Saints or any other creature d Col. 2. 18 Rev. 19. 10 Rom. 1. 25 and since the Fall not without a Mediator nor in the mediation of any other but of Christ alone e Iohn 14. 6 1 Tim. 2. 5. Eph. 7. 18 Col. 3. 17 III. Prayer with thanksgiving being one speciall part of Religious Worship f Phil. 4. 6 is by GOD required of all men g Psal 65 2 and that it may be accepted it is to be made in the Name of the Son h Iohn 14. 13. 14. 1 Pet. 2. 5 by the help of his Spirit i Rom. 8. 26. according to his Will k Ioh. 5. 14 with understanding reverence humility fervency faith love and perseverance l Psal 47. 7 Eccles 5. 1 2 Heb. 12. 28 Gen. 18. 27 Iames 5. 16. Iam. 1 6 7 Mark 11. 24. Mar 6. 12. 14. 15. Col 4. 2. Ep. 6. 18 and if vocall in a known tongue m Cor. 14. 14 IV. Prayer is to be made for things lawfull n 1 Ioh 5 14 and for all sorts of men living or that shall live hereafter o 1 Tim. 2. 1 2 Ioh. 17 20 2. Sa. 7. 29 Ruth 4. 12 but not for the dead p 2 Sam. 12 21 22. 23. with Luk. 16. 25 26 Rev. 14 3 nor for those of whom it may be known that they have sinned the sin unto death q 1 Ioh. 5. â—6 V. The reading of the Scriptures with godly fear r Act. 15. 21 Rev. 1. 3 the sound Preaching Å¿ 2. Tim. 4. 2 and conscionable hearing of the Word in obedience to God with understanding faith and reverence t Iam. 1. 22 Acts 10. â—5 Mat. 13. 19. He 4. 2. Isa 66. 2 singing of Psalms with grace in the heart u Col. 3. 16 Ephes 5. 19 Iam. 5. 13 as also the due administration worthy receiving of the Sacraments instituted by Christ are all parts of the ordinary Religious Worship of God w Mat. 28. 19 1 Cor. 11. 13 to 29. Acts 2. 42 Beside Religious Oaths x Deut. 6. 13 with Neh. 10. 29. Vows y Isa 19. 21 with Eccl. 5. 4 5 Solemn Fastings z Ioel 2 12 Esther 4. 16 Mat. 9. 15 1 Cor. 7. 5 and Thanksgivings upon special occasions a Psal 107 throughout Ester 9. 22 which are in their severall times and seasons to be used in an holy and religious manner b Heb. 11. 28 VI. Neither Prayer nor any other part of Religious Worship is now under the Gospel either tyed unto or made more acceptable by any place in which it is performed or towards which it is directed c Iohn 4. 21 but God is to be worshipped every where d Mal. 1. 11 1 Tim. 2. 8 in Spirit and Truth e Iohn 4 23 24 as in private Families f Ier. 10. 25 Deut. 6. 6 7 Iob 1. 5 2 Sam. 6. 18 20. 1 Pet. 3 7. Acts 10. 2 daily g Mat. 6. 11 and in secret each one by himselâ— h Mat. 6. 6 Eph. â— 18 so more solâ—mnly in the publique Assemblies which are not carelessy or wilfully to be neglected or forsaken when God by his Word or Providence calleth thereunto i Isa 56. 7 Heb. 10 25 Prov. 1. 20 21 24 Prov. 8. 34 Acts 13 42 Luk. 4. 16 Acts 2. 42 VII As it is of the Law of Nature that in general a due proportion of time be set a part for the Worship of God so in his Word by a positive Morall and perpetuall Commandment binding all men in all ages he hath particularly appointed one day in seven for a Sabbath to be kept holy unto him k Exod. 20 8 0 11 Isa 56. 2 4 6 7. which from the beginning of the World to the resurrection of Christ was the last Day of the week and from the Resurrection of Christ was changed into the first Day of the week l Gen. 2. 2 3 1 Cor. 16. 1 2 Acts 20. 7 which in Scripture is called the LORDS Day m Rev. 1. 10 and is to be continued to the end of the World as the Christian Sabbath n Exod. 20. 8. 10. with Mat. 5 17 18 VIII This Sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord when men after a due preparing of their hearts ordering of their common affairs before-hand do not only observe an holy rest all the Day from their own works words and thoughts about their worldly imployments and recreations o Exod. 20. 8 Exod. 16. 23 25 26 29 30 Ex. 31. 15 16 17 Isa 58. 13. Nehem. 131 16 17 18 19 21 22 but also are taken up the whole time in the publique and private Exercises of his Worship in the duties of necessity and mercy p Isa 58. 13 Mat. 12. 2 to 13 CHAP. XXII Of lawfull Oaths and Vows A Lawfull Oath is a part of Religious Worship a Deut. 12 20 wherein upon just occasion the person swearing solemnly calleth God to witnesse what he asserteth or promiseth and to judge him according to the truth or falshood of what he sweareth b Exod. 20. 7 Levit. 19. 12 2 Cor. 1. 23 2 Chron. 6 22 23 II. The Name of God only is that by which men ought to sweare and therein it is to be used with all holy fear and reverence c Deut. 6. 13 Therefore to swear vainly or rashly by that glorious and dreadfull Name or to swear at all by any other thing is sinfull and to be abhorred d Exod 10. â— Ier. 1. 7 Mat 5. 34 37 Iam. 5. 12 Yet as in matters of weight and moment an Oath is warranted by the Word of God under the New Testament as well as under the Old e Heb. 6. 16 2 Cor. 1. 2â— Isaâ— 6â— 1â— so a lawfull Oath being imposed by lawfull Authority in such matters ought to be taken f 1 Kings â— 31. Neh 13 25. Ezra 10 5. III. Whosoever taketh an Oath ought duely to consider the weightinesse of so solemn an Act and therein to avouch nothing but what he is fully perswaded is the truth g Exod. 20. 7 Ier 4. 2 Neither maâ— any man binde himself by Oath to any thing but what is good and just and what he believeth so to be and what he iâ— able and resolved to perform h Gen 24. 2 3 5 6. 8 9. Yet is it a sin to refuse an Oath touching any thing that is good and just being imposeâ— by lawfull Authority i Num. 5. 19 21 Neh. 5 12. Exâ—d 22 7 8 9 10 11 IV. An Oath is to be taken in the plain and common sense of the words without equivocation or mentall reservation k Ier. 4. 2 Psal 24. 4 It cannot oblige to sin but in any thing not sinfull being taken it binds to performance although to a mans own hurt l 1 Sam. 25 22. â—2 33 34 Psal 15. 4 nor is it to be violated
seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy GOD in it thou shalt not do any worke thon nor thy son nor thy daughter thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thy cattell nor thy stranger that is within thy gates for in six dayes the LORD made heaven and earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed x Exod. 20 8 9 10 11 it x. Q. What is required in the fourth Commandement A The fourth Commandement requireth of all men the sanctifying or keeping holy to God such set time as he hath appointed in his word expresly one whole day in seven which was the seventh from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ and the first day of the week ever since so to continue to the end of the world which is the Christian Sabbath y Deut. 5. 12 13 14 Gen. 2. 2. 3 1 Cor. 16. 1 2 Acts 20. 7 Mat. 5 17 18 Isa 56 24 6 7. and in the New Testament called the Lords day z Rev 1. 10 Q. How is the Sabbath or Lords day to be sanctified A. The Sabbath or Lords day is to be sanctified by an holy resting all the day a Exod. 20 8 10 not only from such works as are at all times sinfull but even from such worldâ—y imployments recreations as are on other dayes lawfull b Exod. 16 25. 26. 27 28 Neh 13 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 Ier. 17. 21 22 and making it our delight to spend the whole time except so much of it as is to be taken up in works of necessity and mercy c Mat. 12 1 to 13 in the publick private exercises of Gods worship d Isa 58. 13 Luk. 4. 16 Acts 20. 7 1 Cor. 16. 1 2 Psal 92. title Isa 66 23 Lev. 23. 3 and to that end we are to prepare our hearts with such foresight diligence and moderation to dispose and seasonably to dispatch our wordly busines that we may be the more free and fit for the duties of that day e Exod. 2. 8 Luk. 23. 54 55 Exod. 16. 22 25 26 29. Neh. 13. 19 Q. Why is the charge of keeping the Sabbath more specially directed to governours of families and other superiours A. The charge of keeping the Sabbath is more specially directed to governours of families other superiours because they are bound not only to keep it themselves but to see that it be observed by al those that are under their charge and because they are prone oft-times to hinder them by imployments of their own f Exod. 20. 10 Iosh 24. 15 Neh 13. 15 17 Ier. 17. 20 21 22 Exod. 23. 12 Q. What are the sins forbidden in the fourth Commandement A. The sins forbidden in the fourth Commandement are all omissions of the duties required g Ezek. 22. 26 all carelesse negligent and unprofitable performing of them being weary of them h Act. 20. 7 9 Ezek. 33. 30 31 32 Amos 8. 5 Mal. 1. 13 all profaning the day by idlenes doing that which is in it self sinful i Ezek. â—3 38 by al needles works words and thoughts about our worldly imployments recreations k Ier. 17. 24 27 Isa 58. 13 Q. What are the Reasons annexed to the fourth commandment the more to enforce it A. The Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandement the more to enforce it are taken from the equity of it God allowing us six dayes of seven for our own affairs reserving but one for himself in these words Six dayâ—s shalt thou labour and do all thy work l Exod. 20. 9 from Gods challenging a speciall property in that day The seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy GOD m Exod. 20. 10 from the example of God who in six dayes made heaven earth the sea and all that in them is rested the seventh day from that blessing which God put upon that day not only in sanctifying it to be a day for his service but in ordaining it to be a means of blessing to us in our sanctifying it Wherfore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it n Rom 20. 11 Q. Why is the word Remember set in the beginning of the fourth Commandement A. The word Remember is set in the beginning of the fourth Commandement o Exod. 20. 8 partly because of the great benefit of remembring it we being thereby helped in our preparation to keep it p Exod 16 23 Luk 23. 54 56 with Mar. 15. 42 Neh 13. 9 and in keeping it better to keep all the rest of the Commandements q Psal 92 title with vers 13. 14 Ezek. 20 12. 19. 20 and to continue a thankful remembrance of the two great benefits of Creation and Redemption which contain a short abridgment of Religion r Gen. 2. 2 3 Isai 1. 8 22 24 with Acts 4. 10 11 Rev. 1. 10 and partly because we are very ready to forget it Å¿ Ezek. 21. 