Wherefore doth a living man complain a man for the punishment of his sins Rom. 6. 23. The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Mat. 25. 41 -46 Then shall he say also to them on the left hand depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels V. 46. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment but the righteous into life eternal Jude v. 7. Even as Sodom and Gommortha and the cities about them in like manner giving themselves over to fornication and going after strange flesh are set forth for an example suffering the vengeance of eternall fire Q What are the punishments of sin in this world A. The punishments of sin in this world are either inward as blindness of mind e Ephes 4. 18. Having the understanding darkened being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the blindnesse of their heart a reprobate sense f Rom. 1. 28. Even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge God gave them over to a reprobate mind and to do those things which are not convenient strong delusions g 2 Thess 2. 11. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusions that they should believe a lie hardness of heart h Rom. 2. 5. But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thy self wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgement of God horrour of conscience i Isai 33. 14. The sinners in Zion are afraid fearfulness hath surprized the hypocrites Who among us shall dwell with devouring fire who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings Gen. 4. 13. And Cain said unto the Lord my punishment is greater then I can bear Mat. 27. 4. Saying I have betrayed innocent blood and they said What is that to us see thou to that and vile affections k Rom. 1. 26. For this cause God gave them up to vile affections for even their women did change their naturall use into that which is against nature or outward as the curse of God upon the creatures for our sakes l Gen. 3. 17. And unto Adam he said Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife and hast eaten of the tree of which I commanded thee saying Thou shalt not eat of it Cursed is the ground for thy sake in forrow shalt thou eat of it all the dayes of thy life and all other evils that befall us in our bodies names estates relations and imployments m Deut. 28. 15. to the end But it shall come to passe if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God to observe to do all his Commandments and his Statutes which I have commanded thee this day that all these curses shall come upon thee and overtake thee Cursed shalt thou be in the City and cursed shalt thou be in the Field Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body and of thy land c together with Death it self n Rom. 6. 21-23 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed for the end of those things is death V. 23. For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternall life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Q. What are the punishments of sin in the world to come A. The punishments of sin in the world to come are everlasting separation from the comfortable presence of God and most grievous torments in Soul and Body without intermission in Hell-fire for ever o 2 Thess 1. 9. Who shal be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and the glory of his power Mark 9. 44-46-48 to go into Hell where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched Luke 16. 24. And he cryed and said Father Abraham have mercy upon me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue for I am tormented in this flame Q. Doth God leave all mankind to perish in the state of sin and misery A. God will not leave all men to perish in the estate of sin and misery p 1 Thess 5. 9. For God hath not appointed us to wrath but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ into which they fell by the breach of the first Covenant commonly called the Covenant of works q Gal. 3. 10 12. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse for it is written Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the Book of the law to do them V. 12. And the law is not of faith but the man that doth them shall live in them but of his meer love and mercy delivereth his elect out of it and bringeth them into an estate of salvation by the second Covenant commonly called the Covenant of Grace r Tit. 3. 4 5 6 7. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared V. 5. Not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the holy Ghost V. 6. Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour V. 7. That being justified by his grace we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternall life Gal. 3. 21. Is the law then against the promises of God God forbid for if there had been a law given which could have given life verily righteousness should have been by the law Rom. 3. 20 21 22. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight for by the law is the knowledge of sin V. 21. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested being witnessed by the Law and by the Prophets V. 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by the faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them hat believe for there is no difference Q. With whom was the Covenant of Grace made A. The Covenant of Grace was made with Christ as the second Adam and in him with all the elect as his seed Å¿ Gal. 3. 16. Now to Abrahaem and to his seed were the promises made he saith not to seeds as of many but as of one and to thy seed which is Christ Rom. 5. 15 to the end Of which before Isa 53. 10 11. Yet it pleased our Lord to bruise him he hath put him to grief when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin he shall see his seed he shall prolong his dayes and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand V. 11. He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justifie many for he shall bear their iniquities Q.
