appointed to be the weekly Sabbath A. From the beginning of the World to the Resurrection of Christ God hath appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly Sabbath and the first day of the week ever since to continue to the end of the World which is the Christian Sabbath Q. 1. What special marks of honour hath God set upon this fourth Commandment A. God hath set four peculiar marks of honour on it 1. It is the largest of all the Commands 2. It hath a solemn Memento prefixed to it 3. It is delivered both positively and negatively which the rest are not And 4. It is enforced with more Arguments to strengthen the Command on us than any other Q. 2. Wâ—y will God have a Sabbath observed on Earth A. God will have a Sabbath on Earth to give us therein an Emblem of that Eternal Sabbath in Heaven wherein his people shall be serving him and praising him without interruption or mixture of any other business throughout Eternity Hâ—b 4.9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God Q 3. For what other Reasons will God have a Sabbath A. He will have a Sabbath for the honour of his name Isa. 58.13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath from doing thy pâ—easure on my holy day and call the sabbath a delight the holy of the Lord honourable and shalt honour him not doing thine own ways nor finding thine own pleasure nor speaking thine own words For the good of Mens Souls Mark 2.27 And he said unto them the sabbath was made for man not man for the sabbath And in mercy to the Bodies of Men and Beasts Q. 4. Is this Commandment Moral and Perpetual or Ceremonial and Temporary A. It is and must needs be Moral and not Ceremonial because all the Reasons that enforce it are perpetual and the Sabbath continued when the Ceremonial Law ceased and was vanished Matth. 24.20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter neither on the sabbath day Q. 5. What day of the seven is the Christian Sabbath A. The first day of the Week is our Sabbath since the Resurrection of Christ. This is the day which was foretold to be our Sabbath Psal. 118.24 This is the day which the Lord hath made we will rejoyce and be glad in it The Lord hath marked it for himself by setting his own Name on it Rev. 1.10 I was in the Spirit on the Lords day And the Apostles and Primitive Church constantly set it apart to Religious uses and ends Acts 20.7 And upon the first day of the week when the disciples came together to break bread Paul preached unto them c. 1 Cor. 16.2 Vpon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him that there be no gatherings when I come Q. 6. When doth the Christian Sabbath begin A. It appears that this day is not to be reckoned from evening to evening but from morning to morning because the Christian Sabbath must begin when the Jewish Sabbath ended but that ended towards the morning Matth. 28.1 In the end of the sabbath as it began to dawn towards the first day of the week came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre Q. 7. What is the ground of changing the day A. The solemn commemoration of our Redemption by the Resurrection of Christ from the dead is the ground of translating the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the Week Psal. 118.24 This is the day which the Lord hath made we will rejoyce and be glad in it Mark 16.9 Now when Iesus was risen early the first day of the week he appeared first to Mary Magdalene out of whom he had cast seven devils Q. 8. Is it the whole day or only some hours of the day that are set apart for God A. Not a part but the whole day is the Lords and it is as dangerous to halve it with God in point of time as it was for Annanias and Sapphira to halve their dedicated Goods and bring in but a part Remember that thou keep holy the sabbath day is the Command Q. 9. Is there any other day holy besides this A. No day but this is holy by Institution of the Lord yet dayes of Humiliation and Thanksgiving may be lawfully set apart by men on a Call of Providence but Popish Holy-dayes are not warrantable nor to be observed Gal. 4.10 Ye observe dayes and months and times and years Q. 10. But seeing every day should be a Sabbath to a Christian what needs any other set time A. Though Christians must walk every day with God yet every day cannot be a Sabbath because God calls us to other Duties on those dayes but will have this to be a solemn and entire day to himself Q. 11. But if a man scruple the change of the Sabbath may he not keep both dayes weekly A. No for then by doing more than God requires he breaks a plain Command Six days shalt thou labour Q. 12. At what time should Christians be up and at their Duties on the Lords day A. As early in the morning as their strength will permit to prepare by private for publick Duties yet the publick are not to be entrenched on by private Duties Acts 10.33 Now therefore are we all here present before God to hear all things that are commanded thee of God Of the Sabbath Quest. 60. HOw is the Sabbath to be Sanctified A. The Sabbath is to be Sanctified by an holy reâ—ting all that day even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days and spending the whole time in the publick and private exercises of Gods Worship except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy Quest. 61. What are the Sins forbidden in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment forbiddeth the omission or careless performance of the Duties required and the profaning the day by Idleness or doing that which is in it self sinful or by unnecessary thoughts words or works about our worldly employments or recreations Quest. 62. What are the Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment A. The Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment are Gods allowing us six days of the week for our own employment his challenging a special propriety in the seventh his own example and his blessing the Sabbath day Q. 1. VVhat is the Rest which God requires on the Sabbath A. It is not a meer natural or civil but an holy rest resembling the rest in Heaven wherein the Mind is most active and busie in the work of God though the Body be at rest and the Spirit not wearied with its work Rev. 4.8 And the four beaâ—â—s had each of them six wings about him and they were full of eyes within and they rest not day and night saying holy holy holy Lord God Almighty which was and is and is to come Q. 2. May
