Chastity in Heart Speech and Behaviour but have sinned by unchaste Thoughts or Speeches or Actions We have not studied to procure and further the Wealth and outward Estate of our selves and Neighbour but have often hindred both We have not laboured to maintain and promote Truth between Man and Man and of our own or our Neighbour's good Name but have either by Imprudence Inconsiderateness Want of Zeal Credulity or some corrupt Affection spoken or entertained what is prejudicial to Truth and injurious to our own and our Neighbour's good Name O Lord we have not been sully contented with our own Condition nor have always had a right and charitable frame of Spirit towards our Neighbour and all that is his but have been subject to Discontentment to envy or grieve at the Good of our Neighbour and to many inordinate Motions and Affections For these our manifold Iniquities Transgressions and Sins yea for the least of them we deserve thy Wrath and Curse both in this Life and that which is to come but for Jesus Christ's sake have Mercy upon us O Lord thou hast been pleased out of thy meer good Pleasure to decree to bring thine Elect out of the State of Sin and Misery by the Lord Jesus Christ the only Redeemer He was graciously pleased to humble himself to the Death of the Cross to satisfie thy divine Justice to reconcile us to thee and now he ever liveth making Intercession for poor Sinners Supplication or offering up our Requests in the Name of Christ O thou the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of Mercies and the God of all Grace for the sake of thine Eternal and Beloved Son have Mercy upon us and apply to us by thy Holy Spirit the Redemption purchased by Christ by working Faith in us and thereby uniting us to him For Effectual Calling We humbly pray thee convince us of our Sin and Misery enlighten our Minds in the Knowledge of Christ renew our Wills and perswade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ freely offered to us in the Gospel For Justification Oh that thou wouldst justifie us freely by thy Grace and pardon all our Sins and accept of us as righteous in thy sight only for the Righteousness of Jesus Christ imputed to us For Adoption Oh that thou wouldest receive us who are by Nature Children of Wrath into the number of and give us a right to all the Privileges of the Sons of God. For Sanctification Gracious Father by the mighty working of the Spirit of Sanctification renew us in our whole Man after thine own Image and enable us more and more to die to Sin and to live unto Righteousness For the Benefits which accompany or flow from Justification c. And being justified sanctified and adopted we beseech thee vouchsafe us Assurance of thy Love Peace of Conscience Joy in the Holy Ghost Increase of Grace and Perseverance therein unto the End. And when we come to our End we humbly pray thee at our Death to make us perfect in Holiness to bring us immediately unto Glory and let our Bodies being still united to Christ rest in their Graves till the Resurrection At the Refurrection we pray thee to raise us up in Glory openly to acknowledge us and acquit us in the Day of Judgment and to make us perfectly blessed in the full Enjoyment of thee our God to all Eternity For Grace and a Biessing upon the Means of Grace And Gracious and blessed Lord since thou hast appointed Ways and Means by which we may attain these Blessings we humbly intreat thee to work in us Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and Repentance unto Life and to make us diligent in the use of all outward Means whereby Jesus Christ doth communicate to us the Penefits of our Redemption We beseech thee by thy Holy Spirit to make the Reading and Preaching of thy Word an effectual Means of convincing and converting Sinners and building up us and others in Holiness and Comfort through Faith unto Salvation We pray thee teach us to attend to thy Word with Diligence and Preparation and to receive it with Faith and Love to lay it up in our Hearts and practise it in our Lives Continue to thy Church thy holy Institutions and Sacraments Bless the one to be a Sign and Seal of our Engrafting into Christ and partaking of the Benefits of the Covenant of Grace and to engage us to be the Lord's Bless the other also that by Faith the worthy Receivers of it may be Partakers of the Body and Blood of Christ with all his Benefits to our spiritual Nourishment and Growth in Grace For all Men and for outward Mercies O Lord thou hast commanded us to pray for all Men We beseech thee to grant unto the King and all our Superiors the Spirit of Wisdom and Grace to perform the Duties of their several places Help them so to rule that our Lives Chastity Wealth and outward Estate that our good Names and Truth between Man and Man may be secured maintained and promoted that under them we may lead peaceable and quiet Lives in all Godliness and Honesty Grant that in all our Conversation among Men we may behave our selves humbly reverently and obediently towards our Superiors and may live in Peace neither doing Violence to the Life of our Neighbour nor suffering from them That we may live soberly chastely honestly not hindring but furthering the good Estate of each other promoting of Truth and the good Name and Repute without slandering or reproaching not witnessing falsly against one another learning to be contented with our own Condition without Envy or Grief at each other's Good and suppressing all inordinate Motions and Affections contrary thereunto Against our bodily and spiritual Enemies O thou who hast all Power both in Heaven and in Earth be graciously pleased to exercise thy Soveraign Kingly Office in subduing us wholly to thy self in ruling and defending us in restraining and conquering all thine and our Enemies both within us and without us Sin Satan and the World and make us more than Conquerors over all even our last Enemy Death For the Calling and Conversion of the Elect c. Gracious Lord who of thy meer good Pleasure didst elect some of the Posterity of fallen Man and enteredst into a Covenant of Grace to bring them out of the State of Sin and Misery and to bring them into an Estate of Salvation by Jesus Christ be pleased according to the Riches of thy Grace to make known the Lord Jesus Christ the only Redeemer in all his Offices to the World. Reveal by thy Word and Spirit thy Will for the Salvation of poor Sinners and cause thy Word to be preached read and heard that it may be effectual to convince and convert Sinners and to build them up in Holiness and Comfort through Faith unto Salvation Before you go to the Word O Lord who hast Compassion on the
