3.16 2 Pet. 1.21 Heb. 1.1 1 Thes 2.13 Apocrypha not Scripture 2. The Books called the Apocrypha are neither the Books of Moses nor the Psalms nor the Prophets therefore not Scriptures given by inspiration See Luke 24.4.27.44 nor were they committed to the Church or kept by it as the Oracles of God Rom. 3.1 The Scriptures are a perfect rule 3. The Scriptures are able to make a Man Wise to Salvation and to make the Man of God the Minister of God the New Testament Prophet perfect and throughly furnished to all good Ministerial Works therefore they are a perfect rule for Doctrine Worship and Manners 4. Unwritten Traditions of the Church are not of equal authority nor to be received with the same pious affection with the Holy Scriptures Those Doctrines which were delivered by one teacher to another or by Oral Teaching to the Church are now written 2 Tim. 2.2 2 Thes 2.15 As much as our Lord thought necessary John 20.30 and sufficient 2 Tim. 3.15.16 are writen Our faith is limited to things written Jo. 20.31 2 Pet. 1.19 These traditions pleaded for were not committed to faithful Men nor faithfully kept by Men who spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost We have enough and our Lord would not leave us too much Joh. 21.25 Had we been bound to believe more more had been written 5. The Holy Scriptures are plain in all things necessary to salvation clear as the Sun to those uses intended by our Lord Ps 19.8 Ps 119.105,131 They are a shining light 2 Pet. 1.19 If they were not clear how could Timothy know them as he did from a Child 2 Tim. 3.15 How could the Bereans examine Doctrines by them Acts. 17.11 There are sufficient means to help the unlearned to understand so much as to make them wise to Salvation 2 Tim. 3.15 Ephes 4.11 to 16. Acts 8.29 to 37. 6. The laity or common People ought to have the free use of the holy Scriptures God spake to all Exod. 20. Deut. 32.46 Chap. 6.1,2,6,7,8 Exod. 24.7 Deut. 31.11,12 The laity are to be saved by faith in Christ and his word and the Scriptures were written to direct and help them Joh. 20.31 All were wont or commanded to search them Joh. 5.39 All are blessed that meditate in them Ps 1.1,2 They are part of the spiritual armour for all Christians Ephes 6.17 Unless we should expect the Priests and the Learned would fight for the laity and save them the trouble of that warfare 7. The translation of the Scriptures is necessary approved of God and ordain'd by him except there should be but one language among Men or that none should believe and be saved but them who understood the Original God spake in a known Tongue so did the Prophets and Apostles and they who did not are reprov'd 1 Cor. 14.9,12,13 c. The Apostles sent to preach to all Nations had the gift of Tongues that every Nation might receive the Gospel in their own language The end of writing is the same with speaking 8. Scriptures translated and copied from the Originals or first writings under the hands of the Scripture-pen-men are the word of God the foundation and rule of Faith. The Scriptures read in the Synagogues and in common use among the Jews were but copies transcribed yet our Saviour refers the Jews to them John. 5.39 The Eunuch had no other Acts 8. nor the Bereans Act. 17.11 The Ephesians were Greeks and probably had the Greek translation and yet they were built upon the foundation of the Prophets and Apostles Ephes 2.20 God being the God of every one who believeth and shall be saved of every Nation as well as of the Jews hath taken care and doth to stir up and fit holy Men tho not infallible as the Prophets and Apostles were for this work and wherein some have failed others have help'd We give a secondary honour to Translations as such but an equal honour to the word of God translated which we give to it in the Original the change of the Language doth not alter the will of God. An Embassy delivered by an Interpreter is the Kings Embassy 9. The best interpreter of the Word is the Holy Spirit Knowledge in Original Languages is necessary to a translator and to Doctors or Teachers for their better teaching But he who hath most of the Holy Spirit doth best understand the mind of the Spirit All have these helps to understand them 1. The Grammar and plain literal sence the scope coherence and continual reading with prayer and comparing hard places with plain help us to understand the Scriptures 2. Universal reason and true with undeceived senses help us to understand many Doctrines See Acts 17.11 1 Cor. 1.13 Rom. 15.4 2 Tim. 3.15,16 Luke 24.32 Ephes 1.17,18 10. There is no visible standing infallible Judge of controversies in Faith and Religion And there is no need of any because there is none constituted In a great controversy the Apostles themselves did search the Scriptures and inquire into the mind of the Holy Ghost and consented to it Acts 15.15,28 The Holy Ghost is the infallible Judge and he speaks in the word Acts 28.24,25 The Scriptures themselves judge as the Law doth in controversies among Men. There is a ministerial publick judgment for edification Ephes 4 6,7 Rom. 12.6 and a private judgment of discerning given by the holy Spirit to believers without which they could not discern truth from error nor believe nor try the Spirits nor judge of what is spoken to them 1 Cor. 2.15 Phil. 1.10 1 Joh. 4.1,2 1 Cor. 10.15 11. The Holy Scriptures are not mute and dumb Speech and voice are attributed to them and God speaks by them Rom. 3.19 It saith to them that are under the Law Isaias now dead crieth Rom. 9.27 see ver 17. 