thy Might Deut. 6.4 5. Mat. 12.29 30. Knowledg puffeth up but Love edifieth And if any Man think that he knoweth any thing he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know But if any Man love God the same is known of him 1 Cor. 8.1 2 3. see 1 John 4.7 8. Quest How does our love to God manifest and discover it self Answ Our Love to God discovers it self by our keeping the Commandments of God which require us to trust in him and live to him as the only true God Deut. 10.12 And now Israel what doth the Lord thy God require of thee but to fear the Lord thy God to walk in all his ways and to love him and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy Heart and with all thy Soul 1 John 5.3 This is the love of God that we keep his Commandments 1 John 4.20 If a Man say I love God and hateth his Brother he is a liar Quest How do you prove from Scripture that we must not only know him whom God hath sent but also love him as such Answ I prove it from John 8.42 Jesus said unto them If God were your Father ye would love me for I proceeded forth and came from God neither came I of my self but he sent me Quest How does our love to him whom God hath sent manifest and discover it self Answ Our love to him whom God hath sent discovers it self in our keeping his Commandments which require us to trust in him and live to him as one whom God hath sent to be the Saviour of the World John 14.15 If ye love me keep my Commandments Vers 21. He that hath my Commandments and keepeth them he it is that loveth me Vers 23. If a Man love me he will keep my Words Vers 24. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings the Word which ye hear is not mine but my Fathers which sent me 1 John 2.3 c. And hereby we do know that we know him if we keep his Commandments He that saith I know him and keepeth not his Commandments is a liar and the Truth is not in him But whoso keepeth his Word in him verily is the love of God perfected Hereby know we that we are in him Quest Tell me now what you intend by the Acknowledgment of God and of Christ which you have mentioned Answ By the Acknowledgment of God and Christ I intend nothing else but that Love now spoken of as manifested by the keeping of God's Commandments Quest Why do you call this an Acknowledgment of God and of Christ Answ I so call it because they who thus keep the Commandments of God do indeed acknowledg and confess That he who sent Jesus Christ is the only true God and that Jesus Christ is he whom God hath sent Quest Does the Holy Scripture express it in the same way and manner Answ Yes and in many places Col. 1.10 Ephes 4.13 Col. 2.2 1 Tim. 2.4 Ch. 4.3 2 Tim. 2.25 Tit. 1.1 2 Pet. 1.2 3. Prov. 3.6 2 Cor. 1.13 1 Joh. 2.23 Rom. 10.9 10. 1 King 8.33 Mat. 10.32 1 Tit. 1.16 Heb. 3.1 Ch. 4.14 Ch. 10.23 Quest You said as I remember in your first Answer That the best and chiefest thing we are to learn is the Doctrine that teacheth us to know God and Jesus Christ But why said you so Answ I said that the Doctrine which teacheth us to know God and Jesus Christ is the best and chiefest thing we are to learn for this Reason Because this Doctrine which is Truth revealeth to us the Promise of Eternal Life and directeth us in the way and means of obtaining this Eternal Life Quest How prove you this Answ I prove it from the words of our Saviour which we have now been discoursing of namely This is Eternal Life that Men may know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent Quest What do you gather from these words Answ First I gather from them that the Doctrine of Christ is a Doctrine concerning Eternal Life * Secondly That to know the Father the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent is that which is required of us for obtaining Eternal Life ‑ These things are clearly and plentifully witnessed in the Holy Scriptures * 1 John 5.11 And this is the Record that God hath given to us Eternal Life and this Life is in his Son John 12.50 And I know that his Commandment is Life Everlasting John 6.68 Then Simon Peter answered him Lord to whom shall we go Thou hast the words of Eternal Life 2 Tim. 1.10 Our Saviour Jesus Christ hath abolished Death and hath brought Life and Immortality to light through the Gospel ‑ 1 John 2.24 25. Let that therefore abide in you which ye have heard from the beginning If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you ye shall continue in the Son and in the Father And this is the Promise that he hath promised us even Eternal Life James 1.12 Blessed is the Man that endureth temptation for when he is tried he shall receive the Crown of Life which the Lord hath promised to them that love him 1 Cor. 2.9 10. Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard neither have entered into the Heart of Man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit 1 Pet. 1.8 9. Whom to wit Jesus Christ having not seen ye love in whom though now ye see him not yet believing ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory receiving the end of your Faith even the Salvation of your Souls 1 Cor. 16.22 If any Man love not the Lord Jesus Christ let him be Anathema Maranatha 1 Thess 1.8 The Lord Jesus shall take vengeance of them that know not God and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 1.2 Grace and Peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledg or acknowledgment of God and of Jesus our Lord. Quest What do you conclude of hence Answ I hence conclude That there is nothing in the World we should so esteem of and glory in as the knowledg of God and of Christ Jer. 9.23 24. Thus saith the Lord Let not the wise Man glory in his Wisdom neither let the mighty Man glory in his Might let not the rich Man glory in his Riches but let him that glorieth glory in this that he understandeth and knoweth me that I am the Lord which exercise Loving-kindness Judgment and Righteousness in the Earth for in these things I delight saith the Lord. Phil. 3.7 8. What things were gain to me those I counted loss for Christ yea doubtless I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledg of Christ Jesus my Lord for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and do count them but dung that I may win Christ c. The Second Part. Treating of Religion in the General and more particularly of the
he that in these things Righteousness Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost serveth Christ is acceptable to God and approved of Men. See Joh. 12.26 Rom. 16.18 Rev. 1.1 In Eph. 5.22 c. Wives submit your selves unto your own Husbands as unto the Lord for the Husband is the Head of the Wise even as Christ is the Head of the Church and he is the Saviour of the Body Therefore as the Church is subject unto Christ so let the Wives be unto their own Husbands in every thing To serve God and Christ is from Love to obey them as having respect to the Authority of both and aiming at the Glory of both 1 Pet. 1.2 and v. 14. Heb. 5.9 Joh. 5.27 Mat. 28.18 c. Rom. 16.27 Ephes 3.21 Phil. 1.11 1 Cor. 10.31 Rom. 15.6 2 Thess 1.12 Thus to live is to live not to the Lusts of Men but to the Will of God 1 Pet. 4.2 Q. You said That God according to his purpose did thus promise What mean you thereby A. I mean That God having through his Grace so purposed before the World began did at length bring to light this purpose of his and that by Jesus Christ Tit. 1.1 2 3. Paul a Servant of God and an Apostle of Jesus Christ according to the Faith of God's Elect and the acknowledging of the Truth which is after Godliness in hope of eternal Life which God that cannot lie promised in purpose before the World began But hath in due time manifested his Word Promise through preaching the publication of his purpose which is committed unto me c. 2 Tim. 1.9 10. Who hath saved us and called us with an Holy Calling not according to our Works but according to his