they are Laws of equity and justice 3. So far as they are Laws of holiness for the Children of the new Testament who lived under the old Testament made great conscience of them Luke 1.6 and they tend to the perfecting of the new Creature 2 Tim. 3.16 Rom. 15.4 Hence the Spirit writes the Law in regenerate mens hearts Ezek. 36.27 Heb. 8.10 which he would not do if it were not a rule of holiness yea all Gods Law is holy just and good Rom. 7.12 whereunto regenerate men as such had respect Psal 119.6 yea are bound to have respect Iames 2.10 11. all which proves the holiness of Gods Law I mean the Scriptures pen'd by Moses with all other prophetical Scriptures which expound the same Q. What comfort may we draw from this new Covenant A. Much comfort when thy lusts are prevailing God will sprinkle clean water Ezek. 36.25 when hardness of heart assaults God will take away a stony heart Ezek. 11.19 when old lusts assaile that God will give a new heart Ezek. 36.26 so when thy heart begins to disrellish good things that God will give thee a savory heart to relish them Heb. 8.11 if thy heart rise up against any of Gods Commands that God will write this Law in thy heart Ier. 31.33 and when thy heart shall doubt of Gods favor remember that he saith I will be their God and they shall be my people Heb. 8.10 Q What are the signs of the new Covenant A. They are two 1. Baptisme 2. The Supper of the Lord. Q. Declare in particular what Baptism is A. It is a signe of my fellowship with Christ in his death burial and resurrection that as my body is washed and buried in water so I believe my sins are washed away and buried in the death of the Lord Jesus and as I did rise againe out of the water so I did rise againe with Christ being discharged from my sins in his death and resurrection and have already begun and professed that I am bound to rise to walk with Christ in newness of life Rom. 6.3 4 5 6. Col. 2.12 Q. Who are the right subjects of Baptisme A. Those that are made Disciples or Scholars of Christ Mat. 28.19 that make profession of believing with their whole hearts Acts 8.37 Heb. 10.22 23. and of their repentance from dead works Mat. 3.6 Acts 2.38 39. and of their right knowledge of the object of worship that is the Trinity into whose Name they are baptized Mat. 28.19 and of their natural corruptions without which they will see no need of washing Mat. 3.14 and of their self-denial without which they are not Christs Disciples Luke 14.26 and so not to be baptized by the very words of the Commission of Christ Mat. 28.19 Make disciples all Nations baptizing them for the Greek word signifies to make disciples and not barely to teach Also they must make profession of their spiritual life without which they are not members of Christ the living head also of the resurrection of the body which is also signified in Baptisme 1 Cor. 15.29 and of the last judgement Q. May not infants be baptized A. No in no wise it being gross will-worship condemned Col. 2.23 Mat. 15.9 the Scripture declaring baptisme to be applyed onely to those that are disciples Mat. 28.19 and believe Mar. 16.16 Acts 8.12 37. 18 8. and repent Acts 2.38.39 and have put on Christ Gal. 3.27 and have received the Holy Ghost Acts 10.41 We must not presume to apply it to any other Besides infants understand not the new Covenant therefore they have nothing to do with the signes thereof unless God had commanded otherwise neither are they in Christs commission and therefore excluded to the end of the world Q. Is not the command of circumcision to the Jews a command to Christian parents to baptize infants A. If you make the command of Circumcision to be the institution or command for infants baptisme you hold forth Circumcision still and so hold forth that which typifies Christ to come in the flesh Persons were circumcised upon a fleshly covenant intailed to generation not to regeneration but now believers are baptized upon a command of God as a declaration of the washing away of their sins in Christs blood Act. 22.16 Circumcision with the rest of the ceremonies were abolished in Christ Col. 2.17 Heb. 9.9 10 1. If we may call back one we may call back all To say So for a command bindes us and so far not without a plaine declaration of Gods will is high presumption We are therefore to stand fast in our liberty Gal. 2.16 Gal. 4.10 11. 