say wherein have we despised thy name Q. 2. What is the first thing especially required in the third Commandment A. It requires the most aweful and reverential frame of our hearts in all our approaches to God Psal. 89.7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints and to he had in reverence of all them that are about him And in his Worship Ioh. 4.24 God is a spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth Q. 3. What 's the second thing required in this Commandment A It requires truth in our witness-bearing as knowing God seeth our hearts and is witness to all that we think or speak Zech. 5.4 I will bring it forth saith the Lord of hosts and it shall enter into the house of the thief and into the house of him that sweareth â—alsly by my name c. Q. 4. What 's the third thing required in this Commandment A. That in all our Appeals to God in secret or doubtful matters we be sure that the Appeal be necessary aweful and true Ier 17.16 As for me I have not hastened from being a pastour to follow thee neither have I desired the woful day thou knowest that which came out of my lips was right before thee Psal. 139.23 24 Search me O God and know my heart try me and know my thoughts And set if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting Q. 5. What doth this Commandment especially forbid A. It forbids and condemns all profane Oaths as most injurious to the Name of God Matth. 5.34 37. Swear not at all neither by heaven for it is Goâ—s throne c. but let your communication be yea yea nay nay for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil Q. 6. VVhat is the danger of profane or false Swearing A. Such are reckoned Enemies to God Psal. 139.20 Thine enemies take thy name in vain The Curse of God enters into such Families Zech. 5.4 I will bring it forth saith the Lord of hosts and it shall enter into the hoâ—se of the thief and into the house of him that sweareth falsly by my name c. And the Lord will not hold them guiltless Q. 7. VVhat else is forbidden in this Commandment A. It forbids and condemns all heedless wandering and drowsie performance of Gods Worship Isa. 29.13 14. VVherefore the Lord said forasmuch as this people drew near me with their mouth and with their lips do honour me bâ—t have removed their heart far from me and their fear towards me is taught by the precept of men Therefore behold I will proceed to do a marvellous work amongst this people even a marvellous work and a wonder for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid And 2 Kings 10.31 But Iehu took no heed to walk in the law of the Lord God of Israel with all his heart for he departed not from the sins of Ieroboam which made Israel to sin Q. 8. What other sin is forbidden in this Command A. It forbids all light and irreverent use of the Scriptures especially in our jests or by way of scoffing Ier. 17.15 Behold they say unto me where is the word of the Lord let it come nowe Jer. 6.10 Behold the word of the Lord is unto them a reproach they have no delight in it Q. 9. By what Argument doth God enforce the third Commandment on men A. That the breakers of this Command shall surely be punished by the Lord either in this life Deut. 28.58 59. If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name The Lord thy God Then the Lord will make thy plagues wonderful and the plagues of thy seed even great plagues and of long continuance and sore sickness and of long continuance Or in that to come Rom. 2.5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thy self wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God Except they repent and reform Q. 10. What 's the first Instruction from the third Commandment A. That great and infinite is the Patience of God in forbearing provoking Sinners so long as he doth Romans 9.22 VVhat if God willing to shew his wrath and to make his power known endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction Q. 11. VVhat 's the second Instruction from hence A. That God is to be justified in the severest of his Judgments by which at any time he manifests his displeasure against the profaneness of the World Hos. 4.1 2 3. Hear the word of the Lord ye children of Israel for the Lord hath a controversie with the inhabitants of the land because there is no truth nor mercy nor knowledge of God in the land By swearing and lying and killing and stealing and committing adultery they break out and bloud toucheth bloud Therefore shall the land â—ourn and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish with the beasts of the field and with the fowls of heaven yea the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away Q. 12. What 's the third Instruction from hence A. That God takes special notice of and greatly delighteth in them that fear and reverence his Name Isa. 66.5 Hear the word of the Lord ye that tremble at his word Your brethren that hated you that cast you out for my names sake said let the Lord be glorified but he shall appeaâ— to your joy and they shall be ashamed Mal. 3.16 And a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord and that thought upon his name Q. 13. What 's the last Inference from hence A. That those Parents have much to answer for that by their Examples teach or by their Negligence encourage their Children to profane Gods Name Ier. 5 7. How shall I pardon thee for this Thy children have forsaken me and sworn by them that are no Gods c. Of the Sabbath Quest. 57. WHich is the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment is Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy Six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy Son nor thy Daughter thy Man-servant nor thy Maid-servant nor thy Cattle nor thy Stranger which is within thy Gates For in six dayes the Lord made Heaven and Earth the Sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it Quest. 58. What is required in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment requireth the keeping holy to God such set time as he hath appointed in his Word expresly one whole day in seven to be an holy Sabbath unto the Lord. Quest. 59. Which day of the seven hath God
strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towards him Q. 9. VVhat is the third Instruction A. That all plots against the Church shall surely be defeated Isa. 54.17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper Q 10. VVhat is the fourth Instruction A. It gives the Saints full satisfaction in all conditions Rom. 8.28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God to them that â—re called according to his purpose Q. 11. VVhat is the last Inference A. We should not stand in a slavish fear of men Isa. 51.12 I even I am he that comforteth you who art thou that hou shouldst be afraid of a man that shall die and of the son of man which shall be made as grass Of Christ's Humiliation Quest. 27. WHerein did Christ's Humiliation consist A. Christ's Humiliation consists in his being born and that in a low condition made under the Law undergoing the miseries of this life the wrath of God and the cursed death of the cross in being buried and continuing under the power of death for a time Q. 1. VVhat doth Christ's humbling of himself import A. His voluntariness in the deepest point of Self-denial Psal. 40.7 Then said I lo I come in the volume of the book it iâ— written of me Q 2. VVhat was the first act of Christ's Humiliation A. His taking man's Nature on him with all its sinless Infirmities Rom. 8.3 God sending his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Q. 3. What is the second part of his Humiliation A. That mean life he lived in this world which obscured his Divine Glory Mark 6.3 Is not this the carpenter the son of Mary Q 4. VVhat was the first thing in Christ's Life that humbled him A. The poverty of it Mat. 8.20 And Iesus saith unto him The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests but the son of man hath not where to lay his head Q 5. VVhat was the second thing in his life that humbled him A. The Temptations of Satan to which he was subject Mat. 4.1 Then was Iesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil and that for our sakes Heb. 2.17 VVherefore in all things it behoveth him to be made like unto his brethren v. 18. For in that he himself hath sâ—ffered being tempted he is able to succour them that are tempted Q 6. What is the third thing in Christ that humbled him A. His subjection to the Law Gal. 4.4 But when the fulness of the time was come God sent forth his son made of a woman made under the law Q 7. What was the fourth thing in Christ's life that humbled him A. The Reviling and Contradictions of Sinners Heb. 12.3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself Q. 8. Wherein was Christ humbled in his death A. His death was painful and ignominious Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us For it is written Cursed is every one that hangeth oâ— a tree Made a curse for us and deserted in it Mat. 27.46 And about the ninth hour Iesus cried with a loud voice saying Eli Eli Lamasabachthani that is to say My God my God why hast thou forsaken me Q 9. What is the first Inference from hence A. That lowliness and humility becomes Christ's Followers Mat. 11.29 Take my yoke upon you and learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart Q. 10. What is the second Inference A. That Christ's love to Sinners is astonishingly great 2 Cor. 8.9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Iesus Christ that though he was rich yet for your sakes he became poor that ye through his poverty might be made rich Q. 11. What is the third Inference A. Christians should be ready to suffer for Christ. 1 Pet. 4.1 Forasmuch as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh arm your selves likewise with the same mind for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin Q. 12. What is the last Inference A. That Humiliation is the true way to Exaltation Mat. 23.12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted Of Christ's Exaltation Quest. 28. WHerein consists Christ's Exaltation A. Christ's Exaltation consists in his rising again from the dead on the third day in ascending up into heaven in sitting at the right hand of God the Father and in coming to judge the World at the last day Q. 1. What is the first step of Christ's Exaltation A. His Resurrection from the dead Q. 2. How doth his Resurrection appear A. By the Scripture Prophesies accomplisht in him 1 Cor. 15.4 And that he was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures Q 3. Why did Christ rise again A. To establish our Faith and abolish our Sins 1 Cor. 15.17 And if Christ be not risen your faith is vain you are yet in your sins Q. 4. What other end was there of Christ's Resurrection A. To declare his Divine Power Rom. 1.4 And declareâ— to be the son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead And to evidence the fulness of his satisfaction John 16.10 Of rihgteousness because I go to my father and ye see me no more Q. 5. Did Christ rise in the same Body he laid down A. It was substantially the same Iohn 20.27 Then saith he to Thomas Reach hither thy finger and behold my hands and reach hither thy hand and thrust it into my side and be not faithless but believing Q. 6. What doth Christ's Resurrection teach us A. The certainty of Resurrection after death 1 Cor. 15.20 But now is Christ risen from the dead and become the first fruits of them that slept Q. 7. What was the second step of Christ's Exaltation A. His Ascention after forty days into Heaven Acts 1.2 3. Until the day in which he was taken up after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the Apostles whom he had â—hosen to whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs being seen of them forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God Q. 8. VVhy did Christ stay so long on Earth A. To assure the truth of his Resurrection and to settle the due Government of his Church Acts 1.2 3. Q. 9. For what end did he ascend A. To take possession of his glory Iohn 17.5 And now O father glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was And that as our fore-runner Heb. 6.20 VVhither the fore-runner is for us entred even Iesus c. Q. 10. In what manner did Christ ascend A. Triumphantly and magnificently Psal. 47.5 God is gone up with a shout the Lord with a sound