possessed of z Eph. 2. 5 6. Even when we were dead in sins hath quickned us together with Christ by grace ye are saved And hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus and as an earnest thereof enjoy the sense of Gods love a Rom. 5. 5. And hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us Compared with 2 Cor. 1. 22. Who hath also sealed us and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts peace of conscience joy in the Holy Ghost and hope of glory b Rom. 5. 1 2. Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ V. 2. By whom also we have access by faith into the grace wherein we stand and rejoyce in hope of the glory of God Rom. 14. 17. For the kingdome of God is not meat and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost as on the contrary the sense of Gods revenging wrath horror of conscience and a fearful expectation of judgement are to the wicked the beginning of their torments which they shall endure after death c Gen. 4. 13. And Cain said unto the Lord My punishment is greater then I can bear Mat. 27. 4. Saying I have sinned in that I have betrayed innocent blood And they said What is that to us see thou to it Heb. 10. 27. But a certain fearful looking for of judgement and fiery indignation which shall devour the adversaries Rom. 2. 9. Tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doth evil of the Jew first and also of the Gentile Mark 9. 44. Where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched Q. Shall all men die A. Death being threatned as the wages of sin d Rom. 6. 23. For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternaal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. it is appointed unto all men once to die e Heb. 9. 27. And as it is appointed unto all men once to die but after death the judgement for that all have sinned f Rom. 5. 12. Wherefore as by one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Q. Death being the wages of sin why are not the righteous delivered from death seeing all their sins are forgiven in Christ A. The righteous shall be delivered from death it self at the last day and even in death are delivered from the sting and curse of it g 1 Cor. 15. 26 -55 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death V. 55. O death where is thy sting c. Heb. 2. 15. And deliver them who through fear of death were all their life-time subject to bondage so that although they die yet it is out of Gods love h Isa 57. 1 2. The righteous perisheth and no man layes it to heart and merciful men are taken away none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come V. 2. He shall enter into peace they shall rest in their beds each one walking in his uprightness 2 King 22. 20. Behold therefore I will gather thee unto thy fathers and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place to free them perfectly from sin and misery i Rev. 14. 13. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me write Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth yea saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labours and their works do follow them Eph. â— 27. That he might present it to himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish and to make them capable of further communion with Christ in glory which they then enter upon k Luk. 23. 43. And Jesus said unto him Verily I say unto thee This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise Phil. 1. 23. For I am in a streight betwixt two having a desire to depart and to be with Christ which is far better Q. What is the communion in Glory with Christ which the members of the invisible Church enjoy immediately after death A. The communion in Glory with Christ which the members of the invisible Church enjoy immediately after death is in that their souls are then made perfect in holiness l Heb. 12. 23. To the general assembly and Church of the first-born which are written in heaven and to God the judge of all and to the Spirits of just men made perfect and received into the highest heavens m 2 Cor. 5. 1 -6-8 For we know that if our earthly house of this Tabernacle were dissolved we have a building of God an house not made with hands eternal in the heavens V. 6. Therefore we are alwayes confident knowing that while we are present in the body we are absent from the Lord V. 8. We are confident I say and willing rather to be absent from the body and present with the Lord. Phil. 1. 23. For I am in a streight betwixt two having a desire to depart and to be with Christ which is far better Compared with Act. 3. 21. Whom the heavens must receive untill the times of restitution of all things which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy Prophets since the world began And with Eph. 4. 10. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens that he might fill all things where they behold the face of God in light and glory n 1 Joh. 3. 2. Beloved now are we the sons of God and it doth not yet appear what we shall be but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is 1 Cor. 13. 12. For now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face now I know in part but then I shall know even as also I am known waiting for the full redemption of their bodies o Rom. 8. 23. And not onely they but our selves also who have the first fruits of the Spirit even we our selves groan within our selves waiting for the Adoption to wit the Redemption of our body Psal 16. 9. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoyceth my flesh also shall rest in hope which even in death continue united to Christ p 1 Thess 4. 14. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him and rest in their graves as in their beds q Esa 57. 2. He shall enter into peace they shall rest in their beds each one walking in his uprightness till at the last day they be again united to their souls r whereas the souls
