spiritual because set and taken out of the book if our hearts be affected with the matter Eccles 5.2 Job 22.27 28. Q. When is the Lords Prayer abused A. When people say it over without understanding and affection or else make vaine and needlesse repetitions of it both these are a taking of Gods name in vain 1 Cor. 14.15 Mat. 6.7 9. Our duty after Prayer Q. What is our duty after we have prayed A. 1. We must Practise what we pray for our actions must not crosse our prayers We must not pray and still rebell against God Hos 7.14 We must joyne our endeavours with our prayers Gen. 32.9 11 12. with Ps 13.30 2 Thes 2.2 with 2 Cor. 11.2 33. Q. What 2dly must we doe after we have prayed A. 2. When we have prayed we must observe how well our prayers have sped how God doth answer our requests Psal 85.8 Luke 18.5 There is expectation of answer from God to fulfill our desires if you knock at ones doore ye listen for an answer if you preferre a Petition you will look what answer is returned so c. Q. How shall I know whether my prayer be heard or not How shall I comfort my selfe in that case A. There be foure Rules First thinke not thy prayers denied though they be delayed God dealeth after diverse manners with his servants sometimes he answers presently Dan. 9.21 23. Esay 65.24 Sometimes he seemeth to stop his eare and to deny us for divers reasons as 1. Because he loves to hear the voyce of his children crying unto him 2. Perhaps thou art not ready for the blessing 3. Perhaps it is better thou shouldest want it 4. Perhaps thou takest a wrong course to obtaine it 5. Perhaps thou prescribest to God and God will give thee the blessing in a way more for his glory as Christ did John 11.3 6 15 40. Gen. 25.21 Q. What second rule have you A. If God give some better thing in stead of what we beg or strength to beare the want of our desires we must not take our selves to be denied 2 Cor. 12.9 Gen. 17.18 2 Sam. 12.23 25. Deut. 3.26 Psal 3. 4 5. Psal 138.3 Q. What third rule to judge of Gods acceptance of our prayers A. When after prayer we finde our hearts to be drawn to God and our spirits upheld to continue praying returning to that duty with fresh delight and hopes that is a signe we are heard It is a signe the begger fares well where he goeth often It is a good signe when we still goe to God as to our best friend Psal 116.1 2. 1 Sam. 1.18 28. Q. Particularly touching forgivenesse of sinnes how shall I know that my prayer is heard A. If I get a victory over my sin if the sense of Gods love doth work in me a love to God again and to the things of God that is a signe our prayer is heard Luke 8.46 47. Luke 7.47 Q But if we finde no token of Gods answering our prayers what is to be done A. We must search if there be any accursed thing that may hinder our prayers and also we must be humbled for our failings in the manner of our duty Josh 7.7 10 11. 1 Chron. 15.13 Iam. 4.3 Luke 9.54 CAP. XLIX Of the Seales of the Covenant Q. WEE have spoken of two means of working and encreasing faith viz. the Word and Prayer By what means is God wont to seale up to our hearts the assurance of our reconciliation with himselfe A. Two waies 1. Inwardly by the testimony of the Holy Ghost witnessing with our Spirits that we are Gods children Of the witnesse of the spirit 2. And outwardly by the Sacraments Rom. 8.16 2 Cor. 1.32 Q. How doth the Spirit of God inwardly witnesse to a man his salvation A. Two waies first by imprinting holynesse and the stamp of grace on the heart thereby shewing us our right to the promises of life as the seale leaveth its impression on the wax so doth the Spirit And look where grace is printed there is the spirit that wrought it and we have that seale to shew for our salvation Gal. 5.18 22 23 25. Gal. 6.16 Rom. 8.13 2 Cor. 3.3 A seale makes things to be autehntick and warrantable Deeds and writings once sealed are good in Law and we may plead our right by the seale so c. Q. How secondly doth the Spirit witnesse with our Spirits A. By cheering strengthening clearing up the Conscience to see and acknowledge and to certifie our hearts of the truth of Grace so as to make us able to say I have true faith and true hatred of sinne c The spirit saith They that are called are certainly saved Now the conscience enlightened doth say 'T is so and so with me This is the answer of a good conscience the witnesse of two is true Gods Spirit and our spirits as conscience awakened can tell David thou hast done ill in the matter of Vriah so the conscience enlightened and cleared can tell Peter and make him say with confidence Lord thou knowest and I know that I love thee Iohn 21.17 Eph. 1.13 1 Pet. 3.21 1 Iohn 2.20 27. 1 Cor. 2.11 12. 1 Iohn 5.20 Q. But put case our conscience cry peace without any such impression character of grace on the heart What then A. Then it is a false cry it being but the single testimony of our owne deceived several from the true testimony of the Spirit of God which ever agreeth with the Scripture The Spirit of God doth not crosse the word it doth not blesse whom the word curseth nor curse whom the word blesseth and if our own hearts do so we know it to be a false testimony and a deceived spirit 1 Iohn 5.6 8. Psal 51.9 10. Q. Put case I finde some works of the sanctifying Spirit and yet feele unquietnesse in my owne conscience A If upon examination thou finde any sinne in thy soule pull it out and cast it from thee but if there be no sin that hinders thy peace then thy conscience ought to acquit thee Thou art in safety and in Gods favour by the spirit of sanctification whereby thou dost cleave to thy God amidst all fears and doubts Esay 50.10 Iob 27 1 4 6. Iob 13 15. Thus of the inward Testimony of the Holy Ghost followes the outward Q. How doth God seale up our Redemption to us outwardly A. By the Sacraments which to the worthy partakers are particular tokens and pledges of Gods favour good-will towards us in the death of his Son In the word God speaks generally but becomes home to each particular beleever in the Sacraments Q. What is a Sacrament A. A Sacrament is a seale of the righteousnesse of faith What a Sacrament is or it is a token of the Covenant between God us Gen. 17.10 11. Rom. 4.11 A Sacrament hath two uses 1. Of a signe promisory to represent 2. Of a seale to exhibit and put us in possession of
