confession of Christ c. wherein we have in those signes by all deep engagement obliged our selves Q. What is the danger of unworthy receiving A. In stead of receiving to comfort Satan hath a greater posession of such persons as in Judas if he were at the Supper as many learned men think who Luke 22.3 had Satan entring into him before his going to the High-Priests and receiving the sop but after the receiving the sop the Devil entred further into him John 13.27 and v. 30. having received the sop he went out immediately and came to a thorow resolution to betray Christ besides good men receiving in part unworthily receive temporal judgements as sickness weakness death 1 Cor. 11.30 and wicked men having a total unworthiness receive eternal damnation Q. What is the manner of Christ his presence in the Lords Supper A. He is present spiritually to the Faith of the receiver to increase by his Spirit the Union Communion of the soul with Christ Ephes 3.19 1 Cor. 10.16 Ephes 4.15 16 1 Cor. 12.13 he is also present by grace and operation of feeling in the hearts of his as the Sun is present with us by his light and influence though in Heaven he is also present in the promise Mat. 26.26 Take eat this is my body and my blood as if he should say I promise you in the use of this Ordinance you shall receive the vertue of my quickening death and merit thereof as verily as you receive bread and wine Q. What think you of that opinion that the body of Christ is present in with or under the bread after an unperceivable manner A. It is an erroneous opinion It is against the Article of Christ his ascension into heaven Act. 3.21 2. Hereby they destroy the nature and truth of a humane body which is both finite and visible making it infinite and invisible Q. Whether is the body of Christ really and substantially contained under the kindes of bread and wine in the same space where bread and wine were contained before A. No for 1. Bread in the Supper is six times after consecration called bread still 1 Cor. 10.15 16. 1 Cor. 11.23 24 25. 2. The truth of Christs flesh is proved by sight and touching Luk. 24.39 but in the Supper it cannot he touched therefore it is not substantially or fleshlily present 3. It s a contradiction that one whole body should be whole together in divers places Mat. 28.6 he is risen he is not here the consequence had proved nothing if a whole body might be whole in divers places Q. How oft are we to receive the Supper A. Often our own decayes of grace requires often receiving the Apostles indeterminate Command Do this as often admits of no other limitation then want of occasion and opportunity Q. But there are some that are not in charity with me may I receive A. Yes supposing the uncharitableness on their parts their sin cannot debar us of the priviledges and benefits Christ hath purchased for us if the sin be on our part we must lay aside our wrath lest we double our sin by absenting from Ordinances and retaining wrath Q. Who are the persons to be received to the Supper A. Onely Church-Members 1 Cor. 10.13 1 Cor. 11.20 holy things are not to be given to Dogs Mat. 7.6 in exposing the signs of the Covenant to those concerning whom we have no ground to believe God promises any thing we prophane them they are not to be acknowledged for Covenanters with God who are his enemies Q. How are wicked men partaking guilty of the body and blood of the Lord A. 1. They are guilty of rejecting it 2. Because they prophane the signes that represent Christs body as they that despise Christs Servants despise himself Luk. 10.16 1 Thes 4.8 or as a reproach done to the Ambassadors redounds to the Prince or as he that commits Treason against a Princes Seal commits it against himself Concerning Prayer Q. WHat is prayer A. A pouring forth of the Soul to God 1 Sam. 1. Psalm 62.8 Q. What are the parts of prayer A. They are three 1. Confession of sins so Daniel c. 9.6 7 8 c. and Nehemiah c. 1 6.7 2. Petition for grace Mat. 6.9 3. Thanksgiving for benefits 1 Tim. 2.1 Phil. 4.6 Q. What qualifications are requisite that we may pray comfortably A. 1. We being bankrupt in Heaven must come in the name of Christ Iohn 16.23 24. 2. For things according to Gods will 1 Iohn 5.14 3. With a heart purposing against all sin Psal 66.18 Iohn 9 41. Iob. 11.13 4. With a fervent heart Iam. 5.16 crying mightily to God Jon. 3. as a Malefactor doth for life before a Judge 5. In Faith Jam. 1.6 7. believing we shall have from God so far as his promise reacheth as a begger never goes from a door so long as he believes he shall have an Almes Mat. 7.7 21.22 to persons praying in faith the thing desired is done or else it s better for them not to be done 6. With an humble and broken heart Psal 34.17 content not your selves with prayers void of humiliation and melting of heart so Abraham Gen. 18.27 the Prodigal Luk. 15.18 If Satan fright thee from prayer because thou art unworthy say then Nay but I will pray because I am unworthy 7. With watchfulness against distractions both those that come from Satan Zach. 3. and those which come from spiritual fluggishness especially Col. 4.2 and watchfulness against drouziness Luk. 21.36 as a begger is all awake when he begs so must we be when we beg of God 8. With sighes and groanes though words answer very barely Rom. 8.26 Gal. 4.6 God answers not that which is in the froth of wolds alone but that which is in the sigh or groan Psalme 145.19 9. Pray with the Spirit Jude 20. Ephes 6.18 which is not onely to have the gift of Prayer which artificial Christians may have and not without some show of spiritual life being full of fit expressions from abundance of notions but also to have the grace of prayer whereby the soul hath many sighes against the sproutings of lusts and wrastlings for the removals of corruptions and secret springings of heart upon the receipt of spiritual blessings Psal 103.1 that such Prayers come from the Spirit appears because when the Spirit intermits or forbears working the souls of the best become dull Rom. 8.15 10. Let thy Person be holy Psal 86. 2 John 15.7 no natural man can pray acceptably John 9.13 yet may there be passions in a soul and yet that soul holy and that Prayer accepted as in Elia's Case Jam. 5.16 Q. How shall a poor soul know whether God hears his Prayers A. He shall know it by these signs 1. When he hath the thing granted he prayed for the Church prayed for Peter and had him given when they were praying Act. 12.5 Hanna prayed for a son and had one 1 Sam. 1.27 see for this Gen. 20.17 Jud.
