our soueraigne with our gracious Queen Anne Prince Charles the Count Palatine with the Lady Elizabeth adorne them with all Princelie graces answerable to their high estate but especiallie with such spirituall graces as may make them Kings and Priests to thee and thy sonne for euer Impart of the same spirit of grace and gouernement to all the honorable of his Maiesties priuie Counsell to the Nobilitie and Magistracie of the Land Blesse thy seruants the Ministers of thy word and sacraments and giue them sufficiencie fidelitie and successe in thy businesse Take knowledge of our priuate friends our kinsfolkes our charges and whosoeuer may claime interest in this duty at our hands Finally to them and vs and all that call on the name of Iesus Christ both our Lord and theirs grant whatsoeuer we haue or ought to haue asked and that for the only mediations sake of the same thy sonne our Sauiour Iesus Christ to whom with thee O Father and the holy Ghost one God be praise and dominion for euer and euer Amen A Prayer for the Euening O Lord God by whose gracious prouidence the night succeedeth the day and the day the night we acknowledge that if wee had no other glasse to see thee in nor booke wherein to reade of thee but that of thy creatures wee could not without shamefull vnthankefulnesse bee ignorant of thee for as much as day vnto day vttereth thy goodnesse and night vnto night teacheth knowledge But whereas thou art further pleased to reueile thy selfe vnto vs in the booke of thy Scriptures and in the glasse of thy Sonne Iesus Christ if now we should not know thee or not acknowledge thee how desperate were our blindnesse how damnable were our vnthankefulnesse wherefore wee entreat thee to accept from vs in the name of Christ humble thankes for the manifold witnesses pledges of thy loue towards vs. Thou O Lord hast made vs not wee our selues yea thou hast made vs men and women not beasts perfect in shape noâ— monsters sensible and of vnderstanding not fooles Thou didst preserue vs in the woâ—be nourish vs when wee hanged vpon the brests prouide vs meanes of education fit vs for some honest employment wherein now by thy goodnesse wee are exercised and doe therein finde thine assistance and blessing Thou hast brought vs forth in a fruitfull land in times of peace and prosperity so â—hat we haue our share in the common blessings of a most happy gouernment Besides thou hast in priuate compassed euery one of vs with particular mercies tending to the comfort of life And euen this day past hast beene our guide our Father and our friend and now bringest vs before thee with matter of praise and not of mourning so that we may adde the day past vnto the number of the daies of our wellbeing And as if thou thoughtest all this too little for vs thou hast from all eternity set thine heart vpon vs and appointed vs to saluation by the meanes of our Lord Iesus Christ reueiled thy couenant of grace vnto vs by thy Gospell confirmed to vs in particular the promises of mercy by the outward seales of thy sacraments and by the inward seale of thy spirit changed our vile and cursed nature and made vs in some measure partakers of thy diuine nature sealed vs vp by the Holy Ghost vnto the day of redemption In a word it is thou O Lord that hast giuen vs light light of nature light of grace and light of glory For all which mercies wee doe now and alwaies magnifie thy glorious grace beseeching thee to stirre vs vp vnto a greater measure of thankefulnesse and obedience that as there is euerie day in the booke of thine account much goeing out towards vs from thee so thou maist finde somewhat from vs comming in vnto thee And now O Lord being answered in our prayers of the Morning and of the former time of our life we are emboldened to come againe vnto thee who therefore doest heare the praier that to thee all flesh may come Wee beseech thee therefore be not weary of our importunity be not ashamed of our pouertie but as the sense thereof leadeth vs vnto thee so let the pitty and commiseration of the same encline thy mercifull heart towards vs. O Lord we cannot come into thy sight but we bring with vs great matter occasioÌ„ either of wrath or of mercy from thee Our naturall corruption which as the leprosie of Adam cleaueth to vs all his posteritie filling vs euen from our conception with the seedes of all euill so that wee brought with vs a world of sinne into this thy world Our actuall transgressions which in imitation of Adams sinne we haue eueryone of vs committed our thoughts our words our works by which the eies of thy glorie haue beene daily prouoked Finally the heinous circumstances whereby our sinnes haue beene made out of measure sinfull as the abuse of thy patience quenching of thy spirit despising of thy Gospell vnthankefulnesse for thy mercies vnfaithfulnesse in thy couenant These O Lord and many moe are the mischiefs with which our natures are blemished our liues pestered our consciences burdened thy heauie wrath most iustly procured Yet because thou hast giuen thy Sonne Iesus Christ a meanes of propitiation in whom thou reconcilest the world to thy selfe wee haue boldenesse through him to entreat thee of grace and pardon Lord let his death and sufferings satisfie thy iustice for all our sinnes and procure vs fauour and forgiuenesse from thee that so mercy may reioice ouer iudgement in our behalfe as both meet together in thee Let thy Christ O Lord be our Iesus to saue vs from our sinnes and deliuer vs from the wrath to come Enrich vs with the treasure of his merits that may both ransome vs out of the hand of our deadly enemie and purchase vs an euerlasting estate in the kingdome of thy glory Let it not greeue thee O Lord thus to make vs more then gainers at thine hand seeing at the hand of him our suretie thou art sure to bee no looser And whereas thou hast not onely promised so to deale with vs but commanded vs to beleeue that promise of thine O Lord in desire to obey thy commandement and to seale vnto thy truth we professe that wee doe beleeue yet priuie to the weakenesse of our faith wee pray thee helpe our vnbeliefe Speak peace O Lord vnto our consciences replenish vs with the comforts of thy spirit multiplie in vs the euidences of our saluation Shed thy loue abroad in our hearts by the holy Ghost set vs as a seale vpoÌ„ thine hand and set thy seale O Lord vpon vs not onelie that seale of Election whereby thou knowest vs to bee thine owne but also the seale of Sanctification whereby we may know our selues to be thine O Lord if we see nothing in our selues but what wee haue of our selues or of the world we cannot say wee belong to any but to Satan
the Minister and therefore euen from these points doth the same Apostle auouch his vnderstanding in the mysterie of Christ and withall being assured that for you it is a sure course 2. Cor. 13.3 Eph. 3.4 to be alwaies put in remembrance of these things 2. Pet. 1.12 though yee haue knowledge and bee established in the present trueth The experience of eleuen yeeres hath taught me that it is not enough to teach in publike vnlesse the auditors haue care to instruct themselues and one another priuately at home For which purpose I haue framed this Treatise by way of Question and answere a waye most familiar for instruction and whereby the spirit both of the answerer and of all that attend is stirred vp to bethinke themselues what might bee most aptly answered to the Question propounded Neither haue I done this onely in the larger Treatise but also extracted an Abridgement of the substance thereof in a farre briefer draught for the priuate vse of Christian families and help of the weaker sort that becomming all things to all men 1. Cor. 9.22 I might by all meanes saue some Wherefore as I haue out of my penurie cast in all that I had Luc. 21.4 euen these two mites into the treasurie of the Church So I earnestly desire thee Christian Reader especially you that are of my charge beloued in our Lord Iesus to whom as my labours are principally due and most familiar so from you aboue others I expect this Retaliation to employ this our Lords talent now in thy hands for thine owne best aduantage and of those that are committed vnto thee by the Lord. So shalt thou settle thy selfe and them vpon the ground of sauing truth So shalt thou be prepared to giue answere to euery man 1. Pet. 3.15 that shall aske of thee a reason of the hope that is in thee So shalt thou be able to make farre greater sweeter benefite of whatsoeuer thou shalt heare out of the word preached which vnto those that are ignorant of the grounds of Religion Esa 8.6 or despise these waters of Shiloah because they runne softly is many times vnprofitable and vnsauourie So shalt thou not be plucked away with the errour of the wicked whose itching eares 2. Pet. 3.17 18. 