Infants did not knew what was done unto them yet Christ gave them both his blessing an outward signe of it He layd his hands on them 2. Next Christ gives a reason why he did this because to them belongs the Kingdome of Heaven and remission of sins Now if Christ esteeme it a sufficient reason why Infants should be admitted to the signes of his blessing because the Kingdome of Heaven belongs to them then who shall dare forbid them or debarre them from baptisme the first signe of the Covenant of Grace Q. What if the immediate parents be believers onely in shew may their Children be baptized A. Yes for First the profession of the faith is sufficient 2ly Children of professors have right to Baptisme by vertue of the first Covenant with Abraham in whom we have as true an interest as the Jewes ever had Acts 8.12 13 37. with Acts 10.47 Gal. 3.29 Rom. 11.17 So that the wickednesse of the immediate parent doth not prejudice the right of the child for then Hezekiah should not have been circumcised because he had a wicked father No covenant or condition of mans making must be set above the covenant conditions set by Christ to make them void to beleevers Godly parents have sometimes gracelesse children Carnal Parens have sometimes gracious children Q What can Baptisme profit Infants seeing they have no faith A. Very much for as men by deed and seale convey lands to heirs that shall bee borne as well as to them that be already born so doth God by his Promise which takes its effect in due time As Gods Promise that Abrahams seed should inheri-Canaan did not take effect till 430 years after yet then it spake and failed not And as our children are taken Tenants and made members of some Manour or Lordship by the delivery of a white wand or the like ceremony when they be little the which Tenements they enioy when they come to age so doth Gods covenant of peace and Grace made in Baptisme take its effect in due time God is the great Landlord of Heaven he puts our Childrens life into that coppy c. Q. What if they doe not perform the condition when they come to age A. Then they can have no good of their Baptisme 1 Pet. 3.21 Neh. 5.13 God will shake them out of his Church Rom. 2.28 As you put a childs life into a Living when he is of age he enjoys it But if he refuse to do Homage or to pay the Lords rent then he forfeits his Living so c. CAP. LI. Of the Lords Supper Q. WHat is the outward signe in the Lords Supper A. Bread and Wine given and received as Christ hath ordained Q What is the thing signified and remembred in and by them A. The death of Christ when he offered up his righteous soule a sacrifice for sin gave his body to be broken and his bloud to be shed for sinners Esay 53.6 8 10. Luke 22.19 20. 1 Cor. 11.24 25 26. Q. The Bread and Wine then are not turned into the very body and blood of Christ by the consecration of the Elements as if Christ should be there bodily present A. No by no means Against Transubstantiati for the Heavens must containe his body till he come again for our full redemption And it is as impossible for Christs body to be in Heaven and Earth in ten thousand places R. 1 at once as it is for one of us This conceit of Papists is not only against our senses of sight and taste and feeling but also against an Article of Faith namely the truenesse of Christs humane nature in his Incarnation and against that Article of Christs sitting at the right hand of God Gods Omnipotency doth not make a true body to be in many places at the same instant of time Act. 3.20 21. Luke 24.6 Q Shew some other reasons against Transubstantiation and the reall presence of Christ in the Eucharist R. 2 A. The Bread which is broken in the Sacrament cannot be his very body because his very body is whole and the Sacrament sets forth Christ broken for us Therefore it is a remembrance not a transubstantiation 1 Cor. 11.24 We set forth his death we do not kill him again Q. Shew a third reason R. 3 A. All that eat the flesh of Christ and drink his bloud in the Scripture sence are saved But all that eate of the Masse are not saved Therefore the Masse and the Scripture-eating agree not Iohn 6.51 53 54 57. Q. Shew a forth reason against the bodily eating of Christ R. 4 A. Because if one should eat a piece of his flesh as his finger or foot c. that would not profit Ioh. 6.52 61 63. What if the Souldier that pierced him had tasted of the blood which came out of his side could that have done him any good surely no for our redemption stands in the satisfaction which by his dying he made unto the Law and the means by which we eat his Flesh and drink his Blood is not with the Mouth and Teeth but Faith in the heart Q Then Christ is not offered up a Sacrifice for the quick and dead in the Eucharist as the Papists teach Catechismus Rom. part 2. c. 4. A No for as Christ cannot dye and suffer often so neither is he offerâ—d often But by one sacrifice of himself once offered he hath put away sinne for ever He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified by once dying else were his sacrifice weak and imperfect like the sacrifices of Aarons Priests Our duty in the Sacrament is to receive him by faith not to offer him in sacrifice to God In the Sacrament God offers Christ to us we do not offer him to God Heb. 9.25 26 28. with Heb. 10 10 11 12 14 Rom. 6.10 Ioh. 1.29 The offering of Christ once made is a perfect redemption propitiation and satisfaction for the sinnes of the whole World both originall and Actuall and there is none other satisfaction for sin but that alone Art 31. of Ch. Eng. Q. What followes hereof A. Therefore the Masse is a very Idoll and they that use it Papists be Idolaters or adore it or ascribe to it the vertue of Christs sacrifice are very Idolaters The sacrifice of Masses in the which it was commonly said that the Priests did offer Christ for the quick dead to have Remission of Paine and Guilt were blasphemous fables and dangerous deceipts ibid. Q. What then is the meaning of these words This is my body A. Paul tells us it is the Communion of the body bloud of Christ that is an ordinance wherein the faithfull have exhibited to them a fellowship in the merits and vertue of the Sacrifice of Christs death 1 Cor. 10.16 17. Exod. 24.8 as the Cup is called the New Testament Christ is called our Passeover 1 Cor. 5.7 The Lords supper is a Sacrament of our redemption by Christs death insomuch that to
PRINCIPLES OF FAITH GOOD CONSCIENCE DIGESTED Into a Catecheticall Form together with an Appendix 1. Vnfolding the Termes of Practicall Divinity 2. Shewing some Markes of Gods Children 3. Some generall rules and principles of holy life By W. LYFORD Batchelour of Divinity and Minister of Gods Word at Sherborne in Dorsetshire The Fourth Edition That the soule be without knowledge is not good Prov. 19.2 If thou wilt apply thine heart to understanding if thou criest after knowledge then thou shalt understand the feare of the Lord Prov. 2.3.5 Thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy Children Deut. 6.7 Printed at Oxford by Henry Hall for John Adams and Edward Forrest 1655. Advertisements touching the use and purpose of this Booke to my People 1. THere be two parts of a Ministers office that undertakes the instruction of Gods people the one to deliver sufficient matter of distinct knowledge unto Christian faith The other to lay downe and diligently to inculcate Principles of sanctification whereby a Christian may be directed in point of duty and holy life enabled to discerne between the state of Nature and the state of Grace Both these I have endeavoured the former by drawing out the generall heads of Christian doctrine into particulars the latter by laying down trials and principles of sanctification and holy practice 2. I intend this Booke for the instruction of those that are to be admitted to the Lords Supper wherein they shall be publikely exercised three years the two former years to be hearers and the last yeare to be answerers in it In which time it is hoped that the meanest capacity will be able to attain the