the tree of knowledge of good and evill thou shalt not eat of it for on the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die Compared with Rom. 5. from v. 12. to v. 20. 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. 18. Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all to condemnation even so V. 19. For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience c. And with 1 Cor. 15. 21 22. For since by man came death by man came also the resurrection of the dead For as in Adam all die even so in Christ shal all be made alive Q. Into what estate did the Fall bring mankind A The Fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery t 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 Rom. 3. 23. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God Q. What is sin A. Sin is any want of conformity unto or transgression of any Law of God given as a Rule to the reasonable creature u 1 Joh. 3. 4. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the Law for sin is the transgression of the Law Gal. 3. 10-12 For as many as are of the works of the Law are under the curse for it is written Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the Law to do them And the Law is not of faith but the man that doth them shall live in them Q. Wherein consisteth the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell A. The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell consisteth in the guilt of Adams first sin * Rom. 5. 12-19 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. 19. For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous the want of that righteousness wherein he was created and the corruption of his nature whereby he is utterly indisposed disabled and made opposite unto all that is spiritually good and wholly inclined to all evill and that continually x Rom. 3. from v. 10. to v. 20. As it is written There is none righteous no not one V. 11. There is none that understandeth there is none that seeketh after God V. 12. They are all gone out of the way they are altogether become unprofitable there is none that doth good no not one V. 13. Their throat is an open sepulchre with their tongues they have used deceit the poison of Aspes is under their lips V. 14. Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness V. 15. Their feet are swift to shed blood V. 16. Destruction and misery are in their wayes V. 17. And the way of peace have they not known V. 18. There is no fear of God before their eyes V. 19. Now we know that what things soever the Law saith it saith to them who are under the Law that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God Eph. 2. 1 2 3. And you hath he quickned who were dead in trespasses and sins wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world according to the Prince of the power of the air the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind and were by nature the children of wrath even as others Rom. 5. 6. For when we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly Rom. 8. 7 8. Because the carnall mind is enmity against God for it is not subject to the law of God neither indeed can be so then they that are in the flesh cannot please God Gen. 6. 5. And 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 which is commonly called Originall sin and from which do proceed all actuall transgressions y Jam. 1. 14 15. But every man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed Then when lust hath conceived it bringeth forth sin and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death Mat. 15. 19. For out of the heart proceed evill thoughts murders adulteries fornications thefts false-witness blasphemies Q. How is Originall sin conveyed from our first Parents unto their posterity A. Original sin is conveyed from our first Parents unto their posterity by natural generation so as all that proceed from them in that way are conceived and born in sin z Psa 51. 5. Behold I was shapen in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me Job 14. 4. Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean not one Job 15. 14. What is man that he should be clean and he that is born of a woman that he should be righteous Job 3. 6. That which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit Q. What misery did the Fall bring upon mankind A. The fall brought upon mankind the loss of communion with God a Gen. 3. 8-10-24 And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord amongst the trees of the garden V. 10. And he said I heard thy voice in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked and I hid my self V. 24. So he drove out the man and he placed at the East of the garden of Eden Cherubims and a flaming sword which turned every way to keep the way of the tree of life his displeasure and curse so as we are by nature children of wrath b Eph. 2. 2 3. Wherein in times past ye walked according to the course of this world according to the prince of the power of the air the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience amongst whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind and were by nature the children of wrath even as others bond-slaves to Sathan c 2 Tim. 2. 26. And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the Devil who are taken captive by him at his will and justly liable to all punishments in this world and that which is to come d Gen. 2. 17. But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die Lam. 3. 39.