preserved If An Argument from man were any thing material I might adde that the Iewish Bible who are the utterest enemies of Christianity their old Testament agrees with ours and for the truth of the Iewish Bible they have testimony from the Samaritans who were enemies to them and an irreconciliable rent made betwixt them yet in the Samaritan Bible as some of the learned affirme there is no difference at all to any purpose Also the consent of the godly Fathers and Christians from Christ his time who have from hand to hand delivered them to us and enlightned them with their commentaries whose commentaries we have to shew in every age well-nigh from the Apostles time some of whom confirmed the truth with their Lives and Liberty A short Catechisme FOR BABES Q. HOw doth it appear that there is a God A. From the creatiâ—n of heaven and earth Psal 19.1 Rom. 1.20 Q. What is God A. A Spirit John 4.23 immortal 1 Tim. 6.16 infinite 1 Kings 8.27 knowing all things Heb. 4.13 and present everywhere Psalme 139.7 8 9. Q. How doth this God subsist A. In the being of Father Son and Spirit who are all one God 1 Iohn 5.7 Q. Whether is the Father Son or Spirit greatest A. There is an equality of glory eternity and power in the Father Son and Spirit Rom. 9.5 Phil. 2.6 Matth. 28.19 1 Iohn 5.7 Q. How did God make man at first A. Pure and holy Gen. 1.26 Eccles 7.29 but we all fell in our first parents Rom. 5.12 13 14. Q What befell unto us by Adams fall A. The judgement came upon all to condemnation Rom. 5.15 16. Q. What is the condition of every man since the fall of Adam A. Dead in trespasses and sins and by nature children of wrath Eph. 2.1 3. Q What way is there to come out of this miserable condition A. Onely by Jesus Christ Acts 4.12 Q. What are we to consider especially in Christ A. 1. His natures 2. His offices Q. What are the natures of Christ A. They are two 1. His Godhead 2. His Manhood Q. Why was it needful that he should be God A. That he might make the sufferings of his Manhood of infinite worth and vertue Heb. 9.14 Act. 20.28 Q. Why was it needful that he should be man A. That he might dye and satisfie Gods justice in the same nature that had offended Matthew 20.28 1 Corinthians 15.21 22. Q. What are the offices of Christ A. They are three Q. Which are they A. His Kingly Priestly and Prophetical office Q Why was Christ a King A. That he may reign in the hearts of his people Luk. 19.27 and in the Churches Psal 2.6 Q. Why was he a Prophet A. To reveale his Fathers will so that are to hear him in all things Acts 3.22 Mat. 17.5 Q. Why was he a Priest A. To offer sacrifice for the sins of his people Heb. 8.3 Q. What sacrifice did Christ offer A. His own body on the cross Heb. 9.25 26. wherewith he appears in Gods presence for his people Heb. 9.24 his blood speaking good things Q. What is faith A. A taking of Christ as a Lord and a Saviour and resting upon his satisfaction Rom. 7.4 Joh. 1.12 Rom. 10.7.8 Q. What accompanies Justifying faith without which it is not in the soul A. An holy disposition or intention of heart to confess the truth of God though with the loss of all we have in the world Rom. 10.10 Mat. 10.32 Q. What is repentance A. A thorow change of the purposes of the heart whereby they are universally set against all sin with an hatred of it Rom. 12.2 Act. 2.38 Isa 30.22 Q. What measure of love must we love the Lord with A. With a sovergaine love better then father or mother son or daughter yea then our own lives Mat. 10.37 38 39. Q. What denial of Christ is that which shuts persons out of heaven A. Habitual denial or denial of Christ in the purporse of our hearts when we for the saving of our lands liberties country or lives will deny Christ or any part of his truth Mat. 10.33 2 Tim. 2.12 Q. What doth the Scripture reveal concerning spiritual Life A. That whereas we are all dead men by Adams sin and our own when God pardons we are alive Rom. 5.18 Q. What other life hath believers A. A life of holiness whereby believing souls are quickned up to all the wayes of God Rom. 6.13 Q. What ought to be the ground of a Christian mans obedience A. The command of Christ which is the bond of the conscience Rom. 1.14 Act. 20.22 Q. What other ground is there A. The love of God from whence our obedience ought to flow John 14.15 2 Cor. 5.15 Q. What doth the Scripture reveal of the combat of flesh and Spirit A. The flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh so that we cannot do the good we would do Gal. 5.17 Q. What may comfort in this combat A. That we hate the evil that we do and love the good we do and hunger and third to do the good we do not Rom. 7.15 16 17 18 19. Q. What is the danger of sinning against conscience A. Such shall be punished with many stripes Luk. 12.48 Q. What is it to live by faith A. To rest on Gods promise for every good thing without using unlawful means Psal 84.11 12. Isa 28.16 Q. What is the new Covenant A. It is Gods work whereby he not onely pardons all the sins of all the Elect and gives them eternal life through the satisfaction of Christ but also promiseth to take away their stony hearts and writes his laws in their hearts and causes them to rellish and savour good things