sense understanding of the matter And whē they have been thus diligently instructed the Congregation satisfied of their competent knowledge in the doctrine of Christ then upon a day appointed for their admission to the Lords Supper the said Catechumenes upon their own motion desire to be admitted shall make professiō of their faith repentāce Ezek. 20.37 in their own names with their own mouthes undertake that Covenant of Faith obedience unto Christ which at Baptisme we all entred into and stand bound to performe 3. I have prepared a severall chapter for every week of the year and endeavoured to make the answers as weighty and perspicuous as I could both which as I conceive will be more delightfull and profitable to the learner To every answer I cause thē to read the proofes one or more as the time and matter requires within three quarters of an hour each Chapter will be dispatched if any thing be more lightly passed over one time it may be more largely insisted on the next 4. The number and length of questions will not be burthen some to thē that be long exercised therein The answers themselves are not long if you observe that they end where this marke beginneth and that all that is included within this marke is added for explication and not to lode the memory And if you expresse the sense of the answer in other words of your owne the answer will be the better accepted 5. There is some repetition of the same matter in the doctrine or justification by faith the Offices of Christ the difference betwixt the Law the Gospel which was not an oversight but of purpose the better to root those main points in weak understandings 6. This training up of our Children and Servants in a forme of wholsome words will I hope through Gods blessing be a meanes to prevent that grosse ignorance in them which now reignes in aged people The like fruit may be hoped in the free Grammer Schoole The Lord grant you to grow in grace in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ that both he that soweth and he reapeth may rejoyce together and when we shall be parted by death may have a joyfull and happy meeting in Heaven and be united to our blessed and glorious head for evermore AMEN READER THis fourth Edition addeth nothing of substance to the former the number of Questions and Answers and Pages be all the same Some notes for Explication are set in the margin Some expressions are changed and added when the former might seeme doubtfull The Contents of the severall Chapters Cap. 1. OF the certainty of holy Scripture of the state of innocency and the Covenant of Nature Cap. 2. Of the fall of man and his sinfull state of the staine and guilt and punishment of sinne Cap. 3 4. Of the difference and degrees of sin of originall sin sins of knowledge ignorance of infirmity and presumption of reigning sinne and sinne against the Holy Ghost Cap. 5. Arguments to convince carnall persons that they be under the curse no better then nature made them Cap. 6 Of the Covenant of Grace the differēce between the Old and New Testament the manner how Christ and Faith doe justify Cap. 7. Of the promises made to Christ the Mediator Cap. 8. Of Christ offered to sinners as yet unconverted and the ground of a sinners going to Christ Cap. 9. Of Gods promises to believers promises to the weake the doubting the lapsed Christian c. Cap. 10. Of the wonderfull person of the Mediatour God and Man and the benefit flowing from the personall union Cap. 11. Of Christs Priestly Office and the parts thereof viz. Satisfaction and Intercession Cap. 12. Of the Kingly and Propheticall offices of Christ Cap. 13. Who are in Covenant with God signes of true faith and repentance Cap. 14. Of mans uprightnesse the signes and benefit thereof Cap 15. Of the Nature Properties of God Cap. 16. Of creation providence whereby God guideth supporteth all things good and evill great and small Cap. 17. Of faith in Jesus Christ his Titles and Dominion Cap. 18. Of the Incarnation of the Sonne of God and manner of his conception Cap. 19. Of Christs sufferings the extent and value thereof Cap. 20. Of Christs exaltation to Gods right hand and what he doth there for us Cap. 21. Of the last judgement and of faith in the Holy Ghost Cap. 22. Of the Church of God militant triumphant of inward and outward calling signes of the true Church Cap. 23. Of the communion of Saints with Christ the Head and one with another the bonds and fruits of that communion Cap. 24. Of forgivenesse of sinnes the cause and effects thereof Cap. 25. Of the state of the dead and everlasting life for whom it is prepared Cap. 26. The first office of Faith to justify how faith is wrought by the Gospell Cap. 27. The second office of Faith to purify the heart of the first main end and use of the Morall Law scil to drive unto Christ and how that 's done Cap. 28. Of the second principall end of the Morall Law of the properties of true obedience of workes before and after regeneration and their unability to save Cap. 29. Of the first Commandment of Images of God or the
Word and Spirit of God a 1 Ioh. 1 9 b Rom. 8.13 14. Eph. 2.2 Ier. 44.17.6 And if the blind lead the blind they both fall into the ditch a Blind rule is a blind guide Q. How thirdly may it be knowne A. Because they were never converted neither doe they see why or from what such as be borne and bred up in the true ReligioÌ„ should be converted such people are yet in their naturall state Ioh. 8.33 34.36 Ioh 3.4 7. Luk. 15.7 Act. 3.19 Q How fourthly may people be convinced to be under sinne and without grace A. Because sin is no burthen to to them they were never pricked in their hearts not soundly humbled under their naturall condition A man may finde many faults in himselfe by coÌ„mon grace but to feel and bewaile the rotteÌ„nesse sink of iniquity that is in our hearts the contrarieties that be in our nature against God and the workings of corruption this we cannot discover but by the sanctifying Spirit of God Rom. 7.7 9. Q. How fiftly doth it appeare that men want Grace A. Because they discerns not betweene pretious and vile as between the state of Nature the state of Grace between civill honesty saving Grace Let them tell what the differences be Num. 16.3 Eze. 22.26 Esa 5.20 Joh. 3.4 1 Cor. 2.13 14. Spirituall things must be spiritually discerned you must not heare a Sermon as you would heare a speech c. Q. How sixtly may this be proved A. Because they cannot bring you one promise out of the Scripture nor one mark of a saved one of which they can say this doth belong to me But the lesse they know of the Word of God the better they thinke of themselves and the lesse they search their owne hearts the greater is their assurance These are deluded ones Sound Christians can bring promises and evidences that they are in the state of Grace such as these Rom. 8.1 2 13. 1 Joh. 3.14 1 Joh. 5.1 2. 