Trial of New Obedience section 1 For your better undertaking of it be pleased to observe what it is and why it is called New. New Obedience is an hearty sincere Respect or Aim at God's Glory in keeping all his Commandments or having a Respect to all God's Commandments and walking before God in Righteousness and Holiness all the Days of our Life being redeemed from the Hand of our Enemy It is called New Obedience in opposition to the Service of Sin or obeying the Law in our Members For we being Sinners by Nature and corrupted with Original Sin are inclined and given to serve Sin and to live after the Flesh Rom. 6.11,12,13,16,17,18,19,20 But when we are united to Christ in our Effectual Calling and have Repentance towards God and Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ then we become dead to Sin and free from the Dominion of it we are married unto Christ in Covenant that we may abound in Fruits of Righteousness which are by Jesus Christ to the Praise and Glory of God Philip. 1.11 Rom. 7.4 We are bound to do whatsoever he commandeth us Matth. 28.20 section 2 Now three things must be enquired after 1. The Subject and Principle or Root of this New Obedience 2. The Rule of it 3. The End and Design of it 1. Whence is it that you perform Service or Obedience unto God Do you serve him from Faith Love and unfeigned Repentance towards God Are you effectually called Remember what that is Are you united to Christ by Faith See what that is Are you turned from all Sin from your bosom darling costly Sin to God to obey his Law Try your Repentance Have you a new Heart Have you the Image of God renewed upon you Are you sanctified by the Spirit Look to Ans 35. For New Obedience proceeds from the Heart renewed and sanctified section 3 2. Try your Obedience by the Rule of it that is the whole Word and Will of God Psal 119.105 Thy word is a lamp to my feet c. V. 6. When I have respect to all thy Commandments at all times always even to the End Psal 119.112 Phil. 2.12 He that is such an one doth not live in any known Sin nor neglect any known Duty He makes Conscience of Duty to God and Man Act. 24.16 section 4 3. Try and examine the End of your Obedience what you aim at and design New Obedience proceeds from a Principle of Renewing Grace is regulated by the Word of God and directed to his Glory And so what you learn first in your Catechism is the End of your Conversation and Obedience See Col. 1.10 Phil. 1.11 1 Pet. 2.9 chap. 4.11 section 5 The second Duty is Preparation for the Lord's Supper Having examined your Hearts if you find these Graces in you then the Work of Preparation is to stir up the Grace of God given you in putting your Souls in a readiness to receive Jesus Christ as offered to you with all the Benefits of the New Covenant by adding to your Self-Examination humble Consession of Sin earnest Supplication for Forgiveness of Sin and Grace If you find a Want or Weakness of Grace then sharpen your Desires after it and pray for it and add your Thanksgiving for the Means of Grace and for Grace received Thus much for the Duties before the Sacrament CHAP. IV. Duties at and after the Communion together with Motives and Perswasions to perform the whole Duty in a due manner section 1 WHile you attend upon God at his Table shake off all Drowsiness and Vanity of Mind Consider at whose Table you are to eat and drink and what the Feast is Therefore draw near with an holy Reverence with a clear Knowledge and lively Faith. Attend to what is done before you the outward Signs and what is done according to the Institution of Christ Observe the breaking of the Bread the pouring out the Wine and the giving of both to you Know that you are to remember Jesus Christ to discern his Body and to shew his Death Thirst and hunger for him Receive him by Faith and the Benefits of the New Covenant Look unto Christ crucisied with a broken Heart sorrowing for Sin. Meditate on the Love of God in his Son Jesus on the Sufferings of Christ on the Satisfaction given Redemption and Victory obtained for thee Cast thy self upon him trust to him give thy self to him delight in his Love apply him for what thou dost most stand in need of renew thy Covenant and thy Engagement to be the Lord's and excite thy Love to all Saints and be thankful section 2 After the Sacrament reflect upon your selves re-view your Carriage 1. Consider Have you discerned the Lord's Body made an affectionate Remembrance of him Have you received him by Faith Are you nourished by him 2. If you find Quickning and Comfort then bless God for it beg a Continuance of it watch against Relapses fulfil your Vows encourage yourselves to a frequent Attendance on that Ordinance But 3dly If you find not present Benefits by it then you must more exactly review your Preparation and Carriage at the Sacrament in both which if you can approve your selves to God and your own Conscience then wait for the Fruit in due time But if you find that you have failed in either Preparation or Carriage you must be humbled and attend upon it afterwards with more Care and Diligence section 3 Having directed you and brought some Assistance towards the holy and comfortable