or transgression of the Law of God h. 1 Ioh. 3. 4 Q. What was the sin whereby our first Parents fell from the estate wherein they were created A. The sin whereby our first Parents fell from the estate wherein they were created was their eating the forbidden fruit c Gen 3. 6 12 Q Did all mankinde fall in Adams first transgression A. The Covenant being made with Adam not onely for himself but for his posterity all mankind descending from him by ordinary generation sinned in him and fell with him in his first transgresâ—ion d Gen. 2. 16 17 Rom 5 12 â— Cor. 15 21 22 Q Into what estate did the fall bring mankinde A. The fall brought mankinde into an estate of sin and misery e Rom. 5 12 Q. Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto Man fell A. The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell consists in the guilt of Adams first sin the want of Oâ—iginal righteousness and the corruption of his whole nature which is commonly called Orâ—ginal sin together with all actual transgressions which proceed from it f Rom. 5. 12 19 Rom. 5 10 â—â— 2â— Eph 2 1 2 3 â—am 1. 14 â—â— Mat. 15 19 Q What is the misery of that estate whereinto Man fell A. All mankinde by their fall lost communion with God g Gen. 3. 8 10 24 are undâ—r his wrath and curse h Eph. 2. 2 3. gal 3. 10 and so made liable to all miseries in this life to death it self and to the pains of hell for ever i Lam 3. 39. Rom. 6. 29. Mat. 25. 41 46 Q. Did God leave all Mankinde to perish in the estate of sin and misery A. God having out of his meer good pleasure from all eternity elected some to everlasting life k Eph. 1 4 did enter into a Covenant of grace to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery and to bring them into an estate of Salvation by a Redeemer l Rom. 3 20 21 22 Gal. 3. 21 22 Q. Who is the Redeemer of Gods elect A. The only Redeemer of Gods elect is the Lord Iesus Christ m 1 Tim 2 5 6 who being the eternal Son of God became man n Ioh. 1 14 Gal. 4. 4 and so was and continueth to be God and man in two distinct Natures and one Person for ever o Rom. 9. 5 Luke 1. 35 Col. 2 9. Heb. 7. 24 25 Q. How did Christ being the Son of God become Man A. Christ the Son of God became man by taking to himself a true body p Heb. 2. 14 16. and 10. 5 and a reasonable soul q Mat 26 38 being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Viâ—gin Mary and born of her r Luk. 1. 27 31 35 42 Gal. 4 4 yet without sin Å¿ Heb. 4 15 and 7. 26 Q. What Offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer A. Christ as our Redeemer executeth the offices of a Prophet of a Priest and of a King both in his estate of Humiliation and Exaltation t Act 3 21 22. Heb. 12 25. with 2 Cor. 13. 3. Heb. 5 5 6 7. and 7. 25. Ps 2. 6. Isa 9. 6 7. Mat. 21. 5. Psa 2. 8 9 10 11. Q. How doth Christ execute the Office of a Prophet A. Christ executeth the Office of a Prophet in revealing to us by his Word and Spirit the Will of God for our Salvation u Ioh. 1. 18 1 Pet. 1. 10 11 12. Ioh 15. 15. and 29. 31 Q. How doth Christ execute the Office of a Priest A. Christ executeth the Office of a Priest in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfie divine justice w Heb. 9 14 28 and reconcile us to God x Heb. 2. 17 and in making continual intercession for us y Heb. 7. 24 25 Q. How doth Christ execute the Office of a King A. Christ executeth the Office of a King in subduing us to himself z Acts 15 14 15 16 in ruling a Is 33. 22 and defending us b Is 32 1 2 and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies c 1 Cor. 15 25. Ps 110 throughout Q. Wherein did Christs Humiliation consist A. Christs Humiliation consisted in his being born and that in a low condition d Luk. 27 made under the Law e Gal. 4. 4 undergoing the miseries of this life f Heb. 12 2 3 Isa 53 2 3 the wrath of God g Luke 22 44. Mat. 27. 46 and the cursed death of the Cross h Phil. 2. 8 in being buried i 1 Cor. 15 3 continuing under the power of death for a time k Act. 2. 24 25 26 27 31 Q Wherein consisteth Christs Exaltation A. Christs Exaltation consisteth in his rising again from the dead on the third day l 1 Cor. 15 4 in ascending up into Heaven m Mark 16 19 in sitting at the right hand of God the Father n Eph. i. 20 and in coming to judg the world at the last day o Act. 1. 11 and 17. 31 Q. How are we made partakers of the Redemption purchased by Christ A. We are made partakers of the Redemption purchased by Christ by the effectual Application of it to us p Ioh. 1. 11 12 by his holy Spirit q Tit. 3. 5 6 Q. How doth the Spirit apply to us the Redemption purchased by Christ A. The Spirit applyeth to us the Redemption purchased by Christ by working Faith in us r Eph. 1. 13 14. Ioh. 6 37 39 Eph. 28 and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual Calling Å¿ Eph. 3. 17 1 Cor. 1. 9 Q What is effectual Calling A. Effectual Calling is the work of Gods Spirit t 2 Tim. 1 9. 2 Thes 2. 13 14 whereby convincing us of our sin and misery u Act. 2 37 inlightening our minds in the knowledg of Christ w Acts 26 18. and renewing our wills x Ezek. 36. 26 27. he doth perswade and inable us to imbrace Jesus Christ freely offered to us in the Gospel y Ioh. 6. 44 45. Phil. 2. 13. Q. What benefits do they that are â—ffectually called partake of in this life A. They that are effectually Called do in this life partake of Justification z Ro. 8 â—0 Adoption a Eph. 1. 5 Sanctification and the several benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from them b 1 Cor. 1 26 30 Q. What is Justification A. Justification is an act of Gods free grace wherein he pardoneth all our sins c Ro. 3. 24 25. and 4 6 7 8 and accepteth us as righteous in his fight d 2 Cor. 5 19 21 only for the Righteousness of Christ imputed to us e Rom. 5. 17 18 19 and received by Faith alone f Gal. 2. 16 Phil. 3. 9 Q. What is Adoption A. Adoption is
From circumstances of time r 2 Kin. 5. 26 place Å¿ Ier. 7. 10 Isai 26. 10 if on the Lords day t Ezek. 23. 37. 38 39 or other times of divine worship u Isai 58. 3 4 5 or immediately before w 1 Cor. 11 20 21 or after these x Ier. 7. 8 9 10 Pro. 7. 14 15 Ioh. 13. 27 30 or other helps to prevent or remedy such miscarriages y Ezra 9. 13 14 if in publike or in the presence of others who are thereby likely to be provoked or defiled z 2 Sam. 16 22 1 Sam. 2. 22 23 24 Q. What doth every sinne deserve at the hands of God A. Every sin even the least being against the soveraignty a Iam 2. 10 11 goodnes b Ex. â—0 1 â— holines of God c Hab. 1. 13 Lev. 10. 3 Lev 11. 44 45 against his righteous law d 1 Ioh. 3. 4 Rom. 7. 12 deserveth his wrath curse e Eph. 5. 6 Gal. 3. 10. both in this life f Lam. 3. â—9 Deut. 28. 15 to the end that which is to come g Mat. 25. 41 cannot be expiated but by the blood of Christ h Heb. 9. 22 1 Pet. 1. 18 19 Q. What doth God require of us that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us by reason of the transgression of the Law A. That we may escape the wrath and curse of God due to us by reason of the transgression of the Law be requireth of us repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Iesus Christ i Acts 20. 21 Mat 3. 7 8 Luk 13. 3. 5 Acts 16. 30 31 Ioh. 3. 16. 18 and the diligent use of the outward meanes whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation k Prov. 21 to 6 Prov. 8. 