the Countries I have been made willing to cast my Mite again into the Treasury of the many Endeavours to promote the instructing of Youth in the things mentioned agreeable to the Will of God in this short Catechism and leave the Matter therein to the Acceptance of some and the Censures of others but the Truth therein contained to the blessing of him that ordains Strength out of the Mouths of Babes and can make it profitable to those that without Pride or Prejudice consider of the Answers to each Question grounded upon the Holy Scriptures I have briefly added an Epistle to be seriously considered by young Men and Women in twelve Particulars Which I do hope may be profitable in this Day when so much Pride Profaneness and slighting the Duties of their particular States that they are liable to in this poor mortal Pilgrimage begging of God it may be a Blessing to some and the Counsel of God live upon their Souls when I by reason of Decays must shortly be in the dark shade of the Grave where there is no Work to be done for the Honour of God and Good of poor Souls whom the great God hath so loved that he hath sent his Son to die for them that they might live to him Joh. 3.16 2 Cor. 5.15 The Things spoken a little unto are these I. To young Christians as Servants II. To their Estate as Freemen III. To their Estate as believing and obeying Christ IV. As to the sad Estate of Men not believing nor obeying the Lord Jesus V. As to a married Estate and being in a dear conjugal Union VI. As to the State of some single and unmarried VII As to your State if Prosperity attend VIII As to your State if Adversity attend or a poor Condition IX As to your State if persecuted for Righteousness sake X. As to the Duty in preparing for Death XI Consider of the Judgment to come XII Be much in every Condition praying and praising of a good God I. Then to consider as a Christian Man or Woman as a Servant Remember God's Eye is on you tho your Master's Eye is off you Remember Souls if you be faithful humble diligent God will reward you tho your Masters should abuse you Remember the wise Man's words There be four things that disquiet the Earth one is a Servant when he ruleth Prov. 30.22 Consider well the faithfulness of Jacob to Laban as a Servant Gen. 21.38 39. Consider the faithfulness of Joseph in Potiphar's House and how God was with him Gen. 39.1 2 3 4. Consider the faithfulness of Daniel that the Enemies could have nothing against him but in the Matters of his God Dan. 6.4 5. Take heed of a lying Tongue vain Company or giving way to youthful Lusts have an Eye to God's All-seeing Eye Gen. 39.9 at all times and in all places worship him according to his Will revealed in his holy Word And then it will be your Happiness tho Masters oppose you your Bodies stand ingaged in temporal Service to your Masters but your Consciences stand ingaged to God in the Matters of Faith and Worship only to serve God 1 Cor. 7.23 Ye are bought with a Price be ye not the Servants of Men. A wise Servant shall have rule over a Son that causeth shame and shall have part of the Inheritance among the Brethren Prov. 17.2 Make Conscience of your Master's Business as if it were your own II. Consider in the Fear of God to mind your Duty as Freemen then looking upon your selves to be the Lord's Servants using your Liberty so as to honour him Some young Men have had some sweet Appearances of Piety minding the things that may lead to Glory and an everlasting Kingdom and yet have lost their Convictions and slighted Truth and the Ways of Christ and not prized his Word Therefore receive these Cautions and take heed of vain Company it has been the Devil's Bait to destroy thousands O stand not in the Way of Sinners Consider seriously of these Scriptures Prov. 4.14 Psal 1.1 Prov. 13.20 1 Cor. 15.33 Take heed of prayerless graceless Yokefellows for sinister worldly lustful Ends put Snakes into your Bosom that will rather sting you than comfort you hinder you in your Duties than further you in Piety This was the Sin of the old World Gen. 6.2 This drew away Solomon's Heart from God in his old Days 1 Kings 11.4 Therefore in this Case be much in Prayer and a divine heedfulness in minding Religion more than Riches and Piety more than Portion and meek Disposition more than gorgeous Apparel and Discretion more than outward Jewels Consider of Prov. 31.30 1 Cor. 7.39 Be careful in buying and selling of doing as you would be done by avoid vain Words Remember the great Oracles of Heaven Do Justly love Mercy walk Humbly with thy God Mic. 6.8 O think on these things with great reverence of that God that enjoins them and in whose Hand is thy Breath III. Consider young Men of the Necessity of true Faith And know this is the Work of God That you believe on him whom he hath sent John 6.29 even on Jesus Christ close with him as your Priest Prophet and King O 't is blessed Jesus that makes an Atonement by his precious Blood O joy in God and in the Lord Jesus Christ by whom you by Faith receive the Atonement Rom. 5.11 It 's he that is a perfect Sacrifice Heb. 7.19 In his Name Repentance and Remission of Sins is commanded to be preached among all Nations beginning at Jerusalem Luke 24.47 They being great and grievous Sinners yet they must have the offer and Call to Repentance and the gracious tenders of Remission of Sins in his Name O Soul consider 't is he that died for thee that thou mightest live to him 2 Cor. 5.15 O Soul 't is he that God hath set forth to be a Propitiation for Sin through Faith in his Blood Rom. 3.25 O 't is his Soul that became Sin for us that we might be made the Righteousness of God in him 2 Cor. 5.21 