5.1 2 3. The Apostle Col. 2.10 11 12. to take the Jewish brethren wholly off from Circumcision doth not say We have another ordinance in stead of circumcision or by vertue of that command but We have Christ in stead of all we are circumcised with the Circumcision made without hands by the Spirit of Christ we are compleat in him verse 11. not with a compleatness of outward ordinances but by a compleatness of Christ alone It is supposed by some that without a succession of some ordinance instead of Circumcision we are not compleat in Christ or not so compleat as the Jews but this is 1. False because it 's contrary to that the Apostle asserts that we are compleat in Christ alone because in him is the fulness of all that was shadowed 2. It is dangerous because the same reason that will conclude we are not compleat without a succession of some ordinances in stead of Circumcision will conclude we are not compleat without a succession of something instead of Temple Sacrifices Altar and so after the Popish manner all Jewish Rites will be recalled under new names The question started at Colosse was not universally wherein a Christians perfection consisted but wherein it consisted in point of Justification whether by Christ alone or by the law and circumcision joyned with him To this he saith We are compleat in him Q. But may I not draw a proportion that as infants in the time of the Jews were circumcised so infants of believers under the times of the Gospel may be baptized A. In no wise We must not make additions in worship from our conceited proportions Proportions of Gods making may be observed as these following The Priests lips must preserve knowledge Mal. 2.7 so must the Bishops be apt to teach 1 Tim. 3.2 As the Priests by offering sacrifice held forth Christ Heb. 9. so the Ministers by preaching Gal. 3.1 as the Priest was to have a Consecration so the Ministers an Ordination Will it therefore follow that a command to a Priest to offer a sacrifice propitiatory should be a command to a Gospell-Minister to offer a sacrifice propitiatory as the Mass-priests do Or a command for a Priest to weat a linen Ephod should be a command to a Minister to wear a Surplice or that there must be a Pope over the Church because there was
suffers it so to do 3. His ordination or appointment whereby God orders brings and disposes all things and the actions of things how disorderly soever they may seem to be to certain ends according as it seemeth good to him for the bringing about of which ends he also appointeth means Q. How is the providence of God conversant about sinne A. 1. God preserves that nature and will that produces sinful actions God hath a concurrence about sinful actions as appears Gen. 45.8 It was not you that sent me hither but God Deut. 2.30 God hardened the Spirit of Sihon King of Heshbon Psal 105.25 God changed the mindes of the Egyptians that they hated his people But as in a chain that breaks there is no link in fault but that which breaks so in these concurrences of causes none is to be blamed but the next and immediate cause which is the will of man so that though God will the being yet man alone wills the nature of sin Q. What are the positive actions of God in and about sin A. Three 1. His withdrawment of his help and grace from the creature both the help of light Deut. 29.4 The Lord hath not given you an heart to perceive and eyes to see and also the help of supportance 2 Chron. 32.31 Hezekiah was left of God to his pride that he might know what was in his heart which two helps being withdrawn the creature sins necessarily but voluntarily so that as the Sun causes darkness not by overcasting the air but by hiding his light as the staffe falls to the ground being not forced by the hand but only forsaken of it so God withdrawing either light or supportment man sins God who suffers sin hath the power of hindering without any obligation to us and man hath the power of doing without any compulsion the action in God is without fault the action in man without excuse 2. God works about sin by removing the impediments that hindered us from sinning God took away good Jehoiada and then Joash shewed his wickedness 2 Chron. 24.17 So God takes away a Master or Father that kept such a person from wickedness who being removed his wickedness appears 3. God works about sin by setting before us objects whereby he knows our corruption will be enticed as a beautiful woman before an unchast person wine or beer before a Drunkard 4. God works about sin by setting bounds to sin that it shall go so far and no further Psal 76.10 The remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain 5. God works about sin in that he preserves the person nature and faculties of the sinner even whiles he is in sinning Act. 17.28 In him we live and move as an hors-man driving a lame horse is the cause of his going not of his halting so is God the cause of our moving though not of the sinfulness in our moving Q. What use may we make of Gods providence A. 1. See that nothing befalls unto thee by chance if we take chance as a cause in opposition to God as the Philistims took it 1 Sam. 6.9 2. To perswade us to the use of prayer Gen. 24.12 Neh. 2.4 3. To free the heart from disquieting carefulness Matth. 6.32 34. 4. Eye God in all thy affaires Psal 145.15 Prov. 3.6 Psal 139.3 5. Not to fear the terrors of men and so neglect duty Matth. 10.28 29. 6. To comfort us that we are in covenant with him that sits at the stern and governs all 7. To comfort us in respect 1. of our poor condition 1 Sam. 2.7 2. against enemyes plots Luk. 11.31 33. See Exod. 34.24 3. against fear of danger Matth. 