descended and the floods came and the winds blew and beat upon that house and it fell not for it was founded upon a rock Q. 11. What is the second Instruction A. That all men should look to themselves lest they lose the things which they have wrought 2 Epist. of Iohn Ver. 8. Look to your selves that ye lose not those things which we have wrought but that we receive a full reward Q. 12. What is the last Instruction A. Let no true Christian be discouraged how weak soever for God is able to make him stand Rom. 14.4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant to his own master he standeth or falleth yea he shall be holden up for God is able to make him stand Of perfection at Death Quest. 37. VVHAT benefits do Believers receive from Christ at their Death A. The Souls of Believers are at their death made perfect in holiness and do immediately pass inâ—o glory their bodies being still united to Christ do reâ—t in their Graves till the Resurrection Q 1. What is the state of perfect holiness A. It consists in a perfect freedom from sin or any of the least inclination to sin Eph. 5.27 That he may present it to himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish Q. 2. Wherein else doth perfection consist A. It consists in the attainment of the highest measures and degrees of holiness the creature is capable of Eph. 4.12 13. For the perfecting of the Saints till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God to a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Q. 3. Cannot this be attained whilst in the body A. No for here all our graces are imperfect 1 Cor. 13.12 For now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face And we live at a distance from God 2 Cor. 5 6. Whilst we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. Q. 4. How is this attained at Death A. At Death the roots of Sin are pulled up out of the Believer's Nature Heb. 12.23 And to the spirits of just men made perfect Q. 5. Why must the Soul be mâ—de perfect at death A. Because the purity of the heavenly State admits no sin or imperfection Rev. 21.27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth neither whatsoever worketh abomination or maketh a lye but they which are written in the lambs book of life Q. 6. What is the first Inference from hence A. That Death should be lovely and desirable in the eyes of Believers Phil. 1.23 having a desire to depart and to be with Christ which is far better Q. 7. What is the second Inference A. That God hath provided singular relief for his people that now groan under their Sins and many Imperfections 1 Cor. 13.12 13. And now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face Now I know in part but then shall I know even as also I am known Q. 8. What is the third Inference A. That the heavenly State is infinitely above and beyond whatever we enjoy here 1 Cor. 29. But as it is written Eye hath not seen nor ear heard neither have entred into the the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love hiem Q. 9. What is the fourth Inference A. That Believers are but at a small distance from the Satisfaction of all their desires Rom. 13.11 Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed Q. 10. What is the fifth Inference A. That the Saints should earnestly pursue that perfection even in this imperfect state Phil. 3.13 14. Brethren I count not my self to have apprehended but this one thing I do forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth to those things which are before I press towards the mark for the price of the high calling of God in Christ Iesus Q. 11. What is the sixth Inference A. That death to the Saints is better than life Phil. 1.21 For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain Q. 12. What is the last Inference A. That Faith is absolutely necessary to entitle us to this perfect state Of immediate Glorificacion Quest. 1. DO all that die in Christ immediately pass into glory A. Yes they do Luke 23.43 To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise Phil. 1.23 Having a desire to depart and to be with Christ. Q. 2. What is the First reason for their immediate Glorification A. Because Heaven is pepared and ready for them Mat. 25.34 Come ye blessed of my Father inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world Q. 3. What is the Second reason for it A. Because at Death they are as ready for Heaven as ever they shall be Iohn 9.4 I must work the work of him that sent me while it is day the night cometh when no man can work Q. 4. What is the Third reason for it A. Because Death else could not be gain as it is Phil. 1.21 For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain Q. 5. What is the Fourth reason for it A. Because there is the same reason for all as for any one but some are immediately glorified Luke 23.43 To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise Q. 6. What is the Fifth reason for it A. Because Christ longs for their coming to him and they for his Enjoyment and these longings are in vain if not satisfied Rev. 22.17 20. And the spirit and the bride say Come and let him that heareth say Come and let him that is a thirst say Come and whosoever will let him take of the water of life freely he which testifieth these thidgs saith Surely I come quickly Amen even so come Lord Iesus Q. 7. What is the First instruction from hence A. That the Apparitions of departed Saints ordinarily are but Fables They wander not Rev. 3.12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the Temple of my God and he shall go no more out Q. 8. What is the Second Inference A. That Purgatory is a groundless Fable and invention of men and the Scriptures alledged to countenance it grosly abused 1 Pet. 3.19 By the which also he went and preacht unto the spirits in prison Q. 9. What is the Third inference from it A. That Heaven must needs be a marvellous surprize to Believers how long soever they have conversed with it here Q. 10. What is the Fourth inference A. The consideration of this should provoke Saints to work hard to finish all they have to do on Earth Eccles. 9.10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do do it with thy might for there is no work nor device nor knowledge nor wisdom in the grave whither thou goest Q. 11. What is the Fifth inference A. That there is no reason to grieve excessively for departed Saints 1 Thes.
Not from any natural efficacy it had to give knowledge but the Knowledge he should have by eating or not eating was experimental Knowledge i. â— Knowledge to his Sorrow Q. 2. VVhy did God forbid him this Tree A. First For the discovery of his dominion over man Secondly For the trial of his subjection and obedience Thirdly For the aggravation of his sin if he should eat Q. 3. VVhat evil was there in eating of it A. There was a twofold Evil the evil of Sin and the evil of Punishment both very great Q. 4. What was the Evil of Sin A. A threefold Evil of Sin First Against God called disobedience Rom. 5.19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners Secondly Against himself Soul Body and Estate Thirdly Against his Posterity Rom. 5.12 Wherefore as by one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Q 5. What was the Evil of Punishment First Loss of God's Image Secondly Horror of Conscience Thirdly Sorrow on the Female Sex Fourthly Curse on the Creature Fifthly Expulsion from Paradise Sixthly Death both of Body and Soul Q 6. What is the first Instruction from it A. To take heed of small beginnings of Temptations and resist it in the first motions Iam. 3.5 Behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth Q. 6. What is the second Inference A. Not to hold a parly with the tempter See 2 Cor. 11.3 But I fear lest by any means as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. Q. 8. What is the third Inference A. That Satan's policy lies much in the choice of his tempting instruments as Eve and Peter c. Q. 9. VVhat is the fourth Inference A. A necessity of keeping strong-guards on our Senses Isa. 33.15 That stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil he shall dwell on high his place of defence shall be the munition of rocks Q. 10. VVhat is the fifth Inference A That Covenant-breaking is a heinous sin which God will punish Hos. 8.1 He shall come as an Eagle against the house of the Lord because they have transgressed my covenant and trespassed against my laws Q. 11. VVhat is the last Inference A. That the corruption of our nature is much seen in desiring forbidden things Rom. 7.7 VVhat shall we say then Is the law sin God forbid Nay I had not known sin but by the law for I had not known lust except the law had said Thou shalt not covet Of the Fall of Adam and ours in him Quest. 