what condition doth Jesus Christ exercise these Offices A. Hee did in a low estate of humiliation on earth but now in a glorious estate of exaltation in heaven Q. What is the Church of Christ A. The universall company of Gods Elect called to the adoption of children Q. How come wee to bee members of this Church A. By a lively faith Q. What is a lively faith A. An assured resting of the soule upon Gods promises of mercy in Jesus Christ for pardon of sins here and glory hereafter Q. How come wee to have this faith A. By the effectuall working of the spirit of God in our hearts freely calling us from the state of Nature to the state of Grace Q. Are wee accounted righteous for our faith A. No but onely for the righteousnesse of Christ freely imputed unto us and laid hold of by faith Q. 1. Is there no more required of us but faith onely A. Yes repentance also and holinesse Q. 2. What is repentance A. A forsaking of all sin with godly sorrow for what wee have committed Q. 3. What is that holinesse which is required of us A. Universall obedience to the will of God revealed unto us Q. What are the priviledges of beleevers A. First union with Christ secondly adoption of children thirdly communion of Saints fourthly right to the seales of the new Covenant fifthly Christian liberty sixtly resurrection of the body to life eternall Q. 1. What are the Sacraments or seales of the new Covenant A. Visible seales of Gods spirituall promises made unto us in the blood of Jesus Christ Q. 2. Which bee they A. Baptism and the Lords Supper Q. What is Baptisme A. An holy Ordinance whereby being sprinkled with water according to Christs institution wee are by his grace made children of God and have the promises of the Covenant sealed unto us Q. What is the Lords Supper A. An holy Ordinance of Christ appointed to communicate unto beleevers his body and blood spiritually being represented by bread and wine blessed broken powred out and received of them Q. 2. Who have a right unto this Sacrament A. They onely who have an interest in Jesus Christ by faith Q. What is the communion of Saints A. An holy conjunction between all Gods people partakers of the same Spirit and members of the same mysticall body Q. What is the end of all this dispensation A. The glory of God in our salvation Glory bee to God on high THE Greater Catechisme CHAP. I. Of the Scripture Question 1. WHat is Christian Religion Answ. The only a way of (1) (2) knowing God aright and b living unto him a Joh. 14.5 â—oh 17.3 Act. 4.12 b Col. 1.10 2 Cor. 5.15 Gal. 2.19 20. Q. 2. Whence is it to bee learned A. From the holy (3) Scripture onely Isa. 8.20 Joh. 5.39 Q. 3. What is the Scripture A. The books of the a Old and b New (4) (5) (6) Testament c given by inspiration from God containing all things necessary to bee beleeved and done that God may bee worshipped and our soules saved a Isa. 8.20 Rom. 3.2 b Rev. 22.19 20. c 2 Tim. 2.16 17. Psal. 19.7 8. Jer. 7.31 Joh. 20.31 Q. 4. How know you them to bee the word of God A. By the a testimony (7) of Gods Spirit working faith in my heart to close with that b heavenly Majesty and cleare divine truth that shineth in them a Matth. 16.17 Joh. 16.13 1 Thess. 2.13 1 Joh. 2.20 1 Joh. 5.6 b Luk 24.32 1 Cor. 2.14 Heb. 4.12 2 Pet. 1.19 CHAP. II. Of God Q. 1. What doe the Scriptures teach concerning God A. First what hee is or his Nature secondly what hee doth or his Works Exod. 3.14 Isa. 44.6 Heb. 1.1 2 3. Heb. 11.6 Q. 2. What is God in himselfe A. An a eternall b infinite c (1) (2) (3) incomprehensible d spirit e giving beeing to all things and doing with them whatsoever hee pleaseth a Deut. 33.37 Isa. 57.15 Revel. 