3.6 Received up into glory Q. 6. Why did he assume our Nature A. That he might die in it for our Salvation Heb. 2.15 And delivered them who through fear of death were all their life time subject to bondage Q 7. Why did he rise in it after Death A. He raised it from the dead for our Justification Rom. 4.25 Who was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our Iustification Q 8. Why did he ascend in our Nature into Heaven A. To be a Mediator of intercession in our Nature Heb 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Q 9. What is the first Instruction from hence A. That the Body of Christ is not every where but is contained in Heaven Acts 3.21 Whom the heaven must receive till the times of restitution of all things Q. 10. VVhat is the second Iustruction A. That Christ is full of tender compassions to his peoples infirmities Heb. 4.15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Q. 11. VVhat is the third Instruction A. That great and admirable is the glory designed for the bodies of Believers Phil. 3.21 VVho shall change our vile bodies that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself Q. 12. VVhat is the last Instruction A. That the bodily Eyes of Believers after the Resurrection shall see Christ in glory Iob 19.26 27. And though after my skin worms destroy this body yet in my flesh shall I see God VVhom I shall see for my self and mine eyes shall behold and not another Of Christ's Offices Quest. 23. WHat Offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer A. Christ as our Redeemer doth execute the Office of a Prophet of a Priest and of a King both in his Estate of Humiliation and Exaltation Q. 1. What are the States and Conditions of our Redeemer A. Christ's States are twofold namely his State of Humiliation and his State of Exaltation Phil. 2.8 9. And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross VVherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name above every name Q. 2. How many Offices belongs to Christ in these States A. Christ hath a threefold Office namely of a Prophet of a Priest and of a King Q. 3 Why doth Christ take all these three Offices A. Because they are all necessary for our salvation and we have the benefit of them all 1 Cor. 1.30 Who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption Q. 4. Can no man take Christ in one Office and not in another A. No whoever will have the benefit of any one must receive him in all Acts 5.31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a prince and a saviour for to give repentance unto Israel and forgiveness of Sins Q. 5. What respect have the Offices of Christ to the Promises A. The Promises flow out of them as out of their Fountain 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the promises of God in him are Yea and in him Amen Q. 6. What Promises flow out of the Prophetical Office A. All the Promises of Illumination Guidance and Direction flow out of Christ's Prophetical Office Q. 7. What Promises flow out of the Priestly Office A. All the Promises of Pardon and Peace flow out of it Q. 8. What Promises flow out of the Kingly Office A. All the Promâ—ses of Defence Protection and Deliverances Q 2. What is the first instruction A. Hence we learn the compleatness of Christ for all the wants of his people Col. 2.10 And ye are compleat in him Q. 10. What is the second Instruction A. Hence we learn the folly and misery of all Hypocrites that close partially with Christ. Q 11 What is the third Instruction A. Hence we learn the singular dignity of the Lord Jesus None ever have all those Offices but Christ. Q. 12. What is the last Instruction A. That Faith is a considerate act and requires much deliberation Of Câ—rist's Prophetical Office Quest. 24. HOW doth Christ execute the Office of a Prophet A. Christ executeth the Office of a Prophet in revealing to us by his word and spirit the will of God for our salvation Q. 1. What doth Christ's Prophetical Office imply A. It implies man's natural blindness and ignorance 1 Cor. 2.14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned Q. 2. What â—lse doth it imply A. That Christ is the original and fountain of all that light which guides us to salvation 2 Cor. 4.6 7. For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Iesus Christ. Q. 3. How doth Christ teach men the will of God A. He doth it by external Revelation of it Acts 3.22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you And by internal illumination Luke 24.45 Then opened he their understanding that they might understand the Scripture Q. 4 What need then of man's ministry A. Very much for Christ hath instituted Ministers as instruments by whom he will teach us Eph. 4 11 12. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ. Acts 26.18 To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God that they may receive forgiveness of sins Q. 5. Can no man savingly know the will of God without the teachings of Christ A. No though common knowledge may be obtained in a natural way yet not saving Mat. 11.25 At that time Iesus answered and said I thank thee O father Lord of heaven and earth because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and hast revealed them unto babes Q. 6. How appears it that Christ is appointed to this office A. We have the written word for it Acts 3.22 A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you Q. 7. What is the first Instruction hence A. None need be discouraged at their natural weakness if Christ be their Teacher Mat. 11.25 At that time Iesus answered and said I thank thee O father Lord of heaven and
the workâ— of thy hands thou hast put all things under his feet Q. 2. What then is to be thought of those men who being wholly intent upon inferior things forget and neglect their principal End A. They are dead whilst they live 1 Tim. 5.6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead whilst she liveth They have their Portion in this Life Psal. 17.14 From men of the world which have their Portion in this Life and their end is destruction Phil. 3.19 Whose end is destruction Q. 3. How can man glorifie God seeing he is perfectly glorious in himself A. Man cannot glorifie God by adding any new degree of glory to him Iob. 35.7 If thou be righteous what givest thou him but by manifesting his glory with the Lips Psal. 50.23 Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me or with the life Mat. 5.16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorifie your Father which is in Heaven Q. 4. Wherein consists the enjoyment of God A. It consists first In the facial vision of him in Heaven Secondly In full conformity to him 1 Ioh. 3.2 But we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is Thirdly In that full satisfaction which results from both the former Psal. 17.15 I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness Q 5. Can none enjoy him in Heaven who do not glorifie him on Earth A. No adult person can Scripturally expect happiness in Heaven without holiness on Earth Heb. 12.14 And holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. Rom. 8.30 Whom he justified them