and vouchsafes to be their God and takes them to be his people Heb. 8.10 11 12. Q. What is prayer A. Pouring out of the soul before God 1 Sam. 1.15 Psal 62.2 Q. What are the parts of prayer A. They are sometimes divided in four parts 1 Tim. 2.1 yet may we reduce them to three parts first confession of sins Secondly petition for grace and favors Thirdly thanksgiving for benefits To which we may add intercessions to turn away judgement Q. What principal Properties ought there to be in an holy prayer A. It ought to be offered from a believing soul Mat. 21.22 in the name of Christ Joh. 16.23 24. from the Spirit assisting with sighs and groans Rom. 8.26 for things according to the will of God 1 Joh. 5.14 Q. What is baptisme A. It is a sign of a believers fellowship with Christ in his death burial and resurrection that as his body is buried in water so his sins are buried through the satisfaction of Christ and as he riseth out of the water so he is bound to walk with Christ in newness of life Rom. 6.3 4 5 6. Col. 2.12 Q. Who are the persons to be baptized A. Those who are made Disciples and make profession of their faith and repentance Mat. 28.19 Mark 16.15 16. Heb. 10.22 Act. 1.37 38. Q. What is the end why the Lords Supper was appointed A. For the continual remembrance of the sacrifice of Christs death and remission of sins which believers have therein 1 Cor. 11.25.26 Q. What must a Christian do that he may receive worthily or preparedly A. He must examine himself whether he be in Christ and whether the Spirit of God dwell in him 1 Cor. 11.28 Q. What is the danger of unworthy receiving A. Temporal judgement if they repent eternal if they repent not Q. Wherefore are hands laid upon believers after baptism A. That they may receive a further increase of the Spirit therein 2 Tim. 1.6 Q. What is revealed concerning the resurrection of the dead A. That all shall rise againe the godly to the resurrection of eternal life the wicked to the resurrection of eternal damnation Dan. 12.2 Joh. 5.28 Q. With what bodies shall the Saints arise A. with the same body in number but with more glorious qualities 1 Cor. 15.42 43 44 53. Phil. 3.21 Q. VVhat follows the resurrection A. The last judgement wherein all shall be judged of every thing done in the body whether it be good or evil Joh. 6.40 John 5.28 2 Cor. 5.10 Revel 20.12 13 14. FINIS
Law might be fulfilled in us Rom. 8.34 2. He keeps them intentionally having a respect to every one of them Psal 119.6 without slighting or despising any of them seeing the Scripture sets down that the slighting or despising any of a mans wayes doth declare him to be as yet under the state of death Prov. 13.13 and chap. 19.16 3. In that he will not deliberately sin against Conscience for the escaping of Crosses or obtaining of enjoyments Dan. 3.16 17. having a full purpose in his heart through the assistance of grace to chuse affliction rather then iniquity Job 36.21 Q. What measure of love must we love the Lord withall A. We must love him with a soveraign love better then Father and Mother Lands and Living Wife and Children yea and our own Lives Mat. 10.37 Luk. 14.26 Q. What denial of Christ is that which excludes a soul out of Heaven A. Habitual denial when we for the saving of our Lands Liberties Country or Lives have a purpose to deny Christ or any part of his truth Mat. 10.32 33. Q. What way it there to prevent this habitual denial of Christ which is so dangerous and destructive A. To learn to deny our selves in such a measure that in the Lords strength we resolve to take up every Cross that comes betwixt us and our duty Luk. 9.23 and to hate the best enjoyment we have as friends liberty estate yea and life it self if we cannot hold them and the Lord together Luk. 14.26 27. So that we are resolved in no wise in a plain Commandment to sin against our Conscience but are resolved to chuse a fiery furnace rather then worship a golden image Dan. 3.16 17. Q. What is repentance A. A change of heart Ephes 4.22 23. Rom. 12.1 2. whereby we turn from all sin with an hatred thereof Psal 119.128 purposing to walk in newness of life Psal 119.106 Q What are the fruits of Repentance A. The Apostle sets down some 2 Corinthians 7.11 as a care of pleasing God in every thing also a fear of displeasing him in any thing also a clearing of our selves both before God not resting till we have got assurance of the pardon of our sins and clearing our selves before men in a godly course of life also a desire to eye God in all things also a zeal rejoycing when his name is honoured and sorrowing when it is dishonoured also an indignation against sin in a friend as well as an enemy in a rich man as well as poor also revenge against our selves in that as we have abused Gods blessings to our own lusts so we endeavour hereafter to spend them to his Honour Q. What doth the Scripture reveal concerning spirituall death A. It reveales unto us that we are under a threefold death 1. A death of guiltiness whereby we are bound over to eternal death Rom. 5.12 Luk. 15.32 John 5.24 being wrapt therein by Adams sin and our own 2. A death of filthiness whereby naturally we all lye wallowing in carnal courses though some are more deeply in them then others Ephes 2.1 3 3. This life of holiness was also lost by Adam Gen. 1.26 Eccles 7.29 Ephes 4.25 3. A death of discomfort whereby naturally we are deprived of that sweet Communion and enjoyment of God which Adam had in innocency and regenerate men have in part and glorified Saints have in fulness Rom. 3.23 Q What doth the Scripture reveal concerning spirituall life A. It reveals unto us that there are three parts of spiritual life in opposition to this death 1. The life of justification Rom. 5.18 Gal. 2.20 so that whereas we are all dead men by offending the Law when God pardons we are alive Col. 3.4 2. The life of Sanctification when a man is quickened up to all the wayes of God Ephes 2.1 Rom. 6.11 13. 