PRINCIPLES OF FAITH GOOD CONSCIENCE DIGESTED Into a Catecheticall Form together with an Appendix 1. Vnfolding the Termes of Practicall Divinity 2. Shewing some Markes of Gods Children 3. Some generall rules and principles of holy life By W. LYFORD Batchelour of Divinity and Minister of Gods Word at Sherborne in Dorsetshire The Fourth Edition That the soule be without knowledge is not good Prov. 19.2 If thou wilt apply thine heart to understanding if thou criest after knowledge then thou shalt understand the feare of the Lord Prov. 2.3.5 Thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy Children Deut. 6.7 Printed at Oxford by Henry Hall for John Adams and Edward Forrest 1655. Advertisements touching the use and purpose of this Booke to my People 1. THere be two parts of a Ministers office that undertakes the instruction of Gods people the one to deliver sufficient matter of distinct knowledge unto Christian faith The other to lay downe and diligently to inculcate Principles of sanctification whereby a Christian may be directed in point of duty and holy life enabled to discerne between the state of Nature and the state of Grace Both these I have endeavoured the former by drawing out the generall heads of Christian doctrine into particulars the latter by laying down trials and principles of sanctification and holy practice 2. I intend this Booke for the instruction of those that are to be admitted to the Lords Supper wherein they shall be publikely exercised three years the two former years to be hearers and the last yeare to be answerers in it In which time it is hoped that the meanest capacity will be able to attain the sense understanding of the matter And whē they have been thus diligently instructed the Congregation satisfied of their competent knowledge in the doctrine of Christ then upon a day appointed for their admission to the Lords Supper the said Catechumenes upon their own motion desire to be admitted shall make professiō of their faith repentāce Ezek. 20.37 in their own names with their own mouthes undertake that Covenant of Faith obedience unto Christ which at Baptisme we all entred into and stand bound to performe 3. I have prepared a severall chapter for every week of the year and endeavoured to make the answers as weighty and perspicuous as I could both which as I conceive will be more delightfull and profitable to the learner To every answer I cause thē to read the proofes one or more as the time and matter requires within three quarters of an hour each Chapter will be dispatched if any thing be more lightly passed over one time it may be more largely insisted on the next 4. The number and length of questions will not be burthen some to thē that be long exercised therein The answers themselves are not long if you observe that they end where this marke beginneth and that all that is included within this marke is added for explication and not to lode the memory And if you expresse the sense of the answer in other words of your owne the answer will be the better accepted 5. There is some repetition of the same matter in the doctrine or justification by faith the Offices of Christ the difference betwixt the Law the Gospel which was not an oversight but of purpose the better to root those main points in weak understandings 6. This training up of our Children and Servants in a forme of wholsome words will I hope through Gods blessing be a meanes to prevent that grosse ignorance in them which now reignes in aged people The like fruit may be hoped in the free Grammer Schoole The Lord grant you to grow in grace in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ that both he that soweth and he reapeth may rejoyce together and when we shall be parted by death may have a joyfull and happy meeting in Heaven and be united to our blessed and glorious head for evermore AMEN READER THis fourth Edition addeth nothing of substance to the former the number of Questions and Answers and Pages be all the same Some notes for Explication are set in the margin Some expressions are changed and added when the former might seeme doubtfull The Contents of the severall Chapters Cap. 1. OF the certainty of holy Scripture of the state of innocency and the Covenant of Nature Cap. 2. Of the fall of man and his sinfull state of