receiving the Communion of the Body and Blood of the Lord I might expect that you will say you have now what you much desired and only wanted For so great should be the Forwardness and Zeal of every one who bears the Christian Name to obey every Command of Christ and particularly to address themselves to this holy Ordinance wherein the Love of Christ is set forth in his most precious Blood that they should not need Motives to spur them on But Alas how commonly do we see Men and Women excommunicate themselves and Non-Communicants crowding out at the Church-doors leaving but a little Flock behind to feed upon his Body and Blood who laid down his Life for the Sheep Truly to see many depart who have been earnestly invited to this Feast of Love hath brought to my Mind the Separation that will be in the last Day between the Sheep and the Goats Wo wo to them when Christ shall bid them depart from him who for Love of Ease Ignorance and wilful Impenitence go away from him represented at his Table I shall draw out a few Arguments to perswade poor Souls to a conscientious well-prepared Address to the Table of the Lord out of the same Store house your very Catechism section 4 Advantage or Dis-advantage are the prevailing Motives to perswade or disswade Now if you shall find the Advantages very great of right and worthy Receiving and the Loss and Sin great of Neglecting or unworthy Receiving then I hope you will be won
Catechism made Practical THE CHRISTIAN INSTRUCTED I. In the Principles of Christian Religion positively in the shorter CATECHISM II. In what he is to refuse and what to hold fast in the greatest Points of Controversie And how to confute Errors and defend the Truth III. In the Practice of several Duties VIZ. 1. The Practical Improvement of the Holy Trinity 2. Baptism 3. Prayer And 4. Preparation for the Lord's Supper Joh. 12.35 Walk while ye have the Light lest Darkness come upon you LONDON Printed for Jonathan Robinson at the Golden Lion in St. Paul's Church Yard 1688. The AUTHOR'S PREFACE TO Ministers Governors of Families and People under their Charge ESPECIALLY To his much honoured Friends and next Relations THere are three things most worthy our Ministerial Work and Endeavours and most desirable to be found in the Flocks committed to our Charge and Oversight 1. The saving Knowledge of the Truth 2. A Judgment to discern between Truths and Errors especially such as concern Faith and Holiness the Principles of the Oracles of God and the things which accompany Salvation 3. A gracious lively Spirit sincerely devoted to God in Christ and strongly inclined to holy Exercises and practice of Religious Duties Or if you will take all in three short Sentences 1. Conviction of Judgment of Saving Truth and damning Errors 2. Sound Conversion to God. 3. A Conversation according to the Will of God revealed in the Gospel The Church is called God's Husbandry and God's Building 1 Cor. 3.9 and Ministers are highly dignified when called Workers together with God 2 Cor. 6.1 and Labourers together with God 1 Cor. 3.9 The Field is God's the Seed is his the Husbandry is his and the Increase is given by him We are Labourers together with him enabled by him and working by his power and influence under him and for him All our Sufficiency is of God 2 Cor. 3.5 without him we are nothing and can do nothing Who then is Paul and who is Apollos but Ministers by whom ye believed as the Lord gave to every man. I have planted Apollos watered but God gave the increase So then neither is he that planteth any thing nor he that watereth but God that giveth the increase 1 Cor. 3.5,6,7 As we are Husband-men we must sow and plant but that is not all we must also mound and fence our Fields and Plantations As we are Builders we must lay the Foundation carry on the Building by Edification in Faith 1 Tim. 1.4 and secure the Building that it fall not like an House built upon the Sand. This Husbandry is elsewhere called a Garden and this Building called an House How graciously doth the Most High condescend to delight himself in and to be entertained by his Church as by a Royal Spouse with his own Graces and Gifts the Fruits of his Holy Spirit when they are in Act put forth and exercised as in a Garden of Spices and Orchard of Pomegranates or at a Table prepared for him Cant. 4.14,15,16 chap. 5.1 and 1.12 What a blessed Life may we lead by walking with God appearing before him calling upon him praising him and hearing him speak There is ordinary not mean but rich and plentiful and extraordinary Entertainment for hungry feeding Believers in the Ordinances of the Gospel In the Gospel there is a Feast prepared and that a Wedding-Feast a Wedding-Feast of a King's Son his only Son the Prince of Life but they who sit at it must have a Wedding-Garment the Ornament of Grace Faith Repentance and Love a Suitableness of heart and Preparation Matth 22. 2. Towards this most desirable End there are three things to be found in this little Book 1. Here are the Foundations of Faith and Godliness laid a View of the Principles of Christian Religion according to the Word of God out of which they are gathered and by which they are proved and agreeing with the appproved Doctrine of the Reformed Churches 2. Here are the most important Doctrines briefly touched in these Principles cleared proved desended and rescued out of the hands of them who have handled the Word of God deceitfully and have led many into the Errors of the Wicked that the studious Christian may know what he ought to contend for and to continue in and how to maintain his Ground 3. Here are Directions for Practice of several great Duties of all baptized Christians 1. How to improve the Doctrine of the most holy Trinity the Mystery of the Father Son and Holy Ghost and his Baptism or Entrance into Covenant with God. 2. Direction for Prayer with a Prayer taken out of the Catechism for the most part 