VVhy did Christ change the Administration of the Covenant A. For his own glory and the Churches good for 1. Those Ordinances under the Old Covenant were more dark difficult costly and weak than these under the New Covenant 2. Those Ordinances became unsuitable and unserviceable to the Church after Christ's coming in the flesh because they signified Christ to come therefore when Christ the Substance of them was come those Sadows must be done away Q. 45. How hath God confirmed the Covenant of Grace A. God hath confirmed it by 4 things 1. By his Word of Promise Gen. 17.7 2. By his Oath Gen. 22.16 17. Hebr. 6.13 14 17 18. 3. By the death of Christ Heb. 9.16 17. 4. By the Signs and Seals of the Covenant Rom. 4.11 Q. 46. VVhat are the Signs and Seals of the New covenant of grace now in Gospel days A. The Signs and Seals of the New Covenant are Baptism and the Lord's Supper Q. 47. VVhy are these Ordinances called Signs and Seals of the Covenant A. Because they are of the same signification and use to the Covenant of Grace as Signs and Seals put to Covenants between Man and Man use to be Q. 48. VVhat is their signification use A. These Ordinances as Signs do signifie the Grace and Good-will of God in Christ to his Covenant-people and as Seals do confirm conveigh and apply the Grant of the Covenant or a Right to all the Blessings promised therein to Belieâ—ers and their engagement to Obedience 1 Pet. 3.21 Rom. 6.3 4. Gal. 3.27 Q. 49. Do these Sacraments certainly â—ork grace in all that receive them A. No. It is evident that many of â—ose who are baptized and have receiâ—ed the Lord's Supper live and dye in a â—aceless state Acts 8.23 Luke 13.26 27. Q 50. Who then do receive saving beneby the Sacraments A. Those only receive saving benefit the Sacraments to whom the holy Spiâ—â—â— of God doth bless them working in â—â—d by them on their Hearts as he doth 〈◊〉 all God's Elect 1 Cor. 3.7 Q. 51. What is Baptism A. Baptism is an holy Ordinance of frist wherein the washing with Water 〈◊〉 or into the Name of the Father the 〈◊〉 and the Holy Ghost signifies and seals 〈◊〉 ingrafting into Christ Remission of 〈◊〉 by his Blood and Regeneration by Spirit and whereby the Persons bapâ—â—ed are solemnly entred into the visible Church and into an open and professed engagement to be wholly and only God's Covenant-people Matth. 28.19 Gal. 3.27 Mark 1.4 Rev. 1.5 Tit. 3.5 Eph. 5.26 1 Cor. 12.13 Rom. 6.4 5. Q. 52. What be the Parts of Baptism A. They are two The outward and visible part signifying and the inward and spiritual part signified Q 53. What is the outward signifying part of Baptism A. The outward signifying part of Baptism consists in the washing the Body with the Element of Water and the use of the words of Institution i e. Baptizing c. Q. 54. What is the inward part signifieâ— by the outward signs A. 1. By the washing with Water iâ— signified two things the washing awaâ— of the guilt of our sins or our Pardon and Justification procured by the blood oâ— Christ and the washing away of the filtâ— of sin or our Sanctification by the Spirâ—â— of Christ in the work of Regeneration Rom. 1.5 John 3.5 2 By the words of Institution i e. Baâ—tizing in the Name of the Father Son 〈◊〉 Holy Ghost two things are also signifieâ— 1. That Ministers have Authoriâ— both from God the Father Son and Holy Ghost to administer Baptism 2. That the Persons baptized do enter into an holy Covenant with God the Father Son and Holy Ghost i e. They take this only living and true God to be their own and only God and give up themselves if grown Persons or are given up by their Parents if Infants to this God to be his Covenant-servants Matth. 28.18 19. 2 Cor. 8.5 Q. 55. What are the special Ends of Baptism A. The special Ends of Baptism are of two sorts 1. Such as respect God and so it is to be 1. A Sign to signifie the Grace of the Covenant and 2. A Seal to confirm the Grant of the Covenant Rom. 4.11 Col. 2.11 12. Acts 22.16 Eph. 5.26 2. Such as respect Man and so it is to be 1. A Badge of our Christian Profession 2. A Bond to oblige us to perform the Duties of the Covenant Gal. 5.3 Rom. 8.12 1 Pet. 3.21 Q. 56. To whom is Baptism to be Administred A. Baptism is not to be administred to any that are out of the visible Church of Christ until they are instructed in the Christian Religion and profess Faith in Christ and Obedience unto him But the Infants of such as are Members of the visible Church are to be baptized Matth. 28.19 Acts 2.41 Gen. 17.7 10. Acts 2.38 39. Q. 57. How may it be proved that the Infants of Church-Members have a Right to Baptism A. It may be proved by these Arâ—guments 1. By their Covenant Relation to God Those that are in Covenant have a right to the Signs and Seals of the Covenant But the Children of believing Parents are in Covenant Therefore they have a right to the Signs and Seals of it Gen. 17.7 Deut. 29.10 11 12 13 14 15. Q. 58. Have Infants then a Right to the Lord's Supper also and should they receive it A. The Infants of Believers have a remote tho' not an immediate and actual right to the Lord's Supper therefore may not receive it in their Infancy for want of a capacity to discern the Lord's Body or to understand the Nature Use and Ends of that Ordinance and to use it accordingly Q. 59. Should they not then be kept from Baptism also for the same Reason seeing they understand not that Ordinance A. No. For they are as capable of Receiving this Ordinance of Baptism as the Jewish Infants were of Circumcision at 8 days old and ought to be baptized because Baptism comes in the room of Circumcision and as that was the Sacrament of Initiation or Entrance into the Church and into the Covenant so is this Matt. 28.19 20. Col. 2.11.12 Q. 60. By what other Argument is it proved A. 2. By the Command of our Lord Jesus Christ requiring his Apostles and in them all Gospel-Ministers to Disciple all Nations Baptizing them and Infants are a very considerable part of Nations Q. 61. But must they not believe first and then be baptized as Mark 16.16 And how can Infants believe A. Adult or grown Persons without the Church must first be instructed in the Doctrine of Christ and believe in him before they are admitted to Baptism as Acts. 2.38 39 40 41. But the Infants of Church-Members may be baptized tho' they do not actually believe because they are the Children of Believers seeing Children are parts of their Parents are accounted but as one Person with them both by the Laws of God and Man as the Root Branches are but one
The Communicants Instructor OR A SACRAMENTAL Catechism IN WHICH The Nature of the Covenant of Grace and the visible Seals thereof viz. Baptism and the Lord's Supper with the Gospel Qualifications of worthy Receivers are opened with all plainness and clearness by way of Question and Answer Recommended to the Use of the Younger and more Ignorant sort especially to such as desire Admission to and would worthily Partake of the Lord's Supper with a Request to the Charitable That they would make it a Piece of their Spiritual Alms to the Poor By George Day Minister of the Gospel Heb. 5.12 For when for the time ye ought to be Teachers ye have need that one teach you again which be the first Principles of the Oracles of God and are become such as have need of Milk and not of strong Meat LONDON Printed for Tho. Parkhurst at the Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside near Mercers-Chappel 1700. The EPISTLE to the READER Christian Reader THO' Baptism and the Supper of the Lord be sacred Ordinances and Christ's own Institutions yet such is the sin and shame of this degenerate Age That Multitudes under the Christian Profession live in a careless Omission of them and not a few in a prophane Conâ—â—mpt and Opposition against them The Fault of the former sort proceeds from gross Ignorance of the spiritual Nature Vse and Ends of these Ordinances That of the latter from a Spirit prepossessed and prejudiced with Error Now tho' I have little hopes of doing any good upon the Erronious by this brief and slender Piece seeing their Malignity against the Truths which they disown will probably encline them to reject it with disdain on the first sight of the Title Page without vouchsafing it a sober perusal yet the hopes of being somewhat serviceable to the Ignorant especially to such as are desirous of spiritual Knowledge and are willing to be instructed have at length prevailed with me to comply with the Request of Christian Friends in exposing this mean Essay to publick View I know there are many excellent Helps of this kind already extant and therefore this may well be thought needless and I confess this very Consideration hath suppressed these Meditations for many years by me but observing divers Tracts that speak much of the Lord's Supper say little or nothing of Baptism tho' this being the initiating Ordinance and first seal of the Gospel Covenant ought first to be considered and well understood I have therefore endeavoured to open both these holy Ordinances distinctly together with the Nature of the Covenant of Grace to which they are annexed as its visible signs and seals I have made it my Business to gather the most material and soul-concerning Truths that I find scattered in many excellent Authors that have written on this Subject and contracted them that I might give thee much in a little and croud as much precious Matter into these few Pages as I well could without prejudice to the sense and with due regard to weaker Memories that a little Pains and Patience may make much Truth thine own I have also endeavoured to express my sense of things with the greatest plainness and clearness I could using words and phrases that may easily be understood by persons of mean Capacity and studiously declining others having observed in Teaching both Young and Old that the want of understanding the true meaning