1 Thes 5.5 6. Q. How lastly may a carnall person be convinced to be under sin A. Because they are not in Christ this you must know that it is not enough for a man to doe his best and what he can but if he be not in Christ the Law layeth hold on him he is under the curse No body is safe by doing his best Eph. 2.12 1 Thes 1.10 the Law is a cruell Master it lookes not what we can doe it accepts not of repentings c. but unless we be in Christ Jesus it curseth all our imperfections Gal. 3.10 1 Joh. 5.11 12. Q. This is the case of man by nature and of all the sons of Adam What must we doe to escape wrath A. We must get into the Covenant of Grace made to us in Christ the promised seed Gal. 3.13 26. Rom. 10.4 Gal. 4.4 5. CAP. VI. Of the Covenant of Grace and our Redemption by Christ Third head of Christian doctrine Q WHat is the Covenant of Grace A. It is Gods free Charter and Grant wherein he bestoweth remission of sinnes and the Kingdome of Heaven in and for the death of Christ Jesus or it is a contract betweene God and man concerning reconciliation and life everlasting to be given and received by faith in Jesus Christ 2 Cor. 5.19 Gen. 17.4 7. There is Gospell in that Rom. 4.16 17. Gal. 3.8 Deu. 26.17 18. The matter covenanted is life and reconciliation the conveyance it is a gift by Christ the instrument and mean to receive it is faith all our right and title to Heaven comes this way from the love of the Father through the merit of the Son made ours by faith Eph. 15. Rom. 5.21 Rom. 3.22 24 Eph. 2.8 Q. What is the true difference between the Covenant of Workes and the Covenant of Grace A. The Law or Covenant of Workes offereth salvation to them that keepe it perfectly in their own persons that is to them that be without sinne and have a righteousnesse of their owne a personall perfect perpetuall Obedience Rom. 10.5 Luk. 10.28 Q. Explaine that farther A. The Law considers not what we can doe now neither doth it accept of sorrowes for doing amisse but it is satisfied only with a full and compleat obedience If thou say I doe my best c. that is no content to the Law the Law requires that all our works be holy without any touch of the flesh Rom. 7.14 2 Cor. 3.7 9. Gal. 3.10 It curseth every failing Q. How doth the Gospel offerus salvation A. By the righteousnesse of Christ thâ— Mediator so that the humbled soule resting on Christ by faith is justified and â— peace with God though we be not perfectly holy Rom. 3.25 26 27. Gal. 2.1 2 Cor. 5.19 Rom. 4.16 1 Tim. 1.15 This the priviledge of the Gospell that wheâ— we faile yet if we repent and turnet God God accepts our persons and thâ— greatest sin shall not condemne us thâ— Law knowes no such thing Gal. 3.12 Of justification by faith in Christ Jesus Q. 1. Then Christ doth not justify us â— giving grace and ability to keep the Law A. No for then Justification wereaâ— works and not of Grace besides there no such b ability given to any living Grace is given whereby we subdue or corruptions The Covenant with Adam was of workes though all he had was given him and strive to please God bâ— not to fulfill the Law perfectly a Eph. 7 8 9 10. b 1 Joh. 1.8 9. Act. 5.31 Acâ— 15.11 That which I fetch with my penâ—â— is not a gift but our righteousnesse is 〈◊〉 gift Rom. 5.17 Q. 2. Doth he save us by joyning 〈◊〉 merits to our workes as if we were justified partly by workes and partly by faiâ—â— in Christ A. No we are justified by faith without the deeds of the Law and Christ will not have any to bejoyned with him in that businesse Rom. 3.21 27 28. Rom. 11.6 Esa 64.6 Jer. 23.6 Esa 63.3 Rom. 4 5 6. Heb. 7.25 Heb. 9.26 Gal. 5.4 To a sinners justification Christ is all in all or none at all Q. 3. Doth the New Covenant save as by changing the condition of workes into faith and sincere obedience as if the act of believing and obeying should be in stead of perfect obedience to the Law A. By no meanes The righteousnesse by which we are justified is 1. The righteousnesse of a God 2. Imputed to us residing in the person of Christ 3. Every way able to answer the Law See Phil. 39 2 Cor. 5.21 Ro 3.21 22 26. But our faith and sincere obedience is 1. But the righteousnesse of a man 2. Inherent noâ— imputed 3. No way able to answer the Law The New Covenant doth not change workes into workes workes perfect incompleat iâ—to workes imperfect But it changeth workes of our own performing into workes performed for us by Christ for faith doth not justifie as it is a grace wrought in us working in us but as it is an
and perseverance in grace 1. Sort are spirituall promises Q What promise of mercy hath God made to them that believe A. God hath said their sinnes and iniquities will I remember no more they are passed from death to life and shall not come into condemnation Heb. 10.17 Ioh. 5.24 Rom. 8.1 Act. 13.38 39. Mic 7.18 19 Exod. 34.6 7. Joh. 3.16 Q. Touching sanctification What promise hath God made in the Gospell A. God hath promised to teach us effectually to write his Law in our hearts to cause us to love him and not to depart from him God hath promised to work our works in us else this Covenant also would nor be sure to us Those are better promises then were in the first Covenant God doth not only keepe faith and covenant with us on his owne part but he doth also forgive our failings and unfaithfulnesse and causeth us to keep covenant with him Heb 8.10 11. Jer 32.38.40 Esa 26.12 Hos 2.19 Deut 30.6 Act 5.31 2 Tim 2.13 Rom 3.3 Q. Doe these promises belong to all degrees of believers A. Yes to the weake and to them that be cast downe as well as to them that be strong in saith and free from doubtings Mat 12.20 Mat 14.31 Q. Shew particularly what promises God hath made to the weake Christian to one that is a beginner A. First there is a promise of acceptance God will accept and cherish the ve ry first motions desires 1 To the weake and weakest performances of the honest heart Luk 15.20 2 Chron 9.1 Gen 22.16 with Heb 11.17 Esa 42.3 2 Chron. 19.3 particularly for prayer Esa 65.24 for almes 2 Cor. 8.12 Q What other promise is there for weake Christians A. Secondly there is a promise of perseverance 2 To the doubting their faith shall never finally faile but they are kept by the power of God unto salvation 1. Joh 3.9 Luk 22.32 Joh 10.28 29. 1 Pet 1.5 Zac 12.8 Esa 40.29 1 Thess 5.24 Jud v. 1. Q What promise is made to the doubting and distressed Christians disquieted about his spirituall estate A. God will heale the broken hearted beare their prayers and sustaine them with his grace The sanctifying spirit in thee is Gods witnesse that thou art his Esa 61.3 Esay 50.10 Jam 5.13 1 Cor 10.13 Ioh 13.15.16 Esa 57.16 20. Mat 5.4 Psal 51.8 Psal 77.3 Q What promise is there for them that be tempted by Satan 3. To the tempted A. Greater is he that is in us and with us than he that is against us and he will tread Satan under our feet 1 John 4.4 Rom 16.20 Re. 12.10 11 14 16. Mat. 16.18 2 Cor. 12.9 Iam. 4.7 8. Heb. 4.15.16 Q. What promise is there to a backslider that is returning 4. To the lapsâ—d A. God will heale their back-slidings and his anger shall be turned away from them Hos 14 1 4. Ier. 3.1 12. Ier. 31.18 20 22. Ezek 18.28 30. Luke 22.32 Esay 55.7 Q. What promises are made to them that long for grace and for the favour of God 5. To the hungry soule A. God will satisfie their desires and speake peace to their soules He will be found of them The spirit is compared to water 1. For its refreshing the weary 2. For its clensing of the filthy 3. For it fruitfulnesse making the barren to bring forth good fruit Mat. 5.6 Luke 11.13 Esay 44 3. 