air and over the cattel and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth V. 27. So God created man in his own image in the image of God created he him male and female created he them V. 28. And God blessed them and God said unto them Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the air and over every living thing that creepeth upon the earth Col. 3.10 And have put on the new Man which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him Ephes 4.24 And that ye put on that new Man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness Creatures 13. Q. What are God's Works of Providence A. God's Works of Providence are his most (x) Psal 145.17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways and holy in all his works holy (y) Psal 104.24 O Lord how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all the earth is full of thy riches Isa 28.29 This also cometh from the Lord of hosts which is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working wise and powerful (z) Heb. 1.3 Who being the brightness of his glory and the express image of his person and upholding all things by the word of his power when he had by himself purged our sins sate down on the right hand of the Majesty on high preserving and governing all his Creatures and all their (a) Psal 103.19 The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heaven his kingdom ruleth over all Matth. 10.29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing and one of them shall not fall to the ground without your Father V. 30. But the very hairs of your head are all numbred V. 31. Fear ye not therefore ye are of more value than many sparrows Actions 14. God's Providence is either general towards all his Creatures or special towards Mankind in the state of Creation before the Fall and in the state of Corruption since the Fall. 15. Q. What special Act of Providence did God exercise towards Man in the state wherein he was created A. When God had created Man he entred into a Covenant of Life with him upon condition of perfect Obedience forbidding him to eat of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil upon pain of (b) Gal. 3.12 And the law is not of faith but the man that doth them shall live in them Gen. 2.17 But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die Death 16. Q. Did our first Parents continue in the Estate wherein they were created A. Our first Parents being left to the freedom of their own Will fell from the Estate wherein they were created by sinning against (c) Gen. 3.6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was pleasant to the eyes and a tree to be desired to make one wise she took of the fruit thereof and did eat and gave also to her husband with her and he did eat V. 7. And the eyes of them both were opened and they knew that they were naked and they sewed fig-leaves together and made themselves aprons V. 8. And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden V. 13. And the Lord God said unto the woman What is this that thou hast done And the woman said The serpent beguiled me and I did eat Eccles 7.29 Lo this only have I found that God hath made man upright but they have sought out many inventions God. 17. Q. What is Sin A. Sin is any want of Conformity unto or Transgression of the Law of (d) 1 Joh. 3.4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law for sin is the transgression of the law God. Any defect in keeping strictly and perfectly to the Law or any thing cross or contrary to the Law is Sin. 18. Q. What was the Sin whereby our first Parents fell from the Estate wherein they were created A. The Sin whereby our first Parents fell from that holy and happy Estate wherein they were created was their eating the forbidden (e) Gen. 3.12 The woman which thou gavest to be with me she gave me of the tree and I did eat Fruit. 19. All Mankind sinned and fell in Adam 's first Transgression For 20. Q. Did all Mankind fall in Adam 's first Transgression A. The Covenant being made with Adam not only for himself but for his Posterity all Mankind descending from him by ordinary Generation sinned in him and fell with him in his first (f) Gen. 2 16. And the Lord God commanded the man saying Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat V. 17. But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die Rom. 5.12 Wherefore as by one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned V. 18. Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life V. 19. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous 1 Cor. 15.21 For since by man came death by man also came the resurrection of the dead V. 22. For as in Adam all die so in Christ shall all be made alive Transgression 21. Q. Into what Estate did the Fall bring Mankind A. The Fall of our first Parents brought Mankind into an Estate of (g) Rom. 5.12 see above Chap. 3.23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Sin and Misery 22. Q. Wherein consists the sinfulness of that Estate whereinto Man fell A. The sinfulness of that Estate whereinto Man fell consists in the Guilt of Adam's first Sin the want of Original Righteousness and the corruption of his whole Nature which is commonly called Original Sin together with all actual Transgressions which proceed from (h) Rom. 5.10 to 20. Ephes 2.1 And you he hath quickned who were dead in trespasses and sins V. 2. Wherein in times past ye walked according to the course of this world according to the prince of the power of the air the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience V. 3. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind and were by nature children of wrath even as others Jam. 1.14 But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own
and Righteous he had not been fit for dominion 2. The Image of God was most upon Mans Soul which was breathed into his Body after his Body was created Gen. 2.7 and therefore the Soul is of a Nature and Substance different from the Body Spirits and Flesh are opposed therefore not the same Heb. 12.9 The Soul is Spiritual and Immortal 3. The Soul had not been the Soul of Man in the state of Creation if it had not been Wise and Holy therefore the Image of God which is supernatural to us now had been natural and was so by grace in that State. Man was then Holy as naturally as he was rational 4. Man was not Created in a state of meer indifferency to good and evil for he was Created after the Image of God which carried him towards God alone but he was not fixed and confirmed against all temptation to Sin. 5. Man was not Created a mortal dying Man. He knew nothing of Death till he was threatned and felt no signs of it till he had sinned His Life and Happiness were only forfeitable upon supposition of Sin therefore tho' his Body was made of Earth and so corruptible yet if he had not finned he had not died Death was not the condition of his nature but the punishment of his Sin Gen. 2.17 chap. 3.19 Rom. 5.12 chap. 6.23 chap. 8.10 SECT VI. God's Providence 1. VVIthout a preserving and governing Providence the World had fallen into ruine or confusion The wise and mighty of the World have cause to acknowledge the Soveraignty of it How often are their policies and methods broken and themselves cut off before their works are sinished 2. Nothing is too great and nothing too mean for Divine Providence for high and low great and small are his Creatures 3. It extends to all things Nothing is more free and secret than our thoughts yet Ps 139.2 Prov. 21.1 more contingent than a lot yet Prov. 16.33 or more voluntary than the works of Man yet Ps 33.13,14,15 nothing more inconsiderable than the lighting of a poor sparrow yet Mat. 10.29,30,31 Luke 12.6 What is Man yet Ps 8.4 Ps 144.4 There is a set time to be born and an appointed time upon Earth Job 7.1 