripture z. Chap. II. Of God, and of the Holy Trinity. THERE is but One only # , Living and True God b9 who is Infinite in Being and Perfe&ion c , a molt pure Spirit d9 Invi- IX. y 2 Pet. i> 20. Knowing this firft, that no prophecy of the lcrip- tureis of any private interpretation. v. 21. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man : but holy men of God fpake as they were moved by the holy Ghoft. Acls 15. I £ . And to this agree the words of the prophets, as it is written, v. 16. After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David which is fallen down, and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I willfet it up. X. z Mat. 22. 29. Jefus anfwered and faid unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the fcriptures, nor the power of God. v. 31. But as touch- ing the refurre&ion of the dead, have ye not read that which was fpoken unto you by God, faying. Eph. 2.20. And are built upon the foundation of the apoftles and pro- phets, Jefus Chriilhimfelf being the chiefcorner-rtone.WithAdts28.25. And when ihey agreed not among themfelves,they departed, afterthat Paul had fpoken one word, Well fpake the holy Ghoft by Efaias the prophet unto our fathers. l.aDeut.vi.4.Hear,Olfrael,the Lord our Godis one Lord. iCor.8. 4. As concerning therefore the eat- ing of thofe things that are offered in facrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. v. 6. But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him ; and one Lord Jefus Chrift, by whom are all tilings, and we by him. b 1 Thef . 1 .9 . For they themfelye9 fhewof us, what manner of entring in we had unto you, and how yc turned to God from idols, to ferve the living and true God. Jer. 10. 10. But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlafting King. c Job 11. 1. Canft thou by fearch- ing find out God ? canft thou find out the Almighty unto perfection ? v. 8. It is as high as heaven, what canft thou do ? deeper than hell, what canft thou know ? v. 9. The meafure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the fea. Job 26, 14. Lo, thefe are parts of his ways, but how little a portion is heard of him ? but the thunder of his power who can underftand ? dJohrr4.24. Godis a Spirit, and they that worfhip him, muft wor- fhip him in fpirit and in truths e i Tim; Chap. 2. '7fo Confejfion of Faith. 3 1 Invisible ntfs, neither fhadow of turning. Mai. 3. 6. For 1 am the Lord, I change not : therefore ye fons of Jacob are not confumed. i 1 Kings 8. 27. But will God in- deed dwell on the earth ? behold, the heaven, -and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee, how much lefa this houfc tfcat I have fcuiljied ? 23. 23. Am 1 a God at hand, faith the Lord, and not a God afar off? v. 24. Can any hide himfclf in fe- cret places, that 1 ihall not fee him ? faith the Lord : do not I fill heaven and earth ? faith the Lord. k Ffal. 90. 2. Before the moun- tains were brought forth, or ever thou hadft formed the earth and the world, even from everlafting to c- verlafting thou art God. 1 Tim. 1. 17. Now unto the King eternal, im- mortal, invilible, the only wife God, be honour and glory, for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Pfal. 145.3. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praifed ; and his greatnefs is unfearchable. mGen. 17.1. And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and faid unto him, i am the Almighty God ; walk before me, and be thou per- fect. Rev. 4. 8. And the four bcafts had each of them fix wings about him, and they were full of eyes within, and they reft not day and night, laying, Holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty, which was# and is, and is to come. n Rom. 1 6. 26. To God only wife, be glory through Jcfus Chrift, ever. Amen. o ifa. 6. 3. And one cried unto> another, and faid. Holy, holy, holy* is the Lord of hofts, the whole earth, is full of his glory. Rev. 4. 8. ( letter m immediately for p Pfal. 1 15. 3. But oui God is in the heavens : he hath done whatfo- ever he pleaieth. q Fxod. 3. 14. And God faid unto Moles, I A M TH A r I A And he find, 'I . unto the children o! hath ato you. I I 3 2 J he Lonitjffion of ± aitb. C H A P. 2. and moft righteous Will r% for his own Glory/; moft Lov- ing ty Gracious, Merciful, Long-fuffering, abundant in Goodnefs and Truth, forgiving Iniquity, TranfgrefTion, and Sin v ; the Rewarder of them that diligently feek him w ; and withal moft juft and Terrible in his Judgments x, hating all Sift v, and who will by no means clear the Guilty z. II. God hath all Life a, Glory b9 Goodnefs c, Blefled- nefs, r Eph. 1. 11. In whom alfo we have obtained an inheritance, be- ing predeftinated according to the purpofe of him, who worketh all things after the counfel of his own will. f Prov. 16. 4. The Lord hath made all things for himfelf: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. Rom. 1 1 . 36. For of him, and through him, and to him are all things : to whom be glory for ever. Amen. 1 1 John 4. 8. He that loveth not, knoweth not God, for God is love. y. 16. And we have known and be- lieved the love that God hath to us. God is love ; and he that dwel- leth in love, dwelieth in God, and God in him. v Exod. 34. 6. And the Lord paf- fed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-fuffering, and abundant in goodnefs and truth, v. 7. Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, and tranfgref- fion, and fin, and^ that will by no means clear the guilty; vifiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. w Heb. 1 1 . 6. But without faith it is impoilible to pleafe him : for he that cometh to God, rauft believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently feek him. x Neh. 9. 32. Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepeft co- venant and mercy ; let not all the trouble feem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priefta, and on our prophets, and on our fa- thers, and on all thy people, lince the time of the kings of Affyria, unto this day. v. 33. Howbeit, thou art ju(t in all that "is brought upon us ; for thou haft done right, but we have done wickedly. y Pfal. 5. 5. The foolifh (hall not (land in thy^ light : thou hateft all workers of iniquity, v. 6. Thou (halt deftroy them that fpeak lea- fing : the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man. z Nahum 1.2. God is zealous, and the Lord revengeth, the Lord revenge th and is furious, the Lord will take vengeance on his adver- faries, and he referveth wrath for his enemies, v. 3. The Lord is flow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked : the Lord hath his way in the whirl- wind, and in the ftorm, and the clouds are the duft of his feet. Exod. 34. 7. Keeping mercy for thoufands, forgiving iniquhy, and tranfgreflion, and lin, and that will by no means clear the guilty ; vi- fiting the iniquity of the fathers up- on the children, and upon the chil- dren's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. 1 1 . a John j . 26. For as the Father hath life in himfelf, fo hath he given to the Son to have life in himfelf. b Acts 7.2. And he faid, Men, bre- thren, & fathers, hearken, The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mefopo- tamia, before he dwelt in Charran. c Pfal. 119. 68. Thou art good, and doft good, teach mc thy itatutes. d 1 Tiax. Chap. i. The Confefflon of Faith. 33 fiefs -, in and of himfelf ; and is alone in and unto himfelf All-fufficient, not (landing in need of any Creatures which he hath made , nor deriving any Glory from them ', but only manifefting his own Glory, in, by, unto, and upon them: He is the alone Fountain of tall Beings, of whom, through whom, and to whom are al! Things ; and hathmoft fbvereign Dominion over them, to do by them, for them, or upon them, whatfoever himfelf pleafeth . In his Sight all Things are open and manifeft ; his Knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent upon the Creature , fo as nothing is to him con- tingent or uncertain . He is mod holy in all his Counfels, in di Tim. 6. i£. Which in his times he (hall fhew, who is the bleffed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. Rom. 9. £. Whofe are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flelh Chrift came ; who is over all, God bleffcd for e- Ter. Amen. c Acts 17. 24. God that made the world, and all things therein, fee- ing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands : r. 2 c. Neither is wor- fhipped with mens hands, as though he needed any thing, feeing he giv- eth to all life, and breath, and all things. f |ob 22. 2. Can a man be pro- fitable unto God, as he that is wife may be profitable unto himfelf? v. 3. Is it any pleafure to the Al- mighty that thou art righteous ? or is it gain to him, that thou mak- eft thy ways perfect i g Rom. 11. 36. For of him, and through him, and to him arc all ihiogl : to whom be glory for ever. Amen. h Rev. 4. 1 1. Thou art worthy, 0 Lord, to receive glory, and ho- nour, and power; tor thou haft created all things, and pica- fare they 1 Tim. 6. 1 ;. [S« letter d immedi- ately foregoing.] D?.n. 4. 2$;. That they (hall drive thee I . .ind thy dwelling fhall be with tl 1 *i the Bel* and they :: thee to eat grafs as oxen, and they fhall wet thee with the dew of hea- ven, and feven times ihall pafs over thee, till thou know that the moll High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, v. 35. And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing : and he doth according to his will in the army of heaven, and amoa<* the inhabitants of the earth : and none can ltay his hand, or fay un- to him, \\ hat doit thou ? i Heb. 4. 13. Neither is there any creature that is not manifeft in his fight : but all things are naked and open unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. kRom. 11.33. O the depth of the riches,, both" of the wiidom and knowledge of God ! how unfea reli- able are his judgments, and his ways pall finding out ! v. 24. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, or who hath been his coun- fcller: Pfal. 147. 5. Great is our Lord, and of great power: his un- demanding is miinite. 1 Acts i>. 18. Known unto God works from the begin- ning of the world, t zck. 11 c. the S I rOrd fell upou Thus fairh the 1 ord, I bus have ye laid, 1 ifrael : 7 the things th .ar mind^ cm, C a Pfal 34 IheConfeJfion of Faith. Chap. 3; in all his Works, and in all his Commands w. To him is due from Angels and Men, and every other Creature, whatfo- ever Worihip, Service or Obedience he is pleafed to require of them *. III. In the Unity of the Godhead there be Three Perfons, of one Subftance, Power and Eternity ; God the Father, God theSon, and God the Holy Ghoft o. The Father is of none, neither begotten nor proceeding: The Son is eternally begotten of the Father />, the Holy Ghoft eternally proceed- ing from the Father and the Son q. Chap. III. Of God's Eternal T>ecree. GOD from all Eternity did, by the mod wife and holy Counfel of his own Will, freely and unchangeably or- dain mPfal. 14$. if. The Lord is righ- teous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. Rom. 7.12*. Where- fore the law is holy, and the com- mandment holy, andjuft, and good. nRev. 5. 12. Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was (lain, to receive power, arid riches, and wifdom, and ftrength, and ho- • nour, and glory, and blefling. v. 13. And every creature which is in hea- ven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and fuch as are in the fea, and all that are in them, heard I, faying, Blefling, and honour, and glory, and power be unto him that iitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. v. 14. And the four hearts faid, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worfhipped him that liv- eth for ever and ever. III. o 1 John 5. 7. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the holy Ghoft : and thefe three are one. Mat. 3.16. And jefus, when he was baptized, went up ftrai<*htway out of the water : and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he faw the Spirit of God defcendin^ like * dove, and lighting upon him. v. 17. And lo, a voice from heaven, faying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleafed. Mat. 28. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghoft. 2 Cor. 13. 14. The grace of the Lord Jefus Chrift, and the love of God, and the commu- nion of the holy Ghoft, be with you all. Amen. p John 1.14. And the Word was made flefh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Fa- ther) full of grace arid truth, v. 18. No man hath feen God at any time ; the only begotten Son, which is in the bofom of the Father, he hath declared him. q John 1 5. 26. But when the Com- forter is come, whom I will fend unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he ihall teftify of me. Gal. 4. 6. And becaufe ye arc fons, God hath fent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. I. a Eph. Chap. j. 7he Confejjion of Faith. 3* dain whatfbever comes to pafs* : Yet fo, as thereby neither is God the Author of Sin kf nor is Violence offered to the Will of the Creatures, nor is the Liberty or Contingency o:* Second Caufes taken away, but rather eflablifhed c. II. Although God knows whatfoever may or can come to pafs upon all fuppofed Conditions yh; ■ were all things created that a:e 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. Acts 17. 24. God that made the world, and all things therein, fee- ing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwellethnot in temples made with hands. II. d Gen. 1. 27. So God created man in his own image, in the image ©f God created he him : male and female created he them. e Gen. 2. 7. And the Lord God formed man of the duft of the ground, and breathed into his no- Mis the breath of life ; and man became a living foul. WithEccl. 12. 7. Then fhall the duft return to the earth as it was ; and the fpirit fhaJl return untrrGod who gave it. And Luke 23. .43. And jejus faid unto him, Verily I fay unto thee, To day fhalt thou be with me in paradife. And Mat. 10. 28. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the foul : but rather fear him which is able to deftroy botk foul and body in hell. IGen. 1. 26. And God faid, Let us make man in our image, after our likenefs : and let them have dominion over the fiih of the fca, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all tjie earth, and over every creeping thing that crcepeth upon the earth. Col 3.10. And have put on the new man, which is renewed in know- ledge, after the image of him that created him. Eph. 4. 24. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteoufnefs, and true holinefs. g Rom. 2. 14. 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 unto themfelves : v. 1 5 . W hick fhew the work of the law written in their hearts, their confeience alfo bearing witnefs, and their thoughts the mean while accufing, or elfc excuiing one another. h Eccl. 7. 29. Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made rna^ upright; but they have fought Out many inventions. i Gen. Chap. ?. *be {^on/epon oj raitn. 41 under a Poflibility of tranfgreffing, being left to the Liberty ©f their own Will, which was fubject unto Change u Bedde this Law written in their Hearts, they received a Command, not to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil ; which while they kept, they were happy in their Communioa with God k, and had Dominion over the Creatures K Chap. V. Qf Providence. ("^ O D, the great Creator of all Things, doth up- J hold ', direct, difpofe, and govern all Crearures, Actions, and Things b, from the greateft even to the leaft, iGen. 3.6. And when the woman faw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pie af ant to the eyes, and a tree to be deiired to make one wife ; me took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave alfo unto her hufband with her, and he did eat, Eccl. 7. 29. (See letter h immediate- ly foregoing.) k Gen. 2. 17. But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou malt not eat ot it : fur in the day that thou eated thereof, thou malt furely die. Gen. 3. 18. And they heard the voice of the Lord Goi walking in the garden in the cool of the day : and Adam and his wife hid themielvcs from the prefence of the Lord God amongd the trees of the garden, y. o. And the Lord God called unto Adam, and faid un- to him, Where art thouf v. 10. And he faid, 1 heard thy voice in the farden: and 1 was afraid, becaufe was naked andlhidmyfclf. v. 11. And he faid, Who told thee that thou wall naked ? Hud thou eaten of the tree, whereof 1 commanded thee, that thou moulded not cat \ v. 23. I berefore the Lord Godient him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground, from whence he was taken. ldcn. 1. 20. And God faid, Let us make man in (4ir image, after our likcBefs ; and let thcgi bavw do- minion over the fifh of 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, v. 28. And G od blcfieth them , and God faid un- to them, Be fruitful, and multiply , and replenish the earth, andfubdue it : and have dominion over the fifh of the fea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. I. a Heb. 1.3. W ho being the brightnefs of his glory, and the ex- press image of his Dcrfon, and up- holding all things oy the word of his power, when he had by himfelf purged £ur fins, fat down on the right hand of the majefty on high, b Dan. 4. 34. And at the encf of the days, I Nebuchadnezzar lift up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine underdanding returned unto me, and 1 bleifed the moll High, and i praifed and honoured him that lir- cth for ever, whofe dominion is an everlading dominion, and his king- dom is from generation to genera- tion, v. 35. And all the inhabi- tants of the earth are reputed at nothing: and he doth according ta his will in the armv of. heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth : and none can Hay his hand* or fay unto him, \\ hat dod thou ? Pfai. i]j. 6, Whatsoever the Lord plcafcd, 42 The Confejfion of Faith) Chap, y. leaft c, by his mod wife and holy Providence J, according to his infallible Foreknowledge e, and the free and immuta- ble Counfel of his own Will/, to the Praife of the Glory of his Wifdom, Power, Juftice, Goodnefs, and Mercy e. II, Although, in relation to the Foreknowledge and Decree of God, the nrft Caufe, all Things come to pafs immutably and infallibly h : Yet, by the fame Providence, he ordereth them pleafed, that did he in heaven and in earth, in the feas, and all deep places. Adh 17. 25. Neither is wor- shipped with mens hands, as though he needed any thing, feeing he giv- cth to all life, and breath, and all things ; v. 26. And hath made of one blood, 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 of their habitation : v. 28. For in him we live, and move, and have our being ; as certain alfo of your own poets have faid, For we are alfo his ofF-fpring. Job 38, 39, 40, 41. Chapters. c Mat. 10. 29. Are not two fpar- rows fold for a farthing ? and one of them (hall not fall on the ground without our Father, v. 30. But the very hairs of your head are all numbred. v. 31. Fear ye not there- fore, ye are of more value than many fparrows. d Prov. 15. 3. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. Pfal. 104. 24. O Lord, how manifold are thy works ! in wifdom haft thou made them all : the earth is full of thy riches. Pfal. 145. 17. The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. e A&s 15. 18. Known unto God are all his works from the begin- ning of the world. Pfal. 94. 8. Un- derftand, ye brutifh among the peo- ple: and ye fools, when will ye be wife ? v. 9. He that planted the car, (hall he not hear ? he that for- med the eye, (hall he not fee I v. 10. He that chaftifeth the heathen.. mail not he correct ? he that tcach- eth man knowledge, fhall not he know? v. 11. The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity. f Eph. 1. 14. In whom alfo wc have obtained an inheritance, being predeftinated according to the pur- pofe of him who worketh all things after the counfel of his own will. Pfalm 33. 10. The Lord bringeth the counfel of the heathen to nought : he maketh the devices of the people of none effect, v. 11. The counfel of the Lord ftandeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. g Ifaiah 63. 14. As a bead goeth down into the valley, the fpirit of the Lord caufed him to reft: fo didft thou lead thy people, to make thyfelf a glorious name. Eph. 3.10. To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in hea- venly places, might be known by the church the manifold wifdom of God. Rom. 9. 17. For the fcrip- ture faith unto Pharaoh, Even for this fame purpofe have I raifed thee up, that I might (hew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Gen. 45. 7. And God fent me before you, to preferve you a pofterity in the earth, and to fave your lives by a great deliverance. Pfalm 1 45. 7. They (hall abundant- ly utter the memory of thy great goodnefs, and (hall fing of thy righteoufnefs. II. h Acts 2. 23. Him, being de- livered by the determinate counfel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken Chap. $. Tbe'Confefton of Faith, 45 them to fall out, according to the Nature of Second Caufes, either neceflarily, freely, or contingently K III. God in his ordinary Providence maketh ufe of Means h9 yet is free to work without /, above w, and againft them at his taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and flain . i Gen. 8. 22. While the earth re- maineth, feed-time and hairefr, and cold and heat, and fummer and winter, and day and night, mall not ceafe. Jer. 31. 35. Thus faith the Lord, which giveth the fun for ajight by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the ftars for a light by night, which divideth the fea, when the waves thereof roar; the Lord of hofts is his name. Exod. 21. 31. And if a man ly not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither hefhallflee. With Deut. 19. 5. As when a man goeth into the wood with his neighbour, to hew wood, and his hand fetcheth a ftroke with the ax to cut down the tree, and the head flippeth from the helve, and lighteth upon his neighbour that lie die ; he fhall flee unto one of thofe cities, and live. 1 Kings 22. 28. And Micaiah fiid, If thou return at all in peace, the Lord hath not fpoken by me. And he laid, Hearken, O people, every one of you. v. 34. And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and fmote the king of Ifrael between joints of the harnefs : where- fore he faid unto the driver of his chariot, Turn thine hand, and car- ry me out of the holt, for I am wounded. Ifaiah 10. 6. I will fend him againft an hypocritical nation ; and againft the people of my wrath will I give him a charge to take the fpoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the ftreets. v. 7. Hbwbeh, he meaneth not fo, neither doth his heart think fo, but it is in his heart to defttoy, and cut off nations not HI. k Ach27. 31. r^ul laid to the centurion, and to the foldiers, Except thefe abide in the fhip, yc cannot be faved. v. 44. And the red, fome on boards, and fome on broken pieces of the fhip : And fo it came to pafs that they efcaped all fafe to land. Ifaiah 55. 10. For as the rain cometh down, and the fnow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give feed to the fower, and bread to the eater : v. 11. So mall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: It fhall not re- turn unto me void, but it fhall ac- compliih that which I pleafe, and it fliall prefper in the thing whereto I fent it. Hof. 2. 21. And it fhall come to pafs in that day, I will hear, faith the Lord, I will hear the hea- vens, and they fhall hear the earth, v. 22. And the earth (hall hear the corn, and the wine, and the oyl, and they fliall hear Jezreel. 1 Hof. 1.7. But I will have mer- cy upon the houfe of Judah, and will fave them by the Lord their God, and will not fave them by bow, nor by fword, nor by battle, byhorfes, nor by horfemen. Mat. 4. 4. But he anfwered and faid, It is written, Man fhall not live by bread alone, but by every word that procecdeth out of the mouth of God. Job 34. 10. Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of underftanding : far be it from God, that he fhould do wic- kednefs, and from the Almighty, that he fhould commit iniquity. m Rom. 4. 19. And being not weak in faith, he confidered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadnefs of Sara's womb, v. 20. He daggered not at the pro- mifc of God through unbelief; but was 44 Tie ConfeJJion of Faith. Ch AF, f. his Pleafure * . IV. The almighty Power, unfearchable Wifdom, and in- finite Goodnefs of God, fo far manifeft themfelves in his Pro- vidence, that it extendeth itfelf even to the firfl: Fall, and all other Sins of Angels and Men , and that not by a bare Per- miflion p, but fuch as hath joined with it a mod wife and powerful Bounding qf and otherwife ordering, and governing of was ftrong in faith, giving glory to God : v. 21. And being fully per- ftiaded, that what he had promifed, he was able alfo to perform. n 2 Kings 6. 6. And the man of God faid, Where fell it ? And he fhewed him the place. And he cut down a ftick, and caft it in thither, *nd the iron did fwim. Dan. 3. 27. And the princes, governors and captains, and the kings counfellers being gathered together, faw thefe men, upon whqfe bodies the fire had bo power, nor was an hair of their head finged, neither were their coats changed, nor the fmell of fire had pafTed on them. IV. o Rom. 11. 22. For God hath •oncluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. t. 33. O the depth of the riches, botn of the wifdom and knowledge of God ! how unfearchable are his judgments, and his ways part find- ing out ! v. 34. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, or who hath been his counfeller ? 2 Sam. 24. 1. And again the anger. of the Lord was kindled againft Ifrael, and he moved David againft them, to fay, Go number Ifrael and Judah. With 1 Chr. 21. 1. And Satan flood up againft Ifrael, and provoked David to number ifrael. 1 Kings 22. 22. And the Lord faid unto him, Wherewith? And he faid, I will go forth, and I will be a ly- ing fpirit in the mouth of all h;s prophets. And he faid, Thou malt perfuade him, and prevail ajfo : go forth, and do fo. v. 23. Now therefore behold, the Lord hath pat a lying fpirit in the mouth of all thefc thy prophet?, and the Lord hath fpoken evil concerning thee. 1 Ghr. 10. 4. Then faid Saul to hi* armour-bearer. Draw thy fword, and thruft me through therewith ; left thefe uncircumciled come, and abufe me. But his armour-bearer would not, for he was fore afraid. So Saul took a fword, and fell up- on it. v. 13. So Saul died, for hi« tranfgremon which he committed againft the Lord, even againft th* word of the Lord, which he kept not, and alfo for afking counfel of one that had a familiar fpirit, to enquire of it; v. 14. And enquired not of the Lord : therefore he Hew him, and turned the kingdom unt« David the fon of JefTe. 2Sam.16.10. And the king faid, What have I to do with you, ye fons of Zeruiah ? fo let him curie, becaufe the Lord hath faid unto him, Curfe David. Who (hall then fay, Wherefore haft thou done f 0 ? Acts 2. 23. Him, being delivered by the determinate counfel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hand* have crucified and (lain. A&s 4. 27. For of a truth, againft thy holy child Jefus, whom thou haft a- nointed, both Herod and Pontiu* Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Ifrael were gathered to- gether, v. 28. For to do whatfoever triy hand and thy counfel determi- ned before to be done. p Acts 14. 16. Who in times paft fuffered all nations to walk in the?r own ways. q Pfalm 76. 10. Surely the wrath of man mall praife thee : the re- mainder of wrath flult thou re- draw, Chat. f. 7be ConfcJJion of Faith. 45* of them, in a manifold Difpenfatlon, to his own holy EndsT Yet fo, as the Sinfulnefs thereof proccedeth only from the Creature, and not from God, who, being mod holy and righ- teous, neither is nor can be the Author or Approver of Sin C V. The moft wife, righteous and gracious God cJoth eftentimes leave for a Seafon his own Children to manifold Temptations, and the Corruption of their own Hearts, to chaftife them for their former Sins, or to difcover unto them the hidden Strength of Corruption, and Deceiriulnefs of their Hearts, that they may be humbled/; and to rai(e them to a more clofe and conftant Dependence for their Support upon himfelf, and to make them more watchful againlt all future Occafions ftrain. 2 Kings 19. 28. Bccaufe thy rage againft me, and thy tumult is come up into mine ears, therefore I will put my hook in thy nofe, and my bridle in thy lips, arid I will turn thee back by the way by which thou cameft. r Gen. 50. 20. But as for you, ye thoeght evil againlt me ; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pais, as it is this day, to fave much People alive. Ifaiah 10. 6. I will fend him againlt an hypocritical nation, and againlt the people of my wrath will I give him a charge to take the fpoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the (beets, r. 7. How- beit, he meaneth not fo, neither doth his heart think fo, but it is in his heart to dcitroy, and cut off nations not a few. v. 12. \\ here- fore it mall come to pafs, that when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion, and on Jerufalcm, I will punilh the fruit •t the itout heart of th AfTyria, and the glory of his nigh looks. f James r. 13, Let no man fay peed, I am tempted d cannot be tempt- r tempted] be man, v. ia. Hut m away of his own hi :. y. 17. Every good gift, and every perfect gift, is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variablenefs, neither fhadow of turning. 1 John 2. 16. For all that is in the world, the luft •f the iieih, and the luft of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. Pfalm 50.21. Thcfe things had thou done, and 1 kept iilence : thou thoughteft that 1 w as altogether fuch an one as thyfelf : but I will reprove thee, and fct them in order before thine eyes. V. t 2 Chr. 32. 25. But Hezekiah rendred not again, according to the benefit done unto him : for his hcut was lifted up; therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerufalcm. v. 26. Notwith- (landmg, Hezekiah humbled himfelf for the pride of his heart vboth ke and the inhabitants of Tcrufalem) fo that the wrath of the Lord came not upon them in the days ol Heze- kiah. v. 31. Howbeit, in the bufi- neis of the ambailudors ot the prin- ces of Babylon, who fent unto hint to enquire was done in tl. :t him to try him, that be mi^ht know all I HI. 24. I. Lord d he n to lay, I UraJ ani Judi f 2 Cor. 46 I be IsOfiJeJjion of Faith. Chap. 5. Occafions of Sin, and for fundry other juft and holy Ends v. VI. As for thofe wicked and ungodly Men, whom God as a righteous Judge, for former Sins, doth blind and har- den w, from them he not only withholdeth his Grace, where- by they might have been enlightned in their Underftandings, and wrought upon in their Hearts x ; but fometimes alfo withdraweth the Gifrs which they had y, and expofeth them to fuch Obje&s as their Corruption makes Occafion of Sin; v 2 Cor. 12. 7. And left I mould be exalted above meafure, through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flefh, the meffenger of Satan to buffet me, left I mould be exalted above meafure. v. 8. For this thing I befought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. v. o. And he laid unto me, My grace is furH- cient for thee :^ for my ftrength is made perfect in weaknefs. Molt gladly therefore will I rather glory 10 my infirmities, that the power of Chrift may reft upon me. Pfalm 73. throughout, f Pfalm 7 7. 1. I cried unto God with my voice : even unto God with my voice, and he gave ear unto me. v. 10. And I faid, This is my infirmity : but I will re- member the years of the right hand of the moftHigh. v. 12. I will me- ditate alfo of all thy works, and talk of thy doings. (Read the interme- diate verfes in the Bible.) Mark 14. from the 66 . v. to the end , with John 21. 15. So when they had dined, jefus faith to Simon Peter, Simon ion of Jonas, loveft thou me more than thefe ? He faith unto him, Yea, Lord ; thou knoweft that I love thee. He faith unto him, Feed my lambs, v. 16. He faith to him again the fecond time, Simon, fon of Jo- nas, loveft thou me ? He faith unto him, Yea, Lord ; thou knoweft that I love thee. He faith unto him, Feed my fheep. v. 17. He faith un- to him the third time, Simon fon of Jonas, loveft thou me ? Peter was grieved, becaufe he faid unto him the third time, Loveft thou me ? And he faid unto him, Lord, thou knoweft all things ; thou knoweft that I love thee. Jefus faith unto him, Feed my fheep. VI. w Rom. 1. 24. Wherefore God alfo gave them up to unclean- nefs, through the lufts of their own hearts, to difhonour their own bo- dies between themfelves : v. 26. For this caufe God gave them up unto vile affeclions : For even their wo- men did change the natural ufe in- to that which is againft nature : v. 28. And even as they did not like to retain God in their know- ledge, God gave them over to a re- probate mind, to do thofe things which are not convenient. Rom. 11. 7. What then ? lfrael hath not obtained that which he feeketh for ; but the election hath obtained it, and the reft were blinded, v. 8. According as it is written, God hath given them the fpirit of (lum- ber, eyes that they mould not fee, and ears that they fhculd not hear unto this day. x Deut. 29. 4. Yet the Lord hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to fee, and ears to hear, unto this day. y Matth. 13. 12. For whofoever hath, to him mall be given, and he mall have more abundance : v but whofoever hath not, from him mail be taken away, even that he hath. Mat. 2C. 29. For unto every one that hath mall be given, and he ftall have abundance : but from him that hath not mall be taken away even that which he hath. 2 Deut. Chap. 5. 7ke Confefion of Faith. 47 Sin z ; And withal, gives them over to their own Luft, the Temptations of the World, and the Power of Satan a : W hereby it comes to pafs, that they harden themfelves, even under thofeMeans whichGod ufeth for the foftning of others b% VII. As the Providence of God doth, in general, reach to 2 Deut 2. 30. But Sihon king of Hefbon would not let us pafs by him : for the Lord thy God hard- ned his fpirit, and made his heart obftinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as appeareth this day. 2 Kings 8. 12. And Hazael faid, Why weepeth my lord ? And he anfvvered, Becaufe I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the chil- dren of Ifrael : their ftrong holds wilt thou fet on £re, and their young men wilt thou (lay with the fword, and wilt dafh their children, and rip up their women with child. y. 13. And Hazael faid, But what, is thy fervant a dog, that lie fliould do this great thing? And Elifha an- fwered, The Lord hath (hewed me that thou (halt be king over Syria. a Pfal. 81. 11. But my people would not hearken to my voice : and Ifrael would none of me. v. 12. So I gave them up unto their own hearts luft : and they walked in their own counfels. 2 Theff. 2. 10. And with all decciveablenefs ofun- righteoufnefs in them that perilh ; becaufe they received not the love of the truth; that they might be !. v. 11. And for this caufe God (hall fend them llrongdelufion, that they (honk) believe a lie. v. 12. That they all might be damned, who believed not the truth, but had plcafurc in onrighteoafneis. b Kxod. 7. 3. And I will harden Pharaoh >. heart, and multiply my figns and my wonders in the land of Egypt. With Kxod. 8. tf.Butwl oh faw that there was ref he hardned his heart, and heark- ned hot unto them ; as the Lord had faid. v. ;2. And Pharaoh hard- ned lu urun 5° 7he ConfeJJion of Faith. Chap. 6. Nature conveyed, to all their Pofterity, defcending from them by ordinary Generation g. IV. From this original Corruption, whereby we are utter- ly indifpofed, difabled, and made oppofite to all Good h, and wholly inclined to all Evil i, do proceed all Aftual Tranfgreflions k. V. This Corruption of Nature, during this Life, doth re- main upon all men unto juftificatiori of life; v. 19. For as by one mans difobedience, many were made fin- ners : fo by the obedience of one, mail many be made righteous . And 1 Cor. i5.2i.Forfincebymancame death, by man came alfo the refur- re&ion of the dead. v. 22. For as in Adam all die, even fo in Chrift fhall all be made alive ■. % v. 4$. And fo it is written, The firft man Adam was made a living foul, the lad A- dam was made a quickning fpirit, «J v. 49. And as we have born the image of the earthly, we alfo mail bear the image of the heavenly. gPfalm^i. $. Behold, I was fliapen in iniquity : and in fin did my mother conceive me. Gen. 5. 3. And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a fon in his own likenefs, after his image ; and called his name Seth. Job. 14. 4. Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean ? not one. Job 15. 14. What is man that he fhouldbe clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he mould be righteous ? IV. h Rom. 5.6. For when we were yet without ftrength, in due time Chrift died for the ungodly. Rom. 8. 7. Becaufe the carnal mind is enmity _againft God : for it is not fubject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Rom. 7. 18. For I know, that in me, (that is, in my flefh) dwelleth no good thing : for to will is prefent with me, but how to perform that which is good, I find not. Col. 1. 21. And you that Were fometime alienated, and ene- mies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled. jGen. 6. 5. And God faw that the wickednefs of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart, was only evil continually. Gen. 8. 21 ► And the Lord fmelled a fweet fa* vour. and the Lord faid in his heart, I will not again curfe the ground any more for mans fake ; for the i- magination of mans heart is evil from his youth : neither will I a- gain finite any more, every thing Jiving, as I have done. Rom. 3.10. As it is written, There is none righ- teous, no not one : v. 11. There is none that under ft andeth, there i« none that feeketh after God. v. 12. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unpro- fitable, there is none that doth good, no not one. k James 1. 14. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own luft, and enticed, v. 15. Then when luft hath conceived, it bringeth forth fin : and fin when it is finifhed, bringeth forth death. Eph. 2.2. Wherein in time paft ye walked according to the courfe of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, die fpirit that now workedi in the children of difobedience. v. 3. Among whom alfo we all had our converlation in times paft, in the luft of our flefh, fuliilling the defires of the flefh, and of the mind ; and were by na- ture the children of wrath, even as others. Mat. 15. 19. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, mur- ders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, fajfe witnefs, blafphemies. V. 1 1 John Chap. 6. The Confejfion of Faith. 