1.8 b 1 King 8.27 Psal. 139.2 3 4 5. c. c Exod. 32.20 1 Tim. 6.16 d Joh. 4 24. e Gen. 1.1 Psal. 115.3 135.6 Isa. 46.10 Joh. 5 17. Heb. 1.2 Q. 3. Doe wee here know God as hee is A. No his glorious beeing is not of us in this life to bee comprehended Exod. 33.23 1 Cor. 13.12 Q. 4. Whereby is God chiefely made known unto us in the word A. First by his f Names secondly by his g Attributes or properties f Exod. 3.14 ch. 6.3 Psa. 83.18 g Exo. 34.6 7. Mat. 5.48 Q. 5. What are the names of God A. Glorious titles which hee (4) hath given himselfe to hold forth his excellencies unto us with some perfections wherby hee will reveale himselfe Exod. 3 14 15. 6.3 34.6 7. Gen. 17.1 Q. 6. What are the Attributes of God A. His infinite perfections in being and working Revelat. 4.8 9 10 11. Q. 7. What are the chiefe attributes of his beeing A. a Eternity b infinitenesse c simplicity (1) (2) or purity d all-sufficiency e perfectnesse f immutability g life h will and i understanding a Deut. 33.37 Psal. 93.2 Esa. 57.15 Revel. 1.11 b 1 King 8.27 Psal. 139.1 2 3 4.8 9. c Exod. 3.14 d Gen. 17.1 Psal. 135.4 5. e Joh. 11.7 8 9. Rom. 11.33 34 35 36. f Mal. 3.6 Jam. 1.17 g Judg 8.19 1 Sam. 25.34 2 King 3.14 Ezek. 14.16 16.48 Mâ—tth 16.16 Act. 24.15 1 The 1.9 h Dan. 11.3 Esa. 46.10 Ephes. 1.5.11 Jam. 1.18 i Psal. 7.2 139 2. 147.4 Ier. 11.20 Heb. 4.13 Q. 8. What are the attributes which usually are ascribed to him in his works or the acts of his will A. k Goodnesse l power m (3) (4) justice n mercy o holinesse p wisdome and the like which hee delighteth to exercise towards his creatures for the praise of his glory k Psal. 119 68. Mat. 19.17 l Exod. 15.11 Psal. 62.10 Revel. 19.1 m Zeph. 3.5 Psal. 11.7 Ierem. 12.1 Rom. 1.32 n Psal. 130.7 Rom. 9.15 Ephes. 2.4 o Exod. 15.11 Iosh. 24.19 Hab. 1.13 Revel. 4.8 p Rom. 11.33 16.17 CHAP. III. Of the holy Trinity Q. 1. Is there but one God to whom these properties doe belong A. a One onely in respect of his Essence and being but one b in three distinct persons of Father Sonne and holy Ghost a Deut. 6.4 Matth. 19.17 Ephes. 4.5 6. b Gen. 1.7 1 Ioh. 5.7 Matth. 28.19 Q. 2. What mean you by Person A. A distinct manner of (1) (2) (3) subsistence or beeing distinguished from the other Persons by its own properties Ioh. 5.17 Heb. 1.3 Q. 3. What is the distinguishing property of the person of the Father A. To bee of himself onely the fountain of the God-head Ioh. 5.26 27. Ephes. 1.3 Q. 4. What is the property of the Son A. To be begotten of his Father from eternity Psal. 2.7 Ioh. 1.14 3.16 Q. 5.
a c Prophet a Psal. 2.6 b Psal. 110.4 c Deut. 18.15 Q. Hath hee these Offices peculiarly by nature A. No hee onely received them for the present dispensation untill the work of redemption bee perfected Psal. 110.1 Act. 2.36 10.42 1 Cor. 13.12 15.27 28. Phil. 2.9 Heb. 3.2.6 2.7 8 9. Q. 3. Wherein doth the Kingly Office of Christ consist A. In a twofold power first his power of ruling in and over his Church secondly his power of subduing his enemies Psal. 110.3 4 5 6 7. Q. 4. What is his ruling power in and over his people A. That supreme authority which (3) (4) for their everlasting good hee useth towards them whereof in generall there bee two acts first a internâ—ll and spirituall in converting their soules unto him making them unto himself a willing obedient persevering people secondly b externall and ecclesiasticall in giving perfect Laws and Rules for their government as gathered into holy societies under him a Esa. 53.12 59.20 21. with Heb. 8.10 11 12. Esa. 61.1 2. Ioh. 1.16 12.32 Mark 1.15 Mat. 28.20 2 Cor. 10.4 5. b Mat. 16.19 1 Cor. 12.28 Ephes. 