2.13 Job 29.4 8. To work patience in afflictions 1 Sam. 3.19 Psal 39.9 Job 1.20 21. Qu. In what condition did God create man at first A. In an holy and happy condition Gen. 1.26 Eccles 7.29 God made man upright which uprightness consisted in a perfect conformity of the faculties of the soul and members of the body to the will of God Eph. 4.24 Col. 3.10 Qu. Did man continue in that state wherein he was created A. No All have sinned and come short of the glory of God Rom. 3.23 Rom. 5.12 By one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men in whom all have sinned Qu. What death did Adams sin procure was it only a temporal death or was it not also eternal A. Adams sin procured to his posterity eternal death in respect of desert Rom. 5.15 If through the offence of one many be dead much more the grace of God and the gift by grace hath abounded unto many As the grace of God gift by grace abounded unto many that is to eternal life and to remission of sins so the offence on the contrary abounded unto eternal death and so it is set down vers 25. that as sin hath reigned unto death even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ as if he should say As the one is so is the other 2. Such as the justification is by the second Adam such is the condemnation by the first Adam But the justification by the second Adam is a justification of life that is of or to eternal Therefore the condemnation by the first Adam is a condemnation to eternal death Rom. 5.18 Therefore as by the offence of one the judgment came upon all men to condemnation even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men to justification of life If any man object that it 's against equity that eternal death should be inflicted for another man's sin A. The same may be said against temporal death it 's as unjust that natural life should be taken away for the sin of another yet the Objectors whether Socinians or Arminians acknowledge this 2. The will of God is the rule of righteousness and if Adam would enter into such an agreement with God that if he stood he and all his posterity should stand eternally and if he fell he and his posterity should perish eternally Who hath any thing to reason against it Hos 6.7 the words are They like Adam have transgressed the Covenant so you have it varied in the margin So that a Covenant passed betwixt God and Adam for the violation whereof on Adams part he and his incur'd eternal death and we hold it equitable in the Courts of men that for the treason of the Father the Posterity smarts also Levi in the loynes of Abraham is said to pay tithes Heb. 7.9 Qu. What did Adam passe over to his posterity besides temporal and eternal death A. Besides their being children of wrath that is not only persons with whom God is angry but upon whom his wrath abides John 3.36 they are children of wrath by nature Eph. 2.3 signifying not only that we are cursed but that we are so by nature or birth natura being derived a nascendo from being born Of Adam and Eve it might
Law might be fulfilled in us Rom. 8.34 2. He keeps them intentionally having a respect to every one of them Psal 119.6 without slighting or despising any of them seeing the Scripture sets down that the slighting or despising any of a mans wayes doth declare him to be as yet under the state of death Prov. 13.13 and chap. 19.16 3. In that he will not deliberately sin against Conscience for the escaping of Crosses or obtaining of enjoyments Dan. 3.16 17. having a full purpose in his heart through the assistance of grace to chuse affliction rather then iniquity Job 36.21 Q. What measure of love must we love the Lord withall A. We must love him with a soveraign love better then Father and Mother Lands and Living Wife and Children yea and our own Lives Mat. 10.37 Luk. 14.26 Q. What denial of Christ is that which excludes a soul out of Heaven A. Habitual denial when we for the saving of our Lands Liberties Country or Lives have a purpose to deny Christ or any part of his truth Mat. 10.32 33. Q. What way it there to prevent this habitual denial of Christ which is so dangerous and destructive A. To learn to deny our selves in such a measure that in the Lords strength we resolve to take up every Cross that comes betwixt us and our duty Luk. 9.23 and to hate the best enjoyment we have as friends liberty estate yea and life it self if we cannot hold them and the Lord together Luk. 14.26 27. So that we are resolved in no wise in a plain Commandment to sin against our Conscience but are resolved to chuse a fiery furnace rather then worship a golden image Dan. 3.16 17. Q. What is repentance A. A change of heart Ephes 4.22 23. Rom. 12.1 2. whereby we turn from all sin with an hatred thereof Psal 119.128 purposing to walk in newness of life Psal 119.106 Q What are the fruits of Repentance A. The Apostle sets down some 2 Corinthians 7.11 as a care of pleasing God in every thing also a fear of displeasing him in any thing also a clearing of our selves both before God not resting till we have got assurance of the pardon of our sins and