own Purpose and Grace gracious Purpose which was given us in Christ Jesus before the World began but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ who hath abolished Death and hath brought Life and Immortality an Immortal Life to Light through the Gospel Q. You said That God hath thus promised to Believers that they might be to the praise of his Glory What is your meaning here A. I mean this That God in thus promising had for his principal end therein that the Glory of his Grace Wisdom and Power might be shewen forth on Believers and praised by them Ephes 1.12 2.7 Q. Now tell me What is it for Men to be partakers of this Promise of God A. Men are then said to be partakers of this Promise when they become Heirs of Eternal Life and do at length possess it Gal. 3.29 Tit. 3.7 Heb. 6.17 Jam. 2.5 1 Pet. 3.7 Heb. 1.14 10.36 Q. What is it to be partakers of this Promise by the Gospel A. Men are said to be Partakers of the Promise by the Gospel Because Faith cometh by the Gospel and because the Gospel is the Power of God unto Salvation to every one that believeth Rom. 10.17 Ephes 1.13 Rom. 1.16 Q. But what do you mean by the Gospel A. The Gospel is that Revelation of the Mystery concerning the Promise of Eternal Life which began to be spoken by the Lord Jesus The word Gospel is used to express a word in Greek which in general denotes any good and joyful Message or good and glad Tydings and which in special and by way of eminency signifies that good and glad Tydings brought into the World by Jesus Christ in which sense some would rather use the term Evangelie than Gospel following therein most Nations who retain in this sense the Greek word and that not unadvisedly That we call the Gospel is that Revelation or discovery of the Mystery concerning the Promise of Eternal Life which first began to be spoken by Jesus Christ See Rom. 16.25 Ephes 3.3 c. Joh. 1.17 Heb. 2.3 It is called the Revelation of the Mystery concerning this Promise because this Promise was before the coming of Christ contained in a Mystery that is in Types and Figures after an obscure way and manner But Christ hath expounded this Promise making known the substance of the shadow and bringing forth clearly the Spirit that is the meaning of the Letter Rom. 4.13 c. and 9.8 9. Heb. 6.13 Joh. 1.17 2 Cor. 3.6 2 Tim. 1.10 Q. Before we return I have one Question yet to ask you namely Whether nothing else but Eternal Life is in this Promise promised to Believers A. In the Promise of Eternal Life all good things that must come from God and are necessary for obtaining it are necessarily included in this Promise 1 Tim. 4.8 Godliness is profitable unto all things having the Promise of the Life that now is and of that which is to come Touching the matter of this Answer see in that which follows CHAP. VII Of God's Work by Jesus Christ for the saving of Sinners Q. YOu having thus spoken of the Promise of Eternal Life which is the Promise of the New Covenant let us consider the Work of God for the saving of Men by Jesus Christ which you said is that Work of God and that Work of Jesus the Christ of God that Men may be saved What have you learned in the general concerning this Work A. Concerning God's Work for the saving of Men or preparing them for Salvation by Jesus Christ I have learned that this Work doth respect first Those that are the Servants of Sin and the Children of the Devil Secondly Those that are the Servants of Obedience the Children of God Q. It being so we will speak of this Work accordingly beginning with that part which respecteth the former sort of Persons you mentioned But because it will be needful to know who they are I therefore ask you Who are they that are the Servants of Sin and Children of the Devil A. All they who live in Sin which is the transgression of the Law of God are the Servants of Sin and Children of the Devil The Law of God is a binding direction from God concerning Duty forbidding that which is Evil and commanding that which is needful to be done Now the Transgression of this Law either in doing what it forbids or leaving undone what it commands is sin 1 Joh. 3.4 5.17 That man whoever he be that lives in Sin or committeth Sin by loving Sin and walking in it is a Servant of Sin and a Child of the Devil Joh. 8.34 Verily verily I say unto you saith Christ Whosoever committeth Sin is the Servant of Sin Rom. 6.2 Such are said to live in Sin 1 John 3.10 In this the Children of God are manifest and the Children of the Devil Whosoever doth not Righteousness is not of God neither he that loveth not his Brother Q. But why are they that live in Sin thus called A. They that live in Sin are called the Servants of Sin because they yield their Members Servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity and may expect the Wages of Sin which is Death and they are called the Children of the Devil
let us now speak of that which is for the saving of Converts who by Repentance have their Sins forgiven and are become the Children of God What is God's Work by Jesus Christ for the saving of these A. The Work of God by Jesus Christ for the saving of his Children is that whereby God bringeth them unto Glory by Jesus Christ Heb. 2.10 For it became him God for whom are all things and by whom are all things in bringing many Sons unto Glory to make the Captain of their Salvation perfect through Sufferings Q. Wherein does this Work consist A. God's Work by Jesus Christ of bringing his Children unto Glory consisteth in preparing them for Glory and possessing them with it Rom. 9.23 Q. How does God by Jesus Christ prepare them for Glory A. God does this by creating them in Christ Jesus unto good Works and by confirming them therein unto the end Ephes 2.10 We are God's Workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good Works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them 1 Cor. 1.8 9. Who God shall also confirm you unto the end that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ God is faithful by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ 1 Thes 5.23 24. And the very 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 Jesus Christ Faithful is be that calleth you who also will do it Heb. 13.20 21. Now the God of Peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus that great Shepherd of the Sheep through the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant make you perfect in every good Work to do his Will working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ to whom be Glory for ever and ever Amen Q. But how does God thus sanctify Believers A. God does this by his Spirit which he gives to Believers and by which he works in them for their Sanctification and all this thorow Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 1.2 Elect according to the foreknowledg of God the Father thorow sanctification of the Spirit unto Obedience and sprinkling of the Blood of Jesus Christ Ephes 1.13 In whom which Christ also after that ye believed ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise Tit. 3.5 c. God our Saviour saved us by the washing of Regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour c. See Joh. 3.5 Ezek. 36.25 c. Q. What is that which God worketh in Believers by his Spirit that they may be confirmed unto the end A. God by his Spirit does enlighten them concerning his Will and does strengthen them that they may walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing in all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness Ephes 1.17 18. 