gave also to her Husband with her and he did eat Gen. 3.6 So by one man sin entred into the world Rom. 5.12 Q. What mean you by Sin A. Sin is the transgression of the Law 1 Iohn 3.4 Q. What doth every sin deserve A. The wages of sin is Death Rom. 6.23 Gen. 2.17 Q. Should not man have dyed if he had not sinned A. Death entred into the World by sin Rom. 5.12 Q. Did Adam's sin do us any hurt A. By one mans disobedience many were made sinners Rom. 5.19 Q How could we become sinners by Adam's disobedience A. Adam begat Children after his own likeness Gen. 5.3 and who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean Iob 14.4 that which is born of the Flesh is Flesh Iohn 3.6 we are shapen in Iniâ—uity and in sin do our Mothers conceive us Psal. 51.5 Q. What evils of Body came upon us by Adam's sin A. Man that is born of a Woman is of few dayes and full of trouble Iob 14.1 in sorrows and in the sweat of our face must we eat our bread till we return to our dust Gen. 3.17 18. Q. Did Adam's sin bring death upon us all A. In Adam all dye 1 Cor. 15.22 by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation Rom. 5.18 and death passed upon all men for that all have sinned v. 12. Q. What evils of Soul became we subject to by Adam's sin A. The Natural Man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God 1 Cor. 2.14 our carnal mind is enmity to God not subject to the Law of God nor indeed can be Rom. 8.7 we are in Captivity to the Law of sin in our Members Rom. 7.23 we cannot please God Rom. 8.8 but walk according to the Spirit that worketh in the Children of disobedience Eph. 2.2 Q. What are we then by Nature A. Wâ— are by Nature the Children of Wrath Eph. 2.3 Q. VVhat can we expect from God as we are by Nature A. As we are by Nature we can expect nothing but to be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord 2 Thes. 1.9 Q. VVhat hope then can we have to be saved A. Where sin abounded Grace did much more abound that as sin hath reigned unto Death even so Grace might reign through Righteousness unto Eternal Life by Jesus Christ our Lord Rom. 5.20.21 Q. VVhen did this grace first appear to Man A. When God said to the Serpent The Womans Seed shall bruise thy Head Gen. 3.15 And afterwards when he said to Abraham in thy Seed shall all the Nations of the Earth be blessed Gen. 22.18 Q. VVho is this promised seed A. This seed is Christ Gal. 3.16 Q. Is Dhrist the seed of a woman A. When the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman Gal. 4 4. Q. How was Christ the Son of God made of a Woman A. The Holy Ghost came upon a Virgin called Mary Luke 1.35 and she was found with Child of the Holy Ghost Mat. 1.18 and she brought forth her First born Son Luke 2.7 and his Name was called Jesus Luke 2.21 Q. Why was he called â—esus or Saviour A. He was so named of the Angâ—l before he was conceived in the Womb Luke 2.21 because he was to â—ave his People from their sins Mat. 1.21.18 11. and deliver us from the wrath to come 1 Thes. 1.10 Q. Can we be saved no other way but by Iesus onely A. Jesus is the way the Truth and the Life no man cometh unto the Father but by him Iohn 14.6 neither is there Salvation in any other for there is none other name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved Acts 4.12 Q. How is Iesus our Saviour A. Jesus is the Mediator of the New Covenant Heb. 12.24 between God and Men 1 Tim. 2.5 Q. How came Iesus to be the Mediator of a New Covenant A. Jesus was fore ordained 1 Pâ—t â— 20. and tâ—is grace was given us 〈◊〉 2 Tim. 1.9 and Eternal Life Proâ—â— by God that cannot lye before the world began Tit. 1.2 Q. VVhat could move God to take this course to save us A. God the Father according to his foreknowledge 1 Pet. 1.2 and Eternal purpose in Christ Jesus our Lord Eph. 3.11 chose us in him before the foundation of the World that we should be Holy and without blame before him in Love having predestinated us unto the Adoption of Children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will to the praise of the glory of his grace Eph. 1.4 5 6. Q. Vnto what did God chusâ— us A. Unto Obedienâ—â— and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 1.2 and to Salvation through sanctifâ—cation of the Spirit and belief of the Truth 2 Thes. 2.13 Q. VVhat was Christ first to do as Mediatâ—r A. Forasmuch as the Children are partakeâ—s of Flesh and Blood he also himself took part of the same Heb. 2.14 so â—ecame he the man Christ Jesus 1 Tim. 2.5 God manifested in the Flâ—â—h 1 Tim. 3.16 and the Word made Flesh dwelt among us full of grace and Truth Iohn 1.14 Q. Why must Iesus be made man A. Jesus was made Man that he