Saints or any other creature d Col. 2. 18 Rev. 19. 10 Rom. 1. 25 and since the Fall not without a Mediator nor in the mediation of any other but of Christ alone e Iohn 14. 6 1 Tim. 2. 5. Eph. 7. 18 Col. 3. 17 III. Prayer with thanksgiving being one speciall part of Religious Worship f Phil. 4. 6 is by GOD required of all men g Psal 65 2 and that it may be accepted it is to be made in the Name of the Son h Iohn 14. 13. 14. 1 Pet. 2. 5 by the help of his Spirit i Rom. 8. 26. according to his Will k Ioh. 5. 14 with understanding reverence humility fervency faith love and perseverance l Psal 47. 7 Eccles 5. 1 2 Heb. 12. 28 Gen. 18. 27 Iames 5. 16. Iam. 1 6 7 Mark 11. 24. Mar 6. 12. 14. 15. Col 4. 2. Ep. 6. 18 and if vocall in a known tongue m Cor. 14. 14 IV. Prayer is to be made for things lawfull n 1 Ioh 5 14 and for all sorts of men living or that shall live hereafter o 1 Tim. 2. 1 2 Ioh. 17 20 2. Sa. 7. 29 Ruth 4. 12 but not for the dead p 2 Sam. 12 21 22. 23. with Luk. 16. 25 26 Rev. 14 3 nor for those of whom it may be known that they have sinned the sin unto death q 1 Ioh. 5. â—6 V. The reading of the Scriptures with godly fear r Act. 15. 21 Rev. 1. 3 the sound Preaching Å¿ 2. Tim. 4. 2 and conscionable hearing of the Word in obedience to God with understanding faith and reverence t Iam. 1. 22 Acts 10. â—5 Mat. 13. 19. He 4. 2. Isa 66. 2 singing of Psalms with grace in the heart u Col. 3. 16 Ephes 5. 19 Iam. 5. 13 as also the due administration worthy receiving of the Sacraments instituted by Christ are all parts of the ordinary Religious Worship of God w Mat. 28. 19 1 Cor. 11. 13 to 29. Acts 2. 42 Beside Religious Oaths x Deut. 6. 13 with Neh. 10. 29. Vows y Isa 19. 21 with Eccl. 5. 4 5 Solemn Fastings z Ioel 2 12 Esther 4. 16 Mat. 9. 15 1 Cor. 7. 5 and Thanksgivings upon special occasions a Psal 107 throughout Ester 9. 22 which are in their severall times and seasons to be used in an holy and religious manner b Heb. 11. 28 VI. Neither Prayer nor any other part of Religious Worship is now under the Gospel either tyed unto or made more acceptable by any place in which it is performed or towards which it is directed c Iohn 4. 21 but God is to be worshipped every where d Mal. 1. 11 1 Tim. 2. 8 in Spirit and Truth e Iohn 4 23 24 as in private Families f Ier. 10. 25 Deut. 6. 6 7 Iob 1. 5 2 Sam. 6. 18 20. 1 Pet. 3 7. Acts 10. 2 daily g Mat. 6. 11 and in secret each one by himselâ— h Mat. 6. 6 Eph. â— 18 so more solâ—mnly in the publique Assemblies which are not carelessy or wilfully to be neglected or forsaken when God by his Word or Providence calleth thereunto i Isa 56. 7 Heb. 10 25 Prov. 1. 20 21 24 Prov. 8. 34 Acts 13 42 Luk. 4. 16 Acts 2. 42 VII As it is of the Law of Nature that in general a due proportion of time be set a part for the Worship of God so in his Word by a positive Morall and perpetuall Commandment binding all men in all ages he hath particularly appointed one day in seven for a Sabbath to be kept holy unto him k Exod. 20 8 0 11 Isa 56. 2 4 6 7. which from the beginning of the World to the resurrection of Christ was the last Day of the week and from the Resurrection of Christ was changed into the first Day of the week l Gen. 2. 2 3 1 Cor. 16. 1 2 Acts 20. 7 which in Scripture is called the LORDS Day m Rev. 1. 10 and is to be continued to the end of the World as the Christian Sabbath n Exod. 20. 8. 10. with Mat. 5 17 18 VIII This Sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord when men after a due preparing of their hearts ordering of their common affairs before-hand do not only observe an holy rest all the Day from their own works words and thoughts about their worldly imployments and recreations o Exod. 20. 8 Exod. 16. 23 25 26 29 30 Ex. 31. 15 16 17 Isa 58. 13. Nehem. 131 16 17 18 19 21 22 but also are taken up the whole time in the publique and private Exercises of his Worship in the duties of necessity and mercy p Isa 58. 13 Mat. 12. 2 to 13 CHAP. XXII Of lawfull Oaths and Vows A Lawfull Oath is a part of Religious Worship a Deut. 12 20 wherein upon just occasion the person swearing solemnly calleth God to witnesse what he asserteth or promiseth and to judge him according to the truth or falshood of what he sweareth b Exod. 20. 7 Levit. 19. 12 2 Cor. 1. 23 2 Chron. 6 22 23 II. The Name of God only is that by which men ought to sweare and therein it is to be used with all holy fear and reverence c Deut. 6. 13 Therefore to swear vainly or rashly by that glorious and dreadfull Name or to swear at all by any other thing is sinfull and to be abhorred d Exod 10. â— Ier. 1. 7 Mat 5. 34 37 Iam. 5. 12 Yet as in matters of weight and moment an Oath is warranted by the Word of God under the New Testament as well as under the Old e Heb. 6. 16 2 Cor. 1. 2â— Isaâ— 6â— 1â— so a lawfull Oath being imposed by lawfull Authority in such matters ought to be taken f 1 Kings â— 31. Neh 13 25. Ezra 10 5. III. Whosoever taketh an Oath ought duely to consider the weightinesse of so solemn an Act and therein to avouch nothing but what he is fully perswaded is the truth g Exod. 20. 7 Ier 4. 2 Neither maâ— any man binde himself by Oath to any thing but what is good and just and what he believeth so to be and what he iâ— able and resolved to perform h Gen 24. 2 3 5 6. 8 9. Yet is it a sin to refuse an Oath touching any thing that is good and just being imposeâ— by lawfull Authority i Num. 5. 19 21 Neh. 5 12. Exâ—d 22 7 8 9 10 11 IV. An Oath is to be taken in the plain and common sense of the words without equivocation or mentall reservation k Ier. 4. 2 Psal 24. 4 It cannot oblige to sin but in any thing not sinfull being taken it binds to performance although to a mans own hurt l 1 Sam. 25 22. â—2 33 34 Psal 15. 4 nor is it to be violated
seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy GOD in it thou shalt not do any worke thon nor thy son nor thy daughter thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thy cattell nor thy stranger that is within thy gates for in six dayes the LORD made heaven and earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed x Exod. 20 8 9 10 11 it x. Q. What is required in the fourth Commandement A The fourth Commandement requireth of all men the sanctifying or keeping holy to God such set time as he hath appointed in his word expresly one whole day in seven which was the seventh from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ and the first day of the week ever since so to continue to the end of the world which is the Christian Sabbath y Deut. 5. 12 13 14 Gen. 2. 2. 3 1 Cor. 16. 1 2 Acts 20. 7 Mat. 5 17 18 Isa 56 24 6 7. and in the New Testament called the Lords day z Rev 1. 10 Q. How is the Sabbath or Lords day to be sanctified A. The Sabbath or Lords day is to be sanctified by an holy resting all the day a Exod. 20 8 10 not only from such works as are at all times sinfull but even from such worldâ—y imployments recreations as are on other dayes lawfull b Exod. 16 25. 26. 27 28 Neh 13 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 Ier. 17. 21 22 and making it our delight to spend the whole time except so much of it as is to be taken up in works of necessity and mercy c Mat. 12 1 to 13 in the publick private exercises of Gods worship d Isa 58. 13 Luk. 4. 16 Acts 20. 7 1 Cor. 16. 1 2 Psal 92. title Isa 66 23 Lev. 23. 3 and to that end we are to prepare our hearts with such foresight diligence and moderation to dispose and seasonably to dispatch our wordly busines that we may be the more free and fit for the duties of that day e Exod. 2. 8 Luk. 23. 54 55 Exod. 16. 22 25 26 29. Neh. 13. 19 Q. Why is the charge of keeping the Sabbath more specially directed to governours of families and other superiours A. The charge of keeping the Sabbath is more specially directed to governours of families other superiours because they are bound not only to keep it themselves but to see that it be observed by al those that are under their charge and because they are prone oft-times to hinder them by imployments of their own f Exod. 20. 10 Iosh 24. 15 Neh 13. 15 17 Ier. 17. 20 21 22 Exod. 23. 12 Q. What are the sins forbidden in the fourth Commandement A. The sins forbidden in the fourth Commandement are all omissions of the duties required g Ezek. 22. 26 all carelesse negligent and unprofitable performing of them being weary of them h Act. 20. 7 9 Ezek. 33. 30 31 32 Amos 8. 5 Mal. 1. 13 all profaning the day by idlenes doing that which is in it self sinful i Ezek. â—3 38 by al needles works words and thoughts about our worldly imployments recreations k Ier. 17. 24 27 Isa 58. 13 Q. What are the Reasons annexed to the fourth commandment the more to enforce it A. The Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandement the more to enforce it are taken from the equity of it God allowing us six dayes of seven for our own affairs reserving but one for himself in these words Six dayâ—s shalt thou labour and do all thy work l Exod. 20. 9 from Gods challenging a speciall property in that day The seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy GOD m Exod. 20. 10 from the example of God who in six dayes made heaven earth the sea and all that in them is rested the seventh day from that blessing which God put upon that day not only in sanctifying it to be a day for his service but in ordaining it to be a means of blessing to us in our sanctifying it Wherfore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it n Rom 20. 11 Q. Why is the word Remember set in the beginning of the fourth Commandement A. The word Remember is set in the beginning of the fourth Commandement o Exod. 20. 8 partly because of the great benefit of remembring it we being thereby helped in our preparation to keep it p Exod 16 23 Luk 23. 54 56 with Mar. 15. 42 Neh 13. 9 and in keeping it better to keep all the rest of the Commandements q Psal 92 title with vers 13. 14 Ezek. 20 12. 19. 20 and to continue a thankful remembrance of the two great benefits of Creation and Redemption which contain a short abridgment of Religion r Gen. 2. 2 3 Isai 1. 8 22 24 with Acts 4. 10 11 Rev. 1. 10 and partly because we are very ready to forget it Å¿ Ezek. 21. 26 for that there is lesse light of nature for it t Neh. 6. 14. and yet it restraineth our naturall liberty in things at other times lawful u Exod. 34. 21 that it commeth but once in seven dayes and many worldly businesses come between and too often take off our minds from thinking of it either to prepare for it or to sanctifie it w Deut. 5. 