26 for that there is lesse light of nature for it t Neh. 6. 14. and yet it restraineth our naturall liberty in things at other times lawful u Exod. 34. 21 that it commeth but once in seven dayes and many worldly businesses come between and too often take off our minds from thinking of it either to prepare for it or to sanctifie it w Deut. 5. 14 15 Amos 8. 5 and that Sathan with his instruments much labour to blot out the glory and even the memory of it to bring in all irreligion and impiety x Iam. 1. 7 â—er 17. 21 22 23 Neh. 13. 15 to 25 Q. What is the summe of the six Commandements which containe our duty to man A. The summe of the six Commandments which contain our duty to man is to love our neighbour as our selves y Mat. 22. 39 and to do to others what we would have them do to us z Mat. 7. 12 Q. Which is the fifth Commandement A. The fifth Commandement is Honour thy Father and thy mother tâ—at thy dayes may be long upon the land which the LORD thy GOD giveth thee a Exod. 20. 4 Q. Who aâ—e meant by Father and Mother in the fifth Commandement A By Father and Mother in the fifth Commandement are meant not only naturall parents b Prov. 23. 22 Eph 6. 1 2 but all Superiours in age c 1 Tim. 5. 1 2 and gifts d Gen. 420. 21 22. Gen. â—5 8 and especially such as by GODS ordinance are over us in place of authority whether in Family e 2 Kin 5. 13 Church f 2 Kin 2. 12 2 Kin 13. 14 Gal. 4. 19 or Common-wealth g Isa 49. 23 Q. Why are Superiours styled Father and Mother A. Superiours are styled Father and Mother both to each them in all duties towards their Inferiours like naturall parents to expresse love and
extendeth or with-holdeth mercy as he pleaseth for the glory of his Soveraign Power over his creatures to passe by and to Ordain them to dishonour and wrath for their sin to the praise of his glorious justice r Mat. 11. 25 26. Rom. 9. 17. 18 21 22. 2 Tim. 2. 19. 20 Iude 5 4. 1 Pet. 2. 8 Rom. 9. 20. Rom. 11. 33 Deut. 29. 29 VIII The doctrine of this high Mystery of Predestination is to be handled with speciall prudence and care s that men attending the will of God revealed in his Word and yeelding obedience thereunto may from the certainty of their effectuall Vocation be assured of their eternall Election t. So shall this Doctrine afford matter of praise reverence and admiration of God u 2 Pet. 1. 10 â— Eph. 1. 6 Rom. 11. 33 and of humility diligence and abundant consolation to all that sincerely obey the Gospel w Rom. 11 5 6 20. 2 Pet. 1. 10 Rom. 8. 33 Luke 10. 2â— CHAP. IV. Of Creation IT pleased God the Father Son and Holy Ghost a Heb. 1. 2 Iohn 1. 2 3 Gen. 1. 2 Iob 26. 1â— Iob 33. 4. for the manifestation of the glory of his eternall power wisdom and goodnesse b Rom. 1. 20 Ier. 10. 12 Psal 104. 24 Psal 33. 5 6 in the beginning to create or make of nothing the World and all things therein whether visible or invisible in the space of six dayes and all very good c Gen. 1. ch Heb. 11. 13. Col. 1. 16. Acts 17. 24 II. After God had made all other Creatures he created Man male and female d Gen. 1. â—7 with reasonable and immortall souls e Gen. 27 with Eccle. 12. 7. and Luk. 23. 43 and Mat. 10 28. indued with knowledge righteousnesse and true holinesse after his own Image f Gen. 1. 26 Col. 3. 10 Eph. 4. 24 having the Law of God written in their hearts g Rom. 2. 14 15. and power to fulfill it h Eccl. 7. 29 and yet under a possibility of transgressing being left to the liberty of their own will which was subject unto change i Gen. â— 6. Eccles 7. 29 Beside this Law written in their hearts they received a command not to eat of the tree of the Knowledge of good and evil which whiles they kept they were happy in their Communion with God k Gen. 2. 27 Gen. 3. 8. 9 10. 11 23. and had Dominion over the creatures l Gen. 1. 26 28. CHAP. V. Of Providence GOD the great Creatour of all things doth uphold a Heb. 1. 3 direct dispose and govern all creatures actions and things b Dan. 4. 34 35. Psal 135. 6. Acts 17 25 26 28 Iob 38 39 40 41. chapters from the greatest even to the least c Mat. 10 29 30 31. by his most wise and holy Providence d Prov. 15. 3 Psal 104. 24 according to his infallible fore-knowledge e Acts 15. 18 Psal 94. 8 9 10 11. and the free and immutable counsell of his own Will f Eph. 1. 1â— Ps 33. 10 11 to the praise of the glory of His Wisdom Power Iustice Goodnesse and Mercy g Isa 63. 14 Eph. 3. 10. Rom. 9. 17 Gen. 45. 7 Psal 145. 7 II. Although in relation to the fore-knowledge and decree of God the first Cause all things come to passe immutably and infallibly h Acts 2. 23 yet by the same Providence he ordereth them to fall our according to the nature of second causes either necessarily freely or contingently i Gen. 8. 22 Ier. 31. 35 Exod. 21. 13 with Deut. 19. 5. 1 Kings 22 28 54. Isai 10. 6 7 III. God in his ordinary Providence maketh use of means k Acts 27. 3â— 44. Isai 55. 11 12. Hos 2. 21 22. yet is free to work without l Hos 1. 7 Mat. 4. 4 Iob â—4 10. above m Rom. 4. 19 20 21 and against them at his pleasure n 2 Kings 6. 6. Dan. 3. 