tho' but of one word in a Sentence hath made the whole unintelligible and so unprofitable to them Thou wilt find to most of the Answers scripture Proofs subjoined tho' only referr'd to for brevities sake therefore pray turn to them and see with thine own eyes how clearly and fully these Truths are confirmed by the holy Scriptures and so the reason why thou should'st believe them for we ought to make no Position or Assertion an Article of our Christian Faith but what is founded on a Divine Attestation and bottomed on the written Word of God which is the only perfect and perpetual Rule of our Christian Faith and Practice I have purposely chosen to give thee this Help in a Catechistical method by way of Question and Answer for these Reasons 1. Because it is the most easie plain familiar way of instructing the Ignorant and therefore like to he the more profitable 2. Because it is of great Antiquity having been used not only in the Christian but also in the Jewish Church yea some of the Learned trace its Foot steps back to the beginning of time concluding that it was practised by Adam himself who catechised or instructed his Sons in the Doctrine of Man's Fall of the Seed of the Woman and of worshipping of God by offering sacrifices c. Read Willet Downham Greenham Pemble and others on this Subject 3. Because the neglect of Catechising for 20 or 〈◊〉 years last past which we should reflect on with â—ame and grief hath been one great cause of the â—ecay of Knowledge in our days there being maâ—y thousands of adult and grown Persons and maâ—y of them Parents and Governours of Families â—osly ignorant of the very Fundamentals of the â—hristian Faith which they profess and that tho' me of them have sate under the preaching of the â—ord a long time Indeed 't is an Observation I â—â—ve often made and am confirmed in it by daily exerience That uncatechised Heads understand but â—ittle of the most excellent Sermons they bear and therefore it is not to be thought strange that they grow little the wiser by them O that this were duly considered and might prove a cogent Argument to Ministers and Governours of Families for the Revival of this useful Exercise among us And because my words may have little weight let me here take leave humbly to mind my Reverend Brethren of a serious and weighty Passage of a great Divine now in Glory Prouble Vind. Grat. Praef. p. 13 14. I could heartily wish said he that those Ministers among us whom either Ease or Pride have made careless in this Office of Caâ—â—chising would be pleas'd to look abroad into such Congregations where this course is held and to compare them with their own and others where 't is neglected they should soon perceive how fair and open a passage is made for preaching to follow after where diligent Catechising hath gone before and on the other side how hopeless their Endeavours is who labour to imprint in the Heads of their People the Knowledge of Conclusions before they have learned the Principles of Divinity If these Men complain and say We have spent our strength in vain and our Labour without profit preaching long and seeing little Reformation I will not pity them who are likâ— unwise Nurses that when their Children thrive not lay the Blame upon their sickly Bodies when the Fault is in their own indiscretion who feed them not with Childrens Bread but forcâ— upon them stronger Meat which they cannoâ— digest but vomit up again Thus he To this hearty wish of his
Elect unto God the Son as to a Redeemer and he engaged to perform the work of their Redemption Isa 59.20 21. Psal 89.3 4 19 20 c. Q. 16. Did God make another Covenant with Man after the first was broken A. Yes God was pleased to make a second Covenant with Man called the Covenant of Grace Gen. 17.2 7. Q. 17. VVhat is this Covenant of Grace A. The Covenant of Grace is that which God made with Man in his fall'n sinful state wherein God thro' the Merits and Mediation of Jesus Christ promiseth Pardon and Life unto all penitent and believing sinners Acts 2.37 and 16.30 Q. 18. VVhy is this call'd the Covenant of Grace A. 1. Because all that is promised in it is the fruit of God's free grace in Christ to sinners 2. Because it is the free grace of God that inclined God to make it and that perswades and enables us to consent to it and to keep it Eph. 2.8 Q. 19. What is the condition of this Covenant on Man's part A. The great comprehensive Condition of its Faith in Jesus Christ which if it be true and saving is accompanied with Repentance and all other Graces in the Heart and brings forth new Obedience in the Life John 3.16 Acts 20.21 James 2.18 Q 20. How can it be call'd a Covenant of Grace if it is Conditional A. Very well For 1. It is an Act of God's free grace and infinite Condescension in God to make a Covenant with Man his Creature whatever the Condition be 2. The Condition it self is gracious Faith in Christ 3. God himself hath graciously undertaken for both Parts of the Covenant his own and ours too and by his grace perswades and enables us to consent to the Covenant and perform the condition of it Q. 21. Is any Man able to perform this Condition in his own strength A. No. we are in our natural state both unwilling to consent to and unable to perform the Condition of this Covenant but God is pleased to make his Elect both willing and able by his special Grace Psal 110.3 2 Cor. 3.5 and 12.9 Phil. 4.13 Q. 22. What are the Differences between the Covenant of Works and the Covenant of Grace A. These Ten especially 1. The Covenant of Works was made between God and the first Adam with all his Natural Seed i.e. all Mankind But the Covenant of Grace was made between God and the second Adam i.e. the Lord Jesus Christ and all his Spiritual Seed i e. All God's Elect which are only some of Mankind Q. 23. What is another A. 2. That was made with Man in a state of Innocency This was made with Man in a state of sin Q. 24. What is another A. 3. The Condition of that was perfect Obedience the Condition of this is Faith Q. 25. What is another A. 4. Under that Man was entrusted with the keeping of himself and his own happiness under this he is kept by the power of God Q. 26. VVhat is another A. 5. Under that Man was to be justified by his own Righteousness under this by the Righteousness of Christ Q. 27. VVhat is another A. 6. Under that the least sin was a breach of the Covenant under this nothing but Unbelief and final Perseverance therein is a breach of the Covenant Q. 28. VVhat is another A. 7. That promised not pardon to the sinner upon Repentance this doth Q. 29. VVhat is another A. 8. That was of use only for a little time untill Man's Fall this hath been of use ever since and will be to the end of the World Q. 30. VVhat is another A. 9. That was especially designed for the glory of God's Justice this for the Glory of God's Mercy Q. 31. VVhat is another A. 10. That had no Mediator or Surety this hath a Mediator and Surety the Lord Jesus Christ Q. 32. VVhat doth Christ do as Mediator of the Covenant A. Christ as Mediator of the Covenant being himself both God and Man performs the great Work of Reconciling God and Man whom sin had made Enemies and brings them into a Covenant of Grace and Peace each with other 1 Tim. 2.5 Hebr. 8.6 c. 9.15 Q. 33. VVhat doth Christ do as the Surety of the Covenant A. Christ as the Surety of the Covenant undertakes to see the Covenant faithfully and fully performed i e. That God shall perform his Promises to his Elect and that they shall perform the condition of the Covenant unto God Hebr. 7.22 Q. 34. Hath the Covenant of Grace been always the same or divers A The Covenant of Grace hath been always the same as to the Substance of it but it hath been different as to the manner of its Administration or Dispensation so is distinguished into the Old New Covenant of Grace Jer. 31.31 Hebr. 8.13 Q. 35. Which is called the Old Covenant of Grace A. That which was Administred before the Coming of Christ in the Flesh Q. 36. Which is call'd the New Covenant of Grace A. That which is Administred since the Coming of Christ in the Christian Church Q. 37. VVherein doth the Administration of the New Covenant differ from that of the Old A. 1. In the easiness of it That was Administred by Promises Prophesies Sacrifices and other Types which were costly painful and burthensome Sacrificâ—e But this is administred by the preaching of the Word and dispensing of the Sacraments Baptism and the Lord's Supper which are sewer in number and more eâ—sily performed Gal. 5.1 Acts 15.9 Q. 38. VVherein else A 2. In the clearness of it That was Administred by dark Types and Figures which were shadows of good things then to come but this is Administred by light and clear Ordinances by which Christ and his Benefits are more plainly revealed to us Hebr. 10.1 2 Tim. 1.10 2 Cor. 3.18 Q. 39. VVherein else A. 3. In the efficacy and power of it That was weak and unprofitable incomparison of this Because the Spirit of God was not given to the Church in so large a measure before Christ as it is since Hebr. 7.18 Acts 2.17 John 7.39 Q. 40. VVherein else A. 4. In the visible Seals of it That had Circumcision the Passover for its Seals this hath Baptism and the Lord's Supper Q. 41. VVherein else A. 5. In the Latitude and Extent of it That extended peculiarly to the Jews this extends both to the Jews and Gentiles Rom. 9.4 Eph. 2.12 13 14 15. Col. 3.11 Mark 16.15 Acts 10.34 35 36. Q. 42. VVherein else A. 6. In the Duration and Continuance of it That was to continue but until Christ came in the Flesh but this is to continue untill Christ comes in glory Q. 43. Who changed the Administration of the Covenant A. The Lord Jesus Christ himself who is the only Head and Lawgiver of his Church and so hath power to Alter or Add lay aside or set up such Laws and Ordinances in it as he pleaseth Heb. 8.8 9 10. James 4.12 Q. 44.
