Queries Propounded to the Churches of Christ, Questions

Queries Propounded to the Churches of Christ · Questions

CERTAIN QUERIES, PROPOVNDED To the Churches of Chriſt; and all that fear God, and love the appearing of King JESUS.

QVERIE. 1.

WHether there be not ſufficient in the Bible, as it is tranſlated into Engliſh, for Believers under the Goſpell to prove their Faith, and Order or Church-fellowſhip by, without any tradition of men, as Matth. 20.28. teaching them to obſerve whatſoever I have commanded you, and lo I am with you alway, even to the end of the world; according to Tim. 2, 3.14, 15, 16, 17. But continue thou in the things which thou haſt learned, and haſt been aſſured of; knowing of whom thou haſt learned them, And … form a childe thou haſt known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wiſe unto ſalvation, through faith which is in Chriſt Jeſus: All Scripture is given by inſpiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for inſtruction in righteouſneſſe, that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furniſhed unto all good workes; Compared with Rev. 22.18, 19.

Q 2. Whether Chriſt Jeſus hath not given as plain and perſpicuous a rule under the Goſpel, to Believers in all their Adminiſtrations to the end of the world, as Moſes did to the Jews under the Law Deut. 4.2. Iſa 8.20. Jer. 6.16. Joh. 5.39. Search the Scriptures, for in them you think to have eternall life, and them are they that teſtifie of me: compared with Epheſ. 4 8.11. to the 14.

Quer. 3. Whether any thing may be brought into the worſhip of God, for matter or form, that is not expreſt in the Goſpell, or the Epiſtle of the Apoſtles, ſeeing the Jewes were required ſo ſtrict obedience under the Law; as it was given of God by Moſes, Deut 12.32. What thing ſoever I command you to obſerve do it, thou ſhalt not adde thereto nor diminiſh from it: compared with Pro. 30.6. But believers much more under the Goſpell, as given by Chriſt: Heb. 1.1, to the 4. and 2.1, to the 5. and 3.1, to the 4. and 10.28, 29. He that deſpiſed Moſes Law died without merciemercy, under two or three witneſſes: Of how much ſorer puniſhment ſhall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Sonne of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was ſanctified, an un-holy thing, and hath done deſpight unto the ſpirit of Grace?

Quer. 4. Whether actuall Believers, confeſſing ſins, and profeſſing faith, with p. 2deſire of the Ordnance, be not the true ſubject of Baptiſme or Dipping: And the right form, Dipping or Burying in water, not Sprinkling with water, it being not according to the rule and inſtitution of Chriſt and the primitive Churches practice, Mat. 28 19, 20. Acts 2.37, 38. and 8.12, 13. But when they believed Philip, preaching to them the Kingdome of God, and the name of Jeſus Chriſt, they were all dipt both men and women, compared with verſes 36, and 37. Rom. 6.4. Coll. 2.10. And this is performed in ſhew by Godfathers and Godmothers, commanding the Prieſt to dip the childe, as is cleer in the Rubrick: And whether the Adminiſtrator be not to go down into the water, as Philip with the Eunuch, Acts 3.38. and Iohn with Jeſus, Matth. 3.16.

Quer. 5. Whether repentance and faith, with deſire of dipping, be not of neceſſitie to be required, according to the former Scriptures; and declared in the Catechiſme ſet forth by authoritie, of every one that is baptiſed. And whether there be not the ſame ground for Common Prayer, Surplice, and the reſt, as for ſprinkling of Infants?

Quer. 6. Whether Chriſt commanded, or the Diſciples and Apoſtles ever practiſed the dipping (much leſſe the ſprinkling) of Infants of eight dayes old, or the like; or when or by whom it was firſt invented; which we finde to be one Fidus a Prieſt, and confirmed by Pope Innocentius about 300 years after Chriſt: And whether ſuch as ſeek to uphold it by Scripture, be not thoſe falſe accuſers Paul ſpeaks of, 2 Tim. 3.3. In that they pretend Scripture for it, when both the Church of Rome, Councels and Fathers (as they call them) confeſſe it to be but a Tradition: And whether the Inventers and upholders declare not themſelves worſe then Balam, Numb. 22.18, who being ſent for by Balack to curſe the people of God, and ſo to be raiſed to great promotion, anſwered; If Balack would give me his houſe full of ſilver and gold, I cannot go beyond the Word of the Lord my God, to do leſſe or more.

Quer. 7. Whether every one that looks for life, and ſalvation by Chriſt, and profeſſe faith in him, be not bound to partake of that one Baptiſme, Eph. 4.4, 5, and not content themſelves with any inventions of men: For as Eliah ſaid 1 Kings 18.21, how long halt ye between two opinions, if God be God follow him, if Baal be God follow him: So ſay I, if Dipping actuall Believers be Gods Ordinance, obey and imbrace it; If Sprinkling Infants be according to Chriſts inſtitution, prove it by the Scripture, and continue it: For as the Apoſtle ſaith, if he, or an Angell, bring any other doctrine then what they have received, or above what is written, let him be accurſed, Gal 189. 1 Cor. 46.

Quer. 8. Whether every particular Church of Chriſt or Aſſembly of Saints, in the order of the Goſpell, have not power from him their Head, to receive in, deal with, or caſt out their own Members, by the onelyonly Lawes, Keyes, or Statutes of him their King and Law-giver, according to Iſ. 33.22. The Church of Ieruſalem, Corinth, or the Churches of Galatia, for Iames 4.12. there is one Law-giver who is able to ſave and to deſtroy, Acts 2.41 46, 1 Cor. 5 4, 5.

