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

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

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

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

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

WE, an eſcaped Remnant of poor Sinners of the Gentiles,Iſa. 37.31. Judg, 20.1, 11. 1 Cor. 14.23. Deut. 29.1. 1 Sam. 7.2. Iſa. 37.3. 1 Cor. 4.9. Nehem. 9.2. Ezek. 36.31. Rom 5.12. Jer. 5.23. Ezek. 16.6, 8. 1 Pet. 2.3. knit as one Man, and aſſembled together in one Place, to Renew Covenant with the Lord, and to lament after him in this Day of Trouble, Rebuke and Blaſphemy; Do before God, Angels and Men, moſt ſolemnly confeſs, bewail, and loath our Selves for our Apoſtacy from God in Adam, and for all our abominable revoltings in Heart and Life, as well before, as ſince the time of Love and Life came, wherein we taſted that the Lord is gracious: Eſpecially do we judge our ſelves,1 Cor. 11.31. Levit. 10.3. Jer. 7.31. Ezra 9.10, 15. Neh. 13.23, 27 Mal. 2.11, 12. Hoſea 6.7. for that there have been found with us, thoſe great Evils of offering unto the Lord ſtrange Fire (Worſhip which he commanded not) Of Marrying ſtrangers to God and his Covenant; and of dealing treacherouſly with God in his Covenant, to follow after lying Vanities; For theſe,Jonah 2.8. and all our innumerable evils, we abhor our ſelves before the Lord,Pſal. 40.12. Job 42.6. as in Duſt and Aſhes,Neh. 9.33. Acknowledging him to be juſt in all that is brought upon4 us, for he hath done right, but we have done wickedly: Yet mourn we not as thoſe without hope,1 Theſſ. 4.13. Pſal. 107.43. Jer. 3.1, 5. Hoſea 14.1, 2. but underſtanding the Loving-kindneſs of the Lord, that he yet invites us to return to him, we take with us words, and cry to him, Art thou not our Father, the guide of our Youth? Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciouſly, ſo will we render thee the calves of our Lips: Thus by Faith do we look again unto the Holy Temple,Jonah 2.4. Heb. 12.15, 16 Deut. 29.18. and having diligently ſearched leſt any one of us fail of the Grace of God, that there be no root of bitterneſs ſpringing up in us, to trouble us, and that there be no Fornicatour, or profane Perſon as Eſau: As a People prepared for the Lord,Luke 1.17. Ezek. 11.18, 19 we caſt away all our deteſtable things; And with one heart, in one way which God hath given us for our good,Jer. 32.39. and of our children after us; We do ſtand this day all of us before the Lord our God,Deu. 29.11, 15 Jer. 17.10. the Searcher of Hearts, We, our Elders, and Deacons, and our little ones which the Lord hath given us, that we ſhould again enter into Covenant with the Lord our God, and into his Oath which the Lord our God maketh with us this day, that he may eſtabliſh us to day for a People unto himſelf, and our ſeed with us, and not here with us this day; that he may be unto us a God,Gal. 3.7.6, 14, 29. & 4.28. as he hath ſaid to us, and as he hath ſworn unto our Fathers, to Abraham, to Iſaac, and5 to Jacob, whoſe children we are,Iſa. 44.5. and heirs with them according to the Promiſe by Faith in Jeſus Chriſt;

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

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

To Avouch Jehovah alone for our GOD.

To chuſe the Written Word for our Only Rule;

To walk blameleſs in all the Ordinances of the Lord:

To Diſcharge our ſeveral Relative Duties.

Firſt. We do thro' the help of the Spirit, by Covenant,2 Cor. 3.5. 2 Chr. 30.18, 20. & 34.32. Pſal. 83.18. Matth. 28.19. ſtand to our Baptiſm (tho' not ſo regularly adminiſtred) into the Name of the Living and True God, whoſe Name alone is Jehovah, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, theſe Three, The Lord, our God,Deut. 6.4. the Lord being6 One Lord,Pſalm 96.5. all other Gods being Idols: This God alone we do ſolemnly Avouch for a God and Father to us and our Seed,Deut. 26.17. & 4.37. to Love him with all our heart, and with all our ſoul,Matth. 12.30. and with all our mind, and with all our ſtrength, and to cleave to him for ever as our God and Father in our Lord Jeſus Chriſt,Deut. 10.20. 2 Cor. 1.2, 3. 1 Tim. 3.15. & 2.5. Jer. 23.6. Phil. 3.8, 9. 1 Cor. 1.30. God-Man, the One Mediator between God and Men, Jehovah our Righteouſneſs, counting all our own Righteouſneſs as Loſs and Dung, truſting to him only for Juſtification, Sanctification, and compleat Salvation from the Curſe of God's Law,Gal. 3.10, 13. Matth. 1.21. all our Sins, and all evils whatſoever; having hope of the Reſurrection of the Body,2 Tim. 4.18. Acts 23.6. 2 Theſſ. 2.1. and of coming to, and ſtanding with him in Judgment, fully expecting preſervation to his heavenly Kingdom, to whom be Glory for ever,2 Tim. 4.18. and ever, Amen.