12. The Scriptures are not a dead letter the Law is so called in opposition to the Gospel 2 Cor. 3.6 yet it killeth and therefore is no dead letter void of power it is the Ministry of condemnation denouncing death against transgressors v. 7. and the Gospel is the power of God therefore no dead letter 13. There is a Divine efficacy and power in the Scriptures in their kind as the means and instruments of Salvation Rom. 1.16 They are able to make a Man wise unto Salvation 2 Tim. 3.15 And the sword of the Spirit Ephes 6.17 14. The Scriptures are the word of God Ephes 6.17 by which we understand the written word and not Christ See also Mar. 7.13 compared with Mat. 15.6 15. The Holy Spirit is the principal cause of all the knowledge and wisdom to Salvation which any Man hath Ephes 1.17 What was given by the spirits inspiration is understood by his illumination a natural understanding cannot see 16. The promise of the spirit Joh. 16.13 doth not intimate such a dispensation as is above the Holy use of Scriptures They are given by inspiration and to continue in their use to the end of the World
in the Catechism to which they belong 7. As soon as you can give your selves to Prayer and be not disswaded by them who are against all Vse of Forms Think not that God will not be served but with New and New. Pray for the Matter of it what is pleasing to God and good for you with Vnderstanding spiritual Sense and Faith and as you can do more and better Thus do and the Lord help you by his Holy Spirit 8. Renew your Baptismal Covenant and as engaged by Covenant examine your selves and so eat c. And Lastly Having once preparedly joined your selves to the Lord and his Church in the Communion of his Body and Blood having drunk of that one Cup and being made one Bread take heed of Neglects and Apostasie Remember As often as you do it c. you shew forth the Lord's Death until he come And while you live continue so to do It will be a Benefit to you to lay up the short View of these Principles in your Memories and often repeat them to your selves ADVERTISEMENT THere is lately published the Second Edition of Mr. Pools Annotations on the Bible in which the whole Sacred Text is inserted in two Volumes in Folio Useful for Families and Closets Sold by Jo. Robinson in St. Paul's Church-yard A SHORT CATECHISM According to the DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND With Scripture Proofs at large Newly revised and corrected with more Scriptures and Propositions for Illustration annexed LONDON Printed in the Year 1688. A short View of Divinity or Summary of this CATECHISM SHewing 1. what is Mans chief End. 2. The way to it I. Mans chief End is either 1. The chief End of Intention what he ought to aim at above all things as the Scope of his Life and Actions that is to glorify God. Or 2. Mans chief End of Fruition his chiefest Good and Happiness and that is to enjoy God for ever II. The Way to attain this chief End is by the holy Scriptures The Scriptures principally teach 1. What Man is to believe 2. What God requires Man to do 3. What Man may and ought to ask of God and pray for The Scriptures are a Rule of Faith a Rule of Life and manners a Rule of Prayer I. The Scriptures teach what Man is bound to believe 1. Concerning God. 2. Concerning himself 1. Concerning God Man is to believe 1. What God is in his Essence or Being and Attributes 2. What he is in Relation to himself as the Essence subsisteth in three Persons the Father the Son the Holy Ghost 3. What God is in Relation to his Creatures in general and to Man in special of whom the Scriptures principally speak God is to be considered in reference to Man 1. As Creator 2. Preserver 3. Governor 4. Redeemer 5. Benefactor and gracious Rewarder 2. Man is to be considered as 1. a Creature 2. as a defective needy insufficient Creature and sinful 3. As under Government as a Subject governed by Law and Covenant 4. As redeemed under which consider 1. Mans Sin. 2. Mans Misery 3. Mans Inability to recover or restore himself Concerning our Redemption Note 1. The way by which by a Covenant of Grace 2. The Person by whom our Lord Jesus Christ Concerning this Redeemer observe 1. who and what he is 2. His Office in general a Mediator A Mediator in three Offices 1. A Prophet 2. a Priest 3. a King in a twofold State of Humiliation and Exaltation 3. The Application of Redemption by the Holy Spirit The Redemption is applied in effectual Calling They who are called are justified sanctified and adopted And these are partakers of great Benefits from Christ in this Life at Death after Death at the Resurrection and in Heaven for ever II. The Scriptures teach what Man is obliged to do to please and glorify God and that is Obedience to the moral Law which Law shews what we ought to do and what we ought not to do But Man hath transgressed this Law and is fallen under the Wrath and Curse of God. The Scriptures further teach what is to be done to escape the Wrath of God which is 1. Faith in Jesus Christ 2. Repentance to Life towards God. 3. A diligent Vse of means which are 1. The Word heard and read 2. The Sacraments Baptism and the Supper of the Lord. 3. Prayer III. What Man ought to pray for taught generally in the Scriptures particularly in the