Quer 9. Whether Religion be to be forced or compelled by any paenall Laws and Statutes? Or if theſe Scriptures prove not the contrary: Pſal. 18.43. and 110.3. Math. 10.1, to the 16, and 20.1, to the 10, and 28.19. Mark 16.15, 16. 2 Cor. 10.3, 4, 5. 2 Tim. 2.24, 25. And whether the Civill Magiſtrate in forcing the conſcience, fulfils not theſe Scriptures, in giving their power and Kingdome to the Beaſt, Revel. 17, 12 to the 18. And whether as was ſaid by Chriſt, Matth. 23.32, to the 36, Fill yee up the meaſure of the Fathers, ye ſerpents, ye generation of Vipers, how can ye eſcape the damnation of hell; wherefore, behold I ſend unto you Prophets, and wiſe men, p. 3and Scribes, and ſome of them ye ſhall kill and crucifie, and ſome of them ſhall ye ſcourge in the Synagogues, and perſecute them from Citie to Citie, that upon you may come all the righteous blood ſhed upon the earth, from the bloud of righteous Abel, unto the blood of Zacharias ſon of Barakias, whom ye ſlew between the Temple and the Altar: So whether the bloud, impriſonments, baniſhments, deaths, and perſecutions, of what kinde ſoever, that hath been ſpilt of any of the Saints, that hath witneſſed for the truth ſince Chriſts death, our Abel, ſhal not be required of the Kingdomes and States where they have ſuffered. According to Iſa. 43.4. and Jer. 25.13, to the 18. and Rev. 18.21, 22, 23, 24, The Angel took up a ſtone like a great milſtone and caſt it into the Sea ſaying, thus with violence ſhall that great Citie Babylon be thrown down, and ſhall be found no more at all: And the voice of Harpers and Muſitians and Pipers and Trumpeters, ſhall be heard no more at all in thee: And no Craftſman of whatſoever craft he be, ſhall be found any more in thee, and the ſound of a milſtone ſhall be heard no more at all in thee, and the light of a candle ſhall ſhine no more at all in thee, and the voice of the Bridegroom and of the Bride ſhall be heard no more at all in thee, for thy Merchants were the great men of the earth, for by thy ſorceries were all nations deceived; and in her was found the bloud of Prophets and of Saints, and of all that were ſlain upon the earth: compared with Jude 15.

10 Whether Religion is to be fought for with carnall weapons by Believers, in the firſt publiſhing the Goſpell, for the planting or after preſerving the Churches of Chriſt? Or, if theſe Scriptures prove not cleerly the contrary, Mat. 10.16, Behold I ſend you forth as ſheep in the midſt of Wolves; be ye therfore wiſe as Serpents, harmleſſe as Doves, Mat. 16.24, 25, Then ſaid Jeſus unto his Diſciples, if any man will come after me, let him deny himſelf, and take up his croſſe and follow me; for whoſoever will ſave his life ſhall loſe it, and whoſoever will loſe his life for my ſake, ſhall finde it: 2 Cor. 10.3, 4, 5, For though we walk in the fleſh we do not warre after the fleſh, for the weapons of our warfare are not carnall, but mighty through God to the pulling down of ſtrong holds, caſting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth it ſelf againſt the knowledge of God; and bringing into captivitie every thought to the obedience of Chriſt: compared with Epheſ. 6.11, to the 19. Col 1 24 Revel. 6.10, and 11.12. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their teſtimonie, and they loved not their lives unto the death: Their weapons as I conceive being onelyonly Faith, Preaching, Prayers, Sufferings, and Tears, Mark 16.16. 2 Cor. 5.20. Now then we are Embaſſadours for Chriſt, as though God did beſeech you by us; we pray you in Chriſts ſteed be ye reconciled unto God; Ier. 9.1, and 13.17. 2 Cor. 12.15. And I will very gladly ſpend and be ſpent for you, though the more abundantly I love you, the leſſe I am beloved. According to Eccleſ. 9.17, The Words of Wiſe men are heard in quiet, more then the crie of him that ruleth among Fooles.

Quer. 11. Whether Nationall or Pariſhionall Aſſemblies, be by divine Inſtitution Churches of Chriſt, now under the Goſpell, or a humane invention, and contrary to the Primitive churches practice, as 1 Cor. 1.2. Unto the church of God which is in Corinth, to them which are ſanctified in Chriſt Jeſus, called to be Saints. Ioh. 15.19. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own, but becauſe ye are not of the world, but I have choſen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 1 Pet. 2, 5, 9, Ye alſo as lively ſtones, are built up a ſpirituall houſe, an holy Prieſt-hood, to offer up ſpirituall ſacrifices, acceptable to God by Jeſus Chriſt. Verſ. 9. But ye are a choſen generation, a Royall Prieſthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that you p. 4ſhew forth the praiſes of him, who hath called you out of darkneſſe into his marvailous light: And that ſome would ſhew, how and by whom the Nationall or Parochiall Aſſemblies, were firſt begun, contrived, or conſtituted?

Quer. 12. Whether God makes any covenant under the Goſpell concerning life and ſalvation, with any Pariſhionall church and their naturall ſeed, much leſſe with any Nationall; which is cleer he doth with all the Saints, and churches of Chriſt. Mark. 16.16, He that beleeveth and is baptiſed, ſhall be ſaved Rom. 2.6.7 Who will render to every man according to his deeds, to them who by patient continuance in well doing, ſeek for glory, honour, immortality, and eternall life; The contrary proved Mat. 3 7, 8 9. Rom. 9.7, 8. Gal. 3.6, 7, 8, 9.27, 28, 29. And therefore whether practiſing contrary to the Scripture, pretending Scripture for their doings when there is none, be not as Iſaiah ſaith, ſeeking deep to hide their counſell from the Lord, whoſe works are in the dark, turning things upſide down ſaying; who ſeeth us, or who knoweth us, ſaying of him that made them he had no underſtanding. Iſaiah 29.15, 16.

Quer. 13. Whether the Pariſhionall Aſſemblies, and the Miniſterie of England, have not their Conſtitution and calling from the Church of Rome, by Auſtin the Monk? As we humbly conceive is to be ſeen in the Book of Ordination, dedicated to Archbiſhop Abbot. And whether ſuch as have their call from them, be not as truly Antichriſtian as theirs? Seeing Job the 14.4. he ſaith, Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one. Therefore Chriſt ſaith, Math. 7.15, 16 Beware of falſe Prephets which come to you in Sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ravening Wolves, ye ſhall know them by their fruites: Do men gather Grapes of Thornes, or Figges of Thiſtles: Even ſo every good Tree bringeth forth good fruit; But a corrupt Tree bringeth forth evill fruit: A good Tree cannot bring forth evill fruit, neither can a corrupt Tree bring forth good fruit. Verſes the ſeventeen and eighteen.

Quer. 14. Whether any that pretend to renounce their call from the Prelates, may preach (as ſome do) by vertue of their gifts (as they pretend) without firſt converſion to the Faith, and obedience to the Goſpell; And ſo joyning to a church of Chriſt in order, and by them ſent forth, with whom they are Members: Seeing the Apoſtle ſaith, Rom. 10.15. How ſhall they preach except they be ſent? And Acts 13.3. When they choſe Paul and Barnabas (it is ſaid) when they had faſted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and ſent them away.