16. DId all Mankind fall in Adam's first transgression A. The Covenant being made with Adam not only for himself but for his posterity all mankind descending from him by ordinary Generation sinned in him and fell with him in his first transgression Q. 1. Did no man ever escape the Sin of Adam A. Yes The man Christ Jesus did and he only Heb. 7.26 For such an high priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners Q. 2. Why was not Christ tainted with it A. Because he came into the world in an extraordinary way Mat. 1.18 Now the birth of Christ was on this wise when as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph before they came together she was found with child of the Holy Ghost Q. 3. How doth it appear all others are tainted with it A. It appears by Scripture-Testimony Rom. 5.12 Wherefore as by one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned And experience of the best men Rom. 7.21 I find then a law that when I would do good evil is present with me Q. 4. How came all men to fall with Adam A. Because all were included in Adam 's Covenant as a Man's Covenant includes his Children before they be born or the treason of the father affects his posterity Q. 5. What infer you from hence A. The stupendious wisdom of God in sending Christ in our nature and yet without the sin and taint of it 1 Cor. 1.24 Christ the wisdom of God Q. 6. What is the second Inference A. Hence we learn the admirable love of Christ in taking our nature with all the sinless Infirmities thereof Rom. 8.3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Q. 7. What is the third Inference A. The necessity of our Union with Christ in order to our participation of his Righteousness and Redemption 1 Cor. 15.22 For as in Adam all die so in Christ shall all be made alive Q. 8. What is the fourth Inference A. Hence we learn the malignant and mortal nature of sin in as much as our sin defiled and destroyed a whole world Q. 9. What is the fifth Inference A. That though all be not equally sensible of their need yet one sinner needs Christ as much as another Q. 10. What is the last Inference A. That no man hath any cause or reason to boast of the goodness of his nature since the best were by nature under the same sin and misery as the worst Eph. 2.3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lust of our flesh fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind and were by nature the children of wrath even as others Of Original Sin Quest. 17. INto what Estate did the Fall bring Mankind A. The Fall brought Mankind into an Estate of Sin and Misery Q. 18. Wherein consists the sinfulness of that Estatâ— whereinto Man fell A. The fulness of that Estate whereinto man fell consists in the guilt of Adamâ—s first Sin the want of original Righteousness and corruption of his â—â—ole Nature which is commonly called original Sin together with all actual Transgressions which proceed from sin Q. 1. How many sorts of Sin are all men under A. All men are guilty before God of two sorts of Sin of Original and Actual Psal. 51.5 Behold I was shapen in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me Eccles. 7.20 For there is not a just man upon earth that doth good and sinneth not Q. 2. How can we be guilty of Adam's first Sin A. We are guilty of it because Adam sinned not only as a single but also as a publick Person and representative of all Mankind Rom. 5.15 16 17. But not as the offence so also 〈◊〉 the free gift for if through the offence of one many be dead much more the grace of God and the gift by grace which is by one maâ— Iesus Christ hath abounded unto many and not as it was by one that sinned so is the gift for the judgment was by one to condemnation Q 3. How else came we under his guilt A. We are guilty of
the Old-Testament believers died yet the virtue of Christ's Death extends to them as well as us Heb. 11.39 40. And these all having obtained a good report through faith received not the promise God having provided some better thing for us that they without us should not be made perfect Q. 6. Why would not God deliver us without such a Redeemer A Because it was not so much for the honour of his Justice Rom. ◠25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God To declare I say at this time his righteousness that he might be just and the justifier of him that believeth in Iesus Q. 7. What is the first Instruction hence A. That all that are out of Christ are in a miserable Bondage and Captivity Iohn 8.36 If the son therefore shall make you free ye shall be free indeed Q. 8. What is the second Instruction A. Hence see the heinous nature of Sin which required such a price to satisfy for it 1 Pet. 1.18 19. VVe were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold but with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot Q. 9. VVhat is the third Iustruction hence A. The wonderful love of Christ in redeeming us at such a rate Rev. 1.5 Who loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood Q. 10. What is the last Instruction A. This strongly obligeth us to an universal holiness 1 Cor. 6.20 For ye are bought with a price therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit which are Gods Of Christ's Incarnation Quest. 22. HOw did Christ being the Son of God become man A. Christ the Son of God became man by taking to himself a true Body and a reasonable Soul being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Uirgin Mary and born of her yet without Sin Q. 1 Who is the only Redeemer of God's Elect A. The Lord Jesus Christ is their only Redeemer and there is no other Redeemer besides him Acts 4.12 Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved Q. 2. How is he the Son of God or can be as no other is so A. He is the Son of God by Nature from all Eternity and so no Angel or Saint is Heb. 1.5 For unto which of the Angels said he at any time Thou art my son this day have I begotten thee Q. 3 VVhy was it necessary he should become man A. That he might be capable to suffer Death in our room Heb. 2.15 16 17. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people Q. 4. Why must the Redeemer be God as well as Man A. Because the blood of a meer man could not satisfy and redeem us Acts 20.28 Feed the church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood Q. 5. Do these two Natures make two Persons A. No The Humane Nature is united to the second Person and subsists in union with it Iohn 1.14 And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the father full of grace and truth Q 6. VVas the Union only for a time A. No It continues and abides for ever Heb. 7.24 But this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable 〈…〉 Q. 7. What is the first Instruction hence A Hence we learn the transcendent love of God to poor Sinners Iohn 3.16 God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life Q 8. What is the second Instruction A. Hence we learn the matchless love of Christ that he should stoop to such a condition for us 2 Cor. 8.9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Iesus Christ that though he was rich yet for your sakes he became poor that ye through his poverty might be made rich Q. 9 What is the third Instruction A. That the greatest Sins are capable of remission to Believers Iohn 1.29 Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world Q 10. What is the fourth Instruction A. That those that be in Christ need not fear the denial or want of an◠other mercy Rom 8.32 He that spared not his own son but delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him also freely give us all things Q. 11. What is the fifth Instruction A. Hence we learn how impious it is to ascribe any part of the glory of redemption to any other besides Christ Q. 12. What is the sixth Instruction A. This teaches us the miserable condition of all that are out of Christ and the necessity of their damnation he being the only Redeemer Of the Manner of Christ's Incarnation Quest. 1. WAS Christ's Incarnation a voluntary act in him A. Yes it was for though he had a command to die for us Iohn 10.18 No man taketh it from me but I lay it down of my self I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again Yet he came willingly Psal 40.6 7. Sacrifice and offerings thou didst not desire mine ears hast thou opened burnt offerrings and sin offerings hast thou not required lo I come in the volume of thy book it is written of me V. 8. I delight to do thy 〈…〉 Q. 2. Was the Body of Christ a real and true Humane Body A. Yes it was a true and real Body not the appearance and shape of a Body only Luke 24.38 And he said unto them Why are ye troubled and why do thoughts arise in your hearts Ver. 29. Behold my hands and my feet that it is I my self handle me and see for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see me have Q. 3. Had he a true Humane Soul as well as a Body A. Yes he had a real Humane Soul also and all the natural faculties and powers thereof Mat. 26.38 Then saith he unto them My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death Q. 4. Was he then in all respects like to other men A. No his conception was not like others Isa. 7.14 Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Emanuel And he had no sin in him as others have Heb. 7.26 For such an high priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners Q. 5. Did Christ put off the Humane Nature at his Ascention A. No he did not but carried it up to glory and now is in our Nature in Heaven 1 Tim.