of a trumpet Q. 11. VVhat doth his ascension teach us A. Heavenly-mindedness Col. 3.1 2. If ye them be risen with Christ seek those things which are above where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God set your affections on things above and not oâ— things on the earth And an encouragement in our Christian race Heb. 12.1 2. VVherefore seeing we also are compasâ—ed about with so great a cloud of witnesses let us lay aside every â—eight and the sin which doth so easily beset us and let us run with â—atience the race that is set before us looking unto Iesus the auâ—hor and finisher of our faith VVho for the joy that was set before him endured the cross despising the shame and is sate down at the right hand of the Throne of God The Second Part of the 28th Question of Christ's Exaltation Quest. 1. WHat was the Third degree of Christ's Exaltation A. His sitting at God's right hand in Heaven Heb. 1.3 VVhen he had by himself purged our sins sate down on the right hand of the majesty on high Q. 2. VVhat doth God's right hand signify A. A State of Honour Heb. 1.13 But to which of the angels said he at any time Sit on my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool And Power Mat. 26.64 Hereafter shall ye see the son of man sitting on the right hand of power Q. 3. VVhat is implied in Christ's sitting there A. That his work on earth is finished Heb. 10.11 12. But this man after he had offered one sacrifice for sin for ever sate down on the right hand of God Q. 4. VVhat else doth it signify A. Christ's power over all enemies Psal. 110.2 The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Sion rule thou in the midst of thine enemies Q. 5. VVhat learn we from Christ's sitting there A. The high honour Believers are advanced to by Christ. Eph. 2.6 And hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Iesus Q. 6. VVhat is the last step of Christ's Exaltation A. His coming to Judgment Acts 10.42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be judge of quick and dead Q. 7. It is certain there shall be a Iudgment-day A. Yes the Scripture assures it 2 Cor. 5.10 For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ. And every man's conscience witnesses to it Rom. 2.16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Iesus Christ according to my Gospel Q. 8. What is the first property of Christ's Iudgment A. It will be awful and solemn 1 Thes. 4.16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout with the voice of the Arch-angel and with the Trâ—mp of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first Q. 9. VVhat is the second Property of it A. It will be exact and critical Rom. 2.16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Iesus Christ according to my Gospel Mat. 12.36 But I say unto you That every idle word that men shall speak they shall give account thereof in the day of Iudgment Q. 10. What is the third Property of it A. It will be an universal Judgment Rev. 20.12 And I saw the dead small and great stand before God and the books were opened Q. 11. How is this a part of Christ's Exaltation A. He now acts in the fulness of his Kingly Power Mat. 25.34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand Come ye blessed of my father inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world And this will rowl away the reproach of his enemies Rev. 1.7 Behold he cometh with clouds and every eye shall see him and they also which pierced him Q. 12. What learn we from Christ's being Iudge A. That Believers shall not be cast in Judgment Rom. 8.1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Iesus Q. 13. What learn we hence A. The deplorable State of Christless Persons Luke 19.27 But those mine enâ—mies that would not that I should reign over them bring hither and slay them before me Q. 14. What else learn we from Christ's Iudgment A To give all diligence to be found of him in peace 2 Pet. 3.14 Wherefore beloved seeing that ye lock for such things â—e diligent that ye may be sound of him in peace Of the Application of Christ. Quest. 29. HOW are we made partakers of the Redemption purchased by Christ A. We are made parâ—akers of the Redemption purchased by Chriâ—t by the effectual Application of it to us by his Holy Spirit Q. 1. What did our Redemption cost Christ A. It cost him his own Blood to obtain it Heb. 9.12 Neither by the blood of Goats and Calves but by his own blood he entred once into the holy place having obtained eternal redemption for us Q. 2. Can none have the benefit of it exceept it be applied to them A. No if Christ be not applied we cannot be saved Iohn 1.12 But as many as received him to them gave he power to become theâ— Sons of God even to them that believe on his name Q. 3 Whos 's work or office is it to apply Christ to us A. It 's the office and work of God's Spirit Tit. 3.45 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour towards man appeared not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost Q. 4. Wâ—at Means doth the Spirit use in applying Christ A. The external means he makes use of is the Ministry of the Gospel 1 Cor. 3.5 Who then is Paul and who is Apollo but Ministers by whom ye believed Q. 5. Is this sâ—fficient of it self A. No the Blessing and Power of the Spirit must accompany it or Christ cannot be applied 1 Thes. 1.5 6. For our Gospel came not unto you in word only but also in power and in the Holy Ghost and in much assurance as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake And ye became followers of us and of the Lord having received the word in much affliction with joy of the Holy Ghost Q. 6. To whom doth the Spirit apply Christ A. To those that were given him of the Father before the world was Acts 13.48 And as many as were ordained to eternal life believed John 14.17 Even the spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive because it seeth him not neither knoweth him but ye know him for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you Q. 7. Is the Application of Christ to a Soul finisht at once A. Tho the first act of Faith unites the Soul to Christ yet it is a continued act 1 Pet. 2.4 To whom coming as unto a living stone Q. 8. What learn you from hence A. What a