A. The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell consists in the guilt of Adams first sin the want of Original righteousness and the corruption of his whole nature which is commonly called Original sin together with all actual transgressions which proceed from it (f) Rom 5. 10. to the 20. Eph. 2. 1. And you hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins V. 2. Wherein in times past ye walked according to the course of this world according to the Prince of the power of the air the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience V. 3. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh fulfilling the desiâ—es of the flesh and of the mind and were by nature children of wrath even as others Jam. 1. 14. But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed V. 15. Then when lust hath conceived it brings forth sin and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death Mat. 15. 19. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts murders adulteries fornications thefts false witness blasphemies Q. What is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell A. All mankind by their fall lost communion with God (g) Gen. 3. 8. Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden V. 10. And he said I heard the voice in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked and I hid my self V. 24 So he drove out the man and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims and a flaming sword which turned every way to keep the way of the tree of life are under his wrath and curse (h) Eph. 2. 2 3. And by nature the children of wrath even as others Gal. 3. 10. For as many as are of the works of the Law are under the curse for it is written Cursed is every one which continueth not in all things which are written in the Law to do them and so made liable to all miseries in this life to death it self and to the pains of hell for ever (i) Lam. 3. 39. Wherefore doth the living man complain a man for the punishment of his sins Ro. 6. 23. For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Mat. 25. 41. Then shall he say to them on the left hand Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the divel and his angels V. 46. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment but the righteous into life eternal Q. Did God leave all mankind to perish in the state of sin and misery A. God having out of his meer good pleasure from all eternity elected some to everlasting life (k) Eph. 4. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love did enter into a covenant of grace to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery and to bring them into an estate of Salvation by a Redeemer (l) Rom 3. 21. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested being witnessed by the law and the Prophets V. 22. Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe for there is no difference Gal. 3. 21. Is the law then against the promises of God God forbid for if there had been a law given which could have given life verily righteousness should have been by the law V. 22. But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might he given to them that believe Q. Who is the Redeemer of Gods Elect A. The only Redeemer of Gods Elect is the Lord Jesus Christ (m) 1 Tim. 25. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus V. 6. Who gave himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time who being the eternal Son of God became man (n) 1 John 1. 14. And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth Gal. 4. 4. But when the fulness of the time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the Law and so was and continueth to be God and man in two distinct Natures and one Person for ever (o) Rom. 9. 5. Whose are the Fathers and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came who is over all God blessed for ever Luk. 1. 35. And the Angel answered and said unto her The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest shall over shadow thee herefore also that Holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called The Son of God Col. 2. 9. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily Heb 7. 24. But this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood V. 25. Wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost that come to God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Q. How did Christ being the Son of God become man A. Christ the Son of God became man by taking to himself a true body (p) Heb. 2. 14. For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himself likewise took part of the same that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the Divel V. 16. For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham Heb. 10 5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not but a body hast thou prepared me and a reasonable soul (q) Mat. 26 38. Then saith he unto them My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death tarry you here and watch with me being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin Mary and born of her (r) Luk. 1. 31. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and bring forth a Son and shalt call his name Jesus V. 35. vide supra V. 42. And she spake out with a loud voice and said Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Gal. 44. vide supra yet without sin (Å¿) Heb. 4. 15. For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with a feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted as we are yet without sin Heb. 7. 26. For such an High Priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners and made higher then the heavens Q. What offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer A. Christ as our Redeemer executeth the Offices of a Prophet of a Priest and of a King both in his
of his soul and be satisfied by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justifie many for he shall bear their iniquities V. 12. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great and he shall divide the spoil with the strong because he hath poured out his soul unto death and he was numbred with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors Heb. 7. 22. By so much was Jesus made a Surety of a better Testament Rom. 8. 32. He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him also freely give us all things 1 Pet. 1. 18 19. For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers V. 19. But with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot imputing his righteousness to them e 2 Cor. 5. 21. For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him and requiring nothing of them for their Justification but Faith f Rom. 3. 24 25. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ V. 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God which also is his gift g Eph. 2. 8. For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God their Justification is to them of free grace h Eph. 1. 7. In whom we have redemption through his blood the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace Q. What is justifying Faith A. Justifying Faith is a saving Grace i Heb. 10. 39. But we are not of them who draw back to perdition but of them who believe to the saving of the soul wrought in the heart of a Sinner by the Spirit k 2 Cor. 4. 13. We having the same Spirit of faith according as it is written I believed and therefore have I spoken we also believe and therefore speak Eph. 1. 17 18 19. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of glory may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him V. 18. The eyes of your understanding being enlightned that ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the Saints V. 19. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe according to the working of his mighty power and word of God l Rom. 10. 14. How then shall they call on him on whom they have not believed and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard and how shall they hear without a preacher whereby he being convinced of his sin and misery and of the disability in himself and all other creatures to recover him out of his lost condition m Act. 2. 37. Now when they heard this they were pricked in their hearts and said unto Peter and to the rest of the Apostles Men and brethren what shall we do to be saved Act. 16. 30. And brought them out and said Sirs What must we do to be saved Joh. 16. 8 9. And when he is come he will convince the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgement Of sin because they believe not in me Rom. 5. 6. For when we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly Eph. 2. 1. And you hath he quickned who were dead in trespasses and sins Act. 4. 12. Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved not onely assenteth to the truth of the promise of the Gospel n Eph. 1. 13. In whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the word of truth the Gospel of your salvation in whom also after ye believed ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise but receiveth and resteth upon Christ and his righteousness therein held forth for pardon of sin o Joh. 1. 12. But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name Act. 16. 31. And they said Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thine house Act. 10. 43. To him give all the Prophets witness that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins and for the accepting and accounting of his person righteous in the fight of God for salvation p Phil. 3. 9. And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is by the Law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith Act. 15. 11. But we believe that through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved even as they Q. How doth Faith justifie a Sinner in the sight of God A. Faith justifies a sinner in the sight of God not because of those other graces which do alwayes accompany it or of good works that are the fruits of it q Gal. 3. 11. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident for the just shall live by faith Rom. 3. 28. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law nor as if the grace of Faith or any act thereof were imputed to him for his justification r Rom. 4. 5. But to him that worketh not but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted for righteousness Compared with Rom. 10. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation but onely as it is an Instrument by which he receiveth and applieth Christ and his righteousness Å¿ Joh. 1. 12. But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name Phil. 3. 9. And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is by the law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith Gal. 2. 16. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by the faith of Jesus Christ even we have believed in Jesus Christ that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by the works of the law for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified Q. What is Adoption A. Adoption is an act of the free grace of God t 1 Joh. 3. 1. Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons
have known him that is from the beginning I write unto you young men because ye have overcome the wicked one I write unto you little children because ye have known the Father V. 14. I have written unto you fathers because ye have known him that is from the beginning I have written unto you young men because ye are strong and the word of God abideth in you and ye have overcome the wicked one Heb. 5. 12 13 14. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers ye have need that one teach you again which be the first-principles of the Oracles of God and are become such as have need of milk and not of strong meat V. 13. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness for he is a babe V. 14. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil nor in this life perfect in any a 1 Joh. 1. 8 -10 And if we say that we have no sin we deceive our selves and the truth is not in us V. 10. If we say that we have not sinned we make him a lyar and his word is not in us but growing up to perfection b 2 Cor. 7. 1. Having therefore these promises dearly beloved let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God Phil. 3. 12 13 14. Not as though I had already attained either were already perfect but I follow after if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus V. 13. Brethren I count not my self to have apprehended but this one thing I do forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before V. 14. I press toward the mark for the price of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus Q. Whence ariseth the imperfection of Sanctification in believers A. The imperfection of Sanctification in believers ariseth from the remnants of sin abiding in every part of them and the perpetual lustings of the flesh against the spirit whereby they are often foiled with temptations and fall into many sins c Rom. 7. 18-23 For I know that in me that is in my flesh dwelleth no good thing for to will is present with me but how to perform that which is good I find not V. 23. But I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members Mark 14 66 to the end And as Peter was beneath in the Palace there cometh one of the maids of the High Priest c. Gal. 2. 11 12. But when Peter was come to Antioch I withstood him to the face because he was to be blamed V. 12. For before that certain came from James he did eat with the Gentiles but when they were come he withdrew and separated himself fearing them who were of the circumcision are hindered in all their spiritual services d Heb. 12. 1. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us and let us run with patience the race that is set before us and their best works are imperfect and defiled in the sight of God e Isai 64. 6. But we are all as an unclean thing and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags and we all do fade as a leaf and our iniquities like the wind have taken us away Exod. 28. 