4.13 Even so them also which sleep in Iesus will God bring with him Q. 12. What is the last Inference A. That Christless ones are immediately in Hell Luke 16.22 23. The rich man also died and was buried and in Hell he lift up his eyes being in torment Of rest in the Grave Quest. 1. WHY must Believers come to the Grave A. Because where Sin has been Death by the Law must follow Rom. 5.12 Wherefore as by one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Q. 2. What is the First priviledge of their Bodies there A. 'T is the priviledge of their Bodies to be there in union with Christ. 1 Thes. 4.14 Them also which sleep in Iesus will God bring with him Q. 3. What is their Second priviledge A. Their Graves are places of Rest not Prisons but Beds of Rest. Isa. 57.2 He shall enter into peace they shall rest in their beds each one walking in his uprightness Q. 4. Wâ—at is the First evil they rest from A. All the toils and troubles and afflictions of this life Rev. 14.13 They may rest from their labours and their works do follow them Q. 5. What is the Second evil they rest from A. They rest from all persecutions from men Iob 13.17 There the wiked cease from troubling and there the weary be at rest Q. 6. What is the Third evil they rest from A. They rest from Sin never to feel temptation or inclination to sin Heb. 12.23 And to the spirits of just men made perfect Q. 7. How long shall the Bodies rest in the Grave A. Not for ever but till the Day of the Resurrection Iob 19.26 For though after my skin worms destroy this body yet in my flesh shall I see God Q. 8. What is the First inference from hence A. That union with Christ redounds to the singular advantage of the Body as well as the Soul Rom. 8.11 But if the spirit of him that raised up Iesus from the dead dwell in you he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his spirit that dwelleth in you Q. 9. What is the Second inference A. That Death dissolves not the union betwixt Christ and the Souls or Bodies of his Mat. 22.33 I am the God of Abraham the God of Isaac and the God of Iacob God is not the God of the dead but of the living Q. 10. What is the Third inference A. That seeing our Bodies are to have so long and so sweet rest in the Grave we should not spare them in God's Service now 2 Pet. 1.13 14. Yea I think it meet as long as I am in this Tabernacle to stir you up by putting you in remembrance knowing that shortly I must put off this my Tabernacle even as our Lord Iesus Christ hath shewed me Q. 11. What is the Fourth inference A. That Christians should neither too much fear their own nor sorrow for others death Rom. 8.38 For I am perswaded that neither death nor life nor angels nor principalities nor powers nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord. 1 Thes. 4.13 I would not have you to be ignorant concerning them which are asleep that ye sorrow not even as others which have no hope Of the Resurrection Quest. 1. IS the Resurrection a credible Doctrine A. Yes it is Acts 26.8 Why should it be â—â—ought a thing incredible with you that God should raise the â—ead Q 2. Why then doth it seem incredible to man A. Because they err not knowing the Scriptures and â—he Power of God Mark 12.24 Do ye not therefore err because ye know not the Scriptures neither the power of God The Power of God assures us it may be so and the word of God tells us it must be so Q. 3. Is it sinful to doubt of the Doctrine of the Resurrection A. 'T is not only a sin to doubt it but an heresy to deny it it being a fundamental Article Heb. 6.2 And of the resurrection of the dead 1 Cor. 15.13 14. But if there be no resurrection of the dead then is Christ not risen and if Christ be â—â—t risen then is our preaching vain and your faith is also â—â—in Q. 4. Who must rise again at the Resurrection A. All men good and bad must rise again Acts 24.15 And have hope towards God which they themselves also allow that there shall be a resurrection of the dead both of the just and the unjust Rev. 20.12 13 14. And I saw the dead â—â—all and great stand before God c. Q. 5. What is the first difference betwixt the Resurrection of the just and unjust A. Saints rise by virtue of their union with Christ. Rom. â— 11 But if the spirit of him that raised up Iesus from the dead well in you he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also â—uicken your mortal bodies by his spirit that dwelleth in you But 〈◊〉 wicked by his power Q 6. What is the second difference A. The second and main difference will be in the contraâ—y ends to which they rise some to life and some to condemnation Dan. 12.2 And many of them that sleep in the â—ast of the earth shall awake some to everlasting life and some 〈◊〉 shame and everlasting contempt Q. 7. What is the glory to which Saints bodies shall 〈◊〉 raised A. In the likeness of Christ's glorious Body Phil. 3.21 Who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like to 〈◊〉 glorious body Q. 8. What is the First inference from hence A. That every man should strive to the uttermost to attain to the Resurrection of the just Phil. 3.10 11. That I may know him and the power of his Resurrection and the fellowship of the sufferings being made conformable unto his death if by any means I might attain to the resurrection of the dead Q. 9. What is the second Inference A. Comfort to them that now groan under manifold Distempers and Deformities of Body they being made equal to Angels Mark 12.25 For when they shall rise from the dead they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are as the Angels which are in heaven Q. 10. What is the third inference A. Get union with Christ by Faith as you expect a joyful Resurrection Iohn 11.25 Iesus said unto her I aâ— the resurrection und the life he that believeth in me though he were dead yet shall he live Q. 11. What is the fourth Inference A. Saints should not fear Death Gen. 46.3 Fear not to go down into Egypt Q. 12. What is the last Inference A. Imploy your Bodies for good now Of Christ's acknowledging Believers Quest. 38. WHAT benefit do Believers recieve from Christ at the Resurrection A. At the Resurrection Believers being raised up in glory shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the Day of Iudgment and made
sins against the greater is his sin Rom. 2.4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long-suffering not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance And especially when 't is against Spiritual Mercies and Means of Salvation Heb. 2.3 How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation c. Q. 9. Are heinous and crying sins capable of forgiveness A. Yes great and heinous sins are capable of forgiveness upon true Repentance Isa. 1.18 Tho' your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow though they be red like crimson they shall be as wooll Q. 10. From what fountains doth the pardon of all sins both great and small flow A. They all flow from the Free Grace of God Luk. 7.41 42. And when they had nothing to pay he frankly forgave them both And through the Meritorious satisfying Blood of Christ Eph. 1.7 In whom we have redemption through his blood the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace Q. 11. What 's the first Inference hence A. Though some sins are more heinous than others yet no Sinner should absolutely despair of Mercy for the vilest have been pardoned 1 Cor. 6.11 And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified c. Q. 12. What 's the second inference hence A. That there are different degrees of torments in Hell proportioned to the different degrees of sins on earth Matth. 11.21 22. Wo unto thee Chorazin wo unto thee Bethsaida for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes But I say unto you it shall be more tollerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment than for you Q. 13. What 's the third Inference hence A. That great Sinners when pardoned and received to Mercy should excel all others in love to Christ Luke 7.42 43. Which of them will love him most Simon answered and said I suppose that he to whom he forgave most And he said unto him thou hast rightly judged Q. 14. What 's the last Inference hence A. Let no Man neglect Christ because his Sins are not so heinous as others because the least Sin without Christ is damning Rom. 6.23 For the wages of sin is death c. And greater Sinners are often called when lesser are not Matth. 21.31 32. The publicans and harlots go into the kingdom of God before you Of the demerit of Sin Quest. 84. WHat doth every Sin deserve A. Every Sin deserveth Gods Wrath and Curse both in this Life and that which is to come Q. 1. Wherein doth the evil of Sin principalâ—y consist A. It consists principally in the offence it gives and the wrong it doth to God Psal. 51.4 Against thee thee only have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight Q. 2. What 's the first offence and wrong Sin doth to God A. It consists in its enmity to God Rom. 8.7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God c. Exprest in Scripture by walking contrary to him Levit. 