Quer. 15. Whether after the Apoſtaſie JOHN ſpeakes of (Revel 6.14, 15.) Heaven being rowled up as a Scrole, and the witneſſes being ſlain (Chapter eleven verſe the ſeventh to the twelfth) the churches of Chriſt are not to be ſo gathered as they were firſt inſtituted by Chriſt, and planted by the Apoſtles, as in the firſt of the Corinthians the third and the 9, to the 15, and Revelat the eleventh and the firſt: And there was given me a Reed like unto a Rod, and the Angell ſtood ſaying; ariſe and meaſure the Temple of God, and the Altar, and them that worſhip therein.

Quer. 16. Whether the Miniſterie of the Goſpell be not thoſe gifts, and thoſe onelyonly of Apoſtles, Prophets, Evangeliſts, Paſtors and Teachers, which CHRIST gave at his Aſcenſion (Epheſ. 4.8.11.) Wherefore he ſaith when he aſcended up on high, he led captivitie captive, and gave gifts unto men; And he gave ſome Apoſtles, and ſome Prophet, and ſome Evangeliſts, and ſome Paſtors and Teachers. And whether as the falſe church is rejected and the true erected, the falſe Miniſterie be not to be forſaken and the true received, and conſequently falſe Baptiſme renounced, p. 5and the true aſſumed? According to Ier. 51.6. to the 10. The Lord hath brought forth our righteouſneſſe, come and let us declare in Zion the Work of the Lord our God. And 2 Cor. 6.17. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye ſeparate ſaith the Lord, and touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you: compared with Revelat. 18.4. Come out of her my people, pertake not of her ſinnes, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

Quere 17. Whether Abraham had not a carnall or temporall covenant made to his carnall ſeed, the Promiſe being of carnall or temporall things ſealed to them with a carnall ſeal? Gen. 17.13. Alſo a ſecond or new covenant, made with him and his Spirituall ſeed concerning ſpirituall things, even the kingdome of grace and glory: (Hebrews 8.7. to the 12) whereof the Holy ſpirit of Promiſe is the ſeal. And thus (as I conceive) things are proportionable; Two covenants (Gal. 4.24) Two ſeeds (verſe 23) Iſhmael of Abraham and Hagar, which typed the carnall ſeed; And Iſaac of Abraham and Sarah, which typed the Spirituall ſeed. Theſe had likewiſe two Seales; Circumciſion (Gen. 17.11) and the Holy ſpirit of promiſe: (2 Corinth. 1.22. Epheſians 1.13. 1 John 4.13) But now under the Goſpell, the carnall Commandement together with the ſubject, is done away by the croſſe of Chriſt (2 Coloſſ. 14.) Blotting out the hand-writing of Ordinances that was againſt us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way nayling it to his croſſe: And infteed thereof we have a ſpirituall covenant typed by the carnall: Alſo the Spiritual ſeal the Holy ſpirit of Promiſe, ſignified by the carnall ſeal likewiſe; a Spirituall Infant, a new born Babe in Chriſt, in whom Chriſt typed by the male is newly formed, ſignified by the carnall Infant: Theſe had alſo two ſtates and conditions promiſed; the naturall ſeed the Land of Canaan (Geneſis 17.8) but the Spirituall ſeed, the Kingdome of Heaven: Geneſis 17.19. Romans 9.7, 8. Galatians 3.7, 8, 9. Romans 2.7. Mark 10.30.

And whether the Admiſsion of Children to Baptiſme, and ſo into Church-fellowſhip by anothers faith, either Parents, or Godfathers and Godmothers (as they call them) be not contrary to the Scriptures? Which cleerly ſhewes that men are ſaved by their own faith, and not by the faith of others: Habakuk 2.4. Romans 1.17. Hebrews 10.38. John 1.12, 13. and 3.3.5. 2 Cor. 5.16, 17.

Quere 18. Whether it may not be ſaid of Infants ſprinkling, as at the mariage of England and Scotland? Where every one is charged to examine themſelves, as they will anſwer at the day of judgement; If they know any cauſe why they may not lawfully be joyned together then to ſpeak; Becauſe ſuch as are joyned together otherwiſe then Gods Word doth allow, are not joyned together by God, neither is their Matrimonie lawfull: So of Infants Baptiſme or Sprinkling, it may be ſaid, That thoſe that are baptiſed (or rather ſprinkled) otherwiſe then Gods Word doth command (Matthew 28.19, 20) were never baptiſed into CHRIST; (Galathians chapter the third, verſe twenty ſeven) Neither is their Baptiſme lawfull (Epheſians chapter four, verſes four and five) There is one Body and one Spirit, even as yee are called in one hope of your Calling, one LORD, one Faith, one Baptiſme.

Quer. 19. Whether under the Goſpel the Church and Civill ſtate bee not two diſtinct things as bodies or corporations Independant of themſelves, by Gods divine ordination, as is largely ſhewen by Maſter Hancoke, in the three Kingly Eſtates, Or Light for the Ignorant; That is, the civill ſtate, the true Eccleſiaſtacall State, and the falſe Ecleſiaſtical ſtate, & whether the 3 part or civil ſtate which was noted in ſpeech p. 6between Mr Selden and Maſter Grimſtone, to be but Iure Humane, having power from God only over our Eſtates Liberties & lives, and that which is externall, as is noted by Luther, and therefore are called Fathers of our fleſh, Heb. 12.9. have any authothority from God to ſettle Religion, which is Iure Divino, And ſetled already by the Parliament of Heaven, with a curſe denounced againſt all that adde or diminiſh, and therefore not to be altered, but by the ſame authority and Parliament of Heaven, by which it was enacted, Mat 28.18, 19, 20. Revel. 22.18.19.