33. to the end Q. What are the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefiâ— of his mediation A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to his Church the benefits of his mediation are all his ordinances especially the Word Sacraments and prayer all which are made effectuall to the Elect for their salvation l Mat. 28. 19 20. Acts 2 42 46 47 Q. How is the word made effectuall to salvation A. The Spirit of God maketh the Reading but especially the Preaching of the Word an effectual means of enlightning m Neh. 8. 8 Acts 26. 18 Psal 19. 8 convincing and humbling sinners n 1 Cor. 14 24 25. 2 Chr. 34. 18 19 26 27 28. of driving them out of themselvs and drawing them unto Christ o Acts 2. 37 41. Acts 8 27 to 39 of conforming them to his Image p 1 Cor. 3. 18 and subduing them to his will q 2 Cor. 10. 4 5 6 Rom. 6. 17 of strengthening them against temptations and corruptions r Mat. 4 4. 7. 8 Eph. 6. 16 17 Psal 19. 11 1 Cor. 10. 11 of building them up in grace Å¿ Acts 20 32 2 Tim. 3. 15 16 17 and establishing their hearts in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation t Rom. 16. 25 1 Thes 3. 2 10 11 13 Rom. 15. 4 Rom. 10. 13 14 15 16 17 Rom. 1. 16 Q. Is the word of God to be read by all A. Although all are not to be permitted to read the Word publikely to the Congregation u Deut. 31. 9 11 12 13 Neh. 8. 2. 3 Neh. 9. 3 4 5 yet all sorts of people are bound to read it apart by themselves w Deut. 17 19. Rev. 1. 3 Ioh. 5. 39 Isa 34. 16 with their families x Deut. 6 6 7. 8 9. Gen. 18 17 19. Psal 78. 5 6 7 to which end the holy Scriptures are to be translated out of the Original into vulgar languages y 1 Cor. 14. 6 9 11 12 15. 16 24. 27 28 Q. How is the Word of God to be read A. The holy Scriptures are to be read with an high and reverent esteem of them z Psaâ— 19. 10 Neh. 8. 3. to 10. Exod. 24. 7. 2 Chr. 34. 27. Isai 66. 2. with a firm perswasion that they are the very Word of God a 2 Pet. 1. 19 20 21 and that he only can enable us to understand them b Luk. 24. 45 2 Cor. 3 13 14 15 16 with desire to know believe and obey the will of God revealed in them c Deut. 17 19 20 with diligence d Acts 17. 11 and attention to the matter and scope of them e Acts 8. 30 34. Luk. 10 26 27 28 with meditation f Psal 1. 2 Psal 119. 97 application g 1 Chr. 34. 21 self-deniall h Pro. 3. 5 Deut. 33. 3 and prayer i Prov. 2. 1 to 7. Ps 119 18 Neh. 8. 6 8 Q. By whom is the Word of God to bee preached A. The Word of God is to be preached only by such as are sufficiently gifted k 1 Tim. 3. 2 6. Eph. 4. 8 9 10 11. Hos 4. 6. Mal. 2. 7 2 Cor. 3. 6 also duly approved called to that office l Ier. 14. 15 Rom. 10. 15 Heb. 5. 4 1 Cor. 12. 28 29. 1 Tim. 3 10. 1 Tim. 4 14. 1 Tim. 5 22 Q. How is the Word of God to be preached by those that are called thereunto A. They that are called to labour in the ministry of the Word are to preach sound doctrine m Tit. 2. 1 8 diligently n Acts 18. 25 in season and out of season o 2 Tim. 4. â— plainly p 1 Cor. 14. 19 not in the enticing words of mans wisdome but in demonstration of the Spirit and power q 1 Cor. 2. 4 faithfully r Ier. 23 28 1 Cor. 4. 1 2 making known the whole counsell of God Å¿ Acts 20. 27 wisely t Col. 1. 28 2 Tim. 2. 15 applying themselves to the necessities and capacities of the hearers u 1 Cor. 3. 2. Heb 5. 12 13. 14. Luk. 12. 42. zealously w Acts 10. 25. with fervent love to God x 2 Cor. 5. 13 14. Phil. 1. 15 16 17. and the souls of his people y Col. 4. 12. 2 Cor. 12. 15. sincerely z 2 Cor. 2. 1â— 2 Cor. 4. 2. ayming at his glory a 1 Thes 2. 4 5 6. Ioh. 7. 18. and their conversion b 1 Cor. 9. 19 20 21 22. edification c 2 Cor. 12 19. Eph. 4. 12. and salvation d 1 Tim. 4. 16 Acts 26. 16 17 18. Q. What is required of those that heare the Word preached A. It is required of those that hear the Word preached that they attend upon it with diligence e Pro. 8. 34 preparation f 1 Pet. 2. 1 2 Luke 8. 18 and prayer g Psal 119. 18 Eph. 6. 18. 19 examine what they hear by the Scriptures h Acts 17. 11 receive the truth with
to the good thereof CHAP. VI. Of the Fall of Man of Sin and of the Punishment thereof OVr first Parents being seduced by the subtilty and Temptation of Satan sinned in eating the forbidden fruit a Gen. 3. 13. 2 Cor. 11. 3 This their sin God was pleased according to his wise and holy counsell to pâ—rmit having purposed to order it to his own glory b Rom. 1â— 32. II. By this sinne they fell from their originall righteousnesse and communion with God c Gen. 3. 6 7 8. Eccles 7. 29. Rom. 3. 23. and so became dead in sin d Gen. 2. 17 Eph 2. 1 and wholly defiled in all the faculties and parts of soul and body e Tit. 1. 15 Gen. 6. 5. Ier. 17. 9. Rom. 3 10 10 19. III. They being the root of all mankind the guilt of this sin was imputed f Gen. 1. 27. 28 and Gen 2. 16 17. and Acts 17 13. with Rom. 5. 12 15 16 17. 18 19. and 1 Cor. 15 21 22 45 and the same death in sin and corrupted nature conveyed to all their posterity descending from them by ordinary generation g Psal 51. 5 Gen. 5. 3. Iob 14. 4. Iob 15. 14. IV. From this originall corruption whereby we are utterly indisposed disabled and made opposite to all good h Rom. 5. 6. Rom 8. 7. Rom. 7. 18. Col. 1. 21 and wholly inclined to all evil i Gen 6. 5. Gen 8 21. Rom 3. 10 11 12. do proceed all actuall transgressions k Iam. 1. 14 15. Eph. 2. 2 3. Mat. 15. 19 V. This corruption of nature during this life doth remaine in those that are regenerated l 1 Ioh 1. 8 10. Rom 7. 14 17 18 23. Iam. 3 2 Prov. 20. 9. Eccles 7. 20 and although it be through Christ pardoned and mortified yet both it self and all the motions thereof are truly and properly sin m Rom 7. 5 7 8 25. Gal. 5. 17. VI. Every sin both Originall and Actuall being a transgression of the righteous Law of God and contrary thereunto n Iohn 3. 4 doth in its own nature bring guilt upon the sinner o Rom. 2. 15. Rom. 3. 9 19. whereby he is bound over to the wrath of God p Ephes 2. 3. and curse of the Law q Gal. 3. 10. and so made subject to death r Rom. 6. 23. with all miseries spirituall Å¿ Ephes 4. 18. temporall t Rom. 8. 20. Iam. 3. 39. and eternall u Mat. 25. 41. 2 Thes 1. 9. CHAP. VII Of Gods Covenant with Man THe distance between God and the Creature is so great that although reasonable Creatures do owe obedience unto him as their Creator yet they could never have any fruition of him as their Blessednesse and Reward but by some voluntary condescension on Gods part which he hath been pleased to expresse by way of Covenant a Isaiah 40. 13 14 15 16 17. Iob 9. 32 33 1 Sam. 2. 25 Ps 113. 5 6 Psal 100. 2 3 Iob 22 2 3. Iob 35. 7 8 Luke 17. 10 Act 17. 24 25. II. The first Covenant made with Man was a Covenant of Works b Gal. 3. 12 wherin Life was promised to Adam and in him to his posterity c Rom. 10. 5 Rom 5. 12 to 20. upon condition of perfect and personall obedience d Gen. 2. 17 Gal. 3. 10. III. Man by his Fall having made himself uncapable of Life by that Covenant the Lord was pleased to make a Second e Gal. 3 21 Rom. 3. 20 21. Gen 3. 15. Isa 42. 6 commonly called the Covenant of Grace Wherein he freely offereth unto sinners Life and Salvation by Iesus Christ requiting of them Faith in Him that they may be saved f Mark 16 15 16. Iohn 3. 16. Rom. 10. 6 9. Gal. 3. 