the staine and guilt and punishment of sinne Cap. 3 4. Of the difference and degrees of sin of originall sin sins of knowledge ignorance of infirmity and presumption of reigning sinne and sinne against the Holy Ghost Cap. 5. Arguments to convince carnall persons that they be under the curse no better then nature made them Cap. 6 Of the Covenant of Grace the differēce between the Old and New Testament the manner how Christ and Faith doe justify Cap. 7. Of the promises made to Christ the Mediator Cap. 8. Of Christ offered to sinners as yet unconverted and the ground of a sinners going to Christ Cap. 9. Of Gods promises to believers promises to the weake the doubting the lapsed Christian c. Cap. 10. Of the wonderfull person of the Mediatour God and Man and the benefit flowing from the personall union Cap. 11. Of Christs Priestly Office and the parts thereof viz. Satisfaction and Intercession Cap. 12. Of the Kingly and Propheticall offices of Christ Cap. 13. Who are in Covenant with God signes of true faith and repentance Cap. 14. Of mans uprightnesse the signes and benefit thereof Cap 15. Of the Nature Properties of God Cap. 16. Of creation providence whereby God guideth supporteth all things good and evill great and small Cap. 17. Of faith in Jesus Christ his Titles and Dominion Cap. 18. Of the Incarnation of the Sonne of God and manner of his conception Cap. 19. Of Christs sufferings the extent and value thereof Cap. 20. Of Christs exaltation to Gods right hand and what he doth there for us Cap. 21. Of the last judgement and of faith in the Holy Ghost Cap. 22. Of the Church of God militant triumphant of inward and outward calling signes of the true Church Cap. 23. Of the communion of Saints with Christ the Head and one with another the bonds and fruits of that communion Cap. 24. Of forgivenesse of sinnes the cause and effects thereof Cap. 25. Of the state of the dead and everlasting life for whom it is prepared Cap. 26. The first office of Faith to justify how faith is wrought by the Gospell Cap. 27. The second office of Faith to purify the heart of the first main end and use of the Morall Law scil to drive unto Christ and how that 's done Cap. 28. Of the second principall end of the Morall Law of the properties of true obedience of workes before and after regeneration and their unability to save Cap. 29. Of the first Commandment of Images of God or the
of men professing the faith of Christ may be known to be the true Churches of Christ A. The true Church of God on earth is known by two markes 1. By the purity of Doctrine and Faith which they hold and teach 2. And by the purity of Worship preserved amongst them from pollutions of Idolatry and Superstition Pure faith and pure worship shew a true Church Jude vers 3. Acts 24.14 Hos 2.2 4 5. Papists call themselves Catholicks but falsely being both Heriticall in Doctrine Idolatrous in Worship a Catholicke is a right believer All true believers in the world make but one Catholick Church as there is but one Christ one Faith one Baptisme one Heaven and one way to life eternall Eph. 4.5 6. Heb. 11.40 Those people that maintaine Heresy or Idolatry are not the true Churches of Christ Col. 2.16 19. 2 Cor. 6.15 Rev. 18.4 Q. Doe you believe in the Church A. No there is no trust nor helpe in man for matters of salvation Ps 49.7 8 Mic. 6.7 Q. What then doe you believe A. I believe that God ever had and ever will have to the end of the world a company of faithfull people to serve him and that I am one of the number Q. How doe you know that you are one of the Church A. Because I am not of the world but have seperated my selfe from the evill manners and sinfull courses thereof and doe now heare and follow the voice of Christ Joh. 10.16 Gal. 1.4 Rom. 12.2 CAP. XXIII Of the Communion of Saints Q. WHat meane you by the communion of Saints A. I meane that this holy People have a spirituall fellowship with Christ their Head and one with another The members of the Church are coupled together with Christ their Head and one with another Eph. 4.4 6. 