chap. 5.26 Ps 91.16 Uncertain Life is shortned or prolong'd by means good means by Gods ordination evil by his just permission All men die in judgment or in mercy therefore as there is a providence in raising up one and putting down another so there is in the Life and Death of good and evil Men. SECT VII Of the Covenant of God with Adam 1. A Covenant is a solemn contract or agreement between parties The parties in this Covenant were God the soveraign and Man the subject bound to whatsoever God required 2. The substance of the Covenant is in Gen. 2.17 Adam's being in possession of happiness to be continued until he sinned was equivalent to a promise which is implied also in the threatning Adam's consent was enough to make it a Covenant on his part as it was on Israels part Exod. 19.8 He knew what he did and actually consented or else he had sinned before he did eat and he knew it would be for his good and being already so happy he was oblig'd to consent The Covenant was solemnized by a sign the Tree of Life and was known to Satan Gen. 3.1 and to the Woman ver 2,3 SECT VIII Of Adam's first Sin. THere was a declining of Heart from God before the fruit was eaten how else could the Woman be so senseless of the Serpents contradicting of Gods word how could Adam be so sleepy as to eat without reproof or reluctancy The Sin was unconceivably heinous Man believed Satan against God changed his highest end turned from God to the Creature that upon the Devils word he might abuse the Creature to become as God. He brake Covenant and all the Bonds of Duty Gratitude and Love he sinned against a known prohibition and despised both the threatning of Death and the promise of Life All mankind fell by Adam's Sin. Adam was in a condition to covenant with God for he had perfect knowledge of what he did It was not necessary that all mankind should be personally present which could not be because they were to be propagated by generation And if they had been present they had not been wiser than he nor more obliged to stand 2. All mankind were contained in him and represented by him as a common Person and Parent and as a Covenanter for himself and all his Posterity 3. All mankind were concluded by him as well as included in him Rom. 5.12 Death is a Punishment Punishment presupposeth Sin and Sin a Law. The Punishment is general so was the Law. When did all men Sin in Adam's Sin Rom. 5.19 Infants die who sinned not actually in their own Persons ver 14. therefore Death doth not pass upon all for actual personal Sin yet for Sin therefore for that Sin which was the Sin of all Men in effect as included in him 4. The Man Christ Jesus is only free from Sin for he was not Man by ordinary Generation nor included in that first Covenant but is the second Adam and head in another Covenant 5. The Blessed Virgin was not free from Original guilt and pollution None but Christ was If she had been she had been as Holy as he yea her Parents had been also without Sin and so it had been no privilege to her But they were unclean Job 14.1 and so was she because born of unclean Parents She confessed Christ her Saviour Luke 1.47 and died therefore she was a Sinner Rom. 5.12 SECT IX Of Original Sin why so called ORiginal Sin is so called because it was the first Sin derived from the beginning and because it is the spring and Original of actual Sin in us Wherein it consisteth Original Sin consisteth 1. in the guilt of Adam's first Sin. That Sin which brought Death upon Adam as a punishment brought it so also upon us Rom. 5.12 His other actual Sins are not imputed to us for he stood no longer in the publick capacity of a Head and Covenanter 2. In the want of Original righteousness Adam lost it for himself and for his Posterity also By entertaining the temptation to eat and the first motion to Sin he gave place to evil and so he lost what he had and coveting once what was forbidden he afterwards coveted more evil and Satan followed him with temptations to sin more The want of righteousness was his Sin and Punishment also And it is a Sin in mankind and Punishment upon us still The want of it is a Sin in us for we are bound to love God with all the heart which we cannot do for want of it And it is a Punishment upon us and God is not bound to restore the righteousness and take off the punishment 3. In the corruption of our whole nature All the powers of our Souls are corrupted as well as
and brought over to my earnest Request to be constant Communicants but not ignorant unprepared and unreformed 1. I beseech you to consider the great and gracious Condescention of the most high and holy God to reveal to you the great Mystery of Redemption by his beloved Son and to make it plain and to confirm weak Faith to represent it by sensible Signs The Bread and Wine admonish you of the Necessity of Christ without whom you cannot live and of the Benefit of Christ whose Effect is spiritual Nourishment and Growth in Grace You have need of this plain way of Information by sensible Signs God stoops very low therein neglect it not What an Advantage is this to be doubly taught by the Word and by teaching Signs 2. Consider once again what is conveyed to your Souls by these visible Signs 1. Jesus Christ as dying yea as dead in our stead for our Sins to satisfie for them to reconcile us to God and to procure Forgiveness of Sins and that his Death was effectual for these great Purposes because we shew forth the Death of Christ by which all heavenly Blessings are become Legacies in the New Testament 2. Is it not profitable for you to see Jesus Christ and all the Benefits of Redemption set before you That God with-holds nothing from you if you will receive Christ but sets him and all things with him before your Eyes invites you to take him and all his Benefits He offers him yea gives yea seals the Gift of Righteousness and Life to make it sure to you for ever if you will but take and receive as he hath appointed you And what can be more to you than Jesus Christ and the Purchace of his most precious Blood Are the Forgiveness of Sins Reconciliation Adoption Supplies of all Grace the Promises which are exceeding great and precious such vile and common things that you will not have them though for coming for Have you no need of Christ or no need of receiving him in this Ordinance Surely if he enjoined it to them who had been trained up in his Doctrine known his Life seen his Miracles how gracious is God to us in appointing us such an Help who have more need of such repeated Confirmations of his Grace Can you do as well without Or what need you care to have your Graces strengthned or Forgiveness sealed Can you be so unthankful and cold in your Love as to neglect to remember him in a Way of his own Appointment Or would you be so careless to have the Act of Oblivion sealed by the Great Seal and to be sure of Life Or are you so rich that you can be without a part in the Everlasting Covenant Is he a Child of God that never enquires for the Legacy bequeathed by Will What is this but the New Testament confirmed by the Death of the Testator section 5 2. You are invited nay required to come by one who must not be despised a great King. This Charge This do in remembrance of me was given by the Lord in the same Night wherein he was betrayed That which you are invited to is with greatest Earnestness to be desired You will certainly die for ever without Christ Come Soul take me and live saith Christ Whosoever will let him come And will you not come Can neither the Authority of God nor his Love nor the last Charge of a dying Saviour prevail with you Oh! will you not observe his Charge which was given in the same Night wherein he was betrayed When he was ready to sacrifice his Body and Blood for your Sins When he was ready to drink the bitter Cup of God's