38. And it shall be upon Aarons forhead that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts and it shall be alwayes upon his forhead that they may be accepted before the Lord. Q. May not true believers by reason of their imperfections and the many temptations and sins they are overtaken with fall away from the state of Grace A. True believers by reason of the unchangeable love of God f Jer. 31. 3. The Lord hath appeared of old unto me saying Yea I have loved thee with an everlasting love therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee and his decree and covenant to give them perseverance g 2 Tim. 2. 19. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure having this seal the Lord knoweth them that are his and let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity Heb. 13. 20 21. Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus that great shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the everlasting covenant V. 21. 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 to whom be glory c. 2 Sam. 23. 5. Although my house be not so with God yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant ordered in all things and sure for this is all my salvation and all my desire although he make it not to grow their inseparable union with Christ h 1 Cor. 1. 8 9. Who shall confirm you unto the end that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ V. 9. God is faithful by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. his continual intercession for them i Heb. 7. 25. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost who come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Luke 22. 32. But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not and when thou art converted strengthen thy brethren and the spirit and seed of God abiding in them k 1 Joh. 3. 9. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin for his seed remaineth in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God 1. Joh. 2. 27. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you and ye need not that any man teach you but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things and is truth and is no lie and even as it hath taught you ye shall abide in him can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of Grace l Jer. 32. 40. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them to do them good but I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from me John 10. 28. I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish neither shall any pluck them out of my hand but are kept by the power of God through Faith unto salvation m 1 Pet. 1. 5. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time Q. Can true believers be infallibly assured that they are in the Estate
the mount V. 3. And no man shall come up with thee c. V. 4. And he hewed two Tables of stone like the first and rose early in the morning and went up into Mount Sinai as the Lord had commanded him and took in his hand the two Tables of stone and are recorded in the twentieth chapter of Exodus the four first Commandments containing our duty to God and the other six our duty to man n Matth. 22. 37 38 39 40. Jesus said unto him Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind V. 38. This is that first and great Commandment V. 39. And the second is like unto it Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self V. 40. On these two Commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets Q. What Rules are to be observed for the right understanding of the ten Commandments A. For the right understanding of the ten Commandments these rules are to be observed 1. That the Law is perfect and bindeth every one to full conformity in the whole man unto the righteousness thereof and unto intire obedience for ever so as to require the utmost perfection of every duty and to forbid the least degree of every sin o Psal 19. 7. The law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul the testimony of the Lord is sure making wise the simple Jam. 2. 10. For whosoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend in one point he is guilty of all Mat. 5. 21. to the end Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time Thou shalt not kill But I say and so on to the end 2. That it is spiritual and so reacheth the Understanding Will Affections and all other powers of the soul as well as words works and gestures p Rom. 7. 14. For we know that the law is spiritual but I am carnal sold under sin Deut. 6. 5. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy might Compared with Mat. 22. 37 38 39. Jesus said unto him Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind V. 38. This is the first and great Commandment V. 39. And the second is like unto it Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self Matt. 5. 21 22-27 28 36. to the end Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time Thou shalt not kill and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgement V. 22. But I say unto you that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgement and whosoever shall say to his brother Raca shall be in danger of the Council but whosoever shall say Thou fool shall be in danger of hell-fire V. 27. Ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time Thou shalt not commit adultery But I say unto you that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart V. 36. Neither shalt thou swear by thine head c. to the end of the chapter 3. That one and the same thing in divers respects is required or forbidden in several Commandments q Col. 3. 5. Mortifie therefore your members which are upon the earth fornication uncleanness inordinate affection evil concupiscence and covetousness which is idolatry Amos 8. 5. Saying when will the New Moon be gone that we may sell corn and the sabbath that we may set forth wheat making the Ephah small and the shekel great and falsifying the balances by deceit Pro. 1. 19. So are the wayes of every one that is greedy of gain which taketh away the life of the owners thereof 1 Tim. 6. 10. For the love of money is the root of all evil which while some have coveted after they have erred from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrowes 4. That as where a duty is commanded the contrary sin is forbidden r Isa 58. 13. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath from doing thy pleasure on my holy day and call the Sabbath a delight the holy of the Lord honourable and shalt honour him not doing thine own wayes nor finding thine own pleasure nor speaking thine own words Deut. 6. 13. Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God and serve him and shalt swear by his Name Compared with Mat. 4. 