27 IV. The Almighty power unsearchable wisdom and infinite goodnesse of God so farre manifest themselves in his Providence that it extendeth it self even to the first Fall and all other sinnes of Angels and Men o Rom. 11. 32 33 34 2 Sam. 24. 1 with 1 Chr. 21. 1. 1 King 22. 22 23 1 Chr. 10. 4 13 14. 1 Sa. 16. 10. Acts 2. 23. Acts 4. 27 28. and that not by a bare permission p Act. 13. 16 but such as hath joyned with it a most wise and powerfull bounding q Psa 76. 10 2 Kings 19. 28. and otherwise ordering and governing of them in a manifold dispensation to his own holy ends r Gen. 50. 20. Isa 10. 6. 7 12. yet so as the sinfulnesse thereof proceedeth only from the creature and not from God who being most holy and righteous neither is nor can be the Author or Approver of sin Å¿ Iam. 1. 13 14 17. 1 Ioh. 2. 16 Psal 50 21 V. The most wise righteous and gracious GOD doth oftentimes leave for a season his own children to manifold temptations and the corruption of their own hearts to chastise them for their former sinnes or to discover unto them the hidden strength of corruption and deceitfulnesse of their hearts that they may be humbled t 2 Chr. 32 25 36 31 2 Sam. 24. 1. and to raise them to a more close and constant dependance for their support upon himself and to make them more watchfull against all furure occasions of sin and for sundry other just and holy ends u 2 Cor. 12 7. 8 9 Psal 73. throughout Psal 77. 1 10 12 Mar. 14. 66 to the end with Iohn 21 15 16 17 VI. As for those wicked and ungodly men whom GOD as a righteous Iudge for former sinnes doth blinde and harden w Rom 1. 24 26 28 Rom. 1â— 7 8 from them he not onely withholdeth his Grace whereby they might have been inlightned in their understandings and wrought upon in their hearts x Deut. 29. 4 but sometimes also withdraweth the gifts which they had y Mat. 15. 12 Mat. 15. 29 and exposeth them to such objections as their corruption makes ocasions of sin z Deut. 2. 50 2 Kings 8. 12. 131 and with all gives them over to their own lusts the temptations of the world and the power of Satan a Ps 81. 11 12 2 Thes 2 10 11 12 whereby it comes to passe that they harden themselves even under those meanes which GOD useth for the softning of others b Exod. 7 3 with Exod. 8. 15 32. 2 Cor. 1. 15 16. Isa 8. 14 2 Pet. 2. 7 8 Isa 6. 9 10. with Acts 28. 26 27. VII As the providence of GOD doth in generall reach to all Creatures so after a most speciall manner it taketh care of his Church and disposeth all c 1 Tim. 4. 10 Amos 9 8 9. Rom. 8. 28. Isa 43. 3 4 5 14. things
being very and eternall God of one Substance and equall with the Father did when the fulnesse of time was come take upon Him mans nature k Iohn 1 1 14. 1 Iohn 5. 20. Phil. 2. 6. Gal. 4. 4 with all the Essentiall properties and common infirmities thereof yet without sin l Heb. 1. 14 16 17. Heb. 4. 15 being conceived by the Power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin Mary of her substance m Luke 1. 27 31 35. Gal. 4. 4. So that two whole perfect and distinct Natures the God-head and the Man-hood were inseparably joyned together in one Person without Conversion Composition or Confusion n Luke 1. 35 Col. 2. 9 Rom. 9. 5 1 Pet. 3. 18 1 Tim. 3. 16 Which person is very God and very Man yet one Christ the only Mediator between God and Man o Rom. 1. 3 4 1 Tim. 2. 5 III. The Lord Iesus in his humane nature thus united to the divine was sanctified and anointed with the holy Spirit above measure p Psal 45. 7 Iohn 3. 34 having in him all the treasures of Wisdom and knowledge q Col. 2. 3 in whom it pleased the Father that all fulnesse should dwell r Col. 1. 19 to the end that being holy harmless undefiled and full of grace and truth Å¿ Heb. 7. 16 Iohn 1. 14 he might be thorowly furnished to execute the Office of a Mediator and surety t Acts 10. â—8 Heb. 12. 24 Heb. 7. 22 Which Office he took not unto himself but was thereunto called by his Father u Heb. 5. 4 5 who put all power and judgement into his hand and gave him commandment to execute the same * Ioh. 5. 22 27. Mat. 28 18 Act. 2. 36 IV. This Office the Lord Iesus did most willingly undertake x Psal 40. 7 8. with Heb. 10. 5. to 11 Iohn 10. 18 Phil. 2. 8 which that he might discharge he was made under the Law y Gal. 4. 4. and did perfectly fulfill it z Mat. 3. 15 Mat. 5. 17 indured most grievous torments immediatly in his Soul a Mat. 26. 37 38. Luke 22 44. Mat. 27 46. Mat. 26. 27 chapters and most painfull sufferings in his body b was crucified and died c Phil. 28. was buried and remained under the power of death yet saw no corruption d Act. 2. 23 24 27. Act. 13. 37. Rom. 6. 9. On the third day he arose from the dead e 1 Cor. 15. 3 4. with the same body in which he suffered f Iohn 20. 25 27. with which also he ascended into Heaven and there sitteth at the right hand of his Father g Mark 16 19. making intercession h Rom. 8. 34 Heb. 9. 24. Heb. 7. 25. and shall return to judge men and Angels at the end of the World i Rom. 14. 9 10. Acts 1. 11. Acts 10. 42. Mat. 13. 40 41 42. Iude v. 6. 2 Pet. 2. 4 V. The Lord Iesus by his perfect obedience and sacrifice of himself which he through the eternall Spirit once offered up unto God hath fully satisfied the justice of his Father k Rom. 5. Heb. 9. 