do believe in Christ with their hearts and obey him in their lives Q. 107. Who are Heart-covenanters with God A. Those who truly repent of their sins against God Renounce the World the Flesh and the Devil and take God the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost for their only God and chief Good their Father Redeemer and Sanctifier and give up themselves to fear love and obey him according to his Word and this unto the Death Isa 44.5 and 56.4 Q. 108. How may we know that we are in Covenant with God A. We may know it by these three things 1. By our sincere consenting to the Covenant or choosing the living and true God to be our God and giving up our selves to be his People Q. 109. How else A. 2. By our holy care to keep Covenant with God and to perform the Duties which he requireth of us therein Q. 110. How else A. 3. By God's gracious performance of the Promises of his Covenant to our Souls in giving us the Saving Blessings promised to his Covenant-People Q. 111. What are the Blessings which God hath promised in the Covenant of Grace A. God hath promised grace and glory all that is needful and good both temporal spiritual and eternal Blessings Psal 84.11 1 Tim. 4.8 Q. 112. What he the Spiritual Blessings that God hath promised to them in this life A. These especially God hath promised to give them 1. His Holy Spirit to teach sanctifie assist guide and comfort them Ezek. 36.27 John 14.16 17 26. Q. 113. What else A. The enlightning of their Minds with Saving Knowledge Isa 54.13 Heb. 8.11 Q. 114. What else A. The renewing of their Wills or Hearts Ezek. 36.26 and 11.19 20. Q. 115. What else A. The putting of his Law in their inward Parts and writing it in their hearts Heb. 8.10 Q. 116. What else A. The putting his Fear in their hearts to keep them from departing from him Jer. 32.40 Q. 117. What else A. The Justification of their Persons pardoning their Sins and Accepting them as Righteous in Christ Isa 53.11 Jer. 31.34 Rom. 3.24 25 26. Q. 118. What else A. The Sanctification of their Natures Ezek. 36.25 Q. 119. What else A. Adoption to be the Children of God 2 Cor. 6.18 Q. 120. How may we know whether we have the Spirit of God or no A. We may know it by the Operations Fruits or Effects of the Spirit in us which are such as these Light Life Love Liberty Joy Peace Long-suffering Gentleness Goodness Faith Repentance Hope Meekness and Temperance 2 Cor. 4.6 2 Cor. 3.6 Gal. 2.20 and 5.22 23. Q. 121. How may we know whether we have a new Heart A. 1. By the uprightness singleness and sensibleness or tenderness of our hearts Psal 7.10 Ezek. 11.19 2. By the Conformity of our Hearts to the Law of God when it is the bent desire delight of our Hearts to do the Will of God and please him in every thing Psal 119.6 8 16. Acts 13.22 Psal 40.8 Q. 122. Who must judge of this inward invisible Right to the Lord's Supper A. Every particular Christian ought to examine and judge of his own inward and invisible Right by the help of God's Spirit and the Rule of his Word 1 Cor. 11.28 1 Cor. 2.11 12. Q 123. Wâ—at is a Gospel-fitness or preparedness for this Ordinance A. There is a twofold Gospel fitness for it 1. A fitness of our State or Condition 2. A fitness of our Frame or Disposition Both these must be had to make us worthy Guess at this Holy Table of the Lord. Q. 124. Who are in a fit State or Condition for this Ordinance A. All such and only such as are in a state of Saving Grace or the Childern of God by Regeneration and so qualified with those Graces that are needful and useful for a right receiving of this Ordinance and a spiritual profiting by it 2 Cor. 13.5 Q. 125. What is Saving-Grace A. Saving Grace is a Principle of Spiritual Life wrought in the Hearts of God's Elect by the Holy Spirit and usually by the Ministry of the Word whereby they are effectually inclined and enabled and do sincerely endeavour to obey the whole revealed Will of God in Heart Lip and Life 2 Pet. 1.4 Eph. 4.18 Col. 3.16 Heb. 12.28 John 17.17 Rom. 15.16 1 Cor. 4.15 Heb. 13.12 Q. 126. How may we know that we have Saving-Grace A. We may know it by the good Fruits and Effects of it which are especially these two 1. Saving Grace turns the Heart from all sin and sets it against sin so that such a Man doth not only forbear sin but hates it and seeks the utter destruction of it in his Heart and Life by all good means Ezek. 18.30 Psal 119.104 Matth. 26.41 Col. 3.5 2. Saving Grace turns the Heart unto God and Godliness strongly and constantly inclines it to that which is good and makes us fit and ready to and active in good Works enables us cheerfully to obey the Will of God's Precept and patiently to submit to the Will of his Providence Eph. 2.10 Isa 55.7 Psal 119 112. Tit. 3.1 Acts 21.13 Tit. 2.14 Q. 127. What are the particular Graces or gracious Qualifications that fits us for a worthy partaking of the Lord's Supper A. They are especially these seven Knowledge Faith Repentance Love New Obedience Thankfulness Holy Desire or a Spiritual Appetite to this Ordinance 128. What Knowledge should we have A. A competent measure of Knowledge of the Fundamental or Principal Truths of the Christian Religion or of such things as are revealed in the holy Scriptures necessary to make us wise unto Salvation Prov. 19.2 Eph. 1.17 Col. 1.9 3.10 Q. 129. What are the Truths that we should especially know A. Some Truths concerning God some concerning Man some concerning the Covenant between God and Man and some concerning the Sacraments or Seals of the Covenant Q 130. What should we know concerning God A. We should know something concerning his Essence or Nature something concerning his Will and something concerning his Worship Q. 131. What should we know concerning the Essence or Nature of God A. These four things 1. That God is or that there is a God Heb. 11.6 Q. 132. What else A. 2. That God is One or that there is only One true God and no more Deut. 6.4 Jer. 10.10 Q. 133. What else A. That this One God subsisteth in three distinct Persons called by distinct Names in Scripture The Father the Son and the Holy Ghost or Spirit Matth. 28.19 1 Joh. 5.7 Q. 134. What else A. 4. That this One God is a most pure invisible Spirit or a Being that cannot be seen by our Eyes John 4.24 1 Tim. 1.17 and 6.16 Q. 135. By What hath God made himself known to us A. God hath made himself known to us two ways 1. By his written Word 2. By his Works Q. 136. What doth the Word make known to us concerning the Nature of God A. The Word
Grace the Seals of it and Spiritual benefit by them Eph. 1.3 2 Cor. 9.12 Q. 370 What is another publick Duty A. 2. A sincere renewing our Consent to the Covenant of Grace and yielding our selves to the Lord as his Covenant-Servants with holy purposes of new and better Obedience to him in the strenght of Christ for time to come 2 Kings 23.3 2 Chron. 15.12 Rom. 6.13 c. 12.1 Ps 119.8 32. Q. 371. What is another publick Duty A. A cheerful giving some Relief to the poor Members of Jesus Christ in testimony of our Love and Thankfulness to Christ for the Mercy we have received from him and of our Love to them Gal. 6.10 1 Cor. 16.1 2. Matth. 25.40 Q. 372. What are the private Duties after the Lord's Supper A. They are two especially 1. A diligent Inquiry Whether we have received any spiritual Comfort or Benefit by this Ordinance i. e. Whether our Graces have been strengthned our Souls refreshed nourished revived and cheered our Consciences pacified and our Assurance of the Love of God increased c. Q. 373. What if we cannot find any of these Spiritual Benefits A. We should search out the Cause whether it was not want of due preparation before or want of a right disposition in the partaking of it and if so we should confess it unto God and be humbled for it endeavouring by after pains in Humiliation and Prayer to obtain the efficacy and benefit of it Q. 374. What if we did our best in preparing for it and in partaking of it and yet are not sensible of any real Benefit or Comfort by it A. We should pray earnestly to God and wait patiently on him for the Benefit and Comfort of this Ordinance because as Physick doth not presently work nor Meat presently nourish so neither doth this or other Ordinances always presently benefit our Souls but in God's time they shall Q. 375. What if we do find present Benefit and Comfort by it A. We should thankfully acknowledge it to God and labour to preserve it by an holy humble and watchful Conversation 1 Thess 5.18 Eph. 5.15 Q. 376. What is the other Duty after the Lord's Supper A. A faithful keeping Covenant with God yielding a ready cheerful and constant Obedience to all his Commandments in Heart Lip and Life watching and praying against sin resisting its motions and temptations exercising Grace laying hold on Opportunities of honouring God in doing or receiving Good endeavouring to be perfect in every Good Work to do his Will that our Fruit may be unto holiness and the end Eternal Life Deut. 29.9 Psal 103.18 Heb. 5.9 Luke 1.6 Heb. 13.21 Rom. 6.22 Q. 377. Why should we be thus careful to keep Covenant with God A. 1. Because we cannot otherwise justly expect God should keep Covenant with us or that he should give us the Blessings promised unless we give him the Obedience commanded Deut. 7.9 10 11. 