51 main in thofe chat are regenerated ': And although it be through Chrift pardoned and mortified, yet bothitlelt, ana all the Motions thereof, are truly and properly Sin w. VI. Every Sin, both original and actual, being a Irai- grcflion of the righteous Law of God, and contrary there- unto *, doth, in its own Nature, bring Guilt upon the Sinner 0, whereby he is bound over to the \\ ratn of God p9 and Curfe of the Law q, and fo made fubje<5t to Death, V. 1 1 John 1.8. If we fay that We have no fin, we deceive our felves, and the truth is not in us. v. 10. If we fay that we have n x finned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. Rom. 7.1^. For we know that the law is fpin- tual : but I am carnal, fold under fin. v. 17. Now then, it is no more I that do it, but fin that dwelleth in me. v. 18. For I know that in that b« in my rleih) dwelleth no good thing : for to will is prc- fent with me, but how to perform that which is good, i find not. v. 23. But 1 fee another law in my mem- bers, warring againit the law ot my mind, and bringing me into capti- vity to the law ot fin, which is in my members. James 2. 2. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the fame is a perfect man, and able alfo to bridle the whole body. Pro v. 20. 9. Who can fay, 1 have made my heart clean, I am pure from my fin ? Keel. 7. 20. For there is not a juft man upon the earth that doth good and iinneth not. m Rom. 7.5. For when we were in the ikih, the motions of lins which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death, v. 7. What (hall v. then ? Is the law fin ? ( : know 11 fin, b the law : n luir, cxa t (halt no: fionby the Co-. For v. 25. I thank God, through Tefui Chrift our Lord. So then with the mind I my felf ferve the law of God ; but with the flefu, the law of fin. Gal. y 17. For the fleih lufteth againit the Spirit, and the Spirit againft the flefh : and thefe are contrary the one to the other, lb that ye cannot do the things that ye would. VI. n 1 John 3.4. Whofoever committeth fin, tranfgrefleth alio the law, for fin is the tranfgreflion of the law. o Rom. 2. i£. Which (hew the work of the law written in tl hearts, their conference alfo bearing witnefs, and theitthoughts the mean while accufing, or elfe excufingone another. Rom. 3.9. \\ hat then ? are we better than they : No, in no wife : for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under iin. v. 19. Now we know, that what things foever the law faith, it faich to them who are under the law : that every mouth may be (lopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. p Fph. 1 11 had our w in times \ in the luihofour flcfli, fulfil - s of the rleih and mind ; and were by Baton children of wi u others. <] ' of li DOt in all t r I 5* The Confejfion of Falthi Chap: -j\ Death r, with all Miferies fpiritual f, temporal /, and eter- nal v. Chap. VII- Of God'* Covenant toith Man. THE Diftance between God and the Creature is fo great, that although reafonable Creatures do owe Obedience unto him as their Creator, yet they could never have any Fruition of him as their Bledednefs and Reward, but by fome Voluntary Condefcenfion on God's Part, which he hath been pleafed to exprefs by way of Covenant a. II. The r Rom. 6. 2?. For the wages of fin is death: but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jefus Chrift our Lord. f Eph. 4. 18. Having the under- ftanding darkned, being alienated from the life of God, through the ignorance that is in them, becaufe Of the blindnefs of their heart. t Rom. 8. 20. For the Creature was made fubjeel: to vanity, not willingly, but by reafon of him who hath fubje&ed the fame in hope. Lam. 3. 39. Wherefore doth a li- ving man complain, a man for the punimment of his fins ? v Mat. 2^.41. Then mall he fay alfo unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye curled, into everlafting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. 2 ThefT. 1. 9. "Who dial! be punifhed with ever- lafting deftruclion from the pre- fence of the Lord, and from the glory f his power. I. a Ifa. 40. 13. Who hath di- rected the fpirit of the Lord ? or being his counfeller hath taught him v. 14. With whom took he counfel, and who inftrucledhim, and taught him in the path of judg- ment, and taught him knowledge, and (hewed to him the way of un- derftanding ? v. 15. Behold, thena- tions are as a drop of a bucket, and rre counted as the fmall duft of the balance : Behold, he taketh up the ifles as a very little thing* v. 16. And Lebanon is not fufficient to burn, nor the beafts thereof fuffici. entfor a burnt-offering, v. 17. All nations before him are as nothing* and they are counted to him lefs than nothing, and vanity. Job 9. 32. For he is not a man, as I am, that I fhould anfwer him, and we mould come together in judgment, t, 33. Neither is there any days-man be- twixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both. 1 Sam. 2. 2C. If one man fin againft another, tne judge fhall judge him : but if a man fin a. gain ft the Lord, who ihall intreat for him ? Pfal. 1 13. 5. Who is like unto the Lord our" God, whodwel- lethonhigh? v. 6. Whohurableth himfelf to beheld the things that are in heaven, and in the earth. Pfal. 100. 2- Serve the Lord with gladnefs : come before his prefence with finging. v. 3. Know ye that the Lord he is God, it is he that hath made us, and not we ourfelves ; we are his people, and the fheep of his pafture. Job. 22. 2. Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wife may be Profitable unto him- felf? v. 3. Is it anypleafure to the Almighty that thou art righteous ? or is it gain to him, that thou ma- keftthy ways perfect ? Job 37. 7. If thou be righteous, what giveft thou him ? or what receiveth he of thine hand v. 8. Thy wickednefs may G H A P. 7. The Confejfitn of Faith. SI II. The firfl: Covenant made with Man was a Covenant of Works /», wherein Life was promifed to Adam, and in him to his pofterity c, upon condition of perfeft and perfonal Obedience d. III. Man by his Fall having made himfelf uncapable of Life by that Covenant, the Lord was pleafed to make a ft> cond<% commonly called the Covenant of Grace : Wherein he freely oifereth unto Sinners Life and Salvation by Jefus Chrift, requiring of them Faith in him, that they may be favedy ; and promifing to give unto all thofe that are ordained unto may hurt a man as thou art, and thy righteoufnefs may prolic the Ion of man. Luke 17. 10. So like- wife ye, when ye (hall have done all thofe things which are com- manded you, fay, We are unprofi- table ftrvants : we have done that which was our duty to do. Acts 17. 2d. God that made the world, and all things therein, feeing that he is Lord oi heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands : v. 25. Neither is worfhipped with mens hands, as though he needed any thing, feeing he givcth to all fife, and breath, and all things. II. b Gal. 3. 12. And the law is not of faith ; but, doth them fhall live in them. c Rom. 10. 5. For Mofesdefcri- beth the righteoufnefs which is of the law, that the man which doth : things fhall live by them. Rom. 5. 12. to 20. (fee chapter 6. . 3. letter • d Gen. 2. 17. But of the tree of ledge of good and evil, thou lhalt not cat ofit : for in the day that thou eatcit thou fhaltfurcly die. Gal. J, IO. 1 maaj the j the curie : fo: written, Curfc . one that continued) not in all things which written in the bo law, 10 do them. 111. againft the 1 feorbid ; forif there had I given, which could have given life, verijy righteoufnefs ihould have been by the law. Rom. 8. 3. For what the law could not do, m that it was weak through the rleih, God fending his own Son in the likenefs of linful rleih, and for fin condem- ned fin in the fleih, Rom. 3. 20'. Therefore by the deeds of the law there fhall no flcih be juftihed in his fight : for by the law is the knowledge of fin. v. 21. But now the righteoufnefs of God without the law is manifeflcd, being wit- nefled by the Jaw and the prophets, Gen. ~. i£. And 1 will put enmity een thee and the woman, and between thy feed and her feed : it fhall bruife thy head, *nd thou fhalt bruife his heel. lfa. 4. 6. I the Lord hove called thee in righteouf- , and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a nant of the people, for alight of the Gentiles, f Mark 16. 15. Andhefaidunto \ Go ye into all the world, and preach the gofpel to every creature, v. 16. lie that bclievcth and is baptized, fhall be ia\ed ; hut he that believcth riot, fhall be dam- ned, Johi ; God fo \\ the world, that he only that whofoerei be- • h in bim, (houid not pcrifh, but have everfaihng life, Rom. 19.6. hich is of mi this wife, fay Dot IB tfunc heart, who fhall D 3 tend 54 The Confejfion of Faith. Chap, 7. unto Life, his Holy Spirit, to make them willing and able to bejeve . IV. This Covenant of Grace is frequently fet forth in the Scripture by the Name of a Teftament, in reference to the Death of Jefus Chrift the Teftator, and to the everlafting Inheritance with all Things belonging to it, therein be- queathed . V. This Covenant was differently adminiftred in the Time of the Law, and in the Time of the Gofpel i : Under the Law it was adminiftred by Promifes, Prophecies, Sacrifices, Circumcifion, the PafchalLamb, and other Types and Ordw nances delivered to the People of the jews, all fore-fignify- ing Chrift to come k9 which were for that Time fufficient and effi* eend into heaven ? (that is, to bring Chrift down from above.) v. 9. That if thou malt confefs with thy mouth the Lord Jefus, and (halt be- lieve in thine heart, that God hath raifed him from the dead, thou (halt be faved. Gal. 3 . 1 1 . But that no man is juftilied by the law in the fight of God, it is evident : for, The juft (hall live by faith. g Ezek. 36. 26. A new heart al- fo will 1 give you, and a new fpirit will I put within you, and I wttl take away the ftony heart out of your fiefh, and 1 will give you an heart of fiefh. v. 27. And I will put my fpirit within you, and caufe you to walk in my ftatutes, andyeihall keep my judgments, aud do them ? John 6. 44. No man can come to me, except the Father wjiich hath fent me, draw him : and 1 will raife him up at the laft day. v. 45. It is written in the prophets, And they (hall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, comet!} unto me. IV. h Heb. 9. 15. And for this caufe he is the Mediator of the new teftament, that bj means of death for the redemption of the tranfgrcilions that were under the firft teftament, they which are cal- led might receive the promife of e- ternal inheritance, v.j 6. For where a teftament is, there muft alfo of neceility be the death of the tefta- tor. v. 13. For a teftament is of force after men are dead : other- wife it is of no ftrength at all whilft the teftator liveth. Heb, 7.22. By fo much was Jefus made a furety of a better teftament. Luke 22. 20, Likewife alfo the cup after fupper, faying, This cup is thq. new tefta* ment in my blood, which is ihed for you. 1 Cor. 11. 2$. After the fame manner alfo he took the cup, when he had fupped, faying. This cup is the new teftament in my blood ; this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. V. i 2 Cor. 3. 6. Who alfo hath made us able minifters of the new teftament ; not of the letter, but of the fpirit : for the letter killeth ; but the fpirit giveth life. v. 7. But if the miniftration of death written and engraven in ftones was glorious, fo that the children of ifrael could not ftedfaftly behold the face of Mofes, fqr the glory of his counte- nance, which glory was to be done away ; v. 8. How fhall not the mi- niftration of the Spirit be rather glorious ? v. 9. For if the mini*- fixation of condemnation be glory, much more doth the miniitration of righteoufnefs exceed in glory. Jt (Heb. 8a 9,10. Chapters.) Rom. 4. IX, Chap, 7. The Confejfion of Faith, 55 efficacious, through the Operation of the Spirit, toinftruft and build up the Eleft in Faith in the promifed Mefliah i, by whom they had full Remiflion of Sins, and eternal Sal- vation ; and is called ihe Old Teftament w. VI. Under the Gofpel, when (Thrift the Subftance n was exhibited, the Ordinances in which this Covenant isdifpenfed are the Preaching of the Word, and the Ad minift ration of the Sacraments of Baptifm and theLord'sSupper *, which though fewer 4. 11. And he received the fign of circumcifion, a fcal of the righte- oufnefs of the faith, which he had yet being uncircumcifed ; that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcifed ; that righteoufnefs might be imputed unto them alfot Col. 2. 11. In whom alfo ye are circumcifed with the circumcilion made without hands, in putting off the body of the fins of the flefh, by the circumcilion of Chrift : v. 12. Buried with him in baptifm, where? ki alfo ye are rifen with him, through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raifed him from the dead, 1 Cor. c. 7. Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a now lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Chrift our paffo\eris (acriii- ced for us. 1 1 Cor. 10. 1. Moreover, bre- thren, I would not that ye mould be ignorant, how that all our la- thers were under the cloud, and all palled through the fea ; v. 2. And all baptized unto Moles in the cloud, and in the fea ; v. 3. And did all eat the fame fpirituai1 meat ; v. 4. And did all drink the fame fpirituai drink : (for they drank of that fpirituai Rock that folio" them: and that Rock was Chrift.) .11.13. Thj fe all died in faith, not having received die promil but having fcen them jnd peri waded of them, and • ■ braced them, and confefled that they were ftrangers and pilgrims on the earth. John 8. c6. Your Abraham rejoiced to day : and he faw it, and was glad, m Gal. 3.7. Know ye therefore, that they'which are of faith, the fame are the children of Abraham, v. 8. And the fcripture forefeeing, that God would juftify the heathen through faith, preached before the gofpel unto Abraham, faying, In thee (hall all nations be biefled. v. 9. So then, they which be of faith are bleifed with faithful Abraham, v. 14. That the blelling of Abra- ham might come on the Gentiles through jefus Chrift ; that we might receive the promife of the Spirit through faith . VI. n Col. 2. 17. Which are a fhadow of things to come ; but the body is of Chrift. o Mat. 28. 19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of die holy Ghoft : v. 20. Teaching them to ob- ferve all things whatsoever I 1 commanded you : and lo, I am with you, alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. 1 Cor. 11. For 1 have received of tjie Lord, that which alfo I delii ered unto you, that the Lord J< ime night in which he was betrayed, took thanks, he brake it, and 1 Take, eat ; this is my body, which is b; this do if, menu fame manner alio he took the C cup : blood : this do ye drink it. in remembrance of me. S& The Confejport of Faith. HAP. 7. fewer in Number, and adminiftred with more Simplicity, and lefs outward Glory ; yet in them it is held forth in more Ful- nefs, Evidence and fpiritual Efficacy p, to all Nations, both Jews and Gentiles q ; and is called the New Teflament >% There are not therefore two Covenants of Grace differing in Subitance/butone and the fame under various Difpenfations C CHAP. p Heb. 12.22. But yc are come unto mount Sion, and unio the ci. ty of the. Jiving God, the heaven- ly Teruialem, and to an innume- rable company of angels, v. 23. To the oeneral afiembly and church of the hrft born, which are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the fpirits of julfc men made pcrfecl:, v. 24. And to Jefus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of fprinkling, that fpcaketh better things than that of Abe), v. 25. See that ye refufe not him that ipeaketh : For if they cleaned not who refufed him that fpake on earth, much more fhall not we efcape, if we turn not away from 'ium the t fpeaketh from hea- ven, v. *6. \Vhofe voice then (hook the earth : but now he hath promi- fed, faying, Yet once more I fhake not the earth only, but alfo heaven, v. 27. And this word. Yet once more, fignifying the removing of thofe things that are fhaken, as of things that are made, that thofe things which cannot be fhaken, may remain. Jei\ 31. 23. But this fhall be the covenant that I will make with the houfe of lfrael, after thofe days, faifa the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts, and will be their God, and they fhall be my people. v. 34. And they fhall teach no more/ every man his neighbour, and every' man his brother, faying, Know the Lord ; for they fhall all know me, fiom the leaftofthem, unto the created of them, faith the Lord : For I w ill forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their fin no more. q Mat 28. 19. Ibee letter 0 im- mediately foregoing.) Fph. 2. 15. Having abolifhed in his flelh the en- mity, even the law of command- ments, contained in ordinances, for to make in himfelf of twain, one new man, fo making peace} v. 16, And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the crofs, having flain the enmity thereby ; v. 17. And came, and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. v. 18. For through him we both have an accefs by one Spirit unto the Fa- ther, v, 19. Now therefore ye arc no more ([rangers and foreigners* but fellow-citizens with the faints, and of the houfhold of God. r Luke 22, 20. Likewife alfo the cup after fupper, faying, This cupr is the new teftament in my blood, which is flied for you. f Gal. 3. 14. That thebleffing of Abraham might come on the Gen- tiles through Jefus Chrift, that we might receive the promife of the Spirit through faith, v. 16. Now to Abram and his feed were the promifes made. He faith not, And to feeds, as of many ; but as of one, And to thy feed, which is Chrift. Acts 15. 11. But we believe, that through the grace of the i^ord Jefus Chrift, we fhall be faved, even as they. Rom. 3. 21. But now the righteoufnefs of God without the law is manifefted, being witnefled by the law and the prophets, v. 22. Even the righteoufnefs of God which is by faith of Jefus Chrift, unto all, and upon all them that be- lieve : for there is to difference : v.i 3. For all have finned, and come fhort of the glory of God ; v. 30, Seeing Chap. 8: The Confeffton of Faith. 57 Chap. VIII- Of Chrifl the Mediator. IT pleafed God, in his eternal Purpofe, to choofe and ordain the LORD JESUS, his only begotten Son, to be the Mediator between God and Man a ; the Prophet , Prieft c9 and King d ; the Head and Saviour of his Church e ; the Heir of all Things /, and Judge of the World g : Unto Whom Seeing it is one Cod, which (hall ju- ftify the circumcilion by fuith, and uncircumciiion through faith. Pfal. 32. i. Bleffed is he whofe tranfgref- fion is forgiven, v/hofe fin is co- vered. With Rom. 4. 3. For what faith the fcripture : Abraham be- lieved God, and it was counted unto him for rightcoufnefs. v. 6. Even as David alfo defcribeth the blcfTednefs of the man unto whom God imputeth righteoufnefs witli out works, v. 1 6. Therefore it is of faith, thatitmight be by grace, to the end the promife might be fure to all the feed, not to that only which is of the law, but to tli at alfo which is of the faith of .Abraham, who is the father of us all, v. 17. ( \sitis written, I have made thee a father of many nations) before him whom he believed, even God, who nuickneth the dead, and calleth thole things which be not, as though they were. v. 23. Now it was not written for his fake alone, • it was imputed to him ; v. 24. But for us alfo to whom it (hall be imputed, it we believe on him that railed up Icfus our Lord from the dead. Heb. 13. 8. Jefus Uiriltthe (ante yeitcrday, and to-day, and for ever. I. a I fa. 42. 1. Behold my fer- yant whom I uphold, mine < in whom my foul dcKghtcth : 1 have put my fpirit upon him, he (hall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. 1 Pet. 1. 19. But with the precious blood of Chritt, Iamb without blcmiib and without fpet v. 20. Who verily was fore- ined before the foundation of the world, but was manifeft in thefe lalt times for you. John 3. 16. For God fo loved the world, that her gave his only begotten Son, that whofoever believe th iu him, lhould not perifh, but have cverlaftinglife. 1 Tim. 2. 5. For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and man, the man Chrifl: Jefus. b Acts 3. 22. For Mofes truly faid unto the fathers, A prophet ihall the Lord your God ratfe up unto you, of your brethren, like unto me ; him lhall ye hear in all things whatfoever he lhall fay unto you. c Heb. r. c. SoalfoChnft glori- fied not himfelf, to be made an i prieft ; but he that faid unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. v. 6. As he faith alfo in another place, Thou art a prieft forever, after the order of Meichifedcc. d Pfal. 2. 6. Yet have I fet my King upon my holy hillofZion. J. uke 1. 33. And he lhall reign over the houfe of Jacob for evei\ and of his kingdom there (hall be no end. e Kph. 5.23. Forthehufbandis head of the wife, even as Chriit is the head of the church : and he is the Saviour of the body. f Heb. 1.2. Hath in thefe lalt days fnoken unto us by his S whom he hath appointed heir 1 things by whom alfo he made the worlds, Si 17. 21. Becaufc lie hath appointed a day in the which he will 58 The Confetfion of Faith: Chap. 8. whom he did from all Eternity give a People to be his Seed*, and to be by him in Time redeemed, called Juftified, fan&i- fied and glorified r. II. The Son of God the fecond Perfon in the Trinity, be^ ing very and eternal God, of one Subftance and equal with the Father, did, when the Fulnefs of time was come, take upon him Man's Nature ky with all the eflential Properties andcommoninfirmitiesthereof,yetwithoutSin /: Beingcon* ceived by the power of the Holy Ghoft, in the Womb of the Virgin Mary, of her Subftance m. So that two whole, per- fect will judge the world in righteouf* Yiefs, by that man whom he hath ordained, whereof he hath given afTurance unto all men, in that he hath raifed him from the dead. h John 17. 6. I have manitefted thy name unto the men which thou gavefr. me out of the world : thine they were, and thou gaveit them me ; and they have kept thy word. Pfal. 22. 30. A feed mail ferve him, it fhall be accounted to the Lord for a generation. Ifaiah 53. iq. Yet it pleafed the Lord to bruife him, he hath put him to grief: when thou (halt make his foul an offering for fin, he fhall fee his feed, he (hall prolong his days, and the pleafure of the Lord fhall profper in his hand. i 1 Tim. 2. 6. Who gate himfelf a, ranfom for all, to be terrified in due time. Ifa. 55. 4. Behold, 1 have given him for a witnefs to the people, a leader and commander to the people, v. £. Behold, thou {halt call a nation that thou knoweft not, and nations that knew not thee fhall run unto thee, becaufe of the Lord thy God, and for the holy One of lirael ; for he hath glorified thee. 1 Cor. 1. 30. But of him are ye in Chri(t Jefus, who of God is made unto us wifdom, and righte- oufnefs, and fandtification, and re- demption. 11. k John 1. 1. In the begin- ning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was Clod. v. 14. And the Word was made flefh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Fa- ther) full of grace and truth, 1 John 5. 20. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an underf tan ding, that we may know him* that is true : and we are in him that is true, e- yen in his Son Jefus Chrift. This is the true God, and eternal life. Phil. 2. 6. Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. Gal. 4. 4. But when the fulnefs of the time was come, God fent forth his Son made Of a woman, made under the law. 1 Heb. 2. 14. Forafmuch then as the children are partakers of neih and blood, he alfo himfelf likewife took part of the fame, that through death he might deftroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil, v. 16. For verily he took not on him the nature of an- gels ; but he took on him the feed of Abraham, v. 17. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren ; that he might be a merciful and faithful high prieft, in things pertaining to God ; to make reconciliation for the fins of the people. Heb. 4. 15. For we have not an high priori which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities ; but wns in all points tempted like as we are, yet without fin. m Luke 1. 27. To a virgin c- fpoufed Chap. 8. Tbe ConfeJJion of Faith. 59 feft and diftinci: Natures, the Godhead and the Manhood, were infeparably joined together in one Perfon, without Converfion, Compofition or Confufion *. AVhich Perfon is very God, and very Man, yet one Chrifl, the only Media- tor between God and Man *. III. The Lord Jefus, in his Human Nature thus united to the Divine, was fanctined and anointed with the Holy Spirit above Meafure/> ; having in him all the Treafures of Wifdom and Knowledge q ; in whom it pleafed the Father that all Fulnefs fhould dwell > : To the End, that being holy, harm- lefs, undefiled, and full of Grace and Truth /, he might be thorowly furnifhed to execute the Office of a Mediator and Surety t. Which Office he took not unto himfelf, but was there- fpoufed to a man whofe name was Jofcph, of the houfe of David ; and the virgins name was Mary. i . And behold, thou malt con- ceive in thy womb, and bring forth a Ion, and lhalt call his name Jefus. v. 3c. And the angel aniwered, and faid unto her, The holy Ghoit mall come upon thee, and the power of the highelt ihall overfha- dow thee ; therefore alio that holy thing which (hall be born of thee, malfbe called the Son of God. Gal. 4. 4. (See letter k immediately foregoing.) n Luke 1. ;c. (See the foregoing VerfcA Col. 2. 9. For in himawel- leth all the fulnefs of the Godhead bodily. Rom. 9. 5. "Whofe are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the ilcfh, Chrillcame, who is*. all, God blcfled for ever. Amen. 1 Pet. ;. 18. Fpr Chrift alfo hath once furfercd for fins, the juit for the unjuir (that he might bring us to God) being put to death in* the ilcfh, but quickned by the Spirit. \nd without contro- verfy, great is the myile: lincls : God was manifest in the flcfh, jufKfied in the Spirit, feCIl of angels, preached unto the Gen- tiles, believed on in the world, re- ceived up into gl v Rom. 1.3. Concerning his S«n Jefis Chriit. our Lord, which was made or the feed of David, accor- ding to the £eih : v. 4. And de- clared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holinefs, by the refurre&ion from the dead. 1 Tim. 2. c. For there is one God, and one Mediator be- tween God and men, the man Chrifl Jefus. III. p Pfal. 4c. 7. Thou loveft righteoufnefs, and hated wicked- nefs; therefore God, thy God hath anointed thee with the oil of glad- nefs above thy fellows. John 3. 34. For he whom God hath lent, lpeak- eth the words of God : for God gi- ve th not the Spirit by meafure un- to him. q Col. 2.3. In whom are hid all the treafures of wifdom and know- r Col. 1. 19. For it pleafed the Father, that in him lhould all ful- nefs dwell. i Heb. 7. 26. For fuch an high rrieil became us, who is holy, harin- 1, feparate from (in- , and made higher than the hca- . John 1. 14. And the Word ;nade lieih, and dwelt among ind we beheld his glory, the \y begottc I athcr) full of grace and truth. Sts 10. 38. How God anointed Jefus u life and death, bleffing and cur- Ens : therefore choofe life, that both thou and thy feed ma\ II. b Feel. 7. 29. Lo, this only I found, that God hath made prighl ; but they have fought ny inventions. Gen. 1. 20. And God faid, Let us make in our image, after our likenefs : and let them have dominion over the fifh of 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. c Gen. 2. 16. And the Lord God commanded the man, faying, Of every tree in the garden thou may- eft freely eat. v. 17. But ot me tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou (bait not eat of it : for in the day that thou eateft there- of, thou (halt furely die. Gen. 3. 6. And when the woman fawthat the tree was good for food, and that it was pleafant to the eyes, anil a tree to be defired to make one wife, (he took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave alfo unto her hu(band with her, and he did e. III. d Rom. 5. 6. For when we were yet without (trength, in due time Chri(t died for the I Rom. 8. 7 • the carnal mind is enmity agtinft God : for it is not fnbjeel to the law of God, nei- ther indeed can be. John ic. f. I C ^re the branches : He that abideth in me, and 1 in him, the fame bringcth forth much fruii m d^ nothing, £ c K 66 *The ConfeJJion of Fait%. Chap. 9; that Good e, and dead in Sin f, is not able, by his own Strength, to convert himfelf, or to prepare himfelf there- unto /. IV. When God converts a Sinner, and tranflates him into the State of Grace, he freeth him from his natural Bondagp under Sin *, and by his Grace alone enables him freely to will and to do that which is fpiritually good i ; yet fo as that, by reafon of his remaining Corruption, he doth not perfectly nor only will that which is good, but doth alfo will that which is evil *• V. The e Rom. 3. 10. As it is written, There is none righteous, no not one : v. 12. They are all gone out of the way, they are together be- come unprofitable, there is none that doth good, no not one. f Eph. 2. 1. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in tref- pafTes and fins. v. 5. Even when we were dead in fins, hath quickened us together with Chrift, (by grace ye are faved.) Col. 2. 13. And you being dead in. your fins, and the uncircumcifion of your nefh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trefpaffes. g John 6. 44. No man can come to me, except the Father who hath fent me draw him : and I will raid- him up at the laft day. v. 65. And he laid, Therefore faid I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. Eph. 2. 2. Wherein in time part-, ye walked according to the courfe of this world, accor- din. to the prince of the power of the. air, the fpirit that now worketh in the children of dif- obedience. v. 3. Among whom alfo ve all had our converfation in times pad, in the luirs of our flefh, fulfilling the dcfires of the flcih, and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others, v. 4. But God who is c in mercy, for his great love -u c rewith he loved us, v. 5. Even when we were dead io (ins, hath quickened us together with Chritt, (by grace ye are faved.) 1 Cor. 2. 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God : for they are foolifhnefs unto him : neither can he know them, becaufc they are fpiritually difcerned. Tit. 3.5. For we our felves alfo were fornetimes foolifh, difobedient, de- ceived, ferving divers hafts and pleafures, living in malice and en- vy, hateful, and hating one another, v. 4. But after that the kindnefs and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, v. 5. Not by works of rightcoufnefs which we have done, but according to his mercy he faved us by the wafliing of re- generation, and renewing of the holv Ghoft. IV. h Col. 1. 13. Who hath deli- vered us from the power of dark- nefs, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. John 8.34. Jefus anfwered them, Verily, verily, I fay unto you, whofoevcr eommitteth fin, is the fervant of firi. v. 36. If the Son . therefore Jhall make you free., ye (hall be free indeed. i Phil. 2. 13. For it is God who worketh in you both to will and to doofhisgoodpleafure. Rom. 6. 18. Being then made free from lin, ye became the fervants of righteouf- nefs. v. 22. But now being made free from lin, and become fervants to God, ye have your fruit unto ho- linefs, and the end evcrlairing life. k Gal. 5. 17. For the flefh luitetli again ft the fpirit, a::d the fpirit a- CH A P. 10. 4 he ^onjejjion oj raitn. 07 V. The will of Man is made perfe&ly and immutably free to Good alone, in the State of Glory only /. CHAP. X. Of Effectual Calling AL L thofe whom God hath predeflinated unto Life, and ihofeonly, he ispleafed, in his appointed and accepted Time, effectually to call a, by his Word and Spirit h9 our of that State of Sin and Death in which they are by Nature, to gainft the fiefh, and thefe are con- trary the one to the other ; fo that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Rom. 7. if. For that which I do, I allow not : tor what I would, that do I not ; but what I hate, that do I. v. iS. For I know, that in me (that is, in my flefh) dwelleth no good thin" : for to will is prefent with me, out how to perform that which is good, I find not. v. 19. For the good that 1 would, I do not : but the evil which I would not, that I do. v. 21. I find then a law, that when I would do good, evil is prefent with me. v. 23. But I fee another law in my members warring agninft the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law or fin, which is in my members. V. 1 F ph. 4. 1 3. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, un- to a perfect man, unto the mcafure of the flature of the fulnefs of Chriff. Heb. 12. ?.:. To the gene- ral aiTcmbly and church of the firft- born, which ;-.re written in heaven, and to Cod the judge of all, a; the fpirits of jufl men made per- fect. 1 John ;. 2. Beloved, no v. we the fons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we (hall be : but n he (hall pear, we lhall be like him ; for ihall fee him as he is. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, an J to pidcut you faultlefs before the prefence of his glory, with exceeding joy. I . a Rom. 8. 30}. Moreover, whom he did predeftinate, them he alfo called : and whom he called, them he alfo juftiiied : and whom he ju- vl, them he alfo glorified. Rom, 11. 7. What then ? ifrael hath not obtained that w hich he f ;eket!i for ; but the election hath obtained it, and the reft were blinded. Eph. 1. 10. That in the difpeu iation of the fulnefs of times, he might gather together in one all tilings in Chriif, both which are in hL which are on earth, even in him. v. 11. In whom alfo we have ob- \1 ao inheritance, being pre- destinated according to die purpofc of him who workcth all things af- ter the counfel of his own will. 02 Thci]". 2. 1 ire bound to give thanks alway to God fo; brethren, beloved of the ! caufe God hath from the beginning chofen you to falvatlon, thro falsification of the Spirit, an,! lief of the truth : v. 1 4. \\ hereunto he called you by our gofoel, to the Mir Lord to b hi ill, mim * not in ihly • ble minifh • not OX d E - but 68 The Confejfion of Faith. C H A P. 1 o. to Grace and Salvation by Jefus Chrift: c; enlightening their Minds, fpiritually and favingly to underftand the Things of God d\ taking away their Heart of Stone, and giving unto them an Heart of Flefh e ; renewing their Wills, and by his almighty Power determining them to that which is good / ; and effectually drawing them to Jefus Chrift g ; yet fo as they but of the fpirit : for the letter killeth, but the fpirit giveth life. c Rom. 8. 5. For the law of the Spirit of life, in Chrift Jefus, hath made me free from the law of fin and death. Eph. 2. I. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trefpafies and fins. v. 2. Wherein in time paft ye walked according to the courfe of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the fpirit that now worketh in the children of difobedience. v. 3. Among whom alfo we all had our converfation in times Baft, in the lulls of our flefn, fulfilling the# de- fires of the flefh, and of the mind ; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others, v. 4. But God who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, v. 5. Even when we were dead in fins, hath quickened us together withChrift,(by grace ye are faved.) 2 Tim .1.9. Who hath faved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but accor- ding to his own purpofe and grace, which was given us in Chrift Jefas, before the world began, v. 16. But is now made manifeft by the ap- pearing of our Saviour Jefus Chriit, who hath abolifhed death, and hath brought life and immortality to light, through the gofpel. d Ac~ts 26. 18. To open their eyes , and to turn to them from dark - nefs to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they ma£ receive forgiveriefs of fins, and in- heritance among them who are lan&iiied by faith that is in me. 1 Cor. 2. 10. But Godhath revealed them unto us by his Spirit : for the Spirit fearcheth all things, yea the deep things of God. v. 12. Now we have received, not the fpirit of the world, but the fpirit which is of God ; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Eph. 1. 17. That the God of our Lord Jefus Chrift, the Fa- ther of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wifdom and revelation, in the knowledge of him : v. 18. The eyes of your underftanding be- ing enlightened ; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the faints. e Ezek. 36. 26. A new heart alfo will I give you, and a new fpirit will I put within you, and I will take away the ftony heart out of your flefh, and I will give you an heart of flefh. * f Ezek. 11. 19. And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new fpirit within you ; and I will take the ftony heart out of their flefh, and will give them an heart of flefh. Phil. 2. 13. For it is God who worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleafure. Deut. 30. 6. And the Lord thy God will circumcife thine heart, and the heart of thy feed, to love the Lord thy God, with all thine heart, and with all thy foul, that thou mayeft live. Ezek. 3 6. 27. And I will put my Spirit within you, and caufe you to walk in my ftatutes, and ye mall keep my judgments, and do them. g Eph. 1. 19. And what is the ex- ceeding greatnefs of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power. John The CofifeJJion of Faith. 69 Chap. ia. they come mod freely, being made willing by his Grace h. II. This Effectual Call is of God's free and fpecial Grace alone, not from any thing at all forefecn in Man i, who is al- together paffive therein,until,being quickened & renewed by the Holy Spirit *, he is thereby enabled to aofwer this Call, and to embrace the Grace offered and conveyed in it '. III. Elect Infants, dying in Infancy, are regenerated and faved by Chrift through the Spirit w, who workethwhen, and warning of regeneration, and renew- ing of the holy Ghoft. Eph. 2. 4. But God who is rich in mercy. Irs greai love wherewith he loved us, v. 5. Even when we were dead in fins, hath quickened us together with Chrift, (by grace ye are laved) v. 8. For by grace are ye faved, through faith ; and that not of your gift of God : v. Q. Not of works, left any man mould boaft. Rom. o. 1 1 . For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpofe of God according to ele- ction mipht ftand, not of works, but of him that calleth. k 1 Cor. 2. 14. But the natural man rcceiveth not the things of the Spirit of God : for they are foolifh- nefsum„ him : neither can he know them, blcauie they are fpiritually difcerned. Rom. 8. 7. Bccaufc the carnal mind is enmity againftGod : for it is not fqbiecl to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Eph. 2. c. Even when we were dead in fins ,hath quickened us together with Chrift, I ! faved. ) 1 John 6. 