2. Tim. 4.3 2. Thes 2.10 2. Cor. 11.3 and harts not louing the truth are easily corrupted from the simplicitie that is in Christ and so fall from thine owne stedfastnesse but grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ Finally Gal. 6.16 walking according to this rule peace shall be vpon thee and mercie as vpon the Israel of God Thine in the common faith and seruice of our Lord Iesus SAM CROOKE A TABLE OF THE seuerall Sections Section 1. OF mans happinesse in acquaintance with God making himselfe knowne to vs â—â— his word written Sect. 2. Of the Doctrine of of the Scriptures touching God himselfe Sect. 3. Of the Doctrine of the Scriptures touching the workes of God and first touching his eternall decree Sect. 4. Of the Execution of Gods decree and first of Creation Sect. 5. Of Prouidence sustaining disposing and employing all creatures especially Angels Sect 6. Of the Prouidence of God disposing of man in this world and of the state of Innocencie Sect. 7. Of the state of Corruption and miserie and first of the Fall of man Sect. 8. Of the consequents of the Fall and first of Sinne. Sect. 9. Of the second consequent of the Fall viz. Death and of the leauing of Reprobates in this fearfull state Sect. 10. Of the state of Redemption by the Couenant of Grace and of the foundation thereof viz. the Mediator Sect. 11. Of Jesus Christ his Person Offices twofâ—ld Estate of Humiliation and Exaltation Sect. 12. Of the application of the Couenant of Grace and first of our Vnion with the person of Christ Sect. 13. Of our Communion with Christ in regard of his Propheticall office by the Reuelation of the Couenant of Grace and of the first outward meanes of Reuelation viz. the Gospell preached Sect. 14. Of the second outward meanes viz. the Sacraments Sect. 15. Of Baptisme Sect. 16. Of the Lords Supper Sect. 17. Of the inward meanes of reuealing the Couenant of Grace viz. the Spirit and Faith Sect. 18. Of the manner of reuealing the Couenant of Grace viz. Vocation Sect. 19. Of the subiects to whom the Couenant of Grace is reuealed viz. the Church Sect. 20. Of our Communion with Christ in regard of his Priestly office viz. our Iustification Sect. 21. Of our Communion with Christ in regard of his Kingly Office viz Glorification and that begunne in this life and first in our condition Sect. 22. Of Glorification begunne in our nature viz. Sanctification Sect. 23. Of the rule of Sanctification viz. the Lawe with the direction of the Gospell Sect. 24. Of the Decalogue Sect. 25. Of the first Commandement Sect. 26. Of the second Commandement Sect. 27. Of the third Commandement Sect. 28. Of the fourth Commandement Sect. 29. Of the fift Commandement Sect. 30. Of the sixt Commandement Sect. 31. Of the seuenth Commandement Sect. 32. Of the eight Commandement Sect. 33. Of the ninth Commandement Sect. 34. Of the tenth Commandement Sect. 35. Of the effect or exercise of Sanctification viz. Repentance Sect. 36. Of the Spirituall warfare Sect. 37. Of good workes in generall Sect. 38. Of Prayer Sect. 39. Of the Lords Prayer the perfect forme and platforme of Prayer and of the Preface thereof Sect. 40. Of the first Petition Sect. 41. Of the second Petition Sect. 42. Of the third Petition Sect. 43. Of the fourth Petition Sect. 44. Of the fift Petition Sect. 45. Of the sixt Petition Sect. 46. Of the Conclusion of the Lords Prayer and of the ordinarie circumstances and kindes of Prayer Sect. 47. Of Fasting the extraordinarie circumstance of Prayer sect 48. Of Almes Sect. 49. Of the Prouidence of God concerning mankind after this life and first of particular Iudgement at the houre of Death Sect. 50. Of the generall and finall Iudgement and first of the Preparation thereto Sect. 51. Of the Act of the last Iudgement Sect. 52. Of the Execution of the last Iudgement and the euerlasting estate of the Reprobate in torment and the Elect in glorie THE GVIDE VNTO TRVE BLESSEDNES SECTION I. Of mans happinesse in acquaintance with God making himselfe known to vs in his word written Question WHat is it that all men doe and ought chiefly to desire Answer That being to liue a while in this world and for euer in another they may be both here hereafter a Num. 23.10 Psal 106 4 5 truly blessed Q. Wherein consisteth this true blessednesse of man A. Not in a Eccle. 1.2 himselfe nor in any other created thing but onely in b Psal 37.4 73.25 God his Creator who alone being infinite is able to fill the heart of man Q. How may man find
2.8 not of our selues but the gift of God and of all other the first and most generall effect and instrument of the e 2. Cor. 4.13 Gal. 5 5. spirit of Christ f Eph. 3.16.17 disposing and inabling vs so to imbrace and cleaue vnto him as 1. To g Rom. 5.2 receiue from God by him whatsoeuer benefits and graces 2. To h Col 2.7 Gal. 5.6 returne to God in him all holy and thankful obedience SECT XIII Of our Communion with Christ in regard of his Propheticall office by the Reuelation of the Couenant of Grace and of the first outward meanes of Reuelation viz. the Gospell preached Q. VVHat is our communion with Christ A. It is our participation with him in the benefits flowing from his seueral offices For being made one with him we are thereby a Reu. 2.28 Col. 2.10 possessed of all things that are his as the wife of the wealth of her husband the b John 15.5 branch of the sap of the roote and the c Eph. 4.15 16. members of sense and motion from the head In which regard the whole Church is called also d 1. Co. 12.12 Galat. 3.16 Christ and the seuerall members e Acts 11.26 Christians Q. What are the benefits which wee partake with Christ flowing from his offices A. They are the fruits of his Propheticall Priestly Kingly functions whereby as he is a 1. Cor. 1.30 made to vs of God wisdome righteousnesse sanctification and redemption so we also by him after a sort become b Act. 2.17.18 Prophets c 1. Pet. 2.9 Reuel 5.10 Priests and Kings Q. What fruit receiue we by the Propheticall function of Christ to make vs Prophets A. The d Mat. 11.27 16.17 John 14.21 Psal 25 14. Reuelation of Gods couenant of grace whereby Christ is made vnto vs of God wisdome and we e 2. Tim. 3.15 1. Iohn 5.20 wise for our owne and others saluation Q. Touching this reuelation what are we to consider A. Three things viz. the Meanes whereby it is imparted Maner how it is imparted Subiects to whom it is imparted Q. What are the meanes whereby God reuealeth his couenant A. They are of two sorts 1. outward viz. 1. the Word and 2. the Sacraments 2. inward Q. What is here meant by the Word the first outward meanes A. The Gospell preached called the a Rom. 10.8 word of faith and of b Act. 20.32 grace containing c Pro. 3.18 as a second tree of life the promise of d Ioh. 6.68 2. Tim. 1.10 life and saluation by Christ the Mediator which is the substance of the Couenant of grace Q. In what part of the Scripture is the Gospell contained A. e Heb. 13 8. Rom. 10.6 Both in the old and the new Testament in the former more sparingly and darkly vnder f Gen. 3.15 49 10 obscure promises and g Heb. 10 1. shadowes of legall ceremonies proper to the Iewes but in the latter most h Rom. 16.25 26 plainly and plentifully in the cleere declaration both of the truth and fruit of Christ already exhibited to all nations In which regard especially it is termed a i Heb. 9.15 8.8 c. new Couenant or Testament Q. To what part of Gods word is the Gospell opposed A. To the LaW which containing the k Gal. 3.10 tenor of the fore-mentioned Couenant of works is notwithstanding this latter Couenant of grace often vrged in the a Rom. 1.18 Deut. 27.26 Ez. 18 4 5. c Leuit. 18.5 Scriptures especially of the old Testament Q. What vse is there of the Law the Gospell being published A. Not as of a b Gal. 1.12 cause properly working faith and grace for that belongeth only to the c Act. 20.24 Ephes 1.13 Gospell but yet as of a needfull preparatiue thereunto that being d Rom. 8.15 humbled by the Law seeing our selues not e Gal. 3.11 capable of saluation by the couenant of works we may be forced to f Matt. 11.28 â—lie to the remedy offered vnto vs in the grace of the Gospell Q. What need is there of the preaching of the Gospell seeing we may reade it A. Because though g 1 Cor. 1.21 foolishnesse to the world it is the h Deu. 18.17 c. ordinance of God and his i Rom. 1.16 power to saluation and wee haue need to haue the word not only propounded in grosse but also k Rom. 10.14 Gal. 3.2 Act. 8.30.31 2 Tim. 2.15 expounded diuided and applied by the ministry for that end by Christ ordained SECT XIIII Of the second outward meanes viz. the Sacraments Q. TO proceed to the other outward meanes What are Sacraments A. a Rom. 4.11 Seales annexed b 1. Cor. 21.23 by God to the word of the Couenant of Grace to instruct assure c Gal. 3.27 possesse vs of our part in Christ and his benefits to binde vs in all thankfull obedience vnto God in him Q. How doth God by the Sacraments assure vs of his mercies in Christ A. By exhibiting to the worthy receiuer by such outward signes whether elements or actions as himselfe for reliefe of our weaknes hath prescribed whole d 1. Cor. 10.4 Christ God and man with all his benefits in e 2. Cor. 1.20 whom all the promises of God are Yea and Amen Q. How do they binde vs vnto God A. We receiuing them as pledges of his infinite loue in Christ doe thereby professe our selues a Col. 2.6 7. bound to expresse our thankfulnes by all duties to his Maiestie and for his sake b Eph. 4.3 4 5 one to another Q. What Sacraments be there of the Couenant of Grace A. They be of two sorts viz. 1. Some of the old Testament before Christs comming 2. Other of the new vnder Christ Q. What Sacraments were there of the old Testament A. Besides diuers c 1. Pet. 3.20 21. 1. Cor. 10 1 2 3 4. extraordinarily giuen seruing but for a season there were two of ordinary and perpetuall vse from their institution vntill the comming of Christ to which those other may be referred viz. 1. d Gen. 17.10 c. Deut. 30.6 Circumcision for entrance into the Couenant 2. e Exod. 12.3 c. 1. Cor. 5.7 The Passeouer for continuance and confirmation therein Q. What Sacraments be there of the new Testament A. Onely two to wit 1. Baptisme succeeding in the place of Circumcision 2. The Supper of the Lord answering to the Passeouer Q. How doe these Sacraments of the new Testament differ from those of the old A. In respect a Rom. 4.11 1. Cor. 10.2.3 4. Not of the Author God the substance Christ or the receiuers the people of God which are in both the same But of b Mat. 28.19 20. continuance c 1. Cor. 11.26 euidence easie performance and efficacie in all which d 2.