Qu. 20. Whether it be not a Humane Invention, and not Gods Ordinance, for one to go up into a pulpit, and there ſpeake an houre or more, and deliver what he pleaſe, without queſtioning by any of the Aſſembly, though never ſo erronious, or judging by them whoſe due it is, or adding, if truth, or whether theſe Scriptures prove not the contrary, Act. 13.16. & 17.11, 1 Cor 14.31, 32. For ye may all propheſie one by one, that all may learne, and all may be comforted: and the ſpirits of the prophets are ſubiect to the prophets, for God is not author of confuſion but of peace, as in all the Churches of the Saints, And Pet. 14.10. As every man hath received the gift even ſo miniſter the ſame one to another, as good ſtewards of the manifold grace of God. And as every member that hath any gift, is to adminiſter the ſame for Gods Glory, and the peoples good, ſo the power of determinig is onelyonly in the particular Church where it is done, they being the freeeſt Independent body under heaven, whoſe power reſteth in the body, not in the Officers, Mat. 18.20. and 28.20. Act. 1.21. to the 26.

Quer. 21. Whether the ſervants of Chriſt are not to preach by vertue of a gift given, Epheſ. 4.8.11 being called thereunto by the Church of which they are members, as Acts 13.3. And not by arts learned at the Univerſitie, or Authority gotten from Biſhops or any others; And whether thoſe prieſts that hinder beleevers from exerciſing thoſe gifts, or thoſe books from printing, which are plainly proved by Scriptures, be not a part of the Four angels: Revel 7.1. that hold the four winds that they ſhould not blowe upon the earth, which cauſeth ſeparation, when men may not deliver truth, nor contradict errours, the Word of God, being as David ſaith, Pſal. 39.3. Like a fire within the breaſt of his Diſciples, they beinig as the Lawvers that take away the key of knowledge, and enter not in themſelves, but hinder thoſe that are entring. Luke 1152.

Quere. 22. Whether it can be properly ſaid that the Miniſters of Englang doe convert any to the faith of Chriſt and obedience of thegoſpel by their preaching, ſeeing they take it for granted before they ſprinkle the Infant, that it is regenerate and borne Anew, whereas before it was the Childe of wrath, but the godfathers having profeſt repentance and faith and deſired baptiſme, or having one of the parents a beleever, as they now ſay, the Miniſter ſaith, he receivs the childe into the congregation of Chriſt flock; Now we never read that the members of Chriſts church hath converſion preached unto them, after thy are added to the church, but before, to bring them thither, As Acts. 2.38, 40.41. & 3.19, and 26.17, 18. Col. 1.12, 18. Ehpe. 2.19. Now therefore ye are no more ſtrangers, and forreiners, but fellow Citizens, with the Saints & of the houſhold of God, but afterwards they are to be fed, as Paul exhorts the Elders of Epheſus, Act. 20.28. they being before begotten to the faith as he ſaith, 1 Cor. 4.15. For though you have ten thouſand Inſtructers in Chriſt, yet have ye not many Fathers, for in Chriſt Jeſus I have begotten you through the Goſpel.

Quer. 23. Whether the two Witneſſes ſpoken of in the Revel. 11.3. may not be underſtood to be the Scriptures and thoſe gifts or miniſterie of the Goſpel, Mat. 28. p. 719, 20. Epheſ. 4.8, 11. And whether their being clothed in Sackcloth, ſignifie not, their poor mean diſpiſed and perſecuted condition, according to Mat. 10.16. Behold I ſend you forth as Sheep in the midſt of Wolves, 1 Cor. 4.9. to the 13. and 2. Tim. 3.12. and John 15 18, 19. which as the Lord complaineth of the falſe Prophets, Ezekiel 34.3. Who eat the fleſh, and cloath themſelves with the wooll, which now will not ſerve, but Silke Pluſh, or Velvet, they being indeed the great Merchants of the earth according to Revel. 18.11. to the 19.

Quer. 24. Whether the true Miniſters of the Goſpel, may not or ought not to worke with their hands in ſome particular calling, to eate their owne bread, as Paul did, Acts 18.3. and gave command to all others, Mat. 10.8. freely ye have received freely given, 1 Cor. 4.12. and 9.18. Acts. 20.33, 34, 35. I have coveted no mans Silver or Gold, or apparell, yea you your ſelves know, that theſe hands have miniſtred to my neceſſity, and to them that were with me.

I have ſhewed you all things, how that ſo labouring ye ought to ſupport the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jeſus, how he ſaid it is more bleſſed to give then to receive, and 2. Theſ. 3.8. Neither did we eat any mans bread for nought, but wrought with labour and travell night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you, not becauſe we have not power, but to make our ſelves an enſample unto you, to follow us, for even when we were with you this we commanded you, that if any would not worke, neither ſhould he eate, for we heare that there are ſome which walke Amongſt you diſorderly, working not at all, but are buſie bodies, now them that are ſuch, we command and exhort by our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, that with quietneſſe they worke, and eate their owne bread, but the Lord of old, by the Prophet, reproves thoſe that preach for hire, and Divine for money, and yet would lean upon the Lord, and ſay, is not the Lord among us, Micha. 35. to the 11.

Quere 25. Whether under the Goſpel there be any priviledge or prerogative by deſcent or generation, ſeeing the Scripture ſaith, Eze. 18.4. That ſoul that ſinneth ſhall die: And Hab. 2.4. The Iuſt ſhall live by his faith, And Gal. 5.6. and 6.15. Circumciſion nor Vncircumciſion availeth any thing, but a new creature, and faith which worketh by love, and Chriſt tels the Jews who were Abrahams ſeed after the fleſh, they were of their father the Devill, Iohn 8.44. And Paul ſaith, 2 Cor. 15.16. Henceforth know we no man after the fleſh, yea though we have known Ieſus Chriſt after the fleſh, yet henceforth know we him no more: and Gal. 3.7, 8, 9, 26, 29. If you are of the faith of Abraham, then are ye bleſſed with Abraham, for ye are all the Children of God by faith in Chriſt Ieſus, and If ye be Chriſts, then are ye Abrahams ſeed and heires according to the Promiſe, according to Iohn. 1.12, 13, and 3.3, 5.

Quere 26. Whether thoſe gifts of the Apoſtles, Prophets and Evangeliſts, which Chriſt gave at his Aſſenſion, Epheſ. 4.8, 11. For the begetting to the faith, and planting in Church fellowſhip, do not continue after the apoſtacie, though commonly ſaid to be ceaſed, as well as Paſtors and Teachers, according to Mat. 28.20. Epeſ. 4.13. 1 Cor. 3.5. to the 10. or by what gifts they muſt be gathered converted or begotten, ſeeing it is the paſtors duty to feed and inſtruct thoſe that are begotten as Philemon 10. I beſeech thee for my ſon Oneſimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Now it belongs to the Miniſterie of Apoſtles to beget, and not to Paſtors and Teachers; as Acts 20.28. where they are to feed thoſe that are begotten according to Iſa. 2.3. and 1 cor 12.20. Revel. 14 2, 6, 7, 8, 13 15 17 18, 19.