37. All that the V 1 come to roe ; and nun th to me, 1 will in no wife e,i'. lout. l \nd I will put my Spirit within you, and caufe you to walk in my ftai and ye (hall lc< tents, and (10 t! I ilv, verily I I . iris coming, and n( mall Rear, tlu bear, (hall INe. 111. John 6. 44. No man can come to me, except the Father, who hath fent me, draw him : and I will raife him up at the lait day. v. 45. It is written in the prophets, And they mall be all taught of God, Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. h Cant. 1. 4. Draw me, we will runafterthee. Pfal. 1 re. $. Thy people (hall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holi- ncls. from the womb of the mor- ning ; thou haft the dew of thy youth. John 6. 37. All that the Fa- ther giveth me, mall come to me ; and him that cometh to me, I will in no wife cad out. Rom .6.16. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield your iclves fervants to obey, his fervants ye are to whom ye obey ; whether of fin unto death, or of obedience onto righteoufnefs : v. 17. But God be thanked that ye were the fer- vants of fin ; but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. v. 18. Be- ing then made t'vee c be- came the fervants of righteoufnefs. II. i 2 Tim. 1.9. Who hath faved us, and called us with unholy cal- ling, not according to our works, but accoi and grace '.en us in Chrttt Jcfus, before the world gan. '! it. kindnefs and lo\e of Go J OU1 viour toward man appeared, \ Not by works of righteoui which wc have done, but according to his fOOtf, he laved us by the 7° The Con f effort of Faith. Chap. io. and where, and how he pleafeth n. So alfo are all other e- left Perfons, who are uncapable of being outwardly called by the Miniftry of the Word c IV. Others notelefted, although they maybe called by the Miniftry of the Word p, and may have fome common Opera- tions of the Spirit q ; yet they never truly come to Chrift, and therefore cannot be laved r : Much lefs can Men, not profef- fing brought unto him alfo infants, that bs wouldtouch them : but when his difciples law it, they rebuked them: ▼ . 16. But Jefus called them unto him, and faid, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not : for of fuch is the kingdom of Cod. And Acls 2. 38. Then Peter fr.d unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the' name of Jtfus Chrift., for the renrf- tion of fins, and ye ihall receive the gift of the holy GliofE v. 39. For the promife is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are alar oif , even as many as the Lord cur God (hall call. And John 3. 3. Jefus anfwered and faid unto him, verily, verily, I fay unto thee, Ex- cept a man be born again, he can^ not fee the kingdom of God. v. 5. Jefus anfwered, Verily, eerily, I lay unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. And 1 John 5. 12. He that hath the Son, hatn life, and he that hath not the Son of God, hath notlire. And Rom. 8.9. But ye are not in the fleih, but in the Spirit, if fo be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Chrifh he is ncne of his. (compared togecher.) n John 3. 8. The wind bio we th where it lifteth, and thou hearcft the found thereof, but cardt not tell whence it ccmeth, and whither it gocth : fo is every one that is born of the Spirit. .> 1 John 5. 12. He that hath the Son, hath life; and he that hath r*oi the Son of Gud, hath not life, Acts 4. 12. Neither is there falva- tion in any other : for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we mult be faved. IV. p Mat. 22. 14. Formany are called, but few are chofen. q Mat. 7. 22. Many will fay to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophefied in thy name ? and in thy name have caft out de- vils ? and in thy name done many- wonderful works ? Mat. 13. 20. But he that received the feed into flo- ny places, the fame is he that hear- eth the word, and anon with joy re- ceiveth it. v. 21. Yet hath he not root in himfelf, but dureth for a while : for when tribulation or per- fection arifeth becaufe of the word, by and by he is offended. Heb. 6, 4. For it is impofhble for thofe who were once enlightened, and have tailed of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the holy Gholr, v. 5. And have tailed the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come. r John 6. 64. But there are fome of you that believe not. For Je- fus knew from the beginning, who they were that believed not, and who fhould betray him : v. 65 . And he faid, Therefore faid I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father, v. 66. From that time many of his difciples went back, and walked no more with him. John 8. 24. I faid therefore unto you that you mall die in your fins : for if you believe not that I am he, ye (hall die in your iins. f Acls Chap: it. The Confejfton of Faith. 71 {ingtheChriftian Rel;gion, be faved in any other Way what- soever, be they never fb diligent to frame their Lives accord- ing to the Light of Nature, and the Law of that Religion they do profefs / ; and to allert and maintain, that they may, is very pernicious, aftd to be detefted t. Chap XI. Of Jujtificathn. THOSE whom God cffeftuallycalleth, he alfo freely ju- flifieth : not by infufing Righteoufnefs into them, but by pardoning their Sins, and by accounting and accepting their Perfbns as righteous: Not for any Thing wrought in them, or done by them, but for Chriit's fake alone : Not by imputing Faith itfelf, the Adhip; for And this they might k true God, and Jcfus Chrift whom thou haft fent. t 2 John 9. V : tranf- §(Tcth and abideth not in the me of Chrift, I he tli.it abideth in the . Chrift, he hath both the Father and the Son. v. 10. If t! any unto you, and briftj him not your boufe, Dckhcr bid him 1 fpeed. v. 11. For he that biddeth him God fpced, is partaker of his evil deeds. 1 Cor. 16. 22. If any man love not the Lord Jefus Chrju, let him be Anathema, _M Gal. 1. 6. I marvel, that years fa fooo removed from him that called you unto the grace of Chrift, unto another gofpel. v. 7. Which is not another ; but there be fume trouble you, and would perven 8. But thoi we, cr an angel from hea\cn, ly other gofpel unto j :h we have ■ unto y Srfed. I. a Rom. 8, 30. M he did predeftmate, them he alfo id. whom h ; : and w Ik sds them he Kora. 1 b K' to him that work that 72 The ConfeJJion of Faith. Chap. it. they receiving and refting on him and his Righteoufnefs by Faith; which Faith they have not of themfelves, it is the Gift of God c. II. Faith, thus receiving and refting on Chrift and his Righ- teouf- he (hall be called, THE LORD OURRIGHTEOUSNESS. I Cor. i. 30. But of him are ye in Chrift Jefus, who of God is made unto us wifdom, and righteoufnefs, and fanclification, and redemption. v. 21. That, according as it is writ- ten, He that glorieth, let him glo- ry in the Lord. Rom. 5. 17. For lfby one man's offence, death reigned by one ; much more they who receive abundance of grace, and of the ^ift » of righteoufnefs, (hall reign in life by one, Jefus Chrift. v. 18. There- fore as by the offence of one, judg- ment came upon all men to con^ demnation : even fo by the righte- oufnefs of one, the free gift came upon all men unto juftification of life. v. 19. For as by one man's difobedience, many were made fin- ners : fo by the obedience of one, (hall many be made righteous. c Acts 10. 44. While Peter yet (pake thefe words, the holy Ghoft fell on all them who heard the word. Gal. 2, 16. Knowing that a man is not juftified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jefus Chrift; even we have believed in Jefus Chrift, that we might be ju- ftified by the faith of Chrift, and not by the works of the law : for by the works of the law (hall no flefh be juftified. Phil. 3. 9. And be found in him, not having mine own righteoufnefs, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Chrift, the righteoufnefs which is of God by faith. Ads 13. 38. Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgive - nefs of (Ins : v. 39. And by him all that believe are juftified from all things, from which ye could not be juftified by the law ofMofes. Eph. God tmputeth righteoufnefs with- out works, v. 7. Saying, BlefTed are they whole iniquities are forgiven, and whofe fins are covered, v. 8. BlefTed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute fin. 2 Cor. 5. 19. To wit, that God was in Chrift, reconciling the world unto himfelf, not imputing their trefpaffes unto them ; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation, v. 2 1 . For he hath made him to be fin for us, who knew no fin, th%t we might be made the righteoufnefs of God in him. Rom. 3. 22. Even the righ- teoufnefs of God which is by faith of Jefus Chrift unto all, and upon all them that believe ; for there is no difference, v. 24. Being jufti- fied freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Jefus Chrift; v. 25. Whom God hath fet forth to be a propitiation, through faith in his blood, to declare his righteoufnefs for the remiflion of fins that are paft, through the for- bearance of God. y. 27. Where is boafting then ? It is excluded. By what law ? of works ? Nay : but by the law of faith, v. 28. There- fore we conclude, that a man is ju- ftified by faith without the deeds of the law. Tit. 3.5. Not by works of righteoufnefs which we have done, but according to his mercy he faved us, by the wafhing of re- generation, and renewing of the holy Ghoft: v. 7. That being ju- ftified by his grace, we mould be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Eph. 1. 7. In whom we ha>e redemption - through his blood, the forgivenefs of fins, ac- coiding to the riches of his grace, ler. 23. 6. In his days Judah fhall be faved, and Ifrael (hall dwell fafe- ly ; and. this is his name whereby Chap. ii. The Confefion of Faith. 11 teoufneft, is the alone Inftrument of Juflification d\ yet is it not alone in thePerfon juftified, but is ever accompanied with all other faving Graces, and is no dead Faith, but worketh by Love e. III. Chrift, by his Obedience and death, did fully difchargc the Debt of all thofe that are thus juftified, and did make a proper, real andfull Satisfaction tohis Father's Jufticc in their behalf/. Yet, in as much as he was given by the Father for them, fo by the obedience of one, (hall many be made righteous, l Tim. 2.5. for there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Chrifr. Jefus; v. 6. Who gave himfelf a ranfom for all, to betcftifiedinduetime.Heb. 10. 10. By the which will we are fanclified, ►ugh the offering of the body of Jefus Chrift once for all. v. 14. For by one offering he hath perfected ever them that are fanclirled. Dan. 9. 24. Seventy weeks are de- termined upon thy people, and up- on thy holy city, to finifh the tranf- greilion, and to make an end of fins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlafting ri^hteoufnefs, and to feal up the vihon and prophecy, and to anoint the moil holy. v. 26. And after threefcore and two weeks, fhall fiah be cut off, but not for him- felf : and the people of the prince that mall come, ihall deftroy the city and the fandtuary, and the end thereof ihall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war defola- IS are determined. Ifa. 53. 4. Surely he hath borne our griets, and icd our forrows : yet we did cftecm him ttricken, fmitten of God, and afflicled. v. 5. But he was wounded for our tranlgreifions, he was bruifed for our iniquities : the chaftifement of our peace was upon him, and with his ltnpc icaled. J. 6. All we like iheep we have turned n way, and the Eph.2.7. That in the ages to come he might fhew the exceeding riches of hi? grace, in his kindnefs to- wards us, through Chrift Jefus. v. 8. For by grace are ye laved, through faith ; and that not of your felves : it is the gift of God. II. d John 1. 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the fons of God, even to them that believe on his name. Rom. 3. 28. Therefore we conclude, that a man is juftified by faith, without the deeds of the law. Rom. £. 1. Therefore being juftified by faith, we have peace with God, through eur Lord Jefus Chrift. c James 2. 17. Even fo faith, if it hath not works, is dead being alone, v. 22. Seeft thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect ? v. 26. for as the body without the fpirit is dead, fo faith \ works is dead alfo. Gal. 5. 6. For in Jefus Chrift, neither circumci- fion availeth any thing, nr>r uncir- cumcifion ; but faith which work- eth by love. 111. fRom. t;. 8. But God com- mendeth his love towards us, in that while \ yet finners, Chrift died for us. v. more then being now juftified by his blood, we mall be t:;\ed from wrath through him. v. ic. when we were enemies we were re- conciled to God by the death of his .Son : much more, being reconci- led, we fhall be faved by his life, v. 19. For as by one man's difobe- dieoce, many were made i: d hath laid on him the iniauity oi us all. v. ic. Vet it plcafca the Lord 4 4 ?be CovfeJJion of Faith \ Chap. 1 t • them g9 and his Obedience and Satisfaction accepted in their ftead h\ and both freely, not for any Thing in them ; their Juftification is only of free Grace % : That both the exaft Juftice and rich Grace of God might be glorified in the Juf- tification of Sinners *. v IV. God did, from all Eternity, decree to juftify all the Eleft /; and Chrift did, in the Falnefs of Time, die for their Sins, and rife again for their Juftification w: Neverthelefs they are not juftified, until the Holy Spirit doth in due Time a&ually apply Chrift unto them n. V. God Lord to bruife him, he hath put him to grief: when thou (halt make his foul an offering For fin, he (hall fee his feed, he mall prolong his days, and the pleafure of the Lord ihall profper in his hand. v. 1 1 , He mall lee of the travel of his foul, and (hall be fatisfied : by his knowledge ihall my righteous fervant juftify many : for he mall bear their iniqui- ties, v. 12. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he (hall divide the fpoil writh the ftrong : becaufe he hath poured out his foul unto death : and he was numbred with the tranfgreffors,and he bare the fins of many, and made intercellion for the tranfgreffors. g Rom. 8.32. He that fpared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how mail he not with him alfo freely give us all tilings ? h 2 Cor . c .21. For he hath made him to be fin for us, who knew no fin : that we might be made the righ- teoufnefs of God in him. Mat. 3.17. Andlo, a voice from heaven, faying, This is my beloved fon, in whom I am well pleafed. Eph. 5.2. And walk in love, as Chrift alfo hath loved us, and hath given himfelf for us, an offering and facrifice to God, for a fweet fmelling favour. i Rom. 3. 24. Being juftified free- ly by his grace, through the re- demption that is in Jelus Chrift. Eph. 1. 7. In whom we have re- demption through his blood, the forgivenefs of fins, according to the riches of his grace. k Rom. 3. 26. To declare, I fay, at this time, his righteoufnefs : that he might be juft, and thejuftifier of him who belie veth in Jefus. Eph. 2.7. That in the ages to come he might fhew the exceeding riches of his grace, in his kindnefs towards us, through Chrift Jefus. IV. 1 Gal. 3. 8. And the fcrip- ture forefeeing that God would ju- ftify the heathen through faith, preached before the gofpel unto A- braham, faying, In thee ihall all na- tions be bleffed. 1 Pet. 1. 2. Eledt, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through fan&ifica- tion of the Spirit, unto obedience, and fprinkling of the blood of Je- fus Chrift. v. 19. But with the pre- cious blood of Chrift, as of a lamb without blemifh and without fpot. v. 20. Who verily was fore-ordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifeft in thefe laft times for you. Rom. 8. 30. Moreover, whom he did predeftinate, them he alfo called : and whom he called, them he alfo j uftified : and whom he juftified, them he alfo glorified. m Gal. 4. 4. But when the ful- nefs of the time was come, God fent forth his Son, made of a wo- man, made under the law. 1 Tim. 2.6. Who gave himfelf a ranfom for all, to be teftified in due time. Rom. 4. 25. Who was deliyeredfor our offences ^ and was railed again for our juftification. n Col. 1. 21. And you that were feme time alienated, and enemies in Chap. ii. The Confejf.on of Faith. 75 V. God doth continue to forgive the Sins of thofe that are juftified 5 : And although they can never fall from the State of Juftification/>, yet they may by their Sins fall under God's fatherly Dilplcafure, and not have the Light of his Counte- nance reftored unto them until they humble thernfelves,con- fefs their Sins, beg Pardon, and renew their Faith and Re- pentance q. IV. The in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled, v. 22. In thebodyof hisflefh, through, to prefent you holy, and unblame- able,andunrcprovcablein his light. Gal. 2. 16. (See letter c immediately foregoing.) Tit. 3. 4. Bui after that the kindnefs and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, v. 5. Not by works of nghteoufnefs which we have done, but according to his mercy he faved us by the warning of regeneration, and re- newing of the Holy Ghoit ; v. 6. Which he fhed on us abundantly, through Jefus Chrift our Saviour ; v. 7. That being juftified by his grace, we mould be made heirs ac- cording to the hope of eternal life. \ . o Mat. 6. 12. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debters. I John 1. 7. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowfhip one with another, and the blood of Jefus Chrili his Son cleanleth us from all fin. v. 9. If * confefs our lins, he is faithful, and jult to forgive us our fins, and to cleanfe us Irom all unrighteouf- nefs. 1 John 2. 1. My little chil- dren, theic things write I unto you, that ye (in not. \\nd if any man tin, we have an advocate with the Fa- ther, Jefus Chrift the righteo v. 2. And he ij the propitiation for our lins : and not for ours only, but alio for the tins of the whole woi Id . p Luke 22. 32. But I have prayed thee, that thy faith fail not ; and when thou art converted, fhengthen thy brethren. John 10. 28. And 1 give unto them eternal Lie, and they (hall never pcrifh, nei- ther (hull any pluck them out of my hand. Heb. 10. 14. For by one offering he hath perfected for l them that are fancrified. q Pfal.89. 31. If they break mv ftatutes, and keep not my com- mandments: v. 32. Then will I vi- iit their tranfgreifion with the rod, and their iniquity with i tripes . v. 3 3 . Neverthelefs, my loving kindnefs will I not utterly take from him, nor fuffer my faithfulnefs to fail. Pfitl: 51.7. Purge me with hyflbp, and I fhall be clean : wafh me, and I (hall be whiter than the fnow. v. 8. Make me to hear joy and glad- n:fs : that the bones which thou haft broken may rejoice, v. 9. Hide thy face from my lins ; and blot out all mine iniquities, v. 10. Create in me a clean heart, (> Cod ; and re- new a right fpirit within me. v. 11. Caft me not away irom thy pre- sence ; aAid take not thy holy Spi- rit from me. v. 12. Reftore unto me the joy of thy falvation : and uphold me with thy free Spirit. Pfal. 32. 5. 1 acknowledged my lin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid : 1 laid, I will confefs my tranfgrellions unto the Lord ; and thou forgaveft the iniquity of ») fin. Mat. 26. 75. And Peter rer. bred the words of Jefus, which laid unto him, Before the c< thou fhalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. r. 11.30. Fortius caufc do are weak and liekly among you. and many fleep. v. }2, Hut when ire judged, we .ire chaAenod ot the Lord, that WC llu llld not be condemned with the world. Luke I. 20. And behold, thou ihai dumb, and not able to l'pcak, until the 7 6 Ihe Confejfion of Faith. C H A p. 12.' VI. The Juftification of Believers under the Old Tefta- men was, in all thefe Refpe&s, one and the fame with the Juftification of Believers under the New Teftament r9 CHAP. XII. Of Adoption, ALL thofe that are juftified, God vouchfafeth, in and for his only Son Jefus Chrift, to make partakers of the Grace of Adoption a : By which they are taken into the Number,and enjoy the liberties and privileges, of the Children of God b ; have his Name put upon them c9 receive the Spirit of Adop- tion d, have Accefs to the Throne of Grace with Boldnefs <>, are the day that thefe things mall be performed, becaufe thou believeft not my words which fhall be fulfill led in their feafon . VI. r Gal. 3. 9. So then they 'who be of faith, are blelTed with faithful Abraham . v. 1 3 . Chrift hath redeemed us from the curfe of the law, being made a curfe for us : for it is written, Cnrfed is every one that hangeth on a tree. v. 14. That the blelling of Abraham might Come on the Gentiles, through Je- fus Chrift ; that we might receive the promife of the Spirit, through faith. Rom. 4. 22. And therefore it was imputed to him for right e- oufnefs. v. 23. Now it was not written for his fake alone, that it was imputed to him ; v. 24. But for us alfo, to whom it (hall be im- puted, if we believe on him that raifed up Jefus our Lord from the dead. Heb. 13.8. Jefus Chrift the fame yefterday, and to day, and for ever. I. a Eph. 1.5. Having predefti- natedus unto the adoption of chil- dren by Jefus Chrift to himfelf, ac- cording to the good pleafure of his will. Gal. 4. 4. But when the ful- ncfs of time was come, God fent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, v. 5. To re- deeiu them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of fons. b Rom. 8. 17. And if children, then heirs ; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Chrift : if fo be that - we fuffer with him, that we may be alfo glorified together. John 1. 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the fons of God, even to them that beiieve on his name. c Jer. 14. 9. Yet thou, O Lord, art in the midft of us, and we are called by thy name, leave U3 not, 2 Cor. 6. 18. And will be a Father unto you, and ye fhall be my fons and daughters, faith the Lord Al- mighty. Rev. 3. 12. Him that o- yercometh, will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he fhall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my^ God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerufalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God : and I will write upon him my new name. d Rom. 8. 15. For ye have not received the fpirit of bondage a- gain to fear ; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. e Eph. 3.12. In whom we have boldnefs and accefs with confidence by the faith of hka. Fvcm. 5.2. By C H A P. * 3. 5H* Confeffion of Faith. 7 7 are enabled to cry, Abba, Father/ ; are pitied £, prote&ed *, provided for *, and chaftened by hirji as by a Father k ; Yet never caft off/, but lealed to the Day of Redemption w, and inherit the promifes ny as Heirs of everlafting Salvation 0. Chap. X1IL Of SanfHfcation. THEY who are effeftually called and regenerated, having a newHeart and a new Spirit created in them,are farther fanctified really and perfonally, through the vertue of Chrift'^ Death and Refurreftion a, by his Word and Spirit dwelling in them b : The Dominion of the whole Body of Sin is deftroy- ed, By whom alfo we hare accefs by faith into this grace, wherein we ftand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. f Gal. 4. 6. And becaufe ye are fons, God hath fent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. gPfal.Ioa* 13. Like as a Father pitieth his children : fo the Lord piticth them that fear him. h Prov. 14. 26. In the fear of the Lord is ftrorg confidence : and his children mall have a place of refuge. i Mat. 6. ;o. Wherefore if God fu clothe the grafs of the field, which to day is, and to moi caft into the oven, mail he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith ? v. 32, For your heavenly Fatiier knoweth that ye have need of all thefe things. I Pet. f. 7. Catting all your care upon him, for for you. ltHeb.I2. >mthe Lord loveth, he chaiteneth, and fc -urgeth . Ion whom he receiveth. 1 Lam. 2. }i4-I not cad m Kph. 4. 30. And grieve not the holy Spirit ol reby ye are n 1Kb. 6. flothful, but fol] who through faith and path... o 1 Pet. 1.3. RlefTedbe the God, and Father of our Lord Jefus Chrilf , who according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again un- to a lively hope, by the refurrection of Jefus Chrift from the dead, v. 4. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, refer ved in heaven for you. Heb. 1. 14. Are they not all miniftrincr fpirits, fent forth to minifter for them who lhall be heirs of falvation ? I. a 1 Cor. 6. 11. And fuchwere fome of you : but ye are warned, but ye are fanctiiied, but ye arc ju- ftified in the name of the Lord Je- fus, and by the Spirit of our G 20. 32. And now, brethren, f ^d, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you in inheritance among all them who are fanctilicd. Phil. may know bin his refurrectioi.. 'eilov.mip of his faffe rings, liable unto his death. Rom. 5. £. For if we h . gether in the likenefs of his dc- we (hall be alfo in the likeneli liis refurre&ton. i , this, that our old man is with htm, that the •* I* John 17, than tin . 7& J- ne Kjonjej/tcn oj faith. V'HAP. I*. c&c, andthefeveralLufts thereof are more and more weake- ned and mortified d9 and they more and more quickened and ftrengthened in all faving Graces ?9 to the Pra&ice of true Holinefs^ without which no Man fliall fee the Lord r. II. This San&ification is throughout in the whole Man g ; yet imperfe& in thisLife,there abideth (till ome Remnant of Corruption in every Part : Whence arifeth a continual and irreconcileable War ; the Fle/h lufting againft the Spirit, and the Spirit againft the Flefh ?'. III. In through thy truth, thy word is truth. Eph. ^. 26. That he might fanclify and clcanfc it with the warning of water by the word. 2 ThefT. 2. 13. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord, becaufc God hath from the beginning chofen you to falvation,B through fanc~tifi- cation of the Spirit, and belief of the truth. c Rom. 6. 6. Knowing this, that Aur old man is crucified with him, that the body of (in might be de- jffroyed, that henceforth we fhould not ferve fin. v. 14. For fin fhall not have dominion over you : for you are not under the law, but un- der grace. d Gal. 5. 24. And they that are Chrifts,havecracifiedtheflefh,with the affections and lufts . Rom. 8 . 1 ; . For if #ye live after the flefh, ye ill all die : but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye fhall live. e Col . 1 . 1 1 .Strengthened with all might according to his glorious power unto all patience, and long- fufrering with j oyfu lnefs . Eph . 3 . 1 6 . That he would grant you according to the riches of his glory to be ftrengthened with might, by his Spi- rit in the inner man. v. 17. That Chrift may dwell in your hearts by faith ; that ye being rooted and grounded in love. v. 18. May be able to comprehend, with all faints, what is the breadth and length, and depth and height ; v. 19. And to know the lore of Chrift, which paffeth knowledge, that ye might be rilled with all the fulnefs of Ciod. f 2 Cor. 7. 1. Having therefore thefe promifes, dearly beloved, let us cleanfe ourfelves from all filthi- nefs of the flefh and fpirit, perfect- ing holinefs in the fear of God. Heb. 12. 14. Follow peace with all men, and holinefs, without which no man fliall fee the Lord. II. g 1 ThefT. £. 23. And the very God of peace farictify you wholly : and I pray God, your whole fpirit and 'foul and body be preferved blamelefs unto the c6ming of cur Lord Jefus Chrift. h 1 John 1 . 10. If we fay that we have not finned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. Rom. 7. 18. For I know that in me, (that is, in my flefh) dwelleth no good thing : for to will is prefent with me, but how to perform that which is good, I find not. v. 23. But I fee another law in my members, warring Hgainft the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of fin, which is in my mem- bers. Phil. 3. 12. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect : but I follow after, if that 1 may apprehend that fof which alfo I am apprehended of Chrift Tefus. i Gal. 5. 17. For the flefh lufteth agair.il: the Spirit, and the Spirit a- gainft the flefh : and thefe are con- trary the one to the other ; fo that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 1 Pet. 2. 1 1 . Dearly beloved, I befeech you, as ftrangers and pil- grims, Chap. 14. 7hc ConfeJJion cf Faith. 79 III. In which War, although the remaining Corruption for a Time may much prevail*, yet, through the continual Sup- ply of Strength from the fan&ifying Spirit of Chrift, the re- generate Part doth overcome / : And fo the Saints grow in Grace m, perfe&ing Holinefs in the Fear of God n. C H A P. XIV. Of Saving Fcitb. T^ H E Grace of Faith, whereby the Elect are enabled to believe to the faying of their Souls a, is the Work of the Spirit of Chrift in their Hearts h\ and is ordinarily wrought by the Miniftry of the Word c : By which alfo, and by the Ad- grims, abftain from Refill y lufts which war againft the foul. III. k Rom. 7. 23. But I fee ano- ther law in my members, waning againft the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the Jaw of fin, which is in my mem- bers. 1 Rom. 6. 14. For fin fhall not have dominion over you : for ye are not under the law, but under grace. bn $. c. Forwhatfoeveris born >d, ovcrcomcth the world : and this is the victory that overcometh the world, .even our faith. Eph. 4.1^. But fpeaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Chrift. v. 16. From whom the whole body fitly d together, and compacted by that which every joint lupplieth, -riling to the cffeclual work in the mealure of every part, ma- keth jncreafe of the body, unto the edifying of it Mi in ! in 2 Pet. 3. 18. But grow in grace, and in the kno and Saviour Jefus Chrift: To him be glory, both now, and for ever, Amen. 2 Cor. 2. 18. But v.e all with open face, benoldinj the glory of the into the i to glory, even as by the ord. n 2 Cor. 7. t. ilawa- therefore thefe promifes dearly beloved, let us cleanfe our felves from ali filthi- nefsofthe flefli and fpirit, perfect- ing holinefs in the fear of God. "l.aHeb. 10. ;o.Butwearenot of them who draw oack unto perditi- on ; but of them that believe to the faving of the foul. b 2 Cor. 4. 13. We havi; fame fpirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and there- fore have I ipoken : we alfo believe, and therefore fpeak. Eph. 1. 17. That the God of our Lord Jefus Chrift, the Father of glory, may «nto you the fpirit of wifdom and revelation, in the knowledge of him. v. 18. The eyes of your underftanding being enlighten that ye may know what is the hope ol his calling, and what the lie of 1 he glory of his inheritance in the f.Jnts, v. 19. Al the r;iing gre M 1 to . ai d who believe, accord ir. the working of his mighty power. Eph, 2.8. Korbygraceare • through faith ; d. c Rom. 10. i then Hia.ll call on him, in whom they 'hey then, faith Cometh bj So 'Tie ConjeJJlon of Faith. Chap. 14. Adminiftration of the Sacraments, and Prayer, it is increafed and ftrengthened d. II. By this Faith, aChriftian believeth to be true whatsoever is revealed in the Word, for the Authority of God himfelf fpeaking therein*?; and acleth differently upon that which each particular paflage thereof containeth; yieldingObedience totheCommands/^ trembling at theThreatenings^, and em- bracing the Promifes of God for this Life and that which is to come h. But the principal Afts of faying Faith are, Accep- ting, Receiving, and Reftingupon Chrift alone for Juftifica- tion, San&ification and eternal Life, by vertue of the Cove- nant hearing by the word of God. d 1 Pet. 2 . 2 . As new born babes, defire the fincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. Ads 20. 32. And now, brethren, I com- mend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able, to build you up, and to give you an inheri- tance^ among all them who are fa notified. Rom. 4. 11. And he re- ceived the fign of circumcifion, a feal of the righteoufnefs of the faith, which he had yet being uncir- cumcifed : that he might be the fa- ther of all them that believe, though they be not circumcifed ; that righ- teoufnefs might be imputed unto them aifo. Luke 17.5. and the apo- ftles (aid unto the Lord, Increafe our faith. Rom. 1. 16. Fori am not alhamed of the gofpel of Chrift : for it is the power of God unto fal- vation to every one that believe th, to the Jewfirft,and alfo to the Greek. v. 17. For therein is the righteouf- nefs of God revealed from faith to faith : as it is written, The juftihall live by faith. II. e John 4. 42. And faid unto the woman, Now we believe, not becaufe of thy faying ; for we have heard him our ielves, and know that this is indeed the Chrift, the Saviour of the world. 1 ThefT. 2.13. For this caufe alfo thank we God without ceafing, becaufe when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but (as it is in truth) the word of God, which effectual- ly worketh alfo in you that believe. 1 John 5%io. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witnefs in himfelf: he that believeth not God, hath made him a liar, becaufe he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. Acts 24. 14. But this I confefs unto thee, that after the way which they call herefy, fo worfhip I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are writ- ten in the law and the prophets . f Rom. 16. 26. But now is made manifeft, and by the fcriptures of the prophets, according to the com- mandment of the everlafting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith. glfa. 66. 2. For all thofe things hath mine hand made, and all thofe things .have been, faith the Lord : but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite fpirit, and trembleth at my word. h Heb. 1 1 . 1 3 . Thefe all died in faith, not having received the pro- mifes, but having feen them afar off, and were perfwaded of them, and embraced them, and confeffed that they were ftrangers and pil- grims on the earth, 1 Tim. 4. 8. For bodily exercife profiteth little : but godlinefs is profitable unto 'all tlm/gs, having promife of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. i John Chap. T4. 7he Covfejfion of Faith. .81 nant of Grace i. . n 1 III. This Faith is different in Degrees, weak or ftrong *; may be often and many Ways aflailed and weakened, but gets the Viftory /; growing up in many to the Attainment of a full AfTurance through Chrift m, who is both the Author and Finiflier of our Faith n; 1 John 1. 12. But as many as re- ceived bim , to them gave he power to become the fons of God, even to them that believe on his name. A<5te 16. 31. And they faid, Believe on the Lord Jefus Chrift, and thou (halt be faved, andthyhoufe. Gal. 2. 20. I am crucified with Chrift : Neverthelefs I live ; yet not I, but Chrift liveth in me ; and the lite which I now live in the flefh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himfelf for me. Acts i{. 11. But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Je- fus Chrift, we (hall be faved even as they. III. kHcb. c. 13. For every one that ufeth mil* is unfkilful in the word of righteoufnefs : for he is a babe. v. 14. But ftrong meat be- longeth to them that are of full age, even thofe who by rcafon of ule have their fenles exerciied to difcern both good and evil. Rom. 4. 19. And being not weak in faith, he confidered not his own body now dead,when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadnefs of Sarah's womb. v. 20. He dag- gered not at the promife of God through unbelief, but was ftrong in faith, gi\ing glory to I 6. 30. Wherefore 1 clothe .Is of the field, which today to morrow is caft into the oven, (hail he not much more clothe you, 0 ye of lied Mat. 8. 10. \\ hen Jefus beard it, he mar- velled, andfaid to them that follow- I found i. Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath delired to have you, that he may lift youtis wheat : v. 32. T>ut I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not ; and when thou art converted, ftrcngthen thy brethren. Eph. 6V 16. Above all, taking the fhield of faith, wherewith ye mall be able to quench the fiery darts of the wick- ed, 1 John 5. 4. For whatfoever is born of God, overcometh the world : and this is the victory that o\ ercometh the world ; even our faith, v. 5. Who is he that over- cometh the world, but he that bc- lievcth that Jefus is the Son of God^ mHcb.6. 11. Andwedeiire, that every one of you do fhew the fame diligence to the full afiurance of hope unto the end: v. 12. That yc be not flothful, but followers of them who through faith and pa- tience inherit the promiies. Heb. 10.22. Let us draw near with a true heart in full afturance of faith, ha- ving our hearts fprinkled from an tvil confciencc, and our b, wafhed with pure water. Col. 2. 2. That their hearts might be comfor- ted, being knit together in lore, and unto all riches of the full > ranee of underftanding, to the ac- knowledgment of the myftci Gdd, ai. : lather, and of Chrift. n Heb. 12. 2. Looking unto Je- fus, the author and tinilner of h ; who for the j s fct pre him, endured the crofi. de- fpifi ie, and : at the right hand of the thro; I. aZcch. 32 The Confefjhn of r\:, Chap, i£- Chap. XV. Of Repentance unto Life. REPENTANCE unto Life is an Evangelical Grace a, the Doctrine whereof is to be preached by every Mini- fter of the Gofpel, as well as that of Faith in Chrift b, II. By it a Sinner, out of the Sight and Senfe, not only of the Danger, but alfo of theFilthinefs and Odioufnefsof his Sins, as contrary to the holy Nature and righteous Law of God; and upon the Apprehenfion of his Mercy in Chrift to fiich as are penitent ; fo grieves for and hates his Sins, as to turn from them all unto God c, purpofing and endeavouring to I. a Zech. 12. 10. And I will pour upon the houfe of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerufalem, the fpirit of grace and of fup plications, and they fhall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they fhall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only fon, and mall be in bit- ternefs for him, as one that is in bitternefs for his firft-bom. A els 11. 18. When they heard thefe things, they held their peace, and glorified God, faying, Then hath God alfo to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. b Luke 24. 47. And that repen- tance and remiilion of fins fnould be preached in his name, among all nations, beginning at Jerufalem. Mark 1. 15. And faying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand : repent ye and be- lieve the gofpel. Acts 20. 2 1 . Testi- fying both to the Jews, and alio to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jefus Chrift. II. c Ezek.^18. 30. Therefore, I will judge you, O houfe of ifrael, every one according to his ways, faith the Lord God : repent, and turn yourfelves from all your tranf- greflions ; fo iniquity mall not be your ruin. v. 31. Caft away from you all your tranigreffions, where- by ye have tranfgreffed, and make you a new heart and a new fpirit ; for why will ye die, O houfe of If- rael ? Ezek. 36. 