of all ages 7 the blood of innumerable Martyrs c. (1) The perfection of Gods beeing is known of us chiefly by removing all imperfections (2) Hence the abominable vanity of Idolaters and of the blasphemous papists that picture God (3) Let us prostrate our selves in holy adoration of that which we cannot comprehend (4) The divers names of God signifie one and the same thing but under divers notions in respect of our conception (1) Some of these attributes belong so unto God as that they are in no sort to bee ascribed to any else as infinitenesse eternity c. others are after a sort attributed to some of his creatures in that hee communicateth unto them some of the effects of them in himself as life goodnesse c. (2) The first of these are motives to humble adoration feare self abhorrency the other to faith hope love and confidence through Jesus Christ (3) Nothing is to bee ascribed unto God nor imagined of him but what is exactly agreeable to those his glorious properties (4) These last are no lesse essentiall unto God then the former onely wee thus distinguish them because these are chiefly seen in his works (1) This is that mysterious Ark that must not bee pryed into nor the least tittle spoken about it wherein plain Scripture goeth not before (2) To deny the Deity of any one Person is in effect to deny the whole God head for whosoever hath not the Sonne hath not the Father (3) This onely Doctrine remained undefiled in the Papacy (4) Wee must labour to make our comfort from the proper work of every Person towards us (1) The purposes and decrees of God so far as by him revealed are objects of our faith and full of comfort (2) Further reasons of Gods decrees then his owne will not to bee enquired after (3) The changes in the Scripâ—ure ascribed unto God are onely in the outward dispensations and works variously tending to one infallible event by him proposed (4) The Arminians blaspheme in saying God sometimes failes of his purposes (5) The decree of election is the fountain of all spirituall graces for they are bestowed only on the Elect (6) In nothing doth naturall corruption more exalt it self against God then in opposing the freedome of his grace in his eternall decrees From the execution of these decrees flows that variety and difference wee see in the dispensation of the means of grace God sending the Gospel where he hath a remnant according to election (1) The very outward works of God are sufficient to convince men of his eternall power God-head and to leave them inexcusable if they serve him not (2) The glory of God is to be preferred above our own either beeing or well-beeing as the supreme end of them (3) The approaching unto God in his service is the chiefe exaltation of our nature above the beasts that perish (4) God never allowed from the beginning that the will of the creature should bee the measure of his worship and honour (5) Though we have all lost our right unto the promise of the first Covenant yet all not restored by Christ are under the commination curse thereof (1) To this providence is to bee ascribed all the good wee do injoy and al the afflictions we undergoe (2) Fortune Chance the like are names without things scarce fit to bee used among Christians seeing Providence certainly ruleth all to appointed ends (3) No free will in man exempted either from the eternall decree or the over-ruling providence of God (4) Though the dispensations of Gods providence towards his people be various yet every issue and act of it tends to one certain end their good in his glory (5) Almighty God knows how to bring light out of darknesse good out of evill the salvation of his elect out of Judas treachery the Jewes cruelty and Pilates injustice (1) This Law of God bindeth us now not because delivered to the Jews on Mount Horeb but because