Cor. 3.9 these of the new Testament haue great preeminence SECT XV. Of Baptisme Q. VVHat is Baptisme A. The former Sacrament of the new Testament by the a Eph 5.26 washing of water representing the powerfull b 1 Cor 6.11 Heb. 10.22 washing of the bloud and spirit of Christ and so sealing our a John 3.5 Tit. 3.5 new birth and entrance into the Couenant of grace Q. How was this Sacrament ordained and brought into the Church in the place of Circumcision A. At the b Iohn 1.33 commandement of God by the ministery first of c Matth. 3.1 Iohn therefore called the Baptist after sanctified and confirmed by our Sauiour Christ himselfe being d Matt. 3.13 baptized by Iohn and giuing e Mat. 28.18 commission to his Apostles and Ministers to continue the same in his Church vnto the end Q. What are the necessary and essentiall parts of this Sacrament A. Two viz. 1. The outward element of f Iohn 1.31 water together with the actioÌ„ of g Eph. 5.26 Act. 8.36 c. 2.41 washing that is dipping or sprinkling the party baptized h Mat. 28.19 In the name of the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost 2. The spiritual thing signified viz. the i Heb. â— 14 bloud k 1. Cor 6.11 spirit of Christ washing away both the l Act. 2.38 guilt and m Eze. 36.25 filthinesse of sinne Q. Doth this spiritual washing alwaies accompany the outward action A. No for howsoeuer God for his part doe euer a Ezek. 24.13 offer it at the present vnto all yet doe the b 1. Pet. 1.2 Elect onely effectually partake the spirituall benefit and that c Gal. 3.27 then first when by the spirit and faith they are vnited vnto Christ from which time baptisme once receiued remaineth a d Zech. 13.1 fountain alwaies open for sinne and for vncleannesse Q. How farre forth doth Baptisme cleanse the elect from sinne A. From e 1. Cor. 6.9.10 11. 1. John 1.7 Psal 51 7. all sins as well actuall as originall as wel committed after Baptisme as before and that f Esay 1.18 perfectly in respect of the guilt although g Ioh. 13.10 Psal 51.2 imperfectly by degrees in respect of the pollution and power of sinne Q. Who are to be admitted to this Sacrament A. Whosoeuer are outwardly comprehended in the Couenant whether th y be 1. of riper yeares h Acts 8.37 coÌ„uerted to the profession of the faith or 2. i 1 Cor. 7.14 children borne of Christian parents SECT XVI Of the Lords Supper Q. VVHat is the Lords Supper A It is the other Sacrament of the new Testament wherein God by the signes of bread and wine signifieth sealeth and exhibiteth to euery faithfull receiuer the body and bloud of Christ for his spirituall nourishment and growth in Christ so confirmeth him in the Couenant of Grace Q. How was this Sacrament instituted in stead of the Passeouer A. Our Lord Iesus Christ a 1. Cor. 11.23 in the night that he was betraied b Matth. 26.26 c. immediatly after hee had eaten the Passeouer with his Disciples did both himselfe with them celebrate this holy Sacrament and withall c 1. Cor. 11.24 25 26. giue charge for continuance of the same in the Church vntill his second comming in which regard it is called the d 1. Cor. 11.20 Lords Supper Q. What are the essentiall parts of this Sacrament A. As of all other Sacraments two to wit 1. The outward signes viz. the a Mat. 26.26 27. elemeÌ„ts of bread wine together with the actions of blessing distributing taking communicating according to our Sauiours first institution 2. The spiritual b Ibid. things signified viz. the body bloud of Christ sanctified and c Ioh. 6.50 51 giuen vs by God and by faith receiued of vs for the nourishing and preseruing of our soules and bodies vnto eternall life Q. Is Christs body and bloud together with the outward elements receiued of all Communicants A. No for howsoeuer they be d Mat. 26.26 offred by God to all yet are they receiued by such alone as haue the hand of faith to lay hold on Christ As for those that come without faith they receiue e 1. Cor. 11.27 onely the outward elements and that vnto f Vers 29. condemnation Q. Who are to be partakers of this Sacrament A. All baptized who are of yeeres sound iudgement to discerne the Lords body ought to repaire to this Sacrament but those onely come worthily who professing the true faith haue duly a 1. Cor. 11.28 examined prepared theÌ„selues Q. How ought euery Christian comming to this SacrameÌ„t to examin prepare himselfe that he may come worthily A. By due search triall of himself whether he haue in him the conditions by God required in worthy Communicants viz. b 2. Cor. 13.5 1. Tim. 1.15 Faith grouÌ„ded vpoÌ„ knowledge both of Gods will in generall this holy Sacrament in particular c Heb. 10.22 Iames 48. RepentaÌ„ce of sins past atteÌ„ded with true d Zech. 12.10 lâ—ue of God of his e 1. Cor. 16.14 brethren Q. How ought euery Christian thus prepared to demeane himselfe in receiuing and after A. 1. In the present actioÌ„ with reuereÌ„ce intention thanksgiuing f 1. Cor. 11.26 coÌ„memorating the Lords death for the coÌ„fort refreshing of his soul g Rom. 12.1 ofring vp himselfe soule body as a sacrifice of thanks in which regard it is called the Eucharist 2. Afterward coÌ„tinually indeuoring to finde an h Col. 2.6 7. increase of his faith in Christ loue to God all his saints power to subdue sinne and practise obedience with all other * 2. Pet. 3.18 sauing and sanctifying graces SECT XVII Of the inward meanes of reuealing the Couenant of Grace viz. the Spirit and Faith Q. VVHat are the inward meanes whereby God reuealeth his Couenant of Grace A. They are 2. Viz. 1. The Spirit 2. Faith Q. What is here meant by the Spirit A. A speciall effect of the Spirit of Christ before-mentioned dwelling in our hearts testifying on Gods part his free loue and gracious purpose touching our saluation in a Psal 35.3 particular bearing b Rom. 8.16 witnesse with our spirits that we are in Christ his Children and hee our Father withall guiding vs to the c Psal 16.7 Ioh. 14.26 knowledge of the whole will of God reuealed in his word called therefore the d Ephes 1.17 spirit of wisedome or Reuelation Q. Doth the Spirit alwaies witnesse the loue of God vnto vs A. The witnesse of the spirit is a Rom. 5.5 Ephes 2.13.14 continuall yet it is b Psal 51.10 ver 7.8 not alwaies with like feeling and comfort apprehended because neither are our hearts alwaies alike purged humbled and enlarged to receiue it nor the
What is faith A. The first effect of the spirit of Christ d Eph. â— 16 17. disposing vs to cleaue to him and the instrument whereby all graces are begun and increased in vs. SECT XIII Of the Gospell Q. VVHat is our communion with Christ A. The participation of the benefits flowing from his seueral offices Q. What benefite receiue wee from the Propheticall office of Christ A. The a Math. 11.27 reuelation of the Couenant of grace whereby we are made b 2. Tim. 3.15 wise vnto saluation Q. What meanes doth God vse for the reuealing of this couenant A. The meanes are of two sorts Viz. outward and inward Q. What are the outward meanes A. The word and the Sacraments Q. What meane you by the word A. The c Eph. 1.13 Gospell preached which â—ontaineth and publisheth the promises of saluation by Christ SECT XIIII Of Sacraments Q. VVHat are Sacraments A. a Rom. 4.11 Seales annexed by God to the word of his Grace b Gal. 3.27 assuring our part in Christ and c Rom. 6.4 binding vs vnto him in obedience Q. What Sacraments are there of the Couenant of Grace A. They be of two sorts Viz some of the old Testament before Christ others of the new vnder Christ Q. What were those Sacraments of the old Testament A. Two Viz d Gen. 17.10 Circumcision for entrance into the Couenant and the e Exod. 22.3 c. Passeouer for continuance and confirmation therein Q. How many Sacraments are there of the new Testament A. Two likewise Viz Baptisme for entrance and the Lords Supper foâ— confirmation in the same Couenant SECT XV. Of Baptisme Q. VVHat is Baptisme A. The seale of our a Tit. 3.5 new birth and entrance into the Couenant of Grace Q. What are the parts of this Sacrament A. They are two namely first the b Eph 5. â—6 element of water with the action of dipping or sprinkling the partie baptised c Math. 28.19 In the Name of the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost Q. What is the other part A. The d Heb. 9.14 blood and