3. The of comfort Psal 85.6 when the soul enjoyes a life in Gods favour Psal 30.5 Psal 63.3 looking upon the absence thereof as death it self Psal 28.1 Psal 143.7 Q What necessity is there of spirituall life A. It is so needful that without it there is no Salvation Joh. 3.5 All the Body of Christ being living stones 1 Pet. 2.5 without this thy conversion is nothing Ephes 2.5 thy Faith nothing Joh. 11.26 thy Hope nothing 1 Pet. 1.3 thy Repentance nothing Acts 11.18 and thy duties of Religion nothing Psal 80.18 Mat. 13.15 yea if thou beest without this thou hast no share as yet in Christ 1 John 5.12 Q. What kinde of thing is spiritual life A. As it hath respect to change of heart there is an unseen working of the spirit upon the souls of Believers so that as there goes an hidden quality from the Loadstone to the iron that draws the iron to it so is there a power goes from Christ to draw the soul off from all sinful purposes unto himself John 6.44 John 12.31 So that the soul exalts Christ though with the loss of all lusts and all enjoyments Mat. 16.24 Q. In what faculty of the soul is spiritual Life seated A. Though wheresoever spiritual life is it showes forth its acts and operations as the natural life doth in the whole man yet as the natural life is more eminently in the head and heart so is this spiritual life more eminently in the faculties of the Understanding Will Conscience Affections and Memory Q. How may a person know his understanding it made alive to God A. When he doth not onely think of divine truths John 5.39 and approve them Rom. 2.18 which natural men may do but also applies them to his own Conscience Job 5.27 meditates of them Psal 1.2 ponders them Luke 2.19 remembers them Psal 116.55 judges aright of Gods wayes Psal 119.128 1 Cor. 2.13 14. and is often inventing and devising how to honour God and to keep Conscience pure Proverbs 14.22 Isa 32.8 Q. How may a man know his will is made alive to God A. Though the Saints of God have drawn comfort from their willing good when they could do no more but will Rom. 7.18 19 25. yet may there be wishings and wouldings in a heart oftentimes and yet it remain carnal as in Balaam Numb 23.10 and many others now because many thousands deceive themselves by their wishings and wouldings know that wishing or willing good is an Argument of spiritual life 1. VVhen the will brings forth earnest and diligent endeavors 1 Cor. 15.10 Heb. 13.18 Luke 15.18 compared with verse 32. against all hindrances and pull-backs whatsoever 2. VVhen the will of a man is set for good absolutely Psal 119.145 Dan. 1.8 though it expose him to the Cross and he gave no thanks but be hated of men for the same 3. VVhen the inclinations and dispositions of the heart are for God Psal 119.112 that what other men do with a dead heart he doth with a willing disposition 4. By the chusings and refusings of the heart when we chuse the wayes of God before all other wayes Psal 119.30 173. Isa 56.4
betwixt these sinful pleasures here and the fear of eternal vengeance hereafter 5. Their combat how hot soever is still joyned with a custome and purpose of sinning so that they lay down the Cudgels to sin saying This is my nature and I must do it 2 Pet. 2.14 Now the combat in regenerate men is 1. Fierce and in the purpose of the heart against all sin though sometimes it be defective in some act or acts 2. In this combat they disallow the evil they do not onely from a principle of natural conscience which in some sins carnal men may do but also from a principle of spiritual life because it is contrary to the life which they live 3. They groan under their evils with many a sign and tear in secret yea such evils as the world takes no notice of as dead-hartedness declining of affection to God want of former feelings hard ness of heart unbelief coldness and distraction in good duties vain hopes vain fears carking cases lumpishness in Gods service risings of revenge also the tricks the soul hath had to keep off convincement in suffering times also the by-ends in the good it hath done One wears a chain as an ornament another as a fetter and would fain be rid of it so wicked men wear their lusts as ornaments to them but Gods people wear them as the heaviest chain 4. If in the combat the Flesh get the upper hand and they fall they cannot be quiet till they have turned to God and recovered their acquaintance with him Psalm 51.8 9 10 11 12. but carnal men are not troubled but add sin to sin Gen. 37.24 Q. Whether it be possible for a Christian to be assured of his union with Christ and of his acceptation into favour with God A. Yes 1. because the Scripture bids us prove our spirituall estate 2 Cor. 13.4 Gal. 6.4 1 Cor. 11.28 Now the Spirit would not bid us search for that which could not be found 2. Because the Scripture reveales unto us many evidences of our assurance some taken from our union with Christ and some from the in-dwelling of the Spirit in us Q. What markes or signs doth the Scripture reveal to evidence our union with Christ A. The most demonstrative signe or at least one of them is soveraigne love to God to the Lord better then any enjoyment of Lands Liberties Life Wife and Children Mat. 10.37 Luke 9.23 14.26 Mat. 16.24 which evidence if you leave out the soul may be deceived in others severed from this For whosoever believes in Christ his faith doth work by love Gal. 5.4 yea by a love of this measure Heb. 11.25 26 27 35. Q. What are the Witnesses that witness a Christians good condition to God-ward A. They are two 1. The witness of Gods Spirit 2. The witness of our regenerated Spirits Rom. 8.16 The Spirit beareth witness with our Spirit that we are the children of God Q. What doth the Spirit witness A. It witnesses God is our Father for we having received the Spirit of adoption