might be made under the Law Gal. 4.4 and fulfill all Righteousness Mat. 3.15 and through Death destroy him that had the power of Death that is the Devil Heb. 2.14 Q. Why was Iesus called Christ or anointed A. God anointed Jesus with the Holy Ghost and with Power Acts 10.38 Q. To what Office in the first place was Iesus anointed A. Jesus was a Prophet mighty in deed and word Luke 24.19 Q. How did Christ Exercise the Office of a Prophet A. God anointed Christ to Preach the Gospel to the Poor Luke 4.18 he came to call Sinners to Repentance Mat. 9.13 all things that he had heard of the Father he made known unto us Iohn 15.5.8.26 and brought Life and Immortality to Light through the Gospel 2 Tim. 1.10 Q. Which is the second Office to which Christ was anointed A. Christ was called of God an High-Priest Heb. 5.10 for ever after the Order of Melchisedec Heb. 6.10 Q. Did Christ as High-Priest Offer any Sacrifice for Sins A. This he did once when he Offered up himself Heb. 7.27 without spot to God Heb 9.14 an Offering and a Sacrifice for a sweet smelling savour Eph. 5.2 to put away sin Heb. 9.26 Q. Did Christ Offer Sacrifice for his own sins A. Christ did no sin neither was guile found in his mouth 1 Pet. 2.22 he was in all points tempted as we are yet without sin Heb. 4.15 for such an High-Priest became us who is Holy harmless undefiled separate from Sinners Heb. 7.26 Q. For what sins then did Christ Offer himself A. Christ was delivered for our Offences Rom. 4.25 the just for the unjust 1 Pet. 3.18 God making him to be sin for us who knew no sin 2 Cor. 5.21 and laying on him the Iniquities of
false way Psal. 119.104 and loath our selves for our Iniquities and be ashamed of our own ways Ezek. 36.31 32. Q. Must we not â—lso confess our sins A. He that covereth his sins shall not prosper but he that confesseth and forsaketh them shall have Mercy Prov. 28.13 1 Iohn 1.9 Q. Is there any thing more required in repentance besides sorrow for sin hatred of sin confessing and forsaking sin A. We must also bring forth Fruits meet for Repentance Mat. 3.8 Q. VVhat are Fruits meet for Repentance A. Good Works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them Eph. 2.10 so yielding our Members Servants to Righteousness unto Holiness Rom. 6.13 Q. Give me the substance of this Duty of Repentance A. Cease to do evil learn to do well Isa. 1.16 17. eschew evil and â—o good 1 Pet. â— 11 Q. Can we altogether cease from sin in this Life A. Who can say I have made my Heart clean I am pure from my sin Prov. 20.9 Q. VVhat mean you then by ceasing from sin A. Let not sin Reign in our mortal bodies that we should obey it in the Lusts thereof Rom. 6.12 Q. To what end must we repent A. We must Repent and be Converted that our sins may be blotted out Acts 3.19 VVhat mean you by Faith toward our Lord Iesus Christ A. By Faith I mean a believing that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the Living God Iohn 6.69.11.27 1 Iohn 5.1 a coming unto him that we may have Life Iohn 5.40 a receiving him as he is come in his Fathers name Iohn 5.43.1.12 and abiding in him 1 Iohn 2.27 Q. VVhat is it to believe in Christ as a Prophet A. To believe in Christ as a Prophet is to come unto him for the words of Eternal life Iohn 6.68 and to hear him in all things that he saith unto us Acts 3.22 Q. VVhat is it to believe in Christ as a Priest A. To believe in Christ as a Priest is to believe that he by one Offering hath perfected for ever them that are Sanctified Heb. 10.14 and to look for Redemption through his Blood even the forgiveness of sins Eph. 1.7 Q. What is it to believe in Christ as King A. To believe in Christ as King is to take him for our Judge our Law-giver our King who will save us Isa. 33.22 and to observe all things whatsoever he hath commanded us Mat. 28.20 Q. What are the Properties of true Faith A. By Faith God purifieth our hearts Act. 15.9 Faith worketh by love Gal. 5.6 is made perfect by works Iam. 2.22 overcometh the world 1 Iohn 5.4 and quencheth all the fiery darts of the wicked Eph. 6.16 Q. What is the end of our Faith A. The end of our Faith is the Salvation of our Souls 1 Pet. 1.9 Heb. 10.39 Q. What hath God promised us in this New Covenant A. This is the Covenant saith the Lord I will put my Laws into their minds and write them in their hearts and I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a people and I will be merciful to their unrighteousness and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more Heb. 8.10 12.10.16 17. and this is the promise that he hath promised us even eternal life 1 Iohn 2.25 Q. Tell me now what is the substance of the New