4.8 9 10 11 12 13 14. 2 Tim. 3.16 17. Revel. 22.18 19. Q. 5. How many are the acts of his Kingly power towards his enemies A. Two also first a internall by the (5) mighty working of his Word and the spirit of bondage upon their hearts convincing amazing terrifying their consciences hardning their spirits for ruine secondly b externall in judgements and vengeance which oft times hee beginneth in this life and will continue unto eternity a Psal. 110. Ioh. 6.46 8 59. 9.41 12.40 2 Cor. 10.4 5 6. 1 Cor. 5.6 1 Tim. 1.20 b Mark 16.16 Luk. 19.21 Act. 13.11 Revel. 17.14 CHAP. XII Of Christs Priestly Office Q. 1. By what meanes did Jesus Christ undertake the Office of an eternall Priest A. By a the Decree Ordination and will of God his Father b whereunto hee yeelded voluntary obedience so c that concerning this there was a compact and Covenant between them a Psal. 110.4 Heb. 4.5 6. 7.17 18. b Esa. 50.4 5 6. Heb. 10 5 6 7 8 9 10. c Psal. 2.7 8. Esa. 53.8 10 11 12. Phil. 2.7 9. Heb. 12.2 Ioh. 17.2 4. Q. 2. Wherein doth his execution of this Office consist A. In bringing his people unto God Heb. 2.10 and 4 15. and 7.25 Q. 3. What are the parts of it A. First a oblation secondly b intercession (1) a Heb. 9.13 b Heb. 7.25 Q. 4. What is the oblation of Christ A. The a offering up of himselfe upon the Altar of the Crosse an holy propitiatory sacrifice for the sins of all the Elect throughout the world as b also the presentation of himself for us in Heaven sprinkled with the blood of the Covenant a Esa. 53.10.12 Ioh. 3.16 11.51 52. 17.19 Heb. 9.13 14. b Heb. 9.24 Q. Whereby doth this oblation doe good unto us A. Divers wayes first in that it satisfyed the justice of God secondly it redeemed us from the power of sin death and hell thirdly it ratifyed the new Covenant of grace fourthly it procured for us grace here and glory hereafter by all which means the peace and reconciliation betweene God and us is wrought Ephes. 2.14 15. Q. 6. How did the oblation of Christ satisfie Gods justice for our sin A. In that for us hee underwent the (2) punishment due to our sin Esa. 53.4 5 6. Ioh. 10.11 Rom. 3.25 26. 4.25 1 Cor. 15.3 2 Cor. 5.21 Ephes. 5.2 1 Pet. 2.24 Q. 7. What was that punishment A. The wrath of God the curse (3) of the Law the paines of hell due to sinners in body and soule Gen. 2.17 Deut. 27.27 Esa. 59.2 Rom. 5.12 Ephes. 2.3 Ioh. 3.36 Hâ—b. 2.14 Q. Did Christ undergoe all these A. Yes in respect of the greatnesse (4) and extremity not the eternity and continuance of those paines for it was impossible hee should bee holden of death Matth. 26.38 39. Mark 14.33 15.34 Gal. 3.13 Ephes. 2.16 Col. 1.20 Heb. 5.7 Psal. 18 5. Q. 9. How could the punishment of one satisfie for the offence of all A. In that hee was not a meere (5) man onely but God also of infinite more value then all those who had offended Rom. 5.9 Heb. 9.26 1 Pet. 3.18 Q. 10. How did the oblation of Christ redeem us from death and hell A. First a by paying a ransome (6) to God the Judge and Law-giver who had condemned us secondly b by overcomming and spoyling Satan death and the powers of hell that detained us captives a Matth. 20.28 Ioh. 6.38 Mark 10.4 5. Rom. 3.25 1 Cor. 6.20 Gal. 3.13 Ephes. 1.7 1 Tim. 2.6 Heb. 10.9 b Ioh. 5.24 Col. 2.13 14 15. 1 Thess. 