from Adam by ordinarie generation no creature begotten of Adam is exempted from this corruption Such as the Roote is such will the branches be like egge like bird Rom. 3.19 5.12 Gen. 6.5 Q. What is the extent of it A. This Originall corruption is the defilement of the whole man all the powers and faculties of the soule and all the members of the body are infected with it The minde is vaine and fleshly the understanding darke and blinde Joh. 15.16 1 Thes 5.23 Ephes 4.17 Col. 2.18 Ephes 4.18 Rom. 8.7 1 Cor. 2.14 2 Cor. 3.5 The Conscience is defiled Tit. 1.15 The will is perverse obstinate and Rebellious Phil. 2.13 Joh. 15.5 Joh. 15.16 Ezek. 36.26 Mat. 23.37 Gal. 3.17 The affections are unruly and disordered Gal. 5.24 Rom. 7.23 Prov. 2.14 Eph. 4.19 And all the members of the body are the ready Instruments of the soule for the execution of sinne Rom. 6.13 19. Q. Whence cometh this Originall sinne what is the Efficient cause of it A. The transgression and disobedience of Adam By one man sinne entred into the world Rom. 5.12 19. All men were in Adams loynes when he sinned and therefore all men being equally guilty of Adams Transgression are equally infected with Originall sinne from the womb Psal 51 5. 58.3 Q. What are the fruits that Originall sinne bringeth forth A. All actuall sinnes Evill thoughts in the mind inordinate affections in the heart corrupt speeches and wicked deeds are as streams that flow continually from this impure Fountaine this sink and puddle of Originall Concupiscence Gen 6.5 Mar 7.21 22. Jam. 1.14 15. Rom. 7.13 Q. What is the Punishment that every sinne deserveth A. The curse of God Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them Gal. 3.10 Q. What are the parts and branches of this A. They are these viz. 1. Spirituall bondage under Sathan All men by nature are slaves of Sathan to whom they have voluntarily enthralled themselves Satan raigneth in the hearts of naturall men and they willingly acknowledge him to be their Prince by doing his will living under his lawes and delighting in his workes of darkness Joh. 8.34.44 Rom. 6.20 2 Cor. 4.4 Joh. 12.31 Eph. 2.2 2 Tim. 2.26 Heb. 2.15 1 Joh. 5.19 2. Temporall calamities and Judgements innumerable See Deut. 28. 3. Temporall death which is the Separation of the soule from the body Rom. 1.32 5.12 4. Eternall death and Damnation in Hell Rom. 8.6 13. Mar. 16.16 Q. What is Hell A. It is a place prepared of God for the eternall punishment of the wicked both Angels Men where the worme dieth not and the fire is not quenched where the torments are both endlesse and easeless Mat. 25.41 Isa 30.33 Mar. 943.48 Q. Doth every sinne deserve eternall death A. Yes every sin being committed against an infinite God deserveth eternall punishment Q. When shall sinners be cast into Hell A. The soules of the wicked when they goe out of their bodies are sent immediately to Hell where they are kept imprisoned untill the day of Judgement then these bodies shall be joyned to their soules both together shall be cast into hell fire as they sinned together on earth so they shall suffer together in hell everlastingly Lu. 16.22 23. Mat. 10.28 Mat. 25.46 The Third PRINCIPLE Q. WHat meanes is left for thee to escape this damnable estate A. Jesus Christ the eternall Sonne of God being made man by his death upon the Crosse and by his righteousnesse hath perfectly alone by himselfe accomplished all things that are needfull for the salvation of man The Exposition Q. What is the summe of this Principle A. This Principle containeth the comfortable Doctrine of perfect Salvation by Christ which is the summe of the Gospell Q. What are the parts of this principle A. They are principally two First the Author of Salvation the person of the Redeemer is here described Secondly the great worke of Redemption is expounded Q. Who is the Redeemer A. Jesus Christ Q. Why is the Redeemer called Jesus A. Jesus is the proper name of the Redeemer and it signifieth a Saviour The Redeemer was called Jesus because he was to save his people from their sinnes Mat. 1.21 Q. Why is the Redeemer called Christ A. As Jesus is the proper name of the Redeemer so Christ is the name of his office and it signisieth one annointed The Redeemer was called Christ or Messias because he was ananointed of God that he might be a fit a Prophet and b Priest and c King to his Israel Joh. 4.25 a Luk. 4.18 and 24.19 Mat. 17.5 and 21.11 b Psal 110.4 Heb. 5.5 6. c Psal 45.6 7. Luc. 1.32 33. Q. How was the Redeemer annointed A. The Spirit of God was powred upon him without measure God annointed him with the holy Ghost and power Act. 10 38. Heb. 1.9 