14 15 Amos 8. 5 and that Sathan with his instruments much labour to blot out the glory and even the memory of it to bring in all irreligion and impiety x Iam. 1. 7 â—er 17. 21 22 23 Neh. 13. 15 to 25 Q. What is the summe of the six Commandements which containe our duty to man A. The summe of the six Commandments which contain our duty to man is to love our neighbour as our selves y Mat. 22. 39 and to do to others what we would have them do to us z Mat. 7. 12 Q. Which is the fifth Commandement A. The fifth Commandement is Honour thy Father and thy mother tâ—at thy dayes may be long upon the land which the LORD thy GOD giveth thee a Exod. 20. 4 Q. Who aâ—e meant by Father and Mother in the fifth Commandement A By Father and Mother in the fifth Commandement are meant not only naturall parents b Prov. 23. 22 Eph 6. 1 2 but all Superiours in age c 1 Tim. 5. 1 2 and gifts d Gen. 420. 21 22. Gen. â—5 8 and especially such as by GODS ordinance are over us in place of authority whether in Family e 2 Kin 5. 13 Church f 2 Kin 2. 12 2 Kin 13. 14 Gal. 4. 19 or Common-wealth g Isa 49. 23 Q. Why are Superiours styled Father and Mother A. Superiours are styled Father and Mother both to each them in all duties towards their Inferiours like naturall parents to expresse love and
but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter thy Man-servant nor thy Maid servant nor thy cattel nor the stranger that is within thy gates For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it g Exod 20 8 9 10 11 Q. VVhat is required in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment requireth the keeping holy to God such set time as he hath appointed in his Word expresly one whole day in seven to be a holy Sabbath to himself h Deut. 15 12 13 14 Q. Which day of the seven hath GOD appointed to be the weekly Sabbath A. From the beginning of the World to the Resurrection of Christ God appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly Sabbath and the first day of the week ever since to continue to the end of the world which is the Christian Sabbath i Gen. 2. 2 3. 1 Cor. 16. 1 2 Acts 20. 7 Q. How is the Sabbath to be sanctified A. The Sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day k Exod. 20 8 10 even from such worldly imployments and recreations as are lawful on other days l Exod. 16 25 26 27 26 Neh. 13. 5 16 17 18 19 21 22. and spending the whole time in the publâ—ke and private exercises of Gods worship m Luk. 4 16 Acts 20 7 Ps 92. title Isa 66. 23 except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity mercy n Mat. 12. 1 to 13 Q What is forbidden in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment forbiddeth the omission or careless performance of the duties required o Ezek. 22 25 Amos 8. 5 Mal. 1. 13 and the prophaning the day by idleness p Acts 20 7 9. or doing that which is in it self sinful q Ezek. 23 38 or by unnecessary thoughts words or works about worldly imployments or recreations r Jer. 17. 24 25 26 Isai 58 13 Q. What are the Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment A. The Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment are Gods allowing us six days of the week for our own imployments Å¿ Exo. 20 9 his challenging a special propriety in the seventh his own example and his blessing the Sabbath day t Exod. 20 11 Q. Which is the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment is Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee u Exod. 20 12 Q. VVhat is required in the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment requireth the preserving the honour and performing the duties belonging to every one in their several places relations as Superiors w Eph. 5. 21 Inferiors x Pet. 2 17 or Equals y Ro. 12. 10 Q. VVhat is forbidden in the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of or doing any thing against the honor and duty which belongeth to every one in their several places and relations z Mat. 5 15 4 5 6. Ezek. 34 2 3 4 Rom. 13 8 Q. What is the Reason annexed to the fifth Commandment A. The Reason annexed to the fifth Commandment is a promise of long life and prosperity as far as it shal serve for Gods glory and their own good to all such as keep this Commandment a Deu. 5 16 Eph 6 2 3 Q. Which is the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment is Thou shall not kill b Exod. 20 13 Q. What is required in the 6 Comandment A. The sixth Commandment requireth all lawful endeavors to preseâ—ve our own life c Eph 5 28 29 and the life of others d 1 Kings 18 4 Q. What is forbidden in the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment forbiddeth the tâ—kâ—ng away of our own life or the life of our neighbor unjustly and whatsoever tendeth thereunto e Acts 16 28 Gen 9 6. Q. Which is the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment is Thou shalt not commit adultery f Exod. 20 14 Q. What is required in the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment reqâ—ireth the preservation of our own and our neighbors chastity in heart speech and behaviour g 1 Cor. 7 2 3. 5 34 36 Col 4 6. 