It 's his Righteousness that is declared for the Remission of Sins that are past through the Forbearance of God Rom. 3.25 It 's he that Angels come to proclaim like an Herald from Heaven saying Glory to God in the Highest Peace and Good will towards Men. O let the Consideration of his Love in redeeming thee by his precious Blood lead thee to say Lord what wouldest thou have me to do And mind his pure Word for direction in thy Duty that is preserved recorded and was confirmed with divers Signs and Miracles and Gifts of the Holy Ghost Heb. 2.3 4 5. He that will have a Faith that is not attended with conformity to the Will of God and Sayings of Christ will be in a Storm like a House without a Foundation Therefore Souls hold fast the Doctrine of the Holy Apostles of our Lord Acts 2.42 And be mindful of the Commandments of the Apostles of Christ as well
are said to be chosen before the Foundation of the World in Christ A. Christ is called a Lamb slain from the Foundation of the World yet not slain many thousand Years after till he was a Man in the Flesh so Men are said to be chosen in Christ before the Foundation of the World yet not chosen till they have the Sanctification of the Spirit and believe the Truth 2 Thess 2.13 He hath set apart the Godly for himself Psal 4.3 Q. How are Men said to be ordained of old to Condemnation A. Not as Men but as wicked ungodly Men who turn the Grace of God into Wantonness denying our Lord Jesus Christ and the only Lord God Jude 4. Q. How doth this farther appear A. Because that God manifesteth upon Oath that he desireth not the Death of a Sinner but that he may turn and live Q. How doth it appear that God doth not ordain any to Destruction but as they are wicked and abuse his Grace A. By his lamenting the Ruin of them that have perished and had the things hid from their Eyes that pertain to their everlasting Peace Matth. 23.37 Luke 19.41 42. Also by the Lord minding that Man's Destruction is of himself Hos 13.9 Acts 13.46 Also for this Cause God shall send them strong Delusions and for this Cause he gave them up to vile Affections so that there was a Cause of their Ruin when they had a being and not before they had a being 2 Thess 2.10 11. Rom. 1.14 Psal 81.10 11. Q. What are Childrens Duty towards their Parents A. Children obey your Parents in all things for this is well-pleasing unto the Lord Col. 3.20 compared with Ephes 6.1 2. Exod. 20.12 Q. What is the Danger of disobeying slighting or making light of Parents A. Some eminent Judgments have taken hold of those that have so done and it doth much provoke the Lord. Q. What Judgments have fallen upon Children for making light of their Parents A. Ham the Father of Canaan for his Contempt of his Father Noah was cursed and was Servant to the rest of his Brethren Gen. 9.22 23 27. Q. What else befel disobedient Children A. He that smote his Father or he that cursed or reviled his Father was according to the Law of God to be put to Death Exod. 21.15 17. His Lamp to be put out in obscure Darkness that curseth Father or Mother Prov. 20.20 Q. How doth it appear that some eminent Judgment is likely to fall on them A. The Eye that mocketh at his Father and despiseth to obey his Mother the Ravens of the Valley shall pick it out and the young Eagles shall eat it Prov. 30.17 Disobedience to Parents is reckoned up among the Sins that God hath punished Ezek. 22.7 14. among the Sins that God will punish and that which makes the Days with other Evils perilous 2 Tim. 3.2 Q. Are Parents to be obeyed in any thing actually that contradicts the Mind of the Father of Spirits A. In this respect we must honour God more than Father or Mother or Governours as Christ saith Call no Man Father for one is your Father which is in Heaven Mat. 23.9 Q. What Privilege have those Children that are obedient to their Parents in the Lord A. It is called the first Commandment with Promise Ephes 6.3 God blessed the Rekabites the Sons of Jonadah and honoured them highly because they did not violate their Father's Command but observed it Jer. 35.5 6 7 8 9 compared with the 18 19 verses Q. What was done to the Children that mocked the Prophet because of his bald Head A. They were cursed and two Bears came forth out of the Wood and slew forty two Children 2 Kings 2.23 24. Q. What may this Judgment of God teach Parents A. Much to caution and instruct their Children to take heed of despising reproaching or mocking any though wanting any thing in Person or Substance that others enjoy Q. What was done to Gehazi for Covetousness and Lying A. The Leprosy of Naaman the Syrian clave to him and his Seed for ever and he went out white as a Leper 2 King 5.25 27. Q. What was done to Ananias and Saphira for lying A. They fell down both dead at the Apostles Feet Acts 5.1 2 3. Q. What must be the Portion of Liars A. They shall have their part in the Lake of Fire and Brimstone that tormenteth for ever and ever Rev. 21.8 Q. What did Moses say to the Brethren that strove with each other A. Rebuked them saying Wherefore smitest thou thy Fellow And Abraham said to Lot when their Herdsmen were at strife Let there be no Strife between me and thee for we be Brethren Exod. 2.13 Gen. 13.8 It was the Charge of Joseph to his Brethren saying See that you fall not out by the way Gen. 49.24 Q. VVhat is the Duty of Servants to their Masters A. Servants be subject to your Masters with all fear not only to the Good and Gentle but also to the Froward 1 Pet. 2.18 19 20 21. Q. But what Service ought a Person to perform to those whom he engageth to serve A. Diligently faithfully humbly behaving himself in his outward Business avoiding Eye-service purloyning or taking little Matters without Consent or Knowledg of his Master or stubbornly answering again or despising or slighting of them because they are Brethren Ephes 6.6 7 8. 