clearing our selves before men in a godly course of life also a desire to eye God in all things also a zeal rejoycing when his name is honoured and sorrowing when it is dishonoured also an indignation against sin in a friend as well as an enemy in a rich man as well as poor also revenge against our selves in that as we have abused Gods blessings to our own lusts so we endeavour hereafter to spend them to his Honour Q. What doth the Scripture reveal concerning spirituall death A. It reveales unto us that we are under a threefold death 1. A death of guiltiness whereby we are bound over to eternal death Rom. 5.12 Luk. 15.32 John 5.24 being wrapt therein by Adams sin and our own 2. A death of filthiness whereby naturally we all lye wallowing in carnal courses though some are more deeply in them then others Ephes 2.1 3 3. This life of holiness was also lost by Adam Gen. 1.26 Eccles 7.29 Ephes 4.25 3. A death of discomfort whereby naturally we are deprived of that sweet Communion and enjoyment of God which Adam had in innocency and regenerate men have in part and glorified Saints have in fulness Rom. 3.23 Q What doth the Scripture reveal concerning spirituall life A. It reveals unto us that there are three parts of spiritual life in opposition to this death 1. The life of justification Rom. 5.18 Gal. 2.20 so that whereas we are all dead men by offending the Law when God pardons we are alive Col. 3.4 2. The life of Sanctification when a man is quickened up to all the wayes of God Ephes 2.1 Rom. 6.11 13. 3. The of comfort Psal 85.6 when the soul enjoyes a life in Gods favour Psal 30.5 Psal 63.3 looking upon the absence thereof as death it self Psal 28.1 Psal 143.7 Q What necessity is there of spirituall life A. It is so needful that without it there is no Salvation Joh. 3.5 All the Body of Christ being living stones 1 Pet. 2.5 without this thy conversion is nothing Ephes 2.5 thy Faith nothing Joh. 11.26 thy Hope nothing 1 Pet. 1.3 thy Repentance nothing Acts 11.18 and thy duties of Religion nothing Psal 80.18 Mat. 13.15 yea if thou beest without this thou hast no share as yet in Christ 1 John 5.12 Q. What kinde of thing is spiritual life A. As it hath respect to change of heart there is an unseen working of the spirit upon the souls of Believers so that as there goes an hidden quality from the Loadstone to the iron that draws the iron to it so is there a power goes from Christ to draw the soul off from all sinful purposes unto himself John 6.44 John 12.31 So that the soul exalts Christ though with the loss of all lusts and all enjoyments Mat. 16.24 Q. In what faculty of the soul is spiritual Life seated A. Though wheresoever spiritual life is it showes forth its acts and operations as the natural life doth in the whole man yet as the natural life is more eminently in the head and heart so is this spiritual life more eminently in the faculties of the Understanding Will Conscience Affections and Memory Q. How may a person know his understanding it made alive to God A. When he doth not onely think of divine truths John 5.39 and approve them Rom. 2.18 which natural men may do but also applies them to his own Conscience Job 5.27 meditates of them Psal 1.2 ponders them Luke 2.19 remembers them Psal 116.55 judges aright of Gods wayes Psal 119.128 1 Cor. 2.13 14. and is often inventing and devising how to honour God and to keep Conscience pure Proverbs 14.22 Isa 32.8 Q. How may a man know his will is made alive to God A. Though the Saints of God have drawn comfort from their willing good when they could do no more but will Rom. 7.18 19 25. yet may there be wishings and wouldings in a heart oftentimes and yet it remain carnal as in Balaam Numb 23.10 and many others now because many thousands deceive themselves by their wishings and wouldings know that wishing or willing good is an Argument of spiritual life 1. VVhen the will brings forth earnest and diligent endeavors 1 Cor. 15.10 Heb. 13.18 Luke 15.18 compared with verse 32. against all hindrances and pull-backs whatsoever 2. VVhen the will of a man is set for good absolutely Psal 119.145 Dan. 1.8 though it expose him to the Cross and he gave no thanks but be hated of men for the same 3. VVhen the inclinations and dispositions of the heart are for God Psal 119.112 that what other men do with a dead heart he doth with a willing disposition 4. By the chusings and refusings of the heart when we chuse the wayes of God before all other wayes Psal 119.30 173. Isa 56.4