e 1. Cor. 6 2â— Spirit of Christ washing away both the f Act. 2.38 guilt and g Ezek. 36.25 Rom. â— 2.3 c. filthinesse of our sinnes Q. Who are to be baptised A. Whosoeuer belong to the Couenant whether h Act. 8.37 of riper yeares conâ—erted to the faith or i 1. Cor. 7.14 children of Christian parents SECT XVI Of the Lords Supper Q. VVHat is the Lords supper A. The seale of our a Eph. 4.26 spirituall nourishment and grouth in the bodie of Christ Q. What are the parts of this Sacrament A. Two Viz First the b Mat. 26.26 27. elements of bread and wine distributed and receiued according to Christs institution Q. What is the other part A. The * Mat. 26.26 27 28. bodie and blood of Christ giuen by God and receiued of vs by faith for the d Joh. 6.54 nourishing of our soules in spirituall life Q. Who are to receiue this Sacrament A. Such as professing the true faith of Christ haue duely e 1. Cor. 1.28 prepared themselues Q. How ought wee to prepare oâ—â— selues A. By examining and stirring vp in our selues three notable graces Q. What is the first A. Knowledge of the will of God especially touching the matter of the Sacrament a 1. Cor. 11.29 that wee be able to discerne the Lords body Q. Which is these second A. b 2. Cor. 13.5 1. Tim. 1.15 Faith to apply the promises of saluation vnto our selues in particular Q. Which is the third A. c Zech. 12.10 Jam. 4. â— Repentance of our sinnes past with true d 1. Cor. 16.14 loue of God and of our Brethren Q. How ought wee to receiue this Sacrament A. In a reuerent and thankefull e 1. Cor. 11.24 25 26. remembrance of the loue of Christ who gaue himselfe for vs with desire to f 2. Pet. 3.18 grow in faith and all holy graces SECT XVII Of the spirit and faith Q. WHat are the inward means whereby God reuealeth his Couenant of Grace A. They are 2. Viz the spirit faith Q. What is here meant by the spirit A. A speciall effect of the Spirit of Christ a Rom. 8.16 bearing witnes with our spirits that we are in Christ the children of God Q. What is here meant by faith A. That speciall act of faith whereby wee b 1. Joh. 5.10 Joh. 3.33 giue credit vnto the report of the word and spirit of Christ touching our saluation in particular SECT XVIII Of Vocation Q. VVHat is the maÌ„ner of reuealing the CouenaÌ„t of Grace A. It is our c Rom. 8.30 Vocation and Callingâ— when God by the meanes aforesaid inuiteth men to come vnto him in Christ for saluation Q. Are there not different kinds of Calling A. Yes for a Math. 22.14 many are called outwardly who are not chosen but the Elect are b Psal 65.4 effectually perswaded to â—leaâ—e vnto Christ SECT XIX Of the Church Q. To whom doth God reueale his Couenant of Grace A. c Joh. 14.22 Not to the world but to his Church called out of the world Q. What meane you by the Church A. The d Eph. 5.32 1. Cor. 1.9 whole number of Gods Elect effectually called into fellowship with Christ Q. Where is this Church of God A. Part already e Reuel 7.14 c. triumphant in heauen part as yet f Reuel 12.11 militant on earth in the seruice and warfare of the Lord Iesus Q. Who are meÌ„bers of the Church militaÌ„t A. As many as are liuing g Eph. 1.22 23. members of the mysticall bodie of Christ Q. How may we know them A. Not by the inward graces a 2. Tim. 2.19 onely knowne to God whereby they are inuisible to vs but by the markes of visible profession Q. What are the true markes of visible profession A. The outward meanes appointed by God for the calling and gathering of his Saints viz. b Mat. 28.19 20. the word preached and Sacraments duely administred Q. Are we to ioyne with all Churches that haue these markes A. c Phil. 1.18 Cant. 1.5 Yea neither must wee separate from any farther then they separate from Christ Q. What distinction is there of the particular members of a Church A. Though all be the sheepe and familie of Christ yet d 1 Cor. 12 2â— Luk. 12.42 some are set-ouer the rest to feede them with the foode of life as the Ministers and e Ps 78.71 72 others to rule and order them outwardly as the Magistrates SECT XX. Of Iustification Q. VVHat benefite receiue we from the Priestly office of Christ A. Our a Rom. 8.30 Iustification before God through his b Phil. 3.9 righteousnes imputed vnto vs and apprehended by vs. Q. What righteousnesse of Christ is imputed to vs A. c
perish as for instance the children of Heathen parents for touching the b 2. Cor. 7.14 children of Christians we are taught to account them holy Q. How doth God deale with those of riper yeeres vncalled A. Being naturally possessed c Ephes 4.18.19 with ignorance and vanitie he d Ro. 1.26.28 giueth them vp to their owne lusts to commit sin without remorse with greedinesse in a reprobate mind vntill the e Gen. 15.16 Psal 69.27 measure of sinne being fulfilled they are cut off Q. How doth God deale with such reprobates as are called A. He vouchsafeth them the outward a Heb. 4.1 2 2. Cor. 10.1 2 c. meanes of saluation giuing farther to some of them Yomo b Heb. 6.4 5. illumination a c Act. 8.13 temporarie faith some outward holinesse tast of heauen whom yet he suffereth to fall away and the meanes of grace to become a d 2. Cor. 2.16 sauour of death vnto them yea some of those doe e Heb. 6.6 fall euen to the sinne vnpardonable SECT X. Of the state of Redemption by the Couenant of Grace and of the foundation thereof viz. the Mediator Q. TO come to the state of Redemption how doth God recouer his Elect out of the state of sinne and death A. By f Rom. 3.23 24. the new Couenant of Grace Q. What is the Couenant of Grace A. Gods a Gal. 3.21 22. second contract with mankind after the fall for the restoring of him into his fauour to the state of happinesse by the meanes of a Mediator Q. How doth this couenant differ from that of workes A. In this chiefly that the Couenant of workes requireth of euery man in his owne person b Deut. 27.26 perfect obedience in default for c Ezek. 18 14 Gal 3.10.11 satisfaction euerlasting punishment but the Couenant of grace d Ibid. ver 13 14. admitteth paiment and performance by another in behalfe of so many as receiue it Thus this Couenant e Rom. 3.31 10.4 abolisheth not but is the accomplishment and establishment of the former Q. When was this Couenant of grace first plighted betweene God and man A. Immediately after the fall in Paradise in that f Gen. 3.15 promise giuen concerning the womans seede God in vnspeakeable mercy propounding the remedy before he pronounced sentence of iudgement Q. What are wee to consider in this couenant of grace A. Two things to wit 1. The foundation which is the Mediator 2. The application thereof for saluation vnto the Elect. Q. What need was there of a Mediator A. Betweene parties so disagreeing the one of finite nature offending the other of infinite nature offended the one vtterly disabled to a 2. Cor. 3.5 doe any the least good or b Job 9.3 satisfie for the least sinne the other requiring perfect c Deut. 27.26 obedience and d Mat. 18.34 satisfaction e 1. Sam. 2.25 what agreement could there be without a Mediator Q. In this case what was the Mediator then to doe A 1. To f Esay 53.5.6 Job 33.24 pay all our debt and satisfie Gods iustice by a g 1. Tim. 2.6 price of infinite valew 2. To purchase and merit for vs Gods h Ephes 1.6 fauour and kingdome by a most i Rom. 5.19 absolute and perfect obedience Q. What an one must he be that should vndertake this mediation A. He must be 1. Man of kinne to our nature offending that a Rom. 8.3 1. Cor. 15.21 Heb. 2.14 15 16. in the same he might satisfie and withall b 1. Joh. 3.5 perfectly iust without exception 2. c Act. 20.28 God that hee might giue worth and efficacie to his satisfaction and obedience and withall d Heb. 2.10 the Sonne to make vs children vnto his heauenly Father Q. How many Mediators are there A. Onely e 1. Tim. 2.5 one for though f Deut. 5.31 Gal. 4 19 other are so called yet are they onely g 2. Cor. 5.19 Iob 33.23 Ministers of the word not Authors of the worke of reconciliation Q. When was the Mediator giuen A. 1. If wee regard Gods decree h Ephes 1.4 from all eternitie 2. If the vertue and efficacie of his mediation as soone as need was euen i Reu. 13.8 from the beginning of the world 3. If his manifestation in the flesh in the k Gal. 4.4 1. Tim. 2.6 fulnesse of time from whence we now reckon more then 