1 Joh. 1.3 Q. Wherein have they a fellowship with Christ their Head A. In all the priviledges riches which God hath bestowed on the man Christ as in his sufferings in his graces righteousnesse and Kingdome Christ is a Son so are we Christ is justified from our sinnes so are we As Christ the first borne is such are we in relation unto God Rom. 8.17 Joh. 14.19 Eph. 5.30 32. Joh. 17.24 Joh. 1.16 These places shew that the true believer hath a fellowship with Christ in his Sonship in his Life in his Graces in his Kingdome Q. By what bonds is this spirituall union betwixt Christ and your soule made up A. They be two one coming from Christ to us and that is his a Spirit whereby he doth apprehend and quicken us the other going from us to Christ and b that is our faith whereby we embrace hold him fast By these two we are knit unto Christ and so partake of all his riches a 1 Cor. 12.12 13. 1 Cor. 6.17 Rom. 8 9. b Eph. 3.17 Heb. 3.14 Rom. 11.20 Q. How doth it appear that you have communion with Christ the Head A. By this I know it because I have the same Spirit of Christ whereby I am conformed and made like unto him in all things his will and waies his friends and foes be mine even as if the same soule were in two bodies they would move alike and affect the same things Col. 2.19 1 Ioh. 4. 13. 1 Ioh. 1.6 Joh. 17.21 Rom. 8.14 Exek 10.17 Phil. 2.1 5. Q. Wherein have the Saints a fellowship one with another A. In faith and love Eph. 2.19.20 Q. In faith How A. They are all partakers of one Hope one Spirit one Faith one Baptisme and all goe one way to Heaven And are all confederate with Christ to serve him according to the covenant of faith and obedience against all sects heresies mis-believers and loose livers whatsoever 1 Cor. 10.1 4. 2 Pet. 1.1 Eph. 4.5 13. Phil. 1.27 Zeph. 3.9 Q. In love How A. By that one Spirit whereof all partake we are united together in love so that all the faithfull doe love a and esteeme each of other and b communicate each to other in all good things ever wishing well to the prosperity of Gods Church and cause in all the World a Philem. v. 16 17. 1 Ioh. 5.1 1 Pet. 2.17 b Act. 2 42 45 46. Act. 4.32 1 Cor. 12.13 25. Psal 137.6 Q. How are the members of the Church called Saints seeing in many things they sin A. Because they are made holy in part and are perfectly holy in Christ We must be Saints here else we shall never be Saints in Heaven Eph. 1.1 Heb. 12.14 CAP. XXIV Of forgivenesse of sinnes Q. WHat is sinne A. Any transgression of Gods Law 1 John 3.4 Gen. 3.11 Q. What is the punishment due to sinners A. Eternall death the curse of God for ever in Hell fire Rom. 6.21 23. Mat. 25.41 Q. Are you a sinner A. Yes I was borne in sinne and doe daily break Gods holy Lawes Psal 51.5 Rom. 5.14 There is sinne in Infants Q. Shall you then be damned in Hell fire A. I deserve damnation but I believe that through Christ my sinnes shall be forgiven me Rom 8.1 Q. Are sinnes forgiven in this life A. Yes now or never 1 Joh. 2.12 Col. 1.13 Mat. 9.2 Rev. 2.17 Rom. 5.5 The conscience is now absolved and it shall be hereafter declared solemnely before Men and Angels Act. 3.19 Q. What is forgivenesse of sinnes A. It is a free and full discharge of a sinner from the guilt punishment of sin so that in Gods sight they are as if they had never been Esa 43.25 Mic. 7.18 19. Rom. 8.33 34. The afflictions and miseries which the Godly endure in this World are not punishments for sin in a way of justice and satisfaction for sin as if they were the cause why sins are forgiven to us 1. Because Christ alone hath borne the chastisement of our peace and none of the people with him 2. Because the afflictions of the Godly are for the good of the party afflicted and not in a way of revenge to satisfie divine justice 3. And not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us Q. Who doth forgive sinnes A. God alone who is offended and dishonoured by them Mar. 2.7 9. Lu. 23.34 Men doe forgive one another the Trespasse but not the sin as it is sin Q. Why and for whose sake doth God forgive sinnes A. For Christs sake without respect to any thing that we can doe or suffer 1 Iob. 2 12. Act. 2.38 Eph. 4.32 Rom. 3.24 Q. Why for Christs sake A. Because he being surety of the New Covenant hath in my nature room and stead answered the Law pacified Gods wrath 2 Cor. 5.21 Heb. 7.22 Q To what manner of persons is remission of sins granted in the Gospell A. To them only that believe repent and amend their lives and turne from the evill of their doings Luk 13.3 Mar. 16.16 Ezek. 18.21 Esay 1.18 Act. 16.31 Joh. 5.24 Q. Do you think in your conscience that your sins in particular be forgiven A. Yes that is