14. 16. Heb. 10. 1 4. Eph. 5. 2 Rom. 3. 25 26. and purchased not only reconciliation but an everlasting inheritance in the Kingdome of Heaven for all those whom the Father hath given unto him l Dan 9. â—4 26. Col. 1. 19 20. Eph 1. 11 14. Iohn 17. 2. Heb. 9. 12 15. VI. Although the work of Redemption was not actually wrought by Christ till after his Incarnation yet the vertue efficacy and benefits thereof were communicated unto the Elect in all ages successively from the beginning of the world in and by those promises types and sacrifices wherein he was revealed and signified to be the seed of the Woman which should bruise the Serpents head and the Lamb slaine from the beginning of the world being yesterday and to day the same and for ever m Gal 14 5. Gen. 3. 15. Rev. 13. 8. Heb. 13. 8. VII Christ in the work of Mediation acteth according to both Natures by each Nature doing that which is proper to it self n Heb. 9. 14. 1 Pet. â— 18. yet by reason of the unity of the Person that which is proper to one Nature is sometimes in Scripture attributed to the Person denominated by the other Nature o Acts 20. 25 Ioh 3. 1 â— Ioh. 3. 16. VIII To all those for whom Christ hath purchased Redemption he doth certainly and estectually apply and communicate the same p Ioh. 6. 3â— 39. Ioh. â—0 15 16. making intercession for them q 1 Ioh. 2 1. 2 Rom 8. 34 and revealing unto them in and by the Word the mysteries of salvation r Ioh. 15 13 15. Eph. 1. 7 8 9. Iohn 17. 6. effectually perswading them by his Spirit to beleeve and obey and governing their hearts by his Word and Spirit Å¿ Iohn 14. 16. Heb. 12 2. 2 Cor. 4. 13. Rom. 8. 9. 14. Rom. 15. 18 19. Ioh. 17. 17. overcoming all their enemies by his Almighty Power and Wisdom in such manner and wayes as are most consonant to his wonderfull and unsearchable dispensation t Psal 110. 1 1 Cor. 15. 25 26. Mal. 4. 2 3. Col. 2. 15. CHAP. IX Of Free-will GOD hath indued the Will of man with that naturall liberty that is neither forced nor by any absolute necessity of nature determined to do good or evâ—â— a Mat. 17. 12. Iam. 1. 14. Deut. 30. 19 II. Man in his state of Innocency had freedom and power to will and to do that which was good and well-pleasing to God b Eccles 7 29. Gen. 1 26. but yet mutably so that hee might fall from it c Gen. 2. 16 17. Gen. 3. 6 III. Man by his fall inâ—o a state of sin hath wholly lost all ability of Will to any spirituall good accompanying salvation d Rom. 5. 6 Rom. 8. 7 Iohn 15. 5 so as a naturall man being altogether averse from that good e Rom. 3. â—0 12. and dead in sin f Eph. 2. 1. 5 Col. 2. 13 is not able by his own strength to convert himself or to prepare himself thereunto g Ioh. 6. 44 65. Eph 2 â— 2. 3. 4 5. 1 Cor. 8. 14 Titus 3. 3 4 5. IV. When God converts a sinner and tanslates him into the state of grace he freeth him from his naturall bondage under sin h Col. 1. 13 Ioh. 8. 34 36 and by his grace alone inables him freely to will and to do that which is spiritually good i Phil. 2. 13 Rom. 6. 18 22. yet so as that by reason of his remaining corruption he doth not perfectly nor only will that which is good but doth also will that which is evill k Gal. 5. 17 Rom. 7. 15 19 21 V. The will of man is made perfectly and immutably free to good alone in the
which is And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil d Mat. 6. 13 acknowledging that the most wise righteous and gracious God for divers holy and just ends may so order things that we may be assaulted foiled for a time led captive by temptations e 2 Chr. 32. 31 that Sathan f 1 Chr. 11. 1 the world g Luk. 21. 34 Mar. 4. 19 and the flesh are ready powerfully to draw us aside and insnare us h Iam. 1. 14 and that we even after the pardon of our sinnes by reason of our corruption i Gal. â— 17 weaknesse and want of watchfulnesse k Mat. 26. 41 are not onely subject to be tempted and forward to expose our selves unto temptations l Mat. â—6 66 70 71 72 Gal. 2. 11. to 15 2 Chr. 18. 3 with â— Chr. 19. 2 but also of our selves unable and unwilling to resist them to recover out of them and to improve them m Rom. 7. 23 24. 1 Chr 21 1 2 3 4 2 Chr. 16. 7. 8 9 16 and worthy to be left under the power of them n Ps 81. 11 12 we pray that God would so over-rule the world and all in it o Ioh. 17. 15. subdue the flesh p Psal 51. 10 Psal 119. 13â— and restrain Sathan q 2 Cor. 12 7 8 order all things r 1 Cor. 1â— 12 13 bestow and blesse all meanes of grace Å¿ Heb. 13 20 23 and quicken us to watchfulnesse in the use of them that we and all his people may by his providence be kept from being tempted to sin t Mat. 26. 41. Psal 19. 13 or if tempted that by his spirit we may be powerfully supported and enabled to stand in the hour of temptation u â—ph 3. 14 15 16 17. 1 Thes 3. 13 Iude v. 24 or when fallen raised again and recovered out of it w Psal 51. 12 and have a sanctified use and improvement thereof x 1 Pet. 5. 8 9 10 that our sanctification and salvation may be perfected y 2 Cor. 13 7. 