sins against the greater is his sin Rom. 2.4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long-suffering not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance And especially when 't is against Spiritual Mercies and Means of Salvation Heb. 2.3 How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation c. Q. 9. Are heinous and crying sins capable of forgiveness A. Yes great and heinous sins are capable of forgiveness upon true Repentance Isa. 1.18 Tho' your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow though they be red like crimson they shall be as wooll Q. 10. From what fountains doth the pardon of all sins both great and small flow A. They all flow from the Free Grace of God Luk. 7.41 42. And when they had nothing to pay he frankly forgave them both And through the Meritorious satisfying Blood of Christ Eph. 1.7 In whom we have redemption through his blood the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace Q. 11. What 's the first Inference hence A. Though some sins are more heinous than others yet no Sinner should absolutely despair of Mercy for the vilest have been pardoned 1 Cor. 6.11 And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified c. Q. 12. What 's the second inference hence A. That there are different degrees of torments in Hell proportioned to the different degrees of sins on earth Matth. 11.21 22. Wo unto thee Chorazin wo unto thee Bethsaida for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes But I say unto you it shall be more tollerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment than for you Q. 13. What 's the third Inference hence A. That great Sinners when pardoned and received to Mercy should excel all others in love to Christ Luke 7.42 43. Which of them will love him most Simon answered and said I suppose that he to whom he forgave most And he said unto him thou hast rightly judged Q. 14. What 's the last Inference hence A. Let no Man neglect Christ because his Sins are not so heinous as others because the least Sin without Christ is damning Rom. 6.23 For the wages of sin is death c. And greater Sinners are often called when lesser are not Matth. 21.31 32. The publicans and harlots go into the kingdom of God before you Of the demerit of Sin Quest. 84. WHat doth every Sin deserve A. Every Sin deserveth Gods Wrath and Curse both in this Life and that which is to come Q. 1. Wherein doth the evil of Sin principalâ—y consist A. It consists principally in the offence it gives and the wrong it doth to God Psal. 51.4 Against thee thee only have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight Q. 2. What 's the first offence and wrong Sin doth to God A. It consists in its enmity to God Rom. 8.7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God c. Exprest in Scripture by walking contrary to him Levit. 26.40 They have also walked contrary to me Fighting against God Acts 5.39 Lest haply ye be even found to fight against God And resisting his Spirit Acts 7.51 Ye do alwayes resist the Holy Ghost Q. 3. Wherein is its enmity to God â—urther discovered in Scripture A. It 's discovered under the names and notions of hatred of God Rom. 1.30 Back-biters haters of God c. Rebellion against God 1 Sam. 15.23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft c. And despising the Commandment of God 2 Sam. 12.9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord Q. 4. What are the Attributes of God that Sin wrongs A. It wrongs all his Attributes for it slights his Sovereignty Exod. 5.2 And Pharaoh said who is the Lord that I should obey his voice to let Israel go Resists his Power 1 Cor. 10.22 Are we stranger than be Despiseth his Goodness Rom. 2.4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness c. Taxeth his Iustice Ezek. 18.25 Yet ye say the way of the Lord is not equal c. And clouds his Holiness Jam. 2.7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called Q. 5. What doth Sin deserve in the course of Iustice from God A. It deserves all temporal and eternal effects of Gods Wrath on the Souls and Bodies of Sinners all which in Scripture go under the name of Death Rom. 6.23 For the wages of sin is death c. Q. 6. Can these sufferings satisfie God for all this wrong A. No they cannot and therefore they must and shall be eternal on the damned Matth. 5.26 Verily I say unto thee Thou shalt by no means come out thence till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing Mark 9.44 Where their worm dyeth not and the fire is not quenched Q. 7. Shall all Sinners hear the desert of their Sins A No all that are out of Christ shall but Christ hath freed Believers from it Iohn 3.18 He that believeth on him is not condemned c. Q. 8. But is it not hard that Sinners should suffer eternally for the sins of a few years A. No it is not for the evil of Sin is not to be measured by the time in which but by the object against which it is committed Psal. 51.4 5. Against thee thee only have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight c. Q. 9. What learn we from hence A. Hence in the first place we learn the impossibility of satisfying Gods Justice for the least Sin that ever we committed Iob 7.20 I have sinned what shall I do unto thee c. Psal. 130.3 If thou Lord shouldst mark iniquity O Lord who shall stand Q. 10. What 's the second Instruction hence A. Hence we see the necessity of a Mediatour betwixt God and us Psal. 40.6 7. Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire c. Then said I lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me Q. 11. What 's the third Instruction hence A. That the greatest suffering is rather to be chosen than the least sin Heb. 11.25 Chusing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season Q. 12. What 's the fourth Instruction hence A. It teacheth us what an invaluable Mercy the full free and fiâ—al remission of Sin is Psal. 32.1 2. Blessed is he whose wickedness is forgiven and whose sin is covered c. Q. 13. What 's the fifth Instruction hence A. It vindicates God in his severest strokes on Sinners Hos. 6.5 Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets I have slain them by the words of my mouth and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth Q. 14. What 's the last Instruction A. Hence we learn the infinite nature of Christs sufferings Rom. 8.32 He that spared not his own son but
his Sin by Generation for we were in his loyns as treason stains the blood of the posterity or the parents Leprosie the Children Psal. 51.5 Behold I was shapeâ— in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me Q 4. Wherein doth it consist A. It consists in two things First In our aversation and enmity to that which is good Rom. 7.18 In me that is in my flesh there dwelleth no good thing Secondly In proneness to that which is evil Rom. 7.14 But I am carnal sold under sin Q 5. Is this corruption of Nature in all Men A. Yes In all meer men and women none exempted Rom. 3.10 and 23. As it is written There is none righteous no not one for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God Q. 6. In what part of our Nature doth this Sin abide A. It abides in the whole man in every part of man both Soul and Body Gen. 6.5 God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually 1 Thes. 5.23 Now the God of peace sanctify you wholly and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Iesus Christ. Q. 7. How is the Body infected by it A. In the readiness of the bodily members to further sin and its temptations in the Soul Rom. 3.13 14 15. Their throat is an open sepulcher with their tongues they have used deceit the poyson of Asps is under their lips whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness their feet are swift to shedblood Q. 8. What learn we from Original Sin A. To bear patiently the miseries we see on our Children and their death also without murmuring Rom. 5.14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression Q. 9. What is the second Instruction A. It teaches us humility and should be matter of confession and humiliation when we sin actually Psal. 51.5 Behold I was shapen in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me Q. 10. What is the third Instruction A. It should provoke parents to use their utmost diligence for the conversion of their Children who draw sin from them Q 11. What is the last Instruction A. It teaches us the necessity of Regeneration and should provoke us greatly to desire it Of Man's Misery Quest. 19. WHat is the Misery of that Estate whereinto Man fell A. All Mankind by their Fall lost communion with God are under his wrath and curse and so made liable to all miseries in this life to death it self and to the pains of Hell for ever Q. 1. What communion had God with Man before the Fall A. Man then enjoyed the gracious presence and favour of God with him which was better than life Q. 2. How doth it appear this was lest by the Fall A. It appears by Scripture-Testimony That Adam lost it as to himself Gen. 3.8 And Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden And we in him Eph. 2.12 At that time ye were without Christ being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise having no hope and without God in the world Q. 3. Was this the only misery that came by the Fall A. No Man did not only lose communion with God but fell under his wrath and curse Eph. 2.3 And were by nature children of wrath even as others Q. 4. Doth the wrath and curse of God then lie on all Men A. It lies on all the unregenerate in the world Gal. 3.10 Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which is written in the book of the law to do them But believers are delivered from it by Christ. 1 Thes. 1.10 Even Iesus which delivered us from the wrath to come Q. 5. How are the miseries of Man by the Fall divided A. They are divided into the miseries of this world and of the world to come Q 6. What are the miseries that come on them in thss world A. The miseries of life as Sickness Pain Poverty on the Body Fear Trouble Sorrow on the Mind and at last Death it self Rom. 6. ult The wages of sin is death Q. 7. What are the Miseries after this Life A. The Pains and Torments of Hell for ever Psal. 9.17 The wicked shall be turned into hell Q. 8. What are the Torments of Hell A. Pain of Loss and Pain of Sense Mat. 25.41 Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire Q. 9. What learn you from hence A. The woful State of the unconverted Miserable here and miserable to Eternity Q. 10. What else learn we hence A. The great salvation Believers have by Christ from all this misery Heb. 2.3 How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him Of the Salvation of God's Elect and of the Covenant of Grace Quest. 20. DID God leave all Mankind to perish in the State of Sin and Misery A. God having out of his meer good pleasure from all eternity elected some to everlasting life diâ— 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 Q. 1. Are some Persons chosen to salvation and others left A. Yes God hath chosen some to salvation and passed by others as the Scriptures speak See Rom. 8.30 Moreover whom he did predestinate them he also called And Jude v. 4. For there are certian men crept in unawares who were before of old ordained to this condemnation ungodly men c. Q 2. Did God chuse some because he foresaw they would be better than others A. No God's choice was not on foreseen works but meerly of his grace and good pleasure of his will Eph. 1.5.6 Having predestinated us into the adoption of children by Iesus Christ unto himself according to the good pleasure of his will to the praise of the glory of his grace Q. 3. Is this Election of God made in time and that according as men use their free will or from Eternity A. Election is an Eternal act of God before the world was and depends not on Man's using his free-will as appears from Eph. 1.4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love Q. 4. Shall all that be Elected be called and saved A. Yes the Scripture is full and plain for it Acts 13.48 And when the Gentiles heard this they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed Rom. 8.30 Moreover whom he did predestinate them he also called c. Q. 5. By whom are the Elect saved A.
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.