confession of Christ c. wherein we have in those signes by all deep engagement obliged our selves Q. What is the danger of unworthy receiving A. In stead of receiving to comfort Satan hath a greater posession of such persons as in Judas if he were at the Supper as many learned men think who Luke 22.3 had Satan entring into him before his going to the High-Priests and receiving the sop but after the receiving the sop the Devil entred further into him John 13.27 and v. 30. having received the sop he went out immediately and came to a thorow resolution to betray Christ besides good men receiving in part unworthily receive temporal judgements as sickness weakness death 1 Cor. 11.30 and wicked men having a total unworthiness receive eternal damnation Q. What is the manner of Christ his presence in the Lords Supper A. He is present spiritually to the Faith of the receiver to increase by his Spirit the Union Communion of the soul with Christ Ephes 3.19 1 Cor. 10.16 Ephes 4.15 16 1 Cor. 12.13 he is also present by grace and operation of feeling in the hearts of his as the Sun is present with us by his light and influence though in Heaven he is also present in the promise Mat. 26.26 Take eat this is my body and my blood as if he should say I promise you in the use of this Ordinance you shall receive the vertue of my quickening death and merit thereof as verily as you receive bread and wine Q. What think you of that opinion that the body of Christ is present in with or under the bread after an unperceivable manner A. It is an erroneous opinion It is against the Article of Christ his ascension into heaven Act. 3.21 2. Hereby they destroy the nature and truth of a humane body which is both finite and visible making it infinite and invisible Q. Whether is the body of Christ really and substantially contained under the kindes of bread and wine in the same space where bread and wine were contained before A. No for 1. Bread in the Supper is six times after consecration called bread still 1 Cor. 10.15 16. 1 Cor. 11.23 24 25. 2. The truth of Christs flesh is proved by sight and touching Luk. 24.39 but in the Supper it cannot he touched therefore it is not substantially or fleshlily present 3. It s a contradiction that one whole body should be whole together in divers places Mat. 28.6 he is risen he is not here the consequence had proved nothing if a whole body might be whole in divers places Q. How oft are we to receive the Supper A. Often our own decayes of grace requires often receiving the Apostles indeterminate Command Do this as often admits of no other limitation then want of occasion and opportunity Q. But there are some that are not in charity with me may I receive A. Yes supposing the uncharitableness on their parts their sin cannot debar us of the priviledges and benefits Christ hath purchased for us if the sin be on our part we must lay aside our wrath lest we double our sin by absenting from Ordinances and retaining wrath Q. Who are the persons to be received to the Supper A. Onely Church-Members 1 Cor. 10.13 1 Cor. 11.20 holy things are not to be given to Dogs Mat. 7.6 in exposing the signs of the Covenant to those concerning whom we have no ground to believe God promises any thing we prophane them they are not to be acknowledged for Covenanters with God who are his enemies Q. How are wicked men partaking guilty of the body and blood of the Lord A. 1. They are guilty of rejecting it 2. Because they prophane the signes that represent Christs body as they that despise Christs Servants despise himself Luk. 10.16 1 Thes 4.8 or as a reproach done to the Ambassadors redounds to the Prince or as he that commits Treason against a Princes Seal commits it against himself Concerning Prayer Q. WHat is prayer A. A pouring forth of the Soul to God 1 Sam. 1. Psalm 62.8 Q. What are the parts of prayer A. They are three 1. Confession of sins so Daniel c. 9.6 7 8 c. and Nehemiah c. 1 6.7 2. Petition for grace Mat. 6.9 3. Thanksgiving for benefits 1 Tim. 2.1 Phil. 4.6 Q. What qualifications are requisite that we may pray comfortably A. 1. We being bankrupt in Heaven must come in the name of Christ Iohn 16.23 24. 2. For things according to Gods will 1 Iohn 5.14 3. With a heart purposing against all sin Psal 66.18 Iohn 9 41. Iob. 11.13 4. With a fervent heart Iam. 5.16 crying mightily to God Jon. 3. as a Malefactor doth for life before a Judge 5. In Faith Jam. 1.6 7. believing we shall have from God so far as his promise reacheth as a begger never goes from a door so long as he believes he shall have an Almes Mat. 7.7 21.22 to persons praying in faith the thing desired is done or else it s better for them not to be done 6. With an humble and broken heart Psal 34.17 content not your selves with prayers void of humiliation and melting of heart so Abraham Gen. 18.27 the Prodigal Luk. 15.18 If Satan fright thee from prayer because thou art unworthy say then Nay but I will pray because I am unworthy 7. With watchfulness against distractions both those that come from Satan Zach. 3. and those which come from spiritual fluggishness especially Col. 4.2 and watchfulness against drouziness Luk. 21.36 as a begger is all awake when he begs so must we be when we beg of God 8. With sighes and groanes though words answer very barely Rom. 8.26 Gal. 4.6 God answers not that which is in the froth of wolds alone but that which is in the sigh or groan Psalme 145.19 9. Pray with the Spirit Jude 20. Ephes 6.18 which is not onely to have the gift of Prayer which artificial Christians may have and not without some show of spiritual life being full of fit expressions from abundance of notions but also to have the grace of prayer whereby the soul hath many sighes against the sproutings of lusts and wrastlings for the removals of corruptions and secret springings of heart upon the receipt of spiritual blessings Psal 103.1 that such Prayers come from the Spirit appears because when the Spirit intermits or forbears working the souls of the best become dull Rom. 8.15 10. Let thy Person be holy Psal 86. 