he also glorified Q. 6. How comes the glory and enjoyment of God our Chief End A. He is our Master and rightful Owner and Benefactor we receive our Being and Preservation from him Of him and through him and therefore to him be all Things Rom. 11.36 Q. 7. Do all men make God their chief End A. No they do not some make their sensual Pleasure their chief End Phil. 3.19 Whose God is their Belly and some the World Col. 3.5 Mortifie therefore your members which are upon the Earth and Covetousness which is Idolatry Q. 8. What are the Signs of a man's making himself his chief End A. Those make themselves their chief End who ascribe the glory of what they have or do to themselves and not to God Dan. 4.30 The King spake and said Is not this great Babylon which I have built Isa. 10.18 For he saith By the strength of my hand have I done it and by my wisdom for I am prudent therefore they sacrifice to their own net and burn Incense unto their Drag Hab. 1.16 Q. 9. Why are the glorifying and enjoying of God put together as making up our chief End A. Because no man can glorifie God that takes him not for his God and none takes him for his God that takes him not for his Supream Good and both these being essentially included in this Notion of the chief End are therefore justly put together Q. 10. What is the first Truth inferr'd from hence A. That God hath dignified Man above all other Creatures on Earth in giving him a capacity of glorifying God here and of enjoying him hereafter Q. 11. What is the second truth inferr'd hence A. That the Soul of man is not annihilated by Death but advanced by it Phil. 1.21 To die is gain V. 23. Having a desire to depart and to be with Christ which is far better Q. 12. What is the third truth inferr'd hence A. That it is the duty and wisdom of every Christian to renounce deny and forsake all inferior Interests and Enjoyments when they come in competition with the glory of God and our enjoyment of him Luke 14.33 So likewise whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath cannot be my Disciple Q. 13. What is the fourth Inferrence hence A. That we are to abhor and renounce all those Doctrines and Practices that debase the glory of God and exalt and magnifie the Creature Of the Scriptures as our Rule Quest. 2. WHat Rule hath God given â—o direct us how we may glorifie and enjoy him A. The Word of God which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him Q. 1. How can the Scriptures be called the Word of God seeing the things contained therein were spoken and written by men A. They are truly and properly called the Word of God because they came not by the Will of Man but holy Men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost 2 Pet. 1.21 Q. 2. What are the principal Arguments to persuade us that the Scriptures are of Divine Authority and Inspiration A. Three things especially convince us First The Holiness of the Doctrine therein contained Secondly The awful efficacy thereof on the Soul Thirdly The uncontroulable Miracles by which they are sealed put it beyond all rational doubt that they are the very Word of God Q. 3. What is the Holiness of the Scriptures and how doth that prove them to be God's Word A. The Holiness of the Scriptures doth appear in two things First In commanding and encouraging whatsoever is pure and holy Phil. 4.8 Whatsoever things are pure Secondly In forbidding all unholiness under pain of Damnation 1 Cor. 6.9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God c. This shews that they came not from Satan being cross to his design nor from men it being against his corrupt nature and therefore from God only Q. 4. What is their Authority and Efficacy on the Soul and how doth that prove them Divine A. Their Authority and Efficacy on the Soul consists in three Things First In the power they have to search and discover the secrets of men Heb. 4.12 The Word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged Sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of Soul and Spirit of the Ioynts and Marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart Secondly In their converting Efficacy changing and renewing the Soul Psal. 19.7 The Law of the Lord is perfect converting the Soul Thirdly In their chearing and restoring Efficacy when the Soul is cast down under any inward or outward trouble Psal. 19.8 The Statutes of the Lord are right rejoycing the Heart No humane Power can do such things as these Iohn 17 17. Sanctify them through thy truth thy word is truth Q. 5. How do Miracles confirm it A. Because all proper Miracles are wrought only by the hand of God Iohn 3.2 And no man can do these miracles that thou doest except God be with him and so are his seal to whatsoever he affixes them and it consists not with his truth and holiness to set it to a forgery Q. 6. VVhat was the end of writing the word A. That the Church to the end of the
AN EXPOSITION OF THE Assemblies Catechism WITH PRACTICAL INFERENCES From each QUESTION As it was carried on in the Lords Days Exercises in DARTMOUTH In the First Year of Liberty 1688. By IOHN FLAVELL Preacher of the Gospel in DARTMOUTH 2 Tim. 1.13 Hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me in faith and love which is in Christ Iesus LONDON Printed for Tho. Cockerill at the Three Legs in the Poultry over against Stocks-Market 1692. And because the Answers therein are some of them pretty large and Treat of the most profound Mysteries of our Religion therefore several Persons have bestowed their good and laudable Pains some in descanting more largely and proving by Scriptural Reasons the Particulars and one has shewn the harmony thereof with the Articles and Homilies of the Church of England designed I suppose to remove the prejudice which some have taken against it Others have parted the Questions and Answers into several little ones under each to make them more intelligible to younger ones and more easy to be remembred Among whom Worthy Orthodox and Excellent Mr. Iohn Flavell may be ranked who among other of his many and most profitable Labours applied himself to the chewing of this Bread of Life or crumbling it into smaller pieces for the Cenveniency of Children and indeed of all wherein as in all his other Works he hath shewn himself a Workman that needs not to be ashamed There needs no other recommendations to this Posthumus Piece but the worthy Author's Name he was removed before he had compleatly finished it he had prepared his Questions and Answers upon the second Petition of the Lord's Prayer but lived not to propose them in the publick Congregation God then translated him into his Kingdom of Glory above while he was so industriously endeavouring to promote the Kingdom of Grace below The other five remaining Questions and Answers to compleat the Work were done by a ruder hand as may easily be discerned by any observant Reader who will find himself transfer'd from a plain clear and delightful Stile method and manner into more rough disorderly and unpleasant ones for who indeed could equal this Divine Labourer Not the Compleater who would account himself to have made very