Psal 45.7 8. Joh. 3.34 Isai 61.1 Lu. 4 18. Q. Wherein doth the Propheticall office of Christ consist A. The Propheticall office of Christ consisteth in revealing to the Church the whole will of his Father even all things necessarie to salvation Math. 11.27 Joh. 1.18 Deut. 18.18 Joh. 15.15 Christ is the great Doctor of the Church who teacheth his Disciples outwardly by his Word and inwardly by his Spirit Mat. 23.8 10. Heb. 3.1 Q. Wherein consisteth the Pristhood of Christ A. It consisteth chiefly in offering himselfe a propitiatory sacrifice to his Father to the end he might fully satisfie the Justice of God for our sinnes and so might reconcile us unto his Father Ephes 5.2 Rom. 3.25 1 Joh. 2.2 4.10 Mat. 20.28 Isa 53.10 Heb. 9. vers 26. To this satisfaction which Christ made to the Justice of God while he was upon earth we may add the perpetuall intercession which he maketh for us now in Heaven And so the parts of his Priesthood are two Expiation and Intercession Rom. 8 34. Heb. 7.24 25. 9.24 Q. Wherein doth the Kingdome of Christ consist A. 1. In the Collection of his Church gathering his subjects out of the world Act. 15.18 Col. 1.13 2. In the protection peaceable government of his Church in the world in the defending his subjects and subduing his and their enemies Isa 11.6 7 8 9. Mat. 16.18 Joh. 10.28 Psal 110.1 2. and Psal 2.9 3. In rewarding his subjects and punishing his enemies in the world to come Mat. 25.33 34 41 46. Joh. 5.28.29 Q. What kind of person is Christ the Redeemer A. Christ is the eternall Sonne of God made man that is God and man in one person Hence he was called Immanuel which signifieth God with us Mat. 1.23 Is 7.14 1 Tim. 3.16 Q. Tell me more particularly what is to be considered in the person of Christ the Redeemer A. His two natures divine and humane and the union of them Q. How are we to conceive of the Divine nature or Godhead of Christ A. Christ is the naturall and only begotten Sonne
29. 2 Chron 20.7 8 9 c. Neh 1.8 9 11. Exod 32.10 11 12 13. Luk 11.13 Mat 26.39 Mat. 8.2 Rom 1.10 2 Sam 15.25 26. Q. Tell me more particvlarly what things may lawfully be asked of God in prayer A. Christ in that perfect patterne of prayer which he hath left us hath made a briefe collection of all such things as are good and lawfull to be asked in Prayer and comprized them in six Petitions of which the three first respects Gods glory the three last our own good Mat. 6. Luk 11. Q. How are these three petitions which respect Gods glorie distinguished A. The first petition concerns Gods glory it selfe in these words Hallowed be thy Name Mat. 6.9 The second concerns the meanes of his glory in these words Thy Kingdome come vers 10. The third concernes the manifestation of it in these words Thy will be done in earth as it is in Heaven vers 10. Q. How are the other three which respect our own good distinguished A. The fourth petition concerns our bodily life in these words Give us this day our daily bread Mat 6.11 The other two concerne our spirituall life The fifth our Justification in these words Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors v 12. The sixth our Sanctification in these words Leade us not into temptation but deliver us from evill vers 13. Q What is Thanksgiving A An humble and heartie acknowledgement of Gods mercies bestowed on us and of those particular benefits which we have received from his bountifull hands rendering unto the Lord due praise and ascribing unto him Kingdome Power and glorie for ever 1 Cor. 20.10 11 12 13 14. Psal 9.1 and 29.2 Psal 66.1 2 3 8. and 96.7 8. Psal 103.1 2. and 111.1 Eph 1.5 and 5.20 Col. 3.17 2 Thes 5.18 1 Tim 2.1 Mat 6.13 Q Having distinguished prayer according to the matter thereof Tell me now what other Distinctions are there of prayer A Prayer is Publick or Private Ordinarie or Extraordinarie Q What is publique Prayer A Publique prayer is a solemne calling upon God in a publik place at a publike meeting of the Congregation where the Pastor speaketh and the rest of the Congregation going with him in mind at the Conclusion say Amen to testifie their Consent 1 King 8.22 23.55 c. Joel 2.16 17. 