Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture

Question 1.

Is the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence, sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of his will, which is necessary to salvation? No (1 Corinthians 1:21; 1 Corinthians 2:13-14).

Well then, do not the Socinians err, who maintain, that men living according to the law, and light of nature, may be saved? Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1) Because, none can be saved, unless they be born again, by the incorruptible seed of the Word (1 Peter 1:23). (2) Because, Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no man comes to the Father, but by the Son (John 14:6). (3) Because, there is none other name under heaven, given among men whereby we must be saved, but by the name of Jesus (Acts 4:12). (4) Because, men cannot believe in Christ without supernatural revelation: and therefore cannot be sanctified or justified; because all justification, sanctification, and remission of sins, are by God's grace, and faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:24-25; Acts 26:18). Neither can men be so saved, namely, by living according to the light of nature, because salvation is promised only to believers in Christ (Acts 16:31; John 3:16). (5) Because, all that know not God, will be punished eternally (2 Thessalonians 1:8). But men without supernatural revelation cannot savingly know God (1 Corinthians 1:21; Matthew 11:27). (6) Men destitute of supernatural revelation cannot know their own corruption and misery, by the first Adam, nor the remedy which is offered by Christ, the second Adam. They are without God, without hope, without the promises, without the church, and covenant of God: and the mysteries of faith are hid, and unknown to them only, that perish, and are lost (Ephesians 2:11-12; Romans 9:4; 2 Corinthians 4:3; Matthew 13:11-12; Matthew 11:25-27).

Question 2.

Are the holy Scriptures most necessary to the church? Yes (2 Timothy 3:15; 2 Peter 1:19).

Well then, does not the Popish church err, that affirms, the true church to be infallible in teaching and propounding articles of faith, both without, and against the Scripture: and that their unwritten traditions are of divine, and equal authority, with the canon of the Scripture? Yes. Do not likewise the Libertines and Quakers err, affirming, that God does teach, and guide the elect into all truth, by the alone instinct and light of the Spirit, without any written word whatever? Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1) Because, the Scriptures are the foundation, upon which the church is built (Ephesians 2:20). (2) Because, all things are to be examined, by the rule of the Word; as the noble Bereans did (Acts 17:11-12). (3) Because, unwritten traditions, are subject and liable to many corruptions, and are soon, and quickly forgotten. (4) Because, we have life eternal in the Scriptures; therefore they must be most necessary to the church (John 5:39). (5) Because, the Scriptures are given, that the man of God, may be perfect, thoroughly furnished to all good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17). And the Scriptures are written, that men may believe (John 20:31).

Question 3.

Are these former ways of God's revealing his will to his people now ceased? Yes.

[〈1 page duplicate〉][〈1 page duplicate〉] Well then, do not the Enthusiasts, and Quakers err, who maintain, that the Lord has not ceased yet, to reveal his will as he did of old? Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1) Because, God who at sundry times, and in diverse manners spoke in times past to the fathers, by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by his Son (Hebrews 1:1-2). The Apostle calls the time of the New Testament, the last days, because under the same, there is no more alteration to be expected, but all things are to abide without adding, or taking away, as was taught, and ordained by Christ, until the last day; see also (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17). The ways, and manners of old, was first by inspiration (2 Chronicles 15:1; Isaiah 59:21; 2 Peter 1:21). Secondly, by visions (Numbers 12:6, 8). Thirdly, by dreams (Job 33:14-15; Genesis 40:8). Fourthly, by Urim and Thummim (Numbers 27:21; 1 Samuel 30:7-8). Fifthly, by signs (Genesis 32:24; Exodus 13:21). Sixthly, by audible voice (Exodus 20:1; Genesis 22:15). All which do end in writing (Exodus 17:14), which is a most sure and infallible way of the Lord's revealing his will to his people.

Question 4.

Do the books of the Old, and New Testament come under the name of the holy Scripture, and Word of God? Yes.

