CERTAIN QUERIES, PROPOUNDED To the Churches of Christ; and all that fear God, and love the appearing of King JESUS.  
QVERIE. 1.  
WHether there be not sufficient in the Bible, as it is translated into English, for Believers under the Gospel to prove their Faith, and Order or Church-fellowship by, without any tradition of men, as Matth. 20.28. teaching them to observe whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo I am with you always, even to the end of the world; according to Tim. 2, 3.14, 15, 16, 17. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned, and hast been assured of; knowing of whom thou hast learned them, And 〈◊〉 form a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works; Compared with Rev. 22.18, 19  
Q 2. Whether Christ Jesus hath not given as plain and perspicuous a rule under the Gospel, to Believers in all their Administrations to the end of the world, as Moses did to the Jews under the Law Deut. 4.2. Isa 8.20. Jer. 6.16. Joh. 5.39. Search the Scriptures, for in them you think to have eternal life, and them are they that testify of me: compared with Ephes. 4 8.11. to the 14.  
Quer. 3. Whether any thing may be brought into the worship of God, for matter or form, that is not expressed in the Gospel, or the Epistle of the Apostles, seeing the Jews were required so strict obedience under the Law; as it was given of God by Moses, Deut 12.32. What thing soever I command you to observe do it, thou shalt not add thereto nor diminish from it: compared with Pro. 30.6. But believers much more under the Gospel, as given by Christ: Heb. 1.1, to the 4. and 2.1, to the 5. and 3.1, to the 4. and 10.28, 29. He that despised Moses Law died without mercy, under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified, an un-holy thing, and hath done despite unto the spirit of Grace?  
Quer. 4. Whether actual Believers, confessing sins, and professing faith, with desire of the Ordnance, be not the true subject of Baptism or Dipping: And the right form, Dipping or Burying in water, not Sprinkling with water, it being not according to the rule and institution of Christ and the primitive Church's practice, Mat. 28 19, 20. Acts 2.37, 38. and 8.12, 13. But when they believed Philip, preaching to them the Kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were all dipped both men and women, compared with verses 36, and 37. Rom. 6.4. Coll. 2.10. And this is performed in show by Godfathers and Godmothers, commanding the Priest to dip the child, as is clear in the Rubric: And whether the Administrator be not to go down into the water, as Philip with the Eunuch, Acts 3.38. and john with Jesus, Matth. 3.16.  
Quer. 5. Whether repentance and faith, with desire of dipping, be not of necessity to be required, according to the former Scriptures; and declared in the Catechism set forth by authority, of every one that is baptised. And whether there be not the same ground for Common Prayer, Surplice, and the rest, as for sprinkling of Infants?  
Quer. 6. Whether Christ commanded, or the Disciples and Apostles ever practised the dipping (much less the sprinkling) of Infants of eight days old, or the like; or when or by whom it was first invented; which we find to be one Fidus a Priest, and confirmed by Pope Innocentius about 300 years after Christ: And whether such as seek to uphold it by Scripture, be not those false accusers Paul speaks of, 2 Tim. 3.3. In that they pretend Scripture for it, when both the Church of Rome, Counsels and Fathers (as they call them) confess it to be but a Tradition: And whether the Inventors and upholders declare not themselves worse than Balam, Numb. 22.18, who being sent for by Balack to curse the people of God, and so to be raised to great promotion, answered; If Balack would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the Word of the Lord my God, to do less or more.  
Quer. 7. Whether every one that looks for life, and salvation by Christ, and profess faith in him, be not bound to partake of that one Baptism, Eph. 4.4, 5, and not content themselves with any inventions of men: For as Eliah said 1 Kings 18.21, how long halt ye between two opinions, if God be God follow him, if Baal be God follow him: So say I, if Dipping actual Believers be God's Ordinance, obey and embrace it; If Sprinkling Infants be according to Christ's institution, prove it by the Scripture, and continue it: For as the Apostle saith, if he, or an Angel, bring any other doctrine then what they have received, or above what is written, let him be accursed, Gal 189. 1 Cor. 46.  
Quer. 8. Whether every particular Church of Christ or Assembly of Saints, in the order of the Gospel, have not power from him their Head, to receive in, deal with, or cast out their own Members, by the only Laws, Keys, or Statutes of him their King and Lawgiver, according to Is. 33.22. The Church of jerusalem, Corinth, or the Churches of Galatia, for james 4.12. there is one Lawgiver who is able to save and to destroy, Acts 2.41 46, 1 Cor. 5 4, 5.  
Quer 9 Whether Religion be to be forced or compelled by any paenall Laws and Statutes? Or if these Scriptures prove not the contrary: Psal. 18.43. and 110.3. Math. 10.1, to the 16, and 20.1, to the 10, and 28.19. Mark 16.15, 16. 2 Cor. 10.3, 4, 5. 2 Tim. 2.24, 25. And whether the Civil Magistrate in forcing the conscience, fulfils not these Scriptures, in giving their power and Kingdom to the Beast, Revel. 17, 12 to the 18. And whether as was said by Christ, Matth. 23.32, to the 36, Fill ye up the measure of the Fathers, ye serpents, ye generation of Vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell; wherefore, behold I send unto you Prophets, and wise men, and Scribes, and some of them ye shall kill and crucify, and some of them shall ye scourge in the Synagogues, and persecute them from City to City, that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel, unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barakias, whom ye slew between the Temple and the Altar: So whether the blood, imprisonments, banishments, deaths, and persecutions, of what kind soever, that hath been spilt of any of the Saints, that hath witnessed for the truth since Christ's death, our Abel, shall not be required of the Kingdoms and States where they have suffered. According to Isa. 43.4. and Jer. 25.13, to the 18. and Rev. 18.21, 22, 23, 24, The Angel took up a stone like a great millstone and cast it into the Sea saying, thus with violence shall that great City Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all: And the voice of Harpers and Musicians and Pipers and Trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee: And no Craftsman of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee, and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee, and the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee, and the voice of the Bridegroom and of the Bride shall be heard no more at all in thee, for thy Merchants were the great men of the earth, for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived; and in her was found the blood of Prophets and of Saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth: compared with Judas 15.  