1 Cor 14.15 16 19. Deu. 27.14 15. c. Neh 8.1 6. Q What is private Prayer A. Private prayer is that which is made in any private place at any time as the private prayers of Families and the * secret prayers of particular persons 1 Tim 2.8 Luk 9.28 Zech 12.12.13 14. Act 10.30 and 1 Pet 3.7 * Mat 6.6 Mark 1.35 Gen 25.21 Q What is ordinarie prayer A Ordinarie prayer is that which is made dayly upon ordinarie occasions Gen 24.63 Dan 6.10 Psal 55.17 and 145.2 Act 10.2 Rom. 1.9 Q. What is extraordinarie prayer A Extraordinarie prayer is that which is made with more then ordinarie fervencie upon some special and extraordinarie occasion Unto this kind of Prayer the holy exercise of * Fasting is often annexed Gen 32.34 Hos 12.4 Ex. 32.32 Act 12.5 Lu 22.44 Heb 5.7 * Neh 1.4 5 6. Esth 4.16 Joel 1.14 Jon. 3.7 8. Lu 2.37 Act. 10.30 31. Q What motives are there to excite and provoke a Christian to the frequent and dayly performance of this dutie of Prayer A. These considerations following may be so many motives to prayer 1. Christ hath taught his Disciples how to pray and the Lord often calleth and inviteth his children to the performance of this dutie yea God hath commanded that we should performe his service to him continually that is frequently dayly at set times without intermission 1 Thes 5.17 Luk. 11.1 2. Mat 6.9 Psal 50.15 Can. 2.14 Isa 55.6 Mat 7.7 Luk 18.1 Eph 6.18 Phil. 4.6 1 Tim 2.1.8 Jam 5.13 2. The Lord hath made many large and gracious promises to those that call upon his Name See Psal 81.10 and 65.24 Ioel. 2.32 Rom. 10.12 13. Mat. 7.8 Ioh. 16.24 3. As the most compendious way for children to get any thing is to goe to their Parents and begge it of them so the readie way to obtaine any blessing temporall or spirituall is to goe to our Heavenly Father and by humble prayer to begge it of him Prayer is the key to open the storehouse of all Gods treasures and as it were the only hook whereby we reach all the blessings of God which otherwise would be out of our reach Mat. 7.7 Luk. 11.9.10 13. Psal 34.17 Psal 145.18 19. Ioh. 16.23 4. There is no exercise a Christian can performe on earth so heavenly as prayer It is no small priviledge that God in his Word vouchsafeth to speake to man But this is a greater priviledge that the Saints by prayer have free accesse to the Throne of grace and talke with God as it were face to face Hence prayer is said to be a familiar conference with God Heb. 4.16 Eccl. 5.2 5. Prayer doth sanctifye all Gods creatures to our use and without prayer the use and enjoying of all things we have is unlawfull to lay our hands upon any thing that is Gods whose all things are without asking them at his hand is a spirituall kind of felonie 1 Tim 4.4 5. Mat 14.19 and 15.36 6. The neglect of this dutie doth expose a man to the judgements of God and to the temptations of Sathan daily The Saints by faithfull prayer run unto God as strong Tower and commit themselves to his protection and so the Lord is an hiding place unto them Without prayer a Christian Souldier is not able to wield and use that spirituall armour aright which we are commanded to put on for our safegard and defence against the spirituall assaults of our spirituall enemies Se Ephes 6.11 12 13 18. Psal 79.6 Jer 10.25 Mat. 26.41 Prov. 18.10 Psal 50.15 Psal 18.2 3 6. and 27.5 Psal 91.1 2 4. Isa 25.4 The sixth PRINCIPLE Q. WHat is the estate of all men after death A. All men shall rise againe with their own bodies to the last judgement which being ended the Godly shall possesse the Kingdome of heaven but unbeliever and reprobates shall be in hell tormented with the divell and his Angels for ever The Exposition Q. What are the Parts of this Principle A. In this Principle three things are laid down which every Christian ought to believe First the generall Resurrection of our bodies at the last day Joh 11.24 Act 24.15 Secondly the end of this generall resurrection that all men may come to judgement 2 Cor 5.10 Thirdly what shall fall after the generall Resurrection and the generall Judgement viz. the definitive Sentence of Christ both touching the everlasting Salvation of the Godly and the eternall Damnation of the wicked shall be executed upon them Mat 25. Q. When the soules of the Godly are separated from their bodies by death what estate shall they be in till the Resurrection at the last day A.
a cup of spirituall Judgement in the other hand and drinks deep of it for God gives him over to blindnesse of mind to hardnesse of heart c. Now of all plagues and Judgements which are inflicted upon sinners these spirituall Judgements though they be secret and insensible yet are most fearfull Deut. 28.28 Rom. 1.28 3. The wicked have many stinges and terrors of Conscience that the world takes noe notice of which makes their earthly delights and pleasures bitter unto them Prov. 14.13 4. Whereas the goodnesse of God should leade and allure ungodly men to repentance because it hath not this effect in them therefore it deprives them of excuse Rom. 2.4 5. The prosperitie of the wicked is short and uncertaine but their ruine and destruction is certaine and inevitable Joh. 20.5 8. and 21.17 Pfal 73.18 19 20. and 129.6 Pov. 10.25 Eccles 8.12 13. 