1 Pet. 3 2 Q. What is forbidden in the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment forbiddeth all unchast thoughts words and actions h Mat. 15 19 5 28 Eph. 5 3 4 Q. Which is the eighth Commandement A. The eighth Commandement is Thou shalt not steal i Exod. 20 15 Q. What is required in the eight Commandement A. The eighth Commandement requireth the lawfull procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of our selves and others k Gen. 30 30. 1 Tim. 5 8 Q What is forbidden in the eighth Commandment A. The eighth Commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth or may unjustly hinder our own or our neighbors wealth or outward estate l Lev. 25 35. Deut. 22 1 2 3 4 5. Exod. 2 3 4 5 Gen. 47 14 20 Pro 21 17 23 20 21. 28. 19. Ephe. 4. 28 Q. Which is the ninth Commandment A. The ninth Commandment is Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor m Exo 20 16 Q. What is required in the ninth Commandment A. The ninth Commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man n Zach. 8 16 and of our own and our neighbors good name o 3 John v. 12 especially in witness bearing p Prov. 14 5 25 Q. What is forbidden in the ninth Commandment A. The ninth Commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to truth or injurious to our own or our neighbors good name q 1 Sam 17 28 Lev. 19 16 Psal 15 3 Q. Which is the tenth Commandment A. The tenth Commandment is Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors house thou shalt not covet thy neighbors wife nor his man-servant nor his maid-servant nor his Ox nor his Asse nor any thing that is thy neighbors r Exod. 20 17 Q. What is required in the tenth Commandment A. The tenth Commandment requireth full contentment with our own condition s Heb. 13. 5 1 Tim. 6. 6 with a right and charitable frame of spirit toward our neighbor and all that is his t Job 31. 29. Rom. 12. 15. 1 Tim. 1 5. 1 Cor. 13 4 5 6 7. Q What is forbidden in the tenth Commandment A. The tenth Commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate u 1 Kin. 21 4. Esther 5. 13. 1 Cor. 10. 10. envying or grieving at the good of our neighbor w Gal. 5 26. Jam. 3. 14. 16. and all inordinate motions and affections to any thing that is his x Rom. 7. 7 8.
extendeth or with-holdeth mercy as he pleaseth for the glory of his Soveraign Power over his creatures to passe by and to Ordain them to dishonour and wrath for their sin to the praise of his glorious justice r Mat. 11. 25 26. Rom. 9. 17. 18 21 22. 2 Tim. 2. 19. 20 Iude 5 4. 1 Pet. 2. 8 Rom. 9. 20. Rom. 11. 33 Deut. 29. 29 VIII The doctrine of this high Mystery of Predestination is to be handled with speciall prudence and care s that men attending the will of God revealed in his Word and yeelding obedience thereunto may from the certainty of their effectuall Vocation be assured of their eternall Election t. So shall this Doctrine afford matter of praise reverence and admiration of God u 2 Pet. 1. 10 â— Eph. 1. 6 Rom. 11. 33 and of humility diligence and abundant consolation to all that sincerely obey the Gospel w Rom. 11 5 6 20. 2 Pet. 1. 10 Rom. 8. 33 Luke 10. 2â— CHAP. IV. Of Creation IT pleased God the Father Son and Holy Ghost a Heb. 1. 2 Iohn 1. 2 3 Gen. 1. 2 Iob 26. 1â— Iob 33. 4. for the manifestation of the glory of his eternall power wisdom and goodnesse b Rom. 1. 20 Ier. 10. 12 Psal 104. 24 Psal 33. 5 6 in the beginning to create or make of nothing the World and all things therein whether visible or invisible in the space of six dayes and all very good c Gen. 1. ch Heb. 11. 13. Col. 1. 16. Acts 17. 24 II. After God had made all other Creatures he created Man male and female d Gen. 1. â—7 with reasonable and immortall souls e Gen. 27 with Eccle. 12. 7. and Luk. 23. 43 and Mat. 10 28. indued with knowledge righteousnesse and true holinesse after his own Image f Gen. 1. 26 Col. 3. 10 Eph. 4. 24 having the Law of God written in their hearts g Rom. 2. 14 15. and power to fulfill it h Eccl. 7. 29 and yet under a possibility of transgressing being left to the liberty of their own will which was subject unto change i Gen. â— 6. Eccles 7. 29 Beside this Law written in their hearts they received a command not to eat of the tree of the Knowledge of good and evil which whiles they kept they were happy in their Communion with God k Gen. 2. 27 Gen. 3. 8. 9 10. 11 23. and had Dominion over the creatures l Gen. 1. 26 28. CHAP. V. Of Providence GOD the great Creatour of all things doth uphold a Heb. 1. 3 direct dispose and govern all creatures actions and things b Dan. 4. 34 35. Psal 135. 6. Acts 17 25 26 28 Iob 38 39 40 41. chapters from the greatest even to the least c Mat. 10 29 30 31. by his most wise and holy Providence d Prov. 15. 3 Psal 104. 24 according to his infallible fore-knowledge e Acts 15. 18 Psal 94. 8 9 10 11. and the free and immutable counsell of his own Will f Eph. 1. 1â— Ps 33. 10 11 to the praise of the glory of His Wisdom Power Iustice Goodnesse and Mercy g Isa 63. 14 Eph. 3. 10. Rom. 9. 17 Gen. 45. 7 Psal 145. 7 II. Although in relation to the fore-knowledge and decree of God the first Cause all things come to passe immutably and infallibly h Acts 2. 23 yet by the same Providence he ordereth them to fall our according to the nature of second causes either necessarily freely or contingently i Gen. 8. 