3. Direction for the Communion in the Lord's Supper 3. Of these three Parts be pleased to take this following Account 1. Some time since a little Book was printed called Principles made practical directing the poorer and weaker sort of Christians who had learnt the shorter Catechism and could not buy nor spare time to read other profitable Books to make use of their Catechism to furnish them with matter for Prayer and Preparation for the Lord's Table As mean and defective as it was it was attended with a Blessing to many that embraced it as an help to them and therein I rejoice That Impression being sold off and worn out in the hands of many long ago another Edition of it hath been much desired and called for from many places I have re-viewed it corrected the Faults in the Sence of it and begged of God to open a passage for it and seeing it was blessed before in a plain homely dress I have not at all trimmed or adorned it To those two Duties I have now added another Chapter of the practical use of the Doctrine of the glorious eternal Trinity and improvement of Baptism upon these Considerations 1. The Doctrine of the Trinity hath been and is looked upon as a meer Speculation under a Veil of Mysteriousness as if it were as dangerous to look into it as it was into the Ark Whereas though it be an high and glorious Mystery to be adored and with profoundest Reverence and Humility to be studied and taught yet it is revealed by God himself as the Object of our Faith and Worship See Calvin 's Instit l. 1. c. 13. Sect. 28 21. Perfecta scientia est sic Deum scire ut licet non ignorabilem tamen inenâ—…rabilem sciâ—… Hilar. De P. â—it Unitate So God reveals himself in the Creation of the World in the Creation of Man and in the Covenant of Grace When we are admitted into Covenant and made visibly free of the City of God we are devoted to God the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost This Doctrine is a Fundamental of our Christian Faith and therefore to be explained to the People of God in Covenant with him as far as it is revealed in his Word and that is enough for our present State. 2. The very Titles and Appellations of the Persons in
the Persons There is but one Person and that is the Father They own the Son and Holy Gost but then make the Father and the Son not to be of the same Nature and Essence and deny the Holy Ghost to be God or a Person in the Godhead And so they make us who are created by one that is God to be but redeemed and saved by one that is not God and made new Creatures and sanctified by one who is not God save by Title They take away the glorious Crown of Essential Godhead from the Head of God my Saviour and lay that Honour in the Dust of Manhood though they acknowledge him more than a meer Man a Divine Man and only a Subordinate to God a meer Instrument a second Cause of Salvation an Helper but not a perfect Saviour a great Prophet an improper Priest and a little King. I am sure according to their Doctrine I must look for another Christ for such an one as they describe cannot do for my Salvation what my State requires But blessed be God the Father the Son and Holy Ghost for making himself known to me in the Glass of holy Scripture and in Honour Love and Thankfulness I have where ever Occasion is offered vindicated the Glory of God my Saviour and of God my Sanctifier And for their Subtilty in managing their Cause I verily think they have lost it by one Concession of theirs which you may see in the second and third Commandment where I have spoken but briefly yet I hope not obscurely I have mainly set my little Strength against them principally but I hope God's Power will be seen in my Weakness 2. As the reverend and judicious Josias Simder observes that out of the School of that impure Servetus went forth those egregious Disciples Gonaesius Gribuldus Blandrata Gentilis Paul Alciatus Gregorius Paulus Casanovius Menno and numerous Troops of Anabaptists who all differed in some things from one another Tractat de Aeterno Dei Filio so most of our differing Sects are corrupted with some Points or other of Socinianism and not only among them is this Infection spread but others also In the Asphaltes of Socinianism all flow together Gebal and Amon and Amalek Anabaptists Remonstrants Separatists and Quodlibetists said Dr. Prideaux Lect 19. De Satisfactione Christi The Convocation in the Year 1640. took notice of its Growth and took care to smother it And since all manner of Teachers took liberty to set out their Light they who are conversant in their Opinions know how strongly they savour of it And I desire them for whose Benefit in part I direct these Discourses to take warningâ— from Dr. Owen who hath taken great and learned pains against them in his Vindiciae Evangelicae and Comment on the Hebrews c against Socinianism who speaks of a choice Society of Christians who were divided and in no small part infected by some of their Arts Preface before his Confutation of Biddle 's Catechism And by the way take notice that the most abominable pernicious Errors may be imposed upon injudicious undiscerning People by a copious Rehearsal of Scripture as is to be seen in that Catechism of Mr. Biddle which he calls A Scripture Catechisin Such need is there of able Ministers well studied to sland upon the Watch-Towers and such need is there of Humility in People to know their Teachers And one Socinian Doctrine is of dargerous tendency to corrupt the Minds of Men who are for Liberty of Prophesying of gifted Men that they hold there is no necessity of a Calling Mission or Ordination of Ministers Capit. 