Well then, do not the Quakers err, who maintain, that the Scriptures ought not to be called the Word of God? Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1.) Because, Christ says, if he called them Gods, to whom the Word of God came, and the Scripture cannot be broken (John 10:35). Here it is evident, that the Word of God, and the Scripture, are the same. (2.) Because, the predictions of the Prophets, are expressly called the Word of God. Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the Word of the Lord spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished (2 Chronicles 36:22). Here we see it is evident, that the written prophecies of Jeremiah, which are a part of the holy Scripture, are called the Word of God. (3.) Because, what Christ calls the commandment of God, he calls the Word of God (Mark 7:9-10), compared with verse 13. (4.) Because, the Apostle calls the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. This sword, is the sword of the Holy Spirit, which he does, as it were, put into our hand, to resist Satan, against all his temptations (Ephesians 6:17). Therefore, by the sword of the Spirit, must be understood the Scripture, not the Spirit itself, as some Quakers affirm. It is evident also, from the fourth chapter of Matthew, where Christ being tempted by the Devil, with three different temptations, resists him with three different places of Scripture. And being asked by the Pharisees, why his disciples did pluck the ears of corn upon the Sabbath day, he answered by Scripture (Matthew 12:1-4). Teaching us, that Satan's temptations, must be carefully answered, and that by Scripture, as the only means to overcome him, and his instruments. (5.) Because, the Word of God, is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). This cannot be understood of Christ, because Paul in his other writings does not call the person of Christ by this name, and therefore must be understood of the word of the Gospel, the power of which is described (Romans 1:16). (6.) See these following places of Scripture: Psalm 119:172, 1 Kings 16:12, 2 Kings 9:36, 2 Kings 23:16, Isaiah 28:13, Hosea 1:1-2, Isaiah 37:22, Proverbs 30:5. By the Scripture, or Word of God, we do not understand the bare letters, or the several written words of the holy Scripture, which the adversaries may imagine, we call the Word of God. These are only the vessels, which carry and convey that heavenly light to us. But we understand thereby, the doctrine or will of God revealed to reasonable creatures, teaching them, what to do, believe, or leave undone (Deuteronomy 29:29).

Quest. 5.

Are the Scriptures given of God, to be the rule of faith and life? Yes (Luke 16:29, 31; Ephesians 2:20; Revelation 22:18-19; 2 Timothy 3:16).

Well then, does not the Popish Church err, who maintain their unwritten traditions to be the rule of faith? Yes. Do not likewise the Enthusiasts, and the Quakers err, who maintain, the Spirit within, that teaches the elect, to be the only rule of faith? And that the dictates of the light within, are of as great authority as the Scriptures? Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1.) Because, the Scriptures are called a rule (Galatians 6:16). (2.) Because, nothing is to be added to the Scriptures (Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:19-20). (3.) Because, we ought rather to follow the Scriptures in this life, than a voice spoken from heaven (2 Peter 1:19, 21). (4.) Because, the Scripture is written, that we may believe (John 20:31). (5.) Because, the Scripture is given for making the man of God perfect (2 Timothy 3:17). (6.) Because, we must betake ourselves in the whole of religion to the law, and to the testimony (Isaiah 8:20). (7.) Because, Christ himself, refers the greatest question, that ever was, whether he be the Son of God, or not, to the Scriptures (John 5:38-39). Search the Scriptures (says he) for they testify of me. (8.) Because, the Holy Ghost did never give such a designation to his own Word, as an historical rule, and dead letter; or as some Quakers call them, not the principal fountain of truth, and knowledge, nor the first rule of faith and manners, but the Regula secundaria, subordinate to the Spirit; from where, as they affirm, the holy Scriptures have all their true worth, excellency, and certainty: whereas Paul says expressly, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:14). (9.) Because, the spirits cannot be known, by any other rule, than by the written Word. It is certain, that the Devil transforms himself into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). There is a spirit of the world (1 Corinthians 2:12). A spirit that rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2). There is a lying spirit (1 Kings 22:22). And a spirit of error and delusion (1 John 4:6). How shall these be known to be such, or the Spirit, which the Quakers obtrude upon us, not to be one of them, but by the rule of the Word?

Quest. 6.

Are the books commonly called Apocrypha, of divine inspiration? No (Luke 24:27, 44; Romans 3:2; 2 Peter 1:21).

Well then, do not the Papists err, who affirm, that the books called Apocrypha, are of divine inspiration, and of equal authority with the undoubted Word? Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1.) Because, they were never written in the Hebrew tongue, nor by any of the Prophets. (2.) Because, they are never cited in the New Testament by Christ, or by any of the Apostles, as the books of the canonical Scriptures are. (3.) Because, they contain many fabulous, and impious doctrines, and histories. First, in Tobit 5:12, the Angel says, he was Azariah, the son of Ananias. This was a manifest lie, which cannot be attributed to a good Angel; and therefore the Spirit of God, has not dictated this history. (2.) It is reported (Tobit 6:6-7, 16-17), that the heart, and liver of a fish, was good to make a perfume, to drive away the Devil, if any man was troubled with him, or with any evil spirit. And it is said (Tobit 12:15), by the Angel, I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels, that presents the prayers of the saints. This is only proper to Christ. (3.) Because, the act of Simeon and Levi, condemned by Jacob, acted by the Spirit of God (Genesis 34:25), in killing the Shechemites, is commended by Judith (9:2-3). (4.) Because, you will read of an offering for the dead, prayers, and reconciliation for the dead, that they might be delivered from sin (2 Maccabees 12:43-45). See what contradictions are in comparing together, 1 Maccabees 6:8, 2 Maccabees 15:16, 2 Maccabees 9:5.