22 Ier. 31. 35 Exod. 21. 13 with Deut. 19. 5. 1 Kings 22 28 54. Isai 10. 6 7 III. God in his ordinary Providence maketh use of means k Acts 27. 3â— 44. Isai 55. 11 12. Hos 2. 21 22. yet is free to work without l Hos 1. 7 Mat. 4. 4 Iob â—4 10. above m Rom. 4. 19 20 21 and against them at his pleasure n 2 Kings 6. 6. Dan. 3. 27 IV. The Almighty power unsearchable wisdom and infinite goodnesse of God so farre manifest themselves in his Providence that it extendeth it self even to the first Fall and all other sinnes of Angels and Men o Rom. 11. 32 33 34 2 Sam. 24. 1 with 1 Chr. 21. 1. 1 King 22. 22 23 1 Chr. 10. 4 13 14. 1 Sa. 16. 10. Acts 2. 23. Acts 4. 27 28. and that not by a bare permission p Act. 13. 16 but such as hath joyned with it a most wise and powerfull bounding q Psa 76. 10 2 Kings 19. 28. and otherwise ordering and governing of them in a manifold dispensation to his own holy ends r Gen. 50. 20. Isa 10. 6. 7 12. yet so as the sinfulnesse thereof proceedeth only from the creature and not from God who being most holy and righteous neither is nor can be the Author or Approver of sin Å¿ Iam. 1. 13 14 17. 1 Ioh. 2. 16 Psal 50 21 V. The most wise righteous and gracious GOD doth oftentimes leave for a season his own children to manifold temptations and the corruption of their own hearts to chastise them for their former sinnes or to discover unto them the hidden strength of corruption and deceitfulnesse of their hearts that they may be humbled t 2 Chr. 32 25 36 31 2 Sam. 24. 1. and to raise them to a more close and constant dependance for their support upon himself and to make them more watchfull against all furure occasions of sin and for sundry other just and holy ends u 2 Cor. 12 7. 8 9 Psal 73. throughout Psal 77. 1 10 12 Mar. 14. 66 to the end with Iohn 21 15 16 17 VI. As for those wicked and ungodly men whom GOD as a righteous Iudge for former sinnes doth blinde and harden w Rom 1. 24 26 28 Rom. 1â— 7 8 from them he not onely withholdeth his Grace whereby they might have been inlightned in their understandings and wrought upon in their hearts x Deut. 29. 4 but sometimes also withdraweth the gifts which they had y Mat. 15. 12 Mat. 15. 29 and exposeth them to such objections as their corruption makes ocasions of sin z Deut. 2. 50 2 Kings 8. 12. 131 and with all gives them over to their own lusts the temptations of the world and the power of Satan a Ps 81. 11 12 2 Thes 2 10 11 12 whereby it comes to passe that they harden themselves even under those meanes which GOD useth for the softning of others b Exod. 7 3 with Exod. 8. 15 32. 2 Cor. 1. 15 16. Isa 8. 14 2 Pet. 2. 7 8 Isa 6. 9 10. with Acts 28. 26 27. VII As the providence of GOD doth in generall reach to all Creatures so after a most speciall manner it taketh care of his Church and disposeth all c 1 Tim. 4. 10 Amos 9 8 9. Rom. 8. 28. Isa 43. 3 4 5 14. things
present to the Faith of Believers in that Ordinance as the Elements themselves are to their outward senses o 1 Cor 10 16 VIII Although ignorant and wicked men receive the outward Elements in this Sacrament yet they receive not the Thing signified thereby but by their unworthy comming thereunto are guilty of the Body Blood of the Lord to their own damnation Wherefore all ignorant and ungodly persons as they are unfit to enjoy communion with him so are they unworthy of the Lords Table and cannot without great sin against Christ while they remain such partake of these Holy Mysteries p 1 Cor. 11 27 28 29 2 Cor. 14 6 15. 16 or be admitted thereunto q 1 Cor. 5. 6 7 13 2 Thess 3 6 14 15 Mat. 7. 6 CHAP. XXX Of Church Censures THe Lord Iesus as King and Head of his Church hath therein appointed a Government in the hand of Church Officers distinct from the Civill Magistrate a Isa 9. 6 7 1 Tim. 5. 17 1 Thess 5. 12 Acts 20. 17 28. Heb. 13 7. 17 24 1 Cor. 12. 28 Mat. 28. 18 19 20. II. To these Officers the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven are committed by vertue whereof they have power respectively to retain and remit sins to shut that Kingdom against the impenitent both by the Word and Censures and to open it unto penitent sinners by the Ministery of the Gospel and by Absolution from Censures as occasion shall require b Mat. 16. 19 Mat. 18. 17 18. Iohn 20 20 21 22 23 2 Cor. 2. 6 7 8. III. Church Censures are necessary for the reclaiming and gaining of offending Brethren for deterring of others from the like offences for purging out of that Leaven which might in fect the whole Lump for vindicating the honour of Christ and the holy Profession of the Gospel and for preventing the wrath of God which might justly fall upon the Church if they should suffer his Covenant and the Seals thereof to be prophaned by notorious and obstinatâ— offenders c 1 Cor. 5. Chapter 1 Tim. 5. 20 Mat. 7. 6 1 Tim. 1. 20 1 Cor. 11. 27 to the end with Iude ver 23. IV. For the better attaining of these ends the Officers of the Church are to proceed by Admonition suspension from the Sacrament of the Lords Supper for a season and by Excommunication from the Church according to the nature of the crime and demerit of the person d 1 Thes 5 12. 2 Thes 3. 6 14 15 1 Cor. 5. 4 5 13. Mat. 18 17. Tit. 3. 