31. Then fhall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and fhall lothe yourfelves in your own fight, for your iniquities, and for your abominations. Ifa. 30. 22 . Ye fhall defile alfo the covering of thy graven images of filver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold : thoufhalt caft them away as a menftruous cloth : thou fhalt fay unto it, Get thee hence. Pfal. 51.4. Againftthee, thee only have I finned, and done this evil in thy fight: that thou mighteft be juiti- fied when thou fpeakeft, and be clear when thou judg eft. Jer. 31. 18. I have furely heard Ephraim be- moaning himfelf thus, Thou haft chaftifed me, and I was chaftifed, as a bullock unaccuftomed to the yoke : turn thou me, and I fhall be turned ; for thou art the Lord my God. v. 19. Surely after that I was turned, I repented ; and after that I was inftrucled, I fmote upon my thigh : I was alhamed, yea, even confounded, becaufe I did bear the. reproach of my youth. Joel 2. 12. Therefore alfo now, faith the Lord, Turn ye even to me with all your* heart, and with fafting, and with, weeping, and with mourning, v. 13. And rent your heart and not your gar- CHAP. T5» ine wnjeyion qj rauv. v6 to walk with him in all the Ways of his Commandments d. III. Although Repentance be not to be refted in, as any Satisfaftion for Sin, or any Caufe of the Pardon thereof * which is the Aft of God's free Grace in Chrift t ; yet is it of fuch NecefTity to all Sinners, that none may expect Pardon without it a7. IV* -^s garments, and tarn unto the Lord your God : for he is gracious and merciful, flow to anger, and of great kindnefs, and repenteth him of the evil. Amos 5. 15. Hate the evil, and love the good, and eftablifh judgment in the gate : it may be that the Lord God of holts will be gracious unto the remnant of Jo- feph. Pfal. 119. 128. Therefore I efteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right ; and I hate every folfe way. 2 Cor. 7. II. For behold, this felf-fame thing that ye forrowed after a godly fort, what carefulnefs it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of your felves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement delire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge ! in all things ye have approved your to be clear in this matter. d Pfal. 119. 6. Then (hall I not be afhamed, when 1 have refpect unto all thy commandments, v. 59. 1 thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy teiHmonies. v. 106. 1 haVc fworn, and 1 will per- form it, that I will keep thy righ- teous judgments. Luke 1. 6. And they were both righteous before I, walking in all the command- ments and ordinances of the Lord, bl mielefs. 2 Kings 23. 29. And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the Lord with all his heart, and with all his foul, and with all his might, according to all the lav. ; neither after him arofe there any like him. IH.eEzek.36.3i.Then (hall yc ieiftber your own evil < for your abominations, v. ::. for your fakes do I this, faith die Lord God, be it known unto you : be afhamed and confounded^ for your own ways, O houfe of Ifrael . Fzek. 16. 61'. Then thou ilia It re- member thy ways, and be afhamed, when thou (halt receive thy lifters, thine elder and thy younger : and I will give them unto thee for daugh- ters, but not by thy covenant. v. 62. And I will eftablifh my cove- nant with thee, and thou (halt know that 1 am the Lord. v. 63. That thou mayeft remember and be con- founded, and never open thy mouth any more, becrafe of thy fhame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou halt done, faith the Lord God. f Hof. 14. 2. Take with you words, and turn to the Lord, fay un- to him, #Take away all iniquity, and' receive us gracioufly : fo will render the calves of our lips. 4. I will heal their backfliding, I will love them freely : for mine an- ger is turned a v. lm. Rom. 24. Being juftiiied freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Jefus Chi ift. Kph. 1. 7. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgivenefs of according to die riches ol his g] . g Luke 13. 3. 1 tell y< but c all all ei aii. I . <; . 1 tell you. Nay : but - it, yelhall all likewiie peiilh. Acts 17. 1 the times oi this i : winked at ; but now c<»mmun- ;>ent. • . - »4 1 he Confeflion of Faith. Ch a p. 1 5, ]S7vAsJher? is no Sin fo rma11' but lt deferves Damnati- on />; io there is no Sin fo great, that it can bring Damnati- on upon thole who truly repent /'. V. Men ought not to content themfelves with a general Repentance, but it is every Man's Duty to endeavour to re- Pent of his particular Sins particularly k. VI. As every Man is bound to make private Confeflion of His bins to God, praying for the Pardon thereof/; upon which, whom he hath ordained ; whereof ne hath given aflurancc unto all men, in that he hath raifed him from the dead. IV. h Rom. 6. 23. For the wages pt lin is death ; but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jefus Chrift our Lord. Rom. 5. 12. Wherefore, as by one man fin entered into the world, and death by (In ; and fo death paffed upon all men, for that all have finned. Mat. 12. 36. But I fay unto you, that every idle word that men fhall fpeak, they fhall give account thereof in the day of judg- ment. i Ifa. 55.7. Let the wicked for- fake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts : and let Mm re- turn unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon . Rom. 8. 1. There is therefore now no condemnation to them who are in Chrift Jefas, who walk not after the flefti, but after the fpirit. Ifa. 1. ,i6.Wafhye,make you clean, put an ay the evil of your doing3 from before mine eyes, ceafe to do evil. v. 18. Come now and let us reafon together, faith the Lord : though your fins be as fcarlet, they fhall be as white as fnow ; though they be red like crimfon, they (hall be as wool. V.kPfal. 19. 13. Keepbackthy fervant alfo rrom prefumptuous fins, let them not have dominion over me ; then fhall I be upright, and I fhall be innocent from the great sranf jgreflion. Luke 19. 8. And Zac- cheus flood and faid unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor, and if I have taken any thing from any man by falfe accufation, I reftore him four- fold, 1 Tim. 1. 13. Who was before a blafphemer, and a perfecutor and injurious. But I obtained mercy, becaufe I did it ignorantly, in unbe- lief, v. 1 f . This is a faithful faying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Chrift Jefus came into the world to fave finners ; of whom I am chief. VI. iPfal. 51. 4. Againft thee, thee only have 1 finned, and done this evil in thy fight : that thou mighteft be juftifTed when thou fpeakeft, and be clear when thou judgeft. v. 5. Behold, I was fhapen in iniquity : and in fin did my mo- ther conceive me. v. 7. Purge mc with hyffop, and I fhall be clean ; wafh me, and I fhall be whiter than fnow. v. 9. Hide thy face from ray fins ; and blot out all mine iniqui- ties, v. 14. Deliver me from blood- guiltinefs, O God, thou God of my falvation : and my tongue fhall fing aloud of thy righteouTnefs. JUaf. 32.5. I acknowledged my fin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid : 1 faid, I will confefs my tranf- greflions unto the Lord ; and thou for^aveft the iniquity of my fin. Selah. v. 6. For this fhall every one that is godly, pray unto thee, in a time when thou mayeft be found : furely in the floods of great waters, they {hall not come nigh unto him. m Prov. Chap. 16. The Confejfton of Fahhl 8* which, and the forfaking of them, he fhall find Mercy m : So he that fcandalizeth his Brother, or the Church of Chrift, ought to be willing, by a private or publick Confeffion and Sorrow for his Sin, to declare his Repentance to thofe that are offended n ; who are thereupon to be reconciled to him, and in Love to receive him o. Chap. XVI. Of Good Works. GOOD Works are only fuch as God hath commanded in his holy Word a and not fuch as, without the War- rant thereof, are devifed by Men, out of blind Zeal, or up- on any Pretence of good Intention b. II. Thefe mProv. 28. 13. He that coveretli his lins, mall not profper : but who- fo confefleth and forfakcth them, fhall have mercy. 1 John j. 9. If we confefs our (ins, he is faithful and juft to forgive us our fins, and to clcanfe us from all unrighteouf- nefs. n James c. 16. Confefs our faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed : The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availcth much. Luke 17. 3. Take heed to yourfelvcs : If thy brother trefpafs againfl thee, rebuke him ; and if he repent, for- give him. r. 4. And if he trefpafs again(r. thee feven times in a day, and feven times in a day turn again to thee, faying, I repent ; thou • forgive him. Jofh. 7.19. And Joihua laid unto Achat), My fon, give, I pray thee, glory to the Lord God of ifrael, ana make confeflion unto him; and tell me now what thou hail done, hide it not from me. (Pfal. ci. throughout.) 0 2 Cor. 2. 8. WTiefeforcI befcech vou, that you would confirm your love towards him. I. a Micah6. 8. He hath (hewed thee, 0 man. what is good ; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do iuilicc, and to love mercy, and to w,alk humbly with thy God ? Rom. 12. 2. And be not conformed to this world : but be ye transfor- med by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God. Heb. 13. 21. Make you per- fect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well plealing in his fight, through JefusChrifl:; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. b Mat. 15. 9. But in vain they do worfliip me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of m ftrengthen their Alliirance e, edify their Brethren /, adorn the ProfeiTion of the Gofpel^, flop the Mouths of the Ad- the things which mould have been utterly deftroyed, to facrifice unto th j Lord thy God in Gilgal. v. 22. And Samuel laid, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt -offerings and lac'rifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord ; Behold, to obey is better than iacriiicc ; and to hear- ken, than the fat of rams, v. 22. For rebellion is as the fin of witch- craft, and ftubbornnefs is as iniqui- ty and idolatry : bccaufe thou haft rejected the word of the Lord, he hath alfo rejected thee from being king. II. c James 2. i8. Yea, a man may fay, Thou haft faith, and I have works : fnew me thy faith without thy works, and I will (hew thee my faith by my works, v, 22. Seeft thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect ? d Pial. 1 16. 12. What (hall I ren- der unto the Lord for all his bene- fits towards me ? v. 13. I will take the cup of falvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. 1 Pet. 2. 9. But ye are a chofen generation, a royal priefthcod, an holy nation, a peculiar people ; that ye mould mew forth the praifes of him, who hath called you out of darknefs in- to his marvellous light. e 1 John 2. 3. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments, v. 5. But whofo keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected : htveby know we that we are in him. 2 ret, 1.5. And befides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue ; and to virtue, knowledge ; v. 6. And to knowledge, tempe- rance ; and to temperance, pati- ence ; and to patience, godlinefs ; v. 7. And to godlinefs, brotherly kindnefs ; and to brotherly kind- nefs, charity, v. 8. For if thefe things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye fhall neither be barren, nor unfruitful in the know- ledge of our Lord Jefus Chrift. v. 9. But he that lacketh thefe things, is blind, and cannot fee far oif, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old fins. v. 10. Where- fore the rather, brethren, give di- ligence to make your calling and election fure : for if ye do thefe tilings, ye (hall never fall. f 2 Cor. 9. 2. For I know the for- wardnefs of your mind, for which lboaftof you to them of Macedo- nia, that Achaia was ready a year ago : and your zeal hath provoked very many. Mat. 5. 16. Let your light fo mine before men, that they may fee your good works, and glo- rify your Father who is in heaven, g Tit. 2. 5. Tobedilcreet,chafte, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own hufbands, that the word of God be not blafphemed. v. 9. Exhort fervants to be obedi- ent unto their own mafters, and to pleafc them well in all things ; not anfwering again; v. 10. Not pur- loining, but (hewing all good rider lity ; that they may adorn the do- ctrine of God our Saviour in al! things, v. 11. For the grace of God that bringeth falvation, hath appeared to all men ; v. 12. Teach- ing us, that denying ungodlinefs and worldly lufts, we mould live foberly, righteoufly, and godly in* this prefent world. 1 Tim. 6. 1 . Let as many fervants as are under the yoke, count their own maiters wor- thy CHAP. l6. The Confejjion of Faith. 87 Adverfaries h} and glorify God i, whofe Workman/hip they are, created in Chrilt Jefus thereunto k ; that, having their Fruit unto Holinefs, they may have the End eternal Life /. III. Their Ability to do good AVorks is not at all of them- felve«, but wholly from the Spirit of Chrift m. And that they may be enabled thereunto, befides the Graces they have already received, there is required an aftual Influence of the fame Holy Spirit, to work in them to will and to do of his good Pleafure n : Yet are they not hereupon to grow negli- gent, as if they were not bound to perform any Duty, unlefs upon a fpecial Motion of the Spirit ; but they ought to be diligent in itirring up the Grace of God that is in them o. IV. They who in their Obedience attain to the greateft Height w faich is poifible in this Life, are fo far from being able to thy of all honour ; that the name of Cod and his doctrine be not blafphcmed. 1 Pet. 2. i> For fo is the will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to iilence the ignorance of foolifh men. i 1 Pet. 2. 12. Having your con- vert eft among the Gen- tiles : that whereas they fpeak a- gainft you as evil-doers, they may, by your good works which they (hall behold, glorify God in the day of vifitation. Phil. 1. 11. Being iil- led with the fruits of righteoufi which arc by lefts Chrili, unto the §lory and praife of God. John 15. . Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit, fo ihall ye iples. ire his ted in Clniit Je- :s, which God h ith . I lined thatwcihould in them. 1 Rom. 6. 22. Hut now being mad' :\ (in, and bco have your fruit . the eud c\cr- < John i£. 4. Abide in me, and I nnot ben ; i« tlr. cept ye abide in me. * v. 5. I am the vine, ye are the branches : He that abideth in me, and I in him, the fame bringeth forth much fruit, ror without me ye can do nothing, y. 6. If a man abide not in me, he is caft forth as a branch, and is wi- thered ; and men gather them and calt them into the fire, and they arc burned. Ezek. alio will I give you, and a new fpirit will 1 put within you, and 1 will take away the irony heart out of your ilelh, and i will give you an heart of rlefh. \nd I will put my fpirit within you, and caufe you to walk in my (tatutcs, and ye ihall keep my judgments, and do them n Phil. 2. U. For it is God v. ho workcth in you, both to will to do, of his good pleafure. Phil. 4. 1;. 1 can do all things through Chrilt who ftrengtheneth ;. Not that we aie fu {fl- uent ot our ielves to think any but our iency is ot ( o Phil. 2. 12. W my beloved, cy- ed, BOt as in my pielenee only, but h more in my . - : V 4 ue 88 The Confejjlon of Faith. CfflAP. I 6. to fuperertfgate and to do more than God requires, as that they fall ihort of much which in Duty they are bound tor do p. V. We cannot, by oar beft Works merit Pardon of Sin or eternal Life at the Hand of God, by reafon of the great Dis- proportion that is between them and the Glory to come, and the infinite Diftance that is between us and God, whom by them we can neither profit, nor fatisfy for the Debt of our former Sins^; but, when we have done all we can, we have done we defire that every one of you do Jhew the fame diligence, to the full afturance of hope unto the end : v. 12. That ye be notflothful, but followers of them, who through faith and patience inherit the pro- mife?. 2 Pet. i. ;. According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godJinefs, through the know- ledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue, v. £. And be - fides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue ; and to vir* tue, knowledge, v. 10. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election fure : for if ye do thefe things, ye mall never fall : v. n. For fo an entrance fhall be minif Ired unto you abundantly, into the everlafting kingdom Jof our Lord and Saviour Jefus Chrift. I fa. 64. 7. And there it none that calleth upon thy name, that ftirreth up bimfelf to take hold of thee : for thou haft hid.thy face from us, and haft confumed us, be- caufe of our iniquities. 2 Tim. 1. 6. Wherefore I put thee in remem- brance, that thou ftir up the gift of God which is in thee, by the putting on of my hands. Acts 26. 6. Ana now I ftand, and am judged for the hope of the promife made of God unto our fathers : v. 7. Un- to which promife our twelve tribes initantly krvingGod day and night, hope to come : for which hopes lake, king Agrippa, I am accuied of the Jews, jude 20. But ye be- loved, building up your felves on your moft holy faith, praying in the holy Ghoft, v. 21. Keep your felves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jefus Chrift unto eternal life. IV. pLuke 17. io.Solikewifeye,. when ye fhall have done all fchofe things which are commanded you, fay, We are unprofitable ferv ants : we have done that which was our duty to do. Neh. 13. 22. And I commanded the Levites, that they mould cleanfe themfelves, and that they mould come & keep the gates, to ianclify the fabbath-day. Re- member me, O my God, concerning this alfo, and fpare me according tc% the greatnefs of thy mercy. Job 9.2.I know it is fo of a truth : but howfhould man be juft with God ? v. 3. If he will contend with him, be cannot anfwer him one of a thoufand. Gal. .5. 17. For the flefh lufteth againft the Spirit, and the Spirit againft the flcm : and thefe are contrary the one to the other ; fo that ye cannot do the things that ye would. V. q Rom. 3. 20. Therefore by the deeds of the law there fhall no flefh be juftified in his fmht : for by the law is the knowledge of fin. Rom. a. 2. For if Abraham were ju- ftified by works, he hath whereof to glory, but not before God. v. 4. Now to him that worketh, is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. v. 6. Even as David alfo defcribeth the blefTednefs of the man. Chap. 16. The Confejfion of Faith. 89 done but our Ihrty, and are unprofitable Servants r ; and be- caufe, as they are good, they proceed from his Spirit / ; and, as they are wrought by us, they are defiled and mixed with fo much Weaknefs and Imperfeftion, that they cannot en- dure the Seventy of God's Judgment t. VI. Yet notwithftanding, the Perfons of Believers being accepted through Chrift, their good Works alfo are accepted in him v, not as though they were in this Life wholly un- blanie- man, unto whom Cod imputeth righteoufnefs without works. Eph. 2. 8. For by grace arc ye fared, through faith ; and that not of your felves : it is the gift of God. v. 9. Not of works, left any man mould boaft. Tit. 3. 5. Not by works of righteoufnefs, which we have done, but according to his mercy, he faved ua by the warning of regene- ration, and renewing of the holy Ghoft; v.6. Which hemed on us abundantly, through Jefus Chrift our Saviour, v. 7. That being ju- ftified by his grace, we ihould be made heirs, according to the hope of eternal life. Romans 8. 18. For I reckon that the f title rings of this prcfent time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which lha!l be revealed in us. Pftlm 16. 2. O my foul, thou haft faid unto the Lord,Thou art my Lord : my good- nefs cxtendeth not to thee. Job 22.2. Can a man be profitable un- to God, as he that is wife may be profitable unto himle -If : r. a. Is it any pleafurc to the Almighty that thou art righteous ? or is it gain to him, that thou make!1, ways perfect i Job 35, 7. 11 thou be righteous, what gixeft thou him? or what rcCeii cth he of thine hand ? v. 8. Thy wkkedni .;rt a man as thou at ouf- nefs may profit thc'fon of man. r Luke 17. 10. (Sec letter p in this chapter.) ■ It the fruit of the Spirit is in . Inng-fuf- icring,gci, -odnefs, faith, v. 23. Meeknefs, temperance: a- gainif fuch there is no law. t ifa. 64. 6. But we are all as aa unclean thing, and all our righ- teoufneifes are as filthy rags, and we all do fade as a leaf, and our ini- quities, like the wind, have taken us away. Gal. 5. 17. For the fleih luft- eth againft the Spirit, and the Spirit a gain ft the rlcfli : and thefe are con- trary the one to the other ; fo that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Rom. 7. 15. For that which 1 do, I allow not : for what \ would, that do I not, but what I hate, that do I. v. 18. 1 know, that in me (that is, in my flelh) dwcllcrh no good thing : for to will is prefent with me, but how to perform that which is good, 1 find not, Pi \nd enter not into ji mem with thy fervant : for in thy fight fhall no man living be juftiti- cd. Pfalm 130. 3. If thou, Lord, fhouldft mark iniquities : O Lord, whoflial] Hand? VI. i Kph. 1.6. To the praifl- of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the Belo- ved. 1 Pet. 2. c. Ye alfo, as lively (tones, are built up a ipiritual houfc, an holy priefthood, to offer up fpi- ritual facrifices, acceptable to God byjefus Chrift. it (hall be upon Aar imty oft). Q«, which the chil- I hallow in all pfta ; and it ihali be al- i liis forehead, that they >rdf Gen. 90 The Confejfion of Faith. CHAP. 1 6. blameable and unreproveable in God's Sight w ; but that he, looking upon (hem in his Son, is pleafed to accept and reward that which is fincere, akho' accompanied with many Weak- nefles and Imperfections x. VII. Works done by unregenerate Men, although for the Matter of them, they may be Things which God commands, and of good Ufe both to themfelves and others .y : Yet, be- caufe Gen. 4.4. And Abel, he alfo brought of the iirftlings of his flock, and vf the fat thereof ; and the Lord had refpect unto Abel, and to his offer- ing. With Heb. 1 1. 4. By faith A- bel offered unto God a more excel- lent facrifke than Cain, by which he obtained witnefs that he was righteous, God teftifying of his gifts : and by it, he being dead, yet ipeaketh. w Job 9. 20. If I juftify my felf, my own mouth ihall condemn me : If I fay, I am perfect, it fhall alfo prove me perverfe. Pfalm 143. 2. And enter not into judgment with thy fervant : for^ in thy fight fhall no man living be juftiiied. x Heb. 12. 20. Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jefus, that great Shepherd of the fheep, through the blood of the everlafting covenant, v. 21. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, work- ing in you that which is well-plea- fing in his fight, through Jefus Chrift ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 2 Cor. 8. 12. For if there be firft a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. Heb. 6. 10. For God is not unrighteous, to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have fhewed toward his name, in that ye have miniftred to the faints, and do minifter. Mat. 25. 21. His lord faid unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful fervant ; thou Ka,ft been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many- things : enter thon into the joy of thy Lord. v. 23. His lord faid un- to him, Well done, good and faith- ful fervant; thou haft been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. VII. y 2 Kings 10. 30. And the Lord faid unto Jehu, Becaufe thou haft done well in executing that which is right in mine eyes, and haft done unto the houfe of Ahab according to all that was in mine heart, thy children of the fourth generation fhall fit on the throne of Ifrael. v. 31. But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the Lord God of Ifrael, with all his heart, for he departed not from the fins of Jeroboam, which made Ifrael to fin. 1 Kings 21. 27. And it came to pafs when Ahab heard thofe words, that he rent his clothes and put fackcloth upon his flefh,and failed, and lay in fackcloth, and went foftly. v. 29. Seeft thou how Ahab humbleth himfelf before me ? becaufe he humbleth himfelf before me, I will not bring the evil in his days : but in his fons days will I bring the evil upon his houfe. Phil. 1. 15. Some indeed preach Chrift even of envy and ftrife ; and fome alfo of good-will. v. 16. The one preach Chrift of contention, not fmcerely, fuppofing to add af- fliction to my bonds, v. 18. What then ? notwithftanding every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Chrift is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice, z Gen. CHAP. \6. The ConfeJJton of Faith. 9 1 caufe they proceed not from an Heart purified by Faith z ; nor are done in a right Manner, according to the Word a ; nor to a right End, the Glory of God b ; they are therefore finful, and cannot pleafe God, or make a Alan meet to re- ceive Grace from God c. And yet their Negleft of them is more finful, and difpleafmg unto God d. C H A P. z Gen. 4. 5. But unto Cain to his offering he had not ref • And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance tell. With Heb. 1 1 . By faith Abel offered unt more excellent facriticc than L by which he obtained witnefs that he was righteous, God tci his gifts, and by it he being c yetfpeaketh. Heb. 11. 6. But with- out faith it is unpoffible to p] him : for he that comcth to God, mud believe th; ! that he is a rewarder of them that diligent- ly feck him. a I Cor. 13.3. And though I be- (tow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Ifa. 1. When ye come to appear b< me, who hath required this at y hand, to tread my coi b Mat. 6. 2. Therefore, when thou doit thine alms, do not fo a trumpet before thee, as the hj s do, in the fynagogues, in the may have Y of men. [ fay unto . they have their v. 5. when thou prayeft, thou :; not be as the hypO< tor they love to pray Handing in orners of the ftrects, that they may be f ot men. Verily I fay unto 1 . 16. Mnivo- bc not as the icrites, <>: ; itenance : for they 'alt. then f'hen anfv. and fo is this nation before me, faith the Lord ; and fo is every their hands, and that which er there is unclean. Tit. 1. re all things arc pure, but unto them that are deiil- unbclie-* ing is nothing pure, D their mind and conic i. Amos 5.21. 1 hate, I dc- fpifc yout fealt-days, and 1 will not fmell in your f ■ :ib!ies. V: : : . Though you offer me burnt- oiterings, and your meat-offerings, >t accept them; neither will rd the peace-orrcrings of your fat be alb. Hof. 1 . a. And the Lord faid unto him, Call his name Jez- reel ; k»r yet a little while, and I will avenge the blood of j upon the houfe of Jehu, and will caufe to ceafe the kingdom of the houfe of Ilra-1. Rom. 9. 16. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of Godtjiat iheweth mercy. Til Not by works of riohteoufnefs, which we h?ve done, but accord- ing to his mercy he faved us by the warning of regeneration, and renewing ot the holy Gholt. dV\A\ 14. 4. Ha .. orkers of iniquity noknowkd^c ? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the Lord. Plal. 56. ;. 1 >rds of his mouth are iniqui- ty and deceit : he hath left off tft : >do t;ood. Job 2 1. 14. I dgeofthy ways. v. 14. ihould fenrc him? and what pruiit ihould we haw .y unto him. Mat. o unto . icfihacit Depart from 92 The Confefion of Faith. Chap. ijm Chap. XVII. Of the Per fever ance of the Saints. THEY whom God hath accepted in his Beloved, effec- tually called and fan&ified by his Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the State of Grace; but fhall certainly perfevere therein to the End, and be eternal* ly fayed a. II. This Perfeverance of the Saints depends not upon their own Free-will, but upon the Immutability of the Decree of Eleftion, flowing from the free and unchangeable Love of God the Father b\ upon the Efficacy of the Merit and In- terceflion of Jefus Chrift c ; the Abiding of the Spirit and of me, yecurfed, into everlafting fire, prepared for the devil and his an- gels, v. 42. For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat : I was thirfty, and ye gave me no drink : t. 43. I was a Granger, and ye took me not in : naked, and ye clothed mc not : Tick and in prifon, and ya vifited me not. v. 45. Then fhall he anfwer them, faying, Verily, J fay unto you, In as much as ye did it not to one of the leaft of thefe, ye did it not to me. Mat. 23.23. Wo unto you fcribes and Pharifees, hy- pocrites ; for ye pay tithe of mint, and anife, and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith : thefe ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. L a Phil. 1.6. Being confident of this very thing, that he who hath begun a good work in you, will perform it until the day of Jefus Chrift. 2 Pet. 1. 10. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election fure : for if ye do thefe things, ye fhall never fall. John 10. 28. And I give unto them eternal life, and they fhall never periih, neither lhall any pluck them out of my hand. v. 29. My Father, who gave them me, is greater than all : and none is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 1 John 3.9. Whofoevcr is born of God, doth not commit fin ; for his feed remaineth in him : and he cannot fin, becaufe he is born of God. 1 Pet. 1.5. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto falvation, ready to be revea- led in the laft time, v. 9. Receiving the end of your faith, even the fal- vation of your fouls. II. b 2 Tim. 2. 18. Who concern^ ing the truth have erred, faying, that the refurrection is paft alrea- dy; and overthrow the faith of fome. v. 19. Neverthelefs, the foun- dation of God (tandeth fure, having this feal, The Lord knows them that arc his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Chrift, depart from iniquity. Jer.31. 3. The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, fay- ing, Yea, I have loved thee with aa everlaf ring love ; therefore with lo- ving kindnefs have I drawn thee. c Heb. 10. 10. By the which will we are fandlified, through the offe- ring of the body of Jefus Chrift once for all. v. 14. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that arefanctified. Heb. 12. 20. Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jefus, that great lhepherd of the iheep, through the blood of the everlafting cove- nant, v. 2 t . M ake you perfect in eve- ry good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleafing in CHAP. *7« **e ConfeJ ion of Faith. 93 of the Seed of God within them fe hope /hall be cut off, and wnofe trull (hall be a fpiders \. i.Tbc heads thereof judge for reward, and the priefts thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money; yet will lean upon the Lord, and fay, Is not the Lord among us ? non. .n come upon us. Deut. 29. 19. And it come to pafs when he he eth the words of this curfe, that he blefs himfelf in his heart, fai I (hall have peace, though 1 the imaginarioj; drunk is of youi Then (aid they to him, We be c 1 ' 9 6 7he ConfeJJion of Faith. C H A P. 1 8. State of Grace c, and may rejoice in the Hope of the Glory of God; which Hope fhall never make them afhamed d. II. This certainty is not a bare conjeftural and probable Perfwafion, grounded upon a fallible Hope e ; but an infal- lible Afliirance of Faith, founded upon the Divine Truth of the Promifes of Salvation/, the inward Evidence of thofe Graces untp which thefe promifes are made^, the Teftimony of the Spirit of Adoption witneffing with our Spirits that we arc c i John 2.3. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 1 John 2. 14. We know that we have pafTed from death unto life, becaufe we love the brethren : he that loveth not his brother, abideth in death, v. 18. My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth, v. 19. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and ihall affure our hearts before him. v. 21. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence towards God. v. 24. And he that keepeth his command- ments, dweileth in him, and he in him : and hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit that he hath given us. 1 John 5.13. Thefe things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God ; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. d Rom. 5. 2. By whom alfo we have accefs b3T faith into this grace wherein we rtand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. v. 5. And hope maketh not aPaamed, becaufe the love of God is Ihed abroad in our hearts, by the holy G holt which is given unto us. II. e Heb. 6. 11. And we defire that every one of you do fhew the fame diligence to the full afTu ranee of hope unto the end. v. 19. Which hope we have as an anchor of the foul, both fure and ftedfaft, and which entreth into that within the fHeb.6. 17. Wherein God willing more abundantly to fhew unto the heirs of promife the immutability of his counfel, confirmed it by an oath: v. 18. That by two immutable things, in which it was impoflible for God to lie, wc might have a ftrong confolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope fet before us. g 2 Pet. 1.4. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and pre- cious promifes, that by thefe you might be partakers of the divine na- ture, having efcaped the corruption that is in the world through luft. v. 5. And befides this, giving di- ligence, add to your faith, virtue ; and to virtue, knowledge, v. 10. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election fure : for if ye do thefe things, ye fhall never fall. v. n. For fo an entrance (hall be miniftred unto you abundantly, into the ever- lasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour jefusChrilt. 1 John 2. 3. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 1 John 3 .14. We know that we have patted from death unto life, becaufe we love the brethren : he that lov- eth not his brother, abideth in death. 2 Cor. 1. 12. For our rejoic- ing is this, The teftimony of our confeience, that in fimplicity, and godly fincerity, not with ilefhly wifdom, but by the grace of God we have had our converfation in the world, and more abundantly to you- wards. h Rom. Chap 18. The Confejjlon of Faith. 97 sre the children of God * : Which Spirit is the Earnefl: of oar Inheritance, whereby we are fealed to the Day of Re- demption *. III. This infallible AfTurance doth not fo belong to the EfTence of Faith, but that a true Believer may wait long, and conflift with many Difficulties, before he be partaker of h k : Yet, being enabled by the Spirit to know the Things which are freely given him of God, he may, without extraordinary Revelation, in the right Ufe of ordinary Means, attain there- unto /. And therefore it is the Duty of every one, to give all Diligence to make his Calling and Election fure m\ that thereby his Heart may be enlarged in Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghoft, in Love and Thankfulnefs to God, and in Strength h Rom. 8. ic. For ye have not re- ceived the fpirit of bondage again to fear ; but ye have received the fpirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father, r. 16. The fpirit it ielf beareth witnefs with our fpirit, that we are the children of God. i Eph. 1. 13. In whom ye alfo tr li- fted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gofpel of your ialva- tion : In whom alio, after that ye believed, ye were felled with that holy fpirit of promife, v. 14. Which is the earncft of our inheritance, un- til the redemption of the purchafed poiTefiion, unto thepraife of his glo- ry. Eph. 4.50. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are Tealed unto the day of redemption. 2 Cor. 1. 21. Now he who ftablHh- rth us with you, in Chrift, and hath anointed us, is God: t, 22. Who 3ath alfo fealed us, and £ivcn the earned of the Spirit in our hearts. 111. k 1 John 5. 13. '1 lave I written unto you ( ieve on the name of the Son of pod ; that ye may know that yc ia\;e eternal life, su lu'iy K-licYc on the Dame oi the So iod. [fa. co. 10. \\ ho 'ou that feareth t! 1 •beyeth the roice of his fen hat walketh mdarknefi, add hath o light : let him truftin tl If the Lord, and (tay upon his God. Mark 9. 24. And ftraightway the father of the child cried out, and faid with tears, Lord, I believe ; help thou mine unbelief. (SeePfal. 88. throughout, rial. 77. to the 12. verfe. 1 1 Cor. 2. 12. Now we have re- ■d, not the fpirit of the world, but the fpirit which is of Gc>d ; we might know At things freely given to us of God. 1 John j. 1 3 . Hereby kr.r>w we that we - ' in him, and he in us, becaufe he hath given us of his Spirit. Heb. 6. 1 1 . And we defire, that every one of you do (hew the fame diligence, to the full aflurancL unto the end : v. 12. That you be not flothful, but followers of ih through faith and patience in- herit the pronn: . 17. That Chrift may dwell in your hearts by grounded in love, v. 18. May be I with all i .1 is the bi d length. and depth an J. .ow the loi be i;. m . IO. A\ Ik .hings, >c iUall :: G - u Rom. 98 7he Confejjion of Faith. Chap* i#. Strength and Cheerfulnefs in the Duties of Obedience ; the proper Fruits of this Afliirance n : So far is it from inclining Men to Loofenefs o. IV. True Believers may have the Afliirance of their Salva- tion divers Ways fhaken, diminiflied arid intermitted ; as, by Negligence in preferving of it, by falling into fome fpecial Sin,which woundeth the Confcience, and grieveth theSpirit ; by fome fudden or vehement Temptation ; by God's with- drawing the Light of his Countenance,and fuffering even fuch n Rom. c. r. Therefore being juftified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jefus Chrift. v. 2. By whom alfo we nave accefs byfaith into this grace where- in we (land, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. v. 5. And hope maketh not afhamed, becaufe the love of God is fhed abroad in our hearts, by the holy Ghoft, which is given unto Us. Rom. 14. 17. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but rightcoufnefs and peace, and joy in the holy Ghoft. Rom. 15. 13. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the ho- lyGhoft. Eph. 1.3. Blefledbethe God and Father of our Lord Jefus Chrift, who hath bleffed us with all fpiritual bleflings in heavenly places in Chrift : v. 4. According as he hath chofen us in him, before the foun- dation of the world, that we mould be holy, and without blame before him in'love. Pfalm 4. 6. There be many that fay, Who will (hew us any good ? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. v. 7. Thou haft put gladnefs in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine in- creafed. Pfalm 119. 32. I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou (halt enlarge my heart. o 1 John 2. 1. My little children, thefe things write I unto you, that ye fin not. And if any man (in, we have an advocate with the Father, as Jefus Chrift the righteous, v* 2* And he is the propitiation for out fins : and not for ours only, but alfo for the (ins of the whole world. Rom. 6. 