Quere 27. What may be meant of the Great city Babylon, being divided into three parts, Revel. 16.19. And whether Presbiteriall Nationall Government, which ſome would have ſet up, be not the third part or diviſion thereof, and as truly Antichriſtian p. 8as the Papall or pontificall: And whether their Government would not exceed the other in cruelty, had they but the like power as the other had, over the conſciences of men, as farre as Ieroboam did his father Solomons, 1 Kings 12.10, 11, 14. or that ſome would declare, what Presbyterian Government is, what power they have wherein their ſtrength Lyes, from whom they receive it, whether from the civill ſtate, or the Ecleſiaſticall ſtate, Chriſt or the civill Magiſtrate, or compoſed of both: And whether the the Papall State at firſt aroſe not out of a Presbyteriall.

Que. 28. Whether the people of God are not in an Eſpeciall manner to hold and bear forth the Truth when it is moſt oppoſed, or decrees made againſt it, as Dan. 6.9, 10. Wherefore King Darius ſigned the writing: And the Decree, now when Daniel knew that the writing was Signed he went into his houſe, and his windowes being open in his chamber, towards Ieruſalem, he kneeled upon his knees three time a days, and prayed, and Acts 4.18, 19. the Apoſtles being commanded ſilence anſwered and ſaid, unto them whether it be right in the ſight of God, to hearken unto you more then unto God, judge ye for we cannot but ſpeak the things which we have ſeen and heard.

Quere 29. Whether the faithfull preaching and patient ſufferings of the Saints and Servants of Chriſt under the Goſpel, who have ever gone under reproaches, and trials, as Act. 2.41. 1 Cor. 1.24. Col. 1.24 1 Kings 18.17. Where Elias was counted the troubler of Iſrael, Paul and Silas was ſaid to turne the world upſide downe, Acts 17.6. Paul counted a peſtilent fellow, a mover of ſedition among the Iewes, and a ringleader of the Nazarites, yet whether they and others ſince, walking in Gods owne way faithfully, doth not more publiſh the truth to the glory of God, the Inlightening of the earth, and the overthrough of the Kingdome of Antichriſt, then all the Inventions of men, though never ſo ſeemingly holy: According to Chriſts whords to the Phariſees, Luk 16.15. Ye are they which Iuſtifie your ſelves before men, but God knoweth your hearts, for that which is highly eſteemed before men, is abomination in the ſight of God: And this made the Fathers; as they call them, ſay, the blood of the Martyrs was the ſeed of the Church.

Quere 30. Whether in all Ages ſince Chriſt there hath not been a people, though few in number, and deſpiſed, who walked neerer in practice to the order of the goſpel, and inſtitutions of Chriſt then was the generall profeſſion of the Nation, as 1 Kings 18, 19. and 19.10, 14. and Mat. 7 13, 14. Revel. 7 and 13.3. and 14.1. to the 6.

Quere 31. Whether thoſe Prieſts or Miniſters that are ſo forward for pulling downe of ſtone and woodden croſſes, pictures, ſurplices, common prayer book, and to ſtand for the liberty of the Subject, yet hold the Ordination received by the anthority from Rome, with church ſtate, tithes and baptiſme, or rather Infants ſprinkling, alſo prohibiting the libertie of conſcience, and the very inſtitutions of Chriſt, are not guilty of that who, which chriſt pronouneth to the Scribes Phariſees, and hipocrites, for that they pay tithe of Mint, Annis, & Commin, but omitted the wheightier Matter: as the Law Iudgement, Mercy and Faith, theſe, ſaith he, ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone ye blinde Guides which ſtraine at a Gnat and ſwallow a Cammell: Mat. 23.23, 24. Luk. 11.42.

Quere 32. Whether under the Goſpel there ought to be requiring or paying Tithes any more then Altar-Sacrifice Prieſts and a High Prieſt, as the Lord commanded, Exod. 20.24. and chapter 28. or Whether the Aronicall Prieſthood with thoſe Adminiſtrations ended not in chriſt, as is cleere in the ſeventh of the Hebrews or whether under the Law, the Prieſt took any more then the tenth of the increaſe, p. 9and that as Stewards, out of which they relieved the poore, the fatherleſſe, the ſtrangers and the Widowes, as in, Deut. 14.29. And how far they that would have tithes now, comes ſhort of them in deeds of merciemercy and performing dutie.

Quere 33. Whether marriage be not a civill Ordinance belonging to all men, Heb. 13.4. And ought to be performed by the civill Majeſtrate, and therefore by all the Diſciples of Chriſt, to be brought from that Antichriſtian practice, where they have made it part of their Marchandize to uphold their Kingdome, to its proper place of the civill Majeſtrate, it being Gods Ordinance among all, as Gen. 2.18. to the 24. Ruth. 41. to the 13.

Qu. 34. Whether it be not as truly Antichriſtian, and deſtructive to the rule of the Goſpel, and the Inſtitutions of Chriſt, to have two Baptiſmes, the one dipping of actuall beleevers, the other Sprinkling of Infants, As it would be deſtructive to the Law of the Land, And to the common wealth, to have two Parliaments, or two powers governing at once; And whether the power of Chriſt reſts not in the body, not in the officers, as the power of the civill State, according to Mat. 18.18, 19, 20. Acts 1.21. to the 26. 1 Cor. 5.4.5.

Quere 35. Whether the Miniſters of Chriſt after the Apoſtaſie are not to Preach by the ſame power and Authority and in the ſame manner, as being ſent out by the Church, of which they are members, as Paul and Baruabas, Act. 13.2.3. And whether every beleever, be not to ſtand for the Prerogative of Chriſt, and the Liberty of the Church, as well as members of a Common Wealth, are to ſtand for the Prerogative of the King, Priviledges of Parliament, and Libertie of the Subject, according to Gal. 5.1. ſtand faſt therfore in the Libertie wherin Chriſt hath made us free, And be not intangled againe with the yoke of bondage.

Quere 36. Whether the Advice Lately given by the 21 Miniſters, to perſwade people from entring into Church-Fellowſhip, and communion for the preſent, were not contrary to the Scripture, and the practice of the Saints, as Pſal. 18.43, 44. Aſſoone as they hear of me, they ſhall obey me, Pſal. 110.3. Thy people ſhall be willing in the day of thy power, and Cant. 14. Draw me, we will run after thee.