all that thou hast And in the New Testament all special good as 2 Thes. 3.16 Now the Lord of peace give you peace always Q. 2. VVhat are the kinds of special Peace A. There is a twofold special peace One without us by reconciliation Rom. 5.1 Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God And peace within us by way of consolation Col. 3.15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts Q. 3. VVhat did our peace cost Christ A. It cost him bloody Stripes and Sufferings Isa. 53.5 The chastisement of our peace was upon him and by his stripes we are healed Q. 4. Can none have true peace but such as are in him A. No others may have false Peace Luke 11.21 VVhen a strong man armed keepeth his palace his goods are in peace But Believers only have true peace Rom. 5.1 Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Iesus Christ. Q. 5. Have all Believers peace in their consciences at alâ— times A. No they are always in a state of peace but have not always the sense of peace Isa. 50.10 VVho is among you that feareth the Lord and obeyeth the voice of his servant that walketh in darkness and hath no light let hâ—m trust in the name of the Lord and stay upon his God Q. 6. What is that which hinders the sense of peace in Believers A. Their Sins against the Lord and grieving of his Spirit Isa. 59.2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God and your sins have hid his face from you that he will not hear Q. 7. What maintains the state of peace when the sense of peace is lost A. Christ's continual and potent Intercession with the Fâ—ther for us 1 Iohn 2.12 My little children these things write I unto you that ye sin not and if any man sin we have an advocate with the father Iesus Christ the righteous Q. 8. What is the best way to maintain our peace with God A. Strict walking by Gospel-Rules Gal. 6.16 And as many as walk according to this rule peace be on them Q. 9. Doth this Peace come and go with outward Peace A. No we may enjoy this when no peace is to be had in the World Iohn 16.33 These things I have spoken unto you that in me ye might have peace in the world ye shall have tribulation but be of good chear I have overcome the world Q. 10. What is the first Instruction from hence A. That the wicked are in a sad case at all times but especially in evil times Isa. 57.20 21. But the wicked are like the troubled Sea when it cannot rest whose waters cast up â—nire and dirt There is no peace saith my God to the wicked Q. 11. What is the second Instruction from hence A. That the chief Care of a Christian should be to keep his peace with God Ier. 17.17 Be not a terror to me Thou art my hope in the day of evil Q. 12. What is the last Instruction A. Let the Saints long to be in Heaven the State of full and perfect Peace Isa. 57.2 He shall enter into peace they shall rest in their beds each one walking in his uprightness Of Ioy in the Holy Ghost Quest 1. HOW many sorts of Ioy are there among men A. There is a Sensitive Joy Acts 14.17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness in that he did good and gave us rain from Heaven and fruitful Seasons filling our hearts with food and gladness A sinful Joy Prov. 15.21 Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom And a spiritual Joy Rom. 5.11 And not only so but we also joy in God though our Lord Iesus Christ. Q. 2. Why is spiritual Ioy called Ioy in the Holy Ghost A. Because the Holy Ghost is the Author of it Gal. 5.22 But the fruit of the spirit is love joy peace c. Q. 3. What is the First thing begets joy in the Saints A. The First thing they joy in is their Justification before God Isa. 61.10 I will greatly rejoyce in the Lord my soul shall be joyful in my God for he hath cloathed me with the garments of salvation he hath covered me with the robes of righteousness Q. 4. What is the Second thing that breeds this Ioy A. Hopes of Glory breeds Joy in the Saints Rom. 5.2 And rejoyce in hopes of the glory of God Q. 5. What is the instrument by which the spirit conveys this Ioy A. Faith is the instrument of it Phil. 1.25 And baving this confidence I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith Q. 6. What is the first Property of this Ioy A. 'T is Joy unspeakable and full of Glory 1 Pet. 1. 8. Believing ye rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory Q. 7. What is the second Property of it A. That it is not in the power of men to deprive the Saints of it Iohn 16.22 And your joy no man taketh from you Q. 8. What is the third Property of it A. It makes the Soul free and chearful in the ways of Obedience Psal. 119.32 I will run the ways of thy commandments when thou shalt enlarge my heart Q. 9. What is most destructive to a Christian's Ioy A. Sin especially sin against light Psal. 51.8 Make me to hear joy and gladness that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoyce Q. 10. What should be the main Care of a Christian in this World A. To maintain his joy in God to the last Acts 20.24 But none of these things move me neither count I my life dear unto my self so that I might finish my course with joy Q. 11. Have not Hypocrites their joys as well as real Christians A. Yes but the Joy of the Hypocrite is not grounded upon Scripture-warrant and will vanish away and will come to nothing at last Iohn 5.35 He was a burning and a shining light and ye were willing for a season to rejoyce in his light Q. 12. Whas is the first Inference from hence A. Let all that expect joy in the Holy Ghost see that they preserve purity of Conscience and Conversation 2 Cor. 1.12 Grace be to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Iesus Christ. Q. 13. What is the last Inference A. That Religion is no melancholy thing but the fountain of all Joy and Pleasure Prov. 3.17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness and all her paths are peace Of the Increase of Grace Quest. 1. DOTH all true Grace increase and grow A. Yes it doth like the Morning light Prov. 4.18 The path of the just is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day And for that end God hath appointed Ministers and Ordinances Eph. 4.11 12. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors aud Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministry for the edifying of