thereby cry Abba Father Rom. 8.15 it witnesses the things that are freely given us of God 1 Cor. 2.9 12. Q. After what manner doth the Spirit witnesse A. Two wayes First by the impressions and stamps which like a Seal upon the Wax it maketh upon the soul Ephes 1.13 Secondly by the fruits and effects thereof Q What are the impressions or stamps the Spirit maketh upon the soul A. They are two First the stamp of Holiness whereby the Spirit changeth the Saints into the image of God from one glorious grace into another 2 Cor. 3.18 so that as a seal destroyes that image that was in the Wax before so doth the seal or stamps of the Spirit destroy corruption in the soul in respect of the reign of it and set up grace in the reign thereof Rom. 6.14 This same stamp of Holiness being throughout 1 Thess 5.23 and consisting in a change of the whole man 2 Cor. 3.18 and especially in a transformation of the minde Rom. 12.2 and will Acts 9.6 is one of the impressions of the Spirit Secondly the impression of Comfort and Feeling Psal 51.8.12 this being given of the Spirit Eph. 1.13 as an occasional refreshing not as daily food for the soul to feed upon Psal 6.8 Psal 31.22 doth shew the Spirit of God is in us 2 Cor. 1.3 yet doth not the want of his feeling prove that the Spirit of God is not in us for God doth sometimes hide himself from the soul Isa 45.15 Psal 51.8 the Spirit in respect of this feeling is one of the three witnesses that testifies Christ to be our Saviour 1 John 5.8 Q. whether is a Christians assurance and feeling all one A. No The word and promise of a powerful faithful and willing God with the Notes and Evidences of a Christians good estate as they are laid down in the Scripture are the grounds of a Christians assurance and comfortable feelings are the Crown thereof A poor deserted soul that hath little feeling may have a soveraign love of God fear of sin and an absolute purpose against it Psal 44.18 19. yea he may have uprightness of heart Job 1.1 compared with chap. 6.4 yea he may have faith in Christ Psal 22.1 yea an earnest thirsting after Christ Cant. 5.6 Now shall I have a purpose to deny credit wealth and life for Christ yea and have all the forementioned gracious fruits and shall I not have grounds of assurance that my estate is good to God-ward When Christ asked Peter whether he loved him he did not say Lord thou knowest we cannot tell whether we love thee or no but said Thou knowest that I love thee Q. Whew doth the Spirit seal the soul with comfort A. First when the soul is cast down in humiliation and earnestly longs for the light of Gods countenance Job 22.29 Isa 29.19 Secondly upon self-denial of that which is pleasant or suffering that which is painful Mat. 19.27 Thirdly after conflict with corruptions or other temptations and victory over them Apoc. 2.17 Fourthly when a believer takes paines with his heart and puts forth his strength in duty Hosea 12.4 Q What are the effects and fruits whereby the Spirit witnesses his in-being in the soul A. They are divers as 1. An inablement of the soul to do things above nature as to love the Lord Soveraignly to love our enemies to love the godly for the Image of God in them 2. When the Spirit is combating in us against all that is sin Gal. 5.17 so that we do not onely suppress the same but also lust after graces contrary thereunto 3. As the beames of the Sun shew forth the presence of the Sun so the sighs groans and meltings in holy hearts evidence that the Spirit is in them Zach. 12.10 Rom. 8.26 Q. What is the testimony of our own spirit A. It is the Testimony of a renewed Conscience witnessing us no be in the state of grace upon sufficient grounds Rom.
an high-priest in time of the law or that we must receive the Supper with unleavened bread because the passeover was so received Yet do these as well follow as baptizing of infants from circumcision of infants The true proportions flowing hence are these 1. none were circumcised but those commanded or exemplified so none ought to be baptized but such 2. As Abraham believing was circumcised and all the males of his house both men and children of eight dayes old both bond and free so now any man believing must be baptized with all his houshold both men and male-children of eight dayes old both bond and free The formal reason why Abraham and the Jews received Circumcision was Gods command concerning infants baptisme if any such command be let it be produced Q Whether are the children of believers in covenant together with their parents A. No for the children are oft out of covenant when the father is in covenant It 's said Gal. 3.7 9. that they that are of the faith of Abraham are the children of Abraham but nowhere hath God made a promise to be a God of believers and their seed unless upon a presupposal that the Lord shall call the seed as well as the father Acts 2.39 If the natural posterity of Abraham were not in the covenant of grace by vertue of that promise Gen. 17.7 as appears Rom. 9.7 neither because they are the seed of Abraham are they all children and vers 8. These that are the children of the flesh these are not the children of God but the children of the promise are counted for the seed much less are the children of other believers children of promise by vertue of generation He that shall hear men preach that children of believers are in the covenant of grace and they that are in the covenant of grace cannot fall away may be apt to conceive himself in that covenant of grace without repentance and faith and shall be saved without any obedience And may not on the other side godly parents when they see their children live vitiously doubt whether they themselves be true believers because they see not their children in the covenant of grace There is a promise or calling home the natural seed of Abraham Rom. 11.27 but God hath not made any such