1 Tim. 6.1 Titus 2.9 10. Q VVhat Encouragement hath a Servant to be subject to the Froward to be Faithful to be Humble Diligent avoiding Eye-service not answering again A. The Grace of God in sending his Son to die teacheth those Lessons Titus 2.11 also knowing that whatsoever good Thing any Man doth the same he shall receive of the Lord whether Bond or Free Also the Law of Equity which the Law of God gives a being unto would have Servants do as they would be done by and so Masters to deal by their Servants as they would have their own Children when they come to be Servants dealt by considering those words Mat. 7.2 Mark 4.24 What measure you meet shall be measured to you again Therefore let Master and Servant Father and Child all prepare according to the Measures of Knowledg received doing the Will of God from the Heart And this shall be the Conclusion of the Matter Fear God and keep his Commandments for this is the whole Duty of Man Eccles 12.13 Remember thy Creator in the Days of thy Youth say daily What am I what do I whither go I Thy last Hour and Eternal Judgment do not forget THE END APPENDIX May 1693. BEing desired by Brethren to reprint this short Catechism and moved thereto at the Association of several Messengers and Elders assembled together at Nantwich April 19 1693. And looking upon my poor Endeavours to be far short of what might be done in order to the instructing of Youth and what some have done yet in answer to the desire of that Christian Assembly and the fervent Desires of many in
as to be mindful of the Words of the Holy Prophets 2 Pet. 3.2 which are by faithful Men to be kept till the coming and appearing of Jesus Christ 1 Tim. 5.21 6.13 14. Rev. 3.10 John 20.31 Labour to have such a Faith that leads to conformity to Christ both in Heart and Life For the Devils believe there is a God a Christ and they tremble at God's infinite Power and Majesty And you young Men and Women under the Riches of his Goodness and believing the unsearchableness of his Mercy and Grace in a dear Saviour bestowed on you are concerned greatly to obey him consideringthat he will shortly come in flaming Fire to render Vengeance upon all those that under his Calls of Grace matter not See 2 Thess 1.8 Rom. 2.4 Doth he say He that believes and is baptized shall be saved and he that believes not shall be damned If Baptism be that which is to follow Faith do not slight Christ in that Duty Cornelius is promised by the holy Angel that in sending for Peter he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do Acts 10.5 6. You find Peter commands Water-Baptism to those that had received the extraordinary Measures of God's Spirit Consider Acts 10.47 So that this may be fairly concluded that angels are subservient to the Gospel Ministration For Peter had with the rest of the Apostles the Commission of Christ given to them by him that had all Power in Heaven and Earth Matth. 28.19 20. So Saul after the Lord met him as he was going to persecute the People of God and upon his Question Who art thou Lord The Answer is I am Jesus O Jesus a Saviour and thou persecutest me in my Members and Followers Upon hearing this Voice he falleth down trembling and saith Lord what wouldest thou have me to do Go to Ananias he shall tell the what thou must do Ananias had a Vision and is by the Lord sent unto Saul and directed unto the Street and to the House even to Judas to enquire for one Saul of Tarsus who was observed by the Lord to e praying See Acts 9.6 compared with ver 10 11. and when he came laid his Hands on him and telleth him Jesus that appeared to him by the Way sent him to him that he might receive his Sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost And immediately there fell Scales from his Eyes and he received Sight forthwith and arose and was Baptized Acts 9.18 compared with Acts 22.16 O Souls you that have not yet conformed to this blessed Duty you are greatly concerned to put on a holy Profession of Christ by submitting to holy Baptism Gal. 3.27 and minding the Errand of that holy Duty all your Days viz. a dying to Sin and rising to newness of Life Rom. 8.1 2 3. Col. 2.12 For if Baptism be submitted to and not the End or Errand of it minded it is like a Sword of a Magistrate without Justice and like a Sign without having any thing within for the Church of England say right That Baptism is an outward Sign of inward Grace but none of this they can behold in an Infant that they say is by Name a Child of Wrath or many of them say so it is like Seals without minding the Conditions specified or like a Souldier listing himselfe under his Captain and after refusing his Commands in fighting against his Enemies which things will not be born by Men. O Souls do not slight the Will of God in point of Duty in this respect and all others commanded by your Lord for know That Faith without Works is dead And would you be content with a dead Faith in a dying Hour and in the Day of your Account Consider James 2.19 compared with the 26th Verse I speake the more to this Duty because some have changed both the Subject and the Manner Others cry down this and other Ordinances as if ceased Others live below what they profess in this righteous Service I could say much to the Danger of falling under such Delusions which the good Lord keep you from Surely we may cry out with the Prophet It 's time Lord for thee to work for Men make void thy Law Therefore mind those Duties that