2 John 15.7 no natural man can pray acceptably John 9.13 yet may there be passions in a soul and yet that soul holy and that Prayer accepted as in Elia's Case Jam. 5.16 Q. How shall a poor soul know whether God hears his Prayers A. He shall know it by these signs 1. When he hath the thing granted he prayed for the Church prayed for Peter and had him given when they were praying Act. 12.5 Hanna prayed for a son and had one 1 Sam. 1.27 see for this Gen. 20.17 Jud.
Devil and his Angels Q. But seeing there are some wretched men that deny the Scriptures how shall I know the Scriptures to be Gods Word A. There are many grounds to sway the Conscience to belief of them as 1. The Witness of Gods Spirit which is promised to be given to all the Elect together with the word Isa 59.21 2. As natural bodies declare what they are as Sun Moon Stars Fire Water Gold Silver Hony so doth the word Psal 19.7 8 9 no book but breaths out holiness to the Lord no Chapter hardly but takes off our hearts from the World it sets forth his infinite mercy to his Saints and infinite justice to the wicked The Scripture is like the light which not onely shews other things but it self 3. The agreement of the Scriptures one part with another though the writers lived remote one from another and in several ages of the World How could they have so agreed were they not written by one Spirit Seeing two Historians if they write of any time or occurrence through ignorance partiality and forgetfulness they will contradict each other if they be onely humane writers besides for the old Testament we have the Jews the utterest enemies of Christianity witnessing it and and for the new it doth harmoniously agree with the old 4. The impartiality of the pen-men they speak impartially to all to Princes as well as beggers David speaks of his own murther Psal 51.14 Moses tells of the faults of his own Granfather Levi Gen. 49.5 7. whereas men naturally raise up their Ancestors to the highest Paul sets forth his blasphemy and persecution 1 Tim. 1.13 5. By the end at which they aime had these Pen-men wrote as men they would have lifted up themselves but every book throws down man as low as hell and exalts God with the highest excellence Isa 40.15 16. and gives the glory of all to God 1 Cor. 15.10 6. By the subject matter of the Scriptures Hardly any writings of men but some lusts are scattered up and down of pride vain-glory But in the Scriptures every word is pure Prov. 30.5 more then silver seven times purified Psalme 12.6 7. had men writ it they would never have tyed themselves to such strict points 7. There are many things in the Scripture that could never have proceeded from the brain of man for example that in one essence or being the Father Son and Spirit should subsist that our bodies turned to dust should rise again the in same number though with more glorious qualities so the incarnation of Christ by a Virgin for the appeasing the justice of God So that all things which befall a Christian shall work together for his good in reference to Salvation If these and many other things could not enter into his brain much less could they proceed from his pen. 8. The powerful effects the Scriptures have upon the Conscience prove them to be of God for example they melt the heart in in reading them 2 Reg. 22.19 they strike a terrour into the hearts of the ungodly No writings of men can so awe the hearts of men as these Psal 119.11 they over-power the will One verse of self-denial will make a man part with all his Estate Friends and Life and what not they work a wonderful change in many persons that they are not the same they were yea they quicken dead hearts and revive the dejected Psalme 119.49 50. Heb. 4.12 9. The books themselves bear witness they are from God In most books of Scriptures in the entrance of them the names of the pen-men together with the Author of the word are expressed See Jer. 1.1 Ezek. 1.3 Hos 1.1 Ioel 1.1 c. But you will say its possible for false writings to have such Titles prefixt A. True the name is not enough were there nothing else but this being joyned with other signs is of great force Shall we believe Aristotles or Plato's works to be their works when they have their names affixt thereto and shall we not believe the Scriptures to be of them whose Title they bear that is the word of God by such and such a writer 10. The death and sufferings of the Martyrs who have given their lives to seal the truth proves them to be of God Revel 6.9 20.4 Where do we ever find