2. de Eccles Christi They can furnish them who are disposed to cavelling with Cavels and Objections enough suited to proud corrupt Nature and many Opinions grown too common And Men that are devoted to Reason but never felt the two-edged Sward of Conviction of Sin and Wrath and of their need of a Saviour enter into their Souls are apt to venerate them as the Oracles of Reason What I have done or can do is but little yet I trust Truth will be seen in its own Light and found to stand upon its own strong Foundation I was confined to Brevity and it is not easie to me who am used to expatiate to make things plain to every Capacity to be clear short and strong Had I fore-seen there had been so many Half-lines as I see there is I would have filled up my Sense in some places but now that cannot be Such as it is I do most humbly dedicate it to my God and Master in Heaven and for your Service my much and most honoured Brethren Friends and dearest Relations Accept of this as a Present a profitable Return for many Favours and Blessings received from you I beseech you continue your Care and Pains in instructing your Families Build up your selves and them in your holy Faith and as you were educated your selves go on to train up yours And the Grace of our Lord Jesus be with your Spirits To others I deliver with mine own hands the best Legacy I have to leave them charging you all and every one by that Covenant between God the Father Son and Holy Ghost and you that you do in your whole Lives live to God by Faith Renew Repentance and let the Love of God constrain you c. 2 Cor. 5.14 As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord walk in him Col. 2.6 And renounce whom and what you have renounced In every Condition live by Faith and in every thing by Prayer and Supplication make your Requests known to God. Phil. 4.5 In every State learn to be contented Phil. 4.11 In every thing give thanks 1 Thes 5.18 and always for all things unto God and the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ Ephes 5.20 Study believe and live according to these things Hold fast the form of sound words which you have heard of me c. 2 Tim. 1.13 I do not leave you Wood Hay Stubble but Gold Silver and precious Stones 1 Cor. 3.12 Therefore highly value them as Talents and a Treasure and know that I do rejoice more in leaving you these precious Legacies of the New Testament than if I had Thousands of Gold and Silver to leave you And let all that shall receive any Benefit by these Endeavours for Good to your immortal Souls bless the Lord for ever Brief Directions 1. You that teach others teach them their Baptismal Vow 2. Next inform them what they are by Nature and what they may and must be by Grace Acquaint them with Christ 3. After they can say the Creed the Lord's Prayer and the Ten Commandments enter them into the Catechism and lead them as they are able 4. Make Application to their Hearts of what they learn. 5. When they have learnt the Catechism go on to the Proofs 6. When they grow in Judgment often repeat and study well the several Sections of the second Part as you go over those Points
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 Ephes 4.24 And that ye put on that new Man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness Creatures 13. Q. What are God's Works of Providence A. God's Works of Providence are his most (x) Psal 145.17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways and holy in all his works holy (y) 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 wise and powerful (z) 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 preserving and governing all his Creatures and all their (a) 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 than many sparrows Actions 14. God's Providence is either general towards all his Creatures or special towards Mankind in the state of Creation before the Fall and in the state of Corruption since the Fall. 15. Q. What special Act of Providence did God exercise towards Man in the state 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 (b) 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 eat of it for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die Death 16. 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 (c) 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 only have I found that God hath made man upright but they have sought out many inventions God. 17. Q. What is Sin A. Sin is any want of Conformity unto or Transgression of the Law of (d) 1 Joh. 3.4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law for sin is the transgression of the law God. Any defect in keeping strictly and perfectly to the Law or any thing cross or contrary to the Law is Sin. 18. 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 that holy and happy Estate wherein they were created was their eating the forbidden (e) Gen. 3.12 The woman which thou gavest to be with me she gave me of the tree and I did eat Fruit. 19. All Mankind sinned and fell in Adam 's first Transgression For 20. Q. Did all Mankind fall in Adam 's first Transgression A. The Covenant being made with Adam not only for himself but for his Posterity all Mankind descending from him by ordinary Generation sinned in him and fell with him in his first (f) Gen. 2 16. And the Lord God commanded the man saying Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat V. 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 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 V. 18. Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life V. 19. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous 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 Transgression 21. Q. Into what Estate did the Fall bring Mankind A. The Fall of our first Parents brought Mankind into an Estate of (g) Rom. 5.12 see above Chap. 3.23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Sin and Misery 22. 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 Adam's first Sin the want of Original Righteousness and the corruption of his whole Nature which is commonly called Original Sin together with all actual Transgressions which proceed from (h) Rom. 5.10 to 20. Ephes 2.1 And you he hath quickned who were dead in trespasses and sins V. 2. 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 V. 3. 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 children of wrath even as others Jam. 1.14 But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own