10 Whether Religion is to be fought for with carnal weapons by Believers, in the first publishing the Gospel, for the planting or after preserving the Churches of Christ? Or, if these Scriptures prove not clearly the contrary, Mat. 10.16, Behold I send you forth as sheep in the midst of Wolves; be ye therefore wise as Serpents, harmless as Doves, Mat. 16.24, 25, Then said Jesus unto his Disciples, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me; for whosoever will save his life shall lose it, and whosoever will lose his life for my sake, shall find it: 2 Cor. 10.3, 4, 5, For though we walk in the flesh we do not war after the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God; and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ: compared with Ephes. 6.11, to the 19 Col 1 24 Revel. 6.10, and 11.12. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto the death: Their weapons as I conceive being only Faith, Preaching, Prayers, Sufferings, and Tears, Mark 16.16. 2 Cor. 5.20. Now than we are Ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ's steed be ye reconciled unto God; jer. 9.1, and 13.17. 2 Cor. 12.15. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you, though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am beloved. According to Eccles. 9.17, The Words of Wise men are heard in quiet, more than the cry of him that ruleth among Fools.  
Quer. 11. Whether Nationall or Parishional Assemblies, be by divine Institution Churches of Christ, now under the Gospel, or a humane invention, and contrary to the Primitive church's practice, as 1 Cor. 1.2. Unto the church of God which is in Corinth, to them which are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be Saints. joh. 15.19. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own, but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 1 Pet. 2, 5, 9, Ye also as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy Priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Vers. 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a Royal Priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that you show forth the praises of him, who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: And that some would show, how and by whom the Nationall or Parochial Assemblies, were first begun, contrived, or constituted?  
Quer. 12. Whether God makes any covenant under the Gospel concerning life and salvation, with any Parishional church and their natural seed, much less with any Nationall; which is clear he doth with all the Saints, and churches of Christ. Mark. 16.16, He that believeth and is baptised, shall be saved Rom. 2.6.7 Who will render to every man according to his deeds, to them who by patiented continuance in well doing, seek for glory, honour, immortality, and eternal life; The contrary proved Mat. 3 7, 8 9 Rom. 9.7, 8. Gal. 3.6, 7, 8, 9.27, 28, 29. And therefore whether practising contrary to the Scripture, pretending Scripture for their do when there is none, be not as Isaiah saith, seeking deep to hid their counsel from the Lord, whose works are in the dark, turning things upside down saying; who seethe us, or who knoweth us, saying of him that made them he had no understanding. Isaiah 29.15, 16.  
Quer. 13. Whether the Parishional Assemblies, and the Ministry of England, have not their Constitution and calling from the Church of Rome, by Austin the Monk? As we humbly conceive is to be seen in the Book of Ordination, dedicated to Archbishop Abbot. And whether such as have their call from them, be not as truly Antichristian as theirs? Seeing Job the 14.4. he saith, Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one. Therefore Christ saith, Math. 7.15, 16 Beware of false Prephets which come to you in Sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening Wolves, ye shall know them by their fruits: Do men gather Grapes of Thorns, or Figs of Thistles: Even so every good Tree bringeth forth good fruit; But a corrupt Tree bringeth forth evil fruit: A good Tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt Tree bring forth good fruit. Verses the seventeen and eighteen.  
Quer. 14. Whether any that pretend to renounce their call from the Prelates, may preach (as some do) by virtue of their gifts (as they pretend) without first conversion to the Faith, and obedience to the Gospel; And so joining to a church of Christ in order, and by them sent forth, with whom they are Members: Seeing the Apostle saith, Rom. 10.15. How shall they preach except they be sent? And Acts 13.3. When they chose Paul and Barnabas (it is said) when they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them away.  
Quer. 15. Whether after the Apostasy JOHN speaks of (Revel 6.14, 15.) Heaven being rolled up as a Scroll, and the witnesses being slain (Chapter eleven verse the seventh to the twelfth) the churches of Christ are not to be so gathered as they were first instituted by Christ, and planted by the Apostles, as in the first of the Corinthians the third and the 9, to the 15, and Revelat the eleventh and the first: And there was given me a Reed like unto a Rod, and the Angel stood saying; arise and measure the Temple of God, and the Altar, and them that worship therein.  
Quer. 16. Whether the Ministry of the Gospel be not those gifts, and those only of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers, which CHRIST gave at his Ascension (Ephes. 4.8.11.) Wherefore he saith when he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men; And he gave some Apostles, and some Prophet, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers. And whether as the false church is rejected and the true erected, the false Ministry be not to be forsaken and the true received, and consequently false Baptism renounced, and the true assumed? According to jer. 51.6. to the 10. The Lord hath brought forth our righteousness, come and let us declare in Zion the Work of the Lord our God. And 2 Cor. 6.17. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate saith the Lord, and touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you: compared with Revelat. 18.4. Come out of her my people, partake not of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.  