2. Because else we should but mock God in making Covenant with him and in receiving the Signs and Seals of it and deceive our own Souls Isa 66.30 3. Becanse we should else deprive our selves of the spiritual Benefits of this Ordinance and expose our selves to God's just Displeasure 1 Cor. 11.29 30. Eccles 5.4 5. FINIS A Catalogue of BOOKS sold by Tho. Parkhurst at the Bible and Three Crowns near Mercers Chappel in Cheapside OF Thoughtfulness for the Morrow with an Appendix concerning the immoderate Desire of fore-knowing Things to come of Charity in reference to other Mens Sins A Sermon at the Funeral of Mr. Rich. Adams M. A. sometime Fellow of Brasen-Nose Colledge in Oxford The Redeemer's Tears wept over lost Souls in a Treatise on Luke 19.41 42. with an Appendix wherein somewhat is occasionally discoursed concerning the Sin against the Holy Ghost and how God is said to will the Salvation of them that perish A Sermon directing what we are to do after a strict Enquiry whether or no we truly love God A Funeral Sermon for Mrs. Esther Sampson the late Wife of Hen. Sampson Doctor of Physick who died Nov. 24. 1689. The Carnality of Religious Contention In two Sermons preached at the Merchants Lecture in Broad-street A Sermon for Reformation of Manners A Sermon Preach'd on the Day of Thanksgiving Decemb. 2. 1697. To which is prefix'd Dr. Bate's Congratulatory Speech to the KING A Calm and Sober Enquiry concerning the Possibility of a Trinity in the Godhead A Letter to a Friend concerning a Postscript to the Defence of Dr. Sherlock's Notion of the Trinity in Unity relating to the calm and sober Enquiry upon the same subject A View of that part of the late Consideration to H. H. about the Trinity which concerns the sober Enquiry on that Subject The Redeemers Dominion over the Invinsible World Dr. Bates Funeral Sermon Mr. Matthew Meads Funeral Sermon All 15 by the Reverend John Howe The Fountain of Life opened or a Display of Christ in his Essential and Mediatorial Glory Containing Forty two Sermons on various Texts A Treatise of the Soul of Man wherein the Divine Original Excellent and Immortal Nature of the Soul are opened c. The Method of Grace in bringing home the Eternal Redemption contriv'd by the Father and accomplish'd by the Son through the Effectual Application of the Spirit unto God's Elect. Being the 2d part of the Fountain of Life The Divine Conduct or Mystery of Providence c. Navigation Spiritualiz'd Or a new Compass for Sea-men c. Two Treatises the first of Fear the second the Righteous Man's Refuge in the Evil Day A Saint indeed The great Work of a Christian A Touchstone of Sincerity Or Signs of Grace and Simptoms of Hypocrisie Being the Second Part of the Saint indeed A Token for Mourners Or Boundaries for Sorrow for the Death of Friends Husbandry spiritualiz'd or the Heavenly Use of Earthly Things All these 10 by Mr. John Flavel Sermons and Discourses on several Divine subjects by the late reverend and learned Divine Mr. David Clarkson B. D. sometime Fellow of Clare-hall Cambridge Mr. Pool's Annotations on the Bible 2 Vol. 3d Edit with an Addition of a Concordance and Contents to each chapter by Mr. Sam. Clark Catholick Theology Methodus Theologica both by Mr. Richard Baxter A sacred Poem on the Glory of Heaven Strong on the Covenant Burgess on the Corinthians Taylor on Christ's temptation A Dialogue between Timothy and Titus about the Articles of the Church of England Gurnall's christian Armour Dr. Horton's 100 Sermons Nostredamus's Prophecies Melvill's Memoirs Marveâ—'s Poems Daille on the Collossians Clark's Martyrology The Acts Decisions Decrees and Canons of the reformed Churches in France being a most faithful and impartial History of the Rise Growth and Decay of the Reformation in that Kingdom their confession of Faith Speeches Letters cases of conscience c. By John Quick Minister in London Baxter's Church-History and Councils History of councils inlarged and defended Apology for Nonconformists Second Defence of Nonconsormists Apology
I subjoyn another Thâ—â— all the Pastors of Churches may fully and faithfully obey that Precept of the Chief Shepherd John 21.15 16. requiring them to feed his Lambs as well as his Sheep I shall close with a word or two of Counsel Reader if thou art yet weak in spiritual Knowledge and willing to be instructed that thou mayst be made wise to Salvation let me beseech thee to follow this faithful Advice 1. Labour for a distinct and methodical Knowledge of the great Foundation-Truths of the Christian Religion those first Principles of the Oracles of God drawn up to thine hand in many more general Catechisms especially I recommend to thy use that excellent Catechism of the Assembly of Divines both shorter and larger a little Labour will commit the lesser to thy memory and read the other with diligence to explain that with Mr. Lyes Mr. Doolittles and Mr. Vincents Explanations The Knowledge of these Truths will prepare thee to read the holy Scriptures and hear Sermons with Vnderstanding and Profit Next I offer thee the serious perusal of this Sacramental Catechism in the composure of which I have purposely left out several Questions very proper to have been inserted because they are already answered in the Assemblies Catechism Say not thou art too old to learn a Catechism if ignorant unless thou thinkest thy self also too old to go to Heaven and so too old to learn the way thither Be not ashamed of using the means to get Knowledge but be â—shamed of thy Ignorance and blush to bear a Child of Seven years old that hath been well catechised give a better account of the Christian Faith than many of 30 40 or of 50 years of Age can do 2. Pray earnestly and daily for the inward teachings of God's holy Spirit in and with the outward teachings of the Word without this tho thoâ— may'st fill thy Head with the Notions of Truth ye thou wilt never feel the saving Impressions of theâ— on thy heart but remain a stranger to the life anâ— power of Godliness Read those precious promises and humbly plead them in prayer Prov. 1.23 Isaâ— 59.21 Luk. 11.13 3. And lastly Believe the Truths which thou haâ—â—â—earnt and live according to the Rule of them Le Knowledge and Practice as an holy Taine gâ—â—â—nd in hand and stilt keep pace each with other â—â—â—h of them are required as necessary qualification to entitle thee to true happiness John 13 17. O dâ— not aim at any thing short of that The Experimental and Practical Christian will be found to be the wisest and best in the great discriminating Day Thaâ— thou may'st be such an one and that thy Meditation may contribute somewhat thereto is the sincere anâ— fervent Prayer of Decemb. 19. 1691. Thine and the Churche in Christ George Day A SACRAMENTAL Catechism Quest 1. WHat is a Sacarment in general Answ A Sacrament is an holy Ordinance of Divine Institution annexed to the Covenants which God hath made with Men wherein by outward and sensible signs the Promises of the Covenant are represented sealed and applied to God's Covenant-people and they are bound to obey him Gen. 17.10 Rom. 4.11 Q. 2. Are these Ordinances call'd by the name of Sacraments in the holy Scriptures A. No. Yet seeing it is a word very fit to signifie the thing to which it is applied it may lawfully be used Q. 3. What is the original and proper signification of the word Sacrament A. As it was used of old in a civil sense it signified an Oath taken in War by Souldiers to their General whereby they were bound to perform the Duties of that Relation Q. 4. Why are the Seals of God's Covenants called Sacraments A. Because by our receiving them we are bound as it were by an Oath to perform the Duties of God's Covenant-people Rom. 6.3 4 5. Q. 5. What are the parts of a Sacrament A. Two The one is an outward visible sign or thing signifying which may be seen by the Eye of the Body as Water in Baptism and Bread and Wine in the Lord's Supper The other is the inward and spiritual grace or thing signified which can only be seen by the Eye of the Soul or by Faith and that is Christ with all his saving Benefits Matth. 3.11 1 Pet. 3.21 Rom. 2.28 29. Q. 6. Do all those who receive the outward signs receive the inward grace also A. No. For wicked and graceless persons may receive the outward signs but not the inward grace with them none but true believers receive them both Q. 7. What is a Covenant in the general A. A Covenant is a solemn Contract or Agreement between several persons two at the least wherein they do mutually bind themselves each to other in certain Articles to both their Contents and usually confirmed by signs and seals Gen. 21.27 1 Sam. 18 3. Q 8. Hath God ever made a Covenant with Man A. Yes Tho God be infinitely above Man yet he hath been pleased through condescending grace to deal with Man in this familiar way of Covenanting as a Man with his Friend Gen. 15.18 Q. 9. VVhat Covenants hath God made with Man A. Two especially The first called the Covenant of Works The second The Covenant of Grace Gal. 4.23 24. Q. 10. What is the Covenant of Works A. That Covenant which God made with our first Parents Adam and Eve in the estate of Innocence and in them with all their Children wherein God promised perfect happiness to them upon Condition of their perfect Obedience to him and threatned them with Death on their Disobedience Gen. 2.16 17. Gal. 3.12 Q. 11. Why is this called the Covenant of Works A. Because it required the Works of Man's Obedience to the whole Law of God as the Condition of his Life and Happiness Lev. 18.5 Q. 12. Had our first Parents sufficient strength to perform that Condition and keep that Covenant with God A. Yes Our first Parents being created upright and perfect had sufficient power to perform perfect Obedience to the Law of God and so to keep his Covenant Eccl. 7.29 Q. 13. Did our first Parents keep their Covenant with God A. No. Our first Parents brake their Covenant with God by complying with the Temptation of Satan in eating the forbidden Fruit and thereby brought themselves and all the Children descending from them by ordinary Generation into an estate of sin and misery Gen. 3. begin Rom. 5.12 Q. 14. Doth God suffer Adam and all his Children to perish in their sinful and miserable state A. No. God did of his own free grace from all Eternity elect some of fall'n Mankind to everlasting life and gave them to Jesus Christ that they might be recoveted and saved by him Eph. 1.4 Q. 15. Did the Lord Jesus Christ then undertake to be a Saviour to them A. Yes There was an Eternal Compact or Agreement between God the Father and God the Son which is commonly called the Covenant of Redemption wherein God the Father gave the