his ass or any thing that is thy neighbour's his 17. Q. Is any man able perfectly to keep the Commandments of God A. No meer Man since the Fall is able in this Life perfectly to keep the Commandments of (d) Eccles 7.20 For there is not a just man on earth that doeth good and sinneth not 1 Joh. 1.8 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 lyer and his word is not in us Gal. 5.17 For the fiesh 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 God but doth break them in Thought Word and (e) 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 Gon. 8.21 And the Lord smelled a sweet savour and the Lord said in his heart I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth neither will I again smite any more every thing living as I have done Rom. 3.9 What then are we better than they No in no wise for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles that they are all under sin and so on to V. 21. Jam. 3.2 For in many things we offend all If any man offend not in word the same is a persect man and able also to bridle the whole body and so on to V. 13. Deed. 18. Q. Are all transgressions of the Law equally heinous A. Some sins in themselves and by reason of several Aggravations are more heinous in the sight of God than (f) 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 see this O son of man Turn thee yet again and thou shalt see greater abominations than 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 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 wondrous works V. 56. Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God and kept not his testimonies others 19. What doth every sin deserve A. But whatever the Sin is great or small every Sin deserveth God's Wrath and Curse both in this Life and that which is to (g) Ephes 5.6 Let no man deceive you with 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 written 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 Matth. 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 come PART III. What Duties God requires of sinful Man in the Law of Grace or Gospel for the escaping of God's deserved Wrath and Curse 1. GOD hath not left sinful man to perish in the state of Sin and Misery into which he is fallen but the first Covenant of Life or Works being broken by the first Adam God hath made a second Covenant of Grace to bring sinners to Eternal Salvation by Jesus Christ the Redeemer according to certain Terms and Conditions which God doth require of all and doth work in all that are saved There are several Duties and Conditions which God requires of sinful Man to escape the Wrath and Curse of God due to us for Sin. We call them Conditions because God requireth them from us 2. What doth God require of us that we may escape his Wrath and Curse due to us for sin A. To escape the the Wrath and Curse of God due to us for Sin God requireth of us Faith in Jesus Christ Repentance unto (a) Acts 20.21 Testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks repentance towards God and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ Life with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the Benefits of (b) Prov. 2.1 My son if thou wilt receive my words and hide my commandments with thee c. V. 5. Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. Chap. 8 33. Hear instruction and be wise and refuse it not V. 34. Blessed is the man that heareth me waiting daily at my gates waiting at the posts of my doors V. 35. But whoso findeth me findeth life and shall obtain favour of the Lord. Isa 55.3 Incline your ear and come unto me hear and your soul shall live and I will make an everlasting covenant with you even the sure mercies of David Redemption 3. Q. What is Faith in Jesus Christ 1. A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a (c) 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 Saving Grace whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for Salvation as he is offered to us in the (d) 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 beheved 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 Gospel 4. Q. What is Repentance unto Life 2. A. Repentance unto Life is a (e) Acts 11.18 When they heard these things they held their peace and glorified God saying Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted
in the practice of several duties CHAP. I. Of the practical use of the Doctrine of the Trinity and improvement of Baptism 1. IT is matter of sad consideration to see the ignorance infidelity formality and loosness of Baptized Christians who live liker unbaptized Heathens than Christians Some of the causes of this ungodliness are 1. Some make no more account of Baptism than of a Ceremony and others ascribe too great a virtue to the very act or work of Baptizing And generally there is much curiosity and expence in preparing for entertainments where there is little sense of what is to be done in the holy solemnity of Baptism by prayer humiliation and faith 2. The neglect or negligent cold imperfect way of early and holy education of Baptized Infants 3. The not improving of our Baptism when we are grown up for graces assistances privileges comforts and engagements to God as if the Laver of Regeneration were a Fountain dried up or no more to be used than while we are first washed 2. I have said before that the doctrine of the Trinity is a fundamental practical doctrine to be explained to all and known of all because we are all Baptized in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost I am limited to a very short discourse and therefore must say as much in little as I can in the following points In the form