great Attainments in Divinity and Usefulness if he were left but a few furlongs behind him Let the Reader use and peruse this Piece and he will see cause to bless God for the Author VALE TO THE READER THE Divine Providence having unexpectedly cast my Lot for a few Days in Dartmouth where that blessed man of God Mr. John Flavell did for many years honour Christ and was honoured by him I have been favoured with a sight of that most judicious Explication of the Assemblies Catechism which is emitted herewith Being desired to testify my Respect to the worthy Author by Prefacing this Excellent Labour of his with a few Lines I can truly say as sometimes Beza of Calvin Now Mr. Flavell is dead Life will be less sweet and Death less bitter to me My heart bleeds to look on this desolate Place and not to see him that whilst living was the glory of it But neither the Author nor his Writings stand in need of the commendation of others much less of mine His Works already published have made his Name precious in both Englands and it will be so as long as the Earth shall endure There are some considerations which may cause the Reader to expect and he will not find himself disappointed therein that which is extraordinary in this little Manuel for the Author's Heart was very much engaged in doing this Service for Christ in thus feeding his Lambs And he did himself design the Publication of what is here committed to the Press and was very desirous with an holy submission to the Will of God to have perfected this Work before his Decease but had strange intimations that he should finish his Course before that could be done When he did viva voce deliver his Meditations there were many Enlargements and lively Passages which are not here inserted nevertheless here is as much as he thought needful for publick view not being willing that his Book should be Voluminous In his last Catechetical Exercise concerning Hallowing the Name of God he was exceedingly enlarged but he must himself go into the Kingdom of Glory when he intended to have discoursed on that Petition Thy Kingdom come He also began some Meditations on the Joys of Heaven But before he had an opportunity to express what had been in his Heart the Lord Iesus said unto him Enter thou into the Joy of thy Lord. And thus doth it happen many times to the eminent and holy Servants of God Another Consideration recommending what comes herewith is that it was amongst Mr. Flavell's last Works The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Last Sayings of wise and great Men have been esteemed Oraculous and the Scripture puts an Emphasis on the last Words of David the sweet singer of Israel 2 Sam. 23.1 Not that those were the last words that ever David spake only they were written not long before his Death when he was come near Heaven So was what is now put into the Reader 's Hand written by Mr. Flavell not long before his translation to the World of Souls where the Spirits of Iust men are made perfect There was a more than ordinary presence of God with him to his last and in his last Days not the last Sermon that he preached which was June 21. 1691. He did more than once surprize his Hearers with an Intimation that that might be the last time he should speak to them in the Name of the Lord. And was not then the Secret of the Lord with him Dartmouth will know and Devonshire will know that there has been a Prophet among them And now my Soul bleeds to Look on the dear Flock of God which are as Sheep without a Shepherd The Lord Iesus the great Shepherd of the Sheep bave compassion on them and give them a Shepherd like to his blessed Servant Flavell who did for many years feed them with Knowledge and with Understanding Dartmouth March the 21th 1691 2. Increase Mather AN EXPOSITION OF THE Assemblies Shorter Catechism 1 Question Of Man's Chief End WHat is the Chief End of Man A. Man's Chief End is to glorify God and to enjoy him for ever Q. 1. Seeing a Chief supposeth an inferior End What is that inferior End for which man was made A. It was prudently soberly and mercifully to govern use and dispose of other Creatures in the Earth Sea and Air over which God gave man the Dominion Gen. 1.26 And God said Let us make man in our Image after our likeness and let them have domonion over the Fish of the Sea and over the Fowl of the Air and over the Cattel and over all the Earth and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the Earth So Psal. 8.6 Thou madest him to have dominion over
of the righteous judgment of God Q. 6. What is the Third Evidence of God's Iustice A. The Third Evidence of the Justice of God is in making good all the mercies he hath promised to believers exactly to a tittle 1 Iohn 1.19 If we confess our sins he is faithfull and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness 2 Tim. 4.8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous judge will give me at that day Q. 7. What is the First inference from God's Iustice A. That sinners have no cause to complain of God's Judgments though they be never so terrible or durable Rom. 2.5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thy self wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God Q. 8. What is the Second Inference from God's Iustice A. That without doubt there is a Judgment to come in the next Life otherwise God would not have the glory of his Justice Eccles. 3.16 17. I saw under the sun the place of judgment that wickedness was there and the place of righteousness that iâ—iquity was there I said in mine heart God shall judge the righteous and the wicked Q. 9. What is the Third Inference from God's Iustice A. That penitent and believing sinners need not doubt of the forgiveness of their sins 1 Iohn 1.9 If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness Q. 10. What is the Last Inference from it A. The Last Inference is That meekness and patience under afflictions is our unquestionable Duty and murmuring against God is a great sin and evil Lam. 3.39 Wherefore doth a living man complain a man for the punishment of his sins Of Gâ—d's Goodness Quest. 