as in all other Gospel-Ordinances but not corporally or carnally but spiritually and so he is to be fed upon not by the Mouth of the Body but of the Soul that is to be received applied to the Soul by Faith John 6.56 Eph. 3.17 Q. 82. What are the signifying Actions to be used in this Ordinance A. 1. The Actions to be used by the Minister are Taking Blessing Breaking Giving the Bread to the Communicants and Taking giving Thanks and giving the Cup also to them 2. The Actions of the Communicants are Taking and Partaking or Eating the Bread and Drinking the Wine Matt. 26.26 27 28. Q. 83. What is signified by the Ministers taking the Bread and Wine when he cometh to the Table A. It signifieth God the Fathers taking or choosing and designing Christ from all Eternity to be Man's Redeemer Isa 42.1 Q. 84. What is signified by the Ministers Blessing the Elements or giving Thanks A. It signifieth the setting of them apart from a common to an holy use and is to be performed by declaring the words of Institution and by praying to God for a blessing on this Ordinance ioyned with giving Thanks unto God for Jesus Christ and for all his benefits Q 85. What is signified by the Breaking of the Bread A. It signifieth all the Sufferings of Christ especially the breaking of his Body shedding of his Blood upon the Cross Q. 86. What is signified by the Ministers giving the Bread and Wine to the Communicants A. It signifieth God the Fathers giving Christ as a Saviour and Christ's giving himself with all his benefits to true Believers John 3.16 Q. 87. What is signified by the Communicants taking the Bread and Wine A. It signifieth their thankful accepting and receiving of Christ to be their Saviour with all his benefits by Faith John 1.12 Q. 88. What is signified by the Communicants eating the Bread and drinking the Wine A. It signifieth their applying of Christ with all his benefits by Faith unto their own Souls in particular that each Believer may believingly say of Christ as Thomas My Lord and my God John 20.28 Q. 89. For what holy Ends is the Lord's Supper to be used A. For such holy Ends as these 1. For the preserving of the Remembrance of Christ and his matchless Love in dying for Sinners this Ordinance being a lively shewing forth of his Death Luke 22.19 1 Cor. 11.24 25 26. Gal. 3 1â— Q 90. What other End A. 2. For the spiritual nourishing and strengthning of the inward Man or oâ— grace in the Heart as Faith Repentance Love Hope c For this Reason it seems to be call'd a Supper being a spiritual Meal for Souls in which Christ himself is our spiritual Food 1 Cor. 11.20 Q 91. What other End A. 3. For the fealing and confirming the New Covenant of Grace or the New Testament For as the last Will or Testament of a Man is confirmed and comes in force by the Death of the Testator or of him that made it so the Death of Christ which is represented in this Ordinance confirms the New Covenant as being Christ's last Will and Testament Heb. 9.15 16 17. Q. 93. For what other A. 4. For the testifying of Believers thankfulness to Christ for his Love to them in dying for them Therefore it is sometimes call'd the Eucharist or the Thanksgiving and the Cup is call'd the Cup of blessing 1 Cor. 10.16 Q 93. For what other A. 5. For the strengthning and increase of believers Union to and communion with Christ and him crucified and also with one another as Fellow-Members of the same Mystical Body of Christ his Church for which cause it is also call'd the Communion 1 Cor 10.16 17. Q. 94. Is it sufficient to partake of the Lord's Supper as of Baptism only once A. No. Believers should often partake of this Ordinance if it may be because of their constant need of it in order to the obtaining of the holy Ends thereof 1 Cor. 11.26 Q. 95. To whom is the Lord's Supper to be administred A. The Lord's Supper is to be administred only to such as have a Gospel-right to it and a Gospel fitness or preparedness for it Q. 96. What is a Gospel-right to this Ordinance A. There is a twofold Gospel-right 1. Outward with Reference to the Church 2. Inward with Reference to God Q. 97. Who have an outward Right with Reference to the Church A. All such have an outward and visible Right to the Lord's Supper who being baptized and grown Persons do make a credible Profession of their being in Covenant with God or of their Faith in Christ and Obedience to him Acts 8.36 37 38. Q. 98. When is their Profession to be accounted credible or worthy to be believed A. When they have a competent measure of Gospel-knowledge seriously and understandingly own and consent to their Covenant with God in baptism and live a religious and unblameable Life according to Gospel-Rule Phil. 1.27 Q. 99. Who may examine and judge of this outward and visible Right A. That particular Church of Christ with which they desire to joyn and walk in full Communion especially the Pastor thereof 1 Pet. 5.2 Heb. 13.17 Q. 100. Who then are to be kept off from this Ordinance A. All such as are grosly ignorant of the Doctrine of Christ or openly vicious and scandalous in their Lives Q. 101. Who are to be accounted grosly ignorant A. All such as understand not the Principles of the Christian Religion the Nature of the New Birth or a Work of Grace upon their Heart nor the Nature Use and Ends of this holy Ordinance 1 Cor. 15.34 Q. 102. Why should such ignorant persons be kept off from this Ordinance A. Because they want an Eye to discern the Lord's Body an hand to receive him and a Mouth to feed upon him and therefore if they should partake of this Ordinance they would receive no benefit but much hurt by it Q. 103. Who are to be accounted openly vicious or scandalous A. All such as live in any open or known course of sin impenitently and by their Words or Actions give just cause of offence to those that fear God 1 Cor. 5.11 Q. 104. Why should such vicious persons be kept off A. Because they in presuming to touch such holy things with unholy hands and hearts would dishonour provoke God pollute and profane his Ordinance grieve the Godly contract the guilt of Christ's Blood and eat and drink Judgment to themselves 1 Cor. 11.27 29. Matth. 7.26 Q. 105. But may not the Lord's Supper be administred to vicious persons in order to their Conversion A. No. For we do not find that Christ appointed this Ordinance to convert sinners but to confirm and comfort Saints it is not to work grace where it is wanting but to increase and strengthen grace where it is Q. 106. Who have an inward invisible Right to this Ordinance A. All such who are indeed Heart-covenanters with God or
and Saviour Gen. 3.15 12.3 Isa 9.7 John 3.16 Gal. 4.4 Q. 166. VVhat should we know concerning the second Person in the Holy Trinity A. These four things especially 1. That he freely undertook this great Work of Man's Redemption engaged himself by Covenant to God the Father for the faithful performance of it Isa 49.1 2 3 6 7 8. c. and 42.6 7. Ps 40.7.8 Q. 167. VVhat else A. 2. That in order to the performing of this Work he took our Nature into Union with his Divine Nature so was and is both God and Man in one Person John 1.14 Rom. 9.5 1 Tim. 2.5 Q. 168. VVas it needful that the Redeemer should be Man A Yes because Man had sinned so it was just that the Nature which had sinn'd should suffer satisfie for Sin Heb. 2.14 Q. 169. VVas it needful that the Redeemer should be God also A. Yes Because he could not else have been able to undergo the Wrath of God due to us for sin nor would his Sufferings have been of sufficient value and virtue to procure Salvation for us Q 170. VVhat else should we know of this second Person A. 3. That he as our Redeemer performs the Offices of a Prophet Priest King to deliver sinful Men from their Ignorances Sin and Slavery to bring them to compleat and eternal Salvation Acts. 3.22 Heb. 5 6. Psal 2.6 Q. 171. What else A. 4. That he procureth by his Blood and Merit many precious Benefits for his Redeemed ones to be enjoyed some in this World and others in the World to come Eph. 1.3 Q. 172. What are those Benefits or Blessings A. The Principal Benefits procured by Christ for his Redeemed Ones are Justification Adoption and Sanctification with many others that do either accompany or flow from them or certainly follow them sufficient Grace on Earth and eternal Glory in Heaven 1. Cor. 1.30 John 1.12 Rom. 5.1 2 5. Mat. 10.32 1 John 3.2 1 Thes 4.17 Q. 173. What should we know concerning the third Person in the Holy Trinity A. These four things especially 1. That he inspired all the holy Prophets and Apostles revealed God's Mind and Will to them and by them to the Church and assisted all the Penmen of the Holy Scriptures in Writing them both as to Matter and Words 2 Tim. 3.16 2 Pet. 1.21 Q. 174. VVhat else A. 2. That he was first promised by Christ and after his Ascension sent both by the Father and the Son to supply the Churches spiritual Wants in Christ's bodily Absence from it John 14.16 17. and 16.7 Acts 2.1 2 3 4. 