Lord's Prayer The Sum of all is our highest End and the way to it the way to it is by Faith in Jesus Christ with its adjunct Repentance which we are taught in our Creed 2. By Love and Obedience the Sum of the Commandments 3. By Invocation taught by our Saviour A SHORT CATECHISM According to the DOCTRINE OF THE Church of England Quest 1. WHat is the chief End of Man Answ MAn's chief End for which he was made and redeemed and to which he should aim is to glorifie (a) 1 Cor. 10.31 Whether therefore ye eat or drink or whatsoever ye do do all to the Glory of God. Rom. 11.36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things to whom be glory for ever Amen God and to enjoy him for (b) Psal 73.25 Whom have I in heaven but thee And there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee V. 26. My flesh and my heart faileth but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever V. 27. For lo they that are far from thee shall perish thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee V. 28. But it is good for me to draw near to God I have put my trust in the Lord God that I may declare all thy works ever 2. Q. What Rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorifie and enjoy him A. The Word of God which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New (c) 2 Tim. 3.15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus V. 16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine for reproof for correction for instruction in righteousness Ephes 2 20. And are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief Corner-stone Testament is the only Rule to direct us how we may glorifie and enjoy (d) 1 Joh. 1.3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you that ye also may have fellowship with us and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ V. 4. And these things write we unto you that your joy may be full Psal 73.24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel and afterwards receive me to glory Joh. 20.31 But these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and that believing ye might have life through his Name him 3.
said unto him Thou art my Son to day have I begotten thee As he saith also in another place V. 6. Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedeck V. 7. Who in the days of his flesh when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him who is able to save him from death and was heard in that he feared of a Priest and (z) Psal 2.6 Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Sion Isa 9.6 For unto us a Child is born unto us a Son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulders and his Name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor the mighty God the everlasting Father the Prince of Peace V. 7. Of his government and peace there shall be no end upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom to order it and to establish it with judgment and justice from hence forth even for ever the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this Matth. 21.5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion Behold thy King cometh unto thee meek and sitting upon an ass and a colt the foal of an ass Psal 2 8. Ask of me and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession thou shalt break them with a rod of iron thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel V. 10. Be wise now therefore O ye kings be instructed ye judges of the earth V. 11. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling of a King both in his Estate of †Phil. 2.8 And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross V. 9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name V. 10. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth V. 11. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father Humiliation on Earth and Exaltation in Heaven 29. Q. How doth Christ execute the Office of a Prophet A. Christ as our Redeemer executeth the Office of a Prophet ‖ Heb. 1.1 God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets V. 2. Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son whom he hath appointed heir of all things by whom also he made the worlds in revealing to us by his †Joh. 1.18 No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father he hath declared him 1 Pet. 1 10. Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you V. 11. Searching what or what manner of time the spirit of Christ which was in them did signisie when it testified before-hand the sufferings of Christ and the glory which should follow V. 12. Unto whom it was revealed that not unto themselves but unto us they did minister the things which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven which things the angels desire to look into Word and Spirit the * Joh. 15.15 Henceforth I call you not servants for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doth but I have called you friends for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you Will of God for our Salvation ‖ Joh. 20.31 These things are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and that believing you might have life through his Name 30. Q. How doth Christ execute the Office of a Priest A. Christ as our Redeemer executeth the Office of a Priest (a) Heb. 9.14 How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your consciences from dead works to serve the living God. V. 28. So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation in his once offering up of himself a (b) Ephes 5 2. And walk in love as Christ also hath loved us and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour sacrifice to satisfie Divine Justice and (c) Heb. 2.17 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 Rom. 5.9 Much more then being now justified by his blood we shall be saved from wrath through him V. 10. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his life reconcile us to God and in making (d) Heb. 7.24 But this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priest-hood V. 25. Wherefore he is able to save to the utmost those that come to God by him seeing he ever liveth to make Intercession for them continual Intercession for us 31. Q. How doth Christ execute the Office of a King A. Christ executeth the Office of a King (e) Psal 110.1 The Lord said unto my Lord Sit thou on my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool V. 2. The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion rule thou in the midst of thine enemies V. 3. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning thou hast the dew of thy youth Acts 15.14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles to take out of them a People for his Name V. 15. And to this agree the words of the Prophets as it is written V. 16. After this I will return and build again the Tabernacle of David which is fallen down and I will build again the ruins thereof and I will set it up in subduing us to himself (f) Isa 33.22 The Lord is our Judge the Lord is our Law-giver the Lord is our King he will save us in ruling (g) Isa 32.1 Behold a King shall reign in Righteousness and Princes shall rule in Judgment V. 2. And a Man shall be as an hiding-place from the wind and a covert from the tempest as Rivers of Waters in a dry place as the shadow of a Rock in a weary Land. and defending us (h) 1 Cor. 15.25 For he must reign till he hath put all his Enemies under his feet Psal 110.5 The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through Kings in the day of his wrath V. 6. He shall judge among the heathen he shall fill the places with the dead
called you by our Gospel to the obtaining of the Glory of the Lord Jesus Christ John 16.8 And when he is come he will reprove the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgmnent whereby convincing us of our Sin and Misery (b) Acts 2.37 Now when they heard this they were pricked in their hearts and said unto Peter and to the rest of the Apostles Men and Brethren what shall we do inlightning our Minds in the Knowledge of Christ (c) Acts 26.18 To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness unto 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 and renewing our Wills (d) Ezek. 36.26 A new heart also will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and I will give you hearts of flesh V. 27. And I will put my Spirit within you and will cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my judgments and do them he doth perswade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ freely offered to us in the Gospel (e) John 6.44 No Man can come unto me except the Father which hath sent me draw him and I will raise him up at the last day V. 45. As it written in the Prophets and they shall be all taught of God every Man therefore that hath heard and hath learned of the Father cometh unto me Phil. 2.13 For it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure John 7.37 In the last day that great day of the feast Jesus stood and cried saying If any man thirst let him come unto me and drink 39. They who are effectually called do receive and partake of many Benefits by Christ Some in this Lise before they die some at their Deaths and some at the Resurrection in the last day 40. Q. What Benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this Life A. They that are effectually called do in this life partake of (f) 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 Justification (g) Ephes 1.5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of Children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his Will. Adoption (h) 1 Cor. 1.30 Of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us Wisdom and Righteousness and Sanctification and Redemption Sanctification and the several Benefits which in this Life do either accompany or flow from them 41. Q. What is Justification A. Justification is an Act of God's free Grace wherein he pardoneth all our sins (i) Rom. 3.24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ V. 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 Rom. 4.6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works V. 7. Saying Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered V. 8. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin and accepteth us as righteous in his sight (k) 2 Cor. 5.19 To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed to us the word of reconciliation V. 21. For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him only for the Righteousness of Christ imputed to us (l) Rom. 5.17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one Jesus Christ V. 18. Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men unto condemnation even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life V. 19. As by one man's disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous and received by Faith alone (m) Gal. 2.16 Knowing that man is not justified by the works of the Law but by the faith of Jesus Christ even we have believed in Jesus Christ that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by the works of the Law for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified Phil. 3.9 And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is of the law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith 42. Q. What is Adoption A. Adoption is an Act of God's (n) 1 Joh. 3.1 Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God therefore the world knoweth us not because it knew him not free Grace whereby we are received into the number and have a right to all the privileges of the Sons of God (o) Joh. 1.12 As many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his Name Rom. 8.17 And if children then heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ if so be we suffer with him that we may be glorified also together 43. Q. What is Sanctification A. Sanctification is the work of God's free Grace (p) 2 Thess 2.13 God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and the belief of the truth whereby we are renewed in the whole Man after the Image of God (q) Ephes 5.23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind V. 24. And that ye put on that new Man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness and are enabled more and more to die unto Sin and live unto Righteousness (r) Rom. 6.4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father even so we should also walk in newness of life V. 6. Knowing this that our old Man is crucified with him that the body of sin might be destroyed that henceforth we should not serve sin Rom. 8.1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit 44. Q. What are the Benefits which in this Life do accompany or flow from Justification Adoption and Sanctification A. The Benefits which in this Life do accompany or flow from Justification Adoption and Sanctification are Assurance of God's Love Peace of Conscience (Å¿) Rom. 5.1 Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with
and Righteous he had not been fit for dominion 2. The Image of God was most upon Mans Soul which was breathed into his Body after his Body was created Gen. 2.7 and therefore the Soul is of a Nature and Substance different from the Body Spirits and Flesh are opposed therefore not the same Heb. 12.9 The Soul is Spiritual and Immortal 3. The Soul had not been the Soul of Man in the state of Creation if it had not been Wise and Holy therefore the Image of God which is supernatural to us now had been natural and was so by grace in that State. Man was then Holy as naturally as he was rational 4. Man was not Created in a state of meer indifferency to good and evil for he was Created after the Image of God which carried him towards God alone but he was not fixed and confirmed against all temptation to Sin. 5. Man was not Created a mortal dying Man. He knew nothing of Death till he was threatned and felt no signs of it till he had sinned His Life and Happiness were only forfeitable upon supposition of Sin therefore tho' his Body was made of Earth and so corruptible yet if he had not finned he had not died Death was not the condition of his nature but the punishment of his Sin Gen. 2.17 chap. 3.19 Rom. 5.12 chap. 6.23 chap. 8.10 SECT VI. God's Providence 1. VVIthout a preserving and governing Providence the World had fallen into ruine or confusion The wise and mighty of the World have cause to acknowledge the Soveraignty of it How often are their policies and methods broken and themselves cut off before their works are sinished 2. Nothing is too great and nothing too mean for Divine Providence for high and low great and small are his Creatures 3. It extends to all things Nothing is more free and secret than our thoughts yet Ps 139.2 Prov. 21.1 more contingent than a lot yet Prov. 16.33 or more voluntary than the works of Man yet Ps 33.13,14,15 nothing more inconsiderable than the lighting of a poor sparrow yet Mat. 10.29,30,31 Luke 12.6 What is Man yet Ps 8.4 Ps 144.4 There is a set time to be born and an appointed time upon Earth Job 7.1 chap. 5.26 Ps 91.16 Uncertain Life is shortned or prolong'd by means good means by Gods ordination evil by his just permission All men die in judgment or in mercy therefore as there is a providence in raising up one and putting down another so there is in the Life and Death of good and evil Men. SECT VII Of the Covenant of God with Adam 1. A Covenant is a solemn contract or agreement between parties The parties in this Covenant were God the soveraign and Man the subject bound to whatsoever God required 2. The substance of the Covenant is in Gen. 2.17 Adam's being in possession of happiness to be continued until he sinned was equivalent to a promise which is implied also in the threatning Adam's consent was enough to make it a Covenant on his part as it was on Israels part Exod. 19.8 He knew what he did and actually consented or else he had sinned before he did eat and he knew it would be for his good and being already so happy he was oblig'd to consent The Covenant was solemnized by a sign the Tree of Life and was known to Satan Gen. 3.1 and to the Woman ver 2,3 SECT VIII Of Adam's first Sin. THere was a declining of Heart from God before the fruit was eaten