Quere 17. Whether Abraham had not a carnal or temporal covenant made to his carnal seed, the Promise being of carnal or temporal things sealed to them with a carnal seal? Gen. 17.13. Also a second or new covenant, made with him and his Spiritual seed concerning spiritual things, even the kingdom of grace and glory: (Hebrews 8.7. to the 12) whereof the Holy spirit of Promise is the seal. And thus (as I conceive) things are proportionable; Two covenants (Gal. 4.24) Two seeds (verse 23) Ishmael of Abraham and Hagar, which typed the carnal seed; And Isaac of Abraham and Sarah, which typed the Spiritual seed. These had likewise two Seals; Circumcision (Gen. 17.11) and the Holy spirit of promise: (2 Corinth. 1.22. Ephesians 1.13. 1 John 4.13) But now under the Gospel, the carnal Commandment together with the subject, is done away by the cross of Christ (2 Coloss. 14.) Blotting out the hand-writing of Ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way nailing it to his cross: And infteed thereof we have a spiritual covenant typed by the carnal: Also the Spiritual seal the Holy spirit of Promise, signified by the carnal seal likewise; a Spiritual Infant, a new born Babe in Christ, in whom Christ typed by the male is newly form, signified by the carnal Infant: These had also two states and conditions promised; the natural seed the Land of Canaan (Genesis 17.8) but the Spiritual seed, the Kingdom of Heaven: Genesis 17.19. Romans 9.7, 8. Galatians 3.7, 8, 9 Romans 2.7. Mark 10.30.  
And whether the Admission of Children to Baptism, and so into Church-fellowship by another's faith, either Parents, or Godfathers and Godmothers (as they call them) be not contrary to the Scriptures? Which clearly shows that men are saved by their own faith, and not by the faith of others: Habakuk 2.4. Romans 1.17. Hebrews 10.38. John 1.12, 13. and 3.3.5. 2 Cor. 5.16, 17.  
Quere 18. Whether it may not be said of Infants sprinkling, as at the marriage of England and Scotland? Where every one is charged to examine themselves, as they will answer at the day of judgement; If they know any cause why they may not lawfully be joined together then to speak; Because such as are joined together otherwise then God's Word doth allow, are not joined together by God, neither is their Matrimony lawful: So of Infant's Baptism or Sprinkling, it may be said, That those that are baptised (or rather sprinkled) otherwise then God's Word doth command (Matthew 28.19, 20) were never baptised into CHRIST; (Galathians chapter the third, verse twenty seven) Neither is their Baptism lawful (Ephesians chapter four, verses four and five) There is one Body and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your Calling, one LORD, one Faith, one Baptism.  
Quer. 19 Whether under the Gospel the Church and Civil state be not two distinct things as bodies or corporations Independent of themselves, by God's divine ordination, as is largely shown by Master Hancoke, in the three Kingly Estates, Or Light for the Ignorant; That is, the civil state, the true Ecclesiastacall State, and the false Eclesiastical state, & whether the 3 part or civil state which was noted in speech between Mr Selden and Master Grimstone, to be but jure Humane, having power from God only over our Estates Liberties & lives, and that which is external, as is noted by Luther, and therefore are called Fathers of our flesh, Heb. 12.9. have any authothority from God to settle Religion, which is jure Divino, And settled already by the Parliament of Heaven, with a curse denounced against all that add or diminish, and therefore not to be altered, but by the same authority and Parliament of Heaven, by which it was enacted, Mat 28.18, 19, 20. Revel. 22.18.19.  
Qu. 20. Whether it be not a Humane Invention, and not God's Ordinance, for one to go up into a pulpit, and there speak an hour or more, and deliver what he please, without questioning by any of the Assembly, though never so erroneous, or judging by them whose due it is, or adding, if truth, or whether these Scriptures prove not the contrary, Act. 13.16. & 17.11, 1 Cor 14.31, 32. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted: and the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets, for God is not author of confusion but of peace, as in all the Churches of the Saints, And Pet. 14.10. As every man hath received the gift even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. And as every member that hath any gift, is to administer the same for God's Glory, and the people's good, so the power of determinig is only in the particular Church where it is done, they being the freeest Independent body under heaven, whose power resteth in the body, not in the Officers, Mat. 18.20. and 28.20. Act. 1.21. to the 26.  
Quer. 21. Whether the servants of Christ are not to preach by virtue of a gift given, Ephes. 4.8.11 being called thereunto by the Church of which they are members, as Acts 13.3. And not by arts learned at the University, or Authority gotten from Bishops or any others; And whether those priests that hinder believers from exercising those gifts, or those books from printing, which are plainly proved by Scriptures, be not a part of the Four angels: Revel 7.1. that hold the four winds that they should not blow upon the earth, which causeth separation, when men may not deliver truth, nor contradict errors, the Word of God, being as David saith, Psal. 39.3. Like a fire within the breast of his Disciples, they beinig as the Lawvers that take away the key of knowledge, and enter not in themselves, but hinder those that are entering. Luke 1152.  
Quere. 22. Whether it can be properly said that the Ministers of Englang do convert any to the faith of Christ and obedience of thegospel by their preaching, seeing they take it for granted before they sprinkle the Infant, that it is regenerate and borne Anew, whereas before it was the Child of wrath, but the godfathers having professed repentance and faith and desired baptism, or having one of the parents a believer, as they now say, the Minister saith, he receivs the child into the congregation of Christ flock; Now we never read that the members of Christ's church hath conversion preached unto them, after thy are added to the church, but before, to bring them thither, As Acts. 2.38, 40.41. & 3.19, and 26.17, 18. Col. 1.12, 18. Ehpe. 2.19. Now therefore ye are no more strangers, and foreigners, but fellow Citizens, with the Saints & of the household of God, but afterwards they are to be fed, as Paul exhorts the Elders of Ephesus, Act. 20.28. they being before begotten to the faith as he saith, 1 Cor. 4.15. For though you have ten thousand Instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many Fathers, for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the Gospel.  