26.40 They have also walked contrary to me Fighting against God Acts 5.39 Lest haply ye be even found to fight against God And resisting his Spirit Acts 7.51 Ye do alwayes resist the Holy Ghost Q. 3. Wherein is its enmity to God â—urther discovered in Scripture A. It 's discovered under the names and notions of hatred of God Rom. 1.30 Back-biters haters of God c. Rebellion against God 1 Sam. 15.23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft c. And despising the Commandment of God 2 Sam. 12.9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord Q. 4. What are the Attributes of God that Sin wrongs A. It wrongs all his Attributes for it slights his Sovereignty Exod. 5.2 And Pharaoh said who is the Lord that I should obey his voice to let Israel go Resists his Power 1 Cor. 10.22 Are we stranger than be Despiseth his Goodness Rom. 2.4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness c. Taxeth his Iustice Ezek. 18.25 Yet ye say the way of the Lord is not equal c. And clouds his Holiness Jam. 2.7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called Q. 5. What doth Sin deserve in the course of Iustice from God A. It deserves all temporal and eternal effects of Gods Wrath on the Souls and Bodies of Sinners all which in Scripture go under the name of Death Rom. 6.23 For the wages of sin is death c. Q. 6. Can these sufferings satisfie God for all this wrong A. No they cannot and therefore they must and shall be eternal on the damned Matth. 5.26 Verily I say unto thee Thou shalt by no means come out thence till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing Mark 9.44 Where their worm dyeth not and the fire is not quenched Q. 7. Shall all Sinners hear the desert of their Sins A No all that are out of Christ shall but Christ hath freed Believers from it Iohn 3.18 He that believeth on him is not condemned c. Q. 8. But is it not hard that Sinners should suffer eternally for the sins of a few years A. No it is not for the evil of Sin is not to be measured by the time in which but by the object against which it is committed Psal. 51.4 5. Against thee thee only have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight c. Q. 9. What learn we from hence A. Hence in the first place we learn the impossibility of satisfying Gods Justice for the least Sin that ever we committed Iob 7.20 I have sinned what shall I do unto thee c. Psal. 130.3 If thou Lord shouldst mark iniquity O Lord who shall stand Q. 10. What 's the second Instruction hence A. Hence we see the necessity of a Mediatour betwixt God and us Psal. 40.6 7. Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire c. Then said I lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me Q. 11. What 's the third Instruction hence A. That the greatest suffering is rather to be chosen than the least sin Heb. 11.25 Chusing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season Q. 12. What 's the fourth Instruction hence A. It teacheth us what an invaluable Mercy the full free and fiâ—al remission of Sin is Psal. 32.1 2. Blessed is he whose wickedness is forgiven and whose sin is covered c. Q. 13. What 's the fifth Instruction hence A. It vindicates God in his severest strokes on Sinners Hos. 6.5 Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets I have slain them by the words of my mouth and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth Q. 14. What 's the last Instruction A. Hence we learn the infinite nature of Christs sufferings Rom. 8.32 He that spared not his own son but
Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings and not one of them is forgotten before God but even the very hairs of your head are all numbred Q 2 How else is Providence evidenced A. By Scripture Emblems as Iacob 's Ladder Gen. 28.12 13. Ana he dreamed and behold a ladder set upon the earth and the top of it reached to heaven behold the Angels of God ascended and descended on it And Ezekiel 's wheels Ezek 1.20 VVhithersoever the spirit was to go they went thither was their spirit to go and the wheels were lifted up over against them for the spirit of the liviâ—g creature was in the wheels Q. 3. VVhat further Scripture evidence is there A The sure accomplishment of Scripture Predictions as Israel 's Captivity and Deliverance from Egypt and Babylon Christ's Incarnation the Rise and Ruin of the Four Monarchies Dan. 2.31 Thou O King sawest and behold a great Image whose brightnest was excellent stood before thee and the form thereof was terrible Dan. 7.3 And four great beasts came up from the Sea diverse one from the other Q 4. VVhat is it's first Act about the Creatures A. It sustains preserves provides for them Psalm 145.15 16. The eyes of all wait upon thee and thou givest them their meat in due season thou openest thine hand and satisfiest the desire of every living thing and defendest them from danger Psalm 36. 6. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains thy judgments are a great deep O Lord thou preservest man and beast Q. 5. VVhat is the Second Act of Providence about the Creatures A. It rules and governs the Creatures and their Actions Psalm 66.7 He ruleth by his power for ever his eyes behold the nations let not the rebellions exalt themselves Q. 6. How manifold is Divine Providence A. It is common and general over all or special and peculiar to some men 1 Tim 4.10 VVho is the saviour of all men especially of those that believe Q. 7. How is Providence exercised about sinful Actions A. In permitting them Acts 4.16 In restraining them Psalm 76.10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee and the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain And over-ruling them to good Gen. 50.20 But as for you ye thought evil against me but God meant it unto good to bring to pass as it is this day to save much people alive Q. 8. VVhat are the Properties of Providence A. It is 1 holy Psalm 145.17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways and holy in all his works 2 Wise. Psalm 104.24 O Lord how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all 3. Powerful Dan. 4.35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing and he doth according to his will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth and none can stay his hand or say unto him what dost thou Q. 9. VVhat is the First Instruction from it A. That God's people are safe amidst all their enemies and dangers 2 Chron. 16.9 For the eyes of the Lords run to and fro throughout the whole earth to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose hearts are perfect towards him Q. 10. VVhat is the Second Instruction A. That Prayer is the best expedient to prosperity and success of our lawful affairs Psalm 145.18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him to all that call upon him in truth Q. 11. VVhat is the Third Instruction from it A. That God's people should rest quietly in the care of his providence for them in all their straits Matt. 6.26 Behold the fowls of the air for they sow not neither do they reap nor gather into barns yet our heavenly father feedeth them are ye not much better than they Q. 12. VVhat is the last Instruction from it A. That it is no small priviledge to be adopted Children of God and the Members of Christ for all is ordered for their eternal Good Eph. 1.22 23. And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be head over all things to the Church which is his body the fulness of him that filleth all in all Of the Covenant of Works Quest. 12. WHAT special Art of Providence did God exercise towards Man in the estate wherein he was created A. When God had created Man he entred into a Covenant of Life with him upon condition of perfect obedience forbidding him to eat of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil upon pain of Deaâ—h Q. 1. What was God's Covenant with Adam before the Fall A. It was to give Life and Happiness upon condition of perfect personal Obedience Gal. 3.12 The law is not of faith but the man that doth them shall live in them Q. 2. Was this Covenant made only with Adam or with him and his Posterity A. It was made with him and all his natural Posterity descending in the ordinary way of Generation from him Rom. 4.12 Wherefore as by one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned v. 14 and 18. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adams transgression who is the figure of him that was to come Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life Q. 3. Was Adam able to preform the obedience required of him in that Covenant A. Yes for he was made upright Eccles. 7.29 God made man upright but they have sought out themselves many inventions Q. 4. Had this Covenant any Mediator A. No he neither had nor needed any Mediator for satisfaction because no sin was in him nor intercession for he wanted nothing Q. 5. Did this Covenant admit of no repentance nor accept any short Endeavours A. No it did not but sentenceth and curseth the Transgressors of it for the least breach Gal. 3.10 Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them Q. 6. How was the threatning fulfilled of dying in the day he eat seeing he lived 930 years A. He died spiritually that day and though the sentence on his body was respited in order to posterity yet then his body received the death wound of which afterward he died Q. 7. What is the first Inference from Adam's Covenant A. Miserable are all they that grow on the natural root of the first Adam Gal. 4.21.22 Tell me ye that desire to be under the law Do ye not hear the law for it is wrrtten That Abraham had two sons the one by a Bond-maid the other by a Free-woman Q. 8. VVhat is the second Inference A. That God is just in all the punishments and miseries that came upon Man yea Infants that never sinned after his similitude Rom. 5.14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam
his Sin by Generation for we were in his loyns as treason stains the blood of the posterity or the parents Leprosie the Children Psal. 51.5 Behold I was shapeâ— in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me Q 4. Wherein doth it consist A. It consists in two things First In our aversation and enmity to that which is good Rom. 7.18 In me that is in my flesh there dwelleth no good thing Secondly In proneness to that which is evil Rom. 7.14 But I am carnal sold under sin Q 5. Is this corruption of Nature in all Men A. Yes In all meer men and women none exempted Rom. 3.10 and 23. As it is written There is none righteous no not one for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God Q. 6. In what part of our Nature doth this Sin abide A. It abides in the whole man in every part of man both Soul and Body Gen. 6.5 God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually 1 Thes. 5.23 Now the God of peace sanctify you wholly and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Iesus Christ. Q. 7. How is the Body infected by it A. In the readiness of the bodily members to further sin and its temptations in the Soul Rom. 3.13 14 15. Their throat is an open sepulcher with their tongues they have used deceit the poyson of Asps is under their lips whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness their feet are swift to shedblood Q. 8. What learn we from Original Sin A. To bear patiently the miseries we see on our Children and their death also without murmuring Rom. 5.14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression Q. 9. What is the second Instruction A. It teaches us humility and should be matter of confession and humiliation when we sin actually Psal. 51.5 Behold I was shapen in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me Q. 10. What is the third Instruction A. It should provoke parents to use their utmost diligence for the conversion of their Children who draw sin from them Q 11. What is the last Instruction A. It teaches us the necessity of Regeneration and should provoke us greatly to desire it Of Man's Misery Quest. 19. WHat is the Misery of that Estate whereinto Man fell A. All Mankind by their Fall lost communion with God are under his wrath and curse and so made liable to all miseries in this life to death it self and to the pains of Hell for ever Q. 1. What communion had God with Man before the Fall A. Man then enjoyed the gracious presence and favour of God with him which was better than life Q. 2. How doth it appear this was lest by the Fall A. It appears by Scripture-Testimony That Adam lost it as to himself Gen. 3.8 And Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden And we in him Eph. 2.12 At that time ye were without Christ being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise having no hope and without God in the world Q. 3. Was this the only misery that came by the Fall A. No Man did not only lose communion with God but fell under his wrath and curse Eph. 2.3 And were by nature children of wrath even as others Q. 4. Doth the wrath and curse of God then lie on all Men A. It lies on all the unregenerate in the world Gal. 3.10 Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which is written in the book of the law to do them But believers are delivered from it by Christ. 1 Thes. 1.10 Even Iesus which delivered us from the wrath to come Q. 5. How are the miseries of Man by the Fall divided A. They are divided into the miseries of this world and of the world to come Q 6. What are the miseries that come on them in thss world A. The miseries of life as Sickness Pain Poverty on the Body Fear Trouble Sorrow on the Mind and at last Death it self Rom. 6. ult The wages of sin is death Q. 7. What are the Miseries after this Life A. The Pains and Torments of Hell for ever Psal. 9.17 The wicked shall be turned into hell Q. 8. What are the Torments of Hell A. Pain of Loss and Pain of Sense Mat. 25.41 Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire Q. 9. What learn you from hence A. The woful State of the unconverted Miserable here and miserable to Eternity Q. 10. What else learn we hence A. The great salvation Believers have by Christ from all this misery Heb. 2.3 How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him Of the Salvation of God's Elect and of the Covenant of Grace Quest. 20. DID God leave all Mankind to perish in the State of Sin and Misery A. God having out of his meer good pleasure from all eternity elected some to everlasting life diâ— enter into a covenant of grace to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery and to bring them into an estate of salvation by a redeemer Q. 1. Are some Persons chosen to salvation and others left A. Yes God hath chosen some to salvation and passed by others as the Scriptures speak See Rom. 8.30 Moreover whom he did predestinate them he also called And Jude v. 4. For there are certian men crept in unawares who were before of old ordained to this condemnation ungodly men c. Q 2. Did God chuse some because he foresaw they would be better than others A. No God's choice was not on foreseen works but meerly of his grace and good pleasure of his will Eph. 1.5.6 Having predestinated us into the adoption of children by Iesus Christ unto himself according to the good pleasure of his will to the praise of the glory of his grace Q. 3. Is this Election of God made in time and that according as men use their free will or from Eternity A. Election is an Eternal act of God before the world was and depends not on Man's using his free-will as appears from Eph. 1.4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love Q. 4. Shall all that be Elected be called and saved A. Yes the Scripture is full and plain for it Acts 13.48 And when the Gentiles heard this they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed Rom. 8.30 Moreover whom he did predestinate them he also called c. Q. 5. By whom are the Elect saved A.
and hastening unto the coming of the day of God c. Q. 11. What is the third Inference A. That Faith is a Grace of absolute necessity and unspeakable excellency Rom. 5.1 2. Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Iesus Christ. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand Q. 12. What is the last Inference A. All unbelievers are in a miserable State now Iohn 3.18 He that believeth not is condemned already And worse in the world to come Mat. 25.41 Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels Of the full Enjoyment of God Quest. 1. WHAT doth perfect Blessedness suppose and imply A. It supposes the total Freedom of Believers from all the moral evil of Sin Eph. 5.27 That he might present you to himself a glorious Church not having spot nor wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish And from all the penal evils of suffering Rev. 21.4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death neither sorrow nor crying neither shall there be any more pain for the former things are passed away Q. 2 What else is implied in perfect Blessedness A. It implies the full and perfect enjoyment of God 1 Cor. 15.28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him that God may be all in all Q 3. What is it for God to be all in all A. It implies three things in it First That all the Saints shall be filled and satisfied from God alone Secondly That there shall be no need of other things out of which they were wont to fetch comfort Thirdly That all other things as Heaven Angels Saints should be loved and enjoyed in God Q. 4 In what respect shall they Enjoy God in Heaven A They shall have the glorious and immediate presence of God with them Rev. 21.3 God himself shall be with them and be their God Q 5. In what other respects shall they Enjoy God A They shall see him as he is 1 Iohn 3.2 We shall be like him for we shall see him as he is Q 6. What will such a vision of God produce A It will produce perfect conformity in them to God 1 Iohn 3.2 When he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is And perfect joy will result from hence Psal. 16.11 In thy presence is fulness of joy at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore Q. 7. Do not the Saints enjoy God here A. Yes they do but not so as they shall enjoy him in Heaven 1 Cor. 13.12 Now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face now I know in part but then shall I know even as also I am known Q. 8. What are the special differences between the Saints Communion with God here and that in Heaven A. Their Communion with God here is clogg'd with Sin Rom. 7.21 I find then a law that when I would do good evil is present with me Here it is not constant Psal. 22.1 My God my God why hast thou forsaken me Nor is it satisfyîng but in Heaven it will be pure constant and satisfying Q. 9. How long shall they there enjoy God A. Not for days years ages but for ever and ever 1 Thes. 4.17 And so shall we be ever with the Lord. Q 10. What is the first Instruction from hence A. That the World is not the place of the Saints rest and satisfaction Heb. 4.9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God 2 Cor. 5.2 6. For in this we groan earnestly desiring to be cloathed upon with our house which is from heaven therefore we are always confident knowing that whilst we are at home in the body we we are absent from the Lord. Q. 11. What is the second Instruction from hence A. That Death is a singular benefit to the Saints and though it be an enemy to Nature yet it is the medium to Glory 2 Cor. 5.4 For we that are in this Tabernacle do groan being burthened not for that we would be uncleathed but cloathed upon that mortality might be swallowed up of life Q. 12. What is the third Instruction hence A. The necessity of Faith and Regeneration in this World None shall be raised up in glory acknowledged acquitted and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoyment of God but Believers Rom. 8.30 Moreover whom he did predestinate them he also called and whom he called them he also justified and whom he justified them he also glorified Heb. 12.14 Follow peace with all men and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. Of Man's Duty to God Quest. 