Covenant A. The Substance of the New Covenant is this 1. He that believeth on the Son hath eveverlasting life and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life Iohn 3.36 2. Repent and be converted and your sins shall be blotted out Act. 3.19 â—nd except ye repent ye shall perish Luk. 13.3 3. Christ is become the Author of Salvation to all them that obey him â— Heb. 5.9 and will take vengeance on them that obey not the Gospel 2 Thes. 1.8 Q What special benefits have they from Christ that keep this Covenant A. By Christ all that believe are justified from all things from which we could not be justified by the Law of Moses Acts 13.39 Q. Wâ—at mean you by Iustification A. There is no condemnation to those that are in Christ Jesus Rom. 8.1 but their iniquities are forgiven their sins are covered the Lord will not impute sin to them but righteousness Rom. 4.6 7 8. and make them accepted in the beloved Eph. 1.6 Q. Can we not be justified by the works of the Law A. By thee deedâ— of the Law shall no fâ—â—â—â— be juâ—tified in God's sight Rom. 3.20 Q By what then are we justified A. We are justified freely by God's 〈◊〉 through the Redemption that is in 〈…〉 Rom. 3.24 Q What is the fruit of our Iustification A. â—eâ—â—g justified by Faith we have pâ—â—â—â— wâ—th God through our Lord Jesus 〈◊〉 Rom. 5.1 and shall be saved from 〈…〉 â—im Rom. 5.10 Q What other special benefit receive we by this Covenant A. Christ is made unto us Sanctification 1 Cor. 1.30 Q. What mean you by Sanctification A. By Sanctification I mean a putting off the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts and a being renewed in the spirit of our mind putting on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness Eph. 4.22 23 24. Q. By whom are we Sanctified A. We are Sanctified by the Holy Ghost Rom. 15.16 1 Cor. 6.11 Q. Are we perfectly Sanctified in this life A. We are but growing in grace and in the knowledg of our Lord Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 3.18 Q. Of what necessity is Sanctification A. This is the Will of God even our Sanctification 1 Thes. 4.3 and without holiness no man shall see the Lord Heb. 12.14 Q. What is the fruit of Sanctification A. Being made free from sin and become servants to God we have our fruit unto holiness and the end everlasting life Rom. 6.22 Q. Can we merit or deserve eternal life by our own righteousness or Faith A By Grace are we saved through Faith and that not of our selves it is the gift of God Eph. 2.8 for when we have done all those things that are commanded us we must say we are unprofitable servants Luke 17.10 Q. Can we of our selves only believe repent and obey A. Without Christ we can do nothing Iohn 15.5 Q. Whence then have we strength to do all this A. All our sufficiency is of God 2 Cor. 3.5 who worketh in us both to will and to do of his good pleasure Phil. 2.13 his grace is sufficient for us and his strength is made perfect in weakness 2 Cor. 12.9 and we can do all things through Christ that strengtheneth us Phil. 4.13 Q. By what doth God ordinarily beget Faith in us A. Faith is a fruit of the Spirit Gal. 5.22 and cometh by hearing and by the word of God Rom. 10.17 Q Is Preaching of the Word a means of begetting Faith A. How shall we hear without a Preacher and how shall men preach except they be sent Rom. 10.14 15. yea it pleaseth God by the
word hear Sermons be frequent both in publick and private prayer and duâ—y receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper but it is very conventent and uâ—eful to have ever in your hands some larger Catechism or expâ—sition of the Chief Heads of Christian Religion Many of this kind there â—â— already extant yet this one more I have thought fit to adde I shall not now give you thy other reason for my so doing though I have many then only this that I love you and study how I may most contribute to your eternul welfare 1. Thiâ— Catechiâ—m will I hope by it's length prove no burden to the memories of those who can already give an account of the Church Catechism and have been for some years exercised in reading the holy Scriptures out of which the answers are taken almost word for word and unto such I chiefly offer it 2. Though the answers are little else but the very words of Scripture and of such plain texts as are lest subject to dispute or cavil yet have I all along quoted the Chapter and verse whence the words are taken and iâ—clâ—â—ed the quotation between two crooked horns thus ... that in the reading you may pass them over and when you please consult the texts quoted for any clause of the answer without the trouble of having recourse to