65.13 Prov. 2.25 Q. What temperall promises concerning this life hath God made to us in Christ Second sort of promises A. He will give us all needfull a blessings and turne b all hurtfull things â—â— our good a Mat. 6.26 32. Ps 84.11 Esay 43.2 Gen. 15.1 c Rom. 8.28 35 37 1 Cor 3.21 22. Q. What promises concerning the life to come hath God given us A. It is his good pleasure to give us his Kingdome Third sort of promises Luk. 12.32 Joh. 12.26 Joh. 17.24 All these things doth God promise with his Sonne saying Take him this I will doe for you I will forgive your sins and give you peace if any thirst I will fill him with good things c. And because all this shall be sure to you I will frame your hearts to love me I will be your teacher you shall be able to discern between pretious and vile when you fall I will not suffer you to fall away I will heare your prayers I will give you victory over Satan and after all I will bring you to glory This portion you shall have with my Christ Q. How doth God confirme all these promises to us In whom are they sure A. In Christ the foundation of the New Covenant to whom God hath sworne and will not repent 2 Cor. 1.20 Heb. 7.19 21 22. Heb. 6.13 17 18 19. Tit. 1.2 2 Tim. 1.1 CAP. X. Of Christ the Mediator of the New Testâ—ment and first of his wonderfull person God and man and the Benefits flowing from that personall union YOu have seen what God hath doâ— for us viz. given his Son offered hiâ— to sinners with rich and large promisâ— to them that recieve him The seconâ— party in the New Covenant is Christ thâ— Mediator The second party in the New Covenant Of this Mediator we are to consider two things 1. His person 2. Hâ— undertaking and office Q. All the promises of God have the Yea and Amen in Christ Who is Christ A. Jesus Christ is the a eternall Soâ— of God of the same b substance witâ— the Father God from everlasting c whâ— in the fulnesse of time tooke on him on nature d so that he is true God and truâ— man in one person a Mat. 16.16 b Heb 1.3 Joh. 1.1 3. Joh. 10.30 Rev. 1.8 Esa 9.6 Joh. 5.18 Phil. 2.6 c Gal. 4.4 â— d Rom. 1.3 Rom. 9.5 Col. 2.9 Maâ— 22.43 Q. What is necessary that Christ on peace-maker should be man A. Yes for three reasons First because he that redeemeth and they that be redeemed must be both of one kind and nature that so Gods Justice may accept him in our stead a right to redeeme therefore Angels that fell are not saved because he took not their nature Heb. 2.10.11 14 16. Ruth 4.4 6. 1 Cor. 15.20 21. Q. Why secondly A. That he might be put under the Law and die the which as God he could not doe He was to pay our debt and therefore to enter into our bonds Heb. 2.9 10 14. Rev. 1 5. 1 Pet. 2.24 Q. Why thirdly A. That he might be a mercifull and faithfull High Priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people Heb. 2.17 18. Heb. 4.15 Heb. 5.2 Our Saviour was taken from among men that he might have compassion them that be tempted and out of the way Q. Did Gods justice require him to death was it necessary that Christ should dye for us A. Yes Sin calls for death as for its wages and he that will redeem a sinner must dye for him He must
lawfull for Christian people to rise up against civill Magistrates for the Cause and Kingdome oâ— Jesus Christ A. It is utterly unlawfull a because Christs Kingdome is not of this world 〈◊〉 therefore his servants may not fight â—â— Christs Spirituall Kingdome does not overthrow Cesars temporall power anâ— therefore Christ hath commanded aâ— humble subjection to all civill Powers a Joh. 18.36 Mat. 26.52 b Mat. 22.21 Rom. 13.1 2 4 7. Tit. 3.1 Act. 23.5 1 Pet. 2.13 15 16. It is a singular wickednesse to make Christs Name and Gospell a pretence to shake off Temporall authority or to make it a Condition of our yeilding civill obedience unto them Q. How shall I know that Christ is a King to me A. By two things 1. By the obedience I yeild to his Lawes Joh. 15.14 Q. How secondly A. By the victory he gives me over my sinnes if sinne reigne in us Christ is not King Christ sets up his Word in our hearts he makes us a willing and obedient people the lusts and principles and maximes of the World rule not in us Psal 110.3 1 Pet. 2.9 Col. 1.13 Q. Christ is the great Prophet of the Church to teach instruct exhort Of Christs Protheticall office and comfort his people Joh. 1.9 John 6.45 What be the parts of Christs Propheticall Office A. Two 1. To reveale his Father and make known his will to us Joh. 1.18 Luk. 1.78 79. Eph. 3.9 Deut. 18.15 with Joh. 10.3 9 11. 1 Cor. 1.21 Q. What is the second part of Christs teaching office A. Effectually to perswade the heart to receive the Doctrine taught to open their eies unstop their eares and cause their heart to attend Esa 35.4 5. Joh. 6.45 Act. 16.14 Rev. 3.18 Christ does not onely hold forth the light but he gives us eies to see it Q. Be there not other Prophets and Teachers of the Church A. Yes Christ useth the Ministry of men but all the efficacy and power of their teaching is from God 1 Cor. 3.7 Mat. 11.25.26 27. Mat. 13.13 2 Cor. 3.3 Gal. 2.8 2 Cor. 4.6 7. Q How shall I know that I am taught of God A. When the Word which we heare is followed by us and obeyed else thou hast heard a meer man man may teach you to know the definitions of faith of sin of repentance c. but Christ alone teacheth you to believe and repent Christ giveth the discerning the taste to judge between things that differ 2 Cor. 10.5 Joh. 10.4 5 27. CAP. XIII Of Man to be reconciled to God in the New Covenant Man is the third party in the Covenant of Grace GOD hath given his Son to be a Covenant of the people The third party in the New Covenant Esa 42.6 Made sure promises to him c. And Christ thus brought into the world furnished with grace power is offered to sinners with large promises to them that receive him It followes to be considered Q. To whom doe those promises of life and salvation belong Who may take comfort in them A. Onely they that be in covenant with God Eph. 2.12 Q. When is the soule in covenant with God A. When the heart consents to take Christ as he is offered to us in all his Offices resigning up engaging our selves to be wholly his God takes us for his people we take him to be our God Deut. 26.17 18. Jer. 30.21 22. Gen. 15.1 6. Zach. 13.9 Joh. 1.12 The soule does not mislike the person nor the Portion nor the tearmes on which Christ is offered to us The believer takes Christ for his Saviour for his Teacher for his Lord and Ruler Q. What manner of persons are in covenant with God A. Such as believe the Gospell repent of their sinnes and walke uprightly before God Gen. 17.1 Mar. 1.15 Acts 20.21 These three things are required of all that be in Covenant with God 1. Of Faith Q. What is the nature and proper act of faith A. It is a grace whereby we doe acknowledge and accept of Christ for our Lord Saviour and rest on him alone for salvation Or it is a grace whereby the soule doth rest and rely on the promise of life and salvation made in Christ Jesus Eph. 1.12 13. Rom. 10.14 Rom. 15.12 Tit. 1.1.2 Psal 2.12 Psal 18.2 Trust hath for its object the promises of God and it is not every promise that