10 CHAP. XXXI Of Synods and Councels FOr the better Government and further edification of the Church theâ—e ought to be such Assemblies as are commonly called Synods or Councels a Act. 15. 2 4. 6. II. As Magistrates may lawfully call a Synod of Ministers and other fit Persons to consult and advise with about matters of Religion b Isa 49. 23 1 Tim 2. 1 2 2 Chron. 19 8 9 10. 11 2 Chron. 29 30. Chapters Mat. 24 5. Prov. 11. 14 So if Magistrates be open Enemies to the Church the Ministers of Christ of themselves by vertue of their Office or they with other fit persons upon delegation from their Churches may meet together in such Assemblies c Acts 15. 2 4 22 23 25 III. It belongeth to Synods and Councels ministerially to determine Controversies of Faith cases of Conscience to set down Rules Directions for better Ordâ—ring of the publick Worship of God and Government of his Church to receive complaints in cases of Male administration and authoritatively to Determine the same which Decrees and Determinations if consonant to the Word of God are to be received with reverence and submission not only for their agreement with the Word but also for the Power whereby they are made as being an Ordinance of God appointed thereunto in his Word d Acts 15. 15 19 24 27 28 29. 30 31 Acts 16. 4 Mat. 18. 17 18 19 20. IV. All Synods or Counsels since the Apostles times whether generall or particular may erre and many have erred Therefore they are not to bee made the rule of Faith or practice but to be used as an help in both e Eph 2. 22 Acts 17. 11 1 Cor. 2. 5 2 Cor. 1. 24 V. Synods and Counsels are to handle or conclude nothing but that which is Ecclesiasticall and are not to intermeddle with civill affaires which concern the Common-wealth unlesse by way of humble petition in cases extraordinary or by way of Advice for satisfaction of conscience if they be thereunto required by the civill Magistrate f Luke 12 13 14. Iohn 18. 36 CHAP. XXXII Of the state of men after death and of the Resurrection of the dead THe Bodies of men after death return to dust and see corruption a Gen. 3. 19 Acts 13. 36 but their soules which neither die nor sleep having an immortall subsistence immediatly return to GOD who gave them b Luk. 23 43 Eccles 22. 7 the soules of the Righteous being then made perfect in holinesse are received into the highest Heavens where they behold the face of God in light glory waiting for the full Redemption of their Bodies c Heb. 12. 23 2 Cor 5 1 6 8. Phil. 1. 23 with Acts 3 21. Eph. 4. 10. And the souls of the wicked are cast into Hell where they remain in torments utter darknesse reserved to the Iudgement of the great Day d Luk. 16. 23 24. Acts 1 25 Iude v. 6 7 1 Pet. 3. 19 Beside these two places for souls separated from their bodies the Scripture acknowledgeth none II. At the last Day such as are found alive shal not die but be changed e 1 Thes 4. 17 1 Cor. 15. 51 52. and all the dead shall be raised up with the self same bodies none other although with different qualities which shall be united again to their souls for ever f Iob 19. 26 27. 1 Cor. 15 42 43 44 III. The bodies of the unjust shall by the power of Christ be raised to dishonour the bodies of the just by his spirit unto honour and be made conformable to his own glorious Body g Acts 24 1â— Ioh. 5. 28 29 1 Cor. 15. 42 Phil. 3. 21 CHAP. XXXIII Of the last Judgement GOD hath appointed a Day wherein he will judge the World in righteousnesse by Iesus Christ a Acts 17. 31 to whom all power and judgement is given of the Father b Ioh 5. 22 27. In which day not only the Apostate Angels shall be judged c 1 Cor. 6. 3 Iude vers 6 2 Pet. 2. 4. but likewise all persons that have lived upon earth shall appear before the tribunall of Christ to give an account of their thoughts words and deeds and to receive according to what they have done in the Body whether good or evill d 2 Cor. 5 10 Eccl. 12. 14 Rom. 2. 16 Rom 14. 10
conversed with his Apostles speaking to them of the things pertaining to the Kingdome of God d Acts 1. 2. 3. and giving them commission to preach the Gospell to all nations e Mat. 28. 19 20. forty dayes after his resurrection he in our nature and as our head f Heb. 6. 20 triumphing over enemies g Eph. 4. 8. visibly went up into the highest heavens there to receive gifts for men h Acts 1. 9. 10. 11. Eph. 4. 10. Psal 68. 18. to raise up our affections thither i Col. 3. 1. 2 and to prepare a place for us k Ioh. 14. 3. where himself is and shall continue till his second comming at the end of the world l Acts 3. 21. Q. How is Christ exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God A. Christ is exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God in that as God-man he is advanced to highest favour with God the Father m Phil. 2. 9. with all fulnesse of joy n Acts 2. â—8 with Psal 16. 11. glory o Ioh. 17. 5. and power over all things in heaven and earth p Eph. 1. 22. 1 Pet. 3. 21. and doth gather and defend his Church subdue their enemies furnisheth his ministers and people with gifts and graces q Eph. 4. 10. 11 12. â—sa 110. throughout and maketh intercession for them r Rom. 8. 34. Q. How doth Christ make intercession A. Christ maketh intercession by his appearing in our nature continually before the Father in heaven Å¿ Heb. 9. 