1600. yeeares Q. Who is this Mediator betweene God and man A. a Luk. 2.11 1. Tim. 2.5 Iesus the sonne of the Virgin Mary the promised Messiah or Christ whom the b Ioh. 1.45 8.56 Fathers expected the Prophets foretold whose c 1. Joh. 1.1 Act. 1.1 life death resurrection and ascension the Euangelists describe whose d 1. Tim. 3.16 2. Cor. 10.4.5 word preached vnto this day subdueth the world finally whom wee e Act. 10.45 looke for from heauen to be the Iudge of quick and dead Q. Is there no need of any other Mediator for vs vnto Christ A. No. For hee is f Iob 19.25 next of kinne most g Heb. 2.17 mercifull most faithfull and h 7.25 able perfectly to saue all those that come to God through him SECT XI Of Iesus Christ his Person Offices and twofold estate of Humiliation and Exaltation Q. VVHat doe the Scriptures teach vs touching Christ A. Two things 1. His person 2. His office Q. What are wee taught touching the person of Christ A. 1. His two natures Viz The Godhead And manhood 2. The hypostaticall or persosonall vnion of both into one Immanuel Q. How How is the Godhead of Christ proued A. Not onely by aboundant a Esay 7.14 9.6 c. testimonies of scripture but also by his miracles especially the b Rom. 1.4 raising of himselfe from death together with the c Act 5.39 continuance and conquest of the Gospell and that d Zech. 4â—â— not by carnall power or policie but onely by the power of his spirit and e Reu. 12.11 patient suffering of his Saints Q. How doth it appeare that Christ was man A. Besides manifold f Gen. 3 15 1. Tim. 2.5 c. predictions and cleare testimonies it is aboundantly proued by plentifull experiments especially by his g 1. Pet. 3.18 Heb. 2.14 partaking of humane infirmities and suffering of death Q. Being very man how could hee be without sinne A. Because he was not begotten after the ordinarie course by man but a Lu. 1.34.35 formed of the onely substance of the Virgin and that substance in the conception sanctified by the holy Ghost Q. What is the personall vnion of these two natures A. The b Ioh. 1.14 Heb. 2.16 assuming of the humane nature hauing no subsistence in it selfe into the person of the Sonne of God and in that person vniting it to the Godhead so making one
Christ c Mat. 1.2 3 God and man Q. What is the office of Christ A. The d 1. Tim. 2.5 Mediator-ship which being one hath yet three denominations from three seuerall functions Viz. Propheticall Priestly Kingly Q. What is his Prophetical Office A. The office of e Esay 61.1 Mat. 23.8.10 instructing his Church which hee did and doth performe two waies viz. 1. Outwardly as f Math. 23.37 1. Pet. 3.19 before his incarnation by the Prophets Priests and Scribes of the Old Testament and in the dayes of his flesh in his a Heb. 2.3 owne person as a b Rom. 15.8 Minister of the Circumcision but with the c Mat 7.29 authoritie of the Law-giuer so since vnto the worlds end d 2. Cor. 4.6 5.19 20 by his Apostles and Ministers e Ephes 4.11 called and fitted by him for that purpose 2. Inwardly by the f Luk. 24.49 Act. 16 14 ioynt operation of his holy spirit Q. What is the Priestly function of Christ A. It is that whereby hee g Heb. 5.1 5. c. appeaseth and reconcileth God to his Elect. 1. Performing for them absolute h Rom. 5.19 obedieÌ„ce to the whole law of God 2. Offering himselfe vnto his Father i 2. Cor. 5.21 a sacrifice propitiatorie for all their sinnes 3. k Heb 9.24 1. Ioh. 2.1 2 Rom. 8.34 Heb. 12.24 Appearing euer at the right hand of God to make intercession for them Q. What is the kingly office of Christ A. It is the exercise of that l Psal 110.1 power giuen him by God ouer all and m Mat. 28. â—8 Psal 2.8 c. possession of all for the n Esay 9 7. spirituall gouernement and saluation of his Elect and for the a Esay 9.7 destruction of his their enemies Q. In what state did Christ God and man performe this threefold office A. In a two-fold estate Viz. of 1. Humiliation and 2. Exaltation Q. What was his state of humiliation A. It was the b Psal 45.5 base condition of a seruant whereto hee humbled himselfe from his conception to his crosse and so vntill the time of his resurrection Q. What is his estate of Exaltation A. His c Phil. 2.7.8 glorious condition beginning at the instant of his d Phil 2.9 Heb. 2.9 resurrection and comprehending his e Act. 2.24 Ascension f Ephes 4.8 sitting at the right hand of God and g 1. Pet. 3.22 second comming in glorie to iudge the world h Ma. 15.31 SECT XII Of the Application of the Couenant of Grace and first of our vnion with the person of Christ Q. HItherto of the Foundation of the Couenant of Grace viz. the Mediator what is the Application of it A. The communicating thereof for saluation to euery one of Gods Elect giuing him a Heb 3.14 part in Christ the Mediator and all his benefits Q. What part hath euery Elect in Christ hereby A. 1. VnioÌ„ with Christs person 2. Communion Q. How are the Elect vnited to Christ his person A. They are incorporated made b Eph. 5.30 members of the mystical body whereof Christ is head which the Scripture figureth as by other resemblances so especially vnder the a Ephes 5.2 Item Cautic the whole hoâ—ke similitude of mariage Q. How may we conceiue of this our mariage with Christ A. We are to conceiue therein as in outward mariage 1. The consent of parents and parties 2. The maner of coniunction Q. What consent of parents is there in this mariage A. Only Gods donation who being the alone parent of both parties as in the b Gen. 2.22 mariage of the first Adam giueth 1. c Iohn 3 16. Iohn 17.6 Christ to vs as a Sauiour 2. d Heb. 2.13 Vs to Christ as a people to be saued Q. What consent of parties is there A. 1. Christ consenteth to take vs as his own spouse which he witnessed especially by taking e Heb. 2.14 our flesh vpon him that he might be our f Matt. 1.23 Immanuel or God with vs. 2. We being g Iohn 6.44 drawne of God and h 2. Cor. 11.2 prepared by the friends of the Bridegroome do a Cant. 7.10 consent to take Christ as our Lord and Husband as wee professe by taking his b Esay 44.5 name and c Mat. 11.29 yoke vpon vs. Q. What is the maner of this our coniunction A. Mysticall that is to say Real in respect of the things conioined our very nature body and soule being coupled to the body and soule of Christ so that we are d Ephe. 5.30 members of his body of his flesh and of his bones and therby also to the e 1. Cor. 1.30 diuine nature yet not corporall but Spirituall in regard of the means whereby this coniunction is wrought Q. What are the meanes of this spirituall coniunction A. On Christs part his holy f 1. Ioh. 4.15 Rom. 8.9 Spirit g Gal. 4.6 1. Iohn 3.24 4.13 giuen by him vnto euerie member of his body in the very moment of regeneration as the h Gal 5.25 1. Cor. 15 45. soule of spirituall life and fountaine of supernaturall grace in which respect i 1. Cor. 6.17 he that is ioyned to the Lord is said to be one spirit Q. What is the spirit of Christ A. The holy a 1 Cor. 3.16 Ghost truly residing and powerfully b Rom. 5.5 working in all those that are Christs c Rom. 8.2 deriued vnto them from him and d 1. Cor. 12.13 Eph 2.18 4.4 knitting them inseparably vnto him Q. Is the Holy Ghost giuen to none but such as are thus ioined vnto Christ A. The Holy Ghost is considered three waies 1. As the Author of all excellencie euen in common gifts of nature and reason as e Jud. 14.6 strength and courage f Exod. 31.3 Arts and Sciences g 1. Sam. 11.6 Policie and Gouernement c. In which sense he is giuen to many that neuer heard of Christ 2. As the Author of h 1. Cor. 12.1.4 spirituall gifts so called because being sanctified they are meanes of edification as the power of working miracles healing languages c. yea a i Heb. 6.4 5. taste of the heauenly gift and of the good word of God and of the powers of the world to come In which sence he is giuen to sundry reprobates that are called as hath been shewed 3. As the Author of the perpetuall effectuall and a Ioh. 6.63 vitall influence of sauing grace from Christ the head to euery true member of his body In which sence b Ioh. 14.17 the world cannot receiue or know him but he is bestowed on the c 1. Pet. 1.2 Elect only and those truly regenerated and conuerted vnto the Lord. Q. But on our parts what meanes is there of this coniunction A. Only faith which yet is d Eph.