descended and the floods came and the winds blew and beat upon that house and it fell not for it was founded upon a rock Q. 11. What is the second Instruction A. That all men should look to themselves lest they lose the things which they have wrought 2 Epist. of Iohn Ver. 8. Look to your selves that ye lose not those things which we have wrought but that we receive a full reward Q. 12. What is the last Instruction A. Let no true Christian be discouraged how weak soever for God is able to make him stand Rom. 14.4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant to his own master he standeth or falleth yea he shall be holden up for God is able to make him stand Of perfection at Death Quest. 37. VVHAT benefits do Believers receive from Christ at their Death A. The Souls of Believers are at their death made perfect in holiness and do immediately pass inâ—o glory their bodies being still united to Christ do reâ—t in their Graves till the Resurrection Q 1. What is the state of perfect holiness A. It consists in a perfect freedom from sin or any of the least inclination to sin Eph. 5.27 That he may present it to himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish Q. 2. Wherein else doth perfection consist A. It consists in the attainment of the highest measures and degrees of holiness the creature is capable of Eph. 4.12 13. For the perfecting of the Saints till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God to a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Q. 3. Cannot this be attained whilst in the body A. No for here all our graces are imperfect 1 Cor. 13.12 For now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face And we live at a distance from God 2 Cor. 5 6. Whilst we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. Q. 4. How is this attained at Death A. At Death the roots of Sin are pulled up out of the Believer's Nature Heb. 12.23 And to the spirits of just men made perfect Q. 5. Why must the Soul be mâ—de perfect at death A. Because the purity of the heavenly State admits no sin or imperfection Rev. 21.27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth neither whatsoever worketh abomination or maketh a lye but they which are written in the lambs book of life Q. 6. What is the first Inference from hence A. That Death should be lovely and desirable in the eyes of Believers Phil. 1.23 having a desire to depart and to be with Christ which is far better Q. 7. What is the second Inference A. That God hath provided singular relief for his people that now groan under their Sins and many Imperfections 1 Cor. 13.12 13. And now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face Now I know in part but then shall I know even as also I am known Q. 8. What is the third Inference A. That the heavenly State is infinitely above and beyond whatever we enjoy here 1 Cor. 29. But as it is written Eye hath not seen nor ear heard neither have entred into the the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love hiem Q. 9. What is the fourth Inference A. That Believers are but at a small distance from the Satisfaction of all their desires Rom. 13.11 Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed Q. 10. What is the fifth Inference A. That the Saints should earnestly pursue that perfection even in this imperfect state Phil. 3.13 14. Brethren I count not my self to have apprehended but this one thing I do forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth to those things which are before I press towards the mark for the price of the high calling of God in Christ Iesus Q. 11. What is the sixth Inference A. That death to the Saints is better than life Phil. 1.21 For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain Q. 12. What is the last Inference A. That Faith is absolutely necessary to entitle us to this perfect state Of immediate Glorificacion Quest. 1. DO all that die in Christ immediately pass into glory A. Yes they do Luke 23.43 To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise Phil. 1.23 Having a desire to depart and to be with Christ. Q. 2. What is the First reason for their immediate Glorification A. Because Heaven is pepared and ready for them Mat. 25.34 Come ye blessed of my Father inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world Q. 3. What is the Second reason for it A. Because at Death they are as ready for Heaven as ever they shall be Iohn 9.4 I must work the work of him that sent me while it is day the night cometh when no man can work Q. 4. What is the Third reason for it A. Because Death else could not be gain as it is Phil. 1.21 For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain Q. 5. What is the Fourth reason for it A. Because there is the same reason for all as for any one but some are immediately glorified Luke 23.43 To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise Q. 6. What is the Fifth reason for it A. Because Christ longs for their coming to him and they for his Enjoyment and these longings are in vain if not satisfied Rev. 22.17 20. And the spirit and the bride say Come and let him that heareth say Come and let him that is a thirst say Come and whosoever will let him take of the water of life freely he which testifieth these thidgs saith Surely I come quickly Amen even so come Lord Iesus Q. 7. What is the First instruction from hence A. That the Apparitions of departed Saints ordinarily are but Fables They wander not Rev. 3.12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the Temple of my God and he shall go no more out Q. 8. What is the Second Inference A. That Purgatory is a groundless Fable and invention of men and the Scriptures alledged to countenance it grosly abused 1 Pet. 3.19 By the which also he went and preacht unto the spirits in prison Q. 9. What is the Third inference from it A. That Heaven must needs be a marvellous surprize to Believers how long soever they have conversed with it here Q. 10. What is the Fourth inference A. The consideration of this should provoke Saints to work hard to finish all they have to do on Earth Eccles. 9.10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do do it with thy might for there is no work nor device nor knowledge nor wisdom in the grave whither thou goest Q. 11. What is the Fifth inference A. That there is no reason to grieve excessively for departed Saints 1 Thes.