Commandement Rom. 7.7 23. Jam. 1.14 Gal. 5.17 Q. What is the particular coveting here forbidden A. Discontentednesse with that we have wishing and longing after that which is anothers As when we be not content with that place and condition which we hold in the Family Church or Common-wealth but the heart is still rising wishing woulding after the condition of another as would I were a Master or a Minister or a Tradesman rather then a Minister c. This unquietnesse of the spirit this sicknesse of the desire repining rising and saying within our selves O how well could I live if I had such a field such a Wife such a Servant c. these motions be contrary to that compleat contentment which is here requirey Under this particular concupiscence of the heart coveting that which is anothers all evill motions and desirings of the like kinde are forbidden namely all lustings against the Law of the minde all the rising enmity and Rebellion that is in our nature against the things of the Spirit the suddain passions and perturbations of the mind also the rolling of vain thoughts in the mind as thoughts of pride revenge the moving of the heart towards any evill object though without any setled approbation of the same But tell me Q. Are these thoughts and motions sinfull if we doe not consent unto them nor purpose to put them in practice A. Yes they are The very risings of corruptions within us are sins to be repented of They are as the scum and boiling of the pot the rising of the mud c. A lame horse if he move he will halt in going An instrument out of tune will jarre in the sounding and that is a fault there is something wanting that should be unto perfection so in our very natures there is a jarring and a swerving from the Law of God and that uprightnesse wherein God created man and these swervings are the fruits of sinne and the causes of sinne in us as Jam. 1.14 15. Rom. 7.21 23 24. Gen. 8.21 Eph. 4.22 Q. What say you then of evill suggestions and thoughts that arise in our minds as thoughts of Blasphemy c. are they sinnes A. If they be cast in by Satan Of Satanicall injections and not yeelded unto by us they be Satans sins and not ours To be tempted is no sin for Christ was tempted and had evill thoughts cast into his mind by Satan but to yeeld to the temptation that is our sinne Mat. 4.6 Mat. 16.23 Q. How may it be discerned whether the evill motions doe arise from our own corrupt hearts or from Satan A. Two waies 1. If the motion or temptation he unnaturall that is if thoughts arise which tend to the destruction of our naturall well-being or of our spirituall eternall well-being it is then from Sathan and if we consent not to such thoughts they are not our sins but Satans Perhaps thou hast thoughts to curse God to wish there were no God thoughts perhaps of despaire or to kill ones selfe or others c. these be Satanicall injections for nature loveth it selfe and so doth grace our new and spirituall nature and therefore if we resist and dislike such motions they be not sinne to us Matth. 4.9 Matth. 16.23 1. John 4.3 Mat. 3.28 Q. How else may that be known A. By the manner of their comming if they seaze upon us with terror affrightment suddainly and unexpectedly so that the soule is burdened and groaneth under them willing to be rid of them it is a signe they come from Sathan And such thoughts and tentations are our trials and afflictions but not our sinnes evill thoughts which agree to nature to our dispositions as that of Davids numbring the people and Judas selling his Master though Sathan cast them into our minds and stirre us up thereunto yet they are our sins as well as Sathans Matth. 