how else could the Woman be so senseless of the Serpents contradicting of Gods word how could Adam be so sleepy as to eat without reproof or reluctancy The Sin was unconceivably heinous Man believed Satan against God changed his highest end turned from God to the Creature that upon the Devils word he might abuse the Creature to become as God. He brake Covenant and all the Bonds of Duty Gratitude and Love he sinned against a known prohibition and despised both the threatning of Death and the promise of Life All mankind fell by Adam's Sin. Adam was in a condition to covenant with God for he had perfect knowledge of what he did It was not necessary that all mankind should be personally present which could not be because they were to be propagated by generation And if they had been present they had not been wiser than he nor more obliged to stand 2. All mankind were contained in him and represented by him as a common Person and Parent and as a Covenanter for himself and all his Posterity 3. All mankind were concluded by him as well as included in him Rom. 5.12 Death is a Punishment Punishment presupposeth Sin and Sin a Law. The Punishment is general so was the Law. When did all men Sin in Adam's Sin Rom. 5.19 Infants die who sinned not actually in their own Persons ver 14. therefore Death doth not pass upon all for actual personal Sin yet for Sin therefore for that Sin which was the Sin of all Men in effect as included in him 4. The Man Christ Jesus is only free from Sin for he was not Man by ordinary Generation nor included in that first Covenant but is the second Adam and head in another Covenant 5. The Blessed Virgin was not free from Original guilt and pollution None but Christ was If she had been she had been as Holy as he yea her Parents had been also without Sin and so it had been no privilege to her But they were unclean Job 14.1 and so was she because born of unclean Parents She confessed Christ her Saviour Luke 1.47 and died therefore she was a Sinner Rom. 5.12 SECT IX Of Original Sin why so called ORiginal Sin is so called because it was the first Sin derived from the beginning and because it is the spring and Original of actual Sin in us Wherein it consisteth Original Sin consisteth 1. in the guilt of Adam's first Sin. That Sin which brought Death upon Adam as a punishment brought it so also upon us Rom. 5.12 His other actual Sins are not imputed to us for he stood no longer in the publick capacity of a Head and Covenanter 2. In the want of Original righteousness Adam lost it for himself and for his Posterity also By entertaining the temptation to eat and the first motion to Sin he gave place to evil and so he lost what he had and coveting once what was forbidden he afterwards coveted more evil and Satan followed him with temptations to sin more The want of righteousness was his Sin and Punishment also And it is a Sin in mankind and Punishment upon us still The want of it is a Sin in us for we are bound to love God with all the heart which we cannot do for want of it And it is a Punishment upon us and God is not bound to restore the righteousness and take off the punishment 3. In the corruption of our whole nature All the powers of our Souls are corrupted as well as
of Influence a Vine a Shepherd an Husband 4. Faith is the Means Grace or Bond of Union on our parts By Faith we receive Christ Joh. 1.12 live by him Gal. 2.20 and feed upon him Joh. 6.47,48 Ver. 35. 5. The Spirit of God is the Author of this Union and Faith is called the Spirit of Faith 2 Cor. 4.13 as well as of Regeneration and Sanctification wherein Faith is a principal Grace 6. We call this a mystical Union in opposition to a natural and visible Union It is supernatural illustrated by natural artificial and civil Union in metaphorical Shadows and Illustrations We do not darken or deceive the Minds of Men by calling this Union Mystical or Secret The whole of our Religion and in particular this Union is a Mystery 1 Tim. 3.16 Ephes 5.32 and therefore to expose this Term Mystical to derision is to reflect upon the Gospel and our Christianity and calls for Repentance 7. A political Union is an Union of Persons in Policy or Government and is too narrow and low to express this Union for we are united to Christ as a Saviour and receive Benefits from him in all his Offices and not only as King. SECT XIX Of Effectual Calling 1. EFfectual Calling is the same Work of Grace as Regeneration or Conversion When God calls inwardly by his Spirit as outwardly by his Word this Call is effectual or attains its proper Effect to bring a Sinner to God. This Work is set out by Calling because by it we are brought hom who are far from God by Nature not in Place but Affection and Condition When Faith answers and we submit as Paul did saying Lord what wilt thou have me to do Act. 9.6 we are called and saved 2 Tim. 1.9 2. Election and Vocation are not all one The Elect and Called are the same Persons Vocation is the Execution of the Decree of Election which is the Cause or necessary Antecedent of it and is known by it In Vocation Electing Love takes hold of the Sinner to bring him out of Sodom or Egypt or spiritual Bondage into Light and Liberty The one is from Eternity the other in Time the one is in God the other the Work of God upon the Sinner 3. They who love God are called but it is not true that they love God before they are called for then