Quer. 23. Whether the two Witnesses spoken of in the Revel. 11.3. may not be understood to be the Scriptures and those gifts or ministry of the Gospel, Mat. 28. 19, 20. Ephes. 4.8, 11. And whether their being clothed in Sackcloth, signify not, their poor mean despised and persecuted condition, according to Mat. 10.16. Behold I send you forth as Sheep in the midst of Wolves, 1 Cor. 4.9. to the 13. and 2. Tim. 3.12. and John 15 18, 19 which as the Lord complaineth of the false Prophets, Ezekiel 34.3. Who eat the flesh, and  themselves with the wool, which now will not serve, but Silk Plush, or Velvet, they being indeed the great Merchants of the earth according to Revel. 18.11. to the 19  
Quer. 24. Whether the true Ministers of the Gospel, may not or ought not to work with their hands in some particular calling, to eat their own bread, as Paul did, Acts 18.3. and gave command to all others, Mat. 10.8. freely ye have received freely given, 1 Cor. 4.12. and 9.18. Acts. 20.33, 34, 35. I have coveted no man's Silver or Gold, or apparel, yea you yourselves know, that these hands have ministered to my necessity, and to them that were with me.  
I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said it is more blessed to give then to receive, and 2. Thes. 3.8. Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought, but wrought with labour and travel night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you, not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you, to follow us, for even when we were with you this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat, for we hear that there are some which walk Amongst you disorderly, working not at all, but are busy bodies, now them that are such, we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread, but the Lord of old, by the Prophet, reproves those that preach for hire, and Divine for money, and yet would lean upon the Lord, and say, is not the Lord among us, Micha. 35. to the 11.  
Quere 25. Whether under the Gospel there be any privilege or prerogative by descent or generation, seeing the Scripture saith, Eze. 18.4. That soul that sinneth shall die: And Hab. 2.4. The Justice shall live by his faith, And Gal. 5.6. and 6.15. Circumcision nor Uncircumcision availeth any thing, but a new creature, and faith which worketh by love, and Christ tells the Jews who were Abraham's seed after the flesh, they were of their father the Devil, john 8.44. And Paul saith, 2 Cor. 15.16. Henceforth know we no man after the flesh, yea though we have known jesus Christ after the flesh, yet henceforth know we him no more: and Gal. 3.7, 8, 9, 26, 29. If you are of the faith of Abraham, then are ye blessed with Abraham, for ye are all the Children of God by faith in Christ jesus, and If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed and heirs according to the Promise, according to john. 1.12, 13, and 3.3, 5.  
Quere 26. Whether those gifts of the Apostles, Prophets and Evangelists, which Christ gave at his ascension, Ephes. 4.8, 11. For the begetting to the faith, and planting in Church fellowship, do not continue after the apostasy, though commonly said to be ceased, as well as Pastors and Teachers, according to Mat. 28.20. Epes. 4.13. 1 Cor. 3.5. to the 10. or by what gifts they must be gathered converted or begotten, seeing it is the pastors duty to feed and instruct those that are begotten as Philemon 10. I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Now it belongs to the Ministry of Apostles to beget, and not to Pastors and Teachers; as Acts 20.28. where they are to feed those that are begotten according to Isa. 2.3. and 1 cor 12.20. Revel. 14 2, 6, 7, 8, 13 15 17 18, 19  
Quere 27. What may be meant of the Great city Babylon, being divided into three parts, Revel. 16.19. And whether Presbiteriall Nationall Government, which some would have set up, be not the third part or division thereof, and as truly Antichristian as the Papal or pontifical: And whether their Government would not exceed the other in cruelty, had they but the like power as the other had, over the consciences of men, as fare as jeroboam did his father solomon's, 1 Kings 12.10, 11, 14. or that some would declare, what Presbyterian Government is, what power they have wherein their strength Lies, from whom they receive it, whether from the civil state, or the eclesiastical state, Christ or the civil Magistrate, or composed of both: And whether the the Papal State at first arose not out of a Presbyterial.  
Que. 28. Whether the people of God are not in an Especial manner to hold and bear forth the Truth when it is most opposed, or decrees made against it, as Dan. 6.9, 10. Wherefore King Darius signed the writing: And the Decree, now when Daniel knew that the writing was Signed he went into his house, and his windows being open in his chamber, towards jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three time a days, and prayed, and Acts 4.18, 19 the Apostles being commanded silence answered and said, unto them whether it be right in the sight of God, to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye for we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.  
Quere 29. Whether the faithful preaching and patiented sufferings of the Saints and Servants of Christ under the Gospel, who have ever gone under reproaches, and trials, as Act. 2.41. 1 Cor. 1.24. Col. 1.24 1 Kings 18.17. Where Elias was counted the troubler of Israel, Paul and Silas was said to turn the world upside down, Acts 17.6. Paul counted a pestilent fellow, a mover of sedition among the jews, and a ringleader of the Nazarites, yet whether they and others since, walking in Gods own way faithfully, doth not more publish the truth to the glory of God, the Enlightening of the earth, and the overthrough of the Kingdom of Antichrist, than all the Inventions of men, though never so seemingly holy: According to Christ's whords to the Pharisees, Luk 16.15. Ye are they which justify yourselves before men, but God knoweth your hearts, for that which is highly esteemed before men, is abomination in the sight of God: And this made the Fathers; as they call them, say, the blood of the Martyrs was the seed of the Church.  
Quere 30. Whether in all Ages since Christ there hath not been a people, though few in number, and despised, who walked nearer in practice to the order of the gospel, and institutions of Christ then was the general profession of the Nation, as 1 Kings 18, 19 and 19.10, 14. and Mat. 7 13, 14. Revel. 7 and 13.3. and 14.1. to the 6.  