is the object of faith as it justifieth but the promise of life only Christ is the proper object of faith as it justifieth trusting is the proper act of faith To seek and thirst after Christ and rest on him that is Faith Heb. 10.38 Q. Many say they trust on Christ and yet deceive themselves Shew some signes of true faith A. There be three signes of true faith 1. It makes me to strive against unbeliefe and all other lusts purging the heart and working out the filthinesse of it as a spring doth the mire and dirt that is cast into it or as the stomack expels poyson faith and lusts cannot lodge and dwell together Mar. 9.24 He. 10.38 Acts. 15.9 Q. What is a second signe of true faith What gratious affections doe shew true faith A. True faith makes us to prize Jesus Christ above all things the soule will sell all gladly and part with any content for Christs sake Mat. 13.44 Psal 45.10 Heb. 11.24 25. Gen. 22.12 Heb. 11.8 Q. How thirdly may true faith be knowne A. Because it is not a dead faith but it worketh by love that is whatsoever sin we resist and whatsoever good thing we doe we doe all out of a love to the Lord Jesus We so love God that we hate evill for Gods sake Gal. 5.6 Ioh. 21.16 Iam 2.17 18. Q. What secondly 2. Of Repentance must they doe that be or would be in covenant with God A. They must repent of their sins and change their lives Mot 3.7 8. Act. 2.38 Q. Why must they also repent that be or would be in Covenant with God A. Because it is necessary that they that be in Covenant with God must breake their league with every sin friendship with God cannot stand with friendship with any sin 2 Cor 6.17 18. Jam. 4.4 1 Joh. 2.15 Q. What is Repentance A. It is a grace of Gods Spirit whereby we are grieved for offending oâ— God b and doe turne from sinne c ouâ— of an inward and spirituall dâ—slike and hatred of its filthinesse a Mat. 26.75 2 Cor. 7.10 b Esay 1.16 17. 2 Pet. 2.22 1 Cor. 5.7 Act 3.19 Ezek 36.26 27 31 c Esay 33 22. Q. What be the parts of repentance A. Two mortification whereby we die to sinne and vivification whereby we are quickned to a life of grace Gal. 5.24 1 Pet. 4.1 2 3. Rom. 6.6 7. 8.2 10 13 Eph. 4.22.24 Luk. 3.11 Q. Then prophane persons that be at sometimes grieved ashamed for some sins are not esteemed to repent unlesse they be renued to a life of grace A. It is true
of men professing the faith of Christ may be known to be the true Churches of Christ A. The true Church of God on earth is known by two markes 1. By the purity of Doctrine and Faith which they hold and teach 2. And by the purity of Worship preserved amongst them from pollutions of Idolatry and Superstition Pure faith and pure worship shew a true Church Jude vers 3. Acts 24.14 Hos 2.2 4 5. Papists call themselves Catholicks but falsely being both Heriticall in Doctrine Idolatrous in Worship a Catholicke is a right believer All true believers in the world make but one Catholick Church as there is but one Christ one Faith one Baptisme one Heaven and one way to life eternall Eph. 4.5 6. Heb. 11.40 Those people that maintaine Heresy or Idolatry are not the true Churches of Christ Col. 2.16 19. 2 Cor. 6.15 Rev. 18.4 Q. Doe you believe in the Church A. No there is no trust nor helpe in man for matters of salvation Ps 49.7 8 Mic. 6.7 Q. What then doe you believe A. I believe that God ever had and ever will have to the end of the world a company of faithfull people to serve him and that I am one of the number Q. How doe you know that you are one of the Church A. Because I am not of the world but have seperated my selfe from the evill manners and sinfull courses thereof and doe now heare and follow the voice of Christ Joh. 10.16 Gal. 1.4 Rom. 12.2 CAP. XXIII Of the Communion of Saints Q. WHat meane you by the communion of Saints A. I meane that this holy People have a spirituall fellowship with Christ their Head and one with another The members of the Church are coupled together with Christ their Head and one with another Eph. 4.4 6. 1 Joh. 1.3 Q. Wherein have they a fellowship with Christ their Head A. In all the priviledges riches which God hath bestowed on the man Christ as in his sufferings in his graces righteousnesse and Kingdome Christ is a Son so are we Christ is justified from our sinnes so are we As Christ the first borne is such are we in relation unto God Rom. 8.17 Joh. 14.19 Eph. 5.30 32. Joh. 17.24 Joh. 1.16 These places shew that the true believer hath a fellowship with Christ in his Sonship in his Life in his Graces in his Kingdome Q. By what bonds is this spirituall union betwixt Christ and your soule made up A. They be two one coming from Christ to us and that is his a Spirit whereby he doth apprehend and quicken us the other going from us to Christ and b that is our faith whereby we embrace hold him fast By these two we are knit unto Christ and so partake of all his riches a 1 Cor. 12.12 13. 1 Cor. 6.17 Rom. 8 9. b Eph. 3.17 Heb. 3.14 Rom. 11.20 Q. How doth it appear that you have communion with Christ the Head A. By this I know it because I have the same Spirit of Christ whereby I am conformed and made like unto him in all things his will and waies his friends and foes be mine even as if the same soule were in two bodies they would move alike and affect the same things Col. 2.19 1 Ioh. 4. 13. 1 Ioh. 1.6 Joh. 17.21 Rom. 8.14 Exek 10.17 Phil. 2.1 5. Q. Wherein have the Saints a fellowship one with another A. In faith and love Eph. 2.19.20 Q. In faith How A. They are all partakers of one Hope one Spirit one Faith one Baptisme and all goe one way to Heaven And are all confederate with Christ to serve him according to the covenant of faith and obedience against all sects heresies mis-believers and loose livers whatsoever 1 Cor. 10.1 4. 2 Pet. 1.1 Eph. 4.5 13. Phil. 1.27 Zeph. 3.9 Q. In love How A. By that one Spirit whereof all partake we are united together in love so that all the faithfull doe love a and esteeme each of other and b communicate each to other in all good things ever wishing well to the prosperity of Gods Church and cause in all the World a Philem. v. 16 17. 1 Ioh. 5.1 1 Pet. 2.17 b Act. 2 42 45 46. Act. 4.32 1 Cor. 12.13 25. Psal 137.6 Q. How are the members of the Church called Saints seeing in many things they sin A. Because they are made holy in part and are perfectly holy in Christ We must be Saints here else we shall never be Saints in Heaven Eph. 1.1 Heb. 12.14 CAP. XXIV Of forgivenesse of sinnes Q. WHat is sinne A. Any transgression of Gods Law 1 John 3.4 Gen. 3.11 Q. What is the punishment due to sinners A. Eternall death the curse of God for ever in Hell fire Rom. 6.21 23. Mat. 25.41 Q. Are you a sinner A. Yes I was borne in sinne and doe daily break Gods holy Lawes Psal 51.5 Rom. 5.14 There is sinne in Infants Q. Shall you then be damned in Hell fire A. I deserve damnation but I believe that through Christ my sinnes shall be forgiven me Rom 8.1 Q. Are sinnes forgiven in this life A. Yes now or never 1 Joh. 2.12 Col. 1.13 Mat. 9.2 Rev. 2.17 Rom. 5.5 The conscience is now absolved and it shall be hereafter declared solemnely before Men and Angels Act. 3.19 Q. What is forgivenesse of sinnes A. It is a free and full discharge of a sinner