his own flesh but nourisheth and cherisheth it even as the Lord the church Q. 5. How many ways may men sin against this Command with respect to their own lives A. A Man sinneth against his own Life not only by destroying himself as the Jaylour would have done Acts 16.27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep and seeing the prison doors open he drew out his sword and would have killed himself supposing that the prisoners had been fled But by refusing Food or Physick to preserve Life or macerating our Bodies with excessive Sorrows 2 Cor. 7.10 But the sorrow of the world worketh death or envy at others felicity Prov. 14.30 But envy the rottenness of the bones Q. 6. How are men guilty of murther with respect to others A. Murther with respect to others may be either with relation to their Bodies Numb 35.30 Whoso killeth any person the murtherer shall be put to death c. Or to their Souls which is the most heinous murder in the World Ezek. 3.18 When I say unto the wicked thou shalt sureâ—y dye and thou givest him not warning nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way to save his life the same wicked man shall dye in his iniquity but his blood will I require at thine hand Q. 7. Is all destruction of anothers Life murder in the account of God A. No it is not if the Life of a Person be taken away in the course of Justice Gen. 9.6 Whoso sheddeth mans blood by man shall his blood be shed Or in a just and necessary War Iudges 5.23 Curse ye Meroz said the Angel of the Lord curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof becauâ—e they came not to the help of the Lord to the help of the Lord against the mighty Or by pure Accident Deut. 19.5 As when a man goeth into the wood with his neighbour to hew wood and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the axe to cut down the tree and the head slippeth from the helve and lighteth upon his neighbour that he dye he shall flee unto one of those cities and live Or in self defence Exâ—d 22.2 If a thief be found breaking up and be smitten that he dye there shall no blood be shed for him Q. 8. Is there no other way of breaking this Command A. Yes there is Innocents may be murdered under the forms and solemnities both of Justice and Religion So Naboth was murdered by Iezebel 1 Kings 21.12 13. They proclaimed a fast and sit Naboth on high among the people And there came in two men children of Beliaâ— and sat before him And the men of Belial witnessed against him even against Naboth in the presence of the people saying Naboth did blaspheme God and the King Then they carried him forth out of the city and stoned him with stones that he dyed And the Martyrs by bloody Papists And this strongly proves a day of Judgment Eccles. 3.16 17. And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment that wickedness was there and the place of righteousness that iniquity was there I said in mine heart God shall judge the righteous and the wicked for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work Q. 9. Are Duels forbidden in this Commandment A. Yes they are for whatever point of Honour be touched or whatever Provocation be given we are not to be our own avengers Rom. 12.19 Dearly beloved avenge not your selves c. Q. 1â— What 's the first Inference hence A. That we have great cause to bless God for his protecting Law and for Humane Laws grounded upon his Law for the protection of our Lives Rom. 13.4 For he is the minister of God a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil Q. 11. What 's the second Inference hence A. That all that are guilty of this Sin have great cause to be humbled and afflicted For it 's a crying Sin Gen. 4.10 The voice of thy brothers blood cryeth unto me from the ground Yet not to despair of Mercy upon true Repentance Manasseth shed innocent blood and yet was pardoned upon Repentance 2 Kin. 21.16 Moreover Manasseth shed innocent blood very much till he had fâ—â—â—ed Ierusalem from one end to another c. Q. 12. Whatâ—s the third Inference hence A. Let all Men watch against Pride Passion Malice and Revenge the Sins of the Heart from which this horrid Sin proceeds Matth. 15.18 19. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts murders c. Of the seventh Commandment Quest. 70. WHich is the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment is Thou shalt not commit Adultery Quest. 71. What is required in the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment requireth the preservation of our own and our Neighbours chastity in heart speech and behaviour Quest. 72. What is forbidden in the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment forbiddeth all unchast thoughts words and actions Q. 1. What is the first Duty required in this Commandment A. The first Duty required in this Commandment is the preservation of our own Chastity in heart lip and life 1 Thess. 4.3.4 For this is the will of God even your sanctification that ye should abstain from fornication That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour And Eph. 4.29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth c. Q. 2. Why must we preserve our own Chastity A. Because our Bodies are or ought to be the Temples of the Holy Ghost 1 Cor. 6.15 19. Know ye not that your bodies are the membeâ—s of Christ Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them the members of an harlot God forbid What know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you which ye have of God and ye are not your own And it is the express charge of God that they be kept pure and clean 1 Thess. 4.3 4. For this is the will of God even your sanctification that ye should abstain from fornication That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour Q. 3. What is the second Reason A. The second Reason is because of the evil of it to our selves As 1. It injures the Body 1 Cor. 6.18 He that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body 2. It levels us with the Heathen Eph. 4.17 19. This I say therefore and testifie in the Lord that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness to work all uncleanness with greediness 3. Dishonours our Names Prov. 6.32 33. But whoso committeth adultery with a woman a wound and dishonour shall he get c. 4. Scatters our Estates Prov. 5.10 Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth and thy labours be in the house of strangers 5. Destroyeth the Soul Prov. 6.32 He that doth it destroyeth his own soul. Q. 4. What Age is most incident to
us which most resembles God and therefore our chief regard and care should be for them whatever becomes of the vile Body Mat. 16.26 For what is a man profited if he gain the whole world and lose his own Soul Or what shall a man give in Exchange for his Soul Q. 7. What further Truth may be inferr'd hence A. That men should beware of spiritual Sins as well as of gross and outward Sins for there is a filthiness of the Spirit as well as of the Flesh. 2 Cor. 7.1 Let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit and as God sees them so he greatly abhors them as Sins that defile the noblest part of man on which he stamp'd his own Image Q. 8. What also may be inferr'd from hence A. Hence we learn that spiritual Worship is most agreeable to his Nature and Will and the more spiritual it is the more acceptable it will be to him Iohn 4.24 God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in Truth Externals in worship are of little regard with God as places habits gestures c. Apply this First To Superstitious men Isa. 66.1 2 3. Secondly To Children that say a Prayer but mind not to whom nor what they say Of God's Infinity Quest. 1. WHat is the sense and meaning of this Word Infinity A. It signifies that which hath no bounds or limits within which it is contained as all created things are Q. 2. In how many respects is God infinite A. God is infinite or boundless in three respects First In respect of the perfection of his Nature his Wisdom Power and Holiness exceed all measures and limits as 1 Sam. 2.2 There is none holy as the Lord c. Secondly In respect of time and place no time can measure him Isa. 57.15 Thus saith the high and lofty one that inhabiteth Eternity 1 Kings 8.27 Behold the Heaven of heavens cannot contain thee how much less this House which I have built The Heaven of heavens contains all created Beings but not the Creator Thirdly In respect of his Incomprehensibleness by the understanding of all creatures Iob. 11.7 Canst thou by searching find out God canst thou find out the Almighty to perfection Q 3. If God be thus Infinite and no understanding can comprehend him How then is it said in 1 John 3.2 VVe shall see him as he is A. The meaning is not that glorified Saints shall comprehend God in their understandings but that they shall have a true apprehensive Knowledge though not a comprehensive Knowledge of God and that we shall see him immediately and not as we do now thorow a glass darkly Q. 4. What is the first Lesson to be learnt from God's Infinity A. That therefore men should tremble to sin even in secret Psal. 139.11 If I say surely the darkness shall cover me even the Night shall be light about me Q. 5. What is the second Instruction from hence A. The second Instruction is That there is an infinite evil in sin objectively consider'd as it is committed against an Infinite God and therefore it deserves Eternal Punishment and no satisfaction can possibly be made for it but by the Blood of Christ. 1 Pet. 1.18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as Silver and Gold but with the precious Blood of Christ. Q. 6. What is the third Instruction from God's Infinity A. The third Instruction is That those who are reconciled to God in Christ need not fear his ability to perform any mercy for them for he is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think Ephes. 3.20 And those that are not reconciled are in a very miserable condition having infinite Power set on work to punish them 2 Thes. 1.9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power Q. 7. What is the fourth Instruction from God's Infinity A. That no place can bar the access of gracious Souls to God They are as near him in a Dungeon as when at Liberty and that he knows their thoughts when their tongues cannot utter them Eternal Quest. 1. WHat is it to be Eternal as God is A. The Eternity of God is to be without beginning and without end Psal. 90.2 From everlasting to everlasting thou art God Q. 2. How doth God's Eternity differ from the Eternity of Angels and Humane Souls A. It differs in two respects First In this That tho Angels and the Souls of men shall have no end yet they had a beginning which God had not Secondly Our Eternity is by gift from God or by his appointment but his Eternity is necessary and from his own Nature Q. 3. In what sense is the Covenant called an everlasting Covenant A. The Covenant is called an Everlasting Covenant 2 Sam. 23.5 because the mercies of it conveyed to believers as pardon peace and salvation are mercies that shall have no end Q. 4. In what sense is the Gospel Everlasting A. The Gospel is called the Everlasting Gospel Rev. 14.6 because the effects thereof upon the Souls it sanctifies will abide in them for ever Q. 5. In what sense is the Redemption of Christ called the Eternal Redemption A. The Redemption of Christ is called Eternal Redemption in Heb. 9.12 because those whom he redeems by his Blood shall never more come into condemnation Iohn 5.24 He that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but is passed from death unto life Q. 6. VVhy is the last Iudgment of the world by Christ called Eternal Iudgment A. The last Judgment is called Eternal Judgment not because God judged men from Eternity or because the Day of Judgment shall last to Eternity but because the consequences of it will be Everlasting Joy or Misery to the Souls of Men therefore it 's called eternal judgment Heb. 6.2 Q 7. VVhat may wicked men learn from the Eternity of God A. Hence wicked men may see their own misery in the perfection of it that they will have an eternal Enemy to avenge himself upon them for ever in the world to come 2 Thess. 1.9 VVho shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord. Q. 8. VVhat may good men learn from it A. That their joy and happiness will be perfect and endless who have the Eternal God for â—heir portion Psalm 16.11 In thy presence is fulness of joy at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore Q. 9. VVhat may all men good and had learn from it A. All men may learn three things from the Eternity of God First That their life is a thing of nought compared with God Psal. 39.5 Mine age is nothing before thee Secondly That sins or duties long since committed or performed are all present before God Thirdly That God can never want opportunity to do his work and carry
Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings and not one of them is forgotten before God but even the very hairs of your head are all numbred Q 2 How else is Providence evidenced A. By Scripture Emblems as Iacob 's Ladder Gen. 28.12 13. Ana he dreamed and behold a ladder set upon the earth and the top of it reached to heaven behold the Angels of God ascended and descended on it And Ezekiel 's wheels Ezek 1.20 VVhithersoever the spirit was to go they went thither was their spirit to go and the wheels were lifted up over against them for the spirit of the liviâ—g creature was in the wheels Q. 3. VVhat further Scripture evidence is there A The sure accomplishment of Scripture Predictions as Israel 's Captivity and Deliverance from Egypt and Babylon Christ's Incarnation the Rise and Ruin of the Four Monarchies Dan. 2.31 Thou O King sawest and behold a great Image whose brightnest was excellent stood before thee and the form thereof was terrible Dan. 7.3 And four great beasts came up from the Sea diverse one from the other Q 4. VVhat is it's first Act about the Creatures A. It sustains preserves provides for them Psalm 145.15 16. The eyes of all wait upon thee and thou givest them their meat in due season thou openest thine hand and satisfiest the desire of every living thing and defendest them from danger Psalm 36. 6. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains thy judgments are a great deep O Lord thou preservest man and beast Q. 5. VVhat is the Second Act of Providence about the Creatures A. It rules and governs the Creatures and their Actions Psalm 66.7 He ruleth by his power for ever his eyes behold the nations let not the rebellions exalt themselves Q. 6. How manifold is Divine Providence A. It is common and general over all or special and peculiar to some men 1 Tim 4.10 VVho is the saviour of all men especially of those that believe Q. 7. How is Providence exercised about sinful Actions A. In permitting them Acts 4.16 In restraining them Psalm 76.10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee and the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain And over-ruling them to good Gen. 50.20 But as for you ye thought evil against me but God meant it unto good to bring to pass as it is this day to save much people alive Q. 8. VVhat are the Properties of Providence A. It is 1 holy Psalm 145.17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways and holy in all his works 2 Wise. Psalm 104.24 O Lord how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all 3. Powerful Dan. 4.35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing and he doth according to his will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth and none can stay his hand or say unto him what dost thou Q. 9. VVhat is the First Instruction from it A. That God's people are safe amidst all their enemies and dangers 2 Chron. 