sweet promises of the Gospell c Esay 59.21 whereon the spirit groundeth this testimonie with like care attended on and meditated Q. How may wee discerne betweene the perswasion of Gods Spirit and the presumption of our owne hearts A. Among other by these three differences Viz. that 1. Presumption giueth d Deu. 29.19 libertie to continue in sinne but Gods spirit e Ioh. 16.8 rebuketh vs for euery sinne 2. Presumption f Jer 3.4 5 relyeth on Gods loue not louing him but Gods spirit maketh vs g Cant. 8.6 1. Ioh. 4.19 loue him because hee hath loued vs first 3. Prosumptiō is ioined with self-loue but Gods spirit reuealing his mercy to vs maketh vs h Iob 42.5 6. Ezek. 16.63 36.31 abhor our selues Q. What meane you here by Faith A. That speciall act of faith whereby we a 1. Ioh. 5.10 giue credit to the report of the word and spirit of Christ touching our saluation in particular and so b Ioh. 3.33 set to our seale that God is true Q. How are we brought to giue credit to the word and spirit A. By the c Rom. 10.17 ministerie of the same word with the Sacraments annexed and the power of the same spirit by which onely meanes God worketh and setteth on worke this grace of faith in the hearts of his Children from the generall promises of the Gospell d 1. Tim. 1.15 Ioh. 20.28 particularly and e Iob 19.25 1. Pet. 1.13 vndoubtedly to conclude their owne saluation Q. Can all that haue faith particularly and vndoubtedly resolue of their saluation A. 1. Many for a time rest secure in a flirting perswasion which may appeare not to be true faith in that it f Act. 15.9 purgeth not the heart 2. The Elect hauing true faith g Luk. 22.32 Rom. 11.29 neuer failing and working in them sound assurance must yet ordinarily h Mar 9.24 Luc. 17.5 striue against doubting and may i Psal 51.12 31 22. 42.5 at times falling into sin or some spirituall affliction loose for a season the ioy and feeling of this assurance SECT XVIII Of the manner of reuealing the Couenant of Grace viz. Vocation Q. THus much of the meanes now what is the manner of reuealing the Couenant of Grace A. It is a Rom. 8.30 Heb. 3.1 Vocation or Calling when God by the meanes aforesaid acquainting men with his gracious purpose of saluation by Christ b Hos 2.14 inuiteth them to come vnto him Q. Are there not different kindes of Calling A. Yes there is two fold calling 1. Effectuall peculiar to those few that are Elect whereby God become in Christ their Father doth not onely outwardly by his word inuite but e Gen. 9.27 Psal 65.4 25.14 Ioel. 2.32 Acts 2.39 inwardly also powerfully by his spirit allure and winne their hearts to cleaue to him inseparably vnto saluation 2. a Esay 48.12 Outward onely and ineffectuall whereby b Mat. 22.14 many are called who are not chosen as hath been shewed Q. How doth this latter differ from the former calling A. Howsoeuer wee are to c 1. Cor. 1.2 iudge charitably of all outwardly called because who among them are also inwardly called is onely d 2. Tim. 2.19 knowne to God yet doth this outward calling differ from the former 1. In that it is wrought onely by e Heb. 4.2 outward meanes and common illumination without the f Iud. v. 19. spirit of regeneration or any portion of g Luk. 8.13 sauing faith 2. In that they are admitted onely to an outward and h Act. 8.13 Rom. 9.4.5 temporarie league of formall profession i 1. Ioh. 2.19 1. Cor. 1.8.9 not to that entire fellowship with Christ required vnto saluation SECT XIX Of the Subiects to whom the Couenant of Grace is reuealed viz. the Church Q. TO come to the third thing propounded touching this Reuelation to whom doth God reueale his Couenant of Grace A. a Ioh 14.22 17.9 Mat. 11.25 1. Cor. 2 8 c. Not to the world but to his Church called out of the world Q. What meane you by the Church A. The whole number of Gods Elect effectually called into b Ephe. 5.32 fellowship with Christ by the meanes and in the manner formerly mentioned which wee professe to beleeue vnder the title of the holy Catholike Church Q. Where is this holy Catholike Church A. Part already in heauen c Heb. 12.13 Reu. 7.14 c. triumphant in their Masters ioy d Reu. 6.7 waiting for the fulfilling of the number of their fellow members and their owne consummation in perfect blisse Part as yet a Reu. 1.9 12.11 militant on earth in the seruice warrefare of their Lord expecting in due time to be also b 2. Tim. 4.7 8 crowned with victory and triumph in glory Q. Who are true members of the Church militant on earth A. Those alone who as c Ephe. 1.22 23. Col. 1.18 liuing members of the mysticall bodie are by the spirit and faith d Col 3.3 Psal 83.3 sccretly and inseparably conioined vnto Christ their head in which respect the true militant Church is both inuisible and e Mat. 16.18 inuincible Q. But are none to be accounted members of this Church but such as are so inseparably vnited vnto Christ A. Truely and properly f 1. Joh. 2 19 none other howbeit because God vseth outward meanes with the inward for the gathering of his Saints and calleth them as well to g Act. 2 42. Cant. 1.7 outward profession among themselues as to inward fellowship with his Sonne whereby the Church becommeth visible hence it commeth that so many as h Act. 8.13 partaking the outward meanes doe ioyne with these in league of visible profession are therefore in humane iudgement accounted members of the true church and a 1. Cor. 1.2 Saints by calling vntill the Lord who onely knoweth who are his doe make knowne the contrarie As wee are taught in the b Mat. 13 24.47 c. parables of the tares the drawnet c. Q. Hath Christ then his Church visible vpon earth A. Yea throughout the world in the particular c Rom. 3.3 congregations of Christians called to the profession of the true faith obedience of the Gospel In which d Rom. 11.5 visible assemblies and not else-where the true members of the Church inuisible on earth are to bee found and vnto which therefore all that seeke saluation must gladly e Esay 60.4 ioyne themselues Q. Are we to acknowledge one visible Church or many A. f Ephe. 4.4 c. Cant. 6.8 Gal. 3.28 One alone as there is but one Lord one Spirit one Faith and one Baptisme notwithstanding the parts of this one Church may bee distinguished in respect 1. Of time as the Churches a Heb. 13.8 before Christ and since Primitiue and present reformed c. 2. Of
referred to some one or other commandement of the law the d Mat 19 23 reiecting wherof excludeth from the kingdome of God Q. What is that law which with the direction of the Gospell is the rule of Sanctification A. Onely the morall law or law of nature engrauen by God himselfe first in the heart of man in his creation after in a Deut. 10.4 tables of stone in the dayes of Moses so published committed vnto the Church for all ages as the b Iam. 2.8 royall law for obedience to God our King commonly called the c Exod. 34.28 Deut. 4.13 Decalogue or ten Commandements Q. What are we to conceiue of the Ceremoniall and iudiciall lawes A. They are onely added as speciall explications and applications of the law morall vnto d Rom. 9.4 that present Church and people of the Israelites Viz. The former for direction in rites of outward worship e Heb. 10.1 c. shaddowing the grace of the Gospell now vtterly f Ver. 9. abolished the substance being exhibited The latter for forme of pollicy and ciuill gouernment and therefore ceasing with the dissolution of that common wealth for which it was ordained SECT XXIIII Of the Decalogue Q. TO deale onely therefore with the morall â—aw what order are wee to obserue in handling of the Decalogue A. We are to consider First in generall The preface The diuision The rules of interpretation Secondly the seuerall Commandements in particular Q. What is the preface of the Law A. Those words of God a Exod. â—0 2 I am the Lord thy God which brought thee out of the land of Egypt out of the house of bondage Wherein hee layeth a two-fold ground of obedience Viz. 1. FroÌ„ his name b Exod. 3.14 Iehouah importing his eternal being of himself c Rom. 11.36 communicating of life all blessings to mankinde wherby he is the d Psal 36.6 Sauiour of all men 2. From the Couenant of grace whereby he is our God the a 1. Tim. 4.10 Sauiour of them that beleeue assuring them all gracious deliuerances by vertue of that his couenant from all euils and enemies both bodily and especially spirituall vnder the figure of the late deliuerance of the Israelites out of Aegypt Q. How is the Law diuided A. Two wayes 1. Into ten Commaundements or words propounded Some affirmatiuely as the 4. and 5. others negatiuely as all the rest Some with reasons annexed as the 2 3 4 5 the rest without 2. Into two Tables which b Math. 22. Christ calleth the two great Commaundements viz. the 1. Containing our c Verse 37.38 duetie to God in the foure first Commandements 2. Our d Verse 39. duetie to our neighbor in the 6. last Q. What are the rules of interpreting the Law A. They are principally these three viz. 1. That where any a Matth. 