Quere 37. Whether the Civill Magiſtrate, under the Goſpel, hath any charge from God over the Soules of the Subjects, or whether their authority be not onelyonly in things civill; and therefore are called fathers of their fleſh, Heb. 12.9. Rom. 13.1. 1 Pet. 2.13. Furthermore we have had Fathers of our fleſh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence, ſhall we not much rather be in ſubjection unto the Father of Spirits and liue. Their ſoules being onelyonly under Subjection, to God in Chriſt, as Mat. 28.18, Where Chriſt ſaith, all power in heaven and earth is given unto me; now where it is alleadged, that under the Law, the Kings did reforme and ſet up the worſhip of God? To this I Anſwer, what they did doe, they did as Types of Chriſt, or commanded by the Prophets, But under the Goſpel it is ſaid of Zion, the church of Chriſt, that the Kings of the earth, do bring their glory and honour unto it: Revel. 21. verſe 24. And therefore as is acknowleded by Luther and others, that the Authority of the Mageſtrate is onelyonly over the body, eſtate, and life, and that which is externall, but over the Soule, God will have none to beare rule but himſelfe, the duty of the Majeſtrate being to ſupport them, as their Subjects in well doing.

Quere 38. Whether in a Reformation of Religion, things are not to be reduced to the Primitive Inſtitutions: and not to other Churches Reformations, as in Ezra 5.11. Nehemiah 8.1. to the eighth verſe, And Galatians 1.8, 9. and Revelation 11.1. Where the Angel commands to meaſure the Temple of God, and p. 10the Altar, and them that Worſhip therein; And the firſt of the Corinthians, chap. 11. verſe 23. the Apoſtle delivers that to the Church, which he had recived of the Lord.

Quere 39. Whether it hath not been the practice of the falſe Prophets under the Law, and in the time of the Goſpel, for their owne ends to ſide with the times, and to be more in number then the true Prophets or Miniſters of the Goſpel: As in Eliahs time, 1 Kings 18.22. Where Eliah a Prophet of God alone, in appeareance, but Baals Prophets four hundred and fiftie, likewiſe in King Henry the eights daves, Edward the ſixth, Queene Mary, Queene Elizabeth, what turning, ſiding and timeſerving: As alſo when the Biſhops was in their power, what cringing and ſtooping, hiding and running their countries, whereas the true miniſters of the Goſpel were ever the ſame, though never ſo few in number, yet not variable, nor changing with times or State Governement, although they went through never ſo great perſecutions, which was a part of their portion, as Mark 10.3. Phil. 1.29. Where the Apoſtle exhorts the Philippians in no thing to bee terrified by their adverſaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of Salvation: and that of God: For unto you it is given in the behalfe of Chriſt, not onelyonly to beleeve on him, but alſo to ſuffer for his ſake: And James 4.4. The friendſhip of the World is enmity with God, whoſoever therefore will be a friend of the World, is the Enemie of God, and John 14.19. If ye were of the World, the would world love his owne, but becauſe ye are not of the world, I have choſen you out of the World, therefore the World hateh you.

Quere 40. Whether it be not a ſure marke to know the Miniſters of Antichriſt by their Pride, Idleneſſe, contempt of the poore Brethren, perſecution, and covetouſneſſe, contracting for hire, changing of places for greater wages, As what will you give me, and ile be your Miniſter, Iudas like, Matthew 26. What will you give me and ile be your Miniſter to deliver CHRIST into their hands: And they covenanted for thirty peeces of ſilver; whereas the ſervants of CHRIST is to ſtrive to make the Goſpel free, Matthew 10.8. Freely ye have received; freely give: and 1 Cor. 4 12. & 9.18. & 2.12, 14, 15. Where the Apoſtle ſaith: He will not be burthenſome unto them: For ſaith he I ſeek not yours, but you, for the children ought not to lay up for the parents; but the parents for the Children: And it is to be noted, that he which came to CHRIST, telling him that he would follow whitherſoever he went (was a Scribe) but he telles him: The Foxes have holes, and the birds of the ayre have neſts, but the Sonne of man hath not whereon to reſt his head, Mat. 8.19, 20. Luke 9 57,58.

Quere 41. Whether the Miniſters, or rather the Servants: as 2 Cor 4.5. of the churches of CHRIST under the Goſpel, be not to be at the diſpoſing of the church whoſe ſervants they are, as is cleere: Acts 6.3. and 13.2. and 14.27. Colo. 4.17. And therefore not to be changing at their owne pleaſure, for a better Benefice richer flocke, or greater hire: As too many doe, they diſpoſing of the church, not the church of them, who therein as Paul did: ſerve not the Lord CHRIST, but their own belly: And by faire words ſeeke to deceive the hearts of the ſimple: Rom 16.18. profeſſing they know God, but in workes they denie him, being abominable and diſobedient; and to every good worke reprobate, or voide of judgement, but as Paul ſaith; 1 Tim. 6.9.10. They that will be rich fall into Temptation, and ſnare, and into many fooliſh and hurtfull luſts, which drowne them in deſtruction and perdition, for the louelove of money is the roote of all Eyill, which while ſome coveted after p. 11they have erred from the faith. And pierced themſelves, thorow with many ſorrewes, this was Iudas his condition: Mark chapter 14. verſe 10.11. Alſo Demas, 2 Tim. chap. 4. verſe 10. Like them that received the ſeed among thornes Mat. 13.22. VVho hearing the word, the care of this world, and the deceitfulneſſe of riches choak the Word, and he becommeth unfruitfull.