1.10 Heb. 2.14 1 Pet. 1.18 19. Q. 11. What was the ransome that Christ paid for us A. His own pretious blood Act. 20.28 1 Pet. â— 19 Q. 12. How was the new Covenant ratifyed in his blood A. By being accompanyed with (7) his death for that as all other Testaments was to bee ratifyed by the death of the Testator Gen. 22.18 Heb. 9.16 8.10 11 12. Q. 13. What is this new Covenant A. The gratious free immutable promise of God made unto all his Elect fallen in Adam to b give them Jesus Christ and c in him mercy pardon grace and glory d with a restipulation of Faith from them unto this promise and new obedience a Gen. 3.15 Ier. 31.32 33 34. 32.40 Heb. 8.10 11 12. b Gal. 3.8.16 Gen. 12.3 c Rom. 8.32 Ephes. 1.3 4. d Mar. 16.16 Ioh. 1.12 10.27 28. Q. 14. How did Christ procure for us grace faith and glory (9) A. By the way of purchase (8) and merit for the death of Christ deservedly procured of God that hee should blesse us with all spirituall blessings needfull for our comming unto him Esa. 53.11 12. Ioh. 17.2 Act. 20.28 Rom. 5.17 18. Ephes. 2.15 16. 1.4 Phil. 1.29 Tit. 2.14 Revel. 1.5 6. Q. 15. What is the intercession of Christ A. His continuall soliciting (10) of God on our behalf begun here in fervent prayers continued in Heaven by appearing as our advocate at the Throne of Grace Psal. 2.8 Rom. 8.34 Heb. 7.25 9.24 10.19 20 21. 1 Joh. 2.1 2. Joh. 17. CHAP. XIII Of Christs Propheticall Office Q. 1. Wherein doth the propheticall Office of Christ consist A. In his Embassage (1) from God to man revealing from the bosome of his Father the whole mystery of godlinesse the way and Truth whereby wee must come unto God Matth. 5. Joh. 1.18 3.32 10.9.14 14.5 6. 17.8 18.37 Q. 2. How doth hee exercise this Office towards us A. By making known (2) the whole Doctrine of truth unto us in a saving and spirituall manner Deut. 18.18 Esa. 42.6 Heb. 3.1 Q 3. By what means doth hee perform
3.23 24 25 26. Rom. 4.5 Q. 2. What then is our justification or righteousnesse before God A. The gracious free act (1) of God imputing the righteousnesse of Christ to a beleeving sinner and for that speaking peace unto his conscience in the pardon of his sin pronouncing him to bee just and accepted before him Gen. 15.6 Act. 13.38 39. Luk. 18.14 Rom. 3.24 26.28 Rom. 4.4 5 6 7 8. Gal. 2.16 Q. 3. Are we not then righteous before God by our own works A. No for of themselves they can neither satisfie his justice fulfill his Law nor indure his tryall Psal. 130.3 4. Psal. 143.2 Esa. 64.6 Luk. 17.10 CHAP. XX Of Sanctification Q. 1. Is there nothing then required of us but Faith onely A. Yes a repentance and b holinesse or new obedience a Act. 20.21 Matth. 3.2 Luk. 13.3 b 2 Tim. 2.19 1 Thess. 4.7 Heb. 12.14 Q. 2. What is repentance A. Godly a sorrow for every known (1) (2) sin committed against God b with a firme purpose of heart to cleave unto him for the future c in the killing of sinne the quickning of all graces to walk before him in newnes of life a 2 Cor. 7.9 10 11. Act. 2.37 Psal. 51.17 b Psal. 34 14. Esa. 1.16 17. Ezek. 18.27 28. Act. 14.15 c Ephes. 4.21 22 23 24. Rom. 6.12 13.18 19. Rom. 8.1 2 Cor. 5.17 Gal. 6.15 Q. 3. Can wee doe this of our selves A. No it is a speciall gift and grace of God which hee bestoweth on whom hee pleaseth Levit. 20.8 Deut. 30.6 Ezek. 11.19 20. 2 Tim. 2.25 Act. 11.18 Q. 4. Wherein doth the beeing of true Repentance consist without which it is not acceptable A. In its (3) performance according to the Gospel rule with Faith and assured hope of divine mercy Psal. 51.1 Joh. 2.1 2. 2 Cor. 7.10 11. Act. 2 38. Matth. 27.4 Q. 5. What is that holinesse which is required of us A. That a universall (4) (5) sincere obedience to the whole will of God b in our hearts mindes wills and actions c whereby wee are in some measure made conformable to Christ our head a Psalm 119.9 1 Sam. 15.22 Ioh. 14.15 Rom. 6.9 Heb. 12.14 Tit. 2.12 2 Pet. 1.5 6 7. Esa. 1.16 17. b 1 Chron. 