gave also to her Husband with her and he did eat Gen. 3.6 So by one man sin entred into the world Rom. 5.12 Q. What mean you by Sin A. Sin is the transgression of the Law 1 Iohn 3.4 Q. What doth every sin deserve A. The wages of sin is Death Rom. 6.23 Gen. 2.17 Q. Should not man have dyed if he had not sinned A. Death entred into the World by sin Rom. 5.12 Q. Did Adam's sin do us any hurt A. By one mans disobedience many were made sinners Rom. 5.19 Q How could we become sinners by Adam's disobedience A. Adam begat Children after his own likeness Gen. 5.3 and who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean Iob 14.4 that which is born of the Flesh is Flesh Iohn 3.6 we are shapen in Iniâ—uity and in sin do our Mothers conceive us Psal. 51.5 Q. What evils of Body came upon us by Adam's sin A. Man that is born of a Woman is of few dayes and full of trouble Iob 14.1 in sorrows and in the sweat of our face must we eat our bread till we return to our dust Gen. 3.17 18. Q. Did Adam's sin bring death upon us all A. In Adam all dye 1 Cor. 15.22 by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation Rom. 5.18 and death passed upon all men for that all have sinned v. 12. Q. What evils of Soul became we subject to by Adam's sin A. The Natural Man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God 1 Cor. 2.14 our carnal mind is enmity to God not subject to the Law of God nor indeed can be Rom. 8.7 we are in Captivity to the Law of sin in our Members Rom. 7.23 we cannot please God Rom. 8.8 but walk according to the Spirit that worketh in the Children of disobedience Eph. 2.2 Q. What are we then by Nature A. Wâ— are by Nature the Children of Wrath Eph. 2.3 Q. VVhat can we expect from God as we are by Nature A. As we are by Nature we can expect nothing but to be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord 2 Thes. 1.9 Q. VVhat hope then can we have to be saved A. Where sin abounded Grace did much more abound that as sin hath reigned unto Death even so Grace might reign through Righteousness unto Eternal Life by Jesus Christ our Lord Rom. 5.20.21 Q. VVhen did this grace first appear to Man A. When God said to the Serpent The Womans Seed shall bruise thy Head Gen. 3.15 And afterwards when he said to Abraham in thy Seed shall all the Nations of the Earth be blessed Gen. 22.18 Q. VVho is this promised seed A. This seed is Christ Gal. 3.16 Q. Is Dhrist the seed of a woman A. When the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman Gal. 4 4. Q. How was Christ the Son of God made of a Woman A. The Holy Ghost came upon a Virgin called Mary Luke 1.35 and she was found with Child of the Holy Ghost Mat. 1.18 and she brought forth her First born Son Luke 2.7 and his Name was called Jesus Luke 2.21 Q. Why was he called â—esus or Saviour A. He was so named of the Angâ—l before he was conceived in the Womb Luke 2.21 because he was to â—ave his People from their sins Mat. 1.21.18 11. and deliver us from the wrath to come 1 Thes. 1.10 Q. Can we be saved no other way but by Iesus onely A. Jesus is the way the Truth and the Life no man cometh unto the Father but by him Iohn 14.6 neither is there Salvation in any other for there is none other name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved Acts 4.12 Q. How is Iesus our Saviour A. Jesus is the Mediator of the New Covenant Heb. 12.24 between God and Men 1 Tim. 2.5 Q. How came Iesus to be the Mediator of a New Covenant A. Jesus was fore ordained 1 Pâ—t â— 20. and tâ—is grace was given us 〈◊〉 2 Tim. 1.9 and Eternal Life Proâ—â— by God that cannot lye before the world began Tit. 1.2 Q. VVhat could move God to take this course to save us A. God the Father according to his foreknowledge 1 Pet. 1.2 and Eternal purpose in Christ Jesus our Lord Eph. 3.11 chose us in him before the foundation of the World that we should be Holy and without blame before him in Love having predestinated us unto the Adoption of Children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will to the praise of the glory of his grace Eph. 1.4 5 6. Q. Vnto what did God chusâ— us A. Unto Obedienâ—â— and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 1.2 and to Salvation through sanctifâ—cation of the Spirit and belief of the Truth 2 Thes. 2.13 Q. VVhat was Christ first to do as Mediatâ—r A. Forasmuch as the Children are partakeâ—s of Flesh and Blood he also himself took part of the same Heb. 2.14 so â—ecame he the man Christ Jesus 1 Tim. 2.5 God manifested in the Flâ—â—h 1 Tim. 3.16 and the Word made Flesh dwelt among us full of grace and Truth Iohn 1.14 Q. Why must Iesus be made man A. Jesus was made Man that he might be made under the Law Gal. 4.4 and fulfill all Righteousness Mat. 3.15 and through Death destroy him that had the power of Death