writen in the hearts of all by the finger of God at the first (2) After the fall the Law ceased to bee a rule of justification and became a rule for sanctification only (3) It is of free grace that God giveth power to yeeld any obedience and accepteth of any obedience that is noâ— perfect (1) This is that which commonly is called Originall sin which in generall denoâ—eth the whole misery and corruption of our nature as first the guilt of Adams actuall sin to us imputed secondly losse of Gods glorious Image innocency and holinesse thirdly deriving by propagation a nature 1 defiled with the pollution 2 laden with the guilt 3 subdued to the power of sin 4 a being exposed to all temporall miseries leading to and procuring death 5 an alienation from God with voluntary obedience to Satan and lust 6 an utter disability to good or to labour for mercy 7 eternall damnation of body and soule in hell (2) All that a naturall man hath on this side hell is free mercy (3) The end of this is Jesus Christ to all that flye for refuge to the hope set before them (1) This is that great mystery of godlinesse that the Angels themselves admire the most transcendent expression of Gods infinite love the laying forth of all the treasures of his wisdome and goodnesse (1) Though our Saviour Christ bee one God with his Father hee is not one person with him (2) Jesus Christ is God and man in one not a God and a man God incarnate not a man Deified 3 The essentiall properties of either Nature remain in his person theirs still not communicated unto the other as of the Deity to be eternall every where of the humanity to be born and dye 4 What ever may bee said of either Nature may bee said of his whole person so God may be said to die but not the God-head the man Christ to be every where but not his humanity for his one person is all this 5 The monstrous figment of transubstantiation or Christs corporall presence in the Sacrament fully overthrowes our Saviours humane nature makes him a meer shadow 6 All naturall properties are double in Christ as will c. still distinct all personall as subsistence single (1) In the exercise of these Offices Christ is also the sole head husband first-born of the Church (2) Papall usurpation upon these Offices of Christ manifest the Pope to be the man of sin (3) Christs subjects are all born rebels are stubborn untill hee make them obedient by his Word and Spirit (4) Christ hath not delegated his Kingly power of Law-making for his Church to any here below (5) The end of Christ in exercising his kingly power over his enemies is the glory of his Gospel and the good of his people (1) Against both these the Papists are exceedingly blasphemous against the one by making their Masse a sacrifice for sins the other by making Saints mediators of intercession (2) Christs undergoing punishment for us was
what condition doth Jesus Christ exercise these Offices A. Hee did in a low estate of humiliation on earth but now in a glorious estate of exaltation in heaven Q. What is the Church of Christ A. The universall company of Gods Elect called to the adoption of children Q. How come wee to bee members of this Church A. By a lively faith Q. What is a lively faith A. An assured resting of the soule upon Gods promises of mercy in Jesus Christ for pardon of sins here and glory hereafter Q. How come wee to have this faith A. By the effectuall working of the spirit of God in our hearts freely calling us from the state of Nature to the state of Grace Q. Are wee accounted righteous for our faith A. No but onely for the righteousnesse of Christ freely imputed unto us and laid hold of by faith Q. 1. Is there no more required of us but faith onely A. Yes repentance also and holinesse Q. 2. What is repentance A. A forsaking of all sin with godly sorrow for what wee have