1. WHAT is the Goodness of God A. It is an Essential Property of his Nature whereby he is absolutely and perfectly good in himself and the Fountain of all communicated Goodness to the Creature Psalm 119.68 Thou art good and dost good teach me thy Statutes Q 2. How doth the Goodness of God differ from the Mercy of God A. It differs in its Objects for Misery is the Object of Mercy but Goodness extends to the Creatures that are happy as well as miserable as the Angels Psal. 145.9 The Lord is good to all and his tender mercies are over all his works Q. 3. What is the First Property of God's Goodness A. That all his other Attributes flow out of it as their Fountain The other Acts of God are but the Effluxes of his Goodness Exod. 33.19 And he said I will make all my goodness pass before thee and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious and will shew mercy unto whom I will shew mercy Exod. 34.6 And the Lord passed by before him and proclaimed The Lord the Lord God merciful and gracious long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth Q 4 What is the Second Property of the Divine Goodness A. That it is supream and perfect in it self so as the goodness of no Creature is or can be Luke 18.19 None is good save one and that is God And consequently above all additions from the Creature Psalm 16.2 O my soul thou hast said unto the Lord my goodness extendeth not unto thee Q. 5. What is the Third Property of God's Goodness A. That it is communicative with pleasure and delight to the Creature No Mother draws out her Breast to an hungry Child with more pleasure than God doth his Goodness to the Saints Psalm 145.9 The Lord is good to all and his tender mercies are over all his works Q. 6. In what Acts hath God first manifested his Goodness A. He hath manifested it in the creation and government of the World Psalm 104.24 O Lord how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all Q 7. What was the principal Work in which God hath manifested his Goodness to men A. The principal manifestation of God's Goodness was in the Work of Redemption by Christ. Rom. 5.8 God commended his love towards us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us 1 John 4.8 9. In this was manifested the love of God towards us because that God sent his only begotten son into the world that we might live through him Q. 8. But are not the Iudgments of God on the wicked and his Afflictions on the Saints impeachments of his goodness A. No It is the property of Goodness to hate and punish Evil in the impenitent Exod 34.7 Keeping mercy for thousands forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin and that will by no means clear the guilty c. And the Afflictions of the Saints flow from his Goodness and end in their true and eternal good Heb 12.6 For whom the Lord loveth he chastneth and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth Psalm 119.71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted that I might learn thy Stà tutes Q. 9. What may we infer from the Goodness of God A. The first thing is that Sin hath made our Natures base and disingenuous in that we take no notice of his Goodness Isa. 1.3 The ox knoweth his owner and the ass his masters crib but Israel doth not know my people doth not consider And answer not the design of it Rom. 2.4 Not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance Q. 10. What is the Second Inference from the Goodness of God A. That therefore God is the fittest Object of our delight and love and of our trust and confidence 1. Of our Delight and Love Psalm 116.1 I love the Lord because he hath heard my voice and my supplication 2. Of our Trust and Confidence Psalm 34 8. O taste and see that the Lord is good blessed is the man that trusteth in him Q. 11. What is the Third Inference from God's Goodness A. That Christians should imitate God in his Goodness in charity to our Enemies Matt. 5.44 45. But I say unto you Love your enemies bless them that curse you do good to them that hate you pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you that ye may be the children of your father which is in heaven Q. 12. What is the Last Inference from God's Goodness A. That Christians have great encouragement to go to God for pardon in case of sin Psalm 130.4 But there is forgiveness with thee that thou mayest be feared and for refuge of dangers Nahum 1.7 The Lord is good a strong hold in the day of trouble he knoweth them that trust in him Of God's Truth Quest. 1. WHAT is the Truth of God A. It is an Essential Property of his Nature whereby he is perfectly faithful in himself and in all that he hath spoken Deut 32.4 He is the rock his work is perfect for all his ways are judgment a God of truth
6. HOW many Persons are there in the Godhead A. There are three Persons in the Godhead the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost and these three are one God the same in substance equal in Power and Glory Q. 1. VVhat mean you by the word Godhead A. It is the Nature Essence or Being of God as the Apostle speaks Acts 17.29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold or silver or stone graven by art and mans device Q. 2. VVhat is a Person in the Godhead A. It is the Godhead distinguished by personal Properties each person having his distinct personal Properties Heb. 1.3 VVho being the brightness of his glory and the express image of his person upholding all things by the word of his power Q. 3. How doth it appear there are three persons and no more A. First From Christ's Baptism Matt. 3.16 17. And Iesus when he was baptized went up straitway out of the water and Io the heavens were opened unto him and he saw the spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting upon him and lo a voice from heaven saying This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased Q. 4. How else in the second place doth it appear A. From the Institution of our Baptism Mat. 28.19 Go ye therefore teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the father of the son and of the holy ghost Q. 5. VVhat is the third Proof from Scripture A. From the Apostolical Benediction 2 Cor. 13.14 The grace of our Lord Iesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all Amen Where three distinct blessings are wisht from the three divine persons in the Godhead Grace from Christ Love from the Father and Communion with the Spirit Q. 7. What farther evidence is there of it in the Scripture A. From plain positive assertions of the Scripture asserting First A Trinity of Persons Secondly A Unity of Essence 1 Ioh. 5.7 For there are three that bear record in heaven the father the word and the holy Ghost and these three are one Q. 7. VVhat is the first Instruction from the Trinity A. That the Doctrine of the Gospel concerning Christ is fully confirmed and ratified by three witnesses from Heaven who are above all exceptions 1 Ioh. 5.7 For there are three that bear record in heaven the father the word and the Holy Ghost Q. 8. What is the second Instruction from the Trinity A. Hence we learn the true order and manner of worshipping God in the Son Ioh. 16.23 Whatsoever ye shall ask the father in my name he will give it you And by the Spirit Eph. 6.18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit Q. 9. What is the third Instruction from the Trinity A. That the Covenant of Grace conveys a rich portion to Believers in making over all three persons to them Ier. 31.33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and I will be their God and they shall be my people Q. 10. What is the fourth Instruction from the Trinity A. That as it is the duty of all the Saints to give distinct glory to the three persons in the Godhead so it will be a special part of their blessedness in Heaven to contemplate the distinct benefits received from them all Rev. 1.5 And from Iesus Christ who is the faithful witness and the first begotten of the dead and the Prince of the Kings of the Earth unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood Of God's Decrees Quest. 