12. 24 in the merit of his obedience and sacrifice on earth t Heb. 1. 3. declaring his will to have it applyed to all believers u Ioh. 3. 16. Ioh 17. 9. 20. 24. answering all accusations against them w Rom. 8 33. 34. procuring for them quiet of conscience notwithstandding daily failings x Rom 5. 1 2 1 Iohn 2. 1 2 accesse with boldnesse to the throne of Grace y Heb. 4 16 acceptance of their persons z Eph. 1. 6 and services a 1 Pet. 2 5 Q. How is Christ to be exalted in his comming again to judge the world A. Christ is to be exalted in his coming again to judge the world in tha the who was unjustly judged condemned by wicked men b Acts 3. 14 15. shal come again at the last day with great power b in the full c Mat. 24. 30 manifestation of his own glory and of his Fathers with all his holy Angels d Luk. 9. 26 Mat. 25 31 with a shout with the voice of the Arch-Angel and with the Trumpet of God e 1 The. 4. 16 to judge the world in righteousnesse f Acts 17. 31 Q. What benefits hath Christ procured by his Mediation A. Christ by his Mediation hath procured redemption g Heb. 9. 12 with all other benefits of the Covenant of Grace h â— Cor. 1. 10 Q How doe we come to be made partakers of the benefits which Christ hath procured A. We are made partakers of the benefits which Christ hath procured by the application of them unto us i Ioh. 1. 11 12 which is especially the work of God the Holy Ghost k Tit. 3 5 6 Q. Who are made partakers of Redemption by Christ A. Redemption is certainly applyed effectually communicated to all those for whom Christ hath purchased it l Eph. 1. 3. 14. Ioh. 6. 37. 39 Ioh. 10. 15 16 who are in time by the holy Ghost inabled to beleeve in Christ according to the Gospel m Eph. â— 8 2 Câ—r 4. 13 Q. Can they who have never heard the Gospel and so know not Iesus Christ nor believe in him be saved by their living according to the light of nature A. They who having never heard the Gospel n Rom. 10. 14 know not Iesus Christ o 2 Thes 1 8 9 Eph. 2. 12 Ioh 1. 10 11. 12 and believe not in him cannot be saved p Ioh 8 24 Mar. 16 16 be they never so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature q 1 Cor 1. 20 21. 22 23 24 or the Law of that Religion which they professe r Ioh. 4. 22 Rom 9. 31 32 Phil. 3. 4 5 6 7. 8 9 neither is there salvation in any other but in Christ alone Å¿ Acts 4. 12 who is the Savior only of his body in the Church t Eph. â— â—3 Q. Are all they saved who hear the Gospel and live in the Church A. All that hear the Gospel and live in the visible Church are not saved but they oâ—ly who are true members of the Church invisible u Ioh. 12 38 39 40 Rom. 9. 6 Maz 22. 14. Mat. 7. 21 Rom. 11. 7 Q. What is the visible Church A. The visible Church is a society made up of all sâ—ch as in all ages and places of the world doe professe the true Religion w 1 Cor. 1. 2 1 Cor 12. 13 Rom. 15. 9 10 11 12 Rev. â— 9 Psal 2. 8. Psal 22. 27 28 29 30 31 Psâ—l 45. 17 Mat. 28. 19 20 Isa 59. 21 and of their children x 1 Coâ— 7. 14 Acts 2. 39 Rom 11. 16 Gen. 17. â— Q. What are the speciall priviledges of the visible Church A. The visible Church hath the priviledge of being under Gods speciall care and government y Isa 4. 5 6 1 Tim. 4. 10 of being protected and preserved in all ages notwithstanding the opposition of all enemies z Psal 11. 15 throughout Isa 31. 4 5 Zach. 12. 2 3 4 8 9. and of enjoyning the communion of Saints the ordinary means of salvation a Act. 2. 39 42. offers of grace by Christ to all the members of it in the ministery of the Gospel testifying that whosoever beleeves in him shall be saved b Psal 147 19 20 Rom. 9. 4 Eph. 4. 11 12 Mar. 16. 15 16 and excluding none that will come unto him c Ioh. 6. 37. Q. What is the Invisible Church A. The Invisible Church is the whole number of the Elect that have been are or shall be gathered into one under Christ the Head d Eph. 1. 10 22 23 Ioh. 10 16 Ioh. 11. 52 Q. What speciall Benefits doe the members of the Invisible Church enjoy by Christ A The members of the Invisible Church by Christ enjoy Vnion and Communion with him in grace and glory e Ioh. 17. 21 Eph. 2. 5 6 Ioh. 17. 24 Q. What is that Vnion which the Elect have with Christ A. The Vnion which the Elect have with Christ is the work of Gods grace f Eph. 1. 22 Eph. 2. 6 7 8 whereby they are spiritually and mystically yet really and inseparably joyned to Christ as their head and husband g 1 Cor. â— 17 Ioh. 10. â—8 Eph. 5 23. 30 which is done in their effectuall Calling h 1 Pet. 5. 10 1