possessed of z Eph. 2. 5 6. Even when we were dead in sins hath quickned us together with Christ by grace ye are saved And hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus and as an earnest thereof enjoy the sense of Gods love a Rom. 5. 5. And hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us Compared with 2 Cor. 1. 22. Who hath also sealed us and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts peace of conscience joy in the Holy Ghost and hope of glory b Rom. 5. 1 2. Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ V. 2. By whom also we have access by faith into the grace wherein we stand and rejoyce in hope of the glory of God Rom. 14. 17. For the kingdome of God is not meat and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost as on the contrary the sense of Gods revenging wrath horror of conscience and a fearful expectation of judgement are to the wicked the beginning of their torments which they shall endure after death c Gen. 4. 13. And Cain said unto the Lord My punishment is greater then I can bear Mat. 27. 4. Saying I have sinned in that I have betrayed innocent blood And they said What is that to us see thou to it Heb. 10. 27. But a certain fearful looking for of judgement and fiery indignation which shall devour the adversaries Rom. 2. 9. Tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doth evil of the Jew first and also of the Gentile Mark 9. 44. Where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched Q. Shall all men die A. Death being threatned as the wages of sin d Rom. 6. 23. For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternaal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. it is appointed unto all men once to die e Heb. 9. 27. And as it is appointed unto all men once to die but after death the judgement for that all have sinned f 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. Death being the wages of sin why are not the righteous delivered from death seeing all their sins are forgiven in Christ A. The righteous shall be delivered from death it self at the last day and even in death are delivered from the sting and curse of it g 1 Cor. 15. 26 -55 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death V. 55. O death where is thy sting c. Heb. 2. 15. And deliver them who through fear of death were all their life-time subject to bondage so that although they die yet it is out of Gods love h Isa 57. 1 2. The righteous perisheth and no man layes it to heart and merciful men are taken away none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come V. 2. He shall enter into peace they shall rest in their beds each one walking in his uprightness 2 King 22. 20. Behold therefore I will gather thee unto thy fathers and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place to free them perfectly from sin and misery i Rev. 14. 13. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me write Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth yea saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labours and their works do follow them Eph. â— 27. That he might 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 and to make them capable of further communion with Christ in glory which they then enter upon k Luk. 23. 43. And Jesus said unto him Verily I say unto thee This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise Phil. 1. 23. For I am in a streight betwixt two having a desire to depart and to be with Christ which is far better Q. What is the communion in Glory with Christ which the members of the invisible Church enjoy immediately after death A. The communion in Glory with Christ which the members of the invisible Church enjoy immediately after death is in that their souls are then made perfect in holiness l Heb. 12. 23. To the general assembly and Church of the first-born which are written in heaven and to God the judge of all and to the Spirits of just men made perfect and received into the highest heavens m 2 Cor. 5. 1 -6-8 For we know that if our earthly house of this Tabernacle were dissolved we have a building of God an house not made with hands eternal in the heavens V. 6. Therefore we are alwayes confident knowing that while we are present in the body we are absent from the Lord V. 8. We are confident I say and willing rather to be absent from the body and present with the Lord. Phil. 1. 23. For I am in a streight betwixt two having a desire to depart and to be with Christ which is far better Compared with Act. 3. 21. Whom the heavens must receive untill the times of restitution of all things which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy Prophets since the world began And with Eph. 4. 10. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens that he might fill all things where they behold the face of God in light and glory n 1 Joh. 3. 2. Beloved now are we the sons of God and it doth not yet appear what we shall be but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is 1 Cor. 13. 12. For now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face now I know in part but then I shall know even as also I am known waiting for the full redemption of their bodies o Rom. 8. 23. And not onely they but our selves also who have the first fruits of the Spirit even we our selves groan within our selves waiting for the Adoption to wit the Redemption of our body Psal 16. 9. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoyceth my flesh also shall rest in hope which even in death continue united to Christ p 1 Thess 4. 14. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him and rest in their graves as in their beds q Esa 57. 2. He shall enter into peace they shall rest in their beds each one walking in his uprightness till at the last day they be again united to their souls r whereas the souls