4.10 Christ had indignation against that motion Q. What doth this Law forbidding all concupiscence informe us of A. Two things First it shewes the infinite purity of Gods Law which requires a conformity to his will not onely in our wils affections and actions but in the very frame and temper of the soule That no evill motions arise against God Q. What secondly A. It shewes the impurity of our nature which is so great that for it alone though we never harboured an evill thought the Lord might justly abhorre us for ever And therefore these inward workings of corruption the untowardnesse contrariety of our natures against God are to be bewailed and crucified if we desire to be sound in repentance Job 15.15 16 Eph. 2.3 Psal 51.5 Ier. 17.9 Eph. 4.22 Rom. 6.6 Rom. 7.21 24. Q. Is every soule bound to make conscience of the Law in forbearing the sins forbidden and doing the duties commanded A. Yes To his power he must keep it all else he is under the Law and not under Christ And consequently must perish for ever Rom. 6.14 Rom. 2.25 Gal. 5.24 Q. Are there besides this Law of God other Lawes and precepts of the Church to be observed of Christians for conscience sake As to observe Saints daies keep fasting daies make confession to the Priest at certaine times in the yeare of all our sins heare Masse upon holy daies Canisius Cat. A. No there is nothing to be added to the written Word of God it being in it self most holy perfect and sufficient to make men wise to salvation Deut. 4. 2. Rev. 22.18 2 Tim. 3.16 17. Man hath no power to make Laws to the conscience civill constitutions they may make for outward orders sake which we are to observe if they be agreeable to the Word of God not otherwise Q. Are there Evangelicall counsels of perfection distinct from precepts which if we keep voluntarily do help forward our salvation and increase our glory As that of poverty single life blind obedience to superiours Canitious Cat. A. No the Lord hath left us a liberty in some things but our choice therein is no part of perfection and other things named for counsels are not left to our curtesy but are duties to be performed as occasion requireth The only service and sacrifice which God accepteth is obedience to his will in his Word and God refuseth whatsoever a man taketh in hand besides Q. Well then there is but one Law under which we stand and the end of that Law is as hath been said to drive us unto Christ Tell me what must we goe to Christ for A. For three things 1. For a mercy to forgive our sinnes 2. For b strength and victory over our sins And 3. for c acceptance of our will for the deed For the Law justifieth no transgressor the Law gives no grace to keepe it selfe the Law accepts nothing but compleat obedience a Rom. 10.4 b Joh. 1.16 2 Cor. 3.6 Gal. 3.2 c Eph. 1.6 Heb. 13.15 1 Pet. 2.5 Q Our faith is unperfect and so is our obedience what is our duty
are set up and prevaile and are countenanced in any heart family Parish or Country Matth. 21.43 Rev. 2.5 13 14. Eph. 2.2 Gen. 20.11 Q. What do we pray for here A. That the Gospel of Christ may be set up in its power and purity in all hearts and in all places that God would protect and increase the number of the faithful till the time come that the Kingdom of grace here begun be finished in the Kingdome of glory 2 Thes 3 1. Col. 4.3 Psal 122.6 Rom. 10.1 Q. What doe we pray against A. We pray that God would destroy the kingdome of Sathan and all devices against his Church and Gospel and that all wickednesse may be beaten down more and more Till this Kingdome be finished in the glory of the Saints and finall destruction of the enemies ps 68 1 18. Rev. 12.10 11. We pray against the dominion power of the Divel the World and the flesh Rom 6.12 13 14. Q. What followes hereof A. Therefore they be Christs enemies they crosse their owne Prayers that submit not to the Gospell of Christ that discountenance or any wayes hinder the Preaching and spreading thereof or be friends and favourers of bad men and bad causes Such as the silencing and vexing of Godly quiet Ministers or depriving them of due maintenance preferring the unsound c. any inlet to prophanenesse setting up a Chaire for Sathan against the Pulpit of Christ these and the like persons doe pray for Christs Kingdome and fight for Sathans among swearing railing loose riotous persons families and Parishes whose Kingdome is there set up Christs or Sathans Luke 19.14 27. Acts 4.18 CAP. XLV The 3d Petition Thy will be done Q. WHat doe we pray for in this Petition A. Here we pray for grace and strength to obey Gods will in all things both in a doing and in b suffering Psal 143.10 Jam. 1.22 25. b Luke 22.42 Acts 20.24 Acts 21.14 Q. What is here meant by Gods will A. Gods will is that which God in the Scripture hath willed commanded us to do Mat. 7.21 Rom. 12.2 1 Thes 4.3 1 Pet 4.2 1 Pet. 3.17 Q. When