the Answer would be before the Call. If they do not love God before they are called they do not love God before they are elected see Rom. 8.28 where note 1. God doth purpose 2. He calls according to Purpose 3. They who love God are called and called to love God and not because they love God See the Order amplified Rom. 8.30 Ephes 1.4,5 Election and Predestination are before Vocation If our Love to God be the Reason or Motive of God's electing us then we love God first contrary to 1 Joh. 4.19 4. They wrong the Teachers of the Truth who say we deny Free Will whereas we assert it to be as essential to Man as Reason is and that Free Will continues in every state in Innocency Corruption Renovation and Glory Sinful Man is a moral free Agent he doth act according to his Imaginations Propensions and Lusts He doth freely serve Sin and is free from Righteousness Rom. 6.20 When he is made free from Sin by renewing Grace he acts as a new Man freely towards God but with much opposition from in-dwelling Sin. As the Man is so is his Will An unregenerate Man is unwilling averse and perverse impotent and dead one way that is to God's Will and bent another If gracious Motions and Actions are contrary to sinful in the Regenerate they are contrary to and above the performauce of the Unregenerate As every degree of spiritual Light is from above so every degree of Liberty to Good is given of God. If spiritual Objects are not known nor perceived but by Revelation of the things and Illumination of the Mind they are not willed but by the renewed Will. 5. The Socinians I name them for all of the same mind deny Original Sin altogether and therefore assert A Man may of himself believe and obey c. To clear the Truth besides what hath been said for Original Sin 1. To deny Original Sin is in effect to deny Actual 2. To assert Freedom of Will as they do is to fansie Man as able now as before the Fall If we are not fallen into a state of Sin we have no need of a Redeemer nor Faith in him but we are taught the need of Redemption and Regeneration both 3. There is no force nor violence done to the Will of Man when God calls and draws him to himself by Christ 4. What probity or aptness was in Paul a Blasphemer or in the Jews before pricked in their hearts or in the Gaoler or in any Gentile to turn to God or for which God turned them and not others What probity or aptness or inclination towards Conversion was in them who counted the preaching of Christ Foolishness 5. Expound that Text Act. 13.48 by probity of Mind or aptness then the meaning of the place must needs be this As many as were apt to Eternal Life believed and so they were apt to Eternal Life before they believed Were they apt before their Eyes were opened before their Hearts were turned or the Gospel preached But admit they were not the blind Heathens but Proselytes who left their Heathenism and Uncircumcision that are spoken of how came they to be apt to believe whenas many Jews remained Unbelievers The truth is 1. All Preparations and Aptness towards God is not from our Free Will which stands off but Grace God and our selves are opposed Ephes 2.8 If from our selves not from God if of God not from our selves The first beginning of a good Work in us is from Grace Phil. 1.6 the first Will and first Motion is God's Work and not our own Phil. 2.13 Where was this Probity and Aptness in them who say they were foolish disobedient c. Tit. 3.3 and Idolaters c. See 1 Cor. 6.9,10 3. Effectual Calling is from one contrary point and state to another from Darkness to Light Act. 26.18 Ephes 5.8 from Idols to the living God 1 Thess 1.9 from Satan to God Act. 26.18 from Death to Life Ephes 2.1,5 from serving Sin to God Rom. 6.17 to 22. What is in Man's Will and Nature towards God and Holiness but what is not of our selves 6. This heavenly Calling is drawing Joh 6.44 which we profess as well as they to be without force or violence And they who are drawn are taught of God. But then we say 1. There is besides the proposal of exceeding great and precious Promises an inward Teaching by the Holy Ghost and they only who are so taught are drawn powerfully and sweetly to Christ 2. This effectual Teaching and Drawing is not common to all for then all would believe and come Christ as listed up is a drawing Object
first and wilt not be false 4. It is an unspeakable Mercy Honour and Blessing to be Sons and Daughters in Covenant with God Will you forfeit it 5. Your present and future Happiness depends upon your observing loving honouring serving God and walking before him 6. God will judge you by his Son Christ in the last Day And what will he do to them in that Day who are ashamed of him now Oh! re-turn and repent ye Revolters Lastly Improve your Baptismal Relation and Covenant by Mediation by Prayer by Thanksgiving by Communion at his Table and all by Faith with Love and Reverence Let it not be a small thing in your Eyes to be the Sons and Daughters of the Almighty God who is a great King. Secondly Improve your Baptism for others Parents for your Children 1. Before they are baptized 2. After they are baptized 1. Before From the Water of Baptism learn and lay to heart gross Pollution and Corruption such as no Soap or Nitre no Tears or Blood or Righteousness of our own could purge away 2. Bless God heartily for the Blood of Jesus and the Sanctification of the Spirit 3. See the Necessity and Benefit