39. WHAT is the Duty that God requireth of Man A. The Duty whâ—ch God requireth of Man is Obedience to his revealed will Q 1. Is Obedience to God's will the Duty of every Man A. It is unquestionably the Duty of every man to obey the will of God so far as he hath made it known to him Micah 6.8 He hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God Q. 2. On what aâ—count is Man's Obedience due to God A. 'T is due to him First As he is Creator In whom we live and move and have our being Acts 17.27 28. Secondly As he is our Benefactor from whom we receive all our Mercies Deut. 28.47 Because thou servest not the Lord thy God with joyfulness and with gladness of heart for the abundance of all things Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the Lord shall send against thee in hunger thirst and nakedness and in want of all things Thirdly As he is our Lord and Law-giver Iam 4.12 There is one Law-giver who is able to save and to destroy Q. 3. Is Obedience due to none but God only A. Yes subjects must obey their lawful Magistrates Rom. 13.1 Let every soul be subject to the higher powers for there is no power but of God The powers that be are ordained of God People their Ministers Heb. 13.17 Obey them that have the rule over you and submit your selves for they watch for your souls as they that must give an account Children their Parents Eph. 6.1 Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right But not as they are to obey God Q. 4. What is the difference betwixt our obediencâ— to God's Commands and Men's A. We are to obey God chiefly and supreamly for his own sake 1 Pet. 2.13 Submit your selve to every ordinance of man for the Lords sake And Eph. 6.1 Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right Q 5. What must we do when the Commands of God and Men fall cross to one another A. In that case we must yield
his own flesh but nourisheth and cherisheth it even as the Lord the church Q. 5. How many ways may men sin against this Command with respect to their own lives A. A Man sinneth against his own Life not only by destroying himself as the Jaylour would have done Acts 16.27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep and seeing the prison doors open he drew out his sword and would have killed himself supposing that the prisoners had been fled But by refusing Food or Physick to preserve Life or macerating our Bodies with excessive Sorrows 2 Cor. 7.10 But the sorrow of the world worketh death or envy at others felicity Prov. 14.30 But envy the rottenness of the bones Q. 6. How are men guilty of murther with respect to others A. Murther with respect to others may be either with relation to their Bodies Numb 35.30 Whoso killeth any person the murtherer shall be put to death c. Or to their Souls which is the most heinous murder in the World Ezek. 3.18 When I say unto the wicked thou shalt sureâ—y dye and thou givest him not warning nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way to save his life the same wicked man shall dye in his iniquity but his blood will I require at thine hand Q. 7. Is all destruction of anothers Life murder in the account of God A. No it is not if the Life of a Person be taken away in the course of Justice Gen. 9.6 Whoso sheddeth mans blood by man shall his blood be shed Or in a just and necessary War Iudges 5.23 Curse ye Meroz said the Angel of the Lord curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof becauâ—e they came not to the help of the Lord to the help of the Lord against the mighty Or by pure Accident Deut. 19.5 As when a man goeth into the wood with his neighbour to hew wood and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the axe to cut down the tree and the head slippeth from the helve and lighteth upon his neighbour that he dye he shall flee unto one of those cities and live Or in self defence Exâ—d 22.2 If a thief be found breaking up and be smitten that he dye there shall no blood be shed for him Q. 8. Is there no other way of breaking this Command A. Yes there is Innocents may be murdered under the forms and solemnities both of Justice and Religion So Naboth was murdered by Iezebel 1 Kings 21.12 13. They proclaimed a fast and sit Naboth on high among the people And there came in two men children of Beliaâ— and sat before him And the men of Belial witnessed against him even against Naboth in the presence of the people saying Naboth did blaspheme God and the King Then they carried him forth out of the city and stoned him with stones that he dyed And the Martyrs by bloody Papists And this strongly proves a day of Judgment Eccles. 3.16 17. And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment that wickedness was there and the place of righteousness that iniquity was there I said in mine heart God shall judge the righteous and the wicked for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work Q. 9. Are Duels forbidden in this Commandment A. Yes they are for whatever point of Honour be touched or whatever Provocation be given we are not to be our own avengers Rom. 12.19 Dearly beloved avenge not your selves c. Q. 1â— What 's the first Inference hence A. That we have great cause to bless God for his protecting Law and for Humane Laws grounded upon his Law for the protection of our Lives Rom. 13.4 For he is the minister of God a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil Q. 11. What 's the second Inference hence A. That all that are guilty of this Sin have great cause to be humbled and afflicted For it 's a crying Sin Gen. 4.10 The voice of thy brothers blood cryeth unto me from the ground Yet not to despair of Mercy upon true Repentance Manasseth shed innocent blood and yet was pardoned upon Repentance 2 Kin. 21.16 Moreover Manasseth shed innocent blood very much till he had fâ—â—â—ed Ierusalem from one end to another c. Q. 12. Whatâ—s the third Inference hence A. Let all Men watch against Pride Passion Malice and Revenge the Sins of the Heart from which this horrid Sin proceeds Matth. 15.18 19. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts murders c. Of the seventh Commandment Quest. 70. WHich is the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment is Thou shalt not commit Adultery Quest. 71. What is required in the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment requireth the preservation of our own and our Neighbours chastity in heart speech and behaviour Quest. 72. What is forbidden in the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment forbiddeth all unchast thoughts words and actions Q. 1. What is the first Duty required in this Commandment A. The first Duty required in this Commandment is the preservation of our own Chastity in heart lip and life 1 Thess. 4.3.4 For this is the will of God even your sanctification that ye should abstain from fornication That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour And Eph. 4.29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth c. Q. 2. Why must we preserve our own Chastity A. Because our Bodies are or ought to be the Temples of the Holy Ghost 1 Cor. 6.15 19. Know ye not that your bodies are the membeâ—s of Christ Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them the members of an harlot God forbid What know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you which ye have of God and ye are not your own And it is the express charge of God that they be kept pure and clean 1 Thess. 4.3 4. For this is the will of God even your sanctification that ye should abstain from fornication That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour Q. 3. What is the second Reason A. The second Reason is because of the evil of it to our selves As 1. It injures the Body 1 Cor. 6.18 He that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body 2. It levels us with the Heathen Eph. 4.17 19. This I say therefore and testifie in the Lord that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness to work all uncleanness with greediness 3. Dishonours our Names Prov. 6.32 33. But whoso committeth adultery with a woman a wound and dishonour shall he get c. 4. Scatters our Estates Prov. 5.10 Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth and thy labours be in the house of strangers 5. Destroyeth the Soul Prov. 6.32 He that doth it destroyeth his own soul. Q. 4. What Age is most incident to