is Gods will done A. When setting aside our own wills desires we apply our selves to doe the things which are pleasing unto him Joh. 14.21 1 Joh. 5.3 Mat. 21.29 31 Joh. 6.38 Heb. 10.7 We desire that Gods will may take place and that there may be but one will between God and us Q. When is it undone A. When setting aside the Commandement of God we fulfill the lusts of on own hearts or other mens carnal wils Eph. 2.3 1 Pet. 4.3 Iohn 8.44 Luke 12.47 Q In Earth as it is in Heaven What do we desire in that A. We desire that as farre as Earth is wide Gods will may take place and be obeyed with that cheerfulnesse and faithfulnesse as the Angels doe in heaven We desire a conformity of the Church militant to the Church triumphant Heb. 1.5 7. Psal 103.20 21. Es 6.2 3. Here be two things in this Petition 1. The matter of our obedience it must be the will of God revealed in the Scripture 2. The Maâ—ner of our obedience as the Angels in Heaven do it Q. What is the summe and substance of this petition A. We pray that whatsoever God requires of us in his Word he would give us hearts to obey it with cheerfulnesse and faithfulnesse submitting all our opposite wills to his will We pray that amidst all and above all Gods will may be fulfilled and obeyed and that all desires wills in us or others that be repugnant to his good pleasure may be subdued Mat. 20.39 1 Sam. 3 18. 2 Sam. 15.26 Ps 140. â— 1 Sam. 15 13 20 22. Q. What followes hereof A Therefore like hypocrites they crosse their own prayers who pray they may doe Gods will yet endeavour it not nay perhaps live in known sinnes against check of conscience setting up their own ends profits contentments above the wil of God Be honest else never pray it c. Mat. 19.22 Luke 16 11. Ezek. 14.7 Acts 8.23 Luke 12.47 The 4th Petition Give us this day Q. What is meant by bread A. All outward blessings needful for this present life Under one sort of temporal blessings we beg all the rest as raiment houses preservation from dangers c. Deut. 8.3 Q. What is meant by Daily bread A. Such a proportion of outward things as is fit for us agreeable to our places callings And if we have so much we have our daily Bread Pro. 3.8 Gen. 28.20 Luke 12.15 Q. This day or day by day Why are we to begge it every day and but for a day A. To teach us that as God keeps and feeds us a day by day And as every day we stand in need of new supplies from heaven so every day we b should depend on God for the same We do not receive all at once but as yesterday so this day and to morrow c. a 2 Cor. 8.15 Exod. 16.4 5 19. b Luke 12 19 20 28 29. 1 Pet. 5.7 Psal 104.21 Mat. 6.26 Q. What is called our Bread A. That which our heavenly Father assigneth to every one of us in our lawful vocation There is our bread and there is stolne bread Thess 3.12 Q. How is God said to give us our bread A. When he doth blesse our labours in our honest callings or otherwise raise up helps to bring the creatures to us for our support and comfort He gives gâ—asse â—eed and barnes and almes and power to eate he raiseth up friends he giveth and breaketh the staffe of bread Deut. 8.17 18. 2 Cor 9.10 Ier 37.21 Dan. 1.15 So the way be Gods way in which any help commeth whosoever is the instrument to convey it God is the giver Q. When is bread taken away A. When God doth curse the earth our labours that they shal not yeeld their increase or else doth curse his blessings to us that they shall dot doe us good as by taking away the staffe of bread by adding sorrow sinne discontent with our estates Hag. 1.6 9 11. Mal. 2.2 Numb 11.33 Ezeck 14.13 Hos 9.11 12. Q. What doe we pray for in this Petition A. That God would preserve us from outward miseries and wants so blesse the â—arth and our labours that we may have such a measure of outward things as is needfull for us that through his blessing they may be for our good and comfort Through Gods blessing it is that the creatures doe satisfie our natures content our minds or doe us any good 1 Kings 8 35 37. Prov. 10.22 Prov. 30.8 Ps 106.15 1 Kings 17.14 1 Chron. 29.12 Q. What learne you from this A. We must professe enjoy and use every outward thing as from God and unto God Our own prayers will condemn us if we be beholding to Satan for bread â—f we dare stretch out our hands farther then our prayers or if we shall use the