Wrath appointed to be drunk by Infinite Justice When he was ready to shed his Blood for the Remission of Sin and to make the Covenant of Grace of force by his Death So that thereby all the Children might come in for their Portions and Share because the Testator being dead the Legacies became due to all that claim them Will none of these things move you but rather let all be lost than you trouble your selves to examine your selves to repent of Sin and embrace Christ or to shake off your damning Security and spiritual Sloth The Lord rebuke you in Mercy that you may be saved section 6 3. Doth the offended God declare that he is well pleased with the Death of his Son Doth the Lord Jesus Christ shew forth his own Death for Sin to redeem your Souls Do not you hear him say Thus was my Body broken thus was my Blood shed thus my Hands and my Feet and my Sides were wounded Thus I gave up the Ghost for you And upon this that Christ died a Proclamation is made to all that have any thing to accuse the Soul of Rom. 8.33 Who can lay any thing to the Charge of God's Elect It is Christ that died And to all Sinners that are cast in Law that cannot deny nor mitigate their Offences nor bear the Sentence much less endure Damnation by that Sentence I say to all Sinners notice is given 1 Joh. 1.2 If any Man sin there is an Advocate with the Father who is also the Propitiation for our Sin. O Sinner wilt not thou come to see this Death shewed forth Soul what hast thou to shew or plead wherefore the Sentence of Eternal Death should not be pronounced against thee but this Hast not thou sinned against the infinite God Doth not thy Conscience accuse judge and condemn thee according to the Law which thou hast transgressed What canst thou say for thy self If thou offer to plead any thing of thine own either good Intentions Desires Purposes Works or any Circumstances to extenuate and pare off the grossness of thy Sin thy Conscience except the Ignorant and Erroneous like an upright Judge well learned in the Law and Gospel must needs stop thy Mouth over-rule all thy Pleas and tell thee that without shedding of Blood there is no Remission of Sin and that no Blood but the precious Blood of Christ as of a Lamb without Spot can cleanse thee from thy Sin. Wilt not thou therefore cast thy self upon the free Grace of God reconciled and satisfied with the Death of his dear Son And wilt thou not come to that Ordinance which he commanded his People to the End of the World to observe in which his Death is shewed forth and there shew him to God as the Death of thy Mediator who hath made Peace and taken away Sin And shew him also to all thy Adversaries and Accusers Lo all you that seek my Soul to destroy it This is he who gave his Life a Ransom for me He hath fulfilled the Law satisfied the Divine Justice What have you to say against me Against all your Accusations this I plead and alledge that Christ died and overcame Death and that he died for me And be it known to all Infidels and Blasphemers that the crucified Christ is my Lord and Saviour Into him I
Adams whose Learning Graces and sweet Temper might have been a great Blessing in these Times if God had been pleased to continue him on Earth in a Book called Principles of Religion explained published by his genuine worthy Brother Mr. R. A. And the Agreement of it with the Doctrine of our Church is manifest to all that know the one and the other and therefore the Enmity expressed against it most proceed from an ill Opinion of the first Compliers of it and the Time of its Birth But shall the Wrath of Men endure to all Generations Can we forgive the Living and never forgive the Dead who were rarely accomplished for so great a Work Is it not time and high time to mortisie An mostlies And have we not great cause if there be any Love to Truth to bless God for causing so much pure Light to shine in those Days of Clouds Tempest Whirl-wind Confusion Smoak and Fire If I should express the high Esteem the most Reverend Primate Usher had for it as I have often heard from several Persons I should but make some Men think the worse of both The great Esteem which hath been and still is shewed to it by some of all Ranks makes it seem impossible to suppress it without an Inquisition And let those who have said it was worse than the Racovian Catechism speak out and then we know what Opinion and Affection they have for this Church and Christianity it self And let them take notice now zealously the Convocation in the Year 1640. declared against Socinianism So that if these Men who preferr a Socinian Catechism that is to say plainly an Antichristian Collection of Heresie they dissent from the whole Church of England and the most zealous Antipuritan part of it But I hope these Speeches were only spoken while the hot Fit was upon them I could wish those Gentlemen who presented a certain Catechism stigmatized to their hands no doubt to recollect themselves and see whether they were so cantious as to present nothing but what was seditious in it or whether they presented all from the Title-Page to the Finis and the very Scriptures the Creed the Ten Commandments and Lord's Prayer always printed in it If they presented nothing in it but what was false erroneous scandalous and dangorous then it is altogether safe and untainted But if they presented it all together without Reservation of due Reverence to any Doctrine Scriptures Creed Commandments or Lord's Prayer then all that is in it fared no worse than the Rule of Faith it self These and other ways to suppress this Book had this unhappy Effect that it hath widened the Separation and increased Suspicions and Jealousies in the Minds of Men. There are many Catechisms yet common in several parts of the Kingdom which have never been dis-allowed in the strictest Times It is no Derogation from the Church Catechism that People grow in sound Knowledge by larger that may be used as Expositions of it This Catechism speaks for it self and the Oracles of God speak for it and I will say no more but what tends to Satisfaction about the present Publication of it 1. The best instructed in these parts both of them who learn the Church-Catechism first and hear it publickly explained and that object against the first introductory Questions and Answers have a great Opinion of this and are much profitted and delighted with the Answers and Scriptures and come to be better versed in the Scriptures than otherwise they could be without greater pains 2. Because the poorer sort cannot buy many Books and it will encourage and allure them to learn this more perfectly when they find more benefit by it than bare Knowledge 3. Because it doth excellently explain the Covenants Creed Commandments and Lord's Prayer 4. All due Respect reserved to many other Catechisms I know none so capable of being improved to the aforesaid Vses as this is And many other Advantages may be made of it if well studied and thought upon As 1. To inform us of our highest Aim and Happiness to take off our Affections from the World. 2. The Way to attain it by the Scriptures and the Way and Means revealed in the Scriptures and to shew us the great use we ought to make of the Scriptures to direct us to God. 3. It acquaints us with God in his Nature Attributes Trinity in Vnity with his Works of Nature and Grace the way of God's Government by Laws and Covenants and the different States of Man. 4. It serves to humble us under Conviction of Sin Guilt Corruption and Wrath. 