9 Sathan trodden under our feet z Rom. 16. 20 Zech. 3. 2 Luk. 22 31 32 and we fully freed from sin temptation and all evil for ever a Ioh. 17. 15 1 Thes 5. 23 Q. What doth the conclusion of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The conclusion of the Lords Prayer which is For thine is the Kingdom the power and the glory forever Amen b Mat. 6. 13 teacheth us to enforce our Petitions with arguments c Rom. 15. 30 which are to be taken not from any worthinesse in our selves or in any other creature but from God d Dan. 9. 4 7 8 9 16 17 18 19 and with our prayers to joyn praises e Phil. 4. 6 ascribing to God alone eternall soveraignty omnipotency and glorious excellency f Chr. 29. 10 11 12 13 in regard whereof as he is able and willing to help us g Eph. 3. 20 21 Luk. 12. 13 so wee by faith are emboldned to plead with him that hee would h 2 Chr. 20 6. 11 and quietly to rely upon him i Chr. 14. 12 that he will fulfill our requests and to testifie this our desire and assurance we say Amen k 2 Cor. 14 16 Rev. 22. 20 21 COR. BURGES Prolocutor pro tempore HENRY ROBROUGH Scriba ADONIRAM BYFIELD Scriba FINIS THE SHORTER CATECHISM First agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at WESTMINSTER And now approved by the General ASSEMBLY of the Kirk of Scotland to be a part of Uniformity in Religion between the Kirks of Christ in the three Kingdoms QUESTION WHat is the chief end of man A. Mans chief end is to glorifie God a 1 Cor. 10 31. Rom. 11. 36 and to enjoy him for ever b Psal 73 24 to the end 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 Scripture of the Old and New Testament c 2 Tim. 3 16. Eph. 2 20 is the onely rule to direct us how we may glorifie and enjoy him d 1 Ioh. 1 3 4 Q. VVhat do the Scriptures principally teach A. The Scriptures principally teach What man is to beleeve concerning God and what duty God requires of man e 2 Tim. 1 13. 3. 16 Q. VVhat is God A. God is a Spirit f Joh. 4. 24 infinite g Job 11 7 8 9 eternal h Psa 90. 2 and unchangeable i Jam. 1. 17 in his being k Exo 3. 14 wisdom l Psa 147. 5 power m Rev. 4. 8 holiness n Rev. 15. 4 justice goodness and truth o Exod. 34 6 7 Q. Are there more Gods then one A. There is but one onely the living and true God p Deu. 6. 4 Jer. 10. 10 Q. How many Persons are there in the God-head A. There are three Persons in the God-head the Father the Son and the holy Ghost and these three are one God the same in substance equal in power and glory q 1 Joh. 5. 7 Mat. 28. 19 Q. What are the decrees of God A. The Decrees of God are his eternal purpose according to the counsel of his Will whereby for his own glory he hath fore-ordained whatsoever comes to pass r Eph. 1. 4 11. Rom. 9. 22 23 Q. How doth God execute his decrees A. God executeth his Decrees in the Works of Creation and Providence Q. What 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 days and all very good s Gen. 1. Chap Heb. 11. 3 Q. How did God create man A. God created man male and female after his own image in knowledg righteousness and holiness with dominion over the creatures t Gen. 1 26 27 28 Col. 3 10 Eph. 4 24 Q. What are Gods Works of Providence A. Gods Works of Providence are his most holy u Ps 145. 17 wise w Psa 104 24. Isa 28 29 and powerful preserving x Heb. 1. 3 and governing all his creatures and all their actions y Ps 103. 19 Mar. 10. 29 30 31 Q. What special act of providence did God exercise toward man in the estate wherein be 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 knowledg of good and evil upon pain of death z Gal. 3. 12 Gen. 2. 17 Q. Did our first Parents continue in the estate 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 7 8 13 Eccl. 7 29 Q. What is sin A. Sin is any want of conformity unto
an act of Gods free grace g 1 Io. 3. 1 whereby we are received into the number and have a right to all the priviledges of the Sons of God h Ioh. 1. 12 Rom. 8. 17 Q. VVhat is Sanctification A. Sanctification is the work of Gods free grace i 2 Thes 2 13 whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God k Eph. 4. 23 24 and are inabled more and more to dye unto sin and live unto righteousness l Rom 6 4 Q. VVhat 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 Gods love peace of Conscience m Rom. 5 1 2 5 joy in the holy Ghost n Rom. 14 17 increase of grace o Pro 4 18 and perseverance therein to the end p 1 Io. 5. 13 1 Pet. 1. 5 Q. VVhat benefiâ—s do Beleevers receive from Christ at death A. The souls of Beleevers are at their death made perfect in holiness q Heb. 12 23 do immediately pass into glory r 2 Cor. 5 1 6 8 Phil. 1. 23 Luk. 23. 43 and their bodies being still united to Christ s 1 Thes 4 14 do rest in their graves t Isa 57. 2 till the Resurrection u Iob 19. 26 27 Q. VVhat benefits do Beleevers receive from Christ at the Resurrection A. At the Resurrection Beleevers being raised up in glory w i Cor 15 43 shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of Judgment x Mat. 25 23. 10. 32 and made perfectly blessed in full injoying of God y 1 Joh. 3. 2 1 Cor. 13. 