relate to that blessed Privilege of having a Place in God's House for they are blessed that dwell there Psal 27.4 84.4 Acts 2.42 Esteem others better than your selves walk humbly prize Gospel-Opportunities slight not assembling with the Church of Christ Heb. 10.22 23. Labour after such a Faith that pacifieth the Heart I may assure you in the Fear of God and in the Truth of God this is also a Faith of a right kind Acts 15.10 When the Faith you have in Christ in dying for your Sins leads you and works Death in you to your Sins it is Faith of a saving Nature Titus 2.11 14. Gal. 1.4 O Souls when there is such a Faith that believes Promises and Prophecies though Providence seem to contradict them as if such things should never be Rom. 4.17 18. O Souls consider of the Necessity of Faith It 's that which laying hold on the Blood of Christ justifieth Rom. 5.1 It 's that which overcometh the World and the Devil Joh. 5.5 I Pet. 5.3 It 's that which will assure you of Eternal Life Joh. 3.16 1 Joh. 5.20 It 's Faith in Christ that makes your Prayers acceptable with God James 1.6 1 John 3.22 23. It 's that which is the just Man's Life Heb. 10.38 It 's that which is the poor Man's Riches James 2.5 It 's that which makes good Works acceptable and rewardable Heb. 11.4 And without Faith it 's impossible to please God Heb. 11.6 IV. Consider the sad State of not believing with a Faith of a right Kind 1. No Remission of Sins O dreadful is that Soul's State that dieth an Unbeliever the Wrath of God abides on him John 3.36 2. No Relation to God as a Son without Faith O to come to a Death-bed and to Judgment and be no Child of God by Faith in Christ Jesus will be dreadful 3. No access to God nor no acceptance with God without Faith Heb. 11.6 4. No resisting of Satan without Faith 1 Pet. 5.9 Unbelief slights Christ as Priest Prophet and King Matters not his Blood to cleanse the foul Soul nor his Righteousness to clothe thy naked Soul it lays thee open to the Motions of the Devil to his Instruments in all obscene lewd filthy Words and Actions dreadful Intemperance Lying Swearing Deceit Hypocrify Envy Wrath and all manner of Pride Vain-glory c. listening to the Apostles of the Devil Factors of Hell in their filthy flesh-pleasing Songs and prophane Ballads and all the black Guard that wait on the Devil rejoice at thy not mattering what he commands and canst run into what he forbids 5. Unbelief makes God a Liar O woful Impudence He that believeth not God hath made him a Liar because he believeth not the Record he gave of his Son 1 John
having Dominion over all the earthly Creatures Gen. 1.27 28. Q. What did God give to Adam at the first A. He gave him a pleasant Paradise and a Law That of every Tree in the Garden he might eat but of the Tree of Knowledg of Good and Evil he should not eat for in the Day he eat thereof he should surely die Gen. 2.17 Q. How came Adam to break the Law given unto him A. By the Woman's yielding to the Serpent did take and eat of the forbidden Fruit and she gave to her Husband and he did eat Gen. 3.6 Q. Did Eve being tempted or provoked to eat by the Serpent or Adam by the Woman excuse their Sin A. No for God passeth Sentence upon them both and also upon the Serpent Q. What Misery fell they under as their Punishment A. To the Woman God saith I will greatly multiply thy Sorrows and thy Conceptions in Sorrow shalt thou bring forth Children and thy desire shall be to thy Husband and he shall rule over thee Gen. 3.16 Q. What did God say to Adam A. Because thou hast hearkened to the Voice of thy Wife the Ground shall be cursed for thy sake Thorns and Thistles shall it bring forth thou shalt in the sweat of thy Face eat thy Bread until thou return unto the Dust for Dust thou art and unto Dust thou shalt return He was also ashamed of his Nakedness feared to appear before his Maker turned out of Paradise and Cherubims set to keep the Way of the Tree of Life with flaming Swords that he might not eat thereof lest he live for ever Gen. 3.17 18 19 22 23 24. Q. Here is sad News of Death and Mortality and Pain and losing of a pleasant Paradise How came the happy News of Life immortal and enjoying of a heavenly Paradise A. Through a second Adam Christ Jesus who hath abolished Death and hath brought Life and Immortality unto Light through the Gospel 2 Tim. 1.10 Heb. 2.14 1 Cor. 15.22 Gen. 3.15 Q. What is Jesus Christ A. The Son of God the Saviour of poor lost worthless straying Sinners Q. How may that appear A. By the Wonders wrought at his Conception at his Birth by himself whilst on Earth personally at his Transfiguration at his Baptism at his Death at his Resurrection Q. What was wrought in a miraculous way at his Conception A. Mary with Child by the Holy Ghost and not after any ordinary manner Mat. 1.16 Joseph being espoused unto her thought to put her away not knowing what was done but an Angel appeared to satisfy him and directed him to call his Name Jesus for he should save his People from their Sins Mat. 1.21 Q. What Wonder was done at his Birth A. A Star arose out of the East which the Wise-men followed till it stood still over the Place where the young Child lay Mat. 2.10 Q. What else was done at his Birth A. Their rejoicing and worshipping of him Herod's cruel Design frustrated as relating to the killing of the Babe by the Lord 's appearing unto them in a Dream and sending them another way Mat. 2.12 Q. What else was wonderful A. An Angel appearing unto two Shepherds in great Glory saying Fear not for I bring you glad Tidings which shall be to all People for unto you is born this Day in the City of David a Saviour Christ the Lord. Q. What else