11 and promising to give unto all those that are ordained unto Life his holy Spirit to make them willing and able to believe g Ezek. 36. 26 27. Iohn 6. 44 45. IV. This Covenant of Grace is frequently set forth in the Scripture by the name of a Testament in reference to the death of Iesus Christ the Testator and to the everlasting Inheritance with all things belonging to it therein bequeathed h Heb. 9. 15 16 17. Heb. 7. 22. Luke 22. 20. 1 Cor. 11. 25 V. This Covenant was differently administred in the time of the Law and in the time of the Gospel i 2 Cor. 3. 6 7 8 9. Vnder the Law it was administred by Promises Prophesies Sacrifices Circumcision the Paschal Lamb and other Types and Ordinances delivered to the people of the Iewes all fore-signifying Christ to come k Heb. 8. 9 10 chapters Rom. 4. 11 Col. 21. 1 12 1 Cor. 5. 7 which were for that time sufficient and efficacious through the operation of the Spirit to instruct and build up the Elect in Faith in the Promised Messiah l 1 Cor. 10 1. 2 3 4. Heb. 11. 13 Iohn 8. 56 by whom they had full remission of sins and eternall Salvation and is called the Old Testament m Gal. 3. 7 8 9 14. VI. Vnder the Gospel when Christ the substance n Col. 2. 17 was exhibited the Ordinances in which this Covenant is dispensed are the Preaching of the Word and the Administration of the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lords Supper o Mat. 28 19 30. 1 Cor. 14 23 24 25 Which though fewer in number and administred with more simplicity and lesse outward glory yet in them it is held forth in more fulnesse evidence and spirituall efficacy p Heb. 12 22. to 28 Ier. 31. 33 34. to all nations both Iews and Gentiles q Mat. 28. 19 Eph. 2. 15 16 17 18 19 and is called the New Testament r Luk. 22. 20 There are not therefore Two Covenants of Grace differing in substance but one and the same under various dispensations Å¿ Gal. 3. 4 16. Rom. 3 21 22 23 30 Psal 32. 1 with Rom. 4. 3 6 17 23 24. Heb. 13. 8. Act. 15. 11. CHAP. VIII Of Christ the Mediatour IT pleased God in his eternall purpose to choose and ordain the Lord Iesus His only begotten Son to be the Mediator between God and Man a Isa 42. 1 1 Pet. 1. 19 20. Iohn 3. 16. 1 Tim. 2. 5 the Prophet b Acts 3. 22 Priest c Heb. 5 5 6 and King d Psal 2. 6 Luke 1. 33 the Head and Saviour of his Church e Eph. 5. 23 the Heir of all things f Heb. 1. 2 and Iudge of the World g Acts 17. 31 Vnto whom He did from all eternity give a People to be his Seed h Iohn 17. 6 Psal 22. 30 Isa 53. 10 and to be by him in time Redeemed Called Iustified Sanctified and Glorified i 1 Tim. 2. 6 Isa 55. 4 5 1 Cor. 1. 30 II. The Son of God the second Person in the Trinity
to the Throne of Grace with boldnesse e Eph. 3. 12 Rom. 5. 2 are enabled to cry Abba Father f Gal 4. 6 are pitied g Psa 103. 13 protected h Prov. 14. 16 Mat 6. 30 32 1 Pet. 5. 7 provided for i and chastened by him as by a Father k Heb. 12. 6 yet never cast off l Lam. 3. 31 but sealed to the day of redemption m Eph. 4. 20 and inherit the promises as heirs of everlasting salvation o 1 Pet. 1 3 4. Heb. 1. 14 n Heb. 6. 12 CHAP. XIII Of Sanctification THey who are effectually called and Regenerated having a new heart and a new spirit created in them are further sanctified really and personally through the vertue of Christs death and resurrection a 1 Cor. 6. 11 Acts 20. 32 Phil. 3. 1â— Rom. 6. 5 6 by his Word and Spirit dwelling in them b Iohn 17 17 Eph. 5. 26 2 Thes 2. 13 the domininion of the whole body of sinne is destroyed c Rom. 6. 6 14. and the severall lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified d Gal. 5. 24 Rom. 8. 13 and they more and more quickned and strengthened in all saving graces e Col 1. 11 Ephes 3. 16 17 18 19 to the practice of true holiness without which no man shall see the Lord f 2 Cor. 7. 1 Heb. 12. 14 II. This Sanctification is throughout in the whole man g 1 Thes 5 2â— yet imperfect in this life there abideth still some remnants of corruption in every part h 1 Ioh 1. 10 Rom. 7. 18 23. Phil. 5. 12 whence ariseth a continuall and irreconcileable warre the flesh lusting against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh i Gal. 5 17 1 Pet. 2. 11 III. In which warre although the remaining corruption for a time may much prevail k Rom. 7. 23 yet through the continuall supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ the regenerate partdoth overcome l Rom. 6 14 1 Iohn 5. 4 Eph. 4. 15 16 and so the Saints grow in grace m 2 Pet. 3 18 2 Cor 3 18 perfecting holinesse in the fear of God n 2 Cor. 7. 1 CHAP. XIV Of Saving Faith THe grace of Faith whereby the elect are inabled to believe to the saving of their soules a Heb. 10. 39 is the Work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts b 2 Cor. 4. 13 Eph 1. 1â— 18. 19 Eph. 2. 8 and is ordinarily wrought by the Ministry of the Word c Rom. 1â— 14. 17 by which also and by the administration of the Sacraments and Prayer it is increased and strengâ—hened d 1 Pet. 2. 2 Acts 20. 32 Rom. 4. 11 Luk. 17. 5 Rom 1. 16 17. II. By this Faâ—th a Christian believeth to be true whatsover is revealed in the Word for the authority of God himself speaking therein e Iohn 4. 42 1 Thes 2. 13 1 Iohn 5. 10 Acts 24. 14 and acting differently upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth yeelding obedience to the Commands f Rom 16. 26 trembling at the threatnings g Isa 60. 2 and imbracing the promises of God for this life and that which is to come h Heb 11. 13 1 Tim. 4. 8 But the principall acts of saving faith are Accepting Receiving and Resting upon Christ alone for Iustification Sanctification and Eternall life by vertue of the Covenant of Grace i Iohn 1. 10 Acts 16. 31 Gal. 2. 29 Acts 15. â—1 III. This faith is different in degrees weak or strong k Heb. 5. 13 14. Rom. 4 19 20 Mat. 6 30 Mat. 8. 10 may be often and many wayes assayled and weakned but gets the victory l Luk. 22. 31 32. Eph. 6. 16 1 Ioh. 5. 4 5 growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ m Heb. 6. 11 12. Heb. 10 22. Col. 2. 2 who is both the Author and finisher of our faith n Heb. 12. 2 CHAP. XV. Of Repentance unto life REpentance unto life is an evangelâ—call grace a Zec. 12. 10 Acts 11. 18 the Doctrine whereof is to bee preached by every Minister of the Gospel as well as that of faith in Christ b Luke 24 47. Mark 1 15. Acts 20 21. II. By it a sinner out of the sight and sense not only of the danger but also of the filthinesse and odiousnesse of his sins as contrary to the holy nature and righteous Law of God and upon the apprehension of his mercy in Christ to such as are penitent so grieves for and hates his sins as to turn from them all unto God c Eze. 18. 30 31. Eze. 36. 31 Isa 30. 22 Psal 51. 4 Ier 31. 18. 19 Ioel 2. 12 13 Amos 5. 15 Psal 119. 128 2 Cor. 7. 11 purposing and endeavourâ—ng to walk with him in all the wayes of his Commandments d Psal 119 6 59 106 Luk. 1. 6 2 Kin 23. 25 III. Although Repentance be not to be rested in as any satisfaction for sin or any cause of the pardon thereof e Eze. 36 31 32. Eze. 16 61 62 63 which is the act of Gods free grace in Christ f Hos 14. 2 4 Rom. 3. 24 Ephes 1. 7 yet is it of such necessity to all sinners that none may expect pardon without it g Luk. 13 â— 5. Acts 17 30 31 Rom. 5. 