5. It teacheth an humbled Spirit what he shall do to be saved and by whom and how 6. We come to know Jesus Christ what and who he is what he hath undertaken and done and what he procured and for whom 7. We see what Benefits are to be had from Christ and his Offices how we are united to him and partake of his Fulness of Grace 8. It directeth the Believer how to walk and abide in Christ 9. It is exceeding comfortable to find so many and so great Advantages and Blessings from Christ in Life in Death and for ever 10. It doth endear Christ to the Soul exceedingly and makes the Grace and Love of God in Christ illustrious and wonderful And Lastly I must drive the Nail that will go This or none will be embraced by many And if Good be to be done by Catechising it must be done by this or by none or some other not so compleat as this Considering the Times and danger of many who are not well and throughly instructed and are disposed to take the Infection who are forward and venturous to hear any who hath his Way prepared and strewed with Commendation I have laboured to expel or prevent Infection by shewing them how to discern between Truth and Error in the Substantials of Religion And so I have done the third necessary Part of an Husband-man and Builder which is to fence and secure his Plantation and Building Every Particular almost in every Section is a Truth rescued out if the Hand or Jaws of some heretical and erroneous Teacher or other Some of these are so well known that I need not name them and it is not convenient to name others But because I could not forbear I have named the Socinians or Disciples of Laetius and Faustu Socinus and quoted the Socinian Catechism brought foth at Racovia But why these For these two Reason 1. Because their Doctrine is a new Gospel another Gospel which they dignifie with the Style of Saving Doctrine and the Embracement of this Doctrine is that by which the true Church may be known and there is no need of enquiring after the Notes or Marks of the true Church Cap. de Ecclesia Visibili They subvert the very Foundations of Christian Faith and Hope the holy Trinity one God and three Co-essential Persons or Three but one and the same God. They acknowledge the Names but disown
lust and inticed V. 15. Then when lust hath conceived it brings forth sin and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death Matth. 15.19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts murthers adulteries fornications thefts false-witnesses blasphemies it 23. Q. What is the misery of that Estate whereinto Man fell A. All Mankind by their Fall lost Communion with (i) Gen. 3.8 Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden V. 10. And he said I heard thy voice in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked and I hid my self V. 24. So he drove out the man and he placed at the end of the garden of Eden Cherubims and a flaming sword which turned every way to keep the way of the tree of life God are under his Wrath and (k) Ephes 2.2,3 see before Gal. 3.10 For as many as are of the work of the law are under the Curse for it is written Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the law to do them Curse and so made liable to all miseries in this Life to Death it self and to the pains of Hell for (l) Lam. 3.39 Wherefore doth the living man complain a man for the punishment of his sins Rom. 6.23 For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Matth. 25.41 Then shall he say to them on the left hand Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels V. 46. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment but the righteous into life eternal ever 24. But all Mankind were not left to perish in the state of Sin and Misery For 25. Q. Did God leave all Mankind to perish in the state of Sin and Misery A. God having out of his meer good pleasure from all Eternity elected some to everlasting (m) Ephes 1.4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love Life did enter into a Covenant of Grace to deliver them out of the state of Sin and misery and to bring them into an estate of Salvation by a (n) Rom. 3.21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested being witnessed by the law and the prophets V. 22. Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe for there is no difference Gal. 3.21 Is the law then against the promises God forbid for if there had been a law given which could have given life verily righteousness should have been by the law V. 22. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe Redeemer 26. Q. Who is the Redeemer of God's Elect A. The only Redeemer of God's Elect is the Lord Jesus (o) 1 Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men the Man Christ Jesus V. 6. Who gave himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time Christ who being the Eternal Son of God became (p) Joh. 1.14 And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth Gal. 4.4 But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the Law. Man and so was and continueth to be God and Man in two distinct Natures and one Person for (q) Rom. 9.5 Whose are the Fathers and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came who is over all God blessed for ever Luke 1.35 And the Angel answered and said unto her The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the Power of the Highest shall over-shadow thee therefore also the holy Thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Col. 2 9. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily Heb. 7.24 But this Man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable priesthood V. 25. Wherefore he is able to save them to the utmost that come to God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them ever 27. Q. How did Christ being the Son of God become Man. A. Christ the Eternal Son of God became Man by taking to himself a true (r) Heb. 2.14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himself likewise took part of the same that through death he might destroy him who had the power of death that is the Devil V. 16. For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham Heb. 10.5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not but a body hast thou prepared me Body and a reasonable (Å¿) Matth. 26.38 Then saith he unto them My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death tarry you here and watch with me Soul being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the Womb of the Virgin Mary and born of (t) Luke 1.31 Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and bring forth a son and shalt call his name Jesus V. 35. see before V. 42. And she spake out with a loud voice and said Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Gal. 4.4 see before her yet without (u) Heb. 4.15 For we have not an High-Priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Heb. 7.26 For such an High-Priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners and made higher than the heavens Sin. 28. Q. What Offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer A. Christ as our Redeemer executeth the Offices (x) Acts 3.22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you Heb. 12.25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven Compared with 2 Cor. 13.3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me which to you-ward is not weak but is mighty in you Luke 4.18 The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted to preach deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind to set at liberty them that are bruised of a Prophet (y) Heb. 5.5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an High Priest but he that