2 Thes 5.3 6. The present prosperitie of ungodly men makes way to their heavier Judgement and damnation the longer they are spared the neerer is the cup both of temporall and eternall Judgement unto them and the deeper shall they drink of it Rom. 2.5 Jam. 1.2 3. Deut. 32.35 and Psalm 7.11 12 13. Q. How are we to conceive of that part of divine providence which beginneth when this life is ended how will God deale with the Godly and with the wicked in the world to come A. In the world to come God will manifest his exact Justice in punishing the wicked and his mercie and fidelitie in rewarding the righteous partly at death and partly at the last Judgement The Scripture teacheth that the Lord hath made the wicked for the day of evill Now both the day of death and the day of Judgement are evill dayes to the wicked but good and joyfull dayes to the godly Rom. 2.6 Psalm 62.12 Psalm 58.11 Prov. 16.4 Q. Tell me more particularly how doth God deale with the godly at death A. The godly when they goe out of this world shall carrie none of their Calamities and Miseries with them but they shall rest from all their afflictions sorrowes and labours and their good workes shall follow them When the righteous die their Soules are carryed immediately by the Angels into Abrams bosome and their bodyes shall rest in their Graves as in perfumed Beds till the last day Rev. 14.13 Luk. 16.22 and 23.43 Isa 57.2 Q. What shall be the estate of the wicked which prosper here at Death A. The wicked when they goe out of this world shall carry none of their Riches Honours and pleasures with them but instead of these they shall carry a Bundle of their Sins their Transgressions shall follow them The wicked that prosper flourish here are like unto Sheep or Kine that are put into fat pastures to be prepared for the shambles for when they die their Soules are sent immediately to Hell and their bodies are carryed to the darke dungeon of the Grave and their Soules and bodies being thus separated Death shall feed upon their Bodies and the Worme that never dyeth shall feed upon their Soules Psal 49.17 Jer. 12.3 Luk 16.22 23. P. 49.14 Mar. 9.44 Q. How are we to conceive of the third and last which is not the least part of divine providence how will God deale with the Godly and with the wicked at the great day of Judgement A. The great day of Judgement will be a day of triumph and of perfect redemption to the godly but a day of wrath and of eternall perdition to the wicked Now the Justice of God seemes to be observed in the present prosperitie of the wicked and the many pressures of the righteous but then the exact Justice of God shall be declared and manifested to all the world Now many particular Judgements of God are so secret and hidden that we are not able to give a sufficient reason of them but then the wisedome and Justice of secretest dispensations shall appeare to men and Angels Now the godly are counted miserable but then their happinesse will appeare to all the world when they shall heare that sweet Sentence Come ye blessed of my Father inherit the Kingdome prepared for you from the foundation of the world Now the wicked are counted and called happy but then the miserable cursed condition of the wicked shall appeare to all the world when they shall heare that dreadfull Sentence Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Divell and his Angels Luk. 21.28 Job 21.30 2 Pet. 3.7 2 Thes 1.4 5 6. Rom. 2.5 Psal 36.6 Rom. 2.5 Psal 36.6 Rom 11.33 Mat. 25.34 Mal. 3.15.18 Mat. 25.41 FINIS
Son of God suffered death it is more then if all men in the world had suffered for ever 1 Cor 2.8 Tit. 2.13.14 Act. 20.28 Q. Did Christ suffer for us the first death only A. The whole curse of the Law due to our sinnes was laid upon Christ our Suretie and therefore as Christ suffered the first death for us so he tasted of the second death also he did drink up the bitter cup of his Fathers wrath even the torments of Hell which made him cry out My God my God why hast thou forsaken me Mat. 27.46 Isa 53.5 Heb. 2.9 Mat. 26.38 39.42 Luk. 22.44 Isa 63.3 Q. What are the fruits and effects of Christs death A. By the death of Christ the wrath of God is appeased the sinnes of the redeemed are remitted Satan Death and Hell are vanquished and consequently those that were miserable captives are gratiously and powerfully delivered out of the hands of all their spirituall Enemies Now those who are thus delivered from the captivitie of Sinne and Satan here shall have perfect deliverance from all sinne corruption wrath and