promise to any much less to all the natural seed of any believing Gentile Q Are not the ordinances the outward part of the covenant and is not the title to this hereditary A. Is a box that conveyes a Jewel the outward part of the Jewel Is a conduit-pipe that conveyes water the outward part of the water is Aaron's pot the outward part of the Manna that it kept 2. Suppose the ordinances were the outward part of the covenant how is title hereto hereditary seeing that not only from particular persons but even whole Churches as Ephesus c. these ordinances have been removed long since Besides it is nowhere said in Scripture The childe shall be baptized by vertue of his beliving fathers being baptized or enjoy ordinances because his father enjoyed them 3. There is but one covenant now Heb. 8.10 11. the articles and branches whereof are inward and so is the seal thereof the Spirit Eph. 1.13 There can be no ouâ—ward dispensation of an uncertain thing now it is uncertain of any individual infant whether he be in the new covenant Q. But doth not Christ say Of little children is the Kingdome of God therefore they may be baptized A. 1. There 's two wayes of belonging to Gods Kingdome 1. By way of election which is secret 2. By calling which is manifest The Ordinance of Baptism ought not to be dispensed upon election or remission of sins which is secret but upon the manifestation thereof 2. Christ baptized not onely laid on his hands on them John 4.2 Had Christ used to baptize infants the disciples would not have kept them back 3. The Kingdome of God being taken for the Kingdome of grace the Kingdome of glory and the visible Church it would pose any man living to prove that the visible Church should be meant here 4. Besides Luke 18.16 they were not infants because Christ is said to call them Q. What further reasons have you against infant-baptism A. 1. The baptisme of Christ is a burial in waters the baptisme of infants is a sprinkling Rom. 6.3 4. Col. 2.12 2. Baptisme doth not causally effectively or actively I mean it doth not from the work done confer faith but refers to the new covenant in by and through the undeâ—standing therefore where it is dispensed there ought to be an understanding to conceive it 3. The same benefit confirmed in the Supper that this remission of sins is confirmed in baptisme therefore infants being excluded from the one for want of examination they are also excluded from the other for want of faith and repentance 4. Infant-baptisme hinders baptisme from being dispensed as John and other Apostles dispensed it they dispensed it upon profession of faith but no such thing can be in infants Q In what manner must baptisme be administred A. The subject must be right that is not onely taught but taught so long that he be made a disciple Mat. 28.19 2. Not by sprinkling but by burying Rom. 4.5 Col. 2.12 not of the brow or face onely but of the whole body Heb. 10.22 in much water Joh. 3.23 into which the baptizer and the person to be baptized are to enter Mat. 3.6 Acts 8.38 who is to be baptized into the name of Father Son and Spirit Mat. 28.19 in token of remission of sins Act. 2.38 the name of God being first called upon Act. 22.16 Q. Do you judge it better to defer baptisme till persons be able to make profession of their faith A. Yes Infants cannot give any ground to any dispenser of baptisme why he should dispence it to them The dispencing it to infants confounds the world and the Church together many hereby being made Christians in name who never made choice of Christ nor have any love to Christianity yea hereby the Churches are filled with rotten members many of which growing up persecute the true members By deferring baptisme till persons know Christ the Churches would in time come to have a right matter Q. Have not infants faith A. No they have not reason to discern good or evil Deut. 1.39 Jon. 4.11 had they faith they were presently to be admitted to the Supper faith is an act of the Understanding as well as of the Will Q. Whether is there any reason that Baptisme should succeed circumcision because that as circumcision signed the spiritual part of the covenant that is circumcision of heart so baptisme should signifie the same A. No for the Manna the water flowing out of the rock the sacrifices under the law and the sprinkling of blood signified the same yet will not any man say baptisme succeeded these because of the signification The Lords Supper signified the same yet will no man say
be applyed because we read Believers to have received the promise herein we say not of laying on of hands that it is a means through which the promise must be God being a free Agent but a means through which the promise may be and hath been conveyed into the soul as in Timothy his case appears Lest any man think this a new Doctrine let him consult the Fathers who oft mention laying on of hands after Baptisme Tertul de Baptismo Cap. 8. Cyprian Epist ad Inbaianum Also his Epistle ad Stephanum Tertul. lib. de resurrect Cap. 8. Aug. l. 3. Cont. Donatistas Cont. literas Petilliani Melchiades ad Episc Hispan Fabianus Epist 2. ad Episcop Orientis Ambros de his qui Myster initiantur cap. 7. lib. 3. de sacramento cap. 2. Vrbanus 2 Epist ad omnes Orthodox Clemens Constit Apostol l. 7. c. 16 17. Euseb Histor l. 6. c. 35. with others and Estius in Heb. 6.1 saith that all antiquity teacheth laying on of hands after Baptisme Q. But seeing the Apostles who laid on hands after Baptism were such Apostles as were immediately called of Christ as Peter and John Act. 8.17 and Paul Act. 19.5 6. how will it hold from them to the Apostles of the Churches A. Very well For first Apostles of the Churches though they have not an immediate call from Christ personally on earth yet they have a call from him vertually in that since his ascension into heaven He gave some to be Apostles