1. What (hall we fay then ? (hall we continue in (in, that grace may abound ? 1 v. 2. God forbid: how (hall we that are dead to fin, live any longer therein ? Tit. 2 . 1 1 . For the grace of God that bringeth falvation, hath appeared to all men, v. 12. Teaching us> that de- ny ing'ungodlinefs and worldly lufts, we (hould live foberly, righteoufly, and godly in this prefent world, v. 14. Who gave himfelf for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himfelf a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 2 Cor. 7. 1. Having there- fore thefe promifes (dearly belo- ved] let us cleanfe our felves from all hlthinefs of the flefh and fpirit, perfecting holinefs in the fear of God. Rom. 8. 1. There is there- fore now no condemnation to thera who are in Chrift Jefus, who walk not after the rlefh, but after theSpirit. v. 12. Therefore, brer thren, we are debtors, not to the flerti, to live after thefleih. 1 John 3.2. Beloved, now are we the fons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we (hall be:, but we know,, that when he (hall appear, we (hall be like him : for we (hall fee him as he is. v.;. And every man that hath this hope in him, purilieth himfelf, even as he is pure. Pfalm 130. 4. But there is forgivenefs with CHAP. Io- *** (Jonjejjion of raitb. 99 as fear him to walk in Darknefs and to have no Light p : Yet are they never utterly deftitute of that Seed of God, and Life of Faith, that Love of Chrift and the Brethren, that Sincerity of Heart and Conference of Duty , out of which, by the Operation of the Spirit, this AlTurance may in due Time be with thee: that thou mayeft be feared. 1 Johni;6. ifwe fay that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darknefs, we lie, and do not the truth, v. 7. But if we walk in the li^ht, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jefus Chrift his Son cleanfeth us from all tin. IV. p Car-. 5. 2. Ifieep, but my heart waketh : it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, faying, O- pento me, my fitter, my love, my ph«4< 30. And • the holy v ofGt - unto . Let i an- I clamour, and evil-fp p ■'■ fi th all 1 77. 1. : . unr») Cod trouble I fought the Lord : my fore ran in the night, and ceafed not : my foul refuted to be comforted. v. 3. I remembered God, and was troubled ; I complained, and my fpirit was overwhelmed. Selah. . Thou holdeft mine eyes wak- ing : 1 am fo troubled, that I can- not fpeak. v. J. I have confidered the days of old, the years of an- cient times, v. 6. I call to remem- brance my fong in the night : I commune with mine own heart, and my fpirit made diligent fearch. v. 7. Will the Lord call off for e- ver : and will he be favourable no more ? v. 8. Is his mercy clean gone for ever ? doth his promife tail for evermore ? v. 9. Hath God forgotten to be gracious ? hath he in anger Hint up his tender mere Selah. • v. 10. And 1 faid, This is my infirmity, but I will remember the years of the right hand of the mo ft" High. Matth. 26. 69. v Peter fat without in the pat . and a damfel came unto km. fly- ing. Thou alfo waft with Joins of Galilee, v. 70. But he denied be- fore them all, faying j 1 k 1 w not what thou . "i. And when he was gone out into the porch, a- nother maid faw him, ana faid un- to them that were there, This Jfc with Jcfus of N V. 7 2. A :mcd with an oath, 1 do not know the tit t! my 100 Tl he ConfeJJion of Faith. Chap. 19. be revived q, and by the which, in the mean Time, they are fupported from utter Defpair r. Chap. XIX. Of the Law of God. GO D gave to Adam a Law as a Covenant of Works, by which he bound him and all his Pofterity to perfonal, entire, exaft and perpetual obedience ; promifed Life upon the fulfilling^and threatened Death upon the Breach of it ; and endued him with Power and Ability to keep it a. II. This vant > that walketh in darknefs., and hath no light ? let him truft in the name of the Lord, and flay upon his God. qli John 3. 9. Whofoeyer is born of God, doth not commit fin : for his feed remaineth in him. and he cannot fin, becaufe he is born of God* Luke 22. 32. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not ; and when thou art converted, ftrengthen thy brethren. Job 13. 15. Though he flay me, yet will I truft in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. Pfal. •73. 15. If I fay, I will fpeakthus: behold, I fhould offend againft the generation of thy children. Pfal. themfelves: v. 15. Who ihew the work of the law written in their hearts, their confeience alfo bearing witnefs, and their thoughts the mean while accuiing, orelfe ex- cufmg one another. Rom. 10. 5. For Mofes defcribeth the righteouf- nefs which is of the law, "that the man who doth thofe things, (hall live by them. Rom. j. 12. Where- fore, as by one man iin entered into the world, and death by fin ; and fo death parted upon all men, for that all have finned, v. 19. For as by one man's difobedience many were made finners : fo by the obedience of one fhall many be made righte- ous. Gal. 3. 10. For as many as are of the works of the law, are under the curfe : for it is written, Curled is everyone that continueth riot in all things, which are written in the book of the law, to do them. v. 12. .And the law is not of faith: th them, fhall live in them. ted. 7. 29. Lo, this only have 1 found, th made man upright : but they have fought out many invent 28. 28. And unto man he laid, He- hold the fear of the Lord, that is wifdom; and to 1 no evil, is underftan II. b James 1. looketh into the berry, and continueth then being not a forger doer of the work, this man Jhall be bleifcJ in hb deed. Jamca 2.8. li ye fulfil the royal law, accor to the fcripture, Thou fhalt lovc thy neighbour as thy felf, ye do veil. v. 10. For vvhofoever fhall keep the whole law, and fend in one point, he is guilty of all. v. 11. Forhethatfaid, Do not commit adultery ; faid alfo, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a tranfgreiTor ot the lav/, v. 12. So fpeakye, andfodo, as they that fhall be judged by the law ot liberty. Rom. 13. 8. < no man any thing, but to love one another : for he that loveth another, hath fulfilled the law. v. 9. this, Thou malt not commit adul- ter/, Thou (halt not kill, Thou malt not lteal, Thou [halt not bear falfe witnefs, Thou fhalt not covet, and if there be any other com- mandment, it is brieriy comprehen- ded in this laying, namely, Thou malt love thy neighbour as thy 1 Deut. c. 32. Ye lhall obferve to do therefore as the Lord your God hath commanded you : you h\all DO! turn afide to the right hand or to the left. Deut. EO. 4. And he wrote on the tables, according to ten comm ments whj . >rd fpake un- it) In the mount, out of the midlt of the lire, in the day the affcmbly : and the Lord g them unto me. . 1. .And the I thee two tables of itonc like 1 rite upon thefe tables the words that were 1:1 firft tables which thou bra! fefui laid unto . Thou ihaitloye the Lord thy . h all 102 The ConfeJJion of Faiths CHAP. 1 9. III. Befide this Law, commonly called Moral, God was pleafed to give to the People of Ifrael, as a Church under Age, Ceremonial Laws, containing feveral typical Ordinan- ces, partly of Worfhip, prefiguring Chrift, his Graces,Ac- tions, Sufferings and Benefits dy and partly holding forth divers Inftruftions of Moral Duties e. All which Ceremo- nial Laws are now abrogated under the New Teftament /, IV. To them alfo, as a Body Politick, he gave fundry Tudicial Laws, which expired together with the IState of that People, not obliging any other now, further than the gene- ral Equity thereof may require g, V. The thy foul, and with all thy mind, v. 38. This is the firft and great commandment, v. 39. And the fe- cond is like umo it, Thou (halt love thy neighbour as thy felf. v. 40. On thefe two commandments hang ail the law and the prophets. III. d (Heb. 9. Chapter.) Heb. 10. 1 , For the law having a (hadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with thofe facrifices, which they offered year by year continually, make the comers thereunto perfect. Gal. 4. 1. Now I fay that the heir as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a fervant, though he be lord of all : v. 2. But is under tutors and governors, until the time appointed of the Father, v. 3. li- ven fo we, when we were children, were in bondage under the ele- ments of the world. Col. 2. 17. "Which are a fhariow of things to come ; but the body is of Chrift. e 1 Cor. 5.7. Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened : for even thrift our paffover is facri- ficed for us. 2 Cor. 6. 17. Where- fore come out from among them, and be ye fcparate, faith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. Jude 23. And others fave with fear, pulling them out of the fire ; hating even the garments fpotted by the rleih. \ Col. 2. 14. Blotting out the hand' writing of ordinances, that was a- gainft us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his crofs. v. 16. Let no man therefore Judge you in meat or in drink, or in refpecr. of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the fab- bath days. v. 17. AVhich are alha- dow of things to come, but the bo- dy is of Chrift. Dan. 9. 27. And he fhall confirm the covenant with ma- ny for one week : and in the midil of the week, he mall caufe the fa- crifice and the oblation to ceafe ; and for the overfpreading of abo- minations, he fhall make it defo- late, even until the confummation4 and that determined mall be pour- ed upon the dcfolate, Eph. ,2. 15. Having abolifhcd in his rleih the enmity, even the law of command- ments, contained in ordinances, for to make in himfelf of twain, one .new man, fo making peace; v. io._. And that he might reconcile both/ unto God in one hody by the crofs, having flain the enmity thereby. IV. g(Exod. 21. Chapter. Exod. 22. 1. to the 29. Verfe : See both in the Bible. N Gen. 49.10. Thefceptre fhall not depart from Judah, nor a law-giver from between his feet, un- ( til Shiloh come ; and unto him fhall the gathering of the people be*. With 1 Pet. 2.13. Submit yourfelves to every ordinance of man for the Lord'? fake, whether it be to the king, as iupreme ; v. 14. Or unto govef- Chap. 19. The Con fejf ion of Faith. I03 . V. The Moral Law doth for ever bind all, as well jufttfied Perfons as others, to the Obedience thereof £; and that not only in regard of the Matter contained in it, but alio in refpeft of the Authority of God the Creator who gave it /'. Neither doth Chrift in the Gofpel any way diilolve, but much ftrengthen this Obligation *, VI . Altho' true Believers be not under the Law as a Co- tenant of Works, to be thereby jufhfied or condemned/; yet is governors, as unto them that are lent by him, for the puniihrncnt of evil-doers, and for the praife of them that do well. Matth. c. 17. Think not that I am come to de- ftroy the law or the prophets : I am not come todeflroy, but to ful- 01. W ith v. 38. Ye have heard, that it hath been laid, Aneyeforaa eye, and a tooth for a tooth : v. 39. But I fay unto you, that ye rehit not evil : but whofoever mail fmite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other alio. 1 Cor. 9. 8. Say I thefe things as a man ? or faith not the law the fame alfo ? v. 9. For it is written in the law of Mof.s, Thou fbalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn : Doth God take care for oxen ? v. 10. Or faith he it altogether for our fakes ? for our fakes no doubt, this is written, that he that plow- eth (hall plow in hope ; and I he that threfheth in hope, fhould irtaker of his ho; V. hRoni. 13. 8, Govern :*b.) v. 10. Love workteth no ill to his neighbour: therefore love : fulfilling of the law. Kph. 6. 2. Honour thy father and mother, h is the firlr. commandment promife. 1 John 2. 3. And '.now that we know Jiim.if we keep ins commandments. , . He that faith, 1 know him, and kecpeth not his commandments, is r, and the truth is not'in h v. 7. Brethren, 1 write no new eom- mandment unto old comrnaodnKnt. from the beginning : the old command- ment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning, v. 8. in, a new commandment I E unto you, which thing is tr«e in him and in you : becaufe the darknefs is paft, and the true light now mineth. i James 2. 10, 11. (Sceinlettcrb.^ k Matth. 5. 17. (See in letter g.) v. 18. For verily, I fay unto you, Till heaven and earth pafs, one jot or one title mall in no wife pais from the law, till all be fulfilled, v. 19. Whofoever therefore mall break one of thefe leaft command- ments, and (hall teach men fo, he (hall be called the leait in the king- dom of heaven : but whofoever mail do, and teach them, the fame mall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. James 2.8. (See in letter b before.) Rom. 3. 31. Do then make void the law through faith ? God forbid : yea, we e blilh the law. • Vi. lRom. 6. 14. For fin mall not have dominion over you : : under the law," but . .. Knowing that 11 Li not jollified by t of the law, but b;, h of Jefus Chri(t, « Oeved in Jefus Chriil ; that might be jultihed i Chrift, and not by the works of the law : for by the worki of the tioflcfhbejuftii lit h;ith redeemed us from the e law, bein£ made d eur*«e for it is written, Curft I 104 IheLonfeJJion oftatth. GHAP. 19. is it of great Ufe to them, as well as to others; in that, as a Rule of Life, informing them of the will of God and their Duty, it directs and binds them to walk accordingly m ; dis- covering alfo the finful Pollutions of their Nature, Hearts and Lives n ; fo as, examining themfelves thereby, they may come to further Conviction of Humiliation for, and Hatred againft Sin > ; together with a clearer Sight of the Need they have of Chrift, and the Perfection of his Obedience A It is like- wife of Ufe to the Regenerate, to reflrain their Corruptions ; in every one that hangeth on a tree. Gal. 4. 4. But when the fulnefs of the time v.ms come, Gcdfent forth his Son made of a woman, made under the law, v. 5. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of foxis. Ads 13. 39. And by him all that believe are juftified from all things^ from the which ye could not be juftified by the law of Mefes. Rom. 8. 1 . There is therefore now no condemnation to them who are in Chrift Jell. 3, who walk not after the flefh, but after the Spirit, m Rom .7.12. Wherefore the 1 aw is^holy ;and the commandment ho- ]y, and juft, and good. v. 22. For I delight in the law of God, after the inward man. v. 2c. I thank God through Jefus Chrift our Lord. So then, with the mind, I my felf ferve the law of God ; but with the fielh, the lav/ of fin. Pfal. no. 4. Thou haft commanded us to keep tlry precepts diligently, v. 5. O that my ways were directed to keep thy ftatutes ! v. 6. Then fhall 1 not be afhamed, when I have refpect unto all thy commandments. 1 Cor. 7. 19. Circumcilion is nothing, and uncircurncifion is nothing, but the ing of the commandments of God. Gal. 5. 14, 16, 18, 19,20,21, 22, 23. See in the Bible. vom. 7. 7. What fhall we fay : Is the law fin ? God forbid. ' Nay, I had not known fin, but by the law : for I had not known luft, 4>:ecpt the law had faid, Thou (halt not covet. Rom. 3. 20. Therefore by the deeds of the law, there fhall no flefh be juftified in his fight : for by the law is the knowledge of fin. o James 1. 23. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glafs : v. 24. For he beholdeth himfelf, and go- eth his way, and ftraightway for- getteth what manner of man he was. v. 25. But whofolooketh in- to the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man fhall be blerTed in his deed. Rom. 7.9. For I was a- • live without the law once : but when the commandment came, fin revived, and I died. v. 14. For we know that the law is fpiritual : but lam carnal, fold under fin. v. 24. O wretched man that I am, who fhall deliver me from the body of this death ! p Gal. 3. 24. Wherefore the law was our fchool-mafter, to bring us unto Chrift, that we might be jufti- fied by faith. Rom. 7 . 24. fee before in the letter o. v. 25. in letter m.) Rom. 8. 3. For Avhat the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flefh, God fending his own Son in the likenefs of finful flefh, and for fin condemned fin in the flefh : v. 4. That the righteoufnefs of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flefh, but after the Spirit. q James CHAP. Iu be thou hadft con- (hould be mnant nor el c; . 89. if his children 1 ny judgments ; 1. If they break my ftatntCS, MiniandiiK hen will I n ifit th [ion with th< quity with ftripei, kindnefi v. not utterly take from him, nor fuf- fer my faithful lu. v. 34. nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. vfLev. 26. to the 14 verfe.)\Vith 2 Cor. 6. 16. And what agreement hath the temple of God with ido for ye are the ternple cf the !:• God ; as God hath faid, 1 \ in them, and walk i will be their God, and the my people. Eph. 6. 2. Honour thy r and thy mother (which is the undment with promife.) That it may be well with thee, 1 mayeH live leng on die earth. Pfal. 37. II. But the meek jhall inherit the earth : and iixa.il de- themielves in the abundance of peace. With Mat. 5. 5. Bk are the meek, for they lhall inhe- rit the eartii. Pfal. 19. 11. More- over, by them is th] war- ned : and in keeping of them there * reward. v Knowing that a man is not juitiiied by the works ol faith or j\ . .* e believed in J < I be juUihed by Liu (hall no fleih be juttin. 17. 10. So like wife ye, when ye : have done all thofe things . copimaodc ^ [its : we have ( our duty t< En there; in yuur mortal body, ; 1 0 6 7 be Confejjlon of Faith. C ri A P. 2 O. VII. Neither are the fore-mentioned Ufes of the Law contrary to the Grace of the Gofpel, but do fweetly comply with it ar; the Spirit of Chrift fubduing and enabling the Will of Ivjan to do that freely and cheerfully, which the Will of God revealed in the Law requireth to be done x. CHAP. XX. Of Chriflian Liberty, and Liberty of Conjcience. THE Liberty which Chrift hath purchafed for Believers under the Gofpel, confifts in their Freedom from the Guilt of Sin, the condemning Wrath of God, thecurfe of the Moral Law *; and in their being delivered from this prefent evil ye mould obey it in the lufts there- of, v. 14. For fin fhall not have dominion over you : for ye are not under the lay/, but under grace, 1 Pet. 3.8. Finally, be ye all of one mind, having companion one of another, love as brethren, be piti- ful, be courteous, v. 9. Not ren- dering evil for evil, or railing for railing : but contrariwife, blelnng : knowing that ye are thereunto cal- led, that ye mould inherit a blefr ling. v. 10. For he that will love life, and fee good days, let him re- frain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they fpeak no guile, v. 11. Let him efchew evil, and do good ; let him feek peace and enlue it. v. 1 2. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are «jpen unto their prayers ; but the face of the Lord is againft them that do evil. With Plal. 34. 12. What man is he that de lire th life, and loveth many days, that he may fee good? v. 13. Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from fpeak- ing guile, v. 14. Depart from evil, and do good ; feek peace, and pur- fueit. v. 15. Theeyesof the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. v. 16. The face of the Lord is againft them that do eril, to cut off the remem- brance of them from the earth. Heb, 12. 38. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may ferve God acceptably, with reve- rence and godly fear. v. 29. For our God is a cpnfuming lire. VII. w Gal. 3. 21. Is the law then againft the promifes of God ? God forbid ; for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteoufnefs mould have been by the law. " x Ezek. 36. 27. And I will put my Spirit within you, and caufe you to walk in my ftatutes, and ye ihall keep my judgments, and do them. Heb. 8. 10. For this is the covenant that I will make with the houfe of lfrael after thofe days, faith the Lord ; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them iq their hearts ; and 1 will be to then* a God, and they (hall be to me a people. With Jer. 31. 33. But this fhall be the covenant that I will make with the houfe of lfrael, after thofe days, faith the Lord', \ will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts, and will be their God, and they lhall be my people. i. a Tit. 2.14. Who gave himfelf for us, that he might redeem us from Chap. 20. The Confejfion of Faith. 107 evil World, Bondage to Satan and Dominion of Sin h} from the Evil of Afflictions, the Sting of Death, the Victory of the Grave, and everlafting Damnation c ; as alfo in their free A ch- eers to God dt and their yielding Obedience unto him, ncc out of flavifh Fear, but a child-like Love and willing mind e : All which were common alfo to Believers under the Law/. But,, under the New Teftament, the Liberty of Chi if lians is further inlarged,in their Freedom from the Yoke of the Cere- monial Law, to which the Jewifh Church was fiibje&cd g ; and from all iniquity, and purify unto himfclf a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 1 Theff. i . 10. And ah for his Son from heaven, whom he raifed from the dead, e- Jefus who delivered us from the wrath to come. Gal. 3.13. Chrift hath redeemed us from the c\ of the law, being made a curie ior us : for it is written, Curfed is ( ry one that hangeth on a tree. b Gal. 1. 4. \Vho gave himfelf for our fins, that he might deliver us from this prefent evil world, ac- cording to the will of God and our er.Col. 1. 13. Who hath deli- vered us from the power or dark- neis, and hath tranf fated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. Arts 20. 18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darknefs to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive fon;ivencJs of lins, and inheritance among them who arc that is in me. Rom. 6. 14. F01 Rial] not have dominion over you : for ye arc not under the law, but under grace. Rom. 8. 28. We know that all things work together for gocd, to them th u them who iled according to bis pur- . 119. 71, i tor roe thai l have been that 1 might learn thj o. So when this corruptible (hall J put on incorj uption, and this mortal (hall have put on immon |y, then (hall fr ,;hc fayine that is writtcn,Deathisfwal- lowed up in victory, v. 55. O death, ly (ring : O grave, where is thy victory : v. 56^ The (ling of death is tin ; and the ffrength of the law. v. 57. But tl t<> God who giveth us the victo- ry, through oar Lord Jclus Christ. Rom. 8. I. There is therefore now no c ion to them who fus, who walk not "int. ciRom. 5. 1. Therefore being ju- ftified by faith, wc have peace with G od, through our Lordjcfus Chriil. v. 2. By whom alfo we have accefs by faith into this grace wherein we i, and rejoice in hope of the of God. e Rom. 8. 14. For as many as arc led by the .spirit of God, they Ions of God. v. 1 5. For yc have not received the Spirit of band but ye have pirit of adoption, whereby wc cry, Abba, Father. 1 John 4. x8. ere is no fear in love ; but per- love calteth out I fear hath torment : he th:;t fearcth made perfect in lose. J, ;. 9. So then th oi faith, arc blcifed with t, fill Abraham. \ . blef- fing of Abraham might come 0 :»lcs through JeTua Chrift ; v.e might receive the pronufi the Spirit through faith, g Gal. 4. 1. l he is a, child, cth flgthing from a fen uu 1 08 The Confeffion of Faith. C H A P. 2 o.' and in greater Boldnefs of Accefs to the Throne of Graced and in fuller Communications of the free Spirit of God, than Believers under the Law did ordinarily partake of K II. God alone is Lord of the Confcience k, and hath left it free from the Do&rines and Commandments of Men, which are in any Thing contrary to his Word, orbefideit, in Matters of Faith or Worihip K So that to believe fuch Do&rines, or i he be lord of ail ; v. 3. But is un- der tutors and governors, until the time appointed of the father, v. j, Even 10 we, when we were chil- dren, were in bondage under the elements of the world, v. 6. And becaufe ye are fons, God hath fent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father, v. 7. Wherefore thou art no more a fer- vant, but a fon ; and if a fon, then an heir of God through Chrift. Gai. . 1, Stand raft therefore in the li- ierty wherewith Chrift hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage, Ads 15. 10. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to pat a yoke upon the neck of the difciples, which nei- ther our fathers nor we were able to bear ? v. 1 1 . Bu; we believe, that through the grace of the Lord Je- fus Chrift, we mall be faved even as they. h Heb. 4. 14. Seeing then that we have a great high prieft, that is palled into the heavens, Jefus the Son of God, let us hold faft our pro- ieffion. v. 16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb. 10. 19. Having there- fore, brethren, boldnefs to enter into the holieft, by the blood of Jefus, y. 20. By a new and living way which he hath confecrated for us through the vail, that is to fay, his fle{h ; v. 21. And having an high prieft over the houfe of God : T. 22. Let us draw near with a true heart, in full aiTu ranee of faith, ha- ving inkled from an to evil confcience, and our bodies wa- rned with pure water. i John 7. 38. He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath faid, out of his belly Ihali flow rivers of living water, v. 39. But this fpake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him, ihould receive; for the holy Ghoit was not yet given, becaufe that Jefus was not yet glori- fied. 2 Cor. 3.13. And not as Mo- fes, who put a vail over his face, that the children of Ifrael could not ftedfaitly look to the end of that which is abolifhed. v. 17. Now the Lord is that Spirit ; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liber- ty, v. 18. But we all with open face, beholding as in a glafs, the glory of the Lord, are changed in- to the fame image; from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. •H. k James 4. 12. There is one law-giver, who is able to fave, and to deftroy : who art thou that judgeit. another ? Rom. 14. 4. Who art thou that judged: another man's iervant ? to his own mafter he ftandeth or falleth : Yea, he mall be holden up : for God is able to make him ftand. 1 Acts 4. 19. But Peter and John anfwered and faid unto them, Whe- ther it be right in the light of God to hearken unto you, more than unto God, judge ye. Acts 5. 29. Then Peter and the other Apoftles anfwered and faid, We ought to obey God rather than men. 1 Cor. 7. 23. Ye are bought with a price, be not ye the Tenants of men. Mat. 23. 8. But be not yc called P Rabbi, Chap. 20. The Conjejjiori cflaitr. \ry to obey fuch commandments out of Confcience, is to betray true liberty of Confcience m ; and the requiring of an impli- cite Faith, and an abfolute and blind Obedience.is to del1 Liberty of Confcience, and Reafon a!fo w. III. They who, upon prerence of Chriftian Liberty, do praftife any Sin, or cherilh any Lufl:, do thereby deftroy End of Chriftian Liberty : which is, That, being delivered out of the Hands of our Enemies, we might ferve the Lord Rabbi, for one is y., and them :! therein, to wor- ihip the firit bcaft, Whoi wound was healed, v. 16. caufeth all, both fan and poor, free and bond, t* I, or in might the beaft, aic aJ ii them ? III. I IO i ne ^onjcjjwn oj ratin. V>HAP. 20. without Fear, in Holinefs and Righteoufnefs before him all the Days of our Life o. IV. And becaufe the Powers which God hath ordained, and the Liberty which Chrift: hathpurchafed, are not intended by God todeftroy, but mutually to uphold and preferve one ano- ther; they who, upon pretence of Chriftian Liberty, fhall op- pofe any lawful Power, or the lawful Exercife of it, whether it be Civil or Ecclefiaftical, refift the Ordinance of God />. And for their publifhing of fuch Opinions, or maintaining of fuch praftices, as are contrary to the Light of Nature, or to the known Principles of Chriftianity, whether concerning Faith, Worfhip or Converfation ; or to the Power of Godlinefs ; or fuch erroneous Opinions or Praftices as either in their own Nature, or in the Manner of publifhing or maintaining them, are deftrucfive to the external Peace and Order which Chrift hath eftabliihed in the Church ; they may lawfully be called to Account,& proceeded againft by the Cenfures of the Church 7, and III. o Gal. 5. 13. For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty, only ufe not liberty for an occaiion to the fleih, but by love, ferve one another. 1 Pet. 2. 16. As free, and not ufing your liberty for a cloke of malicioufnefs, but as the fer- vants of God. 2 Pet. 2. 19. While they promife them liberty, they thenifelves are the fervants of cor- ruption : for of whom a man is overcome, of the fame is he brought in bondage. John 8. 34. Jefus anfwered them, Verily, ve- rily, I fay unto you, Whofoever committeth fin, is the fervant of tin. Luke 1. 74. That he would grant unto us, that we being de- livered out of the hands ot our enemies, might ferve him without fear, v. 75. In holinefs and righte- oufnefs before him all the days of our life. IV. p Matth. 12. 2y. And Jefus knew their thoughts, and faid unto them, Every kingdom divided a- gainft itfelf, is brought to defqla- tion : and every city or houfe divi- ded againft itfelf, in all not ftand. 1 Pet. 2. 13. Submit your felresta every ordinance of man for the Lord's fake : whether it be to the king as fupreme ; v. 14. Or unto governors, as unto them that are fent by him, for the punifhment of evil doers, and for the pFaife of them that do well. v. 16. As free, and not ufing your liberty for a cloke of malicioufnefs, but as the fervants of God. (Rom. 13. 1. to the 8.verfe.) Heb. 13. 17. Obey them that have the rule over you, and fubmit your felves : for they watch for your fouls, as they that muft give account : that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. q Rom. 1. 32. Who knowing the judgment, of God, (that they who commit fuch things are worthy of death) not only do the fame, but e pleafure in them that do them, A\ ith 1 Cor. $. 1. It is reported commonly that there is fornication amo:ig you, and fuch fornication as is not fo much as named amongft the Gentiles, that one ihould have his father's wife. v. 5. To deliver fuch an op.t unto Satan, for thede- ihu&on of the flefh, that the fpi- lit Chap. 20, 7he Confejjion of Faith. Ill and by the Power of the Civil Magiftrate r. CHAR rit may be faved in the day of the Lord Jefus. v. n. But now I have written unto you, not to keep company, if any man that is cul- led a brother, be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a rai- ler, or a drunkard, or an extortion- ner, with fuch an one, no not to eat. v. 12. But thev that are with- out, God judgeth. Therefore put away from among your felves that wicked perfon. 2 John iC. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your houfe, neither bid him God (peed. v. ii. For he that biddeth him God {peed, is partaker of his evil deeds. And sThefT. 3.14. And if any man obey not our word by this epiftle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be afhamed. And 1 Tim. 6. 2. If any man teach otherwife, and confentnot to wholfom words, even the words of our Lord Jefus Chrili:, and to the doctrine which is accor- ding to godlinefs; v. 4. 1 L knowing nothing, but doting about queflions and flrl* ords, wl.ereof cometh envy, itrife, rail- ings, evil fr.rmifings, v. $. Per difputings ot men of corrupt minds, ana delhtute of the truth, fupp I gain is godlinefs : from fuch withdraw thy felf. And Tit. 1. 10. For there are many unruly and talkers and deceivers, especially they of the circumcision, v. 11. \\ hofe mouths mu(l be ftopj I f.ibvcrt whole houfes, tcj ing tlungs which they oi for filthy lucre's fa'. 1 fharply, that they til. .And Tit. {. A man th.it i^ an hoeretick, the firft nd admontl . [8. if. M over, if thy brother Hull tr I nft dice, p fault between ihcc :^d him al< if he mall hear thee, thou haft gained thy brother, v. 16. Bui he will not hear thee, then take * thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witneiTes e- word may be eftablifhed. v. j-. And if he (hall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church : but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto rhee as an heathen man and a publican. iTim. i. Holding faith and a good confer- ence : which feme having put a- W2V, concerning faith have made ftilp wreck, v. 20. Of whom is Hymeneu* and Alexander : whom I have delivered unto Satan, they may learn not to blafpheme. Rev. 2. 2. I know thy woi thy labour, and thy patience, how thou canft not bear r who are e\ il ; and thou haft tried them, who fay they are apo' and are not ; and haft found them liars, v. 14. But I have a few th againft thee, becaufe thou kafi there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to caft a i tumbling-block before the children of Ifrael, to eat things facriiiced unto idols, and to D mit fornication, v. : j alfo them that hold the do.; of the Nicohitans, which thii bate. v. 20. NotWitfeftandipg| i DM againft thee, be- ': that wo JcVa !eth her fe 6, to teac:. U I will j them 01 : of I, (v. ho I bold, ►.now -e. ■ ttiOU IT2 7 he GonfeJJion of Faith. Chap. 23. thou then not be afraid of the pow- er f do that which is good, and thou ihalt have praife of the fame. v. 4. For he is the minifter of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid ; for he beareth not the fword in vain ; for he is the minifter of God, a re- venger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil. With 2 John 10, 1 1 , (See in the letter q. ) Ezra 7.23. Whatfoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done, for the houfe of the God of heaven ; for why fhould there be wrath againft the realm of the king and his fons \ v. 25 . And thou, Ezra, after the wifdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, fet magi- strates and judges, who may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all uich as know the Jaws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not. v. 26. And whofoever will not do the lav/ of thy God, and the law of the . k'mg,^ let judgment be executed fpeedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banifhment, or r to confifcation of goods, or to im- ! prifonrnent. v. 27. BlefTed be the Lord God of our fathers, who hath put fucli a thing as this in the king's Heart, to beautify the houfe of the Lord, which is in Jerufalem : v. 28. And hath extended mercy unto me, before the king, and his counfellors, and before all the king's mightyprinces: and I was {lengthe- ned, as the hand of the Lord my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Ifrael, chief men to so up with me, Rev. 17. 12. AncTthe ten horns which thou faw- eft, are ten kings, which have re- ceived no kingdom as yet ; but re- ceive power.as kings one hour with the bead:, v. 16. And the ten horns which thou faweft upon the beaft, thefe mail hate the whore, and (hall make her defolate, and naked, and {hall eat her flefh, and burn her with lire. v. 17. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his" will, and to agree, and to give their king- dom unto the beaft, until the words of God fhall be fulfilled. Neh. 13. 15. In thofe days faw I in Judah fome treading wine-prefTes on the fabbath, and bringing in (heaves, and lading afTes : as alfo wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerufalem on the fabbath-day : and I teftified againft them in the day wherein they .'old victuals, v. 17. Then i contended with the nobler of Judah, and faid unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the fabbath-day? v. 21. Then i teftified againft them, and faid unto them, Why lodge ye a- bout the wall ? if ye do fo again. 1 will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the fabbath. v. 22. And 1 comman- ded the Levites, that they fhould cleanfe themfelves, and that they fhould come and keep the gates, to fanctify the fabbath-day. Re- member me, O my God, concerning this alio, andfpare me according to the greatnefs of thy mercy, v. 25. And I contended with them, and curled them, and fmote certain of them, and pluckt oh1 their hair, and made them fwear by God, faying, Ye fhall not give your daughters unto their fons, nor take their daughters unto your fons, or for your felves. v. 30. Thus cleanfed them from all ftrangers5> and ap- pointed the wards of the priefts, and the Levites,everyoneinhis bufmefs. 2 Kings 23. 5. And he put down the idolatrous priefts, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incenfe in the high places in the cities of Judah, and. in the places round about Jerufalem, them alfo that burnt incenfe unto Baal, to the fun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the hoft of hea- ven, v. 6. And he brought out the grove from the houfe of the Lord, without Jerufalem, unto the brook Kidrofl, Chap. ^r. \Lbe ConJeJJion of tmth^ \\ Chap. XXI. Of Religious TVcrJhipt bc.th'Day. and the Sab^ THE Light of* Nature fheweth that there is a God, who hath Lordfllip and Sovereignty over all ; is good, and doth Good unto all ; and is therefore to be feared, loved, prai- feJ, called upon, trufted in, and ferved, with all the Heart, and with all the Soul, and with all the Mights. Bat the ac- ceptable Kidron, and burnt it at the brook Kidron, and Aampt it fmall to pow- der; and caft the powder thereof upon the graves of the children oi' }. Ncverthelefs, the b of the hijrh places came not up to the altar of the Lord in Jeru- salem, but they did eat of the unlea- 1 bread among their brethren. And he flew all the priefls of the high places that were there, upon the altars, and burnt mens bones upon them, and returned to Jerufalem. v. z\. And the king commanded alj the people, faying. Keep the palfover unto the Lord your God, as it is written in the bock of this covenant. 2 Chr. 34. I nd Jofiah took away all the a- aations out of all the countries pertained to the children of I, and made all that were pi e- fent in Ifrael to ferve, even to fervc • their God. And all his days they departed not from fol- lowing the Lord, the God of their fathers* rChron. 15'. 12. And they entered into a covenant to feek the \ God of their fathers, with all their heart, and with all their loul ; would not cpuld be p grea:. 1, v. 1 6 . bc- grove: ai brook Kidron. Dan. 3. 20. There- fore I make a decree," That ev* people, nation, and la g amifs agaiaft the God of Shadrach, Meihach, and Abed-hego, ihall be cut in pieces, and their hcufes (hail be made a dunghil, becaufe there is no other god that can deliver after this fort. I Tim. 2. 