16.9 For the eyes of the Lords run to and fro throughout the whole earth to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose hearts are perfect towards him Q. 10. VVhat is the Second Instruction A. That Prayer is the best expedient to prosperity and success of our lawful affairs Psalm 145.18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him to all that call upon him in truth Q. 11. VVhat is the Third Instruction from it A. That God's people should rest quietly in the care of his providence for them in all their straits Matt. 6.26 Behold the fowls of the air for they sow not neither do they reap nor gather into barns yet our heavenly father feedeth them are ye not much better than they Q. 12. VVhat is the last Instruction from it A. That it is no small priviledge to be adopted Children of God and the Members of Christ for all is ordered for their eternal Good Eph. 1.22 23. And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be head over all things to the Church which is his body the fulness of him that filleth all in all Of the Covenant of Works Quest. 12. WHAT special Art of Providence did God exercise towards Man in the estate wherein he 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 Knowledge of Good and Evil upon pain of Deaâ—h Q. 1. What was God's Covenant with Adam before the Fall A. It was to give Life and Happiness upon condition of perfect personal Obedience Gal. 3.12 The law is not of faith but the man that doth them shall live in them Q. 2. Was this Covenant made only with Adam or with him and his Posterity A. It was made with him and all his natural Posterity descending in the ordinary way of Generation from him Rom. 4.12 Wherefore as by one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned v. 14 and 18. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adams transgression who is the figure of him that was to come Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life Q. 3. Was Adam able to preform the obedience required of him in that Covenant A. Yes for he was made upright Eccles. 7.29 God made man upright but they have sought out themselves many inventions Q. 4. Had this Covenant any Mediator A. No he neither had nor needed any Mediator for satisfaction because no sin was in him nor intercession for he wanted nothing Q. 5. Did this Covenant admit of no repentance nor accept any short Endeavours A. No it did not but sentenceth and curseth the Transgressors of it for the least breach Gal. 3.10 Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them Q. 6. How was the threatning fulfilled of dying in the day he eat seeing he lived 930 years A. He died spiritually that day and though the sentence on his body was respited in order to posterity yet then his body received the death wound of which afterward he died Q. 7. What is the first Inference from Adam's Covenant A. Miserable are all they that grow on the natural root of the first Adam Gal. 4.21.22 Tell me ye that desire to be under the law Do ye not hear the law for it is wrrtten That Abraham had two sons the one by a Bond-maid the other by a Free-woman Q. 8. VVhat is the second Inference A. That God is just in all the punishments and miseries that came upon Man yea Infants that never sinned after his similitude Rom. 5.14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam
3.6 Received up into glory Q. 6. Why did he assume our Nature A. That he might die in it for our Salvation Heb. 2.15 And delivered them who through fear of death were all their life time subject to bondage Q 7. Why did he rise in it after Death A. He raised it from the dead for our Justification Rom. 4.25 Who was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our Iustification Q 8. Why did he ascend in our Nature into Heaven A. To be a Mediator of intercession in our Nature Heb 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Q 9. What is the first Instruction from hence A. That the Body of Christ is not every where but is contained in Heaven Acts 3.21 Whom the heaven must receive till the times of restitution of all things Q. 10. VVhat is the second Iustruction A. That Christ is full of tender compassions to his peoples infirmities Heb. 4.15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Q. 11. VVhat is the third Instruction A. That great and admirable is the glory designed for the bodies of Believers Phil. 3.21 VVho shall change our vile bodies that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself Q. 12. VVhat is the last Instruction A. That the bodily Eyes of Believers after the Resurrection shall see Christ in glory Iob 19.26 27. And though after my skin worms destroy this body yet in my flesh shall I see God VVhom I shall see for my self and mine eyes shall behold and not another Of Christ's Offices Quest. 23. WHat Offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer A. Christ as our Redeemer doth execute the Office of a Prophet of a Priest and of a King both in his Estate of Humiliation and Exaltation Q. 1. What are the States and Conditions of our Redeemer A. Christ's States are twofold namely his State of Humiliation and his State of Exaltation Phil. 2.8 9. And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross VVherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name above every name Q. 2. How many Offices belongs to Christ in these States A. Christ hath a threefold Office namely of a Prophet of a Priest and of a King Q. 3 Why doth Christ take all these three Offices A. Because they are all necessary for our salvation and we have the benefit of them all 1 Cor. 1.30 Who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption Q. 4. Can no man take Christ in one Office and not in another A. No whoever will have the benefit of any one must receive him in all Acts 5.31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a prince and a saviour for to give repentance unto Israel and forgiveness of Sins Q. 5. What respect have the Offices of Christ to the Promises A. The Promises flow out of them as out of their Fountain 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the promises of God in him are Yea and in him Amen Q. 6. What Promises flow out of the Prophetical Office A. All the Promises of Illumination Guidance and Direction flow out of Christ's Prophetical Office Q. 7. What Promises flow out of the Priestly Office A. All the Promises of Pardon and Peace flow out of it Q. 8. What Promises flow out of the Kingly Office A. All the Promâ—ses of Defence Protection and Deliverances Q 2. What is the first instruction A. Hence we learn the compleatness of Christ for all the wants of his people Col. 2.10 And ye are compleat in him Q. 10. What is the second Instruction A. Hence we learn the folly and misery of all Hypocrites that close partially with Christ. Q 11 What is the third Instruction A. Hence we learn the singular dignity of the Lord Jesus None ever have all those Offices but Christ. Q. 12. What is the last Instruction A. That Faith is a considerate act and requires much deliberation Of Câ—rist's Prophetical Office Quest. 24. 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 Q. 1. What doth Christ's Prophetical Office imply A. It implies man's natural blindness and ignorance 1 Cor. 2.14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned Q. 2. What â—lse doth it imply A. That Christ is the original and fountain of all that light which guides us to salvation 2 Cor. 4.6 7. For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Iesus Christ. Q. 3. How doth Christ teach men the will of God A. He doth it by external Revelation of it Acts 3.22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you And by internal illumination Luke 24.45 Then opened he their understanding that they might understand the Scripture Q. 4 What need then of man's ministry A. Very much for Christ hath instituted Ministers as instruments by whom he will teach us Eph. 4 11 12. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ. Acts 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 Q. 5. Can no man savingly know the will of God without the teachings of Christ A. No though common knowledge may be obtained in a natural way yet not saving Mat. 11.25 At that time Iesus answered and said I thank thee O father Lord of heaven and earth because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and hast revealed them unto babes Q. 6. How appears it that Christ is appointed to this office A. We have the written word for it Acts 3.22 A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you Q. 7. What is the first Instruction hence A. None need be discouraged at their natural weakness if Christ be their Teacher Mat. 11.25 At that time Iesus answered and said I thank thee O father Lord of heaven and
destitute thing the Soul is that 's out of Christ. Rev. 3.17 18. Because thou sayest I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing and knowest not that thou art wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked Q. 9. What elsâ— doth it teach us A. The riches and dignity of Believers Christ and all his purchases are theirs 1 Cor. 3.22 23. Whether Paul or Apollo or Câ—phas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come all are yours and ye are Christ's and Christ is God's Q. 10. What else doth it teach us A. The Righteousness of God in the destruction of all unbelievers Iohn 5.40 Mark 16.16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned Of our Vnion with Christ. Quest. 30. HOW doth the Spirit apply to us the Redemption puâ—chased by Christ A. By working faith in us thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual Calling Q. 1. Can none have saving benefit by Christ but such as are united to him A. No for as Adam 's Sin could not hurt us except we had been in hin so Christ's Redemption cannot profit us except we are in him 1 Cor. 1.30 But of him are ye in Christ Iesus who of God is made unto us wisdom righteousness sanctification and redemption Q 2. What are the Bonds of this Union A. The Spirit on God's part 1 Iohn 3.24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him and he in him and hereby we know that he abideth in us by the spirit which he hath given us And Faith on our part Eph 3.17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith Q. 3. What is the first Property of this Union A. It is an intimate Union Eph. 5.30 For we are members of his body of his flesh and of his bones Q. 4. What is the second Property A. It is an Union never to be dissolved Rom. 8.35 38. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ Shall tribulation distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or peril or sword for I am persuaded that neither death nor life nor angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come nor height nor depth nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord. Q. 5. What is the third Propety of this Union A. It makes Christ and all that he hath purchased become ours 1 Cor. 3.23 All are yours and ye are Christ's and Christ is God's Q. 6. What is the fourth property of this Union A. It is the foundation and root of all our spiritual and acceptable Obedience Iohn 15.4 Abide in me and I in you as the branch cannot bear fruit of it self except it abide in the vine no more can ye except ye abide in me Q. 7. What is the first Inference from hence A. That saving Grace in the Saints is immortal being secâ—â—red to them in and by Christ. Col. 3.3 Your life is hid with 〈◊〉 in God Q. 8. What is the second Inference A. That the relation between Christ and Believers is verâ— dear and intimate Eph. 5.30 For we are members of his 〈◊〉 of his flesh and of his bones Q. 9. What is the third Inference A. That Believers need not be afraid to go down to 〈◊〉 Grave Rom. 8.38 For I am perswaded that neither death 〈◊〉 life nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from thâ— love of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord. And this Unioâ— holds after death Mat. 22.31 32. But as touching the resâ—rection of the dead have ye not read that which was spoken unto yâ—â— by God saying I am the God of Abraham and the God 〈◊〉 Isaac and the God of Iacob God is not a God of the dead but 〈◊〉 the living Q 10. What is the fourth Inference A. That in wronging and persecuting the Saints 〈◊〉 wrong and persecute Christ himself Acts 9.4 And he fell tâ— the earth and heard a voice saying unto him Saul Saul Why persecutest thou me Q. 11. What is the fifth Inference A. That in relieving and refreshing the Saints we relieve and refresh Christ himself Mat. 25.34 35. For I was an hungry and ye gave me meat and I was thirsty and ye gave 〈◊〉 drink I was a stranger and ye took me in naked and ye cloathâ—â— me I was sick and ye visited me I was in prison and ye came 〈◊〉 me Ver. 40. In as much as ye have done it unto one of the leaf of these my brethren ye have done it unto me Q. 12. What is the last Inference A. That there is a sympathy in Christ under all the pressureâ— and grievances of his people Heb. 4.15 We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities 〈◊〉 was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Of Effectual Calling Quest. 31. WHAT is effectual Calling A. Effectual Calling is the work of God's Spirit whereby convincing us of our sin and misery enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ and renewing one wills he doth perswade and enable us to embrace Iesus Christ freely offered to us in the Gospel Q. 1. What makes the difference between effectual and ineffectual Calling A. Ineffectual calling is when men have nothing but the external sound of the Gospel Mat. 20.16 For many be called and few chosen Effectual is when the Spirit works in conjunction with the Word Iohn 6.45 It is written in the prophets And they shall be all taught of God every man therefore that hath heard and hath learned of the father cometh unto me Q. 2. What is the First act of the Spirit in Effectual Calling A. Conviction of Sin Iohn 16.8 And when he is come he will reprove the world of sin Q. 3. Do the Called of God hear any voice from Heaven A. Ordinarily it is a call without sound yet as efficacious as an audible Voice from Heaven Q. 4. What is the Second act of the Spirit in our Effectual calling A. The illumination of the mind in the knowledge of Christ. Acts 26.18 To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God Q. 5. In what things doth it enlighten them A. In this That Christ is their only remedy Acts 4.12 Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved And their all-sufficient remedy Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him Q. 6. What is the Third Act A. His renewing of the Sinner's will and making it flexible Psal. 110.3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power Ezek. 36.26 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