Q. 42. Whether one of the chiefeſt duties the Lord requires of that honorable high court of parliament be not, or had not been to relieve thoſe that have been oppreſſed by the unjuſt courts and Judges. And whereas their Honours may be imploied in greater affaires, there might not be ſome godly men appointed for that buſineſſe to relieve thoſe plundered Subjects, as well as a Committee for plundered Miniſters, whilſt there is releif to be had from their oppreſſors; And that becauſe the Lord commands that as Juſtice is to be Executed impartially: Leviticus chapter 10. verſe 15. Deuteronomie chap. 1. verſ. 17. and chapter 16. verſe 19.2. Chronicles chapter 19. verſe 7. Upon which doing, they might expect Gods ſpeciall preſence, as Iſaiah. chap. 58. verſe 4. to the 9th. So alſo it is to bee done ſpeedily, as 1 Kings chapter 20. verſe 42. and chapter 22. verſe 28. Where the Prophet ſaid to Ahab: Thus ſaith the Lord, becauſe thou haſt let goe out of thy hands, A man which I had appointed to utter deſtruction, therefore thy life ſhall go for his life, and thy people for his people: and Eccleſiaſtes chapter 8. verſe 11 Becauſe ſentence againſt an Evill worke is not executed Speedily, therefore the hearts of the ſonnes of men is fully ſet in them to do evill; And Jeremiah chapter 48. verſe 10. Curſed bee hee that doth the worke of the Lord negligently, And curſed be he that keepeth back his ſword from blood, therfore Iethroes advice to Moſes was Ex. 18.21. to provide out of all the people Able men ſuch as feare God, men of truth hating covetonſneſſe: And place them to be Rulers over the people, and whether the greateſt offences are not to be puniſhed onelyonly by death. So far as concernes the Civill Majeſtrate.

Q. 43. Whether the beſt Imployment for the Sinod to have bin imployed in, were not truely to tranſlate the Bible into Engliſh by reaſon that ſome of it as it is Tranſlated into Engliſh, is quite put out, as Acts chapter 1. verſe 26. And they gave forth their lots, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and hee was numbred by a common conſent with the Eleven Apoſtles, where common conſent is left out, and Acts. 14.23. Where the word Election is quite left out; untranſlated, Mat 28.19. where if with Paul wee deſired to ſpeake in a knowne tongue we, might have Baptizing, Dipping.

Quere 44. Whether notwithſtanding the prohibition, which men through Ignorance or malice obtaine, as hath ever been the practice of fale prophets and Miniſtrie of Antichriſt, to ſhelter themſelves, And their practiſes under the Civill Magiſtrate, the people of God are not to witneſſe to whatever truth the Lord betruſts them withall, as Amos chapter 7. verſe 10. to the 17. Daniel chapter 6. verſes 10.11. Acts chapter 4. verſes 18.19.20. So CHRIST himſelfe ſaith: John. 18.37. To this end was I borne and for this cauſe came I into the world, that I ſhould beare witneſſe unto the truth: every one that is of the truth, heareth my voyce. and 1 Corinthinthians chapter 9. verſes 16. and 17. Where neceſſity was laid upon Paul, ſaying, Woe unto me If I preach not the Goſpel, elſe hee might have been reproved as the evill Stewart, Matthew chapter 25. verſe 24. to the 30. verſe. So likewiſe ſhall every one that improves not the Talent which God betruſts them withall, eſpecially at this time, we having taken a Proteſtation againſt Poperie, and p. 12Popiſh innovaſion, to the extent of our Eſtates, Libertie and Lives, and to ſtand for a Reformation, accordng to the Word of God, rooting up Epiſcopacie, Root, and branch, and therefore we muſt performe our vowes made to God, that the Land mourne not becauſe of oathes, nor commit that ſin of devouring holy things, and after vowes to make Inquiry, Pro. 20.25.

Q. 45. Whether perſecution by Impriſoning, Silencing, Fining, Baniſhing, or taking away by death, for conſcience cauſe, were not firſt invented by the heathen or the Man of Sin, as to ſet up, ſo to uphold his bloody Kingdome; Frſt condemning the ſervants of CHRIST, for heretickes; And then leaving them to the Civill Majeſtrate to be tormented and executed, making them their executioners; and as the Papiſts in former times, ſo the Prelates Lately, And now the Presbyters, would be, which I conceive to be contrarie to theſe Scriptures, as Matthew the 7. chapter and the 12. verſe: Where CHRIST ſaith; Whatſoever ye would that men ſhould do unto you, do ye even ſo to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets, and Romanes the 13. chapter, and the third and fourth verſes, Rulers are not a terrour to good workes but to the evill, wilt thou then not be afraid of the power, do that which is good, and thou ſhalt have praiſe of the ſame; for he is the Miniſter of God for thy good, but if thou doe that which is evill be afraid, for he beareth not the ſword in vaine, for he is the Miniſter of God, a Revenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evill, as is largely laid downe in the 1. of Timmothie the 1. chapter and the 8. verſe, to the 12th. verſe, and the ſecond of Timothie chapter the ſecond verſe 24. and 25.

Quere 46. Whether thoſe Miniſters which have recived, their Ordination and call from Antichriſt, ſhall have any hand at all, or not the leaſt in the publiſhing that Glorious and Everlaſting Goſpel, Revelation chapter 14. verſe 6. For the overthrowing the Kingdome of Antichriſt, and the ſetting up the Kingdome of CHRIST, according to Jeremiah chapter 49. verſe 20. and chapter 50. verſe 45. and chapter 51. verſe 24.25, and 26. compared with Matthew chapter 5. verſe 19. Whoſoever ſhall break one of theſe Commandements, and teach men ſo, he ſhall be called the leaſt in the Kingdome of God, and Acts chapter 6. verſe 7. When the Word of God increaſed, and the number of the Diſciples multiplyed in Jeruſalem greatly, then a great companie of Prieſts were obedient to the faith, and Acts chapter 8. verſe 12.13. When Samaria had received the faith, and were Baptized, both men and women, then Simon himſelfe that had uſed Sorcerie, and bewitched the people formerly, then he beleeved and was Baptized, but as in CHRISTS time, the Phariſees cried out, John the 7th. chapter and the 48. and 49 verſes; have any of the Rulers or of the Phariſees beleeved on him, but this people, which know not the Law, are curſed; ſo now they uſually cry out, do any of the Learned walke in this way of the ſeparation, To which I Anſwer, for my owne part, I am ſo farre frow wondring at it, that no more of them imbrace it, that conſidering the Apoſtles words the 1. of the Corinthians chapter 1. verſe 26. to the 30. that I admire to ſee ſo many: Yea any at all, coſidering the great meaſure of ſelfe deniall, that muſt be wrought in them beyond others, when they like the Converts, Acts chapter 19. verſe 19. that uſed curious Arts ſhall burne their bookes, And with Apollo, bee inſtructed by Aquila or Priſcilla, Acts 18. verſe 24, 25, 26. Two poore Diſciples, being by trade Tentmakers with whom Paul, wrought, he being of the ſame craft, verſe 1.2, 3, p. 13And with Paul (Philippians chapter 3. verſe the 7, and the 8) count all things but loſſe and dung, that he might gain the knowledge of Chriſt; being willing to receive Inſtruction, and Baptiſme, though from Ananias a poore Diſciple. (Acts 9.17, 18.) And ſo as he adviſeth (1 Corinth. 3.18.) become a fool, that he may be made wiſe.