2. For kings, and for all that are in authority ; that we may lead a quiet ar ... all godknefs a: fathers, and their q ling mothers: they lb to thee, with tv I the earth, and lick thy feet, and thou lhalt know that I am the Lord : for they (hall n 0 rned that wait for me. Ze< And ir. (hall come r out 0 more cauie the p fpirit to p And it lhall come to pais, : any mail ther and his mother, thai . him, i not li the r I. 114 *he ConfeJJton of Faith. Chap. 21* ceptaMe Way of worfliipping the true God is instituted by himfelf,and fo limited by his own revealed Will, that he may not be worfhipped according to the Imaginations and Devices of Men,or the Suggeftions of Satan,under any vifible represen- tation^ any other Way not prefcribed in the holy Scripture £, II. Religious Worlliip is to be given to God, the Father, Son, and holy Ghoft; and to Him alone c : Not to Angels, Saints, the world are clearly feen, being underitood by t'p.e things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead ; fo that they are without excufe. Acts 17. 2 a. God that made the world, and all things therein, feeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands. Pfal. 119. 68. Thou art gcod,and dofl: good ; teach me thy iiatutes. Jer. 10. 7. Who would not fear thee, O king of na- tions ? for to thee doth it apper- tain ; forafmuch as among all the wife men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee. Pfal. 31. 23. O love the Lord,all ye his faints : for the Lord preferveth the faithful, and plen- tifully rewardeth the proud doer. Pfal. 18. $. I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praifed ; fo (hall I be faved from mine ene- mies. Rom. 10. 12. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek : for the fame Lord over all, is rich unto all that call upon him. Pfalm 62. 8. Truft in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him : God is a refuge for us. Jofhua 24. 14. Now there- fore, fear the Lord, and ferve him in fincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers ferved on the other fide of the flood, and in Egypt : and ferve ye the Lord. Mark 12*33. And to love him with ail the heart, and with all the underftanding, and with all the foul, and with all the ftrength, and to love his neighbour as himfejf, is more than all whole burnt- otterings and facrifices. bDeut. 12.32. What thing foever I command you, obferve to do it : thou ihalt not add thereto, nordi- minim from it. Mat. i£. 9. But m vain do they woiihip me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Acts 17. 25. Neither is wor- shipped with mens hands, as though he needed any thing, feeing he gi- veth to all life, and breath, and all things. Mat. 4. 9. And faith unto him, All thefe things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worfhip me. v. 10. Then faid Je- fus unto him, Get thee hence, Sa- tan : for it is written, Thou (halt worfhip the Lord thy God, and him only (halt thou ferve. (Deut. 1 5. to the 20. verfe.) Exod. 20. 4. Thou (halt not make unto thee any gra- ven image, or any likenefs of any- thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. v. j. Thou fhaltnot bow down thy- felt to them, nor ferve them : for 1 the Lord thy God am a jealous God, vifiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me : v. 6. And mewing mercy unto thoufands of them that lo\e me, and keep my commandments . Col .2.23. Which things have indeed a (hew of wif- dom in will-worfhip and humility, and neglecting of the body, not in any honour to the fatisfying of the fleih. II. c Mat. 4. 10. (See before m Ietterb.) With John 5. 23. That all men fhould honour the Son, even' as they honour the Father. He that CHAP. 21. Ibe ^onjejjion gj I'attn. 115- Saints, or any other Creature d : And, fince the Fall, not without a Mediator ; nor in the Mediation of any other but of Chrifl alone e. ^ v III. Prayer with Thankfgiving, being one fpecial Part of Religious Worfhip f, is by God required of all Men g ; aiuT, that it may be accepted, it is to be made in the Name of the Son A, by the Help of his Spirit *, according to his A\ ill *, with Underltanding, Reverence, Humility, Fervency, Faith, Love, and Perfeverance / ; and, if Yoca!, in a known Tongue. prayer andfupp,. thing, let your re quells be m -own unto God. g Pfal. 65. 2. prayer,unto thee fnall all ileih coi h John 14. iq. And v. 1 yc (hall afk in , that the Fathei elo- : in the Sen. v. 14. If ye mail aik any thing in my name, I do it. 1 Pet. 2.5. Ye alio as lively (tones, are built up a fpiritual houfe, an ho r up fpi- ritual facritices, ace. God t i'Rom. 8. : rit alfo helpeth our : ; for we know not v. ought ; bv : :: it- felf m-dketh rate gronings which cannot be uttc 'ohn f. 14. And this ivm, • to his will, he lu 1 Pfal. 7 of all the 1 foot when thou of God, and be more than to give th< for they coniici :. Be not r till with thy I be honoureth riot t jnoureth not the Father who hath fenthim. ice of the Lord Jefus Chriil, and the love of God, and the communion of the ho- OU all. Anicn. d Col. 2 . no man beguile of your reward, in a volunta- ry humility, and worshipping of an- . intruding into thofe things h he hath not feen, vainly putt y his fiefhly mind. Rev. 19. 10. And I fell at his feet to woxi him : and he faid unto me, See thou do it not: 1 am thy fellow- Sren that have the teiHmony of Jcft is : wor- : for the tcltimony ot fus is the fpirit of prophecy. Rom. i . 2;. Who ch;.n;:rd the truth of God into a lie, and woHhipped fervtd the creature more than the tor, who is blcfi'cd for 1 Amen. e John 14. 6. Jefus fait!- him, I ain , and the truth, and • h to the r rim. 2. c. For there is 0:1c God, and ph. 2. 18. ..'c both have an ac- A for liOtL by Il6 The ConjeJJton of Faith. Chap. 21. Tongue m9 IV. Prayer is to be made for Things lawful n, and for all Sorts of Men living, or that fhall live hereafter o ; but not for the Dead p, nor for thofe of whom it may be known that we may ferve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. Gen. 18. 27. And Abraham anfwered and faid, Behoid now, I have taken u- pon me to fpeak unto the Lord, who am but duft and afhes. James 5. 16. Confefs your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed : The effe- ctual fervent prayer of a righteous man avail eth much. James 1.6. But let him afk in faith, nothing Wavering : for he that wavereth, is like a wave of the fea, driven with the wind and tofTed. v. 7. For let not that man think that he (hail receive any thing of the Lord. Mark 11. 24. Therefore I fay un- to you, What things foever ye de- fire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye fhall have them. Mat. 6. 12. And fonnveus our debts, as we forgive our deb- tors, v. 14. For if we forgive men their trefpa/Tes, your heavenly Fa- ther wiil alfo forgive you. y. k. But if ye forgive not men their tref- paffes, neither will your Father forr gjveyourtrefpafles. Col. 4. 3. Con- tinue in "prayer, and watch in the fame with thankfgiving. Eph. 6. 18. Praying always with all prayer and fupplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perfe- verance, and fuppiicatioa for all faints. m 1 Cor. 14. 14. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my Spirit prayeth, but my underftanding is unfruitful. IV. n (1 John £. ia. Seeletterk.) o 1 Tim. 2.1.I exhort therefore, that fir ft of all, applications, pray- ers, interceflions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men : v. 5. For Kings, and for all that are in «uth#rity; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godlinefs and honefty. John 17.20. Neither pray I for thefe alone, but for them alfo who fhall believe on me through their word. 2 Sam. 7. 29. Therefore now let it pleafe thee to blefs the honfe of thy fervant, that it may continue for ever before thee : for thou, O Lord God, hair, (poken it; and with thy bleffing let the houfe of thy fervant be blef- fed for ever. Ruth 4. 12. And let thy houfe be like the houfe of Pharez (whom Tamar bare unto .Judah) of the feed which the Lord fhall give thee of this young wo- man. p 2 Sam. 12. 21. Then faid his fervants unto him, What thing is this that thou haft done ? thou didft faft and weep for the child while it was alive ; but when the child was dead, thou didft arife and eat bread, v. 22. And he faid, While the child was yet alive, I fafted and wept : for I faid, Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live ? v. 23. But now he is dead, wherefore fhould I faft ? Can I bring him back again ? I fhall go to him, but he fhall not return to me. (With Luke 16. 25.) But A- braham faid, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedft thy good things, and likewife Lazarus evil things : but now he is comfor- ted, and thou art tormented, v. 20. And befides all this, between us and you, there is a great gr^f fixed : fo that ihcy who would pafs from hence to you, cannot ; neither can they pafs to us, that would come from thence. Rev. 14, 13. And I heard a voice from heaven, faying unto me, Write, BJeHed are the dead whg die in the L^rd, from Chap. tu The ConfeJJlon of Faith. HI that they have finned the Sin unto Death q. ^ V. The Reading of the Scriptures with godly Fear r ; the found Preaching/ and confcionable Hearingof the Word, in Obedience unto God, with Underftanding, Faith and Reve- rence t ; Singing of pfalms with Grace in the Heart v ; as alfo, thedueAdminiftration and worthy Receiving of theSacrarnents inftituted by Chrift ; are all Parts of the ordinary Religious Worihip of God w : Belides Religious Oaths x and Vows y9 folemn henceforth: yea, faith the Spii that they may reft from their hours : and their works do follow them. q i John 5. j 6. Ifanymanfeehis brother fin a fin which is not unto death, he mall afk, and he (hall give him life for them that fin not unto death. There is a fin unto death : I do not fay, that he fhall pray for it. V. r Acls 15. 21. For Mofes of old time hath in every city, them that preach him, being read in the iynagopues every fabbath day. Rev. 1. }. biefied is he that readcth, and they that hear the word of this prophecy, and keep thofe things which arc written therein : for t time is at hand. f 2 Tim. 4. 2. Preach the word, be inftant in feafon, out of fcafon ; rebuke, exhort with uffering and Jam, 1. 22. Bat. be ye doers of thev caring your own fclvcs. A&& Immediately therefore I fent to . that thou art come. Now therefore c God, t ) hear all things that are commanded Hat. 13. i< any one beareth the word of the lorn, and u cth it not, one, and • cth away that I in his heart : this i ceived feed in the way-fide, I 4. 2. I or Q01 i preached, as well but the Word preached did fit them, n»t bang mucd in them that heard it. Ifai. 66. 2. For all thofe things hath nnne hand made, and all thcie things have been, faith the Lord : but to this man will I look, even to him - is poor, and of a contrite fpint, and trembleth at my word. v Col. 3. 16. Let the word ot Chrift dwell in you richly in all wii- dom: teaching and admoniming one another in pfalms, and hymns, and fpiritual fongs, finging with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Eph.C. 19* Speaking to youtfelves in pfalms, and hymns, and fpiritual fongs, finging, and making melody in your hearts to the Lord. Jam. J. i3\Is any among you arHicted : let him pray. Is any merry ? let him ling pfafms. Vlat. 28. 19. Co ye therefore, and teach all nations, bapt1-. them in the name cf the Father,' Df the Son, and of fhe holy Ghoit. (iGor. 1 A els ftedfaftly in th and tellov. Lord thy ( nirtt, brethren, their nobles, and en into a I ihe coram bck: 1 1 8 The Confejfton of Faith. C H A P. 2 1. folemn Fallings z and Thankfgivings upon fpecial Occafi- ons a, which are, in their feveral Times and Seafons, to be ufed in an holy and religious Manner b. VI. Neither Prayer, nor any other Part of Religious Wor- fhip, is, now under the Gofpcl, either tied unto,or made more acceptable by, any Place in which it is performed, or towards which it is direfted c : But God is to be worihipped every- where d in Spirit and Truth * ; As in private Families/ dai- ly. tians mall know the Lord in that day, and fhall do facriiice and obla- tion ; yea, they (hall vow a vow un- to the Lord, and perform it. With Eccl .5.4. When thou voweft a vow unto God, defer not to pay it, for he hath no pleafure in fools ; pay that which thou haft vowed, v. 5. Better is it that thou fhouldft not vow, than that thou fhouldft vow and not pay. z Joel 2.12. Therefore alfo now, faith the Lord, Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fad- ing, and with weeping, and with mourning. Efth. 4. 16. Go, gather together all the Jews that are pre- fent in Shufhan, and faff, ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night nor day ; 1 alfo and my maidens will faft like wife, and fo will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law ; and if I perifh,_I perifh. Mat. 9. 15. And Jefus laid unto them, Can the chil- dren of the bride-chamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them ? but the days will come,when . the bridegroom (hall be taken from them,and then mail they faft. 1 Cor. 7.5. Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with confent for a time, that ye may give yourfelves to faft- itfg and prayer ; and come toge- ther again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. a (Pfal. 107. throughout.) Efther 9,22. As the days wrierein the Jews refted from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from forrow to joy, and from mourning unto a good day, that they mould make them days of feafting and joy, and offending 1 portions one to another, and gifts to the poor. b Heb. 12. 28. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, where- by we may ferve Qod acceptably, with reverence and godly fear. VI. c John 4. 21. Jefus faith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye {hall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jeru- falem, worfhip the Father. d Mai. 1. 11. For from the ri- ling of the fun even unto the going down of the fame, my name fhall be great among the Gentiles, and in every place incenfe mall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering : for my name fhall be great among the heathen, faith the Lord of hofts. I Tim. 2. ' S.-'I will therefore, that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. e John 4. 1 3 . But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worfhip- pers fhall worlhip the Father in fpi- rit and in truth : for the Father feeketh fuch to worfhip him. y. 24. God is a Spirit, and they that wor- fhip him, muft worfhip him in fpi- rit and in truth. f Jer. 10. 25. Pour cut thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not; and upon the families that call not on thy name : for they have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and ccniiinied hini, and have made, his CHAP. **• The Confejfion of Faith. 119 ly g, and in fecret each one by himfelf A ; fo more folemnly in the pubiick Aflembljes, which are not careleliy or willfully to be negle&ed or foriaken, when God by his "Word or Pro- vidence calleth thereunto i, VII. As it is of the Law of Nature, that, in general, a due Proportion of time be fet apart for the Worfhip of God ; fo, in his habitation dcfolste. Dent. 6. 6. And thefe words which I command thee this day, fnall be in thine heart, v. 7. And thou ihalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and malt talk of them when thou fittcft in thine houfe, and when thou walked by the way, and when thou lieit down, and when thou rifeftup. Job. 1. 5. And it was fo, when the days of their fea(Hng\ gone about, that Job fent and fan- enfied them, and rofe up early in the morning, and offered burnt-of- ferings, according to the number of them all : for Job faid, It may be that my fons have finned, and curfed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually. 2 Sam. 6. 18. And aflbon as David had made an end of offering burnt-oiierings, and peace-offerings, he bleifcd the peo- ple in the name of the Lord of holts, v. 20. Then David retur- ned to blefs his houfhold. 1 Peter 3. 7. ye hulbands, dwell them according to kn lg honour 1. Life, prayers be not hind red, Ac"ta it man, and one d with all hish whu : 1 the peo- ple, a; to God alway. it. 6. i j . Give Li thi h thy clofet, wh< n to th thy 1 (hall reward thee openly. I )?ia) 3 withaHn fupplic jtion in the Spirit, and watch - in^ thereunto with all perfeverance and fupplication tor all iaints. i Ifa. 56. 6. Alio the fons of the (hanger, that join themferves t > the Lord, to ferve him, and to love the name of the Lord, to bej his fen ants, every one that keepeth the fabbath from polluting it, and h hold of my covenant ; v . Even them will 1 bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my houfe of prayer : their burnt- offerings and their facriiices (hall be accepted upon mine altar ; for mine houfe mail be called an houfe of prayer for all people. Heb. 10. 25. Nor forfaking the aflcmbling of our felves together, as the man- ner cf fome is ; but exhorting one another : and fo much the more, as ye fee the day approaching. Pror . 1. 20. \vifdom cxieth without. uttereth her voice in ti v. 21. ^he crieth in the chief place of concourf ,\ in the openings of the gates : in the city, flu words, faying, \ . ; have called, an . rro\.8.34. blv man that heareth my doors, ;. the Jcu.^ . 2. 42. And they conrim 1 2 o 7he Confefion of Faith. CHAP* 2 r ; in his Word, by a pofitive, moral, and perpetual Command- ment, binding all Men in all Ages, he hath particularly ap- pointed One Day in Seven, for a Sabbath, to be kept holy unta him k i Which, from the Beginning of the World to the Re- 1 urre&ion of Chrift, was the laft day of the Week ; and, from the -Refurre&ion of Chrift, was changed into the firft Day of the Week /, which in Scripture is called the Lord's Day m9 and is to be continued to the End of the World, as the Chri- fiian Sabbath ». VIII. This Sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when Men, after a due Preparing of their Hearts, and' Ordering of their common Affairs before-hand, do not only obferve an holy Relt all the Day,from their own Works, Words and Thoughts, about their worldly Employments and Recreations i ; but alio are faftly in the apoflles doctrine, and fellowship, ( and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. VII.kExod.2o.8.Remembertbe fabbath day, to keep it holy. v. io. But the feventh day is the fabbath of the Lord thy God, in it thou fhalt not do any work, thou, nor thy fon, nor thy daughter, thy man-fervant, nor thy maid-fervant, nor thy cat- tie, nor thy (hanger which is with- in thy gates, v. n. For in fix days the Lord made heaven and earth, the fea, and all that in them is, and refted the feventh day ^where- fore the Lord blefled the fabbath- day, and hallowed it. lfa. 56. 2. Bleffed is the man that doth this, - the fon of man that layeth hold on it : that keepeth the fabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his rn.nd from doing any evil. v. 4. For thus faith the Lord unto the eu- EOjehs that keep my fabbaths, and choofe the things that pieafe me, and take hold or my covenant, v. 6. 7. (See in letter i.) 1 Gen. 2. 2. And on the feventh day, God ended his work which he had made ; and he refted on the fe- \emh day from all his work which :d made. v. 3. And God blef- iec the feventh day, and fanclif ed it . becaufe that in it he had refted from all his work, which God crea- ted and made. 1 Cor. 16. 1. Now concerning the collection for the faints, as 1 have given order to the churches of Gaiatia, even To do ye. v. 2. Upon the firft day of the week, let every one of you lay by him in ftore, as God hath profpered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. A els 20. 7. And upon the firft day of the week, when the difci- pies came together to break bread* Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow, and conti- nued his fpeech until midnight. ^ m Rev. 1. 10. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet. n Exod. 20.8.10. (See letter k) With Mat. 5. 17. Think not that £ am come to deftroy the law or the prophets : I am not come to de- itroy, but to fulfil, v. i3. For ve- rily I fay unto you, till heaven and earth pafs, .one jot or one tittis mall in no wife pafs from the law, till all be fulfilled. VIII. oExod. 20.8. (See letterk.) Exod.16.23. And he faid unto them, 't his is that which the Lord hath faid, to morrow is the reft of the holy Sabbath untq die Lord ; bake that which you will bake, to day, and feethe that ye will fee the ; and that which remaineth over, lay up for The GonfeJJion of Faith „ I2T Chap. 22. are taken up the whole Time in the publick and private Exerciles of his Worfliip, and in the Duties of Neceffity and Mercy p. A Chap. XXII. Oflazufu! Oaths and Vo-vs. Lawful Oath is a part of Religious Worfhip.', wherein, uponjuft Occafion, the Perlanf wearing, folemnly calleth God for you to be kept until the mor- ning, v. 25 . A fltd Mofes faid, Eat to day ; tor to day is a fabbath unto the Lord i to day ye (hail not find it in the field, v. 26. Si mall Rather it, but on the fcventh day which is the fabbath, in it there fhail be none. v. 29. See, for that the Lord hath given you bath, therefor th you on the fix:!: day the bread of two d abide ye every man in his place, kt no man go out of his place on thefeventhday. v. 30. So the | p!e refted on thefe\ entfa day. Exod. 31, 1 5 . Six days may work be d fabbath of , holy to the Lord : m doth any work in the fabbath-d ajlfurely beputtodcath. v. 16. e the children of ii ) the fabbath, to obfc b through or a pcrpci v. 17 If is a fij»n bci fhe cbildrc in fix and eanii, ana her-! 13. If thou tun. the fabbath, trom c pica* fure { and call the • >noiu not doin^ thine uv, ■ nor finding thine own pleafure, 1 fpcakin" u 15. In t£ofe day* faw 1 In j, line wine-picfi'cs on , grapes, .1 all maim- 1 01 burdens, i brought into Jcrufalcra on the fabbath-day : and I teftified iiUll them in the day wherein they fold victuals, v. 16. There It men of Tyre alio therein, > brought filii, and all manner of ware, and fold on the fabbath, unto the children of Judah, and in . 1 conten- .vith the n lidah, and faid unto them, \\ hat evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the fabbathrday ? v. 18, Did not your fathers thus, and did not our bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city ? yet ye bring more wrath upon ifrael, by profaning the fabbath. v. 19. And it came to pafs, that when the gates of Jeru- dark before ath, I commanded that the .id be fhut, and charged mould not be opened till ..ibbath ; and fomc of my t 1 at the gates, that there fhould no burden be brought in on r:bbath-day, v. 21. Then I i un- \Vhy lodge ye about the . If ye do I will lay hands on le they no more on fabbath. v. 22. And I commanded Lttheythoulddc thcmJelves, ai\d that they fh C) 111 and 1 ; to the p 11a. 5 Lttcr o.) Mat. , 1. a Dcut.io igli 122- The ConfeJJlon of Fahh. C H A P. 22. God to witnefs what he afTerteth or promifeth ; and to judge him according to theTruthorFalfhoodofwhatheiweareth^. II. The Name of God only is that by which Men ought to fwear, and therein it is to be ufed with all holy Fear and Re- verence c : Therefore, to fwear vainly or rafhly by that glori- ous and dreadful Name, or to fwear at all by any other Thing, is finful, and to be abhorred d. Yet as,in Matters of Weight and Moment, an Oath is warranted by the Word of God, under the New Teftament, as well as under the Old e ; fo a lawful Oath being impofed by lawful Authority, in fuch Matters, ought to be taken /. III. Who- tlie Lord. thy God: him (halt thou ferve, and to him (halt thou cleave, and fwear by his name. bExod.20.7.Thouihaltnottake the name of the Lord thy God in Tain ; for the Lord will not hold him guijtlefs that taketh his name in vain. Lev. 19. 12. And ye (hall not fwear by my name falily, nei- ther (halt thou profane the name of thy God : I am the Lord, 2 Cor. I. 23. Moreover, I call God for a record upon my foul, that to fpare you, I came not as yet unto Corinth, 2 Chron. 6. 22. If a man fin againft his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him, to make him fwear, and the oath come before thine altar in this houfe; v. 23. Then hear thou from heaven, and do, and judge thy fervants, by requiting the wic- ked, by recompenfing his way u- pon-his own head, and by juftify- jng the righteous, by giving him according to his righteoufnefs. H.cDeut.6. 13. Thou fhalt fear the Lord thy God, and ferve him, and fhalt fwear by his name. dExod. 20.7. (Seeletterb.) Jer. 5.7. How fhall I pardon thee for this ? thy children have forfakcn me, and lworn by them that are no gods': when I fed them to the full, then they committed adultery, and aiTembled themfelves by troops in the harlots houfcs. Mat. 5. 34. But I fay unto you, Swear not at all ; neither by heaven, for it is God's throne, v. 37. But let your com- munication be. Yea, yea ; Nay, nay : for whatfoever is more than thefe, cometh of evil. Jam. 5. 12. But above all things, my brethren, fwear not, neither by heaven, nei- ther by the earth, neither by an^r other oath : but let your Yea, be vea, and your Nay, nay ; left ye fall into condemnation. e Heb. 6. 16. For men verily fwear by the greater : and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all ftrife. 2 Cor. 1. 23. (See let- ter b.) Ifa. 6$. 16. That he who bleffeth himfelf in the earth, fhall blefs himfelf in the God of truth ; and he that fweareth in the earth, fhali fwear by the God of truth ; becaufe the former troubles are for- gotten, and becaufe they are hid irom mine eyes. f 1 Kings 8. 31 .If any man tref- pafs again ft his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him, to caufe him to fwear, and the oath come before thine altar in this houfe. Neh. 13. 25. And I contended with them, and curfcd them, and fmote - certain of them, and pluckt off their hair, and made them fwear by God, faying, Ye fhall not give your daughters unto their fons, nor take their daughters unto your fons, or for your felves. Ezra 10. 5. Then arofe Ezra, and made the tshief priefts, the Levites, and all Ifrael to fwear, that they mould do according to this word : and they {ware, III. slxod. Chap. «. The Confeffion of Faith. 123 III. Whofoever taketh an Oath, ought duly to confidcr the Weightinefs of fo folemn an Act, and therein to avouch nothing but what he is fully perfwaded is the Truth g. Nei- ther may any Man bind himfelf by Oath to any Thing bjk what is good and juft, and what he believeth lo to be, and what he is able and refolved to perform h. Yet it is a Sin to refufe an Oath touching any Thing that is good and juft, being impofed by lawful Authority 1. IV. An Oath is to be taken in the plain and common Senfe of III.gExod.20.7. (See letter b.) Jer. 14. 2. And thou fhalt ftt The Lordliveth, in truth, in judg- ment, and in righteoufnefs ; and the nations (hall blefs themfelves in him, and in him ihall they glo h Gen. 24. 2. And Abrahai unto his eideitTervantof his houie, that ruled over all that he Lad, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh : \ . 5. And I will make thee ir by the Lord, the God of hea- ven and the God of the earth, that thou (halt not take a wife unto my fon, ot thedaughtei nitcs, amongit whom I dv And the fervant faid unto him, Per- enture the ill not be u illiog to follow me unto this land ; mult J needs bring thy 1 unto the land from v. hence thou -It? v. 6. And Abraham faid unto him, Beware thou, that thou bring not my fpnthit. roan will not be ling to follow thee, then 1 only bring not my fon thither again. it put his hand ui the thigh of Abraham hi and fware to him concerning | matter. Num. y, 19. And the pried (lull chai y un. ro the woman, ii do man have lien id it thou haft not thcrinftcad of thy hufband, thou rjul rhcu the pried (hall charge the woman v. an oath of curling, and the price (hall fay unto the woman,! he 1 . make thee a curfe and an oath a- mong the people, when the Loid /make thy rot, and thy belly I h.$. 12. Then faid they, we will reftore them, and will require nothing ot them; io will we do as thou iayeit. Then I called the prielh, and took an oath of them, that they mould do accor- to this pro life. Exod. 22. 7. unto his nc i bour money oritur! to keep, an 1 out of the man's hou if the thief be found, "let him pay double, v. 8. If the thief be not d, then th< thehoufe (hall be brought unto the judges, to fee whether he hath put his hand unto his neighbour's gouds.\ .9. for tanner of trefpafs, whether it be tor ox. for afs.foriheep,for raiment, or for any manner ot loll thing, which another challenged) to be the caufe ::ies ihall C before the judges ; and v. judges (hall condemn, Ik llia.il pay douole unto his neighbour, v. 10. man deliver unto his neighbour is, Or an OX) oralhecp, o» I to keep ; and it die, or be y, no man 1 . Thui ihall th< between them both, ith not put his hand unto owner of it ihall accept thereof, 41 tijt make k IV 124 The Conjeffi'on of Faith. Chap, 22. of the Words, without Equivocation or mental Refervation k. It cannot oblige to Sin ; but in any Thing not finful, being taken, it binds to Performance, altho' to a Man's own Hurt /. Nor is it to be violated, altho' made to Hereticks or Infidels m. V. A Vow is of the like Nature, with a PromifTory Oath, and ought to be made with the like religious Care, and to be performed with the like Faithfulnefs n> VI. It IV. k Jcr. 4. 2. (See letter g.) Pfal. 24. 4. He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart, who hath not lift up his foul unto vanity, nor {worn deceitfully. 1 1 Sam. 25. 22, So and more alfo do God unto the enemies of David, if I leave all that pertain to him, by the morning liglA, any that pif- fcth againlt the wall. v. 32. And David f aid unto Abigail, BlefTed be the Lord God of Ifrael, who fent thee this day to meet me ; v. 33. And bleffed be thy advice, and blef- fed be thou that haft kept me this day from coming to fhed blood, and from avenging my felf with mine own hand. v. 34. For in very deed, as the Lord God of ifrael li- yeth, who hath kept me back from hurting thee, except thou hadft hafted and come to meet me, iiirely there had not been left unto Nabal, by the morning light, any that phTeth againft the wall. Pfal. 15. 4. In whofe eyes a vile perfon is contemned ; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord : He that fweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. mEzek. 17.16. As I live, faith the LordGod, Surely in this place where the king dwelleth that made him king, whofe oath he defpifed, and whofe covenant he brake, even with him, in the midft of Babylon he fhall die. v. 18. Seeing he defpifed the oath, by breaking of the cove- nant, (when lo he had given his hand) and hath done all thele things, hefhallnotefcape.v. 19. Therefore thus faith the Lord God, As I live, furely mine oath that he hath defpifed, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I recom- penfe upon his own head. Jofh. 9. 18. And the children of ifrael fmotc them not, becaufe the princes of the congregation had fworn unto them* by the Lord God of Ifrael : and all the congregation murmured againft the princes, v. 19. But all the prin- ces faid unto all the congregation, We have fworn unto them by the Lord God of Ifrael : now therefore we may not touch them. \Vith2Sam . 21. 1. Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the Lord. And the Lord anfwer- ed, It is forSaul 8c his bloody houfe, becaufe he flew the Gibeonites. V. n Ifa. 19. 21. And the Lord fhall be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians fhall know the Lord in that day, and mall do facrifice and oblation, yea, they fhall vow a vow unto the Lord, and perform it, Eccl. 5. 4. When thou voweft a vow unto God, defer not to pay it : for he hath no pleafure in fools ; pay that which thou haft vowed, v. 5, Better it is that thou fhouldft not vow, than that thou fhouldft vow and not pay. v. 6. Suffer not thy mouth to caufe thy flefh to fin, nei- ther fay thou before the angel, that it was an error : wherefore mould God be angry at thy voice, andde- ftroy the v/ork of thine hands ? Pfal. 61. 8. So will I fingpraife unto thy name for ever, that I may daily per- form my vows, Pfal. 66. 13. I will go into thy houfe with burnt-offer- ings : I will pay thee my vows,v. 14. Which my lips have uttered, and ray Chap. «• The Confejpon of Faith. I2jT VI. It is not to be made to any Creature, but to God alone - : And, that it may be accepted, it is to be made vo- luntarily, out of Faith, and Confcience of Duty, in way of Thankfulnefs for Mercy received, or for the obtaining of what we want; whereby we more ftriftly bind onrfelves to neceflary Duties, or to other Things, fo far and fo long as they may fitly conduce thereunto/'. VII. No Man may vow to do any Thing forbidden in the Word of God, or what would hinder any Duty therein com- manded, or which is not in his own Power, and for the Per- formance whereof he hath no Promife or Ability from God a. In my mouth hath fpoken when I was in trouble. VI. oPfal.76. 11. Vow and pay unto the Lord your God : let all i be round about him bring prefects unto him that ought to be feared. Jer. 44. 2y. Thus faith the Lor hoits, the God of lfrael, faying. Ye and your wives have both fpoken with your mouth?, ark1 with your hands, faying, furely perform our vows that d, to burn incenfe to the 3nd to poi?r rink-offerings unto her : yc furely accomplifh your vows, furely perform your vows. \ . Therefore, hear ye the word < I Lord, all Juo;ih that dwell in land of Egypt, Behold, I have fwoi n by my great name, fairh the Lord, that my name fliall no more be d in the mouth of any man of Judah, in all the land of Egypt, 1 g, The Lord God liveth. p Deut. 2$. 21. When thou (halt row a vow unto the Lord thy i lhalt sot flack to pay it : for the Lord I y re- in tli bear to vow, it (hall be no iin in thee. !» is ^one out of thy acco the I pron, 50. 14. Offfci- un'o God thankfgi- vin£, and moil High. Gen. 28. 20. And cob vowed a vow, faying, If God ' keep me in this way that : go, and^ill me bread to eat, and ramie put on ; v. 21 . So that I come ;• to my fathers h .hen fh.Jl the Lord be my Go\ liar, fliall be God's houfe : I that thou furely give the tenth an :n. 1. 11. Ai and faid, O Lord of heirs, if indeed look on the aiHiction of thine handmaid, and : t me, and not forge*: I I, but will ^rive unto thine hand- maid a m him unto the Lord all the Jays of his life, and there (hall I come upon his head. Pf.tl. 66. 15, 14. (See letter n.) Pfai. 1^2. 2. How unto the Lord, and vowed unto the od of Ja- cob. into : nor g( y bed : \ . I VII. q i *tv a nc Kjunjejjion oj railtU CHAP, 2*; in which Refpe&s, Popifh Monaftical Vows of perpetual fingle Life, profefTed Poverty, and regular Obedience, are fo far from being Degrees of higher PerfecTion, that they are fuperftitious and Imful Snares, in which no Christian may intangle himfelf r. Chap. XXIII. Of the Civil Magi/Irate. GOD, the Supreme Lord and King of all the World, hath ordained Civil Magiftrates to be under him, over the People, for his own Glory, and the publick Good ; and, to this End, hath armed them with the Power of the Sword, for the Defence and Encouragement of thfem that are good, and for the Punifiiment of Evil-doers a. II. It ded together, and bound themfelves under a curfe, faying, That they would neither eat nor drink, till they had killed Paul. v. 14. And they came to the chief priefts and el- 1 s, and faid, W e have bound our felves under a great curfe, that we will eat nothing until we have flam Paul. Mark 6. 26. And the king was exceeding forry, yet for his oath's fake, and for their fakes who fat with him, he would not reject her. Num. 30. 5. But if her father dif- al I9 w Her in the day that he heareth ; not any of her vows, or of her bonds wherewith (he hath bound her foul, (hall (land : and the Lord fhall for- give her, becaufe her father difal- lowedher. v. 8. But if her huiband difallow her on the day that he heard it ; then he fhall make her vow which lhe vowed, and that which fhe uttered with her lips, wherewith fhe bound her foul, of none effect : and the Lord ihall forgive her. v. 12. But if her hufband hath utterly made them void on the day he heard them ; then whatfoever proceeded out of her lips, concerning her vows, or concerning the bond of her foul, mail not fland : her hufband hath made them void, and the Lord fhall forgive her. v. 13. Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the foul, her hufband may eftablifh it, or her hufband may make it void. r Matth. 19. 1 1 . But he faid unto them, All men cannot receive this faying, fave they to whom it is given, v. 12. For there are fome eunuchs, who were fo born from their mo- thers womb : and there are fome eu- nuchs, who were made eunuchs of men : and. there be eunuchs, who have made themfelves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's fake : He that is able to receive it, let him re- ceive it. 1 Cor. 7.2. Neverthelefs, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every wo- man have her own huiband. v. 9. But if they cannot contain, let them marry : for it is better to marry than to burn. Eph. 4. 28. Let him that ftole, ileal no more : but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good,that he may have to give to him that needeth. 1 Pet. 4. 2. That he no longer fhould live the red of his time in the flefh, to the iufts of men, but to the will of God. I Cor. 7. 23. Ye are bought with a price, be not ye the f ervants of men. I. a Rom. 13. 1. Let every foul be fubjecl: unto the higher powers. For there is no power but oi God : the powers that be,are ordained of God. < Chap. 23. " he Lonjejjion of taith. I27 II. It is lawful for Chriftians to accept and execute the Of* fice of a Magiftrate, when called thereunto b : In the manag- ing whereof, as they ought efpecially to maintain Piety, Jus- tice and Peace, according to wholfom Laws of each Com- mon-wealth c ; fc, for that End, they may lawfully, now under theNewTeftament, wage War upon juft and nccef- iary Occafions d. III. The Civil Magiftrate may not aflame to himfelf the Adminiftration of the Word and Sacraments, or the Power God. v. 2. Whofoever therefore refifleth the power, refifteth the or- dinance of God : and they that re- fill, (hall receive tothemfelves dam- nation, v. J. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to thee- ril. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power ? do that which is good, and thou (halt have^ praife of 4. For he is the minifter iod to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; c beareth not the fv/ord in vain : be is the minifter of God, a re- ,er, to execute wrath upon him tint doth evil. 1 Pet. 2. 13. Submit your felves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's fake : whether it be to the king as fupreme, v. 14. Or unto governor?, as unto tl that are lent by him, for the pu- nifhment of evil-doers, and for fc of diem that do well. II. b Prov. 8. 15. By in reign, and princes decree juitice. v. 16. By me princes rule, and no- .- venallth, iheearth. . 1, 2, 4. (Sec in letter a.) cPfsrf. 2. 10. Be wife now fore, O ye kin. .cled, yc judges of the cart! . trembling. \ . : he be angry, and yc perifh I viath is kindled but a little; bl trutt in h' 11 that are in autho- id a quirt peaceable life in all godlincft aud honefty. Pfalm 82. 3. Defend the poor and fatheriefs : do jufti< the afflicted and needy : v. 4. De- liver the poor and needy ; rid I out of the hand of the wicked. 2 Sam. 23. 