committed Q. 3. What is that holinesse which is required of us A. Universall obedience to the will of God revealed unto us Q. What are the priviledges of beleevers A. First union with Christ secondly adoption of children thirdly communion of Saints fourthly right to the seales of the new Covenant fifthly Christian liberty sixtly resurrection of the body to life eternall Q. 1. What are the Sacraments or seales of the new Covenant A. Visible seales of Gods spirituall promises made unto us in the blood of Jesus Christ Q. 2. Which bee they A. Baptism and the Lords Supper Q. What is Baptisme A. An holy Ordinance whereby being sprinkled with water according to Christs institution wee are by his grace made children of God and have the promises of the Covenant sealed unto us Q. What is the Lords Supper A. An holy Ordinance of Christ appointed to communicate unto beleevers his body and blood spiritually being represented by bread and wine blessed broken powred out and received of them Q. 2. Who have a right unto this Sacrament A. They onely who have an interest in Jesus Christ by faith Q. What is the communion of Saints A. An holy conjunction between all Gods people partakers of the same Spirit and members of the same mysticall body Q. What is the end of all this dispensation A. The glory of God in our salvation Glory bee to God on high THE Greater Catechisme CHAP. I. Of the Scripture Question 1. WHat is Christian Religion Answ. The only a way of (1) (2) knowing God aright and b living unto him a Joh. 14.5 â—oh 17.3 Act. 4.12 b Col. 1.10 2 Cor. 5.15 Gal. 2.19 20. Q. 2. Whence is it to bee learned A. From the holy (3) Scripture onely Isa. 8.20 Joh. 5.39 Q. 3. What is the Scripture A. The books of the a Old and b New (4) (5) (6) Testament c given by inspiration from God containing all things necessary to bee beleeved and done that God may bee worshipped and our soules saved a Isa. 8.20 Rom. 3.2 b Rev. 22.19 20. c 2 Tim. 2.16 17. Psal. 19.7 8. Jer. 7.31 Joh. 20.31 Q. 4. How know you them to bee the word of God A. By the a testimony (7) of Gods Spirit working faith in my heart to close with that b heavenly Majesty and cleare divine truth that shineth in them a Matth. 16.17 Joh. 16.13 1 Thess. 2.13 1 Joh. 2.20 1 Joh. 5.6 b Luk 24.32 1 Cor. 2.14 Heb. 4.12 2 Pet. 1.19 CHAP. II. Of God Q. 1. What doe the Scriptures teach concerning God A. First what hee is or his Nature secondly what hee doth or his Works Exod. 3.14 Isa. 44.6 Heb. 1.1 2 3. Heb. 11.6 Q. 2. What is God in himselfe A. An a eternall b infinite c (1) (2) (3) incomprehensible d spirit e giving beeing to all things and doing with them whatsoever hee pleaseth a Deut. 33.37 Isa. 57.15 Revel. 1.8 b 1 King 8.27 Psal. 139.2 3 4 5. c. c Exod. 32.20 1 Tim. 6.16 d Joh. 4 24. e Gen. 1.1 Psal. 115.3 135.6 Isa. 46.10 Joh. 5 17. Heb. 1.2 Q. 3. Doe wee here know God as hee is A. No his glorious beeing is not of us in this life to bee comprehended Exod. 33.23 1 Cor. 13.12 Q. 4. Whereby is God chiefely made known unto us in the word A. First by his f Names secondly by his g Attributes or properties f Exod. 3.14 ch. 6.3 Psa. 83.18 g Exo. 34.6 7. Mat. 5.48 Q. 5. What are the names of God A. Glorious titles which hee (4) hath given himselfe to hold forth his excellencies unto us with some perfections wherby hee will reveale himselfe Exod. 3 14 15. 6.3 34.6 7. Gen. 17.1 Q. 6. What are the Attributes of God A. His infinite perfections in being and working Revelat. 4.8 9 10 11. Q. 7. What are the chiefe attributes of his beeing A. a Eternity b infinitenesse c simplicity (1) (2) or purity d all-sufficiency e perfectnesse f immutability g life h will and i understanding a Deut. 33.37 Psal. 93.2 Esa. 57.15 Revel. 