the doing of this Will of Providence in Heaven A. 1. As 't is done by the Sun Moon and Stars Psal. 119.89 Thy word is setled in heaven Vers 91. They continue this day according to thine ordinances Psal. 19.6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven and his circuit unto the ends of it and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof 2. As 't is done by Angels Psal. 104.4 Who maketh the angels spirits his ministers a flaming fire Heb. 1. ult Are they not all ministring spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation Q. 4. How do these perform the Will of Gods Providence A. 1. The Heavenly bodies do it evenly constantly and unweariedly Psal. 104.19 He appointeth the moon for seasons the sun knoweth his going down 2. The Angels do speedily voluntarily chearfully and so knowingly Psal. 103.21 Ye ministers of his that do his pleasure Q. 5. Must we be agents in this Providential Will A. Yes we must Acts 13.36 For David after he had served his generation by the will of God fell on sleep Q. 6. How must we do it A. By imploying our abilities faculties and interests in the Duties of our particular Callings and by moving constantly prudently and vigorously in our own sphere and so imitate those in Heaven Q. 7. Why do we pray that Gods Will of Providence may be done by us A. Because we are his Creatures and the most noble instruments of the inferiour World and therefore we should be willing to be acted by him and active for him and because this Will of Providence is alwayes just good and true and for his own Glory Psal. 145.17 The Lord is righteous in all his wayes and holy in all his works Psal. 119.89 For ever O Lord thy word is setled in heaven Ver. 91. They continue this day according to thine ordinances for all are thy servants Q. 8. What other Will of God is here meant A. The Will of his Precepts and this is chiefly intended Q. 9. And how is this Will of God done in Heaven A. By the Angels 't is done universally chearfully constantly humbly thankfully loyally readily Psal. 103.20 Bless the Lord ye his angels that excel in strength that do his commandments hearkening unto the voice of his word And so 't is done by the Saints in Heaven Rev. 7.15 Therefore are they before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple And 22.3 And his servants shall serve him Q. 10. Do we pray then that we may thus do the Will of God A. Yes for though we cannot perfectly without sin do it yet that is our Duty Matth. 5. ult Be ye therefore perfect even as your father which is in heaven is perfect And in all other particulars we may and we must imitate them herein Psal. 119.6 Then shall I not be ashamed when I have respect unto all thy commandments Ver. 14. I have rejoyced in the way of thy testimonies as much as in all riches Ver. 60. I made hasâ—e and delayed not to keep thy commandments Ver. 112. c. I have inclined my heart to perform thy statutes alway even unto the end Q. 11. How must we know Gods Will A. Not notionally and rationally only but spiritually also 1 Cor. 2.14 They are spiritually discerned Q. 12. Why is knowing Gods will placed here before doing it c. A. Because the Understanding is the leading Faculty without which 't is impossible there should be any Obedience Prov. 19.2 Also that the soul be without knowledge it is not good Jer. 5.4 Therefore I said surely these are poor they are foolish for they know not the way of the Lord nor the judgment of their God Q. 13. Why pray we to God for this knowledge can we not know it of our selves A. No 't is the special gift and grace of God Gal. 1.15 16. But when it pleased God who separated me from my mothers womb and called me by his grace to reveal his son in me that I might preach him among the heathen immediateâ—y I conferred not with flesh and blood Eph. 1.17 19. That the God of our Lord Iesus Christ the father of glory may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us ward who believe according to the working of his mighty power Eph. 5.8 For ye were sometimes darkness but now are ye light in the Lord. Q. 14. Why do we pray that we may obey can we not do it of our own free will when we know it A. No for our Wills are stubborn and rebellious against Gods Commands as well as our Minds ignorant of them Rom. 8.7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God for it is not subject to the law of God neither indeed can be Ezek. 36.25 26. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you and ye shall be clean from all your filthiness and from all your idols will I cleanse you A new heart also will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and I will give you an heart of flesh Phil. 2.13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure Q. 15. What is meant by submitting to Gods Will A. 1. Either a voluntary subjection of Soul and a preparedness actually to do his Will Or 2. a voluntary and silent submission to his Will of Providence in affliction but in this particular we cannot imitate those in Heaven because no cross ever befals them Q. 16. Why is Will added in all things A. Because partial Obedience is no Obedience he that does not obey God in every thing obeys him in nothing Iam. 2.10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend in one point he is guilty of all Q. 17. Why do we pray that God by his Grace would work this Will in us and by us A. Because 't is Free-grace that determines it 2 Tim. 1.9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Iesus before the world began And efficacious Grace that works it in us and enables us to do it Eph. 5.8 For ye were sometimes darkness but now are ye light in the Lord. Ver. 10. Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. Q. 18. What is the first Inference from hence A. That 't is Mans glory and felicity to be conformed to the Will of God Prov. 12.26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour Psal. 19.10 11. More to be desired are they than gold yea then much fine gold sweeter also then honey and the honey-comb Moreover by them is thy servant warned and in keeping of them there is great reward Q. 19. What is the second Inference A. That we must mortifie