3. The God of Ifrael f the Rock of Ifrael Ipake to me, He that ruleth over men mud be j ruling in the fear of God. 1 Pet. :. 13. i^See in letter a.) d Luke 3. 1 4. And the feldiers likewife demanded of him, faj And what ih:dl we do ? And he fetd unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accufe any falily, & be con- tent with your wages. Rom. 1 3 (feelettera.)Matth.8.o. Fori a man under author: fol- diers under me : and 1 fa man, Go, and he goeih : and to a- other, Come, and he cometh : and to my fervant, Do this, and he doth it. v. 10. When icfus h< it, he marvelled, and (aid to them that followed, Verily, 1 fay unto you, 1 have not found fo great faith, no not in Ifrael. A<5te 10. 1. 1 I - tin man in Cefarea called Cornelius, a Centurion of the band \ dc- inan, and one that fc With all his houi ■ I • hful. thou iiWCit 1215 lbe Lionfejjion oj faith. ClIAP. 23? of the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven e, : Yet he hath Au- thority, and it is his Duty, to take Order, that Unity and Peace be preferred in the Church, that the Truth of God be kept pure and entire, thatall Blafphemiesand HereGesbefup- pre(Ted,all Corruptions and Abufesin Worlhip and Difcipline prevented or reformed ; and all the Ordinances of God duly iettled, adminiftred, and obferved f, for the better effecting where- fawefi upon the beaft, thefe mall hate the whore, and (hall make her defolate, and naked, and (hall eat her fleih, and burn her with fire. III. e Chron. 26. 18. And they withftood Uzziah the king, and laid unto him, it appertained^ not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incenfe unto the Lord, but to the priefts the fons of Aaron, that are confecrated to burn incenfe : go cut of the fan- eluary, for thou haft trefpafTed : ?ieither (hall it be for thine honour from the Lord God. With Mat. iS. 17. and if he (hall neglecl to hear them, tell it unto the church ; but if he neglect to hear the church, let him.be unto thee as an heathen man, and a publican. And 1 6. 19. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatsoever thou malt bind on earth, (hall be bound in heaven : and whatfcever thou (halt loofe on earth, mail be loofed in heaven. I Cor. 12. 28. And God hai' fame in the church, firft apoftles, Secondarily prophets, thirdly teach- ers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, di- yerfities of tongues, v. 29. Are all apoftles ? are all prophets ? are ail teachers ? are all workers of mi- racles ? Eph. 4. 11. And he j fome, 'apoftles : and fome, pro- phets : and fome, Evangeliits : and ibme,paftors, and teachers; v. 12. For the perfecting of the faints, for ihe work of the miniftry, for the edifying of the body of Chrift, 1 Cor. 4 . 1 . Let a man fo account of ds of the minifters of Chrift, and itewards of the :s of God. v, 2. Moreover it is required in ftewards, that a man be found faithful* Rom. 10. 15. And how (hall they preach, except they be fent ? as it is written, How beauti- ful are the feet of them that preach the gofpel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things ! Heb. 5.4. And no man takcth this honour unto himfelf, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. f Ifa. 49. 23. And kings (hall be thy nurfing fathers, and their queens thy nurfmg mothers : they mall bow down to thee with their face towards the earth, and lick- up the duftof thy feet, and thou iha.lt know' that I am the Lord : for they fha.II net be afhamed that wait for me, Pfal .122.9. Becaufe of the houfe of the Lord our God, I will feek thy good. Ezra. 7. .23. Whatfoever is sanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done, for the houfe of the God of heaven : for why mould there be wrath againft the realm of the king and his fons, v. 25. And thou, Ezra, afcer the wifdora or thy God, that is in thine hand, let rnagiftrates and judges, who may judge all the people that are. beyond the river, all fuch as know the laws of thy God ; and teach ye them that know them not. v. 26. And whefoever (hall not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed fpecdily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to baniihment, or to i cation of goods, or to impri- fonment. v. 27. Blefled be the Lord God of our fathers, who hath put fr.:h a tiling *s this in the kings heart C\HP. 25. ?he Confejfion of Faith. I2p whereof, he hath power to call Synods, to be prefent at them and to provide that whatfoever is tranfacted in them be accor- ding to the Mind of God g. IV. It heart, to beautify the houfe of the Lord which is in Jerafalem : v. 28. And hath extended mercy unto me, before the king, and his counf.l- lers, ant' before all the king's migh- ty princes : and I was ftrengthened as the hand of the Lord my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Ifrael chief men to gp up with me. Lev. 24. 16. And he that blafphemeth the nameof the Lord, : he (hall furely be put to death, and all the congregation (hall certainly ftone him : as well the ftranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blafphemeth the name of the Lord, mall be put to death. Deut. 1 3. $. And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, (hall be put to death (becaufe he hath fpoken to turn you away from the Lord your , who brought you out of the giouliy, and the 2 Chro. 2*1 1 roc I go The Confefion of Faith. C H A p. 2 *# IV. It is the Duty of People to pray for Msgiftrates \ to honour their Perfons i,to pay them Tribute and other Dues*, to obey their lawful Commands, and to be fubjecho their Au- thority for Confcience Sake /. Infidelity, or Difference in Re- ligion, doth not make void the Magiftrate'sj ufl: and legal Au- thority, nor free the People from their due Obedience to him*?: From which Ecclefiaftical Perfons are not exempted n\ much lefs hath the Pope any Power or J urifdi&ion over them in their Do- for thus it is written by the prophet. IV. h. 1 Tim. 2,1.1 exhort there- fore, that firfr. of all, fupplications, prayers, interceffions, and giving of thanks be made for all men : v. 2. For kings, and for all that are in au- • " ority ; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godlinefs and honefty. i 1 Pet. 2. 17. Honour all men." Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. k Rom. 13. 6. For, for this caufc pay you tribute alfo : for they are God's minifters, attending conti- nually upon this very thing, v. 7. Render therefore to all their dues, tribute to whom tribute is due, cu- ftom to whom cuftom, fear to whom fear, honour to whom honour. 1. Rom. 13.5. Wherefore ye muft needs be fubjeel, pot only for wrath, but alfo for confcience fake. Tit. 3; I. Put them in mind to be fubjecr. to principalities and powers, to o- bey magistrates, to be ready to e- very good work. m 1 Pet. 2.13. Submit yourfelves to every ordinance t)f man for the Lord's fake, whether it be to the king, as fupreme, v. 14. Or unto go- vernors, as unto them that are fent by him, for the punimment of evil doers, and for the praife of them that do well. v. 16. As free, and not ufing your liberty for a cloke of malicioufnefs, but as the fervants of God. n Rom. 13. 1. Let every foul be fubjeel: unto the higher powers. For theie is no power but of God : the powers that be, arc ordained of God. 1 Kings 2. ;£. And the king put Benaiah the fbn of Jehoiadah in his room over the hoft ; and Za* dok the prieft did the king put in the room of Abiathar* Acts 25. 9. But Feftus willing to do the Jews a pleafure, anfwered Paul, and faid,. Wilt thou go up to Jerufalem, and there be judged of thefe things be- fore me ? v. 10. Then faid Paul, I flandatCefar'sjudgment-feat,wherc I ought to be judged : to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knoweft. v. 1 1 . For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refufe not to die : but if there be none of thefe things whereof thefe accufe me, no man may deliver me unto them, f appeal unto Cefar. 2 Pet. 2. 1. But there were falfe prophets alfo a- mong the people, even as there (hail be falfe teachers among you, who privily (hall bring in damnable he- refies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon them- fel ves fv/ift deftruttion. v. 10. But chiefly them that walk after the flefh in the luft of uncleannefs, and defpife government, prefurnptuuus are they, felf-vvillcd: they are not a- fraid to fpeak evil of dignities; v. 1 1 . Whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, bring no rai- ling accufation againft them before the Lord. Jude 8. Likewife alfo thefe filthy dreamers defile the fkfh, defpife dominion, and fpeak e- vil of dignities, v. 9. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending \vith the devil, he difputed about the body of Ivlofss, durfc not bring Chap. 24. The Conjeffion of Faith I 1 3 I Dominions, or over any of their People; and leaft of all to deprive them of their Dominions or Lives, if he fliall judge them to be Hereticks,or upon any other pretence whatsoever. . Chap. XXIV. Of Marriage and Divorce. MARRIAGE is to be between one Man, and one Wo- man; neither is it lawful for any Man to have more than one Wife, nor for any Woman to have more than one Husband at the fame Time a. II. Marriage was ordained for the mutual Help c band and Wife h ; for the increafe of Mankind timate llllie, and of the Church with an holy Seed c ; s for preventing of Uncleannefs J. III. It is lawful for all forts of People to marry, who are able with Judgment to give their Confent e. Yet it is the D of againll him a railing accufation, but hid, the Lord rebuke thee. v. 10. But thefe fpeak evil of thofe things which they know not : bur they know naturally, as brute beafts, in thofe things they corrupt them- v. 11. Wo unto them, for . < \ e gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perilhedin the gain-faying of Core. vVhooppofethand ifelf above all that is called Cod, or that is worlhipped; fo that k>d Gtteth in the temple of God, (hewing himfclf he had to the image of the of the tx caufcthatas . fhipthe both fra i ■ 1 ther, and (hall cleave unto his v and they (hall be one flefli. Ma:. nd faid, For this caufe ft man leave father and mot (hall cleave to his wife : and i ibconeilcihrv.o. fore they are no more t\ one flefli. What I hath jo'ned together, let no .1 under. Pn laketh the guide ot her youth, and forgettcth the cove; Cod. 11. b Ccn. 2. i3. And God laid, It is not good that the man mould be rdone : I \ him an help him. Spirit : an at he none s toa- . lli.C nou: 132 lie Confef/ioh of Faith. Chap. 24. of Chriftians to marry only in the Lord f: And therefore fuch as profefs the true Reformed Religion fhould not marry with Infidels, Papifts or other Idolaters : Neither /hould fuch as are godly be unequally^ yoked, by marrying with fuch as are notorioufly wicked in their Life, or maintain damnable Hereiiesg. IV. Mar- rourable in all, and the bed unde- filed : but whoremongers and adul- terers God will judge. 1 Tim. 4. 3. Forbidding to marry , and command- ing to abitain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thankfgiving, of them who believe and know the truth. 1 Cor. 7. 36. But if any man think that he behaveth himfelf uncomely to- wards his virgin, if (he pals the flower of her age, and need fo re- quire, let him do what he will, he linneth not : let them marry, v. 37. Neverthelefs, he that ftandeth fted- faft in his heart, having no necef- fity, but hath power over his own will, and hath fo decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doth well. v. 38. So then, he that giveth her in marriage, doth well ; but he that giveth her not in mar- riage, doth better. Geru 24. 57. And they faid, We will call the damfel, and enquire at her mouth. v. c8. And they called Rebekali, and faid unto her, Wilt thou go with this man r and fhe faid, i will go. f 1 Cor. 7.39. The wife is bound by the law as long as her hufband liveth : but if her hufband be dead, fhe is at liberty to be married to whom Hie will ; only in the Lord. gGen. 34. 14. And they faid un- to them, We cannot do this thing, to give our filter to one that is un- circumcifcd : for that were a re- proach unto us. Exod. 34. 16. And thou take of their daughters unto thyfons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy fons go a whoring after their gods. Deut. 7. 3. Neither (halt thou make marriages with them ; thy daughter thou malt not give unto his fon, nor his daughter Ihalt thou take unto thy fon. v. 4. For they will turn away thy fon from following me, that they may ferve other gods : fo will the anger of the Lord be kindled asainft you, and deftroy thee fuddenly. 1 Kings 1 1 . 4. For it came to pafs when So- lomon was old, that his wives turn- ed away his heart after other gods : and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. Neh. 13. 25. And T contended with them, and curfed them, and fmote certain of them, and pluckt off their hair, and made them fwear by God, fay- ing, Ye fh all not give your daugh- ters unto their fons, nor take their daughters unto your fons, or for your felves. v. 26. Did not Solo- mon king of Ifrael fin by theft things ? Yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Ifrael : ne- verthelefs, even him did outlandifli women caufe to fin. v. 27. Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to tranfgrefs againft our God, in marrying ftrange wives? Mai .2.11. Judah hath dealt treach- eroufiy, and an „ abomination is committed in ifrael, and in Jerufa- lem : for Judah hath profaned the holinefs of the Lord, which he loved, and hath married the daugh- ter of a ftrange god. v. 12. The Lord will cut off the man that doth this : the m after and the fcholar out of the tabernacles of Jacob,, and him that orfereth an g Bering unto^e Lordofhofts. 2 Cor. 6. 14. Be ye not unequally yoked toge- ther. Chap. 24. The Con feffion of Faith. 133 IV. Marriage ought not to be within the Degrees of Con- fanguinity or Affinity forbidden in the Word ; nor can fuch inceftuous Marriages ever be made lawful by any Law of Man, or Confent of Parties, fo as thofe Perfons may live together as Man and Wife /. The Man may not marry any of his Wife's Kindred nearer in Blood than he may of his own, nor the Woman of her Husband's Kindred nearer in Blood than of her own k% V. Adultery or Fornication committed after a Contraft, be- ing detected before Marriage,giveth juft Occafion to the inno- cent Party to dilTblve that Contract L In the Cafe of Adulte- ry after Marriage, it is lawful for the innocent Party to fue out a Divorce m9 and, after the Divorce, to marry another, as if the ther with unbelievers : for wh?.t fellowship hath righteoufnefs with unrighteoufneis : and what com- munion hath light with darknefs ? IV. h (Lev. 18. chapter.) i Cor. 5.1. It is reported commonly that there is fornication amon£ you, and fuch fornication as is not fo much as named amongft the Gentiles, that one mould have his father's v Amos 2. 7. That pant after the dull of the earth on the head of the poor, and turn afide the way of the meek : and a man, and his fa- ther will go in unto the fame maid, to profane my holy name. i Mark 6. l8. For John had faid unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife. Lev. 18. 24. Defile not your fclves in any of thefc things : for in all thefc the nations are defiled which ! out befor . And I do vifit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land it fell (hall therefore keep my ftatutea and my ■ments, and (hall not commit any of thefe abomina ;'hcr any of your own na Granger that fojourneth among you : v. 27. (For .til thefc &bo nations have the men of the laud Uonc, which v the land is defiled.) v. 28. That the land fpue not you out alfo, when ye dehle it, as it fpued out the na- tions that were before you. k Lev. 20. 19. And thoufhalt net uncover the nakednefs of thy mo- ther's fifter, nor of thy father's filter : for he uncovereth his near kin : they (hall hear their iniquity, v. 20. And if a man (hall lie with his uncle's wife, he hath uncovered his uncle's nakednefs : t^ey (hall bear their fin, they uVH die childlefs. v. 21. And if a man (hall take his brother's wife, it is an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother s nakednefs, they (hall be childlefs. V. 1 Mat. 1. 18. Now the birth of Jefus Chriir. was on this wife : :n as his mother Maiy was efpoufed to Jofcph, before I came together, (he was found with child of the holy Ghoih v. 19. 1 Jofeph her hufband being a juft man, and not willing to make her a pub p!c, was minded to vnvily. v. 20. while he 1! Ought DO thefc tli behold th Oil unto him in t > 'ngi pli, thou fo ■ fot I rieuvcd in ho iboft. i?4 T!je CottfeJJion of Faith. CHAP. 25. the offending Party were dead n. \ I. Although the Corruption of Man be fuch as is apt to ftudy Arguments, unduly to put afunder thofe whom God hath joined together in Marriage; yet nothing but Adultery, I or fuch wilful Defertion as can no way be remedied by the Church or Civil Magiflrate, is Caufc fufficient of diflbl ring ; the Bond of Marriage : Wherein a publick and orderly i Courfe of Proceeding is to be obferved ; and the Perfons con- cerned in it, not left to their own Wills and Difcretion in j their own Cafe p. Chap. XXV. Of the Chunk. THE Catholick or Univerfal Church which is invifible, confifts of the whole Number of the Eleft, that have been, are, or fhall be gathered into one, under Chrift the Head Whofoever fhall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of di- vorcement, v, $2. But I fay unto you, that whofoever fhall put a\\ his wife, faring for the caufe of fornication, caufeth her to commit adultery : andwhofoeverfhaD mar- ry her that is divorced, commit- teth adultei at. 1 9. 9. And I fay unto you , Whofoever (bill put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and fhall mairy another, committeth adultery : and whofoever marrieth her which is put away, doth com- mit adultery. Rom. 7. 2. For the woman which hath an hufband, is bound by the law to her hufband fo long as he liveth : but if the huf- band be dead, fhe is loofed from the law of her hufpand. v. 3. So then, if while her hufoand liveth, (he be married to another man, fne fhall be called an adultercfs : but if her hufband be dead, (he is free from that law ; fo that (he is no adulte- refs, though fhe be married to ano- man. I. o Mat. 19.3. He faith unto them, Moles, becaufe of the faard- nefs of your hearts, fuffered you to I put away your wives : but from the I beginning it was not fo. v. 9. (See letter n.j 1 Cor. 7. 15. But if the unbelieving' depart, let him depart. A brother or a filter is not under j c in fuch cafes : but God ' lied us to peace. Mat. 19. 6. Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flefh. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put afunder. p Dtut. 24. 1. When a man hath-, taken a wife and married her, and it come to pafs that fhe find no fa- vour in his eyes, becaufe he hath., found fome uncleannefs in her: then let him write her a bill of di- vorcement, and give it in her hand, and fend her out of his houfe. v. 2. And when me is departed out of his houfe, fhe may go, and be another man's wife. v. 3. And if the latter hufband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and fendeth her out of his houfe ; or if the latter hufband die, who took her .to be his wife ; v. 4. Her former hufband who fent her away may not take her a^ ga» CHAP. *£ ^le Confeffion of Faith. 13 c; Head thereof; and is the Spoufe, the Body, the Fulnefs of Him that filleth all in all a. II. The vifible Church, which is alfo Catholick or Univer- fal under the Gofpel (not confined to one Nation, as before under the Law) confifts of all thofe throughout the World, that profefs the true Religion b9 together with their Children c ; and is the Kingdom of the Lord Jefus Chrift, gain to be his wife, after that (he is defiled : tor that is abomination before the Lord, and thou (halt not caufe the land to fin, which thj Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance. I. a Eph. 1. 10. That in the dif- penfation of the fulnefs of times, he might gather together in one all things in Chrift, both which are in heaven 3 and which are on earth, even in him. v. 22. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all th: to the church, v. 2%. Which is his* body, the him that filleth all in all. Eph. J. 23. For thehuf- band is the head of the wife, even head cf the church: and he is the Saviour of the body. t. 27. That he might prefent it to hjmielf a glorious church, not ha- fpot or wrinkle, or any fuch j; but that it mould be holy, and without blemifh. \. ;2. This is a great mylrery : but 1 fpeak cone Col. 1. 1 . the , the firft-bojn From the i ; that m all tl church orinthi to ti led in Chrift T< | II upon the • jcfui • one I y, aic one bo - ;t. v. 1 5. For by one Spirit, are we all baptized into one body, whether we be lews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free ; and have been all made to drink into one fpirit. Pfalm 2.8. A(k of me, and I (hall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermofr. parts of the earth for thy poljeffion. Rev. 7.9. A this I beheld, andlo, a great mul- titude, which no man could num- ber, of all nations, ai:d ! and people, and tongues, flood be- fore thTe throne, and before the ') clothed with whii palms in their hands. Rom. ic. 9. And that the Gentiles mi glorify Gcd for his mercy, as v. ritten, Lor this caufe 1 will con- fefs to thee among the Ger. ling unto thy name. v. 10. •:. he faith,. Rejoice y Praifc the Lord all ye Ge: Lmd him all yc peop] And ith, I here uSaU be him (hall the Gentiles l e i ving I bytbehuil (hall I 4 * 3 o J he Lonjejjion of Faith. C H A P. 2 f, Chrifiy, the Houfe and Family of God e, out of which there is no ordinary Poffibility of Salvation /. III. Unto this Catholick vifible Church, Chrift hath given the Miniftry, Oracles, and Ordinances of God, for the ga- thering and perfecting of the Saints, in this Life, to the End of the World : And doth by his own Prefcnce and Spirit, ac- cording to his Promife, make them effeftual thereunto g. IV. This Catholick Church hath been fometimes more, fometimes lefs vifible b. And particular Churches, which are Mem- this of thy whoredoms a fmall mat- ter, v. 21. That thou haft flam my children, and delivered them to cauf? them to paf's through the fire for them ? Rom. u. 16. For if the flrft fruit he holy, the lump is alfo holy ; and it the root be holy, fo are the branches. Gen. 3. i£. And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy ked and her fc^d : it mall bruife thy head,and thou malt bruife his heel. Gen. 17. 7. And I will eftablifh my Covenant between me and thee, and thy (ccd after thee, in their genera- tions, for an everlafting covenant ; to be a God unto thee, and to thy feed after thee. dMat. 13. 47. Again, the king- dom of heaven is like unto a net that was caft intc- the fea, and ga- thered of e\rery kind. Ifa. 9. 7. Of the increafe of his government and peace there fhall be no end, upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to efta- fcliiH it with judgment and with juftice, from henceforth even for ever : the zeal of the Lord of hods will perform this. e Eph. 2.19. Now therefore ye arc no more ftrangers and foreign- ers, but fellow- citizens with the faints, and of thehoufhold of God. Eph. 3. 15. Of whom the whole fa- mily in heaven and earth is named. f Acts 2. 47. Prailing God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily fuch as mould be fared. t III. g 1 Cor. 12. 28. And God hath fet fome in the church, fir ft a- oftles,fecondarily prophets, third- y teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, govern- ments, divcrlities of tongues. Eph. 4. ii. And he gave fome, apoftles: and fome, prophets : and fome, e- vangelifts : and fome, pallors and teachers ; v. 12. For the perfecting of the faints, for the work of the miniftry, for the edifying of the body of Chrift: v. 13. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the meafure of the Mature of the ful- nefs of Chrift. Mat. 23. 19. Go yc therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Imd of the Son, and of die holy Ghoft : v. 20. Teaching them to obferve all things whatfoever f have commanded you : and los I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Ifa. 59. 21. As for me, tjiis is my covenant with them, faith the Lord, My Spi- rit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, fhall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy feed, nor out of the mouth of thy feeds feed, faith the Lord, from hence- forth and for ever. IV. h Rom. 11. 3. Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and dig- ged down thine altars ; andl am left alone, and they feek my life. v. 4. But what faith the anfwer of God unto CHAP. 2 y. I he LonfeJ/ton of faith. 1 37 Members thereof, are more or lefs pure, according as the Doctrine of the Gofpel is taught and embraced, Ordinances adminiftred, and publick Worihip performed more or lefs purely in them im V. The pureft Churches under Heaven are fubjeft both to Mixture and Error k : And fome have (b degenerated, as to become no Churches of Chrift, but Synagogues of Satan /. Neverthelefs, there fhall be always a Church on Earth, to worihip God according to his Will m. VI. There unto him ? I have referred to my felf feven thoufand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Rev. 12. 6. And the wo- man fled into the wildernefs, where me hath a place prepared of God, that they mould feed her there a thoufand two hundred and three- fcore days. v. 14. And to the wo- man were given two wings of a great eagle, that fhe might tiee in- to the wildernefs, into her place : where fhe is nourifhed for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the ferpent. i (Rev. 2. and 3 . chapters through- out.) 1 Cor. 5.6. Your glorying is ' i : Know ye not that a little I leaveneth the whole lump ? v. 7. Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, ened. For even Chntl our pafTover is facrificcd for us. r. n. 12. For nowwe fee through a glafs, darkly; but : now 1 J: now in ; but then ihall I know even as alfo 1 am known. (Rev. 2. 3. chap* ten.) Mai. |$, 26, 27,28, forth unto them The king- dom of heaven is likened not man who fow< ed in his field: But while men flept, hi Hem] the \ . But g up, and >ht forth fruit, 1 < kingdom of heai un- to a ret that was cafr, into the fea, and gathered of every kind. 1 Rev. 18.2. And he cried migh- tily with a ftrong voice, faying, Ba- bylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is beeome the habitation of de- vils, and the hold of every foul fpi- rit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. Rom. 11. 18. Bo ait not againit the branches: butifthoa boali, thou beareit not the root, but the root thee. v. 19. Thou wilt fay then, The branches were bro- ken olF, that I might be grafted in. v. 20. Well ; becaufc of unbelief they were broken off, and thou (land tth. Be not hi^h- minded, but fear. v. 21. For if God fpared not the natural bran- ches, take heed lelt he alfo fpare not thee. v. 22. Behold therefore the goodnefs, and feverity of God : on them who fell, feverityj but goodnefs, if thoa continue in his goodnefs : other- wife thou (halt be cut oft. m Mat. 16. 18. And I fay alfo unto thee, That thou art Peter, and D this rock I will build my chur^ icsof hell (hall not p ill it. rfalni72. 17. name lhall endure for ever : his name lhall be continued as long; C fun : and men ihall be bleifcd in him : all nations (hall call him blellcd. Pltl. io:. 28. The chil- dren ofth ihall continue, their feed (hall be eilablifhcd i. 19, 20. ( cr lO VI. p Co!. I38 The Confefjion of Faith. C H A P. 2 6. VI. There is no other Head of the Church but the Lord Jefus Chrift ». Nor can the Pope of Rome in any Senfe be Head thereof; but is that Antichrift, that Man of Sin, and Son of Perdition that exalteth himfelf in the Church againft Chrift, and all that i$ called God o. Chap. XXVI. Of the Communion of Saints. ALL Saints that are united to Jefus Chrift their Head, by his Spirit and by Faith, have Fellow/hip with him in his Graces, Sufferings, Death, Refurre&ion and Glory a : And, VI. n Col. 1. i3. And he is the head of the body, the church ; who is the beginning, the firft-born from the dead: that in all things he might have the pre-eminence. Eph.1.22. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church. o Mat. 23. 8. But be not ye cal- led Rabbi : for one is your Matter, even Chrift, and all ye are brethren. v. 9. And call no man your father upon earth : for one is your Father, who is in heaven, v. 10. Neither be ye called matters : for one is your Matter, even Chrift. 2 The.fT. 2. 3. Let no man deceive you by any means : for that day (hall not come except there come a falling away firtt, and that man of fin be revealed, the fon of perdition : v. 4. Who oppofeth and exalteth him- felf above all that is called God, or that is worfhipped : fo that he as God fitteth in the temple of God, fhewing himfelf that he is God. v. 8. And then mall that wicked be revealed, whom the Lord (hall confume with the Spirit of his mouth, and {hall deftroy with the brightnefs of his coming, v. 9. Even him whofe coming is after the working of Satan, with all power, and ligns, and lying wonders. Rev. 13. 6. And he o- pened his mouth, in blafphemy a- gainft God, to blafpheme his name and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. I. a 1 John 1.3. That which we have feen and heard, declare we unto you, that ye alfo may have fellowihip with us : and truly our fellowfhip is with the Father, and with his Son Jefus Chrift. Eph. 3. 16. That he would grant you ac- cording to the riches of his glory, to be ftrengthened with might, by his Spirit in the inner-man ; v. 17. That Chrift may dvvell in your hearts by faith ; that ye being root- ed and grounded in love, v. 18. May be able to comprehend with all faints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height ; v. 19. And to know the love of Chrift, which pafTcth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulnefs of God. John 1. 16. And of his fulnefs have all we received^ and grace for grace. Eph. 2.5. E- ven when we were dead in fins, hath quickened us together with Chritt, (by graceye are faved) v. 6. And hath raifed us up together, and made us (it together in heavenly places in Chrift Jefus. Phil. 3. io. That 1 may know him and the power of his refurreclion, and the fellowfhip of his fufferings, being made conformable unto his death. Rom. 6. 5 . For if we have been plan- ted together in the likenefs of his * death: Chap. 26. The ConftJJion of Faith l I:* And, being united to one another in Love, they have com- munion in each others Gifts and Graces b ; and are obliged to the Performance of fuch Duties, publick and private, as do conduce to their mutual Good, both in the inward and outward Man c. II. Saints, by Profefljon, are bound to maintain an holy Fellowfhip and Communion in the Worfhip of God, and in performing fuch other fpiritual Services as tend to their mu- tual Edification d, as alfo in relieving each other in outward Things, death : we fhall be alfo in the ] nefsofhisrefurreclion. v. 6. Know- ing this, that our old man is cruci- fied with him, that the body of (in might be delfroyed, that hence- forth we fhould not ferve fin. 2 Tim . 2.12. If we fuffer,we (hall alfo rei^n with him: if we deny him, he alio will deny us. b Eph. 4. 15. But (peaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in ail things, which is the head, even Chrift. v. 16. From whom the whole body fitly joined together, and compared by that which, e\ cry joint ftfpplieth, according to the erleclual working in :eof eve i;. fth'c body, unto the If in . l Cor. 12. 7. But the mani- tion of the Spirit is given to e- very man to profit withal. 1 Cor. 3. 21. Therefore let no mangloiy in m jurs : ▼. 22. r Paul, or Apollos, -rid, or life, or death, o»- things prefent, or things dl are yours ; v. 23. And re Chrift's, and Chrift is God's. 2. 19. And not holding the h from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment tni- niftn fcth with the in 1 ThcfT. e. 1 1. w :om- fort your felves together, and fy one another, you,bretk 1 them th.it are unruly, i lurt the J, Yd, fupportihe weak, be patient toward all men. Rom. 1. 11. For 1 longt that 1 may impart unto you fc fpiritual gift, to the end ye may be eftablilhed : v. 12. That is, that 1 may be comforted together vith you, by the mutual faith both of and me. v. 14. 1 am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians, both to the wife, and to the unwifc. 1 John 3. 16. H by perceive we the love of God, ufe he laid down his life for us : and we ou^ht to lay down our the brethren, v. 17. wholo hath this world's good, . .1 his brother have need, th up his bowels of compaf- . him, how dwclleth the of God in him ? v. iS. My little children, let us not bve in ! neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth. Gal. 6. 10. As we hare opportunity, let us da . unto all men, efpeciaily to them who are of the houlhold of faith. II. d Heb. 10.24. And let us conl: >thcr,to provoke un- to love and to good work: Not forfalungthe .dlemblingofour^ at exhorting one anoth and i'o mu .1 fee the d • 42. ued t ted fa(Uy in the feJJow/hip, bread, and in )rd in the temple. T4* 7he ConfeJJlon of Faith. Chap. 26. Things, according to their feveral Abilities and Neceffities. Which Communion, as God offereth Opportunity, is to be extended unto all thofe who in every Place call upon the Name of the Lord Jefus e. III. This Communion which the Saints have with Chrift, doth not make them in any wife Partakers of the Subftance of his Godhead, or to be equal with Chrift in any Refpeft : Either of which to affirm, is impious and blafphemous /. Nor doth their Communion one with another, as Saints, take away or infringe the Title or Property which each Man hath in his Goods and PofTeflions g. CHAR temple, and breaking of bread from houfe to houfe, did eat their meat with gladnefs and finglenefs of heart. Ifa. 2. 3. And many people (hall go and fay, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the houfe of the God of Jacob, and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion (hall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerufalem. 1 Cor. 11. 20. When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lords fupper. e Acts 2. 44. And all that be- lieved were together, and had all things common, v. 45. And fold their po/Teflions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 1 John 3.17. (See in letter c.) (2 Cor. 8. and 9. chap- ters.) Acls 11. 29. Then the dif- ciples, every man according to his ability, determined to fend relief unto the brethren who dwelt in Judea. v. 30. Which alfo they did, and fent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. III. fCol. 1. 18. And he is the head of the body, the church : who is the beginning, the firft-born from the dead ; that in all things he might have the pre-eminence. v. 10. For it pleafed the Father that in him fhould all fulnefs dwell. I Cor. 8. 6. But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him ; and one Lord Jefus Chrift, by whom are all things, and we by him, lfa. 42. 8. I am the Lord, that is my name, and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praife to graven images. 1 Tim. 6. i£. Which in his times he fhall fhew, who is the bleffed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, v. 16. Who only hath immortality, dwel- ling in the light which no man can approach unto, whom no man hath feen, nor can fee: to whom be ho- nour and power everlafting. Amen. Pfal. 45. 7. Thou loveft nghteouf- nefs, and hateft wickednefs : there- fore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladnefs above thy fellows. WithHeb. 1. 8. But unto the Son he faith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever ; afcep- tre of righteoufnefs is the fceptre of thy kingdom v. 9. Thou haft loved righteoufnefs, and hated i- niquity ; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladnefs above thy fellows. g Exod. 20. 15. Thou (halt not fteal . Eph .4.28. Let him that ftole, fteal no more : but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. x^cls 5;. 4. Whiles it remained, was it not thine own ? and after it was fold, was it not in thine own power ? why hail thou conceived this thing in Chap. 27. Tie Confejfion of Faith. 141 CHAP. XXVII. Of the Sacraments. SACRAMENTS are holy Signs and Ssals of the Cove- nant of Grace a immediately inftituted by God bf to reprefent Chrift and his Benefits ; and to confirm our Intereft in Him c ; as alfo to put a vifible Difference between thofe chat belong unto the Church, and the reft of the World d ; and folemnly to engage them to the Service of God in Chrift, according to his Word e% II. There in thine heart ? thou haft net lied unto men, but unto God. 1 . a Rom. 4. 1 1 . And he received the fign of circumcifion, a feal of the righteoufnefs of the faith,which he had yet being uncircumcifed : that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcifed ; that righteoufnefs might be imputed unto them alfo. Gen. 17. 7. Andlwilleftablifhmy covenant between me and thee, and thy feed after thee, in their gene- rations, for an everlafting covenant ; to be a God unto thee, and to thy feed after thee. v. 10. (See below in letter f.) b Mat. 28. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, ;ind of the Son, and of the holy Ghoft. 1 Cor. 11. 23. For i have re- ceived of the Lord, that which al- fo 1 delivered unto you, That the Lord Jefus, the f ime night in which he was betrayed, took bread. c 1 Cor. 10. 16. The cup of blef- fing which we blefs, is it not the communion of the blood of Chrift ? the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the bod Chrift ? 1 Cor. 11. 25. After the fame manner alfo he took the cup, when he had lapped, faying, This cup is the new teftamem in my blood : do yc, as oft as ye drink it, in remembn often -rink • till ! " Gal. !. 27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Chrift, have put on Chrift. Gal. 5. 17. And this I fay, That the covenant that was confirmed before of God in Chrift, the law which was four hundred and thirty years after cannot difannul, that it Jhould make the promife of none effect. d Rom. 15. 8. Now 1 fay, That Jefus Chrift was a minuter of the circumcifion for the truth of God, to confirm the promifes made unto the fathers. Exod. 12.48. And when a ft ranker fhall fojourn with thee, and will keep the pafTover to the Lord, let all his males be circum- cifed, and then let him come near and keep it ; and he fhall be as one that is born in the land : for no un- circumcifed perfon (hall eat there- of. Gen. 34. 14. And they faid un- to them, We cannot do this thing, to give our filler to one that is un- circumcifed : for that were a re- proach unto us. e Rom. 6. 3. Know ye not, that fo many of us as were baptized in- to Jefus Chrift, were baptized into his death ? v. 4. Therefore w. buried with him by baptilm death : that like as Chi ill was rai- p from the dead bv the g| of the Father, (hould walk in: IO. 16. (See in let! V- . i, and the CUp cam -rd's table, and of the table of d I42 7 he ConfeJJion of Faith. 