175. VVhat else A. 3. That he doth bless the Word Ordinances of Christ and make them effectual Means of Grace to the Elect working Faith in them thereby uniting 'em to Christ in their effectual Calling so applies to them the Redemption purchased by Christ with all the Saving Benefits of his Mediatorship 1 Cor. 3.7 Psal 19.7 Rom. 1.16 Eph. 2.8 Tit. 3.5 Rom. 8.30 Q 176. VVhat else A. 4. That he doth dwell in all that are effectually called drawn to Jesus Christ leading quickning comforting them and carrying on the Work of Grace and Sanctification unto Perfection to prepare them for Glory Rom. 8.9.11 13 14 15 16 John 14.16 Q. 177. What should we know concerning the VVill of God A. We should know that God hath fully revealed his Holy Mind and Will to us in the Scriptures of the Old New Testament to be the only perfect perpetual Rule of our Faith and Obedience which therefore we ought to know believe and obey in order to the pleasing and glorifying of God and the saving of our own Souls Mich. 6.8 Gal. 6 16. Deut. â—2 46 Matth. 28.20 Deut. 12.32 Q. 178. VVhat should we know concerning the VVorship of God A. We should know that this one God is to be worshipped and served by us both publickly in the Church privately in our Families secretly in our Closets And that his Worship is to be performed from a right Principle Grace in our Hearts by a right Rule the written Word of God to a right End the Glory of God in our Salvation and through the Mediator Jesus Christ Matth. 4.10 6.6 Jer. 26.2 Josh 24.14 15. John 4.24 Heb. 12.28 Col. 3.17 Heb. 13.15 Q. 179. VVhat should we know concerning Man A. His four-fold Estate viz. 1. His good Estate by Creation 2. His evil Estate by Transgression 3. His Holy Estate by Regeneration 4. His happy Estate by Glorification Q. 180. VVhat was Man's Estate by Creation A. Man was created after the Image of God in Knowledge Righteousness and Holiness had Dominion over all the Creatures in this lower World and enjoyed many other Priviledges and Blessings which made his Condition truely happy Gen. 1.26 Col. 3.10 Eph. 4.24 Psal 139.15 8.4 6 7 8. Eccl. 7.21 Gen. 2.9 c. Q. 181. VVere all Mankind concerned in the state of Adam A. Yes Adam being a publick Person the general Parent or Root of all Mankind the Blessings bestowed on him were also bestowed on them as being his Children and then in his Loins Heb. 7.9 10. Q. 182. VVhat is Man's Estate by Transgression A. Man by transgressing the Command of God in Eating the forbidden Fruit lost the Image of God all the Priviledges and Blessings of the state of Innocency brought himself into a guilty filthy and accursed state Rom. 3.9 10 c. Psal 5.3 Rom. 3.19 Eph. 2.3 Gal. 3.10 Q. 183. Are all Mankind concerned in this state of Adam A. Yes All Mankind being in Adam's Loins and under the same Covenant with him sinned against God in him and so fell with him in his first Transgression Rom. 5.12 18 19. Q 184 VVhat is Man's Estate by Regeneration A. Man by Regeneration is recovered out of his sinful and miserable state into a state of Grace and Mercy hath the Image of God renewed upon him is brought under the Covenant of Grace hath thereby a right to all the Priviledges and Blessings of the Children of God Acts 26.17 18. Col. 3.10 Eph. 4.24 Heb. 8.8 c. Eph. 1.2 Q 185. Are all Mankind brought into this state of Regeneration A. No. Only those are brought into this estate that are chosen of God from all Eternity given to Jesus Christ as to their Redeemer and Saviour Eph. 1.4 5. 1 Tim. 1.9 John 6.37 Q. 186. VVhat shall Man's Estate by Glorification be A. Man shall be made perfectly Holy and Happy both in Soul and Body in the full Enjoyment of God in Heaven that to all Eternity Heb. 12.23 Phil. 3.21 1 John 3.2 1 Thes 4.17 Q. 187. Shall all Mankind be brought into this state of Glorification A. No. Only those that are made truly gracious here shall be made glorious hereafter Matth. 25.46 Heb. 12.14 Rom. 8.30 Q. 188. What should we know concerning the Covenants between God and Man the Sacraments or Seals of the Covenants
A. We should have a competent Knowledge of the Divine Institution Spiritual Nature holy use and ends of them But these things have been already opened Thus much of Knowledge Q 189. What is that Faith which a worthy Partaker of the Lord's Supper should have A. A Saving Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ Q. 190. What is a Saving Faith in Christ A. Saving Faith in Christ is a special Gift of God to his Elect whereby they knowing and assenting to the Truth of God's Record touching Christ in the Word do Receive the Lord Jesus Christ for their only Saviour and trust in him for Salvation on his own Terms Eph. 2.8 John 17.3 1 John 5.10 11. John 1.12 Eph. 1.12 Luke 9.23 Q. 191. Why is Faith needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance A. Because Faith must be the Eye of the Soul to see Christ in it the Hand of the Soul to Receive the Spiritual Mouth and Stomach to feed upon him and digest him as our Spiritual Food for our Nourishment and Growth in Grace Q. 192. What is that Repentance a worthy Partaker should have A. True Repentance is a special Gift of God to his Elect arising from a clear sight and deep sense of sin and a knowledge and belief of the Mercy of God in Christ whereby they do both confess their sins to God with shame and sorrow for them and hatred of them and turn from them unto God both in Heart and Life Acts 11.11 5.31 2.37 Acts 3.19 26. Prov. 28.13 Joel 2.12 13. Psal 119.104 Q. 193. Why is Repentance needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance A. Because in this Ordinance we come to renew our Covenant with God and to receive a sealed Pardon of our sins which none can do but true Penitents Q. 194. VVhat is that Love a worthy Partaker should have A. Holy Love is a Spiritual Affection whereby the Souls of God's People are carried out toward God and toward one another and toward all that is good Matth. 27.37.39 John 13.34 1 John 2.15 2 Cor. 5.14 Rom. 15.30 2 Thess 2.10 Q. 195. Ought we not also to Love our very Enemies and such as hate us A. Yes Christ hath commanded us to Love our Enemies with a Love of Good-will so as to forbear revenging our selves on them and to desire and endeavour their good though not with a Love of Delight Matth. 5.44 45. Rom. 12.19 20. Q. 196. VVhy is love needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance A. Because this Ordinance is a Love-feast and a Love token between Christ his Church in which they do as it were seal their Affections each to other appointed to keep in memory Christ's Love to Believers and to encrease their Love to him and the want of this Love brings Men under the severest Curse Rev. 1.5 1 Cor. 11.24 1 Cor. 16.22 Q. 197. VVhat is that New Obedience that is needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance A. New Obedience is an unfeigned desire and purpose of the Soul seconded with a careful endeavour of Life in and by the grace and strength of Christ to yeild sinâ—ere constant universal Obedience to â—he whole revealed Mind Will of God â—â—yned with an humiliation for our Failings and Defects a desire to be found in the Righteousness of Christ and to be accepted of God only in for through the perfect Obedience of Christ Psal 119.5 8 30 31 32. Phil. 4.13 Psal 119.6 104 112. 2 Chron. 30.18 19. Phil. 3.9 Q. 198. Why is it called New Obedience A. Because 't is only perform'd by New Creatures that is by such as are renewed after the Image of God and by new strength from Christ and because it is required by the New Testament or Covenant 2 Cor. 5.17 Rom. 12.2 Phil. 4.13 Q. 199. Why is this New Obedience needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance A. Because this Ordinance being a Seal of the New Covenant binds us to this New Obedience so that without it our partaking of this Ordinance would be but dissembling and because without this Obedience all our Profession of Religion and outward Performances will be rejected of God as vain and hypoâ—ritical and abominable Ezech. 11.19 23. Jer. 31.33 1. Sam. 15.22 Tit. 1.16 Q. 200. What is that Thankfulness that is needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance A. Thankfulness is a due and heart-affecting sense of the Love of God in giving Christ to us of the Love of Christ in giving himself for us and of the Love of the Spirit in revealing Christ in us with a cheerful acknowledgment of the same with our Lips and Lives John 3.16 Gal. 2.20 2 Cor. 9 1â— 1 Tim. 1.17 Rom. 15.13 Eph. 1.17 Q. 201. What should Believers be especially thankful for at this Ordinance A. They should be especially thankful for the Lord Jesus Christ and for the Covenant of Grace together with all the Blessings and Benefits given in and with them to Believers Eph. 1.3 2 Cor. 9.15 Q. 202. Why is this Thankfulness needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance A. Because Christ himself gave Thanks to God in the Institution of this Ordinance and because the very matter use and ends of this Ordinance engaged us to Thankfulness in that it representeth sealeth and applieth Jesus Christ to us as the Spiritual Food of our Souls 1 Cor. 11.24 Deut. 8.10 1 Thess 5.18 Q 203. What is that holy Desire or spiritual Appetite that is needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance A. Holy Desire is a spiritual hungering and thirsting after the Lord Jesus Christ as the Food of our Souls for our Nourishment and Growth in Grace Isa 55.1 Hagg. 2.7 Isa 26.8 9. Matth. 5.6 Q. 204. Why is this holy Desire or Appetite needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance A. Because this Ordinance being a Spiritual Feast or Supper cannot profit us without a spiritual hunger or thirst after the Provisions set before us therein neither shall we taste any spiritual sweetness in it nor get Refreshment and Nourishment by it for this is promised only to those who have this Appetite Matth. 5.6 Luke 1.52 Q. 205. Who are in a fit frame or disposition for this Ordinance A. Such who being truly gracious have some Scripture-Evidence thereof and have got their Souls into a serious humble and holy disposition to draw near to God and to hold Communion with him James 4.8 9 10. Q. 206. How may we get into a new frame or disposition A. We may get into a sit frame or disposition of Spirit for this holy Ordinance 1. By examining our selves 2. By quickning and stirring up our Graces 3. 〈◊〉 praying for Spiritual Blessings 4. By hoping for them and expecting of them from God through Christ Q. 207. Concerning what should we examine our selves A. We should examine our selves both concerning our Sins and concerning our Graces 1 Cor. 11.28 Lam. 3.40 2 Cor. 13.5 28. Q. 208. What should we examine concerning