Secondly. We do, through the Help of the Spirit,2 Cor. 3.5. Pſal. 119, 30. Gal. 6.16. Col. 2.5. Epheſ. 2.20. Rev. 14.1. & 15.3. 1 Tim. 5.21. Mal. 2.9. Prov. 30.5. Pſal. 119.128. by Covenant chuſe all the Written Word of God to be our only Rule for Faith, and Order, ſo building upon the Foundation of the Apoſtles and Prophets, and on this Mount Sion, ſinging the Song of Moſes and the Lamb; We ſhall not prefer one part of the Word by partiallity to another, but eſteeming every Word of God to be pure, and all the Precepts concerning all things to be right, and nothing7 to be refus'd;Rom. 15.4. We ſhall take whatſoever is written therein for our Learning, Reproof, Correction,2 Tim. 3.15, 17 and Inſtruction in Righteouſneſs, as throughly furniſhing us to all good Works; Therefore do we hate the Apocrypha,Pſal. 119.104.128. Rev. 22.18. and all additions of Men whatſoever, to this our only Rule; yet not accounting that we have already attained, or are already perfect,Phil. 3.12, 13. Pſal. 119.105. Iſa. 8.20. we will reach forth to thoſe things which are before, by the Light of the Word waiting for the teachings of the Spirit of Truth,John 16.13. to lead us into all Truth, in a diligent comparing Scripture with Scripture,1 Cor. 2.13. Prov. 4.18. till the light thereof ſhine more and more unto the perfect day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Admonition, Privately given,Mat. 18.15, 17 1 Tim. 5.20. Numb. 12.14. Ezek. 43.11. for private Offences; Publickly, when the Offence relates to the Body; with ſhutting up from Special Ordinances thoſe that10 ſlight the Church,2 Theſ. 3.14, 15 or their own Elders, that ſuch may be aſham'd.

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

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

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

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

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

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

To our Own Officers:

To our Infant Seed:

To each other ſingly; And

To the whole Body jointly.

Iſt. Neb. 10.29. Deut. 1.13. 1 Cor. 9.7, 15. Heb. 13.17.We Covenant to Diſcharge our Duty to our own Officers choſen from among our ſelves; to maintain, ſubmit to, and pray for our Paſtour; to cleave12 to him,2 Theſſ. 3.1. Acts 17.34. 1 Sam. 22.23. 2 Tim. 4.2. Prov. 21.16. 1 Cor. 4.15, 16 1 Theſſ. 5.13. 1 Cor. 4.1, 2. 2 Tim. 4.14, 15 3 John 9, 10. Pſal. 101.5. and to abide by him, waiting upon his Miniſtry in Seaſon and out of Seaſon; not wilfully wandring from, or forſaking it to attend upon any other; eſteeming him very highly in Love for his Works ſake, as a Steward of the Myſteries of God to us: We ſhall not ſuffer any privily to backbite, whiſper, or prate againſt our Paſtour with malicious words, for ſuch are to be cut off; We ſhall Honour and Obey our own Elders in the Lord, not rebuking,1 Tim. 5.1.17.19. but intreating them as Fathers; counting them worthy of double Honour, who rule well, eſpecially thoſe who labour in the Word and Doctrine; Reſpecting alſo our Deacons and being ready for every good work to which they ſhall call. Neh. 13.13. 1 Tim. 6.18.