'HAP. II. There is in every Sacrament a fpiritual Relation, or facramental Union, between the Sign and the Thing figni- ficd ; whence it conies to pals, that the Names and EfFe&s of the one are attributed, to the other/. III. The Grace which is exhibited in or by the Sacraments rightly ufed, is not conferred by any Power in them ; neither doth the Efficacy of a Sacrament depend upon the Piety or Intention of him that doth adminifler itg, but upon the Work of die Spirit *, and the Word of Inrtitution, which contains, together with a Precept authorifing the Ufe thereof, a Pro- mife of Benefit to worthy Receivers f. IV. There be only two Sacraments ordained by Chrift our Lord in the Gofpel, that is to fay, Baptifm and the Supper of the Lord : Neither of which may be difpenfed by any but by a Minifter of the Word lawfully ordained k* V. The II . f Gen. 1 7. ro. This is my cove- want, which ye (hall keep between me and you, and thy feed after thee ; Every man child among you foall be circumcifed. Mat, 26. 27. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it unto them, fay- ing, Drink ye all of it. v. 28. For this is my blood of the new tefta- inent, which is fhed for many for the remiilioQ of fins. Tit. 3.5. Not by works of righteoufnefs, which we have done, but according to his mercy he faved us by the wall •f regeneration, and renewin the holy Ghoft. ni.gRom. 2. 28. For he a Jew, who is one outwar. neither is that circumcifion, which is outward in the fieih : v. 29. But he is a Jew, who is one inward- ly ; and circumcifion is that of the heart, in the fpirit, and not in the letter, whofe*praife is not of men, but of God. 1 Pet. 3. 21. The like figure whereunto, even baptifm, doth alfo now fare us, (not the put- ting away of the filth of the ftefli, but the anfwer of a good confer- ence towards God) by the refur- reclion of Jefus Chrift. h Mat. 3. 11. 1 indeed baptize you with water unto repentance ; but he that cometh after me, is mightier than I, whofe fhoes 1 am not wor* thy to bear : he (hall baptize you with the holy Ghoft, and with fire, i Cor. 12.15. For by one Spirit arc we all baptized into one body, whe- ther we be Jews or Gentiles, whe- ther we be bond or free ; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. i Mat. 26.27,28. (See In letter f.) Mat. 28. 19. (See in letter b.) v. 20. ;hingthemtocbfervre all things whatfbever I have commanded you : and lo, I am v*ith you aiway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. IV. k Mat. 28. 19. Go ye there- fore and teach all nations, baptiz- ing them in the name of the Fa- ther, a»d of the Son, and of the holy Ghoft. I Cor. 1 1 .20. When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's {upper, v. 23. For I have received of the Lord, that which alfo I deli- vered unto you. That the Lord Je- fus, the fame night in which he was betrayed, took bread. I Cor. 4. I. Let a man fo account of us, as of the minifters of Chrifc,and Rewards of the myiteries of God. Heb. 5. 4- And CHAP. -3. The Con feffi on of Faith. 145 V. The Sacraments of the Old Teftament, in regard of the fpiritual Things thereby fignified and exhibited, were, for fubftance, the fame with thofe of the New /; Chap XXVIII. Of Baptijm. BAPTISM is a Sacrament of the New Teftament, or- dained byjefus Chrift /, not only for the folemn Admif- fion of the Party baptized into the vifible Church b ; but alfb to be unto him a Sign and Seal of the Covenant of Grace ry of his ingrafting into Chrift rf, of Regeneration e, of Remif- fion of Sins /, and of his giving up unto God thro' Jefus Chrift, to walk in Newnefs of Life g. Which Sacrament is by Chrift's own Appointment to be continued in his Church until the End of the World h. II. The And no man takcth this honour unto himfelf, but he that is ca of God, as was Aaron. V. 1 1 Cor. 10. 1. Moreover, bre- thren, ! would not that ye fhould be ignorant, how that all our thers were under the puffed through the (ca ; v. 2. And "d unto Mofesin the cloud, and in : . 2. And aA eat the fame fpiritual m -,. And did all think the fame ; (for they drink. of them ; and th: rift.) erkof the i' chapter.) biCor. 12. 13. For by one c are we all baptized into one b< whether we pc whether we be bond hive been all made to drink one Spiiit. eRom.4. 11. figia of circunv ri^hteoufnefs of the he had yet l>< that he n them that ■otdrcQRi ht be imputed U h Col. 2.1 1. 1 nv. horn alio \ circumcifcd with the ci;\ oudc without hands, u i the body of the iins of the flefh, bythecircumcifionofChriit. v. 12. Buried with him in baptifm, where- in alfo ye are rifen with him, through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raifed him from the dead. d Gal. 3.27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Chrift, put on Chrift. Rom. 6. 5. if v. c planted together ia ikenefs of his death : we fhall the liLenefs of his refur- ^.5. Not by works ofrich- .vhich we have done, but to his mercy h. regeneration, lie holy Gholi. . 4. John did baptize in and preach the bap- ta nee, for the remiiii- not, that ■ti zed into 0 his bu- . dk in >. 10. (Sec in k I then 144 *Ibe Confejfion of Faith. C j^ H A P# 2 g# II. The outward Element to be ufed in this Sacrament is Water, wherewith the Party is to be baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghoft, by a Minifter of the Gofpel lawfully called thereunto f. III. Dipping of the Perfon into the Water is not neceflary, but Baptifm is rightly adminiftred by pouring or fprinkling Water upon the Perfon k. IV. Not only thofe that do a&ually profefs Faith in and Obedience unto Chrift /, but alfo the Infants of one or both believing Parents, are to be baptized m. V. Al- thcm to obferve all things whatfoe- ver I have commanded you : and lo, I am with you aiway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. II. i Mat. J. ii. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance; out he that cometh after me, is mightier than I, whofe fhoes I am not worthy to bear : he mall bap- tize you with the holy Ghoft, and with fire. John 1. 23. And I knew him not : but he that fent me to baptize with water, the fame faid unto me, Upon whom thou malt fee the Spirit defcending, and re- maining on him, the fame is he who baptizeth with the holy Ghoft. Mat. 28. 19. (See in letter k foregoing chapter.) v. 20. (See in letter h.) IIl.kHeb.9. 10, 19,20, 21, 22. Acts 2. 41. Then they that gladly received his word, were baptized : and the fame day there were added unto them about three thoufand fouls. Ads 16.33. And he took them the fame hour of the night, and warned their ftripes, and was bap- tized, he and all his, ftraightway. Mark 7. 4. And when they come from the market, except they warn, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the warning ©f cups and pots, brazen veffels, and of tables. IV.lMark 16.15:. Andhefaid un- to diem, Go ye into all the world, and preach ye the gofpel to every creature, v. 16. He that beiieveth and is baptized, lhall be faved ; but he that beiieveth not, mall be dam- ned. Ads 8. 37. And Philip faid. If thou believeft with all thine heart, thou mayeft. And he an- fwered and faid, 1 believe that je- fus Chrift is the Son of God. v. 38. And he commanded the chariot to ftand ftill : and they went down both into the water,both Philip and the eunuch ; and he baptized him. m Gen. 17. 7. And I will eftablifli my covenant between me and thee, and thy feed after thee, in their ge- nerations, for an everlafting cove- nant ; to be a God unto thee, and to thy feed after thee. v. 9. And God faid unto Abraham, Thou flialt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy feed after thee, in their generations. With Gal. 3 . 9. So then they who be of faith, are bkfled with faithful Abraham, v. 14. That the bleffing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jefus Chrift; that we might receive the promife of the Spirit through faith. And Col. 2 . 1 1 . In whom alfo ye are cir- cumcifed with the # circumcifion made without hands, in putting off the body of the fins of the fTeih, by the circumcifion of Chrift : v. 12. Buried with him in baptifm, wherein alfo ye are rifen with him. through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raifed him from the dead. And A&S2.38. Then Peter faid un- to them, Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jefus Chrift, for the remifiion of fins, and ye mall receive the gift of 1 Chap. 28. 7he Confejfion of Faith. M* V. Although it be a great Sin to contemn or negleft this Or* dinance '», yet Grace and Salvation are not fo infcparably annexed unto it, as that no Perfon can be regenerated or faved without it o, or that all that are baptized are undoub- tedly regenerated p. VI. The Efficacy of Baptifm is not tied to that Moment of Time wherein it is adminiftred q ; yet notwithftanding, by the right Ufe of this Ordinance, the Grace promifed is not only offered, but really exhibited and conferred by the Holy Ghoft, to fuch (whether of Age or Infants) as that Grace belongeth untOp the holy Ghofr. v. 30. For the pro- mifeis unto you, and to your chil- dren, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God (hall call. And Rom. 4. 11. And he Ived the fign of circumcifion, a feal of the righteoufncfs of the fakh, which he had yet being uncir- cumcifed : that he might be the fa- ther of all them that believe, though they be not circumcifed ; thatrigh- teoufnefs might be imputed unto them alio: v. 12. And the father of circumcifion to them, who aiv of the circumcifion only, but alfo walk in the lteps of that faith of our father A braham, which he had being yetuncircumcifed. 1 Cor. 7. 14. For the unbelieving hufband is fancliii- cd by the wife, and the unbelieving is fan<5tified by the hufband : elfe were your children unclean : but now they are holy. Mat. 28. 10. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name o- Father, and of the Son, and of the holyGholi. Mark 10. 13. And they v;ht young children to him that he Ihould touch them; and hi 8 rebuked thofe that 1. v. 14. But when Jci he wps much dtfpli I laid unto them, Sufl to come unto n of fuch is the kiagdon rily I fay u ill not receive the (hail not enter therein, v. he took them up in his .112: hands upon them, and blefTed them. Luke 18. 15. And they brought un- to him alfo infants, that he would touch them : but when his difciples faw it, they rebuked them \ . n Luke 7.30. But the Pharifees and lawyers rejected the counfel of God againfr. themfelves, being noc baptized of him. With Exod. 4. 24 . And it came to pafs by the way in the inn, that the Lord met him, and fought to kill him. v. 25. Then Zipporah took a fharp ltone, and cut off the forefkin other fon, and cad it at his feet,and faid, Surely a bloody hufband art thou to me. v. 26. So he let him go : then fhc faid, A bloody hufband thou art, becaufe of the circumcifion. o Rom. 4. 11. (See in letter m.) A&s 10. 2, 4, 22, qi, 45, 47. P Acls 8. 13. TTien Simon him- > rheved aHo : and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wond' ijjng the mira- cles and figns .>ne. in the gall of bitternefs, and 10 bond of iniquity. W-^J red, r in- line win,! :c(t the f Liy that is born oftl 1 K r r. ..? I4 24, 25, 26. (See all in letter a.) f Acts 20. 7. And upon the firfl day of the week, when the difci- ples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow, and conti- nued his fpeech until mid-night. I Cor. 1 1 . 20. When ye come toge- ther therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's fupper. IV. g i Cor. 10. 6. Now thefc things were our examples, to the intent we mould not lull after evil things, as they alfo lufted. h ivl^rk 14. 23. (See in letter c.) iCor. 1 1. 25, 26. (See letter a.) v. 27. Wherefore, whofoeverfnall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily, fhall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, v. 28. But let a man examine him- felf, and fo let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. v. 29. For he that eateth and drinketh un- worthily, eateth and drinketh dam- nation to himJelf, not difcernjng the Lord's body. i Mat. 15.9. But in vain they do wormip me, teaching for dodlrines the commandments of men. V. k Mat. 26. 26. And as they were eating, Jefus took bread, and blerTed it, and brake it, and gave it to the difciples, and faid, Take, eat ; this is my body. v. 27. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, faymgj Drink ye all of it : v. 28. For this is my blood of the new teftament, which is fhed for many for the remiifton of fins. 1 1 Cor. 1 1 . 26. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drir.k this cup, ye do ihew the Lord's death till hfc come. v. 27. Wherefore, whofoevcr (hall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily, (hall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. v. 28. But let a man ex- amine himfelf, and fo let him eat of that bread,and drink of that cup. Mat. 26. 29. But I fay unto you, i will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when f drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. VL ui A CHAP. 29* Ihe Confeffion of 'Faith. 149 Scripture alone; but even to common Senfe andReafon ; o- verthroweth the Nature of the Sacrament, and hath been and is the cauie of manifold Superftitions, yea, of grofs I- dolatries ™. ^ VII. Worthy Receivers, outwardly partaking of the vih- ble Elements in this Sacrament n, do then alfo inwardly by Faith, really and indeed, yet not carnally and corporally, but fpiritually, receive and feed upon Chrift crucified, and all Benefits of his Death : The Body and Blood of Chrift being then, not corporally or carnally, in, with or under the Bread and -Wine ; yet as really, but fpiritually, prelent to the Faith of Believers in that Ordinance, as the Elements themfelves are to their outward Senfes >. VIII. Altho' ignorant and wicked Men receive the outward Elements in this Sacrament, yet they receive not the Thing fignified thereby ; but, by their unworthy coming thereunto, are guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord, to their own Damnation. Wherefore all ignorant and ungodly Perfons, as they are unfit to enjoy Communion with him, fo are they un- worthy of the Lord's Table, and cannot without great Sin againit Chrift, while they remain fuch, partake of thefe holy Myfteries/>, or be admitted thereunto f. C H A P. bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Chrift ? VIII1, p 1 Cor. 11. 27, 28. (Sc letter 1 J v. 29. For he that citeth and drinketh unworthily , eateth and drinketh damnation to himfelf, not difcermng the Lord's body .2Cor.6. 14. Be ye not unequally yoked to- er with unt Fcllowihip hath rigi r : commu- nion h . 1 $. And 1 ? or wk tt with an infidel ? v. c temple the hath faid, 1 will dwell in 1 in them ; and I wil cj 1 1 \. 7. . iu.* lamp K 1 u VI. 21. Whom ven muft receive, until the times of reftitution of all things, which God hath fpoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets, fmce the world n.With 1 Cor. 1 1. 2 4. And v he had given thanks, he brake it, and i . eat ; this is my bo- dy, which is br mb ranee of me. ter the fame manner alfo he took the cup, when he had fuppet cup is the new teitament in my J : this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in r membrane* . 26. Luke 2/j . 6. He is no; i : remember hewhe i) he was yet in feet, that If: handle haih not e blefs, is luunion of the IJ3 lie Confejfion of Faith. ChAP. 30; Chap. XXX. Of Church Cenfures. TH E Lord Jefus, as King and Head of his Church, hath therein appointed a Government in the Hand of Church-Officers, diftinft from the Civil Magiftrate a. II. To thefe Officers the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven are committed, by virtue whereof they have Power refpeftive- ly to retain and remit Sins; to fhut that Kingdom againft the Im? as ye are unleavened. For even Chriit our paflbver is facrinced for us. v. 13. But them that are with- out, God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourfelves that wicked perfon. 2Theff. 3. 6. Now ve command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jefus Chrift, that ye withdraw your felves from every brother that walketh difor- derly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. v. 14. And if any man obey not our word by this epiltle, "note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be afhamed. v. 15. Yet count hirn not as an enemy, but admonifh him as a brother. Mar. 7. 6. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither can1 ye your pearls before fwine, left they tram- ple them under their feet, and turn again and rent you. I. a Ifa. 9.6. For unto us a child is born, unto us a fon is given, and the government (hall be upon jus moulder : and his name (hall be cal- led, Wonderful, Counfeller, The mighty God, The everjaiting Fa- ther, The Prince of peace, v. 7. Of the increafe of his government and peace, there (hall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to-order it, and to efta- hliih ir with judgment and with ju- fbee, from henceforth even for ever: the zeal of the Lord of hods will pet :orm this, i Tim. £. 17. Let the eiders that rule well, be counted worthy of double honour, efpecial- ly they who labour in the word and doctrine. 1 ThefT. 5. 12. Aad we befeech you, brethren, to know them who labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonilli you. Acts 20. 17. And from Mile- tus he fent to Ephefus, and called the elders of the church, v. 18. And when they were come to him, he {did unto them, Ye know from the firit day that I came into Afia, after what manner I have been with jrou atallfeafons. Heb. 13. 7. Remem- ber them who have the rule over you, who have fpoken unto you the word of God : whofe faith follow, confidering the end of their conver- fation." v. 17. Obey them that have the rule over you, and fubmit your- felves : for they watch for your fouls, as they that muft give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief : for that is unprofitable for you. v. 24, Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the faints. They of Italy falute you. 1 Cor.i2.28.AndGodhath fctlome in the church, firft apoftles, fecon- darily prophets, thirdly, teacher*, after that miracles, then gifts of hea- lings, helps, governments, diverii- ties of tongues. Mat. 28. 18. And jefus came, and fpake unto them, faying, All power is given unto mc in heaven and in earth, v. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghoft : v. 20. Teaching them to obferve all things whatfoever I have commanded you : and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. II. b Mat. Chap. 3*' The Confetfton of Frith. *5T Impenitent, both by the "Word and Cenfures ; and to open it unto penitent Sinners, by the Minifiry of the Gofpel, and by Absolution from Cenfures, as Occafion fhall require III. Church Cenfures are necefTary for the reclaiming i gaining of offending Brethren, for deterring of ethers frcm the like offences, for purging out of that Leaven which \\ infeft the whole Lump, for vindicating the Honour - and the holy Profeflion of the Gofpel, and for preventing Wrath of God, which ipightjuftjy fall upon th. h3 if they fhould (lifter his Covenant, and the Sea >i, to be profaned by notorious and obitinate Offenders IV. For the better attaining of thefe Ends, the Officers of the Church are to proceed by Admonitition, Sufpenfion iio^i the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper for a Seaibn, and by Ex- communication from the Church, according to the Nature of the Crime, and Demerit of the Perk. CHAR II. b Mat. 16. 19. And will give unto thee the ktys of the kingdom of heaven : and whatfbevcr thou (halt bind on earth, (hall be bound in heaven: and whatfoe?cr thou (halt loofe one earth, (hall be Ic in he :. 18. 17. And fhall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church : but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be" un- to thee as an heathen man and a publican. \. 18. Verily, 1 fay un- to you, Whatfoever ye iliall bind on earth, (hall be bound in heaven : and whatfoevei e on I Jl be loofe i in heaven. John 20. 21. Then faid Jelus to tiiem again, V as my Father huh lent m : he anddith unto them, holy Ghoft. v. (ins ye remit, tl to ti licicnt to I this overmuch forrow. v. 2 . Where- fore 1 befcech j pouwpuld confirm your love tow.: rib him, III. c (i Cor. 5. ch. it.) 1 Tim. £. 20. Them that fin, rebuke it others a lib may . Give not that v. hick !y unto the dogs, neither caft before 1 wine, left trample them under their feet, and turn again and rent you. 1 Tim. 1. 20. Oi whom is Hymeneus and ...nder, whom 1 . ^red unto Satan, that they may learn not toblafpheme. (1 Cor. 11. 27. to the . ) With Jude ?: therq out ; tire ; h.. l\ . d i Theff. 5. 1 _ . to know rl l . \ . I4. * 15* ^the Confefjhn of Faithl Chap. 3*- Chap. XXXI Of Synods and Councils. FOR the better Government and further Edification of the Church, there ought to be fuch Aflemblies as are commonly called Synods or Councils \ II. As Magiftrates may lawfully call a Synod of Minifters and other fit Perfons, to confult and ad vife with about Matters of Religion b ; So, if Magiltrates be open enemies to the Church, the Minifters of Chrift, of themfelves, by virtue of their Office : or they, with other fit Perfons upon Delegation from their Churches, may meet together in fuch Afiemblies c. III. It with him, that he may be afhamed. v. 15. Yet count him not as an ene- my, bntaclmonifh h-m as a brother. I Cor. 5.4. in the name of our Lord Jems Chnft, when ye are gathered together, and my fpirit, with the power of our Lord Jefus Chrift, v. 5. To deliver fuch an one unto Sa- tan for the deftruction of the flefh, that the fpirit may be faved in the day of the Lord Jefus. v. 13. But them that are without, God j uclgeth . Therefore put away from among yourfelves that wicked perfon. Mat. 18.17. And if he mall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church : but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Tit. 3. 10. A man that is an herctick, after the firft and fecond admonition, reject. I; a Acts 15. 2. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no fmall dif- fention and difputation with them, they determined that Paul and Bar- nabas, and certain other of them, fhould go up to Jerufalem unto the apoftles and elders about this que- ftion.v.4. And when they were come to Jerufalem, they were received of the church, and of the apoftles and elders ; and they declared all things that God had done with them. v. 6. And the apoftles and elders came together for to ccmider of this mat- ter. II. b Ifa. 49. 23. Aad Jungs mall be thy nurfing fathers, and their queens thy nurfmg mothers : they fhall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the duft of their feet, and thou malt know that I am the Lord : for they fhall not be afhamed that wait for me. 1 Tim. 2.1. 1 exhort therefore, that firft of all, fupplications, pray- ers, interceffions, and giving of thanks be made for all men : v. 2. For kings, and for all that are ia authority ; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in aUgodiinefs andhonefty. (2Chron. 19. 8. to the end.) 2 Chron. 29. and 30. chapters throughout.) Mat. 2.4. And when he had gathered all the chief priefts and fcribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Chrift fhould be born. v. $. And they faid unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea : for thus-it is written by the prophet. Prcv. 11. 14. Wherenocounfelis, the people fall : but in the multi- tude of counfellers there is fafety. c Acts 15. 2. 4. (See in letter a.) v. 22. Then pleafed it the apoftles and elders,with the whole church,to fend chofen men of their own com- pany to Antioch, with Paul and Bar- nabas; namely, Judas firnamedBar- fabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren, v. 23. And wrote let- ters by them after this manner, The apoftles, and eiders, and brethren fend greeting unto the brethren wh« The ConfeJJton of Faith. *55 Chap. 31. III. It belongeth to Synods and Councils, minifterially t« determine Controverfies of Faith, and Cafes of Con fcience; to fet down Rules and Directions for the better ordering of the publick Worfhip of God, and Government of his Church ; to receive Complaints in Cafes of Mal-adminiftration,and autho- ritatively to determine the fame : Which Decrees and Deter- minations, if confonant to the Word of God, are to be received with Reverence and Submiffion,not only for their Agreement with the Word, but alfb for the Power whereby they are made, as being an Ordinance of God, appointed thereunto in his Word d. IV. All Synods or Councils fince the Apoftles Times, whe- ther general or particular, may err, and many have erred : Therefore they are not to be made the Rule of Faith or Pra- ctice, but to be ufed as an Help in both . ' V. Synods and Councils are to handle or conclude nothing but that which is Ecclefiaftical : and are not to intermeddle with Civil Affairs, which concern the Common wealth, unlefi "by way of humble Petition, in Cafes^ extraordinary ; or bjr way of advice for Satisfaction of Confcience, if they be there- unto required by the civil Magiftrate /. CHAP. ame, there am 1 in the midft: oi them. IV.eEph. 2. 20. And are built u- pon the foundation of the apoftles ; rophets, Jefus Chrift him felt" being the chief corner-ftone. Acts 17. 11. Thefc were more noble than thofe in Theffalonica, in that 1 received the word with all read of mind, and fearched the fcriptures , whether thole thiogl werefo. 1 Cor. 2. 5. That your faith mould not (land in the wifdom of men, but in the power of God. 2 Cor. 1. Not for that we have dominion o- ver your faith, but s of your joy ; for by faith ye ftand. \ . I Llv And one of the company laid unto him, M after, ipeak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. v. 1^. And he (aid unto him, Man, who n I judge, or a divider 1 John 18. 36. J cred, My kingdom is not of this world : if kingdom were of this world, ih*n would my fcrvams fifiht, that I who are of the Gentiles in Anti- och, and Syria, andCilicia. v. 25. it feemed good unto us, being aflem- bled with one accord, to fend chofen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Pa III. d Acts 15. 15, 19,24,27, 28, 29> 30, 31. (See in the Bible.) r. And as they went through the , they delivered them the crees for to keen,that were ord f the apoftles and eiders who ruialem.Mat. 18. 17. And (hall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church : but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a pub- . v. 18. Verily I fay unto you, atfoever ye ihall bind on earth, fhall be bound in heaven : and what- on earth, fhall ofed in hcawn. v. 19. A^ain 1 lay unto you, that ii two oi mall agree on earth as touching any that they (hail '1 be them of my Father who is in I . 20. For where u three arc gathered together in IJ4 The Confeffion of Faith. Chap. 32* CHAP. XXXII* Of the State of Men after 'Death, and of the RefurreBion of the [Dead. THE Bodies of Men, after Death return to Duft, and fee Corruption a ; but their Souls (which neither die nor fleep) having an immortal Subfiftence, immediately return to God who gave them b, TThe Souls of the Righteous, being then made perfect in Holinefs, are received into the highelt Heavens, where they behold the Face of God in Light and Glory, waiting for the full Redemption of their Bodies c: And' the Souls of the Wicked arc caft into Hell, where they remain in Torments and utter Darknefs, referved to the Judgment of the Great Day d. Befides thefe two Places for Souls fepa- rated from their Bodies, the Scripture acknowledged none. II. At I fhould not be delivered to the jews : but now is my kingdom not jfrom hence. I.aGen.3. 19. In the fwe at of thy face (halt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground ; for out of it waft thou taken : for duft thou art,and unto duft thou (halt return. A6ts 13. 36. For David, after he had fervedhis own generation by the will of God,fell on fleep, and was laid un- to his fathers and faw corruption. b Luke 23 . 43 . And Jefus faid un- to him, Verily I fay unto thee, To day ihalt thou be with me in para- due. Eccl. 12. 7. Then (hall the duft return to the earth as it was : and the fpirit {hall return unto God who gave it. cHeb. 12. 23. To the general ai- fembly, and church of the lirft-born which are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the fpirits of juft men made perfect. 2 Cor. 5.1. For we know, that if our earthly houfe of this tabernacle were dhTolved, we have a building of God, an houfe not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, v. 6. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that whilft we are at home in the body, we are abfent from the Lord. v. 8. We are confident,! fay, and willing rather to be abfent from the body, and to be prefent with the Lord. Phil. 1. 23. For I am in a ftrait betwixt two, having a defirc to depart, and to be with Chrift ; which is far better. With Acts 3. 2 1 . Whom the heaven muft receive, until the times of reftitution of all things, which God hath fpoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets, fmce the world began. And Eph. a. 10. He that descended, is the iame alfo that afcended up far a- bove all heavens, that he might fill all things. d Luke 16. 23. And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and feeth Abraham afar off, and Laza* rus in his bofom. v. 24. And he cried, and faid, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and fend Laza- rus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue ; for I am tormented in this flame. Acts 1. 25. That he may take part of this miniftry and apoftleihip, from which Judas by tranfgrellion fell, that he might go to his own place. Jude.6. And the angels who kept not their firft eftate, but left their own habitation, he hath refer- ved in e verlafting chains under dark- nefs, unto the judgment of the great day. v. 7. Even as Sodom and Go- morrah, and the cities about them IE Chap. 33^ The Confeffion of Faith. 1 55 II. At the laft Day, fuch as are found aliye fliall not die, but be changed e : And all the Dead ihall be raifed up with the felf-fame Bodies, and none other, altho' with different Qualities, which fhall be united again to their Souls for ever f. III. The Bodies of the Unjuft fhall by the Power of Chrift be raifed to Difhonour ; the Bodies of the Juft by his Spirit unto Honour, and be made conformable to his own glorious Body g. CHAP. XXXIII. Of the laft Judgment. GOD hath appointed a Day, wherein he will judge the World in Righteoufnefs by Jefus Chrift a, to whom all Power and Judgment is given of the Father b. In which Day, not in like manner giving themfelves over to fornication, and going after ftrange flefh, are fet forth for an example, futfering the vengeance of eternal fire, i Pet. 3. 19. By which alfo he went ana preached unto the fpihts in prifon. II. e 1 Their 4. 17. Then we who are alive and remain, ihall be caught up together with (hem in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and fo fhall we ever be with the Lord. 1 Cor. if. 51'. Behold,] (hew you a myftery ; we fliall not all fleep, but we Ihall all be chang- ed, v. 52. In a moment, in the twinkling of ap eye, at the laft trump, tor the trumpet Ihall found, and the dead ihall be raifed incor- ruptible, and we (hall be changed. f Job 19. 26. And though after my fkin, worms deftroy this body, yet in my fleih Ihall 1 fee Cod. v. 27. Whom I (hall fee for my fell mine eyes Ihall behold, and not a- riother; though my reins be confu- rhin me. 1 Cor. 1 5. 42. So alio is the refunrecrion of the It is fo.. in dilhoi ,ry ; it iled in power : v. 44. I; i .iatural body, it is , body. There is a natural body, and there is a fpiritual body. III. g Acts 24. ic. And have hope towards God, which they them- felves alfo allow, that there fhall be a refurrection of the dead, both o£ the juft and unjuft. John 5. 28. Marvel not at this : for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves fhall hear his voice, v . And fhall come forth,they that have done good, unto the refurreclion of life ; and they that hare done evil, unto the rcfurrection of damnation. 1 Cor. 15. 43. (See in letter f.) Phil. 3.21. Who fhall change our vile body, that it maybe falhioned like unto his glorious body, cording to the working when he is able even to fubdue all things unto himfelf. \ cts 1 7 . 3 1 . Becaufe he hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the world in righteouf- nefs, by that man whom he hath ordained ; whereof he hath given aflurance unto all men, in that he hath railed him frum the d b John 5. 22. For the Father -th no man ; but hath com- mitted all judgment unto the S J, And hath given him autho- rity to execute judgment alfo, be- caufe he is the Son of Man. c 1 Coi\ 156 The Confefton of Faith. CHAP. 33- not only the apofhte Angels fliall be judged c ; but likewife all Perfons, that have lived upon Earth, fliall appear before the Tribunal of Chrift, to give an Account of their Thoughts, Words and Deeds ; and to receive according to what they have done in the Body, whether Good or Evil d. II. The End of God's appointing this Day isfortheMani- feftation of the Glory of his Mercy, in the eternal Salvation of the Elcft; and of his Tuftice, in the Damnation of the Re- probate, who are wicked and difobedient. For then fliall the Righteous go into everlafting Life, and receive that Fulnefs of Joy and Refrefhing which fliall come from the Prefence of the Lord : But the Wicked, who know not God, and o- bey not the Gofpel of Jefus Chrift, fliall be cart into eternal Torments, and be puniflied with everlafting Deftru&ion from the Prefence of the Lord, and from the Glory of his Power e. III. As Chrift would have us to be certainly perfwaded that there fliall be a Day of Judgment, both to deter all Men e i Cor. 6. 3. Know ye not that we (hall judge angels ? how much more things that pertain to this life ? Jude 6. (See letter d chapter foregoing.) 2 Pet. 2. 4. F6rif God fpared not the angels that finned, but caft them down to hell, and de- livered them into chains of dark- nefs, to be referved unto judg- ment. d 2 Cor. y. 10. For we muft all appear before the judgment-feat of Chrift, that every one may receive the things done in his body, accor- ding to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Eccl. 12. 14. For God (hall bring every work unto judgment, with every fecret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Rom. 2. 16. In the day when God mail judge the fecrets of men by Jefus Chriit, according to my gofpel. Rom. 14. 10. But why dolt thou judge thy brother ? or why dolt thou fet at nought thy brother ? we (hall all ftand before the judgment-feat of Chrift. v. 12. So then every one of us (hall give account of himfelf to God. Mat. 12. 36. But I fay unto you, that every idle word that men mall fpeak, they (hall give account there- of in the day of judgment, v. 37, For by thy words thou ihalt be ju- ftiiied, and by thy words thou (halt be condemned. II. e (Mat. 25. 31. to the end.) Rom. 2. £. But after thy hardnefs and impenitent heart, treafureft up unto thyfelf wrath againft the day of wrath, and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; v. 6. Who will render to every man ac- cording to his deeds. Rom. 9. 22. What if God, willing to (hew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much long- furTering the veiTels of wrath fitted to deitru&ion : v. 23. And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vefTels of mercy which he had afore prepared unto glory ? Mat. 2 J. 21 /His lord faid unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful fervant ; thou halt been - faithful over a few things, 1 will make thee ruler over many things ; enter thou into the joy of thy lord, Acls 3. 19. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your fins may Chap. 33. *The Confejfion of Faith. 157 Men from Sin, and for the greater Confolation of the god- ly in their Adverfity f. So will he have that Day unknown to Men, that they may fhakeoffall carnal Security, and be always watchful, becaufe they know not at what Hour the Lord will come ; and may be ever prepared to fay, Come, Lord Jefus, come quickly. Amen g. may be blotted out when the times of refreshing fhall come from the prefence of the Lord. 2 ThefT. 1 . 7, 8, 9, 10. (See in the Bible.) III. f 2 Pet. J. II. Seeing then that all thefe things fhall be diflbl- ved, what manner of perfons ought ye to be in all holy converfation and godlinefs ? v. 14. Wherefore, belov- ed, feeing that ye look for fuch things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without fpot and ble- mifh. 2 Cor. £. 10. (See letter d.) v. 1 1 . Knowing therefore the ter- ror of the Lord, we perfwade men ; but we are made manifefi: unto God, and I truft alfo are made ma- nifest in your conferences, d" ThefT. i.e. Which isa manifefi token of liteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which yc alfo fuT! eeing it is a righ- teous thing with God to recompenfe tribalation to them that trouble you ; v. 7. And to you who are troubled, reft with us, when the lord Jefus lhail be revealc: heaven, with his mighty angels. Luke 21. 27. And then fhall they Son of man coming in a . ith power and great glory. v. 28. And when thefe things be- gin to couie to r^fs, then iook up, and lift up your heads ; for your redemption draweth nigh. Rom. 8. 23. And not only they, but our fcives alfo, who have the firit fruits of the Spirit, even we our (elves groan within our felves, wait- ing for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. v. 24. For we are faved by hope : but hope that is feen, is not hope: for what a man feeth, why doth he yet hope for ? v. 2 9. But if we hope for that we fee not, then do we with pati- ence wait for it. g Mat. 24. 36,42,43* 44- (See in the Bible) Mark 13. 35. Watch ye therefore, ( for ye know not wh ^n the matter of the houfe cometh ; at even, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning) v. 36. Leitcomingfuddenly,hennd you fleeping. v. 37. And what I lay unto you, I fay unto all, Watch. Luke 12. 35. Let your loins be gir- ded about, and your lights burn- ing; v. 36. And ye your felves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wed- ding, that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him 1 -diately. R >. He who tefKiieth thefe things, faith, Sure- ly I come quickly. Amen. Even fo, come, Lord J:fus. FINIS. THE Larger Catechism, Agreed upon by the ASSEMBLY of 'DIVINES A T WESTMINSTER, "With the Affiftance of COMMISSIONERS FROM THE CHURCH of SCOTLAND, A S A Part of the Covenanted Uniformity in Religiori betwixt the Churches of C h r i s t in the King- doms of Scotland, England) and Ireland. AND Approved Ann9 1648, by the Gini&al Assembly of the CHURCH of Scotland, to be a Director* for Catechifing fuch as have made fbme Proficiency in the knowledge of the C rounds of RELIGION. With the Proofs from the Scripture. GLASGOW; Printed by Archibald M< Lean, I\I,DCC;LVII. i6o *^##^#^####^##^^^#####.^^*^ *************************^- Aflembly at Edinburgh , July 2d. 1648. SelTT. 10. A& approving the Larger Catechifm. THE General