miserie hereafter Christ hath merited perfect and eternall Redemption for us and therefore we expect a day of full Redemption Eph. 5.2 Heb. 9.26 Col. 1.14 and Ephes 1.7 Isai 53.12 Ephes 4.8 Col. 2.15 Heb. 2.14 15. Luk. 21.28 Rom. 8.23 Heb. 9.12 Ephes 1.14 and 4.30 Q. Hath Christ left any thing to those that are redeemed by him to be done or suffered in way of merit or satisfaction to the justice of God A. Nothing at all Christ is a most absolute and perfect Redeemer and Saviour Christ alone hath done and suffered all things that are needfull for the Salvation of man and therefore the glorie of that great worke of Mans Redemption and Salvation belongeth to Christ alone The righteousnesse obedience and suffrings of Christ are no way defective The satisfaction that Christ hath made to the Justice of God is absolutely perfect now that which is perfect is marred by adding ought unto it Heb. 7.25 Tit. 2.14 Act. 4.12 Q. What is required of those that are Redeemed by Christ A. The redeemed ought to live accoding to the will of their Redeemer See Luc 68.74 75. 1 Cor 5.15 1 Pet 2.24 The fourth PRINCIPLE Q. BVt how mayest thou be made partaker of Christ and his benefits A. A man of a contrite and humble spirit by faith alone apprehending and applying Christ with all his merits to himselfe is justified before God and sanctified The Exposition Q. What are the parts of this Principle A. This Principle layeth downe these three things 1. The quality and disposition of the person that shall attaine to salvation by Christ in these words a man of a contrite and humble spirit 2. What every one that would be saved must do viz. by faith apprehend and apply Christ with all his merits to himselfe 3. The fruits and benefits which follow upon our Union with Christ which are two Justification and Sanctification Q. How must the sinner be qualified that he may be made partaker of Christ A. He must be humbled bruised and broken This Humiliation and contrition prepares the sinner for Christ before the sinner be thoroughly humbled and kindly broken he is altogether unfit to receive Christ Isai 57.15 66.2 Isai 61.1 Q. Why must a Sinner be thus humbled before he can be made partaker of Christ A. Because every man hath naturally a proude hard and stony heart and God will not poure the oyle of his grace and mercy into any other but a broken Vessell the sinner therefore must have his proud and hard heart humbled and broken Sinners must understand themselves to be what they are indeed by nature before they will be willing to come out of their naturall condition See Matt. 9.12 13. Eze. 11.19 36.26 Zech. 7.12 Isai 48.4 Psal 51.17 147.3 Zeph. 3.12 Q. Wherein doth this Humiliation whereby the sinner is prepared for Christ consist A. In such a sight of Sinne and sense of Misery as drives a man to Gods Mercy and makes the sinner seeing no meanes of help in himselfe or the creature flee unto Christ Matt. 11.28 Prov. 30.1 2 3. Rom. 7.24 25. Q. How is it wrought A. God by the morall Law which is a perfect Rule of righteousnesse discovers to the sinner his sinne and the punishment of it and convinceth the sinner of his miserable and wretched condition and lets him see that it is impossible for him to come out of this condition by his owne strength and that it is in vaine to expect help from the Creature Now when a sinner is come to a right knowledge of himselfe to a true sight and sense of his vilenesse wretchednesse and spirituall wants then lest he should be swallowed up of despaire the Lord lets the sinner see his divine goodnesse and his readinesse to forgive and the Mercy that is layd up in Christ Jer. 23.29 Rom. 3.20 7.7 Rom 4.15 7.9 Gal 3.10 Job 33.16 19. 23.24 Gal 3.22 24. Q. What followes hereupon A. When the sinner seeth himselfe to be a bundle of sinne and misery when he seeth his sinne and the strict Justice of God threatning death and damnation on the one hand and the great Goodnesse of God with the Mercy that is revealed and offered in Christ on the other hand then he loathes himselfe bewailes his sinne fleeth unto God for mercy being willing to take Christ upon any termes upon any conditions When the heart of the sinner is thus kindly broken it is then a fit vessel to receive the precious oyle of Gods Mercy Ezek 36.31 Zech 12.10 Act 2.37 Jer 31.18 Luc 15.18 19. Matt 11.28 Isai 61.1 Isai 42.3 Hos 14.3 Q. Are there not degrees of this Humiliation A. Yes but every sinner must be humbled so farre as may prepare him and make him fit to receive Christ Now a sinner is then prepared for Christ when he is convinsed of the Necessity of a Saviour when he is made sensible of sinne and misery and flexible and tractable to good when he is willing to yeeld and submit unto Christ and disposed to take any impression from Gods hand Act 2.37 Act 9.6 Act 16.30 Q. When a sinner is thus humbled what must he do that he may be saved A. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ Act. 16.30 31. Faith in Christ is the only way to life and salvation Mar 16.16 Joh 3.14 15 16. Joh 6.47 20.31 Rom 1.17 10.9 10. Q. How doth Faith save us A. As an Instrument applying Christ When we say that Faith saveth us the meaning is that Christ apprehended by faith doth save us As the hand may be said to feed and nourish the Body so Faith may be said to save the Soul Christ is the Saviour of sinners and Faith is the hand of the Soul that layeth hold on Christ and cleaveth to this Saviour Christ is the Treasure that doth make us rich and Faith is the hand wherewith we
nature of God When of unholy we are renewed by the holy Spirit to the Image of our Heavenly Father and made holy when all vitious qualities are purged out of our hearts in some good measure and all gracious habits which are the seeds of a vertuous life are planted in us then we are said to be sanctified 2 Pet. 1.4 Eph. 4.22 23 24. 2 Cor. 7.1 Gal. 5.22 Q. Is the Sanctification of a Christian perfect in this life A. No although Sanctification be of the whole man yet the whole man is not fully and perfectly sanctifyed The justification of a true Believer is perfect but his sanctification is imperfect in this life Here we receive but the first fruits of the Spirit and this Sanctification of the Spirit begun here encreaseth daily untill it be fully perfected in the life to come Rom. 8.23 2 Thes 2.13 and 1 Pet. 1.2 Rev. 22.11 Q. What are the parts of Sanctification A. They are two Mortification and Vivification Q. What is Mortification A Mortification is the first part of Sanctification wherein the old man by the applycation of Christ his death and Buriall is crucified and buried in a Christian Rom 6.3 4 6. 1 Pet 4.1 Gal 5.24 Q. What is Vivification A. Vivification is the quickning of one that was dead in sinne or a daily rising to newnesse of life by the power and vertue of Christ his Resurrection Eph. 2.5 Rom. 6.4 5. Phil. 3. vers 10. Q. What shall such as are truly sanctifyed find in themselves A A spirituall battell a continuall conflict between corruption dying and Righteousnesse rising and growing in them Rom. 7 Gal 5.17 Q. Doe not the good workes of the Children of God that are truly sanctifyed merit at Gods hand eternall life and Salvation A No verily the best workes which the children of God performe are no more then due debt they are no way beneficiall to God they are no way comparable to the glory that shall be revealed and therefore they cannot Heaven yea the good works of the holiest men are stained with many imperfections and therefore the children of God have more cause to condemne themselves for their good workes then to expect to be justified before God and to be saved by them Luk 17.10 Psal 16.2 Job 22.2 35.7 Rom 8.18 2 Cor 4.17 Is 64.6 Psal 143.2 Job 9.15 Q But are not good workes necessarie then to Salvation A Although good workes cannot merit heaven though they cannot justifie us is Gods fight yet they are in their kind and order necessarie I say in their kind and order namely good workes are necessarie not as causes of salvation but as fruits and inseperable companions of true faith and as markes in the way to Heaven Yea good workes are as the way that will leade us to the Kingdome of Heaven Eph. 2.10 Q Seeing the good workes of the best children of God are stained with imperfections and seeing good workes are not meritorious tell me therefore what encouragement hath a Christian to be fruitfull in good workes A. Although corruption cleaveth to the best of our good workes yet seeing this pollution is taken away by the Intercession of Christ and so our good workes become acceptable to God in Christ Jesus the consideration hereof should make us zealous of good works Exod. 28.36 37 38. 