2 to all eternity z 1 Thes 4 17 18 Q VVhat is the duty which God requireth of man A. The Duty which God requireth of man is obedience to his revealed will a Mic. 6. 8 1 Sam. 15 22 Q. What did God at first reveal to man for the rule of his Obedience A. The rule which God at first revealed to man for his Obedience was the Moral Law b Rom. 2 14 15. and 10. 5 Q Where is the Moral Law summarily comprehended A. The Moral Law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments c Deu. 10. 4 Q. What is the sum of the Ten Commandments A. The sum of the Ten Commandments is to love the Lord our God with all our heart with all our soul with all our strength and with all our mind and our Neighbor as our selves d Mat. 22 37 38 39 40 Q. VVhat is the Preface to the Ten Commandments A. The Preface to the Ten Commandments is in these words I am the Lord thy God which have brought thee out of the Land of Egypt out of the house of bondage e Exod. 20 Q What doth the Preface to the Ten Commandments teaâ—h us A The Preface to the Ten Commandments teacheth us that because God is the Lord and our God and Redeemer therefore we are bound to keep all his Commandments f Luk. 1 74 75. 1 Pet. 1 15 16 17 18 19 Q. Which is the first Commandment A. The first Commandment is Thou shalt hâ—ve no other Gods before me g Exod. 20 3 Q. VVhat is required in the first Commandment A. The first Commandment requireth us to know and acknowledg God to be the only true God and our God h 1 Chro. 28. 9. Deut 26. 17 and to worship and glorifie him accordingly i Mat 4 10 Psa 29. 2 Q. What is forbidden in the first Commandment A The first Commandment forbiddeth the denying k Psa 14. 1 or not worshiping and glorifying the true God as God l Ro. 1 21 and our God m Psa 81 10 11 and the giving that worship and glory to any other which is due to him alone n Rom. 1. 25 26 Q. What are we specially taught by these words Before me in the first Commandment A These words Before me in the first Commandment teach us that God who seeth all things taketh notice of and is much displeased with the sin of having any other God o Ezek. 8. 5 to the end Q. Which is the second Commandment A. The second Commandment is Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth thou shalt not bow down thy self to them nor serve them for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the Fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my Commandments p Exod. 20 4 5 6 Q. What is required in the second Commandment A. The second Commandment requireth the receiving observing and keeping pure and intire all such religious Worship and Ordinances as God hath appointed in his Word q Deut 32 46. Mat. 28. 20 Act. 2. 42. Q. What is forbidden in the second Commandment A. The second Commandment forbiddeth the worshiping of God by Images r Deut. 4. 15 16 17 18 19 Exod. 32. 5 8 or any other way not appointed in his Word Å¿ Deut. 12 31 32 Q. What are the Reasons annexed to the second Commandment A. The Reasons annexed to the second Commandment are Gods Soveraignty over us t Psa 95. 2 3 6 his propriety in us u Ps 45. 11 and the zeal he hath to his own Worship w Exod 34 13 14 Q. Which is the third Commandment A. The third Commandment is Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain x Ex. 20. 7 Q. What is required in the third Commandment A. The third Commandment requireth the holy and reverent use of Gods Names y Mat. 6. 9 Deu. 28. 58 Titles z Ps 68. 4 Attributes a Rev. 15 3 4 Ordinances b Mal. 1 11 14 Words c Psa 138 1 2 and Works d Iob 36 24 Q What is forbidden in the third Commandment A. The third Commandment forbideth all profaning or abusing of any thing whereby God makes himself known c Mal. 1. 6 â— 12. 2 â— 3. 14 Q. What is the Reason annexed to the third Commandment A. The Reason annexed to the third Commandment is that however the breakers of this Commandment may escape punishment from men yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment f 1 Sam. 2 12 17 22 29. 1 Sam 3. 13. Deut 28. 58 59 Q. Which is the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment is Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy Six days shall thou labour and do all thy work
but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter thy Man-servant nor thy Maid servant nor thy cattel nor the stranger that is within thy gates For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it g Exod 20 8 9 10 11 Q. VVhat is required in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment requireth the keeping holy to God such set time as he hath appointed in his Word expresly one whole day in seven to be a holy Sabbath to himself h Deut. 15 12 13 14 Q. Which day of the seven hath GOD appointed to be the weekly Sabbath A. From the beginning of the World to the Resurrection of Christ God appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly Sabbath and the first day of the week ever since to continue to the end of the world which is the Christian Sabbath i Gen. 2. 2 3. 1 Cor. 16. 1 2 Acts 20. 7 Q. How is the Sabbath to be sanctified A. The Sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day k Exod. 20 8 10 even from such worldly imployments and recreations as are lawful on other days l Exod. 16 25 26 27 26 Neh. 13. 