God through our Lord Jesus Christ V. 2. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. V. 5. And hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us Joy in the Holy Ghost (t) Rom. 14.17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost Increase of Grace (u) Prov. 4.18 The path of the just is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day and Perseverance therein to the end (x) 1 Joh. 5.13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God that you may know that ye have eternal life and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 1 Pet. 1.5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation 45. Q. What benefits do Believers receive from Christ at death A. The Souls of Believers are at their death made perfect in (y) Heb. 12.23 To the general assembly and church of the first-born which are written in heaven and to God the Judge of all and to the spirits of just men made perfect Holiness and do immediately pass into (z) 2 Cor. 5.1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved we have a building of God an house not made with hands eternal in the heavens V. 6. Therefore we are confident knowing that whilst we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. V. 8. We are confident I say and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Phil. 1.23 For I am in a strait betwixt two having a desire to depart and to be with Christ which is far better Luk. 23.43 And Jesus said unto him Verily I say unto thee to day shalt thou be with me in Paradise Glory and their Bodies being still united to (a) 1 Thess 4.14 For if we believe Jesus died and rose again even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him Christ do rest in their (b) Isa 57.2 He shall enter into peace they shall rest in their beds each one walking in his uprightness Graves till the (c) Job 19.26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body yet in my flesh shall I see God. V. 27. Whom I shall see for my self and mine eyes shall behold and not another though my reins be consumed within me Resurrection 46. Q What benefit do Believers receive from Christ at the Resurrection A. At the Resurrection Believers being raised up in Glory (d) 1 Cor. 15.43 It is sown in dishonour it is raised in glory it is sown in weakness it is raised in power shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the Day of Judgment (e) Mat. 25.23 His Lord said unto him Well done thou good and faithful servant thou hast been faithful over a few things I will make thee ruler over many things enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. Matth. 10 32. Whosoever shall confess me before men him will I also confess before my Father which is in heaven and made perfectly blessed in full enjoying of God (f) 1 Joh. 3.2 Beloved now are we the sons of God and it doth not yet appear what we shall be but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is 1 Cor. 13.12 For now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face now I know but in part but then I shall know even as I am also known to all Eternity (g) 1 Thess 4.17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we be ever with the Lord. V. 18. Wherefore comfort one another with these words PART II. What Duties God requires of Man in his holy Law. 1. Q. What is the Duty which God requireth of Man A. The Duty which God requireth of Man is Obedience to his (h) Mic. 6.8 He hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God 1 Sam 15.22 And Samuel said Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord Behold to obey is better than sacrifice and to hearken than the fat of rams revealed Will. 2. Q What did God at first reveal to Man for the Rule of his Obedience A. The Rule which God at first revealed to Man for his Obedience was the Moral Law (i) Rom. 2.14 For when the Gentiles which have not the Law do by nature the things contained in the Law these having not the law are a law unto themselves V. 15. Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts their consciences also bearing witness and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another Rom. 10.5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law that the man which doth those things shall live by them 3. Q. Where is the Moral Law summarily comprehended A. The Moral Law is summarily comprehended in the (k) Deut. 10.4 And he wrote on the tables according to the first writing the ten commandments which the Lord spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly and the Lord gave them unto me Matth. 19.17 And he said unto him Why callest thou me good there is none good but one that is God but if thou wilt enter into life keep the commandments ten Commandments 4. Q. What is the sum of the Ten Commandments A. The sum of the Ten Commandments is To love the Lord our God with all our Heart with all our Soul with all our Strength and with all our Mind and our Neighbour as our (l) Matth. 22.37 Jesus said unto him Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind V. 38. This is the first and great commandment V. 39. And the second is like unto it Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self V. 40. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets selves 5. Q. What is the Preface to the Ten Commandments A. The Preface to the Ten Commandments is in these words Exod. 20.2 I am the Lord thy God which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt out of the house of bondage 6. Q. What doth the Preface to the Ten Commandments teach us A. The Preface to the Ten Commandments teacheth us That because God is the Lord and our God and Redeemer therefore we are bound to keep all his (n) Luk. 1.74 That he
our sensual appetites Rom. 7.23 Rom. 8.5,6 Tit. 1.15 This is Sin working all manner of concupiscence Rom. 7.8 Adam's habitual corruptions and vices followed upon his actual offence by his own and Satan's doing and Gods just judgment Our actual offences proceed from our natural and habitual corruptions Adam sinned and forfeited for himself and us who are as much his Posterity as Cain and Abel were And God by a righteous Act hath concluded all under Sin Rom. 11.31 Gal. 3.22 This corruption is fitly called the Old Man in opposition to the New Man which is from Christ by the regeneration of the Spirit Rom. 6.6 Ephes 4.22 Col. 3.9 Such as our first Parents were after their transgression such are we by nature Ephes 2.3 that is by a Law of Nature that like should beget like not only in a natural but moral kind and evil qualities Without the image of God what is Man but a young Insidel he loves Self better than God and wanting the guidance of knowledge and wisdom and stay of holiness in himself he sinneth of his own being an active Creature and tempted by Satan and the World. He is corrupted in his nature or he could not imitate His aptness to imitate is one spark of corrupt nature Cain killed his Brother when he had no example to imitate SECT X. Of the Miseries of Men by the Fall. SInful Man is a miserable Creature I shall not speak of all the miseries the World groans under only take notice of two 1. Death is a punishment of Sin as you heard before God reserv'd in his own will and power how far this punishment should be executed They who are redeemed from eternal Death suffer a temporal Heb. 9.28 as a punishment for Sin and for no other cause Death was not known before it was menaced If Death had been the condition of nature it had followed nature in time it might have been foretold but not threatned as a punishment for Sin. 2. The pains of Hell. To teach Men that Death eternal and not temporal was threatned to Adam and that eternal Death is but the continuation of temporal is to tempt Men to despise temporal death and in their distresses to make away themselves to put an end to the miseries of this Life Then the sensual voluptuous Man might say Let us eat and drink for to morrow we shall die and the miserable sufferer will say I will die rather than live in misery And if eternal Death be but such a privation of Life that I shall never be restored to Life when I am once Dead I had rather never live again than live again to be miserable What work would Socinianism make in the World if it be propagated and entertained