Quest. 7.

Does the authority of the holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed and obeyed, depend upon the testimony of any man, or church? No (2 Peter 1:19, 21; 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:13).

Well then, do not the Popish writers err, who maintain the authority of the Scriptures to depend upon the testimony of the church, as to us? Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1.) Because the Word is to be received by us, not as the word of man, but as the Word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13). (2.) Because the doctrine of Christ, to be received by believers, depends not upon man's testimony (John 5:34). (3.) Because God only is true and infallible, and all men are liars (Romans 3:4; Hebrews 6:18). He is of incomprehensible wisdom (Psalm 147:5), of great goodness (Exodus 18:9; Romans 11:12; Psalm 34:8), of absolute power and dominion (Genesis 17:1; Psalm 50:1-2), of infallible truth, who can neither deceive nor can be deceived (Romans 3:4; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18). Therefore he ought to be credited in all his narrations, promises, threatenings, and prophecies, and obeyed in all his commandments alone, because he himself has said so.

Quest. 8.

Is the whole counsel of God, concerning all things necessary for his own glory, man's salvation, faith and life, either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from it? Yes (2 Timothy 3:15; Galatians 1:8-9; 2 Thessalonians 2:2).

Well then, does not the Popish church err, who maintain the Scripture to be an imperfect rule, and therefore to stand in need of a supply of unwritten traditions? Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1.) Because all Scripture is given, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished to all good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17). (2.) Because the Psalmist says expressly, the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul (Psalm 19:7-8). (3.) Because nothing is to be added to the Word of God (Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:6). Therefore the Scriptures must be a complete and perfect rule of faith, and not an imperfect rule, or but partly a rule, as they teach.

Quest. 9.

Is it warrantable to argue in articles, or matters of faith, by consequences natively deduced from Scripture? Yes.

Well then, do not the Socinians, Quakers, Anabaptists, and Arminians err, who maintain that all matters of faith are set down expressly, and in so many words in Scripture, and that no matters of faith (at least necessary to salvation) can be built upon consequences drawn from the Scripture? Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1.) Because Christ himself proves that necessary point of faith — the resurrection of the dead — from the Scripture by a consequence (Matthew 23:29, 31-32). To be any one's God is to give one eternal life (Psalm 33:12; Psalm 144:15). From which it follows that those patriarchs lived still with God in respect of their souls (which these Sadducees also denied — Acts 23:8), and should also rise in respect of their bodies and live eternally, since he is called a God not of one part of them only, but of their whole persons. And in that same chapter, verse 43-45, Christ proves his deity by a consequence from Scripture against the Pharisees. (2.) So does Apollos (Acts 18:28) and Paul (Acts 19:22) prove from the Old Testament that Jesus is the Christ — but it is not expressly said in the Old Testament that he is Christ. Is not that which necessarily follows from Scripture contained in it implicitly, and implicitly revealed by God, and is infallibly true?

Quest. 10.

Is the inward illumination of the Spirit of God necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word? Yes (John 6:45; 1 Corinthians 2:9-12).

Well then, do not the Socinians and Arminians err, who maintain that men without the revelation of the Spirit are able to understand the Scriptures for their salvation? Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1.) Because the disciples of Christ were not able to understand the Scripture before he opened their eyes (Luke 24:45). (2.) Because the Jews to this day cannot understand the Scriptures of the Old Testament until the veil by the Spirit of God be taken away (2 Corinthians 3:14-16, 18). (3.) Because the Psalmist David seeks from God the opening of his eyes, that he may behold wondrous things out of his law (Psalm 119:18).

Quest. 11.

Are all these things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed for salvation, so clearly propounded and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of the ordinary means, may attain to a sufficient understanding of them for their salvation? Yes (Psalm 119:105, 130).

Well then, do not the Papists err, who maintain that things necessary to salvation are obscurely and darkly set down in the Scripture, and that without the help of unwritten traditions and the infallible expounding of the church, the Scriptures cannot be understood? Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1.) Because the Word is a lamp to our feet, and a light to our paths (Psalm 119:105). (2.) Because the Scripture is a light which shines in a dark place (2 Peter 1:19). (3.) Because the Scripture enlightens the eyes and makes the simple wise (Psalm 19:7-8).

Quest. 12.

Has the Lord by his singular providence and care kept pure in all ages the Old Testament in Hebrew, and the New Testament in Greek? Yes (Matthew 5:18).

