SCRIPTURE SECURITY FOR CONSCIENCE. Reconciling the safety of truth with the safety of persons. By an honest Counterplot to keep off the execution of an expected Ordinance. With a Scripture CATECHISM Very useful in these Times. For Advancing Unity. Suppressing Error. Stating present Controversies. Vindicating the Covenanted Reformation. 2 COR. 11.3. I fear lest by any means, at the Serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. LONDON, Printed by T. R. and E. M. for John Bellamy at the three golden Lions in Cornhill near the Royal Exchange. 1646. SCRIPTURE SECURITY FOR CONSCIENCE. Reconciling the safety of truth with the safety of persons. By an honest Counterplot to keep off the execution of an expected Ordinance. ROM. 13.3, 4. 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 to thee for good. 1 COR. 3.11, 14, 15. Other foundation can no man lay then that is laid. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's works shall be burnt, he shall suffer loss, but he himself shall be saved, yet so as by fire. LONDON, Printed by T. R. and E. M. for John Bellamy at the three golden Lions in Cornhill near the Royal Exchange. 1646. To the honest Reader. CHristian Reader, having met with a Paper walking in public, entitled an Ordinance, etc. for the preventing of the growing and spreading of Heresies, (a Copy whereof is hereto annexed) I conceived that I might without offence, so fare take notice of it in public, as to lay the weights of the words in view, that those who are skilled in the balance of the Sanctuary, and have their senses exercised to discern the things that differ, may more readily see which way the Scales should turn. The good God guide the hands of Authority, and the hearts of people to those ways which are first pure, and then peaceable: that those Plants which are of Gods planting may be cherished, and those which are not may be rooted up. The love which I bear to truth, and the service I own to those that are willing to take pains to find it: hath made me take this familiar way of Catechism to help them; which that they may reap the benefit of, I must earnestly entreat them, in the perusal of the alleged Scriptures, to take notice not only of the words, but also of the scope of the holy Ghost in them; without which they will fall short of that satisfaction which they might attain. You may make experiment how advantageous this course is, if you turn to the question concerning Rebaptising, and find that in the Scripture there cited, Acts 19 (which place hath much exercised the judgement of the learned) the scope of the Apostle Paul is to show that the Disciples, who were long before baptised (though still they were so unable to make confession of their faith, as that they had not so much as heard whether there were any holy Ghost; nor could well tell unto what they were baptised: yet) ought not to be baptised again; for as much as they were baptised in the name of Jesus, which he makes good to them from the Doctrine of John the Baptist, who taught repentance and faith in Christ. One thing more I must acquaint you with, which is, that divers particulars which might be here expected, I have purposely omitted, having already spoken to them in another Treatise entitled A Scripture Catechism for the times, to which I refer you for satisfaction; desiring you to improve your Talon in the same design with me, which is, to build the safety of persons on the foundation of truth. I shall conclude with the encouraging conclusion of the Apostle James, Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him, let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death, and shall hid a multitude of sins. SCRIPTURE SECURITY FOR CONSCIENCE. The first rank of Doctione. Q. 1 IS God present in all places? A. Whether shall I go from thy presence? If I ascend up into Heaven, thou art there: If I make my bed in Hell, behold thou art there: If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the Sea, even there shall thine hand lead me. Psalm 139.7, 8, 9, 10. Q. 2 Is there a God? A. He that Cometh to God, must believe that he is, Hebr. 11.6. Q. 3 Is God on in three persons? A. There are three that bear record in Heaven, the Father, the Word, and the holy Ghost: and these three are one, 1 John 5.7. Q. 4 Doth God know all things? A. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight, but all things are naked and open unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Hebr. 4.13. Q. 5 Is God almighty? A. With God all things are possible. Matth. 19.26. Q. 6 Is God perfectly holy? A. Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of Hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory. Isa. 6.3. Q. 7 Is God eternal? A. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst form the earth and the world: even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God. Psal. 90.2. Q. 8 Is Christ God coequal with the Father? A. Christ Jesus being in the form of God, thought it no robbery to be equal with God. Phil. 2.5, 6. Q. 9 Is Christ a man? A. There is one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. 1 Tim. 2.5. Q. 10 Are the Godhead and manhood of Christ several natures? A. Thou being a man makest thyself God▪ John 10.33. Q. 11 Is the manhood of Christ pure, unspotted of sin? A. Such an high-Priest became us who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners. Hebr. 7.26. Q. 12 Did Christ die? A. It is Christ that died. Rom. 8.34. Q. 13 Did Christ rise from the dead? A. The Angel answered, and said unto the woman, fear not ye, for I know ye seek that Jesus that was crucified: he is not here, he is risen. Mat. 28.5, 6. Q. 14 Is Christ ascended into Heaven bodily? A. This same Jesus which is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner, as ye have seen him go into Heaven. Acts 1.11. Q. 15 Is Christ's death meritorious in behalf of believers? A. The redemption that is in Jesus Christ, whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, Rom. 3.24, 25. Q. 16 Is Christ the Son of God? A. We know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. 