3.14 c. Col. 1.9 10 11. Q. Is there nothing by which God and Christ do through the Spirit sanctify Believers A. Yes for the Word of the Gospel is us'd for their Sanctification and sometimes Chastisement For the Word of the Gospel see Rom. 1.16 Ephes 5.26 For Chastisement see Heb. 12.5 c. Rev. 3.19 Q. Is there nothing that God by Jesus Christ worketh out of Believers for their Sanctification A. Yes And among other things God will not suffer them to be tempted above that they are able but will with the Temptation also make a way to escape that they may be able to bear it 1 Cor. 10.13 Q. What in this Work of Sanctification is peculiar to Christ A. He gave himself for the Church that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of Water by the Word And he ever liveth to make intercession for us Ephes 5.25 26. Heb. 7.25 Q. What must Believers do that they may be Holy and confirmed unto the end A. They must cleanse themselves from all filthiness of Flesh and Spirit perfecting Holiness in the Fear of God 2 Cor. 7.1 Q. Can you set forth this more particularly A. Yes after this manner They building up themselves in their most Holy Faith praying in the Holy Ghost must keep themselves in the Love of God looking for the Mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto Eternal Life Jud. 20 21. Q. I would hear something from you touching the particulars of your Answer Wherefore I ask you in the first place this Question What is it for Believers to build up themselves in their most Holy Faith A. Believers may be then said to build up themselves in their most Holy Faith when they rightly endeavour by the means God vouchsafeth them both in private and in publick to encrease in the knowledg and belief of the Doctrine of Christ Col. 2.7 2 Pet. 3.18 2 Tim. 2.7 Eph. 4.11 c. 1 Pet. 2.1 2. Q. What is it for Believers to pray in the Holy Ghost A. Believers may be then said to pray in the Holy Ghost when according to the Will of God made known by the Holy Ghost they make known their Requests unto God by Prayer and Supplication with Thanksgiving both in private and publick as they have opportunity Phil. 4.6 1 Joh. 5.14 Matth. 6.5 c. 1 Cor. 14.14 c. Q. What general Direction have Believers for Prayer and Thanksgiving A. That which our Saviour gave to his Apostles in Mat. 6.5 c. add thereto that of our Saviour afterwards in Joh. 16.23 24. Verily verily I say unto you Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my Name he will give it you Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my Name Ask and ye shall receive that your joy may be full Add that of the Apostle Ephes 5.20 Give thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ Q. But what is it to pray and give thanks in the Name of Jesus Christ A. To pray and give thanks in the Name of Jesus Christ is to draw nigh to God therein with confidence because Jesus Christ is our High Priest that maketh intercession for us Heb. 4.14 15 16. 1 Pet. 2.5 Heb. 13.15 Q. What have you learnt concerning that Cup of Blessing or Thanksgiving which the Apostle speaketh of in 1 Cor. 10.16 A. I have learned That the Apostle there speaketh of the Lord's Supper which is to be used with Thanksgiving in the Churches of Christ Q. What mean you by the Lord's Supper A. I mean A certain use of Bread and a Cup which Christ our Lord hath appointed for a remembrance of him For as often as we eat this Bread and drink this Cup we shew the Lord's Death till he come Mat. 26.26 c. Mark 14.22 c. Luk. 22.19 c. 1 Cor. 11.23 c. Q. Now tell me What is it for Believers to keep themselves in the Love of God A. Believers may be then said to keep themselves in the Love of God when they so use their Knowledg or
Belief of the Gospel and the Power they have received from God as to deny Ungodliness and worldly Lusts and to live soberly righteously and godly in this present World Tit. 2.11 c. Q. What is it for Believers to look for the Mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto Eternal Life A. It is nothing else but to continue to the end in an expectation of that Reward of sincere and constant Obedience which Christ our Lord will at his coming give unto his faithful Servants 1 Pet. 1.13 c. Heb. 9.28 10.36 c. Tit. 2.13 Mat. 25.20 c. 2 Tim. 1.12 Q. You having now spoken of God's Work of preparing Believers for Glory it remains therefore that you speak of that Work of God which is for the possessing of Believers with this Glory by Jesus Christ What say you of it A. This may more conveniently be spoken of in the consideration of that second thing relating to God's Work of ruling among Men by Jesus Christ which I said is his Work of Judging the World by Jesus Christ CHAP. IX Of God's Work of Government in Judging the World by Jesus Christ Q. WEll then let us discourse of God's Work in judging the World by Jesus Christ What in the general have you learn'd concerning it A. This I have learned in general That God hath appointed a day in the which he will judg the World in Righteousness by that Man Jesus Christ whom he hath ordained whereof he hath given assurance unto all Men in that he hath raised him from the Dead Act. 17.31 Rom. 2.16 Q. What are we to understand by the Day which God hath appointed A. This Day is that time when Jesus shall come from Heaven in the Glory of his Father with his Angels Acts 1.11 1 Thess 4.16 Mat. 16.27 25.31 c. Q. But when shall this time be A. At the end of the World but the day and hour Jesus said No Man knoweth no not the Angels which are in Heaven neither the Son but the Father only Mat. 24.36 Mark 13.32 Q. What is it for God to judg the World by the Man Jesus Christ whom he hath ordained A. The meaning is That God although he be the Judg of all yet will not himself judg the World but by Jesus Christ to whom he hath committed all Judgment giving him Authority to execute the same having ordained him to be the Judg of Quick and Dead Heb. 12.2 3. Joh. 5.22 c. Rom. 2.16 Act. 10.42 Q. What did Jesus that God did thus exalt him A. He was obedient unto Death even the Death of the Cross Phil. 2.8 9 c. Rom. 14.9 Q. Whom will God judg by Jesus Christ A. God will by Jesus Christ judg the Angels that sinned and all Men both Quick and Dead at his Appearing and Kingdom 2 Pet. 2.4 Jud. 6. 1 Cor. 6.3 Jam. 2.19 Act. 10.42 2 Tim. 4.1 1 Pet. 4.5 Rom. 14.10 2 Cor. 5.10 Mat. 10.15 11.22 Q. What are we to understand by the Quick and Dead A. We are to understand by the Quick or Living all Men that shall be found alive at the coming of Christ and by the Dead all both good and bad that died before his coming Q. But how shall these be brought unto Judgment A. Thus all the Dead both the Just and Unjust shall be raised and then all Men shall by the Angels be gathered and brought before Christ sitting on the Throne of his Glory Acts 24.15 John 5.28 29. Mat. 25.31 32. Q. Is there any thing in special to be observed here concerning the Righteous A. Yes for we are taught That the Dead in Christ shall rise first and that they together with those Believers that shall be alive at the coming of Christ shall be caught up in the Clouds to meet the Lord in the Air. 1 Thess 4.13 c. But I would not have you to be ignorant Brethren concerning them which are asleep that is the Faithful which are Dead that ye sorrow not even as others which have no Hope For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord That we Believers which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent that is shall not come before them which are asleep For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout with the Voice of the Arch-Angel and with the Trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the Clouds to meet the Lord in the Air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. See also 1 Cor. 15.22 23 52. Q. Now tell me What is it for God to judg the World in Righteousness by Jesus Christ A. God by Jesus Christ will judg the World in Righteousness that is Righteously by rewarding every Man according to his Practice or Works whether Good or Evil for this Judgment is a Just or Righteous Judgment Matth. 16.27 Rom. 2.6 Rev. 2.23 1 Cor. 3.8 2 Cor. 5.10 11.15 Rev. 20.12 13. 