God in light and glory n 1 Ioh 3. 2 1 Cor. 13. 12 waiting for the full redemption of their bodies o Rom. 8. 23 Psal 19. 6 which even in death continue united to Christ p 1 Thes 4 14 and rest in their graves as in their beds q Isai 57. 2 till at the last day they he again united to their souls r Iob 19. 26 27 whereas the souls of the wicked are at death cast into hell where they remain in torments and utter darknesse and their bodies kept in their graves as in their prisons till the resurrection and judgement of the great day Å¿ Luk. 16. 23 24 Acts 1. 25 Iude v. 6 7 Q. What are we to believe concerning the Resurrection A. We are to believe that at the last day there shal be a generall resurrection of the dead both of the just unjust t Acts 24. 15 when they that are then found alive shall in a moment be changed and the self-same bodies of the dead which were laid in the grave being then again united to their souls for ever shall be raised up by the power of Christ u 1 Cor. 15 51 52 53 1 Thes 4. 15 16 17 Ioh. 5. 28 29 the bodies of the just by the Spirit of Christ and by vertue of his resurrection as their head shall be raised in power spiritual incorruptible and made like to his glorious body w 1 Cor. 15 21 22 23 24 43 44 Phil. 3. 31 and the bodies of the wicked shall be raised up in dishonour by him as an offended Iudge x Ioh. 5. 27 28 29 Mat. 25. 33 Q. What shall immediately follow after the resurrection A. Immediately after the resurrection shall follow the generall and final judgment of Angels and men y 2 Pet. 2. 4 Iude v. 6 7 14 15 Mat 25 46 the day and hour whereof no man knoweth that all may wacth and pray and be ever ready for the comming of the Lord z Mat. 24. 36 42 44 Luke 21. 35 36 Q. What shall be done to the wicked at the day of Judgement A. At the day of Iudgment the wicked shal be set on Christs left hand a Mat. 25. 33 and upon clear evidence and full conviction of their own consciences b Rom. 2. 15 16 shall have the fearfull but just sentence of condemnation pronounced against them c Mat. 25. 41 42 43 and thereupon shall be cast out from the favourable presence of God and the glorious fellowship with Christ his Saints and all his holy Angels into hell to be punished with unspeakable torments both of body and soul with the devill and his Angels for ever d Luk. 16. 26 2 Thes 1 8 9 Q. What shall be done to the righteous at the day of Iudgement A. At the day of Iudgement the righteous being caught up to Christ in the clouds e 1 Thes 4 17 shall be set on his right hand there openly acknowledged and acquitted f Mat. 25. 3â— Mat. 10 32 shall joyn with him in the judging of reprobate Angels and men g 1 Cor. 6 2 3 and shal be received into heaven h Mat. 25. 34 46 where they shal be fully and for ever freed from all sinne and misery i Eph 5. 27 Rev. 14. 13 filled with unconceivable joyes k Psal 16. 11 made perfectly holy and happy both in body soul in the company of innumerable Saints and holy Angels l Heb. 12. 22 23 but especially in the immediate vision and fruition of God the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ and of the holy Spirit to aâ—l eterniâ—y m 1 Ioh. 3. 2 1 Cor. 13. 12 1 Thes 4. 17 18 and this is perfect and full communion which the members of the invisible Church shall enjoy with Christ in glory at the resurrection and day of Iudgement Having seen what the Scriptures principally teach us to beleeve concerning God it followes to consider what they require as the duty of man Q. WHat is the duty that God requireth of man A. The duty which God requireth of man is obedience to his revealed will n Rom. 12 1 2 Mic 6. 8 1 Sam. 15. 22 Q. What did God at first reveal unto man as the rule of his obedience A. The rule of obedience revealed to Adam in the estate of innocency and to all mankinde in him beside a speciall command not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was the Morall Law o Gen. 1. â—6 2â— Rom. 2. 14 15 Rom. 10. 5 Gen. 2. 17 Q. What is the Morall Law A. The Morall Law is the declaration of the will of God to mankinde directing and binding every one to personall perfect and perpetuall conformity and obedience thereunto in the frame and disposition of the whole man soul and body p Deut. 5 1 21 32 33 Luk. 10. 26 27 Gal 3. 10 1 Thes â— 13 and in performance of all those duties of holinesse and righteousnesse which he oweth to God and man q â—uk 1 75 Acts 14. 16 promising life upon the fulfilling and threatning death upon the breach of it r Rom. 10. 5 Gal. 3. 10 12 Q. Is there any use of the Morall Law to man since the fall A. Although no man since the fall can attain to righteousnesse and life by the Morall Law Å¿ Rom. 8. 3 Gal. 2. 16 yet there is great use thereof as well common to all men as peculiar either to the unregenerate or the regenerate t 1 Tim. 1. 8 Q. Of what use is the Morall Law to all men A. The Morall Law is of use to all men to enfoâ—m them of the holy nature and will of God u Lev. 11. 44 45 Lev. 20. 7 8 Rom. 7. 12 of their duty binding them to walk accordingly w Mic. 6. 8 Tim. 2. 10 11 to convince them of their disability to keep it and of the sinfull pollution of their nature hearts and lives x Psal 19 11 12 Rom. 3. 10 Rom. 7. 7 to humble them in sense of their sin and misery y Rom. 3. 9 23 and thereby help them to a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ z Gal. 3. 21 22 and of the perfection of his obedience a Rom. 10. 4 Q. What particular use is there of the Morall Law to unregenerate men A. The Morall Law is of use to unregenerate men to awaken their consciences to fly from wrath to come b 1 Tim. 1. 9 10 and to drive them to Christ c Gal. 1. 24 or upon their continuance in the estate and way of sin to leave them inexcusable d Rom. 1. 20 with Rom. 2. 15 Gal. 3. 10. and under the curse thereof e. Q. What speciall use is there of the Morall Law to the regenerate A. Although they that are regenerate and believe in Christ be delivered