1 John 5 20. Q. 17 Is the holy Ghost God? A. Why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie to the holy Ghost? Why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God? Acts 5.3, 4, Q. 18 Are the Scriptures the word of God? A. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. 2 Tim. 3.16. Q. 19 Shall the bodies of men rise after they he dead? A. I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things that are written in the Law and the Prophets: and have hope towards God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. Acts 24.14, 15. Q. 20 Is there a day of judgement after death? A. I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God, and the Books were opened: and another Book was opened which is the Book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the Books according to their works: and the Sea gave up the dead which were in it: and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. Rev. 20.12, 13. Deut. 13.6, 8, 9 If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying; let us go and serve other gods, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him, but thou shalt surely kill him, thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. 2 Chron. 15.12, 13, 15. They entered into a Covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers, with all their heart, and with all their soul: that whosoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel, should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman. And all Judah rejoiced at the Oath; for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire, and he was found of them; and the Lord gave them rest round about. Concerning Blasphemy and impugning the Word of God. EXod. 20.7. Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless, that taketh his Name in vain. Levit. 24.11.12, 13, 14. The Israelitish woman's son blasphemed the Name of the Lord, and cursed, and they brought him unto Moses; and they put him in Ward, that the mind of the Lord might be showed them. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, bring forth him that hath cursed, without the camp, and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the Congregation stone him. Dan. 3.29. Therefore I make a decree, that every people, Nation, and Language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Mishach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill, because there is no other God. Job 2.9. Curse God, and die. 1 Cor. 12.3. No man speaking by the spirit of God, calleth Jesus accursed. Acts 13.10, 11. Thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? and now behold the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind. Heb. 10.28, 29. He that despised Moses Law, died without mercy under two or three witnesses. Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God? etc. Rev. 22.18, 19 If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this Book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the Book of this Prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the Book of life. The second rank of Doctrines. Q. 1 SHall all men be saved? A. Than one said unto him, Lord, are there few that shall be saved? and he said unto them, strive to enter in at the straight gate: for many I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Luke 13.23, 24. Q. 2 Hath a man by nature free will to turn to God? A. The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Cor. 2.14. Q. 3 May God be worshipped by Pictures or Images? A. Take ye good heed unto yourselves (for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spoke unto you in Horeb, out of the midst of the fire) lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven Image, the similitude of any figure. Deut. 4.15, 16. Q. 4 Doth the soul of any man after death go to purgatory? A. I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, writ, blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth, yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours, and their works do follow them. Rev. 14.13. Q. 5 Do the souls of good men die or sleep when their bodies are dead? A. Ye are come unto Mount Zion, and unto the City of the living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of Angels, to the general assembly and Church of the first borne, which are written in Heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect. Heb, 12.22, 23. Q. 6 Do the souls of bad men die or sleep when their bodies are dead? A. Their worm dyeth not. Mark. 9.44. Q. 7 Are there revelations or workings of the spirit, as a rule for a Christians life; though divers from or contrary to the written word of God? A. This voice which came from Heaven we heard, and we were with him in the holy Mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn and the daystar arise in your hearts. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private inrerpretation: for the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the holy Ghost. 2. Pet. 1.18.19, 20, 21. Q. 8 Is a man bound to believe no more then by his reason he can comprehend? A Bebold thou shalt be dumb and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled. Luke, 1.20. Q. 9 Is the moral Law contained in the ten Commandments a rule of a Christian life? A. Own no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth an other, hath fulfilled the law. For this thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, thou shall not bear false witness, thou shalt not covet: and if there be any other Commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Rom. 13.8, 9 Q. 10 Doth God see sin in the justified? A. Against thee, thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight. Psal. 51.4. Q. 11 Need a believer repent? A. Rememember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy Candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. Revel. 2.5. Q. 12 Is the Sacrament of baptism an Ordinance commanded by the word of God? A Go ye therefore, and teach all Nations, baptising them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Matth. 