7. WHat are the Decrees of God A. The Decrees of God are his eternal purpose according to the counsel of his will whereby for his own glory he hath fore-ordained whatsoever comes to pass Q. 1. What things are Decreed of God A. All things whatsoever come to pass even the smallest Eph. 1.11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all thing after the counsel of his own will Q. 2. What is the End of God's Decrees A. The Glory of his own Name Eph. 1.11 12. Who worketh all things according to the counsel of his own will that we should be to the praise of his glory who first trusted in Christ. Q. 3. But there are some evil things done in the World do they fall under God's Decree A. Though God doth neither approve them nor necessitate men to commit them yet he doth permit and suffer them to be done and will turn them to his own Glory Acts 4.27 28. For of a truth against thy holy child Iesus whom thou hast anointed both Herod and Pontius Pilate with the Gentiles and the people of Israel are gathered together for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done Q. 4. Who are the Objects of God's Special Decrees A. Angels and Men are the Objects of God's Special Decrees 1 Tim. 5.21 I charge thee before God and the Lord Iesus Christ and the elect angels that thou observe these things c. Rom. 8.33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect Q. 5. What is the First Property of God's Decrees A. That they are most wise Acts of God laid in the depth of Wisdom and Counsel Rom. 11.33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments and his ways past finding out Q. 6. What is the Second Property of God's Decrees A. The Decrees of God are most free all flowing from the meer pleasure of his Will Rom. 9.18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy and whom he will he hardeneth Q 7. What is the Third Property of God's Decrees A. They are most firm and stable 2 Tim. 2.19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure having this seal the Lord knoweth them that are his Zech. 6.1 Q. 8. What is the fourth Property of God's Decrees A. They are eternal and before all time Acts 15.18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world Q. 9. VVhat is th Fifth Property of God's Decrees A. They are most pure and altogether unspotted of sin 1 John 1.5 This is the message which we have heard of him and declare unto you That God ie light and in him is no darkness at all Q. 10. VVhat is the First Instruction from God's Decrees A. That we ought to ascribe nothing to Chance but to the appointment or providence of God Prov. 16.33 The lot is cast into the lap but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Q. 11. VVhat is the Second Instruction from God's Decrees A. That God's hand is to be acknowledged in the greatest Afflictions that befalls us 2 Sam. 16.11
another 1 Kings 20.23 And the servants of the King of Assyria said unto him Their gods are gods of the hills therefore they were stronger than we but let us fight against them in the plain and surely we shall be stronger than they Q. 4. What were the first Creatures worshipped as Gods A. Probably the heavenly Bodies Sun Moon and Stars because of their splendor and influence thâ—se as Heralds do proclaim God to the World Psal. 19.1 2. The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament sheweth his handy work Day unto day uttereth speech and night unto night sheweth knowledge And these messengers of God were mistaken for God himself Iob 31.26 27. If I beheld the sun when it shined or the moon walking in brightness and my heart hath been secretly inticed or my mouth hath kissed my hand This also were an iniquity for I should have denied the God that is above Q. 5. What do these words before me import A. It notes God's perfect knowledge and abhorrence of all Idolatry or worshipping of another God as what he cannot enduâ—e to behold Ier. 44.3 4. Because of their wickedness which they have committed to provoke me to anger in that they went to burn incense to serve other Gods whom they knew not neither they you nor your fathers howbeit I sent unto you all my servants the prophets rising early and sending them saying O do not this abominable thing that I hate Q. 6. Are none guilty of this sin but heathenish Idolaters A. Yes all that place their supream love or trust in any creature make that creature their God and in Scripture are called Idolaters Col. 3.5 And covetousness which is Idolatry Q. 7. How doth the Idolatry forbidden in the first differ from that forbidden in the second Commandment A. The Idolatry forbidden in the first Commandment is a sin respecting the object of worship when we set up any thing in the place of God which by nature is not God Gal. 4.8 Howbeit then when ye knew not God ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods But that against the second Commandment is when we pretend to worship the true God but do it by such means and in such a manner as he hath not required or hath forbidden Exod. 32.4 5. And he received them at their hands and fashioned it with a graving tool after he had made a molten calf and they said These be thy gods O Israel which brought thee up out of the house of Egypt Q. 8. What is the first inference from the first Commandment A. That it is a special mercy to be brought forth in a land where the true God is known and worshipped Psal. 147.20 He hath not dealt so with any nation and as for his judgments they have not known them praise ye the Lord. Q. 9. What is the second inference from the 1st Commandment A. That it is a great and dreadful sin to live without the worship of God in the world Eph. 2.12 That at that time ye were without Christ and without God in the world Q. 10. What 's the third inference from the 1st Commandment A. That Christians must not comply with Idolatrous or Superstitious worship when they are cast into Idolatrous places how great soever the danger be Psal. 16.4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another God their drink offering of blood will I not offer nor take up their names into my lips Q. 11. What is the fourth inference from hence A. That the supream love fear and trust of the Soul is God's peculiar right and due Whosoever places them on any other besides God is guilty of a very heinous and great sin against him 1 Iohn 2.15 Love not the world neither the things that are in the world if any man love the world the love of the father is not in him Compared with Iob 31.24 28. If I have made gold my hope or have said to the fine gold Thou art my confidence this also were an iniquity to be punished by the Iudge for I should have denied the God that is above Q. 12. What is the fifth inference hence A. That God's eye discovers the closest Idolatry in the world whether it be in secret actions Ezek. 8.12 Hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark Every man in the chambers of his imaginary for they say the Lord seeth us not the Lord hath forsaken the earth Or inward affections Col. 3.5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth fornication uncleanness inordinate affection evil concupiscence and covetousness which is Idolatry Q 13. What is the sixth inference from hence