IIdly. We Covenant to diſcharge our Duty to our Infant Seed;Gen. 18.19. Jude 3. Gen. 17.7, 12. Deut. 10.15.14.1, 2. contending earneſtly for the Faith once delivered to the Saints, of their right to a relation unto God in his Church with us, and to Baptiſm, the Seal thereof; We being a Spouſe of Chriſt our Royal Husband,Mal. 2.15. 1 Cor. 7.14. & 10.2. Eze. 16.20, 21. & 46.16, 18. Jer. 30.20. Acts 2.39. Epheſ. 2.13. Pſal. 147.13. All our Children therefore are his, born to him, who hath promis'd to us Gentiles that were afar off, that he will not thruſt our children out of their poſſeſſion; but that even our children ſhall inherit, and be continu'd a holy Seed as afore-time; that our Congregation ſhould be eſtabliſht, and the Bars13 of our Gates ſtrength'ned,Iſa. 65.23. & 66.22. Joſh. 24.16. Joel 2.16, 17. Pſal. 90.16. Eſther 10.3. Nehem. 2.10. Pſal. 101.1. Epheſ. 6.4. Prov. 22.6. 1 Chr. 28.9. 2 Chr. 29.11. & 30.6. Iſa. 44.3, 5. Gen. 21.9, 12. by the Lord's bleſſing our children within us; therefore will we and our Houſe ſerve the Lord, ſeeking as well in the Congregation, as in Secret, for the Bleſſing of the Lord, and his Peace upon our children; walking before them in a perfect way; training them up in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord; and calling upon them as they grow up, to avouch the Lord for their God, and to take on themſelves the Bond of the Covenant, caſting out ſuch of them as prove Scoffers, and deſpiſers of their Birthright.

IIIdly, We Covenant to diſcharge our Duty to each other as members in particular;1 Cor. 12.27. 1 Pet. 1.22. Gal. 6.2. Epheſ. 4.2. Rom. 12.10. Mark 13.37. to Love one another with a pure heart fervently; to bear each others burthens, forbearing one another, and in Honour eſteeming each better than our ſelves; to watch over each other, not hating our Brother by ſuffering ſin to reſt upon him,Levit. 19.17. but in any wiſe to rebuke him: We ſhall not conſent, hearken to,Deut. 13.6, 11. Prov. 29.24. pity, ſpare, nor conceal any, tho' dear as our own ſoul, that would ſecretly intice us to depart from the true Faith of God in which we ſtand;1 Pet. 5.12. Heb. 3.12, 13. Acts 11.23. James 5.16. Luke 22.32. 1 Theſſ. 4.18. but daily will we exhort each other, with full purpoſe of heart to cleave unto the Lord; praying for, ſtrengthning and comforting one another in the ways of Chriſt; no Brother wronging, nor defrauding a Brother,1 Cor. 6.1, 8. nor going to Law with him14 before unbelievers, the Saints being to judge all matters relating to the Brethren; And conſecrating our ſubſtance to the Lord,Mic. 4.13. Eſther 10.3. Rom. 12.13. Acts 4.32. we ſhall ſeek the welfare of each other, diſtributing to the neceſſities of the Saints, according to the Example of the People of God in the Apoſtles times,1 Cor. 7.26, 27. as far as the preſent diſtreſs doth permit; not refuſing to lay down even our lives for the Brethren,1 John 3.16. Pſal. 137.6. as preferring this Sion to our chiefeſt Joy.

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

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

Wives being obedient to their own Husbands in the Lord:

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

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

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

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

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

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

To ſtand together for the Defence of the Truth;

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

To preſs forward in our Heavenly Courſe.