9 10. And saith unto him All these things will I give thee if thou wilt fall down and worship me V. 10. Then said Jesus unto him Get thee hence Satan for it is written Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him onely shalt thou serve Mat. 15. 4 5 6. For God commanded saying Honour thy father and thy mother and he that curseth father or mother let him die the death V. 5. But ye say that whosoever shall say to his father or mother It is a gift by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me And honour not his father or his mother he shall be free Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition and where a sin is forbidden the contrary duty is commanded Å¿ Mat. 5. 21 22 23 24 25. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time Thou shalt not kill and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgement V. 22. But I say unto you whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgement and whosoever shall say to his brother Raca shall be in danger of the Council but whosoever shall say Thou fool shall be in danger of Hell fire V. 23. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the Altar and there remember that thy brother hath ought against thee V. 24. Leave there thy gift and go thy way first be reconciled to thy brother and then come and offer thy gift V. 25. Agree with thine adversary while thou art in the way with him least c. Eph. 4. 28. Let him that stole steal no more but rather let him work with his hands the thing that is good that he may have to give to him that needeth so where a promise is annexed the contrary threatning is included t Exod. 20. 12. Honour thy father and mother that thy dayes may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee Compared with Prov. 30. 17. The eye that mocketh at his father and despiseth to obey his mother the ravens of the valleys shall pick it out and the young eagles shall eat it and where a threatning is annexed the contrary promise is included u Jer. 18. 7 8. At what instant I shall speak concerning a Nation or Kingdom to pluck up and to pull down and to destroy it V. 8. If that nation against whom I have pronounced turn from their evil I will repent of the evil
righteousness endureth for ever his horn shall be exalted for ever v. 10. The wicked shall see it and be grieved he shall gnash with his teeth and melt away the desire of the wicked shall perish Neh. 2. 10. When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the servant the Ammonite heard of it it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel together with all inordinate motions and affections to any thing that is his (g) Rom. 7. 7 8. What shall we say then Is the Law sin God forbid Nay I had not known sin but by the law for I had not known lust except the law had said Thou shalt not covet v. 8. But sin taking occasion by the Commandment wrought in me all manner of concupiscence for without the law sin was dead Rom. 13. 9. For this Thou shalt not commit adultery Thou shalt not kill Thou shalt not steal Thou shalt not bear false witness Thou shalt not covet and if there be any other Commandment it is briefly comprehended in this saying namely Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self Col. 3. 5. Mortifie therefore your members which are upon the earth fornication uncleanness inordinate affection evil concupiscence and covetousness which is idolatry Deut. 5. 21. Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbours wife nor shalt thou covet thy neighbours house his field his man-servant or his maid-servant his ox or his ass or any thing that is thy neighbours Q. Is any man able perfectly to keep the Commandments of God A. No man is able either of himself (h) Jam. 3. 2. For in many things we offend all If any man offend not in word the same is a perfect man and able also to bridle the whole body Joh. 15. 5. I am the vine ye are the branches he that abideth in me and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit for without me ye can do nothing Rom 8. 3. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemneth sin in the flesh or by any grace received in this life perfectly to keep the Commandements of God (i) Eccl. 7. 20. For there is not a just man upon earth that doth good and sinneth not Joh. 1. 8-10 If we say that we have no sin we deceive our selves and the truth is not in us v. 10. If we say that we have not sinned we make him a liar and his word is not in us Gal. 5. 17. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh and these are contrary the one to the other So that ye cannot do the things that ye would Rom. 7. 18 19. For I know that in me that is in my flesh dwelleth no good thing For to will is present with me but how to perform that which is good I find not v. 19. For the good that I would I do not but the evil that I would not that do I. but doth daily break them in thought (k) Gen. 6. 5. And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was onely evil continually Gen. 8. 21. And the Lord said in his heart I will curse the ground no more for mans sake for the imagination of mans heart is evil from his youth c. word and deed (l) Rom. 3. from ver 9. to ver 21. for we have before proved that both Jewes and Gentiles that they are under sin v. 10. As it is written There is none righteous no not one v. 11. There is none that under standeth there is none that seeketh after God v. 12. They are all gone out of the way they are altogether become unprofitable there is none that doth good no not one v. 13. Their throat is an open sepulchre c. v. 20. that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God Jam. 3. from ver 2. to ver 13. For in many things we offend all c. Q. Are all transgressions of the Law of God equally hainous in themselves and in the sight of God A. All transgressions of the Law of God are not equally hainous but some sins in themselves and by reason of several aggravations are more hainous in the sight of God then others (m) Joh. 19. 11. Jesus answered Thou coulst have no power at all against me except it were given thee from above therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin Ezek. 8. 6 -13.-15 But turn thee yet again and thou shalt see greater abominations v. 13. Turn thee yet again and thou shalt see greater abominations that they do v. 15. Turn thee yet again and thou shalt see greater abominations then these 1 Joh. 5. 16. If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death he shall ask and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death There is a sin unto death I do not say that he shall pray for it Psal 78. 17 -32.-56 And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness v. 32. For all this they sinned still c. v. 56. Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God and kept not his testimonies Q. What are those aggravations which make some sins more hainous then others A. Sins receive their aggravations From the persons offending (n) Jer. 2. 8. The Priests said not Where is the Lord and they that handle the Law knew me not the Pastors also transgressed against me and the Prophets prophesied by Baal and walked after things that do not profit if they be of riper age (o) Job 32. 7 -9 I said Dayes should speak multitude of yeares should teach wisdom v. 9. Great men are not alwayes wise neither do the aged understand judgment Eccl. 4. 13. Better is a poor and a wise child then an old and foolish King who will no more be admonished greater experience or grace (p) 1 King 11. 4 -9 For it came to pass when Solomon was old that his wives turned away his heart after other gods c. v. 9. And the Lord was angry with Solomon because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel which had appeared to him twice eminent for profession (q) 2 Sam. 12. 14. Howbeit because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme the childe that is born unto thee shall surely dye 1 Cor. 5. 1. It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles that one should have his fathers wife gifts (r) Jam. 4. 17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good and doth it not to him it is sin Luk. 12. 47 48. And that servant that knew his
damsel that is a virgin which is not betrothed and lay hold on her and lye with her and they be found v. 29. Then the man that lay with her shall give to the damsels father fifty shekels of silver and she shall be his wife because he hath humbled her he may not put her away all his dayes Prov. 6. 32 33 34 35. But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding he that doth it destroyeth his own Soul v. 33. A wound and dishonour shall he get and his reproach shall not be wiped away v. 34. For jealousy is the rage of a man therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance V. 35. He will not regard any ransome nor rest content though thou givest many gifts if against means (Å¿) Matt. 11. 21 22 23 24. Wo unto thee Corazim woe unto thee Bethsaida for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes v. 22. But I say unto you it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon c. v. 23. And thou Capernaum that art lifted up to heaven shall be brought down to hell for if the mighty works which have been done in thee had been done in Sodom it would have remained until this day v. 24. But I say unto you that it shall be more tolerable for Sodom c. Joh. 15. 22. If I had not come and spoken unto them they had not had sin but now they have no cloak for their sin mercies (t) Isai 1. 3. The oxe knoweth his owner and the asse his masters crib but Israel doth not know my people doth not consider Deut. 32. 6. Do ye thus requite the Lord O foolish people and unwise is not he thy father that hath bought thee hath he not made thee and established thee judgments (u) Amos 4. 8 9 10 11. So two or three cities wandred unto one city to drink water but they were not satisfied yet have they not returned unto me saith the Lord. v. 9. I have smiten you with blasting and mil-dew c. yet have ye not returned unto me saith the Lord. v. 10. I have sent among you the Pestilence after the manner of Egypt your young men have I slain with the sword c. yet have ye not c. v. 11. I have overthrown some of you as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and ye were as a fire-brand pluckt out of the burning yet have ye not returned unto me saith the Lord. Jer. 5. 3. O Lord are not thine eyes upon the truth Thou hast striken them but they have not grieved thou hast consumed them but they have refused to receive correction they have made their face harder then a rock and refused to return light of nature (*) Rom. 1. 16 17 For this cause God gave them up to vile affections for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature v. 27. And likewise the men leaving the natural use of the women c. and receiving in themselves that recompence of their errour that was meet conviction of conscience (x) Rom. 1 24. Who knowing the judgement of God that they who do such things are worthy of death not onely do the same but have pleasure in them that do them Dan. 5. 22. And thou O Belshazzer his son hast not humbled thy heart though thou knowest all this Tit. 3. 10 11. A man that is an heretick for the first and second admonition reject v. 11. Knowing that he that is such is subverted and sinneth being condemned of himself publick or private admonition (y) Prov. 29. 1. He that being often reproved hardneth his neck shall suddenly be destroyed and that without remedy censures of the Church (z) Tit. 3. 10. A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject Matt. 18. 17. And if he shall neglect to hear them tell it to the Church but if he neglect to hear the Church let him be as an Heathen man and a Publicane civil punishments (a) Prov. 27. 22. Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a morter among wheat wiâ—h a pâ—stel yet will not his folly depart from him Prov. 23. 25. They have striken me shalt thou say and I was not sick they have beaten me and I left it not when shall I wake I will seek it yet again and our own prayers purposes promises (b) Psal 78. 34 35 36 37. When he slew them then they sought him and returned and enquired early after God v. 35. And they remembred that God was their Rock and the high God their redeemer v. 36. Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth and they lyed unto him with their tongues v. 37. For their heart was not right with him neither were they stedfast in his covenants Jer. 2. 20. For of old time I have broken thy yoke and burâ—t thy bands and thou saidst I will not transgress when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wandrest playing the harlot Jer. 42. 5 6 -20 21. Then they said to Jeremiah the Lord be a true and faithful witness between us if we do not even according to all things for which the Lord thy God shall send thee to us v. 6. Whether it be good or evil we will obey the voice of the Lord our God to whom we send thee c. v. 20. But ye dissembled in your hearts when ye sent me to the Lord your God saying Pray for us unto the Lord our God and according to all that the Lord our God shall say so declare unto us and we will do is v. 21. And now I have this day declared it to you but ye have not obeyed the voice of the Lord your God nor any thing for which he hath sent me unto you vows (c) Eccles 5. 4 5 6. When thou vowest a vow unto God deferre not to pay it for he hath no pleasure in fools pay that thou hast vowed v. 5. Better is it that thou shouldst not vow then that thou shouldst vow and not pay v. 6. Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin neither say thou before the Angel that it was an errour wherefore should God be angry at thy voice and destroy the work of thine hands Prov. 20. 25. It is a suare to the man who devoureth that which is holy and after voweth to make enquiry covenants (d) Lev. 26. 25. And I will bring the sword upon you that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant c. and engagements to God or men (e) Prov. 2. 17. Which forsaketh the guide of her youth and forgetteth the covenant of her God Ezek 17. 18 19. Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant when loe he had given his hand and hath done all these things he shall not escape v. 19. Therefore thus saith the Lord God surely