comes to passe (r) Eph. 1. 4. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundations of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love v. 11. In whom also we obtained an inheritance being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the purpose of his own will Rom. 9. 22. What if God willing to shew his wrath and to make his power known endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction v. 23. And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy which he had afore prepared unto glory Q. How doth God execute his decrees A. God executeth his decrees in the works of Creation and Providence Q. VVhat is the work of Creation A. The work of Creation is Gods making all things of nothing by the Word of his Power in the space of six dayes and all very Good (Å¿) Gen. 1. throughout Heb. 11. 3. Through Faith we understand that the world were framed by the Word of God so that things which were seen were made of things that do appear Q. How did God create man A. God created man male and female after his own image in knowledge righteousness and holiness with dominion over the creatures (t) Gen. 1. 26. And God said let us make man in our own image after our likeness and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the air and over the cattel and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth v. 27. So God created man in his own image in the image of God created he him male and female created he them v. 28. And God blessed them and God said unto them be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the air and over every living thing that creepeth upon the earth Col. 3. 10. And have put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him Eph. 4. 24. And that ye put on that new man which after God is created in righteousnesle and true holinesse Q. What are Gods works of Providence A. Gods works of Providence are his most holy (u) Psal 145. 17. The Lord is righteous in all his wayes and holy in all his works wise * Psal 104. 24. O Lord how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all the earth is full of thy riches Isa 28 29. This also cometh from the Lord of hosts which is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working and powerful preserving (x) Heb. 1. 3. Who being the brightness of his glory and the express image of his person and upholding all things by the word of his power when he had by himself purged our sins sate down on the right hand of the Majesty on high and governing all his creatures and all their actions (y) Psal 103. 19. The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heaven his kingdom ruleth over all Matth. 10. 29. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing and one of them shall not fall to the ground without your Father v. 30. But the very hairs of your head are all numbred v. 31. Fear ye not therefore ye are of more value then many sparrows Q. What speciall act 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 death (z) Gal. 3. 12. And the law is not of faith but the man that doth them shall live in them Gen. 2. 17. But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not â—â—â—â—f it for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die Q. Did our first Parents continue in the state wherein they were created A. Our first Parents being left to the freedom of their own will fell from the estate wherein they were created by sinning against God (a) Gen. 3. 6. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was pleasant to the eyes and a tree to be desired to make one wise she took of the fruit thereof and did eat and gave also to her husband with her and he did eat v. 7 And the eyes of them both were opened and they knew that they were naked and they sewed fig-leaves together and made themselves aprons v. 8. And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden v. 13. And the Lord God said unto the woman what is this that thou hast done and the woman said the Serpent beguiled me and I did eat Eccles 7. 29. Lo this onely have I found that God hath made man upright but they have sought out many inventions Q. What is sin A. Sin is any want of conformity unto or transgression of the Law of God (b) 1 John 3. 4. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law for sin is the transgression of the law Q. What was the sin whereby our first Parents fell from the estate wherein they were created A. The sin whereby our first Parents fell from the state wherein they were created was their eating the forbidden fruit (c) Gen. 3. 6. vide supra V. 12. The woman which thou gavest to be with me she gave me of the tree and I did eat Q. Did all mankind fall in Adams 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 (d) Gen. 2. 16. And the Lord God commanded the man saying of every tree of the garden thou mayst freely eat v. 17 But of the tree of the knowledg of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die 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 1 Cor. 15. 21. For since by man came death by man also came the resurrection of the dead v. 22. For as in Adam all die so in Christ shall all be made alive Q. Into what estate did the fall bring mankind A. The Fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery (e) Rom. 5. 12. Wherefore as by one man sin entred in to the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Q. Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell A. The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell consists in the guilt of Adams first sin the