was wrought wonderfully at his Birth A. A heavenly Host immediately appearing praising God and saying Glory to God in the Highest on Earth Peace Good-will towards Men Luke 2.9 10 11 12 13 14. Q. What Wonders were wrought in his Life-time A. Disputing with the Doctors at twelve Years of Age rebuking violent Diseases and they departed by the Word of his Mouth Joh. 4.10 turned Water into Wine John 2.9 raised the Dead cleansed the Lepers the Lame walk the Blind see the Deaf hear the Dumb speak Mat. 11.5 Rather than he will give Offence causeth Money to be taken out of a Fish's Mouth Mat. 17.27 Q. What else was wrought by Christ in his Life-time A. The Wind and the Sea obey him and are calm at his Command Mat. 8.26 27. Five thousand fed with five Loaves and two little Fishes Mat. 14.19 20 21. Q. What was wonderful at his Baptism A. The Spirit of God lighting upon him as a Dove as he came out of the Water testifying that he was the Son of God in whom he was well-pleased Mat. 3.16 Also at his being transfigured upon the Mount his Face did shine as the Sun and his Raiment white as the Light a bright Cloud over-shadowed them and a Voice out of the Cloud saying This is my beloved Son in whom I am well-pleased hear ye him Mat. 17.2 Q. What was done at his Death A. The Vail of the Temple rent to signify the End of those Types he being the Substance Heb. 9.11 and Darkness over all the Earth from the 6th Hour to the 9th Hour Luke 23.44 the Earth did quake and the Rocks rent and the Graves were opened and many of the dead Bodies of the Saints which slept arose after his Resurrection and went into the holy City Mat. 27.51 52 53. Q. What Wonders were wrought at his Resurrection A. A great Earthquake an Angel descending from Heaven and came and rolled the Stone from the Door and sat upon it his Countenance like Lightning and his Raiment white as Snow and for fear of him the Keepers did shake and became as dead Men telling the Women that Christ was risen shewing them the Place where the Lord lay and said unto them Go quickly and tell his Disciples he is risen from the Dead Matth. 28.2 3 4 5 6 7. Q. How long was it from his Death to his Ascension A. Forty Days speaking to them of the things concerning the Kingdom of God Act. 1.3 Q. What was done at his Ascension A. Two Men standing by the Disciples in white Apparel testifying that the same Jesus whom they had seen ascend into Heaven should so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into Heaven Acts 1.11 Q. What was done after his Ascension A. The Disciples being together and praying upon the Day of Pentecost they received the Promise of the Spirit and were filled with the Holy Ghost so as that they were able to speak to the understanding of all Nations and Gifts bestowed upon them and others for the Edification of the Church perfecting of the Saints for the Work of the Ministry this appears from these Scriptures Acts 2.3 Eph. 4.8 1 Cor. 12.7 Q. VVhat did the Lord Jesus come into the VVorld to do A. He came to seek and save them that were lost to give the knowledg of Salvation and Remission of Sins to give Light to them that sat in Darkness and the shadow of Death to guide our Feet in the Path of Peace Luk. 19.10 1.77 78 79. 24.47 and to destroy the Works of the Devil 1 John 3.8 Q. How came Man into his
lost miserable Estate A. By Sin Q. VVhat is Sin A. It is the Transgression of the Law Rom. 7.7 1 Joh. 3.4 Q. VVhat Means hath Christ used to seek and save them that are lost A. He hath by the means of Death redeemed us from him that had the Power of Death even the Devil and deliver'd them who thrô fear of Death were all their Life-time subject to Bondage He was wounded for our Iniquities broken for our Transgressions the Chastisement of our Peace was upon him and thrô his Stripes we are healed He poured out his Soul unto Death and made Intercession for Transgressors Q. Did he do this for all Men A. Yea all have like Sheep gone astray and the Lord hath laid upon him the Iniquity of us all Q. How doth it appear that Christ died for all Men A. From the Types under the Law from the Testimony of all the Prophets from the Testimony of an Angel and of the Heavenly Host from the Testimony of Christ and his Holy Apostles Q. How from Types doth it appear that Christ died for all Men A. As the Paschal Lamb being slain was a Sign of Safety and Deliverance to Israel so Jesus Christ is called the Lamb slain from the Foundation of the World and is called the Lamb of God that taketh away the Sins of the World and that saveth all that believe from Wrath to come Rev. 13.8 Joh. 1.29 1 Thess 1.10 Q. How else A. By the brazen Serpent that as truly as it was lifted up by Moses for the healing of all that were stung or bitten so Christ is held forth and lifted up for the comfort of every poor distressed Sinner that whosoever believeth might not perish but have eternal Life John 3.14 15 16. Q. How else by the Manna A. That as the Manna fell for all Israel to gather and be nourished in the eating of it so Jesus Christ came the true Bread from Heaven to give his Flesh for the Life of the World that all those that believe on Jesus Christ and feed on him by Faith might be nourished up to eternal Life John 6.51 Q. How else doth it appear A. By the Testimony of an Angel saying Fear not I bring you glad Tidings which shall be to all People for unto you is born this Day in the City of David a Saviour Christ the Lord Luke 2.10 11 12. Q. How else A. Immediately a Heavenly Host praising God and saying Glory to God in the highest Peace good Will towards Men Luk. 2.13 14. Q. How else doth it appear A. By the Testimony of all the