It is too far gone but they pretend the Glory of God for it For how can it consist with the justice and goodness of God to punish and torment Men in Hell for ever for the Sins sollies and vanities of a short Life To answer this objection and clear the proceedings of Divine Judgment I humbly offer these considerations 1. There is self-love partiality and hard thoughts of God at the bottom of this objection Men are more sensible of their just sufferings than of the sinfulness of Sin. 2. There is no more unrighteousness in judgment and execation than in the constitution of Gods Government and Laws The great day appointed will be a day of judgment and not injustice Acts 17.31 The sentence will be righteous therefore so will the execution of it be They who do such things are worthy of Death Rom. 1.16 The Judge of all the Earth will do right Gen. 18.25 3. It was just that Adam should die for he knew the Law and the threatning Is it not as just that the wicked should be condemned to Hell who take no warning nor counsel 4. A Sinners heart is eternally turn'd away from God. It is just in God to sentence him to depart from him for ever who will never of himself turn unto him 5. We are not sit to judge in Gods cause for we know not the heinousness of Sin nor the dishonour of God and we are ignorant partial and corrupted parties Parties are no meet judges 6. If we can never repair the dishonour done to God by sin is it not just we should suffer for ever 7. There is a proportion between the Sins of a finite Creature committed against the infinite God and the punishments inflicted by an infinite God upon a finite offender 8. Is it just if a magistrate punish by Death who can never restore the malefactor to Life for momentany sins why then shall God be thought unjust to punish with eternal Death 9. It is most certain God will do nothing to his own dishonour and knows how to glorify his goodness and justice 10. By Gods judgments severally pronounced upon the Criminals Gen. 3.13,20 it is clear that God doth observe a just rule and proportion in punishment He doth not punish all alike 11. They can deserve no less who now despise goodness and forbearance and Death it self 12. The mediator between God and Man will judge between God and Man. He who took our Nature will not wrong the worst of Men. 13. Humbly observe the judgment to come Mat. 25.41 c where note 1. The judge cannot be excepted against by the worst of Sinners 2. The wicked are persons who shall live for ever 3. For the fire is everlasting 4. Everlasting fire is everlasting punishment 5. If the punishment be everlasting the suffering malefactors will be everliving To die eternally is not therefore to be extinguished or to cease to be but to be miserable for ever From what is said it follows 1. That concupiscence is Sin Rom. 7.7,17,20,22,23 2. Every Sin is mortal by desert and venial or pardonable only by Grace Rom. 6.23 Ephes 1.7 3. There is no third place beside Heaven and Hell therefore there is no Purgatory for Venial Sins 4. No Man can or shall suffer more than he deserveth Ps 130.3 Gal. 3.10 SECT XI Of our Recovery 1. GOd hath elected some to eternal Life Election is of Persons and not of qualities or for the sake of qualities Election is of Grace in the free chooser and not in the chosen who are graceless before God makes them gracious 2. The Covenant of Life or Works or Nature being broken God did not renew that but made another called the Covenant of Grace because it proceeds from Grace after a Breach and promiseth Grace to keep it in the construction of Grace or Gospel sence The Moral Law or Commandments is the same in both Covenants but the promisory State and Privileges are very different By a Redeemer 1. Christ is our Redeemer from guilt and justice by a Ransom and Price from our Enemies Satan the World and Sin by Power He is our Lord because of his Right and Power to govern and redeem us He is Jesus which is as much as Saviour Christ which
the Law were Sons but in minority under Tutors c Gal. 4.4 yet they had the free Spirit Ps 51.12 They with their fear had boldness and we have fear with our boldness and liberty Phil. 2.13 Heb. 4.16 And Sanctified 1. To Sanctify is to make Holy. 2. We abhorr that slander That because we are justified by imputed Righteousness therefore we may take licence to sin We say a justified Man is Sanctified and must be so 1 Cor. 6.11 2. Imputed Sanctification 1. Cor. 1.30 doth not excuse from inherent 3. A shew of sanctity is but hypocrisie 4. We teach as the Apostle did Heb. 12.14 and derive holiness from its proper causes Rom. 6.1,2 Rom. 3.31 1 Pet. 2.24 Gal. 5.6 Tit. 2.14 3. To believe in the first notion of it is not all one as to obey obedience is necessary to Faith. They who obey are true believers and they who obey not are hypocrites Rom. 10.15 Heb. 5.9 James 2.14 c. 4. Sanctification is the Work of God the Father Jude 1. of Christ Joh. 15.24 of the Holy Ghost 2 Thes 2.13 We can no more regenerate or sanctify our selves than we can justify our selves 5. The Righteousness of justification is perfect Rom. 8.1 of Sanctification imperfect therefore we need continued justification and forgiveness 6. Justification is a change of State Sanctification of Nature it is total in respect of parts but not compleat in degrees we are growing but not grown perfect 7. In our Conversion we turn from Sin and Creatures to God in our Sanctification we die to Sin and live to God to which we are enabled by virtue of our Union with Christ Rom. 6.3 chap. 8.10 and by his spirit dwelling in us Rom. 8.13 Rom. 6.5,6.11 1 Cor. 6.11 1 Pet. 1.2 and by growing in some graces we grow in all and inward graces are encreased by outward Ordinances threatnings promises afflictions temptations and mercies sanctified 8. Regenerate Saints have Sin in them abiding tho' they have the spirit Gal. 5.16,17,18 1 Joh. 1.8 chap. 2.1 James 3.2 and sin actually 1 Kings 8.46 Peter sinned in denying Christ and after he was again converted Gal. 2.11 Obj. He that is born of God sinneth not 1 Joh. 3.4 Answ No not as he who is of the Devil and not born of God v. 8. and he purifieth himself v. 3. Obj. I am able to do all things therefore to live without sin Phil. 4.13 Answ All have not Paul's Grace and Power 2. Paul himself in his regenerate state was not free from Sin Rom. 7.16,17,18,22,25 3. All things i. e. Evangelically not Legally 4. All things that is Want and Abound Obj. We pray Thy Will be done c. nothing more agreeable to it than perfection and if we ask we shall receive 1 Joh. 5.14 Answ We are not taught to Pray for perfection in this Life for it is no where promised We are sincerely to wish and endeavour it SECT XX. Assurance of God's Love. 1. SUch an assurance of Gods Love and the fruits of it as overcomes fears and doubts is attainable in this Life and is no vain confidence See 2 Pet. 1.10 In it observe 1. The exhortation is made to believers in general 2. The diligence is the means of attaining it 3. Effectual Calling may be known and made sure 4. He that is sure of his Effectual Calling is sure of his Election See also 1 Thes 1.3,4 to ver 7. 