righteousness endureth for ever his horn shall be exalted for ever v. 10. The wicked shall see it and be grieved he shall gnash with his teeth and melt away the desire of the wicked shall perish Neh. 2. 10. When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the servant the Ammonite heard of it it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel together with all inordinate motions and affections to any thing that is his (g) Rom. 7. 7 8. What 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 v. 8. But sin taking occasion by the Commandment wrought in me all manner of concupiscence for without the law sin was dead Rom. 13. 9. For this Thou shalt not commit adultery Thou shalt not kill Thou shalt not steal Thou shalt not bear false witness Thou shalt not covet and if there be any other Commandment it is briefly comprehended in this saying namely Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self Col. 3. 5. Mortifie therefore your members which are upon the earth fornication uncleanness inordinate affection evil concupiscence and covetousness which is idolatry Deut. 5. 21. Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbours wife nor shalt thou covet thy neighbours house his field his man-servant or his maid-servant his ox or his ass or any thing that is thy neighbours Q. Is any man able perfectly to keep the Commandments of God A. No man is able either of himself (h) Jam. 3. 2. For in many things we offend all If any man offend not in word the same is a perfect man and able also to bridle the whole body Joh. 15. 5. I am the vine ye are the branches he that abideth in me and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit for without me ye can do nothing 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 condemneth sin in the flesh or by any grace received in this life perfectly to keep the Commandements of God (i) Eccl. 7. 20. For there is not a just man upon earth that doth good and sinneth not Joh. 1. 8-10 If we say that we have no sin we deceive our selves and the truth is not in us v. 10. If we say that we have not sinned we make him a liar and his word is not in us Gal. 5. 17. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh and these are contrary the one to the other So that ye cannot do the things that ye would Rom. 7. 18 19. For I know that in me that is in my flesh dwelleth no good thing For to will is present with me but how to perform that which is good I find not v. 19. For the good that I would I do not but the evil that I would not that do I. but doth daily break them in thought (k) Gen. 6. 5. And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was onely evil continually Gen. 8. 21. And the Lord said in his heart I will curse the ground no more for mans sake for the imagination of mans heart is evil from his youth c. word and deed (l) Rom. 3. from ver 9. to ver 21. for we have before proved that both Jewes and Gentiles that they are under sin v. 10. As it is written There is none righteous no not one v. 11. There is none that under standeth there is none that seeketh after God v. 12. They are all gone out of the way they are altogether become unprofitable there is none that doth good no not one v. 13. Their throat is an open sepulchre c. v. 20. that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God Jam. 3. from ver 2. to ver 13. For in many things we offend all c. Q. Are all transgressions of the Law of God equally hainous in themselves and in the sight of God A. All transgressions of the Law of God are not equally hainous but some sins in themselves and by reason of several aggravations are more hainous in the sight of God then others (m) Joh. 19. 11. Jesus answered Thou coulst have no power at all against me except it were given thee from above therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin Ezek. 8. 6 -13.-15 But turn thee yet again and thou shalt see greater abominations v. 13. Turn thee yet again and thou shalt see greater abominations that they do v. 15. Turn thee yet again and thou shalt see greater abominations then these 1 Joh. 5. 16. If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death he shall ask and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death There is a sin unto death I do not say that he shall pray for it Psal 78. 17 -32.-56 And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness v. 32. For all this they sinned still c. v. 56. Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God and kept not his testimonies Q. What are those aggravations which make some sins more hainous then others A. Sins receive their aggravations From the persons offending (n) Jer. 2. 8. The Priests said not Where is the Lord and they that handle the Law knew me not the Pastors also transgressed against me and the Prophets prophesied by Baal and walked after things that do not profit if they be of riper age (o) Job 32. 7 -9 I said Dayes should speak multitude of yeares should teach wisdom v. 9. Great men are not alwayes wise neither do the aged understand judgment Eccl. 4. 13. Better is a poor and a wise child then an old and foolish King who will no more be admonished greater experience or grace (p) 1 King 11. 4 -9 For it came to pass when Solomon was old that his wives turned away his heart after other gods c. v. 9. And the Lord was angry with Solomon because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel which had appeared to him twice eminent for profession (q) 2 Sam. 12. 14. Howbeit because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme the childe that is born unto thee shall surely dye 1 Cor. 5. 1. It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles that one should have his fathers wife gifts (r) Jam. 4. 17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good and doth it not to him it is sin Luk. 12. 47 48. And that servant that knew his