28.9 Deut. 6.5 Matth. 22.37 c Rom. 8.29 1 Cor. 11.1 Ephes. 2.21 Col. 3.1 2 3. 2 Tim. 2.11 12. Q. 6. Is this holinesse or obedience in us perfect A. Yes a in respect (6) of all the parts of it but b not in respect of the degrees wherein God requires it a 2 King 20.3 Job 1.1 Mat. 5.48 Luk. 1.6 2 Cor. 7.1 Ephes. 4.24 Tit. 2.12 b Esa. 64.6 Psal. 130.3 Exod. 28.38 Phil. 3.8 Q. 7. Will God accept of that obedience which falls so short of what hee requireth A. Yes from them (7) whose persons hee accepteth and justifyeth freely in Jesus Christ Rom. 12.1 Phil. 4.18 Heb. 13.16 1 Ioh. 3.22 Ephes. 1.6 Q. 8. What are the parts of this holinesse A. a Internall in the quickning of all graces purging all sins b and externall in fervent and frequent prayers almes and all manner of righteousnesse a Heb. 9.14 Ephes. 3.16 17. Rom. 2.29 6 12. b Matth. 5.20 Rom. 8.1 2. Ephes. 4.22 23. Tit. 2.12 particular precepts are innumerable Q. 8. May not others perform these duties acceptably as well as those that beleeve A. No (8) all their performances in this kinde are but abominable sins before the Lord Prov. 15.8 Joh. 9.31 Tit. 1.15 Heb. 11.6 CHAP. XXI Of the priviledges of Beleevers Q. 1. What are the priviledges of those that thus beleeve and repent A. First union with Christ secondly adoption of children thirdly Christian liberty fourthly a spirituall holy right to the seales of the new Covenant fifthly communion with all Saints sixthly resurrection of the body unto life eternall Q. 2. What is our union with Christ A. An a holy spirituall (1) (2) conjunction unto him as our b head c husband and d foundation e whereby wee are made partakers of the same spirit with him f and derive all good things from him a 1 Cor. 12.12 Ioh. 15.1 2.5 6 7. 17.23 b Ephes. 4.15 5.23 Col. 1.18 c 2 Cor. 11.2 Ephes. 5.25 26 27. Revel. 21.9 d Matth. 16.18 Ephes. 2.20 21 22. 1 Pet. 2.4 5 6 7. e Rom. 8.9.11 Gal. 4.6 Phil. 1.19 f Ioh. 1.12.16 Ephes. 1.3 Q. 3. What is our adoption A. Our gracious reception into the family of God as his children and co-heirs with Christ Ioh. 1.12 Rom. 8.15.17 Gal. 4.5 Ephes. 1.5 Q. 4. How come wee to know this A. By the especiall working of the holy (3) Spirit in our heartâ— sealing unto us the promises of God and raising up our soules to an assured expectation of the promised inheritance Rom. 8.15.17 Ephes. 4.30 1 Ioh. 3.1 Rom. 8 19.23 Titus 2.12 Q. 5. What is our Christian liberty A. An (4) holy and spirituall a freedome from the b slavery of sin the c bondage of death and hell the d curse of the Law e Jewish ceremonies and f thraldome of conscience purchased for us by Jesus Christ and g revealed to us by the holy Spirit a Gal. 5.1 b Ioh. 8.32 34 36. Rom. 6.17 18. Esa. 61.1 1 Ioh. 1.7 2 Cor. 5.21 c Rom. 8.15 Heb. 2.15 1 Cor. 15.55 57. d Gal. 3.13 Ephes. 2.15 16. Gal. 4.5 Rom. 8.1 e Act. 15.10 11. Gal. 3.4 5. chapters f 2 Cor. 1.24 1 Cor. 7.23 1 Pet. 2.16 g 1 Cor. 2.12 Q. 6. Are wee then wholly freed from the Morall Law A. Yes as a a Covenant (5) or as it hath any thing in it bringing into bondage as the curse power dominion and rigid exaction of obedience b but not as it is a rule of life and holinesse a Jer. 31 31 32 33. Rom. 7.1 2 3. Rom. 6.14 Gal. 3.19.24 Rom. 8.2 Gal. 5.18 b Mat. 5.17 Rom. 3 31. 7.13.22 25. Q. 7. Are wee not freed by Christ from the Magistrates power and humane authority A. No being ordained of (6) God and commanding for him we owe them all lawfull obedience Rom. 13.1 2 3 4. 1 Tim. 2.1 2. 