Quere 31. Whether those Priests or Ministers that are so forward for pulling down of stone and wooden crosses, pictures, surplices, common prayer book, and to stand for the liberty of the Subject, yet hold the Ordination received by the authority from Rome, with church state, tithes and baptism, or rather Infants sprinkling, also prohibiting the liberty of conscience, and the very institutions of Christ, are not guilty of that who, which christ pronouneth to the Scribes Pharisees, and hypocrites, for that they pay tithe of Mint, Annis, & Commin, but omitted the wheightier Matter: as the Law judgement, Mercy and Faith, these, saith he, ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone ye blind Guides which strain at a Gnat and swallow a Camel: Mat. 23.23, 24. Luk. 11.42.  
Quere 32. Whether under the Gospel there ought to be requiring or paying Tithes any more than Altar-Sacrifice Priests and a High Priest, as the Lord commanded, Exod. 20.24. and chapter 28. or Whether the Aronicall Priesthood with those Administrations ended not in christ, as is clear in the seventh of the Hebrews or whether under the Law, the Priest took any more than the tenth of the increase, and that as Stewards, out of which they relieved the poor, the fatherless, the strangers and the Widows, as in, Deut. 14.29. And how far they that would have tithes now, comes short of them in deeds of mercy and performing duty.  
Quere 33. Whether marriage be not a civil Ordinance belonging to all men, Heb. 13.4. And aught to be performed by the civil Magistrate, and therefore by all the Disciples of Christ, to be brought from that Antichristian practice, where they have made it part of their Merchandise to uphold their Kingdom, to its proper place of the civil Magistrate, it being God's Ordinance among all, as Gen. 2.18. to the 24. Ruth. 41. to the 13.  
Qu. 34. Whether it be not as truly Antichristian, and destructive to the rule of the Gospel, and the Institutions of Christ, to have two Baptisms, the one dipping of actual believers, the other Sprinkling of Infants, As it would be destructive to the Law of the Land, And to the common wealth, to have two Parliaments, or two powers governing at once; And whether the power of Christ rests not in the body, not in the officers, as the power of the civil State, according to Mat. 18.18, 19, 20. Acts 1.21. to the 26. 1 Cor. 5.4.5.  
Quere 35. Whether the Ministers of Christ after the Apostasy are not to Preach by the same power and Authority and in the same manner, as being sent out by the Church, of which they are members, as Paul and Baruabas, Act. 13.2.3. And whether every believer, be not to stand for the Prerogative of Christ, and the Liberty of the Church, as well as members of a Common Wealth, are to stand for the Prerogative of the King, Privileges of Parliament, and Liberty of the Subject, according to Gal. 5.1. stand fast therefore in the Liberty wherein Christ hath made us free, And be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.  
Quere 36. Whether the Advice Lately given by the 21 Ministers, to persuade people from entering into Church-Fellowship, and communion for the present, were not contrary to the Scripture, and the practice of the Saints, as Psal. 18.43, 44. Assoon as they hear of me, they shall obey me, Psal. 110.3. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, and Cant. 14. Draw me, we will run after thee.  
Quere 37. Whether the Civil Magistrate, under the Gospel, hath any charge from God over the Souls of the Subjects, or whether their authority be not only in things civil; and therefore are called fathers of their flesh, Heb. 12.9. Rom. 13.1. 1 Pet. 2.13. Furthermore we have had Fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence, shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of Spirits and live. Their souls being only under Subjection, to God in Christ, as Mat. 28.18, Where Christ saith, all power in heaven and earth is given unto me; now where it is alleged, that under the Law, the Kings did reform and set up the worship of God? To this I Answer, what they did do, they did as Types of Christ, or commanded by the Prophets, But under the Gospel it is said of Zion, the church of Christ, that the Kings of the earth, do bring their glory and honour unto it: Revel. 21. verse 24. And therefore as is acknowledged by Luther and others, that the Authority of the magistrate is only over the body, estate, and life, and that which is external, but over the Soul, God will have none to bear rule but himself, the duty of the Magistrate being to support them, as their Subjects in well doing.  
Quere 38. Whether in a Reformation of Religion, things are not to be reduced to the Primitive Institutions: and not to other Church's Reformations, as in Ezra 5.11. Nehemiah 8.1. to the eighth verse, And Galatians 1.8, 9 and Revelation 11.1. Where the Angel commands to measure the Temple of God, and the Altar, and them that Worship therein; And the first of the Corinthians, chap. 11. verse 23. the Apostle delivers that to the Church, which he had received of the Lord.  
Quere 39 Whether it hath not been the practice of the false Prophets under the Law, and in the time of the Gospel, for their own ends to side with the times, and to be more in number then the true Prophets or Ministers of the Gospel: As in Eliahs' time, 1 Kings 18.22. Where Eliah a Prophet of God alone, in appearance, but Baal's Prophets four hundred and fifty, likewise in King Henry the eights daves, Edward the sixth, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, what turning, siding and time-serving: As also when the Bishops was in their power, what cringing and stooping, hiding and running their countries, whereas the true ministers of the Gospel were ever the same, though never so few in number, yet not variable, nor changing with times or State Government, although they went through never so great persecutions, which was a part of their portion, as Mark 10.3. Phil. 1.29. Where the Apostle exhorts the Philippians in no thing to be terrified by their adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of Salvation: and that of God: For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake: And James 4.4. The friendship of the World is enmity with God, whosoever therefore will be a friend of the World, is the Enemy of God, and John 14.19. If ye were of the World, the would world love his own, but because ye are not of the world, I have chosen you out of the World, therefore the World hateh you.  