Well then, do not the Papists err, who maintain the Old Testament in Hebrew, and the New Testament in Greek — which are the fountains — to be corrupted, and that their common Latin version is authentic? Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1.) Because Christ says, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no way pass from the law, till all be fulfilled (Matthew 5:18). (2.) Because there can be no urgent necessity shown why the fountains are corrupted. (3.) If any such corruption had been in the Scripture, Christ, his apostles, and the orthodox fathers would have declared so much. (4.) Because they never have nor can make out any manifest corruptions in the fountains, although most manifest and undeniable demonstrations are given of the corruptions of their Latin version, which they make authentic.

Quest. 13.

Are the original tongues — namely, the Hebrew and the Greek — to be translated into the common language of every nation into which they come? Yes. Are we commanded in the fear of God to read and search the Scriptures? Yes (John 5:39; 1 Corinthians 14:6, 9, 11-12, 14, 24, 27-28).

Well then, do not the Papists err, who maintain, there is no necessity of translating the original tongues, the Hebrew, and the Greek, into the common language of every nation, to which they come, but rather a very great hazard, and danger of errors, and heresies? Yes.

Do not likewise the same Papists err, who forbid the reading of the Scriptures in the common tongues? Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1.) Because, the Scriptures were given long since to the Jews, in their own common language, that they might be read publicly and privately by all (Deuteronomy 31:10-12; Deuteronomy 11:18-20). (2.) Because, the New Testament was written in the Greek language, which at that time was most generally known to all nations. (3.) Because, Christ bids all without distinction, search the Scriptures (John 5:29). (4.) Because, the Prophets, and Apostles preached their doctrines, to the people and nations, in their known languages (Jeremiah 36:15-16; Acts 2:6). (5.) Because, immediately after the Apostles' times, many translations were extant. (6.) Because, all things must be done in the congregation for edifying (1 Corinthians 14:26), but an unknown tongue does not edify. (7.) Because, all are commanded to try the spirits (1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 10:15). (8.) Because, the Scriptures teach the way of life (Proverbs 2:9; Luke 16:29; Acts 24:14). (9.) Because, the Scriptures set forth the duties of every man in his place, and circumstances of his life (Deuteronomy 17:18-20; Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:24; 2 Chronicles 23:11). (10.) Because, they are the ground of faith (Romans 4:20; 2 Chronicles 20:20). (11.) Because, they are the epistle of God sent to his Church (Hosea 8:12; Revelation 2:1, 8, 12). (12.) Because, they are his testament, wherein we may find what legacies, he has bequeathed to us (2 Corinthians 3:14, 16; Hebrews 10:16; John 14:16). (13.) Because, they are the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). (14.) Because, being embraced and known, they make a man happy (Psalm 119:97-98; Luke 10:42; Luke 16:29; Psalm 1:2; Revelation 1:3). (15.) Because, when the Scriptures are neglected, or despised, they plunge men into all misery (Hebrews 2:3; Matthew 22:29; Psalm 50:16).

Quest: 14.

When there is a question about the true meaning, and full sense of any Scripture, must it be known and searched, by other places, which speak more clearly? Yes (2 Peter 1:21; Acts 15:15-16).

Well then, do not the Papists err, who maintain, the Scriptures not to be a sufficient interpreter of itself, and that the sense of it cannot be gathered infallibly, when the text is doubtful, from other places which speak more clearly, but only from the magisterial traditions, and unwritten opinions of the Church of Rome? Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1.) Because, the noble Bereans, compared Scripture with Scripture, for finding out the true and sure sense of it (Acts 17:11). (2.) Because, the Apostle Paul did the same (Acts 28:23). (3.) Because, the same was done by the council of the Apostles and Elders (Acts 15:15-17).

Quest. 15.

Is the Holy Spirit, speaking in the Scripture, the supreme judge, by which all controversies of religion, are determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest? Yes (Matthew 22:29, 31; Ephesians 2:20; Acts 28:25).

Well then, do not the Papists err, who maintain, that the Church of Rome, and the Pope, are the supreme judges of all controversies of faith: and that his decrees, and determinations, are to be believed, without examination, and implicitly to be believed by all believers? Yes.

Do not likewise the Quakers err, who maintain, that the light within, which teaches the elect, is the only judge of all controversies of faith? Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1.) Because, God commands all men, to go to the law, and to the testimony, in doubtful matters (Isaiah 8:20). (2.) Because, all doubts in religion, are to be examined by the rule of the Word (Acts 17:11; Galatians 6:16). (3.) Because, Christ and his Apostles, did always dispute, and reason from the Scriptures, against the enemies of the truth (Matthew 22:31; Galatians 3:13). (4.) Because, the Church of God is founded upon the writings of the Prophets, and Apostles (Ephesians 2:20). (5.) Because, we are commanded to prove all things, and to try the spirits (1 Thessalonians 5:2; 1 John 4:1, 6).