of Baptism Mat. 28.19 we have two things 1. A commission to teach and Baptize 2. A direction with commandment to Baptize in the Name or into the Name of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Here observe 1. The Author or the Lord who gave this Commission and Command the Lord Jesus ver 18.2 The parties 1. The Minister employed and his office to teach the Gospel or Covenant of grace and to Baptize with Water 2. The principal parties between whom he deales and officiates in this solemn Act. 1. God the most high and gracious God making and declaring a Covenant of grace and taking sinful and undone Man into it 2. Man graciously taken into Covenant and dutifully accepting of and submitting to the grace of God declared in that Covenant according to the terms and constitution or Laws thereof 3. To Baptize with Water is a Ministerial Act between God and the party Baptized By it God doth graciously admit and receive a guilty polluted Sinner to himself in Covenant and the poor polluted Sinner doth consent and submit to God upon Covenant terms and Baptizing with Water is an outward visible Sign and Seal by which God doth signify his grace and bind himself as God in Covenant to perform his gracious promises and the party Baptized doth declare and signify his humble acceptation of and sincere consent to the Covenant of grace and binds himself to perform what God requireth of him 4. This is done in the Name or into the name of the Father the Son and Holy Ghost Where God doth more fully and clearly and distinctly declare himself than ever he did to Abraham or any of his Covenant People before at least together and at one time 5. According to this declaration of himself as God the everlasting and Almighty by which name he took Abraham into Covenant Gen. 17.1 the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost he taketh his people for his own and they take him for their God. 6. And so we are related to God as Father Son and Holy Ghost and have a right to him as Father as he hath to us as Children and to him as Son of the Father and what the Son hath done for us as he hath a right to us as Children and Brethren Heb. 2.11,12,13,14 And we have a right as well as relation to God the Holy Ghost and to what he doth as he hath a right to us to teach lead sanctify and dwell in us We have God engaged to us and we are engaged and oblig'd to God the Father the Son and Holy Ghost as such 7. As God said I am the Lord thy God thou shalt have no other Gods but me binding his Covenant People to himself in which this positive duty is implied Thou shalt have me for thy God so here in our Baptism we are engaged to have God the Father the Son and Holy Ghost for our God to have him is both our duty and happiness 8. Therefore we must not take up and satisfy our selves with the knowledge and faith of God in general That God is or that God is one the Creator and Governour of all things but must enlarge our knowledge and faith into the mystery of God Col. 2.2 the Father Son and Holy Ghost and into the marvellous Works of Redemption Sanctification and Salvation in which the grace of the Father Son and Holy Ghost doth gloriously appear 9. God descending to us in Covenant and exalting us to be his People is the highest object of our knowledge faith fear love desire delight hope and trust We must honour and worship him own and obey him according to this revelation as Father Son and Holy Ghost And now I come to shew you that this Doctrine of the Trinity or three Persons in the God-head is a practical Doctrine as well as fundamental and to be known and believed of all Christians and then the practical improvement of Baptism 1. Let us take this Mystery as it is revealed to us 2. And because it is revealed to us we ought not to be terrified from a humble search into it It is plain 1. That Father Son and Holy Ghost are one God and that one God in Covenant 2. Father Son and Holy Ghost are severally Named 3. Therefore there is a relation of the one to the other and a distinction between them 4. There is an order but no inequality in Essence for we are to honour and obey the one equally with the other 5. No doubt but this is for his Glory that he hath thus declared himself and for the good of his People and what we cannot now understand we shall understand in Heaven 1 Cor. 13.10 6. Every Baptized Person must hold fast the faith and profession of the Trinity of Persons in the same indivisible Essence and God-head for every Person is declared to be our God to have a right to us and we are devoted to them as one God and three Persons 7. What is briesly summ'd up in this form of Baptism is more particularly explained in Scripture and more distinctly in the New Testament therefore we ought to enquire into the Scriptures into the common and also distinct acts and Operations ascribed to God as one and to each one of the most Glorious Persons 8. In these words we have the foundation object rule and measure of our holy Faith comprehended Our Faith is sounded upon God he is the highest Object of it Our Faith must follow the Order laid down the Father is the First Person the Son the Second and the Holy Ghost
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