Quere 40. Whether it be not a sure mark to know the Ministers of Antichrist by their Pride, Idleness, contempt of the poor Brethren, persecution, and covetousness, contracting for hire, changing of places for greater wages, As what will you give me, and i'll be your Minister, judas like, Matthew 26. What will you give me and i'll be your Minister to deliver CHRIST into their hands: And they covenanted for thirty pieces of silver; whereas the servants of CHRIST is to strive to make the Gospel free, Matthew 10.8. Freely ye have received; freely give: and 1 Cor. 4 12. & 9.18. & 2.12, 14, 15. Where the Apostle saith: He will not be burdensome unto them: For saith he I seek not yours, but you, for the children ought not to lay up for the parents; but the parents for the Children: And it is to be noted, that he which came to CHRIST, telling him that he would follow whithersoever he went (was a Scribe) but he tells him: The Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not whereon to rest his head, Mat. 8.19, 20. Luke 9 57,58.  
Quere 41. Whether the Ministers, or rather the Servants: as 2 Cor 4.5. of the churches of CHRIST under the Gospel, be not to be at the disposing of the church whose servants they are, as is clear: Acts 6.3. and 13.2. and 14.27. Colo. 4.17. And therefore not to be changing at their own pleasure, for a better Benefice richer flock, or greater hire: As too many do, they disposing of the church, not the church of them, who therein as Paul did: serve not the Lord CHRIST, but their own belly: And by fair words seek to deceive the hearts of the simple: Rom 16.18. professing they know God, but in works they deny him, being abominable and disobedient; and to every good work reprobate, or void of judgement, but as Paul saith; 1 Tim. 6.9.10. They that will be rich fall into Temptation, and snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown them in destruction and perdition, for the love of money is the root of all Eyill, which while some coveted after they have erred from the faith. And pierced themselves, thorough with many sorrewes, this was judas his condition: Mark chapter 14. verse 10.11. Also Demas, 2 Tim. chap. 4. verse 10. Like them that received the seed among thorns Mat. 13.22. Who hearing the word, the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches choke the Word, and he becometh unfruitful.  
Q. 42. Whether one of the chiefest duties the Lord requires of that honourable high court of parliament be not, or had not been to relieve those that have been oppressed by the unjust courts and Judges. And whereas their Honours may be employed in greater affairs, there might not be some godly men appointed for that business to relieve those plundered Subjects, as well as a Committee for plundered Ministers, whilst there is relief to be had from their oppressors; And that because the Lord commands that as Justice is to be Executed impartially: Leviticus chapter 10. verse 15. Deuteronomie chap. 1. vers. 17. and chapter 16. verse 19.2. Chronicles chapter 19 verse 7. Upon which doing, they might expect Gods special presence, as Isaiah. chap. 58. verse 4. to the 9th. So also it is to be done speedily, as 1 King's chapter 20. verse 42. and chapter 22. verse 28. Where the Prophet said to Ahab: Thus saith the Lord, because thou hast let go out of thy hands, A man which I had appointed to utter destruction, therefore thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people: and Ecclesiastes chapter 8. verse 11 Because sentence against an Evil work is not executed Speedily, therefore the hearts of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil; And Jeremiah chapter 48. verse 10. Cursed be he that doth the work of the Lord negligently, And cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood, therefore jethroes advice to Moses was Ex. 18.21. to provide out of all the people Able men such as fear God, men of truth hating covetousness: And place them to be Rulers over the people, and whether the greatest offences are not to be punished only by death. So far as concerns the Civil Magistrate.  
Q. 43. Whether the best Employment for the Synod to have been employed in, were not truly to translate the Bible into English by reason that some of it as it is Translated into English, is quite put out, as Acts chapter 1. verse 26. And they gave forth their lots, and the lot fell upon Mathias, and he was numbered by a common consent with the Eleven Apostles, where common consent is left out, and Acts. 14.23. Where the word Election is quite left out; untranslated, Mat 28.19. where if with Paul we desired to speak in a known tongue we, might have Baptising, Dipping.  
Quere 44. Whether notwithstanding the prohibition, which men through Ignorance or malice obtain, as hath ever been the practice of fale prophets and Ministry of Antichrist, to shelter themselves, And their practices under the Civil Magistrate, the people of God are not to witness to whatever truth the Lord betrusts them withal, as Amos chapter 7. verse 10. to the 17. Daniel chapter 6. verses 10.11. Acts chapter 4. verses 18.19.20. So CHRIST himself saith: John. 18.37. To this end was I borne and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth: every one that is of the truth, heareth my voice. and 1 Corinthinthians chapter 9 verses 16. and 17. Where necessity was laid upon Paul, saying, Woe unto me If I preach not the Gospel, else he might have been reproved as the evil Stewart, Matthew chapter 25. verse 24. to the 30. verse. So likewise shall every one that improves not the Talon which God betrusts them withal, especially at this time, we having taken a Protestation against Popery, and Popish innovasion, to the extent of our Estates, Liberty and Lives, and to stand for a Reformation, accordng to the Word of God, rooting up Episcopacy, Root, and branch, and therefore we must perform our vows made to God, that the Land mourn not because of oaths, nor commit that sin of devouring holy things, and after vows to make Inquiry, Pro. 20.25.  
Q. 45. Whether persecution by Imprisoning, Silencing, Fining, Banishing, or taking away by death, for conscience cause, were not first invented by the heathen or the Man of Sin, as to set up, so to uphold his bloody Kingdom; Frst condemning the servants of CHRIST, for heretics; And then leaving them to the Civil Magistrate to be tormented and executed, making them their executioners; and as the Papists in former times, so the Prelates Lately, And now the Presbyters, would be, which I conceive to be contrary to these Scriptures, as Matthew the 7. chapter and the 12. verse: Where CHRIST saith; Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets, and Romans the 13. chapter, and the third and fourth verses, Rulers are not a terror to good works but to the evil, wilt thou then not be afraid of the power, do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same; for he is the Minister of God for thy good, but if thou do that which is evil be afraid, for he beareth not the sword in vain, for he is the Minister of God, a Revenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil, as is largely laid down in the 1. of Timmothie the 1. chapter and the 8. verse, to the 12th. verse, and the second of Timothy chapter the second verse 24. and 25.  