1 Pet. 3. vers 5. Titus 2. vers 14. Againe although good workes be not meritorious yet there are many good ends and necessarie uses of good workes which should excite Christians to bring forth the fruits of holinesse righteousnesse in abundance Tit. 3.14 Q What are the necessarie uses of good works What are the ends a Christian may ayme at in doing good workes A. We must abound in good workes 1. That we may glorifie God our Heavenly Father Mat 5.16 Joh 15.8 Phil 1.11 2. That we may adorne the Gospell of Christ our Lord and Saviour Phil. 1.27 Ephes 4.1 Col. 1.10 1 Thes 2.12 3. That we may testifie our thankfulnesse to God and to Christ Rom 12.1 2 Cor. 7.1 4. That we may testifie manifest the truth sinceritie of our faith Mat. 7.16 17. Jam 2.20 5. That we may make our effectuall calling election sure 2 Pet. 1.5.10 2 Tim. 2.21 6. That we may confirme our weake brethren Rom 14.19 7. That we may be patterns to others and excite them to imitate our example 2 Cor. 9.2 8. That we may winne such as are yet unconverted and even provoke them to embrace the truth 1 Pet. 3.1 9. That we may at least stop the mouths of such persons as cannot be wonne 1 Pet 2.15 The fifth PRINCIPLE Q. WHat are the ordinarie and usuall meanes for obtaining of Faith A. Faith commeth only by preaching of the Word and increaseth daily by it as also by the administration of the Sacraments and Prayer The Exposition Q. What are the parts of this principle A. This Principle layeth downe two things First the meane or the instrument of getting Faith viz. The Word preached Secondly the Meanes whereby faith being once bred in us is nourished strengthned and increased which are these 4. the same Word preached the Sacraments and Prayer Q. Is the Word preached the meane or instrument both of begetting and increasing faith A. Yes the Word is both the seed that breedeth and the milke that feedeth Faith in us See 1 Pet. 1.23 2.2 Rom. 10.8.14.7 Jam. 1.18 Act. 20.32 Rom. 1.17 Q. Is it in the power of the Word being faithfully preached to worke faith A. The word is not able of it selfe to worke Faith in the heares of it The Word is not the principall worker of Faith but a powerfull Instrument whereby the Lord worketh faith in the hearts of his children The same allmightie power which raised up Christ from the dead doth create this grace in the soule Hence it is that although many heare the Word faithfully preached yet but a few even the Elect only believe Se Act 13.48 and Tit. 1.1 Rom 10.16 Joh 12.37 38. Isa 53.1 Rom 1.16 Ephes 2.8 Isa 57.19 Eph. 1.19 20. Mat 13.11 Q. Seeing the Lord is the principall worker of Faith may not a man expect to have saving faith wrought in his heart without attending upon the Word preached A. No for the Lord delighteth to worke by his own Meanes as the Word cannot work Faith without God so God will not worke Faith without it Luk. 16.21 Q. Seeing the word is both the Seed and the Foode of Faith tell me therefore how ought wee to heare the word preached that we may profit by it A. Before we come to the publick Ordinance we must prepare our selves to goe to the place of Gods presence When we are come to the house of God we must remember we are in Gods presence and behave our selves as before him After we have heard the Word we must meditate of that which we have heard we must hide it and lay it up in our hearts and endeavour to practise it
When the godly die their soules are carried immediately by the Angels into Abrahams bofome and their bodies shall rest in their graves as perfumed Beddes till the last day Lu 16.22 Isa 57.2 Act 7.60 1 Thes 4.13 14. Q When the soules of the wicked are separated from their bodies by death what estate shall they be in till the resurection at the last day A. When the wicked die their Soules are sent immediately to Hell and their Bodies are carryed to the darke Dungeon of the Grave where they shall be reserved unto the Judgement of the great day Luk 16.22 23. Psal 49.14 Q. Is it not a thing incredible that those bodies which have been dead many hundred yeares should be raised out of the dust and live againe A. Why is it not as credible to think that God can raise up and bring againe all those bodies that have been as to be perswaded that he can create new bodies that never yet had being The same Almightie God who gave life to all living creatures who gave being to all things out of nothing is likewise able to restore life the same God who formed mans bodie of the dust of the ground is able to quicken our dead bodies though returned to dust and to make them live againe God hath spoken it that the dead shall be raised out of the dust and his power can subdue all things to it selfe Now these two are the props of our Christian faith in this point Act 26.8 Gen 2.7 3.19 Dan 12.2 Mat. 22.31 32. 1 Cor 15. Rom. 4.17 Mat. 22.23 29. Q. When shall the generall resurrection be A. At the Glorious coming of Christ to Judgement when the world shall be desolved and destroyed with fire and the heavens and the earth shall be renewed 1 Thes 4.16 Mat. 24.30 2 Pet 3.7 10 12 13. Q. How shall the dead be raised up and gathered together A. By the mighty voice of Christ and by the ministrie of Angels Christ shall send his Angels with a great sound of a trumpet and they shall gather together the elect from one end of Heaven to the other At the sound of the Trumpet the dead shall rise againe everie one with his owne bodie and as many as shall then be living shall be changed suddenly in the twinkling of an eye Joh. 5.28 29. Mat. 13.49 and 24.31 1 Cor 15.51.52 Job 19.25 26 27. 