28.19. Q. 13 Is the Sacrament of the Lords Supper an Ordinance commanded by the word of God? A. I have received of the Lord, that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread: and when he had given thanks he broke it, and said, take, eat, this is my body which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the New Testament in my blood: this do ye as oft as ye drink it in remembrance of me. 1. Cor. 11.23, 24, 25. Q. 14 Is the baptising of Infants lawful? A Be baptised every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you and to your Children. Act. 2.38, 39 Q. 15 Is such baptising void, or effectual? A. Lo I am with you always even unto the end of the world. Matth. 28.20. Q. 16 Is it lawful to baptise a person formerly baptised? A. John verily baptised with the baptism of Repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptised in the Name of the Lord Jesus. Acts, 19.4, 5. Q. 17 Is it lawful to join in public prayer? A. Peter and John went up together into the Temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. Acts, 3.1. Q. 18 Is it lawful to teach Children to pray▪ A. Train up a Child in the way that he should go; and when he is old he will not departed from it. Prov. 22.6. Q. 19 Is the power of the civil Magistrate by law established in England lawful? A. Let every soul be subject to the higher powers; for there is no power but of God. The powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God; and they that resist, shall receive to themselves damnation. Rom. 13.1.2. Q. 20 Is the use of arms for public defence in a just cause lawful? A. Curse ye Meroz (said the Angel of the Lord) curse ye bitterly the Inhabitans thereof; because they came not to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty. Judg. 5.23. 1. King. 15.13. And also Maachah his Mother, even her he removed from being Queen, because she had made an Idol in a grove. 2. John, 9.10, 11. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed; for he that biddeth him God speed, is partaker of his evil deeds. 2. Pet. 2.10.12. And despise government, presumptuous are they; selfwilled; they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. These as natural bruit beasts made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not, and shall utterly perish in their own corruption. Revel. 17.16. The ten horns which thou sawest upon the Beast these shall hate the Whore, and shall make her desolate, and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and shall burn her with fire. Revel. 2.14. I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the Children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto Idols, and to commit fornication. FINIS. An Ordinance presented to the Honourable House of Commons, by M. Bacon, a Lawyer in Suffolk, and M. Taet, both of them Members of the same House, and by their means was twice read, and referred to a Committee. For the preventing of the growing and spreading of Heresies. The first rank of Doctrine. BE it ordained, That all such as shall from and after the Date hereof, willingly Preach, Teach, Print, or Writ, publish and maintain, any such opinion contrary to the Doctrines ensuing; Viz. a Acts 17.27.28. That (1) God is present in all places, b Psal. 14.1 That (2) God Is, c 1 Joh. 5.7 or that he is (3) One in three Persons, d 1 John 3 20. Or doth (4) know or foreknow all things; e Job. 42.1 Or that he is (5) Almighty, f Ex. 15.11 Or that he is (6) perfectly Holy, g 1 Tim. 1.17. Or that he is (7) Eternal. Or that shall in like manner publish h John 10.30. That Christ is not (8) God coequal with the Father; i 1 Cor. 15 47. Or shall deny the (9) Manhood of Christ, k Hab. 2.16. Or that the (10) Godhead and Manhood of Christ are several Natures, l Luke 1.35 Or that the (11) Manhood of Christ, is pure unspotted of sin; Or that shall publish, m Matth. 27.55. That (12) Christ did not die, n Matth. 28.7. or (13) risen from the dead, o Acts 7.56 nor (14) is ascended into Heaven bodily, p Gal. 3.13 14. Or that his death is (15) meritorious in behalf of Believers. Or that shall publish or maintain, as aforesaid, q Matt. 3.17. that (16) Christ is not the Son of God, r 1 Cor. 3.16. Or that the (17) Holy Ghost is not God, s 2 Pet. 1.21. Or that the (18) Scriptures are not the Word of God, t Job 19.26. Or that the (19) Bodies of Men shall not rise after they be dead, u Acts 17.31. Or that there is not (20) day of judgement after death. Such publishing with obstinacy, shall be judged Felony: Such persons shall by two witnesses be bound over by two Justices unto the Gayl-delivery, and the Delinquent shall be indicted for Felony; and upon finding the same indictment, and that the party be found guilty, and shall not abjure his said Error, w Zech. 13.3. Deut. 13.5, 6, 8, 9 2 Chron. 15.12, 13, 14. he shall suffer the pains of death, without benefit of Clergy: But upon abjuring of the said Error, he shall upon two sufficient Sureties be bailed. And be it further ordained, that if after abjuring the said Errors, he shall publish it again, he shall be indicted and put to death. And be it further ordered, that if any person shall wittingly and presumptuously, or contrary to admonition, blaspheme the Name of God, or any of the holy Trinity, or shall impugn the Word of God, such offences shall be adjudged Felony, and the offender committed without Bail or Mainprise; and the party being found guilty shall be branded in the left Cheek, with the letter B. and upon the like offence the second time x Levit. 24 16. Job 2.9. Dan. 3.29. Heb. 10.28 29. shall suffer death. The second rank of Doctrines. ANd be it further ordained, that all persons who shall publish any of these several Errors hereafter ensuing, viz. y Matth. 