5 16 17 18 19 21 22. and spending the whole time in the publâ—ke and private exercises of Gods worship m Luk. 4 16 Acts 20 7 Ps 92. title Isa 66. 23 except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity mercy n Mat. 12. 1 to 13 Q What is forbidden in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment forbiddeth the omission or careless performance of the duties required o Ezek. 22 25 Amos 8. 5 Mal. 1. 13 and the prophaning the day by idleness p Acts 20 7 9. or doing that which is in it self sinful q Ezek. 23 38 or by unnecessary thoughts words or works about worldly imployments or recreations r Jer. 17. 24 25 26 Isai 58 13 Q. What are the Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment A. The Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment are Gods allowing us six days of the week for our own imployments Å¿ Exo. 20 9 his challenging a special propriety in the seventh his own example and his blessing the Sabbath day t Exod. 20 11 Q. Which is the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment is Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee u Exod. 20 12 Q. VVhat is required in the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment requireth the preserving the honour and performing the duties belonging to every one in their several places relations as Superiors w Eph. 5. 21 Inferiors x Pet. 2 17 or Equals y Ro. 12. 10 Q. VVhat is forbidden in the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of or doing any thing against the honor and duty which belongeth to every one in their several places and relations z Mat. 5 15 4 5 6. Ezek. 34 2 3 4 Rom. 13 8 Q. What is the Reason annexed to the fifth Commandment A. The Reason annexed to the fifth Commandment is a promise of long life and prosperity as far as it shal serve for Gods glory and their own good to all such as keep this Commandment a Deu. 5 16 Eph 6 2 3 Q. Which is the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment is Thou shall not kill b Exod. 20 13 Q. What is required in the 6 Comandment A. The sixth Commandment requireth all lawful endeavors to preseâ—ve our own life c Eph 5 28 29 and the life of others d 1 Kings 18 4 Q. What is forbidden in the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment forbiddeth the tâ—kâ—ng away of our own life or the life of our neighbor unjustly and whatsoever tendeth thereunto e Acts 16 28 Gen 9 6. Q. Which is the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment is Thou shalt not commit adultery f Exod. 20 14 Q. What is required in the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment reqâ—ireth the preservation of our own and our neighbors chastity in heart speech and behaviour g 1 Cor. 7 2 3. 5 34 36 Col 4 6. 1 Pet. 3 2 Q. What is forbidden in the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment forbiddeth all unchast thoughts words and actions h Mat. 15 19 5 28 Eph. 5 3 4 Q. Which is the eighth Commandement A. The eighth Commandement is Thou shalt not steal i Exod. 20 15 Q. What is required in the eight Commandement A. The eighth Commandement requireth the lawfull procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of our selves and others k Gen. 30 30. 1 Tim. 5 8 Q What is forbidden in the eighth Commandment A. The eighth Commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth or may unjustly hinder our own or our neighbors wealth or outward estate l Lev. 25 35. Deut. 22 1 2 3 4 5. Exod. 2 3 4 5 Gen. 47 14 20 Pro 21 17 23 20 21. 28. 19. Ephe. 4. 28 Q. Which is the ninth Commandment A. The ninth Commandment is Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor m Exo 20 16 Q. What is required in the ninth Commandment A. The ninth Commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man n Zach. 8 16 and of our own and our neighbors good name o 3 John v. 12 especially in witness bearing p Prov. 14 5 25 Q. What is forbidden in the ninth Commandment A. The ninth Commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to truth or injurious to our own or our neighbors good name q 1 Sam 17 28 Lev. 19 16 Psal 15 3 Q. Which is the tenth Commandment A. The tenth Commandment is Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors house thou shalt not covet thy neighbors wife nor his man-servant nor his maid-servant nor his Ox nor his Asse nor any thing that is thy neighbors r Exod. 20 17 Q. What is required in the tenth Commandment A. The tenth Commandment requireth full contentment with our own condition s Heb. 13. 5 1 Tim. 6. 6 with a right and charitable frame of spirit toward our neighbor and all that is his t Job 31. 29. Rom. 12. 15. 1 Tim. 1 5. 1 Cor. 13 4 5 6 7. Q What is forbidden in the tenth Commandment A. The tenth Commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate u 1 Kin. 21 4. Esther 5. 13. 1 Cor. 10. 10. envying or grieving at the good of our neighbor w Gal. 5 26. Jam. 3. 14. 16. and all inordinate motions and affections to any thing that is his x Rom. 7. 7 8.