that is the Devil Heb. 2.14 Q. Why was Iesus called Christ or anointed A. God anointed Jesus with the Holy Ghost and with Power Acts 10.38 Q. To what Office in the first place was Iesus anointed A. Jesus was a Prophet mighty in deed and word Luke 24.19 Q. How did Christ Exercise the Office of a Prophet A. God anointed Christ to Preach the Gospel to the Poor Luke 4.18 he came to call Sinners to Repentance Mat. 9.13 all things that he had heard of the Father he made known unto us Iohn 15.5.8.26 and brought Life and Immortality to Light through the Gospel 2 Tim. 1.10 Q. Which is the second Office to which Christ was anointed A. Christ was called of God an High-Priest Heb. 5.10 for ever after the Order of Melchisedec Heb. 6.10 Q. Did Christ as High-Priest Offer any Sacrifice for Sins A. This he did once when he Offered up himself Heb. 7.27 without spot to God Heb 9.14 an Offering and a Sacrifice for a sweet smelling savour Eph. 5.2 to put away sin Heb. 9.26 Q. Did Christ Offer Sacrifice for his own sins A. Christ did no sin neither was guile found in his mouth 1 Pet. 2.22 he was in all points tempted as we are yet without sin Heb. 4.15 for such an High-Priest became us who is Holy harmless undefiled separate from Sinners Heb. 7.26 Q. For what sins then did Christ Offer himself A. Christ was delivered for our Offences Rom. 4.25 the just for the unjust 1 Pet. 3.18 God making him to be sin for us who knew no sin 2 Cor. 5.21 and laying on him the Iniquities of
us all Isa. 53.6 Q. How did Christ Offer himself for uâ— A. Christ humbled himself and became Obedient unto Death even the Death of the Cross Phil. 2.8 redeeming us from the curse of the Law being made a curse for us Gal. 3.13 Q. VVhat curse do you mean A. It is written curâ—ed is every one that continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the Law to do them Gal. 3.10 Q VVhy would God have Christ to dye for us A. God set forth Christ to be a propitiatiâ—n through Faith in his Blood to declare his Righteousness for the Remission of sins that he might be just and the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus Rom. 3.25 26. Q. Did Christ truly satisfie God's justice for our sins A. Christ is the propitiation for our sins 1 Iohn 2.2 he gave his Life a Ransom for many Mat. 20.28 he was offered to bear the sins of many Heb. 9.28 the chastisement of our peace was upon him and by his stripes we are healed Isa. 53.5.1 Pet. 2.24 Q. For whom did Christ dye A. Câ—rist by the grace of God did taste Death for every man Heb. 2.9 he gave himself a Ransom for all 1 Tim. 2.6 and is the propitiation for the sins of the whole World 1 Iohn 2.2 2 Cor. 5.14 Q. VVhat became of Christ when he dyed A. He was buried and rose again the third day 1 Cor. 15.4 his Soul was not left in Hell neither did his Flesh see Corruption Acts 2 3â— but God raised him up having loosed the pains of Death because it was not possible he should be held of it Acts 2.24 Q. VVas Christ to dye any more A. Christ being raised from the dead dyeth no more Death hath no more dominion over him Rom. 6.9 Q. VVhither went Christ after he rose again A. He was received up into Heaven and sat down on the Right Hand of God Mark 16.19 Q. VVhat mean you by the Right Hand of God A. The Right Hand of Power Luke 22.69 and Majesty Heb. 8.1 Q. Doth Christ anyâ—hing in Heaven for us as an High-Priest A. When he hâ—d by himself purged ouâ—â—ns he sat down on thâ— Riâ—â—t Hand of the Mâ—jesty on High Heb. 1.3 not entring into the Holy places made wâ—th hands which are the Figures of the true but into Heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us Heb. 9.24 Q. VVhat doth he do in the presence of God for us A. If any Man sin we have an Advocate with the Father even Jesus Christ the Righteous 1 Iohn 2.1 who is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make Intercession for them Heb. 7.25 Q. Doth Christ any thing else for us as an High-Priest A. God having raised up his Son Jesus sent him to bless us in turning away every one of us from his Iniquities Acts 3.26 Q. VVhat is the third Office to which Christ was anointed A. Christ is the blessed and onely Potentate King of Kings and Lord of Lords 1 Tim. 6.15 Q. VVhat is Christ's Kingly Power A. All Power is given unto Christ in Hâ—aven and in Earth Mat. 28.18 God hâ—th highly exalted him and given him a Name above every Name that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in Heaven and things in Earth and things under the Earth Phil. 2.9 10. Q. Is Christ our Law giver A. Christ is that one Law giver who is able to save and to destroy Iames 4.12 Isa. â—3 22 Q. Doth Christ as a King protect his People A. None shall pluck Christ's Sheep out of his hands Iohn 10.28 Q. VVhat Honourable Priviledges doth Christ's