earth and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually Gen. 8. 21. And the Lord smelled a sweet favour and the Lord said in his heart I will not again curse the ground any more for mans sake for the imagination of mans heart is evil from his 〈◊〉 neither will I again smite any more every thing living as I have done Rom. 3. 9. What then are we better then they no in no wise for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles that they are all under sin and so on to verse 21. Jam. 3. 2. For in many things we offend all If any man offend not in word the same is a perfect man and able also to bridle the whole body and so on to verse 13. Q. 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 then others (a) Ezek. 8. 6. He said furthermore unto me Son of man seest thou what they do even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here that I should go far off from my sanctuary but turn thee yet again and thou shalt see greater abominations V. 13. He said also unto me turn thee yet again and thou shalt see greater abominations that they do V. 15. Then said he unto me hast thou seen this Oh son of man turn thee yet again and thou shalt see greater abominations then these 1 Joh. 5. 16. If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death he shall ask and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death there is a sin unto death I do not say that he shall pray for it Psal 78. 17. 32 56 And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness V. 32. For all this they sinned still and believed not for his wonderous works V. 56. Yet they tempted and provoked the most High God and kept not his testimonies Q. What doth every sin deserve A. Every sin deserveth Gods wrath and curse both in this life and that which is to come (b) Eph. 5. 6. Let no man deceive you with vain words for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience Gal 3. 10. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse for it is writtted Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them Lam. 3. 39. Wherefore doth a living man complain a man for the punishment of his sins Mat. 25. 41. Then shall he also say unto them on the left hand depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels Q. What doth God require of us that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us for sin A. To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin God requireth of us Faith in Jesus Christ repentance unto life (c) Acts 20. 21. Testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of Redemption (d) Prov. 2. 1 -5 v. 1. My son if thou wilt receive my words and bide my commandments with thee c. v. 5. Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledg of God Chap. 8. 33 34 35 v. 33. Hear instruction and be wise and refuse it not v. 34. Blessed is the man that heaveth me waiting daily at my gates waiting at the posts of my doors v 35 but who so findeth me findeth life and shall obtain favour of the Lord. Isai 55. 3. Incline your ear and come unto me hear and your soul shalllive and I will make an everlasting covenant with you even the sure mercies of David Q. What is faith in Jesus Christ A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace (e) Heb. 10. 39. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition but of them that believe to the saving of the soul whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation as he is offered to us in the Gospel (f) Joh. 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 Isa 26. 3. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee because he trusteth in thee V. 4. Trust ye in the Lord for ever for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength 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 Gal. 2. 16. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by the faith of Jesus Christ even we have believed in Iesus 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 Q. What is repentance unto life A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace (g) Act. 11. 18. When they heard these things they held their peace and glorified God saying then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life whereby a sinner out of true sense of his sin (h) 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 V. 38. Then said Peter unto them repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ (i) Ioel 2. 12. Therefore also now saith the Lord turn ye even to me with all your heart and with fasting and with weeping and with mourning Ier. 3. 22. Return ye backsliding children and I will heal your backslidings behold we come unto thee for thou art the Lord our God doth with grief and hatred of his sin turn from it unto God (k) Ier. 31. 18. I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus thou hast chastised me and I was chastised as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke turn thou me and I shall be turned for thou art the Lord my God V. 19. Surely after that I was turned I repented and after that I was instructed I smâ—te upon my thigh I was ashamed yea even confounded because I did bear the reproach of my youth Ezek. 36. 31. Than shall ye remember your own evil ways and your doings which were not good and shall loath your selves in your own sight for your iniquities and for you abominations with full purpose of and endeavour after new obedience