the margin first 3. The Learner is here at once taught to answer the question and give a proof of his answer whilst he answers in the very words of those texts which are his proofs He thus answers not in the words which mans wisdom but which the holy Ghost â—eacheth and is not put upon the more troublesome and somtimes impossible task of gathering the author's sense out of the texts quoted 4. In these days when strange doctrines abound and Seducers are busy and have learned the Devil's art of quoting Scripture for every wicked conceit it will be some advantage to the learner of this Catechism that he is hence furnished with one or more plain and pertinent texts for every point of his Religion to oppose against the tempter If in any particular I seem too short consider that in the beginning I had â—â—ed my self to the very text of Scripture and therefore could go no farther than that would go along with me The Creed the ten Commandments and the Lord's Prayer I suppose already learned together with those short and useful expositions in the Church-Catechism and what else may be yet required in a Catechism for the fuller understanding of them is not I hope wanting in this I shall only adde that thiâ— Scripture Catechism perfectly learn'd and well digested will be a great help to you in the profitable reading both of the Scriptures and other good books and will teach you to discover the Errors of many unsound Discourses which being industrously suited by a popular way of writing to the humours of such who being ignorantly zealous are aptest to be â—eceived are very likely to be thrust into your hands Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus that great Shepheard of the Sheep through the bloud 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. That ye may be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all wisdome and Spiritual understanding walking worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing being fruitful in every good work and abounding in the knowledge of God that you may hold the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace and having your fruit unto holyness may have your â—nd everlasting life this is the dayly prayer of Your servant in all things wherein he may serve Christ. Q. IS there any such thing as Religion A. All Nations in all Ages of the World have ever professed some Religion Q What mean you by Religion A. By Religion I mean a belief that there is a God joyned with an endeavour to please and honor him a fear to offend him and a hope to bemade happy by him Q. What then is the Foundation of all Religion A. He that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him Heb. 11 6. Q How may a man know that there is a God A. The invisible things of God from the Creation of the world are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made even his eternal Power and Godhead Rom. 1.20 Q Of what Religion are you A. I am one of the Disciples of Christ called Christians Act. 11.26 Q. Why do you chuse to be a disciple or follower of Christ A. To whom should I go Christ hath the words of eternal Life Ioh. 6.68 in him are hid all the treasures of Wisdom and knowledge Col. 2.3 he that followeth him shall not walk in darkness but shall have the Light of Life Ioh 8 12. Q. How do you know that Christ hath the words of Life A. Christ is that Messias of whom Moses in the law and the prophets did write Ioh. 1.41 45. even the Son of God which should come into the world Ioh. 11.27 Q. Why do you believe Christ to be the Messias the Son of God A. In Christ all things are fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets and in the Psalms concerning him Luke 24.44 Hâ— was also approved of God by miracles and wonders and signs which God did by him Act. 2.22 Iob. 3.2.10.25 Q. Let me hear some of those wonders you speak of A. The blind did see the Lame did walk the Lepers were cleansed the Deaf did hear and the Dead were raised Luk. 7.22 hereby are we sure he is that Christ the Son of the Living God Iohn 6.69 for no mâ—â— could do these Miracles which he did except God were with him Iohn 3. â— Q. What kind of Religion did Christ teaâ—h A. The Râ—ligion which Christ hath taught us 〈◊〉 pure Religion and undefiled Iames â— 27 Q. Where may a man learn this Holy Religion A. Christian Religion is to be learnt in the Holy Scriptures 2 Tim. 3.15 especially in the Word of the Truth of the Gospel Col. 1.5 that glorious Gospel of the Blessed God 1 Tim. 1.11 Q. What reason have you to speak so highly of the Gospel A. I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto Salvation to every one that bâ—lieveth Rom. 1.16 Q. How come you to the knowledge of the Gospel A. The Gospel began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed to us by them that heard him God also bearing them witness both with Signs and Wonders and divers Miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost Heb. 2.3 4. Seeing that your Religion is to be learned in the Holy Scriptures Answer me out of them to those Questions which I shall ask you and first tell me Q. Who made the World A.