25.41. That (1) all men shall be saved; z Joh. 3.5. that a man by nature (2) hath free will to turn to God; a Acts 17.25. That God (3) may be worshipped by Pictures or Images, b Luke 16 22, 23. or that the (4) soul of any man after death goes neither to Heaven nor Hell, but to Purgatory; c Acts 1.25 or that the soul (5, 6) of man dies or sleeps when the body is dead; d Ps. 19.7. or that the (7) revelations or workings of the Spirit, are a rule for a Christians life; though divers from or contrary to the written Word of God; e 1 Cor. 2.14. or that a man is (8) bond to believe no more then by his reason he can comprehend; f Eph. 6.2. or that the (9) Moral Law contained in the Ten Commandments is no rule of a Christian life, g 2 Sam. 12 9 or that God sees not (10) sin in the justified; or h Rev. 3.19 that a (11) Believer need not repent i Ps 51.9. not pray for the pardon of sin; or that the two Sacraments of k John 4.1.2. (12) Baptism, and the l Luke 22.19, 20. (13) Lords Supper, are not Ordinances commanded by the Word of God; or that (14) the m Math. 19.14. Baptising of Infants is unlawful; n Rom. 3.3, 4. or that such (15) Baptising is void, and of none effect; o Mark 16 16. or that such persons are to be (16) Baptised again: and in pursuance thereof, shall baptise any person formerly baptised: p Exod. 20.8. or that the observation of the Lords Day, as it is enjoined by the Ordinances and Laws of this Realm, is not according, or contrary to the Word of God, q 1 Cor. 14, 15, 16. or that it is not lawful to join in (17) public, r 1 Pet. 3.7 or Family Prayer, s 2 Tim. 3.15. or to (18) teach children to pray; t Rev. 1.20 Or that the Churches of England are not true Churches; u Rom. 10 13, 14, 15. Or that the Ministers or Ordinances, are not true Ministers or Ordinances; w 1 Tim. 4.14. Or that the Church government by Presbytery, is Antichristian, or unlawful; x 1 Pet. 2.13, 14. or that the Magistracy, or (19) power of the Civil Magistrate by Law established in England, is unlawful; y Nehem. 4.14. or that all the use of (20) Armes for Public defence (be the Cause never so just) is unlawful. And in case the party so accused for any of the said Errors, be committed before two Justices, the party so committed shall be ordered to renounce his said Error in the public Congregation of the Parish Church whence the complaint comes; and in case he refuses or neglects the same at or upon the day, time, and place appointed by the said Justices, z Num. 15.34. Tit. 1.10, 11. Rev. 2.14. 2 Pet. 2.10, 12. Gal. 5.12. that he shall be committed to prison by the said Justices, until he shall find two Sureties, of Subsidy men, that he shall not publish or maintain the said Error or Errors any more. FINIS. A Scripture CATECHISM Very useful in these Times. For Advancing Unity. Suppressing Error. Stating present Controversies. Vindicating the Covenanted Reformation. 1 COR. 3, 2, 3. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal? 2 COR. 11.3. I fear lest by any means, as the Serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 2 TIM. 1.13. Hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love, etc. LONDON, Printed by T. R. and E. M. for John Bellamy at the three golden Lions in Cornhill near the Royal Exchange. 1646. To the teachable Reader. HVmble Reader, who art willing to stoop to the contemned Ordinance of Catechism, God hath promised to teach you; and to that purpose all are yours; all his Ordinances, all his servants, their gifts, experiences, labours; the ablest, the meanest, all are yours: amongst which my poor mite is accountable to you. Some few years since, when divers of the new Opinions that now have seized upon many, were first represented to me, and I saw them entertained by some persons that were precious, in my thoughts, and managed by such arguments, as at the first sight seemed to carry strength with them: I must confess I began to stagger thereat: whereupon for my own satisfaction I was inquisitive after such Treatises on all hands as wrote either for or against them; which I therefore mention, that I may give you an account of what experience hath taught me; namely; that there is more satisfaction to be gained by a diligent weighing of some one Scripture, then by reading over many other books; for, indeed, the Scripture is the supreme judge of controversies; and all that the ablest men can speak for the opening of Scripture, must be resolved into Scripture, before it can ground faith and satisfy conscience, which is the drift of this Catechism, wherewith thou mayest expect a blessing, if thou shalt pray, read, and study the answers; wherein I have not been so careful, to give you the form of an answer; as to refer you to such Scriptures as afford matter for the Answer: which course I find warranted by the like practice of our Saviour, and I judge it the profitablest way in a Tractate in this nature; for thereby the Reader will be constrained to study the Scriptures to understand the force of them, before he can satisfy himself with an answer from them: as for example, in the question concerning Baptism, the Reader must weigh the circumstances of the text, and compare it with the History in Exodus, and so he may be enabled to satisfy himself in forming an Answer thus, All the Israelites presently after their coming forth from Egypt, when many of them were little children, were Baptised by the cloud which hung over their heads. Thus much, Reader, I thought good to intimate to thee, that thou mightest not take offence at my method. A Scripture CATECHISM Very useful in these Times. First Question. Q. 1 WHat speaks the Scripture of the doctrinal errors of these latter times? A. The Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall departed from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of Devils. 1 Tim. 4.1. Q. 2 What think you of the ringleaders and teachers of such doctrines? A. These resist the truth; men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 2 Tim. 3.8. Q. 3 But may we not think them sincere, seeing they profess much holiness? A. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof. 2 Tim. 3.5. Q. 4 But so far as we can judge, they are the redeemed of God: how then can you think so hardly of them, and their doctrines? A. There shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them. 2 Pet. 2.1. Q. 5 But if they, and their opinions were so gross, would they be followed by so many professors? A. Many shall follow their pernicious ways, by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 2. Pet. 2.2. Q. 6 But the teachers are some of them knowing men; and would they, think you, teach notorious falsehoods? A. Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience scared with a hot iron. 1 Tim. 4.2. Q. 7 Those which you count the seducers amongst us, cry out upon Antichrist; and do not they then stand for the truth? A. It is the last time: and as ye have heard that Antichrist shall come, even now are there many Antichrists, whereby we know that it is the last time. 1 John 2.18. Q. 8 But is it not strange that you should count these Antichrists, who seem rather Angels of light, and Apostles? A. Such are false Apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the Apostles of Christ; and no marvel, for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light: therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the Ministers of righteousness, 2 Cor. 11.13, 14, 15. Q. 9 But these men allege Scripture for what they urge; and can you say then that they follow the Devil as his ministers? A. Then the Devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the Temple, and saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down, for it is written He shall give his Angels charge concerning thee, and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Mat. 4.5, 6. Q. 10 Those whom you count the ministers of Satan, do they not serve God according to their light? A. They that are such, serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly. Rom. 16.18. Q. 11 You seem to imply, that their hearts are corrupt, as well as their judgements: what corruption makes them seducers? A. Through covetousness shall they with feighned words make merchandise of you. 2 Pet. 2, 3. Q. 12 But all of them seem not to be covetous: what corruption then sways the rest? A. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the Doctrine which is according to godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions, and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, rail, evil surmisings, perverse dispute of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth. 1 Tim. 6.3, 4, 5. Q. 13 What is one main part of their ambition? A. Of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Act 20.30. Q. 14 Is the want of Learning in some of their teachers any cause of wresting the Scriptures? A. In which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable, wrist, as they do also the other Scriptures. 2 Pet. 3.16. Q. 15 Do not the affecting of new notions, and other lusts in the hearers, make them ready to embrace seducing teachers? A. The time will come, when they will not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Tim. 4, 3.4. Q. 16 Do not also the weakness, and shallowness of the bearers, together with other corruptions, make them apt to be seduced by such men? A. Of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women, laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 2 Tim. 3.6, 7. Q. 17 Do the false teachers use sleights to inveigle such persons? A. That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness whereby they lie in wait to deceive. Ephes. 4.14. Q. 18 Are not some honest-meaning persons seduced by their craft? A. They deceive the hearts of the simple. Rom. 16.18. Q. 19 How come they to seduce them? A. By good words and fair speeches. Rom. 16.18. Q. 20 If those whom you call seducers use such good language, is there not good hopes of them? A. Evil men and seducers shall grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 2 Tim. 3.13. Q. 21 How ought we to carry ourselves towards the maintainers of heresy? and how may we esteem of them? A. A man that is an Heretic, after the first and second admonition reject: knowing that he that is such, is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. Tit. 3 10, 11. Q. 22 You seem to hate their ways that hold out the errors of the times; doth such an affection become Christians? A. This thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Rev. 2.6. Q. 23 You not only distaste the errors, but those also that teach them: where is your warrant for that? A. I know thy works and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil, & thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars. Rev. 2.2. Q. 24 Is it likely that if these courses were so dangerous, God would suffer so many teachers to stand for them, and prevail so? A. There came forth a spirit, and stood before the Lord, and said, I will persuade him: and the Lord said unto him, Wherewith? and he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his Prophets: and he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also; go forth and do so: now therefore, behold, the Lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy Prophets. 1 King. 22.21, 22, 23. Q. 25 Seeing it appears that God gives Satan a power to prevail in the mouths of seducers: what doth God intent thereby towards such as walk closely with him? is it likely that they shall be seduced? A. There must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved, may be made manifest among you, 1 Cor. 11.19. Q. 26 What is Gods aim therein towards falsehearted professors? are not they in great danger to miscarry? A. Because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved, for this cause God shall send them strong delusions, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned, who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thes. 2.10, 11, 12. Q. 27 What use must we make hereof? A. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked fall from your own steadfastness: but grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Pet. 3.17, 18. Q. 28 Is there any hope that the errors shall be crushed? A. The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. Rom. 16.20. Q. 29 How is that likely, while they carry on their errors with such plausible pretences? A But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest to all men. 2 Tim. 3.9. Q. 30 In the mean while may not these men be connived at? A. There are many unruly and vain talkers, and deceivers, whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, Tit. 1.10, 11. Q. 31 May the civil Magistrate meddle with those that endeavour to seduce others into errors in matter of Religion? A. 