Prophets Acts 10.47 To him give all the Prophets witness that whosoever believeth in him should have remission of Sins Q. How else doth it appear A. From the Testimony of Christ who saith The Bread which I give is my Flesh which I give for the Life of the World John 6.51 By the Testimony of his Apostles who thus judg that if one died for all then they which live should not live to themselves but unto him that died for them and rose again 2 Cor. 5.14 Who say that he by the Grace of God tasted Death for every Man Heb. 2.9 Who gave himself a Ransom for all to be testified in due Time And this Truth Paul was ordained a Preacher of among the Gentiles 1 Tim. 2.6 7. Who say that he is not only a Propitiation for our Sins but for the Sins of the whole World 1 John 2.2 Q. What farther Means doth he use to seek and save them that are lost or are by reason of Sin in a damnable Condition if dying therein A. He rose again for the Justification of poor sinful Man in which he hath given assurance unto Man of his Resurrection and that there is a Day that he must come to Judgment Acts 17.31 Also appointing that the Gospel should be preached to every Creature Mark 16.13 16. Also affording his Spirit to convince Men of Sin if they believe not John 16.8 9. Also by the glorious Benefits of his Ascension did and doth furnish Men with Gifts for the Work of the Ministry to be Ambassadors for Christ to beseech Souls to be reconciled Ephes 4.11 12 2 Cor. 5.19 20. Q. What farther Means doth he use to bring Men to Happiness A. By virtue of his Intercession Vengeance is staid from coming speedily and suddenly upon Men Luke 13.8 Isa 53.12 Also his patient waiting upon Men from time to time Warnings given by his Severity upon some promising Happiness and Eternal Life if they believe and obey threatning Eternal Death and Damnation if they believe not and are disobedient Prov. 1.20 Jer. 13.27 Mat. 11.21 John 3.36 1 Cor. 10.12 Q. Did Jesus Christ die for all Men that they might be saved A. Yea for he complaineth saying Ye will not come unto me that you might have Life and he came not to condemn the World but that the World through him might be saved And John came to bear witness of that Light that all Men through him might believe John 5.40 3.17 1.7 Q. Are Men saved only by the Death of Christ A. They are said to be reconciled by his Death but saved by his Life Rom. 5.10 Q. What is that which renders Men Enemies unto God and under his Wrath A. Evil wicked Works Col. 1.21 Ephes 2.2 11. Q. What are the Works of the Flesh A. Adultery Fornication Uncleanness Lasciviousness Idolatry Witchcraft Hatred Variance Emulation Wrath Strife Sedition Heresies Envying Drunkenness Murders Reviling Q. Shall any such inherit the Kingdom of Heaven A. No. Gal. 5 19 20. 1 Cor. 6.9 Ephes 5.6 Q. Will not Omissions of Good hinder from Eternal Life as well as Commissions of Evil A. Yea for Christ saith the not giving to him when he was an hungry the not clothing of him when he was naked the not visiting of him when he was sick the not coming unto him when he was in Prison he will take this want of Mercy to his little Ones that believe as done to himself and these shall go away into everlasting Destruction Mat. 25.41 42 43. Q. What is required of all Men guilty of committing Evil or omitting Good A. Confessing their Sins before the Lord and being humbled for them with a Resolution to forsake them through a constant watchfulness against them Prov. 28.13 Luk. 24.27 Acts 17.30 2 Cor. 7.10 Q. VVhat Rule hath God left us to guide and direct what to avoid what to believe and what to do A. The Holy Scriptures which are able to make the Man of God wise unto Salvation and to furnish him to every good Work and are profitable for Instruction Correction Comfort Acts 24.14 17.11 2 Tim. 3.16 17. Q. How may it appear that they are the Mind of God for us to walk by A. 1. By the wonderful Miracles wrought to confirm the Words spoken by Christ and his Apostles and Prophets recorded therein 2. By the constant fulfilling of the Prophecies and Promises therein contained 3.
Evil and enabled to do his Duty Luke 18.1 1 Thess 5.21 Mat. 6.6 Q. VVhat other Duties are required of Church-members A. Loving meek Admonitions given to those that transgress condemning what is good with the most gaining winning Terms that may be for the preventing of Evil and bringing to a godly Sorrow Gal. 6.1 Rev. 2.1 2. 2 Cor. 2.11 Q. VVhat ought the Reprover of Evil to do farther A. Examine himself and cast out the Beam out of his own Eye then will he clearly see the Mote that is in his Brother 's not upbraiding with former Evils lifting up his Heart to God for a Blessing and Direction how to give it to the Party offending Mat. 7.3 4. Luke 19.3 Q. VVhat farther A. If a private Offence to tell the Offender between thee and him alone avoiding Tale-bearing if he hear not take another or two that in the Mouth of two or three Witnesses every Word may be established if he hear not then tell the Church Mat. 18.15 16 17. Q. VVhat then is the Church to do A. They are publickly to enquire into the Evil and the guiltiness of the Party sinning and to manifest the Danger of Sin with the vileness and odiousness thereof lovingly to beseech the Party offending to turn from it And in case they see Stubbornness plainly and sharply to reprove and afterwards to account him as a Heathen Man Publican Mat. 18.17 Q. VVhat is the Duty of the Reproved A. To love them that do it to esteem the Wounds of a Friend better than the Kisses of an Enemy to account the Smitings of the Righteous as a Balm to help a Soul when wounded by Sin to suspect and search their own Hearts