21 IV. As there is no sin so small but it deserves damnation h Rom. 6. 23 Mat. 12. 36 so there is no sin so great that it can bring damnation upon those who truly repent i Isa 5â— 7 Rom. 8 1 Isa 1. 16 â—â— V. Men ought not to content themselves with a generall repentance but it is every mans duty to endeavour to repent of his particular sins particularly k Psal 19 13 Luke 19. 8 1 Tim. 1 13 15 VI. As every man is bound to make private confession of his sins to God praying for the pardon thereof l Psal 51. 4 5 7 9 14 Psal 32. 5 6 upon which and the forsaking of them he shall finde mercy m Pro. 28. 13 1 Iohn 1. 9 so he that scandalizeth his Brother or the Church of Christ ought to be willing by a private or publique confession and sorrow for his sinne to declare his repentance to those that are offended n Iam. 5. 16 Luk 17. 3. 4 Iosh 7. 19 Psal 51 throughout who are thereupon to be reconciled to him and in love to receive him o â— Cor. 2. â— CHAP. XVI Of Good Works GOod Works are only such as God hath commanded in his holy Word a Micah 6. 8 Rom. 12 2 Heb 13. 21 and not such as without the warrant thereof are devised by men out of blinde zeal or upon any pretence of good intention b Mat. 15. 9 Isa 29. 13 1 Pet. 1. 18 Rom. 10 2
Iam. 2. 11 Psal 119 101 104 28. and the threatnings of it serve to shew what even their sins deserve and what afflictions in this life they may expect for them although freed from the curse thereof threatned in the Law r Ezra 9. 13 14. Psal 89 30 31 32 33 34. The promises of it in like manner shew them Gods approbarion of obedience and what blessings they may expect upon the performance thereof Å¿ Levit. 26. 1 to 14. with 2 Cor. 6. 16 Eph. 6. 2. 3 Psal 37. 11 with Mat. 5 5. Psal 19 11. although not as due to them by the Law as a Covenant of Works t Gal. 2. 16 Luke 17. 10 So as a mans doing good and refraining from evill because the Law encourageth to the one and deterreth from the other is no evidence of his being under the Law and not under grace u Rom. 6 12 14. 1 Pet. 3. 8 9 10 11 12 with Psa 34 12 13 14 15 16 Heb. 12. 28 29. VII Neither are the forementioned Vses of the Law contrary to the grace of the Gospel but do sweetly comply with it w Gal. 3. 21 the Spirit of Christ subduing and inabling the will of man to do that freely and chearfully which the will of God revealed in the Law requireth to be done x Eze. 36. 27 Heb. 8. 10 with Ier. 31 33. CHAP. XX. Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience THe Liberty which Christ hath purchased for Beleevers under the Gospel consists in their freedom from the guilt of sin the condemning Wâ—ath of God the Curse of the Morall Law a Tit. 2. 14 1 Thes 1. 10 Gal. 3. 13 and in their being delivered from this present evil world bondage to Satan and Dominion of sin b Gal. 1. 4 Col. â— 13 Acts 26. 18 Rom. 6. â—4 from the evill of afflictions the sting of death the victory of the grave and everlasting damnation c Rom. 8. 28 Psal 119. 71 1 Cor. 15. 55 55 56. 57 Rom. 8. 1 as also in their free accesse to God d Rom. 5 1 2 and their yeelding obedience unto him not out of slavish fear but a child like love and willing minde e Rom. 8 14 15 1 Iohn 4 18. All which were common also to Beleevers under the Law f Gal. 3. 9 14. But under the New Testament the liberty of Christians is further inlarged in their freedom from the yoke of the Ceremonial Law to which the Iewish Church was subjected g Gal. 4. 1 2 3 6 7 Gal. 5. 1 Acts 15. 10 11. and in greater boldnesse of accesse to the Throne of Grace h Heb. 4. 14 16. Heb. 10 19 20. 21 22 and in fuller communications of the free Spirit of God than Beleevers under the Law did ordinarily partake of i 1 Iohn 7 38 39 2 Cor. 3. 13 17 19 II. God alone is Lord of the Conscience k Iam. 4. 12 Rom. 14. 4. and hath left it free from the Doctrines and Commandments of men which are in any thing contrary to his Word or beside it if matters of Faith or Worship l Acts 4. 19 Acts 5. 29 1 Cor. 7. 25 Mat 23. 8. 9 10. 2 Cor. 1 24. Mat. 15. 9 So thaâ— to beleeve such Doctrines or to obey such commands out of conscience is to betray true liberty of conscience m Col. 2. 20 22. 23. Gal. 1 10. Gal. 2. 14 5. Psal 5. 1 and the requiring of an implicit faith and an absolute aâ—d blinde obedience is to destroy lâ—berty of conscience and reason also n Rom. 10 17. Rom 14 23 Isa 8. 20 Acts 17. 11 Iohn 4. â—â— Hos 5. 11 Revel 13. â—â— 16 17 Ier. 8. 9 III. They who upon pretence of Christian Liberty do practise any sin or cherish any lust do thereby destroy the end of Christian Liberty which is that being delivered out of the hands of our Enemies we might serve the Lord without fear in holinesse and righteousnesse before him all the dayes of our life o Gal. 5. 13 â— Pet 2. 16 2 Pet. 2 19 Iohn 8. 34 Luke 1. 74. 75. IV. And because the Powers which God hath ordained and the Liberty which Christ hath purchased are not intended by God to destroy but mutually to uphold preserve one another They who upon pretence of Christian Liberty shall oppose any lawfull Power or the lawfull exercise of it whether it be Civill or Ecclesiasticall resist the Ordinance of GOD p Mat. 12. 25 1 Pet. 2. 13 14 16 Rom. 13. 1 10 8. Heb 13. 17. And for their publishing of such Opinions or maintaining of such Practises as are contrary to the light of Nature or to the known Principles of Christianity whethe concerning Faith Worship or Conversation or to the Power of Godlinesse or such erroneous Opinions or Practises as either in their own nature or in the manner of publishing or maintaining them are destructive to the externall Peace and Order which Christ hath established in the Church they may lawfully be called to account and proceeded against by the Censures of the Church q Rom. 1. 32 with 1 Cor 5. 1 5 11 13. 2 Iohnver 10. 11. and 2 Thes 3. 14. and 1 Tim. 6 3 4 5. and Tit. 1. 10 11 13. Tit. 3. 10. with Mat. 18. 15 16. 17. 1 Tim. 1. 19 20. Reve. 2. 2 14 15 20. Rev. 3. 9. and by the Power of the Civill Magistrate r Deut. 13. 6 to 12. Rom. 13. Rom. 13. 3 4. with 2 Iohn ver 10 11. Ezra 7. 23 25 26 27 28. Revel 17. 12 16 17. Nehem. 13. 15 17 21 22 25 30. 2 Kings 23. 5 6 9 20 21. 2 Chron. 34. 33. 2 Chron. 15. 12 13 16. Dan. 3. 29. 1 Tim. 2. 2. Isa 49. 23. Zec. 13 2 3. CHAP. XXI Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath-day THe light of Nature sheweth that there is a GOD who hath Lordship and Soveraignty over all is good and doth good unto all and is therefore to be feared loved praised called upon trusted in served with all the heart and with all the soul and the might a Rom 1. 20 Acts 17. 24 Psal 119. 68 Ier. 10. 7 Psal 13. 23 Psal 18. â— Rom. 10. 12 Psal 6. 2. 8 Ios 24. 14. Mark 12. 33 But the acceptable way of Worshipping the true GOD is instituted by Himself and so limited by his own revealed Will that he may not be worshipped according to the imaginations and devices of men or the suggestions of Satan under any visible representation or any other way not prescribed in the holy Scripture b Deut. 12. 32. Mat. 1â— 9. Acts 17. 25. Mat. 4 9. 10. Deu. 4. 15. 10 20. Exo. 20. 4 5 6. Col. 2. 23 II. Religious Worship is to be given to GOD the Father the Son and Holy Ghost and to him alone c Mat. 4. 10. with Ioh. 5. 23 2. 2 Cor. 13. 14 not to Angels