A. That an high and full condition in the world is a dangerous condition and lies most exposed to the danger of Heart-idolatry Prov. 30.9 Lest I be full and deny thee and say Who is the Lord Mark 10.24 How hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of heaven Q. 14. What is the last Inference A. That in covenanting with God and avouching him for our God we must wholly renounce all others and take God alone for our portion and the object of our love and dependance Hos. 3.3 Thou shalt not be for another man So will I also be for thee Luke 14 33. So likewise whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath he cannot be my disciple Of the second Commandment Qust 49. WHich is the second Commandment A. The second Commandment is Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven Image or any likeness of any thing that is in Heaven above or that is in the Earth beneath or that is in the Water under the Earth thou shalt not bow down thy self to them nor serve them For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquities of the Fathers upon the Children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my Commandments Quest. 50. What is required in the second Commandment A. The second Commandment requireth the receiving observing and keeping pure and entire all such Religious Worship and Ordinances as God hath appointed in his Word Quest. 51. What is forbidden in the second Commandment A. The second Commandment forbiddeth the worshipping of God by Images or any other way not appointed in his word Quest. 52. What are the Reasons annexed to the second Commandment A. The Reasons annexed to the second Commandment are Gods Sovereignty over us his propriety in us and his zeal he hath to his own Worship Q. 1. What is the Sin especially forbidden in the second Commandment A. The Sin here forbidden is the corruption of Gods Worship by making any similitude of any Person in the Godhead and performing Divine Worship before it or to it Exod. 32.8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them they have made them a molten calâ—
have not an high Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find gracec to help in time of need Q. 13. What 's the last Inference from hence A. That the seeing Believers have a Father in Heaven they should never fear wants whilst they live nor be afraid to die since Death brings them to Heaven their Fathers house Of Sanctifying Gods Name Quest. 101. WHat do we pray for in the first Petition A. In the first Petition which is hallowed be thy Name we pray that God would enable us and others to gloryfy him in all that whereby he maketh himself known and that he would dispose all things to his own glory Q. 1. Is there any word full enough perfectly to express what God is A. No his Name is secret Iudg. 13.18 And the Angel of the Lord said unto him why askest thou thus after my name seeing it is secret A Name which none can tell Prov. 30.4 what is his name and what is his sons name if thou canst tell A Name above every Name Phil. 2.9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name But the Name by which he more especially manifests himself is the name I am Exod. 3.14 And God said unto Moses I am that I am And he said thus shalt thou say unto the Children of Israel I am hath sent me unto you Q. 2. What doth the Name of God I am signify to us A. It signifies to us first the reality of his being in opposition to Idols which are but imaginary and Phantastick things 1 Cor. 8.4 We know that an Idol is nothing in the world c. God is not only the most perfect being but the root of all other beings Q. 3. What else doth this Name I am import A. It imports both the perfection and eternity of Gods being I am implies he hath not that now which he had not formerly and that he shall not afterwards have what he hath not now And that there is neither beginning End or succession with God whose name is I am Q. 4. But what are we here to understand by the name of God A. All those things are here intended by which he manifests himself to the Creature as his Word Works and Ordinances but especially his glorious Attributes Exod. 34.5 6. The Lord the Lord God merciful and gracious long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth Q. 5. What is it to Hallow or Sanctify his Name A. Not to infuse any holiness into him which he had not before so he Sanctifies us but to manifest and acknowledge the holiness of God Isa. 29.23 But when he seeth his Children the work of my hands in the midst of him they shall sanctify my name and sanctify the holy one of Iacob and shall fear the God of Israel Q. 6 Why Hallwed or Sanctified rather than Glorified Why that word rather than this Because his Holiness is the beauty and lustre of his other Attributes His Greatness appears in his Holiness Isa. 12.6 great is the holy one of Israel in the midst of thee So doth his Power Luke 1.49 For â—e that is mighty hath done to me great things and holy is his name And therefore his Holiness is that Attribute which Angels single out especially to celebrate Isa. 6.3 And one cried unto another and said holy holy holy is the Lord of Hosts c. And so do men also as it is the cause why they should glorify him Exod. 15.11 Who is like thee glorious in holiness c. Q. 7. What 's the first thing we are to intend in this Petition A. The meaning is that God would so dispose and order all thiâ—gs in the World as may best promote and advance the glory of his Name on which account we may Pray for the defeat of Gods Enemies Psal. 83.16 17 18. Fill their faces with shame that they may seek thy name O Lord. Let them be confounded and troubled for ever yea let them be put to shame and perish That men may know that thou whose name alone is Jehovah art the most high over all the Earth And the deliverance of his Church and people Psal. 79.9 Help us O God of our Salvation for the glory of thy name and deliver us and purge away our sins for thy names sake Q. 8. What 's the second Thing we are to intend in it A. That God would fit us for and use us in the most serviceable capacity for the glorifying of his Name Psal. 67.1 2 3. God be merciful unto us and bless us and cause his face to shine upon us That thy way may be known upon earth thy saving health among all nations Let the people praise thee O God let all the people praise thee Q. 9. What 's the third Thing intended in this Petition A. That God may not only glorify his own Name and use us to glorifie it but that it should be our endeavour and joy to have it glorfied by others all the World over Psal. 145.4 5 6. One generation shall praise thy works to another and shall declare thy mighty acts I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty and of thy wondrous works And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts and I will declare thy greatness Q. 10. Why must our Hearts be so intently set upon the Sanctification of Gods Name A. Because this is the ultimate end of our own and every other being Rom. 11.36 for of him and through him and to him arâ— all things to whom be glory for ever Amen And the particular end of God in our Effectual calling 1 Pet. 2.9 But ye are a chosen generation a Royal Priest-hood an holy nation a peculiar people that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light Q. 11. What 's the first Inference from hence A. That the dishonour of Gods Name must needs be a cutting Affliction to a gracious Soul Psal. 42.10 As with a sword in my bones my enemies reproach me while they say dayly unto me where is their God Q. 12. What 's the second Inference from hence A. That it is a dreadful infatuation and spiritual judgment upon those men that think they glorifie God in doing those things which his Soul hateth Isa. 66.5 Hear the word of the Lord ye that tremble at his word your brethren that hated you that cast you out for my names sake said let the Lord be glorified but he shall appear to your joy and they shall be ashamed And Iohn 16.2 They shall put you out of the Synagogues yea the time cometh that whosoever killeth you will think that he doth God service Q. 13. What is the third Inference from hence A. That it should be indifferent to a