22.12 Rom. 2.5 Joh. 5.30 Q. But what is it for God by Jesus Christ to judg every Man according to his Works A. Here are two things to be considered Q. What is the first A. The first is That God by Jesus Christ will judg every Man for all must stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ and give an account of themselves unto God Rom. 14.10 11 12. 1 Pet. 4.1 2 Pet. 2.9 2 Cor. 5.10 Jam. 2.12 Q. What is the Second A. The Second is That God by Jesus Christ will judg every Man according to his Works that is without respect of Persons and according to Truth and Right Rom. 2.11 1 Pet. 1.17 2 Chron. 19.7 Ephes 6.9 Col. 3.23 Rom. 2.2 Rev. 19.2 Deut. 32.4 Psal 96.13 Gen. 18.25 Psal 9.4 Isa 10.2 Job 34.23 2 Thess 1.5 6. 2 Tim. 4.8 Psal 45.6 Heb. 1.8 Q. Can you explain this in a special Application to Men whom God will justify and condemn by Jesus Christ at the last Day A. I can Q. How do you set it forth in reference to those whom God by Jesus Christ will justify at the last Day A. Thus it may be done God will render to every Man Eternal Life who according to the Truth manifested to him does by patient continuance in well-doing seek for Glory and Honour and Immortality and that God will make them to exceed those in Glory whom they exceed in Righteousness Rom. 2.6 7 10. 1 Cor. 15.41 Matth. 20.23 Dan. 12.3 1 Cor. 3.8 Phil. 4.17 Q. How do you set it forth in reference to them whom God by Jesus Christ will condemn at the last Day A. God will render Indignation and Wrath unto every one that is Contentious and does not obey the Truth as manifested either without the Law or under the Law or under the Gospel
Catechistical Guide TO SINNERS And to such CONVERTS that are Babes in Christ Wherein all the necessary Points of Religion are methodically proposed in Scripture-Language abundantly confirmed by the Holy Scriptures and in some Places concisely expounded In the whole all Controversies are warily shunn'd So that all true Christians of what Persuasion soever may if they need the help of others use this Catechism for their Children or others that are under their Power and Care Written upon request by a lover of Truth and Peace London Printed by J. D. to be sold by Fr. Smith at the Elephant and Castle in Cornhil and W. Crook at the Green-Dragon without Temple-Bar 1680. READER THe Author of this Catechistical Discourse was well aware that the World abounds with Catechisms and himself had read and consider'd very many of them written not only in our English but in the Latin and Greek Tongues and yet he was perswaded there was somewhat wanting which he has with great industry and accuracy endeavour'd to supply And I am perswaded whoever he be that reads this with consideration will find it well worth his labour for thô he may thereby add nothing to his Knowledg yet he may be well pleas'd to see the necessary things of Christian Religion deliver'd in so plain a Method so distinctly and with such pertinency of Scripture-Proofs In all which and especially in the last it is too usual to be defective Yea even Scripture-Catechisms wherein the Answers to the Questions are made wholly in Scripture Sentences are too often found faulty in that kind He has as he tells you in his Title Page warily shunn'd all controverted Points that so he might shew that one may be a true Christian without determining them and that Children and weak Persons of all Parties may be instructed in all things necessary to Salvation without medling with them that so as the Apostle says He that is weak may be receiv'd but not to doubtful Disputations Surely if this were diligently perform'd it would tend much to the promoting of Peace and Love among Christians A Catechistical Guide c. The First Part. Setting forth the Christian Religion in general Quest WHat is the best and chiefest thing we are to learn Answ The best and chiefest thing we are to learn is That Doctrine which teacheth us to know God and Jesus Christ Quest What do you mean by this name God Answ By this name God I mean Him who is the most High and chiefest Lord Ruler and Governour of all things Quest What mean you by these names Jesus Christ Answ By these names Jesus Christ I mean The only Son of God who was conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of a Virgin Quest Where may we find this Doctrine that teacheth us to know God and Jesus Christ Answ This Doctrine that teacheth us to know God and Jesus Christ we may find in the Holy Scriptures of the Old Testament and the New but especially in the Holy Scriptures of the New Testament or Covenant Jesus Christ said to the Jews Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal Life and they are they which testify of me John 5.39 Luke testifieth of those of Berea thus These were more noble than those of Thessalonica in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily whether these things were so c. Act. 17.11 The Apostle Paul saith thus to Timothy Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of knowing of whom thou hast learned them and that from a Child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto Salvation through Faith which is in Christ Jesus All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for Doctrine for Reproof for Correction for Instruction in Righteousness that the Man of God may be perfect thorowly furnished unto all good works 2 Tim. 3.14 15 16 17. Thus St. Luke begins his History of Jesus Christ Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a Declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us even as they delivered them unto us which from the beginning were Eye-witnesses and Ministers of the Word It seemed good to me also having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first to write unto thee in order most excellent Theophilus that thou mightest know the certainty of those things wherein thou hast been instructed Luke 1.1 c. Thus the Apostle John saith of his Gospel These things are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and that believing ye might have life through his Name John 20.21 The same John in his first Epistle hath this saying That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you that ye also may have fellowship with us and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ And these things write we unto you that your joy may be full 1 Joh. 1.3 4. see Chap. 5.13 Ephes 3.3 4. 1 Tim. 3.14 15. 1 Pet. 5.12 2 Pet. 1.12 13. * Quest But why do you say that this Doctrine is to be found especially in the Holy Scriptures of the New Testament * Answ It may be said That the Doctrine which teacheth us to know God and Jesus Christ is to be found especially in the Scriptures of the New Testament for these causes 1. Because that of this Doctrine which was hidden in the Old Testament and there contained in a Mystery is in the New Testament opened and revealed 2. Because the New Testament is an History of many things which we are to believe as already done which in the Old Testament are only prophesied of and promised 3. Because there are some things added in the New Testament which are not to be found in the Old Rom. 16. v. 25 26 27. Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my Gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the Mystery which was kept secret since the World began but now is made manifest and by the Scriptures of the Prophets according to the Commandment of the everlasting God made known to all Nations for the obedience of Faith to God only wise be glory through Jesus Christ for ever Amen Luke 24 24 c. And Jesus said unto them These are the words which I spake unto you while I was yet with you that all things must be fulfilled which are written in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets and in the Psalms concerning me Then opened he their understandings that they might understand the Scriptures And said unto them Thus it is written and thus it behoved Christ to suffer and to rise from the Dead the third day c. See Acts 13.36 c. 1 Pet. 1.10 c. 1 Cor. 11.2 3. Quest Can you shew me from the Scripture that the Doctrine there declared teacheth