that prophecy in my Name and I sent them not yet they say c. Rom. 10. 15. And how shall they preach except they be sent as it is written How beautiful c. Heb. 5. 4. And no man taketh this honour unto himself but he that is called of God as was Aaron 1 Cor. 12. 28 29. And God hath set some in the Church first Apostles secondarily Prophets thirdly Teachers after that Miracles then gifts of healing Helps Governments diversities of tongues v. 29 Are all Apostles are all Pâ—opets are all Teachers are all workers of Miracles 1 Tim. 3. 10. And let these also first be proved then let them use the office of a Deacon being found blameless 1 Tim. 4. 14. Neglect noâ— the gift that is in thee which was given thee by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery 1 Tim. 5. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partaker of other mens sins c. Q How is the Word of God to be preached by those that are called thereunto A. They that are called to labour in the ministry of the Word are to preach sound doctrine (m) Tit. 2. 1 -8 But speak thou the things that become sound doctrine v. 8. Sound speech that cannot be condemned that he who is of the contrary part may be ashamed having no evil thing to say of you diligently (n) Act. 18. 25. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord and being servent in the Spirit he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord c. in season and out of season (o) 2 Tim. 4. 2. Preach the word be instant in season out of season rebuke reprove exhort with all long suffering and doctrine plainly (p) 1 Cor. 14. 19. Yet in the Church I had rather speak five words with my understanding that by my voice I might teach others also then ten thousand words in an unknown tongue not in the enticing words of mans wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and power (q) 1 Cor. 2. 4. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of mans wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power faithfully (r) Jer. 23. 28. The Prophet that hath a dream let him tell a dream and he that hath my word let him speak my word faithfully What is the chaff to the wheat saith the Lord 1 Cor 4. 1 2. Let a man so account of us as of the ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God v. 2. Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful making known the whole counsel of God (Å¿) Act. 20. 27. For I have not shunned to declare unto you the whole counsel of God wisely (t) Col. 1. 28. Whom we preach warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus 2 Tim. 2. 15. Study to shew thy self approved unto God a workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth applying themselves to the necessities and capacities of the hearers (u) 1 Cor. 3. 2. I have sed you with milk and not with meat for hitherto ye were not able to bear it neither yet now are ye able Heb. 5. 12 13 14. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the Oracles of God and are become such as have need of milk and not of strong meat v. 13. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness for he is a babe v. 14. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil Luk. 12. 42. And the Lord said Who then is that faithful and wise steward whom his Lord shall make ruler over his houshold to give them their portion of meat in due season zealously (*) Act. 18. 25. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord and being fervent in the Spirit he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord c. with fervent love to God (x) 2 Cor. 5. 13 14. For whether we be besides our selves it is to God or whether we be sober it is for your cause v. 14. For the love of Christ constraineth us because we thus judge that if one dyed for all then were all dead Phil. 1. 15 16 17. Some indeed preach Christ out of envy and strife and some also of good will v. 16. The one preach Christ of contention not sincerely supposing to adde affliction to my bonds v. 7. But the other of love knowing that I am set for the defence of the Gospel and the souls of his people (y) Col. 4. 12. Epaphras who is one of you a servant of Christ saluteth you alwayes labouring servently for you in prayers that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God 2 Cor. 12. 15. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you though the more abundantly I love you the less I be loved sincerely (z) 2 Cor. 2. 17. For we are not as many who corrupt the word of God but as of sincerity but as of God in the sight of God speak we in Christ 2 Cor. 4. 2. But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully but by manifestation of the truth commending our selves to every mans conscience in the sight of God aiming at his glory (a) 1 Thes 2. 4 5 6. But as we are allowed of God to be put in trust with the Gospel even so we speak not as pleasing men but God who tryeth the hearâ—s v. 5. For neither at any time used we flattering words as ye know not a cloak of covetousness God is witness v. 6. Nor of men sought we glory neither of you nor yet of others when we might have been burdensome as the Apostles of Christ Joh. 7. 18. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory but he that seeketh his glory that sent him the same is true and no unrighteousness is in him and their conversion (b) 1 Cor. 9. 19 20 21 22. For though I be free from all men yet have I made my self servant unto all that I might gain the more v. 20. And unto the Jewes I became as a Jew that I might gain the Jewes to them that are under the Law as under the Law that c. v. 21. To them that are without Law as without Law that c. v. 22. To the weak became I as weak that I might gain the weak I am made all things to all men c. edification (c) 2 Cor. 12 19. Again think you that we excuse our selves unto you we speak before God in Christ but we do all things dearly beloved for