2 Thes 2.13,14 Heb. 6.9,10 2. Assurance is ordinarily gathered by spiritual sanctified Reason and Divine Testimony thus he that is called is elected The spirit delivers and testifies that truth But I am called this is true by experience and spiritual sence of the Work of God upon us and the truth of grace therefore I am elected this is the conclusion and there is an assurance of all three propositions 3. The ordinary reasons why so many want it are 1. Because some look upon it as too high for them 2. or use not diligence or 3. know not how to gather it or 4. doubt of the truth of their graces or 5. want holy confidence in drawing the conclusion therefore I am elected Peace of Conscience 1. Peace of Conscience is the tranquility of it or rest from the terrors of the Law and threatnings of wrath Having it we undergo troubles and afflictions we submit to God serve him and wait for eternal Life 2. It proceeds from peace with God Rom. 5.1 and is Gods gift Rom. 15.13 3. It is often broken by temptations omissions of duty and commission of Sin. But the soundation and Bond of it a bides strong on Gods side and it is regained by renewing Faith Repentance Watchfulness and Obedience Joy in the Holy Ghost Rom. 14.17 1. Spiritual joy is the happy flourishing state of a true believer It is the fruit of the spirit Gal. 5.22 a gift of God Rom. 15.13 2. It springs from Faith in Christ 1 Pet. 1.8 and hope of Glory Rom. 5.2 3. The objects of it are God in Christ Rom. 5.11 Phil. 4.4 4. 'T is accompanied with Righteousness and peace Rom. 14.17 5. 'T is consistent with godly Sorrow Mat. 5.4 and sympathy with mourners Rom. 12.15 6. It is strongest in sufferings 1 Pet. 4.13 Rom. 5.3 and after hard services Acts 5.41 7. There is no hope of it to the impenitent Ps 51.8 Luke 13.5 8. It is allayed in believers with fear Ps 2.11 and sorrow Rom. 12.14 Encrease of Grace Growth in Grace is promised Prov. 4.18 Ps 1.3 It grows by abiding in Christ John 15.4,5 and a diligent use of Ordinances Ephes 4.11,12,13 and exercise of Grace Phil. 4.8 2 Pet. 1.2,4 to 10. Encrease is promised here but perfection is reserv'd for Heaven Perseverance 1. If Perseverance in Grace were not certain none could be saved 2. It depends not upon the strength of inherent Grace but upon Gods Will. 1. Election is to salvation 2 Thes 2.13 2. Calling is to Glory 1 Thes 2.12 1 Pet. 1.3,4 3. The promise goes home to the end John 3.15,16 and faith looks for it Heb. 11.1 4. The Covenant is firm between the Father and the Son Is 53.11 accordingly Christ perform'd his part Heb. 2.10 chap. 12.2 John 17.15 Heb. 7.25 and to the true Believer Heb. 10.14,15,16,17,23 Tit. 1.2 5. They have the spirit to abide Joh. 14.16 an earnest 2 Cor. 1.22 and Seal Ephes 4.30 6. They believe and hope to the end Heb. 10.39 1 Pet. 1.9 Rom. 5.2 7. They continue running and pressing 2 Tim. 4.8 Philip. 3.15 8. They are kept to salvation 1 Pet. 1.4,5 These are comforts to the diligent and sincere Hypocrites and Apostates have no part in them 2 Pet. 1.5 to 10. SECT XXI The Souls of Believers are happy at their Death 1. THe existence and immortality of the Soul was proved before 2. The destruction of the Soul is not of the substance but the punishment of Hell Luke 12.5 They who die in the Lord are Blessed Rev. 14.13 and shall be with him Phâ—l 1.23 for
first and wilt not be false 4. It is an unspeakable Mercy Honour and Blessing to be Sons and Daughters in Covenant with God Will you forfeit it 5. Your present and future Happiness depends upon your observing loving honouring serving God and walking before him 6. God will judge you by his Son Christ in the last Day And what will he do to them in that Day who are ashamed of him now Oh! re-turn and repent ye Revolters Lastly Improve your Baptismal Relation and Covenant by Mediation by Prayer by Thanksgiving by Communion at his Table and all by Faith with Love and Reverence Let it not be a small thing in your Eyes to be the Sons and Daughters of the Almighty God who is a great King. Secondly Improve your Baptism for others Parents for your Children 1. Before they are baptized 2. After they are baptized 1. Before From the Water of Baptism learn and lay to heart gross Pollution and Corruption such as no Soap or Nitre no Tears or Blood or Righteousness of our own could purge away 2. Bless God heartily for the Blood of Jesus and the Sanctification of the Spirit 3. See the Necessity and Benefit thereof 4. And then address your selves to God as Father Son and Holy Ghost for your Seed 1. Beg that the Infant may be taken into the Covenant of Grace with you 2. That the Child may ever continue under the Grace and in the Duty of the Covenant 3. Pray for the inward Grace and rest not in the outward Privilege To that end 1. Be sensible of the sinful Defilement Death and Misery of the Infant by Nature Humble your Souls in the Sight of God under the Consideration of it 2. Look unto the Promise or free Covenant of Grace and the part that Infants have in it Act. 2.39 and the Grace expressed by Christ to Infants Mar. 10.13 c. 3. Exercise Faith in the free Grace and Love of the Father the Love and Redemption of the Son the Grace and Power of the Holy Ghost 4. Do not look upon Baptism as an empty Sign but as an Ordinance of God established by a Word of Command and Promise for great Ends and of great Efficacy to those Ends by the Operation of the Spirit It is not a Sign of nothing nor a Seal of nothing but look to the Grace of it 5. Taking Encouragement from Free Grace apply your selves to the Father Son and Holy Ghost for the Infant by earnest Prayer The matter of which may be 1. That God would be so merciful as to receive the Infant to Baptism 2. That God would be his Father Redeemer and Sanctifier and be his God according to the Grace of every Relation 3. That the poor Infant may be taken out of the old corrupt Stock and planted into Christ so as to receive Life and Nourishment from him Rom. 6.3 c. 4. That he may in time have Faith and the Adoption the Privileges of a Child and the Grace to continue in the Duties 5. That he may never turn after the Flesh World and Devil or if he do that he may return to God in Covenant and never revolt again 6. Look upon the Grace and the Obligation of Baptism together the Grace and the Duty Water in Baptism is as significant and conducive to its End as Bread and Wine in the Lord's Supper 2. Improve Baptism for them that are baptized Thus 1. Respect your Infants as the Children of God committed to your Charge for Education as more God's than yours Make a difference between them and the Breed of Insidels Atheists Worldlings and Devils 2. Continue in fervent Prayers for them from their Infancy 3. Begin to instruct them and train them up for God as you feed them plainly frequently seasonably sensibly They will soon take notice of things which they see of the Moon and Stars c. Make known to them the invisible God his Wisdom Power Goodness and Providence 4. As they grow in Capacity labour to fill them and labour that Knowledge may enter into their Souls Make frequent Applications to them when you are taken with their Comeliness Beauty Features Actions Speeches and how pretty they are when dress'd Make spiritual use of these things to your selves and them 5. Take Considerations from their Baptism to plead for them with God 1. When you observe them to be dull and backward to Goodness and forward to Naughtiness when you see them negligent forgetful untractable and are afraid of them Oh say as you mourn to God This Child is dedicated to thee in Covenant with thee Oh make him thine own Work upon his Soul what I cannot Give what I have not to give Teach him redeem him convert him sanctifie him rule him O thou who didst once receive him do not now reject him 2. When you are cross'd and afflicted contend with them for God upon Covenant-Engagement and plead with God for them upon Covenant-Mercies and Promises Shew unto them what an Honour Liberty Mercy it is to be God's Covenant-child how much they are obliged to keep Covenant with the Heavenly Father Son and Spirit how happy it will be for them in the great Day to be called Ye blessed of the Father and how terrible it will be to depart as cursed Revolters and treacherous Unbelievers and impenitent Workers of Iniquity to be tormented in Everlasting Fire with the Devil and his Angels The Lord teach you to profit CHAP. II. Of Prayer Shewing whence and how the Matter of Prayer is drawn out of the Catechism with a Form