any to dye to defend the opinions of Plato or the dreams of Mahomet 11. Satans malice proves it he never tempts us to unbeliefe of any writings save these 12. The fulfilling of the Prophecies proves them to be of God Isaiah chap. 44.28 named Cyrus to be the deliverer of Gods people an hundred and sixty yeers before Cyrus was born Jeremiah set the bounds of seventy yeers to the Babylonish Captivity Daniel lived onely in the two first Monarchies the Caldean and Persian yet he prophesies of the Grecian and Roman Monarchies So that Israel should be in Egypt four hundred yeers and then come out so that he that should build Jericho should lay the foundation of it in his eldest son Jos 6.26 compared with 1 Kin. 16.34 Paul prophesied of Doctrines forbidding Marriage and meates 1 Tim. 4.1 And now it s come to pass in the Papacy Jacob Gen. 49. speaks of all the portions his Children should have assigning to one the Corn-Countrey to others the Sea to others the vine-grounds as they were after divided by lot certain hundred yeers after how could he come to the knowledge thereof but by him that over-rules all lots sure they could not be suggested by any but God who knew what he would do The seeing so many of the Prophecies to be fulfilled may assure us also that the rest shall be fulfilled and consequently that they are all of God 13. Either the Scriptures must be of God or of man not of man because then they must be either of bad men or of good not of bad men for they would never have forbid evil so rigorously nor command good so expresly nor aimed so at Gods glory nor of good men for they durst not have belied God nor take the glory so due to God which is to rule in the Conscience unto themselves therefore must they needs be of God 14. The wonderful preservation of the Scriptures notwithstanding Tyrants endeavour to abolish it and Hereticks endeavour to corrupt it yet it hath been kept pure in both the Originals the two Tables writ by Gods own finger were laid up in the Arke Deut. 10.2 When Manasses and Ammon that they might the better draw the people to Idolatry had supprest the book of the Law it pleased God in rhe dayes of Iosiah that it was found in the ruines of the Temple 2 Chron. 34.14 Antiochus 1 Mach. 1.56 57. rent the book of the Law in peeces and burnt it in the fire and made it matter of death for a man to have a Testament by him Dioclesian the persecuting Emperor forbad the use of the Scriptures and burnt them yet were the Scriptures still
preserved If An Argument from man were any thing material I might adde that the Iewish Bible who are the utterest enemies of Christianity their old Testament agrees with ours and for the truth of the Iewish Bible they have testimony from the Samaritans who were enemies to them and an irreconciliable rent made betwixt them yet in the Samaritan Bible as some of the learned affirme there is no difference at all to any purpose Also the consent of the godly Fathers and Christians from Christ his time who have from hand to hand delivered them to us and enlightned them with their commentaries whose commentaries we have to shew in every age well-nigh from the Apostles time some of whom confirmed the truth with their Lives and Liberty A short Catechisme FOR BABES Q. HOw doth it appear that there is a God A. From the creatiâ—n of heaven and earth Psal 19.1 Rom. 1.20 Q. What is God A. A Spirit John 4.23 immortal 1 Tim. 6.16 infinite 1 Kings 8.27 knowing all things Heb. 4.13 and present everywhere Psalme 139.7 8 9. Q. How doth this God subsist A. In the being of Father Son and Spirit who are all one God 1 Iohn 5.7 Q. Whether is the Father Son or Spirit greatest A. There is an equality of glory eternity and power in the Father Son and Spirit Rom. 9.5 Phil. 2.6 Matth. 28.19 1 Iohn 5.7 Q. How did God make man at first A. Pure and holy Gen. 1.26 Eccles 7.29 but we all fell in our first parents Rom. 5.12 13 14. Q What befell unto us by Adams fall A. The judgement came upon all to condemnation Rom. 5.15 16. Q. What is the condition of every man since the fall of Adam A. Dead in trespasses and sins and by nature children of wrath Eph. 2.1 3. Q What way is there to come out of this miserable condition A. Onely by Jesus Christ Acts 4.12 Q. What are we to consider especially in Christ A. 1. His natures 2. His offices Q. What are the natures of Christ A. They are two 1. His Godhead 2. His Manhood Q. Why was it needful that he should be God A. That he might make the sufferings of his Manhood of infinite worth and vertue Heb. 9.14 Act. 20.28 Q. Why was it needful that he should be man A. That he might dye and satisfie Gods justice in the same nature that had offended Matthew 20.28 1 Corinthians 15.21 22. Q. What are the offices of Christ A. They are three Q. Which are they A. His Kingly Priestly and Prophetical office Q Why was Christ a King A. That he may reign in the hearts of his people Luk. 19.27 and in the Churches Psal 2.6 Q. Why was he a Prophet A. To reveale his Fathers will so that are to hear him in all