hath chosen some men to eternall life and the meanes thereof x Eph. 1. 4 5 6. 2 Thes 2. 13 14. and also according to his soveraign power and the unsearâ—hable counsell of his own will whereby he extendeth or with-holdeth favour as he pleaseth hath passed by and fore ordained the rest to dishonour and wrath to be for their sin inflicted to the praise of the glory of his justice y Rom. 9. 17 18 21 22 Mat. 11 25 26. 2 Tim. 2. 20. Iude v 4. 1 Pet. 2. 8. Q How doth God execute his Decrees A. God executeth his Decrees in the works of Creation and Providence according to his infallible foreknowledge and the free and immutable counsell of his own will z Eph. 1. 1â— Q. What is the work of Creation A. The work of Creation is that wherein God did in the beginning by the word of his Power make of nothing the World and all things therein for himselfe within the space of six dayes and all very good a Gen. 1. Ch. Heb. 11. 3 Prov. 16. 4 Q. How did God create the Angels A. God created all the Angels b Col. 1. 16 spirits c Ps 104 4 immortall d Mat. 2. 30 holy e Mat. 25. 31 excelling in knowledge f 2 Sam. 14 17. Mat. 24 36 mighty in power g 2 Thes 1. 7 to execute his Commandements and to praise his Name h Ps 103. 20 21. yet subject to change i 2 Pet. 2 4 Q. How did God create man A. After God had made all other creatures he crated man male and female k Gen 1. 27 formed the body of the man of the dust of the ground l Gen. 2. 7 and the woman of a rib of the man m Gen. 2. 22 indued them with living reasonable and immortall souls n Gen. 2. 7 with Iob 35 11. and Eccl. 12. 7 Mat. 10 28. Luk. 23. 43 made them after his own image o Gen. â— 17 in knowledge p Col. 3. 10 righteousnesse and holinesse q Eph 4. 14 having the Law of God written in their hearts r Rom. 1. 14 25. and power to fulfill it Å¿ Eccl. 7. 29 with dominion over the creatures t Gen. 1. 28 yet subject to fall u Gen. 3. 6 Eccl. 7. 29 Q. What are Gods works of Providence A. Gods works of Providence are his most holy w Ps 145. 17 wise x Psal 104 24 Isa 28. 19 and powerfull preserving y Heb. 1. 3 and powerfull preserving y Heb. 1. 3 and governing all his creatures z Mat. 10. 29 30 31 Gen 45. 7 ordering them and all their actions a to his own glory b Rom. 11. 36 Isa 63 14 Q. What is Gods Providence toward the Angels A. God by his providence permitted some of the Angels wilfully and irrecoverably to fall into sin and damnation c Iude v. 6 2 Pet. 2. 4 Heb 2. 16 Ioh. 8. 44 limiting and ordering that and all their sins to his own glory d Iob 1. 12 Mat. 8. 31 and established the rest in holinesse and happiness e â— Tim. 5. 21 Mark 8. 38 Heb. 12. 22 imploying them all f Ps 104. 4 at his pleasure in the administrations of his power mercy and justice g 2 King 19 35 Heb 1. 14 Q. What was the Providence of God toward man in the estate in which he was â—reated A. The providence of God toward man in the estate in which he was created was the placing him in Paradise appointing him to dresse it giving him lâ—berty to eat of the fruit of the earth h Gen. 1. 8 15. 16 putting the creatures under his dominion i Gen. 1. 28 and ordaining marriage for his help k Gen. 2. 18 affording him communion with himself l Gen. 1. 26 27 28. 29 Gen. 3. 8 instituting the Sabbath m Gen. 2. 3 entering into a Covenant of life with him upon condition of personall perfect and perpetuall obedience n Gal 3. 12 Rom. 10. 5 of which the Tree of Life was a pledge o Gen. 2. 9 and forbidding to eat the Tree of the Knowledge of good and evil upon pain of death p Gen. 1. 17 Q. Did man continue in that estate wherein God at first created him A. Our first Parents being left to the freedome of their own will through the temptation of Satan transgressed the Commandement of God in eating the forbidden fruit and thereby fell from the estate of Innocency wherein they were created q Gen. 3. 6 7 8 13 Eccl. 7 29 2 Cor. 11. 3 Q. Did all mankinde fall in that first trangression A. The Covenant being made with Adam as a publâ—ke person not for himself only but for his posterity all mankinde descending from him by ordâ—nary generation r Act 17. 26 sinned in him and fell wiâ—h him in that first tranâ—gression Å¿ Gen. 2. 16 17. with Rom. 5. 12 to 20 and 1 Cor 15. 21 22. Q. Into what estate did the fall bring mankinde A. The fall brought mankinde into an estate of sin and misery t Rom. â— 12 Rom. 3. 23 Q. What is sin A. Sin is any want of conformity unto or transgression of any Law of God given as a rule to the reasonable creature u 1 Ioh. 3. 4 Gal. 3. 10. 12 Q. Wherein consisteth the sinfulnesse of that estate whereinto man fell A. The sinfulness of that estate wherinto man fell consisteth in that guilt of Adams first sin w Rom. 5. 12 19. the want of that righteousnesse wherein he was creared and the corruption of his nature whereby he is utterly indisposed disabled and made opposite unto all that is spiritually good and wholly inclined to all evill and that continually x Rom. 3. 10 â—0 20 Eph. 2. 1 2 3 Rom. 5. 6 Rom. 8. 7 8 Gen. 6. 5 which is commonly called Originall Sin and from which doe proceed all actuall transgressions y Iam. 1. 14 15. Mat. 15. 19 Q How is Originall Sin conveyed from our first Parents unto their posterity A. Originall Sin is conveyed from our first Parents unto their posterity by naturall generation so as all that proceed from them in that way are conceived and born in sin z Psal 51. 5 Iob 14. 4 Iob 15. 14 Ioh. 3. 6 Q. What misery did the fall bring upon mankinde A. The Fall brought upon mankinde the losse of Communion with God a his Gen 3. 8 10 24 displeasure and curse so as we are by nature children of wrath b Eph. 2. 2 3 bond slaves to Satan c 2 Tim. 2 26. and justly liable to all punishments in this world and that which is to come d Gen. 2. 17 Iam. 3. 39 Rom. 6. 23 Mat. 25. 41 46. Iude v. 7 Q. What are the punishments of Sinne in this world A. The punishments of Sin
God in light and glory n 1 Ioh 3. 2 1 Cor. 13. 12 waiting for the full redemption of their bodies o Rom. 8. 23 Psal 19. 6 which even in death continue united to Christ p 1 Thes 4 14 and rest in their graves as in their beds q Isai 57. 2 till at the last day they he again united to their souls r Iob 19. 26 27 whereas the souls of the wicked are at death cast into hell where they remain in torments and utter darknesse and their bodies kept in their graves as in their prisons till the resurrection and judgement of the great day Å¿ Luk. 16. 23 24 Acts 1. 25 Iude v. 6 7 Q. What are we to believe concerning the Resurrection A. We are to believe that at the last day there shal be a generall resurrection of the dead both of the just unjust t Acts 24. 15 when they that are then found alive shall in a moment be changed and the self-same bodies of the dead which were laid in the grave being then again united to their souls for ever shall be raised up by the power of Christ u 1 Cor. 15 51 52 53 1 Thes 4. 15 16 17 Ioh. 5. 28 29 the bodies of the just by the Spirit of Christ and by vertue of his resurrection as their head shall be raised in power spiritual incorruptible and made like to his glorious body w 1 Cor. 15 21 22 23 24 43 44 Phil. 3. 31 and the bodies of the wicked shall be raised up in dishonour by him as an offended Iudge x Ioh. 5. 27 28 29 Mat. 25. 