Subjects enjoy A. Christ maketh his Subjects a Royal Priest Hood â— Pet. 2.9 Kings and Priests unto God Rev. 1.6 Q. Hath Christ any reward in store for his Subjects A. Christ's reward is with him to give to every Man as his Work shall be Rev. 22.12 If we be faithful unâ—o Death he will give us a Crown of Life Rev. 2.10 Q. VVhat shall be done to Christ's Enemies A. Christ must Reign till he hath put all Enemies under his Feet 1 Cor. 15.15 Q. What are these Enemies of Christ A. The Enemies of Christ are Sin which hath reigned unto Death Rom. 5.21 Sathan the Prince of this World Iohn 12.13 the Children of disobedience Eph. 2.2 and Death which reigned by sin Rom. 5.17 Q. What did Christ do for his People when he went away into Heaven A. When Christ ascended up on High he gave gifts unto men Eph. 4.8 Q. What was the chief gift which Christ then gave A. Christ sent the promise of his Father Luke 24.49 Acts 1.4 even the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost Iohn 14.26 to be with us for ever Iohn 14.16 Q. To what more especial end did Christ send the Holy Ghost A. Christ sent the Holy Ghost to guide his Apostles into all Truth Iohn 16.13 to teach them all things and bring all things to their remembrance whatsoever he had said unto them Iohn 14.26 Q. What other gifts gave Christ to his People A. Christ gave Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministry for the edifying of the Body of Christ Eph. 4.11 12. Q. What mean you by the Body of Christ A. God gave Christ to be Head over all things to the Church which is his Body Eph. 1.22 23. Col. 1.18 Q. What mean you by the Church A. The Church is the Flock Acts 20.28 1 Pet. 5.2 and the House of God 1 Tim. 3.15 those that are called to be Sainâ—s Rom. 1.7 the whole Family of Heaven and Earth named of Christ Eph. 3.15 Q. Is there but one Church of Christ A. There is but one Fold and one Shepherd Iohn 10.16 Q. Are there not many Congregation of Christians A. We being many are one Body 1 Cor. 10.17 and every one Members one of another Rom. 12.5 Q. In what respects are all Christians one Church A. We are all built upon the same Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief Corner-stone Eph. 2.20 21. having one Spirit one Hope one Lord one Faith one Baptism Eph. 4.4 5. all partaking of one Bread 1 Cor. 10.17 bound to keep the Unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace Eph. 4.3 Q. What doth God require of us in this new Covenant A. God requires of us Repentance toward God and Faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ Acts 20.21 Q. What mean you by Repentance A. Repentance is a turning from all our sins that we have committed Ezek. 18.2 30. unto the Lord Isa. 55.7 amending our wayes and our doings Ier. 7.5 Q. Is not sorrow for sin a part of Repentance A. We must be sorry after a godly manner for godly sorrow worketh Repentance not to be Repented of 2 Cor. 7.9 10. Q. What else must accompany this godly sorrow A. We must hate every
receive these books as the Word of God and a great part of the world doth receive them as such Now that such men once were in the world and that these books were indeed written by them I have as much reason to believe as the matter will bear that is as much as I can have to believe any thing that was done before I was born and no man can expect more I find that the Histories which are generally received throughout the world do make mention of them and do record the many oppositions and persecutions which they met with in the world because of what they preached and writ And of these that witness of them some indeed are Friends such as believe what they write and build their Salvation upon it and therefore would certainly take what pains they could to be well informed of the truth of it and cannot be supposed being many of them the learnedst men in the world to have taken meerly on trust a thing which they thought of such everlasting concernment to all the world that they feared not â—he most barbarous Torments and Deaths but chearfully suffered all in defence of it Others are Enemies such as believe not what is written but yet witness that there were such men and that thus they writ and themselves write against the things here written Seeing then that we have the concurrâ—nt Testimâ—nies of Friends and Enemies in all ages since these men lived and wrote and that now their Writings have been received and to the death defended by a great and that the most civilized learned and wisest part of the world for neer upon seventeen hundred years if I do not believe that such men there were and that such things they wrote I can believe no History nor any thing which was or was done before I was or that I have not seen and this certainly were most absurd 2. I find that