us to know God and Jesus Christ Answ Yes for Jesus Christ himself in his Prayer to the Father said This is Life Eternal that is This is that which the Doctrine that hath the promise of Eternal Life does teach and require for the obtaining of Eternal Life to wit that they may know thee the only truly God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent Joh. 17.3 Quest Well But what does Jesus Christ here intend by Mens knowing him who is the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent Answ To know him who is the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent is according to Christ's intendment here not only to understand or apprehend that which must be known concerning him who is the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent but also to love them as such or according to such a knowledg of them to acknowledg them * Quest But how can you prove that Jesus Christ here intendeth such a knowledg as this * Answ That Jesus Christ here intendeth such a knowledg of things necessary to be known concerning the only true God and him whom he hath sent which has a suitable love to them or answerable acknowledgment of them joined therewith I am able clearly to prove and that abundantly * Quest The proof of this being very needful I am willing to hear it and therefore I now ask you How it may be confirmed Answ First I shall offer this That these Phrases or Expressions To know God and To know Jesus Christ are oftentimes so used in the Holy Scriptures Whence I gather that it is not strange so to accept and take them here Hos 53.4 Tit. 1.16 Jer. 9.3 Ch. 31.34 Heb. 8.11 Dan. 11.32 Hos 2.20 Joh. 15.21 Ch. 17.25 1 Thess 4.5 Psal 36.10 Job 18.21 Isa 53.11 1 John 2.3 4. Ch. 4.6 * Quest You do well to infer no more seeing these Phrases are frequently restrained to a meer knowledg or notion of God and Christ or for knowledg as distinct from Love and Acknowledgment Yea sometimes they are said to know God and to know Christ who have only the means of knowing them Rom. 1.21 Joh. 8.28 But what ground have you to conclude that in this saying of Christ Love and Acknowledgment is implied in knowledg * Answ It plainly appears that Jesus Christ here intends such a knowledg as implies in it Love and Acknowledgment if we consider only this That Christ here declares this to be sufficient for obtaining Eternal Life namely To know the Father the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent Now it is in it self absurd to conceive that it is enough only to understand and notion the Truth concerning God and Jesus Christ * Quest It is so But have you any thing more to say in confirming it * Answ I shall add this That the Scriptures declare expresly that more than meerly to know or only to understand God and Jesus Christ is necessary for obtaining Eternal Life This is so well known that the citing of places will be needless notwithstanding I will repeat the saying of the Apostle Paul Knowledg puffeth up but Charity Love edifieth 1 Cor. 8.1 The Devils have knowledg of God and Christ Jam. 2.19 Mar. 1.24 Act. 19.15 And so have some of the worst of Men. Quest Seeing it is so as you have said we may draw up concerning the Doctrine we are chiefly to learn these two Propositions 1. That it teacheth us to know or apprehend him who is the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent 2. That it teacheth to love or acknowledg him who is the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent Concerning these two I desire now to hear from you a general and brief Account what you have learned out of the Holy Scriptures And first I will ask you some Questions touching the first Proposition And my first Query shall be this What are we to understand by the only true God Answ By the only true God we are to understand the only Creator and most high Lord or Governor of all things 2 Kings 19.19 Now therefore O Lord our God I beseech thee save us out of his hand that all the Kingdoms of the Earth may know that thou art the Lord God even thou only Jude 4. Certain Men crept in denying the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ 2 King 19.15 And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said O Lord God of Israel which dwellest between the Cherubims thou art the God even thou alone of all the Kingdoms of the Earth thou hast made Heaven and Earth Isa 44.24 c. Thus saith the Lord thy Redeemer and he that formed thee from the Womb I am the Lord that maketh all things that stretcheth forth the Heavens alone that spreadeth abroad the Earth by my self that frustrateth the Tokens of the Lyars c. Nehem. 9.6 c. Thou even thou art Lord alone thou hast made Heaven the Heaven of Heavens with all their Host the Earth and all things that are therein the Seas and all that is therein and thou preservest them all and the Host of Heaven worshippeth thee c. Dan. 5.18 c. O thou King the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy Father a Kingdom c. But when his heart was lifted up and his mind hardned in pride he was deposed from his Kingly Throne c. till he knew that the most high God ruled in the Kingdom of Men and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will Rom. 1.25 They served the Creature more than the Creator who is blessed for ever Amen Matth. 11.25 At that time Jesus answered and said I thank thee O Father Lord of Heaven and Earth c. Psal 22.18 The Kingdom is the Lords and he is the Governour among the Nations Rom. 11.36 Of him and through him and to him are all things to whom be glory for ever Amen Quest What are we to understand by Him whom the Father hath sent Answ By him whom the Father hath sent we are to understand him whom the Father hath sent to be the Saviour of the World 1 John 4.14 And we have seen and do testify That the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the World John 6.39 40. And this is the Father's Will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day c. Quest Now concerning the second Proposition I shall ask you several Questions as first How can you prove from the Scriptures that we must not only know him who is the only true God but also love him as such Answ We are not only to know him who is the only true God but also to love him as such For it is written Hear O Israel The Lord our God is one Lord. And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine Heart and with all thy Soul and with all
Christian Religion CHAP. I. Q. YOu having now in the general shewed the more necessary things contained in the best of Doctrines I am willing to hear from you somewhat a more particular yet brief account of the same matters to wit as concerning God as consider'd in Himself and in his Works But first I will ask you What kind of Knowledg we may have concerning these things here in this Life A. That we may here have concerning God considered in Himself and in his Works such a knowledg as is true and sufficient hath been already proved but a perfect knowledg of God in himself and in his Works is not here in this Life attainable 1 Cor. 13.9 c. We know in part and we prophesy in part but when that which is perfect is come then that which is in part shall be done away When I was a Child I spake as a Child I understood as a Child I thought as a Child but when I became a Man I put away childish things For 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 Job 11.7 c. Canst thou by searching find out God Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection It is as high as Heaven c. See Job 36.26 c. Psal 77.19 Thy way is in the Sea and thy Path in the great Waters and thy footsteps are well known See Psal 36.5 6. Eccles 3.11 No Man can find out the Work that God maketh from the beginning to the end See Job 37.5 Rom. 11.33 How unsearchable are the Judgments of God and his Ways past finding out Q. What are you taught from the Holy Scriptures concerning God considered in himself A. The Holy Scriptures teach me concerning God considered in himself these two things namely That God is one and that God is a Spirit Q. Where do the Scriptures affirm That God is one A. The Scriptures do in many places expresly affirm that God is One or that there is one God 1 Tim. 2.5 There is one God and one Mediator between God and Men the Man Christ Jesus Ephes 4.6 One God and Father of all who is above all and through all and in you all See Deut. 6.4 with Mark 12.29 Mal. 2.10 Matth. 