in our selves every lust that contradicts Gods Will and renounce without our selves every thing that comes in competition therewith 1 Cor. 9. ult But I keep under my body and bring it into subjection least that by any means when I have preached to others I my self should be a cast away Gal. 6.14 But God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Iesus Christ by whom the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world Q. 20. What is the third Inference A. That it is in vain yea a provocation to pray if we be not obedient to Gods Will Prov. 2.8 9. He keepeth the paths of judgment and preserveth the way of his saints Then shalt thou understand righteousness and judgment and equity yea every good path Q. 21. What is the fourth Inference A. That the Law still hath the authority of a Rule to Believers because it reveals Gods Will which they must do Concerning our Dayly Bread Quest. 14. WHat do we pray for in the fourth Petition A. In the fourth Petition which is Give us this day our daily Bread we pray that of Gods free gift we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life and enioy his Blessing with them Q. 1. Why is this Petition placed after the three former A. Because those concern immediately and generally Gods Glory in the advancement of his Name Kingdom and Will which ought to be preferred to all our personal concerns Psal. 69.9 For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up Acts 21.13 For I am ready not to be bound only but also to dye at Ierusalem for the name of the Lord Iesus Q. 2. Why is it put before the two following Petitions A. Not for its worth but for its order for we can have no Spiritual Blessings unless we have a Natural Being in this Life Q. 3. What kind of Bread is here meant A. Not Spiritual Bread or our Lord Christ as some but Corporal and Temporal Q. 4. What is included in this word Bread A. Not that only which we call strictly Bâ—â—ad but all the good things of this present Life Q. 5. Do we hereby beg pure necessities only A. No we pray for conveniencies for our comfort as well as necessaries for our life Q. 6. Do we herein pray only for personal good things for our being A. No we pray for civil good things for our condition that according to our degree in the World in which God hath placed us we may have a convenient allowance Q. 7. Do we pray here for our selves only A. No but also for our Charge Children and Family that under and with us they may have the good things of this Life Q. 8. Why do we pray to God for these good things can we not get them our selves or our fellow creatures give them to us A. Not without God Whatever we have of these things they are from God who ever be the second cause or instrument if our selves God gives us ability and success to get them if others God inclined their hearts and opened their hands to bestow them Deut. 8.17 18. And thou say in thine heart my power and the might of my hand hath gotten me this wealth But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth Q. 9. Why do we pray to God to give us Bread A. Because the least crumb of Bread is a free gift and never can be merited by all we can do or suffer Luke 17.10 So likewise ye when ye shall have done all these things which are commanded you say we are unprofitable servants Q. 10. Why are all these good things couched under the expression Bread A. 1. Because Bread is one of the most necessary and useful things to preserve Life 2. Because we must not ask delicacies and dainties of God Q. 11. What is meant by day in the Petition A. Either 1. a Natural day of twenty four hours Or 2. the day of our whole life Q. 12. Why do we pray for Dayly bread A. Because God must give us the mercies and good things of every day or else we cannot have them Q. 13. Why should we not pray for weekly or monthly or yearly Bread as well as dayly A. 1. Because 't is fit we should be still sensible of our dependance upon God 2 Because we do frequently pray to God and so exert our Graces and maintain communion with him and dayly render thanks for dayly favour Psalm 55.17 Evening and morning and at noon will I pray and cry aloud and he shall hear my voice Q. 14. What need we to pray for Dayly bread when we may have stores laid up for years A. They that have the good things of this Life need to pray this Petition as well as they that have them not Not that they may have Bread but that it may be Bread to them for except God give his Blessing upon it Bread would be ashes and not sustaneous neither could all the comforts of this Life do us any good Isa. 3.1 For behold the Lord the Lord of hosts doth take away from Ierusalem and from Iuda the whole stay of bread and the whole stay of water Mal. 2.1 2. And now O ye priests this commandment is for you If you will not hear and if ye will not lay it to heart to give glory unto my name saith the Lord of hosts I will even send a curse upon you and will curse your blessings yea I have cursed them already because you do not lay it to heart Q. 15. Why do we pray only for dayly Bread or a competency may we not pray for abundance and riches A. No because Riches are a great snare and temptation Matth. 19.23 24. Then said Iesus unto his disciples Verily I say unto you that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven And again I say unto you it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God Prov. 30.8 9. Remove far from me vanity and lyes give me neither poverty nor riches feed me with food convenient for me lest I be full and deny thee and say who is the Lord Or lest I be poor and steal and take the name of my God in vain Q. 16. What shall we then do with Riches if Providence cast them upon us shall we cast them away A. No for some of the best of Men and greatest of Gods favorites have lived and dyed rich But 1. We must wean our hearts from them Psal. 62.10 Trust not in oppression and become not vaine in robbery if riches increase set not your heart upon them 2. Be thankful for them and 3. Fruitful with them in acts of Piety and Charity 1 Tim. 6.17 19. Charge them that are rich in this world that they be not high minded nor trust in uncertain riches but in the living God who giveth