Ignorant and of them who go out of the way who hast by thy Holy Spirit made the Reading but especially the Preaching of thy Word an effectual Means of convincing and converting Sinners and of building them up in Holiness and Comfort through Faith unto Salvation be pleased for Christ's sake to prepare our Hearts that we may attend to thy Word and receive it as new-born Babes 1 Pet. 2.1 by Faith and Love and lay it up in our Hearts and practise it in our Lives Before the Sacrament or Communion Most holy wise and merciful Lord God when all Mankind was fallen into an Estate of Sin and Misery it pleased thee to enter into a Covenant of Grace to bring thy People out of that sinful and miserable Condition into an Estate of Salvation by thy beloved Son the only Redeemer thou art graciously pleased to teach us convince convert build up and comfort us by thy Word and for our furtherance in Faith Holiness and Comfort to represent to us Jesus Christ and all the Benefits of the New Covenant by sensible signs the Bread and Wine broken poured out given and received and not only to represent Christ to us but also to seal and apply him and the Benefits of the New Covenart Be thou pleased by thy Spirit of Grace to help us to receive the Bread and Wine according to thy divine Appointment that we may receive them worthily and be Partakers by Faith of his Body and Blood with all his Benefits to our spiritual Nourishment and Growth in Grace We pray thee help us to examine our selves and so let us eat Oh let us not eat and drink unworthily not discerning the Lord's Body but give us a clear and saving Knowledge to discern the Lord's Body a lively Faith to feed upon him a renewed Repentance to Life a pure and fervent Love and quicken us to walk in new Obedience to all thy Commandments Oh help us to remember him and shew forth his Death both by our Profession and holy Conversation till he come again For the Lord's Day O Lord our God who hast commanded us to remember to keep holy the Sabbath day for Jesus his sake forgive us our great Forgetfulness both in preparing for it and performing the Duties of it Thou hast been very merciful to us in allowing us six Days for our own Employments Thou hast strictly enjoined us to sanctifie this whole Day and to move us thereunto thou hast set before us thine own Example both of finishing all thy Works in six Days and resting the seventh and hast blessed the Day and sanctified it Yet we have not considered nor regarded these Reasons annexed to this thy holy Commandment to perswade and quicken us to this great and holy Duty Pardon us O Lord according to the Riches of thy Grace this our Transgression and seeing thou givest us hopes of enjoying another Sabbath we beseech thee help us by thy Holy Spirit to sanctifie this Sabbath by an holy Resting all this Day even from such worldly Employments and Recreations as are lawful on other Days In reading hearing singing Psalms Meditation Prayer Conference and to spend the whole time in the publick and private Exercises of thy Worship except so much as is to be taken up in the Works of Necessity and Mercy which thou shalt call us to And keep us by thy Grace from the Omission or careless Performance of the Duties required from prophaning the Day by Idleness or any thing in it self sinful or by unnecessary Thoughts Words or Works about our worldly Employments or Recreations And bless the whole Day to us For Morning for every Day according to Ans 11. Most holy the All-wise and Almighty Lord God who dost by thy most holy wise and powerful Providence preserve and govern all thy Creatures and all their Actions we do most earnestly beseech thee to give us thy Holy Spirit to preserve our Souls from Sin and Temptations to govern our Thoughts Wills Affections our Words and Actions that they may be holy Over-rule our vain sinful Thoughts Imaginations Designs Purposes Motions and Affections to Evil. Raise in us Holiness of Design in our Conversation that we may aim at thy Glory Give us Wisdom and Discretion to order all our Affairs according to thy Laws Give us Ability and Strength that by thy Power we may carry on all the Affairs and Works of our particular Calling preserve us by thy Power therein from our Enemies and from all Harm and Danger We humbly commit our selves to thy holy wise and powerful Providence we desire thy Grace to depend thereupon and to ascribe the Glory of all our Success to thy Blessing Let us see and acknowledge thee in whatsoever shall come to pass this Day for all things are by thee and through thee and for thee to whom be Glory for ever For Night O Lord who hast created the Evening and the Morning and hast by thy great Wisdom ordained the Night for Rest and that part of our Time on Earth should be spent in Sleep and Rest that being refreshed thereby we might be enabled for thy surther Service When we are at rest we have neither Knowledge to discern nor Wisdom to fore see nor Power to resist the Evils that may befal us But thou by thy holy wise and powerful Providence preservest and governest all Creatures in all their Actions Therefore we adore thy Providence and in considence of thy Wisdom Power and Goodness cast our selves upon thee this Night humbly beseeching thee to preserve our Souls from Sin that we imagine not Evil upon our Beds our Persons our Relations our Habitation our Comsorts from Danger and Destruction from all Creatures who are subject to thy Command Keep us that we sleep not the Sleep of Death let neither Men nor Devils nor any other Creature disturb or hurt us And thou who governest all Creatures and all their Actions govern us our Imaginations Affections Senses Actions that sleeping or waking we may be thine And all we beg as in the Name of Christ so for the sake of Christ AMEN Directions to use this Form Perswasions to Family-Prayer especially and Resolution of some Questions briefly touched section 1 YOu see what store of spiritual and divine Matter your Catechism doth afford you to enable you for Prayer and Thanksgiving You shall not have cause to complain of want of Matter such as you ought and such as you may make use of You need no more to say you know not what to pray for for here is a Treasure digged up in your own Ground if indeed you make this little Catechism your own Now labour with your own Hearts and in this small Treatise and the Lord by his own Spirit teach you how to pray I perceive these Prayers to grow to such a length that I sear some will be discouraged from the length and seeming tediousness of all this therefore receive these few Counsels and Directions section