Author of Sanctification A. God only Iude ver 1. To them that are sanctified by God the Father Q. 3. What is the instrument of it A. The Word of God Iohn 17.17 Sanctify them througâ— thy truth thy word is truth Q. 4 What part of man is sanctified A. Every part both of the Soul and Body 1 Thes. 5.23 And the very God of peace sanctâ—â—y you wâ—olly and I pray God your whole spirit soul and body be prâ—served blameless unto the coming of our Lord Iesus Christ Q. 5. Is Sanctification perfected at once A. No but by degrees 2 Pet. 3.18 But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ. Q. 6. VVhen will it be made perfect A. When we come to Heaven and not before 1 Cor. 13.10 11. But when that which is perfect is come then that which is in part shall be done away Q. 7. What are the signs of true Sanctification A. When it runs into all parts of our Conversation 1 Pet. 1.15 But as he which hath called you is holy so be ye holy in all manner of conversation Secondly And continues to the end Rev. 22.11 Let him that is holy be holy still Q. 8. What is the inseparable companion of Sanctification A. Righteousness towards men Luke 1.74 75. That he would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life Q. 9. What is opposite to Sanctification A. All filthiness of Flesh and Spirit 2 Cor. 7.1 Having therefore these promises dearly beloved let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit Q. 10. What is the priviledge of the sanctified A. They are all elected and shall be glorified 1 Pet. 1. 2 4 Elect according to the fore-knowledge of God the father through sanctification of the spirit to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away reserved in heaven for you Q. 11. What is the case of them who live and die unsanctified A. They shall never see God Heb. 12.14 Follow peace with all men and boliness without which no man shall see the Lord. Q. 12. What differenceth true from pretended Sanctification A. True Sanctification purgeth the heart from the love of sin Rom. 7.15 For that which I do I allow not And the life from the dominion of sin â—om â—â— 19. As ye have yielded your members servants to 〈◊〉 and to iniquity unto iniquity even so now yield youâ— members servants to righteousness unto holiness Q. 13. May great sinners be sanctâ—fied A. Yes the Spirit of God can sanctify the vilest heart 1 Cor. 6.11 And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified Of Assurance the fruit of Iustification Quest. 36. WHAT are the benefits which in this life do either accompany or â—low from Iustification Adoption and Sanctification A. The benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from Iustification Adoption and Sanctification are assurance of God's love peace of Conscience joy in the Holy Ghost increase of Grace and perseverance therein to the end Q. 1. Is Assurance possible to be attained in this Life A. Yes for fome have had it Cant. 6.3 I am my beloveds and my beloved is mine And all Christians are commanded to strive for it 2 Pet. 1.10 Wherefore the rather â—rethren give diligence to make your calling and election sure Q. 2. How many sorts of assurance are there A. There is an objective Assurance 2 Tim. 2.19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure having this seal The Lord knoweth them that are his And a subjective or personal Assurance Gal. 2.20 Who loved me and gave himself for me Q. 3. Is personal Assurance perfect in this Life A. No it admits of doubts and fears which interrupts it and it is not always at one height 1 Cor. 13.10 When that which is psrfect is come then that which is in part shall be done away Q. 4. On what Testimony is personal Assurance built A. Upon the Testimony of God's Spirit witnessing with ours Rom. â— 16 The spirit it self beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God Q. 5. Doth the Spirit make use of signs in us to 〈◊〉 us A. Yes Ordinarily he doth 1 Iohn 3.14 We know thâ—â— we are passed from death to life because we love the brethren Aâ— ver 24. Hereby we know that he abideth in us by the spirit whicâ— he hath given us Q. 6. How is true assurance discerned from presumption A. True assurance humbles the Soul Gal. 2.20 I 〈◊〉 crucified with Christ nevertheless I live yet not I but Chriâ—â— liveth in me And makes the Soul afraid of Sin 2 Cor. 7.1 Having therefore these promises dearly beloved let us cleanse 〈◊〉 selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit perfecting holiness iâ— the fear of God Q. 7. What is the usual season of Assurance A. The time of greatest sufferings for Christ. 1 Pet. 4.14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ happy 〈◊〉 ye for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you Q. 8. Is personal Assurance absolutely necessary to Salvation A. No a man may be saved and in Christ without it Isa. 50.10 Who is among you that feareth the Lord that obeyeth the voice of his servant that walketh in darkness and hath no light Let him trust in the name of the Lord and stay upâ—â— his God Q. 9. What is the fruit of Assurance A. Joy unspeakable amidst outward Troubles Rom. 5.11 And not only so but we also joy in God through our Lord Iesus Christ by whom we have now received the atonement Q. 10. What sins usually eclipse our Assurance A. Negligence in duty starves it 2 Pet. 1.10 Give diligence to make your calling and election sure For if ye do these things ye shall never fall And sinning against light stabs it Psal. 51.8 Make me to hear joy and gladness that the bonâ— which thou hast broken may rejoyce Q. 11. What is the first Inference from this Doctrine A. That no unregenerate Person can have any Assurance for it is the fruit of Justification Adoption and Sanctification Q. 12. What is the second inference A. That all the Joys of Heaven are not to come buâ— â—ome communicated in this life 1 Pet. 1.8 Whom having not seen ye love in whom though now ye see him not yet believing ye rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory Q. 13. What is the third inference A. That assured Believers need to be circumspect persons that they grieve not the Spirit Eph. 4.30 And grieve not the holy spirit of God whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption Of Peace of Conscience Quest. 1. WHat doth the word Peace signify in Scripture A. In the Language of the Old Testament it signifies all temporal good 1 Sam. 25.6 Peace be both to thee and peace be to thine house and peace be unto
4.13 Even so them also which sleep in Iesus will God bring with him Q. 12. What is the last Inference A. That Christless ones are immediately in Hell Luke 16.22 23. The rich man also died and was buried and in Hell he lift up his eyes being in torment Of rest in the Grave Quest. 1. WHY must Believers come to the Grave A. Because where Sin has been Death by the Law must follow Rom. 5.12 Wherefore as by one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Q. 2. What is the First priviledge of their Bodies there A. 'T is the priviledge of their Bodies to be there in union with Christ. 1 Thes. 4.14 Them also which sleep in Iesus will God bring with him Q. 3. What is their Second priviledge A. Their Graves are places of Rest not Prisons but Beds of Rest. Isa. 57.2 He shall enter into peace they shall rest in their beds each one walking in his uprightness Q. 4. Wâ—at is the First evil they rest from A. All the toils and troubles and afflictions of this life Rev. 14.13 They may rest from their labours and their works do follow them Q. 5. What is the Second evil they rest from A. They rest from all persecutions from men Iob 13.17 There the wiked cease from troubling and there the weary be at rest Q. 6. What is the Third evil they rest from A. They rest from Sin never to feel temptation or inclination to sin Heb. 12.23 And to the spirits of just men made perfect Q. 7. How long shall the Bodies rest in the Grave A. Not for ever but till the Day of the Resurrection Iob 19.26 For though after my skin worms destroy this body yet in my flesh shall I see God Q. 8. What is the First inference from hence A. That union with Christ redounds to the singular advantage of the Body as well as the Soul Rom. 8.11 But if the spirit of him that raised up Iesus from the dead dwell in you he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his spirit that dwelleth in you Q. 9. What is the Second inference A. That Death dissolves not the union betwixt Christ and the Souls or Bodies of his Mat. 22.33 I am the God of Abraham the God of Isaac and the God of Iacob God is not the God of the dead but of the living Q. 10. What is the Third inference A. That seeing our Bodies are to have so long and so sweet rest in the Grave we should not spare them in God's Service now 2 Pet. 1.13 14. Yea I think it meet as long as I am in this Tabernacle to stir you up by putting you in remembrance knowing that shortly I must put off this my Tabernacle even as our Lord Iesus Christ hath shewed me Q. 11. What is the Fourth inference A. That Christians should neither too much fear their own nor sorrow for others death Rom. 8.38 For I am perswaded that neither death nor life nor angels nor principalities nor powers nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord. 1 Thes. 4.13 I would not have you to be ignorant concerning them which are asleep that ye sorrow not even as others which have no hope Of the Resurrection Quest. 1. IS the Resurrection a credible Doctrine A. Yes it is Acts 26.8 Why should it be â—â—ought a thing incredible with you that God should raise the â—ead Q 2. Why then doth it seem incredible to man A. Because they err not knowing the Scriptures and â—he Power of God Mark 12.24 Do ye not therefore err because ye know not the Scriptures neither the power of God The Power of God assures us it may be so and the word of God tells us it must be so Q. 3. Is it sinful to doubt of the Doctrine of the Resurrection A. 'T is not only a sin to doubt it but an heresy to deny it it being a fundamental Article Heb. 6.2 And of the resurrection of the dead 1 Cor. 15.13 14. But if there be no resurrection of the dead then is Christ not risen and if Christ be â—â—t risen then is our preaching vain and your faith is also â—â—in Q. 4. Who must rise again at the Resurrection A. All men good and bad must rise again Acts 24.15 And have hope towards God which they themselves also allow that there shall be a resurrection of the dead both of the just and the unjust Rev. 20.12 13 14. And I saw the dead â—â—all and great stand before God c. Q. 5. What is the first difference betwixt the Resurrection of the just and unjust A. Saints rise by virtue of their union with Christ. Rom. â— 11 But if the spirit of him that raised up Iesus from the dead well in you he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also â—uicken your mortal bodies by his spirit that dwelleth in you But 〈◊〉 wicked by his power Q 6. What is the second difference A. The second and main difference will be in the contraâ—y ends to which they rise some to life and some to condemnation Dan. 12.2 And many of them that sleep in the â—ast of the earth shall awake some to everlasting life and some 〈◊〉 shame and everlasting contempt Q. 7. What is the glory to which Saints bodies shall 〈◊〉 raised A. In the likeness of Christ's glorious Body Phil. 3.21 Who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like to 〈◊〉 glorious body Q. 8. What is the First inference from hence A. That every man should strive to the uttermost to attain to the Resurrection of the just Phil. 3.10 11. That I may know him and the power of his Resurrection and the fellowship of the sufferings being made conformable unto his death if by any means I might attain to the resurrection of the dead Q. 9. What is the second Inference A. Comfort to them that now groan under manifold Distempers and Deformities of Body they being made equal to Angels Mark 12.25 For when they shall rise from the dead they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are as the Angels which are in heaven Q. 10. What is the third inference A. Get union with Christ by Faith as you expect a joyful Resurrection Iohn 11.25 Iesus said unto her I aâ— the resurrection und the life he that believeth in me though he were dead yet shall he live Q. 11. What is the fourth Inference A. Saints should not fear Death Gen. 46.3 Fear not to go down into Egypt Q. 12. What is the last Inference A. Imploy your Bodies for good now Of Christ's acknowledging Believers Quest. 38. WHAT benefit do Believers recieve from Christ at the Resurrection A. At the Resurrection Believers being raised up in glory shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the Day of Iudgment and made
perfecth blessed in the full enjoying of God to all Eternity Q. 1. What is it to be acknowledged by Christ A. It is Christ's owning of the special relation betwixt hiâ— and them Mat. 25.34 Come ye blessed of my father inherâ—â— the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the worlâ— Q. 2. Whom will Christ acknowledge for his A. Such as confess Christ now Mat. 10.32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men him will I confess also before my father which is in heaven Q. 3. Before whom will Christ confess them A. Before his Father Angels and Men. Rev. 3.5 He that overcometh the same shall be cloathed in white Raiment and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life but I will confess his name before my Father and before Angels Q. 4. Who shall be denied by Christ in that Day A. All that now deny Christ shall be denied by him 2 Tim. 2.12 If we deny him he also will deny us Q. 5. Why will Christ openly acknowledge them A. To wipe off all Aspersions and Censures that now are cast upon them Isa. 66.5 Your brethren that hated you that cast you out for my names sake said Let the Lord be glorified but he shall appear to your joy and they shall be ashamed Q. 6. What will be the effect of Christ's Acknowledgment A. 'T will put a full end to all Doubts Fears and Jealousies of themselves 1 Cor. 4.3 4. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you or of man's judgment yea I judge not my own self for I know nothing by my self yet am I not hereby justified but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Q. 7. What other effect will it produce in them A. Joy unspeakable and transcendent hence called time of refreshing Acts 3.19 When the time refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Q. 8. Is this the only time Christ acknowledgeth them A. No he acknowledgeth them by his Spirit 's Testimony now but that 's private in their Bosoms Rom. 8.16 The spirit it self beareth witness with our spirits that we are the children of God Q. 9. What is the first Inference from hence A. To warn all how they pass rash Censures on Christ's Servants Psal. 73.15 If I say I will speak this Behold I should offend against the generation of thy children Q. 10. What is the second Inference A. Let none be aâ—raid or ashamed to confess the Person Office or any truth of Christ for any loss or danger that may threaten them Luke 12.8 9. Also I say unto you Whosoever shall confess me before men him shall the son of man also confess before the Angels of God But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the Angels of God Q. 11. What is the third Inference A. Let Christians abound in good works Every act of Charity for Christ shall be acknowledged by him in the Day of Judgment Mat. 25.35 For I was an hungred and ye gave me meat I was thirsty and ye gave me drink I was a stranger and ye took me in Q. 12. What is the last inference A. Let all Christians love and long for the day of Christ's appearing 2 Tim. 4.8 Hence forth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous Iudge shall give me at that day and not to me only but unto them also that love his appearing Of Christ's acquitting Believers Quest. 1. WHat is it to be acquitted by Christ A. It is to be discharged and cleared from all the guilt of Sin and punishent due to it by the Law upon the account of Christ's Righteousness imputed by God and received by Faith Rom. 5.1 Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Iesus Christ. Rom. 8.1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Iesus Q. 2. How many ways are Believers acquitted A. They are acquitted now in the Court of Heaven Rom. 8.33 Who shall lay any thing to the change of God's Elect It is God that justifieth In the court of their own Consciences 1 Iohn 3.21 Beloved if our hearts condemn us not then have we confidence towards God And in the Day of Judgment Both particular Heb. 9.27 As it is appointed unto men once to die but after this the judgment And general Acts 3.19 Repeat ye therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out Their Sins are then blotted out Q. 3. How doth Christ's acquittance now differ from that at Iudgment A. They differ in respect of publickness this is secret in the Believer's bosom and that open before Men and Angels Rev. 3.5 I will confess his name before my Father and before his Angels Q. 4. What is the second Difference A. They differ in respect of subjective certainty and assurance A Believer may doubt of this but not of that 1 Cor. 4.4 5. For I know nothing of my self yet am I not hereby justified but he that judgeth me is the Lord therefore judge nothing before the time until the Lord come Q. 5. What is the third Difference betwixt them A. They differ in point of consolation This always bears proportion to the certainty of it Hence that day is called the time of refreshing when Christ blots out their Sins by Sentencial Justification Acts 3.19 Repent ye therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Q. 6. Do Believers then lie under condemnation till that Day A. No they are truly and fully justified now Iohn 5.24 He that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but is passed from death unto life But this Sentence is not yet publisht by Christ's own mouth as it shall be then Q. 7. On what account shall they be acquitted in that Day A. On the very same account and score they are now viz. For the imputed Righteousness of Christ in the way of Free-grace Eph. 1.7 In wham we have redemption through his blood the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace Q. 8. Must the Saints be summoned to Christ's Bar in that Day A. Yes they must appear as well as others 2 Cor. 5.10 For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ. But not to the same end Iohn 5.29 And shall come forth they that have done good unto the resurrection of life and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation Q 9. What is the first Inference hence A. How sure is a Believer's Justification being so ratified privately and publickly in this World and that to come Q. 10. What is the second Inference A. Though the Day of Judgment be awfully solemn it should not be dreadful to Believers They should look for and hasten to the coming of the Day of God 2 Pet. 3.12 Looking for