1st,1 Pet. 1.15. 2 Tim. 2.4. As a Body of Chriſt we ſhall be holy to the Lord in all manner of Converſation; not intangling our ſelves with the Affairs of this Life;Zeph. 3.9. Epheſ. 5.4. in Language ſeeking Purity, avoiding all fooliſh Talking, or Jeſting, which is not convenient; having our Speech ſeaſon'd with Salt,Col. 4.6. that it may adminiſter Grace to the Hearers: And we being redeem'd from a vain Converſation,1 Pet. 1.14, 18. ſhall not faſhion our ſelves according to the former Luſts in our Ignorance, but adorning our ſelves with modeſt Apparel, becoming People profeſſing Godlineſs,1 Tim. 2.9. Deut. 22.5. with 1 Cor. 11.1.16. Ezek. 44.20. Rev. 9.7, 8. Zeph. 1.8. Iſa. 3.24. Jude 23. No Woman ſhall wear that which pertains to a Man, nor any Man put on a Woman's Garment, or Covering, all that do ſo being an Abomination to the Lord, who will puniſh all ſuch who are cloath'd with ſtrange Apparel, ſtrange to Nature, or ſtrange to Scripture; therefore ſhall we hate even16 the Garment ſpotted with the Fleſh;Gen. 35.2. 2 Cor. 6.14. Joſh. 23.12, 13. Judg. 2.1.4. 2 Chron. 19.2.20.35, 37. Deut. 7.3, 5. Ezra 9.14. & 10.3, 5. Neb. 13.23, 27 Mal. 2.11.15. Heb. 6.10. Levit. 18.30. Prov. 2.17. Mal. 2.14. Gen. 23. all. Ruth 1.17. 1 King 13.31. we will not unequally Yoke our ſelves with Unbelievers, nor join in Affinity, or make Leagues with ſuch as are not in a viſible relation to Chriſt in his Church; nor yet ſhall we give our Daughters to their Sons, nor take their Daughters to our Sons, leſt our Children learn their ways, and we ſo mingle the Holy Seed, that there be no Remnant of us, or eſcaping: Deſiring alſo to be married as God's People were of old, and not according to vain Cuſtoms, all which are forbidden; avoiding as much as in us lies, being interr'd with Strangers; ſo following the Example of the Saints, who coveted to be buried with their own People.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Or that affirm Juſtification is only by the Death of Chriſt, and conſiſts only in Remiſſion of Sin:Rom. 5.10, 19. & 10.4. The Word aſſuring us, that Juſtification is as well by Chriſt's19 perfect Obedience to the Law,Heb. 5.8, 9. Cant. 4.7. 2 Cor. 5.21. Eph. 5.27. 1 Joh. 3.7. as by his Death under its Curſe, and therein the Sinner is not only forgiven, but accounted perfectly righteous:

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

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

Theſe Doctrines ſhall we deteſt;Pro. 2.6. to 15. Pſal. 17.4.19.7. 2 Tim. 3.15.17. Together with all, that queſtion the Validity of any part, or the ſufficiency of the whole written Word, for perfecting the Man of God in all things whatſoever; ſo reproaching20 our faithful Prophet who hath ſeal'd the Viſion,Mal. 2.9. Heb. 3.5, 6. Dan. 9.24. Jer. 8.8, 9. and given us a Rule in every thing compleat.

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

Therefore we will not give place by ſubjection,Gal. 2.5. & 5.1. 2 Tim. 2.1. Rev. 14.1. Gal. 2.11. Rev. 2.10.3.15, 16. 1 King. 18.21. Zech. 11.8. Pſal. 69.9.119.139. 1 Cor. 4.3. Pſal. 69.7. Heb. 12.3. Pſal. 69.8. Gal. 4.16. Micah 7.1, 7. Luke 14.26. to 33. no not for an hour, to any that would bring us into Bondage, but being ſtrong in the Grace which is in Chriſt Jeſus, and ſhewing the Father's Mark in the Forehead, we ſhall withſtand them to the Face, ſtedfaſtly reſiſting even to the Death; Proteſting againſt all coldneſs, lukewarmneſs, halting or indifferency in the Cauſe of Chriſt, which things his Soul hates: The Zeal of Chriſt's Houſe having eaten us up, for his ſake therefore, ſhall we gladly bear the unrighteous Judgments, Reproaches and Contradictions of all ſorts of ſinners, whether open Enemies, falſe Brethren, lukewarm Churches or Kindred according to the fleſh; profeſſing to have counted the Coſt, and willingly to deny and forſake all, Friends, Relations, Enjoyments, and whatſoever is dear to us in this World,Rev. 14.4. 1 Cor. 4.9, 13. Heb. 11.24, 27 that we may follow the Lamb whitherſoever he goeth, laying our Reputation, Eſtate, Liberty, yea Life it ſelf at21 the Feet of Jeſus Chriſt,Matth. 16.24, 27. our Lord and Saviour.

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

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

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

AND now bleſſing our God for eſtabliſhing us a Church of Chriſt by Covenant,Pſal. 105.8, 10 2 Cor. 1.21. Epheſ. 2.22. 1 Tim. 3.15. Rev. 2.7. Matth. 5.14. Pſal. 46.5. Matth. 16.18. 2 Cor. 13.14. a Houſe for himſelf to dwell in, a Pillar and Ground of Truth, a Golden Candleſtick to hold forth his Light to the World; Truſting that the Lord is in the midſt of us, and that the Gates of Hell ſhall not prevail againſt us; We commend our ſelves to the Grace of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, the Love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Spirit,Pſal. 78.37. Col. 2.5. Iſa. 45.24. 2 Cor. 12.9. whereby our hearts ſhall be ſtedfaſt in this Covenant; Expecting from Chriſt our Mediatour, All Righteouſneſs and Strength, Strength to ſupply us with all Grace to do,Heb. 9.14, 15. and Righteouſneſs to pardon all our failings in this our Covenant;Gal. 2.16. not looking to be juſtify'd by our Obedience hereto,Heb. 13.20, 21 all our Salvation being in the Blood of the Everlaſting Covenant of Grace, made with Chriſt for us,Iſa. 55.3. and24 given to us as a Free Teſtament:2 Chr. 23.16. & 34.30, 32. This Covenant being the Holy Bond of our Souls to be the Lord's People, to walk fully after the Lord, and to keep his Commandments.