In the beginning Gen. 1.1 God made the World and all things Acts 17.24 in six dayes Exod. 20.11 by his Word Heb. 11.3 and every thing which God made was very good Gen. 1.31 Q. Who preserveth all things A. God upholdeth all things by the word of his power Heb. 1.3 in him we live and move and have our Being Acts 17.28 Q. Who Ruleth and Governeth all things A. God hath prepared his Throne in the Heavens and his Kingdom Ruleth over all Psal. 103.19 Q. Doth God take Care of the smalest things of the World A. God preserveth Man and Beast Psal. 36.6 He feedeth the Fowls of the Air and cloatheth the Grass of the Field Mat. 6.26 30. Not one Sparrow falleth to the ground without him and the very hairs of our heads are numbred Mat. 10.29 30. Q. Where is God A. Heaven is God's Throne and Earth is his Foot-stool Acts 7.49 he filleth Heaven and Earth Ier. 23.24 we cannot flee from his Presence Psal. 139.7 Q. Hath God any Body or Parts as we see the Creatures have A. God is a Spirit Iohn 4.24 which hath not Flesh and Bones Luke 24.39 but is invisible Col. 1.15 whom no man hath seen nor can see 1 Tim. 6.16 Q. Hath God beginning or ending A. God is Eternal 1 Tim. 1.17 from Everlasting to Everlasting Psal. 90.2 he Liveth for ever and ever Rev. 4.10 Q. What Power hath God what is he able to do A. He is the Lord God Almighty Rev. 4.8 he can do every thing Iob. 42.2 nothing is too hard for him Ier. 32.17 Q. What is Gods Knowledge and Wisdom A. He is the only wise God 1 Tim. 1. 17. his understanding is infinite Psal. 147.5 he knoweth all things Iohn 21.17 his Eyes are in every place beholding the evil and the good Prov. 15.3 Q. Is he a Holy God A. God is pure 1 Iohn 3.3 and Holy Isa. 5 16. he hath no pleasure in wickedness Psal. 5.4 cannot be tempted with evil neither tempteth he any man Iames 1.13 Q. Is there any injustice in God A. God is most upright Isa. 26.7 without Iniquity just and right is he Deut. 32.4 and will render to every man according to his deeds Rom. 2.6 Q. Is he not also good A. God is good and doth good Psal. 119.68 good to all and his tender mercies are over all his works Psal. 145.8 Q. Is there any untruth or changing with God A. Our God is a God of Truth Psal. 32.5 a faithful God 2 Thes. 3.3 he cannot lye Tit. 1.2 he changeth not Mal. 3.6 Iames 1.17 all his promises are yea and Amen 2 Cor. 1.20 Q. Is there any more but one God A. There is none other but one 1 Cor. 8.4 onely true 1 Thes. 1.9 and Living God Acts 14.15 Q. Who is this one onely true and Living God A. The Lord he is God there is none else besides him Deut. 4.35 even God that made the World Acts 17.24 the Father the Soâ— and the Holy Ghost Mat. 28.19 2 Cor. 13 14. Ephes. 2.18 Q. Who is the Father A. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ 2 Cor. 1.3 who having life in himself hath also given to the Son to have life in himself Iohn 5.26 Q. Who is the Son A. The Word Iohn 1. â— Jesus Christ Iohn 20.31 God's own Rom. 8.32 onely begotten Iohn 3.16 and beloved Son Mat. 3.17 the onely begotten of the Father Iohn 1.14 Q. Is the Son true God A. He is the Lord of Hosts Isa. 6.3 with Iohn 12.4 Numb 21.6 with 1 Cor. 10.9 the true God 1 Iohn 5.20 the great God Tit. 2.13 over all God Blessed for ever Rom. 9.5 Q. Who is the Holy Ghost A. The Holy Ghost is the Eternal Heb. 9.14 Spirit of the Father Mat. 10.20 and of the Son Gal. 4.6 Q. Is the Holy Ghost God A. The Spirit of God is Godâ— 1 Cor. 3.16 17. the Lord 2 Cor. 3.17 Acts 5.3 4. Q. The Father is God the Son is God and the Holy Ghost is God are not these three Gods A. There be three in Heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost and these three are One 1 Iohn 5.7 Q. What know you of the Angels A. Angels are either Holy Angels Mat. 25.31 or evil Angels Psal 78.49 Q. Which call you Holy Angels A. Holy Angels are an innumerable Company Heb. 12.22 of Elect 1 Tim. 5.21 and mighty 2 Thes. 1.7 Angels of Heaven Mat. 24.36 excelling in strength doing God's Commandments and hearkning to the voice of his Word Psal. 103.20 Q. Vnder whose Command are Holy Angels A. Angels and Authorities and Powers are made subject to Christ 1 Pet. 3.22 Q. What special Office have Holy Angels