Law u Gal. 4. 4. But when the fulnesse of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the Law which he perfectly fulfilled * Mat. 5. 17. Think not that I am come to destroy the Law or the Prophets I am not come to destroy but to fulfill Rom. 5. 19. For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous and by conflicting with the indignities of the world x Psal 22. 6. But I am a worm and no man a reproach of men and despised of the people Heb. 12. 2 3. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith who for the joy that was set before him endured the Cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds temptations of Satan y Mat. 4. from v. 1. to v. 12. Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to he tempted of the Divel c. Luke 4. 13. And when the Divel had ended all the temptation he departed from him for a season and infirmities in his flesh whether common to the nature of man or particularly accompanying that his low condition z Heb. 2. 17 18. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a mercifull and faithful High-Priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted he is able to succour them that are tempted Heb. 4. 15. For we have not an High-Priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Isa 52. 13 14. Behold my servant shall deal prudently he shall be exalted and extolled and be very high As many were astonished at thee his visage was so marred more then any man and his form more then the sons of men Q. How did Christ humble himself in his death A. Christ humbled himself in his death in that having been be rayed by Judas a Mat. 27. 4. Saying I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood and they said What is that to us see thou to that forsaken by his Disciples b Mat. 26. 56. But all this was done that the Scriptures of the Prophets might be fulfilled then all the Disciples forsook him and fled scorned and rejected by the World c Isai 53. 2 3. For he shal grow up before him as a tender plant and as a root out of a dry ground he hath no form nor comeliness and when we shall see him there is no beauty that we should desire him He is despised and rejected of men a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief and we hid as it were our faces from him he was despised and we esteemed him not condemned by Pilate and tormented by his Persecutors d Mat. 27. from ver 26. 10 v. 50. Then released he Barrabbas unto them and when he had scourged Jesus he delivered him to be crucified c. John 19. 34. But one of the souldiers with a spear pierced his side and forthwith came thereout blood and water having also conflicted with the terrors of death and the powers of darkness felt and born the weight of Gods wrath e Luke 22. 44. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground Mat. 27. 46. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voyce saying ELI ELI LAMA SABACTHANI that is to say My God my God why hast thou forsaken me he laid down his life an offering for sin f Isa 53. 10. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him he hath put him to grief When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin he shall see his seed he shall prolong his dayes and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand enduring the painful shameful and cursed death of the cross g 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 Heb. 12. 2. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God Gal. 3. 13. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law being made a curse for us for it is written Cursed is every one that hangeth on the tree Q. Wherein consisted Christs humiliation after his death A. Christs humiliation after his death consisted in his being buried h 1 Cor. 15. 3 4. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and that he was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures and continuing in the state of the dead and under the power of death till the thirdday i Psal 16. 10. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption Compared with Acts 2. 24 25 26 27 -31 Whom God hath raised up having loosed the pains of death because it was not possible that he should be holden of it V. 25. For David speaketh concerning him I foresaw the Lord alwayes before my face for he is on my right hand that I should not be moved V. 36. Therefore did my heart rejoyce and my tongue was glad my flesh also shall rest in hope V. 27. Because thou wilt not leave my soul in the grave nor wile thou suffer thine holy One to see corruption V. 31. He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ that his soul was not left in hell neither did his flesh see corruption Rom. 6. 9. Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more death hath no more dominion over him Matth. 12. â—0 For as Jonas was three dayes and three nights in the whales belly so shall the Son of man be three dayes and three nights in the heart of the earth which hath been otherwise expressed in these words He descended into Hell Q. What was the estate of Christs exaltation A. The estate of Christs exaltation comprehendeth his resurrection k 1 Cor. 15. 4. And that he was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scripture Ascention l Mark 16. 19. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them he was received up into heavâ—n and sate on the right hand of God sitting at the right hand of the Father m Eph. 1. 20. Which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set hâ—m