19.17 Rom. 3.30 2 Cor. 8.4.6 Jam. 2.19 Zech. 14.9 Q. What are we to understand by this That there is one God A. By this That there is one God or That God is One we are to understand that He alone or He only is God and that there is no other that hath the same Being or the same Kingdom as he hath It is affirmed in the Scriptures that JEHOVAH which is the Name of God Psal 83.18 Jer. 16.21 Exod. 15.3 is God alone Psalm 86.10 Thou art great and dost wondrous things Thou art God alone See 2 King 19.15 Isa 37.16 Neh. 9.6 That he only is God 2 King 19.19 Thou art the Lord God even thou only Isa 37.20 That he is the only true God John 17.3 see Jude v. 4. That there is no God else Isa 46.9 Remember the former things of old for I am God and there is none else I am God and there is none like me See 1 Kings 8.6 That there is no God besides him Isa 44.6 Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel and his Redeemer the Lord of Hosts I am the First and I am the Last and besides me there is no God Vers 8. Is there a God besides me Yea there is no God I know not any Isa 45.5 I am the Lord there is none else there is no God besides me See Vers 6 14 21 22. 1 King 8.60 Deut. 4.35 1 Chron. 17.20 That there is no other God Exod. 34.14 That there is no God with him Deut. 32.39 2 King 5.15 Who is God save the Lord 2 Sam. 22.32 Psal 18.31 That there is no other God but one 1 Cor. 8.4 Therefore we must have before him no other God Exod. 20.3 Nor worship another God Exod. 34.14 Psal 16.4 81.9 But we are to worship Jehovah and serve him only Exod. 22.20 Mat. 4.10 Q. Why in your Answer were those words added That there is no other that hath the same Being or the same Kingdom as he hath A. They were added to shew more distinctly and expresly that God is alone both in his Being and Kingdom and that there is no other that hath with him either the same Nature or the same Majesty and Authority By the Being and Kingdom of God we here intend the same which the Apostle Paul in Rom. 1.20 expresseth thus His eternal Power and Godhead These things are plainly held forth in the Holy Scriptures First God as to his Being or Nature is One or Alone What he is in this respect no other is He is therefore said to be One Jehovah or Lord Deut. 6.4 Mark 12.29 Hence is that saying of Christ to the young Man that called him Good Master Why saith Jesus callest thou me Good There is none good but One that is God Mat. 19.16 17. For the same God is said to be only wise Rom. 16.27 1 Tim. 1.17 Jud. v. 25. and alone to have Immortality 1 Tim. 6.16 Secondly God in respect of his Kingdom and Government is One or Alone There is no other that is such a King Lord or Governor as he Deut. 32.39 See now saith the Lord that I even I am he and there is no God with me I kill and I make alive I wound and I heal neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand 1 Tim. 6.15 He is the only Potentate Jam. 4.12 There is one Law-giver who is able to save and to destroy Psal 72.18 Blessed be the Lord God the God of Israel who only doth wondrous things Isa 43.11 I even I am the Lord and beside me there is no Saviour See Hos 13.4 1 Cor. 12.6 It is the same God that worketh all in all In both respects God testifies of him That there is none like unto him Isa 46.9 Thus the Saints have profest concerning him 1 Sam. 2.2 There is none holy as the Lord for there is none beside thee neither is there any Rock like our God Exod. 15.11 Who is like unto thee among the Gods or mighty Ones who is like thee glorious in Holiness fearful in Praises doing Wonders See Exod. 8.10 Deut. 32.26 1 King 8.23 Psal 35.10 86.8 89.8 113.5 Mich. 7.18 Q. Are not some others even in a good sense called Gods in the Holy Scriptures A. Yes both Angels and Men. And indeed some of both may not only be called Gods but also may in a good sense be Gods but not in that sense as the Lord our God is 1 Cor. 8.4 5 6. We know that an Idol is nothing in the World and that there is none other God but one For though there be that are called Gods whether in Heaven or in Earth as there be Gods many and
Lords many but to us there is but one God the Father of whom are all things and we in for him and one Lord Jesus Christ by whom are all things and we by him Q. But who are they that in a good sense may be called Gods A. They in a good sense may be called Gods first who in some Imployment are instead of God Secondly They who in Government are the Sons of God Such both Men and Angels who in some Imployment from God are to others instead of God may be called by the very Name of the most high God As for instance in Exod. 7.1 The Lord saith to Moses See I have made thee a God Elohim to Pharaoh that is instead of God as it is exprest in Exod. 4.16 The Angel of the Lord appeared unto Moses in the flame of a Fire out of the midst of a Bush Exod. 3.2 This Angel is called in vers 4. Jehovah and Elohim or as we english it The Lord and God Also they who in Government over others are the Sons of the most High are called Gods See Psal 82.1 6. God standeth in the Congregation of the Mighty he judgeth among the Gods I have said Ye are Gods and even all of you are Children Sons of the most High John 10.32 c. Jesus answered them Many good Works have I shewed you from my Father for which of these Works do ye stone me The Jews answered him saying For a good Work we stone thee not but for Blasphemy because that thou being a Man makest thy self God Jesus answered them Is it not written in your Law I said Ye are Gods If he called them Gods unto whom the Word of God came and the Scripture cannot be broken Say ye of him whom the Father hath sanctified and sent into the World Thou blasphemest because I said I am the Son of God In Psal 8.5 we read thus Thou hast made him a little lower than the Angels In the Hebr. 't is than the Gods Here and in the like places a single Person is not Elohim but Eloah which is sometimes used of the most High as in Psalm 18.32 Job 12.4 Now the great God is in distinction from these sometimes called The God of Gods and Lord of Lords Deut. 10.17 Josh 22.22 Psal 136.2 Dan. 11.36 Chap. 2.42 And he is said to be greater than all Gods and above all Gods Psal 135.5 He is also said to be high above all the Earth and exalted far above all Gods Psalm 97.9 He is called The high God Psalm 78.35 56. The most High Numb 24.16 Deut. 32.8 2 Sam. 22.14 Dan. 4 17. and elsewhere often and in Acts 7.48 The most High God Gen. 14.18 Heb. 7.1 and elsewhere often The Lord the most high God Gen. 14.22 The Lord most High Psal 47.2 In Psal 83.18 That Men may know that thou whose Name alone is JEHOVAH art the most High over all the Earth See Dan. 5.21 In the place now quoted the same word is rendred High and most High Q. You said That God is a Spirit How prove you that A. Jesus Christ himself hath taught us That God is a Spirit Joh. 4.24 Jesus saith unto the Woman of Samaria Woman believe me the hour cometh when ye shall neither in this Mountain nor yet at Jerusalem worship the Father ye worship ye know not what We know what we worship for Salvation is of the Jews But the hour cometh and now is when the true Worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth for the Father seeketh such to worship him God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in Truth John 4.21 22 23 24. Q. What must we understand by this That God is a Spirit A. By this That God is a Spirit we must understand two things in the general First That God is more excellent than all things Secondly That the Spirit of Man may be unto us in some manner a Shadow of God Although Method challengeth this place for the confirmation of this That God is said to be a Spirit in way of allusion to the Spirit of Man yet the proof of it shall be reserved for the close of this Discourse concerning God as consider'd in himself where it may be done more easily and in fewer words The Excellency of God is diversly expressed in the Holy Scriptures In 2 Pet. 1.17 He is called The Excellent Glory In the Scripture there is ascribed to God Excellency Deut. 33.26 Job 13.11 Ch. 37.4 Psal 68.34 Isa 35.2 Greatness of Excellency Exod. 15.7 He is said to be excellent in Power Job 37.23 More excellent than the Mountains of Prey Psal 76.4 O Lord our God how excellent is thy Name in all the Earth who hast set thy Glory above the Heavens Psal 8.1 Let them praise the Name of the Lord for his Name alone is excellent His Glory is above the Earth and Heaven Psal 148.13 In the same sence he is called the great God Tit. 2.13 Rev. 19.17 Dan. 2.45 Jer. 32.19 Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised and his greatness is unsearchable Psal 145.3 There is none like to the God of Jesurun Deut. 33.26 And Solomon said Lord God of Israel there is no God like thee in Heaven above or on Earth beneath 1 King 8.23 All Nations before the Lord are as nothing and they are counted to him less than nothing and vanity To whom then will ye liken God or what likeness will ye compare unto him To whom then will ye liken me Or shall I be equal saith the Holy One Isa 40.17 18 25. To whom will ye liken me and make me equal and compare me that we may be like Isa 46.5 Who in the Heaven can be compared unto the Lord Who among the Sons of the Mighty can be likened unto the Lord Psal 89.6 As the Heavens are higher than the Earth so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts Isa 55.9 But will God indeed dwell on the Earth Behold the Heaven and the Heaven of Heavens cannot contain thee how much less this House that I have builded 1 King 8.27 See Jer. 23.23 24. Acts 7.49 But how may we gather that God is thus excellent from his being called a Spirit Thus Jesus Christ here discovers the Divine Nature by the most excellent thing that is vulgarly known to wit the Spirit of Man Hereby he plainly signifies the Excellency of God And in that he discovers this Excellency not as it is in it self but by a Shadow he clearly intimates that this Excellency of God is such and so exceeding great that we now cannot perceive the same as it is in it self being far above the present strength of our Understanding and way of Knowledg The like we are to observe in many other scriptural forms of Speech concerning some things that are Spiritual and those things that pertain to another World See John 3.10 11 12. It was said That the Spirit of Man
my Son to day have I begotten thee Vers 9. And being made perfect he became the Author of eternal Salvation unto all them that obey him Acts 2.26 Therefore let all the House of Israel know assuredly that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified both Lord and Christ Q. How did God cause Jesus to be born A. God did cause Jesus to be born by the Holy Ghost coming upon the Virgin of whom he was born Mat. 1.18 Luk. 1.35 Q. Tell me by the way How is this Jesus to be known and distinguished from all others A. This Jesus who in the days of his Flesh was by Face known from all others is now of us to be known and distinguished from all others by that description the Scriptures give us of him in the History of his Birth Life Death Resurrection from the Dead and Ascension into Heaven Q. I would learn of you a brief account of this Matter and first What is the relation you have concerning the Birth of Jesus A. It is this When Herod was King of Judea and Caesar Augustus was Emperor of the World then Jesus was born at Bethlehem in Judea of a Virgin named Mary who conceived him in her Womb by the Holy Ghost and Power of the Highest coming upon her and over-shadowing her for that end and purpose Q. What is the relation you have concerning the Life of Jesus A. It is this That Jesus when he had lived about thirty Years a private Life with his Mother Mary and Joseph her Husband and when John the Baptist the Son of Zacharias the Priest had by preaching the Baptism of Repentance prepared the way before him Jesus I say then came into the World to bear witness to the Truth and in this exercise continued about three Years confirming his Testimony by Signs and Miracles Q. What is the relation you have concerning the Death of Jesus A. 'T is this That Jesus when he had finished the Work the Father gave him to do was by wicked Men put to Death and Crucified Q. What is the relation you have concerning the Resurrection of Jesus from the Dead A. 'T is this That Jesus who died and was buried rose again the third day from the Dead Q. What is the relation you have concerning the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven A. It is this That Jesus after his Resurrection when he had shewed himself alive to his Apostles and others by many infallible Proofs and was seen of them forty days did in their sight ascend into Heaven Q. Now to return How did God cause Jesus to become the Christ A. God did cause Jesus to become the Christ by choosing him and calling him to be the Christ Mat. 12.18 with Isa 42.1 1 Pet. 2.4 Isa 42.6 and 49.1 Heb. 5.4 10. Q. What is it for Jesus to be the Christ A. Jesus is the Christ That is God's anointed Prophet Priest and King by whom alone and by whom always unto the end of the World God will rule over all The Name Jesus signifies a Saviour Mat. 1.21 And the Christ or Messiah or Messias which in the Hebrew Language are the same that Christ is in the Greek and are sometimes used in our Translation as in Dan. 9.25 26. Joh. 1.41 4.24 is in English The Anointed We read in John 1.41 thus in the Line We have found the Messias which is being interpreted the Christ but in the Margin The Anointed It is to be observed that these terms Messias and Christ are in the Scriptures applied to Jesus two manner of ways For sometimes they denote his Person for as Jesus is his Name so also Christ is used for his Name Matth. 1.16 17. So Messiah Dan. 9.26 He is called in the Scriptures not only Jesus and Christ but also Jesus Christ Christ Jesus the Lord Jesus Christ c. But sometimes these terms Christ and Messiah or Messias denote his Office as Joh. 1.41 4.26 In Act. 18.28 For he Paul mightily convinced the Jews and that publickly shewing by the Scriptures that Jesus was Christ And thus it is to be taken in the present Question and Answer This Jesus the Christ is called the Lord's Christ Luk. 2.26 Act. 4.26 Rev. 11.15 and God's Christ or the Christ of God Luk. 9.20 Rev. 12.10 because he was one so greatly loved of God that God appointed and furnished him to be a Prophet Priest and King whereunto he was of God raised and anointed Act. 3.22 Luk. 4.18 Act. 10.28 Heb. 7.15 Act. 2.30 Jer. 30.9 There never was or will be any such Anointed one as he He had no Predecessor and shall have no Successor Of these things see what follows in this Discourse CHAP. VI. Of God's Work of Government in ruling amongst Men by Jesus Christ unto the end of the World and in particular of his Work for the saving of Men by Jesus Christ according to the New Covenant Promise which here is discoursed of Q. YOu said That in God's Government since the raising up of Christ you were taught chiefly to