A. Holy Angels are ministring Spirits sent fortâ—â— to Ministâ—â— for them who shall be heirs of Salvation Heb. 1.14 Q. Whicâ—â—all you eâ—â—l Angels A. The evil Angels are the Angels that sinned and kept not their first estate but left their own Habitation whom God cast down to Hell 2 Pet. 2.4 Iude 6. Q. Who is chief of evil Angels A. Beâ—lzebub is Prince of Devils Mat. 12.24 that Old Serpent called the Devil and Sathan Rev. 12 9. Q. What is the Devil 's main business A. Our Adversary the Devil as a roaring Lyon walketh about seeking whom he may devour 1 Pet. 5.8 Q. What hath God prepared for the Evil Angels A. Everlasting Fire is prepared for the Devil and his Angels Mat. 25.41 Q. Who was the first Man A. The first Man was Adam Gen. 2.5 Luke 3.38 1 Cor. 15.45 Q. Of what did God make Adam A. The Lord God formed Man of the Dust of the ground and breathed into his Nostrils the breath of Life and man became a Living Soul Gen. 2.7 Q. Who was the first Woman A. The first Woman was Eve the Mother of all Living Gen. 3.20 Q Of what did God make Eve A. The Lord caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he took one of his Ribs and mâ—de it a Woman and brought her unto the man Gen. 2.21 22. Q. What are the chief parts of Man A Man hath a Soul or Spirit and a Body Mat. 10.28 Eccl. 12.7 Q In what state or Condition did God mâ—ke Man A. God made man upright Eccl. 7.29 in the Image of God made he him Gen. 1.27 Q What mâ—an you by God's Image A. Man was created after God in righteousness and true Holiness Eph. 4.24 and â—n knowledge Col. 3.10 and God made him have Dominion over the works of his hands Psal. 8.6 Gen. 1.16.2.20 Q Where did God place Adam A. God put the Man into the Garden of Eden Gen. 2.15 Q. What Command did God give Man there A. Goâ— Commanded the Man saying Oâ— the Tree of the Knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely dye Gen. 2.16 17. Q. Did Adam keep this Command A. The Serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty 2 Cor. 11.3 Gen. 3.13 and she did eat and
what could be more worthy of God to reveal or necessary for man to know than the things contained in these books Seeing now that the World hath ever believed that there is a God and that the very Being Order Beauty variety use and working of all things make it highly reasonable so to believe Seeing there have been Prophesies and Miracles such as cannot be conceived possible without a God Seeing that we have Books which pretend to make known God and his Will unto us and that it is most reasonable if there be a God to believe he should some way make this known unto us and seeing that the men whose names these books do bear cannot reasonably be denyed oncâ— to have been and to have written them neither can be suspected either of Ignorance or falshood Seeing they write of one Jesus Christ their Master and Teacher and it cannot be denyed that such an one there was and that he said he came from God and confirmed what he said by many wonderful Works and Miracles which none can imagine that any power less than Gods could do And seeing that the Doctrine which he taught was spread over a great part of the World in a very short time by men of vulgar Rank mean Occupations and little Learning and less Authority without all outward force or compulsion without all pomp of seculiar Learning but with all plainness and simplicity of speech and that against the Religion then in possession and highly magnified against the Learning then in great esteem against all the beloved Lusts and worldly Interests of men and the violent endeavours of powerful and Learned Adversaries And seeing these men had nothing to bear them out against all this but the Miracles which they wrought and the purity of their Lives and Doctrines Seeing the Doctrines of these Books are so evidently much for the glory of God so full of all Holiness so much conducing to the good of mankind so satisfactory to the minds of men in things not otherwise to be known by man and finally such as being once received makes the professors thereof a most comfortable and chearful being here by giving them hopes of an eternal happy being hereafter I cannot chuse but be fully perswaded both that there is a God and that the Scriptures are the Word of God and a standing Rule of believing and honouring and serving God in such a way as he will graciously accept and eternally reward The chief Heads of the Christian Faith expressed in an Homely and familiar Verse for the easier committing them to memory THere is a God the world did always own it Nature declares it and God's Word hath shewn it The Scriptures giv'n of God by