from the guilt punishment of sin so that in Gods sight they are as if they had never been Esa 43.25 Mic. 7.18 19. Rom. 8.33 34. The afflictions and miseries which the Godly endure in this World are not punishments for sin in a way of justice and satisfaction for sin as if they were the cause why sins are forgiven to us 1. Because Christ alone hath borne the chastisement of our peace and none of the people with him 2. Because the afflictions of the Godly are for the good of the party afflicted and not in a way of revenge to satisfie divine justice 3. And not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us Q. Who doth forgive sinnes A. God alone who is offended and dishonoured by them Mar. 2.7 9. Lu. 23.34 Men doe forgive one another the Trespasse but not the sin as it is sin Q. Why and for whose sake doth God forgive sinnes A. For Christs sake without respect to any thing that we can doe or suffer 1 Iob. 2 12. Act. 2.38 Eph. 4.32 Rom. 3.24 Q. Why for Christs sake A. Because he being surety of the New Covenant hath in my nature room and stead answered the Law pacified Gods wrath 2 Cor. 5.21 Heb. 7.22 Q To what manner of persons is remission of sins granted in the Gospell A. To them only that believe repent and amend their lives and turne from the evill of their doings Luk 13.3 Mar. 16.16 Ezek. 18.21 Esay 1.18 Act. 16.31 Joh. 5.24 Q. Do you think in your conscience that your sins in particular be forgiven A. Yes that is
the things granted by Gods Covenant Q. Must we be in Covenant with God before we can partake of the Sacraments A. Yes for else the outward signes doe not profit Abraham was first in Covenant with God and then he received the signe of Circumcision Even as we use first to agree upon the conditions before we seale and deliver the deeds Gen. 15.6 18. with Gen. 17 7 10 11. with Rom. 4.10 11. Acts 8.13 21 37. As in Covenant and Contract of Marriage there is first a consent of the parties and then the writings are sealed so it is in this covenant of Grace both we and our Children must be in Covenant with God before the Sacraments which are the seales of the Covenant can belong to us Some are in Covenant with God only by outward profession and such people receive the signe but not the thing signified as Acts 5.3 1 Cor. 10.3 5. 1 Cor. 11.27 Rom. 2 25. others are really in Covenant with the Lord they receive both the signe and the things thereby signified as Acts 2.41 1 Pet. 3.21 Our Children are taken into Gods Covenant and so have the signe of Baptisme Howbeit when they come to age they must performe the condition of their Fathers Faith else they forfeit all Q. The Sacraments of the Old Testament were two 1. Circumcision and 2. the Passeover of the New Testament be likewise two Sacraments Baptisme and the Lords Supper How do they differ the one from the other The New from the Old A. Not in substance for Christ is the substance and end of all Sacraments but only in the manner the Old did lead unto and fet forth Christs death which was to come the New doe set forth Christ already come 1 Cor. 10.3 4. 1 Cor. 5.7 Exod. 12.13 The parts of a Sacrament Q. How many parts be there in a Sacrament A. There be two parts in every Sacrament 1. Some outward bodily signe 2. And some spiritual benefit signifi'd thereby Q. What is the spiritual thing signified in every Sacramâ—nt A. Christ crucified or the doing away of sinnes in for the death of Christ it is not every grace represented by an outward signe that doth make a Sacrament but the benefit of Christs passion is that grace which is set forth in every Sacrament Col. 2.11 12. Marke 1.4 Matth. 26.28 1 Cor 10.16 1 Cor. 5.7 Q. What followes hereof A. Therefore those other five Sacraments of the Papists viz Confirmation Penance Orders Matrimony extreame unction are falsly called Sacraments of the New Testament as being neither ordained by Christ nor having such Sacramental signes and significations A Christian needs but two things to his being viz. a new birth and a growth in Christ both which are set forth in the other two Sacraments besides those five are not common to all Christians that be in Covenant with God nor yet peculiar to the Christian Churches Q. Who is the Author and ordainer of all Sacraments The Author A. Only the Lord God None but God can forgive sinnes bestow spiritual graces and therefore none but God can make signes and seals thereof As he alone can signe and seale a deed that hath the right to sell the land All signes and Sacraments of mans devising cannot teach or help devotion but only delude and breed superstition It is a foolish thing to make a significant signe of that which is not in our power to give Mat. 28.19 1 Cor. 11.23 Q. What is the efficacy of Sacraments Do they justifie the receiver or work in us that grace which they signify if the party him self do not hinder it by some grosse sin And Efficacy A. No Sacraments are signes of Gods grace and favour towards us but not the working causes thereof For then the signe should be before the thing whereof it is a signe which cannot be Sacraments serve as it were to put us in possession of the Covenant as a sealed deed formally delivered doth of an house or land that is sold Remission of sins and oher blessings of the Covenant are not in the Sacraments as Heat is in the fire or as a medicine in a box But as a Key given in token of possession or a deed whereby Men are enfeoft in any House or Land are in Law sure Pawnâ— of the things promised so are the holy signes given to the beleiver Remission of sins sanctification of our hearts is from God alone through the bloud of Jesus Christ yet for the applying thereof unto us there are diverse means established as 1. Baptisme Act 2.38 Mat 3.7 Mar 1.4 2ly The Eucharist Mat. 26.28 1 Cor. 10.16 3ly Preaching 2 Cor 5.19 4ly Prayer Act 8.22 Ja 5.15 5ly The power of the Keys Mat 18.18 Ioh 20.23 All these are Acts instituted by God SacrameÌ„ts are not physicall but moral instrumeÌ„ts by which God bestoweth what they represent the use of them is in our hands the effect ' in Gods for the use we have his Commandement for the effect his Conditional promise The Sacraments are not bare resemblances and memorials of things absent nor naked signes of Grace received before but means effectual whereby God delivereth into our hands the Grace signified by them Hoâ—ker Pol. l. 5. S. 57. executed by us for that purpose And therefore although the dead soul that hath no inward motion of faith to receive the benefit offered nor any disposition of heart answerable to the thing that is done outwardly these means availe nothing Gal. 5 6. Yet on Gods part offering and on mans part duely receiving and imbracing them the outward signe the spiritual benefit thereby signified doe ever goe together hence it is that in the Scripture that which is proper to the thing signified is sometimes ascribed to the signe as Acts 22.16 Arise and be Baptized washing away sinnes with 1 Cor 10.16 1 Cor 11. 24 25. The which is well expressed Art 25 of the Church of Eng. Gallica Confessio fidei Art 34.37 Harm of Confessions That the Sacraments be certain sure witnesses effectual signes of grace and Gods good will towards us in such only as worthily receive the same they have a wholsome effect By the Sacraments God doth quicken strengthen Confirme our faith ibid. CAP. L. Of Baptisme Q. WHat is Baptisme A. It is a Sacrament of our engrafture into Christ out of old Adam It is unto us an entrance into the Church witnessing unto us that whereas we were before strangers from God a God doth now receive us into his family people and we again b give up our selves together with our names unto God through Jesus Christ to walk in newnesse of life a 1 Cor 12.13 Gal. 3.27 Eph. 2.11 12 13 b Mat. 3.8 11. Rom. 6.3 4. Q What 's the owtward signe in Baptisme A. The dipping or sprinkling of water in the name of the Father Sonne and Holy Ghost Mat. 28.19 for dipping see Iohn 3. 23. Mat. 3 6