Christian what condition God puts him into so that he may but be useful to Sanctifie and exalt the name of God therein Phil. 1.20 as always so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body whether it be by life or by death Q. 14. What 's the last Inference hence A. That it 's an high and dreadful provocation of God to prophane and abuse his worship whereon his Name is called and wherein it is to be Sanctified Levit. 10.1 2 3. And Nadab and Abihu the Sons of Araon took either of them his Censer and put fire therein and put incense thereon and offered strange fire before the Lord which he commanded them not And there went out fire from the Lord and devoured them and they died before the Lord. Then Moses said unto Aaron This is it that the Lord spake saying I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me and before all the people will I be glorified Of Gods Kingdom Quest. 102 WHat do we pray for in the Second petition A. In the second Petition which is Thy Kingdom come we pray that Satans Kingdom may be destroyed and that the Kingdom of Grace may he advanced our selves and others brought into it and kept in it and that the Kingdom of Glory may be hastened Q. 1. What is the first Thing Signified by the Kingdom of God here A. The Gospel is here intended by the Kingdom of God Matth. 13.47 Again the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a net that was cast into the sea and gathered of every kind Q. 2. What 's the thing Signified by the coming of this Kingdom of God A. It signifies the removal of all impediments that hinder its propagation in the world 2 Thess. 3.1 Finally brethren pray for us that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified even as it is with you Q. 3. Who and what hinders the propagation of it A. Antichrist that man of sin hinders it externally 2 Thess. 2.4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God shewing himself that he is God The Devil and Mens Lusts internally 1 Thess. 2.18 Wherefore we would have come unto you even I Paul once and again but Satan hindered Luke 19.14 But his citizens hated him and sent a messenger after him saying We will not have this man to reign over us Q. 4. What then is the desire of all good men with respect to the coming of the Gospel-Kingdom A. That all Nations may be brought to Christ by the preaching of it and so Christs Kingdom be greatly exalted and enlarged Isa. 2.2 And it shall come to pass in the last days that the mountain of the Lords house shall be established in the top of the mountains and shall be exalted above the hills and all nations shall flow unto it Q. 5. What 's the second thing here meant by the Kingdom of God A. It signifies and intends the work of saving Grace wrought in Mens Souls Luke 17.21 Behold the kingdom of God is within you Q. 6. Why is this work of Grace called the Kingdom of God A. Because wherever saving Grace comes it subdues the Soul to Christs Sceptre 2 Cor. 10.5 Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Q. 7. Wherein consists the Kingdom of Grace A. It consists not in external Rites and Observances but in Righteousness and Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost Rom. 14.17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost Q. 8. What do we ask of God in this Petition with respect to this Kingdom of Grace A. Herein we desire not only our own personal progressive Sanctification but the Sanctification of others all the World over Acts 26.29 And Paul said I would to God that not only thou but also all that hear me this day were both almost and altogether such as I am except these bonds Q. 9. What 's the third thing here meant by the Kingdom of God A. By it is here meant the future state of Glory and Blessedness 1 Cor. 15.50 Now this I say brethren that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God c. Q. 10. Why is the Heavenly state called the Kingdom of God A. This is called the Kingdom of God because in that state God reigns over his people gloriously there being no rebellion in them in the least degree Luke 20.36 For they are equal unto the angels and are the children of God being the children of the resurrection And they reign with Christ. Rev. 3.21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne c. Q. 11. What do we desire in Prayer for the coming of this Kingdom A. We desire not only our preservation in our passage to that state of Glory 1 Pet. 5.10 But the God of all grace who hath called us into his eternal glory by Christ Iesus after that ye have suffered a while make you perfect stablish strengthen settle you But the hastening of it to our selves and others Rev. 22.20 Amen even so come Lord Iesus Q 12. What 's the first Instruction hence A. That the Gospel is an invaluable Mercy as it is the instrument of bringing us into Christs Gracious and Glorious Kingdom Asts 26.18 To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of satan unto God that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me Q. 13. What 's the second Inference from hence A. That many men really hate and oppose the very thing they pray for Q. 14. What 's the last Instruction hence A. That how firmly soever Satans and Antichrists Kingdom seem to be founded in the World they must and shall fall before the dayly Prayers of the Saints Concerning the doing of Gods Will. Quest. 103. WHat do we pray for in the third Petition A. In the third Petition which is Thy Will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven we pray that God by his Grace would make us able and willing to know obey and submit to his Will in all things as the Angels do in Heaven Q. 1. What Will of God is here intended A. Not the Will of his Decree for that is in himself alone 1 Cor. 2.11 The things of God knoweth no man but the spirit of God Q. 2. What Will then is here meant A. The Will of his Providence may be here meant Psal. 125.6 Whatsoever the Lord pleased that did he in heaven and in earth in the seas and all deep places And Psal. 119.89 For ever O Lord thy word is setled in heaven Ver. 91. They continue this day according to tâ—â—ne ordinances for all are thy servants Q 3. How are we to understand