33 Q. What shall immediately follow after the resurrection A. Immediately after the resurrection shall follow the generall and final judgment of Angels and men y 2 Pet. 2. 4 Iude v. 6 7 14 15 Mat 25 46 the day and hour whereof no man knoweth that all may wacth and pray and be ever ready for the comming of the Lord z Mat. 24. 36 42 44 Luke 21. 35 36 Q. What shall be done to the wicked at the day of Judgement A. At the day of Iudgment the wicked shal be set on Christs left hand a Mat. 25. 33 and upon clear evidence and full conviction of their own consciences b Rom. 2. 15 16 shall have the fearfull but just sentence of condemnation pronounced against them c Mat. 25. 41 42 43 and thereupon shall be cast out from the favourable presence of God and the glorious fellowship with Christ his Saints and all his holy Angels into hell to be punished with unspeakable torments both of body and soul with the devill and his Angels for ever d Luk. 16. 26 2 Thes 1 8 9 Q. What shall be done to the righteous at the day of Iudgement A. At the day of Iudgement the righteous being caught up to Christ in the clouds e 1 Thes 4 17 shall be set on his right hand there openly acknowledged and acquitted f Mat. 25. 3â— Mat. 10 32 shall joyn with him in the judging of reprobate Angels and men g 1 Cor. 6 2 3 and shal be received into heaven h Mat. 25. 34 46 where they shal be fully and for ever freed from all sinne and misery i Eph 5. 27 Rev. 14. 13 filled with unconceivable joyes k Psal 16. 11 made perfectly holy and happy both in body soul in the company of innumerable Saints and holy Angels l Heb. 12. 22 23 but especially in the immediate vision and fruition of God the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ and of the holy Spirit to aâ—l eterniâ—y m 1 Ioh. 3. 2 1 Cor. 13. 12 1 Thes 4. 17 18 and this is perfect and full communion which the members of the invisible Church shall enjoy with Christ in glory at the resurrection and day of Iudgement Having seen what the Scriptures principally teach us to beleeve concerning God it followes to consider what they require as the duty of man Q. WHat is the duty that God requireth of man A. The duty which God requireth of man is obedience to his revealed will n Rom. 12 1 2 Mic 6. 8 1 Sam. 15. 22 Q. What did God at first reveal unto man as the rule of his obedience A. The rule of obedience revealed to Adam in the estate of innocency and to all mankinde in him beside a speciall command not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was the Morall Law o Gen. 1. â—6 2â— Rom. 2. 14 15 Rom. 10. 5 Gen. 2. 17 Q. What is the Morall Law A. The Morall Law is the declaration of the will of God to mankinde directing and binding every one to personall perfect and perpetuall conformity and obedience thereunto in the frame and disposition of the whole man soul and body p Deut. 5 1 21 32 33 Luk. 10. 26 27 Gal 3. 10 1 Thes â— 13 and in performance of all those duties of holinesse and righteousnesse which he oweth to God and man q â—uk 1 75 Acts 14. 16 promising life upon the fulfilling and threatning death upon the breach of it r Rom. 10. 5 Gal. 3. 10 12 Q. Is there any use of the Morall Law to man since the fall A. Although no man since the fall can attain to righteousnesse and life by the Morall Law Å¿ Rom. 8. 3 Gal. 2. 16 yet there is great use thereof as well common to all men as peculiar either to the unregenerate or the regenerate t 1 Tim. 1. 8 Q. Of what use is the Morall Law to all men A. The Morall Law is of use to all men to enfoâ—m them of the holy nature and will of God u Lev. 11. 44 45 Lev. 20. 7 8 Rom. 7. 12 of their duty binding them to walk accordingly w Mic. 6. 8 Tim. 2. 10 11 to convince them of their disability to keep it and of the sinfull pollution of their nature hearts and lives x Psal 19 11 12 Rom. 3. 10 Rom. 7. 7 to humble them in sense of their sin and misery y Rom. 3. 9 23 and thereby help them to a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ z Gal. 3. 21 22 and of the perfection of his obedience a Rom. 10. 4 Q. What particular use is there of the Morall Law to unregenerate men A. The Morall Law is of use to unregenerate men to awaken their consciences to fly from wrath to come b 1 Tim. 1. 9 10 and to drive them to Christ c Gal. 1. 24 or upon their continuance in the estate and way of sin to leave them inexcusable d Rom. 1. 20 with Rom. 2. 15 Gal. 3. 10. and under the curse thereof e. Q. What speciall use is there of the Morall Law to the regenerate A. Although they that are regenerate and believe in Christ be delivered
extenuating of sins when called to a free confession l Pro. 28. 13. and 30. 20. Gen. 3. 12. 13. Ier 2 35. 2 Kin 5 25 Gen. 4. 9. unnecessary discovering of infirmities m Gen 9. 12 prov 25. 9 10. raising false rumours n Exod. 23. 1. receiving countenancing evil reports o Prov. 29. 12 and stopping our eares against just defence p Acts 7. 56 â—7 Iob 31. 13 14 evil suspition q 1 Cor. 13. 5 1 Tim. 6. 4. envying or grieving at the deserved credit of any r Num. 11. 2â— Mar. 21. 15 endeavouring or desiring to impair it Å¿ Esra 4. 12. 13 rejoycing in their disgrace and infamy t Ier. 48. 27 scornful coÌ„tempt u Psal 35 15 16 21 Mat. 27. 28 29 fond admirations w Iude v. 6 Act. 12. 22 breach of lawfull promises x Rom. 1. 31 â— Tim. 3. 3. neglecting such things as are of good report y 1 Sam. 2. 4 24 and practising or not avoiding our selves or not hindering what we can in others such things as procure an ill name z 2 Sam. 13 1 13 Prov. 5. 8. 9 Prov. 6. 33 Q. Which is the tenth Commandement A. The tenth Commandement is Thou shalt not covet thy neighbours house thou shalt not covet thy neighbours wife nor his man-servant nor his maid-servant nor his or nor his asse nor any thing that is thy neighbours a Exod. 20. 17 Q. What are the duties required in the tenth Commandement A. The duties required in the tenth Commandement are such a full contentment with our own condition b and Heb. 13. 5 1 Tim. 6 6 such a charitable frame of the whole soul toward our neighbour as that all our inward motions and affections touching him tend unto and further all that good which is his c Iob 31 29 Rom. 12 15 Psal 122. â— 8. 9 1 Tim 1. 5 Esth 1 â— 3 1 Cor. 13. 4 5 6 7 Q. What are the sinnes foâ—bidden in the tenth Commandement A. The sins forbidden in the tenth Commandement are discontentment with our own estate d 1 Kin. 2 1. 4 Est 5. 13 1 Cor. 10. 10 envying e Gal. 5. 26 Iam 3. 14. 16 and grieving at the good of our neighbours f Ps 112. 9. 10 Nâ—h 2 10 together with all inordinate motions and affections to any thing that is his g Rom 7. 7 8 Rom. 13. 9 Col. 3. 5 Deut. 5. 21 Q. Is any man perfectly able to keep the Commandements of God A. No man is able either of himself h Iames 3. 2 Iohn 15. 5 Rom. 8. 3 or by any grace received in this life perfectly to keep the Commandements of God i Eccl. 7. 20 1 Ioh. 1. 8. 10 Gal. 5. 17 Ro. 7. 18 19 but doth daily break them in thought k Gen. 65 Gen. 8 21 word and deed l Rom. 3. 9 to 21 Iam. 3. 2. â—0 13 Q. Are all transgressions of the law of God equally hainous in themselves and in the sight of God A. All transgressions of the Law of God are not equally hainous but some sins in themselves and by reason of severall aggravations are more hainous in the sight of God then others m Ioh. 19. 11 Ezek. 8. 6 1â— 15 1 Ioh. 5. 16. Ps 78. 