Eph. 4.12 for the work of the Ministery that is to do what belonged to their office What difference betwixt persons called to an office by Christ immediately as the eleven were and persons called by him mediately by the Church when one and the same end is designed them which is the work of the Ministery the perfecting the Saints the edifying of the body of Christ and to witness Christ his resurrection Acts 1.22 Eph. 4.12 13. I would be gladly informed if any man could and would whether there be any essential difference betwixt the twelve Apostles and the Apostles of the Churches and wherein that difference doth consist If any man think it was because the eleven were inspired to be pen-men of Scripture I answer All of them were not nor the Apostles onely If any man think the doing of miracles I answer They alone did not do them but many believers also Mark 16.17 2. Matthias though chosen mediately of the Church had the same power in dispensations that the eleven had 3. If imposition after Baptisme were confined to Apostles onely that were immediately called it would have been in vain for the Apostle to have called it a foundation and to have conjoyn'd it with such necessary truths as Faith and the Resurrection was seeing the persons that had the power of administring them were all in a short time to be dead 4. Every Church of Christ have the same power that the first Church had both for Officers and Ordinances Mat. 18.17 18 19. the first Church therefore having Officers to dispense any office as Apostles Acts 1.26 Prophets Act. 15.27 32. Evangelists as Philip Acts 6.5 other Churches may chuse having fitting persons the like Officers and they being chosen may execute acts that belong to the respective Offices so that as the first Church continuing in the Apostles doctrine Act. 2.42 of which laying on of hands was part Heb. 6.1 did chuse an Apostle Acts 1.26 and the Church at Antioch sent out Paul and Barnabas who before the sending seem to have been of the number of the Prophets Act. 13.1 2 3. so may other Churches send out gratious and able men neither let any man say the Prophets at Antioch sent out Paul and Barnabas for the whole Church fasted and acted in the business Q. Who are this Church of Christ and what is the essential note of them A. They are a company of Saints 1 Cor. 1.2 1 Cor. 14.33 Gal. 1.22 Rev. 1.20 into which societies here on Earth though some Hypocrites creep yet till God discover them they are looked upon as Saints the Saintship of which company joyned together in bodies respectively leaving others to their light I take to be the essential note of the Church because holiness is the most special difference of the Church from the world Of the Lords Supper Q. WHat must a Christian do that he may receive worthily and preparedly A. As he must examine himself whether he be in Christ and the Spirit of God dwell in him 1 Cor. 11.28 2 Cor. 13.5 Also it is very expedient I will not say the not doing it is sinful that every time before a person receives the said person judge it self before the Lord for what it hath done amiss 1 Cor. 11.13 but in any wise before thou comest examine to finde good grounds of thy union with Christ without which neither presume to come to baptism nor the Supper lest they prove means of thy final hardness and impenitency Q. What was the end wherefore the Lords Supper was instituted A. For the continual remembrance of Christ his death which we desire to shew forth to all men out of conscience so his command 1 Cor. 11.25 26. and more particularly for the remembrance of the new Testament or Covenant which is established in his death wherein remission of sins is bequeathed to believers Mat. 26.28 1 Cor. 11.25 Which I take with submission to better judgement to be the prime end yea as to me seemeth the onely end of this institution Q. What mean you by calling the Lords Supper the new Testament in the blood of Christ A. I mean that whereas these was an old Covenant of works which all men transgressing are condemned Rom. 5.12 Gal. 3.10 Rom. 10.5 God was pleased to make a new Covenant with all the elect to accept the sacrifice of Christs death as a satisfaction to his justice for our breaches of the first Covenant Heb. 10.14 16 18. Heb. 9.15 Which Covenant is not onely presented to us by the Gospel in audible words but also visibly to our sense in the signs of the Covenant so that as the Rainbow was a witness or sign betwixt God and the Earth that he would no more drown it and if he did his bow should witness against him and as the blood of the passover sprinkled upon the Israelites posts Exod. 27.7 was a signe betiwxt God and the people that God would spare them vers 13. and if he did not that blood should witness against him and as in covenants among men they confirme them with some signs of memorial that when they forget the bargain it may be said unto them This is your hand or signe so as in Baptisme so in the Lords Supper for one and the same thing for number is signified in both God for the strengthning our belief appoints signs as witnesses against him if he go about to break his covenant and as witnesses against us if we forget our duty of faith repentance self-denial