these men who writ these Books do tell us in them that there was one then in the world called Jesus Christ and he was the Son of God and came forth from God to teach men the true knowledge of God and that they were his Disciples Scholars and Followers and were taught by him and by the Spirit of God and were sent forth by him with command to preach what he had taught them to the world and that this is God's Word which they have left us in these Books If then these men speak the truth then is this God's Word All then that I am now to be satisfied in is what reason I have to believe that these men spake the truth 3. That these men spake truth and writ the truth and nothing else I shall have reason to believe If I can find that they had all opportunities of knowing the truth of what they writ and that they have given sufficient testimony of their integrity and fidelity in writing only what they knew 1. That they had all the opportunities of knowing the truth of what they writ I cannot doubt when I consider that most of them were constantly with Jesus Christ and instructed by him and that all they write is either a relation of the deeds of Christ whereof they were eye-witnesses or of such deeds whereof themselves were actors or else such Doctrines as Christ taught them and they received from his mouth 2. That they have given sufficient evidence of their fidelity and honesty in delivering unto us nothing but the truth which they knew I cannot but believe when I consider these things 1. In some of the chief matters of fact which they relate which seem of all others most incredible and which if once believed will certainly give credit to all they say as the Death and Burial and Resurreâ—tion of Jeâ—â—s Christ from the dead on the third day they appeal to the Testimonies of a multitude of witnesses then living and this is not the custome of men not confident of the truth of what they say 2. It cannot be conceived what advantage they could propose unto themselves in delivering such an untruth to the world for they could not but foresee that they were to preach a Doctrine which the reputed Wise-men of the world would scorn and deride as a thing incredible to their reason and contrary to the Principles which their admired Philosopy was built upon a Doctrine contrary to the Religions then professed by the men of the world and for which they were most zealous and all the powers of the world did own and countenance and in all probability would with the Sword endeavour to uphold Yea they found themselves indeed derided and persecuted exposed to hunger and thirst and watchings and stripes and bonds and death and constantly endured all sufferings and shame for the Doctrine's sake which they preached they could not then propose to themselves worldly wealth or honors or pleasures in what they did Nor is it reasonable to think they did it meerly to get themselves an empty name hereby for besides that they were made a laughing-stock both to Iews and Gentiles and wholly disreguarded it it is not usual for men of their breeding and mean way of living to be so ambitiously greedy of a bare name as to forgo their whole livelyhoods endure all miseries and lay down their lives to purchase it yea both their Conversatitions and Doctrines did all along condemn and shew they were not tainted either with falsehood or ambition Did they then believe themselves what they spake and writ or did they not If they did not believe it then did they for the sake of an known and unprofitable lie forsake all that was good and profitable to them in this world whilst they had no hopes of another world and so must needs be perfectly mad but they were no mad men their own writings do abundantly witness for them If they did believe what they writ to be true and had all opportunities of knowing the truth and â—un the hazard of all they had in professing it and making it known unto the world and sought no temporal advantage to themselves bâ— it then sure we have all reason to believe them honest and plain-dealing men and to embrane the Truth which they have left us I consider once more that they were men so unblameable in their Lives that the very worst their enemies could say of them was that they were a company of plain simple and unlearned men If so then is it still more unlikely that they should of their own brains invent such a Religion as so great and learned a part of mankind hath now so long a time embraced as the wisest and the best and which all must grant did require more than a Fools head to invent it Again if these men had an ambition onely to be the Founders of a new Religion then either they had real hopes that the world would accept of it or they had none It cannot be thought they had no such hope for who would suffer what