17 32. 56 Q. What are those aggravations that make some sinnes more hainous then others A. Sins receive their aggravations From the persons offending n Ier 2. â— if they be of riper age o Iob 32. 7 9 Eccles 4. 13. greater experience or grace p 1. Kin. 11. 4 9 eminent for profession q 2 Sam. 12. 14 1 Cor. 5. 1 gifts r Iam. 4. 17 Luk. 12. 47 48 place Å¿ Ier. 5. 4 5 office t 2 Sam. 12. 7 8. 9 Ezek. 8. 11. 12. guides to others u Rom. 6. 17. to 25. and whose example is likely to be followed by others w Gal. 2. 11. 12 13 14. 15 Mat. 22 38. 39 From the parties offended x if immediately against God y 1 Sam 2. 25. Act. 5. 4. Psal 51. 4. his attributes z Rom 2. 4. and worship a Mal. 1. 8. 14 against Christ and his grace b Heb. 2. 2 3 Heb. 12. 25 the holy Spirit c Heb. 10. 29. Mat. 12. 31 32 his witnes d Eph. 4. 30 workings e Heb. 6. 4 5 against superiours men of eminency f Iude v. 8 Num. 12. 8 9. Isaiah 3 5 such as we stand especially related engaged unto g Pro. 30. 17 2 Cor. 12 15 Psal 55. 22 13 14 15. against any of the Saints h Zeph. 2. 8. 10 11. Mat â—8 6. 1 Cor. 6 8. Rev. 17. 6 particularly weak brethren i 1 Cor. 8. 11 12. Rom. 24 13 15 21 the souls of them or any other k Ezek. 13. 19 1 Cor. 8. 12 Rev. 18. 13 Mat. 23. 15 and the common good of all or many l 1 Thes 2. 15 16. Iosh 22. 20 From the nature and quality of the offence m Pro. 6. 30 to the end if it be against the express letter of the Law n Ezr. 9. 10 11 12. 1 Kings 11. 9 10 break many Commandements contain in it many sins o Col. 3. 5 1 Tim. 6. 10 Pro. 5. 8 9 10 11 12. Prov 6. 32 33 Iosh 7. 21 if not only conceived in the heart but breaks forth in words and actions p Iam. 1. 14 15. Mat. 5. 22. Mic. 2. 1. scandalize others q Mat. 18. 7. Rom. 2. 23 24. and admit of no reparation r Deut. 22. 22. with v. 28. 29. Pro 6. 32 33 34 35. if against means Å¿ Mat. 11. 21 22 23 24. Ioh. 15. 22. mercies t Isai 13. Deut. 32. 6 judgements u Amos 4. 8 to 12. Ier. 5. 3. light of nature w Rom. 1 26 27. conviction of conscience x Rom. 1. 32. Dan. 5. 22. Tit. 3 10 11. publike or private admonition y Pro. 29. 1. censures of the Church z Tit. 3 10 Mat 18. 17 civill punishments a Pro. 27. 22. Pro. 23. 25. and our own prayers purposes promises b Ps 78. 34 35 36. 37. Ier. 2. 20 Ier. 4â— 5 6 20. 21. vows c Eccl. 5. 4. 5 6. Pro. 20. 25. covenants d Lev. 26. 25. engagements to God or men e Pro. 2. 17 Ezek. 17. 18 19 if done deliberately f Ps 36. 4. wilfully g Ier. 6. 16. presumptiously h Num. 15. 30. Ex. 21. 14. impudently i Ier. 3 3 Pro. 7. 13. boastingly k Psâ—l 52. 1. maliciously l 3 Ioh. v. 10. frequently m Num. 14. 22. obstinately n Zech. 7. 11 12. with delight o Pro. 2. 14. coÌ„tinuaÌ„ce p Isai 57. or relapsing after repeÌ„taÌ„ce q Ier. 34. 8 9 10 11. â— Pet. â— 20 21 22.
which is And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil d Mat. 6. 13 acknowledging that the most wise righteous and gracious God for divers holy and just ends may so order things that we may be assaulted foiled for a time led captive by temptations e 2 Chr. 32. 31 that Sathan f 1 Chr. 11. 1 the world g Luk. 21. 34 Mar. 4. 19 and the flesh are ready powerfully to draw us aside and insnare us h Iam. 1. 14 and that we even after the pardon of our sinnes by reason of our corruption i Gal. â— 17 weaknesse and want of watchfulnesse k Mat. 26. 41 are not onely subject to be tempted and forward to expose our selves unto temptations l Mat. â—6 66 70 71 72 Gal. 2. 11. to 15 2 Chr. 18. 3 with â— Chr. 19. 2 but also of our selves unable and unwilling to resist them to recover out of them and to improve them m Rom. 7. 23 24. 1 Chr 21 1 2 3 4 2 Chr. 16. 7. 8 9 16 and worthy to be left under the power of them n Ps 81. 11 12 we pray that God would so over-rule the world and all in it o Ioh. 17. 15. subdue the flesh p Psal 51. 10 Psal 119. 13â— and restrain Sathan q 2 Cor. 12 7 8 order all things r 1 Cor. 1â— 12 13 bestow and blesse all meanes of grace Å¿ Heb. 13 20 23 and quicken us to watchfulnesse in the use of them that we and all his people may by his providence be kept from being tempted to sin t Mat. 26. 41. Psal 19. 13 or if tempted that by his spirit we may be powerfully supported and enabled to stand in the hour of temptation u â—ph 3. 14 15 16 17. 1 Thes 3. 13 Iude v. 24 or when fallen raised again and recovered out of it w Psal 51. 12 and have a sanctified use and improvement thereof x 1 Pet. 5. 8 9 10 that our sanctification and salvation may be perfected y 2 Cor. 13 7. 9 Sathan trodden under our feet z Rom. 16. 20 Zech. 3. 2 Luk. 22 31 32 and we fully freed from sin temptation and all evil for ever a Ioh. 17. 15 1 Thes 5. 23 Q. What doth the conclusion of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The conclusion of the Lords Prayer which is For thine is the Kingdom the power and the glory forever Amen b Mat. 6. 13 teacheth us to enforce our Petitions with arguments c Rom. 15. 30 which are to be taken not from any worthinesse in our selves or in any other creature but from God d Dan. 9. 4 7 8 9 16 17 18 19 and with our prayers to joyn praises e Phil. 4. 6 ascribing to God alone eternall soveraignty omnipotency and glorious excellency f Chr. 29. 10 11 12 13 in regard whereof as he is able and willing to help us g Eph. 3. 20 21 Luk. 12. 13 so wee by faith are emboldned to plead with him that hee would h 2 Chr. 20 6. 11 and quietly to rely upon him i Chr. 14. 12 that he will fulfill our requests and to testifie this our desire and assurance we say Amen k 2 Cor. 14 16 Rev. 22. 20 21 COR. BURGES Prolocutor pro tempore HENRY ROBROUGH Scriba ADONIRAM BYFIELD Scriba FINIS THE SHORTER CATECHISM First agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at WESTMINSTER And now approved by the General ASSEMBLY of the Kirk of Scotland to be a part of Uniformity in Religion between the Kirks of Christ in the three Kingdoms QUESTION WHat is the chief end of man A. Mans chief end is to glorifie God a 1 Cor. 10 31. Rom. 11. 36 and to enjoy him for ever b Psal 73 24 to the end Q. What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorifie and enjoy him A. The Word of God which is contained in the Scripture of the Old and New Testament c 2 Tim. 3 16. Eph. 2 20 is the onely rule to direct us how we may glorifie and enjoy him d 1 Ioh. 1 3 4 Q. VVhat do the Scriptures principally teach A. The Scriptures principally teach What man is to beleeve concerning God and what duty God requires of man e 2 Tim. 1 13. 3. 16 Q. VVhat is God A. God is a Spirit f Joh. 4. 24 infinite g Job 11 7 8 9 eternal h Psa 90. 2 and unchangeable i Jam. 1. 17 in his being k Exo 3. 14 wisdom l Psa 147. 5 power m Rev. 4. 8 holiness n Rev. 15. 4 justice goodness and truth o Exod. 34 6 7 Q. Are there more Gods then one A. There is but one onely the living and true God p Deu. 6. 4 Jer. 10. 10 Q. How many Persons are there in the God-head A. There are three Persons in the God-head the Father the Son and the holy Ghost and these three are one God the same in substance equal in power and glory q 1 Joh. 5. 7 Mat. 28. 19 Q. What are the decrees of God A. The Decrees of God are his eternal purpose according to the counsel of his Will whereby for his own glory he hath fore-ordained whatsoever comes to pass r Eph. 1. 4 11. Rom. 9. 