1 Pet. 2.13.14 15. CHAP. XXII Of the Sacraments of the new Covenant in particular a holy right whereunto is the fourth priviledge of beleevers Q. 1. What are the seales of the new Testament A. Sacraments instituted of Christ to bee visible seales and pledges whereby God in him confirmeth the promises of the Covenant to all beleevers restipulating of them growth in Faith and obedience Mark 16.16 Joh. 3.5 Act. 2.38 22.16 Rom. 4.11 1 Cor. 10.2 3 4. 1 Cor. 11.26 27 28 29. Q. 2. How doth God by these Sacraments bestow grace upon us A. Not by any (1) reall essentiall conveying of spirituall grace by corporeall meanes but by the way of promise obsignation and Covenant confirming the grace wrought in us by the Word and Spirit Heb. 4.2 1 Cor. 10. Rom 4.11
THE Principles of the Doctrine of Christ Vnfolded in two short CATECHISMES Wherein those principles of Religion are explained the knowledge whereof is required by the late Ordinance of Parliament before any person bee admitted to the Sacrament of the Lords Supper For the use of the Congregation at Fordham in the County of Essex By John Owen Pastor there Come yee children hearken unto me I will teach you the feare of the Lord Psal. 34.11 LONDON Printed by R. Cotes for Philemon Stephens at the guilded Lion in Pauls Church-yard 1645. TO My loving Neighbours and Christian Friends at FORDHAM Brethren MY hearts desire and request unto God for you is that yee may bee saved I say the truth in Christ also I lye not my conscience bearing mee witnesse in the Holy Ghost that I have great heavinesse and continuall sorrow in my heart for them amongst you who as yet walk disorderly and not as beseemeth the Gospel little labouring to acquaint themselves with the mystery of godlinesse for many walk of whom I have told you often weeping and now tell you again with sorrow that they are the enemies of the crosse of Christ whose end is destruction whose God is their belly who minde earthly things You know Brethren how I have been amongst you and in what manner for these two yeers past and how I have kept back nothing to the utmost of the dispensation to mee committed that was profitable unto you but have shewed you and taught you publickly and from house to house testifying to all repentance towards God and faith towards our Lorâ— Jesus Christ Now with what sincerity this hath bin by mee performed with what issue and successe by you received God the righteous Judge will one day declare for before him must both you and I appear to give an account of the dispensation of the glorious Gospel amongst us in the mean while the desire of my heart is to bee sâ—rvant to the least of you in the work of the Lord And that in any way which I can conceive profitable unto you either in your persons or your families Now amongst my indevours in this kinde after the Ordinance of publick Preaching the Word there is not I conceive any more needfull as all will grant that know the estate of this place how taught of late dayes how full of grossely ignorant persons then Catechising which hath caused me to set aside some houres for the compiling of these following which also I have procured to bee Printed meerly because the least part of the Parish are able to read it in writing my intention in them being principally to hold out those necessary truths wherein you have been in my Preaching more fully instructed as they are the use of them I shall briefly present unto you 1. The lesser Catechisme may bee so learned of the younger sort that they may bee ready to answer to every question thereof 2. The greater will call to minde much of what hath been taught you in publick especially concerning the person aâ—â— Offices of Jesus Christ 3. Out of