and find out their own Iniquity to confess to God and to them that they have offended and not to hide their Evils under any Pretence or Excuse whatsoever and then there is a Promise of Mercy Prov. 28.13 Jam. 5.15 Prov. 9.8 Q. VVhat is the Man that hath sinned farther to do that he may have comfort A. He is to apply the Promise of Mercy to remember that he hath an Advocate with the Father to walk humbly and watchfully both towards God and Man 1 Joh. 2.1 2 Cor. 7.10 Q. VVhat then is the offended Brother to do A. Freely to forgive pass by and not remember nor upbraid the Person afterwards with his Evils to desire the forgiveness of his Trespasses as he forgives his Brother his and to pray that his Brother may be healed Mat. 18.35 6.12 Jam. 5.16 Q. What further is the Church of God to do A. To break Bread in remembrance of Christ's Body being broken to drink of the Fruit of the Grape in remembrance of his Blood being shed for them Matth. 26.28 Luke 22.20 1 Cor. 11.24 25 26. Q. VVhat is set forth to the believing Soul in this Ordinance A. The great Love of the Lord Jesus in dying for them in redeeming them by his Blood 1 Pet. 1.18 in being broken for their Transgressions wounded for their Iniquities becoming Sin that knew no Sin that they might be made the Righteousness of God in him 2 Cor. 5.21 Isa 53.2 3. Q. VVhat else is to be minded in this Ordinance by the Believer A. A constant feeding upon the Benefits of Christ's Death by Faith whereby a Soul may discern Christ's Body broken to be Bread indeed and his Blood being shed to be Drink indeed nourishing of the believing Soul to Eternal Life John 6.51 54. Q. VVhat farther is to be minded A. A New Testament dedicated in his Blood and an end put to all the shadowing Sacrifices in the Time of the Law the middle-Wall of Partition being broken down and in the slighting of his Will and Testament it is a slighting of his Blood according to Scripture Heb. 10.28 29. 9.15 16 17. 12.25 Q. VVhat is the Receiver of this Ordinance to do by way of Preparation A. To examine himself to lay aside every Sin and to keep the Feast with unleavened Bread of Sincerity Truth 1 Cor. 5.8 11.28 Q. What is the Administrator to do A. He is to take the Bread and bless the Lord and to seek a Blessing from the Lord upon his Appointment and to speak such words that may affect the Hearts of the Receivers with the unspeakable Gift of God even Christ and after to deliver it as that which is broken and to be eaten in remembrance of the Body of Christ being broken for them and after the same manner to take the Cup delivering of it as that which doth shew forth the Blood of Christ and the New Testament in his Blood which was shed for them and many for the Remission of their Sins 1 Cor. 11.24 25 26. Luke 22.19 20. Q. After the Ordinance is thus Administred what is then to be done farther A. A solemn hearty praising blessing singing unto God for his unsearchable Riches of his Grace in Christ unto them 1 Cor. 14.15 Mat. 26 30. Q. What is the Danger of eating and drinking Vnworthily A. They eat and drink Damnation to themselves in not discerning the Lord's Body 1 Cor. 11.27 Q. What is farther to be done by the Church A. If any speak or have received Understanding Utterance Boldness from the Spirit as they have received every one to minister the manifold Graces of God If any speak to speak as the Oracles of God 1 Pet. 4.11 1 Cor. 14.1 29. Q. May any gifted Brother in the Church preach A. Yea for they may all prophesy one by one that all may learn and be comforted And Christ saith No Man lighteth a Candle to put under a Bed or a Bushel but on a Candlestick that the Houshold may have Light Mind his Counsel in the next words 1 Cor. 14.30 Mat. 6.15 16. Q. What farther is to be done by the Church of God in assembling together A. Contributing to the Necessity of the poor Saints as God hath prospered them 1 Cor. 16.2 Acts 6.1 Q. In what manner ought this to be done A. He is to give chearfully willingly avoiding grudging and vain Glory 2 Cor. 9.7 Rom. 12.13 Q. What Encouragement have charitable Christians in this Work A. They may assure themselves that in doing of it sincerely Christ will take what is bestowed upon his Members in their Necessities as done to himself Mat. 25.36 as being the Blessed of the Lord as lending to the Lord and he will pay again as those that sow Liberally shall reap Bountifully for God is able to make all Grace abound Psal 41.1 Prov. 19.17 Mat. 25.36 2 Cor. 9.6 7. Q. Who is the Church of God to do good unto in this respect A. To all but especially to the Houshold of Faith Gal. 6.10 Q. What farther is to be done by the Church of Christ A. They are to look out from among themselves faithful Men Men of Wisdom full of the Holy Spirit qualified according to the Directions given by Paul to Timothy 1 Epist 3.1 for the Work of