4.10 1. Cor. 15.34 duetie is enioyned as in the affirmatiue Commandements the contrarie sinne is forbidden and where any b Eph. 4.28 sin is forbidden as in the negatiue the contrarie duetie is required 2. That vnder c Matth. 5.21 22 c. 1. Iohn 3.15 one maine duetie or crime expressed all degrees of good or euill in the same kind are either commaunded or forbidden 3. That with the sinne forbidden or duetie enioyned all d Thes 5.22 Heb. 10 24 25. occasions or furtherances thereto are consequently condemned or required SECT XXV Of the first Commaundement Q. TO come to the seuerall Commaundements and first of the former Table What are the words of the first Commaundement A. a Exod. 20.3 Thou shalt haue none other gods before me Q. What is the scope and meaning of this Commaundement A. That the inward and spirituall worship of the b Prou 23.26 heart wherein c Deut. 5.29 God especially delighteth and which is the d Prou 4.23 Mat. 12.35 ground of the outward be giuen to him the onely God and to none other and that sincerely without hypocrisie as in his sight who e Jer. 17.10 searcheth and knoweth the heart Q. What is forbidden in this Commaundement A. 1. Originall corruption so far forth as it is the f Rom. 8.7 fountaine of impietie against God with all the streams of g Psal 14.1 Atheisme errour h Ps 10.3 4. hatred of God prophanenesse presumption securitie infidelitie i Rom. 1.21 ingratitude c. 2. All inward Idolatrie whereby men set vp an k Ezek. 14.3 Idoll in their heart in stead of God giuing thereto any part of spirituall adoration as by l Acts 12.23 pride m 2. Tim. 3.4 1. Sam. 2.29 inordinate loue a â—sa 51.12 13. carnall feare b Pro. 18.11 Ier. 17.5 fleshly confidence c. Q. What is required in this Commandement A. The setting vp and c Esa 8.13 sanctifying of the Lord God in our hearts yeelding him in Christ the spirituall worship of d Psal 73.25 faith and affiance e Deut. 6.5 loue and f 1. Thess 5.18 thankfulnesse g Heb. 12.28 feare and reuerence c. which is due vnto his Maiestie Q. What are the helpes or hinderances of the obedience of this Commaundement A. 1. The onely means to settle and vphold vs in this spiritual worship of God is to endeuor to attaine and encrease in the h 2. Pet. 3.18 knowledge of him in Iesus Christ to consider i Psal 116.1 12 1. Ioh. 3.1 what great things he hath done for vs yea k Pro. 3.6 in all our wayes to take knowledge of his presence promises and prouidence 2. Contrariwise the l Hos 4.1 8.12 neglect of the knowledge of God and m Esa 5.12 26.10 11. not considering his word and workes are the n Esa 1.3 4. ground of all impietie and spirituall Idolatrie here forbidden SECT XXVI Of the second Commaundement Q. VVHat are the words of the second Commaundement A. a Exod. 20.4 c. Thou shalt make thee no grauen image neither any similitude c. Q. What is the scope and meaning of this Commaundement A. To bind all men to that b Deut. 12.32 onely outward forme of worship which God himselfe in his word prescribeth and that by a twofold reason The first taken from the Couenant of grace whereby he is the Lord our God which Couenant on our part is by no sinne so directly violated as by Idolatrie called therfore in Scripture spiritual c Ier. 3.8 Adulterie The second from the nature of God which is in this case to bee iealous which he sheweth 1. By visiting and punishing vnto the third and fourth generatioÌ„ such as howsoeuer pretending loue do thus declare their hatred of him 2. By extending his mercie vnto thousands of such as shew their loue of him by obedience to this his Law Q. What is forbidden in this Commaundement A. Euerie forme of worship a Deut. 12.31 though of the
wearied thee with mine iniquities I ought to haue beene controuled and kept in order by thee but such hath been my boldnesse in sinning that I haue checked thee and put to silence thy good grace that rebuked sinne in mee I ought to haue liued as vnder couenant with thee but wretch that I am I haue in many particulars broken my vow falsified my faith violated the euerlasting couenant Finally what cōmandement of thine is there O Lord that I haue not transgressed What grace that I haue not abused what curse that I haue not deserued Thou hast graciously disposed mee and led mee into some good actions but euen in the best I haue halted and stumbled through infidelitie selfeloue and manifold infirmities so that if thou challenge that which is thine owne nothing remaineth to mine account euen in my best seruices but the imperfection of them Thus sinning perfectly I haue deserued thine absolute curse but by mine imperfect obedience I can claime no portion of reward no release of punishment at thine hand And now O Lord if thou straightly markest iniquities O Lord who shall stand But there is mercie with thee that thou maist be feared O Lord there is glorie with thee but that is not to be approached there is wisedome with thee but that is not to be comprehended there is iustice with thee but that is not to bee endured but there is mercy with thee yea mercie reioicing ouer iudgement and for that thou art for euer to bee reuerenced and adored That linke of mercie being laid hold on draweth all the golden chaine of thy glorious attributes and reconcileth thy fearefull maiestie vnto poore sinners That linke of mercie O Father of mercies I am bold in the name of Christ and by the hand of faith to lay hold vpon yet feeling the weakenesse and palsie of mine hand I beseech thee strengthen my vnbeliefe And what assurance I cannot haue from my saith weakely embracing thee let me haue it from thy selfe embraced by me yea rather embracing mee who art mighty to saue Thou didst enable thy seruant Iacob to lay hold on thee and not to lot thee goe till thou hadst blessed him Lord giue me the same strength the same courage the same successe Nay let mee not let thee goe for any blessing For what blessing doe I seeke of thee but that thou abide with me by the presence of thy fauor For that blessing teach mee to wrestle with thee my God with the wrestling of God Thou hast promised thou wilt be found of them that seeke thee not and seekest them that goe astray from thee so haue I found thee or rather was found of thee when I was thine enemie the seruant of sin the souldiour of Satan Thou foūdest me by thy word reuealing the way of Saluation vnto me thou foundest me by thy spirit winning my heart vnto the obedience of faith yea it pleased thee to enter into couenant with thy seruant neuer to suffer that spirit and word of thine to depart from mee but to establish thy feare in mine heart that I should not depart from thee Giue me leaue to put thee in remembrance of that promise of thine wherein thou hast caused mee to put my trust and by vertue thereof to claime the continuance of thy fauour and loue Oh let it neuer be said that thou forsakest the workes of thine owne hands or that thou repentest of shewing mercie whose glorie it is to repent onely of the euill Shew thy selfe to bee Iehouah that changest not that thy gifts and callings are without repentance and that thou louest with an euerlasting and victorious loue that ouercommeth all impediments Truth it is O Lord that I deserue thou shouldest be wearie of me and from henceforth pursue me with thine hatred seeing I haue walked so vnworthy of thy loue But though my sins doe testifie against me yet deale thou with me according to thy Name Let thine owne gracious and constant nature moue thee Let thine owne promise and the word of thy Couenant binde thee Let the beginnings of thine owne workemanship and lineaments of thine image preuaile with thee to continue thy mercie truth towards me vnto the end Let it suffice that I know mine iniquities and do not thou take knowledge of them Let it suffice that I set them in order before my selfe by serious examination and before thy Maiestie by vnfained and heartie confession and doe not thou enter into that heauie Iudgement with mee as to set them in order