that you may have help to instruct your families in the lesser being so framed for the most part that a Chapter of the one is spent in unfolding a question of the other 4. The texts of Scripture quoted are dâ—ligently to bee sought out and pondered that you may know indeed whether these things are so 5. In â—eading the Word you may have light into the meaning of many places by considering what they are here produced to confirme 6. I have been sparing in the doctrine of the Sacraments because I have already been so frequent in examinations about them 7. The handling of morall duties I have wholly omitted because by Gods assistance I intend for you a briefe explication of the Lords Prayer and the ten Commandements with some Articles of the Creed not unfolded in these by themselves by the way of Question and Answer Now in all this as the paines hath been mine so I pray that the benefit may bee yours and the praise his to whom alone any good that is in this or any thing else is to bee ascribed Now the God of heaven continue that peace love and amity amongst our selves which hitherto hath ben unshaken in these divided times and grant that the Scepter and Kingdome of his Son may bee gloriously advanced in your hearts that the things which concern your peace may not bee hidden from your eyes in this your day which is the daily prayer of From my Study Septem. the last Your servant in the work of the Lord J.O. THE Lesser Catechisme Question WHence is all truth concerning God and our selves to bee learned Answ. From the holy Scripture the Word of God Q. What doe the Scriptures teach that God is A. An eternall infinite most holy Spirit giving beeing to all things and doing with them whatsoever hee pleaseth Q. Is there but one God A. One onely in respect of his essence and being but one in three distinct persons of Father Son and Holy Ghost Quest What else is held forth in the Word concerning God that wee ought to know A. His Decrees and his Works Q What are the Decrees of God concerning us A. His eternall purposes of saving some by Jesus Christ for the praise of his glory and of condemning others for their sins Q. What are the works of God A. Acts or doings of his power whereby hee createth sustaineth and governeth all things Q. What is required from us towards Almighty God A. Holy and spirituall obedience according to his Law given unto us Q. Are wee able to doe this of our selves A. No in no wise being by nature unto every good work reprobate Q. How came wee into this estate being at the first created in the image of God in righteousnesse and innocency A. By the fall of our first Parents breaking the Covenant of God losing his grace and deserving his curse Q. By what way may wee bee delivered from this miserable estate A. Onely by Jesus Christ Q. What is Iesus Christ A. God and man united in one person to bee a Mediator between God and man Q. What is hee unto us A. A King a Priest and a Prophet Q. Wherein doth bee exercise his Kingly power towards us A. In converting us unto God by his Spirit subduing us unto his obedience and ruling in us by his grace Q. In what doth the exercise of his Priestly office for us chiefely consist A. In offering up himself an acceptable sacrifice on the crosse so satisfying the justice of God for our sins removing his curse from our persons and bringing us unto him Q. Wherein doth Christ exercise his propheticall Office towards us A. In revealing to our hearts from the bosome of his Father the way and truth whereby wee must come unto him Q. For whose sake doth Christ perform all these A. Onely for his Elect. Q. In