2. Complying with some Temptations to Sin or indulging and nourishing some Corruption in our Souls The Examination of the Grace we want Q. 325. How may we know what Grace we want A. By looking into our Souls and seeing what Grace we have already and whether that be in a growing or decaying state Q. 325. What are the usual wants of gracious Souls A. Such as these They usually want quickning Grace and strengthning Grace to enable them to withstand Temptations mortifie Corruptions perform Duties bear their Burdens the confirmation of the Covenant of Grace and of their mystical Union to Christ their Head the Assurance of the Love of God of an Interest in Christ and his Benefits and of the Pardon of their Sins and Peace with God through Christ Ps 119.159.28.116 35.3 Matth. 9.2 Q. 326. Why should we examine our selves about our spiritual wants before we come to the Lord's Supper A. Because it is needful that we should come with a due sense of our spiritual wants to this and other Ordinances and with Desires and Prayers unto God for the Supplies of them John 5.6 Luke 18.35 36 39 â—0 41. Rev. 3.17 18. Q. 327. What other Duty should be performed to fit us for the Lord's Supper A. We should endeavour to get our Graces quickned and stirred up in us or prepared to be acted and exercised on their proper Objects 2 Tim. 1.6 Q 328. Why should our Graces be quickned and stirred up before this Ordinance A. Because our Graces are to be acted and exercised in partaking of this holy Ordinance and so need quickning to it Q. 329. How may our knowledge be quickned A. 1. By labouring for a more clear distinct and full Knowledge of spiritual things 2. By meditating on those spiritual things that we do know their Excellency Necessity and Usefulness to us Q. 330. How may Faith be quickned A. 1. By feeding on Christ in a Promise and meditating on the freeness fulness firmness and sweetness of the Promises 2. By considering believing Christ's gracious Invitations and assurance of refreshment and benefit to those that come to him in his own way Matt. 11.28 John 7.37 Q. 331. How may Repentance be quickned A. By searching out our special Sins since the last Sacrament confessing them to God with shame and sorrow of heart judging and condemning our selves for them and begging pardon of them and power against them through Grace for time to come Prov. 28.13 James 4.9.10 Psal 51.1 2 c. Q. 332. How may our Love to God Father Son and Spirit be quickned A. By meditating on the infinite Love of God the Father in giving Christ the Love of Christ in giving himself to dye for us and the Love of the Holy Spirit in revealing Christ to us and in us John 3.19 Gal. 2.20 Rom. 15.30 Q. 333. How may our Love to other Christians be quickned A. 1. By remembring the New Command of Christ requiring it 2. By considering our near and spiritual Relation to them as being our Brethren and Fellow-members of Christ's Mystical Body 3. By beholding the Image of God upon them John 13.34 Hebr. 13.1 1 Cor. 15.49 1 John 5.1 Q. 334. How may Love to our Enemies be quickned A. 1. By considering the Command of Christ requiring it 2. By considering the Example of Christ who loved us when we were his Enemies so as to dye for us Mat. 5.44 Gal. 2.20 Rom. 5.8.10 Q. 335. How may our Obedience be quickned A. 1. By considering the Holiness Justice and goodness of Christ's Commands 2. By considering the Blessings promised to the Obedient and the Punishments threatned to the disobedient Rom. 7.12 Job 36.11 12. Jer. 7.23 Q. 336. How may our Thankfulness to God be quickned A. 1. By considering the many great and rich Blessings which he hath bestowed on us in the Covenant of Grace And 2. Our own great unworthiness of the least of them 1 Cor. 3.22 Rom. 8.32 1 Cor. 2.9 Gen. 32.10 Eph. 3.8 Q. 337. How may our holy Desires or spiritual Appetite be quickned A. By considering our want of spiritual Food and of refreshment and Nourishment by it 2. By considering the sweetness suitableness and sufficiency of the spiritual Provisions which Christ hath made for us in this Ordinance 3. By considering the Promises which God hath made to refresh and satisfie hungry and thirsty Souls Psal 40.17 John 6.55.56 Psal 81.10 107.9 Q. 338. What other Duty should be performed to fit us for the Lord's Supper A. We should solemnly seek the Lord by Prayer 1. For the pardon of former Neglects of this Ordinance and sinful Failings in our partaking of it and of present unfitness for it 2. For the holy Preparation of our Hearts for this Ordinance Communion with God in it and Communications of Grace and spiritual Nourishment from him by it 2 Chron. 30.18 19 20. Prov. 16.1 Q. 339. Why should we thus solemnly seek the Lord before this Ordinance A. 1. Because it is needful both to sanctifie our selves for this Ordinance and to have this Ordinance sanctified to us for Prayer is the means to both 1 Sam. 16.5 1 Tim. 4.5 2. Because the spiritual Benefit of this and all Ordinances comes alone from God which is to be obtained by Prayer James 1.17 Matth. 7.7 Q. 340. What other Duty should be performed to fit us for the Lord's Supper A. We should hope for and expect God's gracious Answer to our Prayers in his meeting and blessing us in this Ordinance Ps 42.5 119.166 62.5 Q. 341. What ground have we for this hope A. God's holy Word wherein he hath freely promised to meet and bless his People in his Ordinance Exod. 20.24 Matth. 18.24 Psal 130.5 Of our Duties in partaking Q. 342. What is required of us in partaking of the Lord's Supper A. Two things especially 1. A sober and reverent behaviour of the Body 2. A serious and gracious disposition of the Soul Rom. 12 1. 1 Cor. 6.20 Q. 343. What gesture of Body should we use in the Act of Receiving standing sitting or kneeling A. Sitting seems to be the most proper Gesture of the Body in the Act of Receiving as being most agreeable to the Example of Christ and his Apostles who sate or sate-leaning which was then the Table-gesture amongst the Jews But Christians should not rigidly impose any gesture on each other nor uncharitably Censure each other for difference of Perswasion or Practice in this or such like Circumstances if a due Reverence be observed Matth. 26.20 Luke 14.18 22. Rom. 14.2 5 23 19. 1 Cor. 14.40 Q. 344. Wherein consists the gracious disposition of the Soul in partaking of this Ordinance A. 1. In coming to this holy Ordinance with a deep self-humbling sense of our own vileness and unworthiness of so great a Priviledge because of our sins Eph. 3.18 Tim. 1.15 Luke 15.19 Q. 345. Wherein else A. 2. In animating at right ends in the use of this Ordinance such as the preserving
of the Remembrance of Christ our spiritual Nourishment and growth in Grace the confirming of the Covenant of Grace the testifying of our Thankfulness to Christ and the strengthning of our Union to him and Communion with him and with one another Q. 346. Wherein else A. 3. In using this Ordinance according to Christ's Institution in order to these Ends that is using the same Elements of Bread and Wine and the same Words and Actions about them and to the same significations and ends that Christ used them for Q. 347. Wherein else A. 4. In holy Meditations on the Elements Words and Actions that are used in the Celebration or Administration of this holy Ordinance and especially on Christ himself who is signified and represented by them Prov. 23.1 John 1.29 Q. 348. What good Meditations may our Souls raise from these A. 1. When we see Bread and Wine prepared for this Ordinance we should meditate on the Resemblance that there is between them and the Body and Blood of Christ signified by them Q. 349. How doth Bread resemble the Body of Christ A. In three things especially 1. As Corn is prepared by grinding moulding and baking to make it Bread for our Bodies so Christ was prepared by exquisite Sufferings to be Bread for our Souls Isa 53.10 Q. 350. How else A. As Bread is the Staff and strength of our Natural Life so is Christ the Staff and Strength of our spiritual Life Psal â—05 16 19.14 Q. 351. How else A. 3. As Bread is but one Body tho' it be made up of many Grains so Christ mystical that is the Church is but one Body though made up of many Members 1 Cor. 12.12 Q. 352. How doth the Wine resemble the Blood of Christ A. In three things especially 1. As Wine quencheth the Thirst of the Body so doth the Blood of Christ quench the Thirst of the Soul John 6.35 Q. 353. How else A. 2. As Wine is of a cheering Nature making the Heart glad so the Blood of Christ applied by Faith cheers and makes glad the Souls of mournful sinners Psal 104.15 Q. 354. What else A. 3. As Wine is of a purging and cleansing quality so the Blood of Christ doth meritoriously purge and cleanse us from sin Heb. 9.13 14. 