things Acts 3.22 Mat. 17.5 Q. Why was he a Priest A. To offer sacrifice for the sins of his people Heb. 8.3 Q. What sacrifice did Christ offer A. His own body on the cross Heb. 9.25 26. wherewith he appears in Gods presence for his people Heb. 9.24 his blood speaking good things Q. What is faith A. A taking of Christ as a Lord and a Saviour and resting upon his satisfaction Rom. 7.4 Joh. 1.12 Rom. 10.7.8 Q. What accompanies Justifying faith without which it is not in the soul A. An holy disposition or intention of heart to confess the truth of God though with the loss of all we have in the world Rom. 10.10 Mat. 10.32 Q. What is repentance A. A thorow change of the purposes of the heart whereby they are universally set against all sin with an hatred of it Rom. 12.2 Act. 2.38 Isa 30.22 Q. What measure of love must we love the Lord with A. With a sovergaine love better then father or mother son or daughter yea then our own lives Mat. 10.37 38 39. Q. What denial of Christ is that which shuts persons out of heaven A. Habitual denial or denial of Christ in the purporse of our hearts when we for the saving of our lands liberties country or lives will deny Christ or any part of his truth Mat. 10.33 2 Tim. 2.12 Q. What doth the Scripture reveal concerning spiritual Life A. That whereas we are all dead men by Adams sin and our own when God pardons we are alive Rom. 5.18 Q. What other life hath believers A. A life of holiness whereby believing souls are quickned up to all the wayes of God Rom. 6.13 Q. What ought to be the ground of a Christian mans obedience A. The command of Christ which is the bond of the conscience Rom. 1.14 Act. 20.22 Q. What other ground is there A. The love of God from whence our obedience ought to flow John 14.15 2 Cor. 5.15 Q. What doth the Scripture reveal of the combat of flesh and Spirit A. The flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh so that we cannot do the good we would do Gal. 5.17 Q. What may comfort in this combat A. That we hate the evil that we do and love the good we do and hunger and third to do the good we do not Rom. 7.15 16 17 18 19. Q. What is the danger of sinning against conscience A. Such shall be punished with many stripes Luk. 12.48 Q. What is it to live by faith A. To rest on Gods promise for every good thing without using unlawful means Psal 84.11 12. Isa 28.16 Q. What is the new Covenant A. It is Gods work whereby he not onely pardons all the sins of all the Elect and gives them eternal life through the satisfaction of Christ but also promiseth to take away their stony hearts and writes his laws in their hearts and causes them to rellish and savour good things and vouchsafes to be their God and takes them to be his people Heb. 8.10 11 12. Q. What is prayer A. Pouring out of the soul before God 1 Sam. 1.15 Psal 62.2 Q. What are the parts of prayer A. They are sometimes divided in four parts 1 Tim. 2.1 yet may we reduce them to three parts first confession of sins Secondly petition for grace and favors Thirdly thanksgiving for benefits To which we may add intercessions to turn away judgement Q. What principal Properties ought there to be in an holy prayer A. It ought to be offered from a believing soul Mat. 21.22 in the name of Christ Joh. 16.23 24. from the Spirit assisting with sighs and groans Rom. 8.26 for things according to the will of God 1 Joh. 5.14 Q. What is baptisme A. It is a sign of a believers fellowship with Christ in his death burial and resurrection that as his body is buried in water so his sins are buried through the satisfaction of Christ and as he riseth out of the water so he is bound to walk with Christ in newness of life Rom. 6.3 4 5 6. Col. 2.12 Q. Who are the persons to be baptized A. Those who are made Disciples and make profession of their faith and repentance Mat. 28.19 Mark 16.15 16. Heb. 10.22 Act. 1.37 38. Q. What is the end why the Lords Supper was appointed A. For the continual remembrance of the sacrifice of Christs death and remission of sins which believers have therein 1 Cor. 11.25.26 Q. What must a Christian do that he may receive worthily or preparedly A. He must examine himself whether he be in Christ and whether the Spirit of God dwell in him 1 Cor. 11.28 Q. What is the danger of unworthy receiving A. Temporal judgement if they repent eternal if they repent not Q. Wherefore are hands laid upon believers after baptism A. That they may receive a further increase of the Spirit therein 2 Tim. 1.6 Q. What is revealed concerning the resurrection of the dead A. That all shall rise againe the godly to the resurrection of eternal life the wicked to the resurrection of eternal damnation Dan. 12.2 Joh. 5.28 Q. With what bodies shall the Saints arise A. with the same body in number but with more glorious qualities 1 Cor. 15.42 43 44 53. Phil. 3.21 Q. VVhat follows the resurrection A. The last judgement wherein all shall be judged of every thing done in the body whether it be good or evil Joh. 6.40 John 5.28 2 Cor. 5.10 Revel 20.12 13 14. FINIS