thereof 4. And then address your selves to God as Father Son and Holy Ghost for your Seed 1. Beg that the Infant may be taken into the Covenant of Grace with you 2. That the Child may ever continue under the Grace and in the Duty of the Covenant 3. Pray for the inward Grace and rest not in the outward Privilege To that end 1. Be sensible of the sinful Defilement Death and Misery of the Infant by Nature Humble your Souls in the Sight of God under the Consideration of it 2. Look unto the Promise or free Covenant of Grace and the part that Infants have in it Act. 2.39 and the Grace expressed by Christ to Infants Mar. 10.13 c. 3. Exercise Faith in the free Grace and Love of the Father the Love and Redemption of the Son the Grace and Power of the Holy Ghost 4. Do not look upon Baptism as an empty Sign but as an Ordinance of God established by a Word of Command and Promise for great Ends and of great Efficacy to those Ends by the Operation of the Spirit It is not a Sign of nothing nor a Seal of nothing but look to the Grace of it 5. Taking Encouragement from Free Grace apply your selves to the Father Son and Holy Ghost for the Infant by earnest Prayer The matter of which may be 1. That God would be so merciful as to receive the Infant to Baptism 2. That God would be his Father Redeemer and Sanctifier and be his God according to the Grace of every Relation 3. That the poor Infant may be taken out of the old corrupt Stock and planted into Christ so as to receive Life and Nourishment from him Rom. 6.3 c. 4. That he may in time have Faith and the Adoption the Privileges of a Child and the Grace to continue in the Duties 5. That he may never turn after the Flesh World and Devil or if he do that he may return to God in Covenant and never revolt again 6. Look upon the Grace and the Obligation of Baptism together the Grace and the Duty Water in Baptism is as significant and conducive to its End as Bread and Wine in the Lord's Supper 2. Improve Baptism for them that are baptized Thus 1. Respect your Infants as the Children of God committed to your Charge for Education as more God's than yours Make a difference between them and the Breed of Insidels Atheists Worldlings and Devils 2. Continue in fervent Prayers for them from their Infancy 3. Begin to instruct them and train them up for God as you feed them plainly frequently seasonably sensibly They will soon take notice of things which they see of the Moon and Stars c. Make known to them the invisible God his Wisdom Power Goodness and Providence 4. As they grow in Capacity labour to fill them and labour that Knowledge may enter into their Souls Make frequent Applications to them when you are taken with their Comeliness Beauty Features Actions Speeches and how pretty they are when dress'd Make spiritual use of these things to your selves and them 5. Take Considerations from their Baptism to plead for them with God 1. When you observe them to be dull and backward to Goodness and forward to Naughtiness when you see them negligent forgetful untractable and are afraid of them Oh say as you mourn to God This Child is dedicated to thee in Covenant with thee Oh make him thine own Work upon his Soul what I cannot Give what I have not to give Teach him redeem him convert him sanctifie him rule him O thou who didst once receive him do not now reject him 2. When you are cross'd and afflicted contend with them for God upon Covenant-Engagement and plead with God for them upon Covenant-Mercies and Promises Shew unto them what an Honour Liberty Mercy it is to be God's Covenant-child how much they are obliged to keep Covenant with the Heavenly Father Son and Spirit how happy it will be for them in the great Day to be called Ye blessed of the Father and how terrible it will be to depart as cursed Revolters and treacherous Unbelievers and impenitent Workers of Iniquity to be tormented in Everlasting Fire with the Devil and his Angels The Lord teach you to profit CHAP. II. Of Prayer Shewing whence and how the Matter of Prayer is drawn out of the Catechism with a Form or Pattern of Prayer thence deduced section 1 OBserve what Prayer is Prayer is the offering up our Desires to God for things agreeable to his Will in the Name of Christ with Confession of our Sins and thankful Acknowledgment of his Mercies When your offer up your Desires to God how will you conceive of him What Titles will you give him Look to Ans 4. God is a Spirit c. as followeth in the Prayer You cannot expect to speed for your own sakes nor presume to go in your own names or in the name of any Creature Saint or Angel but in the Name that is by virtue of the Mediation of Jesus Christ Here look to Ans 30. And in making continual Intercession for us In your Prayers you offer up your Desires to God for things agreeable to his Will. What are your Desires You want all spiritual and heavenly Blessings and temporal good things which God hath promised and directed us in his Word to ask particularly in that Prayer called The Lord's Prayer Particularly pray for the Application of the Benefits of Redemption and the Benesits which they who are effectually called partake of in this Life And what Believers do receive at their Death and at the Resurrection see from Ans 40 c. You must also pray for the Means of Grace by which you obtain these Graces Privileges and Blessings as the Continuance of the Christian Sabbath as in the