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. Rom. 13.4. Q 32 But though seducing be an evil work, may it not be good Christian policy for those in authority to refrain from these men, and let them alone? A. I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezabel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to reduce my servants. Rev. 2.20. Q 33 Some would have a Toleration of all Religions; What Scripture have you, which shows that this ought not to be in time of the Gospel? A. It shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord of Hosts, that I will cut off the names of the Idols out of the land: and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the Prophets, and the unclean spirit to pass out of the Land. Zech. 13.2. Q. 34 In case the false Prophets will neither departed, nor desist; what course may be taken with them by the civil power? A. It shall come to pass that when any shall yet prophesy, than his father, and his mother that begat him, shall say unto him, thou shalt not live: for thou speakest lies in the name of the Lord: and his father and his mother that begat him, shall thrust him through when he prophesyeth. Zech. 13.3. Q. 35 Will not this way of suppressing false-teachers increase, and harden them, rather than remedy that evil? A. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied: neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive. Zech. 13.4. Q. 36 Is this restraining of false-teachers by civil punishment, to be accounted persecution, or friendship? A. And one shall say unto him, what are these wounds in thine hands? then he shall answer, those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. Zech. 13.6. Q. 37 It seems you would fain have some course taken to be rid of them; what spirit doth that savour of? A. I would they were even cut off which trouble you, Gal. 5.12. Q. 38 Some will not be persuaded that the Magistrate may punish for sins against the first Table; can you show that idolatrous practices are punishable by a civil power? A. If I beheld the Sun when it shined, or the Moon walking in brightness and mine heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand: this also were an iniquity to be punished by the Judge: for I should have denied the God that is above. Joh 31.26, 27, 28. Q. 39 What course is to be taken with blasphemers? A. He that blasphemeth the name of the Lord, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him; as well the stranger as he that is born in the Land, when he blasphemeth the name of the Lord, shall be put to death. Leu. 24.16. Q. 40 In these times, wherein errors are so rise, what is the Ministers charge? A. Holding fast the faithful word, as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convince the gainsayers. Tit. 1.9. Q. 41 Do Ministers well to stir up the people, to withstand the errors of the times? A. It was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you, that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the Saints. Judas 3. Q. 42 Is it warrantable publicly to brand the names of Heretics and Seducers, that so men may be shy of tehm? A. Their word will eat as doth a Canker, of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus: who concerning the truth have erred, saying, that the Resurrection is passed already, and overthrow the faith of some. 2 Tim. 2.17, 18. Q. 43 Till some course be taken for their suppression, what course must I take to keep out of the way of error? A. Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences, contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them. Rom. 16.17. Q. 44 Besides shunning their company, what else must we do? A. Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1 John 4.1. Q. 45 You would have us very suspicious in these times; what general ground have you, whom to suspect as unsound? A. They went out from us, but they were not of us: for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest, that they were not all of us. 1 John 2.19. Q. 46 Many which separate, cry down your ministry for Antichristian, and speak much of the spirit; what can you say about them? A. Beloved remember ye the words which were spoken before of the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, how that they told you, there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts: these be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the spirit. Judas 17, 18, 19 Q. 47 They have been very earnest with me to forsake your ministers: what is their design in that? A. They zealously affect you, but not well: yea, they would exclude you, that you might affect them. Gal. 4.17. Q. 48 How can you justify against them, your ministry of the Church of England? A. The seal of my Apostleship are ye in the Lord. 1 Cor. 9.2. Q. 49 Is then the ordinary conversion of souls a demonstrative argument of a right ministry? A How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach except they be sent? Rom. 10.14, 15. Q. 50 They deny your Church of England, and say there is no Church visible in the New Testament, but a particular congregation; how prove you the contrary? A. God hath set some in the Church, first Apostles, secondarily Prophets, thirdly Teachers, after that miracles, than gifts of healings, helps in governments, diversities of tongues. 1 Cor. 12.28. Q. 51 Have you any further warrant to judge that there may be Nationall Churches in Gospel times? A. In the last days it shall come to pass that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills, and people shall flow unto it, and many Nations shall come and say, Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, etc. Mich 4.1, 2. Q. 52 Some distaste your assemblies, because they are kept in those places which are set apart for public worship. What warrant have you for preaching in such parish meeting houses as are commonly called Churches? A. Jesus answered him, I spoke openly to the world, I ever taught in the Synagogue, and in the Temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. John 18.20. Q 53 Others dislike your Ministers, because they do not work for their live, as Paul did; what say you to that? A. Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? say I these things as a man? or saith not the Law the same also? 1 Cor. 9.6, 7, 8. Q 54 But your Ministers are maintained by Tyths: were not they proper to the levitical Priesthood, and therefore to be abolished with it? A. He whose descent is not counted from them, received Tyths of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises, Heb. 7.6. Q. 55 Others separate only from the Communion, because unworthy receivers are known to come to the Table: how may their consciences be satisfied, till discipline be restored more exactly? A. Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup: for he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself. 1 Cor. 11.28, 29. Q. 56 Others take exception chief at your administering of baptism: can you show them by Scripture the baptising of infants; and that without dipping? A. Brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed thorough the Sea, and were all baptised unto Moses in the cloud. etc. 1 Cor. 10.1, 2. Q. 57 But you serve God according to a Directory: where is your warrant for that? A. One of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples: and he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy Name, etc. Luke 11.1, 2. Q. 58 But where is your warrant for singing of Psalms together at your meetings? A. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another, in Psalms, and Hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Col. 3.16. Q. 59 Others dislike the matter of your preaching generally, as too legal for these Gospel-times: what general answer will you give them? A. Do we then make void the Law through faith? God forbidden: yea, we establish the Law. Rom. 3.31. Q. 60 Is it our duty then to keep the Law? A. If you fulfil the royal law, according to the Scripture, thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well. James 2.8. Q. 61 But what if we fail in any point of the Law? A. Ye commit sin, and are convinced of the Law as transgressors, for whosoever shall keep the whole Law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. James 2.9, 10. Q. 62 Should then a child of God take notice of, and lay to heart the guilt of his sins? A. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness O God. Psalm 51.14. Q. 63 Some say, David was under another dispensation than we are: can you show them the like precedent before the covenant from mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage? A. I have sinned, what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden unto myself? and why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? Job 7.20, 21. Q. 64 What should a child of God do then to get his sins pardoned? A. Forgive us our sins. Luke 11.4. Q. 65 What must he do besides praying for pardon? A. If we confess our sins, he is faithful, and just to forgive us our sins. 1 John 1.9. Q. 66 What further condition is there required of a child of God for the obtaining of pardon? A. If ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Mat. 6.14 15. Q. 67 Your doctrine implies, that God observes the si●● of his people: can you prove that? A. Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Rev. 2.4. Q. 68 Doth God also correct his children for their sins? A. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep; for if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged; but when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. 1 Corinth. 11.30, 31, 32. Q. 69 May then a child of God, when he is corrected, look upon God as angry, and upon sin as the procuring cause? A. I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgement for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness, Mic. 7.9. Q. 70 Why? must not a Christian look upon God's love, and not upon his dreadfulness? A. We receiving a Kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear; for our God is a consuming fire. Heb. 12 28, 29. Q 71 Would you have a child of God mourn for his sins? A. I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the spirit of grace and of supplications, and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his first born. Zech. 12.10. Q. 72 Would you have Christians to try the goodness of their estates by the work of grace in them? A. Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith: prove your own selves; know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2 Cor. 13.5. Q. 73 What evident mark can you instance in, for a Christian to try himself by? A. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. 1 John 3.14. Q. 74 Should we now have legal terrors pressed? A. Others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire. Judas 23. Q. 75 Are the threaten useful to the godly? A. If I have lift up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate: then let my arm fall from my shoulderblade, and mine arm be broken from the bone; for destruction from God was a terror to me; and by reason of his highness, I could not endure. Job 31.21, 22, 23. Q. 76 Is there any farther use of terrors to the godly, besides for restraint from sin? A. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Phil. 2.12. Q. 77 Doth fear of God's threaten arise from the weakness of the godly, or from their faith? A. By faith Noah being warned of God, of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an Ark to the saving of his house. Heb. 11.7. Q 78 Some would have the Sabbath to be kept but as other days of the week; What say you to them? A. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy, six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God, in it thou shalt not do any work, etc. Exod. 20.8, 9, 10. Q. 79 They say this is Jewish, and Ceremonial; show them a Sabbath instituted before there were either Jews as any of their ceremonies? A. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made: and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made, and God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it, etc. Gen. 2.2, 3. Q. 80 Should wicked men pray to God? A. Pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee; for I perceive thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Acts 8.22, 23. Q. 81 Is the usual discourse of hard controversies among weak Christians to be approved? A. Him that is weak in the faith, receive you, but not to doubtful disputations. Rom. 14.1. Q. 82 If I have a true opinion, which cannot be vented without offence, may I vent it? A. Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God: happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. Rom. 14.22. Q. 83 Some press very much for Uniformity; is that according to the Scriptures? A. Now I beseech you brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you, but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgement. 1 Cor. 1.10. Q. 84 By what arguments doth the Scripture urge this? A. If there be any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love; if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like minded, being of one accord, of one mind. Phil. 2.1, 2. Q. 85 What directions must we follow, that we may attain this Unity? A. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Phil. 2.3. Q. 86 What respect ought the strong Christian to bear towards the weak? A. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not. Rom. 14.3. Q. 87 What respect ought the weaker Christian to carry towards the stronger? A. Let not him which eateth not, judge him that eateth. Rom. 14.3. Q. 88 Some question the lawfulness of keeping public Fasts appointed by the Magistrate; what have you in Scripture that might satisfy them? A. Jehosaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a Fast throughout all Judah, and Judah gathered themselves together to ask help of the Lord, even out of all the Cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord. 2 Chron. 20.3.4. Q. 89 Hath the Magistrate power also to appoint a day to be kept yearly, to celebrate some national mercy? A. Ester the Queen, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew and Ester the Queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves, and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry. Est. 9 29.31. Q. 90 I perceive you grant much to the civil powers, what if they should take upon them to do that which belongs properly to Church officers, should that also be yielded to them? A. They withstood Vzziah the King, and said unto him, It pertaineth not unto thee, Vzziah, to burn Incense unto the Lord, but to the Priests, the sons of Aaron, that were consecrated to burn Incense; go out of the Sanctuary, for thou hast trespassed, neither shall it be for thine honour from the Lord God. 1 Chron. 26.18. Q. 91 In these days many private men that are brought up to worldly callings, take upon them to preach; is this practice to be justified, or disapproved? A. He shall say I am no prophet, I am an husbandman; for man taught me to keep cattle from my youth. Zech. 13.5. Q. 92 Those Ministers that have spent their estates and times to fit themselves for that calling, have their maintenance withheld by many, and divers have petitioned to have it taken away; how will God take this at their hands? A. Will a man rob God? yet ye have rob me; but ye say, wherein have we rob thee? in Tithes and Offerings: ye are cursed with a curse, etc. Mal. 3.8, 9 Q. 93 You speak of Minister as separated from the ordinary rank of Christians; what is requisite for the making of a Minister besides gifts? A. The holy Ghost said, separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them: and when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. Acts 13.2, 3. Q 94 By whom ought the Ministers to be ordained? A. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery. 1 Tim. 4.14. Q. 95 Is the power of Church discipline in the people or in the Officers of the Church? A. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophecy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence. Rom. 12.6, 7, 8. Q. 96 Should the people attend upon the ministry of those whom God hath placed over them? or may they go indifferently to any other profitable Minister? A. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves; for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief, for that is unprofitable to you. Heb. 13.17. Q. 97 Have Synods or Elders of Churches assembled together, power to determine differences, and make decrees? A. As they went through the Cities they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the Apostles and Elders which were at Jerusalem. Acts 16.4. A. Q. 98 I have heard a book written to prove that the soul of man remains not after death; how will you confute that? A. He went and preached to the spirits in prison; which sometimes were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah. 1 Pet. 3.19, 20. Q. 99 They say there is another book out, to prove that a man may put away his wife, if she be not a meet helper: how may I answer all the arguments there alleged? A. It hath been said, whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of a divorcement: but I say unto you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced, committeth adultery. Mat. 5.31, 32. Q. 100 There are many other new opinions, that men teach and write for, with specious arguments; I would fain be satisfied about them: how shall I discern the truth? A. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. James 1.5. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God, etc. John 7.17. To the Law, and to the testimony, if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Isa. 8.20. The Priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the Law at his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of Hosts. Mal. 2.7. If they be ashamed of all that they have done; show them the form of the house; and the fashion thereof, etc. Ezech. 43.11. Postscript to the judicious Reader. IF thou hast read over this Catechism, thou mayest easily perceive that it was penned for Christians of the lowest form: to whom the Author intended, with briefness, clearness and Scripture-language, to give general notes for caution against all the dangerous Doctrines of the times, and special hints for satisfaction concerning some of the most obvious mistakes and errors. If the sight of this may occasion from thee a fuller, and exacter Treatise of this nature, none shall be more willing to study such a Catechism than myself. Thine and the truths, I. K. FINIS.