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

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

1 JOHN II.

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

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

THE CONTENTS OF THE Catechiſm.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Firſt Leſſon, Of GOD.

Queſtion 1. WHAT are You?

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

Queſtion 2. What is God?

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

Queſtion 3. How then ſhall we know God?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Second Leſſon About the Decrees and Creation.

Queſtion 1. WHY did God create all things?

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

Queſtion 2. What are God's Eternal Decrees?

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

Queſtion 3. When did Ged make all things?

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

Queſtion 4. Of what did God make all things?

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

Queſtion 5. How did God create all things?

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

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

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

Queſtion 7. What are Angels?

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

Queſtion 8. What Creature is Man?

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

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

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

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

Queſtion 1. HOW long did Man continue Upright?

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

Queſtion 2, How came Man to fall by Sin?

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

Queſtion 3. What Creature is the Devil?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Fourth Leſſon About Redemption by the Perſon of CHRIST.

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

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

Queſtion 2. Who is Jeſus Chriſt?

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

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

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

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

Anſwer,Luke 1.35. Matth. 1.18.2.1. The Holy Spirit overſhadowing the Virgin Mary, ſhe conceiv'd, and that Holy Thing that was Born of her13 in Bethlehem in Judea,Luke 1.32. was Jeſus Chriſt the Son of the Moſt High God!

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

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

Queſtion 6. How doth Jeſus Chriſt ſave Sinners?

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

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

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

Queſtion 8. What is the Everlaſting Covenant of Grace?

Anſwer. Pſal. 89.3.28 to 38. Iſa. 53.10, 11. Pſal. 40.6, 8.The Covenant of Grace is the Eternal Agreement of the Father with the Son, in which the Father on the part of the Godhead promis'd to the Son, Eternal Life for all the Elect, upon14 his performing all Conditions,Iſa. 26.12. for and in them that ſhall be ſav'd.

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

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

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

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

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

Anſwer. Heb. 7.22. 2 Cor. 5.21.Jeſus Chriſt makes up the Breach between God and Man as his People's Surety in their Stead; being15 made under the Law,Gal. 4.4, 5. Matth. 5.17. Gal. 3.13. 1 Cor. 15.3, 4. Rom. 1.3, 4. and 4.25. obeying it perfectly in his Life, and dying the ſhameful Death of the Croſs under the Curſe of it, and riſing again the Third Day, he ſo fulfill'd all Conditions of Life, and Salvation for them.

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

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

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

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

The Fifth Leſſon. About the Application of Redemption.

Queſtion 1. WILL Jeſus Chriſt ſave all Men?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anſwer. All that are elected to Salvation, are elected alſo to the Means of Salvation,2 Theſſ. 2.13. 1 Pet. 1.2. being choſe to be ſav'd thro' Faith in Chriſt, and Sanctification18 of the Spirit unto Obedience,Rom. 6.17, 18. Acts 15.9, 11. Rom. 8.1.14. which Faith all the Elect ſhall have to purifie their hearts, ſo that they cannot live after the fleſh!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Queſtion 11. What accompanies the Souls believing in Chriſt?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Queſtion 7. What is the Law?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. 1 John 3.4. James 2.10. Mat. 23.23.By conſidering that any Tranſgreſſion of the Law, or the least want of whatſoever the Law requires is Sin.

Queſtion 10. Can any Man obey the Commandments perfectly?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Queſtion 12. What is the Goſpel?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anſwer. Chriſt hath ſet up his Churches,1 Pet. 2.3, 5, 9, 12. Luke 1.6. in which we ſhould walk blameleſs in all the Ordinances and Commands28 of God,Mat. 12.50. Acts 2.42. 11.26. Gal. 6.16. Mal. 4.4. 2 Cor. 9.13. not being partial in his Law, but eſteeming the Commands as highly in the Old Teſtament as in the New, both being our Rule; and ſuch only are call'd Chriſtians in the Scripture, and to be accounted viſible Believers, who profeſs their Subjection to Chriſt in his Church.