thy heart is emboldened in its Petitions and thou desirest further Communion with God that thou art as it were loath to leave off the words of prayer much less the suits of prayer it is a signe God will grant thy prayer to thee 8. Thou mayest know thy prayers are heard when in the close of thy prayer thou hast some comfortable answer suggested unto thee from God for example God by his Spirit comes to some suggesting on this wise when they pray powerfully viz. I will be thy God I will not fail thee nor forsake thee I will do thee much good I will be an everlasting God unto thee so God suggested to Paul at the end of his prayer 2 Cor. 12.9 My grace is sufficient for thee Lam. 3.5.7 when the Church was discouraged out of sence of her unworthiness God drew neer and said Fear not so Luther in Gen. c. 44. saith O that I could call upon God with the same fervency as oft as I would for when I pray in this manner meaning fervently this answer seems sensibly to be given unto me Fiat quod petis let the thing be done which thou desirest No man saith he can contemn this prayer which proceeds from inward bowels and affection much less can it be in vain with God for this last signe I am confident some of Gods Children have it but whether all have it I leave it to further enquiry 9. The manner of the falling out of things evidenceth prayer-hearing when God brings a thing to pass through many difficulties contriving all the passages in a business whereof if any of them had been wanting the business had not been effected so when the Church was delivered in answer to the Prayers of Esther and Mordecai so when Peter was brought out of prison beyond expectation it plainly appears it was the fruit of prayer when God makes the way easie and plain after prayer and the course of things begins to change and we meet with comforts in stead of former crosses it appears it is from prayers answered Esth 4.16 Acts 12.12 13. Of Gods with-drawments from the Soul Q. WHether may not God with-draw from his own Children A. Yes if God forsake Christ his onely begotten Son Mat. 26.38 in respect of comfort and joy though not in respect of union of natures then Believers must not look to go free Q. Why doth God with-draw from his children A. Careless and negligent use of means of grace or an overly performance of duties of Religion Song 5.2 2 3 4. 2. For grieving his Spirit Isa 63.10 either by scandalous sins Psal 51.11 or treacherous denial of Christ 2 Tim. 2.12 Christ will deny to such comfort as well as owning 3. Not esteeming Gods presence Iob 15.11 we prize things in their absence 4. To make us grow in a hatred of sin as of that which deprives us of Communion with God Isa 57.17 5. That we may know what Christ underwent for us in the absence of Gods presence Luk. 22. 6. To try whether we will trust in God in the want of feeling Job 13.15 Q. What may comfort a soul when God withdraws comfortable feeling and influence of his presence which the soul hath formerly felt in Prayer and other Ordinances A. There are divers comforts as 1. Thy sadness for his absence doth argue a former enjoyment of his presence and being once Christs thou art ever Christs John 13.1 2. A man may fear God and have part in Christ and yet feel little or no comfort Isa 50.10 3. As in the gloomiest day there is so much light whereby we may know it to be day and not night so a Christian whom God hath in part forsaken may discern himself to be sincere because he hath a love to God and his glory 1 Sam. 4.18 vehement desires after grace and Gods presence Psal 63.1 and an absolute purpose against sin though he should dye without comfort Psal 44.17 18. 4. Consider a Christian in a forsaken Estate breathing out sighs and groans for the return of Christs presence may be as dear to God as he that enjoyes Gods presence Job 13.15 5. Absence of accustomed feelings then onely argue a back-sliding heart when they are suffered in the soul without sorrow and grief Psal 28.1 143.7 yet are not thy groans and sorrows the causes of Gods return but the dispositions of persons to whom he doth return 6. Christ in his withdrawment as well as in his return aimes at his souls good for upon his withdrawment the soul is stretched with desire after him Psal 42.1 7. God withdraws from the spirits of Saints onely in crowning graces as joy peace feeling not in saving graces as faith repentance self-denial c. these God never takes away Q. But why do you say Faith repentance self-denial c. are never taken away are they not Creatures and every Creature is subject to perish A. Grace of it self considered may dye for it is a Creature but consider it as united to Christ so it cannot dye Joh. 4.14 If believers were cut off from Christ grace should wither as the branch being cut off from the root doth but being knit to him the sap must be in the branches because it is in the root and life will be in the members because it is in the head waters will never dry up so long as there is a Fountain to maintain them Q. How may I recover the feeling of the Lords love to my soul A. 1. Cry mightily for his presence Psal 4.6 7. 27.9 2. Enquire when where and why God with-drew Jer. 14.8 as we do concerning dear friends when they absent themselves from us 3. Converse in all Ordinances wherein there is any in-comes of God Some receive comfort in reading 2 Reg. 22.11 19. others in Baptism Act. 8.39 others in hearing Act. 10.44 others in conference Luk. 24.32 4. Be humble and afflicted under Gods withdrawment Luke 1.53 vallies are blest with the happiest influence of Heaven 5. Call to remembrance thy former times of comfort Psal 77.5 6. assuring thy self thou hast to deal with an unchangeable God Though in winter the sap in plants goes into the root yet will it at Spring spread it self in the branches 6. Count no condition in the world too much though it were banishment imprisonment reproach or poverty so thou maist recover Gods countenance Many are so dainty that they will not suffer any thing for God and therefore God inflicts that which is the greatest of sufferings that is the with-drawment of himself 7. Beware of resting contented in the comfort of any Creatuâ—e without God and his sweet presence the whole earth is a barren Wilderness without himself Psal 63.1 8. Give not way to spiritual drouziness Q. But my heart is drouzy how shall I keep it awake A. Use wakeful considerations as of the shortness of life the eternity of glory the danger of back-sliding Psal 39.3 c. 2. Keep your selves in the light darkness makes men