1.11 b 1 King 8.27 Psal. 139.1 2 3 4.8 9. c Exod. 3.14 d Gen. 17.1 Psal. 135.4 5. e Joh. 11.7 8 9. Rom. 11.33 34 35 36. f Mal. 3.6 Jam. 1.17 g Judg 8.19 1 Sam. 25.34 2 King 3.14 Ezek. 14.16 16.48 Mâ—tth 16.16 Act. 24.15 1 The 1.9 h Dan. 11.3 Esa. 46.10 Ephes. 1.5.11 Jam. 1.18 i Psal. 7.2 139 2. 147.4 Ier. 11.20 Heb. 4.13 Q. 8. What are the attributes which usually are ascribed to him in his works or the acts of his will A. k Goodnesse l power m (3) (4) justice n mercy o holinesse p wisdome and the like which hee delighteth to exercise towards his creatures for the praise of his glory k Psal. 119 68. Mat. 19.17 l Exod. 15.11 Psal. 62.10 Revel. 19.1 m Zeph. 3.5 Psal. 11.7 Ierem. 12.1 Rom. 1.32 n Psal. 130.7 Rom. 9.15 Ephes. 2.4 o Exod. 15.11 Iosh. 24.19 Hab. 1.13 Revel. 4.8 p Rom. 11.33 16.17 CHAP. III. Of the holy Trinity Q. 1. Is there but one God to whom these properties doe belong A. a One onely in respect of his Essence and being but one b in three distinct persons of Father Sonne and holy Ghost a Deut. 6.4 Matth. 19.17 Ephes. 4.5 6. b Gen. 1.7 1 Ioh. 5.7 Matth. 28.19 Q. 2. What mean you by Person A. A distinct manner of (1) (2) (3) subsistence or beeing distinguished from the other Persons by its own properties Ioh. 5.17 Heb. 1.3 Q. 3. What is the distinguishing property of the person of the Father A. To bee of himself onely the fountain of the God-head Ioh. 5.26 27. Ephes. 1.3 Q. 4. What is the property of the Son A. To be begotten of his Father from eternity Psal. 2.7 Ioh. 1.14 3.16 Q. 5.
What of the Holy Ghost A. To proceed from the Father and the Son Ioh. 14.17 16.14 15.26 20.22 Q. 6. Are these three one A. One a every way in Nature Will and Essentiall properties b distinguished onely in their personall manner of subsistence a Ioh. 10.30 Rom. 3.30 b Ioh. 15.26 1 Ioh. 5.7 Q. 7. Can wee conceive these things as they are in themselves A. Neither a wee nor yet the b Angels (4) of Heaven are at all able to dive into these secrets as they are internally in God c but in respect of the outward dispensation of themselves to us by creation redemption and sanctification a knowledge may be attained of these things saving and heavenly a 1 Tim. 6.16 b Esa. 6.2 3. c Col. 1.11 12 13 14. CHAP. IV. Of the works of God and First of those that are internall and immanent Q. 1. What doe the Scriptures teach concerning the works of God A. That they are of two sorts first internall (1) in his counsell decrees and purposes towards his creatures secondly externall in his works over and about them to the praise of his own glory Act. 15.18 Prov. 16.4 Q. 2. What are the decrees of God A. a Eternall b unchangeable purposes (2) (3) (4) of his will concerning the beeing and wel-beeing of his creatures a Mich. 5.2 Ephes. 3.9 Act. 15.18 b Esa. 14.24 Esa. 46.10 Rom. 9.12 2 Tim. 2.19 Q. 3. Concerning which of his creatures chiefly are his decrees to bee considered A. Angels and Men for whom other things were ordained 1 Tim. 5.21 Jud. 6. Q. 4. What are the decrees of God concerning men A. Election and Reprobation Rom. 9.11 12. Q. 5. What is the decree of election A. The a eternall b free c immutable (5) (6) purpose of God d whereby in Jesus Christ he chuseth unto himselfe whom hee pleaseth out of e whole mankinde determining to bestow upon them for his sake f grace here and everlasting happinesse hereafter for the praise of his glory by the way of mercy a Ephes. 1.4 Act. 13.48 Rom. 8.29 30. b Mat. 11.26 c 2 Tim. 2.19 d Ephes. 1.4 5. Mat. 22.14 e Rom. 9.18 19 20 21. f Ioh. 6.37 chap. 17.6.9 10.24 Q. 6. Doth any thing in us move the Lord thus to chuse us from amongst others A. No in no wise wee are in the same lumpe with others rejected when separated by his undeserved grace Rom. 9.11 12. Matth. 11.25 1 Cor. 4.7 2 Tim. 1.9 Q. 7. What is the decree of Reprobation A. The eternall purpose of God to suffer many to sin leave them in their sin and not giving them to Christ to punish them for their sin Rom. 9.11 12 21 22. Prov. 16.4 Mat. 11.25 26. 