and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming But assumes Power to dispence with God's Laws to others Q. 8. What is the second Inference hence A. That man dieth not as Beasts die which are under no Moral Law and therefore capable of no sin but must come to Judgment after Death Eccles. 3.21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth Heb. 9.27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die but after this the Iudgment Q. 9. What is the third Inference hence A. That though the actions of men naturally considered are transcient yet their consequences and effects are permanent An act is soon done a word soon spoken a thought soon thought but when done spoken or thought they are placed to account Gal. 6.7 8. Be not deceived God is not mocked for whatsoever a man soweth that shall be also reap for he that soweth to the flesh shall of the flesh reaâ— corruption but he that soweth to the spirit shall of the spirit reap life everlasting Q. 10. What is the fourth Inference from hence A. That God will proceed with man by different rules in the Day of Judgment according to the different Law they lived under in this World Rom. 2.12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law Q. 11. What is the fifth Inference from hence A. That those who have sinned against the clearest Light and best Helps will if they die impenitent be judged to the greatest Misery Matt. 11.23 And thou Capernaum which art exalted unto heaven shalt be brought down to hell for if the mighey works which have been done in thee had been done in Sodom it would have remained until this day Heb. 2.3 How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation Q. 12. What is the sixth Inference from hence A. That as we are to prize the Moral Law highly as a Rule of Life Psal. 119.105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path So are we to bless God for the Gospel-Dispensation by which only we can attain to Justification and Salvation Heb. 12.22 But we are come to Mount Sion and unto the City of the living God the heavenly Ierusalem to an innumerable company of Angels Of Love to God and Men. Quest. 42. WHAT is the sum of the Ten Commandments A. The sum of the Ten Commandments is to love the Lord our God with all our hearts with all our soul with all our strength and with all our mind and our Neighbour as our selves Q. 1. What is the sum of the Ten Commandments A. To love the Lord our God with a Supream love and Men with a Sincere love in and for him Matt. 22.37 38. Iesus said unto him Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind This is the First and Great Commandment The Second is like unto it Thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self Q. 2. What is the first thing contained in our supream Love to God A. It implies the loving of God purely and absolutely for himself The Excellencies that are in him Cant. 1.3 Thy name is as ointment poured forth therefore the virgins love thee And the benefits we receive from him Psal 116.1 I love the Lord because he hath heard my voice and my supplication Q. 3. What is the Second Property of this Supream Love A Supream love devotes the whole man to God and Christ So that in life and death that man designs the Glory of God as his main end Rom. 14.7 8. For none of us liveth to himself and no man dieth to himself for whether we live we live unto the Lord and whether we die we die unto the Lord whether we live therefore or die we are the Lord 's Q. 4. What is the third Property of Supream Love A. It causes the Soul to depreciate and slight all other things in comparison of God's Glory and an Interest in Christ. Acts 20.24 But none of these things move me neither count I my life dear unto my self so that I may finish my course with joy Phil. 3.8 9. I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Iesus my Lord. Q. 5. What is the fourth Property of Supream Love A. It centers the Soul in God as its only rest Psal. 116.7 Return unto thy rest O my soul. And cannot be satisfied till it come to the full enjoyment of him 2 Thes. 3.5 The Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and patient waiting for Christ. Q. 6. Why must we love God with a supream Love A. Because such a love only suits the transcendent Excellency of God Commands all we are and have for God and is the only love that will continue to the end Rom. 8.35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ Q. 7. What is it to love our Neighbour as our selves A. It is the exact Observation and Practice of the golden Rule of Christ. Matt. 7.12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you do ye even so to them for this is the law and the prophets Q. 8. Are all men to be loved alike and with the same degree of Love A. No tho we must love all men with the love of Benevolence yet the Saints only with the love of Complacency Psal. 16.3 But to the saints that are in the earth and to the excellent in whom is all my delight And to such we must especially do good Gal. 6.10 As we have therefore opportunity let us do good unto all men especially unto them who are of the houshold of faith Q. 9. What is the first Instruction from hence A. Hence we learn the excellency of Divine love Moses expresses the Whole Duty of Man in Ten Commandments Christ hangs the Whole Law upon these Two Love to God and our Neighbour Mark 12.30 31. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind and with all thy strength This is the first Commandment And the Second is like namely this Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self there is none other Commandment greater than these And the Apostle reduces these Two into One Gal. 5.14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word â—uen in this Thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self Q. 10. What is the second Inference from hence A. It convinces the holiest of men how far short they come in their Obedience to the rule of duty and therein the law is our School-master to bring us to Christ. Gal. 3.24 Q. 11. What is the third Inference from hence A. It discovers the excellency and perfection of the Law of God Psal. 19.7 The law of the Lord is pefect converting the soul. And that we are highly to honour
12.10 15. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love in honour preâ—eâ—â—ing one another Rejoyce with them that do rejoyce and weep with them that weep Q. 7. What 's the first Sin forbidden in this Commandment A. It directly and especially forbids all sinful and inordinate desires and motions after other Mens enjoyments Col. 3.5 Mortifie therefore your members which are upon the earth fornication uncleanness inordinate affection evil concupiscence and covetousness which is idolatry Q. 8. What 's the second Sin forbidden in this Commandment A. It forbids all cruelty and incompassionateness to others in necessity and keeping back from them that relief which is made theirs by Gods command Prov. 11.24 There is that with-holdeth more than is meet but it tendeth to poverty Lev. 19.9 10. And when ye reap the harvest of your land thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger I am the Lord your God Q. 9. What is the third Sin forbidden in this Command A. It forbids the detaining of the Hirelings Wages when it is due Hab. 2.9 10 11. Wo to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house that he may set his nest on high that he may be delivered from the power of evil Thou hast consulted shame to thy house by cutting off many people and hast sinned against thy soul. For the stone shall cry out of the wall and the beam out of the timber shall answer it Q. 10. What 's the fourth Sin forbidden in this Commandment A. It forbids all inward grudgings at and envyings of the enjoyments of others whether they be inward Goods of the Mind or outward belonging to the Body 1 Cor. 13.4 Charity envieth not c. Q. 11. What 's the mischief of Covetousness A. It distracts the Heart in Duties Ezek. 33.31 And they come unto thee as the people cometh and they sit before thee as my people and they hear thy words but they will not do them for with their mouth they show much love but their heart goeth after their covetousness Provokes the wrath of God Isa. 57.17 For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth and smote him c. And where it reigns it becomes Idolatry Col. 3.5 And covetousness which is Idolatry Q. 12. What 's the first Inference hence A. It calls all men to humiliation for the inordinacy of their Affections towards the World their discontent with their own and envyings of others conditions Q. 13. What 's the second Inference hence A. As ever we would keep clear from this sin let us make God our portion Psal. 16.5 6. The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup thou maintainest my lot And labour to get the Soul-satisfying comforts of his Spirit Iohn 4.14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst c. 2 Cor. 6.10 As having nothing and yet possessing all things Q. 14. What 's the last Inference hence A. If God have given us a sufficiency of the things of this life for our necessity let us be satisfied though we want other things for our delight 1 Tim. 6.8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content And relieve our selves by an expectation of those better things laid up in Heaven for us if we be believers Iam. 2.5 Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him Of keeping the Law Quest. 82. IS any man able perfectly to keep the Commandments of God A. No meer man since the fall is able in this life perfectly to keep the Commandments of God but doth dayly break them in Thought Word and Deed. Q. 1. Wherein doth thâ— perfect keeping of Gods Law consist A. It consists in the perfect and constant conformity of the internal and external Actions of Heart and Life to every Command of God Gal. 3.10 Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them Matth. 22.37 38 39. Iesus said unto him thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind This is the first and great Commandment And the second is like unto it Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self Q. 2. But if a man commit no external act against the Law may he not be said perfectly to keep it although in mind or thought he should transgress A. No for an inward motion of sin in the Heart that never breaks forth into act is a violation of the Law and brings the Soul under the curse of it Matth. 5.21 22. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time Thou shalt not kill and whâ—soever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment But I say unto you that whosoever is angry with hâ—s brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment c. And ver 27 28. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time Thou shalt not commit adultery But I say unto you that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart Q. 3. May not a man keep the Law if he keep some of its Commands though he cannot keep every one of them punctually A. No he cannot for the transgression of any one Command in the least degree is a breach of all and brings the curse of the whole upon a Mans Soul Iam. 2.10 For who soever shall keep the whole law and yet offend in one point he is guilty of all Q. 4. Was the Law never kept by any since it was made A. Yes Adam in his innocent state kept it for he was made upright Eccles. 7.29 God made man upright c. And Christ perfectly kept it Matth. 5.17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets I am not come to destroy but to fulfil Q. 5. What 's the first Reason why no meer man in this life can fulfil and keep the law of God perfectly A. It is because the Law of God is perfect and the best of Men in this life are imperfect Psal. 19.7 The law of the Lord is perfect c. Eccles. 7.20 For there is not a just man upon earth that doeth good and sinneth not Q. 6. But may not Men perfectly keep it when regenerate and born of God A. No because even in the regenerate there is a Law of Sin which wars against the Law of God Gal. 5.17 For the flesh lusteth against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh c. Rom. 7.22 23. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man But I see another law in my members warring against the law
delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him also freely give us all things Of what God requires of us Quest 85. WHat doth God require of us that we may escape his Wrath and Curse due to us for Sin A. To escape the Wrath and Curse of God due to us for Sin God requireth of us Faith in Iesus Christ Repentance unto Life with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of Redemption Q. 1. What are the things required of us to escape Gods Wrath and Curse due to us for Sin A. The things required of us are 1. Faith in Jesus Christ Acts 16.31 And they said believe on the Lord Iesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thine house 2. Repentance from Sin Acts 3.19 Repent ye therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out c. 3. Diligent striving in the use of all Gods appointed means Luke 13.24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate for many I say unto you shall seek to enter in and shall not be able Q. 2. Are these things in Mans power to perform that God requires of him A. Though they are our Duties yet we have no power in our selves by Nature to perform them but the power is of God 2 Cor. 3.5 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God Q. 3. But if Men be in Christ and justified from Eternity what need of this A. Though God from Eternity decreed and Christ long since purchased the Salvation of the Elect yet have they no union with Christ till they believe Ephes. 3.17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that ye being rooted and grounded in love Nor remission of Sin Acts 3.19 That your sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord but lye under wrath as others do Eph. 2.3 12. And were by nature the children of wrath even as others Ver. 12. That at that time ye were without Christ being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise having no hope and without God in the world Q. 4 If it be God that can only work these Graces in us to what purpose is our striving A. Gods working doth not exclude Mans striving but more excites and obliges us to it Phil. 2.12 13. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his own good pleasure Q. 5. To what purpose is it to strive in the use of means except we knew we were elected A. The knowledge of our Election is not antecedent to our diligence but our diligence is required antecedently to that knowledge 2 Pet. 1.10 Wherefore the rather Brethren give diligence to make your calling and election sure c. Q. 6. Is it not legal to put Natural Men upon striving in the use of means A. No it is not for Christ himself enjoyns it Luke 13 24. Strive to enter in at the strait gate c. And so did the Apostles after him Acts 8.22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness and pray God if perhaps the thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee Q. 7. Is there no escaping Gods Wrath and 〈◊〉 without Faith and Repentance A. No it is impossible to escape them Iohn 3.18 He that believeth not is condemned already Heb. 2.3 How shall we escape it we neglect so great salvation Q. 8. But if a man reform his life and live soberly and justly for time to come may he not that way escape Gods Wrath and Curse A. No Sobriety and Reformation are Duties but it 's Faith and Regeneration that puts men into Christ and out of danger Matth. 5.20 Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven Titus 3.5 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. 9. Do all believing and penitent Sinners escape Gods Wrath and Curse A. Yes they do and shall for ever escape it Rom. 8.1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Iesus c. Col. 1.12 13. Giving thanks unto God the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear son Joh. 5.24 He that beareth my word and believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but is passed from death unto life Q. 10. What is the first Inference hence A. Hence it appears how false and dangerous the Antinomian Doctrine is which teacheth that our Sins are pardoned before they are committed or we either believe or repent contrary to Acts 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 James 5.20 He which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death c. Acts 10.43 To him give all the prophets witness that through his name whoseover believeth in him shall receive remission of sins Q. 11. What 's the second Inference from hence A. Hence it follows that it is dangerous on the one side not to strive in all the wayes of Duty for Christ and Salvation contrary to Luke 13.24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate for many I say unto you will seek to enter in and shall not be able And as dangerous on the other side to rest in and depend on our own Works and Duties Phil. 3.9 And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is of the law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith Q. 12. What 's the third Inference hence A. Hence we learn the miserable stare of all unbelievers and impenitent persons the Curse and Wrath of God lyes upon them Gal. 3.10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse c. And their Mittimus for Hell is already made Iohn 3.18 He that believeth not is condemned already Q. 13. What 's the fourth Inference hence A. Hence we learn the happy state into which Faith and Repentance brings the Souls of Men Acts 13.38 39. By him all that believe are justified from all things from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses Of Saving Faith Quest. 86. WHat is Faith in Iesus Christ A. Faith in Iesus Christ is a saving Grace whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for Salvation as he is offered to us in the
Gospel Q. 1. What 's the root or cause of Faith A. Not the power of Mans will Eph. 2.8 For by grace ye are saved through â—aith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God But the Spirit of God Gal. 5.22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love joy long suffering gentleness goodness faith John 1.12 13. But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name which were born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God Q. 2. How doth the Spirit of God ordinarily produce Faith A. By the preaching of the Word he ordinarily begets it Rom. 10.17 Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God though sometimes he doth it immediately Q. 3. Who are the proper subjects of Faith A. Convinced and sensible Sinners are the proper subiects of Faith John 16.8 9 10. And when he is come he will reprove the world of sin of righteousness and of judgment Of sin because they believe not on me of righteousness because I go to my Father and ye see me no more of judgment because the prince of this world is judged Q. 4. What is the seat or habitation of Faith A. Not only the Head or Understanding but principally the Heart and Will Rom. 10.10 With the heart man believeth unto righteousness c. Acts 8.37 And Philip said if thou believest with all thine heart thou mayest Q. 5. But is not the assent of the understanding true Faith A. The meer assent of the Understanding to the Truths of Scripture is not such a Faith as will save the Soul Jam. 2.19 Thou believest that there is one God thou doest well the devils also believe and tremble Q. 6. What 's the act of Faith that justifies a Sinner A. 'T is the receiving of Christ by the full and hearty consent of the heart that justifies us Iohn 1.12 But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name Q. 7. What is the object of Faith A. The primary object of Faith is the Person of Christ and the secondary are his benefits Isa. 45.22 Look unto me and â—e saved all the ends of the earth c. Phil. 3.8 9. Yea doubtless and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Iesus my Lord for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and do count them but dung that I may win Christ and be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is of the law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith Q. 8. May not a man look partly to Christ and partly to his own Works and Duties for Righteousness A. No he must eye Christ only and exclude all others or he cannot be justified Phil. 3.9 And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is of the law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteouness which is of God by faith Rom. 4.5 But to him that worketh not but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted for righteousness Q. 9. Is it enough to eye the person of Christ only in believing A. No we must eye the Person of Christ as cloathed with all his Offices Acts 16.31 And they said believe on the Lord Iesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thine house Our ignorance needs him as a Prophet our guilt as a Priest our sins and enemies as a King Q. 10. Is true Faith exclusive of all fears and doubts A. No it is not but true Believers are troubled with many fears and doubtings Isa. 50.10 Who is he among you that feareth the Lord that obeyeth the voice of his servant that walketh in darkness and hath no light c. Mark 9.24 And straitway the father of the child cryed out with tears Lord I believe help thou mine unbelief Q. 11. Is no man actually justified till he believe A. No he cannot be justified actually till he believe actually Gal. 3.22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin that the promise by faith of Iesus Christ might be given to them that believe John 3.18 He that believeth on him is not condemned but he that believeth not is condemned already because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten son of God Q. 12. Is every man that believes justified immediately and fully upon his believing A. Yes he is Rom. 5.1 Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Iesus Christ. John 5.24 He that heareth my words and believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but is passed from death unto life Q. 13. What 's the true character or description of a Believer A. He is one that having been convinced of his sin and misery and of his own and all other Creatures inability to save him and of the ability and willingness of Christ to save him le ts go all hold and dependance on Creatures and his own Righteousness and casts himself entirely upon Christ for Righteousness and Life Of the Properties Signs and Means of Faith Q. 1. WHat is the first property of Faith A. 'T is a most precious Grace 2 Pet. 1.1 To them that have obtained like precious faith with us c. And must needs be so seeing 't is the bond of our union with Christ Eph. 3.17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that ye being rooted and grounded in love That by which we are justified Rom. 5.1 Therefore being justified by faith c. And that by which our Souls do live Hab. 2.4 The just shall live by his faith Q. 2. What 's the second property of Saving Faith A. The second property of Faith is this that it is the most useful Grace in this World to a Believer it being the Souls eve Heb. 11 27. By faith he forsook Egypt not fearing the wrath of the king for he endured as seeing him who is invisible c. It s â—aâ—d to apprehend Christ Phil. 3.12 That I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus It 's Cordial in a fainting season Psal. 27.3 I had fainted unless I had believed c. Q. 3. What are the foundations that support Faith A. The first foundation or prop of Faith is the power of God Rom. 4.20 21. He staggered not at the promise through unbelief but was strong in faith giving glory to God And being fully perswaded that what he had promised he was able also to perform Heb. 7.25 He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him c. Q. 4. What 's the second prop of Faith A. The truth and faithfulness of God in his promises Heb. 10.23 Let us hold fast the
Gentiles granted repentance unto life Q. 9. What are the signs of true repentance A. Fear of sin care to preserve our selves from it and zeal to honour God by new obedience 2 Cor. 7.11 For behold this self same thing that ye sorrowed after a godly sort what carefulness is wrought it you yea what clearing of your selves yea what indignation yea what fear yea what vehement desire yea what zeal yea what revenge in all things you have approved your selves to be clear in this matter Q. 10. Is there a necessity of Repentance in order to forgiveness A. Yes there is and they are therefore conjoyned in Scripture Acts 5.31 For to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins And destruction threatned to the impenitent Luk. 13.3 Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish Q. 11. What 's the first Inference hence A. That it 's a false Doctrine which teaches us that sins are actually forgiven from Eternity and therefore no need either of Repentance or Prayer save only for the manifestation of Pardon Q. 12. What 's the second Inference hence A. That an hard Heart is a dreadful sign of a lost state of Soul 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 Q. 13. What 's the last Inference hence A. That there is no cause to despair of the vilest sinner seeing there is power enough in the Spirit of God to break the hardest heart Ezek. 36.26 I will take away the stoâ—y heart oâ—â— of your flesh and I will give you an heart of flesh Of Christs Ordinances Quest. 88. WHat are the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of Redemption A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of Redemption are his Ordinances especially the Word Sacraments and Prayer all which are made effectual to the elect for Salvation Q. 1. What makes any thing become a Divine Ordinance A. The institution or appointment of God is that alone which makes a Divine Ordinance Matth. 28.20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you c. Q. 2. Are the institutions of all Ordinances alike clear in Scripture A. No some are more explicitly and clearly revealed in Scripture than others as the Lords Supper more clear than Baptism but whatever hath Scripture warrant in the words or consequence is of divine appointment Q. 3. May not men institute Ordinances of Divine Worship A. No this in Scripture is condemned as Will-worship Col. 2.20 22 23. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world why as though living in the world are ye subject to ordinances c. Which things indeed have a shew of wisdom in will-worship c. Q. 4. Why cannot man institute a Divine Ordinance A. He cannot do it because it 's the prerogative belonging to Christs Kingly Office Matth. 28.20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you Q. 5. For what other reason cannot man do it A. Because he cannot bless them and make them effectual to their ends but they will be in vain Matth. 15.9 But in vain do they worship me teaching for doctrines the commandments of men Q. 6. Why are the Ordinances called means of Salvation A. Because by and through them the Spirit of the Lord conveys Spiritual Graces into Mens Souls 1 Cor. 1.21 It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe 1 Cor. 3.5 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God Q. 7. Whence is the vertue of Ordinances A. 'T is not in and from themselves or the gifts and abilities of him that administers them but from the Blessing and Spirit of the Lord 1 Cor. 3.7 Neither is he that planteth any thing neither he that watereth but God that giveth the increase Q. 8. Do all Gods Ordinances attain their end A. Yes there is none of them in vain but do attain their end in the Salvation or Damnation of all that come under them Isa. 55.10 11. For as the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven and returneth not thither but watereth the earth and maketh it bring forth and bâ—d that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth it shall not return â—nto me void but it shall accomplish that which I please and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I send it 2 Cor. 2.15 16. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ in them that are saved and in them that perish To the one we are the savour of death unto death and to the other the savour of life unto life c. Q. 9. Are instituted Ordinances the only means of Salvation A. They are not the only means for God can convert Men to Christ without them Acts 9.4 5. And he fell to the earth and heard a voice saying unto him Saul Saul why persecutest thou me And he said who art thou Lord and the Lord said I am Iesus whom thou persecutest It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks But they are the ordinary standing means Rom. 10.14 15. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard and how shall they hear without a preacher and how shall they preach except they be sent c. Q. 10. To whom are the Ordinances made effectual to Salvation A. To all Gods elect they are effectual to Salvation and to them only Acts 13.48 As many as were ordained to eternal life believed John 10.26 But ye believe not because ye are not of my sheep c. Q. 11. What 's the first instruction from hence A. That great preparation is due to all the Ordinances before we engage in them Iob 11.13 14. If thou prepare thine heart and stretch out thy hand towards him If iniquity be in thine hand put it far away and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles 1 Chron. 29.18 And prepare their heart unto thee Q. 12. What 's the second Inference from hence A. That great Reverence is due to Gods Ordinances when we are actually engaged in the use of them Psal. 89.7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him Q. 13. What 's the third Inference from hence A. That those people that want Ordinances are in a sad and deplorable condition Eph. 2.11 12. Wherefore remember that ye being in time passed Gentiles in the flesh who are called uncircumcision by that which is called the circumcision in the flesh made by hands that at that time ye were without Christ being aliens from the common-wealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise having