Quere 46. Whether those Ministers which have received, their Ordination and call from Antichrist, shall have any hand at all, or not the least in the publishing that Glorious and Everlasting Gospel, Revelation chapter 14. verse 6. For the overthrowing the Kingdom of Antichrist, and the setting up the Kingdom of CHRIST, according to Jeremiah chapter 49. verse 20. and chapter 50. verse 45. and chapter 51. verse 24.25, and 26. compared with Matthew chapter 5. verse 19 Whosoever shall break one of these Commandments, and teach men so, he shall be called the least in the Kingdom of God, and Acts chapter 6. verse 7. When the Word of God increased, and the number of the Disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly, than a great company of Priests were obedient to the faith, and Acts chapter 8. verse 12.13. When Samaria had received the faith, and were Baptised, both men and women, than Simon himself that had used Sorcery, and bewitched the people formerly, than he believed and was Baptised, but as in CHRIST'S time, the Pharisees cried out, John the 7th. chapter and the 48. and 49 verses; have any of the Rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him, but this people, which know not the Law, are cursed; so now they usually cry out, do any of the Learned walk in this way of the separation, To which I Answer, for my own part, I am so fare frow wondering at it, that no more of them embrace it, that considering the Apostles words the 1. of the Corinthians chapter 1. verse 26. to the 30. that I admire to see so many: Yea any at all, considering the great measure of self denial, that must be wrought in them beyond others, when they like the Converts, Acts chapter 19 verse 19 that used curious Arts shall burn their books, And with Apollo, be instructed by Aquila or Priscilla, Acts 18. verse 24, 25, 26. Two poor Disciples, being by trade Tentmakers with whom Paul, wrought, he being of the same craft, verse 1.2, 3, And with Paul (Philippians chapter 3. verse the 7, and the 8) count all things but loss and dung, that he might gain the knowledge of Christ; being willing to receive Instruction, and Baptism, though from Ananias a poor Disciple. (Acts 9.17, 18.) And so as he adviseth (1 Corinth. 3.18.) become a fool, that he may be made wise.  
Quere 47. Whether the shutting up of houses for infection, or the Plague, as they call it, be not a great heedless burden and oppression to this Kingdom, and a mere invention, to the great grief of the particular persons, and abuse of divers scriptures; contrary to the rule of Equity, and Christ's command, who saith: Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, even so do you unto them. And at the last day, when Christ shall say, depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his Angels! One chief reason was, I was sick and in prison, and ye visited me not: Will it be a good plea for them think you to say, thou wast sick of the plague or sickness? Surely no. Christ excepts no disease, but saith, the hairs of their head are numbered: And a Sparrow falls not to the ground without the providence of God, Matth. 10.29, 30, 31. Again, whereas many ignorantly would draw it from the shutting up of the Leprosy, you may easily perceive how grossly they abuse the Scriptures: First, they were never shut up, as I humbly conceive, for fear of infection, but to keep the Congregation clear; which rather typed the keeping out those that were scandalous of life, and Excommunication to be passed upon great offenders: As (in the first of the Corinthians, the fifth chapter, the 4, and 5, verses) the Incestuous person was to be cast out, but from the Leprous the Priest was not to keep, but Aron or his sons was to have recourse to them, and to look upon it upon all occasions; As is clear in the 13 Chapter of Leviticus throughout. But the Priests of these times, though they retain their Tithes, yet run from the Plague, as some of them have done from the Cavatiers, or after a rich Benefice, letting who will take the flock: According as john saith (chapter 10. verses 10.12, 13) He that is an hireling and not the Shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seethe the Wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep and fleeth, and the Wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep, the hireling fleeth because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep; but the good shepherd giveth his life for the Sheep. And as Christ the head, and true Shepherd, (Isaiah 40.11. Ezek. 34.23. to the end of the chapter.) So his faithful Ministers and servants, as Paul expresses (Acts 21.13.) what mean ye to weep and break my heart, for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem, for the Name of the Lord JESUS.  

A definition of a Church of Christ in the Order of the Gospel; consisting of a company of Saints, or holy people, called out of the world by the preaching of the Gospel, by a free and voluntary consent; entering into covenant to discharge duties to God, and one to another, putting on Christ by Baptism or Dipping.  
The particulars thereof proved.  
A Company of Saints or holy people (1 Corinth. 1.2. 1 Peter 2.5.9) called out of the world (John 15.19) by the preaching of the Gospel, (Matth. 28.19, 20. Mark 16.15, 16. Acts 2.41. Revel. 14 6.) by a free and voluntary consent (Psal. 18.43, 44. and 110.3. Acts 13.48.) entering into covenant, (Psalms 50.5. Zephaniah 2. 1. Acts 3.25. Mal. 2.1. Heb. 8.9.) to discharge duties to God, and one to another, (John 4.24. Phill. 3.3. 1 Peter 2.5. 1 Corinth. 12.12. to the 28) putting on Christ by Baptism or Dipping: (Mark 16.16) Acts 2.38 41. Gal. 3.27) For as many of you as have been baptised into Christ, have put on Christ, and (Ephes. 4.4, 5) this I conceive to be Christ's spiritual house under the New Testament, whereof he is Lord, (Hab. 3.6) and head, (Ephes. 1.22, 23) and King, (Isaiah 33.22, and Matth. 28.18, 19, 20) and Prophet: (Deuteron. 18.15 Matth. 17.8. Acts 3.22 23) He being the Priest and Sacrifice, by which all that believe are for ever perfected. Heb. 10.14. For it is not the voice of the Church, as some fond dream, but Christ's voice in the Church that we are to hear: He that heareth you heareth me, and he that heareth me, heareth him that sent me. Luk. 10.16.  
