Christianismus primitivus, or, The ancient Christian religion, in its nature, certainty, excellency, and beauty, (internal and external) particularly considered, asserted, and vindicated from the many abuses which have invaded that sacred profession, by humane innovation, or pretended revelation comprehending likewise the general duties of mankind, in their respective relations : and particularly the obedience of all Christians to magistrates, and the necessity of Christian-moderation about things dispensible in matters of religion : with divers cases of conscience discussed and resolved / by Thomas Grantham ...

BOOK. III. Of divers Cases of Conscience.

Chap. 1. The Baptized Churches unjustly charged with Seditious Principles. They are strictly obliged by their Principles to obey Magistrates.

• §. 1. The Clamours frequently made against the Baptized Churches, unreasonable. Christ and his Apostles underwent the same Reproaches. The Contents of a Declaration of the Ministers of the Baptized Churches concerning Magistracy.
• §. 2. Mr. John Tombs his Testimony touching Christian Subjection to Magistrates.
• §. 3. The Principles of the Baptized Churches in point of Religion, have nothing of a state-sediti∣ous nature in them; proved very plainly.
• §. 4. An Apology of many Baptized Christians (in and about London) for themselves and others, with their Protestation against Venners Insurrecti∣on and Rebellion.
• §. 5. A recital of several Declarations put forth at sundry times, viz. Anno 1647, 1651, 1659: wherein their constant obedience to Civil Magi∣strates is asserted.

Chap. 2. Of the great Duty which lieth upon the Rulers of this World.

• §. 1. Their honourable Titles import great Vertues, and great Business to belong to them.
• §. 2. Of Magistratical Justice.
• §. 3. Of Magistratical Mercy.

Chap. 3. Of the Power of Magistrates in matters of Religion.

• §. 1. Of the differing Opinions of the Papists and Protestants touching this Point.
• §. 2. The great Question of Magistrates Power in Religion, digested into ten Propositions.
• §. 3. Antiquity against Persecution, for differing apprehensions in matters of Christianity, being An Abridgment of Dr. Jer. Taylor.

Chap. 4. Of the Lawful use of an Oath, to attest the Truth before a Magistrate.

• §. 1. An Oath not sinful in it self, being used by God, Angels, and good Men. It is a Sacred Thing, a part of Natural Religion.
• §. 2. The Objections usually brought against the use of an Oath from Mat. 5. and James 5. Answered; The places cleared, and the Law of an Oath confirmed thereby.

Chap. 5. Of Christian-Moderation concerning their dif∣fering apprehensions about some Matters of Religion; or the profession of Christianity, both in Faith and Practice.

• §. 1. Of the meaning of the word [Moderation] in our present Discourse.
• §. 2. Of Christian-Moderation towards all Men.
• §. 3. Of Christian-Moderation towards all that conscientiously receive the sacred Scripture, and believe in Christ, but are not incorporated into Christ by the Baptism of Repentance.
• §. 4. Of the Moderation necessary among all Chur∣ches, who with the first Churches, and the Coun∣cil of Nice acknowledg one Baptism of Repen∣tance for remission of Sins, and live holily.
• §. 5. An Exhortation, with five Motives, to all Bap∣tized Churches, to follow things which make for Peace, and common Edification.

Chap. 6. Treateth of Marriage, how lawful, and how prohibited to Christians. Also in what case Divorce is lawful.

• §. 1. Marriage is an holy and honourable Ordi∣nance of God for all Men. How it hath been abused, and particularly by the Children of God.
• §. 2. How Marriage hath been, and is prohibited unto the People of God, for the cause of Religion; and how lawful.
• §. 3. In what case Marriage may lawfully be dis∣solved.

Chap. 7. Treateth of Christian-behaviour, both Civil and Religious: And particularly, of the be∣haviour of Women in Christian-Assemblies, where they are not permitted to Preach.

• §. 1. Of that Honour which is due to all Men, and of the particulars whereby it ought to be demon∣strated.
• §. 2. Of the reverent behaviour of Christians in Church-Assemblies. Women are to shew subje∣ction there: Not to usurp Authority, nor Preach there; yet may be Teachers of good things, and how.

Chap. 8. Whether Christians may lawfully dissolve their Church-Meetings, or Assemblies, when Hu∣mane Laws require it of them? resolved in the Negative. Six Considerations to justifie their constancy in holding their Church-As∣semblies, according to the Scriptures.

 

Chap. 9. Treateth of the Duty, of Christians, to bear Offices in Civil State, and Arms in the Mi∣litary state, of the Nations where they live.

• §. 1. Christians must oppose no Ordinance of God. Civil Government would cease without Officers. The best Men most fit to serve in the Civil or Mili∣tary state of Nations.
• §. 2. Christians may lawfully govern Nations if called thereto. Ancient Christians were ready to serve their Country.

Chap. 10. Christians may lawfully make use of that Pro∣vision which the Laws of Nations have made for the relief of their Poor, and for Burying their Dead.

• §. 1. Difference of Opinions in matters of Reli∣gion, takes away no Mans Birth-right. All good Laws are the Birth-right of all natural Subjects.
• §. 2. Of the Inhumanity of some in taking up the Dead when buried, because of Religion. Births and Burials should be registred by Authority. Mens outward concerns depend much upon the cer∣tain knowledg of the time and place thereof.

Chap. 11. Treateth of Usury.

• §. 1. The Law of God very severe against Ʋsury, properly so called.
• §. 2. The Heathens by the light of Nature, hated Ʋsury.
• §. 3. Councils and Fathers against Ʋsury, and how it hath been the cause of Mischief.

Chap. 12. Treateth of the Government of Christian Fa∣milies.

• §. 1. Of the duties of Husband and Wife to∣wards each other, chiefly the duty of Husbands.
• §. 2. Of the duties of the Wife more particular∣ly.
• §. 3. Of Family-Devotion, and the government of Children and Servants.
• §. 4. Of the duties of Servants towards their Ma∣sters, &c.

Chap. 13. Whether the Jews being converted, are still bound to keep the Law, namely Circumci∣sion, Sacrifices, and all other Rites, accord∣ing to the Law of Moses, resolved in the Ne∣gative, against the spreading of Judaism.

• §. 1. The use of Legal Ceremonies inconsistent with the Services of the Gospel, proved by Rom. 7. 1. to 8. Heb. 7. 18, 19. Heb. 8. 13.
• §. 2. Legal Sacrifices are certainly ceased de jure; therefore the whole of Mosaical Ceremonies are ceased.
• §. 3. Circumcision abrogated, which fully shews the Law of Ceremonies is ceased.

Chap. 14. Of the Government of the Tongue.

• §. 1. The necessity of the government of the Tongue, else all Religion is vain. Six Negative Directi∣ons for the Government thereof.
• §. 2. Six Rules whereby to enure the Tongue to profitable discourses.