inspiration Are the great Rule of Faith and Conversation There 's but one God in Persons three The Father the eternal Son And Holy Ghost and all these be In Person three in Essence one God is a Spirit infinite In Wisdome Pow'r and Purity Most just most good and to whose sight Our very thoughts all open lie God made the World and every thing God preserves all things is their Lord And Rules all as the Sov'raign King All things obey his Mighty Word God in 's own Image Man did frame With knowledge and a pow'r to do God's Will without both sin and shame And made him Lord of all below To Adam God a Law did give Which if he kept not he should die But if he kept it he should live And so should his Posterity Man brake God's Law and all Mankind By that first breach are much the worse All born in sin and sin doth bind All under a most heavy Curse All are by Nature ignorant A verse from good inclin'd to evil Title to happiness all want And all made subject to the Devil God's wrath upon us all doth lie No strength to help our selves we have We perish all eternally Except God's mercy do us save God did on us compassion take When by our selves we were undone God meerly for his mercy's sake Resolv'd to save us by his Son The Son did down from Heaven come To save us who by sin were lost Was conceiv'd in a Virgin 's Womb By vertue of the Holy Ghost Thus God the Son the eternal Word Man's Nature took and Man became Even Jesus Christ our onely Lord We have Salvation in his Name Jesus in whom no sin was seen Did thus become the Mediator Of a new Covenant between Us Sinners and our just Creator God did Anoint his Christ to be A Priest a Prophet and a King And by these Offices all thâ—â—e He doth to us Salvation bring Christ as a Prophet hath made known His Father's will to men that they In him might find Salvation If they his Gospel would obey As Priest Christ offen'd Sacrifice Himself upon the Cross did die His blood was of our souls the price Which did God's Justice satisfie Christ bury'd was and rose again The third day and to Heav'n is gone He doth at God's right hand remain For us makes intercession As King Christ gives us Laws and all His Enemies he shall subdue Sin Sathan Death destroy and shall Judge all men and give all their due A Crown of Glory he will give To them that serve him faithfully And in his Kingdom they shall live Triumphing after victory Upon the day of Pentecost Th' Apostles met with one accord Christ sent on them the Holy Ghost T' enable them to Preach his Word Th' Apostles did to all men Preach Pardon of Sins through Christ alone Who did receive what they did teach Them they Baptized every one Baptism's the Sacrament whereby Men own the Covenant of Grace And God doth Seal who cannot lie Pardon to them who Christ embrace Baptismal washing signifies Our cleansing by the Holy Spirit And whom the Spirit Sanctifies They are God's Sons and shall inherit Believers and none else but they In this new Covenant have part They who believe learn to obey For Faith doth purifie the heart Faith works by Love and Love constrains To hate all sin to bear Christ's Cross To keep Christ's Laws t' endure all pains And count all things for Christ but loss Christ's Spirit doth by his Word beget This saving Faith and woen 't is bred It by the same word farther yet To strength and growth is nourished To strengthen Faith yet more the Lord Hath giv'n unto us Heav'nly Food He hath commanded in his Word To eat his Body drink his Blood By Bread and Wine blest and recived With true Repentance Faith and Pray'r God Seals all Benefits believed Which by Christ's death once purchas'd werâ— We by this Feast and joynt Communion Our selves one Body testifie Members knit in a sacred Union By the blest Spirit of Unitie Believers all one Church do make One Faith one Baptism and one Bread One God one Spirit one Lord we take Christ of this Body th' only Head Whoso in this Communion die For ever happy are and blest Their Souls return to God on high In Earth their Bodies sleep and rest At the last day Christ shall appear In Glory to be Judge of all All who are dead or then live here He to his Judgment-Seat shall call Then shall all Bodies rise again And with their Souls receive their doom Well-doers shall in joy remain Who have done ill to Woe shall come The Righteous with God shall rest From Labors Sins all Evils free With everlasting Glories blest Such as cannot expressed be The Wicked shall be sent to Hell From God and Comfort banished With Devils in Flames unquenchable There roaring in a Firy Bed Thou who to fear an Hell would'st have no cause Fear God hate Sin Love Christ keep his Laws FINIS