1 Thes 4.15 16. Q. But shall all men rise againe both good and bad A. Yes all both good bad shall rise againe at the last day but not by the same Cause nor to the same End For the godly shall rise by the vertue of Christs resurrection to receive eternall life But the wicked shall rise by the power of Christ to be judged condemned Act 24.15 Dan. 12.2 3. Heb. 11.35 Joh. 5.28 29. Q. Expresse this more particularly What is the true cause of the Resurrection of the godly A. The godly shall be raised up by Christ as their head and Saviour In the day of Resurrection by reason of that mysticall conjunction which is between Christ and the faithfull divine and quickning vertue shall flow from Christ to the Elect and cause them to rise againe from the grave That Union which is between Christ and all true believers shall even force the grave to render up the bodies of the Saints for the Head will not be without the Members Joh 15.24 Col. 1.18 Joh. 11.25 1 Cor. 15.20 21 22 23 45. Mat. 27.52 53. 1 Thes 4.14 Q. To what end shall the bodies of the Saints be raised out of the dust A. That the Saints may be glorifyed in their Bodies as well as in their Soules As the Soules and Bodies of the Saints have been Companions in well-doing here so they shall be Companions in glorie hereafter Phil. 3.21 Mat. 13.43 1 Cor 15.42 43 44 49. 2 Cor. 5.10 Q. What is the true cause of the Resurrection of the wicked A. The wicked shall be raised up by the powerfull voice and command of Christ the Judge of all flesh and by vertue of that Curse wherein God threatned eternall death to our first Parents and to their posteritie upon their disobedience which curse shall certainly be executed upon all unbelievers and impenitent Sinners that have noe part in Christ Ioh 5.28 Gen 2.17 Q. To what end shall the bodies of the wicked be raised out of the dust A. That their bodies may partake with their soules in the punishment of sinne As the soules and bodies of the wicked have been partners and companions in evill doing so they shall be companions in Judgement and torment as they have sinned together here so they shall suffer together everlastingly hereafter Joh 5.29 2 Cor 5.10 Mat. 10.28 Q Seing the end of the generall Resurrection is that all men may come to Judgement tell me therefore who shall he the Judge A. Jesus Christ is appointed of God to be the Judge of quick and dead Act. 10.12 Ioh. 5.29 Act 17.31 Rom 2.16 and 14.10 2 Tim. 4. vers 1. Q How and in what manner shall Christ come to Judgement A. As the first comming of Christ was in meeknesse humilitie so his second comming shall be in Majestie and glory He shall come in the cloudes of Heaven with power and great glorie armed with flaming fire attended with an innumerable companie of mightite Angels by whose ministrie as the dead shall be raised so all men shall be cited and summoned to appeare before the Judgement Seate of Christ Mat 12.18 19 20. Phil 2.7 Mat 24.30 and 25.31 Act. 1.9 11. Rev. 1.7 2 Thes 1.7 8. Dan. 7.9.10 Jude 14.15 1 Thes 4.16 Q. When the dead are raised and all men summoned to appeare before Christ the supreame Iudge then how shall they be ranged and sorted A. As the Shepheard when the Evening cometh gathereth his flocks and separateth the sheep from the Goates so in the Evening of the World Christ the good Shepheard shall divide the whole world into two flocks shall separate the good from the bad the sheep that is the Godly he shall set on his right hand but the goates that is the wicked on the left Mat. 25.32 33. Q. When the whole world shall be arraigned before the Tribunall of Christ then how shall every man be tryed and jndged A. All men shall be judged according to their workes as the plainest proofes and most evident signes of Faith or infidelitie Every one shall receive the things done in his bodye according to that he hath done whether it be good or bad 2 Cor. 5 10. Mat. 16.27 Mat. 25.35 36. and vers 42.43 Rom. 2.6 Rev. 11.18 and 22.12 Q. How shall all men be examined and their workes made manifest A. By the Books that shall be opened Rev. 20.12 Dan 7.10 Q. What bookes are they that shall be opened A. The book of Gods remembrance and the book of every mans conscience Christ the supreame Judge who searcheth the hearts of all men will then