22 23 Q. How doth God execute his decrees A. God executeth his Decrees in the Works of Creation and Providence Q. What is the Work of Creation A. The Work of Creation is Gods making all things of nothing by the Word of his Power in the space of six days and all very good s Gen. 1. Chap Heb. 11. 3 Q. How did God create man A. God created man male and female after his own image in knowledg righteousness and holiness with dominion over the creatures t Gen. 1 26 27 28 Col. 3 10 Eph. 4 24 Q. What are Gods Works of Providence A. Gods Works of Providence are his most holy u Ps 145. 17 wise w Psa 104 24. Isa 28 29 and powerful preserving x Heb. 1. 3 and governing all his creatures and all their actions y Ps 103. 19 Mar. 10. 29 30 31 Q. What special act of providence did God exercise toward man in the estate wherein be was created A. When God had created Man he entred into a Covenant of life with him upon condition of perfect obedience forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledg of good and evil upon pain of death z Gal. 3. 12 Gen. 2. 17 Q. Did our first Parents continue in the estate wherein they were created A. Our first Parents being left to the freedom of their own will fell from the estate wherein they were created by sinning against God a Gen. 3. 6 7 8 13 Eccl. 7 29 Q. What is sin A. Sin is any want of conformity unto
love him in sincerity endeavouring to walk in all good conscience before him may in this life be certainly assured that they are in the state of grace c 1 Ioh. 2. 3 1 Ioh. 3. 14 18 19 22 24 1 Ioh 5. 13. and may rejoyce in the hope of the glory of God which hope shall never make them ashamed d Rom. 5. 2 5 II. This certainty is not a bare conjecturall and probable perswasion grounded upon a fallible hope e Heb. 6. 11 19. but an infallible assurance of faith founded upon the divine truth of the promises of salvation f Heb. 6. 17 18. the inward evidence of those graces unto which these promises are made g 2 Pet. 1. 4 5 10 11. 1 Ioh. 2. 3. 1 Ioh 3. 14 2 Cor. 1. 12 the testimony of the Spirit of Adoption witnessing with our spirits that we are the children of God h Rom. 8. 15 16 which Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance whereby we are sealed to the day of redemption i Eph. 3. 13 14. Eph. 4. 30. 2. Cor. 1. 21. 22. III. This infallible assurance doth not so belong to the essence of faith but that a true beleever may wait long and conflict with many difficulties before he be partaker of it k 1 Iohn 5. 13. Isa 50. 10 Mark 9. 24. Psal 8â— throughout Psal 77. to verse 12. yet being inabled by the Spirit to know the things which are freely given him of God he may without extraordinary revelation in the right use of ordinary meanes attain thereunto l 1 Cor 2. 12 1 Ioh. 4. 13 He 6. 11 12 Eph. 3. 17 18 19. And therefore it is the duty of every one to give all diligence to make his calling and election sure m 2 Pet. 1. 10. that thereby his heart may be inlarged in peace joy in the holy Ghost in love and thankfulnes to God and in strength and cheerfulnes in the duties of obedience the proper fruits of this assurance n Rom. 5. 1 1 2 5. Rom. 14. 7. Ro. 15. 3. Eph. 1. 3. 4 Psal 4. 6 7 Psal 119. 32 so far is it from inclining men to loosnesse o 1 Ioh. 2. 1 2 Rom. 6. 1 2. Tit. 2. 11 12 14. 2 Cor. 7. 1. Rom. 8. 1 12 1 Iohn 3. 2. 3 Psal 1 30. 4. 1 Iohn 1. 6 7. IV. True beleevers may have the assurance of their salvation divers wayes shaken diminished and intermitted as by negligence in preserving of it by falling into some speciall sin which woundeth the conscience and grieveth the spirit by some sudden or vehement temptation by Gods withdrawing the light of his countenance and suffering even such as fear him to walk in darknesse and to have no light p Can. 5. 2 3 6 Ps 5. 1 6 12 14. Eph. 4. 30 31. Psa â—â— 1 to 10. Mat. 26. 69 70 71 72. Psal 31. 22. Psal 88. throughout Esa 5. 10. yet are they never utterly destitute of that seed of God and life of faith that love of Christ and the brethren that sincerity of heart and conscience of duty out of which by the operation of the Spirit this assurance may in due time be revived q 1 Ioh. 3. 9 Luke 22. 32 Iob 13. 15 Psaim 73. 15 Psal 51. 8 12 and by the which in the mean time they are supported from utter despair r Mich. â— 7 8 9. Ier. 52. 40. Isa 54. 7 8 9 10. Psalme 22. 1. Psalme 88. throughout CHAP. XIX Of the Law of God GOD gave to Adam a Law as a Covenant of Works by which he bound him and all his posterity to personall entire exact and perpetuall obedience promised life upon the fulfilling and threatened death upon the breach of it and indued him with power and ability to keep it a Gen. 1. 26 27 with Gen. 2. 17 Rom 2 14 15 Rom. 10. 5 Rom. 5. 12. 19. Gal. 3 10 12. Eccles 7. 29 Iob 28. 20 II. This Law after his fall continued to be a perfect rule of righteousnesse and as such was delivered by God upon Mount Sinai in Ten Commandements and written in two Tables b Iam. 1. 25 Iam 2. 8 10 11 12. Rom. 13. 8 9 Deut. 5. 32 Deut. 10. 4 Exod. 34. 1 the foure first Commandements containing our duty towards God and the other six our duty to man c Mat. 22 37 38 39 40. III. Beside this Law commonly called Morall God was pleased to give to the people of Israel as a Church under age Ceremoniall Laws containing severall typicall Ordinances partly of Worship prefiguring Christ his graces actions sufferings and benefits d Heb 9. chap Heb. 10. 1 Gal. 4. 1 2 3. Col. 2. 17. and partly holding forth divers instructions of morall duties e 1 Cor. 5. 7 2 Cor. 6. 17 Iude ver 23 All which Ceremoniall Laws are now abrogated under the new Testament f Col. 2. 14 16 17. Dan. 9. 27 Eâ—h 2. 15 16. IV. To them also as a body Politique he gave sundry Iudiciall Laws which expired together with the State of that people not obliging any other now further than the generall equity thereof may require g Exod. 21 Chapter Exod. 22. 1 to 29 Gen 49. 10 with 1 Pet. 2. 13 14 Mat. 5. 17 with ver 38 39. 1 Cor. 9. 8 9 10. V. The Morall Law doth for ever bind all as well justified persons as others to the obedience thereof h Rom. 13. 8 9 10. Eph. 6. 2 1 Iohn 2. 3 4 7 8 and that not only in regard of the matter contained in it but also in respect of the authority of God the Creatour who gave it i Iam. 2. 10. 1â— Neither doth Christ in the Gospell any way dissolve but much strengthen this obligation k Mat. 5. 17 18 19. Iam. 2. 8. Rom 3. 31. VI. Although true Believers be not under the Law as a Covenant of works to be thereby justified or condemned l Rom. 6. 14 Gala. 2. 16 Gala. 3. 13 Gala. 4. 4 5 Acts 13. 39 Rom. 8. 1 yet is it of great use to them as well as to others in that as a rule of life informing them of the will of God and their duty it directs and binds them to walk accordingly m Rom. 7 12 22 25. Psal 119. 4 5 6. 1 Cor. 7. 19 Gal. 5. 14 16 18 19 20 21 22 23. discovering also the sinfull pollutions of their nature hearts lives n Rom. 7. 7 Rom. 3. 20 so as examining themselves thereby they may come to further conviction of humiliation for and hatred against sin o Iam. 1. 23 24 25. Rom. 7. 9 14 24. together with a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ and the perfection of his obedience p Gal. 3. 24 Rom. 7. 24 25. Rom. 8 3. 4. It is likewise of use to the Regenerate to restrain their corruptions in that it forbids sin q