These wherever gathered together under heaven, Jews or Gentiles, have power from Christ their head, (Coloss. 1.18) given to receive in, deal with, or cast out of the Church, by the Laws and Statutes of King JESUS, their King and Lawgiver. Isaiah 9.6, and 33.22. James 4.12. Acts 2.41. Compared with Matth. 18.15, to the 20. 1 Cor. 5.3, 4, 5, and 2.2, 3, to the 9  
If any knowledge and light appear, give all the glory to God, through Jesus Christ.  
As the Apostle saith in another case, I am in a straight between both; having many reasons not to set my name: As my own unmorthinesse and disrespect, and being liable to sufferings. Yet if I do not, I make myself a Libeler by the Law; therefore to discharge my duty to God and man—  
By EDWARD BARBER, Citizen and Merchant-Taylor of London;  
Who (as I have formerly, and ever shall stand for King and Parliament, to the extent of Estate, Liberty, and Life) doth now prostrate the same for King JESUS, the privilege of the Gospel, and Liberty of his Churches. And as I have formerly lain in the University of Newgate eleven months, in King's Bench and Newprison and sued in the High-Commission Court, five years; and in the Echequer, and Common-pleas, and King's Bench, being stung by the Locusts that came out of the smoke, that arose out of the bottomless Pit: Revel. 9.2, 3. So I desire to go on not fainting, knowing that in due time we shall reap.  
FINIS.    

TO All them that love the publishing of the Everlasting Gospel of King JESUS; I having given in many of these queries, to divers of the Synod, yet could never have any Answer from them; And having taken the Protestation, in which we are to stand for a thorough Reformation, according to the Word of God:  
AS ALSO,  
THe cause of propounding these Queries is, that notwithstanding, being ready to submit to His Majesty, and State, as Masters of our flesh, so fare as concerns our Estates, Liberty and lives; And walking conscionable in the way and worship of God; according to Christ's institution and the primitive practice, To whose Word, as our only Law giver, we ought to have recourse; he being faithful in all his house, and therefore worthy of more Glory than Moses: Heb. 3.2, 3. yet have we been, and still are, both in Print and Pulpits, reproached with the name of Anabaptists, and said to deny civil government; as by Dr. Featley, Bakewel the Baker, M. Edward's, etc. which how false it is, let all that know any of us judge: yea the Prelates and High-Commission before whom we witnessed the truth, when some that now do rail against us hide their heads, and fled their Countries: But yet, so long as we practise according to the Great Charter of King Jesus, though we walk in the way called Heresy, as Paul did, Acts 24.14, yet so worship we the God of our Fathers; being ready as the Apostle Peter adviseth, 1 Pet. 3.15. Always to give an Answer to every man that asketh, with meekness and fear. As also, to receive any information produced from the Word of God: And to that end, if we might enjoy that privilege that was under the Law among the jewss, Acts 13.19, and aught to be in all the Churches of Christ, 1 Cor. 14.29.31. and 1 Pet. 4.10, which order ought to be continued for ever, Matth. 28.20. 1 Tim. 5.20. which is to come openly to declare the truth, or convince error, we should be glad: And so that aspersion of running into holes and Chambers, and preaching in Tubs, as they say, would be taken away: Which privacy we have been forced unto, as the Disciples of Christ did for fear of the jews. John 20.19. But as Paul saith, we are not to seek our own, but every one, another's good: 1 Cor. 10.24. and 2.12.14. And as Christ requires, deny ourselves: And not like that evil servant, hid our Talon in a Napkin. Matth. 25.24, 25, 26. Neither should the contempt of our persons discourage us, seeing there was a poor wise man, Eccles. 9.14, 15. delivered the City by his wisdom, it being besieged by a great King, and great Bulwarks built against it, yet no man considered that same poor man. Also Jer. 49.19, 20. and 50.45. God will work that great deliverance by weak means. Also, Jer. 29.14. For thus saith the Lord, hear ye the counsel of the Lord, that he hath taken against Babylon, and his purposes that he hath purposed against the Land of the Chaldeans; surely the least of the flock shall draw them out, surely he will make their habitation desolate with them, therefore the means or instrument by which God works, is not to be condemned, but the wisdom and power of God magnified: As judges the 7. So 1 Cor. 1.18. to the 29. Where the Apostle declares the preaching of the Cross, is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God; For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the under standing of the Prudent: Where is the wise? where is the Scribe? where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? for after that in the wisdom of God, the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching, to save them that believe. And 2 Cor. 8.12. it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not; for it is very probable, that this unnatural War will never cease, nor Prerogative of the King, privilege of the Parliament, and Liberty of the Subject be obtained, till sighting for the Gospel with carnal weapons be laid down; and the conscience left free for Christ, the King, Lord, and Lawgiver, to rule by his own Laws and Statutes, prescribed in his Word. Isa. 33.22. James 4.12. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Wherefore although we are to submit to the Magistrates as the Fathers of our flesh, yet unto God as the Father of our spirits (Heb. 12.9. and Christ bids (Matth. 13.50. Let both grow together unto the Harvest; though not in the Church, yet in the world Showing a good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit, for by their fruit ye shall know them. And consider who must go up and persuade Ahab, that he might go up and fall at Ramoth Gilead, 1 Kings 22.20, 21, 22. but a Spirit that would go forth, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his Prophets; and the Lord said, thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also, go forth and do it. Also Rev. 16.13, 14 & I saw three unclean spirits like frogs, came out of the mouth of the Dragon, and out of the mouth of the Beast, and out of the mouth of the false Prophet, which are the spirits of Devils, working miracles, and go forth unto the Kings of the Earth, and of the whole world, to gather them to the Battle of that great day of God Almighty.  
By EDWARD BARBER, Citizen and Merchant-Taylor, of London.