The Seventh Leſſon. About Glorifying God in his Churches.

Queſtion I. WHat is the Church of Christ?

Anſwer. The Church of Chriſt is either,

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

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

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

Anſwer. More generally, and briefly two Things go to the due Conſtitution of every Church of Chriſt, Scripture Faith,Col. 2.5, 6.30 and Order, without both which there can be no true Church: But more largely, and particularly, to the regular Conſtitution of every true Church, theſe^*^*Prov. 9.1. Theſe are the Churches Seven Pillars. Seven things are neceſſary:

Right

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anſwer. Pſal. 50.5. Deut. 29.1, 9, 15. 2 Cor. 8.5. with 2 Chron. 23.16. and 34.31.The only right forming of a Church is by Covenant, in which all do give up themſelves and their Children to the Lord, and to each other by his Will, to be the Lord's People, and to walk after him in all his ways; by ſuch a Covenant32 were the Churches both in the Old and in the New Teſtament form'd,Neh. 10.1, 29. with Act 11.23. Jer. 50.5. with Act. 9.26. Heb. 8.6.13. Eph. 4.3. with Ezek. 20.37. Neh. 9.38. Ezek. 43.11. call'd in God's Word the First and Second Covenant, and this being the Bond of the Churches Peace, it is moſt expedient to have written in our ſight, that we may keep it, and do it.

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

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

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

Paſtor, and
Deacon.

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

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

Theſe Officers to be choſen by the Church from among themſelves,Acts 14.23. and by them to be ordain'd, or ſet a part to their33 Work, with Faſting and Praying; without laying on of Hands;Profit not, 1 Cor. 12.7. Edifie not. 1 Cor. 14.12, 26 that Ceremony being no more to be us'd, than waſhing of Feet, or anointing with Oyl; becauſe the glorious Gifts that once attended it, are long ſince ceas'd.

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

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

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

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

Anſwer. The Four general Ordinances are

Praiſe,
Prayer,
Preaching, And
Contribution.

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

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

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

Queſtion 10. What are the Seals of the Church?

Anſwer. The Seals of the Church are Two

Baptiſm,

And the

Lords Supper.

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

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

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

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

361st. Baptiſm Seals to Church-Members,Gal. 3.27. 1 Cor. 1.2. & 7.14. with 12.12. Heb. 12.24. Ezek. 36.25. 1 Pet. 3.21. and their Seed an outward relation to Chriſt in the Church Covenant; and to the Elect alſo their ſaving-relation to Chriſt by his Blood ſprinkled, And his Spirit pour'd upon them:

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

Queſtion 12. What are the Keys of the Church?

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

Fellowſhip, And

Cenſure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 John 5.21.

Little Children keep your ſelves from Idols. Amen!

2, 3 John 4.

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

Jude 24, 25.

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

FINIS.

About this transcription

TextThe Covenant to be the Lord's people, and to walk after the Lord signed by the meeting at Horsly-Down in Southwark.

AuthorJacob, Joseph, 1667?-1722..

Extent Approx. 110 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 33 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images.

Edition1700

SeriesEarly English books online.

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(EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A87350)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 151188)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1761:1 or 2248:16b)

About the source text

Bibliographic informationThe Covenant to be the Lord's people, and to walk after the Lord signed by the meeting at Horsly-Down in Southwark. Jacob, Joseph, 1667?-1722.. 24 p. Printed for the Use of the Church,London :1700.. (Includes The catechism, or Brief instruction in the faith and order of the Gospel, for the church of Christ meeting at Horsly-Down in Southwark. London, 1700 (Wing 2nd ed. C1477), which is filmed and cataloged separately at reel 1629:18.) (Reproductions of originals in: Bodleian Library and Congregational Library (London, England).) (Item at reel 2248:16b with: The covenant and catechism of the church ... at Horsly-Down / J. Jacobs. London, 1700 (Wing J99A).)

Languageeng

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Baptists -- Creeds -- Early works to 1800.
Baptists -- Catechisms -- Early works to 1800.
Dissenters, Religious -- England -- Early works to 1800.

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ImprintAnn Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2011-04 (EEBO-TCP Phase 2).

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STC Wing J100
STC ESTC R43655
EEBO-CITATION 42475063
OCLC ocm 42475063
VID 151188

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