Quere 47. Whether the ſhutting up of houſes for infection, or the Plague, as they call it, be not a great heedleſſe burthen and oppreſsion to this Kingdome, and a meer invention, to the great grief of the perticular perſons, and abuſe of divers ſcriptures; contrary to the rule of Equity, and Chriſts command, who ſaith: Whatſoever ye would that men ſhould do to you, even ſo do you unto them. And at the laſt day, when Chriſt ſhall ſay, depart from me ye curſed into everlaſting fire, prepared for the divell and his Angels! One chief reaſon was, I was ſick and in priſon, and ye viſited me not: Will it be a good plea for them think you to ſay, thou waſt ſicke of the plague or ſickneſſe? Surely no. Chriſt excepts no diſeaſe, but ſaith, the haires of their head are numbred: And a Sparrow fals not to the ground without the providence of God, Matth. 10.29, 30, 31. Again, whereas many ignorantly would draw it from the ſhutting up of the Leproſie, you may eaſily perceive how groſſely they abuſe the Scriptures: Firſt, they were never ſhut up, as I humbly conceive, for fear of infection, but to keep the Congregation cleer; which rather typed the keeping out thoſe that were ſcandalous of life, and Excommunication to be paſt upon great offenders: As (in the firſt of the Corinthians, the fifth chapter, the 4, and 5, verſes) the Inceſtuous perſon was to be caſt out, but from the Leprous the Prieſt was not to keep, but Aron or his ſonnes was to have recourſe to them, and to look upon it upon all occaſions; As is cleer in the 13 Chapter of Leviticus throughout. But the Prieſts of theſe times, though they retain their Tithes, yet run from the Plague, as ſome of them have done from the Cavatiers, or after a rich Benefice, letting who will take the flock: According as Iohn ſaith (chapter 10. verſes 10.12, 13) He that is an hireling and not the Shepheard, whoſe own the ſheep are not, ſeeth the Wolfe comming, and leaveth the ſheep and fleeth, and the Wolfe catcheth them, and ſcattereth the ſheep, the hireling fleeth becauſe he is an hireling, and careth not for the ſheep; but the good ſhepheard giveth his life for the Sheep. And as Chriſt the head, and true Shepheard, (Iſaiah 40.11. Ezek. 34.23. to the end of the chapter.) So his faithfull Miniſters and ſervants, as Paul expreſſes (Acts 21.13.) what mean ye to weep and break my heart, for I am ready not to be bound onelyonly, but alſo to die at Jeruſalem, for the Name of the Lord JESVS.

A definition of a Church of Chriſt in the Order of the Goſpell; conſiſting of a companie of Saints, or holy people, called out of the world by the preaching of the Goſpel, by a free and voluntarie conſent; entring into covenant to diſcharge duties to God, and one to another, putting on Chriſt by Baptiſme or Dipping.

The perticulars thereof proved.

A Company of Saints or holy people (1 Corinth. 1.2. 1 Peter 2.5.9) called out of the world (John 15.19) by the preaching of the Goſpell, (Matth. 28.19, 20. Mark 16.15, 16. Acts 2.41. Revel. 14 6.) by a free and voluntary conſent (Pſal. 18.43, 44. and 110.3. Acts 13.48.) entering into covenant, (Pſalm 50.5. p. 14Zephaniah 2. 1. Acts 3.25. Mal. 2.1. Heb. 8.9.) to diſcharge duties to God, and one to another, (John 4.24. Phill. 3.3. 1 Peter 2.5. 1 Corinth. 12.12. to the 28) putting on Chriſt by Baptiſme or Dipping: (Mark 16.16) Acts 2.38 41. Gal. 3.27) For as many of you as have been baptiſed into Chriſt, have put on Chriſt, and (Epheſ. 4.4, 5) this I conceive to be Chriſts ſpirituall houſe under the New Teſtament, whereof he is Lord, (Hab. 3.6) and head, (Epheſ. 1.22, 23) and King, (Iſaiah 33.22, and Matth. 28.18, 19, 20) and Prophet: (Deuteron. 18.15 Matth. 17.8. Acts 3.22 23) He being the Prieſt and Sacrifice, by which all that believe are for ever perfected. Heb. 10.14. For it is not the voice of the Church, as ſome fondly dream, but Chriſts voice in the Church that we are to hear: He that heareth you heareth me, and he that heareth me, heareth him that ſent me. Luk. 10.16.

Theſe where-ever gathered together under heaven, Jewes or Gentiles, have power from Chriſt their head, (Coloſſ. 1.18) given to receive in, deal with, or caſt out of the Church, by the Lawes and Statutes of King JESVS, their King and Law-giver. Iſaiah 9.6, and 33.22. James 4.12. Acts 2.41. Compared with Matth. 18.15, to the 20. 1 Cor. 5.3, 4, 5, and 2.2, 3, to the 9.

If any knowledge and light appear, give all the glory to God, through Jeſus Chriſt.

As the Apoſtle ſaith in another caſe, I am in a ſtrait between both; having many reaſons not to ſet my name: As my own unmorthineſſe and diſ-reſpect, and being liable to ſufferings. Yet if I do not, I make my ſelf a Libeller by the Law; therefore to diſcharge my duty to God and man —

By EDVVARD BARBER, Citizen and Merchant-Taylor of London;

Who (as I have formerly, and ever ſhall ſtand for King and Parliament, to the extent of Eſtate, Liberty, and Life) doth now proſtrate the ſame for King JESVS, the priviledge of the Goſpell, and Liberty of his Churches. And as I have formerly lain in the Univerſity of Newgate eleven moneths, in Kings Bench and Newpriſon and ſued in the High-Commiſsion Court, five yeares; and in the Echequer, and Common-pleas, and Kings Bench, being ſtung by the Locuſts that came out of the ſmoke, that aroſe out of the bottomleſſe Pit: Revel. 9.2, 3. So I deſire to go on not fainting, knowing that in due time we ſhall reap.

FINIS.