before mee to reprooue me for them Let it suffice that I now look vp by thy spirit of grace vpon my Sauiour whom I haue pierced with my sinnes and doe not O Lord doe not gather my soule among those that shall at the last day behold him to their confusion and waile before him for euer Yea Lord therefore thou shewest mee my sinnes that thou mightest shew mee thy mercie in the pardon of them therefore thou teachest mee to reproue my selfe that I might beleeue in thee who iustifiest the vngodly therefore thou causest the wound of my conscience to bleed and smart that I might looke to thee in Christ in whom thou healest the broken hearted and bindest vp all their sores Thou O Christ art annointed of God the Father to be the author of this soueraigne cure Thou art the Sunne of righteousnes that sheddest the beames of health and saluation into the hearts of thy people Thou hast taken my flesh vpon thee that beeing the kinsman thou mightest bee fit to recouer my patrimonie lost in Adam and to raise vp liuing seede vnto my dead nature O spread the skirt of thy garment ouer me and shrowde my soule from the wrath of GOD my iudge Let the sweet perfume of thine vnualuable sacrifice take away the odious sauour of mine iniquities Let the cry of thy precious blood speaking good things in the eares of God the Father drowne the loud cry of my grieuous transgressions Let thy glorious face and countenance appearing before God for me turne away his eyes from my sinfull deformities Let thy death be my ransome and propitiation to deliuer me from the wrath to come and thine obedience the price to purchase for me the kingdome of glorie Thine it is O Sauiour by a double right The one of nature as thou are the euerlasting Sonne coequall with the Father by which thou claimest for thy selfe the glorie thou haddest from the beginning The other of purchase by thy voluntarie submission and obedience to that Law of which thou wert the Lord and maker which it pleaseth thee by the Couenant of grace to dispence to all beleeuing repentant sinners Herein herein O Christ grant that with all Saints I may haue my share and may enioy that which thou in my behalfe hast so fully payed for Let the assurance of this thy mercie giue rest vnto my conscience from the terrors of death and hell Let the expectation of this thy glorie sustaine my
That b Ro. 11.3 6. Pro. 16 4. all things should serue vnto his glorie Q. What did God decree touching Angels and men A. c 1. Tim. 5. â—1 Mat 25.41 1. Thes 5.9 Ro. 9.22 23 That they should remaine for euer some in honour others in dishonour for his glorie SECT IIII. Of Creation Q. HOw doth God execute his decree A. By two Actions to wit Creation and Prouidence Q. What is Creation A. The a Gen. 1. wholâ— making of all things of nothing very good in the first sixe dayes of the world Q. How did God create Angels A. He b Col. 1.16 made them all at the first very good and glorious spirits yet c Job 4.18 mutable Q. How did God create man A. He d Gen. 29 made him a liuing soule framing his bodie of the dust of the earth and breathing in his face the breath of life SECT V. Of Prouidence Q. VVHat is prouidence A. The continuall * Ps 213.6 care that God hath of all his creatures for the sustaining and disposing of them as they may best a Psal 119.91 serue for his glorie Q. How doth God sustaine Angels A. They are all vpheld by the power of God so that they shall b Luk. 20.36 neuer llye nor returne to nothing Q. How doth God sustaine men A. He preserueth mankinde in generall by the blessing of c Gen. 1.28 procreation and particular men and women both for the d Psal 36.6 time of this life and for e Mat. 25.46 euer in the world to come Q. How doth God dispose of Angels A. Hee suffered f 2. Pet. 2.4 some to fall by sinne into damnation without recouerie called Diuels the rest hee g Mat. 28.20 confâ—rmeth in their first blessed estate called Angels of light both which hee h â—ob 1.6 employeth for the accomplishing of his will SECT VI. Of the state of Innocencie Q. HOw doth GOD dispose of man A. As of that creature in a Psa 8.3 c whom aboue the rest hee intendeth to set forth his glorie wherefore the Scriptures doe plentifully declare the dealing of GOD with man both in this world and for euer hereafter Q. How doe the Scriptures set forth the dealing of God with man in this world A. In a threefold estate to wit of Innocencie of Corruption and misery and of Redemption all which make way vnto that euerlasting estate of honour or dishonour fore-appointed vnto all men Q. What is the state of Innocencie A. The holy and happy condition of mankinde created in the b Gen 1.27 image of God and placed by him in c Gen. 2.8 Paradise with abilitie to attaine to blessednesse by the Couenant of workes Q. What is the Couenant of workes A. The a Ge. 2.16 17 substance of the Law written in the hearts of our first parents promising blessednesse if they should obey and threatning death if they should transgresse SECT VII Of the Fall Q. VVHat is the state of corruption and miserie A. The fearefull condition of sinne and death wherein to God suffered all mankinde in Adam to b Ge. 3.1 c fall through the temptation of Satan by breaking the Couenant of workes SECT VIII Of Sinne. Q. VVHat is Sinne A. c 1. Ioh. 3.9 A sweruing from the Law of God making the sinner * Gen. 4.7 gâ—â—â—tie of the curse of the Law and it 〈◊〉 either originall or actuall Q. Wherein doth originall sinne consist A. In vtter b Rom. 7.18 enmitie of our whole nature vnto all that is good and c Rom. 7.14 prouenesse vnto all euill Q. What is Actuall sinne A. Euery d Rom. 5.14 particular breach of the Law of God SECT IX Of Death Q. VVHat is Death A. It is the separation e Gen. 3.19 either of the soule from the body f 2. Thes 1. â— or of soule and body from God with all euils that attend on the one or the other Q. How doth God employ men in this state of Corruption A. Two waies and first by the g Joh. 1.9 light of nature and h Esay 44.28 common graces restraining many from grosse sinnes and guiding some vnto actions profitable for humane societie and for the outward seruice of God Q. How secondly A. By ouer-ruling mens euill and sinfull actions so that thereby they a Act. 4.27 28. bring to passe nothing but what God hath determined for his owne glorie Q. Doth God leaue all mankinde in this state of sinne and death A. No but onely the reprobate whom hee b Act. 14.16 suffereth to runne on in sinne and so vnto damnation deseruedly SECT X. Of Redemption by the Couenant of grace Q. WHat is the state of Redemption A. The c Ro. 3.23.24 recouerie of the Elect out of the state of sinne and death by the new Couenant of grace Q. What is the Couenant of grace A. Gods a Gal. 3.21 22 second contract with mankinde after the fall for the restoring of him vnto his fauour and happinesse by the meanes of a Mediator Q. What are wee to consider in the Couenant of Grace A. Two things whereof the first is the foundation of it to wit the Mediator SECT XI Of Christ the Mediator Q. VVHo is the Mediator betweene God and man A. Onely b 1. Tim. 1.5 Iesus Christ God and man Q. How is he God A. In that hee is the c 1. Ioh. 5.20 second person in Trinitie to wit the eternall Sonne of the Father Q. How is hee man A. By d Ioh. 1.14 taking our flesh into his person beeing miraculously e Luk. 1.35 conceiued by the holy Ghost and borne of the blessed Virgin Mary Q. How is he the mediator between God and man A. By becoming our Prophet Priest and King Q. How is he our Prophet A. By a Joh. 17.26 reuealing vnto vs the will of God Q. How is he our Priest A. By b Eph. 2 1â— 2. Cor. 5.28 appeasing and reconciling God vnto vs through his death and obedience Q. How is he our King A. By c Esa 9.7 gouerning all things for the saluation of his Elect and d Psal 45.5 destruction of his enemies SECT XII Of the mysticall vnion Q. VVHat is the second thing to be considered in the Couenant of Grace A. The application thereof to the elect giuing them a Heb. 3.24 part in Christ and in all his benefits Q. What part haue the elect in Christ A. They haue first vnion with Christ and secondly thereby Communion Q. How are the elect vnited vnto Christ A. They are b Eph. 5.30 knit vnto Christ the head as members of his mysticall bodie by the spirit of Christ and by faith Q. What is the spirit of Christ A. The power of the holy Ghost c Rom. 8.9 Gal. 5.25 abiding and working in all those that are Christs as the soule of spirituall life Q.