of my mind c. And though they are said not to sin 1 Iohn 3.9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin c. that is not to be taken absolutely but comparatively as they once did and others still do Q. 7. But did not Christ command the young man to keep the Law A. 'T is true that Christ did put the young man upon this task Matth. 19.17 If thou wilt enter into life keep the commandments But it was not on a supposition that he was able to do it but to convince him of the impossibility of Justification that way Q. 8. But doth not the Apostle say that the righteousness of the laâ—â— is fulfilled in Believers A. 'T is true that the Apostle doth say so Rom. 8.4 but the meaning is not that we fulfil it in our own persons by our compleat obedience to it but it is fulfilled in us by our union with Christ who perfectly kept it and that Righteousness of the Law which is in Christ becomes ours by Gods imputation of it to us Rom. 4.23 24. Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him But for us also to whom it shall be imputed if we believe on him that raised up Iesus our Lord from the dead Q 9. What is the first Inference from hence A. That Justification by our own Works is utterly impossible to the holiest of Men Gal. 2.16 For by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified Psal. 130.3 If thou Lord shouldst mark iniquities O Lord who shall stand Q. 10. What 's the second Inference from hence A. Hence we learn what an infinite Mercy it is that God sent Jesus Christ made under the Law Gal. 4.4 5. But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his son made of a woman made under the law c. To do that for us we could never do for our selves Rom. 8.3 4. For what the law could not do in that it was weak thâ—ough the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit Q. 11. What 's the third Inference from hence A. That the dreadful Curse must needs lye on all Unbelievers that are out of Christ Iohn 3.36 He that believeth not the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him And seek their Justification by the deeds of the Law Gal. 3.10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse c. Q. 12. What 's the fourth Inference from hence A. What a deluge of sin and misery brake in upon the whole World by the fall of Adam and all his Posterity being by him plunged under both Rom. 5.12 Wherefore as by one man siâ— entered into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Q. 13. What 's the fifth Inference from hence A. That the Popish Doctrines of Merits and Works of Supererogation are false and groundless Doctrines springing out of the ignorance aud pride of mans heart Q. 14. What 's the last Inference from hence A. That all Gods people should sigh under their unhappy necessity of sinning Rom. 7.24 O wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from the body of this death And long to be with Christ in the perfect state Hebr. 12.23 And to the spirits of just men made perfect Of the inequality of Sin Quest. 83. ARe all Transgressions of the Law equally hainous A. Some Sins in themselves and by reason of several Aggravations are more hainous in the sight of God than others Q. 1 Whence ariseth the first difference of sin A. The first difference betwixt one sin and another ariseth from the immediate object against which the sin is committed on this account sins immediately committed against God are more heinous than sins committed immediately against Man 1 Sam. 2.25 If one man sin against another the Iudge shall judge him but if a man sin against the Lord who shall intreat for him And all sins of the First Table are greater than those of the Second yet there are crying sins against the Second Q. 2. What 's the first sin noted for an heinous sin A. The sin of Murder is in Scripture set down for an heinous and crying sin in its own nature Gen. 4.10 The voice of thy brothers blood cryeth unto me from the earth Q. 3. What other sin is noted for a crying sin A. The sin of Oppression is noted in Scripture for a crying sin Hab. 2.11 For the stone shall cry out of the wall and the oâ—am out of the timber shall answer it Especially the oppression of the Widow and Fatherless Exod. 22.22 23. Ye shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child If thou afflict them in any wise and they cry at all unto me I will surely hear their cry Q. 4. What is reckoned in Scripture an heinous sin against the First Table A. The sin of Atheism or denying the Being of God is a sin of the first magnitude Iob 31.28 This also were an iniquity to be punished by the Iudge for I should have denyed the God that is above This was the sin of Pharaoh Exod. 5.2 And Pharaoh said who is the Lord that I should obey his voice to let Israel go I know not the Lord neither will I let Israel go Q. 5. What other sin is heinous in Gods account A. The sin of Idolatry is a most heinous sin and goes nearer to the heart of God than other sins do Ezek. 6.9 And they that escape of you shall remember me among the nations whither they shall be carried captives because I am broken with their whâ—rish heart which hath departed from me and with their eyes which go a whoring after their idols and they shall loath themselves for the evils which they have committed in all their abominations Jer. 44.4 Oh do not this abominable thing that I hate Q. 6. What 's the most heinous of all the sins in the world A. The sin against the Holy Ghost is the most heinous of all other sins and shall never be forgiven by Him Matth. 12.31 All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men Q. 7. From whence doth this Scripture aggravate sin A The Spirit of God in Scripture aggravates and estimates sin from the degree of light and knowledge Men sin against Luke 12.47 And that servant which knew his Lords will and prepared not himself neither did according to his will shall be beaten with many stripes John 15.22 If I had not come and spoken unto them they had not had sin but now they have no cloak for their sin Q. 8. What 's the second thing that aggravates sin A. The more Mercies any man
Christian what condition God puts him into so that he may but be useful to Sanctifie and exalt the name of God therein Phil. 1.20 as always so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body whether it be by life or by death Q. 14. What 's the last Inference hence A. That it 's an high and dreadful provocation of God to prophane and abuse his worship whereon his Name is called and wherein it is to be Sanctified Levit. 10.1 2 3. And Nadab and Abihu the Sons of Araon took either of them his Censer and put fire therein and put incense thereon and offered strange fire before the Lord which he commanded them not And there went out fire from the Lord and devoured them and they died before the Lord. Then Moses said unto Aaron This is it that the Lord spake saying I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me and before all the people will I be glorified Of Gods Kingdom Quest. 102 WHat do we pray for in the Second petition A. In the second Petition which is Thy Kingdom come we pray that Satans Kingdom may be destroyed and that the Kingdom of Grace may he advanced our selves and others brought into it and kept in it and that the Kingdom of Glory may be hastened Q. 1. What is the first Thing Signified by the Kingdom of God here A. The Gospel is here intended by the Kingdom of God Matth. 13.47 Again the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a net that was cast into the sea and gathered of every kind Q. 2. What 's the thing Signified by the coming of this Kingdom of God A. It signifies the removal of all impediments that hinder its propagation in the world 2 Thess. 3.1 Finally brethren pray for us that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified even as it is with you Q. 3. Who and what hinders the propagation of it A. Antichrist that man of sin hinders it externally 2 Thess. 2.4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God shewing himself that he is God The Devil and Mens Lusts internally 1 Thess. 