1 John 1.7 Q. 355. What other Meditation may we raise from this Ordinance A. When we see the Bread and Wine blessed sanctified or set apart from a common to an holy use by the Ministers pronouncing the words of Institution and Prayer we should meditate on God the Father his sanctifying and setting apart his Son the Lord Jesus Christ from all Eternity to be our Redeemer Isa 42.1 Q. 356. What other Meditation A. When we see the Bread broken we should meditate on the Breaking of Christ's sacred Body on the Cross and all the Sufferings Pains and Torments which he endured both in Soul and Body for our sakes on the heinous nature of our sins that could not be done away but by the shedding of Christ's Blood and the impartial Justice of God the Father in punishing his only begotten Son when he stood as our Surety Q 357. What other Meditation A. When we see the Minister offering and giving Bread and Wine to us we should meditate on the infinite Love of God the Father in Giving Christ and of Christ in Giving himself to be a Sacrifice for us and of the Spirit in revealing and applying Christ to us Q. 258. What other Meditation A. When we Receive the Bread and Wine from the hand of the Minister with the hand of our Bodies and eat and drink them with our Mouths we should meditate on the spiritual Receiving of the Body and Blood of Christ and feeding on him by Faith in our Souls Q. 359. What other Meditation A. We should meditate on the precious Benefits that redound to true Believers by a right receiving of Christ in this holy Ordinance which are Redemption from all Enemies and Evils Reconciliation to God Pardon of Sin Justification Adoption Sanctification Victory over our Souls Adversaries Increase of Grace and a Title to Glory Q. 360. Wherein else doth this gracious disposition of Soul consist A. 5. In a lively acting or exercising of saving Graces and using our bodily senses of seeing touching and tasting to help our spiritual Senses and Graces in their Actings John 20.27 Q. 361. What Graces should we exercise in partaking of this Ordinance A. We should especially exercise these four Faith Repentance Love and Joy Q. 362. How is Faith to be exercised in it A. Faith should be exercised as the Eye of the Soul to discern Christ in this Ordinance as the hand of the Soul to Receive him and as the Mouth of the Soul to feed upon him or apply him with all his Benefits to each Believer in particular Job 20.28 Gal. 2.20 Q. 363. How is Repentance to be exercâ—sed A. Repentance should then be exercised in remembring our sins confessing them with shame and sorrow hating of them judging and condemning our selves for them and turning from them unto God in Christ Isa 53.4 5.6 Zech. 12.10 11. Q. 364. How is Love to God then to be exercised A. Love to God both Father Son and Spirit should then be exercised by the fervent out goings of the Soul to God and to each Person in the God head and by the firm cleaving of the Soul to him as to the chief Good and our All-sufficient Portion Psal 63.8 Acts 11.23 Q. 365. How is Love to other Christians then to be exercised A. Love to other Christians should then be exercised by our cleaving to them in heart as to our Brethren by praying with and for them by forgiving their Trespasses against us and by a readiness to give to those that want according to our Ability and their Necessity Heb. 13.1 2 3. 1 Pet. 2.17 Eph. 4.32 Q. 366. How is Joy then to be exercised A. Joy is then to be exercised in the Soul 's being cheered revived and lifted up in the believing apprehension or assurance of its interest in God as his own God in Christ and Covenant and so in all the Blessings promised in the Covenant of Grace of which this Ordinance is a sign and seal Psal 16.5 Phil. 4.4 1 Pet. 1.8 Rom. 5.2 Q. 367. How is this Ordinance to be elosed up A. It is to be closed up in singing some Spiritual Hymn to the praise of God our Creator Redeemer and Sanctifier Matth. 26.30 Mark 14.26 Of our Duties after partaking Q. 368. What is required of us after partaking of tho Lord's Supper A. Two sorts of Duties some more publick and others more private Q. 369. What are the publick Duties A. Such as these 1. A solemn and hearty Thanksgiving to God for his love in giving Christ for Christ's love in giving himself and for the love of the holy Spirit in revealing Christ to us and in us with all the blessed Fruits of this Love As also for the Covenant of
against Eight Men Treatise of Episcopacy Disputations of Church Government Life of Faith first of the Sermons preach'd before King Charles the second English Nonconformity Naked Popery against Dodwell and Sherlock Which is the True Church Catholick communion against both Extreams in six several controversies Moral Prognostication Search for English Schismaticks Farewel Sermon published by himself Mr. John Corbet's Funeral Sermon Glorious Kingdom of Christ Reply to Mr. Tho. Beverly's Answer National churches Church-concord Penitent confession and necessary Vindication Power of a christian Magistrate Disputations of right to Sacraments Disputation of Justification Ark on the Covenant Brown's Gospel churches Bulley on the Covenant Critical Enquiâ—ies Chariton's Enquiries into humane Nature Clarksâ—n's practical Divinity of papists No Evidence for Diocesan churches Câ—rbet's Nonconformist's Plea A Dialogue between a Protestant and a Jew and a Papist and a Jew â—oolittle's Protestant's Answer to Where was your Church before Luther Elton on the Commandments Fryfell's Sermons of Grace and Temptation Humphry's Mediocria compleat Peaceable Disquisition Hales of Religion Hudson on the Church Hierome's Life Laroque on the Eucharist Lewis's Education of Gentlewomen Mâ—rgan's Dyalling Manning of Predetermination Mead's Vision of the Wheels Sermon at the Union Morning Exercise against Popery Muse's Alphabet Owen's seasonable Words for English Protestants Present Nonconformists Vindicated Pool's Apology for Religion Owen of being spiritually-minded Mr. Rowlandson's captivity Wadsworth's Separation no Schism Swiâ—nock of Regeneration True Cess or intrinsick Value of all real Estates Officium Cleri desiderium Populi Troughton's Apology for Nonconformity Yarranton's England's Improvement Hodges's two Sermons Phelps Innocency rewarded Mall's Axe at the Root Smith's christians Work at Sorrell's Funeral State of blessedness Vincent at Bakers Funeral at Jaueway's Funeral Hudson at Shute's Funeral Lloyd's Death of God's Moses Whittaker's Funeral Sermon Scot's Saint's privilege by dying Wadsworth's Funeral Sermon Barreâ—'s Answer to Stilling fleet Remarks on Affairs of Trade Waller's Effays Claudâ—'s Defence of Reformation Wallis's Theological Discourses on several Occasions in two Parts Jacksons's Annotations on the Bible on Isaiah Woodward's Call to Humiliation for the grievous Sin of Persecution Boyse's Sermons against Quenching the Holy Spirit Vanity Danger c. of continuing Ceremonies in the Worship of God Ecclesiastical History of France Ellis's English School Grew's Parable of the prodigal Present State of New-England Hayter on the Revelations Lightfoot in Lucam Phelps on the Revelations Grace and Duty of Heavenly Mindedness The Causes Ways and Means of understanding the Mind of God revealed in his Word A Treatise of Apostacy An Answâ—â— to Dr. Parker Humble Testimony of Temptation of the Trinity These 7 by Dr. Owen Discourses concerning the actual Providence of God in three parts The first treating concerning the Notion of it c. The second concerning the Specialities of it The third concerning the hard chapters of it In 53 Sermons Intercourses of Divine Love betwixt Christ and the Church in two Vol. The first containing fixty one Sermons on the first chapter of the Canticles The second containing about 47 Sermons on the second chapter of the Canticles A Reasonable Account why some pious Nonconforming Ministers in England judge it sinful for them to perform their Ministerial Acts in publick solemn Prayer by the prescribed Forms of others His Supplement to his reasonable Account A Discourse against Transubstantiation The Vindication of Liturâ—â—â—â— lately published by Dr. Faulknerâ—â— â—oved no Vindication Defensative Armour against four of Satans most fiery Darts viz. Temptations to Atheistical and Blasphemous Thoughts Self-Murther Despair and Presumption The above 8 by Dr. John Collings Allen's Alarm to unconverted sinners Bury's Husbandman's companion Help to Holy walking Corbet's Kingdom of God among Men Clarkson of saving Grace A Discourse concerning Liturgies Calamy of Meditation Doolittle's Catechism Chorley's Memorial of the Bible Ellis's Kingdom of God Farthing's short Hand Aesop improved or 300 Fables paraphrased Finch's Answer to Tho. Grantham's Dialogue between a Baptist and a Presbiterian Grotius of Christ's satisfaction translated into English by W. H. Green's Corruption of Man by Nature Burkit of Infant-baptism Sure Mercies of David Baptismal bonds renewed Hurst's Revival of Grace Hugh's Summons to Sinners to think and turn Bishop Kidder on the Saerament Lorimor's Diseourses on the Five Books of Moses Laurence's Interest of Ireland Lewis's Grammer Vestibulum Technicum Nomenclatura Mundi Mead's Good of early Obedience Ross's Mystagogus Poeticus Whittaker's 18 Sermons Steel of Old Age Dr. Staunton's Life with his Dialogues Roberts on the Sacrament Swinnock on the Attributes Norman's Cases of Conscience Whole Duty of Man Second Part. Barret on the Covenant Wilson's Scripture-Genuine-Interpreter Wase's Grammer Shaw's true Christian's Test or Meditations Watson's Sermons on Malachy Sir Charles Wolsely's Mount of Spirits Vincent of Conscience Touchstone of Grace and Nature Conversion of the Soul Christ's sudden appearance to Judgement Burgess's Characters of a Godly Man Ottee's Sermons Melius inquirendum by Mr. Alsop Wadswoth's Immortality of the Soul Faith's Triumph History of Cardinal Ximenes Stedman of Union Sober singularity Ars Sciendi sive Logica Venning of Sin Polwheel against quenching the Spirit Marshal's Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification Mason's Spiritual Songs or Songs of Praise his Penitential Crys A Funeral Sermon at the Death of Mr. Joseph Barret with his Life and Remains