or Pattern of Prayer thence deduced section 1 OBserve what Prayer is Prayer is the offering up our Desires to God for things agreeable to his Will in the Name of Christ with Confession of our Sins and thankful Acknowledgment of his Mercies When your offer up your Desires to God how will you conceive of him What Titles will you give him Look to Ans 4. God is a Spirit c. as followeth in the Prayer You cannot expect to speed for your own sakes nor presume to go in your own names or in the name of any Creature Saint or Angel but in the Name that is by virtue of the Mediation of Jesus Christ Here look to Ans 30. And in making continual Intercession for us In your Prayers you offer up your Desires to God for things agreeable to his Will. What are your Desires You want all spiritual and heavenly Blessings and temporal good things which God hath promised and directed us in his Word to ask particularly in that Prayer called The Lord's Prayer Particularly pray for the Application of the Benefits of Redemption and the Benesits which they who are effectually called partake of in this Life And what Believers do receive at their Death and at the Resurrection see from Ans 40 c. You must also pray for the Means of Grace by which you obtain these Graces Privileges and Blessings as the Continuance of the Christian Sabbath as in the
Father's Love and Grace Dost thou perceive and admire the Father's Love in making a Covenant of Grace to bring thee and such as thou art out of the State of Sin and Misery mark that and to bring thee into the State of Salvation by the Redeemer Admire this way that it should be by a Redeemer that the Redeemer should be the Eternal Son of God that such a glorious Person should so humble himself and die such a Death for Enemies and Sinners when Sacrifices and Offerings God would not Heb. 10.5 Oh dost thou not love the Father 1. Because he was pleased of his meer good Pleasure to decree the Salvation of poor Sinners 2. Because he took that way to bring his chosen ones out of Sin and Misery to obtain Everlasting Salvation 3. Because he sent his Son 1 Joh. 4.9 Joh. 3.16 in the Form of a Servant to humble himself to Death even the Death of the Cross to take away Sin by that kind of ignominious and painful Death 4. For sitting him thereunto For it pleased the Father that in him should all Fulness dwell Col. 1.19 Heb. 2.10,11,17 chap. 7.26 5. And that when all other means could not do it as was intimated before Heb. 10.5 6. And who and what are they for whom the Infinite Wisdom doth consult Infinite Mercy and Grace act in such a wonderful way and manner Even Sinners Enemies when weak weak and without Strength and therefore worthless and good for nothing Rom. 5 6,7,8 7. And to make this Love more admirable that every one that believeth should become a Child of God 1 Joh. 3.1 Joh. 1.12 Study and behold this infinite Mercy and Grace He gave his Son to be thy Redeemer and giveth every one that shall be saved to his Son And though they are given to the Son in Election to be redeemed by him they must come to Christ but they cannot come except the Father draw them Joh. 6.39,44,45 Doth not thy Love grow warm and gather Strength by these Considerations Herein is Love God gives and sends his Son to be thy Saviour a compleat and perfect Saviour he is and he with the glorious Purchace of his Blood things present and things to come a Testament full of Blessings sealed in that precious Blood is set before thee upon the Table Now the Father of Mercies is ready to receive thee and if thou receive thy Saviour thou shalt be made a Son even a Co heir with Christ Perceivest thou not the Love of God in all this Examine thy self now Is not God better than Father and Mother to thy Soul What saith thy Heart to this Father's Love Wilt thou love him better than Father and Mother Wilt thou honour and reverence him as a Father high above all Wilt thou serve and imitate him Ephes 5.1 and pass the time of thy sojourning here in his sear 1 Pet. 1.17 Shew thy Love by keeping all his Commandments Wilt thou refuse to be abased shamed afflicted persecuted and even to die when he calls thee to it for his sake and for his Glory Herein thou wilt manifest thy Love to him who hath blessed thee c. Ephes 1.3 section 4 Secondly Try thy Love to thy Redeemer the Lord Jesus If thou lovest him thou knowest for what Cant. 1.3 Because of the savour of thy good Ointment c. therefore do the Virgins love thee The Reasons of thy Love to Christ may be reduced to two Heads 1. What he was and became for thee 2. What he is to thee and for thy benefit 1. What he was and became for thee And here observe that thy Love must run out towards him as thy Redeemer in his three-fold Office And take notice of this Whatever Christ was for thee in reference unto God he performed as thy High-Priest and because he discharged that Office he is become a Prophet and a King. Had he not satisfied the Divine Justice and reconciled God to Sinners he could never have taught his Church the Way of Salvation because there would have been no Salvation wrought or purchased and he should have had no People to rule and defend Now examine thy self Dost thou not wonder that the Eternal Son of God should become thy Redeemer Thy Redeemer who art the sinful Off-spring of sinful Parents That he should take upon him the Seed of Abraham and not the Nature of Angels Heb. 2.16 That he should save thee by his own Debasement Dishonour and bitter Sufferings Hast thou not Cause to love him 1. For taking thy Nature so much below him into Union with his glorious Person 2. For taking thy Nature with all the afflictive Meanness of it not with Honours Ease Pleasure Reputation and Pomp Mar. 10.45 He who was the Lord of all came not to be ministred unto but to minister 3. For suffering the Wrath of his own Father as a most provoked mighty Judge who spared not his own Son Rom. 8.32 4. For taking on him the Guilt of Sin which is most odious and contrary to him so far as that he who was holy harmless and undefiled did bear the Sins of many Isa 53.11 and was numbred among Transgressors to suffer the most bitter and reproachful cursed Death and that for the Transgressions of his apostatized and revolted Creatures And now still he makes Intercession for thee he pleads his own Sufferings for thy Salvation and his Merits for thy Discharge Ask thine own Soul seriously What wouldest thou have done had not he thus low abased himself and been thy Surety How couldest thou have reconciled the provoked Majesty of Heaven Couldest thou have born the Wrath and Curse which was due to thee for thy Sin Oh how should the Sense of Sin Guilt and Damnation due to thee beget a deep Sense of thy Saviour's Love and thereby inflame thy Love 2. Consider what he is to thee and for thee Surely he is All in all a merciful and faithful Saviour Hast thou any Knowledge of thy fallen depraved cursed woful Condition And doth it not make thy Love to burn within thee He was a Surety for thee and he is a Saviour to thee He gave himself for thee and now he gives himself to thee with a large Share and full Portion of the Purchace of his most precious Blood. Knowest thou not that the holy and jealous God was angry with thee that all the Miseries of Life Death and Hell were due unto thee and that neither thy Tears nor Blood could wash away thy Sin and that Christ hath done all that was required for thy Atonement Oh dost thou not love him entirely and intensely to the highest degree who procured thy Pardon by his own Condemnation and bitter Death who hath obtained for thee an Acquittance from thy Trespasses and Debts a Patent for Adoption and a Kingdom with that Prerogative even a Co heirship with himself Rom. 8.17 Now thy Love to Christ as thy Priest and Advocate will appear 1. In thy high prizing his