5.10 11. And this is the Record he gives of his Son He hath given to us Eternal Life And the not closing with Christ is to reject the Lord 's designed Way of Salvation to prefer the Light within to be our Saviour or Conviction to be our Saviour or our own Works to be our Saviour is to set up Idols in our Hearts instead of our only dear Redeemer that hath done that for every Man in his own Body being a perfect Sacrifice for Sin by bearing our Sins in his own Body on the Tree This ought to be applied by Faith inwardly and works a change both in Heart and Life and teacheth to deny all Ungodliness and to live to him soberly righteously and godly It 's in him that the Father declareth he is well pleased Mat. 17.5 It 's in him that poor Sinners are called to Behold saying Behold Behold me to a Nation that is not called by his Name Isa 65.1 53.6 It 's he that is lifted up even as Moses lifted up the brazen Serpent that whosoever believeth on him might not perish but have Eternal Life John 3.14 15. the true Christ of God God and Man and to reject him is to stumble at him that God hath designed by Faith in him to be thy Saviour Rom. 9.32 33. V. Young Men and young Women as to your single State or unmarried mind what is offered to consideration in the third State of Life frees from many Incumbrances Take heed of pretending Love where there is nothing in true reality intended for God is the Avenger of such wicked hypocritical Dealings in any Matter and then in such a Matter and Case see 1 Thess 4.5 6. And though good Paul could wish that all where as he yet from those natural Inclinations that are in some it 's better to marry than to burn in Iustful Desires I shall in this Case say as our Lord saith of some that make themselves Eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heaven's sake He that is able to receive it let him receive it Mat. 19.12 1 Cor. 7.9 VI. As to your State as married O consider of your Duties in that near and dear Union laid down in several divine holy Directions in Scripture 1. Remember your Wife is Flesh of your Flesh Bone of your Bone and Christ saith They twain shall be one Flesh Matth. 19.5 2. Remember they are the weaker Vessels and give honour to them 1 Pet. 3.9 3. Remember a good Wife is from the Lord prize them very highly that are the Benedictions of your glorious Creator see Prov. 19.14 18.22 she is a great help Meet to poor Man she is like the Merchant's Ship she fetcheth her Food from far fetcheth former and latter Experiences and strengthens Hope in God under present Difficulties she fetcheth the Counsel of Heaven in divine Laws the Comfort of Heaven in great and precious Promises Thou must depend in a lower sense upon her Loyalty Care Diligence Chastity see Prov. 31 11th Ver. compared with the 14th The Law of Kindness is in her Mouth Prov. 31.26 4. Love her in Reality as Christ loved his Church so as to support nourish comfort avoiding Bitterness in Words or Actions Col. 3.19 5. Labour to live with her as a Man of Knowledg in much Wisdom at all times affording Instructions in Meekness and by good Examples of Piety in holiness of Heart Life provoking of them to Love and good Works but not to Strife O Soul let there be no Strife except ye strive who shall be most holy most humble most zealous for good Matters most charitable and most self-denying 6. In these things live together as Heirs of the Grace of Life that your Practice be not hindred Remember that the Wife is called the desire of the Eye and Job saith I have made a Covenant with mine Eyes why then should I look upon a Maid Job 31.1 Ezek. 24.16 Give not way to lustful Desires after any other nor to evil Concupiscence and deal not treacherously with the Wife of thy Covenant This was a Sin of old that tho some covered his Altar with Tears he regarded them not see Mal. 2.13 14. Remember thou must as an Husband and as a Wife give an Account to God how thou hast lived in thy relative Duties towards her and she towards thee And therefore you Wives labour after the Ornament of a meek and quiet Spirit See that you reverence your Husbands and in your Vertues be as a Crown to them 1 Pet. 3.4 Ephes 6.22 24. Prov. 12.4 O do no unseemly things in Words or Actions to be as Rottenness in his Bones Prov. 12.4 Remember he is thy Head and yet thou art concern'd in Matters of Faith and Worship there to own God and Christ above the dearest Relation in the World VII If you have Prosperity in outward things consider 1. It comes not from the East or from the West but from the Lord of the whole Earth Psal 75.6 7. 2. All things here are uncertain and unsatisfying and soon taken from you or you from them Eccles 5.10 Prov. 23.5 3. You are Stewards with what God puts into your Hands and must shortly give an Account Jam. 5.1 2 3 4. 4. If you have not true Wisdom to use it you may be destroyed with it Prov. 1.32 The Prosperity of Fools destroyeth them Psal 73.12 Consider the World is like a Lottery some come into it with their Heads full of Winnings and go out of it with their Hearts full of Losings Take heed of being lifted up with Pride under Riches or Honour Consider Pride goeth before Destruction and an haughty Spirit before a Fall Prov. 16.18 Remember he that travelled upon the highest Stage of this World's Glory and had Wisdom to find out the Excellency of natural Things from the Cedar in Lebanon to the Hysop on the Wall and to make trial of all things for satisfaction under the Sun 1 King 4.33 Yet in all his great Enjoyments he proclaims All was vanity and vexation of Spirit If Prosperity attend take heed of Covetousness Pride Uncharitableness O do Good in the World with the things of the World Take heed dear Souls of abounding with Superfluities while some of God's Children want Necessaries The divine Charge is given to those that are Rich That they be not high-minded that they trust not in uncertain Riches but in the living God Be ready to distribute willing to communicate laying up for themselves a good Foundation for the time to come This way to lay out even to do good to all especially to the Houshold of Faith is the way to lay up 1 Tim. 6.18 19. And the liberal Soul shall be made fat Prov. 11.25 O be using the World as Strangers do their Inn they count a Bait no Let. O let all the Providences of God attending you as to Health Strength as to Trade as to yearly Revenues as to a good Wife or good Husband as to good Children as to Reputation lead you in things