and prayer some concomitant as due diligence and retention and some subsequent as practise Q. 3. What is due preparation â—or hearing A. It consists in serious consideration of the greatness and holiness of that God whom we approach in hearing the Word Acts 10.33 Now therefore we are all here present before God to hear all things that are commanded thee of God And awing the heart even to a degree of holy trembling thereby Isa. 66.2 To him will I look even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit and trembleth at my word Q. 4. What 's the principal consideration thus to awe the heart A. The Word is in its own nature an heart-searching Word Heb. 4.12 For the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and of the joynts and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart And that eventually 't will be the savour of Life or Death to us 2 Cor. 2.16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death and to the other the savour of life unto life c. Q. 5. What else belongs to due preparation to hear A. The discharging of the heart from worldly cares Matth. 13.7 And some fell among thorns and the thorns sprang up and choaked them And carnal lusts Iam. 1.21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness and receive with meekness the engraffed word which is able to save your souls Q. 6. What 's the third act of due preparation A. Longing after the Word for further communications of Grace by it 1 Pet. 2.2 As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby Isa. 2.3 And many people shall go and say come ye and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord to the house of the God of Iacob and he will teach us of his wayes and we will walk in his paths for out of Zion shall go forth the law and the word of the Lord from Ierusalem Q. 7. What 's the second antecedent duty of hearing A. Prayer is an antecedent duty to hearing the Word and that both for the assistance of the Minister 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 And our own illumination Psal. 119.18 Open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law Q. 8. What else should we pray for A. That God would pour out his Spirit with the Word according to that promise Prov. 1.23 I will pour out my spirit unto you I will make known my words unto you Q. 9. Doth unpreparedness for the Word alwayes hinder its efficacy on the heart A. No God sometimes is found of them that sought him not Isa. 65.1 I was found of them that sought me not c. But it is a sin to neglect it and needs a pardon of God Q. 10. What 's the first motive to prepare for solemn duties A. That it argues the sincerity of the heart and in that case God will be merciful to infirmities 2 Chron. 30.18 19. For a multitude of the people even a multitude of Ephraim and Manasseth Issachar and Zebuluâ— had not cleansed themselves yet did eat the passover but not as it is written Wherefore Hezekiah prayed for them saying the good Lord be merciful towards him that prepareth his whole heart to seek the Lord God the God of his fathers though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary Q. 11. What 's the second motive A. 'T is a sweet sign that God will make that duty successful for which the heart is prepared Psal. 10.17 Thou preparest their heart thou bendest thine ear to them Q. 12. What 's the third motive to preparation A. The majesty and jealousie of God to whom we approach obliges us to solemn preparation Heb. 12.28 29. Whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear for our God is a consuming fire Q. 13. But must a man neglect the duty if his heart be not duly prepared for it A. No for that would be to add a new sin to a former and aggravate it the more Q. 14. In what manner must the prepared heart go to the word A. Not in dependance on its own preparations but upon the Spirits assistance Psal. 71.16 I will go forward in the strength of the Lord God c. Q. 15. What 's the first act of Faith due to the Word A. The assenting act of Faith is required to the Word read or preached whereby we acknowledge it to be of Divine Authority 2 Tim. 3.16 And without controversie great is the mistery of godliness God was manifest in the flesh justified in the spirit seen of angels preached unto the Gentiles believed on in the world received up into glory 2 Pet. 1.21 For the prophesie came not in old time by the will of man but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost Q. 16. What 's the second act of Faith required of us A. An applying act of Faith is also required of us Rom. 15.4 For whatsoever things were written afore-time were written for our learning that we through patience and comâ—ort of the scriptures might have hope Q. 17. What 's the first end in applying the Word A. It is first to be applyed to our conviction both of sin and misery Acts 2.37 Now when they heard this they were pricked in their heart and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles men and brethren what shall we do Q. 18. What 's the second end or use of applying it A. It must be applyed for our guidance and direction to Christ Iohn 6.4 5. Every man therefore that hath heard and hath learned of the father cometh unto me Q. 19. What 's the third use to which it must be applyed A. We must apply it for our direction through the whole course of Christian Duties 2 Pet. 1.19 We have also a more sure word of prophesie whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place until the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts Q. 20. What other use must we apply it to A. It must be applyed for our comfort in all inward and outward troubles Rom. 15.4 For whatsoever things were written afore time were written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope Q. 21. On what account are we to receive it with love A. We are to love it for its Authors sake because it 's the Word of God Psalm 119.159 Consider how I love thy precepts c. Q. 22. What 's the second motive of love to the Word A. The holiness and purity of it deserves and engages our love to it Psal. 119.140 Thy word is very pure therefore thy
servant loveth it Q. 23. What 's the third motive to engage our love to it A. The great and constant usefulness of it to our Souls as that we cannot subsist without Iob 23.12 I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food Q. 24. How doth this love to the Word manifest it self A. Our love manifests it self in our longing after it Psal. 119.20 My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times Our diligent attendance on it Acts 10.33 Immediately therefore I sent unto thee and thou hast well done that thou art come Now therefore are we all here present before God to hear all things that are commanded thee of God Q. 25. How is Faith and Love evidenced to the Word after hearing it A. By preserving it carefully in our hearts and memories Psal. 119.11 Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee Q. 26. What 's the best cure for a bad memory A. Labour to get an high esteem of it and an experimental feeling of it and frequently meditate on it Psal. 119.16 I will delight my self in thy statutes I will not forget thy word Psal. 119.93 I will never forget thy precepts for with them thou hast quickened me Psal. 119.99 Thy testimonies are my meditation Q. 26. How is Faith and Love principally manifested to the word after hearing A. 'T is principally manifested by bringing forth the fruits of it in our lives Col. 1.5 6. For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel which is come unto you as it is in all the world and bringeth forth fruit as it doth also in you since the day ye bear a of it and knew the grace of God in truth Q. 28. What 's the use of all this A. This serves to reprove our formal and dead hearing the Word and excites us all to evidence and exercise more Faith Love and Obedience in hearing it Of Sacraments as means of Salvation Quest. 91. HOw do the Sacraments become effectual means of Salvation A. The Sacraments become effectual means of Salvation not from any vertue in them or in him that doth administer them but only by the blessing of Christ and the working of his Spirit in them that by Faith receive them Q. 1. What 's the first proper sense of this word Sacrament A. It primarily signifies a solemn Oath taken by Souldiers when they List themselves under a Prince or General and this Oath was mutual Q. 2. Why do we use it seeing it is not a Scripture word A. Though the Word be not found in Scripture yet the thing intended by it is and that brings the word in use for in the Sacraments God obliges himself to us by confirming his Covenant by it Rom. 4.11 And he received the sign of circumcision a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised that he might be the father of all them that believe though they be not circumcised that righteousness might be imputed unto them also And we oblige our selves to God Rom. 6.3 4. Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Christ were baptized into his death Thereforâ— we are buried with him in baptism into death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father even so we also should walk in newness of life Q. 3. What is here meant by Salvation A. By Salvation is meant our compleat and final deliverance from sin and misery both temporal and eternal From sin Matth. 1.21 For he shall save his people from their sins From misery 1 Thess. 1.10 Even Iesus which delivereth us from the wrath to come Q. 4. What is a mean of Salvation A. A mean of Salvation signifies any appointment of God whereby he promotes and accomplishes his design of saving our Souls so the word is a mean Rom. 1.16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth Q. 5. How doth the Word and Sacraments differ as means of Salvation A. The Word is appointed to be the first means of begeting Faith 1 Cor. 3.5 Who then is Paul or who is Apollo but ministers by whom ye believed c. Sacraments are to seal and confirm it Rom. 4.11 And he received the sign of circumcision a seal of the righteousness of faith c. Q. 6. What is meant by an effectual mean of Salvation A. By an effectual mean is meant such a mean as fully obtains and accomplishes the end it was appointed for 1 Thess. 2.13 Because when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us ye received it not as the word of men but as it is in truth the word of God which effectually worketh also in you that believe Q. 7. Don't all the means of Salvation prove effectual to men A. Though the means of Salvation prove effectual to all Gods Elect yet they are so to no others Acts 28.23 24. And when they had appointed him a day there came many to him into his lodging to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God perswading them concerning Iesus both out of the law of Moses and out of the prophets from morning till evening And some believed the things which were spoken and some believed not Q. 8. Do not the Sacraments save all that partake of them A. No they do not Baptism may pass on a cast-away Acts 8.23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity And the Lords Supper may be received unworthily 1 Cor. 11.27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. Q. 9. What 's the reason they prove not effectual to all A. Because their vertue and efficacy is not in themselves but in God for we see they work as Gods Spirit concurs or not concurs with them as in the instance before given Q. 10. But is not that for want of wisdom holiness or zeal in the Minister that they have no more efficacy A. No it is not principally or only from thence for it 's not in the power of the holiest Minister in the World to make them effectual 1 Cor. 3.7 Neither is he that planteth any thing neither he that watereth but God that giveth the increase Q. 11. Whence is it that Sacraments become effectual A. 'T is only from the Spirit of Christ working in them and by them on the souls of men 1 Cor. 12.13 For by one spirit are we all baptized into one body and have been all made to drink into one spirit Q. 12. What 's the first Instruction hence A. That men enjoying all the Ordinances of the Gospel and partaking of the Sacraments annexed to the Covenant of Grace may yet perish
for ever 1 Cor. 10.3 4 5. And did all eat the same spiritual meat and did all drink the same spiritual drink for they drank of that spiritual rock that followed them and that rock was Christ but with many of them God was not well pleased for they were overthrown in the wilderness Luke 13.26 27. Then shall ye begin to say we have eaten and drank in thy presence and thou hast taught in our streets But he shall say I tell you I know you not whence you are depart from me all ye workers of iniquity Q. 13. What 's the second Inference A. That men should not idolize some Ministers for the excellency of their gifts and despise others seeing 't is not in them to make the means effectual Q. 14. What 's the last Inference A. That in all our attendance upon the means of Salvation we should be careful to beg the Spirit and Blessing of Christ without which they cannot be effectual to our Salvation Of the nature of Sacraments Quest. 92. WHat is a Sacrament A. A Sacrament is an holy Ordinance instituted by Christ wherein by sensible signs Christ and the benefits of the New Covenant are represented sealed and applyed to Believers Q. 1. How many sorts of Sacraments are found in Scripture A. Of Sacraments there are two sorts some extraordinary and transient as the Fiery Pillar Manna and Water out of the Rock 1 Cor. 10.1 2 3 4. Moreover brethren I would not that ye should be ignorant how that all our fathers were under the cloud and all passed through the sea and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea And did all eat the same spiritual meat And did all drink the same spiritual drink for they drank of that spiritual rock that followed them and that rock was Christ And some ordinary and standing as Circumcision and the Passover before Christ and Baptism and the Lords Supper since Christs death Q. 2. How many things are to be considered in every Sacrament A. In every Sacrament five things must be considered 1. The Author 2. The Parts â— The Vnion of those parts 4. The Subjects 5 The ends and uses of it Q. 3. Who is the Author of the Sacraments A. The Lord Jesus Christ as King of the Church by whose sole authority Baptism was instituted Matth. 28.19 20. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you c. And the Lords Supper 1 Cor. 11.23 24. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you that the Lord Iesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread and when he had given thanks he brake it and said Take eat this is my body which is broken for you This do in remembrance of me Q. 4. Are the old Sacraments yet in being and use in the Church A. No they are past away and the new come in their room Baptism takes place of Circumcision Col. 2.11 12. In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ buried with him in baptism c. And the Lords Supper of the Passover 1 Cor. 5.7 Purge out therefore the old leaven that ye may be a new lump as ye are unleavened for even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us Q. 5. Of what parts doth every Sacrament consist A. Every Sacrament consists of two parts one external and earthly another internal and Heavenly or Spiritual Bread Wine and Water are the external Christs Blood and Spirit the internal parts Rom. 6.3 Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Iesus Christ were baptized into his death 1 Cor. 11.25 This cup is the new testament in my blood c. Q. 6. Wherein consists the Sacramental union of these parts A. It consists by vertue of Christs institution in three things 1. In apt signification 2. Firm obsignation And 3. Real exhibition of the Blessings signified and seald Q. 7. What are the Blessings signified by Water in Baptism A. It signifies our implantation into Christ and communion with him in his Death and Resurrection Rom. 6.4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father even so we also should walk in newness of life And our solemn admission into the visible Church Gal. 3.26 27 28 29. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Iesus For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Iew nor Greek there is neither bond nor free there is neither male nor female for ye are all one in Christ Iesus And if ye be Christs then are ye Abrahams seed and heirs according to the promise Q. 8. What are the Blessings signified by Bread and Wine A. They signifie Christs Body and Blood broken and poured out for us with all the Blessings of Remission Peace and Salvation purchased by his Blood 1 Cor. 10.16 17. The cup of blessing which we bless is it not the communion of the bloud of Christ The bread which we break is it not the communion of the body of Christ for we being many are one bread and one body for we are all partakers of that one bread Q. 9. Do the Sacraments seal as well as signifie these things A. Yes they do Rom. 4.11 And he received the sign of circumcision a seal of the righteousness of the faith c. Their use is to confirm Gods Covenant with Believers Q. 10. Who are the proper subjects of the Sacraments A. Believers and their Seed are the subjects of Baptism but adult Christians only of the Lords Supper Acts 2.38 39. Repent and be baptized every one of you for the promise is unto you and to your children and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call 1 Cor. 11.28 But let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup. Q. 11. What is the main use and end of Sacraments A. It is to ratifie and confirm Gods Covenant with Believers Rom. 4.21 And he received the sign of circumcision a seal of the righteousness of the saith that he had yet being uncircumcised c. 1 Cor. 11.26 For as often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup ye do shew the Lords death till he come Q. 12. What 's the first Instruction from hence A. That the abuse of such holy and solemn mysteries is a sin of dreadful aggravation and such as God will punish 1 Cor. 11.27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. Q. 13. What 's the second Instruction
which are known by Travellers to be small not capable of plunging into Q. 10. What are the benefits accruing to us by Baptism A. The benefits are twofold some external called the fatness of the Olive-tree i. e. Ordinances and visible Membership Rom. 11.17 And thou being a wild olive-tree were grafted in amongst them and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive-tree And some spiritual and saving 1 Pet. 3.21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us not the putting away of the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience towards God by the resurrection of Iesus Christ. Q. 11. What engagements are said on the Baptized A. They are engaged to be the Lords people and walk suitable to that engagement Rom. 6.4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father even so we also should walk in newness of life Q. 12. Is Baptism to be reiterated as the Lords Supper A. No for the Lords Supper is a Sacrament for nourishing but this for implantation Rom 6.4 5. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father even so we also should walk in newness of life For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection Q. 13. Doth Baptism regenerate men and confer saving Grace A. No it doth not in its own vertue convey Grace no more than the Lords Supper but the Spirit of God is the Author of Grace and works it as he pleases before or after Baptism Of the subjects of Baptism Quest. 95. TO whom is Baptism to be administred A. Baptism is not to be administred to any that are out of the visible Church till they profess their Faith in Christ and Obedience to him but the infants of such as are members of the visible Church are to be Baptized Q. 1. Who are to be Baptized A. Believers and their insane off-spring Acts 2.39 For the promise is to you and your children and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call Q. 2. How doth it appear that the infant seed of Believers ought to be Baptized A. It appears by this that they being Abrahams Seed were taken into Covenant with God and ordered to have the sign of the Covenant applyed to them and that Grant was never reversed Gen. 17.7 10. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee This is my covenant which ye shall keep between me and you and thy seed after thee every man-child among you shall be circumcised Q. 3. But was not that the Covenant of Works and so will not â—old to infer their priviledge under the Covenant of Grace A. No it was not for God never did nor will become a God by way of special interest to any people by vertue of the Covenant of Works since the breach of it by the fall Q. 4. But if it were the Covenant of Grace how doth it appear the right of Believers Infants is still the same it was before in Abrahams time A. It appears plainly from the Apostles own words and arguments Acts 2.39 For the promise is to you and to your children c. Q. 5. But though Infants then were members of Gods visible Church among the Iews how doth it appear they are so now when God hath vast them off A. It appears the membership and priviledges are as sure and ample to them now that are the Children of Gentile-believers as ever they were to the Iewish Infants Rom. 11.17 And if some of the branches be broken off and then being a wild olive-tree wert grafted in amongst them and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive-tree Q. 6. How else doth it appear they are within the Covenant A. It appears by this that they are pronounced holy 1 Cor. 7.14 Else were your children unclean but now are they holy Which is a foederal holiness and none out of Covenant can be holy by Covenant Q. 7. But may not that place mean only their legitimacy A. No it cannot for then the Apostle must pronounce all the Infants in the World bastards that descend not at least from one believing Parent Q. 8. But Infants are not capable to Covenant with God or perform Covenant Duties and therefore why should they be admitted to Covenant Priviledges A. A Child now of eight dayes old is as capable of being admitted into Covenant with God as Children of the same age were in Abrahams dayes and then it 's manifest they were admitted Q. 9. Though they were admitted by Circumcision then will it follow they may be so by Baptism now seeing that Ordinance is abolished A. Yes it will for though Circumcision cease yet Baptism is come into its place Col. 2.10 11 12. And ye are complete in him which is the head of all principality and power In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ buried with him in baptism c. Q. 10. But Circumcision was a Seal of the Covenant of Works and the argument will not hold from a Seal of the Covenant of Works to a Seal of the Covenant of Grace A. Circumcision never was nor was intended to be a Seal of the Covenant of Works but of the Righteousness of Faith Rom. 4.11 And he received the sign of circumcision a seal of the righteousness of the faith that he had yet being uncircumcised c. Q. 11. But have we no express command in the New Testament to baptize Infants A. There needed no new command their priviledge had been setled many ages before upon them and never reversed by Christ or his Apostles but their former right declared to continue still to them Acts 2.39 For the promise is to you and your children c. Q. 12. But if they have a right we might expect to find some examples of their baptizing A. 'T is manifest that Believers housholds were baptized with them Acts 16.15 33. And when she was baptized and her houshold c. Ver. 33. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes and was baptized he and all his straightway And if Infants are not named so neither are any of Age born of Christian Parents Q. 13. But many trust to their Infant-baptism as to their Regeneration and so much mischief 's done A. They do so yet the Duty is not therefore to be neglected The preaching of Christ is to some a stumbling block yet Christ must be preached for all that Q. 14. But many baptized Infants prove naught
ability Gen. 47.12 And Ioseph nourished his father and his brethren and all his fathers houshold with bread according to their families Q. 8. What shall Children do when Parents abuse their Authority by forbidding Duty or commanding Sin A. In such cases Children are to obey God rather than their Parents Acts 4.19 But Peter and Iohn answered and said unto them Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God judge ye But yet to manage their refusals of Obedience with all Meekness and Humility Q. 9. What is the first duty of Husbands to their Wives A. The first â—uty on which all other Duties depend is cohabitation with them 1 Pet. 3.7 Likewise ye husbands dwell with them according to knowledge c. And nothing can make this Duty void but a lawful divorce for Adultery Matth. 5.31 32. But I say unto you that whosoever shall put away his wife saving for the cause of fornication causeth her to commit adultery c. Q. 10. What 's the Husbands second Duty to his Wife A. True and hearty love to Soul and Body Eph. 5.25 Husbands love your wives even as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it Evidencing it self in careful provision for them 1 Cor. 7.33 But he that is married careth for the things of the world how he may please his wife But especially to their Souls in winning them to Christ 1 Cor 7.16 Or how knowest thou O man whether thou shalt save thy wife And building them up in Christ 1 Pet. 3.7 Likewise ye husbands dwell with them according to knowledge giving honour unto the wife as unto the weaker vessel and as being heirs together of the grace of life that your prayers be not hindred Q. 11. What are the Duties of Wives to their Husbands A. 'T is their Duty 1. To be in subjection to their own Husbands Eph. 5.22 23. Wives submit your selves unto your own husbands as unto the Lord For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the Church 2 To reverence them Eph. 5.33 And the wife see that she reverence her husband 3. To express their Reverence in suitable Words and Actions 1 Pet. 3.6 Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham calling him Lord c. 4. To be faithful to them Prov. 31.12 She will do him good and not evil all the dayes of her life 5. To adorn their Relation with meekness and quietness of Spirit 1 Pet. 3.4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart in that which is not corruptible even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit which is in the sight of God of great price Q. 12. What are the Duties of Servants to their Masters A. 'T is their Duty 1. To be faithful in all things committed to their charge Tit. 2.10 Not purloining but shewing all good fidelity c. 2. To honour them in all respectful Words and Carriages 1 Tim. 6.1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour c. 3. To bear patiently their rebukes 1 Pet. 2.18 19. Servants be subject to your masters with all fear not only to the good and gentle but also to the froward For this is thank-worthy if a man for conscience toward God endure grief suffering wrongfully Q. 13. What is the first Duty of Masters to their Servants A. Their first Duty is to rule over them with gentleness and not with terrour and rigour Eph. 6.9 And ye masters do the same things unto them forbearing â—oreatning Knowing that your master also is in heaven neither is there respect of persons with him Q. 14. What 's the second Duty of Masters to their Servants A. To pay them their Wages fully and without delay Deut. 24.14 15. Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant that is peer and needy whether he be of thy brethren or of thy strangers that are in thy land within thy gates At his day thou shalt give him â—is hire neither shall the sun go down upon it fâ—r he is poor and setteth his heart upon it lest he cry against thee unto the Lord and it be sin unto thee And to provide Food for them convenient Prov. 27.27 And thou shalt have goats-milk enough for thy â—â—od for the food of thy houshold and for the maintenance for thy maidens Q. 15. What 's the third Duty of Masters to their Servants A. The third and principal Duty is to engage them as much as in them lies to the wayes of God and Duties of Religion as Abraham did Gen. 18.19 For I know him that he will command his children and his houshold after him and they shall keep the way of the Lord c. And Ioshua Josh. 24.15 But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. Of the sixth Commandment Quest. 67. WHich is the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment is Thou shalt not kill Quest. 68. What is required in the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment requireth all lawful endeavours to preserve our own life and the life of others Quest. 69. What is forbidden in the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life or the life of our Neighbour unjustly or whatsoever tendeth thereunto Q. 1. What is the natural order of these Commandments in the second Table A. In these Commands God begins with the nearest concern of Man which is Life Iob 2.4 Skin for skin yea all that a man hath will he give for his life Next to that his Command guards his nearest Relative from whom the best outward comfort is to rise his Wife Mark 10.8 And they twain shall be one flesh c. After that his good Name which is very precious to him Eccles. 7.1 A good name is better than precious oyntment And then his Goods which support his life Isa. 3.1 For behold the Lord the Lord of hasts doth take away from Ierusalem and from Iudah the â—â—ay and the staff the whole stay of bread and the whole stay of water Q. 2. How far doth this Command extend it self A. It prohibits all Crueltâ— and commands all Help Care and Pity so far as Mens hearts and hands can go for the relief and preservation of others Psal. 119.96 But thy commandment is exceeding broad Q 3. Doth this Command respect only the outward action or also the inward passion of the Soul A. It respects and bridles the inward Passion of the Soul as well as outward Actions as Hatred 1 Iohn 3.15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer c. And causless Anger Matth. 5.22 But I say unto you that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment c. Q. 4. Doth this Command only respect the lives of others A. No it primarily respects our own lives and forbids us all things that tend to the shortening and ruin of them Eph. 5.29 For no man ever yet hated