2.18 Wherefore we would have come unto you even I Paul once and again but Satan hindered Luke 19.14 But his citizens hated him and sent a messenger after him saying We will not have this man to reign over us Q. 4. What then is the desire of all good men with respect to the coming of the Gospel-Kingdom A. That all Nations may be brought to Christ by the preaching of it and so Christs Kingdom be greatly exalted and enlarged Isa. 2.2 And it shall come to pass in the last days that the mountain of the Lords house shall be established in the top of the mountains and shall be exalted above the hills and all nations shall flow unto it Q. 5. What 's the second thing here meant by the Kingdom of God A. It signifies and intends the work of saving Grace wrought in Mens Souls Luke 17.21 Behold the kingdom of God is within you Q. 6. Why is this work of Grace called the Kingdom of God A. Because wherever saving Grace comes it subdues the Soul to Christs Sceptre 2 Cor. 10.5 Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Q. 7. Wherein consists the Kingdom of Grace A. It consists not in external Rites and Observances but in Righteousness and Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost Rom. 14.17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost Q. 8. What do we ask of God in this Petition with respect to this Kingdom of Grace A. Herein we desire not only our own personal progressive Sanctification but the Sanctification of others all the World over Acts 26.29 And Paul said I would to God that not only thou but also all that hear me this day were both almost and altogether such as I am except these bonds Q. 9. What 's the third thing here meant by the Kingdom of God A. By it is here meant the future state of Glory and Blessedness 1 Cor. 15.50 Now this I say brethren that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God c. Q. 10. Why is the Heavenly state called the Kingdom of God A. This is called the Kingdom of God because in that state God reigns over his people gloriously there being no rebellion in them in the least degree Luke 20.36 For they are equal unto the angels and are the children of God being the children of the resurrection And they reign with Christ. Rev. 3.21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne c. Q. 11. What do we desire in Prayer for the coming of this Kingdom A. We desire not only our preservation in our passage to that state of Glory 1 Pet. 5.10 But the God of all grace who hath called us into his eternal glory by Christ Iesus after that ye have suffered a while make you perfect stablish strengthen settle you But the hastening of it to our selves and others Rev. 22.20 Amen even so come Lord Iesus Q 12. What 's the first Instruction hence A. That the Gospel is an invaluable Mercy as it is the instrument of bringing us into Christs Gracious and Glorious Kingdom Asts 26.18 To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of satan unto God that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me Q. 13. What 's the second Inference from hence A. That many men really hate and oppose the very thing they pray for Q. 14. What 's the last Instruction hence A. That how firmly soever Satans and Antichrists Kingdom seem to be founded in the World they must and shall fall before the dayly Prayers of the Saints Concerning the doing of Gods Will. Quest. 103. WHat do we pray for in the third Petition A. In the third Petition which is Thy Will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven we pray that God by his Grace would make us able and willing to know obey and submit to his Will in all things as the Angels do in Heaven Q. 1. What Will of God is here intended A. Not the Will of his Decree for that is in himself alone 1 Cor. 2.11 The things of God knoweth no man but the spirit of God Q. 2. What Will then is here meant A. The Will of his Providence may be here meant Psal. 125.6 Whatsoever the Lord pleased that did he in heaven and in earth in the seas and all deep places And Psal. 119.89 For ever O Lord thy word is setled in heaven Ver. 91. They continue this day according to tâ—â—ne ordinances for all are thy servants Q 3. How are we to understand
sinned against me and I will pardon all their iniquities whereby they have sinned and whereby they have transgressed against me Hos. 14.2 Take away all iniquity and receive us graciously 2. Compleatly and perfectly Isa. 43.25 I even I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for my own sake and will not remember thy sins Psal. 103.12 As far as the east is from the west so faâ— hath he removed our transgressions from us Mic. 7.19 He will subdue our iniquities and thou wilt cast all our sins into the depths of the sea Isa. 38.17 For thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back 3. Everlastingly Ier. 31.34 For I will forgive their iniquity and I will remember their sin no more Heb. 8.12 and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more Q. 7. But doth not God punish them afterward whom he haâ— justified and forgiven A. No not with a proper and vindictive punishment but he brings evil upon them for their sins as a Father chastises his Child and other sorts of afflictions for their spiritual good He may be angry as a Father with those he has pardoned but never hate them as a condemning Judge Psal. 89.28 My mercy will I keep for him for evermore and my covenant shall stand fast with him Ver. 34. My covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips Q. 8. How can God be said freely to pardon all our sins when we pray it may be done for Christs sake does not that imply that Christ has satisfied God for our sins and deserved our remission A. Yes it does so for the Lord Christ by his Life and Death did satisfie Divine Justice and did merit our forgiveness but if he did so we did not so our sins cost him dear but their pardon cost us nothing our pardon is perfectly free to us though due to Christ for God gave Christ freely for us God accepts of his merits and applyes them to us freely Rom. 3.24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Iesus Christ. Q. 9. But is there nothing required from us as the condition of pardon and if so how can it be absolutely free A. There are required Repentance from Sin and Faith in the Lord Christ Luke 13.3 But except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish Joh. 3. ult And he that believeth not the son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him This is required from us towards our pardon but yet 't is free 1. Because God freely ordains thus to pardon 2. Because both these are the free gifts of God Acts 11.18 Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life Eph. 2.8 For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God Q. 10. When then are our sins forgiven A. Just upon our closure with Christ by Faith in that very moment Rom. 5.1 Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Iesus Christ Rom. 8.1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus Q. 11. Why do we pray in the answer for the forgiveness of all our sins A. Because if the least guilt should remain upon us 't would exclude from Gods favour and lodge us in everlasting burnings Rom. 6. ult For the wages of sin is death Q. 12. What are the priviledges and blessings that accompany pardon A. Justification is accompanied with Adoption John 1.12 But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name With the Spirit and Principle of all Grace and Holiness 1 Cor. 6.11 And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Iesus and by the spirit of our God With an infallible title to Eternal Glory Iohn 3.16 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life Rom. 8.30 Whom he justified them he also glorified Q. 13. How may we know that we are pardoned and justified A. Ordinarily by our Sanctification by our loathing of Sin our contempt of the World our valuing of Christ our love and thankfulness to God c. 1 Cor. 6.11 But ye are sanctified Rom. 7.24 O wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from the body of this death Gal. 6.14 By whom the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world 1 Pet. 2.7 Vnto you therefore which believe he is precious Luke 7.47 Her sins which are many are forgiven for she loved much Q. 14. What is meant by Our is it only such sins as we have personally and actually committed A. No but also Adams sin which is ours by imputation Rom. 5.19 By one mans disobedience many were made sinners And original sin which is ours by inhesion Psal. 51.5 Behold I was shapen in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me And other mens sins which we have made ours by exciting them to them not hindering of them silence at them and other ways 2 Sam. 12.9 Thou hast killed Vriah the Hittite with the sword and hast taken his wife to be thy wife and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon 1 Tim. 5.22 Neither be partaker of other mens sins Q. 15. Wherefore are sins called debts A. Because they are a non-payment of Gods dues a non-performance of our duty which makes us lyable to the arrest of Death and to the prison of Hell Q. 16. Why do we plead our own forgiveness of others A. Not as any merit of our own pardon but either as an incouragement to our selves to beg pardon seeing such evil envious and malignant persons are enabled to forgive others much more may we hope the good and gracious God will forgive us Or as a condition without which we can have no pardon and with which we shall Mat. 6.14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you Q. 17. How do others trespass against us A. When they injure us either in our Persons or Names or Families or Estates or Souls c. 1 Sam. 2.25 If one man sin against another the judge shall judge him but if a man sin against the Lord who shall intreat for him Q. 18. Can we forgive our Neighbours freely fully and perfectly as God doth forgive us A. We cannot Q. 19. What then is the meaning of Gods forgiving us as we forgive others A. Not as to the quantity and perfection of forgiveness buâ— as to the sincerity and quality thereof Mat. 18. ult So likewisâ— shall my heavenly father do also unto you if ye from yoar hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses Q. 20. Are we always bound to manifest outwardly our love and forgiveness to all our enemies and to behave our selves towards them as friends A. No if we have experienced them to be