mind First The Work of God in raising up of Christ of which we have now discoursed Secondly The Work of God in ruling among Men by Jesus Christ unto the end of the World concerning which we are now to discourse Tell me therefore What you mean by this Work of God A. This Work of God in ruling among Men by Jesus Christ unto the end of the World does especially consist 1. In his Work for saving of Men by Jesus Christ 2. In his Work of judging the World by Jesus Christ Q. What mean you by that Work of God which is for the saving of Men by Jesus Christ A. I mean that Work of God and that Work of Jesus the Christ of God that Men may be saved or be partakers of the Promise of God in Christ by the Gospel Joh. 3.17 God sent not his Son into the World to condemn the World but that the World through him might be saved Joh. 12.47 I came not saith Christ to judg condemn the World but to save the World That which God and Christ do for the Salvation of Men is often in the Scriptures as here afterwards will appear called the Work of God and of Christ This Work is That Men may be partakers of the Promise of God in Christ by the Gospel Ephes 3.6 That the Gentiles should be fellow-Heirs and of the same Body and partakers of his Promise in Christ by the Gospel That is That the Gentiles may participate in the Promise of God with the Jews as Co-heirs that is by a common right and as being of the same Body that is by equal right with them and this by Christ on the terms and conditions which the Gospel makes known and requireth Q. It will be convenient that first we discourse of the End and Intent of the Work of God and Christ and then of the Work it self Wherefore I shall ask you a few Questions concerning the Intent of this Work
and in the first place this What are we to understand here by the Promise of God A. By the Promise of God we are here to understand that Promise whereby God according to his purpose hath promised to give Eternal Life in or by Jesus Christ unto all that believe in him thorow his Son Jesus Christ that they may be to the praise of his Glory Q. For the setting forth of this Promise more distinctly I shall query concerning the several parts of your Answer as first What is that eternal Life which God hath promised A. That Eternal Life which God hath promised is that Salvation which is in Christ Jesus with Eternal Glory John 2.25 And this is the Promise that he hath promised us even Eternal Life This Matter of the Promise is often called Eternal or Everlasting Life also Life Now this Eternal Life doth consist in that Salvation that is in Christ Jesus and also in Eternal Glory as we learn from 2 Tim. 2.10 Q. But what is the Salvation that is in Christ Jesus A. The Salvation that is in Christ Jesus is a deliverance from the Wrath to come 1 Thess 1.10 Q. And what is this Eternal Glory A. This Eternal Glory is a likeness to God by seeing him as he is 1 Joh. 3.2 These two Salvation and Eternal Glory are in the Scriptures sometimes noted by one of these names as by Salvation 1 Pet. 1.5 and else-where Also by Eternal Glory as 1 Pet. 5.10 and Glory as Rom. 9.23 The Glory of God Rom. 5.2 and the like Q. You said That God hath promised to give Eternal Life in or by Jesus Christ What mean you by this A. God giveth Eternal Life in or by Jesus in that Jesus Christ is the Mediator between God and Men in God's giving of Eternal Life unto them Rom. 6.23 Eternal Life is the Gift of God through in or by Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Joh. 5.11 This is the Record That God hath given us Eternal Life and this Life is in his Son 1 Tim. 2.4 5 c. Who to wit God our Saviour will have all Men to be saved and to come to the knowledg acknowledgment of the Truth For there is one God and one Mediator between God and Men the Man Christ Jesus who gave himself a Ransom for all c. Joh. 14.6 Jesus faith unto him I am the Way and the Truth and the Life no Man cometh unto the Father but by me Q. You said That God hath promised to give Eternal Life to all that believe in him through Jesus Christ But who are they A. They that believe in God through Jesus Christ are they who so believe the Promise of God as to hope in God and live to him thorow Jesus Christ and that to the end 1 Pet. 1.20 21. Who which Christ verily was fore-ordained before the foundation of the World but was manifest in these last times for you who by thorow him Christ do believe in God that raised him up from the Dead and gave him Glory that your Faith and Hope might be in God These Persons in the Scriptures are set forth sometimes only by believing as Gal. 3.22 The Scripture hath concluded all under Sin that the Promise by Faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe Sometimes by believing in the Father as in Joh. 5.24 Verily verily I say unto you 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 Sometimes by believing in Christ as in Joh. 6.47 Verily verily I say unto you He that believeth on me bath Everlasting Life These and many the like Expressions of the same signification we meet with in the Holy Scripture Now we are to understand that wheresoever Eternal Life in the possession of it is promised to Believing there such a Believing is intended that the Gospel requires which is an hoping in God and living to him through Jesus Christ and that to the end For meer Belief is not sufficient Jam. 2.14 c. Joh. 2.23 8.30 12.42 Nor is any Faith sufficient that lasteth not to the end Heb. 10.38 c. Q. But what is it to hope in God thorow Jesus Christ A. To hope in God thorow Jesus Christ is to hope or trust unto the end both in God and Christ for Eternal Life as the Gift of God thorow Jesus Christ our Lord and is such a hope that is laid up in Heaven and as such a Grace that is to be brought unto us at the Revelation of Jesus Christ We are saved by Hope Rom. 8.24 This Hope must be an Hope in God 1 Pet. 1.21 Act. 24.15 1 Tim. 4.10 6.17 And in Christ 1 Cor. 15.19 1 Thess 1.3 1 Tim. 1.1 Rom. 15.12 Ephes 1.12 13. That which by this Hope is to be looked for and expected is eternal Life Tit. 1.2 3.7 which eternal Life is the Gift of God thorow Jesus Christ our Lord Rom. 6.22 and of all Gifts the best for it is the Hope or Good hoped for which is laid up in Heaven Col. 1.6 and the blessed or happy that is happy making Hope Tit. 2.13 and the last Gift being the Gift which is to be brought at the Revelation or coming of Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 1.13 It is also called Grace because a Gift that proceeds from the Grace of God and of Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 1.13 2 Thess 1.11 12. Hence it appears that this future Good must be sought chiefly and humbly and that all which is necessary for obtaining it must also be hoped for from God thorow Jesus Christ Mat. 6.33 Luk. 17.10 1 Pet. 5.5 Joh. 16.23 24. And thus we must hope to the end or constantly 1 Pet. 1.13 Col. 1.23 Heb. 3.6 Q. And what is it to live to God thorow Jesus Christ A. To live to God thorow Jesus Christ is To live to God and Christ in serving the God and Father of Jesus Christ in Holiness and Righteousness before him all the days of our Life and in serving Jesus Christ as Lord of all and as the Head and Husand of Believers who are his Church and Body Rom. 6.11 Likewise reckon ye also your selves to be dead indeed unto Sin but alive living unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Gal. 2.19 For I through the Law am dead to the Law that I might live unto God 2 Cor. 5.15 And that he died for all that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves but unto him which died for them and rose again 1 Thess 1.9 Ye turned to God from Idols to serve the living and true God c. Luk. 1.74 75. That he the Lord God of Israel 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 See Mat. 4.10 Rom. 1.9 2 Tim. 1.3 Heb. 9.14 12.28 Rom. 14.18 For