of grace and that they shall persevere therein unto salvation A. Such as truly believe in Christ and endeavour to walk in all good conscience before him n 1 Joh. 2. 3. And hereby we do know that we know him if we keep his commandments may without extraordinary revelation by faith grounded upon the truth of Gods promises and by the Spirit enabling them to discern in themselves those graces to which the promises of life are made o 1 Cor. 2. 12. Now we have received not the Spirit of the world but the Spirit which is of God that we might know the things that are freely given us of God 1 Joh. 3. 14-18 19-21-24 We know that we have passed from death unto life because we love the brethren he that loveth not his brother abideth in death V. 18. My little children let us not love in word nor in tongue but in deed and in truth V. 19. And hereby we know we are of the truth and shall assure our hearts before him V. 21. Beloved if our heart condemn us not then have we confidence towards God V. 24. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him and he in him and hereby we know that he abideth in us by the Spirit which he hath given us 1 Joh. 4. 13-16 Hereby we know that we dwell in him and he in us because he hath given us of his Spirit V. 16. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us God is love and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God and God in him Heb. 6. 11 12. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end V. 12. That ye be not slothful but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises and bearing witness with their Spirits that they are the children of God p Rom. 8. 16. The Spirit it self beareth witness with our Spirit that we are the children of God be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace and shall persevere therein unto salvation q 1 Joh. 5. 13. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God that ye may know that ye have eternal life and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God Q. Are all true believers at all times assured of their present being in the estate of grace and that they shall be saved A. Assurance of grace and salvation not being of the essence of faith r Eph. 1. 13. In whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the word of truth the Gospel of your salvation in whom also after that ye believed ye were sealed with the holy Spirit of promise true believers may wait long before they obtain it Å¿ Isa 50. 10. Who is among you that feareth the Lord that obeyeth the voice of his servant that walketh in darkness and hath no light let him trust in the Lord and stay upon his God Psal 88. throughout O Lord God of my salvation I have cried day and night c. and after the enjoyment thereof may have it weakened and intermitted through manifold distempers sins temptations and desertions t Psal 77 1. to the 12. verse I cried unto thee with my voice c. Cant. 5. 2 3 -6 I sleep but my heart waketh it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh saying Open to me my sister my love my dove my undefiled for my head is filled with dew and my locks with the drops of the night V. 3. I have put off my coat how shall I put it on I have washed my feet how shall I defile them V. 8. I opened to my beloved but my beloved had withdrawn himself and was gone my soul failed when he spake I sought him but I could not find him I called him but he gave me no answer Psal 51. 8-12 Make me to hear joy and gladnesse that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoyce V. 12. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with thy free Spirit Psal 31. 22. For I said in my haste I am cut off from before thine eyes nevertheless thou heardst the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee Psal 22. 1. My God my God why hast thou forsaken me why art thou so far from helping me and from the words of my roaring yet are they never left without such a presence and support of the Spirit of God as keeps them from sinking into utter despair u 1 Joh. 3. 9. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin for his seed remaineth in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God Job 13. 15. Though he slay me yet will I trust in him but I will maintain mine own wayes before him Psal 73. 15 -23 If I say I will speak thus behold I should offend against the generation of thy children V. 23. Nevertheless I am continually with thee thou hast holden me by thy right hand Isa 54. 7 8 9 10. For a small moment have I forsaken thee but with great mercies will I gather thee V. 8. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee saith the Lord my Redeemer V. 9. For this is as the waters of Noah unto me for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah shall no more go over the earth so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee nor rebuke thee V. 10. For the mountaines shall depart and the hills shall be removed but my kindness shall not depart from thee neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee Q. What is the communion in Glory which the members of the Invisible Church have with Christ A. The communion in glory which the members of the Invisible Church have with Christ is in this life * 2 Cor. 3. 18. But we all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord. immediately after death x Luk. 23. 43. And Jesus said unto him Verily I say unto thee To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise and at last perfected at the resurrection and day of Judgment y 1 Thess 4. 17. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Q. What is the communion in Glory with Christ which the members of the Invisible Church enjoy in this life A. The members of the Invisible Church have communicated to them in this life the first fruits of glory with Christ as they are members of him their head and so in him are interested in that glory which he is fully