16. Acts 8.38 And for sprinkling read Ac◠16.33 in Houses Marke 7.4 with Heb. 9.10 19 20 21 22. Heb. 12.24 Q. What is the spiritual thing signified by this sprinkling of water A. The clensing of the soule from all sinne by the bloud of Christ sprinkled on it Acts 2.38 Rom 6.3 Col 2.12 13. Baptisme teacheth and signifieth unto us that in Christ we who were dead in sinnes are quickned washed and all our sins forgiven by the mighty operation of God Eph 5.26 Tit 3.5 In and by Baptisme God doth two things 1. He doth instruct us touching Christ crucified that our sins are washed and our souls clensed from all sinne by his bloud 1 John 1.7 Rev. 1.5 2. He doth apply the same in particular to the party Baptized Acts 22.16 For the Sacraments by reason of the word of command go and Baptize them and of the word of promise of a benefit to worthy receivers Be Baptized for remission of sinnes Acts 2.38 They do tell us that Christ is ours given to us and his bloud sprinkled on us and by this means it being a word of promise and every word of promise is a word serving to beget faith the spirit of God doth stir up faith strengthen and confirme faith in us God doth not put any such virtue into the signs as to pardon our sins and make us Holy ex opere operato neither doth God so tie his presence to the water as if where the Ministers Action is there God is also and at the same time for many have the signe that never have the thing as Simon Magus Judas c. and some have the benefit of Baptisme long after as Infants when they come to age But none have the benefit of Baptisme but such as come by Faith to behold Christ crucified in and through the outward signs so use the signs as means of applying Christ to their own souls for remission of sins See Art 27. of Ch. of Eng. Q What is it to be baptized in the Name of the Father Sonne and Holy Ghost 1. Goes par of the Covenant A. Two things are meant by it First thereby is testified to the party Baptized that he is received into the flock family of God God doth avouch him for his child God doth bind himselfe to us and make over his Covenant to us Gen. 17.7 Q. What secondly 2. Our part A. The party that receiveth Baptisme doth enter into an Oath and Covenant to take the Lord for his God thereby binding himelfs to believe and serve that true God who is Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost We are then enrolled and written among the Sonnes of God Gen. 17.1 Gal. 3.27 1 Cor. 1.13.15 We avouch God to be our God Deut. 26.17 18. Q. Is it thus with all that are baptized Doe all receive those benefits A. No only they that have or come to have faith to believe the promises and repentance to forsake sinne Gal. 5.6 1 Pet. 3.21 Acts 8.21 23 Marke 16 16. In Scripture they are reputed aliens and strangers from the covenants of promise who have not the sign of the Covenant 2. And they that reject the signes are reputed to reject the Covenant it self Eph. 2.11 Gen. 17.14 Luke 7.30 3. So they that receive the signe of the Covenant joyning themselves to the people of God are in Scripture reputed to be of the houshold of faith Saints confederate with the Church of God Esay 56.3 Heb. 9.13 4 But really and effectually they only receive the benefits which come to have the conditions of the Covenant viz. Faith and repentance Act. 8.21 23. 1 Cor. 10 3 5. Act. 3.26 1 Pet. 3.21 The duties of them that be Baptized The duty of all that be Baptized is reduced to three heads 1. To Renounce The divell the World the Flesh 2. To Believe in Jesus Christ and to maintaine the Faith once delivered to the Saints against all Sects and Heresies whatsoever 3. We promise to walke obediently in all Gods Commandements Q. Are the conditions of faith and repentance required in all that are to be baptized A. Yes in all that be Baptized when they be of ripe age but in little Children it is sufficient that they shew forth faith and repentance when they come to age Q. May little Children be Baptized 1. Practice A. Yes the Apostles did baptize whole housholds in which number were their Children As Abraham his houshold were circumcised that is He and his Children for Ismael was but thirteen years old whē he was circumcised Gen. 17.25 And there is reason for it because there is the same relation frō the believing parents to the children already born as to them that shall be born and therefore if the children of Stephanas and the Jaylor which were borne after their conversion ought to be baptized by vertue priviledge of the parents faith why not also the children that were already born seeing they are the children of believers moreover this practice of baptizing Infants by the Apostle is gathered frō that Phrase Heb. 6.2 laying on of hands which was a ceremony used in prayer for them that had been-Baptized in their Infancy See Calvin Inst lib. 4. c. 16. § 4. de Confirmatione when they were Catechized in the doctrines to be known and believed by grown men that were admitted to Baptisme Calv on Heb. 6.2 Acts 16 33. 1 Cor. 1.16 Gen. 17.25 Q. Why are Infants of believers to be Baptized A. Because they belong to the covenant of grace 2. Promises Commandement and be of the number of Gods people and are inheritors of the blessings which God promised to the seed of the faithfull 1 Cor. 7.14 Rom 11.16 Acts 2.39 Mark 10.13 14 15. Gen. 17.7 9 12 14. with Gal. 3.16 Rom. 4.11 12. In those Scriptures Note five things 1. That Infant-membership Admission by an outward signe is as Ancient as any visible Church recorded in Scripture 2. That the Covenant made with Abraham was the Gospel-Covenant wherein Blessednesse was promised in through Christ the Promised seed Gal. 3.8 with Gen. 12.3 and that Covenant is to endure to the end of the World Gal 3.16 17. 3. Note the persons with whom God made the Gospel-Covenant it was Abraham and his Infant-seed so with beleevers of all Nations who have as much right to that promise I wil be thy God the God of thy seed as Abraham had 4. There is a command to marke the Infant-children of the Covenant Gen. 17 10 12. The which command is no where reversed but rather established Mat. 28.19 Baptize al Infants are not excepted but rather included in that Promise Act 2 3◠And though the signe of the Covenant be changed yet neither is the Covenant it self nor the commandement to Marke Infants reversed 5ly Note what Christ did and the reason why he did it 1. what Christ did He sayd forbid them not to come unto me And albeit