2 Pet. 2.12 Iude 4. CHAP. V. Of the works of God that outwardly are of him Q. 1. What are the works of God that outwardly respect his creatures A. First of Creation secondly of (1) actuall providence Psal. 33.9 Heb. 1.2 3. Q. 2. What is the work of creation A. An act or work of Gods Almighty power whereby of nothing in six dayes hee created Heaven Earth and the Sea with all things in them contained Gen. 1.1 Exod. 20.11 Prov. 16.4 Q. 3. Wherefore did God make man A. For his own glory in his service (2) (3) and obedience Gen. 1.26 27. 2.16 17. Rom. 9.23 Q. 4. Was man able to yeeld the service and worship that God required of him A. Yea to the uttermost being created upright in the Image of God in purity innocency righteousnesse and holinesse Gen. 1.26 Eccles. 7.29 Ephes. 4.24 Col. 3.10 Q. 5. What was the rule whereby man was at first to bee directed in his obedience A. The Morall or eternall Law of (4) God implanted in his Nature and writen in his heart by creation being the tenor of the Covenant between God and him Sacramentally typifyed by the tree of knowledge of good and evill Gen. 2.15 16 17. Rom. 2.14 15. Ephes. 4.24 Q. 6. Doe we stand in the same Covenant still and have wee the same power to yeeld obedience unto God A. No the a Covenant was (5) broken by the sin of Adam with whom it was made b our nature corrupted c and all power to doe good utterly lost a Gen. 3.16 17 18. Gal. 3.10 11 21. Hâ—b. 7.19 8.13 b Iob 14.4 Psal. 51.5 c Gen. 6.5 Ier. 13.23 CHAP. VI Of Gods actuall providence Q. 1. What is Gods actuall providence A. The effectuall working of his (1) (2) (3) power and Almighty act of his will whereby hee sustaineth governeth and disposeth of all things Men and their actions to the ends which hee hath ordained for them Exod. 4.11 Iob 5.10 11 12. 9.5 6. Psal. 147.4 Prov. 15.3 Esa. 45.6 7. Joh. 5.17 Act. 17.28 Heb. 1.3 Q. 2. How is this providence exercised towards mankinde A. Two wayes first a peculiarly towards his Church or Elect in their generations for whom are all things secondly b towards all in a generall manner yet with various and divers dispensations a Deut. 32.10 Psal. 17.8 Zech. 2.8 Mat. 16.18 19.2.29 1 Pet. 5.7 b Gen. 9.5 Psal. 75.6 7. Esa. 45.6 Mat. 5.45 Q. 3. Wherein chiefly consists the outward providence of God towards his Church A. In three things first in a causing all (4) things to work together for their good secondly in b ruling and disposing of Kingdomes Nations and Persons for their benefit thirdly c in avenging them of their adversaries a Mat. 6.31 32 33. Rom. 8.28 1 Tim. 6.16 2 Pet. 1.3 b Psal. 105.14 15. Esa. 44.28 Dan. 2.44 Rom. 9.17 c Esa. 60.12 Zech. 12.2 3 4 5. Luk. 18.7 Revel. 17.14 Q. 4. Doth God rule also in and over the sinfull actions of wicked men A. Yea hee willingly according (5) to his determinate counsell suffereth them to bee for the manifestation of his glory and by them effecteth his own righteous ends 2 Sam. 12.11 16.10 1 Kin. 11.31 22.22 Iob 1.21 Prov. 22.14 Esa. 10.6 7. Ezek. 21.19 20 21. Amos 7.17 Act. 4.27 28. Rom. 1.24 9.22 1 Pet. 2.8 Revel. 17.17 Q 5. Doth the providence of God extend it self to every small thing A. The least grasse of the field haire of our heads or worm of the earth is not exempted from his knowledge and care Iob 39. Psal. 104.21 145.15 Ionah 4.7 Mat. 6.26 27 28 29. 10.29 30. CHAP. VII Of the Law of God Q. 1. Which is the Law that God gave man at first to fulfill A. The same which was afterwards (1) writen with the finger of God in two Tables of stone on Mount Horeb called the ten Commandements Rom. 2.14 15. Q. 2. Is the observation of this Law still required of us A. Yes to the uttermost tittle Mat. 5.17 1 Joh. 3.4 Rom. 3.31 Iam. 2.8 Gal. 3. Q. 3. Are wee able of our selves to (2) (3) perform it A.