Prayer by pleasing the Spirit of God by looking to Jesus c. Of the Conclusion Quest. 107. WHat doth the Conclusion of the Lords A. The Conclusion of the Lords Prayer which is For thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory for ever Amen teacheth us to take our encouragement in Prayer from God only and in our Prayers to praise him ascribing Kingdom Power and Glory to him and in testimony of our desire and assurance to be heard we say Amen Q. 1. Why is the Conclusion joyned to the particle For A. To teach us that therein are included arguments or reasons to press God withal and to prevail with him for audience Q. 2. But is it lawful to argue with God and to urge him with Reasons in Prayer A. 'T is not only lawful but expedient yea highly commendable as is seen in the Sains Prayers In Moses 's Numb 14.13 And Moses said unto the Lord then the Egyptians shall hear it for thou broughtest up this people in thy might from among them Ver. 19. Pardon I beseech thee the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy and as thou hast forgiven this people from Egypt even until now In Ioshua 's chap. 7.7 And Ioshua said Alas O Lord God wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Iordan to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites to destroy us would to God we had been content and dwelt on the other side Iordan Ver. 9. For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear of it and shall environ us round and cut off our name from the earth and what wilt thou do unto thy great name In Asa 's 2 Chron. 14.11 And Asa câ—yed unto the Lord his God and said Lord it is nothing with thee to help whether with many or with them that have no power Help us O Lord our God for we rest on thee and in thy name we go against this great multitude O Lord thou art our God let not man prevail against thee In Iehosaphat 's 2 Chron. 20.6 And said O Lord God of our fathers art not thou God in heaven and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen and in thine hand is there not power and might so that none is able to withstand thee And Hezekiahs 2 Kin. 19.15 And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said O Lord God of Israel which dwellest between the cherubims thou art the God even thou alone of all the kingdoms of the earth thou hast made heaven and earth Ver. 19. Now therefore O Lord our God c. Q. 3. But to what purpose can we think to prevail with God by our Arguments and Importunity A. They are not used as though we would put God in remembrance of any thing or would prevail with God to do that for us which he is unwilling to give Q. 4. Why then A. For our own profit for the enlarging of our own hearts for the exciting of our fervency for the exerting of Faith Hope Zeal Charity c. in Prayer and so to prepare our selves for the Mercy that we may the more gratefully receive it and the more fruitfully imploy it Q. 5. How many Arguments are in this Conclusion A. Three Q. 6. From whence are they taken A. From Gods Kingdom from his Law and from his Glory Q. 7. What Kingdom is here meant A. Gods universal essential and absolute Kingdom wherein may be and is involved his special Kingdom over the Church Q. 8. What are the Arguments from hence A. Because all that we can pray for in this Prayer is for the advancement and perfecting of this his Kingdom by the destruction of all persons and things that oppose it and the completion of his dominion over all his Subjects therefore he would grant all these requests Q. 9. What is another 2. Because he being such an absolute Lord and Soveraign has an undeniable Right and unquestionable Authority to give and grant all we ask and to effect and bring to pass all we beg for all persons and things are his own and at his disposal Mat. 20.15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my own Q. 10. What is meant by Power A. Gods essential infinite irresistible power whereby he can do what he pleases Ps. 135.6 Whatsoever the Lord pleased c. Q. 11. What is the Argument from hence A. That we ask nothing from God but what he can do with infinite ease in despite of all the opposition that Hell Earth and Heart can make to the contrary Phil. 3. ult According to the working c. Eph. 3.20 Now unto him that is able c. Q 12. What is meant by Glory A. Not his essential Glory which no Man or Angel can ever apprehend Q. 13. What Glory then A His declared and acknowledged Glory even the accomplishment of all his Decrees by his Providence and then the love the adoration and the praises the self-dedications of Angels and Saints returned to him for the same Q. 14. What is the Argument or Motive from hence A. That seeing the substance of every request does directly tend to and will perfectly end in this Glory of God when they are fully answered therefore he would gradually answer them while we are here and perfectly at last to the advancement of his Glory now and the completion of it then 1 Chron. 29.11 Thine O Lord is the greatness and the power and the glory c. Jos. 7.9 And what wilt thou do unto thy great name Isa. 42.8 I am the Lord that is my name c. Isa. 48.11 For my own sake even for my own sake will I do it c. Q. 15. Why is Amen added A. Because 't is the usual Conclusion of Prayers and Praises Psal. 41.13 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel c. Psal. 72.19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever c. 2 Cor 13. ult The grace of the Lord Iesus and the love of God c. Rom. 16.20 The grace of our Lord Iesus Christ be with you Amen Q. 16. But what doth this word here signifie A. It signifies 1. the reality and ardency of our desire to be granted in what we pray for Rev. 22.20 He which testifieth these things saith surely I come quickly Amen Even so come Lord Jesus Q. 17. And what besides A. Our trust and firm confidence that we shall be heard and answered in all these our requests Rev. 1.7 Even so Amen Rev. 7.12 Saying Amen Blessing and glory and wisdom c. Q. 18. What are the Inferences from hence A. That we ought to use in Prayer all such Arguments as may most and best affect our Hearts towards God excite our Graces and succeed with God Q. 19. What 's another A. That all we pray for must be in a subserviency to Gods Kingdom and with a desire of his Glory Q. 20. What is the nâ—xt A. That we must act according to our Prayers do all we can for the advancement of Gods Kingdom and the exaltation of his Glory as subjects and votaries thereto Ps. 116.16 1 Cor. 10.31 Q. 21. What may more be gathered hence A. That we ought to begin so to continue and conclude our Prayers in lowest Adorations of God and acknowledgments of his Glory and Attributes Q. 22. What more doth this Conclusion teach A. That in Prayer we must be fervent in our desires and longing for what we pray Jam. 5.16 Q. 23 Is there any thing besides A. That praying for things agreeable to Gods Will we ought to be confident that we shall succeed in our requests praying for 〈…〉 and after the manner of this Prayer Jam. 1. â—â—