unto my voice I will give thee counsel and God shall be with thee V. 24. So Moses hearkned to the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he said due submission to their corrections r Heb. 12. 9. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh who corrected us and we gave them reverence shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the father of Spirits and live 1 Pet. 2. 18 19 20. Servants be subject to your masters with all fear not only to the good and gentle but also to the froward V. 19. For this is thank-worthy if a man for conscience towards God endure grief suffering wrongfully V. 20. For what glory is it if when ye be buffeted for your faults ye shall take it patiently but if when ye do well and suffer for it ye take it patiently this is acceptable with God fidelity to Å¿ Tit. 2. 9 10. Exhort servants to be obedient to their own masters and to please them well in all things not answering them again V. 10. Not purloyning but shewing all good fidelity that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things defence and maintenance of their persons and authority according to their several ranks and the nature of their places u Mat. 22. 21. They say unto him Caesars Then saith he unto them Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's and unto God the things which are God's Rom. 13. 6 7. For this cause pay ye tribute also For they are God's Ministers attending continually upon this very thing V. 7. Render therefore unto all their dues tribute to whom tribute is due custome to whom custome fear to whom fear honour to whom honour 1 Tim. 5. 17 18. Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour especially they who labour in the Word and Doctrine V. 18. For the Scripture saith Thou shalt not muzle the Oxe that treadeth out the corn and The labourer is worthy of his reward Gal. 6. 6. Let him that is taught in the Word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things Gen. 45. 11. And there will I nourish thee for yet there are five years of famine least thou and thy houshold and all that thou hast come to poverty Gen. 47. 12. And Joseph nourished his father and his brethren and all his fathers houshold with bread according to their families bearing with their infirmities and covering them in love * 1 Pet. 2. 18. Servants be subject to your Masters with all fear not only to the good and gentle but also to the froward Prov. 23. 22. Hearken unto thy father which begat thee and despise not thy mother when she is old Gen. 9. 23. And Sem and Japhet took a garment and laid it upon both their shoulders and went backwards and covered the nakedness of their father and their faces were backward and they saw not their fathers nakedness that so they may be an honour to them and to their government x Psal 127. 3 4 5. Lo children are an inheritance of the Lord and the fruit of the womb is his reward V. 4. As arrowes are in the hand of a mighty man so are children of the youth V. 5. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them they shall not be ashamed but shall speak with the enemies in the gate Prov. 31. 23. Her husband is known in the gates when he sitteth among the Elders of the land t 1 Sam. 26. 15 16. And David said to Abner Art not thou a valiant man and who is like to thee in Israel Wherefore then hast thou not kept thy Lord the King for there came one of the people in to destroy the King thy Lord. V. 16. This thing is not good which thou hast done As the Lord liveth ye are worthy to die because ye have not kept your Master the Lords anointed 2 Sam. 18. 3. But the people answered Thou shalt not go forth for if we flee away they will not care for us neither if half of us die will they care for us but now thou art worth ten thousand of us therefore now it is better that thou succour us out of the City Esth. 6. 2. And it was found written that Mordecat had told of Bigthana and Teresh two of the Kings Chamberlains the keepers of the door who sought to lay hands on the King Ahasuerus Q. What are the sins of Inferiours against their Superiours A. The sinnes of Inferiours against their Superiours are all neglect of the duties required toward them y Mat. 15. 4 5 6. For God commanded saying Honour thy father and thy mother and he that curseth father or mother let him dye the death V. 5. But ye say that whosoever shall say to his father or mother It is a gift by whatsoever thou mightst be profited by me V. 6. And honour not his father and mother he shall be free Thus have ye made the Commandment of God of none effect by your tradition envying at z Num. 11. 28 29. And Josuah the son of Nun the servant of Moses one of his young men answered and said my lord Moses forbid them V. 29. And Moses said unto him Enviest thou for my sake Would God that all the Lords people were Prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them contempt of a 1 Sam. 8. 7. And the Lord said unto Samuel hearken unto the voice of the people in all what they say unto thee for they have not rejected thee but they have rejected me that I should not reign over them Isa 3. 5. And the people shall be oppressed every one by another and every one by his neighbour and the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient and the base against the honourable and Rebellion b 2 Sam. 15. from v. 1. to v. 12. And it came to pass after that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses c. and so on against their persons c Exod. 21. 15. And he that smiteth his father or mother shall surely be put to death and places d 1 Sam. 10. 27. But the children of Belial said How shall this man save us and they despised him and brought him no presents but he held his peace in their lawful counsels e 1 Sam. 2. 25 Notwithstanding they viz. the sons of Eli hearkned not unto the voice of their father because the Lord would slay them commands and corrections f Deut. 21. 18 19 20 21. If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son which will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother and that when they have chastened him will not bearken unto them V. 19. Then shall his father and mother lay hold on him and bring him out unto the Elders of his City and unto the gate of his place V. 20. And they shall say to the Elders of his City This our